Department of Animal Science

Spatial Determinants of Animal Roadkill Occurrence and Hotspots, With Implications for Wildlife Conservation Along Nairobi-Mombasa Highway

2026-05-28T09:53:16Z

Spatial Determinants of Animal Roadkill Occurrence and Hotspots, With Implications for Wildlife Conservation Along Nairobi-Mombasa Highway Kibobi, Peter; Kimanzi, Johnstone; Koskey, Joseph; Wykstra, Mary The continuous expansion of global road networks, driven by increasing human populations, poses an emerging threat to animal populations through vehicle collisions. This study identifies the causal factors and hotspots of animal roadkill along a 72km stretch of the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway (from Kyumvi to Sultan-Hamud) and recommends appropriate mitigation measures to enhance wildlife conservation. Data on roadkill incidents were collected from 2013 to 2018 through road patrols conducted by field scouts. Environmental variables, including water points, corners, vegetation, culverts, migratory routes, settlements, slopes, land use, and fences, were gathered using Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. A presence-absence binary logistic regression model within a GIS environment was employed to identify significant environmental drivers of roadkill and to map hotspots. A total of 408 roadkill incidents (0.944 roadkill km−1 y−1 ) were recorded, comprising 51 species from six animal groups. Wild herbivores (13 species) and carnivores (14 species) constituted the majority of the documented wildlife, with a density of 0.204 and 0.157 fatalities per kilometre of road per year, respectively. Roadkill incidents for all species combined were signifi- cantly higher in areas near migratory routes, settlements, culverts, and corners, while they were lower in grassland, dwarf shrub grassland, open shrub areas, and near fences. However, the roadkill of different animal groups was influenced by distinct sets of factors. Most roadkill hotspots were located between Konza Center and Salama Town, with birds having the shortest stretch and herbivores and carnivores having the longest stretches. Roadkill can be mitigated by establishing road signs, fences, speed bumps, overpasses, and underpasses, and maintaining a cleared vegetation zone along the road. These findings can assist wild- life managers and infrastructure engineers in incorporating wildlife welfare and the concerns and attitudes of local communities when planning and developing linear infrastructure projects.

Spatio-temporal Ecology of Fasciola Vectors and Co-occurring Trematode Hosts in Kingwal Wetland, Kenya

2026-05-28T07:47:54Z

Spatio-temporal Ecology of Fasciola Vectors and Co-occurring Trematode Hosts in Kingwal Wetland, Kenya Biwott, Gilbert; Ngeiywa, Moses; Makwali, Judith This study examined the spatial and temporal distribution of freshwater snails in Kingwal Wetland, Kenya, to assess their role in fascioliasis transmission. A total of 8,754 snails representing eight species were collected across seven sites over a 12-month period. The dominant species were Lymnaea auricularia (n = 1,192; 13.6%), Radix natalensis (n = 525; 6.0%), and Biomphalaria sudanica (n = 1,838; 21.0%), with L. auricularia and R. natalensis serving as key intermediate hosts of Fasciola gigantica. Spatial analysis revealed significant variation in species composition between sites (χ2 = 2,435.1, df = 42, p < 0.001), with Sites 1 and 2 exhibiting the highest species richness and abundance. Temporal trends showed snail abundance peaking during the rainy season (May–August), with the highest monthly count being recorded in May (n = 1,383). Dry-season months such as January and December had the lowest counts, with only 230 and 316 individuals, respectively. R. natalensis exhibited the highest Fasciola infection prevalence, peaking at 29.3% in June, compared to L. auricularia, which peaked at 19.8% in September. A chi-square test for monthly snail distribution confirmed significant seasonal variation (χ2 = 839.27, df = 77, p < 0.001), while a Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel test showed strong interaction between spatial and temporal factors (CMH = 1,192.37, df = 11, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that fascioliasis transmission risk is highest during wet months and is strongly influenced by habitat stability, vegetation, and anthropogenic activity. The results underscore the need for spatially targeted and seasonally timed control interventions, including habitat management and precision molluscicide application. This study contributes to a growing understanding of wetland ecosystems as dynamic transmission zones for snail-borne diseases and provides a foundation for data-driven fascioliasis control strategies in livestock-dependent communities living in wetland ecosystems.

