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Bacteremia in critical care units at Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania: the role of colonization and contaminated cots and mothers’ hands in cross-transmission of multidrug resistant Gram-negative bacteria
No full textArticle of Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control (2020) pg, 2-14Background: Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major clinical problem in tertiary hospitals in Tanzania and jeopardizes the life
of neonates in critical care units (CCUs). To better understand methods for prevention of MDR infections, this study aimed to
determine, among other factors, the role of MDR-Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) contaminating neonatal cots and hands of
mothers as possible role in transmission of bacteremia at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC), Mwanza, Tanzania.
Methods: This cross-sectional, hospital-based study was conducted among neonates and their mothers in a neonatal
intensive care unit and a neonatology unit at BMC from December 2018 to April 2019. Blood specimens (n = 200) were sub-
cultured on 5% sheep blood agar (SBA) and MacConkey agar (MCA) plates. Other specimens (200 neonatal rectal swabs, 200
maternal hand swabs and 200 neonatal cot swabs) were directly inoculated on MCA plates supplemented with 2 μg/ml
cefotaxime (MCA-C) for screening of GNB resistant to third generation cephalosporins, r-3GCs. Conventional biochemical
tests, Kirby-Bauer technique and resistance to cefoxitin 30 μg were used for identification of bacteria, antibiotic susceptibility
testing and detection of MDR-GNB and screening of potential Amp-C beta lactamase producing GNB, respectively.
Results: The prevalence of culture confirmed bacteremia was 34.5% of which 85.5% were GNB. Fifty-five (93.2%) of GNB
isolated from neonatal blood specimens were r-3GCs. On the other hand; 43% of neonates were colonized with GNB r-
3GCs, 32% of cots were contaminated with GNB r-3GCs and 18.5% of hands of neonates’ mothers were contaminated with
GNB r-3GCs. The prevalences of MDR-GNB isolated from blood culture and GNB r-3GCs isolated from neonatal colonization,
cots and mothers’ hands were 96.6, 100, 100 and 94.6%, respectively. Significantly, cyanosis (OR[95%CI]: 3.13[1.51–6.51], p =
0.002), jaundice (OR[95%CI]: 2.10[1.07–4.14], p = 0.031), number of invasive devices (OR[95%CI]: 2.52[1.08–5.85], p = 0.031) and
contaminated cot (OR[95%CI]: 2.39[1.26–4.55], p = 0.008) were associated with bacteremia due to GNB. Use of tap water only
(OR[95%CI]: 2.12[0.88–5.09], p = 0.040) was protective for bacteremia due to GNB.
Conclusion: High prevalence of MDR-GNB bacteremia and intestinal colonization, and MDR-GNB contaminating cots
and mothers’ hands was observed. Improved cots decontamination strategies is crucial to limit the spread of MDR-
GNB. Further, clinical presentations and water use should be considered in administration of empirical therapy whilst
awaiting culture results
Role of biocides in occurrence and persistence of biocide-tolerant and multi- drug resistant salmonellae
No full textTanzania Veterinary Journal Vol. 35 (1) 2020The aim of this study was to characterize the role of biocide interventions in the emergence of
biocide-tolerant Salmonella, its co-selective association with multidrug-resistant Salmonella and
the association with carriage of specific efflux gene markers. Salmonella isolates were detected
in 13.9% (208/1,497) and 6.7% (98/1,468) of swine barn drag swab samples at pre- and post-
disinfection with biocide, whereas, Salmonella isolates were detected in 17.2% (1,180/6,842)
and 7.1% (431/6,093) of the early and late finishing pigs, respectively. Barn-level prevalence of
antimicrobial resistance among Salmonella isolates recovered from the floor swab samples was
92.3% (1,503 of 1,628), whereas, the barn-level prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among
Salmonella isolates recovered from the fecal samples was 98.02% (4,415 of 4,504). A total of
348 Salmonella isolates from swine barns formerly disinfected with Biosentry and 428 from
swine barns disinfected with Synergize were subjected to minimum inhibitory concentration
(MIC) testing for Biosentry and Synergize, respectively. In addition, selected Salmonella isolates
were also genotyped to identify the carriage of quaternary ammonium compound (qac) tolerance
genes. Interestingly, 22.9% (98 of 428) of Salmonella isolates from swine barns disinfected with
Synergize carried the qac gene and the 86% of isolates that carried the qac gene also carried
attenuated qacEΔ1. Nearly 31% (109 of 348) of Salmonella isolates from swine barns disinfected
with Biosentry carried the qac gene. Furthermore, out of 109 Salmonella isolates that carried qac
genes, 94.5% of the isolates contained attenuated qacEΔ1 gene, whereas 72.5% of the isolates
carrying qacEΔ1 gene also carried class 1 integrons which is associated with both antibiotic and
quaternary ammonium compound resistance. Although biocides are effective in limiting the
growth, load and the colonization of bacterial pathogens, this study underscores the contribution
of biocides in selective pressure towards antibiotic resistant in Salmonella
Propagation and evaluation of effectiveness of commiphora Swynnertonii (burtt.) And synadenium glaucescens (pax.) Against Tomato fusarium wil
No full textIntroduction
Over-exploitation and habitat destruction have become a major limitation to production,
marketing and usage of botanical pesticides. In Tanzania, Commiphora swynnertonii and
Synadenium glaucescens have been reported to be disappearing very fast. There is a need to develop a technique that will ensure sustainable availability of these plants. The current
study, therefore aimed at enhancing mass propagation and fungicidal effectiveness of C.
