Christian Keambou Tiambo
University of Buea, Department of Animal Science, Department Member
The aim of this study was to gain understanding of local chicken farming system from the Western Highlands of Cameroonian. Interviews and structure questionnaire were applied to 156 household. The main results showed that local chickens... more
The aim of this study was to gain understanding of local chicken farming system from the Western Highlands of Cameroonian. Interviews and structure questionnaire were applied to 156 household.
The main results showed that local chickens are bred by all the tribes in the area. Chicken farming is practiced by 58.3% of women, aged 30 to 50 years (51.3%) who provide 100% of the manpower. Farmers are from all religions, literacy level is relatively high (74.4%) although about 91% of farmers have never been trained in poultry farming, and 14.7% of them have been rearing local chickens for more than 20 years. Local chicken rearing has multiple purposes in 84.6% of farmers (self-consumption, markets, gift and savings). Local chickens farming contribute annually by more than 100.000F CFA to household income. Chicken farming is associated with small ruminants (26.3%), cattle (3.8%), pigs (3.2%) and other animal species (43.1%; dog, cat, commercial chicken broilers, ducks, rabbits guinea pigs). Farmers identified four main genetic types of local chicken, namely normal feathered chickens (98%), crested chickens (44%), naked-neck chickens (26.9%), feathered tarsus chickens (22 %) and frizzle chickens (4.5%). The size of the flocks varied from 7 to 70 with an average of 16 chickens per farm. The structure consists of 8.85% cocks, 23.35% adult hens, 22.1% growers and 45.6%chicks. Chickens were generally raised under free-range and extensive system (96.1%). They were kept overnight in kitchens (50.6%), locally made poultry houses (16.7%), huts (12.2%), abandoned houses (4.5%) while 16% of chickens slept on trees. Kitchen waste (98.7%), free scavenging (96.8%) and cereals (76.9%) were the main sources of feed. The average number of eggs produced in a year varied from 38 to 45 with a hatching rate of 79.6%. The main challenges in chicken farming were diseases (51.9%), predation (48.7%), financial issues for inputs acquisition and lack of equipment (44.2%), feed (41.02%), housing (33.9%), lack of improved genetic material (30.8%) and stock theft were the main constraints. Despite these challenges, most of local poultry farmers were planning to increase their flock size, improve housing, and acquire improved genetic material. This study suggest that more technical support to local chicken farmers could booster the productivity.
Key words: family poultry, production systems, constraints
The main results showed that local chickens are bred by all the tribes in the area. Chicken farming is practiced by 58.3% of women, aged 30 to 50 years (51.3%) who provide 100% of the manpower. Farmers are from all religions, literacy level is relatively high (74.4%) although about 91% of farmers have never been trained in poultry farming, and 14.7% of them have been rearing local chickens for more than 20 years. Local chicken rearing has multiple purposes in 84.6% of farmers (self-consumption, markets, gift and savings). Local chickens farming contribute annually by more than 100.000F CFA to household income. Chicken farming is associated with small ruminants (26.3%), cattle (3.8%), pigs (3.2%) and other animal species (43.1%; dog, cat, commercial chicken broilers, ducks, rabbits guinea pigs). Farmers identified four main genetic types of local chicken, namely normal feathered chickens (98%), crested chickens (44%), naked-neck chickens (26.9%), feathered tarsus chickens (22 %) and frizzle chickens (4.5%). The size of the flocks varied from 7 to 70 with an average of 16 chickens per farm. The structure consists of 8.85% cocks, 23.35% adult hens, 22.1% growers and 45.6%chicks. Chickens were generally raised under free-range and extensive system (96.1%). They were kept overnight in kitchens (50.6%), locally made poultry houses (16.7%), huts (12.2%), abandoned houses (4.5%) while 16% of chickens slept on trees. Kitchen waste (98.7%), free scavenging (96.8%) and cereals (76.9%) were the main sources of feed. The average number of eggs produced in a year varied from 38 to 45 with a hatching rate of 79.6%. The main challenges in chicken farming were diseases (51.9%), predation (48.7%), financial issues for inputs acquisition and lack of equipment (44.2%), feed (41.02%), housing (33.9%), lack of improved genetic material (30.8%) and stock theft were the main constraints. Despite these challenges, most of local poultry farmers were planning to increase their flock size, improve housing, and acquire improved genetic material. This study suggest that more technical support to local chicken farmers could booster the productivity.
