Milk production potential of South African Boer and Nguni goats

(South African J of Animal Science, 2000, 30, Supplement 1: 76-77

Postpartum reproductive tract score in beef cows - a proposed method

(South African J of Animal Science, 2000, 30, Supplement 1: 120-121

The synchronisation of oestrus in sheep. 1. Dosage and time of prostaglandin administration following progestagen pretreatment

No Abstrac

Effect of controlled breeding on performance of beef cattle in Central Bushveld bioregion

In most extensive beef production systems in South Africa, calves are weaned at specific dates. This implies that cows that calve late in the season wean younger and lighter calves. In the current study, Bonsmara cows were mated naturally after synchronization over six years (2009 - 2014) in an extensive production system on natural veld in the Central Bushveld bioregion. Within the herd, 50% of cows were synchronized prior to the commencement of the summer breeding season and they were mated naturally for 90 days. The results indicated that calving rate did not differ significantly between cows that were synchronized and non- synchronized. However, there was a significant difference between years in calving rate. Oestrous synchronization prior to natural breeding influenced the average days to conception. The difference in percentage of cows that calved within 293 days of the onset of the breeding season between those that were oestrous synchronized and non-synchronized was 15% in favour of the synchronized cows. Although calves from synchronized cows achieved higher average weaning weights, the cost implications of synchronization offset the benefit of higher calf weights. Keywords: calving rate, oestrous synchronization, natural breedin

Effects of active immunization against androstenedione on the reproductive performance of Merino ewes

No Abstrac

The induction of puberty in female Boer goat kids

The effects of season, nutrition and presence of a ram at the onset of puberty in female Boer goat kids were studied. Permanent presence of a vasectomised ram with the female goat kids induced puberty earlier (P0.05) from female goat kids put on a low energy diet. Female Boer goat kids born in summer and weaned in autumn attained puberty earlier (P<0.05) than those born in spring and weaned in summer. The results of this study suggest that the reproductive functions, such as puberty, in female Boer goat kids can be manipulated through management techniques such as permanent exposure to the ram, good nutrition and strategic weaning and breeding

Seasonal variation in semen quality of Boer and Angora goat rams using different collection techniques

No Abstrac

Synchronization of oestrus in sheep: The use of controlled internal drug release (CIDR) dispensers

No Abstrac