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Item The ability of sheep to reach for food through tombstone barriers, as affected by position of food, body weight and body dimensions(2000) Muhikambele, V.R. M.; Owen, E.; Mould, F.L.; Mtenga, A.Two studies were undertaken to provide information on the ability of sheep to reach for food similar to that for cattle fed through tombstone barriers. In the first study twenty castrate and twenty non-pregnant: female unshorn Suffolk x Mule sheep (23 - 89 kg live weight) were trained to reach through a vertical' tombstone barrierJor concentrate meal placed on a horizontal platform attached to the barrier. The barrier allowed the neck to pass through, but not the shoulders. It was hypothesised that horizontal reach forwards (F. distance from mid-point of barrier to uneaten meal) and sideways (S. distance sideways from ' mid-point of barrier to uneaten meal adjacent to barrier) would be a function of height of platform above the floor and bt size (M). Because of size. seventeen sheep (mean 34.6 kg) were unable to reach the meal when the p at form height was 75 cm. Mean (s. e.) values for F cit platform heights O. 25. 50 and 75 cm were 43.91.03. 9.40.91. 47. 00. 96 and 27.01.27 em respectively. Values for Sweresmaller but followed a similar pattern (36.61.10. 43.50.80. 41.00. 79 and 22.91.78 em). Lihearregression showed that F or S could be predicted from M (R2 >0.5) or a combination of M and withers height (R2>0. 7) when platform heights were 25. 50 or 75 cm. Reach at 0 cm platform height was not related to body weight or linear dimensions. In the second study with unshorn Suffolk x Mule sheep. ten castrates and ten non-pregnant fomales (23 - 97 kg live weight) were trained to reach through the tombstone barrier for concentrate pellets glued'. using molasses. onto a vertical plate. It was hypothesised that vertical reach (V. distance from floor to uneaten pellets) would be afunction of distance between barrier wid plate (20. 30. 40. 45. 50 cm). height of step (0. 14.2. 28.4. 42.6 cm) on which sheep placed their forelegs. and body size. With the-exception of the largest sh'eep. most were unable to reach pellets either when the barrier-to-plate distance was 45~nd 50cin. or when theforeleg-step height was 42. 6 cm. Mean (s.e) Vvaluesdecreasedwith step height (e.g. at 0 cm step. 103.83.04. 96.23.23 and 82.14.3 7cm. at 20. 30 and 40 cm plate distances respectively; at ~Ocm plate distance. 103.83.04.118.72.83 and 131.92.91 cm at O. 14.2 and 28.4 cm step heights respectively). Linear regression of V on body weight and linear dimensions (e.g. withers height and rump height) showed high correlations (R2> O. 8). V could be predicted from either M ~>O. 7) or a combination of rump height andwithers height~>0.9). The results confirm relationshipsfound in a previous investigation }'lith goats. but demonstrate that sheep have a smaller reach than goats. The data will facilitate the design of mangers for sheep with body dimensions in the range of those used.Item Abundance and distribution of ixodid tick species Infesting cattle reared under traditional farming Systems in Tanzania(African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2017) Kerario, Isack Ibrahim; Muleya, Walter; Chenyambuga, Sebastian; Koski, Marja; Hwang, Seong-Gu; Simuunza, MartinTicks and tick-borne diseases are serious constraints to livestock production in Tanzania and other sub-Saharan African countries. Despite this, knowledge on the abundan ce of tick species infesting cattle in most parts of Tanzania is insufficient or lacking. This study was conducted to identify species and establish the abundance of ticks infesting cattle in Mara, Singida and Mbeya regions of Tanzania. The ticks were collected from one side of the body, counted and identified, based on morphological characteristics; to species level. The mean tick count per animal was significantly higher in Mara (35.8±4.3, p=0.0001) as compared to Singida (12.9±2.1) and Mbeya (7.0±0.4) regions. Young animals in Mara (24.7±6.0, p=0.0395) and Mbeya (5.4±0.3, p=0.0252) exhibited relatively lower mean tick counts compared to the weaners (Mara = 33.8±6.5, Mbeya = 7.2±0.7) and adult animals (Mara = 46.3±8.4, Mbeya = 7.8±0.7). Seven tick species from three different genera, namely Ambylomma, Hyalomma, Rhipicephalus (including the subgenus Boophilus), were identified. However, only five species (A. lepidum, A. variegatum, R. decoloratus, R. microplus and H. rufipes) were observed in all the three regions. R. appendiculatus and R. evertsi were not found in Mbeya and Mara respectively. The most prevalent species in Mara, Singida and Mbeya