Egerton Journal of Science and Technology

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Antimicrobial Activity of Streptomycetes Isolated from the Mau Forest Complex in Kenya
(Egerton University, 2018-01) Njoroge, H. W.; Muia, A. W.; Boga, H. I.; Otaye, D. O.
Search for newprinciples in biocontrol of plant pathogens different from the classical fungicides is of worldwide interest. Members of the genus Streptomyces are known to produce about 80% of all known antibiotics in the world. These antibiotics have beenapplied in medicine, veterinary and in agriculture. Presumptive Streptomyces from the Mau Forest Complex were isolated from soils obtained from different sites within the Mau Complex. 270 isolates were screened for antimicrobial activity against selected plant pathogenic bacteria and two fungal plant pathogens i.e. Erwinia carotovora, Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, Pseudomonas savastonoi pv. phaseolicola, Fusarium moniliforme, Ascochyta rabie; the reference cultures were: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923; Escherichia coli ATCC 25922; Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633. 14 (0.05%) of the isolates showed antibacterial activity against the test bacteria while 39 (0.14%) isolates had antifungal activity. Ethyl acetate extracts of culture filtrates from the isolates produced significantly different (P<0.05) inhibitory effects to some of the tester microorganisms. Five of these isolates had both antifungal and antibacterial activity. There were further characterized using biochemical, microscopy and morphological methods. These methods showed that they were Gram positive and had similarities to members of the genus Streptomyces. The study found that soils from Mau Forest complex harbor diverse group of bacteria including Streptomyces species that could be exploited for control of plant diseases. There is need to establish their effectiveness in green house and field studies.
Assessment of Water Quality of Lotic and LenticEcosystems in Agbede Wetlands using a Multimetric Approach
(Egerton University, 2018-01) Dirisu, A. R.; Ezenwa, M. I.
In this study, an index method was adopted to grade the water quality of Agbede Wetlands for a period of 18 months (December, 2012 and May, 2014). On monthly basis, water samples were obtained from seven designated stations within the wetlands and analyzedfor the classical parameters adopting standard methods. These parameters which included Water temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity , total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygendemand, chloride, sulphate, phosphate, nitrate, total hydrocarbon content,sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, copper, cadmium, iron, lead, chromium, zinc, nickel and manganese contributed invariably to water quality of Agbede Wetlands when keyed into Water Quality Index (WQI). The mean WQI values at stations 1, 2 and 3 werein all cases <30.00, for station 5 and 6, 30< WQI <50 while for stations 4 and 7, 50< WQI <100. Thus based on the parameters characterized in this study while adopting Federal Ministry of Environment standard for surface water, the water quality at stations 1,2,3,5 and 6 were said to be excellent while those of stations 4 and 7 were good. An attempt to x-ray the contribution of individual parameter towards the WQI values showed that the principal parameters were pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and heavy metals which include copper, lead, zinc, cadmium and nickel. There is need to ascertain the level of microbial agents, pesticides and herbicides oncentrations in Agbede Wetland as the activities witnessed at the watershed are likely to influence them.
Clay-Rice Husk Ash based Geopolymers for Remediationof Pb (II) and Cd (II) from Wastewater
(Egerton University, 2019-10) Maingi, F. M.; Mbuvi, H. M.; Mwangi, H.; Ng’ang’a, M. M.
Industrialization and technological advancements have led tothegeneration ofnumerouspollutantssuch asheavy metals into the aquatic ecosystem. These toxiccompounds are extremely dangerous to humanhealthand the environment due totheir non-biodegradability, severe toxicity, ability toaccumulateand contaminateground and surface waters. Subsequently, pursuance of sustainable materials andtechnologies for better attainment of environmental sustainability is critical. Thisstudy reportsthesynthesis of geopolymers GP-1, GP-2 and GP-3fromdifferentclays. Geopolymers were hydrothermally synthesized using clay and rice huskswaste as an alumina and silica source respectively. The geopolymers werecharacterized using Fourier transform-infra red, energy dispersive spectrometry,X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. Batch and gravitationalcolumn experiments using Pb (II) and Cd (II) ions were carried out. Increasedmetal ion uptake was recorded with raised Si/Al ratio of the adsorbents. The meanpercentage uptake of 90.23 ± 0.4 and 89.63 ± 0.18 of Pb (II) and Cd (II) wereachieved at pH of 4.0 and 5.0 respectively using GP-3.Langmuir, Freundlich andmodified Langmuir Freundlich isotherms were used in equilibrium studies.Datafor adsorption of Pb (II) and Cd (II) fitted best inthemodified LangmuirFreundlich model.The highest adsorption capacities of Pb (II) and Cd (II) were209.9 and 136.2 mg/g respectively, attained using GP-3.Based on the resultsobtained, geopolymers produced from common clay and rice husk wastedisplayed promising potentialsin theremoval of heavy metal ions from theaqueous phase. Considering the availability of raw materials forgeopolymerization and the high metal ions uptake capacities of geopolymers,they can also be used as adsorbents for removal of heavy metals in industrialwastewater.Keywords:Adsorption;Characterized;Geopolymers;Isotherm; Wastewater.
Comparative Ecological Analysis of Fish Parasitofauna in a Hub- Plot Aquaculture System: Implications for Aquaculture in Kenya
(Egerton Journal of Science and technology, 2011-01-10) E., Otachi; E., Wathuta; A., Magana; M. L., Fioravanti; D., Florio; R., Konecny
Aquaculture is an important source of food globally. The Kenya Government through the economic stimulus package (ESP) in a supplementary budget of 2009/2010, allocated Kshs.1.12 Billion for the establishment of 200 fish ponds in each of the 140 potential constituencies in an effort aimed at enhancing food security by increasing fish production in the country. Fish diseases and parasitic infections have been and still remain peripherally recognized as one of the detrimental and limiting factors in the development of the aquaculture sector. This research was set to study the diffusion and dispersion of parasites in Oreochromis niloticus fish cultured in a typical hub and plot system in an integrated cage fish culture in Kenya. The system was based on a hub (source of seed) from Sagana Aquaculture Centre and a plot (farm) in Machakos, Kwa- Ngeki reservoir. Specific objectives were to detect and identify parasites, determine their prevalence, mean intensity and abundance; and compare the distribution of major parasites in the hub and plot. Using routine necropsy and parasitological examination procedures a total of 370 Oreochromis niloticus fish (57 caged and 313 from open ponds) were examined for the presence of parasites. Ecological community diversities and similarity indices were used to compare the parasitofaunal assemblages between the hub and the plot. Data on prevalence, mean intensities, abundance, diversities and similarity indices on distribution of parasites as well as their implications in this rapidly growing sector of the economy are presented in this paper.
Computational Pool-Testing Strategy
(Egerton Journal of Science and technology, 2011-01-10) Mwangi, Jesse W; Nyongesa, L K; Tamba, L C
Pooling sample for the purpose of testing has a long history dating back to the Second World War with its first application being screening of pooled urine samples for the presence of syphilis. Recently, pooling has been used in epidemiological studies for screening of human immunodeficiency virus HIV/AIDS antibody to help curb the spread of the virus. Pooling reduces the cost but also – and more importantly – offers a feasible way to lower the misclassifications associated with labeling samples when imperfect tests are used in inspection. Computer intensive pool-testing strategy is discussed in this study with a view to digitalizing the procedure. Moments of the number of tests as in the traditional pool-testing strategy have been digitized via MATLAB code and the same has been done for the case of misclassifications associated with this strategy. Moments are used in the computation of the cost or efficiency associated with pool-testing procedure. The digitalization provides insight into the merits and demerits of the pooltesting procedure supported by empirical evidence
Control of Chickpea Root knot Nematodes(Meloidogyne spp.) in Nakuru County, Kenya using Sudan Grass (Sorghum sudanese)
(Egerton University, 2018-01) Kimani, I.M.; Muthamia, J. M.; Otaye, D.O.
Chickpea is a source of food and nutrients to farmers. Chickpea growth and yield production is affected by root knot nematodes. Loss of yields from chickpeas are estimated billions of money annually. Sudan grass (Sorghum sudanese) was used to study the control of root knot disease in chickpea. The study was done in a glasshouse. Completely random design was used. Treatments had eight replicates and uninoculated control was treated with distilled water. The aim of the study was to control root knot nematodesusing Sudan grass. There was significant reduction of root galling, gall index and number of juveniles in the soil at P=0.05 in Sudan grass treatment. Inoculated control recorded highest gall ratings, gall index and number of juveniles. There was a relationship between gall index and root weights. Roots with highest and lowest gall index were associated with high and low root fresh and dry weights respectively. The results of this study confirm the nematicidal effect of poultry manure and Sudan grass.
