By Ndumiso Tshuma
A group of dedicated farmers in Matabeleland is revolutionising livestock management by focusing on advanced breeding techniques and care for F1, F2, F3, and pedigree cows.
This collaborative initiative has garnered significant praise from the local agricultural community for its potential to enhance productivity and economic growth in the region.
Madlenkosi Khumalo, a member of the group, shared his inspiring journey in livestock farming. “I started buying cows in February 2023 after connecting with Miss Ngwenya, who introduced me to the Matabeleland Farmers group. They taught me essential cattle management techniques,” Khumalo explained.
Together with nine other members, Khumalo has acquired an impressive 43 cows from Namibia and various local sources, including Chipinge and Koloni.
“The group’s teachings helped me expand my herd and manage it effectively. Our goal is to introduce new cattle genetics to Zimbabwe to drive economic growth,” he added.
By pooling resources, knowledge, and experience, the group is not only improving individual livelihoods but also enhancing the region’s agricultural output.
“This collaboration demonstrates the power of community-driven agricultural practices. With shared education and expertise, the future of farming in Matabeleland looks bright,” Khumalo emphasised.
F1, F2, and F3 are terms used in livestock breeding to describe generations of crossbred animals.
F1 (First Generation) refers to the first offspring resulting from crossbreeding two purebred parents from different breeds. For example, crossing a purebred Brahman cow with a purebred Angus bull would produce F1 offspring.
F2 (Second Generation) refers to the offspring produced when two F1 individuals are bred together. The genetic variability increases in the F2 generation, and the uniformity seen in F1 animals may decrease as traits from the grandparents recombine in different ways.
F3 (Third Generation) refers to the offspring produced by breeding two F2 animals. By this stage, the influence of the original purebred parents diminishes, and the traits in the animals may stabilise depending on selective breeding practices.