were R. appendiculatus (50.5%), A. lepidum (31.2%) and R. evertsi (35.6%), respectively. This study showed the existence of a variety of tick species, most of them being of veterinary importance. Therefore, strategic planning and cost-effective tick control measures should be implemented in order to reduce losses caused by ticks and tick borne diseases in the study area.Item Alternative goat kid-rearing systems for improved performance and milk sharing between humans and offspring in climate change mitigation(Springer International Publishing AG, 2015) Chigwa, Fanny C.; Eik, Lars Olav; Kifaro, G.C.; Muhikambele, V.C.M.; Mushi, Daniel E.Intensification of livestock production reduces the amount of land required to sustain a livestock unit and frees up the land necessary for carbon sequestration. Transforming the goat sector from meat only to a dual-purpose system with both milk and meat is reported to increase food production per unit of land. Dairy goats have been widely adopted among smallholders in Tanzania and are now gaining popularity in Malawi. High mortalities due to poor feeding of goat- kids have been identified as a major challenge and therefore kid rearing systems of different milking systems for dairy goats and use of different creep feeds and alternate rearing systems for meat goat on Likoma Island were evaluated. In study I, the methods used were (a) suckling one teat twice daily and milking the other teat; (b) suckling in daytime only and morning-milking of dams, and (c) early weaning and bottle-rearing using goat’s milk. In study II, three different types of locally available creep feed supplements were evaluated for animals grazed on unimproved rangeland. The third study qualitative differences in kid rearing systems for local goats, with or without milking, were evaluated on Likoma Island in Malawi using a semi-structured questionnaire. In study I, kid growth rates, ranging from 62 to 76 g/day did not significantly differ; one teat milking provided the most milk for human consumption and artificial rearing was found to be the most labor intensive and therefore not recommended under small-holder condi- tions. Goat farmers on Likoma Island preferred faster kid growth to more milk for human consumption. It is concluded that successful kid rearing systems should address farmer milk utilization and kid growth and evaluate locally available feeds for creep feeding and dam feeding.Item Analysis of genetic Diversity and relationships of Tanzania local goat populations using microsatellite DNA markers(2002) Chenyambuga, S.W.; Watts, P.C.; Hirbo, J.; Kemp, S.J.; Hanotte, O.; Kifaro, G.C.; Gwakisa, P.S.; Rege, J.E.O.; Petersen, P.H.Genetic diversity among seven Tanzanian goat populations (Ujiji, Sukuma, Ugogo, Maasai, Mbeya, Newala and Coastal goats) was investigated by determining polymorphisms at 19 microsatellite DNA loci, West African Dwarf Tswana, Landim and Toggenburg were included to serve as reference breeds. Among the Tanzanian populations, mean number of alleles per locus was highest (6.26 ± 0.670) in Sukuma and lowest (5.74 ± 0.545) in Newala. Gene diversity ranged from 0.553 ± 0.036 (Newala goats) to 0.646 ± 0.028 (Mbeya goats). The coefficient of gene differentiation (Gsr) indicated that 13% of the genetic diversity in all populations was due to difference between the populations. The genetic distance values ranged from 0. 068 (between Sukuma and Ugogo goats) to 0.2178 (between Ujiji and Coastal goats). The neighbour-joining dendrogram constructed to show population relationships indicated that the Tanzanian populations were separated from the populations, used as reference, breeds. The dendrogram revealed three, sub-clusters of the Tanzanian populations. Coastal and Maasai goats Ugogo and Ujiji goats and Sukuma Mbeya and Newala goats. The principal component analysis separated the Newala goats from the other Tanzanian goat populations. It is concluded that the level of genetic variation within, the goat populatiions was reasonably high and there was no significant difference between the population with respect to the number of alleles and the level of heterozygosity.Item Animal health constraints in dairy goats kept under Smallholder farming systems in Kongwa and Mvomero Districts, Tanzania(Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, 2014) Shija, Dismas Said Ngasa; Kusiluka, Lughano Jeremy Moses; Chenyambuga, Sebastian Wilson; Shayo, Deogratias; Lekule, Faustin PaulThis study was conducted to determine animal health constraints for dairy goats kept by small-scale farmers in Kongwa and Mvomero districts, Tanzania. A total of 129 dairy goats belonging to 108 farmers