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Ascites in Chickens: Causes and Prevention
Ascites syndrome in chickens is a condition that leads to excess accumulation of body fluids in a bird’s abdominal region. It is also commonly called “water belly” or “Pulmonary Hypertension Syndrome” by Scientists.1 Sometimes containing yellow protein clots2, the accumulated body fluids vary in colour and consistency and could lead to complications with an affected…
The importance of phosphorus during the rains 
The Importance of Phosphorus Supplementation during the Rainy Season in Cattle Farming Phosphorus deficiency is a reversible nutritional challenge in cattle farming that requires Phosphorus supplementation. As an important mineral that serves the function of facilitating optimal performance, it is salient to ensure that cattle are sufficiently provided with Phosphorus, P. The Importance of Phosphorus…
Mycotoxins: what are they and how to prevent them
Mycotoxins: What are they and how to prevent them? Even though it is not often asked what mycotoxins are or how they can be prevented, the toxins still remain detrimental to the wellbeing of humans and livestock alike. Mycotoxins are harmful and have been reported to cause serious illnesses such as cancer, and even death…
Improving livelihoods with crop diversification
Improving Rural Livelihoods in Zimbabwe through Crop Diversification. Many rural communities across Africa – Zimbabwe inclusive – and other developing regions of the world depend on agriculture for survival, either in the form of crop production, livestock farming, fishing and/or forestry; all making huge contributions to national economies. Sadly, despite these economic contributions, it is…
Soil fertility management and malnutrition
Parched skin; milky eyes; dry, dull and straw-like looking or completely lost hair, weakness, unplanned weight loss and in other cases, weight gain/obesity. These are some physical evidences of malnutrition in children and adults alike; usually an outcome of abnormal nutrient intake levels (excessive, deficient or imbalanced) by the human body. This articles therefore takes…
Goat farming in Zimbabwe, is it profitable?
Goat farming has proven to be a profitable business in Zimbabwe. They are beneficial because they are easy to care for, and the feeds costs are low due to the various foods consumed in the goat’s diet. The demand for goat meat is on the rise primarily due to people wanting to try different types…
Bees: how and why would you want to keep them?
Beekeeping (or apiculture) is the humans’ maintenance of bee colonies, commonly in artificial hives. Why are Bees so important, and why would you want to keep them? All types of Bees are crucial to life on this planet, and they are essential because they pollinate and our food sources amongst that pollination. Insects moving pollen from…
Broilers: the all important first seven days
The first seven days are the most important time in the life of a broiler chicken. It is a period when you, the farmer, need to pay extra attention to nutrition, temperature, drinking water and lighting to get your chicks off to the best possible start. The impact of problems in the first week has…
Solar water pumps: tips and things to know
Solar water pumps are fast becoming essential for farming in Africa and thanks to recent technological advancements they are much more affordable. Before the advent of solar energy, farmers in developing nations found it challenging to power machines without polluting the environment. Today, providing a reliable water supply to the most remote locations is no…
Deworm your goats and increase your profits
Today, most farmers in Zimbabwe have embraced deworming goats to achieve maximum milk, meat, and skin production. For a long time, goats have been known as one of the easy to rear farm animals. In addition, they were seen to be hardy and rarely contracting diseases. As a result, farmers gave little attention to the…