International Journal of
Livestock Production

  • Abbreviation: Int. J. Livest. Prod.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-2448
  • DOI: 10.5897/IJLP
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 290

IJLP Articles

Econometric analysis of determinants of land resource allocation to dairy farming in the highlands of Uganda: A case of Kigezi Highlands

November 2024

Dairy farming is important for income, food and nutritional security globally. The enterprise is traditional to cattle corridor in Uganda but of interest in non-traditional areas of the country such as the south western highland agro-ecological zone (SWHAEZ). The study examined dairy production, feeding and management practices and, assessed socio-economic factors that influence land resource allocation to dairy...

Author(s): Mercy Nimusiima, Rolland Agaba, Silver Tukamushaba , Andrew Ampaire  and Alex Barekye  

Evaluation of agro-industrial by-products used as dietary supplements in small ruminants bred in the peri-urban areas of Lomé in Togo

October 2024

The feeding of small ruminants is crucial for the success of their breeding. The objective of this study is to optimize the productivity of sheep and goats by using agro-industrial by-products (AIBP). The methodology adopted consisted of a census of AIBP used in feeding sheep and goat zoo genetic resources on the outskirts of Lomé, through a survey carried out among 90 small ruminant breeding units. The results...

Author(s): Seme Kpassi, , Lamboni Matéyendou, Coulibaly Fatoumata, Dewa-Kassa Akonta, Sossavi Yesaya Minahin, Hemon Sarabalo N’labalè, and Wéré Pitala,  

Cattle population and attributed grazing intensities in Central Equatorial, South Sudan

August 2024

The dynamic relationship between humans, cattle and wildlife is currently undergoing significant changes due to population growth, the finite nature of terrestrial resources, and unpredictable atmospheric conditions. While this shift offers benefits for food security, nutrition and livelihoods as animal populations expand, it also presents certain risks. In South Sudan, pastoral practices contribute to varying grazing...

Author(s): Meshack Oguna Malo, John Leju Celestino Ladu, Joseph Mukeka and Joseph Gweyi-Onyango  

Major hoof and musculoskeletal disorders of cart pulling mules with special reference to lameness in Bahir Dar town, northwestern Ethiopia

January 2024

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bahir Dar town, Northwestern Ethiopia, to quantify the major hoof and musculoskeletal disorders of cart mules and identify their predisposing factors. Both physical examinations of 250 cart mules and a questionnaire survey of 174 volunteer cart owners or drivers were used. The overall prevalence of gait problems was 18.8%, of which 83% were lameness, 6.3% staggering gait, and...

Author(s): Dagmawit Atalel, Kassaye Aragaw and Berhanu Mekibib  

Characterization of goat production systems in two agro-ecological zones of Burkina Faso, West Africa

October 2023

Improving the management of goat in rural areas and enhancing its ability to alleviate smallholder poverty requires a better understanding of the existing production systems. This study has been undertaken to characterize the diversity of goat farming systems and identify major constraints and opportunities for their sustainability in two agro-ecological zones of Burkina Faso, namely Sudano-Sahelian and Sudanian, as...

Author(s): Badjibassa Akounda, Dominique Ouédraogo, Pamela Anna Burger, Benjamin D. Rosen, Curtis P. Van Tassell, Johann Sölkner and Albert Soudré  

Phenotypic and production characteristics of locally adapted pig ecotypes in South-Western Agro-ecological Zone, Uganda

October 2023

The study to document phenotypic characteristics of locally adapted pigs was carried out in South-Western Agro-ecological Zone (SWAEZ) Uganda. 784 households were included; keeping a total of 3032 pigs including piglets. Only one adult pig in each household was used for recording of phenotypic characteristics. These included 252 males and 1032 females totalling 1284 pigs. Piglets (0-3 months old) constituted a slightly...

Author(s): Jackline Kampire, Gertrude N. Kiwanuka and Grace Kagoro-Rugunda  

Entomological inventory of bovine trypanosome vectors in the locality of Logone Birni, Far North Cameroon

September 2023

In order to identify the vectors of bovine trypanosomiasis in the locality of Logone Birni, inventories were carried out from March to June 2020 in six sites.  The purpose of this work is to contribute to the evaluation of the seroprevalence of bovine trypanosomiasis, to identify trypanosome vectors and to inventory the vector control methods already implemented in this area.  Forty cattle were sampled for...