Key words: family poultry, production systems, constraints
Research Interests:
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. (Xanthorrhoeaceae), Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae) and Mimosa pudica L. (Fabaceae) are widely used in the Cameroonian ethnoveterinary medicine as a panacea, and specifically for... more
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. (Xanthorrhoeaceae), Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae) and Mimosa pudica L. (Fabaceae) are widely used in the Cameroonian ethnoveterinary medicine as a panacea, and specifically for gastrointestinal disorders as well as an anthelmintic and antibacterial. Aim of the study: The present study evaluated the potential toxicity of the hydroalcoholic extracts of Aloe vera leaves, Carica papaya leaves or seeds, and Mimosa pudica leaves after acute and sub-chronic administration in chicks. Materials and methods: For the acute toxicity test a single administration of each of the four hydro-alcoholic extracts was given orally at doses ranging from 40 to 5120 mg/kg (n ¼5/group/sex). In the sub-chronic study, these extracts were given orally as a single administration to chicks at doses of 80, 160, 320 and 640 mg/kg/day for 42 days. The anti-angiogenic properties of these extracts (5–320 mg/mg) were investigated in the chick chorioallantoic membrane in vivo. Results: In the acute toxicity test, none of the four studied hydroalcoholic extracts induced mortality or significant behavioural changes. The sub-acute treatment with the four plant extracts did not alter either the body weight gain or the food and water consumption. However, the results indicated that Aloe vera leaf extract acute treatment by oral route at doses up to 2560 mg/kg did not produce death in 50% (5/10) of chicks during 24 h or 14 days of observation, but 20% (2/10) chicks died. The haematological and biochemical analyses did not show significant differences in any of the parameters examined in female or male groups, with the exception of a transient rise in white blood cell counts at high doses (640 mg/kg). Additionally, these extracts did not have the potential for anti-angiogenic effects through the inhibition of neo-angiogenesis in the chick chorioallantoic membrane in vivo. Conclusion: The results showed that the therapeutic use of the hydroalcoholic extracts of Aloe vera leaves, Carica papaya leaves or seeds and Mimosa pudica leaves had very low toxicity in oral acute high dose administration and no toxicity in oral sub-chronic low dose administration and indicate that the plants could be considered safe for oral medication in chicks.
Research Interests:
Objective: This study was designated to evaluate the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on laying performance of the KABIR strain hens. Methods: A total of 27 pullets and 3 cockerels were randomly distributed into 3 groups and randomly... more
Objective: This study was designated to evaluate the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on laying performance of the KABIR strain hens.
Methods: A total of 27 pullets and 3 cockerels were randomly distributed into 3
groups and randomly fed with diets T0, T5 and T10 in which soybean was gradually substituted at 0, 50 and 100% with Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOL).
Results: The results showed that feed intake decreased with increasing level of MOL. The first egg was laid at 25 weeks in the group of chicks fed with 5% of MOL. The lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) and the highest egg production were recorded with 5% MOL, while the highest FCR and the lowest egg production were recorded with the highest MOL level (10%). Except for circumference of eggs and the yolk weight, eggs characteristics and hatchability were not significantly affected (P>0.05) by the inclusion levels of MOL in the diet. The mortalities recorded in this study (21, 30 and 37.5% for 0, 5 and 10% of MOL respectively) were above 12% recommended by the IPH (International Practices Hatchery).
Conclusion: It was concluded in the conditions of this study that using Moringa oleifera leaves at 5% in the diet as protein source ingredient can improves egg production in KABIR hens.
Keywords: Eggs incubation; KABIR chickens; Laying; Moringa oleifera
Methods: A total of 27 pullets and 3 cockerels were randomly distributed into 3
groups and randomly fed with diets T0, T5 and T10 in which soybean was gradually substituted at 0, 50 and 100% with Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOL).
Results: The results showed that feed intake decreased with increasing level of MOL. The first egg was laid at 25 weeks in the group of chicks fed with 5% of MOL. The lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) and the highest egg production were recorded with 5% MOL, while the highest FCR and the lowest egg production were recorded with the highest MOL level (10%). Except for circumference of eggs and the yolk weight, eggs characteristics and hatchability were not significantly affected (P>0.05) by the inclusion levels of MOL in the diet. The mortalities recorded in this study (21, 30 and 37.5% for 0, 5 and 10% of MOL respectively) were above 12% recommended by the IPH (International Practices Hatchery).
Conclusion: It was concluded in the conditions of this study that using Moringa oleifera leaves at 5% in the diet as protein source ingredient can improves egg production in KABIR hens.
Keywords: Eggs incubation; KABIR chickens; Laying; Moringa oleifera
Research Interests:
Studies were undertaken at rural, peri-urban and urban areas of the Sudano-sahelian agro-ecological zone of Cameroon to describe the variations in physical characters and some important feather and skin mutations observed in different... more
Studies were undertaken at rural, peri-urban and urban areas of the Sudano-sahelian agro-ecological zone of Cameroon to describe the variations in physical characters and some important feather and skin mutations observed in different populations of native chickens of the sudano-sahelian zone of Cameroon. According to accessibility,
availability of chickens and willingness of farmers to give
informations , thirteen villages were investigated from January to September 2010 in the Far-north and North regions using a
structured questionnaire. 558 chickens were randomly selected and each of them was completely described by direct observation, weighing and body measurements according to FAO (1981) recommendations. The main results show that feather colour of local poultry of the Sudano-sahelian agro-ecological zone of Cameroon is variable, but dominated by the wild type and white having frequencies of 18.64% and 15.41% respectively, whereas the other colours of feather vary from medium to very small frequencies, as grey colour of feather (1.61%). Four genetic types were represented in this agro-ecological zone, namely: normally feathered (87.63%), Naked-neck (4.30%), crested (4.84%) and Frizzle chickens (3.23%).
