The Dairy Mail July 2025

Vol 32 • No 7 • JULY 2025

R46,50 incl VAT • ISSN: 1561-4301

BEK-EN-

KLOUSEER:

tyd vir praat

is verby

THREE KEY

production metrics

for dairy farmers

IN THIS ISSUE: MILKING IN DUBAI | SILAGE CROPS PART 1 | WATERWETGEWING |

| COLOSTRUM ASSESSMENT | LUMPY SKIN DISEASE | SOMATIESESEL-TELLING |

®

PREGNANT

DAUGHTER FERTILITY

INFLUENCES PROFIT.

Fertile cows that breed back quickly are

critical to your profitability. The average

cost of one day open ranges from $2 to $6

– apply this loss to your whole herd and low

reproductive performance can greatly impact

your bottom line. With World Wide Sires’

genetics, you can reduce involuntary culling

and achieve your operational goals by using

sires that excel for daughter fertility.

Average cost of days open information sourced from Dr. John Fetrow, College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota.

DRIVE YOUR PROFITS WITH THESE

HIGH FERTILITY INDEX SIRES!

CODE NAME FI

14HO16393 ORGANIC 3.6

7HO15640 MOONRAKER 3.1

7HO15366 AGASSI 2.8

7HO15977 HAYK 2.6

7HO15807 GEORGE MILLER 2.3

7HO16835 LOGIC 1.9

14HO17164 HEIST 1.7

7HO16813 HIMESH 1.7

7HO17315 SAGE-P 1.6

7HO17220 ROSEMARY 1.5

7HO15754 ZAPPA 1.5

14HO17216 DAY TRIP 1.2

14HO16755 SOCKS 1.2

WORLD WIDE SIRES

S O U T H A F R I C A

HERE FOR YOU.

wwsires.com

Evaluations are powered by CDCB unless

otherwise noted. 04/25 CDCB data. Rel.

FI: 14HO16393 79%, 7HO15640 89%,

7HO15366 85%, 7HO15977 85%,

7HO15807 83%, 7HO16835 77%,

14HO17164 75%, 7HO16813 77%,

7HO17315 74%, 7HO17220 74%,

7HO15754 82%, 14HO17216 75%,

14HO16755 75%.

SOOS ONS DIT SIEN • AS WE SEE IT

TROTSE

MELKBOER

Deur Joubert Fourie, visie-voorsitter MPO Noord

As ’n trotse Suid-Afrikaanse melkboer

dink ek dikwels aan die unieke voorreg

én verantwoordelikheid wat ek het

om een van die waardevolste en oudste

voedselbronne aan die mensdom te kan

lewer – melk. Vir derduisende jare voed melk

en suiwelprodukte mense regoor die wêreld,

en vandag bly dit steeds ’n baie belangrike

komponent van ’n gebalanseerde, voedsame

dieet. Van daardie eerste slukkie melk wat ’n

pasgebore kalfie neem tot die glas melk in ’n

kind se hand – melk is ’n simbool van sorg,

lewenskrag en voortbestaan.

Dit bly vir my wonderbaarlik dat beeste

wat op marginale grond wei, die vermoë het

om die plantweefsel wat ons nie kan eet

nie – soos gras en hooi – te verander in die

kos wat ons liggame nodig het: voedsame

vleis en melk.

Hierdie merkwaardige proses voed

nie net mense nie, maar dra ook by tot

grondgesondheid, biodiversiteit en selfs

hernubare energie deur bio-gebaseerde

neweprodukte. Suiwel ondersteun méér as

net voeding – dit dra by tot bestaansmiddele,

versterk landelike gemeenskappe, bemagtig

vroue en bring waardigheid en ’n lewensdoel

aan talle gesinne, soos myne.

In Suid-Afrika het melkboerdery diep

wortels. Boere van die Kaap tot Limpopo

staan voor dagbreek op, gedryf deur ’n

diepgewortelde verbintenis om na hul diere

om te sien, in harmonie met die natuur te werk

en ’n produk te lewer wat beide noodsaaklik

en voedsaam is. In hierdie veeleisende

dog diep lonende beroep is daar geen

kortpaaie nie – net harde werk, toewyding,

vaardigheid en passie, wat deur geslagte heen

oorgedra word.

Namate die wêreldbevolking toeneem

en voedselsekerheid al hoe meer ’n saak

van erns raak, bly suiwel onmisbaar – nie

net vir kinders, vroue, bejaardes en sportlui

nie, maar vir die ganse mensdom. Met die

ondersteuning van die wetenskap, innovasie

en organisasies soos die Melkprodusenteorganisasie

(MPO), bou ons aan ’n toekoms

waar melk en melkprodukte verantwoordelik

en volhoubaar kan voort bestaan.

Ek is trots om deel te wees van hierdie

dinamiese sektor – ’n sektor gedryf deur

mense, passie en vooruitgang. Melk is

meer as net kos. Dis ons geskiedenis,

ons lewensbestaan en ons hoop vir die

geslagte wat volg.

Joubert Fourie

JULY 2025 • THE DAIRY MAIL 1

2 THE DAIRY MAIL • JULY 2025

REDAKTEURSBRIEF • EDITOR’S NOTE

MORISH MILK!

by Hanlie du Plessis, editor of The Dairy Mail

As humans, the first form of nourishment

we consume is milk. It is an essential

source of what our bodies need – a

nutritionally packed super food. It addresses

nutrition and food security issues in a world

where supplying the demand of the growing

population with dwindling resources is likely

the biggest challenge we face.

The most amazing aspect of milk

production is that it gets done sustainably.

Farmers are producing more milk and more

milk solids per hectare per cow with less –

less water, less fertiliser, fewer labourers, less

fuel, a smaller environmental footprint, and

lower carbon emissions. Dairy farmers are not

in this industry to make short-term gains, get

rich overnight, and cash out. They are in it for

the long run, often the second, third, or fourth

generation on a farm.

In my view, dairy farmers are exemplary

stewards, supplying milk in a sustainable and

responsible manner to meet the needs of

this world. I am proud to serve the industry

and its people.

However, the industry is once again holding

its breath with the recent outbreak of footand-mouth

disease in five of our provinces.

I spoke to MPO chief executive officer

Fanie Ferreira to find out what farmers, the

organisation, the livestock industry, and the

state are doing to curb the spread of this

dreadful virus. Read Bek-en-klouseer: Die tyd

vir praat is verby on page 8.

Richardt Venter is a well-known

international silage consultant with more

than two decades of experience working with

silage across the globe. It is a privilege for

The Dairy Mail to present the first of a series of

articles on silage crops authored by Richardt.

Turn to page 31 where Part 1 takes a closer

look at maize as a silage crop.

Good-quality colostrum is vital to give

newborn calves the best start in life. Colour

and consistency are not reliable indicators of

the immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration

in the colostrum. Instead, IgG levels can

be assessed by measuring the density of

the colostrum. The equipment needed and

process are explained on page 43.

Our regular Moo-ving Wheels section on

page 78 introduces us to what could easily

be described as one of the world’s ultimate

vehicles, both in terms of image and capability

… the 2024 Mercedes-Benz G400d. No harm

in dreaming!

Enjoy the read.

Hanlie du Plessis


CONTENTS INHOUDSOPGAWE

31

13

1 Soos ons dit sien • As we see it

3 Redakteursbrief • Editor’s note

7 Meet the team | Suiwelkalender

BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

8 Bek-en-klouseer: die tyd vir praat is verby

13 Milking in Dubai

17 First dairy manager school and

TMR Conference for Alta Genetics

20 Dairy economic indicators

25 Dairy digits

27 Kortliks • Briefly

PRODUKSIE • PRODUCTION

31 Silage crops: Part 1 – maize silage

36 Precision dairy cow nutrition utilising

methionine supplementation

40 Caring for replacement heifers

in the cold

43 Colostrum assessment

RENTMEESTERSKAP • STEWARDSHIP

46 Water: wat die melkboer moet weet

49 Lumpy skin disease (LSD)

BESTUUR • MANAGEMENT

52 Somatiesesel-telling: die impak

en bestuur

57 Three key production metrics

for dairy farms

60 Oogsiekte wat versprei soos

’n veldbrand!

64 Labour column

Five folklores in labour law from an

agricultural perspective


INHOUD • CONTENTS

Produced by

57

Editorial contributions

Hanlie du Plessis • Tel: 083 293 8007

Email: hanliedup61@gmail.com

Advertising & rates

Email: sales@maxmediagroup.co.za

Ilse Liveris • Tel: 072 708 4401

66 Financial column

Freeze your spending, not your future

NAVORSING EN OPLEIDING •

RESEARCH AND TRAINING

68 Water: It’s all about the quality

72 Research column

Early detection of lameness

VERWERKING • PROCESSING

75 Testing for safety

MOO-VING WHEELS

78 The Mercedes-Benz G400d

preferred by purists

Charlene Bam • Tel: 061 500 7991

Accounts & subscriptions

Charlene Bam • Tel: 061 500 7991

Email: charlene@maxmediagroup.co.za

On the cover / Op die voorblad

The 2025 Edge Fitness Club Melk Run, took

place on 6 July, and runners could choose

between a 6 km or a 12 km trail run/walk through

the beautiful 3Rivers Trails in the greater

Thornhill region – a rural region approximately

40 km to the west of Gqeberha. Enjoying the

6 km run is Jolene Fourie, who finished in just

over 37 minutes. Thank you, Zsports Events,

for the beautiful photo.

Expressions of opinion, claims, and statements of supposed

facts do not necessarily reflect the views of The Dairy Mail,

editor, or publisher. While every effort is made to report

accurately, The Dairy Mail, the publisher, or the editor do not

accept any liability regarding any statement, advertisement,

fact, or recommendation made in this magazine.

ISSN: 1561-4301

An initiative of the MPO,

published monthly | PO Box 1284,

Pretoria 0001, South Africa

www.dairymail.co.za

Milk Producers’ Organisation,

referred to as MPO

South African Milk Processors’

Organisation, referred to as SAMPRO

Milk South Africa,

referred to as Milk SA



MEET THE TEAM

THAT CARES:

SWITCHBOARD: 012 843 5600

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Fanie Ferreira fanie@mpo.co.za 083 453 9339

COMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Carina Pieterse carina@mpo.co.za 079 458 5497

AGRICULTURAL ECONOMIC SERVICES

Bertus van Heerden bertus@mpo.co.za 083 300 3667

ECONOMIST

Jade Smith jade@mpo.co.za 076 712 7395

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Wessel Steyn wessel@mpo.co.za 082 896 8116

MEMBER SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

Yolanda Strydom yolanda.s@mpo.co.za 072 371 1893

Anneke Kubannek anneke@mpo.co.za 071 875 1488

REGIONS

MPO WESTERN CAPE

Lize Marié du Toit lizem@mpo.co.za 076 774 1284

MPO NORTH

Mnandi Kruger north@mpo.co.za 073 116 8544

MPO KWAZULU-NATAL

Bianca Johnston kzn@mpo.co.za 060 945 1735

MPO EASTERN CAPE

Anri Wolmarans ec@mpo.co.za 064 934 3951

TRAINING AND TRANSFORMATION SERVICES

Ronald Rapholo ronald@mpo.co.za 082 734 4433

SOME EVENTS TO

LOOK FORWARD TO

31 JULY–1 AUGUST 2025

SAPPO PIGx² 2025

Maslow Hotel,

Menlyn, Pretoria

7–9 AUGUSTUS 2025

28–30 AUGUSTUS 2025

GEORGE

LANDBOUSKOU

George Skougronde

KRAG DAG

Diamantvallei

Landgoed, Rayton

10–13 SEPTEMBER 2025

NAMPO CAPE

Bredasdorp Park,

Bredasdorp

Weens herhaaldelike kragonderbrekings ondervind

ons probleme met ons skakelbord. Vir die toekoms

word aanbeveel dat u ons span direk op hulle

selfoonnommers kontak. Ons wil graag met u gesels.

16–18 OCTOBER 2025

NAMPO ALFA

NAMPO Park,

Bothaville

Due to repeated power outages, we are experiencing

problems with our switchboard. In future, we recommend

that you contact our team directly on their mobile numbers.

We would like to talk to you.

Dairy Mail - IntelliBond Banner Ads (June 2025)print.pdf 1 2025/05/08 08:55

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CMY

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BEK-EN-

KLOUSEER:

die tyd vir praat is verby

deur Hanlie du Plessis

“Die vrees is duidelik op van die boere se gesigte sigbaar. Baie

van hulle besef dat as die bek-en-klouseer- (BKS-) virus ’n

houvas op hul plase kry, dit die einde van hul boerderye sal

beteken. Die boere weet mos nou hoe ’n reuse- finansiële

impak die virus-siekte verlede jaar op die melkboere van die

Oos-Kaap gehad het, en baie van hulle weet dat hul besighede

nie sulke verliese sal kan oorleef nie.” Só vertel Fanie Ferreira,

uitvoerende hoof van die Melkprodusente-organisasie (MPO)

na afloop van produsentevergaderings wat die organisasie ná

die nuutste uitbreking van BKS in KwaZulu-Natal gehou het.


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

virussiekte tref ’n melkbees

baie erger as ’n vleisbees. Dit

“Die

veroorsaak dat melkbeeste

wat BKS onder lede het, baie erge mastitis

ontwikkel. Medikasie wat gewoonlik

doeltreffend is om konvensionele mastitis

te behandel, is in baie gevalle heeltemal

ondoeltreffend om bek-en-klouseer-verwante

mastitis te behandel. Daar is dan geen ander

uitweg as om die geaffekteerde koeie van kant

te maak nie.” Ferreira verduidelik dat dit juis

daarom nodig is om ’n meer sektor-spesifieke

protokol te ontwikkel.

Die Departement van Landbou het

Maandag 21 en Dinsdag 22 Julie ’n hoëvlakindaba

saam met die Landbounavorsingsraad

(LNR), die Universiteit van Pretoria en

Onderstepoort

Biologiese Produkte (OBP) op die LNR se

perseel in Roodeplaat in Pretoria aangebied.

Die indaba het spesialiste uit vele dissiplines

bymekaargebring om ’n gekoördineerde

en omvattende benadering tot die beheer

en uiteindelike uitroei van bek-en-klouseer

te ontwikkel.

In sy openingstoespraak het die minister

van landbou, John Steenhuisen, gesê dat dit

nodig is om ’n innoverende benadering te

volg in Suid-Afrika – een wat op wetenskap

gegrond is en in ooreenstemming met

die Grondwet is maar steeds prakties

uitvoerbaar is.

Sy voorstelle vir verbetering het op die

volgende vier pilare berus:

• sterker provinsiale uitvoering,

• duideliker nasionale koördinasie,

• ’n bemagtigde veeartsenykundige diens, en

• ’n private sektor wat biosekuriteit nie as

’n las sien nie, maar as ’n voorvereiste vir

sektorontwikkeling.


Hy het beklemtoon dat die kern van sy nuwe

benadering betrus op die noodsaaklikheid

om Suid-Afrika se siektebestuursraamwerk

op streekvlak te organiseer. Steenhuisen

het belowe om onmiddellik ná die indaba ’n

toegewyde span aan te stel om die voorstelle

en insigte wat gelewer is, bymekaar te bring.

“Hierdie span sal opdrag kry om ’n

praktiese, tydgebonde bedryfsplan te

finaliseer, wat die dringendheid van ons

probleem en die kollektiewe wysheid in

hierdie vertrek weerspieël. Daardie plan sal

binne ’n voorgeskrewe tydraamwerk aan my

voorgelê word en sal as die bloudruk vir ons

toekomstige optrede dien.”

Dewald Olivier, uitvoerende hoof van

Rooivleisbedrysdienste (RMIS) het ’n

strategiese plan aan die indaba voorgelê wat

deur RMIS ontwikkel is in samewerking met

belanghebbendes in die veebedryf, waarvan

die MPO deel uitgemaak het. Met die skryf

van hierdie plan het hulle by lande gaan

aanklop wat reeds hierdie pad suksesvol

geloop het, soos Brasilië, Argentinië en

Uruguay, om uit te vind wat die protokol is wat

die nodige gerusstelling aan Suid-Afrika se

handelsvennote sal gee.

Die plan, wat in fases geïmplementeer

kan word, spreek die kapasiteitprobleem

van die staat se veeartsenykundige dienste,

die diversifisering van entstofproduksie,

die versterking van naspeurbaarheid

deur ’n nasionale diere-ID-stelsel en die

moontlikheid van streeksoneringsopsies

rondom bek-en-klouseer-inenting aan. Alle

veesektore word by die plan ingesluit, en

dit is ook saam deur die sektore ontwerp om

by internasionale standaarde aan te pas,

insluitend dié van die Wêreldorganisasie vir

Dieregesondheid (WOAH).

Gerhard van der Burgh van die Buro vir

Voedsel- en Landboubeleid (BFAP) het

tydens die indaba die belangrikheid van

voedselsekerheid en die gevaar geskets wat

BKS daarvoor inhou. Vanjaar het Suid-Afrika

reeds 2 814 gevalle van BKS onder beeste

gehad, wat beteken dit kan 2024 se totaal van

2 980 gevalle verbysteek en naby kom aan

2022 se piek, toe 7 692 gevalle bevestig is.

