Masters Theses and Dissertations [LiSBE]

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Browsing Masters Theses and Dissertations [LiSBE] by Subject "animal manure,"

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    Rabbit urine and sunflower oil reinforced tephrosia-based formulation for cowpea insectpests management in Singida, Tanzania
    (NM-AIST, 2023-07) Matle, Agricola
    Insect pests are a major problem in cowpea production. Synthetic pesticides are used to control; however, are non-friendly to human and diversity of organisms. These negative effects raise farmers' interest in botanical pesticides due to less harmful effects on the ecosystem. Tephrosia vogelii extracts, rabbit urine, and sunflower oil were assessed for synergistic effects against cowpea field’s insectpest’s including aphids, pod borer, leaf miner, and beneficial insects. The ingredients were combined in ratio of 10% (w/v) Tephrosia Vogelii (T), 50% (v/v) rabbit urine (U), and 10% (v/v) of sunflower oil (O), while unsprayed plots and synthetic pesticide (Lambda- cyhalothrin 2.5 EC) were control negative and positive, respectively. The experiment was laid down in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Spraying was done weekly where abundances for insects were recorded a day before next schedule. Results showed significant difference P≤0.001 in insect pest counts between treatments. The positive control exhibited smaller mean number (4.3 ± 0.3 d, 4.7±0.3 a and 5.0±0.6 a), followed by combined formulation OUT at a mean (11.0 ± 0.6 c, 8.0±0.6 b, and 4.3±0.3 a) for aphid, leaf miner, and pod borer respectively compared to negative control and individual ingredients (O, U and T) evidencing synergy. The results also indicated the combined formulation (Oil, rabbit urine and Tephrosia) OUT showed comparable yield of (846.1 kg/ha) with control positive (794.6 kg/ha) while uncombine formulation and negative control showed lower yield of 520.6 kg/ha, 611.1 (kg/ha), 662.2 kg/ha, and 483.3 kg/ha respectively. Based on the results, OUT-formulation exhibits synergy for managing cowpea’s insectpest’s, however study on cost-benefit is recommended.
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    Seasonal variation in forage availability and nutritional composition of the black rhino (diceros bicornis michaeli) diet in Mkomazi National Park, Tanzania
    (NM-AIST, 2023-08) Sisya, Emanuel
    A study was conducted on rhino forage availability and diet to gather vital information for the sustainable conservation of critically endangered black rhino populations. Specifically, the study was set to establish the quantity and quality of natural forages browsed by rhinos in Mkomazi National Park (MKONAPA) as affected by seasonality. This study was prompted by the observed decline in body condition during dry periods, highlighting the need for a better understanding of forage quantity and quality in the area. The current study aimed to investigate seasonal variations in the black rhino diet at MKONAPA by comparing foraging, browsing intensity, forage preference and nutritional composition of the most preferred forage between wet and dry seasons. A simple-random sampling technique was deployed to select 58 square grids in the wet and dry seasons (replication), and plots were laid for vegetation assessment and plant sample collection in the Mkomazi rhino sanctuary (MRS). Browses foraged by rhinos were compared with rhino feeding data from fourteen rhino-range areas within Africa savannah. Results showed that more than 85% of species edible in MKONAPA were similar to those in rhino range areas. The diversity of consumed browses was higher (t = 4.58, p<0.001) in wet season than in dry season. Forage browsing intensity by rhinos correlated positively with forage preference and was significantly high (w= 482, p<0.001) in dry season when browse availability was low. Forage nutrient composition was within the average level reported in browses consumed by free-ranging rhinos within Africa savannah, but the crude fat (3.07 ± 1.04%) and crude protein (9.33 ± 1.45%) were marginally low in dry season, while zinc was low in both seasons. This study established seasonal variation in dietary composition, browsing intensity and nutritional composition. This study suggests establishing a monitoring program of preferred and highly nutritional forages for rhino diet during the dry season, assessing the density of competitor browsers, supplementing rhinos with lucerne diet during prolonged dry seasons and mineral (zinc) licks to improve rhino body condition status and health in the sanctuary.