Effects of pre-slaughter handling on pork quality from a smallholder abbatoir
- Authors: Gajana, Christian Sabelo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Meat cuts -- Standards , Pork -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11174 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/434 , Meat cuts -- Standards , Pork -- Quality
- Description: Effects of pre-slaughter handling on pork quality from a smallholder abattoir By Christian Sabelo Gajana A total of 158 pork samples from Landrace and Large White pigs were collected from Nxuba Municipal abattoir to determine the effects of pre-slaughter handling on pork quality. Technological quality attributes of pork such as pHu, L*, a*, b*, WBSF values, TL%, CL% EL% were determined. Breed differences were observed in ultimate pH (pHu) and redness (a*) with meat from the Large White having higher pHu and lower a* values than meat from the Landrace. Meat from pigs slaughtered in spring season had the highest (P<0.05) shear force values (27.6±1.58) while the lowest shear force values (18.5±1.58) were found in meat from pigs that were slaughtered in the autumn season. The lowest pHu and highest a* values were found in meat from 9 month-old pigs (5.3±0.07). The 6, 9 and 10 months had highest (P<0.05) than 7 and 8 months old pigs. Cooking loss and evaporation loss increased with age groups. Only distance and transportation time had a positive relationship to TL% of pork whilst no significant relationship was reported between all the other pre-slaughter variables and technological quality attributes of pork. Highest risks of PSE occurrences were observed with more space allowance of 0.4 m2 per 100 kg during transportation. Reduced risks of PSE occurrences were observed with space allowance of 0.35 m2 per 100 kg. The pHu were positively correlated to WBSF values (P < 0.001). The L* values were positively correlated to b* (P < 0.001), and negatively correlated to a* while CL and EL were positively correlated to L*. In the current study, a* values were positively correlated to b* (P < 0.001) but negatively correlated to EL (P < 0.01). There were iv positive correlations between CL and EL, Both CL and EL were positively correlated to WBSF values. The first four principal components (PCs) explained about 95% of the total variability for technological quality attributes of pork. It can be concluded that pig breeds vary in pHu and considerations should be made on different seasons of slaughter when assessing pork quality. Precautions should also be made on age categories of animal when improving the quality of pork. Transportation time, distance, stocking density, temperature and lairage time did not show significant relationship with technological quality attributes measured; except for transportation time and distance travelled which had a positive relationship with TL%. The risk of PSE increased with more space availability more than 0.4 m2 per 100 kg pig, but stocking density of 0.35 m2 per 100 kg was an ideal reduce the risk of PSE pork.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gajana, Christian Sabelo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Meat cuts -- Standards , Pork -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11174 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/434 , Meat cuts -- Standards , Pork -- Quality
- Description: Effects of pre-slaughter handling on pork quality from a smallholder abattoir By Christian Sabelo Gajana A total of 158 pork samples from Landrace and Large White pigs were collected from Nxuba Municipal abattoir to determine the effects of pre-slaughter handling on pork quality. Technological quality attributes of pork such as pHu, L*, a*, b*, WBSF values, TL%, CL% EL% were determined. Breed differences were observed in ultimate pH (pHu) and redness (a*) with meat from the Large White having higher pHu and lower a* values than meat from the Landrace. Meat from pigs slaughtered in spring season had the highest (P<0.05) shear force values (27.6±1.58) while the lowest shear force values (18.5±1.58) were found in meat from pigs that were slaughtered in the autumn season. The lowest pHu and highest a* values were found in meat from 9 month-old pigs (5.3±0.07). The 6, 9 and 10 months had highest (P<0.05) than 7 and 8 months old pigs. Cooking loss and evaporation loss increased with age groups. Only distance and transportation time had a positive relationship to TL% of pork whilst no significant relationship was reported between all the other pre-slaughter variables and technological quality attributes of pork. Highest risks of PSE occurrences were observed with more space allowance of 0.4 m2 per 100 kg during transportation. Reduced risks of PSE occurrences were observed with space allowance of 0.35 m2 per 100 kg. The pHu were positively correlated to WBSF values (P < 0.001). The L* values were positively correlated to b* (P < 0.001), and negatively correlated to a* while CL and EL were positively correlated to L*. In the current study, a* values were positively correlated to b* (P < 0.001) but negatively correlated to EL (P < 0.01). There were iv positive correlations between CL and EL, Both CL and EL were positively correlated to WBSF values. The first four principal components (PCs) explained about 95% of the total variability for technological quality attributes of pork. It can be concluded that pig breeds vary in pHu and considerations should be made on different seasons of slaughter when assessing pork quality. Precautions should also be made on age categories of animal when improving the quality of pork. Transportation time, distance, stocking density, temperature and lairage time did not show significant relationship with technological quality attributes measured; except for transportation time and distance travelled which had a positive relationship with TL%. The risk of PSE increased with more space availability more than 0.4 m2 per 100 kg pig, but stocking density of 0.35 m2 per 100 kg was an ideal reduce the risk of PSE pork.
