The Sunday Mail
Word from the Market
Chipo Tachiona
ZIMBABWE has for the past couple of months been experiencing hot temperatures. Some areas such as Chiredzi, Mbire, Mangwe, Insiza and Gokwe have recorded temperatures of over 42 degrees Celsius.
This comes after weather forecasters predicted that Zimbabwe would receive below-normal to normal rainfall, associated with extreme weather conditions such as heatwaves and dry spells during the 2023/2024 cropping season.
Last week, it was reported that over 5 000 cattle had succumbed to drought and diseases countrywide, with Matabeleland provinces being the most affected, accounting for the bulk of the deaths, as the El Niño phenomenon takes its toll on Zimbabwe’s national herd.
The Government has sprung into action, embarking on a nationwide borehole drilling exercise to save the lives of both livestock and people.
Through the Livestock Recovery and Growth Plan, the Government is putting in place several measures to address production and productivity issues, thereby laying the foundation for the sector to take a leading role in transforming the livelihoods of millions of farmers and building a source of the much-needed raw materials for local industries.
The plan seeks to grow the national cattle herd to 8 million by 2025.
Since cattle farming is one of the rural population’s economic activities that serve as key sources of income, farmers must have a strategy to ensure their livestock survive and thrive during dry spells.
Here are some of the interventions farmers can employ to reduce cattle mortality.
When temperatures remain high, this usually causes deaths due to heat stress. Heat stress can have a significant impact on the health and productivity of cattle.
It occurs when the animal’s body cannot dissipate heat effectively. This can cause cattle to die or the animals can produce low-quality milk and meat. The quantity of milk and meat also drops.
Some of the heat stress symptoms are breathing quickly, frothing at the mouth, protruding tongue, excessive salivation and reduced feed intake. In an attempt to locate a cooler spot, animals may also pace back and forth. Bulls are more susceptible to the effects of heat than cows.
Livestock farmers need to watch out for these signs of heat stress, especially during dry spells or when transporting cattle over long distances.
Implementing management practices such as providing ample shade and access to cool water, and adjusting feeding schedules can help minimise the impact of heat on cattle health and welfare.
Depending on how long the dry spell persists, farmers need to make some difficult choices.
Establishing dedicated fodder plots and providing cattle with adequate water should be top priority.
The plots are meant to ensure there is adequate feed and forage in the absence of sufficient rains.
During dry seasons, animals should be fed and cared for according to their current location (steers in a dry lot, cows on grass, et cetera).
Among the best things a farmer can do for the cattle in a feedlot are:
If hay supplies are depleting, think about providing additional protein. This helps to extend and supplement hay supplies.
Ensure the pen is not too full.
Instal shades to protect cattle from the sun.
If there is no breeze coming through the pen, subject the cattle to water mist.
Keep in mind that they will survive as long as there is airflow through the pen. It will be difficult, nonetheless.
Cattle can sweat, so the breeze will help cool the animal and make the sweat evaporate.
Naturally, during drought, farmers should exercise caution and keep a close eye on cattle that are on grass.
During a drought, you may want to think about the following if you have cows on grass:
Provide protein-rich feeds such as grain or range cubes if the grass is not enough.
Think about removing calves from cows early, and transfer them to a dry lot. The cows will feel less stressed as a result of this.
Determine how much feed the cows will require over a specific period and begin stockpiling.
Focus on maintaining a healthy and productive herd.
Open cows should go first if the farmer decides to engage in culling. Older cows rank second, followed by those that produce less.
Provision of a reliable source of water is the best way of alleviating deaths during dry spells. Farmers should ensure cattle have access to clean, fresh water at all times.
They are encouraged to install water tanks or troughs as reliable water sources.
Drought can be a devastating natural disaster, which can significantly impact cattle production and profitability.
As a farmer, it is essential to have a comprehensive plan in place to manage your herd during such times.
Chipo Tachiona is a director at Farmyard Investments. Word from the Market is a column produced by the Agricultural Marketing Authority to promote market-driven production. Feedback: [email protected] or WhatsApp/Call +263781706212.
