bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance, organ growth and economics of finisher broiler fed neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf meal as replacement for maize
Authors: Olowu O. P. A. , Asaniyan E. K. , Agbede J. O.
Published: February 2021

A 28-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf meal on the performance, organ growth and economics of finishing broilers. The harvested neem leaves were chopped and air dried under room temperature for ten days until they became crispy while retaining the greenish colouration. The dry leaves were hammer milled with 2mm sieve to produce leaf meal before being incorporated into broiler finisher diets. Four isonitrogenous finisher diets were formulated; containing 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% levels of neem leaf meal (NLM) as partial replacement for maize in the diets. A total of one hundred and eight (108) 4- week old birds were randomly selected, weighed and assigned to the four treatments in a complete randomised design. The four treatments were replicated three times with nine (9) birds per replicate. The birds were fed ad libitum with their respective diets and freely supplied with water. Results showed that the neem leaf levels significantly (P<0.05) affected all the performance indicators. Birds on 5% NLM had similar average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) with birds on 0% neem leaf meal (control) but significantly (P<0.05) superior to birds on 10% and 15% neem leaf meal levels. On the relative organ weight, except for the heart, all the organs were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by the varying levels of neem leaf meal. The g/kgbody weight of the heart reduces as the level of NLM increases; with 15% NLM having the least heart weight (7.50±0.47g/kgbody weight). The cost analysis of replacing maize with neem leaf meal in the broiler finisher diets revealed that 15% level yielded least cost of feed consumed per bird (? 178.69), cost of feed consumed per kg body weight per day (? 6.38) and cost of feed per kg weight (? 55.84). It is concluded that 5% replacement level of maize will enhance optimum performance and organ growth while 10% NLM brings about the optimum cost benefit in feeding finisher broilers with neem leaf meal.
Effect of fibre and digestible energy levels on retail cuts, gut characteristics and morphology of growing rabbits
Authors: Osho S. O. , Oso A. O. , Akpan I. E. , Ayanniyi T. A. , Adegbenjo A. A. , Ogunade I. M. , Durosaro S. O. , Idowu O. M. O.
Published: February 2021

The retail cuts, gut characteristics and morphology of rabbits fed with varying dietary fibre and digestible energy (DE) levels were measured in a 70-d feeding trial using 135 weaner rabbits. The experiment was designed as a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments having 3 levels of dietary fibre (low, optimum and high) and 3 levels of DE (low, optimum and high). The rabbits were allotted to 9 dietary groups consisting of 15 rabbits each. Main effect of fibre and DE showed that dressing out percentage (P < 0.05), chilled carcass weight (P < 0.05) and reference carcass weight (P < 0.01) increased with increasing inclusion levels of fibre. Rabbits fed with (430 – 456 g/kg NDF, 249 - 253 g/kg ADF) had the highest (P < 0.05) weights of thoracic cage, loins, hind part, small intestine, empty caecum and highest (P < 0.05) villus height in the duodenum and jejunum. Rabbits fed (10.5 – 11 MJ/kg) diets had the least (P < 0.05) chilled and reference carcass weight. Interaction effect of fibre and DE showed that rabbit fed (445.70g/kgNDF, 252.10g/kgADF and 8.01MJ/Kg) diet recorded the highest (P < 0.05) chilled carcass weight. Rabbit fed with low fibre (249 – 258 g/kg NDF, 149 - 157 g/kg ADF) diets not withstanding the level of DE had low (P < 0.05) chilled and reference carcass weight. The villus height of the duodenum and crypt depth of the jejunum increased (P < 0.05) with increasing level of dietary fibre irrespective of the level of digestible energy. In conclusion, feeding of (440.41 g/kg NDF, 250.09 g/kg ADF, 10.52MJ/kg) diets to rabbits favoured improved retail cuts, gut characteristics and gut morphology.
Comparative behaviour of local and exotic chickens in tests of fearfulness, anxiety and cognition
Authors: Raji T. B. , Toye A. A.
Published: February 2021

Behaviour affects performance and productivity of poultry birds especially chickens, some behavioural traits are advantageous in a particular production system and may be of disadvantage in another production system. The present study compared behavioural of Nigeria Local Chicken, NLC (two separate samples of 11 Yoruba Ecotype) and its Exotic counterparts (11 Broilers and 11 Pullets) by use of the Open Field (OFT), T-Maze, Forced Approach, and Voluntary Approach Tests (FAT and VAT respectively) during two phases of Growth (0-4 Weeks, and 4-8 weeks age respectively). The former group (NLC) is better adapted to extensive management in the Nigerian Guinea savannah than the latter Results showed that Yoruba NLC issued a significantly (p<0.05) higher number of distress calls than the Exotic genotypes in the OFT at age 7 and 48 days, and the NLC issued significantly more calls at 7 days age. Broilers exhibited significantly lower OFT Latency at 7 and 48 days, and Broilers traversed fewer squares and spent less time ambulating than other genotypes at 48 days age. Ina T-maze, Broilers showed significantly (p<0.05) lower exploratory behaviour than other groups (higher latency to leave the start box). In the FAT, NLC showed lower Latency to flight (p<0.05) than the Exotic genotypes. Ethological test results indicate differences in the behavioural characters exhibited by Yoruba NLC and Exotic Chickens and such differences could embody the basis of anecdotal differences in the rates of survival under extensive management conditions, and may be subjected to quantitative genetic selection in the ongoing effort to produce improved chickens that incorporate a combination of desirable traits from both Local and Exotic chickens.
Mineral and fibre intake of West African dwarf sheep fed boiled cocoa seed testa and sorghum malt dust in cassava root meal based diets
Authors: Ettu R. O. , Onwuka C. F. I.
Published: February 2021

