Page 221 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

mating is the common method among most cattle keepers in Tanzania, whereby
a healthy bull is introduced into the herd and allowed to serve the cows/heifers
directly. One mature bull can serve up to 25 or 30 cows/heifers. Bulls should be
introduced to the herd after reaching full strength, usually at two years of age.
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Bull management in beef herds
Bulls used for mating must be strong, active, and free from disease or injury.
Selection should be based on body size, shape, and history of fast growth. Bulls
should be housed in a safe and secure area when not in the breeding season.
Always, bulls must be fed well and monitored closely. Do not use a breeding bull
for more than two years in a small herd to avoid inbreeding. In herds with many
related animals, new bulls must be introduced at the right time.

Heat detection and feeding before mating
Heat signs in cows and heifers include restlessness, clear mucus discharge,
mounting other animals, and standing still when mounted. Check heat signs daily
during the mating period. Where animals graze freely, it is more difficult to detect
heat. In such cases, close observation should be done early in the morning and
late in the evening.

Two to three weeks before the mating season, start extra feeding. This practice
is called flushing. It involves giving cows/heifers and heifers additional energy-
rich feeds such as concentrates or good legume fodder. Flushing improves the
condition of animals, making heat signs more visible and increasing the chance
of conception.
Pregnancy and calving in beef cattle
Pregnancy in cattle lasts for nine months. From the seventh month, pregnant
cows/heifers should not be moved over long distances. Keep them in a clean,
calm area with enough feeds and drinking water, and handled with care to avoid
stress or injury.

About two weeks before calving, the animal should be moved to a quiet calving
area, which should be dry, with soft endings, and free from sharp objects. This
aims at preventing injury to both cow and calf and reducing disease risks. After
birth, the calf must be allowed to suckle colostrum within a few hours. This first
milk helps the calf to build immunity. Weak calves may require support to start
suckling.

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