East African Journal Of Science, Technology and Innovation
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Udder and teat morphometry and its relationship with occurrence of intramammary infections in dairy cattle
Full text linkBovine mastitis, an inflammatory disease of the mammary gland, is often caused by bacterial infection and is a major health problem on dairy farms. A cross-sectional study of four herds was conducted to assess udder and teat-related risk factors for the development of intramammary infections in 243 lactating cows. Udder and teat morphometric parameters were determined through visual appraisal method. Intramammary infection was assessed using California mastitis test (CMT), Somatic cell count (SCC) and bacteriology of milk samples. The frequencies of udder conformations were 65.8%, 18.9%, 7.4% and 7.8% for desirable, pendulous, round and goaty-shapes, respectively. Teat conformation revealed that 76.0%, 5.3%, 6.6%, 4.5% and 7.5% for desirable, short, funnel, bottle and conical-shapes, respectively. There was a significant (p<0.01) effect of udder shape and teat-end shape on SCC level and intramammary infections. The mean SCC and mastitis infection levels for undesirable udder was significantly (p<0.05) higher as compared to the desirable shaped udder. Similarly, significant (p<0.05) higher level SCC was found in undesired teats compared to desirable teats. The overall proportion of quarter mastitis infection in all four farms revealed 1.23% for clinical and 36.52% for subclinical mastitis. Herd-wise subclinical mastitis prevalence showed 42.8%, 35.07%, 33.09% and 2.94% for farm A, C, B and C, respectively. The most frequently isolated bacterial species were Staphylococcus aureus (56.34%) followed by Escherichia coli (22.55%), Streptococcus agalactiae (9.86%) and Bacillus spp. (8.45%). In conclusion, undesirable udder and teats conformations were more susceptible to intramammary infection and these traits must be considered accordingly while selecting dairy animals for future milk production. Observed high occurrence of subclinical Staphylococcal mastitis needs improvements in milking hygiene, mammary gland health, regular screening of animals, and use of biosecurity as an intervention tactic to limit the spread of pathogens at dairy farms
Economic study of the milk value chain through the Kiganda-Bujumbura Mairie circuit in Burundi
Full text linkThe value chain (VC) analysis of commodity chains is a strategic tool made for measuring, developing and maintaining sustainable a commodity. This paper analyzes the economic dimension of the milk VC through the Kiganda-Bujumbura Mairie circuit in Burundi. Using primary data, a distribution of profit margins between actors was assessed. This survey involved a sample of 67 actors. The sampling technique used was the "snowball" method due to the lack of a sampling frame of actors. Secondary data were also collected in order to complete the primary data. The analysis was carried out using general and quantitative tools compatible with the subject matter. The results show that retailers benefit an average monthly profit margin of 201 Burundian franc (BIF) [US879.48]. Dairy farmers have a monthly profit margin of 187BIF [US65.23]. The collectors have a profit margin of 78BIF [US877.67] and the wholesalers have a profit margin of 47BIF [US3,509.52]. Low margins are mainly due to the small quantities of milk produced and high production costs. Dairy farmers breed local breeds, with the constraints of balanced feed. The problem of suitable transport and processing equipment also affects the quality of the milk. Small dairy farm would benefit from forming associations and/or cooperatives. Being in associations and/or in cooperatives, they should be able to breed the improved breed, benefit from other advantages such as training, easy access to veterinary services, agricultural financing credits, etc. Public authorities must at all times monitor compliance with standards governing the dairy sector, and introduce regulatory measures if necessary
Economics of Rice Irrigation Technologies in Kilombero Sub-Basin: A Case of Farming Households from Kilombero in Morogoro, Tanzania
Full text linkThe System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is strongly emphasized by the Ministry of Agriculture in Tanzania to replace traditional flooding. SRI technologies have been scientifically proven to be more efficient in water use than traditional flooding (TFIT). SRI irrigation is therefore a good solution to approach climate change impacts that leads to water stresses, particularly in the country\u27s water basins where rice farming is largely taking place. However, the economics of these irrigation technologies has not been satisfactorily evaluated especially at the farming household level. The information on the economics of the two technologies is important in understanding why some farmers are still using TFIT. Kilombero sub-basin presents a compelling case for this study as 90% of irrigable land in the sub-basin is under TFIT. The study used Net-Revenue (NR) to evaluate profitability, and multiple linear regressions to evaluate factors influencing the