Department of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://erepository.kibu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/114

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Dynamic risk model for Rift Valley fever outbreaks in Kenya based on climate and disease outbreak data
(PAGEpress-Geospatial Health, 2015-10-18) Gikungu, David; Wakhungu, Jacob; Siamba, D.N; Neyole, Edward
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne viral zoonotic disease that occurs throughout sub-Saharan Africa, Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula, with heavy impact in affected countries. Outbreaks are episodic and related to climate variability, especially rainfall and flooding. Despite great strides towards better prediction of RVF epidemics, there is still no observed climate data-based warning system with sufficient lead time for appropriate response and mitigation. We present a dynamic risk model based on historical RVF outbreaks and observed meteorological data. The model uses 30-year data on rainfall, temperature, relative humidity, normalised difference vegetation index and sea surface temperature data as predictors. Our research on RVF focused on Garissa, Murang’a and Kwale counties in Kenya using a research design based on a correlational, experimental, and evaluational approach. The weather data were obtained from the Kenya Meteorological Department while the RVF data were acquired from International Livestock Research Institute, and the Department of Veterinary Services. Performance of the model was evaluated by using the first 70% of the data for calibration and the remaining 30% for validation. The assessed components of the model accurately predicted already observed RVF events. The Brier score for each of the models (ranging from 0.007 to 0.022) indicated high skill. The coefficient of determination (R2) was higher in Garissa (0.66) than in Murang’a (0.21) and Kwale (0.16). The discrepancy was attributed to data distribution differences and varying ecosystems. The model outputs should complement existing early warning systems to detect risk factors that predispose for RVF outbreaks.
Efficacy of Tephrosia vogelli and Vernonia amygdalina as anthelmintics against Ascaridia galli in indigenous chicken
(Livestock Research for Rural Development, 2007-01-01) siamba, Donald N.; Watai, M K.; Wachira, A.M.; Lukibisi, F B.; Mukisira, E.A
The efficacy of Tephrosia vogelli and Vernonia amygdalina leaf extracts as anthelmintic against Ascaridia galli was determined in-vitro and in-vivo.The extracts whose chemical constituents included rotenoids, sesquiterpene lactones, glycosides, anthracenes and tannins, had significant (p<0.05) activity against Ascaridia galli both in-vitro and in-vivo. The in-vitro larval migration inhibition of 74.7 and 63.7 % was supported by the faecal egg count reduction of 77.4 and 76.9 and reduced total worm counts at necropsy for Tephrosia vogelli and Vernonia amygdalina extracts, respectively. The results have demonstrated that the extracts of the two plants have significant activity against the chicken parasite Ascaridia galli and can be integrated in indigenous chicken health management system.
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.
The physico-chemical characteristics and some nutritional values of vegetable amaranth sold in Nairobi-Kenya
(Taylor & Francis, 2008) Onyango, Cecilia M.; Shibairo, Solomon I.; Imungi, Jasper K.; Harbinson, Jeremy
Twenty one major supermarkets and ten independent green grocers in the city of Nairobi were surveyed for types of vegetable amaranths sold and their post harvest handling. The nutrient composition of the vegetables was also analyzed. In addition, information on three other traditional leafy vegetables (TLVs) namely, Cleome gynandra, Solanum nigrum, and Vigna unguiculata was obtained. All the vegetables were sold in bundles of average weight 0.45 kg. The edible fraction per bundle averaged 38.9%. Chemical analys showed that vegetable amaranth had a moisture content of 85.5%, therefore a dry matter content of 14.5%. Expressed on dry matter basis, the mean total ash content was 19.2%, crude protein content 26.1% and the crude fiber content 14.7%. The mean ascorbic acid content was 627 mg/100 g, zinc content 5.5m g/100 g and iron content 18 mg/100 g. The men nitrate content was 732.5 mg/100 g, total oxalates 5830 mg/100 g and soluble oxalates 3650 mg/100 g, while the lead content averaged 1.03 mg/100 g. The study concludes that vegetable amaranth has potential as popular vegetable in the diets of Kenyans to significantly contribute to provision of micronutrients, particularly iron and zinc. KEYWORDS traditional vegetables, marketing, postharvest handling, nutrition, Nairobi-Kenya
Postharvest moisture loss characteristics of carrot (Daucus carota L.) cultivars during short-term storage
(Elsevier, 1998-02-13) Shibairo, Solomon I.; Toivonen, Peter; Upadhyaya, Mahesh K.
Differences in moisture loss characteristics among carrot cultivars Imperator Special 58, Gold Pak 28, Caro-pride, Paramount, Eagle, Celloking, Top Pak and Caro-choice during short-term storage at 13 °C and at either 80% or 35% relative humidity were investigated. Experiments were conducted over two years with an early and late harvest in each year. Moisture loss was significantly greater when carrots were stored at low relative humidity compared to high relative humidity. Consistent cultivar differences in moisture loss characteristics were observed only in the late-harvested carrots at low relative humidity. Cultivars with higher specific surface area and relative electrolyte leakage, and lower water and osmotic potentials exhibited high moisture losses. Regression analysis, however, showed that moisture loss differences among cultivars were mainly associated with the specific surface area of the root.
Potassium nutrition and postharvest moisture loss in carrots (Daucus carota L.)
(The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology, 2015-11-07) Shibairo, Solomon I.; Upadhyaya, Mahesh K.; Toivonen, Peter M. A.
The effect of potassium (K) nutrition on the shelf life of carrots (Daucus carota L., cv. Paramount) was studied using a hydroponic system involving rockwool slabs as an inert support. Carrots were grown for 192 d under greenhouse conditions and with 0, 0.1,1.0,10 and 15 mM K supplied in the nutrient medium. Increase in K concentration in the nutrient medium up to 1 mM decreased postharvest moisture loss. Carrot root weight and tissue K concentration increased, and water potential, osmotic potential and relative solute leakage decreased with increasing K concentration up to 1 mM. Concentrations greater than 1 mM had little or no additional effect on postharvest moisture loss, root water and osmotic potentials and relative solute leakage. Root weight did not increase above 10 mM K. The best subset model obtained by backward stepping and the optimum Mallow’s coefficient showed that carrot root weight and relative solute leakage accounted for most of the variation in moisture loss. Root weight correlated negatively and relative solute leakage positively to moisture loss.
Traditional herbal preparations for indigenous poultry health management in Western Kenya
(Livestock Research for Rural Development, 2007-01-01) Okitoi, L O; Ondwasy, H.O.; siamba, Donald N.; Nkurumah, D.
Conventional disease prevention methods are geared towards birds in confinement and not free range in an indigenous poultry production system. However, the existing indigenous technical knowledge inherited from past generations has sustained the local poultry production system. This knowledge is passed on verbally and is hardly documented. The study reportedly collected information on traditional preparations (e.g herbs) in Kimilili and South Wanga of Bungoma and Butere/Mumias districts respectively. Its objective being to document existing plant material (herbs) and any other traditional preparations used for poultry health management in rural poultry production systems. The study confirmed the existence of vast local knowledge for indigenous poultry health management. The preparations are usually more than one-plant parts whose amounts are not specific. They usually target symptoms of diseases, which were encoded into specific diseases. Aloe Vera, pepper, sisal and neem were the most used medicinal plants. Parts used included leaves, barks, and roots. Some specific concoctions were said to prevent or treat specific diseases. For example Aloe Vera was said to treat Newcastle, Croton megalocarpus was said to treat coryza sinusitis, Combretum mole was said to treat intestinal worms.

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