Journal of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine

5

Authors: Guluwa, L. Y., Damter, S. A., Onazi, B. O., Damar, I. J. and Dalokom, Y. D.

This study assesses the amino acids profile of Flamboyant seeds (Delonix regia) collected at the premises of Plateau State College of Agriculture, Garkawa. Flamboyant seed meal (FSM) were cooked for 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 mins as treatments and replicated three times in a completely randomized design (CRD). It was then analyses for both essential and non-essential amino acids profile using Technicon sequential Multi-sample Amino Acid Analyzer (TSM) at University of Jos, Plateau State. Cooking started at 100ºC for 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes. Results showed significant (p<0.05) increase in the amino acids profile from 0 to 60 minutes and decline thereafter as cooking duration increased. In addition, cooking duration beyond 60 mins denatured the amino acid profile. In conclusion, 60 mins cooking duration had the best, therefore, it is recommended to be use in animal feeding since critical amino acids like lysine and methionine had higher values over others cooking durations.

6

Authors: G. D. Eyoh and A. A. Ayuk

The potential of selected forages was evaluated using West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Six forages namely, Andropogon tectorum, Panicum maximum, Aspilia Africana, Gmelina arborea, Alchornea cordifolia and Bambusa vulgaris designated as T1 to T6, respectively were the only feed source used for the study. Thirty West African Dwarf goats aged 8 to 9 months, with an average bodyweight of 9.17 to 10.10 kg were used for the study. The goats were assigned to six treatment groups based on the forages used in a completely randomized design. The results obtained showed significant (p<0.05) differences for average total weight gain and feed dry matter intake. Animals on Aspilia africana (T3) recorded the highest (1120.18 g/day) feed dry matter intake whereas Panicum maximum (T1) had the lowest 890.30 g/day. Andropogon tectorum (T1) and Gmelina arborea (T4) recorded 410.0 g each for average total weight gain. Initial haematology and serum indices had no significant (p>0.05) differences in the parameters tested. However, the PCV values were reduced in the final haematological profile. Similarly, carcass characteristics had no (p>0.05) significant differences among the treatment means. Animal on Andropogon tectorum (T1) gave the best (50.29%) dressing percentage with the least (40.47%) in Panicum maximum (T2). It can be concluded that performance of West African Dwarf goats can be better if the forages are offered in combination at equal amounts.

13

Authors: Wardah Sharmeen Syed, Nadia Mukhtar, Nauman Zahid and Tahir Yaqoub

Rotavirus (RV) diarrhea is the major cause of death of millions of children in developing countries besides causing economically significant malady in neonates of many domestic animals. There is a very little information available for the factors which can affect prevalence of Bovine Rotavirus (BRV) in Pakistan. There is a dire need to propagate BRV on cell culture and evaluate the physical and chemical control of RV in effective ways for the betterment of human and livestock welfare. Therefore, the present study aimed to propagate BRV on Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cell line. The screening of the virus was done by using commercially available kit and TCID50 technique. The propagation of BRV was then led to study its inactivity and infectivity potential using different physical and chemical factors. For this reason, 3 physical factors (Temperature, pH and UV light) and 8 chemical disinfectants were used. The virus got completely inactive at a temperature range of 75 to 80ºC and 5.00 to 6.00 pH while remained active at 7.04 and 8.00. The virus was inactivated after exposure to 0.5% Virkon®-S within 30 minutes, 0.5% Bromo-Sept after 30 min, and 1.0% surf excel after 30 min Phenol within 60 min at a concentration of 1.0% and 0.6% H2O2 after 30 min proved to be virucidal for the virus. These findings can be helpful for the farmers to keep their farms decontaminated from this virus. Moreover, these results can also be of help in the prevention of the outbreaks that occur in the hospitals.

