Department of Animal Science
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Browsing Department of Animal Science by Author "Bhebhe, E."
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Item Open Access Effect of different disaccharides as energy supplements in tris-egg yolk semen extender on the quality of cryopreserved boer goat spermatozoa(2018-09-21) Rammutla, Tsaka Lyzer; Nedambale, T. L.; Fushai, F.; Bhebhe, E.The quality of cryopreserved Boer goat semen may be influenced by the source and concentration of energy supplements in the extender. The aim of the study was to improve the protocols for cryopreservation of Boer goat spermatozoa using different disaccharides concentrations as supplements in tris- egg yolk extender. Two experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of (a) addition of three disaccharides (maltose, sucrose and trehalose) and (b) disaccharides combination (maltose and trehalose) at different concentrations using tris-egg yolk extender. For experiment 1: the study was replicated six times and was conducted in a 3 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement with three different sugars (sugars: maltose, sucrose and trehalose), two sugar concentrations (0.12g and 0.22g) and two evaluation times (0 hours before cryopreservation and 120 hours after cryopreservation). For experiment 2: the study was replicated six times and was conducted in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement with two sugar concentrations (0.12g and 0.22g) and two evaluation times (0 hours before cryopreservation and 120 hours after cryopreservation). Semen ejaculates were collected at 7.00-9.00 am from three Boer goats twice per week. After collection, the semen samples were pooled and diluted with tris-egg yolk extender at the ratio of 1:7 (semen to extender). Sperm quality (progressive motility, non- progressive motility, kinetic motions, viability (live/dead) and morphology) were analyzed using computer aided sperm analyzer (CASA). For experiment 1: sucrose 0.12g had higher progressive motility (PM %) when compared to maltose, and trehalose at 0h but reduced after cryopreservation. Sucrose 0.12 showed high percentage of kinetic motions (straightness and average path velocity) when compared to other sugars at 0 hours. More morphological defects M (CH) were revealed by maltose 0.12 at 0 hours. Sugar type (ST) and evaluation time (ET) showed no significant difference (P>0.05) in progressive motility (PM %), sperm kinetic motion, sperm viability and morphology. For experiment 2: mixed/combined 0.12g (maltose and trehalose) revealed more progressive motility (PM %) at 0h and reduced after cryopreservation. Table 6 and 9: of experiment 1 and 2 showed an interaction caused by sugar concentration level and evaluation time (L X ET) on the percentage of cut head M (CH%) and coiled M(C%) morphological abnormalities. In conclusion addition of maltose 0.12g to the extender showed almost similar results with that of trehalose at 0h and 120h. Therefore addition of maltose and trehalose to the extender might improve the quality of Boer goat spermatozoa prior and post cryopreservation.Item Open Access Effect of Moringa Oleifera and probiotic inclusion on growth performance carcass characteristics and cost benefit analysis in broiler chicken production(2020-08-11) Ramathithi, Tshilidzi; Bhebhe, E.; Baloyi, J. N.One of the ways to minimise cost and promote health in humans and animals is to use natural feed additives instead of antibiotics. Moringa oleifera (Moringa) is a phytobiotic which possess anti-microbial and immune-modulatory properties and contains high levels of nutrients and it can be used as a feed additive. Probiotics are feed additives which consist of living microorganisms that have beneficial effects on the physiology and health of other organisms. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of various levels of Moringa oleifera and probiotics inclusion on growth performance, carcass characteristics and cost benefit analysis for broiler chicken production. Moringa oleifera leaf powder was purchased from Bethel Farm No:683 Bethel mission Gucksdadt Vryheid in Zululand district AbaQulusi municipality. The study was a 5x2 factorial design with five levels of Moringa and two levels of probiotic. Six hundred (600) Ross 308-day old chicks were received and fed commercial starter. The experimental treatments were randomly divided into five levels of Moringa with and without probiotics introduced through drinking water at grower to finisher phase. The diets were supplemented with different inclusion levels of Moringa (Mo) as follows: 0g/kg (M0), 0.6g/kg (M3), 1.2g/kg (M6), 1.8g/kg (M9), 2.4g/kg (M12) of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) and probiotic at P0 (0ml/bird/week), P1 (1 ml/bird/week) of a commercial probiotic administered in water for the first three weeks (starter phase). The experiment had three replications with 20 birds per replicate. MOLM and PRB interaction had no significant effect (P>0.05) on any of growth parameters and same findings with MOLM. Probiotics treatments had significantly reduced (P < 0.05) mortality rate (MTRT) in the grower phase. MOLM×PRB had significant effect on (P<0.01) feed intake (FI), MOLM had significantly reduced (P< 0.05) average bodyweight gain (ABWG) and FI in finisher phase. MOLM and PRB interaction had significant effect (P< 0.05) on dressed weight only and non-significant effect (P>0.05) on the rest of carcass parameters. MOLM inclusion levels did not significantly affect (P>0.05) back fat weight. However, MOLM inclusion level significantly reduced (P< 0.05) dressed weight, shank length, wing weight, drum and thigh weight, back weight and breast muscle weight. PRB inclusion in the diets significantly increased (P< 0.01) shank size and drum + thigh weights (P<0.05). MOLM and PRB inclusion level had no significant effect (P>0.05) on giblets parameters. MOLM and PRB interaction had significant effect on (P<0.05) water holding capacity (WHC) and hardness. MOLM had significant effect (P<0.05) on pH and dripping loss. A significant effect between (MOLM×PRB) Moringa oleifera leaf meal and probiotics (P<0.01) was observed on CD, C* and b*. MOLM had significant effect (P<0.01) on CD, C*, a*, b*, L*, PRB had significant effect (P<0.01) on h*(increased) and a*(reduced) on colour parameters. MOLM fed at P0 resulted in higher mortality at grower stage. It is concluded that MOLM can be added up to 12% with or without PRB without affecting growth performance at finisher phase and carcass characteristics. Inclusion of MOLM up to 12% had good impact on hardness and water holding capacity in the meat. PRB presence improved the growth performance of birds supplemented with MOLM up to 12% inclusion level. MOLM diets were not economically profitable compared to control diet due to high price level of Moringa oleifera powder supplemented in the diets and no best return weight gain per rand invested amongst the diets.Item Open Access Effect of strain and skip a day technique on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens(2023-10-05) Makharamedzha, Murunwa; Bhebhe, E.A skip a day feeding technique could mitigate the ever-increasing cost of feeds and the undesirable excessive adipose fat. The aim of this study was to determine effect of broiler strain (Ross 308 and Arbor Acres) and different regimes of the skip-a-day technique on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. A 2×3 factorial study was carried out to determine the growth performance and carcass characteristics of two broiler strains. Each treatment was replicated three times with 25 birds per replicate and thus a total of 450 unsexed chickens for this study. The treatments were as follows: (i) control-Adlibitum feeding, (ii) Treatment 1-birds were fed one day, and the next day was skipped, (iii) Treatment 2-birds were fed two days and the third day was skipped. Carcass weight, abdominal fat, mortality, and average weight gain were determined and recorded. Data was analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) for a 2×3 factorial experiment using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedures of Minitab 18 statistical software. Feed intake per bird per week (g) was significantly different between all three treatments (P<0.01) and followed a consistent yet unexpected pattern across strains with feeding regime zero (control pen)>FR0- Feeding regime one>FR1- Feeding regime two>FR2. Weekly feed intake per bird per week was significantly higher for FR0 (P<0.01) compared to FR1 and FR2 with the latter two treatments having non-significant means (P>0.05) and strain significantly affected feed intake where the Ross 308 strain consumed more feed than