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Thermic effect of food in man: effect of meal composition, and energy content
(British Journal of Nutrition, 1990-02) Kinabo, J. L.; Durnin, J. V. G. A
The effect of meal composition and energy content on the thermic effect of food (TEF) was investigated in sixteen adult, non-obese female subjects. Each subject consumed four different test meals, each meal on a different day. Meals were of high-carbohydrate-low-fat (HCLF) with 0.70, 0.19 and 0.11 of the energy content from carbohydrate, fat and protein respectively, and low-carbohydrate-high-fat (LCHF) with 0.24, 0.65 and 0.11 of the energy content from carbohydrate, fat and protein respectively. The energy contents of the test meals for each composition were 2520 k J (600 kcal) and 5040 k J (1200 kcal). The basal metabolic rate (BMR) and the postprandial metabolic rate (PP-MR) were measured by open-circuit indirect calorimetry using the Douglas bag technique while the subjects were in the supine position. The mean BMR value was 3.63 (SE 0.07) kJ/min (087 kcal/min (SE 0.017)). The 5 h-TEF value for the 2520 k J (600 kcal) HCLF meal was 228 (SE 11.8) k J (54 kcal (SE 2%)) and for the LCHF meal was 228 (SE 9.6) k J (54 kcal (SE 2.3)). The corresponding values for the 5040 k J (1200 kcal) meals were 356 (SE 20.4) k J (85 kcal (SE 4.9)) and 340 (SE 15%) k J (81 kcal (SE 3.8)). There was no significant (P = 049) effect of meal composition on TEF, but the energy content of the meals had a significant (P < 0,001) effect on TEF. In all subjects and for all meals, PP-MR had not returned to premeal level 5 h after a meal, indicating that the TEF values measured underestimate total TEF. The present study suggests that TEF is significantly influenced by the energy content of a meal but not by meal composition.
Thermic effect of food in man: effect of meal composition, and energy content
(1990-02) Kinabo, J. L; Durnin, J. V. G. A
The effect of meal composition and energy content on the thermic effect of food (TEF) was investigated in sixteen adult, non-obese female subjects. Each subject consumed four different test meals, each meal on a different day. Meals were of high-carbohydrate-low-fat (HCLF) with 0.70, 0.19 and 0.11 of the energy content from carbohydrate, fat and protein respectively, and low-carbohydrate-high-fat (LCHF) with 0.24, 0.65 and 0.11 of the energy content from carbohydrate, fat and protein respectively. The energy contents of the test meals for each composition were 2520 k J (600 kcal) and 5040 k J (1200 kcal). The basal metabolic rate (BMR) and the postprandial metabolic rate (PP-MR) were measured by open-circuit indirect calorimetry using the Douglas bag technique while the subjects were in the supine position. The mean BMR value was 3.63 (SE 0.07) kJ/min (087 kcal/min (SE 0.017)). The 5 h-TEF value for the 2520 k J (600 kcal) HCLF meal was 228 (SE 11.8) k J (54 kcal (SE 2%)) and for the LCHF meal was 228 (SE 9.6) k J (54 kcal (SE 2.3)). The corresponding values for the 5040 k J (1200 kcal) meals were 356 (SE 20.4) k J (85 kcal (SE 4.9)) and 340 (SE 15%) k J (81 kcal (SE 3.8)). There was no significant (P = 049) effect of meal composition on TEF, but the energy content of the meals had a significant (P < 0,001) effect on TEF. In all subjects and for all meals, PP-MR had not returned to premeal level 5 h after a meal, indicating that the TEF values measured underestimate total TEF. The present study suggests that TEF is significantly influenced by the energy content of a meal but not by meal composition.
Comparative evaluation of different methods of extraction and purification used in technical enzyme production from microorganisms
(1998) Gidamis, A.B.; Nnko, S.A.; Shayo, N.B.; Chove, B.E.; Kroner, H. K.
