Cattle

Farmer’s Weekly brings you the latest cattle farming news and updates from South Africa and the rest of Africa.

Improving milk production in Nguni cattle

Improving milk production in Nguni cattle

Nguni stud breeder, Dr Paul Meulenbeld, explains how to improve the breed’s milk production.

Careful calf rearing makes a difference

Improved heifer rearing at Byron and Ronelda Orpwood’s dairy farm in Creighton has given their enterprise a vital boost. They talk to Robyn Joubert about heifer management and the value of good teamwork.

For the love of Brahman

The Osterloh Grey Brahman Stud is making a name for itself beyond the borders of the Eastern Cape. Mike Burgess visited Eugene Osterloh on the family farm, Mimosa Park, near Komga to find out how he manages his stud.

Perseverance pays off at High Heaven farm

In 2003, Nomthunzi Nduzulwana swapped nursing for agriculture. Her perseverance has guided her through many challenges to a new future on High Heaven farm near East London. Mike Burgess spoke to her.

Livestock Disease Trends – February 2013

Due to severe drought conditions in certain parts of the country now is the time to get rid of all unproductive and old animals.

Dexters pack a big punch

Large-framed breeds are generally the norm on cattle farms in northern Namibia, but the dual purpose Dexter is making its mark in the area. From his farm between Kamanjab and Khorixas, Danie Jansen van Vuuren spoke to Annelie Coleman about the growth of this breed in Namibia.

Manage the breeding season for profitable production

The timing of breeding is an important technique to optimise reproductive performance, and impacts directly on the profit margin of beef cattle production. Leslie Bergh, senior researcher, Beef Cattle Recording and Improvement at the ARC, explains why.

Dr Dung’s lessons

Dung is an important indicator of the nutritional status of a cow. So it’s useful to know what different ‘types’ mean.

Communal farmer sets his sights higher with Brahman

Mike Ramagofu says small-scale farmers need the right breed for their specific conditions. He believes a breed can make or break an enterprise, especially in the case of communal farming. Peter Mashala reports.

Livestock Disease Trends (as informally reported by vets in South Africa) January 2013

Due to good rainfall in the summer rainfall areas and hot weather, numerous reports of internal parasites were received. Infestations were reported at:
Boran's rising popularity in the Eastern Cape

Boran’s rising popularity in the Eastern Cape

Boran farmer, Johannes van Rensburg, says that the commitment of individuals advances the breed.

Breeding indigenous Ngunis in the Piketberg

Passionate about the Nguni, Hannes Eksteen runs three stud herds and maintains four Nguni ecotypes. He calves seasonally to coincide with fodder flow and keep stress factors down. Jay Ferreira reports.

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