Department of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences

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Streptococcal meningitis in a five-month-old male lamb
(1999) Maribei, J.M.; Wabacha, J.K.; Njoroge, Ernest M.
Streptococcus species cause a wide variety of diseases in food animals, including septicaemia, mastitis, meningitis, encephalitis and pneumonia5 . Meningitis due to Streptococcus spp. is commonly a complication of bacteraemia and septicaemia in neonates. In older animals, streptococcal meningitis is common only in pigs3 . A case of streptococcal meningitis in a 5-month-old lamb is reported. To the best of our knowledge this is the 1st report of the disease in an older lamb. A 5-month-old male lamb was brought to the University of Nairobi Large Animal Clinic with a history of being well in the early morning and then falling frequently to the left side later in the day. A clinical examination was carried out and blood taken in EDTA for haematology. In addition, cerebrospinal fluid was obtained aseptically through the atlanto-occipital joint and submitted for bacterial culture and sensitivity determination. On clinical examination, the lamb was dull, recumbent, staggered when forced to move and would fall over to the left side. Body temperature was 40.0 C and there was opisthotonus. It was hyperaesthetic, grinding its teeth, with paddling movements of the hind limbs and appeared blind. A tentative diagnosis of meningitis was made on the basis of the clinical manifestation.
Water intoxication in cattle
(1999) Njoroge, Ernest M.; Maribeia, J.M.; Mbuguaa, P. N.; Njiru, S M.
Water intoxication is a condition that is common in cattle, and has also been reported in other domestic animals and man. A comprehensive description of the condition is lacking. For a better understanding of the condition, this paper reviews work that has been reported previously by various authors.
Progressive atrophic rhinitis in a medium-scale pig farm in Kiambu, Kenya
(Elsevier, 2012) Wabacha, J.; Maribei, J.; Thaiya, A.; Munyua, S.; Karanja, D.; Njoroge, Ernest M.
Forty-two pigs in a herd of 117 displayed various clinical signs of progressive atrophic rhinitis. The main signs included sneezing, coughing, lachrymation, serous to muco-purulent nasal discharge, and nasal bleeding in 1 pig. Three pigs had lateral deviation of the snout, while 4 had brachygnathia superior with obvious deformation of the face. Four acutely affected weaner pigs appeared weak, while the 7 chronically-affected pigs appeared smaller than their apparently unaffected penmates of the same age. Treatment of the acutely affected pigs with long-acting oxytetracycline at 20 mg/kg body weight intra-muscularly, repeated once after 7 days, reduced the severity but did not clear the sneezing from all the pigs. Fifteen pigs were slaughtered 2 months after the clinical diagnosis was made. The carcasses of the chronically affected pigs were about 15 % lighter than those of the apparently normal pigs of the same age and from the same pen, which translated to a loss of 921.00 Kenya shillings per pig (US$13.7). Diagnosis of progressive atrophic rhinitis was confirmed by sectioning the snouts of randomly selected slaughtered pigs with obvious deformation of the snout. Sections were madeat the level of the 1st/2nd upper premolar tooth. Varying degrees of turbinate atrophy, from mild to complete, were noted. Histopathology of the turbinates revealed metaplasia of nasal epithelium and fibrosis in the lamina propria.
Application of ultrasonography in prevalence studies of hydatid cysts in goats in north-western Turkana, Kenya and Toposaland, southern Sudan
(Elsevier, 2000) Njoroge, Ernest M.; Mbithi, P.M.F.; Gathumat, J.M.; Wachira, M; Magambo, J.K.; Zeyhle, E.
Application of ultrasonography in prevalence studies of hydatid cysts in goats in north-western Turkana, Kenya and Toposaland, southern Sudan. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, 67:251-255 A study was done to determine the prevalence of hydatid cysts in goats using ultrasonography. A total of 1 390 goats were examined, 43,6 % (606/1390) of them from north-weste_rn Tu_rkana, Keny:, and 56,4% (784/1390) from Toposaland, southern Sudan. Hydatid cysts were VISualized 1n 1,82 Yo (~ 1 I 606) of the goats from north-western Turkana and 4,34% (34/784) of those from Topo~aland. Unlike abattoir surveys, the prevalence data obtained in this study were unb1ased because ent1re flocks were examined. The lower prevalence rate of the disease in goats from Turkana was attnbuted to the hydatid disease control programme in that area, which is absent in Toposaland .