A stlldy was conducted to compare the efficiency of two methods of microbial cell separation and enzyme purification using penicillin-G-acylase (PGA) from Escherichia coli. The efficiency of two methods of ceJ[ separation; centrifugation and cross flow filtration (CFF) were compared. The CFF method was found to have both higher separation efficiency and enzyme yield than centrifugation method. Centrifugation method gave a separation efficiency of 98.5% with enzyme yield of94 % whereas CFFmethod resulted in 100% separation efficiency and enzyme yield of98.8%. The Escherichia coli cells were disrupted by high pressure homogenization (HPH),and the disrupted cells were purified using two different techniques. Technique I was a combination of cross-flow-diafiltration (CFD) , ultrafiltration (UF) and heat/pH-shift treatments. This technique resulted in 47% enzyme yield with a purification factor of 12. Technique II which involved two extraction steps by' aqueous two - phase system (APS) coupled with UF resulted in 62 % enzyme yield with a pu;ificationfactor of 4. Technique I was therefore much better than techriique Il in purifying the enzyme. For higher enzyme yield, technique II would seem to be a better one than technique I.
Effects of weaver ants on fruitfly and disease-inflicted postharvest losses of oranges in small-scale farming in Tanzania
(1998) Msogoya, T.J.; Mamiro, D.P.; Mtui, H.D.
The objective of this was to evaluate the effect of African weaver ant (Oecophylla longinoda) on fruit fly disease-inflicted postharvest losses of oranges in small-scale farming in Coast region, Tanzania. The treatments consisted of weaver ant population estimated based on the number of nests (0, 2, 5 and 8) of weaver ants per tree and each was replicated three times. Orange fruits were randomly picked from farmers’ orchards at color breaker stage and were immediately transported and placed on benches in a postharvest laboratory at Sokoine University of Agriculture with average temperature of 19 and 28 °C during the night and day, respectively. Data were subjected to analysis of variance using GenStat Statistical Programme 12th Edition and treatment means separation was conducted based on LSD test at P ≤ 5 %. Results indicated that the incidence of fruit fly infection in orange fruits significantly (P < 0.05) decreased from 0.8 to 0.4 % as weaver ant population increased from 0 to at 2 nests per tree and the average number of pupae per fruit decreased from 0.58 to 0.04, respectively. Similarly, orange fruit decays significantly (P < 0.05) decreased from 20.4 to 10.2 % as weaver ant population increased from 0 to 2 nests per tree. Specifically, the incidence of decays due to anthracnose (Colletotrichium gloeosporioides Sacc.) decreased from 11.1 to 7.8 % and that caused by green moulds (Penicillium italicum Wehmer) decreased from 9.3 to 2.4 % as weaver ant population increased from 0 to 2 nests per tree. It is concluded that two nests of weaver ants per tree is an optimal population for substantial reduction of orange postharvest losses caused by fruit fly and fungal infections. The use of weaver ants can find wide applications in organic farming and small-scale orange farming where pesticide application is unaffordable. As the number of weaver ants per nest may differ, further studies are recommended to determine the actual number of weaver ants that can effectively reduce fruit fly and disease-inflicted decays, particularly in small-scale mixed cropping systems.
Molecular improvement of food functional properties of Soybean glycinin by protein engineering
(Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 1998) Gidamis, A. B.; Nnko, S. A.; Bunzo, M.; Utsumi, S.; Kito, M.
A study was made to elucidate the three dimensional structure of soybean glydnin which is one of the dominant storage proteins of soybean seeds. Previously, the twodisulphide bonds Cys12-Cys45 and Cys88-Cys298 in the proglydnin AlaBlb subunit were deleted andCys residues were replaced by Gly and Ser by Oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis. The mutant proglycinins Gly12, and Ser88 showed to have better gelation and emulsifying properties. The mutant proglydnins were crystallised along with the normal proglycinin (AlaBlb -3) and subjected to X-ray structure analysis in an attempt to determine their structure-junction relationships. The crystals diffracted X-ray to a resollttion limit of 2.9 - 3.4A on stillphotographs and belongto the tetragonal system, space group P41 or P43 with cell dimensions of a = b·= 114.3 - 115.2A. and d;= 145.7 - 147.1A with 3 protomers per asymmetric unit. Further refinement data for the' crystals of normal prpglycinin were obtained by multiple isomorphous replacement and solvent flattening techniques. The tri1?ler dimensions of tlie normal proglydnin as determined at 6A were 93A by 93A with·the thickness of 36A.
Comparative evaluation of different methods of extraction and purification used in technical enzyme production from microorganisms
(Tanzania J. Agric. Sc, 1998) Gidamis, A. B.; Nnko, A.; Shayo, N. B.; Chove, B. E.; Kroner, H. K.
