Department of Animal Science

Modeling a Sub-National Agroecology Policy for Sustainable Agriculture: The Case of Vihiga County, Kenya.

2024-11-11T14:08:23Z

Modeling a Sub-National Agroecology Policy for Sustainable Agriculture: The Case of Vihiga County, Kenya. Chumba, R.K.B; Ogemah, V; Muyekho, F.N; Wambui, C.C; Aluso, L; Mugendy, M.M Vihiga is a densely populated county in western Kenya (1047 persons/sq.km) with a peri-urban agriculture landscape and limited land carrying capacity. Sustainable agriculture and Agri-food systems using agroecology principles, is hence critical for reducing poverty, pressure on land and natural resources especially soil, while curbing loss of biodiversity. Due to lack of policy guidelines on agroecology, both biodiversity and livelihood of people within the county and the entire region is compromised. The objective of this paper is therefore to contribute towards transformation of local Agri-food systems through participating in and informing policy processes for an Agroecology action, to enable small-scale producers strengthen their practices of regenerative agriculture. Deployment of context-specific technologies is hereby proposed for Agroecology principles to be mainstreamed in relevant line-departments and agriculture sector work plans, because of their holistic approach to sustainable agriculture, while emphasizing on soil health, social inclusion (equity), better access to knowledge and support services. Using interdependent processes of evidence-based policy (EBP) and multi-stakeholder engagement according to Weiss’s typology and review of twelve (12) similar policies or regulations in existence, ten (10) broad policy strategies on Agroecology are identified for local adaptation. The resulting policy initiative provides a roadmap for sustainable agriculture, using Agroecology approaches in farming some of which have historically been practiced through default by farmers. Further, with co-creation of existing knowledge and equity, agroecological production systems are promoted by use of digital technology to attract youth and women with limited access to arable land, for a wider community participation.

Exploring the Potential of Aquaponics Systems in Advancing Food Security in Kenya: A Scoping Review

2024-11-11T14:00:36Z

Exploring the Potential of Aquaponics Systems in Advancing Food Security in Kenya: A Scoping Review Outa, Nicholas; Ogello, Erick; Wambui, Caroline The pressing issue of global food insecurity demands immediate attention, particularly in developing nations like Kenya. Traditional agricultural methods in these regions often involve high resource consumption, limited nutrient recycling, and substantial negative environmental impacts. In light of the escalating demand for food production and the imperative for sustainable food systems, it is crucial to explore innovative and efficient technologies capable of concurrently addressing nutrient management, water utilization, and food production challenges. The prevalent reliance on chemical fertilizers within Kenya's food production sector adversely affects both soil and environmental health, leading to a gradual decline in agricultural productivity. Additionally, many regions in Kenya grapple with water scarcity, posing a significant obstacle to food production. The heavy dependence on rain-fed agriculture further exposes food production to fluctuations in climatic conditions. Monoculture-based food systems demonstrate inefficiencies in land, water, and nutrient usage. Despite its current limited adaptability, aquaponics emerges as a promising solution to confront these challenges by optimizing water, nutrient, and land utilization in food production. Case studies in Kenya have demonstrated the potential of aquaponics in enhancing food production. This scoping review provide information on the status of aquaponics adoption in Kenya, challenges and barriers to adoption and the possible solutions to enhance adoption of aquaponics in the Kenyan food production sector. Available online at http://pubs.sciepub.com/jfs/12/3/3

Response to hormonal treatment and conception rates of Sahiwal cows subjected to fixed time artificial insemination in pastoral dairy systems

2023-06-27T12:14:39Z

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

Genetic variability in registered Alpine dairy goat population in Kenya

2023-06-15T12:49:57Z

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/

Nutritional Value of German Cockroach Meal (Blattela germanica) as a SuperPRO Feed

2023-05-25T13:57:59Z

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

Genetic and non-genetic factors influencing KLH binding natural antibodies and specific antibody response to Newcastle disease in Kenyan chicken populations

2023-01-31T13:30:06Z

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.

Genetic and phenotypic correlations among feed efficiency, immune and production traits in indigenous chicken of Kenya

2023-01-18T15:14:47Z

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

Effects of Organic Substrates on Development and Survival of Blattela germanica for Food and Feed in Kenya

2023-05-25T13:49:24Z

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

Potential of Croton megalocarpus Nut as an Alternative Protein Supplement for Feeding of Ruminants in the Tropics

2022-05-18T09:02:26Z

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

Detection of circulating antigens for Taenia spp. in pigs slaughtered for consumption in Nairobi and surroundings, Kenya

2022-02-17T09:15:27Z

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