April 2022, Ad Merrks from HollandDoor organized a practical dairy training in Benin. The four agricultural schools near Parakou expressed a keen interest in CowSignals®, feeding and health. This was already the second physical dairy training held in Benin. The first physical training, organized by Lisanne Oskam, focused more on CowSignals®, breeding and milking. And the focus of the third and last training will be on poultry: laying hens, broilers and concentrates.
These training events are part of the Nuffic TMT (Tailor-Made Training) project, OKP (Orange Knowledge Programme) Benin,to improve the horticulture and agriculture education at the four agricultural schools. These schools are Kika, Ina, Banikoara and Natitingou, all based in the north of Benin. Approximately 21 teachers were involved in the dairy training sessions during this week. They were split up into four teams to do the exercises and workshops. We also visited three different practical farms to work with the CowSignals® checklists and other tools on the farm.
Most of the subjects covered were related to CowSignals®, feeding and health on small dairy farms in West Africa. The training sessions went into more detail about fodder production, making silage and the use of byproducts, as well as hoof trimming, udder health and the prevention of metabolic problems such as milk fever and ketosis. The four teams were also involved in developing a farm plan for their own school. They discussed the layout of the barn and the investments needed to double the size of the school farm. At the end of the week, all four schools presented their plans to their colleagues with a lot of enthusiasm and knowledge. Bravo!
For more information, please contact Ad Merks.
