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…
Diets with three energy concentrations and five protein concentrations, structured in a 3 x 5 factorial experimental design, were formulated for the pre-starter (2 – 10 kg), starter (10 – 30 kg), grower (30 – 60 kg) and finisher phases…
The production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) was studied in vitro to assess the possible contribution of microbial fermentation to the energy economy of growing ostrich chicks. Structure, capacity and contents of the gastro-intestinal track were examined to identify major…
The effect of exercising Merino rams on the lambing performance of 2 227 Merino ewes was investigated. The ewes were divided into three groups of which two were mated to exercised rams and the third to non-exercised rams. No significant…
One hundred and twenty Simmentaler and 120 Afrikaner cows were randomly divided into four herds of each breed. Supplements were compared in terms of cow and calf performance and costs. Either a rumen-stimulating lick (RSL), which contained approximately 26% crude…
An investigation was conducted to ascertain whether a source of feed lime (Ouplaas lime) high in manganese (5000 mg Mn/kg) is a safe feed ingredient for sheep. Two levels of Ouplaas lime, l% and 4%, were included in a sheep…
Defatted maize germ meal (DMG) is arbitrarily rated at a lower economic value than maize meal or hominy chop (HC). Five treatments with 15 steers each were fed different inclusion levels of DMG (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%), replacing…
Data consisting of 445 calving records from Bonsmara breeding females were studied in order to establish relationships between body mass and conception. Significant relationships between body mass at the start of the mating period and percentage conception were established by…
Three ruminally cannulated mature steers were fed, in a crossover design, diets with concentrate to roughage (C: R) ratios of 80: 20, 55: 45 and 30: 70, twice a day (09: 00 and 15: 30) in a predetermined feed intake…
Infection with gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) is a primary constraint to economic goat production in the southern USA. Anthelmintic resistance is highly prevalent in goat nematodes in this region, and non-chemical control methods are needed. Grazing of forages containing condensed tannins…
Data obtained from a pair-mated ostrich flock located at Oudtshoorn in South Africa were used to derive line differences for live weight and reproduction performance in sexually mature ostriches of the Zimbabwean Blue (ZB) and South African Black (SAB) strains…
Leptin, a 16-Kilo dalton protein produced by the obesity (ob) gene, plays an important role in the regulation of feed intake, energy metabolism, growth and reproduction in cattle. The genetic variation of the leptin gene in Sahiwal cattle (Bos indicus)…
The effects of genotype and egg weight on hatching weight, fertility, hatchability of fertile eggs and incubated eggs were investigated in Japanese quail. The birds were obtained at an age of 20 weeks from four genetic lines selected for 11…
The drying rate and chemical composition of lucerne hay that was field dried (sun cured) or artificially dried in a forced air bulk drier (FABD) were compared during summer (which is the dry season in the Western Cape Province). On…
