Animal Research International

3809 – 3820

Authors: NJOGA, Ugochinyere Juliet, AJIBO, Festus Ejike and NJOGA, Emmanuel Okechukwu

Contraceptives are widely used in medical practice for birth control but dearth of information exists on the veterinary use for control of stray dog population in Nigeria. A closed-ended questionnaire survey of 309 dog owners and 333 dogs presented for veterinary care across three states of Nigeria was conducted; to assess the owners’ awareness on use of contraceptives in dogs, vaccination history and demographics of the dogs. Only 23.6 % of the dog owners have good knowledge of contraceptives, although 42.7 % of them were educated up to tertiary level. Of the 333 dog, 47.8 % and 44.1 % were kept as security dogs and pets respectively. Most dog keepers (56.3 %) were not aware that contraceptives can be used in dogs, while 31.0 % of those who are aware have not used any contraception method on their dogs. Reasons adduced for non-use of contraceptives were: unawareness that contraceptives are available for veterinary use (60.4 %), opposition to birth control methods due to religious or cultural belief (15.9 %) and lack of access to the veterinary service providers (4.2 %). Only 76.9 % of the dogs were validly vaccinated against rabies. Statistical association existed between educational levels and awareness/use of contraceptives in dogs. The findings underscore the need for public enlightenment and legislation on use of contraceptives in dogs kept for non-breeding purposes; as contraception is cardinal in control of proliferation of stray dogs, known to be major reservoirs of rabies virus in Nigeria.

3829 – 3835

Authors: GURUMYEN, George Yilzem, BUBA, Deborah Maigawu, ORAGWA, Arthur Obinna, PATROBAS, Maryam Nyeta, POLYCARP, Tanko Nwunuji, DUNKA, Hassana Isaac, OZIEGBE, Stanley David, TIZHE, Emmanuel Vandi and UBACHUKWU, Chidiebere Chiemerie

Postmortem examination of chickens from a semi-intensive system was carried out following complaint of high mortality, loss of weight, sneezing and raising of heads and gaping. The farm had other types of birds which were also evaluated to ascertain their risk of transmission of Syngamus trachea. Lesions seen included anaemia, hyperemia of the trachea containing forked red warms (S. trachea), congested and haemorrhagic lungs and presence of Raillietina tetragona in the small intestine. Histologically, there was necrotizing trachiesis, pulmonary congestion and haemorrhages. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case report of S. trachea in Jos, North Central Nigeria.

3845 – 3853

Authors: AUDU, David, IDOWU, Adewunmi Babatunde, IDOWU, Olufunmilayo Ajoke, MSHELBWALA, Fakilahyel Musa and OMOTAINSE, Samuel Olatunbosun

Pregnancy associated malaria (PAM) is a potentially life-threatening condition that affects the new-born. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of PAM on the haematological parameters and histopathology of some vital organs of pups delivered by mice infected with malaria in the second and third stages of pregnancy. Thirty female Swiss albino mice were randomly assigned into three groups, two groups of which were intraperitoneally infected with inoculums containing 3.97 x 106 Plasmodium berghei infected red blood cells at gestational days (GD 12 and 17), while the third group were uninfected (control). Pregnant females were allowed to deliver and progenies were monitored for three weeks. The red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin (HB) concentration was significantly lower (p<0.05) in pups of mice infected in the 2ndand 3rd stages of pregnancy as compared to the pups from non-infected mother. Histopathological alterations observed in the pup’s organs of mice infected in the 2nd and 3rd stages of pregnancy include fatty degeneration in the liver, interstitial pneumonia and oedema in the alveolar sac of the lungs, severe lymphoid depletion of the spleen, degeneration of tubular epithelial cells of the kidney and vacuolar degeneration in the brain. More severe damages were seen in pups from mice infected in the 2nd stage of pregnancy. This study showed that pregnancy associated malaria induce anaemia and damaging effects on vital organs of progeny of mice infected in the 2nd and 3rd stages of pregnancy.

