Livestock Disease Trends – January 2014
After good rainfall in many parts of the country, reports of severe wireworm infestations in smallstock were received.
Effective veld management brings success
Diligent grazing management is paying off for Jannie Struis. He has been farming for only four years, but working closely with his mentor, Johan van der Walt, has enabled him to cope with drought at a time when even top commercial farmers are suffering.
Pigeons: Role models and front flyers
Whether you are a champion or a novice fancier, participating in the South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race will bring you valuable experience, says Thomas Smit.
How to treat splints
Characterised by a hard, bony swelling, splints are a common cause of lameness in young horses, says Dr Mac.
Linking a mark to its rightful owner
The ability to identify an animal in a way that will stand up in court is crucial for any livestock owner. Backed up by legislation and government support, it ensures proof of ownership.
Growing fish in salt water
Many argue that tilapia in brackish water taste that little bit better, and it’s difficult to deny this.
Pale horses
Anaemia affects older horses, those that are unfit or ill, and colder-blooded types, says Kim Dyson.
From unutilised land to successful piggery
The Doornspruit Community Trust has put land donated to it by the Catholic Church to good use by opening a piggery. The operation has begun doing well, and today supplies baconers weekly to an abattoir.
Machine-shearing skill can pave way to success
Developing machine-shearing skills in the South African wool industry could arm shearers with the expertise to pursue potentially lucrative careers in countries such as Australia and New Zealand.
Holistic farming could boost profits
The H-word might cause sceptics to cringe, but changing grazing and other practices is working wonders on this KwaZulu-Natal beef farm.
Kamab simbras: performance off the veld
Fertility and optimum meat production are the two pillars of Diethelm and Katja Metzger’s Kamab Simbra Stud. The second-largest Simbra stud herd in Southern Africa, it produces about 370 weaners a year.
Breeding with the best
Arthur de Villiers of Arcadia Bonsmara near Vrede is the 2013 recipient of the ARC National Beef Cattle Improvement Herd of the Year Award.
