The Department of Agriculture, Rural development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA’s) Emakhazeni Municipality in conjunction with ALZU FEEDS held a farmer’s day for Beef Cattle farmers in Belfast Alzu Depot to inform farmers on proper winter feeds, especially when they start experiencing deficiency of nutrients in grazing.
“The objective of the day is to capacitate and support cattle farmers with the useful information on cattle production and feeding, as they face a number of issues which affect their farming activities. As we are in the middle of the winter, it is vital to let them know of the supplements and feeding used for their cattle and the vaccinations in order to prevent against diseases,” said Emakhazeni’s Animal Scientist Mr. Theo Ngemntu. According to Ngemtu, another factor was that in the past year there have been reports from farmers on mortalities due to malnutrition. Hence Alzu Feeds was part of the information day, in order to advice the farmers on specific feeds for this kind of season.
Alzu’s Mr Broer Du Preez outlined important effects which Beef Cattle Farmers should ensure and carry out in their farming activities:
- Sufficient grazing and/or hay must be available at all times
- Must supplement licks to get the most benefit on grazing
- Supply only nutrients that are needed
- Measure growth and mass
- Measure lick intake. The supply of roughage must determine the intake
- Measure effective costs-cost per animal /per day.
- Supplement before animals loose conditions.
Most importantly the farmers were reminded that the aim of feeding is to achieve weight as possible in 100-120 days, and to produce beef economically.