bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of intensive and semi –intensive systems of management on egg and meat quality of layer chickens
Authors: Egbeyale L. T. , Olaniran O. J. , Ademakin A. O. , Onagbesan O. M.
Published: February 2021

The study was carried out to determine the effect of management systems on the egg and meat quality of layers. A total of 150 (21 weeks old) dominant black pullets were used and randomly divided into two groups of 75 birds per treatment (free range and deep litter production systems). Each treatment was sub-divided into three replicates of 25 birds each. The birds were fed with commercial layers mash continuously for 10 weeks with those on the th semi-intensive system having access to green forages for consumption. At the end of 10 week, two birds were randomly selected from each replicate, slaughtered, scaled, and de –feathered for sensory evaluation, determination of cooking weight loss and meat composition. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using T-test. The yolk colour was significantly (P<0.05) by the rearing system. The results indicated no significant (P>0.05) differences in nutritive value of egg from both management systems. Carbohydrate value of thigh muscle was significantly (P<0.05) affected by the management system. There was significant (P<0.05) difference in the juiciness and overall acceptance of the breast meat of the birds. There was no significant (P> 0.05) difference on the cooking weight loss between the meat samples from the two management systems. It was concluded that semi - intensive production system improve yolk colour, thus semi- intensive is recommended for farmer because eggs produced from birds with this management system have an improved yolk colour while layers raised intensively on deep litter management system have a tender breast muscle.
Acceptability and digestibility of ensiled mixtures of corncobs, cassava peels and brewers' grain by West African Dwarf goats
Authors: Ibhaze G. A. , Babayemi O. J. , Olorunnisomo O. A.
Published: February 2021

A total of twelve West African Dwarf goats of an average liveweight of 9.5 ± 0.5 kg in a completely randomized design were allocated to three dietary treatments to determine the intake, acceptability and digestibility of ensiled mixtures of corncobs (CC), cassava peels (CSP) and brewers' grain (WBG). The ensiled dietary treatments were: CC/CSP, CC/WBG and CC/CSP/WB. The goats were offered the diets in a cafeteria system for the evaluation of their preferences. The Results show that the combination of corncobs with brewers' grain recorded the highest crude protein (22.06%) and least crude fibre (18.11%) values. Although, the Coefficient of Preference (CoP) was not up to unity, the highest acceptability value (0.93) was obtained for CC/CSP/WB. Significant differences were observed in dry matter intake among the treatments with goat fed diet CC/WBG having the highest value (247.49g/hd/d). Dry matter and neutral detergent fibre digestibilities were significantly (p<0.05) different among the treatments. However, no significant difference (p>0.05) was observed in crude protein digestibility values. The results of this study showed that ensiling CC with CSP or WBG or with the combination of CSP and WBG can enhance the utilization of corncobs as feed for goat.
Effect of different processing methods on the biochemical composition of water hyacinth and acceptability by WAD goats
Authors: Mako A. A. , Akinwande V. O.
Published: February 2021

The limiting factor in the use of water hyacinth (WH) as a fodder is the high moisture content. Subjecting this water weed to various processing methods might reduce the moisture content to an appreciable level that will be tolerated by animals. Fresh samples of water hyacinth harvested from lagoon water body in Ogun State were processed into wilted, ensiled, sun-cured. Two experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 involved the determination of nutrient composition (Dry matter, Crude protein, Crude fibre Ash, Neutral detergent fibre and Acid detergent fibre), mineral content(macro and micro minerals) and secondary metabolites (spot test analysis of (saponin, phenol and steroid) of fresh and processed WH. In experiment II, the fresh and processed WH were fed to eight WAD goats in a cefetaria feeding trial to determine the Coefficient of Preference (COP) ofall forms of water hyacinth. Results revealed that, the nutrient composition was influenced by processing methods except for the ash content. The sun-cured WH contained more dry matter (89.30 g/100g DM), while the lowest dry matter (8.22 g/100g DM) was recorded for fresh WH. However, ensiled WH contained more crude protein (16.23 g/100g DM) than other forms of WH, the lowest CP (10.42 g/100gDM) was recorded for fresh WH (DBG has some protein in it and it added to the water hyacinth, hence the raised CP content of ensiled WH). However, the neutral detergent fibre ranged from 55.20 to66.25 g/100g DM in ensiled and sun-cured respectively.The mineral content of all forms of WH were similar. Qualitative evaluation of saponin, phenol and steroid showed that all forms of WH contained tannins and steroids; saponin was found but declared negative due to height of the form. The result of COP,showed thatthefresh WH (0.74) was rejected, while all processed WH were acceptable to the animals.However,the ensiled WH (1.40) was most preferred. It is concluded that processing methods can improve the nutrient composition of WH and also the preference by animals.
Effects of some animal manure and rate of application on growth, herbage and seed yields of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana var. Callide)
Authors: Ogedegbe S. A. , Nwaoguala C. N. C.
Published: February 2021