3863 – 3868

Authors: ATAWALNA, Joseph, AGBEHADZI, Richard Koblah, ESSEL, Daniel Cobbinah Junior and AMPONSAH, Patrick

A study was conducted to investigate the reproductive performance of Guinea fowls on a commercial farm in the Ashanti region of Ghana. This study reported for the first time in Ghana, the reproductive performance of Guinea fowls reared under an intensive production system. The birds were intensively reared on deep litter with a mating ratio of one male to ten females for the production of day-old keets. Eggs were collected daily and stored for seven days at temperatures between 16 – 20º Celsius and selected for incubation in an automated Petersime incubator. Data on incubated Guinea fowl eggs for the period 2011 – 2018 were obtained from the hatchery unit records and analyzed using Graph Pad Prism version 5.00 for Windows. The percentage overall fertility, total hatchability, fertile hatchability, embryonic mortality, viable keets and non-viable keets were 50.7 ± 13, 30.5 ± 14, 50.4 ± 15, 22 ± 10, 91.7 ± 5.4 and 8.3 ± 6.3 % respectively. Fertility and fertility hatchability were low on this farm, while embryonic mortality was high. The study recommends a change in the mating ratio to one male Guinea fowl to four females, improvement of hygienic conditions in egg processing, regular fumigation of the farm and improved incubator management.

3878 – 3891

Authors: SULAIMAN, Muhammad, OLADIMEJI, Yusuf Usman, EGWUMA, Henry and YUSUF, Hannatu Ohunene

Empirical evidence from literature revealed that the studies of integrated crop-livestock farming systems (ICLFS) are scanty in Nigeria. Hence, the study estimated the benefits of ICLFS and factors associated with profit among rural households in north-west Nigeria. Primary data was obtained using structured questionnaire administered to the croplivestock farmers (CLF). 428 CLFs were sampled from 84 villages belonging to seven Local Government Areas. State-wise, this translated to 178, 128 and 122 CLFs in Kaduna, Kano and Katsina states respectively. Descriptive statistics, net farm income and multiple regression models were used to achieve the objectives. The results of the mean output indicated that ICL farmer produced 3,302.66 ± 749.70, 2,955.45 ± 350.90, 1,004.24 ± 20.98, 3,971.55 ± 932.12 and 1,026.29 ± 144.91 kg of maize, sorghum, cowpea, rice and soybean per hectare/year respectively. Findings established that the mean number of large ruminant, small ruminant and poultry reared per farmer were 19.00 ± 2.70, 24.00 ± 13.56 and 149.00 ± 119.01 herds respectively. The mean benefit-cost ratio of 1.64 ± 0.21, 1.39 ± 0.53, 1.44 ± 0.39, 2.67 ± 0.27, 2.30 ± 0.31 and 1.52 ± 0.15 were estimated for crop production per ha, dairy cow, beef cattle, goat, layer and broiler bird respectively. Coefficients of farm size (1.06), livestock worth (0.54), household size (0.10), extension contact (0.13), farming experience (-0.13) and credit accessed) (-0.01) were factors determining profit among CLFs. Farmers are encouraged to increase the farm size and livestock to seek opportunities of economic of scale, income and food security.

3903 – 3910

Authors: AWOSOLU, Oluwaseun, ADESINA, Femi, AFOLABI, Olajide and OGUNSANYA, Damilola

Malaria remains a major challenging infectious disease across the globe particularly in sub-Sahara Africa and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Management strategy depends majorly on reliable epidemiological information. Thus, this study is to investigate the malaria parasite distribution and knowledge among students of Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. Blood samples were obtained from volunteered subjects. Thick and thin blood films stained with Giemsa were prepared and viewed under the x100 objective lens of the light microscope to determine the presence or absence of malaria parasite. A well-structured questionnaire was employed to collect relevant epidemiological information such as demographic, socioeconomic, environmental variables and their knowledge regarding malaria. Of the total 203 participants examined, three-quarter (84.20 %) tested positive to malaria infection, while 80.30 % had moderate parasitaemia level. All the participants (100.00 %) identified mosquito as the malaria parasite vector. Age group (χ2 = 11.88, p = 0.01), marital status (χ2 = 21.81, p = 0.01), income (χ2 = 27.52, p = 0.01) and environmental sanitation (χ2 = 6.25, p = 0.04) were predisposing factors (p<0.05) associated with malaria infection among participants. Meanwhile, female participants are 0.92 times (CI: 0.42 - 2.02) less prone to malaria infection compare to male and monthly environmental sanitation was 3.62 times (CI: 1.21 - 10.87) prone to malaria infection than those who observed environmental sanitation weekly. The present study has revealed high prevalence of malaria infection among the students. School management and government should implement malaria control strategies among tertiary students.

