RESEARCH REPORT. of the GROOTFONTEIN AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE

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3 RESEARCH REPORT of the GROOTFONTEIN AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE 2012

4 2012 Published by Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Design and layout by: Directorate: Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute Private Bag X529, Middelburg, 5900 ISBN:

5 CONTENTS Preface...2 Evaluation of selection for reproduction in Dohne Merino sheep...3 Investigation into the relationship between milk production of grazing ewes and maternal breeding values for early growth traits in South African sheep flocks...5 The evaluation of the presence of nematophagous fungi on pasture in the False Upper Karoo areas and the potential for use as biological control agents of free-living stages of parasitic nematode with the emphasis on the control of Haemonchus contortus...8 Longevity of production in South African Angora goat ewes...11 Evaluation of management practices of Angora goat sires to improve semen quality...13 The effect of supplementation of replacement ewes after weaning on their lifetime reproduction potential under natural veld conditions...16 Prediction of lambing date based on clinical examination prior to parturition in ewes...19 Flockmaster: A comprehensive veterinary flock health management support service for commercial sheep farmers...22 Identification of the most economical energy level in lucerne (Medicago sativa) hay-based finishing diets for Dohne Merino lambs...23 The effect of different levels of urea supplementation on reproduction, production and physiological parameters of wool ewes...26 Establishment of ram breeding flocks for different communal farming areas of the Eastern Cape...29 Establishment of the South African biological reserve for small stock research and conservation...31 Establishment and maintenance of live herds of the endangered Namaqua Afrikaner sheep breed in South Africa...33 Maintenance of live herds of Angora goats as reference herds for a biological bank for Angora goats in South Africa...36 Maintenance of two Merino herds as resource herds for research and reference herds for a biological bank for Merino sheep in South Africa...39 Maintenance of an Afrino herd as resource for research and as reference herd for a biological bank for Afrino sheep in South Africa...41 Blood and DNA bank for genomic research in sheep and goat breeds in South Africa...44 Long-term grazing trials in the Karoo: Camp Determining the cattle and sheep grazing impact in the Eastern Mixed Karoo...49 The evaluation of dry matter yield and forage quality for four pastures as influenced by three frequencies of flood irrigation in the False Upper Karoo...50 The establishment of the Grootfontein Electronic Herbarium for the flora of the Eastern Upper Karoo...52 Fire and grazing effects on vegetation and soils following an accidental fire in the Eastern Upper Karoo...53 A monitoring framework towards rangeland monitoring and management within the arid and semi-arid rangelands of the Eastern and Northern Cape Koopmansfontein area...55 Evaluation of prickly pear cultivars to determine their adaptability in terms of fruit and leaf yield in the Eastern Upper Karoo Middelburg region...57 Effects of residual soil tebuthiuron on seed germination

6 Preface The Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute (GADI) is situated near the town of Middelburg in the Eastern Cape and the institution serves the small stock sector of the country. It hosts the Grootfontein College of Agriculture and has expertise to provide the highly sought-after education of its small stock focused curriculum. The College is fully accredited as an institution of higher learning as well as a further education institution. In addition, the institute is a key role-player in sheep and goat production research nationally and has built a knowledge base that supports the profitability and sustainability of the small stock sector and enhances natural resources management in small stock producing areas. The research program is strongly client-driven and is financially supported by the industry. The vision of the institute is to be the world's leading centre of excellence in training, research and extension in small stock and in agricultural production in semi-arid to arid climates. Towards this end the mission is to provide (i) worldclass agricultural education and training by highly-skilled lectures (ii) innovative research led by expert researchers in partnership with producers and industry (iii) effective and relevant extension that builds the capacity of farmers to innovate and engage in sustainable production towards household food security and widespread wealth creation within rural communities. This research report gives an account of the activities and outputs with regard to the second mission statement. For monitoring and evaluation of progress with the research and development (R&D) program, researchers are annually requested to submit comprehensive progress reports on each individual R&D project by the end of July. For this, data collected to date in each project are analysed and reported. For obvious reasons, the preliminary results reported in some progress reports cannot be released, as it might be misleading or may be misinterpreted. Therefore, this research report only contains abstracts from the comprehensive progress reports. The key clients of the GADI program are farmers (commercial, small holder and subsistence), learners (students), national and provincial departments of agriculture, agricultural industries, as well as district and local municipalities. The interests of most land users are represented by the departments of agriculture (national and provincial), commodity organisations, agribusiness, breeders associations and organised agriculture. As GADI s R&D program is largely driven by client needs, different stakeholders financially support many of the research projects. The stakeholders provided approximately 25% of the operational cost of the GADI R&D program. Financial support during the reporting period was obtained from Cape Wools SA, Mohair South Africa and the Red Meat Research and Development Trust. Financial support from different stakeholders to the GADI R&D program is mediated through the Small Stock Research Trust. Other stakeholders and research partners who contributed towards the GADI R&D program in the form of physical execution (manpower) of research projects are: Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (Cradock, Dohne and Jansenville Experimental Stations) Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (Carnarvon, Karakul and Koopmansfontein Experimental Stations) Western Cape Department of Agriculture (Elsenburg) Five communities in the Transkei and Ciskei areas of the Eastern Cape Twenty commercial farmers and their farm workers in four provinces National Wool Growers Association CMW BKB. 2

7 Evaluation of selection for reproduction in Dohne Merino sheep W.J. Olivier AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this project is to evaluate selection for reproduction in a Dohne Merino flock under natural pastures against the selection procedures followed within the Dohne Merino stud industry. The objectives of this project are to: Evaluate direct selection for reproduction under natural pastures against the selection procedures followed within the stud industry Calculate the genetic gain that can be achieved through direct or indirect selection for reproduction Quantify the effect of selection for reproduction on body weights at different ages, wool production and characteristics, body dimensions and reproductive traits Quantify the effect of the selection procedure followed within the stud industry on body weights at different ages, wool production and characteristics, body dimensions and reproductive traits Collect production and reproduction data on all animals Store blood samples and extracted DNA samples of all animals Create and maintain a database containing all relevant genetic, production and reproduction data Make these resources available for qualifying researchers in South Africa for genomic and other research studies or projects Make animals available for student and farmer training. BACKGROUND Selection objectives for small stock production can differ from breed to breed, country to country and even from farm to farm. However, reproduction (ewe productivity) and its components are the traits that are universally important, because performance in this trait defines the efficiency and profitability of a sheep enterprise. Reproduction is more important for the dual purpose sheep breeds in South Africa, as mutton production plays a bigger role in the profitability of such an enterprise. The importance of reproduction performance of the wool sheep in South Africa is further underlined by the fact that the Merino types (Merino and Dohne Merino) represent more than 50% of the total sheep numbers in South Africa. MATERIALS AND METHODS The 255 ewes of the Grootfontein Dohne Merino stud (GDM) were divided into two lines (Reproduction and Stud) according to the project protocol for the 2011 breeding season. These ewes were divided on a stratified body weight basis within year of birth and reproductive performance. A further 130 ewes were bought from a Dohne Merino breeder to increase the size of the flock to almost 400 ewes. These were divided on a stratified basis within year of birth. Two of the best AI rams in the Dohne Merino industry were used together with nine rams from the GDM as sires during the 2011 breeding season. The 128 ewes inseminated with the semen of the two AI rams were synchronised, while individual mating was practiced with the other ewes. The AI ewes were also put to follow-up rams. RESULTS Body weights at different ages of the 2010-born progeny are summarised in Table 1, while wool production data at the age of 13 months are summarised in Table 2. The production data of the adult ewes are shown in Table 3. Table 1. Growth results (± s.e.) of the lambs born in 2010 Body weight at: Ram lambs (kg) Ewe lambs (kg) 42 days 17.6 ± ± 0.4 Weaning 28.1 ± ± months 38.8 ± ± months 45.2 ± ± months 60.9 ± ± 0.6 3

8 Table 2. Wool production data (± s.e.) of the 2010-born progeny at selection age (13 months) Trait Rams Ewes Greasy wool (kg) 4.2 ± ± 0.1 Clean yield (%) 2.9 ± ± 0.1 Clean wool (kg) 69.0 ± ± 0.4 Staple length (mm) 76.0 ± ± 0.7 Fibre diameter (µm) 17.4 ± ± 0.1 Crimps / 25mm 13.1 ± ± 0.2 Duerden 87.4 ± ± 0.8 Standard deviation of fibre diameter (µm) 3.1 ± ± 0.0 Coefficient of variation of fibre diameter (%) 17.9 ± ± 0.2 Comfort factor (%) 99.5 ± ± 0.0 Staple strength (N/Ktex) 35.5 ± ± 2.5 Creeping belly 6.3 ± ± 0.1 Table 3. Production data (± s.e.) of adult ewes in the nucleus flock over the reporting period Trait Reproduction Stud Body weight at mating (kg) 64.4 ± ± 0.5 Greasy wool (kg) 3.9 ± ± 0.2 Clean yield (%) 73.7 ± ± 0.6 Clean wool (kg) 2.9 ± ± 0.3 Fibre diameter (µm) 19.5 ± ± 0.2 Staple length (mm) 80.8 ± ± 1.3 Coefficient of variation of fibre diameter (%) 18.3 ± ± 0.3 Comfort factor (%) 99.1 ± ± 0.1 Crimps per 25 mm 11.9 ± ± 0.2 Duerden 94.0 ± ± 1.0 Staple strength (N/Ktex) 31.8 ± ± 1.0 CONCLUDING REMARKS The project is running according to the project protocol. All the production and reproduction data were recorded and stored during the reporting period. 4

9 Investigation into the relationship between milk production of grazing ewes and maternal breeding values for early growth traits in South African sheep flocks M.A. Snyman AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this project is to evaluate the use of maternal breeding values for early growth traits as alternative or additional selection criteria for improved growth efficiency in slaughter lamb production enterprises. The objectives of this project are to: Determine milk production potential of wool sheep ewes under different grazing conditions Estimate genetic parameters for milk production of these ewes Determine the relationship between milk production of ewes and direct and maternal breeding values, as well as actual weaning weight of their lambs in four sheep flocks under different grazing conditions Determine the relationship between maternal breeding values for early growth traits of sires and milk production of their daughters, as well as growth performance of the daughters lambs. BACKGROUND The project commenced in During the first year of the project at each location, repeated milk recordings on a selected sample of the ewe flock were made, in order to obtain the average shape of the lactation curves for the ewes in each of the experimental flocks. During 2004, ewes in the Carnarvon Afrino flock were milked. Ewes in the Cradock fine wool Merino flock and the Merino ewes in the high and low reproduction lines at Elsenburg were milked during 2005 to obtain the average shape of the lactation curves of these two flocks. Since the 2006 lambing season, milk production of all ewes that lambed in the Carnarvon Afrino, Cradock fine wool Merino and the Elsenburg Merino flocks was determined at three and twelve weeks of lactation. The Grootfontein Merino flock was included in the project in RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Total milk production over the lactation period from three to twelve weeks was calculated for each ewe in each of the flocks from the recorded three and twelve week milk productions by employing regression procedures. The total milk production over the experimental period to date (TMP) is given in Table 1. Table 1. Total milk production (TMP ± s.e.) over the experimental period to date for ewes in the four flocks Effect Afrino ewes (litre) Cradock fine wool Merino ewes (litre) Grootfontein Merino ewes (litre) Elsenburg Merino ewes (litre) Age of dam ab ± ± abcd ± ab ± a ± ± be ± abc ± b ± ± c ± ad ± abcd ± ± d ± be ± c ± ± ± af ± d ± ± e ± ag ± ± ± cdefg ± ± ± Number of lambs weaned a ± ab ± a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± ab ± ± a,b,c,d,e,f,g Values with the same superscripts differed significantly (P<0.05) within flocks and effects Age of dam had a variable influence on total milk production in the different flocks. In the Cradock fine wool Merino flock, where the ewes are run on irrigated pastures during lactation, no differences in TMP due to age of dam were observed. The 2-year old Afrino and Grootfontein and Elsenburg Merino ewes produced significantly less milk than their respective 3- and 4-year old breed contemporaries. The number of suckling lambs had a significant influence on milk production in all flocks, with ewes nursing twins producing more milk than ewes nursing single lambs. Afrino ewes nursing triplets produced the most milk. 5

10 The percentages of fat, protein and lactose recorded in milk samples taken during the third and twelfth week of lactation are presented in Table 2 for the Elsenburg Merino ewes. Table 2. Milk composition (± s.e.) of Elsenburg Merino ewes weaning either single or twin lambs Week of lactation % Fat % Protein % Lactose Week 3 Single lamb 7.96 a ± a ± ± 0.04 Twin lambs 7.28 a ± a ± ± 0.04 Week 12 Single lamb 8.53 ± ± ± 0.04 Twin lambs 8.37 ± ± ± 0.05 a Values with the same superscripts differed significantly (P<0.05) within trait and week of lactation Correlations between maternal breeding values and milk production The data collected from the Afrino ewes since the 2005 lambing season were used to estimate correlations between milk production and early body weights of lambs on the one hand and maternal estimated breeding values (EBV) for 42-day and weaning weight of the dam and maternal grandsire on the other hand. The estimated correlations are presented in Table 3 for the Carnarvon Afrino flock. Correlations of maternal EBV-42-day and maternal EBV-weaning weight of the dam with the traits in question were higher than those of the maternal grandsire in the Afrino flock. Low to medium positive correlations were estimated between maternal EBV of the dam and total milk production (TMP), total weight of lamb weaned (TWW), weaning weight of the lamb and the direct breeding values for early growth traits of the lamb. High positive correlations were estimated between maternal EBV of the dam and maternal breeding values for early growth traits of the lamb. Maternal EBV-42-day of the maternal grandsire had close to zero correlations with TMP and TWW, and was positively correlated with the other traits of the lambs. Total milk production of the ewe was also positively correlated with total weight of lamb weaned, individual weights of lambs, and direct and maternal EBV body weight of lambs. Table 3. Correlations (± s.e.) between maternal breeding values, milk production and early body weights in the Afrino flock (pooled data from 2005 to 2011) Trait Total milk production Total weight of lamb weaned Weaning weight of lamb EBV-42-day weight of lamb Maternal EBV-42- day weight of the lamb EBV-weaning weight of lamb Maternal EBVweaning weight of the lamb Maternal breeding value for 42-day weight of the dam Maternal breeding value for weaning weight of the dam Maternal breeding value for 42-day weight of the sire of the dam Maternal breeding value for weaning weight of the sire of the dam Total milk production 0.15 ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± 0.01 In the Grootfontein Merino flock (Table 4), maternal EBV-42-day weight of the dam, as well as maternal EBV of the maternal grandsire had close to zero correlations with TMP, TWW, weaning weight of the lamb and direct EBV for early growth traits of the lamb. Maternal EBV-weaning weight of the dam was low to medium positively correlated with the mentioned traits. All maternal and maternal grandsire EBV were positively correlated with maternal EBV of early body weights of the lambs. Total milk production of the ewe was positively correlated with TWW. More data 6

11 need to be collected on this flock before any reliable conclusions could be drawn, as is evident from the large standard errors obtained for some of the correlations. Table 4. Correlations (± s.e.) between maternal breeding values, milk production and early body weights in the Grootfontein Merino flock (pooled data from 2007 to 2011) Trait Total milk production Total weight of lamb weaned Weaning weight of lamb EBV-42-day weight of lamb Maternal EBV-42- day weight of the lamb EBV-weaning weight of lamb Maternal EBVweaning weight of the lamb Maternal breeding value for 42-day weight of the dam Maternal breeding value for weaning weight of the dam Maternal breeding value for 42-day weight of the sire of the dam Maternal breeding value for weaning weight of the sire of the dam Total milk production 0.01 ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± 0.00 Correlations of maternal EBV-42-day and maternal EBV-weaning weight of the dam with the traits in question were higher than those of the maternal grandsire in the Cradock fine wool Merino flock. Low to medium positive correlations were estimated between maternal EBV of the dam and total weight of lamb weaned, weaning weight of the lamb and the direct breeding values for early growth traits of the lamb. High positive correlations were estimated between maternal EBV of the dam and maternal breeding values for early growth traits of the lamb. Maternal EBV of the maternal grandsire was not correlated with TMP and TWW. Total milk production of the ewe was positively correlated with total weight of lamb weaned and individual weaning weight of lambs. Medium to high positive correlations were estimated among all traits analysed in the Elsenburg Merino flock. CONCLUDING REMARKS The following is evident from the data collected to date on the participating flocks: Total milk production of the ewe is positively correlated with total weight of lamb weaned, individual weaning weight of lambs and maternal EBV-early body weight of the lambs in all four flocks Correlations of maternal breeding values for 42-day and weaning weight of the dam are generally positive with total milk production and individual weaning weight of her lambs, as well as with direct and maternal EBV-early body weight of her lambs Correlations of maternal breeding values for 42-day and weaning weight of the maternal grandsire with the recorded traits are variable. Most of these correlations have large standard errors, indicating that more data are needed to estimate accurate and reliable correlations. However, the majority of the estimated correlations are favourable. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The author wishes to convey her sincere appreciation to the personnel at Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute, Carnarvon Experimental Station, Cradock Experimental Station and Elsenburg Institute for Animal Production for their valuable contribution in the execution of the project. 7