Heterogeneity of colours was also observed at the level of shanks; where white was the dominant colour (38.53%) and green (4.12%) the lowest frequency. The comb showed just two varieties: single (95.52%) and rose shape (4.12%). Sexual dimorphism was observed in all the traits with higher values recorded for males. The mean body weight of adult chicken, in the Sudano-sahelian agro-ecological zone of Cameroon is 1458±329g. Roosters are heavier ﴾1588±332) than hens ﴾ 1323±269g). All the body measurement considered are
significantly higher in roosters. The high variability of characters
offers possibilities for selection of rustic and more productive breeds in the Sudano-sahelian agro-ecological zone of Cameroon
availability of chickens and willingness of farmers to give
informations , thirteen villages were investigated from January to September 2010 in the Far-north and North regions using a
structured questionnaire. 558 chickens were randomly selected and each of them was completely described by direct observation, weighing and body measurements according to FAO (1981) recommendations. The main results show that feather colour of local poultry of the Sudano-sahelian agro-ecological zone of Cameroon is variable, but dominated by the wild type and white having frequencies of 18.64% and 15.41% respectively, whereas the other colours of feather vary from medium to very small frequencies, as grey colour of feather (1.61%). Four genetic types were represented in this agro-ecological zone, namely: normally feathered (87.63%), Naked-neck (4.30%), crested (4.84%) and Frizzle chickens (3.23%).
Heterogeneity of colours was also observed at the level of shanks; where white was the dominant colour (38.53%) and green (4.12%) the lowest frequency. The comb showed just two varieties: single (95.52%) and rose shape (4.12%). Sexual dimorphism was observed in all the traits with higher values recorded for males. The mean body weight of adult chicken, in the Sudano-sahelian agro-ecological zone of Cameroon is 1458±329g. Roosters are heavier ﴾1588±332) than hens ﴾ 1323±269g). All the body measurement considered are
significantly higher in roosters. The high variability of characters
offers possibilities for selection of rustic and more productive breeds in the Sudano-sahelian agro-ecological zone of Cameroon
Research Interests:
With the aim of improving the productivity of local chicken, reciprocal crossbreeding experiments were carried out to compare the performances of Hubbard rooster x local chicken (HL) and local rooster x Hubbard female (LH) to those of... more
With the aim of improving the productivity of local chicken, reciprocal crossbreeding experiments were
carried out to compare the performances of Hubbard rooster x local chicken (HL) and local rooster x Hubbard female
(LH) to those of pure Hubbard (HH) and local (LL) breeds simultaneously reared in the same conditions in the
Western Highlands of Cameroon. The main result showed that the effect of genetic type has significantly influenced
the studied parameters. The analysis of egg characteristics revealed that the HH and LH crossbreds produced eggs
of statistically comparable weight (P>0.05) of 70.28 ± 0.62g and 69.51 ± 0.58g, respectively. These eggs proved to be
heavier and of significantly higher measurements (P<0.05) than those of the LL and HL crossbreds, which in turn presented
best shape indices of respectively, 73.95 ± 1.20 and 72.79 ± 0.65. The study of growth, conformation and carcass
revealed that HH chicks significantly consumed more feed (P>0.05) than the three others genetic type throughout the
study period and had the best performances (P>0.05) from the first to the seventh week for all considered parameters.
The final weight of HH was 1504.69 ± 88.07g, followed by LH (762.78 ± 122.68 g), then HL (451.17 ± 62.13 g) and
finally LL (422.31 ± 20.94 g). On the other hand, LH chicks had better mean daily weight gain (31.34 ± 16.78) and
feed conversion (2.86 ± 0.06) than LL (4.19 ± 0.57) and HL (12, 08 ± 5.29). But whatever the period, HH chicks
made the best feed conversion (2.04 ± 0.07 and 2.58 ± 0.17 for the starting and growing period), carcass yield and heart
weight (72.28 ±1.13 % and 12.2 ± 2.33 g). On the contrary, there was no significant difference for the liver and crop
weight (12.20 ± 3.65 g; 13.56 ± 2.65 g and 10.07 ± 3.16 g; 12.00 ± 1.77 g) respectively for HL and LL
carried out to compare the performances of Hubbard rooster x local chicken (HL) and local rooster x Hubbard female
(LH) to those of pure Hubbard (HH) and local (LL) breeds simultaneously reared in the same conditions in the
Western Highlands of Cameroon. The main result showed that the effect of genetic type has significantly influenced
the studied parameters. The analysis of egg characteristics revealed that the HH and LH crossbreds produced eggs
of statistically comparable weight (P>0.05) of 70.28 ± 0.62g and 69.51 ± 0.58g, respectively. These eggs proved to be
heavier and of significantly higher measurements (P<0.05) than those of the LL and HL crossbreds, which in turn presented
best shape indices of respectively, 73.95 ± 1.20 and 72.79 ± 0.65. The study of growth, conformation and carcass
revealed that HH chicks significantly consumed more feed (P>0.05) than the three others genetic type throughout the
study period and had the best performances (P>0.05) from the first to the seventh week for all considered parameters.
