Browsing by Author "Kabi, Fred"
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Item Behavioural response of pure Ankole and crossbred(Ankole × Holstein) cows to seasonal pasturevariations in south-western Uganda(Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2016) Idibu, Joachine; Kabi, Fred; Mpairwe, DenistThis study evaluated the effects of season and pasture species on variations in sward composition, pasture quantity (plant-height and biomass) and quality [crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF)and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD)]. Behavioural responses of a group of 10 pure Ankole and another of 10 crossbred (Ankole × Holstein) cows to the seasonal variations in pasture quantity and quality were also examined. Irrespective of season, the dominant pasture species was Brachiaria decum-bens, with scanty presence of Hyparrhenia rufa, Themeda triandra, Sporobolus pyramidalis and Cymbopogonafronardus. The sward height, biomass, CP, NDF and IVOMD were dependent on both season and species(P < 0.001). Whereas the sward-height and biomass of B. decumbens, H. rufa, and T. triandra peaked during the rainy season, that of C. afronardus and S. pyramidalis peaked in the dry season. During the grazing cycle, a minimum plant-height of 31 cm and forage biomass of 118 g/m2, an equivalent of 1180 kg/ha,was recorded for most of the pasture species. The CP content of the pasture species were below 7%,irrespective of season, except for B. decumbens which had 8.7% CP in the rainy season. Minimum NDFcontent for all the pasture species was 67% and 50% during the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. Con-sequently, IVOMD ranged between 29–61% and 51–65% during the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. Ankole and the crossbred cows increased the number of feeding stations, bites and residence time in patches of species, which were scantly grazed in the rainy season. They also increased standing (P < 0.01)at the expense of walking (P < 0.001) and social activities (P < 0.001). Irrespective of season, more than40% of grazing occurred in B. decumbens patches and both genotypes grazed for ¾ of the time on pasture.However, the crossbred cows required extended grazing duration, resulting into less lying and rumi-nation (P < 0.05) on pasture than the Ankole cows. Ankole and the crossbred cows grazed locales with high pasture ground cover and biomass. However, locales with high CP but low forage quantity were also grazed. This study revealed that at an appropriate stocking rate, sufficient forage supply was possible in both seasons. However, the low CP content and less preference for majority of the dominant species compelled the Ankole and the crossbred cows to graze for a long time. Thus, the crossbred cows were constrained by time in both the dry and rainy seasons.Item Combining Ability and Heterosis of Selected Grain and Forage Dual Purpose Sorghum Genotypes(Journal of Agricultural Science, 2017) Chikuta, Sally; Odong, Thomas; Kabi, Fred; Rubaihayo, PatrickSorghum is an important food and feed source in mixed crop-livestock production systems where its dual usage is a preferred option, especially among the resource poor small-scale farmers. Attempts to improve fodder quality traits in maize have been at the expense of grain traits and vice versa, but other studies demonstrated that it was possible to select for high stem biomass without compromising the improvement of grain yields in sorghum. As a follow up to this effort, this study was undertaken to estimate the combining ability of grain and forage sorghum genotypes and determine heterosis for several traits as a criteria for improving dual purpose sorghum cultivars. Four grain and four forage sorghum cultivars were crossed to generate 23 crosses following the half diallel mating design scheme at Makerere University Agricultural Research institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK) in 2013. The crosses were evaluated at three locations in Uganda during two rainy seasons of 2014. Data were taken and analysed on leaf area, leaf-stem ratio, plant height, seed weight, grain yield, and biomass. Results indicated that the gene action for the traits under observation was controlled by both additive and non additive genetic effects. Majority of the parental lines had significant GCA estimates for all traits except line 20 for grain yield, lines 22 and 34 for plant height, line 35 for leaf-stem ratio, and line 22 for days to flowering. Significant (P ≤ 0.05) SCA estimates were prominent in most of the individual parental combinations for all traits except leaf area and leaf-stem ratio indicating the role of dominance gene action. Bakers ratio and heritability coefficients were 52% for biomass, flowering duration and plant height indicating that genetic gains can be achieved by conventional breeding for the three traits. Heterosis in grain yield and biomass over both the mid and better parents was shown by more than half of the crosses studied. This study suggested that both inter and intra allelic interactions were involved in the expression of the traits.