-
Research Article
An Investigation of the Common Factors Affecting Disease Incidence in Dairy Cows: A Case Study of Smallholder Dairy Farms in Shashemene District
Kinfe Kibebew*
,
Hamid Gelcha
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
20-28
Received:
17 March 2025
Accepted:
28 March 2025
Published:
22 April 2025
Abstract: Dairy farming played a vital role in the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia, but disease incidence remained a major challenge, affecting productivity and farm profitability. This study investigated the common factors influencing disease occurrence in dairy cows, focusing on smallholder farms in Shashemene District. A cross-sectional study design was employed, combining survey questionnaires, key informant interviews, and direct farm observations to assess disease prevalence and management practices. A total of 17 rural kebeles were selected using stratified random sampling, and statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression, were conducted to identify significant risk factors. The results indicated that mastitis (35.2%), gastrointestinal parasites (41.8%), and foot and mouth disease (28.7%) were the most prevalent diseases. Poor farm management practices, including poor hygiene (67.2%), lack of vaccination (58.4%), and seasonal feed shortages (63.0%), were found to be strongly associated with disease incidence (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis further identified poor hygiene (OR = 3.12), lack of vaccination (OR = 2.81), and overcrowding (OR = 2.45) as significant predictors of disease occurrence. Additionally, qualitative findings from key informant interviews highlighted limited veterinary services, economic constraints, and traditional disease management practices as major challenges faced by farmers. This study concluded that improved farm hygiene, regular vaccination, better feed management, and enhanced veterinary services were critical for reducing disease prevalence in smallholder dairy farms. The findings provided important insights for policymakers, veterinarians, and agricultural extension workers in developing targeted interventions to enhance livestock health and productivity. Further research was recommended to assess the long-term impact of improved disease control strategies on dairy farm profitability.
Abstract: Dairy farming played a vital role in the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia, but disease incidence remained a major challenge, affecting productivity and farm profitability. This study investigated the common factors influencing disease occurrence in dairy cows, focusing on smallholder farms in Shashemene District. A cross-sectional stu...
Show More
-
Research Article
Evaluation of Carcass Quality in Pigs Resulting from Crossbreeding Between Piétrain Stress Negative and Local and Improved Pig Breeds in Southern Benin
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
29-38
Received:
16 March 2025
Accepted:
31 March 2025
Published:
27 April 2025
Abstract: The carcass of the local pig breed and the improved pig breed of Benin is observed to contain a high proportion of fat cover. The objective of the study was to evaluate the carcass quality of pigs obtained through the process of crossbreeding, specifically between the Stress-negative Piétrain and local and improved pig breeds. To achieve this objective, five lots of pigs of different genetic types were constituted: lot 1 (local pigs), lot 2 (Piétrain X local pig), lot 3 (Piétrain X Improved), lot 4 (Improved), and lot 5 (Piétrain). A sample of 10 pigs (5 males and 5 females) was selected from each lot and fattened and slaughtered at 8 months of age. The slaughter live weight, hot and cold carcass weights, and hot and cold carcass yields of Piétrain pigs were found to be significantly higher than those of local and improved pigs (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the slaughter weights, hot and cold carcass weights, and slaughter carcass yields of Piétrain-local breed crossbreeds were observed to be higher than those of local pigs (p < 0.001), and a similar trend was evident between Piétrain-improved breed crossbreeds and Improved. The Piétrain exhibits the highest carcass yield, at a minimum of 70%, in comparison to other breeds. In contrast to the local and improved breeds, the Piétrain has a markedly reduced back fat thickness. The cross-breeds of the Piétrain with the local and improved breeds exhibited a significantly lower back fat thickness than their respective parent breeds (p < 0.001). The same differences were observed for the backfat (p < 0.001). The heterosis effect was observed to be positive for live weight at slaughter, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, and lean cuts (rack, ham, and shoulder) in Piétrain-local breed and Piétrain-improved breed crossbreeds. Conversely, the heterosis effect was negative with regard to fatty cuts, particularly the backfat, belly wall, and back fat thicknesses in both crossbreeds. The findings indicate that the Piétrain breed enhances carcass quality in crossbreeds derived from local and improved breeds by reducing the proportion of fatty cuts and increasing those of lean cuts.
