bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of substitution of groundnut cake with Anthonotha macrophylla seed meal on layer performance and quality of chicken egg
Authors: Durunna C.S. , Ezeagu C.M , Anene C.G , Okeudo N.J.
Published: February 2021

Five layer diets were formulated containing 0.5,10, 15 and 20% Anthonotha macrophylla seed meal which replaced equivalent proportion of groundnut cake. One hundred and eighty Babcock brown layers already 3 months in lay were randomized into 5 groups and each group was fed one of the experimental diets for 84 days. The hens were examined for performance using body weight. teed intake, henday egg production, egg weight and feed conversion ratio. The interior quality of Eggs were also assessed. Total feed intake ranged from 9.27 to 10.97kg, average daily feed intake, from 110.32 to 130.54 g/bird/day, hen-day egg production, from 48.88% to 79.11% and feed conversion ratio, from 1.87 to 2.15. Statistical analysis showed that total feed intake,  average daily feed intake and hen - day egg production were similar across the dictary treatments up to the 15% level of inclusion, but were significantly depressed (P<0.05) at the 20% inclusion level. 
However, diet had no significant effect on final body weight and average egg weight and feed conversion ration (P>0.05). Similarly results on egg quality showed no significant effect (P>0.05) on albumen index, yolk index, yolk colour, Haugh unit and shell thickness. Based on these results, it was concluded that Anthonotha macrophylla seed meal can be incorporated into layer diets up to 15%, inclusion level without incurring a depression in performance Layer diets containing this meal ingredient had no deleterious effect on egg quality.
Effects of storage period on the hatchability performance of Japanese Quail Eggs
Authors: Musa U. , Haruna E.S , Qadeer M.A , Edache J.A , Ogbe A.O , Karsin P.D
Published: February 2021

Study on the effects of storage period on the hatchability of Japanese quail (coturnix coturnix iaponica) eggs was conducted at National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Hatchery Unit Vom. Three hundred and sixty (360) fertile quail eggs of normal weight (8-10g) from 4-month-old flock were divided into four groups (A, B, C, D). The first group (A) of ninety eggs were set immediately after collection (less than 24 hours), while groups B, C and D (90 eggs each) 7, 14 and 21 days respectively before incubation. Automatic cabinet electric incubator (WesternR) was used in incubating the eggs for 16-17 days at temperature of 99.7oF and relative humidity (RH) of 65%. All normal incubatory practices were observed. Average daily meteorological data was taken during the period of storage. Results showed that eggs incubated immediately after collection (group A) had the highest hatchability of 62% followed by 23% in those eggs incubated after 7 days of storage (group B). Eggs incubated after 14 and 21 days of storage (group C and D) had zero hatchability. Significant differences(P<0.001) exist between group D (21 days) and group C(14 days) with 23.3% and 11.1% respectively, while the least (6.7%) were in those eggs in group A. It was concluded that as in chicken eggs; Japanese quail eggs should not be stored for long periods.
Economic analysis of aquaculture practices in some Local Government areas of Ogun State
Authors: Aihonsu J.O.Y , Oreagba O.F , Idowu A.O , Shittu A.M
Published: February 2021

The primary aim of the study was to ascertain the profitaility and assess resource use efficiency as well as compare same between the two sysytems of aquaculture (Concrete pond and Dug-out pond Systems) in Ijebu-North and Ijebu Norh-East Local Government Areas of Ogun State. To accomplish this objective, the 65 fish farmers (30 Dug-out pond and 35 concrete pond) whose fish had reached market size  were interviewed in the study areas during 2001/2002 production season. Sets of structured questionnaire, personally administered were used to collect the required data. The mean  sizes of the concrete ponds and Dug-out ponds were employed in the analysis of the data. The mean sizes of the concrete ponds and Dug-out ponds were 64.57 M2 and 2392.43 M2  respectively.

The budgetary analysis of the two systems showed that fish production was profitable in the area. The concrete pond (CPS) system was however found to be more profitable than the dug-out pond system (DPS). The result of the regression analysis showed that the number of fingerlings stocked per square metre, man days of human labour used , months of production season and quatity of fertilizer and lime used had much more significant influence on yield (harvest) from the CPS than from the DPS. The comparison of the technical efficiency of inputs in both systems showed that the  inputs were more efficiently utilized in the CPS rather than in the DPS. The result of the Chow test showed that the resource used in the CPS differed significantly at 5 percent level, from that of DPS.

Following their findings, it was recommended that fish farmers in the study area should increase their stocking rate and reduce the amount of hired labour as well as use appropriate good quality feed in order to improve their productivity levels.
Prevalence of suspected tuberculous lesions in cattle slaughtered in Cross River State Abattoirs
Authors: Bikom P.M. , Oboegbulem S.I.
Published: February 2021

