Talitha Pharma

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

20/09/2025

Speak to our Customer Experience Consultants about Talitha LHeaP programme, or following the link to our WhatsApp group:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/HTON2r2z0KbGWXIohOqe1z?mode=ems_copy_t

16/09/2025

SUSTAINABLE USE OF VACCINES IN COMMUNAL FARMING SYSTEMS

Strategic Farming in Communal Areas

Strategic farming is about making deliberate plans so that livestock production remains both profitable and sustainable. In communal areas, where farmers share land, grazing, and exposure to diseases, it is not enough to focus only on your own animals. Cooperation with neighbours becomes essential, not only in managing pastures but also in planning vaccination programmes and the correct use of remedies.

Being strategic also means resisting the pressure to buy remedies simply because they are promoted. Farmers are often encouraged to purchase more products than they truly need, or to treat animals unnecessarily, which raises costs without improving herd health. Responsible farmers focus instead on sensible planning, correct timing, and proven needs, ensuring that remedies and vaccines are used effectively, not wastefully. This approach protects both livestock and the farmer’s pocket, while keeping the community’s production system sustainable.

Correct Handling of Vaccines

Vaccines are highly effective tools, but only when handled properly. They must always be kept refrigerated, never frozen, and once a bottle is opened it must be used immediately. Leftover doses cannot be stored for later use, because every needle prick risks contamination, heat exposure damages the product, and effectiveness is quickly lost. Using compromised vaccines wastes money and leaves livestock unprotected.

Timing and Cooperation

Strategic farmers also understand that timing matters. Vaccinations should be planned before the season or production stage when disease risks are highest, not after losses have already occurred. In communal farming systems, it is especially important to cooperate: pooling money to buy vaccines together reduces wastage from multi-dose packs, ensures that all animals are protected, and builds herd immunity by reducing the chance of disease spreading from unvaccinated neighbours.

The Weaning Phase: A High-Risk Period

Among all the production stages, the weaning phase is one of the riskiest. Stress from weaning, handling, and dietary change makes lambs and calves particularly vulnerable to disease. Many sudden deaths occur at this stage, especially from Pulpy Kidney in weaner lambs. Vaccinating with OBP’s Pulpy Kidney vaccine before weaning is therefore essential. At the same time, supplementing with SureWean RTU helps to reduce stress and support growth, ensuring that young animals adapt successfully to this difficult transition. OBP Pasteurella Sheep & Goat vaccine may be a valuable addition to avert pneumonia, another silent killer, particularly in kraaled animals. Together, vaccination for disease prevention and stress management with SureWean RTU give farmers the best chance of securing healthier weaners and higher survival rates.

The Bigger Picture of Strategic Farming

Ultimately, being a strategic farmer goes beyond buying remedies. It involves prudent use of remedies, correct vaccine handling and storage, vaccinating at the right time with the right products, maintaining the cold chain during transport and use, keeping records for future planning, and cooperating with neighbours to protect the community’s livestock as a whole. By paying particular attention to the high-risk weaning stage, and by combining OBP vaccines with SureWean RTU, farmers can sustainably improve both survival and profitability in communal farming systems.

For further details on Strategic Farming, follow the link to join our WhatsApp group, Talitha Wamafama: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HTON2r2z0KbGWXIohOqe1z?mode=ems_copy_t

27/08/2025

STRATEGIC LAMB WEANING: BUILDING PROFIT FROM PREPARATION

Weaning is one of the most stressful stages in a lamb’s life, both for the lamb and for the farmer. Stress at this point can weaken immunity, slow growth, and even lead to sudden losses. But with a strategic weaning plan, farmers can protect their lambs, improve survival rates, and set the foundation for a profitable season.

The process begins with timing. Most farmers wean at about three to four months, when lambs weigh between 20 and 25 kilograms. At this point, health cover and nutrition are critical.

The first priority is vaccination. At weaning, lambs are at high risk of pulpy kidney (enterotoxaemia), a deadly disease often triggered by diet change and stress. To prevent this, vaccinate with the OBP Pulpy Kidney Alum vaccine at weaning, followed by a booster four to six weeks later. At the same time, ram lambs between 2 and 4 months of age should be given a once-off injection of Brucella Rev 1. This provides lifetime protection against brucellosis, a disease that silently erodes flock fertility and causes devastating abortions.