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Assessment of plants used for the treatment of cattle wounds and myiasis in Amatola Basin, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Soyelu, Oluseyi Temitope
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Domestic animals -- Parasites , Insect pests -- Control , Cattle -- Health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Screwworm -- Biological control , Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11160 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1000986 , Domestic animals -- Parasites , Insect pests -- Control , Cattle -- Health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Screwworm -- Biological control , Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Full Text: false
- Authors: Soyelu, Oluseyi Temitope
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Domestic animals -- Parasites , Insect pests -- Control , Cattle -- Health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Screwworm -- Biological control , Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11160 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1000986 , Domestic animals -- Parasites , Insect pests -- Control , Cattle -- Health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Screwworm -- Biological control , Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Full Text: false
Effects of dietary supplementation on physico-chemical and consumer sensory characteristics of chevon from South African indigenous goat genotypes
- Authors: Xazela, Nomasonto Martha
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Color of meat , Food -- Sensory evaluation , Commercial products -- Testing , Goats -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Goats -- Feeding and feeds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11809 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/357 , Color of meat , Food -- Sensory evaluation , Commercial products -- Testing , Goats -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Goats -- Feeding and feeds
- Description: The study was conducted at the University of Fort Hare farm to assess the effect of dietary supplementation on physico-chemical and consumer sensory characteristics of chevon from South African indigenous goat genotypes. Forty-eight 6-month-old Xhosa lop-eared (XLE), Nguni (NGN), Xhosa-Boer cross (XBC) and Boer (BOR) castrated goats with a body weight range from 20 to 25 kg were used in this study. Half of the goats in each genotype were supplemented with 200g/head/day of sunflower cake. The other half of goats in each genotype was not supplemented. The goats were slaughtered at day 90 to determine slaughter weight (SLW), cold dress mass (CDM), meat colour, cooking loss, meat pH and Warner-Bratzler (WB) shear force values. Furthermore, a consumer sensory evaluation of cooked or fried chevon from supplemented and non-supplemented goats was conducted with consumers of different ages, tribes and gender. The XLE and NGN goats had higher pH24 (P < 0.05) than BOR and XBC goats. Supplemented BOR goats had higher L* values than their non-supplemented counterparts (P < 0.05). The other meat quality attributes in XLE and NGN were comparable to those in meat from the Boer goat. Female respondents gave higher (P < 0.05) sensory scores than male respondents for both cooked and fried meat on aroma intensity. Shona consumers gave higher (P < 0.05) aroma intensity scores than the Xhosa and the Zulu consumers for both cooked and fried meat. In the non-supplemented goats, fried meat for all genotypes was superior (P < 0.05) to the cooked meat for initial impression of juiciness. Age and gender of respondents and thermal iv treatment influenced initial impression of juiciness scores (P < 0.05). The quality of chevon from XLE and NGN was comparable to that of the Boer goat, and dietary supplementation improved most meat quality attributes. Chevon from the supplemented goats had higher consumer sensory scores than chevon from the non-supplemented goats. Keywords: supplementation, meat colour, ultimate pH, consumer sensory evaluation, Xhosa lop eared, Nguni, Boer goats.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Xazela, Nomasonto Martha
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Color of meat , Food -- Sensory evaluation , Commercial products -- Testing , Goats -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Goats -- Feeding and feeds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11809 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/357 , Color of meat , Food -- Sensory evaluation , Commercial products -- Testing , Goats -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Goats -- Feeding and feeds
- Description: The study was conducted at the University of Fort Hare farm to assess the effect of dietary supplementation on physico-chemical and consumer sensory characteristics of chevon from South African indigenous goat genotypes. Forty-eight 6-month-old Xhosa lop-eared (XLE), Nguni (NGN), Xhosa-Boer cross (XBC) and Boer (BOR) castrated goats with a body weight range from 20 to 25 kg were used in this study. Half of the goats in each genotype were supplemented with 200g/head/day of sunflower cake. The other half of goats in each genotype was not supplemented. The goats were slaughtered at day 90 to determine slaughter weight (SLW), cold dress mass (CDM), meat colour, cooking loss, meat pH and Warner-Bratzler (WB) shear force values. Furthermore, a consumer sensory evaluation of cooked or fried chevon from supplemented and non-supplemented goats was conducted with consumers of different ages, tribes and gender. The XLE and NGN goats had higher pH24 (P < 0.05) than BOR and XBC goats. Supplemented BOR goats had higher L* values than their non-supplemented counterparts (P < 0.05). The other meat quality attributes in XLE and NGN were comparable to those in meat from the Boer goat. Female respondents gave higher (P < 0.05) sensory scores than male respondents for both cooked and fried meat on aroma intensity. Shona consumers gave higher (P < 0.05) aroma intensity scores than the Xhosa and the Zulu consumers for both cooked and fried meat. In the non-supplemented goats, fried meat for all genotypes was superior (P < 0.05) to the cooked meat for initial impression of juiciness. Age and gender of respondents and thermal iv treatment influenced initial impression of juiciness scores (P < 0.05). The quality of chevon from XLE and NGN was comparable to that of the Boer goat, and dietary supplementation improved most meat quality attributes. Chevon from the supplemented goats had higher consumer sensory scores than chevon from the non-supplemented goats. Keywords: supplementation, meat colour, ultimate pH, consumer sensory evaluation, Xhosa lop eared, Nguni, Boer goats.
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Effects of marketing channel on bruising, ultimate pH and colour of beef, and stakeholder perceptions on the quality of beef from cattle slaughtered at smallholder abattoir
- Authors: Vimiso, Peter
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Beef -- South Africa -- Marketing , Beef -- Quality , Beef cattle -- Breeding -- South Africa , Beef cattle breeds -- South Africa , Color of meat , Beef industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11172 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001009 , Beef -- South Africa -- Marketing , Beef -- Quality , Beef cattle -- Breeding -- South Africa , Beef cattle breeds -- South Africa , Color of meat , Beef industry -- South Africa
- Full Text:
- Authors: Vimiso, Peter
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Beef -- South Africa -- Marketing , Beef -- Quality , Beef cattle -- Breeding -- South Africa , Beef cattle breeds -- South Africa , Color of meat , Beef industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11172 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001009 , Beef -- South Africa -- Marketing , Beef -- Quality , Beef cattle -- Breeding -- South Africa , Beef cattle breeds -- South Africa , Color of meat , Beef industry -- South Africa
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Manure production and nutrient management in pasture-based dairy production systems
- Authors: Svinurai, Walter
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Manures , Nitrogen -- Metabolism , Aloe -- South Africa , Pine bark , Pastures , Dairy cattle -- Nutrition , Dairy cattle -- Management , Dairy cattle -- Feeding and feeds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11812 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/475 , Manures , Nitrogen -- Metabolism , Aloe -- South Africa , Pine bark , Pastures , Dairy cattle -- Nutrition , Dairy cattle -- Management , Dairy cattle -- Feeding and feeds
- Description: Manure production and nutrient management in pasture-based dairy production systems by Walter Svinurai The effect of dietary treatments on nutrient excretion was determined and an attempt to improving the retention of excreted nitrogen in stored manure using Aloe ferox leaf gel (AFLG) and pine bark was conducted at a pasture-based dairy farm. The animal mass-balance method was used to determine nutrient excretion by cows fed on three dietary treatments, Lolium perrene-based treatment (LP), Lolium multiforium-based treatment (LM) and Lolium perenne- Trifolium repens -based treatment (LTF). In separate experiments, slurry from dairy cows fed LM was amended with AFLG and pine bark at concentrations of 25, 50, 75 and 100 g/l and stored under anaerobic conditions for 16 days. The highest and lowest excretions of N, P and K were observed in LM and LP treatments, respectively. Increasing dietary N improved K and N retention in milk and, consequently increased milk urea nitrogen (MUN) and N excretion (P < 0.05). The concentrations of AFLG affected N and P retention in manure (P < 0.05). The highest retention in total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) of the initial was 42% AFLG at 25g/l inclusion rate. Ammonium nitrogen (AMN) concentration increased significantly due to the interactive effect of AFLG inclusion rate and time. Pine bark powder significantly improved N and P retention in manure at all concentrations. The retention in TKN was higher (P < 0.05) at 25g/l pine bark powder than other concentrations. The interaction effect of inclusion rate and time increased iii AMN (P < 0.05). Dietary treatments significantly affected nutrient excretion, and AFLG and pine bark considerably improved N retention in stored slurry. Findings from the filed trial suggest the need for more attention on managing dietary nutrients in the post-rainy and cool-dry season when growth of pasture influenced choice of dietary treatments that led to high nutrient excretion. Field simulation of the additives to determine their efficacy and environmental hazards was recommended.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Svinurai, Walter
