bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The replacement value of indomie waste meal for maize on performance, carcass traits, relative organ weight and cost and return analysis of broiler chickens
Authors: Omoikhoje S. O. , Eguaoje S. A. , Okoegwale C. , Ijeh O. , Okpodi Y.
Published: February 2021

An eight week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the replacement value of indomie waste meal with maize on the performance, carcass traits, relative organ weight and cost and return of 90 day old Anak 2000 broiler chickens. Three experimental starter and finisher diets were formulated with diet 1 as control containing 0% Indomie Waste Meal, while diets 2 and 3 contains IWM at 50 and 100% inclusion levels for maize. The chicks were assigned to the treatment diets (1, 2 and 3) in Completely Randomized Design and each treatment group contained three replicates with ten chickens per replicate. Result on performance revealed that daily and weekly weight gain at finisher phase was significantly highest (P<0.05) in birds fed 50% IWM (63.20g/bird). Feed conversion ratio was significantly lowest (P<0.05) in birds fed 50% IWM (2.14). Carcass traits revealed that relative weight of back, head, neck and shank were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the treatment diets. Relative weight of gizzard was also significantly (P<0.05) influenced. Cost and return analysis at starter and finisher phases showed that cost of feed consumed (N137.16) and cost of feed per kilogram weight gain were (N15.96) lowest in birds fed 50% IWM. Income (N1579.50) and net profit (N881.17) were highest in birds on 50% IWM. From the overall results it could be concluded that the inclusion of indomie waste meal in the diet of broiler chickens up to 50% improved the growth performance, better carcass quality and economic returns.
Influence of various feeding regimes on the performance of Archachatina marginata snail
Authors: Okocha C. N. , Onunkwo D. N.
Published: February 2021

This study was to evaluate the growth response of Archachatina marginata as influenced by four natural diets: Pawpaw (Carica papaya) cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta), cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium), and cassava (Manihot esculenta) leaves and growers mash (a compounded ration). One hundred and twenty (120) grower snails (Archachatina marginata) were purchased from a farm in Ibadan, Oyo State. Data were collected on the growth parameters (weight, length and circumference of shell of the snails arranged in a Completely Randomized Design and replicated three (3) times. The results showed that pawpaw (Carica papaya) recorded the highest mean in all the parameters measured and throughout the duration of the experiment. Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) leaf had a better mean than the Cassava (Manihot esculenta) leaves in terms of weight gained whereas the reverse is the case in terms of length and circumference of shell. Pawpaw (Carica papaya) is therefore, recommended to both local and small scale farmers in Abia State and in Nigeria for feeding their snails and cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) leaves and growers mash as an alternate feed.
Performance, blood profile and microbial characteristics of broiler chicken fed phytase supplemented diets
Authors: Fijabio O. E. , Fakayode T. O. , Eniola O. M. , Omojola A. B.
Published: February 2021

Phytate is an anti-nutritional factor found in grains which limits the availability of essential minerals in monogastric nutrition as they lack enzymes to break it down. Its effect on performance, nutrient retention and availability of many nutrients including the macro elements and trace minerals have been documented in many studies in different animal species with conflicting results. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the performance, blood metabolites and microbial population in broiler chicks fed graded levels of phytase enzyme at 0, 250, 500, 750 and 1000FTU/kg of the experimental diet in a 56-day feeding trial. One hundred and ninety-five, one-day-old Arbor acre chicks were randomly allotted into five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design and the treatment had three replicates with 13 birds each. Data were collected on performance characteristics weekly while on day 56, blood was collected at the jugular vein of two birds per replicate for haematological and serum biochemical parameters. Consequently, two birds per replicate were also sacrificed and excised for jejunum and ileum microflora assay. Result for the performance characteristics showed no significant (P>0.05) differences in final bodyweight, daily weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Initial body weight ranged from 36.08±0.78-40.13±3.57g/bird, final body weight ranged from 2192.86±28.87- 2466.81±117.40g/bird and the Feed conversion ratio also ranged from 2.78-3.21. Also, there were no significant (P>0.05) differences observed in the haematological and serum biochemical parameters but numerical differences exist. Packed cell volume had values between 21.33-26.00% while haemoglobin also had values ranging from 7.11-8.67g/100mL. However, significant (P<0.05) differences exist in the ileum while no significant (P>0.05) differences were found in jejunum tissues. For Aspergillus flavus, 59.4±5.1cfu/mL was significantly (p<0.05) higher than 8.4±3.0cfu/mL for the ileum tissue while the jejunum tissue had values ranging from 4.2±1.80-16.8±6.00mL which were not significantly (P>0.05) different. In addition, significant (p<0.05) differences were observed for the ileum and jejunum tissue for Escherichia coli. The ileum tissue had significant values that ranged from 3.3±0.9-24.6±4.8mL while the jejunum also had significant values that ranged from 4.5±0.3-27.9±5.7mL. In conclusion, the use of microbial phytase had no influence on the performance of broilers and blood metabolite but has effect on the microflora of broiler chicken.
Effect of a commercial blend of essential oils and organic acids on the performance of broiler chickens
Authors: Ajibaiye O.E. , Onimisi A. , Moses O.
Published: February 2021

