bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Substitution value of squilla meal for fish meal in broiler production: Effects on growth performance, carcass and organ proportions
Authors: Udosen E. O. , Ojewola G. S. , Adedokun O. O.
Published: February 2021

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the substitution effects of squilla meal for fish meal in broiler diets. One hundred and twenty unsexed day-old broiler chickens of Abor Acre strains were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. Each dietary group had 24 birds, replicated thrice, with eight birds per replicate. The birds were managed in a deep litter pen, fed and watered adlibitum for a period of seven weeks. Diet 1 was designated as the control, while diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 had their fish meal substituted at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%, respectively. The mean body weight changes and feed intake were significantly (P<0.05) influenced, while the feed-to-gain ration was not. Birds fed Diet 1(control) gave the best total weight gain value (1804.55g), which was closely followed by birds fed Diet 4 (1776.77g), Diet 3 (1765.85g) and Diet 5 (1616.09g). Birds fed Diet 2 gave the least value of 1565.59g. All the carcass parameters evaluated showed no significant (P>0.05) difference, but kidney, abdominal fat and proventriculus were significantly (P<0.05) different but followed no definite pattern traceable to the diets. In conclusion, Squilla meal has shown to have positive comparative effects on the mean weight gain, carcass and organ proportions of broilers fed these diets. So, it is recommended at 75% level of substitution.
Hormonal profile and reproductive performance of male and female rabbits fed diets containing garlic bulb (Allium sativum) meal
Authors: Onyekwere M. U. , Jiwuba P. C. , Anukam K. U. , Ukpabi U. H. , Egu U. E.
Published: February 2021

An experiment was conducted with 24 buck and 24 doe rabbits of about 5-8 months. The animals were fed diets containing garlic flour meal to determine the effect on the hormonal profile and reproductive performance of the rabbits. The 48 rabbits were separated according to their sexes (buck and doe) and divided into four treatment groups with four rabbits consequently replicated three times in a completely randomized design. Dietary levels of 0.0, 5.0, 10.0 and 15.0% of garlic flour meal were used to formulate the diet for rabbits. At the end of this trial, different parameters on hormonal profile and reproductive performance were determined. All the parameters of hormonal profile were significantly P<0.05) different thereby maintaining similar values except luteinizing hormone which had slight value fluctuation. The highest value of testosterone and progesterone were recorded in the diet containing 15.0% garlic flour meal. Similarly, the parameters on reproductive performance exhibited significant (P<0.05) difference. Partum weight and litter weight at birth showed a higher value as garlic meal was increased. The results of this study indicated that 15.0% dietary level of garlic flour meal proved acceptable for hormonal profile and reproductive performance of rabbit.
Comparative study of three species of giant African land snail
Authors: Okocha C. N. , Onunkwo D. N.
Published: February 2021

A comparative study was carried out on three breeds of snails in South Eastern Nigeria to assess their growth performance and body morphology. The three breeds used were A. Fulica, A. achatina and A. marginata. Four experimental diets were formulated to contain Concentrate + Pawpaw (Diet I), Concentrate + Moringa oleifera (Diet II), Concentrate + Moringa oleifera + African spinach + Amaranthus hybridus (Diet III) and Concentrate + Moringa oleifera + Amaranthus spinosus (Diet IV). Fifteen 6-month old growing snails of each breed were assigned per dietary treatment and each dietary treatment was replicated three times to contain five snails per replicate, given a total of one hundred and eighty snails. The experiment involved a 3 x 4 factorial experiment in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Feed and water were given ad libitum throughout the duration of the experiment which lasted (56 days). Parameters measured were body parameters which include body weight, body width, body length, aperture length and aperture width; growth performance parameters obtained were initial weight, final weight, average weekly weight gain, average weekly feed intake and feed conversion ratio. The results showed that the A. achatina and A. marginata similarly recorded higher values in body parameters than the A. fulica. The A. marginata however was longer (12.69 cm) than the 8.95 and 12.32 cm recorded for A. fulica and A. marginata gain was only influenced by interaction effect of the breed x diet. The A. marginata and A. fulica revealed higher foot weight 58.81% and 57.59% respectively in relation to their live weight, which was associated with lower % shell weight (17.17 and 22.33% respectively), whereas, the higher shell weight (36.18%). The highest foot weight (57.50%) was observed in snails fed diet I, associated with relatively high live weight and highly reduced offal weight, which makes it comparatively better in improving carcass. Based on overall interaction effects, diet I is recommended for A. fulica, while diet III for A. marginata and diet II for A. marginata. The A. marginata performed better than the A. achatina and A. fulica in body size (body length) and foot weight, thus  recommended.
Livestock value chain: Prediction of live weight and cut yield of three indigenous breeds of cattle in Nigeria
Authors: Babayemi O. J. , Ajayi M. O. , Olona J. F. , Anurudu N. F. , Ajayi F. T.
Published: February 2021

