Nigerian Journal of Animal Science

Proximate Composition, Phytochemicals and Heavy Metals in Natural Colourants Applied to Meat Processing and Their Effects on Storage and Sensory Properties of Spatchcock Chicken

A.E Talabi — 2026-06-02

This study aimed to evaluate the proximate composition, phytochemical profile, and heavy metal content of natural colorants (hibiscus, turmeric, bell pepper, and beetroot) used in meat processing, compared to the synthetic colorant Ja’wa, and assess their effects on the storage stability and sensory quality of skewer spatchcock chicken (SSC). Broiler chickens were processed into SSC, cured with the colorants, and analyzed for proximate components (dry matter, crude protein, lipid, fiber, ash, nitrogen-free extract) and minerals using standard procedures, heavy metals (arsenic, chromium, cadmium, lead, manganese) via atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and phytochemicals (alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenols, tannins, glycosides). Sensory evaluation involved 30 semi-trained panelists scoring colour, flavour, texture, juiciness, tenderness, and acceptability on a 9-point hedonic scale, with data analyzed using general linear model and Tukey’s HSD. Results revealed natural colorants exhibited superior proximate profiles, with beetroot highest in crude protein (14.23%), bell pepper in dry matter (96.11%), and turmeric in flavonoids (70.50 mg/g) and phenols (65.48 mg/g); heavy metal levels were minimal (0.00–0.31 ppm) and within permissible limits, while Ja’wa showed toxic concentrations (lead 7.85 ppm). Sensory scores improved with natural colourants, particularly turmeric (highest flavour 6.21, tenderness 6.46, acceptability 6.63), and short-term storage (0–4 days) enhanced attributes like juiciness and acceptability. In conclusion, natural colorants provide safer, nutrient-rich alternatives to synthetic dyes, improving SSC's nutritional value, safety, and consumer appeal during storage, supporting their adoption in meat processing for healthier products.

Assessment of Internal and External Egg Qualities of Some Poultry Species

A.A. Adeoye — 2026-06-02

Egg quality is composed of those characteristics of an egg that affect its acceptability by consumers Thirty (30) samples each from a total of fifty (50) freshly laid eggs of duck (DX), guinea fowl (GF), Local chicken (LCX), Broiler (BX) and turkey (TX) bought from reputable farms in Ibadan, were used for this study. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance to determine the effect of poultry species on egg quality. No significant effect (p>0.05) was observed in albumin height, shell index, albumin ratio, yolk ratio and Haugh unit while species had significant effect (P<0.05) on other egg quality characteristics considered. Highest estimates were observed in yolk height, yolk weight, albumin weight, yolk index and yolk diameter in DX (16.49 ± 0.42); DX (25.18 ± 0.51); (35.76 ± 1.41); GF (362.28± 13.70) and TX (5.56 ± 0.12), respectively. Highest estimates were observed in DX for egg length (62.59±0.75); in TX for egg weight (68.90±1.63) and shell weight (9.24±0.32). For egg width, shell ratio and shell thickness, highest values were observed in TX (45.96±1.29), GF (16.06±0.21) and GF (0.82±0.09) respectively, while corresponding lowest values were observed in GF (28.59±2.57), LCX (11.56±0.41) and LCX (0.33±0.03). Phenotypic correlations among the egg external characteristics across the species were predominantly not significant and ranged from low to high. The significant differences observed in most of the egg quality characteristics in this study could be attributed to the genetic make- up of individual species.

Nutritional and Economic Evaluation of Snail Offal Meal as a Protein Source in the Diets of Growing African Land Snails (Archachatina marginata)

Y.A. Popoola — 2026-06-02

This study evaluated the performance of growing snails Archachatina marginata fed varying levels of snail offal meal (SOM) as alternative source of protein to replace soybean meal. A total of 150 growing snails were allotted to five dietary treatments. The treatment groups were SOM₁, SOM₂SOM₃, SOM₄and SOM₅ which contained 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 % inclusion of SOM in replacing soybean meal in a completely randomized design with three replicates per treatment over a 12-week feeding trial. The SOM were processed and dried before incorporation with feed ingredients. The management practices were all the same in all the treatments. Data were collected on growth performance, cost implications and carcass yield. There were significant differences in the mean total feed intake of the snails fed diets containing SOM. Results showed that snails fed 10% SOM recorded significantly higher (P<0.05) final weight gain and superior FCR compared with other treatments. Higher inclusion levels (15–20%) resulted in reduced growth performance and poorer shell quality. Mortality was low across treatments but increased slightly at 20% SOM inclusion. The study concluded that snail offal meal can be included up to 10% in the diets of growing Archachatina marginata without adverse effects on performance or shell quality.

