THOSE with a passion for animal husbandry can make use of the summer season to set up or improve on what they have.
There are so many projects that one can venture into this summer but the key is to know that when the rainy season comes, most animals are affected, especially if there are no proper structures.
Animal diseases are prevalent during the rainy season, but this does not mean that one cannot start a project.
Chickens
The best time to start rearing chickens is now. In summer it is easy to keep the day-old chicks warm. However, farmers must be wary of high temperatures as these usually tend to suffocate birds.
The good thing about chickens is that these days there are so many varieties. There are broilers which take at least six weeks to maturity.
The most hindering factor to this type of project is the availability of the day-old chicks. Also be sure not to be sold rejects and always look for accredited dealers for the chicks.
During the festive season broiler chickens have high returns.
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There are also layers for egg production. Unfortunately these require farmers with good money reserves because of high demand for feed. The income is cumulative, meaning it comes in small amounts over a certain period of time.
Then there are also roadrunners which are a five-tier source of income:
You can sell eggs to other breeders
You can sell eggs to consumers
You can sell day old chicks
You can sell the chicken for food
You can sell chicken to breeders
The best deal in town for chickens is Zamavian breeders that can sell well during the Christmas period. They take about four months to mature and grow so big that you can actually sell them at US$8.
Aquaculture
There has been a general interest in fish farming among farmers but unfortunately many have been disappointed by the market. It usually seems like there is no market for the fish but just like everything else in farming, timing is key.
During the cold season there is hardly any fish in the dams. Those with facilities to breed fish then maximise during that season and make a lot of money.
This summer one can start the construction of the fish pond and put his fish in the water.
Next year around May you can start harvesting your fish and enjoy brisk business. Fish seed is best bought from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management.
Pig production
Those who already have pigs must be wary of high temperatures. Also make sure that the pigs are under a shade with lots of water to cool their temperatures.
The summer season is a good time for beginners because they do not have to worry about warming the new-born piglets.
Cattle, goats, sheep
The summer season is nightmarish for those with cattle, sheep and goats. Because there is hardly any grass for these animals. They usually break out of their kraals to look for food at night.
Usually they stray into those farms that are doing horticulture because that is the only place where they can get green plants in summer.
The other headache is water for these animals because most of those small rivers would have dried up. Even dams would have dried out too.
Farmers are advised to get supplementary feed for their cattle during the summer season. In addition there must be plans to get them water otherwise you will have sleepless nights as they stray away.
This summer, let it be different by starting out a project. If you have already started, make sure you maximise with these high temperatures that are only enjoyed for four months.
- Gwabanayi is a practising journalist and a farmer in his own right. — 0772 865 703 or [email protected]