profitability of the two irrigation technologies at household level. Results from the study show that an average of TZS 816,425 accrued by SRI irrigators, which is relatively higher than TZS 336,646 per acre accrued by TFIT irrigators. These benefits are obtained at different variable costs, for instance, SRI had an Average Variable Cost of TZS 471,572, which is relatively higher than TZS 248,939 per acre under TFIT. Also, results show that household head years in irrigation, years spent in education, access to extension services, application of fertilizers, and size of land allocated to rice production, are significant predictors of the profit of both technologies. For example, each incremental unit of fertilizer applied would cause an NR increase of TZS 534, 181 (in SRI plots), and TZS 5145 (in TFIT plots). The study thus recommends that subsidization of inorganic fertilizers could be adopted in an effort to increase rice productivity and profit accrued by farming households
Clinical benefit of MKANDA SALAMA KIT in a real-world population with Postpartum Hemorrhage. A prospective observational study
Full text linkBased on Tanzania administrative data and policy Implication report of 2018, revealed that Postpartum hemorrhage contributed to about 29% of all maternal deaths in Tanzania. MKANDA SALAMA KIT (MSK) is the new innovated technological device designed to stop Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). To determine the effects of MSK on the clinical symptoms improvement, hemodynamic restoration, and bleeding stoppage in post- delivery mothers with PPH. The primary outcome was the composite of Postpartum hemorrhage maternal death and PPH rehospitalization within 42 days follow-up time; secondary outcomes were all causes of maternal death and the occurrence of rehospitalization for worsening PPH -data from 120 women with PPH aged from 13 to 39 years from December 2020 to May 2021 (6 months) at St. Francis referral hospital labor ward were included. Patients were grouped into mild PPH, moderate PPH, and severe PPH. A multinomial regression model was used to determine the associations between risk and outcomes using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 21.0". 23% had a previous history of PPH, 36% had maternal hypertension, 45% had anemia, and 12% had maternal diabetes. Mild PPH was 20%, moderate PPH was 37%, and severe PPH was 43%. MSK significantly improved clinical symptoms and signs of all PPH categories by 84%. A significant restoration to normal all hemodynamic parameters was observed to all patients by 79% MSK significantly stopped mild PPH by 100% within 10-20 minutes, while stopped moderate PPH by 70.3% within 10-20 minutes and stopped severe PPH by 63.5% within 10-20 minutes. There was no rehospitalization during follow-up time and no death was reported. MSK significantly improved clinical symptoms, hemodynamic parameters and stopped bleeding in PPH patients, timely application of MSK can significantly prevent PPH maternal death and PPH rehospitalization
The Influence of knowledge, attitude and practices of consumers on the consumption of hydroponically grown fruits and vegetables in Kiambu County, Kenya
No full textFruits and vegetables are culturally accepted foods consumed by a majority of people worldwide. Knowledge, attitude and practices of consumers have been found to influence the choice and consumption of foods in many populations. However, little is known on their impact on consumption of foods that are produced using novel farming methods such as hydroponic farming, in Kenya. For this reason, this study assessed the influence of knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) on the frequency of consumption of hydroponically grown fruits and vegetables (FAVs) in Kiambu County, Kenya. A cross-sectional design, involving a consumer survey of 310 randomly selected participants, was used. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to conduct face-to-face interviews. Data was analyzed using SPSS where descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were applied. The results showed that a majority of the participants (89%) had good knowledge about the quality and safety of hydroponically grown FAVs. They also used good practices in handling the FAVs (69%). However, the overall attitude towards hydroponic foods was negative (2.54±1.204). With regard to the influence of KAP on the frequency consumption of FAVs, knowledge was the only predictor of the frequency of consumption of fruits (p=0.002, β=1.639) and vegetables (p=0.044, β=1.232). Based on sociodemographic factors, age and the level of education significantly influenced the frequency of consumption of FAVs. In conclusion, the frequency of consumption of hydroponic FAVs is influenced by the level of knowledge of consumers on the quality and safety of foods grown in this system. Nutrition education on the quality and safety of hydroponically grown foods should be conducted so that consumers are informed about the hydroponically grown nutritious foods and also gain a positive attitude towards this new sustainable farming system
Land use typology and livelihood sources in the Maasai Mara wildlife dispersal area, Narok County, Kenya
