Department of Animal Science
https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/57
2024-03-28T16:40:24ZResponse to hormonal treatment and conception rates of Sahiwal cows subjected to fixed time artificial insemination in pastoral dairy systems
https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/5753
Response to hormonal treatment and conception rates of Sahiwal cows subjected to fixed time artificial insemination in pastoral dairy systems
TM Magothe, DK Mwangi, CB Wasike, RW Waineina, SA Miyumo, SI Mwangi, ED Ilatsia
This study aimed at determining factors influencing response of Sahiwal cows/heifers to fixed time artificial insemination protocol in pastoral systems in Kenya. Available cows/heifers were inspected for conformity to Sahiwal breed characteristics, parity, body condition score, and subsequently rectal palpation to determine pregnancy status, ovarian structures, and estimated ovarian diameter. Consequently, these animals were injected with 100 µg of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone. On days 7 and 9, only responsive cows/heifers were injected with 500 µg of cloprostenol and 100 µg of gonadorelin Acetate, respectively. On day 10, animals were inseminated and separated from bulls for 45 days and pregnancy diagnosis done after 90 days. Analysis of variance was performed to determine the effects of production system, parity, and ovarian structures on ovary diameters pre- and post-hormonal treatment. Logistic regression was used fitting a logit function to account for the binomial distribution of conception. Overall, 56.2%, 23.1%, and 20.7% of the animals had follicles (F), corpus luteum (CL), and corpus albicans (CA), respectively, at day 0, and 16.6%, 68.6%, and 14.8%, respectively, at day 7. Human and environmental factors had no influence on conception. Among the animal factors, only the ovarian structures at day 7 had a significant effect on conception. Ovaries with CL at this time were about 6 times significantly more likely to conceive than those with F. For higher conception rates, animals with ovaries with CL should be recruited into the FTAI program as they are significantly more likely to conceive than those with other ovarian structures.
The Article can be access in full via springer link
2023-02-01T00:00:00ZGenetic variability in registered Alpine dairy goat population in Kenya
https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/5731
Genetic variability in registered Alpine dairy goat population in Kenya
Kimitei, R.K; Muasya, T.K; Wasike, C.B
A total of 6893 individuals were used to evaluate the population structure and genetic variability
of registered Alpine dairy goats in Kenya. Parameters estimated were pedigree completeness,
maximum generations traced, complete generations, equivalent generations, generation interval,
inbreeding coefficient, effective population size and population structure. The average level of
pedigree completeness for registered Alpine dairy goats was 10% with 65.9% of individuals
having known parents while 16.1%, 2.3 and 0% had information on their grandparents and great
grand-parents. None of the individuals had known great-great-grand parents known. The average
generation interval was 10.6 years. The longest generation interval was reported for sire-sire pathway
(15.9 years) while the dam-sire pathway had the shortest (5.7 years). Out the 6398 individuals
in the pedigree, only 26 were inbred, and had an inbreeding level of 23.1%. Inbreeding level
was higher among inbreds, when estimated based on complete generations rather than maximum
traced generations. As average inbreeding level for the entire population was low, its trend was not
estimated. Maximum traced generations, complete generations, equivalent generations were 8, 2
and 2.1, respectively. The associated rates of inbreeding and effective population size estimates
were 0.09, 0.17 and 0.16; 579.8, 296.1 and 315.9, respectively. Pedigree completeness in the
registered Alpine population in Kenya is low, leading to over- or under-estimation of measures of
genetic diversity. Rate and level of inbreeding increased with increasing pedigree completeness.
The Alpine dairy breeding programme in Kenya should be strengthened by enhancing pedigree
recording to enable long-term management of genetic variability and genetic improvement.