The final weight of HH was 1504.69 ± 88.07g, followed by LH (762.78 ± 122.68 g), then HL (451.17 ± 62.13 g) and
finally LL (422.31 ± 20.94 g). On the other hand, LH chicks had better mean daily weight gain (31.34 ± 16.78) and
feed conversion (2.86 ± 0.06) than LL (4.19 ± 0.57) and HL (12, 08 ± 5.29). But whatever the period, HH chicks
made the best feed conversion (2.04 ± 0.07 and 2.58 ± 0.17 for the starting and growing period), carcass yield and heart
weight (72.28 ±1.13 % and 12.2 ± 2.33 g). On the contrary, there was no significant difference for the liver and crop
weight (12.20 ± 3.65 g; 13.56 ± 2.65 g and 10.07 ± 3.16 g; 12.00 ± 1.77 g) respectively for HL and LL
Research Interests:
Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria species is a serious disease in the poultry industry. Anticoccidial efficacy, growth and haematological parameters of ethanolic extract of Aloe vera were tested against coccidiosis in Kabir chicken. Fresh A.... more
Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria species is a serious disease in the poultry industry. Anticoccidial efficacy,
growth and haematological parameters of ethanolic extract of Aloe vera were tested against coccidiosis in Kabir chicken.
Fresh A. vera leaves were harvested, dried in gentle heat, ground and the sieved powder was used to prepare an
ethanolic extract. Chicken were infected with approximately 3200 Eimeria oocysts until they began shedding oocysts
in their faeces. The extract was administered at different doses of 0.16 g/chicken/day (T1), 0.32 g/chicken/day (T2)
and 0.84 g/chicken/day (T3) directly into the mouth of the chicken. Chicken in the T4 group were given sulfaquinoxalina-
LH, those in T5 were infected but not treated while T6 was the neutral group. Carcass and haematological
parameters were determined. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the feed intake between experimental
groups. Chicken of T3 had the highest body mass gain (11.7%) while those of T5 had the least (3.1%). The highest
feed conversion ratio (14.7%) was recorded in chickens of T3 while the overall feed conversion ratio was recorded in
T4 (18.6%). The weights of different organs were similar (P > 0.05) in all groups. The highest oocyst count reduction
rate was observed in T4 (98.7%) and the value reduced in a dose dependent manner in the groups receiving A. vera
extract. Red blood cell count (RBC) was significantly highest (P = 0.043) in T4 (2.8±0.3 x 1012 /uL) and lowest in T5
(0.8±0.3 x 1012 /uL). White blood cell count (WBC) was also significantly highest (P = 0.031) in T4 (98.8±0.3 x 109
/uL) and lowest in T5 (18.3±11.8 x 109 /uL). Haemoglobin levels were not significantly different between treatment
groups. This extract could be incorporated into the feed or drink of chicken for the prophylactic treatment of coccidiosis
before outbreaks.
growth and haematological parameters of ethanolic extract of Aloe vera were tested against coccidiosis in Kabir chicken.
Fresh A. vera leaves were harvested, dried in gentle heat, ground and the sieved powder was used to prepare an
ethanolic extract. Chicken were infected with approximately 3200 Eimeria oocysts until they began shedding oocysts
in their faeces. The extract was administered at different doses of 0.16 g/chicken/day (T1), 0.32 g/chicken/day (T2)
and 0.84 g/chicken/day (T3) directly into the mouth of the chicken. Chicken in the T4 group were given sulfaquinoxalina-
LH, those in T5 were infected but not treated while T6 was the neutral group. Carcass and haematological
parameters were determined. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the feed intake between experimental
groups. Chicken of T3 had the highest body mass gain (11.7%) while those of T5 had the least (3.1%). The highest
feed conversion ratio (14.7%) was recorded in chickens of T3 while the overall feed conversion ratio was recorded in
T4 (18.6%). The weights of different organs were similar (P > 0.05) in all groups. The highest oocyst count reduction
rate was observed in T4 (98.7%) and the value reduced in a dose dependent manner in the groups receiving A. vera
extract. Red blood cell count (RBC) was significantly highest (P = 0.043) in T4 (2.8±0.3 x 1012 /uL) and lowest in T5
(0.8±0.3 x 1012 /uL). White blood cell count (WBC) was also significantly highest (P = 0.031) in T4 (98.8±0.3 x 109
/uL) and lowest in T5 (18.3±11.8 x 109 /uL). Haemoglobin levels were not significantly different between treatment
groups. This extract could be incorporated into the feed or drink of chicken for the prophylactic treatment of coccidiosis
before outbreaks.
