https://nscme.unza.zm/index.php/JABS/issue/feed 2025-01-03T12:28:22+00:00 Prof Chisoni Mumba, PhD cmumba@unza.zm Open Journal Systems The University of Zambia Journal of Agricultural and Biomedical Sciences (UNZA-JABS) is a quarterly Journal open to journal article publications in the fields of agriculture, medicine, veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences as well as such allied life sciences. The Journal welcomes manuscripts submissions that meet the general criteria of significance and scientific excellence https://nscme.unza.zm/index.php/JABS/article/view/1196 2025-01-03T09:35:33+00:00 Shungu Rudo Takayindisa shungu.rudo@gmail.com Himoonga Bernard Moonga bmoonga@unza.zm John Shindano jshindano@unza.zm

This study provides a detailed overview of the manufacturing processes, of kachasu, a traditional distilled liquor produced in several African countries, including Zambia. Despite being illegal in Zambia, the manufacture and sale of kachasu continues, leading to concerns about its safety and alcohol content. Key findings of the study include: • Primary raw materials used in kachasu production are table sugar, maize malt, and water. • Seven distinct manufacturing methods were identified. • Different grades of kachasu (number 1, number 2, number 3) were identified, each with varying alcohol content. • Manufacturing of kachasu was noted to occur under unsanitary conditions. • The equipment used in the manufacture of kachasu is similar to that used in Zimbabwe. The study highlights the need for regulation and monitoring of kachasu production to ensure its safety and compliance with legal standards, including alcohol content limits. Keywords: kachasu, number 1, number 2, number 3, mixed, Ng’ombe, Kalingalinga

2024-11-15T12:58:28+00:00 ##submission.copyrightStatement## https://nscme.unza.zm/index.php/JABS/article/view/1233 2025-01-03T09:35:30+00:00 Joshua Ngwisha vet2200018@student.unza.zm Mulemba Samutela mulemba.samutela@unza.zm Bernard Mudenda Hangómbe bhangombe@unza.zm Kennedy Choongo kennedychoongo@yahoo.ie

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a global public health threat, impacting the livestock sector. In Southern Africa, alternative ethno-remedies for AMR in pigs are under-researched. This study evaluated the efficacy of Aloe vera and Curcuma longa in managing Staphylococcus aureus infections in pigs. Materials and Methods: Herbs were collected following a non-participatory rapid appraisal from Luanshya and Lusaka Districts of Zambia, while S. aureus was sourced from porcine nasal swabs. Crude extracts were prepared using ethanol, ethyl acetate, and aqueous solvents. The agar dilution method assessed the efficacy of three groups: Aloe vera, Curcuma longa, and a combination (5:1). Cephalexin, neomycin, and kanamycin served as positive controls, while DMSO was the negative control. Results: Curcuma longa showed the highest susceptibility (S=75%, I=25%), followed by Aloe vera (S=56%, I=19%, R=25%). The combined formulation yielded S=48%, I=26%, R=26%. The positive control produced S=63%, R=37%, and the negative control had R=100%. Conclusion: Curcuma longa and Aloe vera exhibit potential in managing porcine upper respiratory tract infections caused by S. aureus in Zambia. These findings warrant further safety and clinical tests to validate their use, determine minimum inhibitory concentrations, and establish appropriate dosages for effective application.

2024-11-15T12:46:46+00:00 ##submission.copyrightStatement## https://nscme.unza.zm/index.php/JABS/article/view/1279 2025-01-03T09:35:25+00:00 Robert Mirisho robertmirisho@yahoo.com Mercy Mukuma mercy.mukuma@unza.zm Geoffrey Mainda geoffreymainda@yahoo.co.uk Flavien Nsoni Bumbangi bnflavien@gmail.com Steward Mudenda steward.mudenda@unza.zm Isaac Silwamba isaacsilwambak@yahoo.com Nelson Phiri nphiri39@yahoo.com Elizabeth Muligisa Muonga elizabethmuligisa@gmail.com Mwaba Mwansa mwabamwansa312@gmail.com Musso Munyeme mussomunyeme@gmail.com Ethel M'kandawire ethel.mkandawire@unza.zm John Bwalya Muma jmuma@unza.zm

