The African Journal of Animal & Biomedical Sciences
AJABS is an internationally refereed journal published jointly by the International Network on Animal and Biomedical Science and Technology for Africa (INABSTA), an initiative of the NEPAD Council Education Commission (NCEC), Makerere University (College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resource and Bio-Security - CoVAB) and Uganda Veterinary Association.
Prevalence and risk factors associated with Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection in pigs in Mukono and Masaka Districts in Uganda, A cross-sectional study.
Introduction: Swine erysipelas is an economically significant disease affecting all stages of pork production and its dissemination in the environment results from asymptomatic domestic swine. The present study aimed at determining the sero-prevalence and risk factors associated with E. rhusiopathiae infection in pigs in Mukono and Masaka in Uganda. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that involved the use of archived blood samples collected in 2013 from randomly selected pig farms within Masaka and Mukono districts, as part of a multi-pathogen survey conducted by the International Livestock Research Institute in 2013. Serum aliquots were harvested from previously collected 835 blood samples of pigs. The samples were analyzed for detection of anti-Erysipelothrix spp. immunoglobulin G using a commercially available ELISA based on E. rhusiopathiae-specific antigen (E. rhusiopathiae R32E11, serotype B). Data were double-entered into Epidata and then analyzed using STATA version 12.0 to compute descriptive statistics. Bivariate logistic regression analysis was performed and all variables with a p ≤ 0.2 were considered for multivariate analysis to compute the adjusted Odds ratios of risk factors. Statistical significance was considered at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Overall, 360/845 (42.6%) of the pig sera carried antibodies against E. rhusiopathiae with Mukono district having higher sero-prevalence (218/435, 54.5%). The associated risk factors of infection included; origin of farm within Masaka district (95% CI= 1.37-5.96; p= 0.01; aOR= 2.57), pig type; sows (95% CI= 0.78-5.33; p= 0.051; aOR= 1.88), gilts (95% CI= 1.98-7.19; p= 0.012; aOR= 3.45) and the village boars (95% CI= 0.07-0.58; p= 0.081; aOR= 0.11). Conclusions: The present study revealed a high burden of E. rhusiopathiae infections in pigs that is disseminated in the two studied districts and majorly driven by the type of pig reared on the farm. This constitutes a baseline data for further research to monitor antibiotic resistance in addition to serotyping and genotyping of isolates circulating in the study districts.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The Relationship between sources of goats and prevalence of Rift Valley Fever Virus in Terego and Madi-Okollo Districts, West Nile sub-region, Uganda. A Retrospective cross-sectional study
Rift Valley Fever (RVF) causes considerable economic losses in ruminants through abortions and high neonatal mortality. This viral hemorrhagic fever is among the zoonotic conditions prioritized for control due to its high public health implication. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to establish the relationship between sources of goats and RVF outbreaks. Serological results of 400 goats tested for RVF using competitive ELISA were retrieved from Arua Regional Laboratory, sampled goats traced back and the owners interviewed about the source of their goats. The overall RVF seropositivity in goats was 9.5% (38/400); 95% CI 6.81 ± 12.81. Three sub-counties of Anyiribu, Rigbo and Odupi recorded the highest Rift Valley Fever seroprevalence in goats at 10.3%, 10.4% and 14.3% respectively. Rift Valley Fever spatial distribution was heterogeneous in the two districts of Terego and Madi Okollo and the three sub-counties of Anyiribu, Rigbo and Odupi recorded high prevalence. Rift Valley Fever virus was found to be associated with the sources of goats (X2 = 16.10, p-value; 0.003). Goats donated by Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government were found to be associated with RVF seropositivity (OR = 5.30; 95% CI = 1.40- 9.92; p < 0.01). This retrospective study has noted that sourcing of goats from RVF endemic areas could be playing a key role in introduction and transmission of RVF. Further studies to determine the exact source of the goats in terms of location would be of paramount importance.