Abstract: The carcass of the local pig breed and the improved pig breed of Benin is observed to contain a high proportion of fat cover. The objective of the study was to evaluate the carcass quality of pigs obtained through the process of crossbreeding, specifically between the Stress-negative Piétrain and local and improved pig breeds. To achieve this objec...
Show More
-
Research Article
Nutritional and Digestibility Profile of Palm Kernel Cake (Elaeis guineensis) Produced in Different Regions of Tanzania
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
39-46
Received:
25 March 2025
Accepted:
2 April 2025
Published:
29 April 2025
Abstract: The feed depleted livestock industry gears to exploring non-conventional animal feeds. Among them is Palm kernel cake (PKC) for its potential use as animal feed hence the need for the study. PKC samples from Kigoma, Mbeya and Morogoro were collected for analysis of its nutritional composition, Van Soest fibre analysis and digestibility (invitro and in Sacco) which were done at the Tanzania veterinary Laboratory Agency (TVLA-Dar es salaam) and department of Animal, Aquaculture and Range Sciences (DAARS)- Sokoine University of Agriculture. The study found out that PKC samples from Kigoma and Mbeya had high Crude Protein and Ash (CP 19.2% and 18.1% CP) and (7.6 and 7.3% ash) but less energy (9.6 and 9.4 MJME/kgDM) and ether extract (EE 11.1% and 11.2%EE), respectively compared with those of Morogoro (12.7%CP, 5.6% Ash, 19.8% EE and 14.4 MJME/kgDM) though they had comparable Crude Fibre (CF) value (19.1-22.1). The contents of Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF, 68.3 and 64.4%), Acid Detergent Fibre (ADF, 34.2% and 31%) for samples of Kigoma and Mbeya, were higher than those of Morogoro (48.8% NDF and 21.4% ADF) with almost similar Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL) results (6.9, 4.7 and 5.4%, respectively). Both Invitro and In Sacco digestibility were higher for samples from Mbeya (51.2 and 53.5%) respectively in comparison to samples from Kigoma (36.8 and 38.9%) and Morogoro (34.6 and 35.8%). In conclusion the study revealed a varying nutritional composition and digestibility of PKC samples collected from different regions of Tanzania which were however within the NRC recommended level hence being suitable for ruminant feeding.
Abstract: The feed depleted livestock industry gears to exploring non-conventional animal feeds. Among them is Palm kernel cake (PKC) for its potential use as animal feed hence the need for the study. PKC samples from Kigoma, Mbeya and Morogoro were collected for analysis of its nutritional composition, Van Soest fibre analysis and digestibility (invitro and...
Show More
-
Research Article
Effect of Insemination Frequency and Type of Semen on Quantity and Quality of In vivo Produced Embryos from Ethiopian Boran Heifers
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
47-60
Received:
5 March 2025
Accepted:
9 April 2025
Published:
29 April 2025
Abstract: The use of proper superovulation technique, types of semen, frequency of artificial insemination, health condition of cattle and type of breeds are some of the common factors that directly affects the success of embryo transfer programmes. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate effects of AI frequency and semen type on quantity and quality of in vivo produced embryos in Ethiopian Boran heifers. In this study, Randomized Experimental Design was used in which 12 donor Boran heifers were super ovulated and embryos were collected. Donors were randomly allocated to two experimental groups: Group-one-6 donors were inseminated two times (3 donors each with conventional and sexed semen) at 12 and 18 hrs interval whereas in group-two-6 donors were inseminated three times (3 donors each with conventional and sexed semen) at 12, 17 and 22 hrs interval. The results of the study showed that mean number of 7.2 ± 1.9 and 9.0 ± 2.5 for CL and 2.2 ± 0.7 and 5.7 ± 1.5 for UOF were counted from donors grouped under two and three times AI frequency. Mean number of CL and UOF counted from donors grouped under conventional and sexed semen treatment were 9.0 ± 2.8 and 7.2 ± 1.45; 4.8 ± 1.8 and 3.0 ± 0.8, respectively. The number of CL and UOF counted from donors under two and three times AI and conventional and sexed semen treatment were not significantly (p > 0.05) different. Mean number of total flush output counted from donors grouped under two and three times AI frequency were 3.5 ± 0.43 and 7.3 ± 2.2, respectively. For conventional and sexed semen insemination, mean number of total flush output counted from donors were 7.00 ± 1.93 and 3.8 ± 1.35, respectively. Mean number of UFO counted from donors under two and three times AI were 2.3 ± 1.4; 2.7 ± 1.3 and Mean number of UFO counted from donors under conventional and sexed semen insemination were 3.5 ± 1.15; 1.5 ± 0.6, respectively. No significant (P>0.05) difference was observed between AI frequencies and semen types in terms of total flush output, number of transferable and non-transferable embryos as well as UFOs recovered from Boran heifer donors. The present findings demonstrated that inseminating Ethiopian Boran heifers two and three times both with sexed and conventional semen did not affect embryo quality and quantity produced in vivo from donors.
