Smoke dried fish is vulnerable to lipid peroxidation, which can reduce product quality and pose h... more Smoke dried fish is vulnerable to lipid peroxidation, which can reduce product quality and pose health risks to consumers. The study examined the antioxidant potency of Moringa oleifera marinade on oxidative stability of smoke-dried catfish in comparison with salt and Butylated hydroxyl anisole (BHA), a synthetic antioxidant. Seventytwo catfish (208±6 g) were processed, randomly assigned to six antioxidant treatment groups and hot smoked. The treatments were the control (0%), 1%, 2% and 3% (w/v) Moringa oleifera marinade (MOM), 5% Brine (w/v) and 0.2% BHA (w/v). The smoke-dried fish were stored at room temperature (35±1 0 C) for 8 weeks. Lipid peroxidation was monitored weekly using Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay. The results showed that Moringa oleifera marinade and BHA decreased lipid peroxidation than (p<0.05) the control (0.94 mg/MDA/kg) and salt (0.92 mg/MDA/kg) treated samples. This was shown by the lower Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values of 1% MOM (0.84 mg/MDA/kg), 2% MOM (0.88 mg/MDA/kg) 3% MOM (0.85 mg/MDA/kg) and BHA (0.80 mg/MDA/kg) treated samples. A general increase in oxidative spoilage was observed for all treatments as storage time progressed. However, the increment was more (p<0.05) intense in control and salt treated samples. No significant (p>0.05) difference was observed among all Moringa treated samples and BHA. Moringa oleifera marinade could be used as an alternative to BHA in suppressing lipid peroxidation in smoke-dried African catfish stored for 8 weeks.
The domestic Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) provide unique genetic resources patterned by both t... more The domestic Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) provide unique genetic resources patterned by both tropical environmental conditions and human activities, the evaluation of their genetic diversity and population structure will shade light on the mechanism of their remarkable adaptive capacities. We therefore analyzed the variation in mtDNA cytochrome b and nuclear DNA CYP2U1 sequences of 378 Nigerian Muscovy ducks (comprising of 287 de novo and 91 downloaded) plus 80 published sequences of Muscovy ducks from India. The results showed high haplotype diversity (0.800 ± 0.023) among Nigerian Muscovy duck populations with 91 distinct haplotypes for the nuclear DNA CYP2U1 gene but low (0.266 ± 0.033) for cytochrome b with 31 haplotypes. The median-joining networks of both markers grouped Nigerian Muscovy ducks into two; the first group consisting of only Nigerian Muscovy duck populations, and the second group Nigerian with Indian populations. Neutrality test results indicated that Nigerian ...
Individual differences in fearfulness play an important role in economically important traits in ... more Individual differences in fearfulness play an important role in economically important traits in farm animal. Fearfulness in livestock is usually measured objectively and efficiently through behavioural testing. The present study was conducted to assess the behavioural response to open field tests of fear in two (light and heavy) genotypes of turkeys in Nigeria. 100 poults (50 per genotype) were randomly selected to evaluate response to six open field tests of fear in Nigerian local and Nicholas White poults at 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks. The six open field tests of fear employed were latency to ambulate; latency to vocalize; number of vocalisations; number of squares entered; number of times defecated; and escapes attempts. The results showed that there was variation in the response of the two genotypes to the six open field tests of tests of fear. The percentage of nonresponder to the six open field tests was higher in Nicholas White than the Nigerian Local poults at 4, 8 and 12 weeks...
Growth traits characterization of Nigeria homing pigeons was done using one hundred and thirty ei... more Growth traits characterization of Nigeria homing pigeons was done using one hundred and thirty eight (138) birds from three locations (LCT) of different agro-ecological zones in Nigeria [Kebbi (KEB):North West; Ilorin (ILR): North Central and Osogbo (OSG): South West]. Parameters measured were body weight (BW) in gram and morphometric body parameters in cm viz. Head length (HL), beak length (BL), neck length (NL), body length (BL), body girth (BG), wing length (WL), body height (BH), thigh length (TL), drumstick length (DL) and keel length (KL). The results showed that, significant (p<0.05) differences existed between body weight and body parameters measured except BL. ILR pigeons had significantly (p<0.05) higher BW (263.51g) compared to OSG (204.15), but similar (p>0.05) to KEB (249.76g); the morphometric body parameters measured showed that HL, BG and WL values were significantly (p<0.05) higher in ILR; OSG had significantly (p<0.05) higher values for KL, while K...