Author(s): TOMPALOUMLA Justin, ZIEBE Roland, AZO’O ELA Michelson, BLAMA Yakouba, NASAAR Lazare and ACHIRI FRU Martin  

Incorporation of functional feed ingredients to substitute antimicrobials in animal nutrition: Opportunities for livestock production in developing countries

June 2023

Livestock including cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and poultry are kept under traditional farming systems producing manure, supporting crop production, insurance and financing emergency cash needs, and improving social status. The livestock feed resource base is mostly natural graze and crop residues whose quality and supply are dependent upon unreliable rainfall patterns. Due to rising demand for cropland, overgrazing,...

Author(s): Abigarl Ndudzo, Jessica Pullen, Tapiwanashe Magwaba, Sakhile Ndlovu, Mongameli Moyo, Samantha Sibanda, Jeffrey Chimbo and Alban Mugoti  

Evaluation of improved sheep breeds in pastoral areas of Yabello district, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia

May 2023

This study was conducted at Yabello district of Borana zone with the objectives of evaluating the productive performance of the 25% Dorper crossbred and the local blackhead Somali sheep under agro pastoralists’ conditions, creating awareness, improving pastoralists’ knowledge and skill. The training was given to the selected pastoralists, development agents, and experts on the importance and management of...

Author(s): Feyissa Desiso, Ahmed Mohammed Abdulla and Yonas Asefa  

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in cattle kept under pastoral management system in selected districts of Borana zone, Ethiopia

May 2023

The present study was conducted in three districts (Arero, Moyale and Yabello) of Borana zone, from October 2016 to June 2018, with the aim to determine the prevalence, identify the species and detect the risk factors of GIT parasites. For this cross-sectional study, a total of 383 faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of the animal and examined using flotation and sedimentation techniques according to...

Author(s): Dereje Teshome, Bantayehu Muluneh, Beshir Hussien and Zerihun Asefa  

Moist feeding in Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) nutrition: Influence on growth performance and carcass characteristics

April 2023

This study was aimed at investigating the influence of different proportion of water to dry meal, to give a moist feed form in feeding Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) and assess the influence of these different feed forms on growth performance and carcass characteristics. A completely randomized design of fifty-four one to two weeks old ducklings weighing 64 to 67 g were randomly distributed into 3 treatments with three...

Author(s): Ane Janet Mah Akob, Aziwo Tatanja Niba and Julius Awah-Ndukum  

A review on differentiation of goat populations in Ethiopia based on husbandry practices, breeding and morphological traits: The primary step for conservation

March 2023

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the differentiation of goat population in Ethiopia based on husbandry, breeding practices, and morphological traits of goats. Ethiopian goats have long been known for their extensive production methods, which have been reared in all agro-ecological zones. Rather than competing for fodder with cattle and sheep, goats complement them. The major feed resources for...

Author(s): Birara Tade and Aberra Melesse  

Distribution and relative abundance of pig breeds in South-Western Agro-ecological Zone, Uganda: Status of locally adapted pigs

March 2023

A cross-sectional study was conducted in five districts in South Western Agro-Ecological Zone (SWAEZ), Uganda, to map pig breed distribution and determine their abundance and population structure. Purposive and snowball sampling methods were used to identify pig farmers whose pigs were included in the study. Pig breeds were identified using the NAADS user guide on pig husbandry. The breeds that were properly identified...

Author(s): Jackline Kampire, Grace Kagoro Rugunda and Gertrude N. Kiwanuka  

Dairy production and marketing systems in urban/peri-urban and rural dairy production systems in Bona Zuria district of Sidama Region, Ethiopia

September 2022

The study aimed to assess dairy production and marketing systems in Bona district of Sidama Region, Ethiopia. The district was stratified into urban/peri-urban and rural production systems based on the distance from the Woreda town, market orientation, improved breed availability, and production systems. Each production system was further stratified into Peasant Association where urban/peri- urban system had 7 while...

Author(s): Kassu Tsegaye, Ajebu Nurfeta and Yoseph Mekasha  

Factors affecting the hatchability of snail eggs (Archachatina marginata) in the Western Highlands of Cameroon

August 2022

A study to investigate the factors affecting hatchability of Archachatina marginata eggs, had 600 eggs collected from snail pens and incubated in treated substrates; moist soil/sawdust mixture (MSD), moist sawdust (MD), moist soil (MSb), dry sawdust (DD) and dry soil (DS) as well as in rearing pens (1 m × 1 m × 0.8 m) containing moist soil (MSp). Results showed that snail egg weights  at ...

