This study was conducted to determine farmers' perception of extension service delivery in

The purpose of this study was to conduct a descriptive survey to study production performance, profitability and constraints of small scale layer projects funded through CASP in Germiston Region, Gauteng Province. Data was collected using a well-structured questionnaire from 26 small scale layer producers using purposive sampling technique. To assess the reliability of the questionnaire, Cronbach's alpha was used. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as extent of mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation and correlation analysis. Gross margin analysis was used to determine the profitability. The constraints were analysed using the Likert scale technique. The result of the study reveals that the average flock size kept by farmers was 587 layers and mortality rate was 4%. Hen-day egg production on average was 80%. High cost of feed, access to funding and cost of pullets were amongst constraints associated with egg production in the study area. The total revenue, total variable cost and gross margin were R265.37, R342.98 and R77.61, respectively per bird. In conclusion it was found that egg production was profitable in the study area. The study recommended that farmers should be assisted with economic unit structures and supporting structure should be in place for technical advices through agricultural extension.

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The aim of the study was to assess and document the impact of agricultural developmental support programmes on smallholder farmers focusing on the city of Tshwane, Bronkhorstspruit area. A sample size of 30 farming units was chosen using a purposive sampling technique. Primary data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires during focus group meetings and on-farm visits. Quantitative data were sorted, coded, edited and analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The findings indicated that 63% of smallholder male farmers benefitted on developmental programmes and the majority of farmers who benefitted were above the age of 41. The study revealed that jobs created in the study area increased by 30% due to programme interventions. However, access to proper farm infrastructure, formal markets, and finances have remained challenges even after the intervention. In conclusion, it was generally found that agricultural development programmes improved the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and the community in general in the study area. The study recommends that support should focus on commodity and production capacity that can sustain farming enterprises and generate income.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of dietary lysine to crude protein ratio on performance of male Ross 308 broiler chickens. In each experiment the diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous but with different lysine to crude protein ratios. A complete randomized design was used in both experiments, the starter (1-21 days) and grower (22-42 days) experiments. The three starter diets, based on lysine to crude protein ratios, were L(0) (0.055), L(1) (0.066) and L(2) (0.077), while grower diets were L(3)(0.047), L(4)(0.061) and L(5)(0.074). A quadratic type equation was used to determine ratios for optimum growth rate, feed conversion ratio, breast meat yield and breast meat nitrogen content. Dietary lysine to crude protein ratios of 0.066 and 0.077 supported optimum growth rate and feed conversion ratio, respectively, during the starter period. Dietary lysine to crude protein ratios of 0.073, 0.073, 0.069 and 0.079 supported optimum growth rate, feed conversion and breast meat yield and nitrogen content during the grower phase. Dietary lysine to crude protein ratio had no effect on diet intake and digestibility. The results indicate that at each phase a single dietary lysine to crude protein optimized both growth rate and feed conversion ratio. However, the ratio for optimum breast meat yield was lower than that for optimum growth rate and feed conversion ratio. These findings have implications on ration formulation for broiler chickens.