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of Bio strong Forte (BF) on the performance of broiler chickens. The BF is a commercial blend of essential oils and organic acids. Five hundred and forty (540) day old Ross broiler chicks were used in the feeding trial. The birds were randomly distributed into five treatments, each replicated thrice with 36 chicks per replicate. T1 is the control; T2, T3 and T4 had 50, 75 and 100g BF per 100kg feed, respectively while T5 had Oxytetracycline (AGP) 60g/100kg of feed. The five diets were supplied ad libitum to birds for 42 days. Parameters collected were growth performance indices, haematological parameters, liver function indices, and carcass quality. All data were subjected to analysis of variance and significant (P
Evaluation of optimum inclusion levels of as replacement for antibiotic growth promoters in broiler chickens production under field conditions in Nigeria
Authors: Moses O. , Onimisi P.A. , Jegede J.O. , Afolayan M.
Published: February 2021

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the response of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with Bacillus subtilis as replacement for antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs). A total of 510 day old Ross broiler chicks were allotted randomly to five dietary treatments each replicated thrice, with 34 chicks per replicate. Bacillus subtilis was included at 0, 75000, 150,000 and 225,000cfu/100 Kg diet for T1-T4, respectively while T5 had Oxytetracycline. Parameters collected were on growth performance, Haematology, liver function, immune response, Antioxidant capacity, villi Morphometrics and ceacum microbial contents. All data were subjected to analysis of variance and significant differences among treatment means were compared using the Turkey test of significance. The results for the starter phase showed birds on the antimicrobials had significantly (P0.05) different for the starter phase while significant (P0.05) difference in all parameters measured except for Glutathione peroxidase (GPx).The GPx activity was significantly (P< 0.05) higher for birds fed levels of Bacillus subtilis when compared with the control and AGP. The result for the finisher phase showed that Birds fed diet supplemented with 75,000 cfu showed best performance in terms of final weight, feed consumed, feed conversion and had the least cost of production. VilliMorphometric showed significant (P
Knowledge attitude and practice of meat inspection among stakeholders in Owerri, South-eastern Nigeria
Authors: Unamba-Oparah C. , Unamba-Oparah I. C. , Odoemelam V. U. , Obasi B. O.
Published: February 2021

Meat safety and disease surveillance are highly dependent on effective ante- and postmortem examination of meat at local abattoirs/slaughter slabs. In view of cases of emerging and re-emerging disease outbreaks of public health significance, it is important to use participatory epidemiology as a tool to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of animal presentation for ante-mortem and post-mortem evaluation using a local abattoir in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria as a case study. 90 Questionnaires were distributed and informal interviews held with stakeholders (animal owners, butchers, livestock department personnel and veterinary officers attached to the abattoir). Information gathered include; factors affecting the presentation of animals for inspection at the abattoir, attitude of animal owners and butchers to meat inspection, willingness and compliance of butchers during meat inspection, level of the butchers' knowledge of the importance of meat inspection and degree of access of the Veterinary officer-in-charge to all slaughtered animals. Result show that market demand, economic pressure and lack of understanding influence animal owners' and butchers' cooperation in meat inspection. Over 90 % of stakeholders understood the importance of meat inspection but more than 60% of animal owners and up to 40% of butchers feel they are uninformed about meat inspection. Incidentally almost 80 % of stakeholders do not blame the government for failures in the programme. Veterinary and other livestock department personnel are not as motivated and empowered to effectively execute their duties. There is need for increased education among stakeholders on the importance of meat inspection as well as prompt payment of compensations and more legal backing from government to promote the programme in the state and indeed in the country.
Morphological structure and body indices for Bunaji and Friesian-Bunaji crosses
Authors: Alphonsus C.
Published: February 2021

The objective of this study was to provide information on the morphological structure and body indices of Bunaji cattle and their crosses. Body weight and eight (8) morphological traits of 72 Bunaji and 60 Friesian x Bunaji cows were measured. The morphological parameters were used to calculate nine body indices. The analyzed morphological traits showed that the crossbred cows were heavier with larger morphological structure than the pure breed; however, both animals slightly slope forward although not very unbalanced. The correlation coefficients amongst the morphological traits in Bunaji were all positive and significant (P< 0.05 – 0.01) except for correlation of Rump Width (RW) with Body Depth (BD: r = 0.352) and Body Length (BL: r =0.210). However, the correlation coefficients amongst the morphological traits in the crosses were generally weak. The strongest correlation was observed between BW and HG (0.926) and between BW and RW (r = 0.946) in Bunaji and their crosses, respectively. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the morphometric traits extracted one component with total variance of 67.67% in Bunaji and two components with total variance of 74.30% in the crosses. The first factor in each case had higher loadings for variables relating to body size, while the second PC in the crosses had high association with traits that reflect the body shape of the animal. The HG and RW were the single most informative morphological traits for estimation of BW in Bunaji and Friesian x Bunaji, respectively. In Conclusion, the Bunaji cattle are medium size animals, although they are used for both meat and milk production (multipurpose) there morphology showed some resemblance to milk type animal, thus suggesting a possible genetic improvement of these animals for dairy purpose.
Assessment of Farm management risk factors of contracting haemoparasitic infections in Pastoralist and Sedentary cattle in Soba Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Danbirni S. , Dauda B. B. , Saidu S. N. A. , Tekdek L. B.
Published: February 2021

