bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moringa leaf extract potential in the incidence of allergy in experimental rats
Authors: Adeyeye J. A. , Epipade E. J. , Taylor O. A. , Oyekale K. A. , Akinlade R. A. , Adeoye B. K. , Akoma L. , Ngozi E. O. , Adekanye E. A.
Published: February 2021

The incidence of food allergy out break worldwide is becoming a public health concern. Food allergy is growing at an epidemic proportion affecting all age groups of human population especially such occurrence in young children is worrisome. Management of food allergy without side effect is still a challenge to the medical community. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of moringa leaf extract in the treatment of food allergy without side effects in experimental rats. Sixty (60) Wistar male rats, (4-6) weeks old, weighing between (100-120) g were grouped into five (5) sections. They were grouped under: Positive Control group, Negative Control group, Epinephrine control group, Chemotherapeutic and Chemo-preventive groups. The animals were allowed to acclimatize for two weeks where the rats were given free food ration and distilled water. After 15 days of consecutive administration of 1 ml crude peanut extract and 10µlcholera toxin as a potent adjuvant in rats, made food allergy established. Results from the study indicated that the means of rectal temperatures after 20th day of allergy induction were declined from (37.17- 34.47) ?C, (37.0-34.67) ?C, and (37.52-3542) ?C in Positive control group, Chemopreventive and Chemotherapeutic groups respectively. The reductions in rectal temperatures confirmed that food allergy was established in experimental rats. Also the study showed that moringa leaf extract reduced serum Immunoglobulin E levels from (324.50-275.4)ng/ml, (181.20-170.50)ng/ml, (279.50-44.38)ng/ml respectively under Epinephrine treatment, Chemopreventive and Chemotherapeutic experimental group treatments. This suggested that moringa leaf extract had potential to prevent and control food allergy.
Effect of varying level of ginger powder in the diet of starter turkeys on performance, haematological and serum biochemical indices
Authors: Ajao A. M. , Oso A.O. , Lala A.O. , Olowofeso O. , Adeniran A. D.
Published: February 2021

Dietary inclusion of various phytogenic additives has been used as alternative growth promoters in poultry. They enhance performance and stabilize health status of farm animals. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of inclusion of ginger powder to the diets of pre starter and starter turkeys at different levels (0g/kg, 2g/kg and 4g/kg) on its performance and some blood parameters. A total of one hundred and twenty day- old British United Turkey (BUT) poults were allotted on weight equalization basis into the 3 dietary treatments in a complete randomised design. Forty poults were assigned to each treatment group replicated four times with 10 poults per replicate. The study lasted for 56 days comprising of the prestarter (0-28 days) and starter (29-56 days) phases. At the pre-starter phase of the experiment, growth performance was not affected (p>0.05) by ginger powder inclusion while the starter phase showed improved (p<0.05) final weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Final weight increased (p<0.05) with ginger inclusion in the diets, while feed intake reduced linearly as ginger inclusion increased. Supplementation with ginger reduced haemoglobin and RBC of the pre starter turkeys. The RBC increases linearly (p<0.05) as ginger supplementation increases with starter turkeys. Serum albumin improved significantly (p<0.05) following dietary inclusion of 2 g/kg ginger powder at the starter (3.37g/dl) phase. In conclusion, starter turkeys fed diet containing ginger at 2 g/kg showed improved growth with improvement in hepatic enzyme activities.
Egg quality analysis and performance of laying hens fed different levels of calcium
Authors: Akinola L. A. F. , Iyomo E.
Published: February 2021

This study was conducted to examine the quality of eggs and the performance of laying hens fed different levels of calcium. The study was carried out at the Poultry Unit of University of Port Harcourt Teaching and Research Farm, Choba, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. One hundred and twenty black Harco birds were used for the study using the completely randomized design. The laying birds were fed with diets consisting of different level of calcium (Ca), which comprised mainly of limestone and bone meal such that treatment 1 (T1) had 2.5 % Ca, T2 ? 3.5%, T3 ? 4.5% and T4 ? 5.5% Ca, respectively. All the birds were raised within four treatment groups which had three replicates of 10 birds each. At the termination of the study, the eggs and the feed records were used to compute the hen-day production (HDP), feed intake, number of eggs laid per hen, dozens of eggs laid per hen, feed consumed per dozen egg, cost of feed per dozen egg produced and mortality. Six eggs were collected from each replicate to study the eggs external quality (egg weight and width, the weight of the shell, the egg shape index, egg length, shell index and thickness) and internal quality (albumen weight, yolk diameter, yolk height and index, yolk pH and pH of the albumen, albumen height, yolk weight, yolk ratio and yolk albumen ratio). The study revealed that significant (P<0.05) differences existed in the performance parameters such as the hen-day production (HDP), feed intake, number of eggs laid per hen, dozens of eggs produced per hen, feed consumed per dozen egg produced and the cost of feed per dozen egg produced. The hens fed the T2 and T3had the highest HDP, those fed the T3andT4 had better feed conversion while the feed cost for T3 feed was the best (the least). Significant differences were also observed in some of the external and internal parameters of the eggs, including, the egg weight, yolk weight, yolk height, yolk index and Haugh unit (HU) while others were not affected. Although the egg from T4 had the highest HU, eggs from all the treatment were within the 'AA' group (HU of more than 72) termed high quality egg. The study showed that farmers can use Ca levels of 3.5 and 4.5% in the diet of the layers and obtain better HDP. However, the diet which had the 4.5% Ca inclusion, gave the best feed conversion and the least cost of the diet per dozen egg produced and was recommended for layers in the humid tropical zone.
Gut microbial population as affected by probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) inclusion in broiler chicken diet
Authors: Buba W. , Olugbemi T. S. , Iyiola-Tunji A. O. , Shehu B. M. , Yunusa A. , Bitiyong R.W.
Published: February 2021

