Growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Nguni, Bonsmara and Angus steers raised on natural pasture
- Authors: Muchenje, Voster
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Cattle -- Feeding and feeds , Cattle -- Growth , Nguni cattle , Aberdeen -- Angus cattle , Bonsmara cattle , Meat industry and trade -- Quality control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11580 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/199 , Cattle -- Feeding and feeds , Cattle -- Growth , Nguni cattle , Aberdeen -- Angus cattle , Bonsmara cattle , Meat industry and trade -- Quality control
- Description: The objective of the current study was to compare tick loads, growth, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Nguni, Bonsmara and Angus steers raised on natural pasture. A total of 30, 7-month old steers each of Bonsmara and Angus, and 40 Nguni steers were kept at the University of Fort Hare Farm till slaughter at 18 months. Monthly weights of the steers were recorded. Carcasses were electrically stimulated. The m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum was sampled for the measurement of meat colour, pH, drip loss, sarcomere length (SL), water holding capacity (WHC), cooking losses, myofibrillar fragmentation length (MFL), Warner Bratzler shear force (WBSF), fatty acid profiles and sensory characteristics of the steers. Urine samples were collected at the slaughter line for the determination of stress hormone concentrations. The Nguni had the lowest tick load (P < 0.05) while the Angus had the highest tick load (P < 0.05). Tick load did not affect the growth rate and carcass characteristics of the steers. Bonsmara and Angus steers had higher (P < 0.05) carcass weight and dressing percentage than the Nguni steers. Meat quality characteristics were similar (P > 0.05) among all the breeds, except that Nguni meat was darker (L*) (P < 0.05) than meat from the other two breeds. The Bonsmara had the highest (P > 0.05) concentrations while the Nguni had the lowest (P > 0.05) concentrations of stress hormones. There were significant (P < 0.05) correlations between WB values of meat aged for two and 21 days in Nguni and Bonsmara, but not in Angus. The correlations among stress responsiveness hormones and meat quality were breed-dependent. Except monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and the n-6/n-3 ratio, fatty acid profiles among the breeds were similar (P > 0.05). Cholesterol levels among the breeds were similar (P > 0.05). The Nguni had the best (P < 0.05) sensory characteristics, such as flavour and tenderness. It can be concluded that while the Nguni is a small framed breed, its meat quality is similar to that of Bonsmara and Angus and has the best meat taste when raised on natural pasture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Muchenje, Voster
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Cattle -- Feeding and feeds , Cattle -- Growth , Nguni cattle , Aberdeen -- Angus cattle , Bonsmara cattle , Meat industry and trade -- Quality control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11580 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/199 , Cattle -- Feeding and feeds , Cattle -- Growth , Nguni cattle , Aberdeen -- Angus cattle , Bonsmara cattle , Meat industry and trade -- Quality control
- Description: The objective of the current study was to compare tick loads, growth, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Nguni, Bonsmara and Angus steers raised on natural pasture. A total of 30, 7-month old steers each of Bonsmara and Angus, and 40 Nguni steers were kept at the University of Fort Hare Farm till slaughter at 18 months. Monthly weights of the steers were recorded. Carcasses were electrically stimulated. The m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum was sampled for the measurement of meat colour, pH, drip loss, sarcomere length (SL), water holding capacity (WHC), cooking losses, myofibrillar fragmentation length (MFL), Warner Bratzler shear force (WBSF), fatty acid profiles and sensory characteristics of the steers. Urine samples were collected at the slaughter line for the determination of stress hormone concentrations. The Nguni had the lowest tick load (P < 0.05) while the Angus had the highest tick load (P < 0.05). Tick load did not affect the growth rate and carcass characteristics of the steers. Bonsmara and Angus steers had higher (P < 0.05) carcass weight and dressing percentage than the Nguni steers. Meat quality characteristics were similar (P > 0.05) among all the breeds, except that Nguni meat was darker (L*) (P < 0.05) than meat from the other two breeds. The Bonsmara had the highest (P > 0.05) concentrations while the Nguni had the lowest (P > 0.05) concentrations of stress hormones. There were significant (P < 0.05) correlations between WB values of meat aged for two and 21 days in Nguni and Bonsmara, but not in Angus. The correlations among stress responsiveness hormones and meat quality were breed-dependent. Except monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and the n-6/n-3 ratio, fatty acid profiles among the breeds were similar (P > 0.05). Cholesterol levels among the breeds were similar (P > 0.05). The Nguni had the best (P < 0.05) sensory characteristics, such as flavour and tenderness. It can be concluded that while the Nguni is a small framed breed, its meat quality is similar to that of Bonsmara and Angus and has the best meat taste when raised on natural pasture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Parasite prevalence, nutritionally-related blood metabolites and pre-slaughter stress response in Nguni, Bonsmara and Angus steers raised on veld
- Authors: Ndlovu, Thulile
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Parasites , Nguni cattle , Bonsmara cattle , Metabolites , Slaughtering and slaughter-houses , Aberdeen -- Angus cattle
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11258 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/73 , Parasites , Nguni cattle , Bonsmara cattle , Metabolites , Slaughtering and slaughter-houses , Aberdeen -- Angus cattle
- Description: The effects of month on body weight, body condition scores, internal parasite prevalence and on nutritionally related blood metabolites were studied in Angus, Bonsmara and Nguni steers raised on sweet veld. Pre-slaughter stress was also determined using catecholamines, cortisol, dopamine, packed cell volume and serum creatinine levels. The blood chemical constituents evaluated included glucose, cholesterol, total protein, creatinine, urea, globulin, albumin, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and creatinine kinase (CK). The Nguni steers maintained their body condition throughout the study period whereas Angus steers had the least body condition scores. Parasite levels were high during the rainy season and low during the dry season. The predominant internal parasites were Haemonchus (39.3 percent), Trichostrongylus (37.8 percent), Cooperia pectinita (25.5 percent), Fasciola gigantica (16.3 percent) and Ostertagia ostertagi (11.2 percent). The Nguni had the least parasite infestation levels and had high PCV levels. Nguni had higher levels of cholesterol and glucose (2.86 and 4mmol/l, respectively) than the other two breeds. Nguni and Bonsmara steers had higher (P<0.05) mineral levels. There were significant breed and month differences for glucose, cholesterol, creatinine, calcium, albumin, phosphorus, albumin-globulin ratio and ALP levels. Bonsmara was more susceptible to transport and pre-slaughter stress as it had the highest (P<0.05) levels of adrenalin (10.8nmol/mol), noradrenalin (9.7nmol/mol) and dopamine (14.8nmol/mol) levels, whereas the Nguni had the least levels of adrenalin (6.5nmol/mol), noradrenalin (4.6nmol/mol) and dopamine (4nmol/mol) levels. In conclusion, Nguni steers were better adapted to the local environmental conditions
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Ndlovu, Thulile
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Parasites , Nguni cattle , Bonsmara cattle , Metabolites , Slaughtering and slaughter-houses , Aberdeen -- Angus cattle
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11258 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/73 , Parasites , Nguni cattle , Bonsmara cattle , Metabolites , Slaughtering and slaughter-houses , Aberdeen -- Angus cattle
- Description: The effects of month on body weight, body condition scores, internal parasite prevalence and on nutritionally related blood metabolites were studied in Angus, Bonsmara and Nguni steers raised on sweet veld. Pre-slaughter stress was also determined using catecholamines, cortisol, dopamine, packed cell volume and serum creatinine levels. The blood chemical constituents evaluated included glucose, cholesterol, total protein, creatinine, urea, globulin, albumin, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and creatinine kinase (CK). The Nguni steers maintained their body condition throughout the study period whereas Angus steers had the least body condition scores. Parasite levels were high during the rainy season and low during the dry season. The predominant internal parasites were Haemonchus (39.3 percent), Trichostrongylus (37.8 percent), Cooperia pectinita (25.5 percent), Fasciola gigantica (16.3 percent) and Ostertagia ostertagi (11.2 percent). The Nguni had the least parasite infestation levels and had high PCV levels. Nguni had higher levels of cholesterol and glucose (2.86 and 4mmol/l, respectively) than the other two breeds. Nguni and Bonsmara steers had higher (P<0.05) mineral levels. There were significant breed and month differences for glucose, cholesterol, creatinine, calcium, albumin, phosphorus, albumin-globulin ratio and ALP levels. Bonsmara was more susceptible to transport and pre-slaughter stress as it had the highest (P<0.05) levels of adrenalin (10.8nmol/mol), noradrenalin (9.7nmol/mol) and dopamine (14.8nmol/mol) levels, whereas the Nguni had the least levels of adrenalin (6.5nmol/mol), noradrenalin (4.6nmol/mol) and dopamine (4nmol/mol) levels. In conclusion, Nguni steers were better adapted to the local environmental conditions
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Perceptions of rural consumers on behaviour and beef quality of cattle slaughtered for traditional ceremonies in the Eastern Cape of South Africa
- Authors: Soga, Sizwe William
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Meat -- Quality , Consumers' preferences , Consumers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11833 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019812 , Meat -- Quality , Consumers' preferences , Consumers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The objective of the study was to determine perceptions of the consumers on how they judged behaviour and beef quality of cattle slaughtered for traditional ceremonies in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A survey was conducted where a sample of 200 consumers were randomly selected and interviewed. Fifty non-descript cattle were slaughtered during traditional ceremonies and two hundred and twenty four (224) cattle were slaughtered at 3 through-put abattoirs (high, medium and low). Meat quality attributes were determined from the cattle slaughtered for traditional ceremonies and from cattle slaughtered at the abattoirs. Data for questionnaires was summarized as frequencies for each ceremony and statistical differences were analysed using chi square test (X2). The effect of Age, breed and sex on beef pH, colour, meat tenderness, temperature and cooking loss of cattle slaughtered during traditional ceremonies, at low, medium and high throughput abattoirs were analyzed using General Linear Model (PROG GLM) of SAS (2003). There was a significant age effect (P < 0.05) on beef tenderness and cooking loss of cattle slaughtered for traditional ceremonies. Age of cattle that have milk teeth to 1 year and age of 6 years to 8 years had an effect on the beef tenderness (25.55 ± 8.05) and cooking loss (48.00 ± 4.26) of cattle slaughtered for traditional ceremonies in Table 4.1. There was no significant sex effect on beef tenderness and cooking loss of cattle slaughtered for traditional ceremonies. Non-descript and Angus cattle slaughtered at low throughput abattoir had an effect on the colour of the beef in Table 4.2. The lightness (27.49 ± 2.53) and yellowness (21.16 ± 0.79) of the beef shows that there was a significant breed effect on cattle that are slaughtered at Low throughput abattoir, however redness of the meat was not affected by breed after slaughter. Cattle that are slaughtered at high throughput abattoir between ages of 6 to 8 years and also cattle that are more than 8 years in Table 4.4 had an effect on cooking loss (p < 0.05). Age between 6 to 8 years had an effect on the beef tenderness from cattle that are slaughtered at medium throughput abattoir. It was concluded that the meat tenderness of the young cattle with milk teeth slaughtered for traditional ceremonies was affected. On the other hand the meat tenderness and cooking loss of beef from the cattle slaughtered from low, medium and high throughput abattoir were affected by sex and breed mostly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Soga, Sizwe William
