bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TESTICULAR SIZE AND SPERM OUTPUT IN HOLSTEIN-FRIESIAN AND N'DAMA BULLS
Authors: Nwakalor L. N. , Orji B. I.
Published: March 2021

Records collected over a period of four months from October 1978 to January 1979 from four Holstein-Friesian and four N'dama hulls, were used to study the relationship between testicular size and sperm output. Semen samples were collected from the bulls twice a week using the artificial vagina and non-oestrous female teasers. The means (± s.e.) of testicular measurements for Holstein-Friesian and N'danta, respectively, were 35.6 ± 1.8 and 7.9 ± 0.3cm. for scrotal cir­cumference, 12.6 ± 0.3 and 7.7 ± 0.8cm for testis length, 6.7 ± 0.3 and 3.7 ± 0.2em for testis diameter. Calculated mean testicular volumes were 296.8 I 22.2 and 57.4 ± 10.1m1 respectively for Holstein-Friesian and N'dama bulls. T-he mean total sperm per ejaculate were 8.80 t 3.045 x 109 for (be Holstein-Friesian and 3.03 ± 0.905 x 109 for the N'dama bulls. Simple correla­tions for Holstein-Friesian and N'damn in the same order, were between body weight and scrotal dr. rumference 0.49 and 0.66, body weight and sperm output/einculate 0.48 and 0.88, scrotal cir­cumference and testicular volume 0.74 and 0.60. scrotal circumference and sperm outpuilejactilete 0.18 and 0.69, and testicular volume and sperm out­put/ejaculate —.45 and 0.84. Regression equations for predicting sperm oat­put/ejaculate from testicular volume are given as Y = .13.458 — .031 X and Y' = - .650 + 0,038 x respectively, for holstein-Friesian and N'dania bulls.
THE PATTERN OF EGG LAYING IN DOMESTIC FOWLS KEPT IN WARM HUMID TROPICS
Authors: Orji B. I.
Published: March 2021

Oviposition times, sequence of laying, lag time, laying intensity, egg weights and specific gravity of two commercial hybrids, Hypeco Gold Line (HGL) and Shavers Black (SB), were studied with 192 individually caged birds (96 of each) over a forty six day period. The most frequent sequence size was three for HGL and two for SB, the longest egg sequence for HGL was 43 while that of SB was 22. The interval between successive eggs ranged from 23.00 to 27.67 hours for HGL and from 23.56 to 27.80 hours for SB. The laying intensity was 72.10 and 63.54 per cent for HGL and SB respectively. The mean egg weight was 62.83 ± 0.38 g for HGL and 68.81 ± 0.39 g for SB; the egg weight tended to decrease from the first to the last egg in a sequence. The mean specific gravity of the eggs were 1.057 ± 0.003 and 1.056 ± 0.005 for HGL and SB respectively. The peak of lay was between 0900 to 1000 hours in both crosses with 99 per cent of all eggs being laid between 0600 and 1800 hours. Over 70 per cent of the eggs were laid before 12 noon in both Cases.
FEEDLOT PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF ZEBU CATTLE IN THE MALI SAHEL ZONE I. SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING IN ADDITION TO NATURAL PASTURE
Authors: Adebowale E. A. , Dobel K. , Legel S.
Published: March 2021

Investigations into the performance of Peulh and Maure Zebu breeds of cattle to supplementary feeding of cotton seed and rice bran in addition to grazing natural pasture during the rainy and dry seasons were conducted in the Sahe one of Mali Republic. 96 steers made up of Peulh and Maure Zebu breed with age ranging between 30 and 55 months were grouped into five ._-­the control group grazed on natural pasture alone while four test groups were fed supple­mentary diets in addition to free grazing. Parameters based mainly on feed intake, rate of gain, feed conversion and carcass characteristics showed Maure gained weight significantly (P < - 0.05) faster (318.5g/d) than Peulh (2920) when a feeding trial which lasted 56 weeks was conducted. All steers on test diets performed better than the control except during the second rainy season when a 'compensatory growth' was recorded for the steers under the control. treatment. Younger animals (30 months old) gained weight (337.1g/d) significantly faster (P< 0.05) than the older (55 month-old) ones (273.40). While dressing percentage ranged between 48 and 56, test animals had significantly better dressing percentage of 55.4% (P < 0.05) than the control (48.2%). No diffe­rence was-recorded between the breed or age groups. Animals fed on pasture alone had 10.7% capacity of rumen content as perc­centag€ of carcass weight compared with 7.5% fir test diets.
The Value of Dried Fish Silage for Pullet and The layer Hen
Authors: Ologhobo A. D. , Balogun A. M.
Published: March 2021

Two experiments were conducted with golden Hubbard pullet chicks to investigate the replacement effects of locally prepared fish silage for imported fish meal in pullet and layers' rations. Acidic and neutral fish silage preparations concentrated with either maize or cassava plus groundnut meal and wheat offals, were fed as a substitute for fish meal. Results with pullets showed good feed consumption for all dietary treatments but feed efficiency was decreased (P<0.05) for neutral cassava, acidic maize and acidic cassava fish silage treatments. Pullet mortality was between 0.18 and 4.17%, being significantly (P<0.05) highest in the acidic fish silage diets. Lipid retention, metabolizable energy (ME) and efficiency of energy utilization (ME%) were similar across all treatments except for neutral maize fish silage, in which ME was slightly high and lipid retention low. Egg production and egg size significantly (P<0.05) decreased among groups of birds fed acidic maize acidic cassava and neutral cassava fish silage diets. Similarly, the efficiency of feed conversion to eggs decreased (P<0.05) in all fish silage substituted diets.
POULTRY OFFAL MEAL AS A PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT FOR GROWER PIGS
Authors: Udedibie A. B. O. , Esonu B. O.
Published: March 2021

