Browsing by Author "Msalya, George"
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Item Determination of genetic structure and Signatures of selection in three strains of Tanzania shorthorn zebu, boran and friesian Cattle by genome-wide snp analyses(PLOS, 2017) Msalya, George; Kim, Eui-Soo; Laisser, Emmanuel L. K; Kipanyula, Maulilio J; Karimuribo, Esron D; Kusiluka, Lughano J. M; Chenyambuga, Sebastian W; Rothschild, FMore than 90 percent of cattle in Tanzania belong to the indigenous Tanzania Short Horn Zebu (TSZ) population which has been classified into 12 strains based on historical evi- dence, morphological characteristics, and geographic distribution. However, specific genetic information of each TSZ population has been lacking and has caused difficulties in designing programs such as selection, crossbreeding, breed improvement or conservation. This study was designed to evaluate the genetic structure, assess genetic relationships, and to identify signatures of selection among cattle of Tanzania with the main goal of under- standing genetic relationship, variation and uniqueness among them.Item Forage growth, yield and nutritional characteristics of four varieties of napier grass ( Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) in the west Usambara highlands, Tanzania(Elsevier, 2019) Maleko, David; Mwilawa, Angello; Msalya, George; Pasape, Liliane; Mtei, KelvinLow pasture biomass production and dry seasons fodder scarcity are among the major challenges affecting productivity of dairy cattle in Tanzania. Field experiments were set to evaluate growth, biomass yields and nutritional contents of four napier grass ( Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) varieties as feed for ruminants. Experimental napier varieties in cluded Ouma, Kakamega 2 (KK2), Bana and local napier (LN). The study was conducted in the Western Usambara highlands (WUHs) in Tanzania between December 2016 and April 2017 (110 days). The results indicated that the varietal mean stem heights differed significantly ( P < 0.001); whereby LN, Ouma, KK2 and Bana had mean heights of 210.81, 185.72, 177.15 and 145.44 cm respectively. There was a significant difference ( P = 0.025) in the mean total forage biomass production in which KK2, LN, Ouma and Bana yielded 16,551, 14,035, 12,868 and 8954 kg dry matter/ha respectively. The crude protein content averaged 9.92% and did not differ significantly across the varieties ( P = 0.83). The mean metabolizable energy was 7.94 MJ/kg dry matter and did not differ significantly across the varieties ( P = 0.11). The in vitro organic matter digestibility differed significantly ( P = 0.03); 65.87, 59.22, 58.33 and 55.41% for Ouma, Bana, KK2 and LN respectively. This study demon strates that Ouma and KK2 can be established in the WUHs for forage use due to higher biomass production. Further studies on ensiling and animal feeding would provide valu able information for optimizing forage conservation and animal performance in the WUHs and elsewhere with similar conditions.Item Integrated food safety and nutrition assessments in the dairy cattle value chain in Tanzania(Elsevier, 2018) Häsler, Barbara; Msalya, George; Garza, Maria; Kimberly, Fornace; Eltholth, Mahmoud; Kurwijila, Lusato; Rushton, Jonathan; Delia, GraceThe consumption of even small amounts of animal-source foods has the potential to improve nutrition, especially in vulnerable households. However, scaling up their production bears food safety risks that are often overlooked due to a disconnect between human nutrition and animal sciences. The aim of this scoping study in Tanzania was to identify opportunities for nutritional and food safety benefits from cow milk. Questionnaires were administered to 156 producers and 157 consumers in 10 villages in Lushoto and Mvomero districts. Farmers reported that veterinary medicines such as oxytetracyclines, penicillin and strep- tomycin were frequently given to cattle, and a majority did not discard milk during or after treatment. Less than half of the producers boiled milk, although sale of fermented milk, made by spontaneous fermentation of raw milk, was common. Cattle management was characterised by low levels of biosecurity, hygienic practices and disease control. A majority of consumers reported not to have enough food to meet their family needs. The Food Consumption Score was acceptable for all households, but significantly higher for households with dairy cattle. When making purchasing decisions, the appearance of milk and trust in the supplier were more important considerations than hygiene practices observed. A total of 26% of consumers reported to consume raw milk “usually” or “sometimes” and 54% of consumers reported to drink fermented milk “usually” or “sometimes”. Consumers had a positive attitude towards milk and concern for quality but most thought there was no risk of illness from milk consumption. The findings promote understanding of the complexity surrounding the local food environment and practices related to the production and consumption of dairy products and allow shaping recommendations for nutrition- sensitive livestock interventions.Item