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Meat -- Quality , Consumers' preferences , Consumers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11833 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019812 , Meat -- Quality , Consumers' preferences , Consumers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The objective of the study was to determine perceptions of the consumers on how they judged behaviour and beef quality of cattle slaughtered for traditional ceremonies in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A survey was conducted where a sample of 200 consumers were randomly selected and interviewed. Fifty non-descript cattle were slaughtered during traditional ceremonies and two hundred and twenty four (224) cattle were slaughtered at 3 through-put abattoirs (high, medium and low). Meat quality attributes were determined from the cattle slaughtered for traditional ceremonies and from cattle slaughtered at the abattoirs. Data for questionnaires was summarized as frequencies for each ceremony and statistical differences were analysed using chi square test (X2). The effect of Age, breed and sex on beef pH, colour, meat tenderness, temperature and cooking loss of cattle slaughtered during traditional ceremonies, at low, medium and high throughput abattoirs were analyzed using General Linear Model (PROG GLM) of SAS (2003). There was a significant age effect (P < 0.05) on beef tenderness and cooking loss of cattle slaughtered for traditional ceremonies. Age of cattle that have milk teeth to 1 year and age of 6 years to 8 years had an effect on the beef tenderness (25.55 ± 8.05) and cooking loss (48.00 ± 4.26) of cattle slaughtered for traditional ceremonies in Table 4.1. There was no significant sex effect on beef tenderness and cooking loss of cattle slaughtered for traditional ceremonies. Non-descript and Angus cattle slaughtered at low throughput abattoir had an effect on the colour of the beef in Table 4.2. The lightness (27.49 ± 2.53) and yellowness (21.16 ± 0.79) of the beef shows that there was a significant breed effect on cattle that are slaughtered at Low throughput abattoir, however redness of the meat was not affected by breed after slaughter. Cattle that are slaughtered at high throughput abattoir between ages of 6 to 8 years and also cattle that are more than 8 years in Table 4.4 had an effect on cooking loss (p < 0.05). Age between 6 to 8 years had an effect on the beef tenderness from cattle that are slaughtered at medium throughput abattoir. It was concluded that the meat tenderness of the young cattle with milk teeth slaughtered for traditional ceremonies was affected. On the other hand the meat tenderness and cooking loss of beef from the cattle slaughtered from low, medium and high throughput abattoir were affected by sex and breed mostly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Prevalence of ticks and tick-borne diseases in cattle on communal rangelands in the Highland Areas of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Marufu, Munyaradzi Christopher
- Authors: Marufu, Munyaradzi Christopher
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Cattle -- Diseases , Livestock diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ixodidae -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tick-borne diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ticks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11814 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/152 , Cattle -- Diseases , Livestock diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ixodidae -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tick-borne diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ticks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Surveys were conducted to compare the seasonal tick prevalence and loads, and sero-prevalence of tick-borne diseases (TBD) in Nguni and non-descript cattle on the sweet and sour communal rangelands of the Eastern Cape Province. The tick species observed on both rangeland types were Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (71.0 %), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) species (29.2 %) and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (40.2 %). Hyalomma species (19.0 %) occurred only on the sour rangeland. Tick loads were higher (P < 0.05) in the hot-wet season than in the cool-dry season. Cattle in the sweet rangeland had significantly lower (P < 0.05) tick loads than those in the sour rangeland. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus loads were lower (P < 0.05) in the indigenous Nguni than non-descript cattle in the hot-wet and post-rainy season. Hyalomma species were also significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the Nguni than non-descript cattle in all the seasons. Three TBDs were observed, namely Babesia bovis (44.6 %), Babesia bigemina (45.9 %) and Anaplasma marginale (25.6 %). All the animals were sero-negative for Ehrlichia ruminantium. Nguni cattle had lower (P < 0.05) sero-prevalence for A. marginale in the cool-dry season and B. bigemina in the cool-dry and hot-wet seasons. Cattle in the sweet rangeland had significantly lower sero-prevalence of B. bovis and B. bigemina. Infection with B. bovis and A. marginale decreased (P < 0.05) the packed cell volume. Nguni cattle were recommended for use in the integrated control of ticks and TBD in the communal areas of South Africa as they were better able to cope with tick and TBD infestations than non-descript breeds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Marufu, Munyaradzi Christopher
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Cattle -- Diseases , Livestock diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ixodidae -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tick-borne diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ticks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11814 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/152 , Cattle -- Diseases , Livestock diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ixodidae -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tick-borne diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ticks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Surveys were conducted to compare the seasonal tick prevalence and loads, and sero-prevalence of tick-borne diseases (TBD) in Nguni and non-descript cattle on the sweet and sour communal rangelands of the Eastern Cape Province. The tick species observed on both rangeland types were Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (71.0 %), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) species (29.2 %) and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (40.2 %). Hyalomma species (19.0 %) occurred only on the sour rangeland. Tick loads were higher (P < 0.05) in the hot-wet season than in the cool-dry season. Cattle in the sweet rangeland had significantly lower (P < 0.05) tick loads than those in the sour rangeland. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus loads were lower (P < 0.05) in the indigenous Nguni than non-descript cattle in the hot-wet and post-rainy season. Hyalomma species were also significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the Nguni than non-descript cattle in all the seasons. Three TBDs were observed, namely Babesia bovis (44.6 %), Babesia bigemina (45.9 %) and Anaplasma marginale (25.6 %). All the animals were sero-negative for Ehrlichia ruminantium. Nguni cattle had lower (P < 0.05) sero-prevalence for A. marginale in the cool-dry season and B. bigemina in the cool-dry and hot-wet seasons. Cattle in the sweet rangeland had significantly lower sero-prevalence of B. bovis and B. bigemina. Infection with B. bovis and A. marginale decreased (P < 0.05) the packed cell volume. Nguni cattle were recommended for use in the integrated control of ticks and TBD in the communal areas of South Africa as they were better able to cope with tick and TBD infestations than non-descript breeds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
The Livestock Improvement Scheme in the Eastern Cape: experiences of small farmers in Elliot
- Authors: Nompekela, Zikhona
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Livestock farms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Farmers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Livestock systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12350 , vital:27057
- Description: This study was motivated by the realisation that the Eastern Cape Province is a leading producer of cattle, but few to none of those cattle makes it to auction markets. The study was conducted in the Elliot area, selected as an area with a high number of Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development farms, as well as private farms and communal farmers. Most of these farmers battled to sell their cattle to the auctions or abattoirs. The objective of the study was therefore to investigate challenges facing smallholder beef cattle famers and those factors which prevented them to access auction markets to sell their cattle in the Elliot area. The second was to assess the effectiveness of the Livestock Improvement Scheme in support of smallholder beef cattle farmers in terms of the outcome and achievements of training these individuals to become successful farmers. The last was to find out how beef cattle farmers benefited from the scheme. Both semi-structured interviews and an open-ended questionnaire were used to collect data. A sample size of 10 farmers (eight farmers from LRAD/private and two from communal farmers) was selected, and observation was done on the auctions and abattoirs available in Elliot. The study found that smallholder cattle farmers struggle to sell their stock through formal and informal markets, as they are faced with marketing constraints.Such marketing constrainst are lack of marketing information, drought, poor condition of cattle, lack of infrastructure, shortage of land for grazing, price takers, stock theft, transaction costs, problems with cattle identification, and lack of physical access to markets. The study has also made recommendations on how smallholder cattle farmers of Elliot can be developed to procure markets to sell their stock.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Nompekela, Zikhona
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Livestock farms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Farmers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Livestock systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12350 , vital:27057
- Description: This study was motivated by the realisation that the Eastern Cape Province is a leading producer of cattle, but few to none of those cattle makes it to auction markets. The study was conducted in the Elliot area, selected as an area with a high number of Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development farms, as well as private farms and communal farmers. Most of these farmers battled to sell their cattle to the auctions or abattoirs. The objective of the study was therefore to investigate challenges facing smallholder beef cattle famers and those factors which prevented them to access auction markets to sell their cattle in the Elliot area. The second was to assess the effectiveness of the Livestock Improvement Scheme in support of smallholder beef cattle farmers in terms of the outcome and achievements of training these individuals to become successful farmers. The last was to find out how beef cattle farmers benefited from the scheme. Both semi-structured interviews and an open-ended questionnaire were used to collect data. A sample size of 10 farmers (eight farmers from LRAD/private and two from communal farmers) was selected, and observation was done on the auctions and abattoirs available in Elliot. The study found that smallholder cattle farmers struggle to sell their stock through formal and informal markets, as they are faced with marketing constraints.Such marketing constrainst are lack of marketing information, drought, poor condition of cattle, lack of infrastructure, shortage of land for grazing, price takers, stock theft, transaction costs, problems with cattle identification, and lack of physical access to markets. The study has also made recommendations on how smallholder cattle farmers of Elliot can be developed to procure markets to sell their stock.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Cattle production on communal rangelands of South Africa and the potential of acacia karroo in improving Nguni beef production
- Authors: Mapiye, Cletos
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Nguni cattle -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle breeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Range management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11161 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1000989 , Nguni cattle -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle breeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Range management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mapiye, Cletos
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Nguni cattle -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle breeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Range management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11161 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1000989 , Nguni cattle -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle breeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Range management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Effect of agricultural extension services on beneficiaries of the Nguni cattle project: the case of Ncera and Kwezana villages, Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Gwala, Lindokuhle
