Thesis (MPhil (Animal Sciences))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / Rickets is described as a disease that affects young growing poultry. Poorly mineralized bones with thickened and irregular growth plates characterize it. The onset of rickets is characterized by a failure of mineralization of cartilage and bone. Other symptoms of rickets include reluctance to movement in affected birds. These birds will sit on their hocks and if startled they use their wings for balance. On necropsy, bones are soft and fragile and they have thickened growth plates. In this study 30% of the chicks aged between 7 and 8 days from a broiler flock, started showing splay leg problems. Affected chicks were unable to support their weight on their legs, some showing paralysis. The bones were soft and rubbery. To try and identify the possible cause, bones from the affected chicks were analyzed for calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) to determine the Ca:P ratio. Blood serum was also analyzed for the mineral content. Ca and P were the main focus of the tests as the problem was suspected to be rickets. The feed was analyzed for protein, Ca and P. The bone analysis showed a Ca:P ratio of less than 2:1, while results of the blood serum showed an inverse Ca: P ratio. The analysis results of the feed as well as the bones showed an imbalance in the Ca:P ratio which according to literature and research done is a possible cause for rickets. These findings combined with the symptoms displayed by the affected birds, lead to the suggestion that the problem in this study was rickets.

Thesis (MPhil (Animal Sciences))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Over the last few decades various authors have reported the influence of day old chick quality on integrated broiler industries. Although various methods of determining chick quality have been reported, defining a good or a first grade day old chick can be problematic as it involves many subjective measurements. Incubation temperature (embryo temperature) is probably the biggest, most influential factor during incubation on chick quality. High temperatures cause the most damage. It leads to poor growth, stress, black buttons, threads, weak chicks, chicks with poorly erupted down that are bleached in appearance, low hatchability, late embryonic death and early broiler mortality. This trial was designed to test whether 37.2, 37.4 or 37.5ºC was the optimum incubation temperature for hatching Hybro G+ chicks with superior quality. The parameters that were measured were the chick length, bodyweight, and the yolk residue of the day old chicks of the flocks set at different setter temperatures. After hatching, 1 440 chicks (480 chicks per temperature treatment) were placed at a broiler facility where the daily mortalities, weekly bodyweight gain and feed conversion were recorded and calculated. The age of the breeder flock had a significant effect on all three parameters measured in the incubation trial with p values of <0.001, <0.001 and 0.005 respectively. There were no significant differences in chick quality parameters due to different incubation temperatures. The age x temperature interaction could be attributed to the large influence of the age of the breeder on egg size and consequently chick parameters. The results could be related to the fact that bigger eggs from older breeder flocks have higher initial egg mass, which will result in heavier embryos and thus converted to a larger day old chick. The performance trial performed after the incubation trial showed no significant effect of the incubation temperature on 7-day and daily mortalities, weekly bodyweight gain and feed conversion efficiency to 42 days of life. The lack of effects observed in these trials could be attributed to the small range of temperatures used in addition to the difficulties brought about the use of multi-stage incubators.

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Different substances were evaluated and compared to an antibiotic, in terms of their effect on nitrogen - and amino acid digestibilities. Two digestibility trials and one performance trial were conducted. Trials one and two apparent nitrogen (AND)- and amino acid (AAD) digestibilities were determined from digesta collected at the terminal ileum (ileal digestibility method). In Trial 3 the substances were evaluated in terms of their potential to improve production performance. Broilers were fed a maizesoya based diet throughout the three trails. In the first trial, garlic and a commercial prebiotic (Bio-Mos®), were tested and compared in terms of AND and AAD, to an antibiotic (doxycyclin, Doxyvete-SOS). A starter and finisher diet were fed as either mash or pellets. The garlic was included at 8g/kg, 13g/kg and 18g/kg to the starter and finisher diets. Bio-Mos® was added at 1g/kg, 2g/kg and 3g/kg to the starter diet, and 0.5g/kg, 1g/kg and 1.5g/kg to the finisher diet. The doxycyclin was added at 0.3 g/kg. None of the treatments had any beneficial effects in terms of AND. Feeding a pellet seem to have some negative effects in terms of AND. In general most of the treatments did not show any improvement in AAD at any determination period (day 21, 28 or 35). At day 21 and day 35, the mash diet supplemented with 18g/kg garlic had a negative effect on AAD, when compared to the negative and positive control. It doesn’t seem that feeding either a mash or a pellet had an influence on the effects exerted by the different treatments. In the second trial the influence of Bio-Mos®, a blend of organic acids, probiotics and electrolytes (Acid-Pak 4-way®) and a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) were evaluated and compared in terms of AAD and AND, to the effect of an antibiotic, doxycyclin. The starter and finisher diets were fed as a mash. Bio-Mos® was included at 1g/kg, 2g/kg, and 3g/kg in the starter diet, and at 0.5g/kg, 1g/kg, 1.5g/kg in the finisher diet, respectively. Acid-Pak 4-way® was included at 0.4g/kg, 1g/kg and 1.6g/kg for both the starter and finisher diets. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) were allocated at 3g/kg, 3.6g/kg, 4.2g/kg for the starter diet, and 2.1g/kg, 2.7g/kg and 3.4g/kg for the finisher diet. An antibiotic, doxycyclin, was included at 0.3 g/kg. With AND, no treatment had any significant effect for the entire experimental period. At day 21, the treatment supplemented with MCT (3.4g/kg) had the most significant beneficial effect on AAD, when compared to the negative- and positive controls, as it increased AAD for the majority of the amino acids. The treatment with Acid-Pak 4-way® (1g/kg) had the most significant negative effect on AAD when compared to the positive control. At day 28, the treatments with Bio-Mos® (0.5g/kg and 1.5g/kg) and Acid-Pak 4-way® (0.4g/kg) had the most significant beneficial effect on AAD when compared to the positive control. It increased AAD for more than half of the 17 amino acids evaluated. The treatment supplemented with MCT (2.7g/kg) has shown the most significant negative effect on AAD, when compared to the positive control. In the third trial the effect of Bio-Mos®, Acid-Pak 4-way® and MCT on production performance was evaluated, and compared to the effects of the presence or absence of doxycyclin. Body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured. The starter and finisher diets were fed as a mash. Bio-Mos®, MCT and Acid-Pak 4-way® were included at 3.0g/kg, 4.2g/kg and 1.6g/kg, respectively in the starter and finisher diets. Birds were weighed (per pen) on arrival and on days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35. Feed intake (FI) per pen was measured at days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35, and mortality was recorded daily. In terms of BWG, Acid-Pak 4-way® had a higher BWG, when compared to the negative control, Bio-Mos® and MCT. It can be concluded that Bio-Mos®, Acid-Pak 4-way®, as well as MCT can be a possible alternatives to antibiotic supplementation. These three treatments did not necessary prove to be more effective than antibiotics, but are definitely competitive alternatives. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Verskillende behandelings is geëvalueer en vergelyk met ‘n antimikrobiese produk, in terme van hul uitwerking op stikstof - en aminosuur verteerbaarhede. Twee verteringstudies en produksieprestasie studie is uitgevoer. In die eerste twee studies is die skynbare stikstof (AND)- en aminosuur (AAD) verteringskoöeffisiënte bepaal deur gebruik te maak van digesta wat by die terminale ileum ingesamel is (ileale verteringsmetode). In die derde studie is die produksie prestasie van braaikuikens op ‘n gebalanseerde metaboliseerbare energie (AME) rantsoen, soos beïnvloed deur die verskillende behandelings, geëvalueer. In die eerste studie is knoffel en ‘n kommersiële prebiotikum (Bio-Mos®) geëvalueer en met ‘n antibiotikum (doksisiklien, Doxyveto-SOS) in terme van AND en AAD vergelyk. Beginner- en afrondingsrantsoene is as ‘n meel of pille gevoer. Die knoffel is teen 8g/kg, 13g/kg en 18g/kg in die rantsoen ingesluit. Bio-Mos® is teen 1g/kg, 2g/kg en 3g/kg in die beginner rantsoen en teen 0.5g/kg, 1g/kg en 1.5g/kg in die afrondingsrantsoen, ingesluit. Die antibiotikum is teen 0.3g/kg in beide rantsoene ingesluit. Geen van die behandelings het enige positiewe invloed op AND gehad nie. Deur ‘n verpilde rantsoen te voer het sekere negatiewe invloed op AND gehad. Oor die algemeen het geen behandelings enige positiewe invloed op AAD gehad nie. Op dag 21 en 35 het die insluiting van knoffel teen 18g/kg in ’n meel rantsoen ’n negatiewe invloed op AAD gehad, wanneer dit met die negatiewe- en positiewe kontroles vergelyk is. Dit blyk nie dat om ‘n pil of meel te voer enige invloed op die invloede van die verskillende behandelings gehad het nie. In die tweede studie is Bio-Mos®, ‘n organiese suur (Acid-Pak 4-way®) en ‘n medium-ketting trigliseried (MCT) geëvalueer en met ‘n antbiotikum, doksisiklien (Doxyveto-SOS) in terme van AND en AAD, vergelyk. Beginner- en afrondingsrantsoene is gevoer as ‘n meel. Bio-Mos® is teen 1g/kg, 2g/kg, and 3g/kg in die beginner rantsoen en teen 0.5g/kg, 1g/kg, 1.5g/kg in die afrondingsrantsoen, ingesluit. Acid-Pak 4-way® is teen 0.4g/kg, 1g/kg en 1.6g/kg vir die beginner –en afrondingsrantsoene ingesluit. Die MCT is teen 3g/kg, 3.6g/kg, 4.2g/kg in die beginner rantsoen en teen 2.1g/kg, 2.7g/kg en 3.4g/kg in die afrondingsrantsoen ingesluit. Die antibiotikum is ingesluit teen 0.3g/kg. Geen behandelings het enige betekenisvolle invloed in terme van AND gehad nie. Op dag 21 het MCT (3.4g/kg), in vergelyking met die negatiewe- en positiewe kontrole, die grootste positiewe invloed op AAD gehad. Acid-Pak 4-way® (1g/kg) het, in vergelyking met die positiewe kontrole, ‘n positiewe invloed gehad op AAD. Op dag 28, het Bio-Mos® (0.5g/kg en 1.5g/kg) en Acid-Pak 4-way® (0.4g/kg) die grootste positiewe invloed op AAD gehad. Die behandeling met MCT (2.7g/kg) het die mees negatiewe invloed op AAD gehad. In die derde studie is die insluiting van Bio-Mos®, Acid-Pak 4-way® en MCT getoets om die invloed op braaikuiken produksie prestasie te evalueer, en te vergelyk met die invloed van die insluiting of afwesigheid van ‘n antibiotikum. Liggaamsmassa (BW), liggaamsmassa toename (BWG), voerinname (FI) en voeromsetverhouding (FCR) is gemeet. Beginner- en afrondings rantsoene is gevoer as ‘n meel. Bio-Mos®, MCT en Acid-Pak 4-way® is onderskeidelik teen 3.0g/kg, 4,2g/kg en 1.6g/kg in die rantsoen ingesluit. Die kuikens is met aankoms (per hok) geweeg, asook op dae 7, 14, 21, 28, 35. Voerinname per hok is gemeet op dae 7, 14, 21, 28 en 35. Mortaliteite is daagliks aangeteken. Die insluiting van Acid-Pak 4-way® het in vergelyking met die negatiewe kontrole, Bio-Mos® en MCT insluiting ‘n hoër BWG tot gevolg gehad. Die gevolgtrekking wat gemaak kan word is dat Bio-Mos®, Acid-Pak 4-way® en MCT gebruik kan word as ‘n moontlike alternatief vir antibiotika insluiting. Hierdie drie behandelings was nie noodwending meer effektief as die antibiotika nie, maar het wel bewys dat dit kompeterende alternatiewe is.

Thesis (MscAgric (Animal Sciences))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / Broiler diets are supplemented with feed phosphates to ensure that adequate available phosphorus is provided in the diet to meet the bird’s requirements. These feed phosphates make a considerable contribution to the total available phosphorus in the diet and small differences in their availability may have significant effects on whether the bird’s requirements are met or not. The variation in availability of phosphorus between feed phosphates belonging to different classes and between feed phosphates of the same generic class is well documented.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: A farm in Zimbabwe (Farm A) obtains its water for tbe poultry operations from tbe Makavusi River that is heavily contaminated with bacteria and performance results are thereby reduced. Anolyte is a Russian invention that claims to have bactericidal effects that could be beneficial to broilers. The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of Anolyte on production profits of broilers given water of poor quality by carrying out a number of trials. Trials that were conducted are basic in vitro tests on Anolyte within the laboratory, water analysis on water supply to the broiler section (both chemical and bacteriological), and a detailed trial within an experimental trial site comparing broiler performance results with different chemical water treatments and different dilutions of Anolyte. Broiler chicks from different hatcheries (Hatchery A and Hatchery B) were also compared. Performance results were based on growtb rate, mortality, feed conversion ratios (FCR), performance efficiency factors (PEF) and profit margin comparisons. Results showed that in tbe laboratory, Anolyte had an antibacterial activity. In the broiler performance trial on Hatchery B broilers, the live weights at forty two days of age in broilers given 15% Anolyte differed from other treatments (P<0.05) other than 10% Anolyte (P > 0.05). However, the FCR and mortalities did not differ (P > 0.05) between treatments. In the trial on Hatchery A broilers to 42 days of age, growth rates in broilers given 15% Anolyte differed from tbe control, Chematron and 20% Anolyte (P < 0.05). However, the FCR and mortalities did not differ between (P>0.05) treatments. In comparing chicks from different hatcheries, Hatchery B broilers differed (P < 0.05) from Hatchery A broilers in live weights at 42 days on 10% Anolyte, 15% Anolyte and on Chematron treatments. However, tbe cumulative mortalities and FCR did not differ (P > 0.05) between the Hatchery B and Hatchery A on any treatment. When comparing profitability, tbe treatment that had the greatest margin in comparison to tbe control (untreated drinking water) was 15% Anolyte for both tbe Hatchery B and Hatchery A trials. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: 'n Plaas in Zimbabwe, (Plaas A) verkry water, vir hul pluimvee bedryf vannuit die Makavusi rivier. Die rivier is swaar besmet met bakterië en as gevolg daarvan verhoed dit dat hulle hul volle opbrengs potential bereik. Anolyte is 'n Russiese uitvindsel wat aanspraak maak daarop dat dit bakteriëdodende effekte besit wat tot die bevordering van slaghoenders kan lei. Die doel van die navorsing is om Anolyte op proef te stel aangaande produksie profyt op slaghoenders waaraan swak kwaliteit water verskaf is. Verskeie toetse is uitgevoer n1. 'n basiese 'in vitro' toets in samewerking met die laboratorium, water ontleding op water wat aan die slaghoender seksies verskaf is (beide chemikalies and bakterieologies) asook 'n intensiewe proefnemeing waarin die verskeie obrengs resultate, van chemikaliese behandelde water en verskillende verdunnings van Anolyte, met mekaar vergely is, in 'n experimetele navorsings eenheid. Slaghoender kuikens van twee verskillende broeihuise (n1. Broeihuis A en Broeihuis B) is ook met mekaar vergelyk. Die resultate is gabasseer op groei tempo, sterftes, voer omsettings verhouding, opbrengs geskikthied faktore asook vergelykings op wins. Laboratorium navorsing het bevestig dat Anolyte wel antibakteriese aktiviteit getoon het. Terwyl in die proefneming op Broeihuis B slaghoenders, het die lewende gewig van hoenders, op 42 dae van ouderdom, waaraan 15% Anolyte verskaf is, verskil van ander behandelings (P<0.05) met die uitsondering van 10% Annolyte (P>0.05). Alhoewel die voer omsetting verhoudings en sterftes nie in die verskillende behandelings verskil het nie. In die proefnemeing op Broeihuis A slaghoenders tot 42 dae van ouderdom, het die ontwikkeling van slaghoenders, waaraan 15% Anolyte verskaf is, verskil van die kontiole, Chematron en 20% Anolyte. Die voer omsettings verhoudings en sterftes het egter geen verskil getoon tussen die verskeie behandelings nie. Resultate van die vergelyking tussen die kuikens uit die twee verskillende broeihuise, het getoon dat die Broeihuis A en Broeihuis B lewensgewigte, op 42 dae van ouderdom, wel met mekaar verskil het met 10% Anolyte, 15% Anolyte sowel as die Chematron behandelings. Daar was egter geen verskil, (P>O.05) tussen die twee tipes aangaande elke tipe se saamgestelde sterftes en die voer omsettings verhoudings, in welke behandeling nie. Die vergelykings op wins het getoon dat die behandeling met die grootste brulo marge, die was van 15% Anolyte in vergelyking met die kontiole (onbehandelde drinkwater) vir beide die Broeihuis A en die Broeihuis B proefnemings.

