bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of stunning methods on quality of rabbit carcass and meat
Authors: Apata E. S. , Eniolorunda O. O. , Amao K. E. , Okubanjo A. O.
Published: February 2021

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of different stunning methods on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of rabbit carcass and meat. Thirty six mature rabbits of mixed breeds and sexes with average weight of 1.5 – 2.0kg were used. The rabbits were randomly assigned to four experimental treatments (T1-T4); T1 represented No stunning (control), T2 = Electrical stunning, T3 = Gas stunning and T4 = Mechanical stunning. Each treatment was replicated thrice and the experiment was arranged on completely randomized design. The rabbits were bled after stunning, dressed conventionally and chilled at 40C for 24 hours. Thereafter the were dissected into 2 halves and fabricated into primal cuts. Carcass characteristics as well as physical, chemical and sensory properties of the rabbit meat were determined. The results showed that carcasses of rabbits stunned with gas gave higher (P<0.05) blood loss and lower (P<0.05) chilling loss. Also visual colour score, cooking yield, protein, nitrogen free extract, cooked meat colour, flavour, texture and overall acceptability were higher (P<0.05), while cooking loss, thermal shortening, drip loss, moisture and pH were lower (P<0.05) in meat from rabbits stunned with gas compared with meat from other treatments. Gas stunning was therefore, recommended since it favoured most of physicochemical and sensory characteristics of both carcass and meat of differently stunned rabbits in this study.
Growth response and apparent nutrient digestibility of weaner rabbits fed with diets containing bamboo leaf meal
Authors: Idowu O. M. O. , Oso A. O. , Adeyemi O. A. , Osho S. O. , Idowu O. P. A. , Ijaiya A. T.
Published: February 2021

A ten-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the growth response and apparent nutrient digestibility of weaner rabbits fed with diets containing bamboo leaf meal (BLM). Eighty weaner rabbits were allotted into four dietary treatment groups of twenty rabbits each. The dietary treatment groups consisted of four rations containing 0 (control), 10, 20 and 30% BLM respectively. Rabbits fed diet containing 10% BLM had the highest (P<0.05) final live weight, weight gain and apparent ether extract digestibility. Lowest (P<0.05) final live weight, weight gain, apparent crude protein and ash digestibility were noticed with rabbits fed with diets containing 20% or 30% BLM. Rabbits fed with diet containing 30% BLM recorded the highest (P<0.05) feed intake and lowest (P<0.05) NDF digestibility. It was concluded that inclusion of 10% BLM in diets for weaner rabbits supported improved growth and nutrient digestibility.
Performance of rabbits fed diets containing graded levels of processed tallow (Detarium microcarpum) seed meal
Authors: Jiya E. Z. , Ijaiya A. T. , Olorunsanya A. O. , Ayanwale B. A.
Published: February 2021

A twelve weeks experiment was conducted using eighty one (81) cross bred (Chinchilla x New Zealand white) weaned rabbits with average initial weights of 540g to evaluate the performance of rabbits fed diets containing graded levels of processed tallow (Detarium microcarpum) seed meal. The design of the experiment was 1 + 2/4 factorial and arranged as a completely randomized design (CRD). The rabbits were randomly allotted to nine treatment groups with nine rabbits per treatment. Each treatment had three replicates with three rabbits per replicate. Two processing methods (Cooking and Fermentation) were used to process tallow seeds. Control diet had 100% palm kernel cake (PKC) meal and 0% tallow seed meal, represented as T0. T1 – T4 contained cooked tallow seed meal (CTSM) and included as T1 (75% PKC : 25% CTSM); T2 (50% PKC : 50% CTSM); T3 (25% PKC : 75% CTSM) and T4 (0% PKC : 100% CTSM), While T5 – T8 had fermented tallow seed meal (FTSM) and included at the same levels as observed in the cooked diets. Data were collected on body weight, feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and nutrient digestibility were calculated. Only ash content was affected by the processing method in the result of nutrient digestibility. The results revealed that processing improves the nutritional quality of tallow seeds. Rabbits fed cooked tallow seed based diets revealed higher feed intake, final body weight and body weight gain compared to Rabbits fed diets containing fermented tallow seed. It was therefore concluded that cooking and fermentation methods are effective processing method for eliminating the anti-nutritional factors contained in tallow seeds and so can be included in the diets of weaned rabbits at 100 % replacement of PKC without deleterious effect on their growth performance.
Prevalence of Mycobacterium bovis in some cattle breeds in the aids era: An abattoir survey in Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Oyekunle M. A. , Talabi A. O.
Published: February 2021

Eight breeds of cattle totalling 15520 heads and comprising of 3784 bulls and 11736 cows were examined during slaughter in the two largest abattoirs in Ogun State, Nigeria between January and December, 2007. Samples of lung, liver, spleen, kidney, udder, skin and pleural lymph nodes with gross lesions suspected to be those of tuberculosis were obtained from the slaughtered animals. Each of the samples was processed according to the standard method and thereafter stained by Ziehl-Neelsen’s technique and was microscopically examined for acid fast organisms. Samples containing acid fast bacilli were cultured on Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) medium with pyruvate or glycerol. M. bovis was identified by growth rate, pigment production, colony and cell morphology and biochemical characteristics. A total of 41 heads of cattle comprising of 9 bulls and 32 cows from 7 breeds were positive for M. bovis. No isolate of M. bovis was obtained from Keteku breed and no seasonal distribution of the organism was observed. Among the organs with lesions, the lung had the highest number (18) of M. bovis. The number of White Fulani cattle with M. bovis was highest (13) among the breeds examined.
Effects of feeding varying dietary crude protein and digestible energy concentrations on performance of pigs raised in a humid tropical environment
Authors: Oyeleke O. M.
Published: February 2021

