Browsing by Author "Samkange, Alaster"
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Item A 13-year retrospective study of the beef and dairy cattle losses at Neudamm farm in the Khomas region of Namibia(2017) Kandiwa, Erick; Madzingira, Oscar; Mushonga, Borden; Samkange, Alaster; Bishi, Alec S.; Nyoni, Nellia FelicityThis study was carried out to get an appraisal of the losses occasioned by apparently high levels of stock mortality at Neudamm farm, University of Namibia. Losses of beef cattle (Afrikaner, Simmental and Sanga/Nguni) and dairy cattle (Friesian) were studied from July 2003 to December 2015. A total of 106 animals worth US$55 263.12 and representing 3.5% (SD=0.8%) of the animals at risk were lost during this period. In the years 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014 the cattle losses were more than 1.5% whereas in 2005, 2008, 2011 and 2015 the losses were 1.0-1.5%. The lowest losses (<1.0%) occurred in 2003 and 2009. Since 2005, overall cattle losses rapidly increased until 2010 followed by a gradual decrease till 2015. Though there was no significant difference in the overall losses between male {3.4% (SD=0.7%)} and female animals {3.8% (SD=0.9%)} during the study period (P>0.05), the female losses were significantly higher than the male losses (P<0.05) in all the years except 2011 during which there was no significant difference between male and female losses (P>0.05). There were significantly more mature animals lost from 2003 to 2009 and from 2013 to 2014 (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the mature and immature losses in 2012 (P>0.05). The losses in immature cattle were higher than those of mature cattle in 2010, 2011 and 2015 (P<0.05). The proportions of animals lost due to predation, unknown causes, dystocia, infections, trauma, old age, plant intoxication and traumatic reticulo-peritonitis were 29.2%, 29.2%, 14.2%, 11.3%, 9.4%, 4.7%, 0.9% and 0.9%, respectively. For the duration under study, the proportional losses in January, February, April, November and December were significantly higher than those of the rest of the months (P<0.05). Neudamm farm lost 3.5% of their beef and dairy stock, worth US$55 263.12, over a 13 year period as a result of infectious and non-infectious causes. The dynamics of the losses were such that the losses were higher in some years than others, more young than older animals were lost and, though not statistically significant, more females were lost than males.Item A 3-year prospective study of the incidence of gastric ulcers in pigs slaughtered at base abattoir in Rwanda(2017) Mushonga, Borden; Yabaragiye, Bernard; Kandiwa, Erick; Habarugira, Gervais; Samkange, AlasterAim: Determination of the incidence of gastric ulcers in pigs slaughtered at Base Abattoir in Rwanda. Materials and Methods: Stomachs from all 5040 pigs that were slaughtered at Base Abattoir in Rwanda from August 2012 to August 2015 were examined for the presence and location of gastric ulcers. The results of the inspections were recorded and analyzed. Statistical analysis for Chi-square values was performed using the Software Package for Social Sciences version 16.0. The Z test for comparison of proportions was used and p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Overall as well as per district, significantly more male pigs than female pigs were slaughtered (p<0.05). The incidence of gastric ulcers in slaughter pigs was 12.86%. The incidence of gastric ulcers in males (13.36%) was not significantly different (p>0.05) from that in female pigs (12.84%) in all three districts. A significantly greater proportion of these ulcers (69.03%) was located in the esophageal region than in the glandular region of the stomach (30.97%) in slaughtered males (p<0.05). A significantly greater proportion of these ulcers (79.59%) was located in the esophageal region than in the glandular region of the stomach (20.41%) in slaughtered females (p<0.05). The overall incidence of esophageal ulcers (9.44%) in the slaughtered pigs was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of glandular region ulcers (3.41%). Pigs with carcass weight over 60 kg showed a significantly (p<0.05) higher (44.44%) incidence of ulcers than those between 40 and 60 kg (33.33%) and those below 40 kg (22.22%). Conclusion: It was concluded that the incidence of gastric ulceration in slaughter pigs at Base Abattoir was not associated with source (district) or sex of pigs but was associated with the carcass weight.Item A 4-year study of the proportional distribution of male reproductive organ abnormalities in cattle slaughtered at Nyagatare abattoir, Eastern Rwanda(2017) Kandiwa, Erick; Nyirakunzimana, Leoncie; Habarugira, Gervais; Mushonga, Borden; Samkange, AlasterMale reproductive performance has more impact on overall herd productivity than in the female. In order to assess herd productivity in cattle in Nyagatare, Eastern Rwanda, the proportional distribution of male reproductive organ abnormalities was investigated in 3087 bulls slaughtered over a 4-year period. The aim of the study was to investigate the proportional distribution of male reproductive organ abnormalities in exotic and indigenous bulls slaughtered over a 4-year period at Nyagatare abattoir in Eastern Rwanda. Positioning of the testicles was observed and recorded as the animals were assembled before slaughter. After slaughter, the internal and external reproductive organs of all bulls were removed, labelled and analysed for pathology. Significantly more indigenous (79.01%) than exotic (20.99%) animals were slaughtered (P < 0.05; N = 3 087). Overall occurrence of abnormalities was significantly higher in exotic (20.83%) than in indigenous (10.33%) animals (P < 0.05). Overall, abnormal location of testicles was the most common abnormality (4.08%) followed by abnormal prepuce and penis (2.33%), orchitis (1.94%), enlarged vesicular gland (0.91%), scrotal hernia (0.87%), unilateral cryptorchidism (0.81%), testicular hypoplasia (0.81%) and hydrocoele (0.78%). Abnormal location of testicles, abnormal prepuce and penis, orchitis, testicular hypoplasia and enlarged vesicular glands had significantly higher prevalence in exotic animals than in indigenous animals (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of unilateral cryptorchidism, hydrocoele and scrotal hernia between the exotic and indigenous breeds. The encountered reproductive abnormalities result in poor herd fertility manifesting as low first-service conception rates, prolonged breeding seasons and reduced weaning weights accompanied by inevitable financial losses in beef production. The observed high proportion of male reproductive abnormalities in exotic breeds might offset the professed benefits from introduction of these exotic breeds with the aim of improving productivity.Item African swine fever outbreak at a farm in central Namibia(2019) Samkange, Alaster; Mushonga, Borden; Mudimba, Douglas; Chiwome, Bernard; Jago, Mark; Kandiwa, Erick; Bishi, Alec S.; Molini, UmbertoAn outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) occurred at a farm in central Namibia in March 2018. Fourteen pigs died out of a herd of 59 animals over a period of 16 days between the first and sixteenth of March 2018. The clinical signs observed included sternal recumbency, fever, weakness, pain and reluctance to move, hyperemia of the skin and anorexia, followed by death. Necropsy findings included large amounts of unclotted blood in the pleural and peritoneal cavities, diffuse carcass congestion, splenomegaly, consolidation of both lungs, hemorrhagic and frothy airways and trachea, hepatomegaly and congestion, congestion of the gastric mucosa, enlarged and congested kidneys, ecchymotic epicardial, and endocardial hemorrhages, and very enlarged and congested urinary bladder. All the remaining pigs were euthanized, burned, and buried under state veterinary supervision. The authors concluded that the outbreak resulted from indirect transmission of the ASF virus due to lapses in biosecurity measures.Item Applicability of teeth examination as a tool for age estimation in a semi-arid cattle production environment in Namibia(2019) Mushonga, Borden; Shinexuugi, Immanuel; Mbiri, Pricilla; Samkange, Alaster; Madzingira, Oscar; Kandiwa, ErickRegression analysis was used to evaluate teeth examination as a tool for estimating age in beef and dairy cattle at Neudamm farm, Namibia, in 2018. There was a significant difference in age (months) between the overall mean actual age (M=60, SD=4.57) and the mean estimated age (M=57, SD=4.52 months) in beef cattle; t(74) = 3.61, p<0.001. There was no significant difference between the overall mean estimated age and the mean actual age (M=42.5, SD=5.18) and (M=41.3, SD=5.21 months) in dairy cattle; t(30) = 1.45, p=0.16. There was a very strong positive relationship between the overall teeth examination-estimated age and actual age in beef cattle [r (74) = 0.98, p<0.001]. There was a very strong positive relationship between the overall teeth examination-estimated age and actual age in dairy cattle [r (30) = 0.99, p<0.001]. A very strong positive relationship was also evident