Status of dairy cow management and fertility in smallholder farms in Malawi

Abstract

A review of the smallholder dairy production in Malawi was conducted using livestock annual reports and other literature that was supplemented with primary data from a baseline survey conducted in December 2009. Smallholder dairy farming in Malawi operates with support from institutions that facilitate access to initial stock and dairy production technologies. Most farmers (94%) keep the animals in pens where feed is provided throughout the year. Results indicated unsatisfactory feeding, housing and health management practices, which negatively impact cow fertility. Dairy population trends suggest low replacement rates, which could be associated to low cow fertility and inadequate management skills. There are challenges related to access to breeding and health services, which further contribute to low productivity. Low fertility is evidenced by low calving rates (22-61%) and long calving interval (405-549 days). Existence of programmes on farmer capacity building provides an opportunity for improved management skills and cow productivity. It is concluded that dairy cow management and fertility have challenges and opportunities that are influenced by the extent to which farmers have access to important services such as extension, health, breeding and finance.

Age at First Calving and Factors Influencing it in Dairy Heifers Kept by Smallholder Farmers in Southern Malawi

“…Conception rate and service interval in the selected heifers estrus and its detection (Tetsuka et al 2012). Rather than detecting estrus themselves, the farmers normally wait for PD to be done by an AI technician or extension staff, generally about 3 months after the service (Banda et al 2012). The results obtained in the present study, where 50% of PD was conducted between 73 and 109 days after the service, agree with these findings.…”

“…A further study of this subject will benefit farmers by helping them to improve the reproductive efficiency of their cattle. The other reason that increases the SI is an insufficient AI service (Banda et al 2012). Currently, a small number of AI technicians have to cover a large number of widespread farms.…”

“…Typical smallholder farmers keep a few Holstein x Malawi Zebu crossbreed cattle in small corrals in their backyards, along with small patches of land where staple crops and vegetables are grown (Banda et al 2012, Tetsuka et al 2012. Animals are fed crop residues, cut-and-carry roadside grasses, and maize flour (Agyemang & Nkhonjera 1990, Munthali 1993.…”

“…Despite the widespread use of improved dairy breeds, dairy productivity remains low (Agyemang & Nkhonjera 1990, Mwenya 1992, Banda & Kamwanja 1993 This study was conducted as part of a joint project in Malawi involving the Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the title, "Improvement of food productivity and food security by a crop-livestock integrated farming system." *Corresponding author: e-mail mtetsuka@obihiro.ac.jp Received 12 December 2016;accepted 20 February 2017. 1) the current status of AFC, and 2) the reproductive indices affecting AFC, such as the age at first service (AFS), conception rate (CR), and service interval (SI) in dairy heifers kept by smallholder farmers in the highland area of southern Malawi, the largest milk-shed area of the country (Banda et al 2012). …”

Perceived challenges in business development of smallholder dairy farmers in three Malawian regions

“…Malawi currently has more than 8,000 smallholder dairy farmers owning about 40,500 dairy cows [2]. During the past decade, many Malawian farmers gained interest in dairy production because of its promotion through the Malawian government and non-governmental organizations.…”