Many farmers rely on branding or marking livestock not only as a means of establishing ownership, but also to contain useful information, such as the animals' birth dates and registratio...
Economically speaking, heartwater is one of the most important tick-borne diseases in cattle, sheep, and goats in Zimbabwe. It is an acute, fatal, infectious but non-contagious, tick-bor...
The livestock industry commonly uses hot branding or freeze branding to identify and mark cattle. Despite their similarity in that both methods leave a permanent mark on the animal's hid...
The term redwater (babesiosis) is a generic term that refers to two diseases, namely African redwater and Asiatic or European redwater. In cattle, it is caused by a protozoan blood paras...
Broiler weight is an important parameter when growing broilers. After all, the end goal of raising broilers is to get as many birds to market as possible, using the least amount of feed,...
Gerrie Ferreira, founder and co-owner of Karoo Livestock Exports based on the farm Chandelier near Oudtshoorn in the Klein-Karoo, has been exporting ostriches, livestock, and game for th...
The success of fish farming, whether conducted in cage or pond systems, hinges on maintaining the well-being and health of the fish population. In this article, we discuss key strategies...
The current rise of average temperatures and the unpredictability of the weather patterns are imposing new challenges to poultry production. The exposure of birds to sudden and/or prolon...
Simple overlooked issues are costly. Brooding is the period immediately after hatch when special care and attention must be given to chicks to ensure their health and survival. In nat...
Heat stress management in monogastric species Heat stress is a critical concern in the management of monogastric species, including poultry, swine, and rabbits. Monogastric animals a...
The Bonsmara bulls achieved excellent prices at this year's Vlakte Bonsmara bull auction. All the bulls fared well during the event. The most expensive bull was lot 26, which sold for R4...
For more than 44 years, Chemvet has been a reliable company known for standing firmly behind the agricultural community. Chemvet has been trusted since 1979 as a manufacturer and dist...
South Africa is blessed with abundant biodiversity, where wildlife is not just admired but also protected. Thanks to the efforts of numerous game breeders and ranchers, agriculture has t...
A ready-mixed phosphate-salt-trace mineral and protein supplement for ruminants. The phosphate source of KimtraPro 20 is Yara Animal Nutrition’s Kynofos 21, a high-quality MDCP. ...
V8 Beefmasters, Oktavia Beefmasters, B4 Beefmasters, and Louw Beefmasters held their highly successful ninth Kalahari Beefmaster production auction. Excellent animals, lot after lot, wer...
For any farmer, the welfare of his livestock is very important. It might also help to spare the animals from the negative effects of traditional branding methods, such as trauma, skin da...
Slaughter-ready cattle, pregnant females, and open heifers are all available to the buyer during the auction. The buyer also has several options available to them during the sheep portio...
SA Stud Book is proud to announce that breeding goals for both stud and commercial beef herds are being placed on a new level with the integration of all information that makes a noticea...
Time and labour can be saved, life can be much easier and nicer if a stock farmer has the right livestock handling equipment. Algar Livestock Handling Equipment is a trusted company wit...
On offer were top Dormer and Santa genetics. There was a good turnout on the day with good prizes. Desmond and Timmy from Santarific Santas expressed their thanks to Martin and Thinus d...
The pride and hard work of each member and the society were remarkable. The wind was knocked out of Brahman farmers' and auctioneers' sails with the top animals and genetic lines that we...
Algar Livestock Handling Equipment is well known for quality livestock handling equipment that makes livestock farming easy. Their wide range of products ensures that both humans and ani...
Why are hybrid chicken layer breeds so popular among farmers? This article will seek to provide the answers. The creation of hybrid chickens requires the mating of two or more pure chick...
Gallsickness, or anaplasmosis, is a tick-borne disease that is common throughout Zimbabwe, and which affects cattle, sheep, and goats. Local cattle breeds are more resistant to the disea...
Broiler production is the raising of birds for the purpose of producing meat for food. These chickens are specifically bred for meat production, and they have different body frames and n...
Theileriosis, also known as January disease, is a disease where obligate intracellular protozoan parasites infect cattle. The parasites are transmitted by ixodid ticks, and have complex ...
Novatek is well-known as Zambia’s leading stock feed producer and distributor. They pride themselves in supplying the best quality feed, tailored to the needs of local livestock. The N...
The Malherbe and Roberts auction this year offers quality Brangus - as well as high quality Angus genetics, ensuring you get the perfect additions to your herd. With years of experience ...
Heliciculture is a good source of income for farmers as its products are highly beneficial as food and for the pharmaceutical industry. Both industries require the highest quality of sna...
The responsible use of antibiotics is critical to maintaining herd health. Yet, the South-African cattle production industry is battling the prophylactic use of antibiotics in the treatm...
At this year's Meatmaster National auction there was a cheerful atmosphere, and the colors of the beautiful Meatmasters on offer were just as cheerful. There where 26 members of the M...
