bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Daniellia oliveri as a fodder tree for small ruminant and the interaction of its tannin with ruminal ammonia
Authors: Osakwe I. I. , Steingass H. , Drochner W.
Published: February 2021

Daniellia Oliveri was examined as a potential fodder for small ruminant, using nine castrated and ruminally fistulated West African Dwarf sheep (29 kg BW) to determine rumen ammonia and nutrient digestibility. Dried leaves of Daniellia oliveri were offered at two levels (25% and 50% of DMI) as supplement to a basal hay diet. A digestibility trial of 8 days was conducted after 10 days of adaptation period. Rumen liquor was sampled one hour before, and one, three and five hours after the morning feeding for three consecutive days. Diet D50% showed a higher (P<0.05) pH than both the control and D25% diets, respectively. Diet D25% had an inferior (P<0.05) pH than the controls. The ruminal ammonia concentration of D25% was superior (P<0.05) to D50% and the controls, respectively. Similarly, diet D50% had a superior (P<0.05) ruminal ammonia concentration than the controls. There were significant increases (P<0.05) in the OM, CP, NDF, ADF, ADL and cellulose intake of D50% diet compared with the controls. Similarly, inclusion level of 50% Daniellia oliveri resulted in a reduction (P<0.05) in digestibility of DMI, OM, NDF, ADF and ADL, in comparison to sheep fed the control diet. Cellulose and hemi-cellulose digestibility of diet D50% was superior (P<0.05) to that of the controls. It would appear that condensed tannins had inhibitory effect on organic matter and detergent fibre digestibility. It was concluded that Daniellia oliveri with a high CP and GE (165 g/kg and 20.3 kJ/g DM) respectively, could serve as a fodder tree for small ruminant in spite of its relatively high content of condensed tannin (48 g/kg DM). An inclusion range of 25 to 50% was recommended during period of scarcity.
Reproductive performance and superovulatory endangered Cameroonian Namshi breed (Bos taurus)
Authors: Massoma L. D. , Ngo N. M. , Tchoumboue J. , Messono O.
Published: February 2021

This study was undertaken to determine the reproductive performance of the endangered Bos-taurus Namshi breed of Cameroon. Ovarian response to superovulatory treatment was also evaluated. The following observations were recorded. The average calf mortality rate was 25.71% while the average birth weight was 12.22±0.82kg. The percentage of animals in oestrus during the wet and dry season was respectively 60% and 33.4%. The oestrus cycle length and the oestrus duration were respectively 20.80±1.20d and 7.00±0.80h: corresponding dry season figures for those parameters were 19.00±0.94d and 6.00±0.7h respectively. In the dry season the manifestation of oestrus was 80º during the day and 20º at night while in the wet season it was 55.55% and 44.5% respectively. Postpartum oestrus was at 18 months. The ovarian response to superovulatory treatment was about 6.40±2.50 ovulations per cow. Results indicate that the scarcity of Bos-taurus Namshi breed in Camerron could be attributed to high calf mortality rate, low calving rate and long postpartum periods. Embryo transfer could be a way to rapidly multiply this breed.
Changes in udder size and liveweight of West African Dwarf, Red Sokoto and Sahel goats during lactation and their phenotypic relationship with partial daily milk yield
Authors: James I. J. , Osinowo O. A.
Published: February 2021

Changes in udder size and liveweight (LWT) of ten West African Dwarf (WAD), three Red Sokoto (RS) and three Sahel goats during lactation and their phenotypic relationship with partial daily milk yield (PDM) were studied. Udder length (UL), udder width (UW), udder circumference (UC), udder volume (UV), distance between teats (DBT), teat height to ground (THG), teat length (TL), teat width (TW), teat circumference (TC) and LWT of does were determined weekly for 12 weeks of lactation commencing from 4 days post partum. There was increase in udder size arising from increases in all udder dimensions (except THG) of WAD from 1st - 3rd week of lactation and RS and Sahel from 1st- 2nd week of lactation when they peaked and thereafter declined up to 12 weeks of lactation. Partial daily milk yield followed the same pattern as the udder dimensions, Sahel dues had the largest udder size with highest average PDM, except for TC' which was largest in RS does. The WAD does had the smallest udder size with lowest average PDM. Largest size of udder was obtained on the day of peak milk yield. The correlation between udder dimensions, LWT and PDM were obtained with UL (r = 0.23), UW (r = 0.30), UC (r = 0.52), UV (r = 0,50), DBT (r = 0.57), THG (r = -0.32), TL (r = 0.09). TW (r = 0.226), TC (* = 0.36) and LWT (r = 0.50). Since, UW, UC, UV, DBT, TC and LUT of lactating goats showed significantly high correlation to average PDM, they could be good indicators of milk yield requiring further investigation as genetic markers.
Interaction between livestock and crop farming in Northern Nigeria: an integrated farming systems approach
Authors: Sanni S. A. , Ogungbile A. O. , Atala T. K.
Published: February 2021