This paper aims at investigating relationships and effects of varying protein and energy levels on growth performance, efficiency of feed conversion and efficiency of nutrient utilization of weanling pigs fed from of 9 to 60kg. A total of one hundred and twenty weanling pigs weighing ± 9kg were allotted randomly to sixteen groups of eight pigs each. for females and four castrated males in a 4x 4factorial design. The sixteen diets consist of four digestible energy levels (3,000: 3300: 3,600 and 3,900 kcal/kg) and four crude protein levels (18; 21: 24 and 27%). The pigs were fed these experimental diets until they attained a predetermined liveweight of 60 +1.5 kg. The effects of the varying crude protein and digestible energy were studied on growth and performance parameters Neither protein nor energy levels significantly affected daily feed intake, but significantly decreased daily feed intake at 27protein level. Daily protein intake was influenced by protein intake and digestible energy intake was also significantly influenced by digestible energy intake. There were no significant interactions between protein and energy levels with respect to feed intake and intake of protein and energy Energy but no protein levels significantly influenced rate of live weight gain. Feed conversion efficiency (FEC) was highly (P 0.001) influenced by energy but not protein levels. In both sexes, females and castrated males, increasing dietary levels of protein and energy resulted in improved efficiency of feed utilization within protein levels but there were significant differences between the two highest energy levels for castrated males and within the diets with 3.300, 3.600 and 3.900 kcal/DE/kg for the females. When high protein levels were combined with high energy levels feed intakes were depressed only on the 279% protein level. Feed conversion efficiency was maximized on the diet with 21 and 249% protein levels with appreciable sex diferences, with female pigs requiring more protein than males. Digestible Energy range of 3,300 and 3,600 kcalkg would be adequate for maximum gain and efficiency of feed utilization in pigs under the humid tropical environment tropical. Feed to gain ratio, a very important economic index should be an important index of the quality of any diet for promoting growth.
Performance of broiler chickens fed maize-based diets substituted with graded levels of sweet potato meal
Authors: Afolayan S. B. , Dafwang I. I. , Tegbe T. S. B. , Sekoni A. , Jegede J. O.
Published: February 2021

The performance of Ross broiler chickens fed on Sweet Potato Meal (SPM) as a dietary source of energy was studied. The study was carried out at both starter (0-4 wks) and finisher (5- 9 wks) phases. In both phases, SPM was incorporated at graded levels of 0. 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 percent and dietary proteins were adjusted to make the diets iso-nitrogenous. In the starter phase, three replicates of I5 birds each were randomly allocated to each of the 6 treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD) experiment while the number of birds per replicate was reduced to 14 for the finisher phase using the same experimental design. Parameters measured or calculated include feed intake, body weight gain, feed efficiency, feed costs, feed cost/kg weight gain, mortality and carcass characteristics. The results showed similar trends in both phases. Differences in the feed intake were not significant (P>0.05) while weight gain, feed cost/kg weight gain and total cost of rearing the birds decreased significantly (P<0.05). The Control, 10% 20% and 30% SPM diets gave similar weight gain and feed gain ratio. The Control gave the best performance in both starter and finisher phases, although its performance was not significantly different (P>0.05) from that of the 30%SPM diet Sweet Potato Meal level had no adverse effects on mortality and carcass characteristics. It is therefore concluded from this study that SPM should not be included beyond 30% level in a maize-based diet when protein requirement of birds is satisfied.
Growth traits and performance of caged Fulani ecotype chickens fed commercial diets meant for broiler and pullet chicks
Authors: Sola-Ojo F. E. , Ayorinde K. I. , Toye A. A. , Bolu S. A. O. , Adedibu I. I. , Adeyemi K. D. , Ajao E. O.
Published: February 2021

Two Hundred and six day old Fulani Ecotype chicks (FEC)were used to investigate the effect of feeding two types of diet (Chick starter diet and Broiler starter diet formulated to meet standard nutritional requirement of pullets and broiler chicks) on growth traits and performance from O to 8 weeks. The broiler starter diet contained 23% Crude Protein (CP) and 3000Kcal/kg Metabolizable Energy (ME), and the Chick starter diet contained 21% CP and 2800Kcal/Kg ME. The growth traits measured were body weight (BW), body length (BL), body girth (BG), wing length (WL), thigh length (TL), drumstick length (DL), keel length (KL), and shank length (SL), while chicks performance were estimated from feed intake. feed efficiency, growth rate and weight gain. Average body weight of chicks fed broiler starter diet were significantly (P<0.05) higher from week 1 to 8. Chicks fed broiler starter diet exhibited numerically higher BL, BG, WL, TL, DL and KL than those fed chick starter diet at all ages and differences were significant (P<0.05) at some ages. Chicks fed broiler starter diet significantly (P<0.05) consumed more feed at week 1 and 2, and they gained more weight than those fed chick starter diet from 0 to 4 weeks (120.51 vs. 97.89g), and 5-8 weeks (255.11 vs. 239.13g). Feed efficiency in chicks fed broiler starter diet was relatively higher by 13.21% than observed in those fed chick starter diet from day old to 4 weeks and this translated to faster growth rate during the period in the former group (34.30% Vs.32.67%). This Study shows that the broiler starter diet produced superior growth traits and better feed efficiency in Fulani Ecotype chicks.
Effects of feeding diets containing undelinted undecorticated cottonseed cake on carcass characteristics of gilts
Authors: Jegede J. O. , Tegbe T. S. B. , Ogundipe S. O. , Rekwot P. I. , Afolayan S. B.
Published: February 2021

