Department of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences

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Acute oral toxicity evaluation of some polyherbal formulations in albino wistar rats.
(Orgz, 2008) Vijayabalaji, V.; Joshua, Allan J.; Kumar, Pavan G.; Murali, B.; Suryanarayana, ML.; Siamba, Donald N.
The objective of the current study was to assess the acute oral toxicity of some herbal veterinary preparations in female albino Wistar rats as per the OECD guidelines for testing of chemicals, Acute oral toxicity-Fixed dose procedure (Test guideline 420). The investigational substances, NaturalivTM liquid and Zist® liquid are used in poultry for hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties, respectively. NaturalivTM liquid was tested at 5000 mg kg-1 b.wt., whereas Zist® liquid was evaluated in sequential manner to one animal each at 2000 and 5000 mg kg-1 b.wt. in the sighting study, followed by four animals at 5000 mg kg-1 b.wt. in the main study. The treated animals were observed for mortality (twice daily), adverse clinical signs (once daily), changes in weekly body weight gain and gross necropsy findings. All the treated animals survived throughout the study period.
Agriculture chemicals’ related hazards control
(KARI publication unit, 2014) Ondieki, JO.; Lanyasunya, TP.; Lokwaleput, IK.; Mutunga, TK.; Siamba, Donald N.; Bwire, JM.
IN recent years, food safety standards have become a more prominent issue for global trade in agricultural and food products (Jaffee and Henson, 2004a; and Josling et al., 2004). Of particular concern is the potential impact of food safety standards, whether promulgated by governments or private sector buyers, on the ability of developing countries to gain and maintain access to markets for highvalue agricultural and food products, especially in industrialised countries. In part this reflects the growing preponderance of these standards, but also more widespread recognition of the degree and manner in which trade flows can be affected. Concerns are greatest in the case of low-income countries, given their typically weaker food safety and quality management capacities that can thwart efforts towards export-led agricultural diversification and rural development. This paper explores the impact that food safety standards are having on the performance of developing countries with respect to agricultural and food product exports, drawing on a programme of research at the World Bank (see World Bank, 2005). While recognising that food safety and quality standards can act to impede exports, an attempt is made to ‘rebalance’ the policy debate in this area. The paper outlines how the proliferation and increased stringency of food safety standards is creating a new landscape that, in certain circumstances, can form a basis for the competitive repositioning and enhanced export performance of developing countries. In particular, the foundations of this competitive repositioning is explored and related, in turn, to the manner in which developing country governments and/or private sector suppliers respond to evolving standards.
Analysis of fecal coliform levels at watering points along the upper reaches of river Isiukhu in Kakamega county, Kenya
(2018-04-24) Kindiki, Sarah.; Kollenberg, Mario.; Siamba, Donald N.; Sifuna, Anthony.; Wekesa, Clabe.
Diarrheal diseases often attributable to poor sanitary conditions and fecal contamination of drinking water remain a leading cause of mortality for children younger than five years. Water contaminated with human faeces, for example from municipal sewage, septic tanks and latrines, is of particular concern. Animal faeces 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; a good proportion of these cases are believed to be water borne. This study was designed to determine fecal coliform levels in water samples collected from watering points along the upper reaches of River Isiukhu in Kakamega County, Kenya. Fifty-four samples were collected between August and October 2015 from nine sampling points, comprising springs and watering points along the river. Water samples were filtered on nitrocellulose filters by vacuum filtration; fecal coliform counts were conducted using membrane filters cultured on mFC agar to establish contamination levels. The results indicated that counts ranged from 200 cfu/100 ml – 1450 cfu/100 ml in river sampling points and ranged from 0 cfu/100 ml – 44 cfu/100 ml in springs sampling points. The fecal coliform counts for River Isiukhu and most springs surrounding it exceeded the WHO recommended drinking water coliform (or E. coli) count value of 0 cfu/100 ml indicating that water from the upper reaches of River Isiukhu and springs is not fit for drinking before treatment, especially during the wet seasons, based on WHO drinking water standards.
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 .
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.
Assessment of rainwater retention in agricultural land and crop yield increase due to conservation tillage in Ewaso Ng’iro river basin, Kenya
(2006) Ngigi, Stephen N.; Rockströmb, Johan.; Savenije, Hubert HG.; Seehalak, WK.; Sommanas, W.; Shibairo, Solomon I.; Srinives, P.