The major cattle management system observed in Soba Local Government Area was pastoral husbandry system. Under this system, cattle were extensively grazed on established forages of Kaduna State forests and were exposed to various arthropod vectors of haemoparasites. These haemoparasites are a serious threat to food security in Soba LGA due to their influence on cattle productivity. Questionnaires were used in assessing some farm management risk factors of contracting haemoparasitic infections in both pastoralist and sedentary herds in Soba LGA. A total of 24 herdsmen made up of 20 pastoralists and 4 sedentary herdsmen were interviewed. The study revealed, that some herd management practices were observed to have constituted risks to acquiring haemoparasitic infections in both pastoralist and sedentar y herds in the study area. For instance, vectors of haemoparasites such as ticks and biting flies aside Glossina were present in both pastoralist and sedentary herds in the study area. Some farm management practices such as screening of herds for haemoparasites, treatment of it once in 12 months and quarantining of new stock before adding to the existing herds were found not to be carried. Thus, constituted risk factors in the herds. This preliminary study, provided evidence of the possible arthropod vectors (ticks and biting flies) that may be involved in the transmission of haemoparasites to cattle in Soba LGA of Kaduna State. It is envisaged that this survey will stimulate more studies to determine the prevalence of haemoparasites in cattle in Soba LGA of Kaduna State.
Effect of vitamin C in egg yolk extender on sperm motility of chilled stored bull semen
Authors: Achi J. N , Achi N. P. , Barje P. P. , Alphonsus C. , Mallam I.
Published: February 2021

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of vitamin C in chicken and quail egg yolk extender on sperm motility in chilled stored bull semen. Semen was collected from the bull with the aid of artificial vagina and six types of extenders were prepared using chicken and quail egg yolk with each extender divided into three aliquots having 0, 3 and 6 mg/mL Vitamin C levels. Bottles containing the diluted semen using the chicken and quail egg yolk °extenders were stored in a refrigerator at 5C over a period of three days and monitored or evaluated at 0, 24, 48 and 72 hours. The result showed that there was a general decline in motility of semen as storage time increases, although samples with 6mg/mL Vitamin C levels had better results. It can be concluded that adding Vitamin C in chicken and quail egg yolk 0extender maintained motility of chilled semen even at 72 hours of preservation at 5C.
Performance, rumen characteristics and blood profile of West African dwarf goats fed varying levels of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)
Authors: Adelusi O. O. , Akinbode R. M. , Adebayo K. O. , Stephen K. M. , Oluwasegun A. S.
Published: February 2021

A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of inclusion of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on the performance, rumen characteristics and blood profile of West African dwarf (WAD) goats. Four (4) dietary treatments were prepared by adding 0 g, 0.5 g, 1.0 g and 1.5 g yeast to concentrate feed. Twelve (12) WAD goats with an average live weight of 10.17±0.53 kg were allocated to the four treatment lots in a completely randomised design and used in a feeding trial that lasted 70 days. Concentrate was fed at 3% of body weight while Panicum maximum as the basal diet was ad libitum. Data were collected on nutrient intake, rumen fermentation and microbial ecology, blood profile and then analysed using one-way analysis of variance. Results showed that inclusion of yeast did not affect (P>0.05) nutrient intake, rumen fermentation of WAD goats. Bacteria and fungi population were also not affected (P>0.05) by the inclusion of yeast, however there was an increase (P<0.05) in 9 9 pr otozoa from 0.73× 10 (control) to 1.33× 10 (1.0g yeast). Packed cell volume (PCV) of goats decreased (P<0.05) when goats were fed 1.5g yeast (20.93%) compared to control (24.37%). It can be concluded that addition of yeast to the diets of WAD goats did not affect their overall performance, increased population of rumen protozoa and reduced blood packed cell volume.
Carcass yield and gastro - intestinal tract morphometry of rabbits exposed to dietary cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) pod husk meal
Authors: Oko O. O. K. , Ozung P. O. , Anya M. I. , Agiang E. A. , Evans E. I.
Published: February 2021

In this study, the effect of different forms of dietary cocoa pod husk meal (CPHM) on the carcass yield and gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) morphometry of growing rabbits was investigated. A total of 60 rabbits with mean body weight of 606.42±1.3g were utilized across 12 experimental iso – caloric (2,592.04 Kcal/kg ME) and iso - nitrogenous (16.52% CP) diets containing sundried (T, T, T, T); fermented (T, T, T, T) and hot – water treated (T, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 T , T , T ) cocoa pod husk meal (CPHM) included at 0, 12.5, 25 and 37.5 percent levels, 10 11 12 respectively. The rabbits were subjected to 12 weeks feeding trial in a completely randomized design (CRD) experiment. The rabbits were slaughtered at the end of the feeding trial and the carcass yield and GIT morphometry were determined. The results showed that the average live weight was between 1616.67 ± 44.10 and 2483.33 ± 16.67 g/rabbit, while the dressed weight was between 966.67 ± 18.12 and 1500 ±28.87 g/rabbit with significant (P < 0.05) differences between treatments. The least values were recorded in rabbits fed the 37.5% level of CPHM inclusion. All primal cuts revealed no significant differences between dietary treatments. The GIT morphometry (relative weight and length of segments) recorded no significant effect that could be ascribed to diets. The study concluded that including sundried, fermented or hot – water treated CPHM up to 37.5% level will reduce the live weight, dressed weight and dressing percent of rabbits while GIT morphometry may be relatively unaffected. Hence, a lower level up to 25% fermented CPHM and levels <25% are recommended for sundried CPHM and hot- water treated CPHM are recommended for growing rabbits.
Feed intake, haematological and biochemical indices of West African dwarf
Authors: Fajemisin A. N.
Published: February 2021

