Livestock

BISA helps farmers win the battle against flies

Flies are not only a big irritation for people on farms. They also hamper production by harassing animals and making them restless, and they carry all kinds of disease. Fortunately, BISA...

Livestock South Africa

21 Nov 2024 · 3 min read

VIDEO: Throwback to the spectacular Santa Gertrudis summer sale auction

With buyers coming in all the way from Zimbabwe, you know that this auction was top-tier! Santa Gertrudis are known for their quality bulls, which are excellent for reproduction, hav...

Livestock South Africa Zimbabwe

21 Nov 2024 · < 1 min read

The benefits of freeze branding with dry ice: a cool choice with Dry Ice Internati...

When it comes to marking livestock, freeze branding has made a name for itself as a standout choice and Dry Ice International is here to make the process even easier. Let us look at the ...

Livestock South Africa

19 Nov 2024 · 3 min read

Poultry farming 101: Marketing and making money

In this series we looked at how small and backyard poultry farmers can start their own poultry farming business. After covering housing, nutrition and security, you are almost ready to h...

Livestock All Countries

18 Nov 2024 · 7 min read

Namibia: New abattoir to give beef farmers control

Construction of a new state-of-the-art export abattoir and processing plant is taking shape on the outskirts of Windhoek. This new facility will provide Namibian cattle farmers access to...

Livestock Mechanisation News & Events South Africa

18 Nov 2024 · 4 min read

Gallagher Animal Management iSeries electric fencing: Providing harmony between fa...

South Africa is well-known for its diverse animal kingdom. From the wildlife of the savannas to the livestock that feed our nation, animals play a huge role in our economy. The proble...

Livestock South Africa

11 Nov 2024 · 3 min read

Freeze branding cattle with Dry Ice International: A quick guide

For farmers looking for a humane, lasting mark on their cattle, freeze branding is a fantastic choice, and Dry Ice International makes it easy. Here is a streamlined guide to creating a ...

Livestock South Africa

8 Nov 2024 · 3 min read

Keep your windmill borehole equipment running with Jooste Cylinder’s products

If you are a livestock farmer and want your borehole windmill equipment to run smoothly, you should keep Jooste Cylinder’s number on your phone. They will answer all your questions, li...

Livestock South Africa

7 Nov 2024 · 4 min read

ANB Vet is at the heart of animal care and supports the essential role of veterina...

For animal owners, veterinarians are trusted guardians of their pets’ health and happiness. Vets are not just medical professionals; they are compassionate caretakers who bring comfort...

Livestock South Africa

5 Nov 2024 · 3 min read

ANB Vet: A legacy of care and quality for South Africa’s animals

Animal owners know that when it comes to the health and happiness of their beloved pets, care and compassion are non-negotiable. For many, cost takes a back seat to ensure their furry fa...

Livestock South Africa

5 Nov 2024 · 2 min read

It’s a go for eggs and growth

Around the world, from South Africa to India, Ecuador to Ethiopia, research shows support that the humble egg, as part of a healthy and balanced diet, is an affordable, versatile and nut...

Livestock All Countries

4 Nov 2024 · 5 min read

VIDEO: Vlakte Bonsmara 15th Bull Auction

Exceptional quality, good bloodlines and strict selection criteria ensured excellent prices at the bull auction, with 100% sales on all animals. The highest price sold was: Lot 6 of K...

Livestock South Africa

1 Nov 2024 · < 1 min read

The largest agriculture sector in Botswana: Cattle and livestock

In Botswana, agriculture plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of many citizens, despite contributing only about 2% to the nation’s GDP. The sector is driven predominantly by livesto...

Livestock Botswana

31 Oct 2024 · 4 min read

Namibia: Livestock farmers resilient and looking for solutions

Namibia’s livestock industry is alive and well and despite concerns about intensifying drought, exports reached record highs in the first quarter of 2024. Simonis Storm, a Namibian ...

Livestock South Africa

31 Oct 2024 · 5 min read

When the going gets tough, the tough get Tal-Tec!

When it comes to livestock management, having the right tools can make all the difference between chaos and control. Enter Tal-Tec, the go-to name for farmers looking to up their game wi...

Livestock South Africa

30 Oct 2024 · 3 min read

Transforming sheep handling with Algar Livestock Systems: Saving you time and labo...

In the world of sheep farming, effective livestock handling is crucial for a smooth, efficient operation. For many farmers, managing the kraal (enclosure) can be time-intensive and chall...

Livestock South Africa

30 Oct 2024 · 4 min read

Grow with Bonnox in Africa

When fencing your farm with Bonnox, be sure it is the authentic Bonnox product, developed specifically for African conditions since the 1960s. An imitation can never match the real deal,...

Livestock South Africa

23 Oct 2024 · 5 min read

Four Lakes offers the best nutritional solutions for your cattle: TraceTop Bolus a...

Four Lakes understands the vital role that proper nutrition plays in the health and productivity of your cattle. Two of their top products, TraceTop Bolus and CalciVita Recharge, have be...

Livestock South Africa

22 Oct 2024 · 3 min read

Weekly livestock report – 18 October 2024

SHEEP PRICES CATTLE PRICES GOAT PRICES ...

Livestock South Africa

21 Oct 2024 · < 1 min read

VIDEO: Flashback to the fierce National Brahman auction

The annual National Brahman auction took off again on 7 September 2024 at Parys Afridome. The strong bulls certainly kept this year's auction exciting! If you want to market your a...

Livestock South Africa

21 Oct 2024 · < 1 min read

Hassle free farming and lower output costs with Hexagon Industries

If a solution is offered for farmers to buy quality products at a fraction of the price, the queues will be long! Hexagon Industries offers exactly the solution to provide livestock farm...

Innovation Livestock South Africa

21 Oct 2024 · 3 min read

Choose the option that lasts – choose De Meyer Betonwerke

On your farm, you need not only top-quality products but also those that will last for years, and that is why cement is an excellent choice. Cement feeding troughs are durable and can...

Livestock Mechanisation All Countries

18 Oct 2024 · 2 min read

Poultry 101: Keep your chickens healthy and well fed

The World Poultry Foundation (WPF) has made it their mission to improve lives through the sustainable production of poultry, and empowering farmers in developing regions. They achie...

Livestock All Countries

17 Oct 2024 · 11 min read

VIDEO: Tal-Tec celebrates 50 years in the industry

Tal-Tec stands for Talbot and Technology, founded by Peter Talbot, the company’s technological advancements stayed true to their name for more than 50 years. Greg Talbot, CEO of Tal...

Livestock South Africa

17 Oct 2024 · < 1 min read

Wires, weights, and wildlife: Gallagher Animal Management’s smart tech for a wild ...

Human-wildlife conflict is like a showdown between nature and human activity, and it is happening more often than we think, especially in places like South Africa. Understanding huma...

Livestock South Africa

15 Oct 2024 · 6 min read

Tal-Tec celebrates 50 years of innovation and technology

Tal-Tec stands for Talbot and Technology, founded by Peter Talbot, the company’s technological advancements stayed true to their name for more than 50 years. Greg Talbot, CEO of Tal...

Livestock South Africa

15 Oct 2024 · 5 min read

Create a comfortable environment for your birds with Newquip’s poultry cages

Gives commercial layer farmers the opportunity to produce table eggs in a controlled environment Birds need the right environment to produce the maximum amount of eggs every day. To g...

Livestock South Africa

15 Oct 2024 · 3 min read

Namibian beef value chain prepares for new EU regulation

Namibia’s beef value chain is scrambling to align the industry for the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) that comes into force on 1 January 2025. This regulatio...

Livestock Namibia

15 Oct 2024 · 7 min read

Weekly livestock prices: 11 October 2024

Cattle per kg: A= R 52,8 B= R 45,1 C= R 44,43 Weaner calf=R 31,31 Sheep per kg: A= R 89,81 B= R 67,58 C= R 62,07 Feeder lamb= R 40,69 Pigs per kg: Porke...

Livestock South Africa

14 Oct 2024 · < 1 min read

VIDEO: Vat 5 Dormer group holds outstanding first auction together

The Vat 5 Dormer Group is dedicated to pushing top quality Dormers into the market to take any farm forward. On Saturday 28 September at Afridome Parys, the Vat 5 group proved again that...

Livestock South Africa

11 Oct 2024 · < 1 min read

Spray away pesky parasites with Tal-Tec

Every farmer loves their animals as if they were their own children. That is why they always want to ensure their animals are as healthy and safe as possible. Spraying your animals with ...

Livestock South Africa

10 Oct 2024 · 3 min read

VIDEO: Hexagon Industries | NAMPO Cape 2024

Hexagon Industries is a company that focuses specifically on the farmer's interests and makes sure that the farmer's needs are met, by offering reliable, durable and quality products at ...

Livestock South Africa

10 Oct 2024 · < 1 min read

VIDEO: Bull sold for R340 000 at the Nu-Alcade auction

Despite the difficult economic conditions and drought that farmers are currently struggling through, this auction was still successful with returning as well as new buyers supporting the...

Livestock South Africa

9 Oct 2024 · < 1 min read

Cattle branding and its role in preventing livestock theft: A closer look at moder...

Cattle branding has been used for centuries to mark ownership of livestock, primarily to prevent theft and secure the identification of cattle. In recent years, new methods of branding h...

Livestock South Africa

9 Oct 2024 · 4 min read

Livestock handling: Tal-Tec turns heavyweights into light work for farmers

Tal-Tec has been producing cattle scales for more than forty years. Initially, the scales were mechanical and operated with a spring balance system. This system had a major issue: it u...

Livestock South Africa

8 Oct 2024 · 3 min read

Save time and labour in your kraal with Algar livestock handling systems

Managing livestock efficiently is key to running a successful farming operation. Every cattle farmer knows the challenges of moving, controlling, and working with livestock in the kraal....

