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.

INTRODUCTION: Dyspepsia affects 6.9% of people globally and significantly impairs quality of life, yet it often remains undiagnosed. Undiagnosed dyspepsia (UD) affects up to one-third of patients and is prevalent among students due to stress, irregular eating, and self-medication. In Uganda, limited access to endoscopy results in many cases being undiagnosed, yet recent data among health program students remains scarce. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of UD, associated factors, and its relationship with QoL among undergraduate health program students at Makerere University. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 378 undergraduate health program students from Makerere University between March and April 2025. Participants were pursuing Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Dental Surgery, aged ≥ 18 years, and were selected by stratified simple random sampling. Data on socio-demographics, lifestyle, and dyspeptic symptoms were collected using a structured questionnaire based on various tools. Data was analyzed using STATA 17 in the survey window. Prevalence of UD was estimated with 95% confidence intervals. Modified Poisson regression was used to determine associated factors, while mixed-effects linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between dyspepsia and quality of life. RESULTS: The prevalence of undiagnosed dyspepsia was 13.5% (95% confidence interval: 10.2–17.4). Regular tea consumption was associated with a lower prevalence of undiagnosed dyspepsia, both among participants who drank tea on some days (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.20–0.91) and those who drank tea daily (aPR = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.17–0.71). High levels of physical activity were also protective (aPR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.15–0.93). In contrast, a higher prevalence of undiagnosed dyspepsia was observed among participants who ate two meals per day (aPR = 2.64; 95% CI: 1.21–5.73), consumed alcohol (aPR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.06–2.97), reported moderate fatigue (aPR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.13–3.01), were underweight (aPR = 2.20; 95% CI: 1.04–4.68), or slept for longer durations (aPR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.16–3.20). Quality of life was not significantly associated with undiagnosed dyspepsia (p = 0.217). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of UD among undergraduate health program students was moderately high, though not significantly associated with quality of life. Targeted health education that promotes regular physical activity, addresses fatigue and discourages excessive alcohol and coffee consumption may help reduce the burden of UD in this population.

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

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.

A cross-sectional study of 150 purposively selected multiple livestock species farmers was conducted in Central Uganda aimed at distinguishing between mixed and integrated livestock systems.Performance and operational-based challenges misconstrued to cause incorrect comparison between the two systems were considered.Ten multiple-livestock species system with five ruminant species-based and five monogastric species-based combinations were categorised.Poultry, pig, fish, goats and sheep kept in both the 3 and 4-species combinations were considered.Over 80% of the families are male dominated, smallholder and occupying > 1.0 Ha of land.Exotic and crossbred breeds were adopted away from less productive and noncommercial local species.Mixed monogastric-fish systems with monogastric species dominated (P < 0.05) the choices in the ten categories.Over five year experience in integrated livestock techniques transformed 30% of the farmers into integrated monogastric-ruminant-fish systems.Over reliance on conventional and expensive feeds was highly associated (X 2 = 25.93) with increased production expenses which significantly (P < 0.001) reduce production.Cattle and small ruminants are majorly reared on small scale zero-grazing system of less than 5.0 stock per household.Fish gained prominence with 37% of the farmers operating at medium scale of 500 -1000 stock per farm.Poultry species are mainly kept on deep litter and cage systems which elevated 14.7% of the farmers to large scale with (>1000) stock per farm.Stalls dominate pig management systems with 15% of the farmers upgraded to commercial level with (>50) stock per farm.Ineffective livestock policies contribute to inefficient performance of 55% of livestock farmers.In conclusion, mixed livestock sys-

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to establish the utilisation of non-conventional animal waste in multiple livestock species systems. Farmers (150) were selected from four out of ten districts of Central Uganda in Lake Victoria Crescent. A structured questionnaire was used and descriptive analysis showed that over 80% are smallholder farmers on 3.0) years. Household husbands (80%) significantly (P 1.0) as they cause poor livestock health due to pathogens, parasites and toxins which are associated (OD > 1.0) with poor growth, mortality and condemnation of livestock products. The remedy to unsafe non-conventional feeds is to apply effective solar-heating (75%), chemical and ensiling treatment methods. The study showed that there are no significant (P < 0.001) public health risks associated with utilising treated non-conventional feeds instead it improves production and sustainability of multiple livestock species systems.

