Academic submissions (CoNAS)http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12281/40882024-03-28T14:52:17Z2024-03-28T14:52:17ZActivity pattern and enclosure usage of black forest cobras (Naja melanoleuca) at Uganda Reptile Village (URV), EntebbeKibuuka, Nelsonhttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12281/59762019-06-10T10:01:51Z2019-04-01T00:00:00ZActivity pattern and enclosure usage of black forest cobras (Naja melanoleuca) at Uganda Reptile Village (URV), Entebbe
Kibuuka, Nelson
This study was designed to investigate how the design of enclosures affects the activity budget of the forest cobras which have a very particular habitat choice and behavioral repertoire in the wild. Data was collected at Uganda Reptile Village on five forest cobras (Naja melanoleuca) of the same species to determine the overall daily activity patterns and usage of all available areas of their enclosure. Instantaneous scan sampling of the whole group of snakes during three periods each day (morning, midday and afternoon) allowed for changes in behaviour patterns to be assessed over time. Zone usage was analyzed using a modified Spread of Participation Index (SPI) and a Chi square test was used to analyze the data. The data revealed that the subjects did not use their enclosure evenly as some areas which provided resources were used significantly more than others. Significantly enhanced behavioral repertoires occurred in the “natural” zones of the enclosure and three grouped activity patterns (intense activity, moderate activity and inactivity) showed significant differences in performance between ‘natural’ and ‘artificial’ zones, and between times of day. Forest cobras spent approximately 40% of their time resting, 20% basking, 5% swimming and the remaining percentage feeding, vigilance and moving. Inactivity had a higher frequency than moderate and intense activity for the entire study time. The group spent around 60% of its time in only around 30% of the enclosure. Overall, enclosure design based on facets of natural ecology is important for the expression of a “wild-type” behaviour pattern in captive reptiles. This explains why forest cobras will actively choose biologically relevant areas of their enclosure. Therefore enclosure design has a profound influence on the behavioral activity budget and enclosure use of the snakes. It is suggested that alterations to reptile regime and management style of such specialized reptiles could help improve captive behavioral repertoires and enhance the display of such animals in captive facilities. The recommendation to improve enclosures for reptiles by providing ‘natural’ like zones is suggested which will make the enclosures mimic the wild habitats to ensure proper behaviour of the reptiles in ex-situ conservation.
A dissertation submitted to the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology for the award of a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology of Makerere University
2019-04-01T00:00:00ZAdaptive strategies of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus L.) to changing habitatAkoth, Dorothyhttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12281/55892019-01-08T11:52:49Z2018-07-26T00:00:00ZAdaptive strategies of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus L.) to changing habitat
Akoth, Dorothy
Environmental changes are some of the factors that affect fisheries and biological characteristics of fishes. The Nile tilapia has biological characteristics that enable it to continue existing under various stressful environmental conditions. However, limited studies have examined the influence of habitat shrinkage on the morphological parameters and feeding behaviour of the Nile tilapia. The study examined some of the biological characteristics of Nile tilapia in lakes Wamala and Victoria (Uganda) to provide an understanding of their response to changing habitat conditions due to climate variability and changes. A total of 64 archived specimens were used in the study. Diet data of O. niloticus from Lake Victoria was obtained from Njiru et al., 2008. The study observed significant morphological differences between Nile tilapia from the two lakes with specimens from Lake Victoria being larger than those from Lake Wamala. The eye depth, cheek depth, snout length, lower jaw length, lower jaw width and dorsal fin base length were the key morphological parameters that seemed to adjust faster to the changing environment. These differences were attributed either to genetic or environmental factors, which seemed to play a major role in influencing morphology of Nile tilapia populations. With regard to feeding, O. niloticus in both lakes are still phytoplanktivorous. Nonetheless, specimens from Lake Wamala have included more zooplankton and higher plant material whereas Lake Victoria dwelling specimens included insects and mollusks in the diet. The results reflect an adjustment to the available dietary components that occur in habitat specific conditions. Therefore, the Nile tilapia has the capacity to adjust appropriately under conditions created by climate variability and changes in order to adapt to such environments. Proper management of the fish species can sustain the fisheries of Lakes Wamala and Victoria.
2018-07-26T00:00:00ZAflatoxin determination in traditional local brew (Malwa)Akol, Patrickhttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12281/65182019-09-23T07:41:51Z2019-08-01T00:00:00ZAflatoxin determination in traditional local brew (Malwa)
Akol, Patrick
Aflatoxin contamination is a common problem in developing countries, particularly in cereals and this poses a serious health risk to its consumers. Malwa is a traditional brew in Uganda whose cereal ingredients are prone to aflatoxin contamination. Aflatoxin B1 is the most carcinogenic and very harmful to both humans and animals.
This study was carried out to determine mould incidence and aflatoxin levels in malwa and its raw materials.
Samples used in the study were collected from malwa point in Kikoni, Kampala and the other batch was obtained from a village in Mbale.
Sample extraction for aflatoxin analysis was done using QuEChERS method and analysis by LC-MS/MS method, due to the high selectivity and sensitivity of the method. The moulds were determined by dilution plating method.
Results obtained showed that no aflatoxins were detected in both the raw materials (flour, dough and roasted dough) and malwa; pH measurement gave values of 4.1 and 3.9 respectively, indicating that the products were slightly acidic.
Mould detection gave positive results for the flour and negative results for most of the dough. The following colours green, black and yellow were observed on the plates indicating that probably Aspergillusflavus, nidulans, fumigatus, Aspergillusniger, and Aspergillusochraceus respectively were present in the flour. The sour dough showed very little or no growth of moulds after incubation period of 7 days.
Therefore, from the results above moulds detected in the flour did not produce aflatoxins, hence not detected in dough. It may be concluded from this study that natural fermentation could have led to the destruction of aflatoxin producing moulds and thus reducing the level of moulds in the dough and malwa.
2019-08-01T00:00:00ZAnalysis of pH and turbidity in palm oil industrial wastewater treatment using Moringa and Oleifera seed extract as a coagulantKiyingi, Edrinehttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12281/55252019-01-03T08:40:57Z2018-12-19T00:00:00ZAnalysis of pH and turbidity in palm oil industrial wastewater treatment using Moringa and Oleifera seed extract as a coagulant
Kiyingi, Edrine
The chemicals (Aluminium sulphate and ferric chloride) used as main coagulants during the treatment of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) are harmful to the environment through pH deviation and high turbidity in the released waste water. The objective of this study was to experimentally determine the pH and turbidity of this waste water sample using a natural coagulant (Molinga Oleifera Seed (MOS) extract). pH and Turbidity of the waste water sample (obtained from Bidco-Jinja plant Uganda) was carried out by the jar test method using a pH meter and a spectrophotometer respectively with the MOS extract dosages of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 mg/l. The following results were obtained; 8.44, 7.36, 7.28, 7.22, 7.18, 7.12 and 7.00 for pH and 10.15, 1.60, 1.02, 0.84, 0.62, 0.53 and 0.31 NTU for turbidity with respective MOS extract dosages ranging from 0 to 60mg/l. There was a significant pH correction from 8.44 to 7.0 and an efficient turbidity removal of 97%. Therefore, due to this turbidity reduction and pH correction; Moringa Oleifera seed extract should be used in POME waste water treatment since its abundant in nature and environmentally friendly compared to the chemicals.
A project report submitted to the College of Natural Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry of Makerere University
2018-12-19T00:00:00Z