http://repository.ruforum.org/
2021-01-01T00:00:00ZNutritional Value of German Cockroach Meal (Blattela germanica) as a SuperPRO Feed
https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/5716
Nutritional Value of German Cockroach Meal (Blattela germanica) as a SuperPRO Feed
VM Ngaira, CC Wambui, RO Mosi, FO Wayua, ED Ilatsia
Evaluating animal feedstuff is a crucial aspect of animal nutrition and formulation. It provides basic nutritional value information on the quality of conventional feedstuffs and enriches the database with novel feedstuffs. A study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional value of the German cockroach (B. germanica) and the parameters compared to the literature for anchovy fishmeal. Samples of adults and sub-adult B. germanica were analysed for dry matter content, crude protein, ether extracts, minerals, and crude fibre. Samples of sub-adult B. germanica were further analysed for profiles of amino acids and fatty acids and mineral composition. The chemical composition was compared to that documented for of anchovy-fishmeal by calculating parameters such as essential amino acid index, chemical score, and ideal amino acid ratios. The parameters were also compared to those recommended by NRC and GRRS. The dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, and ash were 91.40, 56.64, 7.94, 6.05, 4.11 and 89.12, 58.28, 15.03, 5.21, 3.45 for adult and sub-adult, respectively. Whereas crude protein was similar, the crude fat (15.03 %) in nymphs was significantly different from adults (p<0.05). The crude protein level in german cockroaches was lower than that of anchovy fishmeal. Polyunsaturated fatty acid in nymph B. germanica accounted for 70 % of crude fat, dominated by oleic acid (35.90 %). All the essential amino acids were present, with leucine (3.14 mg/g) and methionine (0.65 mg/g) being the highest and lowest, respectively. The essential amino acid index of anchovy fishmeal (1.83) is better than cockroach meal (1.73). The level of essential amino acids in B. germanica exceeded the ideal amino acid ratios prescribed by NRC and GRRS for broiler chicken. Although the nutritional value of B. germanica is lower than of fishmeal, but is sufficient to as alternative chicken feed.
http://academicdigitallibrary.org/id/eprint/411
2022-09-22T00:00:00ZGenetic and non-genetic factors influencing KLH binding natural antibodies and specific antibody response to Newcastle disease in Kenyan chicken populations
https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/5616
Genetic and non-genetic factors influencing KLH binding natural antibodies and specific antibody response to Newcastle disease in Kenyan chicken populations
Sophie Miyumo, Chrilukovian B. Wasike, Evans D. Ilatsia, Jörn Bennewitz, Mizeck G. Chagunda
This study aimed at investigating the influence of genetic and non-genetic factors
on immune traits to inform on possibilities of genetic improvement of disease
resistance traits in local chicken of Kenya. Immune traits such as natural and specific antibodies are considered suitable indicators of an individual's health status
and consequently, used as indicator traits of disease resistance. In this study, natural antibodies binding to Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin (KLH-NAbs) was used
to measure general disease resistance. Specific antibodies binding to Newcastle
disease virus (NDV-IgG) post vaccination was used to measure specific disease
resistance. Titers of KLH-NAbs isotypes (KLH-IgM, KLH-IgG and KLH-IgA) and
NDV-IgG were measured in 1,540 chickens of different ages ranging from 12 to
56weeks. A general linear model was fitted to determine the effect of sex, generation, population type, phylogenetic cluster, line, genotype and age on the antibody traits. A multivariate animal mixed model was fitted to estimate heritability
and genetic correlations among the antibody traits. The model constituted of
non-genetic factors found to have a significant influence on the antibody traits as
fixed effects, and animal and residual effects as random variables. Overall mean
(±SE) concentration levels for KLH-IgM, KLH-IgG, KLH-IgA and NDV-IgG were
10.33±0.04, 9.08±0.02, 6.00±0.02 and 10.12±0.03, respectively. Sex, generation
and age (linear covariate) significantly (p<0.05) influenced variation across all
the antibody traits. Genotype effects (p<0.05) were present in all antibody traits,
apart from KLH-IgA. Interaction between generation and line was significant
(p<0.05) in KLH-IgM and NDV-IgG while nesting phylogenetic cluster within
population significantly (p<0.05) influenced all antibody traits, apart from
KLH-IgA. Heritability estimates for KLH-IgM, KLH-IgG, KLH-IgA and NDVIgG were 0.28±0.08, 0.14±0.06, 0.07±0.04 and 0.31±0.06, respectively. There
were positive genetic correlations (0.40–0.61) among the KLH-NAbs while negative genetic correlations (−0.26 to −0.98) were observed between the KLH-NAbs
14390388, 2023, 1, Downloaded from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jbg.12738 by EBMG ACCESS - KENYA, Wiley Online Library on [31/01/2023]. See the Terms and Conditions (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/terms-and-conditions) on Wiley Online Library for rules of use; OA articles are governed by the applicable Creative Commons License
| MIYUMO et al. 107
1 | INTRODUCTION
Indigenous chicken (IC) (Gallus gallus domesticus) plays
significant roles in nutrition, food security and economic
growth in many rural households in most countries in the
tropical regions (Alders & Pym, 2009). In Kenya, IC account for about 80% of the total chicken population and
is kept by over 75% of the rural households (Magothe
et al., 2012). Their popularity, particularly among rural
households, is attributed to their ability to produce under
low-input systems and adapt to local environmental conditions (Olwande et al., 2010). Despite their adaptive ability, IC is predominantly raised under scavenging systems
that are constrained in terms of, among other challenges,
diseases that limit optimal utilization and expansion of
the sub-sector (Lamont, 2010). For instance, depending on
the season, disease prevalence and mortality rates, reduction in productivity and product condemnation of about
20%–100% are experienced at the farm level and these
cumulatively translate to 10%–15% of annual economic
losses (Okeno et al., 2011; Rist et al., 2015). With respect
to climate change effects, environmental conditions are
expected to favour pathogens and parasite proliferation
resulting in increased disease occurrence.
