Department of Animal Production and Management
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Item Risk factors and economic losses associated with cystic echinococcosis among livestock in selected pastoral and agro-pastoral areas of Uganda.(BMC, 2025) Omadang, Leonard; Emmanuel, Othieno; Ikwap, Kokas; Joseph, Erume; Ejobi, Francis; Ocaido, MichaelBackground: Cystic echinococcosis is a parasitic cyclo-zoonotic disease caused by the taeniid Echinococcus and causes significant economic losses in livestock production, yet its impact is often overlooked and underestimated. Methods: This study investigated the risk factors and economic impact of cystic echinococcosis in livestock, in Uganda’s pastoral and agro-pastoral communities. In the study, 14,937 livestock were examined at selected slaughterhouses in Moroto, Kumi, Luwero and Nakasongola districts from March 2019 to February 2020. The visceral organs were examined for hydatid cysts during slaughter and the prevalence correlated with the risk factors got from livestock traders and livestock owners through questionnaire survey. Production losses and economic losses due to organ condemnations were also estimated. Results: This is the first study to provide insights into the financial impacts and risk factors towards Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) in livestock in Uganda. The key significant risk factors for the persistence of CE in goats were place of origin from Lira (P≤0.000), Nakasongola (P≤0.002), Luwero and Bukedea (P≤0.002), and tethering (P≤0.001); in cattle was communal grazing (P≤0.0000); and in sheep was being kept in large flocks (P≤0.004). The total annual economic losses due to CE on livestock inspected in abattoirs in the study districts was USD 21,352.7 (1 USD=3,809.3 UGX) of which 11.7% was due to organ condemnation and 88.3% due to livestock production losses. More significant mean annual economic losses per livestock species examined occurred in Moroto district among Zebu cattle USD 8.4, goats USD 1.4 and sheep USD 1.4 than other districts. Conclusion: Results show that CE is a disease of significant economic and public health importance in PAP areas in Uganda with urgent need to create awareness and institute community-based control measures involving multistakeholder particiapation.to break livestock-dog cycle. Keywords Cystic echinococcus, Livestock, Risk factors, Economic losses, Pastoral, Agro-pastoral areas UgandaItem Liver cancer risks associated with consumption of groundnuts and maize contaminated with aflatoxins in eastern Uganda.(Nutrition and Food in Health and Disease, 2025) Muyinda, Robert; Ogwok, Patrick; Bamuwamye, MichaelBackground and Objectives: Regular consumption of food contaminated with aflatoxins is associated with the prevalence of liver cancer in humans. Aflatoxin contamination of food occurs because of poor handling practices during drying, storage and processing. The cancer risk for children and adults, who consume contaminated maize and groundnut products with aflatoxins, was assessed. Materials and Methods: The level of aflatoxin was assessed using enzyme Enzyme-linked Linked immunosorbent Immunosorbent assay Assay. Cancer risk was characterized using margin of exposure and hepatocellular carcinoma risk. Results: The level of aflatoxins ranged from 2.94– to 3.38 μg/kg in groundnuts and 2.25– to 2.38 μg/kg in maize grains. Groundnut pastes and maize flours included aflatoxin levels of 2.12– to 2.53 μg/kg and 1.51– to 1.54 μg/kg, respectively. The quantities of aflatoxin in groundnuts and maize grains were correspondingly higher than those in the pastes and flours. Levels of aflatoxin were less than the maximum limit of 10 µg/kg, set by the East African Community. The margin of exposure of 9.90–185.76 was less than the safety margin of 10000 for aflatoxin exposure in foods. The hepatocellular carcinoma risk varied between 0.94 – and 49.86 cases/100,000 individuals/y with the values for children of being 2– to 3 times higher than the World Health Organization acceptable level of one cancer case/y/100,000 individuals. Conclusions: Consumption of groundnut and maize products in Eastern Uganda is greatly a concern and should be prioritized as a public health problem. Keywords: Maize, Groundnuts, Aflatoxin, Cancer, risk assessment, UgandaItem Extracts of Carica papaya L. and Capsicum annuum L. showed comparable efficacy to piperazine citrate and levamisole hydrochloride in treatment of poultry helminths.