The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
LIVESTOCK farmers must provide supplementary feed and water during the prolonged 2023 Elnino-induced drought to avoid further poverty deaths, the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) directorate has said.
DVS acting chief director, Dr Pious Makaya said farmers need to be vigilant to ensure the national herd is protected from the El Nino phenomenon.
“Animals can survive for a longer period on water only as compared to when they only have feed without water.
“Farmers are encouraged to provide supplementary feed, hay and licks to their cattle during this prolonged dry period as we wait for the rains to come,” said Dr Makaya.
Farmers, he said, should also benefit from the on-farm feed formulation training that is being provided by the extension services providers in their respective areas.
“The focus of these trainings are on production of livestock survival rations and urea treated stover for supplementary feeding of cattle.
“Farmers are also being encouraged to grow drought tolerant fodder plants and crops,” he said.
El-Nino has affected Southern Africa and Zimbabwe is no exception, leading to the death of close to 5000 cattle due to water and food starvation. This prompted the Government to start rolling out borehole drilling and hay bales to the most affected areas.
Matabeleland Provinces and Masvingo have been badly hit, with some cattle being trapped in mud in search of water.