Livestock All Countries

8 Oct 2024 · 4 min read

Video: Vlakte Bonsmara 15th Bull Auction | October 18

The Vlakte Bonsmara Study Group is known for their commitment to excellence - the group of forward-thinking Bonsmara breeders focused on making bulls available in the market that reall...

Livestock South Africa

7 Oct 2024 · < 1 min read

Four Lakes Importers and Exporters: The product excellence your animals need

Four Lakes Importers and Exporters, founded in 2001 by Wayde Pringle, is a privately owned company that has become a trusted name in the animal health industry. Specialising in high-q...

Livestock South Africa

4 Oct 2024 · 4 min read

Update on outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Eastern Cape province

The ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks in the Eastern Cape Province remain a significant concern for the Minister of Agriculture. In the Humansdorp area, 33 farms have now be...

Livestock South Africa

3 Oct 2024 · 5 min read

The best animal lick: MOLATEK tells us more

It was that time of year again when NAMPO Cape kicked off with great excitement, and Molatek was part of the excitement! Molatek provides feed that will grow lambs fat and boost sheep fa...

Livestock South Africa

3 Oct 2024 · 3 min read

VIDEO: Soutpansberg Production action 2024

Soutpansberg Bonsmara was registered in 2009 after the focus shifted from Afrikaners and Simmentalers to the Bonsmara breed since 2006. Bonsmaras are strongly bred to not only survive, b...

Livestock South Africa

30 Sep 2024 · < 1 min read

VIDEO: Molatek | NAMPO Cape 2024

Molatek offers the right nutrition for your animals on the farm. From licks to roughage - here you can find everything your lambs need to get round and fat. Contact Molatek by visi...

Livestock South Africa

20 Sep 2024 · < 1 min read

This is why you need Gallagher’s electric fence to protect your wildlife

Wildlife electric fencing has become an essential tool for managing human-wildlife conflict, ensuring both the safety of people and the preservation of wildlife. Gallagher Animal Mana...

Livestock South Africa

12 Sep 2024 · 3 min read

Poultry farming 101: Poultry housing

Poultry farming can be a lucrative business, especially for small-scale farmers and in rural areas. The World Poultry Foundation (WPF) has made it their mission to become a catalyst for ...

Livestock All Countries

11 Sep 2024 · 7 min read

Stray livestock an ongoing problem on Namibian roads

Stray livestock along roads in Namibia remains a problem. According to a recent newsletter of the Namibian Agricultural Union, the situation is worse during drought when livestock are he...

Livestock News & Events Namibia South Africa Zambia

11 Sep 2024 · 6 min read

Pyramid Voere: Supplying your horses with the right nutrition

Pyramid Voere, a trusted name in horse nutrition, has been serving horse owners since 1994, and is proudly celebrating their 30 year anniversary. They are known for their high-quality fo...

Livestock South Africa

9 Sep 2024 · 2 min read

With Bonnox , fencing is easy

“It is easy as pie to erect Bonnox fencing. I saw it in ProAgri for the first time three years ago,” says Floris Venter from Bloemfontein in central South Africa. Floris already fenc...

Livestock Mechanisation All Countries

2 Sep 2024 · 3 min read

Bonnox has passed the baton!

Africa offers countless opportunities and the potential for developing the agricultural market is vast. Therefore, many people with passion and persistence came to this continent to real...

Livestock Mechanisation All Countries

2 Sep 2024 · 6 min read

Protect your cattle with a Bonnox fortress

Theft on farms can be a big headache, and nowadays it causes farmers to assign a fair percentage of their budget to security. Johan Engelbrecht is a farmer who has to fight a fierce bat...

Livestock Mechanisation All Countries

2 Sep 2024 · 3 min read

Plantation farmers depend on Bonnox

Crops that take 25 years before they can be harvested have a long period of vulnerability and should therefore be properly protected. If this product is as valuable as timber, the planta...

Livestock Mechanisation All Countries

2 Sep 2024 · 4 min read

Become a top farmer with the Bielie-kraal cattle system! | Algar

Algar IND CC introduces the revolutionary Bielie-kraal cattle system! This is system is designed to transform livestock handling with the latest mechanical technology for durability, ...

Livestock South Africa

2 Sep 2024 · < 1 min read

You won’t find a chicken without eggs in Megan Roux’s coup!

She was a real city girl. Then she met the man of her dreams, got married and moved to the farm. Now, six years and three children later, she is a proud farmer's wife with her own busine...

Livestock South Africa

23 Aug 2024 · 6 min read

Farm better, easier and smarter with Gallagher

Electric fencing: Securing livestock and crops All farmers want to protect their livestock, assets and crops. Gallagher understands this need, and that is exactly why their electric fen...

Livestock South Africa

22 Aug 2024 · 5 min read

WPF releases free training on feeding chickens

The World Poultry Foundation (WPF) has released free training materials to help poultry farmers ensure their chickens are properly fed and watered. The training module is part of a se...

Livestock People All Countries

21 Aug 2024 · 2 min read

Go-getter female farmer shares her story: The miracle of growth from your hardships

A very formidable and inspiring female farmer, Baps van Jaarsveld, farms on the farm Rusfontein, between Balfour and Villiers. Over the years, many people cross paths with your way, but ...

Livestock South Africa

20 Aug 2024 · 7 min read

VIDEO: Protect your calves – the future of your herd | Four Lakes

Your calves are the future of your herd. It is important to protect them and keep them healthy and thriving. Four Lakes offer a trio of products to do just that: Calfgrow + SE ...

Livestock South Africa

14 Aug 2024 · < 1 min read

Lumpy skin disease outbreak in Namibia

Eight cases of lumpy skin disease have been reported at villages in the Okakarara region of Namibia. According to South African dr Faffa Malan, Managing Director of the Ruminant Veterina...

Livestock Namibia

13 Aug 2024 · 4 min read

VIDEO: From city girl to successful egg farmer! Megan Roux, woman of stature with ...

She was a real city girl. Then she met the man of her dreams, got married and moved to the farm. Now, six years and three children later, she is a proud farmer's wife with her own busine...

Livestock South Africa

13 Aug 2024 · < 1 min read

Nu Alcade top quality September auction

Nu Alcade invites everyone to come and enjoy their auction on the 26th of September at 11:00, at Warmbad Livestock Market. [embed]https://youtu.be/Z1GkG_VpHg8[/embed] Book your diary...

Livestock South Africa

12 Aug 2024 · < 1 min read

World Bank raises concerns about women and cattle ownership in Zimbabwe

Silibaziso watches as a herdboy prepares to paddock about twenty head of cattle at her village in Plumtree. The border town lies about 100 kilometres southwest of Bulawayo and is know...

Livestock Zimbabwe

8 Aug 2024 · 4 min read

Boran bull sells for a whopping R8 million

Hurwitz Farming had a more than successful auction on Saturday, 3 August when their prize bull Cyclone sold for a record-breaking R8 million. Sinyo Borans from Zimbabwe bought this pr...

Livestock Uncategorized All Countries

5 Aug 2024 · 2 min read

Narrowed down to the best 20 sheep

A very successful inter-regional flock competition was held by the National Wool Growers’ Association of SA (NWGA) in Tarkastad last week. The enthusiasm and proud display of animals s...

Livestock South Africa

1 Aug 2024 · 3 min read

Tal-Tec circular force pen for cattle and sheep

The right equipment makes farming and working with livestock so much easier. That is why Tal-Tec is there to help farmers with the best equipment to get the job done, hassle free. The...

Livestock South Africa

30 Jul 2024 · 3 min read

New Castle Disease in Brazil likely to support chicken prices in South Africa over...

Beef Local carcass prices have traded sideways over the past month after showing a modest increase during June. Our view is that the increase in June is due to lower petrol prices, de...

Livestock South Africa

29 Jul 2024 · 2 min read

Cattle herd health: What goes into a good antibiotic?

Choosing the correct antibiotic isn't something you can learn in a day; it requires thorough research. It is essential to educate yourself about various diseases and their specific treat...

Livestock South Africa

29 Jul 2024 · 3 min read

Unlocking the mystery of feed refusal in poultry production

In the intricate world of poultry farming, feed refusal can be a perplexing and frustrating challenge for producers. Despite meticulous care and management, poultry sometimes exhibit a r...

Livestock Zambia

27 Jul 2024 · 4 min read

VIDEO: Feast with Case IH at Lamb Champs 2024

Lamb Champs is an annual festival where sheep and goat farmers get the opportunity to compete for the best, healthiest and tastiest spit. This year Lamb Champs took place at the Botani...

Livestock South Africa

26 Jul 2024 · < 1 min read

PJ Budler takes the cattle industry by storm: This is his advice in a nutshell

The name PJ Budler has been uttered worldwide in conversations about learning from the best in cattle breeding and expertise. This extraordinary man had humble beginnings in the Eastern ...

Livestock All Countries

26 Jul 2024 · 7 min read

VIDEO: Meyersvlei Bonsmara Auction

Meyersvlei Bonsmara auction recap - a day filled with great excitement and anticipation. An astounding price of R130 000,00 for the bull of Lot 16. A big congratulations to Meyesv...

Livestock South Africa

22 Jul 2024 · < 1 min read

Zambia faces severe drought crisis impacting cattle feed availability – are climat...

Zambia is currently grappling with a severe drought that threatens to devastate its agricultural sector, particularly the livestock industry. The lack of rain has led to massive crop fai...

Livestock Zambia

18 Jul 2024 · 6 min read

UN agency assists SADC farmers address swine fever

As more people take up farming in the Southern African region, experts are concerned about a dearth of skills. Despite the promise of economic viability, agriculture is seeing new entran...

