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…
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…
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…
18
Feb
Feb
Why do we sometimes tend to overlook the preparation of rams before the breeding season? Perhaps it is because they only make up around 3% of the flock. Or maybe it is a case of ‘out of sight, out of mind’? Overseeing ram preparation can influence the breeding season and pregnancy rates, and thus a…
28
Oct
Oct
Profitability can be assessed by reproduction, production, and weaning, among other measurements. These are often primarily mentioned because they are the main source of revenue or the basis from which we can budget. In other words, they tell us what the overheads will be punching at. In this article, we touch briefly on the impact…
10
Feb
Feb
How has the COVID-19 pandemic left you so far? With your glass half full, half empty, or are you leaning towards just plain empty? Whatever the case, livestock immunity will be vital to keep your farming enterprise’s cup full to the brim during 2021. Here are some tips on how to fill your livestock immunity…