Search

The study focused on the challenges of teaching at-risk learners at secondary schools. A qualitative investigation based on interviewing and observation was conducted with sixteen teachers teaching at-risk learners. Findings revealed that pre-service teacher training does not prepare teachers adequately to teach learners at risk constructively. Findings also revealed that at-risk learners have no control over themselves due to lack of parental support as parents show no commitment and support for their children’s education. Interventions to counter challenges with teaching at-risk learners relate to applicable preservice teacher training to engage with at-risk learners constructively and continuous in-service teacher training as professional development to empower teachers to engage with at-risk learners appropriately. At-risk learners must value second-chance education opportunities with schools ensuring that a supportive school culture prevails. The study contributes to the discourse on effective teaching practices to support at-risk learners for acceptable academic attainment.

Item does not contain fulltext

Teachers are exposed to stressful situations, of which increasing work demands is but one, leading to an alarming escalation of stress and professional burnout as career risks in the teaching profession. The focus of this study is on stress coping strategies to prevent burnout among primary school teachers in Lesotho. Some of the reasons which urged the researcher to carry out this study pertain to the fact that, although teacher burnout is an international concern, limited studies have addressed burnout and stress coping strategies among staff in the teaching service in Lesotho. Prolonged stress is a social problem leading to mental and physical ill health, with an increasing number of teachers leaving the teaching profession in Lesotho due to burnout. The population for the study was 600 primary school teachers who were engaging in professional development by pursuing a Bachelor of Education in primary education at the National University of Lesotho. This is a part-time programme offered by the University for practising teachers who hold a Diploma in Primary Education. The study followed a mixed-methods research approach, so for the qualitative study, data were collected using semi-structured individual interviews with 20 participants. For the quantitative study, questionnaires were administered to 350 respondents. Qualitative data were analysed using an inductive approach. Quantitative data were analysed using multiple regression, Chi-square and t-test. Key findings revealed that variables such as work overload, organisational climate and role conflict are predictors of burnout among teachers. Other variables predicting teacher burnout pertain to learner indiscipline, teacher personality and insufficient teacher remuneration. Burnout attacks career motivation. It also causes aggressive and violent behaviour among teachers. Teachers buffer stress and prevent burnout by employing constructive, less constructive and neutral stress coping strategies. The Lesotho Mini, Onderwysers word aan stresvolle situasies blootgestel, waarvan toenemende werkseise net een is; dit lei tot 'n kommerwekkende styging van stres en professionele uitbranding as loopbaanrisiko's in die onderwysberoep. Hierdie studie fokus op strategieë om stres te hanteer om uitbranding onder laerskoolonderwysers in Lesotho te voorkom. Sommige redes wat die navorser genoop het om die studie te doen, hou verband met die feit dat alhoewel onderwyseruitbranding 'n internasionale bekommernis is, is beperkte studies gedoen om uitbranding en strategieë om stres te hanteer onder onderwysers in Lesotho gedoen. Langdurige stres is 'n sosiale probleem wat tot geestelike en fisiese swak gesondheid kan lei, met 'n toenemende aantal onderwysers wat die beroep verlaat in Lesotho as gevolg van uitbranding. Die populasie vir die studie was 600 laerskoolonderwysers wat by professionele ontwikkeling betrokke was deur vir 'n baccalaureusgraad in Opvoedkunde in primêre onderwys in te skryf by die Nasionale Universiteit van Lesotho. Dit is 'n deeltydse program wat die Universiteit aanbied vir praktiserende onderwysers met 'n Diploma in Primêre Opvoedkunde. Die studie het 'n benadering gebruik van gemengde navorsingsmetodes. Vir die kwalitatiewe studie is data versamel deur semigestruktureerde individuele onderhoude met 20 deelnemers. Vir die kwantitatiewe studie is vraelyste aan 350 respondente gegee. Kwalitatiewe data is ontleed deur 'n induktiewe benadering te gebruik. Kwantitatiewe data is ontleed deur meervoudige regressie, chi-kwadraat en t-toets te gebruik. Sleutelbevindings het getoon dat veranderlikes soos werksoorlading, organisatoriese klimaat en rolkonflik aanwysers van uitbranding onder onderwysers is. Ander veranderlikes wat onderwyseruitbranding aandui hou verband met leerders se gebrek aan dissipline, onderwysers se persoonlikhede en onvoldoende vergoeding vir onderwysers. Uitbranding val loopbaanmotivering aan. Dit lei ook tot aggressiewe en gewelddadige gedrag onder onder, Barutiši ba lebana le maemo a kgatelelo ya monagano, ao go ona a bakwago ke dinyakego tša mošomo o montši, gomme se se feletša go kgolo ya godimo ya kgatelelo ya monagano le go lapa mošomong wa bona wa sephrofešenale bjalo ka go tsena kotsing ya mošomo wa bona ka phrofešeneng ya biorutiši. Nepišo ya dinyakišišo tše e go maano a go kgona go šoma ka fase ga kgatelelo ye ka nepo ya go thibela go lapa kudu gareng ga barutiši ba phoraemari ka Lesotho. A mangwe a mabaka ao a dirilego gore banyakišiši ba dire dinyakišišo tše ke mabapi le taba ya gore, le ge e le gore go lapa kudu ga barutiši ke tlhobaboroko maemong a boditšhabatšhaba, dinyakišišo tše mmalwa fela di boletše ka ga maano a go kgona go šoma ka mathata a go lapa kudu le a ka fase ga kgatelelo ya monagano gareng ga bašomi ka tirelong ya borutiši ka Lesotho. Kgatelelo ya monagano ye e tšeago lebaka le letelele ke bothata bja setšhaba bjo bo feletšago ka bofokodi bja maphelo a monagano le a mmeleng, fao palo ya godimo ya barutiši e tlogelago phrofešene ya borutiši ka Lesotho ka lebaka la go lapa kudu. Batho bao ba botšišwago dipotšišo ka mo dinyakišišong tše ke barutiši ba dikolo tša phoraemari ba 600 bao ba bego ba kgatha tema ka tlhabollong ya sephrofešenale ka go dira Kgrata ya Borutiši ka thuto ya phoraemari ka Yunibesithing ya Bosetšhaba ya Lesotho. Le ke lenaneo la thuto leo le dirwago dinako tše dingwe leo le abjago ke Yunibesithi ye go barutiši bao ba šomago bao ba nago le Tiploma ya Thuto ya Phoraemari. Dinyakišišo di latetše mekgwa ya dinyakišišo ye e kopantšwego, ka fao bjalo ka dinyakišišo tša boleng, datha e kgobokeditšwe ka go šomiša dipotšišo tšeo di beakantšwego ka seripa tšeo di botšišwago motho ka o tee ka o tee fao go nago le bakgathatema ba 20. Go dinyakišišo tša bontši, dipotšišonyakišišo di filwe baarabi ba 350. Datha ya bontši e sekasekilwe ka go šomiša mokgwa wa tirišo ya bohlatse. Datha ya bontši e sekasekilwe ka go šomiša dipalopalo tša go akanya kamano, Chi-square le t-test. Dikutollo tš

