In the heart of Egerton University’s Main Campus lies a laboratory that is transforming the country’s agricultural sector. The Safe Food Reference Laboratory (SAF-Lab), funded by the National Research Fund, is a hub of innovation, research, and practical solutions. At the forefront of this revolution is the Aloe Secundiflora Innovation Project, led by Professor Charles Muleke Inyagwa.
Today, we delve into the groundbreaking work happening at Egerton, where science meets tradition, and where aloe vera becomes a game-changer for poultry health.
A Natural Solution to Poultry Woes
Poultry farming has been facing a silent epidemic: internal parasites. Ascaris and coccidian parasites wreak havoc on free-range chickens, causing economic losses for farmers. The indiscriminate use of antimicrobials and dewormers has led to drug-resistant poultry, leaving farmers desperate for safe and effective alternatives.
Professor Inyagwa explains, “We’ve seen increasing cases of drug-resistant parasites affecting poultry, which causes substantial economic losses for farmers. Our goal was to develop a solution that is both effective and safe for consumption.”
Professor Charles Muleke Inyagwa displays samples of Aloe Secundiflora Herbal Extracts (ASHE) at the Safe Food Reference Laboratory (SAF-Lab) at Egerton University. The state-of-the-art SAF-Lab is pivotal in developing innovative solutions like ASHE, which offers a natural and effective remedy for poultry diseases. This breakthrough stands to significantly benefit poultry farmers by providing a safe alternative to traditional treatments, ensuring healthier flocks and improved economic stability.
The Aloe Secundiflora Herbal Extract (ASHE) is at the heart of this innovation. Derived from the robust Aloe secundiflora plant, this extract has shown remarkable efficacy in treating ascaris and coccidian parasites in free-range chickens. These parasites are notorious for causing significant economic losses to poultry farmers, particularly those relying on indigenous chicken breeds.
The Science Behind Aloe secundiflora Herbal Extract (ASHE)
The journey of ASHE begins in Baringo County, where Aloe secundiflora is freshly harvested. The leaves are meticulously chopped to extract the gel, which then undergoes a rigorous freeze-drying process. This involves lyophilization at -80°C for 24 hours, followed by a transfer to a freezer vacuum chamber for an additional 18 hours. The result is a fine powder, which is then packaged into 30-gram containers, ready for use.
Administered orally to chickens through water, ASHE works by inhibiting the hatching of helminth eggs and coccidian oocytes. Trials have shown that this herbal extract can reduce fecal egg counts by 53.6% and oocyst counts by an impressive 80.8%, compared to untreated controls.
SAF-Lab: The Hub of Innovation
This groundbreaking project is rooted in the Safe Food Reference Laboratory (SAF-Lab) at Egerton University. Funded by the National Research Fund, SAF-Lab boasts cutting-edge technology and a dedicated research team, making it a hub for agricultural innovation. The lab offers a range of services, including mineral analysis, food and water safety testing, microbiology, and toxicology. It also provides training for graduate students and professionals, fostering a new generation of scientists and researchers equipped to handle food insecurity in Kenya.
Professor Inyagwa’s team at SAF-Lab has been instrumental in developing ASHE. Their meticulous research and advanced technological capabilities have enabled the creation of a product that stands to benefit poultry farmers across Kenya.
Changing Lives, One Chicken at a Time
For local farmers, the implications of this herbal remedy are profound. In regions where poultry farming is a critical source of income and nutrition, the rise of helminth and coccidial diseases has been devastating. These parasites impair growth, suppress immune systems, and lead to high mortality rates among chickens. Traditional treatments, often used indiscriminately, have resulted in widespread drug resistance, compounding the problem.
Professor Charles Muleke Inyagwa explains the use of the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer at the Safe Food Reference Laboratory (SAF-Lab) at Egerton University. This state-of-the-art equipment is crucial for detecting heavy metals in both solid and liquid samples. The SAF-Lab's cutting-edge technology supports groundbreaking research and innovations, benefiting various sectors including agriculture and food safety.
With ASHE, there is hope. As a natural product, it ensures that poultry meat and eggs remain free from harmful drug residues, addressing both health and safety concerns. The extract’s effectiveness in trials has given farmers renewed optimism.
Awaiting Market Approval
The Aloe Secundiflora Innovation Project is at a critical juncture. Having demonstrated the efficacy of ASHE, the team is now seeking approval from the Kenya Bureau of Standards. Once approved, ASHE will be made available for sale to farmers, offering a sustainable and natural solution to poultry diseases.
Professor Inyagwa is optimistic about the future. “We’ve worked hard to develop a product that meets the needs of our farmers. Our trials have shown that ASHE is effective, and we are confident it will be a game-changer once it hits the market,” he asserts.
A Brighter Future for Poultry Farming
Egerton University’s pioneering work with Aloe Secundiflora is more than just a scientific breakthrough; it’s a beacon of hope for countless farmers struggling with poultry diseases. By blending traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technology, the Aloe Secundiflora Innovation Project exemplifies how innovation can address real-world challenges.
As the global demand for poultry products continues to rise, solutions like ASHE are essential in ensuring the sustainability and health of the industry. Thanks to Professor Inyagwa and his team at SAF-Lab, the future of poultry farming in Kenya looks brighter than ever.
By Agnes Mwangi
Directorate of Marketing and Resource Mobilization
Egerton University
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