Die uitbrekings benadeel voedselsekerheid,

waarvan die sukses afhang van ekonomiese

en fisieke toegang tot voedsel, die

beskikbaarheid daarvan, voedingkundige

en gesondheidsvoordele, en stabiliteit oor


tyd. Van der Burgh het gesê BKS benadeel

ook voedseluitvoer, wat belangrik is vir die

ekonomie om te groei.

Maar op hierdie oomblik is die tekort aan

enstowwe en die staat se onvermoë om

spoedige bloedtoetsontledings te doen van

die melkboere se grootste bekommernisse.

Fanie Ferreira het beklemtoon dat die MPO

en die land se melkprodusente hul volle

samewerking gee om te sorg dat die voorstelle

oor die bestuur van BKS in ooreenstemming is

met die melkbedryf se spesifieke behoeftes.

Hulle sien met groot verwagting uit na die

samestelling van die taakspan en dat die

voorstelle wat gemaak is, spoedig as deel van

die strategiese plan in werking gestel sal word.

“Om genoeg entstof beskikbaar te hê

sodat melkbeeste op groot skaal voorkomend

ingeënt kan word, is vir die melkbedryf van

kardinale belang,” sê Ferreira. Die minister

het so in sy kraal gepraat toe hy sê die tyd is

ryp om ’n entstofbank op te bou waar nie net

entstowwe teen bek-en-klouseer nie, maar

ook teen alle beheerde siektes wat ’n invloed

op die veesektor se handel en produksie kan

hê, deurentyd beskikbaar is.

Wat BKS betref, is die melkbedryf se

behoefte ’n langwerkende DIVA-entstof. DIVA

staan vir ‘differentiation between infected and

vaccinated animals’. Dié tipe entstof maak

dit moontlik om met bloedtoetsontledings

onmiddellik te kan onderskei tussen ’n

dier wat klinies siek is en een waarvan die

teenliggaampies in die bloed van die entstof

afkomstig is. As die dier al drie stamme van die

virus – SAT1, SAT2 en SAT3 – in sy bloed het,

beteken dit dat hy ingeënt is, terwyl net een

stam sal beteken dat hy ’n aktiewe virus dra.

Ná die indaba was almal dit eens dat die

veebedryf in Suid-Afrika nie kan bekostig

dat hierdie gesprek net by ’n gepraat eindig

nie. Dit moet die daadwerklike begin wees

van die gesamentlike pad vorentoe wat

duidelikheid, stabiliteit en hoop vir elke deel

van die bedryf sal bring. Dit moet die nuwe

grondslag lê vir doeltreffende biosekuriteit,

voordelige handelsooreenkomste en

volhoubare welvaart. Nie net ter wille van elke

rolspeler nie, maar ook ter wille van ons land

en sy mense.



BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

MILKING

in Dubai

By Thomas O’Sullivan, in touch feeding specialist, Alltech

When you think of Dubai

and the Middle East,

50 000 dairy cows thriving

in the desert may not be the first

image that comes to mind. However, the growing demand for

fresh dairy products in Dubai has spurred the development

of domestic dairy production, reducing reliance on imports.

A growing, diverse population

drives demand

The rapidly increasing population of the

region’s largest cities, including the United

Arab Emirates’ (UAE) opulent and rapidly

developing city of Dubai, is driving expansion

on local farms. The high proportion of expats

living in the UAE traditionally consume more

dairy than locals, which has a significant

impact, creating growing demand for

fresh milk, cheese, yoghurt, and other

dairy products.

Despite the difficult climate and limited

natural resources, the UAE has developed a

thriving dairy industry. There are few farms,

but those that do exist are professionally run

and typically have anywhere from 1 000 to

8 000 cows on a single site, with a few smaller

farms keeping around 500 cows.


Irish influence and

modern practices

Over the past few months, I have been

fortunate enough to travel to the UAE through

my work at Alltech to gain insight into how

farms – particularly dairy farms – operate here.

It is a unique experience to live in the busy

city of Dubai while still working on-farm every

day, with large herds situated in the desert

just a few hours’ drive away.

In some ways, the UAE feels as different

from Ireland as you can get – but the Irish

influence on dairy farms here is striking.

There are several Irish farm managers, part of

a strong Irish community in the area. Other

European nations, as well as the United

States, also have an influence.

Protecting against heat stress

Dairy farming in the desert requires a blend of

modern technology and traditional practices,

with a strong focus on standard operating

procedures to ensure that everything runs

smoothly. The systems have been adapted

to meet the unique challenges of the desert

environment.

As I write this, the temperature is 42 °C

with 50% humidity. Heat stress is, as often the

case, the biggest challenge here, requiring

extensive infrastructure to maintain cow

comfort. Farms use misting systems called

Korral coolers, alongside fans, to create a

suitable environment for the cows. Korral

coolers are the most efficient way to cool

cows – these air-over-water systems spray

a fine mist onto the animals to lower their

body temperature. Even with such high

temperatures, it is currently possible to

maintain indoor temperatures below 25 °C.

Cows are bedded on sand, which is the

most available resource and works very well

in these systems. The animals are housed in

open lots, with each pen featuring an indoor

area and a large open lie-back. Because

Korral coolers wet the sand, the standard

practice is to scrape out the wet sand indoors

three times per day – while the cows are

being milked – and then scrape the dried

sand from outside, dried by the desert sun,

back inside. This routine keeps the cows very

clean, as they are always resting on dry sand.

Beyond daily cooling practices, farms take a

long-term approach to managing heat stress.

Although cows calve year-round, farmers

aim to have fewer calves born in summer,

as summer-born calves tend to have lower

birthweights. This planning strategy thus

serves a dual purpose.


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

Feeding and watering

The feeding system is high-input, highoutput,

with cows receiving a diet rich

in starch and energy. Forage is imported

from regions as far away as Australia, North

America, and South America, supplemented

by imported cereals and grains. During

certain times of the year, concentrates can

make up to 60% of the diet, especially when

intake drops during periods of heat stress.

Typically, this diet is a mix of crushed corn,

cornflakes, crushed wheat, soya, beet pulp

and wheat bran, with the main forage being

alfalfa hay and oat hay. All feed is provided

through a total mixed ration at least four

times per day, and is regularly pushed up and

cleared out. We also work closely with farms

in the area to test their feed ingredients for

quality and contamination.

Of course, in a desert environment,

providing enough water is always a challenge.

On the region’s dairy farms, water is sourced

from state infrastructure. Some comes from

very deep wells, but most is desalinated

seawater that is trucked in.

Bringing dairy products

to market

Production is impressive on these farms,

especially considering the significant

expansion over the past several years,

with increasing cow numbers and new

infrastructure being constructed.

Milk supply is steady throughout the

year. One of the local dairies we support,

for example, ships an average of 100 000 L

of milk daily. The herd average is currently

nearly 13 000 L per cow, with individual cows

producing around 42 L each, containing

3,43% butterfat, and averaging 180 days in

milk. All milk is produced under liquid-milktype

contracts, which require a minimum

butterfat content of 3,4%. Farms receive

no extra payment for butterfat above this

threshold, and there is no payment based on

protein content.

Dairy farms in the UAE primarily serve local

and regional markets. Many of the larger farms

have their own processing plants nearby and

sell milk under their own brand in the shops.

They market dairy products effectively, with

small bottles of both plain and flavoured milk,

as well as cheese and yoghurt, prominently

displayed in many stores.

A success story

The success of dairy farming in the UAE is a

powerful example of what can be achieved

when there is a clear demand to be met.

Despite the brutally harsh desert conditions,

the dairy industry here is booming, and it is

inspiring to hear farmers’ plans for expansion

to meet the region’s ever-increasing demand

for dairy products.



BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

FIRST DAIRY

MANAGER

SCHOOL &

TMR Conference

for Alta Genetics

By Stuart Bright

It’s not every day you get to be part of a

‘first’, but I had the privilege of helping shape

a pretty special moment in South African

dairying. The very first Alta dairy manager

school (DMS) kicked off in Johannesburg the

day before the TMR Conference, and it was

nothing short of exceptional.

We hosted 20 progressive dairy

managers and owners from

across South Africa for a fullday

workshop led by none other than

Dr Gordie Jones – a true global leader

in dairy nutrition, cow comfort, and barn

design. If you haven’t heard of Gordie,

he’s the man behind the Goldilocks diet

and is considered the godfather of cow

comfort – seriously, he literally wrote

the book on stall design and standard

operating procedures (SOPs).


First-ever DMS

in South Africa

The packed agenda covered progressive

dairy management, the ABCs of cow comfort,

dry cow feeding, ventilation design, practical

barn layouts, bottlenecks that cost milk, and

the economics of SOPs and finding ‘lost litres’.

There was no sitting back and dozing off

here – our attendees were engaged from the

start. There were plenty of questions, open

discussion about how things work in South

Africa, and real problem-solving that could be

applied on-farm immediately. Everyone left

buzzing, ready to try something new and put

the learning into practice.

Alta at the

TMR Conference

The next two days at the TMR Conference

were just as rewarding. We were proud to

be the main sponsor this year, showing

our commitment to the South African dairy

industry and investing in the people driving

its future. This event wasn’t just a branding

exercise – it was about showing up, adding

value, and building relationships.

Gordie Jones was back on stage as keynote

speaker, driving home the importance of

nutrition and cow comfort – not just as

concepts, but as measurable drivers of

performance. He didn’t pull any punches

and had everyone scribbling notes (or more

realistically, snapping photos of slides).

We set up camp in a breakout room next

to the main stage, which quickly became

the ‘Alta hub’. Throughout the breaks,

we ran impromptu trainings, one-on-one

troubleshooting, and plenty of ‘grab a coffee

and talk cows’ sessions. Our whiteboard took

a beating from all the farm-specific planning

– just how we like it. And yes, if you were there,

you probably heard our premier account

manager Eric come on stage to Thunderstruck

by AC/DC – twice. We’re still not sure if it woke

people up or gave them PTSD, but either way,

it got everyone’s attention!

This event wasn’t just a

branding exercise – it was

about showing up, adding

value, and building

relationships.


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

What we expected versus

what we experienced

We knew the TMR Conference would be a

great event, but we didn’t realise just how

strong the engagement would be. South

African farmers are passionate, practical, and

sharp. We had the best conversations – with

old friends and new faces alike – and left

reminded why we do what we do. We were

impressed by the professionalism of the event

and the quality of the speakers. Hats off to the

Milk Producers’ Organisation team for pulling

off a world-class conference. You can count

us in for the Large Herd Conference in 2026 –

plans are already in motion.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Alta’s committed to building long-term value

in South Africa by investing in people – not

just flying in and out. We believe education,

training, and practical support are where real

impact starts, and we see strong demand for it

in the market.

We’re already planning more dairy manager

schools, and we have additional spaces

available at Alta University (AltaU) – our

intensive five-day training held in the United

States, where industry experts in dairy

management dive deep into everything

from genetics and repro to barn design and

people management. Think of it as the bigger

brother to the DMS.

We also run a premier account programme,

giving qualifying farms direct access to

Eric McNeilly – a world-class consultant

and part of the Alta team. Eric walks your

farm twice a year to find opportunities for

more milk, with plenty of follow-up support

throughout the year. It’s hands-on, practical

advice tailored to your business.

So if you’re interested in more training,

want to learn about AltaU, or think your farm

is ready to take the next step with the premier

account programme, let’s talk. We’d love to

bring these resources to more farms across

the country.

Thanks again to everyone who showed

up, asked the tough questions, and shared

ideas – we’re better for it. See you at

the next one.


DAIRY ECONOMIC INDICATORS

MONITORING

DAIRY RETAIL PRICES

by Jade Smith, MPO economist

The MPO compiled the following figures to highlight the changes in

average retail prices for fresh milk, long-life milk, and Cheddar cheese

in June 2025, as well as the regional variations in these prices.

(Source: BMI as supplied by Agri Inspec).


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

Please note: Not all brands are available in every region. If no data appears for

a specific brand in a given region, it means the brand was either not sold there

during the calendar month or no data was recorded.

Figure 1 Prices of 2 L fresh full-cream milk, June 2025

JUNE 2025

Free

State

Gauteng

KZN

Western

Cape

Eastern

Cape

Clover R37,60 R35,99 R36,12 R36,56 R34,49

Department’s

own brand

R34,32 R34,19 R35,74 R35,66 R33,79

Douglasdale R38,99 R36,42 – – –

Darling R34,99 – – R34,19 –

Dewfresh – R36,99 – – –

Ј While monitoring price movements over the first five months of 2025, department’s

own brand (DOB) consistently emerged as the most affordable option. This trend

continued into June 2025, with DOB remaining the cheapest across all provinces.

Ј Darling was the only other brand offering similarly competitive prices, with DOB and

Darling the only brands priced below R35,00 per 2 L.

Ј The Free State showed the greatest price variation among brands, with a spread of

R4,67 between the lowest and highest price.

Ј In contrast, Gauteng’s prices were relatively aligned across brands, except for DOB,

which remained significantly cheaper.

Ј Clover displayed notable regional price differences: it was the most expensive

in the Free State at R37,60, but the cheapest in the Eastern Cape at R34,99 – a

variation of R2,61.


Figure 2 Prices of 1 L long-life milk, June 2025

JUNE 2025

Free

State

Gauteng

KZN

Western

Cape

Eastern

Cape

Clover R20,87 R20,99 R20,74 R19,79 R21,13

Crystal Valley R18,66 R18,99 R16,99 R16,99 R16,99

Department’s

own brand

R17,77 R17,66 R17,66 R17,99 R18,24

Parmalat R21,24 R22,24 R21,12 R22,59 R20,66

Dewfresh R18,99 R19,28 R18,99 – –

First Choice R20,82 R19,99 R20,16 – R20,99

Ј Prices across all brands ranged from R16,99 to R22,59 in June 2025.

Ј Parmalat was consistently the most expensive brand across all provinces, except in the

Eastern Cape, where Clover had the highest price (R21,13).

Ј Crystal Valley offered the lowest prices in coastal provinces (KZN, Western Cape,

and Eastern Cape), with a consistent price of R16,99 – making it even more

affordable than DOB.

Ј DOB maintained relatively stable pricing across provinces, ranging between

R17,66 and R18,24.

Ј Clover and Parmalat were the only brands with prices consistently above R20,00 in

all provinces.


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

Figure 3 Prices of 6 × 1 L long-life milk, June 2025

JUNE 2025

Free

State

Gauteng

KZN

Western

Cape

Eastern

Cape

Clover R122,68 R118,24 R117,63 R115,74 R117,49

Crystal Valley R103,32 R109,99 R99,99 R99,32 R99,99

Department’s

own brand

R100,99 R102,77 R99,43 R96,21 R101,24

Parmalat R119,66 R110,13 R103,24 R108,16 R109,39

Dewfresh R105,66 R104,99 R129,99 – –

First Choice R117,82 R109,59 R110,49 R94,99 R116,79

Ј Dewfresh was significantly more expensive in KZN, priced at R129,99, which is R24,33

and R25,00 more than in the Free State and Gauteng, respectively.

Ј Gauteng displayed the most consistent pricing across all brands.

Ј Crystal Valley and DOB were the most affordable options across all five provinces.

Ј First Choice was the cheapest price recorded in the Western Cape at R94,99, while the

most expensive was Clover in the Free State at R122,68 – a price difference of R27,69.

Ј On average, the Free State was the most expensive province to purchase a

6 × 1 L long-life milk pack, while the Western Cape was the most affordable.


Figure 4 Cheddar cheese price/kg, June 2025

JUNE 2025

Free

State

Gauteng

KZN

Western

Cape

Eastern

Cape

Clover R152,49 R154,99 R149,99 R149,99 –

Crystal Valley R154,99 R129,99 R159,99 R129,99 –

Parmalat R165,99 R159,99 R166,19 R153,16 R166,97

Elite R159,99 – – – –

Lancewood R166,99 R169,99 R138,74 R164,99 R167,49

Ritebrand R127,24 R136,66 R127,42 R130,99 R99,99

Mooivallei – – R139,99 R99,90 –

Ј Lancewood’s Cheddar cheese price per kilogram was the most consistent across

provinces, ranging from R164,99 to R169,99 – except in KZN, where the price dropped

significantly to R138,74

Ј Cheddar cheese was available for under R100,00/kg only in the Western Cape and

Eastern Cape, offered by Mooivallei and Ritebrand, respectively.

Ј Parmalat and Lancewood were the most expensive brands across all provinces.

Ј On average, the coastal provinces – KZN, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape – had

more affordable cheddar cheese prices compared to the inland provinces, Free State

and Gauteng.

For more information on retail prices, contact

JADE SMITH, economist at the MPO at jade@mpo.co.za


DAIRY DIGITS

DAIRY

DIGITS

JULY 2025

Dairy digits is a Milk SA feature. It is also

available on the Milk SA website: milksa.co.za.

Table 1 Key market indicators

Item Period Value

% change

(same period

previous year)

Unprocessed milk purchased (’000 tonnes) 2023 1 3 339 −0,3%

Unprocessed milk purchased (’000 tonnes) 2024 1 3 458 +3,56%

Unprocessed milk purchased (’000 tonnes) estimate May 25 1 250 −3,74%

Unprocessed milk purchased (’000 tonnes) estimate Jan–May 25 1 1 312 +0,02%

Dairy imports (’000 tonnes) 2024 2 33,9 −30,1%

Dairy imports (’000 tonnes) Jan–Apr 25 2 8,5 −33,6%

Dairy exports (’000 tonnes) 2024 2 53,5 −4,63%

Dairy exports (’000 tonnes) Jan–Apr 25 2 19,5 +12,1%

Dairy exports inclusive of sales to other SACU countries (’000 tonnes) 5 Jan–Apr 25 2 64,7 +9,7%

Producer price index of unprocessed milk (base Dec 23 = 100) 3 May 25 3 103,8 −1,5%

Producer price index of dairy products (base Dec 23 = 100) 3 May 25 3 103 −0,1%

Farm requisite price index (base 2015 = 100) 4 Oct 24 4 142,9 −2,66%

Source:

1

Milk SA returns

2

SARS statistics supplied by SAMPRO

3

Stats SA PPI index

4

Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural

Development (DALRRD) price index of farm requisites

5

SARS statistics supplied by Agri Inspec

Figure 1 International dairy product prices (free on board), Jan 2014–Jun 2025

170 000

150 000

Source:

USDA price surveys,

exchange rate South

African Reserve Bank

middle rates, last

month – average of

daily closing values.

Rand per t

130 000

110 000

90 000

70 000

50 000

30 000

10 000

Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-19 Jan-20 Jan-21 Jan-22 Jan-23 Jan-24 Jan-25

Butter

SMP

Cheddar

FMP

Acronyms and abbreviations: Milk South Africa (Milk SA) • Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO) • South African Milk Processors’

Organisation (SAMPRO) • Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) • South African Revenue Service (SARS) • United States Department of

Agriculture (USDA) • producer price index (PPI) • consumer price index (CPI) • Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural

Development (DALRRD) • full-cream milk powder (FMP) • skimmed milk powder (SMP) • ultra-high temperature (UHT) processed


Figure 2 Monthly unprocessed milk purchase trends, Jan 2021–May 2025

360

340

Source:

Milk SA statistics.

Note: Each year's

figures are assessed,

reviewed, and

finalised by 31 March

of the ensuing year.

'000 t

320

300

280

260

240

2025*

2025

2022

2023

2024

220

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

* Last two months

preliminary: sample survey

Figure 3 Monthly cumulative net imports, milk equivalent, Jan 2021–Apr 2025

200

150

Source:

MPO calculation

from SARS data

supplied by

SAMPRO.

1 000 t milk equivalent

100

50

0

-50

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2025

2021

2022

2023

2024

-100

Figure 4 PPI indices of unprocessed milk and dairy products, and the CPI of milk,

cheese, and eggs, Jan 2014–May 2025

230

Source:

Stats SA PPI and

CPI information,

statssa.gov.za.

210

Index (2012 = 100)

190

170

150

130

110

90

Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-19 Jan-20 Jan-21 Jan-22 Jan-23 Jan-24 Jan-25

Dairy products PPI

(full cream fresh milk,

full cream UHT milk,

Cheddar cheese,

yoghurt & ice cream)

Unprocessed

milk PPI

Milk, cheese,

and eggs CPI

This publication is compiled from sources that are deemed reliable. However, Milk SA and the contributors to

the publication accept no responsibility for the accuracy of the information. The information is, furthermore, intended

to provide market signals only and Milk SA indemnifies itself against any actions based on this information.


KORTLIKS | BRIEFLY

BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

CELEBRATING DAIRY,

CULTURE, AND COMMUNITY:

MPO Dairy Fest 2025 postponed,

2026 vision enhanced

The inaugural MPO Dairy Fest in August

2024 was a resounding success, with

thousands of visitors from across

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) celebrating dairy,

culture, and community. Live bands, milkshake

competitions, a vibrant market, and sporting

events brought together dairy farming

families and the broader KZN community,

showcasing the true heart of our industry.

Created by the MPO KZN Committee, Dairy

Fest bridges the gap between dairy farming

and the wider community – raising awareness

of the industry’s vital role in our region

while celebrating the rich culture of farming

communities. Your feedback from the first year

has been invaluable in shaping our vision for

an even better event.

This year, Sandra Berning, MPO KZN

chairperson and driving force behind Dairy

Fest, has worked with our committee to

enhance the farmer-focused aspects of the

festival. We’ve developed competitions like

feed bag loading and tractor-trailer reversing,

created obstacle courses to showcase farm

skills, and introduced a dedicated Farmers

VIP area for industry networking. Our

agricultural vendor area has also grown, with

more suppliers and service providers who

understand your operations. These additions

aren’t just about better serving farmers –

they offer the broader KZN community a

real glimpse into the skill, dedication, and

expertise behind dairy farming.


When families from Pietermaritzburg or

Durban watch these competitions, they see

the true face of the industry that provides

them with daily milk, cheese, and dairy

products. We’ve also addressed practical

concerns around accessibility. Weekend

passes, lower ticket prices, and free entry for

children under 12 (previously under 5) directly

reflect your feedback on making the event

more welcoming for farming families and the

wider community.

The 2025 festival was set to include the

Highland Games from the Fort Nottingham

Highland Gathering, adding another layer to

our celebration of culture and community.

This collaboration would have created

an even more compelling showcase of

rural heritage and traditions. Because

we’re committed to putting farmers and

livestock health first, we’re announcing the

postponement of MPO Dairy Fest 2025,

originally planned for 23–24 August at

Fordoun Farm Village. With the ongoing footand-mouth

disease (FMD) outbreak in KZN,

we know you’re managing stricter biosecurity

protocols and movement restrictions. Herd

health and the stability of our agricultural

economy must come first.

This decision reflects our core mission of

supporting the dairy industry. By postponing

now, we’re showing the same responsible

stewardship you demonstrate daily in

protecting your operations. We’re grateful for

partners like Nutrochem, our main agricultural

sponsor, whose 30+ years in agricultural

disinfectants and biosecurity directly support

farmers in managing challenges like FMD.

The postponement has already advanced our

awareness goal – more people across KZN

now understand the real impact of FMD on

agricultural communities.

The Fort Nottingham Highland Gathering

Committee shares our commitment to

livestock welfare and has also postponed

their event to the second quarter of 2026,

maintaining our planned collaboration. This

unified approach reinforces the broader

agricultural community’s dedication to

responsible event management.

Sandra Berning reflects our shared

sentiment: “We believe this is a necessary

step to prioritise the well-being of our

farmers and the broader agricultural industry.

When we do gather in 2026, it will be in an

environment where we can truly celebrate our

industry’s strength and resilience.”

This timing allows us to further refine our

vision of bringing dairy farming closer to the

wider community while better serving the

farming families who are the backbone of our

industry. All existing sponsorships, vendor

agreements, and ticket purchases will carry

forward to the new date. We are targeting the

second quarter of 2026 for what promises

to be an even more robust celebration of

dairy, culture, and community. We’ll continue

to develop programming that highlights the

expertise and dedication of dairy farmers,

while building meaningful connections with

the broader KZN community.

Stay connected with our planning process

by signing up for updates at https://dairyfest.

co.za/newsletter/. Your ongoing feedback

helps us create an event that truly serves

both our farming communities and the wider

public who depends on your dedication.

For more information about the

postponement and future planning,

contact us at kzn@mpo.co.za or

060 945 1735.

Read all about the MPO’s activities in each issue of The Dairy Mail.


“WE FULLY TRUST THIS

TECHNOLOGY”

TANYA &

NIGEL LOK

“Cattle Eye is the latest technology we’ve installed on our farm.

Since the installation we’ve seen very accurate and

consistent body condition scoring, allowing for much more

efficient feeding; and it has enabled us to implement targeted

hoof trimming as a proactive step to avoid lameness”.

- TANYA AND NIGEL LOK

For more information contact

Roxy O’Reilly

m: 072 942 JULY 2755 2025 | e: • roxy@waikatosa.co.za

THE DAIRY MAIL 29

FARMER: Willie du Preez (left) with

Gerhard Engelbrecht, Pannar Agronomist

FARMING ENTITY: Altenburg

AREA: Dendron, Limpopo

CROP:

Silage Maize

PANNAR AGRONOMIST:

Gerhard Engelbrecht

082 322 5134

Eastern Highveld and Limpopo

PANNAR HYBRID USED:

PAN 5P-955PW (Silage Maize)



Silage crops:

Part

1

MAIZE SILAGE

By Richardt Venter, international silage consultant

Most livestock producers appreciate the fact

that their first responsibility is producing

feed for their animals. Due to increasing

logistical and handling costs of feedstuffs,

self-produced and stored quality feeds are

necessary. When it comes to storing feed,

ensiling it is the only long-term solution that

does not continue to incur losses over time.


Few crops produce as many digestible

nutrients per hectare as maize,

especially when utilised as maize silage.

This is particularly true when considering the

one-time harvest of this crop. This is likely the

main reason why maize silage is not only the

most commonly produced silage in South

Africa but also in the world.

Furthermore, the double logistics of grain

make maize silage lucrative. Producing maize

and driving it to the silo, only to buy it back

in the form of concentrates, means you pay

twice for logistics, plus a mark-up, and a long

list of administrative expenses.

The roughage component and digestibility

of maize silage are also much higher than

those that could be utilised from crop

residues after the grain has been harvested.

Thus, it makes sense to self-produce much

of your fodder flow requirement, with maize

silage topping the list in most regions as a

summer crop.

Starch

Maize silage worldwide averages around 30%

starch (percentage dry matter). The local

average according to the Santam Agriculture

National Silage competition in cooperation

with Veeplaas and Stockfarm, is similar. As

2024 was an extreme drought year, I have

reported some data from 2023 in Table 1.

The considerable variation (17–40%) in

starch values reveals important facts about

maize silage. Firstly, in the 2024 drought

season, low starch was demonstrated in some

extreme cases. However, for all seasons, the

plant must never be cut too early, as it will

not reach its full starch production potential.

Cultivar selection also plays a role, as do

various agronomic practices like fertilisation

and plant population.

Furthermore, a starch value above 40%

is indicative of the potential that can be

unlocked via correct cultivar selection, plant

population, fertilisation, and cutting stage. It

also improves profitability, especially when

nutrient production per hectare is considered.

There is, however, also a demand for ‘low

starch’ silage in some areas, especially when

using it to supplement pastures for dairy cows.

However, the cost of producing maize silage,

from beginning to end, usually dictates that

the maximum amount of nutrients must be

gained per hectare.



Total digestible nutrients

When calculating total digestible nutrients

(TDN), the level and digestibility of many

nutrients are considered. It serves as a handy

way to compare different maize silages and

even different crops. The relatively low fibre

levels of maize silage are evident from the

acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre,

and lignin levels shown in Table 1.

Maize silage’s fibre content is much lower

than those of oats and sweet sorghum silage,

as will be discussed in future articles. Its

low fibre content and excellent digestibility,

combined with starch production, mean that

maize silage has some of the highest TDN

values among all roughage crops that can be

produced and stored on the farm.

With plant development comes increased

fibre levels, but maize silage has the

unique property of dilution, where the

starch component increases as the plant

matures. This means that the TDN increases

as dry matter (DM) increases – of course,

within limits.

The limitations I am referring to relate

to fermentation capacity associated with

available sugars. Sugars decrease as the

plant dries out, which means the lactic acid

bacteria’s ability to do what they are supposed

to do also decreases. According to Table 1,

the average DM level for maize silage in South

Africa is 37,5%. Although a good figure, the

variation from 27% to 53% is still too great.

Protein content

Producers often have questions regarding

the protein content of maize silage. If protein

is the main nutrient lacking in your fodder

flow, then maize silage should not be your

first choice to supplement it. Options

such as lucerne, grass, and even oats

silage – especially if cut early – are better

producers of protein and will be discussed in

future articles.

However, when feeding large quantities

of maize silage to, for example, dairy cows,

the contribution to the total daily protein

is significant.


Fermentation and preservation

Maize silage is one of the easiest types of

silage to preserve, as the fermentation is

driven by lots of available water-soluble

carbohydrates (sugars). In general, maize

silage in South Africa achieves a low

enough pH, enough lactic acid, and just

the right amount of acetic acid, as can be

seen in Table 1.

However, what is not shown by these values,

is how quickly and efficiently these levels

were achieved, and this hides a large number

of losses that are incurred if the ensiling

process is taking place slowly, regardless of

whether the numbers look good in the end.

Maize silage still offers one of the best

options for high-quantity and high-quality

roughage production and storage, in all

livestock systems.

Table 1.

Parameter Average Minimum Maximum

Dry matter (DM) 37,50 27,00 53,52

Starch (%DM) 29,95 17,70 40,50

Water-soluble carbohydrates – sugar (%DM) 3,58 1,10 9,20

Acid detergent fibre (%DM) 26,95 21,50 33,60

Amylase-treated neutral detergent fibre (%DM) 44,38 36,60 52,70

Lignin (%DM) 3,11 2,37 4,12

Ash (%DM) 3,54 2,14 6,45

Total digestible nutrients (%DM) 70,16 64,00 75,90

Crude protein (%DM) 7,21 5,20 9,20

pH 3,80 3,53 4,17

Lactic acid (%DM) 5,72 3,03 8,77

Acetic acid (%DM) 2,19 0,14 4,95


Grown with

precision and

passion.

GWK Lucerne

Contact our team for more information about the best quality lucerne:

Management Team:

Lucerne and Animal Feeds: Beyers Mallo 082 600 8476

Contractor Services: Albertus de Wet 082 448 3463

Marketing:

Western Cape: Daniel Breytenbach 082 941 4817

Mpumalanga: Manie Bloem 082 413 7512

KwaZulu-Natal: Wickus Fouche 071 683 1439

Northern Cape: Jaco Marais 082 430 3365

Eastern Cape: Wickus Fouche 071 683 1439

Limpopo: Louis Twigge 082 567 9797

Southern Cape: Donnie Britz 082 805 2468


Lusern_210 x 280mm.indd 1 2025/07/10 11:52

PRECISION DAIRY COW

NUTRITION utilising

methionine supplementation

By Ranier van Heerden, ruminant business manager, sub-Saharan Africa, Evonik Africa (Pty) Ltd

Dairy producers face constant pressure

to operate more efficiently, with

substantial focus on protein and

amino acid nutrition. This is mainly due to the

environmental impact of excessive nitrogen

excretion, high protein supplement costs,

and growing public demand for milk protein.

These challenges can partially be addressed

by using rumen-protected methionine as

a valuable nutritional tool to meet cows’

amino acid requirements more effectively,

reduce nitrogen excretion, and improve cow

performance and health.

Introduction

Dairy cows need specific post-ruminally

absorbed amino acids (AA), not crude protein

(CP) itself, while rumen microbes need various

nitrogen (N) compounds, such as rumendegradable

protein (RDP), peptides, AA,

urea, and ammonia. When formulating dairy

diets, a main goal is to optimise the AA profile

and supply of metabolisable protein (MP)

reaching the cow’s small intestine, especially

for the essential AA methionine (Met).

Biologically, better cow performance, health,

and sustainability can be achieved through

AA balancing. This can be done by lowering

dietary CP, optimising rumen fermentation

and microbial protein production, improving

the flow of essential AA (EAA) to the small

intestine, increasing absorbed AA efficiency,

and modifying rumen microflora, especially

those involved in peptide degradation

and AA deamination. Research shows that

ignoring AA in formulation often results

in expensive diets high in CP, poorer

performance and reproduction, and more


N excreted into the environment. Balancing

for AA is more widely accepted because of

its positive effects on lactation performance,

reproduction, future lactations, and calf

performance (Cardoso, 2021), especially for

Met (Batistel et al., 2017).

Why do we tend to

overfeed dietary CP?

Methionine and lysine (Lys) are consistently

identified as the two most limiting EAA for

lactating dairy cows (Lean et al., 2018). To

address these limitations, nutritionists often

use high-quality plant- or animal-based

protein supplements in a ‘shotgun’ approach

to improve the level and AA profile of

duodenal MP and reach an optimal Lys:Met

ratio. However, studies increasing rumenundegradable

protein or RUP have shown

mixed results, often due to excess dietary CP

and/or AA imbalance. Crude protein can be

divided into sub-classes based on digestion

rates, including rumen degradation and

passage rates. Rumen microbes also need

fermentable metabolisable energy to ferment

fibre to volatile fatty acids (acetic, propionic,

and butyric acids), which supply between

60–75% of the cow’s daily metabolisable

energy requirements. Microbial protein

makes up 50–80% of total MP flowing to

the small intestine, where it is broken down

to AA, absorbed by the cow, and used for

maintenance, growth, gestation, and lactation.

Each AA is absorbed and used with varying

efficiencies, depending on cow status,

performance level, and diet composition.

Suggestions and recommendations

for protein and AA nutrition

» Establish an optimal EAA concentration

in MP: Formulate diets according

to lactation stage, production level,

pregnancy status, and production system

(see Table 1). Lower-producing cows, such

as those in late lactation, need less protein

and AA than high-producing or earlylactation

cows. Expressed as % of MP on an

energy basis: Met 1,15–1,19 g/Mcal ME, and

Lys 3,10–3,20 g/Mcal ME.

» Optimise rumen function and microbial

protein yield: Microbial protein has

a superior AA profile (Sok et al., 2017),

particularly for Lys and Met. Formulate

diets to maximise MCP yield. Monitor

histidine levels, which can be low in grassand

legume-based diets. Keep rumen

N over 115% of requirements to support

MCP production.