A sixty-three-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the feed intake, haematological and biochemical indices of West African dwarf does fed maize offal substituted with ureamolasses treated rice husks diets. Twenty-five does aged 2-2½ years with weight of 14.78 ±0.31kg were used. Five experimental diets were formulated such that maize offal was replaced with urea-molasses treated rice husks meal at ratio 0, 20, 30, 40 and 50%. The twenty-five does (5 does per group) were randomly  allocated to each of the five diets in completely randomised design. Chemical composition of diets revealed that dry matter ranged from 91.26 to 91.69%, the diet E had the highest crude protein (16.23%). Neutral detergent fibre ranged from 41.18 to 46.00 % and the highest energy was 16.62 KJ/100gDM. Nutrients intake was significantly (p<0.05) influenced by inclusion of urea-molasses treated rice husks meal in the diets. The highest dry matter (559.46g/day), crude protein (79.78g/day) and energy (21.88kcal/g) intake were obtained in does fed diet C. Nutrients digestibility was significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the treatment, an indication that the diets were palatable and digestible. All does maintained normal haematological andbiochemical indices, thereby keeping all does on healthy condition. Does fed diet B that contained 20 % urea-molasses treated rice husks meal had Keywords: Blood indices, does, performance, rice husks, urea-molasses, the best weight gain (63.81 g/day)and feed to gain ratio (8.42). It can be concluded that does fed B performed better than other does thus; the diet would be a better source of protein and energy to support the performance of West African dwarf does.
Measures of relationships and association among body weight and biometric traits of donkeys in Northwest Nigeria
Authors: John P. A. , Iyiola-Tunji A. O.
Published: February 2021

Body linear measurements of different age categories of donkeys were used to predict the body weight of donkeys using stepwise regression procedure. This work was conducted to estimates the live body weight of donkeys from biometric traits. A total of 700 donkeys were measured into three age groups (weaners 6 months- 1 year, young above 1- 3 years and adults 3 years and above). Morphometric measures taken were body weight, head length, head width, ear length, neck length, neck circumference, shoulder width, height at withers, heart girth, body length and tail length using random sampling technique. Significant variations were observed in morphometric (P<0.05, P<0.01) traits. The results of the study showed that significantly (P<0.01) predicted body weight of these donkeys with good efficiencies were neck circumference (NC), tail length (TL) and body length (BL) were the best predictors of body weight with R2= 100% in weaners, head width (HWD), neck circumference (NL), neck circumference (NC) and height at withers (HW) with R2= 100% in young and HW, HG with R2 = 100% in adult category. The traits were significantly (p<0.05, 0.01) and positively correlated amongst themselves (r=0.09-0.87).It is therefore concluded that the inclusion of two variables improved the prediction marginally, but the addition of further variables gave little further improvement. The association may be useful as selection criterion, since positive correlations of traits suggest that the traits are under the same gene action (pleiotropy/linkage). It is therefore recommended that tail length, neck circumference, body length, height at withers and heart girth should be used as the best predictors of body weight across the sex and age categories of donkeys.
Nutrient intake, digestibility and nitrogen balance of two temperate and two tropical forage legume hays fed to New Zealand white rabbits
Authors: Akpensuen T. T. , Amodu J. T. , Tanko R. J. , Abdu S. B. , Namo O. A. T. , Luka J. S. , Hassan M. R. , Gadzama I. U.
Published: February 2021

An experiment was carried out to evaluate two temperate forage legumes (Trifolium pratense and Trifolium repens) and two tropical forage legumes (Stylosanthes guianensis and Centrosema molle) for hay intake and digestibility in the cool tropical climate of Vom, Jos, Plateau State of Nigeria. The legumes were planted in the month of June, 2016 and harvested at early-podding stage for hay. Sixteen (16) growing male New Zealand White rabbits were used for the digestibility study. The rabbits were arranged in a Completely Randomised Design and in individual cages measuring 55 cm x 39 cm x 40 cm. Nutrient contents, intake and digestibility in rabbits were determined. Crude protein content was significantly (P<0.01) higher in T. repens (18.38%) compared to T. pratense (16.50 %), whereas S. guianensis produced the least value of 13.83%. The crude fibre content of the hay was significantly higher (P<0.0I) in S. guianensis (37.29 %) compared to the other forage legumes. Dry matter intake was significantly (P<0.01) higher in rabbits fed T. repens (77.88%) compared to T. pratense (76.57%), and the lowest value of 62.97% was obtained in S. guianensis. Crude protein intake was significantly (P<0.01) higher in rabbits fed T. repens (15.05 g d-1) compared to those fed T. pratense (12.71 g d-1), but S. guianensis had the least value of 8.64 g d-1. On the other hand, rabbits fed S. guianensis hay had a higher (P<0.01) crude fibre intake (23.39%). Trifolium repens was significantly (P<0.01) higher in dry matter and crude protein digestibility (64.79 and 85. 88 %), while S. guianensis had lower values of 56.89 and 71.33%, respectively. Trifolium repens also had a significantly (P<0.01) higher total nitrogen intake and retained compared to the other forage legumes. Nitrogen retained in T. repens was 2.40 g d-1 compared to 1.87 g d-1 in T. pretense, while S. guianensis had the lowest of 1.34 g d-1. The temperate forage legume hays were higher in nutrient content, intake and digestibility compared to the tropical legume hays. Therefore, the forage crops may serve as better supplementary feeds for livestock feeding especially during the dry season.
Haematological and biochemical profile of Friesian x Bunaji heifers supplemented with inorganic selenium and vitamin E
Authors: Achi N. P. , Barje P. P. , Abdulrashid M. , Daudu O. M.
Published: February 2021