Author(s): N. R. Banla, A. T. Niba, N. P. Tuncha, Guiekep N. A. J., Helvia T. and Fonteh F.,  

In situ conservation of boran cattle through community/cooperative bull scheme based breeding program in Borana, Ethiopia

May 2022

A community based breeding program was performed in the years 2012 to 2017 in Dubluk district of Borana Zone, with the objective to improve some productive traits and conserve Boran cattle breed through disseminating improved Boran sires to pastoral community of the district. Relevant performance data were collected to check the performance of the program to achieve the required goal. The data collected were number of...

Author(s): Tamirat Tessema, Dereje Teshome and Sisay Kumsa  

Morphological and serum biochemical characterizations of local pig populations from three different agro-ecological areas of Cameroon

May 2022

A study was carried out to investigate the morphological and biochemical characteristics of local pig populations in three agro-ecological areas of Cameroon from June to September 2018. Morphological and morphometric parameters were measured in 300 pigs (147 males and 153 females) aged 6 to 8 months old. Phenotype characterization of local pigs showed diversity as follows: concave head profile, black coat colour type,...

Author(s): Olivia Sandra Magne Ghomsi, Courage Nkahminyuy Wirnkar, Kingsley Agbor Etchu, Luca Fontanesi, Charles Felix Bilong Bilong and Paul Fewou Moundipa  

Performance of weanling rabbits fed aflatoxin treated diets with sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) fruit peel

May 2022

The performance of twenty four 6-8 week old apparently healthy male and female weanling rabbits of mixed breed fed diets treated with aflatoxin, which contained 5% sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) fruit peel meal was evaluated in an 8 week feeding trial. Sweet orange peels were collected from orange sellers, sun-dried and milled. Fungal strain of Aspergillus flavus was cultured and inoculated into groundnut cake to...

Author(s): Soga S., Oluremi O. I. A. and Osuhor C. U.

Environmental and genetic components influencing mature cow weight in Tswana cattle selected for early growth traits

February 2022

The objective of this study was to determine the environmental and genetic factors influencing mature cow weight (MCW) trait in Tswana cattle breed. Analyses of environmental and genetic effects for mature cow weight trait were performed using 19301 records of Tswana cows born between 1996 and 2010 from 610 dams and 137 sires in 54 contemporaries. Mature cow weight trait was analysed using repeatability model. The...

Author(s): M. I. Keoletile , , S. D. Mulugeta ,  E. Rakwadi ,  P. Kemoreng, T. M. Sebolai, , K. E. Ravhuhali , and O. Mojanaga  

Phenotypic response to mass selection for weaning weight and 18-month weight in Tswana cattle

February 2022

The objectives of this study were to identify the environmental factors that influenced growth traits and to evaluate phenotypic response of growth traits to selection at weaning (S1) and 18 months of age (S2) in Tswana cattle. Phenotypic analysis for average daily gains (ADGs) and growth traits were conducted using 7226 records of animals, which were born between 1995 and 2013 from 1662 dams and 188 sires in 54...

Author(s): M. I. Keoletile, , S. D. Mulugeta, U. Moreri, E. Rakwadi, O. Kgosikoma, P. Kemoreng, O. Mojanaga, and K.B. Chibana,

Estimates of covariance components and genetic parameters for growth traits in Tswana cattle selected for increased weaning or eighteen-month weights

January 2022

The objective of this study is to estimate variance-covariance components and genetic parameters for growth traits in Tswana cattle. Genetic analyses for average daily gain (ADGs) and growth traits were conducted using 7223 records of animals which were born between 1996 and 2013 from 1662 dams and 188 sires in 54 contemporary groups. Both univariate and bivariate animal models were used. Heritability estimates for...

Author(s): M. I. Keoletile, and S. D. Mulugeta  

Analysis of environmental and genetic factors influencing reproductive traits and calf survival to weaning in Tswana cattle selected for early growth traits

January 2022

The objective of this study was to determine the environmental and genetic factors affecting reproductive traits and calf survival from birth to weaning in Tswana breed of cattle. Analyses of environmental and genetic effects for calf survival traits were done using 7223 records of animals which were born between 1996 and 2013 from 1659 dams and 188 sires in 54 contemporaries. Analyses of environmental and genetic...