The researcher investigated ways of alleviating stress and burnout among secondary school teachers. In this regard, factors causing teacher stress and burnout, the effect of stress and burnout on the quality of teaching and learning, support structures offered by secondary schools, and coping strategies to deal with stress and burnout were relevant. A total of 20 participants consisting of 12 teachers and 8 school management team members were interviewed using individual and focus group interviews, and participant observation. Findings revealed that teachers are experiencing a range of stressors of a consistent and prolonged nature leading to burnout. The allocation of unfamiliar subjects as a stressor appeared to be a new finding not noted in any of the previous literature. Stress and burnout constitute a threat to teacher retention and effective teaching and learning. Support structures offered to teachers are inadequate, resulting in teachers using ineffective stress coping strategies., Die navorser het maniere ondersoek om spanning en uitbranding by hoërskoolonderwysers te verlig. In hierdie verband was faktore wat spanning en uitbranding tot gevolg het, die effek van spanning en uitbranding op die kwaliteit van onderrig en leer, ondersteuningstrukture wat deur skole aangebied word, en strategieë om spanning en uitbranding te hanteer van toepassing. Onderhoude, individueel en fokusgroep, is met 20 deelnemers, 12 onderwysers en 8 lede van die skoolbeheerraad gevoer. Data is ook met deelnemerwaarneming ingesamel. Navorsingsbevindinge toon aan dat onderwysers volgehoue spanning ervaar wat tot uitbranding lei. Die toewysing van vakke waarmee onderwysers nie vertroud is nie is as ‘n bevinding geïdentifiseer wat nie algemeen in die literatuur opgeteken is nie. Spanning en uitbranding affekteer onderwyserbehoud vir die beroep en goeie kwaliteit onderrig en leer negatief. Ondersteuningstrukture vir onderwysers is onvoldoende met die gevolg dat onderwysers geneig is tot die oneffektiewe hantering van spanning., Umcwaningi ucwaninge izindlela zokuciphisa ukucindezeleka nokushisa phakathi kwabafundisi besikole esiphakeme. Kulokhu, izici ezidala ukucindezeleka nokushisa kothisa, umphumela wokucindezeleka nokushiswa kumhangatho wokufundisa nokufunda, izakhiwo zokusekela ezininkezwa izikole zamabanga aphezulu, Kanye namaqhinga okubhekana nomphumela wokucindezeleka nokushisa kwakufanele. Ingqikithi yabangu-20 yabahlanganyeli abangothisa abangu-12 kanye namalunga eqembu lesiphathimandla sabaphathi abangu-8 besikole babuzwe imibuzo ngokusebenzisa izingxoxo zanye ngabanye kange neqembu lokugxila, Kanye nokubonwa kwabahlangayeli, Kutholakale ukuthi othisha babona ububanzi bokucindezeleka kwendalo eqhubekayo okungaholela ekusheni. Ukwabiwa kwezihloko ezingajwayelekile njengoba ukucindezeleka kubonakala sengathi kuyinto entsha engatholakali ezincwadini zangaphambilini. Ukucindezeleka nokushisa kwakha umsongelo ekugcinweni kothisa Kanye nokufundisa nokufinda okuphumelelayo. Izakhiwo zokuseleka ezinekezwa othisha azanele, ziholela kothisa besenbenzisa amaqhinga okubhekana nokucindezeleka angasebenzi.

One of the challenges facing education systems worldwide is the motivation of qualified teachers to teach at rural schools. Teaching at rural schools is a challenge as rural areas are characterised by adverse living and working conditions, making qualified teachers prefer living and working at urban schools where conditions are more comfortable. Namibia implemented the financial incentive to motivate qualified teachers to teach at rural schools and improve learner performance. The implementation of the financial incentive in Namibia has received little research attention in establishing its effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the financial incentive on the performance of learners at rural schools, as this performance relates to teacher motivation. To achieve this, a literature study and an empirical investigation were conducted. An interpretivist research paradigm informed the methodology for the study. A mixed-methods research approach, which relied more on a qualitative research design, included a research sample of 28 teachers, five school principals and two education officials. Data were collected through interviews and document analysis. Individual interviews were conducted with education officials and school principals. Focus group interviews were conducted with teachers. Document analysis entailed accessing applicable documents of each research site in the office of the school principal. Textual data were analysed and presented thematically and numeric data were analysed and presented as frequencies and percentages. Key findings established that financial incentive has contributed little to the performance of learners in rural schools. The fact that rural schools are not properly categorised according to environmental challenges results in teachers not receiving realistic financial incentive. Teachers were therefore not motivated by financial incentive, but by other factors relating to being tuned to nature in rural a

The aim of this study was to find solutions to problems relating to the fact that many township learners are not optimally prepared for the Grade 12 final examination resulting in them having limited possibilities for further studies and after-school employment. The main research question focused on how Grade 12 learners can be assisted to perform optimally in the final examination. A qualitative research approach was adopted using focus group interviews. School management team members and Grade 12 educators and learners from one township secondary school were selected as participants. The main factors that assist Grade 12 learners to perform optimally in the Grade 12 final examination relate to well executed leadership functions, competent teaching, learner commitment, effective policy implementation and sound school, home and township conditions. A school intervention programme that included formal studying by camping on the school grounds improved Grade 12 performance significantly.

This research focussed on the roles and responsibilities of school principals, School Governing Body chairpersons and finance officers in managing the finances of Section 21 schools to ensure that quality teaching and learning are provided within context. A qualitative investigation was conducted using individual interviewing. This was supplemented by a study of official documents on financial management at the different research sites. A research sample of 33 participants consisting of eleven school principals, eleven School Governing Body chairpersons, and eleven finance officers represented the selected eleven schools. The findings revealed that school principals lack knowledge and understanding of legislation on financial management. All three types of role-players lack capacity to augment school finances, capacity to manage school assets sufficiently, and capacity to comply with prescripts guiding school finance management. Based on the perceptions of participants, guidelines are provided to improve the capacity of the role-players to manage school finances effectively.

This study focused on the challenges female school principals face in managing their schools effectively and the possible strategies to overcome these challenges. Ten schools from Mpumalanga province were purposively selected as research sites. Participants were the school principal and a member of the school management team of each school. Individual interviews with the school principals and an open-ended questionnaire to the school management team members were used to collect data. The findings revealed that a lack of confidence in female leadership with related gender discrimination, a lack of support and respect from staff and the community, and unfair practices with the promotion procedures of women are the main challenges that hamper female leaders in managing their schools well. The fostering of a positive attitude towards female leadership, a strong support system, female leaders empowering themselves and an effort to build good relationships with all stakeholders represent solution strategies.

Gemotiveerde onderwysers speel 'n belangrike rol in suksesvolle onderrig en leer. Die doelwit van hierdie studie was om faktore te identifiseer wat 'n invloed uitoefen op onderwysermotivering. 'n Kwalitatiewe navorsingsontwerp van individiduele onderhoud-voering met agt doelgerig geselekteerde deelnemers is gebruik ten einde antwoorde te kry op faktore wat „n invloed uitoefen op die motivering van grondslagfase-onderwysers. Die doelwitte van hierdie studie was ook om riglyne aan onderwysers te verskaf oor hoe om hulself te motiveer en aan skoolhoofde oor hoe om hul onderwysers te motiveer. Daar is bevind dat faktore wat 'n invloed uitoefen op die motivering van onderwysers verband hou met die spesifieke skoolomgewing, die finansiële vergoeding van onderwysers, die werksverhoudings met ander onderwysers, die invloed van ouers, die verhoudings met die skoolhoof en die gedrag van leerders. As belangrikste motiveringsfaktor geld die onderwyser se eie lewensingesteldheid wat of op 'n positiewe of negatiewe lewensuitkyk gesentreer kan wees., Motivated teachers play an important role in successful teaching and learning. The aim of this study was to identify factors that have an influence on teacher motivation. A qualitative research design was used. Individual interviews with eight purposefully selected participants were held to get answers to the factors that have an influence on the motivation of foundation phase teachers. The aim of this study was also to give guidelines to teachers on how to motivate themselves and to school principles on how to motivate teachers. The results indicate that factors influencing the motivation of teachers have to do with the specific school environment, the financial reward of teachers, the work relationship with other teachers, the influence of parents, therelationship with the school principal and the behaviour of learners. The most important motivation factor is the teacher‟s own attitude towards lifewhichcanrepresenta positive or negative life view.

The Roggeveld consists of an island of Mountain Renosterveld (Fynbos biome) surrounded by Succulent Karoo biome vegetation. Since management of abandoned croplands depends on a better understanding of their succession sequences, vegetation recovery on abandoned croplands in the Roggeveld was studied using species and life form diversity parameters. Abandoned croplands of different ages were compared with each other and to the natural vegetation. Therophytes and chamaephytes were the most abundant life forms. Chamaephytes made an overwhelming contribution to the relative cover. Species-area curves (exponential function) differed significantly between the abandoned croplands and natural vegetation. Species richness increased with time since abandonment but no similar increase in species evenness, Shannon or Simpson indices were found. A regression of species richness against age of abandoned cropland predicted that an abandoned cropland of approximately 33 years should be as species rich as the natural vegetation, but a principal cooordinate analysis of floristic data indicated that all the plots were floristically still extremely different from the natural vegetation. Across all nine survey plots only 15 species contributed to a high cover on the plots. Vegetation recovery on abandoned croplands in the Roggeveld occurs naturally, yet the rate of recovery varies among the life forms. Keywords: diversity indices, Fynbos biome, old fields, species richness, Succulent Karoo biomeAfrican Journal of Range & Forage Science 2011, 28(2): 99 & ndash;110