A 16-week feeding trial, involving 18 weaner pigs in a randomized complete block design, was carried out to determine the value of poultry offal meal (POM) as a protein supplement for grower pigs at three dietary levels, 0%, 10% and 20%. Liveweight gain, dressing percentage and backfat thickness were significantly (<0.05) higher in pigs fed 20% POM dietary level. The cut parts, heart, liver and kidney, also increased with increasing level of POM), the diets. The poultry offal meal (POM), the processed, edible and inedible parts of poultry (viscera feathers, beaks blood, discarded eggs and dead birds) used for this study, contained 56.4% crude protein 20.9% crude fat, 7.7% total ash 4.6% crude fibre and 3.18Kcal/gin metabolizable energy. The results of this study suggest that POM could be incorporated in grower pig rations up to 20% with good results.
CLINICAL AND HAEMATOLOGICAL FEATURES OF STRESS INDUCED BABESIOSIS IN BABESIA EQUI INFECTED INDIGENOUS HORSES
Authors: Oladosu L. A. , Olufemi B. E.
Published: March 2021

Studies on actively stressed 3. equi infected premuned indigenous polo horses, manifested severe clinical syndromes characterised by partial anorexia, hyperthermia, lethargy, extreme weakness, marked dehydration, ecchymotic third eyelid, pale mucous membranes, sternal recumbency and coma. Some horses showed complete anorexia, obvious colicy symptoms, watery blood, and haemoglobinuria. The haematological changes in the affected horses included highly significantly (P<0.01) low packed cell volume, reduced haemoglobin concentration, depleted red blood cell counts and highly significantly (P<0.01) depleted neutrophils and lymphocytes.
COPPER AND IRON SUPPLEMENTATION IN THE DIETS OF LAYING HENS IN THE TROPICAL ENVIRONMENT — EFFECTS ON PRODUCTION TRAITS
Authors: AGUNBIADE J. A. , BABATUNDE G. M.
Published: March 2021

One hundred and thirty-five fifty-two-week-old hybrid layers (Hubbard Strain), were allocated to 9 dietary treatments of 15 birds each. The birds were fed, on one of 9 diets, consisting of three levels of supplemental copper: 0,200 and 400 ppm and three levels of supplemental iron: 0,100 and 200 ppm for 12 weeks. Per cent day egg production, egg grade, feed intake, efficiency of teed conversion, mortality and body weight change were measured. No significant effects of copper or iron or their interaction, were observed for any of the traits measured in the study. However, diets supplemented with 100ppm Fe/400ppm Fe/0 ppm Cu, showed slight improvements in egg production and efficiency of feed conversion over the control. The diet supplemented with 100ppm Fe/200ppm Cu also showed the most marked body weight gain. The results of this study seem to indicate that the effects of copper supplements, equivalent to those found to stimulate growth in pigs and chicks, are of little or no significance in old layers in a tropical environment. The results also showed that concurrent supplementation of copper containing diet with iron is not necessary for old layers.
THE EFFECT OF REPLACING MAIZE WITH DRIED SWEET POTATOES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF LAYERS
Authors: SOBAMIWA O.
Published: March 2021

Sweet potato was incorporated into layers diet to replace 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 per cent levels of maize respectively. The effect on the performances of 26-weck old pullets for 10 weeks was studied. Replacement of maize with dried sweet potato up to 20% in layers ration, did not have an appreciable effect on feed intake, weight gain, total egg production, egg weight and feed conversion, as the apparent differences were not significant
OBSERVATIONS ON POLLED TRAITS IN RAMS OF THE WEST AFRICAN DWARF; A RESEARCH NOTE
Authors: OLOGUN A. G.
Published: March 2021

The breed characteristics of the West African Dwarf (WADI sheep have been described (ILCA, 1519; Adu and Ngere, 1979). The typical head characteristics for the rams is the presence of short spiral horns (ILCA, 1979).
EFFECT OF FEED RESTRICTION ON BOILER PERFORMANCE: CONFORMATION TRAITS AND ISOMETRY OF GROWN
Authors: IBE S. N. , NWACHUKWU E. N.
Published: March 2021

The effect of quantitative feed restriction on broiler conformation traits, namely breast width, keel length, thigh width and shank length, and on growth of these linear body structures relative to overall body growth was investigated using two hundred and forty Cobb broiler chicks. Three levels of restriction, namely 5, 10 and 15% of ad libitum intake, were randomly imposed on different groups. Birds restricted-fed in the starter phase of growth were full-fed in the finisher phase, and vice versa. Conformation traits, particularly breast width, keel length- and thigh diameter, were generally more adversely affected by feed restriction in the starter than in the finisher phase. However, there was evidence of compensatory growth for all parameters, except the breast. Feed restriction did not significantly affect the relative growth pattern of the breast, keel and thigh, which was positively allometric, Relative growth of the shank was, however, affected by different levels of restriction.
SELECTION OF STORAGE MEDIA FOR PIG A.I. — LABORATORY METHODS FOR REGULATING THE ACIDITY AND OSMOLARITY OF STORAGE MEDIA FOR BOAR SEMEN
Authors: DEDE T. I. , AKPOKODJE J. U. , ODILI P. I.
Published: March 2021

Simple laboratory methods were used to estimate optimal levels of acidity and osmolarity of four storage media for the boar semen. It was observed that above pH 7.0, less citric acid was needed for a unit change in pH of the sodium-citrate buffer, while above pH 8.0, more sodium carbonate and citric acid were needed for a unit change in the final Sodium-citrate buffered extender (Na-C), indicating high buffering capacity of this medium. The Glucose-glycine buffered extender (G-G), also required more sodium carbonate for a unit change of pH at above pH 6.5, also Indicating high buffering capacity of this medium. This was the same situation with the Tris-buffered extender (Tris), while the response with the Tissue - culture buffer extender (YCN) was always linear, indicating poor buffering capacity of the medium.
THE DIGESTIBILITY OF NUTRIENTS BY YOUNG PIGS FED DIETS IN WHICH BREWERS' DRIED GRAIN (BDG) REPLACED
Authors: YAAKUGH I. D. I. , TEGBE T. S. B. , OLORUNJU S. A. , ADUKU A. O. , NJOKU P. C.
Published: March 2021