The study looked at the role of livestock and its interaction with crop production in an integrated crop-livestock joining system in Katsina State.Field data were collected through household survey of 120 respondent located in six villages in Katsina state. The result shows that there was a high level of crop-livestock integration among the smallholders in the study area. Livestock in the study is important as a production factor for subsistence, cash and as a source of health. Livestock was prime importance in providing draft power and a source of savings and investment to the households. Also, output from livesick such as manure was intermediate product used for soil improvement for crop production. Animals, particularly small ruminant and poultry; were sold according to house needs for household and crop inputs. They are also purchased as a source of savings investment for the households. Workbulls were more commonly used for the various crop cultivation processes while donkeys were mainly used for carting and transportation. Crop residue supplementation accounted for about 70% of the total feed intake during the dry season. The study also revealed that livestock provided about 30% of the annual household income.
Residues of streptomycin antibiotic in commercial layers in Abeokuta and Ibadan metropolis
Authors: Dipeolu M. A. , Adebayo A. J. , Oke O. M.
Published: February 2021

Old layers sold for human consumption in six open markets in Abeokuta and Ibadan metropolis of Ogun and Oyo States of Nigeria were analyzed for the presence of residues of streptomycin antibiotic. One hundred and twenty samples comprising of muscle (thigh and breast), liver and kidney tissues were subjected to microbiological assay technique for the detection of residues of the antibiotic. The assay was done on antibiotic medium 5 agar with Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633) organism. Results showed that 34.17% of the sampled birds were positive for the presence of streptomycin antibiotic. The concentration of the residues ranged between 0.18µg/g and 0.91µg/g. The mean residue levels recorded among the organs are not significantly different (P>0.05). Some of the muscle samples recorded residue concentration levels higher than the W.H.O recommended maximum residue level for streptomycin antibiotic in muscle tissue of food animals. In view of the importance of antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial diseases in both human and animals, it is advocated that the use of these drugs in food animals be done judiciously.
Bioefficacy and economics of Ronozyme™P as a substitute for bone meal in turkey poult ration
Authors: Ojewola G. S. , Nwachukwu E. N. , Abasiekong S. F. , Akinmutimi A. H. , Oluwafisayo O. A.
Published: February 2021

The biological and economic efficiencies of Ronozyme™P as a substitute for bone meal in female Turkey poults was investigated. A total of eighty local female poults were brooded and fed commercial broiler starter diet containing 23% CP and 2800kcal/kg ME from day-old to four weeks of age. Sixty (60) female poults were thereafter randomly selected and allotted to each of the four experimental groups of fifteen (15) birds each. Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of five poults for 8 weeks in a completely randomized design. A total of four isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets containing 25 CP and 2932kcal/kg ME were formulated. Each of the diets was supplemented with Ronozyme™P while inclusion level of bone meal was varied from diet 1 to 4 respectively. Of all the production and economic parameters considered only the mean daily feed intake was significantly (P < 0.05) influenced. Diet 2 proved to be the best, by having the best feed to gain ratio (2.55), and higher gross margin (₦1,356,35). The difference in the mean total body weight gain for the two diets (2,323.33 (D2) and 2,380.00g (D3)). It was concluded that 2% level of bone meal inclusion in poults diets proved better than diets having 3%, 1% and 1% respectively, especially when supplemented with 30g of Ronozyme™P as recommended. This will cut-down cost and also probably improve calcium and phosphorous availability and absorption.
The effect of feeding graded levels of raw pigeon pea seed (Cajanus cajan) meal on the performance, nutrient retention and carcass characteristics of weaner rabbits
Authors: Amaefule K. C. , Nwaokoro C. C. , Iheukwumere F. C.
Published: February 2021

An 8-week study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding graded levels of raw pigeonpea seed (Cajanus cajan) meal (PSM) on the performance, nutrient retention and carcass characteristics of weaner rabbits 24 rabbits of initial average liveweight of 600-700g in a completely randomized design (CRD). Four experimental diets were formulated such that diet 1 (control) was maize soybean meal based with 0% PSM. Treatnents 2, 3 and 4 had 10, 20 and 30% PSM, respectively replacing part of maize and soybean in the diets. Results showed that there were no significant differences (P>0.05) between the rabbits fed the raw and control diets in all the performance measurements considered. The diet of 30% PSM significantly reduced (P<0.05) feed cost of weight gain and significantly improved (P<0.05) dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) digestibility more than other diets. It was concluded that raw PSM could be included up to 30%, replacing 28.57 and 71.43% of maize and soybean meal, respectively in the rabbits diets without any adverse effect on performance.
The use of "kaun" (Local Potash) as a mineral source in the diet of West African Dwarf sheep
Authors: Adeleye A. M. , Aina A. B. J. , Adu I. F.
Published: February 2021

