Livestock producers urged to build watering points

THE current drought has heightened prospects of drinking water shortages for livestock. with the Department of Livestock Production and Development (DLPD) urging farmers to construct watering points at all existing boreholes.

DLPD chief livestock officer Mr Wisdom Gunzvenzve said the move was meant to cut the distances which animals move to get water.

“El Nino is likely to cause water shortages for livestock. We should move to construct watering holes at all boreholes to prevent animals from moving to muddy ponds that might act as death traps.

“The response in terms of water availability might differ from area to area but generally we urge farmers in conjunction with other stakeholders like the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development to work closely,” said Mr Gunzvenzve.

Additionally, Mr Gunzvenzve challenged livestock producers to identify relief grazing sites in their localities, adding that this should be done in conjunction with the veterinary services department to avoid the spread of the diseases.

He also encouraged farmers to harvest and preserve crop residues for future use.

“Let’s harvest and preserve residues for crop like maize, sorghum and all others in the cereal bracket for strategic feeding of livestock during the time of need,” he said.

The Government is also embarking on urea treatment of crop residues and hay. Farmers must take advantage of the process and consult their extension officers for assistance in improving the quality of livestock feed.

He further observed that farmers must avoid feeding their animals with wilting crops, especially sorghum, as they might be dangerous because of nitrate or prussic acid poisoning caused by the premature drying due to wilting.

Meanwhile Government is going on with the programme of hay baling with the objective of producing hay bales for needy areas.