Okahandja Veterinary Consulting

09/06/2026

Ewe synchronozation Meatmaster Stoet!

Advantages of Ewe Synchronization in Sheep

Ewe synchronization using progesterone-based protocols (e.g., CIDRs or Chronogest sponges) offers several benefits to sheep producers:

✔️ Synchronizes estrus (heat) in a large proportion of ewes within a short period.

✔️ Improves breeding efficiency by allowing planned and controlled mating.

✔️ Enhances ram utilization, as more ewes can be bred during a defined breeding window.

✔️ Increases conception and pregnancy rates when properly managed.

✔️ Produces a more compact lambing season, making supervision and assistance easier.

✔️ Results in a more uniform lamb crop with lambs of similar age and size.

✔️ Improves labor efficiency during breeding, lambing, vaccination, and weaning.

✔️ Simplifies nutritional management since ewes are at similar stages of pregnancy and lactation.

✔️ Facilitates better record keeping and reproductive monitoring.

✔️ Can increase twinning rates and the number of lambs weaned per ewe in some flocks.

✔️ Allows producers to target specific lambing and marketing periods.

✔️ Improves overall flock productivity and profitability.

When combined with good nutrition, sound flock health practices, and proper ram fertility, estrus synchronization can be a valuable tool for maximizing reproductive performance in sheep enterprises.

17/02/2026

🐄 FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE (FMD)
PROTECT OUR FARMS • PROTECT NAMIBIA 🇳🇦
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals:
Cattle • Sheep • Goats • Pigs • Wildlife (Buffalo)
In an FMD-FREE ZONE, prevention is critical.
An outbreak causes:
🚫 Movement bans
💰 Severe economic losses
📉 Threat to Namibia’s meat exports

🔐 CORE BIOSECURITY PRINCIPLES

1️⃣ STRICT ANIMAL MOVEMENT CONTROL
✔️ Buy only from trusted FMD-free sources
✔️ Require valid health certificates
✔️ Avoid auctions in high-risk areas
✔️ Quarantine new animals 14–21 days
Monitor daily for: • Drooling
• Mouth ulcers
• Lameness
• Blisters on feet or teats

2️⃣ CONTROL HUMAN & VEHICLE ACCESS
✔️ Restrict unnecessary visitors
✔️ Keep a visitor logbook
✔️ Disinfectant footbaths at entrances
✔️ Farm-specific boots & overalls
✔️ Disinfect incoming vehicles

3️⃣ EQUIPMENT & FEED HYGIENE
✔️ Do not share equipment
✔️ Clean & disinfect trailers & tools
✔️ Use reputable feed suppliers
✔️ Avoid grazing near unknown livestock/wildlife

4️⃣ BOUNDARY & WILDLIFE CONTROL
✔️ Maintain secure fencing
✔️ Prevent contact with neighbors’ livestock
✔️ Limit wildlife contact where possible

5️⃣ EARLY DETECTION & REPORTING 🚨
Immediately isolate animals showing:
• Excessive salivation
• Mouth blisters
• Lameness (multiple animals)
• Sudden milk drop
📞 Report immediately to your State Veterinarian
❌ DO NOT move animals off the farm
❌ DO NOT vaccinate privately against FMD
(This risks Namibia’s export status)

🚨 GOLDEN RULES FOR FMD-FREE FARMS
✔️ Control movement
✔️ Quarantine new animals
✔️ Disinfect regularly
✔️ Limit visitors
✔️ Report early
🛡️ BIOSECURITY IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY
Protect your farm • Protect our industry • Protect Namibia 🇳🇦

29/01/2026

Nee - Dit is nie die ras nie, dit is nie die tipe nie, dit is nie die genetika nie, dit is nie die plaas nie, dit is nie by wie jy ramme koop nie, dit is ook nie die prys van die produk nie.

29/01/2026

𝗙𝗼𝗼𝘁-𝗮𝗻𝗱-𝗠𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘀: 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

The continuing foot-and-mouth disease outbreak has intensified into a national crisis. As farmers await the availability of vaccines, it is crucial that proactive measures are taken to safeguard livestock. This outbreak is not only affecting farmers, but also agribusinesses and the broader agricultural sector.

To support the industry during this challenging time, two experts have been invited to share insights on the virus, along with practical, farm-level guidance on essential biosecurity practices – including what to do and what to avoid.

Date: Thursday 29 January 2026
Time: 19:00
Venue: https://ufsweb.co/leafinar

Presented by the LEAF Initiative
Land, Enterprise, and Agricultural Futures (LEAF)

Facilitated by:
Dr Lindie von Maltitz
Department of Agricultural Economics
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

05/01/2026

05/01/2026

24/10/2025

24/10/2025

What...did you say vaccinations? Oh no!
One....Two....Three....Sleep!