http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/191 2026-04-09T12:02:42Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2538 Agroforestry adoption and its influence on soil quality under smallholder maize production systems in western Kenya Nyum, Henry Tamba; Njoroge, Ruth; Otinga, Abigael Nekesa Agroforestry, a sustainable land use practice, was introduced in western Kenya in the early 1990s as a soil fertility replenishment strategy. Since then, the effect of the practice on soil quality has seldom been evidenced. A study was conducted to assess the impact of agroforestry adoption on soil quality under smallholder maize systems in the region. Soil samples were collected from two land use practices: agroforestry adoption (90) and non-agroforestry adoption (30) at 0–30cm depth from two locations (Busia and Kakamega counties). Results showed variations in soil characteristics between the study locations. Soils in Kakamega contained higher concentrations of soil organic carbon (SOC), exchangeable cations, and micronutrients. On average, agroforestry adoption significantly (P≤0.05) improved soil physicochemical properties. Under agroforestry adoption, bulk density (BD) reduced by 21% (from 1.4 to1.1g cm-3), while (SOC) increased by 75% (0.8–1.4%), P by 80% (3.0–5.4mg kg-1), exchangeable K by 256% (0.3–8.0 cmol kg-1), Ca by 100% (1.0–2.0 cmol kg-1), S by 50% (0.2–0.3mg kg-1), and Cu by 18% (2.8–3.3mg kg-1). Agroforestry adoption significantly increased K and Cu levels above the critical thresholds of 0.4 cmol kg-1 and 1.0mg kg-1, respectively, at both locations. Sesbania sesban and Leucaena leucocephala influenced soil BD, pH and P (4.3.-7.0mg kg -1), exchangeable K (0.4–0.7 cmol kg-1), Mg (0.1–0.2 cmol kg-1), and Mn (13.5–25.2mg kg-1) at both locations, while Calliandra calothyrsus significantly increased SOC in Kakamega only. These findings highlight the significance of agroforestry in soil fertility management. Furthermore, Sesbania proved to be effective in enhancing the characteristics of soils at both sites, hence, the need for its inclusion in agroforestry extension messages. Further studies are needed to understand nutrient release mechanisms from agroforestry biomass and their influence on soil characteristics and maize yield in smallholder farming systems. 2025-04-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2521 PERFORMANCE OF IMPROVED INDIGENOUS CHICKEN REARED ON SORGHUM-BASED RATIONS UNDER THREE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN WESTERN AND NORTH-RIFT REGIONS, KENYA JEMUTAI, KIPTUI, BRENDA Improved indigenous chicken (IIC) contribute to nutritional requirements, socio-cultural benefits, and welfare of smallholder farmers. Maize as an energy source in chicken feed is becoming unrealistic due to high costs and competition with humans; therefore, alternatives like low-tannin sorghum should be considered. Semi-arid conditions in Western Kenya make sorghum a viable option. Objectives of this study were to determine performance of IIC on sorghum-based rations under three production systems and investigate socio-economic drivers of IIC rearing in Busia, Siaya and Uasin Gishu Counties. A randomized complete block experimental design with split-plot arrangement of treatments determined nutrient composition of sorghum-based diets and growth of 390, 4-week-old IIC for 12 weeks. Diets consisted T1 (50%), T2 (75%), RUC26 sorghum variety inclusion levels, T3 – a commercial feed designated as Control and T4 was Free-range feeding. Farmers were purposively selected; those practicing Semi-intensive and Intensive production systems received one of the diets, while Free-range farmers received none. Field survey investigated socio-economic dynamics from forty-five purposively selected sorghum-growing and chicken-rearing farmers supplied eight Rainbow Rooster growers. Nutrient composition showed significant differences (p<0.05) among diets for crude ash, crude fat, crude fibre and metabolizable energy. Crude protein was highest (15.15%) in T1. Metabolizable energy (3616 Kcal/Kg) and lysine (0.86%) were highest in T2. Growth of IIC was significantly different (p<0.05) among diets and production systems. Diet T1 had higher (694.56g) weight gain than T3 (668.02g), which significantly differed (p<0.05) from T2 (618.83g). Weight gain in Intensive system was significantly (p<0.05) higher (880.26g) than Free-range (424.94g) and Semi-intensive (416.25g) systems. Survey showed that most (36%) farmers’ age ranged from 30 to 39 years, with majority (58%) being female. Management practices adopted most were veterinarian services (76%) and poultry housing (67%). The IIC breed was highly (69%) preferred, with 58% having 1 to 15 birds flock size. Most (69%) farmers purchased feeds, majorly (24%) being chick mash. Home-grown rations were formulated by majority (71%), with maize (71%) intensely used than sorghum (51%). Feed cost per kilogram of T1 (63 KSh) and T2 (59 KSh) were significantly lower (p<0.05) than T3 (70 KSh). Most (64%) farmers did not incur marketing costs. Egg and chicken sales were high at 78%, and domestic consumption of chicken products was 98%. Diet T1 met minimum nutrient requirements, promoted high growth, and was costeffective. Growth was best in intensive system, and IIC breed was highly preferred. Farmers should grow RUC26 sorghum for chicken feed. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2519 SERUM HORMONE LEVELS AND MILK YIELD AMONG FRIESIAN CATTLE AT DIFFERENT PARITIES – THIRTY DAYS POST - PARTURIENT Murgor, Christopher The study examined the interactions between feeds, parity, milk-yield and hormonal profile of Friesian cows during the 30- day into lactation. The study objective included: to investigate the impact of parity on weight change and milk yield of post - parturient Friesian Cows; to examine the effect of serum hormone levels on feed intake of post – parturient Friesian Cows; and to determine the effect of parity on serum hormone levels of post – parturient Friesian Cows in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. Three farms namely Elfam, Elso and Betan in Uasin Gishu County were purposively selected with nine pedigree Friesian cows in three parities (2, 3 & 4) whose milk production averaged 20 litres/day. The study utilized a randomized complete block design and adopted a natural on–field experiment while adopting their nutritional diets. Each cow was fed daily on 40 kg of forage, mineral licks and water ad libitum. The daily milk yield was recorded. Feed intake was determined daily and blood samples collected at parturition and on 7- day interval and tested for cortisol, prolactin, oestrogen, and IGF-α1 levels. Resulting data were entered into Microsoft Excel application and analysed using Genstat 14 to generate descriptive statistics and ANOVA, and results presented in tabular and graphical formats. All the lactating cows irrespective of parity progressively lost weight daily with cows in parity 2 having the highest average daily weight loss. Milk yield significantly differed with cows in parity 2 having the lowest daily milk yield at 21.66 Kgs/day while cows in parity 4 had the highest daily milk yield at 24.99 Kgs/day. All the cows had on average low feed intake at parturition and progressively increased the feed intake to 35 Kgs/day. Serum cortisol levels gradually declined while serum IGFα1, prolactin and oestrogen levels progressively rose. Parity had a significant effect on weight change (p < 0.05) and milk yield (F = 8.27, p < 0.05). Serum hormone levels; prolactin (r = 0.760, p < 0.05), Oestrogen (r = 0.785, p < 0.05) and IGF-α1 (r = 0.692, p < 0.05) significantly and positively correlated with feed intake which negatively correlated with serum cortisol (r = -0.613, p < 0.05). Only serum cortisol levels differed significantly with parity levels. The study concluded that a correlational and causal linkages exist between parity, serum hormonal profile, feed intake and milk yield of post-parturient Friesian cows in Uasin Gishu County. The study recommends that farmers improve herd management techniques for managing and sustaining the cow’s physiological state (weight loss and milk yield) during the immediate post – parturient period. Further, there is need for the farmers to intensify the feed intake through improve feed palatability to support and maintain the growth profiles of the dairy cows and that farmers improve the nutritional diets by proper feed formulation to accommodate the changing physiological needs of the post – parturient lactating cow. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2506 Paratuberculosis: A Potential Zoonosis and a Neglected Disease in Africa Okuni, Julius Boniface; Hansen, Sören; Eltom, Kamal H.; Eltayeb, ElSagad; Amanzada, Ahmad; Omega, Joseph Amesa; Czerny, Claus Peter; Wahed, Ahmed Abd El; Ojok, Lonzy The Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is the causative agent of paratuberculosis, which is an economically important disease of ruminants. The zoonotic role of MAP in Crohn’s disease and, to a lesser extent, in ulcerative colitis, the two major forms of idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IIBD), has been debated for decades and evidence continues to mount in support of that hypothesis. The aim of this paper is to present a review of the current information on paratuberculosis in animals and the two major forms of IIBD in Africa. The occurrence, epidemiology, economic significance and “control of MAP and its involvement IIBD in Africa” are discussed. Although the occurrence of MAP is worldwide and has been documented in several African countries, the epidemiology and socioeconomic impacts remain undetermined and limited research information is available from the continent. At present, there are still significant knowledge gaps in all these areas as far as Africa is concerned. Due to the limited research on paratuberculosis in Africa, in spite of growing global concerns, it may rightfully be considered a neglected tropical disease with a potentially zoonotic role 