Author(s): M. I. Keoletile, and S. D. Mulugeta  

Pastoral livestock farming in the Eastern Malian Sahel (Hombori): Survey on flows in two livestock markets

December 2021

Pastoral livestock farming is a major activity in the Sahel. In the eastern Malian Sahel, in addition to its contribution to the household economy, this type of livestock farming plays an important role in enhancing the value of an environment that is not very conducive to rain-fed crops because of its low rainfall. This study was conducted in the district of Hombori to assess marketed livestock production through the...

Author(s): Mamadou Oumar Diawara, Alassane Ba, Sory Sissoko, Pierre Hiernaux, Hawa Salif Diakité, Nogmana Soumaguel and Doubangolo Coulibaly  

Economic loss associated with bovine campylobacteriosis in selected districts of Bangladesh

December 2021

Bovine campylobacteriosis is considered to be common disease in farmed female cattle of Bangladesh with various effects on animal productivity. However, no economic impact assessment labeling the burden of this disease has been conducted. Secondary data combined with the primary data on different financial parameters of livestock goods and associated parameters collected through stakeholder interviews were utilized in...

Author(s): Nazmul Hoque, Sk Shaheenur Islam, A. K. M. Ziaul Haque, Md. Mehedi Hossain and S. M. Lutful Kabir  

Assessment of the effects of Newcastle disease vaccination on chicken mortality and egg production rates in Machakos town sub-county, Kenya

December 2021

A study was done to evaluate the effects of the Newcastle disease vaccine on chicken mortality and egg production in Machakos Town Sub-County. Kola and Kalama wards were chosen, and the data was collected from rural poultry farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire and Women Empowerment Livestock Index (WELI). The sample size was determined using N= Z2 (1-P) P/L2 statistical formula. A total of 261 chicken household...

Author(s): Faduma Abdullahi Abdirahman, and Raphael Githaiga Wahome  

Husbandry practices and phenotypic characterization of indigenous sheep types in Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia

October 2021

The study was conducted to characterize the husbandry practices, phenotypic characteristics and determination of live body weight using morphometrical measurements of indigenous sheep types under smallholder management condition in highlands of Gurage zone, Southern Ethiopia. Two districts, Gumer and Ejha were selected purposely based on sheep population distribution, flock size and their contribution to the farmers....

Author(s): Tesfaye Kerga  

Leafy feed supplementation, rabbit growth performance and meat quality: Case study of Ipomoea aquatica

September 2021

Thirty-six local young rabbits of 42 days old were used to evaluate their growth performances and sensory characteristics of their meats based on the type of feed. The rabbits were divided into three groups of twelve animals each, that were fed for 56 days with one of three diets: Commercial feed (Cfe), commercial feed supplemented with water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) (Cfw) and feed composed only of water spinach...

Author(s): Janvier Mêlégnonfan Kindossi, Folachodé Akogou, Ogouyôm Herbert Iko Afé, Abdoul Yazid B. Tchani, Fataou Djibrila and Franck Hongbété

Inappropriate antibacterial use in layer poultry farms in Gombe Metropolis, Northeast Nigeria, may constitute public health challenges

July 2021

Antibacterial is extensively used in poultry to enhance productivity. Inappropriate use could yield unsafe edible poultry products. The study aimed to investigate the pattern of antibacterial use in commercial layer poultry farms in Gombe metropolis. Semi-structured questionnaire was designed and validated. The questionnaire was administered to 38 layer poultry farms to obtain information on poultry farm practices. Data...

Author(s): Paul Leonard Mela, Balogun Sulayman Tunde, Shamaki Bala Usman

Morphological characteristics of indigenous Djallonké sheep in rural areas in the south of Mali

July 2021

This study aimed at evaluating some morphological traits in Djallonké sheep reared in four localities (Dioïla, Kolondiéba, Yanfolila and Kita) in the south of Mali. Two hundred and sixty sheep (40 males and 220 females) randomly selected from these localities were used for measuring the following traits: Coat color, presence of horns/wattles, height at withers (HW), and live body weight (LBW). Animals...

