The pre-implantation protein 3 (prei3), which might play a role in pre-implantation embryogenesis, is one of the promising candidate genes for litter size traits in pigs. In this study, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP: T802G) in intron 6 of the…
Rangeland or hay-based finishing systems often do not allow kids to reach slaughter weights of 30 - 50 kg by 12 months. This study determined the effects of a complete feed (CF) and a self-limiting complete feed (LCF) alone or…
This study focused on the estimation of genetic relationships between weekly live weights and sexual maturity of male and female Japanese quail. The live body weight data of a laying-type quail line over time were collected from hatching to six…
In order to locate the genetic regions that are responsible for economically important traits, a resource population was established by crossing Large White boars and Meishan sows. Phenotypic data of a total of 287 F2 offspring were collected from 1998…
Yearling live weight and fleece trait data were obtained from between 2214 and 2270 yearling SA Mutton Merino progeny of the Elsenburg flock during a 20-year period from 1983 to 2002. Information of (co)variances for these traits in SA Mutton…
The efficiency of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP) and fluorogestone acetate (FGA) sponges for synchronizing oestrus in lactating Saanen goats was investigated during the transition from non-breeding to natural breeding season. Does were treated for 11 days with 60 mg MAP (n=19)…
Six Red Maasai sheep were used to investigate the effects of urea treatment and cotton seed cake supplementation of maize stover on intake, digestibility and rumen fermentation parameters. The basal feeds were Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay (H), untreated maize…
The present study was carried out to determine some egg quality characteristics and storage related changes using computer assisted digital image analysis (CADIA) in an 18-month old moulted brown layer (Lohmann Brown) flock. A total of 150 newly laid eggs…
The present study was carried out to determine the effects of using dried rose dreg (DRD) as an alternative litter material for broiler performance and microbiological characteristics of litter. A total of 225 day-old broiler chicks was raised on pine…
Samples of sweet yellow lupins (Lupinus luteus; n = 4), broad leaf lupins (Lupinus albus; n = 12), narrow leaf lupins (Lupinus angustifolius; n = 8), faba beans (Vicia faba; n = 2), field peas (Pisum sativum; n = 4)…
Little is known about the factors affecting leather and skin traits in ostriches. The effect of age on physical skin traits of slaughter ostriches was consequently investigated. Forty skins representing slaughter ages ranging from five to 14 months were selected…
The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on the prevention of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) toxicity in the broiler chicken. A total of 99 Ross 308 male broiler chicks was assigned…
This study was carried out to determine the effect of live weight, male to female ratio and breeder age on egg weight and the hatching characteristics in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Female quails at the age of six weeks,…
For many, the terms efficiency in food production and sustainability are perceived to be mutually exclusive. This perception is often the result of too narrow a definition of sustainability. This paper reviews the sustainability of efficient dairying systems using the…
The study investigated genetic parameters for egg and chick production recorded over an 8-month breeding season, as well as average egg and chick weight for pair-bred ostrich females. Estimates of h² were moderate for reproduction traits and very high for…
The potential of red vine husks and pips as a component of animal feed was investigated. Twenty-five Dohne Merino ram lambs (mean live weight ± s.d. = 41.4 ± 2.3 kg) were used. A completely randomised design was used and…
A trial was conducted to determine the effect of egg-weight on the hatchability and growth performance of chickens. Large and medium eggs of New Hampshire (NH) and Rhode Island Red (RIR) hens were grouped in four categories, according to their…
A study with the aim of developing a protocol for the successful cryopreservation and thawing of African lion (Panthera leo) sperm was conducted. Semen from six chemically immobilized adult lion males was collected by electro-ejaculation and frozen using Biladyl and…
The whole empty body essential amino acid composition of finishing Merino and Dohne Merino male lambs was investigated. The amino acid requirements for growth vary considerably between these two breeds. Hence, it appears that whole empty body amino acid profiles…
Production traits of chickens of the Lesotho line, namely: body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mortality, were compared with four South African indigenous lines (Ovambo, Potchefstroom Koekoek, Lebowa-Venda and Naked Neck) and two exotic lines (Rhode…
