Beef from Grass

In the course of work as an Animal Husbandry Extension worker, Namukolo Mukutu often had requests from intending farmers on how to start a beef farm, where to farm, and how to farm. Already established farmers, on the other hand, also often approached him for advice with specific problems, usually relating to “how to”. The notes compiled in this book are intended for both these groups of farmers. The message or technologies in the first part (Chapters 1-27) are clear and easy to understand. This, however, is what is commonly taught in schools of animal husbandry. It is essentially the easier part. The more difficult part, and what is not taught in schools of animal husbandry has to do with how the cattle interact with their environment to assure sustainable availability of forage on which they depend. When this relationship is properly understood and put into practice, cattle productivity is enhanced and even continue to increase.



Namukolo Mukutu makes this the cornerstone of the book. Sustainable animal husbandry systems are recommended for all soil and vegetation types of Zambia. The notes, provide a very simple and practical way in which the starting point of beef farming, the estimation of carrying capacity can be carried out, out of which the herd size and systems of animal husbandry suitable for the area can be designed and implemented.