Copyright (c) 2025 Benjamin Caku, Innocent Rwego, Joseph Kungu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Application Of PCR For The Ddetection Of Salmonella Species Isolated From Poultry Targeting 16s rRNA And FimH genes
Poultry salmonellosis is worldwide in distribution and is the most significant public health threat to humans as a result of consumption of poultry products in many countries. Due to the rapid increasing nature of Salmonella infections there is a need for the development of fast and reliable techniques for the immediate detection of these infections in order to initialize appropriate control measures. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is one of the most widely used molecular tools for the rapid detection of several pathogens of veterinary importance. In this study PCR detection of Salmonella species targeting 16s rRNA and FimH genes was attempted. PCR amplification of the 16s rRNA gene loci and FimH gene of S. gallinarum and other five Salmonella serotypes generated a product of 572 bp and 1008 bp, respectively. Only DNA samples from Salmonella species got amplified and DNA from other poultry pathogens was negative indicating the highly conserved nature of these two genes at genus level. Therefore, targeting 16s rRNA and FimH genes for the detection of Salmonella species is a promising tool for the rapid identification of these organisms.
Assessment Of Accumulation Of Heavy Metals In The Kidney Of Cattle As A Function Of Seasonal Variation.
The kidney, as an excretory organ was investigated for heavy metal levels in cattle. The recent trends in environmental pollution problems have raised a global concern which calls for evaluation of pollutant levels in various environmental media. This study investigated the levels of lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) in the kidney of cattle slaughtered at Awka abattoir, Anambra State, Nigeria, during three different seasons: on-set of rainy season (April-July), peak of rainy season (July-October) and dry season (January- April) of 2004/2005. The samples were digested with phosphoric acid and analyzed for the heavy metals using atomic absorption spectrophotometer, model Shimadzu AA-6800. The seasons of highest and lowest accumulation of each metal, and the relationships in the levels of each metal were observed. The levels ranged from 0.13- 7.91mg/Kg, Pb; 0.00-0.02mg/Kg, Cd; ND-1.70mg/Kg, Co; ND-9.66mg/Kg, Zn; 0.04-1.70mg/Kg, Cu; and 0.61- 1.30mg/Kg, Fe. The level of Zn was the highest during the three seasons, and Cd being the least. Strong correlations were obtained between Pb and Co, Pb and Zn, Cd and Co, and Zn and Cu, respectively. Variations in the level of accumulation of the metals could be an indicator of the seasonal variations in the level of environmental pollutants.
Clinical Manifestations And Treatment Of The Potentially Zoonotic T. Brucei Brucei Infections In Domestic Pig
Eight domestic pigs were inoculated with T. brucei brucei to study the clinical course of the disease and response to trypanocidal treatment. The pigs were kept in a fly-proof house throughout the study period of 98 days. Following inoculation with T. brucei brucei, the pigs were monitored for parasiteamia, packed cell volume, hemoglobin, body weight and temperature. Trypanocidal treatment commenced on day 15 postinoculation when parasiteamia had reached 1x103 trypanosomes per ml. The pigs were treated with either 3.5 or 7mg/kg of diaminazine aceturate and 0.5 or 1mg/kg of body weight of isometamedium chloride. Packed cell volume, Hemoglobin and parasiteamia were the only parameters that changed significantly during the study period. Relapses occurred in 4 pigs that received either 0.5mg/ml of isometamedium chloride; 3.5 or 7mg/Kg of body weight of diaminazine aceturate. A dose of 14mg/kg of diaminazine aceturate or 1mg/kg of Isometamedium Chloride completely cleared the infection in relapsed pigs. By and large, the clinical course of T. brucei infection in domestic pigs was of a subtle nature and probably would contribute to the reservoir pool for the T. brucei brucei where control methods excluded pigs.
Cervical Cancer Cases As Seen By Papanicolaou Method In Selected Districts Of Uganda From 2004-2008
In Uganda cancer of the cervix is the leading gynaecological neoplasm and approximately 70-80% of the women present with advanced stages. Developed countries have reduced the prevalence of it to 20% using Papanicolaou (PAP) method. The objective of this study was to screen reproductive age women for cervical cancer using Pap method in the selected districts of Uganda. This was a cross sectional survey study. Cervical smears from (n=1010) urban and rural women were taken to Department of Pathology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University for histopahological analysis. District health centers were conveniently selected and paramedical health staff were purposively identified and trained on Pap screening. Women participants were consecutively recruited. Eighty seven percent (n=878) Pap smears were normal, mild dysplasia (7%), moderate dysplasia (4.5%), severe dysplasia (1.3%), invasive cancer (0.04%). Thirteen percent (13.7%) had candidiasis, non specific cervicitis/nonspecific inflammation (5.4%), trichomonas vaginalis (2.3%), Papilloma virus infection (1.1%), bacterial vaginosis (10.2%) and ascus (3.8%). It was concluded that cervical cancer lesions and cervical associated diseases are detectable among reproductive women in our communities using PAP method. Screening services should be established in the districts of Uganda.