3640 – 3648

Authors: FAGA, David Chiagi, OBISIKE, Victor Ugochukwu, ONAH, Isegbe Emmanuel and AMUTA, Elizabeth Une

Malaria parasitemia and genotype of patients attending Federal Medical Center, Makurdi and General Hospital Otupko in Benue State was assessed between the months of November, 2017 and February, 2018. A total of 400 samples were collected from consented patients through venipuncture techniques. The blood samples were processed within 3 to 6 hours of collection. Infection status and genotype were ascertained using standard techniques. Their demographic characteristics and malaria control measures were determined using questionnaires. Chi-square test was used to determine the degree of association between malaria prevalence and other factors influencing its transmission. 162 patients (40.5 %) were positive. Females had higher prevalence than males and the difference was significant (x2 = 11.993, df = 1, p = 0.00, p<0.05). The age group 0 – 9 had the highest prevalence of 46.8 %. The prevalence of malaria was not found to be dependent upon age group and the difference was not significant (x2= 4.798, df = 6, p = 0.570, p<0.05). Individuals with genotype AA had the highest prevalence rate of 46.7 % followed by AS with 29.9 %, while no SS individual was infected. Prevalence between the three genotypes was significant (p = 0.001, p<0.05). The finding from the study showed that malaria prevalence depends on risk factors that promote transmission and that AS and SS individuals have a genetic advantage over AA individuals in relation to plasmodium parasitemia. Public enlightenment should be taken more seriously in both the urban and rural areas of Benue State.

3658 – 3664

Authors: UFELE, Angela Nwogor, NWAFOR, Chidinma Judith, OFFOR, Vivian and NWANKWO, Samuel

This research investigated the effect of Azadirachta indica and Moringa oleifera leaf on the growth performance and PCV of broiler chicks. Sixty four weeks old broiler chicks were used. T1 was control which contained only chick mash, T2 contained 20 g of neem leaf meal (NLM), T3 contained 20 g of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MLM) and T4 contained 10 g of NLM and 10 g of MLM. The study lasted for 8 weeks. Result from the study showed that birds on 20 g inclusion of NLM had a significantly (p<0.05) higher weight gain (1800 ± 0.70) and mean weight (2650 ± 45.64) followed by the birds on a mixture of 10 g of NLM and 10 g of MLM . Similar trend followed in the specific growth rate even though the difference was not significant (p>0.05). The result obtained for the PCV ranged from 35.40 ± 0.07 for the 20 g inclusion of NLM, 36.50 ± 0.21 for the control treatment; 38.60 ± 0.21 for the 10 g inclusion of NLM + 10 g inclusion of MLM and 40.90 ± 0.21 for the 20 g inclusion of MLM. Analysis of variance showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in the PCV among the different treatment groups. From the result, it was concluded that neem leaf gave a better performance at 20 g inclusion level in terms of growth performance, followed by the mixture with Moringa at 50:50 inclusion. Also Moringa oleifera performed best in boosting the PCV of broiler.

3674 – 3681

Authors: USUNOBUN, Usunomena and EKAKITIE, Chelsea

This work was aimed at determining the protective effect of Celosia argentea aqueous leaf extract on acetaminophen induced liver attack in male albino rats. A total of 42 rats were divided into seven groups of six rats with the leaf extract of C. argentea administered for eight days at 200 and 400 mg/kg in groups 4, 5, 6 and 7. Acetaminophen (3 g/kg) was administered to rats in group 2, 3, 6 and 7 on the eight day. Forty-eight (48) hours after Acetaminophen was administered, the rats were sacrificed and blood collected for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP) and serum albumin (SA) as well as histopathological analysis. The results showed that acetaminophen at 3 g/kg altered liver function, synthetic and pathological state whereas C. argentea leaf restored liver function toward normalcy thus making revealing hepatotoxic nature of acetaminophen and the hepatoprotective potential of C. argentea leaf.

