Developing a good knowledge of feed and supplements
Many of the larger manufacturers of livestock feed and supplements offer helpful advice booklets, which can sometimes be found at farmer supply stores and co-operatives. Take advantage of them, says...
How and when to dip, deworm and vaccinate your cattle
Livestock health management has evolved over the decades to include disease prevention and growing farm revenue. The most effective health management strategies are those that include dipping, deworming, and vaccinating...
Here’s how to curb the spread of zoonotic diseases
Dr Nandipha Ndudane, president of the South African Veterinary Council, explains how you can help prevent diseases spreading from animals to humans, and vice versa.
How to assess and treat animals after a veld fire
Animals injured in a veld fire can be classed into three categories of severity, depending on the symptoms they display. Appropriate treatment should be given under the guidance of veterinarians.
Plant poisoning in livestock
The symptoms of plant poisoning in livestock in South Africa can vary depending on the specific plant and type of toxin involved, writes Shane Brody.
The importance of knowing how to grade slaughter livestock
Whether you’re a big or small producer, knowing how to grade your livestock is essential for the profitability of your business, writes Shane Brody.
Understand livestock pricing structures to avoid financial losses
Many communal farmers are not aware of prevailing market dynamics and livestock pricing structures, and this can cost them dearly when selling their animals, says Shane Brody.
The dos and don’ts of drought feeding
South African farmers are no strangers to droughts, but livestock producers often fail to plan ahead for them, leading to high costs from animal loss and feeding. Prof HO de...
Factors to bear in mind when dipping livestock
It is important to consider the intervals at which you dip livestock in relation to the specific season in which ticks become more or less, writes Shane Brody.
Plan fodder flow for optimal cattle production
In order for beef farmers to remain profitable in terms of cow calf operations, it is critical to manage costs on farm level, says Henco Leicester of Cargill Animal Nutrition.
Dispelling five myths you thought were true about dogs
Contrary to some ingrained beliefs about dogs, Jarred Hodgson provides information that will help make you a better owner and trainer, and help you understand these domesticated animals’ behaviour.
Practical guidelines to prevent stock theft
Laurence Palmer, a security consultant, lists some practical advice that farmers can follow to prevent stock theft.
Blind teats and other udder defects in goat ewes
Before purchasing livestock for breeding, it's crucial to identify and understand troublesome or disqualifying traits, such as blind teats and other udder defects. This knowledge will also help you determine...
Are there solutions to antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance in livestock, fuelled by overuse, is a critical issue. Enhancing gut health with microbial diversity and MRFs offers a promising alternative to combat this growing threat. Alretha Naudé,...
Choose the right dog breed for security, versatility and compatibility
Jarred Hodgson gives farmers advice on choosing the dog breed best suited to them, their families and operations. Although only four specific breeds are highlighted here, other breeds can also...
Understanding the age of common livestock species
Looking at teeth in common livestock species such as sheep, goats and cattle in order to judge their age can be quite tricky for the novice farmer, says Shane Brody.
Advice on caring for newborn lambs and goat kids
It may be a relatively simple task to successfully get rams to mate and for females to give birth, but the first couple of weeks of the life of a...
Why getting your dog trained is important in South Africa
Having a well-trained dog in South Africa is becoming more and more important for a variety of reasons. Jarred Hodgson explores some of these reasons here.
The Gagelas’ unique livestock operation
In 2009, the Gagela family expanded their livestock initiative from the communal areas of the Eastern Cape to include a commercial farm near Dordrecht. Mike Burgess reports on the family’s...
Beware of a growing foot rot threat
Foot rot in livestock is presently manifesting in many regions of South Africa that are experiencing ongoing heavy rains or humid weather conditions.
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