Behavioral and Haemato-Biochemical Responses of Nguni and Boran Steers Post Relocation and Herd Regrouping in a Novel Environment

Slayi, Mhlangabezi; Muchenje, Voster; Njisane, Yonela Zifikile

doi:10.1080/10888705.2020.1759070

Cited by 5 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…Zhou et al (2022) support that the most common adaptation measure for preventing cattle loss is destocking or selling a specific section of the herd. Slayi et al (2021) support the idea that many rural areas are experiencing a rise in mortality rates and unanticipated sales as farmers are pushed to sell a portion of their livestock during periods of drought.…”

Section: Adaptation Practicesmentioning

confidence: 63%

Perceptions of Climate Change Impacts on Subsistence Cattle Production

Rankoana

2024

SVU-International Journal of Agricultural Sciences

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Despite the adverse effects of fluctuating rainfall and temperature on their productivity, cattle continue to be highly esteemed and raised for their cultural significance. This study delineates the ramifications of climate change on subsistence cattle production in South Africa's Limpopo Province. The study employed a qualitative approach and employed random sampling to select 23 cattle ranchers in the Waterberg District Municipality of Limpopo Province. The interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed through thematic content method. The research found that rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and intermittent drought compromise the cultural value of cattle as sources of food, household products, and ritual purposes. The primary impacts of these climate fluctuations are the decrease and limited availability of cattle fodder in the form of grass, leaves, shoots, pods, and crop residues, as well as the depletion of water resources. The adaptation practices reported in the study are a reduction in cattle numbers by selling, the provision of supplementary feed, and alternative water sources. The study suggests that agricultural extension officers should provide intervention and support to small-scale cattle farmers to help them reduce and adapt to the effects of climate change. This will ensure sustained food security at the household level. In addition, the study suggests implementing a dual strategy to reduce the impact, which involves implementing a combination of crop and cattle farming systems. This approach could be helpful in ensuring both food security and livelihood opportunities for rural communities that rely on natural resources to fulfill their essential requirements.

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Section: Adaptation Practicesmentioning

confidence: 63%

Perceptions of Climate Change Impacts on Subsistence Cattle Production

Rankoana

2024

SVU-International Journal of Agricultural Sciences

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“…Uncertainty in drought forecasting made things worse and brought disastrous consequences (Lottering et al, 2020b), because by the time livestock are marketed, the body condition is poor. The numbers are too large to be readily immersed by marketing channels (Slayi et al, 2021), resulting in very low prices, lack of sales and eventually deaths (Taruvinga et al, 2013). Predicting the timing, duration, and magnitude of climate change risks remains challenging, but the magnitude of livestock losses and livelihood impacts also depends on other climatic, ecological and socio-economic factors (Popoola et al, 2020).…”

Section: Updating Literature Progress On Climatic Risks and Mitigatio...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Over-reliance of communally managed livestock production to natural resources has become a major setback as they solely rely on natural pastures and dams to sustain themselves (Mandleni et al, 2018). Increased death rates and unplanned sales have become a norm in many rural communities, where farmers are compelled to sell a portion of their stock during dry months (Slayi et al, 2021). In most instances, the selling price puts farmers at a disadvantage to avoid further production losses through mortality (Lottering et al, 2021).…”

Section: Drawbacks On Mixed Crop-livestock Systems As An Effective Re...mentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Systematic Review of Climate Change Risks to Communal Livestock Production and Response Strategies in South Africa

et al. 2022

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Livestock offers substantial opportunities for food security and sustainable development with appropriate adaptation to climate change. Nowadays, climate change is among the critical problems facing less privileged rural people directly depending on livestock to survive. This paper aimed to analyse the existing literature and identify knowledge gaps about climate change impacts and response strategies in rural livestock production of South Africa. The study utilized a systematic literature review with key search terms such as “climate change” (weather, variability), “livestock” (monogastric*ruminants), “impact” (heat stress; feeds; pasture; production; reproduction; health; vector-diseases), and “adaptation” (strategies; vulnerability; risks; resilience). The search was run through scientific databases such as Google scholar, Science direct, Cab direct, Sabinet and Sematic scholar, targeting titles, abstracts and keywords. From the 62 suitable peer-reviewed publications examined in the current paper, five limitations were discovered, namely: (1) limited contextual studies of South Africa’s rural livestock farming communities; (2) a silo approach to investigations on impacts and adaptation in rural livestock production; (3) drawbacks on mixed crop-livestock systems as an effective response to climate change; (4) limited studies on monogastric livestock in rural communities; and (5) geographic underrepresentation of research progress in different provinces within the country. The study recommended improving geographic coverage of literature and inclusion of non-ruminants exposed to different climatic shocks. It is further advised that to gain effective responses to climate change impacts, mitigation strategies should be context-specific and holistic to improve livestock production in rural farming communities.

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“…They can be gray, fawn, or red in color. They are recognized for their high fertility, good mothering ability, excellent temperament, and great survivability under harsh conditions (22). Their early maturity and good meat quality will ensure their value in crossbreeding projects aimed at improving the productivity of beef herds.…”

Section: Source Of Animals and Description Of Experimental Sitementioning

confidence: 99%

Grass composition and distribution patterns as determinants of behavioral activities and weight accumulation of Nguni and Boran cattle post-relocation

2022

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Grass biomass composition and distribution patterns within the paddock as determinants of behavioral activities and animal performance of Nguni (NG) and Boran (BR) cattle post-relocation to a novel environment were examined. Ten steers of each breed aged 9 months were bought from two different farms and sent to Honeydale research facilities, where they were reared on rangelands for 12 weeks. Identification and classification of grass species were done every sampling week before introducing cattle to each paddock. Direct visual observations and durations of behavior and paddock occupancy patterns were recorded every fortnight between 0500 and 1900 h every week. Individual animal weights and body condition scores (BCS) were recorded two times per week. Location within paddocks hugely affected (P < 0.0001) the composition of the vegetation as most grass species were found everywhere on pastures, near the watering points and along fencelines. However, the distribution patterns of the grass species significantly differed at different locations. Aristida congesta was dominant (P = 0.0014) everywhere in the pasture and along fenceline than in areas with a high density of trees. Except in shaded areas, Cynodon dactylon (P = 0.0003) and Eragrostis chloromelas (P = 0.0008) were highly abundant near the watering points, pastures, and along the fenceline. Themeda triandra (P < 0.0001) was only prevalent everywhere on pastures except in shade areas, near the water sites, and along fenceline. In terms of palatability and ecological groups, highly palatable species (P < 0.0001) and decreasers (P = 0.0010) were more frequent everywhere in the paddocks. From Weeks 1 to 3, NG spent more time walking (P < 0.0001), while the BR showed a significant decline in grazing activities (P < 0.0001) in spite of several differences in vegetation composition. Both breeds showed a significant decline in weight gain (P < 0.0001) and body condition score (P < 0.0001) in the first 3 weeks. However, the two cattle breeds quickly compensated for their behavioral activities and weight gain, and this shows a good ability to cope with stress caused by heterogeneous environmental conditions.

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Behavioral and Haemato-Biochemical Responses of Nguni and Boran Steers Post Relocation and Herd Regrouping in a Novel Environment

Cited by 5 publications

References 28 publications

Perceptions of Climate Change Impacts on Subsistence Cattle Production

Perceptions of Climate Change Impacts on Subsistence Cattle Production

A Systematic Review of Climate Change Risks to Communal Livestock Production and Response Strategies in South Africa

Grass composition and distribution patterns as determinants of behavioral activities and weight accumulation of Nguni and Boran cattle post-relocation

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