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Item PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SELECTED GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES AMONG PIGS IN LAMWO DISTRICT, UGANDA(Gulu University, 2025) AVUDRAGA STANELYAbstract Gastrointestinal parasitic infections (GPI) in pigs significantly reduce health and productivity, especially in smallholder systems. In Lamwo District, Uganda, data on GPI prevalence and risk factors are limited, hindering effective control efforts. In 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted across six sub-counties in Lamwo District. A total of 266 pigs from 178 households were sampled. Fecal samples were analyzed using Faecal Sedimentation and Modified McMaster techniques to detect parasite eggs and oocysts. Data on household demographics, pig husbandry, water sources, sanitation, and environmental conditions were collected through structured questionnaires and observations. Statistical analyses including Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and Pearson correlation analysis were performed in R (version 4.4.1) to determine prevalence and identify risk factors at a 5% significance level. Seven gastrointestinal parasites species were identified. Strongyles were most prevalent (67.7%–80.4%), followed by Fasciola spp. (21.8%) and Coccidia spp. (9.3%–19.9%). Overall GPI prevalence was 74.1%, highest in Paloga Sub- County (13.9%) and lowest in Palabek Kal Town Council (10.2%). Key risk factors included feeding raw swill (AOR = 3.37–4.35; p < 0.02), free-ranging husbandry AOR = 1.82; p = 0.0226), and exposure to human feces from open defecation (AOR = 0.87–2.48; p < 0.03). Local breeds were more affected than exotic or crossbreds. Access to piped or mixed water reduced infection risk. Land-use intensity also influenced infection (OR = 0.41; p = 0.0003). Correlation analysis showed moderate positive associations between GPI and both demographic (r = 0.60; p = 0.005) and husbandry factors (r = 0.53; p = 0.000). This study confirms a high burden of GPI in pigs in Lamwo District and highlights the critical role of poor husbandry, hygiene, and environmental factors in parasite transmission. Integrated, community-based control strategies including improved hygiene, better husbandry, farmer education, and veterinary interventions are essential to enhance pig health, boost productivity,and reduce zoonotic risks to local communities.Item EFFECT OF RANGELAND USE ON HERBACEOUS SPECIES COMPOSITION AND DIVERSITY OF NATURAL PASTURES IN PADER DISTRICT(Gulu University, 2025) WAISWA CALEBABSTRACT This study investigated the diversity of herbaceous pastures under different grazing and burning intensities, and herders’ perceptions of pasture composition and utility value in Aswa Ranch, Pader district. Data were collected through a cross-sectional vegetation survey between November and December 2022 using 1m x 1 m quadrats along transects placed in areas with different grazing and burning intensities. Diversity was assessed using indices such as richness (S), Shannon-Wiener (H’), Gini-Simpson (G), and Importance Value Index (IVI). Focus group discussions were also conducted to record local ecological knowledge and perceptions. IVI analysis revealed Hyparrhenia species and Digitaria abyssinica as dominant in minimally grazed plots and Brachiaria decumbens, Sporobolus pyramidalis, Paspalum spp., and Cenchrus ciliaris as dominant in regularly grazed areas. Herders similarly identified Hyparrhenia spp., Brachiaria decumbens, Imperata cylindrica, Panicum maximum, Sporobolus pyramidalis, and Cynodon dactylon as abundant, but highlighted Sporobolus pyramidalis and Cymbopogon afronardus as undesirable for livestock production. Minimally grazed areas had higher Shannon-Weiner, species richness, evenness and Gini-index values. In contrast, regular burning was associated with higher species diversity. Generally, Aswa Main was more diverse than Aswa Zebu. Herdsmen's perceptions revealed high grazing intensity, indiscriminate bush burning, proximity of kraals and animal watering areas as factors affecting pasture composition. While the general state of the pastures was considered favourable for livestock production by the herdsmen, pastures are experiencing a downward trend in pasture quality, as depicted by the increasing trend of undesirable species such as Sporobolus pyramidalis and Cymbopogon afronadus, especially in the overgrazed areas. Therefore, to ensure a more uniform distribution of palatable species across the grazing areas, the ranch management should adopt an incremental restoration strategy involving phased oversowing combined with rest periods and proper rotational grazing management to facilitate natural pasture regeneration and increase species richness and evenness. They should also incorporate legume species as part of the restoration strategy to improve the nutritive value of pastures.Item CHARACTERIZATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF SELECTION INDICES FOR GENETIC IMPROVEMENT OF UGANDAN INDIGENOUS CHICKENS(Gulu University, 2025) Beyihayo Geoffrey AkiikiABSTRACT Indigenous chicken (IC) farming is constrained by their innate slow growth rate and low eg production. To date, Ugandan IC have not been appropriately characterized, and low-cost breeding tools are lacking for their genetic improvement. Therefore, this study assessed the phenotypic and genetic diversity, estimated genetic parameters, and designed selection indices for the genetic improvement of growth and egg production traits of IC. Phenotypic diversitywas assessed based on morphometric measurements of 576 IC sampled across the 9 agroecological zones of Uganda. To assess genetic diversity, whole blood was collected from the same IC for DNA extraction and subsequent genotyping based on 15 microsatellites. To estimate genetic parameters and construct selection indices, measurements of body weight, shank length and reproductive traits of hens corresponding to three consecutive generations were recorded. Phenotypically, Ugandan IC ecotypes were not unique from each other. Genetically, Ugandan IC ecotypes belong to two major population clusters and were characterized by large genetic admixture. The first cluster, population one, comprises the Teso, Nsoga, and Gisu ecotypes, while the Madi, Nganda, Nyoro, Lango, Acholi, and Ankole