CAPE WOOLS SA Projects (2000 to date)

Development and demonstration of legume based fodder production systems for sheep in the WC (legume based pastures for woollen sheep).

Segregation of genes in a divergent selection experiment for multiple rearing ability, using Merino sheep for the detection of putative Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) for reproduction and fitness.

An investigation into the use of entomopathogens as control option against the sheep blowfly, Lucilia Cuprina, in SA.

Development of sustainable medic/clover pastures for wool production.

Development of a fungal pathogen-bait system for suppression of adult blowfly, Lucilia cuprina.

An investigation into the use of entomopathogens as control option against the sheep body louse, Bovicola Ovis, in SA

Formulation of breeding management strategies to monitor and subsequently improve low production performance of small scale farmers in the WC region.

Development of a model for lamb production; comparing the growth of different sheep breeds.

Studies on the detection, control by vaccination and the genetics of OJD.

Development of biorational insecticides based on entomopathogens against the sheep body louse, B. ovis.

Development of a fungal pathogen-bait system for suppression of adult blowfly, Lucilia cuprina.

“Genetic assessment of South African ovine meat traits for the future inclusion in breeding programmes” as well as “Using Australian ovine genetic resources to assist in genomic prediction of South African sheep”.

The evaluation of tail docking as a breech strike control measure.

Heat Stress

Johne's Study

Developing management strategies to improve productivity and sustainability of lucerne in long rotation lucerne/cropping systems.

The study of robustness in Merino sheep using either Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) information or biochemical parameters to identify putative genetic markers (SNP information).

Model for Lamb Production 

The evaluation of selection criteria for profit per hectare (breeding merino's for increased profit).

Ram breeding project in the communal areas of Ciskei & Transkei.

Establishment of a biological bank for Merino Sheep in SA.

The introduction and evaluation of improved woolled sheep genetics into commercial and communal farming areas of SA.

The effect of overcoats on qualitative and quantitative wool traits and animal welfare.

Management of communal grazing land of the wool sheep farming areas of the EC.

Pasture development for community livestock production from arable grazing lands of the EC.

Management of communal grazing land of the wool sheep farming areas of the EC.

Development of an automated on-farm decision support model for sustainable internal parasite control in sheep.

Validation of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis detection in ovine faecal samples (individual and pooled) under SA conditions using the VersaTrek liquid culture system and species verfication by PCR

The influence of shearing on growth performance of feedlot lambs under high temperatures

The improvement of total lamb output in merino sheep by selection for ewe multiple rearing ability

Validation of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis detection in ovine faecal samples (individual and pooled) under SA conditions using the VersaTrek liquid culture system and species verfication by PCR

Development of an ultrafine flock at the Tygerhoek Experiment Farm

Gene marking for production/reproduction traits

Establishment of ram breeding flocks for communal areas of the EC

Automated on-farm worm control decision support 

Maintenance of two Merino herds as resource flocks for research and reference flocks for a biological bank for Merino sheep in SA

A framework for rangeland monitoring and management within the arid and semi-arid rangelands of the EC and NC

Helminth Management 

The study of robustness in merino sheep using either SNP information or biochemical parameters to identify putative genetic markers

Evaluating the genetic relationsip between body weight, reproduction and body dimension measurements in Merino sheep (Establishment and maintenance of live herds of sheep and goat breeds in SA)

Biology of mosquito vectors of RVF and their role in maintenance and transmission of the virus in SA

Establishment of a reference population for future implementation of genomic breeding values for the South African Merino sheep breed

Wool Pesticide Residue Study

Biological Worm Control

Genome wide association study to identify possible genetic markers (SNPs) associated with reproduction of body weight in different sheep flocks

Establishment of a genetic pool of dual purpose sheep with premium quality meat and super fine wool under extensive conditions

Development of a mobile application for the identification of grazing, invader and poisonous plants in the Nama-Karoo Biome

Development of a method for the estimation of breeding values for resilience of sheep to interna paracites, which will be applicable under any environmental conditions, and the adaptattion of a susceptible laboratory population of Haemonchus Contortus to pasture

Genotyping of SA Merino Population

The adaption of a susceptible laboratory population of Haemonchus Contortus to pasture

The effect of wool sheep farming on the long-term diversity of the vegetation of the Karoo

