Parasite prevalence, nutritionally-related blood metabolites and pre-slaughter stress response in Nguni, Bonsmara and Angus steers raised on veld
- Authors: Ndlovu, Thulile
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Parasites , Nguni cattle , Bonsmara cattle , Metabolites , Slaughtering and slaughter-houses , Aberdeen -- Angus cattle
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11258 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/73 , Parasites , Nguni cattle , Bonsmara cattle , Metabolites , Slaughtering and slaughter-houses , Aberdeen -- Angus cattle
- Description: The effects of month on body weight, body condition scores, internal parasite prevalence and on nutritionally related blood metabolites were studied in Angus, Bonsmara and Nguni steers raised on sweet veld. Pre-slaughter stress was also determined using catecholamines, cortisol, dopamine, packed cell volume and serum creatinine levels. The blood chemical constituents evaluated included glucose, cholesterol, total protein, creatinine, urea, globulin, albumin, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and creatinine kinase (CK). The Nguni steers maintained their body condition throughout the study period whereas Angus steers had the least body condition scores. Parasite levels were high during the rainy season and low during the dry season. The predominant internal parasites were Haemonchus (39.3 percent), Trichostrongylus (37.8 percent), Cooperia pectinita (25.5 percent), Fasciola gigantica (16.3 percent) and Ostertagia ostertagi (11.2 percent). The Nguni had the least parasite infestation levels and had high PCV levels. Nguni had higher levels of cholesterol and glucose (2.86 and 4mmol/l, respectively) than the other two breeds. Nguni and Bonsmara steers had higher (P<0.05) mineral levels. There were significant breed and month differences for glucose, cholesterol, creatinine, calcium, albumin, phosphorus, albumin-globulin ratio and ALP levels. Bonsmara was more susceptible to transport and pre-slaughter stress as it had the highest (P<0.05) levels of adrenalin (10.8nmol/mol), noradrenalin (9.7nmol/mol) and dopamine (14.8nmol/mol) levels, whereas the Nguni had the least levels of adrenalin (6.5nmol/mol), noradrenalin (4.6nmol/mol) and dopamine (4nmol/mol) levels. In conclusion, Nguni steers were better adapted to the local environmental conditions
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Ndlovu, Thulile
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Parasites , Nguni cattle , Bonsmara cattle , Metabolites , Slaughtering and slaughter-houses , Aberdeen -- Angus cattle
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11258 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/73 , Parasites , Nguni cattle , Bonsmara cattle , Metabolites , Slaughtering and slaughter-houses , Aberdeen -- Angus cattle
- Description: The effects of month on body weight, body condition scores, internal parasite prevalence and on nutritionally related blood metabolites were studied in Angus, Bonsmara and Nguni steers raised on sweet veld. Pre-slaughter stress was also determined using catecholamines, cortisol, dopamine, packed cell volume and serum creatinine levels. The blood chemical constituents evaluated included glucose, cholesterol, total protein, creatinine, urea, globulin, albumin, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and creatinine kinase (CK). The Nguni steers maintained their body condition throughout the study period whereas Angus steers had the least body condition scores. Parasite levels were high during the rainy season and low during the dry season. The predominant internal parasites were Haemonchus (39.3 percent), Trichostrongylus (37.8 percent), Cooperia pectinita (25.5 percent), Fasciola gigantica (16.3 percent) and Ostertagia ostertagi (11.2 percent). The Nguni had the least parasite infestation levels and had high PCV levels. Nguni had higher levels of cholesterol and glucose (2.86 and 4mmol/l, respectively) than the other two breeds. Nguni and Bonsmara steers had higher (P<0.05) mineral levels. There were significant breed and month differences for glucose, cholesterol, creatinine, calcium, albumin, phosphorus, albumin-globulin ratio and ALP levels. Bonsmara was more susceptible to transport and pre-slaughter stress as it had the highest (P<0.05) levels of adrenalin (10.8nmol/mol), noradrenalin (9.7nmol/mol) and dopamine (14.8nmol/mol) levels, whereas the Nguni had the least levels of adrenalin (6.5nmol/mol), noradrenalin (4.6nmol/mol) and dopamine (4nmol/mol) levels. In conclusion, Nguni steers were better adapted to the local environmental conditions
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Effect of high energy diets on the productive and reproductive characteristics of young Bonsmara bulls
- Labuschagné, Hermanus Stefanus
- Authors: Labuschagné, Hermanus Stefanus
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Bonsmara cattle
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Agricultural Management)
- Identifier: vital:10956 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58 , Bonsmara cattle
