Stock production in the Karoo Region.

Abstract

The Karoo Region, an arid to semi-arid extensive small stock grazing area, is described. The main factors concerning stock production are covered. These are elucidated and supported by research data and references. Management aspects and situations generally hampering stock production are degradation of the vegetation, overgrazing, drought, economic vicissitudes, fluctuating forage and nutritional supply, stock diseases, insect pest and detrimental management practices. Measures to promote stock production are discussed. These are sound veld and stock management practices, which include stock reduction, rotational systems, diversification of stock, control of diseases and parasites, reproduction, breeding and supplementary feeding, and proper physical facilities. The future of stock production in the Karoo Region is summarised.

Keywords: breeding; degradation; diseases; drought; forage; grazing; karoo; karoo agricultural region; management; overgrazing; parasites; reproduction; semi-arid; small stock; south africa; supplementary feeding; vegetation