Agricultural entrepreneurship development as strategy for economic empowerment: The case of small-scale farmers in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Akinwale, Olusola Mokayode
- Date: 2020-11
- Subjects: Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20241 , vital:45637
- Description: This study emanated from the struggle for economic empowerment among small-scale farmers in South African. The study advocates for the establishment of a viable environment where agricultural entrepreneurship can thrive. While the South African Nation Development Plan (NDP) proposed to create one million jobs through agricultural sector by 2030, the majority of small-scale farmers in South Africa are struggling to grow beyond the level of subsistence farming, and the youths appear not to be interested in the farming. It is therefore become necessary to conduct this current study that is exploratory in nature; it explored several factors and barriers to agricultural entrepreneurship development, as well as factors that can contribute to the development of prosperous and sustainable agricultural entrepreneurship among small-scale farmers in South African. The study was conducted in two district municipalities of Eastern Cape Province of South Africa – OR Tambo and Chris Hani. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used to make findings. Findings from the study shows that economic empowerment can be achieved through agricultural entrepreneurship development by giving adequate attention to specific factors like individuals’ attitude, production skills, access to market and marketing skills, management skills. Empirically, basic components like personal interests, adequate training and background, efficient extension service, famers’ network and communication, specific goal-oriented, understanding market, farmers’ collaboration, and access to sufficient funding are few of the factors that will make the small-scale farmers grow to the level of commercial farming. The study concluded that prerequisite to developing a sustainable agricultural entrepreneurship climate among small-scale farmers in South African is the combination of basic components aforementioned. Suggestions were made for strong collaboration between government and private sectors to provide development assistance for small-scale farmers as they struggles to develop their small-scale farming to sustainable entrepreneurship level. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2020
- Full Text:
- Authors: Akinwale, Olusola Mokayode
- Date: 2020-11
- Subjects: Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20241 , vital:45637
- Description: This study emanated from the struggle for economic empowerment among small-scale farmers in South African. The study advocates for the establishment of a viable environment where agricultural entrepreneurship can thrive. While the South African Nation Development Plan (NDP) proposed to create one million jobs through agricultural sector by 2030, the majority of small-scale farmers in South Africa are struggling to grow beyond the level of subsistence farming, and the youths appear not to be interested in the farming. It is therefore become necessary to conduct this current study that is exploratory in nature; it explored several factors and barriers to agricultural entrepreneurship development, as well as factors that can contribute to the development of prosperous and sustainable agricultural entrepreneurship among small-scale farmers in South African. The study was conducted in two district municipalities of Eastern Cape Province of South Africa – OR Tambo and Chris Hani. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used to make findings. Findings from the study shows that economic empowerment can be achieved through agricultural entrepreneurship development by giving adequate attention to specific factors like individuals’ attitude, production skills, access to market and marketing skills, management skills. Empirically, basic components like personal interests, adequate training and background, efficient extension service, famers’ network and communication, specific goal-oriented, understanding market, farmers’ collaboration, and access to sufficient funding are few of the factors that will make the small-scale farmers grow to the level of commercial farming. The study concluded that prerequisite to developing a sustainable agricultural entrepreneurship climate among small-scale farmers in South African is the combination of basic components aforementioned. Suggestions were made for strong collaboration between government and private sectors to provide development assistance for small-scale farmers as they struggles to develop their small-scale farming to sustainable entrepreneurship level. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2020
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An exploration of factors contributing to gender-based violence among university students in selected universities of South Africa
- Nobevu, luyolo Renald https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0494-2164
- Authors: Nobevu, luyolo Renald https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0494-2164
- Date: 2020-11
- Subjects: Gender-based violence , Sexual harassment in education , College students
- Language: English
- Type: Master'stheses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27050 , vital:66243
