bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FACTORS AFFECTING TEMPERAMENT IN BUNAJI AND FRIESIAN-BUNAJI CROSSBRED CATTLE
Authors: ABUBAKAR B. Y. , ONI O. O. , MALAU-ADULI A. E. O.
Published: March 2021

The influence of breed, sex, season, age, liveweight and body condition on temperament scores was investigated. All variables, except age, had a significant (P<.05) effect on temperament. Progeny of crossbred dams had lower temperament than those of purebred bunaji dams. Female animals had higher temperament and so also were animals with better body condition, Temperament was lowest in the hot, dry season. Phenotypic correlations between measurements of temperament were positive and significant (P<.05), with vigour of movement having the highest correlation with the overall temperament score. Live Weight was negatively correlated with temperament while there was a positive correlation between temperament and body condition. Regression equations for predicting overall temperament using vigour of movement are presented.
SLAUGHTER OF THE DROMEDARY (SINGLE-HUMPED) CAMEL (Camelus dromedarius) FOR MEAT IN A SEMI-ARID ENVIRONMENT OF NORTH-EASTERN NIGERIA
Authors: ALAKU S. O. , MOHAMMED I. D.
Published: March 2021

Monthly records on camels slaughtered for meat from 1982 to 1989 at the Maiduguri abattoir were collected and analysed to determine the seasonal and annual trends in slaughter and meat supply from the dromedary or single- humped camel (Camelus dromedarius). There were highly significant (P<.01) seasonal and yearly variations in the number of camels slaughtered. In any given year, greatest numbers were slaughtered by March-May Which resents the last stages of the long sahelian dry season. Lowest numbers were slaughtered towards the end of the rainy season. About equal numbers of males and females were slaughtered annually. In 1989 alone, up to 13% of the females slaughtered were pregnant. An average of 9,150 camels were slaughtered yearly giving an estimated carcass yield of about 2,596,397kg of camel meat per annum. Camels slaughtered within the three years of 1984/1986 represented about 61% of the total for the eight years. The period from 1983 to 1986 was another drought period in the sudano-sahelian West Africa. Attention should be given to our draught animals hitherto neglected so that their drought, meat, milk and other potentials could be exploited to the full benefit of our national economy.
ISOLATION OF PASTEURELLA MULTOCIDA FROM A DEEP PYOGENIC ABSCESS IN A RAM
Authors: ZARIA L. T. , EGWU G. O. , AMBALI A. G. , ABUBAKAR A. A.
Published: March 2021

.
Water Resources and Dry Matter Production for Livestock in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Kowal J. , Davies J. H.
Published: March 2021

No abstract
Livestock Development and Drought in the Northern State of Nigeria
Authors: De Leeuw P. N.
Published: March 2021

No abstract
Grassland Research in Nigeria - A Survey with Recommendations
Authors: Akinola J. O.
Published: March 2021

PAST and present attempts to upgrade grassland productivity in Nigeria are briefly surveyed. The considerable potential of the Nigerian environment for grassland farming and the tremendous research efforts applied are not reflected in the level of animal production which, at this stage, is low. The imbalance is attributed to shortage of expertise, limited application of tropical agronomic principles and weakness in the dissemination of research findings. Proposals are made in respect of a proper integration of the soil, pasture and animal systems whereby the need for expensive conservation and supplementary feeding procedures will be reduced. The implications of the suggestions are discussed.
Repeatability Of Temperament Scores In Bunaji And Frieslan-bunaji Crosses
Authors: Abubakar B. Y. , Oni O. O. , Olorunju S. A. S. , Buvanendran V.
Published: March 2021

Repeatabilities of temperament scores were estimated by breed, sex, age, weight and body condition in an enclosed weighbridge (method 1) and in a cattle crush (method 2). The model used included animal, scorer, animal x scorer and replicate within scorer effects. The within and between animal variation accounted for 44 and 54%, respectively, for method 1 and 67 and 32%, respectively, of total variation for method 2. Animal x scorer interaction was not significant. For both methods, repeatabilities for temperament scores were 0.56 and 0.54, for method 1 and 0.33 and 0.32, for method 2. Scoring animals in seclusion seems to enhance expression of temperament and hence is more repeatable and reproducible.
AN OUTBREAK OF CASEOUS LYMPHADENITIS OF GOATS ON AN LIBC FARM, DANGORA - NIGERIA
Authors: Ameh J. A. , Adekeye J. O.
Published: March 2021

Clinical outbreaks of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) of goats during July, 1990 and June, 1991 in Livestock Investigation and Breeding Centre (LIBC) Dangora, Kano State - Nigeria is reported. The out-break was found to be (26%) in the 100 goats examined. Clinical findings observed were palpable abscesses which occured in the prescapular, prefemoral and submaxillary lyruphuodes. Similar abscesses were also submaxillary lymphnodes. Similar abscesses were also found on the face and udder. The most frequently affected sites were prescapular lymplinodes with (42.28%) followed by submaxillary lymphinodes with (17.86%). Of the 26 goats affected, (61.54%) were males while (38.46%) were females. Coryncbacterium pseudotuberculosis was consistently isolated from seven specimens out of of the eight samples tested bacteriologically. One specimen, was negative to isolate as the animal was treated for other disease before sampling. It is suggested that caseous ymphadenitis is an important disease of goats in Nigeria and comprehensive studies on the Pathogenesis, epidemiology and the economics of the disease in Nigeria should be pursued.
CONSTRAINTS TO ADOPTION OF ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION TECHNIQUES IN LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION IN BAUCHI LGA
Authors: BUTSWAT I. S. , CHOJI G. F.
Published: March 2021