Livestock Botswana Namibia South Africa Tanzania Zambia Zimbabwe

11 Jul 2024 · 4 min read

Syferfontein Bonsmaras celebrates 25 years of excellence

Syferfontein Bonsmaras is proudly celebrating their silver anniversary this year. On Thursday, June 13 2024, Syferfontein hosted their quarter-century auction. Nico Pieterse, owner of Sy...

Livestock South Africa

11 Jul 2024 · 6 min read

Keeping an eye on the growth of your poultry

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,...

Livestock All Countries

8 Jul 2024 · 4 min read

Zimbabwe’s struggle with cattle sales

For years it became normal that rural livestock owners in Zimbabwe would respond to a drought year by selling off cattle due to a lack of pastures as many could not afford to buy feed. ...

Livestock Zimbabwe

8 Jul 2024 · 5 min read

VIDEO: Your animals will eat like kings with MOLATEK

MOLATEK is the manufacturer of a unique range of livestock feed products for ruminants. From humble beginnings over 40 years ago, MOLATEK has evolved into one of the largest animal nu...

Livestock South Africa

8 Jul 2024 · < 1 min read

Feeding livestock during the winter

The winter not only brings cold weather and rain in certain areas, but livestock farmers also have to prepare to ensure their animals’ nutritional needs are met. When temperatures fall...

Livestock South Africa

4 Jul 2024 · 2 min read

Feeding for prosperity

Need food for your sheep, chickens, pigs, horses, or fifish? Look no further, Novatek Animal Feed has it all. Novatek supplies scientififically formulated quality feeds for your anima...

Livestock All Countries

28 Jun 2024 · 3 min read

Maximising Livestock Production: The Crucial Role of Data Capture

In the vast and dynamic world of agriculture, precision and efficiency are paramount. Nowhere is this more evident than in livestock production, where the ability to collect, analyse, an...

Livestock Mechanisation All Countries

28 Jun 2024 · 4 min read

Vat 5 Dormer group: Farming for the future

The Vat 5 Dormer Group was founded in 2023 by five progressive Dormer farmers with the same outlook and goal: to breed quality Dormers for the future and offer them on auction. The V...

Livestock South Africa

25 Jun 2024 · 9 min read

New project aims to assist communal farmers to scale operations to commercial status

About 60% of the almost 14 million cattle in South Africa belong to commercial farmers, while the remaining 40% of herds are owned by emerging or communal farmers, who are often not give...

Livestock South Africa

20 Jun 2024 · 4 min read

Steel Tube and Pipe: Load animals easily and safely

Calling all farmers and feedlot owners – Steel Tube and Pipe has loading ramps! The owners of this company are farmers themselves. After critically assessing their own needs and thr...

Livestock South Africa

20 Jun 2024 · 3 min read

Struggling to handle your big bull? Then you need Algar’s Bielie kraal

Algar’s livestock equipment is well known under farmers. Their systems are designed by farmers for farmers. At NAMPO 2024 Algar launched their new Bielie kraal setup. This system consi...

Livestock South Africa

19 Jun 2024 · 3 min read

Tal-Tec celebrates 30 years at NAMPO 2024

Tal-Tec has been designing and building cost-effective livestock handling equipment for 50 years, to make the livestock farmer’s work easier. Other useful livestock handling equipm...

Livestock South Africa

19 Jun 2024 · < 1 min read

MOLATEK: Unique supplementation for ruminants

MOLATEK is the manufacturer of a unique range of livestock feed supplements for ruminants. From a small beginning more than 40 years ago, MOLATEK has developed into one of the largest an...

Livestock South Africa

14 Jun 2024 · 3 min read

Namibia lifts ban on poultry imports from South Africa

The Namibian chicken industry is rejoicing following the government’s decision to lift a one-year prohibition on importing chickens from neighbouring South Africa. This decision, which...

Livestock Namibia

12 Jun 2024 · 4 min read

Tiger Animal Feeds: Spot the difference, check your eggs

Have you ever bought a tray of eggs or cracked a few eggs and noticed something strange either outside or inside the egg? Commercial egg production, whether on a large scale or small sca...

Livestock Zambia

10 Jun 2024 · 4 min read

Tal-Tec celebrates 30 years at NAMPO

Tal-Tec has been designing and building cost-effective livestock handling equipment for 50 years now to make the livestock farmer’s work easier. This this their 30th year at NAMPO. The...

Livestock South Africa

7 Jun 2024 · 2 min read

National Milling: If you can name it, they can mill it!

“National Milling continues to grow. We have great confidence in this country and this region. Zambia is a good market, a good place to be and a good place to do business.” These con...

Livestock All Countries

6 Jun 2024 · 3 min read

VIDEO: Tackle any challenge with Algar’s Bielie Cattle System

Charlotte Esterhuizen handles the sales at Algar livestock handling. That's why you can be sure she knows what she's talking about! In this video, Charlotte talks about why the Bielie ...

Livestock South Africa

5 Jun 2024 · < 1 min read

One man’s trash … is Newquip’s treasure!

#browngold. That is the slogan of Newquip, because they understand the value and cost of proper fertiliser. Newquip is a family business that has been running for 25 years. They are p...

Crops Livestock South Africa

30 May 2024 · 4 min read

Gallagher is the best, that’s what Bok van Blerk says!

When Bok van Blerk gives his stamp of approval, most South Africans stand firmly behind it. Gallagher stands out head and shoulders above all their competitors with their excellent produ...

Livestock Mechanisation South Africa

23 May 2024 · 3 min read

Drought tests Zimbabwe’s disaster preparedness

Zimbabwe’s disaster preparedness has returned to haunt the country in the aftermath of a devastating drought. Questions have long been asked about the reliability and efficacy of the c...

Livestock Zimbabwe

13 May 2024 · 5 min read

Tiger Animal Feeds: Temperature management can make or break broiler production

Temperature plays a vital role in broiler production. The broiler bird will not perform to its full genetic potential if it is not provided with the right temperature whether during broo...

Livestock Zambia

13 May 2024 · 5 min read

EasyWean® is all about the cow

Source: Stockfarm magazine The use of the NoseRing® to wean calves is not new. It has been around since the mid-nineties and is one of the best methods producers can employ to reduce...

Livestock South Africa

10 May 2024 · 7 min read

Freeze branding: a cool way to make your mark | Visit Dry Ice at NAMPO 2024

Don't miss Dry Ice at NAMPO 2024! Dry Ice offers new ways in which you can freeze brand your cattle that is quick, easy and painless. Visit their stall at NAMPO 2024 to hear more abou...

Livestock South Africa

10 May 2024 · < 1 min read

Novatek: Feeding for Prosperity

Need food for your sheep, chickens, pigs, horses, or fish? Look no further, Novatek Animal Feed has it all. Novatek supplies scientifically formulated quality feeds for your animals t...

Livestock Zambia

1 May 2024 · 3 min read

Get Bok Approved Gallagher farm equipment at NAMPO

specialAre you visiting NAMPO Harvest Day 2024? Be sure to visit the Gallagher Animal Management stand to take a look at their many farm management equipment or security solutions that c...

Livestock South Africa

26 Apr 2024 · 4 min read

Water stress is the new normal

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR WATER SECURITY South Africa is a water scarce country, the 30th driest in the world. Half of our country’s river flow is provided by only 10% of its land. Most...

Livestock South Africa

22 Apr 2024 · 3 min read

Effects of litter on your broiler production

Litter in poultry management refers to the bedding put on the floor to give comfort to the birds and enable absorption of the manure. There are a number of options when choosing the l...

Livestock All Countries

19 Apr 2024 · 4 min read

Discover top-quality livestock handling equipment at Nampo 2024 with Algar IND CC

Are you ready to elevate your livestock handling experience to the next level? Look no further than Algar IND CC! We're thrilled to announce our presence at Nampo 2024 in Bothaville, whe...

Livestock Mechanisation All Countries

8 Apr 2024 · 4 min read

Heat stress management in dairy cows

Heat stress occurs when cows generate and absorb more heat than what they can easily get rid of. Heat is mostly generated during the hot periods of the day and during feeding. The major ...

Livestock All Countries

5 Apr 2024 · 3 min read

Keeping up your animals weight with Yara KimtraPro 20

It is a known fact that rainfall and climate have an influence on veld and grass production. It is therefore important to know that the veld and the nutrients it can provide at a spe...

Livestock Mechanisation All Countries

3 Apr 2024 · 4 min read

Theileriosis: Southern Africa on alert after breakout in Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwe veterinary services have confirmed an outbreak of Theileriosis throughout the country. January disease In Africa, this disease, also known as January disease, is cause...

Livestock Zimbabwe

28 Mar 2024 · 7 min read

Nature conservation is everyone’s responsibility

When it comes to nature conservation, it does not matter to WeWild Africa whether it is an elephant or a mongoose that needs to be saved, they have made it their mission to protect Afric...

Livestock South Africa

22 Mar 2024 · 6 min read

Boars and sows breed hope for aspiring Zimbabwe farmers

Zimbabwe has seen a different kind of career move with professionals abandoning their posts to take up farming. Ever since the country embarked on the land reform programme where ordinar...

Livestock Zimbabwe

20 Mar 2024 · 5 min read

Poor pastures threaten Zimbabwe’s cattle herd: Goats may provide an answer

Smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe who rear livestock are counting their losses after an extended dry season decimated pastures. Like many smallholders, livestock breeders rely on rainfall ...

Livestock Zimbabwe

19 Mar 2024 · 5 min read

Broiler uniformity is money

Uniformity of performance in broilers Broiler business demands good results for good performance, therefore when measuring the success of a broiler business, the following typical perfo...