The study was conducted for 48 days to assess the use of kaun as a source of mineral for Hest African Dwarf sheep. The study was in two parts. Experiment l involved the use of milled kaun mixed with formulated concentrate consisting of wheat offal (50%), palm kernel cake (25%) and dried brewer's grains (25%). Experiment II was the use of dissolved kaun administered to the animals in form / drenching. Each group of animals in experiment 1 was allocated to experimental diet containing milled kaun (0.00, 0.14, 0.28, 0.45 and 0.56g/kg body weight/ram. day) and to kaun solution (0,2,4,6 and 8g: 10ml of water/ram/day) in experiment II. In Experiment I, significant (P<0.05) effects of the diets were observed on average daily gain, dry matter intake and water consumption. The rams on D3 significantly (P<0.05) performed better in daily gain, dry matter intake and feed efficiency than those on other dietary treatment. Water consumption increased with increasing level of kaun in the diets. Animals on D5 had the highest water consumption. No significant (P>0.05) effects of the diets were observed on faecal and urinary mineral outputs of the rams fed kaun supplemented diet. The concentration of these minerals was higher at the end of the experiment than at the beginning thereby giving positive balance. Significant (P<0.05) negative mineral balance was noticed between serum mineral before and after the experiment. This could suggest that mineral utilization was encouraged by kaun inclusion in the concentrate feed. In Experiment II, there were significant (P<0.05) effects of the test diets on average daily gain, dry matter intake and water consumption. Diet 4 (g/10ml of water/ram/day) and D5 (8g:10ml of water/ram/day) performed better with an average daily gain of 100g/d and 92.9g/d; dry matter intake, 70g W0.7kg and 66g/W0.75kg; feed efficiency 0.700 and 0.710, respectively. Water consumption also increased with increase in the concentration of kaun solution but water consumption in treatment groups was lower than in the control (0.10L/kg body weight). The results of this study suggest that 0.28g kaun kg body weight ram/d) promoted better performance in experiment / while 6g kaun/10ml of water, or 8g kaun 10ml of water/ram/d promoted better performance in experiment II. These levels of kaun as a source of mineral in sheep production are therefore recommended for optimum performance.
Urban backyard swine production: A case study of Kaduna, A Nigerian metropolitan city
Authors: Bawa G. S. , Balogun T. F. , Ega L. , Omage J. J.
Published: February 2021

A survey to assess the production pattern of backvard pig raising in Kaduna Metropolis was carried out using structured questionnaires. A total of 170 farmers were randomly selected for the study. 42.94% of the respondents were traders, 24.71% civil servants, 19.41% crop farmers and 5.88% were students. More women (61.76%) than men (38.23%) kept backyard pigs with herd size of 2-10 pigs. Most (86.50%) of the pigs were of the indigenous breed and are raised as a secondary source of income for the family. Management system was mostly extensive (71.24%), but majority of the producers (98.2496) fed kitchen wastes, vegetables and agro-industrial by-products as supplement. About 58. 40% of the farmers interviewed used mud-bricks with thatched roof and rammed earth floor to house their pigs over night, while 55.20% used cement blocks with zinc roof. Most of the farmers (98.20%) reported incredible market age of 11/2 years and sold their pigs live. Mortality was generally high, but was higher for young piglets than for adults and was mainly due to diseases and poor management. Only 58.82% of the respondents applied medications to their pigs, mostly against worms. Among the identified constraints to improved production are high cost and non-availability of compound fornula feeds, difficulties in obtaining bank loans, lack of organised Markets for pigs, high incidence of diseases, accidental mortality, poor management, inadequate veterinary services and lack of title to land. About 92.94% of the respondents found pig raising to be profitable. The survey showed that pig productivity into Nigeria's urban settings could be enhanced if adequate attention is paid to the removal of identified constraints to production.
Luteolytic Effects of two types of prostaglandin (Lutalyse and Fenprostalene) for synchronization of Estrus in postpartum Buffalo Cows
Authors: Smith O. F.
Published: February 2021

Thirty cyclic water buffaloes were assigned to two types of PGF alpha (Fenprostalene and Iutalyze) for estrus synchronization. All animals were given two injections of the PGF2 alpha 11 days apart (1mg fenprostalene or 25mg lutalyze per injection). Results indicated that there were no significant difference in the luteolytic potency of the two types of PGF2 alpha tested (100% response). All animals came on estrus 3 to 4 days after given either of the two types of prostaglandin. Among the ten symptoms of estus monitored, swollen vulva and mucus discharge were found to be expressed by all the buffaloes. The least common symption is licking other buffaloes which was never expressed by any of the animals.
Performance of Clarias gariepinus fed poultry offal meal as a replacement for fishmeal
Authors: Adekunmisi A. A. , Awojobi H. A. , Mulero M. A. S. , Onigemo M. A.
Published: February 2021

uvenile of Clarias gariepinus (average initial weight 32.89g±0.36) were stocked at a density of 56/m2 in concrete tank and fed diets containing varying levels of poultry offal meal as partial total replacement for fish meal. The poultry offal meal was included at 0%, 10%, 20% and 40% levels of inclusion representing, 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% replacement of fish meal in the diet of the fish. Results showed that fish fed 20% level of inclusion of poultry offal meal (50%) (replacement of fish meal) had the highest average final weight/fish (104.85g) and a significantly (P<0.05) better feed conversion efficiency (0.53) than the other diets. However, fish on diet containing 40% level of inclusion of poultry offal meal (100% replacement of fish meal) had equal feed conversion efficiency (0.49) as the control and the least cost of feed per unit gain in body weight (₦0.15/g). Feed intake and live weight gain were not significantly (P>0.05) different among all dietary treatments. It is therefore established from this study that poultry offal meal; can completely replace fishmeal in the diet of Clarias gariepinus. The best overall performance was obtained at 50% replacement of fish meal with poultry offal meal.
The effects of graded level of dehulled and cooked castor oil bean (Ricinus communis, L) meal on performance of broiler starters
Authors: Ani A. O. , Okorie A. U.
Published: February 2021

