Dynamics and influence of environmental components on greenhouse gas emissions in sub-Saharan African rangelands: a review

Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries consist of ~200 million livestock owners who utilise marginal rangelands as a feed resource base for their animals. These rangelands offer various resources to the communities and are in-turn vulnerable to climate change related challenges. Currently, information on greenhouse gases (GHG) emission from SSA rangelands is heavily dependent on the generic values generated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Tier I trajectories on various aspects of the environment. There is, therefore, a need to identify research gaps between the dynamics and influences of environmental components, highlight their magnitude and potential aggregate contribution towards GHG emission in an SSA context. Rangeland sustainability, weather patterns, soils, plant biodiversity, and current methods used to measure GHG emission from rangelands are influenced by institutional, community, and national policy frameworks. Various intertwined environmental components exist within the SSA rangeland ecosystems and research has not extensively covered such interactions. It is crucial to generate a database that includes information of in-situ trajectories on GHG emission from soil properties, vegetation image maps using remote sensing and geographic information system, plant biodiversity indices, climatology, and animal husbandry aspects.

Fermented meat sausages from game and venison: what are the opportunities and limitations?

An increase in the acceptance, demand and production of game meat and venison has been experienced globally. Game meat and venison fit into consumers' ideology of healthy and environmentally friendly meat when compared to domesticated animals. Opportunities exist to explore the use of these meat sources in developing new products, particularly as game meat and venison in their fresh state are sometimes perceived as being tough. Consumers have shown a trend for trying exciting new products with different organoleptic qualities, and fermented sausages occupy a special niche in the gastro-economic trade. In this review, the production potential of game meat and venison and its prospective use in the development of fermented sausages are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the importance of meat characteristics in textural and sensorial development as well as the safety of fermented sausages. Additionally, consumers' perception of venison and game meat is discussed. Possible areas of research and knowledge gaps are highlighted, particularly the potential use of meat with high pH and microbial load. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Prevalence and seasonal variation of gastrointestinal nematodes and coccidia infecting ovine grazing on communal rangelands in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Nematodes and coccidia are major pathogens causing parasitic infections in livestock production. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and seasonality of gastrointestinal helminths and coccidia in communal sheep grazing in humid, semi-humid and arid zones of the Eastern Cape Province. A total of 3299 faecal samples were collected from sheep between January 2012 and December 2015. Of the collected roundworm species (faecal eggs and faecal cultures), Haemonchus contortus was the only species found. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was significantly higher in the humid zone (H. contortus 81% and coccidia 37%), followed by a semi-humid zone (H. contortus 75% and coccidia 22%) and the arid zone was the lowest (H. contortus 71% and coccidia 14%). Haemonchus contortus had significantly higher faecal egg counts (FEC) during spring (1465.73 ± 143.56) and summer (1418.73 ± 160.73) and the lowest during autumn (496.67 ± 219.13) and winter (352.05 ± 164.44) in all agro-ecological zone. The humid zone had significantly higher FEC in seasonal occurrence of H. contortus and coccidia compared with other agro-ecological zones (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) observed in the seasonal occurrence of H. contortus species in arid zone. Surprisingly, higher coccidia counts (352.17 ± 43.58) during 2012 winter season in humid zone and in summer season (0.00 ± 559.72) of 2013 in the semi-humid zone than other agro-ecological zones. However, agro-ecological zone differences and seasonal variations had an influence on H. contortus and coccidia distribution and abundance. This study confirms that helminths and coccidia are major causative agents causing parasitic infections in livestock production, and therefore, good animal health management practices including proper hygiene should be followed to prevent parasitic infection in small ruminants.

Biochemical indices and heamtological parameters of goats fed lablab purpureus and vigna unguiculata as supplements to a chloris gayana basal diet

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of forage legume diets on haematological and biochemical indices of Xhosa goats. Eighteen animals, one-year-old, of average live weight 14.13 ± 0.24 kg were assigned, in a completely randomized design, to three treatment diets. Animals were housed individually and sex was equally represented among treatments with 6 animals per treatment. Weights and blood samples were taken every fortnight. A pair of blood samples (5 ml each) were collected from each goat, via jugular vein puncture and were subjected to either haematological or biochemical analysis. The results show that treatment diets and sex significantly (P < 0.05) affected DMI, total gain, ADG, and feed conversion ratio. Treatment diets and sex had no effects (P > 0.05) on serum total proteins, globulins, urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma- glutamyl transferase concentrations. The diet influenced albumin was (P < 0.05) while sex influenced ALP concentration (P < 0.05). Measured over time, the plasma concentration of urea and ALP significantly increased (P < 0.05) while creatinine and cholesterol concentration decreased (P < 0.05). Although the overall blood biochemical properties remain unchanged among the treatments and between sexes; treatment by sex, treatment by day and sex by day interactions were significant (P < 0.05). The white blood cells, red blood cell, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and platelet and mean platelet volume levels were similar among treatments and between sexes (P > 0.05). The mean cell volume and red cell distribution width were different among treatments (P < 0.05). Treatment diets significantly (P < 0.05) influenced neutrophil (%) content while sex influenced basophile (%) content. In conclusion forage legumes did not cause toxicity in goats or any pathological condition.

