Nguni Goats Research Articles

Assessment of the adaptation of Nguni goats to water stress.

The recurring drought and limited rainfall patterns occasioned primarily by climate change in sub-Saharan African countries threaten sustainable animal agriculture. The irreversibility of this natural phenomenon calls for an intensive and urgent selection of adaptable breeds that can cope but with minimal compromise on production indices. A water scarcity simulation study was conducted to assess the adaptation potential of Nguni goats to regulated watering by evaluating their growth performance, tolerance to heat and water stress and blood indices during the dry summer months. Eighteen growing Nguni goats (average age: 1year; BW: 19.25±1.6kg) were assigned equally to three treatments: W0, without water restriction (WR); W70, WR of 70% ad libitum water intake (WI); and W50, WR of 50% ad libitum WI. The experimental trial lasted for 75 d following a 14-day acclimatisation to the housing condition. Data on growth performance, body thermal gradient, skin temperature (ST) and rectal temperatures, respiratory rate (RR), body condition scores (BCs), linear body indices and blood biochemical indices were taken. The results showed that the final BW was not affected (P>0.05) by the water restriction levels. The daily gain, DM intake and total BW gain were similar (P>0.05) in groups W70 and W50. Body thermal gradient and ST were not affected (P>0.05). The RR and BCs decreased (P<0.05) with increasing water restriction levels. The body and rump lengths and sternum height were similar (P>0.05) for groups W70 and W50. There is an haemocentration (W0<W70<W50; P<0.05) of sodium, Chloride, urea, creatinine, total protein, and cholesterol with water restriction levels. Generally, most physiological variables assayed were similar (P>0.05) in the water-stressed groups (W70 and W50). Overall, Nguni goats showed an adaptive capacity to tolerate limited water intake.

Relationship between faecal egg count and health status in Nguni goats reared on semi-arid rangelands

Gastrointestinal parasitism is a major constraint to goat productivity, particularly in resource-limited production systems. The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between faecal egg count and the health status of different classes of Nguni goats. Body condition score (BCS), packed cell volume (PCV), FAMACHA score, and faecal egg count (FEC) were measured in 120 goats of different classes (weaners, does and bucks) across seasons. The identified gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) were Strongyloides (30 %), Haemonchus contortus (28 %), Trichostrongylus sp. (23 %), Oesophagostomum sp. (17 %) and Ostertagia (2 %), which showed higher prevalence at the hot-wet season compared to other seasons. An interaction (P<0.05) between class and season on BCS was observed. Lower PCV were observed in weaners (24.6 ± 0.79) in the post-rainy season, whereas does 27.4 ± 0.86 and bucks (29.3±1.03) had the highest PCV in the same season. Higher FAMACHA scores were observed in the hot seasons for all goat classes, while lower in the cool-dry season. Linear relationships between FAMACHA scores and FEC were observed in all seasons. The rate of change in FAMACHA score was higher in the post-rainy season (P<0.01) than in other seasons as FEC increased in weaners and does. Bucks had a higher rate of change in FAMACHA in the hot-wet season (P<0.0001) as FEC increased. The rate of BCS decline was higher in the post-rainy season in weaners and does (P<0.01) and bucks (P<0.05) than in other seasons. The decline in PCV was faster during the wet than in the dry seasons. It can be concluded that class and season affected BCS, FAMACHA, and PCV. A linear relationship between FEC and FAMACHA score suggests that FAMACHA could be a good indicator of GIN burden.

Do water shortages increase gastrointestinal nematode loads in Nguni does?

The objective of the study was to assess the effects of water deprivation on the burden of gastrointestinal nematodes in Nguni does. A survey was piloted on goat keepers in households where water was scarce (n = 143) and where it was available throughout the year (n = 142). In a controlled experiment, feed intake (ADFI), body condition score (BCS), FAMACHA score, packed cell volume (PCV) and faecal egg counts (FEC) were determined in does deprived of water for 24 and 48h. There was a significant association between the frequency with which goats drink water and the distance from the water source. From the experiment, an increase in the water deprivation period decreased ADFI, BCS and PCV, and increased FAMACHA scores and faecal egg counts in Nguni goats. The BCS of goats deprived of water for 48h was 12% lower than the control (p < 0.05). Reduction in water supply increased gastrointestinal burdens in does, which may compromise their productivity and production efficiency. Depriving goats of water for 24h had no significant effect on gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) loads. The deprivation period of 48h increased the GIN burden in does.