Polymorphisms of BoLA-DRB 3.2 gene and associated genetic relationships among four strains of Tanzania shorthorn zebu cattle(2018) Lubambe, Dominick; Msalya, George; Kipanyula, Maulilio; Karimuribo, Esron; Chenyambuga, SebastianBovine Lymphocyte Antigen (BoLA) genes play important roles in resistance or susceptibility of cattle to infectious diseases. The BoLA gene comprises of several loci including the most polymorphic site namely DRB 3.2. We amplified 200 DNA samples and sequenced 270 bp comprising exon 2 of BoLA-DRB 3.2 in four strains of Tanzania shorthorn zebu (TSZ) cattle (Tarime, Sukuma, Maasai, Singida white) and one breed, namely Friesian. Sequences were processed on Finch TV, aligned on Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) online, and matched to amino acids using MEGA 6. Frequency of each allele was computed as proportion of total alleles in each population. Chi-square was used to test significance in allele frequencies. Heterozygosities were computed using Poptree 2. Putative evolutionary relationships were evaluated by Nei genetic distances. Thirty four alleles were determined, of which nine alleles are novel. The greatest number of alleles was determined in Tarime and Singida white and the lowest in Friesian. Heterozygosities were high within the animals. Phylogenetic tree showed two major clusters one for TSZ and a second for Friesian. Polymorphism at DRB 3.2 in TSZ could be one explanation for their ability to withstand various diseases and we recommend further evaluations in the breedItem Seasonal variations in the availability of fodder resources and practices of dairy cattle feeding among the smallholder farmers in Western Usambara Highlands, Tanzania(Springer, 2018) Maleko, David; Wai, Tim Ng; Msalya, George; Mwilawa, Angello; Mtei, Kelvin; Pasape, LilianeThe aim of this study was to assess the seasonal effects on quantity and quality of fodder resources and associated utilization practices among smallholder dairy farmers in Western Usambara Highlands (WUHs) in Tanzania. The WUHs are among the major milk producing areas under smallholder dairy farming systems (SDFS) in Tanzania. Dry season fodder scarcity is a widespread problem affecting the East African SDFS and has been shown to contribute to over 40% reduction in milk yield. There is limited information with regard to seasonal fodder fluctuation and its effects on productivity of dairy cows in different landscape levels of Tanzania. Field and household surveys were conducted in 150 dairy cattle farming households from five villages in three wards located in WUHs. Survey data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21. In addition, remote sensing techniques were employed on gap-filled and smoothed Landsat data to generate land cover maps and bimonthly normalized difference vegetation index—time series for the 2009–2016. SDFS landscape was highly heterogeneous typified by crops, bushes, and forests. On average, the household landholding was 1.3 ha, while herd size was three cattle. About 87% of household land was devoted to crop growing with limited pasture along the farm margins and contour strips. Fodder scarcity was the major challenge during the dry season (July to October) as indicated by 87% of the respondents. On-farm fodder resources contributed most of the cattle diet (73%) while rangeland, forest, and purchased feed provided small amount. Natural pasture and napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) were the most important feeds in wet season while maize stover was most significant during the dry season. Maize stover was profusely stored for dry season feeding and neither silage nor hay making was practiced. The nutritional values of the fibrous feeds declined during the dry season, whereby the metabolizable energy and crude protein contents were 6.0 MJ/kg and 10.1% dry matter, respectively, during wet season compared to 4.8 MJ/kg and 7.8% dry matter, respectively, during the dry season. Consequently, milk yield drops from 5.6 l per cow per day in the wet season to 3.0 l in the dry season. It is concluded that dry season fodder scarcity is a major problem in the WUHs and it hinders sustainable dairy production. It is therefore suggested that increase in fodder production as well as adoption of fodder conservation and feeding technologies are inevitable if sustainable dairy production is to be met in the Western Usambara Highlands and elsewhere with similar environments.Item Smallholder dairy cattle feeding technologies and practices in Tanzania: failures, successes, challenges and prospects for sustainability(Routledge, 2018) Maleko, David; Msalya, George; Mwilawa, Angello; Pasape, Liliane; Mtei, KelvinIn Tanzania, milk production under smallholder farming systems is season sensitive, fluctuations of feeds in both quantity and quality being the major driver. A dry season decline in milk production of over 40% due to feed scarcity is a common phenomenon. Adoption of improved feed production, conservation and utilization technologies and practices in dairy farming communities is poor. This review work was based on a key question which states “Why is adoption of improved dairy nutrition technologies and practices in Tanzania still poor despite being promoted for decades?”