FOOD AND NUTRITION - DAIRY DEVELOPMENT

Dairy farming in Guyana"s tropical climate has some advantages, such as minimal shelter requirements, year-round grazing, and adequate water supplies. The climate is also a major constraint to higher milk production. The average temperature-humidity index in Guyana is 75 to 76 -- three units above the comfort zone for high-producing cattle from the world"s temperate zones. Imported stocks react to the climate by becoming hyperthermic, eating less, and staying in the shade or pond to keep cool, resulting in slower maturity, smaller size, drastically reduced milk production, and fertility problems. Other problems include the low-protien content of pasture lands, the high cost of protein concentrates, and limited veterinarian supplies and services. The long-range goal of the GOG is to combine the superior adaptability of native Creole cattle with the productivity of "European-type" cattle, while improving the management of pastures, nutrition, and disease control. The contractor recommends an intensive artifical insemination program, using imported semen from Holstein bulls weighing in excess of 1,000 lbs. In addition, improvements in milk storage and marketing are critically needed. Finally, the author outlines what he considers to be the basic requirements for an effective GOG small dairy farmer management system. These include: (1) establishment of dairy education and service programs; (2) the allotment by the GOG of unused or poorer quality rice lands as "cooperative pastures" for dairy farmers; (3) increased availability of supplemental feeds (protein and energy concentrates) at fair prices; and (4) an increased policing of beef sales to butchers to discourage thefts of dairy cattle. The author recommends that A.I.D. provide consultants, training for GOG personnel, vehicles, and supplies necessary in conducting a management dairy education program for the Guyana"s farmers.