the influence of bedding material and collecting period

PREFACE
The author hereby wishes to express sincere thanks to the following establishments
and persons who contr ibuted to this study.
My supervisor, Prof. J.E.J. du Toit for his advice.
My co- supervisor, Prof. H.J. van der Merwe for directing me into the subject,
continuous interest and constructive criticism in reviewing the dissertation.
Prof. J.P.C. Greyling, for his advice, encouragement and assistance.
Dr. L. Schwalbach of the Department of Animal, Game and Grassland Science (UFS)
for the surgical preparation of animals used in this study.
Mr. W. Combrink for his technical assistance during the execution of the various
trials, and analysis of samples.
Mr. M.D. Fair of the Department of Datametrics (UFS) for his support in the
statistical analysis of the data.
Mr. Joseph Mojakisane for assisting in the cleaning and attending of the animals used
in this study.
The National Research Foundation (NRF) for a bursary received.
My father, John and mother, Elize as well as my brother, Dons and sister, Marí for
their support and encouragement throughout my studies.
My wife, Zonje -Alta for her understanding and loyal support as well as her love and
encouragement.