Department of Livestock and Pasture Science

Permanent URI for this communityhttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11837/164

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 27

Adaptive responses to heat stress, quality of hide and meat from indigenous Nguni and non-descript crossbred cattle
(University of Fort Hare, 2016) Chikwanda, Denice
The main objective of this study was to determine the adaptive responses of Nguni and non-descript crossbred cattle (NDCC) to heat stress, nutritionally-related blood metabolite profiles, fatty acid profiles, carcass and meat characteristics, physico-mechanical properties of automotive upholstery crust leather and the associated collagen fibre architecture of hides and crust leather. Forty steers (20 Nguni and 20 NDCC) which were approximately 14 months of age with live weights ranging between 153 kg and 203 kg at the beginning of the study were used. Environmental variables (ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind parameters, solar radiation) were collected from a weather station at the research farm. Temperature-humidity index (THI) values were computed. Rectal and skin temperature, skin traits and blood metabolites were determined at two-week intervals over 16 weeks. Hair coat scores ranged from extremely short (score 1) to very woolly (score 7). At slaughter, blood samples were collected after exsanguination. Meat samples were collected from the right muscularis longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) and Triceps brachii (TB) muscles after 24 hours of chilling of carcasses for physico-chemical quality tests. Fatty acid profiles and physico-chemical quality of meat were determined on the LTL and TB. An additional fifty-four hides (27 Nguni and 27 NDCC) were obtained from a commercial abattoir at slaughter. The hides were tanned into automotive crust leather and tested for physico-mechanical quality. Results showed that week and environmental variables affected skin temperature; also, the rectal and skin temperatures were negatively correlated to body condition, skin pigment, coat score and skin thickness. Non-descript crossbred cattle had higher coat scores (2.1 ± 0.36 to 4.1 ± 4.20) than Nguni cattle (1.6 ± 0.36 to 4.1 ± 0.36). Body condition scores, blood creatinine, urea, total protein, albumin and globulin were affected by genotype and week of sampling. At the end of the trial, NDCC had higher slaughter and hide weights (285.9 ± 6.52 kg and 18.4 ± 0.54 kg, respectively) than Nguni cattle (232.6 ± 6.5 kg and 14.7 ± 0.54 kg, respectively). The majority of NDCC carcasses (73.7 percent) had a fatness level of 1 compared to Nguni carcasses (50 percent). Intramuscular fat was higher in Nguni (1.8 ± 0.09 percent) compared to NDCC (1.5 ± 0.09 percent) steers. Nguni steers had darker muscle colour (L*=33.6 ± 0.01) than NDCC (L*= 35.7 ± 0.54). Nguni and NDCC had similar thawing loss, cooking loss, WBSF tenderness, fat-free dry matter, moisture content, fatty acid profiles and health-related lipid indices. Ultimate muscle pH, meat colour and chroma were similar in the LTL and TB. Concerning the skin, Nguni and NDCC had similar physico-mechanical properties. However, breaking load and tensile strength were higher (1257.1 ± 70.72 N and 28.3 ± 1.23 MPa) in samples taken parallel to the backbone compared to that taken perpendicular to the backbone (979.5 ±70.72 N and 23.6 ±1.23MPa) across the two genotypes. Non-descript crossbred crust leather varied in physico-mechanical tests by direction of sampling. Collagen fibre orientation in hides and crust samples also varied between longitudinal and cross-sections. Collagen fibre diameters in the Nguni were similar in longitudinal and cross-sections (3.4 ± 0.12 μm and 3.2 ± 0.11 μm, respectively). From this study, it is concluded that THI, hair coat, skin traits and body condition affect skin temperature, but not rectal temperature, cortisol and CK activity in Nguni and NDCC reared extensively. The two genotypes differ in nutritionally-related blood metabolites, growth performance, hide weights and carcass traits. Beef from Nguni and NDCC differs in the IMF and meat lightness but is similar in the meat fatty acid composition and some physico-chemical quality parameters. Automotive crust leathers from the two genotypes were similar in some physico-mechanical properties. Collagen architecture varied among different regions of hides and crust leathers.
Alternative methods used by small-holder farmers to control ticks and bovine dermatophilosis and the impact of a changing interface of Amblyomma ticks on dermatophilosis in Zimbabwe.
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Ndhlovu, Daud Nyosi
This study was carried out to document the ethno-veterinary plants and non-plant remedies that farmers used to control dermatophilosis and ticks, and validate these in vitro and in vivo, as well as determine how the interface of Amblyomma variegatum and A. hebraeum affected the epidemiology of bovine dermatophilosis at selected small-holder areas in North-West Zimbabwe. A structured questionnaire survey was used to collect information on the control methods used by farmers for the control of bovine dermatophilosis and ticks. A total of 39 plants were used by farmers for various diseases, eleven of these plants were used for the control of dermatophilosis while three were for tick control. Across the study sites, dermatophilosis was controlled using eleven plants. Among these plants; six plants; Cissus quadrangularis, Catunaregan spinosa, Pterocarpus angolensis Carica papaya, Manihot esculenta and Blumea decurrens which were frequently used were selected for further studies. In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to validate the efficacy of these plants. The minimum inhibitory concentration and bactericidal concentration assays were used for the in vitro validation of C. quadrangularis, C. spinosa and P. angolensis. Dermatophilus congolensis was more sensitive to P. angolensis average MIC = 0.63 mg/ml than to C. quadrangularis average MIC = 1.25 mg/ml and C. spinosa average MIC = 2.08 mg/ml. Cissus quadrangularis was selected for in vivo studies as this plant was the one most frequently used by farmers. Its therapeutic efficacy was compared to conventional antibiotics that farmers used to treat dermatophilosis infection. In the in vivo trials C. quadrangularis did not lead to appreciable reduction in clinical disease compared to the conventional drugs. The larval packet assay was the in vitro assay used to validate the efficacy of Carica papaya, Manihot esculenta and Blumea decurrens against larvae of A. hebraeum and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus. Manihot esculenta at 20 % w/v exhibited the highest larvicidal activity against R. appendiculatus. In the in vivo study, efficacy of the plants were investigated on naturally tick-infested cattle. Mannihot esculenta exhibited the largest tick load reduction compared to the other two plants but its performance was lower than that of conventional acaricides. The effect of A. variegatum and A. hebraeum on bovine dermatophilosis was investigated by evaluating how the presence or absence of these ticks and other herd level risk factors predicted clinical dermatophilosis and its prevalence at herd level. A structured questionnaire survey was carried out to collect data on potential risk factors. At the same time, cattle were physically examined for the presence of bovine dermatophilosis, according to a pre-defined case definition, and presence or absence of Amblyomma ticks was also recorded. The multivariable binary logistic model was developed with disease status as outcome, tick presence and infestion and herd level risk factors as predictors. Of the herds examined clinical bovine dermatophilosis was detected in 45% (84/185; 95% CI: 38.2, 52.6%) of them. Herds infested with Amblyomma variegatum were associated with higher odds (OR= 6.8; 95% CI: 1.71, 27.10) of clinical dermatophilosis while the association was not significant (P > 0.05) in A. hebraeum infested herds. It was concluded that management practices aimed at movement and tick control would help reduce the prevalence of clinical dermatophilosis in herds.