The effects of graded levels of dehulled-and-cooked castor oil bean (Ricinus communis, L) meal on the performance of broiler starters were studied. Castor oil bean seeds were dehulled-and-detoxified by cooking in two stages at 1000C for 50 minutes per cooking. Sixty 7-day old unsexed broiler starters (Anak strain) were randomly divided into four isocaloric (2.88 mcal of ME/kg) and randomized design (CRD). Each group was fed one of four isolaric (2.88 Mcal of ME/kg) and isonitrogen (24% crude protein) diets containing 0%(control), 10, 15, and 20% levels of dehulled and cooked castor oil bean meal( CBM), respectively for five weeks. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences between birds fed the control diet and those birds fed the 10% CBM diets in all the parameters measured with the exception of packed cell volume (PCV). Inclusion levels above 10% caused significant (P>0.05) caused reduction in average daily feed intake and daily weight gain. However, the reduction in feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency reatio became significant (P<0.05) only at 20% inclusion level. PCV was depressed (P<0.05) by all the iunclusion levels of CBM. Overall, the birds fed the 20% dehulled-and-cooked CBm had the worst performance. It as concluded dehulled-and-cooked CBM could be included at the levels 10 and 15% in the broiler starter diets without much adverse efffects on the performance of the broiler starters.
Estimation of Organic matter digestibility and metabolizable energy content of Agro-industrial wastes using in vitro gas production
Authors: Aregheore E. M. , Abdulrazak S. A.
Published: February 2021

Organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibilities and metabolizableenergy content of some available agro-chemicals wastes (AIW) such as dry brewer's grain cocoa shell, cocoa dust, dessicated cocnut waste meal, wheat bran and rice bran used as ruminant feeds were setimated from in vitro gas production technique. Their crude protein (CP) content varieted from 13.7-25.6%, NDF ranged from 21.9-48.4% Om from 88.6-95.4% and non structural carbohydrates (NSC) estimates increased from 7.2 - 45.6%. Dessicated coconut waste meal(DCWM) had the lowest NSC content. Nutrient contents varied among AIW. Net gas production ranged from 7.7-23.1 ml/day and significant differences (P<0.05) were observed among the AIW in net gas production. The lowest and highest gas productions were obtained in cocoa dust (CD) and wheat bran (WB) respectively. Om digestibility  also had higher ME values showed significantly the differences between the AIW. AIW with high OM digestibility also had higher ME values. Finally the investigation demonstrated that available AIW in the pacific Island countries have potential as animal feedstuffs
Feed intake and digestibility in Yankasa sheep fed diets containing various levels of Leucaena leucocephala leaf residues
Authors: Fasae O. A. , Alokan J. A. , Onibi G. E.
Published: February 2021

Four Yankasa sheep, weighing between 19 and 24kg live weight and with age range between 15-24 months were used in a metabolism study to determine the intake and the digestibility of Leucaena leucocephala leaf residue (LLLR) while diets B, C and D had 15, 30 and 45% LLLR inclusion respectively. Dry matter and dietary crude protein intake by trhe environmental animals decreased with increasing level of LLLR inclusion in the diets, although these values were not significant (P>0.05). Also, digestion rates for dry matter and nutrients decreased as protein level of the diets decreased but variation were not significant (P<0.05). Inclusion of 15% LLLR in the dust produced the best weight gain, though this was significantly (P>0.05) different from other treatments. None of the animals developed any health problem and none was underfed as they all recorded an increase in weight. The diet with 15% LLLR produced performance similar to the control both in nutrient intake and weight gain
Comparative effects of three seasons on seed population and viability of cattle, sheep and goat dungs in South-West Nigeria
Authors: Jolaosho A. O. , Olanite J. A. , Oduguwa B. O. , Adekunle E. A. O.
Published: February 2021

An experiment to determine the effects of seasonal variations on population and viability of seeds in the faeces of ruminant animals was conducted between April to December 2001 using two breeds of cattle, sheep and goats. Three samples were collected per breed from three animals that were tagged for uniformity of data collection. Sampling took place weekly, in the mornings before the animals were taken out for grazing. The highest (P<0.05) total number of seeds, seeds/g dry weights and total number of viable seeds were recovered from cattle, while the least were from goats, but the reverse was the case for percentage viability. The weights of the faeces were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the rainy season than the dry season. The weights of the faeces reduced gradually as the dry season sets in. Likewise, there were more seeds in the early rain than in the late rain and early dry season, with the percentage viability higher in the late rains and early dry season than the early rainy season. There were more broadleaved weeds and sedges in the early rain than late rain and early dry season but the reverse was the case for grasses. In conclusion, although there were more faeces and consequently more seed production in the rainy season, however, but the viability was lower than in the dry season. Also, seeds of broadleaved plants were more in the rainy season while those of grasses were more in the dry season. More seeds and number of viable seeds were recovered from the faeces of cattle than sheep and goats in all the seasons due to the higher weights of faeces but the percentage viability was higher for sheep and goat than cattle.
Oestrus synchronisation with progestagen injectables in West African Dwarf does.
Authors: Ola S. I. , Egbunike G. N.
Published: February 2021