Botanical Control Of Pre And Post Harvest Crop Pests In The Teso Farming System
The study was carried out within Soroti and Kumi district in Eastern Uganda in which agriculture is the main economic activity. Participatory methods were used for collecting informantion. Plant samples were collected and botanically identified. Vernonia lasiopus was used by harvesting the shoot. While the wilted plant material was obtained by removing excess water. The wilted plant materials was spread on the floor of the store or in three layers within the storage bag. Pesticidal plants were used to protect crops and draught animals in the Teso farming system against insect pests both in the gardens, stores and ecto-parasites respectively. However different plant parts were used to perform different functions. Some of the methods used in harvesting and processing of pesticidal plants before application were damaging, wasteful and unsustainable.
Cross-Transmission Of Gastrointestinal Helminths And Protozoan Parasites Between Habituated Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) With Humans In Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda
A survey of gastrointestinal helminths and protozoa of free ranging chimpanzees and humans living in Budongo Forest Reserve (BFR) was conducted in the years 2002/2003 by examination of feacal samples using floatation, sedimentation and immunofluorescent antiboby techniques. Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Microsporidia were found in feacal samples of known free ranging chimpanzees and humans in BFR. In addition, both chimpanzees and humans were infected with the following helmiths: Ascaris, Enterobius, hookworm, Strongyloides and Trichuris. Taenia tapeworm and the fluke Echinostoma were only found in humans. The occurrence of potential zoonotic parasites both in chimpanzees and in humans living in close proximity suggests the possibility of cross-transmission of these parasites. This presents a public health challenge given the zoonotic potential of some of these parasites and potential risks of increased mortality in the already endangered chimpanzees from cross transmission.
Control of Ectoparasites In Indigenous Malawi Chickens
A study was carried out in Mzuzu Agricultural Development Division (MZADD) in 1996/97 in the northern region of Malawi to test different pesticides used in ectoparasite control. Farmers were visited. A sample of local chickens were examined for the presence of ectoparasites on the first day of the experiment. Ectoparasite levels and species were determined. Birds were treated using different treatments: water for the control, cypermethrin high cis (Ectomin, Ciba- Geigy), flumethrin 2 % m/v (Bayticol, Bayer) and coumaphos (Asuntol 50 % wettable powder, Bayer). Clinical examination was done from the 4th day post treatment to check for the reduction in ectoparasite levels. The second treatment was done on the 7th day after clinical examination. A clinical examination after the second treatment was done on the 10th, 16th and 31st day. Cypermethrin, flumethrin 2 % m/v and coumaphos were significantly effective (p
Domestic Pigs As Reservoirs For The Zoonotic Trypanosome Brucei Rhodesiense Sleeping Sickness In Uganda
Sleeping sickness has been a problem for the communities living in Eastern Uganda since the beginning of the 20th century and recent work has implicated some domestic animals as reservoirs for the zoonotic type of sleeping sickness. Similarly, a high prevalence of trypanosomosis among domesticated pigs in some sleeping sickness endemic areas of south-eastern Uganda has been recorded. About 30% of pigs have bben reported to have Trypanosoma brucei sl which is infective to humans. In this study, the parasites isolated from pigs in the study area have been confirmed to carry the human serum resistance associated gene. Pigs in the sleeping sickness endemic areas of south-eastern Uganda are mainly tethered around homesteads especially in cool sheds like those provided by Lantana camara which is an ideal habitat for Glosina fuscipes fuscipes. The spatial distribution of pigs in the villages surveyed show uniform distribution of pigs in the village. A Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense infected pigs become a risk to anyone within the village. Since pigs rarely receive trypanocidal therapy, it therefore becomes necessary to put interventions that will halt the build up of T. b. rhodesience infections in the pig population. In addition, it is important to include domestic pigs on the list of animals to be treated against trypanosomosis as an integrated strategy to reduce their role as reservoirs for the zoonotic T. b. rhodesiense sleeping sickness.