12 The evaluation of the presence of nematophagous fungi on pasture in the False Upper Karoo areas and the potential for use as biological control agents of free-living stages of parasitic nematode with the emphasis on the control of Haemonchus contortus P.T. Ngala AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of the project is to evaluate the presence of and investigate the potential of some nematophagous fungi as control alternative of parasitic nematodes and for integration of the strategy into a holistic Integrated Parasite Management (IPM) system. The objectives of the project are to: Identify and evaluate various laboratory techniques for the culture, identification and isolation of nematophagous fungi Identify nematophagous fungi present on sheep farms and select them for biological control potential Culture selected fungi for large scale production of spores Examine the ability of the selected fungi to pass through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of sheep Investigate the potential for employing the nematophagous fungi to assist in parasite control on pasture Investigate the safety and efficacy of feeding fungi spores to animals Investigate the competitive ability of the fungi with other microflora in faecal deposits and soil. BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal infections with nematodes are one of the major menaces, causing considerable economic losses to the small stock industry. Farmers rely heavily on the use of anthelminthics as a major control tool against parasitic nematodes. The reliance on the use of anthelminthics as the only control measure has resulted in the growing number of worm species becoming resistant to some anthelminthics. Surveys indicate that South Africa may be the worst in the world regarding anthelmintic resistance. Parasite control cannot be achieved by a single method. Therefore, comprehensive and effective control strategies should rely on the combination of various methods, called Integrated Parasite Management (IPM). Biological control of parasitic nematodes using fungi is positioned to become the most promising non-chemical alternative control method. It is estimated that there are more than 160 fungi species that live on nematodes. This provides researchers with the opportunity of finding the most effective nematophagous fungi within specific farming environments. MATERIALS AND METHODS The project is divided into two phases, with the second phase dependent on the success of the first phase. The first phase focused on the survey and identification of nematophagous fungi present on sheep farms. Faecal samples from various local farms and the institute s camps brought to the parasitology lab for faecal egg counts as part of the animal health management program were used for this project. Additional samples were collected from GADI camps. Eighty agar plates of each growth medium, namely water agar (WA), sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) and potato dextrose agar (PDA) were prepared at the Middelburg Provincial Veterinary Laboratory. A method based on the Baermann technique was used as the first technique for the recovery of parasitised larvae. The apparatus was set up for various samples in small glass beakers and incubated at room temperature for 24 hours. The beakers were stored in the refrigerator overnight to allow the contents to sediment. Using a Pasteur pipette, small droplets of the sediment were transferred onto microscope slides for observation of nematode larvae. Iodine solution was used to immobilise larvae and for larval identification (as parasitic or free-living). The remaining solution from each beaker was transferred onto the three different media types, incubated at room temperature and observed for fungal growth every 24 hours for three weeks. The process was repeated for the different faecal samples for several days. The plates for the first samples burned out as a result of the malfunctioning of the incubator. The process had to be repeated and plates were then incubated at controlled room temperature. 8

13 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Staining with iodine solution on the microscope slides indicated the presence of both free-living and parasitic nematodes. On the first day of growth media incubation, nematode larvae were observed on all the growth media types (Figure 1). Fungal growth was observed in the SDA and PDA plates after the first 24 hours (Figure 2). There was no fungal growth in the WA plates even after three weeks of incubation. The incubation period for the WA was then extended by two more weeks, but the contents only dried out without any sign of fungal activity. However, in the WA plates, owing to the light background of the media, nematode larvae were more visible through the microscope compared to the SDA and PDA plates. Therefore, the larval interaction with the fungi was a little obscure. Adding to that was the rapid growth of the fungi in the SDA and PDA plates to the extent that within 48 hours the plates were completely overgrown and no larvae could be observed, but only the dense mycelial mat. Few blocks of fungi-containing agar were then cut from eight SDA plates and transferred onto the margins of eight of the WA agar plates containing larvae. This was done in order to be able to observe fungal and larval activity as well as possible interaction between the two. No fungal trap structures (characteristics of predaceous fungi) were observed. However, fungal spore structures were spread over the plates and mostly concentrated near the fungal agar blocks. Of note was the number of immobile nematodes closer to the fungal blocks compared to the concentration of moving nematodes further away (Figure 3). The fungi from the SDA and PDA plates were isolated and pure cultures were established through two successive isolations into new SDA and PDA plates. The easily identifiable (owing to the presence of structures called phialides) suspect fungi that dominated were the endoparasitic Harposporium species. However, further identification and confirmation were not done at this stage and most of the plates from the first samples dried out. As a result, a fungal preservation method was identified and adopted. This method was used to preserve some of the pure cultures established from the latest samples. SDA PDA WA with dead nematode WA with moving nematode Figure 1. Pictures of nematodes on agar plates on first day of incubation 9

14 SDA PDA PDA SDA Figure 2. Fungal structures growing on SDA and PDA media Figure 3. Nematode-fungal activity on Water Agar plate containing a block of SDA (left - closer to the SDA, Right - further afield) CONCLUDING REMARKS Despite the malfunctioning of the incubator, the project was not affected much at the beginning owing to the favourable temperatures. The project had to be halted for the duration of the cold winter season as a result of the unfavourable fungal growth conditions and the lack of an incubator. The challenge emanating from the longevity of pure cultures necessary for further identification was not envisaged during the initial planning process. Thus a method for maintaining and preserving pure cultures had to be identified during the course of the first phase of the project. The method identified will be used for the duration of the first phase of the project and also for the establishment of a fungal collection library as it can preserve fungi for more than 20 years. The project will resume with the initiation of the second technique during early spring when the environmental conditions become more favourable for new samples. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Middelburg Provincial Veterinary Laboratory is acknowledged for giving permission to use their microbiology laboratory and their assistance in the preparation of the growth media. 10

15 Longevity of production in South African Angora goat ewes M.A. Snyman AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of the project is to increase profitability and competitiveness for the Angora goat industry from breeding animals that are able to maintain a high level of mohair production (fleece weight as well as fleece quality) and reproduction throughout their herd life. The objectives of the project are to: Determine phenotypic and genetic parameters regarding the longevity of reproduction traits in Angora goats Determine phenotypic and genetic parameters regarding the longevity of production traits (body weight, fleece weight, fleece quality traits) in Angora goats Identify early measurable traits that are correlated to lifetime production and reproduction Establish a database for estimation of breeding values for South African Angora goats. BACKGROUND As with all biological traits, there are also differences among animals in their ability to maintain higher levels of production throughout their herd life than other animals. The ideal is therefore to have a high producing ewe flock in terms of reproduction as well as mohair production. It is therefore important to identify, at an early age, ewes that will maintain a high level of mohair production and reproduction throughout their herd life. Since July 2006, the recording of fleece weights and fibre quality traits of ewes on the winter fleece has been implemented. Together with the reproductive data recorded under the DNA bank project, these data will be used to identify early measurable traits that predict lifetime productivity, which could then be used as selection tools by all breeders in the industry. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Data collected during the winter shearing on the adult ewe flocks of the three participants since 2005 were analysed to obtain preliminary results. Fleece weight and fibre diameter records of the specific ewes recorded at 12 and 18 months of age were obtained from the GADI-Biobank databank and included in the analyses. The data set analysed for the reproductive traits contained data of individual ewe records. Means, coefficients of variation and number of records analysed are given in Table 1. Table 1. Description of the data set Trait Mean Coefficients of variation (%) Number of records Body weight (kg) Skirted fleece weight (kg) Fibre diameter (µm) Style Character Staple length (cm) Clean yield (%) Relationship between age of ewe and production traits Two-year-old ewes produced the heaviest fleeces, after which fleece weight steadily decreased with an increase in age. Fibre diameter increased up to five years of age, after which it remained practically constant. Style as well as character of the fleece got poorer with age, while there was no obvious relationship between age of the ewe and staple length. Clean yield percentage of the fleece increased with an increase in age. All reproductive parameters recorded had a typical inverted U-shaped relationship with age of ewe, where the 2- and 3- year-old ewes and ewes older than 9 years of age reproduced poorer (P<0.01) than the 4- to 9-year-old ewes. Although 11- and 12-year-old ewes had high scanning percentages, their kidding percentages were considerably lower, indicating that they had lost their kids between scanning and kidding. Similar relationships to those of the reproduction traits were observed between age of the ewe and body weights of their kids. Kids born to young ewes (2-year-old ewes) had lower body weights up to 16 months of age than kids born to 4- to 8-year-old ewes. Birth, weaning and 8- month body weights of kids born to ewes older than 9 years of age, were also lower. 11

16 Repeatability of body weight and hair production Body weight, fleece weight and fibre diameter all had a high repeatability (Table 2), while moderate repeatabilities were obtained for style and character. Staple length had the lowest repeatability, which corresponds with existing knowledge. This could largely be ascribed to the inaccuracy of the sampling technique for staple length. Staple length is measured on the fleece sample taken for fibre diameter and the fibres are not necessarily cut close to the skin. Table 2. Repeatability (± s.e.) of body weight and fleece traits Trait Repeatability (± s.e.) Body weight (kg) 0.87 ± 0.00 Fleece weight (kg) 0.52 ± 0.01 Fibre diameter (µm) 0.68 ± 0.01 Style 0.34 ± 0.02 Character 0.42 ± 0.02 Staple length (cm) 0.11 ± 0.01 Lifetime reproduction and hair production The relationship between total lifetime weight of kids weaned and total fleece weight produced is depicted in Figure 1 for ewes that had four kidding opportunities y = 1.136x R 2 = TWW (kg) Fleece weight (kg) Figure 1. Relationship between total lifetime weight of kids weaned and total fleece weight produced for ewes that had four kidding opportunities CONCLUDING REMARKS From the results reported here, it seems as if it is not advisable to keep ewes older than 8 to 9 years of age in the flock. Although hair production and fleece quality traits decrease and deteriorate with an increase in age of the ewe, ewes are able to maintain a high reproductive level up to 8 or 9 years of age. The amount of variation among ewes within age groups indicates that higher as well as poorer producers are present in each flock. It will be attempted to identify the higher producers at an early age. The following still needs to be analysed after a few more years data have been collected: Lifetime reproduction and lifetime fleece production Correlations between lifetime reproduction and lifetime fleece production Identify indicators of superior productive potential. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The following persons / institutions are acknowledged for their contribution to this project: Participating breeders for their inputs Mohair South Africa for partial funding of the project Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform Personnel at Jansenville Experimental Station. 12

17 Evaluation of management practices of Angora goat sires to improve semen quality A. Baca AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this project was to evaluate different management practices to improve semen quality of Angora sires for use as donors in a frozen semen program. The objectives of this project were to: Determine which frequency of supplementation of vitamins (A, D, and E) and trace minerals will yield the highest quality semen in terms of motility, concentration, volume and absence of abnormal sperm Determine if supplementation with lupins will have an effect on semen quality as mentioned above Provide prepared sires for the frozen semen project (AP4/5). BACKGROUND Genetic improvement in a breed is dependent on the rate of genetic change achieved in stud animals and the rate and efficiency of distribution of this superior genetics to the lower levels of the breed structure. The Angora Ram Breeders association want to expedite this process by making superior genetics available to the entire industry through frozen semen. However, the low conception rates achieved with laparoscopic artificial insemination with frozen semen in Angora goats is unacceptable and would limit the widespread use of this technology in the industry. The Angora Ram Breeders, together with Ramsem, started a project in 2007 aimed at evaluating a frozen semen protocol for South African Angora goats that would yield a viable kidding percentage. After five years of investigations, one of the problem areas identified is the variability and poor semen quality of Angora rams. Therefore a low percentage of semen doses obtained is actually suitable for freezing. This project will therefore deal with the preparation of Angora sires to obtain high quality semen suitable for freezing. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four-tooth to eight-tooth clinically and reproductively sound Angora goat rams were used for this trial. Twenty-five rams from the Jansenville Angora goat flock were used, while 15 rams were obtained from Mr Ray Hobson. The rams were stationed at GADI from the beginning of November 2011 until the middle of March The standard biosecurity procedures of GADI were followed on arrival of the rams from their respective locations. Before the start of the experiment, the rams were shorn. The GADI veterinarian carried out a genital soundness evaluation. The rams were divided on a stratified origin, age and body weight basis into four groups of 10 animals each. The rams were kept in kraals with adequate shade facilities. The four groups received the treatments as summarised in Table 1 from the beginning of November Table 1. Experimental layout Treatment Group Diet High protein diet + High protein diet + High protein diet + High protein diet + lucerne hay lucerne hay lucerne hay lucerne hay Embavit (Vitamin A,D,E) Every four weeks starting November Every six weeks starting November Every eight weeks starting November Every four weeks starting November Embamin T.E. (Co, I, Se, Zn, Mn) Every four weeks starting November Every six weeks starting November Every eight weeks starting November Every four weeks starting November Lupins 0 g/day 0 g/day 0 g/day 150 g/day The rams were adapted to the high protein pelleted diet as follows: They received lucerne hay ad libitum plus 100 g pellets/ram/day for three days. Thereafter the pellets were increased with 100 g/ram/day until the desired amount of 1.5 kg/ram/day was reached. Lucerne hay was decreased to an amount of 500 g/ram/day when the full amount of pellets was reached. Half of the daily feed portion was provided in the morning and half in the afternoon. Group 4 received 150 g of lupins per day additionally as a side dish. The rams were exercised daily during the week by letting them walk at a fast pace for at least an hour from the beginning of the trial. Semen was collected on the following dates: 7 November 2011, 21 November 2011, 06 December 2011, 25 January 2012, 08 February 2012, 21 February 2012, 05 March 2012 and 20 March At first the semen was collected via 13

18 electro-ejaculation, but after the third collection the rams were trained to donate semen via the artificial vagina. From the fourth collection onwards, semen samples were collected via artificial vagina from those rams that were using the artificial vagina, while the rest were electro-ejaculated. Rut scores were given on a scale from 1 to 5, starting on 08 February 2012 when the majority of rams displayed signs of rut. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Means for scrotal circumference, semen volume, semen motility and percentage live sperm are presented in Tables 2 to 5. Table 2. Scrotal circumference (cm ± s.e.) of the different groups over the experimental period Date Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 7 November ± ± ± ± November a ± b ± a ± a ± December a ± b ± ± ± January ± a ± b ± ± February ± a ± b ± b ± February ± ± ± ± March ± ± ± ± March ± ± ± ± 0.83 a,b Values with different superscripts differ significantly between groups (P<0.05) Significant group differences in scrotal circumference were observed on 21 November 2011, 06 December 2011, 25 January 2012 as well as 08 February During the last three collections, no differences were observed. Scrotum circumference of Groups 2, 3 and 4 increased with 1.95 cm, 1.71 cm and 0.96 cm, respectively, over the experimental period, while that of Group 1 decreased with 0.14 cm. Table 3. Semen volume (ml ± s.e.) of the different groups over the experimental period Date Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 21 November ± ± ± ± December ± ± ± ± January ± ± ± ± February a ± ± b ± a ± February a ± ± b ± ± March ± ± ± ± March a ± ± b ± ± 0.16 a,b Values with different superscripts differ significantly between groups (P<0.05) Group 1 and 4 differed (P<0.05) from Group 3 on 08 February 2012, whereas Group 1 had higher (P<0.05) semen volume than Group 3 at the fifth and sixth collection dates. Semen volume increased (P<0.01) with collection date. Table 4. Semen motility (± s.e.) of the different groups over the experimental period Date Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 7 November a ± ± ± b ± November ± ± ± ± December ± ± ± ± January ± ± ± ± February ± ± ± ± February ± ± ± ± March ± ± ± ± March ± ± ± ± 0.27 a,b Values with different superscripts differ significantly between groups (P<0.05) A significant difference in semen motility was observed between Group 1 and Group 4 during the first collection date, with Group 1 having higher (P<0.05) semen motility. No further differences in semen motility were observed. Percentage live sperm (Table 5) was generally high and no specific trend among the groups was evident. 14

