Afrino sheep excels in producing mutton and wool on the veld
Hendré Calitz, the chairperson of the Afrino Sheep Breeders’ Association of South Africa, manages the Koppiesfontein Afrino Stud near Smithfield for Piet and Theo Delport of Wesselsbron. Mike Burgess visited...
Pasture-based dairy: lower cost and more lactations
In an area where feeding total mixed rations is the norm for dairy production, Jurie and John Hartley milk 1 200 cows off pasture – with impressive results.
Indigenous livestock perfect for small-scale farmers
Ross Rayner and his father, Roger, farm 40 Nguni cows and 35 Bosvelder-type ewes on 250ha in the Mankazana Valley near Adelaide in the Eastern Cape. Their operation is an...
White horses and black bulls
Camargue horses are used to manage the feral black cattle herds in the salty marshes of the Rhône River Delta as it enters the Mediterranean Sea, says Dr Mac.
Aquaculture in Africa: the successes and failures
Developments such as cage culture of tilapia and small, privately owned pond systems signal a positive trend.
A practical software solution for wildlife data management
Data from species and environmental monitoring is often hard to translate into real-world management solutions. Conservationists Dr Pieter Olivier, Andrew Purdon and Michael Mole are solving this challenge with practical...
Want a more profitable dairy? Take care of your calves!
Three key factors can reduce calf mortalities and boost milk yield: correct hygienic practice in calf cages, control of Cryptosporidium parvum, and implementing a colostrum programme. Specialist veterinarian Dr Chris...
Lipizzaner stallions in South Africa
Lipizzaners, well known for their high-level dressage displays, originated more than four centuries ago. However, the breed continues to amaze, says Dr Mac.
Afrigus: Breeding the ideal beef cattle for a drier future
Free State stud breeder Martiens le Roux believes the Afrigus breed is a promising new contestant in the South African beef cattle arena. Annelie Coleman called on him on his...
Free-range chickens: Part-time farmer’s success on rented land
Robert Patson of Happy Land Farm in Kyalami believes free-range chickens not only hold the answer to healthy food, but that his model of farming could help alleviate poverty for...
Indigenous species: let’s widen the net for aquaculture
A number of indigenous Southern African fish species would be ideal for aquaculture operations. It’s time for serious research into their potential.
For the love of Mohair
In an industry with a history of sustainability and ethics, one thing stands out more than anything else: love.
Treating nosebleeds in horses
Horses that suffer from pouring nosebleeds after exercise should be examined by a vet, says Dr Mac.
Selecting Beefmasters for functional efficiency
Selecting breeding stock using economically important criteria over many years has enabled Tony Spolidoro to build up a stud herd of hardy, productive, no-nonsense Beefmaster cattle second to none. Chris...
Damara sheep: No environment too tough
Since importing his first Damaras from Namibia in the late 1980s, stud breeder Frank Blumenthal has firmly believed in the integrity of the breed. The Free State farmer says that...
A healthy profit from pasture-raised eggs
As a technician specialising in the installation and repair of gates, Rico Vergotine had little reason to be interested in agriculture. His life changed, however, after a chance meeting, and...
World champion Savanna goat breeder’s winning formula
World champion Savanna goat breeder Koenie Kotzé believes in strict selection, the best possible genetics, and top conformation and type. Annelie Coleman visited him on his farm Niekerkshoop in the...
Why arthritis treatments are controversial
There are various treatments available for equine osteoarthritis. However, these are mainly palliative and do not promote healing, says Dr Mac.
Concern about declining Cape buffalo trophy quality
The Cape buffalo occupies a top spot on hunters’ wish lists, but studies show a decrease in the quality of buffalo trophies, according to Dr Johan Rabie, buffalo breeder and...
Why fish farming is booming in Zambia, and not in SA
Private fish farms and government are working together to breed tilapia and grow aquaculture production in Zambia.
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