This year, BKB is offering an auction from the front seats in association with Tesame Dienste en Lewendehawe and the Prestige Beesgroep. There are a total of +/- 1200 heifers up for grab...
KroonLek animal lick is the first product of its kind in South Africa. What makes this block exceptional is that the carefully formulated mixture consists of salt, molasses and diatomace...
TXL Bovelder was one of the first herds bred in the Limpopo region in 1994. These Bovelders are thick, hardy and phenomenal adaptable bulls that run on severe heart water, red water and...
The Bonsmara Genepoel group achieved reasonable prices on the day, and are happy with the outcome of their 2023 Spring Sale. 32 Bonsmara stud bulls were sold for an average price of...
Exceptional quality at very good prices, is the feedback that the presenters, Sebadja Bonsmara and Boschoek Bonsmara, received from bidders. The average and highest prices of the day ...
DanBred Africa (Pty) Ltd is the business partner of DanBred P/S from Denmark, with our HQ and breeding farms based in South Africa. We supply modern DanBred genetics to commercial pig fa...
In our previous article, we discussed the main species of coccidia affecting broilers, their effect on productivity and health, as well as the basis of prevention. In this article we wil...
The basis of good egg production is a successful rearing phase, at the end of which the hen must have reached her standard body weight with a well-developed frame and good feed intake. ...
Improved alternatives to replace conventional methods of livestock identification, such as branding or ear tags, have been available for quite some time now. Farmers and breeders today...
In a momentous development, South African beef has received approval for export to Saudi Arabia, marking the first time in two decades. This breakthrough has ignited a sense of optimism ...
Different identification or branding methods for livestock include ear tagging, ear notching, tattooing, hot branding, freeze branding, and microchipping. Each method has its own advanta...
The production of meat for human consumption typically involves the use of broiler chickens in breeding programmes within the poultry industry. Because broiler chickens are bred to matur...
The modern Merino of the 21st century is more than just the show sheep of more than 20 to 30 years ago, which was then selected mainly only on appearance characteristics, based on breed ...
Riverglen believes that they are genetics based and based on verified pedigree. The herds of this stud also have 4x4 breeding, VO breeding, Bos breeding and Beefmaster alligance breeding...
Branding is a common method of marking cattle, but old methods with hot irons are unpleasant to man and animal. Freeze branding is a much kinder alternative as there is no pain involved ...
Start creep feeding during the second week to train piglets to eat solid food to avoid a crisis after three weeks, when the piglets demand for more milk is higher than the sow can produc...
Beekeeping has the potential to benefit rural development, but in Africa, it is not always easy. Five presentations with this theme were presented at the Africa Regional Apimondia Sympos...
The main purpose of winter supplements is to supplement the nutrients that the field can no longer provide, in order to optimize the utilization of the available pasture. It is therefore...
This year's Quardsen Beefmasters production auction was packed with incredible enthusiasm. The animals that were offered at the auction were carefully selected, and the breeder Riana de ...
Located in the picturesque countryside, Kroonstad is home to a breed of sheep known for their exceptional adaptability. The Merino Landskaap is a magnificent sheep, according to Alfredo ...
Adding Jamica Brahman or Simbra genetics to a herd is a wise business decision for several reasons. First, because of their hardiness and adaptability, Jamica cattle do well in any part ...
Dry cow management is crucial to a cow’s performance and health in the next lactation. Metabolic disorders, feed intake after calving, fertility and milk production and composition are...
Buying bulls is easy, buying bulls that work, perform and are worth their salt is not so easy. ALZU Beefmasters' mission is to take all the guesswork out of it by providing breeders with...
In a home-made coop pieced together from corrugated iron, asbestos, wire mesh and bricks in one of Bulawayo’s low-density suburbs, known for once thriving white-owned farming plots, Gi...
Pigs are popular as a source of food and income due to their rapid growth rates, high feed-to-meat conversion ratios, low area requirements, high reproductive capacity, and calm temperam...
The available bulls are part of the herd for at least a year. They also come from the red water and gall disease area, both of which are located below the Van Reenen Pass. In addition to...
George Gomba from Bonsmara Genetics invites all existing and aspiring Bonsmara cattle farmers to the upcoming auction. This is the ideal opportunity to add quality Bonsmara genetics t...
Bonsmara Genetics promises to deliver the top genetic material of the Bonsmara cattle breed. Now, you can add these genetics to your farming operation. To find out more, view this auc...
The silk must be woven into a fabric before the process is complete and the product can be sold. The procedure involves the interlacing of two yarn systems that run perpendicular to one ...
The Serfbred Brahman group once again dominated the white registered Brahman livestock auction with their superior animals. Average on the auction The auction was conducted by Hendri...
In the early 1940’s, the Southern Rhodesia government (now known as Zimbabwe) promoted a cattle improvement scheme to improve the local “native” cattle breeds. Mr Len Harvey, an ag...
