Comparison of Smallscale and Commercial Farmers’ Dairy Feed-fodder System and its Impact on Milk Production
Journal Title: Journal of Animal Production Advances - Year 2015, Vol 5, Issue 4
Abstract
Poor nutrition impacts negatively on smallholder dairy farming in Zimbabwe. In order to determine the potentials of the various feeds and fodder provided to the dairy cattle in Marirangwe area, samples of the available feeds and fodders from 35 small-scale farms and a commercial farm were randomly taken and analysed during the dry and wet seasons while qualitative information was captured through a structured questionnaire. The results showed that there were significant differences (P<0.05) in the nutrient compositions of the various fodder/feeds given to dairy cows between the small and large scale farmers. The variety and quantity of the feedstuffs used by the small-scale farmers was the limiting factor in meeting the dairy cows’ nutrient requirements. The commercial farmer provided a wide range of fodder/feeds in amounts that satisfied the nutritional requirements of the cow. Milk production was consistent on the commercial farm while it was seasonal on the small-scale farms. It was concluded that the contribution of bought in concentrates played a minor role in the nutrient requirements of the dairy cows in the smallholder due to inadequate quantities fed. It was recommended that a more efficient utilization of the natural veld was necessary.
Authors and Affiliations
N. N. Sikaceya , B. V. Maarsdorp , N. T. Ngongoni , E. Masama
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP137630
- DOI -
- Views 145
- Downloads 0
Wool Characteristics of Crossbred Baghdadi Wild Ram and Iran Native Sheep
Twenty mid side wool samples of crossbred sheep were collected and their characteristics were determined. Data analyzed by SAS software and Duncan’s multiple range tests was used for comparison of mean wool characteris...
Nitrogen Balance of Pregnant West African Dwarf (WAD) Ewe fed Mexican Sunflower Leaf Meal (MSLM) based Diets
Fifteen days prior to parturition, a study was conducted using sixteen West African Dwarf (WAD) ewes (Initial BW 24.415±1.615kg) were used in a completely randomized design to study the effects of increasing level of mex...
Impact of Maternal Effects on Ranking of Animal Models in Genetic Parameter Estimation for 18-Month Weight in Tuli Cattle of Zimbabwe
Direct and maternal effects have been reported using different animal models for post weaning growth traits in some cattle breeds. Variance components for additive direct, additive maternal, permanent environmental mater...
Intake and Blood Metabolites in red Sokoto Goats fed Elephant Grass and Cassava Peel Silage
Provision of quality silage during the dry season can greatly enhance productivity of ruminants in the tropics. This study which lasted for 16 weeks (28 Nov. 2009 – 20 Mar. 2010), aimed to assess the quality of elephant...
Effect of Moisture and Temperature on the Functional Properties of Composite Flour Extrudates from Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and Nixtamalized Corn (Zea mays)
Beans have high protein content. Bean and corn flours can complement each other with essential amino acids. There has been little research on the production of snacks or extruded feed with bean–corn composite flours. The...