Alternative remedies used by resource-limited farmers in the treatment and manipulation of the reproductive system of non-descript goats in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Rwodzi, Maxwell
This study was carried out to determine alternative approaches used by resource-limited farmers to enhance fertility and in the treatment of reproduction ailments of goats in Mount Frere area, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Furthermore, information on farmer perceptions pertaining to these practices was also gathered. A questionnaire survey was conducted to determine materials used by resource-limited farmers to enhance fertility and treat reproductive ailments. The survey revealed 10 plant species that were commonly used for reproductive health in goats. Elephantorrhizza elephantina (37.1%) and Rhoicissus tomentosa (25.7%) were the most frequently cited plant species. Elephantorrhiza elephantina and R. tomentosa recorded the highest Fidelity Level (FL) values of 92.86% and 75% respectively, for their use in the treatment of reproductive ailments and these were the plants on which further studies were conducted. The study also revealed that farmers had different perceptions on the effectiveness of the traditional medicines. An in-vivo assessment was done to determine efficacy of E. elephantina and R. tomentosa using serum estradiol and progesterone profiles. The highest (P<0.05) serum estradiol and progesterone concentration was observed in animals administered with aqueous extracts of E. elephantina and R. tomentosa mixture while the least (P<0.05) concentrations were observed in the negative control group. Does administered with a mixture of aqueous E. elephantina and R. tomentosa extract had the highest (P<0.05) body weight (65 kg) as well as body condition scores, while the negative control which were administered with distilled water had the least body weights (54 kg) and body condition scores. Does that were administered with a mixture of E. elephantina and R. tomentosa were all pregnant with twins (100%), confirmed by a doppler ultrasound scan.
An Evaluation of the Oesophageal Fistula Valve Technique
(University of Fort Hare, 2000-05) Lebopa, Cornelia Kedidimetse
The oesophageal fistula valve technique (Raats & Clarke‚ 1992) was evaluated in terms of its ability to reflect the daily forage selection pattern of free ranging goats over a period ot four seasons and two Stocking rates. During the. evaluation, the oesophageal fistula valve technique was compared to the standard oesophageal fistula bag technique and observed feeding behaviour. Comparisons were in terms of: (i) proportion of grass or bush.(% DM) in both the fistula bag and valve samples compared against the time spent grazing or browsing i (% of active feeding period); (ii) the changes in chemical composition (CP, NDF, ADF and ADL) of the bag samples versus that of valve samples and; (iii) diurnal changes in feeding behaviour and plant species selection pattern of free-ranging goats based on observations.
Characterisation of goat production systems in selected coastal areas of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2015) Dube, Kululeko
The main objective of the study was to characterise goat production systems by resource limited farmers in coastal areas of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A household survey followed by monitoring of goat flocks was conducted among 100 communal farmers in Port St Johns and Umquma Municipalities. All data was analysed using SAS and simulation models were developed using the DynaMod model. The male household heads (75 percent) owned most of the goats, followed by female de-jure (16 percent) and de-facto (6 percent) heads. Goats were mainly used for ceremonies (38 percent) and generation of income (37 percent). The farmers kept mostly indigenous goats together with Boer breed and their crosses. Most farmers controlled internal parasites through regular dosing. The control of external parasites was through dipping. The goat housing was made of wooden poles without any roofing and the kids were kept together with the mature goats in these structures. The goats were marketed through informal channels at an average price of R1500 per goat. Most farmers preferred selling castrated male goats (57 percent) with peak sales in winter and late summer. Generally, the reproductive performance was low across all villages. Majola village had the lowest fecundity (68 percent) and prolificacy (111 percent) while the other villages showed higher fertility rates (Prolificacy 120-124 percent; Fecundity 80-88 percent). Low kid survivability was associated with multiple births as villages with higher fertility rates had the highest infant mortality (31-38 percent). The villages of Port St Johns Municipality had high goat populations in both current and improved production simulations. Inadequate nutrition supply however restricted the growth potential of the Majola flock while genetic unfitness limited that of Izibityolo, Mission and Klanisi villages. iii Goat class distribution was characterised by a few bucks and high doe proportions across all the villages. Breeding ratio per village was above the recommended 0.04 in all villages despite lack of buck ownership by most households. The effective population sizes were all below 50 hence endangering the existence of indigenous Xhosa lob-eared goats in these populations. The failure to control breeding resulted in high inbreeding rates that surpassed the acceptable threshold level of 0.063 in all villages except Majola. The negative relationship between effective population size and fertility indicators revealed the deleterious effect of inbreeding to flock productivity. This was also further evidenced by the positive relationship between fecundity and kid mortality. These results revealed that there were high levels of genetic unfitness resulting in offspring adaptation failure as shown by high kid mortalities in the flocks. In conclusion, goat production was characterised by ineffective management strategies which led to lower reproductive performance as there were high inbreeding levels across the villages.
The classification of beef, pork and mutton carcasses in a selected high throughput abattoir in the Eastern Cape, South Afric
(University of Fort Hare, 2015) Soji, Zimkhitha
The carcass classification system was implemented in South Africa as a quality assurance scheme to address consumer uncertainties on the quality of meat they purchase. Although carcass classification is presumed to provide information that can be useful to the meat industry from primary producers to customers, it is argued that the standards used in the system provide inadequate description of the carcass quality related characteristics as it only describes scores and measurements but does not rank for meat quality. Nonetheless, attributes used to evaluate meat quality include eating quality, appearance, freshness, and nutritional value. However, these attributes are neglected in the South African classification system. Two trials were, therefore, conducted to evaluate the classification of red meat and characterise the quality of beef carcasses subjected to the SA classification system at a high throughput abattoir, where five different classification characteristics (age, sex, conformation, bruising and fatness) were used for sheep and cattle carcasses, while the PORCUS classification system was used for pigs. On the first trial a total of 300 animals comprising of 100 cattle, 100 sheep and 100 pigs were used to evaluate the associations between animal traits, carcass traits and carcass classification, while on the second trial beef samples from the Muscularis longissimus thoracis et lumborum of Angus, Bonsmara, Fleckvieh, Non-descript and Simmental genotypes (n=175) were harvested to characterise the quality of beef carcass classes. Significant associations (P<0.05) were found between carcass classes and genotypes of cattle, sheep and pigs. Almost 70 percent of cattle carcasses were in the C classes mainly in the C2 carcass class, while 77 percent of sheep carcasses were of A2 class and 50 percent of pig carcasses were of P class. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed across genotypes on some meat characteristics (a*, Hab, pH24, TL percent, CL percent and WBSF) of beef carcass classes. The C2 carcass class of Angus genotype had a darker colour (L*) than the Non-descript and Bonsmara genotypes. Redness (a*) of the Bonsmara C2 carcass class differed (P<0.05) from that of Angus, Fleckvieh and Non-descript genotypes. The Non-descript genotype had more yellow subcutaneous fat than all other genotypes. Angus and Simmental genotypes had the toughest meat (40.29 ± 11.62 and 38.71 ± 9.33, respectively), while Non-descript and Fleckvieh genotypes had tender meat (31.53 ± 12.62 and 32.00 ± 7.92, respectively). It was concluded that meat quality characteristics varied within carcasses of the same class across genotypes. Thus consumers might pick differences on the quality of carcasses falling within the same class due to the breed effect which, however, does not form part of the SA classification system.
