Know your cattle: The Bonsmara breed
The Bonsmara is an outstanding beef breed, developed in South Africa.
Tips for producing low cost livestock feed
Here’s how to prevent calamity on your farm during times of grazing scarcity. And you don’t need mechanisation, says Shane Brody.
Basic infrastructure for small-scale pig farming
The size of your pig housing infrastructure will depend on the number of pigs you have. Ideally, it should be strong, simple and adaptable, and it need not be expensive,...
Follow these guidelines when dosing lambs
Every sheep farmer strives to get his or her sheep onto the market sooner and earn more money. Jannie Fourie of the National Wool Growers’ Association gives useful guidelines to...
Do’s and don’ts of FAMACHA scoring
To implement this system properly, you will need to obtain practical hands-on instruction in its use.
Checking a bull’s scrotal circumference
The scrotum plays an important role in the fertility of a bull and its daughters – and should be examined closely when selecting bulls.
Profitable small-scale sheep farming
It is perfectly possible to farm sheep profitably on a small piece of land, says Jannie Fourie, National Wool Growers’ Association production advisor. To do this, never exceed the carrying...
Know your sheep breeds: Van Rooy
This is a locally developed medium-to large-framed sheep, with both rams and ewes polled.
Treatment and control of salmonella
Salmonella is a notifiable disease, often resistant to antimicrobials. Control should focus on eliminating, as far as possible, the sources of infection.
Beware the spectre of salmonella
One of the difficulties in fighting the spread of infection is that cattle might appear healthy even while they are spreading disease.
Dealing with bovine TB
Bovine tuberculosis is a controlled animal disease in South Africa because of the long-term negative effect of the disease on people and the economy.
Producing livestock feed without mechanisation
Many emerging farmers lack the resources to produce crops needed to feed their livestock when grazing becomes scarce. But with a little innovation, they can overcome this challenge, suggests Shane...
Dairy farming: a beginners guide
As the fifth-largest agricultural industry in South Africa, milk production provides a regular income for thousands of small and large producers. If you wish to enter the sector, make sure...
Animal identification: when to brand livestock
Marking livestock can deter thieves. It is also a legal requirement. Gerhard Uys provides a brief overview of the process.
Vaccinate your livestock!
Most of the cases of infectious diseases reported to the Ruminant Veterinary Association of South Africa every month can be prevented if livestock are vaccinated properly.
Understanding Estimated Breeding Values
Estimated breeding values provide the most reliable information on how an animal might breed, says Amari Bornman, animal scientist at Simmentaler SA.
Turning veld assessment upside down
It’s not only the growth on top that counts, says Prof Hennie Snyman of the Department of Animal, Wildlife and Pasture Sciences at the University of the Free State.
Slaughtering cattle with brucellosis
Animals that test positive should be slaughtered to prevent the spread of disease and to eradicate it.
Permanent pastures
Exploring the benefits and value of establishing dryland and irrigated permanent pastures.
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