Nigerian Journal of Animal Science and Technology (NJAST)

Yayi, J Effect of Yeast and Organic Acid (Biotronic® Top Forte) on the Gut Microbiota of Broiler Chickens

2025-10-08T09:55:16+00:00

Abstract

This study was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Kaduna State University to determine the effects of yeast and organic acid (Biotronic^® top forte) as feed additives on the gut microbiota of broiler chickens. One hundred and twenty day-old-broiler chicks obtained from a reputable hatchery were used. The birds were randomly shared into four treatments, each containing three replicates: T1 (control), T2 (yeast), T3 (organic acid) and T4 (yeast and organic acid). Six faecal samples were collected from each treatment (2 chickens/replicate) at the end of a six-week experimental period. Data were analysed using ANOVA in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results showed that there was a significant (p<0.05) difference between T1 and T4 for the Total Bacterial Count (TBC), with T1 (5.12±4.46 logCFU/g) having the highest value and T4 (4.74±4.91 logCFU/g) the lowest. The results obtained for Total Coliform Count (TCC) showed no significant (p>0.05) difference among treatments. The results obtained for Total Non-Coliform Count (TNCC) showed a significant (p<0.05) difference between T1 and T2 with T1 (5.11±4.46 logCFU/g) having the highest value and T2 (4.87±4.10 logCFU/g) showing lowest value, suggesting that supplementing the feed with yeast can reduce TNCC. It was also observed that E. coli was not detected in T3 and T4, treatments containing organic acid, suggesting that organic acid may have bactericidal properties against E. coli. It was concluded from the study that supplementing broiler feed with yeast and organic acid as growth promoters does not negatively affect the gut microbiota of broiler chickens.

A. O. Abdulraheem Genetic Relationship Between External and Internal Egg Quality Traits of Japanese Quails

2025-10-08T09:55:16+00:00

This work investigated genetic relationships between external and internal egg quality characteristic of Japanese quails reared at Livestock Teaching and Research Farm, Department of Animal Science, University of Maiduguri. Borno state. A total of 440 eggs produced by 110 quail hens, were used for egg quality traits analysis. Quails were grouped into young-laying (10 weeks old) and old-laying (20 weeks old). Variance and covariance components and genetic correlations were estimated using Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) procedures. The genetic correlations for egg quality traits of young- and old-laying were low to high (0.05 to 0.97, -0.01 to -0.74; 0.01 to 0.98, -0.02 to -0.83). The highest positive estimate (0.97) was recorded for yolk height and shell weight and least 0.05 between egg shape index and albumen length. Negative co-efficient was highest (-0.74) between albumen weight and shell ratio in young-laying group, indicating that shell ratio would have antagonistic effect on improvement of albumen weight. For old-laying quails, positive correlation was highest (0.98) for egg and albumen weight, implying that, heavy eggs would have large albumen. Highest negative correlation (-0.83) observed between shell and albumen ratio indicates that eggs with large albumen laid by old quail would possess delicate shell quality. Egg weight of young-laying group had positive correlations with all internal qualities except Haugh unit (-0.11) and albumen index (-0.40); and except Haugh unit (-0.09) and yolk index (-0.20) in old-laying. These findings suggest that egg weight can be used to improve internal egg qualities in laying quails.

Olutunmogun, A.K Analysis of Body Weight and Egg Production Traits of Shikabrown® Grandparent Chickens after Long-Term Selection

