Goat production: Weaning kids
It’s important to wean kids so ewes can regain the condition they lost during pregnancy and be ready to breed again.
Farming with Angora goats
The upswing in the Mohair market has again got many farmers interested in Angora goats. But they should do their homework before venturing into this branch of smallstock farming, warns...
Rodent control
Rodents can cut into your profits – and spread disease. Paul Donovan discusses ways of preventing this from happening.
Brucellosis biosecurity
This highly contagious zoonotic disease of cattle continues to be of great concern, says Dr Sewellyn Davey, State Veterinarian, Western Cape.
Anti-venom basics
Using anti-venom has its disadvantages, but in the right hands, and at the right time, it is life-saving.
The basics of heritability – Part 3
Genetic markers, selection and cross-breeding play a role in improving profitability in pigs, says Prof Cheryl McCrindle of the University of Pretoria.
Europe’s influence on South African cattle
A wide variety of cattle breeds are seen in South Africa today, says Theo Oosthuizen.
The basics of heritability: disease and parasite resistance
Selecting for disease and parasite resistance in cattle can help improve production, says Prof Cheryl McCrindle of the University of Pretoria.
Water important in weaning pigs
Water is an important nutrient in weaning piglets. Piglets have to drink 800ml per day as it improves digestibility, reduces diarrhoea and lowers down the pH in the gut.
Understanding the basics of heritability – Part 1
This week we focus on sheep and goat farming, where genetic markers are now being used to select for production.
Get to know your vet
Establishing a good relationship with your vet will pay off in the long run and in an emergency, says Prof Cheryl McCrindle.
Why are eggs different colours?
Depending on the breed of chicken, most eggs are uniform in colour, ranging from white, pink and green, through to dark brown and blue.
Farming insects
The UN’s Food and Agricultural Organisation suggests that if we could farm insects on a commercial scale, food insecurity in many developing nations would be a thing of the past.
Career focus: Animal health Technician
As an animal health technician, your chief task will be to help look after farm animals, says Prof Cheryl McCrindle of the University of Pretoria.
Piggery ventilation
Ventilation control is one of the most important aspects in the planning and design of a piggery.
10 ways to make sure your poultry stay healthy
Backyard chickens can be a highly successful source of eggs and meat – as long as you look after them, says Prof Cheryl McCrindle.
A career in veterinary nursing
Veterinary nurses assist veterinarians in caring for animals. Prof Cheryl McCrindle discusses how to enter this profession.
Boost your biosecurity
Precautions should be taken to protect a herd against diseases acquired through outside contact.
African and Asiatic redwater in cattle
Redwater is an important tick-borne disease in cattle. In South Africa it accounts for losses of millions of rands annually. Dr JH du Preez and Dr Faffa Malan discuss the...
