adminSenior Reporter
A RESETTLED farmer in Bubi District who sacrificed to buy supplementary stockfeed for his cattle ended up losing more when five of his beasts immediately died after feeding on the stockfeed on Sunday.
Mr Britain Maphalala (47) of Dollar Block Extension in Ward One said he bought the supplementary feed from a Bulawayo shop (name supplied) hoping to save his cattle from starvation.
“I bought this supplementary feed in Bulawayo on 24 October and took it home to feed my cattle on Sunday,” said Mr Maphalala in a telephone interview yesterday.
He said five of his 13 beasts died immediately after he fed them on the stockfeed.
Mr Maphalala said he was shocked by the incident as he did not understand what was wrong with the feed.
He said he reported the matter to the local Veterinary Services Department (VSD) offices, the local authority and informed the workers at the shop where he bought the feed.
“The Vet Department attended the scene and took one of the carcasses for tests. We are yet to get the result. I also informed the workers at the shop who promised to consult the supplier.
“Health officials were here yesterday (Monday) and they burnt the carcasses. I am really devastated by this,” said Mr Maphalala.
Bubi Rural District Council chief executive officer Mr Patson Mlilo also said he has been briefed about the incident.
Contacted for comment Matabeleland North provincial veterinary officer Dr Polex Moyo said the type of feed used by Maphalala could be harmful if farmers were not conversant with the quantities they should give to the cattle.
“I know that type of feed and it has a high concentration of urea, which is a source of protein. Urea is a very poisonous substance if farmers use it without technical advice,” said Dr Moyo.
He said farmers should consult veterinary officers in their locality.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu