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PREVALENCE AND CONTROL OF ANAPLASMOSIS IN CATTLE: A CASE OF GULU DISTRICT
(Gulu University, 2024) Joseph, Otimong
Tick-borne diseases present a major economic burden to communities across East Africa, especially Anaplasmosis affecting livestock production in Uganda. This study aims at determining the prevalence, risk factors and common control measures of Anaplasmosis in cattle, Gulu district. Samples of blood were collected from 384 cattle in a period of three months and examined microscopically using Giemsa staining procedures. The overall prevalence of cattle with Anaplasmosis was 17.97%. Locality, cattle not injected during treatment and cattle breeds had no significant difference (P>0.05) with prevalence of Anaplasmosis. However, higher prevalence of Anaplasmosis was recorded among cross
breed (26.47%) and least in Small East African zebu breeds (16.13%) of cattle. Body condition, tick infestation, cattle of age group less than one year (28.95%) and previously injected with needles observed variations that were statistically significant (P<0.05), with highest prevalence’s of 59.65%, 20.54% and 28.95% respectively. There was statistically significant (P<0.05) difference in risk of infection, indicating that different factors influenced the prevalence of Anaplasmosis in the study area. The major control measures were mainly; spraying with Amitix (62%), treatment of cattle using oxytetracycline (77%), with inappropriate acaricide and other drug usage, inadequate veterinary staff and infrequent spraying of cattle. In conclusion, study showed that endemic stability of Anaplasmosis in Gulu district was due to inappropriate control measures employed by cattle farmers. The study recommends that cattle farmers should be sensitized on rationale and effective use of acaricides during spraying and drugs during treatment of infected cattle.
FUNGAL AND AFLATOXIN CONTAMINATION OF HERBAL MEDICINES SOLD IN LIRA AND GULU CITIES, NORTHERN UGANDA
(Gulu University, 2024) WALTER ORECH
In middle- and low-income countries, the use of herbal medicinal products has significantly increased. Therefore, ensuring the safety of herbal products from fungal contamination is a public health concern. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess aflatoxin and fungal contamination in herbal medicines sold in Gulu and Lira cities, northern Uganda. A total of 52 herbal medicine samples were collected. Moisture content was determined by the oven-drying method, aflatoxin extraction was done using 70% methanol, and analysis was conducted using ELISA. Fungal identification was performed through DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25. Out of the 52 samples analyzed, aflatoxin and fungal incidences were 35% and 34.6%, respectively. While most aflatoxin contamination levels were below regulatory limits, 11.1% exceeded the European Pharmacopoeia permissible level of 5 µg/kg. The study also revealed a positive correlation between moisture content and aflatoxin contamination. To mitigate aflatoxin contamination and ensure the safety of herbal medicines, it is imperative to implement improved processing techniques, packaging, storage, and quality control measures. Common fungal species identified included Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Pichia kudriavze vii. Pichia kudriavzev ii was identified as the most prevalent fungi. The estimated daily intake and hazard index values indicated a low health risk for consumers. Although the short-term health risk appears low, long-term consumption may lead to adverse health effects. This study highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and action to safeguard public health in relation to herbal medicine consumption in northern Uganda.
NON-CARBONATED BEVERAGES (HEALTH DRINKS) IN SOUTH WESTERN UGANDA: ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL, CONSUMER PERCEPTIONS AND THE ROLE OF NUTRITIONAL AND HEALTH CLAIMS
(Gulu University, 2023) ATUKUNDA, CLAIRE
Non-carbonated beverages comprise of fruit, vegetable, and herbal-based drinks, which are largely known as ‘health drinks’ in Uganda and are widely consumed in Southwestern Uganda. Despite the increased popularity of health drinks on the Ugandan market, particularly in Southwestern Uganda, little is known about: (ⅰ) their antioxidant potential; (ⅱ) consumer perceptions of the healthiness and safety of beverages; and (ⅲ) the influence of nutritional health claims (that are widely used on health drinks) on consumption. Thus, the objective of the study was to examine the antioxidant potential and factors associated with the consumption of health drinks in Southwestern Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 278 adults in Mbarara City and Sheema district using structured questionnaires. Laboratory analysis of vitamin C, total phenolic content, and total antioxidant activity of selected health drinks was conducted using 2,6-dichlorophenoindophenol (DCPIP), Folin-Ciocalteu, and 2,2- diphenyl- 1 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays respectively. Results showed variations in the vitamin C content (14.19-25.12mg/100ml), total phenolic content (0.37-146.01mg/100ml), and total antioxidant activity (35.48-2491.8 µg/ml) of the different health drinks depending on the type of ingredients used. Theoretical calculations showed that consumption of 320 ml of health drinks would be sufficient to meet the vitamin C intake recommendations and about 40% polyphenol intake recommendations for a healthy life. Majority of the consumers had positive perceptions of beverage healthiness (77.4%) and safety (66.2%). Product health benefits, safety, and information influenced perceived healthiness while perceived safety was influenced by regulatory logos, organoleptic cues, age, gender, household income, and perceived healthiness (p≤0.05). Nutritional health claims influenced about half the respondents to consume health drinks (49.3%). Particularly, nutritional health claims in media advertisements had a significantly higher positive influence on intention to consume than claims on food labels (p=0.019). Besides the claims, perceived
xii healthiness and safety also positively influenced consumption intentions. The results of this study demonstrated that (ⅰ) health drinks consumed in Southwestern Uganda are alternative sources of antioxidants for which consumption can lead to substantial contributions to the recommended vitamin C and polyphenol intake; (ⅱ) perceptions of beverage healthiness and safety are important factors that can be exploited to boost consumption of health drinks; and
(ⅲ) nutritional health claims can enhance consumption of non-carbonated (health) drinks and are more effective when presented through media advertisements than when presented on food labels.
Biofortification of Finger Millet Grown in Biochar Amended Soils Using Zinc AND Iron
(Gulu University, 2023) Manijawire Alinafe
Recurrent dearth of micronutrients from soils and crops aggravated by the impacts of climate change has augmented an increase of hidden hunger with over 2 billion people affected across the globe. This problem is more rampant in developing countries with devastating economic setbacks, which deprive them from diet diversification. This calls for more interventions in enriching the cereal crops which are naturally low in micronutrients despite being the source of staple food for millions of people in African countries. One of the key approaches towards the drive to reducing malnutrition is biofortification. A two-season pot experiment was carried
out at Gulu University’s Faculty of Agriculture and Environment experimental site. The aim of the experiment was to explore the effects of soil and foliar application of mineral based fertilizers (iron and zinc) in biochar amended soils on yield and grain quality of finger milletgrown in allisols and ferralsols. The experiment had eight treatments with four replicates which were arranged in RCBD in both soil types. The results from the experiment revealed that biofortification in biochar amended soils improved yield and quality of finger millet in both soil types. Maximum yield of 50 – 53 g/pot were recorded in both soils with biochar treatments, sprayed with both iron and zinc compared to the yield of 23.8 g/pot -25.5 g/pot in control. Similarly, an increase in protein content from 4.67 % to 11 % was also mirrored in treatments receiving foliar application of both iron and zinc in biochar amended soils. Zinc and iron content were higher in grains (41.5 - 44.6 mg/100g and 11.3 - 13.3 mg/100g, respectively) from treatments which had biochar and were foliarly applied with iron and zinc. Soil organic carbon and moisture content significantly (P < 0.05) influenced Zn and Fe uptake from soil. Overall, both soil and foliar application methods of mineral fertilizers in biochar amended soils are ideal in enhancing nutrient availability for crop growth and yield coupled with improved grain quality.
HONEY QUALITY AND QUALITY PERCEPTION BY CONSUMERS ALONG THE VALUE CHAIN IN NORTHERN UGANDA
(Gulu University, 2023-04) SYLIVIA, WOOR
Honey is the most known and vital bee product produced extensively because it possesses numerous benefits. A significant number of honey value chain actors have emerged in Northern Uganda. However, limited information exists on the honey quality at these value chain nodes. It is also unknown how consumers perceive the quality of this honey. The study used experimental design to examine the quality of honey at the different value chain nodes and cross-sectional survey designs to determine the consumers’ perception of honey quality and the honey quality attributes that mainly influence consumers’ purchase decisions. A total of 185 consumers were considered for the survey, and 70 honey samples collected from the different value chain actors across different agro-ecologies in Northern Uganda had their physicochemical properties analyzed. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and laboratory analysis. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25, AMOS version 23, and GEN STAT version 13. The results showed that honey quality deterioration occurred at processor and retailer nodes. Results also showed that honey from Amudat was superior in quality, and diastase number was the only limiting factor to Northern Uganda honey. Labeling, packaging, color, origin, and price significantly influenced consumer perception of honey quality. Purity, viscosity, color, and price also greatly influenced consumer’s purchase decisions. The study concluded that Diastase Number was the major limiting factor to Northern Uganda honey and that processor and retailer nodes are the exact node where
quality deterioration occurs. Labeling, packaging, color, and origin positively and significantly influenced consumers’ perception while price had a significant negative influence on consumers’ perception of honey quality. This study recommends mandatory inspections and quality testing at all nodes if the good honey quality is to be maintained.