Growth performance and blood parameters of grower pigs fed diet supplemented with multi-enzyme complex

B.A. Makanjuola — 2026-06-02

Maize and soya bean meal are commonly used in pig diets. The high cost of these ingredients however may not be sustainable and economically viable in the long run. Alternative feedstuff such as wheat bran, rice husk and palm kernel cake are cheaper and readily available but pose challenges due to their high fibre content. This study evaluated the impact of multi-enzyme-supplemented diets on the performance, haematology and serum parameters of grower pigs. In a completely randomised design, forty-five (45) crossbred pigs (Large White × Landrace) were allotted to three (3) dietary groups: T1 (control), T2 (Basal diet + AVB Multi-enzyme (400g/tonne) and T3 (Basal diet + Enziblend Energy (500g/tonne) in a feeding trial which lasted 9 weeks. Performance parameters were determined and blood samples were collected to assess haematology and serum parameters. The results showed that multi-enzyme supplementation had no significant (P<0.05) effect on pig performance. Average daily feed intake of pigs on the different dietary treatments did not differ significantly either. Same trend was observed for average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio. There were no significant (P<0.05) differences in PCV, Hb, RBC, platelet count, WBC and leukocyte differentials across the treatment groups. No significant differences were observed for the serum parameters assayed except the cholesterol levels. In conclusion, grower pigs can tolerate the fibre level in the diet and still thrive well without enzyme supplementation.

Carcass Characteristics, Haemato-Biochemical Indices and Antioxidant Status of Weaned Pigs Fed Diets Supplemented with Varying Levels of Fresh Waterleaf (Talinum triangulare)

M.O. Aduloju — 2026-06-02

A 56-day feeding study was carried out using eighteen (18) weaned pigs randomly allotted to three dietary treatments containing 0, 5, and 10g/kg of fresh waterleaf, with six replicates per treatment, in a completely randomized design (CRD) to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with fresh waterleaf on carcass characteristics, haemato-biochemical indices, and antioxidant status of weaned pigs. Carcass characteristics revealed significant (P<0.05) differences only in lung and kidney weights. Pigs fed diet T3 had the heaviest lung weight (0.10kg), while pigs fed diet T1 recorded the highest value for kidney weight (0.20kg). Eviscerated weight, slaughtered weight, live weight, head, neck, carcass length, forelimb, hindlimb, liver, and intestine did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among treatments. Haematological indices indicated that pigs fed diet T1 had the highest packed cell volume (PCV; 43.00%), and white blood cell count (WBC; 18.65×10⁹/L) while pigs fed diet T3 had the highest red blood cell count (RBC; 3.90×10⁶/L). Serum biochemistry showed that pigs fed diet T1 had the highest aspartate aminotransferase (AST; 48.33IU/L) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT; 23.19IU/L). The antioxidant status observed for pigs fed diet T1 had the highest superoxide dismutase (SOD; 17.67U/mL) while glutathione (GSH) was highest in pigs fed diets T2 (8.01U/mL) and diet T3 (8.39U/mL). Supplementation with diet T2 produced optimum values across most parameters analysed. The study indicates that fresh waterleaf can be included in weaned pig diets as a functional and cost-efficient feed ingredient in resource-limited areas to enhance pig production.