The efficacy of progestagen injection for synchronising oestrus in West African Dwarf (WAD) does was evaluated. The progestagen injections used were 50mg Progesterone; 100mg Progesterone; 25mg Medroxyprogesterone acetate, MPA, 50mg MPA; 25mg Progesterone plus 0.04mg Ethinyl oestradiol combination and 50mg progesterone plus 10i.u oxytocin. The highest oestrous response of 84.6% was obtained with 100mg of Progesterone injection while the MPA groups did not show: oestrus for upward of 50days post injection. A degree of synchrony >50% was obtained only in those treatments containing above 50mg progesterone. Conception rate (Fertility) at first oestrus was above 75% in'all the responding groups except the 50mg progesterone where only 20% of the 71.4% does in oestrus and mated conceived. A single intramuscular injection of 100mg progesterone to postpartum does between 21 and 28days post-kidding led to significant (p<0.05) reduction of 47 and 27 days in the kidding interval of does under the scavenging and confined management systems respectively. These results indicated that there is good prospect in the use of progestagens injectables for oestrus synchronisation and possibly to shorten the kidding interval of WAD does especially under the predominant smallholder management situation. However further studies are required to establish the mechunism of the effects observed and to determine the appropriate dosage of administration of the progestagens.
Effect of rebreeding interval on reproductive performance and body weight changes of does during pregnancy
Authors: Iyeghe-Erakpotobor G. T. , Oyedipe E. O. , Eduvie L. O. , Ogwu D.
Published: February 2021

The effect of rebreeding interval on the reproductive performance and body weight changes of does during pregnancy was investigated using 24 multiparous crossbred (New Zealand White X California) does. The does were placed on three treatments comprising mating at 14, 21 and 28 days postpartum. The docs were served 250g-concentrate meal (23% CP und 2600 kcal ME/kg) daily, while water was given ad libitum. Parameters monitored were doe willingness to mate, doe weights during pregnancy, feed intake, pregnancy rate, litter size and weight at birth, alive at birth and up to 21 days postpartum and stillbirth rate. Kits were weaned at 4 weeks of age. Results obtained showed that does mated 14 days postpartum lost more weight in the second week of pregnancy than the other groups. Rebreeding interval did not significantly (P>0.05) affect doe weight gain in the 19, 3" and 4th weeks of pregnancy. Does mated 14-d postpartum had significantly (P<0.05) higher feed intake during the l", 2nd and 3rd weeks of pregnancy. Feed:guin ratio was higher for does mated 21 d postpartum than for other treatments. Pregnancy rate was higher in the 14-d group and lowest in the 28-d group. Willingness to mate also decreased with increasing rebreeding interval. Litter size at birth, number of kits alive at birth and up to 28 days postpartum were not affected (P>0.05) by rebreeding interval as was the case for litter birth weight and percent stillbirths. Does mated 14 days postpartum however, had numerically more kits alive at birth and up to 28 days postpartum than the other groups. Litter weights were slightly higher for does mated 14 and 21 days postpartum than 28 days. It is concluded from this study that mating does 14 days postpartum under tropical conditions could increase the number of kits weaned per doe and hence increase profitability of the rabbit production enterprise.
The feeding value of full-fat cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale Linn) rejects and low cereal diets for broiler chicken
Authors: Sogunle O. M. , Fanimo A. O. , Biobaku W. O. , Bamgbose A. M.
Published: February 2021

A study was conducted to examine the economic benefits of using full-fat cashew nut (FFCN) rejects and low cereal for diets on 195 Anak 2000 strains of broilers. The five diets used contained 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% FFCN for diets 1 to 5 respectively, as a replacement for full-fat soyabean (FFSB). Cost of feed wieght grain reduced from N38.41 in diet 1 to N24.43 in diet 5 and the total cost of feed consumed per bird reduced from N116.17 in diets 1 to N86.24 in diets 5. Weight gain also decreased while feed/gain increased with inclusion level of FFCN in the diets. Revenue/feed cost increased (P>0.05) with inclusion level of FFCN. The treatment also had significant (P>0.05) effect on the nutrient digestibility. The carcass characteristics showed a non significant (P>0.05) difference between treaments in all the parts except the shanks. The result showed a significant saving in the total cost of feed consumed/bird without any negative effect on the performance of the birds
Performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chicken fed high fibre sunflower seed cake diets
Authors: Adeniji C. A.
Published: February 2021

A feeding trial was conducted to assess the level of inclusion of high fibre sunflower seed cake (HFSSC) protein as ror soyabean cake protein replacement  for soybean cake protein in the diets of broiler chicken at 0,25,50,75, and 100%. At the starter phase feed intake and feed efficiency ratio were significantly (p,0.05) increased as the level of HFSSC increased in the diets . weight gain and protein efficiency ratio were however significantly (p,0.05) reduced when over 25% of HFSSC was included in the diets . Atthe finisher phase the same trend was observed except that weight gain and protein efficiency ratio were significantly (p0.05) reduced when over 50% HFSSC was included in the diet. Significantly (p<0.05) differences were observed in live weight, plucked and dressing percentages at the starter and finisher phases. Reduction in abdominal fat deposition was obtained at the starter and finisher phases while gizzard weights wee significantly (p<0.05) increased. The result of this study show that 50% soybean  cake protein in the diets of broiler chicken can be replaced by HSFFC.
Effect of dietary inclusion levels of mechanically extracted neem seed cake on performance of young rabbits
Authors: Bawa G.S. , Orunmuyi M. , Onabanjo O.A.
Published: February 2021

