bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VITAMIN AND PROVITAMIN PROFILES OF SELECTED VEGETABLES AS AFFECTED BY DIFFERENT DRYING METHODS
Authors: MOSURO A. O. , OGUNWOLE O. A. , MAKO A. A. , MAKO A. A. , ADEDEJI B. S. , JEMISEYE F. O. , ABOKEDE T. , OLUDOYI I. A.
Published: December 2024

The vitamin profiles of selected common vegetables as affected by three different drying methods were investigated. Seven vegetables were each subjected to three drying methods: air drying, oven drying and freeze drying. The experiment was a 3x7 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. Dried leaves were thereafter milled and analyzed for selected phytochemical contents (total carotenoids, pyridoxine, riboflavin, ascorbic acid, tocopherol and ergocalciferol). Air dried sample had significantly higher (P<0.05) total carotenoids (1177.49 μg/100g), pyridoxine (0.588 mg/100g), riboflavin (0.455 mg/100g), ascorbic acid (39.114 mg/100g), ergocalciferol (46.554 μg/100g) and tocopherol (57.522 μg/100g) compared with other drying methods. Air dried moringa had significantly higher (P<0.05) total carotenoids (1079.482 μg/100g), riboflavin (0.412 mg/100g), ergocalciferol (46.397 μg/100g) and tocopherol (58.445 μg/100g) while air dried gourd melon had the higher (P<0.05) pyridoxine (0.732 mg/100g). Interaction of drying methods on leaf types was significantly higher (P<0.05) for air dried samples compared to other drying methods. In conclusion, vitamin and provitamin profiles were most preserved by air drying method.
EFFECT OF DIETARY COCOA BEAN SHELL MEAL ON FEED INTAKE AND WEIGHT GAIN OF WEANER PIGS
Authors: OGUNSIPE M. H. , IBIDAPO I. , ADEJUMO J. O.
Published: December 2024

The performance of weaner pigs fed cocoa bean shell meal was investigated in a twelve week feeding trial. Results showed lower final live weight and average weight gain in pigs fed 30 and 40% cocoa bean shell (CBS) meal when compared with pigs fed 0-20% CBS meal in place of maize.
RUMEN MICROBIAL LOAD AND GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF SHEEP FED NAPIER GRASS AND DIFFERENT PROPORTIONS OF COCOA POD HUSK WITH SOUR SOP PULP MEALS
Authors: OKORUWA' M. I. , EDOROR O. M. , IGENE C. A.
Published: December 2024

This study was conducted to determine rumen microbial load and growth performance of sheep fed napier grass and varying levels of cocoa pod husk with soursop pulp meals. Twenty four (24) West African Dwarf sheep with average weight of 7.00±0.55kg were assigned to three treatment diets with eight (8) animals per treatment in a completely randomized design. The treatment diets were: A (70% napier grass and 30% concentrate diet was the control group), B (45% cocoa pod husk with 25% soursop pulp and 30% concentrate diet) and C(50% cocoa pod husk with 20% soursop pulp and 30% concentrate diet). The results indicated that total protozoa count (5.39 x 10 CFU/ml), average daily feed intake (221.79g) and feed conversion ratio (8.68) were significantly (P < 0.05) highest in diet A than diets B and C. Final body weight 911.02kg), average daily weight gain (43.57g), total bacteria and fungi counts (7.04 and 4.86 x 10 CFU/ml) were (P<0.05) higher in diet C compared with diets A and B. Initial body weight and rumen pH were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by treatment diets. It was concluded that 50% cocoa pod husk with 20% soursop pulp and 30% concentrate diet has the potential to maximize nutrient from the rumen microbes that facilitate digesta flow to enhance growth in sheep.
GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS FED BOILED, DRIED Gmelina arborea AND SUNDRIED Moringa oleifera LEAVES
Authors: OKPARA O. , AKPORHUARHO P. O.
Published: December 2024

Sixteen West African Dwarf goats weighing 5.5kg to 10.7kg were used to determine the growth performance of west African dwarf goats fed boiled dried Gmelina arborea leaves and sundried Moringa oleifera leaves. The goats were allotted randomly into four (4) treatments groups of four (4) animals each having two (2) replicates each in a completely randomized design. Goats in T1 were fed concentrate (50g) and Panicum maximum (50g) (control diet), T2 were fed concentrate (50g) and boiled dried Gmelina arborea (50g) leaves, goats in T3 were fed concentrate (50g) and sundried Moringa oleifera (50g) leaves while goats in T4 were fed concentrate (50g) and mixture of fresh Gmelina arborea (25g) and fresh Moringa oleifera (25g) leaves respectively. These were used to feed the animals in a completely randomize design. The Experiment lasted for 10 weeks. The animals were weighed on weekly basis. Data collected were analyzed using the one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) while the mean were separated using the Duncan multiple range test. The result from this study shows that animals in T4 fed concentrate with mixture of fresh Gmelina arborea leaves and fresh Moringa oleifera leaves performed better in respect to feed intake having a record of 2.88+0.008 followed by T1 2.80+0.012 while experimental animals in T2 and T3 had the lowest value 2.76+0.012 and 2.79+0.0119 respectively, animals in T4 gained weight while those in T1, T2 and T3 lost weight. The study suggest the use of fresh Gmelina arborea leaves and fresh Moringa oleifera leaves in feeding goats due to the fact that they are efficiently utilized by the animals and their availability even at the peak of dry season.
REPLACEMENT VALUE OF SUN DRIED CASSAVA PEEL MEAL FOR MAIZE IN BROILER RATION
Authors: OYAWOYE E. O. , JOSEPH D. S. , OKURERIE A. M.
Published: December 2024

