Study design

A two-stage cluster design was used for the study.

The first stage was to select suitable study areas representing different production systems and vegetation types within the three counties in Mbarara district. This was done purposively, based on ease of accessibility to the areas and the herds, given the poor road network and the limited time and resources available for the survey. Eight areas were selected. In certain regions (e.g. Kanyanya) the areas had been completely cleared and become primarily grassland in nature, in others (e.g. Kanyaryeru) the thickets had been partly cleared, and in others (e.g. Masha) the thorny thickets still remained.

Counties

Regions (herd groups)

               Herds

Numbers of cows sampled per herd

 Nyabushozi

Kanyanya

Bek, Bwe, Kab, Kaf, Kir, Rub

16, 10, 12, 18, 14, 19

 

Kashongi.

Bih, Bir, BukC, Gan, Kah, Mug, Tum

10, 10, 13, 18, 4, 13, 7

 

Kikaatsi

Aga, Bar, Kav, Mor, Uka

10, 10, 7, 16, 12

 

Ruhengere.

KAC, Kam, Mpo, Rug, Tin

13, 10, 14, 9, 6

 

Rushere

RutE, TumE

13, 13

Isingiro North

Masha

Bat, Kak

4, 9

Kashari

Mutonto

Bahw, Bak, Kan, Mas, Muh

12, 8, 4, 16, 12

 

Kanyaryeru.

Bah, BukY, Kat, Man, Nab

21, 13, 11, 20, 30