Research Interests:
Coccidiosis remains one of the main diseases affecting performance in poultry. This work was aimed at evaluating the efficacy of an ethanolic leaf extract of Carica papaya with regard to growth, parasitological and haematological... more
Coccidiosis remains one of the main diseases affecting performance in poultry. This work was aimed at evaluating the efficacy of an ethanolic leaf extract of Carica papaya with regard to growth, parasitological and haematological parameters in Eimeria-infected KABIR chickens. Fresh leaves were harvested, dried in gentle heat, ground and sieved powder was used to prepare the etha-nolic extract. Chickens were infected with 3200 Eimeria oocysts until they began shedding oocysts in their faeces. The ethanolic extract was administered at doses of 0.32g/chicken/day (T1), 0.80 g/ chicken/day (T2) and 1.44 g/chicken/day (T3), directly into the chickens' mouths. Chickens of T4 received a standard anti-cocciadial drug, sulfaquinoxalina-LH, those in T5 were infected but not treated while T6 was the neutral group. Red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts as well as haemoglobin (Hb) values were determined. Among the trial groups, T3 and T1 had the highest and lowest feed conversion rates of 1.87% and 1.62% respectively. The highest average growth rate was recorded in T1 (7.09%) while the least was registered in T3 (2.74%). Carcass parameters were similar in all groups except for the hearts. In the trial groups chickens in T3 had the highest oocyst reduction rate (97.4%) while those in T1 had the lowest (94.5%), but the differences were not statistically significant. Overall, the highest oocyst reduction count was recorded in chickens of T4 (98.7%) while the lowest was recorded in chickens of T5. RBC was significantly highest (P ≤ 0.043) in T1 and lowest in T5. WBC was significantly highest (P ≤ 0.031) in T4 and lowest in T5. Hb values were similar in all groups. Ethanolic leaf extract of C. papaya could be as effective as standard anti-coccidial drugs if used before the threshold level of parasitic infection.. Efficacy of ethanolic extract of Carica papaya leaves as a substitute of Sulphanomide for the control of coccidiosis in kabir chickens in Cameroon. J. Anim. Health Prod. 3 (1): 21-27.
Research Interests:
From January to September 2010, studies were undertaken in rural, peri-urban and urban areas of the Sudano-sahelian agro-ecological zone of Cameroon to characterize the production system of indigenous chicken populations. The study was... more
From January to September 2010, studies were undertaken in rural, peri-urban and urban areas of the Sudano-sahelian agro-ecological zone of Cameroon to characterize the production system of indigenous chicken populations. The study was also aimed at generating information on village based indigenous chicken utilization, management practices, opportunities and challenges. Thirteen villages were investigated in the Far-north and North regions using a structured questionnaire. The study of Sudano-sahelian local chicken production system revealed that women are responsible for chicken rearing in households (72.5%), the level of education was variable, with 45.1% sampled farmers who have never gone to school, and only 3.9% having post secondary school of education. Auto-consumption of chicken was the general and major objective of chicken breeding in the area (23.5%). Goat, cattle, sheep and small birds were associated to chickens in the household by the proportions of 32.21, 28.11, 10.70, and 17.79% respectively. The majorityof farmers (76.5%) supplement their chickens and share their house (60.8%) with their animals. Health care was negligible, since no vaccination (70.6%) and no medical treatment (54.9%) was given to animals. Diseases and predators are the main challenges (15.7%) in the local chicken production system in the Sudano-sahelian agro-ecological zone of Cameroon. Majority of interviewed chicken owners showed a great interest to boost up existing village chicken production in the area. Efforts should be made to improve the production and productivity of village chicken in a sustainable way and to shift from the extensive system to semi-intensive husbandry, with emphasis on disciplinary support of services like: health, husbandry, research, extension training and credit intervention.
Research Interests:
RÉSUMÉ Quarante (40) lapereaux locale âgés de 8 semaines environ et pesant en moyenne 1000±200 g ont été utilisés pour évaluer l'effet de la substitution de 0, 5, 10, 15 et 20% de tourteau de coton par la farine des feuilles de Leucaena... more
RÉSUMÉ Quarante (40) lapereaux locale âgés de 8 semaines environ et pesant en moyenne 1000±200 g ont été utilisés pour évaluer l'effet de la substitution de 0, 5, 10, 15 et 20% de tourteau de coton par la farine des feuilles de Leucaena leucocephala dans la ration, suivant un dispositif complètement randomisé. Les animaux étaient logés individuellement et nourris ad libitum. Il ressort des résultats de cet essai que la consommation alimentaire a augmenté significativement (P˂0,05) avec le niveau d'incorporation de la farine de L. leucocephala. Cette consommation a été de 90,98 ; 86,08 ; 93,00 ; 107,27 et 116,64 g (MS) respectivement pour les rations à 0, 5, 10, 15 et 20% de farine des feuilles de Leucaena leucocephala. Le niveau d'incorporation des feuilles de Leucaena leucocephala n'a eu aucun effet significatif ni sur l'évolution du poids vif, ni sur le gain moyen quotidien et les indices de consommation pendant toute la durée de l'essai. Cependant, la ration contenant 20% de farine des feuilles de L. leucocephala, s'est avérée plus économique. D'une manière générale, les résultats obtenus laissent penser que le taux d'incorporation de 20% de L leucocephala donne de meilleures performances et pourrait être recommandé. Toutefois, d'autres investigations sont nécessaires pour déterminer le niveau optimal d'incorporation de L. leucocephala, en évitant les effets néfastes de la mimosine que contiendraient ces feuilles.