Author(s): Oumar Ouattara, Aboubacrine Mahamane Touré, Drissa Konaté, Sognan Dao and Diakaridia Traoré,

A Study on Morphological Characterization of Black Bengal Goat at three Villages under Bhaluka upazila in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh

June 2021

The study was carried out in a community goat breeding program at three villages of Bhaluka upazila in Mymensingh district to characterize Black Bengal goat (BBG) by coat color phenotype and morphological body measurements. Data on coat color and body measurements were collected among 200 BBG populations along with different ages and sexes from three villages and analyzed statistically by SPSS 17.0. Among the studied...

Author(s): A. Akhtar, M. A. Hoque, A. K. F. H. Bhuiyan, M. R. Amin and M. A. Habib  

Assessing thermal neutral zones in Sri Lanka for ten different dairy cattle breeds and crosses: An approach using temperature humidity index (THI)

June 2021

The magnitude of heat stress in dairy cattle is assessed using temperature humidity index (THI) widely in the world. The present study was conducted to assess the appropriateness of incorporating THI in recommending dairy cattle breeds to different areas of Sri Lanka. The study considered 10 different cattle genotypes commonly reared for milk production in the country.  Daily THI values were computed by employing a...

Author(s): Gamameda Liyanage Lalanie Pradeepa Silva, Batugedara Vidanelage Ranjith Punyawardena, Ajith Kumara Hettiarachchi, Wanninayaka Mudiyanselage Malinda Prashad Hulugalla and Gayani Madhushani Sirinayake Lokuge  

Hemp seed cake increases fatty acids but does not transfer cannabinoids in eggs and tissues of laying hens

June 2021

Hemp seed and hemp seed products such as hemp seed cake (HSC) have been shown to increase unsaturated fatty acid (FA) profile in eggs, including linoleic acid, and α-linolenic fatty acids known to increase egg weight and better human health respectively. However, the use of hemp products in animal feed is still a concern due to the potential residues of the Δ-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive...

Author(s):  Rajasekhar Kasula, Fausto Solis, Byron Shaffer, Frank Connett, Chris Barrett, Rodney Cocker and Eric Willinghan

Grazing behavior, growth performance, carcass yield and economic analysis of steers supplemented with concentrate in an integrated crop-livestock system

April 2021

This trial evaluated concentrate supplementation on grazing behavior, growth performance, carcass yield and economic analysis of off-season steer production in an integrated crop-livestock system (ICL). A randomized block design with the pastures (modules) as blocks, with 4 treatments, 4 groups of animals per treatment and 3 animals per group (N=48, 395±16 kg) was used to evaluate increasing levels of concentrate...

Author(s): Perecles Brito Batista, Severino Gonzaga Neto, Danilo Gusmao de Quadros, Gherman Garcia Leal Araújo, Douglas Tolleson and Heraldo Namorato de Souza

Goat farmers’ production objectives and trait preferences in the North West province of South Africa: An approach to identify selection criteria for community-based breeding program

April 2021

Breeding practices and trait preferences are key to defining sound breeding objectives and designing genetic improvement programs at community level. The current study identifies these factors for village goats within a pilot community-based breeding program in Pella village, North West province, South Africa. Thirty-five farmers were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire survey to characterize goat...

Author(s): Thobile Fortunate Mtshali, Olivia Ntanganedzeni Mapholi, Keabetswe Tebogo Ncube, Edgar Farai Dzomba, Tlou C. Matelele, T. C. Chokoe, T. D. Mphahlele, Farai Catherina Muchadeyi and Khanyisile Hadebe

Characterization of the Nutritional and Safety Properties of Hemp Seed Cake as Animal Feed Ingredient

April 2021

Although   the nutrient composition of hemp products provides evidence that these potentially serve as valuable livestock feed ingredients and may enhance human health, the cultivation of hemp was prohibited due to the high content of the Δ-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Recently, regulatory changes by several countries allowed the cultivation of industry hemp under a license that permits plants and plant...

Author(s): Rajasekhar Kasula, Fausto Solis, Byron Shaffer, Frank Connett, Chris Barrett, Rodney Cocker and Eric Willinghan  

Effect of breed, age and period of production on bovine semen quality used for artificial insemination

March 2021

Various factors are believed to influence quality of semen in breeding bulls. The main objective of this study was to evaluate how breed, age and time of semen production are relevant in the production of good quality semen used for Artificial Insemination. A total of 16,827 ejaculates from 187 bulls (Holstein Frisian = 114, Jersey = 35, Borena = 12, 50%HF × 50%Borena = 5, 75%HF × 25%Borena = 15 and Fogera =...

