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Life Science Journal 
				
ISSN:1097-8135
				
Volume 8 - Number 2 Supplement, June 25, 2011
				
Cover Page, Introduction, Contents, Call for Papers, Author Index, lsj0802s 
				

					
CONTENTS
				
              

               

                

                
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				Isolation of 
				enteric bacterial pathogens from raw mince meat in Mafikeng, 
				North-West Province, South Africa
				

				 
				

				Collins Njie Ateba, 
				Thato Setona
				

				 
				

				Department 
				of Biological Sciences, School of Environmental and Health 
				Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, 
				North-West University – Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, 
				South Africa.
				

				
				
				atebacollins1@hotmail.com
				

				 
				

				Abstract: 
				A large 
				proportion of the world’s population rely on meat as a source of 
				food. Enteric bacteria species can cause infections in humans 
				when undercooked meat products are consumed. The aim of the 
				study was to isolate enteric bacteria species from raw mince 
				meat obtained from some supermarkets and butcheries in Mafikeng. 
				Ten raw mince meat samples were collected from these two types 
				of meat retail shops in the Mafikeng area in the North-West 
				Province, South Africa. The makeup of these included; 6 meat 
				samples from butcheries and 4 from supermarkets. The samples 
				were analyzed for the presence of enteric bacteria using SSA and 
				XLD agar. A total of 150 isolates that satisfied the preliminary 
				biochemical tests (oxidase, citrate utilization and TSI tests) 
				were further confirmed using API 20E assay and 96 were 
				positively identified as enteric bacteria species. The 
				proportion of enteric bacteria was higher in samples obtained 
				from butcheries (B1 and B3 with 86.7%, respectively) than in the 
				supermarkets (43.3% to 53.3%). The most frequently identified 
				species were Serratia odorifera (17.3%), Escherichia 
				coli (10.0%), Klebsiella oxytoca (6.7%) and 
				Enterobacter aerogenes (6.0%). Enteric bacteria species were 
				isolated and positively identified in all meat sample collected 
				from the different sampling sites in Mafikeng. Although most of 
				the species identified are pathogenic to humans, some have 
				strains that are known to cause foodborne outbreaks even in 
				countries with proper public health facilities. It is therefore 
				recommended that effective food safety education and training of 
				personnel that handle food at retail points will help in 
				reducing the effect of these pathogens on humans.
				

				[Collins 
				Njie Ateba, Thato Setona. Isolation of enteric bacterial 
				pathogens from raw mince meat in Mafikeng, North-West Province, 
				South Africa. Life Science 
				Journal. 2011;8(S2):1-7] (ISSN: 1097 – 8135). 
				
				http://www.lifesciencesite.com.
				

				
				doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.01
				

				Keywords: 
				Enteric bacteria, prevalence, meat contamination, Salmonella 
				Shigella agar (SSA), Xylose Lysin Deoxycholate agar (XLD).
                

                

                
                
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				Effect of layer 
				chicken litter and yellow maize meal on mineral status of 
				bovine.
				

				 
				

				
				T. P. Ateba* and D. E. Beighle
				

				 
				

				Dale 
				Beighle Centre for Animal Health Studies, School of Agricultural 
				Sciences, North-West University-Mafikeng Campus, P. Bag X 2046 
				Mmabatho 2735, South Africa.
				

				
				
				tshepna77@hotmail.com
				

				Abstract: 
				Twelve Friesian 
				calves were blocked according to sex and age and assigned to 
				treatment and control groups (six calves in each group). The aim 
				of this research was to compare the value of layer chicken 
				litter and yellow maize meal as a source of Phosphorus (P) in 
				cattle by determining their concentration in faeces, blood and 
				bone. To find an inexpensive and useful supplement that can be 
				used by communal farmers as a feed to improve the mineral status 
				of their cattle or to supply their phosphorus (P) needs. The 
				licks were given so that an equal amount of concentrate was 
				given to both the treatment and the control animals. Faecal, 
				blood, bone samples and the licks were collected and analysed 
				for P concentration. Data was collected for P concentration in 
				mg% for blood and in mg/g for bone, faeces and lick consumption. 
				The serum inorganic phosphorus (SIP) concentration was 
				significantly (P<0.05) higher at all sampling periods for the 
				animals that received layer chicken litter (TCL) than those that 
				received yellow maize meal (CNT) only. The mean faecal P 
				concentration was significantly (P<0.05) higher for the TCL 
				animals at all sampling periods on a fresh, dry and ash weight 
				basis when compared to the CNT animals. 
				

				[T. P. Ateba
				and D. E. Beighle: Effect of layer chicken litter and 
				yellow maize meal on mineral status of bovine; Life 
				Science Journal. 2011;8(S2):8-11 ] (ISSN: 1097 – 8135). 
				
				
				http://www.lifesciencesite.com.
				

				
				doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.02
				

				 
				

				Keywords: 
				Layer chicken 
				litter, yellow maize meal, faecal P and serum inorganic P.
                

                

                
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				Effects of Seed Sowing Depth on 
				Emergence and Early Seedling Development of Two African 
				Indigenous Leafy Vegetables
				

				
				T.M. Seeiso and S.A. Materechera
				

				
				Crop Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Science & 
				Technology, North West University (Mafikeng Campus), South 
				Africa.
				