Interaction of protein supplementation and ecotype on growth performance and carcass traits of Nguni goats

Nguni goats are thought not to respond to dietary protein supplementation. The objective of the study was to determine the interaction of protein supplementation and ecotype on growth performance and carcass traits of Nongoma, Msinga and Cedara Nguni goat ecotypes. Thirty-six five-month-old castrated males were randomly allotted to a 3 × 3 factorial design experiment and provided 0, 150 and 300 g protein concentrate per day. There was an interaction of ecotype and protein supplementation on average daily gain (ADG). The ADG of the Nongoma and Cedara goats increased with protein supplementation, but the Msinga ecotype was not affected by the treatments. Goats of the Cedara ecotype weighed 34.4 kg when provided 300 g of supplement, whereas the Nongoma ecotype weighed 26.5 kg at slaughter when unsupplemented. The dressing percentage did not differ with the level of protein supplementation or ecotype. From the fifth quarter, the skin was affected by ecotype, gut fill by protein supplementation and the weight of the head by both factors. The Cedara ecotype had a heavier fifth quarter at 300 g supplementation. There was no interaction of protein supplementation and ecotype on dissectible fat. Intestine and visceral fats were affected by protein supplementation, whereas stomach fat was affected by ecotype.

Indigenous Slaughter Techniques: Effects on Meat Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Nguni Goats.

Simple SummaryIn smallholder communal farming systems, Nguni people slaughter goats using indigenous methods which have cultural and spiritual significance to them. Nguni wethers were slaughtered using the transverse neck incision (TNI), suprasternal notch (SNP) and under the shoulder blade at the chest floor point of elbow piercing (CFP) to the direction of the heart to assess meat physico-chemical characteristics parameters. Nguni wethers slaughtered with the TNI and CFP methods produced meat with an acceptable appearance similar to goats slaughtered with the conventional standard procedures.To improve goat meat quality in rural communities, it is important to evaluate the effects of indigenous slaughter methods used by resource-limited farmers when performing traditional ceremonies on the meat physico-chemical characteristics. The current study assessed the effects of the meat physico-chemical characteristics of Nguni goats slaughtered with the transverse neck incision (TNI), suprasternal notch piercing (SNP) and the under shoulder blade piercing at the chest floor point of elbow (CFP) to the direction of the heart methods. Thirty Nguni weathers were randomly assigned to three slaughter treatments (10 goats/treatment). Musculus longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) was sampled at post-mortem for physico-chemical characteristic measurements. Meat from wethers slaughtered with the SNP method had greater ultimate pH values than meat from wethers slaughtered with TNI and CFP slaughter methods. Wethers slaughtered with the SNP method had lower meat redness (a*), yellowness (b*), and chroma (C*) values than those slaughtered with TNI and CFP slaughter methods. Goat slaughter method did not affect meat drip loss, water holding capacity, cooking loss and shear force. Overall, Nguni wethers slaughtered with the TNI and CFP methods produced chevon with fresher meat appearance than those slaughtered using the SNP method.

Effect of hydric stress on intake, growth performance and nutritional status of Nguni goats

Limited water intake affects livestock. Though small ruminants are more resilient to suboptimum water intake compared to other species of livestock, tolerance abilities differ among breeds. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of water deprivation levels on intake, growth performance and nutritional status of Nguni goats. Thirty-six Nguni goats (initial weight, 18 ± 3.2 kg) were assigned to one of three treatments: without water deprivation, water deprivation for 24 and 48 h in a completely randomised design for 40 days. Performance traits, body condition score (BCS), faecal egg count (FEC) and FAffa MAlan CHArt (FAMACHA) were determined weekly while blood metabolites were determined on the last day of the experiment and analysed with PROC GLM of SAS software. The average daily water intake (WI) and feed intake (FI) increased (p < .05) with increased period of water deprivation. The average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) declined (p < .01) with increased period of water deprivation. Final body weight, BCS and FAMACHA decreased (p < .05) while faecal egg count, glucose and creatine increased (p < .05) with increased period of water deprivation. Water deprivation period had negative correlations with ADFI, WFR, ADG, FCR, FAMACHA, BCS and BW. The correlation of BW was negative with FEC and positive with serum glucose. It was concluded that water deprivation impacts negatively on the nutritional status, blood metabolites and growth performance of Nguni goats. Highlights Limited water intake in small ruminants decreases body weight and body condition score. Rehydration, after prolonged dehydration of 48 h in small ruminants, results in increased average daily water and feed intake. Under dehydration effect, bodyweight positively correlates with body condition scores and negatively correlates with faecal egg count.

