Browsing by Author "Mwangi, M."
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Item Diversifying Energy and Protein Sources for Poultry Feeds in Kenya(Science Publishing Group, 2023-09-27) Wachira, A.; Mwangi, M.; Nyingi, D.; Minyatta, E.; Muriuki, W.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Non Ruminant Research Institute, Kakamega, Kenya. Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Non Ruminant Research Institute, Kakamega, Kenya. Veterinary and Animal Production Solutions, (VETANP), Nairobi, Kenya. Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Non Ruminant Research Institute, Kakamega, Kenya. Centers for Research and Data Technologies (CRDT), Nairobi, KenyaThis study explores the utilization of alternative and locally available energy and protein sources in laying chicken feed formulations, aiming to reduce costs, enhance availability, and promote climate-smart approaches. The experiment included five dietary groups, each with specific energy and protein sources. Significant results emerged: average live weights displayed statistical significance (p < 0.0001), with hens on diet A3 containing fish meal (omena) exhibiting a moderate weight increase. Weekly egg collection demonstrated significance (p < 0.0002), with diet A3 yielding the highest collection, while A5 (positive control) produced the lowest. These trends mirrored the percentage lay, emphasizing diet's role in egg production. The incorporation of fish meal in diet A3 stood out, influencing growth rates and egg production due to its nutrient density and balanced amino acids. The impact of diets on egg weights was significant (p<0.0001), and feed consumption varied (p<0.0001), influenced by factors such as palatability and nutritional balance. The Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) analysis highlighted diet differences in feed efficiency. Overall, the study highlights the intricate interplay between dietary compositions, poultry performance, and production metrics, emphasizing the importance of well-balanced, diverse, and climate-smart feed formulations in achieving sustainable and efficient chicken production.Item Management of Acid Soils in Central Kenya Highlands(2013) Kihanda, F.M.; Muriithi, C.; Mwangi, M.The Ando-humic Nitisols within the highlands of central Kenya are characterized by low soil pH, low exchangeable bases and high percent Aluminium saturation resulting in low maize yields. An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of NP fertilizers (0 or 50 kg N & P205/ha), K (0 or 50 kg K20/ha), agricul turallime (L) at 0 or 1.0 t/ha and farmyard manure (FYM) at 0 or 5.0 t/ ha on maize yield and soil chemical characteristics over a period of eight years. The treatments were arranged in a Randomised Complete Block Design replicated two times. There was no significant increase in maize yield due to K application. Lime increased the maize grain yield by 156 % whereas the application of either FYM or NP fertilizer resulted in similar increases in maize grain yield (90 %). The highest maize grain yield of 4.5 t/ha was obtained by a combination of NP, lime and FYM. The highest (1.4 %) loss in organic C of was observed in plots that had not received any NP fertilizer and FYM. Agricultural lime increased the soil pH from 4.4 to above 5.5 irrespective of the NP or FYM treatments. Aluminium saturation decreased to zero in the plots that had received lime. There was a large increase in soil exchangeable Ca when lime was applied.
