Guidelines for Determining Appropriate Animal Species in Project Planning

Heifer International

Letter from Steve Denne

Heifer International has been striving to bring hope and transformation to impoverished families since 1944. Through gifts of livestock and training, we work to help these families achieve sustainable livelihoods and ensure access to healthy foods year-round. However, through Heifer’s values-based community development approach, our impact goes even deeper than nutrition and income,

transforming families that once struggled in poverty into vibrant, harmonious and sustainable communities.

Animals can provide a significant source of income, improve the nutrition of their owners and open up a world of opportunities that were previously unavailable. Heifer uses our gifts of livestock as an entry point to reaching poor and marginalized communities. Through the provision of the animal inputs, Heifer can begin a relationship with the families and find a forum for our community based development approach. This publication will help to ensure that the animals selected for our interventions are high-quality and most appropriate for their new owners, leading to a more successful project. My sincere appreciation goes to Mahendra Lohani and the Asia/South Pacific team for their continued steps to increase the quality of Heifer’s work around the globe.

Sincerely,

Steve DenneChief Operating Officer/EVP of International Programs

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Background ..........................................................................................................6

Purpose of the Guidelines ....................................................................................7

Guidelines for Determining Appropriate Animal Species in Project Planning......8

1. Technical Feasibility Studies ........................................................................8

2. Animal Species Selection and Purchase ...................................................14

Conclusion ..........................................................................................................15

Appendix A: Animal Nutrition ...............................................................................16

Appendix B: Animal Housing ...............................................................................17

Appendix C: Animal Health Care: Community Animal Health Worker (CAHW) ........18

Appendix D: Improved Animal Management Training ............................................20

Appendix E: Animal Insurance .............................................................................22

Table of Contents

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Background

HEIFER INTERNATIONAL is concerned with more than just providing animals; it is focused on the overall development of communities. The benefits gained from animals transcend economic value. The advantages of owning an animal often translate into a child gaining access to school—just from a pair of goats in a shed or a cow in a pen.1 Within the culture and tradition, the family may not think of this value in terms of money. The socio-cultural changes brought about by the animal in the form of nutritious milk or improved vegetables from a compost-fed kitchen garden are directly related to a decrease in the symptoms of disease such as HIV/AIDS,2 the ability to afford fees for the children’s school, or the resources to build an improved roof to keep rain out of the home. Benefits like these simply cannot be calculated in terms of money.

Animal-source foods play a central role in human diets, providing an excellent supply of protein, vitamins, minerals and most micronutrients. Without meat, milk and eggs, readily available sources of amino acids for a complete diet are limited, especially for young children. People living with disease need readily available sources of nutrients that are easily digested, and many animal-source foods satisfy that need.

Farm animals, such as cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats and chickens are useful in rural villages because they can graze rough and restricted areas where crops for human consumption cannot be grown. They convert forage found in grasses and leaves into milk, meat and muscle power. They also add nutrients back to the soil for plant growth and bulk, allowing longer water retention and reducing compaction. Thus, animals not only provide food, but they also provide the means to grow other kinds of food and create income opportunities that steadily build food security at family and community levels. When animals are healthy and productive, families benefit and there is a favorable impact on the environment.

1 Heifer International and Sustainable Livestock Development, 2006. The Exchange, Issue 129. Heifer International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72202

2 JKG Mati, 2006. “A Study of Best Practices in Five Heifer International Country Programs in East and Southern Africa. Heifer International” (Internal Document), 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72202.

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Purpose of the Guidelines

It is crucial that an appropriate animal species is selected during project planning. If an inappropriate species is chosen, the project participant may be unable to properly care for the animal or market the animal products. In such cases, the animal will become a burden upon the family rather than a benefit. This publication will give guidelines to help ensure that the animal species selected will provide the greatest benefit to the project participants. Impact evaluations on Heifer’s projects in the past have emphasized the need to reduce livestock death and illness. Therefore, once an appropriate species is selected, it is equally important that standard practices are used to attain good animal health and husbandry. The appendices of this publication will provide basic guidelines to address this need through the following means:n Improving livestock care through training; n Providing extra mentoring for people with greater learning challenges;

and n Assuring accessibility to and affordability of veterinary services by using

a community-based animal health care approach.

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Guidelines for Determining Appropriate Animal Species in Project Planning

1. TEChniCAL FEASiBiLiTy STuDiES Heifer International’s programs have designed guidelines for conducting technical feasibility studies. Country program staff and project partners can use the guidelines to select appropriate animal species for placement.