In vitro efficacy of Elephantorrhiza elephantina root extracts against adult Paramphistomum cervi in goats

Elephantorrhiza elephantina is a medicinally important plant whose roots are used to control gastrointestinal parasites in goats. The use of plant-based anthelmintics as potential alternatives to synthetic anthelmintics in controlling gastrointestinal worms in ruminants is a promising area of research. The study was carried out to ascertain the efficacy of E. elephantina in controlling goat trematodes. Standard procedures were used to quantify the phytochemicals in the water, ethanol and methanol root extracts of E. elephantina. The quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed that alkaloids (93.24 ± 1.68%), condensed tannins (450.52 ± 0.15 mg CE/g), flavonoids (803.93 ± 0.13 mg QE/g), phenols (476.11 ± 0.37 mg GAE/g) and saponins (83.28 ± 1.72%) were present in E. elephantina root extracts. Paramphistomum cervi adult worms recovered from the rumen of freshly slaughtered goats were used. In vitro screening of ethanol, methanol and water extracts of E. elephantina for potential anthelmintic activity against adult P. cervi worm motility showed time and dose-dependent significant effects. Ethanol extracts showed a highly significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of motility (86.67 and 96.67%) at concentrations 7.5 and 15 mg/mL respectively, after 12 h of treatment, while methanol and water extracts exhibited a significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of motility (96.67 and 66.67% respectively) at concentration of 15 mg/mL 16 h post-exposure. Our findings confirm the efficacy of E. elephantina in controlling goat trematodes.

Behavioral and Haemato-Biochemical Responses of Nguni and Boran Steers Post Relocation and Herd Regrouping in a Novel Environment

Behavioural and blood-based physiological responses of Nguni (NG) and Boran (BR) steers, following relocation to a new environment and herd regrouping were examined. Ten steers of each genotype aged 9 months and reared under similar conditions were studied over 16 weeks: 1 for acclimatization and baseline measurements in original groups, 15 for post regrouping measurements. Each sampling week, direct visual observations and durations of aggressive and affiliative interactions were recorded between 0500-1900h for 3 conservative days. Blood samples were drawn fortnightly by jugular venipuncture for plasma cortisol, glucose, creatine kinase (CK) and haematological analysis. In weeks 1-5, BR had higher instances of head-butting (P=0.0311), mounts (P=0.0142) and threats (P=0.0241) compared to NG (P<0.0001, P=0.0412 and P=0.0241, respectively). However, these significantly declined from weeks 7-15 in both genotypes. Grooming increased consistently over the weeks in both genotypes (P=0.0214). Head-butting correlated with cortisol (r=-0.116), CK (r=-0.295) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (r=-0.144). Grooming correlated (r=0.137) with white-blood-cell-count. Herd regrouping temporarily disrupted social behaviour, with BR showing more aggression towards NG steers. Nevertheless, the two genotypes established some stability within five weeks of social mixing.

Meat quality, fatty acid profile, and sensory attributes of spent laying hens fed expeller press canola meal or a conventional diet

