Animals

The Ile de France is a dual-purpose breed that improves the carcass quality of its crossbred progeny.

With its outstanding feed conversion rates and high dressing percentages, the Chianina is the ideal breed for feedlots and beef production.

The Boerboel is a truly South African breed around which there are many misconceptions.

Since its arrival in South Africa in 2001, the Senepol has become a strong contender in the country’s beef cattle arena. Tiekie Muller, owner of the Nooitgedacht Senepol stud, spoke to Annelie Coleman about how the growing number of Senepol stud breeders underpins the value of the breed under exacting African conditions.

Through strategic partnerships and perseverance, brothers Simphiwe, Thembinkosi, and Linda Fani have built Doornrivier Farm in Somerset East, Eastern Cape, into a thriving livestock operation. Simphiwe and Thembinkosi spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the land acquisition, infrastructure, and financial challenges they have overcome to reach a point of sustainable production.

The rising global demand for tuna has placed it under significant threat of overfishing. World Tuna Day, 2 May, was established by the United Nations (UN) to highlight the importance of responsible and sustainable tuna fishing.

While most horse owners agree that it’s a good idea for riding horses to be examined by a dentist at least once a year, the need for bit seating depends on the type of riding, says Dr Mac.

The hatchery is the foundation of a fish farm. Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions, says that by following his six hatchery principles, farmers can set a trajectory for success in the grow-out phase.

John and Tracey Devonport, owners of the Devlan Limousin stud, offer some important information for farmers hoping to embark on a journey of stud breeding.

The Helmeringhausen Farmers’ Association’s Dexter cattle project was honoured by the Namibia Agricultural Union as the 2024 NAU-Feedmaster Community Project of the Year. Association chairperson Jörg Gaugler spoke to Annelie Coleman about this unique project and the difference it makes in the farming community.

The dairy industry is often criticised for its environmental impact, but a new innovation called DESTiny aims to empower farmers to take control of their carbon footprints. Riana Reinecke, the tool’s developer, explained to Glenneis Kriel how it works and how farmers can benefit from it.

Fintech entrepreneur Pieter de Wet, who farms Meatmaster sheep in the Klein Karoo, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how he is helping to reshape the local meat industry with his Landrani brand and unique production system.

Effective pig farming requires a delicate balance of care, precision, and innovation to ensure the well-being and performance of weaners and growers. Dr Alex Westerink, an expert in swine health and production at CS Vet, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about strategies for improving pig welfare, feed efficiency, disease prevention, and leveraging technology to boost productivity.

The popularity of launching fish farms is not matched by their success. Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions, explores the factors that cause most of these businesses to go under.

Crocodile farming is a profitable niche industry in South Africa that is focused on supplying premium skins to the global luxury goods market. However, as the effects of climate change intensify, maintaining ideal conditions for these reptiles becomes more difficult. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to two farmers about how they’re tackling these challenges while supporting conservation and economic growth in the country.

JD Mostert, a consulting swine nutritionist at CS Vet, and Dr Stefan Steyn, a veterinarian at Afrivet, shared their expertise with Sinenhlanhla Mncwango, delving into why biosecurity and nutrition are critical pillars in establishing and maintaining a productive pig farm geared for long-term success.

A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.

Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that’s better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.

Healthy soil plays an important role in cattle health and production. Dr Jan Myburgh from the Department of Paraclinical Sciences in the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science spoke to Annelie Coleman about the numerous benefits of healthy soil in improving farm profitability.

Breeders and riding schools need to explore innovative ways to generate income in order to ensure their survival, says Dr Mac.