By Nathan Gomori
Production of livestock feeds suitable for ruminant animals with the local materials. This feed is going to save the animal`s body during the period of low pastures and keep the animal`s body condition well. Farmers should prepare the feeds for dry season during the wet seasons.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO PRODUCE 50KG MEAL WITH 15%CP
MAIZE OR WHITE SORGHUM 2.5KGS
MONKEY BREAD PODS (MASEKESA) 12.5KGS
PODS OF ALL ACACIA TREES 12.5KGS
CHICKEN LITTER 12.5kgs.Chicken litter should be properly dried to kill the bacteria that cause botulism. When using chicken litter it is encouraged to remove bones or dead chicken from the litter. Farmers are also encouraged to vaccinate their cattle against botulism.
BUSH MEAL 10kgs Bush meals is the mixture of all trees and fruits edible to livestock e.g. Muora tree, Mopani trees, Mipangara leaves etc.
We can also use crop residues apart from bush meals e.g. shells of groundnuts, maize Stover, round nuts and cow peas shells.
SALT
ONE CUP OF COURSE SEASALT
Mix the above ingredients to get 15% crude protein. This can keep animal`s body condition well during the period of low grazing pastures. Farmers are also encourage farmers to plant more trees especially trees that are edible to livestock.