A feeding trial lasting 56 days was conducted using forty (40) weaned rabbits of mixed breeds with uncrage initial live weight of 669+20g to determine the effect of dietary inclusion levels of mechanically extracted neem seed cake on their performance and carcass characteristics. The animals were assigned lo five treatments based on their initial live weight and ser. There were eight individually caged rabbits per treatment. The diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous (20% CP). The control diet was based on maize and soybean meal. The neem seed cake was included at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% levels. Feed and wuler were offered ad libitum. Weekly feed intake and body weight changes were determined and feed efficiency calculated. At the end of the 56-day experiment, 5 rabbits per treatment were removed and slaughtered for carcass evaluation. The results showed that rabbits fed the 10 or 20% dietary levels of mechanically extracted neem seed cake hud growth performance and carcass characteristics that were statistically comparable (P>0.05) to those fed soybean meal (control) diet. Further increase in the dietary inclusion levels of the neem seed cake up to 30 or 40% resulted in significantly (P<0.05) depressed growth performance. The results favour the use of mechanically extracted neem seed cake in young rabbit diet up to the level of 20%.
Performance, digestiblity and carcass yield of broiler chickens fed diets containing two types of fishmeal
Authors: Idowu O.M.O. , Daisy O. E. , Eruvbetine A. O.
Published: February 2021

A feeding trial was conducted with one hundred and eighty day-old Anak broiler randomly allocated four dietary treatments containing imported fishmeal (IFM) and ground smoked fishmeal (GSFM) to investigate the performance response of broiler chickens fed diets containing 2.5 and 5.0% IFM und GSFM respectively. Bodyweight and bodyweight gain increased linearly with increased levels of inclusion of fishmeal in the diets (P<0.05). Better performance was noticed at higher levels of inclusion of both IFM and GSFM. Final bodyweight and gain were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by fishmeal type and level of inclusion. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the birds on IFM diets at 2.5 and 5.0% were not significantly different (P>0.05) from that of GSFM during the starter and finisher phases. Daily protein intake and cost of feed per kilogram weight gain showed no significant treatment effect. The substitution of IFM by GSFM however reduced feed per kilogram weight gain and increasing the level of fishmeal in broiler diets from 2.510 5.0% resulted in reduction of cost of seed per kilogram weight gain. There was a linear increase (P<0.05) in the percentage protein retention and the digestibility percentages of dry matter and fat as the level of fishmeal increased from 2.510 5.0%. The inclusion of IFM both ui 2.5 and 5.0% levels resulted in a relatively superior (P<0.05) dry matter digestibility and crude protein retention when compared with values obtained for GSFM. The dressed weight percentage increased slightly (P>0.05) with increased level of inclusion of fishmeal while the abdominal fai and other carcass proportions were not significantly influenced by the dietary treatments. Birds that were fed GSFM had a significantly higher (P<0.05) gizzard and kidney percentages. It was therefore concluded that the use of higher levels of local fishmeal (above 5%) in practical diets of broiler chickens could be advantageous where and when improved fishmeal is in short supply and very expensive.
Mineral profile and dietary mineral supplements on the concentrations of some minerals in the brain regions of pigs.
Authors: Adejumo D. O. , Okunola O. O.
Published: February 2021

The nervous system though largely electrical in action is "powered" by its content of minerals which exist in ionic forms in nature and play a major role in neural action, membrane permeability and excitation. 20 grower boars were randomly assigned to two dietary groups of 10 boars each. The first ration was a conventional grower feed without vitamin/mineral premix while the second diet was supplemented with Agricare® premix* and more common salt than the conventional diet. The animals were fed ad libitum and slaughtered at 60kg body weight. The brains were dissected out into six brain parts namely: cerebellum, amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, cerebral cortex and medulla oblongata, and immediately analysed for electrolytes. Calcium in the cerebellum and hypothalamus of mineral-supplemented pigs was significantly higher (P<0.05) than concentrations in the pigs on unsupplemented diets. Calcium concentrations in the other brain regions did not show significant differences. Sodium concentrations were relatively stable in all the brain parts irrespective of dietary mineral supplementation although higher concentrations were recorded in the brain parts of pigs on mineral supplemented diets. However, sodium concentrations were higher in the cerebellum and cerebral cortex of the mineral-supplemented pigs with values of 15.0 mg di and 14.8 mg dt- which are significantly (P<0.05) higher than concentrations of 11.8 mg dr and11.3 mg dr respectively recorded for the pigs on the unsupplemented diet. This study has established a direct link between dietary minerals and salt on the mineral content of the pig brain
Milk yield and composition of Muturu cattle under the semi intensive system of management
Authors: Ezekwe A. G. , Machebe N.
Published: February 2021

Milk was once obtained daily for 98 days from Muturu cows in their 3r lactation and analysed for yield and composition. Results showed that milk yield was generally low but there were highly significant (P < 0.01) individual variations in milk output. The butter fat content of the milk appeared relatively high (4.72 +0.08%). However, all the milk constituents were within the values reported for other tropical breeds. There was a significant inverse relationship (r = -0.87; P<0.05) between butterfat and milk protein, while the relationship between milk protein and lactose was positive and significant (r = 0.81; p < 0.05). Even though the milk yield of Muturu cattle is low, resource-poor rural farmers can readily extract some fresh milk from their cows for immediate family use in order to improve the family nutrition.
Effects of Cooked Pigeon Pea seed meal on the performance, dressed and organ weight characteristics of broilers
Authors: Etuk E. B. , Etuk E. B. , Udedibie A. B. I.
Published: February 2021