» Supplement Mepron® as source of

rumen-protected methionine: Mepron®

is an efficient source of protected Met. It

is a mini pellet (1,8 × 3–4 mm) with 85%

DL-methionine. With 80% rumen protection

and 90% digestibility, Mepron® delivers

60% metabolisable Met using specialised

ethylcellulose coating. It remains stable

during mixing, conveying, and in low pH

diets like silage.

Mepron® is the most efficient

rumen-protected methionine

source for ruminants:

Methionine supplements are usually

grouped as either lipid-matrix or coatprotected

products. Lipid sources use fat

to carry Met, are often cheaper than coatprotected

products, but deliver a lower Met

concentration and have limited post-ruminal

release and absorption. For this reason,

nutritionists and producers usually prefer

coat-protected options (e.g. ethylcellulose

and pH-sensitive types). Mepron’s action

relies on soaking and abrasion, releasing

Met slowly, while pH-sensitive products

release Met rapidly in the abomasum,

causing a marked but short-lived blood

spike. Ethylcellulose provides slow-release,

maintaining elevated Met blood levels over

PROMOSIE ARTIKEL • ADVERTORIAL

time without a spike. Patton et al., 2022,

showed in a meta-analysis that a high blood

spike does not correlate with improved

cow performance. Table 2 shows a study

comparing market-available protected Met

products (pH sensitive versus ethylcellulose)

across 36 studies. Cows fed Mepron®

(ethylcellulose) produced more milk protein

(37 g versus 16 g) and more fat (24 g versus

2 g) than cows fed with a pH-sensitive

product. Cows fed Mepron® also produced

more milk (350 g/d), while pH-sensitive-fed

cows produced less (−220 g/d). Mepron®

increases milk protein yield, milk fat yield, and

total milk production.

Effects of supplementing

rumen-protected methionine

in dairy cow diets

Methionine plays several key roles in

metabolism that can boost cow performance,

help cows transition into lactation, improve

reproduction, and benefit calf performance

through carry-over effects:

» Improves cow performance (milk volume,

persistency, and solids) and nitrogen use

efficiency when feeding modern, low CP

diets and/or during heat stress (Patton,

2010; Guyader et al., 2023; De Oliveira

et al., 2024).

» Pre-and post-partum RPM

supplementation increases pre-partum dry

matter intake (DMI), lactation performance

(yield, protein concentration, and energycorrected

milk), reduces negative energy

and protein balance pre-and postpartum,

and improves cow health (Batistel

et al., 2018).

» Methionine is vital for protein synthesis,

enzyme production, antioxidants, and is

a methyl donor for choline and carnitine

synthesis, both key in lipid metabolism

(Chandler & White, 2017).

» Supplementation of RPM during the

periparturient period and early lactation

improves liver function, inflammation

status, and oxidative stress by lowering

blood fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate

(BHB) levels, and boosting neutrophil and

monocyte function (Batistel et al., 2017 &

Han et al., 2018).


» Blood, milk, and liver biomarkers show that

part of RPM’s effect on milk production

comes from improved immune status and

liver function (Vailati-Riboni et al., 2017).

» Balancing diets for EAA with RPM

boosts skeletal muscle gene activity

related to nutrient transport, energy

generation, tissue protein replenishment,

and antioxidant responses during the

periparturient period (Thanh et al., 2023).

» Supplementation with RPM supports

embryo viability and implementation by

increasing lipid content, embryo volume,

and DNA methylation (Bonilla et al., 2010),

and lowers pregnancy losses (Toledo

et al., 2017).

» Adding RPM increases the use of some AA

and improves protein efficiency of others

(Vailati-Riboni et al., 2019).

» Methionine improves calf performance

through foetal programming, acting

as a methyl donor (epigenetics and

DNA methylation) and mTOR regulator,

enhancing cell growth and nutrient transfer

from mother to foetus (Krog et al., 2018 &

Ma et al., 2019).

» Cows supplemented with RPM during

gestation and transition have calves that

are heavier at birth, grow better (average

daily gain), and have improved hindgut

health and function (Elolimy et al., 2019;

Urie et al., 2018).

Conclusion:

Optimising the quantity and quality of

MP and metabolisable EAA in dairy diets

through modern formulation and nutritional

strategies can significantly improve cow

performance, reproduction, and health. This

also benefits future lactations and calf health

and performance, boosting the efficiency,

sustainability, and profitability of the entire

production system.

Table 1 Recommended methionine and lysine concentration in MP¹ (%)

mLys¹ (%MP³) mMet² (% MP) Ratio

yield focused

6,90–7,10 2,60–2,70 2,65–2,72

Content focused

6,75–6,85 2,85–2,90 2,35–2,40

¹NDS Professional (CNCPS v6.5/v6.55; ²mLys: metabolisable lysine; ³mMet: metabolisable methionine;

³MP: metabolisable protein

Table 2 Meta-analysis on different rumen-protected methionine sources¹

Parameter Coating type Mean P

DMI (kg/d) Ethylcellulose −0,01 NS

pH sensitive 0,04 NS

Milk (kg/d) Ethylcellulose 0,35 <0,001

pH sensitive −0,22 NS

True milk protein (%) Ethylcellulose 0,06 NS

pH sensitive 0,08 NS

True milk protein (g/d) Ethylcellulose 37 NS

pH sensitive 16 NS

Milk fat (%) Ethylcellulose −0,01 NS

pH sensitive −0,02 NS

Milk fat (g/d) Ethylcellulose 24 NS

¹Adapted from Patton, 2010; ²DMI: dry matter intake

pH sensitive −2 NS


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

BECAUSE IT’S ABOUT

PROFITABILITY

Creating generations of healthy cows.

The key to profitable milk production is in the details. Paying close attention to levels of

methionine in the diet helps to support herd health and production through supporting

the immune system and metabolic functions. Mepron®, the most efficient methionine

source for ruminants, delivers 60% metabolizable methionine. As an essential amino

acid, this micro-nutrient plays a big part in supporting a smooth lactation, so use Mepron®

to get the most from your herd for a profitable future.

Sciencing the global food challenge | evonik.click/mepron

Act 36 of 1947 registration: V19122

ranier.van-heerden@evonik.com


Caring for

REPLACEMENT

HEIFERS

in the cold

When dairy farmers think about

animals impacted by cold stress,

calves are often the first that

come to mind. Their smaller size

and limited fat reserves make

them especially vulnerable

to harsh winter conditions.

However, it is important to

remember that cold stress does

not just affect calves – it can

also significantly impact heifers.

Younger animals, like post-weaned

heifers, are particularly susceptible

as they have less developed coats

and higher energy needs to maintain their

core body temperature. For dairy farmers,

understanding the signs of cold stress and

implementing preventative measures across

all age groups in the herd is essential for

maintaining health, productivity, and growth

during the winter months.

While calves often receive extra attention,

ensuring proper care for heifers and older

animals can make a big difference in the

overall success of the operation during the

colder seasons.

For these replacements to grow and thrive,

dairy farmers must take proactive steps to

prevent cold stress and minimise associated

health issues.

Understanding cold stress

While lactating cows are relatively tolerant of

cold temperatures and can handle conditions

below 0 °C when equipped with a heavy

winter coat, young heifers face challenges at

colder temperatures.

Usually, a heifer’s winter coat, plus their

natural metabolic processes, like rumination,

can keep them warm, but during extremely

cold temperatures – especially if there is

inadequate housing, lack of dry bedding,

insufficient nutrition, or a combination of

these – heifers may experience cold stress.

Dry, well-bedded pens are essential to help

heifers tolerate winter conditions. Bedding

materials like straw, shavings, or maize fodder

should be clean, dry, and absorbent to

retain body heat.



One way to test the dryness of heifer pens

is the knee test. To do this, you will have to

drop to your knees in several areas around the

pen. If your knees are still clean and dry after

10–15 seconds of kneeling on the bedding,

then the bedding is sufficient. But if your

pants are dirty or damp, more fresh bedding

should be added.

Wet or muddy coats reduce the insulating

properties of a heifer’s hair, also increasing

their susceptibility to cold stress. Excess

manure or mud buildup should prompt

farmers to add fresh bedding or clean pens

more frequently.

Additionally, heifer housing should allow

for adequate air exchange without creating

draughts. Insufficient ventilation can increase

the risk of respiratory diseases like bovine

respiratory disease, which is expensive to

treat and can delay a heifer’s growth and

first calving.

Proper heifer housing is another critical

factor to consider during cold weather.

Housing should shield heifers from

environmental extremes such as harsh wind,

rain and hail, and freezing temperatures

while maintaining a comfortable and healthy

environment.

One key aspect of housing is ventilation.

While barns and shelters must prevent

draughts, they should also allow for proper

air exchange to reduce humidity and prevent

the buildup of harmful gases like ammonia.

It is essential to monitor heifers for signs

of respiratory distress, such as coughing,

laboured breathing, or nasal discharge, as

these could indicate inadequate airflow or

other health issues. If respiratory problems

are detected, improving ventilation should

be a priority.

Nutrition for winter growth

In colder weather, heifers expend more

energy to stay warm, making proper nutrition

vital. Farmers should aim for daily growth

rates of 0,8 kg for large breeds and 0,6 kg for

smaller breeds to ensure heifers reach optimal

breeding size.

Research has shown that undersized heifers

may calve later than the desired age range

of between 22 and 24 months. These smaller

heifers tend to be more prone to calving

problems and less productive. Farmers should

work with their nutritionist to make sure that

their heifers have enough energy in their diet

to help protect them from the cold weather

and to ensure proper growth.

Water access

Water availability is another critical factor in

winter care. Frozen or excessively cold water

can limit intake, reducing feed consumption

and energy availability. Dairy heifers between

the ages of 5 and 24 months will drink about

14 to 36 litres of water per day. Monitoring for

frozen water is important during extremely

colder temperatures.

Why it matters

Investing in proper heifer care during

winter ensures these replacements grow

to their genetic potential and transition

into productive lactating cows. By focusing

on housing, bedding, nutrition, and water,

farmers can safeguard their herd’s health,

prevent growth setbacks, and optimise

future productivity. Taking these steps

helps ensure your heifers thrive, even in the

coldest months.

Heifers housed outside also

need special attention

Heifers housed outdoors need to have access

to either natural or constructed windbreaks.

Wind significantly reduces the actual

temperature, increasing cold stress on heifers.


ALGEHELE

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skoonmaak - middels, ontsmettingsmiddels

en spesialis oplossings vir:

• Massatenks • Melkmasjiene

• Vervaardigingsaanlegte

011 708 0209

info@bransonchemicals.co.za

www.bransonchemicals.co.za



COLOSTRUM

ASSESSMENT

Good-quality colostrum

is vital to give newborn

animals the best start in life.

Colostrum is the first milk produced

by the cow after giving birth. It

contains higher levels of antibodies

– specifically immunoglobulin G (IgG) – than

the milk produced for the rest of the lactation.

These antibodies are vital for providing

adequate passive immunity to the offspring,

protecting it from illness and infectious

diseases during the first few weeks of life

while the newborn animal’s own immune

system develops.

Colostrum is normally thicker and more

yellowish in colour than regular milk (Figure 1).


Antibody transfer

In some species, IgG can be transferred

from the mother to the offspring across the

placenta during pregnancy. This means that

the animal already has some protection

from disease at birth. However, due to the

structure of the placenta in ruminants and

horses, no antibody transfer occurs before

birth. These animals are entirely reliant on an

adequate intake of high-quality colostrum

shortly after birth (Farrell, 2021).

Immunoglobulin G is a protein, and

protein molecules are typically broken down

by enzymes in the digestive tract before they

are absorbed into the bloodstream. If this

were to happen to the IgG in colostrum, its

ability to prevent disease would be lost. The

cells lining the gut of the newborn animal

are able to absorb IgG antibodies intact

for a short period after birth. This transfer

mechanism peaks at about six hours of age

and then begins to decline rapidly from 12

hours. It is completely lost by 24 hours of

age. There is, therefore, only a short window

of opportunity for the IgG to enter the

newborn animal’s bloodstream intact and

confer disease resistance (McCue, 2014).

late pregnancy, or have a chronic or painful

condition, e.g. lameness, will produce poorerquality

colostrum.

Evaluating colostrum quality

Colour and consistency are unreliable

indicators of IgG concentration and should

not be relied on. Instead, IgG levels can be

assessed by measuring the density of the

colostrum, as a higher density correlates

with greater IgG levels. Colostrum density

can be easily assessed:

1. Brix refractometer

2. Digital refractometer

3. Colostrometer (also called a densimeter)

Brix refractometer

Colostrum intake

A healthy newborn calf should be on its feet

and nursing from its mother within an hour

of birth. Weak individuals, orphans, or those

that are to be bucket-fed – e.g. dairy calves

– may need you to administer colostrum

to them. As a rule of thumb, the newborn

animal should receive 10% of its body weight

in colostrum within the first six hours of

life, split into two doses – so, 4 litres for a

40 kg calf, administered in 2 × 2 litre feeds

(McCue, 2019).

Colostrum volume alone is not the only

factor that should be considered, as the IgG

concentration is highly variable. The IgG

concentration will be lower if it is the cow’s

first pregnancy. Dairy cows produce larger

volumes of milk than beef cattle, so their

colostrum is typically more diluted. Cows

that are thin, sick, eating a low-energy diet in

A Brix refractometer scale

A refractometer is a device that measures

the density of a liquid by measuring how

much a beam of light is bent (refracted) as

it passes through it. A Brix refractometer

has a single scale that is viewed by holding

the refractometer up to the light and

looking through it.

The scale typically reads from 0–30% (see

image below) and the table on the following

page is used to assess the colostrum quality

based on the Brix percentage obtained.



Brix refractometer reading lgG concentration Colostrum quality

<15% 0–28 g/I Poor

15–20% 28–50 g/I Borderline

20–30% 50–80 g/I Good

>30% >80 g/I Excellent

Assessing colostrum

The equipment needed to assess colostrum

quality with a Brix refractometer:

The procedure for using a Brix refractometer

to assess colostrum quality:

The two other options to assess colostrum

quality are a digital refractometer and a

colostrometer or densimeter.

Digital refractometers

Digital refractometers are easy to use. You

just need to place a few drops of well-mixed

colostrum in the testing well, close over

the lid, and the result is displayed on the

screen after a few seconds. However, these

instruments may give inaccurate readings at

low temperatures, require batteries, and are

vulnerable to damage if dropped, so the Brix

refractometer may be a more suitable option

for use on-farm or patient-side.

A colostrometer

A digital Brix

refractometer –

colostrum is placed

in the circular well

and the quality

reading is displayed

on the screen as

a percentage.

A colostrometer is a glass instrument that is

placed in a graduated cylinder of colostrum.

The higher the IgG concentration, the

denser the colostrum will be, causing the

colostrometer to float higher in the cylinder.

The colostrum quality is read off a coloured

scale on the neck of the instrument. While

accurate, these instruments require a much

larger volume of colostrum (at least 30 mL)

than either of the refractometer models and

they are very fragile and easily broken.

Calibrating refractometers

Calibration of Brix and digital refractometers

should be routinely performed to ensure

the readings obtained are accurate (Farrell,

2021). A few drops of distilled water are

placed on the instrument, and the reading

checked – the result obtained should be 0%

(as distilled water does not refract light due to

the absence of dissolved solids). Remove the

water by gently dabbing it with tissue before

proceeding to test the colostrum sample.

References

Farrell, S. (2021). Providing adequate

colostrum for foals and RVN’s role.

Veterinary Ireland Journal. 11(6),

pp.350–354.


SCAN or

CLICK to listen

WATER:

wat die melkboer

moet weet

Nou, meer as ooit, besef Suid-Afrikaners

dat ons skaars watervoorrade onder

toenemende druk verkeer. As ons

’n volhoubare toekoms wil bou, is die

doeltreffende en verstandige gebruik van

water noodsaaklik. Die landbousektor is nie

net ’n belangrike rolspeler in Suid-Afrika se

ekonomie nie, maar gebruik ook meer as

60% van die land se watervoorrade. Landbou

speel ’n deurslaggewende rol om die gehalte

van beide oppervlak- en grondwaterbronne

te handhaaf en moet stappe doen om

die doeltreffendheid van watergebruik

te verbeter.

Die regsraamwerk

Die Nasionale Waterwet (36 van 1998),

(NWW) verskaf die regsraamwerk vir die

doeltreffende en volhoubare bestuur van

ons waterbronne. Al is water ’n natuurlike

hulpbron wat aan alle mense behoort, erken

die Wet dat die diskriminerende wette en

praktyke van die verlede gelyke toegang tot

en gebruik van water verhoed het. Die Wet

verleen aan die nasionale regering algehele

verantwoordelikheid vir en gesag oor die

nasie se waterhulpbronne: om die gebruik

van water, die beskerming van watergehalte

en die toekenning van water te bestuur, en

die geïntegreerde bestuur van waterbronne

met die deelname van alle belanghebbendes

te bevorder.

