A Review of Ethnomedicinal Plants as Potential Anthelmintic Agents to Alternatively Control Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Ruminants in South Africa.

Small ruminant production is one of the most important animal productions for food security in the world, especially in the developing world. Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection is a threat to this animal's production. Conventional drugs that are used to control these parasites are losing their efficacy due to the development of resistant parasites. These drugs are not biologically degradable, taint meat products and are also expensive for communal farmers. Hence, research is now exploring ethnomedicinal anthelmintic plants for an alternative remedy. The objective of this paper was to review ethnomedicinal plants as a potential alternative to unsustainable commercial anthelmintics. This review sought to understand common GINs infecting ruminants, resistance manifestation in GINs to conventional treatment, reasons communal farmers choose ethnomedicine, and modes of action in anthelmintic plants. It also examined the usage of plants and plant parts, dosage forms, methods for improving bioactivity, convectional validation procedures, and restrictions on ethnomedicinal plant use as anthelmintics in ethnomedicine. Such insight is essential, as it highlights the importance of ethnoveterinary medicine and ways to adopt or improve it as a potential alternative to conventional anthelmintics.

Effect of dietary inclusions of different types of Acacia mearnsii on milk performance and nutrient intake of dairy cows.

This study investigated the effects of including different types of Acacia mearnsii (tannin extract and forage) on nutrient intake and milk performance in dairy cattle. Holstein-Friesian x Jersey dairy cows (n per Experiment = 24) that had 200 days in milk were selected for this study in a completely randomized study design. This study was conducted under on-farm conditions at Springfontein dairy farm, a farm that lacked a functional bodyweight scale to measure the cow bodyweight and a computer system to register cow parity. Cows were assigned Acacia mearnsii tannin extract (ATE) pellets which were added with 0 (0ATE), 0.75 (0.75ATE), 1.5 (1.5ATE) or 3 (3ATE) % ATE in pellets while 0ATE was a commercial protein concentrate (Experiment 1). Cows were assigned Acacia mearnsii forage (AMF) at a rate of 0 (0AMF), 5 (5AMF), 15 (15AMF) or 25 (25AMF) % AMF inclusion in corn silage-based diet (Experiment 2). For both Experiments, treatments had six cows each, in which they were adapted (14 d) to diets before data collection (21 d). All AMF inclusions decreased (P<0.0001) dry matter intake (DMI), crude protein intake (CPI), neutral detergent fibre intake (NDFI), acid detergent fibre intake (ADFI) and organic matter intake (OMI) at 25AMF. Linear (P<0.0001) and quadratic (P<0.001) effects were observed on DMI, CPI, NDFI, ADFI and OMI. Inclusions of AMF in corn silage diets affected milk yield, protein yield, lactose yield and milk protein percentage (P<0.001). Linear effect was present in milk yield per DMI (P<0.0001). In conclusion, the dairy cow diet supplemented with ATE pellets did not have a beneficial effect on the nutrient intakes and milk yield. However, the AMF supplemented in corn silage of the dairy cow diet, increased milk production due to positive effects on nutrient intake, which was favourably influenced from a nutritional point of view.

Evaluating the Effects of Some Selected Medicinal Plant Extracts on Feed Degradability, Microbial Protein Yield, and Total Gas Production In Vitro.

This study evaluates the effect of 22 crude ethanolic plant extracts on in vitro rumen fermentation of Themeda triandra hay using monensin sodium as a positive control. The experiment was run independently three times at 16 and 48 h of incubation periods using the in vitro gas production techniques. Fermentation parameters were determined at both hours of incubation. Plant extracts influenced gas production (GP) in a varied way relative to control at both hours of incubation, and GP is consistently highly significant (p < 0.0001) at 16 and 48 h. Microbial protein yield (MY) was not significantly affected at 16 h (p > 0.05), but it was at 48 h (p < 0.01). Higher MY was recorded for all treatments except for A. sativum and C. intybus at the early incubation stage (16 h) relative to 48 h of incubation. Compared to the control group at 48 h, all plant extracts have higher MY. After 48 h of incubation, the result shows that plant extracts have an effect on fermentation parameters determined; ruminal feed degradation, gas production, microbial protein yield, and partitioning factor in varied manners. All the plant extracts improve the MY which is the major source of amino acids to ruminants and has significant importance to animal performance. C. illinoinensis, C. japonica, M. nigra, P. americana, C. papaya, and A. nilotica (pods) were the most promising plant extracts, but further study is recommended to validate the in vitro observation in vivo.