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Manures , Nitrogen -- Metabolism , Aloe -- South Africa , Pine bark , Pastures , Dairy cattle -- Nutrition , Dairy cattle -- Management , Dairy cattle -- Feeding and feeds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11812 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/475 , Manures , Nitrogen -- Metabolism , Aloe -- South Africa , Pine bark , Pastures , Dairy cattle -- Nutrition , Dairy cattle -- Management , Dairy cattle -- Feeding and feeds
- Description: Manure production and nutrient management in pasture-based dairy production systems by Walter Svinurai The effect of dietary treatments on nutrient excretion was determined and an attempt to improving the retention of excreted nitrogen in stored manure using Aloe ferox leaf gel (AFLG) and pine bark was conducted at a pasture-based dairy farm. The animal mass-balance method was used to determine nutrient excretion by cows fed on three dietary treatments, Lolium perrene-based treatment (LP), Lolium multiforium-based treatment (LM) and Lolium perenne- Trifolium repens -based treatment (LTF). In separate experiments, slurry from dairy cows fed LM was amended with AFLG and pine bark at concentrations of 25, 50, 75 and 100 g/l and stored under anaerobic conditions for 16 days. The highest and lowest excretions of N, P and K were observed in LM and LP treatments, respectively. Increasing dietary N improved K and N retention in milk and, consequently increased milk urea nitrogen (MUN) and N excretion (P < 0.05). The concentrations of AFLG affected N and P retention in manure (P < 0.05). The highest retention in total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) of the initial was 42% AFLG at 25g/l inclusion rate. Ammonium nitrogen (AMN) concentration increased significantly due to the interactive effect of AFLG inclusion rate and time. Pine bark powder significantly improved N and P retention in manure at all concentrations. The retention in TKN was higher (P < 0.05) at 25g/l pine bark powder than other concentrations. The interaction effect of inclusion rate and time increased iii AMN (P < 0.05). Dietary treatments significantly affected nutrient excretion, and AFLG and pine bark considerably improved N retention in stored slurry. Findings from the filed trial suggest the need for more attention on managing dietary nutrients in the post-rainy and cool-dry season when growth of pasture influenced choice of dietary treatments that led to high nutrient excretion. Field simulation of the additives to determine their efficacy and environmental hazards was recommended.
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Sheep production practices, flock dynamics, body condition and weight variation in two ecologically different resource-poor communal farming systems
- Authors: Mapiliyao, Luke
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Sheep -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep breeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep ranchers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep -- Feeding and feeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forage , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep -- Diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11816 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/340 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001041 , Sheep -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep breeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep ranchers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep -- Feeding and feeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forage , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep -- Diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The objective of this study was to determine sheep production practices, constraints, flock dynamics, body condition and weight variation in two ecologically different resource-poor communal farming systems of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Mean sheep flock sizes per household were not significantly different between the two ecologically different areas (villages); Gaga (19.0±3.10) and Sompondo (18.3±3.10). Shortage of feed, disease and parasite were reported the most important constraints across the two villages. In both villages, sheep housing was poorly constructed using acacia brushwoods. Fewer farmers owned rams: the rams to ewes ratio for the two villages were 1:20, 1:19 for Gaga and Sompondo, respectively. The low ram: ewe ratios reported suggest that inbreeding might have been reducing productivity of their flocks. There was also uncontrolled breeding due to undefined and mating seasons. Gall sickness, heart water and footrot caused most of the sheep mortalities. Dohne Merinos were the common genotypes in the two villages. Total entrances for each flock were higher (p < 0.05) in hot-dry season and hot-wet season than in other seasons. Most of the entrances were lambs and were born in hot-dry season (September) and cool-dry season (June) for larger flocks (10.90 ± 3.02) and for small flocks (3.65 ± 3.02). High lamb mortalities were experienced in the post-rainy (April) and hot-wet (December) season. There was a significant interaction between season and flock size. Most of the sales occurred in the hot-wet season. Ecological area had significant effect on sheep production potential (p < 0.05) in both flock classes. The average sheep production efficiency (SPE) value for Gaga and Sompondo were 0.50 ± 0.116 and 0.50 ± 0.096 respectively. The SPE for large flock was higher (p < 0.05) by season and flock size. Large flocks had a higher (p < 0.05) SPE values and the SPE ranged from 1.11 ± 0.193 in April, a post-rainy season month to 1.55 ± 0.193 in December, a hot-wet season month. Lamb mortalities constituted the greater part of outflows. High lamb mortalities occurred in hot-wet (December), hot-dry (September) and post-rainy (April) seasons. There was a significant interaction between season and age of sheep on body weight of sheep. Highest (p < 0.05) body weights were recorded in the post-rainy and autumn season in both lambs and ewes. It is therefore very important to come up with affordable interventions which take into play ecological differences of the areas for improved nutritional status of sheep in communal areas which will lead to improved sheep productivity and the poor-resourced farmer human nutritional and livelihood.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mapiliyao, Luke
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Sheep -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep breeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep ranchers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep -- Feeding and feeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forage , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep -- Diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11816 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/340 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001041 , Sheep -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep breeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep ranchers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep -- Feeding and feeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forage , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep -- Diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The objective of this study was to determine sheep production practices, constraints, flock dynamics, body condition and weight variation in two ecologically different resource-poor communal farming systems of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Mean sheep flock sizes per household were not significantly different between the two ecologically different areas (villages); Gaga (19.0±3.10) and Sompondo (18.3±3.10). Shortage of feed, disease and parasite were reported the most important constraints across the two villages. In both villages, sheep housing was poorly constructed using acacia brushwoods. Fewer farmers owned rams: the rams to ewes ratio for the two villages were 1:20, 1:19 for Gaga and Sompondo, respectively. The low ram: ewe ratios reported suggest that inbreeding might have been reducing productivity of their flocks. There was also uncontrolled breeding due to undefined and mating seasons. Gall sickness, heart water and footrot caused most of the sheep mortalities. Dohne Merinos were the common genotypes in the two villages. Total entrances for each flock were higher (p < 0.05) in hot-dry season and hot-wet season than in other seasons. Most of the entrances were lambs and were born in hot-dry season (September) and cool-dry season (June) for larger flocks (10.90 ± 3.02) and for small flocks (3.65 ± 3.02). High lamb mortalities were experienced in the post-rainy (April) and hot-wet (December) season. There was a significant interaction between season and flock size. Most of the sales occurred in the hot-wet season. Ecological area had significant effect on sheep production potential (p < 0.05) in both flock classes. The average sheep production efficiency (SPE) value for Gaga and Sompondo were 0.50 ± 0.116 and 0.50 ± 0.096 respectively. The SPE for large flock was higher (p < 0.05) by season and flock size. Large flocks had a higher (p < 0.05) SPE values and the SPE ranged from 1.11 ± 0.193 in April, a post-rainy season month to 1.55 ± 0.193 in December, a hot-wet season month. Lamb mortalities constituted the greater part of outflows. High lamb mortalities occurred in hot-wet (December), hot-dry (September) and post-rainy (April) seasons. There was a significant interaction between season and age of sheep on body weight of sheep. Highest (p < 0.05) body weights were recorded in the post-rainy and autumn season in both lambs and ewes. It is therefore very important to come up with affordable interventions which take into play ecological differences of the areas for improved nutritional status of sheep in communal areas which will lead to improved sheep productivity and the poor-resourced farmer human nutritional and livelihood.