A study of cystic echinococcosis in slaughter animals in three selected areas of northern Turkana, Kenya
(Elsevier, 2002-02-27) Njoroge, Ernest M.; Mbithi, P.; Gathuma, J.; Wachira, T.; Gathura, P.; Magambo, J.; Zeyhle, E.
In an attempt to establish the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis, a study was conducted in slaughter animals in three divisions of northern Turkana, Kenya. A total of 5752 goats, 588 sheep, 381 cattle and 70 camels were examined at slaughter. Echinococcus granulosus metacestodes were found in 19.4% of the cattle, 3.6% of sheep, 4.5% of goats and 61.4% of camels. The prevalence of cystic echinococcosis in cattle, sheep and goats was higher in Lokichogio than in either Kakuma or Central divisions. On the other hand, the prevalence of the disease in camels was higher in Central (84.6%) than either Lokichogio (70.6%) or Kakuma (50%). The differences in prevalence rates in different study areas are attributed to differences in environmental conditions, livestock stocking intensity and cross-border migration of livestock.
Canine echinococcosis in northwest Libya: assessment of coproantigen elisa, and a survey of infection with analysis of risk-factors
(2005) Buishi, I.; Njoroge, Ernest M.; Bouamra, O.; Craig, P.
In order to determine the prevalence and risk factors for canine echinococcosis in different endemic localities in the Tripoli area of northwest Libya, stray dogs were examined post-mortem, and owned dogs screened for Echinococcus granulosus infection using a standardised genus specific coproantigen ELISA. The prevalence of E. granulosus infection at necropsy in stray-dogs was 25.8% (15/58, 95% CI 15.3-39.0%), and 21.6% (72/334, 95% CI 17.3-26.4%) of owned dogs tested were positive by coproantigen ELISA. Sheepdogs appeared to have a significantly higher copro-positive prevalence (19/19 positive, p = 0.003), compared to 23.6% of other dog classes (e.g. 52/220 guard dogs and household pets). Worm burdens in necropsied dogs ranged from 29 to 2900 (mean 1064) and were positively correlated to coproantigen ELISA OD values (rs = 0.87, p < 0.001), but negatively correlated with dog age (rs = -0.69, p = 0.001). Dog age was a significant factor in copro-prevalence as there was an increasing coproantigen-positive tendency in younger dogs (≤5 years, p = 0.04). A total of 45/132 (34%, 95% CI 25.9-42.1%) of farms/homestead had at least one dog that was coproantigen positive. Overall copro-prevalence in dogs by locality varied, with Alkhums (Leptis-Magna) district having the highest copro-prevalence at 38.7% (24/62, 95% CI 26.6-50.8%) (p = 0.001). Coproantigen testing of a cohort of owned dogs before and approximately 15 months after praziquantel treatment showed a significant decrease in the coproantigen positive rate from 21.6% (72/334) to 9% (21/233) post-treatment. The overall E. granulosus coproantigen positive rate ('re-infection rate') within the same cohort of dogs was 22 % (10/45) by 15 months post-treatment. Significant risk factors for a copro-positive owned dog were associated with non-restraint of dogs, and owners that did not de-worm their dogs. Home slaughtering of livestock and lack of knowledge about E. granulosus transmission were also significant risk factors for a canine coproantigen positive result. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
A PCR system for detection of species and genotypes of the Echinococcus granulosus-complex, with reference to the epidemiological situation in eastern Africa
(Elsevier, 2004-04) Dinkel, Anke; Njoroge, Ernest M.; Zimmermann, Anja; Wälza, Marcus; Zeyhleb, Eberhard; Elmahdi, Ibrahim E; Mackenstedt, Ute; Romig, Thomas
We describe the development of a specific and sensitive PCR/semi-nested PCR system for the rapid diagnosis of Echinococcus granulosus genotype G1, E. granulosus genotype G6/7, and Echinococcus ortleppi (G5). Diagnosis of G1 and the group G5/6/7 is performed by a simple PCR, while discrimination between E. ortleppi (G5) and G6/7 involves a subsequent semi-nested PCR step. The target sequence for amplification is part of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. Specificity of the PCRs was 100% when evaluated with isolates of 16 species of cestodes, including Echinococcus multilocularis, Echinococcus equinus, E. ortleppi and three strains of E. granulosus (G1, G6 and G7). Sensitivity threshold was 0.25 pg of DNA. This new approach was compared with published protocols of restriction fragment length polymorphism-PCR and sequencing of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and NADH dehydrogenase 1 genes using Echinococcus isolates of human, sheep, goat, camel, cattle and pig origin from Kenya and Sudan. Additionally, two internal DNA probes were developed, one hybridising only with G1, the other with G5, G6 and G7 amplification products. Preliminary epidemiological results obtained with this PCR approach include the detection of a camel strain (G6) infection for the first time in a human patient from eastern Africa, and the first reports of E. ortleppi (G5) in livestock from Kenya and the Sudan.