2025-10-08T10:04:33+00:00

Abstract

This study analyzed performance of the sire and dam lines of ShikaBrown^® grandparent chickens after a long-term selection. This chicken breed had under gone different generation of selection on growth (body weight) and layer economic traits. The growth and egg production traits considered were body weight, age at first egg, egg weight, egg number and hen-day egg production. The estimation of genetic parameters was also analyzed from a previous pedigree data over five generations. The Least Square Means of combined body weights (cocks + hens) showed that the dam line had a significantly (p<0.05) heavier weight at day old (32.29g) than the sire line (30.29g) while at weeks 8 (576.2g vs 556.71g) and 16 (1684.44g vs 1579.0g), the sire line had a significant (p<0.05) higher body weights than the dam line. The egg production analyses showed that egg number and hen day percent were higher in the dam line in both short- and long-term analyses while sire line had higher egg weight average. The genetic correlation showed that egg number had a negative correlation with age at sexual maturity and egg weight averages in the generations considered. However, the genetic analyses of egg number with body weight were positively correlated in all generations for both lines. The positive genetic correlations suggest the usefulness of body weight as a selection criterion for genetic improvement of egg number in these lines of chickens while the negative genetic correlation which egg number had with ASM and EWTAV is an indication of interplay of similar gene flow or some other confounding factors during the selection for the traits.

Abba A Effect of Processed Hyacinth bean (Dolihos lablab) Seed Inclusion in diet on Hematological and Biochemical Indices of Red Sokoto Bucks

2025-10-08T11:14:51+00:00

Blood parameters constitute important panels in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of livestock diseases. This study is aimed at assessing the hematological and serum biochemical profile of Red Sokoto bucks fed processed hyacinth bean seed meal diets. A total of 24 apparently healthy Red Sokoto bucks were apportioned to four (4) dietary treatments in a completely randomized designed. Treatment one (T1) served as control group with 0% hyacinth bean seed meal inclusion, T2 (5% inclusion), T3 (10% inclusion) and T4 (15% inclusion). The blood samples of the animals were aseptically collected from the jugular vein at the beginning of the experiment and subsequently fortnightly for the period of 90 days. The results showed that, there were significant (P<0.05) differences in the Monocyte, Lymphocyte, Eosinophil, AST, ALT, ALP, Total protein, Albumin, Urea, Createnine, Sodium, Potassium and Bicarbonate levels between the control and treatment groups. However, no significant differences (P˃0.05) were recorded in the packed cell volume (PCV), Hemoglobin (Hb), Red blood cells (RBC), Bilirubin and Chloride levels in all the treatment groups, though all the values obtained fell within the normal range for clinically healthy goats. In conclusion, the utilization of processed hyacinth bean seed meal diets at different graded level (5%, 10% and 15%) had no deleterious effects on hematological and serum biochemical indices of the Red Sokoto bucks.

Faith, E.A Principal Component and Correlation Analyses of Body Weight and Biometric Traits of Noiler Chickens

2025-10-08T11:24:22+00:00

This study was designed to evaluate principal components and phenotypic correlations between body weight and biometric traits of Noiler chickens on deep litter system of management. The study was conducted at the Poultry Unit of the Teaching and Research Farm of the Livestock Complex of College of Agriculture, Science and Technology Lafia, Nasarawa State. A total of one hundred and forty (140), six (6) weeks old Noiler chickens comprising of sixty cocks (60) and eighty hens (80) were procured from various brood and sell farmers in Lafia. Traits measured were Body weight (BW), body length (BL), breast circumference (BC), thigh circumference (TC), foot length (FL), total leg length (TLL) and wing length (WL) on bi-weekly basis for two months. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was employed to determine the relationships between body weight and biometric traits. Mean values of all the traits for male Noiler chickens were higher compared to their female counterparts. The value for Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling adequacy obtained for the male (0.85), female (0.83) and Bartlett test of Sphericity (0.00) were significant at chi-square of 1362.34 (male) and 1548.17(female). Two principal components PC1 and PC2 were extracted for male and female. PC1 (Eigenvalue male and female = 4.87 and 4.30) accounted for 69.4% and 61.9% and PC2 (Eigenvalue male and female = 0.72 and 1.08) accounted for 10.33% and 15.42% of total variance. In males, foot length (0.87) and body length (0.89) had larger proportion of variance for PC1 and PC2 while in females, thigh circumference (0.90) and body length (0.93) had larger proportion of variance for PC1 and PC2 and these traits could be of importance and useful for selection in genetic improvement programmes. There was positive correlation between body length and thigh circumference (male) and body length and foot length (female). Correlation may be useful as selection criterion because correlated variables are more likely to be governed by the action of the same gene.