Consequences of Increases in Ambient Temperature and Effect of Climate Type on Digestibility of Forages by Ruminants: A Meta-Analysis in Relation to Global Warming.

This meta-analysis evaluated the effects of ruminant feeding type, ambient temperature (AT), and climatic region on the rumen digestibility of feeds. A dataset on nylon bag degradability parameters bearing the chemical composition of roughages, grains, leaves, stems, fruits, concentrates and diets given to animals, climate type, and AT were compiled. Data were analysed using mixed model regression and simple linear regression methodologies. Negative correlations between AT and degradability parameters were observed. Potential degradability (PD) and slowly degradable fraction ('b') were higher for concentrates and mixed diets compared to roughages. Intermediate feeders had slower rates of degradation ('c') compared to grazers. Potential degradability was highest for studies carried out in cold and temperate climates compared to tropical and arid climates. A 1 °C increase in AT decreased PD by 0.39% (roughages), 0.76% (concentrates), and 2.41% (mixed diets), with an overall decrease of 0.55% for all feed types. The "b" fraction decreased by 0.1% (roughages), 1.1% (concentrates), 2.27% (mixed diets), and 0.35% (all feed types) for every 1 °C increase in AT. Increasing AT by 1 °C increased the neutral detergent fibre content of feeds by 0.4%. In conclusion, increases in AT increased the neutral detergent fibre content of feeds, lowering PD, "b", and "c" of dry matter in the rumen.

Stocking Rate Has No Confounding Effect on the Use of Internal and Inert Markers to Predict Botanical Composition, Diet Quality, Degradability and Passage Rate Kinetics in Sheep.

This study investigated if there is any confounding effect of stocking rate on the use of internal markers to determine and predict the dietary ingredient composition, dry matter intake (DMI) and digestibility of diets consumed by sheep. Fifteen sheep were randomly allocated to stocking rate treatments of one (SR1), two (SR2), four (SR4) and eight (SR8) sheep per pen (space allowance: 31.04 m2, 15.52 m2, 7.76 m2 and 3.88 m2 per sheep, respectively) and fed ad libitum maize stover, sorghum stover and veld hay by supplying 110% of previous day's intake. Sheep were rotated across the treatments in four periods of 10 days. The proportion of feeds selected and total DMI were similar across all stocking rate treatments. However, diets selected by sheep in SR2 had the highest digestibility compared to other treatments. The prediction of the effective degradability of dry matter using acid detergent fibre content achieved an accuracy of 84.6%. A combination of crude protein and neutral detergent fibre contents achieved 63% accuracy in the prediction of the rate of degradation of feeds. The use of acid insoluble ash (AIA) as an internal marker to predict nutrient intake, digestibility, DMI and dietary ingredient intake accounted for 84.3%, 81.2%, 53.0% and 64.1% of the variation, respectively. The predictions of dietary feed proportions and nutrient quality selected obtained with least squares procedure using a combination of modified acid detergent fibre (MADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and AIA accounted for 81.0% and 72.4% of the variation, respectively. In conclusion, regardless of the different stocking rate tested in this study, a combination of MADF, ADL and AIA as internal markers can be used to estimate diet and nutrient selection by sheep using the least squares procedure. Hence, these markers can be used to predict ingredient composition of diet, diet and nutrient selection, nutrient intake and digestibility in free ranging animals.