4

Authors: Princewill Emmanuel Johnson, Edem E. A. Offiong and EkeminiIni Henry

This research is based on parasitic helminthes of laying birds conducted in July 2018 in the Department of Animal Science, Akwa Ibom State University, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. This work aimed at identifying the types of worm parasites that may be found in laying birds (poultry) farms and to determine their prevalent rates in layers together with the percentage infestation of these worm parasites in Abak Local Government Area. A total of 270 sterile samples were collected randomly from 10 farms in 3 weeks at Abak Local government Area. These sterile samples were transported immediately for analysis in the laboratory using floatation method with saturated salt solution. With the aid of x10 microscope, it was discovered that out of the 270 (or 100%) samples examined for helminthes only two types of nematodes were identified. A sum total of 196 (or 73%) nematode eggs were found and a total of 113 (or 42%) Ascardia gallinarum eggs were tested positive and 83 (or 31%) Heterakis gallinarum were tested positive while a total of 74 (or 27%) fecal sample tested negative. The high prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthes as observed in this area has a strong relationship with their mode of feeding and living conditions which lead to reduced body weight, decreased egg production and deaths thus affecting the meat quality and nutrient content of the chicken. Laying birds should be dewormed every three months and high level of hygiene should be maintained in the farm. It was concluded that there is a high prevalence of helminthes in Abak Local government Area in laying birds, which may lead to high losses. Thus, improved farm management and disease control to enhance their potentials is necessary.

7

Authors: Abare, M. S., Maikai, B. V. and Okubanjo, O. O.

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species oocysts in small ruminants in Potiskum livestock market, Yobe State, Nigeria. Faecal samples from 203 animals; 100 sheep and 103 goats were tested using modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. An overall prevalence of 20.7% (42/203) was recorded in the study with a higher prevalence of 21.4% (22/103) in goats than in sheep 20% (20/100); although the difference was not significant (p>0.05). In goats, the rate of Cryptosporidium species oocyst was higher in male (27.8%) than in female (22.4%), in young (30.6%) than in adults (22.4%), in those with loose/watery faeces (45.5%) than those with well-formed faeces (22.8%) but the differences were not significant (p>0.05). In sheep, the rate of infection was higher in female (16.9%) than in male (13.0%), in young ((19.2%) than in adults (14.9%) but the differences were not significant (p>0.05). The prevalence was significantly (p = 0.010) higher in sheep with loose/watery faeces (45.5%) than in those with well-formed faeces (12.4%). Breed of sheep did not significantly (p > 0.05) influence the prevalence rates, although the Uda breed had higher prevalence (25%) than the Balami (14.3%) and Yankasa (12.7%) breeds. A similar trend was observed for the sahelian breed of goats (35.7%) compared to the Red sokoto (23.7%), West African dwarf (16.7%) and mixed breeds (10.0%) (p = 0.367). Animals brought to the livestock market from Ngalda town showed highest prevalence of 36.4% than those from the other areas with prevalence rates of (0 to 33.3%). The finding of Cryptosporidium species oocysts in 20.7% of small ruminants in this study underscores the role of this zoonotic parasite diseases in animals and man and loose/watery faeces is a significant factor in the spread among small ruminants.

7

Authors: Mohammed Abdulrashid and Leonard Nnabuenyi Agwunobi

Tannia cocoyam meals (CCYM) as substitutes for maize were evaluated in a six week feeding trial, in order to determine and compare effects of dietary inclusion at 100% of tannia cocoyam and the levels of antinutritional factors present. Ninety-six broiler chickens at four weeks of age were randomly allotted in groups of 12 to one of the following diets. The dietary treatments contain 0, 25, 50 and 100% CCYM of Tannia which comprised of raw sundried and boiled sundried forms. Proximate analyses of the test ingredient and that of maize was conducted. Antinutritional factor analyses of the test ingredients were also conducted. Carcass quality evaluation was also determined only on control groups and 100% (cocoyam inclusion). The results of proximate compositions indicated that tannia is higher in crude fibre, ash and nitrogen free extract. The weight of crop on raw tannia (31.70) was significantly lower (p<0.05) than that of the control diet (32.45). The live weight, dressed weight and eviscerated weight and all other cut parts for both raw and boiled CCYM were similar (p>0.05) to control. The weights of crop and intestine on 100% CCYM diets differed significantly (p<0.05) with lower values on the control (32.45 and 112.08 respectively) and higher values on boiled sundried tannia (53.74 and 132.30 respectively). Significantly higher levels (p<0.001) of anti-nutritional factors were observed on raw sundried tannia than the boiled sundried tannia. The carcass yield and organs weight were significantly higher (p<0.05) on boiled sundried tannia as compared to that of raw sundried. Thus, better feed utilization on boiled tannia diets due to higher feeding value than raw sundried cocoyam. Therefore, boiled tannia could replace maize at 100% inclusion levels without any adverse effects on carcass characteristics, but lower levels of raw tannia is recommended due to higher content of antinutritional factors.

