This study investigated the adoption, benefits, and challenges of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in dairy farms in the Mutasa District of Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe, utilizing a purposive sample of thirty small-scale and medium- to large-scale farmers. The overall ICT utilization was found to be low, with farmers primarily relying on the mobile phone as the most pervasive tool across all scales. The principal benefit cited was improved financial services, for instance mobile money transfers for milk payments. Despite the potential for improved productivity, the adoption of advanced dairy ICTs and computers was negligible. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in overall ICT usage between the two farming scales. The main constraints to adoption were identified as the high costs of ICTs and a pervasive lack of skills, compounded by infrastructural deficits such as the unavailability of electricity. The study recommends a dedicated focus on providing adequate financing and implementing targeted skills development through community information centers and extension services to promote the uptake of advanced agricultural ICTs. Full article

This objective of the study was to investigate the effects of season and energy levels on the broiler productivity index (BPI) in the semi-arid environment. The study was conducted in three different seasons (hot, rainy and cold seasons). A total of 2,025 boiler chickens comprising three strains (Arbor Acre, Marshall and Hubbard) were used. Of this, 675 were used per season, with 225 birds from each strain. The birds were fed diets containing three energy levels: low (LE), medium (ME), and high (HE). Temperature-humidity index (THI) of the seasons was computed to characterize the thermal comfort of the chickens across the seasons. Results indicated that the chickens were reared under severe heat stress (THI > 30), moderate heat stress (THI 27.8–28.8), and thermo-neutral conditions (THI < 27.8) during the hot, rainy, and cold seasons, respectively. Additionally, energy level and season significantly affected the BPI of the chickens (p < 0.05). Birds fed the LE diet had a higher BPI than those fed the other energy levels. Furthermore, birds reared during the cold season exhibited a higher BPI than those reared in the other seasons. Therefore, feeding the LE diet improved the BPI of birds across all seasons. Full article

The increasing competition for major feed ingredients such as maize due to world crisis, caused by the high cost and scarcity of these conventional feed ingredients due to climate changes have necessitated the exploration of indigestible alternative feed resources for sustainable small ruminant production. Crop residues and agro-industrial by-products (AIBPs) are highly abundant, cost-effective, and readily available feed options that can enhance livestock production while minimizing environmental waste. This systematic review evaluates the nutritive effects, physiological responses, and reproductive parameters associated with the inclusion of crop residues and AIBPs in small ruminant diets. The review synthesizes findings from various studies, highlighting their impact on feed intake, digestibility, growth performance, haematological and biochemical indices, reproductive efficiency, and overall productivity. While these alternative feed resources can improve nutrient availability and animal performance, challenges such as anti-nutritional factors and variability in nutrient composition must be addressed through appropriate processing techniques. The findings suggest adequate utilization of crop residues and AIBPs, alongside suitable supplementation, did not necessarily affect the production indices, thereby enhancing small ruminant production, reduce feeding costs, and contribute to sustainable livestock farming as well as decrease the potency for environmental pollution. Full article

This study examined the key factors influencing goat production in selected local government areas of Anambra State, Nigeria. A well-structured questionnaire was distributed to 100 goat farmers randomly selected from the three locations. Percentage frequency, multiple regression, and chi-square analyses were employed in data analysis. Results indicated that 64% of the respondents were male and 36% female. The predominant breeds raised were West African Dwarf (68%) and Red Sokoto (32%), managed under extensive (50%), semi-intensive (47%), and intensive (3%) systems. About 70% of the respondents had no access to credit, and of those who received (30%), only 7% obtained credit from the bank. A majority (66%) of the respondents had no access to veterinary services, resulting in infrequent vaccination (68%) and prevailing Peste des Petits Ruminants (70%) and foot-and-mouth (25%) diseases. Regression analysis revealed that the production system significantly influenced farmers' income (R² = 34.50%, b = 1.04, p < 0.05), while herd size was primarily affected by production costs (R² = 22.90%, b = 0.26, p < 0.05). Chi-square results indicated that income and production costs were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with gender and location of goat farmers. The study concludes that socio-economic characteristics, breed type, production system, loan access, diseases, veterinary factors and geographical location are critical determinants of income and herd size among goat farmers. Prioritizing these factors is essential for enhancing productivity and economic returns in goat farming in Anambra State. Full article

The food and beverage industry generates a significant amount of fruit waste, especially in the form of peels, seeds, and various components of fruit pomace. The mismanagement of fruit pomace, particularly when dumped in landfills, poses significant health and environmental risks. Therefore, it is crucial to redirect these byproducts to productive applications, such as broiler nutrition, where they have substantial potential to contribute to reducing feeding costs. The pomace is, however, often unsuitable as broiler feed ingredients due to their high crude fiber and tannin contents. In recent years, solid state fermentation (SSF) with bacteria, fungi, and yeast has been applied to valorize pomace through breaking down complex materials into simpler, more digestible compounds, enhancing the bioavailability of nutrients, and boosting the antioxidant activity. It is envisaged that the utilization of fruit pomace as broiler feed ingredients is expected to alleviate pressure on conventional feed ingredients, optimize broiler production systems, and promote both environmental and economic sustainability. This review aims to gather supporting evidence on the applicability and potential of SSF of fruit pomace, as well as the impact of the resulting fermented fruit pomace on broiler nutrition, focusing on growth performance metrics, meat quality attributes, and gut health. Full article

Backyard poultry farming is an efficient, sustainable, and economical practice in which kitchen waste serves as a key component. Organic kitchen waste can be used to feed poultry, providing nutrients from vegetable scraps, fruit peels, leftover cooked food, and crushed eggshells, thereby reducing reliance on costly commercial feeds. Eggshells, for example, are an excellent source of calcium, which supports bone strength and improves egg production in laying hens. However, inorganic waste such as plastic, glass, and other non-degradable materials must be excluded, as they pose health risks and endanger poultry. Using kitchen waste not only lowers feed costs and improves economic efficiency but also promotes environmental sustainability by diverting organic waste from landfills, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to a circular bioeconomy. Kitchen waste offers a sustainable and potentially cost-effective alternative to commercial feed, with nutritional content that varies but can provide valuable protein, fat, and fiber. Studies have shown that certain food waste streams can significantly reduce feed costs by replacing expensive grains, oils, and protein meals, with potential cost savings of up to 25% in some cases. Despite these benefits, challenges such as contamination risks, nutrient imbalances, and seasonal variability in waste availability must be addressed through proper management strategies, including composting, fermentation, and drying. With such measures, the full potential of kitchen waste as an alternative feed source can be harnessed to promote environment friendly and resource-efficient poultry farming. Full article