A study was conducted using twenty Friesian x Bunaji heifers to evaluate the effect of supplementing inorganic feed grade Selenium and Vitamin E on the haematological and biochemical profile. The study consists of four treatments with five animals per Treatment in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Treatment 1 served as Control without Selenium or Vitamin E supplementation. Treatment 2 was supplemented with 3 mg of feed gradeSelenium. Treatment 3 with 20 mg of feed grade Vitamin E. Treatment 4 had a combination of 3 mg feed grade Selenium and 20 mg of Vitamin E. Two sets of blood samples were taken from the animal via jugular venipuncture using a 10 mL syringe fitted with a needle into sample bottles for haematological and biochemical analysis. Neutrophils (19.78 - 29.88%) were similar (p<0.05) and Se supplementation recording the highest value. Packed cell volume(19.14 – 22.22%), Haemoglobin, Red blood cells, White blood cells, Eosinophil, Monocytes, Basophil and Lymphocytes analyzed were similar (p>0.05). It was observed that there were similarities (p>0.05) in Glucose, Serum protein, globulin, urea N, albumin, MDA protein, AST, ALT and ALP analyzed except for GSH-Px (22.38 – 24.70 μ/ml). Glutathione peroxidase was higher (p<0.05) in Friesian x Bunaji heifers supplemented with vitamin E and lowest with no supplementation. All parameters analyzed were within the normal range for apparently healthy cattle thereby suggesting that Selenium and Vitamin E as antioxidant are effective in scavenging for free radicals and reducing oxidative damage.
Prevalence of Trypanosoma vivax Infection of Cattle in south-west, Nigeria
Authors: Okwelum N. , Akinkuotu O. A. , Bemji M. N. , Daramola J. O. , Oluwatosin B. O. , Onagbesan O. M. , Osinowo O. A.
Published: February 2021

In south-west Nigeria, several Trypanosoma species are prevalent. These parasites cause trypanosomosis in livestock and man with cellular changes and tissue damages resulting in great loss in production and sometimes death. Hence, continuous surveillance is very necessary for monitoring and control of trypanosomosis. This study concentrated on the survey of trypanosome infection and its effect on both weight and haematological indices of Nigerian cattle. One hundred and eighty cattle were used in the study. The sex of cattle was noted while the age of cattle was determined using dentition and weight was determined using weigh-band. Blood sample was collected from 180 cattle, DNA was extracted from each cattle blood sample and PCR technique was adopted as a molecular diagnostic tool for prevalence study. Reference primer specific for Trypanosoma vivax (Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG) gene) was used as a probe for the detection of the presence of parasite while gene amplification on argarose gel was considered positive for the cattle under consideration. The haematological analysis was also carried out using Auto-haemoanalyser. The prevalence rate of Trypanosoma vivax based on sex, age and breed of cattle was determined. The result revealed a prevalence rate of 87.22%. About 19.44% was due to infection in the males while 67.78% of the infection was recorded in the female cattle. For the prevalence within the age group; 0 -1 year was 21.11%, >1≤ 2 years was 21.11%, >2 ≤ 3 years was 32.22%, >3 years was 12.78%. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference between the weight, haematological parameters determined and the infection status. In the phase of infection, the hosts were able to maintain their red blood cell counts from a perceived compensatory response which was revealed in the erythrocycitc indices an packed cell volume. Though the prevalence rate recorded was high, the hosts were able to maintain the haematimetric indices, it can then be concluded that Muturu cattle has displayed trypanotolerant property
Influence of dietary lanthanum oxide (La O ) on the blood characteristics and 2 3 ovarian morphometry of broiler chickens
Authors: Ozung P. O. , Oko O. O. K. , Henry A. J. , Jimmy N. P. , Eburu P. O. , Etim C. D.
Published: February 2021

The use of antibiotics as feed additives in animal production has been a source of health concern. A practical approach is the supplementation of animal feeds with rare earth element. Thus, this study was carried out with 225 day – old broiler chicks (CHI strain) to evaluate the influence of dietary Lanthanum oxide (La O ) on the blood characteristics and 2 3 ovarian morphometry. The feeding trial lasted eight weeks before the parameters were determined. The dietary treatments were designated as T , T , T , T and T . The T served as 1 2 3 4 5 1 the negative control without La O while T was the positive control with antibiotic. La O was 2 3 2 2 3 supplemented to T , T , T , and T at 100, 200 and 300 ppm, respectively. The birds were 3 4 3 5 divided into five groups of 45 each and randomly assigned to the five experimental diets using a completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment was further divided into three replicates of fifteen (15) birds each and reared in a brooding unit and later on a deep litter house. Feed and water were provided ad-libitum. Results showed that the haematologicalparameters were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by dietary treatments, except the differential leucocytes (eosinophils, lymphocytes and  neutrophils); while in terms of the serum- biochemical indices, only cholesterol and bi-carbonate contents were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by dietary treatments. The ovarian weight was significantly (P<0.05)influenced by dietary treatments. The results of this study suggest that dietary La O up to 300 2 3 ppm will not adversely affect the blood (haematological and serum biochemical) characteristics and ovarian morphometry of broiler chickens.
Sperm morphology in relation to semen cation concentration in Yankasa rams
Authors: Suleiman I. O , Raji A. Y. , Atanda A. O.
Published: February 2021

