School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources (SVAR) Collections

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    Assement on the use of crop pesticides and acaricides in the control of ticks in cattle: A case study of Soroti District, Uganda.
    (Makerere University, 2025-08-15) Epiangu, Thomas
    Ticks and tick-borne diseases are a major constraint in cattle production and productivity, due to high tick prevalence, partly triggered by tick acaricide resistance and ignorance of cattle farmers on the use of rightful veterinary acaricides in the control of ticks in cattle. In the previous study in central Uganda, farmers reported using agrochemicals against ticks in cattle. Therefore, my study, using a cross sectional study, assessed the use of crop pesticides and acaricides in the control of cattle ticks by farmers in Soroti district, their knowledge and practices, and laboratory determination of efficacy of most commonly used crop pesticide and acaricide against R.As ticks, egg-inhibition and larvae. A total of 386 cattle farmers were interviewed using online structured questionnaire, focus group discussions and KIIs. Multistage random sampling technique was used to select respondents. Qualitative data were coded to identify recurring themes such as knowledge, practices and awareness about tick control using crop pesticides and veterinary acaricides. The impact of ticks and tick-borne diseases such as: Death of cattle, reduced calving rate and treatment costs, and subsequently, the perceived unavailability of efficacious veterinary acaricides in the rural settings compare to perceived readily available crop pesticides drove farmers towards use of crop pesticides against ticks. The most commonly used crop pesticide and acaricide in the control of ticks were profenofos 40% and Cypermethrine 4% (trade name rocket) by 75.06%, and Norotraz an amitraz 12.5% w\v having 64.42% of the cattle farmers reporting usage. Subsequently, 15.84% of the farmers used other methods like Ash, omo (detergent), piercing and hand picking of ticks for control. The most used equipment for crop pesticide and acaricide application were: Knap sac sprayer by 60% reported using, and the frequency of application of chemicals by cattle farmers against ticks was: weekly by (51.8 %), Bi-weekly (31.1%) and monthly (17.1%). Acaricide failures in tick control by farmers were due to: Wrong dilution dosages used, expired acaricides used, wrong intervals of spraying, missing on tick predilection sites and use of wrong equipment of applications. Farmers reported mixing different crop pesticides and acaricides to improve their efficacy against cattle ticks for instance, a concoction of (Cypermethrin crop pesticide with amitraz veterinary acaricide) known commonly as Duducyper and Norotraz. The most commonly used crop pesticide had higher mortality by (85%) and egg-layin
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    Production practices and trait preferences of black soldier fly in selected agro-ecological zones of Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2025) Ojungu, Mark
    Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae production is one of Uganda's fastest-growing insect value chains, with the potential to lift 4.53 million people over the poverty line and provide annual employment to up to 563,302 people. This study aimed to enhance the BSF value chain by characterizing black soldier fly production practices, identifying the preferred traits of black soldier fly larvae, and examining the factors influencing the productivity of these larvae in selected Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZs) of Uganda. The findings are intended to inform the design and implementation of a breeding program focused on improving the production of black soldier fly larvae. A cross-sectional study was conducted in which BSF farmer-households (n=83) from three agro-ecological zones (AEZs), including North-Eastern Savannah Grasslands (ESG), Lake Victoria Crescent (LVC), and Western Savannah Grassland (WSG), were interviewed using a questionnaire with semi-structured and structured questions. The main production objectives and traits preferred for potential genetic improvement were identified using ranking approaches with a Likert scale ranging from 1 (not important) to 5 (most important). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data on socio-demographic information, production practices, morphometric traits sampled, and production challenges. The chi-square test examined the association between demographics and other characteristics of farmers with the production objectives, practices, and preferred BSF traits. Lastly, a linear regression model was used to determine factors affecting the yield of black soldier fly larvae produced. Results indicate that the main production objective for BSF farming was to feed farmers' own livestock, mostly poultry. Males dominated BSF farming (67.5%), with slightly over half of the respondents aged between 18 and 35, and most (75.2%) having attained tertiary-level education and having received technical training in BSF farming (80.7%). The production scale of BSF farming was generally still low, with the majority (54.2%) producing less than 100kg/week of fresh larvae, mainly under the vertical rearing system (68.7%). BSF breeding stock was mainly obtained from fellow producers (59.04%) who offered training. Market waste was the highest-yielding substrate reported (38.5%), yet it was less (20.5%) preferred and used than brewery waste (26.5%). Most farmers purchased substrates off-farm (56.6%), and only 25.3% used on-farm waste generated. Sieving (50.06%) and manual picking (36.14%) were the two common BSFL larvae harvesting methods practiced, while separation (83.33%) of the pre-pupa from larvae prior to pupation was the main post-harvest handling practice carried out, whilst a few washes of BSFL (16.67%) prior to feeding and selling. The most important trait preferred and significant in all AEZs was high protein content larvae (20.3%), although ranked third (Median rank= 5, p < 0.043). Other important traits were big larvae girth (18.8%), which ranked highest (Median rank = 5), followed by long larvae length (15.3%), which ranked second (Median rank 5). Substrate sourcing was the main production challenge observed in all AEZs and positively influenced the BSFL yield. Overall, most farmers participating in black soldier fly farming are still producing at a small scale due to an inadequate supply of substrates, and they mainly obtain substrate from off-farm sources to enhance their production. Farmers who farm black soldier flies are well-educated and trained in BSF farming, with experience ranging from 1 to 2 years. They mainly produce BSFL under vertical rearing systems and non-permanent structures. Farmers are mainly interested in producing big girth larvae with high protein content and adaptability to high-temperature farming conditions. However, they are limited by inadequate substrate supply, which significantly influences the yield of larvae they produce (p < 0.012). This study's findings can guide further studies aimed at developing breeding programs, better understanding farmers' production practices under different rearing systems, and guiding the navigation of the production challenges faced by black soldier fly farmers to realize efficient and increased production.
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    Body vitals, morphometric, haematology and serum biochemistry values of Captive Caracal Aurata (African Golden Cat)
    (Makerere University, 2025) Kia, Martina
    The Caracal aurata (African golden cat) is a species whose conservation status is vulnerable due to habitat loss, habitat fragmentation and poaching activities. This was a cross-sectional study conducted to determine the body vitals, morphometric, haematology and serum biochemistry values of eight adult Caracal aurata housed at the CTC Conservation Center in Butambala District. Body vitals (heart rate, respiratory rate, capillary refill time and rectal temperature) and body measurements, using a tape measure, of eight adult cats were taken and recorded. Blood samples were obtained as well via venipuncture of the cephalic vein after administration of a combination of xylazine and ketamine, after which hematologic and serum biochemistry values were determined. The findings revealed that the body vitals of Caracal aurata are similar to those of domestic cats and lions and tigers with body temperature ranging from 38.1 C to 39.3 C and mean heart rate and mean respiratory rate being 120beats per minute and 10breaths per min respectively. This study also found that Caracal aurata males weighed more than females (mean 9.78kg for males and 7.83kg for females) and generally had higher morphometric measurements as well. Results of the, haematology and serum biochemistry values recorded were generally similar to those recorded for the domestic cat, as well as other wild felids with some values displaying wider or smaller range intervals such as the haemoglobin concentration and Packed Cell Volume. However, some variations were noted, for example, ALT, AST and GGT whose values were higher than those recorded for domestic cats but lower than those recorded for lions and tigers. These species-specific findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the biology of the species, and it is the hope of this research that the reported results of this study serve as a foundation for future comparative studies, disease monitoring and informed decision-making in the management and conservation of the African golden cat both in captivity and in the wild.
