Animals

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 Dr Mac.

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 Gerhard Uys about his efforts to attain his breeding goals.

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 Steyn to find out how they use sheep and medics to optimise their grain returns.

Holstein farmers, Brett and Grant Puttergill, have proven that sire selection and selective breeding are crucial to a dairy operation’s viability.

Aspiring and current game farmers must carefully consider the factors that influence a ranch’s value.

Laminitis and insulin resistance usually go hand in hand, and are two conditions that strike fear into any horse owner, says Kim Dyson.

Dr Elsje Pieterse of the Department of Animal Sciences at Stellenbosch University offers some advice on good feeding practices.

Elnora Crous explains to Glenneis Kriel how laparoscopic insemination has helped to accelerate genetic progress in the Dohne Merino stud on their family farm, Jongensklip, near Caledon.

The success and viability of the industry is largely government’s responsibility, because only it makes and implements legislation.

Your consultant might not be your employee, but if you’re expecting excellent results, you need to apply sound management skills to the relationship.

It doesn’t take long for a newcomer to become an accepted member of the herd. Kim Dyson discusses ways of easing the process.

A horse’s fetlock acts as a shock absorber during movement. Over the years, small injuries can lead to more serious problems in this joint, cautions Dr Mac.

Shane Gerber has been racing pigeons for 20 years and is passionate about Tom Locks. Thomas Smit spoke to him.

While vaccination helps to prevent poultry disease outbreaks, well-planned biosecurity remains the first line of defence. Agmat Brinkhuis, chairperson of the SA Poultry Association and poultry farmer, spoke to Glenneis Kriel.

The high cost of these systems can be prohibitive for new entrants to the industry. Pond farms may be a far better solution.

Sexually transmitted animal diseases and a lack of vaccines are the foremost challenges facing Northern Cape livestock producers. Annelie Coleman asked Dr Koos Louw, chairperson of the provincial Red Meat Producers’ Organisation’s (RPO NC) Animal Health Forum, to explain.

The NOSA Five Star Safety System goes beyond safety issues. It offers a proven way of ensuring excellence in your operation and increasing profits.

Although swelling in a horse’s hock area does not necessarily lead to pain or lameness, it is best to let a vet examine the joint as soon as possible, says Kim Dyson.

Award-winning goat’s cheese and milk producer, Christo Venter, believes A-grade goat’s milk is needed to produce cheese of distinction. He told Gerhard Uys how veld-reared milk goats can supply the high-quality milk needed to achieve this.

Game farms may be uncommon in the Western Cape, but Fernando Rueda, a rare-game breeder on Arc-en-ciel, near Wellington, is convinced that the province has great potential for aspiring game farmers. Fernando and farm manager Schutz Marais spoke to Jeandré du Preez about unlocking the industry’s potential.