Omogiade, C. L. Performance of Finisher Broiler Chickens Fed Diets Supplemented with fresh and In situ dried Pawpaw (Carica papaya) Leaf Meals.

2025-10-08T11:13:57+00:00

This study evaluated the growth performance of finisher broiler chickens fed diets with different forms of pawpaw (Carica papaya) leaf meal (PLM). Ninety-nine Ross-308 broiler chickens at 32 days of age were subjected to the dietary treatments of fresh and in situ dried PLM. The birds were subjected to three dietary treatments in groups of thirty-three birds each in a completely randomized design (CRD), with 3 replicates (11 birds). The diets were T1, the control diet (0% PLM), T2 (0.2% fresh dried PLM) and T3 (0.2% in situ dried PLM). The birds were given the experimental diets from 32 to 56 days of age. Performance indicators such as feed intake, Final Weight gain (WG), Average daily feed intake (FI), and Feed conversion ratio were determined. The results showed that birds subjected to the control diet (T1) had better performance in weight gain (1049.00 g) and final body weight (2514.33 g) than the other groups. This was followed by birds fed diets with in situ dried (T3) PLM, which had 985.30 g and 2449.77 g, respectively. T2 had the lowest final body weight of 2341.17 g. The Average daily feed intake (134.31 g) in the fresh dried PLM birds was significantly different (p > 0.05) than the control (156.07 g) and in situ group (155.36g). T1 had the best feed conversion ratio (3.14) compared to other treatments. The performance of the birds indicates that low levels of inclusion of PLM in the diets depressed their overall performance.

1Umar, A.M., Nutritional Composition and Microbial Load of Skewed Meat (Tsire) in Dutse Metropolis, Jigawa State, Nigeria

2025-10-27T08:32:53+00:00

The study was conducted to determine the nutritional composition and microbial load of Skewed meat retailed at some designated locations in Dutse Metropolis, Jigawa State. The locally prepared samples were obtained from five locations viz, A, B, C, D and E and the experiment was laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design. Data generated were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s Multiple Range Tests (p<0.05) was used to separate the differences between means. SAS software (version 20.0) was employed for all the analysis. The values obtained from the Nutritional Composition revealed significant (p<0.05) differences in all the parameters evaluated across the locations. Location D had the highest values of dry matter (70.40), crude protein (31.00), ether extract (36.00) and crude fibre (32.00), while least value of ash (6.00) was recorded in location B. Microbial load of Skewed Meat revealed significant (p<0.05) differences in bacterial (Cfu/g) and fungal (Cfu/g) load across the locations. Highest (1.92x10⁴) bacterial (Cfu/g) count was obtained from D while C recorded the least bacterial count (1.16x10⁴). Location D also recorded the highest count (4.27x10³) of fungal while B recorded the least fungal (1.77x10³). The results showed that the environment where skewed meat was prepared together with the meat processors and equipment could be sources of microbial contamination. There should be education of skewed meat processors in Dutse Metropolis on the hazards associated with unhygienic practices during skewed meat preparations.

Morakinyo O.O Comparative Evaluation of Scent (Ocimum gratissimum) and Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Leaf Meal Diets on Carcass Characteristics and Organoleptic Properties of Broiler Chickens