Granulomatous lessons in liver intestine, spleen, lung and lymph nodes (mediastinal, bronchial, retropharynged and mesenteric) were collected from slaughtered cattle in each of the main abattoirs in Bakoko, Ikom and Ogoja respectively in Cross River State South, Central and North senatorial cones during a one year (April, 2002 - March 2003) study period. 8,990 cattle were slaughtered and examined during the period. Of this number, tuberculous organs collected from 120 (1.3%) of the slaughtered cattle tested positive by the Ziehl-Neelsen (acid-fast) technique. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the prevalence of tuberculous lesions during the dry and rainy seasons, although a slightly higher prevalence was found during the former (1.5%) than the later (1.1%) season. Of the 120 tuberculous lesions found 71(1.6%) occurred in females while 19 (1.1%) occurred in males. The organs affected most were the lungs 73 (55.7%) and lymph nodes 40 (30.58%) while the least affected organ was the disphragmatic muscle 1(0.76%). It was concluded that the overall prevalence of 1.3% of tuberculous lesions in organs of slaughter cattle in the state is of epidemiological importance and further studies are needed to isolate and type the acid-fast organisms in order 10 properly assess their public health significance.
Spermatogenesis, gonadal sperm reserves and fertility of rabbits fed micro doses of fumonisin
Authors: Gbore F.A. , Ewuola E. O. , Ogunlade J.T. , Idahor K. O. , Salako A. O. , Egbunike G. N.
Published: February 2021

The effects of micro doses of dietary fumonisin, a metabolite of Fusarium verticillioides, on spermatogenesis, gonadal sperm reserves and fertility of rabbits were studied. Relative paired testis weight; sperm production rate and sperm storage potential were not adversely affected in rabbits which were exposed to varied minute levels of dietary fumonisin of about 153-161 µg/kg body weight/day over a period of 8 weeks. The toxin also failed to exert any influence (P>0.05) on seminiferous tubular diameter and volume percent of testicular elements. Male fertility as evidenced by conception rate, litter size and embryo survival and normalcy was also not affected (P>0.05). However, the frequency of occurrence of stages II and VIII of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium were significantly (P<0.05) influenced with increased dietary fumonisin levels. The results suggest that the ingestion of Fusarium-infected feed that would result in the liberation of about 153 µg of fumonisin/kg of body weight per day for a short time may not influence spermatogenesis, fertility in the male or the normalcy of the resulting foetuses.
Effects of 5-hour wetting of sun-dried cassava tuber meal on the HCN content and dietary value of the meal for young broiler chicks
Authors: Udedibie A. B. I. , Asoluka O. C.
Published: February 2021

The efficacy of wetting sun-dried cassava tuber meal as a method of reducing its hydrocyanide (HCN) content and improving its nutritive value for broilers was investigated. Cassava tubers were peeled, chopped into pieces, sun dried and then milled. Part of the sun-dried cassava tuber meal was soaked in water at the rate of 5 parts of water to 4 parts of the meal, thinly spread on the floor for 5 hours and then taken out and spread by the side of the tarred road and sun-dried again. The raw cassava tuber meal (RCTM), sun-dried cassava tuber meal (SCTM) and wetted sun-dried cassava tuber meal (WSCTM) were analysed for cyanide conteni. Five diets were made such that dier / (control) contained no cassava tuber meal; in diets 2 and 3, 75% of the maize in diet I was replaced with SCTM and WSCTM, respectively, while in diets 4 and 5, 100% of the maize was replaced with SCTM and WSCTM, respectively. Each diet was fed to a group of 30 one-week old broiler chicks for 4 weeks. Blood was collected from the birds at the end of the feeding trial and haematological constituents determined. RCTM contained 800ppm HCN, SCTM contained 50ppm and WSCTM contained 10ppm. At 100% replacement of dietary maize with SCTM, growth performance of the birds was significantly (P <0.05) depressed. HB, PCV, RBC and WBC were also depressed at that level. Wetting sun-dried cassava tuber meal appeared to be a simple and effective way of processing cassava for use as energy feed for broiler production.
Effect of duration of cooking on the levels of some antinutritional factors of nine varieties of Lablab purpureus beans
Authors: Abeke F. O. , Ogundipe S. O. , Dafwang I. I. , Sekoni A. A. , Abu A. , Adeyinka I. A.
Published: February 2021

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of duration of cooking of various varieties of Lablab purpureus beans at 1000 on their antinutritional factor compositions. Nine different varieties of Lablab purpureus beans were subjected to cooking for 0.0, 10.0, 200, 30.0), 40.0,50.0 and 60.0 minutes respectively at 100°C. For each batch of cooking, 4 litres of water was first brought to boiling in a 10 litre aluminium cooking pot and about 50g of the seed was poured into the boiling water, covered and allowed to cook for each specified time period. The seeds were sun dried for 3 days before milling. A representative sample for each cooking time and for each variety was taken to the laboratory for the determination of antinutritional factors to include trypsin inhibitors, phyric acid, tannin and hydrocyaric acid. Results obtained indicate that duration of cooking had a significant (P<0.05) effect on the antinutritional composition of the various varieties of lablab beans. The levels of antinutritional factors in the beans were found to decrease significantly (P<0.05) as the duration of cooking increased across the various varieties. However percent destructions of trypsin inhibitor activity, phytic acid and hydrocyanic acid were very rapid at about 30 minutes of cooking.
Performance of two snail species – Archachatina marginata (S) and Achatina achatina (I) reared under the same management practices.
Authors: Odunaiya O. , Akinyemi A. A.
Published: February 2021