Twelve crossbred (Large White x Landrace) barrows and gilts of average initial liveweight of 19.6 kg were used in a trial lasting 28 days. The digestibility of nutrients of diets in which BDG replaced O, 25, 50 or '75% of the dietary maize was studied. and the treatments were replicated three times. The trial consisted of two phases of 14 days each, in which pigs were fed at 4 and 6% of their body weights respectively. Each phase consisted ot- a 7-day adjustment period followed by a 7-day collection period of total urine and faeces. Average daily feed and weight gain decreased linearly (P < 0.01) while feed: gain ratio increased linearly (P < 0.01) as level of BDG replacing maize increased. Pigs in period grew significantly at a higher rate (P < 0.01) but had significantly poorer feed conversion efficiencies (P < 0.01). The digestibilities of dry matter, energy, nitrogen, ether extract, crude fiber and ash were all depressed linearly (P < 0.01 as the level of BDG replacing maize increased. Feeding the pigs at 4% body weight level resulted in better digestibilities of dry matter, nitrogen, crude fiber, ether extract and ash
THE EFFECTS OF EUGLVCEMIC INSULIN CLAMP ON THE METABOLISM OF 3-HYDROXVBUTYRATE AND PLASMA FREE FAHY ACIDS BY THE HIND LIMB OF LACRATING SHEEP
Authors: OSUAGWUH A. J. A , SMITHARD R. R. , METCALFE J. , WEEKES T. E. C.
Published: March 2021

The effects of exogenous insulin, with euglycemia, on the concentration differences, extraction ratio and uptake of 3- hydroxybutyrate and plasma free fatty acids by the lactating sheep hind limb were studied. Generally, the results showed that with increasing plasma insulin levels, while maintaining euglycemia, the concentrations, arterio-venous concentration differences, extraction ratio and uptake of 3-hydrubutyrate and free fatty acids Were significantly (P<0.05) reduced, but Significant correlation was established between arterial concentration of 3-hydtoxvbutyrate and plasma free fatty acids and their uptake. A similar relationship was also obtained between the arterial concentrations of 3-hydroxybutyrate plasma free fatty acids.
EFFECT OF FEED RESTRICTION AND REALIMENTATION ON NUTRIENT UTILIZATION AND CARCASS COMPOSITION OF ZEBU BULLS
Authors: Ehoche O. W. , Alhassan W. S. , Buvanendran V. , Umoh J. E. , Umanna N. N.
Published: March 2021

Forty-eight Sokoto Gudali bulls were used to study carcass compositional changes and nutrient efficiency following feed restriction (25% ad libitum feeding, L., and 54% ad. libitum feeding, M) and realimentation (ad. libitum feeding, H). The treatments were designated as LLH, LMH and LHH according to the level of feeding for each of three periods within each treatment group. Representative bulls were slaughtered at the beginning of the study and at the end of each feeding period. At the end of the mid period, animals on the LLH and LMH feeding regimes had higher percentages of water, similar percentages of protein and ash but lower proportions of fat and energy compared to animals on the LHH feeding regime. Following realimentation in the final period carcass gains contained approximately 21.0, 15.0, 18.5% protein and 22.0, 31,0 and 29.6% fat for LLH, LMH and LHH bulls respectively. The LHH animals were more efficient in utilizing metabolizable energy for carcass energy gain than the LLH and LMH animals. Digestible crude protein (DCP) efficience for carcass protein gain averaged 17.6, 26.2 and 35.4 g DCP/g protein gain for LLH, LMH and LHH bulls respectively. The results suggest that improved efficiency of protein utilization is largely responsible for compensatory carcass growth in zebu bulls.
PORCINE SARCOPTIC MANGE (Sarcoptes scabiel var suis) IN IBADAN, NIGERIA
Authors: Olufemi B. E.
Published: March 2021

A total of 102 (28.6%) of 357 pigs in Ibadan yielded evidence of infection with Sarcoptes scabiei var suis. Of 89 weaners, 15.7% showed positive infection as opposed to 31% of 113 piglets, 18.4% of 125 sows and 26.7% of 30 boars, The parasite was much higher in samples from pre-weaning pigs than in samples from any of the other group. Large White/Local cross showed fewer lesions and were less positive for the parasite and pigs for breeding purpose were more affected than pigs in the commercial unit.
REPRODUCTIVE AND BODY WEIGHT PERFORMANCE OF THE NEW ZEALAND WHITE RABBITS IN THE HUMID TROPICS OF NIGERIA.
Authors: ODUBOTE I. K. , AKINOKUN J. O.
Published: March 2021

Fifty two litters obtained over a period of 8 months (December 1986-July 1987) from the mating of eight bucks with twenty nine does (first mating) and twenty three does (second mating) all belonging to the New Zealand White breed of rabbits were used in this analysis. Mean gestation length, number of mating to conception, litter size at birth and parturition interval were 31.6 ± 0.2 days, 1.4 ± 0.1, 5.6 ± 0.3 pups and 79.0 ± 14.5 days respectively. Litter weight at birth, 3,6 and 8 weeks of age were 230.4 ± 9.5g, 602.1 ± 35.6g, 1247.5 ± 81.5g and 1673.0 ± 112.3g respectively. Parity significantly (P <0.05) affected the number of mating to conception and litter birth weight. Litter weight at all ages were influenced (P<.01) by corresponding litter sizes at such ages. Sire neither had any effect on litter weight at all ages nor on any of the reproductive parameters studied. Litter size at birth was negatively correlation with gestation length (-0.08), number of matings to conception (-0.27) and average birth weight (-0.42).
REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF HARCO, SHAVER STARCROSS AND HYPECO WHITE UNDER THE HUMID ENVIRONMENT
Authors: ASUQUO B. O. , UDOH L. E.
Published: March 2021

