Dairy R&D in SA

Associative perspectives: Beyond these definitions, recognition of animal care in recent times has become more prominent as it is inextricably linked with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), biodiversity, zoonosis and the success of implementing the One Health concept.

In the first experiment, the effect of simulated CIP was determined on the structure, attachment and growth of B. cereus spores isolated from raw milk and biofilms in filler nozzles from ESL milk processing lines. Simulated CIP treatment structurally affected more than 98% of B. cereus spores, while 0.1% remained intact. Following simulated CIP treatment, B. cereus spores were able to attach to stainless steel coupons and form biofilms. The spores were also capable of germination and growth under refrigerated conditions for more than 28 days.

Beef production from dairy herds is possible through culled cows while bull calves can be reared for veal or beef production. This potential is however often not exploited, probably because of its relatively small contribution to overall farm income. In South Africa beef contribution from dairy herds is estimated to be about 10% of the total beef production. One reason is the small national dairy vs. beef herd and secondly that large Jersey populations are popular in pasture-based areas.

Body condition scoring (BCS) is a subjective manual method based on experience of individuals to assess fat reserves in the cow, of value to milk production, re-conception, regaining reserves and feeding. This is normally done at intervals to assist in monitoring loss and gain in body condition to ensure expected milk production, optimal health, conception and ease of calving.

Dairy farming is a water-intensive land use and one which can degrade water quality. Examples of potential impacts include:

M. van Niekerk, a student from South Africa, reported genotype x environment interaction in SA Holstein dairy cattle, clear differences being seen in genetic parameters between herds using a total mixed ration (TMR) or pasture-based system. Specifically, genotype by environment interaction for persistency of production between the two production systems were indicated with genetic correlations for the first three lactations of below 0.64 throughout.

1. Viability of Bifidobacterium species in probiotic yoghurt as influenced by reducing agents.

The camera frame was deployed at the University of Pretoria experimental farm. The frame was placed over the crush above the weighing platform. Three 3D cameras were used to capture the cow body from different angles – top, rear, angled – in order to obtain enough body information. During the course of the investigation several changes were made to the system and the data collection procedure to ensure the process went smoothly and as much of the collected data was accurate and usable as possible.

Cattle in South Africa produced a total of 35.37 million tonnes (Mt) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 e) emissions in 2019, inclusive of emissions from pasture, range and paddock. Methane (CH4) from enteric fermentation accounted for 64.5% of the total emissions followed by emissions from pasture, range and paddock (27.7%). Manure management contributed 4.34% of N2O (nitrous oxide) to the total emissions while this source also produced 3.45% of CH4 emissions.

The efficiency of milk production of dairy cows has been a common point of discussion among dairy farmers, veterinarians, feed and breeding consultants. Whereas there are different ways of expression, it primarily should be a financial metric of the value of product(s) produced in relation to the production cost of all product(s). For dairy cows this mainly includes milk production income in relation to the feed cost to produce milk. For the lifetime efficiency the beef production income of cows should probably also be included.