PERFORMANCE OF IMPROVED INDIGENOUS CHICKEN REARED ON SORGHUM-BASED RATIONS UNDER THREE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN WESTERN AND NORTH-RIFT REGIONS, KENYA

2026-05-11T11:45:40Z

PERFORMANCE OF IMPROVED INDIGENOUS CHICKEN REARED ON SORGHUM-BASED RATIONS UNDER THREE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN WESTERN AND NORTH-RIFT REGIONS, KENYA JEMUTAI, KIPTUI, BRENDA Improved indigenous chicken (IIC) contribute to nutritional requirements, socio-cultural benefits, and welfare of smallholder farmers. Maize as an energy source in chicken feed is becoming unrealistic due to high costs and competition with humans; therefore, alternatives like low-tannin sorghum should be considered. Semi-arid conditions in Western Kenya make sorghum a viable option. Objectives of this study were to determine performance of IIC on sorghum-based rations under three production systems and investigate socio-economic drivers of IIC rearing in Busia, Siaya and Uasin Gishu Counties. A randomized complete block experimental design with split-plot arrangement of treatments determined nutrient composition of sorghum-based diets and growth of 390, 4-week-old IIC for 12 weeks. Diets consisted T1 (50%), T2 (75%), RUC26 sorghum variety inclusion levels, T3 – a commercial feed designated as Control and T4 was Free-range feeding. Farmers were purposively selected; those practicing Semi-intensive and Intensive production systems received one of the diets, while Free-range farmers received none. Field survey investigated socio-economic dynamics from forty-five purposively selected sorghum-growing and chicken-rearing farmers supplied eight Rainbow Rooster growers. Nutrient composition showed significant differences (p<0.05) among diets for crude ash, crude fat, crude fibre and metabolizable energy. Crude protein was highest (15.15%) in T1. Metabolizable energy (3616 Kcal/Kg) and lysine (0.86%) were highest in T2. Growth of IIC was significantly different (p<0.05) among diets and production systems. Diet T1 had higher (694.56g) weight gain than T3 (668.02g), which significantly differed (p<0.05) from T2 (618.83g). Weight gain in Intensive system was significantly (p<0.05) higher (880.26g) than Free-range (424.94g) and Semi-intensive (416.25g) systems. Survey showed that most (36%) farmers’ age ranged from 30 to 39 years, with majority (58%) being female. Management practices adopted most were veterinarian services (76%) and poultry housing (67%). The IIC breed was highly (69%) preferred, with 58% having 1 to 15 birds flock size. Most (69%) farmers purchased feeds, majorly (24%) being chick mash. Home-grown rations were formulated by majority (71%), with maize (71%) intensely used than sorghum (51%). Feed cost per kilogram of T1 (63 KSh) and T2 (59 KSh) were significantly lower (p<0.05) than T3 (70 KSh). Most (64%) farmers did not incur marketing costs. Egg and chicken sales were high at 78%, and domestic consumption of chicken products was 98%. Diet T1 met minimum nutrient requirements, promoted high growth, and was cost- effective. Growth was best in intensive system, and IIC breed was highly preferred. Farmers should grow RUC26 sorghum for chicken feed.

