The study was performed in the Edwards Plateau region of West Texas from the years of 1994 through 2004 and involved data collected on 291 F1 Boer-Spanish and Spanish does and their 1,941 kids. Differences were estimated between dam types for growth traits, fertility traits, prolificacy, kid growth traits, survivability, longevity, and progeny growth. The mixed model analysis of variance procedure was used for all traits, except doe survivability where chi-square analysis was used. The F1 Boer-Spanish does were significantly heavier at birth than Spanish does, but there was no significant difference between the F1 Boer-Spanish and Spanish does for weaning weight. The F1 Boer-Spanish does had a significantly heavier body weight at breeding than the Spanish does (46 vs. 43 kg). No significant differences were found between breed types for fertility traits. Age of doe was a significant source of variation for fertility. There was no significant difference between the two doe breed types for number of kids born or number of kids weaned. Age of doe significantly affected both number of kids born and number of kids weaned. There was no significant differencebetween breed for total litter weight at weaning. For kid birth weight there was no significant difference between dam breed types. Kid weaning weight and pre-weaning average daily gain were not significantly different between dam breed types. Age at time of leaving the herd for all causes was 6.15 years for F1 Boer-Spanish does and 5.56 years for Spanish does (P = 0.06). There was no significant difference between breeds for proportions of does leaving the herd for the three main reasons. Although F1 Boer-Spanish does were significantly heavier for birth weight and body weight at breeding, there were no significant differences for weaning weights, reproduction, production, and progeny growth differences at weaning between F1 Boer- Spanish and Spanish does. When kid production was measured at weaning there was no difference between breeds. However the greater body weight of the F1 Boer-Spanish does at breeding suggests that if kid production was measured at a later endpoint, a significant difference may be realized.

Abstract Seventeen Boer goat does were used in this study to compare the effect of an intramuscular or subcutaneous route of administrating a superovulation treatment during the natural breeding season (autumn). The oestrous cycles of all does were synchronised for 17 days using CIDR dispensers and superovulated with pFSH administered in 7 dosages, at 12 h intervals—initiated 48 h prior to CIDR removal. Does were teased to test for the onset of oestrus at 8 h intervals, starting at CIDR removal. All does were cervically inseminated with fresh undiluted Boer goat semen at a fixed time (36 h and 48 h), following CIDR withdrawal. Embryos were surgically flushed on day 6 following the second AI, evaluated and classified according to their morphological appearance. The route of gonadotrophin (pFSH) administration had no effect on the response to oestrous synchronisation. The number of ovulations, structures and embryos recovered and fertilisation rate were also similar via both routes of gonadotrophin administration. The number of unfertilised ova per donor on the other hand, was significantly higher in does administered pFSH using the intramuscular (3.3±4.8), rather than the subcutaneous route (0.3±0.8). However, the number of degenerated embryos was higher when pFSH was administered subcutaneously (5.9±4.5), compared to intramuscularly (2.6±2.3). The overall number of transferable embryos was not affected by the route of gonadotrophin administration. The subcutaneous route of gonadotrophin administration led to a lower number of unfertilised ova, this beneficial effect was negated by an increase in the number of degenerate embryos—resulting in both routes of administration leading to a similar number of transferable embryos. Although no significant differences were found between subcutaneous and intramuscular routes of gonadotrophin administration regarding the number of transferable embryos, the subcutaneous route resulted in lower variances which may indicate a more predictable response.

