Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, Zimpapers Business Hub
AS the rainy season approaches, livestock farmers have been urged to prioritise animal health and nutrition, which are crucial in enhancing productivity.
During the wet season, animals are exposed to many risks, and if a farmer is not careful, they may die from various diseases.
The new challenges that arise during this period are brought mainly by tick-borne diseases.
The animals that are reared across the country include cattle, goats, pigs, sheep and rabbits. They require good care and protection from rough or unpleasant weather. They need shelter from heavy rainfall, wind and hailstorms.
Responding to questions, Matabeleland South provincial livestock specialist Mr Hatitye Zondai said, as farmers prepare for the rainy season, they should take preventive measures against diseases like foot rot, sweating sickness and the lumpy skin disease.
He said farmers should vaccinate their livestock before or at the onset of the rainy season.
“Livestock farmers should ensure adequate nutrition and feed; consider supplementary feeding and water management,” said Mr Zondai.
“They should also provide shelter to protect livestock from harsh weather conditions and ensure access to clean water and manage water sources.
“Also, plan breeding strategically, considering the onset of the rains and natural grazing availability.”
He said regular animal health checks should be conducted to see if there are any signs of illness or stress.
It is common knowledge that new grass sprouts when the rains come. The green grass is a delicacy for animals. Due to its softness, animals easily pick it up and eat it in large quantities.
Agronomists advice farmers to be wary of this kind of grass because it has a lot of water and little fibre, which is not good for the livestock.
Animals need fibre for proper digestion.
Mr Obert Chinhamo of Biano Simmentals said herd animal health and nutrition are critical as they help in improving productivity.
He said if animals are not healthy, production will be adversely affected, with some dying while giving birth and others falling sick.
“As we go into the rainy season, farmers need to be looking at planting pastures, which is one of the big things that we do at Biano Simmentals. We plant a lot of pastures for our animals,” said Mr Chinhamo.
“. . . we bale it later. And those are nutritious grasses; very, very nutritious . . . I think it’s also important to note that where we are now, we do our vaccinations because we have to go into the rains with the cattle well-vaccinated . . . for example, (against) blackleg, lumpy skin. So, it’s quite important to do your vaccinations now. And, as you go into summer, you need to deworm your cattle.”
He said most cattle are currently drinking from dams, and farmers must be careful of liver fluke because they can contract it from contaminated stagnant water.
The Government is expecting the livestock industry to grow to US$3,4 billion by 2025 after the sector made strides in improving productivity and combating cattle mortality following the outbreak of tick-borne diseases, which have ravaged almost half a million cattle since 2016.
The livestock sector is the cornerstone of livelihoods for over 60 percent of Zimbabwe’s population, a primary source of nutrition and a key driver of national economic recovery and growth, a senior Government official said.
The Meteorological Services Department forecast indicated a delayed start to the rainy season due to climate change.
Bongani Ndlovu