African
Journals Online
Nigerian Journal of Animal Production
Volume 30 Number 2 2003
ABSTRACTS
Genetic aspects of growth and maturing rate in trypanotolerant beef cattle: N’Dama
O.O. Mgbere1 and O.Olutogun
Animal Breeding and Genetics Divison, Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
Abstract
Genetic parameters for Absolute Growth Rate (AGR), Relative Growth Rate (RGR) and Absolute Maturing Rate (AMR) at various age interval from birth to maturity in N’Dama beef cattle raised in the humid tropics of Nigeria were estimated. Performance data used were accumulated between 1948 and 1964 at Fasola cattle ranch in Oyo, Nigeria and the number of records analysed ranged from 44 to 678. preweaning (B – W) growth and maturing rates in N’Dama calves were 0.377 + 0.009 kg/day (AGR), 0.643 + 0.006 %/day (RGR) and 0.120 + 0.003% A/day (AMR) and fluctuate subsequently, following the animals’ state of development and certain physiological stress conditions. At post weaning (W – 12), these rates decreased to 0.249 + 0.049kg/day, 0.204 + 0.029%/day and 0.075 + 0.014 % A/day for AGR, RGR and AMR respectively. Estimates of heritability at the various age intervals were considered low in these growth traits with values obtained ranging from 0.03 to 0.24 for AGR, 0.03 to 0.21 for RGR and ).02 to 0.42 for AMR, with high standard errors. The low estimates though, consistent with literature reports were attributed to the poor standard of animal management and production environment at Fasola. It was evident from this study that selection of N’Dama calves based on post weaning (W – 12) growth or maturing rates would yield substantial genetic progress. However, improved animal management and production environment on the ranch would not only improve precision of the genetic parameter estimates but would also enhance N’Dama growth performance generally.
Keywords: Growth rates, maturing rates, genetic parameters, trypanotolerant cattle.
Non-Ruminant Nutrition and Production
Response of broilers to 3 weeks feed restriction initiated at different time periods
J.O. Oyedeji1 and J.O. Atteh2
1Institute of Continuous Learning, Benson Idahosa University, P.M.B. 1100, Benin City, Nigeria
2Department of Animal production, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
Abstract
One hundred and forty-four Anak broilers were subjected to either ad libitum feeding or 50% ad libitum feeding for a period of 3 weeks starting from 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th week of age and then returned to ad libitum feeding to market age. Feed intake was significantly reduced (P<0.05). Initiation of broilers to 50% of ad libitum feeding at the 2nd week of age produced a significantly higher weight gain and better feed to gain ratio compared with the control (P<0.05). Initiation of broilers to 50% ad libitum feeding beyond the 3rd week resulted in poorer performance of broilers compared with the control (P<0.05). Feed restriction as applied in this study did not have any significant effects on broilers initiated at the 2nd or 3rd week and the control. However, retention of these nutrients were significantly reduced (P<0.05) in birds initiated into feed restriction beyond the 3rd week. The economic data showed that 50% of ad libitum feeding initiated at the 2nd week of age resulted in significant reduction in the cost of production and cost to benefit ratio (P<0.05). The benefit in terms of Naira and kobo was also significantly increased (P<0.05). It was then concluded that, initiating broilers to 50% of ad libitum feeding for 3 weeks starting at the 2nd week of age offered a better economic gain than the usual ad libitum feeding.
Keywords: Feed restriction, 50% of ad libitum feeding, cost to benefit ratio, feed intake, nutrient retention, weight gain
Response of broiler to skip a day (SAD) feeding
J.O. Oyedeji1, J.O Atteh2 and S.A. Adedeji2
1Benson Idahosa University, Institute of Continous Learning, P.M.B 1100, Benin City.
2Department of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
Abstract
One hundred and eighty day-old broilers were used to investigate the response of broilers to skip-a-day feeding regime. Broiler chicks were either fed ad libitium or subjected to 1,2,3,4 or 5 week skip-a-day feeding thereafter fed ad libitium to market age. Result at market age showed that feed intake was significantly reduced (P<0.05), P>0.025) while weight gain and feed to gain ratio were not significantly affected (P>0.05, P>0.025) by skip-a-day feeding. Skip-a-day feeding did not affect mortality of broilers (P>0.05), P>0.025). Protein retention, fat retention and fibre utilization were comparable for broilers in all treatments (P>0.05, P>0.025). Abdominal fat pad was significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.025) by the skip-a-day feeding when compared with ad libitium feeding. The economic data showed that cost of production was reduced (P<0.05, P<0.025) by the application of skip-a-day feeding. However cost to benefit ratio remained comparable (P>0.05, P>0.025) when the two feeding systems were compared. It was concluded that, if approximately applied, skip-a-day feeding could result in sufficient cost reduction to be of commercial importance.
