Theses and Dissertations Collection

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Meat from goats in Tanzania
(University of Dar es Salaam, 1978) Kyomo, Martin Luther
The shortage of protein of high biological value in the tropics could be decreased by raising larger numbers of indigenous ruminant livestock, and of increasing off take and weight per animal destined for slaughter. In Tanzania, where there are about five million goats and their meat is already very popular, improvement of goats through better breeding, feeding and disease control methods could lead to a several-fold increase in the present annual production of 1.3 million goat carcasses. The paucity of data on which to base goat improvement methods was the major reason for undertaking this study. A comparison was made in reproductive performance, growth rate and carcass yield between the Tanzania indigenous goats and the Tanzania x Boer and the Tanzania x Kamorai goats. The total numbers of animals involved in the study, which was conducted between 1972 and 1976, inclusive, were 7 sires, 177 dams and 559 progeny. The study confirmed earlier untested theories that the Tanzania goat, which belongs to the East African breed type of goat, produces kids throughout the year. There were, however, peak periods in which more dams kidded than in other periods. The total amount of rain falling during a given period was the only environ mental factor affecting the time of conception of the dams (P < 0.001) . This relationship seemed to be an indirect one, in that more rain meant more forage growth-(ii) and availability and therefore better body condition of the dams. Better fed dams ovulate, conceive when mated, and maintain pregnancy to term more readily than underfed dams. The twinning rates and mortality of kids have been reported in the-thesis. The effects of year, sex, seasons and birth type, whether singles or twins, on weight at various ages have been reported. The slight superiority of castrates over the entire male kids in growth rate observed in this thesis calls for more studies to see if the hormonal patterns related to growth were different from those of animals of similar sexes in other domestic livestock. The heritability estimates for weight at birth, weaning, one year and 72 weeks of age were 0.7 ± 0.10, 0.14 ± 0.14, 0.07 ± 0.11 and 0.017 ± 0.16, respectively. The weight of kids could, for practical purposes on the farms, be predicted by the formula : Weight (in kg) = - 4.22 ± 0.15 .+ (0.00806 ± 0.00007 x Girth (in cm) x Length (in cm) . (R2 = 88.2%) The cold dressed carcass percentages of the Boer and Kamorai crossbred and Tanzania purebred kids were 45.57, 45.34 and 45.34 per cent, respectively. The areas of the eye muscle (Longissimus dorsi) measured on the 10th and 11th ribs of the male and castrated kids ranged between 11.77 and 14.27 square centimetres. The castrated kids had more total lean, fat and bone than the entire(iii) male kids. The heritability estimates for cold dressing percentage, total lean, total fat and total bone within the carcass were 0.7, 0.3, 0.04 and 0.4, respectively. It is concluded that this study has contributed to the knowledge on meat goat production characteristics in the tropics and will form a basis on which to plan the breeding and management of commercial meat goats in Tanzania.
Nutritive value of orchard grass for cattle and sheep
(West Virginia University, 1980) Madata, Gaspary S.
A study was undertaken to examine seasonal and growth stage effects on intake and digestibility of orchardgrass by grazing cows and to determine effects of fertilization of orchardgrass with kieserite on its nutritive quality and on its mineral composition and utilization. A series of grazing and digestibility trials on orchardgrass were carried out in 1977 and 1978 using sheep and beef cows. In March, 1978, replicated orchardgrass pastures were treated with and without kieserite at the rate of 2240 kg/ha (equivalent to 390 kg Mg/ha). Chromic oxide was used as an external indicator to estimate the fecal output and regression techniques relating fecal N and DMD(Z) were used to estimate the nutritional value of orchardgrass. In grazing trials run in 1977, it was found that intake of first growth vegetative herbage was higher than intake of the pasture at later growth stages. However, in grazing trials run in 1978, intake of first growth vegetative herbage was not different from intake of herbage grazed in October. Dry matter digestibility (Z) was higher in the early first growth herbage than at other growth stages. The grazing cows on the whole had higher mean DMD(Z) coefficients than the indoor animals. Magnesium fertilizer had no effect (P>0.05) on DMD(Z) and intake of either cut or grazed herbage. ^fertilization significantly increased the concentration of sulfur in herbage, with no effect166 on the concentrations of other minerals. Magnesium fertilization caused a consistent but non-significant (P>0.05) inrrwmp in serum magnesium in grazing beef cows in the two week period after turning the cows out to pasture. Magnesium availability, as measured with wether sheep during the same period, was high and, unexpectedly, fertilization resulted in a depression in apparent absorption of magnesium, calcium and phosphorus. In conclusion, there were significant effects of growth stage and season on the nutritional quality of orchardgrass. Fertiliza tion with kieserite showed no differences in the .nutritional quality of orchardgrass.
Alkali treatment of roughages and energy utilization of treated roughages fed to sheep and goats
(University of Dar es Salaam, 1981) Ndelilio, Urio A.,
Two series of experiment were conducted, laboratory scale experiments, and and production experiments. The laboratory scale scale experiments were carried out to develop simple methods of alkali-treatment, and to test the- effectiveness of cheap alternative chemicals lo sodium hydroxide. Pro duction experiments were conducted to tost the effectiveness of an apparently promising "dip" treatment motheJ developed in the laboratory scale experiments. and k.a Ca(CII) The effectiveness of Na9CO3 emu lUn,2 cis roughage treating chemicals were tested in combination with NaOH in a 3 x 3 factorial experiment. The levels of the chemicals tested were 0, 3 and 6 g/100 g of roughage (DM). was used as a test roughage. Wheat straw Neither of the chemicals re- suited in any improvement in the digestibility of the straw’ although Ca(OII)2 showed a slight effect in increasing the enzyme soluble organic matter of wheat straw. Both chemicals showed a somewhat negative interaction with NaOH. Maize stover and Hyparrhenia grass were also treated with increasing levels of Na2COg from 0 to 10 g/100 g of roughage DM. Maize stover did not show any response to Na2CO3 treatment except for its enzyme soluble organic matter which increased with increasing levels of Na2CO3. The enzyme soluble organic matter for the untreated maize stover was 29%, while that for maize stover treated with 10 g Na2CO-/ 100 g of roughage DM was 43.6%. Hyparrhenia grass responded comparatively better to Na?CO3 treatment than maize stover. Addition of herring meal to the roughages resulted in a(X) marked improvement in the digestibility of both roughages. This also improved the response of the roughages to ^2^0^ treatment. Maize stover showed a higher response to the addition of herring meal than IJyparrhenia grass. The chemical composition of 4 samples of local Magadi soda was determined. All the samples had high sodium chloride contents, indicating a possibility of Magadi soda having a positive effect on voluntary feed intake. It was rioted that some samples had rather high fluorine contents. Studies were conducted on the effectiveness of a simple "dip" method which involved dipping straw in a 1.5% NaOH solution overnight, letting it drip, washing with minimum water, and letting it drip again. The lye solution was reused 15 times, the strength of the solution being restored after each treatment. The DM and Na content of the lye solution increased with increasing reuse of the solution. The DM content of the solution increased from 1.9% to 7.2%, while the Na content increased from 0.7 to 1.4%. Both the DM and Na contents of the solution tended to stabilize after the solution had been reused more than 10 times. The IVOMD and ESOM of the treated straw increased with increasing reuse of the solution. The in vivo DM and OM digestibility as well as DE of the straw was improved markedly by the dip method. The digestibility of OM of the untreated straw was 50% as opposed to 73% for the dip treated straw. The diges tibility of DM and OM in vivo was not affected by the reiise of the solution although that of CF tended to decrease slightly after the solution had been reused more than 10 times.