Effects of diet and roughage quality, and period of the day on diurnal feeding behaviour patterns of sheep and goats under subtropical conditions.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of diet and roughage quality (RQ) on dry matter intake, duration and number of daytime and night-time eating bouts, idling sessions and ruminating activities in small ruminants. METHODS: In Exp 1 and 2, RQ was improved by urea treatment of veld hay, while diet quality was improved by supplementing with Lucerne hay (Exp 3), sunflower meal and lespedeza (Exp 4), fish meal (Exp 5a), and sunflower meal (Exp 5b). In all experiments goats and sheep were blocked by weight and randomly allocated to experimental diets. Day-time (06:00 to 18:00 h) and night time (18:00 to 06:00 h) feeding behaviour activities were recorded. RESULTS: RQ affected rumination index in Exp 1, but not in Exp 2, 3, and 5. Time spent eating and ruminating was affected by RQ (Exp 1, 3, and 4), period of day (all experiments) and their interaction (Exp 1). Intake rates (g/bout and g/min) were similar across diets. Period of day affected the duration of rumination sessions (Exp 1, 2, and 3); diet or RQ affected the duration of eating bouts (Exp 3) and rumination sessions (Exp 1 and 2). RQ had a significant effect on the duration of eating sessions in Exp 3 only, whilst period of day affected this same behaviour in Exp 2 and 3. Generally, goats and sheep fed on roughage alone ruminate at night and eat more during the day but those fed a roughage and supplemented with Lucerne hay spent more time ruminating than eating. Time spent eating and ruminating had positive correlations to crude protein and feed intake. Intake rates had strong positive correlations to intake. CONCLUSION: Chewing time, number of eating and ruminating sessions, and duration of eating bouts are physiologically controlled in small ruminants, though chewing time requires isometric scaling during modelling of intake.

Effects of supplementation of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Piatá and Napier grass with Desmodium distortum on feed intake, digesta kinetics and milk production in crossbred dairy cows.

This study was planned to analyse the basis that make Brachiaria species with greater feeding value than Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) for lactating dairy cows. Forty lactating crossbred cows were stall-fed on Brachiariabrizantha cv. Piatá or Napier grass cv. French Cameroon supplemented (mixed on fresh matter basis) or unsupplemented with Desmodium distortum, a forage legume. All cows were fed on fresh matter basis under small-holder farming conditions. Results showed that B. brizantha cv. Piatá had higher contents of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and organic matter (OM), but lower contents of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) than Napier grass (P < 0.001). The legume supplementation increased intakes of CP and metabolizable energy (ME; P < 0.001), with higher effect on cows fed B. brizantha cv. Piatá than on cows fed Napier grass. Average daily milk yield was lower on diets based on Napier grass than those based on B. brizantha cv. Piatá (P < 0.001). The retention time of the particle phase of digesta in the digestive tract was longer on Napier grass (83.1 h) than on B. brizantha cv. Piatá (62.8 h) (P < 0.05). It was concluded that in dairy cows, legume supplementation of B. brizantha cv. Piatá increases nutrient intake, hence resulting in higher milk yields than supplementation of Napier grass.

Farmer perceptions on factors influencing water scarcity for goats in resource-limited communal farming environments.

The objective of the study was to compare factors influencing water scarcity for goats in areas where there are seasonal and perennial rivers under resource-limited communal farming environments. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire (n = 285) administered randomly to smallholder goat farmers from areas with seasonal and perennial rivers. Ceremonies was ranked as the major reason for keeping goats. Water scarcity was ranked the major constraint to goat production in areas with seasonal rivers when compared to areas with perennial rivers (P < 0.05). Dams and rivers were ranked as the major water source for goat drinking in areas with seasonal and perennial river systems during cool dry and rainy seasons. Rivers were ranked as an important water source for goat drinking where there are seasonal and perennial river systems during the cool dry season. Households located close (≤ 3 km) to the nearest water source reported drinking water for goats a scarce resource. These results show that river systems, season and distance to the nearest water source from a household were factors perceived by farmers to influence water scarcity for goats in resource-limited communal farming environments. Farmers should explore water-saving strategies such as recycling wastewater from kitchens and bathrooms as an alternative water source. The government may assist farmers through sinking boreholes to supply water for both humans and livestock.

Effects of roughage quality, period of day and time lapse after meal termination on rumen digesta load in goats and sheep.