Effect of Indigenous Slaughter Methods on the Behavioural Response, Bleeding Efficiency and Cardiac Arrest of Nguni Goats.

Simple SummaryResource-limited farmers under communal farming environments slaughter goats for cultural beliefs and meat consumption using indigenous slaughter methods. These methods include transverse neck incision (TNI), piercing with a short spear on the suprasternal notch targeting the heart (SNP), and piercing with a short spear under-shoulder-blade chest-floor point-of-elbow (CFP) targeting the heart to induce insensibility and death. Unsatisfied animal welfare institutes consider these slaughter methods as cruel because goats are slaughtered while sensible; therefore, experiencing pain and suffering before death. In this study, we slaughtered castrates using the above-mentioned methods and collected behavioural responses before slaughter and while bleeding, the total blood expelled during bleeding, the time it took for the blood to be expelled, the time it took the goats to lose sensibility, and time to lose heartbeat. We found that goats slaughtered using CFP lost sensibility faster. We concluded that goats slaughtered using the CFP method experienced less pain and suffering during slaughter and died faster.Resource-limited farmers slaughter goats without stunning. The objective of the current study was to assess the influence of indigenous slaughter methods used by resource-limited households on slaughter stress-related behaviour, bleeding efficiency, and time to post-slaughter trauma of goats. Thirty clinically healthy castrated Nguni goats aged between 15 to 18 months old with body condition score of three were randomly assigned to three non-stunning informal slaughter methods, (1) transverse neck incision (TNI); (2) suprasternal notch piercing in the direction of the heart (SNP); and (3) under-shoulder-blade chest-floor point-of-elbow (CFP) sticking in the direction of the heart. Ten goats were slaughtered using each method. Slaughter method had no effect (p < 0.05) on stress-related behaviour. Rate of bleeding efficiency was highest (p < 0.05) for SNP slaughtered goats. Time to lose sensibility was lowest (p < 0.05) for goats slaughtered using the CFP (55 s) when compared to SNP (68 s) and TNI (75 s) slaughter methods. Time to post-slaughter trauma was highest (p < 0.05) for SNP (247 s) and lowest for TNI (195 s). These findings suggest that goats slaughtered with SNP experienced rapid death when compared to TNI and SNP slaughter methods. It was concluded that the SNP slaughter method is the most effective slaughter technique because it is associated with higher bleeding efficiency and lower time to lose sensibility before death.

Comparative fatty-acid profile and atherogenicity index of milk from free grazing Nguni, Boer and non-descript goats in South Africa

This study aimed to determine and compare the fatty acid composition and atherogenecity index of milk fat from Nguni, Boer and non-descript at two different sampling periods. The goats (n = 10 for each goat genotypes) were raised under an extensive system of husbandry. Milk samples were collected from each individual goat to determine fatty acids, as methyl esters, using gas chromatography. The result revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) in fatty acid profiles among the three goat genotypes for butyric, caproic, myristic, palmitic, stearic, vaccenic, linoleic, conjugated linoleic, α-linolenic, arachidic, eicosatrienoic and docosapentaenoic acids, among other milk fats. The time of milk sampling also had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on caproic, lauric, myristic, palmitic, palmitoleic, margaric, stearic, linoleic, arachidonic, docosapentaenoic and conjugated linoleic acids of milk fat. In addition, Nguni goats’ milk fat had a healthier fatty acid than those of Boer and non-descript goats, characterized by a lower content in saturated fatty acid (68.65, 73.77 and 71.73 (P < 0.05), respectively). Goat genotypes and milk sampling time had an influence on the fatty acid composition of goat milk. These findings support the fact that goat milk is an important source of health-promoting substances and support the sustainable use of animal genetic resources to improve goat milk fat quality, and hence deserve further investigation with local indigenous goat breeds.