3691 – 3705

Authors: INGWEYE, Julius Naligwu, ANAELE, Oluchi and OLOGBOSE, Festus Imonkhei

Response of rabbits to diets containing Aidan pod powder was assessed. Forty-eight New Zealand White bucks, aged 42 ± 5 days, were used for the 56-day trial. Animals were shared into four groups of three replicates with four rabbits per replicate. Groups were andomly allotted to four treatments (T1 to T4) diets. T1 (control) had no Aidan. Aidan was included at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 % in T2, T3 and T4, respectively. All diets were formulated to provide 17 % crude protein and 2,700 (ME) kcal/kg of energy. Diets and water were given ad libitum. Animal weights, balanced across groups, were taken initially, then every 7 days. Performance, carcass, organ and economics of production indices were assessed. Final weight, total and daily weight gains, dressed weight and cost of feed increased (p<0.05) with increasing Aidan levels, while daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio decreased (p<0.05). Carcass and relative organ weights gave mixed results that mostly reflect final live and dressed weights. T3 had the highest weight gain, lowest feed intake, lowest cost of feed consumed and, best feed conversion ratio. Hence, 1.0 % inclusion of Aidan is recommended for better growth, weight gain and feed efficiency in rabbits. But, high inclusion levels should be with caution as such may deposit abdominal fat that could jeopardize the status of rabbit meat as a functional food.

3713 – 3722

Authors: OSMAN, Alhassan, ANTIRI, Lewis Agyakwa, OWIREDU, Emmanuel, AMOAH, Kwame Owusu and KARIKARI, Paul Kofi

A study was carried out to determine nutrients digestibility, growth performance and carcass characteristics of weaner rabbits fed graded levels of Ackee Leaf Meal (ALM). Twenty weaner rabbits were randomly assigned to four treatments (T0 – 0 % ALM, which served as the control, T1 – 7.5 % ALM, T2 – 15 % ALM and T3 – 22.5 % ALM) in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and fed the assigned diets for ten weeks after one week adjustment period. Parameters measured included average daily feed intake, average daily body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and mortality. The digestibility study was carried out during the 8th week of the feeding trial. At the end of the feeding trial, two rabbits per treatment were randomly selected, starved of feed for 24 hours and slaughtered. Carcass measurements and weights of internal organs were taken. The results revealed significant differences in final body weight, total weight gain and average daily weight gain with T1 recording the highest values. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) increased when ALM was increased to 22.5 %. Digestibility values for DM and EE were significantly (p<0.05) higher for T2. Dressed weight and dressing percentage declined significantly (p<0.05) when ALM was increased to 22.5 % of the diet. It was concluded that ALM could be used to improve average daily weight gain and FCR up to 15 % inclusion level without increasing the unit cost of feed. The inclusion of ALM up to 15 % of the diet could also improve digestibility of DM and EE.

3729 – 3735

Authors: OGUNBAMBO, Mutiat Mogbonjubola

Smoke-dried fish is an integral protein source in many Nigerian diets, processed by smoke-drying and sold for income. The study aimed to describe the fatty acid yield of smoke-dried African mudfish (average weight of 350 ± 100 g) using traditional drum kiln (TDK) and eco-friendly kiln (EFK) while storing at ambient (280C) and control (140C) temperatures. In the smoke-dried mudfish, a total of 25 fatty acids (7 Saturated, 9 Monounsaturated and 9 polyunsaturated) were identified. Under ambient temperature storage, saturated fatty acid (SFA) was found to be higher in fish smoked with TDK than fish smoked with EFK. Palmitic acid was the main component of saturated fatty acid followed by stearic acid. Under control temperature, unsaturated fatty acid content was found to be higher in EFK-smoked fish than in TDK-smoked fish, and these values were higher compared to those of SFAs. Petroselinic acid has been noted as a dominant MUFA in both TDK (16.08 ± 0.23 %) and EFK-smoked (16.98 ± 0.19 %) samples. Among the PUFAs, docosahexaenoic, arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids were the dominant in the smoke-dried fish. The results indicate that kiln type and different storage temperature affect the fatty acid composition of Clarias gariepinus.