19 Table 5. Percentage live sperm (± s.e.) of the different groups over the experimental period Date Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 06 December ± a ± b ± ± February ± ± ± ± February ac ± b ± ± c ± March ± ± ± ± 2.37 a,b,c Values with different superscripts differ significantly between groups (P<0.05) Semen density at most collection dates was categorised as milky to creamy, indicating average to good sperm concentration. Semen colour was categorised as cream in most cases. CONCLUDING REMARKS The following could be concluded from the results of this study: There was no difference in the frequency of supplementation of vitamins (A, D, and E) and trace minerals to Angora rams on testes traits and semen quality in terms of motility, density, volume and percentage of live sperm. Supplementing at higher frequency thus had no advantage. Supplementation with lupins also did not have an effect on the testes and semen quality traits as mentioned above. The rams were in full rut at the end of the experimental period, when they entered into the semen freezing trial. Scrotal circumference and semen volume increased over the experimental period. Semen motility and percentage of live sperm in the majority of the rams were good and should not provide a problem for freezing. The high energy and protein diet provided, together with the supplementation of vitamins and trace minerals to Angora rams subjected to a regular exercise program, would ensure semen of good enough quality for a freezing protocol. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The following people are thanked for their contribution to the project: Mr Ray Hobson, Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform and Jansenville Experimental Station for provision of the animals The veterinarians, scientists, technicians, technologists, auxiliary services officials, and farm aids of the GADI Animal Production Unit for execution of the project. 15

20 The effect of supplementation of replacement ewes after weaning on their lifetime reproduction potential under natural veld conditions J.H. Hoon AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of the project is to determine the effect of high levels of supplementation of replacement ewe lambs from weaning until first mating on their lifetime production and reproduction potential under natural veld conditions. The objectives of the project are to: Determine the effect of supplementation after weaning on the reproduction of the ewe over her lifetime Determine the effect of supplementation after weaning on body weight at mating, wool production and wool characteristics of the ewe over her lifetime. BACKGROUND Weaned ewe lambs are one of the most important assets of the small stock producer. There is therefore no better investment than to allow replacement ewes to grow out and develop optimally, as this will determine the animal s lifetime production and reproduction potential. To ensure a high lifetime reproduction rate, ewe lambs have to maintain a high growth rate until weaning and at least a moderate growth rate from weaning until 12 months of age in order to reach at least 70% of mature body weight at this age. When weaned ewe lambs are only grazing on veld, it often happens that they lose weight during the dry season. This is probably one of the main reasons for low lambing percentages in many sheep flocks. The project was conducted with wool sheep on two farms in the Trompsburg and Graaff-Reinet districts. The farm in the Trompsburg district is in a predominantly grass veld area with small shrubs, while the farm in the Graaff-Reinet district is in a predominantly small shrub veld ( bossieveld ) area with a grass component. The project started in October 2007 in the Trompsburg district and in October 2009 in the Graaff-Reinet district. At both localities the participants own animals were used. For Phase 1, the April/May 2007-born ewe lambs, weaned in September/October 2007, were used at the Trompsburg locality, while the April/May 2009-born ewe lambs, weaned in September/October 2009, were used at the Graaff-Reinet locality. For Phase 2, the September/October 2009-born ewe lambs, weaned in February/March 2010, were used at both localities. The animals were kept on natural veld throughout the year. The existing management practices with regard to animal health (dipping, dosing, inoculations), supplementary feeding, etc., were maintained. At each locality and for each phase, a group of ewe lambs was divided into two equal groups after weaning. The control groups received supplementary feeding according to the existing management program, while the treatment groups received supplementation on a continuous basis and at higher levels from weaning until first mating. The body weights of the ewe lambs were recorded at the start of the project (after weaning) and at monthly intervals thereafter until first mating. The fleece weights of the animals from both groups were recorded at shearing and midrib samples were taken at the shearing before first mating for the determination of certain fibre traits. Body weights at mating and conception percentages (ultrasound scanning) were recorded each year for all the ewes over their lifetime. The lambing and weaning percentages were also determined. The body weights of the progeny of the ewes used in the project were recorded each year at weaning. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Trompsburg: Phase 2 The body weights and body weight change of the ewes are presented in Table 1, while the fleece weights and fleece traits are presented in Table 2. Table 1. The body weights, body weight change and fleece weights (± s.e.) of the ewe lambs Trait Control (kg) Treatment (kg) May 2010 (weaning) ± ± 0.36 June 2010 (7 months) a ± b ± 0.15 July 2010 (8 months) a ± b ± 0.22 September 2010 (10 months) a ± b ± 0.34 February 2011 (15 months) a ± b ± 0.31 May 2011 (18 months - at scanning) ± ± 0.35 Body weight change ± ± 0.35 ab Values with different superscripts in rows, differ significantly (P<0.05) 16

21 Table 2. The fleece weights and fleece traits (± s.e.) of the ewes Trait Control (kg) Treatment (kg) Greasy fleece weight - 1 st shearing (kg) 2.46 ± ± 0.04 Greasy fleece weight 2 nd shearing (kg) 2.89 ± ± 0.04 Fleece traits - 1 st shearing: Staple length (mm) ± ± 0.66 Fibre diameter (µm) ± ± 0.14 Clean yield (%) ± ± 0.39 Number of crimps per 25 mm (n) b ± a ± 0.19 Duerden b ± a ± 0.75 Standard deviation (µm) 3.51 ± ± 0.05 Coefficient of variation (%) ± ± 0.23 Comfort factor (%) ± ± 0.06 Staple strength (N/Ktex) b ± a ± 0.90 ab Values with different superscripts in rows, differ significantly (P<0.05) The reproduction data of the control and treatment ewes (March/April 2011 mating) and the weaning weight of their progeny are summarised in Table 3. Table 3. Reproduction data of the control and treatment ewes and weaning weight (± s.e.) of their progeny Trait Control (kg) Treatment (kg) Conception percentage (%) Scanning percentage (%) Weaning percentage (%) Weaning weight (kg) ± ± 0.47 Graaff-Reinet: Phase 1 The body weights, body weight change and fleece traits of the ewes are presented in Table 4. Table 4. The body weights, body weight change and fleece traits (± s.e.) of the ewes Trait Control (kg) Treatment (kg) September 2009 (weaning) ± ± 0.32 October 2009 (6 months) ± ± 0.34 April 2010 (12 months) a ± b ± 0.24 May 2010 (13 months) a ± b ± 0.28 July 2010 (15 months) a ± b ± 0.33 September 2010 (17 months) a ± b ± 0.31 Body weight change a ± b ± 0.31 Greasy fleece weight - 1 st shearing (kg) 2.86 a ± b ± 0.06 Fibre diameter - 1 st shearing (µm) a ± b ± 0.11 Greasy fleece weight - 2 nd shearing (kg) 2.98 a ± b ± 0.07 ab Values with different superscripts in rows, differ significantly (P<0.05) 17

22 Graaff-Reinet: Phase 2 The body weights, body weight change and fleece weight of the ewes are presented in Table 5. Table 5. The body weights, body weight change and fleece weight (± s.e.) of the ewes Trait Control (kg) Treatment (kg) April 2010 (weaning) ± ± 0.42 May 2010 (6 months) a ± b ± 0.22 July 2010 (8 months) a ± b ± 0.35 August 2010 (9 months) ± ± 0.32 January 2011 (14 months) a ± b ± 0.29 March 2011 (16 months) a ± b ± 0.29 May 2011 (18 months) a ± b ± 0.48 Body weight change 7.53 a ± b ± 0.31 Greasy fleece weight - 1 st shearing (kg) 2.65 ± ± 0.06 ab Values with different superscripts in rows, differ significantly (P<0.05) Graaff-Reinet: Phase 1 and 2 The combined reproduction data of the control and treatment ewes (April/May 2011 mating) and the weaning weight of their progeny are summarised in Table 6. Table 6. Reproduction data of the control and treatment ewes and the weaning weight (± s.e.) of their progeny Trait Control (kg) Treatment (kg) Lambing percentage (%) Weaning percentage (%) Weaning weight (kg) ± ± 0.27 CONCLUDING REMARKS Supplementary feeding from weaning until first mating increased the body weights of the ewe lambs of the treatment group, compared to the animals of the control group (Trompsburg Phase 1; Graaff-Reinet Phase 1 and 2). With regard to wool production, the ewes of the treatment group produced more wool than the ewes of the control group at the first and second shearing at Trompsburg and Graaff-Reinet during Phase 1, but no differences in wool production at the first and second shearing were observed in Phase 2. The ewes of the treatment group in general had higher conception, scanning and weaning percentages than the ewes of the control group at the first and subsequent lambings. The collection of data from the Phase 1 animals at Trompsburg could not continue, as explained in the 2010/11 report; therefore only data for the Phase 2 animals are recorded at this locality. At Graaff-Reinet the Phase 1 ewes had a lambing percentage of only about 10% due to Rift Valley Fever in the 2010/11 reporting period. The result was that the mating season of the Phase 1 animals moved on with six months and these animals are now mated at the same time as the Phase 2 animals each year. Data collection will continue at the two localities with the ewe groups where information can still be obtained (Trompsburg, Phase 2; Graaff-Reinet, Phase 1 and 2). ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The participating farmers, Mr W.J. Botha (Trompsburg) and Mr G. Harris (Graaff-Reinet) are thanked for their contribution to the project. 18

23 Prediction of lambing date based on clinical examination prior to parturition in ewes J.V. Viljoen AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of the project is to determine the feasibility of predicting the lambing date of a ewe, based on various clinical parameters and behaviour patterns of the ewe prior to parturition. The objectives of the project are to: Determine if changes in udder and colostrum traits, and body conformation parameters prior to parturition might be an indicator of the lambing date Determine if temperature change of the ewe prior to lambing might be an indicator of the lambing date Give advice to farmers (based on the clinical parameters) on which ewes are closest to lambing in order to introduce them into the lambing pens. BACKGROUND More and more farmers, whose ewes previously lambed in the veld, are now making use of the lambing pen system. Some advantages of this system are that newborn lambs are less exposed to cold weather conditions, fewer lambs get lost at this early age due to predation, and improved care and observation of ewes during lambing and better care of newly born lambs are possible. As a result the weaning percentage may increase. The farmer, however, should keep the ewes in the lambing pen for as short a time as possible. The main reasons for this are to reduce: Extra cost for feeding Extra labour which each individual ewe needs while in the lambing pen The stress the ewe is experiencing while being in these abnormal circumstances in the lambing pen Exposure to possible diseases that might be prevalent in the lambing pen area. An accurate set of flock records, including breeding dates, is the most accurate indication that lambing is rapidly approaching. Some ewes show no or only a few of these signs. The mating date generally provides an indication of the expected time that lambing is to commence. The practice of scanning the ewes to get an even better indication of the time of lambing depends on the experience and therefore the accuracy of the scan operator. During the latter half of gestation, changes occur in the pregnant ewe. Most signs of approaching parturition relate to changes in the pelvic ligaments, enlargement of the vulva and mammary activity. Another pre-parturient behaviour pattern is the interest shown in the newborn lambs and the amniotic fluid of other ewes. Some farmers, however, separate the ewes that are closest to lambing by checking the udder size. About 2 to 3 weeks before the expected lambing commences, they select all the ewes that show udder development and put them separately in the lambing camp. They do this until the breeding season comes to an end. The purpose of this trial is to determine if clinical parameters could provide an indication from which to make a prediction of the expected lambing date. During 2010, the trial was done in the lambing pens at GADI near Middelburg in the Eastern Cape Province. Fifteen 8-tooth and fifteen 6-tooth ewes from the Dohne Merino flock at GADI were used for this trial. Several traits (Table 1) were assessed twice daily on all the ewes from two weeks before lambing until lambing. The results from the 2010 trial were subsequently tested on several farms during the 2011 lambing season. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The relation between the pre-partum indicators and time until lambing was determined by fitting a linear regression model for each trait. Only data recorded within the last seven days before lambing were used in the analysis. The relationship between the traits and days before lambing, as well as the R 2 values are given in Table 1. For all parameters there was a highly significant relation with time, but the R 2 values were relatively low, ranging from (mucous secretion) to (udder fill). 19

24 Table 1. Relationship between the traits (x) and days before lambing (y) Traits Equation R 2 Udder size Y = x Udder tone Y = x Udder fill Y = x Colostrum quantity Y = x Colostrum viscosity Y = x Vulva consistency Y = x Vulva swelling Y = x Vulva opening Y = x Double folds Y = x Vulva moistness Y = x Vulva colour Y = x Perineum colour Y = x Mucous Y = x Combined Y = x In order to obtain a practical tool for on farm implementation, various combinations of traits were made. The combined traits that showed the highest R 2 value, were udder fill, colostrum quantity and colostrum viscosity. The combined scores for these three traits are depicted in Figure 1 for the last seven days before lambing. What this implies is that, theoretically, if all ewes with a combined score of seven or more are put in the pens, they should lamb within the next seven days. Combined score Time before lambing (Days) 2 1 Figure 1. Combined values of udder fill, colostrum quantity and colostrum viscosity The theory of the combined score system was tested on three different farms and the traits that were taken into consideration were udder tone, udder size and colostrum viscosity. A combined score of nine was taken as the cut-off point. All ewes with a combined score below nine, remained in the flock, while those with a combined score of nine or above, were put in the pens. Subsequently, the accuracy of this prediction was determined from the actual lambing dates. The results of the on-farm trial at Elandsheuwel are summarised in Table 2. 20

25 Table 2. Accuracy of prediction of lambing within 7 days - Elandsheuwel Date Total number of ewes available Ewes that lambed during next 7 days Group 1 Number predicted to lamb within 7 days Group 2 Number not to lamb within 7 days Group 1 % that lambed during next 7 days (n) Group 2 % that lambed during next 7 days (n) 04/08/ /08/ (5) 7 (2) 19/08/ (7) 2 (1) 26/08/ (9) 10 (4) 01/09/ (11) 10 (3) 08/09/ (8) 44 (11) At a later stage in the trial, done at The Willows, attention was given to additional traits namely body shape and udder attachment in conjunction with the above-mentioned combined traits. The results of this trial are presented in Table 3. Table 3. Accuracy of prediction of lambing within 7 days The Willows Date Total number of ewes available Ewes that lambed during next 7 days Group 1 Number predicted to lamb within 7 days Group 2 Number not to lamb within 7 days Group 1 % that lambed during next 7 days (n) Group 2 % that lambed during next 7 days (n) 15/11/ (10) 40 (4) 22/11/ (5) 100 (1) CONCLUDING REMARKS This study showed that udder size, udder tone and colostrum viscosity are reliable indicators to predict the time of lambing within a period of seven days. During the study additional traits namely body shape and udder attachment were identified as reliable indicators of approaching lambing date. It will therefore be of benefit to the industry if these traits could be further investigated to reduce the time that the ewes have to spend in the lambing pens. 21

26 Flockmaster: A comprehensive veterinary flock health management support service for commercial sheep farmers J.A van Rooyen AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of the program is to implement a comprehensive veterinary Flock Health Management Support Service for commercial sheep farmers on 12 commercial sheep farms. The objectives of the project are to: Visit the farms to collect comprehensive data relating to the enterprise and store the data in an electronic database created in Access (Microsoft Corporation) Complete a Flock Health and Production Plan for each participant in the form of a wall chart as well as a schedule of day-to-day activities Investigate the use of a contact management computer program for example ACT! (Sage Computing) to administer the program Provide each farmer with a comprehensive set of forms for the collection of data which will be collected and stored in an electronic database created in Access (Microsoft Corporation) Visit the farms as set out in the Flock Health and Production Plan and provide services Provide or arrange further multidisciplinary services that may become indicated Study the trends in selected parameters over a period of at least 5 years to establish the effect of the service on the sustainability of the flocks Publish regular interim reports on selected aspects of the flock management system Perform trials in flock health management on an on-going basis as the need becomes apparent Use the flocks and the data for training of students, young professionals in the GADI mentorship program, new farmers, beneficiaries of the GADI extension program and veterinarians Use the experiences gained and the data to update lecture content and enrich related courses Provide an experiential basis for a future commercial service as part of the proposed new dispensation for Agricultural Training Institutes. BACKGROUND This program builds on previous projects, which investigated and reported on subsections of a comprehensive flock management support service. It is in line with the current approach of a holistic, whole-farm approach to veterinary extension services followed in the dairy, beef and swine industry RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The program has been running for less than a year and activities relating to all objectives have taken place. The provision of computer-based support to the program is in an advanced stage and in the process of being tested. Certain seasonal activities will only commence with the onset of summer. The need to further develop the parameters of sustainability and link this with communal and intensive farming systems has become apparent and will be receiving further attention. CONCLUDING REMARKS The project is running according to the project protocol and progress has been satisfactory The project will continue and possibly be linked to similar programs in communal and intensive farming systems. 22

