bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of feed quality restriction on changes in body measurements and carcass characteristics of West African dwarf sheep
Authors: Olayode B. A. , Sowande O. S. , Bemiji M. N. , Bawala T. O. , Ajagbe` O. O. , Oni A. O.
Published: February 2021

Twenty seven West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep were used for the 120 day feeding trial to determine the effects of feed quality restriction on changes in body measurements and carcass characteristics. The animals were divided into three groups of nine animals each, the control group(C), the restricted group one (R1) and the restricted group two (R2). The sheep in the control group were fed dried guinea grass (Panicum maximum) and concentrate diet for the whole period of the experiment. The R1 and R2 animals were fed dried grass for a period of 30 days and 60 days, respectively before the inclusion of concentrate diet for 60 days. The live weight was measured weekly and body measurements every two weeks. Data obtained were analyzed using one way analysis of variance. Results showed that the average values for chest girth were significantly (P< 0.05) affected by duration of feed quality restriction with R2 group sheep having the highest value of 58.67 ± 1.16 cm and R1 group sheep having the lowest mean value of 53.85 ± 0.65 cm. The average values for testes girth and total dry matter intake were significantly (P< 0.05) affected by duration of feed quality restriction with C group sheep having the highest values 11.33 ± 0.26 cm and 346.80 ± 0.26 g, respectively. The C group sheep also had significantly higher (P< 0.05) values for live weight, withers height, shoulder width, thigh bone weight, dressing percentage and liver weight (12.75 ± 0.73 kg, 55.88 ± 0.00 cm, 19.05 ± 0.42 cm, 0.18 ± 0.03 kg, 60.47 ± 4.76 % and 0.22 ± 0.01 kg, respectively) during realimentation. In conclusion, feed restriction negatively affected live weight, total dry matter intake, chest and testes girth and it was recommended that feed supplementation during periods of feed scarcity be encouraged so as to allow animals maximise their growth and breeding potentials because animals fed grass and concentrate (C group) performed better than those fed grass only for specific periods (R1 and R2 groups).
Prevalence and predilection sites of lice infestation on cattle in Abeokuta, Nigeria
Authors: Oyewusi I. K. , Babatunde B. A. , Anifowoshe I. O. , Famuyide I. M. , Oyewusi J. A. , Olugbogi E. I. , Talabi A. O.
Published: February 2021

Lice are one of the most prolific ectoparasites on the bovine skin and they have a detrimental impact on production and performance of cattle. A survey of the prevalence and predilection sites of lice in Abeokuta, Nigeria was carried out using 150 heads of indigenous cattle of both sexes recently acquired in batches from different parts of Nigeria. Adult lice were found on the eyelids, inner commissure of the pinna and caudal end of the tail. Of the 150 animals examined, 10.67% were infested with lice; Damalinia bovis, Haematopinus spp and Linognathus spp accounting for 4.67%, 3.33% and 2.67% respectively of the infestation. None of the cattle had mixed lice infestation. Lacrimation was the only clinical sign associated with lice infestation in all the 16 affected animals. In conclusion, there is need for a nationally coordinated comprehensive study of the parasite-host interaction, life-cycle and epidemiology of these species of lice. Also, there is need to adopt the policy of de-lousing trade cattle before transportation to the point of sale.
Fertility and hatchability of Japanese quail eggs under semi arid conditions in Nigeria
Authors: Raji A. O. , Kwari I. D. , Mbap S. T.
Published: February 2021

Some factors affecting the fertility and hatchability of Japanese quail eggs were studied at the Poultry Unit of the University of Maiduguri Livestock Teaching and Research Farm. A total of 1850 eggs were used for the study and data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance. The mean values of fertility, hatchability of total and fertile eggs set, early, mid and late embryo mortalities were 74.33, 51.35, 69.09, 10.25, 7.57 and 12.30% respectively. Fertility was highest (84.92%) in the dry cold, least (35.58%) in the dry hot, with wet season (80.75%) being intermediate. Similarly, hatchability of total and fertile eggs set were 67.18 and 79.11% in the dry cold, 14.11 and 39.66% in the dry hot and 46.86 and 58.03% in the wet season. Younger quails (≤10 and 11-22 weeks) had higher fertility and hatchability than older ones (23-34 and 35-52 weeks). Early embryo mortality also increased with age. Fertility and hatchability of eggs from caged birds was 89.54 and 62.34% as compared to 54.93 and 37.35% from deep litter reared birds and hatchability of fertile eggs was 69.63 and 67.96% respectively. Fertility and hatchability was highest (92.15 and 71.48%) for birds of ratio 1:3 and least for 1:5 (19.60 and 10%). Breeders that weighed 181-200 g had the highest hatchability (79.22%) and ≤140 g the least (60.83%). In contrast, breeder's with weights ≤ 140 g had the highest late embryo mortality (20%) and 141-160 g the least (9.67%). Light brown quails had lower hatchability of total and fertile eggs (23.71% and 35.71%) as compared to wild type or normal colored ones (52.04% and 69.84%). Light brown, however, had higher (P<0.05) early and late embryo mortalities (21.43% and 35.71%) than wild type (10.0% and 11.77%). It can be concluded from this study that for optimum fertility and hatchability, Japanese quail should be reared in cages at a mating ratio of 1:3 male to female.
Response of broiler chickens fed diets containing loofah gourd Luffa cylindrical (M.J. Roem) seed meal
Authors: Onigemo M. A. , Agbalaya K. , Tijani L. A.
Published: February 2021