Reproductive performance measured by fertility and hatchability of eggs, was studied in three commercial breeds of chicken; Harco, Hyperco White and Shaver StarCross. Day-old parent stock chicks were obtained from three different sources, raised and stocked in a sex ratio of 1 cock: 7 hens for monitoring of the two traits under the sub-humid environment. No significant difference (P<0.05) was obtained for percent fertility of eggs, mean values of which were 84.67, 80.89 and 81.17% for Harco, Hyperco White and shaver StarCross respectively. Average hatchability of fertile eggs was significantly higher for Shaver StarCross (89.96%) than for Harco (83.11%) and Hyperko White (79.02%).
THE DIGESTIBILITY AND INTAKE OF SODIUM HYDROXIDE OR LOCAL ALKALI-TREATED STRAW BY GOATS
Authors: IBEAWUCHI J. A. , TULA A. M.
Published: March 2021

An experiment to compare the effects on digestibility of alkali treated Gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) straw was conducted with four Borno white male goats (22.25 ± 1.0kg body weight) in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Treatments were (A) untreated straw (control), (B) Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treated straw, (C) Kanwa-treated and (D) Kantu-treated straws. Straw was treated separately with solutions (8%) of NaOH, Kanwa and Kantu for 10 minutes prior to ensiling for 20 days. In treatment A, straw was soaked in water before ensiling. Alkali treatment increased the ash and crude protein, but decreased the crude fibre, nitrogen free extract and energy contents of the silage diets. The ether extract content of the diets was not affected by treatment. Dry matter intake (g/day/Wkg ) of alkali treated diets was significantly higher (P<0.05) than the control The NaOH-treated diet was consumed less (P<0.05) than the Kantu-treated diet, but to the same extent as the Kanwa diet. Nitrogen balance was positive in animals consuming the alkali-treated diets and negative for those in the control group. Apparent N-digestibility were similar in the alkali treated diets and better (P<0.05) titan in the control. Digestibility coefficients of dry matter, crude protein and crude fibre were not significantly different among the alkali treated diets. However, they were markedly improved (P<0.05) than in the control diet (A). The results indicated that the natural alkali sources (Kanwa and Kantu) compared favourably with NaOH in improving the nutritive value of Gamba grass hay. Further work however should be undertaken to ascertain the optimal level of their application under the semi-arid environment of Borno State.
Prediction Of Carcass Lean Content In Live Pigs Using Scanoprobe Ultrasonic Machine
Authors: Adebambo O. A.
Published: March 2021

A total of 40 entire males within 60kg weight range from Large White control and selected crossbred improved indigenous pigs were used to study relationships between live and carcass measurements using the Scanoprobe ultrasonic machine. Within this live weight range the fat depths (P1, P2 and P3)and muscle measurements (MP2 and MLA) were more variable in the crossbreds than the purebred exotics although the carcass lean content, 365g/kg and 395g/kg for the purebred and crossbreds respectively were not significantly different. The fat depths, using the ultrasonic machine was a little lower than the actual values: 15.1 as against 16.6mm for P1 and 15.05 against 16.3mm for P2 with a residual standard deviation of 2.56 and 3.25mm respectively. Whilst the MLA gave values of 2886mm2 for ultrasonics as against 3025mm2 for carcass measurement with S.D. of 357 and 328mm2 respectively. Relative to the different fat depths measurements, the regression of carcass lean on P1 was -3.90±1.716 whilst at P2 and P3 it was -2.94±0.949 and -3.41±0.810gms respectively, resulting in a prediction equation for lean content of 57.85 - 0.751 P2 gm.
Effect of Drought on Livestock in North-Central State
Authors: Barau A. D.
Published: March 2021

No abstract
Drought Feeding of Livestock
Authors: Loosli J. K.
Published: March 2021

No abstract
Pigs and Poultry
Authors: NSAP NJAP
Published: March 2021

Abstracts of papers on pigs and poultry
Sheep and Goats
Authors: NSAP NJAP
Published: March 2021

Abstract of papers on sheep and goats
The Effect Of Replacing Maize With Cassava Peel Meal On The Performance Of Weaned Rabbits
Authors: Esonu B. O. , Udedibie A. B. I.
Published: March 2021

A 12-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the optimal replacement level(s) of dried cassava peel meal (DCPM) for maize in diets for weaner rabbits. Four experimental diets were formulated such that dried cassava peel meal replaced maize at 0, 50%, 75% and 100% levels, respectively. Each diet was fed to five replicates of 3 weaner rabbits of mongrel type (Newzealand White and Flemish Giant). Fecal collections were done as from the 10th day of the feeding trial for determination of dry matter digestibility. 
Dried cassava peel meal significantly (P<0.05) depressed feed intake of the rabbits at 100% replacement level. At both 75% and 100% replacement levels, DCPM also significantly (P<0.05) depressed body weight gain of the rabbits. Feed conversion ratio was not affected by the treatments but dry matter digestibility was significantly (P<0.05) depressed by DCPM at the three levels. Feed cost savings in percent were 8.25, 18.65 and 32.72, respectively for the three levels of replacement.
Preliminary Observations On The Use Of Maize/ Sorghum Based Dried Brewer's Grains Fortified With Palm Oil For Finishing Broilers
Authors: Udedibie A. B. I. , Emenalom O. O.
Published: March 2021

