Dairy cows: healthy animals, healthy profits
The health of dairy cows is directly related to their conception rates and milk production.
Environmental benefits of Afrikaner cow productivity
Improved cow productivity reduces greenhouse gas production, according to specialist Agricultural Research Council researcher Prof Michiel Scholtz, who gave a presentation on the topic at the 1st International Conference on...
Basic requirements for the sleeping area
The enclosed sleeping area for pigs should take up about a third of total pen size.
Watch out for eye infections
Eye infections and injuries should always be regarded as emergencies and treated accordingly. These problems can swiftly worsen and even cause blindness, warns Dr Mac.
Dormer sheep: for the greatest return on your investment
Danie Thomas, a young Dormer stud farmer in Kroonstad, achieved the highest prices ever in South Africa for in-lamb and open ewes at the Kairos production sale this year. His...
How far have we come with aquaculture in SA?
This is the 100th aquaculture column to appear in Farmer’s Weekly, and to mark this milestone, I’d like to explore how far the industry has come since my first article...
The right music for dressage
Many riders have been inspired to try the musical kur after watching the recent Olympics, says Dr Mac.
How whey can cut the cost of pig feed
Alternative feed options can help to buffer the impact of rising costs, especially when prices increase due to adverse climatic conditions. Mauro Delle Donne of Zandam Farm explained to Glenneis...
Dealing with summer sores
More correctly known as cutaneous habronemiasis or Draschia infestation, these lesions are most common in tropical or temperate climates, warns Kim Dyson.
The way forward with grass-fed beef
Cloete Afrikaners takes the increasing consumer demand for grass-fed beef seriously. Adrian Cloete spoke to Gerhard Uys about the challenges of doing so in an industry currently geared to the...
Small community fish farms – then and now
Certain non-negotiable measures are needed to make small, community-run fish farms successful.
Pig farming: starting from scratch
There are several key factors to consider before deciding to farm pigs, whether intensively or free range, says Shane Brody.
Breeding soundness examination
When a visiting mare is introduced to your stud, it could bring in fatal diseases. Don’t take a chance – ensure that the horse is thoroughly examined beforehand, says Dr...
Enzootic bovine leucosis: Dairy’s cancer time bomb
Enzootic bovine leukosis currently represents one of the largest threats to SA’s dairy industry. If nothing is done to prevent and control new infections, it is possible that in future...
Diseases in the fish farming sector
Keeping rearing conditions clean and sourcing fingerlings from reputable hatcheries will help contain outbreaks.
Intensive or free-range pig farming?
This is the first question you have to ask yourself when considering raising pigs, says Shane Brody.
Dealing with stifle injuries
The stifle joint is the key to weight bearing and movement of the hind leg, and damage can be difficult to diagnose. Severe stifle injuries need urgent veterinary attention, explains...
A rare crossbreeding project
Simmentaler stud breeder Dr Emile Kotzé is crossing the Pustertaler with the Nguni and Simmentaler to produce a veld-adapted, dual-purpose breed that can thrive in the feedlot. He spoke to...
How Dohne Merino & medics can boost wheat income
Market volatility and climatic risks have resulted in an increasing number of grain producers in the Swartland incorporating livestock into their farming systems. Glenneis Kriel talks to Stephen and Peter...
Award-winning Holsteins: ‘Success lies in sire selection’
Holstein farmers, Brett and Grant Puttergill, have proven that sire selection and selective breeding are crucial to a dairy operation’s viability.
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