The efficacy of diatomaceous earth (DE) on growth rate, egg production and on increasing feed conversion efficiency in deep litter raised layer hens was evaluated. The study was conducted at Mukono Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MUZARDI) in Uganda. Worms were collected from fresh intestines of indigenous chicken obtained from Kalerwe chicken market near Kampala. The DE was mined in Pakwach (formerly Nebbi) district in Northern Uganda. Chickens of the Lohmann Brown breed raised on deep litter were studied. At 7 weeks the birds were divided into 5 treatment groups, A, B, C, D and E each composed of 40 birds. Groups C, D and E were given an oral dose containing 250 embryonated eggs of A. galli while groups A and B were not infected. The chicks were weighed; and subjected to feeding trials as arranged below: A – Non-infected birds on DE (4%) supplemented diet; B –non-infected birds on neither piperazine (a conventional de-wormer) nor DE; C – infected birds on DE supplemented diet; D – infected birds on piperazine; and group E – infected birds on neither DE nor piperazine applied. Fecal samples were collected and analysed in the laboratory biweekly at week 16 till week 22 respectively for fecal egg counts. In a subsequent experiment, day-old layer chicks from Lohmann Brown strain but different from those used in earlier experiments, were used to assess the effect of DE on egg production. At 17 weeks of age the 420 were divided as follows: 6 treatment groups each having 7 replicates and each replicate having 10 birds. This study showed that DE can be used successfully in growing pullet diets to correct nutritional mineral imbalance since it supplies more than 14 trace elements and other elements. Diatomaceous earth also enables pullets to cope with Ascaridia galli load; and 2% DE supplementation did not have significant improvement on egg production as compared to no supplementation at all. However, reduction in egg production was experienced when supplementation with levels of DE higher that 2% was applied. Results from biweekly fecal analyses showed significant differences in fecal egg counts (p<0.05); and treatment by group (p<0.05).

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary diatomaceous earth (DE) on egg quality traits in deep litter hens. A total of 280 Lohmann Brown pullets were at 20 weeks of age divided into 4 groups. Three groups were fed on one of the three experimental diets supplemented with 2%, 3% or 4% DE, while the fourth group was fed on a control diet without DE supplementation. Each group had seven replicates of 10 birds. One egg was collected randomly per replicate (for a total of 7 eggs per group), weighed and determined for: yolk weight, albumen weight, eggshell weight, eggshell thickness, specific gravity, albumen height, yolk height, yolk colour and Haugh unit. Findings showed that DE supplementation resulted into significant (p<0.05) increase in eggshell weight and yolk height. Dietary supplementation with DE in the current study was, however, not effective on other egg quality parameters such as on eggshell weight percentage, egg specific gravity, yolk colour and Haugh unit. However, results of the study also showed that DE supplementation improved significantly (p<0.05) egg quality especially by improving viscosity as flocks grew older as compared to younger flocks. Further research should focus on the effect of dietary DE on eggshell and bone strength of layer birds. Research should also explore the interactions among the minerals found in DE (e.g. calcium, phosphorus and magnesium) and how these interactions affect egg quality in laying hens.

Range pastures provide the basic ruminant feeds resource for livestock production in semi-arid areas despite ruminant nutrition remaining a challenge affecting productivity.Different livestock development interventions have been promoted to improve livestock nutrition with low farmer adoption rate.A cross sectional exploratory study was conducted between March and July 2018 to identify the drivers of range pastures improvement technologies adoption in rangelands with specific objectives as: (a) Assessing the knowledge, attitudes and practices of pastoralists in regard to range pasture improvement practices and technologies; (b) identifying the forage species planted by pastoralists and strategies for their sustainable utilization; (c) identifying the incentives for the adoption and maintenance of range pasture improvement practices and; (d) identifying the key players and their roles in range pasture improvement promotion and constraints faced in attempt to improve rangeland pastures.A structured questionnaire guided interview was conducted with 294 agro pastoralists while qualitative data was obtained using, KII.Results revealed that farmers had knowledge on range pasture improvement technologies, although adoption rate was low (19.5%).The range pasture improvement practices, included: Pasture establishment, bush clearing, paddocking, conservation, reseeding and over-sowing and water development.However, results also revealed knowledge gaps in silage and hay making, reseeding and understanding principles of range management.The level of education, household income, off farm activities, access to laborers and credit, agriculture exhibitions, farmers' meetings and on-farm demonstrations influenced farmers' adoption of fodder production technologies.Farm gate milk prices, sensitization, financial support, farm output of adopters and inputs support seemed to drive farmers to improve their range pastures.These findings underline the importance of farm-gate milk prices and institutional support as drivers for farmer decision for investment in pasture improvement.Therefore, policy and development interventions should emphasize improvement of milk farm gate prices and farm support systems.

