Nigerian Journal of Animal Science

Organoleptic and Bacterial Load of Poultry Jerky Produced From Guinea Fowl and Spent Chicken Layer Meat Marinated with Scent Leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) Extract

A.A Sadiq, S.B. Abdu, D.Y. Salihu, A. Yusuf, B.M. Munza — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study was conducted to determine the organoleptic and microbial properties of Poultry Jerky made from guinea fowl and spent chicken layer meat, marinated with Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaves) extract. The experiment was factorially combined (2 x 4) in a completely randomized design consisting of two poultry species (guinea fowl and spent layers), and four marinades: nothing added (Oc); Ocimum gratissimum and common salt (Os); Ocimum gratissimum and wet marinated (Ow), Ocimum gratissimum and dry marinated (Od). Results showed there was significant (P<0.05) effect of species on proximate composition of raw meat. Total viable bacteria (TVB) and coliform counts were higher in spent layer (7.4 x 102 and 2.9 x 102), respectively and lower in guinea fowl (5.6 x 102 and 0.8 x 102), respectively. Marinade had significant (P<0.05) effect on proximate composition of meat jerky from the two poultry species. In the jerky from both species, crude protein was lower in Ow, 21.42%, and higher for Od; 26.21% (guinea fowl) and 31.41% (spent layers). There was significant (P<0.05) positive correlation among the organoleptic properties. Marinade had no-significant (P>0.05) effect on doneness, tenderness, aroma, taste and acceptability for the jerky but there was significant (P<0.05) effect of marinade on colour where 6.20 was recorded in Oc, followed by Od and Ow (4.58 and 4.48, respectively), while Os had 3.84 but there was an overall acceptability of poultry jerky. Marinade had significant (P<0.05) effect on bacterial count of the jerky where, TVB count was higher in Oc (3.4 x 105) and lower in Os (0.7 x 105). Coliform count was also higher (3.5 x 103) in Oc and lower in Os (1.9 x 103) for guinea fowl and spent layer jerky's respectively. From the result of the study it has shown that Ocimum gratissimum extract can be used as a marinade in meat products.

Meat Processors and Consumers Perception of Toxic Heavy Metal Residues in Meat and Meat Products

F.T. Mahmoud, S.K. Inusa — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study was carried out to examine the awareness of meat processors and consumers pertaining toxic heavy metal residues in meat and meat products in parts of Jigawa State Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was carried out using structured questionnaires. A sample size of 180, 90 meat processors (45 Gwaram and 45 Kafin Hausa) and 90 consumers (45 Gwaram and 45 Kafin Hausa) from Gwaram and Kafin Hausa Local Government Areas were randomly surveyed in Gwaram and Kafin Hausa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State. Information on meat processing consumption and pattern, awareness of toxic heavy metal residues and their health implication were examined. The results were analyzed using SPSS software version 25 and mean values presented in frequencies and percentages. Majority (77.8% and 85.6%) of the meat processors and consumers were unaware of the negative impact of toxic heavy metals on human health. Most of them (88.9 and 80.0%) were however not aware of the possibility of the occurrence of toxic heavy metals in meat and meat products. It was concluded that consumers and meat processors were not aware of the health implication of toxic heavy metal residues on human health. It is recommended that campaigns to create public awareness on the negative impact of toxic heavy metals and the banning of illegal mining activities and grazing of animals around contaminated areas be intensified.

Heritability, Repeatability and Association of Linear Body Traits of Nigerian Guinea Fowl at Different Ages