Among the various poultry diseases, Newcastle disease
(NCD) which is endemic among chicken in the tropics is
currently considered of importance because of the massive
production and economic losses it causes in the industry
(Alders et al., 2018). While bio-security measures combined with vaccinations have proved useful in controlling
NCD, the effects are, in some cases, temporary and/or
highly influenced by the environment (Zanella, 2016).
Control by use of anti-microbial drugs, on the other hand,
is beneficial but often misused leading to product safety
concerns (Lamont, 2010). Furthermore, the reliance on
free-range scavenging system among smallholder farmers'
increases transmission rates of NCD between and within
flocks (Lwelamira, 2012). These factors emphasize the
importance of considering alternative measures to maintain or enhance disease resistance in chicken flocks.
****Selective breeding for disease resistance, as a control measure, offers an opportunity to enhance adaptability of IC, especially, under scavenging systems where
they are exposed to a myriad of disease pathogens (Cheng
et al., 2013; Lwelamira et al., 2009). Besides, disease resistance is ranked a trait of economic importance among
IC farmers in Kenya (Okeno et al., 2012), an indication
that the trait should be considered in breeding goals.
Disease resistance is generally defined as the ability to
prevent infection when exposed to a pathogen or control
a pathogen's life cycle (Zanella, 2016). The trait, however,
is not often absolute because of the complex biological
networks and host-pathogen interactions that control disease resistance, and the high sensitivity to environmental
stressors (Cheng et al., 2013). On the other hand, disease
resistance measurement requires that animals are challenged with pathogens and this severely violates animal
welfare, presents biosecurity risks and is economically
costly (Zanella, 2016). To circumvent these limitations,
health traits related to the immune function are suitable
indicator traits for indirect improvement of disease resistance (Cheng et al., 2013). Success of their utilization
is, however, dependent on whether the traits are related
to disease resistance, easy and cheap to measure and of
utmost importance, heritable. Natural antibodies (NAbs)
binding keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH-NAbs) and
specific antibodies (SpAbs) binding NCD virus (NDV-IgG)
have been used extensively to measure general disease resistance and specific resistance against NCD, respectively
(Lwelamira, 2012; Sun et al., 2013).
Considering the intrinsic nature of innate humoral
immunity, KLH-NAb titres is expected to vary among
individuals (Mangino et al., 2017). Previous studies on
chicken found that part of this variation was due to additive genetic effects and further estimated moderate to low
(0.44–0.07) heritability for KLH-NAb isotypes (Berghof
and NDV-IgG. Results from this study indicate that non-genetic effects due to
biological and environmental factors influence natural and specific antibodies
and should be accounted for to reduce bias and improve accuracy when evaluating the traits. Subsequently, the moderate heritability estimates in KLH-IgM and
NDV-IgG suggest selection possibilities for genetic improvement of general and
specific immunity, respectively, and consequently disease resistance. However,
the negative correlations between KLH-NAbs and NDV-IgG indicate the need to
consider a suitable approach that can optimally combine both traits in a multiple
trait selection strategies.