An experiment was conducted twice concurrently at Vom in Plateau State Nigeria in 2011 to evaluate the effects of three animal based organic fertilizers and three rates of application on the growth, seed and herbage yields of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana var. Callide). This study involved three types (poultry, rabbit and sheep dung) of animal fertilizer and three rates (0, 25 and 50 t ha-1) of application in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement fitted into randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Animal fertilizers significantly (p < 0.05) increased growth, seed, fresh herbage and dry matter yields of Rhodes grass. Generally, fertilizers from poultry and rabbit were similar and better (p < 0.05) than that of sheep in the enhancement of the measured variables. At 6 weeks after fertilizer application (WAF), fresh herbage yield was in the range of 14.6 – 48.3 t ha-1 whereas dry matter yield ranged from 4.7 – 13.9 t ha-1 while seed yield was 1.8 – 2.3 t ha-1. At 12 WAF, rabbit fertilizer produced significantly higher values than sheep fertilizer by 21.2 % for sward height, 70.1 % for fresh herbage yield and 61.4 % for dry matter yield. The correlation coefficients among the measured variables were positive and highly significant. The highest correlation recorded (0.937**) was between fresh herbage and dry matter yields. The study indicated that application of either rabbit or poultry fertilizer can suitably enhance Rhodes grass growth for higher herbage and seed yields. The study also showed that 25 and 50 t ha-1 of animal fertilizers on Rhodes grass yielded similar results. With adequate fertilizer application, Rhodes grass can produce sufficient herbage to meet the nutritional requirement of several ruminant livestock. It is not economical to apply more than 25 t ha-1 of animal fertilizers to Rhodes grass if they contain more than 1.21 % of nitrogen.
The influence of disease-inducing agents other than Dermatophilus congolensis on the severity of bovine dermatophilosis
Authors: Oyewusi I. K. , Talabi A. O. , Otesile E. B. , Oyekunle M. A.
Published: February 2021

This study was designed to assess the influence of disease-inducing agents other than Dermatophilus congolensis on the incidence of bovine dermatophilosis from cattle farms in Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State and also from Akinyele cattle market in Oyo State. Skin scrapings collected from cattle with typical lesions of dermatophilosis were examined for the presence of bacteria, fungi and ectoparasites. Out of the 57 animals examined with typical skin lesions of dermatophilosis, Dermatophilus congolensis organism was cultured from 23 cases. Other bacterial organisms identified included Staphylococcus aureus (28 cases), Staphylococcus albus (35 cases), Bacillus mycoides (14 cases), Bacillus cereus (1 case), haemolytic Streptococcus (5 cases) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13 cases), Escherichia coli (16 cases), Proteus spp (4 cases) and Norcardia spp (5 cases). Ticks (mostly Amblyomma variegatum) were seen in all the 57 animals while Demodex bovis, Sarcoptes scabiei var bovis and lice were seen in 15, 4 and 8 cases respectively. It was inferred that secondary bacterial invasions are associated with the pathogenesis and severity of the infection and the presence of ticks and mange mites may serve as the portal of entry for dermatophilosis infection. The control of dermatophilosis should take into account of arthropod vectors and secondary bacterial complications.
Epidemiological survey of haemoparasitic infection in trade cattle at slaughter in Lafenwa abattoir, Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Okwelum N. , Iposi S. O. , Sowande O. S. , Smith O. F. , Takeet M. I.
Published: February 2021

An epidemiological survey of haemoparasitic infection in trade cattle was carried out at Lafenwa abattoir, Abeokuta, from August to November 2008. Thin Blood film and Haematocrit Centrifugation Techniques were used to detect haemoparasites. A total of 452 cattle that comprised 174 cows and 278 bulls were examined. The breeds included 78 'Red Bororo', 14 'Sokoto Gudali' and 360 'White Fulani'. Packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin concentration (Hb), total white blood cell (WBC) count and differential counts of WBC, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) were measured. Data were subjected to analysis of variance using Genstat statistical software, with sex and breed and blood parasite species detected as factors. Results showed that 22% of the cattle were infected with haemoparasites while 78% were parasite-free. The parasites were Trypanosoma congolence (4%), Anaplasma central (2%), Babesia bovis (14%), A. centrale + B. bovis (1%) and Babesia divergens (1%). Parasite species identified significantly influenced (P < 0.001) the PCV, RBC, and Hb concentration. The prevalence rates observed is considered to be of epidemiological and economic importance because infected animals might be sources of infection to other healthy herds in the area.
Morphometric and meristic characteristics of Mugil cephalus (grey mullet) from wetland of Ogun water-side Local Government Area
Authors: Idowu A. A. , Odulate D. O. , Adeosun F. I. , Abdul W. O. , Akinware T. H. , Akinyemi A. A.
Published: February 2021

Investigations on the morphometric and meristic characteristics were conducted on grey mullet, Mugil cephalus collected from wetland of Ogun waterside Local government Area, Ogun state, Nigeria. A total number of ninety-one live specimens were caught from the wetland of Ogun waterside Local government Area, for a period of March to June 2012. The fish were immediately preserved on ice in order to slow down rate of decomposition and their total length (TL) (cm), standard length (SL) (cm), head length (HL) (cm), body width (BW) (cm) and body weight (g), were measured fresh within 24 hours. Its sex was also determined by dissecting out the gonads to reveal eggs or testes. The mean values of total length TL, standard length SL, head length HL, body width and body weight for both male and female of M. cephalus for the month of March to June were 18.0±1.1 and for male and 18.6±0.9 for female (M/F), 14.7±1.0 and 14.7±0.6 (M/F), 3.3±0.2 and 3.2±0.1 (M/F), 3.8±0.2 and 3.0±0.5 (M/F), and 52.3±5.5 and 66.7±1.1 (M/F). Gill raker of M. cephalus gave a different result as there was difference between male and female,108 – 138 (male), and 104 and 148 (female).The growth pattern for male species were near isometric with b = 2.53, female species was negative allometric (b = 2.88) and combined sexes was isometric (b = 2.80). Information obtained from the study will contribute to the baseline data for carrying future studies on its ecology and conservation and development.
Energetic parameters in pregnant and lactating rat (Lasiopodomys brandtii) fed high- or low-fibre diets
Authors: Adewumi O. O. , Zhang X. Y. , De-Hua Wang D.
Published: February 2021