PREVALENCE AND ECONOMIC IMPACT OF FASCIOLA GIGANTICA AND HYDATID CYSTS IN CATTLE AND SHEEP AT ELDORET SLAUGHTERHOUSE, KENYA

2026-05-09T12:23:03Z

PREVALENCE AND ECONOMIC IMPACT OF FASCIOLA GIGANTICA AND HYDATID CYSTS IN CATTLE AND SHEEP AT ELDORET SLAUGHTERHOUSE, KENYA TAWANE, FARDOSA ABASS Fasciolosis and hydatidosis significantly affect livestock production globally, with a high prevalence in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Fasciola gigantica and hydatid cysts in cattle and sheep, along with the financial losses associated with organ condemnation and to assess the knowledge of farmers, meat sellers and meat inspectors about fasciola gigantica and hydatid cysts in cattle and sheep, at Eldoret Slaughterhouse. A total of 479 cattle and 313 sheep carcasses were examined and various samples, including bile, faeces, and condemned organs, were analysed at the Veterinary Investigation Laboratory, Eldoret. Data were collected through systematic post-mortem inspection using visual examination, palpation, incision and laboratory analysis. The collected data were analysed using spss. The findings revealed a Fasciola gigantica prevalence of 91.77% in cattle and 58.58% in sheep. In cattle, 39.09% had Fasciola eggs in bile and 19.41% in faeces. Additionally, 19.83% whole and 13.5% partially trimmed livers of cattle were condemned. In sheep, 24.92% had Fasciola eggs in bile and 14.69% in faeces, with 11.82% of livers entirely condemned and 4.15% partially trimmed. Hydatidosis had a prevalence of 13.36% in cattle and 9.9% in sheep. Financial losses due to organ condemnation were substantial: KSh 329,580 from cattle livers and KSh 27,990 due to fasciolosis in cattle, while sheep-related losses amounted to KSh 29,520 for condemned livers and KSh 2,850 for hydatidosis-infected lungs. Awareness among respondents showed that 66% recognized economic losses caused by these parasitic infections, 14% had limited awareness, and 20% highlighted inadequate government support. The study concluded that Fasciola gigantica and hydatid cysts were more prevalent in cattle than in sheep. Recommendations conducting regular deworm programme in livestock, Educating the farmers on parasites control and improved animal husbandry i.e. emphasized fencing of wet areas, provision of clean water, regulate stray dogs and avoid feeding them raw infected offal’s to break the hydatid life cycles.

Agroforestry adoption and its influence on soil quality under smallholder maize production systems in western Kenya

2026-03-13T12:04:04Z

Agroforestry adoption and its influence on soil quality under smallholder maize production systems in western Kenya Nyum, Henry Tamba; Njoroge, Ruth; Otinga, Abigael Nekesa Agroforestry, a sustainable land use practice, was introduced in western Kenya in the early 1990s as a soil fertility replenishment strategy. Since then, the effect of the practice on soil quality has seldom been evidenced. A study was conducted to assess the impact of agroforestry adoption on soil quality under smallholder maize systems in the region. Soil samples were collected from two land use practices: agroforestry adoption (90) and non-agroforestry adoption (30) at 0–30cm depth from two locations (Busia and Kakamega counties). Results showed variations in soil characteristics between the study locations. Soils in Kakamega contained higher concentrations of soil organic carbon (SOC), exchangeable cations, and micronutrients. On average, agroforestry adoption significantly (P≤0.05) improved soil physicochemical properties. Under agroforestry adoption, bulk density (BD) reduced by 21% (from 1.4 to1.1g cm-3), while (SOC) increased by 75% (0.8–1.4%), P by 80% (3.0–5.4mg kg-1), exchangeable K by 256% (0.3–8.0 cmol kg-1), Ca by 100% (1.0–2.0 cmol kg-1), S by 50% (0.2–0.3mg kg-1), and Cu by 18% (2.8–3.3mg kg-1). Agroforestry adoption significantly increased K and Cu levels above the critical thresholds of 0.4 cmol kg-1 and 1.0mg kg-1, respectively, at both locations. Sesbania sesban and Leucaena leucocephala influenced soil BD, pH and P (4.3.-7.0mg kg -1), exchangeable K (0.4–0.7 cmol kg-1), Mg (0.1–0.2 cmol kg-1), and Mn (13.5–25.2mg kg-1) at both locations, while Calliandra calothyrsus significantly increased SOC in Kakamega only. These findings highlight the significance of agroforestry in soil fertility management. Furthermore, Sesbania proved to be effective in enhancing the characteristics of soils at both sites, hence, the need for its inclusion in agroforestry extension messages. Further studies are needed to understand nutrient release mechanisms from agroforestry biomass and their influence on soil characteristics and maize yield in smallholder farming systems.

