« These Goudali  cows - even if I cannot have one myself – are a joy just to look at ! »

On August 28 the National Union of Mini-dairies and herders held their statutory convention. During the meeting participants expressed the wish to set up a “technical service for genetic improvement”. Several Union members (from Fada N’Gourma, Zorgho, Leo and Ouahigouya) said they were interested in the Goudali zebu .

We discussed in particular with one owner, from the area between Zorgho and Koupela) who keeps Goudali cows exclusively. He was very happy with them and said: “I raise only Goudali, because they provide both beef and milk and they take every kind of feed. And they  never fall  ill !”

He added: “I went to fetch them myself in Nigeria. I know where to find them. I can go back, if other members of the Union are interested.”

Subsequently  two Union members (the President, Mrs Gariko) and the education and training officer (Mr Ousmane Boly) went to see the farmer and his herd. This visit was decisive and Mr Boly  was very enthusiastic: “That is the kind of herd I would like to have !”

A meeting was then planned at the  PASMEP ( a support programme for herders and  the National Union of Mini-Dairies) and the following main points were established:

It was noted that the objective is not to increase dairy herds but to improve their quality. Owners who have a sufficient amount of cows are encouraged to sell two of their Peuhl zebus  and buy one Goudali zebu.

To help affiliated herders  purchase  Goudali zebus a loan scheme has been set up.  Those who decide to buy one or more Goudali zebus are required to pay 50% at the time of making their order. The remainder will be advanced by SEDELAN, (thanks to the support from some of  the readers of this newsletter !). The loan is to be paid back over an 18 month period,  following the arrival of the cattle.

In all,  orders were received (and the 50% down payment made) for 18 Goudali cattle, 3 bull calves and 13 heifers. It was decided that this was to be a starting experiment.

Hence our Union dairy farmer friend and tradesman set off once again for Nigeria … His return took a long time, because the animals were walked back  nearly all the way! But the result lived up to expectations. After a first stop at Sapaga, the Goudali arrived at Yagma, near Ouagadougou.  Most of these new first arrivals (10 out of 18) were for a women’s association in Yagma,  “Potal Jama”.

Last Monday I went to Yagma and could share the pleasure of the women,who had been waiting to welcome their Goudali animals. The general opinion was positive. The bull calf and the heifers were indeed of the Goudali breed. But all the women of the association did not have a new heifer this time. Some were afraid to take the risk before having had a chance to have a look at  the animals. One of them, who came to see the cattle, exclaimed: “These Goudali -  even if I cannot have one now -  are a joy just to look at !”  

At Yagma the animals took their fodder with appetite. Therefore nothing to worry about.  Even if some had lost a bit of weight along the road .. But after being well fed for a couple of days,  they will be recover. Of course, it is only after 18 months, when these heifers have calved and started to produce milk, that it will be possible to make an accurate assessment. But most Union members are already convinced of the interest of the proposed scheme  and new orders are under way.  An additional departure for Nigeria this month is therefore being planned.

I wish to thank the readers of this newsletter who have backed us with a loan or a donation. I also thank those who wish to join them and support this “Goudali operation” of the Union of Mini-Dairies in Burkina Faso. (Contact us).

PS  For those who are interested in the niébé plant for animal feed (See abc n° 330 ) a technical data sheet is a your disposal, just click here (fr).

Koudougou, June 3^rd 2009

Maurice Oudet

Director, SEDELAN