Rainwater harvesting and management (RHM) systems are increasingly being recognized as one of the strategies of upgrading rainfed agriculture, especially by smallholder farmers in semi-arid environments. The need to increase crop yields has led to adoption and up-scaling of RHM systems such as conservation tillage and on-farm ponds for micro-irrigation. The paper focuses on conservation tillage, which refers to soil tillage practices that minimize soil manipulation, increase moisture storage and reduce soil and water loss. It aims at conserving rainwater in situ—where it falls within the root-zone. Increased soil moisture storage reduces runoff, which lead to reduction in catchment water yield, and may reduce river flows during the wet and dry seasons. Hence the need to estimate the amount of rainwater retained on croplands and related hydrological impacts. However, estimation of the amount of runoff—additional soil moisture—retained due to in situ RHM systems such as conservation tillage practices is not straightforward. The paper presents an empirical approach based on the analysis of crop yield response to water. The result from empirical approach was compared with field data taken from croplands under traditional and conservation tillage systems in Laikipia district, Kenya. Additional soil moisture retained in the root-zone was reflected in increased maize biomass and grain yields. The empirical approach assumed other soil water balance components such as deep percolation, overall reduction in soil evaporation by conservation tillage over the cropping season and long-term change in soil moisture storage are negligible. The approach is simple compared to other methods based on costly and time consuming field instrumentation and measurements. Field measurements showed that conservation tillage could increase soil moisture storage by 18–50%. Empirical approach yielded values within the same range, i.e. 15–40%. Therefore, empirical approach can be used to estimate the amount of rainwater retained on croplands, and hence proportion of runoff reduced from agricultural catchments.
Bacterial causes of bovine mastitis and their antibiotic sensitivity patterns in Western and Central Kenya
(The Kenya veterinary association, 2013) Ndirangu, PN.; Wesonga, HO.; Siamba, Donald N.; Mugambi, JM.
A cross sectional study was carried out from November 2008 to April 2009 to estimate prevalence of mastitis and to see associated bacterial pathogens in lactating dairy cows in Holeta town. A total of 107 cross bred milking cows were tested using California Mastitis Test (CMT). Prevalence of mastitis at cow level was 71.0% (76/107), out of which 22.4% (24/107) and 48.6% (52/107) were clinical and subclinical, respectively. The quarter level prevalence was 44.9% (192/428);from this the clinical and subclinical forms were 10.0% (43/428) and 34.8% (149/428), respectively. Out of the 43 quarters with clinical cases, 31 had blind teats while 12 of them revealed active cases of mastitis. Samples from all 12 active clinical cases and 90.0% (134/149) of the CMT positive subclinical quarters were found to be culture positive. From 146 culture positive samples, a total of 153 bacteria were isolated, the most prevalent being S. aureus (47.1%) followed by Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CNS) (30.1%). Other bacterial isolates included Streptococcus (7.2%), E.coli (4.6%), Micrococcus species (3.3%), Klebsella pneumonae (3.3%), Enterobater aerogen (1.3%), Corynebacterium species (2.0%) and Bacillus (1.3%). Risk factors analysis revealed that prevalence significantly differed with the age (P < 0.05), parity (P < 0.05) and udder hygiene condition (P < 0.03).Thus, prevalence was relatively higher in adult cows (OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.15, 3.64), cows with moderate calves (OR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.6, 3.6), cows with injured teat (OR = 7.7, 95%CI = 0.9, 64.1) and cows with unwashed udder (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 0.8, 6.4) than those corresponding animals. In conclusion, this study revealed the importance of mastitis and associated bacterial pathogen in the study area.
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.
Botanical composition and selective feeding by goats in the semi-arid Lands of central-eastern Kenya
(2013) Osolo, Nyende Kefa.; Shibairo, Solomon I.; Wakhungu, Jacob W.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The canon of potato science: 35. seed and ware potato storage.
(Orgz, 2007) Wustman, R.; Struik, PC.
