admin@milksa.co.za 
012 460 7312
Brooklyn Court, Block B, First floor,
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POINT OF DEPARTURE:
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Statutory resolution: “To give effect to the purpose of designated levies to R & D as per Regulation R57 of 30 January 2009, which states: “Research and development are required to promote not only the viability of the dairy industry but also to promote the achievement of the other objectives of the Act as set out in section 2 (2) of the Act: Research is fragmented and action is required to ensure coordination and that research and development are functional in respect of the strategic direction of the industry, namely broadening of the market for milk and other dairy products, improvement of the international competitiveness of the South African industry, and empowerment of previously disadvantaged individuals. Furthermore, action is required to promote the practical application of local and international research and development in South Africa”.
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Principle: R & D to achieve these goals must address demonstrable problems, risk or need which impact on profitability, sustainability and continuous improvement of the dairy industry, as well as broadening the market for dairy products. Therefore the R & D must be solution focussed. However, before any research will be sanctioned, an investigation should be commissioned to ascertain whether appropriate managerial measures leading on to the research question are or have been implemented. Furthermore, a thorough literature study and supporting information should prove that the knowledge is not adequate to provide effective extension and/or training of the intended recipients.
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STRUCTURE TO CO-ORDINATE AND MANAGE R & D:
The structure shown in Annexure 1 replaced the structure until 2016 and is expected to be functional during the period until 2021. Explanations are in the footnotes.
The Dairy R & D Committee via the Management Committee is advised by members of the Dairy Research Forum and other expertise. The MPO and SAMPRO through their structures feed in demonstrable problems/needs to the Management Committee, which screens the proposals with regard to relevance and priority. Those proposals meeting the criteria are presented to the Dairy R & D Committee for further evaluation and allocation to suitable expertise and capacities to be developed into R & D protocols where appropriate. The Dairy R & D Committee finally proposes funding to the Milk SA Board.
Through networking and official agreements where applicable, but without being
descriptive, it is endeavoured to align the R & D agendas of research capacities in
the provinces, the ARC, SA Studbook, tertiary institutions etc, to the national goals
and objectives of the industry. In terms of funding, the networks allow access to
government funds, in addition to strengthening the possibility of obtaining access
to dedicated funding sources as made available by DAFF, DTI, DST and other
institutions. This may contribute significantly towards supplementing a limited
levy allocation to R & D, thereby supporting a sustainable R & D programme. The
network requires continuous strengthening towards 2021 to ensure effective service
to the dairy industry.
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R & D FIELDS IDENTIFIED AND STRUCTURAL ARRANGEMENTS:
The fields identified are:
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Animal health, bio-security and welfare
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Dairy products and nutraceuticals
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Feed sources and animal nutrition
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Food safety and quality
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Genetics, physiology and reproduction
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Markets and techno-economics
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The environment.
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BUDGET ANTICIPATED FOR PERIOD 2018 to 2021:
Not attached to this copy because of confidentiality reasons.
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CURRENT PROJECTS:
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R & D Field: Animal health, bio-security and welfare:
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Mastitis
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Project by UP (Onderstepoort), started in 2016 and is envisaged to be completed in 2019.
Project title: Resistance to available antibiotics in lactating cows with mastitis.
Project leader: Dr Martin van der Leek.
Objectives in brief: Characterization and prevalence of mastitis-causing organisms, testing in vitro sensitivity of the organisms to antibiotics on the market, observing mastitis management programmes on farms and investigating sources of environmental and milking parlour contamination.
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Project by UKZN (Plant Pathology), started in 2015 and is envisaged to be completed in 2019.
Project title: Investigating alternative methods such as bacteriophages and bacteriocins to control mastitis organisms.
Project leader: Prof Mike Laing [plus post-doc Dr Iona Basdew]. Objectives in brief: Classify and determine efficacy of bacteriophages against Staphylococcus aureus where after other prominent mastitis-causing pathogens will follow; isolate bacteriocins from Staphylococcal and Streptococcal strains; do in vitro screening and efficacy tests; test promising isolates in vivo; develop commercial products.
Comments: Promising bacteriophage isolates were identified in a PhD study (Iona Basdew) in 2013. Other isolates with or without bacteriocins are investigated to develop a mix to facilitate non-adaptation by mastitis pathogens. The mix is envisaged to lead to a commercial product.
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Fasciolosis (liver fluke):
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Project by UP (Onderstepoort), started in 2015 and is envisaged to be completed in 2019.
Project title: Fasciola hepatica: Impact on dairy production and
sustainable management on selected farms in South Africa.
