Diagnosis and treatment of the main livestock diseases
While there are numerous illnesses that can affect livestock and animals such as chickens and pigs, in this article, Shane Brody concentrates on sheep, cattle and goats.
Dealing with seed problems in Angoras
There is no quick or cheap way to remove seed from mohair, but good management helps, according to Pierre van der Vyver, general manager of The House of Fibre. He...
The long and the short of tail docking
There is good evidence that a tail docked at the third or fourth joint is better than a very short tail. Roelof Bezuidenhout reports.
Get to know your livestock’s nutritional requirements
If you understand the essential nutrients that your cattle need, and how to provide these, you will end up with a profitable livestock business, says Shane Brody. Here’s how to...
Strategies for limiting livestock losses to predators
PJ Mommsen, a freelance risk mitigation strategist, speaks about the importance of managing risk as it relates to predators.
Veld fires: experts advise on treating livestock to mitigate loss
Dr Claudia Cardoso, lecturer in Ruminant Health and Production, and Dr Rhoda Leask, senior lecturer in Ruminant Health and Production, both of the Department of Production Animal Studies in the...
A step-by-step guide to the process of artificial insemination
There are many benefits to using artificial insemination of a commercial or stud herd or flock, but the process is complicated and requires knowledge and practice.
Livestock adaptability: what it is, and why it matters to a buyer
It’s always best to buy sheep, goats or cattle that come from a similar environment to that of your own farm. If they are used to very different conditions, they...
Why it makes sense to farm meat goats
Goats in South Africa are strongly linked to cultural and religious practices, and this creates a good, sustainable market. Goat herds grow quickly, and these hardy creatures are well suited...
When to wean beef calves
Calves should be weaned at the correct time so that they achieve optimal weight, and their dams can conceive again as soon as is practical.
How to provide enough water for your herd
Clean drinking water is an absolute essential for livestock, says Shane Brody. If animals don’t get enough to drink or the quality of the water is poor, their health will...
Want higher prices for your calves? Dehorn them!
In crushes and while being transported on trucks, cattle with sharp horns can inflict severe injuries to one another, reducing the price of such animals. Dehorning is the only effective...
Flies are not just irritating; they can be dangerous
If you’re a livestock farmer, you’ll know that ticks can introduce many dangerous diseases to domestic animals. But did you now that stable flies and houseflies can also be a...
Buying in livestock: do your research to prevent problems
When purchasing livestock to start a new farming enterprise or increase the size of your existing herd, you need to make sure the arrivals will thrive. So do your homework...
How to spot the African and Asian blue ticks
Prof Maxime Madder, Prof Ivan Horak and Dr Hein Stoltsz look at the African and Asian blue ticks, as well as the Karoo paralysis tick, and explain how farmers can...
Make your own electrolyte solutions
Sheep and goats that suffer from worm infestation or consume toxic plants can get severe diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration and death very quickly. An electrolyte solution can save...
Choosing a good-quality breeding bull
A poorly bred beef animal will not produce high-priced meat cuts. Instead, the beef will be used for cheaper products such as sausages and mince. In turn, you will earn...
How to keep livestock calm and stress-free
Over and above their physical needs, animals have emotional needs, and these are often overlooked. Stress in livestock should be avoided at all costs, Leon Kruger, a lecturer at the...
How to recognise the ticks plaguing your livestock
Prof Maxime Madder, Prof Ivan Horak and Dr Hein Stoltsz look at three important tick species in South Africa and their effects on livestock, and offer tips for farmers on how...
Guard dogs: which breed is best?
Many experts will tell you that it’s essential to have a mixture of dog breeds on a farm. Some farmers, for example, have terriers that stay inside their houses at...
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