Research Interests:
The global warming and climatic changes is particularly deleterious to tropical agriculture in general and to the animal genetic resources in particular, impairing initiatives for their sustainable management. In order to contribute to... more
The global warming and climatic changes is particularly deleterious to tropical agriculture in general and to the
animal genetic resources in particular, impairing initiatives for their sustainable management. In order to contribute to
the mitigation of the effects of climate changes on agriculture, this study was carried out to determine the effect of hyperthermia on the haematology and physiological parameters of the local chicken and a commercial broiler breed in tropical environment. For this purpose, pens of local and exotic chicks after the starter phase were conducted
separately at 25 and 35°C. In the two genetic types, the effect of heat stress caused an increase of 525.43% of leukocytes in exotic chickens and of 1778.43% in local chickens. The same was observed for the monocytes in local chickens (227.22%). The mean globular volume, mean cellular haemoglobin and mean cellular concentration in haemoglobin were reduced in the local chicken, by -10.23, -22.87 and -14.07% respectively, but the values of these parameters were increased in exotic chickens by 179.54, 214.09 and 12.36%. The results of heat tolerance indexes suggested that with age the local chicken easily overcome heat stress, while the exotic chicken become increasingly vulnerable. These results have been confirmed by the high mortality rate observed in the commercial stock under heat stress, while there was no mortality among the local chickens.
Key words: Adaptability; blood; chicken; hyperthermia; physiology
animal genetic resources in particular, impairing initiatives for their sustainable management. In order to contribute to
the mitigation of the effects of climate changes on agriculture, this study was carried out to determine the effect of hyperthermia on the haematology and physiological parameters of the local chicken and a commercial broiler breed in tropical environment. For this purpose, pens of local and exotic chicks after the starter phase were conducted
separately at 25 and 35°C. In the two genetic types, the effect of heat stress caused an increase of 525.43% of leukocytes in exotic chickens and of 1778.43% in local chickens. The same was observed for the monocytes in local chickens (227.22%). The mean globular volume, mean cellular haemoglobin and mean cellular concentration in haemoglobin were reduced in the local chicken, by -10.23, -22.87 and -14.07% respectively, but the values of these parameters were increased in exotic chickens by 179.54, 214.09 and 12.36%. The results of heat tolerance indexes suggested that with age the local chicken easily overcome heat stress, while the exotic chicken become increasingly vulnerable. These results have been confirmed by the high mortality rate observed in the commercial stock under heat stress, while there was no mortality among the local chickens.
Key words: Adaptability; blood; chicken; hyperthermia; physiology
Research Interests:
The molecular typing and the indirect ELISA procedure were used to identify some alleles of favorable effect on the antibody response against the Newcastle disease virus (NDV). The NDV seroprevalence was 100.00% with 10.47% suspect and... more
The molecular typing and the indirect ELISA procedure were used to identify some alleles of favorable effect on the antibody response against the Newcastle disease virus (NDV). The NDV seroprevalence was 100.00% with 10.47%
suspect and 89.63% positives. The protective level of ELISA antibody mean titre was 1409.43U/ml and 16.26% of the
tested birds were considered tolerant. A total of 10 alleles of which 4 from the MHC-B Marker LEI0258 and 6 alleles
from 5 QTL markers associated with resistance/tolerance against the NDV, namely LEI0070 (2 alleles) and only 1
allele for ADL0146, LEI0104, ADL0320 and ADL0304 espectively were shown to have a favorable effect on the
antibody titre. The naked neck chicken was associated with high antibody response (1816.27 to 2227.55 U/ml)
compare to the others (1409.48 to 1842.54 U/ml) and their phenotypic frequency was relatively higher (23.08) in the
selected population compare to the sampled population (10.47) but, no MHC or QTL allele were private to the naked
neck. These results suggest an evidence of genetic disease resistance within Cameroon native chicken populations and
confirm the implication of the MHC-B in the immune response in general, and against the Newcastle disease virus in particular.
Keywords: Indigenous chicken; disease resistance; ELISA; molecular typing; Cameroon
suspect and 89.63% positives. The protective level of ELISA antibody mean titre was 1409.43U/ml and 16.26% of the
tested birds were considered tolerant. A total of 10 alleles of which 4 from the MHC-B Marker LEI0258 and 6 alleles
from 5 QTL markers associated with resistance/tolerance against the NDV, namely LEI0070 (2 alleles) and only 1
allele for ADL0146, LEI0104, ADL0320 and ADL0304 espectively were shown to have a favorable effect on the
antibody titre. The naked neck chicken was associated with high antibody response (1816.27 to 2227.55 U/ml)
compare to the others (1409.48 to 1842.54 U/ml) and their phenotypic frequency was relatively higher (23.08) in the
selected population compare to the sampled population (10.47) but, no MHC or QTL allele were private to the naked
neck. These results suggest an evidence of genetic disease resistance within Cameroon native chicken populations and
confirm the implication of the MHC-B in the immune response in general, and against the Newcastle disease virus in particular.