The scarcity and increasing cost of conventional plant protein sources prompted researches into potential feed resources that are relatively of less importance to man. Loofah gourd (Luffa cylindrical (M.J. Roem) is a plant that is widely available in most tropical, subtropical and temperate region. In Nigeria it grows luxuriantly uncultivated and the sponge is often used for domestic cleaning while the seeds are discarded. The seeds were de-hulled, milled and fed at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% dietary levels of inclusion as partial total replacement for groundnut cake. One hundred and fifty (150) day-old broiler chicks were divided into five (5) groups and each was fed the experimental diets for fifty six (56) days in a completely randomised design (CRD) arrangement. Data collected included the average feed intake (AFI), average weight gain (AWG), live weight (LW) feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), haematology indices such as pack cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC) and haemoglobin (Hb), serological variables such as Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartic aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and carcass characteristics. Loofah gourd seed meal (LGSM) significantly (P<0.05) depressed the feed intake, weight gain, live weight, and protein efficiency ratio of the birds as the dietary inclusion of LGSM increased in a similar trend. AFI, AWG, and PER were significantly highest (P<0.05) in birds on the control group (125.88 g/day, 51.37 g/day, and 1.81 respectively) and lowest in those on 20% LGSM (62.88 g/day, 19.35 and 1.39 respectively). PCV and Hb were significantly highest (P<0.05) in birds on the control group (10.46 g/dl and 34% respectively) and lowest in those on 15% LGSM (21%) and 10%LGSM (6.98g/dl) respectively. Birds fed with the control diet had the lowest (P<0.05) AST (86.13 U/I), ALT (5.67 U/I) and ALP (112,338.90) and those on 20% LGSM had the highest AST (104.18 U/), ALT (10.98 U/D while the highest ALP (201,762.90) was in birds fed 10% LGSM. Weight of liver and spleen expressed as percentage of live weight were significantly lowest in birds on the control group (1.38 and 0.18 respectively) and highest in those on 15% LGSM (4.08 and 1.50 respectively). The increased in liver and spleen weight coupled with increased serum enzymes activities suggest the presence of anti-nutrient in LGSM. Hence, the use of LGSM beyond 5% level of inclusion is not beneficial in the production of broiler.
Evaluation of conjugated linoleic acid and other health-related lipid components in raw, boiled and smoked beef
Authors: Agboola H. A. , Fapojuwo O. O. , Gbadamosi O. S.
Published: February 2021

Conjugated octadecadienoic (C18 :2) Linoleic Acid (CLA) if not destroyed by heat during processing can be beneficial to health. About 100g of Longissimus dorsi Beef Muscle (LDBM) each was trimmed of external fat and connective tissues and used for this study. Samples were spiced, group into 3 of N=10 samples per group and treated as raw (control), boiled and smoked to internal temperature of 76.1ºC. Samples did not show significant difference (p > 0.05) in the amount of CLA content which had values of 0.60% and 0.40% for boiled and smoked samples respectively. However, these values were different from the raw sample with a value of 2.39 ± 0.01. Boiled samples preserved the total beneficial lipids of CLA, PUFA, MUFA and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids more than smoked samples. The major fatty acids found in the muscle analyzed are palmitic (C16 :0), stearic (C18 :0) and octadecenoic (C18 :1). Omega 3 fatty acids are 1.05%, 1.16% and 1.30 % for boiled, smoked and raw samples respectively and 4.21%, 6.39% and 12. 87% for omega-6 fatty acids in the same order. Ratios of ? -3/? -6 are 0.25, 0.18 and 0.10 for boiled, smoked and raw samples respectively. By preserving the beneficial CLA, the Nigerian traditional high temperature moist-cooking method should not pose any risk in processing beef. Our internal cooking temperature of 76.1ºC for the boiled and smoked beef conforms to USDA cooking temperature for a 'well done' beef.
Performance characteristics, plasma lipids and copper residue in organs and tissues of cockerel chickens fed dietary organic and inorganic copper
Authors: Jegede A. V. , Oduguwa O. O. , Fafiolu A. O. , Ibitoye O. O. , Ogunsola I. A. , Awesu R. J. , Olorunsola R. A. , Obadire F. O.
Published: February 2021

A 112-day study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary organic (Copper proteinate) and inorganic (Copper sulphate) Cu source on growth performance, plasma lipids and copper residue in organs and tissues of cockerel chickens. 240 day-old commercial Black-Harco cockerel chicks were randomly distributed to 6 dietary treatments of 40 birds each. Each treatment group was randomly allocated to 4 replicates of 10 birds each. The diets were formulated to contain a basal diet (containing 30.62 and 29.71 mg/kg Cu for starter and finisher phases respectively) supplemented with organic Cu (Cu proteinate; Cu-P) or inorganic Cu (Cu sulphate; CuSO ) fed at 3 dietary levels (50, 100 and 4 150 mg/kg). The birds were fed chicks mash and grower mash at 1-56 days and 57-112 days respectively in a deep litter pen at floor space of 0.06 m2/bird. Cu-P supplementation resulted in significantly higher (P<0.05) final live weight (FLW) and total weight gain (TWG) compared to CuSO at starter phase. Better feed conversion ratio was noticed in birds fed 4 Cu-P supplemented diets compared to CuSO at 150mg/kg Cu concentration at both starter 4 and finisher phases. Birds fed 150 mg/kg Cu recorded the highest (P<0.05) feed intake value at starter phase. There was significantly higher (P<0.05) accumulation of Cu in the blood, heart, lung, liver and thigh of birds fed Cu-P than those fed CuSO . The liver Cu 4 concentration increased as dietary Cu concentration increased. Cu-P supplementation resulted in significant reduction (P<0.05) in plasma cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride in comparison to CuSO . The blood 4 cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride decreased with increased copper concentration. Organic form of copper promotes growth, more bioavailable and more effective in reducing cholesterol than copper sulphate.
Effects of varying dietary zinc levels on energy and nitrogen utilization in West African dwarf kids.
Authors: Osineye O. M.
Published: February 2021

