Animals

Ben Lategan is the national runner-up of the National Wool Growers Association/FNB best economically classed clip in South Africa for 2009/10. His Merino enterprise on 6 000ha in the Burgersdorp district of the Eastern Cape includes 180ha of irrigated lucerne, allowing him to get the most from his sheep. Mike Burgess reports.

The first section of the 2010 South African Prestige Invitational Pigeon Race has been completed and many fortunate pigeon fanciers have succeeded in impressing their wives - and their bank managers, writes Thomas Smit.

Before you start these lessons, it's essential for your horse to trust you completely. He must know how to relax and give in to positive pressure. Once your horse is used to being tied, you can tie him anywhere without worrying he'll try to free himself violently, writes Dr Mac.

Few people can claim to HAVE developed a recipe that's helped optimise rumen activity on low-protein, unpalatable, lignified sour veld. But Australia's Terry McCosker is one such person.

The wings of racing pigeons are one of the most important physical attributes and breeding birds with the ideal 'wing design' takes time and experience. Thomas Smit shares a few tips with us.

Birdy is the best-performing racer in the 14-year history of the Sun City Million Dollar Pigeon Race. Thomas Smit looks at this remarkable bird and its offspring.

For Pip and Howard Hobson the success of a herd doesn't lie with the bull, but with the genetics of the cow. This point of view won them the Farmer's Weekly-ARC Best Elite Cow of the year award. Wayne Southwood spoke to them about their breeding tactics.

Free State father-and-son farming team, Leon Trollip and Leon Trollip Jr, found that their Dohnes prosper on lucerne, helping to stabilise the income of their irrigated farming enterprise. Breed manager Henri Londt of the Dohne Merino Breed Society SA reports.

Bathing your horse is important. It can help desensitise a sceptical horse, making handling a lot easier. Kim Dyson shares a step-by-step routine to make bathing a positive experience.

Ultrasound scans aren't new in the livestock industry, but they're now being increasingly used in the high-profit game industry. And that's just the start - researchers say embryo transfer is the next big thing. Heather Dugmore investigates.

Breeding pigeons that win requires perseverance, experience and a whole lot of trial and error, writes Thomas Smit.

Former teacher and nurse Zodwa Twala of Kromdraai produces weaners at her piggery for the feedlot market in Pretoria. She urges new farmers to receive proper training before starting their venture. Peter Mashala spoke to her.