Animals

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 local environmental conditions and their management techniques.

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.

Recent research has highlighted the causes, diagnosis and management of stress to improve health and performance in horses, says Dr Mac.

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.

The best-quality meat demands the best-quality feed, according to Dr Elsje Pieterse, senior lecturer in the Department of Animal Science at Stellenbosch University, and Brett Roosendaal, head nutritionist at Epol. They spoke to Marinda Louw-Coetzee about feeding requirements for producing chicken products.

Desmond Siteti was named the Agricultural Research Council’s Eastern Cape Emerging Beef Farmer for 2021. Mike Burgess visited him and his Bonsmaras near Makhanda to better understand his journey to successful beef production.

Earlier this year, a number of Merino stud breeders from Middelburg in the Eastern Cape formed the Nu Poll Merino Group, whose aim it is to breed polled sheep exclusively. Group member Tinus du Plessis explained to Annelie Coleman why breeding and farming these animals made business sense.

Equine pododermatitis requires careful and thorough treatment, and is exacerbated by damp or wet conditions, says Dr Mac.

Group auctions are becoming increasingly common in South Africa’s beef cattle industry, where they are a benefit to both stud and commercial breeders. Members of the Valsrivier Bonsmara Breeders Group spoke to Annelie Coleman about the advantages of these events, and the need for smooth teamwork and shared values.

In this article, the second in a two-part series, Ramon Kourie and Vuyani Somyo of Thapi AquaKulcha show how seawater-farmed Mozambique tilapia can provide cheaper protein than broilers or other livestock.

A veterinarian can take a long time to arrive at your stables, especially after hours and on weekends. Basic first aid treatment is crucial while you wait, says Prof Cheryl McCrindle of the University of Pretoria.

Artificial insemination is a good way to improve your herd, as you can purchase top-quality genetics without having to buy in a bull, says Dr Ben Greyling, programme manager at the Agricultural Research Council.

Lodumo Nkala is a young man with a plan: he wants to bring the sport of pigeon racing to South Africa’s rural townships. He shared his vision and strategy with Susan Marais.

How does one start and run a successful egg production enterprise? Magda du Toit spoke to two egg producers, who shared valuable insights on how a beginner can maximise efficiency and profits.

Lambing pens offer a multitude of benefits for farmers. Regina Harmse, who breeds Ile de France sheep in Mpumalanga, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the ways in which these pens can add value to any type of sheep production concern.

Fish is a healthy source of protein, but is becoming increasingly unaffordable for South Africans. Ramon Kourie and Vuyani Somyo of Thapi AquaKulcha look at why marine tilapia may be the perfect alternative to other white fish.

Jessica Phathela is the stud manager for Ntaba Nyoni Cattle, and is responsible for the care, breeding and administration of five herds. She aspires to be a role model for other women in the sector.

It can be very difficult to diagnose chronic poisoning in horses caused by the consumption of acorns, says Dr Mac.

A total mixed ration has become the predominant feeding system of dairy cows in South Africa. But Rob Visser, owner of Dalewood Fromage, has bucked this trend, focusing instead on pastures planted to many species of grass. His approach has contributed in no small way to his internationally acclaimed cheeses, says Lindi Botha.

While genomic selection is a mainstay of commercial cattle breeding, the accurate record-keeping and data analysis it requires are often unaffordable for, or inaccessible to, smallholder and communal farmers. This study by researchers from across the globe looks at the challenges these producers face with improving their herds via this method.