between the teeth examination estimated age and actual age in beef cattle aged 45 months and below [r (37) = 0.93, p<0.001]. There was a very strong positive relationship between the teeth examination-estimated and actual age in dairy cattle aged 45 months and below [r (20) = 0.97, p<0.001]. There was a very strong positive relationship between the teeth examination-estimated age and actual age in beef cattle aged over 45 months [r (35) = 0.93, p<0.001]. There was a very strong positive relationship between the teeth examination-estimated age and actual age in dairy cattle aged over 45 months [r (8) = 0.97, p<0.001]. It was therefore concluded that under the given conditions of the study and the range of ages and the breeds under study, age estimation through teeth examination is reliably applicableItem Artificial insemination in Nyagatare district: Level of adoption and the factors determining its adoption(2017) Mushonga, Borden; Dusabe, Jean P.; Kandiwa, Erick; Bhebhe, Evison; Habarugira, Gervais; Samkange, AlasterThis study was undertaken to characterize and to estimate the level of adoption of artificial insemination (AI) as well as to identify factors determining its adoption by communal farmers of Nyagatare, Rwanda. This followed the launching of the official Government AI programme in the district several years earlier. A questionnaire was used to carry out a survey of the breeding methods used for small scale dairy cows by farmers from five selected sectors of Nyagatare district of the Eastern Province of Rwanda. Of the 360 respondents, 16.9% primarily used AI, 63.1% used natural service and 20.0% used both methods for breeding. A significant percentage of respondents residing within 5km of the AI centres (79.2%; P<0.05) adopted AI whilst a significant percentage of respondents residing more than 15km from AI centres (92.5%; P<0.05) preferred natural service. A significant percentage of respondents from big families with 6-7 members were using AI (54.1%; P<0.05), whilst all the respondents from small families with up to 3 members opted for natural service (100% P<0.05). A significant percentage of respondents with secondary education (76.9%; P<0.05) opted for AI whilst a significant percentage of respondents with no formal education (98.5%; P < 0.05) opted for natural service alone. A significant percentage of respondents working in both agriculture and animal husbandry (93.1%; P<0.05) opted for AI whilst a significant percentage of respondents working in crop production and other none animal husbandry related sectors (93.2%; P<0.05) opted for natural service alone. Land size in excess of 5 hectares did not significantly influence adoption of AI. The study showed that there were several underlying factors that had the potential to influence farmers' choice of breeding methods. Chief among these factors are level of education of farmer, family size, distance to AI station and occupation in agriculture or animal husbandry.Item Assessment of normal mortalities, biosecurity and welfare of Lohmann Brown layers at a farm in central Namibia(2020) Samkange, Alaster; Mushonga, Borden; Kandiwa, Erick; Kambode, Josephina Ndamonako; Mbiri, Pricilla; Gorejena, Brighton; Madzingira, OscarObjective: The current study investigated the causes of mortality and evaluated the biosecurity situation and welfare conditions of Lohmann Brown layer chickens reared for 12 months, from point-of-lay, at farm A in central Namibia. Materials and Methods: Necropsies, standard biosecurity appraisal and on-farm welfare assessment tools were used. A standard protocol was used for post-mortem examinations of dead birds. The Chi-square test was used for analysis of causes of mortality whilst linear regression was used for analysis of the temporal distribution of mortality. Results: The overall mortality rate throughout the study period was 18.7% (N = 1000). There was a very strong negative correlation between duration of birds in lay and proportion of live birds [r (162) = 0.97, p<0.05]. The proportion of live birds decreased by an average of 2.98% for every 50 days of the laying period. Overall, the proportional mortalities due to undetermined causes (31.6%) were greater than those due to inflammatory conditions, trauma, cannibalism and retained eggs (20.9,19.3,16.6 and 11.8% respectively, p<0.05). Conclusion: The high mortality rates reported in this study have an obvious negative impact on productivity and thus there is a need to improve the biosecurity and welfare conditions for these layers in order to improve profitability.Item Bovine rumen impaction