Record-keeping is a critical component of effective cattle management. Farmers must prioritise keeping records to help make informed decisions on-farm strategies and techniques.
In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, livestock technical advisor Ernest Makua shares valuable tips on cattle record-keeping methods.
A recipe for success
According to Makua, keeping detailed and organised records is essential for managing a successful cattle farm. Not only does proper record-keeping help you make informed decisions, but it also helps farmers track the health and productivity of their herd, and comply with regulatory requirements.
“Without keeping records you wouldn’t know what you have done yesterday as opposed to what you want to do today. Essential information that needs to be recorded for each cattle includes, birth date, health statutes, and vaccination status,” he explains.
Makua cautions that it is, however, important to ensure accuracy in a record-keeping strategy. The precision and reliability of the information collected play a pivotal role in optimising operations, ensuring animal welfare, complying with regulations, and maximising profitability.
A health-monitoring tool
Accurate records help in tracking the health history of individual animals, including vaccinations, treatments, and medical history.
“Health records should be updated regularly when it comes to the animals. Every time health-related events or cases pop up it should be recorded. This leaves room for no errors,” Makua says.
Catching up with the week’s #SoilSista
This week, we celebrate #SoilSista Emmaculate Malashe’s pioneering path in agriculture. From founding Mafuba Fresh to navigating challenges amid the Covid-19 pandemic and more. With a passion for quality and dedication to empowering others, this #SoilSista is breaking barriers.
In this episode, he also discusses:
- Identification and tagging in record-keeping;
- How can record-keeping contribute to effective financial management;
- How can record-keeping aid in disease prevention and control on a cattle farm, and more?
Want to know more? Listen to the full episode of Farmer’s Inside Track.
Option 1: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices).
Option 2: Click here to listen on any Apple device.
Option 3: Click here to listen on Google Podcast.
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