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 WilliamThe 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.Item Effect of Different Organic Substrates on Reproductive Biology, Growth and Offtake of the African Night Crawler Earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae)(Saly Portudal, Senegal, 2018) Kabi, Fred; Kayima, Denis; Kigozi, Abasi; Mpingirika, Eric Zadok; Kayiwa, Ronald; Okello, DorothyRapid growth and high fecundity of Eudrilus eugeniae makes it a commercial vermicomposting agent. The worm is also a rich protein source (50-70%CP) in livestock diets. The major question, however, is how do we promote earthworm production as a strategy for ecological livestock intensification and integration with crops through earthworm domestication as a source of protein and vermicompost. Reproduction characteristics, growth and offtake of E. eugeniae were studied using four organic substrates including abattoir waste (AW), cattle manure (CM), soya bean crop residue (SBCR) and a mixture of cattle manure and soya bean crop residue (CM+SBCR) aged 15 days. Irrespective of the substrate, length and biomass of earthworms increased at a decreasing rate between the 1st and 8th weeks. Clitellum appearance was initiated at 31.5±2.4, 32.8±3.2, 33.7±3.3 and 35.5±2.4 days for AW, CM,CM+SBCR and BCR, respectively, while cocoon initiation was at 69.0±1.4 (AW), 54.9±2.3 (CM), 51.7±1.7 (CM+SBCR) and 60.0±2.4 (SBCR) days. Organic substrate used affected reproductive biology,Item Effects of feeding systems on rumen environment, degradability and passage kinetics in Ankole × Friesian crossbred steers(Livestock Science, 2018) Asizua, Denis; Mpairwe, Denis; Kabi, Fred; Mutetikka, David; Budara Bareeba, Felix; Hvelplund, Torben; Riis Weisbjerg, Martin; Madsen, JørgenNatural pastures constitute a large proportion of the feed resource base for meat and milk production in Sub- Saharan Africa. However, there is increasing use of agro-industrial by-products, especially those that are cerealbased as supplementary feedstuff to grazing animals and in diets under semi-intensive and intensive production systems. This study evaluated the influence of feeding systems on rumen environment, degradability and passage kinetics. Six Ankole x Friesian F1 crossbred steers weighing 339 ± 29 kg (about two years of age), each fitted with permanent rumen cannula were used in a replicated 3×3 Latin square design (ns =2). Two steers were allocated per period to one of three feeding systems i.e. (1) sole grazing (control), (2) control plus concentrate supplement (composition g/kg DM: 375 maize bran, 559 brewer's spent grain, 62.5 molasses and 3.75 NaCl), and (3) feedlot systems where steers were fed total mixed ration (TMR) comprising g/kg DM: 200 maize stover, 300 maize bran, 447 brewers’ spent grain, 50 molasses and 3 NaCl. Data was collected on rumen pH, ammonianitrogen (NH3-N), volatile fatty acids (VFA) and degradability of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Rumen pH was lowest (P < 0.001) at feedlot (5.3) but highest (P < 0.001) under sole grazing (6.2). Rumen NH3-N ranged between 62.8 and 120 mg/l and was higher (P < 0.001) in sole grazing than in grazing but supplemented steers and those at the feedlot. Total VFA concentration for sole grazing steers (124 mmol/Mol) was higher (P < 0.05) than values observed under feedlot (102 mmol/Mol) while grazing but supplemented steers showed an intermediate value (108 mmol/Mol), not differing significantly from the two other systems. Molar proportion of acetate was higher (P < 0.001) in grazing steers compared to values for either grazing but supplemented or those under feedlot while the reverse was true for propionate. The degradation characteristics of DM, CP and NDF were generally higher in sole grazing steers. Although, in most cases, the influence of feeding system on degradability was dependent on the type of feedstuff, feeding systems did not influence total mean retention time. The high extent of DM, CP and fiber degradation in grazing steers compared to supplemented and feedlot steers demonstrates that forage diversity under grazing positively influences degradability. However, attention to the nature and fermentation characteristics of proteins and carbohydrate sources and how they modify rumen environment in different production systems is needed to improve utilization of supplements and TMR.Item Effects of grazing and feedlot finishing duration on the performance of three beef cattle genotypes in Uganda(Livestock Science, 2017) Asizua, Denis; Mpairwe, Denis; Kabi, Fred; Mutetikka, David; Hvelplund, Torben; Weisbjerg, Martin