I. B. Groenewald

• University of the Free State

The effect of bacterial inoculation on the fermentation and aerobic stability of two ensiled whole plant soybean (WPSB) cultivars was determined in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Two WPSB cultivars, Link LF6466 and Pannar 522 RR, were harvested at their R6 growth stage, chopped to 25 mm and ensiled in 1.5 L anaerobic jars. The chopped forages were treat...

A study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary inclusion of discarded cabbage (DC) on the intake and growth performance of lambs. Diets containing 0 (control, DC0), 100 g DC/kg (DC100), 150 g DC/kg (DC150) and 200 g DC/kg (DC200) were fed ad libitum to 36 South African Dorper lambs (22.0 ± 1.3 kg live weight). The dry matter intake (DMI)...

This article explores community perceptions on implementation and impacts of the Mhakwe Comprehensive Community Initiative (CCI) in Mhakwe Ward, Zimbabwe. A mixed-methods research methodology was adopted. Qualitative data were collected from action research, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were collected usin...

Shredded citrus (Citrus sinensis) leaves were treated with: Control (no additive), liquid whey and Lactobacillus buchneri (LB) and ensiled in 1.5 L anaerobic jars (15 jars/treatment). Jars were opened on day 2, 5, 10, 20 and 40 post ensiling for analysis of nutritive value and silage fermentation characteristics. In addition, samples of day 40 were...

This study was conducted to determine the ensiling potential of potato hash (PH) with poultry litter (PL) and hay as absorbents, and whey and molasses as additives. Mixtures of 800 g/kg PH and 200 g/kg of either PL or hay were produced and treated with no additive, whey and molasses. The experiment was conducted in a 2 absorbents × 3 additives fact...

The aim of this study is to analyse the major constraints for production and managerial practices among the four communal areas in the Omaheke Region. This study applied rapid rural appraisal techniques, including a questionnaire. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 570 farmers who were registered as cattle producers with the Meat Board...

Potato hash, a by-product from the food processing industry, was mixed with wheat bran (70:30) as fed basis and ensiled in 210l drum for 3 months. Three types of potato hash silages were prepared which were: the control (no additives), bonsilage forte (BF, a homofermentative additive) and Lalsil Fresh LB (LFLB, a heterofermentative additive). After...

Experiment was conducted to study the effect of whey and molasses addition on potato hash at ensiling on silage quality and nutrient digestibility in sheep. Potato hash silage was produced by mixing 800 g/kg potato hash with 200 g/kg hay, and ensiled in 210 l drums for 90 days. Higher (P<0.05) concentrations of lactic acid and reduced pH, ammonia-N...

Live weight and weight of body parts of 60 mature indigenous chickens were collected to investigate whether the use of ratios in poultry science may cause misinterpretation of data and misleading conclusions. Three villages from Mukula Tribal land in Thulamela municipality from Vhembe District in Limpopo Province of South Africa were identified for...

The aim of this study was to determine effects of ensiling whole crop maize with the bacterial inoculants Bonsilage mais flussig (BMF) and Lalsil Fresh LB (LFLB) on fermentation, aerobic stability and growth of lambs. Whole crop maize (288 DM g/kg) was ensiled with no additive, BMF or LFLB for 60 days in 1.5 l jars and 3 months in 210 l drums. To f...

The effects of production system (feeding regime and time on feed) on growth performance, yield and economics and the effects of feeding regime, pre-slaughter treatment and electrical stimulation on meat quality were evaluated. Sixty Bonsmara steers were divided into three treatment groups, viz. feedlot, organic pasture and conventional pasture fee...

A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among a purposive sample of 60 small-scale cattle farmers in the Mopeane Rustenburg district, all of whom owned five or more head of cattle. Results showed that small-scale cattle farming is a part-time activity for most farmers in this district, and a way of investing or saving money in a form that is eas...

Irrigation schemes were first developed in South Africa during the apartheid era for commercial farming. The schemes were gradually introduced in the small-scale farming communities of former homelands for commercial purposes, improving household food security and alleviating poverty. Revitalization of small scale irrigation schemes is central in t...