Browsing by Author "Acai-Okwee, James"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Diatomaceous Earth Usage in The Agriculture Sector in Uganda And Its Characterization: Current Status and Anticipated Developments
    (Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology, 2019) Isabirye, Robert Alex; Waiswa, Charles; Kabi, Fred; Nanyeenya, William N.; Biryomumaisho, Savino; Acai-Okwee, James; Okello, Samuel; Omonuk Akello, Beatrice; Mwesigwa, Moses; Lumu, Richard; Nasinyama, George William
    The study was conducted in the districts of Nebbi, Wakiso and Gomba in Uganda to characterize Diatomaceous Earth (DE) from the 3 major deposits in Uganda; explore status of exploitation and usage in agriculture, and anticipate associated effects. DE aka diatomite originated from fossilized remains of diatom shells. In agriculture, it’s used in controlling livestock internal and external parasites; post-harvest crop insect pests; and aflatoxins in stored feeds. DE has silica, Ca, Na, Mg, Fe, and other trace minerals making it valuable. Unlike synthetic drugs, DE is safer to consumers. Data collection employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Most respondents (94.6%) didn’t know of any agricultural DE usage, and the remaining (5.4%) knew it as a remedy against post-harvest weevils in stored grains. Residents in the mining area used DE in painting houses; craved by pregnant women; and relieving diarrhea in humans. Characterization revealed that Ugandan DE deposits were premium for various purposes. No commercial DE exploitation had started however when it’s due, the government would guide regulatory framework. Additionally, the socio-economic transformation was anticipated through employment creation; and foreign exchange. Since DE’s availability in Uganda is confirmed, more research and programs to promote its exploitation are needed.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Efficacy of Diatomaceous Earth on Ascaridia galli, Blood Parameters: And on Ectoparasites In Chicken
    (Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology, 2019) Isabirye, Robert Alex; Waiswa, Charles; Kabi, Fred; Nanyeenya, William N.; Biryomumaisho, Savino; Acai-Okwee, James; Okello, Samuel; Omonuk Akello, Beatrice; Mwesigwa, Moses; Lumu, Richard; Nasinyama, George William
    The efficacy of diatomaceous earth (DE) in the treatment of chicken against Ascaridia galli and ectoparasites; and its effect on blood parameters in chicken was investigated. Four hundred hens were divided into 5 treatment groups, A, B, C, D and E (n = 80 per group). Groups C, D and E were orally infected with 250 embryonated A. galli eggs while groups A and B were not. Meanwhile, groups A and C fed diets with 2% DE and group D was fed with piperazine; and groups B and E was neither fed with DE nor piperazine. Fecal samples and blood samples were analyzed at week 16 to 22 and; 16 and 36, respectively for fecal egg counts (FEC) and blood parameters (erythrocyte count, hemoglobin content and hematocrit value), respectively. In another experiment, to assess efficacy of DE in treating poultry ectoparasites (fleas, mites and lice) DE was topically applied. Results from biweekly fecal analyses showed significant differences in FEC (P<0.05); and treatment by group (P<0.05) implying that DE had a significant effect in treating A. galli. No significant effects on hematological values were noted (P>0.05). Findings from ectoparasite trials indicated that at certain time points DE eliminated all targeted parasites (efficacy =100%). This study concludes that DE has the potential to control A. galli; and ectoparasites in chicken. Further studies should target effect of DE on internal parasite dynamics for longer periods in chicken. Additionally, to quicken the action of DE against ectoparasites, organic approaches should be studied.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Emerging Anthelmintic Resistance in Poultry: Can Ethnopharmacological Approaches Offer a Solution?
    (Frontiers in pharmacology, 2021) Zirintunda, Gerald; Biryomumaisho, Savino; Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Kateregga, John; Vudriko, Patrick; Nalule, Sarah; Olila, Deogracious; Kajoba, Mariam; Matama, Kevin; Kwizera, Mercy Rukundo; Abdelgawad, Mohamed A.; Acai-Okwee, James
    Limited pharmacological studies have been conducted on plant species used against poultry helminths. The objective of this study was to provide a basis for plant based anthelmintics as possible alternatives against poultry anthelmintic resistance. The study justified the need for alternative anthelmintics. The study places emphasis on the increasing anthelmintic resistance, mechanism of resistance, and preparational protocols for plant anthelmintics and their associated mechanism of action. Pharmaceutical studies on plants as alternative therapies for the control of helminth parasites have not been fully explored especially in several developing countries. Plants from a broad range of species produce a wide variety of compounds that are potential anthelmintics candidates. Important phenolic acids have been found in Brassica rapa L. and Terminalia avicenniodes Guill. and Perri that affect the cell signaling pathways and gene expression. Benzo (c) phenanthridine and isoquinoline alkaloids are neurotoxic to helminths. Steroidal saponins (polyphyllin D and dioscin) interact with helminthic mitochondrial activity, alter cell membrane permeability, vacuolation and membrane damage. Benzyl isothiocyanate glucosinolates interfere with DNA replication and protein expression, while isoflavones from Acacia oxyphylla cause helminth flaccid paralysis, inhibit energy generation, and affect calcium utilization. Condensed tannins have been shown to cause the death of nematodes and paralysis leading to expulsion from the gastro-intestinal tract. Flavonoids from Chenopodium album L and Mangifera indica L act through the action of phosphodiesterase and Ca2+-ATPase, and flavonoids and tannins have been shown to act synergistically and are complementary to praziquantel. Artemisinins from Artemisia cina O. Berg are known to disrupt mitochondrial ATP production. Terpenoids from Cucurbita moschata L disrupt neurotransmission leading to paralysis as well as disruption of egg hatching. Yeast particle encapsulated terpenes are effective for the control of albendazole-resistant helminths.