Problems associated with prediction of saleable meat yield, price haggling and monetary worth of cattle purchased due to difficulties in accurately relating visual appearance of animals and the weight with their price have always been in existence. This study was carried out to determine the accuracy in the use of heart girth tape as an alternative to the use of weighing bridge and crush, dressing percentage and expected cut yield from three indigenous breeds of cattle in Nigeria using linear body measurement. Thus, a total number of 51 healthy and mature White Fulani (n=17), Sokoto Gudali (n=17) and Red Bororo (n=17) cattle breeds were randomly purchased from Ilesha Baruba cattle market Kwara State, Kotangora cattle market, Niger State and Akinyele cattle market, Ibadan, Oyo state and were subjected to heart girth measurements. The study lasted for 32 weeks. Live weights of animals were determined at the point of purchase using a specialized measuring tape (girth tape) calibrated in kilogram (kg) and centimeter (cm).The live weights were recorded in kilogram which was used in price negotiation at the market. The live weight of the cattle ranged from 164 – 463 kg. The mean girth tape values were White Fulani (286.53 51.06)kg, Sokoto Gudali (293.35+77.51)kg and Red Bororo 261.88+60.65)kg respectively. Post slaughtering data collected were dressing percentage, weight of head(kg),neck(kg), shanks(kg), forearm(kg), thigh(kg),skin(kg),liver(kg),heart(kg), intestine(kg)and kidney(g).The study revealed that heart girth measurement had high correlation coefficient with live weight (r=0.99, p<0.001). This implies that the use of heart girth tape in weight prediction is accurate and reliable. There were significant (p<0.05) differences in the dressing percentage among the breeds (43.55-46.52) %. Significant (p<0.05) differences were observed in the cut yield percentage between Red Bororo (33.16 4.12) and other breeds but none between White Fulani (37.14 4.50)% and Sokoto Gudali (34.53 5.26)%.There were significant (p<0.05) differences in the head (13.52-13.42)kg, Neck (14.70-18.07)kg, left thigh (27.92-29.41)kg, right forearm (22.91-27.24)kg, left forearm (24.84-27.57)kg, liver (3.60 – 3.84)kg, skin (15.03 -15.39), shank (2.20-2.41)kg, tail (5.23-5.92)kg but none for right thigh, kidney and lungs among the breeds. The variations in the yield may be as a result of genetic, management, weight and age of the animals. It can be concluded that heart girth tape may be used where weighing crush is not available because of its accuracy and reliability. The study also revealed that White Fulani has higher meat yield than Sokoto Gudali and Red Bororo and will therefore be more profitable to cattle sellers, abattoir centers, slaughter houses andmeat shops.
Effects of additives and their levels of inclusion on nutritive value of silage made from elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum)
Authors: Baba M. , Nasir A. , Kabiru A. , V M. , Umar G. A.
Published: February 2021

The experiment was conducted to determine the effects of three additives (molasses, cracked corn and corn-soybean) and inclusion levels (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 %) on nutritive value of elephant grass (Pennistum purpureum) silage. The experimental design was a 3×5 factorial in a completely randomized design with each treatment replicated three times. Samples were obtained from Pasture Museum. Elephant grass stands at late vegetative stage were randomly selected and harvested at 7 cm stubble height. Grass was chopped into 2-3 cm length. Five hundred gram of the sample was weighed in each case; additives were added separately at the designated inclusion levels and mixed thoroughly. Materials were then tightly packed into laboratory silos compressed and sealed tightly and left for a fermentation period of 21 days. The results indicated crude protein (CP) was significantly greater (10.92%) in silage treated with corn-soybean additive compared with other additives. Crude fiber (CF) was observed to be lower in molasses treated elephant grass silage (27.74 %). Acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were both lower in molasses treated silage (24.76 and 43.26 % respectively). The CP was observed to increase with increased inclusion level of the additive while CF decreased. Values for digestible dry matter (DDM), dry matter intake (DMI)as a percentage of body weight and relative feed value (RFV) were greater (P<0.05) in molasses treated silage compared to corn and corn-soybean. The DDM, DMI and RFV values were higher (P<0.05) at 7.5 and 10 % inclusion levels. Significant interactions were observed between additives and inclusion levels in most parameters measured. It was concluded that molasses additive could be used in elephant grass silage during ensiling at 7.5-10 % levels of inclusion.
Anticoccidial effects of dietary Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal in broiler chicken production
Authors: Banjoko O.J. , Olumide M.D. , Oladipo T.A. , Ajayi O.A.
Published: February 2021

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of varying levels of Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal as anticoccidial in broiler chickens. Atotal of one hundred and fifty day oldmarshal broiler chicks were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments with 30 birds per treatment and replicated three times in a completely randomized design for a period of eight weeks. The treatments were: T1 naturally infected and treated with Coccidiostat drug (positive control), T2 naturally infected and not treated with Vernonia amygdalina (negative control), T3, T4 and T5 were naturally infected and treated with Vernonia amygdalina at 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% to 100kg of feed, respectively. Carcass and organ parameters were monitored while the liver and caecum were assessed for histopathological lesions. Significant differences (p
Haemolymph and mineral composition of East African land snail (Achatina fulica ) fed sundried mango seed kernel meal
Authors: Ebenebe C.I. , Amaduruonye W , Onunkwo D.N. , Daniel-Igwe G. , Daniel-Igwe G.
Published: February 2021

A hundred and twenty (120) growing Achatina fulica snail were used to assess the impact of sundried mango seed kernel meal (MSKM) on the haemolymph and mineral composition of Achatina fulica. The mango seed kernel meal used as test ingredient were collected, cracked and the kernel sundried for two weeks after which it was milled into a fine powder. Four dietary treatments were formulated to meet the nutrient requirements of snails. The mango seed kernel meal was included at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%, representing Diet 1, Diet 2, Diet 3 and Diet 4 respectively. Diet 1 served as the control. Snails of similar weights were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments and replicated three (3) times in a completely randomized design (CRD) experiment. Each dietary treatment consisted of thirty (30) snails per treatment with ten (10) snails per replicate. The snails were fed ad libitum. At the end of the 56 days feeding trial, four (4) snails sampled from each replicate were randomly selected for haemolymph and mineral analysis. Data collected on different parameters were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that there were significant differences (p
Effects of sun-dried mango seed kernel meal on growth performance of giant African snail(Archachatina marginata)
Authors: Ebenebe C.I. , Onunkwo D.N. , Amaduruonye W. , Daniel-Igwe G.
Published: February 2021

