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Aberdeen Angus
Aberdeen Angus History The Aberdeen Angus breed (or Angus as it is known internationally) was developed in the early part of the 19th Century from the polled and predominantly black cattle of North east Scotland known locally as “doddies” and “hummlies”. As with oth...Read more -
Africander
Africander History Africander cattle (also known as Afrikaner), were developed from the native Khoi-Khoi cattle of the Cape of Good Hope which are thought to have arisen from the longhorned Zebu and the Egyptian longhorn and is a native South African breed. The Africander belongs to the Sanga typ...Read more -
Gene-edited livestock ‘surrogate sires’ successfully made fertile
For the first time, scientists have created pigs, goats and cattle that can serve as viable “surrogate sires,” male animals that produce sperm carrying only the genetic traits of donor animals. The advance, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on Sept. 14, could speed ...Read more -
Genetic link between cattle temperament and autism
A strong association between the genes influencing cattle temperament and autism in humans has been discovered by University of Queensland researchers. UQ genomic expert Professor Ben Hayes said the research by his interdisciplinary team headed by Dr Roy Costilla could lead to improved animal wel...Read more -
Revealing the diversity of genes behind better alfalfa hay
Alfalfa is a major Northwest crop and an important food source for dairy cattle and other livestock worldwide. Scientists at Washington State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and partner institutions have identified 10 genetic markers and promising parent varieties that could boost...Read more -
The importance of sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing bovine mastitis
Have you ever received a “no growth” result in a bacterial culture when trying to diagnose mastitis? About 40–50% of clinically abnormal milk samples tested with traditional culture will come back with a “no growth” result, leaving dairy farmers right where they started—with a mastitic cow and no...Read more -
The importance of breeding seasons and good male genetics
Young animals, especially lambs, stand little chance of survival if born during winter, when night temperatures in some areas can drop far below zero. Ewes and dams will also struggle to produce milk in the absence of nutritious green or cultivated pastures. In addition to planned breeding season...Read more -
Tackling a widespread pig zoonosis
A zoonosis is a disease that can pass from animals to humans. The effects can range from mild, such as ringworm, to deadly, such as rabies. The World Organisation for Animal Health highlights a number of disturbing statistics: No less than 60% of existing human infectious diseases are zoonoses. A...Read more -
Regenerative farming for livestock farmers
Faced with increasing financial and ecological pressure, livestock farmers have no other option but to become more sustainable and resilient. Fortunately, explains independent agricultural consultant Dr Louis du Pisani, the solution can be found in well-managed veld, which also contributes direct...Read more -
Pregnancy checking replacement heifers helps protect investment
Cattle producers who breed spring-calving replacement heifers about a month ahead of mature cows need to determine which heifers failed to conceive in their first breeding season, according to Oklahoma State University recommendations. Many Oklahoma cow-calf operators like to use a shortened 45- ...Read more -
Managing a sheep flock before, during and after drought
As every South African farmer knows, droughts are a frequent reality in the country. According to Prof Tertius Brand, a specialist scientist in animal nutrition at Elsenburg and a presenter during a recent webinar on drought recovery, parts of South Africa are hit by droughts at an average rate o...Read more -
Inbreeding, outcrossing, line breeding and hybrid vigour
Inbreeding, outcrossing, line breeding and hybrid vigour are well understood by racehorse breeders. When closely related individuals mate, their offspring are generally smaller, less viable or less fertile than the rest of the population. Examples of inbreeding are mating full brothers to sisters...Read more -
High demand for Boer goat meat brings opportunity
André and Brenda Swanepoel’s 9ha smallholding on the outskirts of Mbombela in Mpumalanga is the ideal home for their Boer goat meat production enterprise: it is sufficiently large for their flock and perfectly placed to service the demand for goat meat in the area. One drawback is the subtropical...Read more -
All about the Namaqua Afrikaner
The Namaqua is a lanky, high-standing sheep with a relatively narrow body, long, lean legs and a fat tail, which stores up to 38% of its body fat. Its long legs enable it to walk vast distances in search of food and water. The sheep are either black- or red-headed with dark hooves and horns and a...Read more -
Alcohol-free beer for riders
Competition horses are ridden by hard-working, competitive riders. Once a top-level horse is entered into a show, it must be exercised according to a strict routine. The health and turnout of the horse is also very important. Internationally, the groom, trainer, stable manager and rider are all d...Read more -
Tips to Improve the Success of Weaning Beef Calves
Fall is officially here and with it will bring the country sound of calves bawling as weaning occurs on beef cattle farms. This time of year can be busy with field crops, getting the last cutting of hay and other farm activities. Take some time to prepare for weaning of the beef calves to add val...Read more -
The importance of observation in cattle handling
Understanding cow behaviour and changing how you act around them can save you time, reduce stress, and make your farm a safer place to work. It can be a huge source of frustration when cows don’t easily move when and where you want them to. Globally respected animal behaviourist Professor Temple ...Read more -
Studies highlight role of skin in fly-borne disease
Research underlines the importance of the route of infection for sleeping sickness parasites. New discoveries focused on how the parasites that cause sleeping sickness are introduced into the body could help inform the search for new treatments. Researchers have sought to better understand the si...Read more -
Prevexxion RN The next generation Marek’s disease vaccine
The poultry industry can collectively breathe a sigh of relief thanks to a new development in Marek’s disease vaccination: PREVEXXION RN. Globally, the deadly disease that paralyses and reduces the yield of young chickens is causing great financial losses within the industry and negatively affect...Read more -
Mysterious ailment kills dozens of camels
Mysterious ailment kills dozens of camels in parts of #Somali and #Oromia Regional States A mystery disease has killed several camels in the Nogob zone of the Somali Regional State, locals told SR News on Saturday. The Regional Livestock and Rural Development head who spoke with the media said th...Read more -
Genetics drive dairy production profitability
The use of top genetics and agrotechnology enables Kluitjieskraal Jersey Stud in the Western Cape to weather the impact of volatile prices and rising input costs. Stud manager Arno Schoonwinkel outlined his methods to Glenneis Kriel. Kluitjieskraal Jersey Stud has established itself as one of Sou...Read more -
Committed to improving the productivity of livestock farmers
As the seasons of the year change, so does the veld. This means that what is lacking in veld in winter is different from what is lacking in summer. Supplements help to provide animals with only what is lacking. This is why it is important for farmers to know what is lacking in that particular sea...Read more -
Calf health the foundation of a productive cattle herd
Prevention is better than cure, and this mindset is especially applicable when it comes to preparing calves for their productive adult lives. Dr Schabort Froneman, technical manager for ruminants at Zoetis, provides some pointers on how to raise healthy calves that can become healthy adult animal...Read more -
Bid for removal of Namibia’s veterinary fence a risk for SA
A recent application submitted to the High Court to have the veterinary cordon fence (VCF) in Namibia declared unconstitutional is misguided, according to Thinus Pretorius, chairperson of the Namibian Livestock Producers’ Organisation. He was responding to the announcement that Job Amupanda, mayo...Read more
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