If you ask Olerile Lekgetho what his secret weapon to success is, he will point to Voermol Feeds. Discover how he has used one of their products to tackle dry grazing issues on his farm, enhance cattle health, and achieve sustainable beef production.
At the crack of dawn, livestock farmer Olerile Lekgetho is already hard at work, having been up since 05:00 to feed his cattle. On his 660-hectare farm in Taung, North West, the dry grass provides little nutrition for his White Brahman and Bonsmara cattle.
Despite his tough grazing conditions, Lekgetho has no sleepless nights. He has a reliable solution that ensures his cattle get the nourishment they need – Voermol Dundee Lick Concentrate.
Dundee Lick Concentrate is designed for home-mixing licks specifically for cattle. Thanks to Lekgetho’s efforts and the use of this product, his cattle are thriving.
Addressing weight loss during winter
Two years ago, Lekgetho was not using Dundee Lick. It was only after a friend’s suggestion that he introduced it to his cattle’s diet. At the time, his cattle had suffered significant weight loss during the winter season, partly due to the grass in his region having minimal nutritional value, especially in winter.
“As a result, I lost a lot of money,” admits Lekgetho.
“I’ve got two breeding seasons – winter calving and then summer calving. The body condition of my cattle did not look nice. When the cattle got into a ring at the auction, they did not entice the buyers.”
However, this situation improved in 2023 after he followed his friend’s recommendation and incorporated Voermol Dundee Lick Concentrate into the nutritional regimen of his calves.
“That extra R1 or R2 per kilo is money… At this stage of my business, I can’t afford to lose money. Every cent counts; it does matter how small the cents,” he says.
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Improved milk production and body condition
Dundee Lick Concentrate is a protein-rich concentrate that also contains essential minerals and nutrients required for cattle health. This product cannot be fed unmixed, it can be mixed with salt to make ‘a protein lick, or salt and maize to make a production lick. Farmers can see the effectiveness of this product when their livestock graze on low-quality pastures without experiencing any weight loss.
Lekgetho explains that he also incorporates maize into his feeding plan. This blend he uses for his White Brahman, Bonsmara, and mixed-breed cattle throughout the year.
“During the summer months, the cattle consume less Dundee Lick compared to winter. I give it to them throughout the year because I want to maintain a certain body condition all through. I don’t want my cattle to lose weight,” he explains.
Using Voermol Dundee Lick Concentrate aligns with his objectives for sustainable and high-quality beef production and has also resulted in notable improvements in Lekgetho’s weaner calves.
“During winter, I used to have a lot of issues with the fur of the animal, but now it is beautiful and shiny.
“This product has also improved the milk production of my cattle. The cattle now have a lot more milk. The calves that are still sucking on their mothers benefit from this,” he says.
With a robust livestock management plan in place, Lekgetho has successfully expanded his operations. He rents an additional 600-hectare farm from his uncle and 200 hectares from his neighbour.
A major part of his operation also involves raising young calves, which are eventually processed at his related business, Amantsi Meat. These meats are sold to local butcheries and the community.
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