Winter breeding in the spotlight

STAFF REPORTER WINDHOEK With the commencement of winter, small stock farmers have a big task at hand to ensure the lambing and kidding season progresses well to achieve production targets.“Generally, animal breeding activities take place during seasons or times most favourable to their bodily functions and well-being,” said Erastus Ngaruka, the technical officer for livestock within Agribank's agri advisory services division. According to him, mating, for example, commences during times of plentiful forage resources, because the nutritional status of the animal has a direct influence on conception. He added that well-maintained animals with good body conditions will have higher reproductive performance than those in poor condition. MortalitiesNgaruka said most lamb or kid mortalities during winter are the result of cold stress and hunger.Some health conditions in small stock are caused by unhygienic kraal environments. Furthermore, dust inhalation and cold stress can result in lung and eye infections. Another major problem is internal and external parasite infestation, said Ngaruka.“The most problematic external parasites attacking lambs/kids during winter are mites, lice and fleas,” Ngaruka said. According to him, common signs of infestation are irritation (restlessness, head shaking, scratching or itching), hair loss and anaemia.These parasites can be controlled or eradicated by dipping or spraying with anti-parasitic remedies. Injectable solutions can also be used. Ngaruka said internal parasites should be controlled with oral or injectable solutions. Extra careHe added that during winter, extra care against the cold is needed. A shelter or a housing structure can be constructed, especially for the most vulnerable animals, to protect or keep them warm.One of the cheapest and simplest practices is to dig a trench to keep the lambs or kids in overnight. According to him, animals generally generate or increase their body heat through metabolism, therefore it is advisable to ensure animals have enough roughage feed (lucerne hay) during winter. Timely intervention“The survival and performance of your animals depend on your timely management interventions. This starts with the preparation of the breeding stock for mating, caring during gestation and parturition, and caring for the young towards weaning,” he said. This also includes enough feed and water supply throughout, carrying out all necessary vaccinations, protection against adverse environmental conditions, and maintaining a clean farm/kraal environment, while necessary equipment and remedies must be acquired in advance to provide first aid during complications.

Winter breeding in the spotlight

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-28

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Winter breeding in the spotlight

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-28

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