Gauteng Smallholder Gauteng Smallholder November 2011 | Page 46

BOOKSHELF Dairy Farming Handbook S mallholders interested in dairy farming will welcome the newly revised and translated Dairy Farming Handbook. Based on the original “Melkbeeshandleiding” compiled by Dr CJC Muller in 2008 and reprinted due to popular demand, the translated and updated English edition can reach an even wider audience. The handbook offers informa- tion to farmers (both commer- cial and smallholder) to remain sustainable despite fluctuating farm-gate prices and increas- ing production costs. Compiled by experts in their particular fields, the new edition aims to support dairy farmers with problem-focused information based on scientific research. Increasing the efficiency of milk production is critical under these circum- stances; either by increasing production per cow or by decreasing the production cost of milk. To this end, the comprehen- sive Dairy Farming Handbook includes sections on the most important aspects of dairy farming: nutrition and feeding, housing, reproduction management, breeding, milk production and quality and health and biosecurity. Compiled by Dr CJC Muller, K How to design your garden to attract the widest range of birds and other wildlife; K The best plants and structures to provide food and shelter for birds; K Detailed lists of recom- mended trees, shrubs, climbers, aloes and grasses. Smallholders who want to encourage birds to visit and The book profiles 101 live in their gardens can turn garden birds likely to be found in gardens across to the recently published southern Africa. Garden Birds in Southern Africa by Duncan Butchart Published by Struik Nature, for help in creating a bird- the recommended price is friendly garden that is also a R230.00. reservoir of biodiversity, wherever you are in the country. With an attractive layout and multiple colour images, it offers the following: K Descriptions and photos of 101 garden birds; K How to get to know your local species, their feeding, breeding, calls and general behaviour; the book can be downloaded for free at http://www.elsenburg.com/ne ws/launch-dairy-farming- handbook. Garden bird guide 44 www.sa smallholder. co.za