Livestock All Countries

18 Mar 2024 · 4 min read

Namibia: Rabies in kudu on the rise again

An increase in the number of rabies cases among kudu has been reported in Namibia. Yet, rabies is nothing new to Namibia. The first cases of rabid kudus were reported near Windhoek in th...

Livestock Namibia

16 Mar 2024 · 7 min read

Revolutionising livestock handling with Algar Ind BK

In the bustling heart of Gauteng, nestled just 10 kilometres outside Carletonville, lies a beacon of innovation in the agricultural landscape - Algar Ind BK. For over a decade, this pion...

Livestock South Africa

8 Mar 2024 · 4 min read

Zamhatch providing happy and healthy chicks since 2015

In a world where the demand for nutritious, sustainable protein in form of chicken has risen, one name stands out: Zamhatch. As one of the leaders in broiler chick production, Zamhatch L...

Livestock All Countries

29 Feb 2024 · 4 min read

From cows to kittens, here’s how to curb the spread of zoonotic diseases

Humans and animals share a special and close bond, especially when it comes to our beloved pets and our livestock. But think twice before giving your parakeet an affectionate peck on the...

Livestock All Countries

29 Feb 2024 · 6 min read

What is cool about freeze-branding? Dry Ice International has the answer

Every farmer cares for his cattle. One sign of care would be to switch to freeze-branding. Caring is only one of the reasons why so many stud breeders and commercial producers prefer thi...

Livestock South Africa

28 Feb 2024 · 4 min read

Raise healthy pigs: How to take care of piglets and weaners

A healthy pig starts with a healthy sow and the most critical period in the life of a pig is from birth to weaning. Once a piglet is born, it has basic needs that need to be considered. ...

Livestock All Countries

14 Feb 2024 · 4 min read

Zimbabwe cattle auctions slow down, but the numbers need to grow

Cattle auctions have historically been big business in Zimbabwe's low rainfall southwest, where cattle ranching formed a large part of the country's agri-economy. Commercial farmers w...

Livestock Botswana Namibia Zimbabwe

13 Feb 2024 · 4 min read

The fundamentals you need to know about farm dogs

Where most people are on the lookout for a spouse to spend the rest of their lives with, a farm dog is the true love of any farmer’s life. Farm dogs are an asset to any farm. They help...

Livestock South Africa

12 Feb 2024 · 7 min read

Tiger animal feeds: Ascites – a silent killer

Ascites, commonly known as ‘water belly’, is a condition that affects young, fast-growing broilers. Several agents may cause this condition but lack of oxygen or build-up of carbon m...

Livestock South Africa

12 Feb 2024 · 2 min read

YARA: The PROfessional choice – KimtraPro 20

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. ...

Crops Livestock South Africa

9 Feb 2024 · < 1 min read

New General Manager for Woolgrowers of SA

The National Wool Growers’ Association of South Africa, one of the oldest commodity organisations in the country, is privileged to announce the appointment of Dan Kriek as the new Gene...

Livestock South Africa

29 Jan 2024 · 3 min read

Addressing the issues of prolapse in laying birds part 2: Prevention of prolapse i...

by Barbara Mulonda Simbaya, Technical Advisor at Tiger Animal Feeds Prolapse in layers is a condition that occurs when a hen’s reproductive tract that had temporarily turned inside ...

Livestock Zambia

15 Jan 2024 · 4 min read

Revisiting infectious bronchitis Variant 2 in layer hens

In issue 77 of ProAgri Zambia, we presented an overview of the signs and lesions of infectious bronchitis Variant 2 (also known as IS/1494/06) in layer hens. This variant was first repor...

Livestock Zambia

22 Dec 2023 · 8 min read

Kleinhans Free Range brings healthy farm meat to your table

In 2015 Alwyn and Margaux Kleinhans looked at each other and finally decided: “It is now or never.” Alwyn missed the farm life he experienced as a child while visiting his uncle. ...

Livestock South Africa

21 Dec 2023 · 5 min read

Why freeze branding is used as a superior method by farmers

CryoBranding or freeze branding was developed by Dr. R Keith Farrell from the Washington State University in 1966. Branding cattle and horses with extremely cold branding irons cooled by...

Livestock South Africa

19 Dec 2023 · 4 min read

HOW DO I CONTROL BIOFILMS?

WHAT A Biofilm is an often invisible community of bacteria which can build up on any equipment or surface. Many species of bacteria can form in a biofilm and this can play a significa...

Livestock South Africa

17 Dec 2023 · 2 min read

Different fences for different farmers

Every farm is different, therefore your farm security shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all-approach. With electric fences, you have the ultimate flexibility in farm security and animal mov...

Livestock South Africa

13 Dec 2023 · 3 min read

Karoo Lamb earns trade mark protection

For many proud South Africans, a succulent lamb chop grilled over the open flame on a warm summer’s evening, is a symbol of national pride. If that lamb chop originates from the semi...

Livestock South Africa

12 Dec 2023 · 5 min read

Frequencies – Nature’s insect control

The universe and all therein consist of frequencies at the smallest, or quantum, level. Each organism has its own unique frequency, which it can be manipulated with. To expose an orga...

Livestock South Africa

11 Dec 2023 · 2 min read

Growth monitoring in poultry

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,...

Livestock Zambia

11 Dec 2023 · 4 min read

Livestock branding part 4: Freeze-branding

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...

Livestock All Countries

28 Nov 2023 · 9 min read

Tick-borne diseases in Zimbabwe: Heartwater

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...

Livestock All Countries

28 Nov 2023 · 9 min read

Livestock branding part 3: Hot branding

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...

Livestock All Countries

28 Nov 2023 · 9 min read

Tick-borne diseases in Zimbabwe part 2: African and Asiatic redwater in cattle

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...

Livestock Zimbabwe

22 Nov 2023 · 8 min read

Growth monitoring in poultry

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,...

Livestock Zambia

21 Nov 2023 · 4 min read

African farmers learn all about goats

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...

Livestock South Africa

21 Nov 2023 · 10 min read

Tips from Novatek Aquaculture: Disease and health management

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...

Livestock Zambia

21 Nov 2023 · 3 min read

Managing the effect of heat on poultry performance Part 1: Heat stress

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...

Livestock Zambia

21 Nov 2023 · 7 min read

Beware of unnecessary losses in broiler production: Part 2

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...

Livestock Zambia

21 Nov 2023 · 4 min read

Poultry news from Novatek

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...

Livestock Zambia

21 Nov 2023 · 3 min read

Vlakte Bonsmara study group is proud of what they achieved with the 2023 bull auction

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...

Livestock South Africa

17 Nov 2023 · < 1 min read

Chemvet continues to offer tailor-made solutions despite poor economic conditions

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...

Livestock South Africa

13 Nov 2023 · 2 min read

Wildlife Ranching South Africa: Promoting and protecting wildlife ranchers

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...

Livestock South Africa

3 Nov 2023 · 3 min read

Kalahari Beefmasters sets the standard high during their 9th production auction

V8 Beefmasters, Oktavia Beefmasters, B4 Beefmasters, and Louw Beefmasters held their highly successful ninth Kalahari Beefmaster production auction. Excellent animals, lot after lot, wer...

Livestock South Africa

24 Oct 2023 · < 1 min read

Dry Ice 4 Farming – This branding method with dry ice has many advantages

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...

Livestock South Africa

16 Oct 2023 · 3 min read

Louma Boerdery Production Auction – Bookmark 8 November 2023

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...

Livestock South Africa

9 Oct 2023 · < 1 min read

The latest innovations for BEEF CATTLE at SA Stud Book

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...

Livestock South Africa

6 Oct 2023 · 4 min read

Livestock handling is fun with Algar

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...

Livestock South Africa

3 Oct 2023 · 5 min read

Summer Sale auction achieves good prices

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...

Livestock South Africa

29 Sep 2023 · < 1 min read

The heat is back on at the National Brahman auction

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...

Livestock South Africa

28 Sep 2023 · < 1 min read

Algar brings livestock handling equipment to Cape NAMPO

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...

Livestock South Africa

26 Sep 2023 · < 1 min read

Chicken breeds part 2: Layer hens

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...

Livestock All Countries

18 Sep 2023 · 8 min read

Tick-borne diseases of Zimbabwe: Gallsickness (anaplasmosis)

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...

Livestock All Countries

18 Sep 2023 · 6 min read

A guideline to broiler production: Preparing for and receiving chicks

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...

Livestock All Countries

18 Sep 2023 · 5 min read

Theileriosis: Vaccine found for cattle disease in Zimbabwe

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 ...

Livestock All Countries

18 Sep 2023 · 3 min read

Novatek at AgriTech Expo 2023

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...

Livestock All Countries

11 Sep 2023 · < 1 min read

The exclusive opportunity for quality Brangus and Angus cattle: Malherbe and Rober...

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 ...

Livestock South Africa

11 Sep 2023 · < 1 min read

Snail production Part 4: Choose the right housing

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...

Livestock Zambia

6 Sep 2023 · 5 min read

Demystifying antibiotic use in livestock production

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...

Livestock All Countries

5 Sep 2023 · 5 min read

The Meatmaster National Auction once again shines with competitive prices and qual...

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...

Livestock South Africa

5 Sep 2023 · < 1 min read

Heifers for every farmer and his partner, and plenty to choose from

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...

Livestock South Africa

5 Sep 2023 · < 1 min read

KroonLek: The first (and only) animal lick of its kind

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...

Livestock South Africa

5 Sep 2023 · 4 min read

Dust off your shoes and grab your wallet for this year’s incredible TXL Bove...

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...

Livestock South Africa

5 Sep 2023 · < 1 min read

Bonsmara Genepoel Spring Sale 2023

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...

Livestock South Africa

28 Aug 2023 · < 1 min read

Bonsmara Genetics’ first production auction shows they are here to stay!