Effects of saline water consumption on physiological responses in Nguni goats

The objective was to assess the effect of saline water consumption on physiological responses of indigenous Nguni goats. Thirty six clinically healthy non-lactating female Nguni goats ranging between 16 and 31kg body weight were assigned to each of three treatments (0, 5.5 and 11g total dissolved salts per litre (g TDS/L)). Each treatment had 12 goats that were individually penned. Rectal temperatures (RT), pulse rate (PR) and respiration rate (RR) were measured once a week for a total of 56days. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily water intake (ADWI), average daily gain (ADG) and physiological parameters were monitored. Average daily water intake was lowest (P<0.05) for goats which received 11g TDS/L compared 5.5g TDS/L salt in drinking water. Goats on 5.5g TDS/L salt in drinking water had lower (P<0.05) ADFI (780.24 vs 678g/d) compared to 11g TDS/L salt content. Average daily gain was lower (P <0.05) in goats which received 5.5 and 11g TDS/L compared to the control (57.6, 48.3 vs 17g/d). Pulse rate was fastest (P<0.05) for goats on 11g TDS/L compared to the other treatments. These results indicate that depressed ADWI, ADFI, ADG and increased PR are physiological responses of indigenous Nguni goats to drinking saline water.

Yield and Milk Composition at Different Stages of Lactation from a Small Herd of Nguni, Boer, and Non-Descript Goats Raised in an Extensive Production System

This study was conducted to evaluate the yield and composition of milk from 30 indigenous South African goats of different genotypes, namely Nguni, Boer, and non-descript, reared under a free-ranging system. Milk yield and composition (milk fat, protein, lactose, solid non-fat, and minerals) from Nguni (10), Boer (10) and non-descript (10) goats were measured and analysed per week at each stage of lactation. Results showed that Nguni goats produced (1.2 ± 0.09, 1.3 ± 0.11 and 1.2 ± 0.07 litres per day) more milk (p &lt; 0.05) at early, mid-, and late stages of lactation than Boer (0.6 ± 0.10, 1.0 ± 0.17, and 0.6 ± 0.09 litres per day) and non-descript (0.3 ± 0.10, 0.3 ± 0.12, and 0.3 ± 0.09 litres per day) goats, respectively. The mean value of milk fat, protein, and lactose content from Nguni goats was 3.98, 3.54, and 5.31; Boer goats, 2.9, 3.59, and 5.04 and non-descript goats, 4.05, 3.39, and 5.02, respectively. There was a significant effect (p &lt; 0.05) of genotypes on milk fat, milk magnesium, and sodium contents of Nguni, Boer, and non-descript goats. It could be concluded that Nguni goats produced more milk than Boer and non-descript goats, but the non-descript goat had a higher mean percentage of milk fat compared to Nguni and Boer goats.

Influence of water restriction and salinity on feed intake and growth performance of Nguni does

The objective of the study was to determine the influence of varying levels of water restriction on feed intake and growth performance of Nguni goats. Thirty six Nguni does (initial weight 18±3.2kg) were used in the study. The goats were housed in individual cages and subjected to six levels of water restriction (100, 90, 80, 70, 60 and 50%) with ad libitum access to Medicago sativa hay. The scaled dry matter intake (SDMI), water to feed ratio (WFR), average daily gain (ADG) and gain to feed ratio (G: F) were estimated weekly. There was a quadratic increase in the SDMI as water restriction level increased, peaking at 80% water restriction level (P<0.01). There was a quadratic decline in the WFR as the level of water restriction was increased (P<0.05). There was a quadratic increase in the ADG, peaking at 70% of water restriction (P<0.05). There was a linear increase in the ADG, for goats subjected to 5.5g/l of water salinity (P<0.05). There was a quadratic increase in G: F as the level of water restriction was increased, peaking at 80% for goats subjected to 0g/l of water salinity (P<0.01). There was a quadratic decline in G: F as the level of water restriction was increased for goats subjected to 5.5g/l of water salinity (P<0.05). It was concluded that the SDMI, ADG peaked at 80% of water restriction for 0 and 5.5g/l of water salinity. At the same time, G: F declined to its minimum values at 70% of water restriction for 5.5g/l of water salinity, thereby impacting on the productivity of Nguni goats.