swynnertonii and S. glaucescens against tomato fusarium wilt. Specifically, the study
sought to: (1) To evaluate propagation potential of C. swynnertonii and S. glaucescens,
(2) To determine field establishment of C. swynnertonii and S. glaucescens and (3) To
determine effectiveness of C. swynnertonii and S. glaucescens in managing tomato
fusarium wilt disease. The second, third and fourth chapter in the dissertation comprise
manuscripts in the form of publishable papers which cover the first, second and third
specific objectives.
Methods
With respect to specific objective 1, screen house and field experiments were carried at
Sokoine University of Agriculture. Morogoro, Tanzania. In the screen house, two separate
trials were conducted. The first trial evaluated the influence of pre-sowing seed treatments
on germination. The second trial evaluated the influence of cutting types and growth
regulators on rooting and sprouting of stem cuttings. Pre-sowing seed treatments involved
soaking seeds in water at room temperature (25°C), hot water (60°C), Gibberellin (GA3)
solution and Potassium nitrate (KNO3) at different concentrations. The experiment was set
in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. On the evaluation
of the influence of cutting types and growth regulators, there were nine treatment
combinations comprising of three types of cuttings (softwood, semi-hardwood and
hardwood), two rooting hormones (Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA) and Naphthalene Acetic
Acid (NAA)) and control. The experiment was set in a 3 x 3 factorial in RCBD with four
replications. Survived plantlets from screen house were planted in the field as per specific
objective 2.
Laboratory and screen house experiments were carried as per specific objective 3. In the
laboratory experiment, there were sixteen treatment combinations comprising of four
crude plant extracts obtained from resin of C. swynnertonii, latex, fresh and dry leaves of
S. glaucescens and four extract concentrations (0.01 g/ml, 0.05 g/ml, 0.1 g/ml and 0.15
g/ml). Sterile distilled water and Linkmil 72 WP (Mancozeb 64% + Metalaxyl 8%) were
used as a negative and positive control, respectively. The experiment was set in 4 x 4
factorial in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. In the screen
house experiment, there were four treatments; resinous extracts of C. swynnertonii, extract
from latex and fresh leaves of S. glaucescens and dried leaves powder of S. glaucescens.
Untreated soil and soil treated with Linkmil 72 WP were used as a negative and positive
control, respectively. The experiment was set in RCBD with four replications.
Findings
The results revealed that seed germination of the two plant species was poor but was
significantly affected by seed treatments. Better germination was recorded when
C. swynnertonii and S. glaucescens seeds were treated with either KNO3 at 10 ppm or
soaked in water (25°C). Semi-hardwood cuttings of C. swynnertonii and softwood cuttings
of S. glaucescens dipped in 2 000 ppm NAA solution led to higher rooting of 52.50% and
97.50%, respectively. In the field experiment, higher survival ability was recorded when
C. swynnertonii and S. glaucescens plants were previously treated with either KNO3 at 10
ppm or GA3 at 250 ppm. Plants from hardwood cuttings of C. swynnertonii and semihardwood
cuttings of S. glaucescens previously dipped in 2 000 ppm NAA solution
survived better compared to the other treatments and control.