English: A study was conducted to investigate the influence of antioxidant source and fatty acid saturation in a standard finishing diet on apparent digestibility, production performance, fatty acid composition and oxidative stability of lamb. The four dietary treatments consisted of the same basal diet (187 g CP- and 355 g NDF/kg DM) differing in the lipid source (30 g/kg of either saturated beef tallow or unsaturated soyabean oil) and type of antioxidant included (125 g/ton of either a synthetic or natural antioxidant). Eighty-four S.A. Mutton Merino lambs (27.64 ± 1.72 kg) were randomly allocated to the four dietary treatments (n=21 lambs per treatment) and subdivided into seven replicates per treatment (n=3 lambs per replicate). After dietary adaptation of 8 days all lambs received the experimental diets for the remaining period (41 days). A digestibility study was conducted over a 12-day period (4-day adaptation to the faecal bags followed by an 8-day collection period). Seven lambs per treatment were randomly selected and slaughtered at completion of the production study. Physical carcass characteristics, muscle pH, muscle- and subcutaneous fatty acid composition, as well as meat oxidative- (malonaldehyde content) and colour stability was measured. The apparent NDF digestibility was reduced (P =0.0548) with the inclusion of unsaturated soyabean oil in the diet compared to saturated beef tallow. This was associated with a significant (P <0.05) lower digestible NDF and ME content in the experimental diet. No significant (P >0.05) differences in dry matter intake, daily gain and feed efficiency of lambs occurred. The addition of unsaturated soyabean oil significantly increased (P =0.0003) the efficiency of ME utilisation in the diet. Lipid saturation level in finishing diets for lambs did not influence (P >0.05) the physical carcass characteristics and meat pH of lambs. Saturated beef tallow increased (P <0.05) the monounsaturated palmitoleic- and oleic acid cont, Afrikaans: ‘n Studie is uitgevoer om die invloed van antioksidant tipe en lipiedversadiging binne ‘n standaard afrondingsdieet op die skynbare verteerbaarheid van voedingstowwe, produksie van lammers, vetsuursamestelling asook oksidasie stabiliteit van lamsvleis te evalueer. Die vier proef diëte het uit dieselfde basale rantsoen bestaan (187 g RP- En 355 g NBV/kg DM) waarvan slegs die lipiedbron (30 g/kg versadigde beesvet of onversadigde sojaboonolie) en antioksidant tipe (125 g/ton sintetiese- of natuurlike antioksidant) verskil het. Vier-en-tagtig Suid-Afrikaanse Vleismerino lammers (27.64 ± 1.72 kg) is ewekansig aan vier behandelings (n=21 lammers per behandeling) toegeken, waarna elke behandeling verder in sewe herhalings (n=3 lammers per herhaling) verdeel is. Na ‘n aanpassingsperiode van agt dae is die proefdiëte vir ‘n verdere periode van 41 dae verskaf. ‘n Verteringstudie is vir ‘n periode van 12 dae uitgevoer (vier dae aanpassing aan missakke, gevolg deur ‘n agt dae kolleksie periode). Na voltooiing van die produksiestudie is 7 lammers per behandeling ewekansig geselekteer en geslag. Fisiese karkaseienskappe, spier pH, vetsuursamestelling van spier weefsel en onderhuidse vet, oksidasiestabiliteit (malonaldehiedinhoud) en kleur stabiliteit van vleis is bepaal. Die skynbare verteerbaarheid van neutraal-bestande vesel (NBV) binne die rantsoen het (P=0.0548) met die insluiting van onversadigde sojaboonolie teenoor versadige beesvet verlaag. Dienooreenkomstig het ‘n betekenisvolle verlaging (P<0.05) in die skynbaar verteerbare NBV- en metaboliseerbare energie (ME) inhoud van die sojaboonoliedieet voorgekom. Geen betekenisvolle verskille (P>0.05) in DMI, daaglikse toename en doeltreffendheid van voeromsetting van lammers het voorgekom nie. Die byvoeging van sojaboonolie het die doeltreffe ndheid van ME benutting in die diet betekenisvol verbeter (P=0.0003). Lipiedversadigtheidsvlak in afrondingsdiëte vir lammers het geen invloed (P>0.05) op die fisiese karkaseie

Several experiments were conducted to evaluate the ensiling of potato hash (PH) during the period. In the first experiment, a laboratory study was conducted to determine the nutritive value and ensiling potential of PH with poultry litter (PL) and ground hay as absorbents, and whey and molasses as additives. Triplicate samples of PH, PL and hay were collected and sampled for nutritive composition. Mixtures of 800 g PH/kg + 200 g/kg (as is basis) of either PL or hay were produced and treated with: no additive, whey and molasses. The experiment was conducted in a 2 x 3 factorial design (2 absorbents x 3 additives). Mixtures were ensiled in 108 anaerobic jars (1.5L) with 18 jars per treatment, and were stored at 24 - 28°C room temperature. Sampling was done on days 0, 4, 10, 20, 40, 60 and 90 for the determination of fermentation quality and nutritive value of the silage. Further, an aerobic stability test was done on day 90 by exposing silage to air for 5 days. The results showed that PH had 845 g/kg moisture, 11.4 metabolizable energy (ME) MJ/kg, 105 g crude protein (CP) /kg dry matter (DM) and 704 g starch/kg DM. Ensiling PH with ground hay compared to PL as an absorbent, resulted in a better quality silage as indicated by improved fermentation characteristics and chemical composition. Whey and molasses addition improved the nutritive value and the fermentation quality of PH silage but the aerobic stability was not improved. In the second experiment, potato hash silage (treated with no additive, whey and molasses) was produced by mixing 800 g PH/kg with 200 g hay/kg (as is basis), and ensiled in 210 L drums for 90 days, and the fermentation quality of the silages was determined thereafter. Diets containing either potato hash silage (PHS) or maize (Zea mays) silage (MS) were formulated and fed ad libitum to 32 South African Dorper lambs (23.5 ± 0.873 kg live weight) for 63 days. A digestibility study was conducted during the last week of the study. Furthermore, diges

A trial was conducted to determine the total rumen degradable protein intake (RDPI) required to maximise the digestible organic matter intake (DOMI) of beef cows consuming low quality grass hay from the Northern variation of Cymbopogon-Themeda pasture type (pure grassveld). Thirty five pregnant Afrikaner x Simmentaler crossbred cows (±517.08kg, SD 53.06) were randomly allocated to 5 treatments. Treatments provided the following RDP levels/cow/day 0g, 180g, 360g, 540g and 720g. A RDP source, calcium caseinate (90% crude protein (CP) on dry matter basis and 100% rumen degradable) was used and mixed with molasses based concentrate. The cows had ad lib access to low quality grass hay (2.26% CP, 73.94% neutral detergent fibre). The trial period consisted of 14 days adaptation, 21 days intake study and 7 days digestibility study. No statistical significant (P > 0.05) influence of RDP level on the apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) was detected. The grass DM intake (DMI), DOMI and metabolisable energy intake (MEI) increased in a linear and quadratic manner (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of supplemental RDP. The single broken-line model predicted DOMI/kg BW0.75 with higher accuracy (R2 = 0.45) than the quadratic regression procedure (R2 = 0.07). According to this model 4.03g daily RDPI/kg BW0.75 or 8.07% RDP of DOM was required to maximise DOMI of pregnant beef cows consuming winter grassveld hay. In a second trial the potential to substitute true protein with urea was investigated. Urea replaced 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of the natural supplemental RDP. The same procedure as described in the first trial was followed. The increasing proportion of urea did not significantly (P > 0.05) influence the apparent digestibility of DM, OM and NDF. There was a linear increase in grass DMI (P = 0.0355) at increasing levels of urea, with the highest intake observed when urea was used as a sole source of nitrogen (N). DOM

The study focused on the role of the school management team in curriculum change management. Apart from a literature review, an empirical investigation based on a qualitative research paradigm involving semi-structured individual and focus group interviews was used to collect data at three secondary schools in the Tshilamba circuit in Limpopo Province. Literature findings revealed that although, in the first place, politically inclined the introduction of Curriculum 2005 was also steered by the socio-economic needs of the country. Empirical findings elicited that although managing curriculum changes was a challenging effort on account of an initial and continuous lack of adequate training, the school management teams of the selected schools were acquainted with significant knowledge and skills on curriculum change management. This pertains to lesson plan management, supporting and monitoring educators, managing the school register and timetable and managing school finances to select teaching and learning resources.

