Browsing by Author "Siamba, Donald"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3

Analysis of fecal coliform levels at watering points along the upper reaches of river Isiukhu in Kakamega County, Kenya
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Kindiki, Sarah; Wekesa, Clabe; Sifuna, Anthony; Siamba, Donald; Kollenberg, Mario
Diarrheal diseases often attributable to poor sanitary conditions and fecal contamination of drinking water remain a leading cause of mortality for children younger than 5 years. Diarrhea is a symptom of infection caused by a host of bacterial, viral and parasitic organisms most of which can be spread by contaminated water. Water contaminated with human feces for example from municipal sewage, septic tanks and latrines is of special concern. Animal feces also contain microorganisms that can cause diarrhea. Kakamega County in Kenya has a diarrhea prevalence rate of 20.2%, which is the highest in the country and a good proportion of these cases are believed to be water borne. This study designed to determine fecal coliform levels in water samples collected from watering points along the upper reaches of River Isiukhu in Kakamega County in order to assess the level of water contamination by fecal matter. Duplicate samples, 54 in number were collected between August and October 2015 from 9 sampling points comprising springs and watering points along the river. Water samples (100ml) were filtered on nitrocellulose filters by vacuum filtration. Fecal coliform count was done using membrane filters cultured on mFC agar to establish contamination levels. The results indicated that counts ranged from 200cfu/100ml - 1450cfu/100ml in river sampling points and in springs counts ranged from 0cfu/100ml - 44cfu/100ml. The fecal coliform counts for River Isiukhu and most springs surrounding it exceeded the WHO recommended drinking water coliforms or E.coli count value of 0 cfu/100ml concluding that water from the upper reaches of River Isiukhu and spring is not fit for drinking before treatment especially during wet seasons based on the WHO drinking water standard and the water quality.
Ground casava and whole grain wheat as alternative binder materials in feed blocking technology
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Mwombe, Rhodah; Nyende, Kefa; Siamba, Donald
Inadequate feed during dry season is a major cause of low dairy productivity. Forage production is rain fed thus feeds are abundant during the rainy season. Napier grass, sugar cane tops, sunflower and bean husks are important feed resources in small holder livestock production systems. Conservation of the surplus fodder, crop residues and agro industrial by products to improve dairy production has the potential for sustainable milk production. Feed block technology is common in ruminant feed conservation and supplement food sources using cement as an inorganic binder. The adoptability of this technology by smallholder farmers is low partly because of the perception that cement could harm their animals. This study was therefore designed to evaluate cassava and wheat flour as alternative and natural binders of agro-industrial waste using the feed blocking technology. The results showed that ground whole grain wheat and cassava are good binding materials and their fermentative property might increase palatability of feeds based on crops and agroindustrial wastes. The study recommends that more effort needs to be directed to ensure wider adoption of this technology by farmers. Key word: Potential, Fodder crop preservation, agroindustrial wastes, Feed block technology
Potential of ensiled open market grocery waste as livestock feed
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Toroitich, Jane; Nyende, Kefa; Siamba, Donald
The costs of growing livestock feed are increasing due to rising fuel and fertilizer costs and the increasing frequency of extreme weather conditions. As a result, alternative sources of feed ingredients are needed. Grocery waste may be one of such alternative source. This wasted food accounts for one-fifth of the Country solid waste entering the nation’s landfills. In addition to being costly to deal with, this food waste contributes significantly to global warming, methane gas emissions. Using food waste in livestock feeds can help farmers reduce feed costs and help food waste generators reduce disposal costs while minimizing the environmental impacts of this waste. Many different types of grocery waste are palatable and nutritionally beneficial to animals. Feeding of food waste remains is a common practice in many parts of the country but preservation of the livestock feed remains a concern. This paper seeks to promote utilization of grocery waste as livestock feed through ensiling technology.Assoted Grocery waste comprising of cabbage, tomatoes and fruit waste were collected from a nearby open market and ensiled in 20 litter bucket silos. Inspection was done 14 days after ensiling. Pre and post ensiling samples were taken for nutrient analysis at the Dairy Research institute, Naivasha. Results based on the pH and nutrient content indicated that good quality silage is obtained within 14 days and nutrient integrity is maintained through the process. It is concluded that small scale ensiling of grocery waste is possible and could be scaled up with demand and availability of the waste. Key words: Potential, Ensiling Capability, Fermentation Characteristics, Nutrient evaluation