were screened for gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection, coccidiosis, haemoparasites, brucellosis and contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) over a period of 11 months. Other clinical diseases and mortalities were recorded. The goats used were Norwegian crosses and Toggenburg crosses. The mean prevalence of GIN infection and coccidiosis in all goats were 54.8 and 57.4%, respectively. Prevalence of GIN infection was higher (P ≤ 0.05) during the rainy months than in the dry months, but the prevalence of coccidiosis did not differ (P > 0.05) between the dry and rainy seasons. The EPG in goats did not differ (P > 0.05) between Kongwa (169.79 ± 0.03 EPG) and Mvomero (171.51 ± 0.04 EPG) districts, but the OPG differed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) with values of 793.15 ± 0.04 (Kongwa) and 364.02 ± 0.05 (Mvomero). The prevalence of CCPP in the goats was 26.4%. Other clinical diseases included respiratory diseases, infectious keratoconjunctivitis and orf (scabby lesions around mouth and nostrils). Both tests for haemoparasites and brucellosis indicated negative results for all goats tested. Mortality rate during the study period was 15.5% and the major causes of deaths were respiratory diseases, bloat and food poisoning. In conclusion, gastrointestinal nematodes are prevalent in both districts, but the burdens are relatively low to justify mass treatment. The Norwegian goats are more susceptible to GIN infection and coccidiosis compared to Toggenburg goats.Item Assessment of body size and catch per unit effort of Nile perch (Lates Niloticus) caught using different fishing gears at Magu district in Lake Victoria, Tanzania(African Journal of Biological Sciences, 2020) Munubi, Renalda N.; Nyakibinda, Julitha N.Effort (CPUE) of Nile perch (Lates cf. niloticus) captured using three common fishing gears at Magu district in Tanzania. Three landing sites along Lake Victoria were selected for this assessment. Each site was visited twice per week for two months. At each site 10 boats were identified based on the gear used and randomly selected for fish count. Ten fish per boat were taken for weight and length measurements. The results show that the main fishing gears used to catch fish at all sites were gillnet (GN), long line (LL) and beach seine (BS). Mean length of captured fish recorded from each gear were 33.7, 41.5 and 43.8 for beach seine, gillnets and long lines respectively, which was below the minimal required length of 50 cm. Large proportion of small landed fish were observed in vessels fishing with beach seine, this was due to illegal nature of the beach seine, where by fishermen used small mesh sizes of 10 mm to 12 mm. However, beach seine had higher CPUE (kg/gear/day) (44.9) and gillnet had the lowest (22.6). This study revealed that the mean length from all sites were below the legal minimum size required by the Tanzanian government, suggesting that all beaches are involves in over exploration of fish.Item Assessment of farmers perceptions on the status of astripomoea hyscamoides (Kongwa weed) invasiveness in central Tanzania(ournal of Plant Sciences and Agricultural Research, 2018) Nkombe, Boniphace; Sangeda, Anthony; Sibuga, Kallunde; Hermansen, ohnnterference of land use by weeds particularly in grazing and crop lands has increasingly reduced the agriculture productivity. In this article, we assess farmers’ and other key stakeholders’ perception on the status of A. hyscamoides invasiveness in terms of effects and possible control approaches. A combination of three Focused Group Discussions, interviews with 10 key informants and 90 household through systematic random sampling techniques were used to collect data on farmer’s perception about the weed effects and possible control measures. Results indicated that the weed cover has increased for the past 5 years. The majority of the farmers (75%) agree that the weed has negative effects while 25% of the farmers considered it to have both positive and negative consequences- the positive impact related to the fact that the weed can serve as feed. Similarly farmers were also aware of the source of spread which includes animals such as cattle and high rainfall. On the other hand, findings revealed little initiative toward control of the weed. However, farmers were positive to contribute towards the control of the weed through sustainable land management strategies or integrated weed management approaches, if relevant technical assistance is offered. In addition, there is a need of baseline data for monitoring the direction of spread and abundance in order to strategically control further