Beef production

The Highveld and Midlands areas of KwaZulu-Natal are the main beef production areas.

Popular beef breeds include the indigenous Afrikaner and Nguni and locally developed Bonsmara and Drakensberger. European and American breeds such as Charolais, Hereford, Angus, Simmentaler, Sussex, Brahman and Santa Gertrudis are maintained as pure breeds or used in cross-breeding. Beef cattle farms range from fairly small farms (less than 50 cattle) to large farms with more than 1 000 cattle per farm.

There is a growing trend to finishing beef cattle in feedlots, and it is reported that about 60% of cattle in South Africa are now finished for slaughter in feedlots that maximise the potential of the animals by feeding grain and supplements to achieve best potential weights and grades.

Goats

Goats, like cattle, play an important role in the livelihood of rural people in South Africa. They are plentiful and require low inputs for a moderate level of production, reach maturity early and are profitable to keep.

There is both local traditional demand and an emerging commercial interest in the sale of chevon (goat meat). Chevon has low fat and cholesterol content; 40% lower than beef, rabbit or chicken with the skin removed, yet has a higher protein content.

There is, however, a potential for obtaining additional income ("adding value") by making use of the fine, soft undercoat (cashmere) produced by some breeds.

Sheep

Sheep farming is concentrated in the drier areas of the province along the Drakensberg, Vryheid and Southern Natal.
Pigs

The pig population of KwaZulu-Natal was estimated to be 164,000 in 2005, with Estcourt, Mooi River and Dalton being areas with concentrations of piggeries.

Poultry

Poultry production (mainly of chicken) is an important agricultural sector in South Africa. Commercial broiler production in South Africa is dependant on exotic breeds brought into the country, namely Ross from the United Kingdom; Cobb, Hubbard and Arbor Acres from the United States of America and Hybro from the Netherlands.

In South Africa there are two genetic breeds of chickens that lay eggs for the commercial market, Lohmann and Hyline. Both breeds are imported.

Eggs

The egg industry consists of three sectors

Some of the larger companies are involved in all three sectors. Rainbow is the largest chicken producer and marketer in South Africa. The Company employs over 7000 people in its agricultural, feed milling, processing and services facilities. The Company’s head office is located in Westville, KwaZulu-Natal. The core business is still producing

4 million broilers a week. However, the group has recently shifted into valued-added products such as ready-to-eat whole chicken and chicken nuggets.

http://www.rainbowchicken.co.za

Emerging farmers are entering into the poultry sector, some with a great deal of success but skills training is an imperative. At present much of these farmers’ sales is through the informal sector but the development of co-operatives could see more penetration of formal marketing channels. Joint ventures with established companies especially to facilitate transport requirements are also an option.

The KwaZulu-Natal Poultry Institute was registered as a Section 21 Company (not for gain) in 1992. Its mission is to foster the long term growth and sustainability of all role-players in the KwaZulu-Natal poultry industry through skills development, strategic partnerships, co-ordination, information transfer and avian health management.

http://www.kznpi.co.za/training.htm