Laboratory experiment revealed that dry leaves extract of S. glaucescens and resinous
extracts of C. swynnertonii at 0.15 g/ml had the highest inhibitory effect against mycelia
growth of F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. In the screen house experiment, the results
revealed that application of dried leaves powder of S. glaucescens exhibited the least
disease severity and showed a significant effect on plant growth.
Conclusions
Based on the findings, C. swynnertonii and S. glaucescens can be propagated successful
through stem cuttings. Cutting types and growth regulators had significantly enhance
rooting and survival ability. Semi-hardwood and softwood cuttings treated with NAA 2
000 ppm was found to be the best for mass propagation of C. swynnertonii and S.
glaucescens, respectively. Plants from hardwood and semi-hardwood cuttings previously
treated with NAA 2 000 ppm were found to be the best for field establishment of C.
swynnertonii and S. glaucescens, respectively. Dry leaves extract of S. glaucescens and
resinous extracts of C. swynnertonii at 0.15 g/ml had the highest inhibitory effect against
mycelia growth of F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. The application of dried leaves powder
of S. glaucescens exhibited the least disease severity. Tomato plants treated with dried
leaves powder showed a significant stimulatory effect on plant growth.
Recommendations
The findings suggest that semi-hardwood cuttings and softwood cuttings dipped in 2 000
ppm NAA solution can be used for mass propagation of C. swynnertonii and S.
glaucescens. The dried leaves powder and extracts of S. glaucescens can be used in
management of tomato fusarium wilt disease. Further studies to determine the
mechanisms of botanicals involved in the inhibition of mycerial growth of F. oxysporum f.
sp. lycopersici is recommended. This will help to determine the mode and rates of the
application without a significant reduction in plant growth.Carnegie Corporation of New Yor
Impact of growth enhancement support scheme on productivity, welfare and income distribution of smallholder maize farmers in Kano
No full textIn an effort to unlock the productive potential of the agricultural sector in Nigeria, in 2011
the government implemented the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS) in all the
thirty six states of Nigeria including Abuja Federal Capital Territory. GESS is an
innovative input subsidy programme that uses phone technology to reach farmers directly
with subsidized fertilizer and improved maize seeds. The overall objective of GESS
programme was to raise the productivity of millions of smallholder farmers and bring
them out of poverty while providing wider food security. Available empirical evidence on
the effectiveness of GESS in achieving these objectives across the country is mixed,
suggesting more empirical studies. This study contributes to literature on impact of farm
input subsidy programme’s by examining the impact of GESS on productivity, welfare
and income distribution of smallholder maize farmers in Kano state. The study adopted a
cross-sectional research design and a two-stage sampling with stratification was used to
draw a representative sample of GESS participants and non-GESS participants for the
study. A total of 170 GESS participants and 220 non -participants were sampled across the
state to address three objectives: (i) to examine the impact of GESS on maize productivity
of smallholder farmers in Kano state, (ii) to examine the impact of GESS subsidy
programme on welfare of the smallholder maize farmers in Kano State and finally, (iii) to
examine the impact of GESS on income distribution of smallholder maize farmers in
Kano state. The study employed Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and Instrumental
Variable (IV) method to address objective one, while Propensity Score Matching and
Binary logistic Regression with Instrumental Variable Method were used to address
objective two and conditional Instrumental Variable Quantile Treatment Effect Model (IV-
QTE) was used to address objective three. The result from the impact of GESS on maize
productivity indicated that GESS significantly increased maize yield of participants by
37.7% (p ≤ 0.05¿ . Other factor that were positive and significantly correlates with
maize productivity were membership to commodity associations, years of education,
household size and age of household head while distance to farm correlates negatively
with maize productivity. The results from the impact of GESS on household welfare show
that the incidence of multidimensional poverty of the sampled population was high (64%).
