Bulk & Blêr Ruminant Day Swartland 2026
Practical insights for lambing and calving season
The Bulk & Blêr Ruminant Day Swartland, held at the Moorreesburg Showgrounds on 24 June 2026, focused on the important lambing and calving period. The programme covered nutrition, herd health, lambing and calving complications and common livestock diseases.
The day provided practical information to help producers better manage animal health before, during and after lambing and calving. Below are the presentations available from the day.
Nutrition: “Do’s and Don’ts” during lambing and calving
Dr Ashley Grimsell (Voermol)
Dr Ashley Grimsell focused on nutritional management before and after lambing and calving, including body condition, protein and energy requirements, metabolic disorders and creep feeding. Correct nutrition plays an important role in survival, production and sustainable herd management.
Important herd health factors around lambing and calving
Dr JG Nel (Kyron)
Dr JG Nel highlighted key herd health considerations before, during and after lambing and calving. The presentation covered colostrum, vaccinations, trace elements and vitamins, metabolic conditions, newborn health and parasite monitoring.
Rift Valley fever: Vaccination considerations
Dr Suenette Kotze
Dr Suenette Kotze focused on Rift Valley fever and vaccination options. The presentation distinguished between inactivated and live vaccines and their use in pregnant animals and non-breeding stock.
Lambing and calving complications: When is there a problem?
Dr Lizane Murphy
Dr Lizane Murphy explained the stages of birth, common causes of lambing and calving complications and the signs that indicate assistance is required. The presentation also highlighted when veterinary intervention may be necessary.
Cryptosporidiosis in calves and lambs
Dr Stian Wessels (TAH Darling)
Dr Stian Wessels discussed cryptosporidiosis in calves and lambs, including transmission, clinical signs, diagnosis and prevention. The condition can contribute to mortality, weight loss, growth setbacks and greater susceptibility to other diseases.
Coccidiosis: Diagnosis and management
Dr Ida Glover
Dr Ida Glover focused on coccidiosis as a cause of diarrhoea and poor growth in young animals. The presentation highlighted its life cycle, diagnosis through faecal examination and the importance of confirming the cause before treatment.
Pulpy kidney disease
Dr Martinus Jacobs
Dr Martinus Jacobs’ presentation focused on pulpy kidney disease.
Foot-and-mouth disease: Western Cape update
Dr Leana Janse van Rensburg (State Veterinarian, Malmesbury)
Dr Leana Janse van Rensburg provided an update on foot-and-mouth disease in the Western Cape. The presentation covered disease transmission, the provincial situation, movement control, farm biosecurity and the vaccination rollout.
Overberg Agri Spotlight: Roodebloem Research Farm
Francois du Toit (Overberg Agri)
Francois du Toit provided an overview of Roodebloem Research Farm and its role in sheep and grain research. He also highlighted ongoing projects, information days and the farm’s focus on creating more value from existing resources through vertical growth.
