Botswana
page 26
Namibia
page 38
Zimbabwe
page 42
Over the past couple of decades, we have enjoyed plenty of benefits because of the progress made in farming. More people than ever before are now able to access sufficient food that can help them to live longer and healthier lives.
In some situations, the increasing scale of farming has resulted in production cost savings for farmers, however there are many exceptions, and volatile weather conditions are not always on the farmers side. Over the years we have seen that advances in technology have enabled farmers to achieve better yields using similar or even fewer inputs than in the past.
Advances were made in seed and animal breeding, irrigation technology, methods of tilling, planting and fertilising, so that now farmers sustainably produce more per hectare, while using fewer natural resources.
Not only is this a life lesson but it is evident in the agricultural industry as well: You have to move forward.
A Bonsmara bull sells for an astonishing world record price of R4,4 million, some farmers experience record yields, and I think a big reason for the advance-
ment of these situations is the application of technological advancements.
Farmers must meet the changing needs of our planet and the expectations of consumers and retailers. While modern agriculture provides a large number of solutions, the outcome is not always the same because every farm is unique: different landscapes, soils, available technology and potential yields.
Farming smarter and moving food from farm to fork in a more efficient manner will benefit everyone involved in the agricultural industry. Agriculture has come a long way and there is much more on the horizon.
In next month’s edition of ProAgri, we shall focus on celebrating women in agriculture. If you are a lady in the agricultural industry, and you want your story to be heard, please contact me. I would love to share your story! Send me an e-mail, and I will gladly get back to you.
Stay safe, take care.
ProAgri-greetings!
Bianca Henning bianca@proagri.co.za
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John Deere Financial enables efficiency
Massey Ferguson: Farming is more than just a job
Choose SENTER360 for local quality
Apimondia focus: Beekeeping and rural development
Fruit production part 7
Okra: Food for Africa
Land management and rehabilitation part 2
Moringa in Southern Africa part 2
Herb and spice production part 6
Financial literacy in agriculture part 3
Chicken breeds part 1
Technews: The latest in agricultural technology from around the world
Livestock identification part 1
Snail production part 3
A guideline to broiler production part 1
Theileriosis: Vaccine found for cattle disease in Zimbabwe
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Since John Deere Financial understands that every operation is unique, we strive to provide customised financing solutions to help meet your specific needs. We offer a wide range of services that cater to the specific needs of farmers and other agricultural businesses, making us a trusted financial partner for many across the globe, with a strong footprint in Africa.
For years, John Deere Financial has been in the business of providing financing solutions to the agriculture sector. With our rich history and deep understanding of the sector, our Africa Middle East division has built a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy partner to farmers and agribusinesses across Africa.
We are committed to providing our clients and stakeholders with the
financial solutions they need to be successful. Whether it may be through flexible financing options, special promotions, or personalised service, we are here to help our clients grow their businesses and achieve their financial goals. By combining personalisation with our strong one-to-one relationships, we truly enable our clients to leap forward.
Our team of financial experts works closely with our clients to understand your unique needs and financial goals, offering specific solutions to help you achieve these goals.
For example, John Deere Financial offers flexible financing options that allow farmers to purchase equipment and machinery. The leasing option allows farmers to upgrade their equipment as needed without having to make a large upfront payments, and still have the benefit of a longer term solution.
John Deere Financial has established a significant footprint in Africa, providing financial solutions and support to the agricultural sector across the continent. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced in African agriculture, John Deere Financial has tailored our offerings to meet the specific needs of farmers and agribusinesses in this diverse region.
John Deere Financial's footprint in Africa is marked by our extensive network of authorised dealerships. These dealerships are strategically located in various countries throughout the continent, ensuring accessibility to farmers. The local presence of dealerships enables John Deere Financial to provide personalised service and support to customers.
In addition to this extensive dealership network, John Deere Financial has established partnerships with financial institutions across Africa.
Strategic collaborations enable us to expand our reach and offer a broader range of financing solutions to farmers and agribusinesses. By working together with local financial institutions, John Deere Financial can leverage our expertise and infrastructure to provide farmers with accessible and tailored financing options.
Our aim is to enable our clients to acquire the equipment they need to run their businesses and grow their operations. We understand that each client is unique, and we work with them to tailor financing solutions that meet their specific needs.
John Deere Financial is a trusted financial service provider that has built our reputation on personalised service offerings, special promotions, and a commitment to helping farmers and other businesses succeed. With a team of financial experts who understand the unique needs of our customers, John Deere Financial is well-equipped to provide customised solutions that help clients and stakeholders achieve their financial goals.
John Deere Financial's dedication to the growth and development of our customers and stakeholders supports the growth and development of African agriculture. By combining financial expertise, local partnerships, and a customer-centric approach, John Deere Financial plays a crucial role in facilitating access to financing, promoting technological advancements, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices in the region.
by Bianca Henning
“Since childhood, I have been familiar with Massey Ferguson tractors. I grew up with them on the farm, and one thing that I can remember vividly, is that our Massey tractors barely stood in the workshop,” says Rene de Schmid.
Rene grew up on a farm in Namibia, where his father farmed with cattle and sheep. Rene has been running a refrigeration business for more than 25 years, but says farming has always been in his blood. Farming is more than just a job. It is a passion that flows through every farmer's veins. Some families' farming operations span over generations between fathers and sons, which is why family ties are a cornerstone of many successful farms.
Rene has two sons, Jean, the eldest, and Chris the youngest. "Jean always wanted to be a veterinarian," Rene says.
"I remember so well that Jean started planting tomato seedlings here and strawberry seedlings there, and whatever he planted flourished. We have a saying in Germany claiming that someone has green fingers, and that's exactly how I sum up Jean," Rene adds.
“Jean enjoyed it so much to see whatever he planted growing and eventually becoming a full-grown plant, carrying fruits. As time went by, Jean had to make some crucial life decisions about his career after school. One day, he approached me and told me that he was not interested in a career as veterinarian, but that he would rather pursue a
career in the agricultural industry. That was his passion,” Rene says.
With the limited knowledge that I had of the industry, I asked him to tell me more, and that is how we all got involved. I really want to support Jean to live out his passion to make a success of what he is taking on,” Rene says.
The farming operation commenced towards the end of 2018, beginning of 2019, and is today known as Frumentum Farming, which consists of a personal farming as well as a contracting component.
Jean de Schmid says: “The biggest attraction of the agricultural industry for me, is the fact that you place something in the soil, a small seed, and it has so much potential to grow and flourish if you take care of it and nurture it. Since I can remember, that was the vision that I had, and realising that any business can be compared to a small seed that you plant. If you take care of your business, it will in return also flourish and be productive in the future.”
“We farm in three different regions of Namibia. The maize triangle, as we know it, close to Grootfontein in the northern parts of the country, as well as the Otavi-region, where we mainly irrigate, as well as the Otjiwarongo area, where we plant crops on dryland as well as under irrigation,” Jean explains.
The dream and vision became a reality “The dream and vision that we initially had, was smaller than what it grew into over the years, and without the help and support from my brother and dad, this dream could have never become a reality. Our initial plan was to produce silage and make bales. It started small and grew much faster than we ever imagined. Today we are a contracting business producing forage. We make approximately 500 bales per day. This season we made 25 000 tonnes of forage,” says Jean.
Without the right, reliable and affordable equipment, these dreams are only a fantasy.
Relationships are of utmost impor tance for any farmer – building relation ships with the people supplying services and equipment to them, takes any business to the next level.
"However, our family's relationship with Massey Ferguson did not stop at my father's farm gate," says Rene. answer we were looking for. The father and sons went through a similar process in a different business sector than what we were going through, and it was a great experience for me."
The De Schmids started with a Massey 200 series, along with a rake and planter. Today, they own a Massey 4709, two 1840’s, three 6713’s and one with a Quicke bale handler. They also have a 7724 with an Orkel baler, as well as a front and “butterfly” Massey Ferguson mower.
Gero Kopp, Operational Manager at OMT, says: "As a family business we love the heritage of the Massey Ferguson brand. For the past 40 years we have been part of the 175 years of Massey's existence. Massey is already part of our being, the blood flowing through our veins.
Silage
“When we started the business, we had to make a choice about the equipment we wanted to farm with," says Rene.
He elaborates: "A big attraction for us about Massey Ferguson, is the family feeling you get. No matter where in the world you find yourself, Massey makes you feel part of a family. OMT (Otjiwarongo Motors & Tractors) is our nearest Massey Ferguson dealership."
OMT is also driven by a father and his sons. Rene explains: "The deciding factor for me was the knowledge behind the products and the service. You walk into OMT and you immediately feel welcome. The knowledge available through the father and the sons was the
Rene says: "The MF 4709 is a lovely tractor, versatile, and the efficiency of the tractor is astounding. I never thought the tractor would be so efficient and economical in terms of fuel consumption. It is amazing how light the tractor runs and still does its job hundred percent, as it should. My opinion about a Massey is that it is a good product. It is user-friendly, robust and reliable."
Jean adds: "One of the key factors why we decided on the MF Global series, was the efficiency and fuel consumption of this series of tractors. As it is a workhorse for our tasks here in Africa, the tractors work effortlessly in challenging conditions."
"An important reason for deciding on OMT as our Massey Ferguson dealer, is the fact that it is not merely a customer and dealer relationship, but rather a partnership. They walk the extra mile for us, they stand in the field in the sun with you, solve problems immediately and are always willing to help us where needed," says Jean.