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of repeated superovulation and embryo recovery in 15 Boer goat does. Does were synchronised for oestrus using CIDR’s for 17 days and superovulated with pFSH during the natural breeding season (autumn). Cervical inseminations with fresh undiluted semen were performed 36 h and 48 h following CIDR removal and the embryos surgically flushed six days after the second AI. Does superovulated for the first time recorded a shorter mean (± s.e.) induced duration of oestrus (20.8 ± 1.0 h), when compared to those repeatedly superovulated (30.4 ± 6.7 h). The mean (±s.e.) number of structures and embryos recovered were significantly lower in does treated repeatedly (6.0 ± 1.7 and 3.8 ± 1.7) than does superovulated for the first time (12.9 ± 0.5 and 11.7 ± 0.5), respectively. The mean (±s.e.) number of unfertilised ova per donor was significantly higher in repeatedly superovulated does (5.5 ± 1.6), compared to does superovulated for the first time (0.1 ± 0.1). The fertilisation rate and the number of transferable embryos were significantly lower in does treated repeatedly, compared to does superovulated for the first time. These results indicate that the number of times that a Boer goat doe can be utilised as the embryo donor may be limited to three times.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of season on the superovulatory ovarian response and embryo recovery rate in Boer goat does. Twenty mature does (mean body weight of 55 kg) were synchronised for oestrus with the aid of CIDR devices for a period of 17 days and superovulated with pFSH (Folltropin®-Vetrepharm) during the natural breeding season (n = 9) and non-breeding season (n = 11). The superovulation treatment entailed a total dose of 200 mg pFSH/doe given i.m. in 7 dosages at 12 h intervals, starting 48 h prior to CIDR removal (the first dose being 50 mg and all others 25 mg). Does were observed for signs of oestrous behaviour 3 times daily at 8 h intervals following CIDR withdrawal with the aid of teaser bucks to determine the onset and duration of the induced oestrous period. Cervical inseminations with 0.1 ml fresh undiluted semen were performed 36 and 48 h following CIDR removal and the embryos surgically flushed 6 days following the second AI. Recovered structures (ova and embryos) were microscopically evaluated and classified according to their morphology. The total number of structures in terms of unfertilised ova, fertilised ova, degenerated embryos and transferable embryos from each doe flushed was recorded. All the donor does exhibited oestrus during the breeding and non-breeding season with the mean period to the onset of oestrus (24.9±4.8 h) being significantly (P < 0.05) earlier during the natural breeding season, compared to the non-breeding season (30.5±9.1 h). The duration of the induced oestrous period was also significantly (P < 0.05) longer during the natural breeding season (24.0±5.7 h) than the non-breeding season (18.2±3.7 h). The mean ovulation rate per donor, total number of structures and embryos recovered per donor did not differ between seasons. The mean number of unfertilised ova per doe was significantly (P < 0.05) higher during the non-breeding season (3.3±2.8), compared to the natural breeding season (0.9±2.4). The total number of degenerated embryos and transferable embryos however, did not differ between seasons. Season as such had an effect on the onset and duration of the induced oestrous period; however, it did not affect the oestrous response. Therefore, it would seem that superovulation in the Boer goats is warranted, irrespective of season.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of History at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2002. / This thesis provides a detailed account of events leading up to the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, and undertakes to explain inter-alia, why the war came about The focus of the study is thus on the roles of personalities including especially, Lord Carnarvon, Secretary of State for the Colonies), Theophilus Shepstone, (Natal's Secretary for Native Affairs), Sir Bartle Frere (the High Commissioner) and Cetshwayo kaMpande (King of Zululand). The war of 1879 arose out of predominantly British hegemonistic ambitions. Frere was entrusted by Carnarvon to implement a confederation policy in southern Africa. The latter consequently engineered a war on the pretext that the Zulu Kingdom was a menace to the Colony of Natal that had to be eliminated before confederation could be possible. Frere therefore exploited certain border incidents and maligned the character and rule of Cetshwayo whom he chose to label a tyrannical oppressor. Contrary to instructions from Sir Michael Hicks Beach at the Colonial Office and indeed the British Cabinet, Frere then sent an ultimatum to Cetshwayo that could not possibly have been accepted by the Zulus, given the nature of their polity - it would have lost its very way of life. Most of the issues can best be understood and analysed by looking at the Victorian Age and the promoters of British Imperialism. A salient feature of the Victorian Age was that Britons were by and large always likely to misinterpret some of the assumptions upon which African and indeed Zulu thought and actions were based. Victorians, such as Frere, by using their own set of values as the criteria for judgement, adopted postures in southern Africa which can only be interpreted as mischievous, false and irrelevant Frere was 'colonial' and patronizing and displayed an arrogance towards his superiors and the Zulus. Zulus had their own vivid perception of their problems, as well as their own sets of values, customs, beliefs , political and socio-economic structures. Frere was determined to manipulate events in southern Africa for his own ends and regarded himself as the champion of imperialism. He deluded himself further into regarding Cetshwayo as a monarch whose state was based on the institutions of militarism and forced labour- the very negation of liberty. It is evident that the relationship between Cetshwayo and his subjects was not a simple one but it was one which developed from Shakan times and which was clearly accepted by most subjects. As militaristic as it appeared to be, the Zulu state was not planning to embark on a war. It was forced by circumstances created by Frere into one which culminated in its dismemberment In reading the thesis and considering the various factors we should constantly bear in mind the questions: Was Frere sincere in his actions or was he out for personal aggrandisement and to what extent was Cetshwayo an oppressive autocrat?