This study evaluated the effects of feeding an expeller press canola meal (EPCM) supplement (20%) on the carcass, meat, and sensory quality characteristics of spent laying hens. Thirty EPCM-based and thirty conventionally (soybean based) fed Lohmann Brown-Elite spent laying hens were obtained from a commercial egg farm. Carcass, portions, physical quality, proximate composition, fatty acids, and sensory quality were determined. EPCM-fed hens had higher (P ≤ 0.05) drum yield, breast bone weights and percentages, but lower (P ≤ 0.05) thigh and breast meat yields. Conventionally fed hens had higher (P ≤ 0.05) thaw losses, skin yellowness (b*), Chroma values and breast fat content with lower (P ≤ 0.05) cooking losses, skin redness (a*) and hue angle values, as well as breast Warner-Bratzler shear force values (N) (15.43 ± 0.600 vs. 12.37 ± 0.411). Palmitic acid, stearic acid, heneicosanoic acid, palmitoleic acid, saturated fatty acids (SFA) (34.0 ± 0.56 vs. 38.7 ± 0.71), n-6:n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ratio (5.5 ± 0.13 vs. 7.2 ± 0.28), atherogenic index, thrombogenic index, delta-5 desaturase, elongase index, and thiosterase index were lower (P ≤ 0.05) for EPCM-fed hen breast meat. Myristic acid, lignoceric acid, nervonic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), PUFA:SFA ratio (0.7 ± 0.05 vs. 0.9 ± 0.02), n-3 PUFA (3.4 ± 0.31 vs. 5.1 ± 0.17), hypocholesterolemic:Hypercholesterolaemic, stearoyl-CoA desaturase 16, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 18 were higher (P ≤ 0.05) for EPCM-fed hen breast meat. Metallic flavor was decreased (P ≤ 0.05) for EPCM-fed hen breast meat. Generally, effects of EPCM supplementation were observed to have an effect on the carcass, physical quality, proximate composition, fatty acids, and health indices. The sensory profiles did not differ between EPCM and conventionally fed spent laying hen breast meat (except for metallic flavor). The EPCM improved the nutritional profile of spent laying hen meat with low intramuscular fat, low n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio, and favorable lipid health indices.

Effects of feeding increasing levels of grape (Vitis vinifera cv. Pinotage) pomace on lamb shelf-life and eating quality

The study evaluated shelf-life and sensory quality of meat from lambs fed finisher diets containing increasing levels of grape pomace (GP; 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% GP/kg DM). Color, antioxidant activity and lipid oxidation of the longissimus lumborum were evaluated on different storage times (days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9) post-slaughter using overwrapped air-permeable packaging. Treatments 0, 10 and 20% GP/kg DM were used for evaluation of protein oxidation and microbial counts on days 1, 5 and 7, while a trained panel assessed the sensory quality on day 1. Diet neither influenced meat color nor sensory quality. Diet × day interactions were observed for antioxidant activity, lipid and protein oxidation. Overall, the 20% GP/kg-diet finished lamb meat had the highest antioxidant activity and the lowest total viable bacterial counts, lipid and protein oxidation values during the shelf-life period. The 20% GP/kg DM in lamb diets, therefore, improved lamb meat shelf-life without negatively affecting sensory quality.

An outlook on livestock welfare conditions in African communities - A review

A significant proportion of the African continent is conducive for animal agricultural production, due to its historical experience and available resources to accommodate and nurture various indigenous and exotic animal species and breeds. With food security being a global challenge, animal products can play an important role as nutrient dense food sources in human diets, particularly in Africa. However, this does not seem to reach its full potential in practice, due to numerous reasons that have not been adequately addressed. Animal welfare reservations can be highlighted as one of the major contributing factors to the curbed progress. The consequences have been scientifically proven to affect product quality and market access. However, in the African community, the concept of animal welfare has not been fully embraced. While there are international animal welfare standards in the developed world, there are inherent factors that hinder adoption of such initiatives in most developing regions, particularly among communal farmers. These include cultural norms and practices, social ranking, socio-economic status, available resources, information dissemination and monitoring tools. Therefore, there is need to harmonize what is internationally required and what is feasible to accommodate global variability. The protocols followed to ensure and evaluate farm animal welfare require regular investigation, innovation and a sustainable approach to enhance animal productivity, efficiency and product quality. Additionally, investing in animal wellbeing and health, as well as empowering communities with significant knowledge, has a potential to improve African livelihoods and contribute to food security. This review seeks to highlight the concept of animal welfare in relation to livestock and food production in African conditions.

Influence of drying technique on chemical composition and ruminal degradability of subtropical Cajanus cajan L

The experiment investigated the influence of forage drying methods on the dry-matter digestibility of foliage from Cajanus cajan varieties (ICEAP 00557, ICEAP 01514 and CIMMYT100/01). These leaves were harvested at week 20 of growth and either oven- or shade-dried and analysed for chemical components and rumen degradability. Three rumen fistulated lactating Holstein cows (430 ± 18 kg live weight) were used to evaluate ruminal degradation kinetics using in vitro and in sacco procedures. Samples were incubated for 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, 30 and 48 h in vitro (IV DaisyII) procedure. In the in sacco procedure, samples were incubated for 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, 30 and 48 h in the rumen of cows. Dry matter disappearance (DMD) data for both measures were fitted to the equation Y = a + b (1 - e -ct ), where b is the slowly degradable fraction and c is the degradation rate constant, to approximate rumen degradability characteristics of varieties. Shade dried leaves contained higher crude protein (CP) (P < 0.05) than oven dried leaves. Oven drying method increased (P < 0.05) neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen (NDIN) and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN) content of varieties. However, shade drying method gave the higher concentration of NDIN and ADIN. Drying technique had no effect (P > 0.05) on ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) of varieties. Drying method did not affect (P > 0.05) calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) concentration in the forage dry matter. Drying method had no effect (P > 0.05) on b and c of all varieties during in vitro procedure. However, shade-drying method increased (P < 0.05) b and c of all varieties during in sacco procedure. It was concluded that shade-drying, in contrast to oven-drying, would be the most suitable method as it improves the nutritive value of the forage for ruminants.