chickens belong to the second cluster, population two. Weight of hens at four weeks of age (W4) and weight at on-set of lay (WOL) were components of the top-ranked selection indices in the equal (w1) and broad sense heritability (wh2) weight categories. Selection index I17 = 3.25W4 – 176.59SL4 + 0.84W12 + 22.12SL12 + 0.38WOL + 21.89EW + 2.51EN, with the highest genetic advance, is recommended for genetic improvement of growth and egg production traits.Incorporating more traits in the index increases the value of genetic advance, the number of generations, and years required to achieve the breeding objectives. In conclusion, shank length at 8 and 12 weeks of age is a phenotypic marker of higher body weight at first egg and eggyield, respectively. It is recommended that genetic parameters of qualitative traits such as broodiness be estimated and consequently incorporated in the selection indices.Item PREVALENCE AND CONTROL OF ANAPLASMOSIS IN CATTLE: A CASE OF GULU DISTRICT(Gulu University, 2024) Joseph, OtimongTick-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.Item DETERMINATION OF PREVALENCE OF TICKS AND TICK- BORNE DISEASES IN INDIGENOUS BREEDS OF CATTLE IN PASTORAL AND MIXED CROP-LIVESTOCK-FARMING SYSTEMS OF NAKASEKE AND NAKASONGOLA DISTRICTS(2014) Kwesiga StephenA cross-sectional study was done between July and September 2011, in the cattle-corridor districts of Nakaseke and Nakasongola to deterrnine prevalence of ticks and tick-borne diseases (TfBDs) in indigenous breeds of cattle in pastoral and mixed crop-livestock arming systems of Nakaseke and Nakasongola It was also undertaken to understand the perspective of local conununities and extension workers on 'I*I'BDs and the management practices they employed to control them. The farming systems under study were pastoral and mixed aop-livestock faming systems. An open ended questionnaire was admninstered to capture information about cormnon cattle diseases, their clinical signs and symptoms, seasonal occurrence and out-breaks ITBDs, indigenous and modem management and control practices and their effectiveness among others. A total of 3600 questionnaires were admninistered to 3600 households, 1800 in each that is, of the two districts. The tick challenge and spectrum of species were assessed on one side of animal body. Thprevalent tick species were collected from different predilection sites and were further identified to species in the laboratory.The relationship between tick burden and disease out-break, rainfall patterns, seaso~al outbreaks and efficiency of treatment methods among others was deter·rnined and analysed.The results showed that R.appendiculatus was the most abundant tick species, followed by A. variegatum and lastly R. evertsi evertsi and their population varied greatly based on the seasons. In pastoral farming system, no ticks were found on calves below 6 months old, probably due to over-confinement in calf pens. The prevalence of T. parva was below 20% in calves below 4 months old, thereafter rising to 65% at 5 months, and then dropping to 200/0 from the age of 6 to 9 months. In mixed crop-livestock far111ing system, all age groups of I cattle were exposed to tick challenge. The prevalence of T. parva increased from 1 month old calf reaching a peak in 2-3 months old calves, but drastically dropped in calves 4 months old. Thereafter, it gradually built up to 70% in animals 7 .months old. licks were managed on a regular basis using acaricides, but the tick load on most animals was high due to application of under-strength concentration of acaricides. This was probably due to ignorance or financial difficulties, which could result in development of widespread acaricide resistance in ticks. The research findings can be enriched by conducting more studies to cover all the seasons. viiItem TSETSE FLY (DIPTERA: GLOSSINIDAE) SPECIES COMPOSITION, AGE STRUCTURE AND SEASONAL ABUNDANCE ALONG ESIA RIVER IN ITIRIKWA SUBCOUNTY, ADJUMANI DISTRICT, NORTH WESTERN UGANDA(2024) Dramwi MathiasBackground: Tsetse flies are vectors of African trypanosomes that present a threat to animal and human health on the continent. Controlling the vector therefore has the potential to improve agricultural productivity and human health in large parts of the continent. However, vector control requires reliable data on the actual species of the vectors and their dynamics. This study investigated the species composition, seasonal abundance and age structure oftsetse vectors along Esia River in Itirikwa Sub County in Adjumani district, northwest Uganda. Methods: Tsetse surveys were conducted using biconical traps across 10 villages along Esia River in the dry (January 2023) and wet (May 2022) seasons. A total of 50 traps were deployed at a distance of at least 1 OOm apart along riverbanks in each village, and checked after 72 hours. Trapped tsetses were identified using morphological keys, and data on entomological parameter~ assessed for the seasons. Age structure determination was carried out using wing fray analyses of flies. Results: A total of 919· tsetse flies were captured (593 females and 326 males) in the 10 villages in both the dry and wet seasons. All the captured tsetse flies belonged to the G/ossina fuscipes fuscipes subspecies. Average for all sites combined in both seasons was 3.205 ±0.521 (Mean± SE) with significant variations between villages (p = 0.001). Zoka (5.04 FTD) had the highest average fly abundance while the least was Lukwara ( 1.34 FTD). Generllly more flies were caught during the wet season (n=618; mean FTD 4.11) than dry season (n=301; mean FTD = 2.225 ;p=0.031 ).Overall, the difference in FTDs between the different vegetation types was not significant (p=0.542) though woodland appeared to have slightly higher number of catches than the other two vegetation types (forest and grassland). Estimated ages of the tsetse for the different villages ranged from 22-29 days for the wet season and from 18-25 days for the dry season implying that there were more old flies during the wet than dry season. Conclusion and Recommendation Glossina fuscipes fuscipes is the main vector for African trypanosomiasis along Esia River, with variable fly densities across villages and seasons. Given the relatively high FTDs in the area, regular surveillance and control should be instituted to reduce the incidence of African trypanosomiasis.