To become part of the Massey Ferguson family, visit the website at www.tractorsnamibia.com, contact +264 (0)67-303-041 or send an e-mail to massey@afol. com.na
"The Massey brand and their tractors have proven themselves in our area and essentially helped us build a loyal customer base in our region. We as Massey dealers are confident that the Massey brand will only grow bigger and bigger in our midst. We have that trust, because Massey listens to us as dealers, and they listen to the customers. They are constantly working on bringing new products to the market that meet customer demands, that are built according to the customers’ needs in their specific region.
"With this philosophy, Massey will still be here for the next 175 years," Gero concludes.
Reliability, efficiency, versatility and affordability ensure that the farmer gets the best value for money from his Massey Ferguson tractor. Integrate this with the company's policy of building relationships over generations with dealers and farmers, and you have a winning recipe for any farming operation.
Beekeeping has the potential to benefit rural development, but in Africa, it is not always easy. Five presentations with this theme were presented at the Africa Regional Apimondia Symposium in Durban earlier this year. These papers put the experiences of beekeepers in rural Africa into perspective.
Prof Robert Kajobe of Muni University in Arua, Uganda, presented a paper on why many beekeeping projects in SubSaharan Africa fail, referencing Uganda, where he is a research professor at Muni University. His accomplished career reflects 20 years of experience in teaching, research, policy analysis, and leadership in universities, research organisations, NGOs, and the private sector.
Beekeeping in Uganda is a source of food, income, employment, and a means to increase crop productivity through pollination. The country is licensed to export honey to the EU
market, which creates a huge opportunity. However, a lot of beekeeping initiatives have not succeeded, due to a lack of formal beekeeping training institutions. The beekeeping extension systems are also non-existent and, or poorly funded.
There is also inadequate affordable highquality beekeeping equipment, most of which is imported and inappropriate for local beekeeping programmes.
Declining bee forage due to
clearing forests for agricultural fields, bushfires, and climate change exacerbating drought adds to the dilemma.
There is a lack of affordable financing, as beekeepers lack loan securities. Reliable beekeeping cooperatives and marketing organisations are in short supply. As a result, there are few product developments, diversification, and value-addition programmes.
He believes practical solutions to solve the problems are needed to develop the apiculture industry in Africa.
Robert Mutisi presented a paper on the reasons for hive choices in beekeeping for rural development. Robert, an experienced beekeeper and master trainer of beekeepers, has just completed his PhD studies at a Zimbabwean university, focusing on factors that hinder honey production and marketing.
Although beekeeping is one way of alleviating poverty and hunger in rural areas, the types of hives have not been properly identified. The objective of the study was to identify determinants of hives suitable for rural development.
The results revealed that 75% of beekeepers use traditional hives ranging from bark, log, and clay, to grass baskets, 20% use top bar hives, and 5% use frame hives. Sustainability, scalability, low cost, use of local re -
sources, hive colonisation, and accessibility were identified as key determinants of the choice of hives.
Jayphter Mudongo from the rural district of Buhera in Manicaland province of Zimbabwe presented a paper on the Beekeeping in Schools Initiative.
Many rural districts lack opportunities for households to earn livelihoods to put food on their tables, access healthcare and afford fees for schoolgoing children. Population growth demands land for subsistence farming, which lead to natural forests being cleared. The demand for firewood for cooking has led to land degradation.
Muzokomba Government High started a beekeeping club and established an apiary in the schoolyard to encourage skills development. Impressed with the vision, Apimondia Regional Commission for Africa elevated the effort into a model project for the Beekeeping in Schools Initiative.
Training in hive-making and beekeeping was offered to seven surrounding schools with the intention of providing the kids with awareness of the importance of bees, conserving the environment and planting trees for bee forage, and providing life skills so they can start beekeeping as a business when they leave school.
The hives and honey are sold to provide an income for the school to subsidise school levies, which the parents often cannot afford.
Elizabeth Lundall-Magnuson of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in Pretoria, South Africa, presented a paper on factors influencing the viability of beekeeping for upcoming beekeepers in the country. She has been involved in beekeeping development since 1994, and as an agriSETA accredited assessor and moderator, is developing material for the ARC in beekeeping.
She has introduced beekeeping to rural farmers from about 100 villages all over South Africa, Rwanda, Uganda, DR Congo, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Nigeria.
Although beekeeping is a popular agricultural activity that generates an income from honey sales, it is becoming increasingly difficult for beekeepers to profitably keep bees in South Africa. Besides increased input costs, securing access to land for forage, veld fires, vandalism, and theft remain problematic. Other factors threatening beekeeping include the loss of forage sites, the high use of agricultural pesticides, and environmental stresses.
Elise Lundall-Magnuson of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in Pretoria presented a paper on factors influencing the viability of beekeeping for upcoming beekeepers in the country. (Source: Elise Lundall-Magnuson)
Two posters were presented, one on sustainable development outlooks to subsistent apiculture in a transition in Ethiopia and bee clubs in elementary schools in Tanzania.
Dr Teweldemedhn Gebretinsae Hailu
the outlook of sustainable apiculture in transition in Ethiopia. (Source:
presented a poster on the outlook of sustainable apiculture in transition in Ethiopia. Dr Hailu has a PhD in Agricultural Sciences from the Department of Livestock Population Genomics at the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart, Germany, where his research was focused on the classification and characterisation of Ethiopian honeybees. He currently works as a post-doctoral researcher on honeybee genetic diversity and sustainable apiculture.
Since the term, sustainable development, became popular, alternative production systems, such as organic agriculture and sustainable intensification have come to the foreground.
In Ethiopia, sustainable development aspects of apiculture focus on a major
subsistent beekeeping country that tries to transform. Of note is that annual honey production has grown from 25 000 tonnes in 2005 to 150 000 tonnes in 2020 by increasing the number of honeybee colonies from 4,2 to 7 million (65%).
The provision of higher-yielding frame hives (17,9 kg per hive per year) and top-bar hives compared to fixedcomb traditional hives (9,31 kg) also assisted in the growth. The average honey yield of simple top-bar hives over the period was 40% higher than that of traditional hives.
As a result, export volume grew from 274 tonnes in 2009 to 481 tonnes in 2016 despite high local demand. Development initiatives focused on the introduction of frame hives (3%), compared to locally developed top-bar hives (1%). However, the traditional beehives which provide low yield and involve unsustainable management remained dominant (96%).
To promote food security and honeybee welfare, a sustainable apiculture development needs to focus on domestic markets, improving honey yield gaps by integrating beekeeping with crop farming and capacitating beekeepers to rear suitable queens and colonies locally.
Ally Saburi, the founder of Worker Bees Africa, started bee clubs in elementary schools in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Despite the importance of beekeeping and the industry it represents, younger people are not keen to take it up as a profession. To mitigate this and encourage the youth to engage in beekeeping, Worker Bees Africa targets school children by making them aware of beekeeping and the opportunities it presents by starting bee clubs at elementary schools. Some of the activities introduced within these bee clubs include teaching the children the know-how of keeping bees.
For more information, contact Kai Hichert at 082-561-0346 or send an email to kai@sabio. org.za
Some of the presentations are available for reading at this link: https://www.apimondiaafrica2023. org.za/scientific-programme/
Prof Robert Kajobe of Muni University in Arua, Uganda, presented a paper on why many beekeeping projects in Sub-Saharan Africa fail, with special reference to Uganda.
(Source: The Uganda National Apiculture Development Organisation)
Traditional beehives that provide low yield and involve unsustainable management remains dominant in Uganda. (Source: ResearchGate)
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Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit that has gained significant popularity in recent years for its unique appearance. The brightly coloured fruit is also known as the pitaya or pitahaya, belonging to several cactus species.
Since dragon fruit are from various species, the fruits can have different appearances. The spiked outer skin usually has a bright pink colour with leaf-like attachments, but some varieties have a yellow skin. The inner flesh is often white with small black seeds dotting it. Certain varieties have dark pink flesh.
The most common varieties include: Pitaya blanca (Hylocereus undatus) is the common version with a pink skin and white flesh.
Pitaya roja (Hylocereus megalanthus) has red or dark pink flesh.
Pitaya amarilla or yellow pitaya (Selenicereus megalanthus) has a yellow skin and white flesh.
Dragon fruit taste similar to melon as it is sweet, but bland in comparison to the bold exterior.
Among the many health benefits of dragon fruit, it contains many antioxidants that give you a glowing and younger looking skin. It contains vitamins A, B and C, as well as the minerals iron, magnesium, and calcium.
Dragon fruit are harvested by hand. You can wear gloves to protect your skin from the thorns.
(Source: Vecteezy)
Thanks to its aesthetic appearance, people are inspired to create interesting dishes with these fruits. These include jams, jellies, smoothies, juices, sauces and even wines.
Climatic and soil requirements
Originally from Southern Mexico and the Pacific coasts of Guatemala,
Costa Rica and El Salvador, the plant is best suited for tropical or subtropical climates and have shown great success in countries such as South Africa and Vietnam.
Climates best suited for these cacti are the same as those where macadamias, avocados, and bananas flourish. Average day temperatures should be
between 21 and 29 °Celsius. In extreme weather it can tolerate temperatures in the high thirties, and up to –1 °Celsius, but it does not tolerate frost at all.
Pitaya cacti fare well in soil with good drainage and high levels of organic matter. The ideal soil acidity is between 5,5 and 7 pH.
For commercial growing, it is recommended that seedlings from trusted nurseries are used. However, cuttings can be made to propagate plants. 20 cm cuttings can be made, placed in the soil and lightly irrigated to encourage roots to sprout.