8

Authors: Dejene Tadesse, Zerehun Asefa, Abayneh Alemu, Bojia Endebu, Asmamaw Kassaye, Alemayehu Fanta and Chala Chaburte

The present study was conducted from November 2014 to April 2015 in and around Bishoftu town to determine causes, associated risk factors and owner's response to causes of lameness for lame donkeys presented to Donkey Health and Welfare Project Clinic. Accordingly, 325 lame donkeys were purposively selected for this study. Questionnaire survey and physical examination were employed as study design. Results of 325 donkey owners interviewed revealed that various causes of lameness. Among these interviewed 222 and 221 respondents has better knowledge about the lameness caused by hyena bites and various wounds respectively, whereas 2, 8 and 41 respondents have information about varies diseases, solar penetration and overloading as a causes of lameness respectively. The current study includes 2 young and 323 adult donkeys. Out of the 325 lame donkeys, 179 were females and the remaining 146 were males. Upon physical examination of all donkeys taken into study, seventeen types of musculoskeletal abnormalities were identified, among these, higher frequency of foreign material in hoof, crackling and hoof overgrowth with 293, 245 and 208 cases respectively. Low frequency of hygroma (3) and bone fracture (8) were also observed. Grade analysis of lame donkeys revealed 3 (0.92%) mild cases, 84 (25.85%) moderate, 234 (72.92%) severe and 1 (0.31%) non-weight bearing cases. Grade three was most frequently observed which appeared in one out of two cases of lameness. The average grade of lameness was 2.72 ± 0.47. There was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) between the two sexes, body condition scores and age of animals regarding identified abnormalities and grade of lameness. However, the high number of donkeys which had lameness (79.08%) were found with poor body condition scores. Lameness was seen on both front and hind limbs but majority (97.23%) was unilateral type, of which 60% was presented with front limb while 37.5% was with hind limb. Significant difference was observed between front and hind limbs (P<0.05) for occurrence of lameness. Poor husbandry practices and lack of knowledge or information on causes of lameness among owners remain the factor for occurrence and severe grade of lameness.

5

Authors: Abdulkadir Usman Junaidu and Bashiru Garba

The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Brucella antibodies in horses reared in Sokoto metropolis using the rapid-plate test, serum agglutination test and Competitive ELISA. A total of 347 horses were sampled comprising of 329 males and 9 females within the age range of 1 to above ten years. The serum samples were harvested and subjected to Rapid Plate Test, CompELISA and Serum Agglutination Test. Out of the 347 horses sampled, 48 were found to be positive for the Rapid Plate Test and CompELISA while 41 were positive for Serum Agglutination Test. Thus, an overall prevalence of 13.83% was realized. Also, 7 horses had antibody titre of 1:40, 12 had 1:60 titre, while 29 had 1:80. The prevalence of Brucella antibodies was highest in males (14.28%) compared to females (0%). The seroprevalence to brucella antibodies was found not to be statistically significantly associated with sex of the horses as observed in this study. Horses between the age of 6 to 10 years had a higher prevalence of Brucella antibodies 24 (16.32%) as compared to those 0 to 5 years 21 (12.5%) and those above ten years 3 (9.37%). Age was also not a significant factor for brucella antibody seropositivity (p = 0.588). This study indicates that Brucellosis is prevalent in horses in Sokoto. Hence, horse attendants and livestock reared together are at risk of contracting brucella infection.