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Agricultural assistance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural extension work - South Africa - Eastern Cape , Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farmers -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11219 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019814 , Agricultural assistance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural extension work - South Africa - Eastern Cape , Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farmers -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The study was conducted to determine the effect of agricultural extension services on beneficiaries of the Nguni Cattle project in Ncera and Kwezana villages, both in Nkonkobe local Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province. The objectives of this study were to determine the quality of extension services offered to the beneficiaries of the Nguni cattle project, relationship between extension officers and beneficiaries of the project, lastly was to determine communication strategies used by extension officers to communicate with the project beneficiaries. A total of 73 Nguni cattle project beneficiaries were interviewed. Semi- structured questionnaires were administered to the beneficiaries of the project who were willing to participate in the study. Xhosa speaking enumerators assisted in data collection. Focus group discussions were later carried out in both villages to determine effect of agricultural extension services on socio-economic status of the beneficiaries. The focus groups were divided into three groups of different ages and gender. The majority of the beneficiaries in the project were males (62.2 % Ncera and 75% Kwezana). There was an association between gender and extension services. Farmers depended on different sources of income. Old age pension and animal sales being the main contributing sources and also having a significant difference. The results of the study further revealed that the beneficiaries were faced with cattle production challenges, lack of extension support services being the main challenge. The results of the study indicated that the majority of beneficiaries had no access to extension services. Only 37.8% and 32.1 % at Ncera and Kwezana respectively reported that they had access to extension services. Although the latter is the case it was further explained by the beneficiaries that extension services offered to them were of poor quality due to poor communication strategies used to provide these services. Beneficiaries also reported the relationship between them and extension officers’ as poor. It was concluded that extension services had an effect on beneficiaries of the Nguni cattle project, largely based on the constraints they face on the project and limited access to extension services.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Gwala, Lindokuhle
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Agricultural assistance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural extension work - South Africa - Eastern Cape , Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farmers -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11219 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019814 , Agricultural assistance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural extension work - South Africa - Eastern Cape , Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farmers -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The study was conducted to determine the effect of agricultural extension services on beneficiaries of the Nguni Cattle project in Ncera and Kwezana villages, both in Nkonkobe local Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province. The objectives of this study were to determine the quality of extension services offered to the beneficiaries of the Nguni cattle project, relationship between extension officers and beneficiaries of the project, lastly was to determine communication strategies used by extension officers to communicate with the project beneficiaries. A total of 73 Nguni cattle project beneficiaries were interviewed. Semi- structured questionnaires were administered to the beneficiaries of the project who were willing to participate in the study. Xhosa speaking enumerators assisted in data collection. Focus group discussions were later carried out in both villages to determine effect of agricultural extension services on socio-economic status of the beneficiaries. The focus groups were divided into three groups of different ages and gender. The majority of the beneficiaries in the project were males (62.2 % Ncera and 75% Kwezana). There was an association between gender and extension services. Farmers depended on different sources of income. Old age pension and animal sales being the main contributing sources and also having a significant difference. The results of the study further revealed that the beneficiaries were faced with cattle production challenges, lack of extension support services being the main challenge. The results of the study indicated that the majority of beneficiaries had no access to extension services. Only 37.8% and 32.1 % at Ncera and Kwezana respectively reported that they had access to extension services. Although the latter is the case it was further explained by the beneficiaries that extension services offered to them were of poor quality due to poor communication strategies used to provide these services. Beneficiaries also reported the relationship between them and extension officers’ as poor. It was concluded that extension services had an effect on beneficiaries of the Nguni cattle project, largely based on the constraints they face on the project and limited access to extension services.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Effect of selected physical and production traits on the tick burdens of beef cattle
- Authors: Botha, Theunis Christoffel
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Beef cattle -- Breeding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Agricultural Management)
- Identifier: vital:10966 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/91 , Beef cattle -- Breeding
- Description: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of selected traits such as age, sex, body weight, body length and height, body condition score (BCS), coatscore (CS), skin thickness and average skin surface temperature on tick burdens in beef cattle. Bonsmara cattle (n= 143) were used to measure visible tick counts, body condition score, coat score, skin thickness, body height and length, body weight, body surface temperature, gender and inter calving period. Measurements were taken from April to December. All animals were managed extensively on natural and cultivated pastures near George in the Southern Cape. Female animals had significantly (p<0.05) greater tick infestation (37.98±2.7) compared to male animals (16.52±1.2). Age was a significant factor (p<0.001) with the younger animals below two years having (46.40±5.26) more ticks than those of two years and older (20.15±2.44). A significant negative correlation (p<0.001; -0.29) was reported between the infestation of ticks on the animals and the age of the animal. Animals with an average body weight below 250kg had 42% (p<0.05) more ticks compared to animals with a body weight above 250kg. Age of the animal and weight were highly correlated (r= 0.70); p<0.001), while the correlation between the number of ticks per cow and the mean weight was negatively correlated (r= -0.37; p<0.001). Skin surface temperature significantly influenced tick infestation on the animals (p<0.001). The degree of infestation increased as body surface temperature exceeded 30º C. Coat score, skin thickness, body condition score and inter calving period did not significantly influence tick infestation on the animals. The infestation of ticks on the animals were significantly influenced by body height (p<0.019) and body length (p<0.001). Animals smaller than a 130cm in height had a significantly (p<0.05) greater tick infestation (36.5±5) compared to animals taller than 130cm (21.2±1.5). This trend was also observed for body length. Animals with a body length shorter than 145cm had a greater (p<0.05) average tick infestation of 41.3±4.5 compared to 23.2±1.3 to animals longer than 145cm, indicating a 44% greater tick infestation in favour of the shorter animals. For increased production and tick resistance animals should have smoother coats and be able to dissipate heat effectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
- Authors: Botha, Theunis Christoffel
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Beef cattle -- Breeding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Agricultural Management)
- Identifier: vital:10966 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/91 , Beef cattle -- Breeding
- Description: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of selected traits such as age, sex, body weight, body length and height, body condition score (BCS), coatscore (CS), skin thickness and average skin surface temperature on tick burdens in beef cattle. Bonsmara cattle (n= 143) were used to measure visible tick counts, body condition score, coat score, skin thickness, body height and length, body weight, body surface temperature, gender and inter calving period. Measurements were taken from April to December. All animals were managed extensively on natural and cultivated pastures near George in the Southern Cape. Female animals had significantly (p<0.05) greater tick infestation (37.98±2.7) compared to male animals (16.52±1.2). Age was a significant factor (p<0.001) with the younger animals below two years having (46.40±5.26) more ticks than those of two years and older (20.15±2.44). A significant negative correlation (p<0.001; -0.29) was reported between the infestation of ticks on the animals and the age of the animal. Animals with an average body weight below 250kg had 42% (p<0.05) more ticks compared to animals with a body weight above 250kg. Age of the animal and weight were highly correlated (r= 0.70); p<0.001), while the correlation between the number of ticks per cow and the mean weight was negatively correlated (r= -0.37; p<0.001). Skin surface temperature significantly influenced tick infestation on the animals (p<0.001). The degree of infestation increased as body surface temperature exceeded 30º C. Coat score, skin thickness, body condition score and inter calving period did not significantly influence tick infestation on the animals. The infestation of ticks on the animals were significantly influenced by body height (p<0.019) and body length (p<0.001). Animals smaller than a 130cm in height had a significantly (p<0.05) greater tick infestation (36.5±5) compared to animals taller than 130cm (21.2±1.5). This trend was also observed for body length. Animals with a body length shorter than 145cm had a greater (p<0.05) average tick infestation of 41.3±4.5 compared to 23.2±1.3 to animals longer than 145cm, indicating a 44% greater tick infestation in favour of the shorter animals. For increased production and tick resistance animals should have smoother coats and be able to dissipate heat effectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
Relationship between temparament and linear body parameters of beef cattle under communal grazing system
- Authors: Nekhofhe, Avhasei Justice
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Cattle , Grazing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Agricultural Management)
- Identifier: vital:10965 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/113 , Cattle , Grazing
- Description: Introduction : Indigenous cattle are mostly reared where the traditional farming is practiced including Northern Region of South Africa. The majority of farmers own Nguni type of cattle although other breeds are found in the region. They perform well under harsh conditions and they seem to produce better under intensive management. However, communal farmers are becoming aware and interested in indigenous breeds especially Nguni cattle type because of their adaptability. Beef cattle production and research require constant movement and handling of livestock (Erf et al., 1992 & Grandin, 1993). Dipping, castration, branding, ear-tagging and counting is commonly practiced as beef cattle management norms hence dehorning are partly practiced as some of the animals had horns which were disturbing them to pass through crushpens and as a result they increased bruising to other animals. At Matatani and Muledzhi areas animals including calves are packed in the crushpens, counted, weighed and temperament traits were also measured on the scale and this is done in order to document the information for this research and future use. Temperament is a behavioural response of animals as handled by man. It is important to be measured in beef cattle farmers under communal grazing conditions as it reduces farmer’s profit and it makes the stock man’s work unpleasant. Therefore, it is also needs to be improved for the improvement of beef cattle schemes. Management system of communal farmers was not conducive to better quality meat due to horns in some animals which ultimately cause bruising in other animals. However, exotic bulls were bought at random for the improvement of other breed types found in these two areas. The focus of this study is almost in Nguni cattle type managed under communal grazing system. Lastly, the purpose of this study is to determine behavioral response of beef cattle under communal management system at their dipping tanks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
- Authors: Nekhofhe, Avhasei Justice
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Cattle , Grazing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Agricultural Management)
- Identifier: vital:10965 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/113 , Cattle , Grazing
