First Study on Small Stock Industry Completed

Dr Jasper Cloete of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (Cape Institute for Agricultural Training: Elsenburg) recently completed his PhD at the University of Stellenbosch. His dissertation was titled: "Evaluation of South African small stock genetic resources for production and meat quality traits". The study was completed under the supervision of Prof Louw Hoffman (US) and Prof Schalk Cloete (Dept of Agriculture: Institute of Animal Production).

The dissertation is the first comprehensive effort to evaluate the genetic resource available for South African small stock. Characteristics that were investigated included reproduction, meat production as well as wool production.

The study can be viewed as the most comprehensive study ever undertaken regarding the quality characteristics of mutton and lamb. All the most important small stock breeds, i.e. Merino, Dohne Merino, SA Mutton Merino, Dorper and the Boerbok, were evaluated as dam lines. Sire breeds that were considered, were the Dormer, Dorper, Suffolk, Ile de France, Merino Landsheep and the SA Mutton Merino. Both the yield of the product (quantity), as well as the quality of the product were considered during the evaluation.

Large variation were found between the respective genotypes, while considerable variation also occurred within genotypes between individuals. These differences between animals can be successfully applied to improve the productivity of South African small stock, consequently ensuring continued profitability for small stock farmers. A number of future strategies and recommendations for further research stemmed from this study.

These recommendations have implications for the stud industry, as well as for commercial sheep producers. Guidelines for the improvement of production and profitability through linkages with the National Small Stock Improvement Scheme are being proposed for both sectors. These avenues of thought stimulated new projects that are currently underway. Both the local and the international external examinator described the research as timely and innovative. Four scientific articles have already been published from the study, while seven contributions have been presented at national and international scientific conferences.

Issued by:
Charlene Nieuwoudt
Communications Manager
Western Cape Department of Agriculture
Tel: 021 808 5008
Fax: 021 808 5000

Media Queries:
Liesl Muller
Tel: 021 808 5196