The effect of diet quality (high-fibre (HF) or low-fibre (LF)) on energetic parameters in pregnant and lactating rats (Lasiopodomys brandtii) was examined. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in body mass of voles prior to dietary acclimation and during pregnancy. Energetic parameters (dry matter, gross energy, digestible energy intake and digestibility) as well as body mass of pups was not significantly (p>0.05) affected by diet quality. Low fibre diet caused a decreased (p<0.05) in feed and gross energy intake and increased (p<0.001) digestible energy intake at mid lactation while digestibility was significantly increased at early lactation. Liver and kidney were significantly (p<0.05) lighter in voles on low fibre diet. No significant difference was observed between diets for metabolic rate. These results revealed that rats can compensate for poor quality (HF) diet physiologically by increasing food intake and decreasing digestible energy intake and digestibility to keep reproductive performance unaffected. The most energetically demanding period of breeding cycle of rat was mid lactation.
Genital tract morphometry and haematology of male rabbits fed graded levels of cassava leaf meal
Authors: Ahemen T. , Bitto I. I. , Oluremi O. I. A. , Anugwa F. O. I.
Published: February 2021

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding graded levels of cassava leaf meal (CLM) on genital tract morphometry and haematology of twenty 8-week old male rabbits weighing between 815 to 910g. The rabbits were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments viz: T1 (control), T2, T3 and T4 with CLM inclusion levels of 0%, 9%, 18%, and 27%, respectively after balancing for live weight. Each rabbit was individually caged and served as a replicate in a completely randomized design. The feeding trial lasted for sixteen (16) weeks. Three (3) rabbits per treatment were slaughtered and evaluated for genital tract morphometry and haematological characteristics. The results showed that CLM had no significant effect (P>0.05) on testes, corpus, cauda, ductus and tunic weights. Positive relationships were observed between CLM in the diets and testes weight (r = 0.42; P<0.05) as well as cauda weights (r = 0.96; P<0.01). No significant effect (P>0.05) of diets were observed on packed cell volume, haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume, platelets, white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes basophils and eosinophils. However negative relationships between levels of inclusion of CLM in diets and red blood cell, packed cell volume and haemoglobin were observed. It was concluded that the inclusion of up to 27% of CLM in bucks' diets is not detrimental to good health and normal reproductive tract development. It is recommended that further studies on the feeding potentials of cassava leaf meal at higher levels of inclusion and actual reproductive performance be investigated.
Nitrogen utilization by male WAD sheep fed graded levels of boiled CST and SMD based diets
Authors: Ettu R. O. , Onwuka C. F. I.
Published: February 2021

The study was carried out to investigate the nitrogen utilization by male West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep fed boiled Cocoa Seed Testa (CST) and Sorghum Malt Dust (SMD)-based diets. Twenty-eight male animals were divided into seven groups with similar average initial live weight in a completely randomized design. Each group contained four animals. The trial consisted of seven dietary treatments which comprised CST at 10, 20 and 30% levels, SMD at 10, 20 and 30% levels and a control. The trial lasted for 90 days. Data generated were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance. Apparent nitrogen intake (19.41g/d) and retention (9.67g/d) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the treatment with 20% SMD. Generally, dietary inclusion of CST and SMD improved the nitrogen intake by male WAD sheep with the best result from sheep fed 20% sorghum malt dust based diets.
Growth response and nutrient digestibility of growing pigs to qualitative and quantitative feed restriction
Authors: Njoku C. P. , Adeyemi O. A. , Egbeyale L. T. , Sanya B. J. , Situ R. O. , Osinaike A. G.
Published: February 2021

Feed restriction is a relevant management tool use in modificationof livestock growth patterns by reducing their maintenance requirement, leading to improved feed efficiency and utilization. This study assessed the effect of qualitative and quantitative feed restriction on growth parameters and nutrients digestibility of growing pigs. Fifty four (54) mixed breed pigs with initial body weight of 6.72±0.38 kg were arranged in a 3x3 factorial arrangement for a 150-day study: Factor A consists of 3 levels of qualitative feed restriction (20%, 18% and 16% crude protein) and Factor B consists of 3 levels of quantitative feed restriction (adlibitum, 90% and 80% of ad-libitum feed offered). The experimental animals were grouped on weight equalization into 9 treatment groups of 3 replicates of 2 pigs per replicate. Growth performance data were collected on weekly basis and nutrient digestibility was carried out on the 11th week of the experiment. Data obtained were subjected to two-way analysis of variance. Final body weight, daily weight gain and daily feed intake were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by increment in dietary crude protein.The pigs fed 20% crude protein recorded the best FCR of 1.36. Quantitative feed restriction had no influence on the growth parameters studied. Feed quality and quantity offered had significant (P<0.05) influence on excreted faeces, faecal dry matter output, excreted faeces/dry matter intake, dry matter digestibility, crude protein digestibility, ether extract, crude fibre digestibility and ash. Similar (P>0.05) mean values of excreted faeces, faecal dry matter output, excreted faeces/ dry matter intake, crude protein digestibility, crude fibre digestibility, ash and ether extract were recorded for pigs fed 18% and 16% of crude protein respectively. It can be concluded from this study that a combination of qualitative and quantitative restriction (at 18% crude protein with 80% of ad libitum feed offered)can be used as management tool to improve feed utilization in growing pigs.
Growth performance, genetic parameters and selection index of pure and crossbred populations of Red Sokoto and West African Dwarf goats
Authors: Nwachukwu E. N. , Nkemakolam O. C. , Adeolu A. I.
Published: February 2021