Zinc is an essential dietary mineral for growth and pregnancy in livestock. However, its requirement for indigenous livestock has not been given adequate attention. Therefore, zinc requirement for energy and nitrogen utilization in West African dwarf (WAD) kid was investigated. Forage crops and commercial rations from four different feed mills, were analyzed to provide baseline zinc levels to which goats were exposed. Twenty-one weaned WAD female kids, aged 5-6 months and weighing 4.8-5.6kg were randomly assigned to seven dietary treatments and were further replicated three times. in a completely randomized design. Animals were transferred to individual metabolic cages for separate collection of feaces and urine 14 and 15 weeks later. Parameters determined were dry matter intake (DMI), energy utilization and nitrogen utilization. The mean±SE of Panicum maximum, Andropogon gayanus, Pennisetum purpureum, Leucaena leucocephala and Gliricidia sepium, contained 31.2±5.0; 29.1± 3.0;34.6± 6.0; 45.0± 5.0 and 47.1± 4.0mg Zn/kg DM respectively. Growing WAD kids fed 134.0 mg/kg DM had significantly (p<0.05) higher DM1 (% of body weight) of 8.2 as compared with kids fed 44.0, 104.0, 164.0, 194.0, 224.0 and 254.0mg Zn/kg DM which recorded 7.7, 7.9, 7.4, 7.3, 7.1 and 4.3 % respectively. This trend was observed for energy utilization (77.40) which was significantly (p<0.05) higher than other dietary treatments which recorded 74.40. 75.20. 70.10, 65.37, 64.10 and 49.42 respectively. Animals on dietary Zn content of 134.0ppm and 164.0ppm recorded the lowest feed conversion ratio of 6.00. Therefore, growing WAD kids required 134mgZn/kg DM for optimal growth and physiological performance.
Effect of genotype, sex and parity on growth traits of diallel crossed Nigerian indigenous and exotic pigs
Authors: Okoro V. M. O. , Ogudu U. E. , Udedibie A. B. I. , Okoro C. L. , Ukwu H. O. , Ibe S. N.
Published: February 2021

Three breeds of pig namely; Indigenous (IN), Large white (LW) and Landrace (LR) breeds were crossed in full diallel arrangement to evaluate the effects of cross, sex and parity on growth traits as well as establish the nature of gene action due to the growth traits at birth, weaning and 20 weeks of age. Each line crossed in a full 3x3 diallel cross resulted in a total of 132, 107 and 105 pigs at birth, weaning and 20 weeks of age respectively. General Combining Ability (GCA), Specific Combining Ability (SCA) and Reciprocal Effects (RE) were estimated for eight traits which includes Body weight (BWT), Ear length (EL), Tail length (TL), Heart girth (HG), Snout circumference (SC), Snout length (SL), Height at wither (HW) and Body length (BL). There were significant differences (P < 0.05) among the various crosses, sex and parity but no significant interaction. The LRxLW cross consistently expressed higher body weight and morphometric traits than other crosses at birth, weaning and 20 weeks of age, while the INxIN expressed least body weight at birth and 20 weeks of age, while LWxIN was the least at weaning. There was no significant GCA effect (P>0.05) on all the traits measured, but SCA was significant (P<0.01) for all morphometric traits and body weight. RE was significant for body weight at birth and weaning, while at 20 weeks, was significant for SC and HW. The non-significant GCA estimates along with significant SCA estimates suggest that the genes governing the eight traits measured do not act additively, but non-additively, implying that improvement of those traits may be attained by exploiting heterosis through planned crossbreeding. However, the significant reciprocal effect in body weight and some morphometric traits indicates maternal and sex-linked effect at the affected ages, implying that significant reciprocal cross may be used to attain high performance for the growth traits in the progeny.
Effect of phytobiotics inclusion on haematological and serum indices of broiler chickens
Authors: Lawal O. E. , Eruvbetine D. , Sobayo R. A. , Olowofeso O. O.
Published: February 2021

The effect of phytobiotics inclusion on haematological and serum indices of broiler chickens was investigated using 180 one day-old Arbor-acre broiler chicks in an eight weeks feeding trial. Six experimental diets were formulated to include the control diets (Og/kg), Ginger (5g/kg), Pawpaw leaf (5g/kg), Moringa (5g/kg), Turmeric(1g/kg) and Oxytetracycline (0.5g/kg) diet. These diets were assigned to six groups of 30 chicks replicated 3 times with 10 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). Feed and water were given ad libitum. At the end of eight weeks, blood samples were collected from jugular vein of the birds and were analyzed for haematological and serum biochemical indices. The result of the analysis showed that dietary treatments significantly (p<0.05) influenced all haematological parameters studied. Ginger had the highest value of packed cell volume (45%), haemoglobin (15.05 g/dl) and red blood cell count (3.39x1012L-1) at the finisher phase. Total protein, uric acid, glucose were significant (p<0.05). Serum cholesterol value was significantly (p<0.05) lower in birds supplemented with ginger compared to other groups. It can be concluded that ginger at 5g/kg improved PCV, Hb and reduction of cholesterol concentration in broiler chicken.
Emerging antibiotic resistant enteric bacterial flora among food animals in Abeokuta, Nigeria
Authors: Olufemi F. O , Akinduti P. A. , Omoshaba E. O. , Okpara E. O.
Published: February 2021