Abstract The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effect of embryo cryopreservation techniques on the survivability of embryos and fertility following transfer to Boer goat does. The oestrous cycles of 27 mature recipients Boer goat does were synchronised using controlled internal drug release dispensers (CIDR’s) for 16 days. At CIDR removal, does were injected with 300 IU eCG. The recipient does were allocated to 3 groups (n = 9 per group), based on the technique of cryopreservation used for the embryos transferred. The in vivo produced embryos used were at blastocyst stage and surgically collected on day 6 following AI from Boer goat donors superovulated with pFSH. The first group received fresh embryos and served as the control, the second group of does received conventional slow frozen/thawed embryos and the third group received vitrified/thawed embryos. Two blastocysts were transferred per doe. A pregnancy rate of 85.7% (n = 6) was obtained following the transfer of fresh embryos and tended to be better than in does receiving slow frozen and vitrified embryos, (n = 4; 50.0% and n = 3; 37.5% does pregnant, respectively). The overall gestation period recorded for all does was 146.3 ± 3.0 d, with an overall litter size of 1.7 ± 0.5 being recorded. The kidding rate of the recipient does declined to 57.0% (4) and 25.0% (2) for fresh and conventional slow frozen groups, respectively. An embryo survival rate of 35.7% (n = 5) for fresh, 25.0% (n = 4) for conventional slow freezing and 31.3% (n = 5) for vitrification was recorded and was not affected by the number of CL’s present on the respective ovaries at the time of transfer. There was a tendency for more females to be born than males (ratio 1 : 2, male : female) but this could not be related to the cryopreservation technique. Although the pregnancy rate following the transfer of fresh embryos was satisfactory, the embryo survival rate following the transfer of either fresh or cryopreserved embryos tended to be less acceptable. More research is warranted with larger numbers of animals, directed at improving the survivability of embryos following fresh and cryopreserved goat embryo transfer.

Abstract The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effect of embryo cryopreservation techniques on the survivability of embryos and fertility following transfer to Boer goat does. The oestrous cycles of 27 mature recipients Boer goat does were synchronised using controlled internal drug release dispensers (CIDR’s) for 16 days. At CIDR removal, does were injected with 300 IU eCG. The recipient does were allocated to 3 groups (n = 9 per group), based on the technique of cryopreservation used for the embryos transferred. The in vivo produced embryos used were at blastocyst stage and surgically collected on day 6 following AI from Boer goat donors superovulated with pFSH. The first group received fresh embryos and served as the control, the second group of does received conventional slow frozen/thawed embryos and the third group received vitrified/thawed embryos. Two blastocysts were transferred per doe. A pregnancy rate of 85.7% (n = 6) was obtained following the transfer of fresh embryos and tended to be better than in does receiving slow frozen and vitrified embryos, (n = 4; 50.0% and n = 3; 37.5% does pregnant, respectively). The overall gestation period recorded for all does was 146.3 ± 3.0 d, with an overall litter size of 1.7 ± 0.5 being recorded. The kidding rate of the recipient does declined to 57.0% (4) and 25.0% (2) for fresh and conventional slow frozen groups, respectively. An embryo survival rate of 35.7% (n = 5) for fresh, 25.0% (n = 4) for conventional slow freezing and 31.3% (n = 5) for vitrification was recorded and was not affected by the number of CL’s present on the respective ovaries at the time of transfer. There was a tendency for more females to be born than males (ratio 1 : 2, male : female) but this could not be related to the cryopreservation technique. Although the pregnancy rate following the transfer of fresh embryos was satisfactory, the embryo survival rate following the transfer of either fresh or cryopreserved embryos tended to be less acceptable. More research is warranted with larger numbers of animals, directed at improving the survivability of embryos following fresh and cryopreserved goat embryo transfer.

No description available.

