Browsing by Author "Itenge, Theopoline Omagano"

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    Application of PCR technique to detect polymorphism of the KRTAP1.1 gene in three sheep breeds - A review
    (IntechOpen, 2021) Itenge, Theopoline Omagano
    The quality of wool and pelt products depends on the quality of the wool and pelt grown on farm. Genes coding for the proteins involved in the structural components of wool fibre; keratin intermediate filaments (KRTs) and keratin keratinassociated proteins (KAPs) have been extensively researched. The KAPs form a matrix in which the KRTs are embedded. In sheep, KRTAP1.1 (previously B2A) is one of the four genes encoding proteins that make up the KAP1.n family. The ovine KRTAP1.1 gene is clustered with the KRTAP1.3 and KRTAP1.4 genes on chromosome 11. In this chapter, the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) – Applied Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) typing method used to detect polymorphism in the KRTAP1.1 gene is reviewed. Three length variation KRTAP1.1 alleles; named A, B and C, of the lengths 341 base pair, 311 base pair and 281 base pair, respectively have been reported in three sheep breeds; Romney sheep of New Zealand, Merino sheep of New Zealand and Swakara sheep of Namibia. Genetic variation within the KRTs and KAPs can be further exploited to determine as to whether such variation impacts on wool quality. The presence of genetic variation within KRTs and KAPs offers opportunities for the development of gene markers affecting wool and pelt quality traits
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    A study on the effect of environmental temperature with relation to feed intake, mineral mobilization and respective incorporation into the egg yolk of Lohmann Brown egg layer chickens given purified lignin at the Neudamm farm in Namibia
    (University of Namibia, 2017) Mausse, Francisco; Lyaku, Japhet R.; Itenge, Theopoline Omagano
    It is of knowledge that the usage of antibiotics leads to development of antibiotic-resistance by pathogenic bacteria which pose a major threat to both animal and human health. Bio-stimulators can replace the use of antibiotics as growth promoters and exert positive influence on metabolic processes. Between June and July, 2013 a study was conducted on the effect of purified lignin on egg layer chickens. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of purified lignin on Lohmann Brown egg layer chickens under Namibian environmental conditions. The feed additive made of purified lignin, containing humic acid, pH 8.5-10, and 14% humidity which is soluble in water was used in this experiment. Lignin at concentrations of 60mg kg-1, 50mg kg-1 and 40mg kg-1 diluted in water were used to feed 1446 chickens (482 each experimental group), while 489 served as the control group), for 17 days with 10 days interval at 18◦C and 23% humidity. Feed intake was evaluated; eggs from both groups were harvested, sorted and graded in different categories daily. Egg content from both groups and the presence of microorganisms in the gastro-intestinal gut were assessed. Results revealed that experimental chickens had low feed intake (4.3kgs less) and produced more eggs graded as extra-jumbo and jumbo, with less egg fats and oil content (g/100g) - 17.4 for experimental group; 19.4 control group). No gastro-intestinal microbial organisms were found. Purified Lignin is suggested to improve digestibility and feed conversion. The use of 50mg kg led to reduced feed intake in the experimental group despite low temperature while increasing the mobilisation of Fe, (mg/kg) - 17.7; 13.7; Se mg/kg -0.68 and 0.89; protein into egg yolk (g/100g) - 19.1; 17.1. Evidently, lignin can be used in the poultry industry as a feed additive and bio-stimulator to increase Iron (Fe) uptake which in return increases the level of haemoglobin and Selenium (Se) which serves as an antioxidant, while concurrently reducing microbial meat contamination and replace the use of antibiotics as feed additive.