Bacterial resistance to antibiotic in food animals is an emerging public health concern as a result of increasing multi-resistant bacteria found in Abeokuta. Therefore, occurrence rate and resistant profile of the emerging enteric pathogens were determined in food animals in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Fecal and rectal samples of 82 were randomly collected from food animals such as sheep (30), chicken (37) and pigs (15) in three major farms located in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Enteric bacteria isolates obtained were cultured and identified according to standard protocol. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by disc diffusion method and standard micro-tube dilution assay and resistance profile was carried out. Among the food animals surveyed for resistant enteric pathogens, 46% and 36% were chicken and sheep respectively while 18% were pigs. Complete resistance of 100% was shown by all the enteric bacteria obtained to metronidazole, tetracycline and penicillin while highest rate of Proteus mirabilis (33.5%) and Escherichia coli (20.1%) were multi resistant strains. Uncontrolled use of antimicrobial agents in food animals is shown to be associated with increasing emergence of antimicrobial resistance in food-borne pathogens which could enhance treatment failure and increase morbidity or death among the populace.
Effects of aqueous leaf extract of Tithonia diversifolia (Mexican Sunflower) on semen characteristic and morphology in male Wistar albino rats
Authors: Olukunle J. O. , Jacobs E. B. , Oyewusi J. A. , Durotoye L. A. , Adeleye E. O.
Published: February 2021

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of the aqueous extract of Tithonia diversifolia leaves on semen characteristics and spermatozoa morphology Wistar rats. The rats were divided into three groups (A, B and C) and treated daily with 400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg of the aqueous extract of Tithonia diversifolia leaves respectively for 28 days while 5ml/kg of distilled water was given to the control group D. At the end of the experimental period, animals were sacrificed and sperm characteristics, histology of the testes and epididymis were assessed. Aqueous extract of Tithonia diversifolia leaves caused a dose-dependent decrease in the progressive sperm motility of the Wistar rats with a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the group dosed with 1600mg/kg (62.50±7.5) when compared with the control (93.75±1.3). It also cause a dose-dependent decrease in the sperm count with a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the group dosed with 1600mg (69.75±0.5) when compared with the control (129.0±5.0). Some sperm abnormalities vise headless tail (321.5±0.3), tailless head (171.00±50.0) and bent tail (3766.0±320.5) were significantly increased in the group dosed with 1,600mg/kg while histopathological evaluation of the festis and epididymis revealed varying degrees of degeneration and necrosis of the germinal epithelia cell of the seminiferous tubules. Spermiostasis and complete epididymal aspermia were also observed. Tithonia diversifolia aqueous leaf extract has significant anti-spermatogenic effects on adult male Wistar rats which could impair reproductive activities in these rats.
The occurrence of liver flukes in cattle and sheep slaughtered in Sokoto abattoir, Northwestern Nigeria
Authors: Alayande M. O. , Lawal M. D. , Mohammed A. A. , Ibafidon M. , Ibrahim N. , Talabi A. O.
Published: February 2021

This study was carried out to determine the occurrence of liver fluke infections in cattle and sheep slaughtered in Sokoto metropolitan abattoir, northwestern Nigeria using bile samples. A total of 170 cattle and 126 sheep of different local breeds were randomly selected and examined at the abattoir and the gall bladder of such animals were collected, sliced open and the entire content washed into a beaker and allowed to stand for up to 6 hours after which the sediments were examined for eggs of Fasciola spp. and Dicrocoelium spp. 17.06% and 4.76% of cattle and sheep respectively were infected with Dicrocoelium spp., but egg of Fasciola spp. was not found in the animals sampled in this study. Eggs of Dicrocoelium spp. were found to be highest in female cattle (18.75%) and female sheep (5.88%). It was concluded that liver flukes are present in the study area; therefore regular monitoring of ruminants for liver flukes and a comprehensive study encompassing the epidemiology of the intermediate hosts for effective control is recommended.
Egg production and quality assessment of Nigerian indigenous chicken genotypes and their crosses with Marshall
Authors: Bassey O. A , Akpan U , Ikeobi C. O. N. , Adebambo O. A , Idowu O.M.O
Published: February 2021