				Corresponding author email:
				
				thaky2009@yahoo.com
				

				 
				

				
				
				 Abstract: 
				Depth of sowing can affect early crop establishment due to poor 
				seedling emergence. A glasshouse study was conducted to 
				investigate the effects of sowing depths (1.5, 3.5, 7, 10, 15, 
				20, 25, 30 mm) on emergence and early seedling development of 
				two each of African indigenous (Amaranthus hybridus & Cleome 
				gynandra) and exotic (Spinacia oleracea & Brassica napus) leafy 
				vegetables. A split plot design with four replicates was used. 
				Exotic vegetables had significantly higher (p<0.05) seedling 
				emergence (95%) than the indigenous ones (60%). Among the 
				indigenous species, Cleome gynandra had a higher emergence (70%) 
				than Amaranthus hybridus (61%). However, there were no 
				significant differences on emergence amongst the exotic 
				vegetables. Exotic vegetables also had significantly higher 
				(p<0.05) mean plant height (8.6 cm) than indigenous vegetables 
				(1.01 cm). In all the vegetable species, both emergence and 
				plant height decreased with deeper sowing due to higher soil 
				strength. The biomass yields of the seedlings were reduced with 
				deeper sowing although the differences were not significant. 
				There were however significant differences (p<0.05) among the 
				biomass yields of the vegetable species at different sowing 
				depths. Generally, significantly higher biomass yields (6.4 
				g/plant) were obtained in exotic species compared with 
				indigenous ones (0.2 g/plant). The results suggest that seeds of 
				African indigenous leafy vegetables were more sensitive than the 
				exotic ones to deeper (>5 mm) sowing and their emergence was 
				more adversely affected by soil strength at this depth. It is 
				concluded that seeds of African indigenous vegetables should be 
				sown at shallower depths (1-5 mm) in order to ensure rapid 
				emergence and early establishment of seedlings if sown directly 
				into the soil.
				

				
				[T.M. Seeiso and S.A. Materechera. Effects of Seed Sowing 
				Depth on Emergence and Early Seedling Development of Two African 
				Indigenous Leafy Vegetables. 
				Life Science Journal. 2011;8(S2):12-17] (ISSN: 1097 – 8135). 
				
				
				http://www.lifesciencesite.com.
				

				
				doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.03
				

				
				 
				

				
				
				Keywords: 
				
				Crop establishment, 
				
				soil strength, indigenous vegetables, seedling emergence, sowing 
				depth
                

                

                
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				Microbiological quality control study of some processed fruit 
				juices by conventional approach
				

				
				
				 
				

				
				Babalola Olubukola O1*, Fagade Obashola E2, 
				and Gopane Ramokoni E1
				

				
				
				 
				

				
				1Department 
				of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and 
				Technology, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag 
				X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa.
				

				
				2Department 
				of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, 
				Ibadan, Nigeria
				

				
				*Email:
				
				
				
				olubukola.babalola@nwu.ac.za, 
				Tel:+27183892568, Fax:+27183892134
				

				
				
				 
				

				
				
				Abstract: 
				Whilst consumption may occur throughout the year, production and 
				processing of the fruits is seasonal. This necessitates storage 
				and blending of the juices to produce uniform products. The pH 
				range of the apple (3.05), pineapple (3.30), and orange (3.50) 
				juice are within the recommended range (3.0-3.9). The bacteria 
				isolated from the examined fruit juices were Micrococcus 
				spp, Flavobacterium, Streptococcus spp,
				Staphylococcus sp., and Bacillus spp. The same 
				type of bacteria Bacillus sp, Streptococcus spp,
				Staphylococcus spp and Micrococcus spp are 
				persistent isolates throughout the period of this study. This 
				indicated that the bacteria are fruit borne rather than 
				contaminants from air water and utensils alone. The isolates 
				could be used as indicators of microbial quality. Further 
				research is necessary to adequately characterise the bacteria 
				isolated. This complex problem of liability of fruit juices to 
				deterioration can be solved by use of healthy fruits for juices 
				processing and proper product storage. 
				

				
				[Babalola Olubukola O, Fagade Obashola E, and Gopane Ramokoni E. 
				Microbiological quality control study of some processed fruit 
				juices by conventional approach. 
				Life Science Journal. 2011; 8(S2)18-24] (ISSN: 1097 – 8135).
				
				
				http://www.lifesciencesite.com.
				

				
				doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.04
				

				
				
				 
				

				
				
				Keywords: 
				Bacteria, coliform, fruit juice, sachet
                

                

                
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				Identification of soil bacteria from mining environments in 
				Rustenburg, South Africa
				

				
				
				 
				

				Sebogodi Keletso M. and 
				Babalola Olubukola O*.
				

				 
				

				Department of Biological Sciences, 
				Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, North-West 
				University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa.
				

				
				Email: 
				
				
				olubukola.babalola@nwu.ac.za;
				
				
				Tel: +27183892568; Fax:+27183892052
				

				
				 
				

				Abstract: 
				
				Mining industries are aware of the gainful use of bacteria in 
				their environment. In this study two soil samples, CHRO1 and 
				PLAT2, were collected from two mines in Rustenburg, South 
				Africa. The detection of microorganisms from CHRO1 and PLAT2 was 
				done by culture assay. The bacteria isolates were of various 
				colors raging from yellow, orange, red to white and cream white, 
				which are either rod or coccus shapes. They all stained Gram 
				negative. Based on the API20E kit identification scheme, the 
				isolates were identified as Chryseobacterium indologenes, 
				Klebsiella oxytoca, Pasteuralla pneumotropica, Enterobacter 
				cloacae, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella ornothinolytica, 
				Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Chryseobacterium meningosepticum, 
				Chryseomonal luteola, Photobacterium clamsela, Enterobacter 
				sakazakii, Acinotobacter baumannii, Serratia liquefaciens 
				and Citrobacter koseri.
				

