Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) is a low cost technology widely used in animal feeds quality evaluation. The objective of this study was to develop prediction model to evaluate ash, dry matter and moisture of commercial chicken feed based on NIRS and partial least square analysis. A total of 203 samples were collected from the Central, Western, Eastern, and Northern regions of Uganda of which 142 samples were used for calibration and 61 for validation. The NIRS calibration model presented Coefficient of determination for calibration of 0.74, 0.32 and 0.32; Coefficient of determination for prediction of 0.85, 0.39, and 0.39; and a ratio of performance to deviation of 2.04, 0.94, and 0.94 for ash, dry matter and moisture respectively. The results obtained may suggest that prediction model for ash can be used for rough screening of feed samples. NIRS can serve as a useful tool for chicken producers, feed mills, regulators and researchers to estimate the ash content in commercial chicken feed and ingredients.

The Small East African Zebu (SEAZ) is an indigenous Ugandan cattle breed valued for disease resistance but characterised by low milk production. To enhance productivity, Uganda introduced Tyrolean Grey cattle semen from Austria in 2009 to crossbreed with SEAZ, resulting in the Tyrolean Grey Zebu crosses (TGZ). This study aimed to morphologically characterise SEAZ and TGZ cattle to inform future breeding and conservation programmes. A sample of 214 SEAZ and TGZ was randomly selected from Aswa Ranch and Lusenke Stock Farm. The two genotypes exhibited distinct phenotypic differences, particularly in coat colour, coat hair, dewlap size, hump shape, horn characteristics, back profile, and tail length. SEAZ cattle predominantly expressed darker coat colours (brown, dark brown, and black), whereas TGZ cattle were mainly grey and light brown. Multivariate analyses revealed that most morphological traits varied significantly across genotype, location, sex, and age (p < 0.05), while rump shape showed no significant variation. Discriminant function analysis demonstrated a high classification accuracy between SEAZ and TGZ, confirming clear phenotypic differentiation between the two genotypes. These findings indicate that genetic background and environmental adaptation strongly influence cattle morphology and highlight the need for complementary production, reproductive, and genomic studies to support targeted breeding strategies in Uganda.

Dairy production in Uganda faces persistent challenges of feed scarcity and poor-quality diets, especially among smallholder farmers. The study characterized locally available forage resources, Management practices and assessed their nutritional value in Buvuma Island, Uganda. A cross-sectional design was used, combining household surveys (n = 250), participatory observations, and laboratory analysis of selected forage resources across wet and dry seasons. Farmers mainly relied on natural pastures (58

Mixed Game and Livestock Interfaces (MGLIs) in and around conservation areas like Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) have typanosomosis, tsetse flies, Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases (TTBDs) as major constraints to livestock productivity. There were no cheaper community-based methods for controlling both ticks and tsetse flies. It was against this background that this study was done. A weekly restricted spraying of cattle using vectocid ® for 6 months was done in MGLIs in QENP for controlling both ticks and tsetse flies. Before technology introduction, a baseline survey was done to establish livestock productivity, tsetse infestation and cattle tick burdens, prevalence of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) and trypanososmosis, morbidity and mortality rates due to TBDs and trypanososmosis; and the economic cost due to TTBDs, tstetse flies and trypanosomosis. Later the above parameters were monitored to quantify the impact. After intervention, infestations by Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (14.8 ± 0.8 / cattle), Ambylloma variegatum (0.8 / cattle) and Rhipicephalus evertsi (0.2/ cattle) decreased by 43.2

Pre-slaughter handling of beef cattle affects carcass quality by altering its appearance and composition. Inhumane pre-slaughter handling of beef cattle is a major global concern and has attracted considerable attention from policymakers and consumers. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of humane pre-slaughter beef cattle handling among key stakeholders in Uganda, including consumers, cattle farmers, animal transporters/handlers, abattoir workers, veterinary officers, butcher operators, law enforcement officers. A survey was conducted in five regions of Uganda, with 276 participants using a questionnaire. Furthermore, field observations were carried out using a standardized checklist. Results indicated significant differences in stakeholders understanding of animal welfare, particularly regarding transport conditions and the concept of Five Freedoms (p = 0.007). Most stakeholders identified meat color and carcass bleeding as key indicators of inhumane pre-slaughter handling. While perceptions of the effect of poor handling on meat quality did not differ significantly among groups, a majority of beef consumers (n = 163) stated willingness to pay more for meat from humanely handled cattle. However, this willingness varied significantly across stakeholder groups. Field observations revealed high stocking densities during cattle transport and excessive vehicle speeds, suggesting substandard transport practices.