The sustainability of Heifer programs depends upon many factors involving the appropriate community members, strong project partners, and effective implementation and monitoring of the projects. The success of Heifer projects with livestock as a component depends on the positive response to the following questions:

1. Have the animals been selected3 for the project based upon the most appropriate species, breed, age, size, acclimatization, feed available and source?

2. Will there be adequate nutrition (Appendix A) available for the animals according to their age, stage of gestation and production/growth requirements?

3. Can adequate and affordable animal housing (Appendix B) be provided, and are other husbandry needs taken into consideration for the selected animal type?

4. Has the environmental impact of the animals been considered, such as air quality, integrity of the soil and protection of water sources?

5. Is there a market for offspring, meat, milk, eggs and other byproducts? Will the family and broader community experience a positive benefit from improved nutrition and income through the production of meat, milk, eggs, draft power, fibers, manure, other byproducts and/or sale of offspring?

3 Heifer International’s “Community Animal Health Worker Manual” pp. 131. Heifer International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72202.

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6. Has it been decided who will provide animal health care (Appendix C) and how?

While these questions are general, as the group discussion progresses with project participants, the scope of questions becomes more specific.

For example, if the project participants in the beginning would like to receive water buffalo from Heifer, several follow-up questions can be asked to help them realize whether the species they want to raise is appropriate.

A. Water buffalo need more grasses and feeds; n Is there enough grass field/pasture land, forage and fodder trees

available to feed water buffalo?n Do all project participants have enough manpower/helping hands to

take care of the animals?

B. Water buffalo need more space for housing; n Do all project participants have enough space to construct a house

for the water buffalo?n Can project participants obtain all necessary materials for

constructing a pen for water buffalo?

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C. Water buffalo need special animal health care;n Will veterinary service be accessible to the project participants in

special cases?n Can a community animal health worker manage all health issues of

water buffalo professionally?

D. Marketing of milk is another important factor for water buffalo raisingn Is there a market to sell milk and milk products?n Is there a milk collection center?n Is there a transportation facility to bring milk to the cities?n If there is no market, is there any plan to develop a marketing channel

for the product?

Specific questions like these can be prepared for other animal species too. Facilitators, especially Program Officers, are equipped to conduct feasibility assessments of particular animal species together with the project partners.

The most important factors to consider for animal-based projects include, but are not limited to:n Selection of good quality, locally adapted animal species;n Appropriate low-cost housing; n Proper nutrition through the use of locally available feedstuffs;n Provision of community-based animal health care and n Marketing strategies for the animal and animal products.

Heifer’s country program staff and project partners can estimate cost-benefits of animal raising after the community assessment as described briefly in these guidelines.

In addition, the Heifer International Animal Well-Being Recommendations can also be used for this purpose as a reference. This document has already been translated into the local languages of several country programs.

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Cost-benefit AnalysisThis section provides simple calculations to show that it is cost-effective for project beneficiaries to raise animals. These sample budget sheets may be helpful to the program field staff to select appropriate animal species for particular communities.

Some considerations of the cost-benefit analysis:Herd CompositionHerd composition is calculated based on the reproductive parameters, which include first production of offspring and the interval between two parturitions. The numbers mentioned in the tables on the next pages are minimum basic standards if no animals die.

Capital InvestmentFor raising animals, there should be at least some investment in housing. These are calculated here, based on depreciation calculations, since these major items (primarily the animal shed) typically need replacement after 10 years. In addition, insurance of animals (≈5 percent) and equipment costs have also been mentioned to maintain some accuracy.

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Fixed Costs (FC)Fixed costs in this case are the depreciations of capital investments (10 percent) and other miscellaneous costs, like repair of sheds and purchasing basic equipment. Emergency expenses are also considered.

Variable Costs (VC)Variable costs are the major running costs for raising animals. This includes costs for roughages/forages that can come from the farmer’s own land or be purchased from other sources. Minimum basic requirements of the roughages are calculated for adult and young animals according to their need. Similar patterns are also followed for calculating the cost of concentrate feeds. In Heifer’s context, labor costs are not paid, as family members care for animals, but it is worthwhile to include that cost and to estimate the economic value of the labor.

Surplus EstimationSurplus is the difference between the total cost of raising animals and the total income from the sale of animals and their products (milk, live animals, manure, etc.). If a decrease in annual surplus or income in a particular year is indicated in the tables, it may be due to the pass-on of the animals as per Heifer’s strategy of Passing on the Gift.