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZGenetic and phenotypic correlations among feed efficiency, immune and production traits in indigenous chicken of Kenya
https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/5609
Genetic and phenotypic correlations among feed efficiency, immune and production traits in indigenous chicken of Kenya
Chrilukovian B. Wasike , Evans D. Ilatsia , Jorn Bennewitz, Mizeck G. G. Chagunda
https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2022.1070304
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZEffects of Organic Substrates on Development and Survival of Blattela germanica for Food and Feed in Kenya
https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/5364
Effects of Organic Substrates on Development and Survival of Blattela germanica for Food and Feed in Kenya
Muhumbwa Victor Ngaira, Oyoo Reuben Mosi, Celine Wambui Caroline, Obuoro Francis Wayua, Mumbi Ann Wachira
Entomophagy has gained popularity as a novel approach to addressing food and nutrition insecurity, particularly in sub-tropical and tropical countries. Cockroaches, for example, have the potential to alleviate nutritional deficiencies, as well as the erratic supply of protein in feeds. They can also be reared on locally available organic substrates. This study investigated growth performance and survival of german cockroach (Blattella germanica) reared on locally available organic matter substrates as treatments; spent brewers’ grain (Treatment A), Treatment B consisting of (40%: wheat bran: 40% spent brewers’ grain: 20% Caridina nilotica), wheat bran (Treatment C), and C. nilotica (Treatment D) and in a completely randomised design (CRD). Each treatment was replicated four times, while in each replicate 20 - 30 nymphs were reared for forty-two days. Feed intake for all the treatments was not significantly different. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in mature weight, average daily weight gain, live weight, and survival during rearing period. Cockroach performed well on treatment B and recorded highest mature weight, overall performance index, survival was 90.25 mg, 197.35, 96%. The least perfomance was reported in Treatment C; 1.78, 83, 143.17 and 72.5 for average growth rate, survival, overall perfomance and mature weight respectively. B. Based on these findings, a single feed as used in this study was inferior to the composite (Treatment B) in all parameters of growth performance and survival. The composite diet (Treatment B) could be suitable substrate for mass production of B. germanica for feed and food.
DOI: 10.4236/ojas.2022.123036
2022-01-01T00:00:00ZPotential of Croton megalocarpus Nut as an Alternative Protein Supplement for Feeding of Ruminants in the Tropics
https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/5271
Potential of Croton megalocarpus Nut as an Alternative Protein Supplement for Feeding of Ruminants in the Tropics
EK Njoroge, CC Wambui, CB Wasike
Croton megalocarous is a tree native to the arid and semi-arid rangelands of East Africa that produces nuts reported to contain high crude protein (CP). However, they are often neglected as a potential feed due to lack of information on how best to utilize them. This study was conducted to evaluate the chemical composition and in sacco dry matter (DM) degradability of four forms of croton namely whole nut (WN), peeled nut (PN), De-husked nut (DhN) and Defatted seed (DfS). DM of all forms was above 89%, ash content was highest in WN (5.9%) and least in PN (2.2%). Crude fibre content was high in WN (52.2%) and PN (57.8%) while the DhN and DfS had the highest CP (15.7%) and (19.8%) respectively. Ether extract content was highest in DhN (36.2%) and least in DfS (11.2%). In sacco DM degradability was highest after 48 hours of incubation in all forms with highest degradability recorded for DhN (60.5%) and the least for PN (34.5%). The rapidly soluble fraction (a), potentially degradable fraction (a+b), index value (IV) and effective degradability (ED) were significantly high in DhN compared to the other forms. High DM was an indication of good keeping quality implying that nuts could be harvested and stored for future feeding while ash content reflected on potential as a source of minerals for livestock. The CP and IV of all the croton forms was above the 7% and 33% minimum required for optimum rumen function and to support sufficient feed intake, respectively. Processing of croton nut by de-husking and oil extraction enhanced the CP, soluble and potentially degradable fractions of croton nut. Subsequently, the two forms could satisfy the minimum of 15% CP required for lactation and growth in addition to provision of readily fermentable nutrients to boost intake of low-quality forages.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4766&context=igc
2022-01-01T00:00:00ZDetection of circulating antigens for Taenia spp. in pigs slaughtered for consumption in Nairobi and surroundings, Kenya
https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/4998
Detection of circulating antigens for Taenia spp. in pigs slaughtered for consumption in Nairobi and surroundings, Kenya
Akoko JM, MacLeod E, Thomas LF, Alarcon P, Kang'ethe E, Kivali V, Muloi D, Muinde P, Murungi MK, Gachoya JM, Fèvre EM
Taenia solium a zoonotic tapeworm, responsible for neurocysticercosis in humans is a major public health threat, being a leading cause of acquired epilepsy in endemic regions. Eastern and southern African nations have experienced a recent rapid growth in pig production, including small-scale, free-range systems, with an accompanying increased risk of T. solium transmission. Seven hundred blood samples were collected from randomly selected pigs presented for slaughter at one of the largest porcine abattoir supplying unprocessed pork to Nairobi city and its surroundings. The samples were tested using an antigen ELISA to determine the prevalence of infection with Taenia spp.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.parepi.2019.e00093