Author(s): Kefelegn Seyoum, Alemayehu Lemma and Asrat Tera  

Antilipemic effect of Moringa oleifera leaf powder on blood serum cholesterol fractions in broiler finishers

March 2021

The effects of using Moringa leaf powder (MLP) as feed additive on the differential cholesterol profile of broiler chickens at finisher phase was investigated in view of the scientific urge to find means of reducing fatty compounds in common meat products. One hundred and twenty,4-weeks old Abor acre broilers were used for this experiment and allotted to four different treatment groups (T1-T4). The control group; T1 was...

Author(s): Alabi Olufemi Mobolaji OJo John Oluyemi, Aderemi Foluke Abimbola, LawalTunde Ezekiel, OgunTunji Abel Olusegun, Ayoola Mathew Oluwaseyi and Oladejo Opeyemi  

Influence of breed on motility and motion characteristics of fresh, chilled and frozen bull spermatozoa

March 2021

At present, frozen-thawed semen is used extensively for artificial insemination (AI) in Ethiopia. However, subjective semen quality assessment is still practiced by the semen processing organizations of the country. In this study, motility and motion characteristics of spermatozoa were assessed by using integrated semen analysis system (ISAS) to diagnose breed differences in quality of semen. Semen was collected from 14...

Author(s): Kefelegn Seyoum, Alemayehu Lemma and Asrat Tera  

Effect of dietary hemp seed cake on the performance of commercial laying hens

February 2021

The cultivation of hemp was prohibited due to its high content of the psychoactive substance Δ-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Regulatory changes from several countries allow the cultivation of hemp that permits plants and plant parts with less than 0.3% Δ-9 THC. The concern of the levels of THC still remains; therefore, testing hemp seed cake (HSC) contributes new information about the effect of this...

Author(s): Rajasekhar Kasula, Fausto Solis, Byron Shaffer, Frank Connett, Chris Barrett, Rodney Cocker and Eric Willinghan  

Phenotypic characterization (qualitative traits) of various strains of indigenous Tswana chickens in Kweneng and Southern districts of Botswana

February 2021

The aim of this study was to identify and describe qualitative traits of indigenous Tswana chicken populations in Kweneng and Southern districts of Botswana. The qualitative traits involved in the study included tail colour, breast colour, back colour, neck colour, comb type, shank colour, earlobe colour and head shape. Data were subjected to frequency and cross tabulation procedures of descriptive statistics in...

Author(s): James Buttie Machete, Patrick Monametsi Kgwatalala, Shalaulani James Nsoso, John Cassius Moreki, Patrick Gothatamang Nthoiwa and Andrew Olatunbosun Aganga  

Comparative study on efficiency of sexed semen and conventional semen on in vivo produced bovine embryo quality and quantity of Boran and Holstein -Boran cross bred in Bishoftu, Ethiopia

January 2021

The study was conducted from December 2019 to May 2020 to evaluate the efficiency of local convectional semen and imported sexed semen on in vivo produced bovine embryo quality in Boran and HB cross breed donor cows in Bishoftu, Ethiopia. In this study, it was hypothesized that the breed of donor cows and types of semen can influence the quality of in vivo produced embryo as well as the number of transferable embryos....

Author(s): Mosisa Dire Babura, Tamrat Degefa and Fekadu Reggasa  

Performance and welfare of dairy cattle in an alternative compost bedded pack housing in a pasture-based system

January 2021

The objective of this study was to assess the performance and welfare (lameness, hock lesions, mastitis) of loose-housed dairy cattle managed under grazing or semi-grazing system. Data of thirty-two cows before and after changing to semi-grazing system during the rainy season (week 1 to 4; grazing, week 6 to 9; semi-grazing) and before and after changing to semi-grazing (week 11 to 16; grazing, week 18 to 23,...

Author(s): Bettie S. Kawonga  

Effect of garlic (Allium sativum) and onion (Allium cepa L.) extract chitosan nanoparticles on antioxidant enzymes activities and relative weight of visceral organs of rainbow rooster chicken

December 2020

Poultry meat is susceptible to oxidation but increased antioxidant enzyme increases its availability in muscle during processing and storage. In livestock, synthetic antioxidant has some side effects; plant polyphenols can enhance the level of antioxidant enzymes but they are in-active in the gut of chicken and therefore, nanotechnology can be of importance in augmenting the stability of polyphenols. In the study,...

