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Status of dairy cow management and fertility in smallholder farms in Malawi

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Abstract

A review of the smallholder dairy production in Malawi was conducted using livestock annual reports and other literature that was supplemented with primary data from a baseline survey conducted in December 2009. Smallholder dairy farming in Malawi operates with support from institutions that facilitate access to initial stock and dairy production technologies. Most farmers (94%) keep the animals in pens where feed is provided throughout the year. Results indicated unsatisfactory feeding, housing and health management practices, which negatively impact cow fertility. Dairy population trends suggest low replacement rates, which could be associated to low cow fertility and inadequate management skills. There are challenges related to access to breeding and health services, which further contribute to low productivity. Low fertility is evidenced by low calving rates (22–61%) and long calving interval (405–549 days). Existence of programmes on farmer capacity building provides an opportunity for improved management skills and cow productivity. It is concluded that dairy cow management and fertility have challenges and opportunities that are influenced by the extent to which farmers have access to important services such as extension, health, breeding and finance.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank the Bunda College—Flanders International Cooperative Agency (FICA) Project, Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) and the University of Edinburgh for financial and technical support. Research assistants and members of staff from DAHLD and EPAs involved in data collection are greatly appreciated.

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  1. SAC Research King’s Buildings, Scottish Agricultural College, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, UK

    Liveness Jessica Banda, Mizeck Gift G. Chagunda & David J. Roberts

  2. The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK

    Liveness Jessica Banda & Cheryl J. Ashworth

  3. University of Malawi, P.O. Box 278, Zomba, Malawi

    Leonard A. Kamwanja

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  1. Liveness Jessica Banda
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Banda, L.J., Kamwanja, L.A., Chagunda, M.G.G. et al. Status of dairy cow management and fertility in smallholder farms in Malawi. Trop Anim Health Prod 44, 715–727 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-011-9972-4

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