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Grinding of feedstuffs prior to in sacco incubation results in fine particles that could escape from dacron bags without being degraded. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the removal of these fine particles on protein degradation parameters. The feedstuffs that were used were protein feedstuffs that are commonly used in dairy cattle diets in South Africa. Feedstuffs were soybean oilcake, sunflower oilcake, maize gluten 20, maize gluten 60 and fish meal. Treatments were; 1. grinding through a 2 mm screen with no subsequent sieving, 2. grinding through a 2 mm screen followed by sieving through a 106 μm mesh, and 3. grinding through a 2 mm screen followed by sieving through a 150 μm mesh. In the first trial, the material that was lost through sieving and the chemical composition of the different treatments were determined. Protein solubility was also determined. Between 20 and 60% of the material dry matter was lost with the sieving. The chemical composition for the soybean and sunflower oilcake and maize gluten 60 was similar between the three different treatments (or fractions). The CP content of fish meal and maize gluten 20 differed somewhat between the treatments. The 106 μm mesh seemed to be most suitable for fish meal, but a suitable mesh size could not be found for maize gluten 20. In the second trial, the degradability parameters were determined according to the in sacco degradation procedure. Three lactating Holstein cows that were fitted with rumen cannulae were used. The cows received a commercial lactation diet and oat hay that was supplied ad libitum. Samples of all the protein sources were placed in dacron bags and incubated in the rumen. The following removal times were used: 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 or 48 hours. Dry matter and CP disappearances were determined, and the values were used to estimate DM and CP degradability parameters using a non-linear model. Effective CP degradability was also determined. The a-values were affected most of all. On average, the a-values were 39.4 and 40.3% higher for the un-sieved treatments than for the sieved treatments, for DM and CP, respectively. The effective CP degradability was also, on average, 43% higher for the un-sieved treatments. Grinding without the subsequent sieving of samples appears to result in an overestimation of DM and CP degradation in the rumen. It is therefore recommended that after grinding, feedstuffs should be sieved through at least a 106 μm mesh in preparation for in sacco incubations. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die maal van grondstowwe ter voorbereiding van in sacco inkubasies lei tot ‘n potensiële verlies van klein partikels uit die dakronsakkies sonder dat hulle gedegradeer word. Die doel van hierdie studie was om die invloed van die verwydering van fynmateriaal op proteïen-degradeerbaarheidsparameters te bepaal. Die grondstowwe wat in hierdie studie gebruik is, is proteïengrondstowwe wat algemeen in melkbeesdiëte in Suid-Afrika gebruik word. Die grondstowwe was soja-oliekoek, sonneblom-oliekoek, mielie gluten 20, mielie gluten 60 en vismeel. Behandelings was; 1. maal deur ‘n 2 mm sif sonder verdere sifting, 2. maal deur ‘n 2 mm sif gevolg deur sifting deur ‘n 106 μm sif en 3. maal deur ‘n 2 mm sif gevolg deur sifting deur ‘n 150 μm sif. In die eerste proef is die hoeveelheid materiaal wat verlore gaan as gevolg van sifting van die grondstowwe bepaal en die chemiese samestelling van die verskillende behandelings. Proteïenoplosbaarheid is ook bepaal. Tussen 20 en 60% van die materiaal het verlore gegaan as gevolg van sifting. Die chemiese samestelling van die soja- en sonneblom oliekoek, asook dié van die mielie gluten 60 was soortgelyk vir al drie die behandelings. Die ruproteïeninhoud (RP) van die vismeel en mielie gluten 20 het verskil tussen die drie behandelings. Dit wil voorkom asof die 106 μm sif die mees geskikte is vir vismeel, maar ‘n geskikte sif kon nie vir mielie gluten 20 gevind word nie. In die tweede proef is die degradeerbaarheidsparameters bepaal met behulp van die in sacco-metode. Drie lakterende Holsteinkoeie met rumen kannulas is gebruik. Die koeie het ‘n kommersiële melkbeesdieët ontvang en hawerhooi ad libitum. Die monsters is in dakronsakkies in die rumen geïnkubeer. Die sakkies is na die volgende inkubasietye verwyder: 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 of 48 uur. Die DM- en RP-verdwyning is bereken en die waardes is gebruik om die DM- en RP- degradeerbaarheidsparameters te bereken met behulp van ‘n nie-lineêre model. Effektiewe RP- degradeerbaarheid is ook bereken. Die waardes wat die meeste beïnvloed is, is die a-waardes. Die a-waardes was gemiddeld 39.4 en 40.3% hoër vir die ongesifte behandelings as vir die gesifte behandelings, vir DM en RP, onderskeidelik. Die effektiewe RP-degradeerbaarheid was ook gemiddeld 43% hoër vir die ongesifte behandelings. Dit wil voorkom asof DM- en RP-degradeerbaarheid oorskat word wanneer voermonsters slegs gemaal word. Dit word aanbeveel dat grondstowwe ten minste deur ‘n 106 μm sif gesif word ter voorbereiding vir in sacco-studies.