Author(s): Viviana Imbua Levi Enoka, Gideon Mutie Kikuvi and Perpetual Wangui Ndung’u  

Metagenomic assessment of the rumen resistome, mobilome and stress response genes in smallholder dairy cattle in Kenya

November 2020

Smallholder dairy cattle rumen microbiotas are subjected to a wide range of antimicrobials as well as sudden fluctuations in diets. As such, they develop an enormous reservoir of resistant genes, mobilome and stress response genes. However, information on metagenomic reactions to such dietary variations, especially for cattle reared in the tropics, remains largely unexplored. This meta-analysis was conducted to assess...

Author(s): Kibegwa M. Felix, Bett C. Rawlynce, Gachuiri K. Charles, Machuka Eunice and Mujibi D. Fidalis  

Laboratory evaluation, purpose of production and utilization of cattle manure in enset (Ensete ventricosum) based mixed production systems of Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia

November 2020

The study was conducted in four districts of Gurage zone in Sothern Ethiopia to determine the N, P, K, organic carbon and nitrogen of cattle manure. Seventy two households, 36 from highland and 36 from midaltitude were randomly selected from a total of 360 sample households selected for the study. Around 88.05% of farmers in the study areas were keeping cattle for high demand of manure to fertilize enset fields and for...

Author(s): Dirsha Demam Wonchesa  

Native chicken farming: A tool for wealth creation and food security in Benin

November 2020

Poultry is the second largest livestock in Benin (contributing to 22% of the total meat produced), and chickens are the most reared poultry in the country. The objective of this study was to assess the current trends of local chicken breeding and factors that influence their production performance, and thereby to deliver information for production improvement and sustainable use of indigenous chicken breeds. An...

Author(s): Camus Adoligbe, Arthur Fernandes, Richard Osei-Amponsah, Nourou Dine Adje, Robert Gbedevi, Marie-Christelle Fonton, Guilherme J. M. Rosa and Farougou Souaibou Souaibou  

Rabbit production practices in Kiambu County, Kenya

October 2020

To document current rabbit management practices in Kiambu County, a survey using structured questionnaire was undertaken in 45 farms identified using snow ball sampling technique. Data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that the majority of the respondents (57.8%) kept more than 10 does while the most prevalent breed was New Zealand White (82.2%). The main purpose of keeping rabbits...

Author(s): Abraham Kipchumba Cherwon, Margaret Mwihaki Wanyoike and Charles Karuku Gachuiri  

Assessment on artificial insemination service delivery system, challenges and opportunities of artificial insemination services in cattle production in Western zone of Tigray Region, Ethiopia

October 2020

The aim of the survey was to assess artificial insemination (AI) service delivery system and identify the challenges and opportunities of AI service in cattle production in Western Zone of Tigray Region, Ethiopia. Twenty Kebeles (lowest administrative units) and 353 respondents were purposively involved in face-to-face interview. Data analysis was performed using SPSS and mainly summarized by frequency and percentages....

Author(s): Teweldemedhn Mekonnen and Leul Berhe  

Cattle crossbreeding for sustainable milk production in the tropics

October 2020

Crossbreeding has been used to improve milk production performance of local cattle in the tropics. Crossbreeding exploits additive and non-additive allele gene effects leading to improvements in lactation length, decrease in calving interval, higher milk yields and early age of calving of cows and potentially increasing producer incomes. Varying levels of success have been reported for various crossbreeding programmes...

Author(s): Richard Osei-Amponsah, Ebenezer Kwaku Asem and Frederick Yeboah Obese  

Urban dairy production and waste management in Oromia special zone around Finfine, Ethiopia

October 2020

The survey was conducted to assess urban dairy production and waste management system in Oromia Special Zone around Finfinnee, Ethiopia. The three study towns (Burayu, Sululta and Sebeta) were purposively selected due to the high potential for commercial dairy production. A total of 90 commercial dairy producers 30 from each town who at least own 10 dairy cows were randomly selected. The farmers interviewed individually...

Author(s): Jalel Fikadu, Berhan Tamir, Ulfina Galmessa and Kefena Effa  

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