October 4, 2024

 

Zimbabwe farmers urged to utilise wheat stova for livestock feed amid drought

Livestock farming experts have called on Zimbabwean farmers to take advantage of last season's record wheat crop and harvest the leftover, wheat stova, for animal feed, as a measure to reduce livestock deaths caused by poverty and feed shortages, The Herald reported.

 

This recommendation comes as farmers in the country's arid regions continue to struggle with the effects of an El Niño-induced drought that resulted in widespread crop failure and decimated pastures. The lack of available feed and water for livestock has exacerbated the situation.

 

Zimbabwe's Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka, has supported the call, emphasising that leftover wheat stova can be a valuable resource for livestock feed in these trying times.

 

The ministry's permanent secretary, Professor Obert Jiri, provided further clarification on the rationale behind this directive. He noted that it was designed to ensure that wheat also contributes to livestock feed security.

 

"We want to compel wheat farmers to consider and take wheat stova as livestock feed. Starting immediately, all wheat farmers who are currently harvesting, or will be harvesting in October, must deem the wheat stova as livestock feed. This means that the stova should now be gathered and stored for livestock feeding," said Prof Jiri.

 

Acknowledging the severe feed shortages in wheat-producing regions, Prof Jiri urged farmers to make use of their wheat stova instead of discarding it. "This is very important considering the shortage of feed in wheat farming areas. Farmers should not bury the wheat stova. Instead, they should convert it into livestock feed. We have technologies that enable the wheat stova to be enhanced in terms of its feed value."

 

The months of September, October, and November are particularly difficult for farmers, often requiring mandatory feed supplementation to keep livestock healthy.

 

Chief Livestock Officer of the Department of Livestock Production and Development (DLPD), Wisdom Gunzvenzve, outlined the nutritional benefits of wheat stova, comparing it to other roughage feeds like grass. While its nutrient content may be lower, it still provides essential bulk for livestock feeding.

 

"During this time of year, we advise farmers to include additional protein supplements like molasses to boost production and productivity. While animals can survive on stova, we must ensure they receive adequate supplementary nutrients," said Gunzvenzve.

 

-      The Herald