Molecular characterisation of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella enterica isolates recovered from meat in South Africa

Salmonella enterica is a leading cause of human gastroenteritis in both developed and developing countries, causing significant economic losses on humans and animals worldwide. There are several routes for contracting salmonellosis, but the consumption of contaminated foods is by far the most frequent cause of human infections. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and resistance determinants of S. enterica isolates obtained from meat. Swab samples from meat were cultured for the identification of Salmonella spp., and 239 presumptive S. enterica isolates were recovered, purified and kept in glycerol stocks. The S. enterica. confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were further tested against 15 antimicrobials using the disc-diffusion method on Muller-Hinton agar and the genotypic antimicrobial resistance determinants by PCR. Resistance among tetracyclines, bêta-lactams, and 3rd generation cephalosporins was found to be most frequent with a noticeable rise in the number of multi-drug resistance ranging from two to seven antimicrobials. A total of 20 resistance determinants were assessed with their prevalence and distributions obtained as follows; [aminoglycosides: aadA (89%), aacC2 (100%), aphA1 (38%), aphA2 (0%) and strA (7%)], [β-lactams: (ampC 100%), blaTEM, (33%), blaZ (17%) and blaOXA (10%)], [Chloramphenicol: catI (9%), catII (7%), and cmIA1 (10%)] and [tetracyclines: tetA (57%), tetB (30%), tetC (11%), tetD (73%), tetK (20%) and tetM, (43%)], and [sulfonamides: sulI (82%), sulII (7%)]. The findings signify a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. enterica isolates and resistance determinants indicating increased public health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated meat.

Shelf life study of healthy pork liver pâté with added seaweed extracts from Ascophyllum nodosum, Fucus vesiculosus and Bifurcaria bifurcata

The effect of the addition of seaweed extracts from three brown algae species [Ascophyllum nodosum (AN), Fucus vesiculosus (FV) and Bifurcaria bifurcata (BB)], which are a great source of natural antioxidants, on the oxidative stability of refrigerated low-fat pork liver pâtés was studied. In the studied pâtés, half of pork fat was replaced with a mixture consisting of canola and high-oleic sunflower oil (75:25, v/v), thus improving their fatty acid profile in terms of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). In order to avoid the oxidation of PUFA in the new samples, seaweed extracts (500 ppm) were added. In addition, some samples were formulated with a synthetic antioxidant (BHT at 50 ppm) (BHT) and a control batch (CON) (without antioxidant) was also prepared, for comparison purposes. Thus, in total, five batches of liver pâté were prepared: CON, BHT, AN, FV and BB. Pâté samples were analyzed at 0, 45, 90, 135 and 180 days of refrigerated storage at 4 °C. The addition of seaweed extracts did not modify significantly (P > 0.05) the chemical composition or microbial characteristics of healthy pork liver pâté, except for the protein content, which resulted in a significant increase (≈2-3%) in the batches manufactured with addition of seaweed extracts compared to control samples. At the end of storage (180 days), L* values were significantly lower in the FV and BB batches than in the other batches. Moreover, the a* and b* values were also significantly lower in CON batches than in the samples with antioxidants added. Differences in oxidative parameters (conjugated dienes, TBARs and carbonyls) among batches were observed at the end of the storage time, showing samples with seaweed extracts a similar degree of protection against oxidation compared to BHT formulated samples. A decline of the volatile compounds was noted in all the batches during storage. The total volatile compounds at the end of the storage were significantly lower in BTH, AN, or BB batches than in control batches.

