The daily activity pattern and feeding habits of glossina longipenis cort (diptera; glossinidie) at Galana Ranch; South-Eastern Kenya

Sampling of Glossina lognipennis Corti for 24 hours using baited F-3 traps; mobile and stationary electric screens; stationary ox and ox-fly round showed two main activity peaks at dawn and dusk. The evening peak was more pronounced than the morning one. Very little activity was recorded during the rest of the day. An incompete ring of electric screens arranged round a cattle enclosure showed that G. longipennis is attracted to; and feeds on cattle; especially during peak activity times with a feeeding success of about 7. The number of flies caught on the outside and inside of the elctric screens was significantly different at the 5 level. Analysis of blood meal samples from fed flies indicated a wide diversity of host for G. longipennis with a preference to suids. Over 65 of the total identified blood meal samples were from suids of which 60 alone were from bushpig; while bovines other than buffalo; collected in an area where cattle are kept; provided only 7 of the feeds

The economics of trypanotolerance on Galana Ranch

Trials on the control of animal trypanosomiasis have been undertaken on Galana Ranch for more than ten years; and the results have been presented in many arenas concentrating primarily on productivity and genetic aspects. There has not yet; however; been a comprehensive economic analysis of these trials. This paper address the issue of the relative profitability of using trypanotolerant orma cattle compared with faster-growing but more susceptivle improved Kenya Boran. The results of eight different trails; mostly of twelve months duration; carried out in two areas of Galana Ranch; Kilifi District; with varying trypanosomiasis challenge between 1981-1989; are presented here. All trails compare the performance of groups of Orma and improved Boran steers; in terms of weight gain and the cost of tsetse/trypanosomiasis control required to achieve those rates of growth. Five of the trials compared alternative drug regimes for trypanosomiasis control; and three involved tsetse fly control using insecticide-impregnated targets. In trails using trypanocides; the important determinant of relative profitability is the trade-off between weight gain and treatment cost; although there is variation between years; especially with Orma cattle. In those trials where the Galana weight gains are significantly higher than Orma; the extra income compensates for increased treatment expenditure. However; in those cases where there is no major weight gain difference; the requirement of the Orma for less drug treatments makes it the more profitable breed. Where targets have been the major control measure; costs are similar for the Galana and Orma animals that weight gain is therefore the major determinant of relative profitability