Comparative Study Of Ziehl Neelsen And Auramine-O Staining Methods For The Detection Of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis In Sputum
This study cross sectional study was designed to compare the performance of Ziehl Neelsen staining and Auramine fluorescent microscopy staining techniques in detecting the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum. Sputum specimens were collected in screw-capped plastic bottles. Un-concentrated and concentrated sputum specimens were stained using Ziehl Neelsen and Auramine-O technique in both cases. The stained smears were examined for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Chi-square test was used to show whether there was a relationship or no relationship. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data inform of tables. The findings showed that both Ziehl Neelsen and Auramine-O preparations each showed 5.6% of positive cases and there was a significant relationship between both techniques (P=0.0000). However, 20% of cases showed false positive with Ziehl Neelsen concentrate technique and 30% showed false positive with Auramine-O concentrate preparation. There was a significant relationships in the performance of Ziehl Neelsen and Auramine-O techniques in the detection of AFB, although Auramine-O showed a greater false positive than Ziehl Neelsen method in the detection of AFB (P= 0.0000). Both Ziehl Neelsen and Auramine-O techniques can be used in the detection of AFB in this study population. However, Auramine-O technique should remain a method of choice in this study population whenever dealing with few samples because it showed a greater sensitivity than Ziehl Neelsen method in the detection of AFB.
Determination Of The True Metabolizable Energy Of Some Non-Conventional Agro-Industrial By-Products
An experiment was conducted to determine the metabolizable energy of maize pap waste (MPW) and rice milling waste (RMW) using adult male broiler birds. Eighteen male adult broiler birds were used in the experiment. Eight birds were assigned to each of the feedstuff with two birds left unfed which served as the negative control. Each of the samples was ground, made into slurry and force-fed to sixteen 10 weeks old finisher broiler birds that had been starved for 30 hours. The droppings were collected quantitatively, dried and the gross energy was determined in a bomb calorimeter. The results show that the gross energy, apparent and true metabolizable energy of MPW (4.01, 2.60 and 3.03kcal/g) were significantly (P
Effect Of Season, Breed And Anatomical Location On Palatability And Chemical Composition of Beef In Uganda
The study was conducted on a total of 77 adult bulls: 45 Ankole (AK), 14 Ankole X Friesian (AF) and 18 Karamojong (KJ) cattle breeds. Meat samples (Small Intestines (SI), Longissimus dorsi (LD), Psoas major (PM) and Semitendinosus (ST)) were collected from three abattoirs located in Mbarara, Mbale and Kampala during dry and wet seasons. Palatability did not differ between breeds and seasons. Breed x season interaction effect was significant (p
Effects Of Repeated Freeze-Thawing Of Bovine Epididymal Sperm On In Vitro Embryo Development
Successfully refreezing thawed semen could have important benefits to future animal reproductive technologies. Being able to refreeze mammalian sperm could improve chances for fertilization when sperm are cryopreserved in bulk, in limited supply, highly valuable or mistakenly thawed. This study examined the use of Biladyl® (BIL) and modified Tyrode’s lactose medium (MTL) containing 20% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and ethylene glycol for refreezing bovine epididymal sperm for embryo production by in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. Sperm collected by retrograde flushing were subjected to freeze-thaw cycle 1 using either BIL 1 or MTL 1 (50 straws/treatment). Thirty straws of each of the cryo-preserved sperm samples were thawed and motile sperm harvested by swim-up procedure before subjecting the sperm to freezing cycle 2 in the same BIL (BIL 2) and MTL (MTL 2) extenders. In vitro matured bovine oocytes were subjected to a standard IVF procedure with the sperm from freeze-thaw cycle 1 and freezethaw cycle 2. The presumptive 1,301 zygotes were cultured in modified CR1aa supplemented with 3 mg/ml of BSA and 5% FBS for up to 13 days. Embryo development was assessed for cleavage, morula and blastocyst formation, blastocyst expansion and hatching. Cleavage, morula and blastocyst rates were higher (P0.05) in BIL 1, MTL 1 and MTL 2. However, expansion and/or hatching on the same days were lower in BIL 2 than the other treatments. It was concluded that bovine epididymal sperm can successfully undergo two freeze-thaw cycles in either Biladyl® or modified Tyrode’s lactose with FBS and ethylene glycol and can be used for potential embryo production.
