How to Livestock

Most cattle sold through abattoirs are feedlotted. This article looks at the basics of feedlotting and how an operator can increase profit margins.

Producers use breeding values to determine the long-term value of certain animals to their herds.

An overview of eperythrozoonosis, Clostridium perfringens Type C, ascariosis and Glasser’s disease.

Recording the reproduction of your ewe flocks during each breeding season will help you identify potential fertility problems.

Enzootic abortion, brucellosis and other conditions can seriously reduce the lambing rate. It’s crucial to act swiftly to bring these diseases under control.

Fasciolosis, also known as liver fluke, occurs throughout South Africa, can cause many problems in cattle.

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...