The point prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites in calves, sheep and goats in Magadi division, south-western Keny

Helminths cause great economic loss in livestock in Africa, and can be categorized as either direct or indirect losses. Arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) in Kenya comprise 71 % of total land area and harbour the largest population of cattle, sheep and goats. However, little information on the distribution and impact of gastro-intestinal (GIT) parasitism in these animals is available. This survey was conducted to establish the prevalence of GIT parasites infecting calves, sheep and goats and their relative importance in Magadi division, which is semi-arid. Faecal samples were obtained directly from the rectum of 109 calves, 133 goats and 20 sheep and submitted to the laboratory for faecal worm egg counts, and coccidial oocysts examination using a modified McMaster method. The significance of differences in mean egg count per gram (epg) between animal species and herds (farms) were assessed using analysis of variance. The overall prevalence of nematodes in the calves, sheep and goats was 69.2 %, 80 % and 82 %, respectively. About 10 % of sheep and goats had epgs higher than 1 000, the remainder having light to moderate infections. The overall prevalence of coccidial oocysts in calves, sheep and goats was 30 %, 44 % and 45 %, respectively. Poor productivity in ASAL areas, where nutrition is often poor, is likely to be pronounced in the presence of parasite infections. These findings indicate that viable internal parasite control should be implemented in the study area in order to increase the productivity of the livestock there

Prevalence, bacterial etiology and risk factors of subclinical mastitis in dairy goats in Nyeri County of Kenya

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in April 2014 in Nyeri County to determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis, its risk factors and bacterial causes with their antibiotic sensitivities in dairy goats. California Mastitis Test (CMT) was performed on 61 randomly selected lactating goats while risk factors and farmers’ knowledge, awareness, perceptions and practices (KAPP) were determined via observation during farm visits and administration of 25 questionnaires. Bacterial causes of mastitis were determined through culture of milk samples and bacteriological identification. In vitro antibiotic sensitivity was evaluated for 14 Staphylococci and 4 Streptococci by subjecting them to 8 common antibiotics using disc diffusion method. Prevalence of subclinical mastitis at goat level was (33%) which was significantly associated with grazing system, stage of lactation and milk yield (P<0.05). The most isolated bacterium was Staphylococci (34%), followed by Streptococci (6%). Staphylococci had 100% sensitivity to gentamycicn, kanamycin, streptomycin and chloramphenicol antibiotics, but demonstrated resistance against sulphamethoxazole and co-Trimoxazole. Streptococci were sensitive to eight antibiotics with only slight resistance against sulphamethoxazole. The high prevalence of subclinical mastitis revealed in Nyeri calls for concerted control measures. The high isolation rate of Staphylococcus species signals the need for improvement of the hygienic standards of these goats during milking and within their pens. Very low antibiotic resistance in the area indicates that most commonly used antibiotics for mastitis are effective.Keywords: Dairy goats, subclinical mastitis, prevalence, etiology, Keny

The prevalence of trypanosomosis, helminthosis and tick-borne infections in agro-pastoral production system in Kenya

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to assess prevalence of trypanosomosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ECF and helminth infections and factors associated with them in Kajiado District, Kenya. Purposive and random selection procedures were used to identify participating pastoralists and animals from Olkilamatian and Shompole group ranches (GR). Data were gathered using questionnaires and animal screening for prevalence of infections, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Pastoralists had low level of formal education of 5.8 years and total livestock holding of 232 valued at US$11619. There was substantial breed improvement in the area. Prevalence of infections were, ECF 26.5%, anaplasmosis 61%, babesiosis 24%, trypanosomosis 4.9% and helminthosis 6.3% suggesting that these animal herds were important sources of infection to naïve and immuno-compromised animals. There is need of understanding the extensive production system and instituting appropriate management and disease control measures likely to reduce sources of infections.Key words: Agropastoralists, Anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ECF, helminthosis, trypanosomosi

Extent and implications of incorrect offspring-sire relationships in pastoral production system in Kajiado District, Kenya

The aim of this study was to evaluate accuracy of farmer's paternity identification which determines success of future breed selection and hence genetic gain. Paternity of 269 Orma/zebu and Sahiwal/zebu calves was evaluated using genetic markers and the likelihood based method. Results indicate that only 6.7% farmer alleged paternities were confirmed, 88% parent-offspring relationships were rejected and 18% parent-offspring relationships were undetermined. However, 82% of offsprings were assigned at least 80% confident paternities to one of the sampled candidate males. These results suggest that there is need to institute proper breeding program in the pastoral area if farmers are to benefit from their current efforts of breed improvement