2025-10-27T08:59:26+00:00

Abstract

Phytobiotics with antioxidant and antibiotic properties serve as natural alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in poultry diets, promoting growth and intestinal health. This study examined the effects of Scent (Ocimum gratissimum) and sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) leaf meal supplementation on the carcass characteristics and sensory qualities of broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty (240), one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to eight dietary treatments, replicated thrice with 10 birds per replicate. Diet T1 served as a negative control with no supplementation, while T2 included oxytetracycline (positive control). Diets T3, T4, and T5 contained 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g/kg of basil leaf meal (BLM), respectively, and diets T6, T7, and T8 included 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g/kg of scent leaf meal (SLM), respectively. Data on carcass traits, primal cuts, internal organs, and sensory properties were collected over six weeks and analyzed using a factorial design. Results showed that birds fed BLM had the highest numerical dressing percentage, while both BLM and SLM at 1.0 g/kg significantly (P<0.05) increased dressing percentage. The BLM significantly (P<0.05) enhanced breast and wing weights, while SLM improved thigh weight. At 1.0 g/kg, both additives significantly (P<0.05) increased breast, shank, and thigh weights. Tenderness scores were lower for BLM (5.80) and SLM (5.35) compared to control groups (6.80 and 6.90). BLM and SLM at 1.0 g/kg significantly (P<0.05) improved flavour and overall acceptability but had no significant effect on color, texture, or juiciness. These results highlight the potential of BLM and SLM to enhance broiler meat quality.

Adedibu, T.M Evaluation of Semen Characteristics, Fertility and Hatchability of Indigenous and Exotic Chickens and their F1 Crossbreeds in Nigeria

2025-10-27T09:13:58+00:00

Crossbreeding has been a major tool worldwide in developing present-day commercial chickens, as it can be used for producing crossbred animals, upgrading indigenous chickens, or creating a new breed that combines desirable traits from two or more breeds. This study was conducted to evaluate Nigerian indigenous chickens and Brahma for semen characteristics and assessment of F₁crossbreds for fertility, hatchability, and growth performance. A total number of 1000 birds at 22 weeks old, consisting of 50 cocks and 150 hens each of Frizzle Feathered (FF), Naked Neck(NN), Normal Feathered (NF), Fulani Ecotype(FE), and Brahma chickens(B) were used as parents for this experiment. Pure and straight crossing methods were adopted to produce progenies of B, NN, NF, FE, FF, BxNN, B×NF, B×FE, and BxFF. Data were collected on semen characteristics, fertility, hatchability, and growth traits, and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. Results showed significant breed differences (P<0.05) in semen volume, motility, and sperm concentration. Brahma cocks had the highest semen volume, and Naked neck recorded the highest motility and live sperm percentage. In purebred chickens, Brahma and Normal feathered hens exhibited superior fertility and hatchability. Among crossbreds, Brahma x Normal feathered chicken eggs had the best fertility (86.84%) and hatchability (90.90%). Thus, Brahma and Naked neck cocks can be utilized for breeding, and Brahma x Normal feathered chickens for improved fertility and hatchability.

1Gofwan P. G Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Cattle and Sheep in Pankshin Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State Nigeria

2025-10-27T09:28:51+00:00

Abstract

Gastrointestinal parasites are responsible for clinical and subclinical diseases of livestock and this has been a major constraint to livestock production in Nigeria. The study was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of cattle and sheep in Pankshin district of Plateau State, Nigeria. A total of 700 fresh faecal samples of 350 each from both cattle and sheep in August and September (wet months) 2024 and February and March (dry months) 2025. The results showed a prevalence rate of 93.1% parasitic infection. The prevalence rate of cattle 334 (95.4%) and sheep 318 (90.9%) showed no significant (P>0.05) difference between the species. Out of 277 and 286 samples examined for female cattle and sheep, 267 (96.4%) and 266 (93.0%) were infected more than their male counterparts, with 67 (91.8%) and 52 (81.3%), respectively. Adults also had higher infection rates of 276 (97.9%) and 279 (94.9%) than their young counterparts with 58 (85.3%) and 39 (67.2%), respectively. Samples collected during the wet season had higher infection rates of 171 (97.7%) and 168 (96.0%), respectively, than infection rates of the dry season with 163 (93.1%) and 150 (85.7%) respectively. Common parasites found include; coccidian oocyst, oesophagostonum, trichuris, Haemonchus, Dicrocoelium, Moneiza, Bunostonum and Fasciola. Proper management practice and deworming should be put in place to avoid interference of parasites with animal health and comfort.