- Description: Gender-based violence among university students is a major problem in South Africa and the world at large. The incidence of gender-based violence among university students is increasing for both males and females. In South Africa, many university students are likely to be victims of both direct and indirect gender-based violence this brings to doubt the efficacy of policies to address gender-based violence. This study explored factors contributing to gender-based violence among university students in selected universities of South Africa. The study opted for a qualitative research approach to achieve its primary aim. The study used the case study research design. Furthermore, the study utilised a non-probability sampling method and purposive sampling technique to generate a sample size of 25 participants. Participants were selected based on the supposed value they would add to the study. The study employed in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, secondary data, and key informant interviews for the data collection method. There were three focus groups with 4 participants each, and two of the groups comprised university students and one of the key informants. The Modified lifestyle exposure model of personal victimisation and the Gender Role theory formed the theoretical framework that guided the study. The study established that even though many universities have develop policies to address gender-based violence there is poor implementation. This may be the result of not monitoring effectively which led the policy to be invisible to the students only appear on paper not into practice. In addition, many university students who are the victims of gender-based violence do not report their experiences to authorities in their institutions or to the police because of the fear that they can be victimised again or their perpetrators are those who are in authorities. Meanwhile, the universities do not have sufficient programs for GBV , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2020
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nobevu, luyolo Renald https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0494-2164
- Date: 2020-11
- Subjects: Gender-based violence , Sexual harassment in education , College students
- Language: English
- Type: Master'stheses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27050 , vital:66243
- Description: Gender-based violence among university students is a major problem in South Africa and the world at large. The incidence of gender-based violence among university students is increasing for both males and females. In South Africa, many university students are likely to be victims of both direct and indirect gender-based violence this brings to doubt the efficacy of policies to address gender-based violence. This study explored factors contributing to gender-based violence among university students in selected universities of South Africa. The study opted for a qualitative research approach to achieve its primary aim. The study used the case study research design. Furthermore, the study utilised a non-probability sampling method and purposive sampling technique to generate a sample size of 25 participants. Participants were selected based on the supposed value they would add to the study. The study employed in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, secondary data, and key informant interviews for the data collection method. There were three focus groups with 4 participants each, and two of the groups comprised university students and one of the key informants. The Modified lifestyle exposure model of personal victimisation and the Gender Role theory formed the theoretical framework that guided the study. The study established that even though many universities have develop policies to address gender-based violence there is poor implementation. This may be the result of not monitoring effectively which led the policy to be invisible to the students only appear on paper not into practice. In addition, many university students who are the victims of gender-based violence do not report their experiences to authorities in their institutions or to the police because of the fear that they can be victimised again or their perpetrators are those who are in authorities. Meanwhile, the universities do not have sufficient programs for GBV , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2020
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Effect of different fat levels and Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) inclusion on proximate composition, fatty acid profile, lipid oxidation, and sensory attributes of chicken droëwors
- Authors: Tembela, Nelisiwe
- Date: 2020-11
- Subjects: Moringa oleifera , Meat--Quality , Broilers (Chickens)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20893 , vital:46709
- Description: The objective of the study was to determine the effect of different fat levels and Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MLM) inclusion on sensory attributes (aroma, meat flavour, spicy flavour, texture, colour, and saltiness), lipid oxidation, proximate composition, and fatty acid (FA) profile of chicken droëwors. Firstly, sensory attributes of chicken droëwors with different levels of fat and that of Moringa oleifera leaf meal were determined. In the second experiment, the effect of different fat and MLM inclusion levels on lipid oxidation during drying and storage, proximate composition, and fatty acid profile were also determined. A forty randomly selected consumers of different gender and age were used as the sensory panel. 75 percent of lean chicken meat and 25 percent of chicken fat was used during droëwors preparation. Thereafter, 9 treatments of chicken droëwors were produced, with MLM included either at 0 percent, 0.25 percent, 0.5 percent, and fat included at 10 percent and 15 percent. For fatty acid profile, the total lipid from dry sausage of all treatments was quantitatively extracted using chloroform and methanol in a ratio of 2:1. Lipid oxidation was measured by analyzing thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) at intervals during drying (0, 0.25, 0.5, 72h) and after 7 days of storage under ambient conditions. The results showed that consumers like the chicken droëwors when 0.5 percent MLM added to the product. The inclusion of MLM in chicken droëwors had a positive effect on consumer sensory. The results of the study demonstrated that chicken droëwors contained a significantly higher percentage (P<0.05) of C18:1c9 (Oleic) (30.95 to 32.65 percent) acid than other fatty acids. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were all non-significant (P˃0.05) except for Docosahexanoic, which was observed to be significant (P˂ 0.05) in all treatments except T1. There was no significance (P> 0.05) in mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), except for Elaidic, vaccenic, linoleic, y-linoleic, erucic, and arachidonic. Lipid oxidation occurred more rapidly (P<0.05) when MLM was not added. During processing and storage, TBARS were higher (P< 0.05) in chicken droewors. TBARS during storage were lower (P>0.05) with MLM added. Results showed a significant difference (P<0.05) in proximate composition of chicken droëwors, containing on average 16.93±1.29 to 10.79± 1.83/ 100 g moisture, 45.80± 1.65 to 67.56± 2.33/ 100 g protein, 14.37± 2.15 to 26.13± 2.15/100 g ash. The current study resultsgave a summary of the composition of chicken droëwors and showed higher susceptibility to lipid oxidation in chicken droewors. Therefore, Moringa oleifera leaf powder showed antioxidant activity in chicken droëwors, reserved lipid oxidation in the product. In conclusion, MLM could be used as a functional antioxidant preservative in chicken droëwors. , Thesis (MSc) (Animal Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tembela, Nelisiwe
- Date: 2020-11
- Subjects: Moringa oleifera , Meat--Quality , Broilers (Chickens)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20893 , vital:46709
- Description: The objective of the study was to determine the effect of different fat levels and Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MLM) inclusion on sensory attributes (aroma, meat flavour, spicy flavour, texture, colour, and saltiness), lipid oxidation, proximate composition, and fatty acid (FA) profile of chicken droëwors. Firstly, sensory attributes of chicken droëwors with different levels of fat and that of Moringa oleifera leaf meal were determined. In the second experiment, the effect of different fat and MLM inclusion levels on lipid oxidation during drying and storage, proximate composition, and fatty acid profile were also determined. A forty randomly selected consumers of different gender and age were used as the sensory panel. 75 percent of lean chicken meat and 25 percent of chicken fat was used during droëwors preparation. Thereafter, 9 treatments of chicken droëwors were produced, with MLM included either at 0 percent, 0.25 percent, 0.5 percent, and fat included at 10 percent and 15 percent. For fatty acid profile, the total lipid from dry sausage of all treatments was quantitatively extracted using chloroform and methanol in a ratio of 2:1. Lipid oxidation was measured by analyzing thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) at intervals during drying (0, 0.25, 0.5, 72h) and after 7 days of storage under ambient conditions. The results showed that consumers like the chicken droëwors when 0.5 percent MLM added to the product. The inclusion of MLM in chicken droëwors had a positive effect on consumer sensory. The results of the study demonstrated that chicken droëwors contained a significantly higher percentage (P<0.05) of C18:1c9 (Oleic) (30.95 to 32.65 percent) acid than other fatty acids. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were all non-significant (P˃0.05) except for Docosahexanoic, which was observed to be significant (P˂ 0.05) in all treatments except T1. There was no significance (P> 0.05) in mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), except for Elaidic, vaccenic, linoleic, y-linoleic, erucic, and arachidonic. Lipid oxidation occurred more rapidly (P<0.05) when MLM was not added. During processing and storage, TBARS were higher (P< 0.05) in chicken droewors. TBARS during storage were lower (P>0.05) with MLM added. Results showed a significant difference (P<0.05) in proximate composition of chicken droëwors, containing on average 16.93±1.29 to 10.79± 1.83/ 100 g moisture, 45.80± 1.65 to 67.56± 2.33/ 100 g protein, 14.37± 2.15 to 26.13± 2.15/100 g ash. The current study resultsgave a summary of the composition of chicken droëwors and showed higher susceptibility to lipid oxidation in chicken droewors. Therefore, Moringa oleifera leaf powder showed antioxidant activity in chicken droëwors, reserved lipid oxidation in the product. In conclusion, MLM could be used as a functional antioxidant preservative in chicken droëwors. , Thesis (MSc) (Animal Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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Effect of Mucuna pruriens based-diets on fatty acids composition and sensory attributes of meat from broiler chickens
- Authors: Makhamba, Nasiphi
- Date: 2020-11
- Subjects: Fatty acids , Broilers (Chickens)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20771 , vital:46554