The performance and carcass analysis of two popular snail species - Archatina marginata (S) and Achatina achatina (L) commonly reared in West Africa were evaluated from day old to six (6) months of age under the same housing and dietary conditions in a complete randomized design with two (2) treatments, replicated thrice with sixty (60) snails per treatment. The study revealed that at day old treatment 1 (T1) had the higher live weight of 4.03g, while treatment 2 (T2) had 0.31g which showed a statistical significant difference at P<0.05. The shell length and shell width of the hatchlings also showed statistical significant difference (P<0.05) between the two treatments. The mean feed intake (g/day) for T1 was 2.89 and 1.96 for T2. Higher mortality (8.33%) was recorded in T2. T2 was also found to be the better converter of feed to edible meat with feed conversion ratio of 7.26 to 72.3 recorded in T1. The higher dressing out percentage (40.14) was recorded in T1. The result showed that snails generally have slow growth. T1 was found to grow faster than T2 hence it is recommended to the populace because it has higher potential to meet animal protein supply than T2. Research on improvement and nutrition of snails should therefore be encouraged.
Performance characteristics of sows fed enriched diet from weaning to service in a commercial flock
Authors: Orcheruata A. M. , Sphine A. T. , Nwokoro S. O.
Published: February 2021

Fielded data from 40 sows together with obtained data from 1999 to 2005 we analysed to determine the performance of sows fed enriched diet from weaning to a service in a commercialflock. The data were on litter size at birth (LTZVT), litter size at weaning (LTZWN), weaning age (WNAGE) forrowing interval (FRINT), purity (PRTY) and reproductive life (PRODLF).  Mean value of 9.44(no), 6.04(no), 31.874, 453.58d and 3.65yrs were obtained for LTZBT, LTZWN, WNAGE, FRINT and PRODLF respectively. The influence of parity on sow's performance was analyzed while mortality and sows efficiency of production were determined. Anagonistic relationship existed between production and reproduction traite. Mortality amongst piglets increased with weaning age. Over 80% of sows hold PRINT of less than 157 days, farrowed litters greater than 7 and 55% weaned litter size of over 8. Parity had no influence on sow's performancw. Sow efficiency of production indices showed that sows had 2 farrowing/year, a farrowing rate of 84% and small litter index of less than 17%. The findings of this study have indicated that better performance of sows can be achieved by giving enriched diet (flushing) from weaning to a service rather than the practice of flushing only few days to service
Chemical composition, in vitro digestibility and gas production characteristics of six ficus species based diets with Panicum maximum in the dry season
Authors: Abegunde T. O. , Babayemi O. J. , Akinsoyinu A. O.
Published: February 2021

The nutritive value of Ficus exasperata, F. polita, f. vogelli, F. ahutilifolia, F. thonningii, und F. mucoso in mixtures with 30% Punicum maximum were investigated in terms of their chemical composition, saponins, phenols, in vitro gus production (IVGP), metabolizuble energy (ME), organic matter digestibility (OMD%) and short chain fatty acids (SCFA). Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) was significantly (P<0.05) lowest in E thoningii. Saponin was detected in F politu, while Phenol was detected in all Ficus species except F. poliiu und F. thonningii. WVGP, ME, OMD and SCFA obtained for all Ficus species were significantly (P<0.05) higher than values obtained for F. mucoso. Least value for soluble 'a' fraction of the samples was recorded for A mucoso (5.76), similar to values obtained for E thonningii (7.17), F. abutilifoliu (7.92) and F exasperula (7.92). Potential gas production 'b'values differed significantly (p<0.05) among E exasperata (50.50), I vogelli (43.92) and f mucoso (37.25), but was similar among E polita (46.17), E. thonningii (44.83) and F. abutilifolia (44.50). Potentially degradable a+b' fructions for all ficus species except F. mucuso were similar und significantly (P<0.05) higher than F mucoso. Rate of fermentation 'c' differed significantly (P<0.05) henveen F exasperata (0.06) and E mucoso (0.04). Data from this study showed that ull Ficus species except Ficus mucoso had potential to be used as forage supplements in the dry season.
Effect of graded levels of raw bambara nut (Voandzeia subterranea L) waste on nutrient intake, digestibility and utilization by rabbits
Authors: Ani A. O.
Published: February 2021

The effect of graded levels of raw bambara nut (Voandzeia subterranea L) waste on nutrient intake, digestibility and utilization by weaner rabbits was investigated. Four diets were formulated to contain 0, 10, 20 and 30% raw bambara nut waste (RBW). Twenty-four hybrid (Chinchilla x New Zealand white) weaner rabbits weighing 790-880g at six weeks were randomly divided into four groups of6 rabbits each. The groups were randomly assigned to the four diets in a completely randomized design (CRD) for 56 days. Each treatment was replicated 3 times with two rabbits per replicate. Results showed that significant differences (P<0.05) existed among treatments in final body weight (FBW), average daily weight gain (4DWG) and intake of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), gross energy (GE) and digestible energy (DE). There were also significant differences (P<0.05) among treatments in digestibility coefficients of DM, CP crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE) and nitrogen free extract (NFE), Rabbits fed 20 and 30% RBW diets had significantly (P<0.05) lower FBW and ADGW, and lower (P<0.05) intake of DM, CP GE and DE than rabbits fed the control diet. Rabbits fed 20 and 30% RBW diets also had significantly (P<0.05) lower digestibility coefficients of DM, CP CF, EE and NFE Results showed that nutrient intake, weight gain and digestibility coefficients were depressed. Mortality was observed at 20 and 30% RBW levels. Although there were no significant differences (P>0.05) among treatments in relative organ weights and in carcass dressing percentage, the kidney of rabbits fed 30% RBW diets had mild degeneration necrosis and dilatation of the tubules. Bile duct dilatation, hyperplasia of the bile duct epithelia cells. fibrosis and thickening of the interlobular septa were observed in the liver of rabbits fed 30% RBW diets. The depression in nutrient intake, and weight gain, and the observed histopathological changes at 20 and 30% RBW levels could be due to ant nutritional factors present in the raw bambara nut waste or done to high fibre levels of RBW The results indicate that up to 10% RBH can be included in the diets of weaner rabbits without serious deleterious effects on rabbits
Effects of Improved (Addition of Antimicrobials and Antioxidants) Locally Produced Natural Vitamin Premix on Performance, Hematology and Some Serum Constituents of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Bolu S. A. , Balogun O. O.
Published: February 2021