Production of beer based on maize and sorghum gives rise to a byproduct (brewer's grains) which appears less fibrous and more nutritious than the conventional barley-based by-product. Studies were conducted to determine its proximate composition and effect as broiler finisher diet when fortified with 8% palm oil, 3% bone meal and 0.25% of lysine, methionine, salt and trace mineral/vitamin premix, respectively. The maize/sorghum based dried brewer's grains so treated was compared with a conventional commercial broiler finisher diet in a 4-week feeding trial involving 6-week old broiler chicks of Anak breed. 
The maize/sorghum based dried brewers' grains contained 28.64%, 6.5%, 7.27%, 12.42% and 45.17% crude protein, fat, total ash, fibre and NFE, respectively. Fortified maize/sorghum based brewers’ grains supported weight gain for finisher broilers comparable to the control, the commercial finisher diet.
Research Note An Investigation Into The Hatching Performance Of Western And Funki Incubators At Gwada, Niger State, Nigeria.
Authors: Aremu A. , Shiawoya E.L.
Published: March 2021

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EFFECTS OF GENOTYPE AND DIETARY ENERGY ON PERFORMANCE OF BROILERS
Authors: Ayorinde K. L.
Published: March 2021

A3 X 3 factorial experiment was conducted to study the effect of three dietary energy levels 2800 (LE), 3000 (ME) and 3200 (HE) Kcal/kg feed on the growth, feed and water intake, feed; water ratio feed efficiency, carcass yield and abdominal fat in three commercial broiler strains, Anak (A), Cobb(C) and Shaver (S). and dietary energy had no significant effect (P>0.05) on body weight and feed intake from 0 to 4 weeks of age. However, weight gain improved and feed intake decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increased dietary energy between 5 and 8 weeks of age. Birds of strain S consumed significantly (P<0.05) feed than those of A and C. Feed efficiency was not influenced by genotype but improved significantly (P<0.05) with increased dietary  energy especially from 5 to 8 weeks of age. Water intake decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increased dietary energy and also differed among the three strains. Water to feed ratios were similar in the three diets and strains. Carcass yield was not significantly influenced by either strain or dietary energy but abdominal fat increased significantly (P<0.05) with increased dietary energy.
CAUSES OF VARIATION IN REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOAT
Authors: Adebambo O. A. , Samuel A. O. , Onakade A. D.
Published: March 2021

Analysis was carried out on the reproductive performance of 59 WAD (Foula djullon) goats over 8 year period 1982-1990) under intensive management. The data involving a total of 176 kiddings comprising 311 kids were analysed to provide some information on the reproductive potential and the distribution of the Sexes on the WAD goats for an appraisal of its utilization for future genetic and environmental studies and the improvement of the breed in Nigeria. The results showed no significant seasonal effect on the kidding pattern. Singles, twins and triplets were 33.44, 48,23 and 16,40% respectively. Kidding interval varied from 91 to 2.10 days, annual kidding rate was 1..68 with mean kid birth weight of 1.5 +0.138, 1.49 +0.65 and 1.31+0.095kg for single twins and multiple births respectively. The average sex ratio was 48.79+0.18. The least squares constants showed that the age of dam, kidding interval and Season of kidding have significant effect on the sex ratio with more males born by those after 3 years of age particularly during the dry season 't shorter kidding intervals or 191-220 days. Calculated frequency of sex combination of males to females was 0.4005, 0.4662 and 0.1333 trizygotic, dizygotic and monozygotic twins among the triplets - The frequency was 0.67 for monzygotic twinning among the twin births. Although preweaning mortalities of 12.26, 16.33 and 19.36% were recorded for single, twin and multiple births respectively, highly significant survival rate was recorded in the dry season (84.40+0.75) than in the wet season 81,18 +0.75 whilst the kidding interval was between 200 - 240 days in about 56% of the population studied. The current emphasis on the presence  of monozygotic twins with a frequency of 67% among twin birth and 13.3% among the triplets is to assist in utilizing this trait in the goat for studies that could enhance the modification of the environment or improve the genetic potentials of the breed.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LAYING AGE AND REPEATABILITY OF EGG QUALITY TRAITS
Authors: Ibe S. N. , Okonkwo J. C.
Published: March 2021

Repeatability of 22 -, 26, 30 - and 32 - week egg weight (EW)., shell thickness (ST), Haugh (1955) unit (HU), yolk index (Yl)and shape, index (SI) was estimated based on the first three eggs laid in the week by fifty - six commercial Harco pullets. There was a consistent increase in repeatability estimates for these traits as laying age progressed. The estimates ranged from 0.67 to 0.85, 0.53 to 0.84., 0.51 to 0.87, 0.20 to  0.61 and 0.26 to 0.52 for EW, ST, HU, YI and Si, respectively. While repeatability of EW  increased by 0.02 units per week, that of HU increased by 0.03 and 0.04 unit per week, respectively. Repeatability of EW, ST and HU showed a linear relationship with age, whereas that of YI and ȘI showed a linear relationship with age, whereas that of YI and SI showed a curvilinear relationship with age. The general increase in repeatability of each trait with age indicates that fewer records will be required to adequately characterize the inherent producing ability of each hen for the trait as laying age progressed.
THE TOXIC EFFECTS OF MULTIPLE DOSES OF DIMINAZENE ACETURATE ON THE HAEMATOLOGICAL VALUES OF RATS.
Authors: Othman T.
Published: March 2021

The haematological effects of increasing doses of diminazene aceturate on the blood of swiss albino rats was examined. Following the administration of the drug there was a significant increase in white blood cell (WBC) count (P<0.05). The increase in WBC count occured at all dose levels of 3.5, 7.0), 14.0 and 28.0mg/kg body weight. There was minor change in serum sodium and significant changes in serum potassium levels. All these changes were found not to be strictly dose dependent. This study shows that administration of diminazene aceturate produces increases in white blood cells.
EVALUATION OF THE GROWTH AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF THE JAPANESE QUAIL (Coturnix conturnix japonica) IN NIGERIA
Authors: Ayorinde K. L.
Published: March 2021