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of mango seed kernel meal on the growth performance ofArchachatinamarginata fed diets containing varying levels of mango seed kernel meal. A total of hundred and twenty (120) growing snails of similar sizes were randomly assigned to four treatments designated T1 , T2 , T3 and T4 and replicated three times in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each dietary treatment consisted of thirty (30) snails per treatment with ten (10) snails per replicate. The mango seed kernel meal used as test ingredient were collected, cracked and the kernel sundried for two weeks after which it was milled into a fine powder. Four experimental diets were formulated to meet the nutrient requirements of snails included at 0% mango seed kernel meal (T1 ), 5% mango seed kernel meal (T2 ), 10% mango seed kernel meal (T3 ) and 15% mango seed kernel meal (T4 ) respectively. T served as the control. The snails were fed once a day during the evening hours and adequately managed during this period. The feeding trial lasted for eight weeks. Proximate composition of the mango seed kernel meal and the experimental diets were conducted to determine the nutrient contents of the mango seed kernel meal and that of the experimental diet. The feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), weight gain, shell length, shell aperture circumference, shell circumference, suture increase, shell thickness and specific growth rate were monitored and recorded. The data collected were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that there were no significant (P0.05) differences on the feed intake (29.58g in T1 to 27.54g in T4 ),weight gain (10.14g in T1 to 9.50g T2 ), shell length (9.17cmin T2 to 9.03 cmin T1 ), shell aperture (6.50cm in T2 to 6.35cm in T1 ), shell circumference (10.88cm in T2 to 10.65cm in T4 ), suture (3.37cm in T4 to 3.33cm in T2 ), shell thickness (2.22cm in T1 to 1.94cm in T2 ) and specific growth rate. Therefore, it could be concluded that mango seed kernel meal can be included up to 15% in the diet of Archachatina marginata without any adverse effect on their growth performance.
Viability of caprine spermatozoa in sodium citrate-egg yolk extender at room temperature
Authors: Ewuola E. , Ihejirika U.D.G. , Adepoju T.F.
Published: February 2021

This work was aimed at evaluating the ability of sodium citrate-egg yolk extender to sustain the viability of spermatozoa in semen stored at room temperature over a period of time as well as determining the best dilution ratio for on-farm artificial insemination. Seven matured West African dwarf bucks were used for this study; semen was collected once weekly with electro ejaculator, maintained at 37 C in the water bath during extension and was evaluated immediately after extension at room temperature until motility dropped below 20%. The semen collected were pooled and divided into 5 portions. Each portion was extended with sodium citrate-egg yolk extender at 1:0 (without extender, control) as T1, (1:1) T2, (1:2) T3, (1:3) T4 and the 5th portion was extended with normal saline at 1:1 (T5) which served as the negative control. Sperm motility, spermatozoa concentration, livability, acrosome integrity and morphological abnormalities were assessed and data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance. Results showed that spermatozoa motility in treatments 1, 2, and 5 differed significantly (P
Socio-economic characteristics of camel – keepers and some common major ailments of camels in semi-arid Northern Nigeria Keywords (Camelus dromedarius
Authors: Madobi I.S. , Muhammad B.F. , Madigawa I , Umar A.M. , Abdullahi A.
Published: February 2021

The study was conducted to determine the socio-economic background of camel keepers and some common major ailments of camels (camelus dromedarius) in semi-arid Northern Nigeria. A structured questionnaires was administered to fifty camel farmers each atMashi, Maigatari andGeidam in Katsina, Jigawa and Yobe States, respectively. Data obtained from the survey were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result shows that camel keepers in the study area were aged between 31 and 50years (51.7%), literate (85.0%) and had over 20 years of experience (53.7%). A total of 3,848 camels were kept by the respondents in 120mixherds and had annual mortality rate of less than 6.0 %. Major ailments recorded by the respondents were skin diseases (54%) while dermatophilosis, cutaneous ulcers and camel pox had occurrence rate of 20.0%, 8.3% and 8.3%, respectively. It was concluded that camel keepers were well informed and experienced in husbandry and experienced in husbandry and commonest cause of camel slaughter was skin disease which was severe during wet season.
Air drying of wild sunflower leaf (Tithonia diversifolia ): Effect on its anti-nutritive components and haematology of West African dwarf goats
Authors: Odedire J. A. , Oloidi F. F.
Published: February 2021

The study investigated the effect of air – drying treatment on the anti – nutritive components of wild sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia).Fresh leaves of wild sunflower were air – dried for 7 days and subjected to chemical analyses to determine their proximate and phytochemical components. In order to assess its effect on haematology of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats (n=20, aged 5 – 7months, 6.94 ± 0.37 kgweight), the air – dried wild sunflower was milled to form Wild Sunflower Leaf Meal (WSLM) and incorporated into their concentrate diets. ,. The goats were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments containing graded levels of WSLM (0, 10, 20 and 30%). Proximate composition of WSLM ranged from 18.06 – 21.14 % crude protein, 18.25 – 18.90% crude fibre, 3.49 – 4.00% ether extract, 14.10 – 14.14% total ash and 46.10 – 41.82% NFE. Phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of tannin, phytin, oxalate, saponin, alkaloid, phenols and flavonoids both in the fresh and dried leaves. Quantitative records revealed a significant lowering (P0.05) in all the haematological parameters measured, as the values obtained for the Red blood cells (RBC),White blood cells (WBC) and Packed cell volume (PCV) were all within the standard range. It can therefore be concluded that supplementing WAD goats' diet with WSLM with up to 30% did not have any deleterious effect on the goats.
Performance of starter broiler fed boiled jackfruit seed meal (Artocarpus heterophyll)
Authors: Odukwe C. N. , Onunkwo D. N.
Published: February 2021

