Animals

With a high percentage of pigeon losses in race and training events, and irregular returning times after races, Thomas Smit discusses the possible reasons why pigeons battle to find their way home.

Is your horse avoiding the bit or ducking to one side? It might be having teeth problems, writes Dr Mac.

Many frustrated fanciers get rid of their under-performing pigeons. But is culling the best option? There are certain factors to consider before deciding to cull a weak pigeon, writes Thomas Smit.

Horse lovers can chat for hours about their horses and their wonderful personalities – but what are their animals’ actual strengths and weaknesses? How do they get along with other horses?

In a One-Day Pigeon Loft, many difficulties can put the enterprise and the pigeons in jeopardy. Thomas Smit looks at the weaknesses of this system.

Choosing the right kind of pig for your level of management is very important.

The southern Western Cape is experiencing the worst drought in more than a century and running a profitable dairy has become next to impossible. But with clever management and stringent production methods, Brian Hume and his family are confident their dairy farm in Riversdale will survive. Denene Erasmus visited him on his farm.

Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, can affect any joint, but it’s most common in the knee, hock, fetlock and coffin joints.

Two wildlife ranching experts call for more support from the authorities but warn that over-regulation could kill the industry.

Thomas Smit defines the One-Day loft - and describes the benefits of this form of pigeon racing.

Nguni cattle can complement a timber business nicely – and are likely to captivate their owners with their beauty and no-nonsense traits. Brett Peatie and Brian Magor of Midlands Imperial Investments spoke to Robyn Joubert about Ngunis.

A whopping combined cash prize pay-out of R3 375 000 will be up for grabs in Dinokeng Lofts’ Ultimate Pigeon Race. Thomas Smit provides all the details.

Whether producing feedlot or veld beef, the Afrikaner is an excellent choice. A hardy, easy-calving breed with high disease-resistance, it excels under a wide range of conditions. Commercial cattle farmer Susan Scheepers from Stoffberg, Mpumalanga, has struck a balance between meat production and fertility, making her Samaroux herd of Afrikaners profitable.

A regular cleaning regime is the best way to keep your tack clear of mildew. Dr Mac discusses an effective step-by-step routine.

The Garingboom Guest Farm near Springfontein in the southern Free State has had 15 000 guests pass through it in the past 14 years, many of whom came to catch a glimpse of two new bird species discovered as late as the 1990s. Mike Burgess visited the farm.

While a fast-paced urban lifestyle is behind the need for commercial high-producing poultry breeds, a market exists in rural areas for a no-fuss, dual-purpose chicken. Husband-and-wife team Jaap and Shirley Schoeman believe they've bred the answer to this demand.

With many pigeon disease-causing organisms becoming increasingly resistant to standard treatments, Dr Ockert Botha recommends maintaining a high immunity with natural products. It's better to prevent than treat diseases like crop canker.

Renowned South African veterinarian Dr Ockert Botha discusses the yeast infection candidiasis, in a follow up on his advice in last week's issue on pigeon parasites and malaria.

If you’ve ever owned a horse that can open a locked stable door you’ll know how quickly they pick up a new trick! Horses love to learn tricks and there’s no better way to improve communication between the two of you.

Renowned South African veterinarian Dr Ockert Botha gives advice on prevention and treatment of pigeon diseases.