7

Authors: Ibrahim Shehu Usman

The study analyzed the determinants of likelihood and extent of adoption of medicinal plants used for the treatment of cattle diseases in Fufore Local Government Area, Adamawa state, Nigeria. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect personal data of cattle herders, adoption pattern of the medicinal plants by the respondents and constraint against effective utilization of the medicinal plants by the respondents. Frequencies, percentages, mean and probit regression analysis were used to analyzed the data collected. Results of the research revealed that cattle herding in the study is dominated by young adults (71.03%) of between 30 to 59 years of age, majority (75.70%) did not attained formal education, and had 31 years average herding experience. About 94.39% of the respondents were married with average family size 8 people. Majority (85.05%) of the respondents have more 50 heads of cattle with only 11.21% who had at least extension visit once in 6 months. Result of adoption pattern revealed that 90.65% of the respondents adopted both medicinal plants and modern veterinary drugs in treatment of cattle diseases. The coefficient of age (4.8784), family size (0.1675), experience (1.2239) and number of cattle (0.0202) had positive and significant effect on the adoption of medicinal plants. Similarly, marginal effect of the variables determining adoption of medicinal plants by the respondents shows that age (0.0252), family size (0.0008), experience (0.0063) and number of cattle (0.0001) were positively related. Indiscriminate feeling of trees, bush burning and concealment of knowledge were the major problems faced the respondents. It was recommended that, conservation of medicinal plants, documentation and promotion of indigenous knowledge by encouraging research activities is required in the study area. Both community and concerned authorities should enforced to laws that prohibit indiscriminate cutting of trees and bush burning so as curb looming danger of loosing value medicinal plants. Research institute should investigate to ascertain the precise dosage of herbs to be used in the treatment and control of cattle diseases.

4

Authors: Adeniji, A. A., Oluwafemi, R. A. and Bichi, S. N.

A total of two hundred and seventy (270) broiler finishers of four (4) weeks old were used in this experiment to determine the effects of feeding Sugarcane Bark Scrapping (SBS) with or without grit and enzyme supplementation. A 3 × 3 factorial experiment was adopted such that there were three graded levels of SBS (0, 7.5 and 15%) by three supplementation levels (No supplement, grit and enzyme) and lasted for a period of four (4) weeks. The results showed that increase in the inclusion level of SBS had significant effect (P<0.05) on the rate of weight gain, feed intake, feed to gain ratio, final body weight, cost of feed consumed per bird, rearing cost and nitrogen retention but had no significant effect (P>0.05) on the nitrogen intake. There were significant effects (P<0.05) of the supplementation on the feed intake, rate of weight gain, feed to gain ratio and final body weight. Broiler finishers fed grit supplemented diets performed significantly (P<0.05) better than broiler fed no supplement and enzyme supplemented diets. The interaction between the varying levels of SBS and supplements had significant effects (P<0.05) on final body weight, rate of weight gain, feed intake and feed to gain ratio. This study shows that broiler fed SBS at 7.5% inclusion level supplemented with grit gave the best growth performance.

6

Authors: Hannah Moncon Farr, Armstrong Donkoh, Michael Boateng and Kwesi Boadu Mensah

