Research Articles

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Department of Food Science and Postharvest Technology, Gulu University

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Performance of local and local x improved chicken crosses under semi-intensive management system in Northern Uganda
(Cogent Food & Agriculture, 2023-05-19) Ochora, Samuel; Kasima, Junior Senyonga; Okot, Wilfred Marion; Ndyomugyenyi, Elly Kurobuza
Despite the efforts to improve Uganda’s chicken production through crossbreeding, limited research has been conducted to establish the performance of local x improved chicken crosses under the dominant management systems used by chicken rearing households. The current study aimed to assess the performance of local x improved chicken crosses under semi-intensive management system in Pader and Agago districts of Northern Uganda, where crossing of local with imported Kuroiler chickens has been promoted over time. A cross-sectional survey using a semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire and observation was conducted in two purposively selected sub-counties per district among 246 respondents to establish the sociodemographic characteristics of chicken farmers and reasons for crossing. Using a Completely Randomised Block Design, an experiment was set up to compare the performance of local chickens and local x improved chicken (Kuroiler) crosses in terms of egg production and hatchability. All respondents practiced crossing with the aim of enhancing egg production in their chicken flocks. Under semi-intensive management system, hatchability of the eggs from crossbred chickens did not differ (P ≥ 0.05) from that of the eggs laid by the local chickens. In conclusion, although crossbred chickens exhibited hybrid vigour in terms of egg production under free range and semi-intensive systems, the hatchability of the eggs from crossbred chickens raised under semi-intensive system did not differ from that of eggs from local chickens. Future research should consider establishing the quality attributes of eggs of the local x improved chicken crosses in the dominant management systems among chicken keeping households in Uganda.
Indigenous Microorganisms as an alternative Odour-reduction approach in Pig Production systems: A review
(Science and Development, 2025-07) Ndyomugyenyi, Elly Kurobuza; Kasima, Junior Senyonga
Odour emissions from pig production facilities are the most significant limitations to pig production. Effective interventions to control odour such as dietary modification, liquid-solid separation, bio-filtration, covers for manure storage, and dust suppression have been made. However, these measures are costly and unaffordable by most pig farmers. The use of Indigenous micro-organisms (IMOs) has been suggested as a less costly alternative approach to control odour. The IMOs can be used to manage odour in a natural and environmentally beneficial way. They aid in the breakdown of organic materials and lessen the offensive smell by introducing helpful bacteria to the farm. The micro-organisms help to break down faecal material rapidly to a fertilizer rich material, while ensuring that there are no smells or flies. This enables rearing of pigs close to the living quarters in areas where land is scarce and heavily populated, hence encouraging more farmers to adopt the enterprise. This review focuses on the use of IMOs as a less costly approach to control odour in pig production systems.
Current Status and Potential Opportunities for Uganda’s Pig Sub Sector: A Review
(Science and Development, 2024-12-20) Kasima, Junior Senyonga; Mugonola, Basil; Muyinza, Harriet; Ndyomugyenyi, Elly Kurobuza
Pig production is one of the most important livestock sub-sectors in agricultural economy of Uganda. However, pig production is not a priority enterprise in the government endeavors to uplift livelihoods of Ugandans, which has deterred the sub-sector from realizing its full potential. This review explores opportunities that pig farmers and policy makers could exploit to improve pig production in the country. Since gender inclusivity is pivotal in global agricultural development, the review examines the level of gender inclusivity in Uganda’s pig production, the key constraints to pig production, and opportunities that could boost growth of the sub-sector. The review has identified that there is an increase in female participation in pig production, which portrays realization of faster growth of Uganda’s pig production. This faster growth might however be deterred by frequent African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks, high cost of feeding and low quality of feed materials due to aflatoxin contamination. Offensive smell from pig houses could also constrain pig production especially in densely populated areas. Potential opportunities for Uganda’s pig production include use of alternative feeds like black soldier fly larvae and biochar. Black soldier fly larvae grow on readily available organic wastes and are rich in proteins while biochar improves the immunity of pigs. Nixtamalization, a process involving the treatment of maize with an alkaline solution to reduce aflatoxin levels, could be explored to mitigate feed contamination while indigenous microorganism solution could be applied on deep litter beddings to reduce offensive odor in pig house. In conclusion, the study observed that Uganda has untapped opportunities that, once utilized, could improve pig production. These, if adopted, could contribute to a swifter take-off in the pig sub-sector and ensure that future domestic demand for pork is met by our own production. The potential alternatives are also applicable to pig production in any developing country.