2020-07-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2445 Influence of Feed Intake on Hormonal Profile of Post-parturient Friesian Cows in Uasin Gishu County – Kenya Murgor, Christopher Kiptoo; Kitilit, Jackson Kibet; Omega, Joseph Amesa The immediate post-parturient period of lactating cattle holds significant physiological and metabolic challenges arising from parturition and negative energy balance (NEB). The study examined the effect of feed intake on the hormonal profile of post-parturient Friesian cows in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. Three farms, namely Elfam, Elso and Betan, from which nine Friesian cows whose milk production averaged 20 litres per day were selected. The study utilised a randomised complete block design (RCBD) and adopted a natural on–field experiment where nutritional diets in each farm were adopted. The cows were fed 40 kg of forage supplemented with minerals and water given ad libitum. The cows were weighed daily, and the feed intake was determined daily. Blood samples were collected a day after parturition and later in the morning at a 7-day interval and tested for cortisol, prolactin, oestrogen, and Insulin Growth Factor (IGF) levels. The data were entered into Microsoft Excel and Genstat 14 for descriptive and ANOVA analysis, and the results were presented in tabular and graphical formats. All cows had on average low feed intake at parturition and progressively increased the feed intake to 35 kg during the study period. Hormonal cortisol levels gradually declined while those of IGF, prolactin and oestrogen progressively increased during the 30-day study period. The study concluded that feed intake was significantly and positively correlated to prolactin (r = 0.760), Oestrogen (r = 0.785), and IGF-1 (r = 0.692) and negatively to cortisol (r = -0.613). Based on the results, the study concluded that there is a causal linkage between feed intake and the hormonal profile of post-parturient Friesian cows. The study recommends that commercial farmers should improve the nutritional requirements of dairy cows based on their physiological state. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2444 Parity and Homeorhetic Prioritisation in Friesian Cows in 30–day Postparturient Period in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya Murgor, Christopher Kiptoo; Kitilit, Jackson Kibet; Omega, Joseph Amesa The transition period to parturition introduces significant homeorhetic and metabolic challenges that significantly influence the hormone levels, feed intake, body weight and lactational performance of a cow in the immediate post-parturient period. Thus, the study examined how Friesian cows prioritised homeorhetic balance in the first 30 days of post-parturition. Nine Friesian cows whose milk production averaged 20 litres per day were purposively selected from Elso, Elfam and Betan farms, whose farm management practices are standardised and studied on-field. Each cow was fed daily on a 40 kg ration of forage, mineral licks and water ad libitum. The cows were weighed daily, and the quantity of feed intake was determined. Blood samples were collected in the morning after parturition and at 7-day intervals and tested for cortisol, prolactin, oestrogen, and IGF-1 levels. Microsoft Excel and Genstat 14 were used to analyse the data both descriptively and inferentially, using ANOVA and correlations. As cows displayed a negative energy balance (NEB) state in the first 21 days of postparturiency, feed intake was initially low but gradually increased to match the energy status of the cow. The initial milk yield was low due to NEB and stress, but progressively increased with time as the cortisol levels declined while IGF, prolactin and oestrogen concurrently increased during the 30-day post-parturiency. Feed intake was significantly and negatively correlated to cortisol levels (r = -0.613), but positively correlated to milk yield (r = 0.615), prolactin (r = 0.760), Oestrogen (r = 0.785), and IGF (r = 0.692). The study concluded that a causal linkage existed between feed intake, milk yield and hormonal profile during the 30-day post-parturient period. The study recommends that the nutritional requirements of a dairy cow in the transition to post-parturiency be adequately provided. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2424 Nutrient composition of Sorghum-Based Rations and their effect on growth of Improved Indigenous Chicken in Western Kenya Kiptui, Brenda Jemutai; et. al... Improved indigenous chicken contribute to the nutrition of farmers in rural communities. The use of maize as an energy source in chicken diets is becoming unacceptable due to competition from humans, resulting in high feed costs. Alternative energy sources like low-tannin sorghum can be grown in Western Kenya. The objective of the study was to determine the nutrient composition of sorghum-based diets and the growth of improved indigenous chicken in Busia and Siaya Counties. Dietary treatments consisted of 50% (T1), 75% (T2) sorghum inclusion, and control (commercial diet) (T3). Farmers on semiintensive were provided dietary treatments, and free-range (T4) was not provided. Feed samples were subjected to laboratory analysis for proximate composition, amino acids, and tannin content. Growth characteristics were collected biweekly. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, and then means that differed significantly were separated using Tukey’s test in Genstat 14th edition. For proximate composition, dry matter was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T2 (91.9%) and T3 (92.1%) compared to T1 (91.4%). Crude fat was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T2 (9.54%) than in T1 (6.84%) and T3 (6.57%). The crude fibre was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T3 (14.3%) compared to T1 (3.37%) and T2 (3.62%). Crude protein was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T2 (15.8%) and T1 (15.2%) compared to T3 (12.6%). Metabolizable energy was significantly (p<0.05) lower in T3 (2723 Kcal/Kg) compared to T1 (3569 Kcal/Kg) and T2 (3684 Kcal/Kg). Amino acids (lysine, methionine, cysteine, and tryptophan) content in diets T2 and T3 were significantly (p<0.05) higher than T1. The tannin content of the sorghum variety C26 was 1.24%. T1 had a significantly high (p<0.05) mean final weight (970 g), body weight gain (804 g), daily weight gain (14.4 g), and feed conversion ratio (5.57). Mortality was highest at T4 (17.1%). It was concluded that the inclusion of 50% low tannin sorghum meets chicken feed nutritional requirements and is best for growth performance. The study recommended that farmers rearing chicken should plant low tannin sorghum to be utilized as feed ingredient to cut the cost of production 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2270 ASSESSING THE PERFORMANCE OF ALTERNATIVE FISHING BAITS TO WILD Marphysa mossambica ON SELECTED HABITATS ALONG MTWAPA CREEK, KENYA NGURE, ERICK KANYEKI This research investigates fish populations, the craft of artisanal fishers, the impact of bait harvesting on sustainability of fishery along Mtwapa creek, along the Kenyan coastline. The Kenyan coastline has a narrow but productive inshore fishing area. Seasonal winds, particularly the northeast and southeast monsoons, limit fishery activities. The study focused on the role of fisheries in rural and peri-urban communities, the contribution of artisanal fisheries to the national Gross National Product (GDP), the growth of artisanal fisher’s population, and the exploitation of polychaete worm (Marphysa mossambica) as the primary bait source. Additionally, the study examines fish populations in the location of the study. The potential for introducing alternative baits was also assessed aiming at transforming fishing practices to aid ecosystem restoration efforts. The research was carried out along Mtwapa creek (30 57'00''S 390 44'40''E) within four zonation’s: The reef, sandy shores, rocky shores and muddy-mangrove shores. Data was subjected to Catch per Unit effort (CPUE) treatment which considered factors like soaking time, detachment, and catch; the bait with the shortest soaking time and detachment was deemed superior. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was also used to assess the fish populations across the four zones. A total of 320 fishing episodes were monitored, involving Hermetia illucens larvae, Cultured Marphysa mossambica , Lumbricus terrestris , and Wild Marphysa mossambica. The occasions resulted in landing 103 fish, with a catch rate of 32.2%. The landing consisted of 20 fish species, mainly dominated by Lethrinus variagatus (15.6%), Lethrinus obsoletus (2.8%), and Caseo caerulaurea (2.8%). Cultured M. mossambica (2.77±0.22 hr) and L. terrestris (1.44±0.11 hr) had the longest fishing duration compared to H. illucens larvae (0.36±0.04 hr) for wild M. mossambica (0.25±0.04). The research documented the catch per unit effort (CPUE) of four baits: H. illucens larvae, L. terrestris, wild, and cultured M. mossambica which performed well in all study locations, with both cultured and wild M. mossambica varieties recording significant landing rates, suggesting their consideration by the fishing community. Cultured M. mossambica, in particular, could reduce pressure and damage to the nearshore ecosystem, as well as shorten fishing time for the fisher community. The sandy shores and rocky shore had higher populations with high diversity of fish. The recommendations would be that the four habitats (Zones) are well endowed with fish and therefore should be exploited for landings however, conservation efforts should be enhanced to ensure that the intertidal zones are restored to which will result in increased fish populations hence increased catch and incomes for Artisanal fisher households. 