In 2008, a breeding programme was designed to develop hybrid goat suitable for the rainforest agro-ecological zone of South-Eastern, Nigeria. Two indigenous goat breeds namely, Red Sokoto (RS) and West African Dwarf (WAD) goats were utilized and mated in a main (RS x WAD), reciprocal (WAD x RS) and pure line (RS x RS and WAD x WAD) fashion. A total of 74 progenies were generated from the matings and were evaluated for 12week growth performance. As part of the ranking procedure, a selection index was constructed based on two major body components namely body weight (BWT) and heart girth (HGT) to objectively determine the genetic worth of the growing pure and crossbred progenies of Red Sokoto and West African Dwarf kids. The results showed that average body weight (BWT) of RS x RS (5.29±0.13kg) and RS x WAD (5.14±0.21kg) buck kids were similar but significantly (P< 0.05) heavier than that of their WAD x RS (4.84 + 0.17kg) and WAD x WAD (4.79 + 0.17kg) counterparts. The performance of crossbred RS x WAD compared to WAD x RS and WAD x WAD buck kids indicate that the main crossbred kids sired by Red Sokoto bucks but nursed by WAD dams received superior sets of genes from their large-sized sire. The RS x WAD buck kids in particular, had significantly longer body length (BLT), height-at-withers (HWT) and HGT than WAD x RS and WAD x WAD kids. The phenotypic and genetic correlations of BWT and HGT in both sexes for the different genotypes were high and positive which were indicative of the nature of association between these conformation traits in goats. Heritability estimates (h2) for BWT and HGT in males and females kids ranged from 0.31 – 0.36 versus 0.28 – 0.30, respectively in most of the growing kids. The relative economic values (REV) of chosen traits were generally higher for male kids compared to their female counterparts. Phenotypic variances for BWT and HGT in male and female kids ranged from 0.65 – 0.80. The selection index values were highest in male and female kids of RS x RS, followed by RS x WAD, while WAD x RS kids ranked low and WAD x WAD kids ranked the least. Thus, indicating that selection and improvement of growth traits in these pure and crossbred kids would be in favour of the RS x RS and RS x WAD individuals.
Morphological characterization and evaluation of heat tolerance traits in Nigerian goat breeds
Authors: Wheto M. , Ilori B. M. , Sanda A. J. , Adeleke M. A. , Durosaro S. O. , Adenaike A. S. , Adebambo A. O. , Ikeobi C. O. N. , Onagbesan O. M. , Ozoje M. O. , Ozoje M. O. , Adebambo O. A.
Published: February 2021

There are three main breeds of goat in Nigeria: The West African Dwarf (WAD), the Red Sokoto and the Sahel. Goats are renowned for their hardiness and can survive in most environments. The goats sampling was carried out from farms and markets across different states in Nigeria, according to the geographical distribution of the breeds published by Blench (1999). This experiment was carried out to analyse morphological variability among Nigerian goats. A total of 318 goats spread across the three Nigerian breeds were used in the following populations (57 Sahel, 187 Red Sokoto and 137 West African Dwarf). Data were collected on body weight, linear body measurements and heat tolerance traits and were subjected to analysis of variance using the fixed effects of breed, sex and location. Results showed that breed, sex and location significantly (P<0.05) affected all the linear body measurements and heat tolerance traits. The Sahel breed had the highest values in most of the measured traits compared to the West African Dwarf and the Red Sokoto breeds of goat. It was observed that goats from the northern part of Nigeria were heavier than their southern counterparts, and this can be likened to their genetic makeup and the extent of its interaction with the environment. The results of the study confirmed the population structure of Nigerian goat breeds and showed that they possess enough diversity to enhance genetic improvement for higher survival and productivity.
Egg fertility and hatchability in Avians broiler-breeder hens under humid tropical conditions
Authors: Abioja M. O. , Abiona J. A. , Williams T. J. , Smith O. F. , Abioja I. J. , Oke O. E. , Daramola J. O. , Osinowo O. A.
Published: February 2021