V.N Ebegbulem, A. Halilu, A.J Henry — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This research was designed to estimate heritability, repeatability and association of body weight and linear body traits (LBTs) of Nigerian guinea fowl. A Total of 717 keets obtained from a mating between 48 dams and specific sires were used for the study. Heritability and repeatability estimates were obtained from sire variance components; Pearson correlation and stepwise multiple regression analyses were carried out among linear traits [breast length (BL), shank length (SL), thigh length (TL) and body circumference (BC)]. Data was collected at 4, 8 and 12 weeks of age. Results showed that heritability and repeatability estimates for BW, BC and BL were highest at 12 weeks and lowest at 4 weeks. Heritability estimates for BW recorded were 0.45 and 0.86 at weeks 8 and 12, respectively, and 0.82 for BC at 12 weeks. Repeatability estimates varied between 0.18 to 0.46 at 8 and 12 weeks of age respectively. Coefficient of determination of BW by LBTs was high at weeks 8 and 12 of age. The combination of BC, BL and SL were the best predictors of BW (R2 =.848). Findings of this research show that guinea fowls can be selected by employing mass selection from 8 weeks of age. Estimates of heritability and repeatability obtained in this research can serve as a reference point for the selection and improvement of this bird. Selecting guinea fowls at 12 weeks of age based only on BC, BC and BL, and BC, SL, and TL will yield high genetic improvements.

Genetic Characterization of Southern Nigerian Indigenous Turkey Using Mitochondrial DNA

B.O Durojaiye, I. P. Briggs, M. N Bemji, A. R. Abdullah — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The first Hypervariable (HV1) region of the mtDNA of 84 Nigerian indigenous turkey (NIT) sampled from Rivers, Kwara, Ebonyi, Oyo and Lagos states were amplified using DBF; 5'-AGGAGGAGGAGACCCAATCC-3 and 5'-CAGTGGGTGAAGCCTGCTAA-3' as forward and reverse primers respectively. PCR amplicons were sequenced using the Sanger sequencing method. The sequences were viewed using Bioedit software, edited, trimmed, aligned and single nucleotide polymorphism was identified using MEGA 11. Diversity indices were estimated using ARLEQUIN software. The genetic distances and phylogenetic relationship between the mtDNA sequences of the NIT and those of 12 birds obtained from Genbank were estimated using the pairwise distance and Neighbor-joining method of MEGA

11 respectively. Also, an analysis of molecular variance was used to determine the population structure using ARLEQUIN software and the demographic indices were also estimated using DnaSP v6. Result from this study showed a non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism at position g.6170(A>G) in eighteen samples and two haplotypes (Hap_1 and Hap_2) were detected. The entire population showed low haplotype diversity (0.3409) and very low nucleotide diversity (0.00073). The genetic distances estimated between sampled populations were low (0.00), which showed they were very related. The phylogenetic tree further confirmed the degree of closeness observed in the estimated genetic distance values. Analysis of molecular variance showed that the genetic variation among populations (8.64%) was lower than the genetic variation within populations (91.36%). This observation and the low fixation index indicated that the sub-populations were not differentiated. The demographic indices showed that some sub-populations were evolving neutrally while some were expanding.

Pigeon's Morphometric Traits Influence Body Weight and are Good Sources of Shared Variability

S.S.A Egena, B.O Otu, I.A. Luka, M.G. Owotunse, K. Jibrin, F. Halidu — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

To assess the sources of shared variability among body weight and selected morphometric traits of pigeons and find the factors impacting their body weight, six hundred pigeons were used in the study; body weight, body length, chest girth, wing span, and drumstick length were measured. Results showed that pigeons varied in their morphometric traits by location (P < 0.01). The correlation coefficient between the parameters was mostly significant (P < 0.01), positive, ranging from -0.059 to 0.998. The proportions of the total variance of the first two principal factors were high at all locations. The first two factors accounted for 99.85, 87.00, and 65.09 % of the total variability of the body weight of the pigeons in Gwagwalada, New Bussa, and Minna, respectively. Making up the largest share of the total variance, the first factor represented body weight. Chest girth dominated the first factor in Gwagwalada pigeons, while wing span dominated in New Bussa and Minna pigeons, respectively. Predictive regression equations (stepwise) relating live body weight to body measurements showed improvement with increasing use of independent variables up to 71.70, 70.60, and 36.40 % for Gwagwalada, New Bussa, and Minna pigeons, respectively. These results showed that chest girth (Gwagwalada), and wing span (New Bussa and Minna) of the pigeon influenced their body weight positively and hence, could be selected and used in improving the bird. Future studies should look into the use of the body parts in improving body weight in the pigeons at the various locations.