The gut of the chicken is a fundamental organ which plays an important role in digestion and host defence. In this study, the gut microbial population as affected by probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) inclusion in broiler chicken diet was investigated. A total of 255 broiler chicks (White Ross breed) were used for this study. The chicks were allocated to five treatment groups in a completely randomized design with each treatment having three replicates of 17 birds each. The experimental diets (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5) were formulated with varying levels of inclusion of probiotic (SC) T1 served as the control while T2, T3, T4 and T5 had 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% level of inclusion of probiotic (SC), respectively. The parameters taken were the gut content from the jejunum, ileum and caecum which were collected by dissecting the segments. The gut content was then placed in a plane sterile tube and taken to the laboratory for microbial count of Lactose fermenting bacteria (LFB) and non-lactose fermenting bacteria (NLFB). The results from the study showed that there was significant(P<0.05) difference in the population of Lactose fermenting bacteria (LFB) and non-lactose fermenting bacteria (NLFB) in the jejunum, caecum and ileum of the dietary treatment 8 groups. Treatment group fed 0.5% SC had the highest population (9.30x108 cells/ml) of LFB in the jejunum while treatment group fed 1.0% SC had the highest population of 1.73x109 and 1.08x109 cells/mlof LFB in the ceacum and ileum respectively. The population of NLFB was higher in the control group compared to other treatment groups. This study concludes that dietary inclusion of SC in broiler chickens can influence the gut status thereby benefiting the animal through production of digestive enzymes, synthesis of vitamin B and immune stimulation.It is suggested that broiler chicken farmers should be encouraged to include Probiotic (SC) in the diet of broiler chickens for improved gut health.
Serum malondialdehyde concentration of weaned rabbits raised in two different management systems
Authors: Shehu B. M. , Buba W. , Mahmoud M. M
Published: February 2021

Management system in rabbit production has been reported to affect their welfare and performance. In view of this, a study was conducted to evaluate the effects of two different management systems (cage-housed and pen-housed) on serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration of weaned rabbits in Northern Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria. Twenty four healthy weaned crossbred rabbits in equal sexes, aged between 5-6 weeks with live weight of 612±14.72 g (mean ±SD) were used for the study. The rabbits were randomly divided into two groups (cage-housed and pen-housed) consisting of 12 rabbits per group. They were fed commercial diet (concentrate) supplemented with Tridax procumbens and given access to clean fresh water ad libitum. The experiment lasted for eight weeks. Results from the study showed a significant (P < 0.05) difference in the serum MDA concentration between the two groups. Pen-housed rabbits had lower MDA concentration (1.83 mmol/L) as against 2.78 mmol/L for the cage-housed rabbits. The higher MDA concentration levels for the caged house rabbits indicate that they had greater free radicals-mediated cell damage and oxidative stress, which imply that they had the worst welfare conditions.
Effects of high levels of water soaked sweet orange peel meal on the Performance response and blood profile of West African dwarf goats
Authors: Oloche J. , Anum J. T. , Adanebi J.
Published: February 2021

A total of sixteen West African grower bucks of about 7-10 months were used in a completely randomised design to assess the effect of feeding diets with high levels of water soaked sweet orange peel meal (WSSOPM) on the performance response and blood profile of West African dwarf goats. Collected sweet orange peels were soaked in water and drained after 24 hours. The peels were then sun-dried on concrete floors for 48hour and afterwards crushed into a meal using a feed milling machine. The WSSOPM was used to compound four(4) experimental diets containing 0%, 60%, 80% and 100% WSSOPM, these were designated treatment T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively. Each treatment had four (4) replicate. The study lasted for 11weeks. Results showed that, the mean daily feed intake, mean daily weight gain and the feed conversion ratio of the goats did not show treatment effect (P>0.05) among the treatments. The cost analysis showed that profitability increased with increasing levels of WSSOPM in the diets. The blood parameters measured did not show treatment effect, except the albumin values in which T2 (3.53g/dL) was higher than T1 (2.80 g/dL), T3 (2.68 g/dL) and T4(2.55 g/dL).The mineral indices measured showed variations (P<0.05) in only potassium values, treatment effect was not apparent on the serum calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and zinc values. Water soaked sweet orange peel meal can be used to replace maize offal at 60%, 80% and 100 % in the diets of West African dwarf goats without negatively affecting both performance and blood indices.
Influence of strain and production cycle on egg quality traits of two Nigerian indigenous chicken strains
Authors: Oleforuh-Okoleh V. U. , Chukwuemeka U. M. , Adeoye G. O.
Published: February 2021