Effects of Dietary Siam Weed (Chromoleana odorata) Leaf Meal on the Growth Performance, Blood Profile and Meat Quality Attributes of Broiler Chickens

M.O. Yahaya — 2026-06-02

A six-week feeding trial was conducted to assess the effects of dietary inclusion of Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) leaf meal (COLM) on growth performance, hematological, serum biochemical indices and meat quality attributes of broiler chickens. Two hundred (200) day-old Arbor Acre broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments with five replicates of eight birds in a completely randomized design. The diets with COLM at 0g, 5g, 10g, 15g, and 20g per kg of feed were designated as diet 1-5. Results showed that dietary COLM had significant (P<0.05) influence on the feed intake, average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Birds fed 15g COLM recorded the highest total feed intake (4426.20g) and average daily feed intake (85.12g), while birds on 5g COLM diet had the lowest feed conversion ratio (1.83). Hematological parameters showed that birds fed diets containing 5g COLM had the highest value for the PCV, RBC, LYM and the least value for Heterophyls. The triglycerides, Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were significantly different in the parameters assessed for serum biochemistry. Triglycerides had the highest value of (124.15mg/dL) for T2 and the least value of (88.52mg/dL) for T5. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in the thermal shortening and the water holding capacity for meat quality attributes. Treatment five (20g) had the highest value for the thermal shortening (45.07) and the least value for the water holding capacity (62.67). In conclusion, dietary inclusion of COLM up to 15g enhanced growth performance without adverse effects.

Performance, Gut Microbial Status and Meat Quality of Weaned Pigs Fed Diets Supplemented with Fresh Waterleaf

Y.F. Olaremu — 2026-06-02

The demand for meat has increased due to the growing human population, thus putting intense production pressure on the meat industry. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the growth performance, gut microbial status, and meat quality of pigs fed diets supplemented with varying levels of waterleaf (Talinum triangulare). Fresh waterleaf was sourced and air dried under room temperature to wither before incorporation into the pigs diets at 0, 5 and 10 g/kg, designated as Diets 1, 2, and 3 respectively. Eighteen (18) weaned, (8weeks old) unsexed pigs were randomly assigned to the three dietary treatments following a completely randomized design. The proximate composition of the diets were determined while data on growth performance were collected, and after eight weeks, nine pigs were randomly selected and slaughtered for gut microbial and meat quality assessment. All data were subjected to appropriate statistical analyses. Results showed that Diet 2 (5 g/kg waterleaf) had the highest crude protein (19.17%), crude fibre (4.26%). Pigs fed Diet 2 recorded the highest weight gain (14.31 kg), daily feed intake (723.07 g), and best feed conversion ratio (2.82). Total bacterial counts in the ileum and fungal counts in the duodenum significantly decreased (P < 0.05) from 8.50 × 10⁵ CFU/ml (Diet 1) to 2.50 × 10⁵ CFU/ml (Diet 3) and 3.50 × 10⁵ CFU/ml (Diet 1) to 0.00 × 10⁵ CFU/ml, respectively. Identified gut microbes included Lactobacillus spp, Faecalis, Aspergillus niger, and Rhizopus stolonifer. Lipid oxidation of meat differed significantly (P < 0.05) at day 0, increasing from 0.30 mg MDA/kg (from pigs fed Diet 1) to 1.16 mg MDA/kg (pigs fed Diet 3), while values at day 8 were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Thawing and cooking losses significantly decreased (P < 0.05) from pigs fed Diet 1 (1.36%, 40.40%) to Diet 3 (0.78%, 33.55%), and fat content showed a non-significant decrease (P > 0.05) across diets. Overall, feeding waterleaf did not compromise pig performance, gut microbial balance, or meat quality. Supplementation at 5 g/kg (Diet 2) was most effective, suggesting that waterleaf can serve as a viable alternative feed supplement at this level. Its adoption by pig farmers could support sustainable and efficient pig production.

Effect of bio-digested cage layer manure and bio-digested pig manure on the carcass traits and blood profile of growing cockerels