Influence of genotype and topography on the goat predation challenge under communal production systems

The objective of the study was to compare incidence of predation of goats in flat lands and mountainous areas. It was hypothesized that the predation challenge is affected by the genotype of goats and the topography in which they are kept. Data were collected from 195 goat owning households using structured questionnaires; 100 households from the mountainous areas and 95 households from the flat areas. An average of eight goats was reported per household. Diseases and theft, followed by predation were ranked as the major causes of goat losses in both areas. Jackals (Canis aureus L.), caracal (Felis caracal), wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) and leopards (Panthera pardus) were the common predators specially during the hot wet season. Farmers owning non- descript crossed goat genotypes were five times more likely to experience predation problems than farmers owning the indigenous Nguni goats. Farmers staying in mountainous areas were 2.3 times more likely to experience predation challenges than farmers in the flat land. Kids were the major class of goat targeted by predators. Predation largely occurred in the veld and drinking areas. The main means to prevent and control predation are discussed. The use of guard dogs, night penning and fences is identified to prevent predation and the use of more adapted Nguni genotypes rather than non-descript crossed animals is recommended.

In vitro nematicidal activity of plant species possessing alkaloids and tannins

This study determined the most effective of three doses per plant extract on L3 nematode larvae. Seven plant species: Crinum macowanii, Gunnera perpensa, Nicotiana tabacum, Sarcostema viminale, Vernonia amygdalina, Zingiber officinale and Zizyphus mucronata, had alkaloids and tannins as bioactive principle. Oven-dried leaf samples (40 g; 20 g; 10 g) of each species were extracted in 70% ethanol, and concentrated to 100 ml; constituting 4×, 2× and 1× crude extract concentration. Rectal faecal materials were collected from 10 Merino sheep and 25 Nguni goats, pooled within species and hand-mixed. Dung samples (5 g) were weighed and cultured for 12 days at 27°C. On day 13, four plates were watered, and others (4) treated with 70% ethanol to correct solvent effect on mortality. The trial had 2 (animal species) × 7 (plant species) × 3 (extract concentrations) factorial design. In each run, three plates were treated with each crude extract concentrations. L3 larvae were isolated on day 14, larval counts done, and mortality became indices of dosed anthelmintic efficacy. The study was re-run three times. Animal species (p = 0.0107) and concentration (p = 0.0005) affected efficacy; a change in crude extract concentration resulted to efficacy of 71.2 ± 2.62%, 88.0 ± 1.88% and 97.9 ± 0.91% for goats and 93.8 ± 2.62%, 96.0 ± 1.88% and 98.0 ± 0.91% for sheep. Interaction of crude extract concentration and animal species affected efficacy (p = 0.0127). Condensed tannin and alkaloid content was high, but within close range. Differences in specific anthelmintic activity exist among plants possessing the two principle(s); suggesting that combined activity of any two species extract may have enhanced activity.

In vitro control of parasitic nematodes of small ruminants using some plant species containing flavonoids.

This study determined in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of three plant species: Trema orientalis, Urtica dioica and Zanthozylum capense on nematode larvae of small ruminants. Dried leaf samples (40g) were extracted in 70% ethanol, in portions of 10g and concentrated to 100ml. Half and one quarter of the original crude extract were both made to 100ml. Rectal faecal material from 10 Merino sheep and 25 Nguni goats was pooled within species and thoroughly hand-mixed. Dung samples, each of 5g were cultured for 12days at 27°C. On day 13, 4 plates were watered and 4 others treated with ethanol to correct for solvent effect on mortality. The design was 2 (animal species) × 3 (plant species) × 3 (extract concentrations). In each of three runs, three plates were treated with each crude extract in three incremental concentrations. Surviving L3 larvae were isolated, counted and mortalities became indices of anthelmintic efficacy. Data from nematode larval mortality were analysed to determine the effect of animal species, plant species, concentration and their interactions. Efficacy was affected by concentration (P = 0.0001), animal species (P = 0.0046), plant species (P = 0.0572), the interactions of animal species and concentration (P = 0.0010), plant species and concentration (P = 0.0123) and concentration × animal × plant species (P = 0.0435).

