Biology Method: MBI 412
- Authors: Kganedi, A R , Luthuli, N C
- Date: 2011-06
- Language: English
- Type: Examination paper
- Identifier: vital:17799 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1010350
- Description: Biology Method: MBI 412, degree examination June 2011.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2011-06
Biology: BIO 121
- Authors: Fasi, N , Do Linh San, Emmanuel
- Date: 2011-01
- Language: English
- Type: Examination paper
- Identifier: vital:17796 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1010336
- Description: Biology: BIO 121, Supplementary examination January 2011.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2011-01
Biology: BIO 121/BIO 121F
- Authors: Fasi, N , Do Linh San, Emmanuel
- Date: 2011-01
- Language: English
- Type: Examination paper
- Identifier: vital:17795 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1010335
- Description: Biology: BIO 121/BIO 121F, supplementary examination January 2011.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2011-01
Botany: BOT 506
- Authors: Afolayan, A J , Magwa, M , Grierson, D S , Mayekiso, B , Buwa, L , Gama, P
- Date: 2009-11
- Language: English
- Type: Examination paper
- Identifier: vital:17746 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1010232
- Description: Botany Honours (General Paper): BOT 506, degree examination November 2009.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2009-11
Bruising in slaughter cattle: its relationship with creatine kinase (CK) levels and meat quality
- Authors: Mpakama, Thandiswa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Beef quality , Creatine kinase , Cattle -- Transportation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11821 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006850 , Beef quality , Creatine kinase , Cattle -- Transportation
- Description: The objective of the study was to determine the effects of pre-slaughter conditions and anima-l related factors on bruising, creatine kinase (CK) and beef quality. Three hundred and twenty one cattle from three breeds (108 Bonsmara, 130 Beefmaster and 83 Brahman) were used in this study. The animals were grouped according to age categories as follows; Group 1(16months), Group 2 (18months) and Group 3 (24 months). Blood samples for CK determination were collected at exsanguisation using disposable vacutainer tubes. The Muscularis longisimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle was used to determine beef colour (L,* a* and b*) and ultimate pH. Significant P (<0.05) breed effects were observed on bruising score and CK levels with Bonsmara breed having the highest percentage (80 percent) of bruising score and higher CK (705.3±80.57) values. The higher CK levels were also in winter season. The effect of breed, sex and age at slaughter on meat quality (pHu, L*, a*, b*) was also observed. There were positive correlations between distance travelled and meat quality, while there was no relationship observed between CK and distance travelled. Therefore, it was concluded that animal related factors had an effect on meat quality and CK levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Building a semantic web-based e-health component for a multipurpose communication centre
- Authors: Hlungulu, Bulumko
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internet in medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Telecommunication in medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Health -- Computer network resources
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11380 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/374 , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internet in medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Telecommunication in medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Health -- Computer network resources
- Description: Rural communities have limited access to health information which is made available on the internet. This is due to poor infrastructure (i.e., lack of clinics or Internet access) and that gives them problems in accessing information within the domain of health. The availability of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in a rural community can provide the community with a number of beneficial solutions to their problems as they maximize the potential of knowledge sharing and delivery. This research seeks to make use of ICTs deployed in the community of Dwesa, in order to contribute to improving the health standards of the community. It seeks to accomplish this by carrying out an investigation and literature review with the aim of understanding health knowledge sharing dynamics in the context of marginalized communities. The knowledge acquired will then be used in the development and implementation of a semantic web-based e-Health portal as part of the Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL) project. This portal will share and deliver western medical knowledge, traditional knowledge and indigenous knowledge. This research seeks to make use of a combination of Free and/or Open Sources Software in developing the portal to make it affordable to the community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Business Economics: BCH 323
- Authors: Bradley, G , Mabinya, L , Pletsche, B I
- Date: 2012-01
- Language: English
- Type: Examination paper
- Identifier: vital:17856 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1010484
