Browsing by Author "Nguhiu, Purity"

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    2nd biennial international conference on enhancing sustainable agricultural production and marketing systems
    (Kenyatta University, 2016-11) Wanjohi, Waceke J.; Willy, Daniel Kyalo; Nguhiu, Purity; Gichaga, Cyrus
    PREFACE The agricultural sector remains a key pillar to economic development in SubSaharan Africa and other developing regions. In Kenya for instance, agriculture is one of the key sectors, accounting for 25% of the gross domestic product (GDP). The sector also accounts for 65 per cent of Kenya’s total exports and provides more than 18% and 75% of formal and informal employment respectively. The growth of the national economy is therefore highly correlated with agricultural growth and development. The sector is however faced by a battery of challenges, limiting its potential to play this critical role. The challenges include limited use of modern agricultural technologies extreme weather events, deterioration in soil fertility, post harvest losses and poor access to agricultural extension services. As a result of these challenges, agricultural productivity has been low and agriculture dependent households continue to be impoverished. It is therefore critical that efforts by the government of Kenya in collaboration with other key stakeholders such as research institutes, universities and other collaborators should focus on addressing these challenges. In line with this agenda, the School of Agriculture and Enterprise Development (SAED), Kenyatta University organizes a Biennial Conference every two years. This offers an opportunity to various stakeholders in Agricultural sector to share and exchange knowledge and experiences. The SAED Biennial conference also provides a platform for developing networks between individuals and institutions, through which capacity and expertise can be shared to spur development and address the challenges affecting the Agricultural sector. The second conference was organized in collaboration with World Vision Kenya. It brought various stake holders in agriculture from Kenya and other African countries. The deliberations centered on the theme “Enhancing sustainable agricultural production and marketing systems through science, technology and innovation”. We are therefore pleased to present the book of proceeding of the 2nd SAED Biennial Conference which was held form 29th November to 2nd December, 2016 at Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya. The conference received an overwhelming number of scientific papers cutting across varied themes. These papers are contained in this book of proceedings and therefore will be of interest to wide readership.
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    Camel Calf Diseases, Life-threatening Challenges, and Associated Risk Factors in Isiolo and Marsabit Counties, Kenya
    (Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice, 2025-08-06) Thiakunu, Florence Karimi; Njehia, Bernard; Nguhiu, Purity; Arimi, Joshua; Kirimi, James
    A cross-sectional study was conducted in Isiolo and Marsabit counties, Kenya to investigate the challenges associated with high camel calf mortality. Data were collected through focus group discussions and scheduled interviews. Milk pH levels were used to ascertain subclinical mastitis. Statistical analysis was performed through recurring themes, comparing means, and multiple linear regressions. The null hypotheses for the coefficients were rejected at the p < 0.05 significance level. Gross camel calfmortalitywas found to be 44.11%,with the most significant risk factors being predation, tick paralysis, and microbial diseases. Increasing the suckling period and the amount ofmilk consumed, alongwith short deworming intervals were associated with reduced morbidity and mortality from microbial diseases (p < 0.05). This is attributed to improved calf immunity. Subclinical mastitis was associated with a reduction in microbial diseases. Camel pox was positively associated with long intervals between treatments for external parasites because it is tick-transmitted. The study recommends prioritising calf rearing and implementing security measures to protect calves from predators. A longitudinal study is recommended to confirm whether the associations identified are the cause of the morbidities and mortalities observed.
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    Response of Kenyan Improved Indigenous Chicken (IIC) to Diets Composed of Serena and Kari Mtama 1 Sorghum Grain Varieties and Phytase Enzyme
    (IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, 2023-09) Okoba, Peris Aumah; Nguhiu, Purity; Lucy Kabuage
    Background: Globally, scientists have shifted their attention to alternative sources of energy in feed formulation including poultry feed due to increased cost of corn attributed to reduced production and climate change. Sorghum being the fifth most important cereal in terms of production is being studied by scientists due to its ability to grow in semi-arid areas and its high productivity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of Serena and Kari Mtama 1 sorghum varieties on feed intake, growth performance, feed conversion efficiency and carcass characteristics of IIC. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out at the poultry unit, YMCA college of Agriculture and technology, Limuru Kenya. The study employed a completely randomized design where 10 chicks were randomly subjected to any of the diets. The diets were formulated by substituting maize with Serena and Kari Mtama 1 sorghum varieties at 0, 25, 50, and 100%. Two hundred and ten IIC chicks were studied in this project whereby each treatment was replicated 3 times. Data analysis was done using Stata version 12. Data was subjected to ANOVA to determine significant differences in performance indicators and tibia analysis among the 7 treatments. Results: The feed intake of feeds formulated using 25% white sorghum was similar to the control. Weight gain among the IIC was constant between weeks 1 to 7 while at week 8 there was a significant increase in weight gain. Chicken fed using feed formulated using white sorghum showed significantly better feed conversion efficiency (3.99- 4.66) as compared to the control (5.18). Feeds formulated using 100% white sorghum resulted to significantly high levels of zinc (19.06mg/100g) and manganese (1.13mg/100g) in the chicken bones as compared to birds fed using the control. The iron and magnesium levels in bones of chicken fed using feeds formulated using 100% white sorghum were comparable to the control. There was no differences in Calcium and phosphorus levels among birds fed using the different diet regimes.
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    Seroprevalence of Porcine Cysticercosis and Associated Risk Factors in Pigs Slaughtered in Abattoirs in Thika, Kiambu County, Kenya
    (David Publishing, 2017) Nguhiu, Purity; Kamau, Lucy; Kelvin, Kinyua; Matonge, Paul
    Taenia solium is an important food-borne pathogen worldwide and is emerging as a serious public health risk in both rural and urban communities where pigs are raised and consumed. Adult tapeworms are found in the intestines of humans while the developmental larval forms occur in the muscles and organs constituting cysticercosis of pigs and humans. Cysticercosis has a worldwide distribution, mainly related to poor hygiene and sanitation and consumption of infected pork. Pigs get infected through consumption of food and contaminated with human faeces containg eggs. In recent years pork consumption has increased with the opening up of pork eating centres. Porcine cysticercosis has previously been reported in Kenya, however, there are scarce data on the occurrence of the disease, as well as on the risk factors for transmission, in key production and consumption areas including Thika. The purpose of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of porcine cysticercosis in slaughtered pigs and associated risk factors for occurrence of the disease in selected abattoirs in Thika. Systematic random sampling was used to select a total of 276 pigs. The source of the slaughter pigs was derived from the movement permits, the breed, sex and estimation of age was done at ante mortem examination. The slaughter and meat inspection processes were carried out by the slaughter house personnel and the investigators only observed and received the outcome of the inspection. Blood samples were collected from each identified pig at slaughter, processed and analyzed using purified Taenia solium antigen ELISA commercial kit. The results meat inspection showed that none of the pigs in this study had any visible cysts whereas 4.35% of the pigs were seropositive which poses public health risk.