Another silent killer that often strikes at weaning is pasteurellosis (pneumonia or pasteurella infection). Weaning stress, close confinement, and changing weather create the perfect opportunity for this disease to spread. Including the OBP Pasteurella Sheep & Goat vaccine in the weaning programme protects lambs from one of the most common and costly losses in sheep production.

Next comes nutrition management. Lambs introduced to creep feed from about a week after birth adapt more easily when they are weaned. By the time they are separated, they are already accustomed to solid feed. A good Complete Lamb Creep Feed, containing protein with balanced energy and minerals, and good palatability helps drive strong growth. Continuing creep feeding for two to three weeks post-weaning maintains momentum and prevents the typical “weaning slump.”

At the same time, gut health must be protected. This is where SureWean RTU plays its role. Lambs drenched with SureWean RTU from day two of life, again before weaning, and finally at weaning have a stronger immune system and healthier rumens. SureWean RTU helps prevent and treat diarrhoea and other diseases caused by coccidia, E. coli, salmonella, and clostridia, ensuring lambs make full use of their feed.

Finally, weaning management practices tie everything together. Lambs should be drenched with TALIROX 34 at weaning to clear roundworms, liver fluke, and nasal bot. Stress can be reduced with gradual or fence-line weaning. Camps should provide clean water, shade, and good grazing, and lambs must be monitored closely in the days following weaning for early signs of pneumonia, scours, or weight loss.
In the end, weaning is not just separation. It is a strategic turning point. By protecting lambs against pulpy kidney, pasteurellosis, and brucellosis; strengthening them with SureWean RTU; and supporting growth with creep feeding and parasite control, farmers secure not only the survival of their lambs but also the profitability of their farms.

Strategic farmers don’t leave their weaning season to chance. Protect your lambs with OBP vaccines, SureWean RTU, TALIROX 34, and creep feeding – and secure tomorrow’s flock today.
Join Strategic Farmers on WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HTON2r2z0KbGWXIohOqe1z?mode=ems_copy_c

02/08/2025

, trusted by discerning farmers and veterinarians alike…

19/07/2025

UNXUNGUPHELE NGOKUCHAPHAZELEKA KWEMFUYO YAKHO SISIFO I-FMD? INDIMA YE-TaliMune PLUS

Ukuqonda Ingxaki yeFMD

Ngexesha lohlaseleko oluqhubekayo lweFoot and Mouth Disease (FMD) eMzantsi Afrika, amafama ayakhuthazwa ukuba nangona kungekho lunyango ngqo lwale ntsholongwane, unonophelo nokuxhasa impilo lubalulekile ekunciphiseni ifuthe layo kwimfuyo echaphazelekayo. I-FMD yintsholongwane yohlobo lwe-virus esulelayo kakhulu ehlasela iinkomo, iigusha, iibhokhwe kunye neehagu. Isasazeka ngokukhawuleza kwaye ibangela amanxeba emlonyeni, ukuqhwalela, umkhuhlane, kunye nokwehla egazini. Kule meko, nakwezinye iimeko zohlaselo zi-virus, i-TaliMune PLUS inomsebenzi obaluleke ngamandla.

Yintoni i-TaliMune PLUS?

I-TaliMune PLUS yenziwe ngendibanisela enamandla yezithako zendalo, kuquka iFulvic Acid, eyaziwayo ngokuxhasa amajoni omzimba, ukuthomalalisa intlungu kunye nomkhuhlane (anti-inflammatory), kunye neempawu ezixhasa ukulwa neentsholongwane, kuquka neevirus. Ayithengiswa njengenjongo yokunyanga iFMD kwaye ayiphikisani nemigaqo yezonyango lwezilwanyana. Noko ke, inendima ebalulekileyo ekuxhaseni impilo yezilwanyana ezisengozini ngenxa yosulelo, izithintelo zokuhamba, okanye iinguqu kwezendalo.