- Description: A study to evaluate the effect of feeding a high energy diet on the productive and reproductive characteristics of young bulls was carried out at two different locations in the Free State Province. Two trials were conducted with the aim of evaluating the effect of level of dietary energy and age of the bulls on their productive performance and reproductive characteristics. In the first trial, two levels of energy were fed to two groups of young (343 ± days) Bonsmara bulls. The high energy group HE (n=36) bulls were Phase-C performance tested in an official performance testing center and received a high energy diet for 112 days (28 days adaptation and 84 days testing). The medium energy group ME (n=18) bulls were phase-D performance tested and received a medium-energy diet for 140 days (28 days adaptation and 112 days testing). At the end of both performance testing periods, the productive performances and reproductive characteristics of the two groups were compared. The productive parameters compared included final live body weight (FLW), average daily gain (ADG), average daily gain per day of age (ADA) and body condition score (BCS). The reproductive parameters compared between groups included scrotal circumference (SC), semen volume (Vol) and concentration (SConO), mass movement (MV), linear motility (LM), percentage live sperm (LS), as well as percentage of total abnormalities: major (MD) and minor (MinD). The results of this trial indicated that in general, bulls from the HE group showed a significant (p<0.01) higher FLW, BCS, ADG and ADA, but a significant (p<0.01) lower volume and concentration of the ejaculate, lower mass movement and linear motility, lower percentage of live sperm and higher percentage of major defects and significantly (p<0.05) higher percentage of minor defects than the bulls from the ME group. In the second trial, 36 young Bonsmara bulls were divided into two groups according to their age at the arrival at an official Phase-C performance testing center. Older bulls (OB) (n=19) and younger bulls (YB) (n=17) all received a high energy diet for 112 days (28 days adaptation and 84 days testing). At the end of the Phase-C test the productive performances and reproductive characteristics of the two groups were compared. The animals from both groups that did not pass the Phase-C test, either due to poor performance or not meeting the breed standards, were slaughtered at an official abattoir and their scrotums and carcass characteristics were also compared. The productive parameters compared between the two groups included final live body weight (FLW), average daily gain (ADG), average daily gain per day of age (ADA), body condition score (BCS), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass weight both warm (CWW) and cold (CWC), as well as dressing percentage (CDP) and fat grade (CFG). The reproductive parameters compared between the two groups included scrotal circumference (SC), total scrotal weight (TSW), scrotal fat (SF), scrotal skin weight (SSW), paired testes weight (PTW), scrotal skin thickness (SST), total testes circumference (TTC), total testicle volume (TTV), weight of epididimis / spermatic cord (WESC), volume of epididymis / spermatic cord (VESC) and the percentage of bulls with depressed spermatogenesis (PBDS), semen concentration (SConO), mass movement (MV), linear motility (LM), percentage live sperm (LS), percentage of total abnormalities: major (MD) and minor(MinD) as well as the percentage of bulls with depressed spermatogenesis (PBDS). The results of this trial indicated that in general, the younger bulls showed a significant (p<0.05) higher ADG, but a significant (p<0.05) lower ADA than the older bulls. Regarding the reproductive organs compared, the younger bulls showed a significantly (p<0.01) higher total scrotal weight, scrotal fat and scrotal skin weight and thickness. No significant differences were observed on the testicular parameters measured between the two groups. In addition, both weight (WECS) and volume (VECS) of the epididymis / spermatic cord were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the older bulls. In general, the younger group showed poorer semen characteristics. A significantly (p<0.01) lower sperm concentration and linear movement and a significantly (p<0.05) higher percentage of major defects were recorded on the younger bulls, when compared to the older bulls. About half of the bulls in each group showed clear signs of depressed spermatogenesis in their seminiferous tubules, during the histological examination of testicular tissue. The results of this study indicates that high energy diets are beneficial for the productive performance of young bulls (growth rate, BCS and carcass characteristics), but have a detrimental effect on the reproductive characteristics of young bulls. The effect of high energy diets on both the productive and reproductive performances of young beef bulls are more pronounced at a younger age. High energy diets resulted in heavier scrotums in the younger bulls when compared to the older bulls, as a direct result of a higher fat deposition in this region without any relevant effect on testicular size. No intra-testicular fat deposition was observed. The scrotal fat observed in high energy fed young bulls accumulated mainly in the neck of the scrotum, although subcutaneously. These fat deposits may impair testicular thermoregulation and negatively affect the spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules, reducing both sperm quantity and quality. Further studies on the effect of high energy diets on bull fertility (as well as on rams and buck) are recommended, to evaluate the extension and duration of its detrimental effects on subsequent fertility.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Labuschagné, Hermanus Stefanus