27 Identification of the most economical energy level in lucerne (Medicago sativa) hay-based finishing diets for Dohne Merino lambs V.N. Shivambu AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this project is to identify the roughage (lucerne) to concentrate (maize) ratio for Dohne Merino lambs that will in practice realise the lowest cost/kg live body weight and/or carcass weight gain under feedlot conditions. The objectives of the project are to: Determine the effect of different energy levels in feedlot diets on the growth rate of Dohne Merino lambs Determine the effect of different energy levels on feed intake and feed conversion ratio Determine the effect of different energy levels on carcass characteristics such as carcass weight, dressing percentage (carcass yield) and fat deposition Develop a model that can be used to determine the most economical energy level inclusion at different roughage and concentrate prices Use the information from this study to give sound advice to sheep producers for profitable feedlotting. BACKGROUND Feedlotting is a common practice on most sheep farms. However, different opinions exist with regard to the ratio of roughage to concentrate in sheep feedlot diets. The cost and availability of raw materials such as lucerne hay and maize often dictate the decisions of the producer with regard to the inclusion rate of roughages and concentrates. The most economical energy contents in a finishing diet for sheep may differ in accordance with various factors. When the price of the diet and the effectiveness of feed conversion in sheep at different roughage to concentrate rations are known, the lowest feed cost per unit of live weight and/or carcass weight increase may be calculated. Ninety Dohne Merino weaner lambs (24 kg average body weight) were used in the study. The lambs were divided on a stratified body weight basis into six groups of 15 animals each and placed in different pens where they were group-fed. The groups received diets with different roughage levels of 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% and 70% respectively. The animals were weighed and their body weight recorded on a weekly basis. As each of the groups reached an average body weight of 42 kg, the animals were slaughtered at the Grootfontein abattoir using standard slaughtering techniques. Warm carcass weight was recorded immediately after slaughter. The carcasses were placed in a cooler at 2 ºC for 48 hours. Thereafter, cold carcass weight as well as carcass and fat measurements were recorded. Carcasses were graded (A1 A6) according to the South African Standard Chart classification system. Carcass yield and growth rate were calculated for each animal using data recorded from the start of the trial till slaughter, while the feed intake and feed conversion ratio were calculated for each treatment group. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Diet energy level contributed significantly (P<0.05) to variations in weekly body weights. The growth curves of the different treatment groups are illustrated in Figure 1 and the slaughter traits of the six groups are summarised in Table 1. During the first few weeks of feeding, the body weight of the lambs subjected to the diet with the lowest roughage level had a lower body weight when compared to the lambs subjected to the diet with the highest roughage inclusion level. However, from week seven the group receiving the lowest roughage level diet started to gain weight faster than the group receiving the diet with the highest roughage level. This may be attributed to the stomach problems experienced by the group receiving the diet with the lowest roughage level during the early days of the adaptation period. The growth rate of the group receiving the highest roughage level did not show a positive change from week 10 until week 13, probably due to the lack of energy in the diet. The group receiving the diet with the lowest roughage level showed a body weight increase from week 4 until the animals were slaughtered. All the groups followed more or less the same trend with regard to their respective growth curves. However, the group receiving the diet with the 70% roughage inclusion level showed better growth during the first few weeks of feeding. 23

28 Body weight (kg) % RL 30% RL 40% RL 50% RL 60% RL 70% RL Weeks Figure 1. Growth curves of the six treatment groups fed at different roughage levels Table 1. Slaughter traits (± s.e.) of the six groups Roughage level Trait 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% Slaughter weight (kg) ± ± ± ± ± ± 1.13 Carcass weight (kg) a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± b ± 0.28 Carcass yield (%) a ± d ± c ± abd ± ab ± dc ± 0.38 Hind leg length a ± a ± ± ± b ± ± 0.54 inside (cm) Hind leg length ± ± ± ± ± ± 0.45 outside (cm) Hind leg ac ± ± b ± b ± ab ± c ± 0.60 circumference (cm) Carcass length (cm) a ± ± ± ± b ± ± 0.77 Fat depth 1 (mm) 5.81 a ± b ± ± ± a ± ± 0.58 Fat depth 2 (mm) 5.16 a ± ± b ± a ± ± ± 0.59 Fat depth 3 (mm) 5.98 ± ± ± a ± b ± b ± 0.66 Fat depth 4 (mm) 3.90 ac ± ac ± a ± ac ± b ± bc ± 0.45 Fat depth 5 (mm) 3.24 a ± b ± ± b ± b ± ± 0.56 Kidney fat (kg) 0.52 ± ± ± ± ± ± 0.04 Abdominal fat (kg) 0.57 ± a ± a ± a ± b ± ± 0.05 abcd Values with different superscripts differ significantly (P<0.05) Diet roughage levels contributed significantly (P<0.05) to the variation in carcass yield, carcass weight, hind leg length (inside) and hind leg circumference, fat depth and stomach fat. The group with 30% roughage inclusion level produced most carcasses with Grade A3 classification when compared to the other groups. However, 52% of the carcasses from all the groups were graded as A3, with only 5.6% graded as overfat (A5). Daily feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio and days until slaughter of the six groups are presented in Table 2. Diet roughage level had an effect on average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio and number of days until slaughter. 24

29 Table 2. Average daily feed intake, total weight gain, feed conversion ratio, average daily gain and days till slaughter of the six groups Group Average daily feed intake (kg) Total weight gain (kg) Feed conversion ratio (FCR) Average daily gain (ADG; g/day) Days until slaughter 20% % % % % % Differences in total weight gain among the groups could be ascribed to the fact that the animals were only weighed once a week. If the average body weight of a specific group of animals had not reached the predetermined 42 kg on that specific day, the group could only be weighed and slaughtered one week later. It therefore happened that some groups were slaughtered at body weights higher than 42 kg (Table 1), which lead to the higher total weight gain (Table 2) of that specific groups (40% RL, 60% RL and 70% RL). The diet with the lowest roughage inclusion level (20%) had a lower feed intake when compared with the diet containing the highest roughage level (70%). In this study, it is evident that the feed conversion ratio of the lambs fed the low roughage diet (20%) was better than those fed the high roughage diet (70%). These results may be attributed to the greater energy density and lower neutral detergent fibre present in the low roughage diet, because lambs fed this diet needed smaller quantities of dry matter to meet the nutritional requirements. Lambs fed the diet with a low roughage content had a higher average daily gain when compared with the lambs receiving the diet containing a high roughage content. The period of time spent in the feedlot was also influenced by the diet. Lambs fed the lowest roughage diet required less time (76 days) in the feedlot to reach the predetermined slaughter weight when compared with the lambs that received the highest roughage diet (104 days). CONCLUDING REMARKS Differences in the roughage levels of the diets were observed to have an effect on weekly body weights, ADG, FCR, fat depth and some of the slaughter traits. The model to determine the most economical energy inclusion level will now be developed. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Mr Andre Bezuidenhout, ABAC, Cradock, is thanked for his assistance with the formulation of the diets, as well as the supply of some of the ingredients. 25

30 The effect of different levels of urea supplementation on reproduction, production and physiological parameters of wool ewes J.H. Hoon AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of the project is to determine the effect of different levels of urea in winter supplements for late pregnant and lactating ewes on fertility, milk production, growth of lambs, as well as milk, blood, urine and rumen characteristics of the ewes. The objectives of the project are to: Determine the effect of different urea levels for reproducing ewes on milk production and milk composition, blood, urine and rumen characteristics of the ewes and growth rate of their lambs Determine the effect of different urea levels for reproducing ewes on the conception rate of ewes in the next breeding season Use the results of this study to give sound advice to sheep producers on optimal urea supplementation of reproducing ewes. BACKGROUND Urea is commonly used at varying inclusion levels as a non-protein-nitrogen source in winter grass veld supplements for sheep. Also from an economic point of view, urea is regarded as an important protein source when compared to other natural protein sources, e.g. oil cake meals, fishmeal, etc. Urea is supplied at different levels as source of supplementary protein, depending on the quality and quantity of the grazing and the physiological stage of the animal (dry, pregnant, lactating, growing) and mainly positive results are obtained in terms of animal performance. Observations in practice, however, indicate possible negative responses in late pregnant and lactating ewes receiving high levels of urea. These responses include, amongst others, strange ewe behaviour, lack of bonding of the ewe with her lamb, possible lower milk production and its subsequent negative effect on lamb growth rate. A possible hypothesis for the observed mismothering in peri-natal ewes as a result of high levels of urea supplementation emerges: Excess urea can increase the ph of the rumen to the point where acetate production is reduced. This may lead to reduced butterfat content of the milk. It may also follow that the cholesterol production is decreased, leading in turn to reduced levels of progesterone and a subsequent change in maternal behaviour. Excess urea may also increase ammonia levels in the rumen and consequently blood ammonia levels. Increased blood ammonia levels then lead to depressed mothering behaviour. Excess urea is excreted via the kidneys and leads to an increase in urinary ph. Measurement of urinary ph may be a method of determining whether the rumen is able to convert urea to protein or if the kidneys are secreting excess ammonia. By measuring the different blood, milk, rumen and urine parameters, it might be possible to establish if this hypothesis is true and to what extent the feeding of urea could contribute to the observed mismothering behaviour. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was conducted on the farm Rietkuil of Mr. David King in the Steynsburg district and the farmer s own animals were used. A flock of 300 pregnant ewes were selected and divided into five groups of 60 animals each (Group 0, Group 1, Group 2, Group 3, Group 4). Only ewes scanned pregnant with single fetuses were used. The animals were kept under natural grazing conditions (predominantly grass veld). Four to six weeks before lambing, the five groups of animals were separated and placed into five different camps, comparable in size and grazing quality and quantity. The five groups of animals received their different supplementations for a period of 14 weeks (last 4-6 weeks of pregnancy and first 8 to 10 weeks of lactation). The ewes of all the groups received 300 g of the supplement per animal per day. The five mixtures contained 0%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% urea respectively. All the supplements had a crude protein content of 17 to 18% and an energy content of 9.3 to 9.6 MJ ME/kg. All other existing management practices were maintained and kept the same for all groups. All the ewes were weighed at the start of the supplementation period, at 42-day lamb age and when the lambs were weaned. The body weights of the lambs were recorded at 42-day age and at weaning. The milk production of 25 ewes per group was determined 3 to 4 weeks after lambing and again 7 to 8 weeks after lambing. Milk samples were also collected from all 25 ewes and analysed for fat, protein, lactose and total solids. Blood samples were collected from 10 animals per group 1 to 2 weeks before lambing and 3 to 4 weeks after lambing and analysed for progesterone. Urine and rumen fluid samples were collected from 10 animals per group 1 to 2 weeks before lambing, 3 to 4 weeks after lambing and 7 to 8 weeks after lambing. The ph of the urine and rumen fluid was determined immediately after collection. The rumen fluid samples collected 3 to 4 weeks after lambing for the 0, 2 and 4% Urea groups were analysed for volatile fatty acids. Ewes were scanned for pregnancy six weeks after the next mating period to determine the effect of the different supplementary treatments during 2010 on the reproduction rate during the 2011 mating season. 26

31 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The ewe and lamb body weights, milk production and composition, urine and rumen ph, volatile fatty acid composition of the rumen fluid, blood progesterone levels and reproduction rate are presented in Tables 1 to 6. Table 1. The ewe and lamb body weights (± s.e.) of the different groups Body weight Group Ewe body weight 4 weeks prior to lambing (kg) ± ± ± ± ± day lamb age (kg) a ± b ± a ± a ± a ± 0.35 Weaning of lambs (kg) ab ± ab ± a ± ab ± b ± 0.42 Lamb body weight 42-day age (kg) ab ± ab ± a ± a ± b ± 0.99 Weaning (kg) ac ± bc ± b ± ac ± a ± 1.41 ab Values with different superscripts in rows, differ significantly (P<0.05) Table 2. The milk production (± s.e.) of the ewes at the 1 st and 2 nd milking and the milk composition (± s.e.) at the 1 st milking Milk traits Milk production 3 to 4 weeks after lambing: 1 st milking (ml/3 hours) 7 to 8 weeks after lambing: Group a ± a ± ab ± ab ± b ± ± ± ± ± ± nd milking (ml/3 hours) Milk composition Fat (%) 5.33 ± ± ± ± ± 0.27 Protein (%) 4.34 a ± b ± ac ± b ± ac ± 0.11 Lactose (%) 5.01 ac ± ab ± d ± c ± d ± 0.06 Total solids (%) a ± b ± ab ± ab ± ab ± 0.32 ab Values with different superscripts in rows, differ significantly (P<0.05) Table 3. The urine and rumen ph (± s.e.) of the different groups ph Group Urine ph 1 to 2 weeks before lambing 6.81 a ± b ± b ± a ± a ± to 4 weeks after lambing 6.15 a ± ab ± ab ± b ± a ± to 8 weeks after lambing 8.58 a ± ab ± b ± c ± ab ± 0.09 Rumen ph 1 to 2 weeks before lambing 7.06 a ± ab ± b ± b ± b ± to 4 weeks after lambing 6.75 ab ± a ± b ± b ± b ± to 8 weeks after lambing 6.66 a ± bc ± c ± ab ± a ± 0.06 ab Values with different superscripts in rows, differ significantly (P<0.05) Table 4. The blood progesterone levels (± s.e.) of the ewes of the different groups Blood progesterone Group to 2 weeks before lambing (nmol/l) 0.52 ± ± ± ± ± to 4 weeks after lambing (nmol/l) 0.48 ± ± ± ± ±

32 Table 5. The volatile fatty acid composition (± s.e.) of the rumen fluid of the ewes Volatile fatty acid Group Acetic acid (mmol/l) ± ± ± 2.64 Propionic acid (mmol/l) ± a ± b ± 0.50 Iso-Butyric acid (mmol/l) 0.53 ± a ± b ± 0.06 N-Butyric acid (mmol/l) 5.02 ± a ± b ± 0.47 Valeric acid (mmol/l) 0.41 ± a ± b ± 0.03 Total (mmol/l) ± ± ± 3.43 ab Values with different superscripts in rows, differ significantly (P<0.05) Table 6. Reproduction rate of the ewes of the different groups Trait Group Conception percentage (%) Scanning percentage (%) CONCLUDING REMARKS A possible hypothesis for the observed mismothering in peri-natal ewes as a result of high levels of urea supplementation was postulated. From the results of this study, this hypothesis could not be confirmed. No specific trend could be detected in milk composition, rumen ph, urine ph, rumen volatile fatty acids and blood progesterone of animals receiving different levels of urea as part of a supplementary feeding program. Milk production at 3 to 4 weeks after lambing decreased with an increase in urea inclusion level. Lower milk production was recorded for the 4% Urea group, resulting in lower 42-day body weights for the lambs of this group, compared to the other groups. A lower conception rate was also recorded in the next breeding season for ewes receiving higher inclusion levels of urea, indicating a possible carry-over effect from the feeding treatments applied during late pregnancy and lactation. One of the major problems experienced when the practice of supplementary feeding under extensive grazing conditions is used in animal nutrition research, is the lack of control over the intake of supplements by individual animals. The practice of supplementary feeding normally entails the supply of a predetermined amount of feed per sheep per day, calculated for the whole flock. In practice, it means that although the flock will most probably ingest the recommended amount of feed in the prescribed time period, some individual animals will have higher and other lower intakes than the recommended amount. With regard to this study, it means that despite the fact that the five groups of animals received a specific amount of supplementation with different inclusion levels of urea (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4%), the actual urea intake of individual animals was not necessarily directly related to the inclusion level, depending on their individual intake. The 10 animals per group that were used for the collection of urine, rumen fluid and blood samples on specific days, might therefore have ingested either less or more urea prior to and on the specific days of sampling than the amount predetermined for that group. Further investigation into the postulated hypothesis is necessary. However, for more accurate determination of physiological parameters, the intake of urea by individual animals has to be controlled and monitored, e.g. in an intensive feeding system. The trends observed in this study, specifically with regard to milk production, early growth rate and reproduction rate in the next breeding season, also warrant further investigation. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The following people are thanked for their contribution to the project: Mr David King of the farm Rietkuil, Steynsburg, for the provision of facilities, animals and labour The veterinarians, technicians/technologists, auxiliary services officials, farm foremen and general workers of the Animal Production unit at GADI. 28