To prepare the soil bed, start by ploughing and tilling the soil. The goal is to create a fine texture that is free from weeds. Next, a trellis structure should be erected to support the heavy vining cactus.
A single pole trellis system is recommended. Plant 1,8 m high precast concrete poles. A circular frame on top assists in balancing the structure and holding the heavy heads. Each post
can carry three or four plants.
• The stems grow up to 4 m.
• Spacing between posts can be 4 m by 2,5 m, or 5 m by 2,5 m.
• It will flower twelve to fourteen months after planting.
• An establishment of dragon fruit can produce to up to 30 years!
The cacti needs yearly rainfall between 600 to 1 300 mm. If the area in which the orchard is located receives less than 400 mm per annum, it is recommended that irrigation systems are set up.
The plant blooms at night and mostly rely on nocturnal pollinators, but in commercial production in Southern Africa, growers use bees as well. Flowers usually open at 18:00 and close again at 11:00. Because of this, the flower
is known as a “lady of the night” or a “moonflower”.
Cross-pollination encourages fruit set, so it is recommended that more than one cultivar is planted.
A grower can expect the plant to flower between three and six times per season.
Fruit matures 50 days after pollination and once harvested, has a shelf life of 40 days. Dragon fruit also can have a long fruiting season of almost six months if managed well.
Fruits are harvested by hand once the colour starts to grow deep.
In its vegetative state, the plant can be fertilised with a mixture of muriate of potash, super phosphate and urea in the ratio of 40:90:70 g per plant. Increase this amount yearly with 20 g as the plant grows larger.
Animals such as monkeys, birds and livestock eat both the leaves and fruits. In areas where the animals damage the orchards, shade netting can be constructed to keep them out.
Other pests include mites, thrips, ants, scale insects, mealy bugs, beetles, slugs, borers, nematodes, fruit flies and rodents.
Dragon fruit is susceptible to the following diseases:
• Stem rot
• Anthracnose (causing red-brown lesions)
• Fusarium spp
• Aspergillus spp
Sources:
Bohol, E. (2023) Dragon fruit harvest and storage, Wikifarmer. Available at: https://wikifarmer.com/ dragon-fruit-harvest-and-storage/.
Jagdish, A. (2018) Dragon Fruit Cultivation Information Guide, Agri Farming. Available at: https://www. agrifarming.in/dragon-fruit-cultivation.
Louw, M. (2023) Dragon fruit farming, South Africa Online. Available at: https://southafrica.co.za/dragon-fruit-farming.html.
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a popular vegetable in Africa and the Middle East, the Caribbean, South America, and the southern parts of North America. It is also referred to as gumbo or ‘ladies’ fingers’ because of its elegant shape.
The okra fruit or pod is a greenish, slightly curved capsule of 10 to 30 cm long with a diameter of 1 to 4 cm. It tapers to a blunt point and the fivechambered pod with its fibrous texture contains numerous seeds.
Okra needs full sun and hot weather with warm evening temperatures to grow well. It must be sown in fertile, well-drained soil with a neutral pHbalance. The soil must be prepared by mixing it with aged manure or decayed vegetable matter (compost).
In warm climates, okra seeds can be sown directly into the prepared soil as soon as the soil is warm in spring. In a colder climate, the young plants must be covered with a protective frame or a grow tunnel of at least a metre high, which can be removed when the temperature warms up.
The seeds have hard shells and can be soaked in warm water for a few hours or overnight before planting to speed up germination. Plant the seeds 1,5 to
3 mm deep and 30 to 45 cm apart.
When the seedlings are about 10 cm tall, they must be thinned out so that those that are left are about 30 to 40 cm apart. Transplants must also be spaced this far apart.
As the plants can grow more than 2 m tall, the rows must be spaced at least 1 200 cm apart.
Covering the soil with a thick layer of mulch will to some extent prevent weeds from emerging and growing among your okra plants.
Feed the plants once a month during growing season with aged manure, rich
compost, or a liquid fertiliser. Avoid too much nit rogen, as it will encourage leafy growth that will hinder flowering.
Water the plants well throughout the summer months, as extreme heat can slow down the growth. About 3 mm of water per week is ideal, but more is needed in a hot, arid region.
When the tops of the plants reach a height of 1,5 to 2 m, they can be pruned. This will result in more side branches to form, which will yield a bigger crop. The side branches can also be cut back.
In warm regions, the plants can be cut down to about 60 cm, which will allow them to grow back and produce another crop.
The plant starts flowering about two months after being planted. The pods appear very soon after the flowers and can be harvested when they are one or two days old and 5 to 10 cm long. At this time, the pods will be soft and easy to digest.
Cut the stem just above the cap with a sharp knife. If the stem is too hard to cut, the pod is too old to harvest and should be thrown away.
The more you harvest the pods, the more flowers will appear, followed by more pods.
Severe cold can damage the pods. If you are expecting freezing temperatures, pods that are drying on the plants for seed harvesting can be cut down and hung indoors to dry. A paper bag over the pods will catch the seeds if the pods should shatter.
Place the uncut, raw pods into freezer bags and keep them in the freezer or wash and blanch them before freezing. Okra can also be canned.
Okra can be eaten fresh, dried, pickled, fried, roasted, boiled, or sautéed.
Use okra that is firm to the touch when you pick them, but avoid pods that are shrivelled, soft, or dark on the ends.
To keep okra dry and fresh for longer, store them in the crisper drawer in a paper or plastic bag to prevent them from becoming slimy or mouldy.
Avoiding washing the pods until you are ready to use them.
Use the pods within three to four days.
All parts of the plant are edible, including the buds and flowers, pods, and seeds, as well as the fresh leaves and stems. The pod has a mild taste, unique texture, and sticky juice, which is used to thicken stews and sauces. The vegetable is high in nutritional value and as it contains minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre.
Okra is available in different forms, namely wet okra, dried okra, and okra seeds:
Wet or fresh okra: Cutting and cooking fresh okra in moisture releases a slimy juice that increases the thickness of soups and stews.
Dried okra: Dried okra can also thicken a sauce. Some people use it as an egg-white substitute.
Okra seeds: Some people roast and grind the seeds to make a caffein-free coffee substitute.
Okra is regarded as a tasty vegetable in many regions where it is used in different forms:
• The immature, fresh, green seed pods are eaten as a vegetable.
• The extract obtained from the pod is used in different recipes to thicken stews, soup, and sauces, to which it offers a pasty consistency after cooking.
• The immature pods are also used in making pickles.
• Often water-soluble polysaccharides from okra are also used in ice-cream, potato chips, and baked goods, providing a healthy option and more stable shelf-life.
• The gummy texture may be repulsive to some people, but this can be eliminated if the pods are cooked quickly.
Okra contains fibre, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins K, C, A and B6, sodium, thiamine, magnesium, calcium and folate, as well as some iron, niacin, phosphorus, and copper. The pods and seeds also contain some antioxidants, as well as anti-microbial and antiinflammatory properties.
The nutr ients in okra may be useful for preventing several health conditions. The lectin in okra may reduce the risk of certain cancers. The high fibre content may lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity, and diabetes, as well as cervical, pancreatic, lung, and breast cancer.
Okra is also believed to slow down heart disease in people who are already suffering from it. Fibre also helps prevent constipation and reduce appetite, which may help with weight loss. It may also he lp remove toxins from the body.
Folate is important for healthy foetus growth during pregnancy.
In regions where food is scarce, the seeds can offer a source of high-quality protein to prevent stunted growth in young children.
Uses in medicine include using it to bind the compounds in tablets, to make liquids for suspending compounds, as a replacement for blood plasma, and to expand the volume of blood.
Okra is a popular vegetable in Africa where it is also used to thicken stews, soups and sauces.
Okra seeds are sometimes ground and used as a caffeine-free substitute for coffee. Some spineless varieties are available.
The hairs on the large leaves and the spines on the pods may cause skin irritation, so wear gloves or long sleeves when handling the plant. Spineless types do not cause this problem, and neither does eating the pods.
Different varieties exist. Dwarf types that do not grow taller than 1,5 m are suitable for containers. The standard varieties grow up to 2,4 m and taller.
Eating too much okra can also adversely affect some people. It can cause the following:
Gastrointestinal problems: Okra contains fructans, which is a type of carbohydrate. Fructans can cause diarrhoea, gas, cramping, and bloating in people with existing bowel problems.
Kidney stones: Okra is high in oxalates. The most common type of kidney stone consists of calcium oxalate. High oxalate foods, such as okra and spinach, may increase the risk of kidney stones in people who have had them previously.
Inflammation: Okra, like potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, artichokes and blueberries, contains solanine, which is a toxic compound that may trigger
joint pain, arthritis, and prolonged inflammation in some people.
Blood clotting: Okra is high in vitamin K, which helps the blood clot. It may affect those who use blood-thinning drugs, such as Warfarin or Coumadin. Blood thinners help prevent the formation of blood clots that can lead to a stroke or heart attack.
People who use blood thinners or who have a risk of blood clots should maintain a regular consumption of foods that are rich in vitamin K.
References
Boeckmann, C. (2023) Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Okra Old Farmer’s Almanac
https://www.almanac.com/plant/ okra
Ware, M. (2019) Benefits and uses of okra. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday. com/articles/311977
Modern man has moved away from a clear commitment to a responsible land ethic. This conviction is expressed by Ken Coetzee of Conservation Management Services, in the revised second edition of his book, Caring for Natural Rangelands. This land ethic must be restored, he claims.