Twenty four crossbred (Large White X Hampshire) female weaner pigs of average initial weight of 12.6 kg live weight were raised for a period 126 days from weaner to growing-finishing stage of average weight of 71.0kg in a trial in which undelinted undecorticated cottonseed cake (UUCSC) was fed at 0, 10, 20 and 30% of the 18%% or 16% crude protein diets. Animals were randomly assigned to pens on the basis of initial weight group and there were two pigs per pen in a randomized block design trial. Animals were fed 5% body weight and had free access to drinking water Gilts were weighed weekly and the trial lasted for 126 days. Twelve of the gilts were randomly selected and slaughtered for carcass analysis. As a result of this study, slaughter and carcass weights of gilts fed 30% UUCSC diet were significantly higher (P<0.05) than those fed 0, 10 and 20% UUCSC diets. The prime cuts (ham, shoulder and loin) were similar across dietary treatments. There was significant linear (P<0.05) reduction in loin-eye area while the back fat thickness significantly (P<O.05) increased as the levels of UUCSC increased in the diets. The gilts fed 30% UUCSC had significantly (P<0.05) lower liver kidneys and spleen weights as compared to those fed 0, 10and 20% UUCSC diets, Between the lungs and hearts of the gilts there were no significant differences (P>0.05) among them. There was significant linear (P<O.05) increase in stomach dimension while the gut dimensions were similar across dietary treatments. For good carcass quality, 20% UUCSC can be fed to gilts
Effect of feeding varying levels of dietary crude protein and digestible energy levels on nitrogen retention, urinary and blood plasma constituents in pigs fed from 9 to 60kg
Authors: Oyeleke M. O.
Published: February 2021

This study was designed to investigate the effects and possible interactions of varying crude protein (CP) and digestible energy levels (DE) on Nitrogen Retention, (NR), Urinary and blood plasma constituents in pigs reared from 6 to 60 kg liveweight. One hundred and twenty eight Large White x Landrace pigs weighing 9+1.5kg were assigned to sixteen groups of eight pigs, comprising four females and four castrated males in a 4x4 factorial design, the factors were four crude protein levels: (18, 21, 24 and 27%) and four digestible energy levels: (3,000; 3,300: 3,600 and 3,900 kcal/kg) nitrogen retention studies were conducted during the 4 week after the animals were 4 weeks on test diets. There were 6 pigs (3 females and 3 males) in the nitrogen balance trials. Apparent protein digestibility was calculated from the faecal collection. Urinary urea, citrulline and allocation were also determined. Six out of the eight experimental pigs per diet were selected for bleeding and the plasma urea concentrations were determined. There was a significant ( 0.05) Protein x Energy, Energy X Sex and Protein x Energy x Sex interactions. Females retained significantly higher proportions of their nitrogen intake than the castrated males, the lowest nitrogen retention was obtained on the lowest protein and lowest energy combination. The best nitrogen retention in males was obtained on the 21% protein diet with 3,600 kcal DE/kg, while in females; the best was obtained on the diet containing 24% Protein. Total urinary urea concentration was significantly (p 0.01) influenced by both protein and energy levels and significant Protein x Energy interactions also occurred. Dietary protein, expectedly, significantly influenced plasma urea concentrations tending to be lowest on the two intermediate energy levels; 3,300 and 3,600 kcal DE /kg. Nitrogen retention was optimum between 18 and 21% protein levels and castrated males tended to show optimum nitrogen economy on lower protein levels than female pigs. Total urea concentration paralleled nitrogen retention profile. The Kiriyama Index(A/U x IP) may be a precise method to determine protein requirement for pigs in the humid tropical environment. Digestible energy levels of between 3,300 and 3,600 kcal/kg would be adequate for maximum nitrogen economy.
Haematology, serum biochemistry and relative organ weight of broiler fed raw and roasted kenaf seed meal as a replacement for full fat soybean meal
Authors: Odetola O. M. , Eruvbetine D. , Onagbesan O. M. , Oduguwa O. O.
Published: February 2021

An experiment was conducted with 240, unsexed day old Arbor Acre broiler chicks to evaluate the benefit of replacing full fat soya (FFSM) with whole kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) seed meal (WKSM) in the diets on the haematology, serum biochemistry and organs weight of the broiler chicken in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement, consisting two processing methods (raw kenaf seed meal RKM and roasted kenaf seed meal HKM) and 3 inclusion levels (10%, 20% and 30%). Blood samples were collected from the birds through the wing web vein for haematology and serum biochemistry, while sample of organs were collected from the birds after they were sacrificed after the 8 week feeding trials. Results showed that the processing methods significantly (p<0.05) influenced the mean values obtained for neutrophil and lymphocytes, while haemoglobin (Hb), total protein, globulin, uric acid, cholesterol, alanine amino transferase (ALT) (EC 2.6.1.2) and aspartate amino transferase (AST)(EC 2.6.1.1) were significantly influenced (p<0.05) by both processing methods and levels of inclusion. Weight of gizzard, spleen, lungs and heart were also influenced by both the processing methods and levels of inclusion of WKSM. The PCV, haemoglobin concentration and total protein values were within the range of 26.33 to 32.68%, 8.83 to 11.03g/dl and 37.70 to 50.43g/L. The results suggest that WKSM possess good dietary protein quality for optimal growth of broiler chicken. Inclusion levels above 20% to broiler will significantly alter the haematological and serum biochemical variables and probably induce anaemic conditions and dysfunction of visceral organs which can lead to their poor performance
Qualitative characteristics of Thryonomys swinderianus swinderianus and Thryonomys swinderianus gregorianus
Authors: Aluko F. A.
Published: February 2021