Built from Africa’s history, for a future in the Bushveld. The Bosvelder sheep breed ideally consists of 50% Bapedi, 25% White Dorper and 25% Van Rooy sheep. The sheep are highly ferti...
Syferfontein Bonsmaras is no unknown name in the Bonsmara industry. They do the basics right and focus on the basic building blocks of breeding in their herd. With superior bloodlines...
To provide the best possible start for your calves it is firstly important to understand what the calf needs. A Farm enterprise is a longer-term business model than most people consid...
Caring for piglets is no small task. Any pig farmer will tell you that from the moment the sow starts to farrow, the farmer has his hands completely full. Caring for piglets takes a high...
Coccidia are unicellular, microscopic parasites, responsible for the disease called coccidiosis. When the parasite invades the intestinal walls and multiplies inside its cells, it could ...
Heliciculture is not only a feasible option for farmers due to the few participants in the industry and therefore limited competition, but also due to the market options available both r...
Hennie van Dyk and the Meyersvlei Bonsmara team held their seventh production auction on 21 June 2023. "We are very blessed to be able to share this day with all our beloved family and f...
You are invited to the sheep auction, in collaboration with BKB, of Mutton Merino and Mutton Merino x Dormers. Animals on offer are: 1 721 Sheep 190 Ewes (pregnant) 209 Ewe...
Sernick Bonsmaras had yet another successful auction. The averages were as follows: Bulls sold for an average of R 106 887 with the highest bid reaching R 350 000. Stud cows...
A crucial factor in any farming operation is the market. If you cannot sell your product, all your efforts are to no avail. It is important to think about whether or not you have a relia...
Sebadja and Boschoek Bonsmaras are excited about the new dawn that is breaking over their with our first annual joint sale on 11 August 2023 at the farm Smallepad in the Roedtan area. ...
Kriek Meatmaster stud, built up by Pieter Kriek and his father, Carel Kriek, will hold a general sale on the 29th of July, at 11:00 a.m. Modderfontein, Heidelberg. On offer: 200 ...
In the previous article on farm management and planning we focused on optimal resource utilisation and farm planning. When planning for the provision of a sufficient number of camps,...
The physical appearance of a sheep can be a significant factor in determining its overall characteristics. However, the breed’s ability to achieve the highest levels of productivity an...
“With clever management a natural water source can be used sustainably throughout the year, depending on whether the number of game species is limited, and the drinking points are well...
In the face of an extreme drought that has devastated large parts of the Karoo, including the Klein Karoo, it is important for farmers to learn how to mitigate the extreme conditions exa...
Goats that are good for both milk production and mohair production make excellent livestock. They are easy to care for and maintain, and they generate steady income. Mohair from these an...
The bulls that will be offered at this year's auction are excellent examples of a combination of physical and genetic characteristics of the breed, with thick bodies, short legs and prov...
Algar has identified the need among farmers for equipment that makes working with sheep and goats a lot easier. That's why they proudly present the new sheep clamp. With this H-clamp,...
Nello Dohne-Merinos was registered as a stud in 1990. The goal of Nello's breeding program has been to produce resilient, fertile, and adaptable sheep that can live and thrive in a varie...
Beefmasters are known for their excellent meat quality, with marbling producing tender and flavorful beef. In addition, they have a high fertility rate and are good mothers, making them ...
Vleissentraal, together with Thiele Holdings invites all buyers to see the deep red, smooth hair cattle that will be on auction. The auction will take place on the 5th of July at 11:0...
Both red brahmans and droughtmasters are excellent cattle breeds if you want to maximise production while also adapting to different climates. The final decision between these different ...
Outstanding quality was on offer. "The expectations were far exceeded for the day," says Kobus du Toit, chairperson of the Vlakte Bonsmara group. The aver...
Bonsmara Genepool has been a stud group breeding scheme since 1981 with a core herd of breeding cows selected from the participating members' herds. The Members include: Bonsmara...
Most farmers in Zambia today have a combination of livestock on their farms. They have cattle, goats and sheep. A few even have horses and ponies, as well as game. Now, the question i...
While there are many breeds of cattle you can choose from as a farmer, Bonsmara cattle are one of the breeds to take into account as an investment. Their ability to thrive in a variety o...
Agricultural production systems are quite diverse and encompass a variety of interesting products and services. Some of these production systems seem unfathomable due to their rarity and...
Results Bulls: 5 Top Brahman stud bulls were offered and achieved an average price of R136 400.00. The most expensive bull from Burnie and Kosike Staal, Bos-Blanco, Lot 37, is sold f...
Petmar livestock handling equipment create innovative, long-lasting, and simple-to-use equipment to help livestock farmers with their daily obstacles with grafting, weighing, loading, a...