Effectiveness of Indigenous Micro-Organism Treatment of Deep Litter Floor in Pig House Foul Odour Control
(IAR Journal of Agriculture Research and Life Sciences, 2020-09-22) Mamawi, A.G.; Aliro, T.; Kidega , K.; Ndyomugyenyi, E. K.
Pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) production amongst smallholder farmers is constrained by bad odour arising from pig houses. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO) treatment of deep litter floor in controlling bad odour emission from pig houses of IMO treated and untreated deep litter floor. Twenty four three-month old pigs (Large White x Landrace) were raised on deep litter floor; one floor type treated with IMO solution and control not treated. Significant (LSD≤0.05) differences were observed in bad odour intensity of extremely strong, very strong, strong, distinct, weak, and very weak at a distance of 0 to 40 metres from pig houses of IMO treated and untreated deep litter floor; with high intensity of bad odour (16.9%) arising from untreated deep litter floor houses than IMO treated litter floor (0.4%). Therefore, deep litter floor treatment with IMO solution does not eliminate bad odour from pig house but rather reduces the intensity of foul odour to a level which is environmentally friendly and acceptable to the people living around the piggery. Further research should be conducted to determine IMO lifespan in vitro of their natural habitat for efficient storage, packaging and frequency of its application on different organic bedding materials.
The nutritional value of soaked-boiled-fermented jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) seed meal for poultry
(Journal of Animal and Poultry Sciences, 2015) NDYOMUGYENYI, E. K.; OKOT, M. W.; MUTETIKKA, D.
Chemical analysis, apparent metabolizable energy and one feeding trial were conducted to assess the nutritional value of jackfruit seeds that had been subjected to a combination of soaking, boiling, followed by fermentation. In the feeding trial, five broiler starter diets were formulated with the processed jackfruit seed meal constituting 0, 80, 160, 240 and 320 g/kg of the diet. The jackfruit seeds before and after processing contained 151, 140 g crude protein; 740, 747 g total carbohydrates; 11.1, 1.28 g tannins; 10.0, 1.47 g total oxalates per kg respectively. The apparent metabolizable energy value of the processed jackfruit seed meal was 2368±315 Kcal/kg. Inclusion of the processed jackfruit seed meal affected chick growth, nutrient utilization and organ weights relative to body weight. At 80 and 320g/kg inclusion, weight gain and feed/gain were depressed by 5.2, 42.1%; 6.2, 40.7% respectively. Feed intake was not affected up to 240 g/kg inclusion but reduced by 18.3% at 320 g/kg. Except for gizzard; weights of liver, caecum, heart, intestines and pancreas were affected. At 80 and 320 g/kg inclusion; weights of caecum, intestine, pancreas and gizzard increased by 69.4, 113.9%; 4.5, 43.2%; 7.3, 46.3%; 11.3, 14.6%, while liver and heart were reduced by 7.7, 22.2%; 27.9, 34.2% respectively. Apart from nitrogen retention; nitrogen digestibility, dry matter digestibility and excreta water content were not affected. Nitrogen retention increased by 38.5% at 320 g/kg inclusion. Processing reduced tannins and oxalates from jackfruit seeds by over 85%. The processed jackfruit seed meal can be included in poultry diets at levels up to 80 g/kg without compromising with: feed intake, feed efficiency, daily weight gain and nutrient utilization. Although the cost per kg gain of birds increased with jackfruit seed meal inclusion, the seeds will eventually be readily available at low or no cost. However, for economic efficiency the cost of collection and treatment should be put intconsideration.
