Feedlot receiver animals go through a period of significant stress when being shipped and then divided into new pens with new pen mates, and, to top it all, are exposed to a host of new environmental challenges. This is comparable to kindergarten classes for children where the sudden exposure to a new environment and new…
22
Feb
Feb
The idea that simply improving the source of trace minerals in a herd nutrition programme can improve conception rates by 20% is jarring for a lot of folks. The knee-jerk reaction is, “How?!”. How can nutrition improve herd reproduction by 20%, especially if a herd is already achieving overall pregnancy rates above 90%? The answer…
18
Aug
Aug
Preparing for the lambing season can be both exciting and stressful. The success of a lambing season will not only provide a farmer with an income, but also influence a farm’s financial health. An important aspect of lambing is managing the quality of the colostrum (the ewe’s first milk). This might sound like a difficult…
04
Jul
Jul
With the high rainfall South Africa has been experiencing, producers have had to face a number of unexpected challenges. If we, as humans, struggle with seasonal challenges, imagine how our animals must feel – they are exposed to all the elements throughout the seasons. The big question is: How can producers help their animals resist…
22
Jun
Jun
Minerals are important in the body for growth, reproduction, and maintenance of health. In a way, the body can be seen as a camera, with minerals as the focus button. While you can still take pictures without using the focus button, they will probably not come out very well. The body needs minerals to function…
09
May
May
As producers, we tend to forget that weaning is a stressful event for lambs and kids. Abruptly removing young animals from their mothers may lead to a period of decreased feed intake and growth, as well as impaired immunity. Helping lambs and kids overcome weaning shock will not only help the animals, but will also…