Epidemiology and control of echinococcosis in sub-saharan Africa
(Elsevier, 2000) Magamboa, Japhet; Njoroge, Ernest M.; Zeyhleb, Eberhard
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is highly endemic among the nomadic pastoral tribes of East Africa, but is rare amongst the agriculturally based communities. Echinococcus granulosus infections are common in dogs from all countries in sub-Saharan Africa where they have been examined. Transmission of E. granulosus to humans is affected by such factors as prevalence of the parasite in domestic dogs, behaviors of humans towards dogs, and heterogenicity of the parasite and susceptibility of humans to infection. Sheep and goats appear to be the most common domestic intermediate hosts, but recent studies suggest that camels are equally important intermediate host, especially in Sudan and Turkana. At least five of ten E. granulosus genotypes are infective to humans in sub-Saharan African. Most human cases of CE are caused by the sheep strain (GI) and camel strain (G6) of E. granulosus. Other strains occurring in the area may include a lion strain, the horse strain (G4 or Echinococcus equinus) and the cattle strain (G5 or Echinococcus ortleppi).
Canine echinococcosis in Turkana (north–western Kenya): a coproantigen survey in the previous hydatid-control area and an analysis of risk factors
(2013-07-18) Buishi, E.; Njoroge, Ernest M.; Zeyhle, E.; Rogan, M.T.; Craig, P. S.
A study of Echinococcus granulosus infection in dogs, with risk-factor analysis, was carried out in the endemic area of northern Turkana district, Kenya, using necropsy on 42 strays and a coproantigen-ELISA survey of 161 owned animals. During the post-mortem examinations, 14 (33%) of the necropsied dogs were found infected with E. granulosus, with a mean burden of 540 worms (range=two to 4080 worms). The 26 necropsied dogs that came from the north–western Lokichoggio division — an area where, from 1983 to 1997, there had been a continuous programme of hydatid control — showed a similar prevalence of infection to the other dogs (34.6%) but a significantly lower mean burden, of 53 worms (range=two to 300). Forty-two (26%) of the animals tested for Echinococcus coproantigen were found positive. Although the dogs from the Lokichoggio division were more likely to be coproantigen-positive (29%) than those from the central Kakuma division (20%) or the north–eastern division (18%), the differences were not statistically significant. In questionnaire-based interviews, the owners of the dogs tested for coproantigens were asked about possible risk factors for canine infection with E. granulosus. Women were found to have twice the level of contact with dogs as men. The results of a univariate analysis of the dog-owners' responses revealed six factors that appeared to be significantly associated with a coproantigen-positive dog: non-restraint of the dog (P<0.001); dog fed on raw offal (P<0.001); the improper disposal of slaughter offal (P<0.001); the dog-owner's lack of knowledge about the transmission of echinococcosis (P=0.001); the dog not receiving anthelmintic treatment (P=0.003); and dog age ≤5 years (P=0.01). The results of a multivariate analysis confirmed that lack of dog restraint, access to raw offal, and young age of the dog (≤5 years) each significantly increased the risk of coproantigen positivity (P, 0.005). Dogs that scavenged from cooking pots, were used to clean babies, had access to the inside of houses, and/or slept indoors appeared, however, to be at no increased risk of coproantigen positivity. The present results are discussed in relation both to older information on the epidemiology and role of human behaviour in the transmission of E. granulosus in Turkana, and the effects of the hydatid-control programme that ran continuously in the north–western division of Turkana between 1983 and 1997.
