https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Index ${session.getAttribute("locale")} 5 https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35372 Wed 12 May 2021 23:37:50 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:34262 0.05) conception rate following oestrous synchronisation and timed artificial insemination. However, conception rate was not independent (P < 0.05) of provinces, body condition score and body frame size. Cows in KwaZulu-Natal (66 percent) had significantly higher (P < 0.05) conception rates than those in Limpopo (44 percent) and Mpumalanga (60 percent). Cows of body condition score of ≥ 3.5 (72 percent) had a significantly higher (P < 0.05) conception rate than those of body condition score of ≤ 2.5 (66 percent) and 3 (48 percent). Large (82 percent) framed cows had a significantly higher (P < 0.05) conception rate than small (49 percent) and medium (55 percent) framed cows. Cows in Mpumalanga had more chances to conceive than those of Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal with odds ratio of 0.605 and 0.863, respectively. Cows in KwaZulu-Natal were in much better body conditions than those from the other two provinces. Cows of body condition score of ≥ 3.5 had more chances to conceive than those of body condition score of ≤ 2.5 and 3 with odds ratio of 0.592 and 0.388, respectively, and the difference was significant (P < 0.05). The study recorded a 100 percent calf survival rate following synchronisation and timed artificial insemination. The breed type, parity, age frame size and lactation status did not significantly influence calving response following oestrous synchronisation and timed artificial insemination (P > 0.05). However, calving rate was not independent of provinces, districts and body condition score (P < 0.05). Calving rate in Mpumalanga (58 percent) and KwaZulu-Natal (54 percent) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that recorded in Limpopo Province (36 percent). Calving rate of Gert Sibande (61 percent) and Ehlanzeni (50 percent) districts in Mpumalanga and Zululand (50 percent) and Harry Gwala (61 percent) in KwaZulu-Natal was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of the Capricorn (32 percent), Mopani (23 percent and Waterberg (30 percent) in Limpopo Province with the exception of Vhembe (44 percent). Cows with body condition score of ≤ 2.5 (60 percent) had a significantly higher (P < 0.05) calving rate than those with a body condition score of 3 (43 percent). Cows in Mpumalanga had more chances to calve than those in Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal with odds ratio of 0.076 and 0.537, respectively. Additionally, quantitative data was collected through in-depth interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data collected was managed and coded into themes using the Nvivo Version 11 software programme. Themes and issues that emerged were analysed and interpreted using critical social thinking and systems thinking. The results of the study revealed many factors that could compromise the implementation and adoption of ARTs in the study areas. The general feeling amongst cattle farmers interviewed was that government should address these challenges. A shortage of bulls was the main cause of the low cattle reproduction rate. The Nguni breed type cattle was perceived as the ideal cattle breed for rural areas by respondents. Oestrous synchronisation and artificial insemination can be applied under communal and emerging farming systems with success. From the study results, breeding with small framed animals such as the Nguni type breed under communal and emerging farming systems makes a lot of sense because the breed is known for its low feed maintenance requirement. Furthermore, cattle stakeholders should co-operate and work together to address many of the constraints facing cattle productivity and the implementation and adoption of ARTs in rural areas.]]> Wed 12 May 2021 23:37:40 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39102 Wed 12 May 2021 22:58:12 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39437 Wed 12 May 2021 20:13:12 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35478 Wed 12 May 2021 19:51:06 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:34303 Wed 12 May 2021 19:45:50 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:29482 Wed 12 May 2021 19:34:33 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:34818 Wed 12 May 2021 19:13:45 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35761 Wed 12 May 2021 19:09:29 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:34823 Wed 12 May 2021 19:07:45 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35346 Wed 12 May 2021 18:50:44 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35356 Wed 12 May 2021 18:49:32 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35550 Wed 12 May 2021 18:40:19 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35611 0.05) in biomass yield in all three HVUs. However, scattered bushland 761.5 kg/ha and dense bushland 735.8 kg/ha had higher biomass yield when compared to open grassland 688.5 kg/ha. Bush encroachment was observed in dense bushland as the woody plant density 4487.5 trees/ha and tree equivalents 3451.3 trees/ha were significantly (P<0.05) higher than the recommended threshold standards of 2400 trees/ha and 2500 TE/ha. Scattered bushland had tree density of 1900 trees/ha and tree-equivalents of 1534.3 TE/ha. Soil macro and micro nutrients differed significantly between the different HVUs. The levels of Na, Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn differed significantly (p<0.05) between HVUs, increasing from open grassland to dense bushland. Organic carbon concentrations were higher under tree canopies in dense bushland. However, the levels of phosphorus and potassium were higher in open grassland than in the wooded areas. Soil pH in scattered bushland (5.3) and dense bushland (5.18) were significantly higher (p<0.05) than in open grassland (4.89). This study shows complications in management policies governing the Tukulu communal area. There is a need to merge both scientific and indigenous ecological knowledge to ensure the desired outcomes, as this could indeed offer some great insights for communal areas. Therefore, a rangeland rehabilitation programme should be implemented at Tukulu communal rangeland, which will address the issue of bush encroachment and implement a rotational grazing system by fencing camps that will be based on acceptable stocking rates.]]