The experiment was conducted to test the effect of boiled jackfruit seed meal on the performance and economics of starter broiler chicken. The experiment was conducted using one hundred and twenty chicks one week old. The chick swere fed formulated diets containing jackfruit meal (JFM) at T (0%), T (10%), T (20%) and T (30%) levels of inclusion. Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of ten (10) broiler chicks each for 42 days in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The birds were fed ad-libitum throughout the period of the experiment. Data on feed intake and growth parameters were collected daily and weekly, respectively. Jackfruit is a potential feed resource and could be included in the diet of broiler chicks, up to10%level of inclusion without any adverse effect on its performance.
Performance of broiler chickens fed diets containing rice offal supplemented with enzyme
Authors: Edache J. A. , Tuleun C. D. , Yisa A. G. , Muduudtai U. R. , Edache D. O. , Mark E. T.
Published: February 2021

A feeding trial of six weeks was conducted to determine the effect of including rice offal supplemented with natuzyme on the performance of broilers. One hundred and seventy two 2 –week old broilers of mixed sexes were randomly allocated to four diets in a completely randomized design. The broiler chicks were allocated one of four diets containing either 0 (control), 5, 10, or 15% of rice offal. The starter diets were isonitrogenous (25% CP) but decreased in energy levels from 2,779.32 (Diet A), 2,747.73 (Diet B), 2,715.54 (Diet C) to 2,683.54kcal/kg ME (Diet D). The finisher diets were also isonitrogenous at 21% CP with each diet replicated three times. The energy levels of the finisher diet decreased from 2801.67 (diet A) to 2703.22 kcal/kg ME (diet D). The energy levels on diets B (2768.72) and C (2736.18) were higher than on diet D. All diets containing rice offal were supplemented with natuzyme at 100g/100kg feed. Overall result showed that feed intake was significantly lower (p<0.05) on the control (117.38g/bird/day) than on diets B (123.57), C (125.24) and D (123.97g/bird/day). Weight gain was significantly higher (p<0.05) on diet B (57.64g/bird) than on diets C (50.77) and D (46.88g/bird) respectively. Water intake was significantly lower (p<0.05) on the control (204.60mL/bird) than on diets B (240.44), C (231.86) and D (225.73mL/bird), respectively. Feed conversion ratio was significantly better (p<0.05) on diets A (2.36), B (2.23) and C (2.68) than on diet D (3.06) only. Feed cost/kg gain was significantly (p<0.05) better on diet A (N532.65) than on diets B (N666.75) and C (N688.92) only. Initial weight did not differ significantly across the diets but final weight was better (p<0.05) on diet B (2644.40g/bird) than on the control and other rice offal diets. Even though the control diet had lower feed intake, birds on diet B had better weight gain, feed conversion ratio, feed cost/gain and final body weight than the control and other rice offal diets and is therefore, recommended. This is because rice offal based diet on diet B has a cost saving of 8.33% over the control diet.
Growth performance and haematological characteristics of starter broilers fed diets supplemented with tumeric (Curcuma longa) meal
Authors: Olabode A. D. , Adetutu I. S. , Agu C. I. , Ugwuowo L. C. , Ojuoloruntaye T. J. , Okelola O. E.
Published: February 2021

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is an extensively used spice, food preservative and coloring material that has biological actions and medicinal applications. Tumeric, when used as an additive could enhance the performance of broiler chickens in Nigeria. The aim of the present study was to assess the growth performance and haematological characteristics of starter broiler chicken fed diets supplemented with processed turmeric) meal (TM). Ninetysix, two weeks old unsexed “Agri-tech” broiler birds were randomly distributed in a completely randomized design (CRD) into four treatments, comprising of twenty four birds each, with three replicates per treatment (having 8 birds per replicate). The processed turmeric was included at the rate of 0%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% respectively. Feed and water were given without restriction. Supplementation of processed turmeric meal in the diet of starter broilers significantly (p<0.05) influenced the final body weight, average daily feed intake, average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio. The treatment groups containing processed turmeric meal had poor performance in all parameters studied when compared to that of the control. Mean values of all haematological parameters evaluated namely; packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) differed significantly (p<0.05) between the control and the turmeric treated groups, however all the values obtained were within the recommended standard range of values for broiler. It was concluded that processed turmeric meal can be added to the diets of starter broilers up to the level of 1.5% and also can be safely used as a phyto-additive in starter broiler chickens, preferably in their feed.
Evaluation of haematology and serum biochemistry of weaner rabbits fed diets containing Ficus sycomorus and Parkia biglobosa leaf meals
Authors: Audu R. , Tijjani A. , Ibrahim A. A , Amin A. B. , Gumel I. A. , Suleiman A. T.
Published: February 2021

