Agrinews February 2013 - Ministry of Agriculture

METHOD OF MAKING BLOCK (home made)Suggested drought ration incorporating sorghum stoverTable 2INGREDIENTS FOR 10KG BLOCKIngredientsQuantity (kg)Milled peanuts/ ground nuts hay 0.5Wheat/Sorghum bran 2.3Liquid Molasses 4.0Feed grade Urea 0.9Salt 0.5Dicalcium Phosphate 0.5Clay for binding 1.0Equipment neededHalf cut drum for mixing for block makerHome- made compactor to compact the mixtureMixing method, Urea is mixed in liquid molasses then addminerals and salt while stirring thereafter add bran and millednuts or hay and thoroughly mix all ingredients and put themixture into a block maker and compact it. leave for twoweeks to harden before use.It is advisable to provide salt free choice for one week to sortout salt hanger to avoid over consumption, and introducethe feed gradually, feed small amounts at the beginning afteracclimatization feed let access to block because animalscontrol their intake of nutrient.Avoid the block to getting wet animals may ingest excessiveand toxic amounts of urea, in of case urea poisoning dosewith one litre of a drench made up of equal parts of vinegarand molasses every four hours. Source (Fact sheet No. 4AP&RRD Depart. Agric. Research GABORONEMETHOD OF MAKING DROUGHT FEED (homemade)Table 3Suggested drought ration incorporating sorghum stoverIngredientsAmount (kg)Sorghum Stover 65Wheat bran 6Maize grain 26Molasses 1Urea 2Dicalcium Phosphate 0.3Salt 0.3CONCLUSIONFeeding can not be over emphasized;subjecting animals to proper feedingthe animal productivity results isachieved and empower the country’secomnomy. They are many ways ofkilling a cat; producers should beprepared and have determination tofight the starvation which is engulfinganimals. They should have soundvision which clearly shows thatforward planning is intact leadingto a rich harvest in livestock industry.To progress in these scenarios thereis a need to foster links with technologyand actively participate, and havelegacy to drought preparedness. Thecrop and livestock producers areencouraged to start acting on thesesimple method preparing hay fromthe crops that are planted annually,gear themselves to organize droughtDaily feed this rationto ensure survival theanimals. Be prettysure that Stover is freeplants like Pavottaharborrii(Legonyana)and Dichapetalumcymosum because theseare fatal to animals.Sourse (Fact sheet No.2(AP&RRD Depart. Agric.Research GABORONE)feed as indicated to spare for anydisaster that may occur from pastexperience and go for Urea-Molassesblock or lablab mixture to guard fordry seasons by so doing, knowledgeand experience is acquired and theenemy (starvation) is defeated.It is vital and important to captureinformation from farmers weekly,journals, and fodder literature,explore internet, adventure, have acompetitive aspirations, and curiosityobligation mind to facilitate a brighttouch to become fodder champion.The championship is characterizedby commitment, determination,involvement and adherence to thesekey words;SUCCESS - is a result of hardworking that does not come easy.HARDWORK - a necessary part ofhuman existence and through thatdevelops a stamina and resilienceC H A L L E N G E S - s h a r p e nperformance, efficiency and improvethe grade and quality production.RESILLIENCE - have powerto continue trying undertakingcircumstances “if at first not Succeed”try, try, and try again.Therefore, one has to choose toimprove traditional rearing of animalsby way of depending on rangelandresources without compensation tothe land which lead to change ofvegetation. Most parts of the countryis overgrazed, and it is factual thatdesired grasses species includingthe increasers, and decreasers aremostly affected by this system andconsequently succession plants(invaders) normal enjoys substitutinghabitat to turn the area unsuitablefor grazing. This is a moment thatfarmers should join hands togetherand drastically change concept ofletting their animals’ dependenton free range resources with lessconcerned in fodder supplement.Fodder production diversification isone fundamental aspect that has nochoice, has to be incorporated intolivestock enterprise to achieve goalsin the future endeavor.Prepared by Godfrey MathumoSub DAPO Letlhakane (Superintendent)gomathumo@gov.bwmathumogodfrey@yahoo.com2978081/299 71580309February 2013