Nigerian Journal of Animal Science

Comparative growth and carcass characteristics of progenies from local x exotic chicken crosses

2026-06-21T21:06:36+00:00

This study investigated the growth performance, body weight, linear body traits, carcass and organ characteristics of crossbred progenies of exotic and indigenous chickens. A composite mating pattern was used to generate 315 progenies from crosses involving a base population of 30 birds consisting of 3 brown normal feathered and 3 black normal feathered local cocks, female exotic breeder layers (parent stock) consisting of 12 Cobb and 12 Arbor Acres at about 20 to 22 weeks of age in the ratio of 1: 4. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance in a randomized complete block design. Results on growth performance indices showed that the final body weight, average weight gain and average daily weight gain was significantly (P<0.05) higher in NaCOB progeny with mean values of 1383.33±16.67 g, 1347.66±18.00 g and 24.070.01 g, respectively. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly lower (P˂0.05) in NaCOB (1.08±0.02) indicating the best feed utilization efficiency. Significant differences (P<0.05) were found in the body weights and linear body measurements of the birds in various weeks, with NaCOB having significantly higher (P<0.05) body weights with the mean values of 188.80±5.91 g, 389.20±3.18 g, 615.00±3.56 g, 900.00±22.36 g, 1030.00±30.00 g, 1230.00±20.00 g and 1430.00±20.00 g, respectively from weeks 2 to 8. Live weight (1416.67±16.67 g), defeathered weight (1350.00±28.87g), dressed weight (1250.00±28.87g) and dressing percentage (89.10±0.59%) were significantly higher (P<0.05) in NaCOB. NaCOB had significantly (P<0.05) higher kidneys (0.71±0.01%), large intestine (1.05±0.01%), small intestine (4.97±0.01%) and crop (0.79±0.01%). From the findings of this study, NaCOB progeny showed superior performance over the other genotypes across the growth traits measured and therefore is best suited for improving the local stock in the study area.

In vitro and bioinfectivity evaluation of Trypanosoma brucei brucei challenged with raw and differently processed Moringa oleifera seeds

2026-06-21T21:53:13+00:00

Raw Moringa oleifera (M.) seeds possess mild antitrypanosomal properties and processing could improve its potency. The in vitro and bio-infectivity of Trypanosoma brucei brucei in raw, boiled and fermented M. seeds was evaluated in a completely randomized design. Motility rates of trypanosomes were observed at contact and intervals of fifteen minutes up to one hour of incubation at the in vitro trial. Tube 1 (control) contained 0.3mL parasitized blood and 0.7mL Ringer’s solution. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th tubes contained 0.3mL parasitized blood + 0.4mL Ringer’s solution + 0.3mL each of 50 mg/mL of raw, boiled and fermented M. seeds respectively. At the bioinfectivity trial, twelve mice approximately 30 days old were randomized into four groups and infected with trypanosomes collected from the tubes in triplicates. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, DMRT, and line graphs were used for data analysis. Results revealed that at 45^th minute of incubation, motility rates of parasites in tubes with raw and fermented M. seeds were (p<0.01) lower than boiled M. seeds and negative control. At 60^th minute, all tubes containing M. seeds had zero motility of parasites except control. Parasitaemia graph showed flat line all through 30 days observation for mice in group 3 while groups 2 and 4 had fluctuating parasitaemia trend. Group 1 had upward trend till peak parasitaemia. Weights and PCV of mice across groups were insignificant (p>0.05). Pre patency was insignificant across groups while group 3 had (p<0.05) higher survival time. Boiled M. seeds had best inhibitory potentials of trypanosomes.

Carcass characteristics and primal cuts of three Nigerian sheep as influenced by sex and breed