33 Establishment of ram breeding flocks for different communal farming areas of the Eastern Cape B.R. King AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this project is to establish ram breeding flocks for different communal farming areas. The objectives of the project are: The improvement of wool sheep flocks of rural communal farmers The establishment of a group breeding nucleus in each community To enable community group breeding flocks to supply rams to neighbouring communities in the long-term. BACKGROUND This project forms part of the larger program for wool sheep development in the communal areas of the Eastern Cape. This project started in August 2002 with the identification of 16 communities by the committee members of regions 20 to 24 of the National Wool Growers Association (NWGA), which represent the former Transkei and Ciskei areas. The layout of the wool sheep development program consists of: The annual supply of 3000 rams to communal farmers managed by the NWGA The evaluation of the impact of the rams that were introduced through the execution of progeny tests done by Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute (GADI) The establishment of nine ram breeding groups in the communal areas, which will eventually supply rams to neighbouring communities - managed by GADI Since the 2009 report, the remaining nine communities have been further reduced to five because of fewer funds that were made available to the project. At a project meeting it was decided that the other four communities will still receive their six project rams and be assisted with training and advice. The five communities and district municipalities that were part of the project in 2011/12 are presented in Table 1. Table 1. The five participating communities in the project Communities District Municipalities NWGA region Dudumasha Amathole Region 20 Allan Waters Chris Hani Region 21 Rockcliff Ukhahlamba Region 23 Lephakoeng Ukhahlamba Region 24 Luzi Ukhahlamba Region 24 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Rams Due to fact that the project ended in July 2012, no rams were supplied to the participating communities in the project. In association with the NWGA, the different farmers of the five communities will in future receive rams out of the larger project. Dudumasha (Region 20) All the project ewes were brought to a central place and were mated in December The ewes and offspring are used in the new project The effect of supplementation during overnight kraaling on production and milk characteristics of communal sheep in the Eastern Cape province. Allan Waters (Region 21) No ewe selection took place in May The community was visited a number of times to discuss and assist with a management program. The progeny of lambs from Allan Waters flock rams that were mated to Mbize community ewes in 2010 will only be evaluated before shearing in November Rockcliff (Region 23) No ewe selection took place in May The community was visited a number of times to discuss and assist with a management program for the year. 29

34 Luzi and Lephakoeng (Region 24) No ewe selection took place in May The communities were visited a number of times to discuss and assist with a management program. CONCLUDING REMARKS The reasons for the termination of the project, as well as the achievements of the project, were explained to all the communities. A management program was discussed with each community. In the two top communities, Rockcliff and Allan Waters, a new ram project should be implemented as these farmers have good quality sheep. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The author wishes to convey his sincere appreciation to the personnel of the National Wool Growers Association of South Africa and the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform for their valuable assistance in the execution of the project. 30

35 Establishment of the South African biological reserve for small stock research and conservation M.A. Snyman AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of the South African Biological Reserve for Small Stock is to promote the improvement and conservation of South African sheep and goat breeds. The objectives of this program are to: Maintain resource herds of various small stock breeds as reference populations and source of phenotypic data and genetic material in collaboration with provincial departments of agriculture and breeders Collect blood samples from animals in the reference herds, store blood samples, extract and store DNA in suitable minus 80 C storage facilities Collect embryos, semen and somatic cell tissue samples from endangered breeds and store it in liquid nitrogen storage facilities Develop and maintain a database with all relevant genetic, production and reproduction data Provide biological material and data to South African research institutions for the promotion of genomic research on the improvement of the sheep and goat population of the country Conserve and preserve the genetic diversity of South African sheep and goat breeds Conserve and preserve the indigenous sheep and goat breeds of South Africa. BACKGROUND The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries implemented the program, Establishment of the South African Biological Reserve for Small Stock research and conservation, in The layout of this program is summarised in Table 1. The three projects (AP10/1, AP10/2 and AP10/3) respectively deal with the establishment and maintenance of: Live herds of animals (conservation and research) Cryopreservation bank (primarily conservation, secondary research) Blood and DNA bank (genomic research). ACTIVITIES DURING REPORT YEAR Current projects and sub-projects AP10/1: Live herds of animals This project involves the maintenance of various herds as resource for the biobank, as well as for other research work. Currently there are five sub-projects already running under this project, namely for the Namaqua Afrikaner sheep, Angora goats (2 projects), Merino sheep and Afrino sheep. AP10/2: Cryopreservation bank Nine Namaqua Afrikaner ewes from the Carnarvon Experimental Station and private owners participating in the project were used for embryo flushing and freezing at the Karoo Vet facility, using funds available under the Animal Production budget. Twenty-six embryos were obtained and cryopreserved, bringing the total number of frozen embryos in the bank to 307. AP10/3: Blood and DNA bank Various projects for breeds participating in the blood and DNA bank project (Afrino, Merino, Dohne Merino, Namaqua Afrikaner and Meatmaster sheep and Angora goats) are underway. Policy and ownership of samples The following documents relating to the operation of the GADI-Biobank have been drafted and are in the process of being finalised: Policy for GADI-Biobank Transfer of Biological Material to GADI-Biobank Agreement for the Supply of Resource Material. 31

36 Table 1. Layout of the program PROGRAM AP10 Establishment of the South African Biological Reserve for Small Stock research and conservation PROJECT AP10/1 Establishment and maintenance of live herds of sheep and goat breeds in South Africa PROJECT AP10/2 Cryopreservation bank for conservation of biodiversity of sheep and goat breeds in South Africa PROJECT AP10/3 Blood and DNA bank for genomic research in sheep and goat breeds in South Africa SUB-PROJECTS SUB-PROJECTS SUB-PROJECTS AP10/1/1: Establishment and AP10/2/1: Establishment and maintenance of live herds of the maintenance of a cryopreservation endangered Namaqua Afrikaner bank for Namaqua Afrikaner sheep sheep breed in South Africa AP10/1/2: Maintenance of live herds of Angora goats as reference herds for a biological bank for Angora goats in South Africa AP10/1/3: Maintenance of two Merino herds as resource herds for research and reference herds for a biological bank for Merino sheep in South Africa AP10/1/4: Maintenance of an Afrino herd as resource for research and as reference herd for a biological bank for Afrino sheep in South Africa AP10/1/5: Maintenance of an Angora goat resource herd at Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute AP10/3/1: Maintenance of a biological bank for Angora goats in South Africa AP10/3/2: Maintenance of a biological bank for Namaqua Afrikaner sheep in South Africa AP10/3/3: Maintenance of a biological bank for Merino sheep in South Africa AP10/3/4: Maintenance of a biological bank for Afrino sheep in South Africa AP10/3/6: Maintenance of a biological bank for Dohne Merino sheep in South Africa AP10/3/7: Maintenance of a biological bank for Meat master sheep in South Africa AP10/3/1/1: Maintenance of a biological bank for Angora goats in South Africa: Grootfontein Student Angora Stud CONCLUDING REMARKS The program is running according to schedule and project activities will continue as stipulated in the various project protocols. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The following people are acknowledged for their contribution to this program: Participating breeders for their inputs Mohair South Africa for partial funding of the Angora goat DNA bank project Cape Wools for partial funding of the Merino sheep DNA bank project Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (ECDRDAR) Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (NCDALRRD) Personnel at NCDALRRD and ECDRDAR Experimental Stations Personnel at Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute. 32

37 Establishment and maintenance of live herds of the endangered Namaqua Afrikaner sheep breed in South Africa M.A. Snyman AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of the project is to conserve and preserve the endangered, indigenous Namaqua Afrikaner sheep breed in South Africa via an in situ conservation program. The objectives of the project are to: Increase ewe numbers in the Namaqua Afrikaner herds at the Carnarvon and Karakul Experimental Stations to 150 ewes each Locate current breeders/owners of Namaqua Afrikaner sheep Identify private farms for establishment of live herds of Namaqua Afrikaner sheep Maintain these herds Collect pedigree and phenotypic data on animals in the herds Make these resources available for inclusion in the blood, DNA and cryopreservation banks. BACKGROUND The Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Affairs and Rural Development (NCDALARD) maintains two Namaqua Afrikaner flocks at two of its experimental stations near the towns of Carnarvon and Upington in the Northern Cape Province. These flocks are kept for the purpose of the preservation of this genetic pool and the collection of production and reproduction data on this breed. The Namaqua Afrikaner is one of the oldest sheep breeds in South Africa and was facing extinction when the Department of Agriculture bought one of the last purebred flocks. This flock has been kept at the Carnarvon Experimental Station since In March 1985, 30 ewes and 5 rams from the Carnarvon flock were transferred to the Tarka Conservation Area near Hofmeyr in the Eastern Cape Province. Their numbers were allowed to increase to approximately 100 breeding ewes. In 1991 this flock was transferred to the Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute (GADI). Since August 1995, the flock is run at the Karakul Experimental Station near Upington. Ewe numbers in the herds at the Carnarvon and Karakul Experimental Stations will be increased to 150 each. Replacement ewes and rams are picked at random. Ewes are replaced at a rate of 20%, while all the sires are replaced each year. No specific selection is carried out, but animals that totally deviate from the breed standards and any animals with abnormalities in conformation are culled. In an effort to keep the inbreeding level as low as possible, the ewes in the herds are divided into three groups and replacement with young ewes is done within each of these groups. The rams are used on an annual rotational basis between the groups. Four rams per group are used in a group mating system, where each group of rams are run with their group of ewes for the 34-day mating period during April at Carnarvon Experimental Station and September at Karakul Experimental Station. The Namaqua Afrikaner breed is one of the few indigenous breeds for which scientific production and reproduction norms are available. The current herd at the Carnarvon Experimental Station was used for these studies. Productive and reproductive performance data on the Karakul Namaqua flock are kept by the officials at Karakul Experimental Station and will be reported by them. This report deals with the data collected on the Carnarvon Namaqua flock. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Productive performance The average productive performance of the ram and ewe lambs since 1993 are summarised in Table 1. The description of the morphological traits recorded on the to 2010-born lambs is presented in Table 2. The morphological traits indicated that rams had bigger body dimensions than ewes, as is evident from the higher body length, wither height, heart girth and cannon bone length. Rams also had longer and thicker tails than ewes (P<0.001). In the majority of the animals, the tails twisted to the left, while more animals had black heads than brown heads. All males were horned and the majority of females also had horns (86%). The majority of the animals had no colour on the body, although this could be expected, as it was one of the criteria on which surplus young animals were culled. The productive performance of the ewe flock over the past 30 years is presented in Table 3. 33

38 Table 1. Average productive performance (± s.e.) since 1993 of the ram and ewe lambs in the Carnarvon Namaqua Afrikaner flock Trait Rams Ewes Birth weight (kg) 4.4 ± ± day body weight (kg) 15.2 ± ± day weaning weight (kg) 29.3 ± ± month body weight (kg) 33.0 ± ± month body weight (kg) 36.2 ± ± month body weight (kg) 39.4 ± ± month body weight (kg) 41.1 ± ± month body weight (kg) 44.1 ± ± month body weight (kg) 46.3 ± ± month body weight (kg) 49.4 ± ± month body weight (kg) 53.0 ± ± 0.6 Table 2. Morphological traits (± s.e.) at 14 months of age of the to 2010-born Namaqua Afrikaner ewe and ram lambs in the Carnarvon flock Trait Rams Ewes Body length (cm) 70.5 ± ± 0.5 Wither height (cm) 73.0 ± ± 3.3 Heart girth (cm) ± ± 1.0 Cannon bone length (cm) 17.3 ± ± 0.3 Tail circumference at base (cm) 47.1 ± ± 0.6 Tail length (cm) 41.5 ± ± 0.6 Testis circumference (cm) 31.3 ± 0.4 Teat length left (mm) 19.3 ± 0.9 Teat length right (mm) 19.6 ± 0.7 Percentage of animals Tail twist: To Left Tail twist: To Right Tail no twist - straight Colour head: Black Colour head: Brown Colour on body: Yes Colour on body: No Horns Polled Table 3. Body weight (± s.e.) and reproduction (CV) of Namaqua ewes since 1982 in the Carnarvon flock Trait Average Body weight before mating (kg) 50.2 ± 0.6 Body weight after weaning (kg) 50.2 ± 0.9 Reproduction Total weight of lamb weaned / year (kg) 33.7 (42.7) Number of lambs born / year 1.38 (40.7) Number of lambs weaned / year 1.24 (44.5) Number of lifetime lambing opportunities 3.07 Total weight of lamb weaned / lifetime (kg) (38.1) Number of lambs born / lifetime 4.45 (36.1) Number of lambs weaned / lifetime 4.01 (39.1) 34

39 ESTABLISHMENT AND IDENTIFICATION OF PRIVATELY OWNED HERDS In the project proposal it was stipulated that an effort will be made to locate current breeders or owners of Namaqua Afrikaner sheep throughout South Africa. Private farmers interested in conserving this breed were also approached for participation in the project. The people that are currently part of the project, as well as the number of animals they owned, are summarised in Table 4. Table 4. Private owners that are currently part of the conservation project Owner District Number of Namaquas owned Number of Namaquas received from Carnarvon (2010 & 2011) Contribution to project J.H.P. van der Merwe Carnarvon 100 ewes + 10 rams Blood samples D. Odendaal & 5 ewes + 1 ram for Barkly East 90 ewes + 10 rams 11 ewes + 2 rams D.J. Kotzee embryo program D. Vlok Calvinia 100 ewes + 10 rams J.N. Bothma Brandvlei 14 ewes + 1 ram D.A. Kotze Vanrhynsdorp 18 ewes L. Brink Bitterfontein 3 rams Rooihuiskraal Pretoria 2 ewes + 1 ram Pioneers Museum Pretoria 20 ewes + 8 rams 5 ewes + 1 ram 5 ewes + 1 ram for embryo program CONCLUDING REMARKS The project is running according to the project protocol at the Carnarvon and Karakul Experimental Stations. The part on the establishment of privately owned herds is also progressing well. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The following people / institutions are acknowledged for their contribution to this project: Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Personnel at the Carnarvon and Karakul Experimental Stations Participating private owners of Namaqua Afrikaner sheep. 35

40 Maintenance of live herds of Angora goats as reference herds for a biological bank for Angora goats in South Africa M.A. Snyman AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this project is to maintain two Angora goat herds as resource for research and reference herds for a biological bank for Angora goats in South Africa. The objectives of this project are to: Maintain the current Angora goat herds at the Jansenville Experimental Station Collect production and reproduction data on all animals in the herds Store blood samples and extracted DNA samples of all animals Create and maintain a database with all relevant genetic, production and reproduction data for Angora goats in South Africa Make these resources available for qualifying researchers in South Africa for genomic and other research studies or projects. BACKGROUND Two experimental herds are currently running at the Jansenville Experimental Station. These include a fine hair herd and an Angora x Boer goat crossbred herd. Researchers and technicians from Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute are responsible for the linear scoring of subjective traits, selection of breeding sires and dams, data capturing and collection of blood samples. The farm personnel at Jansenville Experimental Station (Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform) are responsible for data collection, hair sample collection, data recording during kidding and general care and management of the animals. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The body weight and fleece traits of the ewe herd for the March, July and November 2011 shearings are summarised in Table 1. The effect of lactation on body weight and hair production is evident from the table, where the ewes produced less and finer hair at the November shearing. During the November 2010 shearing, 10% of the fine hair ewes, 40% of the F3-ewes and 50% of the F2-ewes did not produce any hair. These percentages were 18%, 38% and 44% respectively for the November 2011 shearing. This phenomenon will be investigated further. Table 1. Body weight and fleece traits (± s.e.) of the ewe herd during the March, July and November 2011 shearings Trait March July November Body weight (kg) 31.3 ± ± ± 0.3 Greasy fleece weight (kg) 0.82 ± ± ± 0.01 Clean fleece weight (kg) 0.67 ± ± ± 0.01 Clean yield (%) 81.8 ± ± ± 0.3 Staple length (cm) 7.4 ± ± ± 0.1 Fibre diameter (µm) 30.4 ± ± ± 0.3 Reproductive performance of the ewe herd is presented in Table 2. The poor performance in terms of kidding percentage (number of ewes kidded per 100 ewes mated), especially in the fine hair herd, is a cause for concern. Together with the unacceptably high abortion rate, this indicates a low conception rate. This low reproductive rate is especially evident among the young ewes. The poor kid survival rate furthermore contributes to the very poor weaning percentage obtained in the herd. These two herds contribute to the blood and DNA bank for Angora goats and form part of the reference herd of the program. For this purpose, it is essential that the animal numbers in the herds be kept above a certain minimum. However, animal numbers in especially the fine hair herd have been declining steadily over the past few years. It has now reached such a critical stage that the further participation of these herds in the projects needs to be reconsidered. The main cause for this decline in numbers is stock losses as a result of theft, dogs and predators (Table 3). 36