OBJECTIVE: This study ascertained effects of roughage quality, period of day at meal termination and time lapse after feeding on digesta load in the rumen. METHODS: Veld hay was untreated (poor roughage quality, PRQ), improved (improved roughage quality, IRQ) by treating with urea or semi-improved by spraying with urea (semi-improved roughage quality, SIRQ). Experiment 1a used four rumen fistulated sheep to determine in-sacco degradability. Twelve sheep (56.3±4.59 kg) were blocked by weight and randomly allocated to IRQ (n = 6) and PRQ (n = 6) to determine solid and liquid passage rates. In experiment 1b, nine sheep (37.6±9.34 kg) were blocked by weight and randomly allocated to IRQ (n = 4) and PRQ (n = 5) to determine digestibility. Sixteen sheep (36.47±9.46 kg) were blocked by body weight and randomly allocated to IRQ (n = 8) and PRQ (n = 8). Two sheep were slaughtered for each sampling time in each treatment (IRQ and PRQ) at 0, 6, 12, and 24 h after feeding to determine rumen load. In experiment 2, eighteen goats (25.4±9.08 kg) were blocked by weight and randomly allocated to IRQ (n = 6), SIRQ (n = 6), and PRQ (n = 6). Then all 18 goats were slaughtered soon after meal termination in the morning; afternoon and evening to determine the effect of period of day on rumen fill. RESULTS: Rate of degradation and effective degradability were enhanced by improvement of roughage quality. Roughage quality had no effect on digestibility, but digestibility was higher in goats than sheep. Fractional passage rate of particles was higher for IRQ than PRQ, but similar for liquids. Digesta fractional clearance rates at 24 h after feeding were 0.018/h (IRQ) and 0.006/h (PRQ). Period of day had an influence on rumen load. Neutral detergent fibre load for goats were above 2.03 kg/100 kg body weight for all diet treatments. CONCLUSION: Following starvation, passage rate had negligible effects on emptying of rumen load.

Accuracy of two optical chlorophyll meters in predicting chemical composition and in vitro ruminal organic matter degradability of Brachiaria hybrid, Megathyrsus maximus, and Paspalum atratum.

The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy and reliability of 2 optical chlorophyll meters: FieldScout CM 1,000 NDVI and Yara N-Tester, in predicting neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN) and in vitro ruminal organic matter degradability (IVOMD) of 3 tropical grasses. Optical chlorophyll measurements were taken at 3 stages (4, 8 and 12 weeks) of regrowth in Brachiaria hybrid, and Megathyrsus maximus and at 6 and 12 weeks of regrowth in Paspalum atratum (cv. Ubon). Optical chlorophyll measurements showed the highest correlation (r = 0.57 to 0.85) with NDF concentration. The FieldScout CM 1,000 NDVI was better than the Yara N-Tester in predicting NDF (R2 = 0.70) and ADF (R2 = 0.79) concentrations in Brachiaria hybrid and NDF (R2 = 0.79) in M. maximus. Similarly, FieldScout CM 1,000 NDVI produced better estimates of 24 h IVOMD (IVOMD24h) in Brachiaria hybrid (R2 = 0.81) and IVOMD48h in Brachiaria hybrid (R2 = 0.65) and M. maximus (R2 = 0.75). However, these prediction models had relatively low concordance correlation coefficients, i.e., CCC >0.90, but random errors were the main source of bias. It was, therefore, concluded that both optical chlorophyll meters were poor and unreliable predictors of ADIN and ADL concentrations. Overall, the FieldScout CM 1,000 NDVI shows potential to produce useful estimates of IVOMD24h and ADF in Brachiaria hybrid and IVOMD48h and NDF concentrations in M. maximus.

In vitro control of parasitic nematodes of small ruminants using some plant species containing flavonoids.

This study determined in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of three plant species: Trema orientalis, Urtica dioica and Zanthozylum capense on nematode larvae of small ruminants. Dried leaf samples (40 g) were extracted in 70% ethanol, in portions of 10 g and concentrated to 100 ml. Half and one quarter of the original crude extract were both made to 100 ml. Rectal faecal material from 10 Merino sheep and 25 Nguni goats was pooled within species and thoroughly hand-mixed. Dung samples, each of 5 g were cultured for 12 days at 27 °C. On day 13, 4 plates were watered and 4 others treated with ethanol to correct for solvent effect on mortality. The design was 2 (animal species) × 3 (plant species) × 3 (extract concentrations). In each of three runs, three plates were treated with each crude extract in three incremental concentrations. Surviving L3 larvae were isolated, counted and mortalities became indices of anthelmintic efficacy. Data from nematode larval mortality were analysed to determine the effect of animal species, plant species, concentration and their interactions. Efficacy was affected by concentration (P = 0.0001), animal species (P = 0.0046), plant species (P = 0.0572), the interactions of animal species and concentration (P = 0.0010), plant species and concentration (P = 0.0123) and concentration × animal × plant species (P = 0.0435).