Abstract Impact of temperature and humidity in different month of lay was evaluated on fertility and hatchability in broiler breeder hens reared in Sapele, Nigeria. Six million, six hundred and nineteen thousand, seven hundred and forty six eggs from flocks of Avians broiler-breeder hens reared between 2005 and 2006 in a farm located in Sapele were used. Egg fertility and hatchability (P<0.001) were significantly affected by month of lay. The month of June recorded the highest egg fertility were the highest in hatchability of set eggs and fertile eggs was in May. However, fertility and hatchability for all months between May and October were not different from each other but significantly higher than the values obtained in January - April and November-December. Months of May-October were the rainy season in Sapele while dry spell covers November to April. Temperature had significant (P<0.05) but negative correlation with egg fertility (r= -0.31), hatchability of set eggs (r= -0.26) and fertile eggs (r = -0.12) respectively. Correlation of amount of rainfall with egg fertility (r = 0.29), ability of set eggs (r = 0.22) and of fertile eggs (r = 0.06) was positive (P<0.05). Relative humidity had positive (P<0.05) correlation with egg fertility (r = 0.25), hatchability of set eggs (r= 0.17) and fertile eggs (r= 0.48). Correlation of number of rainy day with egg fertility (r = 0.40), hatchability of set eggs (r = 0.34) and fertile eggs (r = 0.71) was positive and strong (P<0.05). It can be concluded that high pen temperature especially during dry season does adversely affect egg fertility and hatchability in Avians broiler-breeder hens under humid tropical conditions.
Bacteria and digestive enzymes in the alimentary tract of the giant African land snails, Archarchatina marginata and Achatina achatina
Authors: Okeniyi F. A. , Osinowo O. A. , Ladokun O. A. , Akinloye A. K. , Bamidele O. S. , Sanni D. M.
Published: February 2021

A study was carried out to investigate the bacteria flora in the gut of the Giant African Land Snails (GALS), Archarchatina marginata and Achatina achatina. Microflora cultures from snail gut contents were prepared to isolate and identify microorganisms within the snail digestive tract. Enzyme assays were carried out on a few of the microorganisms to determine the presence and level of enzymatic activities. Results showed that a wide range of bacteria inhabit the alimentary tract of GALS. Bacteria isolates from the stomach (Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas syringae) and mouth regions (Aeroccus viridiaris and Azobacter chroococcum) in the two species of GALS effectively digested starch, cellulose and casein. However, Bacillus species from the stomach region in A. achatina exhibited the highest enzymatic activities for cellulase (10.00 µmol/min/ml at 18 h), protease (23.97 µmol/min/ml at 18 h) and amylase (9.56 µmol/min/ml at 24 h) during incubation Consequently, results from the present study confirmed that amylolytic, cellulolytic and proteolytic bacteria within the digestive tract of the two species of GALS do aid in the snail's digestive processes.
Milk yield and rectal temperature in West African Dwarf goats as affected by wattle and litter size
Authors: Williams T. J. , James I. J. , Adewumi O. O. , Ozoje M. O. , Ajibola A. T. , Ohayi M. O.
Published: February 2021

This study was conducted to investigate milk yield and rectal temperature in West African Dwarf (WAD) goats as affected by wattle and litter size. A total of 28 lactating does were used for the experiment. 13 does had wattle (bilateral) while 15 had no wattle. 14 does had twin birth while the other 14 had single birth. The goats were fed at 5% body weight with combination of concentrate and grass (Panicum maximum and Pennisetum purpureum) in ratio 50:50 twice per day in the morning and evening (zero grazing). The lactating does were hand milked once per day (08.00) and thrice per week for the period of 12 weeks. The goats were housed in cross ventilated pens with slatted floor. Rectal temperature was taken after milking of each animals using digital thermometer. Data collected were analysed using SAS (2010) in a randomized complete block design. The results showed that wattle and litter size had significant effect on milk yield and rectal temperature in WAD goats. Wattled animals produce significantly (P<0.05) higher milk yield of 297.72 g/day compared to their non wattled counterparts (255.11 g/day). Animals with wattle however had higher rectal temperature of 39.35°C compared to animals without wattle (39.23°C). Also twin littered does produced daily milk milk yield of 292.74 g/day significantly (P<0.05) higher than single littered counterparts (257.04 g/day). The interaction between wattle and litter size showed that there was no significant difference in daily milk yield in wattled animals regardless of the litter size. However, in non-wattle animals, does with twin birth produced daily milk yield of 283 g/day significantly (P<0.05) higher than 235 g/day for does with single birth. Also, wattled does with single birth had significantly (P<0.05) higher rectal temperature of 39.43°C when compared with wattled does with twin birth. However, in non wattle animals, does with single birth had significantly lower rectal temperature of 39.18°C as compared with does with twin birth (39.29°C). It was concluded that WAD goats with wattle and twin birth produces more milk than those without wattle and single birth. Therefore, WAD goats with wattle should be selected for lactation purpose especially those with twin birth.
Effect of replacing maize with pride of barbados (Delonix regia) seed meal on growth performance, carcass, serum and haematological indices of rabbits
Authors: Olajide R. , Adeniyi O. A.
Published: February 2021