In Part 1 of this series, we looked at the dire need for the restoration of land to stop the loss of once productive land to barren deserts. “The land is simply used as a medium for commercial exploitation, for economic gain and without any spiritual connection to it. As natural resources diminish because of expanding human populations, the economics of survival play an increasingly important role,” says Ken.
A small piece of land that could support an agricultural family a century ago, cannot provide a reasonable income anymore. A different value system and the higher cost of living put more pressure on the land as people try to gain more profit from it just to make ends meet. Yet, the same is true even where landowners live comfortably off the land. The unsustainable exploitation of natural resources could then be the result of greed or ignorance.
Whatever the reasons for the deterioration, it seems that modern man has lost all memory of land ethic. Ken explains this in a quote from Aldo Leopold, an American conservationist, scientist, and writer, who in 1933 wrote as follows about land ethics in his book A sand county almanac.
“All ethics so far involved rest upon a single premise: that the individual is a member of a community of interdependent parts. His instincts prompt him to compete for his place in that community, but his ethics prompt him also to cooperate (perhaps in order that there may be a place to compete for).
“The land ethic simply enlarges the boundaries of the community to include soils, waters, plants, and animals, or collectively: the land. This sounds simple: do we not already sing our love for and obligation to the land of the free and the home of the brave?
‘Yes, but just what and whom do we love? Certainly not the soil, which we are sending helter-skelter downriver. Certainly not the waters, which we assume have no function except to turn turbines, float barges, and carry off sewage. Certainly not the plants, of which we exterminate whole communities
without batting an eye. Certainly not the animals, of which we have already extirpated many of the largest and most beautiful species.
“A land ethic of course cannot prevent the alteration, management, and use of these ‘resources’, but it does affirm their right to continued existence, and, at least in spots, their continued existence in a natural state. In short, a land ethic changes the role of Homo Sapiens from conqueror of the land community to plain member and citizen of it. It implies respect for his fellow members, and respect for the community as such.”
Land ethic was an essential part of the life and survival of ancient cultures, including the Native Americans, the Australian Aborigines, African KhoiSan, Asian Eskimos, and Central Asian nomads. These people understood that their survival depended on an intimate, careful, and reverential relationship with the natural environments that supported them.
“The Native Americans clearly recognised that death was a gift of renewal to the living and that only a sustainable use of this gift would ensure their survival. The discerning nature of this identification with the animals and
by Tisha Steynplants of their world was fundamental to their holistic view of life, and their sustainable use of the wildlife and plants that fed them,” observes Ken.
As human populations grew in numbers and started moving around, they learned new hunting and agricultural skills from others, such as the use of fire and the plough. Technology developed. When sinking a borehole became an option, herdsmen who before had to follow pastures after seasonal rains, could stay in one place. And so, they forgot how to use rotational grazing.
Over time, new values based on technology and not the ancient knowledge passed from father to son became the norm. And these ancient land ethics upon which their survival depended were forgotten. “With this forgetfulness comes the degradation of natural landscapes because of unsustainable land use practices,” states Ken.
The task of modern range managers is to reverse landscape deterioration. “A land ethic must be reborn, and it must be instilled in every land management practitioner from owner to the humble worker.”
However, Ken acknowledges that this is easier said than done. Environmental
education programmes and training courses can provide information about the building blocks of any environmental system, interdependence, and the interrelationships that make any system function.
Instilling a land ethic requires much more than this basic, but vital information. For that purpose, an emphasis on the appreciation of land as a basic but exhaustible resource is required. “The teaching of a land ethic must thus be an intellectual as well as an emotional process. A suitable land ethic must be willingly and enthusiastically pursued by range managers as a way of life rather than yet another new-age method for increasing production,” says Ken.
In Leopold’s words: “It is inconceivable to me that an ethical relation to land can exist without love, respect, and admiration for land and a high regard for its value. By value, I of course mean something far broader than mere economic value; I mean value in the philosophical sense.”
There are many ways to take care of the land, but often complicated solutions do not necessarily solve the problems. Land management problems are often complex and involve a chain of inseparably connected aspects. For example, the rehabilitation of a river may involve soil erosion control in the river catchment area, as well as a
change in land use from sheep and cattle grazing to wildlife and tourism, which will have a reduced impact on the land.
Solutions should be carefully considered. The manager must be committed to land care. A new land ethic that will restore the pioneering spirit, as well as pride in every effort, will be the first steps to restoration.
It is important to look at the land with new eyes. Look at the problem, find out what caused it, and work out what to do about it. “Making the right decisions at this early stage of any land care project is critical for the outcome to be successful as well as cost-effective.”
Do not look at the size of the problem and the scale of the rehabilitation. “One committed person can make a difference, albeit tiny, to start the healing of the land. It takes only commitment and a fresh look at the age-old problem,” says Ken.
Ken believes one must not be daunted by the apparent high cost of rehabilitation management. “Quick solutions to rehabilitation problems are sometimes effective but are always expensive,” he says.
Cheaper options might provide the same results. For instance:
• Using hand labour instead of mechanisation is more appropriate in areas where unemployment is a problem.
• Natural organic products are preferable to synthetic, manufactured chemical fertilisers.
• A self-help approach, driven by a commitment to a sound land ethic, is often more effective than using expensive rehabilitation contractors.
• Small but effective steps are required and will be more affordable.
Ken suggests that one must try to imagine the completed project and then work backwards through the steps that must be taken to get there. Do not worry about what every step will cost. Ask yourself how each step in the vision can be achieved, but do not let negative and limiting thoughts block the process. “It is all about commitment to a responsible land ethic.“
Contact details
Conservation Management Services
Ken Coetzee and Wallie Stroebel.
Ken: (+27) 76-227-5056 or consken@mweb.co.za
Wallie: (+27) 82-493-1441
Website: www.conservationmanagementservices.co.za
TANK
Moringa is a resilient crop that can survive in the often harsh and unpredictable climate of Southern Africa because of its drought resistance. Farmers, who may have trouble growing other crops due to the harsh climate, may find this to be an ideal crop.
When it comes to plant and tree distribution, growth, and productivity in their natural environments, temperature is a major factor. The optimal conditions for moringa seed germination and subsequent growth are temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.
Moringa thrives in the hot summers and mild winters typical of tropical and subtropical regions. Fruit set is optimal at temperatures between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius, and becomes stunted at temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius.
Even though high temperatures are
best for growing moringa, the plant can still yield results at lower temperatures. When exposed to cooler weather, moringa can thicken its leaves to keep warmth in, but it is sensitive to frost. Growing moringa seedlings in greenhouses and then transplanting them after winter is common practise in temperate regions.
Moringa trees require annual precipitation of 250 mm to 1 500 mm.
Metabolic pathways and temperature play a role in controlling photosynthesis, growth, and respiration. Researchers in South Africa studying moringa growth at NTL Baraka Ecofarming, found that seasonal changes impacted gaseous exchange. Sub-stomatal CO2 concentrations rose during the summer, when stomatal conductance, transpiration, and photosynthetic rate all fell.
Moringa plants can take in carbon dioxide at a rate 55 times higher than that of Japanese cedar trees and 20 times higher than that of common vegetation. In this way, growing moringa could contribute to international efforts to lessen the effects of climate change and adapt to them.
Moringa can survive in low-nutrient environments. When fertilisers are cut back or eliminated, moringa growth slows down. Fertiliser applications are highly recommended in regions with low precipitation and high temperatures.
To prevent root rot, moringa trees need sandy loam soils with good drainage.
The biomass of seedlings grown in clay and sandy soils is slightly greater
than that of seedlings grown in calcareous and loam soils.
Moringa's long tuberous taproot is able to absorb water and minerals from the soil even during dry periods.
The production of seeds is best at low planting densities, while the production of leaves is best at high densities.
Moringa's flowering and ripening cycles are disrupted by heavy pruning. When the moringa plant's stem is soft, it can be harvested mechanically at a height of 0,5 metres above the ground.
When storing moringa seeds, it is important to keep them at the proper temperature, moisture level, and age. When stored in paper or aluminium bags at a temperature of -19 to 4 degrees Celsius for up to 6 months, moringa seeds will maintain their nutritional value and viability.
It is recommended that farmers
keep their seeds in paper bags with a moisture level of less than 8% for up to 12 months at temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius. Seeds can be kept in their fruits for up to a year if they are kept in a cool, dry place. Seeds should be dried for 30 days before being stored in airtight containers to ensure quality. Moringa leaves retain their nutritional value even after being stored for long periods of time.
In order to combat malnutrition, moringa is included in some diets, especially those of infants and nursing mothers in developing countries. It is anticipated that moringa consumption will increase in Southern Africa.
Farmers plant moringa for profit, health, and nutrition. Dried moringa leaves from South African ecotypes contain 30,3% crude protein, 0,3% phosphorus, 0,5% magnesium, 490,0 mg/kg iron, 0,6% sodium, 13,0 mg/ kg zinc, 1,5% potassium, 8,3% copper,
86,8 mg/kg manganese, 0,6% sulphur, and 363,0 mg/kg selenium.
The leaves contain high quantities of vitamin E and beta-carotene in addition to the 19 amino acids and 17 fatty acids. It also outperforms common local crops like spinach (Spinacia oleracea), cabbage (Brassica oleracea), peas (Pisum sativum), and broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) in terms of calcium and magnesium content. Other vital nutrients were also found in moringa leaves at concentrations similar to those found in vegetables.
Incorporating moringa into common foods may help people realise that it can be used for more than just medicine.
