Monday the 14^th –

Today was another adventure packed, fun, and exciting day! We started the day with a visit to the ARC (Animal Research Council), Animal Production Center, Irene. There we met several South African students and learned about their research projects. After listening to presentations about their research, we toured the bull testing center, looked at the ARC’s research swine unit and an Afrikaner cattle herd. It was interesting to see their research feeders called GrowSafe system. These feeders are similar to those at SDSU’s, allowing the bulls to only eat from their designated bunk so that individual feed intake could be recorded.

The three most popular breeds of cattle in South Africa are Afrikaner, Nguni, and Bonsmara.  These are Bos Indicus cattle which are more tolerant of heat and less susceptible to ticks and flies. Because of these different characteristics, these cattle eat throughout the day in South Africa (even during hot temperatures), whereas Bos Taurus cattle (those we have in South Dakota) eat in the morning or evening when it is cooler. 

We then took a road trip to Thabazimbi in the bushveld where Trekpad Safaris is located. Trekpad Safaris is a lodge and game farm but they also grow crops and raise cattle. It’s absolutely beautiful and we are so glad to be immersed in nature and wilderness. We visited the Trekpad museum which held artifacts and heirlooms from the owner's family and then we got to witness the beautiful view from an overlook tower. 

As we sit here tonight around the campfire enjoying each other’s company, we were visited by nyala (a native deer-like animal in South Africa). This makes us excited for game hunting tomorrow morning and for the rest of our adventures in South Africa.

Good night from South Africa

- Zoey Schentzel and Samantha Thyen