Design and Application of Bio-economic Modelling in Livestock Genetic Improvement in Kenya: A Review
(Egerton University, 2012-10) Muhehe, D. J; Muia, M. L; Ogola, .W.
Bio-economic modelling in livestock production systems presents the opportunity for incorporating some elements of human decision making and simulates the impact of such decisions using mathematical relationships produced from biological and economic parameters. This paper has reviewed the processes of bio-economic modelling as applied to livestock genetic improvement especially in simulating profitability of alternative enterprises as well as estimation of biological and economic weights. A collection of country specific bio-economic models developed for different species of livestock have been critically analysed in describing their design and application. Participation of target group farmers in design and implementation of the models with respect to their reliability has been presented. It is found that most models were generated from animal life-cycle on farm while considering animal age groups, biological and economic parameters influencing revenues and costs. The differences in the level of participation closely related to the production system of target farmers. Bio-economic models have remained a tool for professional animal breeders with little extension of the technique to fit farmers’ preferences. In most cases, livestock farmers had very little control of the estimates of parameters generated from bio-economic modelling. Farmer-based option (accounting for risks) of bio-economic modelling could increase acceptability and utilisation of estimates derived from them. Therefore design and application of bio-economic models for livestock genetic improvement could greatly benefit from participation of target groups and incorporation of sensitive systemic variables to improve repackaging of information that enhance sustainable adoption by actors in the livestock industry.
Determinants of Technical Efficiency in Rice Production in Gihanga (Burundi) Irrigation Scheme: A Stochastic Production Frontier Approach
(Egerton University, 2012-10) Ndayitwayeko, W-M.; Korir, M.
This paper estimated the technical efficiency of rice production under irrigation system in Gihanga, Burundi and attempted to unravel the determinants of technical inefficiency. A Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier production function was used. The study showed that the average of technical efficiency was 73%. This meant that technical inefficiency of 27% constituted a challenge to overcome by the rice producers in Gihanga. According to Cobb-Douglas model, inorganic fertilizer and pesticide applications showed significant positive and negative effects on production function respectively. The inefficiency model revealed that technical efficiency increased significantly as result of experience but decreased with age of rice producers. There was room to expand rice production through appropriate farmers’ training and timely pesticide delivery. Besides, the extension service should be aware of the experienced farmers as a resource with potentials to train the less experienced ones and focus their attentions on the aged farmers.
Determination of the Bending Strength and Hardness Values of Sisal Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composites
(Egerton University, 2012-10) Mutai, A. J; Ogola, W. O; Ondieki, C. M. M
The growing environmental consciousness and understanding of the need for sustainable development has generated interest in the use of natural fibers as reinforcements in polymer composites to replace synthetic fibers such as glass. The aim of this study was to determine the bending strength and hardness values of composite samples from sisal fibers and unsaturated polyester resin as the matrix. Chopped random sisal fibers were mixed with resin at various fiber weight percentages from 5, 10, 15, 20 to 40% sisal fiber. Hand lay- up and cold compression processes were used to produce test samples which were left to cure at 250C. The test samples were supported on knife edges and a roller edge central load applied on them for the three-point bend test. The hardness of the samples was tested on a Vickers micro-hardness testing machine. Results show that the 30%wgt fiber content had the highest value of 51.062 MPa for bending strength properties and 16.1 for hardness value while the unmodified sisal fibers recorded a bending strength of 40.382 MPa and a hardness value of 15 at the same fiber content. The modified sisal fiber has a better bonding between the fibers and matrix compared to unmodified sisal fiber therefore the composite samples could bear more load. It was also observed that surface modification of plant fibers result in superior bonding of the fibers and matrix. Sisal leaves produces fibers that could be used in composite manufacturing for use in roofing, partitioning and furniture applications.
Determination of Triumfetta tomentosa B. Growth Parameters and Fibre Properties in Kenya
(Egerton University, 2012-10) Kinuthia, . N. L.; Mathooko, . M. J.; Kariuki, T. S.; Mucheke, W.