Foods made from moringa are associated with the lower income classes in Southern Africa, despite their high nutritional value. Therefore, moringa products are underutilised at the moment. It is important to spread the word about the health benefits of moringa. In addition to processing equipment and food distribution networks,
guidance and training are needed.
It is necessary to conduct further studies on the benefits of the different parts of the plant.
Moringa is well-known all over the world for its many useful parts, including its flowers, seeds, immature pods, fresh leaves, and as a water filter (seeds). Some of these applications, such as eating the fruit or seeds while they are still immature, are not practised in Southern Africa.
Moringa seeds are highly nutritious, and the green pods of the plant are cooked and eaten in some countries. Another example is filtering water with seedcake or crushed moringa seeds. Many people in rural areas rely on river water for their drinking needs, but this water often contains harmful microorganisms, objects, and silt particles that must be filtered out.
However, in order to replicate these benefits for rural people in Southern Africa who rely on river water, it is necessary to fully understand the mecha
nisms underlying moringa coagulation.
In Southern Africa, moringa leaves are the most studied and utilised part of the tree. In contrast, the seeds, pods, and roots have received little attention. In India, the Philippines, and Nigeria, researchers have looked into almost every part of the moringa tree for future product development.
Over time, moringa has gone from a relatively insignificant crop to one of the most promising multi-purpose crops in Southern Africa. The widespread availability of moringa-based foods in urban and rural areas can be attributed to recent increases in cultivation.
There have been flagship projects launched by government agencies, farmers, and academic institutions to ensure the successful cultivation, production, and use of this miracle tree.
To summarise: Moringa is a versatile crop that can survive in a wide range of climates and soil conditions because it is perennial and drought-resistant. In light of impending climate change, moringa can serve as a practical alternative crop for people living in rural areas. Many people can reap the benefits from encouraging its cultivation, food product use, and consumption.
(Source: moringainitiative.com)
The powdered leaves of the moringa tree have culinary applications. (Source: www.cosmeticconnection.co.za)
References
Mashamaite, C.V., Pieterse, P.J., Mothapo, P.N., and Phiri, E.E. (2021) Moringa oleifera in South Africa: A review on its production, growing conditions and consumption as a food source. South African Journal of Science. Issue 117(3/4), Art. #8689. Available at: https://journals.co.za/doi/pdf/10.17159/ sajs.2021/8689
Skills development within the herbs and spice industries are not only needed, but the industry also provides a well-needed chance for skills development. Through training and upskilling, growers can obtain an income, improve their product, and even create multiple streams of income through processing, marketing, and distributing the products.
In Africa in particular, the development skills is seen as a solution to the growing numbers of unemployment, and a step to alleviate poverty and famine. The thought process behind this is that more skilled individuals will be able to generate an income as they will have more options available to them. Of course, solving the unemployment crises that Africans face is not as simple as that, but if you are in the industry, improving your skills will result in a better product and higher profits.
There are multiple reasons within the herb and spice industry, to ensure that growers and processors receive training to develop their abilities and knowledge.
First, upskilling starts on the farm. Farmers can increase their knowledge about growing spice and herb plants to ensure better harvests. This can happen by investigating the types of crops that will fare best in your area. After identifying the crop you are investing in, it is important to familiarise yourself with the requirement of the plant need. This relates to irrigation, fertiliser, and crop health. Better care leads to better quality plants as well as increased harvests.
Secondly, skills development in the spice industry helps growers improve the quality of their products. That means that it is not only more crops that are harvested, but also better quality crops.
Next, growing herbs and spices is an excellent add-on to an existing farm. Because some of the herb and spice crops take up less space than other crops, it is an ideal addition to any farming operation. Herbs can be grown between rows of fruit trees in an orchard.
The plants draw nutrients from the carbon that the tree deposits into the
by Maryna Steynmakes it an easy addition to your existing farming operation. (Source: Pixabay)
Upskilling means also gaining more insight into the correct way to care for your herbs, like adding driplines for irrigation of basil plants. (Source: Pixabay)
soil, all while being protected from the harsh sun under the trees. What is more, this shady area allows the herbs to be more water efficient since less water evaporates in the shade. Leaves from the trees that fall and decompose is natural compost that supply additional nutrients to the soil. You can still produce a herb or spice cash crop throughout the year, even if your fruiting trees are out of season.
Finally, expanding skills and knowledge within the industry also includes the opportunity to learn more about processing herbs and spices into other products. As me ntioned in an earlier article in this series, these compounds are used in food, health products, and cosmetics, so learning how to process the crops for a specific purpose increases the value of the product.
Areas in which growers can obtain training consist of more than learning how to plant a seedling and harvesting the crop. These also extend to:
• Crop harvesting and storage
• Processing
• Product safety
• Marketing
• Distribution and sales
Crop harvesting and storage: Certain crops require specific storage that helps it last longer. Training will help to prevent damage as well as cleaning and storing the products for transportation.
Processing: In processing herbs and spices, it is important that the individuals handling the products know how to properly process it. This can include drying, grinding, bottling, packaging, preserving, or extracting.
Product safety: Products for human consumption need to be safe. This means no harmful pathogens or mould should accidentally form in the products. Understanding how the product needs to be handled and packaged safely is necessary.
Marketing: Marketing the end product may not be necessary for every grower, but in some cases, marketing your products can grow your business. You should learn how to market your products through the whole value chain.
Distribution and sales: This type of training and skills development relates more to the business of farming. It is not enough to produce herbs and spices if you do not know where you are going to sell your product. If it is at the market, then you will need to think about how you are getting the products to the market.
Depending on the individual’s access to information, this can be challenging. On the one hand, internet access is more widespread than it was a decade ago, meaning that anyone has access to information in the palm of their hands. But on the other hand, data is
Herb and spice processing can also provide individuals with an additional income. Learning how to do it correctly is therefore vital. (Source: Hashtag Melvin on Pexels)
sometimes costly, limiting the amount of time farmers can spend researching.
As an alternative, farmers can approach their local cooperative and inquire about information. In Zambia, for example, Holland Greentech provides farmers with information as a part of their service offering. Their know-ledgeable agronomists guide farmers in choosing the right fertiliser for their crops and instructing them in how to use it.
In other parts of the continent, such as Ethiopia, government initiatives support growers in poor communities to generate an income and provide food for themselves. In this particular case, the Ethiopian government worked with Farm Africa, a charity organisation, to help women living in the Hadero and Halaba to grow food. Find out if your government has programmes that can assist you with learning how to grow your spice crops. Various online programmes are avail-
able. Online training for spice production addresses important information regarding raw materials, machinery, equipment, and business plans. It can also include recipes for spice mixes. You can also look at specific courses relating to business, horticulture, marketing, or even manufacturing essential oils.
Sources:
Good manufacturing practice (GMP) guide for spices (2023) American Spice Trade Association. Available at: https:// www.astaspice.org/foodsafety-technical-guidance/ best-practices-and-guidance/ good-manufacturing-practicegmp-guidelines-for-spices/
How to start a spices business (2023) Gaebler Ventures Resources for Entrepreneurs. Available at: https://www.gaebler.com/ How-to-Start-a-Spices-Business. htm
Spice Processing Online Course (2023) Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Institute. Available at: https://www.udyogwardhini. com/programs/food/spice-processing/
Spice production and marketing (2023) Farm Africa. Available at: https://www.farmafrica.org/ ethiopia/spice-production-andmarketing
Bydeveloping their skills, individuals operating in the spice industry can add value to their products as they can learn how to grind or process the raw product. (Source: Julia Volk on Pexels) It is important to know how and when your herb crop should be harvested. (Source: Pixabay) by Tapuwa Mashangwa
equity and shareholders receive shares or stock. Someone who owns half of the corporation’s stocks owns half the company.
Financial literacy greatly increases the chances of success of an agribusiness. This of course begins first with an assessment and understanding of the immediate status of the business, drafting the financial objectives and then working towards them with the corresponding agribusiness staff. The holistic functionality of this process requires a thorough comprehension of business terms the parties involve will meet.
A fixed asset is a tangible, long-term resource used for the business and not expected to be sold or otherwise converted into cash during the current or upcoming fiscal year. Items that classify as fixed assets are land, vehicles, machinery and furniture.
A business resource that is nonphysical is called an intangible asset. These can be items like patents, goodwill, and intellectual property.
Liquidity is an indicator of how quickly an asset can be turned into cash for full market value. For the business to be financially flexible, the assets have to be more liquid.
According to Practical Business Skills (2023) equity is a business’s value, and someone who has equity in the company owns part of the company. Two business partners who own equal parts of a business both have an equal amount of equity in the company.
If the business is a corporation, the owners’ equity is called shareholders’
Angel investors are individuals that help start-up businesses with investments. In exchange for their financial assistance these individuals may want partial ownership of the agribusiness, but will tend to take a less active role in running the business.
Individuals that may want to play an active role in the running of the agribusiness in exchange for their financial assistance or investment are known as venture capitalists. They typically offer larger loans to somewhat established businesses. Venture capitalists tend to invest in companies that are expected to grow quickly and have the potential of becoming multi-million dollar businesses.
If an agribusiness’ activities are funded by equity financing and there are established shares and shareholders as part of the controlling interests, the agribusiness is obligated to provide a financial report that shows changes in the equity section of the balance sheet. This section is known as the Statement of Shareholders’ Equity.
Workers’ compensation insurance is a type of insurance required by law that provides coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation for employees who are injured or become ill at work.
Insurance can help protect an agribusiness against a financial loss. In exchange for making regular insurance premium payments, the insurance company will pay the agribusiness during a covered incident. For example,
some types of agribusiness insurance might help an agribusiness recoup financial investments made in crop production loss due to flood or drought. The insurance company will cover the cost of the damaged crops and pay for the lost income.