Adequate chicken feed in terms of quantity and quality are foundations of successful chicken production. A cross sectional survey was conducted in 10 districts of Uganda, with a total of 320 poultry farmers and 59 feed millers participating in this study. Data on socio demographic characteristics, feedstuffs used in chicken feed production, seasonal availability of feedstuffs, mixing of feed stuffs, challenges faced in chicken production and perception of chicken producers and feed millers on feeds quality were analyzed. Results revealed that 54.7

Abstract Background Diagnostic tests and knowledge of their diagnostic accuracies are important for animal trypanosomosis surveillance and treatment. Methodology : A cross-sectional study was conducted in November 2021 to compare the performance of rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and PCR-based assay for the detection of trypanosome infections. Random sampling and probability proportional to size sampling were used to sample study households and animals from the sampled household respectively. Animals were screened for the presence of trypanosomes using both tests. A total of 100 cattle (52 from Apac and 48 from Kiryandongo districts) were included in the study. The percentage of positive tests, sensitivity, and specificity of the tests using mini PCR as a reference were computed. Cohen’s kappa statistics was computed to assess how well the rapid diagnostic test agrees with the mini PCR. McNemar’s statistic assessed if the proportion of positive tests identified by mini PCR significantly differed from that identified by the rapid diagnostic test. Results The mini PCR test detected 31.2% Trypanosome spp positive samples in Kiryandongo while it detected only 5.7% positive samples in Apac district. The rapid diagnostic test (RDT) analysis detected 91.6% Trypanosome spp positive samples in Kiryandongo district and only 46.1% in Apac district. T. congolense was the most common Trypanosoma species identified in Apac (36.5%) and Kiryandongo (47.9%) by the RDT. The percentage of each of the Trypanosome species (T.vivax, T.congolense, and mixed infection of T.vivax and T. congolense) detected by RDT differed significantly (p < 0.001) between the two districts. The RDT had a high sensitivity of 94.4% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 72.7–99.9) but a very low specificity of 36.6% (95% CI: 26.2–48.0). The kappa test showed evidence of only a slight agreement (kappa = 0.1547, Accuracy = 0.48 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.379,0.5822) between the two tests. The observed agreement between the tests was 47% while the expected agreement was 37.84%. Conclusion This study found high sensitivity but low specificity of RDT using mini PCR as a reference.

Adequate chicken feed in terms of quantity and quality are foundations of successful chicken production. A cross sectional survey was conducted in 10 districts of Uganda. Data was collected on socio demographic characteristics, feedstuffs used in chicken feed production, seasonal availability of feedstuffs, mixing of feed stuffs, challenges faced in chicken production and perception of chicken producers and feed millers on feeds quality. Results revealed that 54.7% of the farmer respondents were female, while 62.7% of the feed miller respondenst were male. Broiler birds followed by layers and kroilers were the major type of chicken reaed by both groups of respondents. White maize and maize bran were the major energy sources while fishmeal was the main protein source in chicken diets. About 59.7% of the producers used commercially compounded feeds while 71.4 of the millers used self-compounded feeds. Gender significantly influenced methods used to check for quality, particularly asking fellow farmers (X2 = 4.01, P<0.0045). Education significantly influenced the understanding of good quality feed among the farmers. Farmers that had attained a high level of education, understood quality as no foul smell (X2=9.72, P<0.017). Unstable prices and low quality of feeds and feed ingredients were the major feeds challenges faced by the respondents. Organoleptic tests and farmer peer-to-peer information sharing were the major methods used to check the quality of feeds. Quality chicken feed meant different things to producers and millers. Both producers and millers were aware of Feed and feed ingredients adulteration.