Boer goat production in Kikatsi Sub County, Kiruhura District, Uganda
(Livestock Research for Rural Development, 2013-06-02) Arineitwe, I; Ndyomugyenyi, E K
A study was conducted to assess the contribution of Boer goats to household incomes in Kikatsi Sub County, Kuruhura District. A total of 60 households were used for the study in five different parishes in the sub county. Data were collected using structured questions, observations, and interviews. Secondary sources of data were also reviewed. Respondents (93.4%) who kept between 1and 60 Boer goats were more than those (86.7%) who kept a similar number of indigenous goats. However, there was a small difference of 1.6% between respondents who kept 21 - 40 indigenous goats (43.3%) and those (41.7%) who kept a similar number of Boer goats. The number of Boer goats (78.3%) heavier than 26 kg was higher than that of indigenous goats (51.7%) with similar weights. The market price of the goats was dependent on the weight of the individual goat but not the breed type. Respondents (93.3%) who sold 1 - 4 Boer goats per month were more than those (86.7%) who sold a similar number of indigenous goats indicating that Boer goats contributed more to farmers’ income than indigenous goats. The main limitations to Boer goat production were lack of capital (95%), shortage of established cultivated pasture and fodder crops (90%), poor goat management skills (81.7%), and lack of veterinary services (75%). The other source of income for farmers was cattle keeping (75%) although some farmers (13.3%) also grew crops such as bananas for income generation. The study showed that Boer goats contributed to household incomes and people adopted the new intervention of Boer goat production.
Dynamics of Cyanogens and In-Vitro Degradability of Cassava Peels as an Indicator of its Nutritional Value as Animal Feed
(Livestock Research for Rural Development, 2015-06-03) Taabu, H.L.; Ndyomugyenyi, E.K.; Mutetikka, D.; Wasswa, D.
The in-vitro degradability of cassava peels and its relationship with the cyanogenic potential of five cassava varieties grown in Uganda was investigated to study the potential of cassava peels as an energy source in animal feeds. The cassava varieties included NASE 3, NASE 4, NASE 10, TME 14 and Tongolo. The first four varieties were considered to be of low to medium cyanogenic potential (CNp), while the last one contained high CNp. Cassava peels had 25.5 ± 6.6% dry matter (DM), 86.6 ± 0.9% organic matter (OM) and 56.8 ± 5.8% neutral detergent fibre (NDF). Degradability of DM, OM and NDF was 74.8± 4.2%, 74% ± 7.5% and 44.2 ± 7.5% respectively. Total cyanogenic potential and free hydrogen cyanide (HCN) in the fresh peels ranged from 923 to 2815 and 33 to 676 mg HCN equivalent kg-1 DM respectively. These levels dropped by 27- 88% and over 90% respectively, when the peels were dried. For all varieties, the residual cyanogenic potential after drying the peels fell within the safety limits recommended by FAO/WHO for food and feed. The study showed that using fresh peels in sufficient amounts for feeding animals, particularly monogastrics, is potentially harmful due to high cyanogenic potential. Drying the peels can, however, reduce the cyanide toxicity risks. The low NDF degradability reduces the nutritional value of cassava peels if they are used as a sole source of energy in ruminant diets.
Prevalence of Bovine Fasciolosis, Financial Losses and Risk Factors Associated with the Disease in Lira and Gulu Districts, Northern Uganda
(Veterinary Medicine International, 2025-03-17) Ogwal, Anthony; Okello, Daniel Micheal; Aliro, Tony; Owiny, David Okello; Ndyomugyenyi, Elly Kurobuza
Bovine fasciolosis (BF) is a parasitic disease of cattle that causes significant economic impacts to cattle farmers. The physical loses include weight loss, drop in productivity, liver condemnation and mortalities. This study assessed the prevalence, financial losses and risk factors associated with the disease in Lira and Gulu Districts, northern Uganda. A cross-sectional study of 720 slaughter cattle from the abattoirs was conducted by macroscopic examination of the animals and carcasses during routine slaughter. In the farms, 120 rectal faecal samples were taken to a laboratory for Fasciola egg detection by simple microscopy, while risk factors were assessed by administering a questionnaire to farm owners. Prevalence of BF was highest (38%) within cattle in the age group of 1–3 years and lowest (18%) in those over 5 years. The overall BF prevalence was 48% and 26% by postmortem examination and coprology, respectively. The cattle body condition had a significant association (p < 0.01) with prevalence of BF, in which emaciated cattle were most affected (59%), while fat ones had the least prevalence (15%). The annual financial loss due to BF infection was USD 89,099. The major risk factors associated with the disease at the farm level were communal grazing in swampy areas (82%) and watering cattle in swamps (71%). Farms where the source of drinking water was swamp water had higher chances (p < 0.05) of their cattle having BF. An integrated approach using routine deworming programs, improvement of cattle management practices and control of snail intermediate hosts is recommended to effectively control the spread of BF.
