A young scientist from North-West University (NWU) has demonstrated that indigenous knowledge holds valuable solutions for modern farming. Through her groundbreaking research, Phethile Emmelina Mabuza, an MSc graduate in animal science, has shown that camel thorn pods, traditionally used as livestock feed in the arid regions of Southern Africa, can be transformed into a cost-effective and nutritionally beneficial feed alternative for smallholder broiler farmers.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming
Mabuza’s study, “Oyster mushroom fermented Vachellia erioloba pods as replacement for wheat bran in broiler diets: Physiology and meat physicochemical and nutritional quality”, offers a sustainable solution rooted in both innovation and local resources. Camel thorn pods, once milled and processed, are rich in protein, fibre and minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium. Their feeding value rivals that of legume hay, making them an ideal supplement during droughts when conventional feed becomes scarce.
Part Of A Solution To High Feed Costs
According to Mabuza, high feed costs and declining meat quality are among the most pressing challenges in the poultry industry. “For many smallholder farmers in South Africa, these issues are even more urgent, as they struggle to balance production costs with the demand for affordable, nutritious meat,” she explained.
Her innovation lies in fermenting camel thorn pods with oyster mushrooms to create a novel feed ingredient. This fermented product can replace up to 10% of wheat bran in broiler diets, without compromising growth performance, carcass traits or meat quality.
“The idea was to look at what rural farmers already have around them and find ways to make it useful in poultry production,” Mabuza said. “Camel thorn pods are abundant in many communities, and with the right processing, they can become part of the solution to high feed costs.”
To test her hypothesis, Mabuza conducted feeding trials on 400 Ross 308 broiler chicks, incorporating varying levels of the fermented pods into their diets. The results were impressive. Growth rates and carcass characteristics remained steady, and additional benefits emerged:
- Improved feed intake;
- Increased gizzard weights;
- Enhanced fat and ash content in breast meat;
- Boosted immune competence and lipase activity; and
- Better meat quality, with higher monounsaturated fatty acid levels.
These outcomes not only showed the pods’ economic potential but also highlighted nutritional advantages for consumers, linking animal feed innovation directly to human food security.
Mabuza’s passion for agricultural innovation is deeply personal. Born and raised in Nkomazi, Mpumalanga, she grew up in a rural community where small-scale farming was a lifeline. Witnessing the hardships faced by farmers sparked her lifelong mission to find practical, affordable solutions to food production challenges.
After completing a BSc in agriculture (animal science) at NWU, she pursued her MSc in animal nutrition, graduating with distinction. Along the way, she enriched her research through training in mushroom cultivation, feed formulation, green chemistry and statistical analysis, equipping her with the tools to merge indigenous practices with cutting-edge science.
Also read: Camel thorn leaves worth their weight in gold
Innovation Transforms Livelihoods
Mabuza has already presented her work at professional forums such as the South African Society for Animal Science (SASAS), sparking discussions about alternative feed sources in South Africa. But for her, the impact of research extends far beyond academic recognition.
“For me, research is not just about science,” she reflected. “It is about making a difference in people’s lives, especially in rural areas where innovation can transform livelihoods.”
She actively mentors young agricultural students and supports community farming projects, ensuring that her knowledge translates into grassroots empowerment.
With her sights set on becoming a leader in sustainable animal nutrition, Mabuza envisions bridging the gap between laboratory research and practical farming solutions. Her long-term goal is to help rural farmers reduce reliance on costly imported feed, unlock the potential of local resources and contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s food security.
By transforming an age-old indigenous practice into a scientifically validated feed solution, Mabuza is proving that the future of farming may well lie in rethinking the past.