- Description: Business Economics: BCH 323, Supplementary examination January/February 2012.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2012-01
Business Statistics: STD 121
- Authors: Odeyemi, A , Tyler, J
- Date: 2010-11
- Language: English
- Type: Examination paper
- Identifier: vital:11976 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1010341
- Description: Business Statistics: STD 121, degree exmaination November 2010.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2010-11
Calculus for Variations: MAP 515
- Authors: Dukuza, K , Lubczonok, G L
- Date: 2011-05
- Language: English
- Type: Examination paper
- Identifier: vital:17597 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1009971
- Description: Calculus for Variations: MAP 515, degree examination May/June 2011.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2011-05
Cattle manure, scalping and soil wetness effects on some physical properties of a hardsetting soil and associated early maize growth
- Authors: Nciizah, Adornis Dakarai
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Soil formation , Crops and soils , Manures , Soil mechanics , Soil moisture , Soil stabilization , Soil penetration test
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Crop Science)
- Identifier: vital:11861 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/349 , Soil formation , Crops and soils , Manures , Soil mechanics , Soil moisture , Soil stabilization , Soil penetration test
- Description: Most soils in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa are shallow and are low in organic matter. Therefore these soils are structurally fragile and highly susceptible to inherent degradative processes like hardsetting. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of cattle manure, scalping and soil wetness on aggregate stability, penetration resistance and early maize growth in hardsetting soils. Glasshouse and field studies were conducted to determine the effect of cattle manure on aggregate stability and penetration resistance of freshly exposed topsoils by scalping at 0, 10 and 20 cm depths. In the glasshouse cattle manure was applied at 0 and 20 Mg/ha and matric suction was kept at ~ 30 and ~ 400 kPa; contrasting high and low soil wetness. Three soils were put in pots and arranged in a randomized complete block 3 2 2 factorial design. The field study was done at the University of Fort Hare research farm and the treatments were arranged in a split-plot complete randomized design with three replications. Scalping treatment was the main plot whilst the quantity of the cattle manure applied was the sub plot. Cattle manure increased mean weight diameter (MWD) by between 48% and 71% under glasshouse and between 18% and 33% under field conditions, depending on the soil wetting rate. Cattle manure reduced MWD when the soil under field condition was subjected to mechanical shaking. Soil penetration resistance decreased linearly, with increasing soil wetness but it rapidly increased with increase in matric suction up to ~200 kPa and thereafter the rate of increase reduced. In the glasshouse, all treatments had no significant effects on shoot dry weight but low matric suction increased root dry weight by 133%. Interaction of cattle manure and low matric suction reduced shoot length by 6%, shoot fresh weight by 25%, root surface area by 36%, root length by 5% and root fresh weight by 29% compared to the control. In contrast, application of cattle manure and high matric suction increased shoot length by 37%, shoot fresh weight by 136%, root surface area by 159%, root length by 94% and root fresh weight by 119%. In the field, cattle manure application increased root length density and shoot dry matter by 26% and 30% respectively. Cattle manure improved the stability of aggregates of the hardsetting soil under rapid or slow water intake conditions experienced during rainfall or irrigation. However, under field conditions cattle manure acted as a deflocculant and decreased the stability of aggregates when mechanical stress was applied. The effectiveness of cattle manure in improving maize growth in hardsetting soils was determined by matric suction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
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
Characterisation of the production and consumption of milk in the communal livestock production sector of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Kumbirai, Kaguru Tinashe
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Milk consumption -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Dairy farming -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/3066 , vital:28251