Cane rat, a micro livestock currently being domesticated has the potential to increase animal protein sources. This study examined the qualitative characteristics of Thyryonomys swinderianus swinderianus (Tss) and Thryonomys swinderianus gregorianus (Tsg). Three hundred and thirty five cane rats were sampled. Seven qualitative characters were coded. These included: Shape of Head (SH), Eye Placement (EP), Ear Shape (ES), Body Pelage (BP), Tail Shape (TS), Tail Colour (TC), Breed (B). The qualitative characters were scored on the individual animals. This measures were analysed using frequency distribution and chi-square analysis. In the Tss population, 89.23% of the animals had broad heads, 10.77% had narrow heads. The broad heads animals had broad tip ear (89.236) have brown and yellow - belly white body colour (89.23%). Their tail is broad base and thin out to tip (87.69%) although a few (1.54%) had broad base and even out to tip. All the broad heads (89.23%) brown and yellow-belly white animals (100.00%) had black and hairy tail. In the Tsg population, 87.06% of the animals had narrow heads, (12,94%) had broad heads. The narrow heads animal (86.67%) had ear with broad tip and have black and yellow-belly white body colour (86.67%). The tail is broad base and thin out is tip (80.39%). All the narrow heads (87.06), black and yellow-belly white (99.61%) animals had black and hairy tail
Responses of pubertal rabbits to dietary supplementation of ginger (Zingiber officinale rosc) rhizome powder
Authors: Ogbuewu I. P. , Iwuji T. C. , Etuk I. F. , Ezeokeke C. T. , Okoli I. C. , Iloeje M. U.
Published: February 2021

Seventy two (72) sexed crossbred rabbits aged 6 months were used to determine the effect of ginger rhizome powder (GRP) supplementation on reproductive organ and serum sex hormonal characteristics of pubertal rabbits. The experimental rabbits were divided into 2 treatment groups comprising 36 males and 36 females. Each group was divided into 4 dietary treatments (BT1, BT2, BT3 and BT4 ) of 9 animals and replicated thrice with 3 animals per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). The animals were fed formulated diet containing 2900 Kcal ME kg-1 and 18% crude protein supplemented with GRP at the rate of 0, 5, 10 and 15 g kg-1 feed respectively. Rabbits in each dietary group were fed 50gms of Guinea grass leaf meal containing 27.6% CF (dry matter basis) occasionally as additional fibre sources. Feed and water were offered ad libitum and the study lasted for 10 weeks. Testosterone values of BT (5.83 ng mL-1) and BT (6.28 ng mL-1) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels of BT (1.15 mIU mL-1) were significantly influenced (p<0.05) by ginger rhizome powder. Bucks on BT3 and BT4 had lower luteinizing hormone (LH) level than the BT1 bucks. For the females, FSH and LH values ranged significantly (p<0.05) from 0.90 to 2.05 mIU mL-1 and 0.90 to 3.15 mIU mL-1 respectively. The 17â - estradiol and progesterone levels also ranged significantly (p<0.05) from 166.35 to 175.05 pg mL-1 and 15.45 to 16.80 ng mL-1 respectively. Ovarian weight of rabbit on BT was significantly (p<0.05) higher than those on BT1 but similar to those on BT2 and BT4 treatments. It was therefore concluded that the use of ginger rhizome powder in rabbit diets improved the weight of the ovary as well as enhances serum progesterone, estrogen and testosterone levels.
Performance of West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks fed differently processed poultry droppings
Authors: Okah U. , Anokwuru R. K. , Onyearu V. O.
Published: February 2021