Project leader: Dr Jan van Wyk.
Objectives in brief: Investigation of prevalence, seasonal trends,
mode of transmission of the parasite, management programmes
followed by farmers and anthelminthic efficacy for treatment. Some
emphasis is put on the control and management of the intermediate
snail host which is perceived to be the preferred way of controlling
Fasciolosis.
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Project by UKZN (Plant Pathology), started in 2016 and is envisaged to be completed in 2020.
Project title: Integrated control of liver flukes of cattle using
botanical extracts and bio-control agents.
Project leader: Prof Mark Laing [plus post-doc Dr Mawahib Ahmed]
Objectives in brief: Chemical extracts from plants with known
medicinal characteristics in addition to potential bio-control agents
such as fungi which attack the host snail are evaluated both in vitro
sp; and in vivo.
Comments: Chemical extracts used in the PhD study were effective in
controlling sheep nematodes. Some are investigated to develop
commercial products.
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Brucellosis:
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Project by the CSIR (Biosciences), started in 2016 and is envisaged to be completed in 2019.
Project title: Point-of-care diagnostics for Bovine Brucellosis.
Project leader: Dr Phiyani Lebea.
Objectives: The point-of-care diagnostics for Bovine Brucellosis
propose establishment of a Brucella detection protocol that could be
designed for quick and initial verification on-farm. The main objective
is to develop two protocols, the first being a lateral flow (strip based)
immunoassay for detection of Brucellosis in milk samples and the
second being a workflow protocol for bulk milk testing.
Comments: The point-of-care identification of Brucella is based on a
device and lateral flow immuno-assay antigen-antibody methodology
and is tested in association with a dairy company in the Eastern Cape.
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R & D Field: Food safety and quality, plus Feed sources and animal nutrition:
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Milk flocculation:
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Project by UFS, started in 2016 and is envisaged to be completed in 2019. Project title: The significance of proteolytic psyghrotrophs as a cause of milk flocculation/protein instability Project leader: Prof Celia Hugo, UFS.
Objectives in brief: Psyghrotrophs are implicated for proteolysis since they can survive low temperatures in milk equipment; therefore the study to understand their possible relationship with milk flocculation.
Comments: A rapid detection method for psyghrotrophs has been developed which should facilitate further study and may prove to become standard in processing plants.
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Project by UFS, started in 2016 and is envisaged to be completed in 2019.
Project title: The impact of proteases and chemicals on milk flocculation Project leader: Dr Jacobus Myburgh, UFS.
Objectives in brief: During heating for extended shelf life purposes enzymatic and other molecular changes can occur which may contribute to milk flocculation. These changes and relationships are studied.
Comments: There is careful networking with Project 5.2.1.1 to distinguish proteolytic activity by psychrotrophs and enzymatic activity.
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Project by WCDA (Outeniqua), started in 2017 and is envisaged to be completed in 2019. Project title: The effect of anion/cation difference and potassium content of the diet on heat stability of milk. Project leader: Prof Robin Meeske, WCDA
Objectives in brief: To vary the mineral, DCAD and other nutrients in cow diets to study possible reasons of milk flocculation on farm.
Comments: Costs are covered by the WCDA budget, with the Milk SA R & D budget contributing only analytical costs.
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Genetics, Physiology and Reproduction:
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Genetic and performance monitoring programme:
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Analysis of automated systems:
Project started in 2017 and is envisaged to be completed in 2019.
Nature of project: Statistical trend monitoring of participating farmer
results over time to establish progress of critical indicators.
Comments: In the initial phase a Masters student (Anton Gresse) of
UP evaluates appropriate methodology for evaluation together with
a statistician and test the application with data of two farms. This
may serve as a template for data of other farmers. This phase will be
the initial investigation towards the programme envisaged in item
6.1.1.
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Literature study on residual feed intake (RFI):
Dr Carel Muller was contracted to do a literature study and make recommendations as to the applicability of what is envisaged in item 6.1.1.2.
The study was completed in February 2017.
5.3.1.3. Genomic selection:
Project started in 2017 and is envisaged to be completed in 2019.
Nature of project: Reference populations are developed with
genomic and phenotypic data which will form the basis to develop
GEBV values for SA bulls.
Comments: The project is funded by TIA and is conducted by the
Livestock Genomics Consortium on behalf of the Dairy Industry, with
managerial support from the MPO. As such, it is not a R & D project
of Milk SA, but the outcomes are important within the context of the
Genetic and Performance Programme. Several sub-projects with
specific objectives are conducted.