- Description: The study was conducted in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa with the objective of characterising milk production and consumption among the communal households. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data through a single visit survey between June 2014 and May 2015. The study was undertaken in five randomly selected communal districts using a multi – stage area probability sampling method. Household sample size was calculated using a statistical methodology through a fixed formula based on a rural population size of 4410000, at a confidence level of 95 percent. A total of 500 households were selected with a sample size of 20 households in 5 communities within five different communal districts within the province. Half of the total sample size was used to represent the number of non-milk producing households (250) to get a true reflection on consumption profiles for nonproducers. Across the province the average communal family size was between 5-10 members with a monthly income of ZAR1340 per household. On average, pasture land size of the sampled households was 1 ha, with a range of 0.25-1.7 ha. The numbers of animals per species found in the studied province was highest for sheep (310) followed by cattle (227) and goat (87). Average livestock holding per household in the study area was 9.85 TLU (Tropical Livestock Unit). According to the respondents the predominant milking livestock numbers were between 1-3 animals milking per household. In the studied area traditional hand milking of livestock was the major milking practices at 12 percent in goats, 15 percent in sheep and 45 percent in cattle milk production. Consumption was the predominant reason for milk production recorded at 27 percent across the province. Milk production was 43 percent most preferred in cattle followed by 32 percent in goat and least at 29 percent in sheep across the province. In general, from the study it was noted that the majority (38 percent) of the respondents across the province indicated 0-5mins as the time it took to milk most milk producing livestock. The majority of the milking practices was done (37 percent) predominantly once a day, followed by 2 percent twice daily across the province. The daily milk production was on average (0.45±1.07) 2-5 litre in cattle, (4.86±0.814) 0-1litre in goats and (2.62±0.42) 0-1 litre sheep per producing house hold with in the province The monthly raw milk consumption in the province was (2.20± 1.42) 2-5 litres of cattle milk, (4.78±0.79) 2-5 litres of goat milk and (4.98±0.69) 2-5 litres of sheep milk per consuming household.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Characterization and computer simulation of corn stover/coal blends for co-gasification in a downdraft gasifier
- Authors: Mabizela, Polycarp Sbusiso
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Physics)
- Identifier: vital:11600 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1020203
- Description: The need for sustainable alternative energy technology is becoming more urgent as the demand for clean energy environment increases. For centuries, electricity in South Africa has been derived mostly from coal with results growing in multifold annually due to concerns about the impact of fossil fuel utilization related to emission of greenhouse gasses. It is practically impossible at the moment to replace coal with biomass resources because of the low energy value of biomass. However, the conversion of coal has experienced some challenges especially during its gasification which includes, but are not limited to a high reaction temperature exceeding 900°C which most gasifiers cannot achieve, and if achieved in most cases, combustion of the resulting syngas usually occur, leading to low conversion efficiency and the risk of reaching extremely high temperatures that may result in pressure build up and explosion may also occur. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the possibility of co-gasifying corn stover with coal with the ultimate aim establishing the best mixing ratio that would result in optimum co-gasification efficiency after computer simulation. Proximate and ultimate analysis, including energy values of corn stover and coal as well as their blends were undertaken and results showed significant differences between the two feedstocks and narrow range composition betwee their blends in terms of properties and energy value. Corn stover showed a higher fraction of volatile matter and lower ash content than coal, whereas those of their blends vary considerably in terms of physical properties. Differences in chemical composition also showed higher fraction of hydrogen and oxygen, and less carbon than coal while those of their blends vary according to the ratio of corn stover to coal and vice versa in the blends. The thermal stability of corn stover and coal as well as their blends were also established and the maximum temperature reached for thermal degradation of their blends was 900°C as depicted by TGA analysis. The SEM results revealed no changes in morphology of the pure samples of corn stover and coal which was due to the fact that a pre-treatment of the samples were not undertaken, whereas the blends showed significant changes in morphology as a result of blending. However, luminous and non-luminous features were noticed in both SEM images of the blends with the 10% coal/90% corn stover blend having higher percentages of luminosity as a result of higher quantities of coal in the blend. The energy density of the samples were also measured and found to be 16.1 MJ/kg and 22.8 MJ/kg for corn stover and coal respectively. Those of their blends varied from 16.9 to approximately 23.5 MJ/kg. These results were used to conduct computer simulation of the co-gasification process in order to establish the best blend that would result in maximum co-gasification efficiency. The blend 90% corn stover/10% coal was found to be the most suitable blend for co-gasification resulting in an efficiency of approximately 58% because its conversion was efficiently achieved at a temperature that is intermediate to that of coal and biomass independently. The simulation results were, however, compared with experimental data found in the literature and results showed only slight variation between them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Characterization of some virulence and antibiotic resistance genes of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from cases of Bovine Mastitis in Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, RSA
