Browsing by Author "Ilatsia, E.D."
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Item Carcass Characteristics of Indigenous Chicken Fed on Diets Containing German Cockroach (Blattella germanica) Meal in Kenya(African Journal of Education, Science and Technology, 2023-09-11) Ngaira, V.M.; Wayua, F.O.; Mosi, R.O.; Wambui, C.C.; Alaru, P.A.O.; Ochieng, V.O.; Ilatsia, E.D.; Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) ; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) ; Maseno UniversityEdible insects are available for use in insect-based-feed, however there is limited information on carcass characteristics and sensory tests of chicken fed on German cockroaches (Blattela germanica). This study assessed the effects of replacing fishmeal (FM) with varying levels of processed B. germanica meal (BGM). Seventy-two grower chicken of eight weeks old, comprising an equal number of males and females, were used as sampling units in a completely randomized design (CRD). Four treatments were replicated three times and fed ad lib on different diets for period of fifty-six days. The treatments were isocaloric and isonitrogenous and comprised of-diet TA (3.5% FM, 0.5% PBGM), TB (2.5% FM, 1.5% PBGM), TC (2% FM, 2% PBGM), and TD (4% FM, 0% FM). Four birds per treatment were sacrificed on day 112. The birds were slaughtered, dressed, and dissected into prime cuts (thighs, drumstick, breast, wings) that were weighed and expressed as a percentage of live birds. Samples of breast were cooked and served to a panellist for an organoleptic test. Data were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance for a CRD where samples were treatments while panellists were replicates in SPSS. Weights of plucked bird, dressed bird, thighs, drumstick, and wings of chicken fed on TA, TB, and TC was not significantly different from those feds on the control diet (TD). Similarly, the average percentage of the dressed carcass (65%) and other prime cuts was not different from the control. The flavour, smell, taste, colour, and overall acceptability of breast samples were not significantly different, with a mean score of 4.0 rated as good. The study revealed that replacing up to 50% of fishmeal with BGM does not affect meat quality, meat sensory attributes, and consumers’ acceptability thus actors in the chicken value chain should embrace use of German cockroaches as a protein feedstuff.Item Entomophagus Response of Indigenous Chicken to Diets Enriched with German Cockroach (Blattela germanica) Meal in Kenya(East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology, 2023-05-16) Ngaira, V.M.; Wambui, C.C.; Mosi, R.O.; Wayua, F.O.; Wachira, A.M.; Ilatsia, E.D.; Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology ; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation – Naivasha & Kakamega ; Maseno UniversityFeeding accounts for 65-70% of cost production in a chicken enterprise. Fishmeal has primarily been used as a source of protein in chicken feed owing to its excellent nutritional value. However, due to its unstable supply and variation in quality, recent studies have focused on finding alternative protein feedstuff, such as edible insects. A study was carried out to evaluate the effects of substituting fishmeal (FM) with Blattela germanica meal (BGM) on the growth of chicks. Seventy-two KALRO improved indigenous chickens (KC), at the grower stage, eight weeks old, comprising an equal number of males and females were used as sampling units in a completely randomized design (CRD) feeding trial. Each of the four treatments was replicated three times. Birds were fed on dietary treatments that were isocaloric and isonitrogenous and comprised-treatments TA (87.5% FM, 12.5% BGM), TB (62.5% FM, 37.5% BGM), and TC (50% FM, 50% BGM) TD (100% FM, 0% FM)-Control. Data on daily feed intake and weekly live weight was taken for eight weeks and used to calculate the Feed conversion ratio (FCR) and average daily gain (ADG). Data were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The feed intake, average daily gain, final weight gain, and feed conversion ratio was not significantly different from the control (P> 0.05). Thus, indigenous chicken fed diet with BGM and fishmeal performed similarly. As such, farmers should be encouraged to incorporate cockroaches as their on-farm feed to reduce the feed cost and increase chicken productivityItem Evaluation of Factors affecting Number of Services Per Conception for Sahiwal x Friesian Crossbred Cattle in Kenya(Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2024-03-08) Mwangi, S.I.; Waineina, R.W.; Ilatsia, E.D.