A Survey on the causes of calf mortality in ward 19 of Makoni district, Manicaland province · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Runatsa, Nancy

Title

A Survey on the causes of calf mortality in ward 19 of Makoni district, Manicaland province

Abstract

Calf mortality is one of the paramount factors that influence cattle production in terms of herd expansion, genetic improvement and market performance. High calf mortality can lead to reduced market performance of the cattle industry, reduced rural livelihoods as they mostly depend on livestock production and loss of productivity in the industry. Reduced calf mortality can however make the cattle business profitable. A survey was conducted in ward 19 of Makoni District to investigate the causes of calf mortality. The research aimed in establishing the ideal causes of calf mortality, the prevalence of calf mortality, challenges faced by farmers in reducing calf mortality as well as recommending the possible interventions for reducing calf mortality in the area. All the cattle farmers in the ward were involved in the study, both A1 and A2 farmers. Data was collected physically by the researcher using structured questionnaires, focus groups and key informants. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20 and Microsoft Excel. Pneumonia was identified as the leading cause of calf mortality in the study area with 56.7% followed by diarrhoea with 50%. Starvation, heart water and theileriosis were also identified among the major causes of calf mortality in ward 19. The calf mortality prevalence in the study area was 8.6%. Farmers in the study area reported that the top challenges they are facing to reduce calf mortality are drought, high drug and feed costs, distant veterinary facility, lack of knowledge and lack of finance. Therefore, the researcher recommended infrastructure development such as improved calf housing and biosecurity measures which ensures a hygienic environment to reduce diseases such as pneumonia and calf diarrhoea. Additionally, the researcher encouraged ward 19 farmers to make use of traditional ways of treating animals known as Indigenous Knowledge Systems such as use of medicinal plants in order to cover up the financial gap. To fight starvation and drought, the researcher recommended farmers to invest in nutrition management such as calf and dam supplementation during drought period using harvested hay, crop residues and calf supplements. Moreover, the researcher gave a recommendation for farmers to make use of available equipment to harvest hay such as use of sickles. The researcher recommended financial support and training services to farmers. By implementing these recommendations, calf survival rates will be increased as well as improved productivity.

Date

September 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Calf, Mortality

Animal health

Supervisor

Mr. T.N.C. Mangwiro