2019-01-01T00:00:00ZDigestibility and metabolizable energy intake equations of tropical ruminant forages using nutrient concentration of cattle faeces. Mazingira Center, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya, September
https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/4871
Digestibility and metabolizable energy intake equations of tropical ruminant forages using nutrient concentration of cattle faeces. Mazingira Center, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya, September
24. Onyango, Alice Anyango Goopy, John Patrick
smallholders use feeds of unknown or highly variable
nutritive value undermining proper nutrition
determination of feed intake and accurate nutritive value in
grazing animals is resource-intensive
faecal collection and analysis is relatively easy n vivo studies with Friesian and/or Boran steers (n = 42):
a. Protein-deficit: wheat only and with daily or bi-daily
Calliandra calothyrsus supplementation
b. Energy-deficit: Chloris gayana at 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%
of maintenance energy requirement
c. Balanced: tropical grasses (Pennisetum purpureum,
Brachiaria brizantha, C. gayana) planted alone or wih
Lablab purpureus intercrop
determination of feed and faecal proximate nutrient, fibre
and energy concentration, DMD, DOMD and MEI faecal nutrient concentrations from a. and b. regressed
against diet DMD, DOMD and MEI; c. for validation dataset
equations were evaluated using root mean square prediction
error (RMSE) and mean error (PE)
prediction equations of feed nutritive value based on faecal
nutrient concentration would be fast, cheap and routine
2020-01-01T00:00:00Zvities of International Non Governmental Organizations ' in the Promotion of Human Security in Kakamega Count...
https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/4816
vities of International Non Governmental Organizations ' in the Promotion of Human Security in Kakamega Count...
Muchilwa, B & Okoth, P. G
Throughout the last quarter of the 20th Century, up until this day, there has been a gradual, yet
enormous, qualitative and quantitative growth in International Non-Governmental
Organizations (INGOs) in Kenya. Amidst this upsurge, has been their increased recognition
as important actors in the social, political and economic welfare agendas of the country.
INGOs have become widely perceived to be either complementing or supplementing the state
as players in their new-found human security and development roles. As such, INGOs have
self-advertised as providers of human security, which includes various elements viz.,
economic security, food security, health security, environmental security, personal security,
community security and political security. However, in spite of this increased and enlarged
presence and visibility of INGOs in Kenya, the much sort-after development and
accompanying human security goals of the country still remain a distant mirage. In this
regard, the study sought to evaluate the challenges that INGOs face in the pursuit of Human
Security goals in Kakamega County, Kenya. With the relatively new status of the human
security concept, the study promised to contribute to the ever increasing body of knowledge
in this area, as well as enrich the developmental approaches and policies applied in Africa
which are in need of urgent reform. The study population comprised of the following
categories of respondents: officials of INGOs from national to grassroots levels; state officers
in relevant departments, from the national level (officials from the NGO Coordination
Board), to County development officers, and Members of County Assembly (MCAs); and
household heads of beneficiary communities. The study relied on both probability and
nonprobability sampling methods to come up with a desirable sample population. The sample
sizes for household heads, government officials and members of INGO bodies was 384, 3
and 15 respectively. The study relied on both primary and secondary sources of data,
employing Focus Group Discussions, interviews, observation, and questionnaires as methods
of data collection. Both probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used, with
the researcher selecting respondents who served as key informants, envisioned to provide
primary data, alongside other sources. Secondary data was attained via a thorough review of
existing academic literature, which included books, journals, and periodicals. Quantitative
data was analyzed using SPSS version 23 software to obtain descriptive statistics, particularly
frequencies and percentages, and presented in tables, graphs, and charts. Qualitative data was
analyzed using thematic techniques to support quantitative data and presented in form of
narrative reports. From this evidence, INGOs face the study found that lack of autonomy
(20%) government interference 6.67%, and absence of strategic planning (26.67%). The
study found out that state of human security in Kakamega still remains below the desired
levels, with the aforementioned challenges limiting the performance of the present INGOs.
Therefore, there is need for more stakeholder involvement, better cooperation with the local
and national governments, as well as better development strategies in order to achieve the
desired developmental and human security goals
2021-01-01T00:00:00Z