(Xi ) In the production experiments a comparative slaughter technique was applied with sheep and goats. Three groups of goats were fed rations based on untreated maize cobs, "dip" treated maize cobs (NaOII-treatment) , and Chlorin gayana hay. The experimental feeding period was 100 days. The DM intake from these rations was the same in the three groups, but the dip NaOII treatment of maize cobs resulted in a higher DM digestibility (G4.1% as opposed to ) higher metabolizable energy intake (4.19 MJ as opposed to 3.40 MJ/d) when compared to the group fed untreated maize The group fed dip treated maize cobs also had sig cobs. nifleant higher gains in liveweight, carcass weight, car- cass fat, and carcass gross energy content. This group, however, did not differ significantly from the group fed Chloris gayana hay in these parameters. It was also observed that, the group fed dip treated maize cobs had a tendency to lay down intestinal fat. Three groups of sheep were also fed on untreated maize stover, dip treated maize stover and ensiled (NaOH-treated) Hyparrhenia grass silage for 100 days. centrate in the DM intake was about 20%. The level of con Although dip treat ment of maize stover increased its digestibility, this did not result in significant differences in performance between the group fed untreated maize stover in all the parameters studied. The groups fed maize stover (untreated or treated) had however significantly bettor performance in all para- meters measured than the group fed NaOII-treated Hyparrhonxa silage.(xii) CorreiaLions wore determined between whole carcass fat Z and carcass weight, and between carcass fat -i and carcass specific gravity. In goats, the correlation coefficient for carcass fat Z on carcass weight was 0.84, while that between carcass fat " and carcass specific gravity was -0.97. These para meters (carcass weight, and carcass specific gravity) can there?fore probably bo used to estimate carcass fat S and consequently carcass energy content in goats. The correlation coefficient between carcass fats and carcass weight in sheep was only 0.52, while that between carcass fat S and carcass specific gravity was -0.79. In addition to those comparatively low relationships in sheep, it was noted that carcass specific gravity was rather sen sitive and difficult to measure in fat carcasses, and liable to technical errors. It is thought that those relationships cannot therefore be applied universally to the heterogeneous sheep of East Africa.
Investigations on the nutritive value and practical ways of feeding cassava roots to pigs
(Sokoine University Of Agriculture, 1990) Lekule, Faustin Paul
The study was conducted to evaluate the feeding value of cassava roots in four growth and two metabolic experiments. In the growth studies, feed was offered ad libitum except protein supplement to pigs fed fresh cassava tubers. The pigs were group fecjLand slaughtered as they reached 90 kg liveweight. characteristics and organ weights were determined. Carcass Cassava had no significant effect on growth rate, organ weights, gut fill or carcass characteristics. In experiment 3 and 4, a comparison was made of commercial sow and weaner (SW) meal. the cassava root meal (CRM) diet, soaked cassava root tubers (CRT) diet and rice polishings (RP) diet. The average daily gains were 625 g, 635 g, 609g and 660 g. and feed conversion ratios (kg EM feed/kg gain) 4.44, 4.19, 4.05 and 3.89 for the SW diet, CRM diet, CRT diet and RP diet. respectively. The average daily feed intake (kg dry matter) was 2.58kg, 2.55 kg, and 2.47 kg for pigs fed the SW diet, CRM diet CRT diet and RP diet, respectively. Pigs fed soaked cassava root tubers consumed 3.5 kg cassava/pig/day and required 406 kg cassava tubers and 152 kg protein supplement form 20 to 90 kg liveweight. In experiment 5, cassava root meal and cassava root tubers were again compared with cottonseed cake as the main protein source or a combination of cottonseed cake and sunflower rake. Daily gains feed intake and feed conversion ratio (kg EM/kg gain) were .551 g, 638 g, and 589 g, 1.87 kg, 2.10 kg, and 2.03 kg, and 3.45, 3.36 and 3.56 cottonseed cake, respectively. for CRT + sunflower cake diets, CRM CRM + cottonseed cake + sunflower cake diets Pigs fed fresh cassava root tubers consumed 2.97 kg cassava/pig/day and required 383 kg cassava and 112 kg protein supplement from 20 to 90 kg liveweight. Experiment 6 was designed to examine the voluntary feed intake, growth rate and feed conversion of pigs fed a diet considered as a standard cassava diet (2/3 cassava, 1/3 protein giving a 15% CP diet) under Tanzania conditions. Feed intake was about 30% higher in the ad lib, fed barrows than in the ad lib. fed gilts and restricted barrows and gilts, while growth rate was about 23% higher. It is concluded that cassava is a good energy source for pigs, and where it is relatively cheap and abundant, it could be used as the only energy source in diets of growing-finishing pigs and cottonseed cake could form the major part of the protein supplement.
Studies on the prospects of improving the performance of the local chicken population in Tanzania by crossbreeding
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1990) Katule, Andalwisye M.
The present study was initiated to explore the possibilities for developing high performing dual purpose strains of chickens adapted to low input production conditions in Tanzania. Exotic meat type, egg type and local chickens were compared for performance along with the crosses between these breeds in one year. In the following year the comparison involved the three basic breeds, the second generation crosses (F ), backcrosses, and three breed crosses of these breeds. Additional data were acquired from a crossbreeding experiment in Egypt, in which two Egyptian breeds, two White Leghorn lines from Norway, and crosses between Egyptian and Norwegian stocks were involved. Constant estimates of various genetic components (additive genetic, heterosis and reciprocal ) were obtained as coefficients of a multiple regression equation, in which the observation on each individual for a given trait was the dependent variable. The independent variables consisted of coded values ranging from 0 to 1. The general superiority of the germplasm from exotic breeds to that of indigenous breeds was demonstrated for nearly all traits considered. However, there was an indication for this superiority to decline as environmental conditions deteriorated.•Important heterosis effects were revealed-, mainly for juvenile body weights and egg production traits, including the age of sexual maturity. Evidence was revealed to suggest the existence of negative heterosis for body weights and egg size in some crosses. Reciprocal effects were found to be important in crosses involving heavy breeds and light breeds, as well as in crosses involving crossbred parents. It is concluded from these results that the high potential inherent in exotic breeds for productive traits would not be fully realized under environments pertinent with low input production systems. Some adjustment in the genetic content of the stocks would be necessary in order to make them adaptable to less optimum conditions. One of the most prospective approaches is to make some kind of crosses between exotic and indigenous chickens, followed by selection for high productivity under the sub-optimum conditions. Selection for specific adaptive qualities would be carried out if such qualities were detected.