These are:
DGP001: Makgahlela, M L. (ARC) - Genomic evaluation of dairy traits
as a basis for accelerating food production in SA dairy cattle.
DGP002: Makgahlela, M L. (ARC) - Determination of the genetic
aspects of heifer and cow fertility in South African dairy cattle
populations.
DGP003: Joubert, R.C. (UP PhD study) - A genomic approach for an
improved understanding of mastitis susceptibility in South African
Holstein cattle.
DGP004: Visser, C. (UP) - Genomic inbreeding estimation and
effective population size of five SA dairy breeds.
DGP005: Banga, C. (ARC) - Application of genomic technology for
Accelerated genetic improvement of small holder and emerging dairy
herds.
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PROJECTS APPROVED IN PRINCIPLE:
6.1. Genetics, Physiology and Reproduction:
6.1.1. Genetic and performance monitoring programme:
Motivation: The Dairy Industry must support and encourage progress in
the SA Dairy Herd in terms of genetic progress, output, efficiency and
economic sustainability. The programme is to consider a genetic
improvement and performance programme with development and
ownership of an extensive database that include automated systems, in
addition to milk recording data and other appropriate methods (e.g. RFI
and genomics).
6.1.1.2. Selection based on residual feed intake (RFI):
Depending on recommendations from item 5.3.1.2 and feasibility the
Project will start in 2018 and is envisaged to be completed in 2021
Nature of project: Data acquisition, statistical analysis,
demonstrations and monitoring on station and farm.
Comments: A project leader will be identified to drive the project,
develop prediction equations and interact with participating farmers.
6.2. Food safety and quality:
6.2.1. Preventing/removing biofilms and food-borne pathogens in milk lines:
Motivation: Biofilm and spore-forming organisms are implied in
unsatisfactory shelf life of long-life milk. Some of them may be food
- borne pathogens and therefore a (bio-security) food safety risk (e.g.
Listeria and E.coli). The biofilm organisms are also associated with
mastitis-causing pathogens and, because of protease activity, probably
also with the problem of milk flocculation. Biofilms are normally
removed with sanitizers or steam sterilization, UV and hydrogen
peroxide depending on position in the milk line, structure of equipment
and practicality. Biofilm formation and spore-forming organisms are
increasing which most probably indicates that cleansing and sanitizing
are not done properly or less likely that current methods employed and
sanitizers on the market are less effective. Therefore methodologies and
management procedures for farmers and processors should be
investigated and if necessary, new or other sanitizers and alternative
methods should be considered.
Comments: A literature review will be funded in 2018 to establish the
extent of the problem, develop hypotheses and submit protocols for
2018 and onwards. For the immediate future the possible linkage of
biofilms with milk flocculation is important, but this will be pursued only
if the statistical analysis of the database mentioned in item 7.4.1
provides evidence to that effect.
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PROJECTS ANTICIPATED:
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Animal health, bio-security and welfare:
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Rapid disease detection:
Motivation: The rapid on-site methodology as described in item 5.1.3.1 and developed by the CSIR has potential for a number of other diseases. This should be pursued if the methodology proves effective for Brucellosis diagnosis.
Comments: A project towards that goal will be pursued as from 2019.
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Parasite control supplement:
Motivation: Addressing resistance of different internal parasites to standard anthelmintic treatment is one of the priorities of the R & D programme. A method to be considered is inclusion of bio-control agents in the concentrate supplement or TMR to cows. One possibility is tannin substances which are toxic to GI tract parasites and which have further advantages (depending on circumstances) of increasing amino acid flow to the small intestine, thereby increasing efficiency of production.
Comments: A project towards that goal is envisaged already in 2018.
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Mastitis: Despite the comprehensive attention to the disease, to be effective in reducing its impact, it must be addressed from different angles. Decisions on implementation will depend on the outcomes of projects described in item 5.1.1
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Sanitizers:
Motivation: The efficacy of sanitizers and cleaning solutions should always be tested and new ones identified. Organisms may adapt and biofilms may be difficult to remove. This links to the motivation in item 5.2.1.
Comments: Attention to sanitizers and cleaning solutions will depend on the outcomes of the project running (item 4.1.2.1), but otherwise is envisaged for 2019.
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Vaccines:
Motivation: Vaccination has been investigated with variable success depending on the organism and strain causing mastitis at particular sites. The projects running (items 4.1.2.1 and 4.1.2.2) will identify these species and strains, providing the possibility to develop specific vaccines.
Comments: Attention to vaccination is envisaged for 2019.
