Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
School of Agricultural and Food Sciences
Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences
Selected Highlights from Research Findings
The research focus in animal production physiology is on the reproduction, growth and development of domesticated, aquatic and wild animals, as well as the quality attributes of the carcass, meat, milk, eggs, wool and fibres. This encompasses a considerable part of the production cycle, notably from conception to consumption or utilisation. A basic systems approach is followed to understand the physiological principles of animal adaptation, growth, reproduction and the related effects on carcass and meat quality. The challenges are numerous, but most relate to the interactions between genetic, nutritional and other environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity on the ability of animals to maintain homeostasis, while at the same time maintaining a high level of production and reproduction. The research in the Department of Animal and Wildlife Science culminated in an invited paper by Prof Edward Webb at the 2008 International Conference on Animal Production on the physiological limits of selecting livestock for growth and efficiency. The paper highlighted the fine balance between selecting for growth and efficiency and the increasing risks of anatomical and physiological defects, as well as associated effects on product quality. It is apparent that an in-depth understanding of the physiology of livestock will become increasingly important in managing intensive livestock production systems.
Contact person: Prof EC Webb.
The research focus in animal production physiology is on the reproduction, growth and development of domesticated, aquatic and wild animals, as well as the quality attributes of the carcass, meat, milk, eggs, wool and fibres. This encompasses a considerable part of the production cycle, notably from conception to consumption or utilisation. A basic systems approach is followed to understand the physiological principles of animal adaptation, growth, reproduction and the related effects on carcass and meat quality. The challenges are numerous, but most relate to the interactions between genetic, nutritional and other environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity on the ability of animals to maintain homeostasis, while at the same time maintaining a high level of production and reproduction. The research in the Department of Animal and Wildlife Science culminated in an invited paper by Prof Edward Webb at the 2008 International Conference on Animal Production on the physiological limits of selecting livestock for growth and efficiency. The paper highlighted the fine balance between selecting for growth and efficiency and the increasing risks of anatomical and physiological defects, as well as associated effects on product quality. It is apparent that an in-depth understanding of the physiology of livestock will become increasingly important in managing intensive livestock production systems.
Contact person: Prof NH Casey.
The research focus in animal production physiology is on the reproduction, growth and development of domesticated, aquatic and wild animals, as well as the quality attributes of the carcass, meat, milk, eggs, wool and fibres. This encompasses a considerable part of the production cycle, notably from conception to consumption or utilisation. A basic systems approach is followed to understand the physiological principles of animal adaptation, growth, reproduction and the related effects on carcass and meat quality. The challenges are numerous, but most relate to the interactions between genetic, nutritional and other environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity on the ability of animals to maintain homeostasis, while at the same time maintaining a high level of production and reproduction. The research in the Department of Animal and Wildlife Science culminated in an invited paper by Prof Edward Webb at the 2008 International Conference on Animal Production on the physiological limits of selecting livestock for growth and efficiency. The paper highlighted the fine balance between selecting for growth and efficiency and the increasing risks of anatomical and physiological defects, as well as associated effects on product quality. It is apparent that an in-depth understanding of the physiology of livestock will become increasingly important in managing intensive livestock production systems.
Contact person: Dr JA Meyer.
The research focus in animal production physiology is on the reproduction, growth and development of domesticated, aquatic and wild animals, as well as the quality attributes of the carcass, meat, milk, eggs, wool and fibres. This encompasses a considerable part of the production cycle, notably from conception to consumption or utilisation. A basic systems approach is followed to understand the physiological principles of animal adaptation, growth, reproduction and the related effects on carcass and meat quality. The challenges are numerous, but most relate to the interactions between genetic, nutritional and other environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity on the ability of animals to maintain homeostasis, while at the same time maintaining a high level of production and reproduction. The research in the Department of Animal and Wildlife Science culminated in an invited paper by Prof Edward Webb at the 2008 International Conference on Animal Production on the physiological limits of selecting livestock for growth and efficiency. The paper highlighted the fine balance between selecting for growth and efficiency and the increasing risks of anatomical and physiological defects, as well as associated effects on product quality. It is apparent that an in-depth understanding of the physiology of livestock will become increasingly important in managing intensive livestock production systems.
Contact person: Ms A Basson.
The research focus in animal production physiology is on the reproduction, growth and development of domesticated, aquatic and wild animals, as well as the quality attributes of the carcass, meat, milk, eggs, wool and fibres. This encompasses a considerable part of the production cycle, notably from conception to consumption or utilisation. A basic systems approach is followed to understand the physiological principles of animal adaptation, growth, reproduction and the related effects on carcass and meat quality. The challenges are numerous, but most relate to the interactions between genetic, nutritional and other environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity on the ability of animals to maintain homeostasis, while at the same time maintaining a high level of production and reproduction. The research in the Department of Animal and Wildlife Science culminated in an invited paper by Prof Edward Webb at the 2008 International Conference on Animal Production on the physiological limits of selecting livestock for growth and efficiency. The paper highlighted the fine balance between selecting for growth and efficiency and the increasing risks of anatomical and physiological defects, as well as associated effects on product quality. It is apparent that an in-depth understanding of the physiology of livestock will become increasingly important in managing intensive livestock production systems.
Contact person: Mr RJ Coertze.
The ruminant nutrition programme focuses on the effect of different feed additive and nutrient supplementation strategies on the productivity of ruminants and the establishment of productive rangeland with high yielding fodder shrubs.