A stlldy was conducted to compare the efficiency of two methods of microbial cell separation and enzyme purification using penicillin-G-acylase (PGA) from Escherichia coli. The efficiency of two methods of ceJ[ separation; centrifugation and cross flow filtration (CFF) were compared. The CFF method was found to have both higher separation efficiency and enzyme yield than centrifugation method. Centrifugation method gave a separation efficiency of 98.5% with enzyme yield of94 % whereas CFFmethod resulted in 100% separation efficiency and enzyme yield of98.8%. The Escherichia coli cells were disrupted by high pressure homogenization (HPH),and the disrupted cells were purified using two different techniques. Technique I was a combination of cross-flow-diafiltration (CFD) , ultrafiltration (UF) and heat/pH-shift treatments. This technique resulted in 47% enzyme yield with a purification factor of 12. Technique II which involved two extraction steps by' aqueous two - phase system (APS) coupled with UF resulted in 62 % enzyme yield with a pu;ificationfactor of 4. Technique I was therefore much better than techriique Il in purifying the enzyme. For higher enzyme yield, technique II would seem to be a better one than technique I.
Estimation of body gain of entire and castrated male pigs at two feeding levels and three body weights, using energy/nitrogen balance and comparative slaughter techniques
(2000) Laswai, G.H.; Close, W. H.; Longland, A.C.
Rates of tissue gain and body composition of 18 entire (E) and 18 castrated (C) male pigs, fed at one of two levels offeeding (high (H) or low (L)), were investigated in a 2x2factorial experiment. Calorimetric, energy and rlitrogen balances were carried out on each animal at 30, 60 and 90 kg live weight. The animals were slaughtered at 95 kg and their body composition was determined. The higher feeding level resulted in greater (P < 0.001) rates of body weight gain, protein andfat deposition in all treatment combinations. Castration was associated with decreased and increased potentialfor protein andfat deposition, respectively. Mean values of shoulder fat thickness, loinfat and subcutaneousfat (P2) were greater (P< 0.01 )for the animalsfed at the high compared with thosefed at the low level and thesefat measurements were greater in the castrated than the entire male pigs. Relative to the slaughter method, the balance method overestimated and underestimated the rates of protein andfat deposition by 0.16 and 0.10, respectively.
Characterisation of Tmmmian Local Sorghmn Varieties
(2000) Laswai, H. S.; Shao, M. R.; Mosha, T. C. E.; Muzanila, Y. C.
Many local varieties of sorghum grown in Tanzania have not been characterised in terms of their end uses. This study was conducted to characterise 14 such varieties. Three improved varieties commonly grown in this country were includedfor comparison. Physical analyses that included 100-grain weight, percent dehulling loss and percent water absorption were done. Chemical analysis of the samples to determine protein, crude fibre, fat, ash, and carbohydrate contents was done. Results showed that the 1 OO-kernel weight ranged between 1.48 and 3. 18 g. Some of the local varieties had kernel sizes that were greater than those of the improved ones. Dehulling losses for the studied varieties ranged from 4.63 to 29.85%. These losses were generally low for the commonly used local varieties. Water absorption ranged between 6.10 and 28.85%. The flour making varieties showed low water absorption capacity. The protein contents of the studied varieties (8.27-13.52%) differed significantly (P<0.05). However, the crudefibre {1.23-2.30%),fat (3.00-4.30%), ash (1.96-4.25%), and carbohydrate contents (78.84-83.96%) ofsorghum varieties did not differ significantly (P>0.05). Studies on endosperm texture revealed that most floury varieties had generally high dehulling losses and were therefore unsuitable for producing dehulled products. Corneous varieties were considered suitable for producing dehulled products due to their low dehulling losses. The intermediate endosperm texture varieties, which also experienced intermediate dehulling losses, need more studies in order to be properly classified Some of these, varieties such as Langalanga are already being used for flour making without prior dehulling. The study, therefore, calls for more screening of the local sorghum varieties not used in this study to identifY their potential in relation to end uses for future exploitation and, where possible, to exploit the promising trait for incorporation in breeding programmes.
Soybean moisture absorption properties and their related size changes by imaging (Part 2) 3D size changes-
(J SASJ, 2000) Urasa, R. L.; Tanaka, S.; Tanaka, F.; Morita, K.
