Stock and game farming
DRY COW MANAGEMENT
By Nelia Mbewe 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 strongly influenced by feeding in the dry period. The dry cow period is between 60-70 days before calving.[...]
Moalosi Bonsmara’s first production auction, a landmark event for many more to come
The excitement was contagious at the jam-packed Vryburg auction arena, where Duncan Serapelwane and the Moalosi Bonsmara team hosted their very first successful Bonsmara production auction. 20 bulls and 200 females fell under the Andre Kock and Seuns hammer on June 28, 2023. The day's average and highest prices:[...]
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 advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method may depend on factors such as the type of animal, the intended use of the animal, and[...]
ALZU Beefmasters: Profitable production reputation
Beefmaster cattle are used as a mother line in the breeding program for reasons of survival, fertility and longevity, with a 90% conception rate contributing to the success of the breed. Alzu Beefmasters' Bulls have higher weaning weight and more profit. Buying a bull isn’t all that difficult. The[...]
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 temperament. This is why it is thought that humans already domesticated pigs 9 000 years ago. Breeds available in Southern Africa:[...]