2026-06-21T22:07:02+00:00

The study was conducted to evaluate the carcass and primal cuts of three Nigerian sheep breed as influenced by sex and breed. A total of eighteen (18) growing (12 – 18 months) sheep comprising three rams and three ewes each of Balami, Uda and Yankasa breed purchased from National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Vom. The experimental sheep were balanced for weight and allotted into six treatments based on breed (Balami, Uda and Yankasa) and sex (rams and ewes) effects with three replicates in a 2×3 factorial arrangement. The sheep were fed a total mixed ration comprised of 14.77% crude protein for 90 days. The results indicated that the rams had higher (P<0.05) fasted body weight (28.57 kg), slaughter body weight (27.43 kg), empty body weight (22.86 kg), hot and cold carcass weights (12.99 and 12.54 kg), and dressing percent (45.50 %) compared to the ewes. Like in the live body weight gain, Balami similarly recorded higher (P<0.05) fasted body weight (28.05 kg), slaughter body weight (26.93 kg), empty body weight (22.44 kg), hot and cold carcass weights (12.80 and 12.52 kg) compare to Yankasa breed while on a contrary, Uda had higher (P<0.05) dressing percent (47.50 %) than Balami and least value recorded in Yankasa. However, the percentage chilling loss for mutton was not affected (P>0.05) by both sex and breed differences. The interaction between sex and breed shows the rams and ewes of Balami sheep had higher (P<0.05) fasted body weight (29.84 kg), slaughter body weight (28.65 kg), empty body weight (23.87 kg), hot and cold carcass weights (13.75 and 13.34 kg) compare to the rams and ewes of Yankasa sheep while the rams and ewes of Uda sheep had higher (P<0.05) dressing percent (48.00 and 47.00 %) than Yankasa sheep and Balami ewes. The values for the primal cuts such as legs, chump, loin, neck, mid rib, main rib, shoulder and tail recorded in this study were higher (P<0.05) in the rams compared to the ewes while no significant difference was observed for breast. Regarding the breed effect, Balami also mirrored similar trend observed with carcass characteristics, having higher (P<0.05) values for primal cuts compared to the Yankasa breed of sheep but statistically similar to Uda. Interactively, sex did not influence the primal cuts between Balami and Uda breeds, however, the rams and ewes of Balami recorded higher (P<0.05) primal cuts than the Yankasa sheep. In conclusion, Balami sheep exhibited improved carcass characteristics and primal cuts. It can be recommended that for superior carcass and primal cuts rams of Balami should be prioritize.

Biopotency of Maca (Lepidium meyenii walp) powder additive on reproductive hormones, semen quality and kinetic characteristics of Yankasa rams during dry hot season

2026-06-21T22:20:26+00:00

The study evaluated the biopotency of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) powder supplementation on reproductive hormones, semen quality, and sperm kinetic characteristics of Yankasa rams during the hot-dry season of Sudan Savannah zone Nigeria. Twenty pubertal Yankasa rams of similar age and weight were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments containing 0, 5, 10 and 15g/kg maca powder in a completely randomized design. The experiment lasted four months, during which semen and blood samples were collected for analysis of reproductive hormones (testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH)), semen characteristics and sperm kinetics. Results revealed significant (P < 0.05) increases in testosterone, FSH and LH concentrations with increasing levels of maca supplementation. Semen quality parameters such as sperm motility, and percentage of normal cells improved (P < 0.05) significantly, while sperm abnormalities and dead sperm cells decreased with higher maca inclusion. Furthermore, sperm kinetic parameters including progressive motility, linearity, and curvilinear velocity were significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced in supplemented groups. However, semen volume, pH, and some velocity parameters showed no significant (P > 0.05) differences. The findings suggest that maca supplementation, particularly at 15 g/kg, effectively enhances reproductive performance of Yankasa rams under heat stress conditions, likely due to its antioxidant and endocrine-modulating properties. It is therefore recommended that maca powder could be included in the diets of livestock from 5g up to 15g/kg diet as it is safe and improves animal reproductive performance through improved semen quality characteristics, semen kinetics and reproductive hormones. Therefore, farmers and livestock nutritionists can utilize it in livestock production as natural feed additives and aphrodisiac and reproductive enhancer without deleterious effect.

Growth performance, haematological, immune and anti-oxidative response of broiler birds administered pawpaw (Carica papaya) leaf aqueous extract in place of conventional antibiotics

2026-06-21T22:31:09+00:00

This study evaluated the effects of pawpaw (Carica papaya) leaf aqueous extract (PLAE) on the growth performance, hematological, immune and oxidative responses of broiler chickens as a natural alternative to conventional antibiotics. A total of 150 day-old Arbor Acre broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five treatments in a completely randomized design: negative control (plain water), positive control (oxy tetracycline, 1 g/L), and 10, 20, and 30 g/L of PLAE. The trial lasted six weeks. Results showed that feed intake showed significant difference (P<0.05) across the treatments (3.63 – 4.50). Other growth parameters showed no significant difference (P>0.05). Results indicated significant (P < 0.05) improvements in packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (HB), and red blood cell (RBC) counts in birds administered 20 and 30 g/L PLAE compared with the controls. White blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte counts also increased, suggesting enhanced immune competence. The absence of adverse effects on hematological indices confirms the safety of the extract. These findings highlight Carica papaya leaves as a viable, climate-smart substitute for antibiotics in broiler production, promoting sustainable poultry health management, reducing antimicrobial dependence, and supporting environmentally friendly livestock systems adaptable to climate change challenges.

