Know your tilapia species
There are many factors to consider when selecting a tilapia species. Here, in a nutshell, are the main advantages and disadvantages of each one.
Producing free-range eggs in KZN
Felicity Vonmoos is meeting consumers’ demands for humane egg production.
The value of instant green feed as livestock fodder
Germinated grain produced in a closed system is a highly nutritious fodder, but factors such as the high cost of production and the high moisture content may make it uneconomical,...
How to fit an exercise bandage on a horse
It is designed to protect, but can cause injury if applied incorrectly, says Dr Mac.
Successful switch to beef stud breeding
A burgeoning warthog population indirectly benefited smallstock predators on James Faber’s farm in the Northern Cape. The problem was so severe that he converted his farming operation from sheep and...
Can once-a-day milking work in South Africa?
OAD milking is becoming increasingly popular in New Zealand, but can it work in SA?
Man, cattle & veld
In his controversial new book, legendary Southern Africa cattleman Johann Zietsman urges other cattle farmers to buck the status quo, innovate and increase their production by more than 50%. Heather...
Farmed tilapia are safe to eat
Commercially farmed tilapia are all male, due to minute quantities of a hormone they are given early on in their lives, but they are perfectly safe to eat!
Tackling rain scald in horses
This unsightly skin infection is not dangerous, but it should always be attended to. If ignored, it can give rise to a secondary infection that will complicate treatment. Kim Dyson...
Sensible syndication success for the Mahlangus
Father and son team, Paradise and Temba Mahlangu, believe in sound education, hard work, service to the community and a balance between the drive to succeed and a sense of...
Livestock Disease Trends – February 2015
Monthly report on livestock disease trends in South Africa.
Flying high for 150 years
With R1 million in combined prize money expected, this is one race you can’t afford to miss, says Thomas Smit.
Dealing with laminitis
A crippling lameness, this condition can strike suddenly, and may prove deadly, warns Dr Mac.
Preserving the indigenous Mbuzi veld goat
With the advent of industrial agriculture, Southern Africa’s indigenous goat breeds faced extinction. However, some farmers such as Hilton Sanders of RH Ranching Mbuzi Stud, are dedicated to ensuring that...
More on species and strains
What characteristics are sought for improvement in a strain development programme? How far beyond simple growth improvement must one go?
Unique merino stud thrives in harsh conditions
Father-and-son team Hansie and Johan Sauer’s Droogfontein Merino Stud is doing exceptionally well in one of the harshest areas in the northern Eastern Cape. Gavin Isted paid them a visit.
Limousin stud: starting well and getting better
At 23, Limousin breeder Rehan van Niekerk has already made a name for himself. This young Bothaville farmer established the Eran Limousin herd while still at school and has since...
Teaching the young horse to steer
Longlining is the next step after lunging when training a colt, says Dr Mac.
Selecting fish species and strains
The correct choice of fish species or strain can determine success or failure. Beware of breeders claiming to have developed a superior ‘strain’ of tilapia. Chances are they have done...
