Animal traction in South Africa: research priorities in veterinary science.
Abstract: During June 1994, members of numerous organisations with a vested interest in animal traction in South Africa met for a one-day workshop, the initial activity of a Forum on Working Animals. The workshop was sponsored by the Foundation for Research Development in South Africa. The individuals who attended were representatives of academic and government institutions, farmer and civic organisations, and included veterinarians and veterinary scientists, administrators, traction experts from the region and from abroad, agricultural engineers, sociologist, anthropologists and animal welfare experts. The objectives of the workshop were twofold: to address research priorities in veterinary science for traction animals and to identify future actions. Since it was a one-day workshop only, there was insufficient time to address issues in depth. However, problems were identified and appropriate actions were suggested. These actions were then delegated to a number of participants, to be refined and reported on at a subsequent workshop. Two key questions were considered and discussed by the participants, and a consensus reached for each. The first was to consider which species of traction animals are best suited to South African conditions. It was agreed that, in order of suitability, these are donkeys, cattle, mules and horses. The second question concerned the criteria which determine the usefulness of traction animals to South African communities. Two recommendations were made by the participants. The first recommendation was to design a questionnaire which would address the role of traction animals in the South African community and to identify communities in which the questionnaire would be implemented. At present, no information exists on the demographics of traction animals and their users. A list of questions was suggested and a working group from 6 institutions was identified to address this action. The second recommendation was to develop a research programme to study the 4 species which are most suitable for animal traction in South Africa.
Publication Date: 1994-12-01 PubMed ID: 7602567
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Summary
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The research article discusses a workshop on animal traction in South Africa, where diverse stakeholders discussed research priorities for working animals. Two main questions were addressed: the most suitable species for traction under South African conditions and the requirements that make traction animals useful to these communities.
Primary Stakeholders and their Roles
- The article mentions that the workshop was attended by a wide range of participants, covering the academic, government, farming, and civic sectors. They contributed different expertise, from veterinary science and animal welfare to sociology, anthropology, and administration.
- These stakeholders brought a diverse range of perspectives to the discussion on animal traction, adding depth and breadth to the outcomes of the workshop.
Primary Workshop Objectives
- The workshop had dual objectives, one being to outline research priorities related to veterinary science for traction animals in South Africa.
- The second objective was to determine future actions for improving the welfare and utilization of traction animals.
Key Workshop Outcomes
- The participants concluded that of all the species, donkeys, cattle, mules, and horses are most suitable for traction in South African conditions, in that order.
- They also gave two recommendations: designing a questionnaire to understand the role of traction animals in South African communities and creating a research plan to study the four identified species in more depth.
- The questionnaire is needed to gather information on the demographics of traction animals and their users, an area where current knowledge is lacking.
- The suggested research plan reflects the need for further examination and understanding of the best species for traction in the region.
Follow-up Actions
- Future actions were delegated to some participants for further refinement and future presentation at a subsequent workshop.
- This approach guarantees that the discussions and decisions from the workshop are carried forward and have a sustainable impact on improving animal traction in South Africa.
Cite This Article
APA
Krecek RC, Starkey PH, Joubert AB.
(1994).
Animal traction in South Africa: research priorities in veterinary science.
J S Afr Vet Assoc, 65(4), 150-153.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Republic of South Africa.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cattle
- Equidae
- Horses
- Research
- South Africa
- Veterinary Medicine
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Pearson RA, Krecek RC. Delivery of health and husbandry improvements to working animals in Africa. Trop Anim Health Prod 2006 Feb;38(2):93-101.
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