Effects of fodder conservation and ration formulation interventions on dairy performance in Kenya

Use of conserved forages and proper ration formulation has great potential to bridge the gap in dairy nutrition and reduce seasonal variations in milk yield. This study determined the effects of various fodder and ration formulation interventions on dairy farm performance in North Rift, Eastern, and Central regions of Kenya. Seventy-two farms were purposively selected as participating farms and assigned into six groups of twelve as follows: two groups on silage production, two groups on ration formulation, and two control groups having similar production systems and in the same geographical locations as the other groups. Data on daily dry matter feed intake and milk yield were recorded while laboratory analysis was done to determine milk butterfat and protein content. The data was analyzed using a multi-linear regression model to assess the relationship between independent and dependent variables. The results showed that farmers using feed rationing with advisory services had the highest average daily milk yield (19.7 kg/cow) compared to maize train silage (16.8 kg/cow) and those with silage support from Service Provider Enterprises (SPE) (13.3 kg/cow) (P<0.05). Daily dry matter feed intake/cow varied significantly across the interventions as well as feed utilization efficiency (P<0.05). Milk butterfat and milk protein content did not differ (P>0.05) across the interventions. In conclusion, use of maize train silage and feed rationing with advisory services increased milk yield and reduced seasonal milk fluctuation. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 10(2): 76-83, December 202

EFFECTS OF MILK PRESERVATION USING THE LACTOPEROXIDASE SYSTEM ON PROCESSED YOGURT AND CHEESE QUALITY

ABSTRACT The lactoperoxidase system (LP-system) is an acceptable chemical method for raw milk preservation, especially in rural areas where refrigeration facilities are absent to farmers. Milk production in most African countries is dominated by small-scale traditional production systems using low yielding local breeds. Therefore, processors who operate in such situations must rely on small volumes of milk from many farmers. Application of the LP-system prolongs the shelf life of raw milk and also encourages grouping of farmers hence facilitating milk collection by processors. The application of the LP-system is a recent preservation method for milk in Cameroon whose efficiency has been proven. Therefore, need arose for further studies on the influence of this method on milk processing as well as the quality dairy products. The LP-system was activated by adding 10 ppm sodium thiocyanate and 8.5 ppm sodium percarbonate to fresh milk. Yoghurt and Bambui cheese were processed separately from treated and untreated (control) milk samples. Yogurt was produced from both the treated and the control milk samples at 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% (v/v) culture levels. Yogurt samples were analysed for acidity, protein content and dry matter content while cheese was analysed for butterfat and moisture content. Statistical tests were conducted by Analysis of Variance using the Fisher's test. Simple organoleptic assessments were conducted to compare yogurt and cheese from the treated and the control milk. Activation of the LP-system delayed lactic acid formation in yogurt during incubation and storage leading to increased energy consumption during processing and an improved keeping quality during storage. LPsystem treatment reduced the overall organoleptic quality of yogurt while it improved on that of Bambui cheese. Dry matter content and fat content of yogurt were not significantly affected by LP-system treatment (P<0.05). LP-system treatment did not also affect the moisture and fat content of cheese but slightly improved on its yield

Effects of milk preservation using the lactoperoxidase system on processed yoghurt and cheese quality

The lactoperoxidase system (LP-system) is an acceptable chemical method for raw milk preservation, especially in rural areas where refrigeration facilities are absent to farmers. Milk production in most African countries is dominated by small-scale traditional production systems using low yielding local breeds. Therefore, processors who operate in such situations must rely on small volumes of milk from many farmers. Application of the LP-system prolongs the shelf life of raw milk and also encourages grouping of farmers hence facilitating milk collection by processors. The application of the LP-system is a recent preservation method for milk in Cameroon whose efficiency has been proven. Therefore, need arose for further studies on the influence of this method on milk processing as well as the quality dairy products. The LP-system was activated by adding 10 ppm sodium thiocyanate and 8.5 ppm sodium percarbonate to fresh milk. Yoghurt and Bambui cheese were processed separately from treated and untreated (control) milk samples. Yogurt was produced from both the treated and the control milk samples at 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% (v/v) culture levels. Yogurt samples were analysed for acidity, protein content and dry matter content while cheese was analysed for butterfat and moisture content. Statistical tests were conducted by Analysis of Variance using the Fisher's test. Simple organoleptic assessments were conducted to compare yogurt and cheese from the treated and the control milk. Activation of the LP-system delayed lactic acid formation in yogurt during incubation and storage leading to increased energy consumption during processing and an improved keeping quality during storage. LPsystem treatment reduced the overall organoleptic quality of yogurt while it improved on that of Bambui cheese. Dry matter content and fat content of yogurt were not significantly affected by LP-system treatment (

Factors Influencing Conception Rates of Cameroonian Zebu Cattle (Bos Indicus) following Oestrus Synchronisation and Artificial Insemination

A study was carried out to identify and evaluate factors affecting variation in conception rate (CR) in Cameroonian Zebu cattle following oestrus synchronisation and artificial insemination (AI). Two hundred and six local female Zebu cattle were evaluated to determine relationship between factors such as lactation number, age, body condition score (BCS), days postpartum and conception rate. Animals received an intravaginal progesterone release device (PRID®) containing 1.55mg of progesterone and a capsule with 10mg estradiol benzonate for 10 days and were treated with luteolytic dose of PGF2α and 1000mg IU PMSG at the time of PRIDt withdrawal. Animals were inseminated 48 hours after PGF2α and PMSG injection. Pregnancy status was assessed by observed non-return to oestrus and confirmed by rectal palpation 55-60 days after insemination. The overall CR was 47.6%. CR was influenced (p< 0.05) by lactation number, age and days postpartum of cows. The multivariate logistic regression model used revealed that CR was optimum in primiparous cows, those between 4.5 -7 years old and 151-300 days postpartum