Thirty growing rabbits with mean body weight of 516.67g were used in a feeding trial that lasted for 56 days. The animals were randomly distributed into five (5) dietary treatment groups consisting of six (6) animals per group. Each treatment group was replicated six (6) times with individually housed rabbit per replicate. The five dietary treatments contained 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% replacement levels of Delonix regia seed meal (DRSM) for maize in a completely randomized design experiment. The parameters investigated during the study were feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio and feed cost. At the end of the feeding trial, blood samples were collected from the animals through the ear vein for haematology and serum biochemistry. Fifteen (15) animals at the rate of 3 animals per dietary treatment were stunned and sacrificed for the determination of carcass analysis. Samples of visceral organs and primal parts were collected from the animals for carcass yield evaluation. Data obtained were subjected to one-way analysis of variance. The inclusion of DRSM in rabbit diets did not significantly (p>0.05) influence the daily feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio of the animals. The carcass parameters except the forelegs and all the organ weights were not significantly (p<0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. The highest value (3.85%) of the forelegs was obtained in treatment 4 (75% DRSM). The corresponding values of 3.35, 3.39 and 3.40 respectively for animals in treatments 1, 2 and 5 were similar but lower than that on treatment 4 and higher than 3.19% of treatment 3. Feeding of DRSM to rabbits did not show any significant (p>0.05) variation in both the haematological and biochemical components of the rabbits studied except the globulin. The globulins (g/dl) were 1.50, 3.0, 1.70, 3.30 and 1.75 respectively for animals on treatment 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. All these haematological and serum biochemical parameters were within the normal physiological ranges for rabbits. Cost per Kg feed and cost of feed per Kg live weight decreased significantly (p<0.05) with increased replacement levels of DRSM for maize in the diets with 100% substitution having the least cost. The results suggest that DRSM could completely replace maize (up to 100%) without any deleterious effect on the growth performance, carcass, haematology and serum biochemistry of rabbits. Therefore DRSM may be a panacea to high cost of maize and can be recommended for rrabbit farmers.
Nutritional evaluation of differently processed piper (Canavalia plagiosperma) seed meal (CPSM) in broiler starter diets
Authors: Esonu B. O. , Izukanne R. O. , Udedibie A. B. I. , Okuedo N. J.
Published: February 2021

A feeding trial was conducted with the aim of improving the nutritive value of Canavalia plagiosperma seedmeal (CPSM) for broiler starter rations. One hundred and fifty kilogram (150kg) of Canavalia plagiosperma seeds were cracked and thereafter divided into three batches. Two batches were soaked in water while the third batch was soaked in alkaline solution (2 % palm bunch ash by weight of the cracked seeds) in different plastic containers for 48 hours, before draining off the soaking solutions. The first, second and third batches were boiled in different pots for 1 hour, 2 hours and 1 hour respectively. They were separately sundried for 4-5 days and milled to produce cracked soaked in water and boiled for 1 hour (CSWB1), cracked soaked in water and boiled for 2 hours (CSWB2) and cracked soaked in alkaline and boiled for 1 hour (CSABI), Canavalia plagiosperma seedmeals (CPSM) respectively. The meals were used to formulate seven broiler starter rations at 0%, 10 % and 20% dietary inclusion, levels, respectively (Table 3). Each of the seven broiler starter rations was fed to a group of 42 one-week-old broiler chicks for 28 days, to evaluate the performance of the birds and economic implications. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in daily feed intake, daily body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Results from this trial suggests that CPSM could be included in broiler starter diets up to 20 % without adverse effect if cracked, soaked in water and boiled for an hour:
The effect of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf meal on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens
Authors: Ayoola A. A. , Egbeyale L. T. , Ekunseitan D. A. , Adegoke A. V. , Adeyeri O. P.
Published: February 2021

A feeding trial was conducted for 56days to investigate the effect of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf meal on the growth performance and carcass traits of broiler chickens. The neem leaf meal was used in replacing parts of wheat offal in the diets of 192 day-old broiler chickens fed ad libitum at 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% levels of inclusion. The experimental birds were randomly distributed into four treatments. Each treatment was sub-divided into three replicates of sixteen (16) birds. Medications were administered only to the birds in treatment 1(control group) while vaccination was administered across the treatment during the course of the experiment. Growth parameters were taken on weekly basis and data obtained were subjected to one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) in a completely randomized design. There was a significant (P<0.05) effect of varying dietary inclusion of NLM only on average weight gain among the birds at the starter phase. Groups fed 0.3% NLM recorded the highest average weight gain (430.63g) as against 421.00, 392.57 and 394.97g recorded for the control, 0.1% and 0.2% NLM groups, respectively. Neem leaf meal had nosignificant (P<0.05) effect on broiler performance at the finisher phase across the treatment groups. Mortality was not affected (P>0.05) at any of the growth phases. Carcass traits; cut-parts (except neck) and organs showed no influence (P>0.05) of NLM inclusion. It can then be recommended that the neem leaf meal inclusion up to 0.3% in the diets of the broiler chickens can be used as growth promoters during the chick phase of growth.
The effect of aqueous Aloe vera gel extract on serum mineral compositions of Red Sokoto Bucks (Maradi)
Authors: Ameen S. A. , Odetokun I. A. , Raji L. O. , Biobaku K. T. , Akorede G. J. , Salami S. O.
Published: February 2021

