Veld test: Santa Gertrudis proves its worth
The North West Veld Santa Breeders’ Study Group has demonstrated the breed’s efficiency and ability under extensive conditions, confirming its value as a beef breed.
Top genetics boost communal goat project
Goat farming is central to the economy of the Bakgatla Ba Kgafela Traditional Authority (BBKTA) in North West. A project to improve the local goat herds through world-class genetics is...
Infrastructure for aquaculture
Adapting existing buildings and dams for aquaculture seems a neat, money-saving solution. Yet this usually leads to failure. Unless you know what you’re doing, build a dedicated setup – you...
Rearing pigs on acorns
Acorn-fed pigs is a Spanish and Portuguese tradition. Oak Valley Estate in the Elgin Valley is one of just a few commercial, free-range, acorn-fed pig farms in South Africa.
Look out for these symptoms of African Horse Sickness
High rainfall and humidity have resulted in outbreaks of African Horse Sickness, says Dr Mac.
Livestock Disease Trends – March 2014
Wireworms: Late continuous rainfall, especially in the summer rainfall areas, led to severe wireworm infestations in smallstock
Fish farming beyond SA
The state of aquaculture in neighbouring countries – and the lessons to be learnt.
Horses: When ticks bite
Lyme disease is rare in horses in SA and can often be mistaken for other conditions, says Kim Dyson.
Insulin Resistance in horses
Prevention is always better than cure. Kim Dyson offers some tips on how to avoid insulin resistance.
Strict selection is key, says top Dohne breeder
Michael Swart of Swartriver Esate near Caledon believes there is no better investment than a good sheep. He should know – his Swarco Dohne Merino stud has, over the past...
SAMDPR results 2014
Once again, the final of this thrilling, lucrative annual race produced a mixture of joy and disappointment, says Thomas Smit.
Hard work and dedication pay off for female farmer
Rachel Mamonare Mathabathe, the 2013 ARC National Emerging Beef Farmer of the Year Limpopo finalist, farms near Mookgophong on the farm Klipfontein with 300 cattle, 150 goats and 300 sheep....
The history of the red tilapia
Deep-bodied, fast-growing strains of red Mozambique tilapia are becoming the species of choice in regions where winter temperatures do not usually favour tilapia farming.
Livestock Disease Trends – February 2014
For the month of February 2014, 104 reports were received from veterinarians belonging to the Livestock Health and Production Group of the South African Veterinary Association. In addition reports were...
Huntersvlei Sussex: introducing polled English genetics to SA
A Sussex stud herd near Viljoenskroon has imported polled genetics from the UK to capitalise on the advantages offered by the polled gene and to develop its own world-class polled...
Horses and capped hocks
If not treated in time, this kind of swelling can ruin a show horse’s career, warns Kim Dyson.
Stray dogs in perspective
The growing stray dog problem calls for greater co-operation between municipalities, animal welfare groups and farmers before it escalates out of control.
The best dairy breed: A comparative study
In her informal study, Jane Holliday investigates the differences between Holsteins and Jerseys.
Tattooing and ear notching techniques
Here are two tried-and-tested alternative permanent marking techniques that are suitable for both large and small livestock. Each has its distinctive advantages and disadvantages.
Petana Beefmaster, fit and work-ready
Petana Beefmaster Stud’s success is ascribed to strict adherence to the six principles of Tom Lasater, father of the Beefmaster breed. Annelie Coleman visited the stud in the Wolmaransstad district.