The study was conducted by using 2D image processing technique, actual measurements of three dimensions 'a' , 'b' and 'c' mutually perpendicular axes by vernier caliper and actual volume of grain by picnometer during soaking, with an objective of estimation of volume. The study revealed that; (1) the ratio of instantaneous size to initial size a/a0, b/b0 and c/c0 change with moisture content have a significant disproportion as moisture content increases. (2) The ratio 'b/a' and 'c/a' changes with moisture content have 3 periods: constant, falling, and equilibrium. (3) Shape factor has linear relationship with moisture content, and temperature is insignificant. (4) The product of the sizes 'a', 'b' and 'c', that is volume of the circumscribing rectangular box, closely estimates measured volume of grain based on circumscribed theoretical volume within r2=0.90. (5) Specific volume (abc) and actual specific volume have linear relationship with moisture content, and temperature is insignificant. (6) Actual dry solid density of soybean can be extrapolated from specific volume-moisture content relation, and evaluated as 1.36 (g/cm3). Difference in initial moisture content is insignificant. (7) Image pixels raised to the power of 1.5 modified by shape factor can estimate measured volume within r2=0.90.
Chemical, functional and organoleptic evaluation of african breadfruit (treculia africana Decne) kernel flour for making cookies
(2000) IBadifu, G.I.O.; Akuboil, P.I.; Akpapunam, M.A.
African breadfruit (Treculia africana Decne) seeds were parboiled and their kernels dried and milled into flour. The flour was packed in two different materials and stored under ambient (30 .±... 2°C) conditionsfor 5 months. Chemical,junctional and organoleptic properties oftheflour before and during storage were evaluated. Cookies were made with the flour in addition to wheat flour. Results showed that parboilingfor 15 min did not adversely affect the vitamin C and total carotenoids contents of the kernel. Other nutritional components - protein, oil, ash andfibre of the kernels were not deleteriously affected by parboiling. Within 2 months of storage, 20- 28% vitamin Cand 13-17% and total carotenoids were lost whereas after 5 months, 48-50% and 36744% of vitamin C and carotenoids were lost, respectively. There was significant difference (P< 0.05) between the rate of depletion of vitamin .C and carotenoids. During storage of the flour, apart from its bulk density and swelling index other junctional properties (foam stability, emulation activity, nitrogen solubility) changed irrespective of the packaging material. However, the flour could store for 2 months under ambient (30+ 2°C) conditions without adverse changes in quality. Cookies made from composite
Effects of castration, level of feeding and body weight on Energy partition and efficiency of energy utilisation in growing pigs
(2001) Laswai, G.H.; Close, W.H.; Mtenga, W. H.
Efects of castration, feeding level and body weight on energy partition and efficiency of energy utilisation in growing pigs were studies. Eighteen entire and 18 castrated males, fed on either high (3.34 x maintenance) or low (225 x maintenance) level of feeding in a 2x2 factorial design, with 9 pigs per treatment were used. Energy nitrogen balance and calorimetry were recorded at 30, 60 and 90kg body weight. Increased feeding level resulted into increasing rates of energy (ER), protein energy (Pe) and fat energy (Fe) retention by 0.45, 0.29 and 0.62, respectively. Castration increased ER and Fe by 0.16 and 0.42, respectively but decreased protein energy retention by 0. 13. Energy requirement for maintenance (MEm) was 0. 10 higher in the entire than castrated males and tended w increase with increased protein energy retention. Net energetic efficiences for protein (kp) and fat retention (kj) were higher for the entire (0.61 and 0.98) than for castrated males (0.56 and 0.92) The results indicate that an increase in the rates of energy expenditure with increased lean tissue growth potential may be attributed to increased energy requirement for maintenance.
Proximate composition and mineral content in different, types of traditional TOGWA used in Tanzania as a weaning food
(2001) Ndabikunze, B.K.; Sorhaug, T.; Mtebe, K.I.
