Working Document Series Open Access 2010 RUF-34956

The impact of fodder flow systems practiced by small scale dairy farmers on milk production and economic viability in Marirangwe smallholder dairy scheme of Zimbabwe

N. Sikaceya

Download Read online

Abstract

115 words

An analysis was made for the cattle feed quality used by the small-scale and large-scale producers in Marirangwe, Zimbabwe. This was done to try and explain the huge disparity between milk production by the two dairy sectors. Feed-staff from the 2 dairy production systems were analysed for nutritional quality. There was no significant nutritional differences between the feed from the two production sytems. Disparities in milk production could therefore be attributed to the consistency of provision and quality of feed given to animals. There is therefore need to promote cultivation of crops that can provide feed to animals without competing with humans to bridge the gap of fed supply inconsistency among small scale dairy producers.

Subjects

6 categories