the Arbor Acres strain (P<0.05). Broiler strain as well as strain by skip-a-day level interaction effects were not significant for all the carcass parameters (P>0.05). The overall results of this study have shown that the Ross 308 and Arbor Acres broilers did not differ significantly in the body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, and abdominal fatness (P>0.05). However, the Ross 308 broilers strains consumed more feed than the Arbor Acres strain, but both strains converted the feed with the similar efficiency.Item Open Access The evaluation of the nutritive value of Baobab seed cake and Macadamia oil cake as feed for ruminants(2018-09-21) Mikasi, Masiza Samuel; Baloyi, J, J,; Bhebhe, E.Horticultural by-products such as seed and nut oil residues have the potential to replace conventional protein and energy sources in diets for ruminants. The objective of the study was to evaluate the nutritive value of Macadamia oil cake and Baobab seed cake as nutrient supplements for feedlot animals. Several experiments were carried-out to evaluate the nutritive value of Macadamia oil cake and Baobab seed cake as feed for ruminants. The nutrient composition of the cakes were determined using both proximate and modern methods of analysis of feeds and a t-test was used to compare the means of Macadamia oil cake and Baobab seed cake. The in sacco technique was used to determine the rumen degradability parameters of dry matter, crude protein and Amino acids of the cakes. This experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design. A three step-in vitro technique was used to conduct a post ruminal digestibility trial and the study was arranged in a completely randomized design. An apparent digestibility trial was conducted using metabolism cages and fecal bags to avoid the mixing of urine and faeces and the experiment was carried out as a completely randomized design arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial. A growth trial was conducted using a completely randomized block design arranged in a 2x2 factorial with two protein supplements and two inclusion levels as factors and blocked by sex of the lambs. The two cakes had similar (P>0.05) dry matter, fat, hemicellulose and gross energy contents. Baobab seed cake had significantly (P<0.05) higher ash, crude protein, acid detergent lignin and nitrogen free extract than macadamia oil cake. Macadamia oil cake had significantly (P<0.05) higher crude fiber, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber and cellulose concentrations. Baobab seed cake had significantly (P<0.05) higher calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus (macroelements), zinc, and copper than macadamia oil cake. Macadamia oil cake was significantly (P<0.05) higher in manganese and iron contents than Baobab seed cake. Sodium content was not significantly (P>0.05) different between the two cakes. Baobab seed cake had more (Tryptophan, Cysteine, Arginine, Aspartic acid, Glutamic acid, Valine, Phenylalanine, Isoleucine, Leucine) Amino acids which were significantly (P<0.05) higher in quantity than macadamia oil cake with the two cakes having similar (P>0.05) remaining Amino acids contents. Generally Macadamia oil cake had more (P<0.05) saturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids than Baobab seed cake whereas Baobab seed cake had more (P<0.05) poly-unsaturated fatty acids. v The in sacco rumen degradability characteristics of baobab seed cake and macadamia oil cake were estimated for dry matter and crude protein of the cakes. Macadamia oil cake had significantly (P<0.01) higher a value for dry matter than boabab seed cake. Baoaba seed cake had significantly (P<0.01) higher a value for crude protein than macadamia oil cake. the b, c, and a+b values for dry matter of both Baobab seed cake and Macadamia oil cake were not significantly (P>0.05) different form each other. However, the potential degradability (a+b) value for crude protein of baobab seed cake was significantly (P<0.01) higher than that of macadamia oil cake. The b and c constants of the two cakes for crude protein were not significantly (P>0.05) different from each other. The ED (Effective degradability) values calculated at three outflow rates (0.02, 0.05, 0.08) were estimated for dry matter and crude protein of Baobab seed cake and macadamia oil cake. The ED of the two cakes calculated