The study aimed to determine the potential adverse effects of variously-processed rubber seed meals on the reproductive performance, postnatal growth and offspring survival rate using the Sprague-Dawley laboratory rat as model for pigs. Eighteen Sprague-Dawley female rats with an average initial body weight of 154.0 g were randomly allotted into 6 groups designated as T1 control (no rubber seed meal), T2 raw rubber seed meal, T3 soaked rubber seed meal, T4 sundried rubber seed meal, T5 boiled rubber seed meal and T6 roasted rubber seed meal. The diets were prepared with various types of rubber seed meals incorporated at the level of 0 g kg-1 (control diet, T!) and 100 g kg-1 of each of the five rubber seed meal-containing diets. The study was conducted for 70 days and parameters studied included: feed intake, number of fertile females, pregnancy index, gestation length (length of pregnancy), number of pups born, number of pups born alive, live birth index and number of still births. Upon parturition (day 1), pups were individually counted, weighed and examined for external malformations. Other parameters evaluated were number of pubs weaned and mortality of pups. The inclusion of various types of rubber seed meals in the diets did not alter the general health of all the experimental rats. With the exception of rats on the T6 diet, all other rats recorded successful mating and pregnancies. There were no significant (p>0.05) difference in the gestation length (22 to 23 days) and all the pregnant rats delivered normally. No external malformations were observed in any of the pups delivered. No significant (p>0.05) differences in the maternal body weight (199.8 g), litter size (4.0 to 10), pup birth weight (4.88 to 7.07 g) and number of pups weaned (3.33 to 9.67) were observed. However, dietary treatments significantly (p<0.05) influenced weaning weight (29.60 to 48.25 g) and post-natal mortality of pups, with those on the T1 (control) and the T4 diets having the highest mortalities of 2.67 and 2.33, respectively. Based on the findings of the present study, up to 100 g of the raw and the variously-processed rubber seed meals could be included in 1 kg diets of laboratory rats without compromising on the health and reproductive performance in terms of reproductive toxicity or complications in pregnancy, delivery and other reproductive indices studied.

5

Authors: Garba, U. M., Nwokike, E. C., Mbuk, E. U., Ali, A., Zamdayu, J. M., Yunusa, H. G., Amaje, J. and Auwal, U.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common neoplasia of the skin in horses. An adult albino stallion of Nigerian indigenous (Arewa) breed used for military ceremonial parade was presented with the chief complaints of growth on left side lower eyelid and unilateral epiphora. Tentatively diagnosis of eyelid squamous cell carcinoma was made and managed successfully. Restraint was achieved using chlorpromazine as tranquilizer and physical method with the animal on right lateral recumbency for the surgery. Lidocaine-adrenaline 2% was used for local anaesthesia. The growth was debulked only once and chemotherapeutically treated using vincristine 1 mg for local infiltration once and 2 mg intravenously twice at 3 weeks apart. Tissue sample was preserved in formaldehyde-10% and processed for histopathological examination. Haematological findings pre-treatment were neutropenia, 32% (52 to 70%) and hyperproteinemia, 10.2 g/d L (6.0 to 8.5g/dL) which became neutrophilic leucocytosis 16.1 x 109/L (5.6-12.1 x 109/L) post-treatment. Histopathological findings were focal areas of keratin pearls surrounded by a concentric aggregation of cornified squamous epithelial cells. Massive undifferentiated tumour cells and inflammatory cells at different stages of mitosis were also observed. It was concluded that surgical excision of lesion and vincristine therapy twice at 3 weeks apart only was effective to cure the eyelid squamous cell carcinoma in the horse. It was recommended that surgical excision of growths and vincristine therapy given by intravenous and local infiltration routes should be used in management of eyelid squamous cell carcinoma in albino horses.

6

Authors: DEUTCHEU NIENGA Sorelle, NGOULA Ferdinand, TCHOFFO Herve, MABOU NGUEMO Jeamine Laura, VEMO Bertin Narcisse and TCHOUMBOUE Joseph

