6.4 Intensive milk production from sugar cane-based feeds in the Commonwealth Caribbean

Abstract

The Commonwealth Caribbean countries imported approximately 55 million metric tonnes of milk and dairy products in 1973 and based on this level of imports a target of 194 million metric tonnes of milk and dairy products has been set to take into account the projected demand to 1980. In order to achieve this target, it is estimated by the Caricom Regional Livestock Complex that 91 000 more dairy cows will be required and also about 63 000 ha more pastures will be needed. The Region may not be able to sustain such a high cattle population on the existing and additional pasture lands and consequently there is a great need to intensify dairy cattle production. Intensive milk production normally involves the use of well managed, heavily fertilized pastures, together with liberal use of concentrate feeds, in order to achieve and maintain a high level of output.