TY  - JOUR
T1  - Trends in Hand Milking and Machine Milking in Kenya
AU - Ombuna, Christine 
JO  - Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences
VL  - 13
IS  - 14
SP  - 5655
EP  - 5660
PY  - 2018
DA  - 2001/08/19
SN  - 1816-949x
DO  - jeasci.2018.5655.5660
UR  - https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?doi=jeasci.2018.5655.5660
KW  - machine milking
KW  -Hand milking
KW  -challenges
KW  -technology needs
KW  -sensitization
KW  -diversified marketing
AB  - Dairying in Kenya is characterized by small scale and labour intensive operations such as hand
milking. The aims of this research were to determine trends in milking by hand by milking machines and
technology needed for dairying. The research used an interview schedule and convenience sampling method
in Naivasha, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kitale, Nyandarua and Nairobi Regions. A total of 74 farmers milking by hand,
8 farmers using milking machines, 50 experts in Kenyan dairy sector, 5 dairy processors and 9 dairy equipment
dealers were surveyed. The results indicated that the breeds reared were either pure or crosses of Friesian
(56%), Aryshire (30%), Jersey (7) and others 7%. The breeds reared by farmers milking by hand and machine
were not significantly different. About 9.7% had adopted milking machines and skilled hand milking personnel
were 13%. The duration of milking by hand was mostly (62%) above recommended time (7 min). Majority of
farmers (95) and 96% of experts recommended adoption of milking machines for high milk quality, improved
production and health of animal throughout lactation periods. The reasons farmers were not using milking
machines were the cost and few herd. Farmers who milked by hand and supplied milk to dairy processors were
42% of this, 37% had their milk rejected for failure to meet quality standards. Each of sampled dairy processors
received 60-70% of milk processing capacity per day. Adoption of milking machines has been prevented by
high initial and operation costs, lack of designs applicable for farms with <20 cows, sensitization and diversified
marketing. The ones using milking machines are challenged with inadequate water and electricity.
ER  -