Journal of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine

5

Authors: Christian O. Ezihe

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of cassava peel meal on the morphometric characteristics of reproductive organs and visceral organ weights of cockerels. Four treatment diets were formulated to contain 0% (1), 10% (2), 20% (3) and 30% (4) cassava peel meals (CPM) respectively. Forty cockerels, 24 weeks of age, were randomly assigned to the four treatment diets with two replicates of five birds per treatment group. Data were collected on morphometric characteristics of the reproductive organs as well as the visceral organ weights. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significant means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test. The results of this study showed non-significant differences (P>0.05) in right and left testicular weights, paired testicular weights, right and left epididymal weights, paired epididymal weights, right and left ductus deferens, and paired ductus deferens. There were also non-significant differences (P>0.05) in the average heart weights, gizzard weights, abdominal fat weight and percentage, average spleen weights, liver weights, lungs and kidney weights. It could be concluded from this study that dietary inclusion of sun-dried cassava peel meal up to a level of 30% has no adverse effect on the morphometric characteristics of the reproductive organs as well as the visceral organ weights of cockerels.

6

Authors: Oluwatobi, O. T. and Solomon, R. J.

Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) are very common fish but little is known about their physiology. This study was carried out to determine the complete hematological profile of catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) both of which were obtained from a local fish vendor in Gwagwalada market. They were anaesthesed and analysed and the values of the haematological parameters are as follows: for Clarias gariepinus, 124.19 (white blood cell count), 2.35 (Red blood cell count), 131.94fl (Mean corpuscular volume), 32.05% (Packed cell volume), 10.68g/dl (Haemoglobin), and 32.60 g/dl (Mean corpuscular haemoglobin) and24.16 (Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration) were calculated. For Oreochromis niloticus, 121.65 (White blood cell count), 2.24 (Red blood cell count), 132.21fl (Mean corpuscular volume), 30.07% (Packed cell volume), 10.23g/dl (Haemoglobin), 35.98g/dl (Mean corpuscular haemoglobin) and 30.48 (Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration) were calculated. Slight differences were observed in the values of both species with Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and white blood cell count (WBC) having the highest mean values while red blood cell count and hemoglobin having the lowest value among both species.

7

Authors: Williams, Mary Emmanuel, Igile, Godwin O., Usoro, Ofoninyene Okon and Offiong, Edem

There is a growing concern about the impact of increased used of Agro-pesticide on public health and safety issues especially in farming community who pursue high agricultural productivity. Pesticide pollution is a subject of global concern and the extent of its poisoning is considered to be grossly under estimated. This study was conducted to assess the concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Hg, Cr, As and Ni) in muscle, liver, kidney and lungs of matured locally reared chickens. Sampling was carried out in two cocoa producing areas (Ikom and Etung) and non-cocoa producing area (Odukpani) in Cross River State, Nigeria, over a period of one year (November, 2013 to October, 2014). Determination of heavy metals was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (ASS). Highest levels of cadmium (0.11±0.02 µg/g) and lead (0.26±0.11 µg/g) were recorded in liver simples from Etung and Ikom. The highest levels of chromium concentration (2.95±0.05 µg/g) was observed in kidney of chickens from Etung, while nickel (1.16-±0.0404 µg/g) was highest in lung samples from Etung and Odukpani recorded the highest nickel concentration values (1.16±0.04 µg/g). The results show that higher levels of heavy metals can accumulate in the body tissues/organs of chickens in cocoa producing area. These are no exception since Etung is a cocoa producing area and the metals were found highest in kidney and lungs of chicken from this area. Generally, livers and kidneys were found to have the highly significant (P<0.5) levels of the metals than the muscles and lungs the lowest. However, the concentrations of all the metals studied were within the tolerance limits with exception of chromium and nickel which were respectively higher than their 0.10 µg/g and 0.5 µg/g tolerance limit. The results obtained in this study will be useful in formulating guidelines and standards for heavy metals in chicken products in cocoa-producing and non-cocoa producing areas of Nigeria.

10

Authors: Bashahun, G. M. and Amina A.

Colibacillosis is considered as one of the most important problems faced in livestock production, causing great economic losses. Calves become exposed to pathogenic E. coli in the environment when other infected or carrier calves and cows shed the bacteria in the feces. Diagnosing of E. coli infection in calves depends on an accurate history, clinical signs, culture of internal organs for bacteria, and serotyping of the organism. This disease requires an immediate response, centered on isolation and rehydration therapy. Parental antibiotics can be useful if given early, but not without rehydration therapy. Prevalence of Colibacillosis varies from 5.4 to 100%, and it is roughly estimated that a calf mortality associated with Colibacillosis of 20% may reduce net profit to 40%. Thus, control and prevention measures should be conducted through the use of dam vaccination before calving, improve hygiene around calving and proper colostrum administration.

8

Authors: Solomon, R. J. and Alasa, M. B.