Triumfettatomentosa B. (Fam. Tiliaceae) is an indigenous perennial shrub growing naturally in moist habitats. It is a multipurpose plant traditionally used by many communities in Kenya as a source of fodder, fiber for baskets and ropes and wood for winnowing trays. However, as population increases, the suitable habitat for the shrub is being converted into agricultural and settlement sites making T. tomentosa an endangered species. Kenya needs a cheap source of vegetable fiber in order to revive its textile industries and make industrialization a reality by the year 2030. Currently Kenya spends about Ksh 20M in imported vegetable fibres. The aim of this study was to investigate methods of cultivating T. tomentosa and processing its fibres. Seeds and cuttings were collected from Mt. Kenya and Karura forests. These were raised in nurseries at Muguga (Kenya Forestry Research Institute - KEFRI). The seedlings were transplanted after attaining about 25-40 cm in height. Three experimental sites including Embu, Meru and Muguga were used for cultivation of T.tomentosa. Random Block Design method was used at spacing of 30 cm X 30 cm and 45 cm X 45 cm in 3 replicates for each plant material. Growth in height and diameter at breath (dbh) was measured after every month until about 50% of all the plants had formed flowers. Others were subjected to retting at Egerton University to release fibres. Fiber properties were tested at Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) in Nairobi, Kenya. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test of independence and Mann-Whitney U test of significance models were used. Cuttings from Karura had a higher shooting percentage (70%) than those from Mt. Kenya forest (40%). Plants from Embu plot gave the highest fiber yield among the three plots, while tenacity tests showed significant difference between fibres from cuttings and those from seeds. The results showed that it was easier to cultivate T. tomentosa from cuttings. Its fibres were close to those of Jute in tenacity and therefore good for making sacks, ropes and mats.
Development and Biotechnology of Pleurotus Mushroom Cultivation
(Egerton University, 2006-01-11) Khare, K. B; Achwanya, O. S; Mutuku, J. M; Gathuru, E. M; Ombiri, J
The increasing population and the decreasing land size for crop cultivation throughout the world poses a serious problem to sufficient food production. The cultivation of Pleurotus mushrooms requires less elaborate technologies. The Pleurotus mushroom can adapt easily in rural areas since it can utilize farm wastes. The cultivation of Pleurotus mushroom could be an avenue to solving problems associated with deficiency of proteins, minerals and vitamins. During the last two decades, cultivation of Pleurotus mushrooms has become popular worldwide because of their desired attributes. These attributes include: the wide choice of species for cultivation under different climatic conditions, ability to grow on a variety of agricultural and industrial wastes, and their richness in culinary and nutritional values. In this paper, the importance, development and various biotechnological methods in respect to the cultivation of Pleurotus mushrooms are discussed. A simple method used by the authors for cultivation of Pleurotus florida on locally available substrate, rhodes grass (Chloris gayana L.) is also provided.
Effect of Heterologous Challenge on the Survival of Sheep Immunzed with Inactivated Elementary Bodies and Recombinant Antigens of Cowdria ruminantium
(Egerton University, 2006-01-01) Kibor, A. C; Sumption, J. K; Paxton, E. A
Immunization of sheep with inactivated elementary bodies (IEB’s) confers protection against homologous and heterologous challenge among certain stocks of C. ruminantium. Cros-protection between different stocks of C. ruminantium using recombinant antigens is being reported in this study. Immunization of sheep with 250µg IEB’s of the Gardel stock protected 5 sheep out of 8 (64.5%) against a virulent Kenyan isolate the Kathiani. There was no advantage in terms of protection against virulent challenge when 35µg of recombinant Major Antigen Protein 1 (MAP1=32 kilodalton protein) or MAP2 (21 kilodalton protein) of C. ruminantium were combined with 100µg of IEB’s. Immunization with recombinant MAP1 antigen did not protect sheep against heterologus challenge, however immunization with 35µg of recombinant MAP2 antigen protected 7 out of 8 (87.5%) sheep immunized with this antigen. This result was surprising and further immunization experiments are required to determine the potential of this recombinant for vaccine production in the future
Effect of Irrigation, Nitrogen and Zinc on Nitrogen and Zinc Content and Uptake in Late Sown Wheat Biomass
(Egerton University, 2006-01-01) Kibe, A.M; Titus, S; Singh, S