English: A laboratory study was under taken to investigate the nutritional value of different Opuntia varieties from chemical analysis. One year old cladodes from six different varieties of Opuntia ficus-indica namely Castello, Chicco, Fusicaulis, Montery, Morado and Rubasta were randomly harvested in five replicates. The highest (P<0.05) average dry matter (DM) content was observed for the Chicco variety and was the average for all varieties generally low (9.13%). There were no significant difference (P>0.05) in ash content. Significant (P<0.05)differences among varieties were recorded for crude protein (CP) (3.7 to 8.1%), acid detergent fibre (ADF) (13.6 to 17.4%), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) (19.9 to 38.5%), cellulose (2.4 to 14.8%), hemicellulose (4.5 to 12.7%), lignin (2.51 to 21.5%), non fibre carbohydrates (NFC) (33.4 to 48.6%), ether extract (EE) (1.9 to 2.4%). The average mineral composition were as follows, phosphorus (P) 0.18%, potassium (K) 3.02%, calcium (Ca) 2.3%, magnesium (Mg) 3.6% and sodium (Na) 0.04%. It was concluded that in general cladodes could be classified as a high moisture energy source with an energy level between that of roughages and concentrates with a low CP and high Mg, K and Ca content. In a second study the influence of dry matter (7.12 to 27.6 %) and molasses (0 to 24%) content on the fermentation characteristics of Fusicaulis cladode silage was investigated. One year old cladodes was ensiled in three litre square plastic bottles (six replicates). A higher DM content were characterized with a lower (P<0.05) ADF, NDF, CP and EE content. The inclusion of molasses resulted in a lower (P<0.05) ADF, NDF and EE content. An increased (P<0.05) acetic acid (AA) content in Fusicaulis silage was observed as the level of DM and molasses increased. A higher silage DM content resulted in a lower (P<0.05) propionic acid (PA) and butyric acid (BA) content. No significant (P>0.05) influence of molasses on PA and BA occurred. Lactic acid (LA) con, Afrikaans: ’n Laboratoriumstudie is uitgevoer om die voedingswaarde van verskillende Opuntia variëteite vanaf chemiese ontledings te ondersoek. Eenjaar-oud turksvyblare vanaf ses verskillende variëteite van Opuntia ficus-indica naamlik Castello, Chicco, Fucicaulis, Montery, Maroda en Rubasta is ewekansig in vyf replikasies geoes. Die hoogste (P<0.05) gemiddelde droëmateriaalinhoud (DM) is vir die Chicco variëteit waargeneem en was die gemiddeld vir al die variëteite oor die algemeen laag (9.13%). Geen betekenisvolle (P<0.05) verskille in asinhoud het voorgekom nie. Betekenisvolle (P<0.05) verskille tussen variëteite is vir ruproteïen (RP) (3.7 tot 8.1%), suurbestande vessel (SBV) (13.6 tot 17.4%), neutraalbestande vessel (NBV) (19.9 tot 38.5%), sellulose(2.4 tot 14.8%), hemisellulose (4.5 tot 12.7%), lignien (2.5 tot 21.5%), nie-veselkoolhidrate (33.4 tot 48.6%), eterekstrak (EE) (1.9 tot 2.4%) waargeneem. Die gemiddelde mineraalsamestelling was as volg: fosfaat (P) 0.18%, kalium (K) 3.02%, kalsium (Ca) 2.3%, magnesium (Mg) 3.6% en natrium (Na) 0.04%. Daar is tot die slotsom gekom dat turksvyblare in die algemeen as ’n hoë energiebron met ’n energiepeil tussen die van ’n ruvoer en kragvoer, met ’n lae ruproteïen en hoë Mg, K en Ca- inhoud geklassifiseer kan word. In ’n tweede studie is die invloed van DM-(7.12 tot 27.6%) en melasse-inhoud (0-24%) op die fermentasie-eienskappe van Fusicaulis turksvyblaarkuilvoer ondersoek. Eenjaar-oud turksvyblare is in drie liter vierkantige plastiese bottels (ses replikasies) ingekuil. ’n Hoër DM- inhoud is gekenmerk met ’n laer (P<0.05) SBV-, NBV-, RP- en EE- inhoud. Die insluiting van melasse het ’n laer (P<0.05) SBV-, NBV- en EE- inhoud tot gevolg gehad. ’n Hoër (P<0.05) asynsuurinhoud (AA) in Fusicaulis kuilvoer is waargeneem soos die DM en melassepeile toegeneem het. ’n Hoër kuilvoer DM- inhoud het met ’n hoer (P<0.05) propioonsuur (PA) en bottersuurinhoud gepaardgegaan. Geen betekenisvolle (P<0.05) invloed van melasse op PA e, Agricultural Research Council (ARC)

No abstract available, National Research Foundation (NRF)

English: The purpose of this study was to develop a national grading system for lucerne hay in South Africa by identifying the most appropriate sampling, as well as sample handling and preparation procedures, the most accurate NlRS - nutrient calibrations and an accurate, cost effective quality model. Six hundred lucerne hay samples were obtained from different cuttings at different times in the seasons and from different commercial irrigation areas (sites) in South Africa. The 600 samples were scanned and screened through a NlR Systems Model 5000 monochromator (Foss). One hundred and sixty- eight samples representing the spectral characteristics of the South African lucerne hay population were selected and chemical analysed. The variation in nutritive value of South African lucerne hay was evaluated as an initial study. The highest moisture content recorded (13.54%) was safely below the critical moisture level of 16% for effective storage. The coefficient of variation (CV) ranged from 1.2% for dry matter (DM) up to 66.2% for acid detergent fibre-crude protein (ADF-CP). The average ash content was 12.97% (7.3 to 29.5%), indicating soil contamination. Relatively high average values were recorded for calcium (Ca) (l.35%), potassium (K) (2.53%) and iron (Fe) (874 ppm). The fibre fractions varied as follows: acid detergent fibre (ADF) (2l.26 to 47.28%), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) (28.89 to 65.93%), lignin (4.32 to 16.25%), cellulose (16.29 to 36.44%) and hemicellulose (5.26 to 19.86%). The mean NOMD for both 24 and 48hr (69.26 and 73.19% DM, respectively), was representative (CV = ± 8%) of the lucerne hay population. Crude protein (CP) (average = 20.7%DM) consists of 76.9% true protein. According to ADFCP, 6% of the samples were heat damaged. A second study was conducted to determine the effect of the grinding procedure on the moisture and CP content of the ground sample. Variance of analyses revealed significant (P<0.0001) differences in moisture concentration betwe, Afrikaans: Die studie het ten doel gehad om 'n nasionale graderingstelsel vir lusernhooi in Suid-Afrika te ontwikkel deur die mees toepaslike monstememing-, sowel as monsterhanterings en - voorbereidingsprosedures, die mees akkurate NIRS-kalibrasies en 'n akkurate, koste-effektiewe kwaliteitsmodel te identifiseer. Seshonderd lusernhooi monsters is vanaf verskillende snysels gedurende verskillende tye van die seisoen vanaf verskillende kommersiële besproeiingsgebiede in Suid-Afrika ingesamel. Hierdie 600 monsters is met die hulp van 'n Nabyinfrarooispektrofotometer (NlRS), Model 5000 monochromator (Foss) geskandeer. Eenhonderd agt-en-sestig monsters verteenwoordigend van die spektrale karakter van die Suid-Afrikaanse lusernhooi populasie is geselek-teer en chemies ontleed. Die vanaste ill die voedingswaarde van Suid-Afrikaanse lusemhhooi is in 'n eerste studie geevalueer. Die hoogste verkreë voginhoud, (13.54%), was veilig onder die kritiese vogvlak van 16% wat nodig is vir effektiewe opberging. Die koëffisiënt van variasie (KV) het vanaf 1.2% vir droëmateriaal (DM) tot 66.2% vir suurbestandevesel-protein (SBV-RP) gewissel. Die gemiddelde asinhoud was 12.97% (7.3 tot 29.5%) wat grondbesoedeling aangedui het. Relatiewe hoë gemiddelde waardes is vir kalsium (Ca) (1.35%), kalium (K) (2.53%) en yster (Fe) (874 ppm) verkry. Die veselfraksies het as volg gevarieer: suurbestandevesel (SBV) (21.26 tot 47.28%), neutraalbestande vesel (NBV) (28.89 tot 65.93%), lignien (4.32 tot 16.25%), sellulose (16.29 tot 36.44%) en hemisellulose (5.26 tot 19.86%). Die gemiddelde in vitro organiesemateriaalverteerbaarheid (NOMV) vir beide 24 en 48 uur (69.26 en 73,19% DM, respektiewelik) was verteenwoordigend (KV = 8%) van die lusernhooi populasie. Ru-protein (RP) (gemiddeld = 20.7% DM) het uit 76.9% ware protein bestaan. Volgens suurbestandeonoplosbare- protein, was 6% van die monsters aan hitte beskadiging blootgestel. 'n Tweede studie is uitgevoer om die effek van maalprosedure op die vog