Seeds of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) grown in Enugu State in the South East Agricultural zone of Nigeria were studied to determine its effect on performance, dressed weight and organ weight characteristics of broilers. The dry, brown coat coloured pigeon pea seeds were cooked in boiling water for 60minutes, sun-dried, made into a meal and stored in feed bags. The cooked pigeon pea seed meal (CPSM) at 0, 20, 30, 40, and 50% dietary levels replaced 0, 40, 60, 80 and 100% of soybean meal and 0, 20, 30, 40 and 50% of maize, respectively in formulated broiler starter diets. CPSM also replaced 0, 50, 75 and 100% of soybean meal and 0, 18.18, 27.27, 36,36 and 54.54% of maize, respectively in formulated broiler finisher diets. The formulated broiler starter and finisher diets were fed to 7 - day old hubbard broilers in two successive regimes of 28 days each, for the starter and finisher phases respectively. At 63 days of age, 3 broilers of comparable live weights per replicate were selected, starved of feed for 12 hours, slaughtered and eviscerated to determine the dressed weights and internal organ weights. Broilers fed 0% CPSM diet recorded significantly (P<0.05) higher live weight gains than those on CPSM diets except broilers fed 20% CPSM. Feed intake was significantly (P<0.05) higher among broilers fed 50%CPSM diet and significantly (P<0.05) lower among birds on the control (0%CPSM) diet. Results obtained also indicated a significant (P<0.05) difference in dressed weight between birds fed CPSM diets and the control diet (0%CPSM). Birds fed 20% CPSM diet recorded the highest dressed weight. Liver weight decreased progressively with increasing dietary inclusion level of CPSM with birds fed 50% CPSM diet recording significantly (P<0.05) lower weights. Weight of gizzard was also significantly (P<0.05) lower for birds fed 50% CPSM diet. Heart and spleen weights followed a similar pattern with birds fed 20%CPSM diet recording significantly (P<0.05) higher weights for heart and lower weight for spleen respectively, It would appear that dietary CPSM tend to improve the dressed weight of broilers.
Effects of calcium hydroxide soaked and cooked velvet beans (Mucuna pruriens) on the performance of finisher broilers
Authors: Enomalom O. O. , Nwachukwu I. C.
Published: February 2021

The response of finisher broilers to diets containing pre-calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2 soaked and cooked velvet bean (VB) was investigated. The processed beanmeal was incorporated into broiler finisher rations at 0% (control), 20% and 30%levels, respectively and fed for 28 days in a complete randomized design replicated 4 times. Velvet bean diet caused progressive readuction in growth. At the end of trial, broilers fed 20 and 30% VB diets weighed 98.34 and 80.11% of the control respectively. Birds fed 30% diet had the lowest fed intake value of 4.38kg, which compared statistically with 4.58kg of the control. Birds fed 30% VB diet had significantly (P<0.05) lower feed conversion ration ( 3.02) than the control. Inclusion of 20% VB in the dietsi gnificantly (P<0.05) increased the feed (4.76) of broilers, but allowed better growth (63.00gg/d) and feed conversion ratio (2.73), than the 30% VB diet group. At the end of the trial, birds fed 20% VB diet compared statistically with the control in growth rate and feed conversion ratio. We conclude that pre-soaking in Ca(OH)2 solution for 84-hr before cooking for 1-hr partially improved the performance of finisher broilers, thus allowing for successful use of 20% processed meal in broiler finsher rations.
Performance of laying birds fed diets containing forage meal of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl A. Gray) and antibiotics
Authors: Ademola S. G. , Farinu G. O.
Published: February 2021

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of the forage meal of Tithonia  diversifolia with or without antibiotic on the laying performance and egg quality of birds for a period of eleven weeks. T. diversifolia is also known as wild sunflower leaf. Wild sunflower leaf meal (WSFLM) was incorporated in the diets at 75g/kg (basal diet). Streptomycin and penicillin were   added to basal diet at 100 ppm each. Mixture of penicillin and streptomycin, each at 100 ppm added to the fourth diet. Control diet neither contained WSFLM nor antibiotic. The results of weekly performance at first week of the study, showed that there were significant (P<0.01) increases  for egg production, hen day production and feed efficiency  for birds fed diets containing WSFLM,  while egg weight and feed intake were not affected. Haugh Unit (P <0.05) and egg breadth (P <0.01) 8th week, whereas food consumption at second (P <0.05), fourth and fifth weeks (P <0. 01) were all significantly influenced by the dietary treatments. Yellow pigmentation of egg yolks was significantly (P <0.01) enhanced by WSFLM throughout 77 days. The summary of the data at the end of the study indicated that WSFLM significantly (P <0.01) enhanced egg. Weight, egg production,  Egg yolk and hen day production (P < 0.05). Control birds and those fed basal diets with antibiotic significantly (P <0.05) retained protein and ether extract than those fed basal diet. Supplementation of basal diet with either penicillin or streptomycin positively affected the egg production and egg weight at 77th day, whereas the mixture of the two antibiotics adversely affected the performance of the birds. It is therefore advisable that WSFLM at 75 g kg-1 in combination with either penicillin or streptomycin at 100ppm may be included in the diet of laying birds
Performance of West African dwarf goats fed Panicum maximum and concentrate diets supplemented with Lablab (Lablab purpureus), Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) and Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) foliage.
Authors: Babayemi O. J. , Ajayi F. T. , Taiwo A. A. , Bamikole M. A. , Fajimi A. K.
Published: February 2021