Records obtained from purebred normal feather and naked neck Nigerian indigenous chicken strains were used to assess the influence of strain and production cycle on external and internal egg quality traits. The assessment commenced from first lay to 120 days of lay, classified into four production cycles (PC): PC1 (1-30 days of lays), PC2 (31-60 days of lays), PC3 (61-90 days of lays), and PC4 (91-120 days of lays). Mean egg weight, length and breadth were 4.34% heavier, 2.10% longer and 1.72% wider in the normal feather than in the naked neck (p<0.05). No disparity due to strain effect was found in egg shape index. Eggshells from the two strains had similar weight but varied in thickness with shells from the naked neck being 0.02mm thicker than those from the normal feather (p<0.05). Eggs from the normal feather were 7.13, 5.76, 5.00, 7.10 and 8.11% superior in albumen weight, yolk height, albumen height, yolk index, and albumen index, respectively compared to its naked neck counterpart (p<0.05). Production cycle significantly influenced all external egg quality studied. An increase of 16.21% in egg weight was obtained by PC4. Egg length and breadth increased consistently with each subsequent PC (p<0.05) whereas egg shape index decreased with PC (p<0.05). Higher values were recorded for yolk weight, yolk and albumen length and width in each subsequent production cycle. Haugh unit, yolk and albumen height had best values at PC2. Our findings indicate that strain type and production cycle highly influenced egg quality traits of Nigerian indigenous chickens with the normal feather showing superiority. Furthermore, the best internal quality was obtained at PC2 (31-60 days of lay). Our findings could be useful in choosing selection criterion traits in breeding plans for the development of different layer lines of normal feather and naked neck.
Influence of breeds and number of whorls on phenotypic traits and correlations among giant African land snails in Nigeria
Authors: Okon B. , Ibom L. A. , Dauda A. , Bassey A. E. , Idiong N. B. , Onwuka P. O.
Published: February 2021

Six hundred adult mature black-skinned snails with four and five whorls on the shellcomprising of 200 each of the breeds; Archachatina marginata, Achatina achatina and Achatina fulica were used for the study. Phenotypic traits measured from the snails included body weight (BDW), shell length (SHL), shell width (SHW), aperture length (APL), aperture width (APW), spiral length (SPL), spiral width (SPW), diagonal length (DAL), length between the aperture and first spiral (LAS). The data obtained were used to estimate simple statistics (mean, standard error and coefficient of variations) and correlation  oefficients. The results showed high significant (p<0.01) breed effects on phenotypic traits as A.nmarginata snails with four (288.700g) and 5(394.500g) whorls were phenotypically and genotypically heavier, larger and wider than A. achatina (127.0g and 182.000g) and A. fulica (48.850g and 65.050g) with four and five whorls respectively. There were also high significant (p<0.01) disparity number of whorls effects on body weight and other phenotypic traits studied. There was only one strong, negative and significant (p<0.01) phenotypic correlation (r ) between SHL and LAS (r = – 0.650) recorded for A. achatina snails with four whorls while A. achatina snails with five whorls recorded few strong, negative and significant(P<0.01) phenotypic correlations between BDW and SHW (r = – 0.613), SHL and LAS (r = –0.641), SHW and APW (r = – 0.602). Similarly, A. fulica snails with four whorls recorded few strong, negative and significant (p<0.01) phenotypic correlations between BDW and SHW (r = – 0.627), SHL and APL (r = – 0.639), SHW and APW (r = – 0.657) and only one strong, negative and significant (p<0.01) phenotypic correlation between SHL and LAS (r = – 0.605) for A. fulica snails with five whorls. Again, Am snails with four whorls had only one strong, negative and significant(p<0.01) phenotypic correlation between BDW and SHL (r = – 0.720). The only two low, positive and significant (p<0.05) phenotypic correlations recorded in this study were between APL and APW ((r = 0.544) and between SPL and DAL (r = 0.583) for A. marginata snails with four and five whorls respectively. Thus, the breed type and number of whorls on snail shells strongly influenced estimates of phenotypic traits and correlation coefficients of giant African land snails in Nigeria. Also, that estimates of correlation coefficients of mature giant African land snails with higher whorls were (4 and 5) are scarcely strong, positive and significant. The study revealed and confirmed that A. marginata snails are phenotypically and genotypically heavier, larger and wider than A. achatina and A. fulica snails with 4 and 5 whorls. These estimates are recommended as strong and efficient tools for selection and up grading or improvement of giant African land snails genetic traits in Nigeria.
Physical characteristics of West African dwarf goat as influenced by post-mortem processing methods
Authors: Okoh P. I.
Published: February 2021