				
				
				[Sebogodi 
				Keletso M. and Babalola Olubukola O. 
				Identification of soil bacteria from mining environments in 
				Rustenburg, South Africa. Life 
				Science Journal. 2011;8(S2):25-32] (ISSN: 1097 – 8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com.
				

				
				doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.05
				

				
				 
				

				
				
				Key words: 
				bacteria, chemolithoautotrophs, chemoorganotrophs, bioleaching, 
				biooxidation, biosorption
                

                

                
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				Soil biological 
				properties beneath canopies of Acacia erioloba 
				(syn. Acacia 
				giraffae)
				trees 
				under different land-use practices in a South African semi-arid 
				environment
				

				 
				

				S.A. Materechera1 
				and R.N. Murovhi2
				

				 
				

				1Faculty 
				of Agriculture, Science & Technology, North-West University 
				(Mafikeng Campus), P/B X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
				

				2Agricultural 
				Research Council (Institute for Tropical and Sub-tropical 
				Crops), Private Bag X 11208, Nelspruit, 1200, South Africa
				

				Corresponding 
				author email: albert.materechera@uniwest.ac.za
				

				 
				

				Abstract: 
				The study was 
				conducted to quantify the biological properties of soil beneath 
				the canopies of Acacia erioloba trees growing under three 
				dominant local land-use practices in a semi-arid environment of 
				South Africa. The results showed that all biological properties 
				were significantly different (p<0.05) from one land-use practice 
				to another. Fallow land was found to have significantly higher 
				(p<0.05) organic carbon (OC), particulate organic matter 
				fraction (POM), microbial biomass carbon (MBc) and microbial 
				biomass nitrogen (MBn) than grazing and bare land-use 
				practices. The order of rating for all the measured properties 
				was fallow >grazing > bare land. Bare land had the lowest of 
				all the measured properties signifying limited biological 
				activity. Significant higher (p<0.05) values of OC and POM were 
				found in soils that were collected under fallow while MBc and 
				MBn were higher under grazing land-use practice. In both canopy 
				locations, all biological properties were significantly higher 
				(p<0.05) in soils that were collected at 0-10 cm compared to 
				those that were collected at 10-20 cm. High organic matter 
				content under fallow and grazing land was attributed to three 
				possible sources, namely: leaf litter from Acacia erioloba 
				trees, grass and turnover of roots and also dung from grazing 
				animals. The major contributing factor under grazing land 
				was considered to be the large amount of organic materials that 
				are returned to the soil, especially that from animal dung and 
				turnover of grass roots. It was concluded that the quantity and 
				quality of soil organic matter and microbial activity was 
				enhanced by the micro environment beneath the canopy of Acacia 
				erioloba tress. This was attributed to higher decomposition of 
				soil organic matter that takes place on the surface layer of the 
				soil where most of the organic materials are deposited.
				

				[S.A. Materechera 
				and R.N. Murovhi. Soil biological properties beneath canopies 
				of Acacia erioloba 
				(syn. Acacia 
				giraffae)
				trees 
				under different land-use practices in a South African semi-arid 
				environment.
				
				Life 
				Science Journal. 2011;8(S2):33-39] (ISSN: 1097 – 8135). 
				
				
				http://www.lifesciencesite.com.
				

				
				doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.06
				

				Key words: 
				Agroforestry, Land-use, microbial biomass, soil quality, organic 
				matter
                

                

                
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				Influence of seed 
				size and soil strength on emergence and early seedling 
				establishment in a soil with hardsetting behavior
				

				 
				

				
				S.A. Materechera
				

				 
				

				Crop Science Department, Faculty of 
				Agriculture, Science and Technology, North-West University 
				(Mafikeng Campus), Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
				

				Email:  
				
				
				albert.materechera@nwu.ac.za
				
				

				 
				

				Abstract: 
				The study was conducted to compare the influence of 
				seed size and soil strength on germination and emergence of 
				cereal and legume seedlings in a hardsetting soil. The seed 
				weights (g 100-1 seeds) of the plant species were 
				45.5 (maize), 4.5 (wheat), 2.5 (sorghum), 3.1 (oats), 0.54 
				(millet), 46.95 (bambaranut), 19.82 (cowpea), 3.13 (peas) and 
				45.14 (groundnut). Seedlings of each of the crop species were 
				exposed to soil strengths of 1.2 and 2.4 kg /cm2.
				This was achieved by sowing seeds at depths of 2.5 and 5.0 
				cm for 1.2 and 2.4 kg/cm2 respectively. Emergence of 
				seedlings was generally high in cereals (96%) than in legumes 
				(56%). The emergence was in the order: sorghum (99.2%) > oats 
				(96.7%) > millet (96.7%) > wheat (95.8%) > maize (87.5%) > 
				cowpea (56.7%) > bambaranut (54.0%) > groundnut (34.2%) > pea 
				(20.0%). The mean emergence percentage for the two soil strength 
				levels were 88.0% and 52.5% for soil strengths of 1.2 kg/cm2
				and 2.4 kg/cm2 respectively. Generally, cereal 
				crops had higher emergence (87.6%) percentages than legumes 
				(76.8%) in both soil strength levels. There was a significant 
				negative correlation (r=-0.88, p<0.05) between soil strength and 
				seedling emergence suggesting that poor emergence was caused by 
				the high soil strength. It is suggested that the hypocotyl shape 
				of the emerging cereal seedlings could have been able to exert 
				much force in order to emerge from the strong soil. The study 
				concluded that both seed weight and sowing depth should be 
				considered when sowing seeds in a hardsetting soil if optimum 
				germination and seedling establishment are to be achieved.
				

