Livestock farmers were advised to prioritize their animals' health to maximize productivity and sustain their livelihoods.

The remarks were made during a farmers' day event for local livestock farmers in Ondangwa, Oshana Region.

The one-day training was organized by Feed Master, the Ministry of Agriculture’s Directorate of Veterinary Services, and MSD, an American multinational pharmaceutical company.

The event aimed to educate farmers on daily farming practices and the importance of supplementation for sustainability.

Danwill Morkel, a sales representative from MSD, shared:

"We must ensure we vaccinate to prevent disease spread—understanding how diseases transmit through contaminated water, internal and external parasites. Controlling disease spread is crucial."

The training provided theoretical and practical knowledge on animal health, husbandry, and metabolic diseases.

Farmers were also guided on proper livestock nutrition for growth, development, reproduction, and strong immunity against infections.

Key topics included balanced livestock diets, year-round vaccination, and developing a vaccination calendar. Farmers were also advised on parasite control (internal and external) and biosecurity measures.

"Do you have a quarantine facility for sick animals? Do you isolate them or let them graze with healthy ones? These are critical biosecurity measures to consider."

Livestock farming can be profitable, but farmers must shift from traditional practices—keeping herds for show rather than income—to effectively combat poverty.

State Veterinarian Tangeni Haimbodi addressed foot rot, a common issue in small stock during the rainy season.

"We encourage farmers to trim goats’ and sheep’s hooves, maintain clean kraals, and prepare antibiotics and sprays to treat severe cases."

Other discussions included keeping kraals clean, using agriculture ministry-provided equipment, and ensuring proper lick mixtures with essential carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, minerals, calcium, and phosphorus for livestock.