A study on the physical characteristics of buck West African dwarf (WAD) goat as influenced by post-mortem processing methods was carried out. Nine WAD (bucks) with an average weight of 18.00 0.65Kg were allotted to three post-mortem processing methods, viz: singeing, scalding and skinning, as treatments; in three replicates. The experimental model was the completely randomized design. Parameters measured were, carcass weights and measurements, primal or wholesale cuts, as well as temperature and pH of carcass. The results showed that singeing significantly (P<0.05) increased intact carcass weight from 5.64 Kg and 6.47 Kg recorded in the skinned and scalded carcasses to 6.48 Kg, and relative weight from 3.97 Kg recorded in both the skinned and scalded carcasses to 4.67Kg. Length of carcass was significantly (P<0.05) higher in the scalded carcass (36.67 Kg) compared to the skinned and singed carcasses which recorded 30.67 and 28.67Kg respectively. While, skinning recorded a significant (P<0.05) higher weight for depth of chest and maximum width of leg, having 17.67 and 13.67cm compared to singeing and scalding having 16.67cm each for depth of chest, 11.67 and 10.67cm respectively for maximum width of leg. Also, primal cuts yield of rack, neck, shoulder and shank were significantly (P<0.05) higher in singeing, while those of loin and leg were significantly (P<0.05) higher in skinning. Scalding recorded the least yields in all the primal parts measured. The study further revealed that temperature fall was significantly (P<0.05) higher in singeing, followed by scalding and least in skinning, as post-mortem time progressed from 0 – 60mins. While, fall in pH was also significantly (P<0.05) higher in singeing, followed by skinning and least in scalding, as postmortem time progressed from 0 – 60mins. By this result, singeing as a processing method should be adopted by meat processors and home consumers, as it recorded higher carcass weights and primal cuts among other post-mortem processing methods.
Phenotypic correlations between biologic markers and growth traits in Arbor acres broiler chicken strain
Authors: Nosike R. J. , Nwakpu O. F. , Okocha C. N. , Inyang E. C. , Ezike J. C. , Onunkwo D. N.
Published: February 2021

The study was conducted to determine the correlations between biologic markers,haematological indices and growth traits in Arbor Acres broiler strain. A total of 120 Arbor acres strain were used for the experiment which lasted for 56 days. The birds were raised in separate deep litter pens. Data collected include biologic markers: hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cellular hemoglobin (MCH), mean cellular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and biochemical parameters include: blood glucose (GLU) and total serum protein(PRT). Growth traits include: body weight (BW), body length (BL), shank length (SL), keel length (KL), wing length (WL), breast width (BWD) and drumstick length (DSL). The result obtained showed that MCHC in week 4 it associated significantly with breast length(rp=0.989) and keel length (rp= -0.986), whereas in week 6, serum protein, MCH, PCV, WBC and RBC proved significant markers based on their significant association (P<0.05;P<0.01) with SL (rp=0.975), KL (rp=0.981), DSL (rp= -0.982; -0.989) and BL (rp= -0.991). In week 8, Hb, WBC, MCV, MCH and MCHC proved to be useful markers for selecting keel length, breast length, body length, body length and thigh width in Arbor Acre. Highest correlation was observed between WBC and BL (rp= -0.991) and between MCH and breast length (rp= 0.991) in the 6 week. Due to the limited associations observed in week 4, it may be more reliable to apply the biologic markers in selection programs, starting at the 6 week for Arbor Acres broiler strains. This study advocates that highly polymorphic DNA-based markers which are more reliable should be attempted for improving body weight of broilers.
Effect of yeast treated bovine blood-rumen content mixture on performance and blood profile of weaner rabbits
Authors: Mbahi T. F. , Adi A. , Yakubu B. , Wafar R. J
Published: February 2021

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of yeast treated Bovine blood–rumen content mixture (YTBRM) on performance of 60 weaner rabbits with an average weight of 501.96 ± 0.22g. The rabbits were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments with five replicates in a completely randomized design. T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 had 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% YTBRM. Data were collected on growth performance, carcass characteristics and haematological indices. At the end of the experiment, 4 rabbits were randomly selected from each treatment and slaughtered to determine the effect of graded levels of YTBRM on carcass yield and internal organs characteristics. The result of growth performance revealed that all parameters measured were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the dietary inclusion of YTBRM except for feed conversion ratio which ranged from 3.05 in T1 to 3.64 in T2. Average daily feed intake was significantly (P<0.05) higher (101.69) in treatment T5 while the other treatment groups were similar.. Average daily weight gain were significantly higher in T (29.72g) and T4 (28.05g) while the least value was obtained in T2 (25.46g). Carcass yield was significant (P<0.05) across the treatment groups. Dressing percentages were significantly (p<0.05) higher in T2 (82.35%), T1 (77.62%) and T4 (74.08%) than T5 (63.57%) and T3 (69.79%). Result of the internal organs shows that they were all similar across the treatment groups. Haematological and biochemical indices shows no significant diffrerence (P>0.05) in all the parameters evaluated. It could be concluded from this study that YTBRM can be included up to 40% in weaner rabbits diet without adverse effect on the growth performance, blood profile, carcass and internal organs characteristics.
Effect of stage of harvest on dry matter yield and nutritive value of lablab purpureus, Centrosema pubescens and as fodder in Adamawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Mbahi T. F. , Maidadi S. , Gworgwor Z. A. , Danladi Y.
Published: February 2021