A research was conducted to determine the replacement value of cassava peel meal for maize as it affects the growth performance of broiler birds. One hundred and fifty (150) Abor - Acre strain of day old broiler chicks were subjected to five dietary treatments in which maize was replaced at different inclusion levels with sun dried cassava peel meal (CPM). The diets were TI (100% maize, 0%CPM), T2 (75% maize, 25% CPM), T3 (50% maize, 50% CPM), T4 (25% maize, 75% CPM), T5 (0% maize, 100% CPM). Thirty birds were allotted to each dietary treatment and each treatment was replicated three times with each replicate having ten birds in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The overall performance characteristics of the birds throughout the 56 days of the experiment showed no significant (P>0.05) difference in the feed intake while significant (P<0.05) differences were observed in the weight gain, feed conversion ratio and feed efficiency ratio. The performance of birds on diet T1 was superior to birds on the other diets in weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and feed efficiency ratio (FER). The cost of feed per kg, cost reduction % and the cost of feed consumed per bird reduced as the level of CPM inclusion increased. Feed cost per kg weight gain was highest in diet T3 while diet T4 had the least. It was concluded that cassava peel meal can be included in broiler finisher diet to replace 50% of the maize without having a deleterious effect on growth performance while the cost of feed per kg was reduced by 9.86%. The use of cassava peel meal will improve the profit margins of broiler producers.
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS ON THE FEED INTAKE AND PERFORMANCE OF YANKASA SHEEP FED CONGO GRASS (Brachiaria ruziziensis R.C.M)
Authors: SANI I. , UMAR A. M. , NURATU A. , ABUBAKAR M. , AMODU J. T.
Published: December 2024

This study compared the feed intake and performance of Yankasa sheep fed Congo grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis) basal diet with different protein supplements of Cotton Seed Cake (CSC), Palm Kernel Cake (PKC), Brewer's Dried Grain (BDG) and sole B. ruziziensis grass (control). Sixteen (16) Yankasa sheep weighing between 18.5 and 21.5kg and aged 9-12 months were randomly allotted to treatment diets. The total dry matter and crude protein intake were highest (P<0.05) in animals on CSC supplement (996.33 & 118.56g) while the control diet had the least feed intake (796.4 & 57.90g). The total live weight gain (TLWG) increased (P<0.05) from 0.91kg in animals fed Congo grass grass solely (control) to 2.50kg in those fed Cotton Seed Cake, while feed conversion ratio reduced from 52.50 in Congo grass to 29.15 in CSC treatment. It is concluded from this experiment that Yankasa sheep utilized CSC better than PKC, BDG and Brachiaria ruziziensis (control). It is therefore recommended that Brachiaria ruziziensis should be supplemented with Cotton Seed Cake at a rate of 250g/d for better intake and live weight in Yankasa sheep production.
FISHING EXPERIENCE AND INFORMATION AMONG ARTISANAL FISHERS IN LOWER RIVER BENUE, MAKURDI, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: OGUNREMI J. B. , URUKU N. M. , KIDA A. D. , SADIQ H. O.
Published: December 2024

Information preference plays a major role as it determines the success that can be achieved in any chosen profession in life. It is on this basis that the study investigated fishing experience and information preference among artisanal fishers in lower river Benue, Makurdi, Benue State. The list of 269 registered artisanal fishers in two landing sites - Wadata and North Bank in Makurdi was obtained from Benue State Agricultural Development Programme (BESADP). Simple random sampling technique was used to select 80% (215) of the artisanal fishers from the list. A structured questionnaire and interview scheduled were used to obtain information from the artisanal fishers. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics (frequency and percentages) while inferential analysis was done through the use of ANOVA. The results showed that majority of the artisanal fishers had more than twenty years fishing experience (41.9%), while information on endangered species (54%), fishing regulation (35.8%) and fishing license (35.3%) were mostly preferred by the artisanal fishers. Also, years of fishing experience was not significantly related to information preference. (F (4,210)= 1.015. P>0.05) among the artisanal fishers in the study area. The study therefore recommends that information on artisanal fishing should be disseminated to all the artisanal fishers without considering number of years spent in the profession.
RESPONSE OF ALBINO RATS FED GRADED LEVELS OF RAW SICKLE PODS (Senna obtusifolia) SEED MEAL
Authors: AUGUSTINE C. , DOMO G. A. , NGIKI Y. U. , MIDIGA R. , ABDULRAHMAN B. S. , TARIMBUKA L. I. , MIDAU A.
Published: December 2024

A feeding trial was conducted for twenty eight (28) days to investigate the effects of feeding raw Senna obtusifolia seed meal (RSOSM) on the productive performance, carcass characteristics and organ weights of albino rats. Five (5) experimental diets were compounded to contain RSOSM at graded levels of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% respectively, which constituted five (5) treatments designated T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively. Sixty (60) albino rats with an average weight of 70.52 to 81.05g were allotted to the five dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with three replicates of 4 rats each. Data were collected on feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, live weight, dressed weight, dressing percentage, organ weights (heart, liver, kidney and lungs). Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using a computer statistical package (Statistix 9.0). The productive performance, carcass characteristics and organ weights were observed to be significantly (P<0.05) depressed as the level of RSOSM increases in the experimental diets. Albino rats fed 15 and 20% RSOSM significantly (P<0.05) recorded the lowest weight gain and dressing percentage of 60.10 and 51.78g, 74.46 and 75.38%, respectively. The weight of organs revealed a declining trend as the level of RSOSM increases except for the liver and intestine which indicated progressive increase in the in size as the level of RSOSM increases in the experimental diets. Albino rats fed 15 and 20% RSOSM recorded the highest liver weight of 4.21 and 4.29g. It can be concluded that inclusion of RSOSM beyond 5% in the diets of albino rats has adverse effects on their productive performance, carcass characteristics and organ weights. The study recommended the thorough processing of RSOSM before incorporation into the diets of albino rats and other monogastric animals.
EFFECT OF GRADED LEVELS OF MANGO SEED KERNEL (KANBIRI) BASED DIETS ON CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER FINISHER CHICKENS
Authors: Abdullahi I. , Idachaba C. U. , Tegbe T. S. B. , Abbas L. M. , Anoh K. U.
Published: December 2024

