Dairy R&D in SA

Associative perspectives: Beyond these definitions, recognition of animal care in recent times has become more prominent as it is inextricably linked with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), biodiversity, zoonosis and the success of implementing the One Health concept.

Beef production from dairy herds is possible through culled cows while bull calves can be reared for veal or beef production. This potential is however often not exploited, probably because of its relatively small contribution to overall farm income. In South Africa beef contribution from dairy herds is estimated to be about 10% of the total beef production. One reason is the small national dairy vs. beef herd and secondly that large Jersey populations are popular in pasture-based areas.

In the first experiment, the effect of simulated CIP was determined on the structure, attachment and growth of B. cereus spores isolated from raw milk and biofilms in filler nozzles from ESL milk processing lines. Simulated CIP treatment structurally affected more than 98% of B. cereus spores, while 0.1% remained intact. Following simulated CIP treatment, B. cereus spores were able to attach to stainless steel coupons and form biofilms. The spores were also capable of germination and growth under refrigerated conditions for more than 28 days.

M. van Niekerk, a student from South Africa, reported genotype x environment interaction in SA Holstein dairy cattle, clear differences being seen in genetic parameters between herds using a total mixed ration (TMR) or pasture-based system. Specifically, genotype by environment interaction for persistency of production between the two production systems were indicated with genetic correlations for the first three lactations of below 0.64 throughout.

Dairy farming is a water-intensive land use and one which can degrade water quality. Examples of potential impacts include:

1. Viability of Bifidobacterium species in probiotic yoghurt as influenced by reducing agents.

The camera frame was deployed at the University of Pretoria experimental farm. The frame was placed over the crush above the weighing platform. Three 3D cameras were used to capture the cow body from different angles – top, rear, angled – in order to obtain enough body information. During the course of the investigation several changes were made to the system and the data collection procedure to ensure the process went smoothly and as much of the collected data was accurate and usable as possible.

Age gelation is a process in which there is formation of a three-dimensional protein network within UHT milk which occurs during storage, and is marked by increasing viscosity before observable gelation. In South Africa, the dairy industry loses millions of Rands annually as a result of the condition in UHT milk. As such, there is a need to study and evaluate the possible correlation of variables that may contribute to the occurrence of age gelation in UHT milk.

Conception and re-conception rates of high-producing dairy cows remain of concern in dairy production systems, especially in the subtropics. Apart from the major effects of nutrition and specific nutrients on reproduction, other risk factors such as negative energy balance, inflammation and impairment of the immune response have been shown to affect re-conception rates. Dietary energy levels interact with blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and may influence the pregnancy rates of dairy cows.

Kikuyu-ryegrass may no longer be optimum in the south-eastern Cape because of a number of reasons:
•    Extended periods of lower than expected rainfall
•    Poor persistence of ryegrass, with a decline of as much as 44% reported in even the most productive ryegrass cultivars from year one to year two