Dairy R&D in SA

It is now certain that the fungus responsible for sporidesmin toxicity (facial eczema) in the affected areas, and probably in all of South African livestock, is Pseudopithomyces toxicarius. This fungus produces the liver toxin sporidesmin A. Until recently, the fungus has been misidentified, but through analysis of 152 fungal strains from international collections and the generation of over 900 DNA sequences, the correct identity and presence of P. toxicarius in the Eastern Cape ryegrass dominated pastures, has been confirmed.

Newborn calves are generally more susceptible to intestinal diseases, because of their immature and developing immune systems. In addition, the balance of intestinal microbes in calves is primitive, leading to diarrhoea and a series of diseases, if no proper management practices are incorporated into the production system. A number of enterobacteria can cause diarrhoea.

The research work explores the facial eczema problem in dairy cattle in the Eastern Cape, with the focus on the fungus Pseudopithomyces chartarum which infests primarily ryegrass.

Heat stress has been identified as one of the major challenges for livestock production. Global temperatures are steadily increasing, with South African temperatures increasing at nearly twice the global rate. Of the livestock used for food production, dairy cows are the most sensitive to thermal changes, which have detrimental effects on their health, welfare, and overall productivity.

Most health-conscious consumers know that yogurt, as a dairy-based beverage, can be a good source of probiotic bacteria.  Functional yogurt can therefore be used as delivery vehicle to the target consumer of probiotic bacterial strains selected on the basis of their prophylactic and bio-therapeutic potential to combat intestinal pathogens.

The following progress has been achieved with the project funded by Milk SA: Exploring the facial eczema problem in dairy cattle in the Eastern Cape of, South Africa, with a focus on the fungus Pseudopithomyces chartarum

Faciolosis (liver fluke): Since the liver fluke is developing resistance to all available anthelmintics, including the preferred triclabendazole, farmers need to manage the snail co-host of the fluke which is required for the fluke to complete its life cycle.                                                           

The quest and responsibility to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions remains paramount for all sectors, also the dairy industry. As the bulk of GHG is produced before the farm gate, it is logical that investigations of progress in mitigation should start there.

1. Overview: Practices of water use.

Automated milking systems (AMS) is a technological leap forward tailored to enhance dairy animal monitoring and management. AMS management software records crucial reproductive dates and events, such as insemination and calving dates, facilitating effective individual and contemporary fertility management strategies.