SASAS provides a platform to explore the state of animal production and genetics in Southern Africa. The congress aims to highlight the various disciplines covered by the field of animal science, as well as closely related disciplines, and their relevance to environmentally stressed production animals.
The three students, Ntiyiso Chavalala, Siphiwe Zainap Madonsela, and Pumelo Mantho Ganca, first competed in the online preliminaries on 18 April 2024 using the Kahoot! programme. This initial round required a stable, fast online connection and involved answering 42 questions covering animal nutrition (both ruminant and non-ruminant), animal breeding, animal physiology, and general animal science knowledge.
All teams competed simultaneously, and the top three teams based on leaderboard scores advanced to the finals. In total, there were five competing universities: Stellenbosch University, North-West University, the University of Limpopo, the University of Pretoria, the University of Fort Hare, and the University of Zululand.
In the finals, held on 3 July 2024 at the 54th Annual SASAS Congress in East London, the UMP team secured first place. The final round comprised two segments of 24 questions each. During the first segment, all teams competed simultaneously, and in the second segment, the top three teams faced off against audience teams.
The leaderboard score from the first round was crucial in determining the overall winner. Only the winning team was eligible for the Plaas Media-sponsored prize.
The quiz results were announced as follows:
- Third Place: University of Mpumalanga
- Second Place: University of Fort Hare
- First Place: Stellenbosch University
UMP is proud to have been represented for the first time on this national platform, providing the students with an excellent opportunity to showcase their understanding of animal science and related topics through the competition.
The SASAS Congress engages postgraduate students on compelling and relevant topics regarding the current and ever-changing animal production environment. Students also engage in debates and panel discussions led by internationally recognised and well-respected experts.
Dr Xola Nduku, a lecturer in Animal Production, mentored the students for the competition and was supported by the office of the DVC: Teaching and Learning.
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