The first experiment of this study was aimed at investigating the factors affecting the feeding behaviour and plant species selection of 3 free ranging Tswana (mean weight ± 37 kg) and 3 Boer (mean weight ± 36 kg) goat does in the False Thornveld of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The feeding behaviour and plant species selection was observed and recorded during winter (cold-dry season) and summer (hot-wet season). Observations included the following categories: browsing, grazing and non-feeding activities. Non-feeding activities (NFA) include separate recordings of walking, standing, lying and drinking. Results showed goats spent 21.9 %, 44.65 % and 33.3 % of their day on browsing, grazing and non-feeding activities. Grass was clearly the preferred feed for goats both in the cold-dry season (54 %) and the hot-wet season (76 %) while browse consumption was higher in the cold-dry season (46 %) and lower in the hot-wet season (24 %). Goats spent more time on NFA in the cold-dry season (68.8 %) than the hot-wet season (31.9 %). Though diurnal variations were observed for both breeds and seasons in terms of browsing and non-feeding activities, no diurnal variations were found between the breeds. Goats selected a wide spectrum of woody-plant species. A total of thirteen woody plant species were encountered and selected by goats in the range. Scutia myrtina was the most frequently consumed (29.9 %) woody plant species in the range followed by Rhus refracta (16.3 %), Grewia occidentalis (14.0 %), Olea africana (10.8 %). These four woody-plant species accounted for 71 % of the woody plant selection by goats. Significant differences (P<0.001) were found in percentage time spent selecting the different woody-plant species by goats. The frequency of woody-plant species selection was higher in the cold-dry season than the hot-wet season. Woodyplant selection was higher in the morning followed by the afternoon and lower during midday. Percentage time spent by goats selecting woody plant species decreased with advancing period of occupation of a grazing/browsing camp. Browse was the preferred feed when feed availability was high, but when feed availability declined, the goats decreased their frequency of woody-plant selection and more grass was eaten. The second experiment was aimed at determining and comparing the nutritive value of forages selected by the same free ranging goats. Three (3) Tswana and 3 Boer goats equipped with remote controlled fistula valves were studied. Fistula valve samples were collected for 15 minutes during the day at 6 different times. All extrusa samples were kept on ice in the field and then stored in a deep freeze prior to drying and milling. Each sample was freeze-dried and hand separated into bush (woody species) and grass components (including forbs). These samples were analysed for nitrogen (N), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL). The diets selected by the goats differed in CP (cold-dry season: 5.39 % ± 0.15 and hot-wet season 9.48 % ± 0.15; P=0.001), NDF (cold-dry season 48.09 % ± 1.02 and hot-wet season 53.76 % ± 1.02; P=0.001) and ADF (cold-dry season 34.32 % ± 0.72 and hot-wet season 37.50 % ± 0.72) between the seasons, but the ADF content showed no change (cold-dry season 18.01 % ± 0.52 and hot-wet season 19.49 % ± 0.52 P>0.05). Goats selected diets higher in CP, NDF and ADF during hot-wet season compared to cold-dry season. Generally, there were diurnal variations in the NDF (P=0.04), ADF (P=0.02) and ADL (P=0.01) contents of forages selected by goats. Nutrient content of selected diets decreased in quality with advancing period of occupation of a camp. Knowledge of the nutritive value of the diet as selected by these animals is of primary importance in estimating the productivity of any rangeland. The third experiment was aimed at determining in sacco dry matter (DM) and crude protein degradation of woody plant species incubated in the rumen of Tswana and Boer goats. The ruminal degradability of the three most selected woody plant species by goats during the cold-dry season (G. occodentalis, O. africana and S. myrtina) and the hot-wet season (A. karroo, R. refracta and S. myrtina), were measured in situ, using in sacco digestion techniques. The nylon bag incubation revealed large differences in the rumen degradability of DM of the three woody plant species during both cold-dry season and hot-wet season. Ruminal degradation constants (a, b and a+b and c) varied significantly (P<0.001) between breeds and between goats within a breed. Thus, no breed difference in in sacco degradation of DM and CP was found between Tswana and Boer goats. There was a strong positive correlation between DMD, CPD and time of incubation in the rumen. The crude protein content of the woody plant species positively influenced the rumen digestion of dry matter because when CP increased DMD also increased. Both species preference and degradability of plant species are needed to estimate range suitability for browsing animals. Results from this study will help to develop strategies to optimise range resources for sustainable animal production. In order to improve production, the constraints limiting success should be identified. Tswana goats might be a more favoured breed in semi-arid savannah because of their smaller body size, absolute nutrient requirement and better reproductive performance when compared to Boer goats. However, when forage availability is not a limiting factor, Boer goats might yield better returns for the investment since they are superior in meat production. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Anatomy and Physiology / Unrestricted

With increasing meat goat production in the United States, it is necessary to examine carcass composition and quality parameters of goats at various stages of growth. In this study, intact male Boer and Kiko Goats (n = 48) were harvested after 0, 4, 8, or 12 wk on feed. Increased feeding duration led to increased final live and carcass weight, and increased dressing percent. Leg and shoulder circumferences and body wall thickness increased, but 12th rib fat and Longissimus muscle area did not change across all feeding durations. Percent carcass fat increased and percent bone decreased, but percent muscle did not differ across feeding durations. Boer carcasses were composed of more fat and less muscle than Kiko carcasses. Increased feeding duration increased the weight of all primal cuts, but also increased the percentage of fat in the shoulder, breast, rack, loin, sirloin, leg, hindshank, ribs, neck, and trim. Shoulder composition produced the strongest correlations with entire side composition compared to all other primal cuts and may be useful for predicting carcass composition. Increasing feeding duration led to decreased Warner-Bratzler shear force of Longissimus, Semitendinosus, and Infraspinatus muscles, suggesting that cold shortening may have caused toughening of these muscles in smaller, leaner carcasses. Entire boneless carcass sides were ground, mixed, and formed into patties to evaluate cook loss, texture profile analysis, and descriptive sensory characteristics. Increasing feeding duration increased percent fat and decreased moisture in raw ground meat, but breed and feeding duration did not affect cook loss. Springiness, hardness, and cohesiveness were not affected by breed or feeding duration. Increased feeding duration increased aroma intensity and goaty, bloody, musty, and liver/organy aromas; salty, bitter, umami, grassy, goaty, fat, liver/organy, metallic, earthy, and chemical tastes; and juiciness and oiliness, while decreasing chewiness and crumbliness. Results indicate that younger, smaller goats produced leaner carcasses with less intense aroma and flavor attributes, however muscles from smaller carcasses may be tougher.

No description available.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In this study, the effects of energy content of the feedlot diet as well as the length of the production period were investigated for Boer goat slaughter kids. The kids were housed in individual pens on the Elsenburg experimental farm, Western Cape, South Africa. Boer goat castrate kids were weaned at approximately 18 weeks of age (weighing 22.2 ± 3.5 kg) and were randomly allocated to one of three trial diets that varied in energy content; namely a low, medium and high energy diet (11.3, 12.0 and 12.7 MJ ME/ kg feed respectively) which were supplied ad libitum. The goats were further randomly allocated to one of five slaughter groups that were slaughtered at five week intervals at a commercial abattoir. The first group of goats was slaughtered at the start of the trial in order to serve as a baseline reference. During the study the effects of dietary energy content, and time spent in the feedlot were investigated for the feedlot production and slaughter characteristics of Boer goat kids. Additionally the effect of the energy content of the feedlot diets on the sensory and chemical properties of goat meat were evaluated. During the production period individual feed intake and live weight gain were monitored on a weekly basis. It was observed that live weight of the goats increased throughout the production period. Quadratic functions were used to describe the change in average daily gain and dry matter intake of the goats during the feeding period. Goats that were fed the low and medium energy diets exhibited higher daily gains (P= 0.02) and dry matter intakes (P< 0.01) than goats on the high energy diets. Dietary energy content and age of the animal in the feedlot did not influence the feed conversion ratio to produce a unit of live weight. A linear function was used to model the growth