Scientists discovered a protein that seals plant roots to regulate the uptake of nutrients and water from the soil. They add that the finding could help in developing climate proof crops that require less water and chemical fertilizers. The University of Nottingham team identified new components of the lignin barrier in plant roots and the...Read More
Mastomys natalensis, also known as the Natal multimammate mouse, is a rodent species found in many parts of Africa. It is considered the primary reservoir host for the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which causes bubonic plague. The sylvatic (wildlife) plague cycle primarily involves rodents and their fleas in natural settings. In the context of plague, these...Read More
by Ryan O’Hare Scientists have successfully used gene editing techniques to limit the spread of bird flu in chickens. In a UK first, researchers have been able to restrict, but not completely block, the avian influenza virus from infecting the birds by precisely altering a small section of their DNA. The modified birds showed no signs...Read More
The Department of Animal, Aquaculture and Range Sciences is pleased to inform the scientific community and to Congratulate Dr. Dorice Leonard Lutatenekwa a member of academic staff, for a successfully defending her PhD on 05th September 2023 at Sokoine University of Agriculture. The tittle of her PhD thesis is “Characterization of Cenchrus Ciliaris (African Foxtail)...Read More
Bacteria have been previously engineered to detect diseases by responding to specific metabolites or pathogens. Currently, species of bacteria have been engineered to detect specific mutations in human DNA. Using CRISPR gene editing, researchers at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), and colleagues from Australia, have engineered bacteria that can detect the presence of tumor...Read More
African foxtail grass (Cenchrus ciliaris), also known as buffel grass, is indeed a popular forage option in many tropical regions, including Tanzania. It’s known for its drought tolerance, adaptability to a variety of soil types, and its ability to provide good forage for livestock, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas. African foxtail grass is considered...Read More
The hound needlefish (Tylosurus crocodilus) belongs to the family Belonidae and is found in various coastal regions around the world, including the Tanzanian coastal waters. Population genetics studies have indicated high connectivity among hound needlefish populations in Tanzanian coastal waters. The hound needlefish Tylosurus crocodilus (Belonidae) is a highly demanded fish in the local markets...Read More
Feeding broiler chickens with different forms of Tanzania-type diets supplemented with microbial enzymes can have various effects on their growth performance, nutrient utilization, and overall health. The inclusion of microbial enzymes in broiler diets aims to enhance the digestibility of feed ingredients and improve nutrient utilization, thereby maximizing growth and productivity. When considering different forms...Read More
Cenchrus ciliaris is considered to be highly nutritive and excellent for pasture in hot, dry areas. It is valued for its production of palatable forage and intermittent grazing during dry periods in the tropics. The establishment of Cenchrus ciliaris, commonly known as buffel grass, among pastoralists in a semi-arid rangeland area of eastern Tanzania can provide...Read More
By Ruvuga, P.R. and ·Maleko, D,D. Dairy goat farming is an important agricultural activity in East Africa, as they are valued for their ability to provide milk, meat, and income for smallholder farmers in the region. East Africa has several goat breeds suitable for dairy production, including the Toggenburg, Saanen, Alpine, Anglo-Nubian, Norwegian etc. Local...Read More
