Journal Articles

Agroforestry adoption and its influence on soil quality under smallholder maize production systems in western Kenya

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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.

Paratuberculosis: A Potential Zoonosis and a Neglected Disease in Africa

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT

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

Influence of Feed Intake on Hormonal Profile of Post-parturient Friesian Cows in Uasin Gishu County – Kenya

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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.

Parity and Homeorhetic Prioritisation in Friesian Cows in 30–day Postparturient Period in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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.

Nutrient composition of Sorghum-Based Rations and their effect on growth of Improved Indigenous Chicken in Western Kenya

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

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

Factors Affecting Days Open among Smallholder Dairy Cattle in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

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.

SPATIAL-TEMPORAL DISTRIBUTION OF SEA URCHINS AND SEAGRASS ALONG DIANI-CHALE LAGOONAL REEFS, MOMBASA

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

SPATIAL-TEMPORAL DISTRIBUTION OF SEA URCHINS AND SEAGRASS ALONG DIANI-CHALE LAGOONAL REEFS, MOMBASA SERGON, NANCY JEMATIA Overgrazing by herbivores has been postulated as a potential threat to seagrass in Kenya. Indirectly, fishing may result in increase in sea urchin population caused by removal of sea urchin predators. This study determined the spatial and temporal distribution of sea urchins and seagrass along Diani lagoonal reefs.The objectives of this study were (i) To determine seasonal abundance and diversity of sea urchins and seagrass in Diani Beach (ii) To determine spatial variation of density of sea urchins in healthy and degraded seabeds in Diani Beach (iii) To evaluate the influence of sea urchin abundance on benthic seagrass cover in Diani beach. Three sites of Mvuleni, Chale, and Mwaepe, and three seasons of northeast monsoon, intermonsoon, and southeast monsoon were selected.Healthy and degraded sections were identified in each of the selected sites and 40 samples were obtained from each study site and for each season using one-meter square quadrats (N = 360). Seagrass cover was computed using percentages, density of sea urchins was calculated using frequencies, and the diversities of both were determined using Simpson’s diversity index. In the analysis of data, the study used t-test, two-way analysis of variance and post hoc test in comparing differences among sites and seasons. Ultimately, Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis were used to establish the nature of relationships and the influence of sea urchins on seagrass cover. Research findings indicated that the abundance and diversity of sea urchins and seagrass varied according to seasons. The density of sea urchins was highest during northeast monsoon and lowest during southeast monsoon.Correlation outcome demonstrated that the density of sea urchins was statistically significant negative predictor (r = -0.699) of the proportion of seagrass cover and accounted for 48.8% of variation. Canonical Correspondence Analysis suggests that seasons, study sites, and sea urchins influence distribution of seagrass species and nature of seabed because they account for 7.87% in the first dimension and 86.9% in the second dimension. However, other studies are necessary to establish the role of other biotic factors and abiotic factors in the growth of seagrass in seabed. This study recommends sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth,improved livelihoods and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem.

Mastitis Incidences and Antibiotic Resistance in Bovines in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Mastitis Incidences and Antibiotic Resistance in Bovines in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya Nyakiti, A. A. O.; Oliech, G. W. O.; Osano, O. Mastitis is an inflammatory reaction induced by a bacterial infection of the udder tissue. Bovine mastitis is one of the terrible diseases that causes enormous losses to the global dairy business. Antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria on farms in developing countries, where the bulk of livestock is kept on smallholdings, are poorly understood. There is a need to understand the factors that contribute to the increased occurrence of mastitis in order to control it. Consequently, this study evaluated mastitis incidences and antibiotic resistance in Bovines in Uasin Gishu County, Kenyan. A random sample consisting of one hundred and fifty lactating dairy cows; fifty each from three purposively chosen study sites, from several dairy farms across Uasin Gishu County- Kenya were tested in a study of mastitis. Causative microbes were identified both by cultural morphology and biochemical tests. Culture and sensitivity testing using the disc diffusion method were done to determine their in vitro resistance to various antimicrobial agents. The Draminski Mastitis Detector was used to screen udder quarters for subclinical mastitis while a strip cup and visual examination were used to detect visible changes to the udder and /or the milk for clinical mastitis. Out of the 76 positive samples obtained at screening, 72 had bacterial growth while 4 had none. The bacterial or fungal genus isolated were 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. In order to alleviate this problem of increase in antimicrobial resistance, the study recommended that cases detected are promptly and vigilantly treated with suitable antimicrobials after culture and sensitivity tests have been carried out.