Haemato-biochemical indices, meat lipid profile and antioxidant status of broiler chickens fed diet containing onion peel and cinnamon powder as additives

2026-08-06T10:13:23+00:00

This study evaluated effects of dietary supplementation with combined onion (Onion) peel and cinnamon (Cinnamon) powder mixture (COP) on the haemato-biochemical parameters, meat lipid profiles, and antioxidant status of broiler chickens. A total of 240 day-old broiler chicks were assigned to five treatments in a completely randomized design, consisting of a control diet and four levels of COP supplementation (0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, and 0.05%). The COP was prepared by thoroughly mixing onion peel powder and cinnamon powder in an equal ratio of 50 g: 50 g (1:1, w/w) before incorporation into the experimental diets.Birds were managed intensively for six weeks with ad libitum access to feed and water. At the end of the trial, blood samples were collected via the jugular vein for haematological and serum biochemical analysis, while breast meat samples were analyzed for lipid fractions and antioxidant enzyme activities (Glutathione Peroxidase, Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, Reduced Glutathione, and Malondialdehyde). Data were subjected to One-way Analysis of Variance and means separated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test. Dietary COP did not significantly (P > 0.05) affect haematological indices such as packed cell volume, haemoglobin, red blood cell and white blood cell. However, Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was significantly influenced; birds fed 0.02% COP recorded the lowest ALT (44.50 U/L). In breast meat, 0.02% COP inclusion significantly (P < 0.05) reduced cholesterol (101.35 mg/dL), triglycerides, and LDL. While antioxidant enzyme activities were not statistically significant, numerical peaks in catalase and lower MDA were observed in birds exposed to 0.02% COP

Performance, carcass and organ characteristics of finisher broiler chickens fed graded levels of Sodium hydroxide treated rice threshing waste meal

2026-08-06T10:35:52+00:00

Low availability of conventional feed ingredients has resulted to soaring cost of chicken necessitating exploration on harnessing agro waste products in poultry feeding. This study therefore, investigated the effect of diets containing 2%NaOH treated Rice Threshing Waste (TRTW) on the performance, carcass and organ characteristics of finisher broilers. The TRTW was used to formulate four treatment diets. The control (B₁) contained no TRTW while B₂, B₃ and B₄ contained TRTW at 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% inclusion rates respectively. The diets were assigned to 120 broilers of 28 days post hatch in a completely randomized design of 4 treatment groups which were replicated 3 times. The birds were fed ad-libitum and managed under deep litter system for 21days. The result of the proximate composition of the Rice Threshing Waste (RTW) before and after the treatment showed that the treatment caused a reduction in crude protein and crude fibre. Performance of the birds showed no significant difference (P>0.05) for weight gain but feed intake was higher (P<0.05) for B₃ and B₄. Also, carcass and organ parameters had no significant effect except in back in which control had a higher value. Inclusion of TRTW at up to 7.5% in broilers diet therefore, caused no deleterious effect on the broiler chickens.

Response of finisher broiler chickens to maize offal-based diets supplemented with combination of Kingzyme® and Growinact® enzymes

2026-08-06T10:52:20+00:00

The competitive nature and price fluctuating attributes of maize have necessitated the need for alternative energy feed stuff in poultry nutrition. This study was conducted to investigate the response of finisher broiler chickens to replacement of maize with maize offal supplemented with combination of Kingzyme^® and GrowinAct^® enzymes. Two hundred four-week old Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly distributed to five dietary treatments. Diet 1 was the control (no maize offal and no enzyme) while diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 had maize offal supplemented with combination of Kingzyme^® and GrowinAct^® enzymes replacing 25, 50, 75 and 100% of maize respectively. There were four replicates per treatment with ten birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. Data were collected on growth performance indices, nutrients digestibility and blood profile and they were subjected to one way analysis of variance. Results show no significant difference among the growth performance parameters except for feed intake where treatments T1 and T2 had significantly higher feed intake compared to others. Nutrients digestibility values were not significantly different among the treatments. All serum biochemical and haematological values were not significantly different except for PCV and haemoglobin where treatment T4 was significantly lowest in each case. It was concluded that maize offal supplemented with combination of Kingzyme^® and GrowinAct^® enzymes have no detrimental effect on the observed parameters. It is therefore recommended that maize offal supplemented with combination of Kingzyme^® and GrowinAct^® enzymes can replace 100% of maize in the diets of finisher broiler chickens