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Bonsmara cattle
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Agricultural Management)
- Identifier: vital:10956 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58 , Bonsmara cattle
- Description: A study to evaluate the effect of feeding a high energy diet on the productive and reproductive characteristics of young bulls was carried out at two different locations in the Free State Province. Two trials were conducted with the aim of evaluating the effect of level of dietary energy and age of the bulls on their productive performance and reproductive characteristics. In the first trial, two levels of energy were fed to two groups of young (343 ± days) Bonsmara bulls. The high energy group HE (n=36) bulls were Phase-C performance tested in an official performance testing center and received a high energy diet for 112 days (28 days adaptation and 84 days testing). The medium energy group ME (n=18) bulls were phase-D performance tested and received a medium-energy diet for 140 days (28 days adaptation and 112 days testing). At the end of both performance testing periods, the productive performances and reproductive characteristics of the two groups were compared. The productive parameters compared included final live body weight (FLW), average daily gain (ADG), average daily gain per day of age (ADA) and body condition score (BCS). The reproductive parameters compared between groups included scrotal circumference (SC), semen volume (Vol) and concentration (SConO), mass movement (MV), linear motility (LM), percentage live sperm (LS), as well as percentage of total abnormalities: major (MD) and minor (MinD). The results of this trial indicated that in general, bulls from the HE group showed a significant (p<0.01) higher FLW, BCS, ADG and ADA, but a significant (p<0.01) lower volume and concentration of the ejaculate, lower mass movement and linear motility, lower percentage of live sperm and higher percentage of major defects and significantly (p<0.05) higher percentage of minor defects than the bulls from the ME group. In the second trial, 36 young Bonsmara bulls were divided into two groups according to their age at the arrival at an official Phase-C performance testing center. Older bulls (OB) (n=19) and younger bulls (YB) (n=17) all received a high energy diet for 112 days (28 days adaptation and 84 days testing). At the end of the Phase-C test the productive performances and reproductive characteristics of the two groups were compared. The animals from both groups that did not pass the Phase-C test, either due to poor performance or not meeting the breed standards, were slaughtered at an official abattoir and their scrotums and carcass characteristics were also compared. The productive parameters compared between the two groups included final live body weight (FLW), average daily gain (ADG), average daily gain per day of age (ADA), body condition score (BCS), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass weight both warm (CWW) and cold (CWC), as well as dressing percentage (CDP) and fat grade (CFG). The reproductive parameters compared between the two groups included scrotal circumference (SC), total scrotal weight (TSW), scrotal fat (SF), scrotal skin weight (SSW), paired testes weight (PTW), scrotal skin thickness (SST), total testes circumference (TTC), total testicle volume (TTV), weight of epididimis / spermatic cord (WESC), volume of epididymis / spermatic cord (VESC) and the percentage of bulls with depressed spermatogenesis (PBDS), semen concentration (SConO), mass movement (MV), linear motility (LM), percentage live sperm (LS), percentage of total abnormalities: major (MD) and minor(MinD) as well as the percentage of bulls with depressed spermatogenesis (PBDS). The results of this trial indicated that in general, the younger bulls showed a significant (p<0.05) higher ADG, but a significant (p<0.05) lower ADA than the older bulls. Regarding the reproductive organs compared, the younger bulls showed a significantly (p<0.01) higher total scrotal weight, scrotal fat and scrotal skin weight and thickness. No significant differences were observed on the testicular parameters measured between the two groups. In addition, both weight (WECS) and volume (VECS) of the epididymis / spermatic cord were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the older bulls. In general, the younger group showed poorer semen characteristics. A significantly (p<0.01) lower sperm concentration