Keywords: Skip-a-day (SAD) Feed intake, Weight gain, Cost to benefit ratio, Nutrient retention
Effect of replacing maize with cassava/brewers dried yeast blend (Cassayeast) on performance of broiler chicks and feed cost in southern Nigeria
B.M. Oruwari1, A.O. Anibo and D.M. Nkanta*
Animal Science Department, *Agricultural Economics and Extension Department, University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Nkpolu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Abstract
A feeding trial using 240, day old Anak broiler
chicks was conducted in which cassava meal (CM) completely replaced maize in
the control diet (A) to formulate five isocaloric and iso nitrogenous diets.
Dried CM blended with brewers dried yeast (BDY) formed cassayeast with 2.704
parts of CM to 1 part of BDY). The (Cassayeast) CM and BDY blend in the dietary
treatments, (B,C,D and E) were 30 CM + 11.1% BDY, 35 CM + 12.94% BDY, 40 CM +
14.79% BDY, and 45 CM + 16.64% BDY, respectively, and these treatments had no
maize. Dietary treatment A, containing maize, which served as the control had
no cassayeast inclusion, thus demonstrating the total replacement of maize by
cassayeast in the other dietary treatments. Results showed that significant of
maize difference (P<0.5) were observed in the control and at in one
cassayeast treatment in feed intake (4.43 as against 4.22kg), body weight (1.94
as against 1.65kg), efficiency of feed utilization (feed: gain ratio 2.19 as
against 2.51; gain: feed ratio 0.49 as against 0.43), respectively. However,
gizzard weights were not significant. Economic analysis showed that the cost of
producing a bird with the maize based diet (A) was significantly (P<0.05)
higher than that with the cassayeast diets but there was not difference among
the cassayeast diets (B-E). The maize based diet was most expensive (N
29.68 per kg diet) while diet C was the cheapest (N 25.57 per kg). The
study demonstrated that the use of cassayeast has a place in the broiler
industry, thus indicating that with proper protein balancing, cassava can
completely replace maize in broiler diets.
Keywords: Cassava, brewers dried yeast, broiler chicks, feed cost.
Growth response of rabbits fed graded levels of processed and undehulled sunflower seeds
W.O. Biobaku and E.O. Dosumu
Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240,Abeokuta, Nigeria
Abstract
The effects of processed and undehulled sunflower seed (PUSS) as feed supplement, on the performance of growing rabbits was studied.The eight weeks feeding trial involving twenty four, six weeks old male and female New Zealand white rabbits weighing 600-650g in a completely randomized design were feed three diets containing 0% (control), 10% and 20%.processed and undehulled sunflower seeds. The processed and undehulled sunflower seed was high in both fat and fibre levels (25.42 and 29.82%) respectively but low in both protein and nitrogen free extract (17.92 and 16.48%) respectively. The 10% level of inclusion of PUSS in the diet gave significantly (P< 0.05) better weight gains than the 20% PUSS. Feed efficiency and protein efficiency were similar for the control and 10% PUSS supplements, which were both superior (P<0.05) to the 20% PUSS diet. There was no incidence of enteritis or mortality among the treatment groups.
Keywords: Rabbits, processed undehulled sunflower seed.
Response of finishing broiler chickens fed three energy/protein combinations at Fixed E:P ratio
O.M.O. Idowu1, Daisy Eruvbetine1,O.O. Oduguwa1, A.M. Bamgbose1 and S.S. Abiola2
1Department of Animal Nutrition,
2Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
Abstract
A feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the response of finishing broiler chicken to diets containing three metabolizable energy (ME)/crude protein (CP) combinations ( 3203.76 ME vs 19.90 %CP, 2884.15 ME vs 18.10%CP and 2566.42 ME vs 18.10 %CP) at fixed ME:CP ratio of 160:1. A total of 126 four weeks old broiler chickens were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments replicated thrice. The final live weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion and PER were generally higher in the birds fed the control diet (3203.76 ME vs 19.90 %CP). There were significant (P<0.05) differences among treatments in terms of final live weight, protein intake, energy intake, CP: Gain and ME:Gain, while weight gain , feed intake, feed conversion ratio and percentage mortality were statistically the same (P>0.05) across the treatments. Cost per kg feed decreased as the energy and the protein density of the diets decreased while the cost per kg weight gain decreased with increase in energy and protein density. The digestibility percentages showed a decreasing (P<0.05) trend while nitrogen retention increased with decrease in energy-protein density of the diets. Values for the haematological parameters and blood chemistry were significantly (P<0.01) higher in birds fed control diet and the values decreased with decreased levels of dietary energy and protein. The results suggest that when both energy and protein density of broiler finisher diet are reduced at fixed E:P ratio the feed intake would increase while the feed utilization efficiency decreases.