Nutritional Evaluation of Air Dried Terminalia mantaly Leaves as Feed Ingredient

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study was carried out to evaluate the nutritional property of air dried Terminalia mantaly leaves (TML). These leaves were harvested from terminalia trees within the premises of the College of Animal Science and Animal Production, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. Two hundred grams of fresh terminalia leaves were weighed and processed by airdrying. The samples were spread in a well-ventilated room (approximately 28.5°C) for fortyeight hours. The results revealed that TML contained appreciable amounts of crude protein (18.62%), energy(2706kcal/kg), crude fibre (13.49%), ash (7.91%), crude fat (3.17%) and low moisture (11.29%). The results show the presence of potassium(0.77%), sodium(0.25%), magnesium(0.26), calcium(0.24%), phosphorus(0.37%), iron(169.78%), copper(13.66%)

and zinc(57.7%). Potassium and phosphorus had the highest concentrations with 0.77% and 0.37% respectively. Anti-nutrients contents analyzed showed saponins(0.27%), cyanogenic glycosides(0.22%), flavonoids(0.0039%), phenol(0.21%), alkaloids(0.18%), tannin(0.06%), phytate(0.26%), steroid(0.0057%), and oxalate(0.14%). The anti-nutritional content in TML is low and so may not cause any adverse effects on animals. In conclusion, the appreciable amounts of protein and mineral contained in Terminalia mantaly leaves are important nutritional requirements for inclusion in the feed of monogastrics as well as ruminant animal. It would be recommended that experimental trials using Terminalia mantaly leaves should be conducted.

Carcass Characteristics and Serum Biochemistry of Rabbits Fed Diets Containing Differently Processed Kidney Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Seed Meal

E. Z. Gulukun, M.M. Ari, S.E. Alu, L.Y. Guluwa, M.Y. Latu — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The effect of feeding grower rabbits with differently processed kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seed meal was determined during a forty-two (42) days feeding trial. Six diets were compounded to contain 15% crude protein and 2300kcal/kg of metabolizable energy. Thirty (30) grower rabbits of mixed breeds and sexes were obtained from National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Zaria. The rabbits were allocated to 6 dietary treatments of five (5) rabbits per treatment with one (1) rabbit per replicate in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The experimental diets were; T1 without kidney bean seed meal (control), while diets T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 contained raw, cooked, soaked, fermented and sprouted kidney bean seed meal respectively. Feed and water were given ad-libitum during the

period of the experiment. Parameters measured were carcass characteristics and serum biochemistry of the animals. Carcass cut up parts were significantly (P<0.05) affected except the dressed weight, fore-limb length, hind-limb weight, shank length, thorax weight, lumbar weight and dressing percentage. The result of the carcass characteristics showed that animal fed fermented diet (T5) kidney bean seed meal had the highest slaughtered weight followed by those fed the cooked (T3) and sprouted (T6) diets. The serum biochemistry indices of all parameters showed no significant (P>0.05) difference except total cholesterol and glucose levels. The total cholesterol and glucose levels of the animals fed raw kidney bean seed meal are significantly higher than others. Different processing methods of kidney beans seed meal were observed not to have effect on the carcass characteristics and serum biochemistry of the rabbits.

Implications of Feeding Cassoya Diets Supplemented with Protease Enzyme on Carcass Characteristics, Gut Morphology and Ileal Viscosity of Broiler Chickens

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study evaluated the implications of cassoya based diets (mixture of cassava root meal and full-fat soybean in ratio 40:60) supplemented with protease enzyme on carcass parameters, morphometric analysis and illeal viscosiy of broiler chickens. Three hundred day-old ROSS 308 broiler chickens were placed on 6 dietary treatments for 6 weeks; in 5 replicates of 10 birds each. The first, second and third treatments had cassoya inclusion levels of 0, 50 and 100 % respectively without enzyme while treatments 4, 5 and 6 had protease enzyme supplementation at 10 g/tonne. Data collected were analyzed using Analysis of Variance in a Completely Randomized Design. The result showed that final live weight, plucked weight, eviscerated weight were significantly (p<0.05) higher in 0% (1736.80, 1384.00, 1280.00 and 1112.00) g and 50% (1738.60, 1386.00, 1280.00 and 1076.00)g respectively by the interaction of and enzyme supplementation).Morphometric results showed that villus height to crepth depth ratio ranged from (5.00 to 5.86), (4.11 to 5.65), and (2.96to 4.61) for duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Highest villus heights were obtained with the interaction of enzyme and cassoya diets at 0% and 50% compared to those without enzyme. Interaction effect of cassoya inclusion and enzyme supplementation significantly influenced (p<0.05) the gut viscosity at 100rpm.Cassoya diet at 50 % level of inclusion with enzyme supplementation in broiler finisher diet is recommended for improvement on carcass and development of intestinal organ structure.

Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, And Economics of Replacing Maize with Irish Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Peel Meal in Broiler Chickens Diets

Y.Z Idris, I.B. Amaza , M. Aminu, B. Boyi — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the effects of dietary replacement of maize with Irish potato peels (IPPM) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and cost savings for broiler chickens. A total of 180 Anak 2000, 14-day-old unsexed broiler chicks, with an initial weight of 321 ± 2g, were used. The birds were randomly allocated to 5 groups in a completely randomized design (CRD) and fed diets containing 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 % Irish potato peel meal (IPPM) as a replacement for maize. The feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) values were 74.86, 94.82, 93.90, 98.43, and 96.96 g/bird and 2.10, 2.35, 1.99, 1.98, and 2.05 for D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5 at the starter phase. No significant effect on feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) at this phase. In contrast, FI and FCR values of 145.99, 159.54, 161.82, 170.87, 170.18, and 2.00, 2.32, 2.22, 2.29, and 2.72 were significant (p < 0.05) at the finisher phase. Average daily weight gain values of 35.89, 40.87, 46.46, 48.85, and 46.60g/bird at the starter phase were significantly (p > 0.05) affected but were statistically similar at the finisher phase. No significant effect (p > 0.05) on the live weight, carcass weight, slaughtered weight, plucked, eviscerated weights, and dressing percentage. Significant dietary (p< 0.05) effects on the relative weights of the heart, lungs, and liver were recorded. Birds on diet (D5) recorded a significantly higher shank (p > 0.05) value (4.28g) while those in D2 recorded a significantly higher gizzard value (1.87g). The total feed cost per kilogram gain (? ) was statistically similar across groups, however, birds in D2-D5 had higher values numerically in contrast to the control. In conclusion, IPPM can replace maize by up to 40% without harming broilers.

Performance of Cockerel Fed Hog Plum and Aflatoxin Contaminated Feed

P.O. Okusanya, O.O. Akinlade — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A feeding trial of 42 days was carried out on cockerels to evaluate the curative and ameliorative effect of hog plum when they are fed aflatoxin B1 contaminated feed. One hundred and twenty day old chicks were purchased and randomly allotted into four treatments. At the first three weeks, each treatment received the extract of hog plum (EHP) and Aflatoxin (AF) as follows: Treatment (T) 1: 0 ml of EHP + 0 μi of AF, T2: 1ml EHP, T3: 35 μi of AF + 1ml of EHP, T4: 35 μi AF. At the last three weeks of chick phase, each treatment received: T1: 0 ml of EHP + 0 μi of AF, T2: 35 μi AF+: 0 ml of EHP, T3: 0 ml of EHP + 0 μi of AF, T4: 1ml EHP+ 0 μi of AF. EHP and AF were added per liter of water and kilogram of feed respectively. Data on feed intake, water intake, weight gained, feed conversion ratio and carcass yield were collected and analyzed using One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). There was a significant

difference (P<0.05) in parameters measured. T3 had the highest final weight values of 504.50g and the best FCR value of 2.87 at the first three weeks while T4 had the highest final weight during the last three weeks. It was concluded that extract of hog plum enhances growth of cockerel fed aflatoxin contaminated feed and it was recommended to be used a preventive and curative agent of aflatoxicosis in poultry.