Oxfendazole treatment for cystic hydatid disease in naturally infected animals
(American Society for Microbiology, 1997-09-09) Blanton, Ronald E.; Wachira, Timothy M.; Zeyhle, Eberhard E.; Njoroge, Ernest M.; Magambo, Japheth K.; Schantz, Peter M.
Few chemotherapeutic agents are available for the medical management of hydatid disease caused by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus. In order to test the potential of oxfendazole for the treatment of infection with this parasite, nine infected goats and four sheep were given oxfendazole twice weekly at a dose of 30 mg/kg of body weight for 4 weeks and monitored by ultrasound for an additional 4 weeks. Efficacy was finally evaluated by postmortem examination, including determination of protoscolex viability and cyst wall histology. In treated animals, protoscolices were dead or absent in 97% of cysts from oxfendazole-treated animals compared to 28% of cysts from untreated control animals. On postmortem examination, 53% of cysts from treated animals were found to be grossly degenerate. A sample of those cysts that appeared potentially viable all demonstrated evidence of severe damage to the cyst wall. By light microscopy, cysts showed severe disorganization of the adventitial layer with invasion of inflammatory cells and in some cases frank necrosis with no apparent adventitial layer. The follow-up period for assessment of the drug’s ability to cause complete degeneration and resorption of cysts was relatively short. This study, however, indicates that oxfendazole is at least as effective as and is easier to administer than albendazole for the treatment of hydatid disease.
Botanical composition and selective feeding by goats in the semi-arid lands of Central-Eastern Kenya
(International journal of science and research (IJSR), 2015) Osolo, Kefa Nyende
Botanical composition of University of Nairobi’s Machang’a Field Station, Mbeere, in the Semi-arid Central-Eastern rangelands of Kenya was inventoried by reconnaissance survey. Relative abundance of the various plant species and ground cover were then established for three seasons: long rains, short rains and dry season. Small East African goats were allowed to graze freely on the range and their selective grazing behavior used to identify the relative preference of plant species. Over one hundred and eighty (180) plant species were identified and recorded. The herbaceous ground cover varied with season and was highest during the long rains study (40.8%) followed by short rains (19.2%) and lowest for dry season (12.6%). Goats showed strong preference for species which were relatively scarce (r<-0.86). Promotion and conservation of the preferred plants was recommended.
Environmental hazards in Peri-Urban poultry farming in western kenya
(2015) Osolo, Nyende Kefa.; Wanambacha, Wakhungu Jacob.; Obiri, John
Poultry keeping is popular in peri-urban centres of Kenya. Poultry wastes arising from intensive poultry units may become too large to be absorbed in the immediate areas of production as crop plots and gardens decrease in size in urban centres leading to potential for environmental hazards. This study was conducted in four urban centres of Bungoma, Eldoret, Kakamega and Kisumu to evaluate the contribution of poultry wastes to environmental hazards. Manure samples were collected from 40 randomly selected intensive poultry farms and taken to the Kenya Bureau of Standards laboratory for microbial and heavy metal content analysis. There was no significant variation in E.coli levels between the four municipalities (p-value > 0.353) as well as between the poultry manure types (p-value > 0.823). There was a statistically significant interaction between manure condition and municipalities and the Salmonella levels, F (2, 33) = 6.266, p < 0.005. There was lack of evidence to dispute the claim that the means concentration (mg kg-1 ) of mercury [F (3, 33) = 1.035, p < 0.390] as well as copper [F (3, 35) = 0.084, p > 0.968] in poultry manures was similar across the four municipalities. This means that the heavy metal contents in the manure in the study area was below levels that could be considered hazardous in the manure if handled as waste. Strict hygiene and bio-security was recommended. It was recommended that Bio-security and hygiene should be included in the poultry extension programmes and training curricula.