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AMR management: Motivation: As an alternate to indiscriminate antimicrobial use, specific management plans were introduced in farms involved in regular testing of milk samples. These included parlour hygiene, milker and supervisor education, routine microbiology and cytology examinations and prudent treatment based on susceptibility testing. The study will evaluate the possible impact of these interventions using routine microbiology and cytology of all lactating cows in herds. It will also pay attention to the importance of teat liners in preserving teat integrity and udder health. Comments: Since the data is sourced from an extensive data base the investigations have been initiated as part of the project described in item 5.1.1.1. Envisaged date of completion is 2019.
7.1.4. Bio-security:
Motivation: On-farm bio-security measures need to be introduced,
monitored and benchmarked. A specific focus will be on Bovine
Brucellosis which will align with the programme by the DAFF/AHF. A
Code of Bio-security Best Practice should be developed and subscribed
to by all dairy farmers to limit the introduction and spread of disease as
well as human and livestock movement to and from farms. It should also
be recognised that a lack of bio-security measures on farm may be
associated with zoonotic diseases and the development of food-borne
illnesses from contamination in the milk lines (see item 6.2.1.)
Comments: This is urgent and the intended project is moved forward. A
survey by the MPO is anticipated in 2017, whereas a Code will be
compiled from several existing bits and pieces by the Programme
Manager R & D.
Budget: The costs will be carried by the MPO in 2017 and claimed in
2018 if required.
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Feed sources and animal nutrition:
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Chicory:
Motivation: New pasture species and varieties should always be a long term priority to support sustainable dairy production from pastures as conditions, cost and efficiency change with time. It is a bonus if species and varieties already integrated or adapted to present pasture mixes but not used to an appreciable extent can be evaluated or improved. Chicory does grow well in present mixes, but does not receive much attention even though it is readily consumed, has high nutritional value and contains tannins which can be of benefit to contain internal parasites (see item 7.1.2).
Comments: SESCORD (now the Dairy Research Forum) identified evaluation and possibly propagation of chicory as a priority. Since the evaluation will have to be done at departmental stations such as Cedara or Outeniqua the programme will be registered in the provinces and Milk SA will assist with analytical costs. A protocol is envisaged in 2018.
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7.3. Dairy products and nutraceuticals:
7.3.1. Anti-candida probiotics:
Motivation: HIV/AIDS and cancer treatment has major implications,
amongst others Candida albicans infections. Treatment with antibiotics
has limitations. If products containing probiotics can be developed
instead, which can be used regularly, candida infections can be
prevented. Probiotic strains that are effective have already been
selected and successfully incorporated in a maize - based drink at the
TUT. Indications are that a milk or milk-product substrate could be as or
more effective which makes such a possibility an attractive proposition.
Irrespective of the viability and impact on broadening of the market, it is
important that the Dairy Industry is seen to make a contribution to the
well-being of patients and communities at large.
Comments: A project will be considered for 2019.
7.3.2. Probiotics against food-borne pathogens such as Listeria and E.coli:
Motivation: Food-borne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes and
E. coli 0157H despite HACCP and other controlling measures, are still
associated with food poisoning; obviously, the problem is worse in
informal or less controllable value chains. This implies that it is unlikely
that controlling measures will ever be 100% effective which points to the
alternative of protecting the population directly. Probiotic strains
specifically selected against Listeria or E. coli offer such an opportunity
and should be targeted. A vast array of probiotic strains have proved
effective in yogurts which suggest yogurt, having additional nutritional
and health attributes, as the logical product to be investigated as
substrate. The addition of long life yogurt to the market offers the further
advantage of introducing the selected probiotic strains to areas where
storage cannot be done under optimal conditions.
Comments: A project will be considered for 2019.
7.3.3. Milk and dairy product composition:
Motivation: The nutritional composition of milk and dairy products
should be re-analysed. The composition of dairy products was analysed in
1998 and 2006 for selected dairy products. The new regulation
(Regulation 260), relating to the classification, packing and marking of
dairy products and imitation dairy products intended for sale in South
Africa, was introduced in 2016. Regulation 260 allows for changes in the
fat and protein content of dairy products. One of the important changes
introduced by R 260, was in the low-fat and medium fat content dairy
products especially milk, yoghurt and soft cheese. The changes in fat
-content, impact on the overall nutritional content of the specific product.
