Animals

With the mating season upon us, be careful that the neighbour’s stallion does not jump the fence, warns Dr Mac.

A passionate farmer committed to a scientific approach, Paul Collett won the Agri SA Toyota Young Farmer of the Year award for the Eastern Cape. Lourens Schoeman visited him on Speelmanskop to learn more about his operation.

Two themes emerged at the recent national aquaculture conference: the maze of regulations throttling SA aquaculture development, and the relative absence of large-scale commercial fish farms.

Don’t underestimate the value that a long mane and tail will add to your horse, says Kim Dyson.

The owners of Rouvus Drakensberger Stud near Ventersburg take performance testing and animal recording seriously. Father and son team Gawie and Frik Roux incorporated central growth testing into the management of their stud to determine feed conversion ratios (FCR), in conjunction with animal scientist, Danie Bosman.

Sugar and honey are useful for treating minor problems in horses, says Dr Mac.

A Caslick’s operation is highly effective, but it should be carried out only where broodmares can be closely observed and monitored afterwards, warns Dr Mac.

Rangeland Ecology Group programme manager at the Agricultural Research Council, Dr Mike Peel, discusses animal management under fluctuating environmental conditions in the Lowveld areas of SA.

Before embarking on a project, have a practical and sensible understanding of the funds and skills available to you. Do your research before identifying partners, mentors and an appropriate system.

Dr Mac takes a closer look at the primary health care basics for these animals.

Charolais farmer Corrie de Vos spoke to Gerhard Uys about how the breed has improved over the decades and how sound business principles can help a commercial and stud farmer to be profitable.

When the time comes to euthanase a beloved horse, don’t ignore your responsibilities. There are ways to make the passing as humane as possible.