Dairy R&D in SA

Dairy farming is an important contributor to both South Africa’s economy and food security. However, dairy in South Africa, like elsewhere in the world, has come under scrutiny because of animal welfare concerns and contributions to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Integrative management models are an attractive future option for the South African dairy industry. Based on present and historic data analyses, future herd performance trends and economic feasibility can be anticipated. Predictive modelling is possible from automated herd data and farmers may found the models user-friendly and valuable for managing herds towards an optimal future economic scenario.

Milk replacers are formulated to mimic the nutrient value of natural milk to ensure that adequate nutrients for the health and growth of suckling calves are provided. The use of milk replacers ensures a consistent supply of nutrients where the dam’s milk is unavailable.

Background:

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

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

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.

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.