This study focused on investigating the reproductive performance of Nigerian indigenous chickens and their crosses with Marshall. The genotypes were normal-feathered (Nn), frizzle-feathered (Ff) and naked neck (Na) chickens, while the crossbreds with Marshall (M) breed were MNn, MFf and MNa respectively (Marshall being the sire while the indigenous are dams). Data were taken on; weekly egg production, weight at first egg and age at first egg. Genotype significantly (P<0.05) influenced egg production traits. Egg weight ranged from 23.71±1.06g to 26.13±0.94g for indigenous purebreds and 39.75±0.75g to 48.06±0.57g for crossbreds. Age at first egg were 165.63±0.61 days (Nn), 170.60±0.75 days (Na) and 173.57±0.52 days (Ff), 188.71±1.67 days (MNn), 187.50±3.16 days (MNa) and 185.25±5.44 days (MFf). Also, genotype significantly (P<0.05) influenced egg quality traits. Heritability for first egg production traits were 0.37 (Nm), 0.16 (Na) and 0.66 (Fz) while heritability estimates for egg quality trait (haugh unit) were 0.14, 0.07 and 0.08 for Nm, Na and Fz birds, respectively The crossbreds performed better than the indigenous purebreds in egg production traits. The Nigerian indigenous chicken can therefore be improved upon for better egg production traits using the Marshall breed.
Adoption of improved fish hatchery production technologies by fish hatchery managers in Oyo state, Nigeria
Authors: Ashley- Dejo S. S , Omoniyi I. T. , Olaoye O. J , Fakoya E.O. , Adelaja A. O.
Published: February 2021

This study sought to assess the adoption of improved fish hatchery production technologies and information usage by fish hatchery farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 234 hatchery farmers from Oyo using structured questionnaire from all the four Agricultural Development Programme zones in Oyo State. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, mean score and index score. Information on socio economic characteristics revealed that most (88.9%) of the fish hatchery farmers were in the active age bracket of 31-60 years, majority (86.8%) were married male. The mean household size was 7 persons per household with majority (53.4%) having above 6 years of fish hatchery experience. The grand mean score for agencies/channel examined in this study was 1.68, information usage index was 0.56. Levels of awareness were relatively high but there were low adoption rate for some of the fish hatchery production technologies. Based on the available evidences, it was recommended that all fish farmers should be trained on hatchery operations regardless of level of educational status. Therefore, regular workshop should be organized for the producers and the most available and cost effective innovations on hatchery enterprises should be made available to all the categories of fish farmers irrespective of their gender.
Chemical composition of camel (Camelus dromedarius) milk as affected by parity and seasons under pastoral production systems in north-west, Nigeria
Authors: Ghude M. I , Maigandi S. A , Muhammad I. R , Alkali H.A.
Published: February 2021

One hundred and seven camels and twelve lactating camel cows were used in a study comprising three seasons (wet, cold–dry and hot–dry) and three parities (one, three and five). The study was conducted using a 3 x 3 factorial in a completely randomized design. Four animals were selected in each parity level and were at early stage of lactation. The calving time and health status of the animals were carefully examined before selection. Milk samples were analyzed for chemical composition. The mean chemical composition of the milk obtained indicated significantly (P<0.05) higher total solids, solid non fat, fat, ash and viscosity in hot–dry season, however no significant (P>0.05) difference existed in the pH and density while lactose level of milk was significantly (P<0.05) higher in cold–dry season respectively. It is concluded that there is lower fat content in camel milk compared to other dairy animals despite the feed and water challenges during hot season.
Socio-economic characteristics of camel (Camelus dromedarius) marketers in Mai'adua livestock market, Katsina State, Nigeria
Authors: Ghude M. I. , Maigandi S. A , Muhammad I. R , Alkali H.A.
Published: February 2021

The study was conducted to assess the socio-economic characteristics of camel marketers at Mai'adua livestock market in Katsina state. Random technique methods were used to select 45 marketers and an interview was used to generate the information. All the correspondents were males and married. Majority (46.67%) were between the age category of 35-40 years and only 11.11% were 55 years and above. Majority (75.56%) attended Qur'anic schools. Niger republic was the major source of the camels as indicated by 68.89% of the respondents while 17.78% and 11.11% indicated Katsina and Jigawa states respectively. Among the animal brought to the market for sales, males out-numbered the females while in the frequency of sales, females out-numbered the males because of variation in prices as indicated by 71.11% and 55.56% of the respondents respectively. Majority of the camels purchased were transported to Kano main abattoir for slaughter. There was variation in prices between males and females, stages of growth and development and physiological status. Camel calf (male) had a high price of N70,000 and above while that of female costs N60,000 and above; bull and heifer are sold at a minimum of N90,000 to N95,000 and N70,000 to N75,000 while old camel bull and cow were sold at medium price of between N160,000-N165,000 and N130,000-N135,000 respectively. However, (53.33%) of the respondents indicated lack of weighing devices as a major constraint and most (46.67%) indicated inconsistency in pricing among others. A seasonal variation was said to determine the demand. During early rainy season, farmers purchased male camel bulls for farming activities as indicated by the respondents (40.00%). Lack of awareness on the importance of camel meat also posed a constraint as camel meat was widely consumed (73.33%) in the area. Cost of camels increased during Eid-El-Kabir as indicated by 44.44%. The study reported information on marketing, sources, uses and destination of camels respectively
Growth performance, blood profile and economic analysis of broilers fed fermented mixture of cassava flour and bovine blood (cassablood) based diets
Authors: Aniebo A.O.
Published: February 2021

