Water melons (Citrullus vulgaris) as the main source of water for cattle in central Tanzania

A survey was carried out in Berege village, a typical village in the semi-arid area of central Tanzania, to investigate the cultivation methods, productivity, types, storage and uses of water melons (Citrullus vulgaris). Different varieties are grown for human consumption (Tikiti maji) and for livestock feeding (Mahikwi). Production of the livestock variety ranged from 1.6-5.1 tonnes/ha, equivalent to 1.5-4.8 tonnes of water. An experiment to investigate the potential of water melons (Mahikwi) as an alternative to free drinking water for cattle during the dry season in central Tanzania was carried out at the peak of the dry season. Six growing Mpwapwa bulls (1.5 years old), in individual pens, were fed a Cenchrus ciliaris-based diet supplemented with Acacia tortilis pods (1.5 kg). Three animals received drinking water ad libitum and the remainder received fresh water melons ad libitum for 4 weeks. Intakes of free water (14.6 kg) and water from the water melons (18.4 kg) were not significantly different (P>0.05). Hay intakes of the 2 groups were similar (3.6 vs 3.4 kg). It is concluded that water melons can be used as an alternative source of water for growing cattle for at least one month during the dry season, with one hectare supplying enough water for a growing bull for about 3-5 months. Further studies with lactating animals for longer periods are warranted.