Determination and validation of medicinal plants used by farmers to control internal and external parasites in goats in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2015) Sanhokwe, Marcia
The broad objective of the study was to determine and validate medicinal plants used by resource-limited farmers to control internal and external parasites in goats in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A survey was conducted among 50 farmers and three herbalists to determine medicinal plants used to control parasites in goats. The survey revealed nine plant species belonging to eight families that were used. Among the identified plant species, Aloe ferox, Acokanthera oppositifolia and Elephantorrhiza elephantina were the plants having the highest Fidelity Level for their use, each scored 100.00%, followed by Albuca setosa (83.33%). These plants were then selected for validation studies. Gas-Chromatography-Mass-Spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed 7, 33, 26 and 32 bioactive phytochemicals in A. ferox, E. elephantina, A. oppositifolia and A. setosa, respectively. Terpenes and fatty acids were present, oxygenated terpenes being the most abundant hydrocarbons present in all the four plant species. The effect of acetone, methanol and ethanol extracts of leaves of Aloe ferox and Acokanthera oppositifolia on tick repellency and acaricidal activity were investigated on blood engorged Ambylomma hebraeum and Rhipicephalus decoloratus ticks at concentration 15, 30 and 50%. The 30 and 50% acetone extract of A. ferox and Dazzel dip had the highest acaricidal properties of 100%. The 50% methanol extract of A. oppositifolia and 50% acetone extract of A. ferox had the highest repellency activity of 89% and 85.33%, respectively. Results from this study revealed that the efficacy of medicinal plants used by farmers to control ticks vary with the type of solvent used for extracting the bioactive compounds. Furthermore, it revealed that Aloe ferox and A. opppositifolia plant extracts possess repellent and acaricidal activities. In a study to investigate the anthelminthic effect of crude extracts of Elephantorrhiza elephantina and Albuca setosa plants, significant anthelminthic effect on nematodes was observed in both plants. In this study, all E. elephantina and A. setosa extracts caused paralysis and mortality. Methanol was the most effective solvent in extracting bioactive compounds and methanol extract showed the best anthelminthic effects among the crude extracts investigated in both plants. The least time taken for the worms to be paralysed was 8.33 mins and 14.33mins in 100mg/ml methanol extracts of E. elephantina and A. setosa, resepectively. Methanol extract of E. elephantina and A. setosa (100mg/ml) had the highest anthelminthic activity and mortality was recorded after 18mins and 20mins, respectively. Results from this study revealed that these two plants possess anthelminthic activities. The study revealed that resource-limited farmers use medicinal plants to control internal and external parasites in goats. Gas-Chromatography-Mass-Spectrometry analysis showed that these plants contain bioactive compounds that have a potential in controlling parasites. Validation studies showed that A. ferox and A. oppositifolia possess repellent and acaricidal activities whereas A. setosa and E. elephantina possess anthelminthic activities.
Effect of Acacia Karoo encroachment on grass production in the semi-arid savannas of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2016) Magandana, Thabo Patrick
The objectives of this study were (1) to investigate the influence of individual A. karroo on soil and grasss layer. (2) to investigate the effect of Acacia karroo encroachment levels (open, moderate and severe) on the grass layer in semi-arid communal grazing lands. The first study was conducted at the University of Fort Hare farm located in Alice in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A total of thirty A. karro plants were selected randomly, of which ten trees each having sizes of ( >1.5m – 2m, >2 – 2.5m or > 2.5m ). Two transects radiating out of the tree trunk to open grassland were marked at each woody stand in the north and south directions. Each transect was divided into two sub-transects to represent the under canopy and outside canopy zone. In each sub-transect, two 0.5 x 0.5 m quadrat was laid to record all vegetation and soil data. The tuft diameter of C. plurinodis was significantly (p<0.05) smaller on the open habitats of >1.5m – 2m trees. Tuft diameter of Sporobolus africanus was significantly (p<0.05) smaller under canopies of >2m – 2.5m trees in winter. Tuft diameter of Themeda triandra was significantly lower in the open habitats of >1.5 m – 2m trees in summer. The grass biomass production was significantly (p<0.05) lower under the canopies and open habitats of >1.5m – 2m stands in winter than summer. Soil organic carbon content was significantly (p<0.05) lower under canopy and open habitats of >1.5m – 2m trees. The second study was conducted at Melani communal village which is located approximately 12 km North of Alice Town. Three encroachment sites were selected namely severe (3650 trees/ha), moderate (2521 trees/ha) and open (250 trees/ha). A total of 16 grass species were identified of which 15 were perennials. Grass biomass production was affected (P<0.05) by encroachment being lowest at open sites. T. triandra dominated the moderate and severe encroached sites whereas Digitaria eriantha dominated the low encroached site. Overall decreaser grass species increased with the increase in encroachment levels. On the other hand, the increaser II grass species such as S. africanus and microchloa caffra dominated the open site showing that their abundance decreased with the increase in tree density. In terms of height, grass species at the open site were shorter (P<0.05) than the moderate and severe encroached sites. Basal cover improved with the increased encroachment levels. Grass biomass production was affected (P<0.05) by encroachment being lowest at open sites. A. karroo improves grass production. Grass layer improves under tree canopies with the increase in A. karroo up to a point where A. karroo suppresses grass growth. The more palatable grass species occurred under canopies than open habitats. T. triandra was dominant under tree canopies than open habitats. The grass biomass production and basal cover improved under canopies than open habitats.
The effect of feed restriction duration on growth performance, physico-chemical characteristics and fatty acid composition of meat from broilers.
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Gobane, Ziphozihle; Muchenje, V.
The main objective of the study was to determine the effect of feed restriction duration on growth performance, physico-chemical characteristics (colour, ultimate pH, tenderness and cooking loss) and fatty acid composition of meat from broilers. A total of 144 day-old broiler chicks were reared in a deep litter system until slaughter at 42 days. All the chicks were managed in one brooding house for the first 21days. On day 22, the chicks were randomly allocated to three treatments; the control (T1), one week of feed restriction (T2), and two weeks of feed restriction (T3). Three broiler houses with uniform conditions were sub-divided into three compartments. The birds were randomly allocated to each of the nine compartments. Each treatment was replicated three times with 16 birds per compartment being fed as a group and each bird was regarded as the experimental units. The average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) were computed for each chick each week. Chickens were all slaughtered at 42 days of age and the slaughter weight, carcass weight, and internal organs weights were recorded. Physico-chemical qualities of chicken breast meat such as colour (L*-lightness, b*-yellowness, a* redness, saturation index and hue angle) and meat ultimate pH (pHu) measurements were taken over a 10 days shelf-life period. Breast muscle was also sampled for cooking loss, tenderness and fatty acid profiles. There were treatment effects on the growth performance of broiler chickens. There was no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the relative weights of the chicken heart, liver, gizzard, feet and heads among the treatment groups except for intestine weight. Treatment 1 had higher live weight than treatment 2 and 3. There was significant effect (P < 0.05) on the cooking loss breast muscle, with treatment 1 having highest values. However, feed restriction had no effect (P > 0.05) on the WBSF of breast muscle, although it was highest in T 3. Feed restriction had no effect (P > 0.05) on hue angle, significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed on meat pHu, L *, a*, b* and saturation index after 24 hours of storage. Birds that were exposed to two weeks of feed restriction had the highest ultimate pH (5.99) followed by one week restriction (6.01) and the broilers which were fed ad libitum (5.89). The pHu values in all the treatments were constant from day 1 to day 6 and then T 2 peaked up at day (6.16) before declining at day 8 (5.91). The L* values in all treatments were constant from day 1 to day 7 and then at day 8, treatment 2 reached its peak L* (58.49) and then declined on day 9 (44.38) with T 3 having similar values. The b* values started to decrease from day 3 to day 6 then peaked up again at day 7 except for T 1. There was no significant treatment effects (P > 0.05) on the SI and Hue angle on breast muscle. There was no treatment effect on the major fatty acids of breast muscle. It was concluded that a one week feed restriction had similar effects on growth performance and meat quality of broiler chickens as non-restriction broilers. The meat quality of the broiler muscle was within the normal range, feed restriction did not affect meat quality of broiler meat. Feed restriction had a minimal effect on physicochemical shelf-life indicators of broiler chickens during storage over 10 days. The observation from this study showed that all the treatment had a minimal effect on the fatty acids of the broiler chicken.
