The use of harmful interventions and procedures in livestock
The Livestock Welfare Coordinating Committee (LWCC) is an NGO established in 1978 with the main objective of harmonising and coordinating measures to promote the humane, compassionate treatment of livestock in South Africa.
It is done by way of investigations, debate and usually consensus between all significant role players, particularly organisations involved in the livestock industry.
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South Africa’s eating habits, uncovered
South Africa is virtually in its entirety a meat-eating country, according to Nielsen’s Understanding the Eating Habits of the South African Population report.
The survey, commissioned by Knorr, found that 84% of South Africans eat meat almost every day, that the average SA adult’s plate consists mainly of starch and meat, with little by way of vegetables, that meat is eaten on average four times a week, with poultry (chicken) and red meat favoured, and that – not to put too fine a point on it – South Africa has “a meat eating culture”.
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Growing demand for meat during coronavirus pandemic
Global players in the meat industry have reportedly made assurances of continuity of production and supplies amid growing consumer demand during the coronavirus onslaught on the world economy.
This is mostly an agro value chain effort involving livestock producers, food manufacturers, logistics and traders, as well governments.
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Price trends in the producer price of weaners and beef
During the week of 17 April, the average price (after auction commission) was R26,50/kg for weaners (200 – 250kg) and R28,19kg before commission, which was 6,3% lower compared to the previous week, according to AMT.
This price varies between R26,00/kg to R28,00/kg. The decline is caused among others by a sharp drop in the demand at the retail market, which is causing uncertainty in the whole marketing chain starting by the butchers and ending at farm level. The close down of all the restaurants is having a big effect on the demand side of beef.
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Perspective
Effect of different levels of supplementation on beef heifer development
Adequate feeding levels are necessary for good performance of heifers in their first and subsequent production cycles as cows, whether they are mated at 12 - 14 months or at two years old. The effects of supplementation must be reflected in animal productivity.
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May 2020
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Bovine meat imports decrease
Bovine meat imports for February 2020 amounts to 334 tonnes. This represents a decrease of 34.5% if compared to February 2019, according to Agri Inspect.
The FOB (Free on Board) price for February 2020 was R44.36 p/kg compared to R36.08 p/kg in February 2019. This represents an increase of 18.66% in the price per kilogram. The major imports originated from Botswana (45 tonnes), while low declarations have been identified from Australia and New Zealand.
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Foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccination not finished for a long time
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) will possibly only have its first consignment of an FMD vaccination ready by 2026.
This information was contained in a parliamentary reply by the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development on a question about the progress in terms of the establishment of a new building where the vaccination will be manufactured, the reasons for the lack of progress and when vaccinations will be manufactured in the new building. The minister indicated that the ARC expects the new vaccine building to be operational in 2025, after which the first consignment of vaccines will be manufactured within nine months.
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Concern mounts as new law will allow less meat in products
Before May 2019, consumers could be assured of the composition of the meat products they were buying, in line with definitions laid down in legislation.
Not anymore. Under then-minister Aaron Motsoaledi, in May 2019 the Department of Health repealed the regulations governing processed meats requiring a minimum meat content in manufactured meat products.
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Farming and Covid-19: a comparison in control
With the COVID-19 pandemic that is occurring, it is perhaps an opportune time to make a comparison with animal disease.
This article is in no way meant to minimise the suffering and loss that people are experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak was in Wuhan, China and it quickly spread to other areas of China and other countries through movement of people.
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Producer price trends of lamb
The producer price of Class A2/A3 lamb was in total 3,9% lower during the week of 10 April compared to the previous week, according to AMT.
The decline in the price can mainly be contributed to a weaker demand in the market due to the uncertainty in the meat market which is being caused by the lockdown. The price was 0,3% lower compared to a month ago and 17,6% higher year-on-year.
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