Zambia Agribusiness Society

One of the challenges you face as a farmer is the threat of a common and potentially devastating disease called coccidiosis. But once you understand what causes it and how it spreads, you can feel more confident about your ability to limit its impact on your flock. Coccidiosis is caused by a microscopic parasite that is transmitted via the droppings from infected birds. In other words anywhere there's a microscopic trace of bird's dropping in water or feeders there is almost certainly coccidia present. So you have to make sure that the hygiene of the water and feeds is at its best. Symptoms of coccidiosis include; brown diarrhoea, weight loss, paleness, ruffled feathers, huddling, loss of appetite, bloody diarrhoea. All birds are at risk, but growing birds and young adults 3 to 9 weeks seem more susceptible. So in case of any invasion by this disease always treat it using Embazim Fort, it is given for five consecutive days. When coccidiosis is allowed to proliferate unhan...

Companies all around the world are racing to find better meat replacements for plant-based or plant-curious consumers, and the plant-based protein sector is flourishing. According to a new survey by the nutrition business Kerry, 61% of customers prefer plant-based proteins to animal-based proteins. Customers increasingly link protein with health and as the benefits of plant-based diets become more widely understood, consumers are gravitating toward vegan protein sources. Only half of all consumers believe animal protein is a preferred source of dietary protein, according to the study. More products are gaining popularity in new market segments such as milk alternatives, chicken, and meat replacements, according to the research. The boost in growth and demand is projected to continue as new plant protein sources become more accessible and appealing to consumers. According to the survey, most consumers are aware that plant-based protein is the healthier alternative, as evidenced by t...

The adoption of a healthy lifestyle is increasing with growing health concerns and rising awareness among the population. The health and fitness market across the globe registers a decent consumer base shift towards healthy dietary alternatives. Consumers are looking for products that provide energy for a longer duration and have high nutrient value, thus increasing demand for energy bars in the market. The rise in demand for convenient and healthy energy-providing food products is driving the organic energy bar market. The consumption rate of high protein bars is more among bodybuilders, fitness enthusiasts, and athletes as they need to replenish their lost energy. The increase in preference of consumers for organic food variants and the rise in popularity of snack bars provides lucrative market opportunities for the global organic energy bar market. The competitive city life, disturbed work-life balance, and busy schedules make it quite challenging to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Th...

Maggot farming is highly profitable and sustainable. Margot farming has become popular because of the high level of protein they produce in human and animal dietary. Maggots evolve from flies. They are fly larvae, usually from the common housefly. When flies lay eggs, the eggs hatch into maggots before they metamorphoses into flies. Maggots are also called grubs and can grow between 4 to 12mm in length depending on their stage of growth. Some maggot range from an off-white colour to a light brown, though some can be yellow or reddish colour. Maggots or larva metamorphose from flies. The fly of this larva are from black soldier fly. The black soldier fly (BSF) is a harmless fly and does not transmit diseases unlike the house fly. The high cost of animal feed is a major challenge for farmers. Research has shown that maggot meal of black soldier fly can be an excellent replacement for fishmeal or soybeans meal which are the main ingredient in animal feed. Maggot meal can be blended ...

5-point checklist showing the signs of internal parasites on goats Most goats suffer from worms. Worm infestation may contribute to low growth rates and death from other diseases due to worms causing malnutrition. Young goats are more susceptible. It is worth observing and noting what worms are present in all goats slaughtered for sale and all goats which die. This will enable you to know what worms are common in the area and make sure appropriate remedies are chosen. Different remedies treat a different selection of worms. Generally, most will treat roundworm and milk tape worm but not all will treat liver tape worm, nodular worm or liver flukes. A way to check for worm infection in live goats is to check the inside of the eyelids and mouth. If it is very pale, almost white instead of pink, heavy worm infestation is suspected. You can also check the manure for signs of worms though not all are visible without a microscope. If you have access to a microscope you can check regularly for...

Last week we discussed management of newly born piglets . The discussion today is a continuation but focused on management of weaned piglets. Weaning is the process of stopping the piglets from suckling the sow. This is done by removing the sow from the farrowing unit or removing piglets from the sow unit to their new pen. Weaning is the most stressful process to piglets and if not handled well, chances of losing them are very high! This is because: 1. Change of Diet: There is change from liquid to sole dependency on solid diet. When with their mother, piglets are used to a combination of both liquid (sow milk) and solid (Barbistar safe creep feed) diets. A piglet hardly consume 500g of creep feed from its introduction at 6 days to weaning. Therefore less solid food is consumed during suckling. Weaned piglets will be more interested in water in the first few days before good appetite for solid food is developed. This is why providing a consistent access to clean and fresh water...

Our maize field has started tasselling already. This maize field was started up by irrigation and the rains have supplemented it. Seen in the pictures is a late maturity maize field. Below is a brief guide: 1. Seed Requirement per Hectare 20 - 25kg of seed is required to cover a hectare. 2. Spacing Between the line 75cm - 90cm. Between the plants 20cm. Depth 3cm - 5cm. 3. Fertilization Basal-dressing: D-compound is applied at time of planting. 4 x 50kg bags per hectare. Top-dressing: Urea is applied when the plants are about 30cm or knee level. 4 x 50kg minimum. Urea is the source of nitrogen for maize. 4 bags of urea is the minimum to apply per ha. However, we apply more by doing a second dose as maize responds positively to nitrogen. This gives us better yields. 4. Weed Management Pre-emergence weed control: Apply your weed control chemicals immediately after planting. Spray within 3 days of planting. 5. Insect Management Very Crucial The ...