English: The effect of whole (WMG), ground (GMG) and fine (FMG) maize grain in finishing rations for lambs containing 20 and 40% lucerne hay respectively was investigated. Thirty 3-month-old SA Mutton Merino lambs were randomly allocated to 6 treatments of 5 animals each. A digestibility and production study was carried out (60 lambs in total). All lambs were kept in individual pens for the duration of the various studies. The dry matter intake (DMI) of the lambs in the digestibility study consuming the ration with WMG was significantly (P=0.0052) lower than those fed FMG. Processing of maize grain resulted a significant (P<0.05) reduction in the apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, acid detergent fibre and gross energy as well as digestible crude protein and metabolisable energy (ME). In contrast with DMI (P>0.05) the apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and gross energy were significantly (P<0.05) decreased with an increase in roughage level to 40%. Acid detergent fibre digestibility showed no statistical significant (P>0.05) differences between dietary roughage levels. Lucerne hay level did not influence (P>0.05) the ME-content of the finishing rations within a specific physical form. Physical form of maize grain in finishing rations for lambs did not significantly (P>0.05) influence DMI, feed conversion and carcass characteristics. The inclusion of FMG in a finishing ration with 40% lucerne hay resulted in a significant (P=0.0013) lower MEintake. A significantly (P<0.05) poorer weight gain and energy efficiency were observed for lambs fed WMG in the ration. The inclusion of 20 and 40% lucerne hay in finishing rations of lambs did not significantly (P>0.05) influence DMI, ME-intake and weight gain as well as feed and energy efficiency. A higher (P<0.05) carcass weight and dressing percentage occurred when 20% compared to 40% lucerne hay was included in the lamb-finishing ration. It was concluded that the physical form of maize grain, Afrikaans: Die effek van heel (HMG), gruis (GMG) en fyn (FMG) mieliegraan in die afrondrantsoene vir lammers, bevattende 20 en 40% lusernhooi onderskeidelik, is ondersoek. Dertig 3 maande oud SA Vleismerino lammers is ewekansig ingedeel in 6 behandelings met 5 diere elk. 'n Vertering- sowel as 'n produksiestudie is uitgevoer (60 lammers in totaal). Alle lammers is gehuisves in individuele kratte gedurende die onderskeie studies. Die droëmateriaalinname (DMI) van die lammers in die verteringstudie wat die rantsoen met HMG gevoer is, was betekenisvol (P=0.0052) laer as die van die FMG rantsoene. Prosessering van mieliegraan het 'n betekenisvolle (P<0.05) verlaging in skynbare verteerbaarheid van droëmateriaal, ruproteïen, suurbestande vesel en brutoenergie sowel as verteerbare ruproteïen en metaboliseerbare energie (ME) teweeggebring. In teenstelling met DMI (P>0.05), het die skynbare verteerbaarheid van droëmateriaal, ruproteïen en bruto-energie betekenisvol (P<0.05) verlaag 'n die verhoging van die ruvoerpeil na 40%. Verteerbaarheid van suurbestande vesel het geen statistiese betekenisvolle (P>0.05) verskille tussen ruvoerpeile getoon nie. Lusernhooi het nie die ME-inhoud van afrondrantsoene binne 'n spesifieke fisiese vorm betekenisvol (P>0.05) beïnvloed nie. Fisiese vorm van mieliegraan in afrondrantsoene vir lammers het nie DMI, voeromset, en karkaseienskappe betekenisvol (P>0.05) beïnvloed nie. Die insluiting van FMG in 'n afrondrantsoen met 40% lusernhooi het 'n betekenisvolle (P<0.05) laer ME-inname tot gevolg gehad. 'n Betekenisvolle (P<0.05) swakker massatoename en energie-omset is waargeneem by lammers wat die HMG rantsoene ontvang het. Die insluiting van 20 en 40% lusernhooi in afrondrantsoene van lammers het nie DMI, ME-inname en massatoename sowel as voer- en energie-omset betekenisvol (P>0.05) beïnvloed nie. 'n Hoër (P<0.05) karkasmassa en uitslagpersentasie het voorgekom wanneer 20% in vergelyking met 40% lusernhooi in afrondingsrantsoene vir lammers i

Post-apartheid education policy as enshrined in the South African School's Act no 84 of 1996 transformed the education system. The policy ensured the right of access to the school of one's choice and lead to the migration of learners from township schools to former Model C and independent schools. The study aimed to investigate the management of learner migration using a literature review and a qualitative inquiry. Data was gathered through interviews with principals, School Management Team members, parents and learners who had migrated. The findings indicated that learner migration as determined by parents' social and financial capacity is; steered by factors such as a school's sound culture of teaching and learning on account of good principalship, dedicated educators, motivated learners and good discipline. It was recommended that the culture of teaching and learning should be cultivated in all schools through capacity building workshops for educational managers and educators to curb excessive Ieamer migration.

English: A specific calcitic limestone source that is widely used in South African poultry diets was evaluated during two concurrent studies. During the first study, the effect of limestone particle size on bone quality, egg production and eggshell quality was determined. Limestone was classified according to particle sizes as small (0-1.0 mm), medium (1.0-2.0 mm) and large (2.0- 3.8 mm). During the second study, the effect of different distribution ratios of small and large particle sizes of limestone on bone quality, egg production and eggshell quality characteristics was determined. Small (0-1.0 mm) and large (2.0-3.8 mm) particles limestone from the first study were mixed to obtain the following five distribution ratios used in the second study namely; 0, 25, 50, 75, 100% small or large particles. The experimental protocol for both studies was the same. Initially one hundred and thirty eight, 17 weeks old Lohmann-Silver pullets, were obtained from a commercial egg producer and randomly allocated to six treatments (n=23/treatment). All birds were kept in individual metabolic cages for the duration of the study. The influence of limestone particle size and distribution ratios of particles on feed intake, body weight and egg production was determined for weeks 33 up to week 70 of age. During weeks 54, 58, 62 and 70 of age, the effect of limestone particle size and distribution ratios of particles on eggshell quality characteristics such as shell weight, percentage eggshell, eggshell calcium egg surface area, shell weight per unit surface area (SWUSA) and shell thickness was determined. At 70 weeks of age, the effect of limestone particle size and distribution ratios of limestone particles on bone dimensions (length, width and weight), bone mechanical properties (breaking strength and stress) and percentage bone ash was determined. The results of the limestone particle size study indicated that different limestone particle sizes did not have a significant influence, Afrikaans: ‘n Spesifieke kalsitiese kalksteenbron wat algemeen in Suid-Afrika in pluimveerantsoene gebruik word, is tydens twee gelyklopende studies geëvalueer. Tydens die eerste studie is die invloed van partikelgrootte op beenkwaliteit, eierproduksie en eierdopkwaliteit bepaal. Die kalksteen is volgens partikelgrootte as fyn (0-1.0 mm), medium (1.0-2.0 mm) en grof (2.0-3.8 mm) geklassifiseer. Tydens die tweede studie is die invloed van partikelgrootte-verspreiding van fyn en growwe kalksteenpartikels op beenkwaliteit, eierproduksie en eierdopkwaliteit bepaal. Fyn (0-1.0 mm) en growwe (2.0-3.8 mm) kalksteenpartikels van die eerste studie is met mekaar gemeng om die volgende vyf partikelgrootte-verspreidings van 0, 25, 50, 75 en 100% fyn of growwe partikels te verkry. Die eksperimentele prosedure vir beide studies was dieselfde. Een honderd agt en dertig, Lohmann-Silver lêhenne (17 weke oud), is vanaf ‘n kommersiële eierprodusent verkry en ewekansig in ses behandelings ingedeel (n=23/behandeling). Die invloed van partikelgrootte en partikelgrootte-verspreiding op voerinname, liggaamsgewig en eierproduksie is vanaf week 33 tot 70 ouderdom bepaal. Gedurende die ouderdom van week 54, 58, 62 en 70 is die invloed van partikelgrootte en partikelgrootte-verspreiding op eierdopkwaliteit-eienskappe soos dopgewig, persentasie dop, kalsiuminhoud, eieroppervlakte, eierdopgewig per eenheid oppervlakte en eierdopdikte bepaal. Gedurende week 70 is die invloed van partikelgrootte en partikelgrootteverspreiding op been-metings (lengte, dikte en gewig), meganiese-eienskappe (sterkte en spanning) en persentasie been-as bepaal. Die resultate van die kalksteen partikelgrootte studie het geen betekenisvolle invloed op voerinname (P=0.6229), liggaamsgewig (P=0.4189), eierproduksie (P=0.3991), eieruitset (P=0.0599) en voeromset-verhouding (P=0.5025) getoon nie. Ooreenkomstig het verkillende kalksteen partikelgroottes geen betekenisvolle effek op gemiddelde eierdopeienskappe soos eierdopgew, Government of Lesotho