Black soldier flies as a latent driver to attaining selected SDGs in a developing country context- the case of Uganda
(Sustainable Environment, 2025-03-17) Kasima, Junior Senyonga; Mugonola,Basil; Menya, Emmanuel; Ndaula, Sulaiman; Ndyomugyenyi, Elly Kurobuza
In developing countries, minimal progress has been made towards the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is because of low investment in innovations towards this endeavor. In this paper, 143 peer-reviewed journal articles and non-journal sources were reviewed to explore the potential of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) rearing as a cost-effective innovation for achieving SDGs 1, 2, 3, 7, and 13. Uganda was chosen for its median position among developing countries, making its practices adaptable to countries on either side of the scale. BSF can contribute to the attainment of the five SDGs through its products and/or services, including environment-friendly waste management, larvae for animal feeds, frass for organic fertilizer, and chitin for pharmaceutical use. This review discusses the significant potential of integrating BSF into strategies to achieve the selected SDGs in a developing country. However, the limited data on organic waste generation could not permit precise statistical estimates of BSF’s potential contribution to each SDG. Future studies, supported by reliable data, should precisely assess the feasibility of BSF rearing as a cost-effective innovation for attaining the SDGs. Future research should also explore the influence of policy and consumer behavior on the adoption and utilization of BSF-based products.
Pig Production in Gulu and Omoro Districts of Northern Uganda
(Stechnolock Veterinary Science, 2021) Kasima, JS; Mugonola, B; Ndyomugyenyi, EK
The potential of pig production to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers is constrained by inadequate use of pig production technologies. Technologies like the use of artificial insemination (AI) to improve breeds have been suggested to improve pig production. Pig production in Northern Uganda, however, remains low suggesting limited use of such technologies. Three technologies (Indigenous Micro-organism (IMO) technology, artificial insemination and use of feed formula from dominant locally available feedstuffs) were introduced to the smallholder farmers in Gulu and Omoro districts of northern Uganda. Prior to implementation, however, it necessitated that the status of pig production among farmers be established against which the impact of the initiative to introduce these technologies will be assessed. This paper therefore aimed at determining the status of pig production in northern Uganda. A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 109 purposively selected pig farmers recruited to participate in technology implementation. 59.6% were males, aged between 36-64 years (53.2%), married (78%), with household size of 7-9 members (42.2%), had attained primary education (58.7%) and had 1-5 acres of land (54.1%). The average herd size was 4.6 pigs with 67.4% farmers keeping local pigs. Piglets dominated the herds in both districts with 89% farmers keeping pigs as the main livestock species. Income generation was the primary reason for keeping pigs. Piggery was constrained by expensive feeding (82.6%) and diseases (47.7%). 93.6% farmers fed pigs on local feedstuffs with no definite formula, 59.6% housed their pigs but none used either artificial insemination or indigenous micro-organism technologies. In conclusion, there exists limited knowledge on, and use of the three technologies. There is therefore need to train farmers on these technologies and later assess their acceptance and adoption, and their impact on status of pig production.