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Dairy Research Institute, Kakamega, KenyaThe mean number of services per conception is based on data from served cows and is an estimate of fertility in dairy herds. Artificial insemination data for 1380 cows (2000 to 2021) from KALRO- Naivasha dairy herd under the artificial insemination program were analyzed using a mixed linear model. The effects of parity of cow, sire used, month, time (AM and PM), and year of insemination were evaluated. The individual animal was included in the evaluation and was fitted as a random effect. The parity (p<0.0001), sire used (p<0.0001), year (p<0.0001) and month of insemination (p<0.01), and individual cow effect (p<0.0001) were found to be significant factors influencing the number of services to conception. The season and time of insemination either in the morning (AM) or afternoon (PM) were not significant (p ≥ 0.05). The average number of services per conception per parity was 2.3. The analysis of the findings highlights that conception rates are influenced by multiple environmental factors, emphasizing the need to consider these factors when implementing strategies to enhance cow fertility. Strategies that can reduce the number of services per pregnancy would reduce the number of animals culled for infertility and therefore eventually reducing on production costs. Investigation of other factors reflecting on health, general management, and bull factors would further contribute to improving overall cow fertility for Sahiwal X Friesian Crossbreds in Kenya.Item Evaluation of Selection Strategies in Dual-Purpose and Specialized Breeding of Indigenous Chicken(Elsevier, 2024-08) Miyumo, S.; Wasike, C.B.; Ilatsia, E.D.; Bennewitz, J.; Chagunda, M.G.; University of Hohenheim ; Maseno University ; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization ; University of HohenheimThis study aimed to evaluate various selection strategies for adoption in dual-purpose (ICD), meat (ICM) and layer (ICL) breeding goals in indigenous chicken breeding programs. The ICM goal aimed to improve live weight (LW12), daily gain (ADG) and egg weight (EW12) or together with feed efficiency and antibody response. For the ICL goal, age at first egg (AFE) and egg number (EN12) or together with feed efficiency and antibody response were targeted. In the ICD goal, the objective was to improve LW12, ADG, AFE and EN12 or together with feed efficiency and antibody response. Highest total index responses of US$ 49.83, US$ 65.71, and US$ 37.90 were estimated in indices targeting only production traits in the ICD, ICM and ICL goals, respectively. Highest index accuracy estimates of 0.77 and 0.70 were observed in indices that considered production and feed-related traits in the ICD and ICL goals, respectively, while in the ICM goal, the highest estimate of 0.96 was observed in an index targeting only production traits. Inbreeding levels ranged from 0.60 to 1.14% across the various indices considered in the breeding goals. Targeting only production traits in the ICD, ICM and ICL goals required the least number of generations of selection of 7.46, 5.50, and 8.52, respectively, to achieve predefined gains. Generally, a strategy targeting only production traits in a goal was the most optimal but resulted to unfavorable correlated responses in feed efficiency and antibody response. Addition of feed efficiency or/and antibody response in a goal was, however, not attractive due to the decline in total index response and accuracy and increase in inbreeding levels and number of generations of selection. Considering the feed availability and disease challenges in the tropics, choice of including feed efficiency or/and antibody response in the ICD, ICM and ICL goals should depend on targeted production system, resource availability to support breeding activities and magnitude of correlated responses on these traits when not included in the goals.Item Genetic and Non-Genetic Factors Influencing KLH Binding Natural Antibodies and Specific Antibody Response to Newcastle Disease in Kenyan Chicken Populations(John Wiley & Sons Ltd., 2022-09-07) Miyumo, S.; Wasike, C.B.; Ilatsia, E.D.; Bennewitz, J.; Chagunda, M.Z.; University of Hohenheim ; Maseno University ; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationThis study aimed at investigating the influence of genetic