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

ObjectivePurpose was to determine the effects of grazing system and floor type on concentrations of blood metabolites, activity of creatine kinase, body weight and carcass characteristics of castrated Nguni goats.MethodsForty eight, 7 month old goats were randomly allocated to herding and tethering treatments from 0800 to 1300 hours and accommodated on slatted and earth floors daily. Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture every fifteenth day for metabolite analysis. Slaughter was done at a commercial abattoir following 5 months of monitoring.ResultsTethered goats had significantly higher concentrations of urea (5.19 mmol/L) (p< 0.001), creatinine (55.87 μmol/L) (p<0.05), total protein (64.60 g/L) (p<0.01), and globulin (49.79 g/L) (p<0.001), whereas herded goats had higher glucose (3.38 mmol/L) (p<0.001), albumin (15.33 g/L) (p<0.05), albumin/globulin ratio (0.34) (p<0.01), and body weight (24.87 kg) (p< 0.001). Slatted floors caused higher (p<0.01) albumin at 15.37 g/L. The interaction of grazing system and floor type affected creatinine, total protein, globulin at (p<0.01) and albumen/globulin ratio at (p<0.01). The least creatinine concentration and albumin/globulin ratio was in herded and tethered goats that were accommodated on earth floors, respectively. The highest total protein and globulin concentrations were in serum of tethered goats that were accommodated on earth floors. The highest (p<0.05) dressing percentage (45.26%) was in herded goats accommodated on slatted floors.ConclusionHerding of goats lowered globulin concentration, improved estimated feed intake, blood glucose and albumin concentrations, albumin globulin ratio, increased body weights and weight related carcass characteristics. Floor type had very little effects on metabolites where earth floors only reduced albumin concentration. Tethering and housing goats on earth floors resulted in double stress that increased chronic infections.

Management of Nguni goats to control gastrointestinal parasites and anthelmintic resistance at KwaMthethwa and Owen Sitole College of Agriculture area

Management techniques that can assist in treating only parasite infested animals can reduce anthelmintic resistance arousing from frequent dosing of all animals. This study aimed to investigate the application of FAMACHA© with no formal training of resource-poor farmers to identify anaemic or helminthes infested animals. Two sites (KwaMthethwa (KM) village and Owen Sitole College of Agriculture (OSCA) farm) with 40 animals each of mixed sex were used in this study. The animals grazed on natural pasture during the day and housed in Kraal at night. FAMACHA© chart scored animals on eye colour; 1 (Red, non-anaemic and acceptable), 2 (red-pink, non-anaemic and border line), 3 (pink, mildly anaemic and dangerous), 4 (pink-white, anaemic and fatal) or 5 (porcelain white, severely)). Eye scoring was over four seasons (autumn, winter, spring and summer) alongside faecal egg count (FEC) as a positive control to FAMACHA© diagnosis method. Anaemic animals varied (P<0.05) between the sites, 76.72, 40.34 and 49.37% for KM, OSCA and KM+OSCA, respectively. Comparison of FAMACHA© with FEC showed that only 61.53, 33.5 and 40.12% of the animals were anaemic at KM, OSCA and KM+OSCA, respectively, due to false positive results. Spring, autumn and summer were identified as seasons for frequent monitoring due to higher (P<0.05) gastrointestinal parasite especially Trichostrongylus axei and Moniezia expansa. Approximately 80% of all anaemic animals were identified by no skilled resource-poor farmers using FAMACHA©. This reinforces the economic (cheap) importance and reliability of FAMACHA© chart in parasite resistance management but emphasized on formal training as 20% false negative anemic animals is a lot for a resource-poor farmers. Key words: FAMACHA©, Anthelmintic, resistance, faecal egg count, Nguni goat.

Seasonal variations in diet selection of Nguni goats: effects of physical and chemical traits of browse

Goats select some browse species more than others, given options. Seasonal trends of diet selection of Nguni goats indexed by intake were investigated in cafeteria-style experiments. The relationships between diet selection and plant chemical/physical traits of Vachellia nilotica, Vachellia robusta, Dichrostachys cinerea, Euclea crispa, Rhus lancea and Ziziphus mucronata, representing abundant species were studied in the dry and rainy seasons. Seasonal changes in browses affected diet selection. Selection of long shoot species, which were concomitantly broad-leafed, was higher than species with short shoots. Selection was higher for spineless than spinescent species. Diet selection correlated positively with increased leaf mass. In the rainy season, cellulose positively correlated with intake, number of bites and browsing time, whereas in the dry season, cellulose correlated with bite size. Diet selection tended to be driven more by shoot morphology and leaf mass than by either spinescence or plant chemistry. Plant chemical influence on diet selection was diverse in both seasons and showed no definite trend, whereas spinescence had no significant effect on short-term intake. The results represent important input to goat production and range forage species management.

