Talitha Pharma

08/01/2026

THE PERFECT STORM: Why preparedness matters more than panic

Following the summer rains, farmers are operating in a season where multiple pressures are converging at the same time. High-impact viral diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and Rift Valley fever (RVF) coexist with endemic and seasonal challenges, including Blue tongue, lumpy skin disease, orf, Brucellosis, clostridial diseases, tick-borne infections and foot rot. Many of these conditions present with similar early signs and are not easily distinguishable without expert assistance.

There is no predictable sequence and no single culprit to focus on. Any one of these challenges may strike first, or several at once. By definition, this combination of timing, interaction and uncertainty fits what can best be described as a perfect storm.
Yet a perfect storm does not automatically mean panic.

In many industries, periods of complexity are where systems, preparation and calm decision-making matter most. Farming is no different. Seasons like these separate reaction from readiness, not because prepared farmers face fewer challenges, but because their animals and systems are better able to respond when pressure mounts.

This reality highlights a simple truth: preparedness happens before the storm arrives. When animals are in good condition and immune systems are supported, farmers retain options. Vaccination decisions are safer, treatments work as intended, and responses are measured rather than rushed.

This is where the idea of starting right becomes especially relevant. Strong foundations do not prevent storms, but they shape how animals cope when challenges converge.

A perfect storm is defined by convergence, not catastrophe. Uncertainty is unavoidable, but vulnerability is not. In seasons like this, resilience is built through discipline, doing the right things, in the right order, before pressure peaks.
Preparedness is not about doing more. It is about starting right. And in a perfect storm, that discipline is what turns complexity into control.

For further guidance, join the Talitha Wamafama WhatsApp Group for personalised support from Talitha’s veterinarians and Customer Experience Consultants (CECs): Owethu (MaMaduna): 081 328 1061, Siyavuya (Jwarha): 081 357 4640, Nosive (MaDlamini): 069 490 4288, Odwa (Jwarha): 060 190 1283.

To Join WhatsApp Group follow this link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HTON2r2z0KbGWXIohOqe1z?mode=hqrt1

23/12/2025

THE STARTING POINT - When your Livestock is Distressed

As the year begins, following the summer rains, farmers are often faced with a range of seasonal challenges. Disease pressure typically increases during this period, with conditions such as foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), Rift Valley fever, lumpy skin disease, bluetongue, and various bacterial infections becoming more common. Many of these conditions are not easily distinguishable without expert assistance, yet their early signs often present in similar ways, animals that are weak, stressed, off-feed, or losing condition.

When livestock farmers are faced with weak, distressed, or poorly conditioned animals, the knee-jerk reaction - often from peer advice - is to inject a popular oxytetracycline, a vitamin B-complex, or to jump straight into deworming. These actions are familiar and accessible. The real question is: are they the right starting point?

1. Putting it into Perspective

Oxytetracyclines play an important role in treating or preventing bacterial and opportunistic infections. However, they do not restore body condition or rebuild immunity.

Vitamin B-complex supports appetite and energy metabolism, but its scope is limited. On its own, it cannot correct the broader vitamin and mineral deficiencies common in poorly conditioned animals.

Deworming is an essential parasite-control tool and may be necessary in poorly conditioned animals. However, deworming often places animals on a rising plane of nutrition, creating conditions that favour the rapid proliferation of Cl. perfringens type D - the bacteria causing pulpy kidney. For this reason, pulpy kidney vaccination is recommended before any deworming programme.

Vaccination, as a principle, must be done in healthy animals. Vaccinating weak or sick animals carries real risk, including poor immune response, severe stress reactions, and in rare cases, death.

None of these interventions are wrong. It is a matter of when and how they are used.

2. Why the Starting Point Matters

Poorly conditioned animals must be reconditioned first so the immune system can respond properly. Well-supported animals vaccinate more safely, cope better with the stress of deworming, and recover faster when antibiotics are used. Starting with reconditioning prevents unintended consequences and ensures every treatment delivers its full benefit.

3. TaliMune PLUS – The Starting Point

TaliMune PLUS provides a broad-spectrum combination of essential vitamins and minerals to:
•⁠ ⁠Recondition animals nutritionally
•⁠ ⁠Strengthen immune function
•⁠ ⁠Improve vaccine response
•⁠ ⁠Reduce treatment-related stress
•⁠ ⁠Accelerate recovery after deworming or antibiotic use

TaliMune PLUS does not replace vaccines, dewormers, or antibiotics. It prepares the animal so these interventions can be used safely and effectively.

