CONTINUED FROM NOVEMBER ISSUE 2021
Vaccination
Knowing when it is best to vaccinate goats is key. How you vaccinate, and when, also depends on what you are vaccinating for. Ensure that you adhere to the recommended dosages as per the products instructions and also ensure proper hygiene and storage precautions are taken with regards to the vaccines.In addition, keeping the drug at the right temperature, and using clean & sterile instruments are essential. If you satisfy all these, then you will have a stronger medicine at your disposal.
The primary vaccinations for goats in Botswana are those for Pulpy Kidney (perhaps the single most important cause of deaths in small stock in Southern Africa) and Pasturella. These are usually administered annually, typically at season change i.e. April or September. However, implementing a practice of vaccinating your pregnant does in their final ‘trimester’ works very well as the immunity of the vaccine protects the mother doe as well as passes onto the kids once born through the colostrum. Farmers in Botswana should know that Prussic Acid poisoning is one of the most common causes of death of small stock in the country and is often mistaken to be Pasturella. There is no vaccination against this ailment, but Prussic acid poisoning in very preventable by giving your livestock additional sulphuror sulphur containing formulated supplements.
Also worth being wary of in Botswana, is heart water, an ailment that animals are prone to throughout the eastern side of the country (and of late, spreading more centrally in the country). Lastly, remember that it is important to have a hands-on approach and actively manage administering vaccinations yourself or have these done in your presence to ensure they are done correctly.
Top tips from others:
- “Remember that the best result in treating a condition (on your animals) depends on getting the right medicine, using the right dose, giving it at the right interval and using the right method of administering it.” – Michael Sento of Vet & Agric Consultants in Gaborone
- “It is important to be aware that no vaccine is 100% effective. It is realistically 70-80% effective and the shortfall can be reduced through proper supportive management. ”It is important to immunize the animals that are healthy and in the correct body condition, as well as at times that the animal is at low risk from illness or stress.” – Grant van Lelyveldt, Specialist Veterinarianin South Africa
- “Immunisation (vaccination) is like insurance – you take precautions and prevent the most severe diseases, or you save money initially by not immunizing and take the knock later when diseases such as blue tongue, pulpy kidney, rift valley fever and many more strike.” – Danie van Niekerk, Virbac SA.
Regular Health Checks
It is advisable to use a preventative health programme planned in consultation with a veterinarian for the animals on your farm. This includes but is not limited to: the immunisations to be administered and at what times these should be done, control of internal and external parasites, vitamin, and mineral supplements. Vets typically are always willing to help and advice, welcoming contact for even simple inquiries. They are experts in the field – make use of them to the fullest as a good vet is one of the most important relationships you must invest in. Botswana has over 180 veterinary surgeons registered to practice and there is a vet in every single district in country – we should make the most of their expert services.
Top tips from others:
- “Health is an integral part of production – unhealthy goats will not produce their best – be it meat or kid production. Health largely depends on the day-to-day care of the goats (feeding, watering) and also on periodic activities – vaccination and parasite control.” – Batshanani B.G. Busang, Intergrated Veterinary Services -Tlokweng
- ‘’Rearing livestock should be more than just a hobby, in keeping up with today’s times, one should care for their animals so that in turn the animals can care for you.’’ – Tshepo Yvonne Sereetsi, Principal Veterinary Officer – Epidemiologist
Drought
Botswana suffers from cyclical drought something farmers in the country need to be very clued up on. This means understanding our climate and how agriculture works within it, as well as what means exist to ensure we work within this climate rather than allowing it to defeat us. Farming smartly is therefore vital. There is a great deal of support to be found from Government and non-Governmental associations and even individual farmers to advice on how to manage drought and still thrive with your livestock.
Top tips from others:
- “Due to scarcity of feed during dry season, animals were forced to walk long distances in search of feed and back to water sources, which affect their production. Supplementary feeding could be done by creating dry season pasture reserves for those in ranches or by using crop residues, hays or other supplements. It is important to let them out early to graze for at least seven hours.”– Patrick Galekgathege, Department of Animal Production Scientific Officer, Botswana
Good Infrastructure and Good Staffing
It is important to invest in good infrastructure, so make sure do it right the first time. This does not mean just cost, for ‘cost effective’ material can still be put to use correctly and well. On any livestock farm the most important chores are performed in the kraal. Well-equipped kraals and pens are therefore worth your while. Building proper handling facilities can be costly, but several farmers who have done so, will tell you how much easier this has made their work.When it comes to kraals, ensure you have a good roofing structure. Goats hate to get wet and need protection from the cold and rain. Also ensure that you keep your kraals clean, dry and draft-free at all times! Regularly cleaning aids in disease and parasite reduction.
