VN October 2023

Oktober 2023 49 Looking at the herds on my initial visit my mind was fairly resolute on the fact that farming these animals in this environment was a pure waste of time. I did not know of the capabilities of the nDamas and their resilience. The nDama cattle were not that more successful but there were the odd animals that were of condition score of 3. There were no 4’s or more. These little animals, where cows seldom made 280kgs and weaned calves of just over 100kgs were more adapted to the harsh conditions. Most of the animals had enlarged lymph nodes and jugular pulses; a sure indication of chronic Trypanosomiasis. None of the animals had any satisfactory identification – some had been branded and some had ear tags but there was no apparent system. The very basic herd health program was to give all the animals a Trypanosomiasis treatment twice annually and deworming two to three times per year. Then, if seen to be sick and if possible to control them without having to walk miles to a suitable restraining crush, they would be treated for what they were thought to have. Pasteurella had been a major problem which was probably related to the chronic Tryps. Losses from this had been rated at at least 15% of the mortalities. Looking at the cattle it was obvious that the draw for dipping had been very variable. The cattle were dipped weekly but because of the poor draw many missed a week or more before being located and brought in. This was unsatisfactory but, due to the difficult terrain was not easily corrected. The calving percentage was between 40 and 50 % with high calf mortality so cattle numberswere decreasing.Therewas no evidence of venereal disease and bull numbers were far from adequate. Calving problems were virtually non-existent because the calves were born at less than 15 kgs and there was no record of abortions. v nDama cow at the start. Enlarged lymph nodes and jugular pulse Primitive counting system Zebu cross nDama. The animal on the left was very typical – very poor condition scores