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Access status: Open Access ,
Research project AG420: understanding anthelmintic use in livestock in Bindura: a knowledge, attitudes and practices study among farmers and animal health professionals
(BUSE, 2026-06) Mutandadzi, Theophilus Alistair
The objective of this study was to examine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of livestock farmers and animal health workers of the use of anthelmintics in Bindura District of Zimbabwe. The study was stimulated by the concerns to anticipate the improper use of anthelmintic drugs and the increasing problem of anthelmintic resistance in livestock production systems. A quantitative cross sectional research design was used and data gathered using structured questionnaires from the livestock farmers and animal healthcare providers. Farmers involved in cattle, goat, sheep and poultry farming and veterinary officers, animal health technicians and agricultural extension officers in Bindura District were the study population.350 questionnaires were sent to livestock farmers, and 332 completed questionnaires were returned, yielding a 94.9% response rate. A total of 20 questionnaires were sent to animal health professionals and 18 were returned yielding a 90% return. Descriptive statistical techniques such as frequencies and percentages were used to analyse the information that was collected. Moreover, a goodness of fit test, using a chi-square distribution, was conducted to determine whether or not there was statistical significance at the 5% level. The findings revealed that the majority of the farmers had a general knowledge about anthelmintics and recognized the necessity of regular deworming in animal husbandry. Despite this overall knowledge, there were concerns regarding A number of factors that prevented correct use of the anthelmintics were found such as the high cost of veterinary medicines, inadequate veterinary service availability, lack of knowledge about the use of the medicines by the farmers and irregular availability.
Access status: Open Access ,
Comparative analysis of the prevalence of Escherichia coli from poultry meat sold in informal and formal butcheries in Epworth
(BUSE, 2026-06) Murwisi, Linda Zvanguzvino
Contaminated poultry meat is a common source of dangerous bacteria, and food borne illnesses constitute a significant community health problem in low- and middle-income states. Escherichia coli is a trustworthy indicator of fecal pollution and inadequate hygiene throughout processing, retail, and slaughter. In Epworth, poultry meat is marketed through both registered and uncontrolled butcheries. However, comparative information on E. coli contamination between these two market channels is absent. The drive of this cross-sectional dissertation was to observe the E. coli infection prevalence, enumeration, and hygiene-related parameters in chicken meat served by official butcheries and informal vendors in Epworth. Twenty-one broiler meat samples were acquired from randomly selected informal sellers and 21 from formal butcheries (three visits each). Enrichment in pep tone water was used to recover E. coli, which was then cultured at 37°C on MacConkey, blood, and TBX agar. The identification was confirmed by colony morphology, Gram staining, and biochemical assays. Total E. coli counts were measured via direct plating (cfu/g). A systematic hygiene observation checklist (maximum score of 22) was utilized to evaluate handling methods. The data were analysed using R software, with chi-square tests for prevalence and Mann-Whitney U tests for numbers. The relationship between the cleanliness score and log-transformed counts was found using linear regression and Spearman's rank correlation. Vendor samples had a considerably greater prevalence of E. coli (86%, 18/21) compared to butchery samples (52%, 11/21) (p=0.024). Vendor meat had significantly higher median E. coli counts (2.5 × 10⁵ cfu/g, IQR: 1.2 × 10³-3.0 × 10⁶) compared to butchery meat (<1.0 × 10¹ cfu/g, IQR: <1.0 × 10¹-2.0 × 10³) (p < 0.001). Several vendor samples surpassed Zimbabwe’s acceptable limit (<1 × 10⁶ cfu/g). Butcheries had considerably higher hygiene scores (mean ± SD: 13.16 ± 2.07) compared to merchants (5.84 ± 1.03) (p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 4.5). A moderate negative correlation was found between hygiene score and log E. coli count (Spearman's ρ = -0.259, p = 0.045). Linear regression revealed that a one-point increase in cleanliness score was linked with a 41% drop in E. coli count (R² = 0.236, p < 0.001). Despite improved overall compliance, butcheries engaged in certain "bad practices" (e.g., soiled aprons, using the same apron for several activities) that require attention. Poultry meat supplied by informal vendors in Epworth has a considerably greater level of E. coli contamination than licensed butcheries, indicating inadequate fecal cleanliness and an increased public health risk. Escherichia coli prevalence
Access status: Open Access ,
Evaluation of the effect and feasibility of pelleting Sickle bush/ Mupangara(Dischrostachys Cinerea) pods and leaves on the growth performance of weaned Mashonagoats in Ward 10, Shamva district of Mashonaland Central, Zimbabwe
(BUSE, 2026-06) Mukucha, Eunice Tafadzwa
Feed scarcity and poor- quality forage remain major constraints to goat productivity in semi- arid regions of Zimbabwe. DischrostachysCinerea which isabundant browse specie has a potential of becoming goat supplementary feed. However, its utilisation may be limited by presence of anti- nutritional factors such as tannins, tree height and by high fibre content. This study evaluated the effect and feasibility of pelleting D. Cinerea pods and leaves as supplementary feed for goats especially during the dry season period. Goats used in the experimental study were selected using purposive sampling as goats with specific characteristics such as age of 7 months were required. In terms of experimental design, a completely randomised design was used in which weaned growing goats were allocated to four dietary treatments. The treatments comprised of pods only, leaves only, pelleted mixture of pods and leaves (1:1) and a control dietof choppedthatch grass and maize stover at a ratio of 1:1, all these components were by weight. The feeding trial lasted for 99 days. Parameters measured included feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and economic feasibility of pelleting D. Cinerea. Goats fed on pelleted diet of D. Cinerea showed significantly higher average daily feed intake (29.7 kg) compared to those of pods only ( 21. 45kg), leaves only ( 27.12 kg), control (17.48 kg) and had the lowest feed refusal rate (mean 0.00) as compared to other diets. The control group lagged behind all the groups. The pelleted treatment resulted in the improvement of weight gain and feed conversion efficiency (Pods only ADG 0.05 kg/day, leaves only ADG 0.07 kg/day, Pellets ADG0.09 kg/day, Control ADG 0.02 kg/day) and this was relative to the control group. The findings of the study suggest that pelleting enhances feed intake and growth performance and at the same time improves practicality of using DischrostachysCinerea as a supplementary feed. D. Cinerea has a potential of becoming a cost – effective and sustainable feed resource for smallholder goat production systems mostly done in the communal areas of Zimbabwe. Further research is recommended to evaluate long- term performance and economic viability of using D. Cinerea pellets under field conditions. Moreover, the research studies should investigate the shelf life and storage stability of pellets particularly moulds growth on pellets and nutrient deterioration during storage.