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of growth, biomas yieds and nutritive value of Lablab purpureus, Centrosema pubescens and Mucuna pruriens under rain fed condition in Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria. The field experiment was laid in a randomized complete block design with the plot divided into three main plots and replicated three times measuring 5x5m with inter and intra row spacings of 0.5m. The five harvesting stages are 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 weeks, respectively. The growth in height increases with stage of growth and declined with reduction in rainfall. Higher growth were recorded in T3 (3.8 -354.8cm) followed by T2 (2.96-260.20cm) and then T1 (1.50-213.00cm) and the results were presented graphically. The result of the chemical composition of all the legumes showed that the crude protein decreases with stage of growth from weeks 6 -14 (14.40, 12.26, 10.65-10.08, 6.79, 6.49) and ADF and NDF (25.20, 32.15, 27.35-42.13, 40.33, 36.50 and 32.20, 54.45, 47.00- 51.24, 63.53, 66.33), respectively. The biomass yields were significantly different (P<0.05) for all the legumes at different harvesting stages T1 (2744.53-3186.93), T2 (2696.47- 3006.70) and T3 (2843.73-3147.63). It is therefore concluded that legumes could best be harvested between weeks 10 and 12 when the yield and quality are at levels to sustain the animals both for maintenance and production.
Carcass yield, organ response and cost/benefit evaluation of West African dwarf goats fed yellow root Cassava Peel-Centrosema leaf meal based diets
Authors: Jiwuba P. C. , Onwujiariri E. B. , Kadurumba O. E.
Published: February 2021

Thirty six individually housed West African dwarf (WAD) goats of about 8 – 10 months of age and averaging 7.19kg were used for this study. The effect of different levels of yellow root cassava peel - centrosema leaf meal supplementary diet on the carcass yield, organ response and cost/benefit evaluation of WAD goats fed wilted Panicum maximum basal diet. Four supplementary diets designated as T1, T2, T3 and T4 were formulated to contain 0, 10, 20 and 30% Centrosema pubescens leaf meal, respectively in addition to other feedstuffs. The goats were randomly divided into four groups of nine animals each with three goats constituting a replicate. Each group was assigned to one of the four diets in a completely randomized design for 97 days. Data on proximate composition showed that yellow root cassava peel - centrosema leaf meal enhanced the nutrient profile of the diets. Results on carcass and organ characteristics showed significantly (p<0.05) improved warm carcass (6.34kg), dressing percentage (54.42%) and loin (22.11%) for T4 goats while bone to lean ratio (0.28%), end (19.30%) liver (2.11%), kidney (0.43%), lungs (1.72), heart (0.70%) and spleen (0.19%) weights were significantly (p<0.05) higher for the control group.Cost per kg, feed cost/weight gain and cost/benefit ratio were influenced (p<0.05) withT4 goats having better income of benefit of ^3.97 for every ^1nvested. It is concluded that yellow root cassava peel - centrosema leaf meal is rich in essential nutrients and therefore suitable for inclusion in goat diets at level 30% for better carcass yield, organ characteristics and return on investment.
Effect of replacing soybean meal with water melon (Citrullus lanatus) seed meal on the growth, feed utilization and body composition of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Jimoh W. A. , Shittu M. O. , Abdulsalami S. A. , Okemakin F. Y. , Ayeloja A. A.
Published: February 2021

The nutritive potential of water melon (Citrullus lanatus) seed meal as dietary protein source in the diet of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) using growth performance and nutrient utilization were evaluated in a 56 day feeding trial. One hundred and fifty tilapia fingerlings of average weight 6.12±0.05g were acclimatized for a week, weighed and allotted into five dietary treatments; containing 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60% Citrullus lanatus replacement levels with soybean meal respectively. The diets (35% crude protein and 10% lipid) were isonitrogenous and isolipidic. Each treatment was replicated three times with ten fish per replicate. Fish were fed 5% body weight on two equal proportions per day to determine weight gain, percentage weight gain, specific growth rate, food conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and net protein utilization. The result from the study indicated that there was no significant (p>0.05) differences in the FCR and PER between the fish fed control diets and the fish fed test diets.
Nutrient intake and digestibility of West African dwarf lambs fed creep diets formulated from different nitrogen sources
Authors: Ebuzor C. A. , Ahamefule F. O. , Onunkwo D. N. , Prudent O. I. , Okoye L. E. , Nelson S. U. , Ogbonna A. C. , Ucheji A. C. , Essien V. E. , Ukonu A. B.
Published: February 2021

A study was conducted to investigate the nutrient intake and digestibility of creep fed West African dwarf lambs maintained in a humid tropical environment. Nine lambs were completely randomized into three groups and each placed on different nutritional regimen from 6 to 16 weeks post-partum. Lambs in group 1 (control) ate forage sward suckled their dams (diet A). Groups 2 and 3 lambs, were in addition to suckling, given supplementary rations formulated to contain 10.0% Soya bean and groundnut cakes in concentrate mix, respectively. Feed intake and coefficients of digestibility for all nutrients evaluated were affected (P<0.05) by dietary treatment. Dry matter (12.66), crude protein (50.63), nitrogen free extract (44.20) and energy (37.56) digestibility were significantly lower (P<0.05) in T but similar (P>0.05) in groups 2 (76.12, 85.94, 94.72 and 82.01) and 3 (74.89, 84.87, 94.45 and 80.42) while ether extract and crude fiber differed (P<0.05) in treatment 1, 2 and 3. Creep supplemented groups generally recorded better nutrient intake and digestibility. This study showed that creep feeding leads to the production of well nourished lambs with animals in group 2 (fed creep containing 10% Soya bean) showing better result in terms of parameters measured compared to those of group 3 (fed creep containing 10% groundnut cake). Thus, Soybean is a better nitrogen source for creep feeding
Chemical composition and nutrient digestibility of three varieties of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum ) by Sokoto Gudali heifers
Authors: Akinjoye D. J. , Olorunnisomo O. A.
Published: February 2021