Constraints to adoption of artificial  insemination techniques by livestock owners in Bauchi LGA were investigated using some randomly selected respondents. Of the constraints considered, the most important among the village livestock owners was lack of artificial insemination facilities (84.3%) while the least was the free-range system of animal husbandry (18.9%). Conversely, some respondents considered the greatest constraint to be the lack of well-defined breeding objectives (66.7%). While personal dislike was the least (0.0%) considered constraint, others included unavailability of cryogens (66.7%), shortage of trained artificial insemination personnel (66.7%), lack of organisation to monitor the promotion and control of animal breeding (60.0%), the extensive system of animal husbandry (60.0%), etc. It can therefore be concluded that most livestock owners are prepared to use artificial insemination techniques in their breeding programmes if objectives are well defined and adequate artificial insemination facilities are made available and affordable. However, it is necessary that infrastructural facilities be developed in an integrated manner with essential manpower, financial input and built-in educational and training programmes, for bringing about the attitudinal change in the potential adopters of AI.
PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF FINISHING PIGS FED RAW OR EXTRUDED FULL-FAT SOYA BEANS RATIONS IN HUMID LOWLAND TROPICS
Authors: FASHINA-BOMBATA H. A. , TEWE O. O.
Published: March 2021

Sixteen Landracex Large White crossbred pigs  averaging 56 kg body weight were used in a study to uvestigate the effects of feeding raw full-fat soyu bean (RSB) rations on the performance of pigs in humid lowland tropics. Raw full-lat soya bean was used to replace extruded full-fat soyabean at 33, 67 and 100% in finishing swine diets having 16% C.P. and 2800 kcal/kgME and fed ad lib. ADG was reduced by the addition of RSB to the diets (P>0.05). However, FE was improved (P>0.05) when 67 over (P>0.05) when 67 and 100% RSB were added to the diets. RSB significantly (P<0.05) affected backfat deposition and percent lean cut of the carcass. Other carcass traits were not affected.
COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE USE OF FOUR PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS BY WEST AFRICAN DWARF (WAD) SHEEP.
Authors: TAIWO A. A. , ADEBOWALE E. A. , AKINSOYINU A. O. , GREENHALGH J. F. D.
Published: March 2021

Feedblocks, poultry manure diet, gliricidia: leucaena mixture (1:1 W/W) and maize offal diet were compared as sources of protein supplements for WAD sheep fed a basal diet of elephant grass hay (Pennisetum purpureum), through a 12-week performance and digestibility study. Dry matter and organic matter intakes (DMI, OMI) of the sheep were higher (P0.05) on the gliricidia: leucaena supplement than on the other diets. DMI on poultry manure and maize offal diets were not significant (P0.05). Organic matter intake (OMI) of the animals followed the same trend as DMI. Sheep fed legume supplements excelled in intakes of crude protein (CP), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and digestibilities of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) (P>0.05). Intakes of CP and ADF by sheep on the other supplements were not significantly different (P>0.05). Sheep fed on feedblock supplement consumed the least amount. (P0.05) of NDF. Variations were observed in DM,OM, and NDF digestibilities by sheep on maize offal, poultry manure and legumes supplements. Crude protein digestibility in the legumes and feedblocks supplements was higher (P0.05) than with the other two supplements. All the sheep used gained weights but those on maize offa' diet recorded higher (P0.05). weight gain (86.57g) than those on browse leaves (59.40g), feedblocks (47.80g) and poultry manure (40.44g). Rumen pH was lower (P<0.05) on the gliricidia: leucaena supplement than on other diets. Total VFA recorded for sheep on maize offal diet and legumes supplements was higher (P<0.05) than for the other two supplements. Blood urea nitrogen of the supplements were not significantly different (P>0.05)
COMPARATIVE UTILIZATION OF COOKED SOYBEANS AND FISHMEAL-GROUNDNUT CAKE MIXTURE IN DIETS
Authors: Agunbiade J. A. , Odufuwa A. B.
Published: March 2021

A 4 week experiment involving 45 growing albino rats was carried out to assess the nutritional utilization of cooked full-fat soybean (CFFS) as a major source of dietary protein relative to that of the protein concentrates fishmeal-groundnut cake mixture and the response to supplementation of the cooked soybeans with 2g DL-methionine/kg diet and/or 2g L-lysine/kg diet. Feed intake (FI), average daily weight gain (DLG),. feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and feed cost (FC) per unit live-weight gain, (FC/WG) were measured, No significant effect of the various dietary treatments was observed on PER and FCIWG. However, the incorporation of CFFS either alone or in conjunction with either of both lysine and methionine significantly improved Fl and FCR (P< 0.05) and also DLG (P< 0.01) over the control fish-groundnut meal ration. Supplementation of CFFS with lysine either alone or along with methionine appeared unwarranted as methionine supplementation alone resulted in similar or slightly better efficiency of protein (0.247) and overall feed (0.596) utilization. From the results obtained, it appears that maize-based CFFS diet supplemented with 2 g/kg DL-methionine may be applicable for lion- ruminant feeding. However, since this level of methionine supplementation only provides for 67% of rat requirement, it is suggested that further studies with higher methionine levels be conducted.
FACTORS AFFECTING LIVEWEIGHT OF GOAT AND SHEEP IN TWO LOCATION WITHIN OGUN STATE.
Authors: IKEOBI C. O. N. , FALETI O. A.
Published: March 2021