Evaluation Of Different Methods For Overcoming Spontaneous Degradation Of A Plasmid Vector Used For Gene Cloning
Inactivation and complementation of microbial genes is commonly done in order to understand gene function. Complementation procedures often utilize plasmids as cloning hosts. Cloning of genes into vector plasmids is, however, often hampered by instability of plasmid isolates due to degradation by copurified DNAases from some bacterial host cells. The objective of this study was to evaluate different methods for overcoming pMMB66EH vector spontaneous degradation and hence facilitate its use for gene complementation studies. HB101 E. coli carrying pMMB66EH were grown in LB prior to plasmid extraction. Extracted plasmids were subjected to different treatments such as heating, phenol purification and switching host cells. Results indicated that pMMB66EH plasmids degraded when exposed to different enzyme buffers or EcoRI alone. The plasmids equally degraded following heating at 65oC or 95oC and after phenol extraction. Obtention of stable pMMB66EH vector for cloning was only possible after switching E. coli hosts. In conclusion it was confirmed that transformation of pMMB66EH from the endA+ host strain (HB101) to endA- host E. coli is an effective procedure for overcoming plasmid spontaneous degradation and hence obtain stable templates for cloning genes.
Effects Of Weevil And Mould Infestation On The Nutrient Quality Of Locally Stored Maize In Uganda
Despite the fact that maize is an important staple food which is highly susceptible to post harvest pest infestation under local storage conditions in Uganda, little research had been done to assess the effects of mould and weevil infestation on its nutrient composition. This study was done to determine the effects of weevil and mould infestation on the proximate nutrient composition of maize for human and animal feed. A total of sixteen samples in the three study groups were experimentally tested for their respective proximate nutrient compositions in the Food and Nutrition Laboratory at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Makerere University using Weende’s analysis methods. The control (un-infested) samples had a mean dry matter of 85.28±1.27%, crude ash of 5.74±0.58%, crude protein of 10.95±0.74%, crude fiber of 22.09±1.50%, crude lipid of 21.74±1.16% and nitrogen free extractives of 24.77±2.62%. The weevil infested samples had a mean dry matter of 83.79±1.93%, crude ash of 1.41 ±0.59%, crude protein of 8.39±0.91%, crude fiber of 3.83±1.02%, crude lipid of 1.91±1.02% and nitrogen free extractives of 68.25±3.39%. Mouldy samples had a mean dry matter of 82.37±2.29%, crude ash of 2.31±0.64%, crude protein of 9.53±1.19%, crude fiber of 6.42±1.71%, crude lipid of 2.63±1.47% and nitrogen free extractives of 61.53 ±4.02%. Mould and weevil infestation had effect on the nutrient quality of stored maize with weevil infestation resulting into a severe decrease as compared to mould infestation.
Effects Of Cadmium And Lead On The Structure And Function Of Thyroid Gland.
The study was carried out to investigate the effects of two heavy metals, Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb), on the structure and function of the thyroid gland. Wistar albino rats were chosen for experimental purpose. The animals were fed on diet mixed with given doses of Cd and Pb salts. Blood sera was taken from treated rats recorded decrease in the thyroxine (T4) and the 3, 3′, 5-triiodothyronine (T3) levels with a concomitant rise in the Thyroid Stimulator Hormone (TSH) levels. Besides, glucose levels were decreased in treated animals while no change in cholesterol concentration was shown. Microscopic examination of the cellular structure of the thyroid glands of treated rats recorded changes in the follicular cells of the thyroid tissues in the rats exposed to Cd and Pb in a comparison to that of the control animals. These changes were similar in treated rats but differed in the intensity of the changes. These changes were slight in the case of Cd; whereas they were seriously advanced in thyroid gland treated animals with Pb. Histological results were confirmed by the findings of the sera analyses that recorded inhibition on the production of the thyroid hormones in the presence of Cd and Pb. This indicates that animals exposed to Cd and Pb may be at a risk of thyroid damage.
The Structure And Function Of Thyroid Gland
Effect Of Stocking Density On Growth Performance, Carcass Qualities And Cost-Benefit Of Weaned Rabbits In The Savanna Zone Of Nigeria
Weaned rabbits were randomly allocated to four stocking densities of 10, 14.3, 20 and 25 rabbits/m2 in northern Nigeria. Rabbits stocked at 10 and 14.3 rabbits/m2 had similar (P0.05) was observed in average weekly feed intake, feed conversion ratio, mortality, carcass weight, dressing percentage and visceral organs of rabbits under the different placement densities. Rabbits housed at 14.3 rabbits/m2 had the lowest numerical mean value of cost of feed per kg live weight gain (N89.60). The gross margin, which is a measure of economic gain, revealed that rabbits reared at 10 were not significantly better (P>0.05) than their counterparts kept at 14.3 rabbits/m2
Gross And Histological Changes In The Organs Of An Ascitic Clarias Gariepinus.