4. In Summary

Strategic animal health starts with the right preparation. By reconditioning animals first, farmers reduce risk, improve treatment outcomes, and protect their investment. TaliMune PLUS prepares the animal so vaccination is safer, deworming is more effective, and treatments work as intended.

TaliMune PLUS is the foundation and the starting point of strategic animal health management and may be used for 3-days every month to keep your in top performance state.

For further guidance, Join the Talitha Wamafama WhatsApp Group for personalised support from Talitha’s veterinarians and CECs: Owethu (MaMaduna): 081 328 1061, Siyavuya (Jwarha): 081 357 4640, Nosive (MaDlamini): 069 490 4288, Odwa (Jwarha): 060 190 1283

To Join WhatsApp Group follow this link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HTON2r2z0KbGWXIohOqe1z?mode=hqrt1

17/12/2025

FARMING THROUGH A WET SEASON: WHAT STRATEGIC FARMERS DO DIFFERENTLY

The wet season brings green pastures, fuller dams and healthier animals. It also brings risks that may quietly reduce fertility, survival and growth if farmers do not prepare.

Strategic Farmers understand that success through wet-season is not accidental, but it takes planning and active management.

This season is also unique in that many migrant farmers, including executives, professionals, mines and different industry workers, weekend and long-distance farmers return home during the festive period. It becomes the ideal time in the year to properly inspect livestock, correct problems, set new objectives and plan ahead. Strategic Farmers use this window wisely, knowing that decisions made now determine performance later.

1. Wet Conditions Start in the Kraal

Problems often begin where animals stand every day. Wet manure and muddy kraals soften hooves, encourage bacteria and allow foot rot to spread quickly. Animals become uncomfortable, eat less and lose condition. Fertility and growth soon follow. Strategic Farmers act early, keeping kraals as dry and clean as possible before small issues become costly losses.

2. External Parasites Multiply After Rain

After rain and warm sunshine, ticks, midges and flies increase rapidly. They stress animals, reduce feed intake and spread disease. Strategic Farmers respond first by dipping more frequently in summer season. Consistent dipping, and not over reliance on injectable endectocides (ivermectin/ doramectin) which are only effective agains one tick type, remains the foundation of parasite control and protects productivity when disease pressure is highest.

3. Be Ready for Wet-Season Diseases

Wet seasons create ideal conditions for diseases carried by ticks, flies, mosquitoes and midges. This leads to a rise in gallsickness, redwater (common in cattle) and heartwater (common in small stock), as well as fly-associated conditions like pink eye. At the same time, increased mosquito and midge activity raises the risk of vector-borne diseases such as Rift Valley Fever, Blue tongue and Lumpy Skin Disease. Foot rot also becomes more common in persistently wet areas.

These problems escalate quickly if livestock are not checked regularly. Strategic Farmers prioritise early detection and prompt treatment, preventing small issues from developing into major losses.

4. Managing From a Distance Needs Structure

Many farmers do not live where their livestock are kept. They rely on family members or herdsmen.

Strategic Farmers plan for this reality. They give clear instructions, plan interventions ahead of time and align health decisions with breeding and production goals. This is the thinking behind Talitha’s Livestock Health and Production (LHeaP) programme, structured support that helps farmers manage effectively, even from far away.

5. Productivity Depends on Preparation

A wet season creates opportunities, but only for farmers who plan. Heavy rains, sudden temperature changes, rising parasite pressure and increased disease exposure all place animals under stress. Stress is exactly the condition where TaliMune PLUS becomes indispensable: it helps supplement what may be missing from lush but nutritionally inconsistent green grass, maintains body condition, strengthens immunity, and supports fertility so that reproduction continues uninterrupted.

When Strategic Farmers follow the LHeaP approach, the wet season becomes a springboard for healthier livestock, stronger pregnancies, better survival and higher weaning weights. Those who invest now reap the benefits later.