Replacement Value of Cassava Root - Sandbox Seed Meal Mixture For Maize on Growth Performance, Blood Indices and Economics of Broiler Chickens

E.E Nsa, P.O. Ozung, E.E. Archibong, O.O. Ekwe — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study determined the replacement value of cassava root – sandbox seed meal (CRSBSM) mixture for maize on growth performance, blood indices and economics of broilers. A total of 300 chicks with average body weight (101.08±0.02 g/bird) were randomly allotted in a completely randomized design into five treatments with three replicates of 30 birds each. Five diets were formulated where maize replaced CRSBSM at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 % representing T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. Proximate composition and energy contents of sandbox seed and cassava root meal were determined, respectively. Results showed that sandbox seed meal is high in oil (15.49 %) and metabolizable energy (3440.95 Kcal/Kg), moderate in crude fibre (8.32 %) and crude protein (29.43 %), while cassava root meal has low crude protein (2.18 %), moderate crude fibre (6.14 %) and low metabolizable energy (2901.29 Kcal/Kg). Growth indices showed no significant (p>0.05) differences and protein efficiency showed significantly (p<0.05) deteriorating values. The total feed cost and total production cost significantly (p<0.05) decreased across treatments. The cost-gain ratio was significantly (p<0.05) better for birds in T2, T3 and T4. The blood chemistry was enhanced with increasing replacement levels. In conclusion, maize in broiler chicken diets could be replaced with CRSBSM up to 75% without deleterious effects on performance of broiler chickens.

Effect of Varying Levels of Acha (digitaria Exilis) Husk as a Substitute for Wheat Offal on the Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

J.A Olusiyi, T.T. Igila — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the effect of varying levels of acha (Digitaria exilis) husk as a substitute for wheat offal on the performance of broiler chickens. One hundred and ninety-five day-old chicks were randomly allocated to five treatments group with 39 birds per treatment. Each treatment was replicated three times with 13 birds per replicate in complete randomized design. Five dietary treatments were formulated. The diets contained acha husk at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% levels, replacing wheat offal. The experiment lasted for eight weeks. Results showed that chicks fed diets containing acha husk at 20% had the highest final weight (2.69 kg), daily weight gain (47.58 g), and the best feed conversion ratio (1.50) compared to the control group (P<0.05). The cost of feeding the broiler chickens decreased with increasing levels of acha husk inclusion (P<0.05). Acha husk inclusion at 20% level increased the weight of gizzard, liver, heart, and spleen (P<0.05) compared to the control group. In conclusion, acha husk can be effectively included in broiler diets at up to 20% level as a substitute for wheat offal without compromising performance, hence improving feed conversion ratio and reducing feed cost. Acha husk inclusion at this level also increase the weight of some vital organs. Further studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects of acha husk on broiler performance and meat quality.

Effects of Sowing Methods, Cutting Age on Growth Components, Forage Yields and Chemical Composition of White Mucuna (mucunapruriens) Forage