Implying that on average, 64% of the sampled population were multidimensional poverty
index poor (MPI poor). While the incidence of multidimensional poverty of GESS
participants was 59%, the mean MPI intensity was 0.45 and multidimensional poverty
index was 0.29. The result from PSM indicates that GESS significantly decreased
household multiple deprivation within the range of -0.05 to -0.06 depending on the
matching method used. While the result from the binary logistic regression with
instrumental variable method indicates that GESS subsidy decreased the probability of
households to be MPI poor by 16.8 percentage points at
p≤ 0.1, indicating that the
impact of GESS programme on MPI was weak. The findings also show that off farm
income, market participation, age of household head, education level and membership of
commodity association negatively influence MPI. These factors ought to be accorded
priority in subsequent design of poverty reduction programmes in the future. The results
from IV-QTE shows that the impact of GESS subsidy was statistically higher at the lower
tail of income distribution and the fraction of the poor who benefited more from the GESS
programme vary by age, years of education, market participation and area cultivated. The
results suggest that GESS subsidy was pro-poor with respect to farmers’ income. Overall,
the findings of the study suggest that although GESS subsidy improved average
productivity, it had little effect on farmers’ welfare. Improving the distributional outcome
of the programme by effective targeting of vulnerable and poorer households would
maximize programme’s contribution to food security, farmers’ income and poverty
reduction. The study recommends that further research should focus on the estimation of
overall increase in maize production as a result of GESS and to determine whether total
benefits outweighs the costs.Federal Ministry of Education and Tertiary Education
Task Fun
Determinants of effectiveness of monitoring and evaluation systems of agriculture related NGOS in Morogoro municipality, Tanzania
No full textMasters ThesisThe effectiveness of the M&E systems on project performance has not been adequately
established. This study assessed the determinants of effectiveness of NGOs’ M&E systems.
Specifically, the study assessed the effectiveness of selected NGOs’ M&E systems,
determined the influence of human resources on effectiveness of NGOs’ M&E systems and
analyzed factors influencing the effectiveness of NGOs’ M&E systems. The study adopted
a cross-sectional and descriptive research design whereby a total of 60 respondents were
interviewed. Primary data were collected using questionnaire and checklist of question.
The IBM SPSS statistics software was used for data analysis where descriptive statistics
including percentages and frequencies were computed. Multiple response analysis was
used to analyze factors influencing the effectiveness of NGOs’ M&E systems. Results
generally showed that, M&E systems in the NGO studied were highly effective. However,
the process of stakeholder participation in developing and updating M&E plan seemed to
have challenges that could pose problems in the effectiveness of the M&E systems. The
study further revealed that experience of staff and training have an influence on human
resources and have a contribution towards effectiveness of M&E systems. Further, the
number of M&E personnel in organizations was an important aspect for effectiveness of
the M&E systems. In addition, well performing staff, organization leadership, availability
of funds and stakeholder participation were found to be influencing the effectiveness of
M&E systems. It is recommended that participation of staff was an important aspect in
NGOs as they make significant contributions to the effectiveness of the M&E systems.
There should be also clear and active line of communication between staff and
management. Resource allocation and investment in improving quality and quantity of
staff is important for the NGOs’ M&E systems to be effective. In addition, training to staff
is very crucial and should be promoted. Lastly, the study recommends a proper
participatory implementation of the existing policy in M&E plans
Cognitive correlates of adoption of improved cassava processing technologies among farmers in the Lake zone, Tanzania
No full textPhD ThesisLow acceptance and adoption of farming technologies has been reported in various
studies from both developed and developing countries. In Tanzania, an attempt to
modernise cassava processing with modern technology has received low acceptance, thus,
low adoption rates. Previous studies on low adoption rates of the improved cassava
processing technology, however, have placed little emphasis on cognitive variables in
their conceptual models. Consequently, little is known of how technology adoption is
influenced by cognitive and behavioural factors. Through the psychological approach and
with application of the Social Cognitive Theory, this study sought to investigate cognitive
correlates of adoption of improved cassava processing technology among farmers in
Tanzania. This study specifically sought to; examine the relationship between the farmers’
attitudes towards improved cassava processing technology and its adoption; investigate
the relationship between the farmers’ perceived self-efficacy and adoption of the
improved cassava processing technology; examine the relationship between the farmers’
cognitive flexibility and adoption of improved cassava processing technology; and to
explain adoption of the improved cassava processing technology from cognitive
viewpoint when all intervening variables are put under control. Data were collected using
a cross–sectional survey among purposively selected sample of 360 respondents.
The sample included 181 (50.3%) males and 179 (49.7%) females from Mara, Mwanza
and Kagera regions in Tanzania. The study respondents were exposed to a questionnaire
with instruments that measured attitude, perceived self–efficacy, cognitive flexibility and
adoption of the improved cassava processing technology. The questionnaire also
comprised of socio-demographic variables such as age, sex, education level, training on
cassava processing technology, participation in other economic activities and intention to
adopt.
Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences
(SPSS V. 21). The Component Principle Analysis was used to check the psychometric
structures of the scales; Chi square for independence was used to check the association
between cognitive traits and adoption; The Pearson product moment correlation analysis
was performed to assess correlation among cognitive traits and between them and
adoption; and binary logistic analysis supplemented the analyses to explain adoption from
cognitive traits while controlling for other non–cognitive variables. Binary logistic
regression analysis indicated that cognitive traits such as attitude, perceived self–efficacy,
cognitive flexibility as well as one non–cognitive trait (training on improved cassava
processing technology) explained adoption of improved cassava processing technology.
The thesis indicates that each cognitive trait explain adoption in specific implementation
stage differently from the other. The thesis concludes that cognitive traits such as attitude
towards improved cassava processing technology, perceived self–efficacy and cognitive
flexibility partly explain adoption of the improved cassava processing technologies.
It is recommended to adoption promotion agents including the Government and nongovernment
stakeholders that from the onset of introduction of the cassava processing
technologies, training that is given to farmers should be tailored in a way that it may enlist
cognitive traits among the farmers. This may help improve adoption of improved cassava
processing technologies in all its implementation stages
Actors' interaction and farmers participation agricultural projects: A case of RIPAT-SUA project in Morogoro Tanzania
No full textMasters ThesisStudies on farmers’ interactions in agricultural projects have reported on the importance of
the interaction of farmers with other actors on their participation in agricultural projects
and subsequent adoption of agricultural technologies. However, there has been little
interest on the influence of farmers’ interactions, alternative income generating
opportunities and biophysical conditions of the farmers’ geographical locations, on
farmers’ participation in agricultural projects. Guided by Ostrom’s Institutional Analysis
and Development (IAD) framework and the social exchange theory, the study sought to
describe the patterns of interactions between farmers and other actors, determine the
influence of interactions on farmers’ participation in agricultural projects and determine
exogenous factors influencing farmers’ interactions. The study adopted a cross-sectional
research design whereby data were collected through a questionnaire survey, focus group
discussion, and key informant interview. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively and
inferentially while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The study
findings showed that farmers’ interactions with other actors in agricultural projects
increased with decrease in distance from the crop market. Diversity of crops/livestock
produced and number of resources shared by the actors showed a statistically significant
influence on farmers’ interactions. The findings showed further that participation of
farmers in agricultural projects increased with increasing remoteness, and interactions
influenced participation. With alternative income generating opportunities, the farmer may
take up additional income generating activities limiting their participation in agricultural
activities. Institutions, biophysical conditions and group leadership showed statistically
significant influence on participation. The study findings corroborate the IAD framework
that the action situation, that is, biophysical conditions (in this case proximity to the crop
market), interactions and institutions, influence farmer’s decision to participate in
agricultural projects. They also support the social exchange theory which postulates that
cost and rewards (in this case resources shared) are important driving forces for farmers’
interactions. The study suggests that, rather than referring to it just as cost and rewards, it
should be explicit in the social exchange theory that both material and social benefits are
important when it comes to motivating factors for actors’ interactions. For increased
farmers’ participation, it is recommended that government and non-governmental
organizations embrace group approach and the RIPAT approach in designing and
implementing agricultural development projects. Creation of avenues for agricultural
stakeholders’ interactions, improvement of the feeder roads and construction of markets at
strategic locations are also recommended. Lastly, agricultural interventions ought to be
rewarding to farmers
Farmers’ preferences for tropically adapted improved chicken breeds in selected agro-ecological zones in Tanzania
No full textMasters ThesisChickens contribute significantly to the socio-economic development and nutritional
requirements of people in Tanzania. The overall objective of this study was to investigate
smallholder farmers (SHFs) preference for the tropically adapted improved chicken
breeds distributed by African Chicken Genetic Gain (ACGG) project in selected Agro-
Ecological Zones (AEZs) in Tanzania. This study was carried out in twelve villages which
were implementing ACGG project in both Mwanza and Mbeya regions. The multi-stage
