Animals

Bites from the hyalomma tick can cause pain and lameness, says Dr Mac.

In his controversial new book, legendary Southern Africa cattleman Johann Zietsman urges other cattle farmers to buck the status quo, innovate and increase their production by more than 50%. Heather Dugmore summarises his views.

Commercially farmed tilapia are all male, due to minute quantities of a hormone they are given early on in their lives, but they are perfectly safe to eat!

This unsightly skin infection is not dangerous, but it should always be attended to. If ignored, it can give rise to a secondary infection that will complicate treatment. Kim Dyson explains.

Father and son team, Paradise and Temba Mahlangu, believe in sound education, hard work, service to the community and a balance between the drive to succeed and a sense of contentment. The Mahlangu men spoke to Nan Smith about farming Bonsmaras in Mpumalanga.

Monthly report on livestock disease trends in South Africa.

With R1 million in combined prize money expected, this is one race you can’t afford to miss, says Thomas Smit.

A crippling lameness, this condition can strike suddenly, and may prove deadly, warns Dr Mac.

With the advent of industrial agriculture, Southern Africa’s indigenous goat breeds faced extinction. However, some farmers such as Hilton Sanders of RH Ranching Mbuzi Stud, are dedicated to ensuring that these ecotypes remain relevant, and they are doing so profitably.

What characteristics are sought for improvement in a strain development programme? How far beyond simple growth improvement must one go?

Father-and-son team Hansie and Johan Sauer’s Droogfontein Merino Stud is doing exceptionally well in one of the harshest areas in the northern Eastern Cape. Gavin Isted paid them a visit.

At 23, Limousin breeder Rehan van Niekerk has already made a name for himself. This young Bothaville farmer established the Eran Limousin herd while still at school and has since built it into an award-winning stud.