. We have shown that major opportunities for curbing dry season animal feed shortage include on-farm optimization of production and use of high yielding pasture varieties including napier grass (Pennisetum purperium Schumach.) and leguminous fodder species. Crop residues in particular maize stover needs to be optimized for effective dry season feeding. The major reasons for low adoption of proven technologies include limited technical knowhow among smallholder dairy farmers augmented by limited extension services and technological costs. For enhancing sustainable uptake; we suggest promotion of on-farm research, publicprivate partnerships and dairy farmers’ cooperative associations. These are vital for facilitating smooth access to information, investment capital, reliable inputs and markets among the smallholder dairy farmers.Item Tick burden and prevalence of Theileria parva infection in Tarime zebu cattle in the lake zone of Tanzania(springer, 2014-08) Kusiluka, Lughano; Chenyambuga, Sebastian Wilson; Mwega, Elisa Daniel; Mwilawa, Anjello Joseph; Karimuribo, Esron Daniel; Mdegela, Robinson Hammerthon; Msalya, George; Kipanyula, Maulilio John; Laisser, Emmanuel Levillal KatamboiThis study was carried out to assess the distribution, abundance of different tick genera and prevalence of Theileria parva infection in Tarime zebu cattle kept in selected wards of Serengeti and Tarime districts in Mara region. Adult ticks were identified and counted from half body parts of 360 animals which were extensively managed in communal land with natural pastures. Concurrently, blood samples were col- lected and thereafter DNA extracted and a nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) was done using primers specific for p104 gene to detect the presence of T. parva DNA. Ticks were identified into four groups: Amblyomma genus, Boophilus sub-genus of Rhipicephalus genus, other species of Rhipicephalus, and Hyalomma genus. Rhipicephalus genus accounted for 71.8 % of the total ticks, whereas Amblyomma, Boophilus sub-genus of Rhipicephalus genus and Hyalomma constituted 14.1, 14.0 and 0.1 %, respectively. There were more animals (p<0.05) infested with ticks in Tarime district (96.1 %) than in Serengeti (61.7 %). The average counts of ticks were higher in adult animals (p<0.05) than in young animals. The overall prevalence of T. parva was 27.7 % and was higher (p<0.05) in Serengeti (38.3 %) than in Tarime district (16.7 %). However, all animals tested positive for T. parva did not show any clinical signs of East Coast fever (ECF), suggesting the existence of subclinical infection in Tarime zebu. These results suggest that Tarime cattle can tolerate ECF infection and are likely to serve as potential carriers of T. parva to other less-tolerant cattle breeds in mixed herds. Since Tarime cattle are preferred by most farmers with mixed herds, routine screening for T. parva is highly recom- mended to minimize introduction of infected cattle into an immunologically naive population.Item Using participatory rural appraisal to investigate food production, nutrition and safety in the Tanzanian dairy value chain(2019) Häslera, Barbara; Msalya, George; Roeseld, Kristina; Fornacea, Kimberly; Eltholtha, Mahmoud; Sikira, Anna; Kurwijila, Lusato; Rushtona, Jonathan; Grace, DeliaIdentifying and implementing interventions that create co-benefits in terms of food and nutrition security as well as food safety requires an interdisciplinary and intersectoral approach. This study was part of a larger project that applied an integrated framework for combined nutritional, food safety and value chain analysis to assess the dairy value chain in two regions of Tanzania, namely Morogoro and Tanga. Here, we report on the use of participatory rural appraisals (PRAs) with producers and consumers to investigate seasonality, constraints and opportunities in cow milk production and consumption in ten villages in Tanzania and describe attitudes and practices surrounding milk quality and safety. The PRAs allowed identifying strong seasonal milk production and consumption practices reflecting rainfall patterns and a dependence on the natural environment. A wide range of production constraints were described by producers including insufficient technical know-how, poor quality breeds, cattle diseases, lack of capital, feed, water and reliable markets. While milk availability had a strong influence on milk consumption, findings showed that there are a range of other factors such as the consistency of milk, purchasing power and the availability of other foods which also influence consumer choice. A dependence on sensory milk quality attributes in the absence of other systems of certification was described. Both producers and consumers showed little concern regarding potentially contaminated milk despite an awareness of the ex istence of milkborne disease risks. The results indicate great potential for upscaling dairy production and at the same time highlight that any such interventions should carefully consider mitigation measures for food safety risks