An experiment was conducted to compare the haematology and some serum constituents and performance of broilers fed diets containing improved (addition of anti-microbial and anti-oxidant) locally produced natural vitamin premix (LPNVP), LPNVP without improvement and commercial vitamin premix (CVMP). Haematology of the birds was not affected by the dietary treatments. However, red blood cell (RBC) count was significantly high (P<0.05) for the birds fed diet containing improved LPNVP The haemoglobin, PCK, RBC and WBC values observed for birds fed improved LPNVP were 13 gm%, 32%, 246 x 1012/L and 3.1 x 1010/L respectively. Serological parameters observed in the study were not significantly different (P>0,.05) for all the dietary conditions studied. Birds fed diet containing improved LPNVP also recorded comparable serum components to control diet containing the commercial vitamin/’mineral premix. Serum calcium, phosphorus, glucose, ureate, creatinine and total protein observed for birds fed diet containing improved LPNVP were 2.32%, 0.70%, 3.60Mmo/L, 2.9Mmo/L, 0.25Mmol/L, 58Mmol/L and 66g/100ml respectively. Feed intake, weight gain and feed utilization were similar (P>0.05) for the various dietary treatments. Birds fed improved LPNVP based diets tended to record better feed intake than did the control birds on CVMP based diets and unimproved LPNVP. Generally, improvement of LPNVP tended to give better performance of broilers than did other dietary treatments.
Assessment of the nutritive value of bovine Iiquor and urea treated corn-straw and corn-cobs as feed for the West African Dwarf sheep and goats
Authors: Babayemi O. J. , Otukoya F. K. , Familade F. O. , Daodu M. O.
Published: February 2021

Corn-straw (CS) and corn-cob (CC) were treated with bovine liquor (BL) to enhance their nutritive values. Eight preparations consisting of CC, CS, CC + BL, CS + BL, CC + urea, CS+ urea, CC+ BL+urea and CS + BL + urea were made to ferment for five days under anaerobic condition. The final products were assessed for their chemical composition, in vitro gas production and feed preference by sheep and goats. Crude protein contents in CC and CS significantly (P <0.05) increased from 3.5% and 2.7% to 8.6% and 3.4% respectively without urea but addition of urea increased the contents to 14.6% and 6.8% respectively. Crude fibre, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose of the treated CS and CC were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced. Similar trends were observed for gas production characteristics as the potentially degradable fraction ‘b’ and the potential degradability ‘a + b’ of treated straw and cobs were better (P < 0.05) than the untreated. The rate ‘c’ of gas production was slower for the treated than the untreated CC and CS. Both sheep and goats separately preferred the treated CC and CS to the untreated after three days and subsequent days of consumption. Since the bovine liquor showed the tendency of enhancing the nutrient contents of corn-cobs and corn-straw and that small ruminant preferred the treated materials than the untreated, sheep and goats can be sustained during the dry season.
Low Egg Production Performances Associated with Multi-drug Resistant Bacteria Among Some Nigerian Commercial Layer Flocks
Authors: Okiki P. A. , Ogbimi A. O.
Published: February 2021

Bacteriological investigations were carried out on commercial layer flocks of 10 poultry farms in parts of Lagos and Ogun States of Nigeria, in years 2005 and 2006. The layers totalling 21,450 (range 1,050 - 2,900) had records of low egg production performances. Clooacal swaps and blood from live birds, as well as liver, spleen and heart blood of dead birds were investigated for pathogenic bacteria. The isolated pathogenic bacteria include Escherichoa coli, Salmonella enterica serotype Gallinarum, Klebsiella ozane and Klebsiella aerogenes. The bacteria were resistant to multiple pf drugs. Following treatment of birds with appropriate antibiotics, egg productions increased significantly (P<0.05). Administration of antibiotics following laboratory investigations, as well as regulations to the use of antibiotics as well as other medicaments are highly necessary for the growth of the Nigerian poultry industry.
Biomass yield, chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of maize leaves defoliated at different times
Authors: Fasae O. A. , Akinniyi O. T. , Oladejo A. E. , Elemo K. A.
Published: February 2021

