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Animal production in an ever-changing landscape, a student quiz and debate, and an awards gala evening were among many highlights at this year’s 54th annual South African Society for Animal Science (SASAS) Congress, which took place in July at the East London Convention Centre.
Prof Edward Webb and his youngest daughter, Lelanie Webb. Prof Webb holds a position at the Department of Animal Science at the University of Pretoria and is also a tenured professor of animal science at Tarleton State University, Texas.
This year’s event focussed on the interface between the different animal science disciplines and environmentally stressed production animal, with local and international speakers at the top of their respective fields, and many delegates from all over the country. Organised by Vetlink and the Eastern Cape branch of SASAS, the congress emphasised the different animal science disciplines, and looked at related disciplines in other fields and their relevance to production animals.
Traditional disciplines such as animal genetics, physiology and nutrition, combined with health and welfare, grazing resources, economics, and the production environment were addressed by the speakers. An in-depth discussion on animal welfare was dealt with during a student debate sponsored by Plaas Media, and a panel discussion led by internationally recognised and well-respected experts.
The University of Pretoria won this year’s student debate. At the back, from the left, are Stefan Corbett, Jennifer-Lee O’Donovan and Rudolf Beneke. In front are Wilmie Hough and Elzette van Schalkwyk representing Stellenbosch University, and Carin Venter of Plaas Media in the middle.
Student quiz and debate
Each year, three South African universities go head to head in the finale of the annual Plaas Media/SASAS student quiz. This year’s quiz finalists were from the Universities of Fort Hare, Mpumalanga, and Stellenbosch (SU), each represented by a team of three students. The quizmaster was Paul Bevan who moderated and kept the audience engaged throughout. The quiz consisted of 44 questions relating to the disciplines of physiology, nutrition, breeding, management, and general animal science questions. This year SU triumphed, with each participant receiving a gift bag and cash prize sponsored by Plaas Media.
Read more about the quiz here.
During the student debate on animal welfare, SU argued for live animal exports to other countries, while the University of Pretoria (UP) countered the argument by going against live animal exports. Both teams showed tenacity and presented valid arguments for and against this controversial topic. However, there could be only one winner, and this year’s prevailing team was UP.
The SASAS industry production poster winners for students were announced during the gala dinner. From the left are Dr Trevor Dugmore, SASAS president, Wilmie Hough, first place, Boitumelo Tjotola in second place, H Ndlovu in third place, and Dr Jean Rust, SASAS Eastern Cape.
For enquiries, contact Dr Jean Rust of SASAS Eastern Cape on 082 041 7647 or email jean.rust@gmail.com. – Carin Venter, Plaas Media
