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Tropical animal health and production1999; 30(5); 309-324; doi: 10.1023/a:1005059308088

Performance and management of draught animals in agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa: a review.

Abstract: Use of animal power generally enables farmers in sub-Saharan Africa to increase agricultural production and improve the quality of life. Effective use of working animals depends on an understanding of the capabilities of the animals for work, their husbandry requirements and the factors which can influence their performance. These issues are reviewed in this paper in the context of the use of animal power in agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa. The type of animal used for work determines power available to the farmer. The performance of donkeys, horses and cattle have been compared in work tests. Equids are more suited to rapid low draught activities where their faster speed can be used to advantage. At higher draught forces, where speed is less important, the additional weight and power of cattle are an advantage. Use of heart rate recovery after work gives a reasonable indication of fatigue and fitness of equids, when test conditions are standardized. Although feed requirements for work are generally low, feed quality can be so poor that animals are unable to eat enough to meet energy needs for work, and so lose weight during the work season. However, improvements in work performance are not always seen following supplementary feeding in the dry season and the economics need to be considered in each case. Food availability, diseases and heat stress, the major constraints to performance of draught cattle and donkeys working in sub-Saharan Africa, are discussed.
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Publication Date: 1999-01-09 PubMed ID: 9881437DOI: 10.1023/a:1005059308088Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research paper reviews the use, performance, and management of draught animals (animals used for work) in agriculture within sub-Saharan Africa, acknowledging the constraints and requirements that influence their productivity and well-being.

Understanding Draught Animals and Their Capabilities

  • The work conducted by draught animals, generally donkeys, horses, and cattle, significantly contributes to agricultural output within sub-Saharan Africa.
  • The type of animal used for work determines the amount of power available to the farmer, with equids such as donkeys and horses being more suitable for rapid, low-draught activities due to their faster speed.
  • On the other hand, cattle offer more power and are preferred for high-draught tasks where speed is not as crucial.

Monitoring Animal Fatigue and Fitness

  • Animal fatigue and fitness, particularly in equids, can be reasonably measured by monitoring the heart rate recovery after work, as long as test conditions are standardized.

Importance of Feed Quality and Quantity

  • While feed requirements for work are typically low, the poor quality of feed often means animals cannot consume enough to meet the energy demands required for work, leading to weight loss during the work season.
  • Supplementary feeding in the dry season may not always result in improved work performance, and the cost-effectiveness of this should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Major Constraints to Performance

  • The study also identifies the main constraints affecting the performance of working animals in this region, namely food availability, diseases, and heat stress.

In summary, the paper highlights the important role of draught animals in sub-Saharan African agriculture and underscores the need for better understanding and management of these animals to enhance agricultural productivity and the quality of life for rural households.

Cite This Article

APA
Pearson RA, Vall E. (1999). Performance and management of draught animals in agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa: a review. Trop Anim Health Prod, 30(5), 309-324. https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1005059308088

Publication

Tropical animal health and production
ISSN: 0049-4747
NlmUniqueID: 1277355
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 30
Issue: 5
Pages: 309-324

Researcher Affiliations

Pearson, R A
  • Centre for Tropical Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland.
Vall, E

    MeSH Terms

    • Africa South of the Sahara
    • Agriculture / economics
    • Animal Feed
    • Animal Husbandry
    • Animals
    • Animals, Domestic / metabolism
    • Animals, Domestic / physiology
    • Cattle
    • Energy Metabolism
    • Equidae
    • Fatigue / physiopathology
    • Fatigue / veterinary
    • Heat Stress Disorders / physiopathology
    • Heat Stress Disorders / veterinary
    • Horses
    • Physical Exertion / physiology
    • Trypanosomiasis, African / physiopathology
    • Trypanosomiasis, African / veterinary

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    Citations

    This article has been cited 7 times.
    1. Alberghina D, Statelli A, Monteverde V, Vazzana I, Cascone G, Panzera M. Serum Cortisol and Its Correlation with Leucocyte Profile and Circulating Lipids in Donkeys (Equus asinus). Animals (Basel) 2022 Mar 26;12(7).
      doi: 10.3390/ani12070841pubmed: 35405831google scholar: lookup
    2. Mota-Rojas D, Braghieri A, Álvarez-Macías A, Serrapica F, Ramírez-Bribiesca E, Cruz-Monterrosa R, Masucci F, Mora-Medina P, Napolitano F. The Use of Draught Animals in Rural Labour. Animals (Basel) 2021 Sep 13;11(9).
      doi: 10.3390/ani11092683pubmed: 34573649google scholar: lookup
    3. Bukhari SSUH, McElligott AG, Parkes RSV. Quantifying the Impact of Mounted Load Carrying on Equids: A Review. Animals (Basel) 2021 May 7;11(5).
      doi: 10.3390/ani11051333pubmed: 34067208google scholar: lookup
    4. Gichure M, Onono J, Wahome R, Gathura P. Assessment of Phenotypic Characteristics and Work Suitability for Working Donkeys in the Central Highlands in Kenya. Vet Med Int 2020;2020:8816983.
      doi: 10.1155/2020/8816983pubmed: 33123337google scholar: lookup
    5. Scantlebury CE, Peachey L, Hodgkinson J, Matthews JB, Trawford A, Mulugeta G, Tefera G, Pinchbeck GL. Participatory study of medicinal plants used in the control of gastrointestinal parasites in donkeys in Eastern Shewa and Arsi zones of Oromia region, Ethiopia. BMC Vet Res 2013 Sep 11;9:179.
      doi: 10.1186/1746-6148-9-179pubmed: 24025403google scholar: lookup
    6. Olaifa F, Ayo JO, Ambali SF, Rekwot PI. Hemato-biochemical responses to packing in donkeys administered ascorbic acid during the harmattan season. J Vet Med Sci 2015 Feb;77(2):133-8.
      doi: 10.1292/jvms.12-0038pubmed: 23154452google scholar: lookup
    7. Raw Z, Collins JA, Burden FA. What Is a Working Equid? Analysis of Current Terminology and a Suggested Definition. Animals (Basel) 2024 Jul 9;14(14).
      doi: 10.3390/ani14142026pubmed: 39061488google scholar: lookup
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