Research Articles

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Department of Food Science and Postharvest Technology, Gulu University

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Genetic and phenotypic parameter estimates for selection within Ugandan indigenous chickens
(Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2023-02-25) Beyihayo, Geoffrey Akiiki; Kugonza, Donald Rugira; Ndyomugyenyi, Elly K.; Echodu, Richard; Okot, Marion W.; Anjos, Filomena Dos
The high genetic variation within indigenous chickens (IC) which provides an opportunity to select superior stock for sustainable production and conservation is under-exploited. This study is aimed at estimating heritability and genetic and phenotypic correlation coefficients of productive and reproductive traits of Ugandan IC as a basis for selection. Data on traits were collected across two consecutive generations, weight (W) and shank length (SL) of chicks at hatching (HW) as well as at 2 (W2; SL2), 4 (W4; SL4), 6 (W6; SL6), 8 (W8; SL8), and 12 (W12; SL12) weeks of growth. Body weights at onset of lay (WFE) were also measured. In addition, egg number (EN-60), egg weight (EW), clutch number (CLN-60), and clutch size (CLS-60) over a period of 60 days were recorded. Genetic parameters were estimated using the univariate animal model analysis with restricted maximum likelihood procedure using the variability package of R, version 4.1.1. Heritability of traits ranged from 0.30 and 0.72 except SL4 (0.02), SL12 (0.14), and EN-60 (0.17). The traits EN-60 and W4 were negatively phenotypically correlated (− 0.49). Body weight at first egg was highly genetically correlated (0.99) with SL8. Egg number was significantly, negatively, and genetically correlated (− 0.96) with SL12. In conclusion, shank length is a potential phenotypic marker when selecting for live weight at onset of lay and egg yield. The shank length could, therefore, permit selection of superior chickens at an early age.
Indigenous Technical Knowledge and Its Potential Application to Uganda's Pig Sub‐Sector
(Wiley‐VCH GmbH, 2024-10-22) Kasima, Junior Senyonga; Kidega, Kenneth; Mugonola, Basil; Muyinza, Harriet; Kizza‐Nkambwe, Sarah; Beyihayo, Geoffrey Akiiki; Nokrach, James; Mpewo, Maxmillan; Kisaame, Marx; Ndyomugyenyi, Elly Kurobuza
Uganda's pork consumption is speculated to exceed any other livestock meat consumption by 2050. However, the current trend in pig production may not meet the demand due to pig production constraints such as recurrent disease incidences and high feeding costs. The proposed modern practices are not cost-effective, especially for resource-constrained pig farmers. This review, therefore, synthesises previous studies on the practicability of integrating Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) in pig production to mitigate the prevailing pig production challenges in Uganda. By employing ITK, smallholder farmers have realised that indigenous pig breeds are disease-resistant and suit the prevailing harsh tropical conditions. In addition, affordable plant-based concoctions have been developed to cure diseases in pigs. For example, Centella asiatica has been identified as a potential purgative for diarrhoeal infections. Integrating pigs in cropping systems has also been adopted as a low-cost alternative to effectively feed pigs for optimal performance. Fortunately, most of the ITK options for solving pig production challenges are feasible in Uganda. Thus, ITK should be embedded in the country's extension system to increase smallholder farmers' awareness about its potential of improving pig production. An ITK-modern technology integration would probably meet the acceptance and be suitable for commercial pig producers.
Knowledge, Attitude and the Practice of Climate-Smart Agriculture among Smallholder Farmers in Isingiro District, South Western Uganda
(East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology, 2023-03-30) Aturihaihi, Christine; Tumwesigye, Wycliffe; Opio, Fina; Beyihayo, Geoffrey Akiiki
Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) can sustainably increase productivity, improve resilience, and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from agricultural systems. The current study aimed to establish the existing knowledge, attitude, and practice of CSA among smallholder farmers in the Isingiro District. An exploratory survey was conducted to collect data from 126 farmers randomly selected from three Sub counties. Key informant interviews were conducted with three extension workers for more information. Data was analysed using Stata 14 to generate summary tables and the Chi-square test of independence. The results revealed a high level of knowledge about CSA among the farmers, with intercropping and crop rotation as the most popular (99%) whereas rainwater harvesting was least known (71.4%). Farmers’ knowledge about CSA was significantly related to different sources of information and knowledge (P<0.05). Farmers showed a positive attitude towards the use of CSA practices except for inorganic fertilisers with 45%. The dominantly used CSA practices were Intercropping (85.7%), mulching (75.4%) and the use of contour bunds (74.6%). Several limitations that hindered the adoption of CSA practices included limited finances, extension services, availability of CSA inputs, high prices of CSA inputs, price fluctuations and land scarcity, among others. The farmers’ awareness, attitude and practice of CSA were mainly shaped by their local knowledge with limited influence of technical knowledge. Furthermore, the practice of CSA among smallholder farmers is hampered by many limitations. Therefore, there is a need for policymakers to prioritise and enact pro-CSA-relevant policies that address the barriers hampering its adoption.