An ascitic adult Clarias gariepinus weighing 530g with a total length of 37cm was discovered during harvest and presented to the fish and wildlife disease investigation clinic with hyperaemic lesions on the ventral aspect of the operculum. The fish was anaesthetized, observed grossly and necropsied. Tissue samples were taken for histo-pathological processing and examination. Grossly, 500mls of clear fibrinous fluid was aspirated from the abdominal cavity. At necropsy, the gill, heart and intestine were congested and coated with fibrinous exudates. The heart was enlarged and flabby in appearance, while the bile duct was also enlarged and filled with amber-coloured bile. Histopathologically, gill, heart and intestine revealed varying degrees of ulceration, inflammation, congestion, oedema and cellular infiltration. Other pathological alterations peculiar to the different organs were also observed. It was concluded that the alterations observed in this study were unlikely to be toxicant dependent or contagious because other fish in the population were unaffected. We therefore adduced the pathological changes to chronic pericarditis. When histopathological evaluation was undertaken on a regular basis, it is possible to distinguish normal variations, such as those related to sex and time of the year, from toxicant-dependent changes and indirect (background disease) lesions. Histology and histopathology could therefore be considered an important cost-effective tool in the diagnosis, etiology and prevention of disease in aquaculture.
Faecal Shedding Of Multidrug Resistant Salmonella In Slaughter Ankole Cattle In Kampala City, Uganda.
This study identified and determined the antibiograms of Salmonella isolates from slaughter cattle in the City abattoir and Uganda meat industries, the two slaughter houses in Kampala district. The detection of Salmonella was carried out in 406 faecal samples using Anti-Salmonella Dyna beads. All Salmonella isolates were examined for antimicrobial resistance to 15 antimicrobials using the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System. Strains of Salmonella were isolated in 5 (1.2%) of the samples. All isolates were resistant to at least 4 antimicrobial drugs including chloramphenicol. Three strains were in addition resistant to four other drugs: ceftiofur, ampicillin, kanamycin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. While 4 strains were resistant to trimethoptim-sulfamethoxazole, sulfisoxazole and streptomycin. Three isolates were resistant to cefoxitin while an additional strain was resistant to ceftiofur. One isolate each showed reduced susceptibility to ceftriaxone or cefoxitin. Shedding of multidrug resistant strains of Salmonella could be associated with misuse of antimicrobials in cattle production and is therefore a public health concern. Thus appropriate drug use control measures should be adopted by cattle keepers if the emerging multidrug resistant Salmonella strains were to be controlled.
Genotypic diversity of Escherichia coli O157:H7
Factors Affecting Livestock Restocking Projects In Southern Teso Of Eastern Uganda.
In Uganda government and non government organizations were restocking Northern and Eastern Uganda. However the impacts of these projects on the beneficiaries had remained unclear. Hence the objectives for the above study was to assess the benefits of these restocking projects using a case study of Faith Action Development Organization project. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in the study. Livestock was found to be the 2nd ranking as a livelihood contributor in Kumi and Bukedea restocked communities. The beneficiaries preferred rearing the restocked livestock to rebuild their herds. However, they also sold some livestock especially the goats in order to pay school fees, medical bills, food and other household items. Goats were easily sold compared to the cows in which a retention syndrome was exhibited. Livestock market prices were excellent and good, being a motivator for livestock rearing. The beneficiaries appreciated the accompanying training packages and community animal heath delivery system because it re-enforced the survival of the restocked livestock. A majority of the beneficiaries were women, making the project a means of empowering women since it encouraged access and control of livestock resources by women. Overall, the beneficiaries perceived the restocking project as a contribution to poverty alleviation in their communities.
Feeding Preferences And Trypanosoma Brucei Species Identified In Blood Meals Of Glossina Fuscipes Fuscipes In Kamuli District, South Eastern Uganda.
