Animals

Ignore all that talk of ‘poor species’ and ‘low temperatures’ – tilapia farming in SA can succeed, as long as a few fundamentals are followed.

A city couple bought a run-down chicken farm in the Dargle, with the intention of changing it into a wedding venue. But the chickens turned out to be profitable on their own. Robyn Joubert reports.

Former factory workers Pleasure Molaudzi and Nomsa Mlangeni are at last following their true interest – running a piggery. Despite hardships, they are determined to succeed. Peter Mashala reports.

Alwyn Marx, who farms with his father near Burgersdorp, started a small Tuli herd a decade ago. Impressed with the Tuli’s performance, they have expanded the operation to 300 stud cows. Mike Burgess reports.

This genetic condition occurs in several draught breeds, Quarter Horses and warmbloods, as well as Appaloosas, says Dr Mac.

He says he has been in pigeon lofts since the age of two – a good start that’s seen Roger Harris become one of SA’s top fanciers. Thomas Smit spoke to him.

The wool of the Charmac Merino, which is bred in the Karoo by the McNaughton family, was recently developed into an exclusive fashion fabric in Australia to meet the demand for wool from sheep that have not been mulesed. Heather Dugmore reports.

Prospective fish farmers take the risk of using poor quality breeding stock when they buy fingerlings of unknown ancestry. Such fish will not grow rapidly to market size, despite good husbandry.

After completing agricultural studies and gaining work experience, Ananias and Mphai Rapholo returned home to Limpopo to start a family business, the Mohloma Agricultural Co-operative, with their father. The brothers intend building a top Dorper stud. Peter Mashala reports.

High genetic merit in a dairy herd cannot overcome inadequate management.

Every year, hundreds of wild animals are moved from SA’s national parks to other parks, reserves and game farms within the region. Game capture and translocation is a highly specialised field, as Dr Markus Hofmeyr, SANParks’ head of Veterinary Wildlife Services, told Peter Mashala.

Pieter Schulenburg of Leeuwfontein Braford Stud has established an acclaimed stud herd through a tough selection regime. His animals thrive under the harsh conditions of the semi-arid bushveld, says Peter Mashala.