3747 – 3760

Authors: COKER, Oluwakayode Michael, JUBRIL, Afusat Jagun, ISONG, Otobong Mfon and OMONONA, Abosede Olayemi

Currently, no information exists regarding internal and external morphometrics and their correlations in Funisciurus anerythrus and Heliosciurus gambianus. Therefore, this study examined the relationships among the internal and external morphometrics of the two species in University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. Samples of adult F. anerythrus (n = 20) and H. gambianus (n = 13) were trapped from the wild at various locations within the campus. Live weights (LW), external measurements and weights of internal organs were taken. Comparisons within and between both species were carried out using T-tests and Pearson’s correlation coefficient at p<0.05. H. gambianus was significantly bigger than F. anerythrus for all the measured parameters, except in ear and snout lengths. Male F. anerythrus was significantly bigger than female in LW, body length (BL) and shoulder to tail length (STL) while, female H. gambianus was significantly bigger than male in trunk circumference (TC). In male F. anerythrus, BL significantly correlates with STL (r = 0.85). In female F. anerythrus, LW correlates significantly with hind limb length (r = 0.62) and both kidneys. In male H. gambianus, LW correlates significantly with head length (r = 0.79), tail length (r = 0.81), BL (r = 0.97), STL (r = 0.87), and the weights of lungs and kidneys. In female H. gambianus, LW correlates significantly with TC (r = 0.99) and right lung weight (r = 0.92). Both species show some levels of sexual dimorphism and substantial positive correlations among the external and internal measurements.

3766 – 3780

Authors: OLAJUYIGBE, Samuel Olalekan, OYEDARE, Olumide Olutayo, OBEBE, Oluwasola Olaiya and COKER, Oluwakayode Michael

This study investigated the growth performances, egg production and blood profiles of Coturnix japonica fed concentrate diets supplemented with Tithonia diversifolia leaf meal (TDLM). One hundred (two-week old) C. japonica chicks were allocated to five dietary treatments. The experimental birds were allowed to acclimatize for one week, before feeding trials lasted for twelve weeks. Diets were formulated with TDLM inclusions at 0 % (A), 2.5% (B), 5 % (C), 7.5 % (D) and 10 % (E) to the standard dietary formulations. Diets and water were provided for the chicks, ad-libitum. Data collected on growth performance, blood profiles, serum biochemistry and egg production, were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Inclusion of TDLM had a significant influence on growth performance, blood profiles, and egg production (P<0.05). After 12 weeks, Diet C had the highest body weight (148.37 ± 0.76 g), while control diet had least (144.93 ± 1.05 g). The control diet had 20% mortality, while Diet D had 5% mortality due to injuries from other birds’ attack. Egg weight varied from 9.60 ± 0.14 g (control) to 11.39 ± 0.12 g (Diet E).The blood profiles responded positively to TDLM inclusion with the birds developing stronger immunity when compared to those fed the control diet. Serum biochemistry did not significantly differ indicating that there were no negative effects due to TDLM inclusion. TDLM at 2.5 and 5.0 % inclusions had the highest positive effects on growth performance, haematological parameters, egg production and serum biochemistry of the quails.

3790 – 3798

Authors: WAHEDI, Jasini Alexander, PUKUMA, Micah Sale, GAMBU, James Wurma and ELKANAH, Obadiah Sambo

Cockroaches are insects of significant medical importance because of their tendencies in transmitting diseases mechanically. This study was performed to determine the incidence of gastrointestinal parasites in the guts and body surfaces of cockroaches in the residential and hospital areas, and the perception of their role in disease transmission in Mubi-South, Adamawa State. Two hundred cockroaches (100 each from the residential and hospital areas respectively) were collected from various households and hospital areas in Mubi-South, and were screened for gastrointestinal parasites in the laboratory. A well-structured questionnaire was used to source data on peoples’ perception on the role of cockroaches in disease transmission. The result revealed eight parasites (A. lumbricoides, E. coli, E. hystolitica, G. lamblia, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus spp . and Streptococcus spp.) prevalent in the cockroaches collected. Out of the 200 cockroaches collected, only 62(31.0 %) tested positive for gastrointestinal parasites. A. lumbricoides was the predominant species of parasites, while the least was G. lamblia (1 %). The result also revealed the preponderance of parasites in cockroaches collected from the hospital (39 %) than residential (23 %). Also, there were more parasites encountered in body surfaces (61.3 %) of cockroaches than guts (38.7 %). The perception on the role of cockroaches in disease transmission revealed that cockroaches are potential mechanical transmitters of disease pathogens. Therefore, there is need to improve good sanitary measures in our environments in order to contain the influence of cockroaches in the spread of disease, most especially in hospital areas, where cockroach infestation is high.

