RMRD SA funded as at April 2012
Current projects: title, researcher and objectives
Specialized creep feeding of lambs by Mr WFJ vdVyver "Optimize the amino acid composition of creep feeds for sheep production. Optimize the NSC content of creep feeds for optimal rumen development for sheep production. Improve the efficiency of lamb growth and production with optimized nutrition during the suckling and finishing phases of mutton production." Attenuated live heartwater vaccine: testing a subcutaneous formulation for sheep and goats by Dr Helena Steyn “Formulate an effective attenuated heartwater vaccine for sheep which is easy to administer.”
Epitope mapping of two heartwater proteins – sheep, cattle by Ms I Sebatjane “Identify T cell epitopes from two Ehrlichia ruminantium proteins of for use as vaccine components of a multi epitope vaccine for heartwater.” Worm control with remote integrated systems technology by Dr Jan van Wyk. “To develop software to enable farmers to make quick on-farm decisions on worm control, without the need for frequent laboratory sample analysis. Investigate use of remote sensing methodology for early diagnosis of effect of worm infection on small ruminants.”
Heme iron in sheep, beef and pork meat by Prof HettieSchönfeldt “Measure iron content, namely total, heme and non-hemeiron in South African meat. Update the current iron data in the South African food composition database. “
Benchmarking beef and sheep production systems nationally and internationally – A RSA network by Prof Willemse "Establish a local South African information system network (Agri-benchmark) for all beef and sheep stakeholders, which will add significant value for the local industry in terms of local comparisons, but also in terms of international benchmarking against market trends. Such a network will create a platform for improved understanding of these sectors (Beef/cow calf, mutton/sheep and wool). “
More specifically, this network can be used for:
- Comparative analysis of production systems (including profit and production costs), i.e. of the status quo
- Impact evaluation of technologies, policy and management strategies
- Platform for sector analysis
- Local and international benchmarking.
Economic study groups in the RSA – Sheep, goats, cattle by Dr AC Geyer “Ensure and support strategic management and marketing in the livestock industries – Red Meat, Wool, Mohair. Act pro-actively on changes in the market trends. Nurture better relationships amongst role players – Red Meat, Wool, Mohair.”
Traceability implications of alternative sheep meat quality attributes by Hester Vermeulen “Establish an effective traceability system in the fresh sheep meat supply chains in South Africa, that will protect, manage and govern the various food safety and quality attributes of locally produced sheep meat.”
Investigate the high income South African consumer’s perception towards beef & sheep meat by Prof HC Schönfeldt& Prof J Kirsten “Determine the current meat purchasing and consumption behaviour of the high LSM consumer. Determine the behavioural motivations and perceptions towards red meat (in high LSM consumers. Determine the current and most trusted information sources on red meat for the high LSM consumer. Investigate the middle income South African consumer’s perception towards beef & sheep meat Prof HC Schönfeldt& Prof J Kirsten. Determine the current meat purchasing and consumption behaviour of the middle LSM consumer. Determine the behavioural motivations and perceptions towards red meat (in middle LSM consumers). Determine the current and most trusted information sources on red meat for the middle LSM consumer.”
Investigate the middle income South African consumer’s perception towards beef & sheep meat by Prof HC Schönfeldt& Dr SS Duvenhage “Determine the current meat purchasing and consumption behaviour of the medium LSM consumer. Determine the behavioural motivations and perceptions towards red meat (in medium LSM consumers). Determine the current and most trusted information sources on red meat for the low LSM consumer.”
Investigate the lower income South African consumer’s perception towards beef & sheep meat by Prof HC Schönfeldt& Dr SS Duvenhage “Determine the current meat purchasing and consumption behaviour of the low LSM consumer. Determine the behavioural motivations and perceptions towards red meat (in low LSM consumers). Determine the current and most trusted information sources on red meat for the low LSM consumer.”
Reducing enteric methane emissions from sheep and beef cattle by Prof W v Niekerk “Determine the methane production from a range of South African grass species. Investigate the extent to which specific pasture components affect enteric methane emissions. To identify nutritional supplements that will reduce methane production from tropical grasses.”
Completed projects
Legume pastures for mutton productionby Dr Johan van Heerden “Identify productive and persistent legumes for grazing. To develop cost effective management practices for legume pastures. Transfer knowledge of legume pastures to producers and commerce.”