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 ...

Livestock South Africa

24 Aug 2023 · < 1 min read

DanBred pig genetics now available in Africa

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...

Livestock All Countries

23 Aug 2023 · 3 min read

How to prevent coccidiosis on your broiler farm?

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...

Livestock Zambia

22 Aug 2023 · 7 min read

Valuable hints from Novatek:

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. ...

Livestock Zambia

22 Aug 2023 · 4 min read

Livestock identification part 2

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...

Livestock All Countries

21 Aug 2023 · 6 min read

Steering the charge for growth in South Africa’s beef industry

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 ...

Livestock South Africa

18 Aug 2023 · 3 min read

Livestock identification part 1: Ear tags

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...

Livestock All Countries

18 Aug 2023 · 7 min read

Chicken breeds part 1: Broilers

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...

Livestock All Countries

18 Aug 2023 · 6 min read

Majobe Merinos: Farming sheep effortlessly in extensive conditions

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 ...

Livestock South Africa

16 Aug 2023 · < 1 min read

Riverglen’s 5th production auction offers top Brahman and Beefmaster genetics

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...

Livestock South Africa

16 Aug 2023 · < 1 min read

Dry Ice is your best ally for painless cattle branding

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 ...

Livestock South Africa

11 Aug 2023 · < 1 min read

Caring of newborn piglets with Tiger Animal Feeds: Part two

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...

Livestock Zambia

11 Aug 2023 · 4 min read

Apimondia: Beekeeping and rural development

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...

Livestock Zambia

8 Aug 2023 · 8 min read

Late winter licks for increased condition and re-conception

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...

Livestock South Africa

3 Aug 2023 · 4 min read

The spectacular success of the 15th production auction of Quardsen Beefmasters

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 ...

Livestock South Africa

1 Aug 2023 · < 1 min read

From Sheep Showing to Success: The story of the Merino Landskaap and the Garcao st...

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 ...

Livestock South Africa

1 Aug 2023 · < 1 min read

Good genetics come first for Jamica Brahman and Simbra stud

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 ...

Livestock South Africa

31 Jul 2023 · < 1 min read

Dry cow management with Novatek

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...

Livestock Zambia

28 Jul 2023 · 3 min read

ALZU Beefmasters boast good prices at their 15th production auction

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...

Livestock South Africa

28 Jul 2023 · 2 min read

Zimbabwe: Poultry farmers struggle to control disease & loss

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...

Livestock Zimbabwe

27 Jul 2023 · 4 min read

Pig breeds part 2: Southern African pig breeds

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...

Livestock All Countries

27 Jul 2023 · 7 min read

Dry cow management

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...

Livestock South Africa

27 Jul 2023 · 3 min read

Keeversfontein Brangusse looking great for their upcoming auction – 3 August...

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...

Livestock South Africa

24 Jul 2023 · < 1 min read

Bonsmara Genetics invites all to attend the auction

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...

Livestock South Africa

24 Jul 2023 · < 1 min read

Bonsmara Genetics has top quality Bonsmara genetics available

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...

Livestock South Africa

24 Jul 2023 · < 1 min read

From silkworms to silk garments Part 5: Silk weaving

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 ...

Livestock Zambia

20 Jul 2023 · 7 min read

Serfbred Brahmans achieve good prices at their annual production auction

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...

Livestock South Africa

20 Jul 2023 · < 1 min read

The Tuli’s come home – Shashi Tuli Stud

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...

Livestock South Africa

20 Jul 2023 · 4 min read

Are you looking for quality Bosvelder sheep genetics? Look no further than Inni-Bo...

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...

Livestock South Africa

19 Jul 2023 · < 1 min read

Syferfontein Bonsmaras held exceptional 24th production auction

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...

Livestock South Africa

17 Jul 2023 · < 1 min read

The best possible start

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...

Livestock All Countries

17 Jul 2023 · 4 min read

Caring for newborn piglets with Tiger Animal Feeds: Part one

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...

Livestock Zambia

17 Jul 2023 · 4 min read

Are your broilers not performing? It could be coccidiosis.

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 ...

Livestock Zambia

17 Jul 2023 · 8 min read

Snail production – Part 2

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...

Livestock Zambia

17 Jul 2023 · 5 min read

Luck struck at Meyersvlei’s seventh production auction

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...

Livestock South Africa

13 Jul 2023 · < 1 min read

Van Schalkwyk Boerdery is offering a complete sale of Mutton Merinos and Mutton Me...

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...

Livestock South Africa

13 Jul 2023 · < 1 min read

Sernick Bonsmara’s 45th production auction attracts many emerging farmers

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...

Livestock South Africa

12 Jul 2023 · < 1 min read

Pig breeds part 1: Southern African pig breeds

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...

Livestock All Countries

10 Jul 2023 · 6 min read

Bonsmara Genetics: Sebadja and Boschoek Bonsmaras joins forces for annual actions ...

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. ...

Livestock South Africa

7 Jul 2023 · 2 min read

Kriek Meatmasters — your last chance to acquire some of these genetics

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 ...

Livestock South Africa

7 Jul 2023 · < 1 min read

Farm management and planning: Part 2 -Camp sizes

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,...

Livestock All Countries

7 Jul 2023 · 7 min read

Sheep breeds part 4: Learn more about sheep around the world

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...

Livestock All Countries

7 Jul 2023 · 6 min read

Game ranching part 2: Placement of watering points

“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...

Livestock All Countries

7 Jul 2023 · 7 min read

Farming with nature: Drought mitigation

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...

Livestock All Countries

7 Jul 2023 · 9 min read

Goat breeds part 2: Milk and mohair breeds

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...

Livestock All Countries

7 Jul 2023 · 6 min read

Functional Beefmasters on offer at Milestone Beefmasters’ 11th production au...

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...

Livestock South Africa

6 Jul 2023 · < 1 min read

Algar Livestock Handling Equipment introduces the new sheep neck clamp

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,...

Livestock South Africa

3 Jul 2023 · < 1 min read

Nello Dohne-Merino’s 22nd Production Auction: An excellent investment and du...

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...

Livestock South Africa

27 Jun 2023 · < 1 min read

Quardsen Beefmasters are delighted to present their 15th production auction

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 ...

Livestock South Africa

26 Jun 2023 · < 1 min read

Vleissentraal and Thielie Holdings present their annual stud auction on 5 July

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...

Livestock South Africa

23 Jun 2023 · < 1 min read

The 5th annual production auction of Reeba’s desirable red cattle

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 ...

Livestock South Africa

22 Jun 2023 · < 1 min read

Vlakte Bonsmara group once again boasts exceptional prices achieved at their 17th ...

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...

Livestock South Africa

15 Jun 2023 · 2 min read

Bonsmara Genepool autumn auction

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...

Livestock South Africa

14 Jun 2023 · < 1 min read

Herbivore sweet feed: One feed for all ruminants

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...

Livestock Zambia

12 Jun 2023 · 4 min read

Join the first-ever production auction for Moalosi Bonsmara

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...

Livestock South Africa

9 Jun 2023 · < 1 min read

Snail production – Part 1

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...

Livestock Zambia

9 Jun 2023 · 6 min read

White and red beautifully displayed at Sugar Sale’s second Brahman auction

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...

Livestock South Africa

8 Jun 2023 · 2 min read

Easy and simple livestock management with Petmar livestock handling equipment

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...

Livestock South Africa

8 Jun 2023 · 2 min read

Syferfontein Bonsmara’s 24th Production Auction is around the corner

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...

Livestock South Africa

5 Jun 2023 · < 1 min read

Dry Ice is your best ally for painless cattle branding

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 ...

Livestock South Africa

5 Jun 2023 · 3 min read

Make sheepwork easier with Algar’s new sheep clamp

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...

Livestock South Africa

5 Jun 2023 · 2 min read

Meyersvlei Bonsmara proudly presents their 7th Production Auction

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 ...

Livestock South Africa

31 May 2023 · < 1 min read

Sernick Bonsmara’s 45th production auction

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...

Livestock South Africa

30 May 2023 · < 1 min read

Top genetics on offer at Stelena SAMM stud’s production auction

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...

Livestock South Africa

23 May 2023 · < 1 min read

Grim report on animal biosecurity in South Africa highlights need for urgent action

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...

Livestock South Africa

22 May 2023 · 2 min read

From silkworms to silk garments Part 4.1 – Silk reeling methods

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...

Livestock Zambia

15 May 2023 · 7 min read

Beekeeping part 10: Harvesting and marketing of honey

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...

Livestock Zambia

15 May 2023 · 8 min read

Tiger Animal Feeds: More than just feed Production tools for success in broiler bu...

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...

Livestock Zambia

15 May 2023 · 3 min read

Tips from Novatek: Looking after your wiggly tail companions

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...

Livestock Zambia

15 May 2023 · 3 min read

For over 85 years, Gallagher has been protecting farmers’ assets

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. ...

Livestock South Africa

12 May 2023 · 5 min read

Zambian Pig Genetics showcases their business at AgriTech Zambia 2023

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...

Livestock Zambia

11 May 2023 · < 1 min read

Beekeeping part 9: Obtaining a beehive

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...

Livestock Zambia

8 May 2023 · 7 min read

Catfish farming offers an alternative in Zambia

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...

Livestock Zambia

8 May 2023 · 4 min read

Phibro: Controlling Salmonella gallinarum (SG) and Salmonella pullorum (SP) in lay...

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 ...

Livestock All Countries

14 Apr 2023 · 7 min read

SU researchers explore alternative feed sources for goats and sheep

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...

Livestock All Countries

13 Apr 2023 · 7 min read

Niekerksrust will hold its 62nd production auction on 21 June 2023

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...

