"Experientia docet" - Experience is the best teacher
Developments in monogastric nutrition for the 21st century
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…
Trends in feeding systems for dairy production in the subtropics of Australia
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…
Research and extension strategies for resource-poor farmers; farming systems versus biotechnology
“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…
The importance of a holistic approach by the animal scientist involved in research, teaching and practice
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…
Research on pre-slaughter stress and meat quality: A review of challenges faced under practical conditions
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…
Scatology as a potential non-invasive conservation tool for the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) in South Africa
This project has been initiated by the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre who are currently engaged in implementing of a national population management plan for the cheetah in order to ensure that there is gene flow between the subpopulations…
Sensory, physical and chemical quality characteristics of bacon derived from South African indigenous and commercial pig breeds
Sensory and physical quality characteristics of shoulder and leg ham, kassler chops, back and belly bacon derived from South African indigenous Kolbroek (KB), African (AFR) and commercial Landrace X Large White (LR X LW) pig breeds were compared. The chemical…
Survival of Holstein-Friesian heifers on commercial dairy farms in Kenya
Herd health and adaptability are of concern in dairy herds in the tropics because of persistent exposure to multiple stresses of low quality and quantity feeding, heat stress, high disease and parasitic incidences, poor husbandry and breeding practices. The combined…
Sustainable livestock development in Africa: How do we help Africa to feed itself?
Livestock, especially small stock, are important for communal and small-scale farmers in developing areas in Africa. Efficiency of production from these herds could be improved, thereby enhancing the nutrition and income of these resource-poor farmers. Development programmes should assist the…
The contribution of the South African ostrich industry to the national economy
South Africa is a major supplier of ostrich products to the world and produces approximately 70% of all ostrich meat, leather and feathers on the world market. At national level, the ostrich industry is the leading South African meat exporter…
The growth, carcass yield, physical and chemical characteristic of two South African indigenous pig breeds
The effect of breed and diet on growth performance, carcass, physical and chemical composition were determined for two South African indigenous pig breeds (Kolbroek, n = 12 and Windsnyer, n = 12). The Kolbroek (KB) pigs grew faster than the…
The one-humped camel in Southern Africa: Their presence and use in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) in the early twentieth century
The one-humped camel has been introduced to many regions outside its natural area of distribution in North Africa, the Near and Middle East and South Asia. This paper describes the import and subsequent short history of camels in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). …