The evaluation of selection criteria for profit per hectare in Merino sheep

The upgrading of a genetic fine wool merino stud

Investigation into the effect of feeding stress on the wool production of strong and fine wool merino sheep

The effect if supplementing pregnant and lactating ewes with high vs. low rumen degradable protein sources on their reproductive performance in the different wool producing areas of the RSA

Evaluation of genetic fine wool animals in non-traditional fine wool producing areas

A study of the effects of the application of the FAMACHA system on the production traits

A survey on the effectiveness of different problem animal control methods in the small stock industry in SA

Optimisation of non-degradable protein feed supplements for woolled sheep

The effectiveness of lethal and non-lethal control measures for Caracal in the Winterberg Region of the EC

Communal sector farming: Impact analysis of the Training & Development Programme in the communal areas of the EC

The effects of overcoats on qualitative and quantitative wool traits and animal welfare

Economics of wool sheep farming in SA

Situation analysis of the primary wool sheep industry in SA to provide a strategic framework for a more focused Production Advisory Service

Sterilisation of Bales of Wool by Irradiation (Disease Free Wool)

Communal sector farming:  Impact analysis of the Training and Development Programme in the communal areas of the EC

RVF vaccine trial

Critical Comparison of Wool

Predation Training & Development

Monitoring and characterizing the feasibility of hydroponically sprouted grain in three existing production systems

The positive role of wool's comfort properties in terms of climate change

Verify the effect of proper wool classing based on the NWGA standards on the price communal wool farmers receive on the formal market

Production of professional presentation and DVD on predator control

Sterilization of Wool by Irradiation

The introduction and evaluation of improved woolled sheep genetics into commercial and communal farming areas of SA

To evaluate and demonstrate appropriate technologies for economically sound planted pasture production for improved woolled sheep productivity

The measurement and control of temperature conditions within wool bales being transported

To develop, evaluate and demonstrate improved veld management strategies in the different biomes of the extensive sheep grazing areas of SA

Evaluation and adaption of supplementary feeding for profitable sheep production off veld and planted pastures

Agri Benchmark:  Sheep Local Network

To develop and demonstrate alternative holistic woolled sheep production systems for the various biomes of SA

The collection, interpretation and dissemination of all available date and information on the black-backed jackal and caracal

Development of national wool production cost profile

RFID

Environmental Economic Impact of Wool Production

Augmentation of lamb meat healthfulness and shelf life with antioxidant-rich red grape pomace

Development of a synthetic pheromone for effective control of the
caracal (rooikat), Caracal caracal

Whole Farm Decision Support Model

Review of SA Wool Research (1988-2020)

Scientific Assessment: Stock Predation Research

The development of veld management strategies for profitable woolled sheep farming in the False Fynbos Biosystems

Veld management strategies for the coastal Valsfynbosveld ecosystem

Development of a production forecast model

Does short duration grazing and animal impact improve livestock
production, veld condition and climate resilience compared to other grazing systems in a mesic grassland of South Africa?

Screening SA clip for DMF

Analysis of predator eliminations with respect to predator population dynamics and stock damage

Investigation Climate Change

Contamination Prevention Programme

Conversion to AWEX-ID for market reporting (AWEX licensing/audits)

Evaluation of in-store data capture technology

Promotion wool/mohair menswear: Joint venture with MSA

Ad hoc assistance for vermin control initiatives

Ad hoc on-farm technology transfer projects

Dark & Medullated fibre testing equipment

Data sourcing - emerging sectors

Development of SLD technology for predator control based on 1080

Establishment of biological databank for wool sheep

Evaluation/adaptation of supplementary feeding (off veld & pastures) for profitable sheep production

Financial assistance to combat Johne's Disease

Impact Analysis:  Wool Promotion

Market education - emerging sectors

Protein recovery from processing waste

Review and validation of the Cape Wools market indicator

Selection criteria for internal parasite resistance

User-friendly access system for NAMAD

Does short duration grazing and animal impact improve livestock
production, veld condition and climate resilience compared to other grazing systems in a mesic grassland of South Africa?

Does short duration grazing and animal impact improve livestock
production, veld condition and climate resilience compared to other grazing systems in a mesic grassland of South Africa