De Campos, J.S Inter-Relationship Analysis Between Morpho-Structural and Physiological Traits of Nigerian White Fulani Cattle Breed Raised Under Semi-Intensive System of Management

2025-10-27T09:56:08+00:00

This study attempted to evaluate the interrelationships between linear body measurements and physiological parameters of Nigerian white Fulani zebu cattle raised under semi-intensive system of management. Data on morpho-structural parameters and physiological parameters were obtained from 86 matured White Fulani Cattle breed. The animals were between the age range of 3-7 years. The morpho-structural parameters examined include Body length (BL), Chest Depth (CD), Heart Girth (HG), Neck Length (NL), Ear Length (EL), Hip Width (HWt), Rump Height (RH), Height at Withers (HW), Horn Length (HL), Distance between Horn (DH), Tail Length (TL), Distance between Fore and Hind Leg (DBFHL), Head Length (HL), Fore Cannon Bone Length (FCBL) (were measured in centimetre) and body weight (BW) (measured in kilogram). The physiological parameters were Environmental Temperature (ET), Rectal Temperature (RT), Pulse Rate (PR), Body Temperature (BT) and Respiratory Rate (RR). Results showed that BW had a very significant (p < 0.01) relationship with some body measurements, high correlation coefficient (r) at p < (0.01) among the morpho-structural parameters while majority of the estimated relationship (r) between morpho-structural parameters and physiological parameters were negatively low at p < 0.01. There were also positively low correlation coefficient (r) among the physiological parameters (p>0.05). The results obtained from this study will be useful for prognosis of thermal stress to enhance production performance of livestock animals under assaults of conditions.

Abdulazeez, H Effect of aqueous extract of lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) on the performance of broiler chickens

2025-11-01T12:10:57+00:00

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of lemon grass on growth performance, blood, and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. Dried lemon grass was boiled with an equal weight of water for one hour to produce the lemon grass extract (LGE). The LGE was administered into drinking water at 0, 100, 150, and 200 ml/l with the following treatments: T₁(control), T₂(100 ml/l LGE), T₃(150 ml/l LGE), and T₄(200 ml/l LGE), respectively. One hundred and twenty (120) day-old broiler chicks were allocated to four (4) dietary treatment groups in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment consisted of thirty (30) birds, in three replicates of ten (10) birds. The birds were fed commercial diets throughout the experimental period of eight (8) weeks. Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance, and significant means were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD). The results of the study revealed significant (P≤ 0.05) improvements in daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and final weight of the chickens on T3 (150ml/l) LGE compared to the control group. Blood and serum biochemical indices, carcass characteristics, and caecal microbiology were not adversely affected except for high (P≤ 0.05) Alanine aminotransferase, Potassium, and Urea values. Salmonella and E. coli counts observed in the groups on T4 (200ml/l) were also higher compared to other groups. It was concluded from this study that up to 150 ml/l LGE can be added to broiler chickens' drinking water without adverse effect on productive performance, blood, and carcass indices.

1*Aremu, J.O Performance and Blood Characteristics of Broiler Chickens Fed Graded Levels of Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal Diets

2025-11-03T09:03:34+00:00

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on the growth performance and blood characteristics of broiler chickens. 180 day-old Arbor acre chickens used in this experiment were subjected to five dietary treatments as follows; Diet 1-the control devoid of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (0%MOLM), diets 2, 3, 4, and 5 with –MOLM at graded inclusion levels of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0% level respectively in a Completely Randomized Design. Each treatment was replicated thrice with 12 birds per replicate. The experiment lasted 56 days. The results indicated that daily weight gain, daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were significantly (p <0.05) affected by the inclusion levels of MOLM. Birds fed a diet containing 2.5% MOLM showed the highest values for these parameters: Daily weight gain (66.05 g), daily feed intake (118.45 g), and feed conversion ratio (1.73). There was better performance up to 2.5% MOLM but the performance declined significantly at a higher inclusion level. There was an improvement in the haematological ((PCV, RBC, HB) parameters up to 10% MOLM inclusion. The AST and ALP increased significantly with the increased level of MOLM while the total protein, albumin, and glucose decreased. Nevertheless, there were no influence (P > 0.05) on the protein and albumin values. It can be concluded from the findings of this research that MOLM can replace soya bean meal in broiler chick diets up to 10% without deleterious effect on the growth performance and blood profile.