This study was conducted to evaluate and determine the effects of ecotype on laying performance a... more This study was conducted to evaluate and determine the effects of ecotype on laying performance and some egg quality traits of two indigenous chickens ecotype in Kwara state Nigeria {Fulani Ecotype chicken (FE) and Yoruba Ecotype chicken (YE)} kept in battery cage for a period of fifty two (52) weeks. It was observed that the YE matured earlier than FE with Age at First Egg (AFE) of 20.56 (20 – 23weeks) compared to 26.73weeks (22-31wks) obtained for FE. Significant difference (p<0.05) existed between their body weight at first egg, (BFE) with FE significantly bigger 1437.5g than the YE 1314.60g. The mean Egg weight (EW), Total Egg Number (TEN), Hen House Production (HHP) in FE were 44.11g, 128 and 53.16%, and significantly (p<0.05) higher than 42.44g, 98, 45.50% obtained for YE, the differences between these parameters were significant (p<0.05). YE had a lower clutch size (CS) of 2- 6 eggs per clutch and a longer pause length (PL) of 1- 6 days while the FE had a larger Clut...
Eight hundred broiler chickens of four different strains (200 each of Arbor Acre, Hubbard, Marsha... more Eight hundred broiler chickens of four different strains (200 each of Arbor Acre, Hubbard, Marshall and Ross 308) were used to investigate the variations between four strains of broiler chickens commonly reared in North central Nigeria using their body weight and some morphometric body parameters. At four weeks of age, body weight and some morphometric body parameters such as body length, keel length, shank length, body height, drumstick length, thigh length, wing length, shank circumference, comb length, body girth, neck length and beak length were appropriately measured. Data obtained were used for principal component, stepwise discriminant and cluster analyses mainly to identify the traits that could best describe the broiler body conformation. Four (4) principal components were extracted in Arbor Acre broiler strains; this explained 56.68% of the total variation in the parameters sampled across the strains. Six (6) principal components (PC) were extracted for Hubbard and Ross...
A 56-day trial was conducted on 140 day-old broiler chicks fed graded levels of Alphamune G (0.00... more A 56-day trial was conducted on 140 day-old broiler chicks fed graded levels of Alphamune G (0.00, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05 and 0.06%) in a completely randomized design. Feed intake and weight gain were significantly influenced (P<0.05) by the inclusion levels of Alphamune G. Bird fed 0.00% and 0.02% Alphamune had the highest and lowest feed intake, respectively. There was no significant difference in the feed intake, weight gain and feed to gain ratio of broiler birds fed 0.04 and 0.05% Alphamune G. Birds fed Alphamune at 0.04 and 0.05% had the best feed to gain ratio. Broiler chicks fed 0.04% of Alphamune G had the highest fibre, fat and ash retention (68.70, 77.46, and 59.88%, respectively). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the carcass characteristics of birds fed different graded levels of Alphamune G. Haematological parameters show no significant difference among levels of Alphamune G. Serum biochemical values did not show any significant effect except for cholesterol, creatinine and uric acid. Alphamune G at 0.04% inclusion in diets may help improve performance of broiler chicken.