> Wed 12 May 2021 18:38:46 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:29498 Wed 12 May 2021 18:11:57 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39103 Wed 12 May 2021 17:57:08 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35905 Wed 12 May 2021 17:46:13 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35363 Wed 12 May 2021 17:38:35 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35760 Wed 12 May 2021 17:34:41 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:29528 Wed 12 May 2021 17:17:47 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39432 Wed 12 May 2021 16:42:42 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:34272 Wed 12 May 2021 16:28:14 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35733 Wed 12 May 2021 16:27:54 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35757 Wed 12 May 2021 16:11:25 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35752 Wed 12 May 2021 16:03:13 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35360 Wed 12 May 2021 15:58:40 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:34320 Wed 12 May 2021 15:48:53 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41295 Wed 12 May 2021 15:09:32 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40024 Wed 12 May 2021 15:09:01 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40506 Wed 12 May 2021 15:06:30 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40034 Wed 12 May 2021 14:55:19 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39996 Wed 12 May 2021 14:44:59 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40026 Wed 12 May 2021 14:40:24 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39997 Wed 12 May 2021 14:39:56 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40014 Wed 12 May 2021 14:37:56 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41197 pan-frying in olive oil > grilled samples > boiling for best cooked product based on overall acceptability. Grilling and frying heart muscles resulted in the highest Ca (45.9 mg/kg) and Mg (98.9 mg/kg), whereas boiling led to the lowest Ca (41.1 mg/kg) and Mg (91.4 mg/kg) concentration. The highest concentrations of Fe and Zn these minerals were recorded in grilled (32.7 mg/kg) and fried samples (75.2 mg/kg). Zinc and Fe concentration observed in liver and heart muscles were higher than those found in breast and leg muscle. In conclusion, the results confirm the potential of MOLP for use as an alternative to antibiotics in maintaining broiler health, reducing mortalities and improving carcass characteristics and some meat quality traits.]]> Wed 12 May 2021 14:33:22 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40003 Wed 12 May 2021 14:26:40 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41363 Wed 12 May 2021 14:25:59 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40969 Wed 12 May 2021 14:23:05 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40016 Wed 12 May 2021 14:09:56 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39999 Wed 12 May 2021 14:09:06 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40366 Wed 12 May 2021 14:08:04 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39385 Thu 13 May 2021 15:40:17 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35358 Thu 13 May 2021 11:05:42 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39122 Thu 13 May 2021 08:55:22 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:29515 Thu 13 May 2021 06:56:13 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35400 Thu 13 May 2021 06:41:37 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35484 Thu 13 May 2021 06:26:25 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39100 0.05) between the three land management systems. Woody plant density of height classes were significantly different (P < 0.05) between three land management systems. The abundance of seedlings, saplings and young shrubs were significantly greater (P < 0.05) in the ranch than the game reserve and communal area. The mature trees had a significantly greater density (P < 0.05) in the game reserve than the ranch and communal area. Soil analysis results showed that Magnesium (Mg), Potassium (K), Manganese (Mn) and Copper (Cu) had similar (P > 0.05) concentrations in soils obtained from all land management systems in both seasons. Soil Calcium (Ca) levels showed differences between land management systems in winter only being greater (P < 0.001) in the game reserve than the ranch and the communal lands. Soil Phosphorus (P) and Iron (Fe) also showed variations between land management systems in winter being significantly greater (P < 0.001) in the ranch than the other land management systems. The concentration of soil K differed between the two seasons in soils collected from the ranch and the communal lands, being greater (P < 0.001) in winter than summer seasons. Soil Zinc (Zn) also showed differences between land management systems in summer being greater (P < 0.001) in the game reserve than in the ranch and communal land. Seasonal variations were observed in soil P level of samples collected from the ranch being greater (P < 0.001) in winter than summer season. The concentration of soil Zn was higher (P < 0.001) in the soil collected from the game reserve and the ranch in summer than winter season. Woody forage analysis results showed that browse samples harvested from the ranch had greater (P < 0.001) Nitrogen (N) level than the other land management systems in both seasons. The browse samples harvested from the game reserve had greater (P < 0.001) Ca level than the other land management systems in winter season only. The level of P showed variations (P < 0.05) between land management systems in samples harvested during winter only being greater (P < 0.001) in samples from the ranch than the other land management systems. Similarly, browse harvested during winter showed significant differences (P < 0.05) in K levels being lowest in samples collected from game reserves, where the Ca level was greatest. Browse samples collected from the communal land and the ranch had the lowest Mg levels in summer and winter seasons, respectively. In all management systems, browse harvested during summer had greater (P < 0.001) N and P levels than those harvested in winter, and the reverse holds true for K and Ca levels. Browse samples harvested during winter had greater (P < 0.001) Mn levels in samples from the communal area and game reserve than the ranch, but in summer, the game reserve had higher Mn level than the other two sites. Browse samples harvested during winter only showed differences (P < 0.05) in Cu and Zn levels being