Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter
The Government has confirmed the shortage of forage in most parts of the country due to the El Nino-induced drought, and urged farmers to make proper planning when feeding animals to save the feed.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri, said insufficient rainfall in the previous season led to a decline in the amount of forage available for dairy and livestock.
“To mitigate this issue, dairy and livestock producers should contemplate implementing various drought management strategies in their operations, which include managing livestock, enhancing nutrition through additional feeding and managing range areas,” he said.
Prof Jiri further emphasised that optimal health and exemplary performance records of livestock can aid dairy and livestock producers in making informed and effective management decisions.
“This information is particularly crucial during this period of drought when making management decisions, especially if the need arises to cull animals.
“Attempting to alleviate a drought through feeding is ineffective, and it may be necessary to reduce the size of the herd,” he said.
He said producers could offer extra supplementary feed to compensate for decreased forage production.
Sound range management strategies he said can help dairy and livestock producers endure drought.
“It is advisable to implement a rotational grazing strategy. Utilise the south- and west-facing areas at the beginning of the grazing season to make the most of the earlier maturing forage before drying.
“When rainfall occurs, applying nitrogen fertiliser will rapidly increase forage production, provided that the rainfall continues. This can also enhance the amount of protein in the forage,” he said.
Online Reporter