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of defoliation time on the productivity of maize, forage and in vitro digestibility of maize leaves (ML). The response of grain yield, plant height, days to 50% silking, ear height and leaf yield as well as the chemical composition of ML variety "Obasuper" to defoliation time were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with four defoliation treatments 3, 6, 9 weeks after planting (WAP) and undefoliated treatment replicated four times. Results showed that defoliating maize at 9 WAP and beyond did not have any significant (P>0.05) effect on the grain and leaf yield as well as other yield components of maize. Grain and leaf yield at 9 WAP averaged 2778.35 and 975.74 DM kg/ha respectively. The DM, crude protein (CP) and fibre fractions contents of ML varied significantly (P<0.05) among the defoliation treatments with maize defoliated at 9 WAP having a CP content of 12.6%. Ether extract and ash contents were not affected (P>0.05) by defoliation time. The in vitro digestibility of ML decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increase in the time of defoliation ranging from 59.2 and 66.4%. IT was concluded that maize variety "Obasuper" can produce forage of high quality and quantity when defoliated 9 weeks after planting wihout any anyadverse effect on the grain yield of maize.
Comparative evaluation of anaerobically fermented/lyle treated and roasted Delonix regia seed meal as a replacement for groundnut cake in broiler diets
Authors: Egena S. S. A. , Yahaya S. K. , Shiawoya E.L , Usman A.
Published: February 2021

This experiment was curried out to evaluate the replacement value of anaerobically fermented/lyle treated and rodsted Delonix regia seed nieal in broiler diet. 180 day- old broiler chicks of the Hubbard breed were used for the experiment. The experimental period spanned 63 days. The birds were randomly allotted to six treatment groups designated as TT, TT, T and 7 respectively Each treatment was replicated three times in a completely randomized design. The data collected were on feed intake, body weight, body weight guin und feed conversion ratio. The results obtained showed that men body weight, mean bod weight guin, mean feed intake and mean feed conversion ratio were not significantly affected (P>0.05) al the starter phase of the experiment although birds fed the Delonix regia seed meal based diets performed better than those fed the control diet except in feed utilization. Mean feed intake, meu hody weight gain and mean feed conversion ratio were affected significantly (P<0.05) at the finisher phase of the experiment. Birds fed T, ingested more feed (946.00) followed by those fed 7,(940.70), T. (920.80), T, 1919.60), T (907.10) and T, (740.10). Birds fed 7, had better body weight gain (308.55) followed by those fed T (308.03), T. (282.58), T. (267.95), T, (266.35) and T, (210.08) in that order. Utilization of feed during this phase of the experiment was better in birds fed the untreated diet (2.98), followed by those fed the treated dies (T. - 3.05, T, = 3.35, 7, = 3.+1, T = 3.43) while those fed the control diet least utilized the feed (3.52). It was concluded that well treated, Delonix regia seed meal could be incorporated in broiler diet up to 7.5% without any deleterious effect on their performance.
Performance of growing rabbits fed soybean cheese waste meal diet and lablab hay
Authors: Iyeghe-Erakpotobor G. T. , Esievo L. O.
Published: February 2021

Growing crossbred rabbits were used to study the performance of rabbits fed different levels of soybean cheese waste (SCW) diet and lablab hay. The treatments comprised of levels of soybean cheese waste diet and lablab hay on a gram to gram basis of: (1) 100:60 (100:60S), (2) 75:85 (75:855), (3) 50:110 (50:110S) and (4) 25:135 (25: 135S) to give a total feed supply of 160g/rabbit/ day. The control was 100:60 (100:60R) of rabbit diet and lablab hay respectively. The concentrates. and forage were offered in separate feeders at 08.00 hours. Rabbits on 100:60S had significantly higher weight gain than the control on rabbit diet (100:60R), Weight gain decreased linearly with decrease in level of SCW. Total daily feed intake was significantly higher for the control than the SCW treatments. Among the SCW treutments, total daily feed intake was significantly higher for rabbits on 25: 135S than 50: 170S. The control had the highest feed cost. Cost/kg gain was significantly higher for the control and 25:135S treatments than the other treatment groups with savings of 58 73% on SCW. Nutrient intake was significantly higher for the control than SCW treatments. Dry matter and ether extract digestibility was similar for the treatments. Crude fibre digestibility was lowest while nitrogen free extract digestibility was highest for the control than the SCW treatments. Crude protein digestibility was similar for the control and other treatments but higher for 75:85S. It is concluded from this study that based on the lower cost of production and high nutrient digestibility of rabbits on soybean cheese waste diet and lablab hay, soybean cheese waste show's good prospect as an alternative cheap feed stuff for rabbit production.
Ruminal degradability of mixtures of Panicum maximum and four forage legume hays in N 'dama steer
Authors: Ajayi F. T. , Babayemi O. J. , Taiwo A. A.
Published: February 2021

