Latest articles
Foaling season
Horse owners need to try and minimise risks to both foal and mare during foaling season, says Dr Mac.
SAMDPR final results
The final race of the 17th SA Million Dollar Pigeon Race saw results based on the quality and fitness of the top pigeons on the day, says Thomas Smit.
About pond aquaculture
Good husbandry, economically viable feeding and correct system design are the key to pond farming.
Livestock Disease Trends – February 2013
Due to severe drought conditions in certain parts of the country now is the time to get rid of all unproductive and old animals.
Trials for the tilapia industry
The tilapia industry is still in its infancy in South Africa, but is a lucrative investment with potential as a quality source of protein. Until markets are properly developed, the industry remains stagnant, but markets will not grow if supply is not assured. Lindi van Rooyen reports.
Hard hats save lives
The South African Equestrian Federation doesn’t allow any rider to compete unless they’re wearing approved headgear –
and for good reason, says Dr Mac.
Dargle duck business takes off
A mother-and-son team is building a reputation for flavoursome ‘open-range’ Pekin ducks. But behind the picture-perfect ideal of ducks preening happily under sprinklers lies many challenges.
SA Million Dollar Pigeon Race
The SA Million Dollar Pigeon Race (SAMDPR) is about more than just pigeons. In the words of race director and founder Zandy Meyer: “It’s a meeting place for bakers and candlestick makers.”
Dexters pack a big punch
Large-framed breeds are generally the norm on cattle farms in northern Namibia, but the dual purpose Dexter is making its mark in the area. From his farm between Kamanjab and Khorixas, Danie Jansen van Vuuren spoke to Annelie Coleman about the growth of this breed in Namibia.
Removing wolf teeth
If your young horse is throwing its head around when you pull on the reins it may have wolf teeth, says Dr Mac.
Freshwater options in SA
Aquaculture is far more diverse than many realise. The practice can vary in size, technique and breeds.
Manage the breeding season for profitable production
The timing of breeding is an important technique to optimise reproductive performance, and impacts directly on the profit margin of beef cattle production. Leslie Bergh, senior researcher, Beef Cattle Recording and Improvement at the ARC, explains why.
Dr Dung’s lessons
Dung is an important indicator of the nutritional status of a cow. So it’s useful to know what different ‘types’ mean.
The key to running a top broiler business
Sound management and investing in human resources has brought Gilbert Phalafala swift success.
Proud flesh
The best way to prevent proud flesh from forming is proper wound management, says Kim Dyson.
Communal farmer sets his sights higher with Brahman
Mike Ramagofu says small-scale farmers need the right breed for their specific conditions. He believes a breed can make or break an enterprise, especially in the case of communal farming. Peter Mashala reports.
Good husbandry is the solution
Tilapia are hardy, but survival is one thing and fast growth another – and in culture units poor performance is invariably due to poor husbandry.
Livestock Disease Trends (as informally reported by vets in South Africa) January 2013
Due to good rainfall in the summer rainfall areas and hot weather, numerous reports of internal parasites were received. Infestations were reported at:
Boran’s rising popularity in the Eastern Cape
Boran farmer, Johannes van Rensburg, says that the commitment of individuals advances the breed.
Doing SA proud
The name may have changed, but the competition is as fierce as ever and the prizes remain mouth-watering, says Thomas Smit.