at 0.02 outflow rate did not significantly (P>0.05) differ from each other. However, baobab seed cake had significantly (P<0.05) higher ED value at outflow rate of 0.05 whereas macadamia oil cake had significantly (P<0.05) higher ED value calculated at outflow rate of 0.08. The ED values of baobab seed cake for crude protein calculated at the three outflow rate were significantly (P<0.01) higher than those of macadamia oil cake. The two cakes did not significantly (P>0.05) differ in dry matter ruminal degradability but baobab seed cake had significantly (P<0.05) higher ruminal crude protein disappearance from 16 to 72 hours of incubation than macadamia oil cake. The in situ Amino acid degradation was determined on 0, 12, 16, 24, and 48 hour of ruminal incubation of the cakes’ samples and generally they were significant (P<0.05) differences for both cakes according to different incubation periods. The 3-step in vitro digestibility trial revealed that baobab seed cake had significantly (P<0.05) higher dry matter, crude protein and Amino acids digestibility values than macadamia oil cake. Apparent digestibility study revealed that nutrient intake, faecal and urine outputs, and digestibility of nutrients were not significantly (P>0.05) different between baobab seed cake and macadamia oil cake. However, lambs on 10% macadamia cake having retained significantly (P<0.05) more nitrogen than the lambs on 15% macadamia oil cake, 10% and 15% baobab seed cakes diets. However, the inclusion of either baobab seed cake or macadamia oil cake at 10% or 15% in the diets of lambs did not significantly (P>0.05) affect the DOMR, microbial protein yield and purine derivates output. For the growth trial the lambs were offered four diets formulated to contain 10% MOC (control), 15% MOC, 10 BSC and 15% BSC. The inclusion of 15% MOC and 10% BSC in the diets of lambs did not significantly (P>0.05) affect their final body weight, total weight gain, average daily feed intake, average daily weight gain, warm and cold carcass masses between these two vi groups. The inclusion of 10% MOC and 15% BSC in the diets of lambs did not significantly affect average daily feed intake and animal performance between these two groups. However, lambs on 10% MOC and 15% BSC had significantly (P<0.05) higher average daily feed intake and animal performance compared to lambs on 15% MOC diet. The feed conversion efficiency and of the lambs in the four diets were not significantly (P>0.05) different. The dressing percentage, carcass length, neck weight, fat thickness, body weight thickness and rib eye area of the carcasses of lambs in this trial did not differ significantly (P>0.05) except for spleen and skin with lambs on 10% BSC diets having the least skin weight and lambs on 10% MOC diet having heaver spleens. Generally BSC had higher (P<0.05) nutrient content than MOC. BSC and MOC were highly degradable in the rumen whereas BSC was higly digestible post-ruminally compared to MOC. The diets of fattening lambs formulated to include 10% or 15% of BSC or MOC as protein supplements did not affect the apparent digestibility of the diets. Macadamia oil cake can be incomporated in the diet of finishing lambs as a protein supplement at 10% inclusion level without compromising the growth and carcass characteristics of the lambs. Baobab seed cake as a protein supplement can be included in the diet of finishing lambs at up to 15% inclusion level without deleteriously compromising on the growth and carcass characteristics of the animals. ______________________________________Item Open Access Genetic diversity and relationships among Nguni cattle populations in three Southern African countries(2018-05-18) Madilindi, Matome Andrias; Bhebhe, E.; Banga, C. B.; Mapholi, N. O.The Nguni is a transboundary indigenous Southern African cattle breed. The breed has distinct populations that are adapted to the different ecological zones of Southern Africa. Previous work on characterising the Nguni has been limited to within-country studies. Thus, the aim of the current study was to genetically characterise South African (SA) Nguni, Mozambican Nguni (Landim) and Swazi Nguni populations across Southern African region using a panel of 25 microsatellite markers, recommended by FAO and ISAG for genetic diversity studies. Genotypic data were generated from 90 unrelated autosomal DNA samples