The effect of dietary treatments on growth performance, haematological and biochemical indices of finisher broilers as well as economics of broiler production were determined in this experiment. Four broiler finisher diets were formulated with different inclusion levels of fermented cassava flour/blood mixture code-named “cassablood”. The control diet (T1) contained 0% cassablood, while diets 2, 3 and 4 contained 20%, 25% and 30%  cassablood respectively. 120 four weeks old Anak broiler chicken were randomly allocated the 4 diets with 30 birds per treatment replicated 3 times with ten 10 broilers per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD).Treatment effects on final body weight, final weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were significant (P<0.05). Birds fed cassabloodbased diets compared favourably with the control diet. 20% cassablood inclusion performed equally with the control diet in feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. All dietary groups also showed no significant differences (P>0.05) in most haematological and serum biochemical indices of broilers except in cholesterol, glucose and triglyceride contents which differed (P<0.05) significantly Similarly, chicken on 20% and 25% inclusion levels produced significantly (P < 0.05) higher economic gains in terms of feed cost per kilogram of broiler among all the treatments. Therefore, 20 - 25% cassablood dietary inclusion level was recommended in broiler diet for production and profit maximization.
Blood chemistry and carcass characteristics of finisher broiler chickens fed Malted Sorghum sprout (MSP) or Wheat-offal based diets supplemented with yeast culture and enzyme
Authors: Oke F. O , Oluwatosin O. O , Obadire S. O , Jegede V. A , Fafiolu A. O , Oso A.  O , Adeyemi A. O , Olorunisola R. A , Adeoye S. A
Published: February 2021

This experiment was conducted to determine the blood chemistry and carcass characteristics of broilers fed malted sorghum sprouts (MSP) or wheat offal (W/O)-based diets supplemented with yeast culture and enzyme. A total of two hundred and forty 28-day old, Marshal Broiler chickens used for the experiment were randomly allotted to 8 dietary treatment groups of 30 birds each. Each treatment group was replicated thrice with 10 birds per replicate. Data on selected blood indices and carcass traits of the birds were collected during the course of the feeding trial that lasted for 4 weeks. The experiment was a 2X4 factorial consisting of two (2) test ingredients (MSP and wheat offal) at 4 inclusion levels of enzyme or yeast (0g kg-1, +0.01gkg-1 yeast and Roxazyme G2(G) enzyme, +0.01gkg-1  yeast ,+ Roxazyme G2(G)  enzyme. At the end of the trial, the effect of MSP and wheat offal inclusion showed a significant effect (P<0.05) for uric acid, WBC, Total protein, albumin and globulin. However, uric acid, total protein, Albumin and Globulin were highest for wheat offal diet. Furthermore, the results show that values obtained for white blood cell, uric acid, total protein, albumin, globulin, creatinine, ALT& AST were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the enzyme, yeast and their combination. The carcass results show that none of the parameters measured differed significantly. In conclusion, supplementation with yeast + enzyme improves total protein, albumin and globulin. Meanwhile, it reduced concentrations of uric acid, ALT and AST by broiler chickens. Therefore MSP diet should be supplemented with yeast+ enzyme or enzyme singly to improve Livestock ration for better utilisation.
Growth and Early Laying Performance of Pullet Chickens Fed Sorghum Based Diets Supplemented with Enzymes
Authors: Onimisi P. A., , Agunbiade O. M. , Omage J. J.
Published: February 2021

A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of replacing maize with sorghum and supplementation with enzymes, on the growth and laying performance of laying chickens. Four hundred and fifty 12-weeks old Lohmann Brown pullets were distributed randomly into six dietary treatments with three replicates per treatment, each replicate had 25 birds with uniform group weights at the initial stage of the study. The treatments included maize without enzymes (T1) and sorghum without enzymes (T2) as two controls respectively, while T3, T4, T5, and T6 contained sorghum based diets with phytase, protease, roxazyme G2G, and a combination of protease and roxazyme G2G respectively. The experiment lasted from 12 to 32 weeks of age of birds during which data were collected on growth and early egg laying performance of birds. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance, using the completely randomized design (CRD). Significant differences among treatment means were compared using the Tukey test. Significant (p<0.05) differences were noted in final weight (g/bird), weight gain (g/bird), daily weight gain (g/bird), total feed intake (g/bird), daily feed intake (g/bird/day), and feed to gain ratio. Final weight and weight gain were significantly (p<0.05) better for birds in T4 (sorghum + protease) compared to the other treatments, but was similar to T1 (control). At the early laying stage, no definite trend was observed among the egg production traits. However, dietary treatment supplemented with phytase (T3) had the highest numerical values for; weight of first egg (54.28g), number of eggs at peak lay (24.00), hen house egg production 78.84%, and hen day egg production, 81.09%. It was concluded therefore, that sorghum with phytase and protease supplementations can be used in layers' diets for optimum egg production. It is recommended that phytase supplementation at 0.02% with sorghum can be incorporated into the diets of egg type chickens for optimum performance.
Effect of Daniellia oliveri leaf meal in total mixed rations on the performance of Savannah Brown goats
Authors: Suleiman A. O. , Alemede I. C , Aremu A. , Olafadehan O. A , M.A Muftau
Published: February 2021