Continuous rice-wheat cropping systems that are heavily dependent on irrigation water, has become a matter of great concern in South Asian countries, particularly in India. This has lead to nutrient and ground water depletion, as well as soil degradation due to formation of saline/sodic soils. Due to this, a field experiment was conducted on a sandy loam soil in New Delhi, to determine nutrient content and uptake by a late-sown-wheat (HD 2285) under varying water, nitrogen and zinc levels. Treatments comprised of four levels of irrigation in main plots and a combination of three N and two Zn levels in the sub plots of a split plot design, replicated thrice. Nitrogen content in the above ground biomass declined with progression in wheat growth, from a maximum of 4.0% at 30 days after sowing (DAS) to a minimum of 1.1% at 90 DAS. This was however inversely associated with an increase in N uptake from a minimum of 12.4 kg/ha to a maximum of 99 kg/ha over the same period. Nitrogen content in biomass at 90 DAS, increased significantly (P≤0.05) with increase in irrigation levels, attaining a maximum of 1.393%, under the two irrigation treatment (I2), applied at crown root initiation and flowering stages of wheat. Highest grain N (1.7%) was obtained with I2 and I3 (four irrigation, given at CRI, jointing, flowering and milk stages) treatments. N uptake ranged from 54.7 to 115.8 kg/ha N under the (I0) and (I3) treatments, respectively. Application of 100 kg/ha N significantly increased N uptake in the aboveground biomass at the 60 and 90 DAS growth stages. Grain N consisted of 63 to 69% of total N uptake in wheat. Application of I3 resulted in the highest straw Zn content (44.3 and 40.7 mg/ha) and zinc uptake (177.6 and 159.4 g/ha) was with I3 in seasons I and II, respectively. Zinc application at the rate of 5 kg/ha significantly increased zinc uptake in the grains (82.04 and 72.51 g/ha) over the no zinc application treatment (76.03 and 66.50 g/ha) in both seasons, respectively. Where input and water are limiting (e.g. ≤ 48 kg/ha N and 186 mm water), mean grain yields of 2.29 tons/ha can be obtained. When water and N are adequate (i.e. 110 kg/ha N and 250–330 mm water irrigated 2 to 4 times), 3.96 tons/ha of wheat grain can be harvested.
Effect of Land Use on Leaf Litter Decomposition in Upper Mara Streams, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2018-01) Tsisiche, A.; M’merimba, C.; Mbaka, J. G.
Modification of riparian vegetation via land use change alters leaf litter processing rates in streams. This study aimed at investigating the effect of land use change from forestry to agriculture on leaf litter decomposition in the upper Mara River catchment, Kenya. The study involved collecting, drying and weighing leaves of Eucalyptus saligna (exotic) and Macrocalyx neubotonia (native). About 6g of each leaf species was enclosed in litter bags measuring 11 x 11cm and mesh size of 10mm. The bags were exposed randomly in six streams; three draining agricultural and three draining indigenous forests. They were later retrieved at intervals of 0, 1,3,7,14,28 and 48 days, dried and weighed. The difference in processing rates of Eucalyptus leaves were statistically not significant (insert test and statistics) between streams draining indigenous forest (mean -k = 0.039±0.009, pooleddata) and streams draining agricultural areas decaying Macrocalyx leaves were –k = 0.095±0.005 in streams draining agricultural areasand k=0.062±0.01 for streams draining indigenous forest. The two values differed significantly (t = 2.892, d.f=4, p= < 0.05). Significant differences in processing rates were also evident between Eucalyptus and Macrocalyx leaves in streams draining indigenous and agricultural forests respectively (ttest, p<0.05). It would take 63 and 69 days for 90% of leaves of Eucalyptus to be processed in agricultural and forested streams respectively whilst Macrocalyx leaves would take 24 and 53 days. Processing rates for the two leaves were generally higher in agricultural streams than in forested streams most probably due to higher nutrients especially Phosphate concentration arising from agricultural land. In all the study streams SRP had significant correlation with decay rates for both species. Significant differences in processing rates observed between the two leave species could be attributed to differences in leave toughness and the presence of inhibitory compounds in eucalypts. The findings of this study suggest that land use change interacts with change in the composition of riparian tree species to influence decomposition ratesof leaf litter in streams. This has implications on theEgerton J. Sci. & Technol. Volume 16:functional organization of shredders and nutrient cycling in streams. This study confirms that land use activity has an effect on litter decomposition rates in Upper Mara catchment streams. However Eucalyptus decomposition did not respond to change in land use activity because of its poor quality which masks the land use effect.
