Unveiling practices and challenges in trace mineral supplementation: insights from small-scale dairy farms in Malawi

The study evaluated the knowledge and practices of small-scale dairy farmers regarding trace mineral supplementation in Malawi, including the socio-economic challenges they face and the implications for cow nutrition, productivity, and welfare. Interviews with 172 farmers across two agro-ecological zones revealed that most farmers rely on imported supplements from agro-veterinary shops, with only a small minority formulating their own mixes. Although the majority reported increased milk production following supplementation, very few tailored mineral delivery to specific animal requirements, such as growth stage or lactation phase. Interestingly, ordinary salt and mineral blocks were the most common forms of supplementation. Unconventional sources like crushed eggshells were used by about one‑third of farmers, reflecting adaptive responses to high cost and limited availability. Notably, neither formal education nor years of dairy experience was associated with effective supplementation practices. Key challenges to supplementation included high ingredient cost, poor availability of quality supplements, and limited technical knowledge. The study highlighted that small-scale dairy farmers frequently rely on generalized recommendations for trace mineral supplementation amid unreliable supply chains. This practice may exacerbate trace mineral deficiencies or overfeeding, with negative consequences for animal health and productivity, underscoring the need for developing region‑specific guidelines, enhanced farmer capacity building, and strengthened local supply chains.