Progress! newsletter De Heus South Africa

06 18

De Heus South Africa’s monthly newsletter

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR DE HEUS SA » pg 2

PRODUCTION LICKS » pg 4

WAGYU CATTLE » pg 5

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MILKING GOATS » pg 3

ROYAL SHOW » pg 6

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INTENSIFICATION: OPPORTUNITIES FOR DE HEUS SOUTH AFRICA Author: Emmy Koeleman As published in All About Feed & Dairy Global – 13 June 2018

Extensive farming such as sheep and beef production are intensifying in South Africa. With less grazing, more attention should be paid to nutrition. All About Feed spoke to Koos Kooy, general manager at Royal De Heus in South Africa about the current agricultural challenges and opportunities.

Furthermore, we have unique animals like ostriches, extensive sheep, beef and goats. But also, the type of farming is different in South Africa, compared to Europe. Our customers are large scale. An average dairy herd here has 600800 cows. Larger farms require a different approach than small or medium sized farms,” explains Mr Kooy.

At the same time, De Heus also has to cater for a large group of small farmers.

These farms have a basic set up, but they are also important to us. These small farms require a different approach in training and advice. At the same time, Mr Kooy explains that South Africa sees a lot of different weather patterns throughout the country. The Northwest is a very dry area for example. Some other areas get more rain. Koos Kooy: “All in all, we operate in extreme markets: small and large farmers, located in both wet and dry areas in the country.”

In October 2007, Dutch feed company Royal De Heus bought Nutrex, a South African company producing nearly 100,000 tons of feed per year. Since then, the company has built 2 new locations in Klerksdorp and Modimolle. A 4th feed mill (focusing on dairy cattle feed) in the Southern Cape, not far from Mosselbay, was acquired in 2011. In 2013, De Heus opened on this site, a new production line in Koos Kooy: “De Heus South Africa produces feed for different production stages its 4th factory. “Because we are located throughout the country, we have a of the animals but also for different markets than the traditional European national footprint with our feed company,” explains Koos Kooy, who is country and markets, such as ostrich farming.” general manager of De Heus South Africa since 2007.

Operation in extreme markets With the growth spurt made since 2008, the company has established itself as a leading provider of dairy feed. Around half of the feed produced is for dairy cattle.

Around 20% of the total volume is poultry feed, followed by 20% of feed for beef, sheep, ostriches and goats (the extensively raised animals) and 10% of the volume is pig feed. De Heus produces feed for different production stages of the animals but also for different markets than the traditional European markets. “For starters, our feed production facilities need to cater for all animal species due to the regionality of the country and the long distances between feed mills.

Consolidation, integration and intensification What are the trends seen in the South African livestock sectors? Mr Kooy explains that different developments are seen. “Firstly, we see a strong consolidation trend, especially in the dairy sector. In 2011, we still had approximately 7,500 dairy farmers. Today, we have less than 1,500. Although the farmers are less, the cows are more and so also the amount of milk produced.

These consolidation trends are also seen in the pig and poultry sector by the way,” he says. Secondly, a big trend that is seen in South Africa is the vertical integration of the poultry market. There used to be more independent poultry farmers in South Africa, but these have become extinct.

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Between 2011 and 2015 we have seen a strong decline of the independent poultry farmer and the growth in poultry integrations. What is left today are big poultry integrators, who also make their own feed in their own mills. “We simply don’t have access to these integrated markets. We do focus and play an important role in the rural smaller scale poultry market,” says Mr Kooy.

Interestingly we see more intensification of extensive beef, sheep and goat sectors. Intensification entails that these farmers are building a lambing shed system, hence grow the lambs indoors. Only the adult sheep are grazing outdoors in the field. The use of a lamb creep is of great importance in an intensive system, to help develop and wean the lambs as soon as possible, and to take the pressure off the ewes. This gives the ewes a chance to improve their condition before the next breeding season. This intensification process is fuelled by the increase in predator animals (due to more land that is marked as natural reserves) and the price increase for land.