Riis; Madsend, JørgenBeef production in Uganda is progressing from the traditional pastoral practices to sedentary semi-intensive systems. Consequently, farmers are continuously crossbreeding the indigenous cattle with exotic genotypes to improve meat yield. This study was conducted on-farm to evaluate the effects of feeding systems and feeding durations on performance of three locally available genotypes. A 2×3×3 factorial experiment was used to randomly allot 108 young bulls (9–15 months old), 36 for each of the three genotypes; Ankole x Holstein Friesian (AXF) (175±22 kg), pure Boran (208±34 kg) and a composite genotype (212±35 kg). The bulls were allotted to two feeding systems and three finishing durations. The feeding systems comprised sole grazing as the control where animals only grazed natural pastures and feedlot finishing where animals were fed a locally formulated total mixed ration containing 200 maize stover, 300 maize bran, 447 brewers’ spent grain, 50 molasses and 3 salt (NaCl) as g/kg on dry matter (DM) basis. The three durations were 60, 90 and 120 days excluding 14 days of adaptation period. Data was collected on feed intake, growth, slaughter and carcass characteristics. The Boran consumed less DM per kg of body weight gain than the AXF and composite. Feed conversion ratio (kg DM/kg body weight gain) ranged between 6.3±0.6 to 8.2±1.5 at the feedlot and 11.1± 4.1 to 17±4.0 for all genotypes and all durations. Growth and slaughter characteristics did not vary (P>0.05) between genotypes. However, carcass quality grade scores were higher (P<0.05) in the pure Boran and the composite genotypes than in the AXF crossbreds at 120 days of finishing. Average daily live weight gain (ADG) for all genotypes was approximately twice under feedlot finishing compared to sole grazing while hot carcass weight under feedlot was only higher than that of sole grazing by 30 kg in AXF, 37 kg in Boran and 45 kg in composite genotype at 120 days of finishing. Hot carcass weight and dressing percentages were similar (P> 0.05) between genotypes irrespective of the feeding system for all durations but hot carcass weight was higher (P<0.05) at the feedlot for all durations. Therefore, intensification through feedlotting is a viable option for improving beef production. However, understanding the appropriate levels of crossing between genotypes is needed to achieve the desired improvement in productivity from crossbreds.Item Effects of inclusion levels of banana (Musa spp.) peelings on feed degradability and rumen environment of cattle fed basal elephant grass(Tropical animal health and production, 2016) Nambi-Kasozi, Justine; Nyambobo Sabiiti, Elly; Budara Bareeba, Felix; Sporndly, Eva; Kabi, FredThe effect of feeding varying banana peeling (BP) levels on rumen environment and feed degradation characteristics was evaluated using three rumen fistulated steers in four treatments. The steers were fed BP at 0, 20, 40, and 60 % levels of the daily ration with basal elephant grass (EG) to constitute four diets. Maize bran, cotton seed cake, and Gliricidia sepium were offered to make the diets iso-nitrogenous. The nylon bag technique was used to measure BP and EG dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) degradabilities at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h. Rumen fluid samples were collected to determine pH and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations. Effective DM, CP, and NDF degradabilities of BP ranged between 574 and 807, 629–802, and 527–689 g/kg, respectively, being lower at higher BP levels. Elephant grass degradability behaved similarly with relatively high effective CP degradability (548– 569 g/kg) but low effective DM and NDF degradability (381–403 and 336–373 g/kg, respectively). Rumen pH and VFA reduced with increasing BP in the diets. Rumen pH dropped to 5.8 and 5.9 at the 40 and 60 % BP feeding levels, respectively. Banana peelings were better degraded than EG but higher BP levels negatively affected feed degradability and rumen environment.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 WilliamThe 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.Item Factors Influencing Adoption of Cattle Excreta Management Practices for Improved Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) Production by Smallholder Dairy Farmers(IGC/IRC Conference, 2021) Kabi, Fred; Bareeba, F. B.Livestock in East Africa have been reported to play a valuable role in sustainable agricultural systems (Bebe , ２００３ ; Winrock International , １９９２) where together with crops they make sustainable natural resource use possible ( Lekasi et al . , ２００１) . Haque et al . ( １９９５) reported that animal excreta plays an important role in maintaining cropland productivity in Sub‐ Saharan Africa , and most smallholder farmers in Uganda will continue to rely on the exploitation