A 56 day trial was carried out to evaluate the response of West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks fed processed poultry dropping. Nine (9) West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks were assigned to three treatment groups in a completely randomized design (CRD) experiment with 3 bucks per treatment. The diets contained poultry dropping at 0% (T1), 10% sun dried poultry dropping (SDPD, T2) and 10% toasted poultry dropping (TPD, T3). The parameters evaluated included: dry matter intake (DMI), changes in body weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), heart girth (HGC), body length (BLC) and height at withers, hematological and biochemical indices, and carcass characteristics of the bucks. Proximate analyses of the sun-dried poultry dropping, toasted poultry dropping, the treatment diets and the forages (Panicum maximum and Centrocema spp.) were also carried out. Concentrate dry matter intakes were 184.65g, 150.05g and 183.62g while forage dry matter intakes were 494.04g, 569.70g and 555.66g for T1, T2, and T3 respectively. Concentrate dry matter intake was similar (P>0.05) in T1 and T3 groups, but significantly (P<0.05) higher than the T2 group. The T2 group consumed significantly higher (P<0.05) forage than the T1 and T3 groups. HGC and HWC were 5.67cm, 2.33cm and 4.67cm, and 5.00cm 4.67cm and 4.00cm respectively. T1 and T3 had higher HGC than T2 group, while the T2 group recorded higher HWC than the T1 and T3 groups. The hemoglobin (Hb) values varied significantly (p<0.05) among the treatment means, and they were, 12.30, 11.30 and 12.00g/dl respectively. PCV (%) and WBC(x103/mm3 varied significantly (p<0.05) and the values were 37.00, 34.00 and 36.00 (%), and 39.00, 56.07 and 42.50(x103/mm3 respectively. Neutrophil and lymphocyte were also influenced significantly, the values were, 15.00, 10, and 31.00%, and 83.00, 86.00, and 66.00% respectively. Only serum urea was affected among the biochemical components, and the values were 0.87, 0.90 and 0.97 mg/dl respectively. Dressing percentage were 34.62%, 37.75% and 42.60% for T1, T2 and T3 respectively; the T2 and T3 groups were similar (P>0.05) but T3 was higher than T1. The values for shoulder were 10.67%, 10, 74% and 8.05%; the full gut values were 47.20% 38.56% and 28.68% for T1, T2 and T3 respectively. Liver, kidney and heart were 2.90%, 2.22% and 1.93%; 0.55, 0.47% and 0.42%, and 0.72%, 0.57% and 0.58% for T1,   T2   and T3 respectively. T1 showed significantly (P<0.05) higher relative weight values for liver and heart than the T3 group. Inclusion of processed poultry dropping up to 10% in the diets of WAD bucks did not affect their performance negatively. However simple sun drying is recommended based on the results of this study and it is also a cheaper and straight forward processing method for poultry dropping.
The presence of some heavy metals in the water, sediments and Sarotherodon galileaus fish in Ilo-Idimu River, Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Taiwo I. O. , Ipinmoroti M. O. , Olopade O. A. , Olugbojo J. A.
Published: February 2021

The Ilo-Idimu river is situated in the heavily industrialised Ota Town, Ogun State, Nigeria, with industries empting their wastes or part of their wastes into the river. The community use the water of the river for domestic purposes such as cooking, drinking, bathing and washing. Iron (Fe) was the most abundant heavy metal amongst the four [Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn) and Lead (Pb)] heavy metals tested for in the Ilo-Idimu River. Though, the levels of lead was more in the littoral midstream (Lit B) and benthic upstream and downstream (Bent A and C) 1.60, 1.40 and 1.30 mg/l respectively. The fish samples of Sarotherodon galileaus tested for the four heavy metals showed that lead (Pb) was present only in the gut of the fish. For the other heavy metals the trend are Cu > Zn > Fe in the scale, in the flesh of the fish Cu > Fe > Zn, while Fe > Cu > Zn in the gills and gut of the fish. The levels of the heavy metals tested in the water and fish samples were lower than the WHO standards therefore, there is no immediate threat to the biodiversity of the aquatic species in the river and to the health of the community using the water for various domestic uses.
Frequencies of Some Morphological Features in Indigenous Chickens of South- Western Nigeria
Authors: Adebambo A. O. , Adeoye R. A. , Osikomaya O. A. , Durosaro S. O. , Ilori B. M. , Sanda A. J. , Wheto M. , Adebambo O. A.
Published: February 2021

Morphological features of chicken genetic resources must be carefully identified and considered in developing breeding strategies. The study was carried out to determine the frequencies of morphological features in indigenous chickens of South-Western Nigeria, using Lagos, Ogun, Osun and Oyo States as case study. Five major chicken markets (Mushin in Lagos State, Itoku and Ipokia in Ogun State, Olu-ode in Osun State and Molete in Oyo State) were used as study locations and three thousand, three hundred and thirteen chickens were observed in the five locations. Ipokia had the highest number (1,549) of chickens and Molete had the least (307) number of chickens. The traits observed included: feather structure, feather distribution, feather morphology, plumage colour, ear lobe colour, skin colour and shank colour. The data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics and inferential statistical analysis was also done for the results using chi-square test. It was observed that for those traits that recorded significant variation, there had been selection for these traits due to the high market value attached to them by attaching preference to some of its variants which were observed. Knowledge and well documentation of the potentials of indigenous chickens can help provide crucial information for a comprehensive breeding policy and full utilization of the animal.
Effect of supplementation of cassava peel meal based diet with enzyme Maxigrain® on performance, apparent nutrient digestibility and economic indices of broiler finishers
Authors: Aguihe P. C. , Kehinde A. S. , Babatunde T. O. , Iyayi E. A.
Published: February 2021

