For Kutama Nicholas Huma and his father, Mashamaite Huma, from Makgabeng village in Limpopo, successful livestock farming is not the result of one intervention but rather a combination of disciplined management practices. Clean kraals, effective parasite control, strategic vaccinations, careful breeding selection and seasonally appropriate nutrition all contribute to the productivity of their Meatmaster sheep and Boer goat enterprise.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming
Despite the challenges associated with communal farming systems, including limited grazing and high parasite pressure, the Humas have developed a strict health and nutrition programme that keeps their flock productive and profitable throughout the year.
Also read: Making communal land profitable with Meatmaster sheep and Boer goats
Cleanliness is the First Line of Defence
According to Kutama, maintaining good animal health begins with providing clean drinking water and ensuring that kraals are kept clean at all times.
“We make sure that all our workers know exactly what is expected of them. The first thing we do every morning is clean the kraals,” he says.
Good hygiene reduces disease pressure and creates a healthier environment for both sheep and goats, particularly young animals that are more susceptible to infections.
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Effective Tick Control Through Regular Dipping
Tick control is a critical component of the Humas’ livestock management programme.
The flock is dipped twice a month throughout most of the year. However, from August to December, when temperatures rise and tick populations increase, the frequency is increased to three times a month.
Initially, the family relied on knapsack spraying, but they soon discovered that it was not effective enough.
“We couldn’t reach certain areas properly, especially under the tails of sheep and around the armpits. We have since moved to plunge dipping, which is much more effective and quicker,” explains Kutama.
The change has significantly improved their ability to control external parasites.
Combating Parasites and Disease
The biggest animal health challenges in the area are heart-water, internal parasites, nasal worms and mites.
According to Kutama, mites can be particularly problematic, especially for lambs and kids.
“Mites affect the animals badly. They scratch themselves against fences or use their horns to rub the affected areas. When you start seeing a lot of hair stuck on the fence, you know there is a problem.”
To strengthen their parasite control programme, the Humas add Jeyes Fluid to their dipping mixture. They believe it helps repel insects for longer periods while also assisting with sanitation around the livestock facilities.
Regular kraal cleaning and dipping have become essential tools in preventing disease outbreaks and maintaining flock health.
The family also uses Dectomax, a broad-spectrum, long-acting parasiticide containing doramectin, to control both internal and external parasites.
The product is used to manage a range of parasites, including roundworms, lice, mange mites and ticks.
Combined with their dipping programme, this treatment forms an important part of their integrated animal health strategy.
Also read: R12 000 Boer goat leads strong results at GH Muller & Son’s seventh Frankfort auction
Winter Vaccinations Protect the Flock
As winter sets in, vaccination becomes a priority.
The Humas vaccinate their sheep and goats using Clostrivax O, a multicomponent vaccine that protects against several important diseases, including pulpy kidney, tetanus, swollen head, black quarter, malignant oedema and pasteurellosis.
Young lambs receive their first vaccination at one month of age, followed by a booster four weeks later.
“After that, they join the same vaccination programme as their mothers,” says Kutama.
The flock is vaccinated annually, a strategy that has delivered good results over the years.
In addition, animals are treated monthly as a preventative measure against tick-borne diseases such as heart-water and redwater.
Supplementation during the dry season
Nutrition plays an equally important role in maintaining productivity.
With winter veld typically deficient in protein, the Humas provide supplementary feed to ensure animals maintain body condition and continue performing well.
“There is generally a protein shortage in the dry veld. The animals walk longer distances searching for grazing, which means they use more energy,” explains Kutama.
Their winter supplementation programme includes crushed yellow maize, lucerne, Master 20 and Procon for ewes. Rams receive a maintenance lick consisting of Condition Lick mixed with Master 20, molasses and salt.
The supplements help maintain condition, support reproduction and prepare breeding animals for the next production cycle.
Also read: The goat farmer’s manual: How do I check the condition of my goats?
Meeting Summer Nutritional Needs
Although winter nutrition focuses primarily on protein and energy, summer presents a different challenge.
During the growing season, green pastures are often deficient in phosphorus, making mineral supplementation essential.
“In summer, the most important thing is providing phosphorus because the green grazing lacks it,” says Kutama.
Keep an eye on www.africanfarming.com tomorrow for the last instalment of our focus on Mashamaite and Kutama Nicholas Huma’s farming operation.
Also read and watch:
Winter is here: How to protect your livestock in cold, wet conditions
The goat farmer’s manual: How do I handle and restrain my goats?
WATCH | Boerbok and Meatmaster mastery in Limpopo