English: A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different dietary energy levels on the productive (ADG, FCR, body weight, carcass) and reproductive (scrotum, testes, semen) characteristics of young Dorper rams. The study was carried out in two phases at the University of the Free State campus in Bloemfont ein, South Africa. Out of a group of 60 rams, 36 animals that were successfully trained for semen collection with the aid of an artificial vagina (AV), were selected to be part of this study and housed in individual metabolic cages. During phase 1 of this study, 36 (11 to 12 months old) Dorper rams with a mean initial body weight of 42.0 ± 0.52kg were randomly allocated to 3 groups (n=12 per group). Each group was randomly assigned to one of 3 experimental diets (treatments), formulated on a crude protein, degradable protein, calcium and phosphorus equivalent basis. A medium energy (Me) diet was formulated according to the National Research Council standards (NRC) for young growing rams to serve as the control diet. The metabolisable energy (ME) content of this diet (Me) was increased by 15 % for the high energy (He) and decreased by 15% for the low energy (Le) diets respectively. The actual ME levels for the Le, Me, He: were 6.52, 8.09 and 9.39 MJ/kg, respectively. The rams received the diets and fresh water ad libitum during a 127 day trial period and were weighed once a week. Their ADG, FCR and ME/kg weight gain calculated and compared amongst groups. During this trial, a digestibility trial was conducted for 7 days (during week 14 of the trial), using 5 randomly selected animals from each treatment group. The amount of feed offered and consumed by each animal as well as the feaces excreted daily were recorded. The chemical composition of the diets and the feaces (dry matter, energy, crude and degradable protein) were determined. Semen was collected from each ram, every forthnight for 3 consecutive days, with the aid of an AV and evaluated for volume, Afrikaans: Die studie is uitgevoer om die effekte van verskillende energiepeile in diëte op die produksie (GDT, VOV, liggaamsgewig en karkaseienskappe) en reproduksie - (skrotum, testes en semen) eienskappe in jong Dorperramme te bepaal. Die studie is in 2 fases by die Universiteit van die Vrystaat kampus in Bloemfontein, Suid-Afrika uitgevoer. Uit ‘n groep van 60 ramme, is 36 suksesvol afgerig vir semenkolleksie mbv ‘n kunsvagina. Hulle is vir die studie opgeneem en gehuisves in individuele metaboliese hokke. Gedurende fase 1 van die studie is 36 Dorperramme (wat wissel in ouderdom van 11 tot 12 maande) en met ‘n gemiddelde aanvangsliggaamsgewig van 42.0 ± 0.52kg, lukraak aan 3 behandelingsgroepe (n=12 per groep) toegewys. Elke groep het een van 3 eksperimentele diëte, behandelings, (geformuleer op ekwivalente ru-protein, degradeerbare proteïen, kalsium en fosfor basis) ontvang. ‘n Medium-energie (Me) dieet is volgens die NRC-riglyne vir jong, groeiende ramme geformuleer en het as ‘n kontrole dieet gedien. Die metaboliese energie (ME) inhoud van hierdie dieet (Me) is met 15 % verhoog om ‘n hoë-energie (He) dieet daar te stel en met 15 % verminder vir ‘n lae energie (Le) dieet. Die werklike ME vlak vir die Le, Me en He was 6.52, 8.09 en 9.39 MJ/kg onderskeidelik. Die ramme het hierdie diëte en vars water ad libitum vir ‘n 127 dae proefperiode ontvang. Die diere is weekliks geweeg en die GDT, VOV en ME/kg gewigstoename is bepaal en tussen groepe vergelyk. Tydens hierdie tydperk van die proef is ‘n verteerbaarheidsstudie vir ‘n periode van 7 dae gedurende week 14 van die proefperiode uitgevoer, deur 5 diere lukraak van elke behandelingsgroep te kies. Die hoeveelheid voer verskaf en geweier deur elke dier sowel as die faeces uitgeskei, is bepaal. Die chemiese samestelling van die dieet en faeces (ruproteïen, degradeerbare proteïen en energie) is bereken. Semen is mbv ‘n kunsvagina elke 2 weke (3 opeenvolgende dae) gekollekteer vir semenvolume, algehele spermmotiliteit

English: A study was conducted to investigate the effect of variation in body weight (BW) of broiler breeder hens at onset of lay (23 weeks of age) on subsequent egg production parameters and eggshell quality (27 to 60 weeks of age). Ross broiler breeder hens (n = 198) reared under restricted feeding were randomly placed in individual cages at 23 weeks of age. Hens were divided into low (LBW), medium (MBW), and high (HBW) body weight groups as follows: 2007 - 2447 g, 2645 - 2777 g and 2975 - 3445 g, respectively. The production parameters were recorded on a three weekly interval during the experimental period. The hens in the HBW group laid eggs that were significantly (P<0.05) heavier than hens in the other two groups during the initial stages of lay (27 to 30 weeks of age). The HBW hens had a statistically (P<0.05) higher egg content in comparison to the other two groups only during the first production interval (week 27 of age). Egg production was not significantly (P>0.05) affected by BW at the onset of lay. HBW hens at the onset of lay resulted in a higher mean egg output (P=0.0071) from the commencement of lay up to 36 weeks of age. HBW hens laid eggs with thicker broad and equator ends than the MBW and LBW hens during the first 10 weeks of lay. No statistical differences (P>0.05) were observed in shell percentage, shell per unit surface area and egg surface area between the different BW groups. BW variation significantly affected shell weight from 27 to 60 weeks of age, as high BW was associated with heavier shell weight. The results suggest that a high BW at the onset of lay plays a positive role on the performance (egg weight, egg output, egg content and eggshell thickness) of laying broiler breeder hens during the initial stages of lay. In a second trial the effect of BW at the onset of lay on calcium retention and excretion of broiler breeder hens during the different stages of lay was investigated. Ninety randomly selected hens from the broiler breeder h, Afrikaans: ‘n Studie is uitgevoer om die invloed van variasie in liggaamsgewig (LG) van braaikuikenhenne aan die begin van die lêperiode (23 weke ouderdom) op die daaropvolgende eierproduksie parameters en eierdopkwaliteit (27 tot 60 weke ouderdom) te ondersoek. Ross braaikuikenhenne (n = 198) wat op innamebeperkte diete grootgemaak is, is ewekansig in individuele hokke op 23 weke ouderdom geplaas. Die henne is onderskeidelik in laag (LLG), gemiddel (MLG) en hoë (HLG) liggaamsgewiggroepe as volg ingedeel: 2007 g- 2447 g, 2645 g- 2777 g and 2975 g – 3445 g. Die produksieparameters is met drieweke intervalle gedurende die eksperimentele periode ingesamel. Die henne in die HLG groep het betekenisvol (P< 0.05) swaarder eiers as die twee ander groepe gedurende die begin stadium van die lêperiode (27 tot 30 weke ouderdom) geproduseer ‘n Statisties (P< 0.05) hoër eiereinhoud in vergelyking met die ander twee groepe is vir die HLG groep henne gedurende week 27 waargeneem. Eierproduksie is nie statisties betekenisvol (P> 0.05) deur LG aan die begin van die lêperiode beïnvloed nie. HLG henne aan die begin van die lêperiode het ‘n hoër (P = 0.0071) eiermassa vanaf die begin van die lê tot 36 weke ouderdom tot gevolg gehad. HLG henne het gedurende die eerste 10 weke van die lêperiode ‘n verhoogde (P< 0.05) eierdopdikte tot gevolg gehad. Geen statisties betekenisvolle (P> 0.05) verskille in persentasie dop, eierdopgewig per eenheidsoppervlakte en eieroppervlakte is tussen die verskillende LG groepe waargeneem nie. Variasie in LG het eierdopgewig vanaf 27 tot 60 weke ouderdom betekenisvol (P< 0.05) beïnvloed en het ‘n HLG met n swaarder eierdopgewig gepaard gegaan. Die resultate het aangedui dat ‘n HLG aan die begin van die lêperiode ‘n positiewe rol speel in die prestasie (eiergewig, eiermassa, eierhoud en eierdopdikte) van braaikuikenhenne gedurende die vroeë stadiums van die lêperiode. In ‘n tweede studie is die invloed van LG van braaikuikenhenne aan die begin van die lêperio, National Research Foundation (NRF), Professional Development Programme (PDP)