				[S.A. Materechera. Influence of seed size and soil strength 
				on emergence and early seedling establishment in a 
				soil with 
				hardsetting behavior.Life Science Journal. 2011;8(S2):40-46] (ISSN: 
				1097 – 8135).
				
				
				http://www.lifesciencesite.com.
				

				
				doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.07
				
                

                

                
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				Heavy metal levels in water, catfish 
				
				(Clarias gariepnus) 
				and African fish eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) 
				specimens from the municipal waste water fed Modimola dam 
				outside Mafikeng city, North West province, South Africa.
				

				
				Mathew Nyirenda, Precious D Itumeleng, Blessing M Dzoma, 
				Lebogang E Motsei, Rendani V Ndou, Francis R Bakunzi.
				

				
				 
				

				
				Centre of Animal Health Studies, North West University (Mafikeng 
				Campus), Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa. 
				Email:- mathew.nyirenda@nwu.ac.za
				

				
				
				 
				

				
				
				Abstract: 
				
				Ten composite samples each of water, sediment, catfish (Clarias 
				gariepnus) and African fish eagle (Haliaeetus 
				vocifer) 
				from the Modimola dam on the outskirts 
				of Mafikeng city were analysed for concentrations of Pb, Cd, As 
				and Cr using atomic absorption spectophotometry. The mean 
				recoveries in water and catfish samples revealed the 
				following trends: Pb > As > Cd> Cr and Pb > As > Cr> Cd 
				respectively. The highest Pb, As, Cd and Cr concentrations in 
				water of 250, 10, 9 and 0.7ppm respectively were obtained 
				nearest to the inlet from the waste water facility while the 
				lowest were from samples in the middle of the dam. The sampling 
				point near the dam wall, where the water reticulation works are 
				also situated had the second highest concentrations of Cd, As 
				and Cr. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, As, and Cr in the water 
				samples were 125 000, 1 872, 204 and 7 times higher than the 
				EC/WHO maximum threshold for water while that of Pb was 28 times 
				higher than that recommended for fish. Sediments generally had 
				higher concentrations of metals than those in water, although a 
				reverse trend was noted for Pb. Specimens from catfish and the 
				fish eagle birds also had varying levels of heavy metals.
				The unacceptably high levels of Pb, Cd, 
				As and Cr in the dam and the bioaccumulation of the metals in 
				the food chain calls for urgent intervention measures, that 
				should also focus on the municipal water supplies.
				

				
				[Mathew Nyirenda, Precious D Itumeleng, Blessing M Dzoma, 
				Lebogang E Motsei, Rendani V Ndou, Francis R Bakunzi. 
				Heavy metal levels in water, catfish 
				
				(Clarias gariepnus) 
				and African fish eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) 
				specimens from the municipal waste water fed Modimola dam 
				outside Mafikeng city, North West province, South Africa. 
				
				Life Science Journal. 2011;8(S2):47-52] (ISSN: 1097 – 8135).
				
				
				http://www.lifesciencesite.com.
				

				
				doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.08
				

				
				
				Keyword:
				
				
				Heavy metal levels in water, catfish (Clarias 
				gariepnus) and African fish eagle.
                

                

                
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				Effects of a 
				protein supplement and anthelmintic treatment on communally 
				grazed Tswana goats naturally infected with gastrointestinal 
				nematodes.
				

				 
				

				Francis R Bakunzi*, 
				Lucky K Mogapi, Blessing M Dzoma, 
				Lebogang E Motsei, Mathew Nyirenda, Rendani V Ndou
				

				Centre of Animal 
				Health Studies, North West University (Mafikeng Campus), Private 
				Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa.
				

				*Corresponding 
				author: Francis.
				
				Bakunzi@nwu.ac.za
				

				 
				

				Abstract: 
				This study was 
				carried out to determine the effects of anthelmintic treatment 
				and protein supplementation on health and productivity of 
				indigenous Tswana goats. Thirty six 
				goats of around 1 year old and of unspecified breeds were 
				randomly divided into 4 groups of 9 animals each. The first 
				group was treated with an oral dose of albendazole every three 
				months. The second group was fed protein supplement daily, while 
				the third group was drenched every three months and fed protein 
				supplement daily. The fourth, control group was neither drenched 
				nor fed supplement. The control group generally had higher eggs 
				per gram (EPG) counts than the 3 treatment groups, with the 
				highest peak in January. There was no significant difference in 
				EPGs between the protein and the anthelmintic groups, while the 
				protein supplemented animals had significantly lower mean egg 
				counts than the controls. The anthelmintic/protein group had 
				significantly reduced faecal nematode egg counts when compared 
				to the other 3 treatments. The protein and the 
				protein/anthelmintic groups gained significantly more weight 
				than the anthelmintic group, while the anthelmintic group also 
				gained significantly over the control group. The protein 
				supplemented and anthelmintic- treated groups had significantly 
				higher PCV values than the controls. No significant differences 
				were observed for albumin among the groups. The additive 
				helminth control effect of anthelmintic and protein 
				supplementation combinations may go a long way in curbing the 
				rampant use of anthelmintics that has the potential of promoting 
				drug resistance. 
				

