Growth performance and carcass characteristics of South African mutton merino fed graded levels of macadamia oil cake were assessed. A total of 60 South African mutton merino lambs were used in the experiment (initial live weight 25.0 ± 0.45 kg). Five diets with different inclusion levels of macadamia oil cake (MOC) were formulated: T1 (0% MOC, control), T2 (5% MOC), T3 (10% MOC), T4 (15% MOC) and T5 (20% MOC). Effects of inclusion level of MOC on average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were not significant (P > 0.05). Effects of inclusion levels of MOC on feed conversion ratio (FCR) of sheep were significant (P < 0.05). Highest proportion (71.2%) of sheep in the study had a carcass fat classification of 2, followed by a proportion of 17.3% sheep with a carcass fat classification of 3 and lastly 11.5% sheep had carcass fat classification of 4. Warm and cold carcass mass, chest circumference, carcass length and dressing percentage were higher in sheep fed on 5% MOC compared to other treatment diets (0, 10, 15 and 20% MOC) (P < 0.05). Fat rib eye had a greater area in sheep fed on 5% MOC (P < 0.05). It was concluded that 5% MOC provided the best results in terms of carcass characteristic measurements in sheep.

This experiment evaluated varying levels of Amarula (Sclerocarya birrea A. Rich) nut cake (ANC) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics in pigs. Thirty Large White × Landrace (LW × LR) pigs were stratified by weight (average live weight of 20 ± 5 kg) and randomly allocated to the five experimental diets that contained 0 (control), 50, 100, 150 and 200 g ANC/kg DM. Each pig served as a replicate unit, housed individually. Bodyweight, feed intake, average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded weekly throughout the trial period. On completion of the growth trial, following a 3-day adaptation, a nutrient digestibility study was conducted over 5 days. Thereafter, pigs were fasted for twelve hours, weighed, slaughtered, and carcass samples were collected for analysis. Feed intake was not affected by dietary treatment, but ADGs were reduced at ANC levels > 15%, resulting in poor FCR. Protein digestibility was reduced at ANC levels > 15%, while ether extract and fibre levels increased. Warm and cold carcass weights were lower at ANC levels > 15, with improved meat redness and lightness. It was concluded that ANC could replace SBM in the diet of growing pigs at less than 15% inclusion level.

The objective of this research was to examine agricultural product types and their contribution to the household income for communal farmers in Mhondoro-Mubaira area. The study was carried out in the area of Mhondoro-Mubaira, situated in Mashonaland West province of Zimbabwe. The target population samples for the study comprised of communal farmers (N=150) and the extension officers (N=25). According to the results, remittances and gifts (92.66%) are the major contributors of household income for most communal farmers. This is because of the current bad economic situation and frequent droughts. Despite remittances and gifts being the major household income, farmers still perceive farming has very important contributor to their daily sustenance. The study proves that field crops and maize in particular is a strategic crop in Zimbabwe. Maize is not only for household consumption but also for selling. Tobacco is the most important cash crop for the farmers because of good prices and well-established markets. Farmers indicated that open markets are important but because of unscrupulous traders and lack of monitoring and poor regulations, farmers are prone to being cheated and price manipulations. The government and private sector can contribute in formalizing and improving growing of garden crops. The government should improve and invest in non-farm economy which contributes to communal farmer standard of leaving such has roads, electricity, and related infrastructure. This will inherently improve the farm economy and the livelihood status of the communal farmers.