41 Table 2. Reproductive performance of the ewe herds from 2000 to 2011 Year Number of ewes mated Kids scanned / 100 ewes scanned Ewes kidded / 100 ewes mated Ewes aborted / 100 ewes mated Kids born / 100 ewes kidded Kids born / 100 ewes mated Still born kids (%) Kid survival rate (%) Kids weaned / 100 ewes mated Fine hair Crossbred Table 3. The stock losses suffered on the experimental farm from March 2009 until March 2012 Reason March 2009 until March April 2010 until March April 2011 until March Theft Predators Natural causes * Total * 16 Animals died from cold exposure during July Also included from this reporting year are kid losses before weaning. The body weight, hair production and hair quality traits of the fine hair, F2- and F3-crossbred kids born in 2010 at their second and fourth shearings are summarised in Table 4. Body weight of the F2-kids (75% Angora goat x 25% Boer goat) was higher than that of the F3-kids (87.5% Angora goat x 12.5% Boer goat), which were in turn higher than the fine hair kids (100% Angora goat) from 10 to 18 months of age (P<0.01). F3-kids produced the heaviest fleeces, followed by the fine hair and the F2-kids. Fleeces of the crossbred kids had higher clean yield percentages than those of the fine hair kids. Fine hair animals produced shorter staples than the crossbred kids. Fibre diameter of the fine hair kids was lower than that of the F2-kids and the F3-kids. F2-kids had more medullated fibres in their fleeces than the F3-kids and the fine hair kids. 37

42 Table 4. Body weight and fleece traits (± s.e.) of the Fine hair, F2- and F3-kids born in 2010 at their second and fourth shearings Trait Second shearing (10 months of age) Fourth shearing (18 months of age) Fine hair F2 F3 Fine hair F2 F3 Body weight (kg) 17.5 ± ± ± ± ± ± 0.9 Greasy fleece weight (kg) 0.79 ± ± ± ± ± ± 0.04 Clean fleece weight (kg) 0.61 ± ± ± ± ± ± 0.04 Clean yield (%) 78.2 ± ± ± ± ± ± 1.0 Staple length (cm) 7.8 ± ± ± ± ± ± 0.3 Fibre diameter (µm) 23.5 ± ± ± ± ± ± 0.4 Medullated fibres (%) 0.35 ± ± ± 0.11 CONCLUDING REMARKS The two Angora goat herds at the Jansenville Experimental Station are part of the program: Establishment of the South African Biological Reserve for Small Stock research and conservation. The data collection part of the project is running according to the project protocol. The data collected on these research herds form part of the data set for South African Angora goats. Blood samples of the animals are stored in the DNA bank. Stock losses resulting from theft, dogs and predators decreased from the previous report year, but are still at unacceptably high levels. Ewe numbers in the fine hair herd are declining rapidly and it has now reached such a critical stage that the further participation of the herd in the program needs to be reconsidered. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The following people are acknowledged for their contribution to this program: Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform Personnel at Jansenville Experimental Station Personnel at the wool laboratory of Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute. 38

43 Maintenance of two Merino herds as resource herds for research and reference herds for a biological bank for Merino sheep in South Africa W.J. Olivier AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this project is to maintain two Merino herds as resource for research and reference herds for a biological bank for Merino sheep in South Africa. The objectives of this project are to: Maintain the current Merino herds at Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute and Cradock Experimental Station Increase the number of ewes in each herd to 400 ewes Collect production and reproduction data on all animals in the participating herds Store blood samples and extracted DNA samples of all animals Create and maintain a database with all relevant genetic, production and reproduction data Make these resources available for qualifying researchers in South Africa for genomic and other research studies or projects Make animals available for student and farmer training Supply the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform Livestock Improvement Program with genetic material to improve wool production in the communal areas. BACKGROUND Two Merino herds are part of the research program of the Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute (GADI). The Cradock fine wool Merino herd is kept under intensive conditions on irrigated pastures at Cradock Experimental Station, while the Grootfontein Merino herd is kept under extensive conditions on natural pastures at GADI. Both these herds were part of long-term selection experiments since their establishment. The combined structure and ewe herd size of the two Merino herds mentioned above make them suitable as a reference population for a biological bank. Furthermore, the genetic links between these two herds are very strong and make it suitable for the investigation of genotype or sire by environmental interactions. The data sets collected on these research herds are of the most comprehensive data sets on productive and reproductive traits of Merino sheep available worldwide. Numerous scientific articles, employing the latest technology at the time, were published on data collected on these herds. It is therefore imperative that this genetic material should be maintained as resource for future research in quantitative genetics, genetic diversity studies and genomic studies in Merino sheep. It could furthermore play an important role in the conservation of biodiversity in the South African small stock industry. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The genetic trends for body weight, clean fleece weight, fibre diameter, staple length and profit per hectare (ha) are depicted in Figure 1. It is evident from the trends that there was an improvement in the body weight, fibre diameter, staple length and relative economic values of both flocks. However, the rate of improvement decreased over the last four to five years in the GMS. This can be attributed to the fact that selection was based mainly on the visual appraisal of animals and the low animal numbers that resulted in selection being less strict. The low conception rate in both flocks could be ascribed to the fact that most of the ewes synchronised and artificially inseminated with semen of a ram from the Merino industry did not lamb. The semen of the ram was evaluated before the ewes were inseminated and it was of a good quality. The Rift Valley Fever outbreaks of 2010 and 2011 could also have played a major role in the low conception rates. 39

44 Figure 1. Genetic trends in the Cradock fine wool (CMS) and Grootfontein Merino (GMS) studs for body weight, clean fleece weight, fibre diameter, staple length and relative economic value CONCLUDING REMARKS During the reporting period, 42 rams of the Cradock fine wool Merino stud were selected for the Livestock Improvement Program of the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform. All the production and reproduction data were recorded and stored during the reporting period. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The author wishes to express his gratitude to Cape Wools SA for partial funding of the project, the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform of the Eastern Cape and officials from BKB and CMW for assisting in the execution of the project. 40

45 Maintenance of an Afrino herd as resource for research and as reference herd for a biological bank for Afrino sheep in South Africa M.A. Snyman AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this project is to maintain an Afrino herd as resource for research and a reference herd for a biological bank for Afrino sheep in South Africa. The objectives of this project are to: Maintain the current Afrino herd at the Carnarvon Experimental Station Evaluate selection criteria to improve reproductive efficiency, mutton and wool production of dual purpose sheep breeds under extensive grazing conditions Collect production and reproduction data on all animals in the participating herd Store blood samples and extracted DNA samples of all animals Create and maintain a database with all relevant genetic, production and reproduction data for evaluation of selection criteria for mutton and wool sheep in South Africa Make these resources available for qualifying researchers in South Africa for genomic and other research studies or projects Provide research animals for other projects, such as the project on maternal values. BACKGROUND This is a co-operative project between the Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (NCDALRRD) and Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute (GADI). The project is continuing as in the past. Researchers and technicians from GADI are still responsible for data collection and capturing, linear scoring of subjective traits and selection of breeding sires and dams. This is done in collaboration with the farm personnel at Carnarvon Experimental Station. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Selection in the flock is aimed at increasing reproductive performance, increasing body weight, maintaining wool weight and fibre diameter and improving wool quality traits. The average productive performance and subjectively assessed traits of the ram and ewe lambs since 1990 are summarised in Tables 1 and 2 respectively. Table 1. Average productive performance (± s.e.) since 1990 of ram and ewe lambs in the Carnarvon Afrino flock Trait Rams Ewes Birth weight (kg) 4.8 ± ± day body weight (kg) 15.6 ± ± day weaning weight (kg) 31.9 ± ± month body weight (kg) 33.0 ± ± month body weight (kg) 38.1 ± ± month body weight (kg) 40.9 ± ± month body weight (kg) 45.8 ± ± month body weight (kg) 49.7 ± ± month body weight (kg) 53.0 ± ± month body weight (kg) 56.9 ± ± month body weight (kg) 61.7 ± ± month body weight (kg) 64.4 ± ± 0.6 Greasy fleece weight (kg) 3.37 ± ± 0.06 Clean fleece weight (kg) 1.99 ± ± 0.05 Fibre diameter (µm) 19.7 ± ± 0.1 Clean yield (%) 58.9 ± ± 0.9 Staple length (mm) 82.4 ± ± 1.4 Number of crimps/25 mm 19.9 ± ± 2.0 Coefficient of variation (%) 16.7 ± ± 0.3 Standard deviation (µm) 3.2 ± ± 0.1 Comfort factor (%) 99.5 ± ± 0.1 Staple strength (N/Ktex) 33.4 ± ±

46 Table 2. Average scores for subjectively assessed wool and conformation traits (± s.e.) at 14 months of age since 1990 and scores of the 2010-born ram and ewe lambs in the Carnarvon Afrino flock Ram lambs Ewe lambs Trait Long term Long term 2010-born average average 2010-born Conformation of the head 34.1 ± ± ± ± 1.2 Softness of face cover 33.8 ± ± ± ± 1.1 Pigmentation 24.4 ± ± ± ± 1.6 Front quarters 34.6 ± ± ± ± 0.9 Front pasterns 36.7 ± ± ± ± 0.9 Hind pasterns 37.4 ± ± ± ± 0.8 Hocks 34.9 ± ± ± ± 1.1 Top line 35.3 ± ± ± ± 0.8 Body length (cm) 74.6 ± ± 0.9 Wither height (cm) 72.4 ± ± 0.8 Heart girth (cm) ± ± 1.5 Front cannon bone length (cm) 18.8 ± ± 0.5 Softness of fleece 33.4 ± ± ± ± 1.3 Crimp definition 29.8 ± ± ± ± 1.7 Uniformity of fleece 35.3 ± ± ± ± 1.1 Density of fleece 35.4 ± ± ± ± 1.1 Wool colour 33.3 ± ± 0.9 Creeping belly 34.9 ± ± ± ± 2.0 Scrotal circumference (cm) 34.0 ± ± 0.6 Teat length left (mm) 23.7 ± ± 0.9 Teat length right (mm) 23.7 ± ± 0.8 Genetic trends in the most important production and reproduction traits are presented in Table 3. From these it is evident that the selection objectives with regard to reproductive performance, body weight and most of the wool traits have been achieved. Table 3. Genetic trends in production and reproduction traits in the Carnarvon Afrino flock since 1990 Trait Genetic trend R 2 Birth weight (kg) y = 0.015x Birth weight maternal (kg) y = x day body weight (kg) y = x day body weight maternal (kg) y = x day weaning weight (kg) y = x day weaning weight maternal (kg) y = x month body weight (kg) y = x month body weight (kg) y = x Testis circumference (kg) y = x x Clean fleece weight (kg) y = x Fibre diameter (µm) y = x Crimp quality y = x x Uniformity of fleece y = x x Density of fleece y = x x Creeping belly y = x x Staple length (mm) y = x x Staple strength (N/Ktex) y = x x Total weight of lamb weaned (kg) y = Ln(x) Number of lambs born y = Ln(x) Number of lambs weaned y = Ln(x) Productive performance of the ewe flock is presented in Table 4. 42

47 Table 4. Production (± s.e.) of Afrino ewes over the past 30 years in the Carnarvon flock Trait Average Body weight (kg) 65.4 ± 0.6 Wool traits Greasy fleece weight (kg) 2.76 ± 0.05 Clean fleece weight (kg) 1.75 ± 0.02 Fibre diameter (µm) 21.2 ± 0.1 Clean yield (%) 63.4 ± 0.6 Staple length (mm) 75.2 ± 1.0 Number of crimps/25 mm 14.4 ± 0.3 Coefficient of variation (%) ( ) 17.8 ± 0.02 Standard deviation (µm) ( ) 3.51 ± 0.05 Comfort factor (%) ( ) 99.1 ± 0.1 Staple strength (N/Ktex) ( ) 32.3 ± 1.2 Creeping belly score ( ) 34.8 ± 0.7 Reproduction Total weight of lamb weaned / year (kg) 34.1 ± 0.06 Number of lambs born / year 1.28 ± 0.10 Number of lambs weaned / year 1.13 ± 0.05 Number of lambing opportunities 3.30 Total weight of lamb weaned / lifetime (kg) ± 2.3 Number of lambs born / lifetime 4.58 ± 0.06 Number of lambs weaned / lifetime 4.13 ± Lambing season Total weight of lamb weaned / year (kg) 45.1 Number of lambs born / year 1.63 Number of lambs weaned / year 1.44 Milk production (litre/day) Lambing season Total weight of lamb weaned / year (kg) 35.0 Number of lambs born / year 1.39 Number of lambs weaned / year 1.23 Milk production (litre/day) Lambing season Total weight of lamb weaned (kg) 24.1 Number of lambs born 0.93 Number of lambs weaned 0.76 Milk production (litre/day) 1.96 The lowest reproductive performance ever was recorded for the 2011 lambing season. Of the 220 ewes available for mating, 73 did not lamb. Of these 73 ewes, nine did not come into oestrus and therefore were not mated, while 64 of those mated, did not produce a lamb. They most probably had embryo resorbtions, as only four ewes were noted that aborted. Furthermore, a lamb survival rate of only 84% was recorded, which is also low for this flock. The reason for this poor reproductive performance is not clear. It could still be a carry-over effect of the outbreak of Rift Valley Fever during March/April This poor performance is a general occurrence among sheep and goat flocks of various farmers for the 2011 spring lambing season. CONCLUDING REMARKS The project is running according to the project protocol and progress is satisfactory. The data set collected on this research flock, is one of the most comprehensive data sets on productive and reproductive traits of dual purpose sheep available worldwide. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The following people / institutions are acknowledged for their contribution to this project: Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Personnel at the Carnarvon Experimental Station. 43

48 Blood and DNA bank for genomic research in sheep and goat breeds in South Africa M.A. Snyman AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of the project is to maintain a blood and DNA bank for small stock breeds (sheep and goats) in South Africa as resource for genomic research. The objectives of the project are to: Maintain and expand the existing central storage facility of the blood and DNA bank for South African small stock breeds at Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute (GADI) Maintain an operational DNA laboratory for this purpose Collect blood samples from all animals in the participating herds Store blood samples of all animals Extract and store DNA of sub-samples Collect production and reproduction data on all animals in the participating herds Create and maintain a database with all relevant genetic, production and reproduction data Make these resources available to qualifying researchers in South Africa for genomic research studies. BACKGROUND The blood and DNA bank forms part of the bigger program on the establishment of a South African Biological Reserve for small stock research and conservation (GADI-Biobank). It serves as a depot for resource material for genomic research projects. Seven projects for breeds participating in the blood and DNA bank project (Afrino, Merino, Dohne Merino, Namaqua Afrikaner and Meatmaster sheep and Angora goats) are underway. ACTIVITIES DURING REPORT YEAR Policy and ownership of samples The following documents relating to the operation of the GADI-Biobank have been drafted and are in the process of being finalised: Policy for GADI-Biobank Transfer of Biological Material to GADI-Biobank Agreement for the Supply of Resource Material. Blood sample collection and storage and DNA extraction The following herds are part of the DNA and blood bank projects (AP10/3): Afrino herd at the Carnarvon Experimental Station (200 ewes) Fine wool Merino stud at Cradock Experimental Station (320 ewes) Merino stud at Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute (320 ewes) Namaqua Afrikaner herd at the Carnarvon Experimental Station (110 ewes) Namaqua Afrikaner herd at the Karakul Experimental Station (120 ewes) Namaqua Afrikaner herd at Welgeluk, Mr Johann van der Merwe, Carnarvon district (110 ewes) Dohne Merino stud at Dohne Agricultural Development Institute (350 ewes) Dohne Merino stud at Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute (350 ewes) Meatmaster stud at La Rochelle, Mr Clinton Collett, Venterstad district (350 ewes). The following Angora goat producers are participating in the Angora blood and DNA bank project: Jansenville fine hair and crossbred herds Jansenville Experimental Station, Jansenville (400 ewes) Cape Angora Top Tier Mr Roelof Retief, Boksfontein, Murraysburg (until ewes) Studs 116 & 217 Mr Arthur Short, Wheatlands, Graaff-Reinet (until ewes) Studs 142, 215 & 317 Mr Ray Hobson, Baroe, Steytlerville (600 ewes) Stud 248 Mr Deon Barkhuizen, Rooiklip, Uniondale (until ewes) Stud 323 Grootfontein Student Angora Stud, Grootfontein (since ewes). During October 2011 to February 2012, blood samples were taken from all the 2011-born Angora kids and sheep lambs. All the Grootfontein Student Angora Stud (GSAS) animals were sampled. Blood samples were collected into 10 ml EDTA vacutainer blood collection tubes. After collection, the blood samples were divided into four aliquots of 2 ml blood each into cryo-vials. These samples were frozen at minus 80 C for future use. The number of sheep and 44