Smoke-dried fish is vulnerable to lipid peroxidation, which can reduce product quality and pose h... more Smoke-dried fish is vulnerable to lipid peroxidation, which can reduce product quality and pose health risks to consumers. The study examined the antioxidant potency of Moringa oleifera marinade on oxidative stability of smoke-dried catfish in comparison with salt and Butylated hydroxyl anisole (BHA), a synthetic antioxidant. Seventy-two catfish (208±6 g) were processed, randomly assigned to six antioxidant treatment groups and hot smoked. The treatments are the control (0%), 1%, 2% and 3% (w/v) Mor-inga oleifera marinade (MOM), 5% Brine (w/v) and 0.2% BHA (w/v). The smoke-dried fish were stored at room temperature (35±1 0 C) for 8 weeks. Lipid peroxidation was monitored weekly using Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay. The results showed that Moringa oleifera marinade and BHA decreased lipid peroxidation more than (p<0.05) the control (0.94 mg/MDA/ kg) and salt (0.92 mg/MDA/kg) treated samples. This was shown by the lower Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values of 1% MOM (0.84 mg/MDA/kg), 2% MOM (0.88 mg/MDA/kg), 3% MOM (0.85 mg/ MDA/kg) and BHA (0.80 mg/MDA/kg) treated samples. A general increase in oxidative spoilage was observed for all treatments as storage time progressed. However, the increment was more (p<0.05) intense in control and salt treated samples. No significant (p>0.05) difference was observed among all Moringa treated samples and BHA. Moringa oleifera marinade could be used as an alternative to BHA in suppressing lipid peroxidation in smoke-dried African catfish stored for 8 weeks.
Bolu, S.A., Sola-Ojo, F.E., Olorunsanya, O.A. and Adekola, 0. G. 2011. Effect of graded levels of... more Bolu, S.A., Sola-Ojo, F.E., Olorunsanya, O.A. and Adekola, 0. G. 2011. Effect of graded levels of melon seed (Citrullus lanatus) cake on the performance, carcass evaluation and blood parameters of broiler chicken. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 11: 63-70. A 42-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate Melon Seed Cake (MSC) as dietary protein source in broiler diets. Four diets were formulated to contaiq MSC at 0, 10, 20 and 30 per cent dietary levels. One hundred, day-old Arbor Acre broiler chicks were used for the study in a Completely Randomised Design. Feed intake, weight gain and feed to gain ratio were significantly affected by dietary levels of MSC (P <0.05). Birds fed diet with 0% MSC consumed more feed (P < 0.05). Weight gain was significantly different (P <0.05), highest weight gained was observed among birds fed 10% MSC inclusion level, there were no significant (P <0.05) feed to gain ratio across the dietary treatment. Values for haematological and blood serum chemistry differed significantly (P<0.05). Birds fed 30% MSC had the highest packed cell volume, red blood cells and, lymphocytes. Highest glucose level was observed at 10% MSC levels, while highest uric acid, alkaline phosphate, glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase were observed at 30% MSC inclusion level, those on 20% MSC had more serum protein. Significant (P <0.05) differences existed in nutrient retention across the dietary treatment. Melon seed cake is recommended at 10% inclusion level in broiler diets.
The study investigated awareness and usage of the Baobab plant in rural communities in Kwara Stat... more The study investigated awareness and usage of the Baobab plant in rural communities in Kwara State, Nigeria. It examined the determinants of the plant's usage as well as constraints to its usage in the State. A three stage random sampling procedure produced the 200 respondents from which primary data used for the study was collected using a well structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics including frequency counts, percentages and means was employed in presenting the findings of the study. The logit regression model was used in the determination of the factors of usage among the respondents. The study revealed that the level of awareness of the uses and benefits of the plant as well as its usage in the state is poor. Level of awareness at p<0.05 and income at p< 0.1 were found to be the determinants of usage of the baobab in the State. The strong negative socio-cultural belief held about the plant, poor level of awareness about its benefits and the poor knowledge of its processing were the major constraints against its use in the State. The study recommends the need to increase awareness of the benefits of the plant and also to provide information on the processing methods applicable to the baobab. The various agricultural extension agencies in the State in collaboration with agricultural research institution in the State can go a long way in ensuring that the potentials of the baobab plant is optimized among rural communities in the State.