and linear movement and a significantly (p<0.05) higher percentage of major defects were recorded on the younger bulls, when compared to the older bulls. About half of the bulls in each group showed clear signs of depressed spermatogenesis in their seminiferous tubules, during the histological examination of testicular tissue. The results of this study indicates that high energy diets are beneficial for the productive performance of young bulls (growth rate, BCS and carcass characteristics), but have a detrimental effect on the reproductive characteristics of young bulls. The effect of high energy diets on both the productive and reproductive performances of young beef bulls are more pronounced at a younger age. High energy diets resulted in heavier scrotums in the younger bulls when compared to the older bulls, as a direct result of a higher fat deposition in this region without any relevant effect on testicular size. No intra-testicular fat deposition was observed. The scrotal fat observed in high energy fed young bulls accumulated mainly in the neck of the scrotum, although subcutaneously. These fat deposits may impair testicular thermoregulation and negatively affect the spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules, reducing both sperm quantity and quality. Further studies on the effect of high energy diets on bull fertility (as well as on rams and buck) are recommended, to evaluate the extension and duration of its detrimental effects on subsequent fertility.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Nguni, Bonsmara and Angus steers raised on natural pasture
- Authors: Muchenje, Voster
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Cattle -- Feeding and feeds , Cattle -- Growth , Nguni cattle , Aberdeen -- Angus cattle , Bonsmara cattle , Meat industry and trade -- Quality control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11580 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/199 , Cattle -- Feeding and feeds , Cattle -- Growth , Nguni cattle , Aberdeen -- Angus cattle , Bonsmara cattle , Meat industry and trade -- Quality control
- Description: The objective of the current study was to compare tick loads, growth, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Nguni, Bonsmara and Angus steers raised on natural pasture. A total of 30, 7-month old steers each of Bonsmara and Angus, and 40 Nguni steers were kept at the University of Fort Hare Farm till slaughter at 18 months. Monthly weights of the steers were recorded. Carcasses were electrically stimulated. The m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum was sampled for the measurement of meat colour, pH, drip loss, sarcomere length (SL), water holding capacity (WHC), cooking losses, myofibrillar fragmentation length (MFL), Warner Bratzler shear force (WBSF), fatty acid profiles and sensory characteristics of the steers. Urine samples were collected at the slaughter line for the determination of stress hormone concentrations. The Nguni had the lowest tick load (P < 0.05) while the Angus had the highest tick load (P < 0.05). Tick load did not affect the growth rate and carcass characteristics of the steers. Bonsmara and Angus steers had higher (P < 0.05) carcass weight and dressing percentage than the Nguni steers. Meat quality characteristics were similar (P > 0.05) among all the breeds, except that Nguni meat was darker (L*) (P < 0.05) than meat from the other two breeds. The Bonsmara had the highest (P > 0.05) concentrations while the Nguni had the lowest (P > 0.05) concentrations of stress hormones. There were significant (P < 0.05) correlations between WB values of meat aged for two and 21 days in Nguni and Bonsmara, but not in Angus. The correlations among stress responsiveness hormones and meat quality were breed-dependent. Except monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and the n-6/n-3 ratio, fatty acid profiles among the breeds were similar (P > 0.05). Cholesterol levels among the breeds were similar (P > 0.05). The Nguni had the best (P < 0.05) sensory characteristics, such as flavour and tenderness. It can be concluded that while the Nguni is a small framed breed, its meat quality is similar to that of Bonsmara and Angus and has the best meat taste when raised on natural pasture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Muchenje, Voster
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Cattle -- Feeding and feeds , Cattle -- Growth , Nguni cattle , Aberdeen -- Angus cattle , Bonsmara cattle , Meat industry and trade -- Quality control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11580 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/199 , Cattle -- Feeding and feeds , Cattle -- Growth , Nguni cattle , Aberdeen -- Angus cattle , Bonsmara cattle , Meat industry and trade -- Quality control