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2012 / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Ruminal pH is the rumen condition that varies most. Studying the cause and effect of diurnal variation offers a means of improving ruminal conditions for rumen micro-organisms with subsequent improvements in fibre degradation, milk yields and milk composition. A research project was conducted to test the following hypothesis: feeding 6 kg (as is) concentrate per cow/day in different weight ratios, divided in a morning and an afternoon allocation, will result in an improved ruminal pH profile and a concurrent increase in fibre fermentation, milk yield and improved milk composition. The project was conducted at the Outeniqua Research Farm in the Southern Cape of South Africa. A randomized block design was used and two phases, viz. ryegrass phase and a kikuyu phase, were applied. Each phase was conducted during the growing season of the grass specie used as pasture. A rumen study and a production study were done in each phase. The rumen study used six cannulated multiparous cows per treatment, testing rumen pH, volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration, in sacco degradation of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and dry matter (DM). The production study used 42 multiparous cows, blocked according to days in milk (DIM), parity and milk yield, and cows were randomly divided into three treatment groups. The study tested milk yield, milk composition and changes in body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS). Treatments consisted of a maize based concentrate supplement (6 kg per cow/day, as is) being fed to cows on pasture in different weight ratios between morning and afternoon allocation. Treatments used in the production study were: Concentrate fed: 5 kg during morning; 1 kg during afternoon • Concentrate fed: 4 kg during morning; 2 kg during afternoon • Concentrate fed: 3 kg during morning; 3 kg during afternoon The first and the last treatments mentioned above were used in the rumen studies. Results of the rumen study of the ryegrass phase showed no differences in ruminal pH between treatment means. The time (h) spent below the critical ruminal pH, i.e. 5.8, was of short duration (2.92 to 3.42 hours). The concentration of certain VFA’s differed at times, but the differences were not reflected in graphs and data of the ruminal pH. No differences were observed in in sacco NDF and DM degradation between treatment means. Similar results were mostly obtained in the kikuyu phase. No differences were found in either daily maximum, minimum or mean ruminal pH between treatment means. Though time (h) spent below the critical ruminal pH was of a long duration (7.1 hours) it did not differ between treatments. No differences were observed between treatment means for in sacco NDF and DM degradation. Results of the production study of the ryegrass phase showed no differences in milk yield or milk composition between treatment means. The same was observed in the kikuyu phase except that milk fat was higher in the treatment group that received the 3:3 kg ratio treatment. The fact that treatments did not differ in terms of milk yield and milk composition in the production studies can be attributed to no differences between treatments in terms of rumen parameters observed in the rumen studies. Thus, feeding a higher proportion of concentrate in the morning relative to the afternoon for a total of 6 kg per cow/day does not affect ruminal pH, fibre digestion or milk production. Based on the results of both phases it can be concluded that the null hypothesis should be rejected. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die invloed van kragvoer voedingsstrategieë op rumen parameters, melkproduksie en melksamestelling van Jerseykoeie op raaigras- (Lolium multiflorum) of kikoejoe- (Pennisetum clandestinum) weidings. Die invloed van kragvoer voedingsstrategieë op rumen parameters, melkproduksie en melksamestelling van Jerseykoeie op raaigras- (Lolium multiflorum) of kikoejoe- (Pennisetum clandestinum) weidings. Behandelings toegepas in die produksiestudie het bestaan uit ‘n kragvoeraanvulling met ‘n mieliebasis wat aan koeie op weidings gevoer is in verskillende gewigsverhoudings tussen oggend- en middagvoeding, as volg: Behandelings toegepas in die produksiestudie het bestaan uit ‘n kragvoeraanvulling met ‘n mieliebasis wat aan koeie op weidings gevoer is in verskillende gewigsverhoudings tussen oggend- en middagvoeding, as volg:

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Research conducted on beef cattle in Botswana investigated both growth and reproduction. These studies however, did not specifically determine the influence of the different environmental factors on growth in the Tswana and Composite beef cattle breeds. The establishment of a national beef herd recording and performance testing scheme requires knowledge on the appropriate adjustment methods of field data for the fixed effects such as sex of calf and age of dam. A fair comparison of birth and weaning weights between male and female calves, and calves born from young, mature and old dams will be derived from these adjustment factors. There is no information on adjustment factors for the Tswana and Composite cattle breeds in the country. Genetic parameters for growth traits in these breeds are not known and are needed for the implementation of the performance scheme in Botswana. The Composite breed resulted from a controlled crossbreeding programme using the Simmental, Brahman, Tswana, Tuli and the Bonsmara breeds. The Tswana animals are indigenous to the country and were sourced locally at the beginning of the growth evaluation trial in the two breeds. The objectives of the study were to use data collected from Tswana and Composite cattle breeds to estimate the influence of non-genetic factors on growth traits in the two breeds; to develop adjustment factors for the effects of sex of calf and age of dam; and to estimate genetic parameters (heritabilities and genetic correlations) for