Potatoes will sustain losses during their post-harvest life as they are living organisms with an active metabolism. Depending on storage conditions potato tubers will – to a lesser or greater extent – respire and transpire and thus lose fresh weight. Maintenance and metabolic processes require energy, and potato tubers use part of their dry matter (mainly starch) for necessary energy supply resulting in dry matter loss. Tubers therefore always show a weight loss due to transpiration (water loss) and respiration (dry matter loss). Moreover, potato tubers show changes in their chemical position during the period of storage. Finally, total weight losses can be increased substantially by storage diseases and pests. Nevertheless potato is a commodity that can be stored successfully for up to 10 months provided the right initial product is loaded, the right storage conditions are created and the right treatments are applied.
Changes in lipids utilisation during moisture and temperature stress of infective (L3) and its implication on the epidemiology of Haemonchus contortus in arid and semi arid lands
(Maxwell science publishing, 2011-03-05) Siamba, Donald N.; Gatongi, PM.; Mulambalah, CS.; Ngeiywa, MM.; Wamae, LW.; Wambugu, A.
A study was undertaken to establish the pattern and level of lipid utilization in third stage infective larvae (L_3) of Haemonchus contortus under temperature and moisture stress conditions. The stress factors were representative of an arid and semi arid site in Kenya. The L_3 were subjected to gradual increase and reduction in temperature and moisture, respectively, using a programmable cold/heat testing chamber. Optical density per area (Corrected average pixels) derived from image analysis of individual stained larvae using an image analysis software (UN SCAN IT gel^(r)), were used to estimate the lipid content of larvae subjected to different stress treatments. It was observed that lipid content of the L_3 declined and was negatively correlated with duration of exposure with significantly (p = 0.012) lower rates in moisture compared to temperature stressed L3. It was also observed that the decline occurred in phases signifying possible adaptive physiological process aimed at preserving lipid reserves and viability. During revival, there was a drastic decline in lipid reserves probably as a result of increased lipid utilisation by the reviving larvae. The epidemiological significance of these findings in field larvae is discussed
Changes in water potential, osmotic potential, and tissue electrolyte leakage during mass loss in carrots stored under different conditions
(Elsevier Science B.V, 2002-08-02) Shibairo, Solomon I.; Upadhyaya, Mahesh K.; Toivonen, Peter M.A
Mass loss, water potential (ψ), osmotic potential (ψπ) and tissue permeability of carrots (Daucus carota L. cv. Eagle) stored for 30 days at 2 °C and 80% relative humidity (RH) (optimal shelf condition (OSC)), 13 °C and 79% RH (common shelf condition (CSC)), or 13 °C and 31% RH (poor shelf condition (PSC)) were monitored. Carrots at PSC lost the most mass followed by those at CSC and OSC. Total water potential (ψ) and osmotic potential (ψπ) of the carrots at CSC and PSC did not change significantly for up to 6 days, but decreased thereafter. No statistically significant change in ψ and ψπ occurred in carrots at OSC. Relative electrolyte leakage (REL) rapidly increased after 12 days at PSC and after 18 days at CSC, at which point mass loss had exceeded 8% of original weight, considered to be a threshold for quality loss. REL of carrots stored at OSC increased only slightly and the mass loss in these carrots did not exceed 8%. Regression analysis showed that mass loss in carrots was consistently associated with REL; changes in ψ and ψπ were associated with mass loss only when carrots were kept at 13 °C. Thus, REL could be a good indicator of mass loss of carrots under a wide range of shelf conditions. The sharp rise in REL at CSC and PSC occurred when the mass loss exceeded 8%.
Characteristics of rural poultry production in different agro-ecological zones in Kenya
(1998-11-09) Ndegwa, JM.; Kimani, CW.; Siamba, Donald N.; Mukisira, EA.; Jong, R de.