In-situ morphological characterization of indigenous chicken Ecotypes in Uganda
(Ecological Genetics and Genomics, 2022-09-01) Beyihayo, Geoffrey Akiiki; Ndyomugyenyi, Elly Kurobuza; Echodu, Richard; Kugonza, Donald
Genetic improvement of indigenous chickens (IC) is hindered by limited knowledge on the various chicken Ecotypes. This study characterized and assessed the genetic diversity of nine (9) IC Ecotypes based on quantitative morphological traits. A total of 576 IC (288 cocks and 288 hens) were sampled from 288 households across the 9 agro-ecological zones of Uganda. Data on linear morphological traits and live weight of IC were collected using a field guide developed by African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR, 2015). Over-all, body live weight (LWT), shank/tarsus length (SL), drumstick length (DL), thorax circumference (TC) and body length (BL) of IC varied significantly (P < 0.05) across Ecotypes except tarsus circumference (TAC) of cocks. Cocks and hens on average weighed 2.2 ± 0.53 and 1.6 ± 0.58 kg respectively. On average, SL, DL, TC, BL, TAC was 9.8 ± 1.23, 4.9 ± 2.50, 16.2 ± 1.63, 38.4 ± 5.96, 24.7 ± 4.93 cm for cocks and 7.8 ± 1.04, 3.9 ± 0.53, 13.2 ± 1.42, 33.8 ± 5.29, 21.3 ± 4.37 cm for hens respectively. Body weight and linear morphological traits except TAC were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by Ecotype. Principal component analysis based on live body weight and morphological linear traits did not identify any distinct chicken Ecotype. The disparity in weight estimation models further emphasizes the ecologically induced variations across Ecotypes. Therefore, the current study confirms the morphological and more so genetic similarity implying genetic improvement can be achieved through selection of superior IC across Ecotypes.
Characterization of the Chemical Composition of Raw and Treated Jackfruit (Artocarpus Heterophyllus) and Java Plum (Syzygium Cumini) Beans for Poultry Feeding
(Journal of Animal Science Advances, 2014-11-30) Ndyomugyenyi, E. K.; Okot, M. W.; Mutetikka, D.
The chemical composition of Jackfruit beans (JFB) and Java plum beans (JPB) was investigated to establish their nutritive value for poultry. The beans were soaked in water before subjecting them to the following treatments: fermented in presence of wood ash (SFWA); boiled (SB); roasted (SR); autoclaved (SA); fermented after boiling (SBF); roasted after fermentation (SFR); and a combination of boiling, fermentation and roasting (SBFR). Screening to identify phytochemical compounds and quantify anti-nutrients in the raw beans; determining the content of anti-nutrients in treated beans were conducted. Additionally, proximate composition, minerals, and metabolisable energy (ME) of raw and treated beans were determined. Most (>70%) phytochemical compounds in raw JFB and JPB were anti-nutrients and included sterols, triterpenes, courmarins, tannins, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, saponins and steroid glycosides. Raw JFB and JPB had 1.11, 2.44% tannins; 1.00, 1.54 % oxalates; 0.754, 0.714% phytates respectively. Tannins in raw JFB were reduced by 88.7, 88.5, 85.9 and 84.5% in SFR, SBF, SB and SBFR treatments respectively. Oxalates in JFB were reduced by 85.3% and 81.2% in SBF and SBFR treatments respectively. Proximate composition, minerals, and ME of raw JFB and JPB was 92.5, 91.0% DM; 15.1, 4.42% CP; 0.983, 0.400% EE; 4.20, 3.44% CF; 3.78, 2.17% ash; 74.0, 88.6% NFE; 13.3, 13.2 MJ/kg ME; 0.456, 0.430% Na; 0.611, 0.481% Ca; 0.222, 0.088% P; 1.53, 0.895% K respectively. The method of treatment had no effect (P˃0.05) on CF of JFB. Method of treatment had a significant (P˂0.05) effect on CP, NFE, ME, DM, ash, P, K, Na, and Ca for JFB. Method of treatment had no significant (P˃0.05) effect on CF and CP for JPB but DM, ash, EE, NFE, ME, P, K, Na, and Ca were affected (P˂0.05). The SBF and SBFR reduced tannins and oxalates from raw JFB by more than 80%. The major nutrient in JFB and JPB is energy.
