Browsing by Author "Wachira, A.M."
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Item Effects of Organic Substrates on Development and Survival of Blattella germanica for Food and Feed in Kenya(Science Research Publishing, 2022) Ngaira, V.M.; Mosi, R.O.; Wambui, C.C.; Wayua, F.O.; Wachira, A.M.; Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology ; Maseno University ; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationEntomophagy has gained popularity as a novel approach to addressing food and nutrition insecurity, particularly in sub-tropical and tropical countries. Cockroaches, for example, have the potential to alleviate nutritional deficiencies, as well as the erratic supply of protein in feeds. They can also be reared on locally available organic substrates. This study investigated growth performance and survival of german cockroach (Blattella germanica) reared on locally available organic matter substrates as treatments; spent brewers’ grain (Treatment A), Treatment B consisting of (40%: wheat bran: 40% spent brewers’ grain: 20% Caridina nilotica), wheat bran (Treatment C), and C. nilotica (Treatment D) and in a completely randomised design (CRD). Each treatment was replicated four times, while in each replicate 20 - 30 nymphs were reared for forty-two days. Feed intake for all the treatments was not significantly different. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in mature weight, average daily weight gain, live weight, and survival during rearing period. Cockroach performed well on treatment B and recorded highest mature weight, overall performance index, survival was 90.25 mg, 197.35, 96%. The least perfomance was reported in Treatment C; 1.78, 83, 143.17 and 72.5 for average growth rate, survival, overall perfomance and mature weight respectively. B. Based on these findings, a single feed as used in this study was inferior to the composite (Treatment B) in all parameters of growth performance and survival. The composite diet (Treatment B) could be suitable substrate for mass production of B. germanica for feed and food.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 Evaluating the Growth and Cost–Benefit Analysis of Feeding Improved Indigenous Chicken with Diets Containing Black Soldier Fly Larva Meal(Frontiers, 2024-09-05) Waithaka, M.K.; Osuga, I.M.; Kabuage, L.W.; Subramanian, S.; Muriithi, B.; Wachira, A.M.; Tanga, C.M.; International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) ; Kenyatta University ; Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology ; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)The high cost of feed has been the major hindrance to a hindrance to the growth, sustainability, profitability, and expansion of poultry production. Black soldier fly larva (BSFL) meal is one of the most promising alternative protein sources widely accepted globally. This study evaluated the growth performance of improved indigenous chicken (IIC)-fed diets containing different inclusion levels of BSFL meals. The BSFL meal inclusion rates included 0% (Diet0), 5% (Diet1), 10% (Diet2), 15% (Diet3), and 20% (Diet4) as replacement to the expensive fish meal in chick and grower diets. Our results showed that diet significantly affected the average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and average daily weight gain of the chicks. The average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio, except average daily feed intake of the growers, was not significantly affected by diets. The gross profit margin, cost–benefit ratio, and return on investment of feeding birds with BSFL meal varied significantly. The highest cost–benefit ratio of 2.12 was recorded for birds fed on Diet4. Our findings demonstrate that insect-based feeds can successfully and cost-effectively replace fish meal up to 20% without compromising the growth performance of the birds. Therefore, BSFL meal could be incorporated as an essential part of poultry feed production for IIC, potentially reducing the total feed cost while maintaining optimal production and reducing the cost of meat and egg products.Item Storage of Chicken Feed Ingredients and Mixed Rations(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, 2024) Kariuki, I.; Kariuki, I.W.; Alaru, P.A.O.; Wachira, A.M.; Ouko, V.O.; Mungube, E.O.; K’Oloo, T.O.; Ogali, N.I.; Adongo, A.O.; Ngaira, V.M.; Langat, M.K.; Nyambati, E.M.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationIt is not advisable to mix more than 100 kg for ration in order to be cost-effective. To achieve this, feed ingredients should be acquired in bulk from millers and distributors at wholesale prices and hence the need for proper storage. Furthermore, all the mixed feed may not be immediately consumed. There are important factors to consider during storage of feed ingredients and the mixed rations.Item Strategies for Transforming the Poultry Industry in Kenya Through Participatory Modelling(Science Publishing Group, 2023-06-09) Wachira, A.M.; Muriuki, W.; Nyingi, D.W.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) ; Centers for Research and Data Technologies (CRDT) ; Veterinary and Animal Production SolutionsSustainable development of the poultry industry in Kenya can significantly contribute to economic growth while also improving the livelihoods of millions of people who keep poultry for a living. To achieve this impact, strategies that will advance the industry across all value chain segments are required. In this study, we developed strategies to transform the Kenyan poultry industry through a system dynamic modelling, participatory approach that included Focus Discussion Groups (FDGs) and Key Informant Interviews (KII), with the findings validated through a workshop. These findings are depicted in causal loop diagrams to show how the proposed poultry industry's elements interact in a systematic manner. Using this methodology, it was observed that strengthening socioeconomic factors such as legal framework in associations and cooperatives can significantly improve the industry. The legal framework can provide a clear and stable environment for the operation of these organizations, helping to ensure that they function efficiently and effectively. This, in turn, can improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the poultry industry, as well as support the growth and development of the wider economy. Having a strong legal framework can help to ensure that the rights and interests of producers and other stakeholders are protected, which can increase trust and confidence in the industry. This can lead to greater investment and collaboration and can support the development of new and innovative solutions to the challenges facing poultry value chain actors. Additionally, modern technologies, innovations, and management practices can play a crucial role in improving efficiency along the value chain. These innovations can help to increase productivity, reduce costs, improve the quality and safety of poultry products, and meet the changing needs and preferences of consumers