invasions and select appropriate management options in the already affected areas.Item Assessment of genetic variation among four populations of Small East African goats using microsatellite markers(South African Society for Animal Science, 2017) Nguluma, A. S.; Zhao, Y.; Huang, Y.; Chen, L.; Msalya, G.; Lyimo, C.; Guangxin, E.; Chenyambuga, S. W.The majority of goats in Tanzania belong to the Small East African (SEA) breed, which exhibits large phenotypic variation. This study aimed to determine the genetic structure of, and relationships among four populations (Sukuma, Gogo, Sonjo, and Pare) of the SEA breed that have not been studied adequately. A total of 120 individuals (24 from each population) were analysed at eight microsatellite loci. In addition, 24 goats of the South African Boer breed were used as reference. Observed heterozygosity (Ho) ranged from 0.583 ± 0.04 for Sukuma to 0.659 ± 0.030 for Gogo, while expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 0.632 ± 0.16 for Sukuma to 0.716 ± 0.16 for Boer. Five loci deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) across populations. The mean number of alleles ranged from 4.75 ± 1.58 for Pare to 6.88 ± 3.00 for Sukuma. The mean inbreeding coefficient (F IS ) ranged from 0.003 in Sonjo to 0.148 in Sukuma. The differentiation coefficient (F ST ) was highest (0.085) between Boer and Sukuma and lowest (0.008) between Gogo and Sonjo. The largest genetic distance (0.456) was found between Sukuma and Boer, while the smallest (0.031) was between Gogo and Sonjo populations. Pare, Gogo, and Sonjo populations, formed one cluster, while Sukuma and Boer populations formed two separate clusters. From the findings, it can be concluded that the SEA goats in this study showed high in population genetic variation, which implies that there is good scope for their further improvement through selection within populations. The Sukuma population, which has fairly high inbreeding, is moderately differentiated from Pare, Sonjo, and Gogo goat populations, which showed a high level of admixture. Conservation and improvement strategies of the goats should be designed with first priority being on Sukuma goats. ____________________________________________________________________________________Item Assessment of growth and population structure revealed sufficient genetic diversity among lambs of Mecheri sheep in Tamil Nadu, India(Elsevier, 2022-07) Thiruvenkadan, Aranganoor Kannan; Muralidharan, Jaganathan; Ramanujam, Rajendran; Msalya, George MutaniThis study was designed to evaluate various genetic parameters for growth characteristics, genetic progression, and to find out the genetic constitution of a population of Mecheri sheep, a tropical breed native to Tamil Nadu, southern India. Data for this study were various records from 2768 lambs, which were a result of mating of 110 sires and 748 dams during a period of 10 years, between 2010 and 2019. Among the evaluated traits included body weights at various stages of growth such as birth weight (BWT), as well as weight at weaning (WWT), at 6- months (6WT), at 9-months (9WT), and at one-year-old (12WT). Estimated genetic parameters included additive direct and maternal heritabilities and genetic correlations, genetic changes, inbreeding, and generation interval. Among the software required for various analyses were the ENDOG (version 4.8) and Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML). Mean ( ± SE) values of weight at birth and at 12 months were 2.37 ± 0.02 and 21.34 ± 0.34 kg respectively. Direct heritability values estimated at birth, six months, as well as 12 months were respectively 0.14 ± 0.05, 0.07 ± 0.03, and 0.08 ± 0.03. Maternal heritability value for BWT was 0.28 and whereas low and varied values between 0.03 and 0.05 were obtained for both weaning and post-weaning traits. Overall, genetic improvement was low at birth (− 0.0025 kg) and highest (0.1314 kg) around weaning age. Average inbreeding coefficient value was 0.16 % and the effective population size of founders was 100.35, while mean generation interval ( ± SE) was 3.44 ± 1.15 years. Effective number of founders was 18.01 % and indicates that Mecheri sheep have their origin from a moderate genetic base. The observed f e /f a ratio was 1.00 and is linked to presence of sufficient founding ancestors, less bottlenecks, and possibly implementation of rotational mating scheme at the farms. In summary, our study revealed that there are high correlations between WWT and post-weaning weights. Based on heritability values, the WWT could be used as an important trait which can facilitate improvement in body weight of Mecheri