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 Research study on livestock theft perpetrators released
The overall purpose of the National Stock Theft Prevention Forum (NSTPF) within organised agriculture is to be a representative structure in the battle against livestock theft and to prevent livestock theft specifically, by ensuring compliance with legislation and the apprehension of those within the red meat value chain who do not comply with legislation.
One of the secondary purposes is to identify possible research areas of national importance in the prevention of livestock theft.
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FMD outbreak in Botswana has no effect on trade
The Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in Botswana is in the country’s control area where annual vaccination takes place and it does not affect trade from the FMD free areas without vaccination.
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development said in reply to an enquiry by the RPO that trade in live cattle and beef from Botswana is not affected as South Africa do no import from FMD protection zones. South Africa’s import requirements with regard to FMD stipulates that animals must originate from an area where no FMD cases were reported for at least six months; is not under any restrictions due to FMD; and is recognized by the OIE as free from FMD without vaccination.
The Namibia outbreak also occurred in the FMD protection zone. Namibia has informed South Africa of a temporary movement ban that has been imposed in all areas north of the Veterinary cordon fence/red line except the Zambesi region and Mukwe in the Kavango East region. The Namibian import permits for importation of live cattle, sheep and goats will be amended to reflect areas not affected. Red Meat imported from Namibia may only be imported from the OIE recognised free zone in Namibia.
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Forage specialist says beef is the ultimate “fermented plant food”
There is a beautiful connection between ruminant animal agriculture and metabolic human health and a shift in how we present beef as a health product may be warranted, according to Dr Peter Ballerstedt, a forage agriculture expert and a tireless champion for therapeutic carbohydrate reduction.
“We may need to evolve new marketing strategies and rebrand beef as a fermented plant product and a real health food.”
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Global meat trade defies disruptions
The global meat trade has bounced from one form of disruption to the next in 2020.
The year started with a global shortage of reefer containers as China – the world’s largest imported meat market – entered the first COVID-19 induced lockdown. Airfreight subsequently collapsed; processing plants in many countries were shuttered or operated at reduced capacity; and foodservice channels closed in many markets, while retail and e-commerce experienced a surge in demand.
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Sicker livestock may increase climate woes
Climate change is affecting the spread and severity of infectious diseases around the world - and infectious diseases may in turn be contributing to climate change.
A research study by the University of Georgia describes how parasites can cause animals to produce more methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.
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Do not underestimate brucellosis
The following cases of bovine brucellosis will make farmers aware of how serious the situation is in South Africa, according to the monthly report of the Ruminant Veterinary Association of South Africa (RuVASA).
It emphasis the fact that the longer farmers wait before testing and vaccinating their animals, the bigger the shock and economic losses are going to be.
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Perspective
Can the official test for growth and efficiency of beef bulls be shortened?
If one can shorten the testing period of beef bulls, it should be of benefit as it will save costs since collecting feed intake data is expensive, and further it will enable more bulls to be tested. The national benefit thus could be higher selection pressure on efficiency. In the present test procedure by the ARC, Calan Gates are used where measurements are recorded over 84 days test after a 28-day adaptation period.
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November 2020
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Benefits of red meat ignored in shift towards plant-based diets
The negative effects of red meat on human health and of livestock production on the natural environment are being over-emphasised in the move towards plant-based diets, say researchers at the University of the Free State and the Agricultural Research Council.
The higher absorption and use of nutrients from livestock foods, which “stimulates mental and cognitive development” more than vegetarian or grain-based diets, is being ignored, they wrote in the latest issue of the South African Journal of Science.
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Meat-eating boosts muscle health better than plant-based diet as we age
Plant-based proteins will not boost muscle health as much as eating meat as we get older, a study suggests.
Researchers found that animal protein is more effective than plant protein in preventing muscles wasting away. The study found that vegans would need to eat a lot more grains, pulses and beans if they want to get the same benefits that meat, dairy and eggs offer to ageing bodies.
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Food provenance platform set to boost SA beef supply chain
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to reshape the future of the agriculture and food sectors, a top researcher warns there is now, more than ever, a greater global need for complete transparency and accountability in the local beef supply chain.
Anzill Adams, chief executive of newly launched BeefLedger SA, says COVID-19 has highlighted the need for the establishment of food provenance in the beef industry to enhance bio- and food security for “ultimate consumer confidence and satisfaction”.
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Namibia seeks alternative meat markets
The Meat Board of Namibia (MBN) it is scouting for newer markets for Namibian beef to expand opportunities for farmers.
According to the MBN, it has launched several studies and investigations to identify evolving markets to add to its traditional markets, namely South Africa, China, the United States, Norway and the European Union.
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Price trends in the producer price of weaners and beef
During the week of 16 October, the average auction price was R36,70/kg for weaners (200 to 250kg) and R34,50/kg after auction commission, according to AMT.
The price was 1,2% lower compared to the previous week. The decline was caused among others by a lower demand from some of the larger feedlots.
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Price trends in the producer price of lamb
The producer price of Class A2/A3 lamb was in total 0,3% lower during the week of 9 October compared to the previous week, according to AMT.
The decline in the price can mainly be contributed to higher supply in the market.
The price was 0,8% higher compared to a month ago and 33,2% higher year-on-year.
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