Keywords: Finishing broiler chickens, energy/protein combination, energy:protein ratio
Effects of graded levels of iron-fortified locally produced natural vitamin premix on the performance and carcass characteristics of broilers
S.A. Bolu, and O.O. Balogun
Department of Animal production, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
Abstract
A feeding trial was conducted using broilers to determine the optimum inclusion levels of locally produced natural vitamin premix (LPNVP) and compare the performance to a commercial vitamin-mineral premix(CVMP) commonly sold within Nigeria. Feed intake, weight gain and feed utilization efficiency varied (P<0.05) among the various dietary treatments considered. Feed utilization efficiency and weight gain were inversely related to feed intake for birds fed LPNVP-based diets and these measurements were lower (P<0.05) than values observed for birds fed CVMP based diets. Nutrient retentions were also not influenced (P>0.05) by the various inclusion levels of LPNVP studied, although these criteria were also significantly lower for birds fed LPNVP-based diets compared with birds fed CVMP-based diets. Although, dressing percentage was not affected (P>0.05) by the dietary levels, relative fresh organs and primal cut weights were different (P<0.05) for birds fed the various levels of LPNVP and the control birds fed CVMP-based diets. It was however cheaper (P<0.05) to use LPNVP than CVMP as a source of vitamin for broilers.
Keywords: Locally produced Natural vitamin premix, Commercial vitamin/mineral premix
Ruminant Nutrition and Production
The study of linear body measurements of West African Dwarf (WAD) lambs and kids under traditional management system
A.T. Ogungbayi, S.S. Abiola* and M.O. Ozoje
College of Animal Science and Livestock production, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Abstract
Linear dimensions of WAD lambs and kids were compared under traditional management system from birth to weaning age of 3 months. At birth, male and female lambs were comparable to their kid counter parts in body length (BL) and Height-at-withers (HW) but inferior to kids in Heart Girth (HG), Mean HG for lambs at birth was 23.09cm while that of kid was 26.62cm. At 3 months, mean HG for lambs was 49.40cm while that of kids was 46.24cm. Birth type had significant effects (P<0.05) on linear dimensions at birth and weaning. For both species, linear dimensions increased with increase in birth and weaning weights. The superiority of WAD lambs is body dimensions compared to WAD kids is indicative of better frame size in lambs at post weaning age.
Keywords: - Linear dimensions, lambs and kids, traditional management.
An appraisal study of donkey in three Northern states of Nigeria
O.O.J.Bale1., C.A.M. Lakpini1., A.K. Mohammed1., J.T. Amodu1.,U.F.Chiezey2., H.U. Ahmed3., A.A. Achazie4., E.O. Otchere5.
1 National Animal Production Research Institue, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
2Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
3 National Agricultural Research Project, Abuja, Nigeria.
4 Federal Agricultural Co-ordinating Unit,Abuja, Nigeria.
5 Institute for Agricultural Research, Accra, Ghana
Abstract
This qualitative study on donkey was conducted in Bauchi, Kano and Kebbi States of Nigeria. The objective of the study was to understand the role, significance and potential areas needing intervention in donkey rearing in the rural setting. The study was also used to obtain first-hand baseline information on the state of knowledge on the donkey in the states surveyed. Sixty two locations were visited comprising 36 from Kebbi, 19 from Bauchi and 17 from Kano States respectively. Rapid Rural Participatory Appraisal (RRPA) technique with check list of questions and farmers’ participation was employed in villages/towns randomly selected to cover all the ecological zones in each of the three States. A meeting of one to two hours was organized with the farmers and donkey owners. Observations were made on donkeys at home and in the field. Problems mentioned by respondents included: Colics (Anomari),ulcerative lymphangitis, inflammation of the tongue, interdigital dermatitis, ear sore, fistulous withers, unknown causes of lameness and nervous system disorder called locally as “chinkai chinkai”. There were generally poor or no veterinary facilities and services in most of the villages and towns. It was not the farmers practice to take donkeys to clinic for treatment. Mortality was high during the late dry season in most places but also occurred in the rainy season in some places. Areas for further investigations were also highlighted.
