Goat production research in Africa: a sign post review for research in the new millennium

This review examines some of the major studies carried out on goat production in Africa during the past forty years. It covers research work in goat management; feeding and nutrition; and reproduction. Not surprisingly; none of these topics has been investigated in a coherent and sustained manner. Results often vary; not only between reports and breed; but also within breeds. The review highlights the gaps in our knowledge which need to be filled in order to develop a coherent problem-solving package for sustained goat production. Increased research is needed to adapt forage production system for sustainable development of specific breeds; as well as in the area of nutrition; reproduction; environmental stress and their possible interactions. Greater knowledge is also required about the understanding of the farmers; the characteristics of their enterprises and their available resources

Study of Brucellosis in a Pastoral Community and Evaluation of the Usefulness of Clinical Signs and Symptoms in Differentiating it from other Flu-Like Diseases

A study of differentials causing flu-like symptoms (malaria; typhoid; streptococcal infections and rheumatoid arthritis) in 488 patients from a pastoralist area is presented. The potential usefulness of clinical signs; symptoms and diagnostic tests in ruling-in or ruling-out these diseases was investigated in the District hospital and three outlying health dispensaries. For each patient a detailed clinical history plus diagnostic test for brucellosis; typhoid; streptococcal infections and rheumatoid arthritis; and for some patients malaria were conducted. Incidence levels of these diseases were estimated using laboratory test results; brucellosis; 13; typhoid; 40: streptococcal infections; 6malaria; 9: and rheumatoid arthritis; 10. Brucellosis could not be differentiated clinically from the other flu-like diseases but rheumatoid arthritis could