Change in growth performance of crossbred (Ankole × Jersey) dairy heifers fed on forage grass diets supplemented with commercial concentrates.

Rearing heifers for dairy cow replacement is a challenge in smallholder dairy farms in the tropics due to feed shortage. The objective of this study was to evaluate Brachiaria hybrid cultivar Mulato II as a forage resource for improving growth performance of dairy heifers under cut-and-carry feeding system in Rwanda. Sixteen crossbred (Ankole × Jersey) heifers (mean weight 203 ± 35 kg) were randomly allocated to two dietary treatments viz: Mulato II with 2 kg/day of commercial concentrates (MCC) and Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) with the same supplement (NCC), for a period of 12 weeks. Mineral lick and water were provided ad libitum. Daily feed intake and fortnightly live weight were measured. Average daily gains and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated. Results showed that absolute daily dry matter intake (g DMI/day) and relative intake (g/kg of metabolic body weight--BW(0.75)) were higher in heifers fed on MCC than in heifers fed on NCC (P < 0.001). FCR was lower (P < 0.001) in MCC than NCC diets. Final body weight (FBW) and body weight gain (BWG) did not differ between the two groups of heifers (P > 0.05). Average daily weight gain (ADWG) also not differed significantly (P > 0.05). Based on numerical body weight changes and nutritive values, Mulato II showed potential to be integrated into local cut-and-carry feeding systems for better heifer rearing to facilitate dairy cow replacement.

Nutritional values of available ruminant feed resources in smallholder dairy farms in Rwanda.

Smallholder dairy farmers in Rwanda use diversity of resources to cope with endemic feed shortages. However, there is inadequate real farm data to support farmer decisions on choices of options. The main objective of this study was to evaluate nutritional quality of feed types that farmers use in different agro-ecological zones of Rwanda. Samples of feed types were collected from 90 randomly selected households in the low- and mid-high-altitude zones of Rwanda and analysed for proximate composition, contents of metabolisable energy (ME), organic matter digestibility (OMD) and neutral detergent fibre digestibility (NDFd). Rumen fermentation characteristics and efficiency of energy utilisation were examined by determining partitioning factor (PF). Results showed that only five out of 24 feed types were common in both districts. Chemical composition, OMD, ME, NDFd and PF of these feed types differed significantly (P < 0.05) in their nutritional attributes. This suggests that a common feed composition table can be used as a component of the decision support tool for rational feed resource development and utilisation in the smallholder farms in the selected agro-ecologies of Rwanda.

The buffalo co-infection conundrum.

Parasitic worms modulate host immunity, affecting co-infection with Mycobacterium bovis (BTB). Ezenwa and Jolles suggested that anthelmintic treatment reduced BTB-induced mortality, but increased BTB spread. Reduced mortality should be weighed against the risk of increasing pathogen spread when adopting this strategy for human treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, BTB, and HIV.

In vivo effect of selected medicinal plants against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep.

Nematode resistance to anthelmintic drugs affects small ruminant production globally. This study evaluated in vivo effects of five plant extracts as alternative nematode treatments. Animals were divided into six groups. Each group was randomly assigned a treatment: Abamectin and Praziquantel (CAP) (positive Control), ethanol extracts of Ananas comosus (AC), Aloe ferox (AF), Allium sativum (AS), Lespedeza cuneata (LC) and Warburgia salutaris (WS). These were applied as an oral dose (100 mg kg(-1) BW), one dose per week per sheep for 42 days (Phase 1). From day 42 sheep were orally dosed for 3 consecutive days with the same treatments in the same groups (Phase 2). Rectal faecal samples were taken every 7 days up to day 63. Eggs per gram of faeces were counted in individual rectal samples, L3 larval stage was counted in faecal cultures, with four replicates per group. For plant extracts, EPG decreased (P < 0.001) with time and efficacy of plant increased (P < 0.001) with time. Ananas comosus and L. cuneata treatments had the highest efficacies of 58% and 61%, respectively, in Phase 1; and 77% and 81%, respectively, in Phase 2. Continuous treatment with these plants could further reduce nematode parasites and improve host health.

