Herd Structure, Offtake and Mortality of Cattle in a Crop-Livestock Farming System of Wedza Communal Area, Zimbabwe

Three hundred and forty-two head of cattle were monitored for a period of two years in Chigodora and Goneso Wards of Wedza communal area. Data on the herd structure, entries and/or exits as well as the reasons for the entry and/or exit were recorded using a structured questionnaire that was administered once per month to each of the participating households. Data on the farm gate prices of animals that were sold or purchased were also collected. On average, each of the participating households kept a herd of eight cattle (range: 1-20). The average herd composition was: 28 % breeding females, 14%