Physico-chemical composition and oxidative stability of South African beef, game, ostrich and pork droëwors

Droëwors are traditional South African salted and dried sausages, made without nitrites/nitrates and non- fermented. Different meat sources (beef, game and ostrich) are traditionally used in droëwors processing, while the use of pork is uncommon, as it is said to lead to rancidity. The first part of the study analysed the physico-chemical composition of commercially available beef, game and ostrich meat droëwors (n = 20). On average, they were composed of 26.3-29.2 g/100 g moisture, 41.3-44.0 g/100 g protein, 26.2-33.1 g/100 g fat and 5.9-6.5 g/100 g ash and 5.0-5.4 pH. Water activity (0.76-0.82) was sufficiently low to ensure shelf stability at ambient temperatures. In the second part beef and pork droëwors were formulated in accordance with these results and with similar fat content, dried for 2 days (30 °C, 40% relative humidity) and stored for 26 days (25 °C, 50% relative humidity); measuring moisture, water activity, pH and lipid oxidative stability (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)) weekly. At day 5, moisture and thus water activity of pork droëwors was slightly higher compared to beef ones and fat and ash content slightly lower (P ≤ 0.05) despite similar weight loss. Even with slightly less fat, TBARS in pork droëwors were significantly higher after drying and throughout storage (3.83 vs 0.99 mg MDA equivalents/kg dry matter at a maximum).

Grape pomace (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Pinotage) supplementation in lamb diets: Effects on growth performance, carcass and meat quality

This study investigated the effects of feeding graded levels of sun-dried red grape pomace (GP; 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%) on growth, carcass and meat physico-chemical quality attributes of Dohne Merino lambs for 42 days. Dry matter intake increased quadratically with a critical value (i.e., optimum inclusion level) of 11.3% GP (P ≤ 0.05). Diet exhibited similar quadratic responses for average daily gain, live, hot and cold carcass weights with optimum inclusion levels at 9.6, 9.7, 12, 2 and 12.1, respectively (P ≤ 0.05). Overall, meat quality traits were not negatively affected by GP inclusion (P > .05). Gross profit was influenced by diet, with an optimum inclusion level at 12.2% (quadratic; P ≤ 0.05). Overall, inclusion of 12.2% GP in lamb finishing diets at the expense of oat bran and wheat bran middlings improved lamb productivity, without compromising meat quality.

Changes in the physico-chemical attributes through processing of salami made from blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi), eland (Taurotragus oryx), fallow deer (Dama dama), springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) and black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou) in comparison to pork

Drying kinetics and changes in proximate composition, pH, salt content, water activity (a_w) and lipid oxidation through processing of salami made using five different game meat species were evaluated and compared to pork. Eight batches of salami from each species were made and sampled for analysis throughout processing. Processing time was a significant factor on all measured attributes whilst species affected (P ≤ .05) pH and moisture but not drying kinetics. Black wildebeest meat exhibited higher (P ≤ .05) pH than pork and other game meat (6.30 vs 5.63-5.80), which translated to higher (P ≤ .05) salami pH throughout and at the end of processing (5.77). Final pH of all other salami ranged from 5.01 to 5.28, a_w ranged from 0.88 to 0.92. TBARS remained lower than 1 mg MDA equivalent/kg. The study suggests that salami from these game species, excluding black wildebeest, can be produced using the same processing parameters as conventional pork salami and obtaining similar physico-chemical attributes.

Relationship between saliva and blood cortisol in handled cows

Objective

The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between plasma and salivary cortisol concentrations in beef cattle that were subjected to handling prior to sampling.

Methods

Twenty-one Nguni cows of three age categories; 5 to 7 yr (n = 7), 8 to 10 yr (n = 6), and 11 to 13 yr (n = 8) were handled for five consecutive weeks. In the pen, a human avoidance test was performed and cattle responses to restraint in the chute and crush were observed. In addition, rectal temperature readings were taken and, faecal samples were collected and analysed for glucocorticoid metabolites. Through the handling and restraint process, excretory and vocalisation behaviour, as a sign of stress were observed and recorded. Thereafter, six cows were randomly selected and subjected to an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge. Blood and saliva samples were extracted to determine cortisol concentrations.

Results

Repeated handling affected (p<0.05) faecal glucocorticoid metabolites, rectal temperatures, avoidance distance, crush scores as well as urination and defaecation behaviour. Acclimation to handling was variable based on each respective parameter. Saliva cortisol concentrations increased and decreased significantly (p<0.001). A peak value of 136.78± 15.869 nmol/L was observed 30min after administration of ACTH, from a baseline value of 8.75± 15.869 nmol/L. Plasma cortisol concentrations did not differ (p>0.05) across the time of sampling. A low and insignificant correlation (r = 0.0131, p>0.05) between plasma and saliva cortisol was therefore observed.

Conclusion

We conclude that if beef cows are subjected to handling prior to sampling, a weak relationship exists between plasma and salivary cortisol levels.