An assessment of pig feed diversity amongst smallholder pig farmers in Northern Uganda
(Cogent Food & Agriculture, 2021-07-02) Okello Daniel Micheal; Odongo Walter; Aliro Tony; Ndyomugyenyi Elly
Pig production has a high potential for increasing household incomes of both rural and urban smallholder farmers. However, this opportunity is constrained by the high cost of feeds and its scarcity. As such, farmers usually feed pigs on multiple feed resources within their reach. Although the diversity of pig feeds is important in overcoming the challenges, there is limited information on how this can be achieved, and the factors influencing it. Using a cross-section of 240 pig farming households, this study assessed how socio-demographic, technical and institutional factors influenced household pig feed diversity. Statistical analysis was performed at p < 0.1, p < 0.05 and p < 0.01), respectively. Results showed that marital status (p = 0.012), household size (p = 0.085), number of crop (p = 0.008) and other livestock enterprises (p = 0.055), ownership of mobile phone (p = 0.091), buying feeds (p = 0.005), and use of radio (p = 0.032) and friend as sources (p = 0.002) of agricultural information had a positive significant influence on household pig feed diversity. Additionally, age (p = 0.042), land size owned (p = 0.085) and breed [rearing local (p = 0.009) and crosses (p = 0.000) as opposed to exotic breeds] had a negative significant influence on household pig feed diversity. The study recommends that focus should be placed on improving access to farm inputs, agricultural and market information for smallholder pig farmers so as to improve pig feed diversity and subsequently enhance production and productivity. Radio and mobile phone technologies are opportunities that can support information sharing.
Effect of substituting a commercial grower diet with fermented sweet potato vine-cassava tuber-based diet on the performance of growing pigs
(African Journal of Rural Development, 2021-06-30) NDYOMUGYENYI, E. K.; ALIRO ,T.; ODONGO, W.; OKOT, M.W.
Pig production is one of the significant enterprises with the potential to improve protein nutrition and livelihoods of smallholder farmers. However, pig production is constrained by high cost of feedstuffs, hence an urgent need to search for low-cost feeding alternatives. This paper assessed the nutritional value of home-made alternative feed comprised of sweet potato vines, cassava tubers and rice bran (SPV-CT-RB) for growing pigs. Pig diets were formulated with SPV-CT-RB substituting commercially made concentrate by 0, 30 and 45%. Sweet potato vines had more protein (15.2%) than SPV-CT-RB (11.3%), rice bran (7.17%) and cassava tubers (1.99%). Cassava tubers had more energy (12.1 MJ/kg) than SPV-CT-RB (11.1 MJ/kg), sweet potato vines (11.0 MJ/kg) and rice bran (10.7 MJ/kg). Except for feed conversion ratio, substituting the commercially made concentrate with SPV-CT-RB diet did not affect (p≥0.05) the body weight gain, feed intake and cost of producing pork. The SPV-CT-RB diet can be included in growing pig diets up to 45% without compromising with the feed intake, body weight gain and cost of producing pork.
Effect of Different Floor Types on Growth Performance of Pigs and Carcass Back-Fat Thickness
(London Journal of Research in Science: Natural and Formal, 2021) Kidega, K.; Aliro, T.; Mugonola, B.; Ndyomugyenyi, E. K.; Okello-Uma, I.
Pig production (Sus scrofa domesticus) amongst smallholder farmers is constrained by poor growth performances in terms of feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) and, high proportion of carcass back-fat thickness to lean meat. This study investigated the effect of floor types on growth performance of pigs and carcass back-fat thickness of pigs raised on IMO treated deep litter floor, untreated deep litter floor and concrete floor.Three-month old pigs (Large White x Landrace) were raised on a deep litter floor and concrete floor (control); one type of deep litter floor was treated with IMO solution and one type not treated. No significant (P≥0.05) difference were observed in feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass back-fat thickness at the back from the 15th rib to the last Lumbar vertebrae, at gluteus medius muscle and the thigh of pigs raised on both concrete floor, IMO treated and untreated deep litter floor.
Effect of substituting a commercial grower diet with fermented sweet potato vine-cassava tuber-based diet on the performance of growing pigs
(African Journal of Rural Development, 2021-06) KASIMA, J. S.; MUGONOLA, B.; ALIRO, T.; NDYOMUGYENYI, E. K.
