Good vaccination practices
According to the Ruminant Veterinary Association of South Africa, vaccination is crucial in preventing illness in animals.
How to catch a stock thief
Every animal is unique, and stock handling can leave distinct marks on individual animals. These two facts can be used by law enforcement officers to prosecute stock thieves effectively. Gerhard...
Beef cattle farming: get the infrastructure right
Ensure that you have the right facilities: a crush pen, a neck clamp and a squeeze chute.
Tips on selecting heifers
Correct selection is crucial for a high reproduction rate, high weaning weight and low calf mortality in a beef cattle herd, says the ARC’s Leslie Bergh.
Feeding dairy cows roughage
Before putting together a feeding schedule, confirm the properties of the available feed.
Buy cattle from a reputable breeder
There are many sources of good cattle, both registered (stud) and commercial. It is best to purchase from a successful and reputable breeder who sells only sound cattle as breeding...
How to develop and manage a small beef cattle herd
Raising cattle properly requires money, land and skill. Do you have enough of each to enter this business? Equally importantly, do you have a genuine interest in cattle?
Animal health: Rabies
It is time once more for our annual warning about this deadly disease. Rabies can strike any warm-blooded animal and it is rightfully a feared zoonosis.
Understanding fodder flow
It’s crucial for livestock health and economic efficiency to bring herd size in line with the fodder production of the farm, so that sufficient quality dry matter is provided on...
Habitual abortions in goats
Habitual abortions can cause devastating financial losses, and culling will be required to bring it under control.
Rift Valley Fever in sheep and goats
Rift Valley Fever causes abortions and death of lambs, and can be fatal to humans. Vaccination is crucial.
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Homeland consolidation: a forerunner of land reform?
Zimbini Coka, a junior lecturer at the University of the Free State’s Department of Agricultural Economics, visited areas that became part of the Ciskei homeland through consolidation in the 1970s...