49 Angora goats sampled to date is summarised in Tables 1 and 2 respectively. Blood samples from a total of animals have been collected and stored to date. Table 1. Number of blood samples collected to date for Afrino, Merino, Namaqua Afrikaner, Dohne Merino and Meatmaster sheep Breed Ewes Sires lambs lambs lambs lambs lambs lambs Total Afrino Merino: Cradock Merino: GADI Namaqua Afrikaner: Carnarvon Namaqua Afrikaner: Karakul Namaqua Afrikaner: Johann van der Merwe Dohne Merino: Dohne ADI Dohne Merino: GADI Meatmaster Total Table 2. Number of blood samples collected to date for Angora goats Participant Ewes Sires kids kids kids kids kids kids kids kids kids Total Fine hair Short Retief Barkhuizen Hobson GSAS Total Production and reproduction data The following production data were recorded on the participating flocks during the reporting year: Full pedigrees Body weight of ewes before mating Reproduction data of all ewes Birth weight of kids/lambs Body weight of kids/lambs at weaning and subsequent ages Fleece weight and fleece sample of ram and ewe kids at second shearing Body weight, fleece weight and fleece sample of young sheep ewes and rams at selection age Fleece weight and fleece sample of Angora ewes at the winter shearing Fleece weight and fleece sample of sheep ewes at shearing. PROJECTS AND PUBLICATIONS There are already four research projects that obtained blood and DNA samples, as well as the relevant phenotypic data from the bank that have been completed, while their are currently another four projects underway (Table 3). The following scientific papers have already been published from projects utilising resources from the GADI-biobank. Friedrich, H., Evaluation of microsatellite markers for parentage verification in South African Angora goats. M.Sc. thesis, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa. Goosen, P., Swart, A.C., Storbeck, K. & Swart, P., Hypocortisolism in the South African goat: The role of 3βHSD. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology 315, Qwabe, O.S., Genetic and phenotypic characterisation of the South African Namaqua Afrikaner sheep breed. M.Sc. thesis, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa. 45

50 Storbeck, K. Swart, A.C. Slabbert, J.T. & Swart, P., The Identification of two CYP17 alleles in the South African Angora Goat. Drug Metabolism Reviews 39, Storbeck, K. Swart, A.C. Snyman, M.A. & Swart, P., Two CYP17 genes in the South African Angora goat (Capra hircus). The identification of three genotypes that differ in copy number and steroidogenic output. The FEBS Journal 275, Storbeck, K. Swart, A.C. & Swart, P., CYP17 causes hypocortisolism in the South African Angora goat. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology 300, Visser, C., Crooijmans, R.P.M.A. & Van Marle-Köster, E., A genetic linkage map for the South African Angora goat. Small Ruminant Research 93, Visser, C. & Van Marle-Köster, E., Genetic variation of the reference population for quantitative trait loci research in South African Angora goats. Animal Genetic Resources Information 45, Visser, C., Van Marle-Köster, E., Bovenhuis, H. & Crooijmans, R.P.M.A., QTL for mohair traits in South African Angora goats. Small Ruminant Research 100(1), Visser, C., Van Marle-Köster, E. & Friedrich, H., Parentage verification of South African Angora goats, using microsatellite markers. South African Journal of Animal Science 41(3), Visser, C., Snyman, M.A., Van Marle-Köster, E. & Bovenhuis, H., Genetic parameters for physical and quality traits of mohair in South African Angora goats. Small Ruminant Research 87, Table 3. Projects using samples and data from the blood and DNA bank Project title Researcher Affiliation Karl Storbeck Developing a genetic marker for the identification of more hardy Angora goats University of Stellenbosch PhD-study - completed QTL for fibre traits in South African Angora goats Carina Visser University of Pretoria PhD-study - completed Application of microsatellite markers for parentage verification in South African Angora goats Genetic and phenotypic characterisation of Namaqua Afrikaner sheep Further investigations into the influence of CYP17- genotypes on reproduction and hardiness in Angora goats Henriëtte Friedrich Olga Qwabe Karl Storbeck University of Pretoria MSc-study - completed GADI University of Pretoria MSc-study - completed GADI University of Stellenbosch Fine mapping of Chromosome 24 and Chromosome 25 for QTL associated with fleece traits in Angora goats Increasing genetic progress in South African Angora goats through improved pedigree integrity QTL for body weight in South African Angora goats Carina Visser Christy Garritsen Gretha Snyman Carina Visser Gretha Snyman University of Pretoria GADI University of Pretoria MSc-study GADI University of Pretoria CONCLUDING REMARKS The program is running according to schedule and project activities will continue as stipulated in the project protocols. To date, blood samples from Angora goats and sheep have been collected and stored in the blood and DNA bank. All phenotypic data recorded have been entered into the database. At the moment, no DNA isolations are being done, as there are no human resources available in the DNA laboratory. The cataloguing of the blood samples in the freezers is also not progressing as planned, due to the mentioned lack of human resources. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The following people/institutions are acknowledged for their contribution to this project: Participating breeders for their inputs Mohair South Africa for partial funding of the Angora goat DNA bank project Cape Wools for partial funding of the Merino sheep DNA bank project Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (ECDRDAR) Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (NCDALRRD) Personnel at NCDALRRD and ECDRDAR Experimental Stations Personnel at Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute Department of Animal and Wildlife Science at the University of Pretoria. 46

51 Long-term grazing trials in the Karoo: Camp 6 J.C.O. du Toit AIM AND OBJECTIVES The long-term Camp 6 trials are used to demonstrate and quantify vegetation changes over time as influenced by grazing system and rainfall, and under conditions of steadily increasing atmospheric CO 2 concentrations. The objectives of the trial are to: Assist in the capturing and archiving of existing hardcopy proposals, data, reports and maps of historical data from the Camp 6 and other long-term experiments Compile a complete list of plant species present in each experiment and prepare herbarium samples to be included in the Grootfontein Herbarium Measure current plant diversity to determine the effect of 60 years worth of grazing treatment on composition and diversity Measure the composition, density and diversity of the woody component in the experiments Conduct vegetation samples to determine fence line contrasts Conduct vegetation surveys using historical methods. BACKGROUND In 1943, the late Dr Charles Tidmarsh established the Camp number 6 grazing experiment. This trial was established on plains and pediment and dramatically illustrated the detrimental effects of annual seasonal grazing in a specific paddock. Not only unacceptable veld management practices were highlighted, but this trial was probably the first to provide empirical data to strengthen the case for rotational resting. During the 1970s this trial was terminated as research trial and continued as a demonstration trial for training purposes. Since then basic vegetation surveys continued on an annual basis and results have been presented in a number of progress reports. In 2011 the South African Earth Observation Network (SAEON) approached Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute (GADI) for collaboration and continued research and monitoring in the Camp 6 experiments. South African Earth Observation Network (SAEON) promotes the integration of existing environmental observation systems, and coordinates and supports long-term in-situ environmental observation systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS During 2011 all camps in the Camp 6 trials were re-surveyed using the same wheel-point technique that was used during the 1950s to 1970s. Technicians from SAEON and employees of Grootfontein conducted the surveys. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMMS) was used to describe vegetation composition from 1962 and Additionally, the abundance of major growth forms was described using historical and current data. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The NMMS ordination (Figure 1) and the abundances of major growth forms (Figure 2) reveal that there have been major compositional shifts in species composition and growth forms from the 1960s to present. These changes are evident as a) a shift from a shrub-dominated to a grass-dominated community, and b) a significant increase in basal cover. Abundance and diversity of most shrubs has decreased, while those of perennial grasses have increased. The early-successional perennial grass Eragrostis lehmanniana now dominates, while the abundance of large, palatable, tufted grasses, notably Themeda triandra but also Digitaria eriantha, Sporobolus fimbriatus, and Heteropogon contortus has increased. These results are consistent with predictions of how vegetation would change following a) several years of aboveaverage rainfall (this has been the case) and b) reduced desiccation of C 4 grasses through increased water-use efficiency following stomatal closure because of increased atmospheric CO 2 concentrations. 47

52 Eraleh 123At 124At Hetcon 124Bt 122Bt Aridif 121Bt 123Bt 122At 123Ct 125t 121At Figure 1. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMMS) of Bray-Curtis distances among sites based on relative abundance (%) of species from 1962 (circles) and 2011 (squares). Abundant species have been overlaid on the ordination. Eraleh = Eragrostis lehmanniana, Hetcon = Heteropogon contortus, Aricon = Aristida congesta, Thetri = Themeda triandra, Digeri = Digitaria eriantha, Felmur = Felicia muricata, Ennsco = Enneapogon scoparius, Aridif = Aristida diffusa, Chlvir = Chloris virgata, Phypar = Phymaspermum parvifolium 30 Digeri Thetri Aricon Ennsco Felmur Chlvir 523Ct 524At 525t 521Bt 523At 522A 522B 521At Phypar 524Bt 523Bt 25 Perennial grass Shrubs Basal cover (%) Time (years) Figure 2. Contribution of perennial grass and perennial shrubs to total basal cover pooled across all treatments at Camp 6 for all survey years recorded to date CONCLUDING REMARKS The Camp 6 trial continues to provide valuable information on vegetation change in the Karoo in the presence of grazing, variable rainfall, and increasing atmospheric CO 2 concentrations. 48

53 Determining the cattle and sheep grazing impact in the Eastern Mixed Karoo T.P. Nengwenani AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this project is to determine the influence that cattle and sheep, grazing the veld simultaneously, have on the optimal but sustainable use of the veld, while the animals still produce at a high level and the vegetation is still afforded time to regenerate and improve over time. The objectives of the project are to: Utilise veld with different combinations of sheep and cattle Measure the impact on the veld Measure the production of the livestock Determine the sustainability and profitability of different veld management systems. BACKGROUND Various authors have hinted at the possibility of improving the profitability of a stock-farming venture by running more than one species of animal on the veld, citing as evidence the fact that different animal species graze differently and that they do not utilise the same plant species. This was, however, refuted on more than one occasion. It is also claimed that sheep produce more profitably where they are allowed to follow cattle in a grazing system. Although this is true, it is however, very detrimental to the vegetation due to the selective grazing habit of sheep and their ability to select the most palatable parts of the different plants. This was argued on the grounds that sheep, by grazing so selectively, will damage the plants after the cattle has removed the rough growth and will in fact detrimentally affect the plants species. A trail to determine the influence of cattle and sheep, grazing the veld simultaneously, on the sustainable use of the veld was implemented at Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute. The stocking rate starts off at a realistic but below grazing capacity norm, and as the animals grow the applied stocking rate in fact tend to approach the 16 ha/lsu grazing capacity norm. The cattle to sheep ratio is 1:1 on a large stocking rate unit (LSU) basis, grazing the veld as one herd. The experiment consists of eleven paddocks that have different grazing periods, paddock sizes and terrains (Table 1). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The results in Table 1 show that the highest veld condition score VCS (82.13%) was recorded within paddock 1B, relating to a grazing capacity of 5.65 ha/lsu. The lowest VCS (59.98%) was recorded in paddock 4A with a grazing capacity of 7.74 ha/lsu. The best VCSs were associated with most of the 2 weeks (Plain terrain) grazing treatments, whereas most of the lowest scores were associated with the 4 weeks (Mountain terrain) grazing treatments. The better rangeland condition within the 2 weeks rotational grazing can possibly be ascribed to an interrelationship between various factors, e.g. short grazing periods and long inter-grazing period, opposed to the longer grazing periods within the Mountain paddocks. Plain terrains were dominated by Digitaria eriantha, Themeda triandra and Sporobolus fimbriatus and Semi Plain/Mountain terrains characterised by Digitaria eriantha, Themeda triandra, Sporobolus fimbriatus and Eragrostis lehmanniana. Digitaria eriantha, Cymbopogon plurinodis, Eragrostis curvula conferta and Eriocephalus ericoides were the most common species in the Mountain paddocks. The initial average body weight of the sheep was kg and it increased to kg after 241 days, with an 0.05 kg average daily gain per sheep. Table 1. Grazing period, paddock size, terrain, number of species, VCS and ha/lsu for different paddocks Paddock Grazing period Paddock size Terrain Species number VCS% ha/lsu 1A 2 weeks 14 ha Plain B 2 weeks 14 ha Plain A 2 weeks 14 ha Plain B 2 weeks 14 ha Plain A 2 weeks 14 ha Plain B 2 weeks 14 ha Plain A 2 weeks 14 ha Semi Plain/Mountain B 2 weeks 14 ha Semi Plain/Mountain weeks 46 ha Mountain A 4 weeks 26 ha Mountain B 4 weeks 31 ha Mountain

54 The evaluation of dry matter yield and forage quality for four pastures as influenced by three frequencies of flood irrigation in the False Upper Karoo T.P. Nengwenani AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this project is to determine the optimal flood irrigation frequency to obtain maximum dry matter production and forage quality of four different cultivated pastures by applying three frequencies of flood irrigation in Middelburg in the False Upper Karoo. The objectives of the project are to: Determine how three frequencies of flood irrigation influence the annual and seasonal dry matter production of the pasture Determine how three frequencies of flood irrigation influence the quality and nutritional value of the respective pastures Determine the optimum amount of flood irrigation water requirement of each pasture type for maximum production. BACKGROUND Water is a scarce resource, particularly in the False Upper Karoo area where the average rainfall is 350 mm per year. Water, therefore, has to be used efficiently to avoid over-irrigation and under-irrigation of cultivated pastures. Flood irrigation is inefficiently used by the farmers and most of them are uncertain about the impact of water on the dry matter yield and forage quality of different cultivated pastures. Due to the water constraints in the False Upper Karoo area, it is essential to provide flood irrigation guidelines to farmers for different annual and perennial pastures, as well as their response to different water treatments. Four cultivated pastures commonly used by the farmers in the False Upper Karoo area were evaluated under three frequencies of flood irrigation: Trifolium resupinatum (Persian clover), Medicago sativa (Lucerne), Lolium multiflorum (Italian ryegrass) and Festuca arundinaceae (Tall fescue). The three frequencies of flood irrigation treatments were: flood irrigation once per week (W1), flood irrigation once in two weeks (W2) and flood irrigation once in three weeks (W3). The amount of irrigation water was measured by V notch and rainfall was recorded. Monthly dry matter (DM) yields were measured. Monthly forage samples were taken and analysed for crude protein (CP), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na) and phosphorus (P) content. In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) was determined on a monthly basis. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Average monthly DM yield and forage qualities results for Persian clover, Lucerne, Italian ryegrass and Tall fescue under three frequencies of flood irrigation are presented in Table 1. 50

55 Table 1. Average monthly DM yield and forage qualities (± s.e.) for Persian clover, Lucerne, Italian ryegrass and Tall fescue under three frequencies of flood irrigation Treatment Persian clover DM (kg/ha) and Forage qualities (%) DM IVDMD CP Ca K Mg Na P W a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± b ± 0.01 W a ± b ± a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± 0.01 W a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± 0.01 Lucerne W a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± b ± a ± b ± 0.01 W a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± ab ± a ± a ± 0.01 W a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± 0.01 Italian ryegrass W a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± 0.02 W b ± a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± b ± a ± 0.02 W a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± b ± a ± 0.02 Tall fescue W1 896 a ± a ± a ± b ± a ± b ± a ± b ± 0.02 W b ± a ± a ± ab ± a ± ab ± a ± ab ± 0.02 W b ± a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± a ± 0.02 ab Values with different superscripts differed significantly (P<0.05) between three frequencies of irrigation Irrigation frequency affected (P<0.01) Ca, P and IVDMD of Persian clover and had no effect (P>0.05) on DM, CP, K, Mg and Na. In Lucerne, irrigation frequency affected (P<0.01) Ca, Mg and P while there was no (P>0.05) effect on DM, CP, K, Na and IVDMD. Frequency of irrigation affected (P<0.01) DM, Na and CP (P<0.05) and had no effect (P>0.05) on Ca, K, Mg, P and IVDMD for Italian ryegrass. In Tall fescue, frequency of irrigation influenced (P<0.01) DM, P and (P<0.05) Ca, Mg and Na with no influence (P>0.05) on CP, K and IVDMD. Dry matter, CP, Ca, K, Mg, Na, P and IVDMD varied (P<0.01) over time (months) for Persian clover, Lucerne and Tall fescue. Italian ryegrass varied over time (P<0.01) with regard to CP, Ca, K, Mg, Na, P and IVDMD with no (P>0.05) influence on DM. CONCLUDING REMARKS Because of the lack of differences in most variables across the water treatments, legumes (Persian clover and Lucerne) should be irrigated once in three weeks to minimise water cost and grasses (Italian ryegrass and Tall fescue) should be irrigated once in two weeks to optimise DM yield. 51

