Browsing by Author "Bahame David"

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Comparative Assessment of Growth Performance between Indigenous Mubende and Kigezi Goat Kids from Birth to Sexual Maturity at Ruhengyere Field Station
(American Research Journal of Humanities & Social Science (ARJHSS), 2024-07) Kyokwijuka Peter; Bahame David; Osiru David
The study assessed the comparison between the growth performances of Indigenous Mubende and Kigezi goat kids from birth to sexual maturity in Ruhengyere Field Station. The objectives of the study were; to determine the growth rate of Indigenous Mubende and Kigezi goat kids in the same environment from birth to sexual maturity at Ruhengyere Field Station; to assess the factors responsible for the differences in the growth performance of Mubende and Kigezi goat kids from birth to sexual maturity at Ruhengyere Field Station; and to establish the differences in the growth performance of Mubende and Kigezi goat kids from birth to sexual maturity at Ruhengyere Field Station. An experimental study methodology was employed where both qualitative and quantitative data approaches were used to collect data. An experiment was carried out on both breeds of goat kids and details recorded at every stage of development to identify the differences in the growth and performance of the breeds of goat kids. Ninety four (97) goats were included in the final analysis where 48 were from Mubende and 46 were Kigezi goats. The data collected was mainly on kid’s body weight, sex, height, length, and scrotum circumference, observation of any sexual sign, development of beards plus feed rations and their varieties. Microsoft Office Excel 2013 was used to enter all quantitative and coded qualitative data for later analysis using the Statistical Analysis System Version 9.2, the analysis of the growth performance attributes of the kids was done with the kids' sex, type of birth, and dam's parity acting as fixed effects. According to the results of the study, Mubende goats perform better in growth, while Kigezi goats are well adapted to the conditions but perform less compared to Mubende in their growth performance. Mubende goats were the heaviest at birth, with an average live weight of 2.70±0.05 kg, followed by Kigezi goats at 2.42±0.05 kg. At 90 days of age, the average live weights of the two goat types was nearly equal, despite the significant (p<0.05) difference in average birth weight. However, Kigezi goat kids' overall growth rate began to show a retarding trend after 90 days of age, while Mubende goat kids continued to be superior after 90 days of age.The study recommended that differences in environmental characteristics need to be considered during breed choice so that a breed is raised in a zone where its production efficiency can be maximized.
Performance Evaluation of NAGRIC Community-Based Animal Breeding Program on Dairy Farming in Kikatsi Sub County Kiruhura District
(East African Nature & Science Organization, 2025-01) Ahimbisa Brian; Bahame David; Dr. Mwebembezi William, PhD
Community-Based Animal Breeding Programs (CBABP) have gained considerable attention recently and are being viewed as a viable approach to increase livestock productivity in low-input and smallholder settings, particularly in Uganda’s cattle corridor in general and Kiruhura district in particular. Despite the implementation of the NAGRIC community-based animal breeding program, there remains a significant gap in the comprehensive evaluation of its performance in dairy farming systems. This study therefore was intended to evaluate the performance of NAGRIC community-based animal breeding program to determine its effectiveness in achieving the desired outcomes. The study specifically aimed at assessing the level of farmer engagement and participation in NAGRIC-CBABP, analysing the influence of NAGRIC-CBABP on cattle-breed improvement and milk production and evaluating the Sustainability of NAGRIC-CBABP in Dairy Farming communities in Kikatsi sub-county, Kiruhuura district. To achieve the objectives, a cross-sectional study design was adopted rooted in the quantitative approach. The study population comprises dairy farmers, government leaders, local leaders and other leaders in Kikatsi Sub County, Kiruhura district. The sample size included 59 respondents. A structured questionnaire with multiple-choice questions was used to collect quantitative data from farmers while semi-structured interviews were held with key informants in this case leaders. The collected data was analyzed by generating descriptive statistics. From the analysis, the study revealed that the level of farmer engagement and participation in NAGRIC-CBABP is still low where about 72.5% of the farmers are still reliant on natural breeding methods with limited participation in modern breeding methods such as artificial insemination. Community-Based Animal Breeding Program had a positive influence on cattle- breed improvement and milk production in Kikatsi Sub County since they are perceived by most farmers to be highly beneficial in terms of genetic improvement, increased availability of quality and improved breeds. However, there was concern among most farmers about the scarcity of highly productive breeds in terms of milk production and the lack of tick and disease-resistant breeds. Other concerns were about the high cost of semen, limited knowledge about artificial insemination and lack of semen that specifically breeds heifers. Despite the Government intervention most dairy communities in Kikatsi Sub County have not sustainably benefitted from NAGRIC-CBABPs since utilization of services provided under this program is still low. Addressing these challenges is therefore critical to improve farmer engagement and participation in NAGRIC-CBABPs hence contributing significantly to the sustainability of these programs. The study therefore recommended Government through the NARO and MAAIF conduct thorough research into the breeds of dairy cattle that are highly productive and resistant to ticks and diseases as well as the most effective acaricides and drugs for ticks and diseases respectively. The Government should also provide subsidies on the cost of semen used in artificial insemination and train and employ more agriculture extension officers to scale up sensitization.
The Contributions of Rumen8-Formulated Balanced Rations on the Performance of Lactating Crossbreed Cows in Rukungiri District, South Western Uganda
(Science Publishing Group, 2025-03-11) Joan Atukunda; Gershom Nuwemuhwezi; Bahame David
This study investigated the contributions of Rumen8 software-formulated balanced rations on the performance of lactating crossbreed cows in Rukungiri District, Southwestern Uganda. The study aimed to assess the level of awareness and utilization of Rumen8 software among dairy farmers for formulating balanced rations, evaluate the perceived benefits and challenges of implementing Rumen8-formulated rations, and identify the factors influencing the adoption or rejection of the software. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, and data were collected from 124 respondents using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests, were used to analyze the data. The results showed that the level of awareness of Rumen8 software among dairy farmers was moderate, with 58.1% of respondents aware of the software. However, only 42.7% of farmers actively utilized it to formulate balanced rations, indicating limited adoption. The perceived benefits of using Rumen8 were significant, with 77.4% of respondents reporting increased milk yield, 67.7% observing improved cow health, 55.6% noting better reproductive performance, and 54.8% perceiving more consistent feed quality. Furthermore, 50.0% of respondents reported a reduction in feeding-related diseases, while 22.6% indicated cost savings on feed. Results established the key challenges to utilization of Rumen8 software as resistance to change from traditional feeding practices (p=0.000), technical difficulties with the software (p=0.021), difficulty in understanding ration recommendations (p=0.044), and limited access to necessary technology such as computers and smartphones (p=0.036). Additionally, lack of technical support (p=0.007) emerged as a significant barrier, while the high cost of recommended ingredients (p=0.124) was the least significant challenge. Results established the most significant the factors influencing the adoption or rejection of Rumen8-formulated balanced rations among dairy farmers as access to extension services (P=0.000), peer influence (p=0.001), education levels and availability of trainings (p=0.008), Income levels (p=0.006), access to information (p=0.000), understanding software benefits (p=0.000) and the leas significant factor as farm size (p=0.648). while Rumen8 software offers substantial benefits in improving milk yield, cow health, and overall dairy farm productivity, its adoption is constrained by both technological and behavioral challenges. The study recommends enhancing farmer access to extension services, improving technical support, and conducting comprehensive training programs to boost the adoption and utilization of Rumen8 among dairy farmers in Rukungiri District. These efforts would contribute to the sustainable improvement of dairy production and livelihoods in the region.