http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/299 2026-04-09T10:30:25Z 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/123456789/2270 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/123456789/1526 PREVALENCE OF MASTITIS AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AMONG DAIRY CATTLE IN UASIN GISHU COUNTY – KENYA NYAKITI, ARTHUR A. OYOO A random sample consisting of one hundred and fifty lactating dairy cows; fifty from each of the three study sites, of different breeds, parities, stages of lactation and average daily milk yields from several farms spread across Uasin Gishu County, Kenya were tested in a study of mastitis. We evaluated the use by forty randomly chosen dairy farmers of routine testing of foremilk and teat dipping as mastitis control measures. Mastitis causative microbes were identified both by cultural morphology and biochemical tests. Culture and sensitivity tests were done to determine their in vitro resistance to various antimicrobial agents. The Draminski Mastitis Detector was used to screen individual udder quarters of every cow sampled for mastitis. Readings below 300 units were recorded as suspect for subclinical mastitis whilst those with visible changes to the udder and /or the milk from a strip cup were recorded as having clinical mastitis. At the sampled population level the prevalence of mastitis was found to be 50.7% of which 24.7 % had clinical mastitis while 17.3% had subclinical mastitis. The remaining 8.7% of the samples had both clinical and subclinical mastitis. The prevalence of mastitis at quarter level was 21.8% and of these, 11.5% were clinical while 10.3% were subclinical. Out of the 76 positive samples obtained at screening, 72 samples had bacterial growth/ isolates while 4 had none. Of those samples with growth 66 grew one type of microbe while 6 grew mixed infections. Six genera of bacteria and one of yeasts were isolated. The most common bacterial or fungal genus isolated was Staphylococcus sp 31.6%, followed by Escherichia sp 22.4%, Klebsiella sp 18.4%, Streptococcus sp 17.1%, Corynebacterium sp 2.6%, Pseudomonas sp 1.3% and Candida sp 1.3%. Resistance by the isolated microbes was greatest to the two sulphonamides; sulphamethoxazole 17.3% and cotrimoxazole 17.3% followed by chloramphenicol 16.6%, nalidixic acid 15.9%, ampicillin 15.2%, tetracycline 11.2%, streptomycin 5.1%, kanamycin 2.8% and gentamicin 2.2% in that decreasing order. However there was no significant difference in the mean resistance across the bacterial genera to ampicillin, nalidixic acid, chloramphenicol, sulfamethoxazole and cotrimoxazole. Tetracycline and streptomycin were next with medium resistance but with no statistical difference between them. The group to which there was least resistance was kanamycin and gentamicin. The incidences of mastitis were found to increase as parity/age of cow increased; with parities between 4 and 10 having the highest number of cases. The breed of cow was found to have no influence on the incidence of mastitis. Cows in early lactation (the first 2 months post calving) had the highest incidence compared to those in mid and late lactation. The cows with higher milk production had higher mastitis incidences compared to those with lower production. There was, among the forty respondent farmers, widespread ignorance about routine management practices that can be used to control the incidences of mastitis at milking such as regular testing, pre and post milking teat dipping in suitable germicides and the timing of fresh feeding after milking. It was concluded that there is widespread lack of knowledge by the farm managers about the cow factors, the environmental factors and management factors that exacerbate mastitis within the farms, hence the high prevalence of mastitis and high resistance to antimicrobials among the causative microorganisms. It was recommended that there is need for capacity building by veterinarians and other dairy stakeholders to alleviate this. The overall objective is to increase the production of clean wholesome milk of high market value which ultimately increases profits to the farmers and all stakeholders in the dairy subsector and hence help alleviate poverty. 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1511 MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF KUCHI INDIGENOUS CHICKEN ECOTYPE UNDER THREE FEEDING SYSTEMS CHESOO, BENJAMIN KIPROP The low genetic potential and the lack of better feeding systems of the local chicken ecotypes has constrained the productivity of Indigenous chicken. Therefore, the present study was conducted to characterize the Kuchi indigenous chicken (IC) ecotype of Kenya. This ecotype has become popular for its high mature body weight. From week 9 to 30 of the Kuchi, three studies were carried out: First, were observations of some morphological traits namely: feather colours, comb types, shank colours of 18 Kuchi birds(8 cocks,10 hens) and the meat yield at 30 weeks of age of 6 birds (3cocks and 3 hens) expressed as Killing Out percentage (K O %). Second, the growth performance of Kuchi growers was evaluated under three feeding systems: Extensive (ES), Extensive with Supplementation (ESS) and Intensive (IS). Third, the growth performance of the Kuchi growers under each of the three feeding systems(ES, ESS and IS) was evaluated on the effects of three levels of energy diets: High (HE) 2700.5 MEKcal/Kg, Low (LE) 2564 MEKcal/Kg and Maize Grain (MG); The HE and LE rations were specifically formulated for the study, and then fed on a two week change-over basis from week 12 to 17;The mean weekly weights were