The morphological appearance of sperm cells is a major criterion in semen evaluation. The  optimal production of semen of high biological value is influenced by numerous factors.  Therefore, a study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between sperm morphological  characteristics and semen cation concentrations in 62 rams of Yankasa breed of sheep.  Semen samples were collected from each animal on weekly basis for 52 weeks with electro ejaculator. The sperm morphological characteristics examined were: detached mid-piece  and tail (DMT), detached head (DH), mid-piece droplet (MPD, coiled and bent tail (CBT)  and acrosomal abnormality (ACR). The semen cation parameters measured were: sodium  + + 2+ ion (Na ), potassium ion (K ) and calcium ion (Ca ). Pearson correlation matrix of SAS was  used to determine the relationships among and between the measured characteristics. The  result of the study showed that correlations among the sperm morphological characteristics  were low and not significant except that between DH and DMTwhich was perfect (p<0.01; r  = 1.00). On the other hand, semen cation concentrations were positively correlated but not  + significant among themselves except the correlation between Na and K (p<0.01; r = 0.37)  which was significant. Relating the semen cation concentration with sperm morphological  + characteristics, it was discovered that potassium ion (K ) measured was negatively and  significantly correlated with all the morphological attributes (DMT & DH, r= -0.36 @  p<0.01; CBT & ACR, r= -0.38 @ p<0.05; MPD, r= -0.32 @ p<0.05). It was concluded that  + + DH is highly associated with DMT while Na concentration was an indicator for K level in  the semen as shown in the result. Also, the higher the potassium ion in semen, the lower the  level of sperm morphological abnormalities and vice versa in Yankasa rams.
Predilection and growth performance of FUNAAB-Alpha chicken under different compact fluorescent light colours
Authors: Adeleye O. O. , Baldeh Y. , Egbeyale L. T. , Akinremi F. M. , Oso O. M. , Fajimi S. , Olorunsogbon B. F , Jegede A. V , Abatan M. , Adebambo A. O. , Adebambo O. A.
Published: February 2021

The predilections of FUNAAB-Alpha chicken for Compact Fluorescent Light colours (CFL)  and their effect on growth performance were evaluated. Three hundred and ninety six (396)  FUNAAB-Alpha chickens were randomly divided into three treatments, each contained a  coloured CFL light bulb of 45W and equal light intensity: T1 (Yellow CFL), T2 (Blue CFL),  T3 (White CFL). Artificial lighting was provided for 8 hours from 8pm-4am. Dark to light  predilection test was carried out at 2 week of age. Birds under yellow light had enhanced (P< 0.05) frequency of feeding behaviour (3.6) compared to those under blue (1.1) and white  (0.7) light respectively. Moreover, birds that preferred yellow light exhibited higher frequency  (P< 0.05) of drinking behaviour (0.6) compared to those that preferred other lights. Growth  performance result revealed that birds reared under blue light had enhanced average feed  intake (77.4) compared to birds reared under white (69.2) and yellow (70.0) light colours.  The result of the growth performance revealed that birds under blue light had improved feed  intake. Yellow light is recommended for rearing of FUNAAB Alpha chickens at the early  stage.
Influence of inbreeding and some environmental factors on calving intervals in N'Dama cattle of Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Abanikannda O. T. F , Olutogun O.
Published: February 2021

Records of 4184 N'Dama calves born between 1947 and 1984 at Fashola Stock Farm, Oyo State, Nigeria was used to compute inbreeding coefficient and determine its effects on calving intervals of cows. Only 273 of the 4184 calves (6.53%) were inbred with an average inbreeding coefficient of 9.71%, while five out of 293 sires had inbreeding coefficient of 9.25% and 43 out of 1849 dams had inbreeding coefficient of 9.95%. The inbreeding coefficient for the entire population was 0.63%, respectively 0.70% and 0.58% for male and female calves. The average calving interval was 445.34 ± 2.68 days within the herd while year of birth, parity of dam, age of dam and dam's age at first calving all significantly (P<0.05) impacted calving intervals of cows. Season of birth and inbreeding coefficient of dam did not exert statistical (P>0.05) influence on calving intervals of dams. Although the number of inbred animals in the population is relatively low, however the inbreeding level of these animals is high, which may be attributed to the fact that breeding policy on the farm was not strictly adhered to, and lack of proper and adequate registration system coupled with inconsistent animal identification system on the farm may be responsible for the inbreeding observed in the N'Dama population at Fashola Stock Farm.
Correlation, regression estimates and heterosis of Archachatina marginata snails in Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Ibom I. A. , Okon B. , Okon F. I.
Published: February 2021