A cross-sectional was conducted to establish the characteristics of rural poultry production in Nyandarua, Nakuru and Laikipia districts of Kenya. Sites of diverse agroecological zones (AEZ) in the 3 district were selected, thus Ol Kalou in Nyandarua, Njoro in Nakuru and Ng'arua in Laikipia. Each site was divided into 4 clusters according to AEZ and land size. Systematic sampling techniques were applied to select farmers. A checklist was then used to collect the baseline information for every household. The study revealed that the average flock size was 17.3 chicken with Ng'arua region demonstrating the largest flock size of 21 chickens. The purpose of rearing indigenous chicken were stated as home consumption and sale of eggs and meat, hatching eggs, and as gifts.Farmers in Ng'arua region reported the highest sale of eggs and chicken meat. the average number of broodings per year, number of eggs laid before a chicken becomes broody, eggs set for hatching and hatchability was 2.5, 16.5, 11.1 and 84.2%, respectively. The average chick mortality reported by farmers in te first eight weeks was 47.9%. Disease especially Newcastle, were cited as the main cause of mortality. Farmers did not commonly practice selection for genetic improvement, but occasionally they purchased a cock or hen to control inbreeding. In all the 3 regions, 78.4% of the respondents indicated that women took greater responsibility and decision making in the production of indigenous chicken; 54.8% of farmers used different herbs to treat and control diseases. Conventional vaccination,disinfection and deworming rarely practiced. On most farms, chickens were left to scavenge around the homestead, often they were supplemented with kitchen leftovers and a handful of grains. The survey results demonstrated that there was potential for improving rural poultry production through interventions using appropriate technologies that are currently on-shelf.
Characterization of the livestock production system and potential to enhance productivity through improved feeding in Kisumu west, Kisumu, Kenya
(ILRI, 2014) Muyekho, N.; Francis.; Siamba, Donald N.; Humphrey, Humphrey.; Nyagol, Dickens.; Karugara, Dosa.
The Feed Assessment Tool (FEAST) was used to characterize the feed‐related aspects of the livestock production system in Matayos, sub County, Busia County of Kenya. The assessment was carried out through focused group discussions (FGDs) and completion of short questionnaires at 3 sites representing peri-urban and near tarmac road and typical rural setup. At each site nine key farmers were interviewed, 3 each owning small, medium and large scale farms on the 22nd of November and 3rd December 2013. The farming system is a mixed crop livestock production system. Cattle (predominantly local) are the most important livestock species In Matayos Sub-county. Improved dairy production is constrained by inadequate feeds and high cost of disease control in all the wards. Lack of improved breeds in Nasewa and Lwang’a and milk marketing are also constraints that require attention to activate commercial dairy productivity in the sub-county. To mitigate these constraints farmers suggested an integrated approach to improve livestock production through (i) expanding area under fodder crops with those tolerant to Napier grass stunt disease and those tolerant to drought, (ii) improving access to animal health and AI facilities to ensure farmers can rapidly upgrade the genetic merit of their cattle holdings especially in Nasewa and Lwang’a, (iii) access to credit facilities to enable farmers invest in livestock production enterprises and also milk marketing strategies.
Characterization of the livestock production system and potential to enhance productivity through improved feeding in Sabatia, Vihiga county, Kenya
(ILRI, 2014-03-15) Muyekho, FN.; Siamba, D.; Agevi, H.; Etiang, SA.
Livestock farming contributes significantly to the economies of the Western Kenya (Ojowi et.al 2001 and KARI Kakamega 2006) through generation of tangible and intangible products (World, 2005). Within the region, most of the milk produced is marketed informally and is thus an important source of employment and income in rural areas from production at household level to informal transporters and retailers in the urban centres (EAPP Final Document). In addition, a regular supply of milk provides nutritional security for many rural poor families, affordable nutrients to improve the well-being of those suffering from HIV/AIDS and generates more regular household income and jobs than many other farming enterprises in Eastern Africa (Nicholson et al., 2003).
A comparative evaluation of maturity indices of mango fruits produced in two contrasting agro-ecological zones of Kenya
(Ruforum, 2014) Ambuko, J.; Ouma, L.; Shibairo, Solomon I.; Hutchinson, M.; Njuguna, J.; Owino, WO.