Two experiments were designed to study the growth and carcass characteristics and the effects of system of management on the Japanese quail. In the first experiment, 138 birds raised to 8 weeks of were used to study the growth and carcass characteristics of quails. Day old weight averaged 8.67 -0.75y while body weights at 4 and 8 weeks of age were 130.38-21.81g and 175.08€ 21.23g respectively. Feed conversion rate to 8 weeks was 6.42 with each bird consuming 1067.68g feed. No significant sex differences (P>0.05) were observed in the average yield of parts although the males had slightly higher dressed and eviscerated weights and percent wing, back and neck than females. Dressed weight was 93.55% on the average while eviscerated weight was 68.61%. The carcass contained 74.20% moisture, 69.63%CP and 26.5% fat. In the second experiment, 120 birds were used to test the effect of management system (floor vs. cage) on growth and carcass characteristic of the quail. Although floor rearing had a slight advantage over cage rearing in terms of weight gain, feed conversion ratio and carcass yield, the differences were not significant (P>0.05).
EFFECT OF LEUCAENA LEUCOCEPHALA SEEDMEAL ON THE PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER CHICKENS FROM FIVE TO TWELVE WEEKS OF AGE.
Authors: OKONKWO A. C. , WAMAGI I. T. , OKON B. I. , UMOH B. I.
Published: March 2021

One hundred and twenty 5-week old Shaver Cross broiler chickens were randomly distributed to four dietary treatments in which Leucaena leucocephala seed meal (LSM) replaced groundnut cake at levels of 0, 5, 10 and 20% for an eight week period. Control and 20% LSM diets significantly (P<0.05) increased mean feed intake during the finisher phase. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) of birds on 20% LSM was significantly (P<0.05) lower than FCR of those on the rest of the treatments during the grower phase, while in the finisher period, broilers on 0 and 20% LSM had significantly (P<0.05) lower FCR than birds on Sand 10% LSM; the 10% LSM, however, induced significantly (P <0.05) higher FCR than 5% LSM during the same period. Average weight gains and mortality showed no significant treatment effects throughout the period of study. There were significant (P<0.05) differences between treatments meant for dressed carcass percentage, liver, kidney, intestine and gizzard weights as percentage liveweight. Based on the data obtained in this study, LSM should not be included in broilers' diets at levels more than 10% of the groundnut cake.
SMALL RUMINANT LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT AND ALLEY FARMING IN SOUTHERN NIGERIA: A Case Study of Some Selected Communities
Authors: IDOWU E. O. , FABIYI Y. L.
Published: March 2021

The adoption potential of alley farming as an agro-intervention system capable of providing fodder to small ruminant livestock in southern parts of Nigeria is evaluated in this paper. Data were collected from a total of 240 respondents through the use of structured questionnaire in some selected communities of the south-western (SW) and south-eastern (SE) parts of Nigeria where the agro-intervention had been introduced in the past. Data analysis showed that ownership of small ruminants is more popular among households in savannah zone than forest zone, and among current and former alley farmers than non-alley farmers with browse being the most preferred feed given to the livestock. The management indicators showed that the care of the animals is generally the responsibility of all family members. The data suggest that the introduction of alley farming to produce supplemental feed for livestock may not gain quick adoption in areas with local sources of browse notably in the forest zone. The paper then concluded that the introduction of alley farming to produce supplemental fodder may be an innovation more suited to livestock owners' needs in the mid-term future, rather than immediately.
BIOECONOMICS OF FEEDING RAW OR HEAT TREATED SOYABEANS TO BROILERS4
Authors: Ukachukuwu S. N. , Anugwa F. O. I.
Published: March 2021

The bioeconomics of feeding full-fat raw (RSB), toasted (TSB), cooked (CSB) soyabeans or defatted soyabean meal (SMB) to broiler chicks at starter and finisher phases was investigated using 240 Anak strain broiler chicks. At starter phase RSB diet significantly (P < 0.05) depressed average daily intake (ADI) only when compared with SMB diet. It also significantly (P <0.01) depressed daily weight gain (DWG): with values of RSB (20.1 gin), TSB (241 gm), CSB (24.0gm) and SMB (253 gm) as well as feed conversion ratio of RSB (3.03) TSB (2.63), CSB (2.49) and SMB (2.58). At finisher phase, the effects were not significant (P> .0.05) suggesting adaptation of the chick to RSB with time. SMB diet was almost twice as costly to produce as the other three diets. Cost of feed per unit of weight gained was highest (P < 0.05) with SMB diet followed by RSB diet while CSB and TSB diets were similar at starter phase. At finisher phase SMB diet still had significantly (P < 0.01) higher cost per kg weight gain than the RSB, TSB and CSB diets whose values were statistically the same. On gross margin, the use of SMB diet significantly (P < 0.01) resulted in the lowest values, followed by the RS B diet while the values of CSB and TSB diets remained similar and the highest at both phases. This underlines the importance of using cost of food consumed to obtain a unit of product as a basis for recommending feeds to farmers (alongside other nutritional factors).
A COMPARISON OF TWO MEAT PRESERVATION METHODS
Authors: Dipeolu M. A. , Alonge D. O.
Published: March 2021

Meat samples from open flame and block Ovens were compared with a view to improving on the traditional method of meat preservation in Nigeria. Mean pH values obtained for the meat products from the ovens were 6.81 and 6.83 for the open name oven and the block oven, respectively. Moisture loss during smoking in the open flame oven was 72.9% while that of the block oven was 69.9%. Results indicated that meat products from the block were of higher acceptability in terms of colour and texture attributes. For the taste attribute of the samples, there was a higher preference for meat products from the open oven.
A CASE STUDY ON THE HOUSEHOLD'S DECISION - MAKING ROLE IN SMALL-SCALE GOAT PRODUCTION IN NSUKKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA.
Authors: Ajayi A. R.
Published: March 2021

