Increasing profitability during and after Covid-19 pandemic through on-site livestock feed formulation.

Background

The cost of feed constitutes almost 70% of the total cost in livestock production.

Persistent droughts resulting in chronic grain shortages has pushed the local average grain prices to levels higher than regional averages leading to increased prices in stock feeds which has limited access by many farmers.

Input distribution channels have also been disturbed by the Covid-19 pandemic, applying even more upward pressure to the cost of feeding livestock.

Free-range poultry products and other meats are generally considered luxury protein items in the average Zimbabwean’s monthly food basket such that consumers are sensitive to any movement in its price.

It is against this backdrop that the Zimbabwe Free-range Poultry Association (ZFRPA) has taken a strategic decision to reduce farmer’s cost of production by ensuring that every free-range livestock farmer has access to quality and affordable stock feed ingredients and is taught how to produce quality free-range livestock feed on-farm in tandem with set standards.

Why learn on-site feed formulation?

Feed is the major cost driver in livestock production ranging between 60 to 70% of the total production costs, so for livestock enterprises to become more profitable, the farmer needs to spend less on feed.

In order to better equip the livestock farmer for such times as these, ZFRPA is embarking on the following:

1. Group Importation for key feed ingredients ( see below flier). ZFRPA has taken local and external feed ingredients to the laboratory for testing and results can be shared with paid up members.
2. Online Feed Formulation Training Courses
3. On line field days

Grab these opportunities seriously and produce quality and affordable free-range animal products for the nation and beyond.

Course Content:

• Making complete livestock feeds
• Making supplements
• Non-conventional livestock feeds
• Crop residues treatment
• Mineral blocks and licks
• Regulations

Facilitators:

• Gospel Matondi – Livestock Consultant (Feed Research & Production), EU/BAFS Project, Sierra Leone (BSc, MSc in Animal Science and Nutrition, PhD cand, UZ). Tel: +23231184948

Host:

• Beauty Jiji – (ZFRPA Secretary-General). Tel: 0779600730.

Zoom ID:

77991185054

Cost:

• USD7 (for up to date ZFRPA members) or USD10 (for non-ZFRPA members). Pay via Mukuru, Western Union or Cash.

How To Register:

• Call 0784335019 / 0779600730