This study was conducted to determine the effect of Aloe vera gel extract on the serum mineral compositions of Red Sokoto bucks. Blood samples were collected from 30 bucks before the commencement of administration of Aloe vera gel extract for serum minerals and these served as control group. The bucks were now divided into three groups A, B and C containing ten goats per group. The Aloe vera extract was administered orally at 1.0 ml/kg body weight daily at 3.0%, 4.0% and 5.0% to the group A, B, and C respectively for 14 days period. Five milliliters (5ml) of blood samples were collected from the jugulars vein of Red Sokoto bucks in the respective animals in the groups at 7 and 14 days, deposited into anticoagulant free plastic tubes and allowed to clot at room temperature within 3 hours of collection.Sera samples were analysed for potassium, sodium, calcium, Chloride, total protein, and albumin. Data were analysed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that there were significant (P<0.05) differences in the values of potassium, calcium, chloride, total protein and albunin in the pretreated control group and post treatment groups while there were no significant difference in sodium level (P>0.05) in the bucks that were administered with Aloe vera gel extract and control group. This indicated that oral Aloe vera gel administration in Red Sokoto bucks relatively caused some changes in mineral composition which may affect some physiological functions of visceral organs in these animals.
Comparative assessment of the nutritional contents and sensory evaluation of cheese produced from cow and sheep milk using local coagulants
Authors: Adewumi O. O. , Akinloye A. M.
Published: February 2021

The objectives of this study was to comparatively assess the dry matter, nutritive value and sensory properties of cheese produced from cow and sheep milk using three different local coagulants of plant origin: Calotropis procera leaf extract, Carica papaya leaf extract and lemon fruit juice. The following proximate and mineral compositions were assayed: dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, ash, carbohydrates, magnesium, copper, potassium, iron, zinc, calcium. Relative to that made with Calotropis procera and Carica papaya, cheese made with lemon juice was harder, less cohesive and gave a higher significant value (P <0.05) of dry matter (48.04%-cow milk : 53.22% sheep milk) in both types of milk. The lowest dry matter content was observed in Calotropis procera processed cheese made from cow milk (40.02%). The crude protein (4.22%), ether axtract (60.54%) and ash (6.00%) of Calotropis procera processed cheese made from sheep milk was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than cheese made from cow and sheep milk using Carica papaya and lemon juice. The lemon juice processed cheese made from sheep milk gave a significantly higher value (P< 0.05) of zinc (0.273%) and calcium (1.299%) than the cheese produced by the other two coagulants. Lemon juice processed cheese made from cow milk had the lowest content of crude protein (2.23%) and ether extracts (49.23%). With respect to carbohydrates, cheese made from cow milk using lemon juice had the highest (P < 0.05%) value (41.21%) while it was lowest in Calotropis procera and carica papaya processed cheese made from sheep milk (28.34% and 28.40% respectively). However, ether extract was highest in cheese made from sheep milk using Calotropis procera extract (60.54%) and lowest in cheese made from sheep milk using lemon juice (49.69%). In terms of organoleptic evaluation, cheese processed from cow milk using Calotropis procera scored the highest insignificant (P >0.05) overall acceptability (5.77). This study suggests that sheep milk and Carica papaya leaf extract have the potential to compete favourably well with the commonly used cow milk and Calotropis procera leaf extract.
Haematological response of Sokoto Gudali heifers to Babesia infection and tick control measures in a humid tropical environment
Authors: Olorunnisomo O. A. , Abiola J. O.
Published: February 2021

Sixteen Sokoto Gudali heifers weighing 184±16 kg were used to assess the haematological response of zebu cattle to babesia infection under different tick control measures. Animals were grazed inside tick-infested pastures and subjected to different cypermethrin treatments as follows: no treatment/control (NT); treatment of animal (TA); treatment of pasture (TP) and treatment of animal and pasture (TAP). Tick count and babesia infection in blood were assessed at 21-day intervals. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) count were also determined in the animals at pre-treatment and post-treatment periods. Tick species found on the animals include Amblyomma variegatum (8.6 %), Boophilus decoloratus (25.2 %) and Boophilus geigyi (66.2%). Tick count reduced from an average of 34 to less than 8 by the 12th week of study. Babesia parasite (Babesia bigemina) was not detected in the blood of treated animals by the 6th week. The ESR of heifers at the 12th week was 8.36, 2.10, 2.65, 1.65 mm/h; RBC, 6.05, 8.20, 8.26, 9.30 x 1012/L; and WBC, 12.37, 6.06, 7.08, 4.89 x 109/L for NT, TA, TP. and TAP respectively. The ESR and WBC values obtained shows that infection rates increased in untreated animals and decreased in animals under tick control measures. The RBC count also indicates improvement in health status of heifers when cypermethrin treatments were applied regularly. Babesia bigemina
Carcass and organ weight changes of weaner rabbits fed varying inclusion levels of dehulled African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) soaked in wood ash solution
Authors: Amusa H. O , Oseni T. A , Ogungbenro S. D , Egbinola O. O , Abu O.A
Published: February 2021

A total of thirty weaner rabbits were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments of six rabbits each in a completely randomized design to investigate the carcass yield and organ weight changes of weaner rabbits fed diets containing alkaline-soaked dehulled African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) at 0 (control), 5, 10, 15 and 20% levels of inclusion. The rabbits were fed ad libitum for 56 days. The carcass yield showed that live weight, head, fore limbs, hind limbs, breast, back neck, pelt, tail and eviscerated weights were significantly affected (P0.05) difference in weights of liver, gall bladder and spleen across the dietary treatments. Results showed that rabbits on T1 had the highest value of live weight (586.5g), fore limb (13.10%), hind limb (14.50%) and neck (1.02%) while the lowest value of fore limb and hind limb was recorded for rabbits on T5 (6.26). Rabbits on T4 had the highest value of pelt (8.57%), tail (0.50%) and chest (8.82%). The lowest value was recorded for rabbits on T5 (5.36%), T2 (0.38%) and T1 (6.14) respectively. Rabbits on T1 had the lowest value of heart (0.05%), lungs(0.05%) whole intestine (2.50%) and caecum (2.16%) while the highest value of heart (0.46%), whole intestine (18.81%) and caecum (5.46%) was recorded for rabbits on T4 with rabbits on T5 having the highest value of lungs (0.51%). It can be concluded that dehulled AYB soaked in alkaline medium can be fed to weaner rabbits at 5% level of inclusion promoted good carcass yield and without having adverse effects on the internal organs. However, further processing methods needs to be adopted to improve the feeding quality of legume seeds.
Comparative evaluation of haematological profile of the Nigerian indigenous and Large White x Landrace crossbred pigs vaccinated with sheep RBC
Authors: Abonyi F. O , Arinzechukwu U. C , Eze D. C , Okwor E. C , Eze J. I. , Agbo A. I.
Published: February 2021

