How to tell if a horse has recovered from a back injury
Many horses that fail to return to their original work after a back injury simply haven’t been given enough time to recover, says Kim Dyson.
Bonsmara-infused Afrikaners: enhancing performance
Bothaville Stud breeder, Herbert Bruinette, has succeeded in breeding Afrikaner cattle with excellent breeding values and muscling through the introduction of Bonsmara genetics into his herd. He started in 2008...
Groundwork for horses
The amount of training a horse needs before a rider climbs on its back differs according to the discipline you choose, says Dr Mac.
Locheim Herefords: bred for balance
Philip de Waal, owner of the Locheim studs in the Swartland and on the West Coast, has won regional, national and international awards for his top-performing Hereford cattle. He spoke...
Invest in rural aquaculture!
The SA government does not provide adequate support or information to rural people who want to start a fish farm.
Don’t let your horse suffer from osteochondritis dissecans
Unfortunately, the developmental disease osteochondritis dissecans is quite common and can cause your horse severe discomfort.
Three-way crossbreeding for optimal production
Crossbreeding two beef breeds is a popular practice among South Africa’s commercial beef producers. A KwaZulu-Natal family that has been in the beef farming business for several decades believes it...
Taking a horse through water
Our dry climate means that young horses often are not used to crossing streams and even large puddles, but with a little patience you can show them how.
Do the eyes have it?
The theory of ‘eye-sign’ is a subject of much controversy in the pigeon racing fraternity.
The stages of filtration – it’s all about balance
There are four key aspects of filtration, all of which are non-negotiable and integral to running a successful system.
Achieving shorter ICP
Fertility and a short intercalving period (ICP) are more heritable than experts suggest, says cattle farmer Peter Schultz. He explains to Gerhard Uys that cattle well-adapted to their environment and...
Keep this deadly virus at bay
Transmitted by mosquitoes, the West Nile virus can prove fatal to unvaccinated horses.
The legacy of the Jordaan Boer goats
For four generations, the Jordaan family has been dedicated to advancing the Boer goat breed.
Protecting horses against leopards
Preventing predation by leopards is complicated because they are a protected species. Moreover, they might not be the true culprit, warns Dr Mac.
Technology – a resource to drive profit in beef operations
Breeding and associated genetic technologies can make a difference to the bottom line in beef cattle herds, says Japie van der Westhuizen of SA Stud Book.
Rating recirculating systems for tilapia
The efficacy of any recirculating system must be based on solid evidence and statistics over a full season.
Transformation plans for the poultry industry
South Africa’s quest for global competitiveness has widened the gap between established poultry producers and new entrants. It is imperative to come up with new transformation models. Dr Charlotte Nkuna,...
How serious are those warts on a horse’s muzzle?
Just how serious are those small warts often seen on the muzzles of young horses? Dr Mac sets your mind at rest.
All about the leg wrap
Leg wraps will protect your horse, especially while travelling, but if not applied properly they can do damage. Learn how to do them properly.
One family, four livestock enterprises
When Cornelius van Niekerk passed away, he left his sons, Jan and Bertie, a commercial beef cattle herd. He also left his daughters-in-law, Marizelle and Annie, a cattle stud each.