Teat perimeters for South African Boer and Nguni goats: Use of these measurements to predict milk production potential and kids growth

The aim of this trial was to assess the possibility of using teat perimeter in estimating milk production potential and kids’ growth rate in Nguni and Boer goats of South Africa. Traditionally, the productive capacity of goats doe, are judged to a large extent by the physical phenotypic characteristics. In this trial a 2 × 2 factorial design (two goat breeds and two nutritional management systems) were used. Thirty six (36) recently kidded does (18 Boer goats and 18 Nguni goats) were also used in this experiment. The investigation was conducted between seven (7) and hundred (100) days post-partum. Half (n = 9) the Boer goat does and half (n = 9) the Nguni does were allocated randomly within breed to an extensive (veld) feeding treatment, and the other half per breed to an intensive (high energy) feeding treatment (this is traditionally practiced by profit driven intensive farmers). The results revealed that teat perimeter measurement could be used in both breeds under an intensive feeding regime. The results further revealed that in the extensive feeding regime, the prediction of milk potential through teat perimeter can only be carried out in the Nguni goat breed. These results indicate that the teat perimeter measurement can be used to measure milk production of the Nguni goats based on the two feeding systems. These results appear to suggest that teat perimeters in the Nguni goat could be the best tool for the resource poor farmers. Key words: Milk production, teat, perimeter, Boer goat, Nguni goat.

Effect of season and age on blood minerals, liver enzyme levels, and faecal egg counts in Nguni goats of South Africa

&amp;nbsp;The objective of the study was to determine the relationships between age of the goat and faecal egg counts, liver enzymes, and minerals in the wet and dry seasons in male and female Nguni goats of South Africa. Fifty-six female and forty male Nguni goats were used for the study. Faecal and blood samples were collected once in the dry (August) and wet (January) season. Faecal egg counts (FEC) were determined by the modified McMaster technique while trematodes were determined by the sedimentation method. Blood was analyzed for phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels. Faecal egg counts were significantly higher in the wet compared with the dry season. Most (P &amp;lt; 0.05) of the goats were within the reference values for calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in both seasons. Phosphorus concentrations were significantly affected by age with higher levels in the young (2.1 &amp;plusmn; 0.06) compared to the adult (2.0 &amp;plusmn; 0.03) goats. Alkaline phosphate was significantly affected by age with higher levels in young than in mature goats. Higher AST, CK, and GGT concentrations were recorded in the wet compared to the dry season (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Higher CK and AST were recorded in male than in female goats while for ALP, the values were higher in female than in male goats. Linear negative relationships (P &amp;lt; 0.05) existed between age and ALP, phosphorus, and FEC, while quadratic relationships existed between age and strongyles and Strongyloides egg counts. Calcium was linearly related (P &amp;lt; 0.05) to FEC, while CK was related to FEC in a quadratic fashion. Age of the Nguni goats can be used to predict faecal egg counts, phosphorus, and ALP levels.

Diet selection of Nguni goats in relation to season, chemistry and physical properties of browse in sub-humid subtropical savanna

This study was conducted to determine the influence of plant chemical, physical and phenology properties on diet selection of Nguni goats during the dry, early wet and late wet seasons in savanna in South Africa. Diet composition was estimated by direct observation of two different adult Nguni goats randomly selected from a herd each day for 7–8days in each season. Observations were made during active foraging periods for 2h in the morning and 1.5h in the afternoon. The duration of each feeding bout and the species of woody plant from which bites were cropped at each feeding station were recorded. Diet selection was determined from the relative duration of feeding. Diet preference of each species was expressed as an index calculated using the selection and relative abundance of woody species. Browse species consumed by goats were sampled and analysed to determine crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin, condensed tannins, cellulose and hemicellulose. Diet selection varied among the three seasons. The five species most selected (utilised) by goats were Scutia myrtina, Acacia nilotica, Dichrostachys cinerea, Acacia natalitia and Chromolaena odorata. S. myrtina was the most selected species during the dry season while D. cinerea was the most selected in the wet seasons. S. myrtina was the most preferred (highest utilisation relative to availability) in the dry and early wet seasons while A. nilotica was most preferred in the late wet season. Spinescent species were generally selected more than non-spinescent species in all seasons, while fine-leaf and deciduous species were selected more than broad-leaf and evergreen ones in the wet seasons. However, preference for broad-leaf and evergreen species increased in the early wet season. Although plant chemistry varied across seasons, it did not explain the preference of goats for various plant species in this study. Instead, effects of chemistry were species-specific. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the importance of evergreen browse species as a source of fodder when deciduous species are unavailable.