Journal of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine

5

Authors: Ezihe, C. O. and Uchendu, C. I.

This work was designed to determine the effect of cassava peel meal on egg quality and reproductive characteristics of Dominant Black pullets. One hundred and twenty (120) dominant black layer breed, comprising 108 pullets at the point of lay and 12 cocks were used in this study. The birds were assigned to three dietary groups containing cassava peel meal at 0% (T1), 10% (T2) and 20% (T3), in a completely randomized design (CRD). The birds were given feed and water ad libitum. Ages of birds at first egg as well as weight of first egg were recorded. Data were collected on egg weight, egg length, egg width, shell weight, shell thickness, egg shape index and albumen height. Data were also collected on infertility and hatchability. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, and significant means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test. The results of this study revealed that inclusion of cassava peel meal in the diets of pullets did not significantly (P > 0.05) affect the mean egg length, egg width, egg shape index, egg weight, shell weight, shell thickness and albumen height of eggs from the three dietary groups. However, a negative trend in egg weight could be observed as the level of inclusion of cassava peel meal increased in the diets. This suggests that increase in the inclusion level of cassava peel meal could result in a decline in egg weight. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in age at first egg (AFE), weight of first egg (WFE), hatchability and infertility of eggs of pullets on the three dietary groups. Pullets on the control diet had the lowest AFE, 138±0.80 days, which suggests that inclusion of cassava peel meal in the diet of pullets may have prolonged AFE.

6

Authors: Yakaka Wakil, Jallailudeen Rabana Lawal, Yagana Ahmed Gazali, Amina Mohammed Bello, Esther Solomon Mshelia and Awokoya Moses Ayomikun

This study was conducted to elucidate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in one humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) slaughtered at the Maiduguri Metropolitan abattoir, Borno State, between the months of January to June 2015. Out of the 202 fecal samples collected from camels of both sexes and analyzed for the prevalence of segments, worms or oocyts of gastrointestinal parasites of camels. The overall prevalence of 69.3% was recorded, Strongyle eggs 83 (41.1%) was the most dominant, followed by Strongyloides species 19 (9.5%), Coccidia 15 (7.4%), Trichuris species 9 (4.5 %), Ciliates 7 (3.5%), Fasciola species 2 (0.9%), Monezia species 2 (0.9%), Balantidium species 1 (0.5%), Amphistomes species 1 (0.5%) and Ascaris 1 (0.5%) respectively. Prevalent rate was higher in female 81 (40.10%) compared to the male camels 59 (29.21%). Prevalence was also found to be higher in adult 96 (47.50%) compared to young camels 44 (21.78). The occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites are more frequent in camels in slim body condition score 82 (40.49%) compared to camels in good body condition 58 (28.71%). It was concluded that gastrointestinal parasites of various species are still common amongst trade camels in the study area. This may constitute a major health and economic problem in the camel production in the arid and semi-arid northeastern Nigeria.

7

Authors: Okon, B., Ibom, L. A, Halilu A. and Onwuka, P. O.

Four hundred (400) adult black-skinned snails, two hundred (200) each of the Achatina achatina and Achatina fulica with 4 and 5 whorls were used respectively for the study. Identification and sorting of the snails sourced from a reputable snail vendor in Ibadan into breeds was done using the appropriate profile and template. The body weights of Achatina achatina and Achatina fulica snails with 4 whorls ranged from 83.00 to 180.50 g (average 156.90 g) and from 30.60 to 85.20 g (average 49.70 g) respectively. That for Achatina achatina and Achatina fulica snails with 5 whorls ranged from 132.70 to 272.80 g (average 138.95 g) and from 50.60 to 119.30 g (average 59.58 g) respectively. Results obtained from the study showed that Achatina achatina snails with 4 and 5 whorls were genetically heavier and larger than Achatina fulica with 4 and 5 whorls. Results of phenotypic correlation coefficient among morphometric traits of the two breeds indicated negative, weak, low significant (P<0.05) and mostly non-significant (P>0.05) differences between body weight and most body components (morphometric traits) studied. The only positive, low non-significant (P>0.05) phenotypic correlation coefficient (rp) obtained was r = 0.420 between body weight and aperture width for Achatina fulica snails with 4 whorls. Whereas, for Achatina achatina snails with 5 whorls, positive, low significant (P<0.05) phenotypic correlation coefficients obtained was r = 0.529 between body weight and aperture width and r = 0.660 between spiral width and aperture width respectively. Achatina fulica snails recorded the only positive highly significant (P<0.01) phenotypic correlation coefficient of r = 0.602 between aperture width and shell width for the snails with 5 whorls. Breed type, age and size differences of snails used, body weight ranges, as well as number of whorls on snail shell have high effects of morphometric traits differentiation and phenotypic correlation coefficient estimates. Thus, the morphometric traits of the two breeds (Achatina achatina and Achatina fulica) of snails studied could be chosen to differentiate as well as characterize snails.

12

Authors: Ojonugwa, E. B. and Solomon, R. J.

The African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were reared at four different stocking densities in a circular plastic bowls to evaluate the effects of over stocking on the growth rate of Clarias gariepinus. 140 fish were stocked at 10, 20, 30 and 40 with a mean of 8.5, 8.66, 9.2 and 9.15 respectively. The growth trial lasted for 92 days (June to August). The final mean weight of fish stocked at densities 10, 20, 30 and 40 were 153.1, 121.5, 96.6 and 68.6 (g) fish were with 10% body weight between the hour of 8.00 to 9.00am and 5.00pm to 6.00pm. Feed not consumed are siphoned out to avoid contamination of water which will be toxic to the fish. The corresponding mean values of specific growth rate were 3.05, 2.80, 2.62, and 2.26. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was 5.91, 5.45, 5.14 and 4.76 and cumulative survival rates were 99.86, 99.65,96 .66 and 92.5%. The temperature ranges from 26.5 to 30.5°C. The pH range from 6.9 to ± 0.36 to 7.25 ± 0.22. The Dissolved oxygen (DO) was 2.65mg/l to 5.41 mg/l. The result revealed that over stocking had a significant effect on the growth rates of Clarias gariepinus. Fish held at the highest stocking density of 40 exhibited the lowest growth and survival rate.