Background Feedstuffs and poultry feeds of low quality are major limitations to the growth of the poultry sector. Methods A qualitative study approach using key informant interviews was used to collect information. The thematic analysis method using a prescribed coding frame was used to analyze the data. Three themes emerged from the data: overview and business environment, consequences and propositions, and quality and enforcement. Results The study revealed that poultry feed sub sector is constituted by several players operating at varying scale of business dealing in either imported concentrates, feed stuffs or complete feed. The sector was not well regulated and there was no systematic surveillance done to evaluate the quality of products (feeds and feedstuffs) sold to the farmers. Some regions did not have any feed analytical facilities and therefore farmers mainly depended on subjective judgement using their sense of sight, smell, taste and touch to evaluate the quality of feedstuffs. Regulatory services such as certification of animal feed mills were insufficient not surprising that poultry farmers complained about feedstuff adulteration. The only requirement in place to operate feed and feedstuff business was an annual trade license. The actors/players in poultry feed business operated independently of their formal body or association. Conclusion This study showed that there is legislation gap in the animal feed sector. The players in the sector were at liberty not to follow standards that ensure quality feeds and feedstuffs.

Abstract Background: Animal diseases that are endemic like tsetse transmitted trypanosomosis cause the continuous expenditure of financial resources of livestock farmers and loss of productivity of livestock. Estimating the cost of controlling animal trypanosomosis can provide evidence for priority setting and targeting cost-effective control strategies. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey to estimate the economic cost of bovine trypanosomosis was conducted in cattle-keeping communities living around Murchision falls National Park, in Buliisa district Uganda. Data was collected on herd structure, the cost of treatment and control, prevalence of morbidity and mortality rates due to trypanosomosis, and salvage sales losses in cattle herds in the last year. Results: In this study, 55.4% (n = 87) of the households reported their cattle had been affected by trypanosomosis during the previous last year. There was a high economic cost of trypanosomosis (USD 653) per household in cattle-keeping communities in Buliisa district of which 83% and 9% were due to mortality and milk loss respectively/ High mortality loss was due to low investment in treatment. The study showed that prophylactic treatment 3 times a year of the whole herd of cattle using Samorin ® (Isometamidium chloride) at a cost of USD 110 could drastically reduce cattle mortality loss due to trypanosomosis due to trypanosomosis with a return on investment of USD 540 annually per herd. This could be coupled with strategic restricted insecticide spraying of cattle with deltamethrin products. Conclusion: The results show a high economic cost of trypanosomosis in cattle-keeping communities in Buliisa district, with cattle mortality contributing the largest proportion of the economic cost. The high mortality loss was due to low investment in treatment of sick cattle.

Abstract Background - Animal diseases that are endemic like tsetse transmitted trypanosomosis cause continuous expenditure of financial resources of livestock farmers and loss of productivity of livestock. Estimating the cost of controlling animal trypanosomosis can provide evidence for priority setting and targeting cost effective control strategies.Methodology A cross sectional survey to estimate the economic cost of bovine trypanosomosiswas conducted in cattle keeping communities living around Murchision falls National Park, in Buliisa district Uganda. Data was collected on herd structure, the cost of treatment and control, prevalence of morbidity and mortality rates due to trypanosomosis, salvage sales losses in cattle herd in the last one year.Results- In this study, 55.4% (n= 87) of the households reported their cattle had been affected by trypanosomosis during the previous last year. There was a high economic cost trypanosomosis (USD 653) per household in cattle keeping communities in Buliisa district of which 83% and 9% was due to mortality and milk loss respectively/ High mortality loss was due to low investment in treatment. The study showed that prophylactic treatment 3 times a year of the whole herd of cattle using Samorin ® (Isometamidium chloride) at a cost of USD 110 could drastically reduce cattle mortality loss due to trypanosomosis due to trypanosomosis with return on investment of USD 540 annually per herd. This could be coupled with strategic restricted insecticide spraying of cattle with deltamethrin products.Conclusions. The results show a high economic cost of trypanosomosis in cattle keeping communities in Buliisa district with mortality of cattle contributing the largest proportion of the economic cost. The high mortality loss was due to low investment in treatment of sick cattle