Smallholder Farmers’ Coping Strategies to Perceived Climate Change and Variability in Isingiro District, South Western Uganda
(African Journal of Climate Change and Resource Sustainability, 2023-05-05) Aturihaihi, Christine; Opio, Fina; Tumwesigye, Wycliffe; Beyihayo, Geoffrey, Akiiki
Climate change and variability pose a major challenge facing the agricultural sector around the world and trends are feared to intensify by 2050. This is likely to complicate agricultural decisions affecting local communities who depend on the sector for their livelihood. Seasonal changes in weather patterns are projected to reduce food production due to the reduction in average yields of common food crops. With the majority of smallholder farmers in Uganda depending on agriculture for survival, building their adaptive capacity to climate change is vital to ensure household food and income security. This study aimed at establishing the smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate change and their initiatives to cope with and manage the associated risks. A sample of 126 farming households were randomly selected from three Sub counties in Isingiro District and studied using field observations and questionnaires. Key informant interviews were also conducted with three extension workers. The collected data was analysed using Stata 14 and Excel. The findings revealed that there was increasing awareness of the climate change and variability challenge among smallholder farmers with the increasing need to take on adaptation strategies. The results showed that the major perceived changes were, increased intensity and frequency of droughts (98%), increase in daytime temperatures (92.7%), decrease in rainfall intensity (92.1%) and changes in rainfall distribution patterns (90%). It also showed that different initiatives had been taken by farmers to cope with the changes like changing planting dates (92.1%), growing crop variety mixtures (73.8%) and practising soil and water conservation (62.7%). Based on the findings of this study, smallholder farmers greatly perceived climate change and variability with negative impacts imposed on their farming operations. Although farmers have tried to adapt, there is still a need to support their coping strategies through appropriate policies. This will facilitate increased adoption of adaptation measures, thereby reducing the negative consequences of climate change in future.
Effect of feeding buttermilk coated diets on growth, carcass characteristics and production cost of crossbred chicken
(Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science, 2021-09-08) Beyihayo, GA; Ntakyo, PR; Aturihaihi, C
Growth performance, carcass characteristics and production costs associated with feeding crossbred indigenous chicken on traditional buttermilk coated diets were evaluated. Three batches of day-old Indigenous x Kuroiler crossbred chicks were raised on a commercial diet for one month. At one month, chicken in each of the three batches were weighed and randomly divided into 3 equal groups. Each group comprised of 20 birds. Chicken in each group were either fed coated (dry buttermilk coated maize-bran), combined (buttermilk coated maize bran + commercial diet) or a commercial (control) diet. Average final live weight and feed intake were similar across the three dietary treatments (P>0.05). Feed to gain ratio significantly varied (P<0.05) across dietary treatments with buttermilk coated diets having the highest feed to gain ratio (7.27) compared to combined (4.38) and commercial (3.88) diets. Coated and combined diets yielded similar dressing percentage of 60.2 and 62 compared to 65% obtained with commercial diets. Carcass and organ yield was similar (P>0.05) across dietary treatments. On a 5 point hedonic scale, chicken meat produced using coated diets was more acceptable (2.0), compared to combined (2.1) and commercial (3.1) diets (P<0.05). The highest gross margins accrued from feeding combined and commercial diets. Over-all, results provide evidence of the potential of the combined diet to attain similar growth performance, carcass yield and gross margins as the commercial diet at lower cost.
Effect of scattered tree species on the diversity, abundance and biomass of pastures in a sedentary grazing system in South-western Uganda
(African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2020-08-31) Nabasumba, Dina; Kirunda, Halid; Muzira, Robert; Tugume, Gershom; Natuha, Steven; Beyihayo, Geoffrey Akiiki
Tree species play a significant role in sustaining the productivity of grazing lands. However, information on appropriate species to use in restoring degraded grazing areas is limited. This study used 120 trees to assess the effect of 8 tree species on pasture diversity, abundance and biomass. This was done in a total of 960 quadrats of 1 m2 established under tree canopies and 5 m away from the edge of tree canopies. In each quadrat, the different pasture species and their ground cover were recorded. The pastures were harvested, weighed and their biomass recorded. Results of analysis by Shannon–Wiener’s index indicated that pasture diversity was almost the same under and outside tree canopies (H = 1.8 and H = 1.78 respectively), but pasture abundance was significantly higher under tree canopies (p < 0.05). Ficus natalensis and Albizia coriaria had the highest pasture abundance under their canopies. Pasture biomass never varied significantly under and outside tree canopies but between tree species, F. natalensis had a significantly higher positive influence on pasture biomass than other species. It was discovered that F. natalensis and A. coriaria have a higher potential for restoring degraded grazing areas in South-western Uganda.
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.

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