The effect of grain and soya bean-based diets on chicken production, some egg quality traits, and the potential for allergen carryover to eggs and meat.
(University of Fort Hare, 2015) Dokora, Adia-En-Michelle; Muchenje, V.
This study determined the effect of maize-, whole wheat-, soya bean-based-diets on the growth performance, egg quality and dressing percentage of chickens, as well as the potential for soy and gluten allergen carryover to eggs and meat from chickens. Twenty 36-week-old Lorham White (LW) hens were divided into two groups and kept in individual cages until they reached 39-weeks of age, with water and feed supplied ad libitum. Ten LW hens were fed a maize/soya bean-based diet (T1) and the other ten birds were fed a maize/soya bean-based diet with a 15% whole wheat inclusion (T2) for a period of four weeks, with weekly individual hen weights and group feed consumption figures being recorded. After a two-week diet adaptation period, six eggs per treatment group were collected every second day from the LW hens’ to measure egg quality traits. Every third day, over a 29-day period, six eggs per treatment were collected and analysed for the presence of soy, gluten and gluten-derived peptides using allergen specific enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) kits. For the broiler trial, a total of 160 Ross 308 mixed sex day old chicks were used in a completely randomized design. Two dietary treatments were assigned to eight cages (replicate) per treatment, with ten birds per cage. The Ross 308 broiler feeding programme consisted of three phases, starter (day 1 to day 10), grower (day 11 to day 20) and finisher (day 21 to day 28). At the beginning of the trial all chicks were fed T1 which contained a maize/soya bean-based diet for a period of 10 days and then eight cages with 10 birds per cage were randomly selected and fed the T2 diet, which contained a maize/soya bean-based diet with a 15% whole wheat inclusion, until they reached 28 days of age. Weekly live weights, feed intake, average daily gain and the average daily feed intake were recorded and calculated. At the end of the grower (day 21) and finisher phase (day 28), one broiler bird was selected per cage to have eight (8) birds per treatment and 16 birds per phase that were slaughtered and breast meat samples were analysed in duplicate for the presence of soy and gluten allergens using ELISA kits. The dressing percentage of hot carcasses was also determined at the end of the finisher phase on eight birds per treatment. For LW hens, live weight (LW) at 39 weeks of age, the average daily feed intake (ADFI) and weekly feed intakes (FI) were significantly different (P < 0.05) between treatments with birds on T2 recording higher gains. As birds age in weeks increased, significant differences (P < 0.05) in live weight values were recorded. Egg quality traits measured (shell weight, yolk weight, albumen weight, albumen height and Haugh units) were significantly different (P < 0.05) between treatments, with eggs from hens receiving T1 recording higher mean values. As hens got older, the colour of egg yolk improved, producing eggs with higher b* (yellowness) values and lower L* (lightness) and a* (redness) mean values. The Haugh unit, significantly improved (P < 0.05) as the hens got older, signifying better quality of eggs. For the broiler birds, growth traits measured indicated that there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in live weight (LW), average daily feed intake (ADFI), weekly feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), cumulative feed intake (CFI) and cumulative gain (CG) between treatments. No significant differences (P > 0.05) between dressing percentage of broilers from the two treatments were observed. As birds grew, significant differences (P < 0.05) in LW, FI, AFI, FCR, and CFI, over a four week period were recorded. Results of the allergen analyses indicated that soy and gluten allergens were not carried over from feed into eggs and meat of chickens fed a maize/soya bean-based diet and a maize/soya bean-based with a 15% whole wheat inclusion, respectively. In conclusion, a maize/soya bean-based diet and maize/soya bean-based diet with a 15% whole wheat inclusion that contained soy and gluten allergens, are feed sources that promote and stimulate 36-week-old LW hen and Ross 308 chicken growth. Egg production was also maintained without the possibility of soy and gluten allergens being carried over from the feed into the eggs and meat.
Effect of post-slaughter handling on physico-chemical and microbiological quality of red meat along the distribution chain in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2015) Rani, Zikhona, T
The broad objective of the study was to investigate the effect of post-slaughter handling in the distribution chain on red meat quality and safety. A survey was conducted among 300 consumers and 100 meat handlers in five different municipalities (Buffalo City, Nkonkobe, Ngqushwa, Lukhanje and Amahlathi) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa to investigate their perceptions on meat quality and safety, together with challenges faced by meat handlers during the distribution of meat from the abattoir to retailers. The microbiological profile and physico-chemical quality of red meat at different stages of the abattoir to retail outlets in the distribution chain were also determined. Swabs (n=216) and meat samples (n=450) were collected from beef, pork and mutton carcasses during the loading process of carcasses into trucks at the abattoir, when offloading carcasses at the supply points and during marketing. Physico-chemical qualities such as colour (L* - lightness, b* - redness and a* - yellowness) and meat pH measurements were taken at each point. To determine the microbiological profiles of the carcasses, four microbiological parameters were considered: Total bacteria count (general bacteria), coliform count (related to hygiene and indicator for pathogens), Escherichia coli (Gram-negative pathogen) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive pathogen). Two types of packaging (vacuum and overwrapping) were used to determine their effect on shelf-life and microbiological quality of red meat under the normal marketing conditions over a storage duration of 15 days. The results from the study showed low awareness of consumers about the pathogenic diseases which arise from meat. A strong significant association (p ˂ 0.05) between educational status and awareness on meat safety was observed. Most of the consumers perceived that quality goes beyond safety such that 35.6% of the respondents indicated that they did not have a problem with consuming spoiled meat, whilst the remaining 64.4 % indicated that they would reject spoiled meat. Although retailers indicated that they take meat safety into consideration in their shops, 92% of the retailers revealed that they do not perform microbial assessment of meat in their shops. A series of loading and off-loading, temperature fluctuations, environmental temperatures and ques during offloading were reported as the major challenges during transportation of carcasses from the abattoir to the supply points. The microbial counts were significantly (p<0.05) higher in samples from the commercial abattoir than in those from the communal abattoir. Escherichia coli was the predominant microbial contaminant in the samples from both abattoirs. When following the chain, total bacterial count (TBC), coliform count (CC) and the levels of E. coli contamination increased progressively between the loading and the off-loading points (5.1 to 7.9 log10 CFU/cm2; 5.0 to 5.6 log10 CFU/cm2 and 2.7 to 3.7 log10 CFU/cm2, respectively). The storage period, meat type, distance during transportation and temperature were found to have a significant impact on the microbial levels during the distribution of carcasses. Distribution stage had a significant effect (p<0.05) on some of the physico- chemical meat quality attributes and differences in the lightness (L*) and redness (a*) values between the loading, off-loading and display points were observed. Consumers perceived retailer class as one of the factors influencing meat quality, but according to the instrumental measurements retailer class did not have a significant effect on physico-chemical meat quality. However, distance and storage duration significantly (p<0.05) affected (L*) and (a*) values in the meat during distribution chain. Vacuum and overwrapping packaging significantly affected (p<0.05) the shelf life of meat. Therefore, it was concluded that post-slaughter handling during the distribution chain affects the physico- chemical, microbiological and shelf-life of meat.