future genetic evaluations in both breeds. Data were collected over the period 1988 to 2006. A total of 2 257 records for the Composite breed and 5 923 records for the Tswana breed were available for analyses. Growth characteristics of interest in this study were birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), pre-weaning average daily gain (ADG1), 18 months weight (18MW) and post-weaning average daily gain (ADG2). Study 1 indicated that non-genetic effects of breed of calf, sex of calf, month and year of birth, previous parous state, weight of cow at parturition, age of dam, and age of calf at weaning significantly affected BW, WW, 18MW, ADG1 and ADG2 in both breeds. The Composite breed had higher BW, ADG1 and WW whereas the Tswana had higher ADG2 and 18MW. Pre-weaning growth rate increased with an increase in the age of the dam, reaching a peak in mature (5-12 years) cows and declined in cows 13 years and older. Conversely, post-weaning growth rates declined as age of dam advanced but increased in old (13 years and older) dams. Male calves were heavier than female calves for all the growth traits. Birth weight increased as calving season progressed whilst a decrease in WW was observed over the same period. Heifers gave birth to lighter calves when compared to mature multiparous dams. The Composite breed can therefore be considered for weaner production under ranch conditions while the Tswana can be reared under extensive systems due to its adaptability to the environment. Additive correction factors for effects of sex of calf and age of dam on BW and WW were studied separately for the Tswana and Composite in study 2. The least squares means procedure was used to derive age groups and the adjustment factors. The three age groups were young (4 years and below) dams, mature (5-12 years) dams and older (13 years and above) dams. Male calves were heavier than their female counterparts. The sex of calf adjustments for BW and WW were 2.75 and 8.21 kg in the Tswana, and corresponding values for the Composite 2.84 and 10.11 kg, respectively. Birth weight and WW increased as age of dam increased, reached maximum in mature dams and declined in older dams. Age of dam adjustment factors for BW in the 3, 4 and 13+ years age groups for the Tswana were 1.74, 0.96 and 1.87 kg, respectively. The corresponding values for the Composite were 2.28, 0.94 and 2.06 kg, respectively. Age of dam adjustment factors for weaning weight in the Tswana were 10.36 and 5.46 kg for age groups 3-4 and 13+ years, respectively. Adjustment factors for WW in the Composite were 13.84, 3.20 and 9.58 kg for age groups 3, 4 and 13+ years. The differences in adjustment factors obtained between the two breeds emphasize the need to compute and apply these factors within breed. Study 3 involved the estimation of genetic parameters for BW, WW, ADG1, 18MW and ADG2. Single-trait and multi-trait analyses were used in the estimation of (co)variance components by fitting an individual animal model (AM) and the animal maternal model (AMM) for the two breeds. Direct heritabilities for BW, WW, ADG1, 18MW and ADG2 in the Tswana were 0.45, 0.32, 0.37, 0.31 and 0.31, respectively from a single-trait AM analysis. Fitting the AMM resulted in direct heritabilities of 0.31, 0.20 and 0.16 for BW, WW and ADG1, respectively, while the maternal heritabilities were 0.11, 0.15 and 0.21, respectively. For the Composite the direct heritabilities for BW, WW and ADG1 were 0.58, 0.32 and 0.30, respectively with single-trait AM. Partitioning using the AMM resulted in the direct heritabilities for BW, WW and ADG1 of 0.55, 0.17 and 0.14, respectively, while corresponding maternal effects were 0.09, 0.15 and 0.15, respectively. The genetic correlations between direct and maternal effects were positive and ranged from 0.20 to 0.89. When using the multi-trait analysis and fitting the AM, the direct heritabilities for the Tswana were 0.45, 0.37, 0.34, 0.39 and 0.31 for BW, WW, ADG1, 18MW and ADG2, respectively. Genetic correlations between the growth traits ranged from 0.16 to 0.97. Direct (and maternal) heritabilities for BW, WW and ADG1 were 0.31(0.11), 0.19(0.15) and 0.14(0.17), respectively, in the Tswana. Correlations between direct heritabilities for BW, WW and ADG1 ranged from 0.45 to 0.95, while maternal effects ranged from 0.12 to 0.99. The magnitude of the heritabilities indicates an existence of the opportunity to make genetic progress through selection in both breeds. Selection based on WW seems to be the ideal procedure to bring genetic improvement in the Tswana without detrimental long term effects. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Navorsing wat op die vleisbeesrasse in Botswana gedoen is, het hoofsaaklik op beide groei en reproduksie gehandel. Hierdie studies het egter nie spesifieke gefokus op die bepaling van die invloed wat verskillende omgewingsfaktore op die groei van saamgestelde (d.i. Composite) en die Tswana vleisbeesrasse het nie. Die bepaling van ʼn nasionale vleisbees rekordhouding- en prestasietoetsskema verg kennis van die mees gepaste metode om velddata vir vaste effekte soos geslag van die kalf en ouderdom van die moeder aan te pas. Hierdie aanpassingsmetodes sal lei tot die regverdige vergelyking van geboorte- en speengewigte tussen manlike en vroulike diere, sowel as van kalwers gebore van jong, volwasse of ou moeders. Tans is daar geen inligting oor aanpassingfaktore vir die Tswana en saamgestelde vleisbeesrasse in Botswana bekend nie. Geen genetiese parameters vir groei-eienskappe vir geeneen van die rasse is beskikbaar nie en word benodig vir die implementering van die prestasie skema in Botswana. Die saamgestelde ras is die produk van ʼn beheerde kruisteeltprogram, wat onderskeidelik die Simmental, Brahman, Tswana, Tuli en die Bonsmara beesrasse ingesluit het. Die Tswana ras is inheems aan Botswana en vanaf plaaslike bronne vir die groei evaluasie studie bekom. Die doelwitte van die studie was eerstens die analisering van data wat van beide die Tswana en saamgestelde rasse ingesamel is, om die invloed van