Acacia senegal (L.) Wild colonizes the Western Sahel of Mali. This agroforestry species plays an important role in the socio-economic life of local populations. The density of this species has declined sharply recently because of climate change and anthropogenic factors. However, the influence of this density on soil fertility has been documented in very few studies in Mali. This study reports the influence of the density of natural Acacia senegal stands on soil fertility. Three municipalities of the region (Gadiaba, Nioro, and Korokodjo) were selected for the study. At each site, three plots of 2500 m2 each were marked out. The Acacia woody stand within each plot was measured (basal circumference, total height, and circumference total height and circumference at 1.30 m). These measurements were preceded by an exhaustive inventory of the woody plants. Juvenile plants with a circumference of 10 cm were systematically counted and considered as regeneration. In parallel with these measurements, soil samples were taken from the tops and undersides of four-foot trees at the ends and centers of the plots. A 500 g composite sample was taken from these samples. These samples were sent to the Sotuba soil-water-plant laboratory for particle size and chemical analysis. Natural stands are very dense in Gadiaba, with an average of 690 plants/ha, medium density in Nioro, with 430 plants/ha, and very low density in Korokodjo, with 120 plants/ha. The natural stands in the study area are characterized by small, medium-diameter trees. At Gadiaba, the soil is sandy-loamy, while at Nioro and Korokodjo, the proportion of sand dominates at over 90%. The soils were all deficient in organic carbon, nitrogen, and assimilable phosphorus. Comparison of the magnesium content, sand, and silt proportions between the sites studied showed highly significant differences (p ˂ 0.001). The C/N ratios and phosphorus levels were not significantly different between the three sites. The C/N ratio is 4.55% at Gadiaba, 5.95% at Korokodjo and 3.36% at Nioro du Sahel. Phosphorus levels were 3.79% in Gadiaba, 1.73% in Korokodjo, and only 0.21% in Nioro du Sahel. For other mineral elements and pH, however, the differences are significant at the critical threshold of 5%. Therefore, it is important to identify suitable management methods for these resources.
In sub-Saharan Africa, livestock farming in general, and cattle farming in particular, is a source of income for many people. This activity tends to intensify in urban and peri-urban areas. Like many other livestock-raising countries, Mali faces several constraints, including African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT), which affects herd productivity and thus threatens food security. Several factors can influence the transmission of this disease, including the host-parasite-vector relationship, animal phenotypes, and climate. In Mali, the susceptibility of cattle breeds to trypanosome infection has been poorly documented. This study was aimed to determine the factors influencing the transmission of AAT in the sub-humid zone of Mali. Bi-seasonal sampling was carried out in 2011 on 720 cattle taken in a stratified and random fashion. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein and the WOO diagnostic technique was used. Factors such as phenotype, season, prophylactic treatment, and infection rate were considered. The results showed that among these variance factors, phenotype, prophylactic treatment, and haematocrit level were positively correlated with the infection rate of cattle (P<0.05%). The variation in the infection rate recorded during the different seasons was not significant (P>0.05%).
Aims: To assess the microbiological quality of beef marketed in commune I of Bamako district to determine its level of contamination and identify the main pathogens present. This study is based on the hypothesis that the microbiological quality of meat sold in the markets studied is influenced by storage conditions, hygiene practices and the infrastructure of the points of sale. Therefore, a thorough assessment of these factors could identify the main sources of microbiological contamination and propose practical solutions to improve the quality and safety of meat products. Study Design: A descriptive and analytical study was conducted between [from July to November 2023]. It involved meat samples collected from different points of sale in commune I. Methodology: Beef samples were collected randomly from markets, butcher shops and street stalls. Microbiological analyses were performed according to standardized protocols to enumerate total mesophilic flora, total coliforms, fecal coliforms, as well as to detect specific pathogens such as Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Results: The results showed high microbiological contamination in [65,68%] of the samples analyzed, exceeding the thresholds set by food safety standards. Total and faecal coliforms were present in [23,35%]. Pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated in [26,39%]. Contamination rates were higher in informal outlets compared to licensed butchers. Conclusion: Beef marketed in Commune I has a worrying microbiological quality, constituting a potential risk to public health. There is an urgent need to strengthen hygiene measures throughout the production and sales chain, as well as to increase awareness of food safety among stakeholders.
