Mr Benedict Raito
Lecturer: Animal Production
Qualifications: BSc Agric. (University of Natal) | MSc Agric. (University of the Free State)
Professional Background
Mr Raito obtained a BSc Agric. from the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, in 2000. He subsequently worked for the Mafikeng Municipality in the North West Province in the field of community development.
In 2004, he volunteered with the Department of Agriculture in Mmabatho, where he assisted extension officers with identifying farmers' needs and providing training.
In 2006, he joined the Agricultural Research Council for training as a researcher in animal reproduction biotechnology, conducting research involving various assisted animal reproduction techniques.
He obtained an MSc Agric. from the University of the Free State, where he lectured in the Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences from 2009 to June 2018.
His master's research focused on developing an effective procedure for the cryopreservation of bovine oocytes, using bovine follicular fluid as a holding or pre-cryopreservation medium under controlled laboratory conditions.
He is currently a Lecturer in Animal Production at the Central University of Technology, Free State, with involvement in teaching, postgraduate supervision and further studies.
Areas of Expertise
- • Animal Production
- • Animal Physiology
- • Assisted Reproduction Technology
Selected Publications
- • Malejane, C.M., Greyling, J.P.C. & Raito, M.B. (2014). Seasonal Variation in Semen Quality of Dorper Rams Using Different Collection Techniques. South African Journal of Animal Science, 44(1), 26-32.
- • Olubowale, O.S., De Witt, F., Greyling, J.P.C., Hugo, A., Jooste, A.M. & Raito, M.B. (2014). The Effect of Dietary Lipid Sources on Layer Fertility and Hatchability. South African Journal of Animal Science, 44(5), Supplement 1, 44-50.
- • Olubowale, O.S., Greyling, J.P.C., De Witt, F., Hugo, A. & Raito, M.B. (2014). Effects of Dietary Lipid Sources on the Semen Quality of HyiLine Silver Brown Cockerels. Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences, 24(4), 991-997.
- • Makae, T., Greyling, J.P.C., Schwalbach, L.M.J. & Raito, M.B. (2012). The Effect of Exogenous Anabolic Steroids on Growth Performance, Testicular and Seminal Characteristics of Yearling Boer Goat Bucks. Small Ruminant Research, 105, 290-294.
Conference Proceedings & Presentations
- • Rabothata, T.B., Raito, M.B., Nedambale, T.L. & Mphaphathi, M.L. (2020). Comparison of Aspiration and Slicing Techniques on Porcine Oocytes Quality and Quantity. Prestige Research Day, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Technology, Free State, 28 October 2020.
- • Raito, M.B., Greyling, J.P.C. & Nedambale, T.L. (2014). The Effect of Holding Bovine Oocytes in the Follicular Fluid on Their Subsequent Embryonic Developmental Capacity In Vitro Post Vitrification. 47th Congress of the South African Society for Animal Science (SASAS), Pretoria, South Africa, 6-8 July 2014.
- • Raito, M.B., Greyling, J.P.C. & Nedambale, T.L. (2013). The Viability of Vitrified-Thawed Immature Bovine Oocytes after Exposure to Bovine Follicular Fluid. 46th Congress of the South African Society for Animal Science (SASAS), Bloemfontein, South Africa, 23-27 June 2013.
- • Mphaphathi, M.L., Raito, M.B., Makhafola, M.B., Luseba, D. & Nedambale, T.L. (2009). Comparison of Cryoprotectants on Cryopreservation of Venda Cock Spermatozoa. International Embryo Transfer Society, California, USA, 3-7 January 2009.
- • Raito, M.B., Mphaphathi, M.L., Schwalbach, L.M., Greyling, J.P.C. & Nedambale, T.L. (2009). Comparison between Tri-Gas Thermo Incubator and Modular Chamber with Pre-Mixed Gas on the Development of Bovine Embryos In Vitro. International Embryo Transfer Society, San Diego, California, USA, 3-7 January 2009.