(Springer, 2025) Zirintunda, Gerald; Kateregga, John; Nalule, Sarah; Biryomumaisho, Savino; Omujal, Francis; Okwee‑Acai, James; Vudriko, PatrickBackground: In rural smallholder poultry production systems, synthetic anthelmintic drugs are considered expensive and, in some instances, ineffective because of anthelmintic resistance. We report on the phytochemical properties and efficacy of crude extracts of Carica papaya L. and Capsicum annuum L. against helminth infections of chickens. The experiments that compared the extract action to piperazine and levamisole were carried out in Soroti District, Eastern Uganda. Method: An experiment was set to evaluate efficacy of crude extracts of C. papaya and C. annuum against natural poultry helminths infections. Commercially available formulations of levamisole and piperazine were used to make a comparative efficacy study. Faecal egg count reduction (FECR) tests were used to measure efficacy of the treatments. Results: On gas chromatograph mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of CPLa showed, vitamin C (42%), sterols (13%) and Triterpenoids (6%). CPLe contained lipids (45.04%), pyranones (20.3%), diterpenoids (4.9%), triterpenoids (3.5%), phenolics (3.1%), glycosides (2.2%) and steroids (1.4%). GC–MS analysis of CAFa gave lipids (45.04%), alkanes (27.7%) and alkaloids (8.2%). CAFe showed lipids (50.16%), alkaloids (22.73%), glycosides (3.61%) and pyranones (3.55%). In the in vitro assays, 0.08 g/ml of each of the extracts caused motility inhibition of more than 50% of adult A. galli after 5 h. The ranking of the in vivo average FECR was levamisole hydrochloride>CPLa>CAFa>CAFe>CPLe>piperazine citrate with the percentage reductions of 98.67±2.309, 97.67±2.517, 79.67±1.528, 76.33±1.528, 54.00±2.00, 35.67±2.082, respectively. Conclusion: The GC–MS analysis of the analysed plants shows presence of terpenoids, phenolics and alkaloids which are known for anthelmintic action. All the extracts caused higher FECR than piperazine. The presence of vitamin C in CPLa made it the best extract. Combinations of anthelmintics with vitamin C are recommended and toxicological studies of extracts. Keywords: Capsicum annuum, Carica papaya, Frequency of citation, Gas chromatography, Mass spectrometry, Worms, Vitamin CItem Comparing the toxicity of selected plant extract anthelmintics to levamisole hydrochloride and piperazine citrate in chickens.(AOSIS, 2025) Zirintunda, Gerald; Kateregga, John; Nalule, Agnes Sarah; Vudriko, Patrick; Biryomumaisho, Savino; Okwee-Acai, JamesIn a controlled experiment, we compared renal-hepatal, haematological and organ histopathology responses in chickens treated with Crude extracts of Capsicum annuum L. and Carica papaya L. to those treated with synthetic anthelmintics. Twenty-one indigenous seven-week-old chickens were fed on Nuvita® feeds Uganda limited and adlib tap municipal water. They were divided into seven groups of three chickens per group. The treatments were; CPLe (Carica papaya L. ethanol extract), CPLa (Carica papaya L. acetone extract), CAFe (Capsicum annuum L. ethanol extract), CAFa (Capsicum annuum L. acetone extract), levamisole, piperazine and phosphate buffered saline (PBS). CPLe, CPLa, CAFe, CAFa were given at a dose of 0.48 g per bird (1.37 g/kg body weight) as determined from a previous in-vitro experiment. Levamisole hydrochloride was given at 25 mg/kg body weight and piperazine citrate at 100 mg/kg body weight. The control group received 0.2% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in PBS. The treatments were individually administered orally and repeated on the second day. The birds were bled and sacrificed one week after treatment. Blood was submitted for haematology and harvesting of serum for renalhepatal function tests. The heart, kidneys and liver were also harvested for histological examinations. CPLe caused significantly raised albumin compared to CAFe (p = 0.02), levamisole caused significantly raised AST compared to CAFe (p = 0.04). All extracts and synthetic anthelmentics increased the number of eosinophils, indicating an increased inflammatory response. CPLa, CAFe, CAFa and levamisole were toxic to the kidneys. All extracts were toxic to the liver except CPLe. Piperazine and levamisole were as well toxic to the liver. Contribution: Plant extracts are not necessarily safer than synthetic anthelmintics and should be used with caution. Keywords: extract; herbal; synthetic; toxicity; eosinophilia; sodium; lesions; kidney; liver.Item Organochlorine pesticides in placenta, blood and breast milk of mothers in Uganda : concentrations and health risks to breast fed infants.