Abstract
Productivity data were gathered from Mashona cows (n = 187) in 28 traditionally managed herds in two areas, separated by a corridor 20–30 km wide of almost uninhabited bush in NE Zimbabwe. Cattle are kept primarily to provide oxen for work. Cows in the southern area, which had been more affected by drought in 1991–92, were younger (7.2 vs. 9.1 years) and had a longer median calving interval (548 vs. 406 days). Metrical data (n = 105 cows) showed these cattle to be larger-bodied than those in the northern area (heart girth 146 vs. 144 cm). Market prices, estimated by respondents, were higher for oxen and herds were smaller in the south, and calf survival was believed by owners to be more influenced by season of birth in this area. Data were obtained on 531 calves. Before the age of 12 months 6.2% died, a low proportion compared with other studies. Most were retained in herds but 11.5% were slaughtered, sold or given away. All owners practised castration, selecting fast growing, strong bull calves for breeding.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
REFERENCES
Barrett, J.C., 1992. The economic role of cattle in communal farming systems in Zimbabwe. Pastoral Development Network Paper, 32b, 1-35
Benson, C. and Clay, E., 1994. The impact of drought on sub-Saharan African economies: a preliminary examination, (Working paper 77, Overseas Development Institute, London)
Cundiff, L.V., MacNeil, M.D., Gregory, K.E. and Koch, R.M., 1986. Between-and within-breed genetic analysis of calving traits and survival to weaning in beef cattle. Journal of Animal Science, 63, 27-33
Hall, S.J.G., 1991. Body dimensions of Nigerian cattle, sheep and goats. Animal Production, 53, 61-69
Hall, S.J.G. and Blench, R.M., 1998. Conflicts in protected areas in Africa: livestock and the conservation of the Rwenya Wildlife Management Area, northeast Zimbabwe. Agricultural Research and Extension Network Paper, 82b. London: Overseas Development Institute, 7-15
Homewood, K. and Lewis, J., 1987. Impact of drought on pastoral livestock in Baringo, Kenya 1983–85. Journal of Applied Ecology, 24, 615-631
Holness, D.H., 1992. Mashona Cattle of Zimbabwe, (Harare, Zimbabwe: Mashona Cattle Society)
Honhold, N., Hill, F.W.G., Knottenbelt, D.C., Perry, B.D. and Morton, D., 1992. Reproduction in female cattle in a communal farming area of Zimbabwe. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 24, 183-191
IIED, 1992. Overseas Development Administration. Environmental Synopsis of Zimbabwe, (International Institute for Environment and Development, London)
Khombe, C.T., Hayes, J.F., Tawonezvi, H.P.R. and Khombe, M., 1994. Estimation of genetic differences between Mashona bulls from different production systems using an animal model. Journal of Agricultural Science, Cambridge, 122, 459-463
Nugent, R.A. and Notter, D.R., 1991. Body measurements of crossbred calves sired by Simmental bulls divergently selected for progeny first-calf calving ease in relation to birth weight. Journal of Animal Science, 69, 2422-2433
Ogaa, J.S., Llewelyn, C.A., Odiawo, G.O., Nyathi, C.B., Obwolo, M.J., Hill, F.W.G., Vickers, D.B., Majok, A.A. and Moyo, P., 1992. Studies on indigenous cattle under traditional management in Zimbabwe: 3. Reproductive performance. Zimbabwe Veterinary Journal, 23, 121-133
Ørskov, E.R., 1993. Reality in Rural Development Aid with Emphasis on Livestock, (Rowett Research Services Limited, Aberdeen)
Ørskov, E.R. and Viglizzo, E.F., 1994. The role of animals in spreading farmers' risks: a new paradigm for animal science. Outlook on Agriculture, 23, 81-89
Perry, B.D., Carter, M.E., Hill, F.W.G. and Milne, J.A.C., 1987. Mastitis and milk production in cattle in a communal land of Zimbabwe. British Veterinary Journal, 143, 44-50
Rakha, A.M., Igboeli, G. and King, J.L., 1971. Calving interval, gestation and postpartum periods of indigenous central African cattle under a restricted system of breeding. Journal of Animal Science, 32, 507-510
Rege, J.E.O. and Moyo, S., 1993. Effect of birth date on growth performance of calves of seasonally-bred range cattle. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics, 110, 209-227
Sandford, S., 1982. Livestock in the Communal Areas of Zimbabwe. Report prepared for Zimbabwe Ministry of Lands, Resettlement and Rural Development, (Overseas Development Institute, London)
Scoones, I., 1992. The economic value of livestock in the communal areas of southern Zimbabwe. Agricultural Systems, 39, 339-359
Tawonezvi, H.P.R., 1993. Adaptability of beef cattle. Journal of the Zimbabwe Society for Animal Production, 5, 15-18
Ward, H.K., 1978. Indigenous cattle research — a review. Rhodesia Agricultural Journal, 75, 45-54
Ward, H.K. and Denny, R.P., 1985. A bibliography of the Matopos Research Station. Zimbabwe Agricultural Journal, 82(Suppl.), 1-19
Wiener, G., 1994. The Tropical Agriculturalist. Animal Breeding, (The Macmillan, London, and Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation, Wageningen)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hall, S. Traditional Livestock in Semi-Arid North Eastern Zimbabwe: Mashona Cattle. Tropical Animal Health and Production 30, 351–360 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005192604460
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005192604460