We used an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) using specific anti-sera against various animals to determine the feeding preferences and the human blood index of Glossina fuscipes fuscipes in relation to the epidemiology of trypanosomosis in the sleeping sickness focus of Kamuli district, and probably the entire South Eeastern Uganda where conclusive information on the species-specific host preferences still lacked. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with TBR1 and TBR2 primers was used to analyze the trypanosome species present in the same tsetse blood meal samples. Out of the 150-tsetse blood meal samples tested against bovine, monitor lizard, human, and pig; and 58 on goat and sheep, 60 and 45 samples against chicken and dog anti-sera respectively, 73 samples (48.6%) had their blood meal sources identified. Of the identified, 50.1% (n=37) of the blood meals came from cattle; 30.1% (n=22), 16.4% n=12 and 2.8% n=2 came from monitor lizards (Varanus niloticus), humans and domestic pigs respectively. Of the 60 blood meals analyzed by the PCR, 16.7% were positive for T.brucei s.l, and of these 20.6% and 18.8% sourced from cattle and humans respectively tested positive for T.brucei s.l. None of the blood meal samples sourced from monitor lizards and pigs tested positive for T.brucei s.l. These results are in agreement with earlier findings and confirm the cow-fly-human transmission cycle of trypanosomosis and the role cattle play as reservoirs of human-infective trypanosomes in this sleeping sickness endemic area.
Genotypic Diversity Of Escherichia Coli O157:H7 And Salmonella Enterica Typhimurium Var Copenhagen Isolated From Feedlot Cattle During Finishing
This study compares genetic diversities of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella isolated during finishing in feedlot steers fed with direct-fed microbial (DFM; Lactobacillus acidophilus; BT1386) versus those not fed DFM. E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella were isolated and subjected to pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to address genetic variation of the bacteria using both groups. One hundred and ninety four E. coli O157:H7 plus fifty eight Salmonella archive isolated were used in the study. Based on this study, low on-farm diversity was evident although varied genotypes of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella existed among the steer population. Additionally, although DFM had an effect in the reduction of E. coli O157:H7 shedding but not Salmonella, feeding DFM to cattle as a pre-harvest intervention strategy may not have any influence on the genetic diversity of the bacteria studied. Thus a detailed study is needed over an extended period and also between farms of different feedlots in order to establish the significance of DFM on E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella genetic diversity.
Haematological Responses Of Adult Male Rabbits To Prolonged Administration Of Chaya Plant (Cnidoscolus acotinifolus) Extract.
The use of herbal supplements in human beings has increased dramatically globally over the past 30 years. This study was designed to investigate the effect of prolonged administration of chaya plant (Cnidoscolus acotinifolus) extracts on the hematological parameters of adult male rabbits. The experiment was carried out at the Rabbitry Unit of the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. Five treatments were administered including the control which is treatment 1 (corn oil), treatments 2, 3, 4, and 5 contained chaya plants extract at 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg, 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg respectively. A total of twenty-five adult male rabbits with average weight of 1.25±0.5kg were randomly assigned to the five oral administrative treatments such that each treatment has five animals housed in group. The animals were fed ad libitum with formulated diet daily at 08.00hr. The plant extract was administered 1hr after feeding the animals in the morning for the period of 14 days. Blood samples were collected on the 15th day from the jugular vein of the rabbits and analyzed for selected hematological parameters. There were no significant difference in the values of packed cell volume, haemoglobin, red blood cell, white blood cell, MCH and MCHC (P>0.05). Conversely, there was significant difference in the values of MCV, neutrophils, lymphocyte, eosinophils and platelets counts (P
Hematological Effect Of The Aqueous And Ethanolic Leaf Extracts Of Musa Paradisiaca l. (Musaceae) In Rat.
Various parts of Musa paradisiaca have been well established to possess medicinal value. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of the aqueous and ethanolic leaf extract of M. paradisiaca on the blood. Two hundred fifty and 1000mg/kg doses of ethanolic extract, 250 and 1000 mg/kg dose of aqueous extract, and saline water were given daily for 28 days orally to five groups of rats, respectively. Blood collected from the tail vein of the rats was analyzed for hemoglobin, red blood cells, white blood cells, packed cell volume, lymphocyte, and neutrocyte. The results show that the aqueous and ethanolic extracts significantly reduced the level of hemoglobin, red blood cell, packed cell volume but increased lymphocytes count. It could be concluded from the results of this work that aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of Musa paradisiaca caused hematological disorders.
Incidence Of Pregnant Cows Among Slaughtered Cattle At Kampala Abattoirs
The human population increases at such high rate compared to the cattle population that with time the country may have to import beef. Slaughter of pregnant cows threatens the beef industry. This study attempted to quantify the effect of the practice. The study was conducted during November 2008 and March to April 2009 at three Kampala main abattoirs and the data collected included origin, sex, age, body condition scores, pregnancy status for females and stage of pregnancy for the pregnant ones. The data was analysed using the frequency procedure of SAS 2003 and results show that irrespective of geographical origin, 71% of slaughtered cattle were female 31% of which were pregnant. This translates into 360,000 animals equivalent to over 53,000 metric tones of beef lost. It was apparent that Uganda’s beef industry was based on females.