of the goats during this production period. The goats were not able to reach the point of inflection on the growth curve. Therefore the sigmoidal growth curve could not be plotted which could have been modelled by a function similar to the Gompertz model. Dressing percentages of the carcasses varied throughout the production period for all the diets, with goats on the low energy diet having the lowest dressing percentage (45.8%; P= 0.04). The energy content of the trial diets had no effect on the yield of the offal components and retail cuts of the carcass. Generally it was observed that the yields of the hindquarter and neck cuts decreased whilst that of the forequarter increased with the age of the goats at slaughter. The degree of carcass fatness increased with time spent in the feedlot, with the majority of fat being deposited in the abdominal cavity, rather than in the subcutaneous fat depot. Dietary energy content was expected to influence the levels of intramuscular fat, which in turn would affect the eating quality of the meat. However, the levels of energy in the diets fed to goats did not influence the tenderness, juiciness or the aroma and flavour profiles of the goat meat as observed during descriptive sensory analysis of the meat by a trained panel. Chemical analysis of the cooked meat samples also showed that the levels of intramuscular fat did not vary between the samples, resulting in the lack of differences detected between treatments in the sensory evaluation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In hierdie studie is die effek van die energie-inhoud van die voerkraal dieet, tesame met die lengte van die produksie tydperk, vir Boerbok lammers ondersoek. Die lammers is in individuele kampies gehuisves op die Elsenburg proefplaas, Wes- Kaap, Suid-Afrika. Die gekastreerde Boerbok lammers is gespeen op ’n ouderdom van ongeveer 18 weke (gewig van 22.2 ± 3.5 kg) en is ewekansig toegewys aan een van die drie proefdiëte waarvan die energie-inhoud gewissel het; naamlik 'n lae, medium en hoë-energie dieet (11.3, 12.0 en 12.7 MJ ME / kg voer onderskeidelik) wat ad libitum verskaf is. Die bokke is verder lukraak toegewys aan een van vyf slag groepe, wat met vyf weke tussenposes by ’n kommersiële abattoir geslag is. Die eerste groep bokke is aan die begin van die proef geslag om sodoende as basislyn verwysing te dien. Tydens die studie is die effek van die verskil in energie-inhoud van die dieet en die tyd wat in die voerkraal gespandeer is, op die voerkraal produksie en slag eienskappe van die Boerbok lammers ondersoek. Daarbenewens is die effek van die verskil in energie-inhoud van die voerkraal dieet op die sensoriese en chemiese eienskappe van bokvleis geëvalueer. Tydens die produksie periode is individuele voerinname en liggaamsgewig toename op ’n weeklikse basis gemonitor. Dit is waargeneem dat die liggaamsgewig van die bokke tydens die hele produksie tydperk toegeneem het. Kwadratiese funksies is gebruik om die verandering in die gemiddelde daaglikse toename tydens die voerperiode, sowel as die droëmateriaal inname van die bokke te beskryf. Bokke wat die lae en medium-energie diëte gevoer is, het hoër daaglikse toenames (P = 0.02) en droë materiaal inname (P< 0.01) as bokke op die hoë-energie dieet getoon. Die voeromset verhouding benodig om ’n eenheid lewendige gewig te produseer is nie beïnvloed deur die energie-inhoud van die dieet, of die ouderdom van die bokke in die voerkraal nie. ’n Lineêre funksie is toegepas om die groei van die bokke gedurende die produksie tydperk te modelleer. Die groei van die bokke kon nie die infleksiepunt van die groeikurwe bereik nie. Dus kon die sigmoïdale groeikurwe nie getrek word nie, wat deur ’n funksie soortgelyk aan die Gompertz model gemodelleer kon word. Uitslag persentasies van die karkasse het l regdeur die produksie tydperk varieër vir al die diëte; bokke op die lae-energie dieet het die laagste uitslagpersentasie gehad (45.8%; P = 0.04). Die energie-inhoud van die proefdiëte het geen effek op die opbrengs van die afval komponente en handelsnitte van die karkasse gehad nie. Oorhoofs is dit waargeneem dat die opbrengs van die agterkwart en neksnitte afgeneem het, terwyl dié van die voorkwart toegeneem het met slag ouderdom. Die vetheidsgraad van die karkas het toegeneem met tyd spandeer in die voerkraal, met die meerderheid van die vet gedeponeer in die buikholte, eerder as in die onderhuidse vetlaag. Daar is verwag dat die energie-inhoud van die dieet die vlakke van binnespierse vet sal beïnvloed, wat op sy beurt ‘n effek op die eetkwaliteit van die vleis sal hê.. Teenstrydig met verwagtinge het die vlakke van energie in die dieet van die bokke geen invloed gehad op die sagtheid, sappigheid of die aroma en geur profiele van bokvleis nie, soos waargeneem deur middel van beskrywende sintuiglike analise van die vleis deur 'n opgeleide paneele. Chemiese ontleding van die gaar vleismonsters het ook geen verskillein die vlakke van binnespierse vet tussen die verskillende monsters getoon nie, wat gelei het tot daar geen verskille tussen die behandelings in die sensoriese evaluasie waargeneem is nie.