				[Francis R Bakunzi*, 
				Lucky K Mogapi, Blessing M Dzoma, 
				Lebogang E Motsei, Mathew Nyirenda, Rendani V Ndou. Effects 
				of a protein supplement and anthelmintic treatment on communally 
				grazed Tswana goats naturally infected with gastrointestinal 
				nematodes. Life Science Journal. 
				2011;8(S2):53-57] (ISSN: 1097 – 8135). 
				
				http://www.lifesciencesite.com
				

				
				doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.09
				

				Key words: 
				additive effects, 
				anthelmintic 
				treatment, gastrointestinal nematodes, protein supplement.
                

                

                
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				Teaching research through interdisciplinary and collaboration 
				methods: analysis of research modules in two schools of Health 
				Professions Ushotanefe Useh
				

				
				 
				

				
				Prof U Useh
				

				
				 
				

				
				School of Environmental and Health Sciences, North West 
				University, Mafikeng Campus
				

				
				Email:
				
				22839968@nwu.ac.za
				

				
				 
				

				
				Abstract: Interrelating of research and learning has always been 
				the primary role of all universities. The symbiotic relationship 
				between research and teaching creates an environment in which 
				learners develop reflective, inquiry and lifelong learning 
				skills. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to review teaching 
				of research module across selected modules in two universities. Research as a module in the School of Health Professions at both 
				Universities of Plymouth and Limpopo, is taught throughout the 
				programme (4 years at MEDUNSA and 3 in Plymouth). The 
				research based approach that is used in teaching research method 
				at the school is aimed at linking research to learning by 
				encouraging the working of students in groups. The active, 
				student-centred approach to learning encourages active 
				engagement of students at the School of Health Professions. 
				Methods: Content analysis of the two programmes was done to 
				identify common grounds for collaboration and 
				interdisciplinarity.
				

				
				[A gap of common grounds for interdisciplinary collaboration was 
				identified. Teaching research through interdisciplinary and 
				collaboration methods: analysis of research modules in two 
				schools of Health Professions Ushotanefe Useh. 
				Life Science Journal. 
				2011;8(S2):58-62] (ISSN: 1097 – 8135). 
				
				http://www.lifesciencesite.com.
				

				
				doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.10
				

				
				
				Key Words: 
				Common grounds; Collaboration; interdisciplinary learning
                

                

                
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				Evaluation of 
				orally administered calcium carbonate and zinc sulphate on the 
				gastrointestinal absorption of lead acetate in cattle.
				

				 
				

				
				Verster, R. S
				

				
				 
				

				Department of Animal 
				Health, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, 
				Northwest University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735 South 
				Africa.
				

				
				*Author for correspondence: E-mail
				
				20561776@nwu.ac.za; 
				
				Cell (027)766296832, Tel (018) 3892715, Fax (018) 3892748
				

				 
				

				
				Abstract: 
				
				Lead is one of the most frequently observed heavy metal 
				toxicoses in domestic animals, especially cattle. The objective 
				of the study was to test the effect of calcium carbonate and 
				zinc sulphate on the absorption of lead acetate in cows, when 
				the lead and minerals were both administered orally. In study 1, 
				experimental cows were dosed with lead acetate at 2 mg/kg plus 
				calcium carbonate at 50 mg/kg, while control cows received only 
				lead acetate at 2 mg/kg. During study 2, experimental steers 
				received zinc sulphate at .2 mg/kg and lead acetate at 2 mg/kg, 
				while the control steers received lead acetate at 2 mg/kg. Blood 
				samples were taken in heparin tubes from the jugular vein at 0, 
				3 and 6 hours post-dosing.. Blood lead concentrations were then 
				determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, using the 
				graphite furnace method. The results indicated that both 
				minerals decreased the absorption of lead acetate in cows after 
				3 hours and the effect was sustained at 6 hours. 
				
				The recommendation to farmers is to provide supplementary 
				minerals to animals in areas with high risk of lead poisoning.
				
				

				[Verster, R. S. Evaluation 
				of orally administered calcium carbonate and zinc sulphate on 
				the gastrointestinal absorption of lead acetate in cattle. Life Science Journal. 
				2011;8(S2):63-69] (ISSN: 1097 – 8135). 
				
				http://www.lifesciencesite.com.
				

				
				doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.11
				
                

                

                
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				Factors affecting 
				the feeding behaviour of free ranging Tswana and Boer goats in 
				the False Thornveld of the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
				

				
				 
				

				
				Lebopa C.K1#. Boomker E.A2, Chimonyo 
				M3, Mulugeta S.D1
				

				
				 
				

				
				
				1 
				
				Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agric. Science and 
				Technology, North-West University, Private bag x 2046 Mmabatho, 
				2735, South Africa
				

				
				
				2 
				
				Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary 
				Science, University of Pretoria, Private bag x 04, Onderstepoort, 
				0110, South Africa
				

				
				
				3Department 
				of Livestock and Pasture Science, Faculty of Agriculture and 
				Science, University of Fort Hare, Private bag x 04, Alice, South 
				Africa
					

					
					
					1 
					Corresponding author. E-mail:
					
					cornelia.lebopa@nwu.ac.za

					 