- Description: Introduction : Indigenous cattle are mostly reared where the traditional farming is practiced including Northern Region of South Africa. The majority of farmers own Nguni type of cattle although other breeds are found in the region. They perform well under harsh conditions and they seem to produce better under intensive management. However, communal farmers are becoming aware and interested in indigenous breeds especially Nguni cattle type because of their adaptability. Beef cattle production and research require constant movement and handling of livestock (Erf et al., 1992 & Grandin, 1993). Dipping, castration, branding, ear-tagging and counting is commonly practiced as beef cattle management norms hence dehorning are partly practiced as some of the animals had horns which were disturbing them to pass through crushpens and as a result they increased bruising to other animals. At Matatani and Muledzhi areas animals including calves are packed in the crushpens, counted, weighed and temperament traits were also measured on the scale and this is done in order to document the information for this research and future use. Temperament is a behavioural response of animals as handled by man. It is important to be measured in beef cattle farmers under communal grazing conditions as it reduces farmer’s profit and it makes the stock man’s work unpleasant. Therefore, it is also needs to be improved for the improvement of beef cattle schemes. Management system of communal farmers was not conducive to better quality meat due to horns in some animals which ultimately cause bruising in other animals. However, exotic bulls were bought at random for the improvement of other breed types found in these two areas. The focus of this study is almost in Nguni cattle type managed under communal grazing system. Lastly, the purpose of this study is to determine behavioral response of beef cattle under communal management system at their dipping tanks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
Comparative study on the biological performance of progenies of Western Sanga x Afrikaner and Bonsmara cattle in the sourish mixed bushveld of the North West Province
- Authors: Moraka, Joseph Ntlhoki
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Beef cattle breeds , Bonsmara cattle , Afrikaner cattle
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10947 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21 , Beef cattle breeds , Bonsmara cattle , Afrikaner cattle
- Description: The study compares the biological performance of progenies of the Afrikaner x Western Sanga crossbred (small frame) and the Bonsmara (medium frame) cattle on the following traits: calving and growth rates as well as mortalities. The study was conducted in the Sourish Mixed Bushveld of the North West province. The objective was to identify a lowcare cattle breed, which can withstand unfavourable conditions under which most farmers in the North West Province operate. The results of this study indicated that, under good management, the Bonsmara cattle have higher growth rates compared to the Sanga cattle. There were statistical differences with regards to birth, pre-wean and wean masses, (P< 0.0001). Sanga cattle however were able to maintain higher calving rates under all varying conditions (Bonsmara 77% average and Sanga 84% average). The Sanga, due to its lower nutritional requirements, on average requires 15% less of the surface area required by the Bonsmara. Sanga cattle also returned better yields in terms of kilogram weaned calf per LSU and per hectare. With regard to herd mortalities, there was no significant difference (P = 0.03329).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Moraka, Joseph Ntlhoki
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Beef cattle breeds , Bonsmara cattle , Afrikaner cattle
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10947 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21 , Beef cattle breeds , Bonsmara cattle , Afrikaner cattle
- Description: The study compares the biological performance of progenies of the Afrikaner x Western Sanga crossbred (small frame) and the Bonsmara (medium frame) cattle on the following traits: calving and growth rates as well as mortalities. The study was conducted in the Sourish Mixed Bushveld of the North West province. The objective was to identify a lowcare cattle breed, which can withstand unfavourable conditions under which most farmers in the North West Province operate. The results of this study indicated that, under good management, the Bonsmara cattle have higher growth rates compared to the Sanga cattle. There were statistical differences with regards to birth, pre-wean and wean masses, (P< 0.0001). Sanga cattle however were able to maintain higher calving rates under all varying conditions (Bonsmara 77% average and Sanga 84% average). The Sanga, due to its lower nutritional requirements, on average requires 15% less of the surface area required by the Bonsmara. Sanga cattle also returned better yields in terms of kilogram weaned calf per LSU and per hectare. With regard to herd mortalities, there was no significant difference (P = 0.03329).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
Investigating carcass characteristics, meat quality and ageing effects on physicochemical attributes, lipid oxidation, and degradation of muscle proteins in mature beef and dairy cull cows
- Authors: Mpala, Bukhosi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Meat -- Quality Dairy cattle
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Animal Science )
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18777 , vital:42732
- Description: This study aimed to examine carcass characteristics, meat quality and postmortem ageing effects on physicochemical properties, lipid oxidation and muscle protein degradation in dairy and beef cull cows. Three cattle genotypes representing dairy {Holstein-Friesian (HF)}, beef {Bonsmara (BON)}, and a mixed purpose genotype {South Devon × Aberdeen Angus crossbreed (SD × AA)} were selected at a commercial abattoir lairage and used for this study. From each genotype, mature cows falling into the C-age class were then randomly chosen consisting of 24 HF, 31 BON and 26 SD × AA. The South African red meat classification system was used to evaluate carcass parameters, while objective measurements associated with meat quality {i.e., pH, colour (CIE L*, a*, b*), water holding capacity (WHC) and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF)} were assessed in the M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle. Also, six cows were selected from each genotype within a carcass weight range of 290 ± 5 kg and fat score (FS) and conformation score (CS) of 2 and 3 respectively, and their meat was aged in a 4 ℃ chiller for 1, 7 or 14 days. At each ageing period, steaks were evaluated for pH, colour, WHC, WBSF and lipid oxidation. Furthermore, sub-samples were cut from each aged steak, vacuum-sealed, and stored in a freezer at -20 ℃ until needed for the determination of protein solubility and degradation of myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic proteins. Study results showed that the HF had a significantly (P < 0.05) lower dressing percentage than the BON and SD × AA. A total of 59% of the cull cows yielded lean carcasses, while 33% and 4% had a medium and fat subcutaneous fat score, respectively. The Holstein-Friesian recorded carcasses that had a fat score of 0 (2%) and a fat score of 1 (4%) while the Bonsmara had 20% C2, 16% C3 and 2% C4 carcasses, respectively. Most of the carcasses (78%) had a medium CS with the BON and SD × AA making up to 37% and 30%, respectively. All the measured meat quality attributes showed significant differences (P < 0.05) among the three cattle genotypes, except b*, hue angle and thawing loss. Notably, the HF recorded higher (P < 0.05) L*, a* and drip loss values but had a lower WBSF than the BON. The findings of the present study also showed that meat pH, colour traits, purge loss, lipid oxidation, cooking loss and WBSF were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by post-mortem ageing and genotype. Except for SD × AA, WBSF only showed a significant decrease after 14 days of ageing. Moreover, significant (P < 0.05) ageing and genotype effects were observed on protein solubility and degradation of sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins. One dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed the presence of several protein bands 4 Final Submission of Thesis, Dissertation or Research Report/Project, Conference or Exam Paper with molecular weights ranges of 16 - 250 kDa and 12.5 – 166.6 kDa in the myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic protein extracts, respectively. The staining intensities of some the protein bands were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by ageing and cattle genotype. In conclusion, the present study observed that carcass characteristics and meat quality traits vary among cattle genotypes with different production use. The data also revealed that physicochemical characteristics and degradation of muscle proteins is related to both cattle genotype and postmortem ageing. It is recommended that the meat of mature cull cows be aged under vacuum conditions for up to 14 days to improve its tenderness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mpala, Bukhosi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Meat -- Quality Dairy cattle
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Animal Science )
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18777 , vital:42732
- Description: This study aimed to examine carcass characteristics, meat quality and postmortem ageing effects on physicochemical properties, lipid oxidation and muscle protein degradation in dairy and beef cull cows. Three cattle genotypes representing dairy {Holstein-Friesian (HF)}, beef {Bonsmara (BON)}, and a mixed purpose genotype {South Devon × Aberdeen Angus crossbreed (SD × AA)} were selected at a commercial abattoir lairage and used for this study. From each genotype, mature cows falling into the C-age class were then randomly chosen consisting of 24 HF, 31 BON and 26 SD × AA. The South African red meat classification system was used to evaluate carcass parameters, while objective measurements associated with meat quality {i.e., pH, colour (CIE L*, a*, b*), water holding capacity (WHC) and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF)} were assessed in the M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle. Also, six cows were selected from each genotype within a carcass weight range of 290 ± 5 kg and fat score (FS) and conformation score (CS) of 2 and 3 respectively, and their meat was aged in a 4 ℃ chiller for 1, 7 or 14 days. At each ageing period, steaks were evaluated for pH, colour, WHC, WBSF and lipid oxidation. Furthermore, sub-samples were cut from each aged steak, vacuum-sealed, and stored in a freezer at -20 ℃ until needed for the determination of protein solubility and degradation of myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic proteins. Study results showed that the HF had a significantly (P < 0.05) lower dressing percentage than the BON and SD × AA. A total of 59% of the cull cows yielded lean carcasses, while 33% and 4% had a medium and fat subcutaneous fat score, respectively. The Holstein-Friesian recorded carcasses that had a fat score of 0 (2%) and a fat score of 1 (4%) while the Bonsmara had 20% C2, 16% C3 and 2% C4 carcasses, respectively. Most of the carcasses (78%) had a medium CS with the BON and SD × AA making up to 37% and 30%, respectively. All the measured meat quality attributes showed significant differences (P < 0.05) among the three cattle genotypes, except b*, hue angle and thawing loss. Notably, the HF recorded higher (P < 0.05) L*, a* and drip loss values but had a lower WBSF than the BON. The findings of the present study also showed that meat pH, colour traits, purge loss, lipid oxidation, cooking loss and WBSF were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by post-mortem ageing and genotype. Except for SD × AA, WBSF only showed a significant decrease after 14 days of ageing. Moreover, significant (P < 0.05) ageing and genotype effects were observed on protein solubility and degradation of sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins. One dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed the presence of several protein bands 4 Final Submission of Thesis, Dissertation or Research Report/Project, Conference or Exam Paper with molecular weights ranges of 16 - 250 kDa and 12.5 – 166.6 kDa in the myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic protein extracts, respectively. The staining intensities of some the protein bands were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by ageing and cattle genotype. In conclusion, the present study observed that carcass characteristics and meat quality traits vary among cattle genotypes with different production use. The data also revealed that physicochemical characteristics and degradation of muscle proteins is related to both cattle genotype and postmortem ageing. It is recommended that the meat of mature cull cows be aged under vacuum conditions for up to 14 days to improve its tenderness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Adaptive responses to heat stress, quality of hide and meat from indigenous Nguni and non-descript crossbred cattle
- Authors: Chikwanda, Denice
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Cattle -- Effect of temperature on Nguni cattle Beef cattle breeds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Agriculture)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10614 , vital:35635