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of varying levels of Ficus sycomorus and Parkia biglobosa leaf meals based diets on the haematology and serum biochemistry of weaner rabbits. Twenty rabbits of mixed breed and sex were allotted to four treatments with each treatment consisting of five rabbits per treatment. The treatments consisted of diets with zero forage (T; control), 5% Ficus sycomorus leaf meal (T), 5% Parkia biglobosa leaf meal 1 2 (T) and 2.5% Ficus sycomorus + 2.5% Parkia biglobosa leaf meals (T) in a completely 3 4 randomized design. The diets were iso-nitrogenous and the trial lasted for eight weeks. Haematological parameters measured were PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC, MCV, MCH and MCHC whereas total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, urea and cholesterol were the biochemical parameters measured. Result of the study showed that Ficus sycomorus and Parkia biglobosa leaves were high in DM, CP, CF, fat and ash contents (94.50% and 92.30%, 18.66% and 19.60%, 9.32% and 7.12%, 9.71% and 8.00%, 10.46% and 12.60%, respectively) but low in moisture (5.50% and 7.70%, respectively). It also revealed significant differences (P<0.05) in all parameters evaluated for haematology [31.93 - 6 3 6 341.90% PCV, 9.50 - 12.10 g/dL Hb, (4.13 - 5.93) x 10/mm RBC, (1.71 - 5.80) x 10/mm WBC, 70.67 - 77.37 Fl MCV, 20.46 - 23.96 Pg MCH and 29.00 - 30.00% MCHC]. The values of total protein (68.00 - 74.00 g/L), albumin (34.00 - 48.33d/L), globulin (25.67 - 34.00g/L), glucose (3.67 - 4.57 mmol/L), urea (8.73 - 9.67 mg/dL) and cholesterol (1.17 - 2.60 mmol/L) obtained for biochemical parameters in the control and study animals also showed significant (P<0.05) differences except for globulin. It was concluded that inclusion of Ficus sycomorus leaf meal in the diets of weaner rabbits at 5% had no adverse effect on the parameters evaluated. It was therefore, recommended that 5% inclusion level of Ficus sycomorus could be safely incorporated in the diets of weaner rabbits to meet their protein requirements as an alternative to more expensive conventional protein sources.
Mineral and proximate composition of selected forages fed to West African dwarf bucks in Obio Akpa
Authors: Eyoh G. D , Udo M. D. , Ayuk A. A. , Anya M. I.
Published: February 2021

The nutritive value of leaves from six forages was carried out. The forages were Andropogon tectorum, Panicum maximum, Aspilia aafricana ,Gmelina aborea, Alchornea cordifolia and Bambusa vulgaris, and were collected from Obio-Akpa in Akwa Ibom State. The forages were analysed for proximate composition, mineral/vitamin concentrations and anti-nutritive components. Results showed no significant (p>0.05) differences in the dry matter content which ranged from 86.52 to 98.36%. A. africana and G. arborea recorded protein contents which was higher than the crude protein (CP) of other forages analysed. A range of 1.94 to 5.24% and 1.28 to 5.84% were recorded for ether extract (EE) and crude fibre (CF) values for the six forages. The values reported for minerals showed that B. vulgaris had the lowest value of calcium (0.45%) while A. tectorum was low in magnesium (Mg) and potassium (0.57 and 0.22%). Highest content of vitamin A and B was recorded in A. tectorum (1.17 and 12 2.11ìg/100g), respectively. The values reported for anti-nutritive factors ranged from 0.98 to 2.23 for tannins, 1.94 to 3.76 for Saponins, 0.01 to 1.23 for oxalates, 0.22 to 0.71 for hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and 1.05 to 1.55mg/g for phytates. The results showed that the forages studied have good nutrient contents and safe levels of anti-nutritional factors,thus they may be used as feed resources to enhance the production of ruminants
Cattle milk processing and marketing characteristics among agro-pastoralists in North West Nigeria
Authors: Iyiola-Tunji A. O. , Buba W. , Saleh I. , Mohammed A. T. , Yusuf M. A. , John P. A.
Published: February 2021

The study was aimed at analysing the fundamental characteristics of milk collection, processing and marketing among agro-pastoralists in North West Nigeria. A three stage (multi-stage) sampling technique was used for the study. The first stage is the purposive selection of four States (Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano and Katsina States purposively selected based on the high concentration of agro-pastoralists). In the second stage, two Local Government Areas (LGA) from each of the State were purposively selected. The third stage involved the use of snowball sampling method for the selection of communities where agropastoralist were interviewed using structured questionnaire. Two communities were selected per LGA. Data were collected from 157 respondents from the target populatuion out of sampled agro-pastoral households. The survey instrument was pretested and subjected to face validity. The data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages. The average length of time for milk storage before processing was 1 hour and 41 minutes. Pasteurization was the method of choice used to prevent milk spoilage by 63.8% of respondents in all the States considered in this study. Almost all (91.2%) of the respondents market their milks. Spoilage of milk during the period before processing was reported as the highest constraint to milk production, processing and marketing in all the four States. Inadequate equipment and milk loss during processing were also reported as constraints by 18.9 and 14.7%, respectively. Low quality of milk, especially during dry season, also constitute a constraint to about 4% of the respondents. The agro-pastoralists in North West Nigeria are engaged in peasantry profitable ventures of milk processing and marketing. Most of them are not members of groups and cooperatives. Their volume of trade in milk processing and marketing can be greatly enhanced if they are organized into productive groups along the value chain. Past efforts at organizing milk processors and marketers into groups and cooperatives need to be revisited by relevant agencies of government and non-government organizations.
Growth performance and blood profile of rabbit bucks in two housing types on aqueous extract of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus Jacq ex fr.)
Authors: Sogunle O. M. , Aremu T. S. , Olatubosun O. O. , Njoku C. P. , Sogunle O. M. , Abiona J. A.
Published: February 2021