The study was carried out to investigate the mineral and fibre intake of Sheep fed Cocoa Seed Testa (CST) and Sorghum Malt Dust (SMD) in cassava root meal based diets. The feeding trial was conducted on the feed intake response of West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep in a completely randomized experimental design using boiled CST and SMD based-diets. A total of twenty-eight sheep were randomly allocated to 11 – 13 months of age of CST at 10, 20 and 30% levels, SMD at 10, 20 and 30% levels and a control. The experiment lasted 90 days. Data generated were computed and subjected to a one-way analysis of variance. In the trial, the Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF), Acid Detergent Fibre (ADF), Acid Detergent Lignin (4DL), Cellulose and Hemicellulose intake increase as the level of CST increased in the diet except for animals in treatment 3 (30% inclusion of CST). Also, NDF, ADF, ADL, Cellulose and Hemicellulose increased as the level of inclusion of SMD increased in the diet except treatment 6 (30% inclusion of SMD). The NDF intake from forage decreased as the level of SMD in the diets. The mineral intake Phosphorus, Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc and Sulphur also followed the same pattern. The mineral intake increased as the level of inclusion of ČST and SMD increased in the diet except in treatment 3 (30% inclusion of CST) and treatment 6 (30% inclusion of SMD) where the value obtained dropped. It was concluded that minerals available in the diets containing boiled Cocoa Seed Testa and Sorghum Malt Dust were significantly (p<0.05) better in their utilization by sheep that consumed boiled Sorghum Malt Dust based diets.
Influence of earthworm cast on manure from cattle, sheep and goats and its effects on maize growth
Authors: Fasae O. A.
Published: February 2021

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of earthworm activities on manure from indigenous breeds of cattle, sheep and goats of Nigeria. Three treatment groups of manure from cattle, sheep and goat were inoculated with earthworms in prepared worm beds and worm casts derived were evaluated after 8 weeks. The results showed that earthworms had a great impact on the chemical constituents' transformations in the manure. The percentage of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in worm cast was found to increase. Nitrogen totals from worm casts were 1.65, 1.72 and 1.96% for cattle, sheep and goats, respectively compared to 0.95, 1.21 and 1.31%, obtained from manure. Within the species, the manure and worm casts derived from goats were superior to that from sheep and cattle. Weights of maize plant grown with worm cast were almost twice that of the fresh manure across the treatments. It was concluded that earthworm casts from cattle, sheep and goat manure were nutritionally superior to manure from which they were derived. Such improved manure can serve as a ready source of high quality fertilizer for the resource poor farmers in Nigeria.
A case report of an outbreak of coccidiosis in a pig farm at Abeokuta
Authors: Abakpa S. A. V. , Takeet M. I. , Talabi A. O. , Oyewusi I. K.
Published: February 2021

An outbreak of coccidiosis was reported in a pig farm housing four boars, six sows, twenty one growers and eleven piglets. Eleven neonatal piglets in two litters of three and five days old were suspected to be involved. Three (27%) out of eleven piglets presented signs of profuse foul smelling diarrhoea and pyrexia, while there was haemorrhagic diarrhoea in one and mortality was 9%. A diagnosis of coccidiosis was made based on the clinical signs, post mortem findings of ulceration and fibrinonecrotic enteritis and laboratory identification of 4,600 coccidial oocysts per gramme of faeces by Mc Master counting technique which were identified as Isospora suis. The two herds were treated with Tripple sulfa-Trim® in drinking water for three days. This medication was effective as the diarrhoea resolved within four days of its onset
Farmers' use of Improved Aquaculture Managment Practices in Western Zone of Lagos State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Nigeria
Authors: Olaoye O. J. , Oyekunle O. , Akintayo I. A. , Ahhibi G. , Abdulraheem I.
Published: February 2021

Improved Aquaculture Management Practices (LAMP) always lead to increase productivity, generate greater income, reduce poverty and improve livelihood. This study assessed the extent of the use of IAMP by fish farmers in the Western Zone of Lagos state ADP, Nigeria to describe level of usage of IAMP and examine the constraints faced by fish farmers in the use of IAMP The primary data were collected with the aid of structured interview guide, administered through personal interviews and observations to elicit information from 100 fish farmers using simple random sampling and purposive technique. Descriptive statistics was used to analysis the socio-economic characteristics, while budgetary analysis was used to determine the profitability and multiple regression analysis. Findings show that the mean age of the respondents was 42.6 years, 71.0% were male, 90.0% married, 63.0% secondary occupation and 84.81% were aware of IAMP On a daily basis, 87.0% of the respondents were involved in record keeping, 82.0% carried out general observation in the farm and used concrete tanks while site selection, tank construction, pond liming and use of drugs were done occasionally. Constraints faced by the respondents were high cost of inputs (88.0%), flooding (79.0%),. predators (71.0%), mortality (61.0%), pollution (61.0%), inadequate technical know-how (61.0%) and disease outbreak (58.0%). Respondents' household size (r = -0.202, p<0.05) and marital status (χ2= 61.082, P<005) were significantly associated with factors affecting the use of IAMP. There were significant differences between IAMP used and revenue generated (t =4.641.,p<0.05). In conclusion, adoption of IAMP leads to increase aquaculture productivity and changes of social status. Government should provide assistance in loan at low interest, appropriate land, grants, fish farm input at subsidized rate adequate marketing information and networking among fish farmers.
Prediction of grasscutters (Thryonomis swinderianus) body weight from linear body measurements
Authors: Henry A. J. , Ibe S. N. , Asuquo B. O.
Published: February 2021