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    PRODUCTION PRACTICES AND TRAIT PREFERENCES OF BLACK SOLDIER FLY IN SELCTED AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES OF UGANDA
    (MAKERERE UNIVERSITY, 2025-09-04) OJUNGU, MARK
    Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae production is one of Uganda's fastest-growing insect value chains, with the potential to lift 4.53 million people over the poverty line and provide annual employment to up to 563,302 people. This study aimed to enhance the BSF value chain by characterizing black soldier fly production practices, identifying the preferred traits of black soldier fly larvae, and examining the factors influencing the productivity of these larvae in selected Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZs) of Uganda. The findings are intended to inform the design and implementation of a breeding program focused on improving the production of black soldier fly larvae. A cross-sectional study was conducted in which BSF farmer-households (n=83) from three agro-ecological zones (AEZs), including North-Eastern Savannah Grasslands (ESG), Lake Victoria Crescent (LVC), and Western Savannah Grassland (WSG), were interviewed using a questionnaire with semi-structured and structured questions. The main production objectives and traits preferred for potential genetic improvement were identified using ranking approaches with a Likert scale ranging from 1 (not important) to 5 (most important). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data on socio-demographic information, production practices, morphometric traits sampled, and production challenges. The chi-square test examined the association between demographics and other characteristics of farmers with the production objectives, practices, and preferred BSF traits. Lastly, a linear regression model was used to determine factors affecting the yield of black soldier fly larvae produced. Results indicate that the main production objective for BSF farming was to feed farmers' own livestock, mostly poultry. Males
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    Evaluation of the local feed resources sustaining small ruminants’ production in drought prone areas of Mandera, Northern Kenya
    (Makerere University, 2025) Mohamednurmohamed, Ahmed
    Small ruminant production contributes immensely to the livelihoods of the pastoral communities. However, the existing forages for small ruminants in the study area are not well understood due to limited information on their diversity, abundance, and nutritive potential. This study sought to characterize the small ruminant feed resources sustaining small ruminants in Mandera South. The available feed resources in the county were assessed using both ethnobotanical and ecological field techniques. FGDs were also conducted with pastoralists to triangulate the data on feed resources and small ruminant production practices and challenges. The nutritional profiles of six forages were determined using proximate analysis and in vitro digestibility methods. An ethnobotanical survey revealed livestock production as the main economic activity (100%), where indigenous sheep and goats were the main livestock type kept. Farmers practiced extensive grazing relying on natural pastures (73%) in both wet and dry seasons with limited supplementation. The major challenges facing goat production in the study area were drought (20.5%), diseases (20.3%), feed (18%), and water shortages (8.5%). Small ruminants were known to feed on 68 plant species belonging to 25 families and 47 genera, dominated by trees and shrubs. The most abundant browse species were: Cordia sinensis, Commiphora erythraea, Blepharispermum pubescens, Acacia nilotica, Acacia bussei, Acacia tortilis, Boswellia neglecta, Cadaba glandulosa, and Boscia minimifolia, while the most frequent herbaceous species were: Brachiaria leersoides, Latipes senegalensis, Sporobolus helvolus, Heteropogon contortus, and Chrysopogon aucheri. The CP content of the forage species ranged from 13.7% to 5.6%. The highest CP content was observed in Cordia sinenis (13.7%) followed by Commiphora erythraea (10.9%). The NFE content ranged from 58.1% in C. erythraea to 32.6% in B. leersioides. The highest NDF content was recorded in L. senegalensis, H. contortus, S. helvolus, B. leersioides and the values were significantly different (P<0.001). The highest content of ADF was seen in C. sinensis (56.7%), S. helvolus (50.1%), and H. contortus (50%), while the lowest was recorded in C. erythraea (19.8%). The ADL content ranged from 17.5% in C. sinensis to 5.4% in B. leersioides. There was a wide variation in IVOMD content of the forages, ranging from 93.2% (L. senegalensis) to 50.5% (C. sinensis). The highest ME was recorded in L. senegalensis (14 MJ/kg-1 DM), followed by S. helvolus (13%), which showed a significant difference (P<0.001). However, C. sinensis (7.3 MJ/kg-1 DM) recorded the lowest ME. Tannin content was highest in C. erythraea (12 Mg.TAE/g) while C. erythraea had numerically the highest phenol content (72.4 Mg.GAE/g) among the forages. In conclusion, pastures accounted for the bulk of the feed resources in Mandera South Sub-County. With proper management and utilization strategies, pastures have the potential to sustain small ruminants and hold a key to alleviating perennial feed shortages and enhancing small ruminant productivity in the county.