Effects of Aloe ferox in drinking water, on growth performance, blood parameters, meat quality, fatty acid profile and oxidative stability of broiler meat
(2014) Kamba, Evelyn Tatenda
The objective of the study was to determine the effects of Aloe ferox inclusion in drinking water on growth performance, blood biochemistry, physico-chemical characteristics, fatty acid profile and oxidative stability of broiler meat. The importance of A. ferox as a medicinal plant and factors that influence its utilization by communal poultry farmers were also investigated by use of a questionnaire survey. The survey revealed that the majority of respondents (84.6%) faced health challenges in their chickens and many relied (96.2%) on A. ferox to treat diseases and control parasites. The study also revealed that the choice of medicine (traditional or conventional) was influenced (P<0.05) by level of education and income. In the second phase of the research, a total of 600 Ross 308 day-old broilers, were randomly put in 6 treatment groups with 4 replicates, each having 25 birds. Fresh aqueous A. ferox leaf juice (ALJ) was administered in drinking water at a dosage of 20ml/litre to T1, T2 and T3 from day one to day 35, day one to day 14 and day 15 to day 28, respectively. Birds in T4 and T5 (positive controls) were treated with terramycin at the recommended dosage of 14g/litre of drinking water from day one to day 6 and from day 15 to 20, respectively; and birds in T6 (negative control) received distilled water from day 1 to 35. Feed Intake (FI), average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated for the 5 week trial. After slaughter, carcass characteristics particularly dressing percentage (DP) and relative organ weight (ROW) were calculated. Serum biochemistry was also determined. For meat quality, pH and color were recorded 45 minutes and 24 hours after slaughter from the breast muscle. Fatty acid profiling and oxidative stability were determined using meat samples from the breast and thigh muscles. The results for growth performance showed that thebirds which were given A. ferox for the first two weeks (T2) consumed significantly (P>0.05) more feed (189.4g) than those in the negative control (159.6g) at the beginning of the starter phase. Subsequently, their ADG recorded on day 7 (27.1g) and day 14 (43.1g) were significantly (P<0.05) higher than the negative control (22.8g and 36.2g, respectively). Significant treatment effects (P<0.05) for FCR were reported in the 4th week for the birds that received A. ferox throughout (T1: 3.5). Carcass characteristics were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by A. ferox inclusion in drinking water. The highest high density lipoprotein (HDL) values (2.78 mmol/L) were yielded in T2and T3 had the lowest values (0.61mmol/L) for low density lipoprotein (LDL). For physico-chemical properties, no significant effects (P>0.05) of treatment on pH, colour, cooking loss and tenderness were observed. However, the group treated with A.ferox throughout the production cycle, had the highest pH (6.2), lowest lightness (38.5), highest redness (4.1), highest tenderness (13.86N) and the lowest cooking loss (12.6%). Significant treatment effects (P<0.05) were observed on the composition of the PUFA eicosatrienoic acid (C20:3c8, 11, 14(n-6)) of the breast muscle which was significantly lower in the A. ferox treatment groups than the positive controls. For the thigh muscle, there were significant (P<0.05) treatment effects on composition of palmitoleic acid (C16:1c9) and g-linolenic acid (C18:3c6, 9, 12 (n-3)). No significant (P>0.05) effects were found on oxidative stability of both thigh and breast muscles. In conclusion, the wide use of A. ferox by communal chicken farmers showed its importance as a medicinal plant. Apart from it being an effective medicinal plant, A. ferox inclusion in drinking water results in improved FI, ADG, reduced in LDLC and better g-linolenic and palmitoleic acid composition in the meat.
Effects of dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on growth performance, physico-chemical attributes, oxidative stability and sensory quality of pork
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Nduku, Xola, P.
The objective of the study was to determine growth performance, physico-chemical attributes, oxidative stability and sensory quality of pork from pigs fed one of three dietary treatments, eac containing 0%, 2.5% or 5% (T1, T2 and T3, respectively) Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM). Dietary treatments were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isoenergetic for weaner (6 – 8 weeks) and grower (9 – 13 weeks) phases. Twelve Large White (LW) and 12 Kolbroek (KB) male pigs at 6 weeks of age, initially weighing an average 10 kg, were randomly allocated to one of the dietary treatments, each with four replicates, in individual pens. Feed and water were offered ad libitum. The Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle of each carcass (n = 24) was sampled for meat quality and fatty acid analyses. Breed differences in measured parameters were observed. In pigs receiving 5% MOLM, the LW had significantly the highest ADFI (P<0.05) than KB pigs. In pigs receiving 2.5% and 5% MOLM, backfat thickness was significantly highest (P<0.05) compared to those receiving 0% MOML. Dietary inclusion of MOLM had no significant effects (P>0.05) on the physico-chemical quality of pork from LW pigs; although it significantly (P<0.05) increased a* and reduced WBSF values in pork from KB pigs. Pork from LW pigs receiving 5% MOLM had significantly increased (P<0.05) n-3 content of the subcutaneous tissue of LW pigs compared to KB, and also when compread to other treatment groups. In both breeds, the composition of PUFA: SFA and n-6: n-3 in the subcutaneous adipose tissue was significantly (P<0.05) lower in T2 and T3 than in T1. The n-3 levels for pork muscle from LW pigs receiving 2.5% and 5% MOLM, and from KB pigs receiving 5% MOLM, were significantly (P<0.05) lower. Inclusions of MOLM significantly (P<0.05) reduced the n-6: n-3 fatty acids in pork from both LW pigs and KB pigs. Consumer scores on sensory attributes (aroma intensity, initial impression of juiciness, first bite, sustained impression of juiciness, muscle fibre and overall tenderness and overall flavor intensity) significantly (P<0.05) increased as the level of MOLM inclusion in the diet increased; and higher scores were observed in fried meat than in boiled for most sensory attributes. It may be concluded that inclusion of MOLM in pig diets up to 5% improved the ADFI, a*, tenderness of pork without adversely affecting the FCR and other physico-chemical quality attributes; and resulted in desired increase in levels of n-3 and reduced the n-6: n-3 fatty acid ratio.
