The role of reproduction in profitable beef cattle farming
Reproduction is vital for beef production, boosting income, genetic improvement, and reducing overheads. Hennie du Toit, animal and pasture scientist at Agropedo Armenta, writes about the importance of reproduction in beef cattle profitability.
Iberian pigs provide the world’s most expensive ham
Amidst the range of delicacies to be enjoyed in Spain, Iberian ham is both a culinary delight and a farming marvel. Lindi Botha visited Spain to find out what it takes to produce the most expensive ham in the world.
Why performance testing in livestock is important
Melville Ferreira and Freek Botes, researchers at the Agricultural Research Council’s Animal Production Institute in Armoedsvlakte, explain why performance testing is important for herd progress.
How an Eastern Cape miniature horse breeder built up his stud
Don’t be mistaken: the South African Miniature Horse is not a toy breed but a well-balanced, hardy animal, and if all reference to size were eliminated, would have the same conformational proportions than other full-sized light breeds.
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RPO advises on FMD outbreak control and biosecurity measures
The Eastern Cape Red Meat Producers’ Organisation confirms that more than 140 animals have tested positive for foot-and-mouth disease in the province, and movement control is in place in certain areas.
South African Braunvieh set for global beef market success
The South African Braunvieh has all it takes to become a serious contender in the international red meat production arena, says Gawie Naudé, owner of the award-winning Eduan Braunvieh Stud near Rhodes in the Eastern Cape.
Western Cape farmer’s model for running pigs on pasture
Farming pigs on pasture is not commonly practised in South Africa, yet provides multiple benefits to farmers and the environment. Nan Smith spoke to Swellendam farmer Simon Goble about how regenerative pig farming adds profit and ethics to pork production.
Zimbabwe’s Nkone cattle breed recovers from near extinction
Zimbabwe’s quintessential Nkone cattle breed is back from the brink of extinction, says Annelie Coleman. She spoke to George Hulme, a Nkone farmer and breeding society vice-chairperson, who jointly runs the Pungeni stud near Harare.
Are nosebands really necessary?
Recent research has found evidence of bone and tissue damage in parade horses wearing nosebands, says Dr Mac.
Fish farming: a goldfish or red herring?
Leslie Ter Morshuizen explains the potential for aquaculture in South Africa.
Broodmares and foals on the veld need enough clean water
Horses are herbivores and can survive on natural grazing, but what about the water?
Saving the vultures
A much-needed addition to the Southern Drakensberg, the Mzimkulu Vulture Hide, created to support vulture conservation through a Vulture Safe Feeding Zone, is a hub of activity and a bird-lover’s paradise.
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