This study was designed to evaluate haematological response between Nigerian indigenous pigs (NIP) and Large White x Landrace crossbred pigs (LWL) when vaccinated with sheep RBC. Twenty male pigs with average age of 42 ± 3 days and weighed 3.10 ± 0.29 kg (NIP) and 6.90 ± 0.43 kg (LWL), were used. They were assigned to groups A (10 NIP) and B (10 LWL); each was further divided into two with five animals in each replicate. Processing of sheep RBC followed standard procedures; feed and animal management were similar. All the pigs were vaccinated with1 ml of 10 % sheep RBC per pig at week 4 and revaccinated 3 weeks later. Their haematological profiles were determined using standard procedures and the study lasted ten weeks. There was a rise in WBC count of both groups after initial vaccination. Mean WBC count of LWL was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher at weeks 0, 1, 4 and 6, respectively. Lymphocyte count of the two groups also increased sharply after initial vaccination; values recorded for LWL showed a slight but a continuous rise while those of the NIP generally decreased and increased in value. A significant differences in mean values of neutrophil were recorded prior to initial vaccination (p = 0.011, t = 8), on weeks 1 (p = 0.013, t = 8) and 3(p = 0.005, t = 8) with NIP maintaining higher values than LWL. There was no significance (p ≥0.05) difference in the mean values of eosinophil, basophil and monocytes for both groups.
Effect of the inclusion of scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) in diet on growth and haematology of growing rabbits
Authors: Buba W. , Duru S. , Metemilola J. , Uchendu C. , Iyiola-Tunji A.O.
Published: February 2021

The effect of scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) as feed additive in rabbit diet on growth and hematological parameters of rabbits was investigated using a number of 24 non-descript rabbits in an eight (8) weeks feeding trial. Four experimental diets were formulated to contain 0.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0g scent leaf (SL) per kg of feed. The diets were randomly assigned to four treatment groups of 6 rabbits per treatment in a completely randomized design (CRD) experiment. Feed and water were offered ad libitum. Feed intake and weight gain was taken and used to calculate other growth performance parameters while blood sample (2 ml) was collected aseptically between 6:30 and 7:30 am from three rabbits per treatment and transferred into heparinised tubes which was used to determine the haematological parameters (PCV, Hb, red blood cells and white blood cells). The results showed that there was significant (P<0.05) differences in body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) across the four (4) treatment groups with treatment group fed scent leaf at 4.0g/kg diet having the highest weight gain and the best FCR. There was also significant difference (P<0.05) in albumin and cholesterol levels. Haematological parameters showed significant difference (P<0.05) across the treatment groups with treatment group fed 2.0g scent leaf having the lowest white blood cell (8.00 x 1012 /L). In conclusion treatment group fed 4.0g scent leaf gave the best result in terms of weight gain and FCR.
Growth, Nutrient Digestibility and Carcass Indices of Rabbits fed Varying Levels of Sugarcane Rind Meal
Authors: Adeosun T. A , Iyeghe-Erakpotobor G.T.
Published: February 2021

The potential of sugarcane peels as a substitute for maize offal in rabbit diets and its effect on growth, nutrient digestibility, and carcass characteristics were studied. Twenty five growing rabbits of mixed breeds and average body weight of 894±26.14g were used in a 7-week feeding trial. Five experimental diets were formulated in which sugarcane rind (SCR) was included at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% level to replace maize offal (weight for weight). The rabbits were balanced for weight and allotted to the treatments (n=5rabbits/treatment) in a completely randomized design. Results obtained indicated that dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, nitrogen free extract, hemicellulose, acid and neutral detergent fibre intake and digestibility decreased with increasing level of sugarcane rind inclusion. Crude fibre intake (5.59-8.67 g/day) and digestibility (20.60-40.80%) however increased (P<0.05) as level of sugarcane rind increased in the diet. The 30% inclusion of sugarcane rind gave body weight gain (5.35 g/d) comparable to the control (6.41 g/d), 10 (7.78 g/d) and 20% (7.12 g/d) inclusion of sugarcane peels. Feed intake (44.61-40.59 g/d) decreased as the level of sugarcane rind increased in the diets. There was no significant (P>0.05) effect of sugarcane rind on metabolic body weight and feed efficiency. Inclusion of sugarcane rind at 30% level increased (P<0.05) thigh and head percentage but without any adverse effect on chest, loin, shoulder and skin. Based on the results, it is concluded that sugarcane rind is a good fibre source that can be used to replace maize offal up to 30% in rabbit diets