Influence of various climatic factors on milk production and related traits in Mpwapwa cattle and their crosses
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1994) Msechu, James Kundaeli Kileghua
A study was carried out to examine the influence of various climatic factors on milk production in Mpwapwa breed cattle and their crosses in Livestock Production Research Institute in Mpwapwa Central Tanzania. It was based on daily milk yields and weather information recorded from 1964 to 1989. Milk yields of individual cows were accumulated for periods of 28 days and related to average weather records for the same periods and or the preceding period. A short term supplementary study was used to investigate reaction of different genetic groups of the cattle, in terms of daily milk yield, milk components, and rectal temperature, to weather conditions. Over the study period, daily maximum and minimum temperatures averaged 26.2°CS and 14・5°C, while average daily temperature-humidity index was 68.5 and 74.1 (morning and afternoon), and annual rainfall averaged 785 mm. Least squares means for 28-day milk yield (kg) were 123.8, 179.1, 175.5, 213.3, 131.1, respectively for Mpwapwa and Jersey, Ayrshire, and Friesian crosses, and Backcross. All were significantly different (P<0.05), except between Jersey and Ayrshire crosses. The studies revealed that several of the weather variables had a significant influence on milk yield during the same or the subsequent period. However, the magnitude and sign of the partial regression coefficients were inconsistent and erratic. In most analyses concurrent rainfall showed a positive relationship with milk as might be expected from the effect of rain on pasture growth. But, surprisingly, some of the temperature variables were also positively related to milk yield. Separate analyses of the data of each of the five genetic groups failed to demonstrate distinct differences between groups in reaction to the climatic factors studied. In the supplementary study daily milk yield and yield of various milk components did not appear to be influenced by concomitant weather variables. Rectal temperature was however, significantly influenced by weather variables recorded at the same time. The genetic groups did not differ significantly in rectal temperature. The lack of conclusive results might have partly been caused by the close association between some of the weather variables. Inclusion of previous milk in most of the analyses, in an effort to increase precision, may have complicated the interpretation of the results also. Further investigation on the nature of the relationships suggested by trends revealed by the study was recommended. Changes were recommended in the breeding programme to exploit the more productive
Performance of exotic dairy cattle in the southern highlands of Tanzania and prospects for genetic improvement
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1995) Kifaro, G C
Th i s study aimed was at evaluating the performance of exotic dairy cattle in five large farms in Iringa and Mbeya reg i ons. Mai n aspects stud i ed i ncluded calf mortality rates, reproductive traits, milk yield, milk composition, and lifetime performance traits. Rates of abortion ranged from 1.8 to 9.5% while rates of stillbirths varied between 3.4 and 9.8%. Death rates ranged from 9.3 to 25.5% for unweaned calves and from 13.2 to 29.6% for weaned calves. Diarrhoea/ scours, pneumonia and nutritional problems were the main causes of calf deaths. Mean ages at first calving and calving intervals for the five farms ranged from 33 to 39 months and 375 to 489 days, respectively. Overall mean lactation milk yield, lactation 1 engt-h, dry period for individual farms ranged from 2197 kg, 270 to respective!y. The most to 2642 affecting calvi ng, 1actati on and pari ty days 321 and i mportant performance current 86 to 165 non-geneti c traits calving were days, factors year i nterval . of Milk production in most farms was declining, a trend attributed to deterioration estimates calving were i n management. 0.14±0.01, i nterval, Weighted 0.21±0.02 1actati on length and and repeatabi1ity 0.37±0.01 lactation for milk yield, respectively. Mean percentages of milk components on test-days did not differ much from those recorded for Friesians elsewhere in the tropics. Stage of lactation, calendar month, parity and year of recording highly influenced their variations. Milk yield on test-days had strong negative correlations with BF% (-0.47) and protein percent (-0.53). BF and protein percentages were positively correlated (0.59). Day-to-day variation of milk yield was higher at Uyole than at Thimbu and was associated with level of milk production and inaccurate recording. The most variable milk component was protein whose variation was ascribed mainly to errors of determination. Part and cumulative milk records were highly influenced by parity, year and season of calving. Effect of calving interval was noticeable from the sixth month of lactation. Records in mid-1actation had the highest correlation with 305-day yield. Ratio and regression extension factors were derived based on findings from this study. Performance in 1i feti me traits were similar to those reported elsewhere in the tropics. Age at first calving and first lactation yield had high association with lifetime traits used in this study and were important estimators of lifetime milk production. Several options of culling procedures were proposed and discussed. It was concluded that there is great opportunity for genetic improvement of dairy cattle in the southern calves i s highlands of i mproved, the downward trend in performance is reversed, Tanzania provided viability of recordi ng is improved and a culling procedure is adopted.
The use of leucaena leucocephala (lam.) de wit forage as a feed supplement for dairy goats
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1996) Ndemanisho, Edith Eliakim
THE USE OF LEUCAENA LEUCOCEPHALA (LAM.) DE WIT FORAGE AS A FEED SUPPLEMENT FOR DAIRY GOATS Six experiments were conducted to evaluate Leucaena leucocephala (LL) as protein supplement for dairy goats. In Experiments 1 and 2 an appropriate feeding level of dry LL leaves as substitute for cotton seed cake (CSC) fed to lactating does was investigated. A total of 82 docs randomly allocated to four treatments with LL inclusion at levels of 0 (treatment 1), 180 (treatment 2), 360 (treatment 3) and 540g (treatment 4) substituting cotton seed cake at levels of 300, 200,100 and 0 g per day of the concentrate. Basal ration contained elephant grass and Rhodes grass hay ad libitum, supplemented with maize bran. Daily milk yield was sampled twice a week for chemical analysis. Fourtnight body weights and daily feed intake were recorded. In Experiment 3 comparison between fresh LL and CSC on milk yield and composition was made. Twenty eight docs were subjected to four treatment diets as follows: No LL and No CSC (treatment 1), restricted CSC (treatment 2), restricted LL (treatment 3) and LL offered ad libitum (treatment 4). The basal ration composed of Hyparrhenia rufa hay ad libitum supplemented with maize bran. Milk and FCM yields, fat, protein, total solids, solid not-fat, ash and mineral contents did not differ significantly (P>0.05) between treatments in Experiments 1,2 and 3. In Experiment 4 a total of 20 males and 20 females (weaner goats) were randomly allocated to four treatments. Dry LL inclusion levels varied from 0 (treatment 1), 100 (treatment 2), 200 (treatment 3) and 300g (treatment 4) of feed whilst those for CSC were 150, 100, 50 and 0 g per day for their respective four treatments. Basal diets included 5% urea treated maize stover sprinkled with molasses and supplemented with maize bran. Weekly body weights and daily feed intake were recorded. Liveweight changes were not significantly (P>0.05) different between treatments. Two in sacco experiments were carried out to measure the degradability and rumen parameters (pH, NH^-N, VFA) of the feed components used in Experiments 1,2, 3 and 4 in the rumen of bucks fed a standard diet (Experiment 5) and treatment diets ““Ct (Experiment 6). The fitted exponential equation (P=a+b(l-e ) was used to calculate the degradation kinetics. Results of Experiment 5 showed that maize meal was most degraded followed by maize bran, CSC, dry LL leaves and Chloris gayana. Results of Experiment 6 showed that when the bucks were fed treatment diets from Experiments 1 and 2 protein solubility of LL (intercept) was highest (P<0.05) for treatment 3 followed by treatments 2, 4 and 1. The potential degradability of DM (b) was highest (P<0.05) for CSC in treatment 2 followed by treatments 3,4 and 1. It is recommended from these studies that up to 32% of dry LL and 17% of fresh LL of total diet can be offered to dairy goats. Areas of further research are suggested.