Pennisetum purpureum is often rejected by grazing cattle during the rainy season but readily acceptable during the dry season when forage is scarce. However, a significant limitation of elephant grass as fodder for ruminants is its low nutritive value which depreciates as the plant matures. Thus, this study was carried out to evaluate the chemical composition and digestibility of three varieties of Pennisetum purpureum by Sokoto Gudali heifers. The varieties (Landrace purple, S-King and S.13) were harvested at 8 weeks regrowth for the experiments. Nine Sokoto Gudali heifers of about 14 months of age and average weight of 178.05 kg were used for digestibility study and they were randomly assigned to the three experimental diets (L. purple, S-King and S.13) using completely randomised design. Results of chemical analysis of the grasses showed that L. purple had the highest CP content of 11.2% while S.13 and S-King had 7.7 and 7.4% respectively. Dry matter (DM) content was significantly (P<0.05) lowest in S-King with a value of 17.9%, higher in L. purple having a value of 22.5% and highest in S.13 with a value of 26.3%. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre of the three grasses. Results showed apparent digestibility values for S-King as 56.52, 50.06, 50.57 and 47.55% for DM, CP, EE and ash, respectively; S.13 had apparent digestibility values for same parameters as 68.89, 65.66, 51.18 and 58.82 respectively, while L. purple had apparent digestibility values of 69.77, 74.9, 71.45 and 61.4% for DM, CP, EE and ash respectively which were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those of the other two varieties. Digestibility of crude fibre (CF) and nitrogen free extract (NFE) were highest in S.13 but not significantly different P>0.05) from L. purple and lowest in S-King. Apparent digestibility of nutrients differed significantly (P<0.05) across all parameters considered with S-King having the lowest digestibility values for all parameters. It is concluded that L. purple had the highest CP value and its nutrient contents were better digested than the other two varieties, thus recommended for production intensification
High quality cassava peel mash supplemented with direct fed microbial as an alternate source of energy supplement: Effects on performance and blood parameters in growing pig
Authors: Adesehinwa A. O. K. , Fatufe A. A. , Ajayi E. , Abiola J. O. , Adeleye O. O. , Boladuro B. , Afolabi O. O. , Amole T. A.
Published: February 2021

The feeding trial was carried out to determine the effect of feeding high quality cassava peel mash (HQCP) with or without multi-strain direct fed microbials (DFM) as replacement for maize in the diet of growing pigs on growth, cost benefit, haematology and serumbiochemical indices. A total of 90 growing pigs with an initial weight of 25.36±0.87 kg were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments in a 2×2+1 factorial arrangement in a completely randomised design. The factors were 2 levels of HQCP (7.5% and 15%), two DFM inclusions and a control diet with neither HQCP nor DFM. Pigs on T1 were given corn (40%) based diet without HQCP, T2 had 18.75% of Maize (7.5kg) replaced by HQCP and T3 had 37.5% of total Maize (15kg) replaced by HQCP. The pigs in T4 were given same diet as in T2 with addition of multi-strain DFM and animals on T5 were given the same diet with those on T3 with addition of multi-strain DFM microbial. Each treatment group had three replicates with six animals per replicate. No significant (P>0.05) difference was observed in the performance characteristics of the growing pigs among the diets. The body weight gain ranged between 10.97 and 13.56 Kg in T5 and T3, respectively. The least feed conversion ratio of 3.98 was observed in T3 while the highest feed conversion ratio (4.77) was observed in T5. All the haematological and serum biochemical indices examined were not significantly (P>0.05) different among the treatments. There was no significant (P>0.05) effect of HQCP, DFM or their interaction on all the haematological parameters analysed. There was significant effect of HQCP and DFM interaction on the serum cholesterol (p=0.0062), high density lipoprotein (p=0.05) and low density lipoprotein (p=0.0018). It can be concluded from this study that growing pigs can utilize HQCP up to 15% in their diet without any adverse effect.
Influence of natural pigment sources on growth performance, live and post slaughter skin pigmentation, serum carotenoids and lipid profile of broiler chickens
Authors: Adeleye O. O. , Oginnie E. T. , Otamere P. E.
Published: February 2021