A four-week experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of Maxigrain® enzyme supplementation on performance, nutrient digestibility and economic indices of broiler finishers fed soaked and sun-dried cassava peel meal (CPM) based diet. CPM was included in the diets replacing maize at 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% respectively on a weight for weight basis. Diets with 25%, 50% and 75% CPM were supplemented with Maxigrain® at 100mg/kg. Two hundred (200) Anak, day old broiler chicks were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD) with five replicates containing ten birds each after balancing for live weight. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum throughout the 4 weeks period of the experiment. Data on the body weight and feed intake were collected on a weekly basis and that of weight gain and feed conversion ratio(FCR) were calculated fortnightly while data on apparent nutrient digestibility was collected towards the end of the experiments in a metabolic trial. Data on feed costanalysis were calculated using the prevailing current market price of feed ingredients. The result shows that average weight gain and feed intake were significantly affected (P<0.05) by dietary treatments. Birds on 50% CPM enzyme diet had a significant (P<0.05) higher weight gain and feed intake followed by those on 75% CPM diet as compared to control group. Enzyme supplementation of the CPM diets produced a slight improvement in feed conversion ratio than the control diet. Feed cost/kg weight gain significantly (P<0.05) decreased with increasing levels of enzyme supplemented CPM. Profit margin generated were higher (P<0.05) in bird fed enzyme treated CPM diet group. Apparent nutrient digestibility of the birds revealed a significant (P<0.05) variation in all parameters with the exception of dry matter. Digestibility values of the birds were observed to increase as the inclusion level of enzyme supplemented CPM increased across the diet. Therefore, it is concluded that enzyme supplemented CPM could replace 75% of maize in broiler finisher diet without any deleterious effect however, supplementing CPM with enzyme Maxigrain® at 50% replacement level for maize resulted in a more profitable performance as well as improved nutrient digestibility and is hereby recommended for poultry farmers.
Haematology and serum profile of rabbits due to generation interval, housing systems and sex
Authors: Ayo-Ajasa O. Y. , Aina A. B. J. , Sowande O. S. , Egbeyale L. T. , Ozoje M. O. , Agaviezor B. O. , Abel F. A. S.
Published: February 2021

A total of ninety-six (96) weaner rabbits (Chinchilla and New Zealand White crossbred) were use for this study and were divided into forty-eight (48) per generation. These fortyeight weaner rabbits were further divided into three replicates of four males (12) and four females each (12) housed in cage (24) and deep litter system (24).This experiment was carried out for two generations to determine the effect of generation interval, housing systems and sex on the haematological and serum profile of rabbits. Data obtained were analyzed using Analysis of Variance test in a 2x2x2 factorial arrangement. The study showed that Packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cells (RBC) and haemoglobin (HB) were not significant in both generations while higher significant(p<0.05) values of albumin were observed in first generation and white blood cells (WBC), globulin, aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) were significantly higher in the second generation. Sex had no significant (p>0.05) effect on most of the biochemical parameters studied except for RBC and glucose which had 4.12 x1012/L and 69.23 mg/dl, for males and 3. 8 x1012/L and 78.78mg/dl for females, respectively in the second generation. In addition, the AST and ALT values were also higher in the females than in the males in the first generation but with no significant (p>0.05) difference. Housing system result showed that WBC (6.29 x109/L) and glucose (78.35 mg/dl) of rabbits were significantly (p<0.05) increased in the cage and deep litter system, respectively in the first generation while total serum protein, albumin and globulin were significantly (p<0.05) higher in rabbits housed in the deep litter system in the second generation. Higher values were recorded for AST and ALT in the deep litter system than the cage system in both generations except that the values of ALT were within the same range for both housing systems in the second generation. This study clearly indicated that both housing systems support rabbit production without any negative influence on the immune status of the rabbit.
Computational identification of fertility functions of bovine Reprimo gene
Authors: Durosara S. O. , Adebambo A. O. , Sanda A. J. , Olowofeso O. , Osho S. O. , Ozoje M. O.
Published: February 2021

Improvement in fertility is possible through gene assisted selection. Cattle fertility and genes underlying it should be thoroughly studied and exploited to find solution to declining cattle fertility. Reprimo (RPRM) gene is a pleiotropic gene involved in suppression of cancer, regulation of mitotic cell cycle, cell cycle arrest and regulation of survival. Comparison of protein tertiary structures is important in inferring functional characteristics of new proteins. This study used computational approach to identify some fertility functions of bovine RPRM gene using motif prediction and protein structure comparison. Amino acid sequences of bovine RPRM gene and some other cattle fertility genes were retrieved from GenBank. Motifs in the amino acid sequence of bovine RPRM gene were predicted using PROSITE software. The domain structure of bovine RPRM protein was predicted using simple modular architecture research tool (SMART). Protein tertiary structures (3D structures) of bovine RPRM gene and other cattle fertility genes were predicted with Phyre2 software. To have structural and functional similarity, it has been found that protein structure after superimposition should have Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) value less than or equal to 2Å. The protein 3D structures of other cattle fertility genes were superposed against the protein 3D structure of bovine RPRM gene using SuperPose web server and the proteins with RMSD value of 2Å or less were predicted as proteins with similar functions and structures as bovine RPRM gene. The predicted motifs (N-glycosylation site, N-myristoylation site, and cAMP and cGMP-dependent protein kinase phosphorylation site) and protein structure comparison revealed that, bovine RPRM gene and bovine growth hormone gene have the same fertility function with alpha carbon and backbone root mean square deviations of 1.94 Å and 1.81 Å, respectively. It follows therefore that other fertility functions of bovine RPRM gene included sexual maturation, steroidogenesis, gametogenesis, gonadal differentiation and gonadotrophin secretion which are the functions of growth hormone gene.
Performance, carcass characteristic and apparent nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens fed Palm-kernel extraction by-products
Authors: Fafiolu A. O. , Jegede A. V. , Teniola A. A. , Olarotimi I. D. , Odukoya S. O. , Alabi J. O. , Oduguwa O. O.
Published: February 2021

