In South Africa, the type and amount of grazing available varies a great deal from season to season. In the rainy season, the natural veld grass starts off short and juicy and green, with no roughage. In autumn it is long and juicy with lots of seed, but in winter it becomes hard and fibrous.
NATURAL BALANCE
Overgrazing and too much manure in a grazing camp will prevent the regrowth of grass and create an abundance of weeds when the spring rains start. In nature, zebras move long distances, following the type and nature of grazing as the seasons change. In winter they graze on soft grass near rivers and streams; in spring they move to burnt areas where the spring grasses are emerging, then back to the hard, dry standing grass. This balances the inputs into their digestive systems. Broodmares on natural grazing in South Africa do not have this sort of mobility unless they are kept on huge farms with no fences.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 08, 2024-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 08, 2024-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Western Cape pet owners urged to vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture is urging people to vaccinate their animals against rabies after a confirmed case in Cape Town.
Concerns arise over potential Irish potato shortage
Consumers may soon experience a shortage of Irish potatoes, leading to potentially higher prices.
Industry players debate call to extend tariff rebates for imported chicken
The debate over extending tariff rebates on chicken imported into South Africa continues as industry players argue over market dynamics and food affordability.
Wildlife income dives as minister stays mum on hunting quotas
The South African wildlife industry faces an uncertain future in light of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment's delay in publishing this year's annual hunting quota.
Four apps to improve productivity and more
There are a range of apps available on the South African market to help farmers improve efficiency and production. We explore four of them here.
Fun, games and ancient rites on board the greatest ocean liner still in service
With King Neptune’s permission, pollywog Brian Berkman crossed the equator on board the Queen Mary 2 and is now a proud shellback. He gives the lowdown on the variety of pursuits avaliable on this luxurious ship.
Choosing the right nitrogen type
Various nitrogenous fertilisers are available. Your choice will depend on environmental considerations, cost, availability, and so on, writes Bill Kerr.
Hydrogen: a vehicle emissions reduction alternative?
The current narrative around vehicle electrification typically covers battery cost, raw materials, weight, driving range, or charging infrastructure – all battery electric vehicle issues. There is rarely any discussion around the use of hydrogen as an alternative means of achieving vehicle emission targets. Why this apparent lack of interest?
Cotton industry comes together to forge a new future
A strategic cotton summit held recently in Limpopo was an important step towards creating unity in the industry and a common goal throughout the entire cotton value chain.
Understanding the basics of chicken abattoirs and related legislation
South Africa has strict laws that regulate the slaughtering of animals in commercial abattoirs. In this article, Farmer's Weekly looks at how a chicken abattoir works, what facilities are needed and what the laws are that govern the establishment and operation of such abattoirs.