Animals

Feeding sheep flocks during a bad drought can be like throwing money down a bottomless pit, because no one knows when it will rain again. Jan Hoon of the Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute offers some tips to farmers willing to take the risk. Roelof Bezuidenhout reports.

White line disease is an infection of the hoof wall of a horse, mule or donkey, which causes it to disintegrate, writes Dr Mac.

When Abel Erasmus bought five stock farms near Philippolis in the Free State to establish the 14 000ha Otterskloof Private Game Reserve, he focused on breeding rare game species, including disease-free buffalo, roan antelope and sable antelope. Mike Burgess spoke to him about his success converting stock farms into a game reserve.

If you have itchy red spots, beware - you might have caught them from your horse, warns Dr Mac.

Ben Lategan is the national runner-up of the National Wool Growers Association/FNB best economically classed clip in South Africa for 2009/10. His Merino enterprise on 6 000ha in the Burgersdorp district of the Eastern Cape includes 180ha of irrigated lucerne, allowing him to get the most from his sheep. Mike Burgess reports.

The first section of the 2010 South African Prestige Invitational Pigeon Race has been completed and many fortunate pigeon fanciers have succeeded in impressing their wives - and their bank managers, writes Thomas Smit.

Before you start these lessons, it's essential for your horse to trust you completely. He must know how to relax and give in to positive pressure. Once your horse is used to being tied, you can tie him anywhere without worrying he'll try to free himself violently, writes Dr Mac.

Few people can claim to HAVE developed a recipe that's helped optimise rumen activity on low-protein, unpalatable, lignified sour veld. But Australia's Terry McCosker is one such person.

The wings of racing pigeons are one of the most important physical attributes and breeding birds with the ideal 'wing design' takes time and experience. Thomas Smit shares a few tips with us.

Birdy is the best-performing racer in the 14-year history of the Sun City Million Dollar Pigeon Race. Thomas Smit looks at this remarkable bird and its offspring.

For Pip and Howard Hobson the success of a herd doesn't lie with the bull, but with the genetics of the cow. This point of view won them the Farmer's Weekly-ARC Best Elite Cow of the year award. Wayne Southwood spoke to them about their breeding tactics.

Free State father-and-son farming team, Leon Trollip and Leon Trollip Jr, found that their Dohnes prosper on lucerne, helping to stabilise the income of their irrigated farming enterprise. Breed manager Henri Londt of the Dohne Merino Breed Society SA reports.

Bathing your horse is important. It can help desensitise a sceptical horse, making handling a lot easier. Kim Dyson shares a step-by-step routine to make bathing a positive experience.

Ultrasound scans aren't new in the livestock industry, but they're now being increasingly used in the high-profit game industry. And that's just the start - researchers say embryo transfer is the next big thing. Heather Dugmore investigates.

Breeding pigeons that win requires perseverance, experience and a whole lot of trial and error, writes Thomas Smit.

Former teacher and nurse Zodwa Twala of Kromdraai produces weaners at her piggery for the feedlot market in Pretoria. She urges new farmers to receive proper training before starting their venture. Peter Mashala spoke to her.

Kosie van Zyl hails from a long line of farm managers but 15 years ago he was given the opportunity to farm his own land.

Since more than 10 000 flies can emerge from 1kg of horse manure to terrorise your stable, some form of management is desperately needed. Dr Mac tells us how to fight this disease-carrying menace.

Few farming enterprises can offer the returns of a well-managed buffalo breeding operation.

Night falls and suddenly it's a two-day race. How will your birds cope? Is their fighting spirit up to the challenge? Thomas Smit takes us through the ins and outs of these marathon events.