Animals

The attempted banning of pigeon racing was staved off by prompt action by the South African National Pigeon Organisation. But Thomas Smit believes that the controversy is far from over.

For generations, the Bongas have been proudly rooted in the Xhosa cattle herding tradition. While herding cattle elsewhere, Freddie Bonga used his hard-earned cash to build his own herd. Today, he is an up-and-coming commercial cattleman with a thirst for knowledge. Susan Botes-Marais visited the Bonga family on their farm.

“The US Department of Agriculture’s Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) ranks the Beef Shorthorn as one of the best performers in the world in terms of calving ease, average daily gain, marbling and carcass quality,” says Niel Dry, who runs Niemen Beef Shorthorn Stud on 464ha near Magaliesburg in the North West.

This year’s SANESA Championship attracted a record number of riders and many talented youngsters, says Dr Mac.

Climatic conditions dictate where species such as trout, tilapia and catfish can be farmed as well as the threat they pose to our natural environment.

Once the initial trauma has passed and the wound has been cleaned and treated, the final stage of healing can commence, says Kim Dyson.

Conditions were difficult. The birds had to endure heat and a strong headwind in the final, reports Thomas Smit.

Award-winning Namibian farmer Piet Coetzee has been highly successful in the country’s smallstock breeders industry. Acknowledging the role played by his wife, sons and workforce in his achievements, he explained to Annelie Coleman how he manages an eight-stud farming business.

New zoning regulations to protect riverine biodiversity take aim at aquaculture. But they may harm the industry – and still be ineffective.

Internal parasites - There was an increase in the number of reports regarding internal parasite infestations. Plettenberg Bay reported a severe outbreak of a cattle bankrupt worm infestation in calves. Reports of mortalities due to wireworm infestation were received.

Contact with wildlife can endanger your livestock, because wild animals are a source of diseases that seriously affect the productivity of livestock and even lead to death.

Any condition involving the eye is potentially serious and should be investigated as soon as possible, says Kim Dyson.