				
				
				ABSTRACT: 
				The study was aimed 
				at investigating the factors affecting the feeding behaviour of
				3 free ranging Tswana and 3 Boer goat does in the False 
				Thornveld of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Feeding 
				was observed and recorded during winter (cool dry season) and 
				the summer (hot wet season). Observations included the 
				following categories: browsing, grazing and non-feeding 
				activities (NFA). Browsing activity included bi-pedal stance 
				(recorded separately) and represented the browsing of all woody 
				species. Tree/Bush species browsed at the time of recording 
				were visually identified and recorded separately. Grazing 
				activity represented the grazing of grasses without the 
				identification or recording of species. Non-feeding activities 
				include separate recordings of walking, standing, lying and 
				drinking. Results showed goats spent 21.9 %, 44.7 % and 33.3 % 
				of their day on browsing, grazing and non-feeding activities. Goats spent more time on NFA in the cold-dry season (68.8) than 
				the hot-wet season (31.9). Though diurnal variations were 
				observed across breed and season in terms of browsing and non 
				feeding activities, no diurnal variations were found between the 
				breeds. Knowledge of seasonal and breed variations in feeding 
				behaviour of goats is fundamental to the development of 
				management strategies for small scale farmers aimed at optimal 
				and sustained use of the natural vegetation. 
				

				
				[Lebopa C.K. Boomker E.A, Chimonyo M, Mulugeta S.D. 
				Factors affecting the feeding behaviour of free ranging Tswana 
				and Boer goats in the False Thornveld of the Eastern Cape, South 
				Africa.
				Life Science Journal. 
				2011;8(S2):70-80] (ISSN: 1097 – 8135). 
				
				http://www.lifesciencesite.com.
				

				
				doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.12
				

				
				 
				

				
				
				KEYWORDS: 
				Feeding behaviour, Range Tswana goats, Range Boer goats, Season, 
				Diurnal variation
				
                

                

                
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				In sacco 
				dry matter and crude protein degradation of woody plant species 
				in Tswana and Boer goats
				

				
				 
				

				
				Lebopa C. K.1#. Boomker E. A.2 Chimonyo M.3 
				& Mokoboki H. K. 
				1
				

				
				 
				

				
				
				1 
				
				Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agric. Science and 
				Technology, North-West University, Private bag x 2046 Mmabatho, 
				2735, South Africa
				

				
				
				2 
				
				Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary 
				Science, University of Pretoria, Private bag x 04, Onderstepoort, 
				0110, South Africa
				

				
				
				3Department 
				of Livestock and Pasture Science, Faculty of Agriculture and 
				Science, University of Fort Hare, Private bag x 04, Alice, South 
				Africa
				

				
				 
				

				
				
				Abstract:The 
				study was aimed at determining
				
				in sacco dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) degradation of woody 
				plant species incubated in the rumen of Tswana and Boer goats. The ruminal degradability of the three most selected woody plant 
				species by goats during the cold-dry season (G. 
				occodentalis, O. africana 
				
				and S. myrtina) and hot-wet season (A. karroo, R. 
				refracta and S. myrtina), 
				
				were measured in situ, using in sacco digestion 
				techniques. 
				
				The nylon bag incubation revealed large differences in the rumen 
				degradability of DM of the three woody plant species during both 
				seasons. Ruminal degradation constants (a, b and a+b
				and c) varied significantly (P<0.001) between breeds 
				and between goats within a breed. Thus, no breed difference in
				in sacco degradation of DM and CP was found between 
				Tswana and Boer goats. There was a strong positive correlation 
				between DMD, CPD and time of incubation in the rumen. The crude 
				protein content of the woody plant species positively influenced 
				the rumen digestion of dry matter. Both species preference and 
				degradability of plant species are of importance as they are 
				needed to estimate range suitability for browsing animals.
				

				Life Science Journal. 2011;8(S2):81-90] (ISSN: 1097 – 8135). 
				
				
				http://www.lifesciencesite.com.
				

				
				doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.13
				

				
				Keywords:
				In sacco digestion, Woody plant species, Range Tswana 
				goats, Range Boer goats, Season
                

                

                
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				The effect of 
				propagation media and growth regulars on rooting potential of 
				Kei apple (Dovyalis caffra) stem cuttings at different 
				physiological ages
				

				 
				

				
				Hae, M. and Funnah S.M
				

				Crop Science Programme, Faculty of 
				Science and Technology, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 
				Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
				

				
				E-mail: 
				
				norara33ls@yahoo.ca
				

				
				 
				

				
				Abstract: 
				Kei apple (Dovyalis caffra) 
				is a recent commercially promising indigenous fruit tree, but 
				there is no documented literature on its propagation and 
				germplasm management. This study was carried out to determine 
				the best growth regulator, growing medium and cutting age on 
				successful rooting of its stem cuttings under non-mist nursery 
				conditions. The experiment was laid out as a 5 x 3 x 3 split 
				plot factorial design. The three factors tested were (i)four 
				growth regulators (Dynaroot 1, Dynaroot 2, Dynaroot 3, and 
				Dip’n root) plus the control, (ii) three rooting media (River 
				sand= SND, Commercial rooting media- hygrotex (CRM) and manure-ammended 
				soil 50:50 v/v (M+S) and (iii) three stem cutting types (soft 
				wood cuttings, semi-hard wood cuttings and hardwood cuttings. 
				Parameters recorded were percent rooting, root length (cm) and 
				root number. The effect of cutting type and growth regulator was 
				highly significant (<0.0001). Soft wood cuttings did not produce 
				any roots. There were significant differences between hardwood 
				cuttings and semi hardwood cuttings where the former gave the 
				higher rooting percent. The highest rooting percent and root 
				length were obtained where cuttings were treated with Dip’n 
				root. Dynaroot 3 gave the highest number of roots. There were no 
				significant differences among the three media. However visual 
				assessment showed that SND performed better, followed by M+S and 
				then CRM. The treatments interacted significantly to affect the 
				results. Dip’n root was identified as the best rooting enhancer 
				and and hardwood cutting as the best cutting type for successful 
				rooting of D. caffra cuttings.
				