nie-genetiese faktore op die groei eienskappe te bepaal om ten einde aanpassingsfaktore vir die effek van geslag van die kalf en ouderdom van die moederdier te ontwikkel. ʼn Tweede doelwit was die bepaling van genetiese parameters (oorerflikhede en genetiese korrelasies) vir die gebruik in toekomstige genetiese evaluering van beide rasse. Data is vanaf 1988 tot 2006 ingesamel. ʼn Totaal van 2 257 waarnemings vir die saamgestelde ras en 5 923 waarnemings vir die Tswana ras is ontleed. Groei eienskappe wat in die studie ondersoek is, het geboortegewig (BW), speengewig (WW), voorspeen gemiddelde daaglikse toename (ADG1), 18-maand gewig (18MW) en naspeense gemiddelde daaglikse toename (ADG2) ingesluit. Studie een het aangedui dat nie-genetiese effekte van die ras van die kalf, die geslag van die kalf, maand en jaar van geboorte, vorige dragtigheidsstatus, koei se gewig met geboorte van kalf, ouderdom van die moederdier en die speenouderdom van die kalf het ʼn betekenisvolle invloed op BW, WW, 18MW, ADG1 en ADG2 van beide rasse gehad. Die saamgestelde ras het hoër waardes vir BW, ADG1 en WW gehad, terwyl die Tswana ras hoër waardes vir ADG2 en 18MW geopenbaar het. Voorspeense groeitempo het toegeneem met ʼn toename in die ouderdom van die moederdier, met ʼn piek in volwasse (d.i. 5-12 jaar ouderdom) moeders en ʼn afname in koeie 13 jaar en ouer. Omgekeerd het naspeen groeitempo afgeneem met ʼn toename in die ouderdom van die moederdier en weer begin toeneem vir ou (d.i. 13 jaar en ouer) koeie. Geboortegewig het toegeneem met die verloop van die kalfseisoen, terwyl ʼn afname in WW vir dieselfde periode aangeteken is. Verse het, wanneer hulle met volwasse koeie vergelyk is, het geboorte aan ligter kalwers gegee. Die saamgestelde ras kan dus oorweeg word vir die produksie van speenkalwers onder kommersiële intensiewe toestande, terwyl die Tswana ras, op grond van sy beter aanpassing by ekstensiewe omstandighede waar die moederlike invloed nie voorkom nie, vir produksie onder ekstensiewe omstandighede gebruik kan word. In studie 2 is die additiewe korreksie faktore vir die invloed van geslag van die kalf en moederouderdom op BW en WW apart vir die twee rasse bestudeer. Die geslag van die kalf x ouderdom van die moederdier interaksie was nie betekenisvol vir enige van die rasse nie. Dus kan geen aanpassing vir die ouderdom van die moeder binne geslagte vir enige van die twee rasse gemaak word nie. Die kleinste kwadraat gemiddeldes metode is gebruik om die ouderdomsgroepe en aanpassingsfaktore te bepaal. Die drie ouderdomsgroepe was jong (d.i. 4 jaar en jonger) koeie, volwasse (d.i. 5-12 jaar ouderdom) en ouer (d.i. 13 jaar en ouer) koeie. Daar is gevind dat manlike kalwers swaarders as hulle vroulike eweknieë is. Die aanpassingswaarde vir die geslag van die kalf vir BW en WW was 2.75 kg en 8.21 kg in die Tswana en 2.84 kg en 10.11kg vir die saamgestelde ras. Geboortegewig en WW het toegeneem met ʼn toename in die ouderdom van die moeder. Dit het ʼn maksimum bereik in volwasse koeie en afgeneem vir koeie ouer as 13 jaar. Die aanpassingsfaktore vir die ouderdom van die moederdier vir BW in die 3, 4 and 13+ jarige ouderdomsgroepe vir die Tswana ras was onderskeidelik 1.74 kg, 0.96 kg en 1.87 kg. Die ooreenstemmende waardes vir die saamgestelde ras was onderskeidelik 2.28 kg, 0.94 kg en 2.06 kg. Aanpassingsfaktore vir WW vir die Tswana ras was 10.36 kg en 5.46 kg vir onderskeidelik die 3-4 jaar en 13+ jaar en ouer ouderdomsgroepe. Aanpassingsfaktore vir WW in die Composite ras was 13.84 kg, 3.20 kg en 9.58 kg vir onderskeidelik die 3 jaar, 4 jaar en 13 jaar en ouer ouderdomsgroepe. Verskille in die onderskeie parameters vir die twee rasse beklemtoon die noodsaaklikheid vir die berekening en toepassing van die onderskeie aanpassingfaktore vir en binne elke ras. Studie 3 het die bepaling van die genetiese parameters vir BW, WW, ADG1, 18MW en ADG2 behels. Enkel- en multivariaat analises is gebruik vir die skatting van die (ko)variansie komponente deur ʼn direkte diermodel (AM) en ʼn dier-maternale model (AMM) vir die twee rasse te pas. Direkte oorerflikhede vir BW, WW, ADG1, 18MW en ADG2 vir die Tswana ras was onderskeidelik 0.45, 0.32, 0.37, 0.31 en 0.31, vir ʼn enkelvariaat AM analise. Die pas van ʼn AMM het direkte oorerflikhede van 0.31, 0.20 en 0.16 vir onderskeidelik BW, WW and ADG1 gegee, terwyl die maternale oorerflikhede onderskeidelik 0.11, 0.15 en 0.21 was. Vir die saamgestelde ras was die direkte oorerflikhede vir BW, WW en ADG1 onderskeidelik 0.58, 0.32 en 0.30 vir die enkelvariaat AM analise. Verdeling (partisie) van die AMM het direkte oorerflikhede vir BW, WW en ADG1 van onderskeidelik 0.55, 0.17 en 0.14 gegee, terwyl die ooreenstemmende maternale effekte onderskeidelik 0.09, 0.15 en 0.15 was. Die genetiese korrelasies tussen die drekte en maternale effekte was positief en tussen 0.20 en 0.89. Met die multivariaat analise en die pas van die AM, is direkte oorerflikhede van 0.45, 0.37, 0.34, 0.39 en 0.31 vir onderskeidelik BW, WW, ADG1, 18MW en ADG2, vir die Tswana ras bereken. Genetiese korrelasies tussen die groei eienskappe het gewissel tussen 0.16 tot 0.97. Direkte (en maternale) oorerflikhede vir BW, WW en ADG1 was onderskeidelik 0.31(0.11), 0.19(0.15) en 0.14(0.17), vir die Tswana ras. Korrelasies tussen die direkte oorerflikhede vir BW, WW en ADG1 het gewissel tussen 0.45 en 0.95, terwyl die maternale effekte tussen 0.12 en 0.99 gewissel het. Die grootte van die oorerflikhede dui op die moontlikheid van genetiese vordering wat deur seleksie in beide rasse gemaak kan word. Seleksie op grond van WW blyk die mees gepaste wyse te wees waarmee genetiese vordering binne die Tswana ras gemaak kan word, sonder enige langtermyn nadelige effekte.

Thesis (MscAgric (Animal Sciences))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / The extrusion and dehulling of sweet blue lupins (Lupinus angustifolius, cultivar Wonga) and the expansion of full-fat canola seed were evaluated in terms of their effect on the nitrogen corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) value and broiler performance.