computed and analyzed through ANOVA using SAS (2011) software tool. The first experiment involved descriptive statistics through visual appraisal and observations. No significant (p>0.05) differences among feeding systems was found. Diet LE 2564 MEKcal/kg had significant (p<0.05) effect on the growth of Kuchi growers. While diets: HE and MG had no significance (p>0.05). Diet (LE), therefore, was different (p>0.05) from diets HE and MG, respectively. In the third experiment, 27.8%, 33.4% and 39%, for Solid-one, Mixed-two and Heterogeneity–several feather colours were observed respectively. Kuchi cock and hen had 67.8% and 65.9%, KO%, respectively. It is concluded that, Kuchi IC do not need an intensified feeding system. However, a grower’s supplementation ration of about 2564.5MEKcal/Kg is required for the optimal growth of Kuchi chicken during week 12 to 17 of age. Kuchi IC ecotype exhibit large phenotypic variations in morphological traits with mature males being heavier by 1.9 % (KO %) than females of the same age. This diversity may be utilized as bases for selection towards desired breeding objectives of Kuchi and other indigenous chicken, not only in Kenya, but also other tropical countries. 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1251 EVALUATION OF NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF FIELD LEGUMES USING RABBIT (ORYCTALOGUS CUNNICULUS) AS THE ANIMAL FOR BIOASSAY MUTAI, PAUL ARAP Tropical field legumes are currently used in the feeding of livestock, mainly as a source of protein. However their nutritional values have not been adequately evaluated by animal nutritionists. This experiment was carried out to determine the nutritional value of four field legumes using growing rabbits as the animal for bioassay. Thirty Newzealand White, one (1) month old rabbits were randomly placed in rabbit cages in pairs. The design was a CRD There were 5 treatments representing the legumes i.e. Lucerne, Desmodium, Vetch and Beans and a control of Rhodes grass hay and each treatment was replicated thrice. Feed and water was given adlibitum. From the five Feeds, samples were taken in duplicate for proximate analysis to evaluate their nutritive value in terms of DM, CP, CF, Mineral, NDF and ME (Kcal). Data on daily feed intake was used to assess the growth rate and feed conversion efficiency. Daily rectal temperatures were taken from the 2nd week of experiment. This was done randomly on three rabbits in each treatment for a period of 2 weeks, this was to monitor possible clinical signs of toxicity, especially hypothermia. At the end of the experiment, two rabbits from each treatment were sacrificed and their gastro-intestinal organs weighed and examined for any toxic effects of the legumes. Research design was a completely randomized design (CRD) and data was analysis using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results demonstrated that beans had the highest CP of 28.98% while Vetch, Desmodium and Lucerne had % CP of 25.90, 21.05, and 20.66, respectively. However, rabbit fed on Desmodium had the best average daily gain (ADG) of 12.72gm, and feed conversion efficiency of 0.097. Toxicity was measured through comparison of rectal body temperature, ante-mortem and post mortem findings on the different feeds which revealed that rabbits fed on Desmodium had the least toxicity score while the beans had the highest. From these results it can be concluded that Desmodium is the best legume as a protein source and the least toxic for growing rabbits. 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1242 INVESTIGATION OF INDIGENOUS CHICKEN PRODUCTION AND AFLATOXIN CONTAMINATION OF EGGS AND MEAT IN WESTERN KENYA TARUS, JONATHAN KIPNG’ETICH Poultry plays an important economical role of developing nations and reports show that demand of poultry meat is on increase. Native chicken are valued in Kenya because they provide food and income, for domestic use, to rural households especially in Western Kenya. However, their production is low compared to exotic chicken; this could be due to ingestion of aflatoxins known to affect chicken productivity. The study investigated feed types, feeding regime and presence of aflatoxins in chicken products in Siaya, Busia and Kakamega Counties. A multi stage sampling was used and purposive selection entirely done based on indigenous chicken production among women and youth groups. In each of the 3 Counties, 3 sub Counties were selected; in each sub County, two Wards were identified and two locations were picked in each of them. Four farmer groups (two youth and two women groups) were identified in each of the picked locations and five group members each completed a questionnaire. A total of 180 farmers were interviewed, 260 feed samples, 60 egg samples and 240 tissue samples were obtained from sixty chicken slaughtered and from these chicken (30 young; 12-16 weeks old and 30 adults; >36 weeks old), Liver (n=60), kidney (n=60), breast (n=60) and thigh muscle (n=60). Nutrient composition of common chicken feeds was analyzed for percent crude protein (CP), dry matter (DM), and ash (ASH) using proximate method. Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect presence of aflatoxins in products of indigenous chicken. Survey data was analyzed using SPSS Software version 25 while GENSTAT 14th Edition was used to analyze tissues, eggs and feed data. Farmer’s age and education level determined type of production system practiced. Free range system was still popular than semi free range and intensive systems. Common feedstuffs were; maize, sorghum, cassava, groundnuts and commercial feeds. Cassava had the lowest crude protein at 2.4%, groundnuts had the highest crude protein at 20% as compared to other feedstuffs while Sorghum had higher CP at 10% than maize at 8%. Tissues had higher mean aflatoxin level (liver 4.19ppb, Breast muscle 3.57ppb, thigh muscle 2.66ppb and kidney 2.02ppb) but eggs had traces (0.081ppb). Chicken tissues had total aflatoxins, eggs had traces. This study informs on production systems, nutrient composition of indigenous chicken feeds and levels of aflatoxin in chicken products. Therefore the study recommends that strategies on minimizing future contamination and improving on production be put in place. 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1235 EVALUATION OF SELECTED PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS IN AN ONGOING INDIGENOUS CHICKEN IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME IN KENYA MUTUGI, GIKUNJU MOSES A genetic improvement programme to increase productivity of indigenous chicken (IC) in Kenya was implemented by Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) in Naivasha, Kenya. In this work, increased productivity was achieved through crossbreeding, distribution and replacement of IC exotic breeds. This study was conducted in an effort to ascertain the traits of the exotic breeds and their progeny as proceeding from the breeding programme, their egg quality traits and production performance. A sample of 120 exotic parent hens (Ef), 120 1st filial generation of Ef (F1) progeny hens, 12 exotic parent cocks (Em) and 12 F1 progeny cocks were randomly selected for phenotypic characterization by qualitative and quantitative measurements. Data on Ef, F1 progeny and IC hen egg production was obtained from daily performances of up to the 64th week of laying and evaluated. Structured questionnaires were administered to a random sample of 60 farmers to evaluate reproductive performance of F1 progeny hens in Lurambi Sub County, Kakamega County. In addition, eggs were collected and evaluated for egg quality traits from the parent stock (Ef), F1 progeny hens and IC housed at the Naivasha Poultry Research Centre. F1 progeny hens had a body weight of 2.159 ± 0.221 kg, chest circumference of 33.275 ± 2.553 cm and wingspan of 46.137 ± 5.753 cm that was lower than Ef that had 2.283 ± 0.249 kg, 35.133 ± 1.710 cm and 47.425 ± 1.836 cm for the above-mentioned traits respectively. F1 progeny had egg production performance of first egg layed at 128 days, reached peak lay at 186 days and attaining a peak lay of 90%, this was a higher performance when compared to IC which layed the first egg at 158 days, attained a peak lay at 194 days and had a peak lay of 55%. On egg quality based Haugh Unit (HU), Ef had 86.226 ± 5.376 while F1 had 83.020 ± 5.710 and IC had 72.780 ± 15.150. The 2nd filial generation (F2); a crossbreed of F1 and IC, generation had lower egg weights (56.814 ± 7.812 g) and HU values (79.499 ± 8.177) than F1. On crossbreeding F2 with IC to produce the 3rd filial generation (F3), the egg weight and HU reduced to 47.308 ± 4.580 g and 73.373 ± 7.769 respectively. F1 progeny outperformed the IC in body size, egg quality and egg productivity. The study concludes that the resultant F1 had a good production performance in the research station, but hybrid vigour was lost when crossbred with IC. In this regard, farmers should replenish their flocks with F1 progeny to reap the full benefits of heterosis. 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1132 GENETIC EVALUATION OF GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF LARGE WHITE PIGS REARED UNDER INTENSIVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN KENYA OUKO, VINCENT OCHIENG Pig production in Kenya is characterized by lack of genetic performance parameters, crucial in setting up sustainable genetic improvement strategies. To partly address this situation, random regression (RR) models have been applied in a varied range of longitudinal data from pigs to other animals. The objective of this study was to undertake genetic evaluation of growth performance of large white pigs reared under intensive management systems in Kenya. Growth data was obtained from KALRO-Naivasha and consisted of body weight (BW) records from 1,398 pigs. The fixed effects of the model used, included dam parity, piglet sex and contemporary groups while litter size at birth was treated as a linear covariate. Random regressions for weight on Legendre polynomials (LP) were included for direct additive gene, maternal additive genetic and permanent environment. Residual effects were modeled to account for heterogeneity of variance by age. Estimates of phenotypic variance increased with age from 3.43 ± 0.28 (3rd week) to 2,449.28 ± 392.07 (36th week), while estimates of direct additive genetic heritability (h2) ranged between 0.20 ± 0.04 and 0 .52 ± 0.08. Similarly, maternal additive genetic heritability (m2) increased from 0.26 ± 0.05 to 0.79 ± 0.04 while the ratio of permanent environmental variance to phenotypic variance (e2) ranged between 0 ± 0.01 and 0.15 ± 0.10. Direct additive genetic correlations were greater than 0.48 between all measures of weight and decreased with increase in age interval. The first three eigenvalues of the coefficient matrix of the additive genetic covariance accounted for 98.62 % of the sum of all the eigenvalues. Growth was highly heritable at pre-weaning age and influenced by maternal and common environmental effect. This study found the highest heritability at the 8th week of growth and recommends selection for increased growth at the same age. 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z