of this natural resource for maintaining soil fertility . With the ever increasing human population and escalating demand for foods of animal origin , sustainable elephant grass production is of paramount importance among smallholder zero‐grazing ( intensive dairy ) farmers in peri‐urban areas of Uganda . However , in Uganda , elephant grass is becoming less productive both in dry matter (DM ) yield and nutritive quality with successive harvesting . The decline in quality and quantity of elephant grass has been attributed to failure by the farmers to adopt sustainable livestock production practices ( Katuromunda et al . , ２００１) . Therefore , the objective of this study was to assess factors that influence adoption of cattle excreta management practices for improved elephant grass production among the intensive dairy farmers .Item Genomic diversity and disease prevalence in Ugandan cattle(ReColAd Workshop, 2015) Colli, Licia; Bomba, Lorenzo; Milanesi, Marco; Vajana, Elia; Negrini, Riccardo; Eufemi, Elisa; Capomaccio, Stefano; Mazza, Raffaele; Stella, Alessandra; Joost, Stephane; Stucki, Sylvie; Taberlet, Pierre; Pompanon, François; Kabi, Fred; Muwanika, Vincent; Masembe, Charles; Ajmone Marsan, PaoloUgandan cattle are represented by three main types: the long-horned Ankole, the short-horned zebu, and the Ankole-zebu crosses called “Nganda”. In the course of the EU-funded project Nextgen, Ugandan cattle have been extensively sampled over the whole country to investigate the association between genotypes and resistance/tolerance to endemic diseases (e.g. tsetse fly- and tick-born diseases).Item Genomic diversity and Population Structure of Ugandan Taurine and Zebuine Cattle Breeds(XXI ASPA Congress, 2015) Colli, Licia; Milanesi, Marco; Bomba, Lorenzo; Vajana, Elia; Negrini, Riccardo; Eufemi, Elisa; Capomaccio, Stefano; Mazza, Raffaele; Stella, Alessandra; Joost, Stephane; Stucki, Sylvie; Taberlet, Pierre; Pompanon, François; Kabi, Fred; Muwanika, Vincent; Masembe, Charles; Ajmone Marsan, PaoloAn extensive sampling of Ugandan cattle was carried out in the course of the European project Nextgen to identify possible associations between geno types, livestock endemic diseases and environmental variables.Item Herbage Biomass Production and Nutritive Value of Morus alba and Calliandra calothyrsus Harvested at Different Cutting Frequencies(University of Kentucky UKnowledge, 2008) Kabi, Fred; Bareeba, F. B.Due to their high nutritive value and positive effects on rumen function, tree and shrub foliage has been recognized as potentially high quality feed for ruminants for supplying protein and minerals (Van et al., 2005). Despite the increasing popularity of C. calothyrsus and M. alba as alternative feed resources, especially in the dry season, there is little information on the influence of cutting frequency on the herbage yield and nutritive value. The objective of the study was to examine effects of harvesting frequency of these tree forages on biomass yield and nutritive valueItem How is organic farming performing agronomically and economically in sub-Saharan Africa?(Global Environmental Change, 2021) Schader, Christian; Heidenreich, Anja; Kadzere, Irene; Egyir, Irene; Muriuki, Anne; Bandanaa, Joseph; Clottey, Joseph; Ndungu, John; Grovermann, Christian; Lazzarini, Gianna; Blockeel, Johan; Borgemeister, Christian; Muller, Adrian; Kabi, Fred; Fiaboe, Komi; Adamtey, Noah; Huber, Beate; Niggli, Urs; Stolze, MatthiasThe potential of organic agriculture and agroecological approaches for improving food security in Africa is a controversial topic in global discussions. While there is a number of meta-analyses on the environmental, agronomic and financial performance of organic farming, most of the underlying data stems from on-station field trials from temperate regions. Data from sub-Sahara Africa in particular, as well as detailed real-farm data is scarce. How organic farming is implemented in sub-Saharan Africa and how it performs in a smallholder context remains poorly understood. We applied a novel observational two-factorial research design, which allowed to evaluate the impacts of i) interventions for introducing organic agriculture and ii) specific organic management practices on 1,645 farms from five case studies in Ghana and Kenya, which we closely monitored for 24 months. Among the farmers who have been exposed to the interventions, we found heterogeneous adoption of organic agriculture principles, depending on the intervention. Furthermore, we found rather passive than active organic management among farmers. Most yields and gross margins under organic management remained at similar levels as the conventional values in four of the case studies. In one case study, however, coffee, maize and macadamia nut yields increased by 127–308% and farm-level gross margins over all analysed crops by 292%. Pooling our data