and non‐genetic factors on immune traits to inform on possibilities of genetic improvement of disease resistance traits in local chicken of Kenya. Immune traits such as natural and specific antibodies are considered suitable indicators of an individual's health status and consequently, used as indicator traits of disease resistance. In this study, natural antibodies binding to Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin (KLH‐NAbs) was used to measure general disease resistance. Specific antibodies binding to Newcastle disease virus (NDV‐IgG) post vaccination was used to measure specific disease resistance. Titers of KLH‐NAbs isotypes (KLH‐IgM, KLH‐IgG and KLH‐IgA) and NDV‐IgG were measured in 1,540 chickens of different ages ranging from 12 to 56 weeks. A general linear model was fitted to determine the effect of sex, generation, population type, phylogenetic cluster, line, genotype and age on the antibody traits. A multivariate animal mixed model was fitted to estimate heritability and genetic correlations among the antibody traits. The model constituted of non‐genetic factors found to have a significant influence on the antibody traits as fixed effects, and animal and residual effects as random variables. Overall mean (±SE) concentration levels for KLH‐IgM, KLH‐IgG, KLH‐IgA and NDV‐IgG were 10.33 ± 0.04, 9.08 ± 0.02, 6.00 ± 0.02 and 10.12 ± 0.03, respectively. Sex, generation and age (linear covariate) significantly (p < 0.05) influenced variation across all the antibody traits. Genotype effects (p < 0.05) were present in all antibody traits, apart from KLH‐IgA. Interaction between generation and line was significant (p < 0.05) in KLH‐IgM and NDV‐IgG while nesting phylogenetic cluster within population significantly (p < 0.05) influenced all antibody traits, apart from KLH‐IgA. Heritability estimates for KLH‐IgM, KLH‐IgG, KLH‐IgA and NDV‐IgG were 0.28 ± 0.08, 0.14 ± 0.06, 0.07 ± 0.04 and 0.31 ± 0.06, respectively. There were positive genetic correlations (0.40–0.61) among the KLH‐NAbs while negative genetic correlations (−0.26 to −0.98) were observed between the KLH‐NAbs and NDV‐IgG. Results from this study indicate that non‐genetic effects due to biological and environmental factors influence natural and specific antibodies and should be accounted for to reduce bias and improve accuracy when evaluating the traits. Subsequently, the moderate heritability estimates in KLH‐IgM and NDV‐IgG suggest selection possibilities for genetic improvement of general and specific immunity, respectively, and consequently disease resistance. However, the negative correlations between KLH‐NAbs and NDV‐IgG indicate the need to consider a suitable approach that can optimally combine both traits in a multiple trait selection strategies.Item Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Dairy Goat Populations in Kenya(Wageningen Academic, 2023-08-11) Kamidi, C.M.; Waineina, R.W.; Wasike, C.B.; Ngeno, D.K.; Ilatsia, E.D.This study aimed to decipher the genetic diversity and structure of different dairy goat populations kept at KALRO-research station Naivasha to facilitate national genetic improvement program. We used 49,773 genome-wide SNP data to quantify levels of and patterns of genetic diversity among 243 individuals from five goat populations: Toggenburg (n=69), Alpine (n=54), Saneen (n=24), Toggenburg Kenya Dual Purpose goat (TKDPG) (n=4), Kenya Dual Purpose Goat (KDPG)(n=11) and crosses (n=81). Inbreeding coefficient, observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from-0.01-0.07, 0.56- 0.60 and 0.57 respectively. Principal component analysis clustered the populations into three distinct clusters namely; cluster one-Saanen, Alpine and their crosses, cluster two-Toggenburg, Alpine, TKDPG and their crosses, and cluster three-KDPG, Toggenburg, TKDPG, Alpine and their crosses. Genetically admixed genotypes were identified in each cluster, indicating intermixing within the populations. High number of ROH proofed there is some level of homozygosity in the goat genotypes in Kenya. Results provided understandings into genomic variations and relationships which is vital in furthering genetic improvement and conservation of goat kept at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) research station and Kenya as a whole.Item How to Make Yoghurt(Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization, 2017) Onyango, T.A.; Nyakira, B.S.; Ilatsia, E.D.; Ayako, W.O.