Die Departement van Water en Sanitasie

(DWS) is die bewaarder van Suid-Afrika se

waterbronne. Die Minister van Water en

Sanitasie is namens die nasionale regering

die openbare trustee van waterbronne en

het oorhoofse verantwoordelikheid vir alle

aspekte van waterbronbestuur in Suid-

Afrika. Die DWS is verantwoordelik daarvoor

om te bepaal hoeveel water gebruik word,

deur wie, en waar om te meet hoeveel water

inderwaarheid beskikbaar is vir gebruik.

Kategorieë vir watergebruik

Daar is vier kategorieë waterregte – wat die

grondslag vorm van die wetlike reg tot water.

1. Skedule 1

Skedule 1-watergebruike is oor die

algemeen laevolume-, lae-impak-aktiwiteite

wat saamhang met huishoudelike

gebruik, watervoorsiening aan vee,

ontspanningsgebruik en die gebruik van

water vir noodsituasies. Hierdie watergebruik

is toelaatbaar en verg nie lisensiëring of

registrasie nie.



2. Bestaande wettige gebruik

Voordat die NWW in 1998 gepromulgeer is,

is watergebruik deur die Waterwet (54 van

1956) beheer. As ’n algemene reël word

alle watergebruik voor 1998 ingevolge die

NWW as bestaande wettige gebruik (ELU)

geag. Toepaslike rekords soos ontwerpe vir

besproeiingsinfrastruktuur moet egter in plek

wees om te bewys dat die watergebruik voor

1998 bestaan het, en die ELU moet deur die

DWS geverifieer en geldig verklaar wees. Alle

ELU’s moet geregistreer wees.

3. Algemene magtiging

Daar is ’n Regeringskennisgewing vir elke

watergebruikaktiwiteit wat die grense en

voorwaardes stel waarvoor ’n watergebruik

ingevolge ’n algemene magtiging (GA)

toelaatbaar is. ’n GA vervang die behoefte

dat ’n watergebruiker ingevolge artikel 21 van

die NWW vir ’n lisensie aansoek moet doen. ’n

GA word aan ’n spesifieke ligging gekoppel,

met verskillende grense wat per kwaternêre

opvangsgebied gestel word. Die GA’s wat

moontlik op melkboere van toepassing kan

wees, word hieronder gelys.

Watergebruik

Berging en besproeiing van afvalwater –

Let wel – die GA maak voorsiening vir die afvoer

van afvalwater vanaf melkboerdery-aktiwiteite

tot slikdamme wat op of buite die perseel is en

besproeiing met afvalwater onder spesifieke

toestande, byvoorbeeld:

Die slikdam moet meer as 100 m weg van ’n

stroom wees en meer as 500 m van ’n vleiland.

Onttrekking van oppervlakwater en grondwater

Let wel – voorsiening word gemaak dat

verskillende volumes volgens die GA onttrek

mag word, na gelang van die kwaternêre

opvanggebied waarbinne die plaas geleë is.

Belemmer/keer vloei weg binne waterloop of

opvanggebied

Let wel – hierdie GN brei die vereistes vir

watergebruiklisensie uit na alle ontwikkelings

van medium tot hoë risiko binne 500 m van

’n vleiland.

Berging van skoon water (damme)

Let wel – verskillende volumes mag volgens

GA geberg word, na gelang van die kwaternêre

opvanggebied waarbinne die plaas geleë is.

GN nr. en datum

GN 665, September 2013 – Hersiening van algemene

magtigings ingevolge artikel 39 van die Nasionale Waterwet

(36 van 1998) (“die Wet”)

http://extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/pdf/saf126916.pdf

GN 538, 2 September 2016 – Hersiening van algemene

magtiging om water te neem en te berg

http://www.kwanalu.co.za/wp-content/

uploads/2016/11/40243_gen538.pdf

GN 509, 26 Augustus 2016 – Belemmer of keer die vloei

van water in ’n waterloop af (afdeling 21(c)), of verander die

bedding, oewer, loop of eienskappe van ’n waterloop (afdeling

21(i)) van die Nasionale Waterwet ( 36 van 1998).

http://www.gov.za/sites/www.gov.za/files/40229_gen509.pdf

GN 538, 2 September 2016 – Hersiening van algemene

magtiging om water te neem en te berg

http://www.kwanalu.co.za/wp-content/

uploads/2016/11/40243_gen538.pdf

4. Watergebruiklisensie

Afdeling 21 van die NWW lys alle

watergebruik-aktiwiteite wat ’n

watergebruiklisensie (WUL) vereis en

is onderworpe aan ’n aansoek om ’n

watergebruiklisensie (WULA)-proses.

’n WULA word vereis as:

• die watergebruik die grense van

skedule 1 oorskry;

• die watergebruik ná 1998 plaasgevind het

/ beplan word om ná 1998 plaas te vind

(nuwe watergebruik);

• die watergebruik die grense wat uiteengesit

word in die regeringskennisgewing oor

algemene magtigings oorskry.

Die volgende landboubedrywighede is

voorbeelde van watergebruike wat moontlik

’n WUL vereis:


Watergebruik-aktiwiteit volgens NWA

S21 (a) Neem water uit ’n waterbron

S21 (b) Berging van water

S21 (c) Belemmer of keer die vloei van water

in ’n waterloop weg

S21 (d) Neem deel aan ’n aktiwiteit wat die

stroomvloei verminder

S21 (e) Neem deel aan ’n beheerde aktiwiteit

S21 (g) Raak ontslae van afval op ’n manier

wat ’n nadelige impak op ’n waterbron kan hê

S21 (i) Verander die bedding, oewers, loop of

eienskappe van ’n waterloop

Potensiële relevansie

Onttrekking uit rivier, boorgat, dam in betekenisvolle volumes,

soos vereis vir kommersiële landbou

Berging in damme (skoon water) in betekenisvolle volumes soos

vereis vir kommersiële landbou

Konstruksie van damme in die stroom; konstruksie van brûe

en keerwalle

Bebossing (kommersiële hout)

Besproeiing met afvalwater buite die grense wat in

die regeringskennisgewing oor algemene magtiging

uiteengesit word.

Konstruksie van septiese tenks en syferwegruimstelsels wat

verbind word met melkerye, personeelbehuising, kantore, ens.

Konstruksie van damme in die stroom; konstruksie van brûe

en keerwalle

Die WULA-proses sluit ’n openbare

deelnameproses, sterk BBBEEE-motivering

en spesialisstudies in (bv. geohidrologies,

hidrologies, vloedlyn, waterloopafbakening

verrekeningstudies) om die volhoubaarheid

van die voorgestelde watergebruik te bepaal.

’n Omvattende verslag moet aan die DWS vir

hul goedkeuring voorgelê word, onderworpe

aan die beskikbaarheid van vrylopende

water in die opvangsgebied. Die aansoeker is

verantwoordelik vir alle onkoste wat tydens die

WULA-proses aangegaan is.

Registrasie van watergebruike

Alle waterregte/goedkeurings soos hierbo

uiteengesit (behalwe dié onder skedule

1) moet by die DWS geregistreer wees. Dit

vorm die grondslag van die administrasie

en rekordhoudingstelsel van die nasionale

watertoekenning.

Let wel dat ’n registrasie nie dieselfde as

’n waterreg of goedkeuring is nie! Dit wil sê,

onwettige watergebruik (d.w.s. watergebruik

wat nie onder skedule 1, ELU, GA val nie

of nie gelisensieer is nie) kan nog steeds

gelisensieer word. Die registrasiedokument

stel dit dat ‘wettigheid nog bepaal moet word’.

Hierdie dokumente moet nie met waterregte

verwar word nie!

Die registrasieproses

Die registrasieproses word deur die soort

waterverbruik bepaal, maar bestaan gewoonlik

uit die volgende stappe:


I. Voorlegging van registrasie-aansoek op die

toepaslike vorms aan DWS

II. DWS assesseer die aansoek

III. Registrasie van watergebruik word

aangeteken op grond van die:

• bestaande wettige gebruik;

• algemene magtiging;

• watergebruiklisensie; of

• wettigheid wat nog bepaal moet word.

Alle persone of liggame wat moet registreer,

kan by die volgende skakel in verbinding

tree met enige van die streekkantore van die

DWS: (//www.dwa.gov.za/Projects/WARMS/

contacts.aspx).

Daar is geen registrasiefooi nie. Sodra

die vorm ingevul is, word ’n getekende

registrasiesertifikaat uitgereik aan

watergebruikers wat suksesvol geregistreer is

en sal betaling vir watergebruik begin.

Boere word aangemoedig om hulle

volledig op hoogte te bring met die V&Vproses

as ’n manier om hul ELU op die plaas

te bekom. Die DWS-webwerf bevat verskeie

insiggewende brosjures as u meer klarigheid

oor bogenoemde wil hê. Boonop kan u met

spesialiskonsultante in aanraking kom om met

die proses te help.

Al is die regsraamwerk om wetlike

watertoekennings te verkry glad nie

eenvoudig nie, kan die belangrikheid daarvan

nie genoeg beklemtoon word nie. Groter druk

op waterbronne en groter monitering deur die

DWS om te bepaal of daar aan die vereistes

voldoen word, is ons voorland.


LUMPY SKIN

DISEASE (LSD)

Immunisation breaks

the chain of lumpy skin

disease virus transmission

By Dr Beate F von Teichman, Design Biologix

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a vector-borne disease of

cattle caused by a poxvirus that is transmitted by bloodfeeding

arthropod vectors into the skin of its target host.

The disease outcome has a substantial economic impact

on animal productivity, resulting in decreased milk and

meat production, abortions, infertility, and damaged

cattle skins. Large-scale and timely immunisation of

cattle is the most effective control measure to prevent

infections and to stop the spread of LSD.

Live attenuated homologous vaccines

have been trusted over many

decades to control LSD. Successful

vaccination and herd protection does

require timely vaccination and widescale

vaccination coverage.

Background

Nearly a century after first being reported

in Zambia in 1929, LSD has become a global

concern, having spread across the African

continent into the Middle East, Asia, and

Eastern Europe.

Outbreaks of LSD are associated with

high rainfall when vector populations are

abundant. The LSD virus is genetically stable,

with high genetic similarity within members

of the genus Capripox. It mainly infects cattle

and water buffalo, although the role of wildlife

species as potential reservoirs for the virus

has been reported based on detection of

genetic material and antibodies.

The major risk of virus transmission is

by blood-sucking insects, with the most

competent vectors being the stable fly

Stomoxys species (spp.) and Aedes aegypti

mosquito. Ticks of the Rhipicephalus spp.

play a crucial role in the transmission and

maintenance of LSD, because they can act as

both vectors and reservoir hosts, maintaining

the virus during cold seasons.

Transmission of the virus via excretion

in bull semen during natural breeding,

transplacental (intrauterine) transfer from dam

to foetus, lactogenic transmission through

milk, indirect contact via fomites, or direct

contact with infectious saliva is considered

to present a low risk. Although the virus has

a specific preference for the skin, it has been

isolated from multiple internal organs and

the blood of infected cattle. Movement of

asymptomatic, viraemic cattle may introduce

the disease over long distances and promote

the spread and transmission of the virus.


Lumpy skin disease progresses after

acute infection, with high and prolonged

fever, enlarged lymph nodes, formation

of generalised nodular skin lesions,

mucopurulent infectious discharge from the

eyes and nose, mucosal lesions and salivation,

pneumonia, oedema of the skin, reduced

weight gain, and emaciation. Thin-skinned,

high milk-producing breeds and young calves

are most severely affected. High prevalence of

insects significantly exacerbates the infection,

spread, and transmission of the virus.

Furthermore, LSD has significant

financial and trade (local and international)

implications for farmers and livestock markets.

It has a direct economic impact on production

through decreased milk and meat production,

poor reproduction through reduced animal

fertility, abortion in pregnant animals, and

damaged cattle hides. Lumpy skin disease

is therefore classified as a notifiable disease

by the World Organisation for Animal Health

(WOAH), and incidences must be reported to

veterinary authorities.

Arthropod-transmitted viral diseases are

challenging to the livestock industry due

to the complex epidemiological interplay

between the insect vector, the virus, and the

host. These diseases, which include LSD, are

sensitive to change in favourable climate

conditions, which allow for rapid geographic

expansion, virus survival and replication in

vectors, and transmission to cattle. Lumpy

skin disease is widespread and endemic

in Southern Africa, where outbreaks are

recorded annually in summer rainfall regions.

Control and prevention of LSD is only

achievable through prophylactic vaccination

prior to an outbreak season. In naïve herds,

early detection is critical, followed by rapid

vaccination coverage. Control of LSD also

depends on restriction of movement of cattle

and associated animal products in infected

regions and removal of clinically affected

animals. There is no evidence of successful

vector control.

LSD vaccination

Vaccination is the most effective measure for

LSD control, ensuring herd protection and

preventing entry and spread of the disease.

Since the 1960s, Southern Africa’s cattle

farmers relied on vaccines that contain live

attenuated Neethling or Neethling-type LSD

virus. Still, the disease remains endemic.

Reasons are multifaceted, including lack of

disease awareness, reporting, epidemiological

risk assessments and notifications,

implementation of LSD vaccination as part of

an annual vaccination programme, and the

lack of commitment to enforce restrictions of

animal movement. Successful disease control

requires 80–100% vaccination coverage,

consistency in vaccinating naïve animals, and

annual revaccination of adult stock to break

the chain of virus transmission.

Active immunisation of calves is

recommended at the age of three to four

months when born from vaccinated or

naturally infected mothers, the time when

maternal antibodies have declined or are

absent. In the face of an outbreak, calves born

from unvaccinated dams may be vaccinated

at any age. In general, live attenuated LSD

vaccines are safe for use in pregnant, healthy

cows or heifers and breeding bulls.

Photos: Dr Danie Odendaal



Clinically infected and recovered

animals will be naturally immunised. It is

recommended that recovering animals

receive an annual vaccination booster

irrespective of natural immunity.

Vaccination during an outbreak or periods

of high infection risk carries the potential risk

that cattle already incubating the virus may

develop clinical disease despite vaccination,

due to concurrent infection with the field

virus. Vaccination should thus be timely to

allow for development of protective immunity,

which may take approximately two to

three weeks.

Bovipox (Reg. No. G3861, Act 36/1947),

using the LSD Neethling-type vaccine strain,

is an excellent-quality vaccine, researched

for optimal protection of cattle against LSD

virus and safety for use in all age groups,

both sexes, and all breeds of cattle. The

vaccination induces protective antibody and

cellular immunity against viral challenges and

prevents clinical signs related to infection

with the virus.

Bovipox is manufactured by Design

Biologix, following international standards of

good manufacturing practices for veterinary

vaccines, and is presented in pack sizes of

10 and 100 doses and administered as a 1 mL

dose subcutaneously in the side of the neck.

A single dose of vaccine should confer good

and long-term protection to the vaccinated

animals three weeks after vaccination.

Conclusion

Vaccination against LSD ensures herd health

and productivity, sustainability, safe trade,

and minimises economic losses. Lumpy skin

disease vaccination must receive high priority

in cattle-directed vaccination programmes,

which should be designed based on

herd-specific needs and regional disease

reporting, in consultation with a production

animal veterinarian.

Bovipox: for lumpy skin disease

Bovipox Reg. No. G3861 (Act 36/1947)

For the prophylactic immunisation of cattle against lumpy skin disease (LSDV Neethling-type).

REGISTRATION HOLDER & MANUFACTURER: Design Biologix CC, Reg. No. 1992/028856/23

Bovipox The Dairy Mail Half Page ENG 142 x 100 mm Rev1.indd 1

2025/07/09 2:04 PM


SOMATIESESEL-

TELLING:

die impak en bestuur

Deur Suretha Francis,

SA Stamboek en

Japie van der Westhuizen,

GeneVision

Somatiesesel-telling (SST) is ’n baie

nuttige aanduiding van melkgehalte,

maar veral ook van uier- en ander

gesondheidstoestande.

Onder normale omstandighede is

ongeveer 20–25 % van die SST

epiteelselle wat vanuit die melk-alveoli

in die uier afkomstig is, terwyl die ander

75–80 % moontlik leukosiete, of anders gestel,

witbloedselle is, wat as die “soldate” daar is

om enige infeksie te beveg. Dit is dan ook

hierdie selle wat vinnig vermeerder indien

daar ontsteking in die uier of enige ander deel

van die liggaam ontstaan.

Melkboere word finansieel beloon vir lae

SSTtellings in die melk wat hulle verkoop, en

gepenaliseer vir hoë seltellings, omdat dit

’n aanduiding is van die gehalte melk wat

gelewer word.



Melkgehalte ten opsigte van SST word

gekwantifiseer as die aantal somatiese selle

per milliliter melk. ’n Laer SST-waarde dui

dus gewoonlik op ’n gesonder koei, omdat

somatiese selle dan slegs van binne die uier

afkomstig is. Dit is dus baie belangrik om SST

te monitor, want soos SST toeneem, neem die

melkproduksie ook gewoonlik af, hoofsaaklik

as gevolg van skade wat mastitispatogene en

hul gifstowwe aan die uierweefsel veroorsaak.

Dieselfde gebeur egter ook selfs as

ontsteking in ’n ander deel van die liggaam

voorkom, byvoorbeeld baarmoederontsteking

of vrotpootjie. Daar moet dus ook

in gedagte gehou word dat hoë SST in die

melk nie noodwendig altyd deur mastitis

veroorsaak word nie. Die moontlike oorsake

word weer later bespreek.