PERFORMANCE OF IMPROVED INDIGENOUS CHICKEN REARED ON SORGHUM-BASED RATIONS UNDER THREE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN WESTERN AND NORTH-RIFT REGIONS, KENYA

2026-03-13T07:34:16Z

PERFORMANCE OF IMPROVED INDIGENOUS CHICKEN REARED ON SORGHUM-BASED RATIONS UNDER THREE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN WESTERN AND NORTH-RIFT REGIONS, KENYA JEMUTAI, KIPTUI, BRENDA Improved indigenous chicken (IIC) contribute to nutritional requirements, socio-cultural benefits, and welfare of smallholder farmers. Maize as an energy source in chicken feed is becoming unrealistic due to high costs and competition with humans; therefore, alternatives like low-tannin sorghum should be considered. Semi-arid conditions in Western Kenya make sorghum a viable option. Objectives of this study were to determine performance of IIC on sorghum-based rations under three production systems and investigate socio-economic drivers of IIC rearing in Busia, Siaya and Uasin Gishu Counties. A randomized complete block experimental design with split-plot arrangement of treatments determined nutrient composition of sorghum-based diets and growth of 390, 4-week-old IIC for 12 weeks. Diets consisted T1 (50%), T2 (75%), RUC26 sorghum variety inclusion levels, T3 – a commercial feed designated as Control and T4 was Free-range feeding. Farmers were purposively selected; those practicing Semi-intensive and Intensive production systems received one of the diets, while Free-range farmers received none. Field survey investigated socio-economic dynamics from forty-five purposively selected sorghum-growing and chicken-rearing farmers supplied eight Rainbow Rooster growers. Nutrient composition showed significant differences (p<0.05) among diets for crude ash, crude fat, crude fibre and metabolizable energy. Crude protein was highest (15.15%) in T1. Metabolizable energy (3616 Kcal/Kg) and lysine (0.86%) were highest in T2. Growth of IIC was significantly different (p<0.05) among diets and production systems. Diet T1 had higher (694.56g) weight gain than T3 (668.02g), which significantly differed (p<0.05) from T2 (618.83g). Weight gain in Intensive system was significantly (p<0.05) higher (880.26g) than Free-range (424.94g) and Semi-intensive (416.25g) systems. Survey showed that most (36%) farmers’ age ranged from 30 to 39 years, with majority (58%) being female. Management practices adopted most were veterinarian services (76%) and poultry housing (67%). The IIC breed was highly (69%) preferred, with 58% having 1 to 15 birds flock size. Most (69%) farmers purchased feeds, majorly (24%) being chick mash. Home-grown rations were formulated by majority (71%), with maize (71%) intensely used than sorghum (51%). Feed cost per kilogram of T1 (63 KSh) and T2 (59 KSh) were significantly lower (p<0.05) than T3 (70 KSh). Most (64%) farmers did not incur marketing costs. Egg and chicken sales were high at 78%, and domestic consumption of chicken products was 98%. Diet T1 met minimum nutrient requirements, promoted high growth, and was costeffective. Growth was best in intensive system, and IIC breed was highly preferred. Farmers should grow RUC26 sorghum for chicken feed.