Syferfontein Bonsmara's 24th Production Auction is just around the corner, don't miss out on the best of the best in the industry! 22 June 2023, Farm Goodlands, Vrede District. On of...
Algar with their top-quality Livestock handling equipment is a familiar face at NAMPO, and this year farmers once again got the chance to visit Algar to see how they make life easier for...
Make sure you do not miss out on top quality Bonsmara animals! On offer: 40 registered stud bulls 25 selected females Contact details: For more information please visit ...
As Nick Serfontein sees it, "Agriculture in South Africa is in a good place." Attend Sernick Bonsmara's 45th PRODUCTION AUCTION and share in his confidence! There will be superior Bonsma...
The South African Meat Merino (SAMM) is the best option for any farmer in search of a hardy white sheep breed that originated in South Africa. The 16th Production Auction of the Stele...
Agri SA welcomes the release of the report by the Task Team on Animal Biosecurity. The task team was appointed to deal with the issue of animal biosecurity and the role of the state in t...
In industry and trade, the term “raw silk” typically refers to raw mulberry silk. Reeling is a technique for extracting the silk filaments from cocoons to weave them together to crea...
Once a year, usually in late summer, depending on rainfall and forage availability, honey is harvested from the hives. In Part 9 we learned that the hive consists of the brood chamber...
Broiler farming is a very important farming business. For the farmer to be successful and achieve maximum results in the broiler business, certain pieces of equipment are necessary. The...
Dogs are known as man’s best friend and have that title for a reason. They are your loyal companions and are always there when you need them. Caring for your companions is a responsibi...
A smooth management system is essential for every livestock farmer. Thanks to Gallagher’s modern technology and solutions, their products make the farmer’s life easier and safer. ...
Zambian Pig Genetics Toppigs Norsvin was established in 2019. They Supply pig genetics from Toppigs Norsvin, a world leader in piggery genetics. Products include TN70, TN 70 tempo, gi...
In the previous eight chapters, we provided a wealth of information on various aspects of beekeeping. But to keep bees, you will need a hive. There are various ways to get one. Beehiv...
Fish farming in Sub-Saharan Africa has been dominated by the cichlids commonly known as tilapias. Of the tilapias, the genus, Oreochromis has been the most cultured species in aquacultur...
In our previous article we discussed what happens when Salmonella pullorum (SP) and Salmonella gallinarum (SG) enter layer enterprises. We saw that, whilst SP affects mainly replacement ...
Three researchers focusing on alternative feed sources for goats and lambs received their PhD degrees in animal sciences from Stellenbosch University (SU) in South Africa. They investiga...
Niekerksrust SAVM stud farm Niekerksrust in Viljoenkroon, which is owned and operated by Jan van Biljon, will once again offer an auction. On June 21st, high-quality Meat Merino sheep wi...
As forage matures, its quality, and especially protein content starts to decline. To sustain healthy animal production one needs to supplement the veld with the nutrients the veld can no...
CryoBranding, or "freeze branding," was created in 1966 by Dr R. Keith Farrell of Washington State University. When cattle are branded with extremely cold irons using dry ice, the natura...
Declining day length Hens are sensitive to day length, and particularly to the direction in which day length is changing when it comes to laying eggs. Declining day lengths discou...
The Red Breed event as well as the national Bonsmara auction are two of the most anticipated events of the year for Bonsmara enthusiasts. Every year, Bonsmara breeders and attendees look...
Ntaba Nyoni held their two-in-one auction at the Phala Phala wildlife venue in Bela-Bela on March 4, 2023. The auction consisted of fifty Boran cattle and twenty-five Ankole Cattle. I...
Many insects and spiders produce silk, which is essentially a solidified, viscous liquid secreted from specialised glands or orifices. The only significant source of silk for textile use...
Anew beekeeper can buy or catch a swarm of bees. Buying is the easy option, but with a bit of practice, you can capture a swarm that is on the move for free. But be careful, do n...
Layer farming means raising egg-laying birds for the purpose of commercial egg production. Due to their high nutritional value, the demand for eggs has continued to grow worldwide. Eggs ...
581 Top Bosmara cattle in total are offered. The offer is as follows: 110 Cows 10 Calves (possibly 3-in-1) 150 Cows (possibly pregnant) 92 First...
The control of zoonotic agents in poultry and animal stocks has the effect of reducing the challenges to food safety management systems in processing and also further down along the food...
New and enhanced genetics is like a fresh breeze for every farmer and we salute the scientists who went through painstakingly precise, experimental processes to ensure that farmers can f...
We are Yara Animal Nutrition South African, a subsidiary of Yara International, the world's leading fertilizer company and provider of Environmental Solutions. We keep mouths full, we su...
During the Blouberg Aanteelveiling stock auction, despite heavy rain and wet conditions, visitors from far and wide attended. Thanks to them, the 29th auction exceeded expectations. ...