An experiment to evaluate the effect of replacing fish feed was conducted to evaluate the growth performance of Heteroclarias in circular tanks each having a capacity of fifty litres of water. Fishes were divided into three groups in triplicates, with 10 fishes per tank. The fingerlings stocked were of the same size and length. Fishes in tank A were fed with laboratory prepared Soya bean and corn meal feed, while B had already manufactured feed (Coppens) and C already manufactured feed (Aquamass) was used. The fingerlings were fed 4% of their body weight twice daily, from 6.00 to 8.00am and from 6.00 to 8.00pm. Growth performances were monitored weekly for eight weeks. The results showed that treatment A (laboratory prepared feed) had the best growth performance with a mean weight (23.3±0.02 g) and length (20.00 mm) gain which exceeds that of treatment B which had a mean of 10.5±0.01 g and length of (19.3 mm). There was a significant difference (p>0.05) between growth rate and different feeds.

11

Authors: Jallailudeen Rabana Lawal, Juliana James Ndahi, Amina Mohammed Bello, Yakaka Wakil, Jamila Dauda and Umar Isa Ibrahim

The present study was carried out from the month of March to December, 2016 and aimed to isolate and investigate the prevalence of Gallibacterium anatis infection as well as to study the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the bacterium from extensively reared local breed of female Muscovy ducks in Maiduguri, Northeastern Nigeria. To accomplish this, a total of 250 samples (100 tracheal swabs, 100 cloacal swabs and 50 part of ovary) were collected from households where Muscovy ducks are reared and female Muscovy ducks from live birds market. Microbiological isolation and biochemical identification of the phenotypic characteristic consistent with G. anatis was used for the diagnosis of a positive sample and this revealed 75/250 (30.0%) positive isolates of the bacterium. The G. anatis was more frequently isolated from samples collected from house hold Muscovy ducks 51 (20.40%) than those from the live birds market 24 (9.60%) with a significant difference (P < 0.0001 at 95% CI; RR= 1.302). However, isolates where more frequently cultivated in samples of the tracheal swab 49 (19.60%) than those swabs collected from the cloaca 24 (9.60%) and ovary 2 (0.80%). G. anatis was discovered to be more frequent in the rainy season 51 (20.40%) when compared to the dry season 24 (9.60%) with a significant difference (P = 0.0080 at 95% CI; RR = 0.8466). Moreover, isolates revealed positive reactions to test with catalase, oxidase, phosphatase, sucrose and sorbitol, but show negative reactions to indole, urease, coagulase and maltose. The biochemical investigations differentiated the isolated strains into two biovars; haemolytic Gallibacterium anatis biovar 3 (4.0%) and a non-haemolytic Gallibacterium anatis biovar 72 (96.0%). Antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed multi-drug resistant of the Gallibacterium anatis isolated. The in-vitro antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that isolates were highly susceptible to Cefotaxime, moderately susceptible to Ciprofloxacin, Doxycycline and Florfenicol. In conclusion, G. anatis is prevalent in extensively reared local breed of Muscovy ducks in the study area. Therefore, strict biosecurity measures should be practiced at all level of poultry production systems to curb the spread of the organism. Antimicrobial abuse should be avoided by poultry farmers and the guidance of a registered veterinarian should be sought whenever there is need for medications to avoid misuse and drug resistance.

4

Authors: Mulat Asrat

A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2014 to June 2015 in the Mersa Town of South Wollo Zone, Amhara Regional State to determine the prevalence of Thelaziasis in cattle and to assess associated risk factors responsible for the occurrence of the disease. A total of 384 cattle of both ages (98 young and 286 Adult) with two sexes (203 males and 181 females) were grossly examined by flushing the conjunctival sacs and lachrymal duct with sterile saline solution. The prevalence of thelaziosis was 18.23% (70 cases). Age, sex, body condition scores and management systems did not show any statistical significant difference (P>0.05) for the prevalence. The prevalence was higher in male (24.12%), young (26.53%), and extensively managed cattle (20.69%) than their comparative female (11.6%), adult (18.38%), and semi-intensively kept animals (13.01%) respectively. Regarding body condition scores, the highest prevalence of bovine Thelaziasis was recorded in poor body condition cattle (30.19%) while the lowest was recorded in cattle with good body condition scores (14.48%). The results of the present study showed that bovine thelaziosis requires special attention considering its impact on cattle production and productivity.

7

Authors: Okon, B., Ibom, L. A., Sam, I. M. and Ibiang, N. O.

The main objective of this paper was to compare growth traits and heterosis of body parameters of two varieties of Archachatina marginata (var. ovum and var. saturalis) and their crosses under experimental conditions. Three hundred (300) juvenile snails (Archachatina marginata), one hundred (100) each of A. marginata var. ovum, A. marginata var. saturalis and their crosses with mean body weights of 12.40 ± 0.58 g were used for the study. The snails were randomly allotted using completely randomized design into three (3) treatment varieties. Results from the study showed significant variety effect (P<0.05) on final body weight and average weight gain. The crossbred variety recorded the highest average weight gain compared to the other two varieties. No significant (P>0.05) variety effect was observed on daily weight gain, total feed intake, daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio. The crossbred variety recorded the highest final body weight and final shell width, indicating heterotic effects on these two bodies and shell parameters. Significant variety effects (P<0.05) were observed on body weight, shell length and shell “mouth” length. The low heterotic values obtained for body weight and the shell parameters supported the assertion that growth traits have low heterotic values which may be due to their high heritability. Though, low and positive heterotic values were obtained for all parameters studied, the crossbred variety recorded the highest heterotic values, which indicated that it may have heterotic advantage over the purebred varieties.

