VN November 2022

Vetnews | November 2022 37 FOR ANIMALS. FOR HEALTH. FOR YOU. Johann Zietsman grew up on a cattle ranch in Zimbabwe. He studied under Prof. Jan Bonsma before returning to Zimbabwe to farm cattle; until the political situation caused the loss of his farm. He now consults worldwide. Johann is unapologetic in his views that the focus in cattle farming should be on maximum production per hectare and not on individual animal performance. He says that stocking rate is the most important factor influencing profitability. Following this, fertility is the next most important, which is heavily influenced by the animal’s Body Condition Score (BCS). Selecting animals that can gain and maintain a good BCS on grass while managing the animals regeneratively through non-selective grazing will enable a farmer to increase stocking density and ultimately profit. • Small cattle have an unfair advantage • Select animals that look like 8 pounds of sugar in a 5 pound package • The problem that we have today is that we’re trying to change an efficient ruminant into an inefficient hog • There is no universally superior or inferior breed. It all boils down to relative intake. Every environment dictates a specific genotype These four cattlemen have an influence stretching over many decades, but a love and passion for cattle unite them. The common denominator throughout these great men’s principles is that profitable, functional cattle are needed. Strict and well-set-up selection parameters must be enforced in beef herds without tolerance for non-performers. A cow that efficiently weans a decent calf every year is the key that will keep beef farmers on the farm. Dr. Schabort Froneman (BSc, BVSc) | Technical Manager: Ruminants Email : schabort.froneman@zoetis.com Hannes Steyn (BSc Hons) | Key Account Manager Manager: Feedlots Email : hannes.steyn@zoetis.com Regulars I Zoetis Livestock Column