The greatest limitation to utilization of maize stover by ruminants as a feed is the high concentration of lignin, which limits fibre digestibility. However, ruminants can effectively utilize maize stover if its nutritive value is improved using white rot fungal species. This study was designed to determine optimal bio-physical conditions for mycelial growth and select the most ideal fungal species and pre-treatment options for improving nutritive value of maize stover. Four popular edible Pleurotus fungal species (viz. Pleurotus florida, Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus sajor caju and Pleurotus pulmonarius) were subjected to varying temperatures, pH levels, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration and illumination to establish the extent of mycelial growth rate. Inclusion of H2O2 was used to determine optimal levels for preservation and prevention of contamination from other indigenous microbiota. Effects of pre-treatment options on chemical composition and nutritive value of maize stover were also examined. Mycelial growth rate of Pleurotus species on potato dextrose agar (PDA) varied (P < 0.05) with temperature, pH level and H2O2 concentration following a quadratic trend. Optimal temperature, pH and H2O2 concentration for mycelial growth on PDA were 25 °C, 5 and 0.01 mL/L, respectively. Under the different bio-physical conditions, P. sajor caju had the highest mycelia density and growth rate. Chemical composition of solid-state fermented maize stover differed (P < 0.05) among the Pleurotus species. Maize stover fermented with P. sajor caju had the highest crude protein (CP) of 86.6 g/kg DM, in-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of 731 g/kg DM, in-vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) of 670.4 g/kg DM and metabolizable energy (ME) of 10.0 MJ/kg DM but with the lowest lignin (sa) of 50 g/kg DM. At 25 °C, P. sajor caju had the highest mycelial growth rate on PDA and highest lignin (sa) breakdown in the maize stover substrate. It was, therefore, selected as the most ideal fungal species for improving nutritive value of maize stover. Pre-treatment of maize stover with Lactobacillus plantarum and molasses under anaerobic condition for 7 days before inoculation with P. sajor caju resulted into a substrate with the highest (P < 0.05) CP (96.6 g/kg DM), IVDMD (752.3 g/kg DM), IVOMD (687.2 g/kg DM) and ME (10.2 MJ/kg DM). However, neutral detergent fiber exclusive of residual ash (NDFom) and lignin (sa) fractions decreased (P < 0.05) as a result of subjecting maize stover to pre-treatment with L. plantarum and molasses prior to fermentation with P. sajor caju. Therefore, pre-treatment of maize stover with L. plantarum and molasses for 7 days prior to fermentation with P. sajor caju for 14 days in darkness at 25 °C offered the greatest potential for breaking the lignin barrier.

Smallholder dairy farming is increasingly becoming an important source of livelihoods for small scale dwellers in Lake Victoria agro-ecological Zone (LVZ) in Uganda. A study was carried out in Buikwe, Jinja and Mayuge Districts in LVZ of Uganda, with the objective of characterizing smallholder dairy farming. A total of 126 smallholder dairy farmers were interviewed using structured, semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions between September and November 2013. Data collected included; household demographics, challenges in smallholder dairy farming systems, available feed resources, labour distribution, milk production and marketing. The study revealed that households in Buikwe district had relatively larger herd size (4.29±0.864 head of cattle) compared to other districts. Natural pastures (p<0.05, df=4) were ranked as the main source of feed. Smallholder dairy farmers in Jinja ranked agro-industrial by-products as a major alternative feed resource supplemented to natural pastures while farmers in Buikwe and Mayuge utilized crop residues during periods of feed scarcity. Low farm gate price of milk that invariably fluctuated with season in all districts were the major (P<0.05, df = 4) challenges faced by the smallholder dairy farmers. Feed scarcity (p=0.001, df=4) was ranked as the major challenge. The study, therefore, provided basic information on production characteristics of smallholder dairy farming system from farmer's point of view that could benchmark strategic research interventions to address declining smallholder dairy farmers' productivity.

Livestock feed fluctuations in quality and quantity is a major constraint to dairy cattle production in Uganda, particularly, in smallholder dairy cattle production. Studies on prioritizing agro-industrial by-products in dairy cattle feeding are central to formulation of sustainable feed management strategies. This study was thus conducted to investigate farmers' knowledge of agro-industrial by-product management as dairy cattle feed to build logical ideology required in development of appropriate feed management strategies. Focus group discussion and individual interviews were conducted in Lake Victoria Crescent agro-ecological zone to capture information on farmers' knowledge of the factors enhancing agro-industrial by-products utilization, temporal and spatial variability, and limitations to utilization in smallholder dairy farming system. Chi-square test at p 0.05) in spatial and temporal variability of agro-industrial by-products. The study provided basic information about farmers' knowledge on importance of agro-industrial by-products that could aid the development of sustainable and socially acceptable dairy cattle feed management strategies.