Smallholder livestock farmers are suffering major financial losses because of high mortality rates of calves and lambs before weaning. The main causes, according to Bongani Duma, animal health technician and sales agent at Afrivet in KwaZulu-Natal, include lack of knowledge, poor management and the misuse of medicines and vaccines.
By Lebogang Mashala, Editor at African Farming
Duma emphasised these issues during the African Farming Financial and Related Production Matters Workshop held in Bergville recently.
Duma stressed that although vaccines and treatment medicines are widely available, many farmers misuse them and later blame manufacturers.
“As farmers we need to ensure that we do things correctly and on time,” he said. “When an animal is sick and requires attention now, don’t wait until tomorrow. Read instructions carefully and use the right dosage. Underdosing to save money only leads to bigger losses in the long run.”
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Common Mistakes Costing Farmers
Duma outlined several dangerous practices that are putting livestock – and farmer profits – at risk:
- Underdosing: Giving animals less than the recommended amount of medicine makes treatment ineffective and contributes to drug resistance.
- Home remedies: Farmers sometimes use unsafe substances such as used engine oil on wounds, which can worsen animal health.
- Incorrect dipping practices: Mixing pour-on dips with products intended for spray or plunge dipping can cause fatal toxicity and severe skin damage.
- Use of pesticides not registered for livestock: This can result in animal deaths and pose risks to human health through contaminated meat or milk.
- Confusing vaccination with treatment: Vaccines are preventive, not curative, and must be administered before animals contract diseases.
Also read: Farmers warned to be vigilant after anthrax outbreak in Kruger
Best Practices for Animal Health
To reduce livestock losses, Duma recommended the following:
- Follow dosage instructions based on accurate live weights of animals. Incorrect dosing can be dangerous or ineffective.
- Rotate remedies with different active ingredients to prevent parasites from developing resistance.
- Keep activated charcoal on hand to treat poisoning from toxic plants.
- Have a first-aid kit ready, as emergencies may occur when shops are closed or are difficult to access.
- Vaccinate seasonally ahead of risk periods, such as for lumpy skin, Rift Valley fever and anthrax, before the summer season.
Duma concluded by urging farmers to take greater responsibility for the health of their herds and flocks:
“As farmers, we should be proactive and not wait for government to do things for us. Good animal health practices are the foundation of reducing mortality and improving profitability.”