56 The establishment of the Grootfontein Electronic Herbarium for the flora of the Eastern Upper Karoo L. van den Berg AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this project is to establish an electronic herbarium at the Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute (GADI) containing digitised information regarding the flora of the Eastern Upper Karoo. The objectives of the project are to: Digitally support the existing herbarium at GADI Expand the existing herbarium at GADI by adding new specimens Provide an electronic database of flora for the education of various stakeholders, with the main focus on the training program at the Grootfontein College of Agriculture Share information between various stakeholders throughout the world by means of an interactive database Contribute to multidisciplinary research by making plant specimens more accessible to a number of stakeholders including botanists, zoologists, veterinarians and animal production scientists Link with other national and international herbarium databases such as South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and Agricultural Geo-referenced Information System (AGIS). BACKGROUND Herbaria maintain large amounts of botanical information and throughout the world this information is increasingly held in a computerised format to allow for easy access and utilisation. The Grootfontein Herbarium is used as a reference point to compile an electronic database for the flora occurring in the Eastern Upper Karoo. This will broaden the Herbarium s usage by providing users with efficient, easy-to-use electronic data access. ACTIVITIES Grootfontein Herbarium Manager (GHM) During an electronic database was developed to capture relevant information on plant species collected in the Eastern Upper Karoo. These data have been made available through the GADI website. During 2012 twenty new species were added to this database. This is an ongoing process and new species and information will be added to the database during the upcoming vegetation surveys. DNA barcoding of invasive species South Africa has an extremely rich plant diversity, but much of this diversity is threatened by the encroachment of invasive species. Early detection of alien invasives and a rapid response to eradicate them relies on accurate species level identification. A new field of research is using DNA barcoding as a tool to aid in the identification of unknown material (especially if only parts of plants were collected). SANBI and GADI are currently collaborating in a DNA barcoding project. The project aims to collect invasive plant material in the Eastern Upper Karoo for DNA barcoding and the results will be included in the International Barcode of Life Project (IBOL). An intern has been appointed at GADI to undertake the collection and processing of samples for DNA barcoding. To date the invasive plant species in the Eastern Upper Karoo have been listed and collection will start during September Plant species will also be added to the existing physical and electronic herbariums at GADI. ispot ispot is an online biodiversity application administered by SANBI where anyone can participate in biodiversity recording, monitoring and identification in South Africa. Members can add observations but also identify and verify observations added by other members. To date more than 50 plant species observed in the Eastern Upper Karoo have been added to ispot. This resulted in previously unidentified species being identified and useful range extensions of some species. Observations are continuously added by Pastures and Crops staff. CONCLUDING REMARKS AND WAY FORWARD All these ongoing activities positively contribute to the current information available with regard to the diversity of flora in the Eastern Upper Karoo. Furthermore, species that can threaten the agricultural production potential of this area can be identified and controlled in advance through improved species level identification. 52

57 Fire and grazing effects on vegetation and soils following an accidental fire in the Eastern Upper Karoo L. van den Berg AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this project is to evaluate the recovery of natural veld in the Eastern Upper Karoo after an accidental veld fire. The objectives of the project are to: Determine the effects of the accidental fire on the following environmental components: o Soil composition o Botanical composition o Vegetation cover o Re-growth of grass and dwarf shrub species (production and germinated seedlings) Correlate received rainfall with vegetation re-growth Determine how the effect of fire will be modified by the presence of grazing. BACKGROUND Fire is a major driver of rangeland structure and composition. In the Karoo, it is likely that fire has historically been a rare occurrence, except possibly in mountainous areas where fuel loads are often relatively high. The limited amount of work that has been conducted on the effects of fire on karroid vegetation suggests that a single fire may kill many species of dwarf shrubs, resulting in a collapse of their populations. Another driver of the vegetation composition of karroid rangelands is rainfall, where wet summers benefit grasses (C 4 ) more than dwarf shrubs (C 3 ). The rainfall in the Eastern Upper Karoo has been significantly higher than average over the past approximately twenty years, and this has led to an increase in grass growth and fuel accumulation. A third important driver of community composition is grazing, where there would be two anticipated effects: first, grazing may kill newly germinating plants; second, summer grazing generally benefits dwarf shrubs, while winter grazing generally benefits grasses. This project, still in its early stages, explores the interaction between fire, rainfall, grazing, and vegetation in the Eastern Upper Karoo, with the main aim of evaluating the recovery of veld after an accidental veld fire. Furthermore this project will assist to determine whether a combination of high rainfall and fire, possibly modified by grazing, will drive a change towards a grassier landscape. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study is being undertaken on the farm The Mills, situated 12 km from Hanover towards Richmond in the Northern Cape. On 24 October 2011, 652 ha of natural vegetation were burnt during an uncontrolled accidental fire. This fire provided the baseline for an experiment into drivers of vegetation change in the area. In January 2012, soil samples (to a depth of 15 cm) were collected and vegetation composition was described on burnt and unburnt veld. Species composition was assessed using the descending point method (200 points replicated thrice in each survey site). As very little rain had fallen since the fire, identification of plants to genus and species level was impossible and only the life form of the plant closest to the point was recorded, i.e. grass, dwarf shrub, or pioneer (ephemeral). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION There were no significant differences in soil chemistry and structure between the burnt and unburnt sites (Figure 1). Detrended Correspondence Analyses (DCA) was used to describe compositional similarity of the different survey sites as well as their association with the various life forms. There was a strong similarity between the four unburnt sites and between the four burnt sites. The unburnt sites were correlated with the dwarf shrub life form, while the burnt sites were correlated with grass and bare ground, and pioneer species on the first axis of the ordination (Figure 2). It was obvious that dwarf shrubs were largely absent on the burnt sites three months after the burn occurred. 53

58 Figure 1. Ordination showing no significant differences in soil chemistry between the unburnt (green) and burnt (red) sites Figure 2. DCA ordination showing the correlation between the unburnt (green) and burnt (red) sites CONCLUDING REMARKS The short-term effects of the fire, therefore, were restricted to the relative abundance of life forms, and canopy cover (for which bare ground is a proxy), with soil chemical and physical characteristics appearing unaffected. Monitoring will continue over the next ten years to document changes. It is anticipated that the experiment will have important implications for understanding vegetation dynamics after burning, in the presence of a changing climate. 54

59 A monitoring framework towards rangeland monitoring and management within the arid and semi-arid rangelands of the Eastern and Northern Cape Koopmansfontein area J.C.O. du Toit AIM AND OBJECTIVES A Monitoring Framework Program was initiated in 2009 with the aim of providing a framework for rangeland monitoring in different land use types in various parts of the Northern and Eastern Cape Provinces. The Koopmansfontein area was included in the program as one of the eco-regions in which to implement the different projects and sub-projects. The objectives of the Koopmansfontein project and sub-projects are to: Conduct herbaceous surveys in four land use types in the Koopmansfontein area, establishing differences and changes in vegetation condition and patterns within and between different land use types Perform basic resource inventories pertaining to rangeland condition, current grazing capacity, biodiversity indices and indicator plant species and compare it with previous inventories where available in order to quantify changes in temporal scale Integrate and interrelate multivariate data to establish patterns within and between land uses and determine the environmental variables (vegetation type, climate, habitat heterogeneity, land area, historical influence) that are responsible for the greatest proportion of its variation Develop and present Further Education and Farmer Development training products and courses Establish a grass, shrub and tree garden for identification purposes of the key species at Koopmansfontein Experimental Farm Establish/update the herbarium at Koopmansfontein Experimental Farm. BACKGROUND A baseline survey was conducted in November 2009 in most of the paddocks on the farm (time constraints precluded all being surveyed). A runaway fire, ignited north of the farm, burned through the farm on 9 September This provided an opportunity to study the effects of high-intensity fire on the soil and grass and woody communities. MATERIALS AND METHODS During February 2012 the herbaceous composition within burnt bush clumps, and of veld adjacent to burnt and unburnt bush clumps was described in each of ten 1x1 m quadrants using a Domin scale. Composition was described using non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMMS). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Species composition was decomposed into two axes using non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMMS). Species composition varied considerably, but there was interestingly no overall treatment effect (Figure 1). This indicates that the species composition of burnt bush clumps is tending toward that of the adjacent veld. Notably, the large tufted grasses Themeda triandra, Sporobolus fimbriatus, Cymbopogon plurinodis, and Digitaria eriantha were present in the burnt clumps. 55

60 BC 5BV 5UV 5BC 7BC 7UV 2UV 4BV 7BV 2BV 4UV 3BV 3BC 3UV 1BC 4BC 6BV 1BV 6UV 2BC 1UV Figure 1. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMMS) of Bray-Curtis distances among sites based on relative abundance (%) of species. BV = Burnt Veld, UV = Unburnt Veld, and BC = Burnt Canopy CONCLUDING REMARKS A full re-survey of the grass layer is scheduled for Recovery patterns of grass and bush clumps need to be continued. 56

61 Evaluation of prickly pear cultivars to determine their adaptability in terms of fruit and leaf yield in the Eastern Upper Karoo Middelburg region J.C.O. du Toit AIM AND OBJECTIVES Prickly Pear (spineless cactus) trials have been established at Grootfontein. The aim of the trials is to evaluate different prickly pear cultivars as a multipurpose crop with regard to optimum leaf yield as drought fodder resource and to evaluate them in terms of the production and quality of fruit as a subsistence crop within the semi-arid Eastern Upper Karoo, Middelburg Region. The objectives of this trial are to: Determine production potential (of both fruit and leaves as animal feed) of different prickly pear varieties for the Eastern Upper Karoo, Middelburg Region Determine production and fruit quality of different prickly pear varieties for the Eastern Upper Karoo, Middelburg Region Identify suitable prickly pear cultivars with high and stable yields, for Eastern Upper Karoo, Middelburg Region Obtain production information about prickly pear cultivars under local conditions Link and expand the project across a rainfall gradient to other geographical areas, firstly linking to the project of Ms M. Jordaan (Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform) at Cradock. BACKGROUND Spineless cactus (Opuntia spp) is a valuable drought fodder reserve in semi-arid areas in South Africa. Additionally, their fruit is becoming increasingly popular for human consumption. MATERIALS AND METHODS A survey of how people perceived the quality flavour, texture, and colour of the fruit was conducted by Dr Loraine van den Berg at Grootfontein. Fifteen people, from the lecturing, research, and support staff of Grootfontein participated. Peeled and cubed samples of each of the nineteen cultivars were place in dishes on a table in a tearoom. Each person had to rank each cultivar for texture, colour, and taste (flavour). The rank scale was from 1-5, and defined as Unacceptable, Moderately acceptable, Acceptable, Above acceptable and Will eat it again, respectively. The factors (taste, etc) were not independent, and might have influenced each other. For example, the colour of a sample may have influenced how that sample tasted. People selected samples in the order they chose which was probably approximately random, but there may have been some serial autocorrelation in the order of selection, because people may have started at one point on the table and then moved on to the next (adjacent) sample. The potential problems with the survey design notwithstanding, the assumption here is that the survey gives an indication of some aspects of fruit quality. Each factor was analysed using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc comparisons were done using Duncan s new multiple range test, which is a relatively liberal test but which increases the likelihood of finding significant differences, and is commonly used in agricultural applications. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Texture quality (F 18,248 = 5.47, P < ), colour quality (F 18,247 = 4.61, P < ), and taste quality (F 18,247 = 7.58, P < ) differed significantly across cultivars. These factors were combined to give an overall quality ranking for each cultivar (Table 1). Skinners court, Fusicaulis, and Zastron were the top three cultivars, respectively, with Sicilian Indian Fig and Nudosa being ranked the lowest. 57

62 Table 1. Rank summaries of the quality survey on nineteen varieties of spineless cactus fruit at Grootfontein Cultivar Texture Colour Taste Sum Overall ranking Skinners court Fusicaulis Zastron Ofer Morado R Roedtan Van As R Turpin Meyers R Algerian Ficus indica Gymno carpo Tormentos X Sicilian Indian Fig Nudosa CONCLUDING REMARKS The spineless cactus plants are growing well, and initial findings indicate that there are significant differences between cultivars in terms of both fodder production and fruit production. All parameters outlined in the project proposal will be measured in the upcoming season. 58

63 Effects of residual soil tebuthiuron on seed germination J.C.O. du Toit AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of the project is to determine the residual herbicidal effect of tebuthiuron in soils on the emergence and growth of mono- and dicotyledonous seedlings. The objectives of the project are to: Determine whether tebuthiuron has any residual soil herbicidal effect on the emergence and subsequent growth of seedlings Identify any differences between mono- and dicotyledonous species Determine the nature of the herbicidal effect on residues across an age gradient. BACKGROUND Tebuthiuron is a systemic, non-selective, soil-applied herbicide that kills plants by damaging electron transfer in the Photosystem II complex of chlorophyll in plants. Because it can be applied lethally in small quantities and is independent of inclement weather conditions, the herbicide is attractive among farmers for bush control, including control of the fynbos species Slangbos (Seriphium plumosum). As Slangbos commonly becomes problematic only at high densities, application on a per-plant basis can result in considerable amounts of herbicide being applied per unit area. All vegetation is usually killed in the area around soil-applied tebuthiuron, meaning that when applied at high rates considerable areas that are devoid of vegetation can develop. These bare areas can persist for about a decade. While it is self-evident that the cause of the bare patches is the herbicide, this does not necessarily imply that the persistence of the patches is also due to the herbicide. For example, the bare patches might persist because they provide unsuitable microhabitats for seeds to germinate and grow, or because particular soil nutrients or conditions have become restrictive. If tebuthiuron is not the cause of the persistence of bare patches, then judicious veld rehabilitation interventions, subsequent to the application of the herbicide, might mitigate its long-term effects. Appropriate interventions could include brush-packing, resting, thatching, or reseeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS The research was conducted on the farm Leeuwfontein, near Zastron in the Free State province, South Africa. Soil samples were collected at eight sites where tebuthiuron had been applied once in the previous 2 8 years to control Slangbos invasions. Sampling sites were located across the farm to accommodate spatial variation. At each site, a sample of soil was collected from within each of three bare patches where tebuthiuron had previously been applied, and from undamaged grassland within 2 m of the patches. In September 2011 a germination and growth experiment was conducted at GADI. Each soil sample was divided into two equal portions and one portion was planted with 10 oats (Avena sativa) seeds and the other with 10 cabbage (Brassica oleracea) seeds. The number of emerged, living plants was recorded weekly. The experiment was terminated after 60 days. All living plants were harvested and separated into root and shoot fractions, then dried and weighed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Emergence and survival followed a sigmoidal trend over time for oats and for cabbage grown in Grass soil and a lognormal trend over time for oats and for cabbage grown in Bare soil (Figure 1). Living shoot biomass for oats and cabbage was significantly higher for plants grown in Grass soil than in Bare soil (W = 597; P < ); root biomass showed the same trend (W = 596; P < ). It is clear that soil from tebuthiuron-treated areas is lethal to cabbage and oats seedlings. Only four out of 299 seedlings survived the trial period but presented severe phytotoxic symptoms and would not have survived much longer. This demonstrates that tebuthiuron has the ability to remain biologically active for at least eight years at the study site. Interestingly, seedlings did not show signs of phytotoxicity for between a week and 10 days after emergence, probably owing to the slow rate of metabolism of tebuthiuron in plants, or because it took some time for the toxin to reach phytotoxic levels in the plant. 59

64 Number of seedlings Oats Cabbage Time since planting (days) Figure 1. Patterns of survival of oats and cabbage seeds grown in soil treated (solid markers; dashed lines) and not treated (open markers; solid lines) with tebuthiuron CONCLUDING REMARKS In terms of the objectives of the experiment it was concluded that: Tebuthiuron does have residual herbicidal activity and kills seedlings after germination. Germination per se is unaffected Mono- and dicotyledonous species did not differ in their response Residual activity lasts for at least eight years. 60

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