Lead acetate is a compound that is teratogenic and could cause hazards in pregnant humans and economic loses in livestock. This study aims to evaluate the protective and curative effects of hydroethanolic extract of Spirulina platensis (HESP) on embryo-toxicity in guinea pig exposed to lead acetate. Eighteen females, aged 4 months old and weighing 350±5.3 g were divided into 8 groups of 10 guinea pigs each. The negative control (group 1) received by gavage distilled water and positive control (group 2) was exposed to lead acetate at a dose of 12 mg/kg.bw alone. While Groups 3, 4 and 5 co-exposed for a period of 90 days to 12 mg/kg bw of lead acetate and 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg.bw of hydroethanolic extract of Spirulina platensis respectively. The animals of groups 6, 7 and 8 were also exposed for the first 30 days to lead acetate, then 50, 100 and 200 mg /kg.bw of HESP from the 31st to the 90th day. At the end of the trial, female animals were sacrificed for determine the teratogenicity. Lead acetate caused a significant decrease of placental and fetal weight, number of implantation sites and gravid uterine weights. In the other hand, it increased the incidence of fetal anomalies when compared to the negative control. HESP significantly reduced (p< 0.05) the lead acetate-induced abnormities by increasing fetal number, weight, viability and reduced skeletal anomalies. Treatment of female guinea pigs with hydroethanolic extract of Spirulina platensis whether for protective or curative at dose of 100 mg/kg.bw, attenuated lead induced reproductive disrupted, fetal malformation and fetal mortality. The Hydroethanolic extract of Spirulina platensis due to some phytochemical principles rich in antioxidant properties, could possibly mitigate the adverse effects of lead acetate.

7

Authors: John Cassius Moreki, Tiyapo Daisy Pelaelo-Grand and Aubrey Ranko

Artificial insemination (AI) was introduced in Botswana in 1966 to provide smallholder cattle farmers with access to superior bulls for cross-breeding to improve their herd quality and performance. This review endeavours to highlight farmers’ uptake of AI service, challenges and the opportunities in the use of AI technology in Botswana. The 15 AI centres have been underutilised for the past 11 years while the number of inseminated cows has declined over time. Similarly, conception rates declined as these are a function of inseminated cows. Some major challenges limiting AI utilisation are persistent drought, outbreak of livestock diseases and parasites, climate change, inadequate extension service, high transportation costs, shortage of qualified ranch managers, inadequate transport, inadequate staff accommodation, lack of maintenance of fire breaks and perimeter fence at the AI centres, and trekking cows over very long distances to the AI centres for insemination. The underutilisation of AI centres presents an opportunity for farmers to send their cattle for insemination. In order to optimally use the AI service, extension efforts must be directed towards encouraging more farmers to use the AI centres.

10

Authors: Abdulai Mahmood Conteh and Brima Gogra

Poverty and inequality between urban and rural areas remained major social issues in Sierra Leone. These are drivers forcing rural people to engage in feasible livelihood options such as animal husbandry. The current study, that lasted for seven (7) months attempt to investigate pig farming in rural areas of Moyamba district, Sierra Leone. The overarching objectives were to assess the management practices, challenges, and livelihood impact of indigenous pig production. Two hundred and thirty (230) checklists were administered and interview sessions held for farmers from ten (10) randomly selected villages in Moyamba District, Sierra Leone. A total of 1123 pigs were recorded for which 66.5% were owned by women and 33.5% by men. It was observed that basic sanitary practices such as cleaning of the pen, provision of feeds and clean drinking water for pigs, castration and livestock disease management were lacking in the study area. This constitutes a great public health concern considering the link between animal and human diseases in contemporary history. Respondent noted income generation, food and cultural/religious benefits as pull factors for their engagement in the sector. Conversely, results indicates that the lack of credit facility (100%), high piglet mortality (92.2%), lack of or inadequate housing (86.5%), poor and inadequate feeding (86.1%), poor market facility (72.2%), animal cruelty (70.9%), persistence disease outbreaks (64.8%), intermittent theft (64.3%), poor or lack of treatment service (33.5%), lack of improved breeds (16.1%) and ineffective livestock extension services (4.3%) are the factors that undercut the productivity of pig farming in rural areas. The study has shown that there is need to scale up of livestock extension programs for rural areas through timely vaccination campaigns, sustained active case finding and capacity building of farmers to adopt good livestock management practice that will in turn sustain rural livelihood systems.