(Elsevier Ltd., 2026) Omoding, Daniel; Nantume, Teddy; Wasswa, John; Odongo, Silver; Kyarimpa, Christine; Karume, Ibrahim; Matovu, Henry; Sillanpa¨a¨, Mika; Kato, Charles Drago; Nabuuma, Josephine; Miiro, Ashirafu; Ssebugere, PatrickExposure to organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) remains a major public health concern in low-income countries, where historical usage and poor regulation continue to result in maternal and early-life exposures. This study assessed concentration profiles of selected OCPs, namely; p,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDE, o,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDD, o,p′-DDD, aldrin, dieldrin, lindane, α-endosulfan, β-endosulfan, and endosulfan-sulfate in maternal blood, breast milk, and placenta samples collected from 52 healthy mothers residing in the rural Kanungu District and urban Kampala District in Uganda. Analytical quantification was performed using gas chromatography-electron capture detection (GC-ECD), and compound identity was confirmed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Concentrations of total DDTs (∑DDTs) were 63.0, 27.1, and 35.0 ng g-1 lipid weight (l.w) in blood, breast milk, and placenta, respectively. o,p′-DDE was the predominant metabolite in blood (67% of ∑DDTs), while p,p′-DDE dominated in placenta and milk (34% and 70%, respectively), possibly due to degradation of technical DDT applied in past decades. Other OCPs were generally low (Item ‘‘It is not just the shape, there is more’’: students’ learning of enzyme–substrate interactions with immersive virtual reality.(The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2024) Matovu, Henry; Won, Mihye; Tasker, Roy; Mocerino, Mauro; Treagust, David Franklin; Ungu, Dewi Ayu Kencana; Tsai, Chin-ChungImmersive Virtual Reality (iVR) can help students visualise and explore complex chemical concepts, such as protein enzyme structures and interactions. We designed a set of collaborative iVR-based learning tasks on the interaction between a protein enzyme and its substrate. We investigated how 18 pairs (36 students) in undergraduate chemistry courses changed their understanding of enzyme–substrate interactions through iVR learning tasks. Videos of pre- and post-interviews and student-generated diagrams were analysed. Before iVR, students had abstract models of the structure of a protein enzyme or its interaction with a substrate molecule. Over 90 per cent of the students (33/36) explained enzyme– substrate interactions using simplistic lock-and-key diagrams, exclusively focusing on the shape. Although many students employed key scientific terms like activation energy in their explanations, they were unsure how enzymes lowered activation energy or how catalytic reactions occurred. After iVR, all students discussed the inadequacy of 2D diagrams for representing complex enzyme–substrate interactions. About 90 per cent of students (32/36) used concrete ideas such as electron density and orientation of reactants in the active site to explain the probability of successful interactions between the enzyme and its substrate. Our findings provide evidence of how interactive iVR learning tasks can help students explore complex molecular structures, integrate ideas, and build a concrete understanding of challenging science concepts.Item Fatty acid composition and lipid stability of cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus) flour preserved using ginger and garlic extracts.(Elsevier Inc., 2025) Akullo, Jolly Oder; Kiage-Mokua, Beatrice N.; Nakimbugwe, Dorothy; Kwetegyeka, Justus; Ng’ang’a, Jeremiah; Kinyuru, JohnInsect consumption is regarded as a sustainable diet with a high nutritional value and low environmental footprint. This study evaluated the fatty acid composition and oxidative stability of flour produced from crickets treated with ginger and garlic extracts. Ethanolic extracts of ginger, garlic and a combination were used to treat blanched cricket at a ration 1:4 (v/w). Treatments with sodium benzoate and distilled water served as positive and negative controls, respectively. Samples were dried in a hot air oven, milled to flour and packed in 10 µm polyethylene bags; stored at ambient conditions and evaluated on day on days 0, 30, and 60 of storage. Results showed that the major fatty acids in the flour were palmitic, oleic, and linoleic. During storage: palmitic acid increased from a range of 24.62 to 25.40 %; Oleic and linoleic acid decreased significantly ranging from 29.75 to 29.01 % and 32.85 to 32.21 %, respectively (p˂0.05). The ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acid to saturated fatty acid decreased significantly during storage. The acid value, peroxide value, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances of flour increased significantly during storage (p˂0.05). The untreated flour was most affected than the spice treated flour. Treatment with a combination of ginger and garlic extracts is recommended due to the synergistic effect on the oil quality. Further investigation is required on the effects of various storage conditions and lengthy storage of spice preserved cricket flour on the fatty acid profile. Keywords: Blanched cricket, Spice extract, Fatty acids, Peroxide valueItem Slaughterhouse-based study on the prevalence of cysticercosis in small ruminants in Iganga municipality.(Busitema University, 2025) Mwanja, Simon; Kulaka, Ali TariqThis study aimed to determine the prevalence of Cysticercus tenuicollis and hydatid cysts in goats and sheep slaughtered at Iganga District Municipal Abattoir, Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving postmortem examinations of 212 livestock (106 goats and 106 sheep). Metacestodes were identified through visual inspection, incision, and palpation of organs. The prevalence of Cysticercus tenuicollis was highest in adults (>3 years, 68.4%), followed by middle-aged (2-3years, 30.2%) and young animals (<2 years, 7.9%). Similarly, hydatid cysts were more prevalent in adults (15.8%) than middle-aged (9.4%) and young animals (0.0%). Prevalence of Cysticercus tenuicollis was similar in males (18.9%) and females (18.8%), while hydatid cysts were slightly higher in males (4.2%) than females (3.4%), but these differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.979 and p = 0.764, respectively). Both parasites were most prevalent in poor body conditioned livestock (Cysticercus tenuicollis: 46.5%, hydatid cysts: 16.3%), followed by medium (15.2% and 0.9%) and good (5.2% and 0.0%) body conditioned animals. Prevalence varied across sub-counties, being highest in Bulamagi (25% and 6.4%) and lowest in Nakalama (14.3% and 0.0%), though differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.458 and p = 0.370). Hydatid cysts were predominantly located in the liver rather than the lungs in both sheep and goats. The high prevalence of these metacestodes causes economic losses and public health risks, highlighting the need for further studies and public education on prevention and control of E. granulosus and Cysticercus tenuicollis. Key words: Cysticercosis, Hydatid cysts, small ruminants, Prevalence, Organ distributionItem Prevalence of cysticercosis among small ruminant animals slaughtered in Iganga municipal abattoir.(Busitema University, 2025) Mwanja, Simon; Kulaka, Ali TariqThis study aimed to determine the prevalence of Cysticercus tenuicollis and hydatid cysts in goats and sheep slaughtered at Iganga District Municipal Abattoir, Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving postmortem examinations of 212 livestock (106 goats and 106 sheep). Metacestodes were identified through visual inspection, incision, and palpation of organs. The prevalence of Cysticercus tenuicollis was highest in adults (>3 years, 68.4%), followed by middle-aged (2-3years, 30.2%) and young animals (<2 years, 7.9%). Similarly, hydatid cysts were more prevalent in adults (15.8%) than middle-aged (9.4%) and young animals (0.0%). Prevalence of Cysticercus tenuicollis was similar in males (18.9%) and females (18.8%), while hydatid cysts were slightly higher in males (4.2%) than females (3.4%), but these differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.979 and p = 0.764, respectively). Both parasites were most prevalent in poor body conditioned livestock (Cysticercus tenuicollis: 46.5%, hydatid cysts: 16.3%), followed by medium (15.2% and 0.9%) and good (5.2% and 0.0%) body conditioned animals. Prevalence varied across sub-counties, being highest in Bulamagi (25% and 6.4%) and lowest in Nakalama (14.3% and 0.0%), though differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.458 and p = 0.370). Hydatid cysts were predominantly located in the liver rather than the lungs in both sheep and goats. The high prevalence of these metacestodes causes economic losses and public health risks, highlighting the need for further studies and public education on prevention and control of E. granulosus and Cysticercus tenuicollis. Key words: Cysticercosis, Hydatid cysts, Small ruminants, Prevalence, Organ distributionItem Prevalence of antibodies to Brucella species in commercial raw bovine milk in Southwestern Uganda.