Introduction: African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT) is a haemoparasitic disease that considerably hampers socioeconomic development in sub-Saharan Africa. One way to counter this scourge is through vector control and treatment. Objective: This study aims to help breeders in the study zone to control AAT. Location and Duration of the Study: About three-year longitudinal follow-up was conducted in seven municipalities around Bamako city (Mande, Kalaban coro, Sanankoroba, Kati, Tienfala, Baguinéda, and Koulikoro) in district Bamako from March 2007 to December 2009. Methodology: Thirty to fifty heads of cattle were randomly selected in each municipality, and depending on herd size, 5 to 10 heads of cattle were selected from each herd for examination. For each run, all animals diagnosed with Trypanosoma spp. positivity were systematically treated. Results: A total of 7,622 blood samples from 312 cattle of different breeds (Peulh zebus, Metis, and Mereas predominant breeds) were collected and examined. A total of 106 animals were found infected with two Trypanosoma species (T. vivax, 99% and T. congolense, 1%). Prevalence was significantly (P<0.05) variable not only by breed (78.25% for zebu and nil for N'Dama) but also by year (4.47%, 0.53% and 0.1% in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively). Variability was also observed according to locality. However, this did not vary according to the sex of animal (P= 0.07). A total of 1691 doses of trypanocidal products were administered to infected animals. Conclusion: As a result of treatment, the incidence and prevalence of the disease has decreased considerably. However, the risk of disease transmission remains, as biological and mechanical vectors are omnipresent in the area. Besides, seasonal animal movements are also a risk factor. Study suggests regular monitoring, vector management and trypanocidal treatment to reduce the disease incidence and improve livestock productivity.
Introduction: Laser ureteroscopy is an effective method in the treatment of upper urinary tract stones. Our hospital is equipped with semi-rigid and flexible uretroscopes, equipped with a 35-watt Storz calculasse III holmium laser generator. The objective of this study is to evaluate the results of laser ureteroscopy. Materials and methods: The study was carried out in the urology department of the Pr Bocar Sidy Sall University Hospital in Kati. It was a prospective study, which took place from December 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024. Included in our study were patients diagnosed with renal and proximal or distal ureteral lithiasis and operated by flexible or semi-rigid laser ureteroscopy. The parameters studied were: sociodemographic data, reason for consultation, urological history, number, size and topography of stones, type of urethroscopy performed, postoperative follow-up, length of hospitalization. A survey form was established for data collection. Data analysis was done on Word 2016, Excel 2016 and SPSS version 23.0 software after data verification. The anonymity of patients was guaranteed with their consent for the use of personal data. Results: We performed 82 cases of laser ureteroscopy. The average age was 36.60 years with extremes from 7 to 79 years. The male sex was the most represented (57% of cases). Renal colic was the most frequent reason for consultation (82.9%). The insertion of a double J ureteral catheter was the most represented urological antecedent in 15.9% of cases. The left lumbar ureter was the most represented side (28% of cases). In the majority of cases, the size of the stone varied between 18-28 mm (37.8%). The urine culture was positive in 18% of cases and E. coli represented 35%. Flexible laser ureteroscopy was the most performed (75.6% of cases). The stone-free rate "without residual fragment" was successful in 69 patients, or 84.1% of cases, and revision surgery was performed in 13 patients, or 15.9% of cases. The hospital stay was 1 day in 90.2% of cases. Conclusion: Laser ureteroscopy is the treatment of choice for upper urinary tract stones. The challenge lies primarily in urologists mastering this technique and acquiring the necessary equipment.