A study was conducted over two years  With the to determine the changes in the liveweight of Yankasa sheep and Maradi goat in goats and sheep in two locations in Ogun State, South-Western Nigeria Factors found to be important included breed of goat, season, location, and sex of the animal. The Maradi goat had a greater variation in its liveweight than the West African' dwarf goat. The mean weekly gain in the liveweight of goats was 0.18±02 dry season and 0.26±0.05 kg in the wet season. Liveweight changes were greater in yearling Yankasa sheep reared in this part of the Southwestern Nigeria than in older ones; these differences were significantly greater in the dry than in the wet season.
A NOTE ON THE HERITABILITY ESTIMATES OF BIRTH WEIGHT AND CALVING INTERVAL OF WHITE FULANI CATTLE IN IBADAN
Authors: MBAP S. T.
Published: March 2021

Heritabilities of birth weight and calvin interval in White Fulani Cattle were White Fulani, estimated using data from seven sires and 147 and dams collected in Ibadan between 1970 and. 1982. The heritability estimates were 0.21±0.26 for birth weight and 0.012±0.16 for calving interval.
EFFECT OF ANTIBIOTICS AND WATER QUALITY ON THE GROWTH, INTESTINAL CHARACTERISTICS AND BACTERIAL POPULATIONS OF BROILERS CHICKS
Authors: DAFWANG I. I. , SUNDE M. L. , COOK M. E. , SCHAEFER D. M. , RICKE S. C. , PRINGLE D. J.
Published: March 2021

Experiments were conducted to study the effect subtherapeutic levels of dietary antibiotic supplementation on the growth, intestinal characteristics and bacterial populations of chicks reared on "dirty" versus "clean" water. the lack of growth response to antibiotics in a Results showed that growth response to  penicillin was independent of water treatment and the magnitude of growth response ranged from 0.9 to 18.3% levels. Bursal weights were significantly increased (P<0.05) and intestinal weights significantly decreased (P<0.01) in. chicks fed penicillin. The effect of antibiotics on The lack of growth response to antibiotics in intestinal thickness and length were  inconsistent while bacterial counts on Sulfite - the only common denominator to all Polymyxin-Sulfadiazine (SPS) and K.F. antibiotics is their ability to inhibit the growth streptococcus agar  were unaffected by penicillin and water treatments.
PERFORMANCE OF FEMALE WEST AFRICAN DWARF (Fouta djallon) GOATS FED SPONDIAS MOMBIN Plus CONCENTRATE.
Authors: AINA A. B.  J.
Published: March 2021

The effects of supplementing Spondias mombin The plant grows effectively on tropical humid with a concentrated diet were investigated with respect to dry matter and crude protein intakes ability, retention, feed efficiency and growth rate in and harsh conditions. 50 young female West African dwarf (Fouta djallon) goats in a 90% - day feeding trial. The rate, mean dry matter intake was significantly (P<0.05) different from one another with regard to different supplementation levels while the highest dry matter intake was exhibited by : the does fed with 25% browse plus 75% concentrate diet. The does on 75% browse plus concentrate diet indicated the best performance in terms of growth rate (106g/day) and feed efficiency (0.391). The highest crude  protein intake (86.21g/day) and protein retention (57.18g/ W0.75kg) were induced by 50% of browse and 50% concentrate supplement. The protein requirement for maintenance in the does was 24,459/Wk0.75.
EVALUATION OF THE NUTRIENTS CONTENTS OF SELECTED PRESERVED FORAGES IN THE DERIVED SAVANNA ZONE
Authors: UMOH B. I. , OKONKWO A. C. , OKON B.  I. , EKONG F. W.
Published: March 2021

This study was conducted to evaluate the nutrient contents of selected forages based on adequate forage methods of preservation. Forages used in the studies were Andropogon tectonim, Cenchrus ciliaris, Panicum maximum and Imperata cylindrica. Representative samples collected from each experimental zone were preserved in the laboratory with different methods. The samples were analyzed for their proximate forage chemical contents. Baled hay and ensilage influence forage attributes particularly in forages were selected to be suitable methods of conservation of forage for dry season feeding based on proximate composition of the feed. Panicum marinunt and Cenchrus ciliaris were also found to be very rich in CP (9.0 and 9.2) respectively when conserved. Seasonal variation, method of forage conservation and stage of maturity were suggested to be major factors that affect DM and nutrient contents of forages.
ACCUMULATION OF LEAD, CADMIUM AND SULPHUR IN PASTURE GRASSES GROWING ALONG TRAFFIC HIGHWAY AND INDUSTRIAL LAYOUT IN SOUTH EASTERN NIGERIA
Authors: Odoemena C. S. , Akpabio K. E.
Published: March 2021

Possible uptake of lead, cadmium and sulphur by ruminants from three pasture grasses, Penisetum purpureum, Panicum repens and Cynodom dactylon growing along traffic highway and industrial estate in Akwa Ibom state was investigated. Concentration of the heavy metals and sulphur in the grasses were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy and colorimetric methods respectively. P. repens from the traffic highway contained the highest amount of lead (56.5µg g-1) and sulphur (681 ppm dry weight) which were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those from industrial layout (36.45µg g-1, Pb and 545 ppm sulphur respectively). The highest content of cadmium (1.6µg g1) was obtained from P. repens and C. dactylon from the same location of the traffic highway. The concentration of the contaminants in all the grasses from industrial layout and traffic highway were higher (p<0.05) than those from arable farm land and rural village which made up the control treatment. The results provide reliable information on the possible dangers ruminant animals are exposed to by grazing forages along traffic highways and around industries.
COMPARISON BETWEEN BODY WEIGHT AND PRICES OF EWES IN ZARIA AREA
Authors: Oladele S. B. , Fayomi A. , Ayo J. O. , Haruna E. A. , Ogeneyi G. O.
Published: March 2021