Baie diere met lae SST-waardes word egter

ook deur sommiges beskou as ’n teken van

koeie met swak immuunrespons. Dit is egter

nie noodwendig waar nie. Dit kan ook wees

dat daar ’n baie lae vlak van infeksie is. Die

immuunrespons word die beste gemeet

deur hoe vinnig die immuunstelsel reageer

wanneer infeksie wel voorkom, dus hoe vinnig

die wit bloedselle vermeerder en die SST styg.

Soos genoem, is een van die negatiewe

effekte van hoë SST die verlies van produksie.

Tabel 1 toon die gehalteverandering in melk,

verwagte melkverlies en moontlike infeksies

aan by verskillende SST-gemiddeldes.

TABEL 1: Melkgehalte, verwagte melkverlies en persentasies infeksies by

verskillende SST-vlakke.

SST-vlakke <100 K 100-200 K 200-500 K 500-800 K 800-1500 K >1500 K

Melkgehalte Uitstekend Goed

Kort

Aandag

Swak

Ernstig

Baie

ernstig

% Melkverlies <2 % 2-4% 4-8% 8-10% 10-35% >35%

% Uierkwarte

met infeksies

<1 % 1-6% 6-16% 16-26% 24-48% >48%

Teen die tyd dat die massatenk se SST

styg tot op ’n vlak waar die melkgehalte die

boer se inkomste nadelig beïnvloed, is die

probleem alreeds redelik groot. Die vraag

ontstaan dus onwillekeurig hoe die SST op

die plaas gemonitor word. Dikwels word dit

gedoen deur slegs weeklikse melkmonsters

uit die massatenk te neem. Tenkmonsters

mag moontlik ’n goeie aanduiding wees,

maar is ’n gemiddeld. Die gebruik van ’n

gemiddelde waarde is egter baie gevaarlik.

’n Vinnige voorbeeld: as jy jou een hand

op ’n warm plaat hou en jou ander hand in

’n bak ys, is die gemiddelde temperatuur

veronderstel om “reg” te wees. Ten spyte

van hierdie gemiddelde waarde sal die een

hand brand en die ander een vries. Die

SST-lesing van die massatenk kan moontlik

binne perke wees, maar daar is melk van

diere met hoë seltellings ook in die tenk. Die

diere moet dus geïdentifiseer word, en dit is

uiters noodsaaklik om koeie uit te wys wat die

grootste individuele bydrae tot die massatenk

se SST maak. ’n Algemene vuisreël wat by die

meeste kuddes geld, is dat 5% van die koeie ’n

bydrae van 50% van die somatiese selle in die

tenk lewer. Word elke koei se melk ten minste

een keer per maand vir SST getoets? Hoe

word die koeie met hoë somatiesesel-tellings

geïdentifiseer? Word daar rekord gehou van

hoe elke koei se SST-profiel wissel?


In Logix Melk word die persentasie bydrae

van elke koei se SST tot die kuddegemiddelde,

asook die potensiële verbetering indien die

koei se melk nie in die massatenk bygevoeg

word nie, bereken. Dit word as ’n aksielys

aan die deelnemers gestuur. Dit is dus

onmiddellik moontlik om elke enkele koei met

groot probleme te identifiseer, hierdie koeie

te isoleer en hul melk uit die tenk te hou.

Sodoende word die melkprys ook bestuur om

steeds die SST-bonus as melkprys te ontvang

en penalisering vir hoë SST te vermy.

Figuur 1 dui ’n tipiese voorbeeld aan waar

die somatiesesel-telling van 598 koeie saam

met hulle produksie bydra tot die totale

seltelling wat tot die massatenk gevoeg word.

Kumulatiewe somatiese selle in die massatenk

% Somatiese selle

3% Koeie dra 50% by tot die

somatiese selle in die massatenk

5,56 × 10⁹ Somatiese selle in tenk

% Koeie

Figuur 1: Proporsionele SST-bydrae tot die massatenk deur 598 koeie

Dit blyk duidelik uit Figuur 1 dat 3

persent (19 koeie) min of meer dieselfde

aantal somatiese selle tot die melk in die

massatenk bydra as die res (579 koeie). Dit

dui duidelik op die waarde van kennis oor elke

individuele koei se melksamestelling in die

gesondheidsbestuur, en selfs in die melkprys

vir die melkboer.

Moontlike redes vir hoë

SST-metings:

Die volgende redes kan bydra tot hoë

somatiesesel-tellings in die melk van

individuele koeie:

» Vroeg in die laktasie mag ’n koei se

melk ’n hoë SST-waarde toon, terwyl die

baarmoeder nog besig is om te herstel ná

die kalwingsproses. Met geen komplikasies

nie, dus onder normale omstandighede,

behoort dit binne 14 dae normaal te toets.

» Wanneer koeie onder voedingsdruk is, veral

in die vroeë laktasie tydens die negatiewe

energiefase, is daar vinnige onttrekking

van energie uit bronne in die liggaam

(“hulle liggame word afgemelk”). Dit sal die

immuunsisteem onder druk plaas, wat tot ’n

matige styging in die SST kan lei.

» Enige inflammasie of infeksies soos mastitis,

vrotpootjie of ander kan ook tot ernstige

stygings in die melk-SST van individuele

diere lei. Daar moet altyd in gedagte gehou

word dat die infeksies nie altyd tot die uier

beperk hoef te wees nie.



» Die SST van ouer koeie se melk styg

gewoonlik namate die uierweefsel meer

degenereer ná baie laktasies. Dit dui nie

noodwendig altyd op ontsteking nie,

maar eerder meer op degenerasie van

die weefsel.

» Stadium van die laktasie. Koeie wat baie

lank in laktasie bly, se SST neig ook om hoër

te wees aan die einde van die laktasie.

» Melkmasjiene wat nie optimaal

funksioneer nie, kan ook ’n groot styging

in die gemiddelde SST van die kudde

teweeg bring.

• Indien die pulsasie van die melkmasjien

nie reg is nie, kan dit veroorsaak dat die

melk-/rusfase van die masjien nie die

vereiste rusfase insluit nie en dus gedurig

’n vakuum by die speenpunt veroorsaak.

• Indien die speenpuntvakuum te hoog is,

kan die ring/sluitspier in die speenpunt

ook beskadig word. Dit kan soms

opgespoor word as daar ’n duidelike

ring op die speen voorkom waar die

kloustuk vassuig.

• Oormelking kan plaasvind wanneer die

kloustuk te lank op die speen bly en

melkvloei nie meer plaasvind nie. Met

elke pulsasie sal daar dus ’n vakuum

by die melkpunt gevorm word. Daar

moet in gedagte gehou word dat dit

ook plaasvind by outomatiese afhalers

wat op ’n sekere melkvloei afsluit, maar

waar die kloustuk eers ’n paar pulsasies

later afgehaal word. Die probleem word

meestal veroorsaak waar die melkvloei

baie laag gestel word en een kwart

dalk nog melkvloei veroorsaak terwyl

die ander reeds uitgemelk is. Die ander

kwarte word dus so oormelk.

» Dwaalspanning (stray electricity) kan stres

op die koeie plaas, wat veroorsaak dat

adrenalien afgeskei word en die oksitosien,

wat melklating induseer, teenwerk. Dit kan

veroorsaak dat koeie stadiger uitmelk en

langer aan die vakuum onderhewig is.

» Eksterne faktore wat stres veroorsaak,

soos lawaai, rowwe hantering en skielike

hanteringsveranderinge kan ook hoër

afskeidings van adrenalien veroorsaak, met

dieselfde gevolge as hierbo.

» Uierkonformasie kan daartoe bydra dat die

kloustukke nie goed pas nie, of uitsakking

van uiers tot gevolg het.

» Fisieke skade aan die spene of uier.

» Moontlike stresfaktore uit die omgewing

soos modder, hitte, oorbevolking

ensovoorts, en dus ook soms seisoenale

faktore, kan ’n effek op diere hê.

Dit is dus vir die melkboer belangrik om te

weet wat die tekortkominge is van die stelsel

of manier wat hy gebruik om te bepaal wat

hoë SST-probleme veroorsaak.

Verder moet duidelik onderskei word of

al die diere beïnvloed word, of net ’n sekere

groepe, of slegs enkeles.

Figuur 2 toon ’n voorbeeld waar slegs

die ouer diere beïnvloed word, maar waar

daar moontlik ook probleme was met

eerstelaktasiekoeie in ’n sekere stadium

of seisoen.


Figuur 2: Somatiesesel-telling per toetsdatum en laktasie (laktasies 1, 2 en 3+)

in ’n melkkudde

Dit illustreer baie duidelik dat daar verder

ondersoek ingestel moet word om die

probleem by die spesifieke groep diere te

identifiseer. Sonder individuele toetsing is

dit nie moontlik nie en kan dit tot uitermatige

verliese vir die kudde lei.

As deel van die oplossing kan dit moontlik

nodig wees om spesifieke antibiogramme

vir die koeie te neem. Dit is dus nodig om

so ’n protokol beskikbaar te hê om diere te

identifiseer waarvoor dit nodig is.

Somatiesesel-telling teikens.

In die ideale wêreld klink dit maklik om die

SST in ’n kudde te beheer deur aanbevole

praktyke te volg. Soos reeds uitgewys, is daar

egter baie faktore wat dit beïnvloed.

Normaalweg kan daar nie algemene teikens

vir alle kuddes gestel word nie, want dit sal

afhang van kuddes se spesifieke of huidige

SST-vlak. Ten einde die SST van die kudde

te verlaag, moet daar gepoog word om te

bepaal watter faktore die grootste oorsaak is

van die hoë SST. Dit kan dan die beginpunt

vir oplossings bied. Kundige hulp is van die

uiterste belang. Melkboere moet nie huiwer

om kenners se hulp in te roep om die faktore

te bepaal nie, aangesien dit nie altyd maklik

is om die rede binne die gewone opset te

identifiseer nie.

Vir kuddes met redelike goeie SST-waardes is

die volgende doelwitte haalbaar:

1. Verseker dat 64% van die koeie se melk

minder as 100 000 SST is.

2. Verseker verder dat 80% van die koeie se

melk onder 250 000 SST toets.

3. Die gemiddelde SST van die kudde behoort

minder as 150 000 te wees.

4. Verseker dat minder as 10% van

behandelde koeie weer mastitis kry.

Die raad is dus om volledige protokolle in

te stel, monitor diere deur individuele SSTtoetse,

monitor omstandighede waarbinne

die koeie moet produseer en waaraan hulle

blootgestel word. Meet en weet wat aangaan,

maar moenie net data versamel nie. Benut die

data ten volle. Trek ook al die kundiges op die

gebied in vir enige raad en bystand.

Ten slotte geld die praktiese boerereël:

Gelukkige koeie het ’n gelukkige eienaar,

wat aan ’n gelukkige verwerker sy

gehalteproduk lewer.



THREE KEY

production metrics

for dairy farms

By Daniel Scothorn

Upon entering a well-managed dairy

barn, the signs of excellence are

evident: a perfectly prepared total

mixed ration (TMR), calm and content cows,

excellent air quality, and optimal body

condition. Things may look good, however,

to truly assess the farm’s performance and

identify areas for improvement, it is essential

to examine key metrics.

Three critical metrics stand out: Feed

efficiency ratio (FER), kilograms of milk solids

produced (kg of butterfat plus kg of milk

protein), and dairy feed cost as a percentage

of milk income. Focusing on these areas

can lead to significant improvements in

farm performance, particularly with highgenetic

Holsteins.


What the numbers mean:

2,0 or higher: May indicate excessive

body fat loss, which can negatively affect

reproduction.

1,7 to 1,9: Excellent – suggests

efficient feed conversion and healthy

rumen function.

1,5 to 1,6: Good – but improvement

opportunities exist.

1. Feed efficiency ratio

Probably one of the best metrics to use

because it quantifies how well your diet is

working and is significantly influenced by

management factors like reproduction and

cow health! Feed efficiency ratio measures

how efficiently cows convert feed into milk. It

is calculated as:

FER = energy corrected milk (ECM)/

dry matter intake (DMI)

Energy corrected milk standardises milk

yield to 3,5% butterfat and 3,2% protein

using the following formula:

ECM (kg) = (0,327 × milk kg) +

(12,95 × fat kg) + (7,2 × protein kg)

This calculation enables consistent

comparisons across cows and herds with

varying milk compositions, providing a more

accurate measure than standard milk yield

alone. This directly impacts profitability by

showing how effectively feed is converted

into milk. Higher efficiency means more milk

from the same amount of feed. Additionally,

improved FER results in lower carbon

emissions per litre of milk.

1,4 or less: Concerning – often linked

to poor rumen health, long days in milk

(>200), high percentages of first-lactation

animals, and variable cow performance.

Ration formulation can have a major impact

on FER. The key is to aim for high intakes of

energy and protein. This involves optimising,

firstly, forage digestibility and quality by

focusing on key factors such as time of cut

and choosing varieties that will give a good

digestibility of NDF (30h dNDF). Ensure a

proper balance of starch (24% to 28%) and

sugar (total starch and sugar of 30% to 32%)

to promote optimal rumen fermentation. The

use of fatty acids, such as 300 g to 500g of

supplemental palmitic acid can also improve

FER. Protein quality should be adequate to

support cows peaking at 70 kg or greater

in early lactation. This means focusing on

metabolisable protein quality and paying

attention to essential amino acids.

Management factors leading to long days

in milk can negatively affect FER, as latelactation

cows tend to allocate more energy

to body condition gain rather than milk yield.

Maintaining good air quality with proper

cooling and airflow during heat stress can

also help sustain milk yield and components,

which will support FER during the summer.



2. Kilograms of fat +

protein yield

This metric refers to the total kilograms of

butterfat and protein produced. Milk solids

drive farm revenue. While high profitability

should guide decisions, this metric is highly

associated with income-over-feed cost. It is

calculated as:

Milk solids (kg) =

butterfat (kg) + protein (kg)

Top Canadian dairy farms are achieving

3,5 kg to 3,8 kg in 2025. Levels of 3,0 kg to

3,5 kg are considered excellent. While your

farm may not be reaching these levels yet,

the important thing is to look at where you

are today and discuss strategies with your

feeding and management team that can

positively influence this.

The dietary factors associated with

improving FER are similar to those needed

to influence fat-and-protein (F+P) yield. Also,

managing the feed bunk with frequent feed

push ups and ensuring 24-hour availability

of high-quality TMR or forage allows cows

to maximise intake per meal. This can be

monitored by dividing the average DMI

by the minutes of eating time, which is

commonly recorded by rumination monitoring

devices. Top dairy farms achieve 30 kg of

DMI or higher. Focus on your farm and how

to improve it.

Harvesting milk at optimal intervals can

influence solids production as well. In a

parlour or tie-stall, moving from twice-a-day

(2×) to three-times-a-day (3×) milking can

improve solids production per cow, assuming

the cows are not limited in the time allowed

to eat, as higher DMI is needed to support

higher milking frequency. Robotic milking

systems should aim for three milkings per

day and focus on the provision of very highquality

partial mixed ration and robot feed.

The amount of robot feed is not necessarily

associated with higher fat and protein

production, but rather with the overall intake

of total diet.

3. Dairy feed cost as a

percentage of milk income

This ratio compares total feed cost to the milk

revenue. It is calculated as:

Feed cost % =

(total feed cost/milk income) × 100

Start by calculating this monthly, or more

frequently. Then focus on figuring out the

factors that affect this on your farm. The

goal is highly dependent on the region

you are located in, milk pricing, and feed

component pricing. Aiming for 25% is ideal

for some regions, while 30% is considered

excellent in others.

The goal should be farm- and region-based,

rather than comparing with farms in different

milk pools or provinces.

» Cost control: Use high-quality homegrown

forage where possible. Monitor commodity

prices to buy inputs strategically.

» Feed management: Reduce shrink

and feed waste. Use consistent

feeding protocols.

» Precision feeding: Match feed to

production groups. Avoid overfeeding or

underfeeding.

Focusing on FER, kilograms of fat and protein,

and feed cost as a percentage of milk income

gives producers a clear path to improved

performance and sustainability. By fine-tuning

feeding strategies and herd management

practices, dairy farms can convert inputs into

profits more effectively — while ensuring cow

health and long-term viability.


OOGSIEKTE

wat versprei soos

’n veldbrand!

deur dr. Izak Venter

Aansteeklike bees-keratokonjunktivitis

(ABK), of alombekend as ‘pinkeye’, is ’n

algemene oogtoestand wat wêreldwyd

voorkom. Alle beesrasse kan aangetas

word, maar dit is meer algemeen onder

ligter gekleurde rasse en word hoofsaaklik

deur die staafvormige bakterium

Moraxella bovis (M bovis) veroorsaak.

Moraxella is die enigste bakterium in

diere wat ’n korneale (horingvlies-)

ulkus kan veroorsaak sonder

enige ander onderliggende oorsake soos

trauma of abnormale ooglede. Die toestand

het geweldige finansiële implikasies, soos

verlaagde speengewig by kalwers, ’n afname

in melkproduksie, behandelingskostes, en

’n verlies aan die herverkoopwaarde van

diere. Hoewel winteruitbrekings wel moontlik

is, kom ABK hoofsaaklik gedurende die

somermaande voor as gevolg van verhoogde

ultravioletstraling en vlieë gedurende die

somermaande.

