Animals

Every year, hundreds of wild animals are moved from SA’s national parks to other parks, reserves and game farms within the region. Game capture and translocation is a highly specialised field, as Dr Markus Hofmeyr, SANParks’ head of Veterinary Wildlife Services, told Peter Mashala.

Pieter Schulenburg of Leeuwfontein Braford Stud has established an acclaimed stud herd through a tough selection regime. His animals thrive under the harsh conditions of the semi-arid bushveld, says Peter Mashala.

Having a fussy nibbler or greedy gobbler can be frustrating – but there are ways of dealing with such behaviour, says Kim Dyson.

It’s time to go shopping for African horse sickness vaccine again, but you’ll find it’s in a new package and more expensive this year, says Dr Mac.

Experienced pigeon fancier Dr Bertus Praeg takes the practical use of pigeon manure to a scientific level. Thomas Smit spoke to him.

With no previous farming experience but with a love of conservation and wildlife and a large dose of business and common sense, the Bhorat family has turned an undeveloped and overgrazed piece of land into a successful game farm in only four years. Denene Erasmus reports.

Tilapia farming is now well established in Asia, but will only succeed in SA if good quality stock is used in an economically viable culture environment.

These plants grow almost anywhere, and can be deadly if your animals eat too many of them, warns Paul Donovan.

According to Johnny Morrison, chairperson of the SA Indigenous Veld Goat Club, a millenia-long migration through Africa has honed the breed into a superbly functional animal. Annelie Coleman reports.

Scoring body condition (BCS) in dairy cows is an economically important management tool to check the body reserves and energy status of cattle.

Before you run out and buy an expensive new bit, it’s essential that you understand why your horse is resisting, says Kim Dyson.

Brahman stud breeder James Prinsloo runs a thriving cattle enterprise on the Mpumalanga highveld where winter temperatures can fall to -12°C. Known for their resilience to heat and drought, the Brahman of the Jamica stud prove the commendable adaptability of the breed. Annelie Coleman reports.

South Africa’s beekeeping industry may still have room for newcomers, but this unusual type of agricultural production is far more challenging than it may appear. Lloyd Phillips reports.

Beware of blue-green algae – this can kill your horses, warns Dr Mac.

The Transvaal Racing Pigeon Federation’s 12 short distance races have been extremely fast-paced, says Thomas Smit.

This easy-care, dual purpose breed thrives in the harshest conditions, offers high net profits and is a pleasure to farm. Roelof Bezuidenhout reports.

Your horse relies on you to make sure it gets enough liquids to replace those lost while sweating during competitions, cautions Kim Dyson.

Malekaleke Maila farms with Pedi sheep on communal land in Limpopo. Unable to run his flock near his village, he is forced to spend each week away from home. Yet, through careful management, he earns a reasonable living and is paying for his children’s studies. Peter Mashala spoke to him.

Udder health problems, especially mastitis, can significantly limit profitable dairy farming, says vet Dr Vincent Turner. Robyn Joubert reports.

With the Transvaal Racing Pigeon Federation’s 2012 season currently underway, Thomas Smit looks at some of the favourites.