The data-base that captures the nutrient content of all foods i.e. Food
Finder, as managed by the Medical Research Council, has been
programmed to use the nutritional information of dairy products as
described in Regulation 2581 (previous regulation) and uses South African
values provided in 1998 and 2006.The Food Finder data base is used to
calculate the nutritional information of different foods for various
purposes e.g. nutritional tables for packaging, dietary recommendations
by dieticians etc. The nutritional composition of milk and selected dairy
products should be re-analysed in order to provide correct values for the
purpose of updating the Food-Finder data base.
Comments: A project will be considered for 2019.
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Food safety and quality:
7.4.1 Milk flocculation:
Motivation: The current milk flocculation projects are discussed under
item 5.2.1. These studies will be supported by statistical analysis of an
extended data base of several years of a dairy factory that has experience
with the problem of milk flocculation. The statistical analysis will analyse
main and interaction effects which should assist in establishing cause and
effect, thereby providing a better understanding of the phenomenon.
Comments: The statistical analysis will commence in 2017.
Budget: The cost of analysis will depend on the analyst and statistician.
The analyst could be internal to the MPO. Costs if required will be
reclaimed in 2018.
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NETWORK IDENTIFIED PROJECTS:
These projects have been identified through SESCORD (now Dairy Research Forum) and are done elsewhere with no direct financial obligation to Milk SA, but important within the objectives and goals to serve the dairy industry with problem solving R & D.
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Animal health, bio-security and welfare:
Animal welfare: Fort Hare – Animal welfare studies are done at Amadlelo facilities.
Motivation: Animal welfare is both an economic and humane issue. From the humane perspective the Dairy Industry should be seen to do work in this area, even though there are many programmes elsewhere in the world. Lameness may be associated with the studies.
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Markets and techno-economics:
Livestock Development: Fort Hare/Döhne – Benchmark project for milk production for emerging farmers in the Eastern Cape.
Motivation: Milk SA has a dedicated transformation programme funded with statutory levy funds. Information from this project should be valuable for establishing smallholder farmers in the Eastern Cape and also as part of the knowledge base of the Milk SA transformation programme.
8.3. Environment:
8.3.1. Pasture establishment in the south-eastern seaboard: Outeniqua
Research Institute/Stellenbosch University has a R & D and monitoring
Programme.
Motivation: Monoculture pasture species have implications for bio
-diversity, ecosystems, eutrophication and water sources. Both under
and heavy fertilization and cattle manure may cause pollution. It is
important that this programme continue and be promoted through the
network.
8.3.2. Carbon footprint: Outeniqua Research Institute has capacity to measure
GHG and to introduce methodology to limit methane emissions. The
work is supported.
Motivation: Although figures and knowledge on GHG are mostly
available, the DEA is required to report regularly to the IPCC on
mitigation, which require updated figures. The envisaged government
pressure which may lead to taxation could require actual measurements
to demonstrate decreasing trends. This may also require an inventory
and documentation. A further necessity is to initiate work on carbon
sequestration and storage as the potential to limit the carbon footprint
by sequestration and storage is far greater than by limiting carbon
emissions.
8.4. Feed sources and animal nutrition:
8.4.1. Pasture cultivar testing/selection: The ARC facility at Cedara has been
Revived and programmes resumed. Cedara (KZN Dept Agriculture) has
Commenced cultivar evaluation trials in collaboration with Outeniqua to
evaluate the same cultivars in a different environment. Outeniqua is
expected to continue with their programme in this regard.
Motivation: Maintenance of and outputs from these facilities are crucial
for the sustainability of pasture-based systems.
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Forage and roughage sources: Cedara is evaluating Fescue and Outeniqua clovers and silage. Fort Hare is doing surveys for use in smallholder farmer systems. Motivation: Sustainable establishment, evaluation and improvement of forage sources and storage as quality silage and hay sources should always be considered. Although the ryegrass/kikuyu pasture system is well-established and employed by farmers in the south-eastern seaboard, investigations into alternatives remain important.
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Pasture establishment on the Highveld: An association with Grass SA, a non-profit company, should be considered to stimulate R & D for this purpose.
Motivation: Grass SA has infrastructure and facilitates pasture species
testing of importance to dairy farming inland. Costs associated with TMR
systems necessitate increasing introduction of grazing, hay, silage and
haylage when maize silage stock is finished.
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Concentrate supplementation: Outeniqua and some tertiary institutions are evaluating alternative supplements. Motivation: Supplements are expensive and the inclusion of less-starch concentrate feed sources that could improve cost effectiveness must be encouraged, also to combat the continuous burden of sub-clinical acidosis (both in TMR and pasture-based systems). The programmes should include ingredients which will reduce methane emission from the rumen (see item 8.3.2) such as the addition of nitrate.