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Time budgets, avoidance distance scores-related behaviour and milk yield of pasture-based Jersey, Friesland and cross bred cows
- Authors: Dodzi, Madodana Sunson
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Dairy products -- Analysis , Jersey cattle , Milk yield , Dairy cattle -- Feed utilization efficiency , Dairy farming
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11817 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/474 , Dairy products -- Analysis , Jersey cattle , Milk yield , Dairy cattle -- Feed utilization efficiency , Dairy farming
- Description: Time budgets, avoidance distance scores-related behaviour and milk yield of pasture-based Jersey, Friesland and crossbred cows. by Madodana Sunson Dodzi The study was conducted at the University of Fort Hare farm to determine the time budgets, the avoidance-related behaviour variables and their relationship with milk yield in three pasturebased dairy genotypes: Jersey, Friesland and crossbreed. Twenty one clinically health dairy cows aged between 52 and 55 months, in mid lactation and comprising of seven cows from each genotype were used in the study. The time spent on different activities (grazing, lying down, standing and others) at pasture was recorded using stop watches across four seasons. The behavioural responses of the three genotypes to humans were determined by recording their avoidance distance scores (AD), exit speed (ES), pen scores (PS), pen behaviour scores (PBS), plat form scores (PLS) and the occurrence of kicking (KCK) and stepping (SPG) during milking on four consecutive days in four seasons. Time spent standing was higher (P < 0.05) for Friesland compared to Jersey and crossbred during the hot-wet season. In the cool-dry season the Jersey spent more time (P < 0.05) grazing than the other breeds. The Friesland and crossbred on the other hand devoted most of their time lying down compared to Jersey in the cool- dry season (P < 0.05). There were season differences in time spent on all activities (P < 0.05). Time spent on grazing was longest in post-rainy seasonal and lowest in hot- wet season (P < 0.05). The longest lying down period was observed in the hot-dry season and lowest in hot-wet season (P < 0.05). iii Daily milk yield Varied (P < 0.05) with genotype with the Friesland and Jersey producing higher yield than the crossbred. The highest amount was produced in hot-dry and the least in hot-wet season. Milk yield was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with lying down. Standing was negatively correlated with milk yield (P < 0.05). The Friesland had the highest avoidance distance scores (P < 0.05) and the Jersey had the lowest avoidance distance scores in all seasons. There was an association (P < 0.05) between genotype and exit speed scores, pen scores and stepping behaviour scores. The Friesland exhibited the highest exit speed scores than the other breeds. The Jersey had the lowest (P < 0.05) kicking behaviour scores. There was a relationship (r = 0.64) between avoidance distance scores and exit speed. Exit speed scores were correlated with pen score(r= 0.23). Milk yield was significant related (r= 0.17) to the occurrence of kicking behaviour. The genotypes showed different levels of sensitivity to season and milk yield was influenced by breed and season. It can be concluded that time budgets vary with season and farmers need to adopt measures that buffer the effect of season on welfare of dairy cows. It can also be concluded that avoidance distance scores differs according to genotype with Jersey being more confident to humans than other two breeds. It is therefore recommended that provision of shades or cooling mechanism should be adopted to buffer the effects of hot-wet season. Improving quality of feed during the cool-dry season may be critical for Jersey cows. Finally positive handling of the dairy cows is recommended in order to improve the welfare and milk yield of pasture based dairy cows.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Dodzi, Madodana Sunson
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Dairy products -- Analysis , Jersey cattle , Milk yield , Dairy cattle -- Feed utilization efficiency , Dairy farming
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11817 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/474 , Dairy products -- Analysis , Jersey cattle , Milk yield , Dairy cattle -- Feed utilization efficiency , Dairy farming
- Description: Time budgets, avoidance distance scores-related behaviour and milk yield of pasture-based Jersey, Friesland and crossbred cows. by Madodana Sunson Dodzi The study was conducted at the University of Fort Hare farm to determine the time budgets, the avoidance-related behaviour variables and their relationship with milk yield in three pasturebased dairy genotypes: Jersey, Friesland and crossbreed. Twenty one clinically health dairy cows aged between 52 and 55 months, in mid lactation and comprising of seven cows from each genotype were used in the study. The time spent on different activities (grazing, lying down, standing and others) at pasture was recorded using stop watches across four seasons. The behavioural responses of the three genotypes to humans were determined by recording their avoidance distance scores (AD), exit speed (ES), pen scores (PS), pen behaviour scores (PBS), plat form scores (PLS) and the occurrence of kicking (KCK) and stepping (SPG) during milking on four consecutive days in four seasons. Time spent standing was higher (P < 0.05) for Friesland compared to Jersey and crossbred during the hot-wet season. In the cool-dry season the Jersey spent more time (P < 0.05) grazing than the other breeds. The Friesland and crossbred on the other hand devoted most of their time lying down compared to Jersey in the cool- dry season (P < 0.05). There were season differences in time spent on all activities (P < 0.05). Time spent on grazing was longest in post-rainy seasonal and lowest in hot- wet season (P < 0.05). The longest lying down period was observed in the hot-dry season and lowest in hot-wet season (P < 0.05). iii Daily milk yield Varied (P < 0.05) with genotype with the Friesland and Jersey producing higher yield than the crossbred. The highest amount was produced in hot-dry and the least in hot-wet season. Milk yield was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with lying down. Standing was negatively correlated with milk yield (P < 0.05). The Friesland had the highest avoidance distance scores (P < 0.05) and the Jersey had the lowest avoidance distance scores in all seasons. There was an association (P < 0.05) between genotype and exit speed scores, pen scores and stepping behaviour scores. The Friesland exhibited the highest exit speed scores than the other breeds. The Jersey had the lowest (P < 0.05) kicking behaviour scores. There was a relationship (r = 0.64) between avoidance distance scores and exit speed. Exit speed scores were correlated with pen score(r= 0.23). Milk yield was significant related (r= 0.17) to the occurrence of kicking behaviour. The genotypes showed different levels of sensitivity to season and milk yield was influenced by breed and season. It can be concluded that time budgets vary with season and farmers need to adopt measures that buffer the effect of season on welfare of dairy cows. It can also be concluded that avoidance distance scores differs according to genotype with Jersey being more confident to humans than other two breeds. It is therefore recommended that provision of shades or cooling mechanism should be adopted to buffer the effects of hot-wet season. Improving quality of feed during the cool-dry season may be critical for Jersey cows. Finally positive handling of the dairy cows is recommended in order to improve the welfare and milk yield of pasture based dairy cows.