Dit is egter ’n kuddesiekte en kan soos ’n

veldbrand in ’n kudde versprei, terwyl die

kliniese simptome beperk is tot die oog.



Oordrag

Die bron van infeksie is gewoonlik ’n nuwe dier

of ’n draerdier in die kudde. Draerdiere kan

asimptomaties wees. ’n Minder aggressiewe

vorm van die bakterium kan gedurende

die wintermaande in ’n kudde teenwoordig

wees sonder enige kliniese tekens van

die siekte. Tydens die aanvang van die

lente, en met verhoogde ultraviolet (UV-)

straling, kan daar ’n terugkeer na die meer

aggressiewe vorm wees.

M. bovis word oorgedra deur

dierehanteerders, direkte kontak met

besmette diere, en meganiese vektore

soos vlieë en motte. Tydens die aktiewe

infeksie-periode het geaffekteerde diere

erge tranerige oë, terwyl oogafskeidings die

organisme bevat wat maklik na die klere van

dierehanteerders en veeartse oorgedra kan

word. Sonder vlieë is die verspreiding van ABK

aansienlik stadiger.

Predisponerende faktore

Daar bestaan’n korrelasie tussen die

piekvoorkoms van ABK en piekvlakke van UVstraling.

Verhoogde UV-straling verhoog die

beskadiging van die oppervlakkige korneale

selle en gevolglike makliker infeksie deur

die organisme. Die aantal vlieë teenwoordig

korreleer verder met die infeksiekoers.

Die ouderdom van diere beïnvloed die graad

van infeksie. By diere jonger as twee jaar is

daar ’n groter risiko om die toestand op te

doen, en die kliniese simptome is gewoonlik

erger by jonger diere. Die ontwikkeling van

immuniteit is waarskynlik die rede hiervoor.

’n Tekort aan sekere voedingstowwe soos

vitamien A, koper en selenium kan ook tot ’n

verhoogde infeksiekoers aanleiding gee.

Kliniese tekens

Tydens die vroeë stadiums van die toestand

is die enigste sigbare tekens tranerige en

ligsensitiewe oë, met moontlike rooi en

geswolle konjunktivas. Binne 24 tot 48 uur

ná die aanvang van kliniese tekens kan die

sentrale kornea ’n klein oppervlakkige ulkus

ontwikkel. Die ulkus verander binne dae tot

’n klein, bleek, geel tot wit abses naby die

middel van die kornea wat vinnig vergroot

of tot ’n ovaalvormige ulkus aanleiding gee

(figuur 1 en 2).

Figuur 1: Groot ovaalvormige korneale ulkus

sigbaar met die begin van bloedvate wat in

die kornea ingroei.

Bloedvat-infiltrasie in die kornea begin vinnig

en binne sewe tot nege dae na aanvang van

die infeksie omring die bloedvate dikwels die

totale korneale letsel. Daar kom ook gewoonlik

erge inflammasie van strukture binne-in

die oog voor. Die oogafskeiding verander

van tranerig na ’n slymerige, smetterige

afskeiding (figuur 2)


Behandeling

M. bovis kan met verskeie antibiotika

behandel word, alhoewel die probleem met

die gebruik van tradisionele oogdruppels is

dat die produkte minstens drie tot ses maal

per dag toegedien moet word.

Figuur 2: Groot korneale abses met erge

bloedinfiltrasie in die kornea sigbaar.

Nadat bloedvate die ulkus bereik het,

begin die oog gewoonlik vanaf die sentrale

gedeelte na buite genees met ’n korneale

litteken as ’n langtermyn-gevolg. Die risiko

bestaan dat die ulkus kan perforeer en kan

lei tot die noodsaaklikheid om die oog te

verwyder (figuur 3). As gevolg van moontlike

inflammasie binne-in die oog kan daar ook

permanente skade wees wat tot ’n verkleinde

blinde oog kan lei.

Figuur 3: Geperforeerde korneale ulkus

met baie erge sekondêre inflammasie. Die

prognose vir ’n oog in die stadium is hopeloos.

Verskeie ander behandelingsopsies

is al probeer:

Kloksasillien is ’n penisillien wat effektief

is teen M Bovis. Mastitis-produkte

soos Orbenin droëkoeisalf is ’n goeie

voorbeeld. Hierdie produk is egter nie

vir gebruik in die oog ontwikkel nie, en

die draers van die aktiewe bestanddeel

is nie ideaal vir gebruik in die oog nie.

’n Ander produk wat algemeen gebruik

word, is doksisiklien-oogpoeier. Die

toediening van ’n poeier in die oog lei

tot irritasie met gevolglike produksie

van trane en die uitspoeling van die

meeste van die antibiotika sonder

effektiewe absorpsie.



Daar is wel enkele nuwe ontwikkelinge

wat aangewend kan word, soos die

volgende produkte:

» Kloksasillien, ’n penisillien wat effektief

is teen M bovis, en benewens die

mastitisproduk daarvan, beskikbaar

is in die vorm van ’n oogsproei. Dit is

’n vinnigwerkende bakterie-dodende

produk wat in ’n spesiale oliedraer

opgemaak word. Hierdie formule in olie lei

tot ’n langer kontaktyd en beter absorpsie.

Die produk hoef slegs een tot twee maal

per dag toegedien word, en omrede dit in

’n sproeivorm is, maak dit die toediening

baie eenvoudig.

» Nog ’n produk wat algemeen gebruik

word en in ’n sproeiformule beskikbaar is,

is doksisiklien-oogsproei wat ’n baie breë

spektrum dek en effektief is teen M bovis.

Die aanbeveling is om kloksasillien-sproei

vir die eerste drie dae te gebruik en op te

volg met doksisiklien-sproei vir ’n verdere

drie tot vier dae. Die kombinasie van die

twee produkte bied ’n bekostigbare en

effektiewe behandeling.

» Penisillien kan ook onder die konjunktiva

in die ooglid ingespuit word.

Aanvullende behandeling

Omdat ’n tekort aan vitamien A, koper en

selenium tot ’n verhoogde infeksiekoers

aanleiding kan gee bied “pink eye support

powder” goeie ondersteuning vir die

behandeling van die toestand met ’n

pynverligtende effek. Die wateroplosbare

poeier kan met melk of water gemeng word

en bevat kolostrumpoeier sowel as vitamien A,

koper, selenium, sink en aspirien.

Beheer en voorkoming

Bestuurspraktyke help om ’n aktiewe

uitbreking en die impak daarvan op

kuddediere te minimaliseer. Geaffekteerde

diere moet van die res van die trop geskei en

in die skadu gehou word. Verminder ook die

plaas se vliegbevolking, omdat vlieë grootliks

verantwoordelik is vir die oordra van Moraxella

tussen diere.


LABOUR

COLUMN

by HANNES LATSKY

FIVE FOLKLORES

in labour law from an

agricultural perspective

Folklores are widely circulated notions, stories, or sayings that lack

factual support. Folklores are also found in labour law and can, as

misconceptions, undermine farming operations and expose an

employer’s business to unnecessary risks. Below, we explore five

common labour law folklores and the realities behind them.

Folklore no.1:

Domestic workers on the farm do not get paid

the same as the general farmworkers.

Sectoral Determination 13 (SD13) was gazetted

under the Basic Conditions of Employment

Act (75 of 1997), as amended (BCEA),

and regulates the terms and conditions

of employment in the agricultural sector.

Domestic workers who work on a farm are

considered to be farmworkers in terms of SD13

and must be paid at the same minimum wage

rate as other farmworkers, which is R28,79 per

ordinary hour of work as from 1 March 2025.



Folklore no.2:

A farmer and his employees can agree on

terms and conditions of employment even if

they do not comply with legislation.

Folklore no.4:

A farmworker can be fined when they have

committed an alleged workplace offence.

While employers and employees are free

to enter into contracts, any terms and

conditions of employment must at least meet

the minimum requirements set by South

Africa’s various labour laws. Any employment

agreement that is contrary to law is illegal. The

employer and employee may, however, agree

on more favourable terms.

Folklore no.3:

An employee can be dismissed

immediately upon committing serious

workplace misconduct, such as stealing or

being dishonest.

An employee cannot be dismissed under any

circumstances before a disciplinary hearing

has been held. It is important that each

employee should be given the opportunity

to present their side of the case during a

disciplinary hearing. Labour law provides

that an employee’s dismissal must be both

substantively and procedurally fair. Even

if the substantive reason for dismissing

an employee is fair, the right procedure

must always be followed. Therefore, in

the case of misconduct, an employee

cannot be dismissed without a disciplinary

hearing being held.

A dismissal where the proper procedure

was not followed will be considered to be an

unfair dismissal and a commissioner at the

Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and

Arbitration (CCMA) can award an employee

compensation equivalent to a maximum of 24

months’ remuneration.

This is a very serious yet common folklore that

puts employers at risk. Currently, fines against

farmworkers are strictly prohibited. Clause 7(3)

of SD 13, expressly states: An employer may

not levy a fine against a farmworker.

Folklore no.5:

An employee must first work 45 hours a week

before overtime hours come into question.

A total of 45 hours per week is the maximum

normal working hours per week that can be

agreed upon between the employer and

employee. Overtime hours are considered any

hours worked outside of, or in excess of, the

normal working hours per day according to

the employment contract. If the employment

contract stipulates that an employee works

from 08h00 to 16h00 with an hour lunch on

a normal day, and the employer requires the

employee to work until 17h00 on that day, the

employee will have worked an hour overtime,

even if that was on the first working day of

that work week.

Folklores surrounding labour laws in practice

cause employers to believe in good faith that

they are acting correctly, when in fact they are

putting their business at risk. Each workplace

is unique, and employers must take care to

manage their workforce within the confines

of labour law, which requires specialist

knowledge. Ensure that your business’s

employment contracts, disciplinary code,

procedures, and policies are in place and that

they comply with legislation.


FINANCIAL

COLUMN

by MOMENTUM STAFF WRITER

FREEZE

your spending,

not your future

As temperatures plummet and South

Africans cosy up indoors, winter isn’t just

a time for blankets and warm tea but the

perfect moment to hit pause and strategise

your financial journey to success.

According to Bertie Nel, head of

financial planning and advice at

Momentum, the winter months form

a natural pause point in the year’s rhythm,

making them the ideal time to reassess

financial habits, needs, and goals.

“Just as people slow down to take care of

their physical and mental well-being in the

colder months, winter is also the season to

take stock of where you are financially, what

season of life you’re in, and what you want

your money to do for you,” says Nel. “It’s a

chance to prune unnecessary expenses,

protect what matters most, and prepare for an

abundant spring.”

He likens the process to tending a garden:

what you prune and protect now can blossom

later in the year. That might mean cancelling a

seldom-used subscription, finally using those

gift cards lying around, or dusting off your

retirement goals to ensure they still match

your life stage.

Why winter makes financial sense

In South Africa, winter arrives in June,

bringing shorter days, colder nights, and a

natural slowdown in spending. With more

people choosing to stay indoors, they

often spend less on outings, road trips,

and entertainment.



Bertie Nel, head of financial planning

and advice at Momentum

“It’s also a good time to save on everyday

household costs, whether cutting back on

takeaway meals in favour of hearty homecooked

meals, or running fewer appliances,

such as fans or pool pumps,” says Nel.

“Even simple habits, like unplugging unused

electronics or drying laundry in the sun, can

make a difference to your utility bill.”

Revisit your goals before the

year runs away with you

By June, the pace of the year often catches

up with us. The energy of January’s

resolutions may have worn off, but winter

offers a natural mid-year checkpoint – an

opportunity to pause and realign your

finances before the second half of the

year takes off.

“Winter gives you space to slow down,

reflect and course-correct,” says Nel. “Ask

yourself: Am I spending intentionally?

Am I saving consistently? Are my goals

still relevant?”

He adds that each stage of life, from your

first job to retirement, comes with different

financial demands, making personalised

guidance essential.

“Winter is also the perfect time to speak to

a financial adviser. Getting the right advice

is like planting the right seeds. You may not

see results immediately, but it sets you up for

long-term growth.”

A season of financial mindfulness

From a savings perspective, winter has several

built-in advantages:

• Fewer social pressures: With many

people hunkering down, there’s less

FOMO-induced spending.

• Lower utility costs overall: While heating

may increase, there’s no need to run air

conditioning or water outdoor spaces.

• Travel deals abound: Hotels, flights, and

tour packages can be up to 70% cheaper

post-holidays.

• Meal planning becomes easier: Slowcooker

recipes, batch-cooked meals, and

clever use of your freezer all contribute to

lower grocery bills.

“Financial well-being doesn’t always require

big sacrifices,” says Nel. “Often, it’s about

being conscious, consistent and curious

about where your money goes and how it

serves you.”

Make winter work for you

See winter not as a financial freeze, but fertile

ground for thoughtful financial planning.

“Money, like nature, moves in seasons.

Winter is a time to pause, reflect,

and prepare,” Nel concludes. “If you

plant the right habits now and pair it

with good advice, you’ll be ready to

flourish when spring arrives.”

So, before the year races ahead, consider

this your invitation to hit pause, take a breath,

and reassess your financial journey. Your

future self will thank you.


WATER:

It’s all about

the QUALITY

While the significance of nutrition and feed quality is well recognised,

the role of water quality and consumption in dairy cow management

is often underestimated. We take a closer look at how water quality,

water intake, and feed consumption impact on milk production, and

how Peroxsil could be your answer to bring it all together. Peroxsil is a

powerful, highly effective, broad spectrum multi-purpose disinfectant

that is both stable and safe. It is a solution of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂).


NAVORSING EN OPLEIDING • RESEARCH AND TRAINING

WATER quality

The quality of drinking water is crucial in dairy

cow management. It encompasses several

key factors:

a. Chemical composition: Water with high

mineral content, particularly sulphur and

iron, can negatively impact a cow’s health

and milk production. Excess minerals can

affect the taste of water and decrease

palatability. According to the National

Research Council’s Nutrient requirements

of dairy cattle: Eighth Revised Edition,

levels above 300 mg/L for both chloride

and sodium are potentially concern. The

corresponding level for iron is 0,4 mg/L

and 1 000 mg/L for sulphates. For calves,

levels of sulphates should remain under

500 mg/L. In cases where calcium

or magnesium levels in water exceed

500 mg/L, the contribution of these

minerals to the daily requirement of cows

should be considered when the nutritionist

formulates the rations.

b. Microbiological contaminants: Bacterial

contamination in drinking water can lead

to digestive disorders and reduced feed

intake, thus influencing milk production.

A coliform count of 15–20/100 mL can

cause diarrhoea and feed refusal in cows.

Housing systems often consist of large

numbers of cattle per group. Since they

have no choice but to drink the water

provided, diseases can also be transmitted

among themselves through water troughs.

Many diseases are transmitted through

saliva. Peroxsil stays active in the water

for 14 days, thus killing the pathogens in

the water trough before the next cow can

possibly ingest it.

c. Temperature and pH: The temperature

and pH of drinking water can affect a cow’s

willingness to drink and, consequently,

impact feed consumption. Ideally the

pH of drinking water for cows should be

between 6 and 8,5.

WATER consumption and

feed intake

Water consumption and feed intake are

intricately linked, with water intake influencing

the cow’s appetite to consume feed. Several

factors contribute to this relationship:

a. Palatability: Cows are more likely to

consume feed when provided with fresh,

clean water. Poor water quality can lead to

decreased feed intake. Dirty water needs

an incredible amount of chlorine, which will

cause a strong odour at the water troughs

and this might lead to refusal. Peroxsil is

tasteless, colourless, and odourless.

b. Digestive processes: Water is crucial for

various digestive processes, including

rumen fermentation. Inadequate water

intake can lead to inefficient digestion and

reduced nutrient utilisation.

c. Cooling effect: Cows consume more

water in hot weather to maintain body

temperature. This increased water intake

can affect feed intake and, consequently,

milk production. If only warm water is

available for consumption on extremely

hot days, cows will consume less than

the desired amount of water, and milk

production will suffer. It is, therefore,

important to ensure that shallow water

troughs are placed in shaded areas, while

the risk of water heating up in deeper

water troughs is unlikely, and shading them

less important.




The impact on milk production

The interplay of water quality, water

consumption, and feed intake significantly

influences milk production. Cows that

have access to high-quality water tend to

consume more feed, resulting in higher

milk yields. Conversely, poor water quality

and low water consumption can lead

to decreased feed intake and reduced

milk production.

Management strategies

To optimise milk production in dairy cows,

it is essential for farmers to implement

effective water management strategies:

a. Disinfect drinking water: While chlorine

(bleach) is widely regarded as a universal

water disinfectant, it is relatively

ineffective in drinking troughs where

pathogens can grow within biofilms. A

biofilm is a community of microorganisms

embedded in a slimy matrix that forms

on surfaces in contact with water. Its

presence in drinking water systems and

pipe networks can cause a wide range

of water quality issues. Most pathogens

thrive within biofilms, making their

removal and treatment essential for

effective disinfection. While disinfectants

such as chlorine and peracetic acid (PAA)

can remove the outer layers of a biofilm,

they often fail to penetrate the deeper,

more resilient layers that anchor the

biofilm to the underlying surface.