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-10T17:48:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Fernando_Marques_Salles.pdf: 573549 bytes, checksum: d10b17942e2969b2ccb753810523c334 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-12-15 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance, quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the carcass, cut yields and the variation of cost and revenue in the production of beef and feedlot goats Saanen, Saanen and 7/8 Boer - 1/8 Saanen finished in semi feedlot, assessing the influence of genetic groups and finishing systems on such characteristics of goats. Significant differences were observed (P<0.05) for the different finishing systems to evaluate the characteristics of commercial income housing; carcass compactness index, not constituents of housing, loin eye area, muscle shear force; fat, moisture and ether extract. For the genetic groups, statistical differences were observed only for loin eye area, greater thickness of fat and ash content. The finishing system has influenced (P<0.05) in performance, where the confined animals showed the best characteristics, the percentage of cuts and, consequently, revenue from the sale thereof. The finishing system has influence on carcass characteristics evaluated in this study, it is possible to conclude that the Saanen can be used for the production of meat when subjected to confinement. When evaluating the quality of housing Saanen crossbred compared to 7/8 Boer - 1/8 Saanen finished in semi confined conditions of this study, we can conclude that there are few differences between the dairy breed Saanen and crossbred Boer for traits, possibly due to production of specialty meat Boer who require an intensive system to demonstrate higher performance. Investment in power gives better weight gains, and hence best proportions of commercial cuts, resulting in a higher income system. Males Saanen can be used for finishing and slaughter, supplementing the income of dairy goat. It is necessary to complete economic analysis to examine the viability of economic systems, since the budget is only a partial indicator of possible better option / O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho, as características quantitativas e qualitativas da carcaça, o rendimento dos cortes e a variação do custo e da receita na produção de carne de cabritos Saanen terminados em confinamento, Saanen e 7/8 Boer 1/8 Saanen terminados em semiconfinamento, avaliando a influência dos grupos genéticos e dos sistemas de terminação de cabritos sobre tais características. Foram observadas diferenças significativas (P<0,05) para os diferentes sistemas de terminação para as características: rendimento comercial de carcaça; índice de compacidade da carcaça; não constituintes de carcaça; área de olho de lombo; força de cisalhamento; teor de gordura; de umidade e de extrato etéreo. Para os grupos genéticos, foram observadas diferenças estatísticas apenas para área de olho de lombo; espessura maior de gordura e teor de matéria mineral. O sistema de terminação exerceu influência (P<0,05) no desempenho, onde os animais confinados apresentaram melhores características; na porcentagem dos cortes e, consequentemente, na receita obtida com a venda dos mesmos. O sistema de terminação exerce influência nas características de carcaça avaliadas neste trabalho, sendo possível concluir que a raça Saanen pode ser utilizada para a produção de carne quando submetida ao confinamento. Ao se avaliar a qualidade da carcaça da raça Saanen comparada aos mestiços 7/8 Boer 1/8 Saanen terminados em semiconfinamento, nas condições deste estudo, pode-se concluir que são poucas as diferenças entre a raça leiteira Saanen e o mestiço Boer para as características avaliadas, possivelmente pela especialidade para produção de carne da raça Boer que necessitaria de um sistema intensivo para demonstrar desempenho mais elevado. O investimento na alimentação proporciona melhores ganhos de peso, e, consequentemente melhores proporções dos cortes comerciais, acarretando numa renda maior do sistema. Os machos da raça Saanen podem ser utilizados para terminação e abate, complementando a renda da caprinocultura leiteira. Faz-se necessária a análise econômica completa para verificação da viabilidade econômica dos sistemas, visto que o orçamento parcial é apenas um indicador da possível melhor opção