greatest (P < 0.001) in samples collected from ranch and game reserves. In all management systems, browse samples harvested during winter had greater (P < 0.001) Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu (except for the game reserve and communal land) levels than those harvested in summer. Herbaceous analysis results showed that samples harvested in summer from the game reserve and ranch had greater (P < 0.001) TOC levels than the communal area, but in winter, samples from the game reserve and ranch had similar TOC levels, except for communal areas that had no herbaceous vegetation. Herbaceous samples harvested in winter from the ranch had greater (P < 0.001) TN levels than the game reserve, and that made the C:N ratio higher (P < 0.001) in the game reserve. Woody foliar samples harvested in winter from the game reserve and communal lands had greater (P < 0.001) TOC than the ranch. Values on C:N ratio showed that in winter, the communal and ranch had greater (P < 0.001) C:N than the game reserve, but in summer, the ranch had higher (P < 0.001) C:N than the game reserve and communal area. The vegetation TOC (kg ha-1) showed the order of the game reserve > ranch > communal area and the trend was similar in both seasons. In summer, the game reserve had the greatest (P < 0.001) TN (kg ha-1) followed by the ranch and the lowest in the communal area, but in winter the game reserve and ranch had similar and higher (P < 0.001) TN (kg ha-1) than the communal areas. In summer, both the game reserve and ranch recorded greater (P < 0.001) herbaceous δ13C and lowest δ15N than the communal area, but in winter, the game reserve had higher (P < 0.001) δ13C than the ranch, though both the game reserve and ranch had similar (P > 0.001) δ15N values. In summer, both the communal and ranch had slightly higher (P < 0.001) woody foliar δ13C than the game reserve, but in winter the ranch had greater (P < 0.001) δ13C than game reserve and communal areas. Woody foliar samples harvested from the ranch showed variations (P < 0.05) in δ15N between seasons being higher (P < 0.001) in summer than winter. The TOC was greatest in summer, in soils collected from the game reserve followed by the ranch and least in the communal land, but in winter, the lowest TOC was recorded in soils collected from the ranch. The soil C:N ratio varied between land management systems in soils collected during summer only being greater (P < 0.001) in the game and ranch than the communal area. The soil TOC (kg ha-1) and TN (kg ha-1) did not show (P > 0.05) differences between land management systems. Soil δ13C level was remarkably (P < 0.05) affected by land management systems, but did not interact with seasons. In both seasons, the communal land had slightly higher (P < 0.001) δ13C level than the other two land management systems. In both seasons, δ15N levels showed great differences (P < 0.001) between land management systems, with highest soil δ15N levels observed in the communal area than the ranch and game reserve. Results on social survey showed that the majority of the interviewed households in Omaandi (63percent), Oshitutuma (53percent) and Epukunoyana (50percent) were female headed families and the remaining were male headed. The mean population of goats and cattle were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Omaandi and Epukunoyana than in Oshitutuma village, respectively. In this study, household respondents in all villages indicated that all livestock species were primarily kept for wealth status and provision of meat for consumption. Respondents in all villages also indicated that lack of grazing lands and shortage of feed were the primary constraints of livestock production followed by water scarcity and recurring droughts. Elder respondents in all villages perceived overgrazing and climate change as the primary cause of rangeland degradation. Elder interviewees in Omaandi and Oshitutuma villages regarded low grass cover and dominance of poor quality grass (Epukunoyana only) as the primary vegetation indicators of rangeland degradation. The animal related indicators such as stunted animal body as a result of mineral deficiency, high livestock mortality, emaciated body and animals traveling long distance for grazing and water (Oshitutuma only) were regarded in all villages as the primary livestock related indicators of rangeland degradation. Elders from Epukunoyana village ranked low rainfall, high soil and atmospheric temperatures as the primary climate related indicators of rangeland degradation, although in Omaandi and Oshitutuma, high soil and atmospheric temperatures were considered as the primary climate related indicators of rangeland degradation. Based on the findings, this study concludes that land management systems had great influences on the distribution and production of herbaceous and woody vegetation in summer and winter seasons. This study also observed that land management systems interacted strongly with season to influence most vegetation and soil variables. Lastly, based on the study findings, the study concludes that all three communal rangelands are degraded and degradation led to a gradual declining trend in the livestock population over the past 10 to 20 years in the communal areas as a result of feed shortage.]]> Thu 13 May 2021 06:09:07 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35376 Thu 13 May 2021 05:52:42 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35146 Thu 13 May 2021 05:52:33 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35383 Thu 13 May 2021 05:42:54 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:34813 Thu 13 May 2021 05:24:20 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35364 Thu 13 May 2021 05:22:05 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39881 Thu 13 May 2021 04:38:15 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:34317 Thu 13 May 2021 04:14:56 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35442 Thu 13 May 2021 04:11:49 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35396 Thu 13 May 2021 03:07:46 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:34269 Thu 13 May 2021 02:40:39 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:34309 Thu 13 May 2021 02:00:02 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:29485 Thu 13 May 2021 01:06:55 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:29507 Thu 13 May 2021 00:22:19 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39081 Thu 13 May 2021 00:01:51 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:43171 Mon 14 Jun 2021 09:34:29 SAST ]]>