caused by ingestion of Gonometa postica cocoons in eastern-central Namibia(2019) Samkange, Alaster; Hausiku, Magrecia; Kandiwa, Erick; Mbiri, Pricilla; Muradzikwa, Erdwin N.; Mushonga, BordenCases of rumen impaction caused by ingestion of Gonometa postica cocoons occurred at a farm in eastern-central Namibia. Ten animals died on the farm over the previous 5 months. Rumenotomies were successfully performed on three affected animals. The authors were of the opinion that the affected animals ingested the cocoons around the time of weaning, which then resulted in tangled masses that gradually stretched and enlarged because of entrapment of ingesta, eventually causing impaction of the rumen in the young adult animals. These are the first reported cases of ruminal impaction attributable to G. postica cocoon ingestion in Namibia.Item Causes, dynamics and financial losses associated with red offal condemnation at a beef abattoir in Namibia(Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety, 2020-12-01) Kandiwa, Erick; Mbiri, Pricilla; Samkange, Alaster; Madzingira, Oscar; Kamwi, Jessey Alice; Mushonga, BordenThere are limited studies on red offal condemnations and financial implications at high throughput abattoirs in Namibia. Causes of condemnation, temporal distributions and financial losses associated with red offal condemnations at a beef abattoir in Namibia from 2016 to 2018 were investigated. A total of 39157 red offal valued at N$6 422 586.00 (US$364 805) were condemned following the slaughter of 251697 cattle. Condemnations were dependent on year [X2(14) = 587.13, p<0.001], month [X2(77) = 1898.72, p<0.001] and season [X2(7) = 111.12, p<0.001] of study. Overall, 2016 had the most and 2018 the least condemnation of red offal (38.73% and 23.22%, respectively; p<0.05). Most red offal condemnations (13.34%, p<0.001) were recorded in June, with livers and lungs as the most condemned organs (54.32% and 29.88%, respectively; p<0.001). The highest condemnations were caused by miscellaneous causes (abscesses and hematomas) followed, in descending order, by inflammatory, parasitic and bacterial causes and contaminations (38.3%, 29.4%, 16.6% and 15.8%, respectively, p<0.05). Liver condemnations varied with the year and season of study [X2(20) = 1834.02, p<0.001 and X2(9) = 1010.43, p<0.001; respectively], as were lung condemnations according to pathological condition [X2(12) = 492.43, p<0.001 and X2(6) = 45.84, p<0.001; respectively]. The occurrence of hydatidosis in the summer and pneumonia in winter was greater than expected (15.1% and 4.3%; respectively, p<0.05). A substantial loss of revenue to the abattoir due to the condemnation of livers and lungs was determined. Meat inspection served as a control point for hydatidosis.Item Causes, patterns, and economic implications of carcass condemnation of cattle slaughtered at Oshana region, North of Namibia based on post-mortem inspection(Journal of Food Quality and Hazards Control, 2020-12-01) Mbiri, Pricilla; Mushonga, Borden; Madzinga, Charles; Madzingira, Oscar; Samkange, Alaster; Hikufe, Emmanuel H.; Kandiwa, Erick; Kamwi, Jessey AliceBackground: Meat inspection is one of the essential tools for ensuring good quality and safe meat. The objective of this study was to evaluate carcass condemnation of cattle slaughtered in Oshana region, North of Namibia. Methods: In this 4-year retrospective study, causes, patterns, and economic implications of carcass condemnation of cattle slaughtered in Oshana region, North of Namibia were evaluated based on post-mortem inspection procedure. The SPSS software version 25 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Overall, 0.37% (120 out of 32 648) beef carcasses were condemned during the period of this study. The major causes of condemnation of carcasses were bruising (60 out of 120; 50%), followed by pus contamination. The condemnation rate in female cattle (65%) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than male cattle (35%). Overall, a significantly greater number (p<0.05) of carcasses were condemned in summer (74.2%) than in winter (25.8%). Conclusion: This study identified bruising, pus contamination, and cachexia as the major causes of bovine carcass condemnation in North of Namibia and showed that carcass condemnation rate varied with the year, season, and age. (11) (PDF) Causes, Patterns, and Economic Implications of Carcass Condemnation of Cattle Slaughtered at Oshana Region, North of Namibia Based on Post-Mortem Inspection. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/347958128_Causes_Patterns_and_Economic_Implications_of_Carcass_Condemnation_of_Cattle_Slaughtered_at_Oshana_Region_North_of_Namibia_Based_on_Post-Mortem_Inspection [accessed Jun 25 2021].Item Characterization of poultry production and management systems in the communal areas of Namibia(2018) Masaire, E.; Madzingira, Oscar; Samkange, Alaster; Kandiwa, Erick; Mushonga, Borden; Bishi, Alec S.A survey was conducted on 485 respondents from eight regions of Namibia to characterize their poultry production systems. The overall mean proportions of literacy level were, secondary (33.6%), illiterate (31.5%), primary (27.3%), unspecified (4.0%) and tertiary (2.9%). The estimated chicken population in the whole study area covering 347 510 km2 was about 1.84 million and the estimated chicken density was 14.1 chickens/ km2. Overall, 76.1% of the interviewed households owned chickens with an overall mean of 20 chickens/household. Overall, 20.4% of the chickens were young females, 23.8% adult females, 14.2% young males, 9.7% adult males and 31.9% chicks. Overall, an average of 11 eggs/hen/clutch were laid with 74.3% mean hatchability. These hatched chicks had an average of 56% survival after four weeks. Overall, 33.5% of the chickens were lost due to disease, 27.1% consumed within households, 21.8% killed by predators, 7.9% sold, 6.5% stolen, 2% due to starvation and 1.3% as a result of traumatic injuries. Overall, 60.2% of the sick chickens were treated with local medicinal herbs, 14.3% slaughtered, 3.7% treated by conventional veterinary medicine, whilst 9.5% were vaccinated and 6.2% were treated by local veterinarians. Overall, 53.3% of the households used no housing for chickens, 9.8% used wire mesh housing, 7.0% used corrugated metal sheet housing and 4.9% used thatched brick and mud housing. Overall, 77.7% of the chickens were fed on maize or millet grain, 38.1% on free range forages, 12.5% on household leftovers and 4.1% on commercial feed. In conclusion, based on the survey, chickens in these study areas were reared extensively on raw grains with most owners using traditional methods to treat sick birds and failing to house their flocks to result in high losses to diseases and predators. This study indicated that the education of Namibian communal farmers to improve poultry husbandry would reduce losses and possibly increase profitability of communal poultry enterprise.Item Chronic lymphoplasmacytic villonodular proliferative synovitis in a 10-year-old Jack Russell Terrier dog(International Journal of Veterinary Science and Medicine, 2020-11-01) Mapuvire, Tafara; Kandiwa, Erick; Mbiri, Pricilla; Samkange, Alaster; Madzingira, Oscar; Mushonga, BordenWe describe a case of chronic lymphoplasmacytic villonodular synovitis (CLPVNS) associated with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease in a 10-year-old spayed Jack Russell Terrier bitch. The bitch was presented to a veterinary clinic with severe, non-weight bearing, acute left hindlimb lameness. The bitch had previously been treated surgically for stifle CCL disease of the same joint, using the lateral fabellar suture (LFS) technique. Since the treatment, the patient had a history of intermittent left hindlimb non-weight bearing lameness that was manageable with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Palpation and manipulation of the affected stifle elicited severe pain. There were no other clinical or orthopaedic abnormalities. Orthogonal radiographs of the affected stifle revealed moderate degenerative joint disease and osteolytic lesions on the lateral aspect of the lateral femoral condyle and the head of the fibula. A fluid aspirate from this joint was negative for bacterial growth on culture. Cytology results were suspicious for CLPVNS. Exploratory arthrotomy, synovectomy, debridement and lavage of the affected joint were performed. Bone and synovial membrane biopsy samples of the joint were obtained and submitted to a laboratory for a histopathological confirmatory diagnosis. CLPVNS was tentatively diagnosed by cytology, and confirmed by histopathology of biopsy samples. This case report highlights the importance of checking for CLPVNS in dogs with lameness associated with CCL disease, as reports show it to be underreported or misdiagnosed (11) (PDF) Chronic lymphoplasmacytic villonodular proliferative synovitis in a 10-year-old Jack Russell Terrier dog. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/346003151_Chronic_lymphoplasmacytic_villonodular_proliferative_synovitis_in_a_10-year-old_Jack_Russell_Terrier_dog [accessed Jun 25 2021].Item Conception rates and calving intervals of different beef breeds at a farm in the semi-arid region of Namibia(2019) Samkange, Alaster; Kandiwa, Erick; Mushonga, Borden; Bishi, Alec S.; Muradzikwa, Erdwin N.; Madzingira, OscarA retrospective study from 2004 to 2017 investigated the effect of bull age, cow age and breed on conception rates, and calving intervals of beef cattle at Neudamm farm, Khomas region, Namibia. Bulls ranging from 4 to 14 years of age were used to breed cows up to 17 years of age. A total of 1804 pregnancies were diagnosed in Afrikaner (81.8%), Nguni (14.1%), and Simmental (4.1%) cows. The overall conception rate of beef cattle during the study period was 71.7 ± 9.5%. The overall conception rate of the Nguni cows (78.3%) was significantly higher than that of the Afrikaner (70.9%) and the Simmental cows (64.9%) (p < 0.05). The age of sires had no effect on overall conception rate in all three breeds (p > 0.05). Afrikaner dams more than 10 years old had the least rate of conception (60.4%, p < 0.05) within that breed category. Nguni dams between four to 10 years had the greatest conception rate (86.5%, p < 0.05). Age of dams had no effect on conception rates in Simmental cattle (p > 0.05). The overall mean length of all calving intervals in the Nguni cows (366 ± 35 days) was significantly shorter than those of the Afrikaner cows (487 ± 62 days) and the Simmental cows (484 ± 110 days) (p < 0.05). The 2013 breeding season produced the highest overall conception rates (~ 85%), and the 2007 breeding season produced the lowest overall conception rate (~ 51%). From a fertility point of view, the Nguni breed seemed best suited for the semi-arid conditions which are prevalent in most of Namibia.Item Demographics, distribution, ownership and naming patterns of pets presented to a mobile clinic for sterilisation in Namibia(2020) Baines, Ian John; Baines, Sharon; Mushonga, Borden; Gorejena, Brighton; Mbiri, Pricilla; Samkange, Alaster; Kandiwa, Erick; Madzingira, OscarThis study analysed the demographics, spatial distribution, ownership and naming patterns of dogs and cats presented to the University of Namibia’s veterinary mobile clinic for sterilisation from small underserved towns around Namibia. The proportional distribution of pets was determined based on species, sex, age, owner gender, town of origin and naming categories. Overall, 84.4% (n = 2909) of the animals presented for sterilisation were dogs and the remainder were cats (15.6%, n = 539). Of the dogs presented for sterilisation, 51.9% (n = 1509) were male and 48.1% (n = 1400) were female. In cats, 51.4% (n = 277) were male, whilst 48.6% (n = 262) were female. Overall, the majority of pets (68.2%) were presented for sterilisation from urban areas than rural areas (31.8%). About 49.8% of men and 24.2% of women that presented pets for sterilisation came from urban areas, whilst 20.1% of the women and 11.7% of the men that presented pets for sterilisation were from rural areas. Of all the pets presented for sterilisation, the majority were male-owned (64%, n = 2206). Pets were mainly presented for sterilisation at < 2 years (41.1%), 2 to < 4 years (32.4%) and 4 to < 6 years (15.4%). The naming of pets was mainly after people (42.4%), circumstances (20.6%) and appearance (15.5%). This community engagement exercise yielded valuable demographic data indicating that pet origin, sex and species and owner gender were important factors in determining the voluntary presentation of pets for sterilisation in the study area.Item Determination of fertility, hatchability and stage of embryonic death in non-hatching eggs at Rubilizi national hatchery(2017) Mushonga, Borden; Benimana, Theophile; Kandiwa, Erick; Chinyoka, Simbarashe; Samkange, Alaster; Bishi, Alec S.; Habarugira, GervaisBackground: This study was undertaken to evaluate the major causes of mortality at different stages of incubation and their economic impact in response to sustainability challenges at the Rwandan National Hatchery. Methods: The study evaluated the fertility, hatchability and embryonic deaths in broiler-producing flocks (B series) and layer-producing flocks (L series) at Rubilizi, a state-owned hatchery in Kigali, Rwanda. Results: Mean fertility in the B series (94.23%) was not significantly different (P >0.05) from that of the L series (93.24%). Mean hatchability in the B series (57.39%) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of the L series (42.2%). Early embryonic deaths in the L series (8.6%) were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those in the B series (3.9%). Middle embryonic deaths in the L