SERUM HORMONE LEVELS AND MILK YIELD AMONG FRIESIAN CATTLE AT DIFFERENT PARITIES – THIRTY DAYS POST - PARTURIENT

2026-03-13T07:09:24Z

SERUM HORMONE LEVELS AND MILK YIELD AMONG FRIESIAN CATTLE AT DIFFERENT PARITIES – THIRTY DAYS POST - PARTURIENT Murgor, Christopher The study examined the interactions between feeds, parity, milk-yield and hormonal profile of Friesian cows during the 30- day into lactation. The study objective included: to investigate the impact of parity on weight change and milk yield of post - parturient Friesian Cows; to examine the effect of serum hormone levels on feed intake of post – parturient Friesian Cows; and to determine the effect of parity on serum hormone levels of post – parturient Friesian Cows in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. Three farms namely Elfam, Elso and Betan in Uasin Gishu County were purposively selected with nine pedigree Friesian cows in three parities (2, 3 & 4) whose milk production averaged 20 litres/day. The study utilized a randomized complete block design and adopted a natural on–field experiment while adopting their nutritional diets. Each cow was fed daily on 40 kg of forage, mineral licks and water ad libitum. The daily milk yield was recorded. Feed intake was determined daily and blood samples collected at parturition and on 7- day interval and tested for cortisol, prolactin, oestrogen, and IGF-α1 levels. Resulting data were entered into Microsoft Excel application and analysed using Genstat 14 to generate descriptive statistics and ANOVA, and results presented in tabular and graphical formats. All the lactating cows irrespective of parity progressively lost weight daily with cows in parity 2 having the highest average daily weight loss. Milk yield significantly differed with cows in parity 2 having the lowest daily milk yield at 21.66 Kgs/day while cows in parity 4 had the highest daily milk yield at 24.99 Kgs/day. All the cows had on average low feed intake at parturition and progressively increased the feed intake to 35 Kgs/day. Serum cortisol levels gradually declined while serum IGFα1, prolactin and oestrogen levels progressively rose. Parity had a significant effect on weight change (p < 0.05) and milk yield (F = 8.27, p < 0.05). Serum hormone levels; prolactin (r = 0.760, p < 0.05), Oestrogen (r = 0.785, p < 0.05) and IGF-α1 (r = 0.692, p < 0.05) significantly and positively correlated with feed intake which negatively correlated with serum cortisol (r = -0.613, p < 0.05). Only serum cortisol levels differed significantly with parity levels. The study concluded that a correlational and causal linkages exist between parity, serum hormonal profile, feed intake and milk yield of post-parturient Friesian cows in Uasin Gishu County. The study recommends that farmers improve herd management techniques for managing and sustaining the cow’s physiological state (weight loss and milk yield) during the immediate post – parturient period. Further, there is need for the farmers to intensify the feed intake through improve feed palatability to support and maintain the growth profiles of the dairy cows and that farmers improve the nutritional diets by proper feed formulation to accommodate the changing physiological needs of the post – parturient lactating cow.

Paratuberculosis: A Potential Zoonosis and a Neglected Disease in Africa

2026-03-06T06:36:25Z

Paratuberculosis: A Potential Zoonosis and a Neglected Disease in Africa Okuni, Julius Boniface; Hansen, Sören; Eltom, Kamal H.; Eltayeb, ElSagad; Amanzada, Ahmad; Omega, Joseph Amesa; Czerny, Claus Peter; Wahed, Ahmed Abd El; Ojok, Lonzy The Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is the causative agent of paratuberculosis, which is an economically important disease of ruminants. The zoonotic role of MAP in Crohn’s disease and, to a lesser extent, in ulcerative colitis, the two major forms of idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IIBD), has been debated for decades and evidence continues to mount in support of that hypothesis. The aim of this paper is to present a review of the current information on paratuberculosis in animals and the two major forms of IIBD in Africa. The occurrence, epidemiology, economic significance and “control of MAP and its involvement IIBD in Africa” are discussed. Although the occurrence of MAP is worldwide and has been documented in several African countries, the epidemiology and socioeconomic impacts remain undetermined and limited research information is available from the continent. At present, there are still significant knowledge gaps in all these areas as far as Africa is concerned. Due to the limited research on paratuberculosis in Africa, in spite of growing global concerns, it may rightfully be considered a neglected tropical disease with a potentially zoonotic role