For further guidance, join the Talitha Wamafama WhatsApp Group for personalised support from Talitha’s veterinarians and Customer Experience Consultants (CECs):
📞 Owethu (MaMaduna): 081 328 1061
📞 Siyavuya (Jwarha): 081 357 4640
📞 Nosive (MaDlamini): 069 490 4288
📞 Odwa (Jwarha): 060 190 1283
To Join WhatsApp Group follow this link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HTON2r2z0KbGWXIohOqe1z?mode=hqrt1

08/12/2025

WHY STRATEGIC FARMERS PREPARE THEIR RAMS & EWES WITH TaliMune PLUS + TaliRox 34 BEFORE MATING

Many farmers focus on body condition when preparing rams and ewes for mating. But the biggest threats to fertility often can’t be seen from the outside. Parasites quietly reduce conception rates, weaken cycling, and even affect mating behaviour.
This is why more strategic farmers now use a TaliRox 34 clean-out, followed by TaliMune PLUS, to prepare their flocks for a productive season.

How Worms Reduce Fertility (Even in “Healthy” Animals)

In rams, parasites weaken semen quality, reduce libido, and drain energy. Nasal worms and bots can even affect a ram’s ability to smell and identify ewes in heat — meaning fewer ewes are served.

In ewes, worms weaken heat cycles, reduce ovulation, and increase early pregnancy loss. Nasal bots can also interfere with mothering behaviour and lamb recognition after birth.
Parasites quietly steal your production long before you see weight loss.

Why Farmers Trust TaliRox 34 Before Mating

TaliRox 34 gives a strong, broad-spectrum clean-out that helps reset the flock before breeding. Farmers choose it because it:
✔ Lowers parasite pressure during the most important season
✔ Helps rams detect ewes in heat and perform better
✔ Helps ewes cycle properly and conceive earlier
✔ Supports better behaviour, bonding, and lamb recognition after birth
A clean flock at mating performs better, behaves better — and produces more lambs.

TaliMune PLUS — The Real Engine of Fertility

After deworming, animals need immunity, strength, and reproductive energy. This is where TaliMune PLUS becomes essential.

TaliMune PLUS helps rams and ewes to:
✔ Restore immune balance after parasite stress
✔ Improve fertility and conception rates
✔ Strengthen early pregnancy development
✔ Produce richer colostrum and stronger lambs
✔ Recover faster after lambing, returning to cycle sooner

Parasite control prepares the body. TaliMune PLUS prepares the animal.

The Strategic Mating Plan

1. Deworm with TaliRox 34 (2–4 weeks before mating)
2. Give TaliMune PLUS for 3 days to boost immunity and fertility
3. Repeat TaliMune PLUS before lambing to improve intra-lambing health, boost colostrum quality, and produce strong, healthy lambs.
The Result? More Lambs. Stronger Lambs. Better Income.

When your flock enters mating season clean, strong, and boosted, everything changes. More ewes conceive. More lambs survive. More money stays on your farm. TaliRox 34 resets the flock. TaliMune PLUS drives production. Together, they turn mating season into profit season.

For further guidance, Join the Talitha Wamafama WhatsApp Group for personalised support from Talitha’s veterinarians and CECs: Owethu (MaMaduna): 081 328 1061, Siyavuya (Jwarha): 081 357 4640, Nosive (MaDlamini): 069 490 4288, Odwa (Jwarha): 060 190 1283

WhatsApp Group link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HTON2r2z0KbGWXIohOqe1z?mode=wwt

06/12/2025

04/12/2025

ARE YOUR COWS CALVING? AIM FOR 100% WEANING!

SureWean RTU prevents diarrhoea from 2 days of age by:
- Stopping harmful bacteria early
- Building strong gut bacteria
- Strengthening and healing the gut wall
- Preventing dehydration
- Boosting immunity and growth
Result:
Stronger calves, lambs, and kids — fewer scours — better survival — better weaning.

For guidance, support, and personalised advice: Join the Talitha Wamafama WhatsApp Group, where qualified veterinarians and CECs are ready to assist or contact Talitha CECs directly: Owethu (MaMaduna): 081 328 1061, Siyavuya (Jwarha): 081 357 4640, Nosive (MaDlamini): 069 490 4288 and Odwa (Jwarha): 060 190 1283
https://chat.whatsapp.com/HTON2r2z0KbGWXIohOqe1z?mode=wwt

26/11/2025

WHY MORE STRATEGIC FARMERS ARE TURNING TO TALIROX 34 (for their sheep, goats, and cattle)

Many farmers rotate between the well-known dewormers, believing they are breaking the chain of worm resistance. But the reality is this: most of these products - even though they come in different brand names - contain the same active ingredients, Albendazole and Closantel, which fall under anthelmintic Groups 2 and 4.