Six types of traditional togwa (a traditional fermented gruel prepared from a mixture of malted and unmalted cereal grains), six simulated togwa and their ingredients were analysed for proximate composition, energy and mineral contents. The cereals used were maize (Zea mays), finger millet (Eleusine coracana) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). Malt was prepared from sorghum and finger millet. The: concentration of protein in traditional and simulated togwa was higher compared to their main ingredients. The ranges were 9.1-12.5, 9.9-12.9 and 8.7-12.0% respectively. Crude fibre was also higher in traditional and simulated togwa than in the main ingredients, while carbohydrate percent of DM and energy contents were lower than in the ingredients. Ash contents in traditional togwa was 1.44-2.21% and for simulated togwa 1.32-2.2%. Results for mineral contents indicated that phosphorus; magnesium and potassium were the major mineral constituents in both the traditional togwa and laboratory simulated samples. In the traditional and simulated togwa samples, phosphorus content ranged, respectively befween 196-334 and 191-332 (mg/100g), magnesium between 59.5-123.7 and 59.4-123 (mg/100g) and potassium between 167-315 and 167-313 (mg/100g). Calcium range was 3.95-12.32 (mg/100g) in traditional togwa and 3.40-11.92 (mg/100g) in simulated togwa compared to 5.57-14.59 (mg/100g) in the main ingredients. Iron, zinc and copper contents were slightly higher in traditional and in simulated togwa compared to their levels in the main ingredients. Iron ranged between 18.5-23.8 and 18.5-24.8 (mg/100g) in traditional and simulated samples respectively, and zinc ranged between 1.39- 1. 82 (mg/100g) in traditional togwa and 1.41-1.81 (mg/100g) in simulated samples. The contant of coppel in traditional and simulated togwa were 0. 33 - 0.69 and 0.32-0.70 (mg/100g), respectively. Apparently, the choice of cereal and malt and the processes of germination and fermentation for togwa production affects the proportions of nutrients found in the product. This results in different types of togwa with variation in proximate composition, energy density and mineral content.
Emulsifying properties of soy protein isolates obtained by microfiltration
(Society of Chemical Industry, 2002) Chove, B. E.; Grandison, A. S.; Lewis, M. J.
Soy protein isolate (SPI) fractions were produced using two different pore size micro®ltra- tion membranes. Micro®ltration was carried out on SPI produced by isoelectric precipitation of a crude protein extract. Five fractions were obtained: two retentates and two permeates from the two membranes plus an intermediate fraction obtained as the retentate on the small-pore-size membrane using the permeate from the larger-pore-size membrane. Emulsions stabilised by the retentate fractions exhibited higher values (P < 0.01) of emulsion stability index (ESI) and emulsifying activity index (EAI) than those stabilised with fractions made from the permeates. The intermediate fraction gave intermediate ESI values, while the EAI values were not signi®cantly different from those for SPI and one of the retentates. SDS-PAGE pro®les indicated that the fractions exhibiting high functionality in terms of ESI and EAI were also richer in 7S globulin soy protein subunits
Improving sweet potato processing and storage performance throug slicing, drying and packaging
(2003) Silayo, V.C.K.; Laswai, H.S.; Makungu, P.J.
Sweet potato is an important food security crop in, many parts of Tanzania. Despite this potential, research into its post-harvest handling for maximum utilisation hass been low. The objective of this study was therefore, to assess slicing performance of a fabricated hand operated slicing machine against the traditional knife slicing by hand in the production of michemhe. It also assessed how slice thickness, the drying surfaces, and packaging of the slices influenced quality during storage. The slicing machine was set to produce slices of 4.8 12 and 16 mm thickness. Together with the traditionally obtained slices the samples were dried on three surfaces (perforated surface, thatched roof and on the ground) for three days. Dry samples were then packaged in polypropylene bags, perforated polyethylene bags and sealed plastic containers and stored for nine months with observation carried in three months intervals. The investigations included moisture content, fungal count and mycotoxin detection discoloration and insect infestation aa quality attributes. Results showed that the slicer throughput ranged between 16 and 46 kg/h of fresh peeled roots in the thickness range of 4-16 mm, against 17 kg/h for traditionally sliced (75 mm) sweet potatoes. During drying, weight of slices decreased exponentially with time. In terms of drying effectiveness, the three drying surfaces used displayed almost the same final mean moisture content in the lower slice thickness range (4-8 mm). With increased slice thickness to 12 and 16 mm: the perforated surface was the most effective (10. 63-18. 03%) followed by the ground floor- (15.67-18.65%) and thatched roof the least (16.5-19.36%) Quality of dried michembe decreased with storage time and the best performance was obtained in polypropylene bags for the nine months storage. Packaging in sealed plastic containers produced the worst results. Quality was also influenced by the drying surfaces used with ground floor resulting in poor product and perforated surface the best. Increasing the slice thickness affected the quality of the dry product except in the range of 4 to 8 mm. Slicing of the roots to 4-8 mm drying on perforated surface and packging in polypropylene bags for room temperature storage of up to six months produced michembe of acceptaple quality. Use of improved slicing machines including mechanically powered machines requires further investigation. Studies on more drying surfaces more packaging materials, and nutrition of michembe are also recommended
Physicochemical properties of curd prepared from melon seeds
(2003) Egbekun, M.K.; Akubor, P.I.