The growth performance and blood profile of forty-eight (48), six (6) weeks old rabbit bucks of cross (Chinchilla and New Zealand White) were assessed for 10 weeks. The bucks were allotted on weight equalization basis in a 2 x 4 factorial experimental layout composed of 24 rabbits into steel hutches and wooden hutches each and on four (4) varying levels (0, 5, 10 and 15 mL/litre of water, respectively) of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus Jacq ex fr.) extract. Six (6) bucks were assigned to each treatment group and replicated three times with two (2) bucks per replicate in a Completely Randomized Design. The phytochemicals of the oyster mushroom extract showed that 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z)- methyl ester was the most abundant. Results showed that the feed conversion ratio was significantly (P<0.05) best (6.08) in bucks reared in wooden cage and administered 15 mL oyster mushroom extract. Significantly (P<0.05) highest triglycerides (81.00 mg/dL) was obtained in bucks on steel hutch and on 5 mL oyster mushroom extract and lowest (55.00 mg/dL) in bucks on steel hutch and on 10 mL oyster mushroom extract. The lowest (P<0.05) lymphocytes (59.00%) were recorded in bucks on wooden cage and administered 10 mL oyster mushroom extract. It was concluded that oyster mushroom extract up to 15 mL/litre of water administered in either steel hutch or wooden hutch did not impair the growth performance and blood profile of rabbit bucks.
In vitro evaluation of nutritional quality of ensiled rice offal enhanced with nonprotein nitrogen sources and soybean meal residue
Authors: Abdullahi A. Y. , Muhammad A. S. , Zango M. H. , Madaki S. , Dambatta M. A. , Muhammad H. A. , Suleiman I. O. , Bala A. G. , Abubakar A. , Nasir M. , Khaleel A, G. , Ibrahim U. , Hassan A. M.
Published: February 2021

An experiment was conducted to assess the appearance, smell, texture, pH, temperature, chemical composition and energy content of ensiled Rice offal (RO) treated with non-protein nitrogen sources and soybean meal residue in a completely randomized design. Rice offal was treated with different proportions of Urea, Poultry litter (PL) and Soybean meal residue (SBMR) and ensiled. The treatment combinations were; A (100%RO), B (100%RO + Urea), C (75%RO + 25%PL), D (50%RO + 50%PL), E (75%RO + 25%SBMR) and F (50%RO + 50%SBMR). The treatments were ensiled for 21 days in triplicates. The results showed that silages were adequately fermented with sweet aroma. The silages were acidic (4.70 – 5.80) except for treatments C and D which had pH of 7.20 and 7.00, respectively. The temperatures of the silages were significantly (P<0.05) different. The proximate composition of silages differed significantly (P<0.05), being highest for %CP, %EE and ash in treatment B. Dry matter contents were also significantly different (P<0.05) with treatment A having the highest (90.25%). Rice offal and Urea mixtures resulted in silages with highest NDF, HEM and Energy. Lowest NDF was obtained in treatment without additive (Treatment A) compared to all other treatments. Least ADF was obtained in Treatment E (75% RO + 25% SBMR). Enhancement of rice offal with urea, poultry litter and soybean meal residue has shown improvement in the silage physiochemical quality
Response of domestic chickens to fasting and non-fast moulting programmes in a humid tropical environment
Authors: Ogbu C. C. , Ndifereke S. , Ogbu N. N. , Okoli I. C.
Published: February 2021

The study evaluates the effect of fasting and non-fasting (Zn supplementation) moulting methods on performance of indigenous (IC) and Shaver brown (SB) hens in the hot humid tropical environment of Nsukka, Southeastern Nigeria. One hundred and twenty indigenous and Shaver brown hens (60/genotype) aged between 75 and 80 weeks were shared into three groups (20/group), T : hens fed layers diet at 125 g/bird/day (control group), T : hens fed 1 2layers mash supplemented with 20,000ppm Zn as ZnO at 125 g/bird/day for 14 days, and T : 3 hens subjected to feed deprivation (FD) for 14 days. Water was given ad libitum to all birds. Data analyzed were pre-moult and moulting body weight, hen day egg production (HDEP), and egg weight. Moulting method significantly (p<0.05) affected body weight in SB but not in indigenous hens; hen day egg production and day to stoppage of egg production in bothgenotypes with FD resulting in greater loss in body weight and an early cessation of egg production compared to zinc supplementation. Shaver Brown hens subjected to ZnO and FD lost 15.6 and 26.7 % of their initial body weight, respectively while IC lost 16.2 and 32.6 %, respectively. Hen day egg production was 0.00 ± 0.00 % in the last week of moulting in SB and IC moulted by FD but 8.32 ± 6.47 % for SB and 10.71 ± 3.25 % for IC moulted by ZnO. Egg production stopped on day 10 (D10) and 6 in SB hens submitted to ZnO and FD, respectively and on D13 and 5, respectively for the IC. In conclusion, zinc supplementation at 20,000ppm in the diet of laying chickens as moulting agent is a milder but equally effective moulting method as fasting and is recommended for intensive commercial and rural indigenous poultry production.
Antibacterial action and dietary effect of lemon juice on nutrient digestibility and growth performance of broiler chickens
Authors: Ndelekwute E. K. , Assam E. D. , Unah U. L. , Assam E. M. , Okonkwo A. C.
Published: February 2021