of the three cattle populations (SA Nguni n=30, Mozambican Nguni (Landim) n=30 and Swazi Nguni n=30) collected from government research stations and stud herds. Five South African beef cattle breeds’ DNA profiles were obtained from the ARC-DNA database and used as reference populations. A majority of the microsatellite markers were highly polymorphic across the studied populations. High genetic diversity was detected and expected heterozygosity varied from 71% (Landim) to 75% (SA Nguni) with a higher mean number of alleles (MNA) in the SA Nguni (7.52±0.42) compared to the Swazi Nguni (6.92±0.40) and Landim (7.16±0.43) populations. Observed heterozygosity (Ho) (0.597±0.046) compared to expected heterozygosity (He) (0.719±0.022) was lowest for the Swazi Nguni, confirming a relatively high level of inbreeding (FIS=0.158) in that population. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that 9.61% of the total variation occurred among populations, while 90.39% occurred within populations. Short genetic distance (29.9%) was observed between Landim and Swazi Nguni, with the SA Nguni (>50%) being the most genetically distant population. The distant relationship between SA Nguni and the other two Nguni cattle populations was further confirmed by neighbor-joining (NJ) tree, Principal Coordinates Analyses (PCoA) and Factorial Corresponding Analysis (FCA). The structure of the three Nguni cattle populations clustered independently, despite some evidence of admixture. Additionally, genetic differentiation and population structure within four Mozambican indigenous cattle populations were investigated using the same panel of microsatellite markers. The analysis of unrelated autosomal DNA was performed on 120 animals (Angone n=30, Bovine de Tete n=30, Landim n=30 and Namaacha Nguni n=30), which presented sufficient genetic diversity across all populations. Estimates of mean number of alleles, observed and expected heterozygosities were 6.920±0.20, 0.68±0.02 and 0.71±0.01, respectively. Genetic differentiation among the populations accounted for 8.02% of total genetic variability. Negative (-0.025±0.029) to low positive (0.073±0.050) levels of inbreeding were observed within the four populations. The genetic distance, NJ tree, PCoA and FCA revealed a close relationship between Bovine de Tete and Landim as opposed to Angone and Namaacha Nguni. STRUCTURE analysis assigned the four Mozambican populations independently; however Bovine de Tete and Landim showed relatively higher levels of admixture with each other than Angone and Namaacha Nguni. It can be concluded that SA Nguni, Landim and Swazi Nguni populations accomplish high genetic diversity and they are genetically distant; however, the two latter populations are closely related. These results present useful informationItem Open Access Genetic Parameter Estimates of Milkability Traits in South African Holstein Cattle(2017-09-18) Tshilate, Thendo Stanley; Bhebhe, E.; Banga, C. B.Milkability, or ease of milking, is the rate at which milk can be completely drawn from a cow’s udder. It is an important functional trait with regard to milking costs as well as udder health. Milkability traits have not been included in the breeding objectives of South African dairy cattle and their genetic parameters in the population have not been estimated. The primary objective of the study was to estimate genetic parameters for milkability traits in South African Holstein cattle. Data consisted of production and milkability records of 1 532 Holstein cows, from 6 herds, participating in the South African National Dairy Animal Recording and Improvement Scheme during the period 2015 to 2016 . Measures of milkability were average milk flow (AMF), maximum milk flow (MMF) and milking time (MT). Genetic parameters were estimated by a multi-trait sire model using the Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) procedure. Means for AMF, MMF and MT were 1.99 kg/min, 3.02 kg/min and 5.50 min, respectively. Non-genetic factors affecting variation in milkability traits were herd-year-season of calving, parity and milk yield. Heritability estimates for AMF, MMF, and MT were 0.23±0.09, h2 = 0.41±0.12 and h2 = 0.36±0.11, respectively. Genetic correlations between the three milkability traits were medium to high, ranging from -0.35±0.23 between AMF and MT to 0.79±0.09 between AMF and MMF. Correlations were