These actives do play an important role, especially as an early starter for lambs to deal with tapeworm. However, simply switching between different brand names without changing the active ingredients has no benefit to delaying worm resistance, instead, this can increase the risk of worms adapting and becoming harder to control over time.

This is where TaliRox 34 comes in. Strategic farmers understand that because TaliRox 34 contains Levamisole (Group 3) and Rafoxanide (Group 4) - completely different actives from the commonly used drenches - it becomes a wise choice for long-term, sustainable worm control. Not only does TaliRox 34 effectively target all the major parasites covered by the common drenches (except tapeworm), and work safely in cattle, sheep, and goats, but it also brings additional hidden advantages that support stronger, healthier livestock.

1.⁠ ⁠Levamisole Hits Worms From a Different Angle

While many farmers continue using the same Albendazole/Closantel combinations or single formulations, Levamisole works differently:
•⁠ ⁠It refreshes your worm-control system
•⁠ ⁠⁠It helps break cycles of resistance
•⁠ ⁠⁠It delivers a clean, fast knockdown on roundworms
•⁠ ⁠⁠It supports the immune response - especially valuable during stress

Adding TaliRox 34, which includes Levamisole, helps protect the future of your worm remedies, ensuring you still have effective worm management tools for years to come.

2.⁠ ⁠Rafoxanide Strengthens Your Defence Where Livestock Need It Most

Rafoxanide brings powerful support against tough parasites such as:
•⁠ ⁠Adult liver fluke - in cattle, sheep, and goats
•⁠ ⁠⁠Blood-sucking worms (wireworm)
•⁠ ⁠⁠Nasal bot( all stages) - in sheep and goats

This is especially important for farmers in:
•⁠ ⁠wet or marshy areas
•⁠ ⁠⁠communal grazing zones
•⁠ ⁠⁠places with heavy seasonal parasite pressure

Together, Levamisole + Rafoxanide make TaliRox 34 a strong, balanced solution.

3.⁠ ⁠TaliRox 34 Works Best at Key Strategic Moments

Strategic Farmers get the best results by using TaliRox 34 at strategic times:

a)⁠ ⁠Before mating
Rams, bucks, bulls, and females need to be in top condition.
Lower parasite pressure → stronger animals → better fertility → higher conception rates.

b)⁠ ⁠Before lambing/kidding/calving
This is a high-demand period. The ewe or cow must feed herself and prepare for her offspring. High parasite load at this stage can affect: body condition, colostrum quality, may lead to late stage abortions, weak lamb/kid/calf at birth

c)⁠ ⁠In winter
When grazing is poor and the cold weakens animals, worms find refuge in the animals.
Levamisole is well known for supporting immunity, helping animals stay stronger through the cold season.

IMPORTANT: TaliRox 34 Does Not Treat Tapeworm. When working with young lambs, kids or calves, always start with a tapeworm-effective product if tapeworm signs are present. Then follow with TaliRox 34 during the growing phase or at weaning.

Signs of tapeworm include:
- “rice-grain” segments in dung
- sudden weight dips
- poor growth in young animals

Use TaliRox 34 strategically after addressing tapeworm where needed.

4.⁠ ⁠TaliRox 34 Is Practical for Mixed Herds

This is one of its biggest advantages:
One dewormer for cattle, sheep, and goats. This means:
•⁠ ⁠No confusion about species labels
•⁠ ⁠⁠No risk of giving the wrong product to the wrong animal
•⁠ ⁠⁠Simpler, cleaner record-keeping
•⁠ ⁠⁠More cost-effective farm management
•⁠ ⁠⁠Ideal for communal farmers, mixed herds, and commercial farmers
One bottle → all treated.

REMEMBER: Worms steal blood, compete for nutrients, and weaken your livestock. Any worm programme works better when supported by TaliMune PLUS. Using your worm remedy of choice together with TaliMune PLUS helps livestock to:
•⁠ ⁠Speed up recovery
•⁠ ⁠⁠Return to good condition
•⁠ ⁠⁠Prepare properly for production stages like: mating, lambing/kidding/calving, producing high-quality colostrum, producing enough milk for the offspring, returning to reproductive readiness sooner, thus narrowing the inter calving / lambing period.

