Characterization of Management Practices in Cattle Production by Smallholder Farmers in Zaka District, Masvingo, Zimbabwe
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Abstract
The overall objective of the study was to characterize the management practices of cattle production by the smallholders of livestock in Zaka community. A total of 150 farmers owning cattle were randomly selected and interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire in three wards of the district. The mean age of household heads was 52.3 years. The main uses of cattle comprised of draught power, milk and meat, these were ranked first, second and third, respectively. It was observed that all farmers depended on the range lands for nutrition with supplementation of maize stover and only 3.3% used commercial feed. Uncontrolled breeding was practiced by all farmers with no selection of breeding animals. Tick borne diseases were the most prevalent in the area. The major constraint was disease prevalence, followed by nutrition, third was capital, fourth was market, fifth was predation and followed by housing, theft and mortality. The study revealed that the farmers in Zaka communal area are using improper methods in nutrition and breeding and also in health management. Further studies are proposed on optimization of available feed resources in Zaka district to improve cattle nutrition. Technical support on proper animal health and breeding strategies is also recommended in Zaka communal area.
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