English: A specific calcitic limestone source that is widely used in South African poultry diets was evaluated during two concurrent studies. During the first study, the effect of limestone particle size on in vivo and in vitro solubility, bone quality, egg production and eggshell quality was determined. Limestone was classified according to particle size as; small (0 − 1.0 mm), medium (1.0 − 2.0 mm) and large (2.0 − 3.8 mm). During the second study, the effect of different distribution ratios of small and large particle sizes of limestone on in vivo and in vitro solubility, bone quality, egg production and eggshell quality was determined. Small (0 − 1.0 mm) and large (2.0 − 3.8 mm) particles limestone from the first study was mixed to obtain the following five distribution ratios used in the second study namely; 0, 25, 50, 75, 100% small or large particles. The experimental protocol for both studies was the same. One hundred and ninety eight, 17 weeks old Lohmann-Silver pullets, were obtained from a commercial egg producer and randomly allocated to six treatments (n=33/treatment). All birds were kept in individual metabolic cages for the duration of the study. The influence of limestone particle size and distribution ratios of particles on feed intake, body weight and egg production was determined for weeks 19 to 32 as well as week 70 of age. During weeks 24, 28, 32 and 70 of age the effect of limestone particle size and distribution ratios of particles on eggshell quality characteristics such as shell weight, percentage eggshell, eggshell calcium, egg surface area, shell weight per unit surface area (SWUSA) and shell thickness was determined. The in vivo and in vitro limestone solubility of different limestone particles and the different distribution ratios of particles were determined during week 37 of age. At 37 and 70 weeks of age, the effect of limestone particle size and distribution ratios of limestone particles on bone dimensions (length, width and weight), Afrikaans: ‘n Spesifieke kalsitiese kalksteenbron wat algemeen in Suid-Afrika in pluimveerantsoene gebruik word, is tydens twee gelyklopende studies geëvalueer. Tydens die eerste studie is die invloed van partikelgrootte op die in vivo- en in vitro-kalksteenoplosbaarheid, beenkwaliteit, eierproduksie en eierdopkwaliteit bepaal. Die kalksteen is volgens partikelgrootte as fyn (0 − 1.0 mm), medium (1.0 − 2.0 mm) en grof (2.0 − 3.8 mm) geklassifiseer. Tydens die tweede studie is die invloed van partikelgrootte-verspreiding van fyn en growwe kalksteenpartikels op in vivo- en in vitro-oplosbaarheid, beenkwaliteit, eierproduksie en eierdopkwaliteit bepaal. Fyn (0 − 1.0 mm) en growwe (2.0 − 3.8 mm) kalksteenpartikels van die eerste studie is met mekaar gemeng om die volgende vyf partikelgrootte-verspreidings van 0, 25, 50, 75 en 100% fyn of growwe partikels te verkry. Die eksperimentele prosedure vir beide studies was dieselfde. Een honderd agt en negentig, Lohmann-Silver lêhenne (17 weke oud), is vanaf ‘n kommersiële eierprodusent verkry en ewekansig in ses behandelings ingedeel (n=33/behandeling). Die invloed van partikelgrootte en partikelgrootte-verspreiding op voerinhame, liggaamsgewig en eierproduksie vanaf week 19 tot 32 ouderdom asook gedurende week 70 is bepaal. Gedurende die ouderdom van week 24, 28, 32 en 70 is die invloed van partikelgrootte en partikelgrootte-verspreiding op eierdopkwaliteit-eienskappe soos dopgewig, persentasie dop, kalsiuminhoud, eieroppervlakte, eierdopgewig per eenheid oppervlakte en eierdopdikte bepaal. In vivo en in vitrokalksteenoplosbaarheid van die verskillende partikelgroottes en partikelgrootte-verspreidings is gedurende week 37 bepaal. Gedurende week 37 en 70 is die invloed van partikelgrootte en partikelgrootte-verspreiding op been-metings (lengte, dikte en gewig), meganiese eienskappe (sterkte en spanning) en persentasie been-as bepaal. Die resultate van die eerste studie toon dat ‘n toename in partikelgrootte van kalksteen met ‘, National Research Foundation (NRF)

English: 1. A study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary Ca levels and feed restriction on the bone development of broiler breeder pullets up to 18 weeks of age. Six hundred and forty one-day-old Ross breeder pullets were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups; namely 1.0% Ca (0.45% Pi), 1.5% Ca (0.7% Pi), 2.0% Ca (0.9% Pi) and 1.0% Ca (0.45% Pi). The first three treatments were feed restricted while the last treatment was fed ad lib. At 6, 12 and 18 weeks of age 20 pullets were randomly selected from each treatment and killed. Treatment effects on bone dimensions (length, width and weight), bone ash, Ca and P contents of tibia, mechanical properties (bone strength and stress) were investigated. Increasing dieta ry Ca levels had no significant (P>0.05) effect on bone measurements. As expected, all the bone measurements significantly (P<0.05) increased with age. Feed restriction significantly (P<0.05) reduced all the bone characteristics. The results suggested that 1.0% Ca (average 0.7 g/hen/day) is sufficient to support bone development and growth for feed restricted broiler breeder pullets up to 18 weeks of age. 2. One hundred and ninety eight Ross broiler breeder pullets were reared on restricted diets with 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% Ca up to 22 weeks of age. The pullets in each experimental diet were further randomly divided into three treatments with 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5% dietary Ca (66 birds per treatment) fed from 23 to 60 weeks. At 35 and 60 weeks of age, 12 pullets per treatment were randomly selected and killed to obtain tibiae and humeri. Treatment effects on bone dimensions, bone ash, Ca and P content of tibia, mechanical properties, true cortical area (TCA) and percent bone were investigated. The 1.5% Ca diet resulte d in lower (P<.05) feed intake and body weight. Calcium level had no effect on bone dimensions, bone stress, ash content, Ca content of ash, TCA and percent bone. These results suggest that the 2.5% dietary Ca (4 g/hen/day) may be adequat, Afrikaans: 1. ’n Studie is uitgevoer om die effek van kalsiumpeile en voerbeperking op beenontwikkeling van jong braaikuikenhenne tot 18 weke na te gaan. Seshonderd een- en veertig dagoud Ross braaikuikenhenne is ewekansig aan vier behandelings toegeken naamlik: 1.0% Ca (0.45% P), 1.5% Ca (0.7% P), 2.0% Ca (0.9% P) en 1.0% Ca (0.45% P). Die eerste drie behandelings is beperk gevoer en die laaste groep ad lib . Op 6, 12 en 18 weke is 20 henne ewekansig per behandeling geselekteer en geslag. Behandelingseffekte op beenafmetings (lengte, wydte en gewig), beenas, Caen P-inhoud van tibia, beenbreeksterkte, beenspanning en porositeit is ondersoek. ’n Verhoogde dieet Ca-peil het beenafmetings nie betekenisvol (P>0.05) beïnvloed nie. Soos verwag het alle beenmetings betekenisvol (P<0.05) met ouderdom toegeneem. Volgens die resultate is 1.0% dieet Ca (gemiddeld 0.7 g/hen/dag) voldoende vir beenontwikkeling en groei van voerbeperkte braaikuikenhenne tot op 18 weke ouderdom. 2. Eenhonderd agt-en negentig Ross braaikuikenhenne is op innamebeperkte diete met 1.0, 1.5 en 2.0% Ca tot op 22 weke grootgemaak. Die jonghenne van elke eksperimentele dieet is verder ewekansig in drie behandelings met 1.5, 2.5 en 3.5% dieet Ca (66 henne per behandeling) ingedeel en vanaf 23 tot 60 weke gevoer. Op 35 en 60 weke is 12 jonghenne ewekansig per behandeling geslag om die tibia en humerus te verkry. Behandelingseffekte op beenafmetings (lengte, wydte en gewig), beenas, Ca en P-inhoud van tibia, meganiese-eienskappe (beensterkte en-spanning), ware skorsoppervlakte en persentasie been is ondersoek. Die 1.5% Ca-dieet het voerinname en liggaamsgewig verlaag (P<0.05). Ca-peil het geen invloed op beenafmetings, been sterkte, asinhoud, Ca-inhoud van as, skorsoppervlakte en persentasie been uitgeoefen nie. Volgens die resultate is 2.5% dieet Ca (4 g/hen/dag) nodig om beenontwikkeling en groei van voerbeperkte braaikuikenhenne te ondersteun. 3. Die jong braaikuikenhenne soos beskryf in paragraaf 2 is ge, University of the Free State (Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences), W.L. Kellogg Foundation