series (6.2%) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those in the B series (1.8%). Late embryonic deaths in the L series (21.6%) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those encountered in the B series (13.0%). The occurrence of hatch debris in the L series (34.14%) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that in the B series (24.42%). There was no significant difference in the proportions of pips, rots and malformations/malpositions between the B and the L series (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Low hatchability in the L series possibly resulted from the higher number of embryonic deaths and hatch debris and not from reduced fertility or cull chicks. Total chick losses during the study amounted to US$54 327.00. The hatchery was experiencing more losses in layers than in broilers as emanating from low hatchability of the layers. Further investigations are needed with aim to maximise the hatchery’s capacity.Item An epidemiological survey of the magnitude and local perceptions of porcine cysticercosis by two methods in Nyaruguru district, Rwanda(University of Namibia, 2018) Mushonga, Borden; Habarugira, Gervais; Birori, Aloys; Kandiwa, Erick; Samkange, Alaster; Bhebhe, EvisonThis study investigated the magnitude of porcine cysticercosis (PC), its risk factors, economic effects and the perceptions of 80 pig farmers from Nyabimata (n=38) and Muganza (n=42) and 20 registered butchers in the Nyaruguru district of Rwanda. January to December 2013 slaughter records from Kamirabagenzi market were also analysed for PC diagnoses based on the tongue test and meat inspection. During this period, the responding farmers' records showed a tongue test-based PC magnitude (3.9%, n=984) which was lower than the collective tongue test-based PC magnitude of 9.2% (n=1720) at Kamirabagenzi (p < .05). The overall magnitude of PC based on routine meat inspection diagnosis at Kamirabagenzi was 4%. The overall magnitude of PC for respondents using Free-range production systems (7.9%) was significantly greater than for those in Semi-intensive (2.1%) and Intensive production systems (1.5%) (p < .05). Though most farmers (90%) knew that PC is zoonotic, only 22.5% of the farmers opted for treatment of PC-infected pigs and 52.5% were willing to seek veterinary inspection while the rest (25%) opted to circumvent veterinary inspection (P > .05). Most butchers (70%) indicated they would circumvent veterinary inspection and continue to slaughter PC-positive animals whilst the rest (30%) indicated they would resell PC positive animals to defray costs (P < .05). The low sensitivity and specificity of methods used for PC detection in the study, implies that this may just be the tip of an iceberg and the actual magnitude is most likely to be much higher. In conclusion, PC is endemic in the Nyaruguru district of Rwanda with a high proportion of positive animals. The condition has public health implications and is worsening the economic plight of the impoverished Nyaruguru community.Item Evaluation of factors affecting productivity and profitability of Lohmann Brown layers in a semi-arid environment(2020) Samkange, Alaster; Kandiwa, Erick; Mushonga, Borden; Amunyela, Selma A.; Bishi, Alec S.; Charamba, Vonai; Mbiri, PricillaA prospective 27-week study investigated the effect of age, ambient temperature, humidity and photoperiod on egg weight and production in Lohmann Brown layers, and thus the profitability of the egg-producing enterprise at a farm in central Namibia, designated Farm A. Overall, age of birds, average temperature, humidity and photoperiod were strongly correlated with mean egg weight (r=0.84, 0.7, -0.51 and 0.7, respectively; p<0.001) but there was a weaker correlation of age, temperature, humidity and photoperiod to the number of eggs/bird (r=0.49, 0.41, -0.43 and 0.34, respectively). Increase in the age of birds, temperature and photoperiod resulted in a significant increase in mean egg weight. A decrease in humidity, however, resulted in a significant increase in mean egg weight. Labour and feed costs contributed 51% and 14%, respectively, to the overall costs of the enterprise. Egg sales contributed the bulk of the income at 88%, which was followed by the sale of spent layers at 12%.The study concluded that Lohmann Brown layers performed well in the semi-arid conditions of central Namibia provided that extreme environmental conditions are avoided. The high input costs, especially labour and feed, were the main constraints to profitability and finding ways to reducing these costs is key to