A total of 83 non-pregnant Yankasa ewes were weighed in five markets located in and around Zaria, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) with the aim of determining the mean body weight, price per head and price per kg of live weight. Ewe sold in ABU farm had the highest live weight of 44.56±2.58kg, while those sold in Kano road market were the lightest with live weight of 37.72±1.07k. Ewe sold in Zaria city market at the price of N4716.56±272.22 per head were most expensive. The cheapest ewes were sold N4,121.82±160.25 in Kano road market. The most expensive price of ewes per kg was N9.04±1.97, in Shika market, while the cheapest price per kg was, N104.40±2.27, in ABU farm. Prices of ewe per head and kg were not different (P>0.05) from one another, except for Kano road market where the price per head was significantly lower than that of Shika market. It was concluded that ewes were heaviest and their price per kg live weight was cheapest in the market of ABU farm, where the management was apparently the best of all the five location and the cost of production the lowest.
PRELIMINARY STUDY OF MEAT QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF YOUNG N’DAMA AND MUTURU BULLS
Authors: Ezekwe A. G. , Okonkwo T. M. , Ukaegbu U. G. , Sangode A. A. , Sangode A. A.
Published: March 2021

In order to obtain information on the quality characteristics and acceptability of meat from N’dama (YN) and Muturu (YM)  breds of cattle, the young bull were slaughtered about 11 months of age and their Longissimus dorsiI (LD) and  Psoars major (PM) muscles subjected to chemical evaluation of the raw meat as well as eating quality characteristic of the meat cooked for 10, 15 and 20 min. these were compared to meat from mature Sokoto Gudali (SG). Result showed that meat from NY and YN had similar moisture content but differed significantly (P<0.05) in fat contents. Meat from YM and YN bulls had higher moisture but lower fat content compared to meat from SG bulls. The LD muscles had higher % fat in the three experimental groups than the PM muscles. Total protein and ash contents were similar for all samples but protein solubility was higher (P<0.05) in YN young bulls compared to mature bulls. YN and YM had similar ultimate pH but these young bulls had lower ultimate pH than mature bulls (P<0.05). Total pigment contents varied (P<0.05) between breeds, maturity and muscles types with YM having higher myoglobin than YN, PM higher than LD and mature bulls more that young bulls. Sensory colour and odour of meat varied (P<0.05) between samples with meat from mature SG bulls being rated lower than those from YM and YN bulls after cooking for 10 and 15 minute, all samples were acceptable but their tenderness varied between samples, with the young bulls meat being rated as (P<0.05) more tender than mature nulls but on cooking for 20 min, judges could detect significant differences in juiciness, flavor, tenderness and general acceptability of samples. Generally, meat from young bulls were adjudged more acceptable that meat from mature bulls.
COMPARATIVE UTILIZATION OF SHEA BUTTER CAKE AND PALM KERNEL CAKE BY BROILER CHICKENS
Authors: Olorede B. R. , Onifade A. A. , Babatunde G. M.
Published: March 2021

The utilization of Shea butter cake (SBC), a by-product of fat extraction from sheabutter nuts (Butyrospennum paradoxum) was compared with Palm Kernel Cake (PKC) to establish its potential as a poultry feedstuff. A 2 x 3 factorial experiment combining two factors, SBC and PKC at three levels of inclusion (5%, 10% and 15%) was designed. The six dietary treatments were fed to a total of 180 day-old chicks up to 56 days of age. Broilers fed SBC diets consumed more feed (P < 0.05) than those fed PKC diets between 0-28 days of age. During the finisher period (29-56d) and the entire period (0-56d)feed intakes of broilers were similar (P >0.05) on the treatment except the low consumption (P < 0.05) by those fed 5% SBC. Broiler chicks fed 5% attained the heaviest weight gain (P > 0.05) which compared with chicks fed 15% PKC between 0-28d. Between 29-56d, growth rates of broilers were uniformly higher (P < 0.05) on PKC than SBC diets. Broilers fed 15% SBC had the least (P < 0.05) weight gain at the three (0-28d; 29-56d and 0-56d) periods. Considering the entire period (0-56d), growth rates were not significantly (P >0.05) different on SBC diets up to 10%, and on PKC diets  up to 15%. Feed efficiency and protein efficiency rations of the broiler became poorer (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of SBC in both growth phases unlike broiler fed PKC which had similar values irrespective of the levels of inclusion. The intestinal tracts and visceral organs were not influenced (P > 0.05) by the sources and levels of test ingredients except abdominal fat which was higher on SBC than PKC at 10% and 15% levels of SBC 10% level was optimal.
THE EFFECT OF FEEDING MULTI-NUTRIENT MINI BLOCKS AND PELLETED DIETS ON THE GROWTH OF RABBITS
Authors: Biobaku W. O. , Oguntona E. B.
Published: March 2021

The effect of substituting pelleted diets with multinutrient block on the growth of weanling rabbits was studied. The pelleted diets and the multinutrient blocks contained crude protein 23.31% and 24.24%, crude fibre 21.65 and 23.00% ether extract 10.44% and 10.97% respectively. The body weight gain (10.58g/day), feed intake (110,20g/day) and feed efficiency ration (0.58) of rabbits fed multinutrient blocks were non-significantly higher by 8.50%, 10.65% and 10.34% respectively, that those rabbits fed with pelleted basal diet.
EFFECT OF PLANT SPACING, PHOSPHORUS LEVEL, AND TIME OF HARVEST ON FORAGE YIELD OF LABLAB (LABLAB PURPUREUS), CV. HIGHWORTH
Authors: Lamidi O. S. , Abdullahi B. , Abdullahi B. , Omokanya A. T.
Published: March 2021