Aerobic Mesophilic, Coliform, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus Counts of Raw Meat from the Formal and Informal Meat Sectors in South Africa

Foodborne disease (FBD) is a global public health concern, and foods from animal sources have been associated with outbreaks of food-related illness. In this study, animal carcasses from the two abattoirs (HT1 and HT2) in the formal meat sector (FMS) and slaughter points in the informal meat sector (INMS) were examined at two stages of slaughter (before washing and after washing) for aerobic colony counts (ACC) and total viable count (TCC), as well as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus count. At each stage, carcasses were sampled by swabbing at the neck, brisket, flank, and rump. ACC for beef, mutton, and pork carcasses at HT1 and HT2 before washing were between 2.5–5.8, 2.2–4.7, and 2.7–3.7 mean log CFU/cm², respectively, and TCC count before washing was highest on the neck of cattle (6.3 ± 2.4) and after washing was highest on the perineal of sheep (5.7 ± 6.9). In the INMS, TCC count was highest on the brisket (6.9 ± 3.2) and in the neck (5.5 ± 2.4). Higher ACC values of 6.2–6.7 mean log CFU/cm² were obtained in the INMS. The highest count for E. coli (4.2 mean log CFU/cm²) after washing was in the neck, while the highest count for S. aureus (4.0 mean log CFU/cm²) was in the flank. All bacteria count in the INMS exceeded acceptable limits, and washing did not significantly reduce microbial load in meat in the FMS and INMS. Bacteria count in the FMS and INMS exceeded acceptable standards. However, meat processed in the INMS poses a more significant risk of FBD to consumers.

Ecological preferences and seasonal dynamics of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) on and off bovine hosts in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

A total of 31,425 ticks were collected from 10 cattle and also from six drag-samples during the 12-month study period. Adult ticks were removed from the right hand side of each animal and all instars of ticks were placed in containers filled with 70% ethanol. Based on morphological traits, 10 tick species were identified: Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus (32.5%), R. evertsi evertsi (18.8%), R. appendiculatus (17.3%), Amblyomma hebraeum (16.3%), R. simus (7.7%), Ixodes pilosus (3.8%), Hyalomma rufipes (3.5%), R. follis (0.08%), Haemaphysalis elliptica (0.04%), H. silacea (0.02%). The southern African yellow dog tick, H. elliptica, was only found on vegetation. The agro-ecological zones differ significantly in tick species and their distribution. The A. hebraeum and R. evertsi evertsi counts were higher in Kowie Thicket (KT) during summer season (2.05 ± 0.01 and 1.00 ± 0.09, respectively) compared to Bedford Dry Grassland (BDG) and Bhisho Thornveld (BT) veld types. In all vegetation types, R. appendiculatus had higher counts in KT in spring (0.91 ± 0.08), summer (0.78 ± 0.08) and winter (0.78 ± 0.08). Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus was more frequent in the BT (1.78 ± 0.11) during the summer season. BDG had lower tick infestation with R. evertsi evertsi being the most frequent species in summer. No H. rufipes was collected in the KT. Of epidemiological interest, R. (B.) microplus was absent in the study area which needs further investigation. Within the context of this study, we found agro-ecological differences and seasonal variations to have influence on tick species distribution.

Factors responsible for the post-slaughter loss of carcass and offal's in abattoirs in South Africa

Global demand for food is surging upward due to the expansion of human population. Hence food production and supply need to double with little or no waste to meet this demand. Food loss at any point in the farm to fork chain inhibits the stability of food security at household and national level. A retrospective (AR) and a post mortem meat inspection (PMMI) study to identify major causes of offal and carcass condemnation was conducted in three abattoirs namely, Adeliade, Queenstown and East London abattoirs represented as AD, QT, and EL respectively. The retrospective study revealed the main causes of tongue condemnation as abscess (0.08%, 0.03% and 0.05%) and actinobacillosis (0.02%, 0% and 0.02%) respectively. The spleen was condemned due to abscess (0.35%, 0.94% and 0.17%) and splenomegaly (0.21%, 0.55% and 0.2%). The heart was condemned due to cyst (0.24%, 0.36% and 0.2%) and inflammation (0.9%, 1.85%, and 0.75%). While the kidney, was condemned due to cyst (0.08%, 0.23% and 0.16%) and nephritis (0.94%, 1.01% and 1.18%). However, a greater percentage of condemnation was recorded during the active abattoir study. During the same period, partial carcass condemnations were mainly due to bruises (63.3%, 50.4% and 41.0%), abscess (7%, 6% and 14%) and improper evisceration (19%, 31% and 27%). The combined monetary loss due to offal's and carcass condemnation during the AR and PMMI study was estimated as ZAR 255194.4 (34191.5 USD) and ZAR 25958.8 (2570.2 USD) respectively. This study identified major causes of offals and carcass condemnation as abscess, bruises, actinobacillosis, cyst, inflammatory conditions and improper evisceration. It can be used as starting point information for early warning on livestock diseases of economic loss in South Africa.

