Dairy R&D in SA

Background:

Goal 1: Clarify the taxonomy of Pseudopithomyces chartarum (now P. toxicarius) and analyze the genetic composition of its mating type loci.

Dietary probiotics have been shown to modulate gut microbiota dysbiosis (an imbalance between a person’s gut microbial population because of impaired health) in individuals with non-communicable diseases. The study cited investigated the impact of probiotic yoghurt with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp.

In a comprehensive study in the Tsitsikamma, two objectives were addressed: a) whether high N fertilization rates traditionally believed to increase pasture productivity, really achieve optimal yields and efficient N use, and b) how different nitrogen fertilizer rates influence soil nitrogen cycling processes, espec

Lameness in dairy cows is usually caused by claw lesions, which include white line disease, sole ulcer, sole haemorrhage, and interdigital difficulties. These lesions are all non-infectious. However, there may also be infectious causes of lameness which are primarily due to bacterial infections affecting the feet and joints, and which are often the most frequent.

The wide usage of antimicrobial agents for the treatment of pathogens found in mastitis in veterinary medicine is plagued with limited success due to the increasing prevalence of resistance to commonly used antimicrobial agents.

Lameness due to claw lesions is a major hurdle for sustainable dairy production worldwide. The most frequent reason for lameness in dairy cattle is the occurrence of lesions on the animal’s claw(s). Novel phenotypes relating to these traits need to be included in breeding objectives and a large number of accurate phenotypic recordings are required for genetic evaluations and accurate selection.

The R & D priorities are lumped into three major sustainability focus areas, namely the Environment, Animal Health and Welfare and Food Safety & Security. The major attention within the focus areas is illustrated by the projects described below and their progress:

The Skimmelkrans dairy farm, located near George, in the Western Cape, is the Nestlé group’s pilot project for low-carbon emissions, following the announcement in 2020 to pursue a net-zero project there. Results to date from the Skimmelkrans Dairy pilot project include annual averages of 500 tons of manure processed, 14.5 million litres of water recycled and 6 000 tons of carbon sequestrated through soil work.

Probiotic yoghurt is a fermented dairy product with live beneficial bacteria, the common strains being Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.