Research Article
Influence of Seasonal Water Stress on Direct Water Use and Milk Production Performance of Dairy Goats in Contrasting Ecosystems of Embu County, Kenya
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
129-136
Received:
22 June 2026
Accepted:
8 July 2026
Published:
18 September 2026
Abstract: Seasonal water stress is increasingly recognised as a major constraint to livestock productivity in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in smallholder dairy goat production systems that depend on rain-fed resources. This study assessed the influence of seasonal water stress on direct water use and milk production performance of dairy goats under contrasting highland and lowland ecosystems in Embu County, Kenya. The study employed a cross-sectional survey involving 196 smallholder dairy goat farms, which was conducted in the Runyenjes (highland) and Mbeere North (lowland) sub-counties. Data on direct water use volume, water costs, and milk production during normal, prolonged drought, and excessive rainfall seasons were collected using structured questionnaires. Effects of season, production system, ecosystem, and their interactions were analysed using General Linear Models. The results of the study showed substantial variation in direct water use among farms, ranging from approximately 22.7 to 41.8 litres per farm per day. Seasonal effects on water volume used were not significant (P > 0.05), whereas the ecosystem significantly influenced water use (P < 0.05), with farms in the highland ecosystem using more water than those in the lowland ecosystem. Water costs differed significantly across seasons and production systems (P < 0.05), with costs being highest during normal seasons. Milk yield varied according to ecosystem and stage of lactation. Goats reared in the lowland ecosystem produced significantly more milk than those in the highland ecosystem (P < 0.05). Seasonal effects on milk production were not significant, although prolonged drought and excessive rainfall tended to influence production patterns. The findings demonstrate that ecosystem characteristics exert a stronger influence on dairy goat water use and productivity than seasonal conditions alone. Strengthening climate-smart water management interventions and ecosystem-specific dairy goat production strategies will enhance the resilience and sustainability of smallholder dairy goat farming under increasing climate variability.
Abstract: Seasonal water stress is increasingly recognised as a major constraint to livestock productivity in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in smallholder dairy goat production systems that depend on rain-fed resources. This study assessed the influence of seasonal water stress on direct water use and milk production performance of dairy goats under contr...
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Case Report
Fatal Canine Parvoviral Enteritis Associated with Neutrophilia Rather Than Classical Leukopenia in a Juvenile German Shepherd Puppy
Abubakar Abdulrauf Hassan*
,
Muhammad Jimoh,
Shamsuddeen Muhammad,
Peter Charles Mshelia,
Ahmad Muhammad Bako,
Ibrahim Abubakar Ali,
Nathaniel Jude Govo,
Muhammad Salisu Abubakar
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
137-143
Received:
23 August 2026
Accepted:
4 September 2026
Published:
24 September 2026
Abstract: Canine parvovirus enteritis (CPVE) remains a highly contagious and frequently fatal viral disease affecting young dogs globally. This case report describes the clinical progression and postmortem findings of CPVE in a 7-week-old male German Shepherd puppy presented to the D.I.K Osori Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. The patient presented with a two-day history of anorexia, vomiting, and foul-smelling diarrhea after being housed with a dog that had recently recovered from CPVE. Clinical examination revealed 5% dehydration, tachycardia, and tachypnea. A rapid fecal antigen test confirmed CPVE. Hematological analysis revealed normocytic normochromic anemia with moderate neutrophilia, suggesting an acute inflammatory response associated with severe intestinal injury and highlighting an atypical neutrophilic hematological response in CPVE. Despite aggressive fluid resuscitation with Ringer's Lactate and dual antimicrobial intervention, the patient succumbed to the infection three days post-admission. Gross necropsy revealed severe, diffuse mucohemorrhagic enteritis with a characteristic "ground-glass" serosal appearance, mesenteric lymphadenomegaly, and diffuse pulmonary congestion and edema. Histopathological evaluation confirmed severe lymphoid depletion in the mesenteric lymph nodes and proteinaceous alveolar exudates in the lungs. The combined clinical and pathological findings were consistent with severe systemic circulatory and inflammatory disturbances preceding death, highlighting the importance of recognizing atypical hematological presentations in CPVE.
Abstract: Canine parvovirus enteritis (CPVE) remains a highly contagious and frequently fatal viral disease affecting young dogs globally. This case report describes the clinical progression and postmortem findings of CPVE in a 7-week-old male German Shepherd puppy presented to the D.I.K Osori Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. The patient presen...
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Research Article
Diagnostic Survey of Honeybee Diseases, Pests, and Predators in East Hararghe Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia
Belete Fikadu Gemeda*,
Ifa Tesfaye
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
144-153
Received:
17 June 2026
Accepted:
6 July 2026
Published:
30 September 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.avs.20261405.13
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Abstract: The study was conducted in the East Hararghe Zone of the Oromia Regional State to determine the occurrence, prevalence, and effects associated with honeybee diseases, pests, and predators. Three districts were purposefully selected, representing three agro-ecological zones (highland, midland, and lowland). Within each district, three peasant associations (PAs) were selected. From each PA, at least three apiaries were randomly chosen for the assessment. For each apiary, colonies were inspected for the clinical symptoms of honeybee diseases and pests. A total of 162 honeybee colonies were randomly sampled from the apiaries of 90 beekeepers who participated in the questionnaire survey. The samples were examined in the laboratory to determine the presence or absence of diseases and pests. The results indicated that the occurrence of honeybee diseases and pests varied with hive type and agro-ecological zone. The use of pesticides and herbicides, as well as bee forages, was identified as the primary cause of the decrease in bee colonies and honey yields in the area. The diagnostic results revealed no clinical symptoms of AFB or EFB infection in any of the studied areas. However, a considerable number of honeybee colonies were infested with Varroa mites, Nosema, amoeba, and chalk brood diseases, and traditional beehives showed a higher prevalence of Nosema, amoeba, Varroa mites, and bee lice compared to modern beehives. The highland area had a higher prevalence of Nosema and amoeba, whereas the lowland area had the highest prevalence of Varroa mite and bee lice. The current results indicated that hive type and agroecology contributed to the varying levels of disease and pest prevalence in a given area. Thus, raising awareness of proper agrochemical use, encouraging adoption of modern beekeeping technologies, and implementing disease management strategies to safeguard the well-being of honeybee colonies are important.
Abstract: The study was conducted in the East Hararghe Zone of the Oromia Regional State to determine the occurrence, prevalence, and effects associated with honeybee diseases, pests, and predators. Three districts were purposefully selected, representing three agro-ecological zones (highland, midland, and lowland). Within each district, three peasant associ...
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