In Uganda, the major limitation to pig production is the high cost of quality feeds. Consequently, smallholder farmers resort to using non-conventional feedstuffs within their surroundings, which are seasonal and do not solely meet the nutritional requirements of the pigs. In order to reduce feed costs, this study assessed the performance of growing pigs fed on a mixture of a commercial diet and a fermented composite of commonly used local feedstuffs namely sweet potato vines (SPV), cassava tubers (CT) and rice bran (RB). A completely randomised block design with two treatments (diets), each replicated three times was adopted for the study. The diets were; commercial diet (control), and a 1:1 mixture of commercial diet and fermented sweet potato vine-cassava tuber-rice bran composite. The chemical composition of SPV, CT and RB varied, with SPV having the highest crude protein (10.8%), CT having the highest digestible energy (3032 Kcal/kg) and RB having the highest crude fibre (20.3%). The crude protein content of the commercial feed was higher (16.5 %) than that of the mixture (13.33 %), while the mixture had a higher crude fibre content (11.6 %) than the commercial feed (6.3 %). However, the fat content and digestible energy content of the two diets did not differ. Grower pigs fed on the commercial diet registered higher daily weight gains and better feed conversion ratio (p<0.05) than those fed on the 1:1 mixture of the commercial diet and fermented composite. Therefore, feeding the 1:1 mixture of commercial and fermented SPV-CT-RB feeds to pigs lowered the performance of grower pigs and did not meet the goal of reducing feeding costs. Further research should be conducted at different levels of substitution of the commercial with the mixed feed to establish the combination that can reduce feeding costs without compromising the performance of the pigs.
Prevalence of Bovine Fasciolosis, Financial Losses and Risk Factors Associated with the Disease in Lira and Gulu Districts, Northern Uganda
(Wiley Veterinary Medicine International, 2025-03-17) Anthony Ogwal,; Daniel Micheal Okello; Tony Aliro; David Okello Owiny; Elly Kurobuza Ndyomugyenyi
Bovine fasciolosis (BF) is a parasitic disease of cattle that causes significant economic impacts to cattle farmers. The physical loses include weight loss, drop in productivity, liver condemnation and mortalities. This study assessed the prevalence, financial losses and risk factors associated with the disease in Lira and Gulu Districts, northern Uganda. A cross-sectional study of 720 slaughter cattle from the abattoirs was conducted by macroscopic examination of the animals and carcasses during routine slaughter. In the farms, 120 rectal faecal samples were taken to a laboratory for Fasciola egg detection by simple microscopy, while risk factors were assessed by administering a questionnaire to farm owners. Prevalence of BF was highest (38%) within cattle in the age group of 1–3 years and lowest (18%) in those over 5 years. The overall BF prevalence was 48% and 26% by postmortem examination and coprology, respectively. The cattle body condition had a significant association (p < 0.01) with prevalence of BF, in which emaciated cattle were most affected (59%), while fat ones had the least prevalence (15%). The annual financial loss due to BF infection was USD 89,099. The major risk factors associated with the disease at the farm level were communal grazing in swampy areas (82%) and watering cattle in swamps (71%). Farms where the source of drinking water was swamp water had higher chances (p < 0.05) of their cattle having BF. An integrated approach using routine deworming programs, improvement of cattle management practices and control of snail intermediate hosts is recommended to effectively control the spread of BF.
Brucellosis: Community, Medical and Veterinary Workers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Northern Uganda
(International Journal of One Health, 2017-05-05) Nabirye, Harriet Muloki; Erume, Joseph; Nasinyama, George William; Kungu, Joseph Morison; Nakavuma, Jesca; Ongeng, Duncan; Owiny, David Okello
This study aimed at determining the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the community, medical and veterinary workers regarding brucellosis.A cross-sectional study was conducted at selected health facilities in Apac, Gulu, Lira, and Pader districts of Northern Uganda using a standardized questionnaire. A total of 251 patients testing positive for brucellosis using the Brucella plate agglutination test, 59 medical and 29 veterinary workers were studied. Chi-square test at 95% confidence level was used to analyze data.Only 8% patients, 15.3% medical, and 21.4% veterinary workers were knowledgeable on transmission methods and symptoms for brucellosis and knowledge differed according to the level of education among patients (p=0.001), medical (p=0.001), and veterinary workers (p=0.012). Over 80% patients, medical and veterinary workers had a positive attitude. Only 8% patients, 13.6% medical, and 7.1% veterinary workers had good practices regarding brucellosis control. Poor knowledge, poor practices, and positive attitude provide an opportunity for health education and policy formulation for the control of brucellosis. The prevalence studies of human and animal brucellosis are recommended to determine the magnitude of the problem.