A field trial was conducted at Shika, Northern Nigeria to examine the effect of two plant spacings: 30 x 25cm (SI) and 60 x 25cm (S2), four phosphorus leves (75, 100, 125 and 150kgP.ha) and harvesting at 86, 100, 114 and 128 days after planting (DAP) on forage yield of La-blab purpureus cv. Highworth. Closer spacing significantly gave higher (P < 0.05) leaf, stem and total dry matter (DM) yields that wider spacing. Application of phosphorus fertilizer did not significantly (P > 0.p05) influence stem and total DM yield. Leaf DM yield was affected (P < 0.05) by the levels of fertilizer applied. Earlier harvest favoured leaf DM yield, while later harvests gave significantly (P < 0.05) higher stem and total DM yields. The contributions of stem towards the total DM yield increased with age of plant: 86 DAP (55%) < 100 DAP (71%) < 114 DAP (80%) < 128 DAP (89%). The data obtained suggest that a spacing of 30 x 25cm with the application of 100kg P/ha would suffice for satisfactory forage yield.
ASSESSMENT OF THE PRODUCTIVITY OF LIVESTOCK IN AND OUTSIDE THE WASE GRAZING RESERVE
Authors: Butswat I. S. , Mbap S. T. , Yibis G. G.
Published: March 2021

The performance of livestock in Wase was assessed using flocks and herds in and outside the Grazing Reserve. Age at first calving of cattle in and outsides the grazing reserve was 5 years. The corresponding calving of 92 for cattle in the grazing reserve was higher (P < 0.05) than that of 54 for cattle outside the grazing reserve. Ages at first lambing of sheep in and outsider were 12.5 and 13 months respectively. Lambing interval however was 8.6 months5 and 71 while corresponding lambing percentage were 71. Average age at first kidding in goats in the grazing reserve was 12 months while outside was 12.5 month. The kidding interval was 8 months while kidding percentage on the other hand was 56 in the reserve and 46 outside the reserve. The average lactation yield of cows (P > 0.05) in the grazing reserve was 401.5 litre while outside was 486.0 litres. The mean growth rates of calves between 6 and 12 months in and outside the grazing reserve were 9.8 and 5.6 kg/month respectively. The mean growth rates of lambs in and outside the grazing reserve were on the other hand 1.9 and 1.7 kg/month respectively, while the corresponding kids growth rates were 1.6 and 1.3 kg/month. Mortality rates recorded in adult cattle, lamb and kids in the grazing reserve were 4.8%, 7 and 7% while the rates outside the reserve were respectively 2, 4, 5 and 18%.
Urea Utilization by Cattle as Influenced by Casein
Authors: Umunna N. N. , Woods W. R. , Klopfenstein T. J.
Published: March 2021

THE influence of casein on urea-nitrogen utilization by cattle was investigated in two studies. In a fattening study, the inclusion of casein to a soybean meal (SBM) or urea-supplemented ration depressed both average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (P<.05}. Casein addition, on the other hand, significantly (P <.05 increased rumen :ammonia concentration. The second and metabolism study involved the use of identical rations as in the fattening study. Cattle fed rations with casein did not show any significant decrease in nitrogen retention as compared to cattle fed rations without casein. However, there was a non-significant drop in nitrogen retention, and an increase in urinary nitrogen excretion attributable to casein. Ruminal histamine observed for steers on the fattening study was higher than that noted for steers on the metabolism study. Part of the poor performance of steers on the casein diets could be attributed to the higher urinary nitrogen excreted and the elevated ruminal histamine levels observed.
The Effects of Feeding Graded Levels of Wheat Offals And Groundnut Shells To Pigs On Their Performance And Carcass Characteristics And Nutrient Utilization
Authors: Babatunde G. M. , Fetuga B. L. , Oyenuga V. A. , Akpapwunam O.
Published: March 2021

A TOTAL of 70 weaner pigs were used in these studies designed to study the effects of feeding graded levels of wheat offals and groundnut shells in the diets of pigs on their performance characteristics, carcass quality and nutrient utilization abilities. They were all of the Yorkshire and Yorkshire x Landrace crosses, and were reared from about 25 kg to approximately 92 kg liveweight on diets containing 5, 10 and 15% of wheat offals or groundnut shells compared with the control diet which contained neither of these. All the diets were roughly iso nitrogenous, containing about 20% protein.  All pigs on the graded levels of the fibre sources gained more than those on the control diet, consumed more feed and higher digestible energy daily and had inconsistently better feed/gain ratios, but the differences were not significant. Pigs on the ground nut shell diets also gained more weight daily, consumed more feed and digestible energy, but had poorer efficiencies of feed and energy utilization than those on the wheat offals diets, but the differences were also not significant for the three weight categories covered. Generally, feed intake slightly increased, digestible energy intake slightly decreased, while the other response parameters were not consistently affected by the increases in the levels of fibre inclusion. The carcass measurements were not significantly influenced by the levels of fibre inclusion, and there were no definite trends in nearly all the carcass measurements as the fibre levels increased, but there were significant differences due to sources in most of the carcass parameters. Most of the nutrients were significantly depressed in their utilization by the fibre levels and sources.
Effect of Age and Season on the Growth of some Endocrine and Lympho-Epithelioid Glands in Nigerian and White Leghorn Pullets
Authors: Aire T. A.
Published: March 2021

