How to optimise beef cattle production
Optimisation of the environment is the single most important requirement for sustainable beef production, according to animal scientist Hennie Snyman. For that to happen, the implementation of precision farming principles...
First-aid basics for small-scale poultry farmers
Commercial poultry producers have their own vets on call, but it’s not always easy for small-scale farmers to reach a vet in an emergency. In the final segment in our...
‘FMD restrictions are late, but necessary’
Role players in the South African beef industry believe that, although they have come at a rather late stage in the game, the government-enforced restrictions on the movement of cattle...
The cattle most at risk from lion attacks
In a recent study, researchers at the University of Pretoria attempt to explain why some types of cattle may be more likely to serve as prey for lions.
Raise weaning weights through good nutrition and fertility
Top-quality heifers and well-balanced nutrition form two of the most important cornerstones of effective red meat production, writes Henco Leicester, technical manager at Telwiedre, an animal feed manufacturer, in Heilbron....
Using micro-organisms to improve profitability in poultry production
Increasing production, reducing mortality rates, and managing diseases and pests are the three pillars of success in chicken production. Studies show that a way of achieving this winning combination may...
Breeding for conformation
Conformation is essential when breeding horses for a specific purpose, says Dr Mac. As conformation is achieved mostly through genetic means, breeders need to choose dams and sires with care.
Marketing and animal welfare: key to success
Innovative marketing and customer relationships are essential to a modern piggery, says Shaun Mockford of Mockford Farms in Limpopo. He spoke to Magda du Toit about running a superior pig...
‘FMD still poses a major threat to SA livestock’
The spread of foot-and-mouth disease across South Africa will continue unrelentingly unless all industry players step up to the plate and do their part to control the disease as much...
Gladys Towbola shares tips for small-scale poultry producers
Gladys ‘Nana’ Towbola of Peezel Farms not only farms broilers and layers, but is passionate about uplifting other small-scale growers through regular workshops. She spoke to Susan Marais about what...
How a top dairy farmer is mitigating high input costs
JK Basson is a three-time winner of the ARC’s National Master Dairyman of the Year Award. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how he manages to survive in an industry...
Your one-stop guide to BLUP breeding values
Frans Jordaan and Dr Ben Greyling of the Agricultural Research Council provide recommendations to help breeders apply good management and recording practices that can optimise their herds’ genetic evaluations.
Pros and cons of lucerne in your horse’s diet
This perennial forage has been used as horse feed for centuries, but despite its advantages, it can produce side effects, cautions Dr Mac.
The rise of the Bonsmara in South Africa
The Bonsmara, which was developed in South Africa from the 1930s, was bred specifically for African conditions, and is the most dominant beef cattle breed in the country today. It...
Managing your pigs’ health
Losing just one productive pig can cost you a great deal of money. In this, the third instalment in our series on livestock first aid, Prof Cheryl McCrindle of the...
Maximising Brangus weaner growth with top-quality genetics
A successful commercial beef cattle enterprise is one that keeps cow mortalities to a minimum, while achieving maximum weaner growth. Rian van Wyk, who farms Brangus in Mpumalanga, spoke to...
Breeding top Angora goats in the Southern Cape
While most Angora producers in the Southern Cape have given up farming these animals, brothers Jasper and Leon van der Westhuizen have achieved exceptional results. They spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the...
Genetics-based guidelines to buying a bull at an auction
Frans Jordaan and Dr Ben Greyling, researchers at the Agricultural Research Council, write about the importance of choosing bulls based on breeding and performance indices, rather than their visual appearance.
How stress influences the health and behaviour of horses
Recent research has highlighted the causes, diagnosis and management of stress to improve health and performance in horses, says Dr Mac.
Performance testing for the commercial farmer
Frans Jordaan and Dr Ben Greyling of the Agricultural Research Council write about the important role that performance testing plays in increasing a commercial herd’s fertility and profitability.
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