Abstract: The use of proper superovulation technique, types of semen, frequency of artificial insemination, health condition of cattle and type of breeds are some of the common factors that directly affects the success of embryo transfer programmes. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate effects of AI frequency and semen type on quantity and quality...
Show More
-
Research Article
Effects of Replacing Soybean Meal with Cowpea Meal on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Sasso Chickens
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
61-73
Received:
21 March 2025
Accepted:
7 April 2025
Published:
29 April 2025
Abstract: Soybean meal is a primary protein source in the poultry feed industry due to its high protein content and good amino acid profile. However, limited supply and high import costs in Tanzania make the cost of commercial feeds high. This study evaluated the effects of replacing soybean meal with cowpea meal on Sasso chickens' growth performance and meat characteristics. Five diets were formulated such that cowpea meal replaced soybean meal by 0 % (T1), 25 % (T2), 50 % (T3), 75 % (T4), and 100% (T5). A total of 150 one-month-old Sasso chickens with weights ranging from 603.33 ± 10.04 to 618.79 ± 15.30 g were randomly assigned to the five dietary treatments and reared for nine weeks. The amount of feed provided and the refusals were recorded daily and body weight was measured once per week. At the end of the experiment, feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated. In addition, a total of 30 chickens, six chickens per treatment, were randomly selected and slaughtered to determine carcass characteristics. The chickens under T5 had higher (P ≤ 0.001) average feed intake (120.76 ± 1.43 g/d), final body weight (2624.56 ± 62 g), weight gain (1824.37 ± 42.43 g), daily weight gain (31.91 ± 0.90 g/d), slaughter body weight (2592.53 ± 133.73 g) and carcass weight (1988.80 ± 137.00 g) than those on the other treatments. The chickens on T1 had the lowest values for the same parameters. The FCR ranged from 3.77 ± 0.04 in T3 to 4.37 ± 0.06 in T2. However, the meat of the chickens in T1 had higher crude protein (21.59 ± 0.71 %) and lower fat contents (10.24 ± 1.19 %) than those in T5 (P ≤ 0.05) (18.59 ± 0.82 % CP and 16.60 ± 1.06 % fat). The study concludes that cowpea meal can completely replace soybean meal as an alternative plant protein source in poultry diets.
Abstract: Soybean meal is a primary protein source in the poultry feed industry due to its high protein content and good amino acid profile. However, limited supply and high import costs in Tanzania make the cost of commercial feeds high. This study evaluated the effects of replacing soybean meal with cowpea meal on Sasso chickens' growth performance and mea...