Multi-functional application of Moringa oleifera Lam. in nutrition and animal food products: A review

Research on the use of various parts of the Moringa oleifera Lam. plant (M. oleifera) as a nutritional and neutraceutical resource for human and animal diets has increased in recent years, emanating from the widespread use of the plant in traditional cuisines and medicinal remedies in several regions of the world. Analytical studies have identified M. oleifera as an important source of essential nutrients; rich in protein, essential amino acids, minerals, and vitamins, with a relatively low amount of antinutrients. It is also a rich source of other bio active compounds including flavonoids and phenolic compounds; with several studies detailing demonstrated in vitro and in vivo functional properties, most substantially, antioxidant activities. Moringa oleifera consumption has been reported to improve the health status, feed conversion efficiency, growth performance and product quality of several livestock species, at dietary inclusion rates generally not exceeding 5% of total dry matter intake. Fortification of processed foods with M. oleifera has been reported to increase nutritional value, some organoleptic properties, oxidative stability and product shelf life; with a notable need for further analytical and consumer studies in the development of these products. There is a paucity of literature detailing clinical studies, nutrient bioavailability, toxicity and the mode of action of the bioactive compounds to which the health claims associated with M. oleifera consumption are attributed. Many of these are not yet fully understood; therefore more research in these areas is required in order to fully utilize the potential benefits of this plant in human and livestock nutrition.

Sex and breed affect plasma glucose, lactate, cortisol, meat quality but not muscle glycolytic potential of Dorper and Merino lambs

Response to pre-slaughter stress differs depending on animal-related factors such as sex and breed. The present study investigated breed and sex effects on plasma stress indicators, muscle glycolytic potential and the quality of meat from 8-month-old lambs of Dorper (n = 52) and Merino (n = 48) breeds. Blood samples were collected at exsanguination for the measurement of glucose, lactate and cortisol levels. Representative meat samples were collected from the Muscularis longissimus thoracis et lumborum for the measurement of glycogen, lactate, glycolytic potential levels, pH and colour coordinates. Results showed that the ewes had higher levels of plasma lactate, cortisol and meat pH than the rams, meaning that the ewes perceived the slaughter process to be more stressful compared with the rams. The Dorper also had higher levels of plasma lactate and lower meat lightness compared with the Merino breed. Significant sex and breed interactions on the meat pH45 min and colour coordinates were observed. Significant correlations were found among plasma cortisol, pH and colour. The results indicate that ewes and Dorper were more stressed than the rams and Merino breed respectively. In this study it can be concluded that the ewes and Dorper breed perceived the slaughter process to be more stressful compared with the rams and Merino breed.

Hair coat characteristics and thermophysiological stress response of Nguni and Boran cows raised under hot environmental conditions

Breed, age, coat colour, month and temperature humidity index (THI) influence on body weight (W), body condition score (BCS), thermophysiological variables (rectal temperature (Tr), skin temperature (Tsk)) and hair length was studied in Nguni (n = 19) and Boran (n = 16). As a result of this study, breed influenced W, BCS and Tsk on the neck and belly (P < 0.05). The BCS and W of Nguni cows were higher than the Boran cows. Hair length of both breeds increased from February to August. The THI influenced thermophysiological variables (P < 0.05). Increased Tr for both breeds was recorded in February and April, respectively (P < 0.05). Month influenced Tsk and June recorded lower values (P < 0.05). Younger cows (3-8 years) had lower weight and high Tr and Tsk (P < 0.05). Nguni cows had high neck and thurl temperatures in June while Boran cows had the highest in August (P < 0.05). Red, dun and white-black Boran cows had increased BCS. Nguni cows with red, fawn and white cows had high BCS. Fawn-coloured Nguni cows and white-brown Boran cows had the more weight than cows with other colours compared in the study. White-red Nguni and Boran cows recorded the highest Tr. For Nguni cows, neck and belly temperatures were significantly (P < 0.001) correlated to thurl temperature. Boran cows had significant (P < 0.001) correlations for THI and neck, belly and thurl temperatures. The current study found that Nguni cows were more adapted to the prevailing bioclimatic changes. However, Boran cows have the potential of performing well under heat stress conditions over time.