Effect of leguminous tree leaves as nitrogen additive to pennisetum purpureum silage
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1999) Tesha, Martha William
A study comprising of two experiments was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of three leguminous tree leaves as nitrogen additive (NA) in presence or absence of molasses (as WSC additive) on fermentation and nutritive value of napier (Pennisetum purpureum) silage. Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena leucocephala and Sesbania sesban leaves were used in experiment I while L. leucocephala leaves was used in experiment II. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cylinders (1.9xl0’2m3) were used as laboratory silos for experiment I and earth pit silos (Im3) for experiment II. A 2 x 3 x 3 factorial experiment which comprised of fourteen treatments was adopted in experiment I. Napier grass was ensiled in combination with leaves from G.sepium, L. leucocephala and S.sesban as NA. Each combination received three levels of NA (0, 15 and 30% w/w) and two levels of molasses (0 and 3% w/w). A 2 x 3 factorial experiment that comprised of six treatments was adopted in experiment II. One combination in experiment I was ensiled in pilot scale silos, where L.leucocephala was chosen as (NA). Same levels of inclusion of Leucaena and molasses in experiment I were used in this experiment and the grass alone without and with molasses served as contro. The effect of molasses, NA type, NA inclusion level and interactions were observed in experiment I while the effect of molasses and NA inclusion level as well as the interaction between the two were observed in experiment II. Parameters observed in both experiments were sensoric tests, dry matter, chemical composition, in vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibility. Diy matter losses and acceptability test were observed in the second experiment only. In experiment I, addition of molasses and combination of molasses and NA inclusion level improved aroma of the silages. Nitrogen additive types and inclusion levels had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on sensoric qualities of the napier silages. Molasses addition improved dry matter, chemical composition and digestibility of the napier silage. Addition of Leucaena increased DM, CP, NDF, ADF and lowered IVDMD and IVOMD as compared to addition of Gliricidia and Sesbania. Inclusion of 15 and 30 percent NA improved silage DM, chemical composition and digestibility. Combination of molasses and NA type had significant (P 0.05) improvement on WSC, ADF, IVDMD and IVOMD while combination of molasses and NA inclusion level had significant (P < 0.05) improvement on WSC, NDF, IVDMD and IVOMD. The NA types at 15 and 30% inclusion had more improvement on DM, chemical composition, IVDMD and IVOMD than 0% inclusion level. All NA types at 15 and 30% inclusion levels had higher CP, WSC, IVDMD, IVOMD and lower NDF than the control, 30% Gliricidia and 30% Sesbania being the highest among the combinations. Fermentation products were significantly (P < 0.05) improved by addition of molasses and nitrogen additives. Combinations of NA with molasses gave better fermentation quality than those without molasses. In experiment II, molasses addition improved aroma of the silage however, it didn't affect appearance and texture. Sensoric qualities were neither affected by NA inclusion level nor the combination of molasses and NA level. Water soluble carbohydrates, ADF, IVDMD and IVOMD were improved by molasses addition. However, in this experiment, DM, CP, ash and NDF were not improved by addition of molasses. The CP, IVDMD and IVOMD increased with increasing NA inclusion level while NDF and ADF decreased with increasing NA inclusion level. The combination of molasses and NA inclusion level had significant (P < 0.05) improvement on WSC, ADL and IVDMD. Fermentation products were improved by both molasses and NA inclusion. However, they were not affected by the combination of molasses and NA inclusion levels. Dry matter losses were significantly lowered by molasses addition (18.5% vs 20.7%). The DM losses decreased with increasing NA inclusion (16.7, 18.9 and 23.3 percent for 30, 15, and 0 percent NA inclusion, respectively). The combinations of molasses and NA inclusion have the DM losses ranged from 16.6% to 27.0%. The intake rate was higher in molassesed than unmolassesed silage. It was also higher in 30 and 15 percent NA levels than 0% NA. The combination of molasses and NA levels had significant effect on intake rate, 15NA+, 30NA+ and 30NA‘ having higher intake rate than other combinations. It was concluded that 30% NA inclusion could be used to conserve well silage of napier grass. Further findings are required to establish the NA inclusion level in other common grasses such as Guatemala grass (Tripsucum laxurri) and Guinea grass (Panicuni maximum).
Studies on preparation and use of bovine pepsin from adult cattle Abomasa as rennet substitute for small scale cheese processing
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1999) Ryoba, Ruth Nnala Z.
World-wide shortage of rennet has stimulated interest in the search for rennet substitutes. In order to overcome the scarcity and high price for rennet in Tanzania, studies on preparation of a rennet substitute from cattle abomasa were undertaken in three experiments Experiment one dealt with investigations into the optimisation of pepsin extraction conditions i.e. on regions of abomasa, extraction of dry versus fresh material, drying methods, ionic strength, extraction pH, temperature, time, activation pH and clarification methods. Results showed that the fundic region, sundrying, 10% salt, extraction with HCL at pH 3 fbr 3 days, at 37° C, activation pH 2 fbr 30 min and clarification using NazHPC^.H?。produce an extract with maximum milk clotting activity (MCA). Optimum conditions were applied to extract pepsin with dilute HCL, vinegar and lemon juice. Vinegar (VP) and HCL (HP) gave better yield, shelf-life, proteolytic activity, chymosin:pepsin ratio, microbial quality and formagraph characteristics than lemon juice. Concentrating VP extract lead to greater loss in MCA than for HP extract. In experiment two, HP extract was purified by DEAE cellulose chromatography, gel filtration, mono Q and phenyl sepharose chromatography. Studies on the purified enzyme with regard to formagraph characteristics, molecular mass, sodium dodecylsulphate gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and N-terminal amino acid sequence showed that pepsin was homogenous with fold purification of 366, recovery rate of 32.7%,Ill Specific activity 3920 MCA (units/mg), molecular mass 34,500 Da. The N-terminus of purified pepsin contained no lysine and the MCA decreased with enzyme purity. In experiment 3, HP and VP extracts were mixed with rennet at 0, 25, 50, 75, 100% and used for making three types of cheese. Renneting time (RT) for cheese milk, butterfat (%BF) and total nitrogen (%TN) in whey, chemical composition and microbial quality of cheese samples obtained at different storage time intervals, sensory evaluation at maturity and overall quality assessment were determined. RT and TN losses increased with level of pepsin; chemical composition of all cheese types were significantly different (Pv.001). The pH in SUA Pastafilata and SUA Alpine and TN in Tilsiter cheese were not significantly different (P>0.05). Sensory evaluation was not significantly different (P>0.05) in smell, taste, appearance and bitterness, however, bitterness in SUA Pastafilata and appearance in SUA Alpine were significantly different (P<0.05); appearance in SUA Pastafilata and village Alpine were significant different (P<0.01). Bitterness, taste in SUA Alpine and bitterness in Tilsiter cheeses were highly significant different (P<.001). Overall quality assessment of cheese did not show significant differences (P>0.05). Therefore all enzyme combinations were suitable for all types of cheese implying that pepsin was an appropriate rennet substitute.
