Where have all the horse vets gone?
Faced with an emergency with one of her own horses, Dr Mac experienced South Africa’s shortage of equine veterinarians for herself.
Sourveld and rocks no obstacles to this Simbra producer
Rocco Botha runs a commercial herd of Simbra cattle on North West’s Klipveld, an aptly named area noted for its rocks and sourveld. Annelie Coleman spoke to him about his...
Analysis: water intake of young Afrikaner and Nguni bulls
A study by Georgette Pyoos, junior researcher, and Prof Michiel Scholtz, specialist researcher in animal breeding and genetics, both at the Agricultural Research Council’s Animal Production Institute, counters the popular...
Why horses and donkeys still have a place in agriculture
No fuel or batteries required! With the world seeking to go green in the face of climate change, equids such as horses, donkeys and mules might just be the next...
How to keep your chickens happy and healthy
Chickens are sensitive to temperature and may be prone to illness. For this reason, adequate housing and healthcare are essential for profitable production. Janine Ryan reports on some things to...
Angora: good money from a great breed
Mohair production is a valuable farming option even outside the Karoo. This is being demonstrated at two studs in North West’s Wolmaransstad district, as Annelie Coleman found out on her...
Length of hind hooves can influence soundness in horses
The contribution of the hind hooves to overall soundness, neglected until now, has been highlighted in a new study.
Perseverance: the key to stud-farming success
Bonsmara stud manager Sizo Tshabalala believes there is a lesson to be learnt from every challenge. He spoke to Lindi Botha about how his passion for farming and determination to...
Boran cattle: perfect fit for diversified farmer
As a diversified farmer whose primary focus is grain, Leon van Tonder doesn’t have much time to worry about his cattle. He spoke to Lindi Botha about why introducing Boran cattle...
Top pig farmer takes full advantage of technology
New technologies, big data and top-of-the-range genetics are becoming increasingly important aspects of profitable pig farming. However, these advancements don’t come cheap, placing them out of reach of many small-scale...
Merino: why a bigger flock is better on the Mpumalanga Highveld
The Mpumalanga Highveld was once the wool capital of South Africa, but rampant stock theft over the years has largely decimated the industry here. However, while some farmers are moving...
Swine flu or swine fever? Know the difference!
In order to ensure proper treatment for and management of pig diseases, farmers must know the differences between African swine fever, classical swine fever and swine flu, says Janine Ryan.
The Afrikaner: equipped to beat climate change
The Afrikaner beef cattle breed’s outstanding plasticity enables it to perform optimally despite the negative consequences of climate change. Georgette Pyoos, a junior researcher in the Animal Breeding and Genetics...
Removal of waste in stables
With its implications for health, waste removal is a key aspect of management. It requires proper planning and a well-designed system that allow the task to be done quickly and...
Why sexed semen is ideal for emerging cattle farmers
In a recent study, Luther Magopa of the Agricultural Research Council, along with other researchers, looked at the possibility and benefits of using sexed semen in emerging or small-scale cattle...
Capitalising on unused land with Boer Goats
The subtropical Lowveld is hardly prime goat country, but with good management, a farmer can add a valuable component to the crops cultivated in the area. Divan Maritz spoke to...
Mashona: small in stature, big in value
Zimbabwe’s indigenous Mashona cattle are renowned for their outstanding productivity and ability to survive under even the most extreme conditions. Maree Osborne, chairperson of the Mashona Cattle Society of Zimbabwe,...
Boosting dairy profitability: it’s not all in the genes!
Looking for ways to enhance your dairy’s profits? Better cow health and improved liveability might be the solution, according to Rebekah Mast, a US-based dairy genetics expert.
The pre-purchase veterinary examination
Before you buy a horse, ask your veterinarian to give it a thorough examination, advises Dr Mac.
From communal to commercial: a Bonsmara farmer’s success story
Mthobeli Dintsi was a 2022 provincial winner in the National Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo Farmer of the Year competition, a category of the Agricultural Research Council’s National Beef Performers Awards. Mike...
ADVERTISEMENT
MUST READS
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
