Alternative livestock diet to beat costs

As Afrofest 2023 continues, there is discussion about the rising cost of animal feed. However, an award-winning farmer and a veterinarian are not worried. 

They believe changing animals’ diets to included local vegetables and even fruit, would help to keep breeders costs manageable and produce healthy animals. 

Andrew Callender, a beef farmer, who copped first prize at the Agrofest livestock show on Saturday with his 2045-pound bull, ‘Heavy Water’, says he always tries to control his spending on inputs. 

Mr. Callender explained that the meat from beef cows eating these kinds of foods is tastier and less fatty. He conceded that a diet of fruit and vegetables might not be best for some animals such as cows reared for milk production.

CBC News also spoke with veterinarian Anthony Griffith, who was responsible for examining all the livestock on show at Agrofest upon their arrival. He agrees that this alternative diet is cost-effective and contributes to the wellbeing of the animals.

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