Effect of graded levels of mango seed kernel (Kanbiri) based diets on carcass characteristics of broiler finisher chickens was investigated. Local variety (kanbiri) of mango seed kernel was soaked for 72hours and fed to broiler finisher chickens at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% inclusion levels designated as T1, T2. T3, T4, Ts and To, respectively. The 20% inclusion of mango seed kernel showed the best results (P<0.05) in live weight, dressed weight, dressing percentage, thigh and breast weight, respectively. These parameters declined with increasing levels of mango seed kernel in the diets. Weights of internal organs increased as the levels of mango seed kernel increased in the diets of the birds. It was concluded that mango seed kernel (Kanbiri) can be soaked for 72hours and fed to broiler finisher chickens at 20% inclusion level.
EFFECT OF FEEDING GRADED LEVELS OF CASHEW NUT (Anacardium occidentale) MEAL TO QUAILS (Coturnix coturnix japonica) AS A SOURCE OF PROTEIN
Authors: Bot M. H. , Tiffi A. B. , Olaiya O. D. , Tok C. C.
Published: December 2024

This experiment was carried out to determine the effect of cashew nut (Anacadium occidentale) meal (CNM) fed to quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) at graded levels of 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% representing four dietary treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4as a source of protein. One hundred and eighty (180) quail chicks at two (2) weeks were randomly allotted into these treatments each containing three replicates which were having fifteen birds per replicate to determine the carcass characteristics and haematological parameters in a Completely Randomize Design (CRD). The result of carcass characteristics showed that there was no significant (P>0.05) difference across the dietary treatments. The haematological parameters also showed no significant (P>0.05) difference. All the values fall within the normal range which suggest that CNM had no negative effect on the carcass and health status of the birds. Therefore, it can be concluded that CNM can be fed to quail birds up to 15% without any adverse effect on their health status.
EFFECT OF FEEDING CASSAVA PEELS AND PLANTAIN PEELS ON PERFORMANCE AND SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY WEANER PIGS
Authors: ADEBIYI O. A. , BAKARE I. B. , OSINOWO O. A.
Published: December 2024

The experiment was conducted to determine the effect of feeding agro-industrial by-product (cassava peels and plantain peels) on performance, serum biochemistry and cost of production of weaner pigs. A total of forty-eight pigs were used for the study. The animals were randomly allotted to three treatments and three replicates with four animals per replicate. The treatments include T1 - 100% concentrates (control), T2 (cassava peels supplemented diet), T3 (plantain peels supplemented diet). The diets were fed in ratio of 40:60 (concentrates: supplement). The experiment lasted for 6 weeks. Parameters measured were performance (feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio), serum metabolites (HDL, AST, ALT, Glucose, Total protein, Triglycerides). All data were analysed using ANOVA procedure of the SAS 2010. The result obtained showed that there was significant difference (P< 0.05) in the final weight and FCR of the pigs placed on the different treatment. The final weight for pigs on treatment I was significantly (P< 0.05) higher (9.17) compared to pigs on treatment 2 (cassava peels) and treatment 3 (plantain peels). The FCR was also shown to be better in pigs on treatment I with mean value of 4.60 compared to the other treatments. There was also a significant difference (P< 0.05) in the Triglyceride, HDL, AST and ALT levels of the serum biochemical indices of the pigs across the treatments. The triglyceride level of treatment 1 (41.29) was not different (P>0.05) from treatment 3 (51.61) but significantly different (P< 0.05) from 2 (81.55). The AST values for treatment 1 (26.00) was significantly different (P< 0.05) from treatment 2 (29.74) and treatment 3 (57.77). It can be concluded that supplementation of the diet using cassava peels and plantain peels does not have any adverse effect on the performance and health status of the weaner pigs. The use of cassava peels and plantain peels conferred better economic benefits in terms of cost per gain which reduces production cost.
RESPONSES OF WEANED RABBITS TO DIETS CONTAINING SUN-DRIED SOYABEAN CHEESE RESIDUE MEAL
Authors: Muhammad A. S. , Bappah Y. U. , Saulawa L. A. , Tamburawa M. S.
Published: December 2024

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding sun-dried soya bean cheese residue meal (SSCRM) to weaned rabbits. The SSCRM was used at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% level of inclusion which formed five dietary treatments designated I, II, III, IV and V in a complete randomized design. Forty mongrels weaned rabbits were used for the experiment. The results showed that daily feed intake was affected (P<0.05) by dietary treatments. Other performance parameters measured were not significantly different from the control (Diet 1). All the parameters measured for the organ weights and those of the guts were similar to the control. It is therefore inferred that inclusion of 40% sun- dried soya bean cheese residue meal is suitable for growing rabbits, especially in areas where soya bean is used for making cheese, milk and yoghurt.
CHALLENGES OF SMALL SCALE QUAILS PRODUCTION IN BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: MAIDALA A. , ABDULLAHI I. B. , DASS H. Y. U.
Published: December 2024