The thesis examines the position of nurses during the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899 – 1902) and considers how their work helped to raise the profile of nursing. The experience of the war demonstrated the superiority of the work undertaken by trained nurses as compared with that of ‘amateurs’. At the commencement of war a small cohort of army nurses worked alongside large numbers of trained male orderlies, however these numbers proved insufficient during the period of the war and additional, entirely untrained orderlies (often convalescent soldiers) were relied upon to deliver nursing care. Against a backdrop of long term antipathy toward nurses at the seat of war, the work of both army and civilian nurses in military hospitals suggested that the clinical proficiency of trained nurses had a significant impact on military effectiveness. The thesis will develop arguments based on the personal testimonies of nurses who served during the Anglo-Boer War, relating to clinical nursing and nurses perceptions of professionalism during the period. Personal testimony will be used primarily to examine the working lives and experiences of serving nurses, as many historians simply state that the excellent work of the nurses forced changes, yet make no allusion to what this specifically entailed. Faced with the exigencies of war, including limited medical supplies and military bureaucracy (termed by nurses and doctors alike as ‘red tape’) that hindered nurses’ abilities to provide high levels of care, nurses demonstrated their developing clinical confidence. Despite accusations that nurses were ‘frivolling’ in South Africa, raising concerns over the control and organisation of nurses in future military campaigns, the social exploits of nurses on active service was not entirely detrimental to contemporary views of their professional status. Nurses were able to demonstrate their abilities to survive the hardships of war, including nursing close to the ‘front lines’ of war and the arduous conditions inherent in living under canvas on the South African veldt. Not only were nurses proving their abilities to endure hardship normally associated with masculine work, but they were also establishing their clinical capabilities. This was especially so during the serious typhoid epidemics when nurses were able to draw upon their expert knowledge to provide careful nursing care based on extensive experience. Nurses, who had undergone recognised training in Britain, demonstrated their professional competence and proved that nursing was a learned skill, not merely an innate womanly trait. The war also represented an opportunity to evidence their fitness for citizenship by using their skilled training for the benefit of the Empire. The subsequent reform of the Army Nursing Service, resulting in the establishment of the Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service in 1902, suggests permanent recognition of the essential role of nurses in times of both war and peace.

The physiological effects of etorphine, and etorphine combined with xylazine and etorphine combined with azaperone on respiratory and cardiovascular function were determined in. Boer goats. The goats were habituated to the experimental procedures allowing the determination of respiratory and cardiovascular function while the animals stood quietly at rest. This resulted in the physiological changes induced by the three immobilizing drugs being measured and compared with those obtained prior to the administration of the immobilizing drugs. The: effectiveness of diprenorphine and atipamezole in antagonising the physiological changes induced by the immobilizing drug treatments was also determined. All three immobilizing drug treatments depressed respiratory function resulting in a decrease in PaO2and an increase in PaCO2. Etorphine caused limited changes to these blood gases as a result of decreases in respiratory minute volume and alveolar minute ventilation caused by a fall in respiratory rate. The administration of etorphine / azaperone did not decrease the efficiency of respiration more significantly than when etorphine was administered on its own. Etorphine injected in combination with xylazine resulted in a severe decrease in respiratory function. The decrease in PaO2 and the increase in PaCO2 were much greater than the changes to these two blood gases following the administration of either etorphine or etorphine in combination with azaperone. Compared to etorphine administered on its own, etorphine combined with xylazine caused more significant decreases in tidal volume and alveolar minute ventilation, and more significant elevations in both physiological shunt fraction and percentage dead space ventilation. The administration of etorphine, etorphine / xylazine and etorphine / azaperone caused three different sets of changes to cardiovascular function. The injection of etorphine resulted in significant increases in both total peripheral resistance and systemic mean arterial blood pressure, and a significant decease in cardiac output. The administration of etorphine / xylazine resulted in a rapid and significant decrease in the systemic mean arterial blood pressure, followed by a decrease in cardiac output. The peripheral resistance remained unchanged. Etorphine / azaperone caused a progressive decline in the total peripheral resistance. As the cardiac output did not change significantly, the systemic mean arterial blood pressure fell progressively. The administration of etorphine resulted in a gradual and limited decrease in the oxygen consumption index. Following the injection of etorphine / xylazine a rapid and significant decrease in the oxygen consumption index resulted, which was significantly lower, when compared to the goats immobilized with etorphine, at 5 and 35 minutes PDA. The injection of etorphine / azaperone resulted in a gradual decrease in the oxygen consumption index which reached a minimum value at 35 minutes PDA. At this time, the oxygen consumption index due to etorphine / xylazine was not significantly different from the value due to etorphine / azaperone. Diprenorphine effectively reversed the respiratory and cardiovascular effects due to etorphine. The physiological changes induced by the administration of etorphine / xylazine were partially and temporarily antagonised by the administration of diprenorphine, it was only following the injection of atipamezole that they return to the values measured in the goats prior to immobilization. Diprenorphine effectively reversed the respiratory depression induced by etorphine / azaperone, however a mild acidosis persisted until the end of the trial period. The cardiac output and systemic mean blood pressure improved dramatically following the injection of diprenorphine but there was no immediate change in total peripheral resistance. / Dissertation (MMedVet)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Animal and Wildlife Sciences / unrestricted