- Authors: Pekana, Abongile
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11293 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021133
- Description: Staphylococcus aureus is one of the predominant causative agents of mastitis disease in dairy herds. Mastitis disease has a negative impact in the economic losses in the dairy sector across the globe. The aim of this study is to detect some of the virulence genes in the S. aureus isolated from 400 milk samples of subclinical and clinical mastitis dairy cows in Fort Hare dairy farm and Middle Drift dairy farm in Alice in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. In addition antibiotic resistance pattern and antibiotic resistance genes were investigated. Gram-staining, oxidase test, catalase test and API Staph kit were preliminary biochemical tests used for the identification of S. aureus isolates. The MALDI-TOF-MS was also used for further identification. Polymerase chain reaction was performed of genes encoding antibiotic resistance as well as clumping (clfA), coagulase (coa) gene, toxic shock syndrome (tsst), exfoliative toxin A and B (eta and etb), and the gene segment encoding the immunoglobulin G binding region and X region of protein gene spa. A total of 20 (5%) S. aureus strains obtained from 400 milk samples from the two farms were subjected to 16 antibiotics for antibiotic susceptibility testing. In Middle Drift dairy farm 11 (5.5%) isolates were obtained from 200 samples and 9 (4.5%) isolates were obtained in Fort Hare dairy farm from 200 samples. A large percent of the isolates were resistant to penicillin G (60%), followed by trimethoprim (60%) and tetracycline (60%), trimethoprim-sulfamethaxazole (55%), telithroprim (55%) and doxycycline (45%). Most of the isolates were sensitive to several (50-85%) antibiotics. Of the twenty isolates tested 12 samples contained the penicillin antibiotic resistance gene (blaZ gene), 8 samples contained at least one aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme gene (AME gene); the (aac(6’)/aph(2’’) gene and no amplification occurred for aph(3’)-IIIa and ant(4’)-Ia) genes. In the case of the tetracycline antibiotic resistance gene (tetK and tetM), 2 samples contained tetM and a single sample contained tetK gene. No amplification was observed for the erythromycin antibiotic resistance genes (ermA, ermB, ermC, Mef and msrA). All the samples tested were negative for the expression of toxic syndrome gene (tsst), etb, and Immunoglobulin G binding region. However, amplification of the clumping factor was observed in 7 (35%) isolates of S. aureus, exfoliative toxin (eta) expressed 4(20%) isolates; coagulase gene (coa) yielded six DNA bands of six differences sizes from 16 (80%) isolates. A total of four different bands size were expressed for the spa X region from 12 (60%) isolates. The data obtained in this study suggests that poor hygienic practices and inadequate management practices are responsible for the increase in Staphylococcus aureus isolation. The high resistance of S. aureus to antibiotics and the distribution of virulence genes contribute in bovine mastitis in these farms may cause health problems in the community consuming raw milk purchased from these farms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in selected recreational marine waters and beach sand in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Ankabi, Olufemi Emmanuel
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Marine microbiology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Staphylococcus aureus infections -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Pathogenic microorganisms
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4992 , vital:28915
- Description: Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium predominantly found on human skin and in nasal passages with 20 to 40 percent of the population carrying this organism. Although S. aureus is an unspectacular, non-motile coccoid bacterium, it is a perilous human pathogen associated with both nosocomial and community-acquired infections and it is increasingly becoming virulent and resistant to most antibiotics. It is responsible for several infections such as osteomyelitis, toxin-mediated diseases and bacteraemia, with severe infections arising from strains harbouring antibiotic resistance genes together with virulence genes. S. aureus has been largely confined to hospitals and long-term care facilities, but it is now emerging in the community in places such as recreational beach waters, and occurring in healthy individuals with no associated risk factors. This organism has been reported to be released by swimmers in beaches, suggesting that recreational waters are a potential source of community-acquired S. aureus infections. It is possibly the pathogen of greatest concern due to its intrinsic virulence, its capacity to cause various life-threatening infections, and its ability to adapt to varying