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Kenea AM, Tolemariam Ejeta T, Duguma Iticha B, Dierenfeld ES, Paul Jules Janssens G, Demeke Cherkos S. Natural mineral spring water ( hora) and surrounding soils in southwestern Ethiopia: farmers' feeding practices and their perception about its nutritional roles on animal performance. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33299. [PMID: 39027454 PMCID: PMC11254596 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural mineral water (termed hora in Afan Oromo) and surrounding soils are the most important source of mineral supplement traditionally used for livestock in many parts of Ethiopia. However, limited information exists on feeding practices and the impact of hora on animal performance. Thus, the present study aimed to assess farmers' feeding practices and perceptions about the role of hora and surrounding soils on animal performance. Data were collected from 385 households in four districts (Bedele, Dabo, Gechi and Boracha) through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire with the help of the KoboCollect application. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. The majority (72.3 %) of respondents reported hora as an important source of mineral supplement for livestock. About 78.1 % of respondents in Boracha routinely supplement their animals compared with farmers from other districts. Large ruminants were given first priority in supplementation with hora compared to other livestock. Interviewed farmers trekked their animals a distance of 6.5 ± 0.2 km to access hora twice a year during the dry season. The majority of the farmers (68.1 %) believed that hora supplementation improved animal performance, while 35.1 % noted negative impacts such as abortions, birth defects, delayed puberty, decreased conception rates and paralysis due to excessive consumption. This study underscores the perceived importance of hora as a natural source of mineral supplementation for livestock health and productivity. It emphasizes the need for improved management and conservation practices to ensure sustainable utilisation and mitigate negative impacts associated with excessive consumption. Moreover, to validate local farmers' perceptions regarding the importance of hora mineral water in animal nutrition and health, further research is needed to determine mineral composition of hora and livestock responses under controlled feeding trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashenafi Miresa Kenea
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Taye Tolemariam Ejeta
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Belay Duguma Iticha
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Ellen S. Dierenfeld
- School of Agriculture, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Southwell, United Kingdom
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert Paul Jules Janssens
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Solomon Demeke Cherkos
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia
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Beck PA, Hall JO. Vitamin and Trace Element Nutrition of Stocker Cattle on Small Grain and Winter Annual Pastures. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2023; 39:491-504. [PMID: 37422426 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This article reviews the trace mineral and macro mineral content of small grain forages and the potential role in the health of cattle grazing the forages. Reasons for the variability of trace mineral content in small grain forages are discussed, as well as the role of antagonists, such as sulfur and molybdenum, in creating trace mineral deficiencies. The sampling of cattle for the determination of trace mineral statues is described, including which samples to collect for analysis, as well as sample handling. The authors offer a useful discussion on the vitamin content of small grain forages, and conclude that vitamin supplementation is not necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Beck
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, 4343 South Highway 23, Wellsville, UT 84339, USA.
| | - Jeffery O Hall
- Huvepharma Inc., 525 Westpark Drive, Suite 230, Peachtree City, GA 30269, USA
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Effects of bambermycin or monensin offered in self-fed mineral supplements on performance of growing steer calves grazing small-grain pastures. APPLIED ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.15232/aas.2021-02200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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McCormick JI, Paulet JW, Bell LW, Seymour M, Ryan MP, McGrath SR. Dual-purpose crops: the potential to increase cattle liveweight gains in winter across southern Australia. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/an19231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Dual-purpose wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and canola (Brassica napus L.) crops have been extensively researched for grazing in Australian farming systems, with a focus on grazing by sheep. In some regions, dual-purpose crops have been grazed by cattle, but there have been reports of animal health problems.
Aims
This paper sought to collate all known experiments conducted throughout Australia of cattle grazing dual-purpose crops, in order to evaluate grazing management options for cattle on dual-purpose crops that result in high growth rates and good animal health outcomes.
Methods
There were six experiments. In Expts 1–3, cattle were grazed on wheat crops with and without available mineral supplementation of NaCl and MgO in a 1:1 ratio. In Expt 3, lime was also added to the mineral mix. In Expts 4 and 5, dual-purpose crops were grazed in combination with annual pastures to determine whether strategic use of dual-purpose crops could increase whole farm livestock productivity. In Expt 6, cattle were introduced to dual-purpose canola with different periods of adaptation (0, 4 and 7 days). Liveweight gain was monitored regularly to assess differences between adaptation treatments.
Key results
Liveweight gain was increased by 0–27% when cattle grazing high quality, dual-purpose wheat were provided with mineral supplement. Cattle had an initial lag in growth rate when introduced to dual-purpose canola for grazing and this was not affected by the adaptation strategy used. Cattle that experienced a shorter adaptation period achieved higher weight gains more quickly. After the lag phase, average daily gain (ADG) was ≥2 kg/head.day, with an ADG over the entire grazing period for all treatments of 1.75 kg/head.day. The effect on the farm system was determined by extending the length of the grazing period on the dual-purpose crops. Grazing periods of shorter duration did not increase overall liveweight gains compared with grazing only pasture, whereas extending the period of dual-purpose crop grazing resulted in increased cattle weights.
Conclusions
Cattle benefit from the addition of mineral supplements when grazing a dual-purpose wheat crop, with a response similar to that previously demonstrated in sheep. Cattle can safely graze dual-purpose canola and achieve high ADG. Inclusion of dual-purpose crops can improve overall cattle performance in the farming system.
Implications
The potential area for production of dual-purpose crops within the Australian mixed farming zone is large and there may be insufficient livestock numbers within the zone to utilise the potential forage production. Cattle from other regions could be introduced during autumn and winter to realise this large forage potential during a period that is commonly a feed deficit on grazing-only properties. Estimates suggest that up to two million young cattle could be supported for 60 days, increasing liveweight by 90 kg/head.
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McGrath SR, Thomas DT, Greer AW. Dual-purpose cropping: the opportunity for a step change in production in the temperate region of Australia. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/anv61n11_fo] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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