How to Livestock

Vaccines are only as effective as the protocols behind them. Dr Noluvuyo Magadla, director of animal health at the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, explained to Glenneis Kriel why proper planning, handling and record-keeping are critical to successful livestock vaccination programmes.

The most damaging livestock losses are often the ones farmers do not immediately see. Veterinarian Dr Dave Midgley explained to Glenneis Kriel how good health management protects productivity, fertility, and long-term farm performance. Prevention, planning and veterinary partnerships go a long way towards safeguarding production and profit.

Silage is a critical factor in achieving quality milk production and sustaining the well-being of animals. This what every famer must know about silage quality.

Set against the serene backdrop of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Bramleigh Farm combines regenerative agriculture with a carefully planned commercial strategy. Owner Andre Kauerauf spoke to Farmer's Weekly about building a profitable farming business through regenerative agriculture, diversification, and direct marketing.

Mating of closely related animals on communal farms not only has monetary consequences, but also has an impact on the genetic make-up of livestock, animal performance, and fertility, says Shane Brody.

Dr Hanré Bredenkamp Ferreira, veterinarian and technical manager at Virbac, spoke to Henning Naudé about how commercial sheep farmers can identify, treat, and prevent foot rot, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

It’s essential to know how much fodder your veld produces in a year. Over time, keeping fewer animals invariably improves the veld and raises animal production simply because more fodder is available during dry periods.

Baling twine and other foreign materials such as synthetic fibres and feedbag remnants significantly reduce the value of mohair clips for farmers, as buyers factor in contamination when valuing mohair before auction.

As foot-and-mouth disease continues to wreak havoc in South Africa, with misinformation circulating and anxiety growing among farmers, Farmer’s Weekly approached Dr Dave Midgley, CEO of the Ruminant Veterinary Association of South Africa, to answer the questions farmers on the ground are asking.

Dr Ingrid Malebana and Dr Klaas-Jan Leeuw, researchers at the Agricultural Research Council, are exploring whether a simple farm by-product can help South African farmers cut costs.

Andrew and Colette Masterson run an expanded farming concern on the farm Milagro in the Humansdorp district. Their farm includes, among others, a Simmentaler stud and an Angus stud. The Mastersons are active participants in the show ring.

Bearing in mind the inhibiting cost of commercial synthetic fertilisers to communal farmers, Shane Brody highlights the significant benefits of using animal by-products.

Cattle breeders have used best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) to produce estimated breeding values (EBVs) for over 20 years and can use genomic evaluations to improve accuracy. But are they applying EBVs correctly? Bonsmara SA technical chairperson David Cock explains.

Dr Dave Midgley, CEO of the Ruminant Veterinary Association of South Africa, believes that parasites’ growing resistance to anthelmintic remedies and an increasing parasite load among beef cattle in South Africa is a serious cause for concern. He spoke to Annelie Coleman.

To keep your livestock healthy and disease-free, it’s essential to adhere to sterile procedures and proper techniques when administering injections.

Corine Steyn, manager liaison at the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation, spoke to Cobus du Plessis about the importance of branding animals and the regulations that govern this practice in South Africa.

Biosecurity in feed management is a crucial aspect of disease prevention. Bonita Cilliers, technical and regulatory adviser of the Animal Feed Manufacturers’ Association, spoke to Nichelle Steyn.

A proper biosecurity strategy should be in every South African farmer’s toolkit, and Dr Sello Maboe, veterinary services manager at Ceva Animal Health in Midrand, Gauteng, believes it is the cornerstone of a profitable farming business.

Genetics, performance data, and breeding values are powerful tools for marketing animals, but a championship show title carries a lot of weight, often translating into tangible price premiums and stronger demand from buyers locally and internationally.

In the 1990s, three South African vets developed FAMACHA, a tool that has since evolved into the Five Point Check to help livestock farmers fight parasite resistance in their animals. Dr Faffa Malan explains how it works.