- Description: The current study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding different inclusion levels of processed Mucuna pruriens on fatty acid composition and sensory attributes of broiler chickens. 120 Cob500 broilers were used in the experiment. The experiment was divided into 4 treatment (0, 10, 15 and 20 percent of Mucuna pruriens) groups, each treatment with 6 replicates (5 birds per replicate) in a completely randomized design. The first treatment (0 percent) was used as control against the three different levels of Mucuna pruriens. The birds were reared in a deep litter system until they reached slaughter weight of 2kg. At day 42 a total of 80 birds were slaughtered and breast muscles were sampled for the evaluation of sensory attributes and fatty acid composition. For sensory evaluation meat samples were prepared and boiled at 80°C until the internal temperature reached 82°C, 40 consumers were used to assess the meat samples and give scores according to 9-point hedonic scale. The fatty acid content was determined and recorded using the gas chromatography. Total saturated fatty acid (SFA), total monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), and total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) of the breast meat were not affected by diets. Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid were also not influenced by treatment diets. However, breast muscle from broilers fed 20 percent Mucuna pruriens seed meal inclusion had lower Myristic acid. The sensory attributes; aroma, colour, flavour, juiciness, tenderness and acceptability were assessed, dietary treatments affected the juiciness, tenderness and acceptability of meat, the treatments showed no significant difference on colour, aroma and flavour. Different age groups accepted the meat differently, the respondents that were between 18 and 22 years old gave the highest scores to the acceptability of meat than the other age groups, and different age groups also gave different scores in the aroma of meat. Females and males accepted the meat differently, the female respondents gave higher scores on the flavour of meat than males. Different inclusion levels of Mucuna pruriens positively affected fatty acid composition and sensory attributes of broiler chickens without causing any detrimental effects. , Thesis (MSc) (Animal Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Makhamba, Nasiphi
- Date: 2020-11
- Subjects: Fatty acids , Broilers (Chickens)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20771 , vital:46554
- Description: The current study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding different inclusion levels of processed Mucuna pruriens on fatty acid composition and sensory attributes of broiler chickens. 120 Cob500 broilers were used in the experiment. The experiment was divided into 4 treatment (0, 10, 15 and 20 percent of Mucuna pruriens) groups, each treatment with 6 replicates (5 birds per replicate) in a completely randomized design. The first treatment (0 percent) was used as control against the three different levels of Mucuna pruriens. The birds were reared in a deep litter system until they reached slaughter weight of 2kg. At day 42 a total of 80 birds were slaughtered and breast muscles were sampled for the evaluation of sensory attributes and fatty acid composition. For sensory evaluation meat samples were prepared and boiled at 80°C until the internal temperature reached 82°C, 40 consumers were used to assess the meat samples and give scores according to 9-point hedonic scale. The fatty acid content was determined and recorded using the gas chromatography. Total saturated fatty acid (SFA), total monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), and total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) of the breast meat were not affected by diets. Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid were also not influenced by treatment diets. However, breast muscle from broilers fed 20 percent Mucuna pruriens seed meal inclusion had lower Myristic acid. The sensory attributes; aroma, colour, flavour, juiciness, tenderness and acceptability were assessed, dietary treatments affected the juiciness, tenderness and acceptability of meat, the treatments showed no significant difference on colour, aroma and flavour. Different age groups accepted the meat differently, the respondents that were between 18 and 22 years old gave the highest scores to the acceptability of meat than the other age groups, and different age groups also gave different scores in the aroma of meat. Females and males accepted the meat differently, the female respondents gave higher scores on the flavour of meat than males. Different inclusion levels of Mucuna pruriens positively affected fatty acid composition and sensory attributes of broiler chickens without causing any detrimental effects. , Thesis (MSc) (Animal Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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Knowledge and perceptions of healthcare workers of the prescripts and implications of the Sexual Offences and Related matters amendment Act 5 of 2015 as applied to adolescent sexual and Reproductive health services in the Buffalo City Municipality
- Authors: Nake, Khanyisile
- Date: 2020-11
- Subjects: Teenagers--Medical care--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22885 , vital:53179
- Description: Background: In 2015, South Africa amended its Sexual Offences Act to address several disparities surrounding the issue of consensual sex among minors. The amendment has been faced with mixed reactions from the stakeholders with some supporting it while others opposing it. This study was conducted in clinics in East London to explore the knowledge and perception of healthcare workers about the prescripts of the ‘Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 5 of 2015 and their implications to adolescent sexual and reproductive health services. The purpose of the study was to explore the knowledge and perception of healthcare workers about the prescripts of the ‘Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 5 of 2015 and their implications to adolescent sexual and reproductive health services provision in Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Methodology: This study applied the qualitative research approach and used a combination of descriptive and exploratory research design. Three clinic managers and nine professional nurses participated in the in-depth interviews. Thirteen general healthcare practitioners responsible for adolescents, sexual and reproductive health participated in key-informant interviews. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The study found that although healthcare practitioners are aware of the amendment act. However, there was inadequate understanding of the precise implications of this statutory initiative. Many of the participants were not informed of the intent of this act, whilst others suggested that they were not well trained regarding this act due to lack of funding in their respective clinics. Mixed views and perceptions on the impact of this act on their duties, on minors and on the general population were identified. Some were of the view that the Act will make it difficult to control the children while other welcomed it, because it leads to less teenage pregnancies, street abortions, and other similar experiences. Conclusion: In order to overcome these differences in perceptions, the Department of Health must create awareness among staff of the Act and its purpose. Develop initiatives to create understanding of the Act by all members of society to ensure the success of these legislative frameworks. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nake, Khanyisile
- Date: 2020-11
- Subjects: Teenagers--Medical care--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22885 , vital:53179
- Description: Background: In 2015, South Africa amended its Sexual Offences Act to address several disparities surrounding the issue of consensual sex among minors. The amendment has been faced with mixed reactions from the stakeholders with some supporting it while others opposing it. This study was conducted in clinics in East London to explore the knowledge and perception of healthcare workers about the prescripts of the ‘Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 5 of 2015 and their implications to adolescent sexual and reproductive health services. The purpose of the study was to explore the knowledge and perception of healthcare workers about the prescripts of the ‘Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 5 of 2015 and their implications to adolescent sexual and reproductive health services provision in Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Methodology: This study applied the qualitative research approach and used a combination of descriptive and exploratory research design. Three clinic managers and nine professional nurses participated in the in-depth interviews. Thirteen general healthcare practitioners responsible for adolescents, sexual and reproductive health participated in key-informant interviews. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The study found that although healthcare practitioners are aware of the amendment act. However, there was inadequate understanding of the precise implications of this statutory initiative. Many of the participants were not informed of the intent of this act, whilst others suggested that they were not well trained regarding this act due to lack of funding in their respective clinics. Mixed views and perceptions on the impact of this act on their duties, on minors and on the general population were identified. Some were of the view that the Act will make it difficult to control the children while other welcomed it, because it leads to less teenage pregnancies, street abortions, and other similar experiences. Conclusion: In order to overcome these differences in perceptions, the Department of Health must create awareness among staff of the Act and its purpose. Develop initiatives to create understanding of the Act by all members of society to ensure the success of these legislative frameworks. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2020
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The evaluation of growth characteristics, biomass yield, and chemical composition of two cultivars of Panicum maximum (Mombaca and Gatton) and Brachiaria brizantha (Marandu) at different harvesting stages
- Sokupa, Mihle Inga https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3918-1393
- Authors: Sokupa, Mihle Inga https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3918-1393
- Date: 2020-11
- Subjects: Pastures
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21433 , vital:48621
- Description: The objective of this study was to carry out a comparative assessment of growth characteristics, biomass yield and chemical composition of Panicum maximum and Brachiaria brizantha cultivars at different harvesting stages. The field experiment was conducted at the University of Fort Hare research farm in Alice, South Africa. The main factors were three cultivars: Mombaca, Gatton (Panicum maximum) and Marandu (Brachiaria brizantha) and three harvesting stages (6, 10 and 14 weeks after planting). This study was a 3 × 3 factorial set up in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Characteristics which included plant height, number of leaves and number of tillers were measured in five plants per plot at 2-week intervals from 4 to 14 weeks after planting (WAP). The fresh yield was weighed then oven dried at 65oC for 72 hours then dry matter yield was calculated after drying. The chemical composition (Ash, Fat, ADF, ADL, NDF, CP, Ca, Mg, Na, P, K, Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn) was determined on forage harvested at 6, 10 and 14WAP. Data was analysed using the Statistical Analysis Software in a 3x3 factorial to compute the ANOVA and all means of all treatments were calculated and the difference was tested for significance using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at P=0.05. The results showed variations (P<0.05) in plant height, but the number of leaves did not differ (P > 0.05) between the cultivars. The number of tillers were significantly different (P<0.05), the highest number of tillers was observed in Mombaca. Fresh yield showed significant differences at 10 and 14WAP, with Marandu producing the highest Fresh yield. The moisture content was different (P<0.05) across all the three harvests. Varying (P< 0.05) results were also observed in the dry matter yield of the cultivars with Mombaca producing the highest dry matter yield. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in the ash content of the cultivars. The fat content also showed no significant differences. Variations (P<0.05) occured in the ADF of the cultivars, Marandu had the lowest ADF. The cultivar × WAP interactive effect was significant for ADL content. NDF significantly varied across the cultivars at 6WAP. There were no similarities (P<0.05) in the crude protein during the three harvesting intervals, Mombaca produced the highest CP and the lowest was obtained from Gatton. There was a significant interaction (P<0.05) between the cultivars and harvesting intervals for Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), K/Ca+Mg, Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn) and Manganese (Mn) contents of the cultivars. However, Phosphorus (P) showed no significant interaction (P>0.05) between the cultivars and harvesting intervals. The results obtained in this study showed that as the grasses grow, the biomass yield produced increases according to the genetic makeup and the factors affecting growth and biomass yield. However, the chemical composition decreased between cultivars. Mombaca showed superior traits in terms of growth biomass yield and chemical composition. Mombaca, which is a Panicum maximum cultivar can be used as a choice in forage production and chemical composition as it can supply both quality and quantity. It can be concluded that there are significant differences in growth characteristics, biomass yield and chemical composition of Panicum maximum and Brachiaria brizantha cultivars at different harvesting stages. It can also be recommended that the best harvesting stage is at 10 WAP, this is because both biomass yield and chemical composition are both satisfactory. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2020
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sokupa, Mihle Inga https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3918-1393
- Date: 2020-11
- Subjects: Pastures
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21433 , vital:48621
- Description: The objective of this study was to carry out a comparative assessment of growth characteristics, biomass yield and chemical composition of Panicum maximum and Brachiaria brizantha cultivars at different harvesting stages. The field experiment was conducted at the University of Fort Hare research farm in Alice, South Africa. The main factors were three cultivars: Mombaca, Gatton (Panicum maximum) and Marandu (Brachiaria brizantha) and three harvesting stages (6, 10 and 14 weeks after planting). This study was a 3 × 3 factorial set up in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Characteristics which included plant height, number of leaves and number of tillers were measured in five plants per plot at 2-week intervals from 4 to 14 weeks after planting (WAP). The fresh yield was weighed then oven dried at 65oC for 72 hours then dry matter yield was calculated after drying. The chemical composition (Ash, Fat, ADF, ADL, NDF, CP, Ca, Mg, Na, P, K, Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn) was determined on forage harvested at 6, 10 and 14WAP. Data was analysed using the Statistical Analysis Software in a 3x3 factorial to compute the ANOVA and all means of all treatments were calculated and the difference was tested for significance using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at P=0.05. The results showed variations (P<0.05) in plant height, but the number of leaves did not differ (P > 0.05) between the cultivars. The number of tillers were significantly different (P<0.05), the highest number of tillers was observed in Mombaca. Fresh yield showed significant differences at 10 and 14WAP, with Marandu producing the highest Fresh yield. The moisture content was different (P<0.05) across all the three harvests. Varying (P< 0.05) results were also observed in the dry matter yield of the cultivars with Mombaca producing the highest dry matter yield. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in the ash content of the cultivars. The fat content also showed no significant differences. Variations (P<0.05) occured in the ADF of the cultivars, Marandu had the lowest ADF. The cultivar × WAP interactive effect was significant for ADL content. NDF significantly varied across the cultivars at 6WAP. There were no similarities (P<0.05) in the crude protein during the three harvesting intervals, Mombaca produced the highest CP and the lowest was obtained from Gatton. There was a significant interaction (P<0.05) between the cultivars and harvesting intervals for Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), K/Ca+Mg, Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn) and Manganese (Mn) contents of the cultivars. However, Phosphorus (P) showed no significant interaction (P>0.05) between the cultivars and harvesting intervals. The results obtained in this study showed that as the grasses grow, the biomass yield produced increases according to the genetic makeup and the factors affecting growth and biomass yield. However, the chemical composition decreased between cultivars. Mombaca showed superior traits in terms of growth biomass yield and chemical composition. Mombaca, which is a Panicum maximum cultivar can be used as a choice in forage production and chemical composition as it can supply both quality and quantity. It can be concluded that there are significant differences in growth characteristics, biomass yield and chemical composition of Panicum maximum and Brachiaria brizantha cultivars at different harvesting stages. It can also be recommended that the best harvesting stage is at 10 WAP, this is because both biomass yield and chemical composition are both satisfactory. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2020
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