environmental conditions. This study was aimed at characterizing S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in Port Elizabeth, Port Alfred, Kenton-on-sea and East London beaches of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. This was done by investigating the occurrence, antibiotic susceptibilities, antibiotic-resistant genes and virulence genes profiles of S. aureus in the selected beaches. To achieve this aim, 249 beach sand and water samples were obtained from the beaches during the period of April 2015 to April 2016. Physico-chemical parameters of beach water was investigated on site using a multi-parameter ion specific meter during sample collection. Samples were filtered and inoculated on m-Endo agar, m-FC agar and bile aesculin azide agar for total and faecal coliform as well as Enterococci respectively. For isolation of S. aureus and MRSA, samples were cultured on Mannitol salt agar and Staph 24 agar. S. aureus was identified using morphological, Gram staining and molecular (PCR) methods. The isolates were further characterized by determining their antimicrobial resistance profiles, antibiotic resistant genes (mecA, rpoB, blaZ, ermB and tetK genes) and detection of virulent genes encoding intracellular adhesion (icaA), enterotoxin (seaA) and cytolytic toxins (PVL). The majority of study sites passed the directives of physico-chemical standards levels set by WHO during the study period. A total of 143 presumptive isolates were obtained of which 30 (30 percent) were confirmed as S. aureus with 22 (73.3 percent) of these confirmed isolates from marine water and 8 (26.7 percent) from marine sand. Upon culturing on MRSA 2 agar, 15 (50 percent) of isolates showed phonotypic resistance to methicillin. Based on Antimicrobial susceptibility tests, (22/30) 73.3 percent of the isolates showed phonotypic resistance to oxacillin. Out of the 30 isolates, 16 (53.3 percent) were mecA positive and were considered methicillin-resistant S. aureus. S. aureus showed high susceptibility to gentamycin, cefoxithin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, imipenem, and chloramphenicol. A large proportion (36.67 percent to 96.7 percent) of the S. aureus isolates was resistant to penicillin G, ampicillin, oxacillin, tetracycline, clindamycin, rifampicin, vancomycin, sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim and erythromycin. Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) phenotypes were generated from 7 S. aureus isolates showing resistance to three or more antibiotics. The mecA, rpoB, blaZ, ermB and tetM genes coding for methicillin, rifampicin, βeta-lactam, erythromycin and tetracycline antibiotics resistance was detected in 5 (22.7 percent), 11 (45.8 percent), 16 (55.2 percent), 15 (71.4 percent) and 8 (72.7 percent) respectively. The PVL, icaA and seaA genes coding for virulent determinants were detected in 50, 20 and 13.3 percent of the confirmed isolates respectively. Physico-chemical and faecal indicator bacteria results obtained from this study can assist municipal authorities in developing appropriate management strategies for beaches in the study area. The findings of this study showed that the investigated beaches were contaminated with toxigenic and multi-drug resistant S. aureus strains. This emphasizes the need for the implementation of better control measures to reduce the occurrence of antibiotic resistant S. aureus and of virulent S. aureus strains in recreational waters. In our study it was established that the potential of recreational waters to be reservoirs of S. aureus should not be taken for granted, and it is important that beach goers be educated about this organism as well as other related pathogens that could affect human health, especially immuno-compromised individuals. The community should be educated on antibiotic stewardship and the detrimental effects of antibiotics abuse.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Characterization of village chicken health and management practices in the Amatola Basin of the Eastern Cape Province of South Afrrica
- Authors: Nyoni, Njongenhle Mhlanhlandlela Bernard
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Chickens -- Diseases , Chickens -- Health , Chickens -- Parasites , Chickens -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11804 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/561 , Chickens -- Diseases , Chickens -- Health , Chickens -- Parasites , Chickens -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Characterization of village chicken phealth and management practices in the Amatola Basin of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa By Njongenhle M. B. NYONI The majority of rural households in South Africa own village chickens which contribute significantly to their livelihoods. However, limited research has been conducted to characterize, understand and develop village chicken production in South Africa. This hinders the designing and implementation of village chicken-based developmental programmes that will benefit farmers in rural areas. Thus, it is imperative to initiate studies to describe village chicken production. This study was conducted to characterize village chicken production in Amatola Basin of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Baseline information was gathered using a questionnaire survey of 81 identified from 7 out of 13 villages using snowball sampling