FAST FACTS
The value of South Africa’s indigenous veld goats came to the fore during the past eight years’ drought in the Northern Cape, says breeder Deon Vlok.
Being extremely hardy, the four local veld goat ecotypes make economic sense for livestock production in the semi-arid regions of the country.
The strong maternal instinct of the goats ensures that the kids are raised successfully on the veld.
Deon Vlok, who runs indigenous veld goats on 50 000ha between Calvinia and Brandvlei in the Northern Cape, says his animals truly showed their mettle during the recent eight-year drought, proving to be a mainstay for his farm.
“I’m extremely impressed by the economic value the goats added during the drought. I’ve always had a deep respect and love for our indigenous livestock breeds, and the goats’ top performance during the drought, which lasted until 2021, affirmed my belief that indigenous breeds have tremendous economic value to offer South Africa’s livestock-breeding sector,” he says.
Vlok emphasises that indigenous veld goats are hardy and well adapted to extensive and sparse veld conditions. Even under the most taxing conditions during the drought, the goats flourished with the bare minimum of supplemental feed. Only when the situation became dire, from time to time, did he supply fodder, but at no stage were the animals given licks or other feed supplements.
Vlok started farming indigenous goats in 1985, and breeds the four well-known ecotypes found in Southern Africa: the Kaokoveld Kunene, the Mbuzi, the Cape speckled and the Eastern Cape Xhosa lob-ear.
LOW INPUT COSTS
この記事は Farmer's Weekly の January 28, 2022 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Farmer's Weekly の January 28, 2022 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Understanding eye conditions in horses: causes and first aid
A horse can get a swollen eye from bumping it against a tree, shaking its head to keep flies away, or even snake venom
IPM requires a completely different mindset
You need to investigate any beneficial insects that may appear on your plants, or you can purchase them
Does parrot farming protect wild species?
Those in favour of commercial captive breeding argue that breeding parrots to sell can relieve pressure on wild populations. Researchers Neil D'Cruze and Rowan Martin review the evidence.
Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic
Garlic can be prone to bacterial and fungal diseases, and it's important that farmers are proactive in preventing infection and practise appropriate management. Magda du Toit reports.
Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming
The inadequate management of waste water is a challenge that the agriculture sector needs to deal with. Magda du Toit spoke to experts in waste and water management about a cost-effective treatment system.
Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms
Farm attacks, murders, livestock and crop theft, and other rural crimes are a growing concern in South Africa. As a result, more and more farmers are turning to advanced security technology to protect their lives, properties, and livelihoods. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to experts about the security strategies that producers can adopt to combat these threats.
The impact of theft on farms in South Africa
A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von Maltitz, agricultural economics lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State.
Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze
John Hudson, head of agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the importance of environmental and social sustainability for a prosperous agriculture sector.
Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month
Free State Agriculture (FSA) is very concerned about the extremely poor state of rural paved and gravel roads in the province and has very little, if anything, to celebrate during Transport Month, which takes place every October.
SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'
The Just Transition Agenda for Food System Policymaking in SA webinar, hosted by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) in October, highlighted the role that South Africa’s food system plays in contributing to climate change and how vulnerable it is to the impact thereof.