Research Article
Antimicrobials Use by Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Peri-Urban Area of Nakuru Kenya: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, August 2024
Pages:
107-118
Received:
29 May 2024
Accepted:
20 June 2024
Published:
2 July 2024
Abstract: In dairy intensification, mastitis infections become prevalent and induce frequent Antimicrobial Use (AMU), sometimes inappropriately. This poses public health risks because of growing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), which calls for stewardship programs informed by Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAPs) about AMU and AMR to halt or reverse the worrying trend. Data was obtained in cross sectional survey conducted in four peri-urban wards around Nakuru city in Kenya. Randomly selected sample farmers (n=124) with free-grazing, semi-zero-grazing or zero-grazing dairy management, representing increasing dairy intensification levels provided data on the KAPs. Chi-square test statistics was fitted to establish associations between KAPs and dairy intensification levels. Among the sample farmers, six in ten (58.8 percent) had intensified dairy production, at least six in ten were marketing milk through informal outlets and were using antimicrobial drugs. Compliance with the withdrawal period was high and increased (p<0.05) with increasing intensification from free-grazing to zero-grazing. Within antibiotic withdrawal period, at least seven in ten farmers did not sell milk, fewer than four in ten consumed their milk at home and fewer than three in ten fed the milk to calves. Though independent of dairy intensification level (p>0.05), using antimicrobials for mastitis treatment increased while sourcing information on antimicrobial use from extension and veterinary officers decreased, with increasing intensification level. Farmers with some training on prudent antimicrobial use and with positive attitudes that milk from antimicrobial treated cows is unsafe, antimicrobial resistant pathogens and residues can be passed from milk to humans, mastitis can be treated without antimicrobial drugs, and antimicrobial residues can end up accumulating in the soils increased (p>0.05) with increasing dairy intensification levels. These results show that regarding AMU and AMR, farmers become more knowledgeable, with positive attitudes and good practices as they intensify their dairy management. The implication is that intensification of dairy management motivates farmers to gain more knowledge, acquire positive attitudes and apply good practices towards responsible prudent use of antimicrobials in livestock. Therefore, strengthening stewardship with targeted training and sensitization can foster prudent and responsible antimicrobial use.
Abstract: In dairy intensification, mastitis infections become prevalent and induce frequent Antimicrobial Use (AMU), sometimes inappropriately. This poses public health risks because of growing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), which calls for stewardship programs informed by Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAPs) about AMU and AMR to halt or reverse the wo...
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Research Article
Husbandry Practices of Indigenous Goats Types in South West Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia
Murtessa Negesse Elala*,
Tesfaye Getachew,
Wondimu Woyamo
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, August 2024
Pages:
119-127
Received:
15 February 2024
Accepted:
3 April 2024
Published:
2 July 2024
Abstract: This study was conducted in South west Shewa zone, to identify Husbandry practices in Tole and Becho districts. Data were collected through questionnaire and, focal group discussion. A total of 180 households were selected for interview. Data collected via questionnaire were summarized with descriptive statistics and analyzed using SPSS, V.21. Chi–square test was employed for categorical data. Indices were calculated to provide ranking. Castration was primarily practiced to improve the fattening potential and acquire better price by selling fattened goats. Most of castration carried out at the age of >6months. Majority of respondents use shelter constructed in the main house and the remaining respondents use separate house. The primary feed resource during dry season was natural pasture followed by Shrubs and during wet season the primary feed resource was Shrubs and bushes followed by natural pasture. Majority of the respondents herd their goats separated from kids adult mainly to protect kids from attack by predators and to protect the does from losing their weight. The primary source of water during dry season River followed by spring and the primary source of water during wet season was Rain water followed by river. The primary disease affects goats were Orf followed by Foot root. The primary cause of death for goats was disease followed by accident. Generally, goats play a significant role for farmers as source of income generation and home consumption throughout the year. The primary feed resource during dry season was natural pasture followed by Shrubs, to increase production productive the goats in the study its better if focused on improving feed source and concentrated feed.
Abstract: This study was conducted in South west Shewa zone, to identify Husbandry practices in Tole and Becho districts. Data were collected through questionnaire and, focal group discussion. A total of 180 households were selected for interview. Data collected via questionnaire were summarized with descriptive statistics and analyzed using SPSS, V.21. Chi–...
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