This is the real secret behind profitable, sustainable farming - FROM MATING TO WEANING.

In Summary

Strategic farmers choose TaliRox 34 because they know that:
•⁠ ⁠Changing brand names alone does not slow down resistance
•⁠ ⁠The key is to switch the active ingredients, not just manufacturers
•⁠ ⁠TaliRox 34 mode of action is completely different from popular drenches
•⁠ ⁠⁠It is not the multiplicity of ingredients in a combination that matters, but the balance, and practicality of the scope.
•⁠ ⁠⁠Deworming should match production goals - not the calendar
•⁠ ⁠⁠TaliMune PLUS is the backbone of production- FROM MATING TO WEANING - it restores both males and females to prime production, irrespective of the effective deworming programme followed

TAKE NOTE: Vaccination against Pulpy kidney disease using OBP’s Pulpy kidney vaccine before deworming smallstock is key.

For guidance, support, and personalised advice: Join the Talitha Wamafama WhatsApp Group, where qualified veterinarians and CECs are ready to assist or contact Talitha CECs directly: Owethu (MaMaduna): 081 328 1061, Siyavuya (Jwarha): 081 357 4640, Nosive (MaDlamini): 069 490 4288 and Odwa (Jwarha): 060 190 1283
https://chat.whatsapp.com/HTON2r2z0KbGWXIohOqe1z?mode=wwt

15/11/2025

RIFT VALLEY FEVER: WHY STRATEGIC FARMERS MUST PREPARE BEFORE AN OUTBREAK

Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is one of the most destructive diseases affecting sheep, goats and cattle. When it arrives, it strikes fast, causing high abortion rates, sudden deaths in newborn lambs and kids, weak offspring, and long-term fertility setbacks. For many farmers, a single outbreak can undo years of progress. To protect flocks and herds, preparation must begin long before the first case is reported.

How Rift Valley Fever Spreads

RVF is primarily spread by mosquitoes, especially after heavy rains, standing water and warm conditions that allow mosquito populations to explode.
Once mosquitoes pick up the virus, they move rapidly between animals, spreading the disease across entire flocks.

RVF can also spread through:
* Contact with infected blood
* Handling aborted foetuses or stillborn lambs/calves
* Exposure during slaughter

Because mosquitoes breed aggressively and move freely, RVF outbreaks escalate within days, leaving little time to react once signs start appearing. This is why strategic farmers act before the outbreak, not during it.

Building Immunity Before the Disease Strikes

Strong immunity does not prevent infection, but it helps animals fight back. Animals with a resilient immune system:
* Handle stress better
* Maintain condition
* Recover faster
* Are less likely to succumb to complications
* Support healthier pregnancies and offspring

This is where TaliMune PLUS becomes indispensable. TaliMune PLUS strengthens general immunity in both small and large stock, making animals more resilient when disease pressure rises, including during RVF outbreaks.

TaliMune PLUS does not replace vaccination, but it significantly improves the animal’s ability to withstand disease challenges. For strategic farmers, TaliMune PLUS is a non-negotiable part of the toolkit, especially heading into high-risk rainfall seasons.

Vaccination: The Cornerstone of RVF Prevention

While strong immunity is essential, vaccination remains the primary defence against RVF. OBP provides two forms of the vaccine, and correct use is critical:

1. LIVE (attenuated) RVF vaccine
* Provides strong, long-lasting protection
* Must NOT be used in pregnant animals
* Ideal for non-pregnant ewes, does, cows, and heifers
* Best administered before the breeding season

2. INACTIVATED (killed) RVF vaccine
* Safe for pregnant animals
* Safe during lactation
* Suitable for herds or flocks with uncertain pregnancy status
* Can be used annually for ongoing protection

Strategic farmers integrate the correct RVF vaccine into their Livestock Health and Production (LHeaP) programme or annual calendar to prevent crises, losses and disruptions to production.

In summary: Strategy Saves Investment

A well-prepared farmer or community combines:
* Strong immunity (TaliMune PLUS)
* Correct vaccination timing (OBP RVF vaccines)
* Vector control where possible
* Careful handling of birthing materials during outbreaks
* Early reporting of suspicious symptoms to your State Vet or Animal Health Technician
This integrated approach strengthens resilience and protects profitability.