- Description: The main objective of this study was to determine the adaptive responses of Nguni and non-descript crossbred cattle (NDCC) to heat stress, nutritionally-related blood metabolite profiles, fatty acid profiles, carcass and meat characteristics, physico-mechanical properties of automotive upholstery crust leather and the associated collagen fibre architecture of hides and crust leather. Forty steers (20 Nguni and 20 NDCC) which were approximately 14 months of age with live weights ranging between 153 kg and 203 kg at the beginning of the study were used. Environmental variables (ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind parameters, solar radiation) were collected from a weather station at the research farm. Temperature-humidity index (THI) values were computed. Rectal and skin temperature, skin traits and blood metabolites were determined at two-week intervals over 16 weeks. Hair coat scores ranged from extremely short (score 1) to very woolly (score 7). At slaughter, blood samples were collected after exsanguination. Meat samples were collected from the right muscularis longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) and Triceps brachii (TB) muscles after 24 hours of chilling of carcasses for physico-chemical quality tests. Fatty acid profiles and physico-chemical quality of meat were determined on the LTL and TB. An additional fifty-four hides (27 Nguni and 27 NDCC) were obtained from a commercial abattoir at slaughter. The hides were tanned into automotive crust leather and tested for physico-mechanical quality. Results showed that week and environmental variables affected skin temperature; also, the rectal and skin temperatures were negatively correlated to body condition, skin pigment, coat score and skin thickness. Non-descript crossbred cattle had higher coat scores (2.1 ± 0.36 to 4.1 ± 4.20) than Nguni cattle (1.6 ± 0.36 to 4.1 ± 0.36). Body condition scores, blood creatinine, urea, total protein, albumin and globulin were affected by genotype and week of sampling. At the end of the trial, NDCC had higher slaughter and hide weights (285.9 ± 6.52 kg and 18.4 ± 0.54 kg, respectively) than Nguni cattle (232.6 ± 6.5 kg and 14.7 ± 0.54 kg, respectively). The majority of NDCC carcasses (73.7 percent) had a fatness level of 1 compared to Nguni carcasses (50 percent). Intramuscular fat was higher in Nguni (1.8 ± 0.09 percent) compared to NDCC (1.5 ± 0.09 percent) steers. Nguni steers had darker muscle colour (L*=33.6 ± 0.01) than NDCC (L*= 35.7 ± 0.54). Nguni and NDCC had similar thawing loss, cooking loss, WBSF tenderness, fat-free dry matter, moisture content, fatty acid profiles and health-related lipid indices. Ultimate muscle pH, meat colour and chroma were similar in the LTL and TB. Concerning the skin, Nguni and NDCC had similar physico-mechanical properties. However, breaking load and tensile strength were higher (1257.1 ± 70.72 N and 28.3 ± 1.23 MPa) in samples taken parallel to the backbone compared to that taken perpendicular to the backbone (979.5 ±70.72 N and 23.6 ±1.23MPa) across the two genotypes. Non-descript crossbred crust leather varied in physico-mechanical tests by direction of sampling. Collagen fibre orientation in hides and crust samples also varied between longitudinal and cross-sections. Collagen fibre diameters in the Nguni were similar in longitudinal and cross-sections (3.4 ± 0.12 μm and 3.2 ± 0.11 μm, respectively). From this study, it is concluded that THI, hair coat, skin traits and body condition affect skin temperature, but not rectal temperature, cortisol and CK activity in Nguni and NDCC reared extensively. The two genotypes differ in nutritionally-related blood metabolites, growth performance, hide weights and carcass traits. Beef from Nguni and NDCC differs in the IMF and meat lightness but is similar in the meat fatty acid composition and some physico-chemical quality parameters. Automotive crust leathers from the two genotypes were similar in some physico-mechanical properties. Collagen architecture varied among different regions of hides and crust leathers
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Chikwanda, Denice
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Cattle -- Effect of temperature on Nguni cattle Beef cattle breeds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Agriculture)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10614 , vital:35635
- Description: The main objective of this study was to determine the adaptive responses of Nguni and non-descript crossbred cattle (NDCC) to heat stress, nutritionally-related blood metabolite profiles, fatty acid profiles, carcass and meat characteristics, physico-mechanical properties of automotive upholstery crust leather and the associated collagen fibre architecture of hides and crust leather. Forty steers (20 Nguni and 20 NDCC) which were approximately 14 months of age with live weights ranging between 153 kg and 203 kg at the beginning of the study were used. Environmental variables (ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind parameters, solar radiation) were collected from a weather station at the research farm. Temperature-humidity index (THI) values were computed. Rectal and skin temperature, skin traits and blood metabolites were determined at two-week intervals over 16 weeks. Hair coat scores ranged from extremely short (score 1) to very woolly (score 7). At slaughter, blood samples were collected after exsanguination. Meat samples were collected from the right muscularis longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) and Triceps brachii (TB) muscles after 24 hours of chilling of carcasses for physico-chemical quality tests. Fatty acid profiles and physico-chemical quality of meat were determined on the LTL and TB. An additional fifty-four hides (27 Nguni and 27 NDCC) were obtained from a commercial abattoir at slaughter. The hides were tanned into automotive crust leather and tested for physico-mechanical quality. Results showed that week and environmental variables affected skin temperature; also, the rectal and skin temperatures were negatively correlated to body condition, skin pigment, coat score and skin thickness. Non-descript crossbred cattle had higher coat scores (2.1 ± 0.36 to 4.1 ± 4.20) than Nguni cattle (1.6 ± 0.36 to 4.1 ± 0.36). Body condition scores, blood creatinine, urea, total protein, albumin and globulin were affected by genotype and week of sampling. At the end of the trial, NDCC had higher slaughter and hide weights (285.9 ± 6.52 kg and 18.4 ± 0.54 kg, respectively) than Nguni cattle (232.6 ± 6.5 kg and 14.7 ± 0.54 kg, respectively). The majority of NDCC carcasses (73.7 percent) had a fatness level of 1 compared to Nguni carcasses (50 percent). Intramuscular fat was higher in Nguni (1.8 ± 0.09 percent) compared to NDCC (1.5 ± 0.09 percent) steers. Nguni steers had darker muscle colour (L*=33.6 ± 0.01) than NDCC (L*= 35.7 ± 0.54). Nguni and NDCC had similar thawing loss, cooking loss, WBSF tenderness, fat-free dry matter, moisture content, fatty acid profiles and health-related lipid indices. Ultimate muscle pH, meat colour and chroma were similar in the LTL and TB. Concerning the skin, Nguni and NDCC had similar physico-mechanical properties. However, breaking load and tensile strength were higher (1257.1 ± 70.72 N and 28.3 ± 1.23 MPa) in samples taken parallel to the backbone compared to that taken perpendicular to the backbone (979.5 ±70.72 N and 23.6 ±1.23MPa) across the two genotypes. Non-descript crossbred crust leather varied in physico-mechanical tests by direction of sampling. Collagen fibre orientation in hides and crust samples also varied between longitudinal and cross-sections. Collagen fibre diameters in the Nguni were similar in longitudinal and cross-sections (3.4 ± 0.12 μm and 3.2 ± 0.11 μm, respectively). From this study, it is concluded that THI, hair coat, skin traits and body condition affect skin temperature, but not rectal temperature, cortisol and CK activity in Nguni and NDCC reared extensively. The two genotypes differ in nutritionally-related blood metabolites, growth performance, hide weights and carcass traits. Beef from Nguni and NDCC differs in the IMF and meat lightness but is similar in the meat fatty acid composition and some physico-chemical quality parameters. Automotive crust leathers from the two genotypes were similar in some physico-mechanical properties. Collagen architecture varied among different regions of hides and crust leathers
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Species composition and seasonal population dynamics of free-living and engorged cattle ticks in three agro-ecological zones of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Yawa, Mandla
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Ticks Boophilus microplus
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9067 , vital:34224
- Description: This study was conducted to determine species composition and seasonal population dynamics of free-living and engorged cattle ticks in three agro-ecological zones (Bedford dry grassland, Kowie thicket and Bisho thornveld) of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The occurrence of ticks on cattle was studied monthly from April 2016 and March 2017. Tick collections were performed on 360 selected cattle in each agro-ecological zones. During tick collections, 10 randomly selected cattle were sampled at each locality and more attention was given to African blue tick and the presence of Asian blue tick. A half body tick collection was performed from cattle and visible ticks were collected by means of fine-forceps after the animals had been restrained. Body regions that were examined includes the ear, head, neck, chest, abdomen, flank, front and hind leg and feet, tail, and peri-anal region. At each locality, six replicate drags of 100 m, approximately 50 m apart, were performed to collect ticks from vegetation. All ticks collected per cattle and from vegetation were stored in labelled sample tubes containing 70percent ethanol, subsequently counted and identified to genus and species level using a standard stereomicroscope. A total of 31425 ticks belonging to ten species were collected during the study. Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus, was the most observed tick species (32.50percent), all other ticks like R. evertsi evertsi (18.84percent), R. appendiculatus (17.26percent), A. hebraeum (16.27percent), R. simus (7.69percent) were also commonly collected. Ixodes pilosus (3.84percent), H. rufipes (3.46percent), R. follis (0.08percent) together with Haemaphysalis silacea (0.02percent) were sporadic infestation. Haemaphysalis elliptica (0.04percent) was only found on the vegetation. No H. rufipes was collected in the thicket vegetation. Agro-ecological zones differ significantly (P<0.05) in tick species and distribution. Significantly more R. (B.) decoloratus were collected in thicket during summer compared to thornveld and dry grassland regions (P<0.05). Free-living ticks were widely distributed across different seasons but with of R. (B.) decoloratus larvae were significantly higher (P<0.05) in thornveld region during the spring season. In conclusion, agro-ecological differences and seasonal variations had an influence on ticks abundance and distribution. From this study, it is of interest to note the absence of R. (B.) microplus, whose trend to invade new areas previously colonised by R. (B.) decoloratus has been observed in Africa. In conclusion, agro-ecological differences and seasonal variations had an influence on ticks abundance and distribution. The aforementioned absence of R. (B.) microplus in this study highlights the importance of further research as this tick invades new areas previously colonised by R. (B.) decoloratus in the continent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Yawa, Mandla
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Ticks Boophilus microplus
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9067 , vital:34224
- Description: This study was conducted to determine species composition and seasonal population dynamics of free-living and engorged cattle ticks in three agro-ecological zones (Bedford dry grassland, Kowie thicket and Bisho thornveld) of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The occurrence of ticks on cattle was studied monthly from April 2016 and March 2017. Tick collections were performed on 360 selected cattle in each agro-ecological zones. During tick collections, 10 randomly selected cattle were sampled at each locality and more attention was given to African blue tick and the presence of Asian blue tick. A half body tick collection was performed from cattle and visible ticks were collected by means of fine-forceps after the animals had been restrained. Body regions that were examined includes the ear, head, neck, chest, abdomen, flank, front and hind leg and feet, tail, and peri-anal region. At each locality, six replicate drags of 100 m, approximately 50 m apart, were performed to collect ticks from vegetation. All ticks collected per cattle and from vegetation were stored in labelled sample tubes containing 70percent ethanol, subsequently counted and identified to genus and species level using a standard stereomicroscope. A total of 31425 ticks belonging to ten species were collected during the study. Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus, was the most observed tick species (32.50percent), all other ticks like R. evertsi evertsi (18.84percent), R. appendiculatus (17.26percent), A. hebraeum (16.27percent), R. simus (7.69percent) were also commonly collected. Ixodes pilosus (3.84percent), H. rufipes (3.46percent), R. follis (0.08percent) together with Haemaphysalis silacea (0.02percent) were sporadic infestation. Haemaphysalis elliptica (0.04percent) was only found on the vegetation. No H. rufipes was collected in the thicket vegetation. Agro-ecological zones differ significantly (P<0.05) in tick species and distribution. Significantly more R. (B.) decoloratus were collected in thicket during summer compared to thornveld and dry grassland regions (P<0.05). Free-living ticks were widely distributed across different seasons but with of R. (B.) decoloratus larvae were significantly higher (P<0.05) in thornveld region during the spring season. In conclusion, agro-ecological differences and seasonal variations had an influence on ticks abundance and distribution. From this study, it is of interest to note the absence of R. (B.) microplus, whose trend to invade new areas previously colonised by R. (B.) decoloratus has been observed in Africa. In conclusion, agro-ecological differences and seasonal variations had an influence on ticks abundance and distribution. The aforementioned absence of R. (B.) microplus in this study highlights the importance of further research as this tick invades new areas previously colonised by R. (B.) decoloratus in the continent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Effects of marketing channel on bruising, ultimate pH and colour of beef, and stakeholder perceptions on the quality of beef from cattle slaughtered at smallholder abattoir
