ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (AI): This aims to produce a pregnancy without the need for natural mating. It involves the collection of semen from a bull, or another male animal, and its deposition into the reproductive tract of a female animal, such as a cow, at the appropriate time during her oestrous cycle. This process allows for the genetic improvement of livestock and other animals by selectively breeding individuals with desirable traits, such as high productivity, disease resistance, or specific physical characteristics. AI is widely used in agriculture and animal husbandry to accelerate genetic progress, increase breeding efficiency, and preserve valuable genetic lines.
AVERAGE DAILY GAIN (ADG): Average daily gain is a crucial metric used in livestock operations, particularly in animal husbandry and agriculture, to assess the growth and productivity of animals over a period, usually measured in days. It refers to the average weight gained by an animal per day during a defined time frame, typically from birth or the start of a feeding programme until a specified endpoint, such as market weight or a predetermined age. ADG is calculated by dividing the total weight gained by the animal during the specified period by the number of days in that period.
ADG = (Final weight – initial weight)/ Number of days
So, if an animal weighs 100kg at the beginning of a 100-day feeding period, and reaches a weight of 250kg at the end of the period, the ADG would be calculated as follows:
(250 – 100)/100 = 1,5
Denne historien er fra March 08, 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra March 08, 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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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.
