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
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