A selective breeding program was implemented to improve the performance of indigenous chickens in Ethiopia. Improved chicken from the 7th generation were compared with commercial layer, crossbred and unselected indigenous chickens both on-station and on-farm. Continue reading
This project proposes a new strategy for creating resistance in cattle to African trypanosomiasis, a major disease that affects agricultural production in broad regions of Africa. The long-term aim is to generate genetically modified cattle, which carry a gene that imparts resistance to African trypanosomes. Continue reading
Disease in livestock is one of the main factors contributing to limited productivity and incomes among cattle farmers in Tanzania. This poster, prepared for the Tropentag 2014 conference, presents findings from a survey conducted by ILRI among cattle farmers in Tanzania to confirm the presence of well-known cattle pathogens and to investigate the presence of cattle pathogens rarely looked for in the area before. Continue reading
This poster explains the work of the Vaccine Biosciences group at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) which seeks to a hub of research excellence dedicated to developing vaccine-based solutions to reduce disease burdens that limit livestock productivity in smallholder and pastoral farming systems. Continue reading
‘Ng’ombe planner’ is designed to record milk production, fertility, calving, curative measures undertaken and general preventive treatment such as dipping or spraying. The tool will provide feedback to the farmer where necessary. Continue reading
Sheila Ommeh is one of the few scientists who are devoted chicken research, in this interview, we connect the dots from the moment her initial curiosity on agricultural research was stirred to her current research highlights. Q: Have you always wanted to be a scientist? SO: Yes, my curiosity started in the early 1990s when … Continue reading
Causing up to 100 per cent mortality in previously unaffected animals, African Swine Fever (ASF) is a devastating disease of pigs. Endemic across much of Africa, the disease poses a wider threat to global food security, particularly in East Asia, where at least 50 per cent of the protein consumed is pork, much of it … Continue reading
‘Highlighting our publications’ is a new blog series that will feature publications from the Biotech theme. The success of scientific research is greatly pegged on existing information and published scientific work to provide crucial information and knowledge that is important to the progress of science. Our publications represent the latest results in areas such as: … Continue reading
‘Animal Health and Genetics’ was an interesting discussion session at last week’s LiveSTOCK Exchange event. This session was introduced by Vish Nene, the Theme Director of the ILRI Biotech group and he focused on 3 broad areas where science will revolutionize the 21st century. They are: Computer revolution Quantum revolution Bio-molecular revolution Computer Revolution: A … Continue reading
Lillian Wambua is one of the 2011 African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) Fellows. Her passion for genetic studies on Animal trypanosomiasis (Nagana) formed the backbone of her PhD degree in Characterization of Trypanosoma congolense-induced endotoxic shock response in mouse models, which she attained in February 2011. She has been studying the components … Continue reading
ILRI BioSciences 