Insurance that provides temporary financial assistance to workers who have lost employment through no fault of their own, such as being laid off or quitting due to unsafe working conditions is known as unemployment insurance.
Long-term disability insurance is coverage that protects employees from loss of income in the event they are unable to work for an extended period of time due to illness, injury or accident.
General liability insurance aids to protect a company if someone else, or someone else’s property, is damaged by the agribusiness or on the agribusiness’s property.
A business credit report describes items like how large the company is, how long has it been in business, amount and type of credit issued to the agribusiness, how credit has been managed, and any legal filings (that is bankruptcy). This information helps weigh risk exposure and financial health. This information is vital for lenders, investors, and insurance companies.
Finally, a business credit score is calculated based on the information found in the business credit report. Using a specialised algorithm, business credit scoring consider all the information found in the credit report and give
the agribusiness a credit score, which is also known as a commercial credit score. Lenders and suppliers use this number to evaluate the creditworthiness of the agribusiness.
A credit limit is the maximum amount of money an agribusiness can use at any given time offered by a lender. The business can be said to have reached its credit limit or “max out” its credit when it borrows up to or exceeding that maximum amount.
20 key business terms every professional should know. (2023) Available at: https://www.suitably. com/blogs/well-suited/20-keybusiness-terms-every-professionalshould-knoww
Practical business skills. (2023) Available at: https://www.practicalbusinessskills.com/resources/ glossary-of-terms
Basic financial terms. Available at: https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/ explanations/business-studies/ introduction-to-business/basicfinancial-terms/
Wood, M. (2020). Business finance. 60 Business and Finance Terms You Should Absolutely Know. Available at: https://www.fundera.com/ blog/business-finance-terms-anddefinitions
Hayes, A. (2022) What Is a Business? Understanding Different Types and Company Sizes. Available at: https://www.investopedia. com/terms/b/business.asp
CFI Team (2022) Financial Literacy - The cognitive understanding of financial components and skills. Available at: https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/management/financial-literacy/
The production of meat for human consumption typically involves the use of broiler chickens in breeding programmes within the poultry industry. Because broiler chickens are bred to mature at a younger age and produce more meat per animal, they are frequently used in the production of meat for commercial purposes.
The rapid growth and high meat yield (high meat-to-bone percentage) of Ross chickens have made them a popular broiler chicken breed. Raised for their meat, they are a common commodity in industrial poultry operations.
Ross chickens are highly sought after for their high protein, low fat, exceptionally tender, and juicy meat. When a lot of high-quality meat needs to be produced quickly, many farmers turn to these chickens.
The Ross is your standard white chicken with a red comb. The tail stands erect and is brilliant white. Ross's legs are relatively strong and sturdy, allowing
them to walk and maintain an active lifestyle. Thigh meat to chest meat is in good proportion. The average weight of a day-old Ross chick is forty-two grammes. At forty-one days of age, these chickens can reach their maximum live weight of 2,2 kilogrammes.
Ross chickens are popular among both smallholder farmers and commercial poultry operations due to their large size and docility. Poultry farmers around the world appreciate Ross chickens not only for their meat, but also for their resilience and versatility in a variety of climates.
The meat production and maturation rate of Cobb chickens are unparalleled. Because of their low feed waste, they are frequently used for industrial meat production. Cobb chickens are highly sought-after due to the popularity of their meat.
A Cobb chicken can reach a 2 kilogrammes live weight in only forty-two days. All the Cobb’s feathers are white.
The white tails and heads of males and females are identical. The comb and wattles are a bright pink colour, and the comb is of the single-type variety. This bird lacks foot feathers and has a yellowish beak and legs.
The Cobb is capable of low-density feed conversion. This breed is known for its efficiency, even when fed a cheaper diet. The Cobb is reliable and productive, no matter the season or climate. The good temperament and activity levels of Cobb chickens are among the lowest of all chicken breeds. They perform well in regular, temperature-controlled sheds. To ensure proper development, these birds should not be allowed to free-range but rather fed a commercial diet.
Hubbard chickens are widely used in the meat industry because of their rapid growth and large size. In addition, they have a reputation for being docile and friendly, making them ideal for small flocks in the backyard. There is evidence that this breed is more disease-resistant than others, and that it can thrive in free-range conditions.
Hubbard chickens have a high feedto-meat conversion ratio, meaning they turn their food into meat in an efficient manner. This makes them a more environmentally friendly choice for commercial meat production. Hubbard chickens are bred for their tasty and tender meat, which is used in restaurants and homes alike.
Hubbard chickens’ range in size from medium to large and are characterised by a round, plump body, broad wings, and a long, full tail. Its comb and wattles are red, and its feathers are typically white or brown, though other colours are possible.
The average weight of a broiler chick is only 55 to 70 grammes. These chickens are raised as free-range broiler chickens on industrial-scale poultry farms. They typically gain an average of
1,8 to 4,5 kilogrammes in weight when fully grown. Even though they are not great layers, a Hubbard hen can yield 200 eggs in a year. Hubbard chickens reach their full growth potential between seven and fourteen weeks of age.
In addition to their rapid development and abundant meat production, Arbour Acres chickens also make excellent use of their feed. Their meat is tender and flavourful because of their developed breast muscles and low fat content. Because of these qualities, they are frequently used in industrial meat production.
The breed's rapid growth and excellent feed conversion make it ideal for mass meat production. The Arbor Acres chicken is popular for backyard flocks not only because of its useful characteristics but also because of its placid temperament and docile nature.
The Arbor Acres breed is characterised by a round, plump body and short, stocky legs. Their shanks have a good amount of meat on them relative to the amount of bone, and their legs are a bright yellow. This breed is distinguished by a small, red wattle and a single comb.
While the Arbor Acres is not the flashiest chicken, it is a good choice for those looking to raise chickens for meat because of its dependability and versatility.
Arbour Acres achieves a remarkable 2,7 kilogrammes of live body weight gain in the first six weeks of life. Due to genetic improvements, their maximum weight at eight weeks is 2,9 kilogrammes. Arbor Acres hens do not lay eggs like native chicken breeds.
References Azeem, S. (2022) Chicken breeds. ZPoultry. Available at: https:// zpoultry.com/category/chickenbreeds/
R
opa from Germany has developed a machine for manually planting pre-sprouted potatoes. The planter, named Gecko, gently plants potatoes without breaking the sprouts. It offers high efficiency and good working conditions for the personnel. The Gecko was developed in close cooperation with the company, Farmsupport.
After two years of field trials and use on farms, the desired advantages in yield and vegetation were achieved. The Gecko provides space for five pallets for efficient logistics of the planting material. Optional drawbar steering or tramline deactivation simplifies the driver’s work.
Two operators work on each planting row. They put the pre-sprouted potatoes lengthwise on the gentle and protective belts, which convey these without any further stress until the tubers are precisely deposited in the soil. This technology allows optimal planting of potatoes with up to 12 cm length at a driving speed of 3,5 km/h. The distance between plants can be variably adjusted in 16 stages.
For road transportation, the Gecko planter folds up to a road width of 3 m.
The Gecko can be ordered for the 2024 planting season and will be displayed at the Agritechnica international trade fair in Hanover, Germany, this coming November.
See the Gecko in action: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=B0v0IQf6LY0
Technology and features:
• Planting capacity: > 6 ha per 8-hour working day
• Planting speed: 3,5 km/h
• Drawbar steering
• Mechanical drive
• Tramline deactivation
• Protective roof with lighting
• 5 spaces for pallets, 1 of which for empty boxes
• 4 rows with 75 cm row distance
• Planting distance adjustable in 16 stages
• Conveyor for boxes with box return function – easy loading and unloading
(Source: World-Agritech.com)
Monarch Tractor, the Silicon Valleybased manufacturer of the MK-V electric tractor, prepares for global growth by expanding their research and development team in Singapore. The company also expanded into Hyderabad, India, earlier this year.
Monarch Tractor will move to develop the next generation of data scientists, machine learning engineers and AI (artificial intelligence) practitioners by partnering with government agencies and academic institutions.
“After our early success in Singapore with the development of our ‘Monarch Auto Drive’ tractor operation, we are excited to continue to evolve our technology with the help of Singapore’s finest talent,” said Praveen Penmetsa, Co-Founder and CEO, Monarch Tractor. “In partnership with the Singapore government, Monarch Tractor is able to provide more job opportunities and also propel our mission for a greener future. More farmers, government bodies and consumers are looking for more viable options to sustain our planet.”
Building upon Singapore’s early success to develop the MK-V’s driverless capabilities, Monarch’s expansion and development of new talent will work to create automation capabilities that extend to full farm operations leading to the enablement of profitable and sustainable agricultural practices within the region and globally.
Moving to bring AI to farmers, Monarch has captured the attention of other sustainable-focused countries within APAC, including New Zealand, where Monarch delivered the first-ever electric tractor to a farm.
(Source: Worldagritech.com)
Rolls-Royce has opened a €30-m assembly plant for Mtu 2000 series engines. The company says that the investment highlights future prospects for internal combustion engines using alternative fuels.
Located in Kluftern on Lake Constance, Germany, the new production facility currently employs 110 people doing assembly and shipping.
“We are convinced that, in conjunction with sustainable fuels and new
technologies, the internal combustion engine will play a central role in the future,” comments Dr Jörg Stratmann, CEO, Rolls-Royce Power Systems, who adds that it is the fuel that matters, not the engine.
