Abstract Diagnosis of trypanosome infections in tsetse (Glossina spp.) is currently based on dissection and microscopic examination of different organs of the vector for the presence of infecting trypanosomes. This procedure is slow and labour intensive, and it is not accurate. The work reported in this thesis was conducted with the objective of developing a field applicable, monoclonal antibody (MoAb)-based assay for the detection of, and differentiation between trypanosome species in infect...
ABSTRACT The breeding biology of Macaroni Penguins and of Rockhopper Penguins was studied at Marion Island (46°54'8, 37°45'E) in the austral summers of 1974-75 and 1976-77. The clutch comprises two eggs, the first-laid (A-) egg being markedly smaller than the second-laid (B-) egg. Components of B-eggs are heavier than the same components of A-eggs. Incubation begins after the B-egg is laid. Incubation of B-eggs lasts 34 and 36 days in Rockhopper and Macaroni Penguins respectively. Paren...
ABSTRACT Character variation in Chaetobromus, a genus of palatable grasses endemic to the arid western areas of southern Africa, was used to derive a classification reflecting taxonomic and ecological pattern. The present study differs from earlier biosystematic investigations by its much more intensive approach to sampling, with 75 anatomical, morphological and cytological characters and 169 individual samples being used. The use of larger population samples permitted quantification o~ vari...
ABSTRACT This study which lasted for 12 weeks investigated the effects of garlic and probiotics additives in the diets of grower pigs. A total of sixteen 16 weeks old grower pigs were randomly assigned to four treatments. Each treatment had 2 replicates of 2 pigs per replicate that were housed in a previously cleaned and disinfected pen measuring 3.2m x2.7m with concrete floor, feeding trough and water drinker. Four treatment diets (T1, T2, T3, and T4) were used in a 2x2 factorial arran...
ABSTRACT Predators affect aquaculture by feeding on fish, causing injuries and spreading diseases. Questionnaires were administered to 137 fish farmers in Kirinyaga County assessing farming practices, constraints, type of predators and extent of predation experienced by fish farmers. Prevalence of parasites was evaluated in 289 fish (203 tilapia, 86 catfish) and 50 piscivorous birds in the region. Tilapia, catfish and ornamental fish were the main species of fish farmed. Overgrown vegetation,...
ABSTRACT A study involving two experiments was conducted to investigate the growth performance of rabbits fed diets containing graded levels of cowpea hull (CPH) and soybean hull (SBH). Thirty-two weaner rabbits of about 6 weeks old were used for the study. In experiment1, sixteen 6-week old hybrid (Chinchilla x New Zealand white) weaner rabbits of both sexes with initial average weight of 730-790g were randomly divided into four groups of 4 rabbits each. The groups were randomly assigned to ...
Abstract Trees and shrubs can serve as fodder to supplement shortages of feed for livestock, particularly in arid and semiarid environments where palatable grasses or browse plants could be limited due to low rainfall pattern and constant droughts. However, in Namibia moringa tree species (spp.) have the potential to curb shortage of feeds for livestock. A completely randomized design (CRD) was used in this study to compare the performance of M. ovalifolia and M. oleifera with respect to seed...
ABSTRACT ■3 W The performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics of rabbits fed dehydrated sweet potato tops and sweet potato root meal in proportions of 100 : 0. 90 : 10, 80 : 20. 70 : 30, 60 : *40 and 50 : 50 were investigated. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in daily feed intake. However, rabbits fed diets in proportion of 80 : 20 (T.) recorded the highest daily weight gain and was significantly different (P0.05) was reported for the apparent digestibility o...
ABSTRACT A total of 64 fresh bacons of average weight 1.3kg and 64 fresh hams of average weight 4.6kg were used in the project. The bacons were randomly divided into 2 groups of 32. Sixteen 32 bacons were divided equally and dry cured under room temperature (DCRT) for 2,4,5 and 6 days respectively. There were 4 replicates in each treatment. The rest of the 16 bacons which were also dry cured for 2,4,5 and 6 days but under cold temperature (DCCT), served as control. The second group of 32 bac...
ABSTRACT Biotechnology is the use of biological processes, organisms, or systems to manufacture products intended to improve plants and animals for human use. Recently, there are wide potential applications of biotechnology in the field of animal production to increase the productivity of animals through better plane of nutrition, better production and improved health conditions. Hence this long essay was undertaken to review current techniques used in animal biotechnology with emphasis on ...
ABSTRACT The post weaning growth performance of the Ashanti Black pig (ABP) at National Pig Breeding Station at Babile in the Upper West Region of Ghana was assessed. The records of 211 weaners over a seven-year period (1999-2005 inclusive) were used in the study. The influence of year of birth, sex and size of litter at weaning on performance traits – weaning weight at 42 days, body weights at 120 days, at 180 days and at 240 days of age and post weaning growth rates were investigated. A...
BSTRACT Despite the many roles small ruminants play in the livelihoods of rural small holder farmers. high mortality in small ruminants has been identified as the major constraint impeding productivity, and hence the livelihoods of small ruminant keepers. In the Savelugu-Nanton district estimated losses in livestock output due to mortality of small ruminants are in the tune of 35%. The present study focuses on the implications of these losses due to mortality in small ruminants in the distric...
ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate consumer preferences for different Guinea fowl genotypes, the effects of genotypes on carcass characteristics and biochemical composition of meat. The study also aimed at investigating the effects of genotype on sensory attributes of meat. This study was divided into 3 phases. In phase one, sales of Guinea fowls and administration of questionnaires to consumers, retailers, producers and processors were made in one Municipal (Asante Mampo...
ABSTRACT Commercial feed availability is essential in areas where poultry (chicken) farmers practice intensive production. A study was thus undertaken in the Sekyere West District (SWD) of Ashanti Region to determine the availability of commercial feed as a factor in chicken production. The study also assessed patronage of Agricare feed in Mampong, SWD, covering a period of 3 years (2004-2006). A census survey, involving 62 active chicken farmers and the feed supply agent in the district, was...