trial to determine the bactericidal effect of lemon juice on feed bacterial load and its dietary effect on growth and apparent nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens. There were five dietary treatments (T1 – T5) containing lemon juice 0.0, 10, 15, 20 and 25mL/kg diet, respectively. Each treatment was replicated three times with 10 birds each, giving 30 birds per treatment. The experiment was arranged in completely randomized design (CRD). Starter diet was fed ad libitum for 3 weeks and finisher diet for 4 weeks. Water was given also ad libitum throughout the experimental period. Citric and ascorbic acids content of the lime and the pH were determined. At the end of the experiment, results showed that the juice contained ascorbic acid (2.76), citric acid (4.23) with low pH (3.87) and exhibited antibacterial action. Above 10mL/kg inclusion level, apparent nutrient digestibility of crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, ash and energy utilization were improved. At the starter phase 20 and 25mL/kg improved final live weight and protein efficiency ratio. Final live weight was improved by 15, 20 and 25mL/kg at the finisher phase. In conclusion, addition of 15mL/kg lemon juice in broiler diets could be a good practice and is recommended.
Haematology, serum biochemistry and organ histopathology of broiler chickens fed graded dietary levels of Gongronema latifolia (Utasi)
Authors: Ukorebi B. A. , Akpet S. O. , Gboshe P. N.
Published: February 2021

An experiment was carried out to evaluate effects of different dietary levels of Gongronema latifolia leaf meal (GLLM) on blood parameters and histopathology of broiler chickens. Fiv experimental diets were formulated. Diet 1 (control) contained 0% GLLM while diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 contained 2.5%, 5.0% 7.5 and 10.0% GLLM respectively. Each diet was fed to a group of 30 broilers (one week old) for 49 days. A dietary inclusion level of 10% GLLM significantly (P<0.05) reduced RBC concentration but had no significant (P>0.05) effect on other haematological indices. There was a significant (P<0.05) reduction of serum glucose at7.5% and10% and of AST at5%,7.5% and10%. Bilirubin increased significantly (P<0.05) 5%, 7.5, 10% and 2.5% dietary levels of GLLM. Other serum parameters were not affected (P>0.05) by the treatments. There were no indications of pathologic significance in the liver, kidney, proventriculus or pancreas. An inclusion level of 10% Gongronema latifolia leaf meal in diet can therefore support normal broiler production.
Mineral composition of chicken meat floss produced from broilers fed diets with low energy levels
Authors: Umar A. M. , Mohammed A.
Published: February 2021

This study was designed to investigate the mineral composition of floss prepared from broiler chickens fed low energy diets. Three experimental diets comprising three energy levels of 2, 400 (A); 2, 600 (B) and 2, 800 ME Kcal/Kg (C) were formulated and fed to the broiler chickens. The crude protein of the starter and finisher diets were fixed at 24 and 20%, respectively. A total of 270, one-day old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were weighed and randomlyallocated to three treatments (A, B and C) of 90 birds per treatment, each treatment having three replications of 30 birds. At the end of eighth week, three birds were randomly taken from each replication for the preparation of meat floss. Triplicate samples of the raw and broiler chicken meat floss were analysed for calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na) and potassium (K). The experiment was laid in a Completely Randomized Design. Raw meat ofbroiler chicken fed diet containing 2, 800 ME Kcal/Kg had the highest values of Ca (50.72 mg/Kg), Na (48.02 mg/Kg) and K (80.96 mg/Kg). Mineral composition of meat floss fro broiler chicken fed diet containing 2, 800 ME Kcal/Kg had the highest value of Na (48.6 mg/Kg) and K (78.81 mg/Kg). It is concluded that the raw meat and floss of broiler chickens fed diet containing 2, 800 ME Kcal/Kg had highest values of Na and K.
Dry matter acceptability and digestibility of nutrient by West African dwarf Rams fed polyenzyme treated cassava peel and corn cob based diets
Authors: Olamilusi O. D. , Olotu J. D. , Eniolorunda O. O.
Published: February 2021

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of polyenzyme treated corn cob based diet on the dry matter acceptability and nutrient digestibility by West African dwarf rams. Sixteen (16) rams were used in a completely randomized design, comprising of 4 per treatment in metabolic cages for digestibility while for acceptability each animal was allotted to a pen and the cafeteria feeding method employed. The dietary treatments were: T1 (cassava peel untreated); T2 (corn cob untreated); T3 (polyenzyme treated cassava peel) and T4 (polyenzyme treated corn cob) respectively. The result for dry matter acceptability showed that T3 had the highest value for dry matter intake (979.20g/h/d); coefficient of preference (1.06) and percentage of preference (26.44%). Significant (p<0.05) difference were obtained for the digestibility percentages of all the proximate nutrients. The digestibility values recorded for T3 was the highest (P<0.05) for DM (78.81), CP (81.91), CF (70.24), EE (37.40), NEF (80.05), NDF (76.99) and ADF (71.69). However, it is recorded that inclusions of polyenzyme to cassava peel and corncob have a promising acceptability, enhanced and efficiently utilized by sheep. The study shown that treatment of cassava peels and corn cob with polyenzyme improved and sustain ruminants during period of feeds insufficiency. Also, provide a better utilization of wasteful cassava peel and corn cob to feedstuff so as to improve farmers that practice intensive ruminant management.
Effect of some medicinal herbs and spices from Enugu and Kaduna States, Nigeria, on in-vitro rumen fermentation and methanogenesis
Authors: Iyere M. A. , Bamikole M. A. , Ikhatua U. J. , Babayemi O. J. , Egigba G. S.
Published: February 2021