- Full Text:
Alternative practices used by resource-limited farmers to control fleas in free-range chickens in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Authors: Moyo, Sipho
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Fleas -- Control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Insect baits and repellents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Insecticides -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Chickens -- Parasites -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Parasites -- Control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Chickens -- Diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11802 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/393 , Fleas -- Control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Insect baits and repellents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Insecticides -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Chickens -- Parasites -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Parasites -- Control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Chickens -- Diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Fleas are one of the major external parasites affecting free range chickens, causing irritation, tissue damage, blood loss and toxicosis which in turn affect quality and quantity of meat and egg production. There are many commercial insecticides available that are effective against fleas. These commercial insecticides have, however become expensive to most resourcelimited farmers and therefore unaffordable, causing farmers to seek low cost alternatives. This study was conducted to document, determine the existence of external parasites in freerange chickens and validate the alternative remedies used in controlling free-range chicken fleas by resource-limited farmers. A questionnaire survey was used to collect data on external parasites of free-range chickens and ethno-veterinary control remedies used by resourcelimited farmers to control these parasites at Amatola basin, in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Resource-limited farmers perceived that mites (79.6%), fleas (64.5%), lice (10.8%) and ticks (6.5%) were problematic parasites of chickens. To control these parasites, resource-limited farmers commonly use ash (28%) madubula (13% carbolic acid) (26.7%), Jeyes fluid (13% carbolic acid) (10%), paraffin (8.4%), used engine oil (2.8%), plants Tagetes minuta, Clutia pulchella, Calpurnia aurea (5.2%) and a few (4.2%) used commercial drugs Karbadust (Carbarly 5%) and mercaptothion 5%. About 7.5% of the respondents used neither of the remedies. To confirm the farmers’ perception on problematic external parasites of free-range chickens a diagnostic survey was conducted. Fifty free-range chickens were randomly selected and examined for external parasites. About 96% of the free-range chickens examined harboured at least one species of external parasites. Fleas (Echidnophaga gallinacea) (50.7%) were the most prevalent followed by lice, Menopon gallinae (12.4%); Menacanthus stramineus (5.3%) and Knemidocoptes mutans (0.57%). Given that Jeyes fluid, used engine oil, paraffin, C. aurea, C. pulchella and T. minuta were mainly used in controlling these parasites, it was important to determine the potential dermal irritant effects of these plants. A dermal irritant effect test was, therefore, conducted using a rat model. Forty eight rats, with parts of the backs shaven, were used to screen the materials for irritation. All the materials tested did not cause any visible skin irritation on rats (p>0.05). Regarding that ethnoveterinary materials were non irritant on rat skin in vitro repellency and contact bio-assay models were used to assess the insecticidal properties of Tagetes minuta, Calpurnia aurea, Clutia pulchella, used engine oil, paraffin and Jeyes fluid on fleas. For the in vitro bioassay T. minuta and Jeyes fluid at 100% concentration demonstrated a repellency level of 76 and 83%, respectively. Tagetes minuta was the most effective among plant materials (p<0.05). Clutia pulchella, C. aurea, used engine oil and paraffin showed insignificant repellency (p>0.05). For the contact bio-assay, C. pulchella, C. aurea and T. minuta at a concentration of 100% resulted in flea mortality of 83.5, 73.3 and 42.5%, respectively. The efficacy of Clutia pulchella compared well with that of Karbadust which had a mean mortality of 97.5%. Paraffin, used engine oil, and Jeyes fluid (19.2%) caused higher flea mortality of more than 82%. In the in vivo study 60 free-range chickens were artificially infested with fleas and test materials were topically applied on infested sites. Test materials exhibited varying flea load reduction efficacy. Used engine oil and Jeyes fluid at 76.8% concentration had a reduction efficacy of 100 and 96% after 3 days post application of test materials. These were not significantly different to that of the positive control Kabadust (carbaryl 5%). The plants C. pulchella and C aurea at 100% concentration had an efficacy of 92 and 77%, respectively. The commonly used remedies by resource-limited farmers to control fleas vary in efficacy. Some of the materials are as effective as the commercial insecticides hence they have a potential to be exploited as insecticides. Further investigations on plant compounds with insecticidal properties and their toxicity, need to be conducted before the plants are recommended for use.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Moyo, Sipho
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Fleas -- Control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Insect baits and repellents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Insecticides -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Chickens -- Parasites -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Parasites -- Control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Chickens -- Diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11802 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/393 , Fleas -- Control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Insect baits and repellents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Insecticides -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Chickens -- Parasites -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Parasites -- Control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Chickens -- Diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Fleas are one of the major external parasites affecting free range chickens, causing irritation, tissue damage, blood loss and toxicosis which in turn affect quality and quantity of meat and egg production. There are many commercial insecticides available that are effective against fleas. These commercial insecticides have, however become expensive to most resourcelimited farmers and therefore unaffordable, causing farmers to seek low cost alternatives. This study was conducted to document, determine the existence of external parasites in freerange chickens and validate the alternative remedies used in controlling free-range chicken fleas by resource-limited farmers. A questionnaire survey was used to collect data on external parasites of free-range chickens and ethno-veterinary control remedies used by resourcelimited farmers to control these parasites at Amatola basin, in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Resource-limited farmers perceived that mites (79.6%), fleas (64.5%), lice (10.8%) and ticks (6.5%) were problematic parasites of chickens. To control these parasites, resource-limited farmers commonly use ash (28%) madubula (13% carbolic acid) (26.7%), Jeyes fluid (13% carbolic acid) (10%), paraffin (8.4%), used engine oil (2.8%), plants Tagetes minuta, Clutia pulchella, Calpurnia aurea (5.2%) and a few (4.2%) used commercial drugs Karbadust (Carbarly 5%) and mercaptothion 5%. About 7.5% of the respondents used neither of the remedies. To confirm the farmers’ perception on problematic external parasites of free-range chickens a diagnostic survey was conducted. Fifty free-range chickens were randomly selected and examined for external parasites. About 96% of the free-range chickens examined harboured at least one species of external parasites. Fleas (Echidnophaga gallinacea) (50.7%) were the most prevalent followed by lice, Menopon gallinae (12.4%); Menacanthus stramineus (5.3%) and Knemidocoptes mutans (0.57%). Given that Jeyes fluid, used engine oil, paraffin, C. aurea, C. pulchella and T. minuta were mainly used in controlling these parasites, it was important to determine the potential dermal irritant effects of these plants. A dermal irritant effect test was, therefore, conducted using a rat model. Forty eight rats, with parts of the backs shaven, were used to screen the materials for irritation. All the materials tested did not cause any visible skin irritation on rats (p>0.05). Regarding that ethnoveterinary materials were non irritant on rat skin in vitro repellency and contact bio-assay models were used to assess the insecticidal properties of Tagetes minuta, Calpurnia aurea, Clutia pulchella, used engine oil, paraffin and Jeyes fluid on fleas. For the in vitro bioassay T. minuta and Jeyes fluid at 100% concentration demonstrated a repellency level of 76 and 83%, respectively. Tagetes minuta was the most effective among plant materials (p<0.05). Clutia pulchella, C. aurea, used engine oil and paraffin showed insignificant repellency (p>0.05). For the contact bio-assay, C. pulchella, C. aurea and T. minuta at a concentration of 100% resulted in flea mortality of 83.5, 73.3 and 42.5%, respectively. The efficacy of Clutia pulchella compared well with that of Karbadust which had a mean mortality of 97.5%. Paraffin, used engine oil, and Jeyes fluid (19.2%) caused higher flea mortality of more than 82%. In the in vivo study 60 free-range chickens were artificially infested with fleas and test materials were topically applied on infested sites. Test materials exhibited varying flea load reduction efficacy. Used engine oil and Jeyes fluid at 76.8% concentration had a reduction efficacy of 100 and 96% after 3 days post application of test materials. These were not significantly different to that of the positive control Kabadust (carbaryl 5%). The plants C. pulchella and C aurea at 100% concentration had an efficacy of 92 and 77%, respectively. The commonly used remedies by resource-limited farmers to control fleas vary in efficacy. Some of the materials are as effective as the commercial insecticides hence they have a potential to be exploited as insecticides. Further investigations on plant compounds with insecticidal properties and their toxicity, need to be conducted before the plants are recommended for use.