Species abundance, food preference and nutritive value of goat diets in the semi-arid lands of east-central Kenya
(1996) Osolo, NK.; Kinuthia, JN.; Gachuiri, CK.; Okeyo, AM.; Wanyoike, MM.; Okomo, M.
The key forage species and nutrient composition of forage species preferred by free-ranging East African goats in rangelands of eastern-central Kenya were determined. One hundred and five forage species were identified including 30 tree, 29 shrub, 20 grass and 25 forb species. Shrubs and short trees were the most preferred forage species and thus formed the bulk of the goat diets. Ironically the forage species most preferred by the goats were not necessarily the most abundant on the ground, indicating that ease of accessibility and palatability may be important determinants for choice of a forage specie. That grasses and forbs were the least preferred could be largely explained by the fact that goats are naturally browsers.
Assessing conservation agricultural production systems (caps) for small holder farmers in rain-fed farming system in sub-saharan Africa (ssa)
(2012) Nambozo, J.; Norton, Jay B.; Okeyo, M.; Odhiambo, Judith A.; Owori, M.; Oluko, Patrick Samba; Ogonga, P.
The challenge of sufficient food production by farmers in rainfed farming systems of sub-Saharan Africa is exacerbated by soil degradation and poor soil nutrient status. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of reduced and no tillage and velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) cover crop on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and noxious weed population in alternative cropping practices to maize-bean production. Using a completely randomized block design, four replications of three tillage intensities and three cropping practices were established on two climatically different sites: Tranz-Nzoia in western Kenya, and Tororo in western Kenya and eastern Uganda, respectively. While CO2 emissions are comparable among sites and tillage treatments, N2O had significantly higher emissions in low elevation sites (where there are two growing seasons) and CH4 assimilation declined under reduced and no-tillage at high elevation sites. Reduced tilling also had a lower presence of narrow leaf species of weeds than deep tillage, but shallow hoeing had a lower weed density than no-till methods.
Conservation agriculture for smallholder farms in eastern Uganda and western Kenya
(2012) Norton, James; Omondi, E.; Norton, U.; Ngosia, D.S.; Odhiambo, J.A.; Okeyo, J.; Okalebo, J.R.; Oluko, Patrick Samba
Soil quality and crop yield parameters resulting from conservation agriculture practices were evaluated in on-station and on-farm studies established in two highland sites and two lowland sites in the Mount Elgon region of western Kenya and eastern Uganda. Each of the four study areas consists of an on-station and four on-farm sites, each with of three tillage practices (conventional moldboard, no-till, and minimum till); two levels of nitrogen fertilizer (60 Kg N Ha-1 and none); and three cropping systems (traditional maize-beans intercropping, maize intercropped with a bean-Mucuna [Mucuna pruriens] relay, and strip intercropping with maize, beans, and Mucuna in rotation planted in four-row strips) in a factorial design with nine treatments. First and second year results of soil organic matter analyses and crop yields indicate that reduced tillage combined with adding the cover crop to the rotation has begun to improve soil quality and has not negatively impacted yields. Some cooperating farmers have noted improved maize yields following Mucuna and are eager to scale up reduced-tillage and cover crop treatments.
Factors influencing green maize harvesting towards innovative research and knowledge for global competitiveness and sustainable development: case study of south Nandi district
(2017) Cheruiyot, Pius Kipkorir; Boit, John K.