A study was conducted to investigate the relationship between linear body measurements (LBMs) and body weights of grasscutters at 2, 4 and 6 weeks of age. Simple linear correlation procedure was used to establish the strength of linear relationships and associations between the different linear body measurements with body weight. These parameters were also subjected to step-wise regression analysis. The goodness of fit (R2) was tested to determine the contribution of each independent variable measured to the prediction of the dependent variable, the body weight of grasscutters at different ages of 2, 4,6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 weeks. One hundred and thirty-nine (139) juvenile grasscutters obtained from 24 parents comprising of 18 does and 6 bucks were used for the study. Experimental animals were raised under a mixed feeding regime throughout the experimental period of 20 weeks. The linear body measurements assessed are head length (HL), body length (BL), heart girth (HG), ear length (EL) and tail length (TL). Correlation coefficients (r) between body measurements and weights were generally positive and significant (p < 0.01) at 2 weeks, demonstrating strong relationships between variables. At 4 weeks, correlation coefficients ranged from 0.013 to 0.829 whereas at 6 weeks values ranged from -0.230 to 0.859. Coefficient of determination (R2) varied from 0.926 to 0.997, 0.965 to 0.989 and 0.930 to 0.991 at 2, 4 and 6 weeks, respectively The positive correlation coefficients observed for body length and heart girth shows that these parameters can be improved upon for grasscutters raised under intensive management. Results from this study further revealed that body weight of grasscutters can be estimated under field condition using the ear,head, body lengths and heart girth in the absence of a weighing balance.
Multivariate principal components analysis of the morphostructural traits of West African Dwarf sheep
Authors: Campos D. , Ikeobi C. O. N. , Olowofeso O. , Smith O. F.
Published: February 2021

A study was conducted to determine the interdependence among conformation traits of 178 West African Dwarf sheep and to predict body weight from their independent scores using principal components analysis. Body weight and nine morphostructural traits: height at withers, body length, heart girth, rump height, hip width, chest depth, fore canon bone length, tail length, and ear length were measured. Phenotypic correlation coefficients between body weight and body dimensions ranged from 0.78 to 0.79. Anti-image correlations of the body shape characters showed that partial correlations were low. Two principal components were extracted from the factor analysis with varimax rotation of the inter-correlated traits which accounted for 69.50% of the total variance. The first principal component (PC1) explained 57.70% and second principal component (PC2) contributed 11.70% of the variance. Both PC1 and PC2 could be considered in the selection programme to obtain animals with better conformations using minimal number of measurements.
Milk yield of West African Dwarf sheep as affected by udder stimulation, stage of lactation and parity
Authors: Williams T. J. , James I. J. , Adekoya D. A. , Abdulateef M. R. , Onabegun L. O. , Jinadu S. O. , Falade Y. O. , Adewunmi O. O. , Abioja M. O. , Osinowo O. A.
Published: February 2021

This study was conducted to investigate the milk yield of West African Dwarf sheep as affected by udder stimulation, stage of lactation and parity. The study involves 12 matured lactating ewes weighing between 16 and 24 kg live weights in a semi intensive system of management. For udder stimulation, the animals were divided into 2 groups; 6 animals were stimulated by massaging, cleaning and drying the udder for 2 minutes before milking while the other 6 were not stimulated, the udder were just milked. Stage of lactation was divided into 4; early, mid, late, and very late respectively with 3weeks interval for all the animals. 4 animals were on first parity while 8 animals were on second parity. The animals were allowed to graze on an established paddock consisting of Stylosanthes hamata, Panicum maximum, Pennisetum purpureum etc. for 5 hours and then supplemented with concentrate (17% CP at 5% body weight). Each quarter of the udder was hand milked unilaterally twice per week at 8.00am for 12 weeks. The result of the study showed that daily milk yield in each of the quarter of the udder (left and right) was not significantly (P>0.05) different. Udder stimulation and stage of lactation had significant (P<0.05) effect on daily milk yield while parity and mammary gland position (left and right ) did not significantly affect daily milk yield. The interaction between udder stimulation and stage of lactation as well as interaction between udder stimulation and parity had significant (P><0.05) effect on daily milk yield in WAD sheep. Therefore it is recommended that sheep udder be stimulated at late and very late stages of lactation to enhance milk production. ><0.05) effect on daily milk yield while parity and mammary gland position (left and right ) did not significantly affect daily milk yield. The interaction between udder stimulation and stage of lactation as well as interaction between udder stimulation and parity had significant (P<0.05) effect on daily milk yield in WAD sheep. Therefore it is recommended that sheep udder be stimulated at late and very late stages of lactation to enhance milk production.
Effect of organic acid treated drinking water on growth of broiler chickens
Authors: Ndelekwute E. K. , Assam E. D. , Assam E. M. , Amaefule K. U.
Published: February 2021