- Full Text:
Feeding behaviour of Xhosa lop-eared, Nguni and Nguni x Boer goat genotypes kept on rangelands of the false thornveld
- Authors: Bakare, Archibold Garikayi
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Goats -- Feeding and feeds , Goats -- South Africa , Rangelands -- South Africa , Grazing -- South Africa , Veld
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11811 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/396 , Goats -- Feeding and feeds , Goats -- South Africa , Rangelands -- South Africa , Grazing -- South Africa , Veld
- Description: Feeding behaviour of Xhosa lop-eared, Nguni and Nguni × Boer goat genotypes kept on rangelands of the False Thornveld By Archibold Garikayi Bakare The study was conducted at the University of Fort Hare farm to assess the feeding behaviour of three goat genotypes: Xhosa lop-eared (XLE), Nguni (NGN) and Nguni × Boer crossbred (NBC) genotypes. The time spent on different activities (grazing, browsing and other activities) on rangelands was recorded using stop watches. The micro-histological faecal analysis technique was used to identify and quantify the plant species that were consumed by the goats across the four seasons. Time spent browsing was high in post-rainy season for XLE (55.94 %) compared to NGN (52.97 %) and crossbred NBC (45.95 %) goats. The high browsing activity was also noted for XLE in hot-wet and cool-dry season (P < 0.05). The NBC goats on the other hand; devoted most of their time grazing compared to XLE and NGN goats across seasons (P < 0.05). Generally, time of day had no effect (P > 0.05) on foraging activities among the goat breeds. Grewia occidentalis, Panicum maximum and Diospyros lycioides were the most preferred plant species by all genotypes across seasons in the paddock. It was concluded that crossbreds spent more time grazing as compared to XLE, which are more of browsers. It could, therefore, be recommended that XLE complement with grazers (cattle and sheep) for efficient management of feed resources in rangelands.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bakare, Archibold Garikayi
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Goats -- Feeding and feeds , Goats -- South Africa , Rangelands -- South Africa , Grazing -- South Africa , Veld
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11811 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/396 , Goats -- Feeding and feeds , Goats -- South Africa , Rangelands -- South Africa , Grazing -- South Africa , Veld
- Description: Feeding behaviour of Xhosa lop-eared, Nguni and Nguni × Boer goat genotypes kept on rangelands of the False Thornveld By Archibold Garikayi Bakare The study was conducted at the University of Fort Hare farm to assess the feeding behaviour of three goat genotypes: Xhosa lop-eared (XLE), Nguni (NGN) and Nguni × Boer crossbred (NBC) genotypes. The time spent on different activities (grazing, browsing and other activities) on rangelands was recorded using stop watches. The micro-histological faecal analysis technique was used to identify and quantify the plant species that were consumed by the goats across the four seasons. Time spent browsing was high in post-rainy season for XLE (55.94 %) compared to NGN (52.97 %) and crossbred NBC (45.95 %) goats. The high browsing activity was also noted for XLE in hot-wet and cool-dry season (P < 0.05). The NBC goats on the other hand; devoted most of their time grazing compared to XLE and NGN goats across seasons (P < 0.05). Generally, time of day had no effect (P > 0.05) on foraging activities among the goat breeds. Grewia occidentalis, Panicum maximum and Diospyros lycioides were the most preferred plant species by all genotypes across seasons in the paddock. It was concluded that crossbreds spent more time grazing as compared to XLE, which are more of browsers. It could, therefore, be recommended that XLE complement with grazers (cattle and sheep) for efficient management of feed resources in rangelands.