Carotenoids are bioactive molecules synthesized in plants and are important in thedevelopment of hues in the skin and muscles of chickens, which influence consumerperception and consumption. The extent of absorption and assimilation of carotenoids from different plant-based pigment sources was explored in this study. One hundred and twentyeight day old broiler chicks were allotted to four treatments, four replicates of eight chicks each. Chicks were fed a starter diet for 21 days and thereafter grower-finisher diets containing one of moringa (Moringa oleifera), baobab (Adansonia digitata) leaves, roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) calyces and orange (Citrus x sinensis) rind- at 4% of their diet for 35 days. Skin pigmentation was scored in the apterylum region and shank of live broiler chicken weekly and in the breast, back, vent, shank and abdominal fat of 56 day old broiler chicken post-slaughter using a DSM broiler colour fan. Serum carotenoids measured as red and yellow pigments and serum lipid profile were determined by a spectrophotometric method. Pigmentation was higher in the shank, with visual score ranging from 101.0 – 103.78 and least in the skin of the back ranging from 101.0 – 102.0 (P<0.05), while pigmentation in the vent and breast were similar for chickens on the different dietary treatments. Higher live and post-slaughter skin pigmentation was observed in chickens on moringa diet with visual score ranging from 103.1. – 103.75 and 102.0 – 103.78 respectively, and lower pigmentation in those on roselle diet, ranging from 101.13 – 101.32 and 101.0 – 101.34 respectively. Shank pigmentation score peaked at 21d for chickens on baobab (102.32) and roselle (101.32) diets, and 35d for chickens on themoringa and orange rind (103.75 and 102.06, respectively) diets. Apterylum pigmentation peaked at 21d for chickens on baobab (101.54) and orange (101.40) diets and 28d for chickens on the moringa (102.40) diet. Dietary sources of carotenoids did not significantly influence yellow pigment deposition in the serum between 21-28d of exposure while red pigment deposition in the serum was unaffected by the dietary treatments after 28d of exposure. Yellow pigment composition of serum was significantly (P<0.05) lowest in chickens on moringa diet at 14 and 21d (19.84 and 18.54 ppm). A similar trend was observed for red pigment composition of serum of chickens on moringa diet at 28 and 35d (19.60 and 18.36 ppm). However the serum lipid profile of chickens in the study was not affected by the different pigment sources in their diets. Absorption and assimilation of carotenoids varied for the different carotenoid sources assessed, with Moringa oleifera leaves significantly improving live and post-slaughter pigmentation of broilers.
Diversity of West African dwarf goat in southwestern Nigeria based on allozyme Markers
Authors: Awobajo O.K. , Osaiyuwu O.H. , Salako A.E. , Odeniyi A.O.
Published: February 2021

Effective conservation, rational management and inadequate information on genetic diversity are the major challenges in livestock production. Genetic diversity has been used to reveal the extent of differentiation within livestock species. However, information on the use of allozymes in genetic diversity of the West African Dwarf (WAD) goat is insufficient. Therefore, genetic diversity of the WAD goat populations in southwestern Nigeria was investigated in this study. Three protein loci markers were used. Blood (5 mL each) samples were randomly collected from20, 20, 40 and 60 goats from Ondo ,Oyo, Ogun andOsun States respectively. The samples were subjected to cellulose acetate electrophoresis to determine the genetic variants at Haemoglobin (Hb), Carbonic Anhydrase (CA) and Transferrin (Tf) loci. Another set of blood (5 mL) from 20 different individual animals were randomly obtained from each of Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, and Osun States. Allele frequency, observed heterozygosity (H ), Polymorphic Information Content (PIC), F-statistic (F F and F ), gene flow (Nm), gene diversity (D), number of alleles per loci (A ), effective number of allele (AE) Mean Number of Allele (MNA) were generated from the data obtained. Data were analysed using Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) at α0.05. The allele frequency ranged between 0.11 (Hb ) and 0.58 (Hb ), 0.17 (CA ) and 0.44 (CA ) and 0.08 (Tf ) to 0.60 (Tf ). Deviation from HWE was not significant in all populations except at Tf locus (0.00). The H ranged from 0.43 to 0.62 andNm and D ranged between 3.68 and 32.40 and 0.34 to 0.50 respectively. TheMNAwas 0.67 butA ranged from 1.52 to 2.00. The allozymes revealed some level of genetic diversity and a genetic differentiation indicative of the amount of genetic differences among individualswithin theWestAfricanDwarf goat population.
Performance of growing pigs fed diets containing cassava peels meal supplemented with three levels of roxazyme G2G enzyme
Authors: Effiong O.O. , Harry B.J.
Published: February 2021

This research was designed to evaluate the performance of growing pigs fed diets containing cassava peel meal supplemented with three (3) levels of roxazymeG2 enzyme. Fresh cassava peels were gathered, thinly spread on a concrete floor to dry out and milled prior to proximate analysis and feed formulation. Five experimental diets were formulated. Diet one had maize as main energy source, while Diets 2 to 5 had 50% of maize replaced with cassava peel meal. Diets 3, 4 and 5 were further supplemented with roxazyme G2 non starch polysaccharide enzyme at 1g/kg, 1.5g/kg and 2g/kg, respectively. A total of thirty (30) cross bred growing pigs were selected and distributed into five (5) groups on weight equalization basis with six (6) animals per group. Each group was assigned to one of the five (5) experimental diets in a completely randomized design. The growth and economy of production were monitored throughout the 56-day duration of the trial. At the end of the feeding trial, 10 mLs of blood was collected from three animals on each treatment into sample bottles with EDTA for hematological analysis. Data were subjected to analysis of variance procedures. The results revealed that the three (3) levels of dietary enzyme supplementations did not significantly (P˃0.05) influenced the average daily feed intake but influenced the average daily weight gain and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) significantly. Pigs on diets with 1.5 and 2g/kg enzyme supplementation had the highest average daily weight gain of 0.43kg while those on 2g/kg enzyme supplementation diet had the best FCR with value corresponding to 1.74. Dietary enzyme supplementation reduced (P
Nutritional potentialities of neem (Azadiracthaindica) plant parts as supplementary feed in ruminant production system
Authors: Fasae O.A. , Aganto T.O. , Jimoh H.O.
Published: February 2021