positive between AMF and MMF and negative between MT and the other two traits. There was an increase in the mean EBV for AMF of 0.002 kg/min (0.0001 kg/min per year) during the period 2002 to 2014. Maximum milk flow also showed an increasing genetic trend of 0.04 kg/min (0.0003 kg/min per year) over the same period. The genetic trend for MT was undesirable, as it increased by 0.0003 kg/min. There is scope for improving milkability through selection, in South African Holstein cattle, as indicated by the moderate to high heritability estimates. The favourable genetic correlations among milkability traits imply that selection on one trait will result in a correlated improvement in the others. Results of the current study provide a basis for including milkability traits in the breeding objective for South African Holstein cattle.Item Open Access Performance of ROSS 308 broilers on maize-sprouted cowpeas grower-finisher diets fortified with black soldier fly (hermatia illucens) larvae meal(2023-10-05) Muleya, Thivhalitshi Thomas; Fushai, F.; Bhebhe, E.The objectives of the study were to evaluate the efficacy of sprouted cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)- maize (Zea mays) grower and finisher broiler diets, and of 5%, versus 10% fortification of the diets with full-fat Black Soldier fly (Hermatia illucens) larvae meal (BSFLM). The trial used 360 -day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks reared in an open, deep litter house. Chicks were placed in 30 wire mesh experimental pens of 150 cm length × 144 cm width. Chicks were uniformly managed during the starter (21 days) phase, feeding on a commercial starter. The chicks received supplementary stress vitamins (Virbac© Samrand Business Park, Centurion, Pretoria, South Africa) during days 1-6. On day-22, sexed broilers were randomly allotted at 12 birds per pen in a 5 (diet) X 2 (sex) factorial arrangement with three replications per treatment. Grower phase (days 22-35) and finisher phase (days 36-42) dietary treatments were: 0% BSFLM sprouted cowpea negative control (NC) diets, positive control (PC) commercial diets, low (LF 5% BSFLM) and high (HF 5% BSFLM) fat sprouted cowpea diets with 5% BSFLM diets, and 10% BSFLM sprouted cowpea diets. Feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mortality rates were measured on a weekly basis. Upon slaughter, the weight of the warm dressed carcass, carcass components, visceral organs and abdominal fat were measured while meat quality (pH, drip loss and meat colour) were evaluated. During the grower phase, broilers on the PC consumed more (p<0.05) feed and achieved higher weight gain (p<0.05) than those on the NC and LF 5% BSFLM diets. The PC birds achieved lower (p<0.05) FCR compared to broilers on the NC and HF 5% BSFLM. During the finisher phase, broilers on the PC consumed more (p<0.05) feed than those on the 10% BSFLM diet. Cumulatively throughout the grower-finisher phases, broilers on the PC had higher feed intake and weight gain (p<0.05) than on the NC and HF 5% BSFLM diets and attained higher (p<0.05) final live weight with lower (p<0.05) FCR compared to broilers on the NC. Male broilers consumed more (p<0.05) feed during the grower phase and by slaughter, with higher p<0.05) weight gain during finishing, which resulted in heavier (p<0.05) live weight at slaughter. There was no (p>0.05) sex * diet interaction on parameters for measuring the growth performance. Broilers on the PC had larger (p<0.05) breast weights compared to birds on the NC and the 10% BSFLM diets and had higher (p<0.05) thigh weights than those on all other treatments. Broilers on the PC had a larger (p<0.05) spleen than birds on the NC and the 5% BSFLM diets. The females had lower thigh and liver weights compared to the males (p<0.050). Birds on the 10% BSFLM had lower drip loss compared to those on the negative control (p<0.05). In conclusion, broilers fed the sprouted cowpea-maize diet without BSFLM had low feed intake, weight gain and high FCR during the growing phase, and these effects were vi cumulatively reflected at slaughter. Compared to the NC and PC diets, BSFLM fortification of sprouted cowpea-maize diets resulted in intermediate parameters for broiler growth performance. Based on the growth performance, it was concluded that dietary efficacy was in the order NC <5 % LF<5% HF< 10 % BSFLM < PC fortification.