5

Authors: A. O. Ogbe, S. E. Abalaka, N. A. Sani, Z. O. Tenuche, O. A. Adikpe, P. U. Umeakuana, J. O. Omamegbe and O. D. Olayemi

Impaction of the proventriculus and ventriculus due to ingestion of stones, wood, ceramic tiles, metal spoons and plastic materials was confirmed at postmortem examination in two ostrich chicks (Struthio camelus) aged 8-months and 4-months from two flocks in Gwagwalada and Lugbe in Abuja, Nigeria respectively. Both cases were presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) of University of Abuja (U.A.) in November, 2014 (first case) and in May 2016 (second case) with pale mucous membranes, sternal recumbency, outstretched neck, ruffled feathers, dehydration and emaciation. Abdominal palpation in both cases revealed firm and gritty sensations. Antibiotic (oxytetracycline) long acting, Vitamin B-complex and 5% Dextrose saline therapy was instituted in both cases. However, both ostriches later died and were autopsied. The post-mortem revealed impaction of the proventriculus and ventriculus with foreign bodies (such as stones and sand, spoons, wood fragments and ceramic tiles). In addition, there was thickened mucosa of the proventriculus with ulcers, hydropericardium, petechiae on mucosal and serosal surfaces of cervical part of the trachea in the first case; while the second case had petechiae in the mucosa of the duodenum. Proventricular-ventricular foreign body impaction was diagnosed as the cause of death in both ostrich chicks.

8

Authors: Theresa Theresia Montsho, John Cassius Moreki, Christopher Mareledi Tsopito and Shalaulani James Nsoso

This study investigated the effect of weaning age on growth performance of crossbred piglets reared up to 70 kg body weight (BW) under intensive system from May to November 2013. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design where weaner pigs were randomly allocated to three weaning ages (treatment) of 21, 28 and 35 days. Each treatment had 16 weaner pigs with four replicates (pen) each having four pigs of equal sex. The study was divided into three rearing periods: weaning phase (WP) (weaning to 70 days), grow to finish period (GFP) (70 days to 70 kg BW) and wean to finish period (WFP) (weaning to 70 kg BW). The growth parameters studied were BW, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and days on test. Data were analysed using General Linear Model Procedures of Statistical Analysis System. The results showed that BW for piglets weaned at 21 days of age was significantly (P<0.05) lower (17.93 ± 0.69 kg) than that of piglets weaned at 28 days (21.57 ± 0.78 kg) but similar to piglets weaned at 35 days (19.34 ± 0.78 kg) which was intermediate during WP. Piglets weaned at 21 days of age had significantly lower ADG (0.267 ± 0.01 kg), ADFI (0.651 ± 0.01 kg) and higher FCR (2.56 ± 0.12) than piglets weaned at 28 and 35 days of age at the end of WP. Average daily gain (0.884 ± 0.02 kg), ADFI (2.31 ± 0.02 kg) and days on test (57 ± 2) significantly improved during GFP with respect to 21 day weaned group compared to 28 and 35 days groups. All the measured parameters did not significantly vary during WFP. Generally, weaning age had no effect on growth performance of piglets weaned at 21, 28 and 35 days of age suggesting that piglets can be weaned at these periods without adversely affecting growth performance. It is therefore recommended that further studies can be conducted to evaluate the effect of weaning age on the reproductive performance of the sows and profitability of the three weaning ages.

12

Authors: Usman, I. S.

The ethno-veterinary care amongst the nomadic Fulani herdsmen in Southern Zone of Adamawa State, Nigeria was investigated. Purposive sampling technique was used to select four out of the eight Local Government Areas of the Zone, while a total of 227 nomads were randomly selected proportionately to the number of registered members from each of the Local Government Area selected. It was found that nomadic Fulani herdsmen utilize 51 plants species and other traditional practices and beliefs in the treatment of common livestock ailments such as foot and mouth disease, Streptothricosis, Bloat, Bovine ephemeral fever, Black quarter infections among others. Method of preparation and administration found to include direct feeding of the plant part, grinding to powder and mixing with feeds or direct external application of the plant paste or oil extract on the affected part. The farmers also use incantations and other beliefs in the treatment of cattle ailments. Deforestation due to human activities that led to the depletion of the herbs and lack of government recognition were among the constraints in the utilization of the traditional knowledge. It was concluded that livestock herders in Southern Zone of Adamawa State use a variety of medicinal plants and other traditional technologies for treatment of cattle diseases. The traditional knowledge underlying this kind of science has not been explored to the benefit of livestock farmers, to cause significant improvement in their wellbeing. It was therefore recommended that effort on the development of cheaper veterinary services and input in the State should focus more on the abundant traditional resources such as flora and culture.

5

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

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

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

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.

9

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

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.