Show More
-
Research Article
Effect of Limestone or Extruded Eggshell on Egg and Eggshell Quality of Laying Hens
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
74-86
Received:
29 March 2025
Accepted:
8 April 2025
Published:
29 April 2025
Abstract: The study aimed to determine the effect of limestone or extruded eggshells on the egg and eggshell quality of laying hens. A total of 240 and 60 eggs were collected from diets D1 (limestone) and D2 (extruded eggshells), respectively, with two levels of calcium source (L): L1 (4% limestone or eggshells) and L2 (8% limestone or eggshells) at 44, 52, 60, 68, and 72 weeks of age. These eggs were obtained from an ongoing project to measure egg quality and dry matter content. Diet D1 showed higher albumen width and height, Haugh unit, and a lower egg yolk height than D2 (p<0.05). However, the percentage of albumen and yolk weight, as well as the yolk index, tended to be higher in D2 than in D1. Other egg quality traits were similar between diets (p>0.05). The L2 was superior to L1 in both diets for egg quality traits (p<0.01), and the L2 in the extruded eggshell diet performed better than L2 in limestone diet. The egg, albumen, yolk, and eggshell weight, albumen width, and yolk height were increased but the eggshell strength, yolk color, albumen height, eggshell thickness, and membrane thickness were decreased with advancing the birds' age. Egg, albumen, yolk, and eggshell weight, as well as albumen width and yolk height, increased with the advancing age of the birds, whereas eggshell strength, yolk color, albumen height, eggshell thickness, and membrane thickness decreased. Egg, albumen, and eggshell with membrane weight were influenced by the diet × L interaction, while diet × age interaction affected other traits. Egg quality traits were influenced by L x A interaction, but were not affected by D x L x A interaction. The dry matter content of an egg was similar between diets, but moisture content was higher in D2 than in D1. The dry matter content of albumen was influenced by diet x age interaction. Therefore, the 8% extruded eggshell appears to be the most suitable diet for improving egg and eggshell quality.
Abstract: The study aimed to determine the effect of limestone or extruded eggshells on the egg and eggshell quality of laying hens. A total of 240 and 60 eggs were collected from diets D1 (limestone) and D2 (extruded eggshells), respectively, with two levels of calcium source (L): L1 (4% limestone or eggshells) and L2 (8% limestone or eggshells) at 44, 52, ...
Show More
-
Research Article
An Assessment on the Feeding Practices and other Factors Influencing Dairy Production Under Smallholder Systems of Kilimanjaro Region in Tanzania
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
87-99
Received:
4 April 2025
Accepted:
16 April 2025
Published:
19 May 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijast.20250902.17
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: A survey study was conducted to assess the influence of altitude and socioeconomic characteristics of smallholder dairy farmers in adaptation to feeding practices (FPs) and their ultimate effect on the nutrition of dairy cattle and milk production. One hundred and twenty dairy farmers from highland (60) and lowland (60) zones of Hai district, Tanzania were interviewed. Feed samples were collected for evaluation of proximate and Van Soest composition, in vitro dry matter (INVDMD) and organic matter (INVOMD) digestibility for three FPs, namely zero grazing (FP1), grazing with supplementation (FP2) and extensive grazing (FP3). Data on milk yield was obtained from the farmer record books and database of African Asian Dairy Genetic Gain program. Most respondents from both highland (88%) and lowland (53%) zones were practicing zero grazing (FP1) than grazing plus supplementation. High level of education, farming experience of >10 years, and dairying plus other sources of livelihood showed positive likelihood of influencing adaptation of zero grazing practice (FP1). Forage diets offered to cows under FP1 had lower mean values of crude protein (6.9%, CP) and metabolisable energy (5.01 MJ ME/kgDM) compared to other practices. Concentrate diets used in FP1 practice had higher CP (13.7%) compared to those in FP2 (10.9%). There was higher average milk yield from cows under FP1 in the highland (11.6 kg) compared to their counterparts. Cows under FP1 on the lowland had similar (P>0.05) average milk yield (8.7 kg) to those under FP2 in the highland zone (9.47 kg). Cows under FP3 in the lowland produced the lowest (P<0.05) milk yield of 4.61 kg. The study concluded that differences in socioeconomic characteristics of farmers and altitude zones have influence on the adaptation and domination of a specific feeding practice, which ultimately determines the level of performance of the dairy cattle. It is recommended that more studies are required to assess the influence of feeding and other management practices of dairy cows on the environmental effects.
Abstract: A survey study was conducted to assess the influence of altitude and socioeconomic characteristics of smallholder dairy farmers in adaptation to feeding practices (FPs) and their ultimate effect on the nutrition of dairy cattle and milk production. One hundred and twenty dairy farmers from highland (60) and lowland (60) zones of Hai district, Tanza...
Show More