This study aimed at investigating the effect of by-products of palm kernel extraction; palm kernel extraction residue (PKER) and palm kernel sludge (PKS) based diets as replacement for maize in broiler diets. A total of 198 one-day old Marshal Broiler chickens were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments. Each dietary treatment had 33 birds with 11 birds per replicate. Maize in the diets was partly replaced by PKER and PKS each at three levels (0, 10 and 20%). The experiment was conducted in both starter and finisher phases. Growth responses, carcass evaluation and nutrient utilization were estimated. Data obtained were subjected to 2x3 factorial arrangement within the completely randomized design (CRD). Feed: Gain was influenced by the level of the palm kernel by-products during 1-28days of study. The weight gained during the 56 days period were not significantly higher (P>0.05) across the treatments All the carcass parameters measured were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by either PKER or PKS. However birds on PKER diets showed superior (P<0.05) nutrients use. In conclusion, the inclusion of palm kernel extraction by-products (between 10-20% PKER and 20% PKS) in the diets of broiler chickens is thereby encouraged for better growth and efficient feed utilization.
Silage quality, Performance Characteristics and Blood Parameters of West African Dwarf (WAD) Goats Fed Vetiver Grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides L. Roberty) Ensiled With Cassava Peels
Authors: Falola O. O. , Adedeji O. Y. , Saka A. A. , Adegbite O. O. , Adisa A. F.
Published: February 2021

Four week old vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides L. Roberty) (VG) was harvested and ensiled with cassava peels (CPL) at different ratios viz: (A) 80VG:20%CPL, (B) 70VG:30%CPL, (C) 60VG:40CPL, (D) 50VG:50CPL, (E) 100VG:0CPL. The various mixtures of VG and CPL were ensiled for 42 days after which the silage characteristics were determined. The silage from the different mixing ratios of VG and CPL were fed for 105 days. Silages with cassava peels had acceptable colour of olive green, pleasant alcoholic odour, and pH range of 4.23-4.50. While 100%VG ensiled without CPL had undesirable characteristics such as pungent odour, brownish colour, mouldy growth and pH of 5.5.Treatments E (100% VG:0%CPL)was unfit for feeding due to its undesirable characteristics, therefore sixteen West African Dwarf (WAD) goats were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments in a completely randomised design. Weight gain, feed intake, digestibility and some blood parameters were determined. The feed intake (341.14 – 358.21g/DM) was not significant among the treatments while the weight gain (23.93 – 26.93g/d) and dry matter digestibility (63.91 – 66.81%) were significant across the treatments. Packed cell volume (31.0 – 33.0%), heamoglobin (10.3 – 12.7), total protein (8.40 – 9.04g/dl) and blood urea (12.08 – 12.32mg/dl) was significantly different among the treatments. It was concluded that feed intake, digestibility and body weight gain increased as level of cassava peels increased in the silage.
Performance of starting broiler chicks on sandbox (Hura crepitans) seed meal
Authors: Ozeudu E. , Esonu B. O. , Emenalom O. O.
Published: February 2021

A 21-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the feeding value of raw and cooked Sand box (Hura crepitans) seed meal for broiler chickens . Sand box seeds (100kg) were divided into two batches, the first batch was milled raw undicorticated with a hammer mill to produce raw sandbox meal, the second batch was cooked for 60 minutes also undicorticated, sun dried for 48 hours and milled with a hammer mill to produce cooked sandbox meal. Five broiler starter diets were formulated to contain raw and cooked sand box seed meal at 0%, 5% and 10% dietary levels respectively. Two hundred and twenty five (225) 14-day old broiler chicks of Marshal breed were divided into five groups of forty five(45) birds each. Each group was further divided into three (3) replicates of fifteen (15) birds each and randomly assigned to the five treatment diet in a completely randomized design (CRD). Data were collected on feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Dietary treatments significantly (P<0.05) influenced feed intake and body weight gain but had no effect( P>0.05) on feed conversion ratio. The results of these studies suggests that sand box (Hura crepitans) seed meal could enhance the performance of broiler starter chicks at 10% (raw) and 5% (cooked) dietary levels.
An analysis of some heavy metals in the water, sediments and some fishery organisms from Yewa Lagoon, Nigeria
Authors: Taiwo I. O. , Olopade O. A. , Gafar A. F.
Published: February 2021

The concentration of heavy metals(Zn, Ni, Pb, Cd and Cu) in the muscle of three fishery organisms (Chrysicththysnigrodigitatus, Sarotherodongalilaeus and Peneausmonodon)and in environmental samples of waterand sediment were tested in Yewa Lagoon, Nigeria. Five fishing villages along the lagoon were selected as the sample sites where these metals were tested. The heavy metal content in the muscle of the fishery organisms was Zn > Ni >Pb> Cu > Cd;Zn > Ni >Pb> Cd > Cu and Zn > Ni >Pb> Cd > Cu inC.nigrodigitatus, S.galilaeus and P.monodon respectively. The heavy metal concentrations in the sediment was Zn >Pb> Cu > Ni > Cd. However, nickel and cadmium were not present in the water at two sampling sitesof Yewa Lagoon.The water of Yewa Lagoon is polluted with all the five heavy metals which were all higher than the WHO standard. The concentration of Zinc in the fishery organisms were below the WHO standard. However, the high concentration of zinc in the water (which is well above the WHO standard) could be associated with the fact that zinc is naturally abundant in Nigeria soils.
Effects of housing systems on behavioural assessment, bone morphometry and faecal egg counts of broiler chickens
Authors: Olaifa R. O. , Olaifa R. O. , Sogunle O. M. , Oloyede S. T. , Safiyu K. K. , Omosebi D. J. , Adeyemi O. A. , Talabi A. O. , Okubanjo A. O.
Published: February 2021

