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.
How to avoid a salmonella outbreak
In most developing countries, salmonella is a major cause of illness and death in children under the age of five, warns Zimbini Mdlulwa, a researcher at the Agricultural Research Council.
Common livestock illnesses and how to treat them
Diseases can result in huge financial losses for a livestock farmer. Any potential problems should therefore be treated as soon as possible.
Getting started with rabbits
Rabbits are inexpensive to keep and produce high- quality protein. They can also be housed in a small space, making them ideal for the small-scale farmer.
A sturdy breed: some Toggenburg basics
The present genetic stock of these dairy goats in South Africa originated from animals imported from Switzerland in 1951. Their milk is used to produce a variety of hard and soft cheeses.
How to manage brucellosis on your farm – tips from top vets
A widespread problem in sub-Saharan Africa, bovine brucellosis can cripple a cattle or dairy farming operation. As no cure is available, all infected animals are required by law to be slaughtered. This makes prevention and control of the disease a crucial aspect of a cattle operation.
Treating internal parasites in sheep
Intestinal worms are a serious problem for communal farmers, and community management protocols have therefore become increasingly important.
Make money from cattle hides
Selling hides can add to your overall profit margin, so it pays to protect them.
How to inject your livestock properly
Animal health is a cornerstone of successful farming, and at some point all livestock farmers need to inject their animals. Here are some valuable tips.
A more profitable way of running livestock
Breeding is not always the best way to make money in livestock farming. You might profit more by buying young animals and rounding them off.
What you need to know about better cow management
Rest and nutrition are both key to ensuring conception, good health and maximum profit.
Cattle branding: how to get it right every time
If branding is carried out poorly, it can lead to infection, muscle damage, and brands that are difficult to read. Shane Brody explains how to ensure safe, effective branding.
Vaccinate your animals: it’ll pay you in the long run
Administering a vaccine to your animals will cost you money. But not vaccinating them will cost you much more.
Growing out and fattening cattle in a feedlot
Most cattle sold through abattoirs are feedlotted. This article looks at the basics of feedlotting and how an operator can increase profit margins.
Learn about beef BLUP basics
Producers use breeding values to determine the long-term value of certain animals to their herds.
Some bacterial and parasitical pig diseases to look out for
An overview of eperythrozoonosis, Clostridium perfringens Type C, ascariosis and Glasser’s disease.
How recording ewes reproduction boosts fertility
Recording the reproduction of your ewe flocks during each breeding season will help you identify potential fertility problems.
Dealing with abortions in sheep and goats
Enzootic abortion, brucellosis and other conditions can seriously reduce the lambing rate. It’s crucial to act swiftly to bring these diseases under control.
Dealing with liver fluke in cattle
Fasciolosis, also known as liver fluke, occurs throughout South Africa, can cause many problems in cattle.
Signs of a healthy dairy cow
To be profitable, a dairy herd must be in good shape. It’s therefore crucial to be able to recognise a healthy dairy cow, and know when things are not right.