3541 – 3549

Authors: FAGBOHUN, Ifeoluwa Kayode, IDOWU, Emmanuel Taiwo, OTUBANJO, Olubunmi Adetoro and AWOLOLA, Taiwo Sam

Mosquitoes are major vectors of infectious diseases transmitting malaria, lymphatic filariasis, yellow fever, dengue fever, zika and chikungunya virus. Resistance to DDT,pyrethriods and carbamates has been reported to different mosquito species in Nigeria. This investigation was carried out to determine the susceptibility status of mosquitoes in Lagos State, Nigeria to malathion. Mosquito larva were collected from four different Local Government Areas of Lagos, and reared to adult. Female adult mosquitoes were exposed to 5 % malathion insecticide test papers using WHO standard procedures and kits. Species identification was done using PCR assay. Suspected resistance was observed in Cx. quinquefasciatus from Kosofe and Alimosho with 24 hour mortality of 96 % and 95 % respectively. Other mosquito species and Cx. quinquefasciatus from Badagry and Ibeju-Lekki were fully susceptible 24 hours post exposure period. KDT50 and KDT95 for An.gambiae s.s ranges from 14.6 – 25.1 and 23.7 – 51.5 minutes respectively for all the location, KDT50 and KDT95 for Ae. aegypti ranges from 24.8 – 27.8 and 44.8 – 62.5 minutes respectively for all the location and KDT50 and KDT95 for Cx. quinquefasciatus ranges from 21.5 – 37.8 and 41.5 – 77.7 minutes respectively for all the location. The relatively high values of KDT50 and KDT95 in all assayed mosquito species call for urgent attention and may indicate the gradual development of malathion resistance to different mosquito species in Lagos. Regular insecticide resistance monitoring is needed and the indiscriminate use of unapproved organophosphate insecticides to be discouraged to forestall the development of malathion resistance in mosquitoes.

3559 – 3564

Authors: EMIKPE, Benjamin Obukowho, KONADU, Adwoa, FOLITSE, Raphael Deladem, BURIMUAH, Vitus and SHAIBU, Ewura

A retrospective and active abattoir survey were conducted from 2002 to 2013 and from November 2013 to March 2014 respectively to determine the major causes of kidney condemnation at Kumasi abattoir, Ghana and also to estimate direct financial loss associated with kidney rejection. Ten kidneys out of 690 cattle and 901 out of 1,052,907 kidneys were condemned respectively between the periods 2013 – 2014 and 2002 – 2013 respectively. The major causes for kidney condemnation were nephritis (33.3 %), putrefaction (25.6 %), tuberculosis (18.2 %), abscessation (13.1 %) and hydronephrosis (10.0 %). The overall direct financial loss from kidney condemned during the study period was estimated to be GH¢ 3,189. Factors such as age, sex, breed, season and festive periods were observed to influence the occurrence of kidney condemnation. The study recommends that attention should be given to the kidney during post mortem inspection as some of the causes of its condemnation were zoonotic.

3572 – 3577

Authors: AGAVIEZOR, Brilliant Ogagaoghene and OLOGBOSE, Festus Imonkhei

A total of twenty four does of New Zealand White (NZW), Dutch (DUT) and their crosses i.e. NZW x DUT were used to determine the effects of breed and dam’s body weight on litter weight and number of rabbits in South South Nigeria. The rabbits were kept in cages and were artificially inseminated and monitored for a period of one year. Data on body weight before mating (BWBM), body weight after mating (BWAM), body weight before kindling (BWBK), body weight after kindling (BWAK), litter size (LS) and litter weight (LW). Data generated were analyzed using Analysis of Variance(ANOVA). The results showed significant difference (p<0.05) in BWBM and BWAM in DUT and NZW x DUT breeds of rabbits, DUT recorded the highest values of BWBM and BWAM, while NZW x DUT had the least values of BWBM and BWAM. BWAK was significantly different between DUT and NZW x DUT. More so, NZW x DUT recorded the highest values for LS and LW. The results also showed that breed effect had negative correlation with BWBW, BWAM and BWAK with correlation values of -0.64, -0.64 and - 0.207 respectively. The breed of rabbits also revealed a high correlation between BWBM and BWAM. BWAK showed a high correlation between BWAM and BWBK. The information provided by this study revealed that breed and the body weight of the dam influenced litter weight and litter number which can be harnessed in improvement programmes for rabbits.

