It is a good time to learn how to recognise the signs of heat stress in horses, and also to understand how to restructure stable management to keep horses cool at midday. In horses, as in other warm-blooded mammals; the body temperature is measured rectally and varies between 37,5°C and 38,5°C throughout the year.
Scientists have described the optimal range of daily temperature for a specified species as the ‘thermoneutral’ range. For horses, this was calculated at between 5°C and 25°C . However, it varies according to breed and conformation.
For instance, Arabian horses were line-bred over several thousand years to function well in the hot deserts of the Middle East and North Africa. In contrast, breeds like the Iceland pony have been selected for their ability to survive ice and snow. Their conformation is different. The Arabian is long-legged and lean with little fat, so that it stands high above the heat-reflecting desert sand. Its coat is fine and the sweat evaporates fast.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 24, 2023-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 24, 2023-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
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For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
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Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
