Department of Animal Science

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Browsing Department of Animal Science by Subject "636.200968257"

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    Chemical and tannin composition of browsable species used as ruminant feed supplements in the Vhembe District of South Africa
    (2013-02-25) Mahlako, Kgabo Tryphina; Baloyi, J. J.; Benyi, K.
    The chemical and tannin composition of Acacia nilotica, Dichrostachy cinerea and Ziziphus mucronata from high, medium and low rainfall areas were studied. Dry matter and ash, crude protein content, natural detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre were determined.. The macro elements were then determined by flame or hydride generation technique and micro using metrohm Ion Chromatography. The condensed tannins were determined using n­ butanol-HCL colorimetric method The data were analyzed by analysis of variance for a 3 x 3 factorial in a completely randomised design using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of SPSS version 19. Averaged overall zones, D. cinerea had a higher ash content than the other two species. Z. mucronata had the highest CP content followed by D. cinerea and A. nilotica. D. cinerea had the highest NDF level followed by A. nilotica and then by z. mucronata. Trees that grew in the medium rainfall zone had the highest CP level (153 g/kg DM) followed by those that grew in the low rainfall zone whilst those that grew in the high rainfall zone had the lowest CP content (101 g/kg OM) A. nilotica and D. cinerea did not differ in ADF and phosphorus but had higher levels than Z. mucronata (P < 0.01). A. nilotica had a high chlorine content (130 g/kg OM) than the other tree (P <0.01). In addition the high and low rainfall trees had a high fluorine levels than the medium rainfall trees. Z. mucronata trees that grew in low rainfall areas had the highest total tannin content of 382 g/kg Mimosa tannin equivalent. The findings of this study showed that the three forage legumes species are high in condensed tannins but they are of good nutritive value and have potential for integration into ruminant livestock production in Limpopo Province of South Africa.
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    Exploring cattle tick infestations, farmers knowledge, attitudes, and control practices in selected villages of Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Limpopo Province
    (2026-05-19) Moseri, Uhone Budi Princess; Bhebbe, Evison; Chitura, Teedzai
    Tick infestations remain a significant constraint to cattle health and productivity in communal farming systems of South Africa. A cross-sectional mixed-methods approach was employed, combining tick surveys, clinical examinations of cattle, and a farmer’s knowledge, attitudes and perceptions (KAP) survey conducted during routine dipping days. Adult ticks were systematically collected from cattle, preserved in 70% ethanol and identified morphologically using standard taxonomic keys. A clinical evaluation checklist was used to record tick burden, species composition, attachment sites, tick-induced lesions, and body condition scores. Cattle farmers’ data was collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire administered in Xitsonga language. A total of 967 adult ticks were identified, comprising eight species, with Amblyomma hebraeum and Rhipicephalus decoloratus being the most prevalent across both villages. Ntlhaveni village exhibited a higher overall tick burden and greater abundance of Rhipicephalus microplus and Hyalomma rufipes than Matiyani village, suggesting that environmental conditions, grazing patterns, and management practices likely influenced spatial variation. High tick burdens were observed in both villages, with mixed-species infestations being common. Age and physiological status significantly influenced tick burden and tick-induced lesion severity, with growing and pregnant cattle more severely affected. Tick lesions, hair loss and skin thickening were prevalent, and most cattle displayed low to moderate body condition scores, suggesting negative implications for productivity. Despite limited formal livestock training, most farmers demonstrated practical knowledge of tick identification and inspection. However, nearly half of the respondents reported year-round high tick infestations and perceived a decline in acaricide effectiveness, suggesting potential acaricide resistance. Tick infestations were associated with reduced milk production, poor body condition, increased calf mortality, and higher treatment costs. Overall, the study highlights the substantial health and economic burden of ticks in communal cattle systems, underscoring the need for location-specific, integrated, and sustainable tick control strategies supported by strengthened veterinary extension services.