Animal Breeding

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    Common Peri Parturient Diseases, Disorders and Levels of Serum Nutritional Elements of One Humped Female Camel (Camelus dromedaries) in Northern Kenya
    (Science publishing group, 2025) Florence Thiakunu, James Kirimi, Joshua Arimi
    Camel rearing systems in the Arid and Semi Arid lands are undergoing significant changes, particularly around trading centers. More intensive camel production practices are replacing traditional extensive production systems. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Burat Ward, Isiolo County for intensive production systems and Laisamis, Marsabit County (extensive production systems). The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of common peri-parturient diseases and assess whether production systems and physiological status influence variations in serum levels of glucose, calcium, and magnesium. Data collection methods included focus group discussions, structured interviews, and blood sample analysis. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, mean comparisons, and Analysis of Variance. Results revealed that the prevalence of common diseases were higher in Laisamis (13.32-27%) than in Burat (4.59-12.06%). Likewise, gross mortality was higher in Laisamis (37.39%) than Burat (7.09%). Serum glucose levels were significantly lower in peri-parturient camels (3.91 and 4.45 mmol/L) compared to those in ordinary physiological status (6.09 mmol/L). Calcium levels remained consistent across physiological statuses and production systems (10.62-11.39 mg/dl). Magnesium levels were similar across physiological statuses but varied depending on the production system, they were higher in Burat (2.91-3.08 mg/dl) than Laisamis (2.46-2.71mg/dl). Most of the camels had below, normal and above normal levels of serum glucose, calcium and magnesium respectively. This was an indication that magnesium levels are influenced by dietary availability rather than physiological status. Malnutrition was the leading cause of death around parturition, primarily driven by negative energy balance. Blood glucose levels were found to depend on the physiological status of the camel, while calcium levels are tightly regulated by homeostatic mechanisms. Magnesium levels, however, depend on dietary intake. The study recommends improving camel nutrition during late pregnancy and early lactation to reduce the risk of metabolic and nutritional disorders.
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    Schistosomiasis, soil transmitted helminthiasis, and malaria co-infections among women of reproductive age in rural communities of Kwale County, coastal Kenya
    (BMC Public Health, 2022-01-19) Jeza, Victor Tunje; Mutuku, Francis; Kaduka, Lydia; Mwandawiro, Charles; Masaku, Janet; Okoyo, Collins; Kanyi, Henry; Kamau, Joyce; Ng’ang’a, Zipporah; Kihara, Jimmy Hussein
    Background: Schistosoma haematobium, soil transmitted helminthes (STH), and malaria lead to a double burden in pregnancy that eventually leads to poor immunity, increased susceptibility to other infections, and poor pregnancy outcomes. Many studies have been carried out on preschool and school aged children but very little has been done among the at risk adult population including women of reproductive age (WRA). Our current study sought to establish the risk factors and burden of co-infection with S. haematobium, STH, and Plasmodium sp. among WRA in Kwale County, Coastal Kenya. Methods: A total of 534 WRA between the ages of 15–50 were enrolled in this cross-sectional study from four villages; Bilashaka and Mwaluphamba in Matuga sub-County, and Mwachinga and Dumbule in Kinango sub-County. Socio-demographic information was collected using a pretested standardized questionnaire. Parasitological examination was done using urine filtration method for Schistosoma haematobium, Kato Katz for STH (Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm, Trichuris trichiura), and standard slide microscopy for Plasmodium sp. Statistical analyses were carried out using STATA version 15.1. Results: The overall prevalence of S. haematobium was 3.8% (95% CI: 2.6–5.4) while that for malaria was 4.9% (95% CI: 2.0–11.7). The prevalence of STH was 5.6% (95% CI: 2.8–11.3) with overall prevalence of 5.3% (95% CI: 2.5–10.9) for hookworm and 0.6% (95% CI: 0.2–1.9) for T. trichiura. The occurrence of co-infection was low and was recorded between S. haematobium and P. falciparum (0.6%), followed by S. haematobium and STH (0.4%).Among pregnant women, 2.6% had co-infection with S. haematobium and P. falciparum. Only 1.3% had co-infection with S. haematobium and hookworm or T. trichiura. Among non-pregnant women, co-infection with S. haematobium and P. falciparum was 0.2%. Similarly, co-infection with S. haematobium and hookworm or T. trichiura was 0.2%.Bed net ownership and usage among pregnant women was 87.8 and 96.6%, respectively. 66.3% of the women reported using improved water sources for drinking while 78.1% reported using improved sanitation facilities. Conclusion: The use of improved WASH activities might have contributed to the low prevalence of STHs and S. haematobium infections. Further, bed net ownership and usage might have resulted in the low prevalence of Plasmodium sp. infections observed.