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of treating drinking water with different organic acids on growth performance of broiler chickens. The organic acids were acetic, butyric, citric and formic acids. One hundred and fifty (150) day old Abor Acre chicks were used. The experiment was divided into five treatments with treatment 1 serving as the control, while treatments 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively were offered drinking water treated with 0.25% acetic acid (AA), butyric acid (BA), citric acid (CA) and formic acid (FA). Each treatment was replicated three times with 10 birds per replicate. Feed and water were offered ad libitum. The experiment was arranged as completely randomized design (CRD). Results shows that except for BA organic acids significantly (P<0.05) improved final weight, daily weight gain, and protein efficiency ratio with AA having the highest (P<0.05) value at the starter phase. Also at the starter phase, daily water intake was significantly (P<0.05) reduced by BA, CA and FA. At the finisher phase, final body weight and daily gain were improved (P<0.05) by all the organic acids except BA. Final weight was better in AA compared to BA. There was no difference (P>0.05) in final weight between BA, Ca and FA. Daily feed and protein intakes were not affected (P>0.05). All the organic acids significantly (P<0.05) produced better feed: gain ratio. Only AA gave better protein efficiency ratio compared to the control. While AA, CA and FA encouraged water consumption, it was reduced (P<0.05) by BA. It is concluded that AA, CA and FA could be added in the drinking water for broilers for improved performance.
Haematology, serum biochemistry and organ weight changes of wistar rats fed processed dehulled jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis)
Authors: Amusa H. O. , Kehinde R. A. , Ayotebi R. O. , Abu O. A.
Published: February 2021

A total of fifty Wistar albino rats weighing 50-60g were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design to investigate the haematology, serum biochemistry and organ weight changes on diets containing processed dehulled jack bean. Four diets containing 10% crude protein were formulated to contain casein (T1)-control diet, dehulled jack bean soaked in filtrate obtained from 24hr water-steeped whole maize grains (T2), dehulled jack bean soaked in lye solution (T3), dehulled jack bean boiled for 15 minutes (T4) while a protein free diet served as a negative control (T5). The feeding trial lasted for 28days after which four rats per treatments were sampled to evaluate haematological and serum biochemical indices while three rats per treatment were sacrificed by cervical decapitation and the heart, liver, kidneys and the lungs removed and weighed separately. Haemoglobin (Hb), white blood cells (WBC), eosinophil and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) were not affected by dietary treatments while the packed cell volume, red blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH) were significantly affected (P<0.05) by dietary treatments. Rats on T4 had the highest PCV (47.00%), a d neutrophil (25.67%) values, while rat on control had the highest value of RBC 5.95 (×106/mm3). Rats on T2 had the highest lymphocyte (80.33%) and monocyte (3.50%) values, while the lowest value was for rats T4 (73.25%) and T3 (2.00%). Rats on T3 had the highest MCV (1.57fl) and MCH (0.40pg) values the total protein and alkaline phosphatise (ALP) were similar (P>0.05) for all group, while the albumin, globulin, cholesterol, Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were influence by dietary treatments (P<0.05). Albumin values ranges from 5.83g/dl to 7.68g/dl with rats on T4 having the highest albumin value (7.68g/dl). Globulin value for rats on T4 is significantly (P<0.05) different from rats on T1, T2, T3, and T5 with rats on T3 having the highest value (3.42). Rats on T1 had the highest Cholesterol (55.37mg/dl) and ALT (17.49IU/L) value, while Rats on T2 had the highest AST (16.13IU/L) value. Kidney weights were similar for all group (P>0.05) while the liver, lungs and heart relative weights were significantly affected (P< 0.05) by dietary treatments. Rats on control diet had the lowest relative weight for liver (3.74), lungs (1.03), kidney (0.92) and heart (0.49). Rats on T3 and T5 had the highest value for heart weight (0.75) and liver weight (5.67)while rats on T4 had the highest value for lungs (1.59).Rats fed dehulled jack bean seed soaked in ogi liquor showed slight improvement on haematological, serum profile and organ weight changes over those fed lye soaked jack bean and boiled for 15minutes. However, all the processing methods were ineffective when compared to the performance of rat fed casein based diets.
Assessing the nutritive value of waterweeds to livestock production via in vitro
Authors: Ekunseitan D. A. , Yusuf A. O. , Odesanmi O. E. , Ogun M. A. , Bawala T. O. , Akinyemi B. T.
Published: February 2021

The predominant increase in the price of feedstuffs and the consistent shift in climate have increased the cost of producing animal protein and an attendant increase in the search of available and valuable plant options in combating this problem. The study aimed to evaluate the nutritive value of ten identified water weeds (Polygonum lanigerum, Nymphaea lotus, Paspalum scrobiculatum, Ascroceras zizanioides, Ipomea aquatica, Panicum sulbabidum, Sacciolepis africana, Leersia hexandra, Heteranthera callifolia and Dicksonia antartica) via in vitro digestibility studies. The gas production was measured by incubating samples in buffered ruminal fluid from goats for 96hr. Cumulative gas production was recorded at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42, 45, 48, 51, 54, 57, 60, 66, 72, 84 and 96 hour of incubation periods and the organic matter digestibility (OMD), short chain fatty acid (SCFA) and metabolizable energy (ME) were also estimated. Results indicated that the total gas production varied significantly (P<0.05) at 24 and 48 hours incubation. Gas production ranged between 4.67 ml and 14.00 ml with least and highest obtained in Sacciolepis Africana and Ipomea aquatic, respectively. The Metabolizable energy (MJ/KgDM) recorded in all weeds differed (P<0.05) in all hours of incubation. Paspalum scrobiculatum and Dicksonia antartica recorded the least value at 24 and 48 hours incubation while Nymphaea lotus and Dicksonia antartica had the least value at 72 and 96 hours incubation. Heteranthera callifolia had the highest organic matter digestibility (%) while the least short chain fatty acid (μmol) was observed in Dicksonia antartica at 24, 48 and 96 hours incubation. Based on the results of this study, these plants had the potentials of being fed to livestock especially during the dry season when forage feeds are generally scarce.
Efficacy of some synthetic antibiotics on Streptococcus pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis isolated from fish tanks
Authors: Idowu A. A. , Ikenweive N. B. , Alimi A. A. , Akinyemi A. A.
Published: February 2021