One hundred and twenty (120) day old chicks comprising of two broiler genotypes (Arbor Acre and R... more One hundred and twenty (120) day old chicks comprising of two broiler genotypes (Arbor Acre and Ross 308) were fed to graded levels (0%, 4.5%, 5% and 5.5%) of Moringa oleifera Seed Oil (MOSO) to investigate its effect on their performance. The experiment was conducted for 35 days and the chickens were fed ad libitum. Data collected were analyzed using a 2x4 factorial design. Supplementation of the chickens diet with graded level of MOSO showed significant (P<0.05) differences in the feed intake observable within each genotype from weeks 1-5 with the values decreasing as the level of MOSO inclusion increased. Analysis of the interaction between diets and genotype showed a significant (P<0.05) effect of both factors at week 1, 3 and 5 with Arbor acre showing a reduced feed intake when diet containing 5.5% MOSO at week 1 and 3, while reduction in feed intake by Ross 308 fed the same diet was at week 5. Interaction of both factors had no significant (P>0.05) effect on body weight gain values. However, both genotypes had better body weight gain (10.04%) at 4.5% MOSO inclusion level. The interaction of both factors (Diet and Genotype) showed best result for FCR in diet 1 and 3 at weeks 1, 2, 4 and 5 in Ross 308 strain, while Arbor Acre had the best FCR value at week 3 when fed diet containing 5.5% MOSO. The results showed that 4.5% MOSO inclusion contributed significantly to body weight gain in the two broiler genotype, and there are variations in their response to MOSO supplemented diet.
A study was conducted to investigate the efficiency of different sources of calcium in the diet o... more A study was conducted to investigate the efficiency of different sources of calcium in the diet of growing giant African land snails (Archachatina marginata). A total of 48 snails, averagely aged 3 months were randomly allocated to four (4) treatments and each treatment was replicated three times with four snails per replicate in a completely randomized design, for a 12 week period. Diets were formulated to contain 6% calcium of various sources: bone meal (BM) as Treatment1 (T1), oyster shell (OS) as T2, limestone (L) as T3, and egg shell (ES) as T4. The results showed that L retained calcium most (p>0.05), OS diets supported highest edible carcass values, but sensory values and dressing percentage of the meat were not significantly affected (p>0.05). It was concluded that all the calcium sources used for experimental diets (oyster shell, bone meal, lime stone and egg shell) could be used successfully for snail production.
Smoke dried fish is vulnerable to lipid peroxidation, which can reduce product quality and pose h... more Smoke dried fish is vulnerable to lipid peroxidation, which can reduce product quality and pose health risks to consumers. The study examined the antioxidant potency of Moringa oleifera marinade on oxidative stability of smoke-dried catfish in comparison with salt and Butylated hydroxyl anisole (BHA), a synthetic antioxidant. Seventytwo catfish (208±6 g) were processed, randomly assigned to six antioxidant treatment groups and hot smoked. The treatments were the control (0%), 1%, 2% and 3% (w/v) Moringa oleifera marinade (MOM), 5% Brine (w/v) and 0.2% BHA (w/v). The smoke-dried fish were stored at room temperature (35±1 0 C) for 8 weeks. Lipid peroxidation was monitored weekly using Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay. The results showed that Moringa oleifera marinade and BHA decreased lipid peroxidation than (p<0.05) the control (0.94 mg/MDA/kg) and salt (0.92 mg/MDA/kg) treated samples. This was shown by the lower Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values of 1% MOM (0.84 mg/MDA/kg), 2% MOM (0.88 mg/MDA/kg) 3% MOM (0.85 mg/MDA/kg) and BHA (0.80 mg/MDA/kg) treated samples. A general increase in oxidative spoilage was observed for all treatments as storage time progressed. However, the increment was more (p<0.05) intense in control and salt treated samples. No significant (p>0.05) difference was observed among all Moringa treated samples and BHA. Moringa oleifera marinade could be used as an alternative to BHA in suppressing lipid peroxidation in smoke-dried African catfish stored for 8 weeks.
