Western Cape agriculture minister Dr Ivan Meyer today launched a smart technology tool that helps ostrich farmers to streamline record-keeping, planning and the issuing of permits of slaughterings at abattoirs.
The department has been collaborating with its team of animal scientists in the ostrich industry for more than 20 years.
This close relationship has resulted in the Ostrich Slaughter Planner described as a “producer-centred and problem-focused approach in seeking solutions to bolster the industry.”
The tool was developed by Dr Anel Engelbrecht, a senior scientist at the Oudtshoorn Research Farm, and Arie van Ravenswaay, assistant director: innovation, technology design and transfer within the programme research and technology development services.
Speaking at the official launch, Meyer said: “Research and innovation are central to building the capabilities of the agricultural sector. For this reason, structured training and education are one of my key priorities.”
“The Western Cape is the proud owner of the only ostrich research facility in the world and boasts a research team responsive to the needs of the ostrich industry with research excellence and innovative approaches,” he added.
From farm to abattoir
Dr Ilse Trautmann, chief director of the programme research and technology development services, regards this digital tool as a pivotal one in the ostrich producers’ toolkit.
“The industry slaughters between 140 000 and 160 000 birds annually. The tool, which is accessible on both computer and smartphone, calculates all the required dates that a producer needs for the movement and slaughter of ostriches,” she explained.
“This innovative tool embraces the 4IR [Fourth Industrial Revolution] drive of the department and the agricultural sector and enables ostrich producers to plan better and ensure a streamlined process from farm to abattoir.”
The tool can be accessed via this link.
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