A study was carried out to determine the effect of medicinal plants from Enugu (En) and Kaduna (Kd) States on in-vitro rumen fermentation and methanogenesis. Twelve medicinal plants comprising herbs and spices were collected from En and Kd States, respectively. The chemical composition and cell wall component (NDF, ADF and hemicellulose) of the plants were determined. The samples were evaluated in an in-vitro study at an inclusion level of 10 mg/ 200 mg substrate. The experiment was laid out in a factorial arrangement and executed as a randomized complete block design with incubation done in batches. At the completion of the 24-hour incubation period, total gas volume (GV), dry matter digestibility (DMD), fermentation efficiency (FE) and CH were determined while organic matter digestibility 4 (OMD), short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and metabolisable energy (ME) were estimated from established equations. The chemical composition indicated range values of 72.82 (Allium sativum, En) - 95.73% (Aloe barbadense, Kd) for DM, 7.01 (Aframomum  elegueta, En) – 30.59% (Allium sativum, En) for CP, 8.94 (Allium sativum, Kd) – 81.41% (Cymbopogon citratus, En) for NDF, 3.58 (Allium sativum, En) – 63.64% (Xylopia aethiopica, En) for ADF, 1.79 (Allium cepa, Kd) - 48.77 % (Aframomum melegueta, En) for hemicellulose, 2.64 (Aframomum melegueta, En) – 22.51% (Ageratum conyzoides, Kd) and 77.49 (Ageratum conyzoides, Kd) – 97.36% (Aframomum melegueta, En) for ash and OM, respectively. The effect of location on chemical composition varied among the plant types with significantly higher (P < 0.05) levels of CP in most of the Kd plants. The range for GV, DMD, CH 4 percentage, CH reduction, FE, OMD, SCFA and ME were 85.00 (Ageratum conyzoides, Kd) 4 - 149.49 mL/g DM (Aloe barbadense, Kd), 525.50 (Sida acuta, Kd) - 764.50 g/Kg DM (Aframomum melegueta, En), 45.75 (Allium sativum, En) - 72.59% (Aframomum melegueta, Kd), 2.36 (Allium cepa, Kd) - 32.86% (Zingiber officinale, Kd), 4.23 (Sida acuta, Kd) - 8.12 (Ageratum conyzoides, Kd), 45.83 (Ageratum conyzoides, Kd) – 57.18% (Cymbopogon citratus, Enugu; Aloe barbadense, Kd), 0.35 (Ageratum conyzoides, Kd) - 0.66 mmol/200 mg DM (Cymbopogon citratus, En) and 5.18 (Ageratum conyzoides, Kd) – 6.93 MJ/Kg DM (Cymbopogon citratus, En; Aloe barbadense, Kd) respectively. Allium sativum bulbs, Zingiber officinale rhizomes, Cymbopogon citratus and Sida acuta (both locations) reduced CH production without adversely affecting the desired fermentation parameters indicating 4 that the medicinal plants have methane reducing potential.
Effects of aqueous leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana on semen morphology and characteristics in male Wistar albino rats
Authors: Olukunle J. O , Jacobs E. B. , Adeleye O. E. , Oyewusi J. A. , Adenubi O. T. , Durotoye L. A.
Published: February 2021

To study the effect of the aqueous leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana (Euphorbiaceae) on some reproductive parameters of male Wistar albino rats, three groups (A, B and C) of six rats each were treated with 400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg/day of leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana, respectively for 28 days while 5 mLs/kg of distilled water was given to the controlgroup D. At the end of the experimental period, animals were sacrificed and sperm characteristics, histology of the testes and epididymis were assessed. Sperm motility (80.00+7.0, 75.00+2.9), sperm count (82.75+2.7, 76.50+3.8) and sperm live/dead (96.00+2.0, 94.50+1.7) were not significantly reduced (P<0.05) at the dosages of 400 and 800 mg/kg Acalypha wilkesiana leaf extract, respectively. did not have any significant reduction (P<0.05) in, but significant (P<0.05) reductions in sperm count (71.50+3.5*) was observed at 1600 mg/kg dose. Also, significant (P<0.05) increase in morphologicalabnormalities of the spermatozoa were only observed in the 1600 mg/kg treated group of rats. Histopathological evaluation of the testis and revealed varying degrees of degeneration and necrosis of the germinal epithelia cell of the seminiferous tubules and spermiostasis, whereas no significant lesion was seen in the epididymis. The high dose of the leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana may have significant anti-spermatogenic effects on adult male Wistar rats.
Nigerian Fulani ecotype chickens - I – Growth performance under two production systems
Authors: Sanusi A. R. , Oseni  S. O. 
Published: February 2021

The rearing of indigenous chickens is an integral part of the smallholder farming systems in  developing countries, where they are kept by the rural poor to satisfy multiple functions Thus,  the growth performance of Nigerian Fulani ecotype chicken (NFEC) under intensive and  pastured poultry production systems was evaluated. Two hundred, day-old chicks of Nigerian  Fulani ecotype chicken (NFEC) were obtained. The chickens were separated randomly to  intensive and pastured poultry production systems at 12 weeks of age. Data on body weight  ® were taken weekly from day-old to 20 weeks. Data were analyzed using PROC GLM of SAS at statistical significance level of P<0.05. Results showed significant effect of sex of chicken  th th from the 10 to the 20 week of age (P<0.05). Significant interaction effect was observed  between sex and production system at weeks 16 and 18 (P<0.05) when the male chickens  under the intensive production system outpaced their male counterparts in the pastured  poultry. Average daily gain for the period of 20 weeks was 6.83g and 9.21g for female and  male chickens, respectively. Weight gain pattern across weeks was not uniform. There was no  significant difference in the growth rate in the two production systems (P>0.05). The study  revealed that little disparity exists in growth performance of NFEC under the pastured and  deep-litter production systems.