Effects of some synthetic antibiotics on Streptococcus pnemoniae and Proteus mirabilis isolated from cultured Clarias gariepinus, an important food fish raised in a concrete tank was carried out to ascertain their remedies on mortalities of the Clarias gariepinus adult fish. Streptococcus pnemoniae and Proteus mirabilis were isolated from the gill and skin of diseased fish and water samples and identified by standard microbiological methods.The bacteria isolates were tested for sensitivity on ten (10) antibiotics namely Amoxycillin, Gentamicin, Nitrofurantoin, Erythromycine, Augmentin, Tetracycline, Naladoxic acid, Cotrimoxazole, Cloxacillin and Ofloxacin. These organisms reacted differently to the different antibiotics that were used - Ofloxacine, Gentamycin and Erythromycine had highest zones of inhibition of 26mm and 26mm, 24mm and 19mm, 16mm and 17mm respectively around Streptococcus pnemoniae and Proteus mirabilis, but Naladoxic acid, Augmentin, Cloxacillin and Amoxycillin had no inhibition zones around both organisms. It is therefore recommended that Ofloxacine, Gentamycin and Erythromycine can be used to combat S. pnemoniae and P. mirabilis diseases in fish farms because of their high antibacterial potentials against the test organisms.
Morphological Identification of Rumen Microbial Isolate and Rumen Metabolites of West African dwarf sheep supplemented with forage-based Multi-nutrient Blocks
Authors: Isah O , Ijiyemi A. V. , Ajayi O. A. , Afolabi B. E. , Talabi J. O. K. , Omolabi O. A. , Akinbode R. M.
Published: February 2021

This study investigated the rumen fermentation parameters and rumen microbial identification of West African dwarf (WAD) sheep supplemented with forage – based multinutrient blocks (MNB). Twenty-five male WAD sheep, 9 – 12 months of age were used. The animals were randomly assigned to five formulated experimental multi-nutrient blocks having five animals per treatment and were fed with Panicum maximum ad libitum as basal diet for 84 days. The multi-nutrient blocks were Ipomoea triloba-based multi-nutrient block (IMNB), Merremia aegyptia-based multi-nutrient block (MMNB), Tithonia diversifoliabased multi-nutrient block (TMNB), Chromolaena-odorata based multi-nutrient block (CMNB) and Azadirachta indica-based multi-nutrient block (AMNB). The chemical composition, nutrient intake and concentration of rumen metabolites were statistically compared. Also, rumen microbes were isolated and identified. Results revealed that CMNB had highest (P < 0.05) dry matter and crude protein contents (87.48 and 22.75% respect ively) and sheep fed this block recorded highest dry matter and crude protein intakes (756.08 and 85.26 g/day respectively). Total volatile fatty acid, acetate, propionate and ammonia nitrogen concentrations as well as total viable bacteria count were higher (P < 0.05) in sheep fed AMNB. Ruminococcus spp and Lactobacillus spp were among the group of bacteria isolated from the rumen of sheep fed forage based multi-nutrient blocks. It was concluded that feeding of forage based multi-nutrient blocks especially CMNB and AMNB to ruminant could improve rumen microbial count and fermentation products which can also improve the efficiency of the animals towards better performance.
Changes in blood and physio-clinical indices of West African Dwarf goat during road transport
Authors: Daramola J. O. , Adeloye A. A. , Yousuf M. B. , Olatunde A. O. , Oke O. E. , Abiola M. O. , Adenaike O. D.
Published: February 2021

The study was carried out to determine the effect of road transportation on some blood and physioclinical indices in West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Nineteen (19) WAD goats aged between 6 and 8 months weighing between 4.16Kg and 5.90Kg were transported in a wagon for 3 hours 18 minutes. Collection of data on rectal temperature (RT) and heart rate (HR), and blood sampling were carried out just before loading the animals into the wagon and repeated immediately on arrival at the destination. The blood samples were analyzed for packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (HB), red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil (NEU), lymphocyte (LYM), eosinophil (EOS), corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) concentrations were also determined. Except the reduced (P<0.05) haemoglobin (Hb) after transportation, the results showed that haematological parameters and pulse rate were comparable before departure and on arrival(P>0.05). Rectal temperature was however slightly higher(P<0.05) on arrival compared to departure in mixed sex and male goats. Serum AST, ALT and ALP were higher (P<0.05) before transportation compared to the values obtained on arrival. The findings showed no remarkable influence of transport by road on the haematological parameters and pulse rate of WAD goats except reduced HB, serum AST, ALT and ALP and increasedrectal temperature observed after transportation.
Changes in metabolic nutrients utilization and alterations in biochemical and haematological indices in broilers fed graded levels of dietary Moringa oleifera
Authors: Annongu A. A. , Adeyemi O. A. , Bolu S. A. O. , Kayode R. M. O. , Sola-Ojo F. E.
Published: February 2021