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:28:24Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-06-16Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:58:03Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 lourencon_rv_me_botfmvz.pdf: 508786 bytes, checksum: c5c565099a465c8ad66e1bd45d35a71b (MD5) / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) / Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o crescimento relativo dos cortes comerciais e dos tecidos da carcaça de caprinos. Foram utilizados 78 cabritos, machos e fêmeas, de cinco grupos raciais: Alpino; 1/2 Boer + 1/2 Alpino (1/2 BA); 1/2 Anglo Nubiano + 1/2 Alpino (1/2 ANA); 3/4 Boer + 1/4 Alpino (3/4 BA); e ½ Anglo Nubiano + ¼ Boer + ¼ Alpino (TC). Os grupos foram distribuídos em dois sistemas de terminação, pasto (ST1) e confinamento (ST2). Os cabritos foram abatidos em média aos 22,07 kg de peso vivo e 128,4 ± 7,9 dias. O peso médio das meias carcaças foi de 5,09 kg. Para determinação do crescimento alométrico foi utilizada a equação exponencial Y = aXb. O cruzamento com a raça Anglo Nubiana proporcionou o crescimento precoce da perna em relação ao peso da meia carcaça (PMC). O lombo cresceu tardiamente nos animais Alpinos e ½ ANA. Nos animais do grupo TC as costelas apresentaram crescimento tardio. Os cruzamentos não influenciaram no desenvolvimento do pescoço. A paleta foi considerada precoce nos animais ½ BA e TC. O tecido muscular, em relação ao PMC, apresentou crescimento precoce no grupo ½ BA. No ST1, a paleta cresceu precocemente, enquanto no ST2 este crescimento foi isogônico. O tecido adiposo dos animais do ST1 foi depositado tardiamente. As fêmeas apresentaram crescimento precoce de perna e tecido muscular, que nos machos foi considerado intermediário. O crescimento dos caprinos é influenciado pelos cruzamentos raciais, sistema de terminação e sexo / This work was conducted with the objective of evaluate the relative growth of carcass cuts and tissues of goats. Seventy-eight male and female kids from five racial groups were used: Alpine; ½ Boer + ½ Alpine (½ BA); ½ Nubian + ½ Alpine (½ ANA); ¾ Boer + ¼ Alpine (¾ BA); and ½ Nubian + ¼ Boer + ¼ Alpine (TC); distributed in two finishing systems, pasture (FS1) and feedlot (FS2). The kids were slaughtered at an average of 22.07 kg of live weight and 128.4 ± 7.9 days. The average weight of half carcasses was 5.09 kg. To determine the allometric growth the exponential equation was used Y= aXb. The crossing with the Anglo Nubian provided the early growth of the leg in relation to the half carcass weight. The loin grew late in the Alpine animals and ½ the ANA. In animals from group TC ribs grew late. The crossings did not influence the development of the neck. The palette was considered earlier in kids ½ BA and TC. Muscle tissue in relation to the half carcass, grew early in the group ½ BA. In FS1, the palette grew early, while this growth was intermediate in FS2. The fat tissue of animals in FS1 had a late growth. The females showed early growth of leg and muscle tissue, while in males was considered intermediate. The growth of goats is influenced by the crossings, sex and finishing system

The horse is an essential component of New Zealand's social, environmental, economic and military history, yet despite this obvious truth, it is a topic which was been overlooked by New Zealand historiography. The horse's role throughout our history has been identified by prominent environmental historians as an area in desperate need of examination; however, it is one yet to be undertaken. As far as New Zealand history books would suggest the horse was good for the racing industry and little else, and even within these histories, its origins seem to be of little historical significance. In military histories much has been written on the impact of New Zealand troops during the Anglo-Boer War and World War One, with emphasis placed on the role of mounted infantry in the many military histories published over the past century. Yet an examination of the specific experience of the horse has been ignored. Veterinary histories have been produced which give detailed accounts of the role and care of the horse, but offer nothing which provides a picture of the war experience from the horse's point-of-view. In an effort to start filling the gap in New Zealand's equine historiography,this thesis will use the late nineteenth and early twentieth century military context as a microcosm for the history of New Zealand's horse. By first tracing the history of the horse through 5,000 years of military experience to its early-nineteenth century New Zealand origins, the history of New Zealand's military horse will explore issues of environment, role, mobilisation, transport, care and casualities to create an informed hypothesis of what New Zealand's military horse experienced in these two moderm wars. The nature of war is awful in itself, but when animals are unconsciously included in the context, as horses were in these two modem wars, the impact of the experience is nothing less than horrific.

