Animals

The South African aquaculture industry continues to experience difficulty with the import and farming of certain species. In neighbouring countries, by contrast, the industry is flourishing.

A horse that refuses to drink will not only lose condition, it could dehydrate, writes Kim Dyson.

Some dismiss red pigeons as "hawk feed", others have had great success racing them. Thomas Smit says colour is only skin deep.

Aloe Vera has many beneficial properties. Plant it around the stables, suggests Kim Dyson.

SA Stud Book’s top smallstock breeder for 2015, Clynton Collett from Venterstad, plans to increase the performance of his Meatmaster stud through better selection based on reproductive performance.

The legendary Wauldby Dohne Merino Stud from the Amabele area near Stutterheim in the Eastern Cape was founded by Deemie Blaine in 1947. Mike Burgess visited Blaine’s grandson, Robbie, a finalist in the 2015 National Sheep Farmer of the Year competition, to find out how he continues to farm his stud in this challenging environment.

To show a horse at top level you need aptitude, dedication and hard work, explains Kim Dyson.

Top stud breeder Hennie Viljoen says farmers must use top genetics to increase productivity and profitability.

Despite controversy, using the Bemer to heal injured horses seems to be popular, says Dr Mac.

New Zealand may be thousands of kilometres away from South Africa, but the dairy industries of both countries share similar challenges. Will Henson, agronomist from Agriseeds New Zealand, visited KZN to share his ideas on optimising dairy profit from ryegrass pasture.

The SA government’s misdirected approach towards aquaculture is clear, especially when compared with the situation in neighbouring countries.

This ailment can cause laminitis and infertility. Outward signs are coarse hair and excessive thirst. Kim Dyson explains.

Veterinarian Dr Jan du Preez discusses the top five diseases that South African farmers should guard against to ensure that their cattle and their bottom-line are not negatively affected.

Albert Lingenfelder and André Mills have again made their mark, this time in the inaugural Western Cape Classic, says Thomas Smit.

Get yourself a pair of real barn cats. They are far more effective than traps, says Dr Mac.

The traditional aquaponics single-unit system disadvantages the fish, the plants or both. Now might be the right time to rethink the design.

Be gentle with nature. Work with what you have on your farm and not with what you would have liked to have. This is the grazing management philosophy of commercial farmers Helmut and Iris Stehn from Dordabis in Namibia.

The word lameness can strike fear into any horse owner, but when it emanates from the pelvic region, the prognosis can be good, says Kim Dyson.

The Senepol holds the key to sustainable and profitable beef production in South Africa, says Wilhelm Oosthuyzen, owner of Senepol SA’s 2015 Stud Herd of the Year. Annelie Coleman visited his Joxepa Senepol Stud near Bothaville, Free State, to find out more about this remarkable breed.

The Namibian stud livestock breeding industry currently consists of 79 000 head of registered livestock. Annelie Coleman spoke to Jacque Els, CEO of the Namibian Stud Breeders’ Association in Windhoek, about the distinguishing features of the industry in his country.