Graded levels of full-fat undecorticated Moringa oleifera seed meal (MOSM) were evaluated in diets of 96-day old broilers at 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5% while a maize-soybean diet was used as a reference diet. Nutrients utilization by the broilers and effects of the virgin dietary MOSMon serum chemistry, haematology and some bio-data-protein efficiency ratio (PER) and nitrogen metabolism (NM) were used as response criteria for the evaluation. The metabolic utilization of nutrients, most of the serum chemistry and haematological parameters decreased in response to increasing dietary levels of MOSM except values on products of metabolism like creatinine, uric acid, bilirubin and conjugated bilirubin that tended to elevate with increasing levels of dietary unprocessed MOSM. Since no mortality was recorded in this experiment even at 7.5% MOSM inclusion, further research is on-going to determine the lethal level to poultry including other monogastric animals.
Blood chemistry and relative organ weights of rabbits fed neem leaf meal based diets
Authors: Ogbuewu I. P. , Ezeokeke C. T, , Okoli I. C. , Iloeje M. U.
Published: February 2021

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of neem leaf meal (NLM) based diets on blood and relative organ weight characteristics of rabbits. In the first experiment, 36 rabbit bucks aged 7 to 8 months were distributed into four dietary groups, T1, T2, T3 and T4 of 9 rabbits using completely randomized design. Each group was replicated 3 times with 3 rabbits per replicate. Rabbits in T1 group were fed diet that contained 0% NLM while those in T2 T3 and T4 groups were fed diets that contained NLM at 5%, 10% and 15%, respectively for 112 days. In the second experiment, 36 rabbit does were used and experimental procedures were laid out as described in experiment 1. Blood samples for analysis, live weight and organ weights were collected from each replicate and data obtained analysed statistically. Higher (p<0.05) kidney weight was obtained for rabbit does on diets T 2 T 3 and T4. Bucks on diet T2, recorded significantly (p<0.05) higher pancreas weight than those on diet T1 diet. No significant effect (p>0.05) on haematological parameters was observed among all treatments except for MCV and neutrophils which were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in the groups fed diets T2 and T4 and diets T1 and T3 groups respectively than others. Rabbit bucks and does on diet I, recorded significantly (p<0.05) higher serum cholesterol values than those on the other diets. Serum glucose value of rabbits on diet T, was significantly (p<0.05) different from those on the other diets. Serum ALP value of rabbits on diet T4 differed significantly (p<0.05) from those on the other 3 diets with the exception of bucks on diet T4 that had similar value with those on diet T1. Addition of neem leaf meal in rabbit diets increased serum AST and ALT values but the differences were not significant (p>0.05). It was therefore concluded that up to 5% of neem leaf meal can be included in the diet of pubertal rabbits without any deleterious effects on their organs and blood characteristics.
Variations in haematological and serum indices of finishing broiler birds fed neem (Azadirachta indica) and garlic (Allium sativum) as phytobiotics
Authors: Mohammad S. B. , Sobayo R. A. , Sogunle O. M. , Oso A. O. , Adeyemi O. A.
Published: February 2021

One hundred and eighty day-old Cobb broiler chickens were used to evaluate the effects of feeding diets containing neem leaf meal (NLM), garlic meal (GM) and their combination (NLM + GM) on haematological and serum indices of finishing broiler. The birds were divided into twelve treatment groups of fifteen chicks with three replicate of five chicks each. The diets contained NLM, GM and NLM + GM at four levels of inclusion; Omg/kg, 500mg/kg, 1000mg/kg and 1500mg/kg. The experiment was arranged in a 3 x 4 factorial layout in a completely randomized design (CRD). The inclusion of NLM, GM and NLM + GM did not significantly (P>0.05) influence haematological parameters. Different levels of inclusion significantly (P<0.05) influenced absolute haematological parameters. (P<0.05) interaction of additives and levels of inclusion were observed in most of the haematological indices studied. NLM+GM at 500mg/kg showed the highest PCV value. Highest Hb and RBC values were observed in birds fed GM at 1500mg/kg. Different levels of inclusion significantly (P<0.05) influenced total protein and albumin levels. Lowest (P<0.05) amounts of total protein (8.88mg/dl) and albumin (2.20mg/dl) were recorded in birds fed 1500mg/kg inclusion levels compared to those birds on Omg/kg inclusion level..Additives and levels of inclusion (P<0.05) affected cholesterol value of finishing broiler birds. There was a reduction in cholesterol (93.38mg/dl) and HDL (52.57mg/dl) values of birds fed GM than these fed NLM + GM. Significant (P<0.05) interactions were observed in alanine aminotransferase (ALI), urea, cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) values. It was evident that feeding of the additives at different levels affected the blood picture of the finishing broiler chickens.
Use of qualitative feed restriction as a management strategy for finishing broilers
Authors: Udedibie A. B. I. , Peter-Nwachukwu F. I. , Obikaonu H. O.
Published: February 2021