Indlela i-TaliMune PLUS Enokunceda Ngayo Ngexesha loHlaseleko

Amafama asebenzisa i-TaliMune PLUS kwimfuyo ehlaselwe zii-virus njene FMD afumanisa ukuphucuka komdla wokutya kwimpahla echaphazelekileyo, ukuchacha ngokukhawuleza, kunye nokumelana okungcono nezifo ezingamangenela. Ii-virus zikhulisa ukuxhaphazeka kwemfuyo zizifo ngezifo. Ngenxa yolu xhaphazeko, azikwazi ukutya, zibhitye, ezivelisa ubisi zibe zizaqhaga, zingade zifelwe nangamabele, kukuhlaselwa zizifo ezingenelelayo. Xa sithetha ngee-virus emfuyweni singaquka i-FMD, Lumpy Skin, 3-Day Stiff Sickness, Blue Tongue, Rift Valley Fever, African Horse Sickness, Swin Flu, njalo-njalo. I-TaliMune PLUS ayingothintela (vaccine), koko ithomalalisa ukuthuthunjelwa, iphungule uxinzelelo, ze inyuse namandla okuzilwela kwizifo, ngakumbi kwezihlaselwe zii-virus, ukuze impahla ichache, icacele ukutya, ibe namandla ze ibuyele kwimeko yokuvelisa ngokukhawuleza.

Imilinganiselo Yokuseza

Seza kangango-0.5 ml ngekhilogram yomzimba wesilwanyana, iintsuku ezintathu zilandelelana. Oku kuthetha ukuthi, malunga ne-25 ml kwiigusha okanye iibhokhwe ezinkulu, kunye ne-150–200 ml kwiinkomo ezinkulu inje ngoba injalo.

Izilumkiso Ezibalulekileyo Zokuthobela Umthetho

Kubalulekile ukuba i-TaliMune PLUS isetyenziswe kunye neengcebiso zezempilo yezilwanyana kunye nemigaqo karhulumente. Kunyanzelekile ukuthobela imigaqo karhulumente, ngakumbi leyo ijongene nezithintelo zokuhamba ngexesha lohlaseleko yi-FMD. Musa ukuhambisa okanye uthengise izilwanyana ezichaphazelekayo ngaphandle kwemvume esemthethweni — oku kungasasaza isifo, kwaye kungakhokelela kwizohlwayo zomthetho.

Uziqaphela Ngantoni Ezichaphazelekileyo

Qaphela iimpawu eziphambili zeFMD — ezifana nokuvuzisa izinkcwe okungaqhelekanga, amanxeba okanye amaqhakuva emlonyeni, okanye amaqhakuvana emanqineni akhatshwa kukuqhwalela. Hlaba ikhwelo, uchaze kwi-ofisi ye-veterinary services okanye kumagosa ezempilo yezilwanyana (AHT's) kwangoko.

Qhakamshelana Nathi

I-TaliMune PLUS iyafumaneka kwindawo ezininzi ezithengisa amayeza emfuyo, xa kungenjalo, amafama angatsalela uTalitha Pharma ku-081 511 2308 (umnxeba okanye iWhatsApp). U-Talitha Pharma izimisele ukuxhasa amafama ngezempilo kunye nemveliso yemfuyo — nangamaxesha kaxakeka.
Follow the link to our WhatsApp group:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/HTON2r2z0KbGWXIohOqe1z

17/06/2025

SureWean RTU: MORE THAN A SUPPLEMENT- Building Resilience from the Ground Up

From as early as two days after birth, young ruminants face a perfect storm of threats: immature immune systems, underdeveloped rumens, and exposure to harmful pathogens. Diarrhoea, poor growth, and sudden death continue to claim the lives of too many calves, lambs, and kids — especially during two well-documented periods of high vulnerability. The first is in the first week of life, when insufficient colostrum intake, underdeveloped gut defences, and early exposure to pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella lead to rapid dehydration and death. The second occurs around weaning, when the stress of dietary transition, waning maternal protection, and shifts in the gut microbiota can trigger enterotoxaemia, particularly in small stock such as lambs and kids, where Clostridium perfringens often strikes without warning. *SureWean RTU* is specifically designed to address both of these windows of risk.

The Early-Life Threats: A Costly Reality

Whether on a communal or commercial farm, early-life diarrhoea is a common — and costly — problem. The culprits are well known:
• Escherichia coli, causing colibacillosis in newborns
• Salmonella spp., linked to septicaemia and acute scours
• Clostridium perfringens, also responsible for sudden death around weaning
• Coccidia (Eimeria spp.), causing intestinal damage, poor appetite and secondary infections
These pathogens thrive when the gut flora is imbalanced, the gut lining is inflamed, and the animal’s natural defences are still developing. This is where SureWean RTU steps in.