3587 – 3595

Authors: UGWUOKE, Garba Matthias and PEWAN, Shedrach

The study evaluated the effect of methanol extract of Parkia biglobosa root in Eimeria tenella infected broilers. One hundred and fifty broilers grouped into six treatment groups were used for the study as follows: uninfected treated with Sulfaquinoxaline (A), uninfected treated with extract (B), uninfected untreated; (control) (C), infected untreated (D), infected treated with Sulfaquinoxaline (E), infected treated with extract (F). Each broiler was infected at 28 days of age with 20,000 infective E. tenella oocysts and treated at day 7 post infection at a dose rate of 250 mg/ml in drinking water for 7 days. Carcass and organ weights were recorded at 35 days of age. There was significant difference (p<0.05) between the treated and untreated groups. In groups E and F, the gross findings showed a thickened and hemorrhagic caecae in 3 and 4 broilers each while in group D, 2 broilers had their caecae ballooned and filled with blood and tissue debris. Gross lesions were not observed in groups A, B and C. In group F histopathology showed that the lymphoid tissues of the Bursa of fabricius were highly reduced and the liver in groups D, E and F showed slight lymphocytic infiltration. No mortality was recorded. This study proved that the root bark of P. biglobosa has no harmful effects on organs of treated broilers, because P. biglobosa extract appeared to have improved carcass weight and significantly reduced clinical signs of coccidiosis such as blood stained droppings consistent with E. tenella infection in broilers.

3603 – 3610

Authors: SAM, Idorenyin Meme, UKPANAH, Unwana Anietie and UDOFIA, Itoro Etim

Two breeds of rabbits New Zealand white (NZW) and Chinchilla (CHA) were crossbred to produce both pure and crossbred genotypes. Four genotypes NZW x NZW, CHA x CHA, NZW x CHA and CHA x NZW were generated to obtain one hundred and twenty (126) kittens, examined for the influence of genotypes on body weight and morphometric traits performance. Body weight an d morphometric traits were measured early in the morning at weeks 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10. The traits measured were body weight (BWT), body width (BWD), Neck length (NL), leg length (LL), ear length (EL), body length (BL), heart girth(HG), shoulder to tail (ST) and thigh length (TL). The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and phenotypic correlations between body weight and morphometric traits as well as among morphometric traits were estimated. The results indicated that genotype had significant (p<0.05) influence on body weight and other morphometric traits measured with cross bred NZW x CHA genotype showing superiority in body weight and other morphometric traits than other genotype studied at all ages. Positive high (p<0.001) and significant (p<0.05) correlations were established among the morphometric traits measured, and between BWT with other morphometric traits except the relationship with BWD and ST at week 10. It was concluded that NZW x CHA had a significant higher performance in body weight and morphometric traits in the study area and thus should be recommended to farmers to meet protein requirement of individuals in the area of this study.

3620 – 3630

Authors: ABONYI, Festus Otaka, UGWU, Patience Chinasa and AMECHI, Chizobam Doris

This study accessed the effects of dietary inclusion of Gut Balance Booster (GBB) on performance of weanling pigs. Twenty four six week old weaned Large White x Landrace pigs of mixed sexes were randomly assigned into two groups of 12 piglets each. Each treatment was replicated three times with four pigs in each replicate. They were fed diet A (normal starter diet without GBB) and diet B (starter diet with GBB at 2.00 Kg/ton). Feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), haematology, serum lipid profile, faecal egg count, shedding of selected bacteria and cost-benefit of the additive were determined. Results showed that there was no significant difference (p≤0.05) in daily feed intake, FCR and weight gain. However, the values favoured the supplemented group (1.16 ± 0.10 vs. 1.06 ± 0.13 Kg, 2.61 ± 0.34 vs. 3.04 ± 0.23, 485.29 ± 59.12 vs. 355.00 ± 40.30 g). Haemoglobin, PCV, RBC, WBC and lymphocyte counts were higher in group B. Lipid profile showed no significant difference (p≤0.05) in the two groups. The GBB reduced faecal strongyle eggs output, salmonella species, Escherichia coli and significantly increased Bacillus subtilis. Net revenue due to GBB supplementation significantly improved within the experimental period. It was concluded that in pigs, dietary inclusion of GBB at starter phase improves gut health, growth performance and is cost beneficial.