Mary Zulu Mwale, a dedicated dairy farmer from Kanakantapa Dairy Cooperative
in Chongwe District, Lusaka Province, reflects on how her decade-long dream of
owning a Jersey cow finally came true. Despite her 10-year commitment to dairy
farming, achieving this goal wasn’t easy. “It’s been a long journey, but finally, I
have a Jersey cow,” she shared with a joyful smile.
Since starting her dairy venture in 2012, Mary relied on artificial insemination
(AI) but experienced repeated failures, leaving her skeptical about its
effectiveness. “We tried AI 26 times across our three cows, but only two
pregnancies resulted, and both calves were bulls, which we sold to avoid
inbreeding,” she explained.
Her perspective shifted dramatically with the introduction of the Jersey Breed
Dairy Development Project by ADRA Zambia. The project reignited her
confidence in AI and improved her dairy practices. “For the first time since 2012,
I now have a female Jersey calf. I’m beyond excited because this is the beginning
of growing my herd,” she beamed.
Mary had initially aimed to build a herd of 10 cows within a decade but had
struggled to reach even three due to low AI success rates. She now attributes
those challenges to poor animal nutrition and condition. “Thanks to ADRA, I’ve
learned that proper feeding and care are crucial for AI success. The project
taught us about animal nutrition, calf care, and even human nutrition through
milk consumption,” she noted.
The impact of these interventions has been profound. Mary’s daily dairy income
has increased by 2-3 times, and she still has enough milk for both her
grandchildren and the calf. With newfound knowledge in holistic dairy
management, climate-smart husbandry, and fodder production, Mary feels more
equipped to overcome future challenges.
Encouraging fellow farmers, she said, “If you haven’t used the ADRA semen yet,
don’t wait! Jersey cows are efficient, producing high-butterfat milk and thriving
on less feed, which reduces costs. They’re also more resistant to mastitis and
ticks. My Jersey calf will be inseminated in a few years, and its offspring will be
75% Jersey. I’m confident my herd will thrive.”
In gratitude, Mary thanked ADRA Zambia and Jersey Overseas Aid for their
dedication. “ADRA’s work is transforming our community. Many farmers in our
cooperative are expecting Jersey calves soon. We’re eager to see these calves
grow, increasing milk production and quality. This project is truly changing lives.”
Mary Zulu’s story is a testament to how effective training, access to quality
breeding services, and climate-smart practices can turn dreams into reality,
boosting livelihoods and creating a sustainable future for dairy farmers.
Mary’s success story is one of many. The Jersey Breed Focused Dairy
Development Project in Zambia (JBFDDZ) through artificial Insemination is
revolutionizing dairy farming by providing farmers with access to superior jersey
breed genetics, reducing the spread of diseases, and increasing overall herd
productivity. By embracing this innovative breeding method, farmers can build
resilient and sustainable dairy systems, ensuring food security and economic
growth in their communities. Artificial Insemination: Better Genetics, Brighter
Futures.
Impact Story: Mary Zulu’s Journey to a Thriving Dairy Future with Jersey
Cows
English