More focus on nutritional advice When farms intensify, the need for nutritional advice becomes bigger as farms do not only rely on pasture feeding only. Beef and sheep require less diet formulation and advice when they are grazing. Mr Kooy explains: “This is an exciting area for us as we can help these farmers production optimisation. For sheep farmers for example we have developed a product that can be fed to the ewes in the lambing pens as well as to the lambs as a creep feed. Also for dairy farmers, we see in some areas of the country (where land is more expensive), that farmers move towards a TMR system and require more concentrate feeding.”

De Heus also produces feed for non-conventional farm animals such as mohair goats. South Africa has the most mohair goats in the world. But how do you feed these animals? “We have learned a lot about feeding mohair goats by working with a farmer who had the world’s best quality mohair wool in 2015. Then the draught came in the years after. He used to have 800 grams of fleece per kid goat and had to survive in the draught period. We helped him with using different feed supplements. In 2016 he won again, and now with a whopping 1,2kg fleece per kid. In addition, the hair even had a better quality. We found out that the hair follicle development takes place in early pregnancy. So optimising the nutrition of the pregnant ewe helps in boosting the quality of the mohair in her offspring.

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South Africa is simply just a dry country “In 2016/2017 we experienced a terrible drought and farmers simply had to survive. Pasture fed systems had to buy extra feed for the animals. We produce a drought relieve feed, a low-cost pellet that is made for keeping the animal on a maintenance level. We have to keep in mind that South Africa is a dry country and we have droughts from time to time, in different areas of the country. The one in 2015/2016 was the worst in over a hundred years and had a huge impact and we have seen that farms became less profitable in those years. The feed prices went up as most of the raw materials are sourced locally and the local grain prices went up as a result of the poor harvests,” says Mr Kooy. However, 2016/2017 had a record maize crop and 2017/2018 is looking good as well. With the 2 good consecutive seasons. “The margin is back in farming. For De Heus this means that there is still room for organic growth and hopefully we can open more feed production facilities in the years to come,” concludes Mr Kooy.

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MILKING GOATS A NICHE MARKET ON EVERY LEVEL

Author: August Lingnau Product Manager: Dairy

The dairy market in South Africa has long been well established and although it has its problems, it is an industry that has become established. However, a part of the dairy industry that is less known is the dairy goats sector. By “less known” we do not mean that it is necessarily less effective or completely unknown. Over the past few years a niche market has been quietly established in South Africa and it now boasts some of the best dairy products in the world.

Manufacturers like Belnori Boutique Cheesery produce specialty cheese products that make heads turn on the world markets. At the world championships organized by The Guild of Fine Foods they have already received one Super Gold “World Cheese Award” and two Golden Awards. This is truly excellent. Other dairy farms such as Karoo Goats Milk Products are leading progress in the industry in terms of development and management, for example, with the implementation of dairy housing for the winter months and the development of the largest dairy breeder units imaginable. People drive long distances to buy these niche products.

In order to maintain this niche market that was created for the dairy goats, there is also a need for special nutrition. Although there are several similarities between a dairy cow and a dairy goat, there are differences that need to be taken into account in terms of management and nutrition and of how management and nutrition relate to each other.

This leads to the fact that feed for these animals becomes a specialist area.

From the generation of young goats, through to lactation, as well as the feeding of dry animals are considered. De Heus International’s exposure to the dairy goat industry has already shown a massive impact in terms of nutrition and management.

Good interaction between local dairy goat farmers and De Heus regarding the available knowledge and the farmers’ practical experience of progress can create success stories quickly.

Jan Wiese of Karoo Goats Milk Products says: “Together with De Heus we go to places we have not been to before and cooperation between us can only be good for our industry.”

Rina and Norman of Belnori Boutique Cheesery says: “We used De Heus feed for the lambs for the first time this year. The difference in growth and condition is obvious and remarkable. We are more than satisfied.”

Entrepreneurship and passion are the two components that ensure success. De Heus is excited about the new developments in the dairy goat industry and they are spending great effort and taking care to become a part of this.

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WAGYU CATTLE VOIGTS GROUP – KWAZULU-NATAL Author: Michele Roods Technical Advisor: Extensive Ruminants

Wagyu cattle originated in the Kobe region of Japan hundreds of years ago.