(BMS Reseach Notes, 2017) Kamwine, Monicah; Orikiriza, Patrick; Kabanda, Taseera; Iramiot, Jacob Stanley; Ojuka, Patrick; Ikiriza, Steven; Atwebembeire, Jeninah; Otieno, Duncan; Tweshengyereze, Silver; Amumpaire, Juliet Mwanga; Bazira, Joel; Yap, Boum IIObjectives: The purpose and objective of this research was to explore the prevalence of antibodies against Brucella species in raw milk samples collected in Southwestern Uganda, one of the biggest milk producing regions in the Country. We hypothesized that there is a high level of antibodies in milk samples from this region. This builds more evidence to other studies in the region on the level contamination of raw milk. Results: A total of 185 raw milk samples, collected from dairy farms and factories in southwestern region, were tested for antibodies to Brucella spp. using the milk ring test (MRT) and indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (i-ELISA).We found a prevalence of 26.5% (49/185) by the two methods. This is related to previous reports in the region and adds more evidence on the need for further investigations to confirm the source of these antibodies and their relationship with disease in milk producing animals. Keywords: Brucellosis, Diagnosis, Indirect ELISA, Milk ring testItem Nadduli pledges to fund fish farming(New Vision, 2018-05-11) Gwebayanga, TomThe Minister for General Duties in the office of the President , Al Haji Abdu Nadduli, has stormed Busoga to preach the gospel of fish farming will help Busoga to overcome poverty.Item Museveni meets Cuban scientists.(New Vision, 2018-05-17) Vision, ReporterPresident Yoweri Museveni has received a team of Cuban scientists who are on a 10-day visit to develop a strategy of bringing the Gavac anti-tick vaccine into the country.Item 3,000 diary farmers to ge livestock handling skills(Daily Monitor, 2017-10-12) Angurini, Tom BrianDairy farmers from south western Uganda can now get answers for livestock related queries through a toll free service that has been launched by Pearl Dairy Farms Limited, the producers of Lato milk.Item Foot, mouth disease hits Kiryandongo.(New Vision, 2017-09-11) Engola, SaidiAuthorities in the cattle corridor district of Kiryandongo have announced a quarantine on the slaughter, sale and movement of cattle in the districts following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease. Cattle markets in Kiryandongo have also been indefinitely closed to avert the spread of the viral disease.Item Government to promote cage fish farming(Saturday Monitor, 2017-10-21) Angurini, Tom BrianAgriculture minister Vincent Ssempijja says government has taken keen interest in supporting cage fish farming in the country.Item Border residents appeal for end to cattle rustling(New Vision, 2018-06-05) Wanyama, OlandasonBorder communities on the Uganda-Kenya border have asked both governments of Uganda and Kenya to find an end to the rampant cattle thefts.Item Government bans selling of meat over disease outbreak(Daily Monitor, 2017-10-17) Ebong, PatrickALEBTONG. The ministry of Agriculture has banned movement of all animals and sale of meat and other cattle products in two sub-counties of Alebtong District following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease.Item Designing a lighting system that is controlled by a remote and uses a low voltage using locally available materials.(Busitema University, 2026) Okello, FrancisThe aim of this study was to design a lighting system that is controlled by a remote and uses a low voltage as low as 5 Volts. In this study, a lighting system that is controlled by a remote was designed using a sensor, resistors, USB socket, remote and LED lamp beads. The band width of the lighting system was measured and found to decrease with increase in distance. These results suggest that the remote would be effective if it is used at a nearby distance with no obstacle.Item Government, farmers lose revenue over quarantine(New Vision, 2018-04-27) Kato, JoshuaIn the second part of the series on the permanent quarantines across the country, Joshua Kato examines losses incurred by farmers and the Government and also looks at the reasons why some of the measures have not been effective.Item Livestock farming: The trick lies in proper nutrition(New Vision, 2018-06-07) Kato, JoshuaThe quality of feeds you give your livestock determines their growth rate and final product, vision group 2018 best farmers have been advised.
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