This study was conducted to evaluate rumen degradability of Panicum maximum (Panicum) and Lablab purpureus (lablab). Stylosanthes guianensis (stylo). Centrosema pubescens (centro) and Aeschynomene histrix (histrix) harvested from the paddock consisting of grass and herbaceous legumes. Mixtures of P marimum (l. 8g) and each of these legumes (l.2g) were weighed together and incubated in a cannulated steer. Rumen degradability of the Panicum and legume mixtures were studied at 0, 6, 12. 24. 48 and 72 hours using the equation P=a+b (I-e-ct). Average dry matter (DM) and crude protein of the herbaceous legumes were 37.83% DM and 19.86% CP. respectively The soluble fraction. a ofthe DM degradation ranged from 23.34 to 31 rumen degradable fraction, b ranged from 39 46 to 44.43% DM. disappearance rate of substrates C was highest in lablab (12.4%h-1) and stylo (10.2%h-1) Protein degradation characteristics varied significantly (P< 0.05) among the treatments Hlgher b Potential degradability PD and Effective degradability ED. fractions were observed in the sole legumes and grass legumes combinations than the sole grass. This study revealed that hay consisting of grass and legume mixtures was better degraded in terms of DM.CP and fiber fractions in the rumen compared to sole grass hay and this could translate to enhance performance of livestock when fed these mixtures.
Utilization of Enzyme Supplemented Wheat offal-rice bran based diets on performance characteristics and serum biochemistry by meat-type chicken
Authors: Fafiolu A. O. , Jegede A. V. , Oso A. O. , Sobayo R. A. , Idowu O. M. O.
Published: February 2021

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of exogenous enzyme supplementation on the utilization of rice bran as a replacement for wheat offal by meat-type chicken. A total of three hundred and twenty day-old Marsha strain broiler chickens were randomly allocated to eight dietary treatments. Each dietary treatment had 40 birds with 10 birds in each replicate. The wheat offal in diets was replaced by rice bran (RB) at four levels (0%, 10%, 20 % and 30%). Each diet contained 2853.10, 2837.90, 2822.70, and 2807.50 ME Kcal/kg and Crude Protein% of 21.68, 21.57, 21.47 and 21.36. The diets were in two groups. One group was supplemented with exogenous Enzyme while the other group was not supplemented with enzyme. The growth performance, serum biochemistry and organ weight were estimated Data obtained were subjected to Analysis of variance in a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement, Results showed that the final body weight gain was significantly higher (P at this level. Birds fed 30% rice bran inclusion level had significantly lower (P Protein, Globulin and Serum Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase (SGOT). Birds on diet containing level of rice bran had high total protein, Globulin and SGOT [t was concluded that 30% rice bran With enzyme supplementation had no adverse effect on the performance, serum biochemistry and internal organs of the birds.
Lactation curves in west African Dwarf and Red Sokoto goats
Authors: Bemji M. N. , Osinowo O. A.
Published: February 2021

Four mathematical functions (incomplete gamma, non linear regression, mixed log, and polynomial regression) were fired to 202 weekly lactations of 8 West African Dwarf and 9 Red Sokoto goats to ascertain the accuracy of prediction of individual milk production. The accuracy was assessed by the magnitude of R2 and the proportion of individual lactations well predicted. All the functions tested generally gave good fit to the observed data with slight tendency to consistently under- estimate daily milk yield. The pooled R2 estimates for all models exceeded 70%. Both breeds showed similar peak yields (P>0.05) averaging 420.65 ml during the first week of lactation. The proportion of individual lactations accurately predicted most of the models (incomplete gamma. mixed log and polynomial regression) were moderate Red Sokoto breed to high (87.5%) for West African Dwarf breed. R2 values generated from the jit of non-linear regression model however showed significant (P<0.05) breed difference with indication that more West African Dwarf goats (87.5%) had better fit (R2 = 0.863) than Red Sokoto goats (44.44%) with R: estimated at 0.693. The apparently reasonable trends in goodness of fit shown by the models. despite the limitation in number of records. points to the fact that predictive equations could be developed with increase in data size to predict future yields from incomplete lactation records.
Utilization of raw, cooked or fermented cassava-urea meal in a total diet for growing ewe-lambs
Authors: Olorunnisomo O. A.
Published: February 2021

The nutritive value of cassava meal (CM), raw cassava-urea meal (RCU), cooked cassava-urea meal (CCU), and fermented cassava-urea meal (ECU) mixed with other ingredients were evaluated in this study using West African dwarf sheep. Twenty ewe-lambs (6 months old) and twelve ewes (12 months old) were respectively used for growth and metabolic investigations. Dry matter (DM) intake was 2,1 3, 3.25, 3.20 and 3.35 % BW; growth rate 48.3, 67.5, 86.9 and 88.3 g/day; and feed conversion ratio (FC7R) was 8.76, 7.54, 6.49 and 6.52 for CM, RCU, CCU and ECU respectively. DM digestibility was 58.5, 68.4, 73.3 and 72.5 % while nitrogen retention Was 40.5, 30,9, 46.3 and 45.4 % for CM, RCU, CCU and FCU respectively. Nutrient utilization and growth of ewe-lambs fed cassava-based diets improved with addition of urea to cassava meal. Cooking or fermentation further improved nutritive value and feed conversion ratio of cassava-urea meal. Since fermentation requires less labour and energy costs than cooking, it may be the preferred option for processing cassava-urea mixtures for ruminant feeds by resource-poor farmers in Nigeria.
Response of growing rabbits to graded levels of fermented and unfermented pineapple peel
Authors: Adeyemi O.A. , Ajado A.O. , Okubanjo A.O. , Eniolorunda O.O.
Published: February 2021

