Publications by authors named "Jan P Bekker"
Amniotic fluid (AF) was investigated as a possible source of the neonatal recognition cue that plays a crucial role in ewe-lamb bonding in sheep. A total of 70 of the 133 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), previously identified in the cranial wool of neonatal Dohne Merino lambs, was also identified in AF collected individually from neonatal twins. As in the case of the wool of neonatal lambs, the VOC profiles (GC-MS) of the AF of twins were remarkably similar.
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- The bond between ewes and their lambs is crucial for lamb survival, with evidence suggesting that ewes identify their lambs by scent.
- Researchers identified 133 volatile organic compounds in Döhne Merino lamb wool that may play a role in this recognition process.
- Experiments showed that while the wool scent profiles of twins are similar, ewes still rejected alien lambs dressed to mimic their own lambs, possibly due to inaccuracies in the scent ratios.
With increasing consumer demands for safer, healthier and more natural products, bacterially produced exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are becoming a viable option as an additive in designer-type foods. Fresh milk samples from cattle and sheep were collected from informal settlements in South Africa. After a three day incubation period at 25 degrees C, 550 bacterial strains were isolated and evaluated for EPS production from lactose as sole carbon source.
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