Speaking at the official opening of the new plant, he confirmed that RollsRoyce is focusing on developing engines that can run on a wide range of sustainable fuels, and that the company has already launched hybrid systems.
He adds that this will enable the company to provide climate-friendly propulsion technologies in the future for a wide range of applications where complete electrification is not an optimal solution in the long-term. “Renewable diesel (HVO/hydrogenated vegetable oil) is an important step on the road to decarbonisation,” he said.
“We are doing everything we can to make the internal combustion engine climate-neutral with sustainable fuels and in combination with new technologies. But this can only be achieved if the political framework conditions are set so that alternative fuels can be successfully ramped up.”
(Source: World-Agritech.com)
The automatic detection of weeds between certain crops has been a challenge, but there is hope. LEMKEN recently introduced the new IC-Light+ camera control, which also detects the near-infrared range, for its Steketee hoeing machines.
The new camera control makes detection easier in crops with a high proportion of blue in the leaves. This
offers clear advantages in mechanical weed control, especially in the cultivation of onions, leeks, broccoli or red cabbage.
The internally developed standard ICLight camera system in LEMKEN Steketee hoeing machines captures the RGB colour range and reliably distinguishes between hues of green and red. Thanks to its self-
learning mode, the system continuously develops as it is being used.
The new IC-Light+ camera now also captures hues of blue as well, allowing even very young plants or plants with a particularly fine structure to be better identified and shown. The camera easily handles even onions the size of a pin.
(Source: LEMKEN)
Namibiese Reg. N-AR 2162 Reg. Nr. L10856, Wet Nr. 36 van 1947
Reg. Nr. L10856, Wet Nr. 36 van 1947 Reg. Nr. L10856, Wet Nr. 36 van 1947
Namibiese Reg. N-AR 2162 Reg. Nr. L10856, Wet Nr. 36 van 1947
by Natasha Pansegrouw
Different identification or branding methods for livestock include ear tagging, ear notching, tattooing, hot branding, freeze branding, and microchipping. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method may depend on factors such as the type of animal, the intended use of the animal, and local regulations. Ultimately, the goal of livestock marking or branding is to provide a permanent and reliable means of identification of individual animals. Each of the aforementioned approaches will be unpacked in this series.
Ear tags are widely used as a method of identification for livestock. A special tool is used to secure the tag to the animal's ear, and they are typically made of plastic or metal. Ear tags are convenient for large herds because they can be read from a distance.
Information such as the animal's sex, year of birth, sire, dam, and even a herd or premises number can all be displayed clearly on an ear tag.
Easy indicator of gender
There is no need to waste time identifying the gender of each animal. For example, insert the primary tag in left ears for males and in right ears for females.
Ear tags can be found in a wide variety of shapes and colours. (Source: www.cdnangus.ca)
(Source: www. fruugo.co.za)
Specify a birth year
Livestock do not have to be captured to check their teeth for their estimated age. A farmer will be able to read a tag's number from eight metres away. Ultimately, this can increase the rate at which decisions like selecting, sorting, culling, and breeding are made.
Options:
• Put each year in a different colour tag. Yellow tags, for instance, indicated animals born in 2020 and blue for animals born in 2021.
• Use the year of birth as the first identifier in the series. Tag 17 275, for instance, shows that this particular animal was the 275th to be tagged in 2017.
Sire and dam markers
Ear tags eliminate the need to peruse livestock records to find this information. For instance, here are three approaches:
• A second ear tag can be a different colour for each sire, for example a blue for sire XYZ and purple for sire ABC.
• The offspring should be tagged with the names of their sires.
• Use a marking pen to handwrite the female's tag number on the offspring's ear tag. If you need to save space on the tag, write the information on the tag's inner side.
Position the tag in the ear correctly. (Source: www.merck-animalhealth-usa.com)
Indicating multiple offspring for livestock such as goats and sheep
This ear tag speeds up the process of separating livestock for sale. This saves the farmer time searching through old archives. You can do this by giving each set of offspring a different colour. To show how many offspring the dam had, colour them all the same.
For example: Red = single Green = twin Blue = triplet
Disadvantages of using ear tags
Due to the potential for one tag to be lost, it is suggested that two tags be used (one in each ear). Other disad-
(Source: www.amazon.in )
vantages include tags getting torn off, and the site of the tag can become painful or infected in some animals.
Animal confinement
Make sure the animal is safely restrained so it cannot move its head during the tagging procedure. Both the animal and the person tagging it benefit from a restriction on head movement during the process.
Farmers can herd cattle more efficiently with a cattle chute, halter, and/or nose lead. Keep pigs in a small pen and secure them with hog boards or a hog snare. Hold sheep and goats securely by the head by using the correct technique.
Disinfect the area around ear tag Hygiene plays a key role in warding off infections. Use rubbing alcohol or another disinfectant to clean the applicator and the ear before inserting the tag. The ear tag applicator
Insert both halves of the tag into the applicator. Both the stud and its panel/ button must be under the corresponding clips. Make sure that the pin of the applicator is not damaged in any way. Before tagging the animal, make sure the applicator is properly aligned by closing it until the two halves meet; the stud should be in the centre of the hole. Tag applicators should be regularly serviced, and spares should be readily available in case of malfunction. An animal might be frightened by the noise made by an old, rusty tag applicator, or by the difficulty of using the device.
It is important to pick the right spot on the ear for the tag. Tags should be placed in the middle third of the ear, between the upper and lower veins. By avoiding these veins, you prevent severe bleeding. Do not touch the concha (the ear's central ridge of cartilage) either. If the ear tag breaks through the skin of the ridges, it may cause infection or permanent disfigurement. You run the risk of the tag snagging
and being ripped out if you place it too far outside the advised area, and you run the risk of pinching or necrosis if you place it too far inside the ear.
Electronic identification (EID) tags should be applied so that the male visual panel is on the outer back of the ear and the female EID button is inside the ear canal.
To tag the specified spot in the ear, simply insert the applicator there. Release the applicator's snap after you have closed it quickly and securely.
Verify the tag is inserted properly, comfortably, and securely. Take down all of the pertinent animal information.
Keep an eye on the tagged area for any signs of infection after the animal has been identified. To avoid infection, hydrogen peroxide should be applied topically to the ear tag puncture for five to seven days. In the event of a severe infection, veterinary assistance should be sought.
Ear tagging guidelines for livestock are available through the provided links:
Botswana
https://www.gov.bw/animal-husbandry/user-application-botswanaanimal-identification-and-traceability-system-baits
Namibia
https://www.lac.org.na/ laws/2017/6476.pdf
Zimbabwe
https://www.swm-programme. info/legal-hub/zimbabwe/animalproduction
References
Farm and Dairy Staff. (2017) How to tag livestock properly. Farm and Dairy. Available at: https://www. farmanddairy.com/top-stories/howto-properly-tag-livestock/440560. html
Premier1Supplies. (2017) How Ear Tags Can Help You... An Essential Tool in Livestock Management. Available at: https://www.premier1supplies.com/newsletters/0118-2017-allspecies.html
Emendel. (2018) How to properly tag cattle. Autodesk Instructables. Available at: https://www. instructables.com/How-to-ProperlyTag-Cattle/
One of the most crucial determinants of the success of a heliciculture project is the quality of housing. Properly constructed snaileries reduce the risk of disease, protect snails against predators, prevent snails from escaping and optimally maintain the natural or artificial climate during production.
Hutches are another type of pen used to house snails. They are square or rectangular, single or multi-chamber wooden boxes with lids, placed on wooden or metallic stilts above the ground at a suitable height for easy handling.
The stilts should be fitted with plastic or metal conical protectors or aprons to prevent vermin from crawling or climbing up them to attack the snails in the boxes. Old tins or plastic bottles can be used as protectors.
In the middle of the lid is an opening covered with wire netting and nylon mesh. The lid should be fitted with a padlock to discourage pilfering.
In the floor of the box are a few holes through which excess water can drain out.
The boxes are filled with sieved black soil to a depth of 18 to 25 cm, and should be well protected from scorching sun or torrential rain.
Hutch boxes are quite useful for semi-intensive snail breeding systems. Their structure makes it easy for eggs and young snails to be monitored, which make them good for use as hatcheries and nursery pens.
Mature snails in larger snaileries could be transferred to hutches when they start making holes to lay eggs, and breeding snails should be moved to their own pens after the hatchlings begin to emerge.
Hygiene is maintained by regularly changing the soil in the hutch to avoid the accumulation of droppings. It is recommended that the soil is changed every three months.
The advantages of hutches are that
they are mobile. They can be moved around conveniently to ensure good supervision and se curity. They are built at a comfortable working height, permitting efficient and effective feeding and handling of the snails.
Disadvantages are their cost of construction and their limited size, which restricts the number of snails that can be kept in them (some 30 hatchlings/ juveniles, or about three mature snails in a box).
Trench pens are also used to house snails. Trench pens are adjoining snail pens of 0,6 × 0,6 m to 1 × 1 m, either dug into the ground, which must be very well-drained, or raised 40 to 50 cm above the ground. Outside walls
and inner partitions consist of concrete blocks or mudbricks in either case.
Soil to a depth of 10 to 15 cm is filled into the pens, then they are covered with wooden or steel frame lids with chicken wire plus nylon mesh, and fitted with padlocks for safety purposes. As snails are sensitive to adverse climatic conditions, the pens must be free from the effects of adverse heat, wind and rain.
Trench pens are commonly used for semi-intensive to intensive snail raising ventures. They can be used for hatcheries, nurseries or fattening pens, with the number of snails adapted to their size in each case.