THE endocrine glands (pituitary, adrenal, thyroid), and thymus and bursa of Fabricius of Nigerian und White Leghorn pullets were studied from 2 weeks to 32 weeks of age in the wet and dry seasons of Nigeria. Pituitary weights were significantly (P <0.005) greater in the wet season-reared than in the dry season — reared birds. Adrenal weight differences due to breed were significant, but had no significant influence on this parameter, Nigerian pullets had significantly (P <0.005) greater thyroid Weights (absolute and relative) than the Leghorns, and the absolute weights were also significantly (P <0.05) higher in the wet that in the dry season. The differences in thymus weights between breeds and seasons were not significant but the interaction between season and age, and between breed and age were highly significant (P < 0.005). The relative thymus weights were generally and significantly greater (P ... 0.0005, in the Nigerian than in the Leghorn pullets. The interaction between age and season and between breed and age were also highly significant [P <0.005] in respect to the bursa. The effect of season and breed on the growth of the bursa was also highly significant (p <0.005). The possible significance of these findings in relation to the general physiology of the two breeds of chicken were discussed.
Performance of the Indigenous Pigs of Nigeria Under Intensive Management Conditions
Authors: Fetuga B. L. , Babatunde G. M. , Oyenuga V. A.
Published: March 2021

OBSERVATIONS on some reproductive traits were made on 63 litters of indigenous pigs obtained from pigs selected from an initial group of 60 pigs purchased from local farmers around Ibadan between April 1972 and February 1976. Studies on the growth rate, feed intake and feed efficiency, as well as the proportion of separable tissue in carcass at different terminal weights, rate and efficiency of tissue growth were also carried out with a total of 394 pigs obtained from these litters. For the observations on performance, tissue proportions, tissue growth rate and efficiency of tissue deposition, Large White x Landrace pigs of the same age group were used for comparison at each stage. Litter size averaged 6.7 piglets per sow with a range value of between 4 and 13 piglets. Mean litter birth weight was 6.10 kg, while mean litter weaning weight was 29.4 kg. A preweaning mortality of 15.8% and 4.79% still births were recorded for these indigenous pigs. Daily gain, feed intake and feed conversion efficiency were lower for the indigenous compared to Large White X Landrace pigs. Maximum growth rate for these pigs occured in the growth phase between 45.5 and 56.8 kg. liveweights. Tissue growth rates were lower and the efficiency of tissue deposition poorer in the indigenous compared to the Large White x Landrace pigs. The basic factor underlying the differences in performance of these two breeds would appear to be the inherently different patterns of growth of the respective tissue. The rate and efficiency of tissue growth as well as growth and efficiency of feed utilisation, together indicate that the indigenous pigs should not be reared beyond liveweights between 45.5 and 56.8 kg.
The West African Dwarf Sheep II. Carcass Traits Mutton Quality
Authors: Dettmers A. , Loosli J. K. , Taiwo B. B. A. , Nkemeatu J. A.
Published: March 2021

CARCASSES of thirty African Dwarf ewes had a yield of 42.5%, about 5 mm backfat thickness and a loin eye of about 8cm2  Primal cuts made up 85% of the carcass. The best carcasses came from ewes slaughtered between two and four years of age. Average composition of retail cuts was 66.5% muscle, 26.5% bone and 7.0% fat. Young ewes were superior to young rams both in dressing percent (yield) and primal cuts. The ewes dressed 44% as compared to 40%; their retail cuts contained 67% muscle and 26% bone against 65% and 28% respectively for rams. Compared with mutton sheep of the temperate zone the West African Dwarf stand only 4/5 as high and are 2/3 long, while weighing only 1/4 to 1/3 that of European sheep. Yet the leg, the preferred cut, was 36% of the dressed carcass is compared to European mutton.
The Stimulation Time for Copulation in Purposeful Strange Matings of House Pigeons (Columba Livia L.)
Authors: Nwosu C. C. , Beuing R.
Published: March 2021

The purposeful strange matings of house pigeons involved pairing 24 female and 24 male racing pigeons in special cells which prevented purposeless matings. However, only 4 of the males (elites) were allowed to mate (service) with the 24 female pigeons- a mating ratio of 1:6. There were altogether 277 attempted matings in four laying periods. Out of this number 151 resulted in successful copulations (matings) whereas 126 resulted in unsuccessful matings (copulations). Successful matings (N= 151) occurred between one to 35 minutes whereas the unsuccessful matings (N= 126) were observed between 5 to 58 minutes. It was specifically found that over 90% of all successful copulations came within 5 minutes of introduction of female pigeons to strange elite pigeons. 5 minutes appeared then to be the optimum time of stimulation among the pigeons under purposeful strange matings.
Preweaning Performances of Ndama Cattle
Authors: Adeyanju S. A. , Akinokun O. , Ariyibi O. O.
Published: March 2021

Data on birth weight, preweaning daily rate of gain and weaning weight of Ndama beef cattle were obtained from routine records kept on the Fashola Livestock Farm between 1959 and 1964 and subjected to least-squares analysis to determine the effects of sex, month, year and sire on the performance characteristics. The results indicated that the Ndama weighed 16.95 kg at birth and 97.61 kg at weaning when adjusted to 205 days with a preweaning daily weigh gain of 0.38 kg. The bulls were significantly heavier at birth and weaning and also had a significantly higher preweaning daily weight gain than the heifers. Birth weight, preweaning daily rate of gain, and weaning weight showed significant sex, month, year and sire effects
EFFECTS OF SEASON AND LITTER SIZE ON GESTATION LENGTH IN SWINE
Authors: Egbunike G. N. , Steinbach J.
Published: March 2021