The effects of distance, lairage duration and animal-related factors on pre-slaughter stress indicators, carcass characteristics, nanostructure and technological properties of beef
(University of Fort Hare, 2015) Chulayo, Amanda Yucca
The main objective of the current study was to determine the effect of distance travelled (DT), lairage duration (LDhr) and animal-related factors (animal class, breed, sex) on pre-slaughter stress indicators, carcass characteristics, nanostructure and technological properties of beef. The study was conducted in an Eastern Cape abattoir under the Buffalo City District Municipality. Six genotypes of cattle (Beefmaster, Bonsmara, Brahman, Holstein-Friesian, Non-descript and Nguni) brought for slaughter at the abattoir on different days were used in the study. Slaughter weight (SWT), warm and cold carcass weight (WCW and CCW), fatness and conformation of each animal were measured and recorded. Representative samples of blood plasma and meat quality from the Muscularis thoracis et lumborum (LTL) were collected at slaughter and 24 hours after slaughter, respectively. Heat shock proteins 70kDa (HSPA1A), glucose (GLU), cortisol (CORT), creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined from the blood plasma. The representative LTL muscle was used to determine ultimate pH (pHu), lightness (L*), redness (a*), yellowness (b*), meat temperature (Tm), Warner Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF) and histological structure of beef. There were significant effects of distance on pHu, Tm, a*, b*, TL%, CK and LDH. Pearson correlations were observed between distance travelled (DT), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), ultimate pH (pHu), colour coordinates (L*, a* and b*) and Warner Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF). Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the 1st (pHu), 2nd (Tm) and 3rd (L*) principal components were the critical meat quality attributes. Positive relationships between carcass weights and beef quality characteristics for bovine cattle where the cumulative percentage of the first six principal component`s (PC`s) (SWT, WCW, CCW, DP, pHu and Tm contributed to 93.4 % of the total variance. Significant correlation coefficients between DT (r = 0.15), LDhr (r = 0.29), Ta (r = -0.52), Tm (r = 0.26), L* (r = 0.33), a* (r = 0.32) and WBSF (r = -0.49) were observed. Meat from Brahman (BR), Non-descript (ND) and Nguni (NG) cows had visible skeletal muscle fibres which were thin and long indicating improved tenderness of beef. Exposing animals to longer hours of transportation did not only reduce glucose levels but also increased the expression of HSPA1A and levels of cortisol. The CK and LDH were not related to beef quality. Therefore, CK and LDH can be used as indicators of animal welfare in slaughter cattle but cannot be used to predict the quality of meat. Bulls were the heaviest, although heifers had the highest dressing percentage than cows. Furthermore, the nanostructure of beef indicated that heifers had the best muscle fibres, sarcomere length and visible intercalated discs. The observed nanostructures of Nguni genotype are an indication of tender meat. Beef from heifers of Nguni had visible and tender meat with traces of intramuscular fat while males had shorter sarcomere length and tougher meat.
Evaluating farmers’ perceptions and the impact of bush encroachment on herbaceous vegetation and soil nutrients in Sheshegu communal rangelands of the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
(University of Fort Hare, 2016) Tokozwayo, Sive; Mopipi, K.
Communal rangelands occupy 13% of the agricultural land in South Africa, and these rangelands serve as a source of feed to livestock. These areas are threatened by bush encroachment due to poor rangeland management. This study was conducted in Alice (Sheshegu communal area) and the objective was to assess farmers' perceptions and the impact of bush encroachment on herbaceous vegetation and soil nutrients. Structured questionnaires were used to assess indigenous knowledge of communal farmers on the impact of bush encroachment on rangelands. Fourty (40) respondents from households who owned livestock were randomly selected and interviewed at Sheshegu village. About 89% of communal farmers perceived that change of their grasslands to encroached savannas was caused by unreliable rainfall, prolonged drought, and poor rangeland management. Rangeland assessment was performed at four sites (Scattered, Moderate, Mixed and Dense bushland. 100mx50m were demarcated per site, and four 100m transects were laid parallel to each other, 30m apart. The step point method was used to determine both species composition and basal cover. Biomass production was determined by harvesting forage within randomly-paced a 0.25m2 quadrats. Aristada congesta and Eragrostis obtuse were the most dominating grass species in dense, mixed and moderate bushland. Scattered bushland was dominated by Themeda triandra. Biomass production increases with increase in bush density and basal cover improved from winter to summer season. Increaser grass species increase with the increase in bush density, this indicated that the rangeland was poorly managed and palatable species were being replaced by less palatable ones. Species composition of woody plants was determined within a 200m2 belt transect in all sites. Maytenus polycantha, Aloe ferox, Erehia rigida and lucas capensis were the most dominant woody species in Mixed bushland while Acacia karroo was most dominated in Scattered, Moderate and Dense bushland. Woody density showed no significant differences (P> 0.05) between Dense, Mixed and Moderate bushland. Woody plant density in all these sites exceed 2500 plants/ha, which showed that the rangeland was encroached with woody plants. Soil nutrient content was determined for each site. Five samples of soil were collected per site to test the effect of bush encroachment on soil nutrient composition. The concentration of nitrogen and soil pH vi increased with increase in bush density, while that of potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium and sulphur showed no significant differences (P>0.05) across all homogenous vegetation units. The study revealed that Sheshegu communal farmers are aware of both negative and positive effects of encroachment on their community, and also argue that the government is not willing to support communal farmers in the process of reducing the spread of bush encroachment. It was concluded that the concentration of nitrogen and soil pH increased with increasing bush density and that bush encroachment had negative effects on herbaceous species. It was recommended that communal farmers should be formulating rangeland rules and regulations to manage rangeland resources. Rangeland rules and regulations should be based on the management of livestock management during grazing and harvesting of rangeland resources. The harvesting of woody and good timing of application of fire can also reduce the spread of bush encroachment. Veld resting and rotational grazing can also improve fuel load which is required for burning of woody plants. Furthermore, Department of agriculture should also provide workshops or training to communal farmers use different approaches or cheap ways of reducing bush encroachment and conserving rangeland resources.
Farm to abattoir conditions and their subsequent effects on behavioural and physiological changes and the quality of beef from extensively-reared Nguni and non-descript steers.
(University of Fort Hare, 2016) Njisane, Yonela, Z; Muchenje, V.
