Locadia Mavhudzi Midlands Correspondent
FARMERS in Zvishavane and Mberengwa districts have been urged to boost and preserve livestock supplementary feeds for the upcoming winter season as the two districts are highly affected by poor grazing pastures.

Midlands provincial crop and livestock officer Mrs Madeliner Magwenzi urged livestock farmers in Zvishavane and Mberengwa districts to produce fodder using grass, hay, maize and small grains to preserve livestock supplementary feeds for their livestock this coming winter season.

“Livestock quality in the two districts is poor and hence there is need for the farmers to consider supplementary feeding. These farmers can produce their household supplements using the available resources like maize stalks, grass and ground nuts so that they give to cattle during the winter season,” she said.

Mrs Magwenzi said the animal breed in Zvishavane and Mberengwa districts is highly affected by in-breeding which has caused the cattle to be small in frame and as such fetch lower prices on the market.

“There is need to introduce new bull breed in the districts in order to improve cow quality. In-breeding has affected the frame of Zvishavane and Mberengwa cattle such that the current breeds are small. This is catalysed by the poor grazing pastures.”

Mrs Magwenzi highlighted that there is need to improve the water situation in these dry regions through borehole and dam construction.

“We need support in terms of water availability as this will improve livestock production in the districts. More dams and boreholes are needed to support the human and livestock needs. Currently animals move long distances to get drinking water and this is not safe for animal health,” she said.