Journal of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine

Number 1(3), 2016

5
Performance and ileal characteristics of finishing Broilers fed diets supplemented with prebiotics (Mannose and Lactose)

Authors: Oni, O. O., Idowu, O. M. O., Oso, A. O. and Ikeobi, C. O. N.

Abstract

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An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of prebiotics supplemented diets on performance characteristics and gut morphology of broiler chickens. The study involved 320 day-old Anak broiler chicks, used to assess the utilization of prebiotics [Mannose oligosaccharides (MOS) and Lactose oligosaccharides (LOS)] by broiler chicks. The chicks were alloted to eight treatment groups of 40 birds each and four replicates of 10 birds each in a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement. The additives (MOS and LOS) were added to the diets at four levels (0, 250, 500 and 750 ppm) per additive. The birds were fed for 56 days, after which data on feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and ileal morphology were collected. The data was subjected to analysis of variance and significant means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Results showed that final weight values significantly (p<0.05) ranged from 1276.67 to 1503.38 g. The ileum morphology of the finishers broilers showed that villi height, lamina propria depth, basal width and apical width were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by prebiotic sources and levels. The villi height of 2250.00 µm was highest at 500 ppm MOS level of inclusion, while the least value of 538.30µm was obtained in birds fed 0ppm Lactose inclusion. It was therefore, concluded that, prebiotic MOS at 500ppm could be used in feed to obtain the better weight gain and FCR, with normal gut morphology of broiler chickens.

7
Meat quality and sensory attributes of Orpington and indigenous Tswana chickens reared under intensive system from day old to 18 weeks of age

Authors: Malebogo Virginia Radikara, John Cassius Moreki, Patrick Monametsi Kgwatalala, Molebeledi Horatius Dambe Mareko and James Bashi Machete

Abstract

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This study was carried out to compare meat characteristics of Tswana and Orpington chickens. A total of 120 chicks (60 Tswana and 60 Orpington) were reared intensively up to 18 weeks of age. Each treatment (Tswana and Orpington) was replicated four times with 15 birds per replicate. Birds were provided with commercial broiler diets and water ad libitum. A total of 40 (10 birds/ replicate) randomly selected chickens of each genotype (Orpington and Tswana) were sacrificed at 18 weeks of age and their carcasses cut into primal parts. Left breast and thigh portions were used for pH, colour and tenderness measurements. The right breast and thigh portions were subjected to sensory evaluation where a 9-point Hedonic scale was used to determine overall liking and disliking of juiciness, flavour and acceptability of meat by untrained panelists. Breast meat samples were in unsalted water for 30 minutes and thigh for 25 minutes. Meat colour, pH and tenderness were analysed using General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of the Statistical Analysis System while data on sensory attributes were analysed using frequencies and percentages in IBM SPSS. Thigh meat pH was significantly higher (P<0.05) in Orpington than Tswana chickens. However, no significant difference (P>0.05) in breast muscle pH was found among genotypes. Orpington breast meat was lighter (P<0.05) than Tswana chicken meat. No significant (P>0.05) difference in breast and thigh meat colour redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) was observed. Thigh meat of Tswana chickens was firmer (P<0.05) compared to Orpingtons. For overall acceptance 50% of consumers liked Tswana chicken meat compared to 20% for Orpington meat.

7
Dry season prevalence of avian Coccidia infection in domesticated chickens (Gallus domesticus) in Jere Council, Borno State, Nigeria

Authors: J. R. Lawal, I. A. Gulani, A. M. Ali, A. M. Bello, F. A. Abadam, M. Mustapha, J. Dauda, L. Adamu and A. A. Biu

Abstract

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The present study was carried out between the months of October, 2014 to April, 2015 and aimed at determining the dry season prevalence of avian coccidia infection and their degree of severity among domesticated chickens (Gallus domesticus) in Jere Council, Borno State, Nigeria. A total of 430 fresh faecal and gut samples were collected from chickens of both exotic and local breeds. The samples were examined using floatation and intestinal impulsion smear techniques. The study was conducted among breeds (exotic vs. local), sexes (male vs. female), ages (young vs. adult), management systems (intensive vs. extensive) and housing (cage vs. deep litter). Out of the 430 faecal samples examined, 54 (12.60%) were positive for various Eimeria species. Infection was more in the exotic (7.90%) than the local breed (4.70%). Coccidia infection found in young (10.0%) was higher (P= 0.0001) than in adult chickens (2.60%), while female ones had higher (P= 0.03) number of coccidia than the males. Chickens reared under poor management system showed higher infection (10.20%) compared to the good management one (2.30%). Chickens reared under intensive deep litter housing has higher coccidial load (9.30%) than those reared under extensive system (3.30%). Eimeria necatrix had the highest degree (42.60%) of severity score (+4), followed by Eimeria acervulina (27.80%), Eimeria tenella (24.10%) and E. maxima (5.60%) with degrees of severity scores +3, +4 and (+3) respectively. In conclusion, there was presence of coccidia infection in Jere area of Borno State, Nigeria.