- Full Text:
Determination and validation of ethno-veterinary practices used as alternatives in controlling cattle ticks by resource-limited farmers in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Moyo, Busani
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Traditional veterinary medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Ethnozoology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Ticks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11806 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/165 , Traditional veterinary medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Ethnozoology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Ticks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province
- Description: Ticks are the most common external parasites of economic importance in the livestock farming sector of Southern Africa. They are vectors of tick-borne diseases and are commonly controlled using conventional acaricides, which are expensive and not readily available to resource-limited farmers. As a result many resource-limited farmers resort to use of alternative materials to control ticks on their livestock. Tick resistance to acaricide is an increasing problem in Southern Africa and poses a real economic threat to livestock and veterinary pharmaceutical industries. The objective of this study was to document and validate the ethno-veterinary remedies used as alternative methods of controlling cattle ticks by resource-limited farmers. A questionnaire survey was conducted in May 2007, at Qolora by-Sea and Nontshinga in Centane district, to determine tick control methods used by resource limited farmers in the Amathole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo experiments were done to validate the acaricidal properties of ethnoveterinary remedies used by resource-limited farmers. Ticks were reported to be a major problem, transmitting diseases like anaplasmosis (89.8%), babesiosis (55.9%) and ehrlichiosis (16.9%), they also cause wounds that predispose cattle to screwworm infestation, tick worry and teat damage. All farmers used acaricides and dipping tanks provided by the government to control ticks, as the main tick control method. However, the majority (94.9%) were of the opinion that the dip wash was not effective in controlling ticks. As a result, farmers complemented the government dipping service with use of own initiatives like spraying with conventional acaricides (22%), household disinfectants such as Jeyes fluid (18.6%), used engine oil (10.2%), chickens feeding on ticks (5.1%), manual iv removal (5.1%), and pouricides (1.7%). In addition, some farmers also use plants (6.8%), mainly the leaf of Aloe ferox and the bark of Ptaeroxylon obliquum. The in vitro repellency models showed Jeyes fluid (76.8 and 100% concentrations) and P. obliquum (40%) had repellent properties that lasted 6 hours and 40 minutes respectively while that of, Tabard (35% diethyltoluamide) positive control, lasted for 4 hours when applied against nymphal stages of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. In the contact bio-assay, undiluted used engine oil, T. minuta oil (50%), Ektoban® (Cymiazol 17.5% and cypermethrin 2.5%) and Jeyes fluid (76.8%) caused higher tick mortality of more than 86%. Other materials (A. ferox, Lantana camara and Tagetes minuta) had no repellence and acaricidal properties. In the in vivo study, Jeyes fluid at a concentration of 76.8% and used engine oil displayed efficacy of 71 and 76.4% respectively which was similar to that of the positive control Ektoban® at 97.8% tick load reduction. Among plant materials L. camara at 40% concentrations had an efficacy of 57% while A. ferox, P. obliquum and T. minuta were not effective at all. The remedies used by resource-limited farmers to control ticks vary in efficacy. Their ability to reduce tick load on cattle appears to be promising and a welcome development as their use could probably reduce tick burdens in cattle with less expenditure. However, further investigations need to be done before they are recommended for use. Despite being effective some of the materials have potential toxic effects in animals and also cause environmental contamination and I recommend used engine oil, Jeyes fluid and L. camara for further testing as they showed some efficacy compared to other remedies.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Moyo, Busani
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Traditional veterinary medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Ethnozoology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Ticks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11806 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/165 , Traditional veterinary medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Ethnozoology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Ticks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province
- Description: Ticks are the most common external parasites of economic importance in the livestock farming sector of Southern Africa. They are vectors of tick-borne diseases and are commonly controlled using conventional acaricides, which are expensive and not readily available to resource-limited farmers. As a result many resource-limited farmers resort to use of alternative materials to control ticks on their livestock. Tick resistance to acaricide is an increasing problem in Southern Africa and poses a real economic threat to livestock and veterinary pharmaceutical industries. The objective of this study was to document and validate the ethno-veterinary remedies used as alternative methods of controlling cattle ticks by resource-limited farmers. A questionnaire survey was conducted in May 2007, at Qolora by-Sea and Nontshinga in Centane district, to determine tick control methods used by resource limited farmers in the Amathole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo experiments were done to validate the acaricidal properties of ethnoveterinary remedies used by resource-limited farmers. Ticks were reported to be a major problem, transmitting diseases like anaplasmosis (89.8%), babesiosis (55.9%) and ehrlichiosis (16.9%), they also cause wounds that predispose cattle to screwworm infestation, tick worry and teat damage. All farmers used acaricides and dipping tanks provided by the government to control ticks, as the main tick control method. However, the majority (94.9%) were of the opinion that the dip wash was not effective in controlling ticks. As a result, farmers complemented the government dipping service with use of own initiatives like spraying with conventional acaricides (22%), household disinfectants such as Jeyes fluid (18.6%), used engine oil (10.2%), chickens feeding on ticks (5.1%), manual iv removal (5.1%), and pouricides (1.7%). In addition, some farmers also use plants (6.8%), mainly the leaf of Aloe ferox and the bark of Ptaeroxylon obliquum. The in vitro repellency models showed Jeyes fluid (76.8 and 100% concentrations) and P. obliquum (40%) had repellent properties that lasted 6 hours and 40 minutes respectively while that of, Tabard (35% diethyltoluamide) positive control, lasted for 4 hours when applied against nymphal stages of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. In the contact bio-assay, undiluted used engine oil, T. minuta oil (50%), Ektoban® (Cymiazol 17.5% and cypermethrin 2.5%) and Jeyes fluid (76.8%) caused higher tick mortality of more than 86%. Other materials (A. ferox, Lantana camara and Tagetes minuta) had no repellence and acaricidal properties. In the in vivo study, Jeyes fluid at a concentration of 76.8% and used engine oil displayed efficacy of 71 and 76.4% respectively which was similar to that of the positive control Ektoban® at 97.8% tick load reduction. Among plant materials L. camara at 40% concentrations had an efficacy of 57% while A. ferox, P. obliquum and T. minuta were not effective at all. The remedies used by resource-limited farmers to control ticks vary in efficacy. Their ability to reduce tick load on cattle appears to be promising and a welcome development as their use could probably reduce tick burdens in cattle with less expenditure. However, further investigations need to be done before they are recommended for use. Despite being effective some of the materials have potential toxic effects in animals and also cause environmental contamination and I recommend used engine oil, Jeyes fluid and L. camara for further testing as they showed some efficacy compared to other remedies.