Melon seed was investigated as an alternative to soybeans for production of high protein curd. The coagulating properlies of calcium sulphate and the nature of the curd obtained from melon seeds were investigated. The yield proximate composition and sensory properties of the melon curd were determined. The yield curd from melon seed at 0.54% calcium sulphate concentration was 21% with the protein yield of 33%. Among the concentratiom of calcium sulphate studied 0. 54% appeared to be most suitable for making curd of smooth texture. In general scores for all the sensory attributes evaluated increased with increased calcium sulphate concentration. The melon curd was highly rated and very well accepted.
Agronomic performance and Heritability of some components of Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre ex Froehner) clones
(2003) Reuben, S.O.W.M.; Marandu, E.F.T.; Misangu, R.N.
The present investigation evaluates the performance of newly identified clones in the major coffee growing zones of Kagera region, Tanzania. Five clones namely MS1/95. MS2/95. MS3/95, MS5/95. MS6/95 selected from individual trees in farmers fields and FS a control variety, were grown in farmers fields in March 1998 a four locations representing 3 coffee growing zones of Kagera region. Each chosen farmer's field was a replicate. Plant girth and fruit set percentage differed significantly among the clones tested MS2/95 had the thickest stems while MS3/95 gave the highest percentage of fruit set. Percent fruit set ranged from 13.5% - 31.4% for MS6/95 and MS3/95 respectively. Locations differed on yield % bearing primary branches canopy radius plant girth and plant height. Kabirizi B gave the highest yield of 1853.8 kg/ha while Chanika gave the lowest yield of 358.8 kg/ha. The yield differences between location were associated with performance of clones on plant height, plant girth canopy radius, primary branches and % bearing primary branches. Plant height girth canopy radius, primary branches, % bearing primary branches and yield of clean coffee were positively corrrelated among themselves. Heritability estimates were high (50%) for plant girth, berries per node and fruit set percentage. Heritability ranged from negligible for yield to 125% for plant girth. Expected genetic gain varied with heritability ranging from negligible to 36.5% for fruit set percentage. Yield of clean coffee had appreciable amounts of clone x location interaction and environmental variance in relation to the total phenotypic variance. It should be possible to realize substantial gain from selection and genetic improvement for plant girth, berries per node and fruit set percentage.
Constraints on good child-care practices and nutritional status in urban Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
(SAGE Publications, 2006) Kulwa, Kissa B. M.; Kinabo, Joyce L. D.; Modest, Beata
Background Care is increasingly being recognized as a crucial input to child health and nutrition, along with food security, availability of health services, and a healthy environment. Although significant gains have been made in the fight against malnutrition in Tanzania, the nutritional status of preschool children in urban areas is not improving. Objective To assess child-care practices and the nutritional status of infants and young children with the aim of improving feeding practices and child nutritional status. Methods A cross-sectional study was undertaken in urban Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. The study involved 100 randomly selected mothers of children 6 to 24 months old from households in Ilala Municipality, one of the three municipalities that constitute the Dar-es-Salaam City Council. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire, spot-check observations, and anthropometric measurements. Results The prevalence rates of stunting, underweight, wasting, and morbidity were 43%, 22%, 3%, and 80%, respectively. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was very low (9%), and most stunted children (88%) were not exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months. The mean age at which complementary foods and fluids were introduced was 3.26 ± 1.12 months (range, 1 to 5 months). The fluids given were mainly water and thin cereal-based porridge. More than half of the households practiced good hygiene. Most of the psychosocial practices (e.g., caregiver's attention, affection, and involvement in child feeding, hygiene, health care, and training) were performed by mothers, except for cooking and feeding the children and child training, which were done mostly by alternative caregivers. Nearly half of the mothers (44%) worked out of the home. The mean number of working hours per day was long (10.32 ± 2.13), necessitating the use of alternative caregivers. A negative correlation was found between height-for-age z-scores and the number of hours mothers worked outside the home. Conclusions The prevalence rates of chronic malnutrition and morbidity are high, and child-feeding practices are inadequate in this urban population. Maternal employment and educational characteristics constrain good child-care practices, and alternative caregivers are taking a more important role in child care as mothers join the work force. We recommend that formative research be conducted to study the actual practices of caregivers in order to form the basis for a child-care education program. There is also a need to strengthen national health system support for improved child feeding.