Effect of milk preservation by activation of lactoperoxidase system on the quality and shelf life of pasteurised and fermented milk products
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2001) Mwaikambo, James Joseph
The study was conducted to investigate the effect of milk preservation by the use of activated Lactoperoxidase system (LPS) on fresh, pasteurised and fermented milk quality. Fieldwork was done at Mwakaleli, Mbeya region, while the laboratory work was conducted at Sokoine University of Agriculture. After collection, milk LPS was activated by addition of sufficient amount of thiocyanate and hydrogen peroxide followed by milk shelf life determination under different storage conditions. The best LPS holding time before pasteurisation was found to be 3 hours followed by 6 hours, whereas the holding time above 6 hours performed poorly. The effect of LPS activation on fermented milk quality was also investigated. No significant (P>0.05) difference in pH between treated and untreated milk was observed on the milk that had a holding time of less than 9 hours, above this period milk recorded significantly (P<0.05) low pH. Likewise was the pH of the yoghurt with more or less similar trend. The analysed natural Thiocyanate content of the test milk was within normal range (4.09±l・l ppm). This indicates the test milk could accommodate recommended external addition of thiocyanate for LPS activation without raising SCN- content above the physiological limits. The LPS carry over effect on milk inocula could not be detected due to the LPS inactivation by pasteurisation (80° C/1 min.). This explains the absence of any noticeable physical, chemical or organoleptic abnormality on milk and milk products final quality. In the field, activated LPS prolonged morning raw milk shelf life for more than 15 hours as compared to less than 12 hours registered by the untreated milk, whereas throughout the experiment under all storage conditions LPS treated pasteurised milk performed significantly (P<0.001) better than the control. In order to solve the problem of raw milk short shelf life in the remote rural tropical environment a cheap and convenient charcoal cooler box was designed, constructed and tested with encouraging results in the storage of raw milk. The cooler performance was 8.94° C and 5.45° C below the environmental maximum and minimum temperatures respectively. When compared to the room temperature storage conditions, the cooler performed significantly (P<0.001) better than the room temperature. Therefore, under any tropical environmental condition accompanied with the absence refrigeration or cold room facilities, the application of both activated LPS and charcoal cooler box for raw milk storage is strongly recommended for the fresh milk shelf life extension to enable the marketing functions to operate.
Development of weaner meal for dairy calves using fish wastes from Nile perch (lates niloticus) and cassava (manihot Esculenta) root meal
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2002) Katakweba, Abdul Ahmed Selemani
Growth, blood parameters and in sacco degradability studies were 11m concurrently to evaluate the effects of cassava root meal (CRM) and fish waste (FW) as energy and protein substitutes for respectively hominy meal (HM) and cotton seed cake (CSC) in formulation of weaner meals for dairy calves. The FW were derived from processing of Nile perch (Leites niloticus) while CRM (Manihot esculenta) was purchased in fresh form and dried for compounding. In experiment I the effects of CRM and FW as substitutes for HM and CSC were evaluated in growth, blood parameters and intake trials lasting for 56 days using 20 Ayrshire weanner heifers ranging in weight from 88-194 kg. The heifers were allotted at random in four treatments rations (TR| - TR4) of 5 animals each. The four treatments were: TRi 66.5 % HM and 31.5 % CSC; TR2 = 50 % CRM and 48 % CSC; TR3 67.5 % HM and 30.5% FW and TR4 = 51.5 % CRM and 46.5 % FW. Data was collected on daily DM1 and weight changes were recorded fortnightly. In Experiment II in sacco degradability studies were made to assess the degradability characteristics of the individual feed ingredients as well as the compounded rations used in Experiment I. Four fistulated cows with an average weight of 314.25 kg were used. Rumen pH and NH3-N were also measured. No (P > 0.05) differences in weight gain were observed between heifers on TRi and TR3. Heifers on TR 2 gained (P < 0.05) faster than those on TRi, TR3 and TR4 (620 vs 490, 460 and 420 g respectively). TR2 had (P < 0.05) superior feed efficiency (0.129) followed in a descending order by TR15 TR3 and TR4 (0.116, 0.113 and 0.106 kg gain /kg feed respectively). Feed costs per kg gained for TRi — TR4 were $ 0.338, 0.418, 0.332 and 0.496 respectively. Blood parameters were (P < 0.05) influenced by protein and energy sources as well as their interactions. Fishiii wastes supplementation to heifers increased (P<0.05) blood plasma minerals compared to CSC for TRj. TR4 Heifers on CRM and CSC combination had (P < 0.05) higher levels of total plasma protein and plasma glucose (97.07g/l and 3.3 mmol/1) compared to those of CRM and FW (94.86 g/1 and 3.0 mmol/l) respectively. DM degradability at 48h for CRM was (P < 0.05) higher than HM (920 vs 835 g/kg) while CP for HM was (P 0.05) higher than that of CRM (946 vs 837 g/kg) respectively. Both DM and CP for CSC were (P < 0.05) higher than that of FW (739 and 887 vs 367 and 598 g/kg). Hay had DM and CP of 322 and 749 g/kg respectively. The degradability of DM and CP at 48h in TRi and TR2 were (P 0.05) higher than in TR3 and TR4 (80land 799 vs 727 and 616 g/kg DM and CP of 828 and 825 vs 667 and 605 g/kg) TR2 having apparently higher rates of DM and CP degradability. The pH and NH3-N ruminal values were (P < 0.05) different between treatment rations and treatments with FW component had (P 0.05) higher NH3-N than that of CSC (284.7 and 203.7 vs 135.8,and 183.9 mg/1). It was concluded that CRM and FW could be used cost effectively in weaners rations, but best results are obtainable where CRM is combined with CSC.
Genetic characterisation of indigenous goat populations of sub-saharan Africa using microsatellite dna markers
(Sokoine University of Agriculture., 2002) chenyambuga, Sebastian Wilson
Two studies were carried out to genetically characterize the sub-Saharan African goats using 19 microsatellite markers. The aims were to understand the genetic uniqueness and relationships among breeds and to quantify the level of genetic diversity within each breed. The first study investigated the genetic relationships among the major goat types in sub-Saharan Africa. Ten African breeds were sampled from eastern Africa (Maasai. Kigezi, Mubende, North West Highland, Arsi-Bale), southern Africa (Ndebele, Pafuri) and West Africa (West African Dwarf, Maure, Djallonke). Two European breeds (Grisons Striped, Toggenburg). two Asian breeds (Mongolian Cashmere, Bandipur) and one Middle East breed (Arab) were included as reference breeds. Twenty to forty eight animals per breed breed genetic diversity was determined as the mean number of alleles per locus and average gene diversity. Two measures of population differentiation, Gst and 0 were computed to measure the genetic differentiation among the breeds. Breed assignment test was performed to identify the source populations of individual animals. Three measures of genetic distances, Ds, DA, and (bp.)2 were used to estimate the genetic distances between pairs of breeds. These distances were used to construct neighbour joining (NJ) trees to assess the relationships among breeds. The genetic relationships among breeds were further assessed using principal component analysis (PCA) and multidimensional scaling (MS). were genotyped at the 19 microsatellite loci. Within iii In total, 263 alleles were detected across all the breeds. Among the sub-Saharan African breeds, the mean number of alleles per locus ranged from 5.26 ± 0.464 (Djallonke) to 7.05 ±0.516 (Mubende). The lowest and highest average gene diversities were observed in Pafuri (0.542 ± 0.036) and Ndebele (0.672 ± 0.031), respectively. For all the breeds, the within breed genetic diversities of European breeds were slightly less than those of African and Asian breeds. Between 14.6% (0) and 15.7% (Gst) of the total genetic variation was due to differences between breeds. In the assignment test, 92.1% of all animals were correctly assigned to their original population. The three measures of genetic distances indicated that the largest genetic distances were observed between West African and southern African breeds and the lowest genetic distances were found between the pairs of breeds within the same country. The (5p)2 distances were found less effective in revealing the true genetic relationships among the breeds compared to differences, however, both grouped the breeds according to their geographic origins. The PCA and MS supported the grouping of the breeds according to their geographic origins. Unlike the NJ trees, the PCA and MS clearly