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…
This study details the slaughter traits of lambs born from a terminal crossbreeding experiment that involved five Merino type dam lines crossed with Dormer and Suffolk sires. Dam lines included dual purpose types; South African Mutton Merino (SAMM), Dohne Merino,…
The aim of the study was to compare a new Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) cultivar (Enhancer), bred to contain a high total non-structural carbohydrate content, with the cultivar, Dargle, in terms of dry matter (DM) production, nutritional value, carrying capacity…
Three indigenous Mozambican cattle breeds, namely the Angone, Landim and Bovino de Tete were characterized using six proteins, 13 autosomal microsatellite loci and one Y-specific microsatellite locus (INRA124). The Mashona breed from Zimbabwe was also studied to elucidate the origin…
Correlated responses of curl development, hair quality, hair thickness, hair stiffness, hair length, lustre and pattern to selection for an increase in pattern and hair quality and a decrease in hair length and curl development were determined with mixed model…
Values for mean fibre diameter (FD) and FD variance were determined on wool samples obtained from five different locations on the bodies of progeny in fine wool, strong wool and fine X strong wool Merino sheep. The respective genetic groups…
The effect of early mating on the production and reproductive ability of Nguni heifers was investigated. One group (MN group) of heifers (n = 15) was stall-fed from weaning and mated at approximately 13 months of age. The second group…
