Meat, milk or wool: choose a sheep breed fit for purpose
There are about 20 breeds of sheep in South Africa, each of which is classified according to the role it plays on a farm. Janine Ryan looks at some of...
Identifying and treating chronic lower-back pain in horses
It is important to be able to recognise the source of back pain in a horse in order to treat and manage it successfully, says Dr Mac.
The impact of climate change on dairy cows
In the first part of this three-part series, Dr Jan du Preez, managing director of UCK Investments, discusses the contributing effect of global warming on the occurrence of heat stress...
A top Afrisim stud built with award-winning cows
The success of a beef cattle operation rests largely on the performance of its cows, says Dr Hentie van Rensburg, who bred the 2022 Agricultural Research Council National Best Elite...
A fear-reducing pheromone based on natural excretions
The calming effect of equine-appeasing pheromone offers benefits to horse, handler and rider, says Dr Mac.
What feedlots expect in the ideal weaner
The South African feedlot industry produces about 75% of all beef eaten in the country. Annelie Coleman spoke to Lynette van Rooyen, group director at Sparta Beef, and Charles Mathewson,...
‘Tying-up’ linked to genetics, training and feeding
Incorrect breed selection, training and feeding can lead to muscle pain and cramping in competition horses, says Dr Mac.
Santa Gertrudis bulls: tested for two decades
Melville Ferreira, senior researcher at the Agricultural Research Council’s Animal Production unit in Vryburg, and Yolanda Venter, breed manager of the Santa Gertrudis Cattle Breeders’ Society in Bloemfontein, reveal the...
Dormer: using line breeding to set record-high auction prices
Johanri Dormers stud near Lindley in the Free State is known for outstanding animals that achieve record prices. Owner Johan Barnard credits the success of his operation to the careful...
The challenges facing Namibia’s cattle producers
Despite the fact that Namibia is an arid country, farmers there continue to run profitable beef operations. However, profitability margins are decreasing.
Nguni x Brahman: an exceptional, feedlot-friendly cross
Theo Maqashalala runs approximately 100 commercial Nguni breeding female animals near the town of Seymour in the Eastern Cape. He spoke to Mike Burgess about his appreciation for the Nguni...
What you need to know about horse insurance
There are several types of horse insurance. It’s important to decide which best suits your horse and your situation, says Dr Mac.
How to create the ‘perfect’ racehorse
Horse racing is a very lucrative sport, and much research and money have been spent on breeding the ‘ideal’ racehorse. Janine Ryan reports on the aspects of conformation and breeding...
Beef Shorthorn: a breed made for crossbreeding!
The Beef Shorthorn has a long and successful history in South Africa. Stud owners Hendrik, Henco and Johann Strydom spoke to Annelie Coleman about this adaptable animal that shines at...
Using horses to manage large herds of cattle
With fuel costs being so high, using horses to manage extensive beef cattle herds makes increasing financial sense, says Dr Mac.
Beefmaster: ‘Perfectly bred for the beef producer’
The Beefmaster, which was developed in the US, is a popular beef breed in South Africa due to its adaptability, short intercalving period, and other key traits. Gerrie Jansen van Rensburg,...
Why nutrition is crucial for dairy cow fertility
While genetic improvement can go a long way towards improving dairy profitability, cows and calves will not reach their full potential if they suffer from nutritional deficiencies.
Maximise dairy profits with beef semen
Improved breeding technologies and practices have resulted in many dairies ending up with more replacement heifers than they need. To add value to surplus animals, farmers can use beef semen...
Small-scale and subsistence farmers: ‘The backbone of India’s mega dairy industry’
In a move that is being called production by the masses rather than mass production, India has successfully mobilised 100 million subsistence and small-scale dairy farmers to make that country...
How a Simmentaler stud thrives on mountainous veld
The dual-purpose Simmentaler is known for its adaptability and good temperament. Tjokkie Nel, who runs a stud near Barkly East, spoke to Gavin Isted about the success he has had...