Performance of Sixteen West African dwarf (WAD) goats were evaluated by feeding varying proportions of Lablab purpureus (LP) and Panicum maximum (PM) based diets. The study lasted for 105 days during which Leucaena leucocephala (LL) with Panicum maximum (PM) were fed at ratio 25:75 (T), Gliricidia sepium (GS) and PM at ratio 25:75 (T) and Lablab purpureus (LP) with PM were fed at ratio 25:75 (T) and 50:50 (T)) respectively. Concentrate (13 % CP) was given to the animals at 1 % body weight. The animals were arranged in a completely randomized design. Parameters such as feed intake, growth rate, digestibility and nitrogen balance were monitored. The DM intake (g/kgW0.75/day) was not significant among the treatment means. Animals placed on 50 % lablab had better dry matter than goats in other treatments. Treatment 3 and 4 had highest values 115.71 and 121.87 respectively than the control, Treatment, The crude protein intake (g/ kgW0.75/day) was highest in treatment 4 (23.97) and lowest in treatment 3 (20.57). The liveweight gain (g/day) was highest in animals fed with leucaena and those on 50% lablab. The digestibility of DM, CP, ADF, ADL and NDF were generally higher than the control and best in the 50 % lablab supplementation. The N balance (g/kgW0.75/day) and retention were also highest in 50% lablab and lowest in 25 % Gliricidia supplemented diet. Result indicated that feeding lablab at 50 % supplementation with Panicum marimum-diets could lead to improve feed intake, weight gain, digestibility and nitrogen utilization in WAD
Basic principles of nuclear techniques and applications in livestock production
Authors: Rekwot P. I. , Sekoni V. O. , Mallam S. P. , Bawa E. K. , Abubakar Y. U. , Alawa C. B. I.
Published: February 2021

It is known. that many of the advances which have been made in improving the feeding, fertility and health of livestock in developed countries would not have been possible without nuclear tech-niques. Nuclear techniques have been used by scientists to study and understand those biological processes which are responsible for growth, reproduction and disease resistance in animals. Tracer tech-niques based on isotopes have been used for tagging feed constituents, amino acids and other metabolites, whereby their fate .can be fol-lowed within the digestive system and other parts of the body. This forms an integral part of the armoury used by animal nutritionists to establish the nutri-tional value of all the materials potentially available to feed animals. The development and use of highly sensi­tive immunoassay methods, to measure the minute quantities. of reproductive hormones in the blood enables us to determine when. animals are ready- for breeding, check whether animals have been inseminated at the correct time, diagnose pregnancy early enough, and devise corrective measures for reproductive disorders and improve the efficiency of artificial insemination and embryo transfer programmes. Radioisotopic methods have been used to study the immune system. to examine infec­tious agents and how they Stimulate this system, and to develop specific and sensitive methods for development of veterinary vaccines and diagnostic tests.
Effec of corticosteriod administration on the infectivity of Tyypansome brucei (8/18) in the Nigerian domestic chickens (Gallus Gallus Domesticus)
Authors: Adedapo A. A. , Olopade J. O. , Saba A. B. , Dina O. A.
Published: February 2021

This study was aimed at determining how the infectivity of trypansome brucei could be affected by steriod administration to the local chickens. It has been shown that Nigeria domestic chickens were susceptible to Trypanosome brucei (8/18), In the course of this study the Try some brucei brucei (8/18) was found to have lost Its infectivity  to the local chickens. Even steroid administration at both low (0.2mg/ml) and high (1.0inglinl) dosage and prolonged administration of the steroid could not change this occurrence. The study thus concluded that serial passage of T brucei brucei (8/18) over a time will make it loose infectivity to Nigerian domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus).
Effects of supplemental cocoa husk on testicular characteristics of pigs
Authors: Adejumo D. O.
Published: February 2021

48 Large white boars with an average weight of 35 kg were randomly allocated to 6 experimental

rations compounded from conventional ingredients with maize and maize offal as the major energy

Sources. Ration 1, (R1) served as the control and contained no Cocoa husk (CH) supplement.

Rations 2.3.4,5 and 6 (R2-R6) contained 5%, 10%, 15% 20% and 25% inclusion levels of cocoa

husk, respectively effectively replacing maize offal at 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%, respectively. Significant effects (P<0.05) were observed on testicular weights with a mean of 150g in the control Digs and 168g in the pigs on 5% CH diet. Further increases in the dietary intake of CH decreased testicular weight. The weight of the tunica albuginea increased initially with increasing CH inclusion up to 10% level (17.8g) thereafter gradually decreasing with increasing CH to10. 6g at 25% CH level. The cauda epididymal weight also exhibited a similar trend. Gonadal sperm reserves were influenced by dietary CH rising from 2.74x109 in the control animals to 13.05 x109 in the 10% CH supplemented group and falling thereafter to 3.21 x109 at 20%CH supplementation. Epididymal reserves were also similar in concentration to the testicular sperm concentrations. Significant dimly effects were observed in calcium, potassium and sodium concentrations in the gonads. Calcium content of gonadal tissues decreased with increasing CH level. Potassium and sodium however rose linearly with increasing CH incorporation zip till 20% incorporation level, and declined sharply in the pigs fed the 25%CH diets. In summary, cocoa husk supported optimum testicular characteristics maximally in mature boars up to 10 % level of incorporation and is tolerated without adverse effects on testicular characteristics up to 15% level.