The study assessed the challenges of small scale quail production in Bauchi state. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. 90 quail farmers made up the sample size. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution and percentages were used to analyze the data collected. Results showed that quail farmers were within the age of 20-40 years (66.60%) and majority of them have secondary school education (33.33%). Most of the quail farmers has less than 5 family members (36.60%) and earned less than 15,000 per month (43.30%). Small scale operation 51-100 quails (50%) is one of the major constrain, coupled with problems of sourcing day old quails (73.30%). Feeding, control of pest and diseases and marketing of the quail products (46.60%) were among the major problems identified. Improving quail production in Bauchi state entails good management, proper feeding and housing. control of pest and diseases and creating awareness on the importance of quail products to improve the marketing.
EFFECT OF PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENTED DIETS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS DURING THE RAINY SEASON
Authors: BUBA W. , UGBOGA J. O. , YUNUSA A. , SHEHU B. M.
Published: December 2024

This study was conducted to determine the effect of probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplemented diets on the performance of broilers chickens during the rainy season. Two hundred and fifty five broilers chickens were randomly allotted to five treatments in a complete randomize design (CRD) with three replicate per treatment, each replicate having 17 birds. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was included at 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1% respectively. Feed intake was measured weekly and the birds were weighed once weekly. Data obtained from the study were subjected to Analysis of Variance and significances differences among treatment means were compared using the Duncan test. All parameters (final body weight, body weight gain, average daily gain, total feed intake, average feed intake and feed conversion ratio) measured show significance (P<0.05) difference. In conclusion, inclusion of baker's yeast in broilers diet improved growth performance of broiler chickens.
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS ON FEED INTAKE AND PERFORMANCE OF YANKASA SHEEP FED CONGO GRASS (Brachiaria ruziziensis)
Authors: SANI I. , UMAR A. M. , NURATU A. , ABUBAKAR M. , AMODU J. T.
Published: December 2024

The experiment was conducted with Sixteen (16) animals to compare the Feeds intake and performance of Yankasa sheep fed Congo grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis) with supplements of Cotton seed cake (CSC), Palm kemel cake (PKC) and Brewer's dried grain (BDG). Feed intake, weight gain were estimated while feed conversion and protein efficiency ratio were calculated. The results obtained placed animals on CSC ahead (P<0.05) in almost all the parameters estimated, followed by animals on PKC while those on BDG had the least performance. The dry matter intake (DMI) from supplement and the crude protein intake (CPI) increased from 180g and 39.02g/day in BDG to 227.08g and 62.63g/day in CSC respectively. The weight gain increased (p<0.05) from 1.65kg in BDG to 2.05kg while feed conversion ratio reduced from 34.30% in BDG to 29.15% in CSC. It was therefore concluded from the experiment that Yankasa sheep utilized CSC better than PKC and BDG.
EFFECT OF FEEDING TIME ON HATCHABILITY AND QUALITY OF HATCHLINGS FROM BROILER BREEDERS RAISED IN SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA
Authors: KAREEM S. O. , SOGUNLE O. M. , EGBEYALE L. T. , ADEOSUN I. O. , SAFIYU K. K. , ODUTAYO O. J.
Published: December 2024

A total no of 240 Marshal Broiler chicken breeder flocks during 40th to 48th weeks of age were used to determine the effect of feeding time on the hatchability and quality of hatchlings raised under tropical environment. The feeding schedule was divided into 3 treatments 3am, 5am and 7am respectively having 3 replicates in each treatments with 20birds per replication. Data obtained were subjected to a completely randomize design. Feeding time had no significant variation between the percentage hatched chicks. The 3am (96.39) and 5am (96.32) treatments are significantly (P<0.05) different from the 7am treatment (90.53). The feeding time 3am and 5am has a higher hatchability percentage compared to the 7am feeding time. However, significant (P>0.05) difference were not observed in the total hatched chicks, but a numerical difference was seen across the treatments with 3am and 5 am recording a higher numerical difference compared to the 7am feeding time. Feeding time has no significant difference on the quality of hatchlings. Hence, it could be concluded that birds fed at 3am and Sam has a higher hatchability performance.
EFFECT OF PALM KERNEL AND CASSAVA PEEL MEALS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF FINISHER BROILERS
Authors: NDELEKWUTE E. K. , ASSAM E. D. , EKERE P. C. , IDEM I. S. , OKONKWO A. C.
Published: December 2024

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of palm kernel and cassava peel meals on growth performance of finisher broilers. One hundred and eighty (180) four week old broiler birds of Anak strain were used. The birds were first raised together and fed a single starter feed for the first four weeks. Thereafter, they were assigned into four dietary treatments (T) of 45 birds. The dietary treatments were each replicated three times. There 15 birds in each replicate arranged in completely randomized design (CRD). Treatment one (TI) was given a diet containing palm kernel meal but without cassava peel meal as the control while treatments 2-4 contained respectively 25, 50 and 75% cassava peel meal in replacement of palm kernel meal. The diets were fed for four weeks during the finisher phase (week 5-8). Feed and water were offered ad libitum. The diets had no significant (P>0.05) effect on final live weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed: gain ratio. In conclusion, up to 75% of cassava peel meal could be included in final diets for broiler chickens in replacement of palm kernel meal.
EFFECT OF VARYING LEVELS OF Vernonia amygdalina LEAF MEAL ON LIPID PROFILE AND SERUM METABOLITES OF BROILER CHICKENS
Authors: DARAMOLA O. T. , OLORUNTOLA O. D. , AYODELE S. O.
Published: December 2024

