The aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the survivability of goat kids to weaning, in a small-scale communal grazing system. Goat kids are the most vulnerable component of communal goat flocks and increasing their survival could increase productivity. Some of the main factors which contributed towards kid survivability were evaluated and ranked and cost benefit analysis was done. Initially 20 farmers in Jericho District, North West Province, were subjected to a structured interview. The mean age of farmers was 68.9 years and the mean number of does was 11. Thirteen farmers remained in the trial throughout and were visited once a month. The average number of does for farmers remained in the trial was 13. Body condition scores of does were estimated, kids were weighed, faecal samples were collected and the veld evaluated. Management and socio-economic aspects were observed and informal discussions were conducted with farmers. Goat housing was evaluated using a housing checklist. Monthly precipitation and temperature data were recorded. Survivability to weaning of 63% of kids was recorded from the total number of kids born (131) from 170 does of the 13 farmers who remained in the trial. The flocks of goats examined were parasitised by Haemonchus contortus, Trichuris globulosa, Coccidia as well as Moniezia. Although faecal egg counts were relatively low, there was a significant correlation with kid mortalities. Three of the six goats submitted for necropsy also died of internal parasites. The species of ticks were Amblyoma, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus spp. Lice species found were identified as Bovicola caprae, Bovicola limbatus and Linognathus africanus using scanning electron microscopy. Flea infestation was observed in three flocks, the flea species was identified as Ctenocephalides felis felis. Management was found to be suboptimal and in 92.31% of flocks, housing was inadequate. Build-up of faeces and poor drainage probably contributed to internal parasites. Other factors such as climate and feeding could not be correlated to kid mortalities. Cost benefit analysis suggested that strategic de-worming and improvement of hygiene and drainage in the housing would be the most affordable and effective way to reduce mortalities in kids. / Dissertation (MSc (Veterinary Sciences))--University of Pretoria, 2002. / Paraclinical Sciences / unrestricted

There is currently no independent monitoring and evaluation structure for state agricultural or veterinary services to support the “Batho Pele” principle of effective and efficient service delivery to the people of South Africa. Participatory rural appraisal was used in Moretele District, North West Province, to design, implement and assess veterinary extension on the tick and worm parasites of cattle. Veterinary extension, in contrast to agricultural extension, is defined as practical and understandable advice given to individual, groups, communities and population about livestock diseases and includes their prevention, treatment and control, as well as the way they influence the well being, health, and productivity of both humans and animals. The study was conducted in Moretele, which lies about 60km north of Pretoria, and is divided into three service delivery wards, each managed by an animal health technician. A random sample of 30 beef cattle farmers, each with a minimum of 10 cattle, was done in each ward. From each of these 90 farmers, five indicator cattle were purposively selected to include two calves, two sub-adults and one adult animal. Adult feeding ticks were sampled from predetermined sites and eggs per gram were estimated from pooled faecal samples of the same animals. The knowledge levels of animal health technicians (N=44) were assessed prior to the extension being given to the farmers and it was found to be inadequate. They were then given further training. Demographics and knowledge level of farmers were assessed using structured interviews. Baseline sampling for parasites was done on the indicator cattle. A farmer’s day and monthly extension using the visit and training method of extension was done with the farmers over a period of 12 months. The level of knowledge of the farmers was reassessed and the indicator cattle resampled at the same time of the year as the first sampling. It was found that although there was a significant increase in the farmers knowledge, there were no significant differences in the level or species of parasites. It was concluded that animal health technicians did not normally have sufficient knowledge of the subject to give farmers affective extension messages. It was also concluded that knowledge and implementation of extension are not the same thing and that further research is required into the reasons for lack of implementation. / Dissertation (MSc (Veterinary Sciences))--University of Pretoria, 2004. / Paraclinical Sciences / unrestricted