English: A study was conducted to determine the best natural source of rumen degradable protein (RDP) not provided by urea to maximize the digestible organic matter intake (DOMI) of a SA natural winter pasture hay (3.51% crude protein (CP) and 74, 23% neutral detergent fibre (NDF). The crude protein degradability of natural winter pasture hay (Cymbopogon- Themeda), cotton oilcake, soybean oilcake and sunflower oilcake was determined by means of the in- sacco- technique. These crude protein degradability values were used to formulate three RDP supplements according to current recommendations (4.01g RDP/kg W 0.75) using the three oilcakes respectively. Urea provided 50% of the supplemental RDP. The other feed ingredients were salt, begasse, molasses, feed grade sulphur and trace minerals. Seven steers (217 SD ± 9.91 kg) per treatment randomly divided were used. The experimental period consist of 14 -day's adaptation, 21- days' intake and 7 days collection period (conventional digestibility study). A significant (P< 0.0001) higher apparent digestibility of NDF occurred when the sunflower oilcake supplement was fed to the steers. The apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), CP and gross energy (GE) was however not influenced significantly (P> 0.05) when different oilcakes supplements were fed. Likewise DOMI/kg W 0.75 , rumen volatile fatty acid concentration and rumen pH did not differ significantly (P> 0.05). The ammonia nitrogen (NH3N) concentration of the rumen fluid of steers that consumed the sunflower oilcake supplements were significantly (P< 0.04) lower than that of cotton oilcake. In a second study the optimum ratio of supplemented urea to the most available oilcake (cotton seed) was investigated. Urea replaced: 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of the natural supplemental RDP. The same procedure as described in the first study was used. Steers with an average mass of 200 ± 19.96 kg were used. The replacement of natural supplemental RDP with ure, Afrikaans: 'n Studie is uitgevoer om te bepaal wat die beste natuurlike bron van rumen degradeerbare proteïen (RDP) is wat nie deur ureum verskaf word nie, wat maksimum verteerbare organiese materiaal inname (VOMI) van 'n tipiese Suid Afrikaanse winterveld ( 3.51% ru-proteïen (RP) en 74.23% neutral bestande vesel (NBV) sal bewerkstellig. Die ruproteien degradeerbaarheid van winterveldhooi ( Cymbopogon-, Themeda), katoensaadoliekoek, soja oliekoek en sonneblomoliekoek is deur middel van die in- sacco- tegniek bepaal. Hierdie proteïen degradeerbaarheid waardes is gebruik om drie RDP aanvullings met die drie oliekoeke onderskeidelik te formuleer wat aan die huidige aanbevelings voldoen (4.01g RDPlkg W 0.75) . Ureum het 50% van die aanvullende RDP verskaf. Die ander bestandele was sout, bagasse, molasses, voergraad swawel en spoorminerale. Sewe osse (217 ± 9.91 kg) per behandeling wat ewekansig verdeel is, is gebruik. Die proeftydperk het bestaan uit 'n; 14 dae aanpassing, 21 dae inname en 7 dae miskolleksie periode (konvensionele verteringstudie). 'n Betekenisvolle (P<0.000I) hoër skynbare verteerbaarheid vir NBV is verkry waar sonneblomoliekoek aan osse gevoer is. Die skynbare verteerbaarheid van droë materiaal (DM), organiese materiaal (OM), RP en bruto energie (BE) is nie betekenisvol (P>0.05) beïnvloed wanneer verskillende oliekoekaanvullings gevoer is nie. VOMI/kg W 0.75 , vlugtige vetsure en pH is ook nie betekenisvol (P>0.05) beïnvloed nie. Die ammonium stikstof (NH3N) konsentrasie van die rumenvloeistof van osse wat die sonneblomoliekoek- III vergelyking met die katoenoliekoekaanvulling ontvang het was betekenisvol (P< 0.05) laer. In 'n tweede studie is die optimum verhouding van aanvullende ureum tot die mees komersieël beskikbare oliekoek (katoensaadoliekoek) ondersoek. Ureum het 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% en 100% van die natuurlike RDP vervang. Dieselfde prosedure soos beskryf in die eerste studie is gevolg. Proefosse met 'n gemiddelde massa van 200 ± 19.26 kg is geb

English: A study was conducted to investigate the influence of different particle sizes of a specific amorphous limestone source (calcium carbonate) in a layer diet on egg production and egg quality at peak production (week 24). Ninety nine layer pullets, 17 weeks old, were obtained from a commercial layer breeder. The pullets were randomly allocated to three groups. All the pullets received the same layer diet. The only differences among the treatment groups were that the pullets in each group received one of the three different particle sizes in the diet namely:- (a) Less than 1.0 millimetre (b) 1.0 and 2.0 millimetre (c) 2.0 and 3.8 millimetre The influence of the three particle sizes on the feed intake, body weight and egg production as well as egg characteristics was recorded. The average weekly feed intake, body weight and egg production of layers from week 18 up to 28 were not (P> 0.05) different among the layer diets with the different particle sizes. The particle size of limestone in the layer diets did not influence egg weight (P= 0.2159) and egg output (P=0.2388) significantly at peak production. Average egg weight tended (P= 0.2159) to be heavier when coarse particles were fed. No statistic al significant (P> 0.05) differences in egg volume, egg contents, egg surface area, shell weight per unit surface area, shell percentage and shell thickness occurred. According to these results limestone particle size in layer diets has no influence on eggshell quality. In the second study the effect of particle size distribution of a specific limestone source in layer diet on egg production and egg quality at peak production (week 24) was investigated. One hundred and sixty seven layer pullets , 17 weeks old, were obtained from a commercial layer breeder. The pullets were randomly allocated to five groups. All the pullets received the same layer diet. The only differences among the treatment groups were that the pullets in each group received one of five different ra, Afrikaans: ’n Studie is uitgevoer om die invloed van verskillende partikelgroottes van ’n spesifieke amo rfe kalksteenbron (kalsiumkarbonaat) in lêhendiëte op eierproduksie en eierkwaliteit by piekproduksie (24 weke) na te gaan. Nege - en negentig, 17 weke oud lêhenne is van ’n kommersiële teler verkry. Die henne is ewekansig in drie groepe ingedeel. Al die lêhenne het dieselfde lêhendieet ontvang. Die enigste verskille tussen die behandelings was dat die lêhenne in elke groep een van drie verskillende partikelgroottes in die diet ontvang het naamlik: - a) kleiner as 1.0 millimeter b) tussen 1.0 en 2.0 millimeter c) tussen 2.0 en 3.8 millimeter Die invloed van die drie partikelgroottes op voerinname, liggaamsgewig en eierproduksie asook eiereienskappe is ondersoek. Die gemiddelde weeklikse voerinname, liggaamsgewig en eierproduksie van lêhenne vanaf 1 8 tot 28 weke h et nie betekenisvol (P>0.05) tussen die lêhendiete met verskillende kalksteen partikelgroottes verskil nie. Die partikelgroottes van voerkalk in die lêhendiete het nie eiergewig betekenisvol (P=0.2159) by piekproduksie beïnvloed nie. Gemiddelde eiergewig (P = 0.2159) en eiermassa (g eier/hen/dag) (P= 0.2388) het geneig om swaarder te wees indien growwe kalksteen verskaf is. Geen statisties betekenisvolle (P>0.05) verskille in eiervolume, eierinhoud, eieroppervlakte, dopgewig per eenheid oppervlakte, dop persentasie en dopdikte het voorgekom nie. Volgens hierdie resultate het kalksteen, partikelgrootte in lêhendiete geen invloed op eierdopkwaliteit nie. In ’n tweede studie is die invloed van partikelgrootte verspreiding van ’n spesifieke kalksteenbron in ’n lêhendieet op eierproduksie en eierkwaliteit by piekproduksie (24 weke) ondersoek. Eenhonderd sewe - en sestig 17 weke oud lêhenne is van ’n kommersiële teler verkry. Die lêhenne is ewekansig aan vyf groepe toegeken. Al die lêhenne het dieselfde lêhe ndieet ontvang. Die enigste verskille tussen die behandelings was dat die lêhenne in elke groep onders, Botswana Defence Force