Sufficiently skilled farm workers are always a challenge in Botswana, as we tend to see high turnover of staff. For this reason, careful hiring and focused training is vital. Impart relevant and value-adding knowledge so your staff understand what they are doing and why they are doing it. Be patient, and consider an incentive scheme to keep them motivated to work well. It is important to encourage staff on the farm and to ensure that they also have an interest in the farm’s success. In this way, they enjoy their work and we are assured of their loyalty. Indeed, even if you have the best staff on your farm, try not to stay away for long periods at a time. Regular visits are key, especially for part time or “remote control” farmers. One needs to always know and see what is going on at the farm and with the goats.
Education and Support
Botswana remains a special case in the extent to which Government and neighboring countries’ farming associations provide support to local farmers. Beyond Government feed programs and subsidising platforms. Neighboring South Africa offers a number of junior goat courses as well as senior goat courses that can help farmers. A growing network of local, established farmers also cannot go without mention, providing insight and experience for others to learn from. This is especially so with the growing number ofKalahari Red& Boer Goat breeders in Botswana.
Local veterinary offices are always willing to help, and local agriculture / farmer days and shows continue to be held in high regard. This is on top of the renowned National Agriculture Show held in August every year, which brings together key farmers, suppliers and other stakeholders in the industry. Platforms such as the Mookane Farmer’s Day and talks and short courses at BUAN as well as the Accredited Junior & Senior Courses being held are all very good for both young as well as seasoned farmers.
Top tips from others:
- “A short course is less likely to turn an individual into an elite farmer (it’s informative for sure, but not enough). New or younger farmers looking to grow their experience and enhance knowledge should couple this with more hands on experience during the kidding season at an established farm, and this is likely to give invaluable information to use in you farming journey. Speak to seasoned farmers, ask questions, keep researching and importantly, always have an open mind to want to learn, and from anyone!” – Faheem Kala, Bushra Stud
The Business of Farming
Some forget the administrative aspect of farming, as well as the importance of keeping records. This includes having to record the mothers, the sires, dates of vaccinations, weaning, illnesses, productivity, treatments used, etc.
Planning is also key. Farm management plans have to be in specific accordance with your farm set up and needs. It is not given that what works at my farm will work at your farm, for instance. There are a number of factors to consider. My advice is to get a professional who can come in and assess one’s farm and draw a customised plan for you. You can benchmark from other farms, but in the end, your farm needs and your management style must be specifically incorporated. Most important is that you ensure the set-up is sustainable. You need to be able to maintain it, both in terms of finances and in terms of the human resources at your disposal.
Top tips from others:
- “The future of breeding must involve measuring and recording animals and collecting their breeding values on a large scale. It is, and has been for a while, no longer good enough to try and win prizes in the show-ring. You have to measure your animals and see what their performance is. The future of animal breeding depends on it.” – Hugh Nivison, Breeding Specialist in South Africa
- ‘’Practice good husbandry and farming methods, more especially on the usage of medications. Please do not hesitate to contact veterinary personnel (private of government) in your district when your animals are sick. They will attend to your animals, take history, samples and investigate as needed then give you the right advice to correctly treat your animals.’’– Dr. Tshepo Yvonne Sereetsi, Department of Veterinary Services (Botswana).
- “Farming is a business, and farmers should use lambing (kidding) pens (or maternity kraals) for economic considerations. Lambing pens offer numerous advantages, allowing the farmer to farm with precision.” Lambing pens simplify record keeping, which accelerates breeding progress. You can easily supervise and identify problem ewes during lambing.” – Hugh Nivison, Breeding Specialist in South Africa
Do it with passion, or not at all
Passion is paramount, and a goat breeder or farmer needs to be wholly invested in making sure their animals thrive from birth to show day. The greatest thing about farming in Botswana? Beyond the sheer amount of opportunity to do it and do it well, whether recreationally or commercially, there’s a wealth of learning, sharing and support. And, of course, it is only with time and engaging fellow farmers and those “in the know” that you really, truly get into it.
Top tips from others:
- “The first six months of the kid’s life is the most important stage, because it determines how the animal will perform. At that stage, a producer should do his utmost to do everything right.”-Jordi van Hasselt, Farmer
- “The difference between good and exceptional breeding is genetics.” – Salmon Van Huuyssten
I hope these tips and thoughts help you in your farming efforts. The more we each share and support each other, this stronger our farming community and industry will be, further supporting that mix of hard work, intuition and a healthy dose of good luck as mentioned! And who couldn’t do with a little extra support?
Faheem Kala – Bushra Stud Kalahari Reds & Boer Goats
Cell: +267 71770777 orbushra.stud@gmail.com
Sept 2021