across all case studies, we found significantly higher (+144%) farm-level gross margins on organically managed farms than on conventional farms. This indicates the potential of organic and agroecological approaches if implemented well. Based on our observations, we argue for improving the implementation of organic agriculture projects in settings with smallholder farmers. Limited capacities, lack of appropriate inputs and market access are major agronomic and institutional challenges to be addressed. Furthermore, we argue for supporting a differentiated debate about which types of organic farming are really desirable by classifying approaches to organic farming according to i) their intention to work organically and ii) the degree of following the organic principles. This will support the design and implementation of targeted policy interventions for stimulating sustainability of farming systems and rural development.Item Innovation research in value chains(ICROFS news, 2011) Kabi, Fred; Ssebuliba, James M.; Mugisha, Jonny; Namuwoza, Charity; Høgh Jensen, HenningIn large parts of the Sub-Saharan sub-continent, smallholder agricultural production and food security has remained consistently low1. Natural resource management is in distress and most rural Africans remain poor and food insecure despite widespread macroeconomic, political and sector reforms. Most predictions are that these Africans will remain food insecure in the foreseeable future2. In this article, the authors present the novel ProGrOV project.Item Management and use of dairy cattle feed resources on smallholder certified organic pineapple farms in Central Uganda(Journal of Agriculture and Environment for International Development (JAEID), 2014) Kiggundu, Muhammad; Kabi, Fred; Mette, Vaarst; Nalubwama, Sylvia; Odhong, CharlesFormulation of exclusively organic diets that meet maintenance and production requirements of dairy cattle is a major limitation to production of premium organic products of animal origin. This study was therefore carried out to assess the use and availability of feed resources and the coping strategies used by farmers to overcome dry season feed shortages on 64 smallholder certified organic pineapple farms. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and two focus group discussions. Majority of households were headed by males (62.9%) while average age of respondents was 42.5 years. Farmers allocated more land (P<0.05) to organic pineapple production compared to livestock. Beside dairy cattle, farmers also kept chickens, goats and pigs. Tethering was the commonest cattle management system. Fifty three percent of respondents reported using both natural pastures and crop residues as major dairy cattle feed resources while only 19% reported using elephant grass. Banana peels (25.1%) and sweet potato vines (24.7%) were the most important crop residues fed to cattle. Farmers reported high cost of concentrates and scarcity of feeds as their biggest challenges in dairy cattle production. Of the respondents, 51.4% conserved feed for their cattle as fodder banks. As a coping strategy to feed shortages, majority (42.9%) of farmer scavenged for feed resources from both organic certified and nonorganic neighbouring farms which is contrary to organic livestock farming standards. It was, therefore, concluded that management of livestock feeding in the study area fell short of the requirements for organic livestock feeding standards. Research to develop strategies that can use alternative on-farm feed resources through ensiling organic pineapple wastes during the dry season is recommended as a long term strategy to address feed challenges for organic livestock farmers.Item Modeling the spatial distribution of Theileriaparva(Theiler 1904), causative agent of East Coast Fever disease in cattle(NEXTGEN Consortium, 2015) Vajana, Elia; Colli, Licia; Milanesi, Marco; Bomba, Lorenzo; Negrini, Riccardo; Capomaccio, Stefano; Eufemi, Elisa; Kabi, Fred; Muwanika, Vincent; Masembe, Charles; Ajmone-Marsan, PaoloThe ileriaparvais a protozoan emo-parasite affecting sub-Saharan Bostaurusand Bosindicuspopulations. It is the causative agent of East Coast Fever, a major cattle disease causing the death of ~1.1∙106 animals per year and an annual loss of ~168∙106USD (Norvalet. al., 1992). T. parvageographical occurrence is bound to the presence of susceptible bovine host populations, the main tick vector Rhipicephalusappendiculatus(Neumann 1901), as well assuitable ecological conditions for the survival of both the vector and the parasite. While tick habitat requirements have been extensively investigated (see e.g. Cumming, 2002), studies focusing solely on the environmental conditions determining the parasite occurrence are still lacking.Item Opportunities and Challenges for Reinforcing Organic Agriculture Research Capacity in East African Universities: Experience of Makerere University(African Organic Conference, 2015) Kabi, Fred; Nalubwama, Sylvia; Kabi, Samuel; Kwikiriza, Norman; Anecho, Stephen; Kiggundu, MuhammadThere is a need for generation of new knowledge and skills to reinforce organic agriculture capacity to answer a variety of lingering questions about production, product quality, marketing, social economic implications on livelihoods and sustainable development through research. Generated knowledge is also needed to inform development and institutionalization of national policies on organic agriculture. Support to universities in collaboration with the private sector to popularize and commercialize organic agriculture through curriculum review and regional harmonization will help to produce a critical mass of competent graduates to promote organic agriculture. At Makerere University we believe great success in the subsector will only come from great support.Item Optimizing bio-physical conditions and pre-treatment options for breaking lignin barrier of maize stover feed using white rot fungi(Animal Nutrition, 2016) Atuhaire, Andrew M.; Kabi, Fred; Okello, Samuel; Mugerwa, Swidiq; Ebong, CyprianThe 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 biophysical 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 ofmycelial growth rate. Inclusion of H2O2was 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 highestmycelial 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 substratewith 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.Item Options and challenges for organic milk production in East African smallholder farms under certified organic crop production(Livestock Science, 2019) Vaarst, Mette; Smolders, Gidi; Wahome, Raphael; Odhong, Charles; Kiggundu, Muhammad; Kabi, Fred; Nalubwama, Sylvia; Halberg, NielsMany East African smallholder farms with certified organic crop production, also rear animals. Although farming systems are mixed, there is often very little integration and synergy between the different enterprises. The aim of this article is to suggest and discuss different development scenarios for organic dairy production, based on data from three East African studies of dairy production at certified organic cash crop farms. The following questions are explored for two categories of ‘model farms’ in Kenya and Uganda, respectively: 1) Can smallholder farmers benefit from keeping organic dairy cattle, and under which conditions can it be viable, given the current challenges? 2) How can the dairy production be integrated into the farm and create synergy with the different farm elements? 3) What would need to change if their milk was to become certified organic and farmers had to comply with organic principles and standards for dairy farming? Based on data and estimates from on-farm case studies at Kenyan and Ugandan smallholder dairy farms, in combination with literature, potential development scenarios are outlined. The study concludes that there are good possibilities for more local recirculation of feed and manure, although with limited benefits when there are only few animals with short lactations on the farm. Involvement of local communities in feed production and use of grazing areas seems to be a good option to the mutual benefit of both. If certified organic smallholder farms should diversify their income through sale of organic milk, they would need a secure market. Depending on the cost of certification, these farms will only benefit from sale of organic milk if they can produce milk year round at a scale, which allow them to benefit from the effort to give animals organic feed, an effort including establishment of grazing and local feed production that comply with organic standards. Outdoor stay and grazing continue to challenge many smallholder milk producers especially with Holstein Friesian types of cows, and more robust breeds are needed. In addition, many smallholders do not have sufficient land to permit grazing around their homesteads, where the animals live. Organic standards regarding animals need improvement and precision, especially requirements for grazing areas and feed. Certification comprising whole farms including the animals, and not only crops for export, will enhance crop-animal integration.Item Prioritization of Agro-industrial By-products for Improved Productivity on Smallholder Dairy Farms in the Lake Victoria Crescent, Uganda(Frontiers in Science, 2014) Atuhaire, Andrew M.; Mugerwa, Swidiq; Okello, Samuel; Lapenga, Kenneth; Kabi, Fred; Lukwago, GeorgeLivestock 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<0.01, df = 3 showed a significant difference among farmers rankings of utilization and factors limiting utilization (p<0.01, df = 4) of agro-industrial by-products across all the study districts. There was no significant difference (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.