A comparison between Phase C and Phase D growth tests
Farmer's Weekly|May 10, 2024
Melville Ferreira and Freek Botes, researchers at the Agricultural Research Council's Animal Production Insititute in Armoedsvlakte, explain why performance testing is important for herd progress.
Melville Ferreira and Freek Botes
A comparison between Phase C and Phase D growth tests

Why should I do performance testing? The answer to this question is simply that you need to measure to know if you are making progress or going backwards. If you do not measure, you cannot know how your animals are performing in terms of their efficiency. Your bull has by far the greatest impact on the genetic progress of your herd; at any one time your breeding bull makes up to 50% of the genetics of your herd. By doing Phase C or D tests, you will be able to determine if you are achieving your breeding objectives, in particular when it comes to how feed efficient your animals are and also their growth traits in terms of daily gain.

Due to a continuous rise in the population that is associated with an increased demand for protein, sustainable beef production is also becoming more important to ensure the demand is met over the long term. Together with the rise in the population, the natural resources are also under pressure and beef producers need to produce the proverbial "more from less".

In South Africa, livestock production contributes substantially to food security. The livestock sector is also a major role player in the conservation of biodiversity through a variety of well-adapted indigenous and nonindigenous breeds, as well as rare game species.

The South African beef industry is challenged by globalisation, increasing volumes and competition, strong industrialisation of the value chain, shortage of skilled staff and pressures to meet changing customer needs.

IMPORTANCE OF DATA

Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin May 10, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin May 10, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

FARMER'S WEEKLY DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
Farmer's Weekly

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.

time-read
3 dak  |
September 20, 2024
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Farmer's Weekly

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.

time-read
4 dak  |
September 20, 2024
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Farmer's Weekly

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.

time-read
4 dak  |
September 20, 2024
Pollination innovation
Farmer's Weekly

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.

time-read
5 dak  |
September 20, 2024
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Farmer's Weekly

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.

time-read
6 dak  |
September 20, 2024
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
Farmer's Weekly

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.

time-read
3 dak  |
September 20, 2024
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
Farmer's Weekly

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.

time-read
4 dak  |
September 20, 2024
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
Farmer's Weekly

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.

time-read
4 dak  |
September 20, 2024
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
Farmer's Weekly

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

time-read
3 dak  |
September 20, 2024
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Farmer's Weekly

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.

time-read
1 min  |
September 20, 2024