Access status: Open Access ,
An assessment of antibiotic use and its contribution to antimicrobial resistance in poultry a case of Chikomba district, Chivhu Zimbabwe
(BUSE, 2026-06) Dzvimbo, Garauzive
This study examined antibiotic use practices and their contribution to a AMR among poultry farmers in Chikomba District, Chivhu, Zimbabwe. The study was initiated due to rising worries about the improper use of antibiotics in animal farming and the increasing risk of antimicrobial resistance, which poses a significant danger to both animal welfare and public health. It therefore aims to explore antibiotic usage practices among poultry farmers, assess farmers’ awareness of antimicrobial resistance, and identify the determinants of antibiotic misuse associated with poultry farming. A quantitative research design was used, and data were collected in the survey of 50 poultry farmers using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, regression analysis, and relationship analysis. Antibiotic usage among poultry farmers was evident in the results of the study, with 96% of respondents admitting to using antibiotics in their poultry production, as well as 80% using antibiotics at regular intervals in each cycle of their production. The study revealed low levels of awareness about antimicrobial resistance, as 58% of the respondents surveyed were unaware of AMR and 61.4% were unaware of how bacteria develop resistance. Similarly, 67.3% of participants did not know the withdrawal periods. The most significant contributors to the misuse of antibiotics were: (a) lack of veterinary guidance (36%) (b) limited knowledge of antibiotics (30%) (c) easy access to antibiotics (20%) and (d) disease outbreaks (14%). Using linear regressions, frequency of antibiotic use and AMR awareness are significantly negatively associated, while limited access to veterinary care significantly positively predicts antibiotic misuse. The study found that inappropriate antibiotic use practices by poultry farmers lead to the risk of antimicrobial resistance. The study suggests improving veterinary extension services, providing farmers with more education around antimicrobial stewardship, ensuring biosecurity, and stricter regulation of antibiotic distribution and use in poultry farming systems.
Access status: Open Access ,
An investigation of factors contributing to success rate of bovine artificial insemination carried out in Hurungwe district
(BUSE, 2026-06) Vhiringani, Kingsley
Artificial insemination (AI) is the main used reproductive biotechnology in the world when it comes to livestock production. It offers important advantages in genetic improvement and disease control. In Zimbabwe, it is not adopted as it should, although it has all these benefits. This study sought to investigate the factors contributing to bovine AI success rates in Hurungwe District. The main objective was to examine factors contributing to the success rates of bovine AI services within the district. Specific objectives included determining the role of government and private sector extension in supporting bovine AI; identifying the sources of semen used by farmers practicing AI and assessing the level of knowledge and experience of individuals conducting AI in the district. 100 cattle farmers were used after stratified random sampling from a population of 400 which consist of communal, smallholder, commercial beef and dairy farmers. Extension officers, AI technicians and veterinary officers were also engaged through purposive sampling. Interms of data collection structured questionaires and interviews were used and the data was analyzed using SSPS. The study showed that the majority of participating farmers (45%) were aged 40 50 years, with 80% having attained secondary education. Regarding semen supply, private companies contributed 60% of semen used in the district, followed by university processing units at 25% and NGOs at 15%. Organizational roles were divided with Agritex providing farmer education, the Veterinary Department overseeing animal health, the Research Department conducting semen evaluation and NGOs offering financial aid. Interms of knowledge and experience 60% of individuals conducting AI were non-skilled or untrained and a further 20% were only semi-skilled, this shows that 80% of practitioners lacked formal technical competency. Only 20% were classified as trained or fully skilled. AI success in Hurungwe District is mainly affected by a shortage of skilled personnel, a weak semen supply chain, partitioned institutional coordination and limited infrastructure. The study recommends the establishment of at least one community-based semen and liquid nitrogen storage depot in the district. It also advocates on a restructuring of Agritex extension programmes to include AI-specific modules covering estrous detection, semen handling, nutritional management of breeding females. The department of Veterinary services must train post-AI pregnancy monitoring skills since it's part of gap identified.