AFMA announces 2021 Intervarsity Writer's Cup competition winner

The Animal Feed Manufacturers Association (AFMA) annually hosts the Intervarsity Writer's Cup competition to encourage universities, student promoters, and students to communicate relevant research information in the AFMA Matrix quarterly magazine.

At the time of submitting her article in the category "own research", Skippers studied MScAgric Animal Sciences (Animal Nutrition) under the promoters of Professors Brink van Zyl and Christiaan Cruywagen at the Department of Animal Sciences, SU.

Skippers's article details her research on the nutritional significance of enzyme application in animal feed as a key factor in optimising fibre digestibility. She says despite many reports on the positive results of using exogenous enzymes in animal diets, a lot is still to be learned, specifically within the South African context.

"I am truly honoured to be a recipient of this award. Seeing some results coming from the hard work that went into the research for my MSc is exciting yet humbling at the same time! I am so grateful for every drop of support and encouragement I received from the people around me - family, friends, academic staff, and my supervisors," comments Skippers.

Since the submission of the article, Zarinah has completed her MSc degree and successfully graduated. She is currently employed by Afgri Animal Feeds as a junior operational nutritionist.

Stellenbosch University took this prestigious award from the University of Pretoria.