Indian Journal of Animal Research

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Research Article

Indian Journal of Animal Research, volume 51 issue 1 (february 2017) : 187-192

Management practices and constraints of beef cattle production in communal areas of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

SH Molefi1 , CA Mbajiorgu*1 , Antwi MA2
1<p>Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science,&nbsp;University of South Africa, Florida Science Campus.</p>
Cite article:- Molefi1 SH, Mbajiorgu*1 CA, MA2 Antwi (2016). Management practices and constraints of beef cattle productionin communal areas of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa . Indian Journal of Animal Research. 51(1): 187-192. doi: 10.18805/ijar.11325.

ABSTRACT

A survey study was conducted to determine the management practices and constraints faced by beef cattle producers in 200 households in communal areas of Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality in Mpumalanga province. In this context, the results indicated that while 91.5% of farmers practiced continuous breeding in heifers at younger than two years of age, a higher number approximately 68.5% of farmers relied upon neighbours for breeding bulls.  Also, calving percentage was between 50% and 70% as reported by 43.5% of farmers whereas 54.5% of farmers reported 50% to 60% weaning percentage. However, 77.5% of the farmers weaned their calves at five to seven months. 100% of farmers freely grazed their beef cattle on the mountainside and over 93.5% of farmers used veld as a source of feed with 82% of farmers supplementing their beef cattle depending on the season. Overall, the main constraints reported by the respondents were disease (26%) and malnutrition (18%) during dry season. In conclusion, the study finds that regular and proper medication in addition to supplementing feeds can assist by reducing mortality rates and enhancing productivity.

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