Effects of season, browse species and polyethylene glycol addition on gas production kinetics of forages in the subhumid subtropical savannah, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of season, species and polyethylene glycol addition on gas production (GP) and GP kinetic parameters by in vitro incubation (72 h) of five plant species from the subhumid subtropical savannah, South Africa. Plant species used were Acacia natalitia, Acacia nilotica, Dichrostachys cinerea, Scutia myrtina and Chromolaena odorata, leaves of which were harvested during the dry (June/July), early wet (November/December) and late wet (February/March) seasons. An automated in vitro gas production technique was used in two experiments carried out with nine replicates. The first experiment was to test the effect of season and species, while the second experiment tested the effect of tannins using polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG). The PEG treatment was applied to samples in the early wet and late wet seasons. RESULTS: There were wide variations among seasons and species in crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and condensed tannin (CT). Season and species affected the maximum GP and GP kinetic parameters. During the three seasons, C. odorata had the highest CP (186-226 g kg(-1) dry matter (DM)) and GP (87-104 mL g(-1) DM) and S. myrtina had the lowest CP (105-129 g kg(-1) DM), while A. nilotica, A. natalitia, D. cinerea and S. myrtina had similar and low GP (23-50 mL g(-1) DM). The maximum GP, its degradation rate and GP from the soluble fraction were positively correlated with CP both without and with PEG. With PEG, GP from the soluble fraction was negatively correlated with NDF, ADL and CT; without PEG, it was negatively correlated with CT. CONCLUSION: Both season and species affected the GP parameters. The addition of PEG emphasises that the inhibitory effect of tannins on rumen microbes was greater for all but C. odorata, confirming that these browse species can be used as feed supplements.

A review of some characteristics, socio-economic aspects and utilization of Zulu sheep: implications for conservation.

Zulu sheep are Nguni sheep of Zululand and are adapted to the harsh conditions of KwaZulu-Natal. They are used by rural farmers for economic purposes. Their numbers are declining, indicating a potential extinction threat. Knowledge of their phenotypic and genotypic characteristics is essential for conservation planning. In this review, there is a focus on the utilization, socio-economic aspects, phenotypic and genotypic characteristics as well as a proposed breeding programme. A survey has shown that rural farmers in the areas of northern KwaZulu-Natal prefer to keep this breed for its adaptability, resistance to diseases and meat quality. Zulu sheep are small-framed multi-coloured animals. Mature males weigh up to 38 kg and females up to 32 kg. Based on four morphological traits and live weight, phenotypic diversity between three populations was estimated at 48%. A genetic diversity between these three populations was estimated at 22%. Live weight of Zulu sheep can be estimated using the heart girth and wither height measurements. Scrotum circumference of young rams (up to 22 months old) is reliable for estimating the live weight. Animals that were characterized in the studies were grazed extensively and no supplements were provided. There is therefore a potential of weight increase if these animals are reared in a semi-extensive environment. An open nucleus breeding scheme is thus recommended for a sustainable use and conservation of this breed. For more conclusive results, larger numbers of phenotypic and genetic characteristics, in larger numbers of Zulu sheep populations, should be investigated.

The effects of shade on performance, carcass classes and behaviour of heat-stressed feedlot cattle at the finisher phase.

The study aimed to determine the impact of shade on the performance, carcass class and behaviour using 146 crossbred steers and bulls during the finishing phase on a commercial feedlot in February. Treatments were (1) shade and (2) no shade. Average daily gain (ADG), DMI, and feed efficiency were measured, and hot carcass weight (HCW) and grades were collected at slaughter. The proportion of animals within a pen engaged in various behavioural activities (standing, lying, feeding and panting) was recorded. Five randomly selected individual animals per treatment were monitored every 2 min between 0700 and 1600 hours to determine the time spent on each of the above activities. Shade improved the final body weight (P < 0.0001), ADG (P = 0.079), and HCW by 8.33 kg (P < 0.05). Shade increased (P < 0.05) the feeding activity but decreased (P < 0.05) panting behaviour. Shade conferred an economic benefit of R2.03 head(-1)week(-1), and thus would reduce heat stress and increase the feedlot profitability.