- Authors: Vimiso, Peter
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Beef -- South Africa -- Marketing , Beef -- Quality , Beef cattle -- Breeding -- South Africa , Beef cattle breeds -- South Africa , Color of meat , Beef industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11172 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001009 , Beef -- South Africa -- Marketing , Beef -- Quality , Beef cattle -- Breeding -- South Africa , Beef cattle breeds -- South Africa , Color of meat , Beef industry -- South Africa
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Vimiso, Peter
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Beef -- South Africa -- Marketing , Beef -- Quality , Beef cattle -- Breeding -- South Africa , Beef cattle breeds -- South Africa , Color of meat , Beef industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11172 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001009 , Beef -- South Africa -- Marketing , Beef -- Quality , Beef cattle -- Breeding -- South Africa , Beef cattle breeds -- South Africa , Color of meat , Beef industry -- South Africa
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Reproductive performance of cows in sweet and sour veld types under communal production systems in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Nqeno, Noluvuyo
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Pastoral systems -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Commons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- Breeding , Beef cattle -- Reproduction , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Dairy cattle , Cows
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11815 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/141 , Pastoral systems -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Commons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- Breeding , Beef cattle -- Reproduction , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Dairy cattle , Cows
- Description: The objective of the study was to evaluate cow reproductive performance in the sweetveld and sourveld communal grazing areas of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. In the first experiment, farmer perceptions were obtained using participatory rural appraisals. Farmers ranked lack of fences, tick-borne diseases, poor animal condition during winter and poor breeding practices, respectively as major constraints limiting cattle production in the Eastern Cape. Cattle, sheep and goats, in that order, were ranked as the most important livestock species and were mainly kept for meat, cash and ceremonies, respectively. The non-descript cattle breed was the most common breed found in the smallholder areas. Most farmers preferred Nguni breed because of its adaptive attributes. In the second experiment, structured questionnaires were administered, between June and August 2006, to a total of 551 farmers from 10 communities of the Eastern Cape. There was a significant association (P<0.05) between the use of pregnancy diagnoses and community. About 87 and 77 % of the interviewed farmers did not respond on the extent of pregnancy and calving rates in their herds. A higher proportion of farmers from Hekele (51%) and from Upper Mnxe (45.3%) communities reported low number of bulls as a major constraint to cow reproductive performance. Body condition and ovarian activity were measured in the sweet and sour veld types. Body condition score of animals was measured from March iii 2007 until January 2008 and ovarian activity of cows was performed by a veterinarian through rectal palpation in June, August and October 2007 and January 2008. From March to July, there was a marked decline in body condition on both veld types. In the sweetveld, body condition improved from September until January, whereas in the sourveld the improvement in body condition started in October. The cows in both veld types conceived throughout the year. Most cows in the sweetveld were cycling in January and August (P<0.05) whereas in the sourveld there was no distinct period when the animals were cycling. Overall, there were no differences in the proportion of cows that were cycling between the sour and sweet veldts (P>0.05). There were more cows cycling in sourveld in October than in the sweetveld. Reproductive performance of cows in communal areas could, therefore, be determined by levels and quality of nutrition. Keywords: Participatory rural appraisals; Structured questionnaires; Farmer participation; Farmer perceptions; Body condition scoring; Ovarian activity; Pregnancy diagnoses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Nqeno, Noluvuyo
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Pastoral systems -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Commons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- Breeding , Beef cattle -- Reproduction , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Dairy cattle , Cows
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11815 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/141 , Pastoral systems -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Commons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- Breeding , Beef cattle -- Reproduction , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Dairy cattle , Cows
- Description: The objective of the study was to evaluate cow reproductive performance in the sweetveld and sourveld communal grazing areas of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. In the first experiment, farmer perceptions were obtained using participatory rural appraisals. Farmers ranked lack of fences, tick-borne diseases, poor animal condition during winter and poor breeding practices, respectively as major constraints limiting cattle production in the Eastern Cape. Cattle, sheep and goats, in that order, were ranked as the most important livestock species and were mainly kept for meat, cash and ceremonies, respectively. The non-descript cattle breed was the most common breed found in the smallholder areas. Most farmers preferred Nguni breed because of its adaptive attributes. In the second experiment, structured questionnaires were administered, between June and August 2006, to a total of 551 farmers from 10 communities of the Eastern Cape. There was a significant association (P<0.05) between the use of pregnancy diagnoses and community. About 87 and 77 % of the interviewed farmers did not respond on the extent of pregnancy and calving rates in their herds. A higher proportion of farmers from Hekele (51%) and from Upper Mnxe (45.3%) communities reported low number of bulls as a major constraint to cow reproductive performance. Body condition and ovarian activity were measured in the sweet and sour veld types. Body condition score of animals was measured from March iii 2007 until January 2008 and ovarian activity of cows was performed by a veterinarian through rectal palpation in June, August and October 2007 and January 2008. From March to July, there was a marked decline in body condition on both veld types. In the sweetveld, body condition improved from September until January, whereas in the sourveld the improvement in body condition started in October. The cows in both veld types conceived throughout the year. Most cows in the sweetveld were cycling in January and August (P<0.05) whereas in the sourveld there was no distinct period when the animals were cycling. Overall, there were no differences in the proportion of cows that were cycling between the sour and sweet veldts (P>0.05). There were more cows cycling in sourveld in October than in the sweetveld. Reproductive performance of cows in communal areas could, therefore, be determined by levels and quality of nutrition. Keywords: Participatory rural appraisals; Structured questionnaires; Farmer participation; Farmer perceptions; Body condition scoring; Ovarian activity; Pregnancy diagnoses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Seasonal variations in tick loads, coat characteristics, temperature-humidity index and blood metabolite profiles of extensively raised Boran cows
- Authors: Ntilini, Wonga John
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Boran cattle -- South Africa Ticks -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAgric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13471 , vital:39672
- Description: This study sought to determine the seasonal variations in tick loads, coat characteristics, temperature-humidity index and blood metabolite profiles of Boran cows reared in arid rangelands of South Africa. A total of 20 Boran cows of different age groups were used in this study. Tick counts, hair length, coat score, average temperature and relative humidity readings were measured twice (beginning and end) in each season (post-rainy, cold-dry, hot-dry, hot-wet). Blood samples were taken seasonally (beginning and end of the season) for the analysis of creatine kinase (CK) activity and haematological parameters (HP). Ticks were observed and counted from different anatomical sites, namely anterior (neck, head, ears, and around eyes), ventral (belly, udder, and limbs) and posterior (back and under the tail). The tick species observed from the Boran cows were Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (34.58percent), Amblyomma hebreaum (43.35percent), Rhipicephalus simus (4.48percent) and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus (17.59percent). Significant differences were observed in tick burdens at various anatomical sites, with posterior position having the highest tick loads during the post-rainy, cold-dry and hot-dry season. While the ventral position recorded the highest tick loads during the hot-wet season. It was also observed that the cattle had significantly long hair lengths during the cold-dry season. Furthermore, coat score and hair length were observed to be negatively (P<0.05) correlated with tick counts, while coat scores were positively (P<0.05) correlated with hair length. Significant differences were observed in CK activity across season, with higher levels during the hot-dry and hot-wet seasons compared to the post-rainy and cold-dry seasons. Boran cows were exposed to a mild stress condition during the hot-dry and hot-wet season when the THI values were high (>70). Seasonal variations had an effect (P<0.05) on some HP (HB, HCT, MCV, MCH, EOS, and BAS). Neutrophils (-0.267) and basophils (0.268) were significantly correlated with THI. In conclusion, the Boran cows were more susceptible to tick loads during the hot seasons. Likewise, the levels of creatine kinase activity and temperature-humidity index were high during the hot-dry and hot-wet season. Therefore, seasonal variations had an effect on tick loads, coat characteristics, temperature-humidity index and blood metabolite profiles of extensively raised Boran cows.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ntilini, Wonga John
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Boran cattle -- South Africa Ticks -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAgric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13471 , vital:39672
- Description: This study sought to determine the seasonal variations in tick loads, coat characteristics, temperature-humidity index and blood metabolite profiles of Boran cows reared in arid rangelands of South Africa. A total of 20 Boran cows of different age groups were used in this study. Tick counts, hair length, coat score, average temperature and relative humidity readings were measured twice (beginning and end) in each season (post-rainy, cold-dry, hot-dry, hot-wet). Blood samples were taken seasonally (beginning and end of the season) for the analysis of creatine kinase (CK) activity and haematological parameters (HP). Ticks were observed and counted from different anatomical sites, namely anterior (neck, head, ears, and around eyes), ventral (belly, udder, and limbs) and posterior (back and under the tail). The tick species observed from the Boran cows were Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (34.58percent), Amblyomma hebreaum (43.35percent), Rhipicephalus simus (4.48percent) and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus (17.59percent). Significant differences were observed in tick burdens at various anatomical sites, with posterior position having the highest tick loads during the post-rainy, cold-dry and hot-dry season. While the ventral position recorded the highest tick loads during the hot-wet season. It was also observed that the cattle had significantly long hair lengths during the cold-dry season. Furthermore, coat score and hair length were observed to be negatively (P<0.05) correlated with tick counts, while coat scores were positively (P<0.05) correlated with hair length. Significant differences were observed in CK activity across season, with higher levels during the hot-dry and hot-wet seasons compared to the post-rainy and cold-dry seasons. Boran cows were exposed to a mild stress condition during the hot-dry and hot-wet season when the THI values were high (>70). Seasonal variations had an effect (P<0.05) on some HP (HB, HCT, MCV, MCH, EOS, and BAS). Neutrophils (-0.267) and basophils (0.268) were significantly correlated with THI. In conclusion, the Boran cows were more susceptible to tick loads during the hot seasons. Likewise, the levels of creatine kinase activity and temperature-humidity index were high during the hot-dry and hot-wet season. Therefore, seasonal variations had an effect on tick loads, coat characteristics, temperature-humidity index and blood metabolite profiles of extensively raised Boran cows.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Determination of acaricide resistance profiles, and geographic range of boophilid Rhipicephalus tick spp. (Acari: Ixodidae), and sero-status of tick-borne pathogens on communal cattle in the north-eastern regions of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Yawa, Mandla https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2402-298X