Haemonchosis-associated Mortalities And Treatment Of Severe Anemia By Syringe Infusion Of Blood In Boer Goats On A Model Breeding Farm In Lyantonde District, Uganda
A study was conducted to study the cause of high mortalities of goats in a model Boer goat breeding farm in Lyantonde District, South-Western Uganda by clinical, laboratory and postmortem examinations. It was established that the immediate cause of deaths on the farm was result of severe anemia due to acute haemonchosis. The investigation demonstrated the vitality of laboratory diagnosis in treatment and control of haemonchosis and also the importance of blood transfusion in symptomatic treatment of anemia resulting from acute haemonchosis in goats.
Infectious And Non-Infectious Factors Affecting Hatchability In Indigenous Chickens In Eastern Uganda
A cross-sectional study was undertaken during the rainy and dry seasons to establish factors associated with poor hatchability in free-range indigenous chickens. Nine villages in the banana-coffee and banana-millet-cotton agroecological zones were used for the study. A questionnaire was administered to 143 household heads and 418 bloodfor- serum samples collected. A total of 216 un-hatched eggs and samples of ecto-parasites were collected from chicken. Hatchable eggs were weighed. The serum samples were tested for Newcastle disease (ND) and infectious bronchitis (IB) using haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. Samples from un-hatched eggs were cultured on solid media and contaminating bacteria identified using staining and biochemical techniques. Ecto-parasites were identified using stereo microscope. Antibiogram for identified bacteria was conducted using tetracycline, erythromycin, penicillin and sulfonamide antibiotics. Concurrent infections of ND and IB with high HI titres (≥3Log2) were detected in 81.4% and 86.3% of eggs respectively. Egg contaminants included: Salmonella species (10.5%), Staphylococcus aureus (11.6%), Streptococcus faecalis (8.3%), Citrobacter species (7.0%), Escherichia coli (27.9%) and yeast (3.5%). All bacteria detected were sensitive to tetracycline and erythromycin, but resistant to penicillin. Identified ecto-parasites were mites (Dermanyssus gallinae), flies (Echidnophaga gallinacean) and lice (Menopon gallinae). Wet season hatchability (89.3%) was better than dry season hatchability (80.4%) in both agroecological zones and the hatchability of big eggs (>55g) (90.5%) was higher than that in medium-sized eggs (50- 55g) (85.2%) and small eggs (
Nutritional Evaluation Of Mellon Husk Incubated With The Fungi Pleurotus Ostreatus And Pleurotus Pulmonarius
Studies were carried out for 21 days in a solid state fermentation to investigate changes in the chemical composition, mineral content and in vitro digestibility of melon husk degraded with two species of white-rot fungi (Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus pulmonarius). The result obtained showed an increase in the crude protein (CP) from 4.81% for the control to 7.41% for Pleurotus ostreatus treated melon husk (POB) and 9.73% for Pleurotus pulmonarius treated melon husk(PPB). However, the crude fibre (CF) decreased significantly (p0.05) between the control and PPB, but differed significantly from POB. Faster rates of gas production were obtained in the fungal treated substrates. These results suggest that fungal treatment of agricultural wastes enhances nutrient value and digestibility and thus can be used in combination with other feedstuffs to feed ruminants.
Implication Of Aquaculture Production Husbandry Practices On Fish Health In Uganda
The study was designed to establish the factors predisposing fish to diseases on the fish farms in eastern and central Uganda. General husbandry practices in selected fish farms were studied. A retrospective study was undertaken to establish the trends of diseases and conditions reported in the study farms. A standardized questionnaire was administered to managers/ owners of the study farms. The data from the questionnaires was coded, cleaned and descriptive statistics computed using SPSS 12.0. Fourty four point four percent of the farms did not have hatcheries, grow out and brood stock sections and therefore had to depend on breeding stock from other farms. This practice could encourage spread of diseases across farms. Forty four point five percent used ground/ spring water as the primary water source, This water if used in hatcheries needed to be aerated. A minor portion (9.1%) of the farmers were using farm made feeds which could predispose fish to nutrional deficiencies and also rapture their intestines. Most of the farmers (75%) were using of disinfectants for hygienic and sanitation purposes. Future studies should be done to determine the efficacy of treatments of fish for diseases and parasites .