A Technical Note: A Short Note on Processing of Bamboo Juice
(2006) Bangu, N.; Chove, B.; Sawala, G.; Mgombela, J.; Waduma, J.
Eight to twelve hour old bamboo juice (locally known as 'Ulanzi') was filtered, pasteurized and canned. Samples were sent to Tanzania Bureau of Standards for analysis. Nine chemical parameters were analyzed, including alcoholic content, which was found to be 4.9% vlv. Also analyzed were four microbiological parameters. A taste panel was held and the product was found acceptable although not as good as the unprocessed product. On storage, there was no significant change in taste and lor flavour but signs of corrosion of the containers were evident after one year. Alternatively, the bamboo juice was placed in amber coloured bottles, sealed and pasteurized. The product was found to be comparable to unprocessed Ulanzi. Using the first procedure, TFPV produced 200 crates each containing 24 cans and sent to a farmers' show in Mbeya where the entire consignment was sold out. In subsequent years, TFPV produced bottled bamboo juice using the second procedure and successfully marketed the product in Iringa, Mbeya and Dar es Salaam. Processing of bamboo juice . ensures a hygienic product, its availability throughout the year and maintenance of constant prices during all seasons.
Seasonal changes in nutritional status and reproductive performance of Zebu cows kept under a traditional agro-pastoral system in Tanzania
(Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2006, 2006) Kanuya, N. L.; Matiko, M. K.; Nkya, R.; Bittegeko, S. B. P.; Mgasa, M. N.; Reksen, O.; Ropstad, E.
The objectives of this study were to assess changes in nutritional status/body condition score, percentage pregnancy and calving rate in Zebu cows and to establish the relationship between body condition score loss and postpartum interval to resumption of ovarian activity. A total of 198 cows and postpubertal heifers of the Tanzanian Shorthorn Zebu kept under a traditional management system were randomly selected from 200 smallholder herds. Factors investigated during bi-weekly visits include body condition score (BCS), heart-girth circumference, milk yield and reproductive status of the animals, pregnancy/nonpregnancy and cyclicity/non-cyclicity. Local weather conditions and dates of occurrence of other reproductive events such as calving were also recorded. Calvings occurred all year round but with a strong seasonal distribution characterized by annual peaks observed between April and July. The annual calving pattern was closely related to rainfall, with peak precipitation occurring a few months before peak calving. The overall percentage pregnancy varied from 30% to 50% throughout the N. L. Kanuya ( ) · M. K. Matiko · R. Nkya · S. B. P. Bittegeko · M. N. Mgasa Department of Veterinary Surgery and Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania e-mail: nkanuya@yahoo.com O. Reksen · E. Ropstad Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Oslo, Norway year. Postpartum cows exhibited minimum mean BCS and heart-girth circumference 12–14 weeks after calving, and cows with BCS loss >1 point exhibited the longest time interval from calving to onset of ovarian activity.
Copper and Lead levels in two popular leafy vegetables grown around Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
(Tanzania Health Research, 2006) Chove, B. E.; Ballegu, W. R.; Chove, L. M.
A study was carried out to determine the levels of two heavy metals, Lead (Pb) and Copper (Cu), in two popular leafy vegetables grown around Morogoro Municipality in Tanzania. Vegetable samples of Pumpkin leaves (Cucurbita moschata) and Chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis) were collected from three sites and analysed for their concentrations of the two metals using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The three sites, namely Mazimbu, Kihonda and Towelo are located within a 10 km perimeter. The site selection was based on the anticipated levels of contamination of the water used for irrigation. The results showed that the levels (mg/100g dry weight) ranged from 0.885 to1.39 for Copper and 0.05 to 0.315 for Lead. The levels of Lead and Copper varied between the vegetable varieties and from site to site. Vegetables from Mazimbu showed higher concentration levels of the two metals compared to the other sites in both varieties. Towelo vegetables had relatively low concentrations. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in levels of the two metals across the sites but there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the levels of Copper between the two vegetable varieties from all the three sites. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in the levels of Lead between the vegetable varieties. The levels of both Lead and Copper in the two vegetables were found to be below the maximum permissible levels recommended by FAO/WHO for the two metals in vegetables.

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