- Authors: Yawa, Mandla https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2402-298X
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Cattle -- Diseases , Ticks as carriers of disease , Ticks
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21590 , vital:49356
- Description: Cattle industry improves livelihoods for many developing farmers in South Africa, however, ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) pose a detriment impact on cattle success; this is due to their resistance to acaricide application. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the extent of acaricide resistance, serostatus of tick-borne pathogens, and geographic range of boophilid ticks in communal grazing cattle in the north-eastern regions of the Eastern Cape Province (ECP), South Africa. A total of 160 structured questionnaires were prepared and randomly administered to cattle farmers to investigate their knowledge, attitudes, and practice on ticks and TBDs affecting cattle, tick control methods used, and their knowledge of acaricide resistance. Engorged visible cattle ticks were collected seasonally from 10 randomly selected cattle from the community cattle herds during dipping days between October 2018 and September 2019, and stored into the labelled test tubes containing 70 percent ethanol. For TBDs determination, a total of 240 cattle from Elundini and Senqu Municipalities were seasonally used to investigate the prevalence of ticks and TBDs, packed cell volume (PCV), and body condition scores (BCS). Shaw Larval Immersion Test (SLIT) method was used to determine the resistance of Rhipicephalus decoloratus larvae to various acaricides such as amidines, organophosphate, and synthetic pyrethroids. This study indicates that approximately 59 percent of the interviewed cattle farmers had no knowledge of the effect of TBDs affecting cattle production, and 78 percent of respondents considered ticks are the major challenge to the success of their cattle farming. Pour-on (61 percent) was the most commonly used acaricidal treatment system with fortnightly (40 percent and 31percent) treatment frequencies during the summer and winter seasons respectively. Synthetic pyrethroids (73 percent) were the most used acaricide compounds to control ticks. Moreover, approximately 85 percent of respondents perceived that they do not practice acaricide rotation, and 88 percent of the respondents had no knowledge of acaricide resistance. Interestingly, the current study record Rhipicephalus microplus for the first time at Elundini, Senqu, and Walter Sisulu. Based on the morphological traits, a total of 6176 ticks belonging to two boophilid tick species of Rhipicephalus were identified: R. decoloratus (98 percent) and R. microplus (2 percent). Rhipicephalus decoloratus was significantly higher (P<0.05) in Elundini during the hot-dry (3.37±0.121) and hot-wet (3.35±0.121) seasons compared to other localit ies. In Senqu, R. microplus had high counts (P<0.05) during the post-rainy season (1.06±0.027) compared to other localities. From this present study, it was observed that Ehrlichia ruminantium was the most prevalent at Elundini (16 percent) and (14 percent) during post-rainy and hot-dry seasons respectively and 15 percent at Senqu during the post-rainy season. Babesia bigemina was more frequent at Elundini (18 percent) and Senqu (16 percent) during the post-rainy season and hot-wet season, respectively. Cattle BCS were significantly negatively correlated with E. ruminantium (P<0.01; r = -0.203), B. bovis (P<0.01; r = -0.125), and A. marginale (P < 0.01; r = -0.122). On the other hand, PCV was significantly negatively correlated with B. bigemina (P<0.01; r =-0.138). E. ruminantium was strongly positively correlated with Amblyomma hebraeum (P<0.05; r = 0.112), while B. bovis (P<0.05; r = 0.134) and B. bigemina (P<0.05; r = 0.188) were strong positively correlated with Rhipicephalus microplus infestation and B. bigemina (P<0.05; r = 0.077) with Rhipicephalus decoloratus. During acaricide resistance testing, Shaw Larvae Immersion Testing (SLIT) was only performed on R. decoloratus larvae as engorged R. microplus ticks could not meet the required sample size for resistance testing. The current study found that the majority of the tick were susceptible at exposure to differe nt acaricide field concentrations of amidines (49 percent at 250ppm), organophosphates (33 percent and 47 percent at 300ppm and 500ppm, respectively), and synthetic pyrethroids (44 percent and 23 percent at 150ppm and 300ppm, respectively). In conclusion, less knowledge of cattle farmers on the threat pose by ticks on their cattle production results in the spatio-temporal spread of boophilid tick from region to region and from season to season thus increases incidence and risk for tick resistance. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Yawa, Mandla https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2402-298X
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Cattle -- Diseases , Ticks as carriers of disease , Ticks
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21590 , vital:49356
- Description: Cattle industry improves livelihoods for many developing farmers in South Africa, however, ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) pose a detriment impact on cattle success; this is due to their resistance to acaricide application. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the extent of acaricide resistance, serostatus of tick-borne pathogens, and geographic range of boophilid ticks in communal grazing cattle in the north-eastern regions of the Eastern Cape Province (ECP), South Africa. A total of 160 structured questionnaires were prepared and randomly administered to cattle farmers to investigate their knowledge, attitudes, and practice on ticks and TBDs affecting cattle, tick control methods used, and their knowledge of acaricide resistance. Engorged visible cattle ticks were collected seasonally from 10 randomly selected cattle from the community cattle herds during dipping days between October 2018 and September 2019, and stored into the labelled test tubes containing 70 percent ethanol. For TBDs determination, a total of 240 cattle from Elundini and Senqu Municipalities were seasonally used to investigate the prevalence of ticks and TBDs, packed cell volume (PCV), and body condition scores (BCS). Shaw Larval Immersion Test (SLIT) method was used to determine the resistance of Rhipicephalus decoloratus larvae to various acaricides such as amidines, organophosphate, and synthetic pyrethroids. This study indicates that approximately 59 percent of the interviewed cattle farmers had no knowledge of the effect of TBDs affecting cattle production, and 78 percent of respondents considered ticks are the major challenge to the success of their cattle farming. Pour-on (61 percent) was the most commonly used acaricidal treatment system with fortnightly (40 percent and 31percent) treatment frequencies during the summer and winter seasons respectively. Synthetic pyrethroids (73 percent) were the most used acaricide compounds to control ticks. Moreover, approximately 85 percent of respondents perceived that they do not practice acaricide rotation, and 88 percent of the respondents had no knowledge of acaricide resistance. Interestingly, the current study record Rhipicephalus microplus for the first time at Elundini, Senqu, and Walter Sisulu. Based on the morphological traits, a total of 6176 ticks belonging to two boophilid tick species of Rhipicephalus were identified: R. decoloratus (98 percent) and R. microplus (2 percent). Rhipicephalus decoloratus was significantly higher (P<0.05) in Elundini during the hot-dry (3.37±0.121) and hot-wet (3.35±0.121) seasons compared to other localit ies. In Senqu, R. microplus had high counts (P<0.05) during the post-rainy season (1.06±0.027) compared to other localities. From this present study, it was observed that Ehrlichia ruminantium was the most prevalent at Elundini (16 percent) and (14 percent) during post-rainy and hot-dry seasons respectively and 15 percent at Senqu during the post-rainy season. Babesia bigemina was more frequent at Elundini (18 percent) and Senqu (16 percent) during the post-rainy season and hot-wet season, respectively. Cattle BCS were significantly negatively correlated with E. ruminantium (P<0.01; r = -0.203), B. bovis (P<0.01; r = -0.125), and A. marginale (P < 0.01; r = -0.122). On the other hand, PCV was significantly negatively correlated with B. bigemina (P<0.01; r =-0.138). E. ruminantium was strongly positively correlated with Amblyomma hebraeum (P<0.05; r = 0.112), while B. bovis (P<0.05; r = 0.134) and B. bigemina (P<0.05; r = 0.188) were strong positively correlated with Rhipicephalus microplus infestation and B. bigemina (P<0.05; r = 0.077) with Rhipicephalus decoloratus. During acaricide resistance testing, Shaw Larvae Immersion Testing (SLIT) was only performed on R. decoloratus larvae as engorged R. microplus ticks could not meet the required sample size for resistance testing. The current study found that the majority of the tick were susceptible at exposure to differe nt acaricide field concentrations of amidines (49 percent at 250ppm), organophosphates (33 percent and 47 percent at 300ppm and 500ppm, respectively), and synthetic pyrethroids (44 percent and 23 percent at 150ppm and 300ppm, respectively). In conclusion, less knowledge of cattle farmers on the threat pose by ticks on their cattle production results in the spatio-temporal spread of boophilid tick from region to region and from season to season thus increases incidence and risk for tick resistance. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
Determination and validation of ethno-veterinary practices used as alternatives in controlling cattle ticks by resource-limited farmers in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Moyo, Busani
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Traditional veterinary medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Ethnozoology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Ticks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11806 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/165 , Traditional veterinary medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Ethnozoology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Ticks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province
- Description: Ticks are the most common external parasites of economic importance in the livestock farming sector of Southern Africa. They are vectors of tick-borne diseases and are commonly controlled using conventional acaricides, which are expensive and not readily available to resource-limited farmers. As a result many resource-limited farmers resort to use of alternative materials to control ticks on their livestock. Tick resistance to acaricide is an increasing problem in Southern Africa and poses a real economic threat to livestock and veterinary pharmaceutical industries. The objective of this study was to document and validate the ethno-veterinary remedies used as alternative methods of controlling cattle ticks by resource-limited farmers. A questionnaire survey was conducted in May 2007, at Qolora by-Sea and Nontshinga in Centane district, to determine tick control methods used by resource limited farmers in the Amathole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo experiments were done to validate the acaricidal properties of ethnoveterinary remedies used by resource-limited farmers. Ticks were reported to be a major problem, transmitting diseases like anaplasmosis (89.8%), babesiosis (55.9%) and ehrlichiosis (16.9%), they also cause wounds that predispose cattle to screwworm infestation, tick worry and teat damage. All farmers used acaricides and dipping tanks provided by the government to control ticks, as the main tick control method. However, the majority (94.9%) were of the opinion that the dip wash was not effective in controlling ticks. As a result, farmers complemented the government dipping service with use of own initiatives like spraying with conventional acaricides (22%), household disinfectants such as Jeyes fluid (18.6%), used engine oil (10.2%), chickens feeding on ticks (5.1%), manual iv removal (5.1%), and pouricides (1.7%). In addition, some farmers also use plants (6.8%), mainly the leaf of Aloe ferox and the bark of Ptaeroxylon obliquum. The in vitro repellency models showed Jeyes fluid (76.8 and 100% concentrations) and P. obliquum (40%) had repellent properties that lasted 6 hours and 40 minutes respectively while that of, Tabard (35% diethyltoluamide) positive control, lasted for 4 hours when applied against nymphal stages of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. In the contact bio-assay, undiluted used engine oil, T. minuta oil (50%), Ektoban® (Cymiazol 17.5% and cypermethrin 2.5%) and Jeyes fluid (76.8%) caused higher tick mortality of more than 86%. Other materials (A. ferox, Lantana camara and Tagetes minuta) had no repellence and acaricidal properties. In the in vivo study, Jeyes fluid at a concentration of 76.8% and used engine oil displayed efficacy of 71 and 76.4% respectively which was similar to that of the positive control Ektoban® at 97.8% tick load reduction. Among plant materials L. camara at 40% concentrations had an efficacy of 57% while A. ferox, P. obliquum and T. minuta were not effective at all. The remedies used by resource-limited farmers to control ticks vary in efficacy. Their ability to reduce tick load on cattle appears to be promising and a welcome development as their use could probably reduce tick burdens in cattle with less expenditure. However, further investigations need to be done before they are recommended for use. Despite being effective some of the materials have potential toxic effects in animals and also cause environmental contamination and I recommend used engine oil, Jeyes fluid and L. camara for further testing as they showed some efficacy compared to other remedies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Moyo, Busani