NUTRITIVE VALUE, TANNIN BIO ASSAY AND PROCESSING EFFECTS OF ACACIA PODS AS SUPPLEMENTS TO GOATS IN MOGOTIO SUB-COUNTY, KENYA

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

NUTRITIVE VALUE, TANNIN BIO ASSAY AND PROCESSING EFFECTS OF ACACIA PODS AS SUPPLEMENTS TO GOATS IN MOGOTIO SUB-COUNTY, KENYA Mutai, Paul Tannins are anti-nutritional factors in forages. This research was conducted in Emining ward, Baringo County- Kenya. The objective was to evaluate nutritive value, tannin bioassay and processing effects of mature green pods of Acacia species as supplements to goats and characterize rumen cellulolytic bacteria. A total of 20 bucks aged 4-5 months were randomly sourced from Radat market, sprayed against ectoparasites and dewormed against endoparasites. Each buck was housed individually in a goat pen raised 1 m high with slatted floor measuring 1.5 by 1.5m. All the bucks were fed on a basal diet of Rhodes grass hay (Chloris gayana) mixed with wheat bran at 3:1 ratio. They were divided into five treatments groups of four each and allocated to five treatments. T1- (control-untreated) pods of identified mature Acacia brevispica, A. mellifera and A. tortilis, (T2-shade –dried pods for 48hours, T3-(sun dried pods for 48 hours, and T4- pods soaked in wood ash-alkali solution (10-12 Ph.) mixed at 200g ash per/liter of water for 48 hours respectively while T5 was basal diet only. Nutrient composition was determined by proximate analysis and Van-Soest laboratory procedures (AOAC-1995) and tannin bioassay by Cio- calteu/makkar procedures (2005). Organic matter digestibility was assessed by invitro gas production technique and food conversion efficiency determined as a percentage of the total weight gain by the total feed taken. At end of 3-months, 3 bucks were randomly selected from each treatment group and killed humanely. Hot, cold carcass and organ weights were recorded and the effects of tannins on gut rumen cellulolytic bacteria were isolated, quantified using serial dilution, enumeration of colony forming units and characterized morphologically by Gram staining. Analysis of variance in Stratigraphic Centurion XII was used to test for significant difference between dependent variables. Mean differences were separated using Least Significant Difference. Acacia mellifera (9.03±0.57) had the highest percentage (p=0.0011) of moisture and crude protein. A. tortilis (4.73±0.77) and A. brevispica (4.13±0.14) had the lowest percentage of ash (p<0.05) from that of A. brevispica (0.0244). In all Acacia species, methane gas produced increased per day with more produced in alkali treated pods (p<0.05). Among the Acacia species, all supplements processed in alkali were ingested in large amounts (p<0.05) with A. tortilis pods taken in large amounts (416.50±6.50) compared with the others (p=0.0012). For control treatment 1, more of A. tortilis supplement was consumed in as compared with the others (p=0.0011). Initial weight of the Small East African Goat (SEAG) did not differ prior to feeding with supplements (p>0.05). Feeding with A. tortilis resulted to the highest final weight (14.20±0.36g). Bucks fed on Acacia tortilis- alkali-treated-pods resulted in best average daily gain of 15.03±2.01g followed by A. brevispica (14.13±1.94g) with a significant difference (p<0.05) with that of A. mellifera. Low food conversion ratio was recorded in Acacia tortilis treated in alkali as compared to other treatments. Pre- and post- slaughter weights as and kill out percentage did not differ among and within treatment. In conclusion, A. tortilis pods showed high nutritional components, alkali processing resulting in highest tannin reduction and highest rumen bacterial counts. Organ weights differed among and within treatments with the largest liver weight recorded in goats fed with Acacia. brevispica and A. mellifera pods. Alkali treated A. tortilis pods resulted in significantly high rumen cellulolytic bacteria. Alkali processing is recommended for tannin reduction and A. tortilis met most of the nutritional requirements and was recommended as goat supplement.

Status and Constraints in Farming of Domesticated Rabbits in Western and North Rift Kenya

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Status and Constraints in Farming of Domesticated Rabbits in Western and North Rift Kenya Sergon, P. C; et al. Rabbit farming is recognised as an important enterprise. Domestic rabbits are raised mainly for meat in major parts of the world. Domesticated rabbit farming in Africa has a challenge of low meat production and mostly done by resource poor and low-income farmers. The study covered the Western and North Rift regions of Kenya using exploratory research design to generate the required information targeting 112 rabbit farmers. The study used both stratified and systematic sampling basing on different Agro Ecological Zones. Farmers were obtained through snow balling technique using structured questionnaires. Data collected was analysed using SPSS (version 20). Majority of the respondents (56.3%) were males aged below 36 years (96.4%) and had formal education. Main breeds for meat were New Zealand White 48 (43.6%) and Flemish giant 22 (20.0%), while palomino was least kept with a statistically significant difference (χ2 = 84.24, d.f.=6, p<0.0001). Most rabbits were reared in cages 90(86.5%) (p< 0.0001) measuring 1.5m by 1.5m (68.3%) raised about a metre high serving as anti-predation tactics. Breeding stock were sourced from fellow farmers (85.5%). Rabbits aged three months were sold at an average price of Ksh.200 while those over five at 1200. A large proportion of farmers indicated they never cleaned rabbit houses 57 (50.9%). Main rabbit feed was vegetables from farms 68(60.7% rarely supplemented with Pellets 23(76.7%). Rabbits encountered diarrhoea and skin diseases 12(10.7%), predators 68(60.7%), thieves 14(14.3%), sudden deaths, and high costs of building materials with a significant difference (χ2 = 121.818 with 4 d.f. P-Value = 0.0001) Rearing practices and challenges differed from each. The study concluded that more awareness be created on the need to keep rabbits for income. Research and training on rabbit management and marketing is needed to support the growth of rabbitry in the regions.