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2104 FACTORS AFFECTING CONCEPTION RATES OF DAIRY CATTLE AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMS IN UASIN GISHU COUNTY, KENYA BIAMAH, PHILIP KIPLEL Smallholder dairy farmers (SDF) in Uasin Gishu County work hard to get the best out of their farms, but evidence shows that dairy farming faces many challenges. One of the indicators of poor production and reproduction in a dairy farm is low conception rate of the cows. The study sought to determine animal and farm factors influencing conception rates in cows kept by SDF in Uasin Gishu County. 216 cows in the three agro-ecological zones (AEZ) of Uasin Gishu County were purposively selected and artificially inseminated using semen of the farmer’s choice could be conventional semen (Imported and Kenyan Genetics) or gender sorted semen. The study relied solely on on-farm conditions. Ear tags were used for identification of the selected cows. Pregnancy diagnosis was carried out by trans-rectal palpation at 60-90 days post-insemination. Days open was determined on 116 of the cows that were neither heifers nor animals whose breeding records were absent. Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and interviews of key informants (KI) were held in all the agro-ecological zones and structured questionnaires administered to 423 small holder farmers in a survey. Data collected from the animals was subjected to t-tests to establish the differences within AEZ, breeds, farming systems, and conception status while information from the FGDs and survey were presented descriptively. Mean conception rate for cattle in Uasin Gishu County was 48.2%. Factors that significantly affected conception rate were breed, body condition score and milk yield. Zebu Crosses (74.5%) had significantly higher CRs than that of Friesian (61.1%) and Ayrshire (53.1%). Mean Body condition score 3 had the highest CR of 70.8% and milk yield of above 10 kg per day had the highest CR of 77.6%. The other factors examined in this study; AEZ, parity, age group, AI timing and semen type had no significant influence on the conception rate. The lower highlands had a mean days open (DO) of 206 ± 20 days, which was significantly lower than those of the upper highlands. There was no significant difference of DO across the breeds and among the different production systems. The average DO of 255 ± 17 days of Uasin Gishu County was significantly longer than the recommended 85-110 days. High cost of feeds, poor record-keeping, and inadequate Veterinary services (VS) as gathered from the FGDs and farmers survey, were the most important impediments to high conception rates whereas inadequate veterinary services forced farmers to handle obstetric complications including dystocias, resulting in post-parturient metritis and consequently, prolonged DO. Results of this study show that conception rates are mostly affected by animal and on-farm management factors associated with breed, nutrition and poor record-keeping, and external factors of inadequate veterinary and extension services. It is important that these factors be addressed if the small holder dairy farmers in Uasin Gishu County are to attain the optimum a-calf-per-year-per cow conception rate. 2023-05-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1941 Factors Affecting Days Open among Smallholder Dairy Cattle in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya Biamah, Philip K.; Omega, Joseph A.; Kios, David K. The dairy industry in Uasin Gishu County (UGC) provides nutrition and employment among Smallholder dairy Farmers (SDF). The reproductive and productive potential of dairy cattle within the recommended range 85-110 days open (DO) ensures a calf per year. The study sought to determine factors influencing DO among SHF in UGC. 216 cows were purposively selected and artificially inseminated in the three agro-ecological zones (AEZ) of UGC. Further selection DO on 116 was determined. Focus group discussions (FGD) and interviews of key informants (KI)were held, in DO data. Data from the animals was subjected to t-tests to establish the differences within AEZ, breeds, farming systems, and conception status while Information from the FGDs was presented descriptively. Mean DO for AEZ 3 of 206 ± 20 days was significantly lower than those of AEZ 1, 303 ± 35 and AEZ 2, 281 ± 34. Mean DO for Ayrshire, Friesian and Zebu cross of 264 ± 30, 258 ± 28 and 244 ± 24 days respectively weren’t significantly different as of 227 ± 34 for intensive farming systems and 260 ± 20 days for semi-intensive farming. DO for cows confirmed in-calf was 237 ± 21 and those that weren’t, was 279 ± 27 days. The average DO (255 ± 17) was significantly longer than 85-110 days. High cost of feeds, poor record-keeping, and inadequate Veterinary services (VS) resulted from the FGDs and interviews of KI. Inadequate VS forced farmers to handle dystocias and other obstetrics complications resulting in post-parturient metritis and consequently, prolonged DO. Other factors included poor management of cows in the first 100 days in milk, poor record-keeping, irregular supplementation, and inadequate extension services. Good nutrition after pregnancy and veterinary and extension services are necessary for a calf-per-year-per cow. 2021-10-01T00:00:00Z