A 5-week experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of qualitative feed restriction through the use low-quality diet on finisher broiler performance, and to determine if sufficient compensatory growth can be achieved at that phase of broiler production. Seventy two (72) 4 weeks old broiler chicks of Anak strain weighing of the average 1.0kg were randomly distributed into two groups, A and B, using completely randomized design. Each group was replicated 3 times with 12 broiler chicks per replicate and each replicate housed in a pen measuring 1.5 m x 2 m. Broilers in group A were given a standard broiler finisher diet continuously for 5 weeks while broilers in group B received a low-quality cheap diet based mainly on palm kernel cake and wheat offal for the first two weeks and then placed on the standard diet for the remaining three weeks of the trial. The birds were weighed at the beginning of the trial and weekly thereafter. At the end of the feeding trial, 4 birds were randomly selected from each group, weighed, sacrificed, de-feathered, eviscerated and their internal organs as well as the abdominal fat, weighed. There was no significant difference in feed intake between the groups (P>0.05) at the end of the trial but the group on the high fibre low-quality diet consumed significantly (P<0.05) more feed during the 2 weeks. Daily body weight gain of the birds on the low-quality diet was lower than that of their counterparts in the control diets in the first 2 weeks but remarkably and progressively increased up to the end of the feeding trial. There was, however, no significant difference between the groups (P>0.05) in the final body weights. There were no significant differences in internal organ weights of the groups (P>0.05). However, abdominal fat weight was significantly (P<0.05) reduced by qualitative feed restriction. Feed cost of production (N/kg weight gain) were N348.69 and N343.78 for the control and qualitative feed restricted groups, respectively. The results have shown that sufficient compensatory growth can be achieved in broiler production the period of production is just 5 weeks.
SHORT COMMUNICATION Zoonotic helminths in fresh water snail (Melanoides tuberculata) from Uruan wetland communities of Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Ebenso I. E. , Ekpenyong L. C.
Published: February 2021

We investigated 3 study sites of rural wetland communities of Ikpa, Ibikpe and Ikot Udo for helminth parasites using water snail Melanoides tuberculata fresh specimens. Parasitological gut examination were significant (p<0.05), and revealed that Ikpa community with 90.90% was hyper-endemic for schistosomiasis, while all study communities recorded (<50.00%) endemic prevalence infection for diphyllobothriasis respectively. Egg parasitic loads were above WHO standards of <1.00 helminth egg/L. Helminths co-infection as outlined is a neglected emerging zoonosis, as these could increase livestock and public health disease burden in wetland communities.
Growth performance of genetically modified tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultured in concrete pond
Authors: Ayoola S. O. , Osibona A. O. , Idowu A. A. , Adesina B. T.
Published: February 2021

The semi-intensive culture of tilapia is particularly ideal in developing countries because it provides a wide variety of options in management and capital investments. A total of 1000 Genetically Modified Tilapia (GMT), Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry were stocked and reared in a concrete pond with a dimension of 1x1x5m for six months. The mean values of the water quality parameters during the rearing/experimental period were pH 7.25±0.31, temperature 25.85°C±2.98ºC; dissolve oxygen (DO) 4.166mg/L±0.55mg/L; Nitrate 9.44±1.91; Nitrite 40.99±1.38 and Ammonia 0.01. The fish specimens were fed twice a day (morning and evening) with coppens at three percent of their body weight and the parameters recorded were, 11.48 ± 5.4 8 MWG;177.6±122.9%MWG,204.6±19.2DRF:1.44±0.14WRF;6.14±0.57, MRF:0.67±0.38F CR:0.002±0.001 SGR, and 0.006±0.002 GEFC. The data indicated that mean weight gained (MWG) of Oreochromis niloticus increased gradually reaching its maximum. FCR values gradually decreased throughout the experiment which indicates that the lower the FCR the better it is for fish growth. The survival rates of the fish specimens during the experiment were 100 percent at different optimum temperatures, there was an increased trend in the growth with an increase in dietary protein level. It has been clearly verified from this experiment that all super male of Oreochromis niloticus grew better also in concrete pond. This result will promote the use of Genetically Modified Tilapia (GMT) in fish farming, because more weight are achieved and this will help to meet the goal of controlling tilapia prolific reproduction.
Assessment of oxidative stress indicators of West African Dwarf sheep under semi intensive management system
Authors: Jack A. A , Jimoh O. A. , Ihejirika U. G. , Uwaeziozi U. C. , Adenekan O. O.
Published: February 2021

Oxidative stress results from increased production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species, and a decrease in antioxidant defense. This study was conducted to assess sexual dimorphism in serum biochemistry and oxidative status of West African dwarf lambs. Sixteen each of rams and ewes 8months old were randomly selected from a herd purchase from livestock market, Oyo. The average body weights of the lambs were 12.08±3.26 and 12.76kg ewes and rams, respectively. Fastened blood samples were collected from the sheep and assayed for serum biochemical, lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant activity, catalase and superoxide dismutase using standard procedures, data obtained were subjected to T-test. The result indicated that both sex had similar serum biochemical indices except total protein. Ewes had significantly higher serum protein than ram. Rams had apparently higher total antioxidant activity and significantly higher serum catalase activity than ewes, while serum lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase were statistically similar in both sexes. This indicates that rams have better antioxidant activity than ewes. During oxidative stress prone conditions and environment, measures to boost antioxidant activity of ewes should be emphasized.
Gene flow in three broiler chicken populations in Abeokuta using jackknife procedure
Authors: Olowofeso O. , Adeleke M. A. , Azeez M. A , Adesegun A. O.
Published: February 2021