Influence of Feed Intake on Hormonal Profile of Post-parturient Friesian Cows in Uasin Gishu County – Kenya

2025-12-11T08:47:39Z

Influence of Feed Intake on Hormonal Profile of Post-parturient Friesian Cows in Uasin Gishu County – Kenya Murgor, Christopher Kiptoo; Kitilit, Jackson Kibet; Omega, Joseph Amesa The immediate post-parturient period of lactating cattle holds significant physiological and metabolic challenges arising from parturition and negative energy balance (NEB). The study examined the effect of feed intake on the hormonal profile of post-parturient Friesian cows in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. Three farms, namely Elfam, Elso and Betan, from which nine Friesian cows whose milk production averaged 20 litres per day were selected. The study utilised a randomised complete block design (RCBD) and adopted a natural on–field experiment where nutritional diets in each farm were adopted. The cows were fed 40 kg of forage supplemented with minerals and water given ad libitum. The cows were weighed daily, and the feed intake was determined daily. Blood samples were collected a day after parturition and later in the morning at a 7-day interval and tested for cortisol, prolactin, oestrogen, and Insulin Growth Factor (IGF) levels. The data were entered into Microsoft Excel and Genstat 14 for descriptive and ANOVA analysis, and the results were presented in tabular and graphical formats. All cows had on average low feed intake at parturition and progressively increased the feed intake to 35 kg during the study period. Hormonal cortisol levels gradually declined while those of IGF, prolactin and oestrogen progressively increased during the 30-day study period. The study concluded that feed intake was significantly and positively correlated to prolactin (r = 0.760), Oestrogen (r = 0.785), and IGF-1 (r = 0.692) and negatively to cortisol (r = -0.613). Based on the results, the study concluded that there is a causal linkage between feed intake and the hormonal profile of post-parturient Friesian cows. The study recommends that commercial farmers should improve the nutritional requirements of dairy cows based on their physiological state.

Parity and Homeorhetic Prioritisation in Friesian Cows in 30–day Postparturient Period in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

2025-12-11T08:42:01Z

Parity and Homeorhetic Prioritisation in Friesian Cows in 30–day Postparturient Period in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya Murgor, Christopher Kiptoo; Kitilit, Jackson Kibet; Omega, Joseph Amesa The transition period to parturition introduces significant homeorhetic and metabolic challenges that significantly influence the hormone levels, feed intake, body weight and lactational performance of a cow in the immediate post-parturient period. Thus, the study examined how Friesian cows prioritised homeorhetic balance in the first 30 days of post-parturition. Nine Friesian cows whose milk production averaged 20 litres per day were purposively selected from Elso, Elfam and Betan farms, whose farm management practices are standardised and studied on-field. Each cow was fed daily on a 40 kg ration of forage, mineral licks and water ad libitum. The cows were weighed daily, and the quantity of feed intake was determined. Blood samples were collected in the morning after parturition and at 7-day intervals and tested for cortisol, prolactin, oestrogen, and IGF-1 levels. Microsoft Excel and Genstat 14 were used to analyse the data both descriptively and inferentially, using ANOVA and correlations. As cows displayed a negative energy balance (NEB) state in the first 21 days of postparturiency, feed intake was initially low but gradually increased to match the energy status of the cow. The initial milk yield was low due to NEB and stress, but progressively increased with time as the cortisol levels declined while IGF, prolactin and oestrogen concurrently increased during the 30-day post-parturiency. Feed intake was significantly and negatively correlated to cortisol levels (r = -0.613), but positively correlated to milk yield (r = 0.615), prolactin (r = 0.760), Oestrogen (r = 0.785), and IGF (r = 0.692). The study concluded that a causal linkage existed between feed intake, milk yield and hormonal profile during the 30-day post-parturient period. The study recommends that the nutritional requirements of a dairy cow in the transition to post-parturiency be adequately provided.