lambs. Further, the present genetic parameter values for different variables advocates that the genetic progress for body weight at various stages of growth is feasible in Mecheri sheep thorough genetic selection strategies. We conclude that sufficient genetic diversity is maintained within Mecheri sheep.Item Assessment on the availability of cattle and feeds for quality beef production in Tanzanian(ENRECA IGMAFU, 2008) Nandonde, S.W.; Tarimo, M.; Laswai, G.H.; Mgheni, D.M.; Mtenga, L.A.; Kimambo, A.E.; Madsen, J.; Hvelplund, T.; Weisbjerg, M.R.Growing demand for quality beef has motivated livestock keepers to finish cattle under feedlot. However, there is no reliable information on feed and animal resources that could sustainably support beef fattening in Tanzania.Item Carcass and meat quality characteristics of indigenous cattle in Tanzania(EGERTON UNIVERSITY, KENYA ., 2010) Mwilawa, A. J.; Kimambo, A. E.; Mtenga, L. A.; Laswai, G. H.; Madsen, J.; Hvelplund, T.; Weisbjerg, M. R.; Christensen, M.; Mgheni, D.M.Seventy two Tanzania indigenous cattle (36 Boran steers; 2-3 years old; initial liveweight 225 kg and 36 Tanzania Short Horn Zebu (TSHZ); 3-4 years old; initial liveweight 117 kg) were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments to study the effects of breed, diet and ageing time on carcass and meat quality characteristics. Animals were fed three different diets: grazing alone (Diet 1: control), control + 50 % ad libitum concentrate intake (Diet 2) and ad libitum hay + ad libitum concentrate intake (Diet 3). The concentrate contained 126 g CP and 13 MJ ME per kg DM. The steers were fattened for 90 days, slaughtered, and carcass and meat quality assessed. Boran had heavier (P<0.05) empty body weight, carcass weight and greater rib area than TSHZ (242 vs. 192 kg; 132 vs. 108 kg and 56 vs. 47 cm2). Animals fed diet 3 had higher (P<0.05) dressing percentage, carcass fat thickness, conformation score and normal meat colour score (54%; 2 cm; 12; 2.9) followed by Diet 2 (51%; 0.9 cm; 9; 3.7 and lastly Diet 1 (47%; 0.6 cm; 7; 4.4). In addition, longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle from animals fed Diet 3 had the lowest (P<0.05) shear force (45 N) indicating very tender meat whereas LD from animals fed diet 1 had the highest value (60 N) indicating less tender meat. Increasing post-mortem storage time from 2 up to 20 days decreased (P<0.05) shear force by 65%. It is concluded that both Boran and TSHZ cattle obtained acceptable range of meat quality values and that tender meat can be produced from indigenous cattle through feedlot finishing and post-mortem storage at refrigerated temperaturesItem Carcass characteristics, physicochemical and sensory meat quality of norwegian lambs finish-fed on forage rape(Springer India, 2021) Mushi, D. E.; Eik, L. O.Effects of finishing Norwegian lambs of grazing forage rape on carcass and meat quality were studied. A total of 59 Norwegian short tail lambs (126 days old, 36.15 kg BWT) were randomly allotted to three groups. T1 group lambs grazed on grass pasture for three weeks before slaughter; T2 group grazed on grass and forage rape for two weeks and then withdrawn to grass only for one week. T3 group was maintained on grass and forage rape grazing for three weeks before slaughter. Carcasses from T2 lambs had lower (P \ 0.05) conformation scores than T1, which was comparable to T3. Meat from lambs grazed on forage rape had higher (P \ 0.05) content of n-3 PUFA but lower n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio than ones grazed on grass. Meat from T3 lambs had higher (P \ 0.05) sweet odour and cloy taste than T1 lambs. It is concluded that lighter Norwegian lambs after mountain grazing can be finished by feeding on forage rape for three weeks without the risk of producing unacceptable flavour.Item Characteristics of cheeses manufactured using pepsin from adult cattle Abomasa(2001) Ryoba, R.Z .; Kurwijila, L.R.; Sorhaug, T.The cheese making quality of pepsin extracted from adult cattle abomasa using dilute HCI (HP) and commercial vinegar (VP) was assessed using three types of cheeses namely Alpine, Tilister and Pastafilata (Pasta). The level of each extract was substituted with commercial calf rennet (CR) at 0, 25, 50, 75, 100%. Renneting time (RT) for cheese milk butterfat (%BF) and total nitrogen (%TN) losses in whey were assessed. Chemical composition and microbial quality of cheese samples obtained at different storage time intervals and their sensory quality at maturity were determined, RT and TN losses in Alpine cheses increased with increasing levels of pepsin from 41min and 0.49% in 25% pepsin to 58min, and 