Effects of the dietary replacement of maize with sun-dried cocoa pods on the performance of growing rabbits.

Twenty seven mixed-breed growing rabbits (1.2-1.3 kg body weight) aged 10-12 weeks were used to study the effects of the dietary replacement of maize with sun-dried cocoa pod husks on the performance of growing rabbits in a 6-week trial.

Effect of pre-partum feed supplementation on post-partum ovarian activity, milk production and calf growth of small holder dairy Cattle in Cameroon.

Seventy-two cows were selected for an on-farm study on the effect of feed supplementation before calving on milk production, ovarian activity and calf growth of Holstein, indigenous Red Fulani cows and their crosses. Pre-partum feed supplementation was done using cotton seed cake (80%), maize (18%), bone meal (1%) and kitchen salt (1% NaCl). Supplementation levels consisted of a low supplementation fed at 1 kg per animal per day and high supplementation fed at 2 kg per animal per day.

Effect of cow parity and synchronization method with PGF2α on conception rates of Bos indicus cows in Cameroon.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of two synchronization methods with prostaglandins F2α (PGF2α) on heifers and multiparous cows. Fourty-three Bos indicus cows (white and Red Fulani) were divided into four groups in a two-by-two factorial structure, parity x method of synchronization. The synchronization methods consisted of a two-dose regime which involved injection of animals on day 0 with PGF2α (Lutalyse) at 5 ml per cow intramuscularly.

Viability of cattle sperm under different storage conditions in Cameroon.

A study was carried out to evaluate the viability of extended cattle semen, without freezing, under different storage conditions. The semen was collected from Holstein Friesian bulls using artificial vaginas. The semen was extended and stored in a 3-by-4 factorial design (storage system × ice change).

Impact of management interventions on smallholder dairy farms of the Western Highlands of Cameroon.

A study was carried out to evaluate the impact of interventions to solve constraints in smallholder dairy farms of the Western Highlands of Cameroon. The interventions consisted of improved breeding through introduction of artificial insemination, better feed supplementation, farmers training in milk processing and better veterinary services. Results show that there was a decrease in average monthly expenditures of 18% relative to the month before interventions started.

An integrated method for improving the dairy production sector in developing countries: the case of Cameroon.

During the past six years, ten research topics were carried out with the aim of developing an integrated method to improve production and sustainability of dairy systems in Cameroon. This involved reviewing dairy research done in the country, carrying out a participatory rural appraisal and an economic opportunity survey in selected dairy farms, setting up on-farm interventions, investigating cow reproduction, evaluating milk quality and the impact of integrated interventions. Guidelines for improvement of the dairy sector were set up.

Prevalence of Brucella abortus antibodies in serum of Holstein cattle in Cameroon.

Holstein cattle of a small scale dairy production systems were screened for Brucella abortus antibodies in 21 villages in Cameroon by ELISA. Results show a general seroprevalence of 8.4% in Holstein cattle.

Economic opportunity survey of small scale dairy farms of the north west province of Cameroon.

An Economic Opportunity Survey was conducted on dairy farms in the North West Province of Cameroon. Results showed that median (range) number of cows in milk per farm was zero point six (0-4) and six (3-12) in the zero grazing and transhumance systems, respectively. Medians (range) of three (0-24) and four (3-10) litres of milk were sold per farm per day, corresponding to 30% and 60% of milk produced.

Validation of a human progesterone enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kit for use on serum of cattle in Cameroon.

A study aimed at validating a human progesterone enzyme immunoassay kit was carried out on cattle at Bambui, Cameroon. Progesterone ELISA Kits (EH-511) were obtained from Clinpro International. Forty-one cows were selected, of which 19 were pregnant and 22 within 14 days post partum.

Effect of replacing cotton seed cake with poultry droppings on weight gain of growing cattle at Bambui, Cameroon.

To investigate the effect of replacing cotton seed cake by poultry droppings in the diet of cattle, 30 animals were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments in a 2 x 3 factorial design, sex x treatments. The three treatments consisted of replacing 0%, 25% and 50% (T0, T25, T50 respectively) of the crude protein in 500 g of cotton seed cake with an equivalent amount of protein in poultry droppings. The concentrate offered was 615 g in T0, 652.

[Seasonal dynamics of tick infestations in cattle (Ixodoidea) in cattle sold in the area of Yaoundé, Cameroon].

Among the tick species identified in Cameroon, eight were found in cattle in Yaoundé: Amblyomma variegatum, Boophilus annulatus, B. decoloratus, Haemaphysalis aciculifer, Hyalomma nitidum, Rhipicephalus longus, Rh. lunulatus, Rh.

Preliminary observations on ticks and tick-borne diseases in the north west province of Cameroon. I. Babesiosis and anaplasmosis.

During a survey on ticks and tick-borne diseases in the North-Western Cameroon at the Bamenda cattle market, the ticks identified were Boophilus annulatus (20%) and B. decoloratus (80%). More than 50% of the ticks were collected during the dry season.