Animals

As water resources dwindle on his family farm near Mooketsi in Limpopo, Dr Doug Reed has shifted away from crops and towards adaptable, low-input Nguni cattle. Clayton Swart visited the Modjadji Nguni Stud to learn why fertility, longevity, and adaptability underpin Reed’s breeding philosophy.

The Dormer sheep breed has a proud South African heritage, but more importantly, it remains deeply relevant in today’s modern agricultural landscape.

Conservation and economic development in the SA wildlife industry do not have to be opposing forces, according to Kgomotso Maphai, director of marketing at Wildlife Ranching South Africa (WRSA). He was speaking during the North West Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Women’s Month High Tea in Rustenburg. Here is an adaptation of his speech.

More young women are entering South Africa’s stud and livestock sector, which remains largely male. Charlize Meintjes, who manages the Ankole, Boran, and game enterprises at Sterkfontein Farms in Gauteng and North West, spoke to Henning Naudé about finding her way into farming through an unexpected route and earning credibility in a competitive stud environment.

The dry period plays a major role in determining a cow’s health, fertility, and productivity after calving. Detecting and addressing problems at this stage can reduce post-calving disease and involuntary culling, limit milk losses, and improve reproductive performance.

The Dormer is widely used as a crossbreeding sire over Merino ewes, valued for the growth and vigour it adds to the lamb crop. On Thomas van Kerken's farm near Makhanda, however, fertility comes first. His Dormers run on extensive veld, where animals are expected to maintain condition and reproduce with limited inputs. He spoke to Henning Naudé about his approach.

Running cattle in thornveld under severe heartwater pressure and summer temperatures that can climb into the 40s requires animals that can look after themselves. Henning Naudé spoke to Priscilla Dent about her breeding philosophy, herd management, and the rebuilding of Double Bar Brahmans.

An independent Wageningen Bioveterinary Research study confirms Biogénesis Bagó’s BIOAFTOGEN® SAT1 vaccine provides up to 100% protection against the expanding SAT1 foot-and-mouth disease strain, offering vital defence for global livestock.

The award-winning Harrobi Brahman Stud has left a noticeable impact on beef cattle production in Namibia since 1954. The stud was founded on some of the first white Brahmans to be imported from the US in that year, Annelie Coleman reports.

Eastern Cape livestock farmer Stefan Erasmus spoke with Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the advantages, challenges, and economics of intensive and extensive lambing systems and their role in improving flock productivity.

Stock theft, harsh veld conditions, and the demands of running a diversified farming business are constant tests for South African livestock producers. Paul and Daleen Roos of Moneymaker Meatmasters stud spoke to Henning Naudé about why they made the switch and how disciplined culling and a clear commercial breeding philosophy have helped build a young stud in just five years.

Many of the factors that limit pig growth and feed efficiency begin in the gut long before visible disease appears. Understanding how gut health affects nutrient utilisation can help producers unlock better performance and avoid costly hidden losses.

As the demand continues to grow across Africa and South Africa for impeccable Brahman cattle genetics, the Brahman is playing an increasing role in the Bos-Blanco Stud’s overall breeding strategy.

The Loriza Brahmans are specifically bred for fertility, growth, milk and equally importantly, a calm disposition. Louis Meyer, owner of the stud, told Annelie Coleman that it is a pleasure to work with animals with an even temperament, and it also adds markedly to effective management and, obviously, increased production.

As South Africa’s pig industry prepares for the transition away from gestation crates, producers will need to rethink far more than floor space. Research shows that the success of group housing depends on how housing design, feeding systems, ventilation, stocking density and day-to-day management work together to support both welfare and productivity.

Nu Vino Meatmasters breeds sheep that perform where it matters most. By selecting for resilience, fertility, and functionality, the Fourie family is steadily building a flock designed to thrive under some of South Africa's harshest conditions.

Brazil has placed emphasis on efficient management of pastureland in order to improve livestock health. This is complemented by the adoption of improved production systems.

The late Charles Freeme built a thriving Meatmaster enterprise through disciplined breeding, commercial thinking, and a commitment to continuous learning. This profile was written shortly before the passing of respected Meatmaster breeder Charles Freeme on 17 July 2026. It is published as a tribute to his contribution to South African sheep breeding.

A new digital platform developed by software and technology company Buffalo Analytics, in partnership with vaccine importer Dunevax Biotech, aims to simplify the regulatory process for South Africa’s private-sector foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccination programme, providing government with real-time vaccination data.

In a high-risk foot-and-mouth disease climate, the Vlakte Bonsmara Study Group prioritises biosecurity and traceability. Their disciplined, multi-stage screening ensures buyers receive resilient, fertile genetics backed by rigorous veterinary compliance and certainty.