Scientifically Formulated for Gut Health and Immunity

SureWean RTU combines well-studied ingredients, each chosen for their specific mode of action in young ruminants. At the heart of the formulation is a proprietary strain of Bacillus spp. — a robust probiotic that works by producing lactic acid, competing with harmful bacteria, modulating immune responses, and disrupting the communication systems (quorum sensing) that pathogens use to multiply. The result? A healthier gut environment, reduced pathogen load, and improved nutrient absorption.
This is supported by fulvic acid, a natural compound with proven anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Fulvic acid helps reduce gut inflammation, supports immune cell development, and improves digestive enzyme activity — particularly important when feed intake is low or the digestive tract is immature.

Targeted Support During Stress and Transition

SureWean RTU is also rich in sodium butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that strengthens the gut lining and promotes villi development in the intestine. This becomes especially important at weaning, when changes in feed and environment often lead to stress and digestive upset. Trace minerals like zinc and selenium (in highly available proteinate forms) further support immune resilience, antioxidant defence, and the recovery of gut tissue.
A carefully balanced blend of vitamins A, D₃, E and B-complex, together with nutrients like choline, biotin, niacinamide, inositol, and essential trace elements (manganese, copper, iodine), ensures that metabolic, neurological and immune functions are fully supported during this demanding stage of development.

Practical Timing, Proven Benefits

SureWean RTU is administered:
• From 2 days after birth, to support early gut colonisation, immunity and growth
• Again, at weaning, when animals are vulnerable to stress, digestive challenges, and sudden death from clostridial disease
Field feedback and supporting studies point to a range of practical outcomes: fewer cases of scours, improved feed intake, faster growth, better rumen development, and ultimately, more animals surviving and thriving.

Designed for the Field

Beyond its scientific merits, SureWean RTU is made for real-world farming. It’s a ready-to-use liquid, requiring no mixing or complex handling. It fits easily into both smallholder and commercial systems and is safe for use across calves, lambs and kids.
By strengthening animals during their most vulnerable stages, SureWean RTU doesn’t just reduce losses — it increases the value of each surviving animal, shortens the time to weaning, and boosts productivity across the board.

The Bottom Line

SureWean RTU is more than a supplement — it’s a strategic tool for livestock health and production, leading to profitability. Backed by science and trusted in the field, it equips farmers and animal health professionals with a simple but powerful way to improve early-life survival and performance. Used for prevention or treatment of symptoms, it plays a vital role in reducing losses, supporting recovery, and building resilience where it matters most. In calves and small ruminants alike, the difference is not only measurable — it’s transformative.

References available on request from Talitha Pharma.
For scientific studies supporting the active ingredients in SureWean RTU, please contact info@talitha-pharma.co.za
Please join our WhatsApp Group for more of the same: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HTON2r2z0KbGWXIohOqe1z

Welcome to Talitha Investment Holdings, where innovation shapes prosperity and drives progress across diverse industries. With a particular focus on the pharmaceutical and livestock value chain sectors, we are committed to creating lasting socioeconomic growth and empowering rural communities for a....

12/06/2025

What’s the difference between SureWean RTU and TaliMune PLUS? 🤔

Great question! These two products work hand-in-hand but serve different purposes:

👉 SureWean RTU is for all newborns (lambs, calves, kids) from day 2 of life. It:

- Builds gut health and immunity from the start
- Prevents diarrhoea, dehydration, and digestive stress
- Prepares young animals for a smooth weaning process
🍼 It’s essential for every newborn, and especially helpful for those under extra stress or on bottle-feeding.
👉 TaliMune PLUS is for adult animals. It:

- Boosts fertility before mating
- Supports pregnancy and smooth birthing
- Helps animals recover quickly after birth
- Strengthens immunity during stress, illness, or poor nutrition
💪 It’s your go-to for keeping moms healthy and productive.
✅ Use SureWean RTU for all lambs/kids/calves — from birth to weaning.
✅ Use TaliMune PLUS for rams, ewes, cows, bulls, and other adult animals.



