Animals

Growing demand for lean pork and a more muscled carcass, plus the need to run an efficient, productive operation, have put ever-greater pressure on pig farmers. Superior genetics remain the surest route to success. Lindi Botha reports on how the Benson piggery in KwaZulu-Natal has progressed in this respect.

Surgery is commonly used to treat upper airway collapse in racehorses, but new breathing exercises using masks may prove better, says Dr Mac.

Father-and-son team Robert and Sanele Khumalo constantly strive to maximise carcass weight in their commercial beef production enterprise. But with heavy recent rains and ever more unpredictable weather patterns, this requires careful and ongoing management of grazing and herd health.

Prices are skyrocketing in South Africa, so it’s worth keeping a monthly budget to make timely decisions on cost-cutting, says Dr Mac.

Although Clive Tigere obtained a university degree in statistics, he turned his back on an office job and returned to Louis Trichardt in Limpopo to start a hatchery. He explained to Susan Marais how his success is helping his clients’ businesses thrive.

Cows of this tough, dual-purpose breed from Texas are renowned for their strong maternal traits, their fertility and their easy calving. What’s more, the Beefmaster’s famous ‘Six Essentials’ guide simplifies breeding.

Starches and fibrous feed influence the composition of gut bacteria as well as the behaviour of a horse, says Dr Mac.

The Letelle is a proudly South African dual-purpose sheep, but despite its exceptional qualities, it remains one of the most underestimated sheep breeds in the country. Theo Oosthuizen, who breeds Letelle on his Free State farm, spoke to Annelie Coleman about these remarkable animals.

Increasing pressure against the use of zinc oxide in pig herds has left farmers concerned about whether an alternative will be as effective at controlling disease and maintaining animal health. New research suggests that an alternative is not only already available, but offers more benefits.

While earnings from ostrich production have declined following the fresh meat export ban caused by the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak, the birds remain a valuable income contributor. Glenneis Kriel spoke to farmer Jolian du Preez, who survived the tough times and is now expanding his operation.

Drakensberger bulls have fetched spectacular prices on auction over the past few years. In this article, we list some of the highest prices registered.

A veterinary examination of a horse should always include listening to its intestinal sounds. However, the owner can do this too, says Dr Mac.

Intestinal worms in sheep are a serious problem for farmers, particularly communal farmers, and the timeous detection and treatment thereof are crucial for reducing possible financial losses and/or mortalities. Janine Ryan looks at the most economically important internal parasites that infect sheep in South Africa.

The production of Angus cattle enables Western Cape farmer Gielie Geldenhuys to make use of land unsuitable for fruit or onion production. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his diversification enterprise.

Due to their popularity, Bonsmaras have fetched high prices at auctions for many years. In this article, we list some of the highest prices achieved at sales.

Changing weather conditions and Africa’s severe poverty demand tough, easy-to-care-for livestock. The answer, says breeder Deon Vlok, is indigenous veld goats.

Stem cells, platelets and serum can be reinjected into an injured joint or ligament to improve healing in horses, says Dr Mac.

What do you get when you cross a Brahman with a Hereford? You get the Braford: a fertile animal with amazing mothering abilities that has a long life expectancy and produces a carcass that can be compared with South Africa’s best. Susan Marais travelled to Bethal in Mpumalanga to learn more about this exceptional breed from Gert van der Merwe and Johan de Jager, owners of the Bonheur Brafords stud.

The Martyrsford Angora Stud in the Eastern Cape was founded in 1871. Current owner Sean Hobson explained the standards and commitment that have long inspired the farm’s owners to Annelie Coleman.

The Roets family of the Eastern Cape’s Barkly East district has been associated with South Devon cattle for approximately 90 years. Yet it was only in 2017 that PD Roets registered a stud. Mike Burgess visited him to find out more about his commitment to the selective breeding of South Devons in this cold, mountainous area.