The domestic Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) provide unique genetic resources patterned by both t... more The domestic Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) provide unique genetic resources patterned by both tropical environmental conditions and human activities, the evaluation of their genetic diversity and population structure will shade light on the mechanism of their remarkable adaptive capacities. We therefore analyzed the variation in mtDNA cytochrome b and nuclear DNA CYP2U1 sequences of 378 Nigerian Muscovy ducks (comprising of 287 de novo and 91 downloaded) plus 80 published sequences of Muscovy ducks from India. The results showed high haplotype diversity (0.800 ± 0.023) among Nigerian Muscovy duck populations with 91 distinct haplotypes for the nuclear DNA CYP2U1 gene but low (0.266 ± 0.033) for cytochrome b with 31 haplotypes. The median-joining networks of both markers grouped Nigerian Muscovy ducks into two; the first group consisting of only Nigerian Muscovy duck populations, and the second group Nigerian with Indian populations. Neutrality test results indicated that Nigerian ...
Individual differences in fearfulness play an important role in economically important traits in ... more Individual differences in fearfulness play an important role in economically important traits in farm animal. Fearfulness in livestock is usually measured objectively and efficiently through behavioural testing. The present study was conducted to assess the behavioural response to open field tests of fear in two (light and heavy) genotypes of turkeys in Nigeria. 100 poults (50 per genotype) were randomly selected to evaluate response to six open field tests of fear in Nigerian local and Nicholas White poults at 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks. The six open field tests of fear employed were latency to ambulate; latency to vocalize; number of vocalisations; number of squares entered; number of times defecated; and escapes attempts. The results showed that there was variation in the response of the two genotypes to the six open field tests of tests of fear. The percentage of nonresponder to the six open field tests was higher in Nicholas White than the Nigerian Local poults at 4, 8 and 12 weeks...
Growth traits characterization of Nigeria homing pigeons was done using one hundred and thirty ei... more Growth traits characterization of Nigeria homing pigeons was done using one hundred and thirty eight (138) birds from three locations (LCT) of different agro-ecological zones in Nigeria [Kebbi (KEB):North West; Ilorin (ILR): North Central and Osogbo (OSG): South West]. Parameters measured were body weight (BW) in gram and morphometric body parameters in cm viz. Head length (HL), beak length (BL), neck length (NL), body length (BL), body girth (BG), wing length (WL), body height (BH), thigh length (TL), drumstick length (DL) and keel length (KL). The results showed that, significant (p<0.05) differences existed between body weight and body parameters measured except BL. ILR pigeons had significantly (p<0.05) higher BW (263.51g) compared to OSG (204.15), but similar (p>0.05) to KEB (249.76g); the morphometric body parameters measured showed that HL, BG and WL values were significantly (p<0.05) higher in ILR; OSG had significantly (p<0.05) higher values for KL, while K...
This study was conducted to evaluate and determine the effects of ecotype on laying performance a... more This study was conducted to evaluate and determine the effects of ecotype on laying performance and some egg quality traits of two indigenous chickens ecotype in Kwara state Nigeria {Fulani Ecotype chicken (FE) and Yoruba Ecotype chicken (YE)} kept in battery cage for a period of fifty two (52) weeks. It was observed that the YE matured earlier than FE with Age at First Egg (AFE) of 20.56 (20 – 23weeks) compared to 26.73weeks (22-31wks) obtained for FE. Significant difference (p<0.05) existed between their body weight at first egg, (BFE) with FE significantly bigger 1437.5g than the YE 1314.60g. The mean Egg weight (EW), Total Egg Number (TEN), Hen House Production (HHP) in FE were 44.11g, 128 and 53.16%, and significantly (p<0.05) higher than 42.44g, 98, 45.50% obtained for YE, the differences between these parameters were significant (p<0.05). YE had a lower clutch size (CS) of 2- 6 eggs per clutch and a longer pause length (PL) of 1- 6 days while the FE had a larger Clut...
Eight hundred broiler chickens of four different strains (200 each of Arbor Acre, Hubbard, Marsha... more Eight hundred broiler chickens of four different strains (200 each of Arbor Acre, Hubbard, Marshall and Ross 308) were used to investigate the variations between four strains of broiler chickens commonly reared in North central Nigeria using their body weight and some morphometric body parameters. At four weeks of age, body weight and some morphometric body parameters such as body length, keel length, shank length, body height, drumstick length, thigh length, wing length, shank circumference, comb length, body girth, neck length and beak length were appropriately measured. Data obtained were used for principal component, stepwise discriminant and cluster analyses mainly to identify the traits that could best describe the broiler body conformation. Four (4) principal components were extracted in Arbor Acre broiler strains; this explained 56.68% of the total variation in the parameters sampled across the strains. Six (6) principal components (PC) were extracted for Hubbard and Ross...
