An American expert consults Moldovan milk producers on matters of increasing productivity August 20, 2010
"Milk productivity in Moldova is mostly limited by the poor protein, vitamin, and mineral content in animal nutrition", states the American expert David Ziegler, researcher at the University of Minnesota. David Ziegler has visited our country between August 9 and August 21 in order to provide consultancy on a voluntary basis to several milk producers from the north of the country with the support of the Farmer-to-Farmer Program, implemented in Moldova by the USAID-funded organization CNFA.
"Many milk producers from Moldova have basic knowledge on the matter and are open to assimilate more advanced practices", David Ziegler states. "However, after all the old farms have been disbanded for good, the establishment of new and effective farms requires both investment and time", the expert assesses.
According to American researcher, forage crops that have been grown without fertilizers have low protein content. In order to improve milk productivity, David Ziegler recommends a more frequent use of soy concentrates, given they are twice as rich in protein compared to the ones based on sunflower. Moreover, according to scientist, animals that provide higher productivity are to be provided with a separate food ration containing more combined fodder.
The American volunteer has also provided consultancy on matters of calf care in the first hours of life, optimum animal nutrition, livestock health and care, and disease prevention and treatment.
David Ziegler has been selected on a contest basis in order to provide consultancy to Total-Gnatiuc LTD from the village of Fundurii Vechi, Glodeni district, on matters of cow health and nutrition for increasing milk productivity.
"We have established a farm, but in order to produce milk and gain profit we cannot operate based on old principles", Eugen Gnatiuc, manager of Total-Gnatiuc LTD, states. "In order to achieve the desired productivity, we want to learn more secrets of this business, and we need professional advice and recommendations", the businessman adds.
The FtF program provides the farmers’ groups, cooperatives, and agribusinesses with the opportunity to benefit from free American consultancy in order to improve their performances, by ensuring them a professional approach of the technical and financial matters. The consultancy is provided during a period of up to three weeks for two strategic agricultural sub-sectors - production of fruit and vegetables and dairy products. The estimated value of the consultancy for the year 2010 is of almost $1 million.
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