Every farmer knows what animals eat is the basis of successful livestock production. That is why the serious livestock farmer prefers the feed mixer that gives him the best quality fodde...
There are several key differences between African swine fever, classical swine fever and swine flu, including the clinical signs that develop, the way the diseases affect pigs, and the r...
Johanri Dormers stud near Lindley in the Free State is known for outstanding animals that achieve record prices. According to Johan, the Dormer is the most efficient sheep breed in the...
“When you touch the wire, you can feel the quality,” says Hezekiel Malesa from Brits. He fenced his 23-hectare farm with Bonnox as part of his long-term farming plan. “I invest a ...
Ntaba Nyoni Cattle proudly presents their 2 in 1 production auction at Phala Phala Wildlife in Bela-Bela on 4 March 2023. Ntaba Nyoni production auction The auction will include cattle...
The Sernick Group is optimistic about the future of agriculture in South Africa. That is why they strive to breed cattle that are hardy and adaptable. Their recent production auction ...
Your farm will immediately benefit from our experience, energy, and enthusiasm thanks to the close collaboration approach that we take. This strategy was built on our worldwide research,...
Phosphate is traditionally the only summer supplement in South Africa, but it often happens that phosphate alone during the summer and late summer is not always sufficient for optimal pr...
Salmonella is an enterobacterium, which means it can primarily infect the gastrointestinal tract, although in some cases it can distribute from the intestines to other organs. Each bacte...
The Free State Ewe Club is a study group focused on making sheep management more profitable. The group holds annual trials to test various management methods. For more information, co...
The term “stress” is commonly used to describe the detrimental effects of a variety of situations on the health and performance of broilers. It is also defined as a set of responses ...
Dormers are an excellent breed of sheep that demonstrates its worth in both intensive and extensive farming systems. This auction features high-quality breeding stock that has been caref...
Bonsmara and Bovelder breeders can be excited about the Blouberg Aanteelveiling annual production auction. This auction boasts top breeding stock that was strictly selected to bring the ...
Majobe Merino's has an intensive breeding policy. The goal is to produce top-performing ewes that deliver multiple lambs year after year. This year, on their 29th production auction, ...
The Sernick Group as it is known today was born from a young Nick Serfontein’s dream to become a farmer. He was advised by his parents to choose another career, which he did, but his d...
521 Meatmasters: 121 excellent registered rams, 200 registered ewes. 200 commercial ewes. Why this is the one sale no Meatmaster breeder should miss. Proud winner of the best small...
Greg Talbot from Tal-Tec, a specialist in the design and manufacturer of livestock management and control solutions, talks about the features of his company’s feeder solutions. “W...
Southern African native sheep breeds thrive in extreme environments. They are lean and muscular, with thick rump and tail fat. In times of scarce grazing, body fat is stored here for use...
In a previous chapter, we had a brief look at the need for suitable forage for bees and the value of placing your hives near such a source. In this chapter, we look at what bees feed ...
A broiler health strategy starts with the broiler breeder, includes broiler management, and is fine-tuned by the judicious use of vaccines. Vaccination is an integral part of any chicken...
Infectious Bronchitis virus (IBV) variant 2 has been detected in Zambia by PCR and genetic sequencing. Although the number of cases is on the rise and the number of flocks sampled is inc...
The Department of Agriculture’s provincial veterinary laboratory (PVL) at Helderfontein in Stellenbosch will be undergoing major renovations during the next 12 months, during which the...
Algar Livestock Handling Equipment's top-quality products are at the forefront of the market. With products that constantly deliver innovative solutions, Algar is a proud supplier of ani...
When a chicken farm sells all the eggs their 1 600 chickens lay per day within 24 hours, it is proof that they are doing something right. Reyno Colyn and Belinda Hattingh farm with chick...
A beekeeper faces many challenges, but persistence is usually met with success. The biggest challenges are finding a suitable terrain for his apiary and sufficient and diverse forage,...
Chickens are relatively easy animals to maintain once they are adults, but mortality rates can be high while the baby chicks are still growing. It, therefore, becomes cardinal that me...
Non-protein nitrogen (NPN) is a term used in animal nutrition to refer collectively to components such as urea, biuret, and ammonia, which are not proteins but can be converted into prot...
A record is not broken every day, and certainly not by a female animal! S tud animals from twelve studs and one guest seller from all over South Africa attracted attention to the Premium...
This was the second production auction held by Premium Genetics. Their Brahman auctioneer, Rohan Beukes, stated that they had improved since the previous auction. "We made the most of t...
As fertility accounts for 60% of a herd’s performance, we seek to promote fertility and reproduction. We have regularly won the BreedPlan Cow Group as the largest and most fertile he...
Raising sheep can be beneficial in many ways. Sheep can eat vegetation that is not fit for human consumption. Sheep populations tend to grow rapidly, and their gestation period is much s...