The study was carried out to determine the effects of Vernonia amygdalina on some serum metabolites of broiler chicken in a 6-week feeding trial. A total no of 72, day old unsexed abor-acre broiler chicks were randomly distributed to 3 replicates of 6chicks in a Completely Randomised Design (CRD). Four starter diets and finisher diets were formulated to be D1, D2, D3 and D4 to contain V. amygdalina leaf meal at 0g/kg, 100g/kg, 200g/kg and 300g/kg dietary level, respectively and were fed ad-libitum. The serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, creatinine and total protein were determined at the end of the study. The serum level of cholesterol was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the control group when compared to the treated groups. The diets with V. amygdalina at 100g/kg, 200g/kg and 300g/kg reduced the cholesterol level by 13.31%, 15.47% and 23.74%, respectively. There were significant (p<0.05) higher levels of triglyceride, glucose and low density lipoprotein in the control group. The percentage reduction in triglyceride levels was 8.74%, 25.5%, 30.20% and in glucose level was 19.78%, 20.96% and 23.48% for diet with V. amygdalina at 100g/kg, 200g/kg and 300g/kg, respectively. However, there was significant (p<0.05) increase in the level of high density lipoprotein in both diet 3 (200g/kg) and diet 4 (300g/kg). The levels of creatinine and total protein were significantly (p<0.05) lower in diets containing V. amygdalina leaf meal. The inclusion of V. amygdalina leaf meal reduced the levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, low density lipoprotein. It further increased the levels of the high density lipoprotein numerically at all levels of inclusion. This study confirms the clinical importance of V. amygdalina which can reduce the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and also useful in the enthnotherapy of diabetes mellitus.
EFFECT OF FEEDING VARYING LEVELS OF JATROPHA (Jatropha curcas) SEED CAKE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF GROWING RABBITS
Authors: Abdu S. B. , Yusuf M. R. , Hassan M. R. , Adamu H. Y. , Yashim S. M. , Abdul-Rashid M. , Abubakar M. , Jokthan G. E.
Published: December 2024

A total of 24 growing rabbits of mixed breeds and sexes were used to evaluate the effect of inclusion levels of Jatropha seed cake (JSC) in concentrate diet on the performance of growing rabbits. The experiment was in a completely randomized design involving three treatments which represented 0, 5 and 10% level of JSC inclusion levels. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. There was significant difference (P <0.05) in weight gains, feed intake and feed: gain ratios across the dietary treatments. Rabbits fed on control and 5% JSC diet had the highest (P<0.05) weight gain, while rabbits fed the 10% JSC inclusion level had the lowest. From the results obtained it can be concluded that JSC meal can be incorporated up to 5% in the diet of growing rabbits without any adverse effect on their performance.
EFFECTS OF SEED RATE AND IRRIGATION FREQUENCY ON GROWTH AND FORAGE YIELD OF CENTRO (Centrosema pascuorum Mart. ex Benth)
Authors: Hassan M. R. , ABDU S. B. , Amodu T. J. , Adamu H. Y. , Abdulrashid M. , Musa A. , Zainab A. M. , Tamburawa M. S. , Abubakar S. A.
Published: December 2024

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of seed rate and irrigation frequency on growth attribute and forage yield of Centrosema pascourum. The experimental design was a split-plot replicated 3 times. The treatments consisted of three levels of seed rate (8kg/ha, 10 kg/ha and 12 kg/ha) and three irrigation frequencies (2. 4 and 6 days intervals), respectively. Results indicated that growth of Centrosema pascourum was significantly affected (P<0.05) by seeding rate. There was 31% increase in plant height at seed rates of 10 and 12 kg/ha at 8 weeks after sowing, respectively. Irrigation frequency of 6 days significantly (P<0.05) increased plant height by 45% at 8 weeks after sowing. The highest (P<0.05) forage yield (9.99t/ha) was produced at seed rate of 10 kg/ha at 8 weeks after sowing. Also, 2 days irrigation interval produced 18% higher forage yield at 8 weeks after sowing compared with 2 weeks after sowing. There were significant (P<0.05) interactions between the factors investigated at all levels. It was therefore concluded that seed rate of 10 kg/ha and irrigation frequency of 2 days are important factors to consider by farmers before establishing Centrosema pascourum in northern guinea savanna. However, this cannot be achieved without the full knowledge of the size of farm land to be cultivated for better performance and yield.
PHENOTYPIC CORRELATIONS BETWEEN EGG QUALITY TRAITS OF THE JAPANESE QUAIL IN A SEMI-ARID AREA OF NIGERIA
Authors: ABDULRAHEEM A. O. , RAJI A. O. , ALADE N. K.
Published: December 2024

Phenotypic correlations between egg quality traits in Japanese quail were studied at the poultry unit of the livestock teaching and research farm. University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri. Two hundred and twenty (220) eggs were collected from 110 quail hens at 20 weeks of age. The values related to egg weight, shell weight, shell ratio, average shell thickness, egg shape index, egg surface area and shell weight per unit surface area were 9.77 g. 0.90 g. 9.29 %, 0.217 mm, 83.0 %, 21.98 cm2 and 44.30 mg/cm2, respectively; while weight, height, index, and ratio and weight, height, diameter and ratio and Haugh Unit were 5.45 g. 3.95 cm, 6.58 %, 55.72 %, 3.41 g. 1.00 cm, 2.48 cm, 34.98 % and 87.77 %, respectively. Egg weight had positive correlations with both external and internal quality traits indicating that it may be the best trait for improving others. Most internal quality traits had negative correlations with shell ratio, implying that selection for internal quality traits of quail eggs could result in low shell quality. Selection to improve albumen weight will have an antagonistic effect on yolk ratio because negative correlation was observed between them. Shell ratio had negative correlations with some albumen qualities whereas it was positive with yolk quality traits implying that eggs selected for albumen quality may have poor shell quality. However, the quality may be improved if some yolk traits are considered in such selections.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF ACID AND ALKALINE SOAKED DEHULLED AFRICAN YAM BEAN SEEDS (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) SEEDS
Authors: AMUSA H. O. , OSENI T. A. , OGUNGBENRO S. D. , AJIBIKE A. B. , FOLORUNSO A. D. , ABU O. A.
Published: December 2024