Full text linkThe study sought to establish the relationship between the Maasai indigenous peoples’ land use types and livelihood sources in the Maasai Mara wildlife dispersal area, in Narok County, Kenya. A total of 404 survey questionnaires were administered to the study respondents in Ololulunga, Mara and Osupuko Wards. The study hypothesis was that land uses have an effect livelihood sources and livelihoods in the study area. Interviews and observations supplemented data collection from study sites. The study respondents were randomly selected using cluster sampling. Livelihood assets such as crops and livestock were shown. With regard to livelihood sources, livestock rearing, basic commodities and petty business was dominant, accounting for 62.4% of the respondents. Analysis of variation of land use and livelihood sources found that pastoralism was not a significant land use type across the three study areas. Simple subsistence farming, livestock ranching and mixed (crop and livestock) farming were significant (P<0.05) amongst the three study areas. Further Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients for land use types and livelihood strategies was computed using SPSS statistical tests. The test findings show that agro-pastoralism positively correlated with the farming (0.814). Subsistence land use strongly, negatively correlates with farming (-0.997). This finding implies that pastoralism as land use and livelihood source in Maasai Mara’s dry season grazing land is shifting. The results point to a transition among the Maasai IPs, from traditional homogenous pastoralism activities, to a diversified combination of crop and livestock livelihoods, most notably agro-pastoralism. A trend of adopting farm and field and, off-farm livelihood strategies have implications on the security of Maasai IPs territories when pastoralism is no longer tenable. It is recommended that policy initiatives promote broader natural environment protection by regulating farming expansion and conserving livelihood sources that support Maasai IP livelihood and wildlife dispersal areas.
A Semen quality of progeny-tested breeding bulls maintained at the National Artificial Insemination Centre, Arusha, Tanzania
No full textThe success or failure of artificial insemination (AI) depends on the quality of semen used. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of breed, age, collection period, and ejaculate number on semen quality collected from 15 breeding bulls available at the centre with different ages (4 Friesian, 4 Ayrshire, 3 Jersey, 2 Simmental and 2 Boran breeds) maintained at National Artificial Insemination Center (NAIC), Arusha, Tanzania. A total of 600 ejaculates were collected for four weeks per month consecutively from January to May 2022, weekly per bull and twice a day; morning (6.00 - 9.00 AM) and evening (3.00 - 6.00 PM) sessions). The ejaculates were first examined visually for volume, color, foreign bodies, and consistency whereas sperm concentration (SPC), progressive motility (PM) and total motility (TM) were assessed using Computer Assisted Semen Analysis System (CASA). Viability/vitality (SPVI) and morphology (SPNR) of sperms were analyzed microscopically after staining with Eosin-Nigrosin. Data were subjected to SAS program and results showed that ejaculate volume, progressive motility, total motility, sperm viability, and morphology were significantly (P<0.05) affected by age and collection period. Simmental, Friesian, and Ayrshire bulls produced more voluminous semen than Jersey and Boran bulls. Jersey bulls had higher (P<0.05) sperm concentrations and live spermatozoa as compared to other bulls. Boran and Jersey\u27s bulls exhibited higher PM and TM than the other bulls. The period of semen collection (morning versus evening) negatively affected semen volume, total motility, and semen viability in which morning harvests performed better than evening collections. Middle aged bulls (3-5 years) produced semen of higher quality compared to other groups (< 3 years and > 5 years old bulls). In conclusion, age, breed, period of semen production and ejaculate number revealed significant effect on bovine semen characteristics
Elucidating the Effect of Genotype x Environment Interaction and Storage Period on Cooking Time of Selected Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes
Full text linkThe cooking time of Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is among the important consumer’s preferred traits. Slow-cooking beans lose some important micronutrients (Fe and Zn) because prolonged cooking degrades the beans at a cellular level. Fast-cooking beans save fuel energy and time which could have been spent on slow-cooking beans. Storage conditions, seed composition, cooking method, and growing environment also have an effect on the cooking time of common beans. Thirty bean genotypes with checks (Rojo and SUA-90) were laid in a Randomized Complete Block design in three environments (Ndole, Kasanga, and Mlali) in the Morogoro region. After harvesting cooking time determination was held using an automated Mattson Cooker soon after harvesting and repeated after three