				
				Life Science Journal. 2011;8(S2):91-99] (ISSN: 1097 – 8135).
				
				
				
				http://www.lifesciencesite.com.
				

				
				doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.14
				

				
				Keywords: 
				Kei apple; propagation; growth 
				regulator; rooting potential
                

                

                
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				Effects Of Various Pre-Sowing Treatments On Germination Of Kei 
				Apple (Dovyalis Caffra) Seeds Harvested At Different 
				Maturity Stages.
				

				
				 
				

				
				
				Hae. M and Funnah S.M
				

				
				 
				

				Crop Science Programme, Faculty of Agriculture, 
				Science and Technology, North West University, Mmabatho 2735, 
				South Africa.
				
				
				E-mail: 
				
				
				norara33ls@yahoo.ca
				

				
				 
				

				
				
				Abstract: The effect of pre-sowing treatments on the germinating Kei apple 
				seeds harvested at different stages of maturity is being 
				investigated. Germination values recorded were Germination 
				Percent, (GP) Mean Germination Time (MGT), and Time to 50% 
				Germination (T50) compared between seed collected at 
				varying maturity stages as; Green (GN), ripe (RP) and over ripe 
				(OR). Pre-sowing treatments tested were soaking in cold water (CW), 
				soaking in boiling water (HW), and treatment with Indole Acetic 
				Acid (IBA), Abrasion against sand paper (AB), Sulphuric acid 
				(SA) and the control (CNT). Seed maturity was significant 
				(P<0.0001) with the greatest GP for the GN (88.14±0.54) and RP 
				(88.25±0.54) stages. GP from the OR stage differed significantly 
				(P<0.0001) compared to the other two maturity stages and it was 
				associated with the GP (83.46±0.54). The effect of pre-sowing 
				treatments was significant (ANOVA).The comparison between means 
				showed significant differences in germination due to pre-sowing 
				treatments. IBA, CW, HW, AB, gave the highest GP. MGT 
				corresponding to these pre-sowing treatments ranged between 7.9 
				– 8.0 days. Intermediate GP of 77.01±0.77 was obtained in 
				untreated seeds while the lowest GP which failed to reach 50% 
				was obtained where Sulphuric acid was used. However, the 
				corresponding MGT to sulphuric acid was the least of 4.3±0.04 
				days and that corresponding to the CNT was 11.0±0.04 days. Seed 
				maturity x pre-sowing treatments interacted significantly to 
				influence germination. It was concluded that since a reasonable 
				GP was obtained from the control, dormancy is not responsible 
				for hindrance of germination and that all pre-sowing treatment 
				are effective in improving germination but SA is not suitable 
				pre-sowing treatment. 
				

				
				
				[Hae. 
				M and Funnah S.M.
				
				
				Effects Of Various Pre-Sowing Treatments On Germination Of Kei 
				Apple (Dovyalis Caffra) Seeds Harvested At Different 
				Maturity Stages.
				
				
				Life Science Journal. 2011;8(S2):100-105] 
				(ISSN: 1097 – 8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com
				

				
				doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.15
				

				
				
				Keywords: 
				Kei apple; Germination; Pre-sowing treatments; Dormancy
                

                

                
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				Physiological 
				Responses Of Water-Restricted Tswana And Boer Goats
				

				 
				

				M. M. Qinisaa*, 
				E. A. Boomkerb, H. K. Mokoboki a
				

				 
				

				aDepartment 
				of Animal Science, North West University, P/Bag x 2046, Mmabatho, 
				2735, South Africa.
				

				bDepartment 
				of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Pretoria, Privatebag x 
				01, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa.
				

				#Corresponding 
				author. E-mail: meshack.
				
				qinisa@nwu.ac.za
				

				 
				

				Abstract:
				The aim 
				of this study was to investigate the effect of 50 % water 
				restriction on body weight and blood parameters status of Tswana 
				and Boer goats while fed teff and lucerne. Twelve (12) Tswana 
				and Boer goat wethers (six of each breed) were randomly 
				allocated to form two groups of 6 goats, comprising of 3 goats 
				of each breed. One group was adapted to teff (Eragrostis 
				teff) for 10 days while the other was adapted to Lucerne (Medicago 
				sativa). After the adaptation period, the goats continued 
				receiving feed ad libitum but their water intake was 
				restricted to 50 % of their average daily intake (calculated for 
				each animal from the adaptation data). Once the first trial 
				period was completed, the trial was repeated by changing the 
				diets of each group. The group that had been on teff was then 
				fed lucerne and vice versa. Both breeds lost 10 % of their body 
				weight when offered lucerne while water-restricted and then 
				regained 13 -14 % of their dehydrated body weight. The 
				haematocrit, total plasma proteins, heart rate and rectal 
				temperature values were not affected by water restriction. 
				Temperature values tended to be higher in goats fed on lucerne 
				hay. Respiration rate increased in both breeds during water 
				restriction. On average, the urine: plasma osmolar ratio for 
				both breeds was about 7:1. Restricting the water intake of these 
				goats to 50 % of their average daily water intake did not tax 
				their maximum physiological capabilities as shown by lack of 
				change in their heart rate and rectal temperature. Tswana and 
				Boer goats can easily survive under arid conditions. 
				