Effects of Macrobends on the Attenuation of Optical Signals in Multi-Mode Graded Index 62.5/125 μm Cable at 850 nm Wavelength
(Egerton University, 2012-10) Chombah, . J.M.; Gwaro, J.O.; Nyaanga, .D.M; Kirui, M.S.K
In fibre optic transmissions, macrobend is a large visible bend in the optical fiber that can cause attenuation, a reduction of optical power in the glass. A relatively large- radius bend in an optical fibre may results to the degradation of the optical signal. In this paper, different magnitudes of circular macrobends in graded index 62.5/125 cable at 850 nm wavelength were used to determine the effect of macrobends on attenuation of signals. A special bending jig was used to produce circular bends ranging from 3mm to 200mm. The insertion method was used while attenuation (signal power loss) was measured in decibels (dB). Statistical analysis software (SAS) at a significant level of 5 per cent (and least significantdifference (LSD) ranking method were used for data analysis. The findings showed that large magnitude of macrobend radii (above 40.0mm) resulted in low attenuation (about 9.0 dB) of signals, while small size bend radii (about 3.0 mm) produced very high (about 40.0 dB ) ofsignal losses. The research findings indicate that macrobends have significant effects on the attenuation of optical signals.
Effects of Surface Tension over a Flow Past a Flat Plate
(Egerton University, 2012-10) Gathia, P.W.; Lonyangapuo, . P.
We consider a free surface flow past a flat plate. We consider relations between the results of Anderson and Vanden-Broeck (1996) and those of Osborne and Stump (2000), and present new solutions. There is need to know the number of parameters needed to fix solutions uniquely. We show here that there is a three parameter family of solutions when the fluid is of finite depth. These solutions are characterised by a train of waves in the downstream region and by a discontinuity in slope at the separation point. The family includes a two parameter sub-family for which the free surface leaves the plate tangentially. It is shown that this sub-family reduces to the linear solutions of Osborne and Stump (2000) when the depth of submergence of the plate is small. Also, the three parameter family reduces to the one parameter family of Anderson and Vanden-Broeck (1996) as the depth of the water tends to infinity. Finally, fully nonlinear solutions with large capillary waves are presented.
Endo-helminths Infestation in Nile Perch, Lates niloticus, (L.,) and Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus(L.,) in Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2017-01) Thon, C. C.; Otachi, O. E.; Oldewage, A. A.
Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L., 1758) and Nile perch, Lates niloticus (L., 1758) were introduced into Lake Victoria in 1950, mainly to boost the fishing economy. Parasitic infections remain a major concern to the fish industry. It has recently been identified as an important public health problem with considerable economic impact. Data on parasitic infections on the two fish species is scarce; particularly in the Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the prevalence, mean intensity and mean abundance of endo-helminths infecting O. niloticus and L. niloticusin the Gulf. A total of 320 fish comprising 151 O. niloticus and 169 L. niloticus were caught weekly and transported alive to Egerton University. Prior to examination, fish were killed humanely by cervical dislocation. The total length were taken using a calibrated dissecting board and weights were obtained using a sensitive weighing balance (Sartorius ED4202S). Fish were dissected immediately and subjected to parasitological examination using standard procedures. Eleven parasite taxa were recovered from O. niloticus, with Tylodelphys sp. dominating the community. On the other hand, six parasite taxa were recordedfrom L. niloticus, with Armithalingamia macracantha dominating (P =5.3% MI = 4.6 and MA = 0.2). We conclude that L. niloticus had a poor parasite fauna, while O. niloticus had a rich parasite fauna. Despite the low infection level of Bothriocephalus acheilognathi and Heterophyes sp., are still the major parasites of concern, especially considering their potential zoonotic effect.
Epidemiological Factors Determining Clinical Malaria in the Highlands of Western Kenya: Case Study of Iguhu Location
(Egerton University, 2012-10) Essendi, M.W.; Shivairo, R.S.; Muleke, C.I.; Yaw, Afrane; Odhiambo, R.O.