The purpose of this study was to assess the challenges facing the society specifically the farmers and the country on the growing popularity of the green maize harvesting within the growing areas. The study was geared towards finding out the role of policy makers in understanding the reasons why farmers were opting to sale green maize rather than wait to dry up. The study investigated the role played by the provincial administration and the Ministry of Agriculture in either promoting or discouraging green maize harvesting towards achieving a knowledge economy through research and innovations. The research also investigated the effects of green maize harvesting on farmers food security, National food security policy in Kenya. The study was guided by motivational theories. The study aimed at achieving the following objectives; to establish the factors that influence green maize harvest in South Nandi district; to evaluate pros and cons to which commercialization of green maize harvesting affects the socio-economic status of farmers; to examine the consequences of green maize harvesting. The study utilized purposive and simple random sampling technique. The study employed descriptive survey design with questionnaires and interview schedules as data of collection instruments. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to analyze data. Based on the findings, recommendations were made to capture all that benefits the farmer, the consumer and the state as the regulator towards being food secure.
Conservation agriculture effects on earthworm populations in western Kenya and eastern Uganda soils.
(RUFORUM, 2014-07-25) Oluko, Patrick Samba; Norton, J.; Okalebo, J.R.; Omondi, E.; N'getich, W.; Shikuku, D.S.; Okeyo, J.M.; Odhiambo, J.A.; Norton, U.; Ashilenje, D.; Wangoli, J.W.
Conventional cultivation in Western Kenya and Eastern Uganda over the years has resulted into decline in soil quality and food crop production. Studying soil biodiversity under Conservation Agriculture production systems (CAPS) will help understand dynamics of soil structure and the replenishment of nutrients. Population of soil invertebrates and soil pH by Nitrogen application (+N and -N) were studied under maize (Zea mays), beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and Mucuna (Mucuna pruriens) crops: 3 tillage systems; (1) No-Till (NT), (2) Conventional Tilage (CT), (3) Minimum Tillage (MT); 3 cropping systems (1) Strip-cropping (ROT 2), (2) Intercropping with Mucuna riley, (3) continuous maize-beans intercropping. A 20 g soil sample (0-20 cm depth) was used for macrofauna analysis at vegetative stage. Tillage affected macrofauna population densities differently with the order of highest to lowest; MT < NT < CT. Macrofauna numbers and quantity and quality of residue returned into soil under Mucuna cover crop correlated positively. N-application improved earthworm population in a strip-cropping under MT. Mucuna strip and +N recording the highest number of macrofauna (earthworms, millipedes, centipedes) followed by beans (+N) and maize (+N). A negative correlation was realized between soil pH and earthworm population, with population significantly (P<0.001) reducing with soil pH (<5.00). Residue incorporation under MT was decomposed by the increased number of soil macrofauna under Mucuna cover crop plots resulting into improved soil quality. CAPS involving MT and ROT 2 aids in arresting and reversing downward spiral of resource degradation, decreasing cultivation costs and making agriculture more resource-use-efficient, competitive and sustainable.
Can fodder diets increase goat production by a quantum leap?
(Egerton University, Njoro, Kenya, 1992) Semenye, PP.; Siamba, Donald N.; Shisya, M.; Getz, W.
Growing goats, 45 Alpine and 45 Nubian, were used in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement to quantify the influence of dietary energy and protein levels on daily DM intake and nutrient utilization for growth. Goats had ad libitum access to complete mixed diets containing either 2.46, 2.77 or 3.05 Mcal/kg ME plus 11.2, 12.7 or 15.1% CP for 16 wk. Dry matter intake decreased curvilinearly as dietary ME density increased (P < .001). Dry matter intake increased linearly (P < .05) as dietary CP level increased during all growth intervals except wk 25 to 28 of age. Average daily gain was 115, 113 and 99 g/d for goats fed diets containing 2.46, 2.77 and 3.05 Mcal/kg ME, respectively. Average daily gain was 104, 106 and 117 g/d for goats fed diets with 11.2, 12.7 and 15.1% CP, respectively. Dry matter intake was higher (P < .01) for Alpine than for Nubian goats, whereas ADG was similar between breeds. Intake of ME was 248, 260 and 198 kcal/(kg.75.d) for goats fed the low- medium- and high-energy diets, respectively. Intake of CP was 9.1, 10.7 and 13.2 g/(kg.75.d) for goats fed low-, medium- and high-protein diets, respectively. Average requirements for growth derived from regression analysis of all data points were 4.6 kcal ME and .26 g CP/g ADG. The prediction equation for intake of growing goats of 4 to 8 mo of age was: DMI, g/d = 1,749 - 496 DE, kcal/g + 18 live weight, kg + 3 ADG, g/d; r2 = .73 (Sy.x = 127, P < .0001, n = 90). The requirement of ME for growth was 33% lower than the value recommended in 1981 by the National Research Council.