Seasonal prevalence, body condition score and risk factors of bovine fasciolosis in South Africa

Fasciolosis is an important zoonotic disease that is responsible for a significant loss in food resource and animal productivity. The objectives of this study were to determine the seasonal prevalence and risk factors associated with Fasciola infection in cattle. The results were obtained by coprology, antemortem and post-mortem survey of three abattoirs (HTPA1, n = 500, HTPA2, n = 400, and LTPA, n = 220). The seasonal prevalence of Fasciola infection was 10.4%, 12.8% and 10.9%, during summer, 11.2%, 10.8% and 8.6%, during autumn, 9.8%, 6.5% and 5.9% during winter and 8.2%, 7.8% and 5.9%, during spring in the three abattoirs HTPA1, HTPA and LTPA respectively. There was a significant association (p < 0.05) between the intensity of infection and body condition score (BCS) of cattle at each abattoir. Factors such as age [HTPA1 (OR = 3.6, CI = 1.2, 10.2), and LTPA (OR = 3.8, CI= 2.4, 6.1)], sex [LTPA (OR = 4.2, CI= 2.5, 7.0)], breed [HTPA2 (OR = 2.3, CI = 1.3, 4.1) and LTPA (OR = 2.5, CI= 1.3, 5.0)] and BCS had significant (p < 0.01-0.001) influence on the prevalence of fasciolosis. In conclusion, the infection with Fasciola spp was higher in the summer than in the winter; a positive association was established between the prevalence of fasciolosis and poor body condition in study animals. This study, therefore, suggests that fasciolosis could be causing substantial production losses, mainly due to cattle weight loss and liver condemnation.

Financial loss estimation of bovine fasciolosis in slaughtered cattle in South Africa

South Africa's livestock population is rapidly evolving and consequently will require sustained epidemiological surveillance to detect and prevent diseases which contribute to a decrease in livestock productivity, public health risk and food wastage. Fasciola infection is one of the commonest diseases affecting livestock health and a significant portion of meat and offal's are declared unfit for human consumption. This study assessed the prevalence and monetary losses associated with Fasciola infection at three abattoirs in Eastern Cape Province. A retrospective data of all slaughtered cattle were obtained from Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) from 2010–2012. A prospective abattoir survey was conducted between July 2013 and June 2014 to determine the prevalence and financial loss due to fasciolosis.

The highest prevalence was in December and January (23%) while the lowest prevalence was recorded in May and June (5%). Annual prevalence of Fasciola at abattoirs AB1, were (3.2%, 2.2% and 2.0%), AB2 (6.4%, 4.6% and 3.5%), AB3 (14.4%, 6.9% and 9.5%) for year 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively. The total financial loss due to Fasciola infection during the active survey of the three abattoirs was ZAR 44, 930 (3456.2 USD). A breakdown of this figure shows that whole liver condemnation was ZAR 25, 230 (2, 357 USD), and partial liver condemnation was ZAR 19, 700 (1515.4 USD).

The present study reveals the economic loss due to liver condemnation from Fasciola infection and provides regional baseline information regarding the prevalence of Fasciola in cattle at three abattoirs.

Grazing system and floor type effects on blood biochemistry, growth and carcass characteristics of Nguni goats

OBJECTIVE

Purpose was to determine the effects of grazing system and floor type on concentrations of blood metabolites, activity of creatine kinase, body weight and carcass characteristics of castrated Nguni goats.

METHODS

Forty eight, 7 month old goats were randomly allocated to herding and tethering treatments from 0800 to 1300 hours and accommodated on slatted and earth floors daily. Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture every fifteenth day for metabolite analysis. Slaughter was done at a commercial abattoir following 5 months of monitoring.

RESULTS

Tethered goats had significantly higher concentrations of urea (5.19 mmol/L) (p< 0.001), creatinine (55.87 μmol/L) (p<0.05), total protein (64.60 g/L) (p<0.01), and globulin (49.79 g/L) (p<0.001), whereas herded goats had higher glucose (3.38 mmol/L) (p<0.001), albumin (15.33 g/L) (p<0.05), albumin/globulin ratio (0.34) (p<0.01), and body weight (24.87 kg) (p< 0.001). Slatted floors caused higher (p<0.01) albumin at 15.37 g/L. The interaction of grazing system and floor type affected creatinine, total protein, globulin at (p<0.01) and albumen/globulin ratio at (p<0.01). The least creatinine concentration and albumin/globulin ratio was in herded and tethered goats that were accommodated on earth floors, respectively. The highest total protein and globulin concentrations were in serum of tethered goats that were accommodated on earth floors. The highest (p<0.05) dressing percentage (45.26%) was in herded goats accommodated on slatted floors.

CONCLUSION

Herding of goats lowered globulin concentration, improved estimated feed intake, blood glucose and albumin concentrations, albumin globulin ratio, increased body weights and weight related carcass characteristics. Floor type had very little effects on metabolites where earth floors only reduced albumin concentration. Tethering and housing goats on earth floors resulted in double stress that increased chronic infections.