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationOver 80% of Kenya’s total milk output comes from smallholder dairy farmers. The processing and product marketing segments of the value chain is presently dominated by private dairy companies that make a wide range of milk products. Production of these products is encouraged by rising consumer demand and willingness to pay premium prices for high quality value added dairy productsItem Nutritional Value of German Cockroach Meal (Blattella germanica) as a SuperPRO Feed(Asian Journal of Research in Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 2022-09-03) Ngaira, V.M.; Wambui, C.C.; Mosi, R.O.; Wayua, F.O.; Ilatsia, E.D.; Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology ; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationEvaluating animal feedstuff is a crucial aspect of animal nutrition and formulation. It provides basic nutritional value information on the quality of conventional feedstuffs and enriches the database with novel feedstuffs. A study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional value of the German cockroach (B. germanica) and the parameters compared to the literature for anchovy fishmeal. Samples of adults and sub-adult B. germanica were analysed for dry matter content, crude protein, ether extracts, minerals, and crude fibre. Samples of sub-adult B. germanica were further analysed for profiles of amino acids and fatty acids and mineral composition. The chemical composition was compared to that documented for of anchovy-fishmeal by calculating parameters such as essential amino acid index, chemical score, and ideal amino acid ratios. The parameters were also compared to those recommended by NRC and GRRS. The dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, and ash were 91.40, 56.64, 7.94, 6.05, 4.11 and 89.12, 58.28, 15.03, 5.21, 3.45 for adult and sub-adult, respectively. Whereas crude protein was similar, the crude fat (15.03 %) in nymphs was significantly different from adults (p<0.05). The crude protein level in german cockroaches was lower than that of anchovy fishmeal. Polyunsaturated fatty acid in nymph B. germanica accounted for 70 % of crude fat, dominated by oleic acid (35.90 %). All the essential amino acids were present, with leucine (3.14 mg/g) and methionine (0.65 mg/g) being the highest and lowest, respectively. The essential amino acid index of anchovy fishmeal (1.83) is better than cockroach meal (1.73). The level of essential amino acids in B. germanica exceeded the ideal amino acid ratios prescribed by NRC and GRRS for broiler chicken. Although the nutritional value of B. germanica is lower than of fishmeal, but is sufficient to as alternative chicken feed.Item Practices for Maintenance of Healthy Dairy Cattle for Improved Dairy Productivity(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, 2017) Onyango, T.A.; Ilatsia, E.D.; Mbugua, D.K.; Ayako, W.O.; ole Pulei, R.N.; Nyambati, E.M.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationExotic dairy cattle produce significant proportion of the total milk output in Kenya. They are vulnerable to the various prevailing diseases in tropical conditions, posing a serious threat to the dairy industry. Most of these diseases are impact negatively on both local and export markets for dairy animals, milk and milk products. The dairy industry should therefore be backed by a robust dairy health management.Item Use of Slurry Manure for Improvement of Soil Fertility(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, 2024) Ayako, W.O.; Murage, A.W.; Ilatsia, E.D.; Cheruiyot, B.K.; ole Pulei, R.N.; Nyambati, E.M.; Kanageni; Saitoti, S.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)Slurry manure is a mixture of fresh cow dung and urine and is used by farmers as a natural fertilizer. It is produced in more intensive livestock rearing systems where concrete and slats are used, instead of straw as bedding materials (Zero-gazing, intensive pig sty and poultry battery cage). It is applied to crops in fresh form mainly to improve soil fertility for better crop yields. The slurry manure is collected daily from cow sheds and stored in a pit / lagoon to minimize nutrient loss through (evaporation). A well-constructed zero-grazing unit with concrete dunging floor makes is possible to collect good quality slurry manure. It is suitable in small, medium and large scale dairy farms. The average nutrient composition of slurry by percentage is dry matter 9%, nitrogen 0.44%, phosphorous 0.8 %, potassium 0.46 % and ash 5%.