African yam bean (AYB) (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) is an indigenous food legume crop in the tropics, but it is not as popular as food when compared with other major legumes. It is high in protein but it is under - utilized due to the presence of tannin, trypsin inhibitors, haemaglutinins, oxalates, phytates and saponins.. To improve its nutritional value as a protein source, AYB was subjected to dehulling, dehulled soaking in ogi liquor (acidic media) and dehulled soaking in wood ash (alkaline media) and its anti-nutritional contents analyzed. There were no significant (P>0.05) difference in tannin, phytate, saponin, and oxalate across the dietary treatments. However trypsin inhibitor and haemagglutinin showed significant (p<0.05) difference across the treatments. Raw AYB had the highest value for tannin (0.09/mg/g), phytate (0.67/mg/g), trypsin inhibitors (31.26/TIU/g), saponin (0.32mg/kg), haemaglutinnins (58.24HIU/g) and oxalates (0.25mg/g) followed by the dehulled seed with tannin (0.07/mg/g), phytate (0.49mg/g), trypsin inhibitor (11.34/TIU/mg), saponin (0.26/mg/kg) and haemmaglutinins (49.15/HIU/g). African yam bean soaked in alkaline media (pH 10) recorded the least value for tannin (0.05mg/g), phytates (0.05/mg/g), trypsin inhibitor (0.06/TIU/g), haemmaglutinins (6.35/HIU/g). The lowest value of oxalate was for AYB soaked in acidic medium (0.20mg/g). Soaking in alkaline medium (pH 10) was found to be more effective in reducing the levels of trypsin inhibitors activity and haemaglutinins by 99.8% and 89.1% respectively. However, soaking of AYB in (pH 3.9) resulted in 63.7% and 15.6% reduction in trypsin inhibitor activity and haemaglutinins respectively. It could be concluded that anti-nutritional factors present in African yam bean could easily be reduced when soaked in alkaline solution.
INTAKE AND DIGESTIBILITY OF N'DAMA CATTLE FED CONCENTRATE DIETS CONTAINING VARYING LEVELS OF CORNCOB
Authors: AJAYI F. T.
Published: December 2024

One possible way to mitigate the scarcity of quality feedstuffs during the dry season is to explore alternative feed resources. This reduces the cost of animal production without a decrease in productivity. Four N'Dama heifers with average live weight of 70 kg + 0.21 were used to evaluate the effects of feeding concentrate containing corncob in varying proportions in combination with guinea grass (Panicum maximum) in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin Square design. Diets were formulated to consist of 0% corncob (CC) (T1), 25% CC (T2), 50% CC (T3) and 75% CC (T4). Crude protein and ash contents of diets were (16.7 -18.4%) and 5.0-6.9%) respectively. The cattle on diet 4 had the least DMI (73.8%), CPD (76.9%) and ME (24.6 MJ/Kg DM). Corncob can be used in concentrate ration for cattle up to 50% inclusion level.
TETHERING-FEEDING SYSTEM: THE EFFECT ON PERFORMANCE OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS
Authors: ENIOLORUNDA O. O. , APATA E. S. , RABIU K. A. , OYESUYI J.
Published: December 2024

A study was carried out for 77 days using 18 growing West African Dwarf goats to investigate the effect of tethering feeding on performance of goats on free range and tethering. Goats were allocated into three treatments and each was replicated twice in a completely randomized design. The treatments were free grazing (TO) control tethering at 9.5cm (T1) and tethering at 183cm (T2) T1 and T2 groups were fed measured concentrate and water while forage was offered ad-libitum. Data were collected on live weight, total weight gain, daily weight gain, concentrate and dry matter intake as well as feed conversion ratio (FCR) which were statistically analyzed and significant means separated. Live weight was significantly (p<0.05) higher in group T2 than other treatments. Dry matter (DM) intake also differed significantly (p<0.05) among the three treatments with goats in group T2 having highest (p<0.05) intake. It was concluded and suggested that West African Dwarf goats could be tethered at 185cm radius for higher performance.
GAS PRODUCTION, METHANE AND FERMENTATION KINETICS OF Panicum maximum INCUBATED WITH COCONUT OIL
Authors: ADELUSI O. O. , ONWUKA C. F. I. , ONI A. O. , ARIGBEDE O. M. , DELE P. A.
Published: December 2024

The study evaluated the effect of coconut oil (CNO) on the in vitro gas production, fermentation kinetics and methane production of Panicum maximum. Gas production was determined for a period of 72 hours with four (4) levels (0 (control), 1, 2 and 3 ml/g) of CNO incubated with 200mg of Panicum maximum. The experiment was set out in a completely randomized design. Fermentation kinetics were determined using the equation Y= a+b(1-e). Data obtained were analysed using one- way analysis of variance. Results showed that CNO decreased (p<0.05) both total gas production and methane from 50.00 ml and 11.00 ml in syringes incubated with 3 ml/g to 18.20 ml and 2.33 ml respectively in the control syringes. In conclusion, coconut oil reduced total gas, methane production and rate of degradation within the rumen.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, FORAGE HEIGHT (FH) AND DRY MATTER YIELD (DMY) OF WET SEASON FORAGES IN NORT EASTERN NIGERIA
Authors: YAHAYA B. , HAYATUDDEN A. M. , KIBON A.
Published: December 2024