488 gestations (309 Large White and 179 Landrace) and the size of all litters resulting from services which occurred between January 1967 and March 1970 were analysed. The mean gestation length was 113.96 days for the Large White and 113.74 days for the Landrace while the mean values for the litter size were 9.14 and 9.58 respectively. There was a significant negative correlation between these two traits in both breeds (P 0.01). A slight and non-significant seasonal effect (P 0.10) was shown with the highest and lowest gestation lengths being recorded in July (114.38 days) and in January and February (113.40 days). Breed effect and interaction between breed and season were also not significant.
EVALUATING BEEF CATTLE PRODUCTION ON PASTURE USING ANNUAL EQUIVALENT CASH FLOWS
Authors: Biodun F.
Published: March 2021

...
OBSERVATIONS ON THE WHITE FULANI (BUNAJI) ZEBU CATTLE OF NORTHERN NIGERIA IN A SOUTHERN NIGERIA ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Olaloku E. A. , Oyenuga V. A.
Published: March 2021

Sixteen lactating white Fulani cows blocked in fours according to stage of lactation were used in assessing milk yield and composition and herbage consumption from four tropical grass/legume pasture mixtures over four-28 day periods in an orthogonal 4 x 4 latin square design. Available herbage dry matter averaged 29 -70kg/cow/day but the cows only consumed an average of 9.64kg/day. Crude fibre content of the herbage was generally high (range 38.7 to 39.2%) whilst organic matter digestibility was low (range 60.7 to 65.7%). Differences in milk yield and composition, except percentage milk protein which was significant at 5% level, were not statistically significant. Indigenous cattle, grazing improved tropical pastures under the Southern Nigerian environment, have been shown to be capable of consuming and digesting enough herbage to provide adequate nutrients for both maintenance and substantial liveweight gains during a greater part of the year (Ogor & Henrich, 1961: Mcllroy, 1962; Okorie, Hill & Mcllroy 1965; Oyenuga 1968 and Olubajo, 1969). By inference such pastures would be expected to provide sufficient energy protein and other nutrients for maintenance and milk production of cattle producing about 6.8 to 9 kg milk per day. Such an assumption, however, lacks validity, since there are at present, no data on the performance of milk producting cattle grazing improved pasture under local conditions. This study was therefore undertaken to determine the consumption and utilization of some improved tropical grass/legume pasture mixtures by the lactating indigenous white Falani Zebu Cattle
NUTRITIVE VALUE OF LOCALLY PREPARED FISHMEALS FOR BROILER CHICKENS
Authors: Olomu J. M. , Nwachuku D. A.
Published: March 2021

Three experiments were conducted with broiler chickens to study the effects of replacing commercial Herring fishmeal with fishmeals prepared form crayfish, sardine, mudskeeper and mullet. In the first experiment, there were no significant differences in the performance, carcass dressing percentages and the composition of the hearts and livers when any of the locally prepared fishmeals replaced the commercial fishmeal in rations. Rations without fish meal depressed performance and carcass/neck dressing percentages significantly but did not affect the composition of the hearts and livers. In experiment 2, the fishmeals were fed at a supplementary level of 7.5% and at a level (20%) in which they constituted the only source of supplementary protein. In this experiment, performance of birds fed 7.5% of the different fishmeals were similar to those observed in the first experiment. When the fishmeals constituted the sole source of supplementary protein, performances of the birds were similar for all fishmeals and were better than when 7.5% fishmeals was fed in the ration in addition to groundnut meal. The ration containing groundnut meal as the sole supplementary protein source depressed performance of birds. In Experiment 3 the total protein efficiency ration (TPE) of the different fishmeal rations were assessed. The TPE for all the fishmeal ration were not significantly different and were significantly better than that of rations without fishmeal
THE EFFECT OF COTTONSEED MEAL (CSM) GROUNDNUT MEAL (GNM) MIXTURE AND PROTEIN LEVELS IN PRACTICAL BROILER DIETS
Authors: Njike M. C.
Published: March 2021

Two experiments were conducted with Ross-typpe chicks to determine the optimum substitution level of CSM for GNM protein in both starter and finisher rations. In the first experiment 500 day old broilers were used in a 42 ---day 5 x 2 factorial arrangement to study the effects of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50% CSM and 24 to 26% protein diets on final body weight, rate of gain and feed efficiency. The basal diet was supplemented with methionine to meet ARC (1975) recommended level and 0.2% lysine. The result indicate that up to 40% of GNM could be replaced with CSM without any adverse result on rate of gain, final body weight and feed efficiency. Chicks on 26%protein diets grew better than those on 24% but the difference were not statistically significant. In the second experiment 20% protein diet was substituted up to 100% with CSM protein. It was found that up to 70% protein of GNM could be replaced by CSM in a broiler finisher with slight but non-significant differences in the rate of gain, feed efficiency and final body weight. The results as well as economic implication of these findings are fully discussed
NUTRITIVE VALUE OF BROWSE PLANTS IN THE SUDAN SAVANNA OF NORTH WEST NIGERIA
Authors: Mohammed Saleem M. A. , Oyatogun O. O. M. , Chheda H. R.
Published: March 2021

