Browsing by Author "Nampijja, Z."

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    Common invasive weed species in the central and south western rangelands of Uganda
    (African Journal of Rural Development,, 2021-06) Zziwa, E.; Bugeza, J.; Mubiru, S.; Sserumaga, J. P.; Kiggundu, M.; Semwanga, M.; Kigozi, A.; Kabanda, N.; Katta, M.; Nampijja, Z.; Agaba, B.; Nabbanja, Z. R.; Mugerwa, S.
    A study was conducted in the central and southwestern rangelands of Uganda covering the districts of Kiboga, Nakasongola, Nakaseke, Kyankwanzi, Masindi, Isingiro, Mbarara, Sembabule and Kiruhura, to identify the key invasive weed species that pose a threat to pasture and livestock production in the rangelands. Sampling points were established in five farms per district. The selected farms had relatively similar pasture and grazing management conditions (paddock grazing, continuous grazing and rested areas) which were then stratified in valley, slope, hill tops and improved pastures. A Modified-Whittaker sampling plot was used to collect the herbaceous vegetation, which was sorted, identified and counted to compute species diversity (richness and evenness), species dominance and similarity. A total of 33 herbaceous species were identified, with seven species being invasive (Sida rhombifolia, Urena lobata, Lantana camara, Mimosa pudica, Elephantopus scaber, Rivina humilis and Leonotis nepetifolia) and two common weeds (Amaranthus and Solanum incanum). There was high species diversity in all sampling areas, which is reflective of lack of concerted efforts in pasture production, but also an adaptive strategy to the precarious climatic conditions in the rangelands especially under low input production systems. Strategies should be made to establish drought tolerant and nutritious pastures; including designing and implementation of ecologically sound invasive weed control measures.
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    Genetic Variability in Juvenile Growth Traits of Ugandan Indigenous Chicken Populations Raised under an Intensive Deep Litter System
    (Uganda Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2025-05-02) Kiggundu, M.; Mulindwa, H.; Walusimbi, H.K.; Nangonzi, R.; Nampijja, Z.; Lumu, R.; LIsabirye, A.R.
    Uganda’s indigenous chickens (IC) display significant phenotypic diversity in body weight (BW) and growth performance. However, there has been no study on the genetic diversity related to juvenile BW and growth performance in indigenous chicken populations (ICP), to support early selection of improved growth performance. The objective of this study was to assess the genetic variation in chicken juvenile BW and growth among selected ICP in Uganda. Three populations of IC were sourced from Apac, Lira and the National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI), as founder populations. Chicks were hatched from founder eggs, wing-banded and reared under identical conditions, in a deep litter system. Body weight was recorded weekly from hatch to four weeks of age. Hatch weight was higher (P<0.01) for Apac and Lira birds compared to NaSARRI. Mean Daily gain (ADG) was greatest for Lira and lowest for NaSARRI birds. The mean relative Growth Rate (RG) of chicks from Lira and Apac was comparable, but both were greater (P<0.05) than for NaSARRI. Broad-sense heritability estimates for BW0, BW1, BW2, BW3, and BW4 were 0.35, 0.50, 0.54, 0.47, and 0.56, respectively. Genotypic variances for BW measurements varied (P<0.05) among the ICP. The heritability estimates for ADG and RG were 0.41 and 0.49, respectively, with genotype variances differing significantly (P<0.01) across the ICP for both ADG and RG. These results demonstrate both phenotypic and genotypic variability in juvenile BW and growth performance. Moderate heritability and positive phenotypic correlations suggest that these traits can be effectively improved through selective breeding.