Chana, Z.M. Performance and Blood Profile of Bucks Fed Diets with Different Protein Sources

2025-11-10T08:01:50+00:00

The study evaluated the effects of different protein sources on the performance, serum biochemistry and haematological parameters of growing bucks. Sixteen bucks (average body weight of 11.00±1kg) were randomly assigned to four diets containing cottonseed cake (T1), poultry litter (T2), rumen content (T3) and soya bean waste (T4). Parameters measured included dry matter intake, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio and serum metabolites and haematological indices. Data collected was analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and differences in means for the treatment groups were determined using least significant difference (LSD). The results for the performance indicated treatment 1 (cottonseed cake) and 2 (poultry litter) showed significantly (P<0.05) higher dry matter intake (DMI) values of 339.58 g/day and 328.89 g/day respectively as compared to T3 (278.34 g/day) and T4 (234.61 g/day). The initial live weights were similar across treatments signifying that the bucks were comparable at the start of the experiment. The final live weights also showed no significant (P>0.05) differences, this consistency in final weights suggests that the dietary protein sources influenced DMI and weight gain, hence the overall growth outcome was not significantly (P>0.05) affected. Total weight gain (TWG) and daily weight gain (DWG) followed a declining trend from T1 to T4 without statistical difference. Animals in T1 had the best FCR (38.460) demonstrating higher feed efficiency. However, animals in T3 recorded the poorest FCR (58.840) signifying that the bucks on this diet required more feed to achieve similar weight gains. The results for serum biochemistry showed that bucks fed diets containing cottonseed cake and poultry litter exhibited higher total protein and albumin levels compared to those on rumen content and soya bean waste-based diets. Urea nitrogen concentrations were significantly elevated in bucks receiving poultry litter and cottonseed cake (P<0.05), while soya bean waste-based diets resulted in higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels signifying potential hepatic stress. Total cholesterol and glucose levels did not vary significantly (P>0.05) across the treatments. Based on the results of this study, bucks fed diets with cottonseed cake and poultry litter as dietary protein sources had better growth performance with no adverse effect on their health and well-being.

Gadzama, I.U. Housefly (Musca domestica) and Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae as Sustainable Livestock Feed – A Review

2025-11-10T07:55:24+00:00

Livestock production is vital to Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy, contributing significantly to agricultural GDP and supporting millions of livelihoods. However, rising demand for animal-source foods poses sustainability challenges due to environmental degradation, including greenhouse gas emissions and land-use competition. Conventional animal and plant protein sources like fishmeal and soybean are costly and environmentally taxing, necessitating sustainable alternatives. Insects, particularly housefly larvae (HFL) and black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), offer a promising solution due to their high protein content, efficient waste conversion, and low environmental footprint. This review examines their potential as sustainable protein sources for poultry feed, highlighting the nutritional benefits, economic viability, and adoption challenges. HFL and BSFL demonstrate high nutritional value, with crude protein (33–64% for HFL and 20–76% for BSFL) and essential amino acids comparable to fishmeal and soybean meal. Both species efficiently convert organic waste (e.g., food waste, manure etc) into biomass, reducing waste volume by 37–73% while producing nutrient-rich frass for fertiliser. Economically, insect farming lowers feed costs and creates income opportunities, with projected benefits of USD 0.73 billion in Uganda and job creation in Kenya. However, adoption faces cultural resistance, regulatory gaps, and scalability issues, particularly among smallholder farmers. Insect-based feeds present a viable, sustainable alternative to conventional protein sources, aligning with circular economy principles and enhancing food security. However, widespread adoption requires targeted policies, farmer education, and investment in production infrastructure. Addressing cultural perceptions and establishing regulatory frameworks will be critical to unlocking the full potential of insect farming in global livestock sector. Future research should focus on optimising rearing techniques and inclusion levels in animal diets to ensure consistent quality and performance.