Animals that are well-managed thrive and produce better than those kept under conditions which do not take full consideration of their behavioural and welfare needs. This experiment was conducted with one hundred and eighty unsexed one day-old Marshall and Arbor Acre breeds of broiler chickens to investigate the effects of housing systems on behavioural assessment, bone morphometry and faecal egg counts. The birds were brooded for three weeks and acclimatized for one week in their respective housing systems. Each of the housing systems (deep litter and outdoor run) was allotted 90 birds with 45 chicks per breed in three replicates of 15 birds each after balancing for body weights. The birds were fed same quality and quantity of feed and water ad libitum throughout the period of the experiment which lasted for four weeks. Data were collected on behavioural observations, bone morphometry and faecal samples were analyzed to determine the helminthes egg per gram. The experiment was arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial layout in a completely randomized design. The results of behavioural assessment showed that the two breeds of broiler chickens expressed more (p<0.05) of their natural instincts in the outdoor run compared with their counterparts on deep litter housing system. Irrespective of breeds, birds reared on outdoor run had higher (p<0.05) bone strength (14.61N/mm2) compared with those on deep litter (10.68N/mm 2). Also, the result of faecal egg counts showed that broiler chickens reared on deep litter had a higher incidence of intestinal helminthes compared with those managed on outdoor run. It was concluded that outdoor run could be adopted to enhance more expression of natural behaviours, better bone strength and reduced incidence of intestinal helminthes in Marshall and Arbor Acre breeds of broiler chickens.
Performance of West African Dwarf Goats fed maize stover based diet supplemented with Roxazyme G2® in the dry season in Abeokuta, Nigeria
Authors: Yusuf K. O. , Adebesin O. A. , Sanni A. Y. , Aderinboye R. Y. , Oni A. O. , Adelusi O. A. , Isah O. A.
Published: February 2021

The study was carried out to investigate the effect of exogenous fibrolytic enzyme additive (containing cellulase, xylanase and beta glucanase) on the growth performance and nutrient digestibility parameters of West African dwarf (WAD) goats fed total mixed ration in the dry season. A total of sixteen (16) WAD goats were subjected to a 70-day feeding trial in a completely randomized design. A total mixed ration was formulated with enzyme added at 0.0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6g/kg DM. Feed intake and weight changes of the goats were monitored. Nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization were also determined. Enzyme additive significantly (P<0.05) improved daily feed intake and weight gain of the goats. The best feed conversion ratio (8.34) was obtained at 0.4g/kg DM enzyme inclusion level. Crude protein digestibility was also highest (81.01%) at 0.0.4g/kg DM enzyme inclusion level. The enzyme could be included in a total mixed ration for West African Dwarf goats at 0.4g/kg DM for improved feed intake, weight gain and nutrient digestibility.
Effect of broiler litter supplementation on reproductive performance of West African Dwarf sheep
Authors: Ososanya T. O.
Published: February 2021

Four low cost feed samples were formulated using 0, 25, 50 and 75% levels of broiler litter processed into feed along with other feed ingredients. Sixteen (16) primiparous West African Dwarf (WAD) ewes aged between twelve and eighteen months old were dewormed using Ivermectin and dipped against ticks and fleas using diazintol. Oestrus was artificially synchronized in all the ewes using Iml of Prostaglandin - 2Fα administered intramuscularly, the animals were mated with rams of known fertility and lineage bred. Ewes were evaluated in a pregnancy trial while the lambs born were evaluated in a pre weaning growth trial. All the ewes were weighed before conception and bimonthly thereafter until parturition. The parameters studied were weight at mating, weight before and after parturition, weight changes during pregnancy, weight changes in lactation and nursing, lambs birth weights and daily weight of lambs, dam's weight at weaning and gestation length. Results obtained showed weight at mating, weight before mating, weight at parturition, gestation length, weight gain in pregnancy, weight change in lactation and nursing, lambs birth weights and daily weight gain of lambs were significantly affected (p<0.05) while dam's weight at weaning and lambs' weaning weight were not affected (p>0.05). Results of this study indicate that inclusion of broiler litter up to 50% in feed mixtures of ewes has no deleterious effect on the performance and health status of ewes during pregnancy and lactation.
Moringa leaf meal supplementation for sheep: Effect on weight gain, blood serum chemistry and carcass characteristics
Authors: Sanwo K. A. , Yusuf A. O. , Iposu S. O. , Omotosho O. O. , Okwelum N.
Published: February 2021

This study was conducted to assess growth performance, serum chemistry and carcass characteristics of West African Dwarf sheep fed varying levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MLM) as concentrate diets. Eighteen growing sheep of varying live weights (9-17kg) were divided into three groups that comprised six animals each, and balanced for live weight. Each group was fed one of three experimental diets containing 0% (control diet), 5% and 10% MLM, respectively, for 37 days after a 21--day quarantine period in a completely randomized design; each animal being considered a replicate. There were no treatment effects on live weight gain (P>0.05) and serum chemistry except on alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase where highest values (20.33 and 128.33 TU/L, respectively) were recorded in the control-diet sheep. Apart from Urea, chemistry were within normal reference range for clinically healthy animals. However, there were significant (p<0.05) differences in dressing percentage, breast muscle and liver weight, with highest values of 94.42% (in 10% MLM), 1.68 % (in 5% MLM), and 1.84 % (in 5% MLM), respectively. Thus, inclusion of up to 10% MLM in concentrate diet may not cause any major health disorders in West African dwarf sheep while supplementation at 5% level may improve carcass quality.