Evaluation of the nutritional value of soaked-boiled fermented Java plum (Syzygium cumini) seed meal for poultry
(African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2016-06-30) Ndyomugyenyi, E. K.; Okot, M. W.; Mutetikka, D.
Chemical analysis, apparent metabolizable energy (MEn), and one feeding trial were conducted to evaluate the nutritional value of Java plum seeds (JPS) that had been subjected to a combination of soaking, boiling, and fermentation (SBF). Five broiler starter diets were formulated with the processed Java plum seed meal (JPSM) comprising 0, 80, 160, 240, and 320 g/kg of the diet. The JPS before and after processing contained 910±5.30 and 888±6.10 g DM; 44.2±0.940 and 48.1±1.02 g CP; 886±9.90 and 888±6.54 g NFE; and 13.2± 0.165 and 13.3±0.154 MJ calculated metabolizable energy; 24.4±1.33 and 9.17±0.940 g tannins per kg, respectively. The MEn value of the processed JPSM was 14.7±0.973 MJ/kg. Feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG), and feed efficiency (FCR) of broiler chicks decreased (R2 Ëƒ 0.850) with increasing JPSM in the diet. At 80 and 320 g/kg inclusion, FI, WG, and FCR were depressed by 16.0 and 34.1%, 20.2 and 42.5%, and 4.90 and 12.5%, respectively. Liver, heart, and pancreas weights relative to body weight were not significantly (P Ëƒ 0.05) affected. However, caecum, gizzard, and intestine weights increased (R2 Ëƒ 0.800), while the heart weight decreased (R2 = 0.772) with increasing JPSM in the diet. At 80 and 320 g/kg JPSM inclusion, weights of caecum, intestine, and gizzard increased by 48.5 and 68.2%, 18.8 and 43.5%, and 9.55 and 19.2%, respectively. Inclusion of JPSM in chick diets adversely (P < 0.05) affected nitrogen retention (NR), nitrogen digestibility (ND), dry matter digestibility (DMD), and excreta water content (EWC). At 320 g/kg JPSM inclusion, NR, ND, DMD, and EWC were depressed by 30.8, 12.6, 0.42, and 2.45%, respectively. No mortality was recorded at 320 g/kg JPSM inclusion. The SBF did not improve the nutritional value of JPS for poultry production.
Determinants of technical efficiency of pig production systems in northern Uganda: a Stochastic Frontier approach
(Springer Nature, 2024-12-04) Caleb I. Adewale; Elias Munezero; Elly K. Ndyomugyenyi; Basil Mugonola
Meat consumption, particularly the consumption of pork, has increased substantially in most developing countries. In response, various production systems are being employed by pig farmers to produce pork to cover the demand-supply gaps. However, little is known about the technical efficiencies of these underlying production systems. This study examined the technical efficiency of smallholder pig production systems in northern Uganda using cross-sectional data. The study surveyed 240 pig farmers randomly selected and used descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier analysis to examine the data collected. Results revealed that age, access to credit, household size, education level, years of pig farming experience management system, and access to extension services were the key determinants of technical efficiency in the farrow to finish pig production system. Technical efficiency in the farrow to weaner pig production system was influenced by household size, level of education, access to credit, access to extension services, and management system. In the weaner-to-slaughter pig production system, determinants of technical efficiency included age, household size, access to credit, access to extension services, and breed of pigs. The study recommends that policies that would ensure sufficient access to credit by pig producers should be enacted to enhance production. Pig producers should be urged to wisely use credit received for the expansion of their pig farms rather than for other uses. Further, extension services tailored to pig production systems should be made available to pig farmers to enhance output and technical efficiency and to bridge the information gap between research institutes and the farmers.

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