TRAINING & RESEARCH
Drakensberger—The Profit Breed
To become an inspector, the first step is to pass a course for learner-inspectors. Thereafter, the learner-inspector must complete 3 (three) inspection tours together with two other inspectors, and after each inspection tour the senior inspector must submit a positive report. The board can then promote the learner-inspector to junior inspector, after which another 3 (three) inspection tours must be completed in the company of two other inspectors. After each inspection tour, a positive report by the senior inspector must be submitted, after which the board may promote the junior inspector to senior inspector.
A refresher course for all inspectors is held annually during January/February. It is compulsory and only inspectors who attended the course, will serve on the panel of inspectors for that year. The year’s inspection tours are also set out here and inspectors appointed for the tours.
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Research
The technical sub-committee focus on research and a scientific approach to improve our cattle and our understanding of scientific tools and the latest research to our disposal. A number of studies have been completes in the past few years and have been documented as articles and Masters dissertations. Some of these studies are listed below:
The aim of this study was to compare the growth performance and incidences of health disorders of the Drakensberger breed to the collective total of all other beef breeds in feedlots. Results from Phase C performance tests at the centres, as well as historical growth and health data were gathered from a number of feedlots.
There seem to be no significant differences in the occurrence of metabolic disturbances and other diseases between Drakensbergers and other breeds.
DissertationThe adaptability and ability to handle heat stress by the Drakensbergers is illustrated in this study in comparison to other indigenous breeds and European breeds.
Drakensbergers do not stress about the heat. (Afrikaans)
Effect of heat stress on six beef breeds in the Zastron district: the significance of breed, coat colour and coat type.
Differences in physical traits such as coat score and hide-thickness together with tick burdens and body condition score in four breeds in the Southern Free State