For more information, follow the link to our WhatsApp group:

WhatsApp Group Invite

11/06/2025

*100% weaning? Yes, you read that right!*
Farmers using *SureWean RTU* are reporting zero losses at weaning.
This scientifically formulated supplement is changing the game.
🐑 Healthy lambs. 💪 Strong starts.

10/06/2025

When your ram knows what’s best for him… . Chosen instinctively.

10/06/2025

LAMBING SEASON STARTS HERE — With a Dose of TaliMune PLUS

Lambing season is make or break — for your ewes, their lambs, and your bottom line. That’s why farmers across South Africa trust TaliMune PLUS, the immune-boosting supplement scientifically formulated to prepare ewes for birth and speed up recovery after.

🔹 4–6 weeks before lambing: Start preparing your ewes with TaliMune PLUS to reduce the risk of:
✓ Uterine prolapse
✓ Retained placenta
✓ Weak lambs at birth

🔹 2–3 weeks before lambing: A second dose enhances the ewe’s immune system, supports colostrum quality, and prepares her for smooth delivery.
🔹 Right after lambing: TaliMune PLUS helps prevent
✓ Metritis
✓ Mastitis
✓ Milk fever
It also boosts milk production, improves ewe recovery, and gets her ready to return to mating faster.

🔬 What’s inside? High-potency organic trace minerals, vitamins A, D & E, and Fulvic acid to support fertility, milk yield, and disease resistance — even under stress.

📦 Available in 1L and 5L packs 📍 Ask your local stockist or contact Talitha Pharma CECs: Owethu – 081 328 1061 | Siyavuya – 081 357 4640 or Follow the link to our WhatsApp Talitha Wamafama: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HTON2r2z0KbGWXIohOqe1z

🟢 Dosage (Sheep/ Goats): 0.5ml/kg for 3 days. A 50kg ewe gets 25ml/day orally. Or in drinking water: Mix 10ml/L for 3-5 days.

TaliMune PLUS. Because healthy ewes raise profitable lambs.

🔸 Give your lambs and kids a solid start with SureWean RTU from 2 days of age, for 5 consecutive days.

20/05/2025

PNEUMONIC PASTEURELLOSIS IN SMALL STOCK -A Strategic Farming Approach to Prevention and Management

Strategic Farming encourages farmers to anticipate seasonal disease risks and prioritise cost-effective interventions aligned with livestock production goals—not the sales agendas of others.
One of the most common threats in confined or kraaled sheep and goats is pneumonic pasteurellosis, a severe respiratory disease that often follows:
* Stressful events (e.g. weaning, transport, kraaling)
* Weather changes and temperature fluctuations
* Extreme weather (heatwaves, cold snaps, thunderstorms)
These conditions suppress the animal’s immune system, creating the ideal environment for Pasteurella bacteria to invade the lungs.

KEY SYMPTOMS in Lambs and Kids (Weanlings):

* Sudden onset of illness
* Lethargy and loss of appetite
* High fever
* Sudden death with few or no visible symptoms

In animals that survive the initial phase:
* Laboured or rapid breathing
* Lagging behind the flock
* Poor weight gain
* Sporadic deaths
* Postmortem: Lungs appear multicoloured (“bontlong”), often stuck to the ribs

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION

Prevention is always better than cure. Here’s how to stay ahead:
1. Boost Immunity with TaliMune PLUS
* Supplies essential vitamins, minerals, salts, and Fulvic acid
* Fulvic acid is known for its bactericidal, fungicidal, and antiviral properties
* Supports recovery and enhances disease resistance
2. Vaccinate with OBP Pasteurella Vaccine
* Targets M. haemolytica types 2, 5, 6 & 9 and B. trehalosi type 15
* Cost-effective at just 2ml per animal
* Safe for concurrent use with clostridial vaccines like OBP Enterotoxaemia
3. Treat Effectively When Needed
* Use a long-acting oxytetracycline to combat pneumonia
* Combine with TaliMune PLUS for faster recovery and return to productivity

Want to learn more about Strategic Farming?�Contact our Customer Experience Consultants:�📞 081 328 1061 | 081 357 4640
Or reach Dr. Ngetu directly via WhatsApp Group Talitha Wamafama https://chat.whatsapp.com/HTON2r2z0KbGWXIohOqe1z or WhatsApp us directly 081 511 2308
Let’s farm smarter—because every lamb and kid counts.