months (90 days). Analysis of variance revealed a significant variation (P < 0.001) among genotypes and across the environments for the first and second cooking tests. In a combined analysis, cooking time unveiled a continuous distribution ranging from 72.3-121.2 minutes for the first cooking test and 104.8-215.1 minutes for the second cooking test. Selian 10 and KT-002 recorded the shortest cooking time in the first and second cooking tests while TARI-06 and NUA-746 recorded the longest cooking time. The GGE biplot revealed SUA-90, Selian 10, NUA-672, and KT-002 were the most stable and fast-cooking genotypes in the first cooking test while NUA-746, TARI-06, and ADP-190 maintained stability but took a long time to cook. In the second cooking test, Selian 10, Uyole-04, and Selian 97 revealed high stability with a short cooking time while TARI-06 and NUA-746 revealed high stability with a long cooking time. These findings suggest that some bean genotypes can maintain the stability of fast cooking traits even after being stored for a certain time, hence these candidates can be used for breeding purposes or released as varieties
Integration and implementation of rainwater harvesting technologies in development programs, planning and budgeting in Matungulu Sub-County, Machakos County, Kenya
Full text linkThe constitution of Kenya 2010 placed the supply of water and services related to sanitation as a devolved function of County Governments. The clear delineation of roles between the County and National Governments have not significantly improved access to potable and clean water to households. Thirty-six percent of Kenya’s population in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) still have to walk many kilometers in search for water for animal and human utilization There has been introduction of new rainwater harvesting technologies (RHT) that can alleviate the water scarcity, however little progress has been made on improvement of access to clean water in ASAL areas. There is, therefore, need to investigate the initiatives by the County Government of Machakos to integrate and implement water harvesting technologies in its development programs, planning and budgeting among households. Structured questionnaires were utilized to fetch primary data on integration and implementation of rainwater harvesting technologies which were then analyzed. Data was presented using tables, Charts and bar graphs to provide clarity of the findings. Calculation of arithmetic mean, standard deviation, Analysis of variance and regression analysis was done in order to deduce clear understanding of the findings. Documentary evidence was used to establish the programs and initiatives put in place by the County Government. The findings suggested that the County Government had put in place mechanisms to integrate RHTs in its development agenda however, the cost remained the biggest impediment to integration. A regression analysis showed that the Integration of RHT had a positive and significant effect on household livelihoods (β= 0.755, t=22.351, p=0.000<0.05). The study recommends that the County Government of Machakos develop programs to support integration of RHTs including providing subsidies, training, engaging development partners to finance rainwater harvesting and providing technical support
Assessment of Community Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) Towards Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in Tanga and Pwani Region-Tanzania
Full text linkLumpy skin disease (LSD) is WOAH listed transboundary disease of cattle with high economic impact which threaten the global cattle industry. The disease was first diagnosed in Zambia in 1929 and the first outbreak in Tanzania was in 1981. LSD is regarded endemic in sub-Saharan countries. However, the community knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards LSD in Tanzania is poorly understood. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Tanga and Pwani region between December 2022 and February 2023 to assess KAP towards LSD. A questionnaire tool was used to collect information from116 herds/households. Questionnaire was administered by face-to-face. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistic and univariate logistic regression model. In this study, it was found that majority of the respondents were aware of LSD occurrence (86.93%, CI=79.40-92.51) and over half of the respondents 54.78% (CI=45.23-64.04) had past LSD experience in their herds. However, our study revealed limited knowledge on LSD sign, associated losses, transmission control and on the role of vectors in LSD epidemiology. Majority of the respondent believed LSD has impact (86.09%, CI=78.39-91.83) and believe cattle are at risk (78.26%, CI=69.60-85.41). Moreover, respondents believed vaccine is important in LSD control (70.26%, CI=69.60-85.41). Nevertheless, majority believed they had limited access to vaccine. Respondent age, herd size, district, role in the households, main source of income, time in livestock farming, cattle type and past experience on LSD occurrence appeared to influence both the knowledge and attitude towards LSD in Tanga and Pwani regions.