Animals

Well-known farming company ZZ2 has taken the Pinzgauer breed to new heights. Part of its ethos is to support and educate new and emerging breeders. Chris Nel reports.

In Lunyaweni near Ugie in the former Transkei, a group of 42 determined communal farmers is generating significant income from its 5 000-plus flock of Merino-type sheep. Mike Burgess reports.

The grasslands of the African savannah depend on defoliation processes like fire and grazing to maintain plant vigour, increase cover and reduce rainfall-runoff. Prof Winston Trollope talks to Heather Dugmore about grazing and burning in managed rangelands.

A cause of sudden lameness in equine athletes, sheared heals is a painful condition that may require the services of a specialist veterinary farrier, says Dr Mac.

A record number of vetinarary practices (50) reported this month, as well as three veterinary laboratories.

With tilapia culture new to South Africa, many entrepreneurs want to start small with a pilot project before investing substantial capital. This makes sense and is entirely possible.

A horsebox is a moving black hole and persuading your best friend to enter it requires patience, says Kim Dyson.

The pioneer of tree lucerne in South Africa, Gavin Armstrong, warns that as the interest in this high-yield fodder crop grows, many suppliers are overcharging farmers for inferior plant material. The result may be disappointed buyers. Denene Erasmus reports.

Sheep farming has long been the mainstay of the agricultural economy in the Karoo, but agricultural economists Dr Thula Dlamini and Prof Gavin Fraser say that springbok ranching offers a viable alternative to farmers, with environmental resource benefits. Lindi van Rooyen reports.

These horses are very popular in South Africa, but consistently breeding a particular pattern of spots is complicated, says Dr Mac.

The pigeon racing off-season might be a time for rest, but that doesn’t mean you must neglect your birds, cautions Thomas Smit.

Stephan Voigts, owner of the historic Voigtland Simmentaler herd in Namibia bases his breeding objectives on the commercial cattleman’s requirements. The commercial sector determines the value of any cattle breed, and that is why the Simmentaler is doing so well in Namibia, he told Annelie Coleman.