The Agricultural Bank of Namibia’s Agri-Advisory Services Division provides training to farmers on various farming enterprises through face-to-face sessions and the Agrilearn online platform. This video covers the basics of livestock veterinary medicine, including vaccines, antibiotics, and anti-parasitic remedies, emphasizing proper handling and usage to ensure effectiveness.
Enhancing Livestock Farming with Agri-Advisory Services in Namibia
The Agricultural Bank of Namibia’s Agri-Advisory Services Division is dedicated to empowering farmers and bank clients across all 14 regions of Namibia. Through both face-to-face sessions and the Agrilearn online platform, the division provides comprehensive training on various farming enterprises. This initiative aims to build the knowledge and skills of farmers from diverse backgrounds, promoting sustainable farming practices.
Join us on this virtual journey as we delve into the essentials of livestock production.
Introduction to Veterinary Medicine in Livestock Farming
Categories of Veterinary Drugs
Veterinary medicine is essential in handling livestock to ensure their health and productivity. There are different categories of veterinary drugs that farmers should be familiar with:
- Vaccines
- Antibiotics
- Anti-Parasitic Remedies
- Nutritional Supplements
Importance of Vaccines
Vaccines are crucial for the prevention of diseases in healthy animals. Common vaccines include Supervax and Multivax P. These vaccines must be stored in a cold chain, typically between 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, to remain effective. Farmers should use a cooler box to maintain this temperature from purchase to administration.
Proper Use of Antibiotics
Antibiotics are designed to treat sick animals. They should not be used on healthy livestock. If a farmer encounters a sick animal during vaccination, it should be separated and treated with the appropriate antibiotic. The dosage for antibiotics is generally one milliliter per 10 kilograms of the animal’s weight.
Anti-Parasitic Remedies
Different types of parasites require specific treatments:
- External Parasites: Ticks, mites, and lice can be controlled using pour-on remedies, dips, or topical applications like Vaseline.
- Internal Parasites: Tapeworms, liver flukes, and roundworms are treated with oral doses or injectable drugs like Dectomax, which target both internal and external parasites.
Nutritional Supplements
To address various nutritional needs, farmers can use supplements like Vitamin A, phosphorus, and zinc. Products such as Multi-Min and Solvet Metabolic are commonly used to ensure livestock receive essential nutrients.
Ensuring the Effectiveness of Veterinary Drugs
It’s crucial for farmers to follow proper protocols to ensure the effectiveness of veterinary drugs:
- Maintain the Cold Chain: Vaccines must be stored correctly to remain potent.
- Check Expiry Dates: Always use drugs before their expiration date.
- Administer Correct Dosages: Follow the recommended dosages to achieve the desired results. Under-dosing can lead to ineffective treatment and prolonged illness.By adhering to these guidelines, farmers can avoid common issues such as reduced drug efficacy and ensure the health of their livestock.
Conclusion
Understanding the various categories of veterinary drugs and their proper use is essential for effective livestock management. The Agricultural Bank of Namibia’s Agri-Advisory Services Division is committed to providing valuable insights and training to farmers, promoting sustainable and productive farming practices.
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[Music]Thank you for joining us on this informative journey.