Keywords: Indigenous chicken; disease resistance; ELISA; molecular typing; Cameroon
Research Interests:
Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria species is a serious disease in the poultry industry. Anticoccidial efcacy, growth and haematological parameters of ethanolic extract of Aloe vera were tested against coccidiosis in Kabir chick- en. Fresh A.... more
Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria species is a serious disease in the poultry industry. Anticoccidial efcacy, growth and haematological parameters of ethanolic extract of Aloe vera were tested against coccidiosis in Kabir chick- en. Fresh A. vera leaves were harvested, dried in gentle heat, ground and the sieved powder was used to prepare an ethanolic extract. Chicken were infected with approximately 3200 Eimeria oocysts until they began shedding oocysts in their faeces. Te extract was administered at diferent doses of 0.16 g/chicken/day (T1), 0.32 g/chicken/day (T2) and 0.84 g/chicken/day (T3) directly into the mouth of the chicken. Chicken in the T4 group were given sulfaqui- noxalina-LH, those in T5 were infected but not treated while T6 was the neutral group. Carcass and haematological parameters were determined. Tere were signifcant diferences (P < 0.05) in the feed intake between experimental groups. Chicken of T3 had the highest body mass gain (11.7%) while those of T5 had the least (3.1%). Te highest feed conversion ratio (14.7%) was recorded in chickens of T3 while the overall feed conversion ratio was recorded in T4 (18.6%). Te weights of diferent organs were similar (P > 0.05) in all groups. Te highest oocyst count reduction rate was observed in T4 (98.7%) and the value reduced in a dose dependent manner in the groups receiving A. vera /uL) and lowest in T5 extract. Red blood cell count (RBC) was signifcantly highest (P = 0.043) in T4 (2.8±0.3 x 10 12 (0.8±0.3 x 10 /uL). White blood cell count (WBC) was also signifcantly highest (P = 0.031) in T4 (98.8±0.3 x 10 12 9 /uL) and lowest in T5 (18.3±11.8 x 10 /uL). Haemoglobin levels were not signifcantly diferent between treatment 9 groups. Tis extract could be incorporated into the feed or drink of chicken for the prophylactic treatment of coccid- iosis before outbreaks.
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With the aim of improving the productivity of local chicken, reciprocal crossbreeding experiments were carried out to compare the performances of Hubbard rooster x local chicken (HL) and local rooster x Hubbard female (LH) to those of... more
With the aim of improving the productivity of local chicken, reciprocal crossbreeding experiments were carried out to compare the performances of Hubbard rooster x local chicken (HL) and local rooster x Hubbard female (LH) to those of pure Hubbard (HH) and local (LL) breeds simultaneously reared in the same conditions in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. The main result showed that the effect of genetic type has significantly influenced the studied parameters. The analysis of egg characteristics revealed that the HH and LH crossbreds produced eggs of statistically comparable weight (P>0.05) of 70.28 ± 0.62g and 69.51 ± 0.58g, respectively. These eggs proved to be heavier and of significantly higher measurements (P<0.05) than those of the LL and HL crossbreds, which in turn presented best shape indices of respectively, 73.95 ± 1.20 and 72.79 ± 0.65. The study of growth, conformation and carcass revealed that HH chicks significantly consumed more feed (P>0.05) than the three others genetic type throughout the study period and had the best performances (P>0.05) from the first to the seventh week for all considered parameters. The final weight of HH was 1504.69 ± 88.07g, followed by LH (762.78 ± 122.68 g), then HL (451.17 ± 62.13 g) and finally LL (422.31 ± 20.94 g). On the other hand, LH chicks had better mean daily weight gain (31.34 ± 16.78) and feed conversion (2.86 ± 0.06) than LL (4.19 ± 0.57) and HL (12, 08 ± 5.29). But whatever the period, HH chicks made the best feed conversion (2.04 ± 0.07 and 2.58 ± 0.17 for the starting and growing period), carcass yield and heart weight (72.28 ±1.13 % and 12.2 ± 2.33 g). On the contrary, there was no significant difference for the liver and crop weight (12.20 ± 3.65 g; 13.56 ± 2.65 g and 10.07 ± 3.16 g; 12.00 ± 1.77 g) respectively for HL and LL.
Research Interests:
Coccidiosis remains one of the main diseases affecting performance in poultry. This work was aimed at evaluating the efficacy of an ethanolic leaf extract of Carica papayawith regard to growth, parasitological and haematological... more
Coccidiosis remains one of the main diseases affecting performance in poultry. This work was aimed at evaluating the efficacy of an ethanolic leaf extract of Carica papayawith regard to growth, parasitological and haematological parameters in Eimeria-infected KABIR chickens. Fresh leaves were harvested, dried in gentle heat, ground and sieved powder was used to prepare the ethanolic extract. Chickens were infected with 3200 Eimeriaoocysts until they began shedding oocysts in their faeces. The ethanolic extract was administered at doses of 0.32g/chicken/day (T1), 0.80 g/chicken/day (T2) and 1.44 g/chicken/day (T3), directly into the chickens’ mouths. Chickens of T4 received a standard anti-cocciadial drug, sulfaquinoxalina-LH, those in T5 were infected but not treated while T6 was the neutral group. Red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts as well as haemoglobin (Hb) values were determined. Among the trial groups, T3 and T1 had the highest and lowest feed conversion rates of 1.87% and 1.62% respectively. The highest average growth rate was recorded in T1 (7.09%) while the least was registered in T3 (2.74%). Carcass parameters were similar in all groups except for the hearts. In the trial groups chickens in T3 had the highest oocyst reduction rate (97.4%) while those in T1 had the lowest (94.5%), but the differences
were not statistically significant. Overall, the highest oocyst reduction count was recorded in chickens of T4 (98.7%) while the lowest was recorded in chickens of T5. RBC was significantly highest (P ≤ 0.043) in T1 and lowest in T5. WBC was significantly highest (P ≤ 0.031) in T4 and lowest in T5. Hb values were similar in all groups. Ethanolic leaf extract of C. papayacould be as effective as standard anti-coccidial drugs if used before the threshold level of parasitic infection.
