Swazi Observer

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LIVESTOCK COUNTING HAS BEGUN - MINISTER

By Majaha Nkonyane | 2018-07-12

MINISTER of Agriculture Moses Vilakati has alerted farmers in the country of a livestock census which is already underway and ends in August.

This exercise, according to Vilakati, is meant to curb stock loss for farmers.

He was speaking during the official opening of Bazara dipping tank in the Hhohho region.

The minister said veterinary staff outside the field is very busy with the collection of stock census for both large and other livestock.

According to Vilakati, livestock owners are then requested to assist the staff where need be during the exercise. Farmers in the country are further encouraged to engage on livestock identification which is also meant to help in minimising cattle loss.

Vilakati appealed to all cattle farmers in the country that during the winter season they ensure that their animals are marked with both country mark and dip tank mark which will go a long way in identifying the animals when they happen to get lost.

Tagged

The minister further encouraged farmers to tag their calves at the age of four weeks, communities were also encouraged to work closely with veterinary assistants to make sure that all animals in their dip tanks are tagged and branded. According to Vilakati both stock census and cattle identification are means by the ministry to not only help in stock loss but also help in the spread of diseases which in the long run affects beef production.

In addition, Vilakati also said when stock census numbers balance up it will help in making sure that communities are food secure, in terms of livestock production on cattle and goats. The ministry according to the minister is engaging officers on training farmers on sheep production.

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