This paper reports findings on the prevailing “epidemiological factors that determine occurrence of clinical malaria in the highlands of western Kenya, a case study of Iguhu location.In this study, the risk factors associated with clinical malaria in western Kenya highlands were evaluated. A simple household survey of existing clinical malaria cases and their age-matched cohorts was undertaken to collect information on the potential exposure factors and prevailing socio-economic status. Mosquito samples were harvested from participants’ houses for identification and cataloging. The differences in parasite and vector populations in clinical malaria cases and controls were determined using the “t-test”. The results showed that sex, age, household population, education level and occupation status of the household head were not significant determinants for clinical malaria in the area of study. These was in contrast, to families whose spouses were employed and educated to tertiary level that exhibited lower infections rates since they had used insecticide treated nets (ITNs) prophylaxis and mosquito prevention measures. These significantly reduced the disease incidence suggesting that socio economic factors played a role in the ailment control. These findings show that clinical malaria incidence in western Kenya highlands is likely to be influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors including parasite and vector densities suggesting that any successful eradication program should be directed towards prevailing local conditions in a given area.
Estimation of Growth Parameters of Indigenous Chicken Populations Intensively Reared in Kenya
(Egerton Journal of Science and technology, 2011-01-10) Kahi, Alexander; Bebe, B O; Ngeno, K
This study compared body weights of indigenous chicken (IC) ecotypes from 0 to 34 weeks of age and modeled the growth curves to estimate the associated parameters and their relationship using four growth models, namely: Von-Bertalanffy, Gompertz, Logistic, and Brody. A total of 17,748 age-weight data collected biweekly on 522 birds belonging to five ecotypes, namely, Bomet (BE), Bondo (OE), Kakamega (KE), Narok (NE) and West Pokot (WE) were evaluated. Over the growth period, OE was the heaviest from week 2. However, from week 12 onwards, there were no significant differences in body weight between the ecotypes. The fitted parameters for growth demonstrate ecotype differences (P<0.05) in the asymptotic weights (A), maturity index (k) and scaling parameters (b) in all the models. However, A were not different (P>0.05) among BE, NE and WE. The correlations between A and k were negative for all ecotypes in all models, and ranged from -0.63 to -0.99. The age at constant degree of maturity in all the models differed (P<0.05) among the ecotypes. Estimates from the Brody model indicated that IC attained maturity when older. The study revealed differences in growth curve parameters and patterns among the ecotypes, which indicate genetic influences. Such differences among the ecotypes give the chance to choose the best parental lines for practical IC breeding and development of commercial stock through selection and/ or crossbreeding
Evaluating Soil Quality and Productivity of DifferentClusters in Kabanon-Kapkamak Irrigation Scheme, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2017-01) Muya, E. M.; Yegon, J.; Mangi, P. M.; Gachini, G.N.; Chek, A.L; Thuranira, E. G.; Goro, H.; Owenga, P.; Wasike, V.; Kirigua, V.; Mainuri, Z.G
This study investigated soil conditions with an objective of differentiating the area into different clusters on the basis of topographical characteristics, hydrological processes, and degree of erosion, soil surface characteristics, soil colour, depth, texture, structure and consistence across the rolling uplands into the valley bottom. Within each cluster, five composite (replicate) samples were collected at the depth of 0-20 cm and subjected to laboratory determination of soil quality attributes such as pH, soil organic carbon, macro-and micro-nutrients. The adequacy of soils for plant growth was assessed, using semi-quantitative land evaluation methods, where ranges of numerical values of the selected soil quality indicators were rated and assigned fractional values (in percentage). The functional relationships between the measured soil quality attributes and relative crop yields were applied to determine the soil quality and productivity index for describing the biophysical production potential of each of the clusters. All the soil data and land evaluation processes were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 95% confidence level, using Genstat Computer Software. Six clusters were identified and the major differences between them were found to be the degree of erosion, stratification and compactness, with an important bearing on the planning and designing of the irrigation layout. The soil pH for all the clusters fell between 6.0 and 7.6, an appropriate pH for most crops. The variations of soil pH between different clusters were found to be insignificant (P>0.05). The most limiting factors were found to be nitrogen and soil organic carbon, with percentage deficiency levels ranging from 51 to 76 inEgerton J. Sci. & Technol. Volume 1all the six clusters. These deficiencies called for blanket fertilizer recommendation across the six clusters with respect to all soil quality indicators with exception of phosphorous and potassium. Since phosphorous and potassium levels varied widely between the six clusters, the fertilizer types and levels required to enhance the availability of these nutrients to plants should be cluster-specific.

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