Thesis (DPhil (History))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Steinaecker’s Horse was a volunteer unit who fought on the side of the British during the Anglo- Boer War (1899-1902). The unit mainly consisted of local inhabitants of the Lowveld and were commanded by a former German officer, Lieutenant-colonel FCL von Steinaecker. The unit received little attention from scholars thus far. The main focus of this research is to study the Steinaecker’s Horse military unit, but specifically to determine their everyday circumstances, life style and daily activities. This was done by means of cultural objects which were found on three of the important sites where Steinaecker’s Horse had outposts. In order to place the unit within context, attention was given to the collection of historical information and the identification and documentation of different outposts occupied by Steinaecker’s Horse during the Anglo-Boer War. The state of decay of these sites were monitored and their relation to inter alia research potential, cultural resources management and tourism potential was assessed. Lastly, attention was given to the contribution of Steinaecker’s Horse to the history of the Anglo- Boer War, the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park. The three sites that were studied in depth are the headquarters of the unit at Komatipoort, the Sabi Bridge post close to Skukuza and the Northern outpost in the vicinity of the Letaba rest camp in the park. Cultural objects excavated at these sites were used in this study. In the final chapter an overall impression of the everyday cicumstances, life style and daily activities of Steinaecker’s Horse are formed. It is also shortly compared to general information regarding the life of British soldiers and the Boers on commando during the war. Last mentioned information was obtained from different sources in another way than studying the physical cultural objects. The contribution of this thesis is that it is the first time that a complete reflection is given of the life at Steinaecker’s Horse sites and that it serves as model for similar research with relation to other military sites as well as probably other historical sites. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Steinaecker’s Horse was ‘n vrywilligerseenheid wat tydens die Anglo-Boereoorlog (1899-1902) aan die kant van die Britte geveg het. Die eenheid het hoofsaaklik uit inwoners van die Laeveld bestaan en het onder bevel van ‘n voormalige Duitse offisier, luitenant-kolonel FCL von Steinaecker, gestaan. Die eenheid het tot dusver min aandag van vakkundiges ontvang. Die belangrikste fokus van hierdie studie is om die Steinaecker’s Horse militêre eenheid te bestudeer, maar om spesifiek die alledaagse omstandighede, lewenswyse en daaglikse aktiwiteite daarvan te bepaal. Dit is gedoen aan die hand van kultuurvoorwerpe wat by drie van die belangrikste terreine waar Steinaecker’s Horse buiteposte gehad het, gevind is. Ten einde die eenheid in konteks te plaas is ook aandag gegee aan die insameling van historiese inligting en die identifisering en dokumentering van verskillende buiteposte wat deur Steinaecker’s Horse tydens die Anglo-Boereoorlog beset is. Die monitering van die staat van agteruitgang van die terreine en die assessering daarvan ten opsigte van onder meer navorsingspotensiaal, kultuurhulpbronbestuur en toerismepotensiaal, is ook gedoen. Laastens is daar aandag gegee aan die bydrae van Steinaecker’s Horse tot die geskiedenis van die Anglo-Boereoorlog, die Laeveld en die Nasionale Krugerwildtuin. Die drie terreine wat in diepte bestudeer is, is die eenheid se hoofkwartier te Komatipoort, die Sabiebrug-pos naby Skukuza en die Noordelike buitepos in die omgewing van die Letaba ruskamp in die wildtuin. Kultuurvoorwerpe wat deur middel van argeologiese opgrawings op hierdie terreine verkry is, is in die studie benut. In die slothoofstuk word ‘n geheelbeeld van die alledaagse omstandighede, lewenswyse en daaglikse aktiwiteite van Steinaecker’s Horse gevorm. Dit word ook kortliks met algemene inligting omtrent die lewe van Britse soldate en die Boere op kommando tydens die oorlog vergelyk. Laasgenoemde inligting is op ander wyses verkry as om die fisiese kultuurvoorwerpe te bestudeer. Die bydrae van hierdie proefskrif is dat dit vir die eerste keer ‘n geheelbeeld van die lewe by Steinaecker’s Horse terreine daarstel en as model kan dien vir soortgelyke navorsing met betrekking tot ander militêre terreine, maar waarskynlik ook ander historiese terreine.