0.55% in 100% pepsin (HP) respectively, Chemical composition of all cheese types with different levels of HP and VP were significantly different (p <.01) and were related to the levels of pepsin, The pH in Pasta and Alpine and % TN in Tilster cheese were not significantly different for the different level of HP and VP. Microbial counts in Alpine cheeses were not significantly different (p>0.05). Coliform and yeast/mould counts in Tilster and Pasta cheeses were not significantly different while the Standard Plate Counts (SPC) in Tilster, and Pasta cheeses were significantly different. Sensory quality was not significantly different for smell and taste. However, bitterness in Pasta and appearance in Alpine and Pasta were significantly different (P < 0.05), between enzyme combinations. Bitterness and taste in Alpine and bitternes in Tilister cheeses were significantly diffirent (p < .00l) betweern levels of HP and VP. Overall quality assesment of all cheeses did not show significant differences (p > 0.05) between levels of pepsin and types of extraction media for pepsin. HCI and vinegar extracted pepsin waa an apprqpriate renner substitute for the small scale cheese processors.Item Comparative analysis of partial suckling and artificial dairy kid rearing systems(2005) Selejio, O.; Muhikambele, V.R.M.; Ndemanisho, E.E.; Mushi, D.E.Forty kids aged 1 - 1.5 months and weighing 2.5 - 8 kg were randomly allocated to two: treatments, treatment. 1 (Bucket feeding system, BFS) and treatment 2 (partial suckling system, PSS). One half (10 males, 10 females) was allocated to BFS and the other half to PSS. Breed composition of the experimental animal was 20 kids Norwegian x local crosses and 20 Galla goats. The BFS does were milked twice per day (06: 30 h and 16: 30 h) while PSS does were milked only once per day (16:30 h). Milk yield and surplus (marketable) milk were measured daily for 9 weeks of lactation and kids were weighed weekly during the same period. BFS does produced significantly (P<0.05) higher milk yield (414.96 ± 13.48 g/day) than PSS does (179.23 ± 84.24 g/day. Considering surplus milk, PSS does produced significantly (P<0.05) higher than BFS does which could not even produce enough to feed their kids. The study also showed that crossbred does gave significantly (P<0.01) higher daily milk yield and surplus milk in each treatment compared with Galla does. The kids under PSS had a significantly (P<0.01) better growth rate (42.34 ± 5.46 g/day) than BFS kids (3.92 ± 8.02 g/day) and crossbred kids grew significantly (P<0.05) better (40.09 ± 6.63 g/day) than Galla kids (6.17 ± 7.09g/day). The Gross Margin Analysis (GMA) showed that PSS has a higher gross margin (Shs. 46, 024.9) than BFS (Shs. - 153,825.20). It was concluded that PSS is a better system in terms of surplus (marketable) milk and growth of kids compared with BFS.Item Comparative analysis of physical post-harvest losses of rastrineobola argentae dried using various drying methods along lake Victoria, Tanzania(2022) Mhanga, S.F; Mwandya, A.WRastrineobola argentae (Dagaa) has been the major commercial fishery of Lake Victoria contributing 67.4 % of total fish catch. In Tanzania it constitutes over 38% of the total fish landings from the Lake. However, there is a high level of post-harvest loss of about 59%. To minimize the losses, various post-harvest innovations processing methods have been developed in previous studies, but still there is limited empirical evidences showing the effectiveness of these innovations to justify their adoption. In the present study, a completely randomised experimental design was conducted to determine the effect of three drying methods of dagaa namely, solar tent, bare sand, and raised racks in reduction of physical post-harvest losses of dagaa in Mwanza, Lake Victoria. Data were collected by simple random sampling of dagaa from boats, key informant interviews and desk review of secondary data. The results showed that solar tent reduced post-harvest losses up to 24.9% compared to raised racks (14.9%) and bare sand (10%). The results showed significance differences (p<0.00), whereby the differences were noted between solar tent with raised racks (p=0.02) and between solar tents with bare sand (p=0.00) only. Based on the findings the study recommends that solar tent innovation should be promoted to commercial scale to contribute in reducing dagaa post-harvest losses. The reduction of post-harvest losses implies more quantities of dagaa will be available for nutrition and income.Item Comparative evaluation of water quality parameters and growth performance of sex-reversed Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) raised