Elnora Crous explains to Glenneis Kriel how laparoscopic insemination has helped to accelerate genetic progress in the Dohne Merino stud on their family farm, Jongensklip, near Caledon.
Elnora Crous, who farms with her father, Dawie, on Jongensklip near Caledon, uses laparoscopic insemination rather than artificial insemination on their Dohne Merino stud ewes. The goal is to produce top quality rams for their commercial flock.
Laparoscopic insemination is a procedure in which semen is injected into the lumen of the ewe’s uterine horn, enabling a farmer to use top ram genetics in more ewes over a shorter period than is possible with natural breeding. The procedure in effect helps to accelerate genetic progress, says Elnora.
“For a laparoscopy, you can collect enough semen from one ram in about three sittings, to inseminate up to 200 ewes in one day,” she explains.
In comparison, when natural breeding techniques are used, a single ram is used on about 30 ewes for 30 to 34 days, depending on veld conditions. There is also a greater risk that a ram may injure or overexert itself.
Elnora prefers making use of laparoscopic insemination over artificial insemination, where the semen is inserted into the vagina of the ewe, as it requires the use of smaller volumes of semen per insemination.
“The number of times semen from one collection can be used depends on its quality. I would, however, think you can perform five times more inseminations from one collection of semen with laparoscopies than with artificial insemination,” says Elnora. Laparoscopic insemination is expensive, and costs about R62/ewe when semen from one of the farm’s own rams is used.
RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
Elnora stresses that when it comes to laparoscopy, she is still a ‘rookie’. She has, however, used the procedure for three years and has identified four major factors that contribute to its success.
Firstly, it should be performed by a vet, as it is a highly specialised procedure requiring extreme precision.
Esta historia es de la edición 19 August 2016 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición 19 August 2016 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
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
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
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.