This thesis investigates how the mapping of Africa by British institutions between c.1880 and c.1915 was more complex and variable than is traditionally recognised. The study takes three ‘cuts’ into this topic, presented as journal papers, which examine: the Bartholomew map-publishing firm, the cartographic coverage of the Second Boer War, and the maps associated with Sir Harry H. Johnston. Each case-study focuses on what was produced – both quantitative output and the content of representations – and why. Informed by theories from the history of cartography, book history and the history of science, particular attention is paid to the concerns and processes embodied in the maps and map-making that are irreducible to simply ‘imperial’ discourse; these variously include editorial processes and questions of authorship, concerns for credibility and intended audiences, and the circulation and ‘life-cycles’ of maps. These findings are also explored in relation to the institutional geography of cartography in Britain: the studies illustrate the institutional contingency of such factors and how this gave rise to highly variable representations of Africa. These three empirical papers represent the first sustained studies of each of the topics. By connecting their findings, the thesis also offers broader reconceptualisations of the British mapping of Africa between c.1880 and c.1915: with respect to cartographic representations, maps as objects, and the institutions producing them. Maps did not simply reflect ‘imperial’ discourse; they were highly variable manifestations of multifaceted and institutionally contingent factors and were mobile and mutable objects that were re-used and re-produced in different ways across different settings. Mapmaking institutions were discrete but interconnected sites that not only produced different representations, but played different roles in the mapping of Africa. By illuminating the institutional provenance, ‘life-cycles’ and content of the maps studied, this thesis extends current knowledge of British mapping of Africa during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and raises questions for further research incorporating its lessons, sources and theories.

This thesis examines the influence of the Boer War 1899 – 1902 upon tactics and training in the regular British Army 1902 – 1914. The work argues that several key lessons drawn from South Africa became the tactical cornerstones for infantry, artillery and cavalry throughout the pre-First World War period and shaped the performance of the B.E.F. during the early battles of 1914. The experience of combat against well armed opposition in the Boer War prompted the British Army to develop improved tactics in each of the three major service arms. For example, infantry placed new emphasis on dispersion and marksmanship; cavalry improved their dismounted work and reconnaissance skills; and artillery adopted methods of concealment and strove to improve accuracy and co-ordination. Across the army as a whole, the experience of combat lead to an overall downgrading of the importance of drill and obedience, replacing it instead with tactical skill and individual initiative. In addition, the thesis also examines the impact of the Boer War upon overall British Army doctrine and ethos. The process of reform prior to the First World War was marked by wide ranging debates upon the value of the South African experience, and not all lessons drawn from the conflict endured, with tactical restructuring being further complicated by changes of government and financial restrictions. Nevertheless, key lessons such as dispersion, marksmanship, concealment and firepower were ultimately retained and proved to be of great value during initial clashes against the Germans in 1914. Additionally, the Boer War caused the British to place new emphasis upon overall training of the individual, allowing advanced tactical skills to be inculcated more easily than had been possible in earlier years. However, the short duration of the conventional period of the Boer War meant that there was less opportunity to derive operational lessons for future employment. Furthermore, the colonial policing role of the British Army and the likelihood of small scale deployments meant that developing an operational doctrine was of less immediate value than ensuring flexibility and tactical skill. This meant that the British Army took a somewhat skewed developmental path in the 1902 – 1914. The process of reform ultimately produced a highly adaptable force that was tactically skilled, but which was ill-prepared for the operational complications posed by large scale deployment. While the Boer War was the principal factor in driving reform during the 1902 – 1914 period, there were additional influences at work, including examples from the Russo-Japanese War 1904 – 1905 and various ideas drawn from the armies of the continent. However, this thesis argues that while these outside influences contributed to ongoing debate, they did not offer any particular fresh ideas and were therefore of less importance than the Boer War in shaping British Army development.