Keywords: Nigeria, Appraisal, Northern States, diseases, donkey
Preliminary studies on Tephrosia species: Effect of seed treatments on germination
O.J. Babayemi1, I.O. Daniel2*, M.A. Bamikole3, A. Ogungbesan1 and B.O. Oduguwa4
1 Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
2*Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Technology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
3 Department of Animal Science, University of Benin, Benin city, Nigeria.
4Research and Development Centre, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
Abstract
Germination tests were conducted on the seeds of three species of Tephrosia (T. bracteolata, T. candida, and T. linearis) to investigate potential seedling establishment and possible pre-treatments to improve seed germination. Pre-culture treatments were: i) No treatment (control), ii) rubbed in sand paper, iii) soaking in boiled water for 30 seconds, iv) for 3 minutes, v) for 5 minutes, vi) soaking in concentrated sulphuric acid, and vii) soaking in water for 24 hours. After treatment, a total of two hundred and fifty seeds (5 replicates each of 50 seeds) were cultured on moist filter paper for 15 days. Cumulative percentage germination, percentage dormant seeds and germination rates were calculated. Seeds of all the species of Tephrosia exhibited innate dormancy at varying levels, but most pronounced in T. linearis. Soaking seeds in boiled water for 30 seconds to 5 minutes resulted in higher seed germination (p<0.05) than other pre-culture seed treatments in all the genotypes. Percentage hard seeds were also minimal in seeds treated this way, indicating effective dormancy alleviation in Tephrosia by these treatments. From the trial, soaking seeds in boiled water for 30 seconds is recommended as treatment of Tephrosia seeds to enhance germination and optimal potential seedling establishment.
Keywords: Germination, seed treatments, Tephrosia species, legume shrubs.
Livestock Economics/Extension Services
Yield performance of commercialized upland fish farms in Ondo state of Nigeria
T. E. Mafimisebi
Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management , University of Ibadan,Ibadan, Nigeria
Abstract
The study examined the socio-demographic
characteristics of fish farmers, evaluated the profitability of upland fish
farms in the study area and determined the key variables to which profitability
is responsive. Empirical results showed that majority of the fish farms came
into business less than ten years ago while 62.0% of the managers of the fish
farms had formal education. The total farm size of the twenty-two fish farms
surveyed was 229,112m2 and the average size of a fish pond unit was
1,863m2. Table fish production was preponderant over fingerlings
production. About 70.0% of the fish farms practised monoculture, 23.33% used
polycultural method and 6.67% employed both. The major fish species commonly
cultured were Tilapia, Alestes, Heterotis and Catfish. The fixed cost per hectare
of fish farm for the period studied was N517,591.48 while variable cost
stood at N2,053,806.68. The most important components of fixed costs
were labour (41.02%), bore-hole and water pumps (22.10%) and land and pond
construction (14.50%). For variable cost, the most expensive items were fish
feeds (51.44%), fish seeds (17.30%) and transportation and fuel (13.16%). The
average net profit per hectare of fish farm was N960,037.57 per year.
Various profitability ratios revealed that investment in upland fish farms is a
worthwhile business but investors need to do something about the fluctuating
trends of some of the indices since the desirable trend is either a consistent
increase or decrease. A sensitivity analysis carried out showed that
profitability is more responsive to the unit price of fish compared with cost
of inputs. The NPV, B/C and IRR were N1,571,710.15, 1.53 and 52.4%
respectively. The three indicators attest to the fact that fish culture is very
profitable in the study area. It is recommended that the various governments
make access to land and investible funds at affordable rates a priority in the
study area. There is also the need for the establishment of a modern hatchery
which will supply fingerlings to fish farmers at subsidized rate.
Keywords: Yield performance, fixed and variable costs, gross revenue, upland fish farms, Ondo State.
Costs and returns to rabbit production in Ijebu-Ode LGA, Ogun State
K.A. Akanni and M.Y. Odubena
Department of Agricultural Economics, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.