The main objective of the study was to determine the effect of farm to abattoir environmental conditions and their subsequent effects on behavioural and physiological responses, as well as the quality of meat from Nguni (NG) and non-descript (ND) beef steers reared extensively on natural pastures. The forty 16 – 19 months old steers (20 ND and 20 NG) used in the current study were grouped together, medically treated, allowed three weeks acclimatizing period and were used in this trial over a four-month period. The weather and periodical variations influence on time budgets and body weights of these steers were determined. Furthermore, the effects of on-farm successive handling on behavioural scores and physiological responses of the same steers were determined. Later in the trial, some pre-slaughter effects on response-behaviour, bleed-out times and selected blood physiological responses were determined. Finally, the effect of genotype, muscle type, lairage duration, slaughter order and stress responsiveness on pH24, temperature, colour (L*, a*, b*, C, HA), thawing (TL) and cooking (CL) losses and Warner Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF) of the meat harvested from the same steers were determined. The daily time budgets of steers in natural pastures changed with temperature, humidity, observation week and time of the day. The grazing behaviour was observed throughout the observation days (> 37%); though it was reduced (26.9±2.64%) on days with higher temperatures and low humidity. Higher proportions of drinking (1.5±1.04%) and standing (20.8±4.63%) behaviours prolonged in such weather conditions, which were mostly during midday. The avoidance-related behaviour of the steers during handling varies, with the steers showing more avoidance and aggression in other weeks than some. These variations could however be traced back to the events of that particular day/time of handling. Only Weighing Box (WBS) and stepping (SS) scores differed (P<0.05) with genotype; with more calm NG steers (> 40%) and not kicking than the ND steers that were more vocal (20–60%) and kicking (> 5%). In addition, the weekly behavioural responses were reflected (P<0.05) in the measured cortisol, glucose and lactate. However, regardless of the prominent negative behaviour seen over time, the levels of the measured blood constituents continued to drop. Furthermore, steers of different genotypes displayed similar (P>0.05) response to the identical pre-slaughter conditions they were exposed to. However, steers that were Transport Group 1 (TG1) showed more avoidance (63.2%) pre-slaughter than those in TG2 (23.9%). Furthermore, all the steers that were in slaughter Group 2 (SG2) showed less avoidance behaviour than those in other groups. Vocalization was observed only for ND steers (5%), in TG1 and SG2. Some connections between the observed pre-slaughter activities and some behavioural and physiological changes of these steers were established; with TG1 and SG1 steers showing higher cortisol (140±14.50 and 175.9±17.24 nmol/L, respectively) and lactate (12.4±0.83 and 13.5±1.12 mmolL) levels than the other groups. Lastly, the muscle type, genotype, lairage duration, slaughter order and stress responsiveness have an effect on some meat quality characteristics of the two genotypes; with the L. dorsi muscle having highest WBSF (38.0±1.35N) than the Superficial pectoral muscle (Brisket muscle) (30.7±1.35N). Additionally, steers lairaged for a shorter time produced a L. dorsi with higher WBSF (41.6±2.34N) and a Brisket with lower TL (2.7±0.24%). It can therefore be concluded that the conditions and activities at the farm, during transportation, lairaging and slaughter at the abattoir have an influence on some behavioural and physiological changes and the quality of beef harvested from the Nguni and non-descript steers that were extensively-reared in natural pastures. However, the relationship patterns between these different conditions are not clear. In addition, the genotype difference
Meat condemnation in slaughtered bovine species in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Jaja, Ishmael Festus; Muchenje, V.; Green, E.
A study was conducted in three abattoirs represented by the acronym ANA, QTA and EBA, to determine the causes of meat condemnation and to ascertain monetary losses associated with such condemnation. Ante-mortem and active abattoir surveys were conducted on 229, 458 and 687 cattle from the three abattoirs respectively and abattoir slaughter records (n=51, 302) was obtained from 2010 to 2012. The abattoir records showed that the liver was the most frequently condemned (56.9%), followed by the lung (24.1%), then the heart (7.4%), kidney (6.9%), spleen (4.0%), tongue (0.4%) and carcass (0.3%). An assessment of the abattoir secondary data revealed that the major cause of condemnation of the liver at ANA, QTA and EBA was fasciolosis (5.59, 4.48, 2.68), spleen (abscess, 0.35, 0.94, 0.17) kidney (inflammation, 0.94, 1.01, 1.18), heart (inflammation, 0.9, 1.85, 0.75), tongue (abscess, 0.08, 0.03, 0.05) and lungs (emphysema, 1.12, 1.14, 1.16). Disease/conditions recorded during ante-mortem inspection of animals at the lairage were diarrhea, lameness, emaciation, blindness, orchitis, mastitis, skin conditions, and respiratory symptoms corresponding to 8, 1, 13, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 11 percent, respectively. The percentage of condemned organs was higher during the active abattoir meat inspection than in the previous records from the abattoir. Additional losses of tongue due to gunshot injury and the heart due to cysticercosis were recorded. Prevalence of fasciolosis was calculated and seasonal occurrence was determined based on monthly assortment. From the retrospective data, the prevalence of fasciolsis was 2.9 percent (n = 78728) while the annual (2011, 2012, 2013) prevalence of Fasciola infection for AB1 was (3.2, 2.2 and 2.0%), AB2 (6.4, 4.6 and 3.5%) and AB3 (14.4, 6.9 and 9.5%). Higher prevalence was obtain in summer (AB1 = 10.4%, AB2 = 12.8% and AB3 = 10.9%) and autumn (AB1 = 11.2%, AB2 = 10.8% and AB3 = 8.6%) than in winter (AB1 = 9.8%, AB2 = 6.5% and AB3 = 5.9%) and spring (AB1 = 8.2%, AB2 = 7.8% and AB3 = 5.9%). Monetary loss associated with carcass/offal condemnations in the three abattoirs from 2010 to 2012 was 630, 456 South African Rand (ZAR) or 59, 244 United States Dollars (USD), while the summation of losses due to condemnation during the 6 month active meat inspection revealed a higher loss of ZAR 111, 337.5 (10, 383.8 USD) . Monetary losses associated with carcass weight loss, whole and partial liver condemnation due to infection with Fasciola was calculated as ZAR 917, 921.5 (83, 447 USD), ZAR 31, 661.5 (2, 878 USD) and ZAR 19, 112.3 (1, 737 USD) respectively. In conclusion, organs and carcasses were condemned for several disease and non-disease factors and this led to significant financial loss.
Microbiological analyses of beef slaughtering process and meat safety knowledge of handlers at selected high and low throughput abattoirs
(University of Fort Hare, 2015) Nyamakwere, Faith
The objective of the study was to evaluate meat hygiene practices among meat handlers and microbiological analysis of beef carcasses, slaughtermen hands, equipment and water from low throughput (LTA) and high throughput (HTA) abattoirs in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. In stage one of the study, the level of knowledge, practices and attitudes towards meat safety and personal hygiene of slaughtermen were assessed. Forty workers directly involve in beef cattle slaughtering process were surveyed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, it contained questions on some of the most important meat safety cues such as knowledge, attitudes, personal hygiene and handling practices. Cross tabulation and Chi-square Test of Association were performed to examine the relationships between the demographic information and the knowledge regarding meat safety using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Overall, a significant adherence to basic hygiene practices and a satisfactory level of knowledge were observed. Workers from a HTA yielded comparatively better statistically significant scores. Moreover, knowledge and practices of respondents were significantly associated (P<0.05) due to educational level and professional training. The second stage of the study involved evaluating the level to which cattle carcass, equipment, slaughtermen hands and water were contaminated with Enterobacteriaceae, Salmonella, Escherichia coli and aerobic colony counts (ACC) at different stages during the slaughter process (skinning, evisceration, carcass slitting, inspection, washing and packing). Cattle carcasses were sampled at four sites (rump, neck, flank and brisket) from a LTA (n= 240) and HTA (n= 384) abattoirs. Using conventional biochemical tests, HTA yielded significantly (P<0.05) higher ACC (5.2 log CFU/cm2), E. coli (2.6 log CFU/cm2) and Enterobacteriaceae (2.9 log CFU/cm2) carcass mean scores than LTA after skinning and evisceration. Specific abattoir hygiene differences were noted from washed and chilled carcasses. Salmonella was not detected across all sampled slaughter process stages. In addition, the equipment had bacterial load ranging from 10 to 4 CFU/cm2 for LTA, whereas in HTA this was found to be 7 to 3 CFU/cm2. The bacterial counts for slaughtermen hands were estimated to be 15 to 8 CFU/cm2 in HTA and 10 to 5 CFU/cm2 in LTA. Overall, slaughtermen hands and equipment in the dirty area (skinning and evisceration) yielded more bacterial counts compared to those in the clean area (slitting, inspection, washing and packing) from both abattoirs. For all the sampled carcasses, equipment and slaughtermen hands, HTA yielded comparatively higher (P<0.05) bacterial counts than the LTA. Although the results showed a significant adherence to basic hygiene practices, some aspects such as routine medical examination, health certificates and professional training of slaughtermen still need to be improved. Therefore, these findings show that slaughtermen, equipment and water can be sources of contamination during the slaughter process.