Livestock South Africa

11 Apr 2023 · < 1 min read

The importance of supplying the correct nutrients in winter

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...

Livestock South Africa

6 Apr 2023 · 6 min read

Why freeze branding is being used as a superior method by farmers

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...

Livestock South Africa

5 Apr 2023 · 4 min read

Make money with layers by keeping your production up – Part 2

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...

Livestock Zambia

4 Apr 2023 · 4 min read

Record prices set at the annual national Bonsmara auction 2023

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...

Livestock South Africa

23 Mar 2023 · < 1 min read

Ntaba Nyoni, Boran and Ankole cattle auction

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...

Livestock South Africa

22 Mar 2023 · < 1 min read

From silkworms to silk garments Part 3: Silk harvesting

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...

Livestock Zambia

15 Mar 2023 · 7 min read

Beekeeping part 8: How to obtain bees

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...

Livestock Zambia

15 Mar 2023 · 10 min read

Make money with layers by keeping your production up – Part 1

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 ...

Livestock Zambia

15 Mar 2023 · 4 min read

Sale of top Bonsmara stud herd

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...

Livestock South Africa

11 Mar 2023 · < 1 min read

Food safety and zoonotic control on farms

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...

Livestock All Countries

10 Mar 2023 · 3 min read

Zambian Pig Genetics: TN70 sows will push profits

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...

Livestock Zambia

10 Mar 2023 · 3 min read

Yara Animal Nutrition South Africa makes healthy animals, higher profits and prote...

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...

Livestock All Countries

9 Mar 2023 · < 1 min read

Blouberg Aanteelveiling’s 29th auction exceeds expectations

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. ...

Livestock South Africa

7 Mar 2023 · < 1 min read

Give your livestock a head start the Rumax 7 way

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...

Livestock Zambia

2 Mar 2023 · 4 min read

Pig diseases: Know the differences between African swine fever, classical swine fe...

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...

Livestock All Countries

2 Mar 2023 · 4 min read

Sky-high prices achieved at Johanri Dormers auction

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...

Livestock South Africa

24 Feb 2023 · 2 min read

Make Bonnox part of your farm-smart

“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 ...

Livestock South Africa

23 Feb 2023 · 3 min read

Ntaba Nyoni Cattle production auction

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...

Livestock South Africa

13 Feb 2023 · < 1 min read

Sernick Group’s annual breeding stock auction

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 ...

Livestock South Africa

13 Feb 2023 · < 1 min read

Zambian Pig Genetics is a farmer-owned company offering top pig genetics

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,...

Livestock Zambia

13 Feb 2023 · < 1 min read

PhosPro 17 – More than just a phosphate

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...

Livestock South Africa

8 Feb 2023 · 3 min read

A persistent problem in Zambia: Salmonellosis in laying hens

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...

Livestock Zambia

8 Feb 2023 · 7 min read

Vrystaatse Jongooiklub has their third year of proofs

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...

Livestock South Africa

8 Feb 2023 · < 1 min read

Stress in broilers may diminish profits

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 ...

Livestock Zambia

3 Feb 2023 · 4 min read

Johanri Dormers production auction on 4 February 2023

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...

Livestock South Africa

27 Jan 2023 · < 1 min read

Blouberg Aanteelveiling awaits their 29th production auction | Bonsmara and Boveld...

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 ...

Livestock South Africa

23 Jan 2023 · < 1 min read

Majobe Merino’s presents 29th production auction

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, ...

Livestock South Africa

16 Jan 2023 · < 1 min read

The History of the Sernick Bonsmara Stud

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...

Livestock South Africa

16 Jan 2023 · 3 min read

Collet Farming superior genetics Meatmaster auction 23 February 2023

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...

Livestock South Africa

16 Jan 2023 · 4 min read

Animal feeder solutions from Tal-Tec

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...

Livestock South Africa

10 Jan 2023 · 4 min read

Sheep breeds part 3: Native sheep breeds of Southern Africa

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...

Livestock All Countries

9 Jan 2023 · 7 min read

Beekeeping part 6: Feed

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 ...

Livestock Zambia

22 Dec 2022 · 11 min read

Tiger Chicks shares knowledge on effective broiler vaccination

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...

Livestock Zambia

22 Dec 2022 · 4 min read

Preventing early IBV variant 2 infections in pullets

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...

Livestock Zambia

21 Dec 2022 · 5 min read

Western Cape veterinary laboratory closed for major renovations

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...

Livestock South Africa

19 Dec 2022 · 4 min read

Algar Livestock Handling Equipment is your livestock solution

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...

Livestock South Africa

12 Dec 2022 · 3 min read

De Haasenjagt Boerdery: Chicken farming done right

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...

Livestock Zambia

8 Dec 2022 · 7 min read

Beekeeping Part 5: Challenges that beekeepers face

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,...

Livestock Zimbabwe

7 Dec 2022 · 10 min read

Tips from Novatek: Raising baby chicks

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...

Livestock Zambia

5 Dec 2022 · 3 min read

Prolick: An excellent source of non-protein nitrogen for ruminant animals

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...

Livestock Zambia

5 Dec 2022 · 5 min read

Premium Genetics Brahman cow sets record in South Africa

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...

Livestock South Africa

5 Dec 2022 · < 1 min read

Invitation to the Premium Genetics Auction on 23 October 2023

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...

Livestock South Africa

5 Dec 2022 · < 1 min read

Devlan Limousins provides adaptable, early-maturing, quality bulls

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...

Livestock South Africa

2 Dec 2022 · < 1 min read

Sheep breeds part 2: Dual purpose sheep

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...

Livestock All Countries

30 Nov 2022 · 8 min read

On September 21, 2022, Be Human played host to the Sterkfontein Meatmaster auction

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...

Livestock South Africa

29 Nov 2022 · < 1 min read

Sterkfontein Meatmasters auction at Fire & Wine Arena in Pretoria on 22 Octob...

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...

Livestock South Africa

29 Nov 2022 · < 1 min read

Sernick invites everyone to the next stock auction

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...

Livestock South Africa

22 Nov 2022 · < 1 min read

3rd Hoëveld Bonsmara club production auction

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...

Livestock South Africa

22 Nov 2022 · < 1 min read

Rabbit farming part 10: Rabbit fur pelt production

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...

Livestock All Countries

20 Nov 2022 · 7 min read

Rabbit farming part 9: Rabbit hair production

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...

Livestock South Africa

20 Nov 2022 · 7 min read

Rabbit farming part 8: Rabbit slaughter and meat marketing

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...

Livestock All Countries

19 Nov 2022 · 7 min read

Rabbit farming part 7: Rabbit health

The most critical part of successful rabbit farming is keeping your rabbits healthy and happy. We shall discuss some of the most common rabbit diseases, their symptoms, and how to pr...

Livestock All Countries

19 Nov 2022 · 5 min read

Rabbit farming Part 6: Kindling and weaning

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...

Livestock All Countries

18 Nov 2022 · 7 min read

Rabbit farming part 5: Breeding and herd management

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...

Livestock All Countries

17 Nov 2022 · 8 min read

Rabbit farming part 4: Feeding and watering the rabbits

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...

Livestock All Countries

17 Nov 2022 · 7 min read

Rabbit farming Part 3: Selecting the correct housing system

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...

Livestock All Countries

16 Nov 2022 · 7 min read

Rabbit farming – Part 2: Select the right breed

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...

Livestock All Countries

16 Nov 2022 · 5 min read

Rabbit farming Part 1: Why you should become a rabbit farmer

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...

Livestock South Africa

15 Nov 2022 · 5 min read

Grow your fish with Novatek Simple pre-requisites to a successful aquaculture season

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...

Livestock Zambia

15 Nov 2022 · 5 min read

Devlan Limousins provides adaptable, early-maturing, quality bulls with conformati...

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...

Livestock South Africa

14 Nov 2022 · 5 min read

Devlan Limousins provides adaptable, early-maturing, quality bulls with conformati...

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...

Livestock South Africa

10 Nov 2022 · 5 min read

Biosecurity on your poultry farm: Maintain your broilers in good health

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...

Livestock Zambia

9 Nov 2022 · 5 min read

Soutpansberg Bonsmara auction attracts buyers from far and wide

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 ...

Livestock South Africa

7 Nov 2022 · < 1 min read

Meet the President of the Simbra Cattle Breeders Society of Southern Africa

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...

Livestock South Africa

7 Nov 2022 · 7 min read

Summer Sale delivers top Dormer sheep and Santa cattle genetics

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 ...

Livestock South Africa

7 Nov 2022 · < 1 min read

Vlakte Bonsmara auction exceeds the breeder’s expectations

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...

Livestock South Africa

4 Nov 2022 · < 1 min read

Why is feed conversion ratio (FCR) important?

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...

Livestock South Africa

2 Nov 2022 · 3 min read

Oostelike Ile de France club auction delivers top genetics

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...

Livestock South Africa

31 Oct 2022 · < 1 min read

Sheep breeds part 1: Sheep raised for mutton

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 ...

Livestock All Countries

31 Oct 2022 · 7 min read

Poultry farming part 7: Record keeping

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...

Livestock Zambia

31 Oct 2022 · 5 min read

Beekeeping part 4: Inside the hive

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...

Livestock Zambia

31 Oct 2022 · 11 min read

Yara Animal Nutrition talks about their products at NAMPO Alfa

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...

Livestock South Africa

20 Oct 2022 · < 1 min read

Pig farming Part 7: Marketing – the final test for success

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...

Livestock All Countries

19 Oct 2022 · 5 min read

South African beef sought after by Saudi Arabia

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...

Livestock South Africa

19 Oct 2022 · 4 min read

Algar Animal Handling Equipment shows how to make livestock handling productive at...

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...

