By Felix Ochieng Akech

Dairy farmer Jackton Ogolla has ended years of feed shortages by planting desmodium, a protein-rich legume that has raised his milk yields by 40 per cent and restored fertility on his farm.

“For years I struggled to keep my 15 cows healthy, especially during dry seasons when green fodder was scarce,” said Jackton. “I felt like I was always chasing feeds. The cows were hungry, the milk was low, and the money I made barely covered expenses.”

The change came when he introduced desmodium, which cut his reliance on expensive commercial feeds while improving milk production. “Cows love it. It’s soft, easy to chew, and very palatable,” he said. “When we mix it with Napier grass or maize stalks, the cows eat everything without wasting.”

Desmodium contains 16–22 per cent protein, far higher than Napier grass. Jackton now grows it with maize and Napier grass to keep his soils covered, suppress weeds, and prevent erosion. The legume fixes nitrogen, making the soil richer and boosting maize yields. “Where we intercropped desmodium with maize, the maize plants are greener and healthier. We harvest more, and the soil doesn’t tire as quickly,” he said.

Before planting desmodium, his herd produced about 100 litres of milk a day. Now it gives 140 litres, earning him Sh8,400 a day, up from Sh6,000, at a milk price of Sh60 a litre.

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“When I feed desmodium, the cows produce more milk, and the milk is thicker and richer in butterfat. Buyers can even taste the difference,” said Jackton.

One acre of desmodium produces 5–6 tonnes of dry matter a year, enough to feed five to seven cows. It is planted once and lasts for years, whereas “a 50kg bag of protein feed from agrovets costs around Sh2,500 and lasts only a few days,” he said. 

“You don’t even need big land. Even a quarter acre can give you enough to supplement a few cows,” he said. “If you combine desmodium with Napier or maize silage, it’s cheaper, healthier, and keeps the farm productive.”