White skinned ectotypes were used in a study to estimate heterosis, correlation and regression. Data collected on the snails and their eggs included body weight (BWT), shell length (SLH), shell width (SWH), “mouth” length (MLH) and “mouth” width (MWH); and egg weight (EWT), egg length (ELH) and egg width (EWH), respectively. These data were used to estimate correlations between pairs of traits, heterosis and to predict weight from other morphometric traits among three mating groups [black skinned x black skinned (BAM X BAM), white skinned x white skinned (WAM X WAM) and their cross BAM X WAM)]. Results obtained from the study showed that evaluated traits expressed strong, positive and highly significant (P<0.01) correlation values that ranged from rp= 0.86 to rp = 0.99 among the snails mating groups. The correlation values of traits evaluated on eggs laid by these snails ranged from mild (rp = 0.49) through moderate (rp = 0.59, rp= 0.70) to strong/close (rp = 0.89). Regression estimates values obtained ranged from mild (1.30) to high (6.25), an shell width best predicted hatchlings body weight in the black skinned x black skinned (BAM X BAM) mating group, while “mouth” length best predicted hatchlings body weight in the white skinned x white skinned (WAM X WAM) mating group. Traits evaluated for percent heterosis expressed positive and significant (P<0.05) values between the mating groups, with the crossbred (BAM X WAM) mating group having advantage over the purebred (BAM X BAM and WAM X WAM) mating groups. It could therefore be concluded that in the face of appropriate selection programme, heterosis can be exploited to improve snails reproductive and growth traits. It can thus be recommended that having information regarding the association of weight with other contributing traits/parameters is crucial before starting any breeding programme.
Assessment of abattoirs operations and hygiene practices in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Kalio G. A. , Ali-Uchechukwu A.
Published: February 2021

A survey was conducted to appraise the location, infrastructures, and slaughter operational activities in three abattoirs at Rumuokoro, Trans-Amadi and Rumuosi in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Thirty butchers of 10 per abattoir were purposively sampled for the study. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages and mean statistics Results of the socio-demographic characteristics of the butchers revealed that they were all males, married, within the age of 35 - 44years, literate, with a butchering experience of 16 years upwards in private or public/Government owned abattoirs. The slaughter houses were located in areas devoid of bad odours, smoke, dust and close to coastal areas affected by tides to promote good sanitation. There were no adequately constructed lairages, Ante-mortem inspection and isolation pens were inadequate. There were no facilities and rooms for handling hides and skins, treatment of inedible and condemned carcass and meat. Animals were poorly restrained and not stunned before slaughtering. The slaughter houses had planned and controlled cleaning programs but lacked efficient disinfection operations and this will contribute to bacterial contamination of carcasses. The operational lapses by butchers were due to the use of obsolete facilities that lacked maintenance and inadequate supervision. This condition had brought about poor hygienic practices that undermine the quality of carcasses. The recommendations proffered are: the provision and maintenance facilities for effective operations to ensure carcass quality, to adequately enforce enacted laws on abattoir operations, there should be enlightenment for butchers and meat sellers, and there should be effective management of the wastes from slaughterhouses through regular fumigations and disposal systems.
Seroprevalence and potential risk factors of bovine brucellosis at the livestock-wildlife interface area of Yankari game reserve, Bauchi State, Nigeria.
Authors: Ibrahim Y. , Mai H. M. , Kalla D. J. U. , Kabir J. , Nathaniel J.
Published: February 2021

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and associations with potential risk factors of brucellosis in indigenous cattle breeds at the livestock-wildlife interface area of Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi State, Nigeria. A total of 1000 sera samples were examined from 44 herds using convenient and simple random sampling technique. Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and competitive Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (c-ELISA) were used as screening and confirmatory tests respectively. Of the 1000 samples, 23.5% samples were RBPT positive, and after the confirmatory test, the overall true animal-level prevalence was 4.1%. For the herd level prevalence, (47.7%) herds had at least one animal that is seropositive following both tests. Brucellosis seroprevalence was significantly associated with the following potential risk factors; herds that belong to a cooperative society member (p<0.042), herds that keep only cattle (p<0.001), herds that practice commercial farming system (p<0.011), herds that possess a herd size of 51 to 100 cattle (p?0.009) and herds that have no history of abortion and other reproductive disorder (p<0.009). No statistically significant differences in brucellosis seroprevalence was obtained within sex, breed and age groups It can be concluded that brucellosis is still endemic in the study area.
The Nigerian local chicken hormonal functional status as influenced by age and sex factors
Authors: Gunn H. H. , Oleforuh-Okoleh V. U. , Jubril A. E.
Published: February 2021

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of age and sex on the hormonal status of the Nigerian Local Chicken raised in the Teaching and Research Farm of the Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt. A total of forty (40) heterogeneous population of the Nigerian Local Chickens were used in a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD). Blood samples were collected from 10 males and 10 females from two different age groups (21 and 72 weeks). Hormonal assay was conducted to ascertain the values of some growth and reproductive hormones. These includes; thyroxin (T4), Triiodothyroxine (T3), Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Prolactin (PRL), testosterone (TET), estrogen (E), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and progesterone (PROG). PRL, FSH, PROG and TET were significantly (p<0.05) affected by age while others were not significant (p<0.05). Prolactin had higher value for birds under the ages of 21 weeks than 72 weeks of age with a corresponding value of 28.35ng/mL and 8.64ng/mL respectively. Sex effect on hormones showed that, all hormones studied were significant except Tri-iodothyronine (T3). Testosterone as observed in this study was also influenced by age. Male birds unlike their female counterparts at 72 weeks of age recorded higher means value of 4.14 ± 0.52 than those of 21 weeks of age (1.11 ± 0.07). Therefore, the study was able to demonstrate the influence of age and sex on the status of hormones in the Nigerian Local Chicken.
PROFIL PENGAJUAN SOAL KONTEKSTUAL DITINJAU DARI GAYA BELAJAR VARK
Authors: NURIYATIN SITI
Published: February 2021