random sampling was employed from AEZs level to a village level in which respondents
were systematically selected from chick distribution list. The data were collected using
questionnaires in which 132 SHFs were interviewed. The results show that, majority of
SHFs preferred improved chicken breeds due to fast growth, disease resistance, good
body shape, escape from predators, good meat taste, good egg taste and higher egg
production just to mention a few. The Logistic Regression (LR) results showed that, SHFs
in Mwanza region had greater improved chicken preference compared to those in Mbeya
region. The profitability results show that, with the average flock size of about nine
mature chickens, SHF can generate TZS 13 685 per improved chickens and TZS 6 427
per local chicken in the study areas. It is concluded that, majority of SHFs preferred
improved chicken breeds which have high potential for income generation compared to
local ones. It is recommended that, an economically sustainable distribution program of
improved chicks to rural societies of Tanzania should be encouraged and supportedAfrican Chicken Genetic Gain (ACGG
Mosquito species composition, abundance and transmission Risk of dengue in Kinondoni district, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
No full textPhD ThesisDar es Salaam city of Tanzania has experienced continued Dengue outbreaks with
increased incidence since 2010. However, there is inadequate evidence of vector dynamics
and transmission risk in the region. This study aimed to determine mosquito species
composition, abundance and transmission risk of Dengue in Kinondoni district, Dar es
Salaam, Tanzania. Specifically, this study aimed to: (i) determine mosquito species
composition and abundance in Kinondoni district; (ii) examine Aedes mosquito breeding
sites and establish container productivity rates; (iii) determine Dengue virus (DENV)
infection rate and genetically characterize DENV in mosquito vectors. This cross-sectional
study was conducted in Kinondoni district, Dar es salaam, Tanzania. Three wards:
Mikocheni, Mwananyamala and Mzimuni were purposively selected. In each ward, three
streets were randomly selected as sampling sites. The study involved sampling adult and
immature mosquitoes, morphological identification and screening for DENV in collected
female Aedes mosquitoes using a one-step reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction
(RT-PCR). Three mosquito species were identified in 2001 collected mosquitoes namely
Culex quinquefasciatus (53.1%), Aedes aegypti (23.2%) and Mansonia mosquitoes (23.6%)
of which Culex quinquefasciatus was observed to be the most abundant species in
Kinondoni district. The common water-holding containers observed to be breeding sites of
Aedes mosquitoes included used car tires, flowerpots and plastic water buckets. The
overall House Index (HI), Container Index (CI) and Breteaux Index (BI) of Kinondoni
district were 55.1%, 60.4% and 114.2, respectively. DENV was not detected in all collected
female Aedes Mosquitoes. Generally, Kinondoni district continues to be at risk of
transmission of Dengue as Aedes aegypti, a DENV vector was observed to be present.
Although DENV was not detected in mosquito vectors, the presence of potential breeding
sites around Kinondoni district and higher Aedes HI, CI and BI put Kinondoni at risk of
DENV transmission. Vector control interventions specifically integrated mosquito control
approaches are recommended to be directed towards the elimination of breeding sites and
adult mosquitoes.SACIDS Foundatio
Single nucleotide polymorphisms at heat shock protein 90 gene and their association with thermo-tolerance potential in selected indigenous Nigerian cattle
No full textJournal ArticleHeat shock protein (HSP) 90 gene provides protection and adaptation to thermal assault and certain polymorphisms have been associated to heat tolerance in humans and animals. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of HSP 90 gene were used to evaluate the scientific basis of heat tolerance in four zebu breeds of Nigeria. The DNA was extracted from skin tissue of 90 adult bulls representing White Fulani (WF), Sokoto Gudali (SG), Red Bororo (RB), and Ambala (AM). The SNPs were determined in DNAs using PCR, sequencing, and visualization and bio-editing by chromatogram in SeqMan Ngen tool. Subsequently, respective genotypes were constructed and genotypic and allelic frequencies were computed.
Also, body parameters related to heat stress (HS) including body temperature (BT), rectal temperature (RT), and respira-tory rates (RR) were taken for each animal before biological sampling and heat tolerance coefficient (HTC) was calculated. We detected four SNPs distinct/specific for each breed as follows: change from thymine (T) to guanine (G) at position 116 (T116G) in RB, G to cytosine (C) at 220 (G220C) in SG, G to adenine (A) at two positions, 346 (G346A) and 390 (G390A) in AM and WF, respectively. Heterozygous SNPs showed significantly lower values (P < 0.0001) for BT, RT, RR, and HTC than homozygous genotypes at all positions. We hypothesize that animals with heterozygous SNPs in exon 3 of HSP 90 may be tolerant to HS. These SNPs can be used as bio-markers for screening large populations of cattle for tolerance to hot tropical conditions in Nigeria and other sub-humid places