Housing of Cattle

From ancient times, cattle keeping has always been a prestigious activity in the Rwandan society. Cattle keepers were seen as well off citizens and a cow was considered as a sign of love and strong relationship ties. Recent strategic policies  ( Vision 2020, Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS) and PSTA III as well as sectoral strategy papers which determine the development directions  of the country's economy, agriculture and livestock have put emphasis on the following key products: milk, meat, hides and skins and honey.

Cattle keepers have, therefore, been sensitized on modern animal husbandry techniques aimed at feeding and health care of animals  so that they can express their genetic potential, but also knowledge of reproductive cycle, heat detection and choice of the right genetics which need be worked on before genetic improvement can be effective.

1. Cattle Shed

The cattle shed is one of production factors that boost animal resource products such as meat, milk and manure.

• Purpose of cattle shed:

• Protect the cattle from adverse impact or hostile aspects of bad weather: temperature variations, drought, etc
• Increased control and surveillance of the herd, better distribution of food, better care
• Boost the productivity of the system, obtain organic manure, reduction in required manpower.
• The cattle shed must be properly covered and have enough litter. If the cattle shed has no walls, animals shall be tied up

Measurements of a cattle shed

Each animal should have a rectangular area of approximately 1.50 m wide, with the same length as animal (measured from the muffle up to the ischiums), that is 2 to 2.50 m on average.