This study was conducted to determine and compare the nutritional value of plant parts of neem as supplementary feedin ruminant production systems. Fresh matured leaves, and bark of Neem (Azadirachta indica) were collected, air dried and analyzed for chemical] and phytochemical constituents namely saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids and tannins as well as in vitro gas production and Dry matter digestibility. Results showed that the proximate and fibre fractions composition as well as the concentration of phytochemicals differed (P< 0.05) across plant parts with a tolerable range of values that could supply critical nutrients needed to enhance ruminalmicrobial growth and fermentation. Crude protein contentswere highest in leaves (19.76%) with bark having the least values (7.20%), while fibre fractions and phytochemical constituents were highest in bark with least values observed in seeds. Kinetics of gas production differed (P < 0.05) among plant parts with the leaves showing a shorter lag time and higher rate of fermentation. Gas production of neem plant parts increased (P
Haematological and serum biochemical indices of broiler chickens fed sorghum SK- 5912 ( , L. Moench) variety as a replacement for maize
Authors: Lakurbe O.A. , Doma U.D. , Bello K.M. , Abubakar M.
Published: February 2021

An eight-week feeding trial was carried out with three hundred unsexed day-old (Marshall) broilers to investigate the effect of sorghumSK-5912 variety as replacement for maize on the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. Five experimental diets were formulated with SK-5912 replacing maize at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% in the diet and labelled as diets 1 (control), 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively for both starter (23% CP) and finisher (20% CP) phases. The day-old chicks were randomly allotted to the dietary treatments with four replications each and 15 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). Feed and water were supplied ad libitum and the experiment lasted eight weeks. At the end of the feeding trial eight birds per treatment were randomly selected and blood samples collected for haematological and serum biochemical analyses. Results from blood analysis showed no treatment effect on Packed Cell Volume (PCV), White Blood Cells (WBC), Red Blood Cells (RBC) counts, haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and corpuscular values. Similarly, there were no significant treatment effects among all the groups for serum biochemical indices. It can therefore be concluded that Sorghum SK-5912 can replace maize in the diets of broiler chickens without adverse effects on the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of the birds.
Comparative nutritional and functional properties of selected underutilized legumes
Authors: Soetan K. O. , Adeola A. A.
Published: February 2021

Underutilized and neglected legumes have numerous nutritional potentials with great contributions to food security but they are usually excluded from research and development agenda. This study evaluates the nutritional and functional properties of six different underutilized and neglected legumes; Lima bean (LB) (Phaseolus lunatus) (2006-009), Bambara groundnut (BG) (Vigna subterranea) (TVSU- 1482), winged bean (WB) (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) (Tpt-48), jack bean (JB) (Canavalia ensiformis) (Tce-4), sword bean (SB) (Canavalia gladiata) (Tcg-4) and African yam bean (AYB) (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) (TSS-95) from the Genetic Resources Unit (GRU), International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Nutritional and functional properties were evaluated using proximate composition, mineral analyses and functional properties like bulk density, water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, emulsion capacity and dispersibility. All the procedures were carried out using standard protocols. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics. Results of proximate analysis showed that crude protein ranged from18.88 0.15%(WB) to 26.60±0.14%(AYB), crude fat ranged from 1.84 0.02% (JB) to 6.39 0.03% (BG), crude fibre ranged from 3.70 ±0.00% (AYB) to 5.04 0.03% (SB), ash ranged from 3.10 ± 0.14% (AYB) to 4.66 0.02% (LB), nitrogen free extract ranged from 55.60 0.04% (SB) to 62.97 0.12% (WB), moisture content ranged from 5.75 0.48% (AYB) to 10.77 0.03% (JB), dry matter ranged from 89.23 0.03% (JB) to 94.25 ± 0.488% (AYB) and gross energy ranged from 4.39 0.003 kcal/g (SB) to 4.66 0.00 (BG). Mineral content results revealed that calcium varied from 0.14 0.000% (LB) to 0.23 0.0003% (AYB), phosphorus varied from 0.20 0.0001% (AYB) to 0.38 0.00% (BG), sodium varied from 0.12 0.00% (LB and WB) to 0.35 0.0006% (AYB), potassium varied from 0.69 0.00% (LB) to 1.12 0.00% (BG), magnesium varied from 0.15 0.0002% (AYB) to 0.27 0.000% (BG) and iron varied from 44.84 0.03 (mg/g) (WB) to 80.98 0.0007(mg/g) (AYB). Results of functional properties showed that bulk density ranged from 0.45±0.04 g/mL (WB) to 0.77±0.08 g/mL (SB), water absorption capacity ranged from 168.33±0.03 g/100g (LB) to 183.62±0.01 g/100g (SB), oil absorption capacity ranged from 146.54 ±0.02 g/100g (LB) to 161.55±0.02 g/100g (JB), emulsion capacity ranged from 79.67 ±0.02 g/100g (LB) to 89.46±0.02 g/100g (SB) and dispersibility ranged from81.0±1.41%(SB) to 86.5±0.71% (BG). The study concluded that all the underutilized legumes have varying nutritional and functional properties, which should be exploited for nutritional benefits and industrial applications, as a solution to the problem of food shortage, especially in the developing countries.