7
Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths of Tilapia zilli (Gervias) in Gombe, Northeastern Nigeria

Authors: J. Dauda, J. R. Lawal, A. M. Bello, Y. B. Majama, Y. M. Lekko, E. S. Mshelia and A. A. Biu

Abstract

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In order to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths infestation in tilapia species sold in major markets in Gombe, three hundred (300) tilapia fish samples of both sexes and of different age groups were randomly examined. The sample population included 183 adults and 117 juveniles fishes, 157 females and 143 male fishes. Out of the total fishes sampled from three local fish markets, 128 (42.70%) were found to be infested by gastrointestinal helminthes. The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in tilapia fishes sampled from Gombe main market (17.0%), Kwadom market (15.0%) and Gombe old market (10.70%) respectively. Three genera of gastrointestinal parasites were encountered at prevalence rates of nematodes (17.70%), trematodes (13.70%) and cestodes (11.30%). The prevalent rates of these gastrointestinal helminths in accordance to sexes of fish shows higher prevalence in female fishes (24.0%) compared to the male fishes (18.70%). There was no statistical significant difference (P= 0.52) in the prevalent rates among the two sexes of fish. However, considering the prevalent rates of gastrointestinal helminths in accordance to ages of fishes, higher frequency was found in adult tilapia fishes (31.00%) than in the juvenile fishes (11.70%). There was statistical significant difference (P= 0.03) prevalent rates among the two ages of fish. Out of the 128 infected fishes examined, nematodes, cestodes and trematodes were all found in the intestines of 71 (23.70%) infected fishes and also in the stomach of 44 (14.70%) infected fishes but only cestodes was found in the gut of 13 (4.30%) infected fishes, while no helminths was recovered in the gills of all infected fishes. The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in tilapia species may be one of the significant constraints to the maximum productivity of the fish in the study area. It is therefore recommended that tilapia culturists should be enlighten on the need to routinely treat their fishes using appropriate antehelminthics for maximum production. Moreover, fishes meant for human consumption should be well cooked to prevent human health hazard of acquiring fish-borne helminthes infections.

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Characterization and conservation of indigenous livestock genetic resources for wealth creation in tropical Africa: A review

Authors: A. Ahmadu, H. I. Kubkomawa, N. S. Abubakar, T. Sini, J. H. Chama, R. H. Gapsiso and M. S. Adamu

Abstract

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The objective of the study was to review the methods of characterization and conservation of indigenous livestock genetic resources for wealth creation in tropical Africa. Animal genetic resources have been contributing to food and agriculture for more than 12, 000 years, providing the human population with a wide range of food products, along with fibre, manure for crops, droppings for fuel and draught power. In addition, animal genetic resources frequently reduce farmers’ risk exposure, generate employment and contribute to rural development. It is estimated that, directly or indirectly, domestic animals contribute 30 to 40 percent of the total value of food and Agriculture production in Nigeria. In the course of the development of diverse human societies, livestock became a very important cultural element and is essential in maintaining many traditional lifestyles. Farmers and breeders have been using animal genetic diversity effectively to develop breeds and varieties that were suitable for local environmental conditions and provided for different human needs and wants. The domestication process and breeding under different environments has resulted in over 6,000 identified breeds developed within about 40 animal species. The total diversity of animal genetic resources available to farmers makes it possible for humans to survive in a wide range of production environments, from hot-humid tropics to arid deserts and cold, severe mountainous regions. Genetic diversity also supported livestock adaptation to many limiting environmental factors, such as diseases, parasites, wide variations in the availability and quality of feed and water, and extreme temperatures. It is therefore, concluded that, animal genetic resources should be preserved and conserved and not be allowed to erode away. Local breeds that are hardy and withstand harsh climates should not be let go to extinction because of their role to wealth creation in both rural and urban communities in Nigeria and tropical Africa as a whole.