The study was carried out to determine the effect of Daniellia oliveri leaf meal (DOLM) in complete diets on feed intake, digestibility, nitrogen utilization and growth of Savannah Brown goats in a 90-day trial using the completely randomized design. Thirty-six does, with an average initial weight of 10.66 kg, were randomly divided into four groups of similar body weight (BW) and allocated to one of the four complete diets with DOLM inclusion levels at 0%, 20%, 30% and 40% respectively. Intakes of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM), and cost/kg BW gain were higher (p<0.05) in the control diet than in the treatment diets. Intake of crude protein (CP) was higher (p<0.05) for the control diet compared to the 30 and 40% DOLM diets. Feed conversion ratio and faecal nitrogen excretion of animals on 20% DOLM diet were lower (p<0.05) than other diets. Final body weight, total weight gain and average daily weight gain were not (p>0.05) affected by the diets. Digestibility of DM and CP, and nitrogen balance of animals on 0 and 20% DOLM diets were higher than those on 30 and 40% DOLM. Digestibility of OM and crude fibre was lowest (p<0.05) for the control diet relative to other diets. Nitrogen intakes (NI) of 0 and 40% DOLM diets were lower (p<0.05) compared to those of 20 and 30% DOLM diets. Nitrogen absorbed (NA) and nitrogen retention (as % of NA) were marginal (p<0.05) for 30% DOLM diet relative to other diets. Nitrogen retention (as % of NI) was highest and lowest (p<0.05) for 20% DOLM diet, and 30 and 40% DOLM diets respectively. The study shows that Daniellia oliveri leaf meal can be used up to 40% inclusion level to replace 100% of maize offal in the diet of Savannah Brown goats without adversely affecting the performance of the animals.
Assessment of production objective and breeding practices of rural goat keepers and implications for a breeding programme in north central Nigeria
Authors: Yakubu A. , Achapu M. M.
Published: February 2021

Goat farming is a veritable source of livelihood of many rural families in Africa. This study aimed at determining prevailing production systems and breeding objectives of rural goat producers in north central Nigeria. A total of 180 rural goat keepers corresponding to 60 per State (Nasarawa, Benue and Plateau) were randomly sampled. Primary data (socioeconomics of respondents, reasons for keeping goats, flock structure, management system, productivity and breeding practices) were collected through individual structured questionnaire administration. Cross tabulations and Chi square (÷2) statistics were used to compare categorical variables, while rank means, arithmetic means and standard deviations were calculated for within- and between-state comparisons of the continuous variables. While more goat producers were involved in crop farming in Benue State (43.6%), only 34.5 and 21.8% engaged in farming in Plateau and Nasarawa State, respectively. Goats were kept for income generation, milk, meat and cultural/religious functions by about 61.1, 12.8, 15.0 and 6.1% of the producers while the relative importance given by respondents to the different objectives varied significantly (Chi-square=6.62; P< 0.05) across the States. The average flock sizes of goats for Nasarawa (9.68±5.63), Benue (8.25±4.73) and Plateau (8.80±3.98) were not significantly (P>0.05) different. Semi-intensive system predominated (P<0.01). Productivity indices showed that for age of parturition, number of kids of Sahel doe and lifespan of goats, there was no significant difference (P>0.05). Among all the breeding traits across the three States, only disease resistance varied (P<0.01). Disease resistance, survival, fertility, number of offspring and body size appeared similar (P>0.05) as preference for production traits. However, growth (83.52-97.68 mean ranks) (Plateau State) and cultural importance (75.28-104.70 mean ranks) (Benue State) varied across the States (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). The present information will be useful in understanding the farmers' production objectives, management and breeding practices as a first step in designing a sustainable breeding programme for rural farmers in the study areas.
Bruk av studentresponssystem i nettundervisning
Authors: Nielsen Kjetil Liestøl
Published: February 2021

I denne artikkelen vil jeg presentere ulike måter studentresponssystem (SRS) kan brukes for å håndtere noen av utfordringene med nettbasert undervisning, slik som kommunikasjon mellom lærer og student, og hvordan legge opp til, og følge opp, gruppearbeid og faglige samtaler på en god måte. Artikkelen vil vise praktiske tips med å gjennomføre Peer Instruction-metoden, en populær SRS-metode for å fremme faglige samtaler og kritisk tenking, samt vise hvordan man kan bruke systemet til å fange opp usikkerheter hos studenter i gruppearbeid og oppgaveløsning, og hvordan dette kan brukes til å bedre tilpasse gjennomganger av oppgaver.
Conferences as a learning arena in a pedagogical course
Authors: Førland Oddfrid , Andersson Roy
Published: February 2021

Vi presenterer ein metode for å engasjere undervisarar i SoTL (Scholarship of Teaching and Learning) der undervisingsutvikling i eigen praksis vert delt gjennom deltaking på læringskonferansar. Utviklingsarbeidet blir gjort i ramma av eit pedagogisk kurs, der deltakarane gjennomfører gruppebaserte SoTL-prosjekt meiningsfulle for deira kontekst og praksis. Som del av kurset vert arbeidet sendt inn som bidrag til ein kollegavurdert læringskonferanse. Kursdesignet med kollegiale grupper og prosjekt i eigen kontekst sikrar ei viktig lokal forankring av SoTL-arbeidet. Konferansedeltaking som kursaktivitet tilfører ein ekstra dimensjon og en arena for læring og deling. Undervisarane utset arbeidet sitt for kritisk gransking og formidling i eit større miljø, og slik blir utviklingsarbeidet relevant og ekte – og ikkje berre ei oppgåve i eit kurs. Vi finn at deltakarane hadde stort utbytte av å presentere på læringskonferansar, og opplevde at konferansedeltaking gav meirverdi til kurset. Å presentere for eit interessert og kunnskapsrikt publikum var inspirerande og meiningsfullt, men undervisarane kjende òg på usikkerheit om kvalitet og kunnskapsnivå. Førebuande kursaktivitetar bidrog til å styrke sjølvtillit og kvalitet, og førebygge usikkerheit. Konferanse som kursaktivitet er krevjande for både deltakarar og kursleiar. Andre potensielle utfordringar er t.d. høgare terskel for å delta, risiko for refuserte bidrag, auka arbeidsmengde, kostnad og tidsbruk.
Tilrettelegging for dybdelæring ved bruk av samarbeidslæring og hverandrevurdering - med 200 studenter.
Authors: Godager Linda Helen , Sandve Simen Rød , Fjellheim Siri
Published: February 2021

