Challenges impeding poultry sector growth
Inadequate and slow service delivery, tight regulations, increased imports and high feed costs are contributing to an increasingly sluggish poultry industry in KwaZulu-Natal. Despite this, opportunities do exist.
Simple, proven technology for fish farming
There is much to be said for the reliability of proven filter designs, as opposed to newer ones where reliance on fragile, complicated technology could result in toxic water with dead or sick fish.
Livestock Disease Trends – March 2015
February, March and April are the peak months for insect- and tick-transmitted diseases. The unavailability of the blue tongue vaccine resulted in serious losses to smallstock farmers and everything should be done so that this never happens again.
Moxidectin dewormer for horses – watch that dosage!
With its long residual effect, moxidectin dewormer is a useful treatment for encysted small strongyles and all stages of brown stomach worm in horses. But it can be toxic if the wrong dose is administered, warns Dr Mac.
Rigorous selection is the key to success
For Moorreesburg Merino stud breeder Johann Kotze, careful selection based on performance testing, BLUP values and strict visual selection of wool and conformation traits are all essential for a successful breeding programme.
How bergafat benefits horses
Fat is a superb source of energy without the harmful side-effects of other energy sources, says Kim Dyson. And the ideal form to feed it to your horse is bergafat – lecithinated palm fat.
Know your tilapia species
There are many factors to consider when selecting a tilapia species. Here, in a nutshell, are the main advantages and disadvantages of each one.
Producing free-range eggs in KZN
Felicity Vonmoos is meeting consumers’ demands for humane egg production.
The value of instant green feed as livestock fodder
Germinated grain produced in a closed system is a highly nutritious fodder, but factors such as the high cost of production and the high moisture content may make it uneconomical, says Prof Tertius Brand.
How to fit an exercise bandage on a horse
It is designed to protect, but can cause injury if applied incorrectly, says Dr Mac.
Successful switch to beef stud breeding
A burgeoning warthog population indirectly benefited smallstock predators on James Faber’s farm in the Northern Cape. The problem was so severe that he converted his farming operation from sheep and goats to a Brangus and Nguni stud. Annelie Coleman investigates the background and outcome.
Can once-a-day milking work in South Africa?
OAD milking is becoming increasingly popular in New Zealand, but can it work in SA?