Harvesting mango (Mangifera indica) fruits at the right stage for the destination market and use requires reliable maturity indices. There are various indices that are used to determine harvest maturity for mango fruits. However, differences in cultivars and growing environment affect the reliability of these indices. The present study was conducted to establish maturity indices of two popular mango varieties, ‘Apple’ and ‘Ngowe’. The study was conducted in two contrasting agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of Kenya namely Embu County (a high potential AEZ) and Makueni County (a low potential AEZ). For each variety, the earliest physiological maturity was determined using flesh color. The flesh color was established by cutting the fruits longitudinally to expose the cross sectional view. The earliest physiological maturity (stage 1) was marked as the stage when the flesh was mostly cream and turning yellow at the seed. The number of days after full bloom was matched to this maturity stage (stage 1) and subsequent maturity stages determined at 10-day intervals as stages 2, 3 and 4. For each of the maturity stages, physiological (ethylene evolution and respiration rates); physical (size, peel/flesh firmness and peel/flesh color) and biochemical (Total soluble solids - TSS, Total titratable acidity – TTA and TSS:TTA ratio) maturity indices were determined. The results show that in both varieties (‘Apple’ and ‘Ngowe’) from both locations (Embu and Makueni), respiration rates increased gradually with maturity. ‘Ngowe’ and Makueni fruits registered the higher respiration and ethylene evolution rates compared to ‘Apple’ and Embu fruits for the same maturity stage. As maturation progressed, peel firmness decreased gradually irrespective of variety or production location. In all fruits, flesh color (hue angle) decreased gradually with maturity. Total soluble solids increased while TTA decreased gradually with maturity. Overall, in both varieties, Makueni fruits attained comparable maturity indices to Embu fruits at an earlier stage/date. The results revealed the significant effect of production location on the maturity indices of mango fruits. There is need for additional studies to establish
Comparison of quality attributes of mango fruits produced from two contrasting agro-ecological zones of Kenya
(Ruforum, 2014) Ouma, L.; Ambuko, J.; Shibairo, Solomon I.; Owino, WO.; Hutchinson, M.; Njuguna, J.; Books, Ruforum.; Sheets, Fact.; Oer, Ruforum.; Scarda, Ruforum.
Mango (Mangifera indica) is a tropical fruit adapted to a wide range of agro-ecological conditions. In Kenya, mango fruits are produced across various agro-ecological zones (AEZs); from sub-humid to semi-arid. The diverse production conditions found in these AEZs variably affects fruit growth and subsequently the postharvest qualities. This study was conducted to compare the quality attributes of two mango varieties (‘Apple’ and ‘Ngowe’) produced under two different AEZs. Embu County (a high potential AEZ) and Makueni County (a low potential AEZ) are major mango-producing counties in Kenya. The study was conducted over two seasons between 2013 and 2014. ‘Apple’ and ‘Ngowe’ mango fruits were harvested from the two AEZs at four successive maturity stages; from the earliest physiological maturity (stage 1) to the tree-ripened stage (stage 4). In stage 1 fruits, the flesh was mostly cream and had just started turning yellow around the seed. The subsequent maturity stages were determined at 10-day intervals from stage 1 as stages 2, 3 and 4. For all the maturity stages, initial quality attributes were determined immediately after harvest and the again at a predetermined end stage following ripening at ambient room conditions (Temperature: 25 ± 1 oC and RH: 60 ± 5%). The quality attributes determined include sugars (fructose, glucose, and sucrose), °Brix, %TTA, vitamin C, beta carotene and mineral nutrients (Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium). For sensory evaluation, diced fruits were scored for various attributes including acidity, sweetness, mouth feel, flavor, aroma, color and general acceptability by a panel of 33 untrained panelists. For all the parameters evaluated, there was significant interaction (Pd”0.05) between maturity stage, variety and AEZ. Levels of TTA decreased gradually with the stage of maturity irrespective of variety and AEZ. Overall, Embu fruits had higher initial TTA levels for all maturity stages. Although Apple fruits (all stages) had higher initial TTA, at the end of ripening TTA levels were relatively lower compared to Ngowe. Initial beta carotene levels increased while vitamin C levels decreased with maturity stage. Significantly higher beta carotene and vitamin C levels (initial and end stage) were observed in Makueni fruits. Initial and end stage Ca, Mg and K levels decreased with maturity stage, irrespective of variety or AEZ. Stage 1 and 2 fruits retained the highest Ca and Mg levels at the end stage. The highest sugar levels and end stage 0brix levels were observed in stage 4 fruits (regardless of AEZ and variety). Overall, Makueni fruits had relatively higher end stage 0brix levels compared to Embu fruits. In ‘apple’, Makueni fruits scored higher than Embu fruits for all the sensory attributes. On the contrary in ‘Ngowe’,

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