Gwanda-South goat farmer boosts breeding project through fodder crop initiative

By Jonah B Moyo

GWANDA SOUTH goat farmer, Ntuthuko Nyathi, is boosting his breeding project with a 2-hectare fodder crop initiative, enhancing goat nutrition and performance. The innovative approach showcases the potential for sustainable and profitable goat farming in the region.

Nyathi’s goat project is strategically located in Manama, near the Tuli River, where his goats enjoy free-range grazing on select days, supplementing their diet with nutrient-rich fodder from his 2-hectare farm.

He grows diverse fodder crops, including lab lab, sun hemp, sugar beans, lucerne, barner grass, and sorghum to provide optimal nutrition for his goats. He has also introduced cactus, a nutrient-rich and water-efficient crop, further enhancing his goats’ resilience during dry seasons.

Goat breeding is a key strategy for livestock farmers to mitigate climate change effects. In Matabeleland South, farmers are cross-breeding Kalahari, Matabele, and Boer breeds for improved resilience.

Nyathi emphasised the importance of fodder production in commercial goat breeding, achieving success with Matabele and Boer breed crosses.

“I started rearing goats a long time back but I ventured into breeding goats commercially in 2021. At first I wasn’t getting much from selling my goats as they were average. I realised that in order for my goats to do well and become competitive in the market I had to invest in ensuring that they get highly nutritive feed for improved performance.

“I also realised that in order to do this I had to dedicate some space towards producing feed, outside the space that I had to produce food for our own consumption. I was able to get some space near water and grazing land. I started producing my fodder crops in 2023. Since then the condition of my animals has greatly improved,” he said.

He said fodder crops which he focuses on producing are rich in protein and a great energy source. He said some of the fodder crops do well even under dry conditions. He said he is also focusing on producing trees which are rich in minerals such as moringa and lukina.

Nyathi said 80 percent he feeds his goats while 20 percent he allows them to graze. He said he ensures that his goats are closely monitored and every night they are penned to avoid losses.

He highlighted that fodder crops require me good storage after harvesting.

“We cultivate perennial fodder crops, which allows for repeated harvesting. To ensure a steady supply, I have established storage facilities. I harvest the crops when they are green, then mill some of them and dry them under a shaded net to preserve their nutritional value. The unmilled crops are fed to the goats directly, providing essential roughage.

“When I store my feed I treat it will molasis and salt. Milling the crops helps when I want to mix different types of fodder crops for enhanced nutrition. I want to urge my fellow farmers to take up goat rearing as a business as it’s a lucrative business and they do well especially in our area. The market for goats is very rich. I sell my goats across various provinces in the country,” he said.

Matabeleland South Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) deputy director Bhekilizwe Ncube urged farmers to appreciate the value of goats and invest in their production.

He said farmers can either grow crops like maize and traditional grains which are of dual purpose.

“Farmers can harvest crops for consumption and utilize the stover as nutritious stock feed. Additionally, they can produce silage to further enhance livestock nutrition. The department, through extension officers, continues to engage farmers on best practices in fodder production.

“Farmers can also grow fodder crops which are specifically for goats such as lab lab, lucerne, sun hem, velvet beans, barner grass among others. Farmers have to add fodder crops to the stover in order to improve the nutritive component. Having feed is very crucial during dry seasons hence farmers should plan to have supplements ready for their animals. We continue to educate farmers on fodder production,” he said.

Livestock farmers have been urged to focus on growing fodder for their animals in a bid to sustain their herds in the face of climate change and to improve their breeds. While many farmers have adopted fodder production for their cattle, more farmers are yet to adopt the practice for their goats.