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Traditional veterinary medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Ethnozoology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Ticks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11806 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/165 , Traditional veterinary medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Ethnozoology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Ticks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province
- Description: Ticks are the most common external parasites of economic importance in the livestock farming sector of Southern Africa. They are vectors of tick-borne diseases and are commonly controlled using conventional acaricides, which are expensive and not readily available to resource-limited farmers. As a result many resource-limited farmers resort to use of alternative materials to control ticks on their livestock. Tick resistance to acaricide is an increasing problem in Southern Africa and poses a real economic threat to livestock and veterinary pharmaceutical industries. The objective of this study was to document and validate the ethno-veterinary remedies used as alternative methods of controlling cattle ticks by resource-limited farmers. A questionnaire survey was conducted in May 2007, at Qolora by-Sea and Nontshinga in Centane district, to determine tick control methods used by resource limited farmers in the Amathole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo experiments were done to validate the acaricidal properties of ethnoveterinary remedies used by resource-limited farmers. Ticks were reported to be a major problem, transmitting diseases like anaplasmosis (89.8%), babesiosis (55.9%) and ehrlichiosis (16.9%), they also cause wounds that predispose cattle to screwworm infestation, tick worry and teat damage. All farmers used acaricides and dipping tanks provided by the government to control ticks, as the main tick control method. However, the majority (94.9%) were of the opinion that the dip wash was not effective in controlling ticks. As a result, farmers complemented the government dipping service with use of own initiatives like spraying with conventional acaricides (22%), household disinfectants such as Jeyes fluid (18.6%), used engine oil (10.2%), chickens feeding on ticks (5.1%), manual iv removal (5.1%), and pouricides (1.7%). In addition, some farmers also use plants (6.8%), mainly the leaf of Aloe ferox and the bark of Ptaeroxylon obliquum. The in vitro repellency models showed Jeyes fluid (76.8 and 100% concentrations) and P. obliquum (40%) had repellent properties that lasted 6 hours and 40 minutes respectively while that of, Tabard (35% diethyltoluamide) positive control, lasted for 4 hours when applied against nymphal stages of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. In the contact bio-assay, undiluted used engine oil, T. minuta oil (50%), Ektoban® (Cymiazol 17.5% and cypermethrin 2.5%) and Jeyes fluid (76.8%) caused higher tick mortality of more than 86%. Other materials (A. ferox, Lantana camara and Tagetes minuta) had no repellence and acaricidal properties. In the in vivo study, Jeyes fluid at a concentration of 76.8% and used engine oil displayed efficacy of 71 and 76.4% respectively which was similar to that of the positive control Ektoban® at 97.8% tick load reduction. Among plant materials L. camara at 40% concentrations had an efficacy of 57% while A. ferox, P. obliquum and T. minuta were not effective at all. The remedies used by resource-limited farmers to control ticks vary in efficacy. Their ability to reduce tick load on cattle appears to be promising and a welcome development as their use could probably reduce tick burdens in cattle with less expenditure. However, further investigations need to be done before they are recommended for use. Despite being effective some of the materials have potential toxic effects in animals and also cause environmental contamination and I recommend used engine oil, Jeyes fluid and L. camara for further testing as they showed some efficacy compared to other remedies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Time budgets, blood urea content, total protein and body condition scores as adaptive responses to seasonal dynamics by breeding Nguni cows and heifers reared on a sweetveld
- Authors: Mapfumo, Lizwell
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Nguni cattle -- South Africa , Cattle -- Feed utilization efficiency -- South Africa , Beef -- Quality -- South Africa , Slaughtering and slaughter-houses -- South Africa , Cattle -- Breeding -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11826 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015738 , Nguni cattle -- South Africa , Cattle -- Feed utilization efficiency -- South Africa , Beef -- Quality -- South Africa , Slaughtering and slaughter-houses -- South Africa , Cattle -- Breeding -- South Africa
- Description: The objective of this study was to determine time budgets, blood urea content, total protein and body condition score as adaptive responses to seasonal dynamics by breeding Nguni cows and heifers reared on a sweetveld. Twenty four clinically healthy Nguni cows and heifers were selected for the study. The animals were grouped according to their parities namely: Parity 1 (n=5), Parity 2 (n=5), Parity 3-6 (old cows) (n=9) and in-calf heifers (n=5). Two separate experiments were conducted and running concurrently. In the first experiment time budgets (time spent walking, grazing, lying down, drinking water and browsing) of the cows and heifers were monitored for two consecutive days once a month, while in the second experiment blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vein once a month during weighing. Body condition scores were also determined during weighing times. Heifers maintained significantly (p0.05) of both blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (7.5±0.39 mmol/l) and TP (80.7±1.19 g/l) in November. All the animals had the least BUN levels in January (1.93±0.18 mmol/l) while the highest total protein (TP) (82.1±1.08 g/l) was recorded in February. All the animals showed distinct (p0.05) in most behavioural attributes in the cool-wet season. Heifers spent significantly (p0.05) body condition scores, amount of time spent browsing and drinking water. On the other hand, heifers (14.7±1.50%) and first parity cows (13.9±1.50%) traded-off most (p<0,05) of their time walking during the cool-dry season. Similarly heifers spent more time browsing (6.4±0.62%) forage plants (p<0.05) than all the cows during the cool-wet season. Grazing (r = 0.17) and standing (r = -0.18) were correlated (p<0.05) with all the behavioural attributes measured in this environment. It was concluded that seasonal dynamics in trade-off behaviour through time budgeting, maintenance of BUN and TP were necessary for the Nguni cows and heifers to maintain their body condition scores within a narrow range throughout the four seasons.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mapfumo, Lizwell
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Nguni cattle -- South Africa , Cattle -- Feed utilization efficiency -- South Africa , Beef -- Quality -- South Africa , Slaughtering and slaughter-houses -- South Africa , Cattle -- Breeding -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11826 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015738 , Nguni cattle -- South Africa , Cattle -- Feed utilization efficiency -- South Africa , Beef -- Quality -- South Africa , Slaughtering and slaughter-houses -- South Africa , Cattle -- Breeding -- South Africa
- Description: The objective of this study was to determine time budgets, blood urea content, total protein and body condition score as adaptive responses to seasonal dynamics by breeding Nguni cows and heifers reared on a sweetveld. Twenty four clinically healthy Nguni cows and heifers were selected for the study. The animals were grouped according to their parities namely: Parity 1 (n=5), Parity 2 (n=5), Parity 3-6 (old cows) (n=9) and in-calf heifers (n=5). Two separate experiments were conducted and running concurrently. In the first experiment time budgets (time spent walking, grazing, lying down, drinking water and browsing) of the cows and heifers were monitored for two consecutive days once a month, while in the second experiment blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vein once a month during weighing. Body condition scores were also determined during weighing times. Heifers maintained significantly (p0.05) of both blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (7.5±0.39 mmol/l) and TP (80.7±1.19 g/l) in November. All the animals had the least BUN levels in January (1.93±0.18 mmol/l) while the highest total protein (TP) (82.1±1.08 g/l) was recorded in February. All the animals showed distinct (p0.05) in most behavioural attributes in the cool-wet season. Heifers spent significantly (p0.05) body condition scores, amount of time spent browsing and drinking water. On the other hand, heifers (14.7±1.50%) and first parity cows (13.9±1.50%) traded-off most (p<0,05) of their time walking during the cool-dry season. Similarly heifers spent more time browsing (6.4±0.62%) forage plants (p<0.05) than all the cows during the cool-wet season. Grazing (r = 0.17) and standing (r = -0.18) were correlated (p<0.05) with all the behavioural attributes measured in this environment. It was concluded that seasonal dynamics in trade-off behaviour through time budgeting, maintenance of BUN and TP were necessary for the Nguni cows and heifers to maintain their body condition scores within a narrow range throughout the four seasons.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Effect of grazing systems on growth performance, carcass characteristic, meat quality of beef cattle and economic performance of the enterprise
- Authors: Dayimani, Siyavuya
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Grazing -- Environmental aspects Meat -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17294 , vital:40873
- Description: Under conditions of adaptive Holistic Management™, we tested whether rotational grazing approaches such as holistic planned grazing (HPG) and four-camp grazing (FCG) influence growth, carcass and meat quality attributes of beef steers compared to continuous, seasonlong (SLG) grazing. Thirty steers (250 ±19.56 kg, 16-17-month-old) were randomly assigned to SLG, HPG and FCG systems (10 steers/ treatment) at a private farm in Cedarville, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa where grazing was managed using an adaptive approach involving inter alia planned grazing charts, seasonal movement of cattle, and supplemental feeding. The steers were slaughtered at 40-41 months for carcass measurements and longissimus et lumborum was sampled for meat quality analyses. All the grazing systems had comparable live weights and average daily gain. All the investigated carcass attributes were also similar across grazing treatments (P > 0.05). Meat from steers on the SLG system had higher (P<0.05) drip loss, protein and fat contents and lower (P <0.05) shear force, moisture and ash contents than the two rotational grazing approaches (HPG and FCG). The HPG had higher (P < 0.05) total running and capital costs compared to SLG and FCG grazing systems. The SLG system had greater (P ≤ 0.05) gross and net income compared to FCG and HPG systems, respectively. Overall, all the grazing systems had comparable growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality but rotational grazing systems had lower gross income relative to the SLG grazing system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Dayimani, Siyavuya
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Grazing -- Environmental aspects Meat -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17294 , vital:40873
- Description: Under conditions of adaptive Holistic Management™, we tested whether rotational grazing approaches such as holistic planned grazing (HPG) and four-camp grazing (FCG) influence growth, carcass and meat quality attributes of beef steers compared to continuous, seasonlong (SLG) grazing. Thirty steers (250 ±19.56 kg, 16-17-month-old) were randomly assigned to SLG, HPG and FCG systems (10 steers/ treatment) at a private farm in Cedarville, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa where grazing was managed using an adaptive approach involving inter alia planned grazing charts, seasonal movement of cattle, and supplemental feeding. The steers were slaughtered at 40-41 months for carcass measurements and longissimus et lumborum was sampled for meat quality analyses. All the grazing systems had comparable live weights and average daily gain. All the investigated carcass attributes were also similar across grazing treatments (P > 0.05). Meat from steers on the SLG system had higher (P<0.05) drip loss, protein and fat contents and lower (P <0.05) shear force, moisture and ash contents than the two rotational grazing approaches (HPG and FCG). The HPG had higher (P < 0.05) total running and capital costs compared to SLG and FCG grazing systems. The SLG system had greater (P ≤ 0.05) gross and net income compared to FCG and HPG systems, respectively. Overall, all the grazing systems had comparable growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality but rotational grazing systems had lower gross income relative to the SLG grazing system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019