In these sheets, real costs can be inserted, especially for the costs of purchasing animals, feed, labor, housing, etc. project participants with the help of a CAHW can estimate approximate income from the animal species provided. In addition, project participants can also explore other sources of income from the project to get an overall estimation of how they will fare over time.

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SAMPLE BuDGET (BEEF CATTLE)Note: Heifer providing a pair of beef cattle. Figures in US Dollars.

herd Composition Production ParametersYear Cow/s Calf/ves Age at First Calving 3 Years

Year 1 2 2 Calving Interval 18 Months

Year 2 2 2 Average Body Weight 300 kg

Year 3 2 Average Sale Price $400.00

Year 4 2 2 Average Cost of Growers $300.00

Year 5 4 2 beef cattle pass on at year 3

Capital investment Cost of 2 Beef Cattle $600.00

Cost of Housing (Semi-permanent low cost shed) $200.00

Insurance (5% of cost price) $30.00

Equipment $10.00

Total Costs $840.00

Fixed Costs (FC) Description Variable Costs (VC)

Depreciation (10% of Capital Investment)

$84.00 Total Consumption

Cost

Miscellaneous $10.00 Feeds and Forages ( $ 10.00/ton)

**Roughages (10 Kg/day/ 365 Days) 10 ton $100.00

Concentrate ($ 0.15/kg) 365 kg $54.75

0.5 kg/day/ cattle- 365 days

** Compensates through Grazing

Labor Cost (0.5 labor/day/house) Rate: 1$/day $182.50

Veterinary Aid $10.00

Total Fixed Costs $94.00 Total Variable Costs $347.25

Total Cost $441.25

income Annual Surplus Estimation Description Unit/Year Income $ Gross Income FC+VC Net Income

Live Beef Cattle 2 $800.00 $850.00 $614.88

Manure ($10/ton) 5 ton $50.00

Gross Income $850.00 $235.13

Annual Surplus and income Estimation ( 5-years)Year Fixed Costs Variable Costs Income Net Surplus

Cattle Calves Live cattle Manure

1 $94.00 $347.25 $173.63 $800.00 $50.00

FC+VC $614.88 Total Income $850.00 $235.13

2 $94.00 $347.25 $347.25 $800.00 $75.00

FC+VC $788.50 Total Income $875.00 $86.50

3 $94.00 $347.25 $347.25 $800.00 $100.00

FC+VC $788.50 Total Income $900.00 $111.50

4 $94.00 $694.50 $173.63 $1,600.00 $125.00

FC+VC $962.13 Total Income $1,725.00 $762.88

5 $94.00 $694.50 $1,600.00 $100.00

FC+VC $788.50 Total Income $1,700.00 $911.50

Total Income $2,107.50

Each family will have 4 beef cattle with 2 pregnant cattle worth US$ 2,107.50 at the end of 5th year.

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2. AniMAL SPECiES SELECTion AnD PurChASE(For distribution to the project participants) In Heifer projects, breed and animal selection is based on the inputs and systems in which livestock are raised. Inputs include available feeds, fodder/forages, labor, health care and shelter for the animal. Communities also decide the appropriate animal species based on their cultural practices, religion and availability of high-quality animal species. In general, Heifer promotes the use of local breeds of livestock that are adapted to the region.

Local Project Committees are responsible for managing selection and purchase of the animals. These committees consist of representatives from the project participants, the Community Facilitator, the Program Officer from Heifer, the Project Coordinator from project partners, the CAHW and other invitees as appropriate. Animal selection can best be done in the community through a meeting of the project participants with project partner staff, the community animal health worker, and technical staff from the Heifer country program or a person from the local government livestock office in other cases. Basic guidelines for selecting some important livestock species are described in the Heifer International Community Animal Health Worker Manual.

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Conclusion

The strategies mentioned in this publication are associated with Heifer International guidelines, policies and procedures. Through these strategies, project participants can receive guidance to select an appropriate animal and also provide proper care for the animal so that it can achieve optimal health without compromising the environment or human wellbeing. This will maximize the productivity of the animals and provide the project participant with the greatest possible benefit, both economically and beyond.

When the benefit brought by the animal is coupled with the transformational power of values-based community development, the project community is empowered to sustainably build better lives. Through these achievements, Heifer moves closer to attaining its mission of ending hunger and poverty and caring for the Earth.