Speak to Talitha or Your Local Retailer

Talitha’s Customer Experience Consultants (CECs) work closely with farmers and retailers to guide:
* Which RVF vaccine to use
* When to vaccinate
* How TaliMune PLUS fits into a broader immunity-building plan
* How to prepare the flock/ herd before disease pressure rises
* How to respond quickly during suspected outbreaks

Farmers are encouraged to contact their nearest retailer or any Talitha CEC for guidance in planning their Rift Valley Fever prevention strategy. Feel free to follow this link to join our WhatsApp Group to get professional advice from our vets.
https://chat.whatsapp.com/HTON2r2z0KbGWXIohOqe1z?mode=wwt

13/11/2025

FROM MATING TO WEANING: WHY STRATEGIC FARMERS WIN

At Talitha, we see one truth across farms, provinces and production systems: Farmers who follow a structured plan from mating to weaning consistently wean more lambs and calves, and achieve far better profitability.

This is the heart of our LHeaP Programme, not random product use, but intentional, well-timed decisions that produce predictable results.

1. Preparation Before Mating

Success begins long before rams and ewes, bulls and cows are joined. Animals entering mating with strong immunity, clean parasite status and balanced condition always perform better.

This is why TaliMune PLUS forms part of the foundation. It supports immunity before the stress of mating and helps maintain cycling, fertility and reproductive health.

Prepared animals conceive more reliably. Prepared animals stay productive.

2. Clean Animals Conceive Better

Parasites silently drain fertility and weaken unborn offspring. Strategic farmers ensure animals enter mating clean and balanced, not when signs of illness appear, but before they start.

Talirox 34 plays an essential role here. By reducing internal parasite load, it helps animals redirect nutrients toward conception, pregnancy maintenance and body condition.

A clean ram or bull is energetic and it senses a ewe or cow on heat. A clean ewe or cow is fertile. A clean flock becomes a profitable flock.

3. Strong Mothers Produce Strong Offspring

During pregnancy, the mother must remain healthy enough to carry, protect and nourish her developing young.

Supporting immunity with TaliMune PLUS and managing parasite pressure throughout this time leads to stronger births, healthier lambs and fewer late-term losses. Healthy mothers shape healthy generations.

4. Early-Life Support Protects the Newborn

The first few days after birth are when most losses occur. Strategic farmers act early, ensuring the newborn digestive system develops properly and immunity is supported from the start.
SureWean RTU is introduced from 2 days of age to strengthen early-life gut function, reduce scours and help the newborn build resilience. A lamb or calf protected early becomes a stronger weaner later.

5. Weaning: Where Profitability Reveals Itself

Two farmers may use similar products, but only one approaches the process strategically.
When the LHeaP pathway is followed sincerely:
• Conception improves
• More twins and triplets are born
• Survival increases
• Growth becomes uniform
• Weaning numbers rise
And ultimately, more animals are sold, which is the core driver of profitability. Weaning is the moment where good decisions show their value.

Why Strategic Farmers Outperform Others

The difference is simple. It is not about using “many bottles” or searching for miracle cures. It is about timing, planning and combining the right interventions at every stage.

Strategic farming integrates:
• Correct feeding to support energy, fertility and growth
• Vaccination at the right intervals for disease protection
• Parasite management with products like Talirox 34
• Immune support before stress points using TaliMune PLUS
• Early-life gut and immune support through SureWean RTU

When these elements work together, they support the entire journey - from mating to weaning - resulting in:
• Stronger conceptions
• More multiple births
• Healthier mothers
• Higher survival
• Better growth
• More uniform weaners
• A more profitable farming system

It is the combination of good management, good feeding, good vaccination, and strategic product choices that builds resilient, high-performing flocks and herds.

For further details, speak to your Talitha's Customer Experience Consultants on 081 357 4640, 081 328 1061, 069 490 4288 or 060 190 1283. Follow the link to Talitha Wamafam WhatsApp Group:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/HTON2r2z0KbGWXIohOqe1z?mode=wwt

02/10/2025

Attention Basotho Farmers 🚜🐑🐐

Good news! You can now get SureWean RTU closer to you:
• Farmers from Qacha’s Nek and surrounding areas ➝ Visit AgriTIA FARM in Matatiele.
• Farmers from Thaba-Tseka, Senqu Valley, and nearby villages ➝ Visit Sterkspruit Farmers’ Co-op.