in two different climatic conditions in Tanzania(2020-06) Komba, Emma A; Munubi, Renalda N; Chenyambuga, Sebastian WA study was done to compare water quality parameters, growth and production performance of Sexreversed Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultured in two districts of Tanzania, which experience different climatic conditions (cold and moderately warm). Fingerlings (1.00 g average weight) were stocked in earthen ponds (2 fish/m3), then raised for six months. Fish were fed twice daily and ponds were inorganically fertilized fortnightly. Measurements of water quality parameters and fish growth parameters (weight, length and width) were done biweekly. The results revealed significant differences on various water quality parameters; including temperature, salinity, conductivity and alkalinity between the two districts (p≤0.05). Mean growth rate, specific growth rate, mean final weight, estimated annual yield and Food Conversion Ratio were significant better for fish grown in warm than those in cold climate (p≤0.05). It is concluded that, fish growth and water quality parameters are better in warm than cold condition.Item Comparative growth and survival performance of sea cucumber (Holothuria scabra) in co-cultured pen system with commercial macroalgae(African Journal of Biological Sciences [Associate Organisation], 2019-10) Hamad, Muumin I.; Mwandya, Augustine W.; Munubi, Renalda S.; Chenyambuga, Sebastian; Lamtane, Heiromin A.Mariculture has recently been adopted in many parts of coastal East Africa as a source of income and employment to many women and heartbroken fishermen who are the main victim of dwindling wild stock of aquatic resources. The sea cucumber (Holothuria scabra) has for long time been collected and sold as export marine product. Macroalgae (Eucheuma denticulatum and Kappaphycus alvarezii) are the common cultured seaweed species that provide hope for future increase in mariculture production. An experiment was conducted along the intertidal lagoon of Unguja Ukuu village in Zanzibar to assess the survival and growth performance of sea cucumber (H. scabra) in two separate pens under co-cultured systems with E. denticulatum and K. alvarezii. Juvenile sea cucumber H. scabra with mean weight (± se) of 67.18 ± 2.06 were integrated with the two common commercial seaweed in pen system for 10 weeks. The results revealed that the growth rate and survival of H. scabra, E. denticulatum and K. alvarezii were better under integration system. The growth of H. scabra was higher (1.038 g d-1) in pen systems co-cultured with K. alvarezii compared to 0.898 gd-1 in pen systems co-culture with E. denticulatum. Survival rate of H. scabra was higher (76%) in the pen systems co-cultured with E. denticulatum compared to that (70%) observed in pen systems co-cultured with K. alvarezii. The results suggest that the best integration of sea cucumber and macroalgae is between H. scabra and K. alvarezii. However, reliable source of H. scabra juvenile is essential for the future expansion of pen co-culture system.Item Comparative homology of HSP 70 gene in four Nigerian bos indicus breeds revealed common evolution and ancestral lineage(2018) Onasanya, G. O; Thiruvenkadan, A. K; Sreekumar, C; Tirumurugaan, K. G; Sanni, M. T; Olowofeso, O; Fafiolu, A. O; Msalya, G. M; Decampos, J. S; Ikeobi, C. O. N.Heat shock protein (HSP) 70 gene is a member of HSPs sub-family that act as molecular chaperons whenever animals come under thermal assault , they fulfill essential roles of providing cellular protection, immune response, protein synthesis, protein folding and unfolding, protection proteins from cellular stress, inhibitory apoptosis and adaptation during thermal assault. A total of ninety (90) bulls from across four extant breeds of Nigerian Zebu cattle comprising of White Fulani (25), Sokoto Gudali (21), Red Bororo (21) and Ambala (23) sampled from northern parts of Nigeria. We report from the findings that the rooted evolutionary study based on Neighbour-joining dendrogram of HSP70 sequences of White Fulani, Ambala, Sokoto Gudali and Red Bororo Nigerian Zebu breeds of cattle revealed that HSP 70 sequences of four Nigerian cattle breed showed shared homology which is suggestive of common ancestral lineage. Similarly, nucleotide sequences of HSP70 in four Nigerian B. Indicus and those of goat, sheep, yak, buffalo, camel, horse and taurine demonstrated common clade architecture, therefore suggesting evolution from common ancestor. Phylogenetic analyses of four breeds of Nigerian cattle and comparative homology between four Nigerian breeds of cattle and those of