The study examined the household's decision-making role in small scale goat production in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Data for the study were collected from 74 households through the use of interview schedule. Frequency distributions and percentages were used in the data analysis. The findings showed that production of manure for replenishing the lost soil fertility under continuous land use was the most valuable reason for rearing goats in the area. The husbands played a larger decision-making role than their wives for certain aspects (such as goat raising initiation; health care; herd-size; planning for organizing for breedings; and grass cutting) of goat production. Implications of the findings for extension practice were presented.
UTILIZATION OF RICE OFFAL IN PRACTICAL RATIONS FOR BROILER CHICKS
Authors: DAFWANG I. I. , SHWARMEN E. B. N.
Published: March 2021

Rice offal, a by-product of rice processing, was fed at graded levels of 0,5,10,15 and 20% to 1800 broiler chicks from 3-6 weeks old in two experiments. In experiment 1, Weight gains were significantly depressed by the rice and 20% for layers. offal-containing diets except for one ration 10% rice offal which gave growth performance  comparable to those obtained with the control diets. In the second experiment, however, growth performance on rations containing 0,5 and 10% is usually discarded as a waste product. Most rice offal were similar for all parameters measured. It was concluded that rice offal can be fed successfully to broiler chicks at dietary feeding levels of up to 10% without adverse effects on growth performance.
THE STUDY OF HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN THE NIGERIAN LOCAL CHICKEN
Authors: MMEREOLE F. U. C.
Published: March 2021

An investigation was conducted to study the haematological parameters of the Nigerian local chicken using a total of 100 local chickens out of which 30 were randomly selected for bleeding. The blood samples were subjected to laboratory analysis to identify their haemoglobin contents, fragility and sedimentation rates as well as red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts and coagulation time. The results indicated that haemoglobin content ranged from 63.82 - 78.,43% with a mean of 70,43%, fragility and sedimentation rates ranged from 0.40 - 0.85% osmotic equivalent, coagulation time from 3.82 -6.25 minutes with a mean of 4.61 minutes, the red blood cell counts from 1.93 - 2.96 (x10°/ul) with a mean of 2.5 (x10°/ul) and white blood cell counts from 962 - 1,868 cells/ul with a mean of 1,216 cells/ul. It is believed that the establishment of the normal blood characteristics of the local chicken as done in this study, can be of immense aid in detecting abnormalities in the blood characteristics which can be used in diagnosing certain blood related diseases.
BIOCHEMICAL CONFIRMATORY TEST ON SUSPECTED ISOLATES OF CLOSTRIDIUM PERFRINGENS USING INDIRECT ACID PHOSPHATASE
Authors: VAIKOSEN S. E.
Published: March 2021

The effectiveness of indirect acid phosphatase of confirmatory identification of Clostridium perfringens (Bacteria) isolates from faecal samples of goats and sheep is described C. perfringens infections has not the isolates belonged to the desired species been much reported in the Nigerian animal husbandry systems, thus this method could help for easy identification of this disease. The results proved acid phosphatase, a quick, reliable, simple and accurate method for the biochemical confirmatory test for C.perfringens. This test proved same to the reference strains obtained for comparison.
SURVIVAL POTENTIAL OF STRESSED CHICKS
Authors: LASEINDE E. A. O.
Published: March 2021

Two hundred and forty broiler, cockerel and pullet chicks were  deprived feeds, water brooder heat or combination of these to stimulate similar careless or accidental farm situations so as to find their effect on the chicks survival.The type of bird as well as brooder heat had  no significant effect (P>0.05) respectively on survival of chicks exposed to starvation stress, Age of chicks and nature of starvation significantly affected chicks survival. condition. A significant (P<0.05) mortality rate was recorded at ages 4 and 5 days. The maximum and evening to monitor the room temperature survival duration was 8 days for all stress chicks. Those deprived of only water survived significantly (P <0.05) longer than others. either feed, drinking water or both.
INCLUSION RATE AND PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF PROLONGED FEEDING OF COCOA BEAN CAKE ON LAYERS
Authors: Odunsi A. A.
Published: March 2021

The effect of inclusion of cocoa bean cake (CBC) on productive performance and physiological response of Isa Brown pullets to prolonged feeding of CBC were investigated. Dietary inclusion of CBC (0, 50, 100 and 200g kg-1 diet) were monitored in typical poultry diet from day old to 51 weeks of age. Sexual maturity and attained of 50% hen-day production were delayed with increasing level of CBC. Egg quality indices were higher (P < 0.05) at 200g kg-1 CBC diet but with reduced (P < 0.05) shell thickness. CBC had no significant influence on yolk or whole egg cholesterol, follicular weight and number. Layers on 0 and 50 kg-1 CBC diets had higher           (P < 0.05) percentage of yellow follicles but lower white follicles. Liver and pancreatic hypertrophy were observed for CBC-fed layers but with reduced (P < 0.05) abdominal fat and oviduct length. The long term feeding of CBC at level more than 50g kg-1 diet progressively had a deteriorating effect on laying performance and follicular development.
PERFORMANCE OF PRE-WEANED WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS FED SOYABEAN DIET AS REPLACER FOR MILK
Authors: Okagbare G. O. , Akinsoyinu A. O.
Published: March 2021

Thirty-five early weaned west African dwarf (WAD) goats kids weighing 1-1.5kg at birth were used to evaluate the performance of pre-weaned kids fed soyabean diet (SBD) as replacer for milk. Replacement of whole milk with soyabean diet up to 50% level had no significant (P>0.05) effect on dry matter intake (g/day) of the kids. Replacement of whole milk with SBD up to 25% had no appreciable effect on weight gains, and efficiency of feed utilization of the kids (P>0.05), values observed for weight gains, and efficiency of feed utilization decreased significantly (P<0.05) as 50% of whole milk was replaced with SBD, kids running with their dam had lower weight gains (P < 0.05) when compared with those reared artificially on experimental diets between 7 and 13 weeks of age. Result suggested that replacement of milk with 25% SBD, will give adequate performance for pre-weaned kids. This level can be higher from 6 weeks after parturition but must not exceed 50% percent of replacement with SBD.
MANAGEMENT OF VACCINE-INDUCED INFECTIONS BURSAL DISEASE IN CHICKS WITH ANTIBIOTICS AN ANTIDIARROEICS
Authors: Ezeibe M. C. O.
Published: March 2021