Abstract Background Bovine trypanosomosis transmitted by tsetse flies is a major constraint to cattle health and productivity in all sub-Saharan countries, including Uganda. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and identify its associated risk factors and the species of trypanosomes associated with the disease. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted around Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda from January 2020 to April 2020. Trypanosomes were detected in blood samples by PCR analysis targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-PCR assays), and trypanosomes in positive blood samples were sequenced. Results Of 460 blood samples collected and tested, 136 (29.6%) were positive for trypanosome infections and 324 (70.4%) were negative. The overall trypanosome prevalence was 29.6% (95% confidence interval 25.4–33.8%), attributed to three trypanosome species. Of these three species, Trypanosoma vivax was the most prevalent (n = 130, 28.3%) while the others were detected as mixed infections: T. vivax + Trypanosoma congolense (n = 2, 0.4%) and T. vivax + Trypanosoma evansi (n = 1, 0.2%). There were significant differences in trypanosome prevalence according to sex (χ 2 = 62, df = 1, P < 0.05), age (χ 2 = 6.28, df = 2, P = 0.0043) and cattle breed (χ 2 = 10.61, df = 1, P = 0.001). Conclusions Trypanosomosis remains a major limitation to cattle production around Murchison Falls National Park and interventions are urgently needed. In our study, the prevalence of trypanosome infections was high, with T. vivax identified as the most prevalent species. Age, sex and breed of cattle were risk factors for trypanosome infection. Graphical Abstract

A mixed method survey was conducted among pastoral and agro pastoral communities surrounding Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices about control of bovine trypanosomosis. A total of 96.8% (n = 152) of the participants had seen tsetse flies, and close to 91.7% (n = 116) of the participants had heard about bovine trypanosomosis. Bovine trypanosomosis was reported as a major disease in their area by about 73.9% (n = 116). There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the level of awareness and perception about tsetse and bovine trypanosomosis across the study sub counties. The majority of the farmers (60.5%) stated that grazing near national parks was the main cause of bovine trypanosomosis. A small proportion of farmers associated sharing grazing land and watering points with wildlife (19.1%) and grazing cattle in tsetse fly-infested areas (8.3%) as the causes of trypanosomosis. The communities in the study sub counties were aware of at least one or two clinical signs of bovine trypanosomosis. Spraying cattle with insecticide and avoiding grazing animals in tsetse-infested areas were the control practices. Curative trypanocides were mainly used to treat their cattle against trypanosomosis. Bush clearing, targets and traps as tsetse fly control measures were less practiced by the farmers. Treatment of cattle was based on observation of clinical signs due to absence of blood diagnostic facilities. Implementing regular tsetse fly population monitoring surveys and promotion of disease rapid diagnostic tools at farm level as long-term strategies are key for effective control of the disease.

Background: Bovine trypanosomosis transmitted by tsetse flies is a major constraint to cattle health and productivity in sub- Saharan countries including Uganda. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and its associated risk factors and the species of trypanosomes associated with the disease. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted around Murchision Falls National Park, Uganda from January 2020 to April 2020. Blood samples were collected from 460 cattle and were screened for trypanosomes using ITS-PCR. Results: From 460 samples collected, 136 (29.6%) of the samples were positive for trypanosomosis infections while 324 (70.4%) samples were negative. The overall trypanosome prevalence was 29.6% (95% CI 25.4-33.8). T. vivax (n = 130, 28.3%) was the most prevalent trypanosome specie detected and two mixed infection types (T.vivax + T. congolense (n = 2, 0.4%) and T.vivax + T. brucei (n = 1.0, 0.2% ) were detected during the analysis. There was a significant difference when Trypanosome prevalence was compared with sex, age, breed of the sampled animals (P < 0.05 for sex), (P = 0.0043 for age) and (P = 0.001 for breed). Conclusion ; Trypanosomosis is still a major limitation to cattle production around Murchision Falls National Park and interventions are urgently needed .The prevalence of trypanosomosis was high and T.vivax was identified as the major trypanosome species in the cattle herd.

BACKGROUND:Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) still stand as one of the commonest health problems affecting women of reproductive age. The knowledge and practices of STIs, among susceptible populations such as women of reproductive age, living in slums like Katanga in Kampala Uganda need to be established.METHODS:This was a cross-sectional study with 339 participants in Katanga slum. Data was collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire, entered and analysed using SPSS version 17.0. Data was summarized using frequencies for categorical data and medians for continuous data.RESULTS:Majority of the participants (71.9%) were ≥25years with a mean age of 28.0(SD ±7.0) years. The commonest symptoms known to the participants were genital itching (60%) and genital rash (14.5%). Most mentioned multiple partners (63.7%) and unprotected sex (50.7%) as predisposing factors to STIs. Knowledge on methods of prevention was high (92.3%) however, 18.8% were found positive for STIs using the syndromic approach and 82% mentioned having suffered from STIs in the past 6 months more than once.CONCLUSION:Most participants did not know about the systemic effects of STIs to their health and didnot follow the appropriate behavior patterns despite being knowledgeable about the various methods of prevention of STIs.