Abstract
This paper investigated the economic viability of rabbit
production in Ijebu-Ode LGA of Ogun State, Nigeria. A total of forty (40)
small-scale rabbit farmers were purposively selected for the study and the
collected data were analyzed using both descriptive statistics and budgetary
analytical techniques. The results of the analyses showed that all the studied
farmers were literate and they were averagely 27 years of age with mean farming
experience of five years. The majority (87.5%) were part-time male farmers
while other were on full-time practices. Rabbit rearing in the study area was
found to be profitable with a profitability index of 0.43 and average annual
net income of N8,792.42. The rate of return on the investment was
405.65%, 11,793.84% on fixed items and 520.23% on variable items the farm net
income was estimated to be N 8,433.90.
Keywords: Economic viability; profitability index; rabbit rearing.
Haematology of normal and trypanosome infected Muturu cattle in southeastern Nigeria
U. U. Mbanasor1, B.M. Anene1, A.B. Chime1, T.O. Nnaji1, J.I. Eze1, and
A.G. Ezekwe2
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,
2Department of Animal Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
e-mail: [email protected]
Abstract
Blood parameters of 23 Muturu cattle in a herd were studied between April and August 1998 by monthly examination of their blood samples. Fourteen of a total of 110 blood samples analysed (5 samples were unsuitable for analysis) were infected with Trypanosoma vivax. Data from the trypanosome-infected blood were included to evaluate the role of trypanosome infection. The blood values of infected animals were except for the erythrocyte indices of MCH and MCHC indistinguishable from those of uninfected animals. There were variations due to age and physiological status (open heifer, pregnant and lactating). Mean RBC and WBC count, MCV and monocyte count were lower in calves than older animals. Open heifers had higher mean RBC and monocyte count, and lower WBC count, MCV and MCH than pregnant and suckling cows.
Keywords: Haematology, muturu, trypanosomosis, Nigeria
Studies on dog population and its implication for rabies control
O.O. Faleke
Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Abstract
Dog population studies were carried out in Agbowo area, Ibadan, Oyo state using the street Counting Technique and Questionnaire Survey approaches. 17 dogs were observed on average through street counting technique, 719 houses and structures were identified both inhabited and uninhabited on 42 street networks. 25 households with 441 inhabitants responded positively to Questionnaire Survey. The ratio of household dogs to man and street dogs to man were 1:11 and 1:25 respectively. The level of rabies vaccination observed was 33.3% while only 5% of the dogs were immunized against canine distemper, hepatitis and leptospirosis. Four people were bitten either by their dog or other people’s dog. 68% of the household dogs were outdoor most of the time and unleashed deriving their food from family food waste and scavenging about. In view of these observations there is need to embark on a nationwide dog population census for effective veterinary healthcare delivery system.
Key words: Dog population, rabies control
Evaluation of Udder traits in West African Dwarf Goats
1 O.A. Amao, O.A. Osinowo, C.F.I. Onwuka, S.S. Abiola and M.A. Dipeolu
College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta,Nigeria.
Abstract
Udder traits of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats and factors influencing them were studied using 185 does located in South Western Nigeria. Traits evaluated were udder length (UL), udder width (UW), udder circumference (UC) and udder volume (UV). Others were teat length (TL), teat width (TW), teat circumference (TC), distance between teats(DT) and height of teat from the ground (HTG). Udder length was significantly (P<0.001) influenced by age, lactation status and liveweight. The increase in UL with age was quadratic. Lactating does had longer udders than non-lactating does by 1.93cm. Effects of lactation status and liveweight on UW were highly significant (P<0.001). Lactating does had wider udders (10.46+ 0.30 cm) than non-lactating does (8.66 + 0.27 cm). Udder circumference was significantly (P<0.001) influenced by lactation status and liveweight. Lactating does had UC of 27.69 + 0.51 cm compared to 23.79 + 0.40 cm in non-lactating does. Age, lactation status and liveweight had significant (P<0.05) effects on UV. The increase in UV with age was significant, rising from 637.98 + 49.69 cm3 at 1-2 years to 934.51 + 75.90 cm3 at above 4 years. Lactating does had larger UV (923.43 + 39.97 cm3) (P<0.001) than non-lactating does (617.61 + 33.00 cm3). The mean values (+ s.e.m) for the udder traits adjusted to that of 3 – 4 years old lactating doe, were for UL, 11.6 + 0.17 cm; UW, 9.42 + 0.13 cm; UC, 25.69 + 0.44cm and UV, 817.93 + 25.92 cm3. Others were 2.19 + 0.03, 1.09 + 0.02, 3.40 + 0.05, 8.87 + 0.12 and 16.14 + 0.23 cm for TL,TW,TC,DT, and HTG respectively. This study showed that age, lactation status and liveweight are major factors influencing udder traits in West African Dwarf goats. A major advantage of this study is the provision of some basic information on udder traits of West African Dwarf goats.