Willem and Lucile van den Berg would like to thank every buyer for their support during the auction. Mario Kruger from Vleissentraal thanked and congratulated Sterkfontein for the excell...
Sterkfontein Meatmasters' top animals were brought all the way from Wepner to Gauteng to present at the Sterkfontein Meatmaster production auction. The auction took place on Saturday, 22...
Be sure to mark the date in your calendar to attend the Sernick stock auction! The auction will be held on 3 February 2023. Keep an eye on their social media or visit their website fo...
The Hoëveld (High veld) Bonsmara club and its club members hosted their annual production auction that presented cattle with top genetics for purchase. The auction was held on 28 Oob...
High-quality pelts are sourced from unique strains of rabbits, such as the Rex species. Only a small number of skins are collected from slaughterhouses; the rest are discarded. The on...
When discussing textiles, the term “angora” by itself always and exclusively refers to the hair of Angora rabbits. The hair of Angora rabbits is one of five keratinic textile fibr...
Among domestic livestock, rabbits are one of the most productive. On the same quantity of feed and water a cow will produce 500 grammes of meat while rabbits can produce three kilogramme...
The doe makes a nest with various materials and abdominal fur before kindling. The doe’s nest is usually at the end of her kindling burrow. A quiet area should be set aside for the doe...
In a single year, a doe can have up to 12 litters of kits. The average litter size is six kits, which means that if a doe is constantly in the presence of a buck, she could be able to pr...
There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to rabbit nutrition. In order to keep the rabbits healthy and prevent them from gaining too much weight, they must be fed the right...
Alot of thought and planning should be done before starting to construct and equip anything for rabbit care. When this is done right, it should ultimately reduce the amount of labour req...
The vital first step in rabbit breeding is choosing the right breed. Accor-ding to the American Rabbit Breeders Association, there are around 38 breeds and 89 variants of domestic rabb...
Rabbit farming can be an alternative farming opportunity for a beginner farmer or someone with limited resources. According to Mike Daka, a rabbit farmer and interim President of the Rab...
Aquaculture is becoming very popular amongst Zambians because it provides people with employment and a cheaper source of protein. The government, through the Ministry of Fisheries and Li...
John and Tracey Devonport run the successful Devlan Limousin cattle stud, which is situated on Water’s Edge on the Vaal. Background John was brought up in Johannesburg and went to Wi...
Biosecurity is a set of preventative measures designed to reduce the risks of infectious disease transmission to and among livestock. Biosecurity is important because the set of preventi...
Soutpansberg Bonsmara's 15th production auction saw attendees and buyers flock from near and far. The auction was held near Vivo in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Animals that ...
Tito Vorster is the CEO of the Delft Group and SIMBRA SA Breed President. They have a diversified agriculture footprint in Mpumalanga. Delft Group is a family-owned business managed by h...
Summer Sale 2022 saw sellers of dormer sheep and Santa cattle come together to present an auction with top genetic material. Dormerific Dormers, Santarific Santas and Sombrero Santas ...
Vlakte Bonsmara group celebrated a successful action that broke many goals the group set for themselves. Buyers from across the country showed up to purchase top genetics for their catt...
Pig farmers often focus on reproductive traits. These traits are important, but also keep in mind how your herd is making use of feed because 80% of a farm’s costs is feed. Feed con...
Members of the Oostelike Ile de France club know why they choose this superior meat breed over and over. They choose it for its exceptional growth, fertility, and how easily it cross-bre...
Dorper sheep In South Africa, the Persian sheep, the Dorset sheep, and the Van Rooy sheep were used to create the Dorper breed. This process produced a robust, quick-growing meat breed ...
No business can survive without proper record-keeping. The system need not be complicated, but as a poultry farmer you must note down important information, such as the feed consumptio...
In the previous articles, we discussed beekeeping in general and the value of bees as pollinators. In this article, we have a peek inside an active beehive to see who lives there and wha...
Yara Animal Nutrition is a leading phosphate supplier in South Africa and the biggest supplier of food-grade urea in Africa. They offer a variety of products including spray-dried molass...
A crucial element of the piggery business chain is the market. Thoroughly compiled market information and linkages determine piggery production objectives and profitability due to the co...
A landmark deal has been signed between South Africa and Saudi Arabia, which will see South Africa export beef – amongst other red meat products – to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA...
Productivity and efficiency are what Algar Animal Handling Equipment strive to give the farmer in the equipment they manufacture. A variety of their equipment was on show at NAMPO A...
Physical properties of Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) infects exclusively birds, with different clinical presentations depending on factors such as ...
In Zambia, poultry farming serves as a major source of income and nutrition for more than 1 million farmers and households who keep chickens. Novatek is committed to maintain both qua...
As equine competition season ramps up, the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) has emphasised the importance of horse owners getting their animals vaccinated against African horse si...