Despite a wealth of knowledge concerning ruminant nutrition internationally, the considerable variability in animal performance observed in practice accentuates the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the nutritive value of veld under specific climatic conditions. Research also focuses on understanding the biology of the transition cow (time period before and after calving) and the development of and evaluation of feed additives that could reduce the incidence of metabolic disorders, and increase productivity. The validation and improvement of existing prediction models such as the CPM Dairy and the CNCPS Sheep is another focus area. On the feedlot side, the focus is on investigating more natural alternatives for ionophores and antibiotics, such as yeast cultures and organic acids. A further study investigates the ensiling potential of maize distiller’s grains and its potential in a sheep feedlot diet.
Contact person: Prof LJ Erasmus.
The ruminant nutrition programme focuses on the effect of different feed additive and nutrient supplementation strategies on the productivity of ruminants and the establishment of productive rangeland with high yielding fodder shrubs.
Despite a wealth of knowledge concerning ruminant nutrition internationally, the considerable variability in animal performance observed in practice accentuates the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the nutritive value of veld under specific climatic conditions. Research also focuses on understanding the biology of the transition cow (time period before and after calving) and the development of and evaluation of feed additives that could reduce the incidence of metabolic disorders, and increase productivity. The validation and improvement of existing prediction models such as the CPM Dairy and the CNCPS Sheep is another focus area. On the feedlot side, the focus is on investigating more natural alternatives for ionophores and antibiotics, such as yeast cultures and organic acids. A further study investigates the ensiling potential of maize distiller’s grains and its potential in a sheep feedlot diet.
Contact person: Prof WA van Niekerk.
The ruminant nutrition programme focuses on the effect of different feed additive and nutrient supplementation strategies on the productivity of ruminants and the establishment of productive rangeland with high yielding fodder shrubs.
Despite a wealth of knowledge concerning ruminant nutrition internationally, the considerable variability in animal performance observed in practice accentuates the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the nutritive value of veld under specific climatic conditions. Research also focuses on understanding the biology of the transition cow (time period before and after calving) and the development of and evaluation of feed additives that could reduce the incidence of metabolic disorders, and increase productivity. The validation and improvement of existing prediction models such as the CPM Dairy and the CNCPS Sheep is another focus area. On the feedlot side, the focus is on investigating more natural alternatives for ionophores and antibiotics, such as yeast cultures and organic acids. A further study investigates the ensiling potential of maize distiller’s grains and its potential in a sheep feedlot diet.
Contact person: Prof JBJ van Ryssen.
The ruminant nutrition programme focuses on the effect of different feed additive and nutrient supplementation strategies on the productivity of ruminants and the establishment of productive rangeland with high yielding fodder shrubs.
Despite a wealth of knowledge concerning ruminant nutrition internationally, the considerable variability in animal performance observed in practice accentuates the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the nutritive value of veld under specific climatic conditions. Research also focuses on understanding the biology of the transition cow (time period before and after calving) and the development of and evaluation of feed additives that could reduce the incidence of metabolic disorders, and increase productivity. The validation and improvement of existing prediction models such as the CPM Dairy and the CNCPS Sheep is another focus area. On the feedlot side, the focus is on investigating more natural alternatives for ionophores and antibiotics, such as yeast cultures and organic acids. A further study investigates the ensiling potential of maize distiller’s grains and its potential in a sheep feedlot diet.
Contact person: Mr RJ Coertze.
Investigations into the quality of groundwater used by rural communities throughout South Africa, funded by the national Department of Agriculture and the Water Research Commission, revealed bromide (Br) as one of the potentially problematic water quality constituents (WQCs) that occur at levels exceeding the recommended guidelines. These WQCs pose a risk as potentially hazardous chemical constituents (PHCCs) that can affect an animal’s physiology negatively and through bioaccumulation in tissues, can become a biohazard to consumers. Studies on Br occurring in groundwater confirmed the risk of ingesting this PHCC through drinking water, and the potential of significant accumulation of Br in tissues. However, two alleviating treatments were quantified. The controlled treatment of drinking water by adding total dissolved solids (TDS) has the potential of reducing the risk of accumulating Br and treatment with iodide (I) had a significant ameliorating effect on reducing the toxicity of Br. Research on the fitness for use of groundwater is continuing in order to develop further effective means of managing WQCs and PHCCs, and thereby reducing risks to both animals and humans that depend on groundwater.
Contact person: Prof NH Casey.
Investigations into the quality of groundwater used by rural communities throughout South Africa, funded by the national Department of Agriculture and the Water Research Commission, revealed bromide (Br) as one of the potentially problematic water quality constituents (WQCs) that occur at levels exceeding the recommended guidelines. These WQCs pose a risk as potentially hazardous chemical constituents (PHCCs) that can affect an animal’s physiology negatively and through bioaccumulation in tissues, can become a biohazard to consumers. Studies on Br occurring in groundwater confirmed the risk of ingesting this PHCC through drinking water, and the potential of significant accumulation of Br in tissues. However, two alleviating treatments were quantified. The controlled treatment of drinking water by adding total dissolved solids (TDS) has the potential of reducing the risk of accumulating Br and treatment with iodide (I) had a significant ameliorating effect on reducing the toxicity of Br. Research on the fitness for use of groundwater is continuing in order to develop further effective means of managing WQCs and PHCCs, and thereby reducing risks to both animals and humans that depend on groundwater.
Contact person: Dr JA Meyer.
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