Animals

It is crucial to mate super breeders to super racers in order to preserve a gene pool, writes Thomas Smit.

Second-generation Argentinian farmer Ricardo Mendizabal runs 4 100 cattle in the Entre Ríos province of Argentina and owns a cattle transport and cattle auction business. Anneli Groenewald spoke to him through interpreter Hendrik Jordaan during Farmer’s Weekly tour to Argentina.

Catfish, silver barbel and other fish have farming potential, but there are obstacles.

Steven Watermeyer is breeding micro pigs to meet the local demand for pet porkies.

When acupuncture is used to stimulate specific points along affected energy channels, blockages are opened and the normal flow of energy is restored, says Kim Dyson.

Parasitic wasps are an environmentally friendly way of breaking the life cycle of flies in stables, says Dr Mac.

Caring for racing pigeons is a year-round activity. One cannot start nursing ill birds just before the season opens, says Thomas Smit.

In many parts of the country a shortage of roughage is going to be problematic in the months that lie ahead. Protein and energy supplements should be in place to prevent losses.

Special care needs to be taken when moving fish in order to minimise their stress levels and thus prevent unnecessary deaths.

The Australian Droughtmaster will be a serious new player in the South African beef cattle arena, says Droughtmaster breeder Johan van der Nest. Annelie Coleman reports on the potential impact of this breed on the local beef scene.

Injuries to a horse’s tendons are invariably very serious, warns Kim Dyson.

Seo Mtetwa, MD of Nu Dawn Eggs, talks about the company's beginning, success and future.