separated the European breeds from the Asian breeds. Furthermore, the MS separated the Arab breed from the other breeds more clearly. Ds, and Da distances. The NJ trees constructed from Ds, and Da showed some iv The second study examined the genetic diversity and structure of Small short-eared eastern African goats as a case study. The same 19 microsatellite markers were used to genotype 13 populations. The populations sampled were Afar, North East Highland, Boran, Galla, Kenyan Small East African, Maasai, Ugogo, Sukuma, Ujiji, Tanzanian Coastal, Newala, Mbeya and Landim. The reference breeds were Tswana, Venda, West African Dwarf, Red Sokoto and Toggenburg. The Galla had the lowest (5.53 ± 0.599) mean number of alleles per locus while Afar had the highest (6.53 ± 0.646). The level of gene diversity ranged from 0.667 ± 0.035 (Afar) to 0.553 ± 0.036 (Newala). Between 11% (0) and 12% (Gst) of the total genetic variability could be attributed to differences among the populations. In the assignment test, 79.1% of the individuals were correctly assigned to their source populations. NJ tree using individual animals as the taxonomic units was constructed to study the structure of eastern African goats. Among the Tanzanian populations, only the Newala appeared to be tightly clustered together, the rest of the populations were mixed together. Among the Kenyan and Ethiopian populations, only the Afar and Kenyan Small East African featured in their distinct clusters, the rest of the populations showed unclear pattern of clustering. The NJ trees based on Ds, and Da distances, though differed in their topology, clearly marked the separation of the Tanzanian populations from the Ethiopian and Kenyan populations. The Landim was grouped together with the Tswana and Venda goats from southern Africa. The MS supported the separation of the Tanzanian populations from the Ethiopian-Kenyan populations. However, the PCA indicated that the eastern African goat populations are genetically close to each other
Studies on growth rate, carcass quality and helminth resistance of three strains of Tanzania local Goats
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2002) Malole,Julius Luhende
This study was conducted on three strains (Kigoma, Dodoma and Mtwara) of Tanzanian local goats with the aim of estimating heritability for pre weaning (birth-4 months), post weaning (4-8 months) and yearling (8-12 months) growth rates. Other heritability parameters estimated were for weight at birth, 4, 8, and 12 months of age and helminth resistance traits i.e. Faecal egg count (FEC) and packed cell volume (PCV). Data accumulated between 1997 and 2000 was used to estimate heritability. The same data set was used to evaluate the effect of sex, birth type, strain, year of birth on growth rate at four, eight and twelve months of age. This formed part I of the study. In part II of the study, the effect of worm burden on growth rate was done only on goats that had available information on PCV and FEC at six and twelve months of age. This study also evaluated the effect of strain on killing out characteristics, carcass quality and composition as well as development of prediction equations/models for carcass weight and carcass tissues. Most of the traits considered were observed to have (0.32-0.39) moderate heritability, with exception of weight at weaning, 8 months, one year of age and PCV, which had high (0.4-0.44) heritability. Strain had a significant influence (P<0.05) on growth rate at four, eight and twelve months of age. The Dodoma strain had highest daily gain at four months (40.0g), eight months (37.6g) and twelve months (32.6g) of age compared to that of Kigoma (34.6g, 35.2g, 31.4g) and Mtwara (32.3g, 29.4g, 26.1g), respectively. Sex had a significant influence on growth rate only at four months of age. Male kids had higher daily gain than females. There was a significant effect of worm burden on growth rate at six and twelve months of age. Dodoma strain showed lowest FEC and highest PCV and growth rate. Mtwara strain showed highest level of FEC and the lowestiii PCV and growth rate. Kigoma strain was in between the other two strains. Susceptibility to helminth infection measured by FEC and PCV indicated that Dodoma strain did not differ significantly (P>0.05) from that of Kigoma strain, and that both of them were more resistant than Mtwara strain. Further more, results indicated a negative correlation between FEC and PCV at both ages. FEC also had a negative relationship with growth rate at six and twelve months of age, whereas PCV showed a positive relationship with growth rate. There were significant differences between strains in dressing percentage (DP), slaughter weight, empty body weight and carcass weight. Dodoma strain had the highest weights followed by Mtwara and Kigoma. Dressing percentage was 49.3% in Dodoma strain, 45.5% in Mtwara strain and 44.8% in Kigoma strain. Strain effects were also observed for edible non-carcass components when expressed as percentage of slaughter weight. Dodoma strain had the highest weight of kidney, head, feet, and gut fat compared to Mtwara and Kigoma. Other edible non-carcass components such as pluck, spleen, liver, and gut were heavier for Dodoma strain than those of others trains albeit the differences were not significant. Carcass composition consisted of 70.3, 69.8, and 68.4% for lean; 17.8, 18.8 and 19.7% for bone; 12.5, 15.5, and 15.5% for fat in Dodoma, Mtwara and Kigoma strains, respectively. Strain effect was also evident in carcass tissue ratios, with Dodoma goats showing better proportions than Mtwara and Kigoma. Strain also had significant effect (P<0.05) on carcass joint weights. The Dodoma strain exhibited heaviest weights of ribs, breasts, loin and feet than the other two strains. Heart girth was the best independent variable in predicting carcass weight (P<0.002, R2 = 82.4%). Foreleg joint was the best predictor of lean (P<0.001, R2 = 92%), while rib joint was the best predictor of both carcass bone (P<0.001, R2= 87%) and fat (P<0.001, R2= 80%). Of theiv the three independent variables namely slaughter weight, carcass weight and empty body weight, carcass weight was the best predictor of lean (P<0.001, R2= 98%) and fat (P<0.001, R2 =87%), whereas slaughter weight was the best predictor of bone (P<0.001, R2 = 89%). It was generally concluded that of the threes trains, the Dodoma strain was superior to the rest in terms of growth rate, helminth resistance and carcass quality. Selection, bio-molecular techniques and cross breeding could be employed to improve these traits because they have moderate heritability.
The impact of helminth infections in free-range chickens with special focus on the pathologenicity of tetrameres americana
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2003) Magwisha, Henry Budodi
The distribution of helminth infections in free-range chickens is known to be wide spread and some of the species occur with high prevalence and intensities, but the impact of helminth infections has not been adequately quantified. Two on-farm studies were conducted: the first was to determine the effect of natural helminth infections and the second was to evaluate different treatment regimens in free-range chickens. In addition two on-station experimental infections ol’ Teiranicrex americana were conducted to determine the pathogenic effect of this parasite. Twelve farms were involved in the on-farm studies where anthelmintics were applied strategically, in the first experiment a single dose of mebendazole was applied fortnightly and the chickens were followed for six months. In the second experiment the chickens were followed for 12 months where single, seasonal, and month!} treatments were tested. Mortality. weight, and egg production were recorded e\cr\ fortnight for the entire experimental period. lor the on-station studies the pathogenic effect ol dillcrcnt mlcciivc doses ol /. iimeriuanci were assessed for 12 weeks. The parameters measured were: mortality. weight gain, and the effect on haematological profiles. The results of the on-farm studies showed that natural helminth infections in free-range chickens reduced growth rates by 22% and delayed sexual maturity by eight weeks. The following helminth species were noted to cause mortalil}: Axcuridiu tiulli (one deal!'.) and Xy/i^uiiuis truchcu (15 deaths) and Helerukis i’uUinurum (17 deaths) through transmission of histomonosis. Monthly treatment was a better regimen but seasonal treatment was very promising. In the experimental infection 7! timcricaim produced transient anaemia: lymphocytopenia.: 11 heterophilin. eosinophilia, and elevated blood pepsinogen levels. The key findings from the present studies are that natural mixed helminth infections cause a subclmicai disease resulting in slow grow ill rale and dclascd sexual maturilj in ri ce-range chicken. 1’or the first time T. cuneiiccinci has been observed to elevate the blood pepsinogen level as well as causing low weight gains and that a mean ol’X 7 female /’ uiiicricciiiu intermittent!) caused anaemia.