Forty growing rabbits were allocated equally to five groups in a 2 x 3 factorial layout and caged individually for a 56-day trial period in hutches. They were used to compare the effects of two processing methods (unfermented and fermented) and three dietary replacement levels of Pineapple peel meal (PPM) at 0%, 12.5% and 25% of maize on weight for weight basis. Parameters evaluated during the trial period included: growth rate, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and feed cost. Results show that average daily weight gain (ADG) reduced (P<0.05) as dietary inclusion level of PPM increased, although rabbits fed PPM at 12.5% dietary inclusion level compared favourably (P>0.05) with those fed the control diet (0%). However, ADG of rabbits fed fermented PPM was statistically higher (P<0.05) than that recorded for rabbits fed unfermented PPM. No significant (P>0.05) difference was observed in daily feed intake of rabbits as a result of dietary inclusion level or processing type of PPM. Better (P<0.05) feed efficiency was recorded in rabbits fed PPM at 12.5% dietary inclusion level than those fed at 25%. Fermentation enhanced the nutritional value of feedstuff and also improved feed efficiency. Total feed cost reduced (P<0.05) by 21.39% when PPM was included in the diet at 25%. However, production result was not comparable with the control. But feeding fermented PPM at 12.5% inclusion level resulted in the best (P<0.05) economy of production. Processing type or dietary inclusion level of PPM had no significant (P>0.05) effect on dressing-out percentage of experimental animals. There were neither significant (P>0.05) effects of processing type nor dietary inclusion level on retail cuts of the rabbits fed the different experimental diets. In all feeding rabbits with diets containing fermented PPM up to 12.5% replacement level for maize optimum performance.
Perception of Sheep and Goat Milk Consumption among Rural Dwellers in South-Western Nigeria
Authors: Apata O. M. , Adewumi O. O.
Published: February 2021

A total of 120 respondents were purposively selected to study the perception of sheep and goat milk consumption among rural dwellers in South-Western Nigeria. The study showed that most of the respondents (72.5%) are not aware of the consumption of such milk and as such only few (10, 8%) claimed that they have consumed it. Friends, relatives (14.2%) and health personnel (6.7%) were the sources of information on goat and sheep milk consumption to the respondents. Preference of other sources of milk, lack of awareness, traditional belief, odour of the milk and small quantity of the milk were the factors that discourage people from consuming the milk. Many of the respondents (57.7%) have positive perception of the milk. Among the socio-economic characteristics, age (r = 0.58417, 0.0001), educational qualification (X2 = 25.584, p < 0.05), marital status (X2 = 131.87, p < 05) and family size (r = 0.98751, p < 0.05) have significant relationships with the perception of the respondents about the milk.
From Submission to Acceptance: An Assessment of the Performance of the Nigerian Journal of Animal Production.
Authors: Awojobi E. A.
Published: February 2021

Duration of time to acceptance of articles for publication in the Nigerian Journal of Animal Production (NJAP) was examined in this study. A total of 448 articles in 12 volumes published between 1995 and 2006 were used for the study Results showed that mean number of days to acceptance was 442.76 days, with a range of 348.09 days in 2005 to 620.86 days in 2002. Articles on livestock diseases took the longest time of 522.15 days from submission to acceptance and this was significantly(P<0.05) longer than the number of days for articles in breeding and genetics (378.47days), livestock economics and extension (378.23days) and fisheries and wild life (316.55days). Based on the species of animal used for experimentation, mean number of days to acceptance was longest (P<0.05) for articles on cattle (536.04days) which was significantly higher (P<0.05) than for goat (366.25 days) and fish (295.45days). A significant (P<0.05) positive correlation (r= 0.109) was observed between days to acceptance and the distance between author and editor. This study alluded to the existence of other factors yet to be uncovered that can be militating against quick acceptance of articles in NJAP and offer suggestion for improvement.
Performance and nutrient utilization of rabbits fed diets based on crop residues fermented with Rhizopus oligosporus
Authors: Adedire A. O. , Oduguwa O. O. , Edema M. O , Onifade O. S. , Onwuka C. F. I.
Published: February 2021

This study was conducted to evaluate the performance and nutrient utilization of rabbits fed diets containing corn cob and cowpea husk incubated with Rhizopus oligosporus. A total of twenty four rabbits were assigned to four groups, each divided into three groups of two rabbits per replicate. Four experimental diets containing fermented and unfermented crop residues were formulated. The fermented crop residues were incubated with Rhizopus oligosporus and were allowed to ferment for 48hours. The proximate composition as well as the fibre fractions of the fermented and unfermented crop residues was determined. The experiment was arranged in a 2x2 factorial design and was analysed using analysis of variance. The result indicated that average growth rate of rabbits fed fermented cowpea husk were higher numerically than those fed the other diets. The average weekly feed intake was significantly (p<0.05) affected by the weight gain. Feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratios were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by fibre sources while fermentation did not impose any significant impact on these parameters. Rhizopus fermentation improved the performance and utilization of crude fibre, phosphorus, ADF and NDF by rabbits fed corn cob and cowpea husk. It was concluded that corn cob and cowpea husk possessed the potential as fibre sources in rabbit ration.
Variations in chemical nutrients and mineral concentrations of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes Mart. Solms- Labauch)
Authors: Mako A. A. , Akinwande V. O , Abiola-Olagunju O. I , Babayemi O. J. , Akinsoyinu A. O.
Published: February 2021

Laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate changes in chemical nutrients and mineral concentrations of water hyacinth as influenced by the season of harvest, habitat and morphological parts of the plants. Proximate composition (DM, CP, CF, EE and ash), fiber fractions (NDF, ADF and ADL) and concentrations of minerals (Ca, P, K, Na, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Pb) in water hyacinth harvested from canal, lagoon, river and dam at the early and late period of wet and dry seasons were determined. Results showed that CP, EE and ash contents of water hyacinth harvested from the different water bodies differ (P < 0.05). Dry matter and CP values ranged from 7.68 to 7.96 and 10.32 to 10.40 g/100g DM in water hyacinth from river and dam respectively. Effects of the season on the chemical nutrient composition of water hyacinth were not significant (P> 0.05) except for DM that was highest (8.22) in the late dry season. Water hyacinth harvested from the different water bodies contains relatively high levels of minerals that vary (P<0.05) with the season of harvest. The high CP and mineral concentrations of water hyacinth suggests that the plant can be used as fodder for ruminant livestock production.
Challenges associated with livestock extension practice in agropastoral Fulani settlement areas of Ogun State, Nigeria.
Authors: Sodiya C. I.
Published: February 2021

The study assessed the challenges associated with sustainable provision of livestock extension service in selected agropastoral fulani settlements in the state. The data for the study were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire, and analysed with descriptive statistics, Chi Square and Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient. The result from the study revealed that the challenges of livestock extension practice in agropastoral settlements are; lack of incentives to work in agropastoral areas and poor road networks perceived by (61.4%) and (54.47%) of the extension service providers respectively. The transhumance lifestyle of some of the households was perceived by (50.95%) of the extension service providers as a major challenge to livestock extension service provision in these areas. Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis showed that, the challenges of livestock extension service were significantly related to the working experience of the extension staff (p< 0.05). Chi square analysis result also shows a significant relationship between the challenges of livestock extension practice in agropastoral settlements and the area of specialisation and language competency of the extension staff. It was therefore concluded that, the traditional organizational structure of extension services may be inappropriate for working in pastoral areas. The study recommended that, to reduce these challenges, extension staff from pastoral backgrounds, which are based in pastoral communities, could be recruited and trained for specialised livestock extension services to the agropastoral settlements.
Effects of enzyme supplementation of raw bambara nut ((Vigna subterranea (L) verdc) waste diets on carcass and organ weights of broiler finishers
Authors: Ani A. O. , Omeje O. D.
Published: February 2021

A study was conducted out to investigate the effects of graded levels of raw bambara nut waste and supplementary enzyme (Roxazyme G) on carcass and internal organ weights of broiler finishers. Ninety-six 6-week old broiler birds were randomly divided into 8 groups of 12 birds each. The groups were randomly assigned to 8 energetic (11.48-12.20 MJ of ME/kg) and nitrogenous (20.09-20.43% crude protein) diets in a 4 x 2 factorial arrangement involving four levels (0, 20, 30 and 40%) of raw Bambara nut waste (RBW) and 2 enzyme levels (0 and 0.02%). Each treatment was replicated 3 times with 4 birds per replicate placed in 2.6m x 3m deep litter pens of fresh wood shavings. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum to the birds from 42 to 70 day of age. The experiment lasted for four weeks. At the end of the experimental period when the birds were 10 weeks old, 3 birds per treatment (one per replicate) were randomly selected and weighed for carcass and organ evaluation. Results showed that increasing the levels of RBW did not result in any significant (P>0.05) increase in the relative weights of spleen and heart, while the relative weights of liver, kidney, empty gizzard, small and large intestines increased significantly (P<0.05). There were, however significant (P<0.05) decreases in the live body weight, dressed carcass weight and carcass dressing percent as the levels of RBW in the diets increased beyond 20 %. The results obtained in the present study shows that with Roxazyme G supplementation at 200mg/kg, up to 20% of raw bambara nut waste can be included in the diet of broiler finishers without any adverse effect on their carcass and internal organ weights.
In vitro fermentation and chemical constituents of urea-molasses feed - blocks made with different binders for ruminants.
Authors: Isah O. A.
Published: February 2021

This study was carried out to assess the chemical contents, in vitro break down, volatile fatty acids, NH3¬-N and methane concentration of urea- molasses feed - block (UMFB) using different binders. Four feed - blocks were formulated as: UMFB A (Cement only), UMFB B (cement + clay), UMFB C (cement + cassava starch), and UMFB D (cassava starch + clay). The feed - blocks were incubated in vitro for 48 hours to assess gas production and other in vitro- ecology parameters. Results of chemical analysis revealed that UMFB C (21.70%), and B (21.65%) had highest (p< 0.05) crude protein content while UMFB D (18.62%) had lowest value. Intermediate crude protein content was recorded for UMFB A (19.58%). However, highest (p<0.05) values of ADF (16.8%) and ADL (15.5%) were recorded for UMFB D. Similar value of ADF (16.70%) and ADL (15.3%) were recorded also for UMFB B. The NDF value of feed - block A (34.6%) was highest (p<0.05) while lowest value of NDF was recorded for UMFB D (32.1%). Production of volatile fatty acids indicated that propionic acid (30.5%), oleic acid (11.3%,) and lactic acid (36.5%) were highest (p<0.05) for UMFB D. Concentration of NH3-N was highest in UMFB B while significant difference (p>0.05) was not observed in the pH and methane values for various UMFB. Highest in vitro digestibility of organic matter was observed in UMFB D. The study showed that the various feed - blocks could serve as a sustainable supplement during dry season and period of scarcity for the ruminants.