goat, sheep, yak, buffalo, camel, horse and taurine at HSP 70 gene locus suggested that these animals had shared ancestral lineage and common evolution. Therefore, the degree of relatedness of HSP 70 gene established within four Nigerian breeds of cattle and those of selected mammalian species suggested that HSP 70 gene is conserved among wide range of animals and as such it can be used as bio-marker for marker assisted selection of thermo-tolerance in wide range of livestock animals under thermal assault.Item Comparison of body length-weight relationship and condition factor for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultured in two different climatic conditions in Tanzania(2020-04) Komba, Emma A; Munubi, Renalda N; Chenyambuga, Sebastian WThis study compared length-weight relationship and condition factor of male Nile tilapia raised in two districts experiencing different climatic conditions in Tanzania, Mbarali and Mufindi. Fish were raised for six (6) months and measurements were done biweekly. The results suggests negative allometric growth pattern (b < 3) for the fish grown in both experimental locations. The “b” values for the lengthweight relationships were 2.87 and 2.94 in Mbarali and Mufindi, respectively. The correlation coefficient and coefficient of determination indicated strong relationship (>99%) between length and weight of the fish. The condition factor (K) ranged from 2.74 to 3.50 in Mbarali and 1.96 to 2.40 in Mufindi, throughout the experimental period. Significantly higher condition factor was observed for fish grown in Mbarali (3.168 ± 0.056) than those in Mufindi (2.166 ± 0.056). It is concluded that, the climate of Mbarali provides better conditions for growth of fish than that of Mufindi.Item Comparison of indigenous browses and sunflower seed cake Supplementation on intake and growth performance of dual-purpose Goats fed buffel grass (cenchrus ciliaris) hay(Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences, 2005) Komwihangilo, D. M.; Chenyambuga, S. W; Lekule, F. P; Mtenga, L. A; Muhikambele, V. R. MA study to compare the effects of supplementing Delonix 이 ata, Gre^ia similis, Tamarindus indica and sunflower seed cake on intake and growth rate of dual-purpose goats fed low quality Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) hay was carried out. Twenty-eight male goats aged five to seven months (mean weight 12.93 ± 3.94 kg) were randomly allocated to four dietary groups in a completely randomised design. The diets were hay plus Grewia similis, hay plus Delonix elata, hay plus Tamarindus indica and hay plus sunflower seed cake. All diets were supplemented with maize bran. The experimental period was 90 days. Voluntary dry matter intake of the supplements was higher for Tamarindus indica (275.5 g/day) and Grewia similis (201.8 g/day) and lowest for sunflower seed cake (81 g/day). Goats supplemented with Grewia similis had the highest hay intake (183.8 g/day) while those supplemented with sunflower seed cake had the lowest hay intake (98.9 g/day). Animals fed browse supplements gained significantly more weight (p<0.001) than those with sunflower seed cake. There were no significant differences in live weight change between goats fed the different browses. However, those fed Tamarindus indica gained an average of 20.79 g/d which was slightly higher than the gains for those on Grewia similis and Delonix elata while those fed sunflower seed cake lost weight. Correspondingly, goats supplemented with browse leaf meals had higher feed conversion ratios than those supplemented with sunflower seed cake and required 23.91 to 35.06 g DM of feed to produce one g of weight gain per day. In a separate study, the DM disappearance pattern indicated that Grewia similis and Delonix elata were highly degradable compared to Tamarindus indica . At 24 h of incubation, DM degradability was 627, 588 and 345 g/kg DM for Grewia similis, Delonix elata and Tamarindus indica, respectively. In another study in vivo DM digestibility ranged from 46.1% (for hay alone) to 56.2% (for hay plus Grewia similis). It was concluded that the addition of Tamarindus indica, Grewia similis and Delonix elata leaf meals to Cenchrus ciliaris hay resulted in increased total DM intake, in vivo digestibility and growth rate. Therefore, leaf meals of indigenous browses particularly Tamarindus indica and Grewia similis could be used as supplementary feeds for small ruminants grazing on poor quality roughages during the dry season rather than use of expensive, less effective and intermittently available sunflower seed cake. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2005. Vol 18, No. 7 : 966-972)