Thesis (MScAgric (Animal Sciences))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The effect of Acid Buf and combinations of Acid Buf and Sodium bicarbonate in dairy cow diets on production response and rumen parameters The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Acid Buf alone, or in combination with sodium bicarbonate, on milk production, milk composition and selected rumen parameters. A high concentrate TMR, formulated to be potentially acidotic, was used to construct four dietary treatments in which Acid Buf (AB), the skeletal remains of the seaweed Lithothamnium calcareum, was used alone or in combination with sodium bicarbonate (BC). The diets contained 3.5 g/kg of AB (Treatment 1) or 1.75 g/kg of AB and 1.75 g/kg of BC (Treatment 2) or 3.5 g/kg of AB and 3.5 g/kg of BC (Treatment 3) or 3.5 g/kg of AB and 5.2 g/kg of BC (Treatment 4). The response to treatment was determined using eight ruminally cannulated lactating Holstein cows randomly allocated to treatments according to a 4 x 4 (n=2) Latin square design, with four treatments and four periods. The total experimental period was 100 days in which every cow received each diet for a period of 18 days prior to a data collection period of 7 days. Rumen pH was monitored continuously over 2 days using a portable data logging system and in-dwelling electrodes. Samples of rumen fluid were collected for volatile fatty acid (VFA) analyses. During each data collection period, milk production was recorded twice daily for 7 days, whereas milk was sampled twice daily for five consecutive days for component analysis. Cows were fed ad libitum and dry matter intake was recorded individually. Treatment had no significant effect on milk production, milk composition or feed intake. Ruminal pH profiles of all the treatments indicated that the diets were well buffered. Average pH over 24 hours was 6.0, 6.1, 6.1 and 6.2 for Treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. The pH did not go below 5.8 for any of the treatments and increasing levels of sodium bicarbonate increased the diurnal profile such that at the highest level (Treatment 4), the pH profile ranged from 6.1 to 6.5. Although not significant, Treatment 1 (Acid Buf alone) numerically resulted in the highest milk output without compromising milk quality. It is proposed that high rumen pH may impact negatively on milk output by increasing the acetate:propionate ratio to the detriment of rumen efficiency. Treatment had no significant effect on total VFA concentration, but there seemed to be a tendency for increased total VFA concentration as the level of sodium bicarbonate increased. The acetate:propionate ratio of Treatment 1 (2.91) was significantly lower than Treatment 4 (3.65) (P<0.05). The use of buffers which react to increasing acidity in the rumen may therefore provide an efficient, safe solution to rumen acidosis. This study confirmed previous results indicating that a daily intake of 80 g of Acid Buf by cows receiving high concentrate diets would support high milk production without compromising milk solids contents. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die effek van Acid Buf en kombinasies van Acid Buf en Natriumbikarbonaat in melkkoeidiëte op melkproduksie, melksamestelling en rumenparameters Die doel van die studie was om die invloed van Acid Buf alleen, of in kombinasie met natriumbikarbonaat, in melkbeesdiëte op melkproduksie en melksamestelling, asook op bepaalde rumenparameters, te bepaal. ‘n Volledige dieet met ‘n hoë kragvoerinhoud, wat geformuleer is om potensieel asidoties te wees, is gebruik om vier dieetbehandelings saam te stel waarin Acid Buf (AB), die skeletoorblyfsels van die seegras Lithothamnium calcareum, alleen of in kombinasie met natriumbikarbonaat (BK) gebruik is. Een basale diet is dus geformuleer en die behandelingsdiëte het onderskeidelik 3.5 g/kg AB (Behandeling 1) of 1.75 g/kg AB en 1.75 g/kg BK (Behandeling 2) of 3.5 g/kg AB en 3.5 g/kg BK (Behandeling 3) of 3.5 g/kg AB en 5.2 g/kg BK (Behandeling 4) bevat. Agt rumen-gekannuleerde lakterende Holsteinkoeie is ewekansig aan die behandelings toegeken in ‘n 4 x 4 (n=2) Latynse vierkantontwerp met vier behandelings en vier periodes. Die totale eksperimentele periode was 100 dae, waartydens elke koei elke behandeling vir 18 dae ontvang het voor die datakolleksieperiode van 7 dae. Rumen pH is voortdurend, elke vier minute, oor ‘n twee-dae periode gemeet met behulp van draagbare dataloggers en pH elektrodes wat binne-in die rumen gesetel was. Rumenvloeistof is versamel vir die bepaling van vlugtige vetsuurkonsentrasies. Gedurende elk van die datakolleksieperiodes is die melkproduksie twee maal per dag geneem vir sewe agtereenvolgende dae en melkmonsters is tweemaal per dag versamel vir vyf agtereenvolgende dae vir komponent–analise (samestelling?). Koeie is ad libitum gevoer en voerinnames is individueel bepaal. Die behandelings het geen betekenisvolle invloed op melkproduksie, melksamestelling of voerinnames gehad nie. Rumen pH profiele van al die behandelings het aangedui dat die diëte goed gebuffer was. Die gemiddelde pH oor 24 uur was 6.0, 6.1, 6.1 en 6.2 vir Behandeling 1, 2, 3 en 4, onderskeidelik. Die pH het nie onder 5.8 gedaal vir enige van die behandelings nie en die toenemende vlakke van natriumbikarbonaat het ‘n verhoging in die daaglikse pH-profiele tot gevolg gehad. By die hoogste buffervlakke (Behandeling 4) het die pH-profiel tussen 6.1 en 6.5 gevarieer. Hoewel nie betekenisvol nie, het Behandeling 1 (slegs Acid Buf) numeries die hoogste melkproduksie getoon, sonder dat melkkwaliteit beïnvloed is. Dit is voorgestel dat te hoë rumen pH ‘n nadelige impak op melkproduksie kan hê, as gevolg van ‘n verhoogde asetaat:propionaat verhouding wat rumen doeltreffendheid benadeel. Behandelings het geen betekenisvolle invloed op totale vlugtige vetsuurkonsentrasies gehad nie, maar daar was ‘n neiging vir hoër totale vlugtige vetsuurkonsentrasies namate die vlakke van natriumbikarbonaat verhoog het. Die asetaat:propionaat verhouding van Behandeling 1 (2.91) was betekenisvol laer as dié van Behandeling 4 (3.65). Die gebruik van buffers wat reageer op toenemende suurheidsgraad kan dus aangewend word as ‘n doeltreffende en veilige oplossing vir rumen asidose. Die studie het bevestig dat ‘n daaglikse inname van 80 g Acid Buf deur koeie wat ‘n hoë kragvoerdieet ontvang, hoë melkproduksie ondersteun sonder dat melksamestelling nadelig beïnvloed word.