were not statistically significant. Overall, the highest oocyst reduction count was recorded in chickens of T4 (98.7%) while the lowest was recorded in chickens of T5. RBC was significantly highest (P ≤ 0.043) in T1 and lowest in T5. WBC was significantly highest (P ≤ 0.031) in T4 and lowest in T5. Hb values were similar in all groups. Ethanolic leaf extract of C. papayacould be as effective as standard anti-coccidial drugs if used before the threshold level of parasitic infection.
Research Interests:
From January to September 2010, studies were undertaken in rural, peri-urban and urban areas of the Sudano-sahelian agro-ecological zone of Cameroon to characterize the production system of indigenous chicken populations. The study was... more
From January to September 2010, studies were undertaken in rural, peri-urban and urban areas of the Sudano-sahelian agro-ecological zone of Cameroon to characterize the production system of indigenous chicken populations. The study was also aimed at generating information on village based indigenous chicken utilization, management practices, opportunities and challenges. Thirteen villages were investigated in the Far-north and North regions using a structured questionnaire. The study of Sudano-sahelian local chicken production system revealed that women are responsible for chicken rearing in households (72.5%), the level of education was variable, with 45.1% sampled farmers who have never gone to school, and only 3.9% having post secondary school of education. Auto-consumption of chicken was the general and major objective of chicken breeding in the area (23.5%). Goat, cattle, sheep and small birds were associated to chickens in the household by the proportions of 32.21, 28.11, 10.70, and 17.79% respectively.
The majorityof farmers (76.5%) supplement their chickens and share their house (60.8%) with their animals. Health care was negligible, since no vaccination (70.6%) and no medical treatment (54.9%) was given to animals. Diseases and predators are the main challenges (15.7%) in the local chicken production system in the Sudano-sahelian agro-ecological zone of Cameroon. Majority of interviewed chicken owners showed a great interest to boost up existing village chicken production in the area. Efforts should be made to improve the production and productivity of village chicken in a sustainable way and to shift from the extensive system to semi-intensive husbandry, with emphasis on disciplinary support of services like: health, husbandry, research, extension training and credit intervention.
Keywords: extension, foraging, genotype, local, ruraL scavenging, village
The majorityof farmers (76.5%) supplement their chickens and share their house (60.8%) with their animals. Health care was negligible, since no vaccination (70.6%) and no medical treatment (54.9%) was given to animals. Diseases and predators are the main challenges (15.7%) in the local chicken production system in the Sudano-sahelian agro-ecological zone of Cameroon. Majority of interviewed chicken owners showed a great interest to boost up existing village chicken production in the area. Efforts should be made to improve the production and productivity of village chicken in a sustainable way and to shift from the extensive system to semi-intensive husbandry, with emphasis on disciplinary support of services like: health, husbandry, research, extension training and credit intervention.
Keywords: extension, foraging, genotype, local, ruraL scavenging, village
Research Interests:
The chicken major histocompatibility complex B (MHC-B) – a cluster of genes associated with natural disease resistance or susceptibility – has been investigated in experimental and inbred lines by serological typing. However, that method... more
The chicken major histocompatibility complex B (MHC-B) – a cluster of genes associated with natural disease resistance or susceptibility – has been investigated in experimental and inbred lines by serological typing. However, that method showed some weaknesses for its use on out breeds. This study aims to explore the genetic diversity of the MHC-B of Cameroon indigenous chicken through molecular typing with LEI0258 and MCW0371 microsatellite markers. MHC-B haplotypes of 290 chickens from four agro-ecological zones were identified and compared with published haplotypes. Alleles were analysed for genetic diversity and relationship among Cameroon chicken populations. Hypothetically new LEI0258 alleles and haplotypes were detected. Overall, polymorphism parameters were relatively high in the Cameroon western highlands. The analysis of molecular variance revealed great variability (80.00 percent) between individuals than among and within ecotypes. The inbreeding coefficients of overall populations (FIT), among population (FST) and within population (FIS) were 0.26, 0.04 and 0.22, respectively, and all were highly significant (P < 0.001). A UPGMA tree based on Nei's DA genetic distances showed a clear distinction between Cameroon and out-groups and a structuring of within-country populations into three clusters. There is a great genetic diversity of the MHC-B in Cameroon native chicken and also a need of sequencing of the identified alleles for an accurate identification prior to their assessment for natural disease resistance and responsiveness to vaccination.