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AniMAL nuTriTion The basic reason for the poor performance of livestock in Heifer program areas is the seasonal inadequacy of feed, both in quantity and quality. Many feed resources that could have a major impact on livestock production continue to be unused, undeveloped or poorly utilized. Heifer participants have several options to utilize for the improvement of their animal nutrition practices: cut and carry grasses/forages/fodder, preparation of mineral blocks, use of crop by products, use of kitchen scraps, environmentally friendly use of public pasture, etc.

Animals are provided to project participants together with grass/forage seeds and fodder tree saplings. They are encouraged to use farm alleys to plant grasses and fodder trees. In addition, project participants also receive training on formulating feeds using locally available feed ingredients. Families also make sure the animals have access to water at all times.

Appendix A

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Animal Species Space requirement (per head)

in Feet (L × B*) in meters (L × B*)

Cattle 6 × 4 1.8 × 1.2

Water Buffalo 7 × 5 2.1 × 1.5

Swine 5 × 4 1.5 × 1.2

Sheep/Goat 3 × 2 0.9 × 0.6

Horse 6 × 6 1.8 × 1.8

Rabbit 2 × 2 0.6 × 0.6

Chicken 1 × 1 0.3 × 0.3

AniMAL houSinG Heifer encourages constructing animal houses before animal placement and promotes the use of locally available resources to build them.

Animal housing should provide enough space for each animal to lie down, turn around, spread wings and display the animal’s normal behavior.

The following questions can be used to assess the project participants’ knowledge about the animal housing Heifer provides:A. Can the farmers construct animal houses if they do not have them

already?B. How many animals can they accommodate in their animal shed?C. Is the animal house well ventilated and does it have draining

capacity? D. Is there space for managing animal manure?E. Is there enough space to manage future offspring?

Table: Basic space requirement for different animal species

* L: length, B: breadth* The general recommended height of the shelter should be a minimum of three meters,

to reduce the chances of poor ventilation

Appendix B

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AniMAL hEALTh CArE: CoMMuniTy AniMAL hEALTh WorkEr (CAhW)A community animal health worker is a specially trained local community member who helps farmers and community groups to raise healthy animals to maximize their benefits.

The CAHW are paid for his/her work in cash or in kind by the project participants whose animal receives treatment. He or she may be full-time or part-time, depending on the requirements. The CAHWs are generally responsible for both the project participants’ and local communities’ animals.

CAHWs have a wide range of basic tasks to perform, as summarized in the following points. n CAHWs provide basic preventive and primary animal health caren They teach basic animal nutrition technology (feeds, fodder/forage)

to the community membersn They are involved in facilitating Improved Animal Management (IAM)

technology transfer through IAM Training to the project participants

Appendix C

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n CAHWs are a vital communication link between project participants and veterinarians

n They perform home and farm visitsn They recommend improvements in animal quality through breed

selection and use n They are almost always a part of a vaccination and drenching campaign

for the community animals

Selection of CAhWs:Heifer International has standards for the selection, training and follow-up for the CAHW program (for details refer to Heifer International Community Animal Health Worker Manual). Generally, the local project committee selects CAHW participants using selection criteria described in the CAHW manual.

CAhW Training CAHW technical training is very basic. Courses are designed on the basis of local animal diseases and management practices within the availability of local resources. Local veterinarians and/or government veterinary extension agents are commonly used in training. The course also includes Heifer’s values-based approach to sustainable development in order to motivate CAHWs in their work with the community.

CAhW refresher Training After initial CAHW training, refresher trainings are designed and provided periodically to strengthen disease diagnosis and treatment skills and related knowledge. Such refresher trainings are provided through Heifer International during the active project period. Thereafter, local government veterinary services are responsible for managing the CAHWs.

networking and Linkage After CAHW training, participants and all stakeholders involved in animal health and husbandry services in the community will create a network to streamline CAHW in the community. This helps CAHWs get recognition from the government and from the community so that they are able to provide the best possible service in the community for better animal health and management.