The main advantage of a trench pen system, whether sunken or raised, is its flexibility. Snails can be moved around easily according to their size and phase in the growing cycle. Their structural design allows for the easy location, feeding, handling, selection and final sale or consumption of snails. Their main disadvantages are their construction costs, especially when it comes to raised pens where a farmer does not need to stoop or kneel down to take care of the snails.
Mini-paddock pens are the other common type of pens. These are usually small square or rectangular pens
20 cm into the ground. Wooden frames are attached to the top of the walls (extended inwards) and covered with the mesh to prevent snails from escaping.
It is of paramount importance that plants (sweet potato, fluted pumpkin, and leafy vegetables) providing shelter and/or food are planted in the pens before snails are released into them. These plants may need to be replanted as they get fewer or lose their functional effectiveness. Mini-paddock pens can be erected high above ground level with completely enclosed frames, and can have roofs.
tening, where snails that are no longer needed for breeding are allowed to put consumption or sale. Not all food given
Rygało-Galewska, A., Zglińska, K., Niemiec, T. (2022) Edible Snail Production in Europe. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/20762615/12/20/2732
Helicicultural Entrepreneurship. Available at: https://www.turkeytrainings.com/heliciculture
Snail Farming Startup Guide. Available at: https://www.agri4africa. com/snail-farming-startup-guide/
A Practical Approach To Backyard Snail Farming. (1998) Available at: https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ njap/article/view/124545
Akharume, C. O., Alao, B. O., Eyinade, G. A. (2019) Costs and returns analysis of smallholder snail production in south western Nigeria. Available at: https://serialsjournals.com/abstract/21186_ chap-2_celestine_ohi_akharumechapter_2.pdf
dimensions of the pen still
and unroofed pens, and if
Ngenwi, A. A., Mafeni, J. M., Etchu, K. A., Oben, F. T. (2010) Characteristics of snail farmers and constraints to increased production in West and Central Africa . Available at: https://idl-bnc-idrc. dspacedirect.org/bitstream/handle/10625/48747/IDL-48747.pdf
A guideline to broiler production: Part 1
Broiler production is the raising of birds for the purpose of producing meat for food. These chickens are specifically bred for meat production, and they have different body frames and nutritional requirements than other breeds, for example, layers. Because of their body type, they grow extremely fast and reach butchering weight in as little as six weeks.
The first requirement for growing broilers is adequate housing. Because broiler production is essentially a chick-brooding operation, the house should contain equipment to easily control factors such as temperature, moisture, air quality, and light. It should also provide for efficient installation and operation of brooding, feeding, watering, and other equipment.
In this article we shall look at the following important elements of broiler production:
• Housing design
• Equipment
• Whole house
• Pre-placement
• Chick placement
Pre-placement
Successful broiler rearing starts with having a systematic and efficient
management programme in place. This programme must start well before the chicks arrive on site. As part of a management programme, preplacement house preparation provides a basis for an efficient and profitable flock of broilers.
The following checks need to be made:
Equipment check:
After confirming that the equipment capabilities meet the number of chicks to be placed, install the necessary brooding equipment and check that all equipment is functional. Ensure that all water, feed, heat and ventilation systems are properly adjusted.
Heater checks:
Verify that all heaters are installed at the recommended height and are operating at maximum output. Heaters should be checked and serviced an adequate time before preheating commences.
Thermostat check:
The thermostat should be placed at bird height and in the centre of the brooding area. Temperature ranges should be recorded daily and not deviate by more than 2 degrees Celsius over a 24 hour period.
Floor temperature check: Houses should be preheated so that both the temperature (floor and ambient) and humidity are stabilised 24 hours before placement. To achieve the above target, preheating needs to commence at least 48 hours before chick placement.
Chicks do not have the ability to regulate their temperature for the first five days, and thermo regulation is not fully developed until 14 days of age.
The chick is highly dependent upon the manager to provide the correct litter temperature. If the litter and air temperatures are too low, internal body temperature will decrease, leading to increased huddling, reduced feed and water intake, stunted growth and susceptibility to diseases. At placement, floor temperatures should be at least 32 degrees Celsius with forced air heating. Litter temperature should be recorded before each placement. This will help to evaluate the effectiveness of pre-heating.
Minimum ventilation check: Minimum ventilation should be activated as soon as the preheating begins to remove waste gases and any excess moisture.
Drinker check: 14 to 16 drinkers per 1 000 chicks should be provided within the brooding area. All drinkers should be flushed to remove any residual sanitiser.
Feeder check:
• Remove all water remaining from cleanout prior to filling.
• Feed should be provided as a good quality crumble.
• Do not place feed or water directly under the heat source as this may reduce feed and water intake.
Put chicks of similar age and flock source in a single house. Placement per house should ensure an “all in - all out” regime is maintained. Chicks must be carefully placed and evenly distributed near feed and water throughout the brooding area. Lights should be brought to full intensity within the brooding area once all chicks have been placed. Monitor the distribution of the chicks closely during the first few days. This can be used as an indicator for any temperature deviations.
Characteristics of a good quality chick:
• Well-dried, long-fluffed down.
• Bright, round, active eyes.
• Look active and alert.
• Have completely healed navels.
• Legs should be bright and waxy to the touch.
• Chicks should be free from deformities (for example: crooked legs, twisted necks and cross beaks).
Ensure that the feeders and drinkers are in adequate supply relative to the stock density, and are appropriately placed. Feeders and drinkers should be placed in close proximity to each other.
Bell drinker check:
• Height should be maintained so that the lip is at the level of the birds, back.
• Frequent assessments and adjustments are essential.
• Must be cleaned daily to prevent build-up of contaminants.
• Water should be 0,5 cm from the lip of the drinker at a day of age and reduced gradually after seven days to a depth of 1,25 cm or thumbnail depth.
• All bell drinkers should be ballasted to reduce spillage.
Feeder check:
• Feed should be provided in crumb form and placed on trays or lids.
• Feeders should be raised incrementally throughout the growing period so that the lip of the trough or pan is level with the bird’s back at all times.
• The feed level within the feeders should be set so that feed is readily available while spillage is minimised.
Never allow the feeders and the drinking bells to run empty at any time.
In next month’s article we shall look at growing phases and lighting management.
This series of articles is placed with recognition to Kalipha Broilers production manual.
T heileriosis, also known as January disease, is a disease where obligate intracellular protozoan parasites infect cattle. The parasites are transmitted by ixodid ticks, and have complex life cycles in both vertebrate and invertebrate hosts.
The four major tick-borne diseases in Zimbabwe:
• Theileriosis (January disease)
• Anaplasmosis (gallsickness)
• Babesiosis (redwater)
• Heartwater
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), through the Antimicrobial Resistance – Multi-Partner Trust Fund (AMR-MPTF) project for Zimbabwe, supported the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) in Zimbabwe
to develop a vaccine for Theileriosis.
The AMR-MPTF was established, given the transnational and multisectoral nature of AMR and the support requested from countries and other stakeholders, the Tripartite – a long-standing partnership between the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) – scaled up existing efforts last year to support countries to urgently counter this disease.
In Zimbabwe, the AMR-MPTF project was approved in June 2021. The project was officially launched in December 2021 and has been supported, as far as the animal health component is concerned, with financial, logistical and technical support.
The Theileriosis vaccine called BOLVAC was first produced by Zimbabwe’s Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL) in 1989 using Zimbabwe’s own Theileria parva vaccine strain, isolated from Boleni Farm in Goromonzi district, hence the name BOLVAC vaccine. Production of the BOLVAC vaccine was gradually discontinued in the late 1990s mainly due to high technical staff turnover and inadequate financing.
After receiving financial support for training in Theileriosis vaccine production and for the purchasing of equipment and reagents by the government of Zimbabwe, the AMR-MPTF Project (FAO and WOAH), and the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) through its Department of Veterinary Technical Services (DVTS)’s Central Veterinary Laboratory, made a breakthrough and
Theileriosis are transmitted by ixodid ticks.
resumed production of the Theileriosis BOLVAC vaccine. The CVL managed to produce the first batch of 20 460 doses on the 20th of August 2022.
The resumption of BOLVAC vaccine production was a major breakthrough because Zimbabwe can now produce vaccines against three out of the four major tick-borne diseases (TBDs) prevalent in the country.
Diagnosis of Theileriosis in cattle
• Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and detection of parasites in lymph
node aspirates.
• Serology is only of value in detecting previous infection in recovered animals.
Prevention of Theileriosis in cattle Spraying or dipping of animals with acaracides is the most frequently used method for prevention of theileriosis, but this needs to be applied at regular intervals to be effective. Pyrethroid compounds are often used where animals are challenged with both tickborne diseases and trypanosomes.
Sources:
Dr P Makaya, Director – Division of veterinary technical services, Zimbabwe. Picture (c) M. Sirdar (WOAH ) 2022.
https://rr-africa.woah.org/en/ news/zimbabwe-develops-newvaccine-for-deadly-cattle-disease/
Morrison, IW. Theileriosis in Animals
https://www.msdvetmanual. com/circulatory-system/bloodparasites/trypanosomiasis-inanimals
For the hardworking farmer who depends on precision engineering and reliable performance, TACTIX offers technologically advanced, quality crafted and durable tools. Whether used for fence maintenance, or fixing the water pump, TACTIX will help you get the job done!
Buy any TACTIX product from your nearest Agra branch and stand the chance to win a TACTIX Garage Storage System to the value of N$25 000. Visit the Agra website and Facebook page for competition details.