Effects of supplementation on cows with impaired fertility in Koibatek and Nakuru districts Kenya
(1999) Lokwaleput, I; Siamba, Donald N.
In a survey conducted in 1996, 82 and 60 cows with impaired fertility were found on 63 and 53 farms in Koibatek District and Bahati division, Nakuru district, respectively. These cows were appraised visually for body condition, and rectal palpation was done to determine the condition of their reproductive organs. The survey revealed that about 50% of the cows were in poor condition; about 60% were in anoestrus, thus indicating the effect of nutrition. Work carried out earlier in Kiambu, Nyandarua and Nakuru districts of Kenya to ascertain factors causing impaired fertility in cows on-farm, showed that management factors and most importantly, nutrition has the greatest effect. These study has therefore confirmed this phenomenon. An on-farm experiment was therefore conducted from mid -November, 1996 to early March, 1997 to determine effects of feeding supplements on the reproduction performance of cows fertility with calving intervals 1.5 years. Thirty six cows on 32 farms in Koibatek were assigned to three treatments: 14 to Dairy meal (DM), 12 to minerals (MIN) and 10 to Dairy meal and minerals (DM+MIN). In Bahati 40 cows, each on a farm were assigned to four treatments: 10 to DM, 10 to MIN , 10 to DM+MIN and 10 to Free grazing (FG). Apart from normal grazing or Stall-feeding, experimental animals were fed daily for 105 days with additional concentrates (DM=2 kg) Dairy meal and/or minerals (MIN: 50 g Maclick super). Freely grazed animals without supplementation acted as controls. Cows were monitored for reproductive events, liveweight changes and milk production. At the start of the experiment, the liveweights of the animals were 356 and 343 kg in Koibatek and Bahati, respectively. During supplemetation, the average liveweights of the cows increased by 18 and 25 kg, while milk production increased by 10 and 5% in Koibatek and Bahati, respectively. These increases were for cows on DM+MIN and were realized during the second month of supplementation. cows on treatments DM, MIN and FG demonstrated lower gains than those on DM+MIN; the effects of Drought further diminished there weight gains. In Koibatek, the percentages of cows that calved out of the total number were 50% for DM, 58% for MIN, and 80% for DM+Min. In Bahati, they were 60% for DM, 50% for MIN, and 70% for DM+MIN and 30% for FG. The study demonstrated that supplementation reduced the interval between the start of the supplementation and conception by an average of 130.0 days
Improved cow fertility through appropriate management practices on-farm in Koibatek and Nakuru districts
(KARI, 1999) Siamba, Donald N.; Lokwaleput, I.; Jong, Rde.
n a survey conducted in 1996, 82 (22.6 percent) of all cows with impaired fertility, i.e expected calving interval over 1.5 years, were found on 63 and 53 farms in Koibatek District and Nakuru District (Bahati Division), respectively. The cows were appraised visually for body condition, and rectal palpation was done to determine the condition of their reproductive organs. The appraisal revealed that about 50 percent of the cows were in poor condition and about 60 percent were in anoestrus, thus indicating the effect of nutrition. Work carried out earlier in Kiambu, Nyandarua and Nakuru Districts of Kenya on factors causing impaired fertility in cows on-farm, showed that management factors and most importantly, nutrition was the primary cause

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