technique. Consequently, 20 households were selected to participate in a monitoring study (from July 2010 to June 2011) through purposive sampling. Most (60%) chicken flocks were owned by women and mainly raised to meet household food requirements. Some (28.4%) farmers occasionally sold cocks and hens to neighbours, at an average price of R50 (USD7.55) per bird, as a way of culling their flocks and generating income. However, village chickens were mainly kept for food security rather than for their terminal benefit of cash. Although, all chicken flocks were produced under the scavenging feeding system, most (96%) flocks were provided with supplementary feed and drinking water. A majority (93.8%) of households also provided some form of shelter for their chickens. The mean cock to hen to chick ratio was 1:5:15. On average, iii each household owned 17 (±2 S.E.M.) chickens, and hens had 3.3 clutches per annum. Chicks hatched and chickens received as gifts represented the flock entries, while exits included mortality, consumption, sales and gifts or donations, in that order. Generally, both exits and entries were more pronounced in the summer season than in other seasons. Most (81.5%) farmers experienced chicken losses due to predation and health related problems. Parasitism ranked high amongst the village chicken health challenges. During monitoring, the endoprasites identified included nematodes, cestodes and protozoa. Coccidia were the most prevalent endoparasites. The chickens were also infested with a variety of ectoparasites namely: mites, lice, fleas and ticks. The sticktight flea Echidnophaga gallinacean was the most prevalent species. Although ectoparasite infestations were most pronounced in summer, almost all chickens harbored one or more of these parasites throughout the study period. The prevalence and intensity of parasite infestations were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the summer season compared to the other seasons. This was followed by the autumn, spring and winter seasons, respectively. The majority (77.5%) of farmers resorted to alternative remedies, mostly medicinal plants, for treating diseases and controlling parasites. Medicinal plants were used because they were locally available, cheap and perceived to be effective. Therefore, village chicken production in the rural Eastern Cape Province is characterised by several challenges which counter the significant role chickens play in the livelihood of rural households.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Chemical Analysis of Soils, Plant & Waters: AGS 423
- Authors: Katwire, D M , Le Roux, P A L
- Date: 2010-01
- Language: English
- Type: Examination paper
- Identifier: vital:17717 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1010125
- Description: Chemical Analysis of Soils, Plant & Waters: AGS 423, supplementary examination January 2010.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2010-01
Chemical constituents and biological studies of Tagetes minuta L. and Rauvolfia caffra Sond
- Authors: Mlala, Sithenkosi
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Organic Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11358 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021325
- Description: Consequently, specific parts or the whole plant can be used for various treatments. The aim of this study was to extract, isolate and characterize the biologically active volatile and non-volatile compounds from Tagetes minuta and Rauvolfia caffra respectively. Tagetes minuta plant was considered for extraction of essential oils using hydrodistillation method. Cis-β-ocimene (38.03%), caryophyllene oxide (18.04%), alloocimene (25.35 %), isopropyl tetradecanoate (17.02 %), cis-ocimene (38.14%) and trans-β-ocimene (37.03%) were the major components of essential oil analyzed from fresh stem, dried stem, fresh leaf, dried leaf, fresh flower and dried flower respectively. The volatile compounds were identified by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Gas Chromatography (GC). Essential oil of dried stem leaf and flower parts of T. minuta exhibit antioxidant activity as demonstrated by the DPPH and FRAP bioassays. Crude extracts were extracted from R. caffra stem bark using sequence of solvents namely n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol and ethanol. A white powder, a β-sitosterol (non-volatile compound) was isolated by column chromatography from ethyl acetate fractions of R. caffra stem bark and identified on various spectroscopic techniques such as FTIR and (1D and 2D) NMR. Melting point was also determined to be a sharp 129-130 ºC. DCM, EA, MetOH and EtOH fractions as well as β-Sitosterol (compound SM/01), showed antioxidant activity when tested on DPPH, FRAP, total phenolic and flavonoid bioassays. This antioxidant activity might be due to the presence of hydroxyl groups in the compound and crude fractions. On the other hand, T. minuta’s essential oil showed high antioxidant activity when evaluated on the DPPH and FRAP bioassays, which can be attributed to the presence of oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes known to act as free radical scavenging and reducing agents. The use of R. caffra stem bark extracts against hypertension and other diseases by traditional healers could be attributed to the presence of phytochemicals (polyphenols and flavonoids) with known health benefits. Thus, it is recommended that the plant should be exploited further using modern techniques involving separation and purification of compounds that can be used for drug formulation. This study supports the use of T. minuta and R. caffra as the potential natural antioxidant source to manage various diseases including hypertension.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Chemical Technology 1: PAC 225