Penelitian ini mendeskripsikan profil kemampuan siswa dalam mengajukan soal matematika kontekstual ditinjau dari gaya belajar VARK. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di kelas VIII-C MTs Ma’arif NU Ngaban, Tanggulangin. Subjek penelitian ini adalah 4 siswa yang masing-masing mewakili siswa dengan gaya belajar visual, aural, read/write, dan kinestetik. Pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan angket, tes, dan wawancara. Kemampuan pengajuan soal dalam penelitian ini meliputi memahami informasi, menyusun rencana pembutan soal, membuat soal, dan memeriksa soal. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa masing-masing subyek penelitian memahami informasi yang diberikan dan dapat menyusun rencana pembuatan soal. Namun tahap pembuatan soal dan proses memeriksa kembali belum dapat dilakukan oleh semua subyek penelitian.
implementasi model pembelajaran picture and picture terhadap siswa kelas VIII materi bangun ruang sisi datar
Authors: Setiawan Teguh , Dhewy Risdiana Chandra , Agustina Eka Nurmala Sari
Published: February 2021

implementasi adalah suatu cara pelaksanaan kegiatan yang terencana secara rapi, cermat dan rinci untuk memperoleh hasil yang efektif dan efisien yang di tinjau dari aktivitas guru, aktivtas siswa, hasil belajar dan respons siswa. supaya membuat siswa berperan aktif dalam proses pembelajaran dan agar siswa tidak bingung dengan banyaknya rumus yang ada di materi bangun ruang sisi datar, maka dapat mengimplementasikan mode pembelajaran picture and picture dimana metode pembelajaran ini siswa harus aktif yang menggunakan gambar dan dipasangkan atau diurutkan menjadi urutan yang sistematis, seperti menyusun gambar secara berurutan, menunjukkan gambar, memberi keterangan gambar dan mejelaskan gambar. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif kuantitatif, data yang diperoleh dari sampel populasi penelitian dianalisis sesuai dengan metode statistik yang digunakan kemudian diinterprestasikan. Karena penelitian ini ingin mengetahui Implementasi model pembelajaran picture and picture kelas VIII di SMP Bilingual Terpdu pada materi bangun ruang sisi datar. Pada pelaksanaan model pembelajaran picture and picture pada penelitian ini nilai aktivitas guru menujukan 3,08 di kategori “baik”, pada bagian aktivitas siswa dari 12 indikator mendapatkan 8 sangat aktif dan 4 aktif. Pada bagian nilai hasil belajar secara klasikal mendapatkan 62,5% ini menunjukan bahwa secara klasikal dikatakan “belum tuntas”. Dan dari respons siswa dinyatakan positif karena angket respons pada kriteria “baik”.
ANALISIS KESALAHAN SISWA SMK DALAM MENYELESAIKAN SOAL MATEMATIKA BERDASARKAN ANALISIS KESALAHAN NEWMAN
Authors: Rohmah Siti Imamatur , Widadah Soffil , Agustina Eka Nurmala Sari
Published: February 2021

Penelitian deskriptif kualitatif ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan hasil analisis kesalahan siswa SMK dalam menyelesaikan soal matematika materi sistem persamaan linier tiga variabel. Penelitian ini dilakukan di SMK Persatuan 1 Tulangan pada tahun ajaran 2019/2020 di kelas X-Tata Busana. Subjek dipilih berdasarkan banyaknya kesalahan yang dilakukan dalam menyelesaikan soal. Adapun teknik pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan metode tes dan wawancara. Tes dilakukan kepada semua siswa di kelas X-Tata Busana. Dari hasil tes soal diambil subjek yang memiliki kesalahan terbanyak. Selanjutnya subjek yang terpilih diwawancara. Hasil tes dan wawancara dianalisis dengan menggunakan analisis kesalahan Newman yaitu kesalahan membaca, kesalahan memahami, kesalahan mentransformasi, kesalahan dalam keterampilan proses dan kesalahan pada jawaban akhir. Berdasarkan penelitian dengan menggunakan analisis Newman dapat disimpulkan bahwa siswa melakukan kesalahan membaca dengan bentuk kesalahan tidak dapat membaca kata-kata penting yang ada dalam soal, siswa melakukan kesalahan memahami dengan bentuk kesalahan tidak dapat menuliskan yang diketahui dan ditanyakan dan menuliskan tetapi salah, siswa melakukan kesalahan mentransformasi dengan bentuk kesalahan tidak dapat membuat model matematika, siswa melakukan kesalahan keterampilan proses dengan bentuk kesalahan tidak dapat menyelesaikan soal dan prosedur tidak sesuai, dan siswa melakukan kesalahan pada jawaban akhir dengan bentuk kesalahan menuliskan jawaban salah dan tidak menuliskan jawaban.