Jackknife procedure (JP) is a less biased and fascinating method of obtaining gene flow among populations. The purpose of this study was to use JP to eliminate bias associated with indirect estimators of gene flow. With microsatellite markers, it has been possible to estimate gene flow (Nmo ) in natural populations. To quantify Nmo in chicken populations, we used five polymorphic microsatellite markers with 115 genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) obtained from (dihybrid (DH = 37), trihybrid (TH = 32) and Anak White (AW = 46) broiler chicken populations, respectively. Through polymerase chain reaction, we amplified DNA from the broiler chicken populations, subjected amplicons to electrophoresis, fragment sizes determined and analysed across populations considering selected markers through which standardized genetic variance among sub-populations in total sample depicted as (F)ST was obtained per marker for chicken population pairs. Its average across markers/population pairs was used to infer Nmo  in the chicken population pairs. We used JP which is a mathematical approach that utilizes mean FST across markers to obtain Nmo in the chicken population pairs. Gene flow based on JP in chicken population pairs designated as (Nm)JP were 5.4267 (DH vs. TH), 7.0127 (TH vs. AW) and 11.7405 (DH vs. AW) and among chicken populations, (Nm)JP was 7.1969. Considering these estimates, we concluded that there was JP gene flow among the three broiler chicken populations examined in Abeokuta, Nigeria.
Fertility, Body Weight and Survivability of Two Lines of Broiler Stock under Selection
Authors: Olutunmogun A. K , Umar, A.U , Adeyinka I. A , Adejoh-Ubani E. O , Nwag B.I , Abdulahi I , Abeke F. O , Sekoni A. A , Ibrahim M. A., , Otu M. O , Haruna H. M.
Published: February 2021

This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of two lines of broiler breeders under selection. The traits of interest were fertility, body weight and survival rate. A total of 120 day-old broiler chicks were hatched from two lines of broiler breeder chickens under selection (Sire and Dam lines). The chicks were hatched from a population of breeder hens and cocks with a mating ratio of 1 broiler cock to 6 broiler hens (1:6). Eggs were collected and pedigreed according to the lines and sire information. The eggs were weighed on a Camry model digital sensitive scale in grams. Eggs were set and hatched in a Buckeye incubator. Each hatched chick was tagged and weighed at hatching and then weekly up to 8 weeks. Data were analyzed using general linear model (GLM). Correlation and regression analysis were based on pooled data from both lines. Results showed that the lines differed with respect to fertility (67.67% and 83.00%), hatchability (77.79 and 49.00) and survival rate (77.78 and 94.14).Also changes in body weight increased as their ages increased with the dam line being superior. There was a low R2 value of between 0.05 – 0.33 when egg weight and hatch weight were pooled and considered as independent variables. In conclusion the lines were superior to each other differently as the sire line had better egg weight and hatchability while the dam line was better in fertility, survival rate and body weight performance. This variation in traits can be used in selection for hybrid strain in the broiler
Performance and economics of production of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) fed varying levels of peeled cooked sun-dried sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) meal diets
Authors: Edache J. A , Tuleun C. D., , Muduudtai R. U , Yisa A. G.
Published: February 2021

A six–week feeding trial was carried out to investigate the effect of feeding peeled cooked sundried sweet potato tuber on growth parameters and economics of production of Japanese quails. Five isonitrogenous (25%CP) diets were compounded. The control diet (1) had no sweet potato tuber meal while 2, 3, 4 and 5 had maize replaced at 25, 50, 75 and 100% by peeled and cooked sundried sweet potato tuber meal respectively.. Three hundred day-old Japanese quails of mixed sexes were randomly assigned the diets in a completely randomized design with feed and water provided ad libitum for six weeks. Each diet was allocated to 60 quail chicks which were further divided into three replicates of 20 birds each. Feed intake was significantly (p< 0.05) lower for birds on diet 3 (14.05g/b/d) than for those on diets 4 (14.87g/b/d) and 5 (14.79g/b/d). Water intake was however significantly (p < 0.05) higher for birds on diet 4 (27.40ml/b/d) than for those on diets 1 (23.77ml/b/d), 2 (24.01ml/b/d) and 3 (24.66ml/b/d). Protein intake was significantly (p<0.05) higher for birds on diet 4 (3.72g/b/d) than for those on diets 1 (3.55g/b/d), 2 (3.54g/b/d) and 3 (3.51g/b/d). Energy efficiency ratio was significantly (p<0.05) better on diet 5 (0.29) than on diet 1 (0.24) only. However, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, feed cost/gain, energy intake and protein efficiency ratio did not differ significantly (p>0.05) from the control. Total cost of production per bird was significantly (p< 0.05) higher on diet 3 than on diets 4 and 5. Revenue per bird was significantly (p< 0.05) lower on diet 2 than on diets 1 and 4 only. Gross margin per bird was significantly (p<0.05) lower on diet 2 than on diets 1 and 3 only. Total feed intake and feed cost/kg gain were not affected by the diets (p>0.05) and diet 5 has a cost saving of 3.00% over the control diet. Results showed that peeled cooked sundried sweet potato can completely replace maize in the diet of quail chicks without adverse effects on performance or on economics of production of Japanese quails.