Animals

Contact with wildlife can endanger your livestock, because wild animals are a source of diseases that seriously affect the productivity of livestock and even lead to death.

Any condition involving the eye is potentially serious and should be investigated as soon as possible, says Kim Dyson.

The causes of ‘parrot mouth’ in horses are unclear, and treatment can be expensive.

As it stands, prospective legislation seeking to control the use of Nile tilapia will be counter-productive and hamper the growth of aquaculture in South Africa.

Knowing what a healthy hoof looks like will help you to recognise an unhealthy hoof straightaway, says Kim Dyson.

The National Wool Growers’ Association (NWGA) chairperson for the Joe Gqabi district, Lawrence Maduna, is a developing sheep and wool farmer who runs a self-sustaining farming operation in the tough, dry conditions of the northeastern Cape. Grant Hollins visited him on his farm, Elsieskraal, near Lady Grey, to discover the secret of his success in these harsh conditions.

Marco and Regine Seefeldt have been farming on the banks of the Black Nossob River, 90km east of Windhoek, since 2000. They lease the 5 000ha farm, Silversand, from Marco’s father, Bernd, while Regine inherited Otjihundu (8 000ha) from her family.

Healthy, properly-shaped hooves are crucial to the overall condition of a horse, says Kim Dyson.

All went well at the prestigious Dinokeng One-Day Loft International Pigeon Race, says Thomas Smit.

Communal and emerging wool farmers produce 12% of the national clip. One of these is Nophumzile Sithole in Naledi, between Sterkspruit and Lady Grey. She is a regular contributor to the provincial wool clip and has been congratulated by the National Wool Growers’ Association (NWGA) for the quality of wool she provides.

Currently, too many systems cruelly compromise fish quality to favour plant production. But there’s a simple solution to this unacceptable state of affairs that will see both flourish.

This wound complication in horses can be serious, warns Dr Mac.

Number Two Piggeries currently employs 1 000 people, and farms a total of 20 000 breeding sows.

If you want to make money breeding cattle, you have to buy the best bulls available. The Glen Heath Tuli Stud is proof that this strategy works.

Veterinary bills can be expensive. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce these costs without compromising your horse’s health, says Dr Mac.

Fish farming is an attractive occupation that appeals to many young people. What should they do to get started?

Become familiar with what’s healthy and what’s not, says Kim Dyson.

During the drought of 2006, Paul Bester, head of ZZ2’s transformation initiative was approached by civil engineer Element Mashai and his partner Elvis Ramolo, who owned a herd outside Polokwane. The two men were desperately seeking grazing.

The right nutrition programme is essential for optimal and cost-effective commercial egg production. Dr Aidan Leek, of multi-national poultry layer genetics company, Hy-Line, explains how to achieve this.

It might be a ‘natural process’, but owners should know the signs of foaling, as complications can arise, warns Dr Mac.