Appendix D

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iMProvED AniMAL MAnAGEMEnT TrAininG (To project participants)Before the animals are placed, each project participant receives training on improved animal management. Such trainings generally consist of two to three days in which the participants receive knowledge and skills on animal raising in an improved way using locally available resources.

outline for improved Animal Management Training

Major Topic Sub-topics objectives

improved animal management

• Introduction • Benefits of improved animal raising

• Describe at least three benefits of improved animal management

Animal house • Introduction and importance of animal house

• Site selection and lay out (area, materials)

• Cleanliness of animal house and management of animal wastes

• Describe the importance of shed

• Talk about the site selection, type, layout and material required for the construction

• Communicate methods of proper animal waste management

Animal nutrition

• Introduction of animal nutrition

• General information on fodder and feed

• Materials and method to prepare balanced ration

• Why and in what amount to be fed

• Formulate animal feed by using locally available feed ingredients

Fodder/forage management

• Types of fodder/forages • Grass/fodder management (feeding and cultivation)

• Describe the benefits of fodder/forages

• Demonstrate the mixing of grass and hay

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Major Topic Sub-topics objectives

Mineral block preparation

• Minerals and their importance

• Prepare mineral blocks using locally available materials

Good quality animal selection

• Selection of good quality male and female for breeding purposes

• Methods of breeding

• Select good quality male and female animals

• Describe at least two disadvantages of inbreeding

Care of newborn and pregnant animals

• Care of pregnant animals

• Cleanliness for newborn animals

• Method of cutting the umbilical cord

• Colostrums feeding

• Describe at least five things to be considered in taking care of pregnant animal

• Demonstrate method of cutting the umbilical cord and why it is important

• Describe the benefits of feeding colostrums to new born animal

Parasites • Types of internal parasites, major symptoms and prevention measures

• Types of external parasites, major symptoms and prevention measures

• Describe types of parasites and any four harmful effects caused by parasites

• Summarize major preventive measures on parasites infestation

Disease prevention

• Introduction on disease prevention

• Information on vaccines

• Carcass management

• Describe the methods of prevention of diseases

• Describe the benefits of vaccination

• Understand the roles of farmers in prevention of diseases

Ethno-veterinary medicine

• Locally available medicinal herbs

• Use of local herbs

• Communicate about medicinal herbs available locally and their use

record keeping

• Introduction on record keeping

• Method and benefits

• Describe at least two benefits of animal record keeping

• Maintain simple records note: Slight variations are expected depending upon the animal species and the communities where the training is being offered. There are many training materials available in local languages.

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AniMAL inSurAnCE In providing different types of animals to communities, Heifer International looks at the specific needs of the residents and focuses on selecting local breeds of animals that adapt well to the community. In case of catastrophic or inadvertent loss, country programs need to establish an animal insurance scheme appropriate for the community. Several community-based animal insurance practices are available in different country programs.

The following is an example of Heifer-provided animal insurance from Nepal, which can be adapted according to existing situations in different country programs.*

AniMAL inSurAnCE in hEiFEr nEPAL

If the animal provided by Heifer gets sick or dies, even after receiving treatment, the project can use the provided animal insurance mechanism. In every project the first gift of an original animal has 5 to 10 percent of animal cost set aside as an insurance fund.

objective of insuranceThe main objective of insurance is to lessen the burden of loss that farmers have to bear in the case of death of the animal. The objective is focused in the interest of farmers’ welfare rather than making a profit. Heifer Nepal ensures the proper mechanism of animal insurance.

Basic components of the animal insuranceIn the process of creating an animal insurance system, the following four components must be clarified:1. Pricing of animal 2. Mechanism to declare that insured animal is dead3. Mechanism to withdraw the insurance4. Process of paying back the insured amount

Appendix E

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Pre-requisitionHeifer Nepal encourages its project partner to have a committee to deal with this issue. Heifer emphasizes that one member of this committee should be the CAHW of that project. There must also be a representative from the farmers’ group.

role and responsibility of the committeen Make sure that animal is getting treatment when it is sickn Make sure that animal is well taken care ofn Inform NGO partner if the animal has died in spite of getting

proper care and treatmentn Assist in carrying out postmortem of the dead animal

if requiredn Declare if animal is unproductive

To declare the animal unproductive, the animal should first be treated for up to three months. If the animal does not regain its original health status after three months of treatment, the animal is declared unproductive. This is done under the guidance of a veterinary doctor and CAHW

n Provide information/training on animal insurance policyn After getting recommendation, the committee finance person

will proceed with the payment of the insured amountn Keep record of insurance premium paid/unpaidn Follow-up on depositing premiumn Pricing of the animal in coordination with group members

and NGO partners

For Example: In case of death of the animal, the farmer receives 80 percent of the cost of the animal from insurance and 20 percent of the cost will be born by the individual farmers. In a case where the animal is declared unproductive, then the farmer receives 40 percent of the premium deposited.

* This example is based on the “Animal insurance” survey conducted internally within Heifer country offices.

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