The advantages of sweet thorn
The sweet thorn tree has been appearing in increasing numbers. Yet this ‘invader’ should be welcomed by farmers, as it provides year-round feed and shelter, writes Roelof Bezuidenhout.
Basic chicken care: how to breed and feed
This article examines how to breed and feed chickens properly, as well as how to maintain good hygiene in order to keep the birds healthy and productive.
The basics of the Persian breed
This indigenous fat-rumped meat breed does well in arid semi-desert, savanna bushveld and coastal spekboom veld. The lambs mature early.
An animal health plan for the year from Dr Faffa Malan
Keeping sheep and cattle in top shape requires careful management and a balancing act between eliminating vectors and avoiding resistance build-up to medication. Lindi Botha spoke to veterinarian and MD...
Watch out for epididymitis
This sexually transmitted disease could be the reason your lamb crop is smaller than expected. Roelof Bezuidenhout offers advice on prevention.
Basic chicken care
Chickens must be provided with a warm, dry sleeping area, and plenty of fresh, clean water.
Managing wireworm
A vaccine against wireworm has become a vital tool in helping to control the disease and thereby reduce contamination of pasture by the eggs of the parasite.
Boer goat facts and figures
The Boer goat, which is bred primarily for meat, is farmed very effectively in combination with cattle due to its browsing ability and its limited impact on the grass cover.
Learn about the SA Mutton Merino sheep breed
This locally developed, dual-purpose meat and white wool breed thrives in semi-arid regions.
The basics of the Suffolk breed
This breed matures early, producing meat with a high ratio of lean meat to fat. This makes it an attractive proposition to the modern consumer.
Harnessing the traits of the resilient Nguni
Ngunis have excellent breeding potential, renowned resistance to tick-borne livestock diseases, and outstanding maternal ability. But feedlots often offer unattractive prices for them. Crossbreeding may solve the problem.
Learn about the Kalahari Red goat breed
The Kalahari Red breed has a fine head, lob ears, round horns that are bent backwards, and tender meat.
