By Tshifhiwa Muifha
Shortage of animal feeds during winter or dry season remains a challenge to livestock farmers in general.
Manyatshe Rudzani Raymond from Vhembe central have been conducting silage trials in the villages around Thulamela local municipality in an effort to come up with a new approach of addressing animal feed shortage.
The trials further aimed at equipping local farmers with crucial knowledge and skills to produce not only their own animal feed, but to encourage self-sufficiency in smallholder farmers.
The trials included the demonstration of making silage from grass and molasses. Farmers who were at Tshilungwi, where demonstration was conducted, were urged to exercise caution when enhancing its silage for nutritional value and palatability, where the process involves fermentation of the ingredients (green foliage and molasses) which last for 21 days up to the desired period in a tightly closed container.
The silage is suitable for both large stock and small stock.
The successful implementation of this demonstration will significantly address animal feeds challenges affecting livestock farmers and sustainability.
The process involves fermentation of the ingredients (green foliage and molasses) which last for 21 days up to the desired period in a tightly closed container.