TWENTY-TWO plant species common to Sudan Savanna zone were identified as useful browse from a survey of Bin-Yauri grazing reserve in the Sokoto State of North West Nigeria. Leaf samples of the browse collected the peak period of the dry season showed high nutritive values with crude protein above 14 percent in majority of them. IVDMD was positively and significantly correlated with crude protein (r–0.89) Mineral contents were also high in all cases except that few species were low in phosphorus Importance of browse to make up nutrient deficiencies in animals during dry season is emphasised It is also argued that the higher CP in the browse ingested should improve nitrogen levels for animals resulting in their increased feed intake and digestibility of low quality forages during dry season. Hence, animals having access to some browse species should tide over the dry season without serious weight losses as compared to the ones restricted to grazing
THE PERFORMANCEOF WHITE FULANI COWS (BUNAJI) IN COMPARISON WITH OTHER TROPICAL CATTLE
Authors: Dettmers A. , Williams T. A.
Published: March 2021

Lactation records of White Fulani Cows at the University of Ibadan were compared to those of two Indian Zebus (the deshi and Hariana) and the Horro of Ethiopia. All breeds had been raised and kept in comparable tropical regions. None of the populations had been subjected to a selection and breeding program. With regard to milk yield per lactation and day, cows at Ibadan ranked first; 25% of lactations exceeded 1000 kg approaching the Hariana with 36% while only 5% of the Horro cows gave more than 1000 kg milk and none of the Deshi. Lactation length and the calving interval of the Ibadan cows were nearly as long as those of the two Indian breeds. With age of first calving they ranked second, but calving rate was only 0.8 as compared to 1.0 of Horro cows. Calf mortality was high, but overall viability of White Fulani heifers completing first Lactation surpassed the other cows. Their efficiency was 35% as compared to 26% of the Hariana and 59% of American Holstein with the other two breeds following far behind
EVALUATION OF HEATED SOYBEAN MEAL USING CRESOL RED TECHNIQUE
Authors: Matanmi O. K.
Published: March 2021

Occasional problems with improperly heated soybean meal persist even though methods and rather good evaluation procedures are available. The technique of Olomucki and Bornstein (1960) in volves absorption of cresol red during a shaking process of a specific grind on soybean meal and will evaluate overheated as well as underheated soybean meal. Attempts have been made to determine if the (mg cresol red absorbed per g meal) reported was the lowest safe level. Unheated soybean meal samples averaged 2.55. Genetically uniform day old chicks fed heated soybean meal sample testing 3.3 averaged 61.9 g at one week compared with 68.3g for soybean meal testing 3.6. Poults fed the same meals averaged 129g and 138g respectively at one week. In both tests at two weeks these differences had decreased to only 266 vs 271. Effects on pancreas Weights were not significant except with raw soybean meals.
Crude Protein Requirements Of Egg-type Baby Chicks Under Nigerian (Tropical) Environment
Authors: Njike M. C.
Published: March 2021

TWO feeding trials were conducted with day old mixed sexes of Apollo (White Leghorn) strain. The first experiment was designed to test the effectiveness of all — vegetable protein diets to meet the requirements of baby chicks. While the second one was designed to find out whether synthetic methionine and/or fishmeal supplementation are desirable in low quality protein of groundnut cake. Results showed that a diet based on plant proteins only, namely, those of groundnut cake and maize, is capable of stimulating rapid growth in chicks. Diets containing 24% all-vegetable protein, 22% plant protein plus 0.35% feed grade methionine or 20% plant protein containing 3% of fishmeal plus 0.37% feed grade methionine, satisfied the requirements for rapid growth and efficient feed utilization in young chicks. However, based on the prevailing prices of the ingredients used in formulating the rations, the results indicate that ration based on 24%of all — plant protein diet was least expensive.
Natural Resources Utilization -- Making More Lands Available For Nigeria's Green Revolution
Authors: Famoriyo S.
Published: March 2021

...
Factors Affecting The Indirect Immunoperoxidase Staining Of Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Antigens In Cells
Authors: Okeke E. N , Lang G.
Published: March 2021

THE application of the Immunoperoxidase (IP) antibody technique for the definitive diagnosis of Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) in chickens has earlier been described (Okeke and Lang, 1982). During that study it was noted that the Indirect method of IP was more sensitive in the demonstration of IBD viral antigens than the direct method. Consequently, more formation was sought on the specific technical parameter and the consequences that resulted by deviations from the codified procedures employed in the Indirect technique with the aim of obtaining an even better result. Studies of pH, serum dilutions, serum incubation time, conjugate dilutions, conjugate incubation time and developing time were conducted to find out what Influence such factors could have on the final staining product.
SELECTION IN HEREFORD CATTLE II EXPECTED AND REALIZED RESPONSE
Authors: Nwakalor L. N. , Brinks J. S. , Richardson G. V.
Published: March 2021

Data from 14 inbred lines and 14 linecross groups of Hereford cattled at the San Juan Basin Research Centre, Hesperus, were used to evaluate expected and realized response in birth and weapling fraits and post weaning traits in males and females over a 28-year period. There were large differences in the means and variations of the performance traits among the inbreds and lineerosses, the inbreds showing in breeding depression and greater variability while the linecrosses manifested within-breed heterosis. Except for gain from weaning to 12 months, genetic progress was expected in all traits studied, mainly due to sire selection. Regressions of annual trait means on years indicated positive phenotypic trends in the inbreds for heart girth circumference, adjusted weaning weight (adjusted for inbreeding), weaning score, final weight and feed consumption of males and the yearling weights and gains of females. Changes were negative for other traits. In the linecross group phenotypic trends were positive in all traits except heart girth circumference, weaning age, initial test weight and feed efficiency. Estimated genetic progress per generation due to within line selection was negative in the inbreds but was considerably positive for the linecrosses in most of the traits. As expected, between line selection yielded greater genetic improvement in the inbred than in the linecross population. The dissimilar patterns of response in the two populations are attributed to high rates and levels of inbreeding. Although variable, the actual progress was below prediction in most of the traits studied.