Livestock South Africa

18 Oct 2022 · < 1 min read

Tips to maximise the vaccination success against Infectious Bronchitis in broilers

Physical properties of Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) infects exclusively birds, with different clinical presentations depending on factors such as ...

Livestock Zambia

17 Oct 2022 · 6 min read

Novatek remains committed to the Zambian community

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...

Livestock Zambia

17 Oct 2022 · 3 min read

Vaccinate your horses to get them ship-shape to ride and compete this summer

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...

Livestock South Africa

14 Oct 2022 · 5 min read

Rhino farmer emigrates, but keeps his rhinos

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...

Livestock South Africa

11 Oct 2022 · 7 min read

Cattle breeds part 6

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...

Livestock All Countries

10 Oct 2022 · 7 min read

Algar Animal Handling Equipment

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...

Livestock South Africa

10 Oct 2022 · 4 min read

Create the perfect environment for your dairy cattle – Part 16: Microcomputers and...

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...

Livestock All Countries

3 Oct 2022 · 11 min read

Create the perfect environment for your dairy cattle: Part 15: Milking machine sys...

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...

Livestock All Countries

3 Oct 2022 · 9 min read

Create the perfect environment for your dairy cattle: Part 14 – Milking machine sy...

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...

Livestock All Countries

3 Oct 2022 · 8 min read

Create the perfect environment for your dairy cattle: Part 13 – Holding pens

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...

Livestock All Countries

3 Oct 2022 · 6 min read

Poultry farming part 6.2: Biosecurity

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,...

Livestock Zambia

28 Sep 2022 · 9 min read

Elmic Beef hosts their 22nd auction with success

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...

Livestock South Africa

27 Sep 2022 · < 1 min read

Jacaranda Ile de France auction reaches record price for Hageland Ile de France ram

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...

Livestock South Africa

27 Sep 2022 · < 1 min read

How to store your stock feed properly

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...

Livestock Zambia

27 Sep 2022 · 2 min read

Create the perfect environment for your dairy cattle: Part 12 Interior layout of t...

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...

Livestock All Countries

27 Sep 2022 · 7 min read

Create the perfect environment for your dairy cattle: Part 11 – The interior and e...

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...

Livestock All Countries

27 Sep 2022 · 7 min read

Create the perfect environment for your dairy cattle: Part 10 – Rapid-exit milking...

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...

Livestock All Countries

27 Sep 2022 · 6 min read

Create the perfect environment for your dairy cattle: Part 9 – The benefits and di...

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). ...

Livestock All Countries

27 Sep 2022 · 6 min read

Poultry farming Part 6.1: Poultry health

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...

Livestock Zambia

27 Sep 2022 · 12 min read

Cattle breeds part 5

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...

Livestock All Countries

26 Sep 2022 · 9 min read

Feed your horse the best with Tiger Animal Feeds

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 ...

Livestock Zambia

26 Sep 2022 · 3 min read

Novatek supplies quality feeds for Africa, from Africa

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...

Livestock Zambia

26 Sep 2022 · 2 min read

FMD could wipe out game ranches

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...

Livestock All Countries

21 Sep 2022 · 7 min read

Pig farming part 6: Understand the products your pigs can produce

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...

Livestock All Countries

21 Sep 2022 · 5 min read

Sterkfontein Meatmaster provides top genetics at their production auction

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...

Livestock South Africa

5 Sep 2022 · < 1 min read

The Leliekrans Meatmaster auction is just around the corner

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...

Livestock South Africa

5 Sep 2022 · < 1 min read

Gumboro Disease and the MB-Strain

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...

Livestock Zambia

1 Sep 2022 · 6 min read

Beekeeping Part 3: How to start beekeeping

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...

Livestock All Countries

1 Sep 2022 · 8 min read

Beekeeping Part 2: Pollination – a vital service to farmers

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...

Livestock All Countries

31 Aug 2022 · 10 min read

Create the perfect environment for your dairy cattle: Part 9 – The benefits and di...

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). ...

Livestock All Countries

31 Aug 2022 · 6 min read

Beekeeping part 1: Introduction to beekeeping

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...

Livestock All Countries

31 Aug 2022 · 8 min read

Feed your pet the best with Top Dog from Tiger Animal Feeds

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...

Livestock All Countries

31 Aug 2022 · 3 min read

Tiger Animal Feeds: Enriching Zambian farmers with training

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. ...

Livestock Zambia

31 Aug 2022 · 3 min read

Five vaccination tips to successfully control Gumboro Disease in broilers

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...

Livestock All Countries

31 Aug 2022 · 7 min read

Tiger Animal Feeds: More than just feed in dairy farming Part 2

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 ...

Livestock Zambia

30 Aug 2022 · 5 min read

Feed dairy calves for future prosperity

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...

Livestock Zambia

30 Aug 2022 · 3 min read

Sheep farming made easy Part 13: Marketing of sheep and lamb

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...

Livestock All Countries

18 Aug 2022 · 8 min read

Sheep farming made easy Part 12: Controlling predators on sheep farms

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 ...

Livestock All Countries

18 Aug 2022 · 6 min read

Sheep farming made easy Part 11: Grazing management

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...

Livestock All Countries

18 Aug 2022 · 6 min read

Sheep farming made easy Part 10: Good nutrition – the key to lambing success

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...

Livestock All Countries

18 Aug 2022 · 7 min read

Sheep farming made easy Part 9: Flock nutritional requirements

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...

Livestock All Countries

18 Aug 2022 · 7 min read

Sheep farming made easy part 8: Sheep handling equipment and restraining devices

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...

Livestock All Countries

18 Aug 2022 · 8 min read

Sheep farming made easy Part 7: Basic concepts of handling sheep and lambs

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...

Livestock All Countries

18 Aug 2022 · 8 min read

Sheep farming made easy – Part 6: Systems and methods to treat and handle sheep waste

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...

Livestock All Countries

18 Aug 2022 · 7 min read

Sheep farming made easy Part 5: Biosecurity on sheep farms

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...

Livestock All Countries

18 Aug 2022 · 5 min read

Pig production guide – Part 10: Feed

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...

Livestock All Countries

18 Aug 2022 · 10 min read

Pig production – Part 9: Feed sources for pigs

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...

Livestock All Countries

18 Aug 2022 · 6 min read

Pig production guide – Part 8: The value of keeping detailed records

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...

Livestock All Countries

18 Aug 2022 · 4 min read

Pig production guide Part 7: Create new possibilities with waste management

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...

Livestock All Countries

18 Aug 2022 · 5 min read

Pig production guide – Part 6: Proper housing for proper growth and proper profits

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. ...

Livestock All Countries

18 Aug 2022 · 8 min read

Pig production guide – Part 5: Breeding practices, sow selection and management

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...

Livestock All Countries

18 Aug 2022 · 4 min read

Poultry farming Chapter 5.1: Broilers and layers

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. ...

Livestock All Countries

18 Aug 2022 · 9 min read

Poultry farming part 4.3: Raising chicks in a brooder

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...

Livestock All Countries

18 Aug 2022 · 8 min read

Poultry farming Part 4.2: Raising chicks in a brooder

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...

Livestock All Countries

18 Aug 2022 · 9 min read

Poultry farming part 4.1: Raising chickens in a brooder

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...

Livestock All Countries

18 Aug 2022 · 10 min read

Poultry farming Part 3: Budget

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...

Livestock All Countries

18 Aug 2022 · 9 min read

Dry season feeding and supplementation of grazing cattle, sheep, and goats

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...

Livestock Zambia

17 Aug 2022 · 3 min read

Cattle breeds Part 4

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...

Livestock All Countries

16 Aug 2022 · 8 min read

Is Infectious Bronchitis Variant 2 a problem in your broiler enterprise?

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...

Livestock Zambia

16 Aug 2022 · 7 min read

Successful rabbit farming with Tiger Animal Feeds: What a farmer needs to know – P...

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...

Livestock Zambia

16 Aug 2022 · 8 min read

Poultry farming Part 5.2: Natural and artificial incubation

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...

Livestock All Countries

15 Aug 2022 · 7 min read

Pig farming Part 5: From pig to pork

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...

Livestock All Countries

15 Aug 2022 · 5 min read

Poultry farming Part 2: Planning

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 ...

Livestock All Countries

5 Aug 2022 · 9 min read

Poultry farming part 1: Introduction

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...

Livestock All Countries

5 Aug 2022 · 8 min read

Innovative dry cow solution helps to prevent new intramammary infections which can...

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...

Livestock All Countries

4 Aug 2022 · 4 min read

Take care of your pigs, and they will take care of you

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...

Livestock Zambia

29 Jul 2022 · 5 min read

Caring for the calf: What dairy farmers need to know

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...

Livestock Zambia

29 Jul 2022 · 7 min read

Cattle breeds Part 3

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...

Livestock All Countries

22 Jul 2022 · 9 min read

Cattle breeds Part 2

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...

Livestock All Countries

22 Jul 2022 · 9 min read

Cattle breeds Part 1

Beef production in Southern Africa has a long history, with cattle being farmed for a variety of purposes in diverse cultures throughout the continent in the present and past. Differe...

Livestock All Countries

22 Jul 2022 · 9 min read

Pig farming part 4: Health management in your piggery

Piggery production systems are kept at peak performance by the upholding of a variety of parameters. One of these is health management. Efficient and effective health management safeguar...

Livestock All Countries

22 Jul 2022 · 5 min read

Pig Farming Part 3: Good nutrition means healthy pigs

An integral part of piggery is the feed the animals consume. The quality of the feed and feed uptake are closely related to parameters such as the Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) of the anim...

Livestock All Countries

22 Jul 2022 · 5 min read

Pig Farming Part 2: Project management

In pig farming, optimum management is essential as this determines the success of the venture. The general production cycle of pig farming begins with a sow mating with a boar, or the...