increasing profitability. Increasing the size of the flock is one practical way of offsetting the high labour costs.Item A feather cyst causing vertebral bone lysis and spinal cord compression in a Lohmann Brown layer(2020) Samkange, Alaster; Mushonga, Borden; Kandiwa, Erick; Bishi, Alec S.; Segwagwe, Basiamisi; Muradzikwa, ErdwinA feather cyst in the cervical region which, through complications of inward growth, resulted in compression of the cervical spinal cord of a Lohmann Brown layer is described. It is postulated that expansion of the cyst exerted pressure on the adjacent cervical vertebra and through bone lysis created an opening through which the cyst protruded, thereby exerting pressure on the spinal cord. The affected spinal cord segment was reduced to a fifth of its normal diameter. The bird most likely died of starvation because of limb and neck paralysis and disorientation. Although the cause of the feather cyst was not conclusively identified, moulting and trauma could have triggered its formation and subsequent growth.Item Imperforate anus in a male Friesian-Holstein calf: Case report and review of literature(2017) Mushonga, Borden; Nsengimana, Samuel; Samkange, Alaster; Kandiwa, Erick; Habarugira, GervaisA case of imperforate anus in a 3-day old male Friesian-Holstein calf was presented and treated in Bugesera district, Rwanda. The condition has rarely been reported in Africa. A brief review of the etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, surgical and post-surgical management and classification of anorectal malformations (ARM) as they occur in man and domestic animals with emphasis on imperforate anus is hereby presented. We focus on the usage of the terms imperforate anus, atresia ani and make a distinction between these terms and other ARMs. With emphasis placed on the nomenclature of ARMs and the distinction between usage of the terms imperforate anus and atresia ani, we propose that the two terms be viewed as different and standard scientific nomenclature of Type I –IV ARM be used consistently to avoid confusion. If the terms atresia ani and imperforate anus should be used, they must be used correctly and consistently.Item Incidence of contagious Bovine pleuropneumonia in the northern regions of Namibia(2020) Mbiri, Pricilla; Kandiwa, Erick; Mushonga, Borden; Samkange, Alaster; Bishi, Alec S.; Madzingira, Oscar; Chitate, FrankA 25-year retrospective study investigated the incidence of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in the northern communal areas of Namibia. Throughout the study period, the proportion of bovine animals that clinically recovered following treatment of suspected CBPP infection were greater than those that died from suspected CBPP infection (71.6% and 28.4%, respectively, N=4743; z=42.16, p<.001). The proportion of unconfirmed CBPP diagnoses was greater than that of confirmed cases (65.4% and 34.6%, respectively, z=30.04, p<.001). More animals died from confirmed CBPP infection in the North Central Regions (NCR) and Zambezi region (5.4% and 4.1%, respectively) than in Kavango (East and West) and Kunene regions (2.1% and 0.5%, respectively; p<.05). Kavango regions had the greatest proportion of animals (7.9%; p<.05) that clinically recovered following treatment of confirmed CBPP infection whilst more animals in NCR and Kunene region recovered following treatment of unconfirmed CBPP (41.6% and 1.0%, respectively; p<.05). The NCR and Kunene region had greater proportions of animals that died from unconfirmed CBPP infections (9.1% and 1.0%, respectively; p<.05). More animals than expected died of confirmed CBPP in 1990, 1995, 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2004 (p<.05) whereas more animals than expected died of suspected CBPP in 1990, 1991, 1993 and 2004 (p<.05). Overall, the majority of animals died of confirmed CBPP in April, August and December (2.8%, 1.9% and 0.7%, respectively, p<.05). The highest CBPP vaccination coverage was achieved in 2003, 2004, 2009, 2011 and 2012 (96.6%, 82.6%, 84.8%, 90.1% and 90.1%; respectively). The greatest CBPP incidence rates (per 100 000) occurred in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2003 (54.1, 43.4, 75.3, 106.2 and 25.5, respectively). The highest CBPP-related mortalities (per 100 000) occurred in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2004 (25.3, 11.1, 17.2, 11.9 and 15.6, respectively). Although the incidence of CBPP cases has decreased, control of the disease remains a challenge because of cross-border livestock movements between northern Namibia and southern Angola.