Agrinews December 2012 - Ministry of Agriculture

More documents

Recommendations

Info

IMPORTANCE OF FODDER PRIntroductionBOTSWANA FODDERPRODUCTIONLivestock production inBotswana relies almostsolely on forage from naturalrangeland. They graze/browseon natural pastures. Most of theproductivity of both range andanimals become reasonable duringwet season when range is able toprovide enough nutrients whichincrease levels of cows to producemore milk for young ones to growrapidly, also gains weight to activelygain heat, bulls become active tomate efficiently. Animals are able toresist some diseases during this time,subsequently calving percentageand off take are uplifted.However, all these decline in dryseasons because animals scavengefor low quality and quantityroughage. In sandy areas the abovesituation may prolong becausesoils are highly porous whichallows speedy leaching of mineralsduring rains hence impend forageto absorb enough of them.The condition is worsened bymost livestock producers who areunwilling to produce abundantfeeds to face out subsistence levelfodder production to curtail thesituation. Overgrazing cannotbe over emphasized, becausemost parts of this country arebare due to livestock dependenceon natural pasture with less ornone recommended managementstrategies of conservationdeployed to reduce deteriorationof rangelands.The intervention to thatirremediable calamity is to startserious fodder production. Livestockbenefit from the food directly(while flesh eating animals benefitindirectly from grazers). Theseplants also obtain essential mineralsfrom the soil required by animals,hence indirectly benefit throughgrazing, and they are classifiedas macro and micro minerals,depending on whether they arefound greater or less from parentmaterials.(Johnny Rossi) Minerals areessential to livestock nutrition andare classified as macro mineralsor micro minerals, depending onwhether they are found at levelsgreater than or less than 100 partsper million (ppm) in the animal’sbody.MacromineralsThe macro minerals requiredinclude calcium, magnesium,phosphorus, potassium, sodium,chlorine and sulfur.Calcium and phosphateMajor component of skeletonGain weightMilk productionQuick pubertyPotassiumBalance base acid in animal bodyTrigger osmotic pressure(flow highconcentrated to low concentration)in animal’s bodyRegulate amount of water inanimal’s bodySodium and chlorineProper function of nervous andmuscular systems in animal’s bodyRegulate PH and amount of waterin animal’s bodyKeep appetite maintained.MagnesiumInduces enzymes for efficientcarbohydrates(C6H12O6)metabolismFormation of uniform udder.Nervous system functionsPrevent tetanySulfurPart of amino Acids the methionineand cystine which makes protein.Equal amount of sulfur assist inmetabolism of copper.The micro elements are minorbut still needed by animal’s bodyand most seemed to be abundantbecause they are required in smallamounts. These are iron, manganese,copper, zinc, selenium, cobalt andiodine, chromium, molybdenumand nickel.CobaltComponent of vitamin B12Boast appetiteCopperComponent of many enzymesDecember 2012126
PRODUCTION IN BOTSWANANormal growth and developmentInduces fertilityHair pigmentation ( black hair )IodineEssential for minerals absorptionInduces thyroids hormonesfunctionsGoiter regulationIronFormation of hemoglobin proteintransport oxygen body systemDark hairManganeseNormal reproduction of fetalUdder developmentSeleniumEnhance strong calves at birthIncrease resistance to calf hooddiseasesIncrease libidoZincComponent of many enzymesIncrease immunityImproves male reproductionSkins and hoof skinsDaily gain of weightVitamins help the metabolism andabsorption of minerals usually aremet by grazing fresh, green, growinggrass. Drying or overwintering ofgrasses and bad storage cause lossof vitamins it is when supplementsof vitamins are required. Most ofthem are seldom in short becauseare synthesized by bacteria in theanimal’s body (word Web)Vitamin AHelp skins and mucus membranesto stay health.Any of several fat-soluble vitaminsessential for normal vision; preventsnight blindness or inflammation ordryness of the eyesVitamin DAid the absorption of calcium andphosphorus.A fat-soluble vitamin that preventsrickets.Vitamin EA fat-soluble vitamin that isessential for normal reproduction;an important antioxidant thatneutralizes free radicals in the bodyTo neglect fodder production is thesame as dishonoring the principlesfairly stating that to reduce theamount of natural range pasture tozero does drastically affect livestocksustenance and cause lot of landdegradation through soil erosion.Everyone is aware that to reclaimrangeland which has been degradedto turn it to suitable conditions toprovide animals with enough rangeand pasture for redress, take decadesand is very expensive and communalland lacks ownership or none is heldresponsible.The key to success and interventionto the problems is extensiveproduction of Fodder to improveforage and pasture. To achieve thisgoal all livestock producers mustsupplementary feed their livestockand carefully consider the proper wayof maximizing the benefits of fodderproduction. Fodder improvementsinclude;- Use only proven methods offodder production at higher scale tomaximize feeding efficiently throughout the year.- Take improvement of fodder as aneed that is compatible to your goalsin livestock investment.- Changes in management practicesthat will be required in livestockinvestment by making fodder/supplements and livestock areentertwined.- Evaluate and impose improvedmanagement is best to benefit bothfodder production and livestock forgood end results and profitability.- Plans of fodder production shouldbe directed to benefit both rangelandand livestock.- Explore all range improvementtechniques at all cost such asintroducing legumes in standing hay,mulcting of bare soils, constructionof ridges, diversion channels,introduction plantation to cover soils.To be continuedPrepared by Godfrey MathumoSub DAPO Letlhakane(Superintendent)gomathumo@gov.bwmathumogodfrey@yahoo.com2978081/2997158030913 613 December 20120
Page 1 and 2: Volume 42, No .12 DECEMBER 2012Dair
Page 4 and 5: AGRINEWS DECEMBER2012ContentsEditor
Page 6 and 7: Why is it that there isdrought in N
Page 8 and 9: Compiled : Moreri MoesiNews Briefs
Page 10 and 11: Gabriel Musindi Finds SolacArticle
Page 12 and 13: HASKINSGABORONTel: 3951200 FPlot 26
Page 14 and 15: Article: Keamogetse BoitshepoArticl
Page 18 and 19: SmallArticle:: Keamogetse Boitshepo
Page 20 and 21: SMALL STOCK AS ABREAKTHROUGH AREAAr
Page 22 and 23: Article: Keamogetse BoitshepoPhotos
Page 24: SORGHUM VARIETYSEPHALAOrigin and De

Agrinews December 2012 - Ministry of Agriculture

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?