Animals

When the time comes to euthanase a beloved horse, don’t ignore your responsibilities. There are ways to make the passing as humane as possible.

The recent success of GJT Lofts is largely due to a very special bloodline.

The interrelationship between vegetation, grazing animals, soil and climate is complex and dynamic. Finding and maintaining a balance between these factors for optimum, sustainable economic production has been the quest of the best rangeland ecologists in the world for some time. Dr Richard Fynn of the Okavango Research Institute in Maun, Botswana, explains.

In this second instalment of our series on launching an aquaculture business, we look at what steps to follow once a beginner has secured a basic knowledge of fish biology and system design.

Woodrose Red Poll Stud owner Anzabeth Nieuwoudt says the Red Poll has evolved into a true South African dual-purpose breed. Annelie Coleman visited her on the farm Biesieslaagte in Schweizer-Reneke to find out more about her cattle and the unique qualities of the breed.

Dr Mac discusses how to train a horse to lift its leg on command so that its hooves can be cleaned.

When one of your sheep takes first place in a major carcass competition dominated by other breeds, you are on the right track. Regina Harmse produces Ile de France on 300ha near Ermelo. On limited land, improving quality is non-negotiable, she told Gerhard Uys.

In this new series, Nicholas James will provide prospective tilapia farmers with a step-by-step guide on how to launch and run a successful aquaculture business in South Africa. We begin with the basics.

The Koup jackal-proof fence project shows it is possible for farmers and government to work together successfully on community ventures.

A horse’s recovery and long-term career is greatly influenced by the treatment it receives directly after an injury, says Kim Dyson.

With the rising demand for food, farmers have to produce more with fewer inputs. Bertus Mong, owner of the BM Hereford Stud, tells Glenneis Kriel how production recording helped him and his fellow Hereford breeders achieve this goal.

Spring is here and it’s time to check your management and vaccination programmes.

Equine insurance policies now cover far more than just reimbursement of costs when a horse dies. Considering what can go wrong, it may well be worth paying for these options, says Dr Mac.

The Birdy family is among the biggest money spinners in One-Day Loft competitions in South Africa and elsewhere, says Thomas Smit.

Is it possible to combine the best traits of the Brahman, Angus, Simmentaler and Boran? Eastern Cape farmer Johannes Norval thinks so. Mike Burgess spoke to him about his idea to develop this unique breed and his future prospects.

Herbs can help deal with a variety of coughs, says Kim Dyson.

The Dorper and the White Dorper are hardy mutton breeds that can produce under suboptimal veld conditions. Achieving a high lambing rate requires fertility and conformation to breed standards. Namaqualand stud breeder Pikkie Rossouw showed Jacques Claassen how he achieves these.

Retired broker, Hennie Lamprecht, runs a profitable, free-range chicken farming operation.

Vaulting, the ancient sport of equine gymnastics, is the fastest-growing equestrian sport in South Africa. One reason for this is that it’s truly accessible to all, explains Dr Mac.

Whether commercial or stud, a herd has to be correctly established in order to achieve sustainable economic production. Simmentaler breeder Hennie Viljoen and general manager of Simmentaler SA Flaf Lauwrens spoke to Gerhard Uys on how a novice should go about it.