Dairy R&D in SA

Definitions: Various definitions used by prominent world organizations provide pointers to answering this question. The World Organization for Animal Health defines Animal Welfare as “the physical and mental state of an animal in relation to the conditions in which it lives and dies”, whereas World Animal Protection defines it as “the quality of life experienced by an animal and encompasses how well the animal is coping with his or her current situation and surroundings“. So, animal care which is more encompassing comes into the picture.

Although many antibiotics are unsanctioned sold over the counter, veterinarians are primarily responsible for prescribing and administering antibiotics to animals and are critical to appropriate antibiotic use in animal health. The authors cited below, therefore conducted a survey to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of veterinarians and health professionals on antibiotic use, resistance, and its containment in the country in order to inform interventions to optimise use and contain resistance.

Understanding, and where possible, quantifying the stress that dairy cows experience has become a focal point in animal welfare studies. Whereas the environmental stressors have been well-studied, the addition of sensory stimuli, some of which are associated with indoor comfort, is relatively new. Auditory stimuli have been shown to have potential in reducing stress in the parlour, but is seldom applied. Therefore, the study of the authors cited below, aimed to explore the effect of auditory stimuli in a Holstein herd by monitoring the faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations.

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.