A 56-day trial was conducted on 140 day-old broiler chicks fed graded levels of Alphamune G (0.00... more A 56-day trial was conducted on 140 day-old broiler chicks fed graded levels of Alphamune G (0.00, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05 and 0.06%) in a completely randomized design. Feed intake and weight gain were significantly influenced (P<0.05) by the inclusion levels of Alphamune G. Bird fed 0.00% and 0.02% Alphamune had the highest and lowest feed intake, respectively. There was no significant difference in the feed intake, weight gain and feed to gain ratio of broiler birds fed 0.04 and 0.05% Alphamune G. Birds fed Alphamune at 0.04 and 0.05% had the best feed to gain ratio. Broiler chicks fed 0.04% of Alphamune G had the highest fibre, fat and ash retention (68.70, 77.46, and 59.88%, respectively). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the carcass characteristics of birds fed different graded levels of Alphamune G. Haematological parameters show no significant difference among levels of Alphamune G. Serum biochemical values did not show any significant effect except for cholesterol, creatinine and uric acid. Alphamune G at 0.04% inclusion in diets may help improve performance of broiler chicken.
Smoke-dried fish is vulnerable to lipid peroxidation, which can reduce product quality and pose h... more Smoke-dried fish is vulnerable to lipid peroxidation, which can reduce product quality and pose health risks to consumers. The study examined the antioxidant potency of Moringa oleifera marinade on oxidative stability of smoke-dried catfish in comparison with salt and Butylated hydroxyl anisole (BHA), a synthetic antioxidant. Seventy-two catfish (208±6 g) were processed, randomly assigned to six antioxidant treatment groups and hot smoked. The treatments are the control (0%), 1%, 2% and 3% (w/v) Mor-inga oleifera marinade (MOM), 5% Brine (w/v) and 0.2% BHA (w/v). The smoke-dried fish were stored at room temperature (35±1 0 C) for 8 weeks. Lipid peroxidation was monitored weekly using Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay. The results showed that Moringa oleifera marinade and BHA decreased lipid peroxidation more than (p<0.05) the control (0.94 mg/MDA/ kg) and salt (0.92 mg/MDA/kg) treated samples. This was shown by the lower Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values of 1% MOM (0.84 mg/MDA/kg), 2% MOM (0.88 mg/MDA/kg), 3% MOM (0.85 mg/ MDA/kg) and BHA (0.80 mg/MDA/kg) treated samples. A general increase in oxidative spoilage was observed for all treatments as storage time progressed. However, the increment was more (p<0.05) intense in control and salt treated samples. No significant (p>0.05) difference was observed among all Moringa treated samples and BHA. Moringa oleifera marinade could be used as an alternative to BHA in suppressing lipid peroxidation in smoke-dried African catfish stored for 8 weeks.
Bolu, S.A., Sola-Ojo, F.E., Olorunsanya, O.A. and Adekola, 0. G. 2011. Effect of graded levels of... more Bolu, S.A., Sola-Ojo, F.E., Olorunsanya, O.A. and Adekola, 0. G. 2011. Effect of graded levels of melon seed (Citrullus lanatus) cake on the performance, carcass evaluation and blood parameters of broiler chicken. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 11: 63-70. A 42-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate Melon Seed Cake (MSC) as dietary protein source in broiler diets. Four diets were formulated to contaiq MSC at 0, 10, 20 and 30 per cent dietary levels. One hundred, day-old Arbor Acre broiler chicks were used for the study in a Completely Randomised Design. Feed intake, weight gain and feed to gain ratio were significantly affected by dietary levels of MSC (P <0.05). Birds fed diet with 0% MSC consumed more feed (P < 0.05). Weight gain was significantly different (P <0.05), highest weight gained was observed among birds fed 10% MSC inclusion level, there were no significant (P <0.05) feed to gain ratio across the dietary treatment. Values for haematological and blood serum chemistry differed significantly (P<0.05). Birds fed 30% MSC had the highest packed cell volume, red blood cells and, lymphocytes. Highest glucose level was observed at 10% MSC levels, while highest uric acid, alkaline phosphate, glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase were observed at 30% MSC inclusion level, those on 20% MSC had more serum protein. Significant (P <0.05) differences existed in nutrient retention across the dietary treatment. Melon seed cake is recommended at 10% inclusion level in broiler diets.
