Livestock disease trends – August 2015
Spring is here and it’s time to check your management and vaccination programmes.
Should I insure my horse?
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.
Birdy’s top genealogy
The Birdy family is among the biggest money spinners in One-Day Loft competitions in South Africa and elsewhere, says Thomas Smit.
New 4-in-1 beef breed has a bright future
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.
Breeding to the breed standard pays off
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.
Retiring on free-range chickens
Retired broker, Hennie Lamprecht, runs a profitable, free-range chicken farming operation.
Learn about vaulting
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.
Establishing a beef herd
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.
Tangled in a net of legislation
While government proclaims its commitment to a sustainable aquaculture industry, it simultaneously chokes the growth of the industry through a lengthy and complex legislation process.
Livestock Disease trends July 2015
Protein and energy deficiencies have been reported from many areas of the country. If early spring and summer rains do not fall, many areas will face food shortages. Start planning now for obtaining alternative feed if necessary.
Breeding well-balanced Meatmaster sheep
PW van Heerden’s Meatmaster stud began as a crossbreeding experiment, but is now a top stud.
Is oat hay a suitable alternative for horses?
Oat hay can be cultivated throughout South Africa, but is it suitable forage for horses?
The birds flock in for the big race
The 20th SA Million Dollar Pigeon Race, due to be held early next year, is once again attracting top-rate entrants from around the world, says Thomas Smit.
Cattle farmers learn how to farm game
According to Riaan Crous, cattle simply cannot beat the income/ha earned from game.
Answers to your aquaculture questions
Certain questions come up repeatedly from people eager to become involved in warm-water aquaculture in Southern Africa. This seems the right platform to raise and answer a few of these.
Dropping the ‘dominance theory’
It is now considered old-fashioned and misguided, not to mention cruel, to use ‘dominance theory’ methods to train a horse, cautions Dr Mac.
Owning the value chain – Boran stud’s success story
Sandton-based accountant brothers, Simeon and Jarren Hurwitz, who also own a farming business near Davel, have established South Africa’s largest Boran stud. They also own their commercial beef business’s entire value chain.
Mouldy maize stover: it could prove a killer
Equine leukoencephalomalacia is a deadly disease sometimes found in mouldy maize stover, cautions Dr Mac.
Careful stud selection boosts commercial beef production
Johan and JM Steyn from Bothaville’s Vansia Red Angus stud, which commemorates its 40th anniversary this year, is on a mission to provide hardy, veld-adapted genetics. This strategy aims to ensure profitable and sustainable beef production in South Africa for years to come.
