ARC-ANIMAL PRODUCTION INSTITUTE (ARC-API) _____________________________________________________________________________________________

The ARC-Animal Production Institute (ARC-API) is based in Irene, with several satellite stations strategically positioned throughout the country, and is one of eleven research institutes of the ARC. The Institute carries out primary and secondary research, development and technology transfer with respect to Animal Breeding and Improvement, Rangelands and Nutrition, and Food Science and Technology to improve productivity and sustainable resource utilisation

In addition, the Institute serves as the custodian of national assets such as the conservation of animal, forage and bacterial culture collection genetic resources, including databases and DNA banks associated with them. The country's Livestock Recording and Improvement Schemes and associated database, the Integrated Registration and Information System (INTERGIS) are also managed by the Institute on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

The ARC-API strategic focus for research and service delivery is guided by the strategic goals of the ARC and national priorities (e.g. The Agriculture Plan of Action, The National Livestock Strategy, The Land and Agriculture Reform Programme, The National Research and Development Strategy)

Highlights

	ARC-API is collaborating with the University of Fort Hare and the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture and Social Development in a project entitled "Assessing the effect of the season of burning on Dohne Sourveld". The trial has been running for more than 20 years and involves burning the veld in different months (July, August, September, October and November) to  determine the effect of the season on burn on species composition and production.   Picture Left: Dr Tony Palmer, a Specialist Scientist at ARC-API (Grahamstown), demonstrating the use of the Accupar Ceptometer for the measurement of leaf area index and fraction of photosynthetically active radiation to researchers and field staff of the Dohne Agricultural Development Institute at Stutterheim in the Eastern Cape.
	INTERGRATED REGISTRATION & GENETIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (INTERGIS) The Agricultural Research Council is a premier science institution that conducts research with partners, develops human capital and foster innovation in support of the agricultural sector. The ARC is able to meet producer’s needs through the INTERGIS System. The INTERGIS provides the following data services for Beef, Dairy, Pigs, Goats and Sheep farmers: Capturing and Processing of Performance and Pedigree data Breeding Value Reports
	On 26 September 2012 a beef famer’s information day was held at Glen. Over 70 beef farmers from all over the Free State province attended the event ranging from stud, commercial to emerging farmers. There were 50 emerging farmers and 20 commercial and stud farmers and 15 being the speakers and ARC Staff. The main purpose of the day was to honour beef farmers (Emerging, commercial and Stud farmers) within the Free State region and to encourage beef cattle farmers to improve the efficiency of their enterprises through the use of correct farm management principles. (Read more)