I denne artikkelen drøftes studentenes læringsutbytte og opplevelse av endret undervisningsform i grunnkurs i genetikk for 182 studenter, fra tradisjonell forelesning med utstrakt bruk av Power Point til mer studentaktiv undervisning. Det endrede undervisningsopplegget varte i fem uker, og vektla utvikling av omvendt undervisning, utarbeiding av begrepskart, samarbeidslæring, representasjoner/konkreter i læring, presentasjon av fagstoff for medstudenter samt hverandrevurdering. Studentenes læringsutbytte ble vurdert i etterkant av disse fem ukene ved å gi studentene fjorårets eksamensspørsmål uten mulighet til forberedelser, mens studentenes opplevelse av undervisningsform ble målt med spørreundersøkelser og dybdeintervju. Resultatene våre viser at studentene som fikk undervisning som la vekt på studentenes aktive deltagelse og som fikk uforberedte eksamensspørsmål, presterte faglig like godt som tidligere studenter som hadde hatt tradisjonell undervisning og forberedt seg normalt til eksamen. Dette er en indikasjon på at studentaktiv læring gir en mer varig forståelse av begreper, metoder og sammenhenger i genetikkfaget, ofte referert til som dybdelæring (Utdanningsdirektoratet, 2019). I tillegg til fagkunnskap innen genetikk satt studentene igjen med en rekke andre ferdigheter, bl.a.: representasjons-, samarbeids-, presentasjons- og vurderingsferdigheter. Det overveldende flertall ga tilbakemelding på at de var motiverte for å lære seg fagstoffet, fornøyd med undervisningsformen og hadde fått nye venner, noe som viser at tiltaket også bidro til utvikling av det sosiale fellesskapet i emnet. Studentene var samtidig også tydelige på at samarbeidslæring er ressurskrevende og anbefaler samarbeidslæring kun i kortere perioder av et emne.
Tverrfagleg samarbeid i matematikk og mekanikk med aktiv studentdeltaking
Authors: Lunde Arnhild , Hansson Lars
Published: February 2021

Kva for fordelar kan eit samarbeid på tvers av emner ha? Erfaringar frå eit mangeårig, tverrfagleg samarbeid mellom forelesarar i matematikk og mekanikk blir presentert med fokus på nært samarbeid med studentassistentar. Målet med det tverrfaglege samarbeidet er å tydeleggjere for studentane samanhengar og synergiar mellom grunnleggande emne i ingeniørutdanninga. Studentane blir i begge emna oppfordra til  å nå dette målet gjennom å ta ansvar for eigen læring gjennom aktiv studentdeltaking. Eit anna mål er at studentassistentane skal ta ei viktig rolle i å etablere eit felles læringsmiljø der studentane kan søkje hjelp i begge emna i studiet sitt. Resultatet er eit tverrfagleg samarbeid der studentar, studentassistentar og faglærarar opplever eit trygt, inkluderande og utviklande miljø på tvers av emner og institutt. Studentassistentane blir ei viktig brikke for å tilpasse, evaluere og vidareutvikle tilbodet om ein god og utviklande læringarena for studentane.
An interdisciplinary, student-active course on UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life below water
Authors: Enberg Katja
Published: February 2021

Educating student to respond to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) calls for teaching and learning where students are at the centre of their own learning. Sustainability questions are ‘wicked problems’, where no single, correct answer exists, but the answers depend on the values of those who answer, and require innovative pedagogy and active, action-oriented learning allowing the learners to think critically and engage in exploring sustainable futures. Sustainable Development Goals 14, Life Below water, aims at “conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development”. Along with the 16 other SDGs, it provides an excellent focus area for teaching and learning. The course SDG214 at the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Bergen is a 10 ECTS open interdisciplinary course where the students work in teams, and the portfolio assessment includes essays, presentations, a debate, a poster and a paper, but no exam. The assessment is formative and the students get feedback on their individual and group assignments and are allowed to resubmit. The course culminates in a poster session organised together with three other courses. The student feedback suggests that course functions well for education for sustainable development.
Exploring motivation and teamwork in a large software engineering capstone course during the coronavirus pandemic
Authors: Lindsjørn Yngve , Almås Steffen , Stray Viktoria
Published: February 2021

In the spring of 2020, the Department of Informatics covered a 20 ECTS capstone course in Software Engineering, mainly focusing on developing a complex application. The course used active learning methods, and 240 students were working in 42 cross-functional, agile teams. The pandemic caused by the coronavirus had a significant impact on the teaching given by the University of Oslo, as all physical education and collaboration among the teams had to be digital from March 12. At the end of the semester, we conducted a survey that focused on 1) aspects of teamwork (e.g., communication and coordination in the teams) and the relation to team performance (e.g., the application product) and 2) the students’ motivation and ability to cooperate through digital platforms. A total of 151 respondents in 41 agile student teams answered the survey. This study aimed to investigate how the teamwork and motivation of the students were affected by having to work virtually. The results are compared to results from the same course in 2019 and a similar survey on 71 professional teams published in 2016. Our results show that the teamwork was evaluated similarly to both the evaluation of survey conducted in 2019 and on the professional teams in 2016.  The motivation among the students remained high, even though they had to collaborate virtually.