There were no other cattle on the island, the Wagyu breed became extremely pure due to their isolation. Originally, only the Emperor and his family could eat Wagyu beef and it became a national treasure. In 1978, 250 Wagyu were shipped to America and since then, no Wagyu have been allowed to leave Japan.

The first Wagyu embryos arrived in South Africa, from America in 1998 and the breed has since made its presence felt in South Africa. The breed has dominated in most competitions winning various awards for quality.

The main and most famous characteristic of the Wagyu is its marbling of its meat which gives the meat its unique flavour. It is also high in Omega 3 + 6 (even higher than Salmon). The marbled fat in the meat is unsaturated fat, healthier than saturated fats much like what is found in avocados and nuts.

Ivan Voigts has always had a keen interest in all cattle and after much research and dedication, is now breeding world class Wagyu on his farm snuggled in the Hilton mist just outside of Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The Voigts Group Wagyu herd is in a building-up phase with two distinct lines, the black Wagyu known for very good marbling and the red Wagyu known for its marbling and bigger carcass size.

The Wagyu herd is growing fast with an intense flushing and embryo program, which is under the management of Mr Craig Oellermann. Embryos are imported from Australia and America and are then implanted into proven Angus Cows.

RumiLick ® Accelerator is a production lick fed to growing calves and lambs post weaning on good quality pasture achieving maximum growth at minimum costs. At a crude protein of 19%, this lick focuses on carcass development, making it an ideal product to use in rearing stud animals and in The Voigts Group is proud to team up with De Heus Animal Feeds. The herd’s bulls and embryo recipients extensive growth clubs. Alternatively, this product is also used for backgrounding underweight animals in are currently fed on the De Heus RumiComplete® a cost-effective way as well as a creep feed ration.

Stud Pellets (V28724), a complete ration that is designed to prepare stud animals for breeding, shows There are only a handful of breeders in South and auctions. Alternatively it can be used as a growth Africa and for the first time ever, the Voigts Group ration post weaning and finishing ration. With crude Wagyu Stud Marble Beef was on Show at the Royal proteins at 16% and NPN resources making up only Agricultural Show in 2017 and again in 2018.

10% of the protein total and energy being derived from lower starch inclusions, the bulls are left in a To find out more about this elite breed, contact Voigts healthier, shinier condition, ready for work.

Group on admin@voigts.co.za or 033 343 4303 Due to the success with the RumiComplete® Stud Pellets, the Voigts Group have introduced the De Heus RumiLick ® Accelerator (V24940) to their weaners and are confident for the expected results.

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THE USE OF PRODUCTION LICKS AND THE VALUE TO YOUR CROP

Author: Ronnie Wamback Technical Advisor: Extensive Ruminants

The importance of a good occupation, and calf and weaning percentages is of the utmost importance in any livestock situation. This is largely influenced by the condition and potential of replacement animals in a breeding herd. At the same time, most of the breeding season usually falls in a period after the winter season when the condition of the animals is generally not very good. To ensure that our goals are achieved, extra attention should be paid to the nutrition of our breeding animals during this period. The emphasis has shifted from mass maintenance (during the winter months) to production. This is where the application of a production lick can make a difference in your livestock situation.

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Traditionally, most calving seasons take place from September, but with the current weather conditions and shift of seasons, it can take much later. The startup for calving is usually during the harshest winter months due to the decline in the quality and availability of the grazing. What makes it even more difficult is the fact that the cows are pregnant during this period. As the calf grows, it increases the nutritional needs of the cow, not only for herself but also for her calf, while reducing the physical area of her rumen due to the unborn calf still growing within her. The intake of more concentrated nutrients to combat these needs then becomes increasingly important. Using a production lick is the best option to combat this problem.

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The target for replacement animals is to reach a target mass of 70 - 75% of adult mass before the first cover. The use of De Heus RumiLick® Accelerator (V24940) on young replacement animals on good quality roughage/grazing is ideal here as the product is focused on improving body frame rather than on fat deposition. The product ensures that the animal grows optimally to an ideal body mass without the problem of excess fat deposition.