Piet Warren, game rancher from Gravelotte in Limpopo, is slowly but surely getting rid of his assets with the aim of emigrating to Australia. Piet (75) and his wife Christine have bee...
Holstein dairy cows Holsteins are easily recognisable due to their distinct markings, which are most often black and white, but can also be red and white. The breed originated in the Ne...
Algar Animal Handling Equipment pride themselves on delivering high-quality products that make your work more efficient and profitable. Their wide range of products for livestock farmers...
Good old fashioned milk recording with pen and paper was inexpensive, but it was unreliable and brought about many problems. It also increased the workload when it had to be processed in...
The most important aspect concerning the efficient functioning of milking machine systems is vacuum stability. It is associated with positive milk removal from the udder with minimum irr...
Milk is a very sensitive product and can get stale and smelly within a very short time. Bad milk will be rejected by the buyer and cause serious financial losses. Milk should be treat...
The importance of holding pens at milking parlours is often disregarded. The absence or errors in the form and layout thereof, is the direct cause of poor cow flow at well-designed milki...
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is one of the deadliest diseases for poultry throughout the world, and some strains may affect humans, who might die from it. AI, or bird flu,...
Elmic is situated in the highlands of the Eastern Free State. Their philosophy is the natural management of veld grass for animal production. And it shows in the genetics of their cattle...
The annual Jakaranda Ile de France Auction offers buyers a chance to purchase top genetics from the respected Hageland Ile de France stud. During the event, a record price was achieve...
Stock feed is the feed manufactured for livestock animals to meet the requirements of a certain species. It can be produced in a mash, crumble, or pelleted form. Livestock is an inves...
The interior design of your dairy can make or break your operation. With some clever thinking beforehand, your dairy will become a place of pride for generations to come. Doors Because...
To ensure a pleasant milking experience for the cows, farmer, workers and even visitors, it is very wise to have a look at all the factors involved and do some planning before you draw u...
Rapid-exit parlours are designed to improve the efficiency of fishbone and parallel parlours. All the cows on the one side of the parlour are let out simultaneously in a direction perpen...
Fishbone milking parlour Cows enter these parlours in groups and stand at an angle to the milking pit, so that only the udder part of the cow is exposed to the labourer (Figure 1). ...
Chickens get sick very easily. Disease can kill your whole flock overnight, so it is important to make sure that you do everything you can to keep them healthy. The two most significa...
Sussex Sussex cattle are one of the oldest and purest English breeds and are popular in Southern Africa’s beef industry. The breed descended from horned red cows once found in Susse...
Owning a horse can be an incredibly rewarding experience. However, certain decisions must be made by a farmer to be prepared for this undertaking. You must make sure that you can give ...
Novatek Animal Feeds is the largest animal feed producer in Zambia and has been in operation since 2008. The company produces a large variety of scientifically formulated feeds and custo...
Foot and mouth disease (FMD) has the potential to wipe out game ranches. “The effects will be worse than on a cattle farm, and destroy the ranch financially and from a biodiversity p...
Global meat consumption is increasing steadily with the concurrent rise in human population. Among meat products, pork has been maintaining its position in the top two of meats consume...
If you are looking for sheep that adapt well to different climates, an animal from Sterkfontein Meatmasters might just be the answer for you! "These animals adapt very well. We sell h...
CdP auctioneers invite you to the annual Leliekraans Meatmaster Production auction to pick from top genetics to add to your farm. There will be a variety of animals available for bidd...
Gumboro disease, also known as Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD), is a threat to all poultry enterprises. This is a contagious disease affecting young birds. The virus targets the Bursa of...
In the first three articles on beekeeping, we gave you some background on why you should keep bees, what role bees play in pollination, and what goes on inside the hive. In this issue, w...
About eighty percent of all flowering plants must be pollinated and this is mostly done by insects and other animals, such as birds and bats. Pollination affects more than a third of glo...
Have you ever considered what life would be like without bees? Very few plants will grow in our gardens, and we will most certainly have less food to eat. More than 150 plant species tha...
What you feed your dogs is one of the most important choices a dog owner can make. Choosing the right diet for your dog is not always an easy decision, but with Tiger Animal Feeds as spe...
In developing countries such as Zambia, poverty levels are increasing, especially among rural households, the majority of whom rely on agriculture as their main source of livelihood. ...
In our previous two articles (ProAgri Zambia 71 and 73), we have described the basis of Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) (or Gumboro Disease), the dynamics of antibodies in chickens, as w...
Dairy farming demands a hardworking, determined, and patient farmer. The aspiring dairy farmer must know that there is no holiday. A dairy farmer must possess some substantial knowledge ...
Raising healthy and productive calves is crucial for the long-term success of the dairy industry. The target of all good dairies should be to minimize mortality, and providing calves wit...
Most sheep operations derive the majority of their income from the sale of lambs or meat. As a result, lamb prices have a large influence on profitability and viability of the sheep ente...