A cross-sectional study was conducted in five districts of Zambia. The study aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in broiler chickens in Zambia. A total of 109 broiler farms were included in the study, of which 104 were small-scale farms, two were medium-scale, and three were commercial-scale. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered alongside the collection of cloacal swabs and litter samples to determine the risk factors associated with the occurrence of AMR of food pathogen microorganisms on the selected broiler farms. Data collected was analysed using STATA version 12. The broiler farm-level AMR prevalence was 84.4% (n= 109). Gender, marital status, administration of drugs by veterinary personnel or the farmer and the poultry house drainage destination were among the predictors of AMR on broiler chicken farms. The high prevalence of AMR in broiler chicken farms suggests a high dependence on antimicrobials in poultry production in Zambia. In addition, socio-demographics such as gender and age, as well as farm characteristics and management practices, may primarily contribute to the high prevalence of antibiotic resistance. This study has demonstrated the association between the AMR of foodborne pathogens and the risk factors for AMR during poultry production. It is, therefore, necessary for risk management measures such as biosecurity to be put in place to target the identified AMR predictor variables. There is also a need to strengthen AMR surveillance to ensure intervention strategies are appropriate to the existing risk.

2024-10-15T04:43:02+00:00 ##submission.copyrightStatement## https://nscme.unza.zm/index.php/JABS/article/view/1293 2025-01-03T12:28:22+00:00 Mubita Matale mubita_matale@yahoo.co.uk Careen Hankanga careen.hankanga@unza.zm Farai Phiri faraiphiri08@gmail.com Mercy Chipolo mercymchipolo@gmail.com Mawiini Mwandabantu mwandabantumawiini@gmail.com Katendi Changula katendichangula@gmail.com Girja Shanker Pandey pandeygs@gmail.com

This case report, summarizes the cytopathology and therapeutic management of a primary atypical extra-genital ocular Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumour (CTVT) of lymphocytic subtype in a two-year-old German Shepherd mixed breed of dog in Lusaka, Zambia. The presenting problem was a unilateral friable red mass growth covering the right eye affecting the vision. The mass which appeared to have started on its own, was first observed in March, 2022. The dog was the only one affected in a household of two dogs, the vaccination and deworming status was up to date. Vital physical parameters were within normal range except the mucopurulent ocular discharge, conjunctivitis, vascularization and blepharospasm in the right eye. Cytology and histopathology of the biopsied mass revealed the presence of neoplastic round cells characteristic of canine transmissible venereal tumour of lymphocytic subtype. The case was successfully managed through 6 doses of vincristine sulphate administered intravenously at weekly intervals. Management of the case towards complete recovery included chemotherapy, antibiotics, fluid therapy and appetite stimulant. CTVT should be included in the differential diagnosis if there are extra-genital with those of other round cell tumours, especially ocular masses in dogs living in geographical regions with a high TVT prevalence.

2024-11-15T12:42:37+00:00 ##submission.copyrightStatement## https://nscme.unza.zm/index.php/JABS/article/view/1274 2025-01-03T09:35:39+00:00 Adetunmbi Tella adetunmbi.tella@fuoye.edu.ng Francis Bosede Adebayo adetunmbi.tella@fuoye.edu.ng Joshua Femi Oluwadele adetunmbi.tella@fuoye.edu.ng Olumuyiwa Jacob Osunkey adetunmbi.tella@fuoye.edu.ng Gazali Bala Dandara adetunmbi.tella@fuoye.edu.ng

The integration of bioinformatics in animal breeding has transformed the way genetic information is utilized to improve disease resistance and overall productivity in livestock. This review examines the roles of bioinformatics in animal breeding, with a particular focus on research related to disease resistance. The article explores the latest advances in genome sequencing, genomic selection, and the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that contribute to disease resistance. By leveraging recent literature, it,s highlights the potential of bioinformatics tools and techniques to accelerate breeding programs, improve animal health, and enhance the efficiency of livestock production. It also discusses the challenges associated with bioinformatics in animal breeding, such as data management and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration.

2024-11-15T12:52:13+00:00 ##submission.copyrightStatement##