Browsing by Author "Nanua, J. N."

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Effects of minerals in the forage, blood and milk on production of lactating free-ranging camels (Camelus dromedaries) in northern Kenya.
(2006-11) Onjoro, P. A.,; Njoka-Njiru, E. N.,; Ottaro, J. M.; Nanua, J. N.
The effects of different mineral supplementations on the milk yield of free-ranging Somali camels were investigated in two phases in a semi-arid region of northern Kenya during the dry and wet seasons in 2002 and 2003. In phase 1, twelve (12) lactating camels were selected at random to form four (4) groups each consisting of three camels. The first group served as the control and as a result received no mineral supplementation. In addition to the control diet the other groups received oral doses of minerals as follows over a 60-day period: T1 (P), T2 (High Cu low Co) and T3 (Low Cu high Co). The daily milk yield and blood mineral profiles were measured during the wet and dry seasons. The mean daily milk yield increased from 3.4 L/d to 4.3±0.3 L/d and 5.2 L/d in the dry and wet seasons, respectively. Fifteen (15) lactating camels were selected at random to form five groups each consisting of three replicates. The control group did not receive any mineral supplement. The other four groups in addition to the control diet, received the following treatments: T4 (Common Salt), T5 (High Co), T6 (High Co+P) and T7 (Low Co+P). Mineral supplement T6 produced significantly higher milk yield (5.4±0.5 and 6.5±0.7 L/d) during the dry and wet seasons. Both T6 and T7 had significantly higher milk yield than T4 and T5. During both phases, the blood Ca and P level significantly increased in camels receiving T1, 6 and 7. Animals that received only the trace mineral supplements had lower blood P compared to the ones receiving supplementary P and also the control. Supplementation of lactating camels with Co and P significantly (p<0.05) increased milk yield). Effect of common salt, commonly given by farmers, on milk yield was insignificant. It was concluded that mineral supplementation to lactating camels was beneficial, and that mineral supplements should include P and Co. Further research is required to establish P and Co requirements of lactating camels.
Influence of food taboos of the Mijikenda on the nutritional status of under-five-year-old children
(Journal of Environmental Sustainability Advancement Research, 2022) Nanua, J. N.; Mbogoh, P. M.
Child-under nutrition leads to high morbidity and mortality in many developing countries. Approximately 3.1 million child deaths annually are attributed to malnutrition related illnesses. Causes malnutrition include household income, political and economic instability, education level, sanitation, climatic conditions, culinary practices, and food beliefs. The influence of food taboos among the Mijikenda on child nutrition is not fully investigated. This study investigated whether Mijikenda food habits and taboos had an influence on the nutrition status of under-five year old children. Focus group discussions with Kaya elders from five Mijikenda subgroups were used to identify food taboos. Structured questionnaire was developed to find out whether these taboos affected food choices by mothers. Anthropometric measurements of children, weight-for-age z-score (WAZ), height-for age z-score (HAZ), skin fold thickness and visual examination were used to determine nutritional status of chidren. Commonly restricted foods were animal products including eggs, fish, gizzards, beef, chicken, liver, pepper and some vegetables. The restrictions targeted women, especially pregnant women, and children but not men. There were significant correlations between WAZ and number of children in the family (r = 0.228, P = 0.009); mother’s education level and number of children (r = -0.346, P = 0.000). There was positive correlation between WAZ and consumption of meat after delivery (r = 0.194, P = 0.029); WAZ and consumption of gizzard (r = 0.285, P = 0.001); HAZ and consumption of liver (r = 0.208, P = 0.019); skin fold thickness and breastfeeding while pregnant (r = 0.199, P = 0.027), Skin fold thickness and consumption of gizzard (r = 0.198, P = 0.025) and negative correlation between HAZ and pumpkin while pregnant (r = -0.173, P = 0.049). Mother’s adherence to the food taboos showed negative nutritional outcomes. This study shows that children from mothers who ignored traditional food restrictions had better nutritional outcomes than for those who adhered to the restrictions. Food taboos should be considered as a significant contributor to malnutrition and needs to be addressed in nutritional intervention programmes.
Influence of Food Taboos of the Mijikenda on the Nutritional Status of Under-Five-Year-Old Children
(2022) Nanua, J. N.; Mbogoh, P. M.
Child-under nutrition leads to high morbidity and mortality in many developing countries. Approximately 3.1 million child deaths annually are attributed to malnutrition related illnesses. Causes malnutrition include household income, political and economic instability, education level, sanitation, climatic conditions, culinary practices, and food beliefs. The influence of food taboos among the Mijikenda on child nutrition is not fully investigated. This study investigated whether Mijikenda food habits and taboos had an influence on the nutrition status of under-five year old children. Focus group discussions with Kaya elders from five Mijikenda subgroups were used to identify food taboos. Structured questionnaire was developed to find out whether these taboos affected food choices by mothers. Anthropometric measurements of children, weight-for-age z-score (WAZ), height-for age z-score (HAZ), skin fold thickness and visual examination were used to determine nutritional status of chidren. Commonly restricted foods were animal products including eggs, fish, gizzards, beef, chicken, liver, pepper and some vegetables. The restrictions targeted women, especially pregnant women, and children but not men. There were significant correlations between WAZ and number of children in the family (r = 0.228, P = 0.009); mother’s education level and number of children (r = -0.346, P = 0.000). There was positive correlation between WAZ and consumption of meat after delivery (r = 0.194, P = 0.029); WAZ and consumption of gizzard (r = 0.285, P = 0.001); HAZ and consumption of liver (r = 0.208, P = 0.019); skin fold thickness and breastfeeding while pregnant (r = 0.199, P = 0.027), Skin fold thickness and consumption of gizzard (r = 0.198, P = 0.025) and negative correlation between HAZ and pumpkin while pregnant (r = -0.173, P = 0.049). Mother’s adherence to the food taboos showed negative nutritional outcomes. This study shows that children from mothers who ignored traditional food restrictions had better nutritional outcomes than for those who adhered to the restrictions. Food taboos should be considered as a significant contributor to malnutrition and needs to be addressed in nutritional intervention programmes.