The onset of the rainy season in Tanzania brings a significant change in pasture quality, impacting livestock health and production, it’s important to understand these changes and their implications for cattle management.
The Dynamics of Pasture Nutrition in the Rainy Season
During this season, pastures become lush and rich in certain nutrients, but this abundance is a double-edged sword.
High Protein Content & low fibre and their Effects
Increased Protein Levels: The rain stimulates rapid grass growth, leading to higher protein content in pastures. While protein is essential for cattle growth and milk production, excessive levels can cause challenges.
Impact on Digestion: High protein intake often leads to loose stools in cattle. This is due to the rapid fermentation of protein in the rumen, which can disrupt normal digestive processes.
- Low Magnesium Levels and Magnesium Tetany
Decreased Magnesium Availability: Lush pastures, despite their nutritional richness, often have low levels of magnesium. This mineral is crucial for nerve and muscle function in cattle.
Risk of Magnesium Tetany: Insufficient magnesium intake can lead to a condition known as magnesium tetany or grass tetany. This is characterized by muscle spasms and convulsions, and, in severe cases, can be fatal.
- Elevated Nitrate Levels and Nitrate Poisoning
Nitrate Accumulation in Pastures: The combination of increased soil moisture and nitrogen (from fertilizers or nitrogen-fixing plants) can lead to elevated nitrate levels in grasses.
Dangers of Nitrate Poisoning: When cattle consume excessive nitrates, these compounds interfere with oxygen transport in the blood, leading to nitrate poisoning. Symptoms include rapid breathing, muscle tremors, and reduced milk production.
Strategies for Managing Nutritional Imbalances
To mitigate these risks, farmers must adopt targeted strategies:
Strategic Supplementation: Introduce dietary supplements to balance the high protein and low magnesium in the grass. Magnesium oxide can be added to feeds or provided via mineral blocks.
Awareness and Early Detection: Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of magnesium tetany and nitrate poisoning. Early detection and intervention are crucial. i.e. Indicators/colors of pastures/soils with high nitrate or low magnesium
As discussed, livestock face various nutritional imbalances during this season, along with other environmental challenges like waterborne diseases and foot problems
The Rise in Tick Populations
The rainy season is characterized by increased air temperature and humidity, conditions ideal for the hatching of tick eggs. This leads to a significant surge in tick populations that also due to grasses being taller easily attach/quest to the body of their host.
Impact of Ticks on Cattle: Ticks are more than just a nuisance; they are vectors for numerous diseases, accounting for up to 80% of tropical cattle diseases. These include anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and East Coast fever, which can severely impact cattle health and productivity.
Tick Management Strategies:
Adjusting Spraying Routines: As tick populations increase, it’s crucial to reassess and adjust tick control measures. This may involve increasing the frequency of spraying ticks with acaricides.
Using Effective Acaricides: Ensure that the Acaricides used are effective against the prevalent tick species and also rotate between different types of acaricides to prevent tick resistance.
Regular Tick Checks: Conduct thorough tick checks on cattle, focusing on areas where ticks are likely to attach, such as under the tail, around the ears, and under the belly.
Other expected challenges associated with the rainy season include.
The rainy season in Tanzania not only alters pasture nutrition but also introduces several other challenges for livestock management.
Higher Parasite Load: The wet conditions of the rainy season are conducive to the proliferation of internal parasites like worms. These parasites can lead to weight loss, reduced milk production, and overall poor health.
Contaminated Water Sources: Rainfall can contaminate water sources with pathogens, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.
Muddy and Wet Environments: Constant exposure to wet and muddy conditions can lead to foot rot and other hoof problems.
Stress Factors: Fluctuations in weather, dietary changes, and increased parasite load can stress cattle, reducing their immunity.
Vulnerability of Calves: Young calves are particularly susceptible to the harsher conditions of the rainy season.
To effectively manage livestock during Tanzania’s rainy season, a comprehensive and adaptable approach is essential.
Understanding that the majority of diseases and challenges during this period stem from weather changes is key. This realization underscores the importance of adapting management practices rather than relying solely on sophisticated drugs and procedures.
Regular deworming, maintaining clean water sources, attentive hoof care, and reducing stress by providing adequate shelter and consistent feeding. Additionally, updating vaccination schedules and giving special care to calves are vital.