Empirical verification of local knowledge in the description of nutritive value of forages in mixed farming systems of Turiani, Morogoro, Tanzania.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture., 2005) Komwihangilo, Daniel M.
Studies were conducted in the mixed farming system of Turiani division, Morogoro, Tanzania in order to find out how local knowledge (LK) characterizes different types of forages, feeding and production responses of crossbred cattle as well as to understand how nutritive value of forages defined by LK compares with formal scientific knowledge. Participatory rural appraisals (PRA), cross-sectional and longitudinal surveys and controlled animal experiments were undertaken. The crosssectional survey covered 125 households. In the longitudinal survey, 30 respondents months. Feed preference experiments were carried out with four intact male crossbred calves whereby green grasses wire provided either singly [Panicum maximum. purputtum cochinchineusis} or in combinations of two forages in equal proportions [P. maximum + P. trichocladum; P. maximum + R. cc mchinensis; P. trichocladum + R. cochinchineusis and P. purpureum + P. trichocladum} for four consecutive days. Calves were simultaneously observed while each animal was feeding on one of the four treatments in sequential periods of 15 minutes each in four random orders (1, 2, 3 and 4) every test-day. Amounts of herbage eaten and numbers of prehension bites were recorded. The bite rate, bite mass and intake rate were calculated. In another experiment, five bull calves were allocated to each of the four treatments; [P. ratio) (plus concentrate supplement); P. maximum (without supplement) and P. maximum + P. trichocladum (in 5:1 ratio) (without supplement)] in a completely maximum (plus concentrate supplement); P. maximum + P. trichocladum (in 5:1 were individually interviewed for four consecutive times within intervals of two Panicum trichocladum, Penniwtum and Rottboelia randomised design. Dry matter intake (DMI) and growth performance of calves similar to those used in the preference study were determined including economic analysis of the above practices. The surveys revealed that criteria for forage quality include preference by animals, high milk yield, fast stomach fill, availability, absence of feeding disorders, high milk quality, health condition of animals and convenience in cut and carry. Logistic regression analysis showed that forage preference by cattle ranked (in descending order) Digitaria spp, P. purpureum, T. laxum, P. reference grass forage. However, P. purpureum and T. laxum ranked first and second respectively for criteria of high milk yield, fast stomach fill, improving health condition and convenience at harvesting whereas M. pruriens was the species most preferred by cattle followed by V. pubescens, 1. aquatica and C. africana when the legumes and forbs were compared against M. atropurpureum. The intake rate of P. purpureum of 15.72gDM/min, bite rate of 5.31bites/min and bite mass of 3.1 Ig/bite respectively was significantly higher f < 0 05) than that of other single grass species tested. Total DMI of P. trichocladum + R. cochinchinensis and P. purpureum + P. higher than that of P. maximum + P. trichocladum and P. maximum + R. cochinchinensis respectively. Supplementation increased total DMI of grass forages regardless of whether they were mixed or not. It is concluded that LK and formal scientific knowledge of forage quality description have social, economic and biological justifications that may be similar or different. However, more studies are needed in LK and complementary knowledge systems for sustainable utilization of feeds and other resources abundant in smallholder settings. trichocladum, Cynodon spp and R. cochinchinensis with P. maximum serving as a trichocladum of 224.54g/15min and 232.52g/15min were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of P. maximum + P. trichocladum and P. maximum + R. cochinchinensis respectively. Supplementation increased total DMI of grass forages regardless of whether they were mixed or not. It is concluded that LK and formal scientific knowledge of forage quality description have social, economic and biological justifications that may be similar or different. However, more studies are needed in LK and complementary knowledge systems for sustainable utilization of feeds and other resources abundant in smallholder settings.
Effectiveness of health education intervention in reducing the incidence rate of porcine cysticercosis in Mbulu District, Northern Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2005) Ngowi, Helena Aminiel
A study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of health and pig management education intervention in reducing the incidence rate of porcine cysticercosis caused by larvae of Taenia solium in Mbulu District, northern Tanzania. A random sample of 827 pig-keeping households was selected from 42 randomly selected villages to participate in the study, which lasted for about 2 years. Baseline data were collected on the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis based on lingual examination of live pigs; history of human taeniosis, and related knowledge and practices based on questionnaire interviews and observations. The health education intervention, developed with community participation, was allocated to 21 of the 42 study villages by randomisation. A note-based analysis was used to analyse qualitative data, while quantitative data were analysed using Stata 8.0 for Windows. Knowledge of smallholder pig farmers on how a pig acquires cysticercosis and how to prevent it, improved significantly in both the intervention and control groups 6 months after the [improvement by the intervention: 27.4% (95% CI: 7.0, 48.0) and 37.7% (95% CI: 13.0, 62.0), respectively]. The effect of the intervention 10-12 months postintervention was not significant [improvement by the intervention: 0.7% (95% CI: - 11.0,12.0) and 1.1% (95% CI: -13.0, 15.0). There were no significant improvements in observed practices by the intervention throughout the study period. The incidence rate of porcine cysticercosis as measured by antigen ELISA in tracer piglets in the intervention, showing a significant effect attributable to the intervention control group was about 1.6 that in the intervention group (95% CI: 0.928, 2.707). ’I'he effectiveness of the education intervention in reducing the incidence rate of porcine cysticercosis was 35.9%. Educating pig farmers in Mbulu District on how to control porcine cysticercosis would have a significant financial benefit to them [NPV: TZS 4 034 030.4 (95% CI: 3 719 614.0, 4 368 169.0); IRR: 370%]. Health education would have an important contribution to the control of Taenia solium transmission, if implemented in Mbulu District. Demonstration studies are needed in order to educate smallholder pig farmers on how to improve the traditional pig rearing system using locally available resources
Growth, extracted milk yield and reproductive performance of Teso cattle and their crosses with Sahiwal and Boran at Serere, Uganda
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2005) Mulindwa, Henry Earon
A study was earned out to evaluate growth, extracted milk yield and reproductive performance of Teso cattle and their crosses with Sahiwal and Boran at Serere Agricultural and Animal Research Institute, Serere, Uganda. Analysis of variance based on GLM of SAS 2002 was used to analyse the data. The overall means for weights at birth, weaning and pre-weaning ADG were 18.36 ± 0.076, 100.55 ± 0.48 kg and 304 ± 1.96 g/day respectively. Dry season bom calves were significantly (P<0.05) superior to wet season bom in both weaning and pre-weaning ADG. Sex of the calf was significant only for weaning weight whereby males were heavier than the females by 3.35 kg. Genetic group of the calf was significant (P<0.001) for all traits studied. Rankings of genetic groups for weaning weight and pre-weaning ADG were BiSx(SxT), F] (SxT), Bi(SxT)xT, B]Bx(BxT), F](BxT) and Teso. Influence of year was significant (P<0.01) for weaning weight and pre-weaning ADG. Heritability estimates based on sire variance components for birth, weaning weight and pre-weaning ADG were 0.41, 0.02 and 0.02 and those based on dam plus sire variance components were 0.41, 0.16 and 0.36 respectively. The phenotypic correlation between birth and weaning weight was -0.07, birth weight and pre weaning ADG was -0.44 while that between weaning weight and pre-weaning ADG was 0.93. The overall calving interval was 453 days. Fj(BxT) and Fi(SxT) crosses had calving intervals of 44.6 and 61.3 days longer than the pure Teso cows. The overall means for extracted milk yield and lactation length were 120 + 3.4 kg and 173.6 ± 5 days respectively. Mean lactation length for Fi(SxT), Fi(BxT) and Teso were 182.9, 165.7 and 148.7 days respectively. Fi(SxT) had significantly (P<0.05) higher extracted milk yield (178 kg) than Teso (127.2 kg) and Fl(BxT) crosses (125.9 kg). Dry season calvers had 38.5 kg more extracted lactation milk yield than wet season calvers. Extracted milk yield of the third month after calving had high correlations 0.80 and 0.93 with 100 days milk yield and extracted lactation milk yield respectively. Lactation curve parameters for partially milked cows belonging to the three genetic groups studied were also estimated. Selection of animals for improved milk production can be done using the milk yields of the first three months of lactation.
