Animals

On paper, many aquaculture systems look appealing, but are they suited to South Africa’s challenging conditions?

The dual-purpose Pelham bit is used for showing, eventing and jumping and is highly effective for controlling children’s ponies, says Dr Mac.

Inaccurate feeding practices and poorly formulated diets in dairy herds can lead to subacute rumen acidosis, and result in decreased milk yields, higher than normal cull rates and profit losses for producers. Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO) CEO and specialist vet, Dr Chris van Dijk, and dairy feed specialist, Kenneth Botha, spell out the causes and cures to Gerhard Uys.

In 2013, Farmer’s Weekly reported on the Bergplaas Merino Stud in the Eastern Cape. Gavin Isted recently paid the farm another visit in recognition of its 80th anniversary, and to see what progress the award-winning stud has made over the past few years.

Clara Bruwer, a Charolais stud breeder from Vryburg, is convinced that technology is the optimal way to provide the best possible gene base for her clients. She spoke to Annelie Coleman about her success with in vitro fertilisation, and why she chose to breed Charolais over other cattle breeds.

A Pretoria-based teenager is running a successful aquaponics farm, and doing so with expertise and foresight.

A slow dribble of urine in a mare, gelding or stallion can have one of several causes, and could point to a serious medical condition. It requires immediate investigation, warns Dr Mac.

Breeding cows form the mainstay of the beef industry, according to animal scientist, Danie Bosman. Speaking at a Drakensberger information day in Potchefstroom, he said that the ideal breeding cow successfully raises a calf every year. In the first article of this two-part series, he addresses the selection criteria for a successful beef breeding cow.

Eager to hear the clatter of little hooves? Kim Dyson discusses the basics of putting your mare in foal.

Because of their scale, these systems have very limited yields. Choosing a complex, small system will not increase yield; it will only increase cost!

Almost 20 years ago, Chris Webb introduced Borans to his crossbreeding programme on the 1 500ha farm, Tharfield, in the Eastern Cape.

Sheared heels are common in horses that are toe in or toe out, and are likely to recur if conformation is poor. Fortunately, a farrier can make all the difference, says Kim Dyson.

Fish species that are adapted for rivers generally perform better under aquaculture’s challenging conditions.

Werner Nel of Bosbok R514 Breeders near Hartbeespoort in North West started breeding bushbuck in 2010. In time, the project expanded to the point where it became necessary to isolate young rams in separate camps to monitor, document and evaluate their growth rate.

Western mounted games is the fastest-growing equestrian sport in South Africa. Barrel racing, which attracts large audiences and generous prizes in the US, is...

Kragga Kamma Ngunis on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth is a successful stud and commercial operation that proves creative thinking and ongoing marketing are more important than owning the land on which you farm. Keri Harvey spoke to owner Neil Dawson.

With its wide temperature tolerance, the humble bass may be a good option for commercial production.

Quentin and Marisa de Bruyn from Ladybrand in the Free State have ‘fallen head-over-heels in love’ with Boran cattle, and see the breed as a top contender in South Africa’s red meat production industry, especially when used in a crossbreeding system.

It’s possible to mitigate the risks without taking the fun out of riding, says Dr Mac.

A good deal of supportive treatment is required to treat a physical injury, such as a tendon strain and soft tissue damage. Kim Dyson explains how to go about this properly.