The study investigated awareness and usage of the Baobab plant in rural communities in Kwara Stat... more The study investigated awareness and usage of the Baobab plant in rural communities in Kwara State, Nigeria. It examined the determinants of the plant's usage as well as constraints to its usage in the State. A three stage random sampling procedure produced the 200 respondents from which primary data used for the study was collected using a well structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics including frequency counts, percentages and means was employed in presenting the findings of the study. The logit regression model was used in the determination of the factors of usage among the respondents. The study revealed that the level of awareness of the uses and benefits of the plant as well as its usage in the state is poor. Level of awareness at p<0.05 and income at p< 0.1 were found to be the determinants of usage of the baobab in the State. The strong negative socio-cultural belief held about the plant, poor level of awareness about its benefits and the poor knowledge of its processing were the major constraints against its use in the State. The study recommends the need to increase awareness of the benefits of the plant and also to provide information on the processing methods applicable to the baobab. The various agricultural extension agencies in the State in collaboration with agricultural research institution in the State can go a long way in ensuring that the potentials of the baobab plant is optimized among rural communities in the State.
One hundred and twenty (120) day old chicks comprising of two broiler genotypes (Arbor Acre and R... more One hundred and twenty (120) day old chicks comprising of two broiler genotypes (Arbor Acre and Ross 308) were fed to graded levels (0%, 4.5%, 5% and 5.5%) of Moringa oleifera Seed Oil (MOSO) to investigate its effect on their performance. The experiment was conducted for 35 days and the chickens were fed ad libitum. Data collected were analyzed using a 2x4 factorial design. Supplementation of the chickens diet with graded level of MOSO showed significant (P<0.05) differences in the feed intake observable within each genotype from weeks 1-5 with the values decreasing as the level of MOSO inclusion increased. Analysis of the interaction between diets and genotype showed a significant (P<0.05) effect of both factors at week 1, 3 and 5 with Arbor acre showing a reduced feed intake when diet containing 5.5% MOSO at week 1 and 3, while reduction in feed intake by Ross 308 fed the same diet was at week 5. Interaction of both factors had no significant (P>0.05) effect on body weight gain values. However, both genotypes had better body weight gain (10.04%) at 4.5% MOSO inclusion level. The interaction of both factors (Diet and Genotype) showed best result for FCR in diet 1 and 3 at weeks 1, 2, 4 and 5 in Ross 308 strain, while Arbor Acre had the best FCR value at week 3 when fed diet containing 5.5% MOSO. The results showed that 4.5% MOSO inclusion contributed significantly to body weight gain in the two broiler genotype, and there are variations in their response to MOSO supplemented diet.
A study was conducted to investigate the efficiency of different sources of calcium in the diet o... more A study was conducted to investigate the efficiency of different sources of calcium in the diet of growing giant African land snails (Archachatina marginata). A total of 48 snails, averagely aged 3 months were randomly allocated to four (4) treatments and each treatment was replicated three times with four snails per replicate in a completely randomized design, for a 12 week period. Diets were formulated to contain 6% calcium of various sources: bone meal (BM) as Treatment1 (T1), oyster shell (OS) as T2, limestone (L) as T3, and egg shell (ES) as T4. The results showed that L retained calcium most (p>0.05), OS diets supported highest edible carcass values, but sensory values and dressing percentage of the meat were not significantly affected (p>0.05). It was concluded that all the calcium sources used for experimental diets (oyster shell, bone meal, lime stone and egg shell) could be used successfully for snail production.
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