Disinfection with Peroxsil is a safe

and effective method for reducing

the risk of parasites, bacteria, fungi,

and viruses. It is suitable for infection

control, the prevention of algae growth,

and the removal of biofilms. Peroxsil

eliminates 99.99% of Escherichia coli and

Salmonella, while remaining harmless to

animals and environmentally friendly.

b. Water quality testing: Conduct regular

testing of water sources to identify and

mitigate any issues related to chemical

composition and microbiological

contaminants.

c. Water provision: Ensure that cows always

have easy access to clean and fresh water.

Clean water troughs daily by removing

all water and scrubbing the surface area

with a broom. Ideally, this should be done

while the specific group of cows are in the

milking parlour.

d. Monitoring water intake: Regularly monitor

water consumption to identify deviations

that may indicate health issues or water

quality concerns.

e. Environmental control: Implement cooling

systems to manage temperature-related

fluctuations in water consumption.

In conclusion, the relationship between

drinking water quality, water consumption,

and feed intake in dairy cows is critical for

maintaining optimal milk production. Dairy

farmers should prioritise water quality and

management practices to enhance the

overall health and productivity of their herds.

Recognising the close connection

between water intake and feed consumption

is essential for achieving higher milk

yields and supporting sustainable dairy

farming practices.


RESEARCH

COLUMN

by DR HEINZ H. MEISSNER

EARLY

DETECTION

of lameness

Lameness affects the sustainability of dairy

farms due to its impact on animal health and

production, leading to ethical and economic

consequences. Despite efforts to reduce

lameness in the dairy industry, recent

studies show that global prevalence still

ranges between 14% and 36%. For effective

management, early detection and timely

treatment are crucial to mitigate its impact.

Whereas visual locomotion scoring

by trained observers is the most

widely used diagnostic technique

for lameness, lame cows experience pain

they instinctively hide, making it difficult to

detect lameness before clinical signs appear.

Also, visual locomotion scoring has two main

limitations. Firstly, detecting lame cows with

minimal error at an early stage requires strict

follow-up and continuity, which makes it timeconsuming

and challenging. In intensive dairy

farming, with limited labour and larger herd

sizes, this approach becomes impractical.

Furthermore, its time demands may lead to

underestimating the number of lame cows.

Secondly, the traditional method is subjective,

as scores depend heavily on the observer’s

competence. This subjectivity increases

the risk of inaccuracy, especially during

early detection, and may delay treatment.

Thus, automatic lameness scoring methods

are needed. The research paper cited

below proposes a simple image processing

technique for automatic lameness detection

under farm conditions.



Apart from visual scoring, diverse efforts

are being explored to develop more sensitive

and objective assessments for lameness

diagnosis. Several studies have focused on

identifying biomarkers or sensitive diagnostic

markers of lameness.

Examples of blood biomarkers used as

indicators of stress or acute pain in dairy cows

include cortisol, nociceptive neuropeptides

(such as norepinephrine, β-hydroxybutyrate,

substance P, and beta-endorphin) and acutephase

proteins (APPs) like haptoglobin and

serum amyloid A. Multiple articles report

alterations in these markers and metabolites

during and after lameness diagnosis,

helping to elucidate the pain experienced

by lame cows.

Nevertheless, the relevance of these

biomarkers for detecting cows susceptible to

lameness and specific claw lesions, as well

as their efficacy in assessing recovery after

treatment, is not fully understood. The study

reported in research paper 2 cited below

reviews potential biomarkers for lameness

from the literature, focusing on their role in

diagnosis, identifying cows at risk, predicting

specific claw lesions, and monitoring recovery

or lesion progression after treatment.

In the automatic lameness detection study

(research paper 1), 75 cows were selected

from a dairy farm and visually assessed for a

reference/real lameness score (RLS) as they

left the milking parlour, while simultaneously

being video-recorded. The method used

a designated walking path, and the video

recordings were processed through image

analysis to derive a new computerised

automatic lameness score (ALDS) based on

calculated factors from back arch posture.

The system was calibrated using 12 cows,

and the remaining 63 were used to evaluate

the diagnostic performance of the ALDS. The

agreement and correlation between the ALDS

and the RLS were then investigated.

The ALDS demonstrated high diagnostic

accuracy with 100% sensitivity and specificity.

It was found to be 100% accurate, showing

perfect agreement (ρc = 1) and strong

correlation (r = 1, P < 0,001) for lameness

detection in binary scores (lame/non-lame).

Moreover, the score had strong agreement

(ρc = 0,885) and was highly correlated

(r = 0,840; 95% confidence interval 0,796–

1,000, P < 0,001) with the RLS in ordinal scores

(lameness severity; LS1 to LS5).

These results suggest that the proposed

method has the potential to compete well

with vision-based lameness detection

methods for dairy cows under farm conditions.

In the second study (research paper 2),

a comprehensive literature search was

conducted across three databases: PubMed,

Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect to retrieve

relevant articles published between 2010

and 2022. A total of 31 articles fulfilling the

inclusion criteria were analysed.


The potential markers for lameness

reported in the literature included acutephase

proteins (APPs), nociceptive

neuropeptides, stress hormones, proteomes,

inflammatory cytokines and metabolites in

serum, urine, and milk. Among these, cortisol,

APPs (serum amyloid A and haptoglobin), and

metabolites in serum, urine, and milk were the

most extensively studied biomarkers.

The review showed that, whereas APPs,

nociceptive neuropeptides, and blood

cortisol analyses help elucidate the pain

and stress experienced by lame cows during

diagnosis and after treatment, evidencebased

data are lacking to support their use in

identifying susceptible animals. Metabolomics

techniques have revealed promising results

in assessing metabolic alterations occurring

before, during, and after lameness onset.

Several metabolites in serum, urine, and

milk were reported that could potentially

identify susceptible cows even before

clinical signs appear. Nevertheless, further

research employing metabolomic techniques

is required to advance our understanding

of claw horn lesions and to discover novel

biomarkers for identifying susceptible cows.

The applicability of these biomarkers remains

challenging, particularly in the field, as they

often require invasive procedures.

References:

1. Akin, I., Yilmaz Kalkan and Yalcin

Alper Ozturan (2024). Vertical

back movement of cows during

locomotion: detecting lameness

with a simple image processing

technique. Journal of Dairy Research,

pp.1–8. doi:https://doi.org/10.1017/

s0022029924000505

2. Sadiq, M.B., Ramanoon, S.Z., Mansor,

R., Mastura, W., Sharifah Salmah Syed-

Hussain, Nurhusien Yimer, Ubedullah

Kaka, Mokrish Ajat and Faez, J. (2024).

Potential biomarkers for lameness

and claw lesions in dairy cows: A

scoping review. Journal of Dairy

Research, [online] pp.1–9. doi:https://

doi.org/10.1017/s0022029924000487



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TESTING

for safety

In South Africa, food safety is not

just about consumer confidence

– it is a cornerstone of public

health, agricultural sustainability,

and economic resilience.

At the heart of the national effort to

ensure safe food from farm to fork is

a crucial but often underappreciated

player – the analytical laboratory. These

facilities, equipped with advanced technology

and staffed by skilled scientists, form the

backbone of the country’s food safety

infrastructure.

Their role is broad, ranging from detecting

contaminants and verifying nutritional labels

to supporting compliance with international

export standards. In an increasingly

complex food supply chain, the contribution

of analytical laboratories has never

been more vital.

Food safety challenges

Our country’s food system is as diverse as

its population. From smallholder farms to

industrial processors, food moves through

a complex web of production, storage,

transport, and retail – each point vulnerable

to contamination. Pathogens such as Listeria

monocytogenes, Salmonella, and Escherichia

coli are just some of the microbial threats that

can cause outbreaks.


The 2017–2018 listeriosis crisis, which

became the world’s largest recorded

outbreak, underscored the devastating

consequences of foodborne diseases. In

addition to microbial risks, chemical hazards

such as mycotoxins, pesticide residues,

veterinary drug residues, and heavy metals

also pose serious health threats.

In response, South Africa has developed

a strong regulatory framework that includes

the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants

Act (54 of 1972), the Agricultural Product

Standards Act (119 of 1990), and alignment

with Codex Alimentarius standards. Yet,

regulations are only as effective as the

systems in place to enforce them – and

this is where analytical laboratories play a

foundational role.

1. Pathogen detection and control

One of the primary roles of analytical

laboratories is the detection and monitoring

of microbial pathogens in food products.

Using methods such as real-time polymerase

chain reaction (PCR), enzyme-linked

immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and culturebased

techniques, laboratories identify

contamination early – often before food

reaches consumers. Rapid testing allows for

timely recalls, preventing the spread of illness

and saving lives.

2. Chemical residue monitoring

Agricultural and veterinary practices,

while essential for high productivity, often

leave residues of pesticides, antibiotics,

and growth hormones in food. Analytical

laboratories perform residue analyses using

chromatographic and mass spectrometry

techniques, ensuring compliance with both

local and international maximum residue limits

(MRLs). This testing is critical for maintaining

public trust and for facilitating trade,

particularly with regions like the European

Union that enforce strict import standards.

3. Mycotoxin surveillance

South Africa’s climate – characterised by

periods of drought followed by heavy rain

– is conducive to fungal contamination in

grains and animal feed. Mycotoxins like

aflatoxin B1 are potent carcinogens and

can contaminate entire food chains, from

maize to milk. Analytical laboratories screen

for mycotoxins to protect consumers and

livestock and to prevent economic losses due

to export rejections.

4. Nutritional and label

verification

Consumers rely on food labels for vital

information about the nutritional content

and ingredients of the food they purchase.

Laboratories test products to ensure

the accuracy of nutritional claims and to

detect undeclared allergens, additives, or

adulterants. These services help companies

comply with labeling laws and empower

consumers to make informed choices.



5. Water and

environmental testing

Food safety is not only about the food itself,

it is also about the environment in which

food is produced and processed. Analytical

laboratories regularly test water sources

used in agriculture and food processing for

microbial and chemical contaminants. They

also conduct swab tests in food facilities

to verify cleaning and hygiene practices,

providing a proactive layer of assurance.

Regulatory compliance and

export readiness

South Africa is a major exporter of agricultural

goods, including fruits, wine, dairy, and meat.

Export markets often require certificates

of analysis for each shipment. Accredited

laboratories provide these documents,

verifying that products meet the food safety

and quality standards of importing countries.

Without lab certification, trade would stall and

valuable markets could be lost.

Additionally, laboratories support producers

and processors in meeting the requirements

of food safety management systems such

as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control

Points (HACCP), International Organization

for Standardization 22000 (ISO 22000),

and GlobalG.A.P. These certifications are

increasingly non-negotiable in both local

retail and export contexts. Analytical testing

enables risk assessment, validation, and

verification – three essential steps in any food

safety system.

Capacity building and public–

private partnerships

Many of South Africa’s leading food testing

laboratories operate as part of the private

sector or through public–private partnerships.

Institutions like the Agricultural Research

Council (ARC), South African Bureau of

Standards (SABS), and university-affiliated

laboratories work alongside private laboratories

to build national capacity. They train food

safety personnel, develop local testing

protocols, and contribute to research on

emerging threats like antimicrobial resistance

and climate-related food safety risks.

Notably, South Africa is part of international

laboratory networks such as the International

Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN),

enhancing its access to global best practices

and early warning systems.

Technological advancements:

precision and speed

Technological innovations are transforming

the capabilities of analytical laboratories.

High-resolution mass spectrometry,

next-generation sequencing, and rapid

microbiological methods are shortening

turnaround times and improving sensitivity.

Portable testing kits and on-site diagnostics

are also gaining ground, particularly in remote

farming regions where access to centralised

laboratories is limited.

Digital integration – such as laboratory

information management systems (LIMS) – is

further enhancing data traceability, regulatory

reporting, and supply chain transparency. In

the future, artificial intelligence may play a

larger role in predictive food safety analytics,

helping laboratories not only detect problems

but anticipate them.

Analytical laboratories are the unseen

guardians of South Africa’s food safety. Their

meticulous work enables early detection of

hazards, enforces regulatory compliance,

protects consumers, and sustains the

credibility of the nation’s food industry both at

home and abroad. As food systems become

more complex and risks more diverse, the

input of these scientific institutions will only

grow in importance.

In a future shaped by climate change,

global trade, and evolving pathogens, the

laboratories that analyse our food are not

optional – they are indispensable.


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THE

MERCEDES-

BENZ G400d

preferred by purists

Originally conceived

as a military-grade

off-road vehicle,

the G-Class – now

46 years old – has

become an icon of

the motoring world.

The G-Class remains the only

passenger vehicle in Mercedes-Benz’s

contemporary lineup that retains a

body-on-frame setup. If you’re passionate

about off-roading, that configuration should

say it all, because the G-Class is a sports

utility vehicle (SUV) that offers incredible

4×4-ing ability.

The 2024 G400d Schockl Design 45 Edition

has all the makings of a modern classic. This

variant, which celebrated 45 years of the

G-Class and was named after a challenging

mountain trail in Graz, Austria, where the

model is assembled, is one for the purists.

How does the Mercedes-Benz

G400d fare in terms of

performance and efficiency?

Most consumers who purchase a G-Class as

an urban luxury vehicle favour the sonorous,

bi-turbo V8-powered G63.

However, if you’re an adventurer who plans

to utilise the G-Class’s substantial off-road

ability, the turbodiesel-powered 400d (with

its generously sidewalled 20” 275/50 tyres)

fits the bill.


MOO-VING WHEELS

Under the G400d’s bonnet is a well-proven

3.0 L six-cylinder turbodiesel engine that

produces 243 kW and 700 Nm, and all that

power is directed to all four wheels via a ninespeed

automatic transmission.

The G400d completes the 0-100 kph sprint

in less than seven seconds, which is brisk for

a vehicle that has no aerodynamic properties.

With the accelerator pedal flat, you’ll reach a

top speed of 210 kph.

The nine-speed gearbox shifts predictably

and even if there were gearshift paddles on

the steering wheel, the car’s powertrain does

an excellent job of swapping gears, with no

need to intervene.

With its 100 L fuel tank, the G400d’s

claimed range is just over 1 000 km (useful

to know, if you like overlanding).

But while most diesel-powered vehicles

are reasonably frugal, the Benz is heavy, has

permanent four-wheel drive and has a high

drag coefficient, so its engine works hard.

Mercedes claims an average consumption

of 9,6 L/100 km.

What external features

differentiate the 2024 G400d

Schockl Design 45 Edition?

For a start, it comes finished in either

dark Emerald Green metallic or black.

The dual-tone wheels are five-twin-spoke

20” inch alloys.

There’s Manufaktur content (exclusive

finishes produced by Mercedes-Benz’s

vehicle-customisation division) galore,

including the Schockl branding on the side

sills, spare wheel cover, and door frame.

Inside, the Benz offers a myriad of luxurycar

features. The skateboard-style dashboard

features two 12,3” screens (for the digital

instrument cluster and infotainment system).

Also standard is a sliding sunroof, a

Burmester audio system, 64-colour ambient

lighting, a 360-degree camera system and

– as you would expect in an SUV costing

over R3 million – an exceptional level of fit

and finish. The quilted panels on the doors

are classy but the stars on the inside are the

heated, cooled, and electrically adjustable

front seats (with massage function).

At this price point, consumers expect the

best trim materials, finishes, and features –

and the G-Class delivers. It may be a bodyon-frame

‘utility vehicle’, but luxury and

comfort are the order of the day, even if its

cabin isn’t quite as stylish as those of Benz’s

more on-road-biased unibody SUVs.

With a wheelbase of 2 890 mm, the

G400d’s interior space is not as plentiful as

in most conventional large luxury SUVs, but

the height of the G-Class’ means there’s no

shortage of headroom. Tall adults can sit

comfortably in the rear, and clever indents

on the backs of the front seats free up

extra knee room.


Ride and handling

You know the G-Class is a serious vehicle the

moment you open and close its doors. There’s

a military-grade ‘click-clack’ when you open

the Benz’s door, and you have to give it a bit

of a slam to close it properly.

For a vehicle that rides on a ladder-frame

platform (as bakkies do), the ride quality is

surprisingly good. With 30,9 degree approach

and 29,9 degree departure angles, 241 mm of

ground clearance, a low-range transfer case

and three differentials, the Mercedes-Benz

G400d has formidable off-road capability.

The G400d, although not a stripped-out

(no-frills) off-road vehicle by any means, will

appeal to those who do enjoy challenging offroad

jaunts (and even overlanding) from time

to time. Its trusty turbodiesel engine will help

to limit visits to the pumps and, as a utility

vehicle, it’s better balanced than its siblings.

If you’re in the enviable position that allows

you to purchase a G-Class variant, we have no

hesitation in recommending what’s easily one

of the world’s ultimate vehicles, both in terms

of image and capability.

IN SHORT:

» Model:

2024 Mercedes-Benz G400d

Schockl Design 45 Edition

» Price:

R3 706 052 (when tested)

» Engine:

3.0 L six-cylinder turbodiesel

» Transmission:

Nine-speed automatic

» Power/torque:

243 kW/700 Nm

» 0-100 kph:

6,4 sec (claimed)

» Claimed fuel consumption:

9,6 L/100 km

» Luggage capacity:

667–1 941 litres


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Innovation JULY 2025 • THE with DAIRY Integrity

MAIL 81

The Dairy Mail July 2025

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