- Authors: Zulu, N H , Ajibade, P A
- Date: 2012-01
- Language: English
- Type: Examination paper
- Identifier: vital:17820 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1010373
- Description: Chemical Technology 1: PAC 225,supplementary examination January 2012.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2012-01
Chemical transformations and phytochemical studies of bioactive components from extracts of Rosmarinus officinalis L
- Authors: Okoh, Omobola Oluranti
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Essences and essential oils , Rosmarinus , Lamiaceae , Solution (Chemistry) , Extractive distillation , Medicinal plants , Bioactive compounds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11331 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/354 , Essences and essential oils , Rosmarinus , Lamiaceae , Solution (Chemistry) , Extractive distillation , Medicinal plants , Bioactive compounds
- Description: Variations in the yield, chemical composition, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties of the essential oils of Rosmarinus officinalis L. cultivated in Alice, Eastern Cape of South Africa over a period of 12 months using the solvent-free microwave extraction and traditional hydrodistillation methods were evaluated. The GC-MS analyses of the essential oils revealed the presence of 33 compounds with 1,8-cineole, a-pinene, camphor, verbenone, bornyl acetate and camphene constituting about 80 percent of the oils throughout the period of investigation, with the solvent-free microwave extraction method generally yielding more of the major components than the hydrodistillation method. Each of the major components of the oils varied in quantity and quality of yield at different periods of the year. The method of extraction and time of harvest are of importance to the quantity and quality of essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis. Higher amounts of oxygenated monoterpenes such as borneol, camphor, terpene- 4-ol, linalool, a-terpeneol were present in the oil of SFME in comparison with HD. However, HD oil contained more monoterpene hydrocarbons such as a-pinene, camphene, β-pinene, myrcene, a-phellanderene, 1,8-cineole, trans- β-ocimene, γ-teprinene, and cis-sabinene hydrate than SFME extracted oil. Accumulation of monoterpene alcohols and ketones was observed during maturation process of Rosmarinus leaves. Quantitative evaluation of antibacterial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration values were determined using a serial microplate dilution method. The essential oils obtained using both methods of extraction were active against all the bacteria tested at a concentration of 10 mg mL-1. The minimum inhibitory concentrations for the SFME extracted oils ranged between 0.23 and 1.88 mg mL-1, while those of the HD extracted oils varied between 0.94 and 7.5 mg mL-1, thus suggesting that the oil obtained by solvent free microwave extraction was more active against bacteria than the oil obtained through hydrodistillation. The antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of the obtained oils were tested by means of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH+) assay and β- carotene bleaching test. In the DPPH+ assay, while the free radical scavenging activity of the oil obtained by SFME method showed percentage inhibitions of between 48.8 percent and 67 percent, the HD derived oil showed inhibitions of between 52.2 percent and 65.30 percent at concentrations of 0.33, 0.50 and 1.0 mg mL-1, respectively. In the β-carotene bleaching assay, the percentage inhibition increased with increasing concentration of both oils with a higher antioxidant activity of the oil obtained through the SFME than the HD method. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was used to analyze the chemical composition of the extracts using three eluent solvent systems of varying polarities i. e. CEF, BEA and EMW and sprayed with vanillin-sulfuric acid. The chemical composition of the different extracts was similar with the exception of methanol and water extracts which had only one or two visible compounds after treating with vanillin-spray reagent. To evaluate the number of antibacterial compounds present in the fractions, bioautography was used against two most important nosocomial microorganisms. S. aureus (Gram positive) and E. coli (Gram negative). Nearly all the crude serial extraction fractions contained compounds that inhibited the growth of E. coli. The hexane extract had the most lines of inhibition followed by ethyl acetate. Bioassay-guided fractionation against E. coli was used to isolate antibacterial compounds. The largest number of antibacterial compounds occurred in the hexane fraction. Furthermore we tried to complete the characterization by extracting and studying other biologically important plant metabolites such as phenolic compounds to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of Rosmarinus extracts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010