By Monique Washington
Due to the extended dry spell across the region that has caused a major food shortage for livestock on the island, the Department of Agriculture-Livestock Division took the initiative to show and demonstrate to farmers ways to have food all year for their animals.
On Tuesday, Livestock Division employees demonstrated how private livestock farmers can prepare a forage bank.Aforage is “any piece fenced and cultivated land that has grass or trees as a crop to feed animals.”
The demonstration took place at the Indian Castle stock banks. Speaking with the Observer, Rohan Claxton, Livestock Extension officer,described the complicationsfarmers have experienced due to dry weather.
“A dry spell normally lasts six months, but this one has lasted about 18 months,” Claxton said. “The weather has caused high mortality in our livestock. There is not enough water for the sheep and goats, they must walk long distances looking for water and are being exposed to dog attacks.”
“The dry season has had a major impact on grass and shrubs used to feed the animals,” Claxton explained. “This has caused some livestock farmers to travel long distancesto find food for their animals.”
Claxton described the importance of maintaining a forage bankto farmers. By maintaining a forage bank for the dry season, food will be available to feed their livestock.
“In the long run, the livestock will reach the market early with high-quality meat and carcass weight,” Claxton said. “The farmers will benefit from feeding the animals grass, shrub tress, legumes and forage. This combination will give the livestock a balanced diet.”
Claxton pointed out that the Livestock Division now owns 48 heads of Brahman Zebu cattle, 60 heads of Senpol Red Poll cattle, and mixed breed sheep and goats. The livestock are fed quick stick, mulberry and Maringa,all of which have a high nutrition value.
Due to the staggering dry spell, Claxton said the government invested approximately $20,000 in the foraging bank.
“The endeavor was costly,” Claxton explained. “In my estimation, some specially-coated wire was imported from China to withstand the effect of sea blast (winds) . Other material brought the cost of the irrigation system close to $10,000.In my estimation this project would cost about $20,000.”
Claxton said livestock owners could begin a foraging bank in their backyard on as small as a 100 by 100 foot plot. He said the Livestock Division is willing to help farmers with grass, tress,seeds and cane cuttings. If properly watered, the crops take 18- to 21-days to rejuvenate.
The forage banks at Indian Castle sit on a five-and-a-half acre piece of land. They are used solely for government-owned animals.