Effects of dietary supplementation of tumeric, black pepper and their combinations on growth response, heamatology, serum biochemistry, gut microbial counts, and meat quality of broiler chickens

2026-08-06T11:15:56+00:00

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementation of turmeric, black pepper and their combinations on the growth response, haematology, serum biochemistry, gut microbial counts and meat quality of broiler chickens. The broiler chicks were fed one of the six experimental diets. These includes: i) a corn-soybean basal diet without feed additive (T1), ii) The basal diets with 1% black pepper (T2), iii) The basal diets with 1% Turmeric powder (T3), iv) The basal diets with 0.25% black pepper + 0.75% turmeric powder (T4), v) the basal diets with 0.75% black pepper + 0.25% turmeric powder (T5), vi) The basal diet with 0.5% black pepper + 0.5% turmeric powder (T6). In completely randomized design (CRD) and lasted for 6 weeks. Data was collected weekly on weekly growth performance. Blood samples were collected for haematology and serum biochemical indices. At the end of the experiment 2 birds per replicate were sacrificed, opened up, faecal samples were collected from the ileo- caecal junction for gut microbial counts. Results of growth response revealed significant (p<0.05) dietary effects on final weight, weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR). For blood parameter, white blood cell (WBC), eosinophil, cholesterol, High density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were significant. While all other parameters measured were not significant (p>0.05). The meat quality attributes results show that water holding capacity were significantly influenced. The study concluded that supplementing broilers diets with a combination of (0.5% turmeric + 0.5% black pepper) will results in good feed conversion ratio and did not have any detrimental effects on the haematological and serum biochemical indices.

Haematology and serum biochemical indices of broiler chickens fed full-fat black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal-based diets as a fishmeal substitute

2026-08-06T11:28:42+00:00

This study investigated the effect of the replacement of fishmeal with full-fat black soldier fly meal (FFBSFLM) as an animal source protein in broiler chicken diets using haematology and serum biochemical indices as response criteria. A total of 150 Day-old chicks were assigned to five dietary treatments, of three replicates and ten chicks per replicate in a Completely Randomized Design. The FFBSFLM was added at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% and designated diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. The feeding trial lasted for 56 days. At the end of the feeding trial, 3 birds per treatment were selected and slaughtered for blood collection for the haematology and biochemical studies. All data were subjected to analysis of variance. Results obtained for antinutrients revealed that, FFBSFLM is higher in haemaglutinin and trypsin inhibitor compared to tannin and phytate. Results showed that among the parameters measured for the haematological responses, only haemoglobin, lymphocytes and MCH were significantly (P˂0.05) influenced by the dietary treatments, while for biochemical indices all parameters were significantly (P˂0.05) affected except for globulin and low-density lipoprotein. Birds fed diet 4 recorded the highest PCV (32.67%), haemoglobin concentration (5.20g/dl) and highest red blood cell (19.33 x 10⁶/ µl), highest aspartate aminotransferase (205.30 U/I) was recorded in birds fed diet 4, while lowest aspartate aminotransferase (186.80 U/I) was recorded in birds fed diet 1. Due to high level of haemagglutinin in the larvae meal, further processing of the larvae meal is recommended before use to enhance the overall well-being of the broilers.

Evaluation of chemical compositions of grass-legume silages produced in Umudike, rainforest zone of South-Eastern Nigeria

2026-08-06T11:44:17+00:00

Livestock productivity in tropical regions is frequently hindered by limited availability of high‑quality forage during dry seasons, leading to nutritional stress and reduced animal performance. This study evaluated the proximate composition, fibre fractions, mineral profile and anti-nutritional characteristics of grass–legume silages produced in Umudike, south-eastern Nigeria. Four forage compositions were arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replicates: sole Cenchrus purpureus (CP), C. purpureus + Calopogonium mucunoides (CPC), C. purpureus + Gliricidia sepium (CPG), and C. purpureus + Moringa oleifera (CPM), each at 50:50 except the sole grass. Samples were analysed after six weeks of ensiling for proximate composition, fibre fractions, minerals and anti-nutritional factors. Legume inclusion improved crude protein, mineral content and selected fibre characteristics compared with sole grass silage. At six weeks, CPM recorded the highest crude protein and mineral concentrations, with lower neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre than most treatments. Anti-nutritional factors declined with longer ensiling and remained within levels considered tolerable for ruminants. The study concludes that inclusion of Moringa oleifera or Calopogonium mucunoides can improve the feeding value of Elephant grass silage. The study recommends grass–legume silage, particularly CPM, for dry-season ruminant feeding in the rainforest zone of Nigeria.