Perceptions of rural consumers on behaviour and beef quality of cattle slaughtered for traditional ceremonies in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.
(2014) Soga, Sizwe William
The objective of the study was to determine perceptions of the consumers on how they judged behaviour and beef quality of cattle slaughtered for traditional ceremonies in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A survey was conducted where a sample of 200 consumers were randomly selected and interviewed. Fifty non-descript cattle were slaughtered during traditional ceremonies and two hundred and twenty four (224) cattle were slaughtered at 3 through-put abattoirs (high, medium and low). Meat quality attributes were determined from the cattle slaughtered for traditional ceremonies and from cattle slaughtered at the abattoirs. Data for questionnaires was summarized as frequencies for each ceremony and statistical differences were analysed using chi square test (X2). The effect of Age, breed and sex on beef pH, colour, meat tenderness, temperature and cooking loss of cattle slaughtered during traditional ceremonies, at low, medium and high throughput abattoirs were analyzed using General Linear Model (PROG GLM) of SAS (2003). There was a significant age effect (P < 0.05) on beef tenderness and cooking loss of cattle slaughtered for traditional ceremonies. Age of cattle that have milk teeth to 1 year and age of 6 years to 8 years had an effect on the beef tenderness (25.55 ± 8.05) and cooking loss (48.00 ± 4.26) of cattle slaughtered for traditional ceremonies in Table 4.1. There was no significant sex effect on beef tenderness and cooking loss of cattle slaughtered for traditional ceremonies. Non-descript and Angus cattle slaughtered at low throughput abattoir had an effect on the colour of the beef in Table 4.2. The lightness (27.49 ± 2.53) and yellowness (21.16 ± 0.79) of the beef shows that there was a significant breed effect on cattle that are slaughtered at Low throughput abattoir, however redness of the meat was not affected by breed after slaughter. Cattle that are slaughtered at high throughput abattoir between ages of 6 to 8 years and also cattle that are more than 8 years in Table 4.4 had an effect on cooking loss (p < 0.05). Age between 6 to 8 years had an effect on the beef tenderness from cattle that are slaughtered at medium throughput abattoir. It was concluded that the meat tenderness of the young cattle with milk teeth slaughtered for traditional ceremonies was affected. On the other hand the meat tenderness and cooking loss of beef from the cattle slaughtered from low, medium and high throughput abattoir were affected by sex and breed mostly.
Potential of Eisenia foetida as a protein source for broiler chickens and its effect on growth performance, diggestive organs, and bone strentgh and meat characteristics
(University of Fort Hare, 2016) Gunya, Busisiwe
This study was conducted to determine the nutrient composition of Eisenia foetida earthworm meal and its effects as a protein source on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of broilers. Protein content was higher in freeze-dried earthworm meal while drying methods did not influence fat content. Most minerals (macro and micro) of E. foetida meal were significantly different except for calcium (P < 0.05) with freeze-dried E. foetida meal having the predominant minerals than oven-dried earthworms. Most essential fatty acids were significantly higher in oven-dried E. foetida meal than in freeze-dried earthworm meal. A total of 180 day old Cobb broilers were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments as follows: T1 (0 percent), T2 (1 percent), T3 (3 percent), T4 (5 percent) and T5 (10 percent) earthworm meal inclusion. The FCR was significantly influenced by dietary treatments at 0-21d of age, with T1 birds had the best FCR than all dietary treatments. At 22-28 days of age, significant dietary effects (P < 0.05) were observed on ADG and ADFI. The highest ADG was recorded in T3 birds (89.9g), the least ADG was seen in T5 (60.9g). All growth traits were significantly different (P < 0.05) across dietary treatments at 29-35 days of age. Birds in T4 recorded the highest values of BWG (1137.9g) and ADG (162.5g) and the least BWG and ADG of 882.9g and 126.1g, respectively, were observed in T3 while, ADFI was highest in T3 birds (199.4g) and the least was recorded in T5 (164.4g). Furthermore, birds in T4 had the highest (1.6) FCR and birds in T1 recorded the least value (1.2). At 1- 35 days of age no significance difference (P > 0.05) was observed on ADG, ADFI, and FCR among different inclusion levels of E. foetida meal. The dietary effect was observed on BWG (P < 0.05) and birds fed 5 percent inclusion of earthworm meal (T4) had the highest body weight gain of 2590.4g. However, no significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed in the dressing percentage for birds fed with or without E. foetida meal. Birds in T3 had the highest (2.1kg) body weight, while the least body weight was recorded for birds in T5 (1.7 kg). Dietary treatments did not significantly (P > 0.05) influence gizzard pH. However, gizzard weight and intestine weight were significantly different (P < 0.05) among dietary treatments. Birds in T2 exhibited the highest gizzard weight (42.5g) and birds in T4 recorded the least weight of 36.1g. The highest intestine weight of 92.2g was observed in birds in T3, while the least weight of 80.1g was observed in birds in T5. Dietary treatments significantly influenced bone strength, where birds in T1, exhibited the highest strength and those in T2 exhibited the lowest bone strength. Bone ash percentage was influenced by dietary treatments. Birds in T2 had the highest ash percentage (70.2 percent) where those in T3 and T4 had the least bone ash percentage. Wing, thigh, and drumstick yield were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in T3 birds, whereas the breast yield was the highest in T5 birds. Liver and gizzard yield were significantly higher in birds in T5, while the least values were seen in birds in T3. Furthermore, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) observed with heart and spleen yield among the birds fed different treatments. The highest values for L* and b* were found in T4 birds while the highest values for a* were found in T1 (control) birds. The pH values of breast meat were affected (P < 0.05) by the dietary treatments at 1 and 48 hours post-mortem. However, at one hour post-mortem, the highest pH values were observed in breast meat of birds in T3 (6.6) and T5 (6.6) while at 48 hour post-mortem, the highest values were seen in T1 (5.8) birds. Dietary treatments had a significant influence (P < 0.05) on cooking loss; even though, there were no differences (P > 0.05) observed on shear force values among the dietary treatments. The highest cooking loss value was observed in T5 (12.0 percent) and the lowest value in T3 (7.2). There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) on chicken aroma and metallic aroma scores of breast meat across the dietary treatments. Moreover, dietary effect (P < 0.05) was observed on first bite scores of breast meat; where meat from T2 had the least score of 2.6, while meat from T5 had the highest score of 3.5. However, breast meat from T5 was found to have the highest scores (3.9) for the initial juiciness and sustained juiciness (P < 0.05), while the lowest scores (2.5) were observed in T2. Chicken and metallic flavor scores of breast meat were not influenced (P > 0.05) by the dietary treatments, contrary to toughness scores (P < 0.05). Breast meat from T5 exhibited the highest scores (3.5) of toughness, whereas the least scores (2.3) were from birds in T2. It was, therefore, concluded in the current study that E. foetida can be considered as an alternative source of protein as it seems to be particularly suitable in broiler nutrition.

Browse

Browsing Department of Livestock and Pasture Science by Title