Keywords: Udder traits, West African Dwarf goats
Types and frequency of udder shapes and abnormalities in West African Dwarf and Red Sokoto goats
O.A. Amao*, O.A. Osinowo1 , C.A.M. Lakpini2, M.A. Dipeolu1, S.S. Abiola1, and C.F.I Onwuka1
1 College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta,Nigeria.
2 National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Ahmadu Bello University, Shika-Zaria, Nigeria.
*Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintala University of Technology, P.M.B 4000, Ogbomosho, Nigeria.
Abstract
A total of 423 goats comprising 246 West African Dwarf and 177 Red Sokoto (RS) goats were involved in a study to determine and classify udder shapes and abnormalities in the two breeds of goats. Udder shapes found in WAD goats were funnel (0.4%), cylindrical (45.9) and bowl (53.7%). Teat shapes were funnel, bottle and cylindrical, averaging 49.6,0.4 and 5.0% respectively. Udder abnormalities included presence of supernumerary teats (24.0%), asymmetrical udder (0.4%) and pendulous udder (0.4%). In RS goats, udder shapes were funnel (9.0%), round (1.7%), cylindrical (44.1%) and bowl (45.2%) while teat shapes were funnel, balloon, bottle and cylindrical; averaging 50.9, 2.3, 17.5 and 29.4% respectively. Udder abnormalities were: presence of supernumerary teats (10.0%), asymmetrical udder (5.7%) and pendulous udder (10.2%). The study showed that udder and teat shapes were similar in both breeds except that round udder and balloon teats were absent in WAD goats. Bowl shaped udders and cylindrical teats predominated in both abnormality. Presence of supernumerary teats constituted the major udder abnormality in WAD goat while incidence of asymmetrical and pendulous udders was higher in RS goats.
Keywords:Udder shapes, West African Dwarf goats, Red Sokoto goats
The influence of lactation stage on the milk constituents of Sahelian goats
J.A Ibeawuchi, F.O. Ahamefule, and I.A Ringim 2
1 Department of Ruminant Animal Production, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike
2 Department of Animal Science, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria
Abstract
Twelve
lactating Sahelian goats aged between 2 and 3 years and averaging 25kg body
weight were selected from the herd at the University of Maiduguri Teaching and
Research Farm, for a 19- week lactation study. The does were classified into
early, mid, and late lactation stages and maintained daily on 1kg concentrate
mixture per animal in addition to grazing on Gamba grass. Milk collected were
analysed for total solids (TS), butterfat, protein, solids -not-fat (SNF), Ash
and energy.
The mean percentage values (M+SE) of
colostrum were TS 14. 96+0.41; butterfat 8.58+1.00; protein 5.64+0.31;
ash 0.93+0.07; SNF 6.37+0.51; and energy 3.21+0.39 MJ/ kg. The
overall mean values for mature milk were 13.18+0.27, 7.52+0.18,
4.81+0.14, 0.76+0.03, 5.66+0.16% and 2.79+0.12 MJ/
KG respectively for TS, fat, protein, ash SNF and energy. There was a gradual
decline in the values of all the components of colostrum from day 1- 6 after
kidding. Generally, colostrum constituents were higher in concentration than
those of mature milk on the 7th day after parturition. The mature
milk constituents were significantly affected (P<0.05) by stage of
lactation. These constituents tended to increase with advancing lactation. Milk
constituents (especially Fat, protein and SNF), as evident from thus study
could be manipulated through feeding.
Key Words:Sahelian goats, lactation stage, milk composition.
Evaluation of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) as a substitute for soya bean meal in the diet of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings
S.O. Obasa, A. A. Dada and W.O. Alegbeleye
Aquaculture and Fisheries Management Department, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
Abstract
Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) meal was substituted for soybean meal in the practical diets for Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings. Six iso-nitrogenous diets (35% crude protein) were formulated in which heat-treated soybean meal was replaced at varying levels (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%) with protein from pressure-cooked and sun dried pigeon meal (23% crude protein). Nile tilapia fed 60% pigeon pea meal had significantly (P<0.01) better growth response and nutrient utilisation. Growth was depressed in low pigeon pea fish and also in high (above 60%) pigeon pea diets. The poorest feed conversion ratio was observed from 100% pigeon pea fed fish.
Keywords: Pigeon pea, protein, feed utilization, tilapia