SureWean RTU helps you raise stronger, healthier lambs and calves – from 2 days old until weaning. Don’t miss out on this proven solution for 100% weaning success!

Get SureWean RTU from a retailer nearest to you may also follow the link to our WhatsApp group

https://chat.whatsapp.com/HTON2r2z0KbGWXIohOqe1z

23/09/2025

KEEPING EVERY LAMB ALIVE: PREVENTING EWE REJECTION THROUGH STRATEGIC FARMING

Strategic farmers know that the first hours after birth are critical. While most ewes readily bond with their lambs, some unexpectedly reject them, either one or both in the case of twins. This rejection can lead to starvation, illness, and even death if it is not managed promptly. Understanding why rejection happens, and how to prevent it, is essential for any farmer committed to profitable, sustainable, strategic farming.

Why Ewes Reject Their Lambs

Rejection can be traced to several causes. Some originate from the ewe herself, such as when she carries a heavy worm burden that interferes with her sense of smell, especially when nasal bot is present. Mastitis is another common issue; the pain and inflammation associated with it discourage suckling, and the lack of milk leaves lambs without nourishment. Ewes that are malnourished or weakened from starvation are often unable to show the care required, and stress, whether from predators, noise, or overcrowding - further undermines maternal behaviour. There are also cases where a ewe simply lacks maternal instinct altogether.

The lamb itself may also play a role in rejection. A weak or sickly lamb is sometimes abandoned instinctively, as the ewe conserves her energy for stronger lamb/s. When twins are born, it is not uncommon for one lamb to be favoured while the other is neglected.

Environmental and human factors add further complications. In group lambing situations, confusion can arise when many ewes give birth at the same time, causing the scent signals that guide recognition to be mixed. Human interference can also play a part: handling lambs too soon after birth may alter their scent, which may cause the ewe to fail to recognise them. Finally, unsafe lambing areas that expose ewes to stress and predators can result in rejection.

Strategic Interventions from Mating to Weaning

At Talitha Pharma, we emphasise strategic farming - planning and preparation that begins long before lambing, ensuring both ewe and lamb are given the best chance of survival and growth. Proper nutrition is critical, with supplementary feeding and the inclusion of essential salts, vitamins, and nutrients playing a major role. TaliMune PLUS supports immunity in the ewe, helps reduce the risk of mastitis, and improves milk production. Alongside this, TALIROX 34 provides robust parasite control so that the ewe is not competing with worms for the nutrients she needs for her health and her lamb’s vitality.

Vaccination and deworming, carried out 4 to 6 weeks before lambing, have a dual benefit. They not only strengthen the ewe but also improve the quality of the antibodies in her colostrum. When lambs ingest this enriched first milk, they receive stronger protection against disease, setting them up for survival during their most vulnerable stage.

Safe management practices at lambing are equally important. Housing ewes in protected lambing pens close to home ensures that they are shielded from predators and other disturbances. Providing shelter during winter reduces stress from the cold, which is one of the leading killers of lambs. Close observation during lambing allows for timely intervention when difficulties arise, ensuring that the ewe-lamb bond is not disrupted.
Caring for lambs also requires proactive measures. Bonding between ewe and lamb should be carefully facilitated in the hours immediately after birth. If rejection does occur, farmers may need to intervene by restraining the ewe while the lamb suckles, fostering the lamb onto another ewe that has lost a lamb, or in some cases resorting to hand-rearing. Hand-rearing is another area where SureWean RTU plays a crucial role, by helping weak lambs cope with stress, building their immunity, and supporting their growth through this vulnerable phase.

The Bigger Picture

Every lamb lost to rejection or starvation is a direct blow to farmer's profitability. Yet these losses are preventable through a combination of sound flock management and the use of scientifically proven health solutions. By integrating TaliMune PLUS, TALIROX 34, strategic vaccination, and SureWean RTU into their management systems, farmers can reduce lamb losses significantly, build stronger flocks, and secure sustainable returns.
For further details, speak to your Talitha's Customer Experience Consultants on 081 357 4640 or 081 328 1061. Follow the link to Talitha Wamafam WhatsApp Group:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/HTON2r2z0KbGWXIohOqe1z?mode=ems_copy_t