- Full Text:
Prevalence of ticks and tick-borne diseases in cattle on communal rangelands in the Highland Areas of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Marufu, Munyaradzi Christopher
- Authors: Marufu, Munyaradzi Christopher
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Cattle -- Diseases , Livestock diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ixodidae -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tick-borne diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ticks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11814 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/152 , Cattle -- Diseases , Livestock diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ixodidae -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tick-borne diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ticks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Surveys were conducted to compare the seasonal tick prevalence and loads, and sero-prevalence of tick-borne diseases (TBD) in Nguni and non-descript cattle on the sweet and sour communal rangelands of the Eastern Cape Province. The tick species observed on both rangeland types were Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (71.0 %), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) species (29.2 %) and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (40.2 %). Hyalomma species (19.0 %) occurred only on the sour rangeland. Tick loads were higher (P < 0.05) in the hot-wet season than in the cool-dry season. Cattle in the sweet rangeland had significantly lower (P < 0.05) tick loads than those in the sour rangeland. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus loads were lower (P < 0.05) in the indigenous Nguni than non-descript cattle in the hot-wet and post-rainy season. Hyalomma species were also significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the Nguni than non-descript cattle in all the seasons. Three TBDs were observed, namely Babesia bovis (44.6 %), Babesia bigemina (45.9 %) and Anaplasma marginale (25.6 %). All the animals were sero-negative for Ehrlichia ruminantium. Nguni cattle had lower (P < 0.05) sero-prevalence for A. marginale in the cool-dry season and B. bigemina in the cool-dry and hot-wet seasons. Cattle in the sweet rangeland had significantly lower sero-prevalence of B. bovis and B. bigemina. Infection with B. bovis and A. marginale decreased (P < 0.05) the packed cell volume. Nguni cattle were recommended for use in the integrated control of ticks and TBD in the communal areas of South Africa as they were better able to cope with tick and TBD infestations than non-descript breeds.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Marufu, Munyaradzi Christopher
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Cattle -- Diseases , Livestock diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ixodidae -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tick-borne diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ticks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11814 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/152 , Cattle -- Diseases , Livestock diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ixodidae -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tick-borne diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ticks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Surveys were conducted to compare the seasonal tick prevalence and loads, and sero-prevalence of tick-borne diseases (TBD) in Nguni and non-descript cattle on the sweet and sour communal rangelands of the Eastern Cape Province. The tick species observed on both rangeland types were Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (71.0 %), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) species (29.2 %) and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (40.2 %). Hyalomma species (19.0 %) occurred only on the sour rangeland. Tick loads were higher (P < 0.05) in the hot-wet season than in the cool-dry season. Cattle in the sweet rangeland had significantly lower (P < 0.05) tick loads than those in the sour rangeland. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus loads were lower (P < 0.05) in the indigenous Nguni than non-descript cattle in the hot-wet and post-rainy season. Hyalomma species were also significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the Nguni than non-descript cattle in all the seasons. Three TBDs were observed, namely Babesia bovis (44.6 %), Babesia bigemina (45.9 %) and Anaplasma marginale (25.6 %). All the animals were sero-negative for Ehrlichia ruminantium. Nguni cattle had lower (P < 0.05) sero-prevalence for A. marginale in the cool-dry season and B. bigemina in the cool-dry and hot-wet seasons. Cattle in the sweet rangeland had significantly lower sero-prevalence of B. bovis and B. bigemina. Infection with B. bovis and A. marginale decreased (P < 0.05) the packed cell volume. Nguni cattle were recommended for use in the integrated control of ticks and TBD in the communal areas of South Africa as they were better able to cope with tick and TBD infestations than non-descript breeds.
- Full Text:
Reproductive performance of cows in sweet and sour veld types under communal production systems in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Nqeno, Noluvuyo
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Pastoral systems -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Commons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- Breeding , Beef cattle -- Reproduction , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Dairy cattle , Cows
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11815 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/141 , Pastoral systems -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Commons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- Breeding , Beef cattle -- Reproduction , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Dairy cattle , Cows
- Description: The objective of the study was to evaluate cow reproductive performance in the sweetveld and sourveld communal grazing areas of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. In the first experiment, farmer perceptions were obtained using participatory rural appraisals. Farmers ranked lack of fences, tick-borne diseases, poor animal condition during winter and poor breeding practices, respectively as major constraints limiting cattle production in the Eastern Cape. Cattle, sheep and goats, in that order, were ranked as the most important livestock species and were mainly kept for meat, cash and ceremonies, respectively. The non-descript cattle breed was the most common breed found in the smallholder areas. Most farmers preferred Nguni breed because of its adaptive attributes. In the second experiment, structured questionnaires were administered, between June and August 2006, to a total of 551 farmers from 10 communities of the Eastern Cape. There was a significant association (P<0.05) between the use of pregnancy diagnoses and community. About 87 and 77 % of the interviewed farmers did not respond on the extent of pregnancy and calving rates in their herds. A higher proportion of farmers from Hekele (51%) and from Upper Mnxe (45.3%) communities reported low number of bulls as a major constraint to cow reproductive performance. Body condition and ovarian activity were measured in the sweet and sour veld types. Body condition score of animals was measured from March iii 2007 until January 2008 and ovarian activity of cows was performed by a veterinarian through rectal palpation in June, August and October 2007 and January 2008. From March to July, there was a marked decline in body condition on both veld types. In the sweetveld, body condition improved from September until January, whereas in the sourveld the improvement in body condition started in October. The cows in both veld types conceived throughout the year. Most cows in the sweetveld were cycling in January and August (P<0.05) whereas in the sourveld there was no distinct period when the animals were cycling. Overall, there were no differences in the proportion of cows that were cycling between the sour and sweet veldts (P>0.05). There were more cows cycling in sourveld in October than in the sweetveld. Reproductive performance of cows in communal areas could, therefore, be determined by levels and quality of nutrition. Keywords: Participatory rural appraisals; Structured questionnaires; Farmer participation; Farmer perceptions; Body condition scoring; Ovarian activity; Pregnancy diagnoses.
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- Authors: Nqeno, Noluvuyo
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Pastoral systems -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Commons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- Breeding , Beef cattle -- Reproduction , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Dairy cattle , Cows
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11815 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/141 , Pastoral systems -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Commons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- Breeding , Beef cattle -- Reproduction , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Dairy cattle , Cows
- Description: The objective of the study was to evaluate cow reproductive performance in the sweetveld and sourveld communal grazing areas of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. In the first experiment, farmer perceptions were obtained using participatory rural appraisals. Farmers ranked lack of fences, tick-borne diseases, poor animal condition during winter and poor breeding practices, respectively as major constraints limiting cattle production in the Eastern Cape. Cattle, sheep and goats, in that order, were ranked as the most important livestock species and were mainly kept for meat, cash and ceremonies, respectively. The non-descript cattle breed was the most common breed found in the smallholder areas. Most farmers preferred Nguni breed because of its adaptive attributes. In the second experiment, structured questionnaires were administered, between June and August 2006, to a total of 551 farmers from 10 communities of the Eastern Cape. There was a significant association (P<0.05) between the use of pregnancy diagnoses and community. About 87 and 77 % of the interviewed farmers did not respond on the extent of pregnancy and calving rates in their herds. A higher proportion of farmers from Hekele (51%) and from Upper Mnxe (45.3%) communities reported low number of bulls as a major constraint to cow reproductive performance. Body condition and ovarian activity were measured in the sweet and sour veld types. Body condition score of animals was measured from March iii 2007 until January 2008 and ovarian activity of cows was performed by a veterinarian through rectal palpation in June, August and October 2007 and January 2008. From March to July, there was a marked decline in body condition on both veld types. In the sweetveld, body condition improved from September until January, whereas in the sourveld the improvement in body condition started in October. The cows in both veld types conceived throughout the year. Most cows in the sweetveld were cycling in January and August (P<0.05) whereas in the sourveld there was no distinct period when the animals were cycling. Overall, there were no differences in the proportion of cows that were cycling between the sour and sweet veldts (P>0.05). There were more cows cycling in sourveld in October than in the sweetveld. Reproductive performance of cows in communal areas could, therefore, be determined by levels and quality of nutrition. Keywords: Participatory rural appraisals; Structured questionnaires; Farmer participation; Farmer perceptions; Body condition scoring; Ovarian activity; Pregnancy diagnoses.
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