What does such a production lick look like?

The excess intake of high starch diets in young breeding animals (especially bulls) can be detrimental as the fat deposition takes place around the reproductive organs and it may have a negative effect to the animal’s fertility.

Recommended intake varies depending on grazing quality, but expected intake is between 1 – 1,5 kg per animal per day.

A good production lick consists of protein, energy, minerals and trace minerals. As a production lick for young growing animals, pregnant animals and lactating animals is being used, the inclusion of more natural protein is very important. The excessive inclusion of NPN sources in a production lick is not favourable and its content level must be lower than that of a standard winter lick. Energy is one of the biggest differences between a winter lick and a production lick. The cooperation between energy and protein is vital for optimal spinal function and milk production for lactating animals. A pregnant animal’s rumen capacity decreases as the foetus grows, thus the importance of a higher energy inclusion on her diet is of paramount importance.

For most of our country, pregnant cows breed from September. The use of De Heus RumiLick® Production (V24935) from a month before calving until sustainable summer grazing is available is ideal. This will enable the cow to maintain her condition point of 3 (which she has maintained on a good quality winter retention lick like RumiLick® Bovine 50 (V28649). If the cows are neglected, foetal and udder development will not be optimal. This will result in weaker calves at birth and lower weaning weights. The effects extend beyond the calf, as also the condition of the cow that will not be ideal and its ability to be occupied in the next cycle will be compromised. Expected intake over this period range between 1 – 1,2 kg per animal per day.

A higher energy level in a production lick and and a higher consumption has a noticeable effect on milk production as well as the overall condition of the animal.

Minerals and trace minerals play an equally important role. Vitamin A is especially lacking in severe winter pastures. The intake of phosphate in the last third of pregnancy is also important as it is essential for the development of the bone structure of the foetus. It is also during this period that 70% of foetal growth occurs. The calcium/phosphate ratio is also very important. A surplus of calcium may be disadvantageous as it acts antagonistically with certain trace minerals, but it should also not be too low as the risk of milk fever can increase among the breeding animals.

The needs of lactating cows are even higher than those of late pregnant cows.

The need to get cows back into good condition after calving for the next season is of paramount importance. The application of RumiLick® Production also plays an important role here. Expected intake over this period is 1,5 kg per animal per day until good quality summer grazing is available.

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The role that a production lick can play in any extensive system is huge and its proper implementation can only be beneficial to your system, provided it is properly managed and implemented.

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ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SHOW PIETERMARITZBURG An awesome achievement by Biggarsgat Stud of CA Froneman who fed his animals on De Heus RumiGrow® FLC 200 & Hominy Chop He was a winner in the following classes: Group Classes: Four 1st places & one 2nd place Females: One 1st & one 2nd place. Calf & Junior Champion Bulls : Three 1st places & three 2nd places. Calf & Junior Champion, Reserve Senior Champion & Grand Champion Breed Plan: One 1st & one 3rd place

Oggendstond Boerdery - Mr.Koos Kooy He fed his animals on De Heus RumiComplete® Stud Pellets and won: Reserve Junior Cow Champion Congratulations Koos, De Heus is proud of having a CEO so involved and passionate about the industry.

Four Feet Farm - Ed Barry who fed his animals on De Heus RumiComplete® Sheep Finisher He won: On the hoof: 2nd place with group of 4 1st Reserve Champion lamb carcass with 96.95% PREVIOUS PAGE

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Rheeba Brahman – Don McHardy This was the first time for Rheeba Brahman at Royal Show.

Don’s children excelled at the Youth Show Note the temperament of these animals.

Garrisford Stud - Simbra Cows from Bruce Taylor who fed his animals on De Heus RumiComplete® Stud Pellets He won: Senior Champion Grand Champion Super Cow Stey Braes - animals were fed on De Heus RumiComplete® Stud Pellets They won: Champion Bull Calf – Limousine

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Weston De Heus sponsored the Weston Steers that were grown on RumiGrow SemiComplete® Beef Finisher. The steers had free access to hay on the side.

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