Supplementary Feeding - Maintaining cattle Growth & Productivity During the Dry Season

Описание: Across many parts of Matabeleland effects of climate change and increases in pressure on land due to the growing demand for food has led to intensified farming and farming methods. Smallholder farming and farming communities rely greatly on livestock for their livelihood. Inadequate supply and poor forage during the dry season is an obstacle to production across the region.

Livestock grazing natural pastures during the dry season suffer from nutrient inadequacies. The dry season which stretches from six to eight months leaves farmers with limited quantity and quantity of feed. Animals tend to suffer from weight loss and sometimes die in communal areas if the rains are delayed.

In the face of these challenges, farmers are encouraged to supplement their livestock feed during the dry period. In spite of the potential benefits, the majority of farmers in the region do not make use of this knowledge, and as a result, suffer major losses in production and income.

The supplementation of livestock feed with protein reduces the chances of weight loss and increases the animal's weight gain. The provision of supplementary feed to livestock also leads to improved reproductive capacity in breeding cows.

Smallholder farmers do not typically supplement livestock feed during the dry season, however, with the help of livestock extension officers, some farmers are providing low-cost supplementary feed to their livestock. For farmers who breed cattle, supplementary feeding is not an option, but a necessity.

Farmers are encouraged to engage their livestock extension officers, for further information on affordable supplementary feed options that make use of drought-tolerant resources, enabling farmers to keep their cattle in good health during the dry season.

This video was produced and authored by MELANA