The potential of leucaena pallida and acacia angustissima fodder in improving the productivity of dairy cattle in Tabora region
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2005) Msangi, Rashid Badi Ramadhani
Four experiments were carried out to evaluate the feeding value of L. pallida and A. angustissima and determine how these fodder materials could be managed and used for sustained dairy production in the farming system in Tabora Region, Western Tanzania. The first experiment involved assessing the yield and nutritive value of£. pallida and A. angustissima as related to cutting management. In experiment 2, the effect of post-harvesting treatment methods on the level of secondary compounds were evaluated. Experiment 3 was carried out to investigate the effect of supplementing L. pallida and A. angustissima leaf meals to lactating dairy cows fed grass hay on milk yield, quality and financial return of the rations. Experiment 4 was undertaken to determine digestibility and nitrogen balance in dairy cows fed grass hay supplemented with dried leaf meals from L. pallida and A. angustissima. Results showed that the 3-months cutting interval had the highest fodder yield (3.44 and 5.41 tDM/ha for L. pallida and A. angustissima, respectively) while 1-month cutting regime had the lowest fodder yield (2.8 and 3.4 tDM/ha for L. pallida and A. angustissima, respectively). Nitrogen and mineral contents varied significantly (P < 0.05) between cuttings and edible fractions, which ranged from 27.1 to 47.7 for nitrogen, 2.37 to 8.49 for calcium, 1.40 to 4.90 for phosphorus and 11.6 to 23.1g/kg DM for potassium. Condensed tannins (CT) in the edible fractions ranged from 8 to 16 and 17 to 33mg/g DM for A. angustissima (AA) and L. pallida (LP), respectively. Mimosine content ranged from 26.8 to 63mg/g DM in edible fractions of L. pallida. In both species, In-sacco DM and N degradability at 48 hours of incubation were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in 1-month cuttings than in the other cuttings and ranged from 442 to 591g/kg for DM and 503 to 618g/kg DM for nitrogen. Soaking in water, sun drying, wilting and drying under shade of the edible fractions reduced 37 to 50%, 22 to 40%, 12 to 18% and less than 10% of CT content, while mimosine content was reduced by 74 to 91%, 41 to 55%, 20 to 40% and 22 to 26%, respectively. Milk yield was highest for cows supplemented with cotton seed cake (CSC) (9.94 kg/day) and lowest for cows supplemented with LP (7.78 kg/day). Supplementing mixture of the two browse leaf meals gave the highest net return (104.20 Tshs/litre) while CSC recorded the lowest net returns (66.60 Tshs/litre). Apparent DM and N digestibility were higher for cows supplemented with CSC (585g/kg and 931g/kg for DM and N, respectively) and lowest for cow supplemented with LP (466g/kg and 603g/kg DM for DM and N, respectively). The N absorbed was more efficiently retained (P < 0.05) with cows supplemented with CSC (21.8 g/day) and poorly retained with cows supplemented with AA (4.24 g/day). These results indicated that optimal yield and quality of edible fodder materials of the two browse species could be obtained at 2-months cutting interval. Soaking in water and/or drying in the sun could reduce tannins and mimosine content in the edible fractions to an acceptable level before feeding. The two browse species had high CP and mineral contents and were more economical than cotton seed cake as protein supplement. Agronomic strategies to maximize fodder production during the dry season should be given attention. Studies to determine the effect of tannins and other related polyphenolic compounds on protein availability and utilization by ruminant animals should be carried out.
Assessment of reproductive performance of smallholder dairy cattle in Rungwe district, Tanzania and possible interventions
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2006) Gimbi, A A
A study was conducted aimed at establishing causes for suboptimal reproductive performance in smallholder dairy cattle and investigate on possible interventions. Experiment 1 was carried out to identify management, productive and reproductive status of the animals. The data were analysed using descriptive and Chi-square test. Monitoring was done (Experiment 2) to evaluate nutritional, productive and reproductive status of animals. Body weight (BWT), body condition score (BCS), plasma urea nitrogen (PUN), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and copper (Cu) were determined. Several reproductive performance indices were calculated and association between them and the nutritional parameters were determined by Pearson’s correlation coefficients. Effect of supplementation on productive and reproductive performance was evaluated (Experiment 3) using similar parameters as in experiment 2. General linear model was applied for analysis of variance of variables in experiments 2 and 3. Chi-square test was used to determine the relationship between proportions of animals in categories of reproductive parameters and diseases in different seasons and treatment groups. Experiment 1 showed that most respondents practised zero grazing, bred animals by natural mating and dried cows 1-3 months precalving without steaming up. On average farmers fed 1.9 kg of concentrate per day for 19.2 days in a month with 23.8 g/day of minerals included in 13.7 days in a month. The observed (Means ± SD) ages at puberty, first mating, first calving (AFC) and CI were 20.5±1.0, 21.5±1.8,30.8±1.8 months and 526±123 days, respectively. In experiment 2, BWT and BCS (Means ± SEM) were 320.8 ± 3.9 kg and 2.2 ± 0.0, respectively. Concentrations (Means ± SEM) of PUN, plasma Ca, P and Cu were 8.4 ± 0.2, 7.7 ± 0.1, 4.3 ±0.1 mg/dl and 0.44 ± 0.01 pg/ml, respectively. Ovarian cyclicity resumed before 90 days postpartum in 29.4% of the animals and days to first visual oestrus (DPO) were 178.7 ±19.6 (Mean ± SEM) with 22.9% of cows showing visual oestrus before 90 days postpartum. Mean (Mean ± SEM) SC and CI were 1.5 ± 1.2 and 485.7 ± 20.1 days, respectively. The DPO was significantly correlated with BWT (r = -0.315; P<0.05), BCS (r = -0.424; P<0.01) and body condition score at calving (BCSC) (r — -0.348; P<0.05) while CI was significantly correlated with BCS (r = -0.394; P<0.05). Supplementation significantly (P<0.05) reduced DPO by 43.6 days and significantly (P<0.001) improved BWT, BCS, PUN, and milk yield by 37.9 kg, 0.3, 2.2 mg/dl, and 2.5 L/day, respectively. In addition, supplementation significantly (P<0.05) increased BCSC, plasma P, Cu, and calf birth weight by 0.4, 0.6 mg/dl, 0.07 pg/ml, and 2.6 kg respectively. Reproductive performance of the cattle was suboptimal and was attributed to nutritional deficiencies. Concentrate supplementation and body condition scoring were recommended but further research is needed to refine the feeding strategy in relation to plasma P and Cu and to establish the optimum body condition score for daily cattle production and reproduction in the area. More research is also needed to identify risk factors that contribute to cattle dystocia in Rungwe district.

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