Linking a mark to its rightful owner
The ability to identify an animal in a way that will stand up in court is crucial for any livestock owner. Backed up by legislation and government support, it ensures proof of ownership.
Machine-shearing skill can pave way to success
Developing machine-shearing skills in the South African wool industry could arm shearers with the expertise to pursue potentially lucrative careers in countries such as Australia and New Zealand.
Holistic farming could boost profits
The H-word might cause sceptics to cringe, but changing grazing and other practices is working wonders on this KwaZulu-Natal beef farm.
Kamab simbras: performance off the veld
Fertility and optimum meat production are the two pillars of Diethelm and Katja Metzger’s Kamab Simbra Stud. The second-largest Simbra stud herd in Southern Africa, it produces about 370 weaners a year.
Breeding with the best
Arthur de Villiers of Arcadia Bonsmara near Vrede is the 2013 recipient of the ARC National Beef Cattle Improvement Herd of the Year Award.
I know that’s my cow, but how can I prove it?
Chris Nel discusses traditional methods of identifying livestock. These methods may work well for day-to-day flock and herd management, but their limitations are apparent when subjected to the demands of a modern livestock industry.
Absolutely extensive Ngunis
Ted and Liz Reilly played a big role in putting the Swazi Nguni ecotype back on the map. Their cattle are run with game animals and receive no special treatment.
Livestock Disease Trends – December 2013
Weather conditions: Good rains fell in the eastern part of the country, but extremely dry conditions persist in the western and central regions. Very wet conditions occurred in some areas of the Western Cape.
Why identify animals?
In the first of a series of articles, we look at the principles of animal and animal product traceability. Compiled by Chris Nel.
Commercial success for small-scale cattleman
Starting with just 10 Bonsmaras, ARC National Emerging Beef Farmer for 2013 Moses Zengetwa today has a herd of 120 highly productive Bonsmara-type cows and heifers. Mike Burgess visited him on his farm near Elliot.
Profiting from a feedlot
Mvalo Msiza has value-added in steps – building a beef herd, establishing two butcheries, and starting and expanding a feedlot. He spoke to Peter Mashala.
Livestock Disease Trends – November 2013
Drought: It’s been very dry in SA’s western and central areas, and reports of severe protein and energy deficiencies were received. Heavy mortalities, downer cows, cows too weak to calf, prolapses of the uterus and retained afterbirths were also reported.
