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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 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…