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study was carried out at the Pasture Experimental Unit of the Livestock Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Animal Science, University of Maiduguri to investigate the effect of sowing methods and cutting age on growth components, forage yields and chemical composition of White Mucuna (Mucuna pruriens). The treatment was laid down in a split-plot design with sowing method (dibbling, drilling and broadcasting) as the main plot and cutting age (4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks after sowing) as the sub-plot. There was significant (P<0.05) difference across sowing method on plant height, leaf number, leaf length, leaf width and number of branches of White mucuna. In this study, it was observed that at the early stage of growth there was no significance (P<0.05) difference on growth components at all the sowing method but from 6WAS to 10WAS there was significant (P<0.05) difference among sowing methods on plant height and number of branches where dibbling recorded highest plant height and number of branches at 10WAS over drilling and broadcasting. Taller (P<0.05) plant height, more number of leaf and more number of branches were recorded at 10WAS by dibbling while shorter (P<0.05) plant height, and less number of leaf were recorded by broadcasting method of sowing. There was significant (P<0.05) effect of cutting age on plant height, leaf length, number of leaf and number of branches with increasing number of days. The result obtained from chemical composition has dry matter (90.80%), organic matter (84.91%), ether extract (0.97%) and nitrogen free extract (52.43%) has the highest value at drilling method. the crude protein (17.72%), crude fibre (15.09%), neutral detergent fibre (16.77%) and acid detergent fibre (15.02%) showed the highest value at dibbling method, also, ash content (5.95%) and hemicellulose (1.75%) were obtained highest at broadcasting method. However, the cutting age significantly (p< 0.05) affected the chemical composition of white Mucuna forage at 6, 8, and 10 weeks after sowing. The result for dry matter (91.06%), OM (85.94%) and nitrogen free extract (55.17%) were recorded highest at 8 weeks. The AC (5.97%), EE (1.05%), CF (14.86%), NDF (15.86%), ADF (15.78%) and hemicellulose (1.84%) were higher at 10 weeks after harvest. Similarly, crude protein (14.86%) had higher value at 6 weeks after harvest, respectively. Similarly, the result of this experiment shows that both fresh forage yield ranged from (4000 to 14000 kg/ha) and dry forage yield ranged from (968 to 3505 kg/ha) of white Mucuna. It was concluded that dibbling method of sowing and cutting age of 10 weeks after sowing gave better growth components, forage yields and optimum nutrient composition for White Mucuna that can meet the nutrients requirements of ruminants' animals.

Effect of Fertilizer Treatments on the Agronomic Indices and Nutritive Value of Maize

M.A. Adedokun, S.K. Ayandiran, I. Adekunle, F. F. Oloidi — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study evaluated the effect of fertilizer treatments on the agronomic indices and nutritive value of maize in a completely randomized design experiment. The primary tillage operations were done and maize was then planted at the spacing of 25 cm by 75 cm. Thinning and weeding was also carried out four weeks after planting. Fertilizers were applied; Control (No fertilizer), Urea fertilizer, Nat-soil fertilizer and Wonder fertilizer. The agronomic parameters estimated include number of leaves, plant height, plant width, leaf length, leaf width, number of cob, and cob weight. The results indicated that the agronomic indices of the fertilizer treatments were significantly better (p<0.05) than the control treatment. The control had the highest DM value (29.95 %) while wonder had the least DM value (27.50 %). Wonder had the highest CP value (12.19 %) while Urea and Nat soil had relatively the same CP value (10.6 % and 10.64 % respectively) as the least CP value was recorded in Control. The CF value was higher in Control and Wonder (32.32 % and 32.40 % respectively) as the least CF value (30.34 %) was recorded in Nat soil. Urea had the highest ADF value (43.21 %) while Wonder had the least ADF value (35.85 %). Nat soil had the highest NDF value while Control had the least value. It could be concluded that maize treated with fertilizers had better agronomic indices as well as nutritive value.

Biogenic Amine Synthesis in Wheat Straw Silage with Different Additives and Varying Fermentation Days

A. U Kabir, S. L. Abdurrahaman, I. B. Salisu, M. Dahiru, A. S. Muhammad — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The concentration of biogenic amines in wheat straw silage ensiled with urea (UWS), poultry litter (PLWS), watermelon peels (WPWS) and pineapple peels (PPWS) for 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 fermentation days was determined In Federal University Dutse, Jigawa state. The experiment was conducted using a factorial randomized complete block design. Wheat straw was treated with the additives an ensiled in kilner-jar. A control group sole wheat straw was also ensiled, making it 5 treatments and each treatment in triplicate. Samples were collected from each replicate and fermentation day for the analysis of biogenic amines (Histamine, Putrescine, and tyramine). The results of obtained from this study shows that the synthesis of biogenic amines increases with increase in fermentation days (P<0.05). Higher significant values were obtained in WPWS (10.23) and UWS (9.74) for histamine, while putrescine was higher in UWS (98.32) and PLWS (85.63), and tyramine was higher in WPWS (125.95) and PLWS (122.92). Conclusively, biogenic amine synthesis has a direct relationship with increase in the days of fermentation of the resultant silage.

Assessment of Gamba Grass (andropogon Gayanus) and Centro (centrosema Pubescens) Leaf Meal Diets on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Cost-benefit of Growing Rabbits.

