FAST FACTS
- Dogs are an asset on the farm, and provide protection, companionship and labour.
- All dogs must have access to food, water and shelter.
- Farmers must ensure that their dogs have work times and downtimes.
If you’re a farmer, you know that dogs are more than just stay-at-home pets. They can be a true asset to your farm, as dogs can enhance the security of your farm, managing and herding livestock or tracking lost or injured farm animals. As such, dogs can enhance the efficiency of your farm.
But there are some things you should bear in mind regarding the care of your farm dogs.
FOOD AND MEALTIMES
A balanced and nutritious diet is always necessary. This helps keep health issues at bay. Ensure your dog gets all the proteins, minerals, carbohydrates, vitamins, and fats essential for weight gain and maintenance and growth.
Find a brand of food that offers human-grade, organic food. If you’re willing to cook food for them, it is also a good option as it increases the amount of digestible protein. It is a good idea to make a bone broth and give it to your dogs regularly, as this will help improve digestion and strengthen bones and joints.
It is important that you keep track of your dog’s mealtimes, as this will indicate if there are potential health problems. For example, if your dog usually eats in the morning but is no longer doing so, it may be an indication of impending illness.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.