Severe losses are suffered by farmers due to predators. The severity of the problem varies by farm and geographic region. For some producers, predator losses can be so overwhelming that ...
Grazing management is how and when you control the grazing habits of the animals on your pastures. What animals, how, when, and for how long they graze a pasture determines the species m...
Investing in proper nutrition for pregnant and lactating ewes saves both time and money in the long run. Ewes in good body condition prior to lambing have healthier lambs and fewer compl...
As with people, sheep do not require specific feeds. They require energy, protein, vitamins, minerals, fibre, and water. Many different feedstuffs can meet their nutritional requirements...
Effective sheep handling equipment can cut labour hours by as much as 18%, while allowing handlers to complete a variety of tasks efficiently and safely. The layout of the sheep far...
Though frequency and need varies, it is usually necessary to handle sheep several times per year for various reasons. Without an easy way to handle sheep and lambs, important tasks often...
One of the most important aspects of any animal-based agricultural operation is having an effective waste management plan which reaps the benefits of the waste and helps reduce the risks...
Biosecurity means the management practices that are followed to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases. Healthy animals are the cornerstone of successful sheep farming. Biosecur...
Pig feed Good, high-quality feed is essential for pig production. Proper feed does not only lead to healthier pigs, but also to more profit. Pig feed can drastically impact on the pro...
Various feed sources can be used to make nutritious pig feed that will enable your pigs to grow and earn more profit. The composition of the feed is extremely important. Pigs, like peopl...
Farming is a business. No business can survive without good administration. Keeping detailed records of your pig farming business is essential to remain profitable, avoid losses and keep...
An important operation on any pig farm is proper waste management. The manure produced in the piggery can cause many problems if not managed effectively. If sound waste management princi...
Good, efficient housing makes pig management easier and helps the farmer to successfully rear 85% or more of all the live-born piglets to market weight in the shortest possible time. ...
The success of a piggery lies in the quality of the breeding programme and breeding practices. Using superior genetics and efficient culling will ensure that your pigs are genetically so...
Raising broiler chickens to sell as meat can be a profitable addition to your present small-scale farming. Chicken meat is a popular source of protein in diets everywhere in the world. ...
In part one of Chapter 4 we discussed the types of chickens suitable for Southern African circumstances. We also learned how to take care of day-old chicks in a heated brooder from the d...
In Part 4.1 of the series on raising chicks in a brooder, we looked at the preparation of a brooder heated with infrared lamps. In Part 4.2 we shall look at the requirements of chicks, a...
Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched. There is much truth in this saying which means that you should not count on anything before it actually happens. But with good plan...
We discussed twelve points that must be kept in mind when you are considering farming chickens for meat or eggs. This month we look at drawing up a budget to show you what the approximat...
Dry season feeding and supplementation for grazing animals requires good planning. The plan should take into account of the long-term effect of the dry season on the land, pasture, fin...
Santa Gertrudis Robert Kleberg Jr of King Ranch in the United States developed the Santa Gertrudis cattle breed. Kleberg's 400 000 ha ranch had 6 000 Hereford and Shorthorn cows. The...
Infectious Bronchitis (IB) Variant 2 (also known as IB variant IS/1494/06) was first detected in Zambia in 2017. In an ongoing survey, Phibro has found it in two broiler flocks in the...
If you have followed this article from the previous publication (Part 1), then you would be aware that rabbits are a very economically viable livestock. They have high reproductive rates...
In the previous aeticle we discussed the raising of pullets and broilers to be sold as meat. In this issue we look at natural and artificial brooding of eggs to be raised as layers. Br...
There is nothing that excites pig farmers more than seeing their herd healthy and having attained the ideal slaughter weight they sought for. It means their arduous labour put into reari...
Chickens will be a valuable and profitable addition to your existing smallscale farming, but you need a proper plan to ensure that it is sustainable. That means you do not want to spend ...
Would you like to start your own poultry farm, but do not know how to go about it? If you already have chickens roaming around your yard, you may like to take it one step further and set...
Bovine mastitis, which is an inflammation of the udder caused by multiple factors, including bacterial infection or trauma, can lead to abnormal and decreased milk production. It is sti...
Optimum profitability on a pig farm starts by raising good quality gilts. After that, feeding a high-quality creep feed to the youngsters will ensure a healthy digestive system, and in t...
Raising dairy calves is a challenge for any dairy farmer. Many losses occur through death and poor growth. These losses can be minimised, and health outcomes are improved if the calves a...
Drakensberger In 1497, the seafarer, Vasco da Gama, first encountered black oxen when rounding the Cape. In 1836, several Voortrekker families left the Cape with similar black oxen, ref...
Cattle can be considered as an essential daily food and nutrition source, a valuable supply of revenue, and they produce nitrogen-rich manure that can be used to rebuild soils. Different...
