Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences

Prevalence of haemonchosis in goats and sheep slaughtered at Soroti abattoir

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Prevalence of haemonchosis in goats and sheep slaughtered at Soroti abattoir Walyomo, Allan Haemonchosis disease is a significant parasitic infection affecting ruminants particularly goats and sheep. The study looked at the prevalence of haemonchosis in sheep and goats slaughtered at Soroti Abattoir, soroti district. The cross-sectional study employed a combination of quantitative data where it involved recording demographic data and examining the abomasum for adult Haemonchus contortus, lesions and hemorrhages. It was conducted for one month with a sample size of 382 small ruminants. The overall prevalence rate was found to be 43.7%, with 43.8% in goats and 43.5% in sheep, 45.6% in male and 54.4% in female, there was an increase in prevalence with increase in age where animals aged one year had a prevalence of 27.8%, two years (48.4%), three years (65.8%), four and above (75%). The study went ahead to determine how FAMACHA score results are related with the worm burden in the abattoir. The findings help to highlight the need for targeted control measures, including strategic deworming and improved nutrition, to reduce the impact of Haemonchosis and improve livestock health and productivity. In view of the findings of the current study, there is a need and recommendations for proper disposal of condemned organs such as abomasum, proper nutrition and management practices to prevent the spread of haemonchosis disease and public health hazards. Dissertation

Prevalence and risk factors of bovine tuberculosis in cattle of Butaleja district

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Prevalence and risk factors of bovine tuberculosis in cattle of Butaleja district Wabeya, Eli Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a highly contagious disease that affects cattle populations worldwide and can also infect other wildlife species. However, the prevalence and factors contributing to its spread are not well understood in Butaleja district. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and risk factors of bTB in cattle in Butaleja district, Uganda. A cross-sectional research design was used, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study was conducted between August and September 2024 across 12 lower local governments in Butaleja district. A total of 180 samples (lung and superficial lymph node tissues) were collected from cattle suspected of having bTB. The samples underwent histopathological examination, and 20 samples showing TB-like lesions were tested using the Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) stain test. Additionally, a questionnaire was administered to 96 farmers and traders to gather data on socio-demographics, risk factors, and awareness of bTB. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate the prevalence of bTB at slaughter slabs and identify associated risk factors. The results indicated that 6 out of 180 cattle (3.33%) tested positive for mycobacterium infection. Prevalence varied by age group, with the highest rate (66.67%) observed in cattle aged 2-3 years, and lower rates (16.67%) in those aged 1-2 years and over 5 years. All positive cases were found in male cattle (100%), and only in local breeds (100%), with no disease detected in crossbreeds. Univariate analysis identified several significant risk factors: the wet season (44.44%), direct contact with infected animals (66.66%), intensive farming systems (55.56%), inadequate isolation of infected animals (44.44%), and exposure to respiratory secretions (44.44%). In conclusion, the study found a 3.33% mycobacterium infection positivity rate in the sample population, with variations in prevalence by age, sex, and breed. Key risk factors included direct contact with infected animals, respiratory secretions, seasonal conditions, and inadequate quarantine measures. The study recommends establishing a national bTB control program, including a surveillance plan with standardized methods and evidence-based interventions tailored for Butaleja and other districts. Dissertation

Comparative prevalence of fasciola hepatica and fasciola gigantica in cattle slaughtered at Soroti city abattoir

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Comparative prevalence of fasciola hepatica and fasciola gigantica in cattle slaughtered at Soroti city abattoir Shida, Miracle Liver fluke infection, or fascioliasis, is one of the most significant parasite disorders that affect humans, cattle, and other ruminant animals. For cattle ranchers and traders, fascioliasis results in significant financial losses that are frequently disregarded. Fascioliasis prevalence in cattle killed at the Soroti City Abattoir in Uganda was compared between the two common species (F. gigantica and F. hepatica). During the study period, 250 cattle in total were sampled. By looking at the animals' phenotypic traits, the sex and origin of the animals were ascertained. By evaluating the eruption and wear of permanent teeth, age was ascertained. Following slaughter, the liver was inspected visually, palpated, and cut to check for the presence of liver flukes, or Fasciola spp. The existence of mature Fasciola spp. was also investigated in the gall bladder and bile ducts. Of the 250 liver examined, results revealed an overall prevalence of 44.8%, with 112 cattle testing positive for Fasciola species. The study identified a higher prevalence of Fasciola gigantica (n=76) compared to Fasciola hepatica (n=10), with 26 cases exhibiting mixed infections. No significant differences in prevalence were observed between sexes (P>0.772), although males (67.86%) exhibited a higher prevalence than females (32.14%). In conclusion, the study highlighted a 44.8% prevalence of fascioliasis, predominantly due to Fasciola gigantica. To mitigate its impact on cattle health, ongoing surveillance and targeted interventions are recommended, alongside enhanced awareness and improved management practices among farmers and veterinarians to effectively control liver fluke infections in the region. Dissertation

Assessing the effect of livestock dung and domestic organic waste as substrates on the growth performance of black soldier fly larvae.

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Assessing the effect of livestock dung and domestic organic waste as substrates on the growth performance of black soldier fly larvae. Owiny, Patrick Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) is increasingly recognized for their dual role as a sustainable protein source for agriculture and aquaculture feeds and as an efficient method for organic waste disposal. This study aimed to assess the effects of two different substrates—Livestock Dung (LSD) and Domestic Waste (DW)—on the growth performance of BSFL over a 14-day period. A controlled experimental setup was designed to evaluate the influence of these substrates on various growth parameters of BSFL, including length, girth, weight, survival rates, and feed conversion ratios (FCR). Larvae were reared on both substrates, and their growth performance was assessed at regular intervals using calibrated instruments, such as digital calipers and scales. The data were recorded systematically to ensure accuracy. Substrate consumption rates were measured to calculate FCR, and substrate mass was monitored over time to quantify substrate utilization. Ethical guidelines were adhered to throughout the research, ensuring the welfare of the larvae. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate how different organic substrates (LSD and DW) affect the growth and development of BSFL, with the goal of identifying the most effective substrate for optimizing larval growth and feed efficiency. The findings from this study can inform future efforts in BSFL cultivation, supporting both sustainable protein production and organic waste management. The findings revealed that larvae reared on DW exhibited significantly greater growth compared to those reared on LSD. On average, larvae grown on DW achieved a mean length of 1.280 cm, a girth of 0.472 cm, and a weight of 0.278 g, compared to 1.116 cm, 0.410 cm, and 0.230 g for those on LSD (p < 0.001). The survival rate for larvae reared on DW was also significantly higher at 95%, compared to 85% for those on LSD (p < 0.01). Moreover, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was more favourable for DW, with a mean FCR of 1.5, while larvae on LSD had an FCR of 1.9 (p< 0.05). The study demonstrated a clear positive correlation between substrate quality and larval growth performance, with DW yielding superior growth metrics. This research shows that domestic waste (DW) significantly enhances the growth, survival rates, and feed conversion of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) compared to livestock dung (LSD), making DW the preferred substrate for future farming. Prioritizing DW not only improves BSFL production but also promotes effective recycling of c. Dissertation