O.O Ekwe, E.U. Ewa, B.O. Nweze, J.C. Eze, O. O Effiong, P.O. Ozung — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Andropogon gayanus (Ag) and Centrosema pubescens (Cp) leaf meals on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and cost benefits of growing rabbits. A total of 24 rabbits of mixed sex (8-10 weeks) were used in a 63 days feeding trial. The rabbits were randomly assigned to four treatment groups in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment was replicated three times having two rabbits per replicate. T1 (Control) contained 0% leaf meal.T2, T3, and T4 contained 5%, 10% and 15% leaf meals respectively. Data were collected on feed intake and Weight gain. Feed conversion ratio, protein consumption, protein efficiency and cost benefit ratios were calculated. Carcass and organs characteristics were evaluated. The feed cost –benefit analysis was performed on the following: feed cost/kg weight gain, total cost of production and net returns. Data collected were analyzed using One -Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Mean values were separated using Least significant difference (LSD).There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in all the growth performance parameters except the final body weight. It was observed that 15% inclusion level of Ag and Cp leaf meals each is adequate and relatively cheaper to feed rabbits with Ag and Cp leaf meal based diets rather than the diet containing maize as energy source ingredient alone.

Biogenic Amine Synthesis in Wheat Straw Silage with Different Additives and Varying Fermentation Days

A.U Kabir, S. L. Abdurrahaman, I. B. Salisu, M. Dahiru, A.S Muhammad — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Silage Mineral Composition as Influenced by Browse Species and Ensiling Time for Goat Feeding.

Ademola M. Ogungbesan, Olubunmi .E. Fasina, Oluseyi O. Eniolorunda, A. J. Amuda — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the macro-mineral composition of silage as influenced by four (4) browse species viz Gmelina arborea (Ga), Gliricidia sepium (Gs), Azadirachta indica (Ai) and Leucaena leucocephala (Li ) and four(4) sampling times ( 0,30,60,90 days after ensiling)in a randomized complete block design .The browses leaves with ground maize (ratio 9 leaves: 1 ground maize w/w) each was ensiled in a drum of 30 kilogram capacity for Ninety (90) days and samplings from top, middle and bottom as three (3) replicates were done for (%) DM, Calcium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sulphur and Nitrogen analysis. Gs (38.31,3.89 ) and 0d (32.37, 3.89) had highest DM and N respectively. .But Li ( 0.51 , 0.35 , 0.36, 0.37 , 1.72 and 0.25) and 0d ( 0,43,0.36, 0.33,0.34,1.30 and 0.22) recorded highest Ca, P, Na, Mg, K, and S respectively while Gs also had 0.37 Mg .Li and 0day were superior to others The values obtained in this study are within normal range of goats' minerals requirement. Hence the feed resources can be sole fed as established by some previous workers, though occasional presence of antinutrients and elemental antagonistic interaction cannot be overlooked.

Performance of Burdizzo Castrated Young Sokoto Gudali Bulls Raised in the Feedlot

I.I. Madziga, D. Mohammed, Z. A. Wunti — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the effect of castration on growth performance, behaviour and carcass characteristics of young bulls. A total of twenty-four young Sokoto Gudali bulls, ranging in age from 1.5 to 2.0 years and weighing between 175 and 185 kg at live, were used for the study and randomly assigned to two treatments: intact – control (CTR) and or burdizzo castration (BURD). The groups were administered Digitaria smutsii hay as needed, along with concentrate (2 % of body weight). The ninety-day feedng trial ended with the bulls being slaughtered. Castration did not significantly(P>0.05) affect growth rate but intact bulls slightly had significant higher (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio. Castration reduced agonistic and sexual behaviours and testosterone levels were significantly lowwer (P>0.05) in castrated bulls. Carcass characteristics showed that castration increased fat deposition and reduced (P>0.05) muscle tissue. Meat chemical composition revealed that intact bulls had higher (P<0.05) protein and water content while castrated bulls had higher (P<0.05) fat content. The results of this study suggest that castration affects growth pefomance, behavior and carcass characteristics of bulls and that intact bulls have better meat quality.