Lactation performance of New Zealand white rabbits fed fermented ground mature Prosopis juliflora pods replacing maize

Rabbit production is one of the enterprises expected to ensure food and nutrition security in developing countries. However the availability of feed ingredients especially energy sources is a challenge. There is therefore, the need to evaluate non-conventional feed resources such as mature Prosopis juliflora pods that are available throughout the year. Fluctuation in the weight of does during lactation is an indication of energy changes in the body of the doe and therefore energy content of the feeds offered. A study was conducted at Egerton University to investigate the effect of replacing maize with fermented ground mature P. juliflora pods (FGMPP) in lactating doe diets on lactation performance and energy balance. The study investigated kits weight gain and doe weight changes during the four week lactation period. Fifteen primiparous does weighing 3.05 ± 0.47 kg with a litter of six kits each, weighing 0.61 ± 0.05 kg were individually housed in cages measuring 75 x 55 x 40 cm3. In a completely randomized design (CRD) of 5 diets; control (formulated standard breeder diet), 15 % unfermented ground mature pods of P. juliflora (UGMPP), 30 % UGMPP, 15 % FGMPP and 30 % FGMPP replacing maize in standard breeder diets were offered in three replicates per treatment. The nutritional value of mature Prosopis pods improved (p˂0.05) on fermentation. There was no treatment (p>0.05) effect in weight of kits and does. Up to 30 % maize in lactating doe diets can be replaced by FGMPP. Keywords: Anti-nutrients, Fermented Prosopis juliflora pods, Non-conventional feed resource, Rabbi

Cost-effectiveness of black soldier fly larvae meal as substitute of fishmeal in diets for layer chicks and growers

Study findings show that black soldier fly larvae meal (BLSM) is a promising sustainable alternative and cost-effective source of protein in the poultry industry. In many countries the current focus is to upscale improved hybrid layer birds to smallholder households, because these are commercially highly productive and profitable. Continued dependence on fish meal and soya bean meal is not sustainable. The article provides details of the study assessment of insect meal derived from BLSM. Results of the return on investment /cost-benefit are provided, demonstrating that substitution of insect meal supplement is a sustainable and cost-effective solution for smallholder poultry producers.Norwegian Agency for Development CooperationNetherlands Organization for Scientific ResearchWOTRO Science for Global DevelopmentRockefeller FoundationAustralian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR

Efficiency and improved profitability of insect-based aqua feeds for farming Nile Tilapia fish (oreochromis niloticus L.)

The study evaluated the suitability of black soldier fly larvae meal (BM) as an alternative protein to fish meal (FM) by investigating the effect of partially and completely substituting fishmeal with BM on growth and economic parameters. Increased productivity of aquaculture farmers is severely constrained by the high cost of fish feeds. The details of the research indicate that the BM33 formulation (33% BM and 77% FM) of feed caused a significantly higher fish weight gain. Substitutions with BM can significantly lower the cost of pelletized aquafeed. Policy makers can support BM integration in large scale feed manufacturing.Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)Rockefeller FoundationNorwegian Agency for Development CooperationNetherlands Organization for Scientific ResearchWOTRO Science for Global Development (NWO-WOTRO)The Curt Bergfors Foundation Food Planet Prize AwardGovernment of the Republic KenyaWorld Ban

Experiential learning for agricultural students in institutions of higher learning: The case of Egerton University

Traditionally, many universities have majored in training and research but are increasingly under pressure to proactively engage communities through their academic programmes. The need to produce graduates with practical experience in their areas of specialization is real and urgent. Universities must therefore seek innovative approaches to provide students with experiential learning through internship programmes, among other approaches. This paper documents Egerton University’s farm attachment programme that provides agricultural students an opportunity to work with rural communities as part of their training. The paper outlines the approach used, characteristics of farms and farmers that participated in the programme, typology of students participating, lessons learnt and the impacts of the programme. Students were attached on farms for a minimum of eight weeks where they spent 3-4 days in the farm and 1-2 days at the Sub- County Agricultural offices. Since January 2014 when the programme was initiated, over 200 students and about 100 farmers have participated in the programme. Impacts and benefits of the programme include increased productivity at the farm level, increased awareness and utilization of agricultural technologies by farmers and students, lessons and experiences pointing to the need for curriculum review, as well as need for prompt, reliable and unbiased agricultural information, and ethnic integration. Integration of the farm attachment programme experiences into university-wide learning and teaching curricula and/ or approaches will go a long way in safeguarding benefits realized and thus, increasing the relevance and contribution by Egerton University to development agenda . A model for scaling up the programme for greater impact is discussed