Keeping Livestock Healthy and Productive This Rainy Season: Expert Advice from Rutendo Nyahoda

By Ilyana Sithole

AS welcome as the rains are to the agricultural sector of Zimbabwe, livestock farmers are being encouraged to apply the best practices for their animals to thrive in this wet season. The Deputy Director in the Department of Livestock Production and Development, Rutendo Nyahoda, has put forward some basic approaches which should be employed to mitigate the effects of the rains for sustainability in productivity among the herds.

Mud, a common byproduct of the rainy season, can significantly impact cattle herds. Nyahoda explained that wading through mud increases energy expenditure for livestock, leading to reduced weight gain, slower growth rates, and decreased milk production. Young calves are particularly at risk, as muddy conditions become breeding grounds for pathogens. Continuous exposure, both directly from the environment and indirectly through contaminated udders, makes them vulnerable to disease. Furthermore, excessive mud can cause foot injuries and foot rot outbreaks, impacting the overall health and well-being of the herd.

To combat these challenges, Nyahoda recommends a multi-pronged approach:
The Three-Kraal System:
This simple yet effective method involves rotating animals between three kraals. As one kraal becomes muddy, the livestock are moved to a clean, dry one, allowing the first kraal time to recover. This rotational system prevents excessive mud buildup and helps maintain a healthier environment for the animals.
Stocking Rate Management:
Overcrowding exacerbates mud problems. Nyahoda advises farmers to adhere to the recommended stocking rate of 9-15m² per animal for overnight pens. If necessary, farmers should consider reducing their herd size or expanding kraal space to avoid overcrowding and its associated risks.
Providing and Managing Bedding:
Bedding materials like maize stover, readily available in many areas, can provide a dry and comfortable surface for livestock. Nyahoda recommends using 0.45 to 1.8 kg of bedding per 2.5 cm of mud per head, depending on the animal’s size. Proper bedding management is crucial. Farmers should place bedding away from feed and water sources to prevent contamination and feed waste. Regular removal of soiled bedding or shifting bedding areas is also essential to minimize pathogen buildup.
Investing in a Feeding Pad:
While requiring a more significant initial investment, constructing a feeding pad made of packed gravel or concrete offers a long-term solution to mud issues. These surfaces are easier to clean, help capture manure nutrients for use in crops, and reduce feed waste, offering both economic and environmental benefits.

Nyahoda emphasized that implementing these strategies is vital for ensuring the health and productivity of livestock during the rainy season. By proactively addressing the challenges posed by mud and implementing these best practices, farmers can safeguard their herds and contribute to food security throughout the year.