How to Livestock

To be profitable, a dairy herd must be in good shape. It’s therefore crucial to be able to recognise a healthy dairy cow, and know when things are not right.

When rounding off cattle for slaughter, you can either grow and mix feed on the farm or buy ready-mixed feed. If you have only a few animals, buying a mixed...

A number of diseases and conditions can result in cattle and other ruminants being unable to stand up.

Manure can be used to produce biogas, electricity and fertiliser. In the process, you will recycle nutrients and increase profits while reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Many novice farmers make the mistake of not starting off with the best possible animals in terms of genetics and environmental suitability, says Shane Brody.

Herd health should focus on prevention rather than cure. Chris Nel spoke to Piet Wolmarans about his practical, down-to-earth animal health management programme based on solid scientific principles and four...

Jan Louis Venter, production advisor for the National Wool Growers’ Association, discusses how farmers can prevent wool and mohair clip contamination.

With good preparation, this phenomenon can be prevented in communal areas, says Prof Cheryl McCrindle.

Heifers form the future of any beef cattle breeding concern, and should therefore be selected with care, says animal scientist, Danie Bosman. He spoke to Annelie Coleman about how to...

When performing a visual evaluation of the animal, note the following features in particular: frame size, muscle and body structure, and breed character.

South Africa’s sheep and wool industry needs experts to maintain the current high standard of sheep classing.

The meat of younger slaughter animals usually sells for a higher price on the market, but carcass shape and fat covering also play a role, says Shane Brody.