All alterations in DNA function, without alterations in DNA sequence, are referred to as epigenetics. It is associated with gene expression and the expression of different phenotypes (appearance). These modifications are influenced by environmental factors and can be transferred to…
The selection behavior of Boer Goats was studied over a two year period in the Sourish Mixed Bushveld of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. Goats were followed and species browsed, selection frequency, plant parts selected and browsing height recorded. A…
The analysis of the breeding structure of a livestock breed is generally considered as “old” technology and was, generally, cumbersome to achieve. The advent of modern computerised animal recording databases and faster and more powerful computers have made this kind…
The effect of improved management on the reproduction and production rates of cattle in communal areas has not been quantified and compared to commercial farming. The objective of this study was to determine the reproduction and production rates of communal…
Stock theft, one of South Africa’s most persistent crimes, is one of the factors that pose a serious threat to food security and biosecurity. It impacts negatively on animal production in South Africa and represents a risk to animal health…
The effects of type of goat housing and provision of anthelmintic treatment on kid mortality and the prevalence of internal parasites were investigated in this study. Thirty six flocks of goats, of multiple ages and mixed sexes, belonging to Rushinga…
After the oil has been extracted from avocado fruits that were unsuitable for the fresh fruit market, a product, avocado meal (AM), remains as a waste product, and this product is causing a disposal problem for fruit distributers. An investigation…
Beef cattle are expected to experience severe heat stress as a result of the changing weather patterns on both a global and regional scale. This may negatively affect the food production from cattle. Negative effects of increased ambient temperatures and…
An increasing number of commercial beef producers direct themselves to crossbreeding systems in which crossbred animals have higher merit in reproduction, growth and end product. It has been claimed that heterosis in a sound crossbreeding program could increase the productivity…
Fertility is the main component influencing total herd efficiency in beef cattle. This short communication reports on the effect of oestrous synchronisation followed by natural mating on calving percentage and distribution of calvings. The results for the first year show…
In this study the production performance of 26 multiparous Jersey cows in three production systems was compared over standard lactation periods in a year-round calving pattern. The production systems were: (1) pasture plus 3kg concentrate/cow/day (AG), (2) pasture plus 4…
This article reports on the outcomes of a panel discussion on climate change during the 45th Congress of the South African Society for Animal Science. The impact of global warming and continued uncontrolled release of greenhouse gasses has two-fold implications…
The changes that have taken place in broiler and pig genotypes over the past fifty years have had significant repercussions for nutritionists, as well as for the managers of these species, and this paper begins by exploring those changes as…
There is continuing discussion as to the efficiency and competitiveness of dairy production in the subtropics. The example of northern Australia is used to describe the historical development of a commercial dairy industry in the subtropics, the complexity and productivity…
“The sun provides us with more energy than we will ever need”. So runs a recent advertisement on the back cover of the July issue of the journal “Renewable Energy World” (Shell, 1999). As well as providing energy to replace…
Animal science is a multidisciplinary science spanning a multitude of links in the production chain from conception to consumption. The animal scientist responsible for the research, teaching and practicing of the science should therefor always be aware that a holistic…
Transportation and handling of animals are important components in meat production systems. Animals destined for slaughter are stressed by factors such as loading, transportation, restraint, handling, and novelty of the slaughter environment, adverse weather conditions, hunger, thirst and fatigue. When…