				[M. M. Qinisa, E. A. Boomker, H. K. Mokoboki. 
				Physiological Responses Of Water-Restricted Tswana And Boer 
				Goats.
				
				Life 
				Science Journal. 2011;8(S2):106-111] 
				(ISSN: 1097 – 8135). 
				
				
				http://www.lifesciencesite.com.
				

				
				doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.16
				

				Keywords: 
				Water restriction, body weight, blood parameters 
                

                

                
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				Effect of species within season on techniques used to measure 
				nutritive value and anti-nutritional factors in browse tree 
				leaves
				

				 
				

				H K. Mokoboki#1 
				
				

				
				
				 1Animal 
				Science Programme, North West University, Private Bag X 2046, 
				Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
				

				
				
				* 
				
				Corresponding author. Tel: +2718 389 2744; fax +2718 389 2748
				

				
				E-mail address: 
				kwena.mokoboki@nwu.ac.za
				

				 
				

				
				
				Abstract:
				
				
				Eight trees leave foliages (Acacia nilotica, Acacia karroo, 
				Acacia tortilis, Acacia rhemniana, Acacia galpinii, Acacia 
				sieberiana, Acacia hebeclada and Dichrostachys cineria) 
				were collected in winter, summer and spring to determine crude 
				protein, acid and neutral detergent fibre, packed volume, total 
				phenolics, radial diffusion, extracted condensed tannins, 
				hydrolysable tannins and condensed tannins in acid and neutral 
				detergent fibre content. The experimental design was completely 
				randomized design. From this study all species expect A. 
				galpinii and A. rhemniana in summer and spring and 
				species A. sieberiana and A. hebeclada in winter 
				were expected to have high intake, due to low packed volume. 
				Species A. sieberiana, A. hebeclada and D. 
				cineria in all seasons have high crude protein contents than 
				the other species. Species A. hebeclada and A. 
				sieberiana had low levels of total phenolics and extracted 
				condensed tannins in all seasons. During ranking analysis, 
				species A. sieberiana and A. hebeclada in all 
				seasons have high
				
				crude protein content, low packed 
				volume, and low anti-nutritional factors as compared to A. 
				rhemniana. The level of nutritive value and anti-nutritional 
				factors for other species varies among seasonal changes. This 
				result implies that there were effects of species within season 
				on nutritive value and anti-nutritional factors of browse tree 
				leaves. These suggest a need for a detailed study on effects of 
				season on nutritive value and anti-nutritional factors over a 
				number of years.
				

				
				
				[H K. Mokoboki. 
				Effect of species within season on techniques used to measure 
				nutritive value and anti-nutritional factors in browse tree 
				leaves. Life Science Journal. 2011;8(S2):112-119] 
				(ISSN: 1097 – 8135). 
				
				
				http://www.lifesciencesite.com.
				

				
				doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.17
				

				
				Keywords: techniques, browse, acacia, season
				
                

                

                
                
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				Total stress tensors and heat uxes of single 
				ow through a porous viscoelastic medium

 

				Tshepo O Tong and Matthew T Kambule

				 

				Department of Mathematical Sciences, North-West University, Ma 
				keng, South Africa.

				e-mail: 
				matthew.kambule@nwu.ac.za

				

				Abstract: Using the second law of thermodynamics, we 
				examine the macroscopic equations for mass, momentum, energy and 
				entropy for a biphasic system whose interface has thermodynamic 
				properties. This system is made up of mesoscopic particles and a 
				uid, including mass exchange and di erent phase temperatures. By 
				exploiting the entropy inequality in terms of Coleman and Noll's 
				method we obtain nonequilibrium and equilibrium results. We show 
				how the solid phase stress tensor depends on the solid phase 
				pressure, the Terzaghi stress, the hydration stress and the 
				stress contributed by the interface properties, which is similar 
				to the Terzaghi stress. We determine the heat uxes. We further 
				linearize the non-equilibrium parts of their constitutive forms 
				in terms of heat conduction, uid viscosity and viscoelasticity 
				about the equilibrium. Finally we obtain expressions of the 
				total stress and the total heat ux for a particle.

				[Tshepo O Tong and Matthew T Kambule. Total 
				stress tensors and heat uxes of single ow through a porous 
				viscoelastic medium. 
				 Life Science Journal. 2011;8(S2):120-134] 
				(ISSN: 1097 – 8135). 
				
				
				http://www.lifesciencesite.com.

				
				doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.18
				

				 

				Keywords: Cauchy stress tensors; heat uxes; Hybrid 
				mixture Theory method; viscoelaticity.
                

                

                
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 doi:

doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.01

doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.02

doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.03

doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.04

doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.05

doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.06

doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.07

doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.08

doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.09

doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.10

doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.11

doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.12

doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.13

doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.14

doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.15

doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.16

doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.17

doi:10.7537/marslsj0802s11.18