- Description: The objective of the current study was to compare tick loads, growth, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Nguni, Bonsmara and Angus steers raised on natural pasture. A total of 30, 7-month old steers each of Bonsmara and Angus, and 40 Nguni steers were kept at the University of Fort Hare Farm till slaughter at 18 months. Monthly weights of the steers were recorded. Carcasses were electrically stimulated. The m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum was sampled for the measurement of meat colour, pH, drip loss, sarcomere length (SL), water holding capacity (WHC), cooking losses, myofibrillar fragmentation length (MFL), Warner Bratzler shear force (WBSF), fatty acid profiles and sensory characteristics of the steers. Urine samples were collected at the slaughter line for the determination of stress hormone concentrations. The Nguni had the lowest tick load (P < 0.05) while the Angus had the highest tick load (P < 0.05). Tick load did not affect the growth rate and carcass characteristics of the steers. Bonsmara and Angus steers had higher (P < 0.05) carcass weight and dressing percentage than the Nguni steers. Meat quality characteristics were similar (P > 0.05) among all the breeds, except that Nguni meat was darker (L*) (P < 0.05) than meat from the other two breeds. The Bonsmara had the highest (P > 0.05) concentrations while the Nguni had the lowest (P > 0.05) concentrations of stress hormones. There were significant (P < 0.05) correlations between WB values of meat aged for two and 21 days in Nguni and Bonsmara, but not in Angus. The correlations among stress responsiveness hormones and meat quality were breed-dependent. Except monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and the n-6/n-3 ratio, fatty acid profiles among the breeds were similar (P > 0.05). Cholesterol levels among the breeds were similar (P > 0.05). The Nguni had the best (P < 0.05) sensory characteristics, such as flavour and tenderness. It can be concluded that while the Nguni is a small framed breed, its meat quality is similar to that of Bonsmara and Angus and has the best meat taste when raised on natural pasture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Comparative study on the biological performance of progenies of Western Sanga x Afrikaner and Bonsmara cattle in the sourish mixed bushveld of the North West Province
- Authors: Moraka, Joseph Ntlhoki
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Beef cattle breeds , Bonsmara cattle , Afrikaner cattle
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10947 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21 , Beef cattle breeds , Bonsmara cattle , Afrikaner cattle
- Description: The study compares the biological performance of progenies of the Afrikaner x Western Sanga crossbred (small frame) and the Bonsmara (medium frame) cattle on the following traits: calving and growth rates as well as mortalities. The study was conducted in the Sourish Mixed Bushveld of the North West province. The objective was to identify a lowcare cattle breed, which can withstand unfavourable conditions under which most farmers in the North West Province operate. The results of this study indicated that, under good management, the Bonsmara cattle have higher growth rates compared to the Sanga cattle. There were statistical differences with regards to birth, pre-wean and wean masses, (P< 0.0001). Sanga cattle however were able to maintain higher calving rates under all varying conditions (Bonsmara 77% average and Sanga 84% average). The Sanga, due to its lower nutritional requirements, on average requires 15% less of the surface area required by the Bonsmara. Sanga cattle also returned better yields in terms of kilogram weaned calf per LSU and per hectare. With regard to herd mortalities, there was no significant difference (P = 0.03329).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Moraka, Joseph Ntlhoki
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Beef cattle breeds , Bonsmara cattle , Afrikaner cattle
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10947 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21 , Beef cattle breeds , Bonsmara cattle , Afrikaner cattle
- Description: The study compares the biological performance of progenies of the Afrikaner x Western Sanga crossbred (small frame) and the Bonsmara (medium frame) cattle on the following traits: calving and growth rates as well as mortalities. The study was conducted in the Sourish Mixed Bushveld of the North West province. The objective was to identify a lowcare cattle breed, which can withstand unfavourable conditions under which most farmers in the North West Province operate. The results of this study indicated that, under good management, the Bonsmara cattle have higher growth rates compared to the Sanga cattle. There were statistical differences with regards to birth, pre-wean and wean masses, (P< 0.0001). Sanga cattle however were able to maintain higher calving rates under all varying conditions (Bonsmara 77% average and Sanga 84% average). The Sanga, due to its lower nutritional requirements, on average requires 15% less of the surface area required by the Bonsmara. Sanga cattle also returned better yields in terms of kilogram weaned calf per LSU and per hectare. With regard to herd mortalities, there was no significant difference (P = 0.03329).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
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