The chemical composition, forage height and dry matter yield was determined for wet forages in Kwami LGA grazing area of Gombe state for four month. July to October 2013. The month of July shows that Vigna unguiculata was the highest in the first observation, with a bulk forage height and dry matter yield of 4.73 inches and 20.42 kg/a 102 while the lowest was in Digitaria debilis 1.97 inches and 8.51 kg/a 10. This trend continues up to the fourth week where the forage height and the dry matter yield were 10.39 inches; 44.87 kg/a 10 and 4.33 inches; 18.77 kg/a 10 respectively. Generally the forages dry matter content, crude protein, .ether extract, crude fibre, acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre and the Arsh content were significantly different (P<0.05)2003).
EFFECTS OF FEEDING AGRO-INDUSTRIAL BY PRODUCTS BASED CONCENTRATE DIETS TO WAD GOATS USING Pennisetum purpureum HAY AS BASAL DIET
Authors: OBE A. A. , OMONIYI L. A. , OGUNTONA E. B. , JOLAOSHO A. O. , ARIGBEDE O. M. , ONWUKA C. F. I.
Published: December 2024

Effects of feeding agro-industrial by products (cassava peels, dried poultry waste, molasses and saw dust ash) on blood indices (haematological parameters and serum metabolites) was investigated using sixteen West African dwarf (WAD) goats of about 8-10 months of age and average weight of 7.33 kg of about 12 months of age in a completely randomized design experiment. There were no significant (p>0.05) differences at period 2 between treatments for the haematological parameters except for white blood cell while at period 3 there were significant differences among the measured parameters except the white blood cell. The mean values of packed cell volume (PVC), haemoglobin (Hb), White Blood Cell (WBC) and Red Blood Cell (RBC) at period 3 ranges from 31.75 to36.25%, 10.13 to 12.10, 6.80 to 8.23 x 10 and 15.30 to 18.10 x10 respectively. The study also revealed that there were significant (P<0.05) differences for serum metabolites except albumin between dietary treatments. At period 3 Total protein, serum glucose, uric acid, globulin and albumin mean values ranges (75.00-81.00g/L) (27.25- 103.00mg/dL.), (6.40-7.88mg/dL), (27.25-31.25g/L) and (47.75-49.75g/L) respectively. These results revealed that the feeding of agro-industrial by- products had significant effect on the blood indices of WAD goats.
NUTRIENT DIGESTIBLITY AND INTAKE OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS FED DIET CONTAINING DIFFERENT LEVELS OF SWEET ORANGE PEELS AND GAMBA GRASS
Authors: Oloche J. , Oluremi O. I. A. , Mnguachia L. J.
Published: December 2024

Nine male West African Dwarf bucks (WAD)having an average weight of 6.77kg and about 5-7 months of age were used to evacuate the apparent nutrient digestibility of diets containing graded levels of sweet orange peel meal (SOPM) in a completely randomized design. Three treatment diets were formulated and compounded, that is treatment 1,2 and 3 to contain 0%, 75% and 85% SOPM. Animals were daily fed with 150g of the concentrate supplements whereas the grass was fed ad libitum. Results of apparent nutrient digestibility showed that dry matter (DM), crude protein(CP), crude fibre(CF), nitrogen free extracts (NFE) and ether extracts (EE) were not significantly different (p>0.05) among the treatments, values of DM digestibility ranged between 62.17-69.73%. Dry matter intake (DMI) was between 176.62- 195.61g/day, apart from DMI there seemed to be slight numerical decrease in the values of the other parameters from T1-T3 as the level of replacement of maize offal increased. Sweet orange peel meal can replace maize offal up to 85% level without negative effect on digestibility of nutrient or intake.
EFFECT OF SEASONAL CHANGES ON THE GROWTH CURVE PARAMETERS OF MALE AND FEMALE CHICKENS
Authors: SABE O. , ILORI B. M. , PETERS S. O. , DANIEL I. O.
Published: December 2024

Weekly body weight data of 417 chickens were fitted to Gompertz growth model to study the seasonal variation on the predicted growth curve parameters of male and female genotypes of chicken (naked neck-NN, FUNNAB Alpha-BA and Giriraja-GR chickens). The growth data were collected during late dry season of January-March and early wet season of April-June. The data were transformed to a heavy-tailed distribution and analyzed using Bayesian approach. The result of the study showed that early wet season as predicted by the model supported high weight gain in all the genotypes. Giriraja however, among the three genotypes was superior in weight gain followed by NN and BA. During late dry season, exponential profitability is achieved at 10-13 weeks and 12-14 weeks during early wet season.
ANTINUTRIENT UTILIZATION AND LIVE-WEIGHT GAIN OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS FED Panicum maximum SUPPLEMENTED WITH UNTREATED COCOA POD HUSK MEAL
Authors: OMOTOSO O. B. , ANDREW P. , JOACHIM C. O. , FAJEMISIN A. N. , ALOKAN J. A.
Published: December 2024