Livestock All Countries

22 Jul 2022 · 5 min read

Pig farming Part 1: Where did it start, and how to begin

The history of pig production begins with humans domesticating pigs from wild boars independently in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) and East Asia around 9 000 years ago. A team led by...

Livestock All Countries

22 Jul 2022 · 7 min read

Massey Ferguson becomes a ‘go to’ tractor for a large dairy farmer in the KZN Midl...

A local dairy farming operation in KwaZulu-Natal is now more grateful than ever for joining the Massey Ferguson family due to the cost-effectiveness and wide application of its tractor r...

Livestock South Africa

21 Jul 2022 · 7 min read

Top genetics from Elmic Beef soon to be on auction

Elmic Beef's 22 production auction is around the corner! Situated on the farm Brakvlei, Vrede in the eastern Freestate, Elmic Beef brings you top quality Beefmaster cattle. If you are...

Livestock South Africa

20 Jul 2022 · < 1 min read

Quality genetics from Milestone Beefmasters

Through the years Mylpaal Boerdery experimented with different cattle breeds (Beefmasters among others). We came to the conclusion that Beefmaster is the way to go – ideal for cross br...

Livestock South Africa

15 Jul 2022 · 2 min read

Kanna makes sheep work easy

Kanna’s affordable wool presses press wool just as effectively as the automatic models. Better, quicker, easier, as well as more effective and affordable, that is what Kanna, the in...

Livestock South Africa

30 Jun 2022 · 3 min read

AGI provides solutions from farm to feed factory

AGI is well known for their grain handling facilities on farms and at silos, but they have proven in Mauritius that they also have the solutions for the bulk handling of material at feed...

Livestock South Africa

27 Jun 2022 · 5 min read

JOCK has good news for dogs: A state-of-the-art new production facility for JOCK d...

JOCK dog food is a premium scientifically formulated dog food. Using only the finest ingredients, it provides a complete balanced diet. JOCK dog food is produced at the second-largest...

Livestock South Africa

27 Jun 2022 · 2 min read

Fatten your beef cattle with Novatek Feedlot 85

Feed-lotting (also called pen fattening) involves the feeding of beef cattle with a high protein, energy balanced diet for a period of 60 to 90 days in confinement to increase live and s...

Livestock Zambia

27 Jun 2022 · 4 min read

Successful rabbit farming with Tiger Animal Feeds – Part 1: What a farmer needs to...

Rabbits are commonly raised around the world to sell their meat and for gathering fur. Their meat is very tasty. Rabbit fur is of high quality, having extensive application in the textil...

Livestock Zambia

27 Jun 2022 · 5 min read

Create the perfect environment for your dairy cattle – Part 8: Milking parlours an...

There is a wide variety of options to choose from when constructing a dairy parlour. These parlours are costly to build; therefore, you will mostly find them on commercial dairy farms. W...

Livestock All Countries

23 Jun 2022 · 9 min read

Create the perfect environment for your dairy cattle – Part 7: Planning of a dairy

The planning and construction of a successful dairy require thoughtful actions and the involvement of various knowledgeable people. Many problems and complaints about dairies come about ...

Livestock All Countries

23 Jun 2022 · 6 min read

Create the perfect environment for your dairy cattle: Part 6: Influence of unfavou...

The occurrence of wet, muddy conditions and accumulation of manure, do not only make the production of hygienic milk difficult, but also contribute to mastitis, hoof and leg problems, an...

Livestock All Countries

23 Jun 2022 · 10 min read

Create the perfect environment for your dairy cattle – Part 5: Prevailing weather ...

Considering the biological characteristics of dairy cows and the influence of high and low temperatures on production, the climatic conditions prevailing in a certain region must be cons...

Livestock All Countries

23 Jun 2022 · 7 min read

Manage your cattle’s grazing better for a higher production rate

Animal feed is expensive. Farmers always strive to keep their animals fed with natural grazing and only supplement the nutrients that the herd may lack, instead of always feeding every a...

Livestock Namibia

14 Jun 2022 · 6 min read

Wintering of ruminants: Feed wisely and farm efficiently

Winter is properly rearing its head with the first frost that had already occurred in places. The unpredictability of nature always presents challenges and can catch even experienced far...

Livestock Namibia

3 Jun 2022 · 4 min read

Yolk sac utilisation in the broiler chick: a matter of importance

The modern broiler chicken breeds have been selected over several years for fast growth and at present weigh around 2,3 kg at 35 to 42 days of age. The magnitude of growth indicates that...

Livestock Zambia

3 Jun 2022 · 5 min read

Sheep farming made easy Part 4: The big five of parasite control

Devastating losses can be caused in sheep flocks by parasites. In most sheep production areas, internal parasites, or gastro-intestinal nematodes, also known as worms, are the primary di...

Livestock All Countries

24 May 2022 · 6 min read

Sheep farming made easy Part 3: Sheep production facilities and equipment

Housing needs for sheep vary by climate, seasons of lambing, and management preferences of the farmer. Many different types of housing can be used for sheep. Traditional barns, pole buil...

Livestock All Countries

24 May 2022 · 7 min read

Sheep farming made easy – Part 2: Production cycles and reproduction management

Reproduction is one of the most important factors which determine profitability when farming with sheep. The reproductive rate varies by farm, production system, and geographic areas. ...

Livestock All Countries

24 May 2022 · 7 min read

Sheep farming made easy – Part 1: Sheep production and breed choices

Sheep production is becoming more popular in Southern Africa and the prices of small stock are increasing at livestock auctions. The success of small stock farming rests on the implem...

Livestock All Countries

24 May 2022 · 5 min read

Make money with small-stock farming

Farming is a business, whether you have 10 or 1 000 female animals. The aim is to increase your wealth – to make more money or to have more sheep and/or goats. The best way to achieve ...

Livestock All Countries

13 May 2022 · 4 min read

Create the perfect environment for your dairy cattle – Part 4: Influence of the th...

High temperatures Warm and humid weather conditions cause heat stress in dairy cows, which decreases milk production, milk quality and reproduction. The health status of the udder is al...

Livestock All Countries

13 May 2022 · 6 min read

Create the perfect environment for your dairy cattle – Part 3: Environmental requi...

The purpose of the intensive housing system for dairy cows is mainly the provision of an environment in which the stress factors which accompany milk production, as well as the adverse e...

Livestock All Countries

13 May 2022 · 8 min read

Create the perfect environment for your dairy cattle – Part 2: Different dairy cat...

Dairy cattle breeds differ in many ways. Some breeds adapt better than others in particular environmental circumstances and the quantities of milk, butter fat and protein content in thei...

Livestock All Countries

13 May 2022 · 5 min read

Create the perfect environment for your dairy cattle – Part 1: Herd combination an...

The main focus of this series is to provide the dairy farmer with the necessary advice and information regarding dairy structures from an engineering point of view. Enjoy! Through the...

Livestock All Countries

13 May 2022 · 6 min read

Profitable fishpond farming is within your reach

Zambia holds 104,8 billion m³ of renewable freshwater, or 4,5% of the total SADC region, making Zambia the country with the fifth-largest supply of renewable freshwater. This import...

Livestock Zambia

13 May 2022 · 4 min read

Chicken farming: Build your own broiler house

The present-day South African farming industry is striving for lower investment capital, in order to show bigger profits. Planners and designers in this industry are forced to develop me...

Livestock All Countries

13 May 2022 · 6 min read

General guidelines for ewes during the lambing season

More than 85% of all lamb deaths occur during the birth process due to complications – sometimes as a result of malnutrition – together with stillborn lambs. Premature lambs may s...

Livestock All Countries

13 May 2022 · 3 min read

Farming Basics: Goat farming

Goat farming can be a lucrative business if managed properly. This guide will help you to increase your goat herd with healthy animals, and also your profits. The top meat producing goat...

Livestock All Countries

13 May 2022 · 5 min read

Understanding the immune system of your fish

The past several years have seen remarkable development in the area of fish immunology. Worldwide, fish culture is on the rise, with the treatment of fish diseases becoming increasingly ...

Livestock All Countries

13 May 2022 · 3 min read

Pig production guide – Part 4: Breeding practices and boar management

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...

Livestock All Countries

13 May 2022 · 4 min read

Pig production guide – Part 3: Preventing and treating diseases in piggeries

Prevention is better than cure. Nowhere is this statement more accurate than used in reference to animal health. Medicines are expensive and they often influence the production schedule ...

Livestock All Countries

13 May 2022 · 6 min read

Pig production guide – Part 2: Sound Management Principles

The management of a business plays a crucial role in its success or failure. Even more so when dealing with livestock. Managing the different types of feed of animals at different ages, ...

Livestock All Countries

13 May 2022 · 14 min read

Pig production guide – Part 1: Introduction to pig feed

Eating like a pig might not be considered good table manners, but it also should not imply that pigs feed on scraps and leftovers from the table. The days when farmers kept pigs to dispo...

Livestock All Countries

13 May 2022 · 5 min read

Livestock diseases to look out for in summer

Africa can get really hot during summer, and these are the conditions under which various diseases thrive. Livestock farmers must know what summer diseases to look out for, what the symp...

Livestock All Countries

13 May 2022 · 6 min read

Dissolved oxygen – importance in fish farming

Formulated fish feeds are vital as they offer fish a balanced diet, which in turn promotes accelerated growth. Aquaculture as a business relies heavily on the shortest time to market bec...

Livestock All Countries

11 May 2022 · 4 min read

Infrastructure for stock farming

A farm without any infrastructure is not a farm! A farming enterprise cannot be managed efficiently without infrastructure, and that means that no stock management or veld management wil...

Livestock All Countries

11 May 2022 · 3 min read