An experiment was mounted to investigate if over dosing the chicks with normal infectious bursal disease (IBD) vaccine could be responsible for some of these outbreaks of IBD in vaccinated flocks. The clinical IBD was managed with antibiotics and antidiarrhoeics in order to reduce losses. Three hundred two-week old turkey poults were each administered two doses of IBD vaccine of chick embryo cell culture origin. This produced clinical infectious bursal disease in the cockerel chicks but the turkey Poults did not suffer clinical infection. Administration of an antibiotic- antidiarrhoeic preparation (Ampicilline trihydrate 10% Aluminium  hydroxide 80% and sodium bicarbonate 10%) at a dose of 2g per litre of water for five days reduced both morbidity and mortality from 60% and 94% (in the control groups) to 14% and 15% respectively in the Experimental groups.
SUBSTITUTION VALUE OF A MIXTURE OF RICE MILLING BY-PRODUCTS FOR MAIZE IN DIETS OF WEANER RABBITS
Authors: Esonu B. O.
Published: March 2021

A 12 – week feeding trial involving 64 weaner rabbits in a completely randomized design was carried out to determine the substitution value of a mixture of rice milling by-products (in the ration of 1: 1: 2 respectively for straw, busk, hull, and bran) for maize in the diets of New Zealand white type weaner rabbits at four substitution levels: 0%, 50%, 75% and 100%. Rabbit on the experimental diets recorded higher feed intake of 68.83, 68.11, and 66.97gm respectively for 50%, 75% and 100% as against 52.71gm for 0%. The difference in feed intake between the group on 0% and the group on experimental diets became significant (P < 0.05) at 50% dietary substitution level, but there was no significant (P > 0.05) difference among the group on the experimental diets. Rabbits on 50% substitution level recorded the highest feed intake (68.83gm) while the group on 100% recorded the highest feed conversion ration (15.72). Body weight gain of the groups showed significant difference (P < 0.05). The mixture of rice milling by-products used for this study contained 9.10% crude protein, 30.4% crude fibre, 0.29% calcium, 0.19% phosphorus and 2.01 kcal/kg metabolizable energy levels. The result of this trial suggest that a mixture of rice milling by-products could substitute maize in weaner rabbits diets up to 50% with good result.
SEASONAL AND ANNUAL VARIATIONS IN BODY WEIGHT AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF CATTLE IN THE SUDAN SAVANNA ZONE OF NIGERIA
Authors: Alaku S. O.
Published: March 2021

Records kept by the Bauchi Meat Company, on 2,264 cattle slaughtered for meat, form 1982, were analysed to study the influence of season and year on the weight of the body, carcass, bone, wholesale and retail cuts, and dressing percentage. Bothe season and year showed significant (P < 0.01) influence on triats measured. Body weight was lowest during the rains (345.39 ± 3.00kg) increasing steadily thereafter to attain its highest peak (397.87 ± 3.30kg) in the hot-dry season. Body weight were similar in 1982 (370.63 ± 3.91kg) and 1984 (365.24 ± 2.39kg) but superior (P < 0.01) to that of 1983 (357.63 ± 2.61kg) Warm carcass weight was highest in the hot-dry season (217.11 ± 2.05kg) and lowest in the cod-dry season (181.64 ± 1.96kg). The annual values were similar for 1982 and 1984 but superior (P < 0.01) to that of 1983 (183.80 ± 1.43kg). The wholesale and retail cuts were heaviest in the hot-dry season. The dressing percentage was highest in the rainy season (56.13 ± 0.12%) and lowest (49.81 ± 0.21%) in the cold-dry season (P < 0.01). On annual basis carcasses dressed best in 1984. (55.26 ± 0.07%) and least (53.17 ± 0.12) in 1982. Studies such as this conducted through many season, years and even decades are valuable in functional planning.
THE PREVALENCE AND SEASONALITY OF LIVESTOCK DISEASES IN ZARIA, NIGERIA: A TEN YEAR NECROPSY STUDY
Authors: Halle P. D , Raji M. A. , Ibrahim N. D. G.
Published: March 2021

A ten-year (1986 - 1995) record of necropsy report on diagnosed livestock diseases in Zaria, Kaduna State is evaluated to determine the prevalence and seasonal occurrence of the major livestock diseases in the Northern part of Nigeria. A total 1093 animals comprising 132 cattle, 240 goat 318 shell, 20 horses, 47 pigs and 336dogs were examined at necropsy. Some diseases such as cowdriosis, Pneumonia, Ectoparasitism, and Haemonchosis showed seasonal fluctuation while others like Babesiosis, Trypanosomiasis and physical injuries were evenly distributed throughout the year. The major problem of livestock in Zaria was Pneunonia (247 cases) with a seasonal occurrence of 38.6% and 61.31% for the dry and rainy seasons respectively. During the rainy season, cowdriosis (17.42%) in cattle, Pneumonia (25.0%, 21.10% and 20.0%) in goats, sheep and horses; gastroenteritis (14.89%) and starvation/malnutrition (14.89%) in pigs and rabies (8.93%) in dogs were the major problems. Starvation/malnutrition (4.17%) in Goats and gastroenteritis (12.5%) were more prevalent during the dry season. The relevance during of this report to effective control measures for the livestock resources in Nigeria is also highlighted.