A 56-day study was conducted to evaluate the antinutrient utilization and live-weight gain of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats fed Panicum maximum supplemented with untreated cocoa pod husk meal (CPHM). Five experimental diets were formulated such that Panicum maximum were supplemented with untreated cocoa pod husk meal at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% respectively and were fed to 20 WAD goats at 4 replicates per treatment in a completely randomized design experiment. Parameters assessed included; nutrient and antinutrient intake, nitrogen utilization, and weight changes. From the results, dry matter (DM) of the diets varied from 88.20% (diet A) to 89.47% (diet E); crude protein (CP) ranged from 10.37% (diet E) to 11.28% (diet A) and the highest theobromine concentration (0.93%) was recorded for diet E. The highest DMI (341.38g/day), CPI (43.65%) and live-weight gain (38.24g/day) was recorded for goats fed diet A but nutrients, anti-nutrients, digestibility coefficients, nitrogen intake and retention values of goats fed diet B had statistical (P>0.05) similar values with those fed diet A. Though, the highest feed gain ratio (8.89) recorded for goats fed diet A was statistically (P>0.05) similar with 9.48 recorded for those diet B (75% P. maximum +25% CPHM), with no record of mortality. Thus, P. maximum could be combined with CPHM at 3:1 for WAD goats during dry season when the grass is in short supply, as it contained tolerable anti-nutrients, supported weight gain and would not pose any deleterious effect to the WAD goats.
EFFECT OF FEEDING TIME ON HATCHABILITY AND QUALITY OF HATCHLINGS FROM BROILER BREEDERS RAISED IN SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA
Authors: KAREEM S. O. , SOGUNLE O. M. , EGBEYALE L. T. , ADEOSUN I. O. , SAFIYU K. K. , ODUTAYO O. J.
Published: December 2024

A total no of 240 Marshal Broiler chicken breeder flocks during 40th to 48th weeks of age were used to determine the effect of feeding time on the hatchability and quality of hatchlings raised under tropical environment. The feeding schedule was divided into 3 treatments 3am, 5am and 7am respectively having 3 replicates in each treatment with 20birds per replication. Data obtained were subjected to a completely randomize design. Feeding time had no significant variation between the percentage hatched chicks. The 3am (96.39) and 5am (96.32) treatments are significantly (P<0.05) different from the 7am treatment (90.53). The feeding time 3am and 5am has a higher hatchability percentage compared to the 7am feeding time. However, significant (P>0.05) difference were not observed in the total hatched chicks, but a numerical difference was seen across the treatments with 3am and 5 am recording a higher numerical difference compared to the 7am feeding time. Feeding time has no significant difference on the quality of hatchlings. Hence, it could be concluded that birds fed at 3am and 5am has a higher hatchability performance.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION OF MEAT OF DOMESTICATED AND WILD GRASSCUTTER (Thryonomys swinderianus)
Authors: ENIOLA O. , BABATUNDE R. O. , OYELAMI B. A. , BAMGBALA T. T.
Published: December 2024

This study was conducted to compare the proximate composition of meat of domesticated Grasscutters and those obtained from the wild. A total of sixteen grasscutters of weight 3.5-5kg were purchased for the experiment: eight domesticated (four matured males and four matured females) from the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Jericho Ibadan and the remaining eight (four matured males and four matured females) captured from the wild. The animals were allotted into two dietary treatments with four replicates and two animals per replicate in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD). Results from the experiment showed that domestication had no significant effect (P<0.05) on the crude protein, fat, ash, moisture and crude fibre. Values for crude protein 18.35% were numerically higher in the wild, while the cholesterol content 0.079% was higher for the domesticated ones. Grasscutter from the wild was significantly richer in calcium 6.68% (P<0.05) and also numerically higher in iron 4.36% and magnesium 0.75% but had less zinc 1.14%. From this study it can be deduced that domestication has lesser effect on nutritional composition of grasscutter meat compared to those from the wild therefore, people who live in urban and rural areas can consume both domesticated and wild grasscutter without any adverse effect on their health.
REPLACEMENT VALUE OF CASSAVA PEEL MEAL FOR MAIZE IN COCKEREL RATION
Authors: OYAWOYE E. O. , DUROWAYE A. K. , ISEKO G. A.
Published: December 2024

The study was carried out to investigate the replacement value of cassava peel meal for maize in cockerel ration. Three hundred (300) commercial strain of white cockerel was used to determine the replacement value of maize with cassava peel meal (CPM) on the overall performance of cockerel birds. Five dietary treatments with CPM replacing maize at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% inclusion levels were formulated for the starter phase (2-8 weeks) and the grower phase (8-14 weeks) of the birds. A total of sixty (60) birds were assigned to each dietary group with three (3) replicates of twenty (20) birds each. Data on growth response was taken. Effects of the dietary treatments in all phases of the study were checked on the feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and feed efficiency ratio. The feed intake was significantly affected by the dietary treatments at the starter phase of the experiment and the weight gain at the end of the starter phase was equally significantly affected by the dietary treatments. The feed intake was however not significantly affected (P>0.05) by dietary treatment in the grower phase of the study. The body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly affected (P<0.05) by the dietary treatment during the course of the study. The feed cost per kgand the cost of feed consumed per bird reduced as the level of CPM inclusion increased. Feed cost per kg weight gain was highest in diet T5 and least in T2. The results therefore suggests that inclusion level of up to 50% CPM for maize at the starter phase was optimum for growth and overall performance, and an inclusion level of up to 25% CPM in cockerel growers supported optimum growth without a negative effect on the performance.
COMPARISON OF MALE AND FEMALE SOKOTO RED AND SAHELIAN GOATS USING PRE-WEANING, WEANING AND POST WEANING TRAITS
Authors: ADEDIBU I. , LAWAL M. , OTARU S. M. , IYIOLA-TUNJI A. O.
Published: December 2024

A study was carried out to compare the males and females of Red Sokoto (RS) and Sahelian (SH) goats. The study was carried out at the small ruminant unit of National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Shika using 60 goats. The study indicated that there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in the birth weight (BW), pre weaning (PRW), weaning and post weaning PTW traits between the females of RS and SH. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in the birth weight (BW), pre weaning (PRW), weaning traits between the male RD and SH but significant (P<0.05) differences existed for post weaning bodyweight between the males of RD and SH. This indicated that the RS and SH were similar in pre-weaning and weaning weights hence could be utilised for selected for these traits.