O.A. Obasa — 2026-06-02

A total of 180 eight week old growing cockerels were used to evaluate effects of bio-digested cage layer manure (BCLM) and bio-digested pig manure (BPM) included at 0 (control), 10 and 20% in a 2 × 3 factorial design over seven weeks. Birds fed BPM achieved higher fasted live weight (1222.20 g) than those fed BCLM (1161.10 g). BPM also increased plucked weight (90.55% vs 86.68%) and dressing percentage (63.66% vs 57.94%) relative to BCLM. Carcass cuts improved under BPM, neck and back (4.91%, 13.73 %) and thigh (10.08 %) were greater with BPM. Gizzard weight was greater with BCLM (3.04 %) than BPM (2.81 %), while small intestine weight was higher with BCLM (8.65%). Inclusion level (0, 10, 20%) had minimal effects on most carcass traits, although the interaction showed the highest dressing percentage at 20% BPM (66.97%) and the lowest at 20% BCLM (54.90%). Haematological indices remained within normal poultry reference ranges with no adverse source or level effect. Eosinophil proportion declined from 3.67% in birds on 0% inclusion to 1.17% in birds on 20% and basophils fell from 1.00% in birds on 0% inclusion to 0.00% in birds on 20% inclusion. Total serum protein and globulin increased with inclusion level, peaking at 10% (total protein 6.36 g/dL; globulin 3.09 g/dL) and declining at 20%. The results indicate that bio-digested manures can replace conventional protein sources in cockerel up to 20% without compromising health or most carcass traits, with BPM resulted in higher carcass yield under the conditions of this study.

Evaluation of Synbiotic Effect of Curry Leaf (Ocimum Canum) with Probiotic (Lactobacillus subtilis) on the Performance and Gut Morphology of Broiler Chickens

E.A. Salihu — 2026-06-02

The withdrawal of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in poultry production due to antimicrobial resistance concerns has necessitated sustainable alternatives. This study evaluated the synbiotic effects of curry leaf (Ocimum canum) combined with probiotic (Lactobacillus subtilis) on the growth performance and gut morphology of broiler chickens. A total of 360 day-old chicks were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments in a completely randomised design with three replicates of 20 birds each. Treatment diets comprised: a control (no additives), Ocimum canum at 800 g/100 kg or 1200 g/100 kg, synbiotics (Ocimum canum at 800 g/100 kg or 1200 g/100 kg + Lactobacillus subtilis), and oxytetracycline (positive control). Data were collected on growth performance and villi morphometric traits. Results showed that the highest final body weight (953.42 g/bird), daily weight gain (32.69 g/bird/day), and best FCR (1.72) were recorded in birds fed diet containing oxytetracycline, and those fed diet containing 800 and 1200 g/100kg diet of Ocimum canum followed by group fed the synbiotic diet with 800 and 1200 g/100 kg O. canum plus L. subtilis. Feed cost per kilogram gain was lowest in the same group with similar trend. At the finisher phase, the highest final body weight (3221.57 g/bird), daily weight gain (110.32 g/bird/day), and best FCR (1.72) were recorded in birds fed the diet containing oxytetracycline, followed closely by those fed the synbiotic diet with 800 g/100 kg Ocimum canum plus L. subtilis (final body weight 3212.75 g/bird, daily weight gain 109.94 g/bird/day, FCR 1.74), and then the O. canum-only groups at 800 g/100 kg and 1200 g/100 kg. Feed cost per kilogram gain was lowest in the oxytetracycline and synbiotic (800 g/100 kg) groups. Hence, poultry farmers should incorporate Ocimum canum at 800 g/100 kg diet combined with Lactobacillus subtilis as a synbiotic feed additive to replace antibiotic growth promoters.

Effect of Intercropping on Growth Parameters, Chemical and Mineral Composition on Maize-Forage Legumes

B.M. Yilwatda — 2026-06-02

The study investigate the growth parameters, chemical composition, and mineral concentration of sole and intercropped Maize (Zea mays L.) with Mucuna (Mucuna pruriens), and Lablab (Lablab purpureus) using planting patterns of 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1 (maize:legume). The experiment was carried out at the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Shika, Zaria. The trial was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three (3) replicates. The result showed that intercropping significantly (P<0.05) improved agronomic characteristics. Plant height (PH), leaf dimension, and leaf area index (LAI) of maize were significantly (P<0.05) higher in 1ma:2mu (201.79 cm, 821.61cm²and 3.10) compared to other treatments. The vine length, leaf length, number of leaves, and LAI were highest in sole mucuna (393.78cm, 19.54, 432.33, and 11.05 cm respectively). Dry matter of maize forage was significantly highest (P<0.05) in 1ma-1lb (94.75%), and comparable in other treatments. Crude protein (CP) of maize increased significantly under all intercropping arrangements compared with sole maize (8.81%), with the highest value in 1ma:2lb (15.43%). Ca concentration of maize was significantly highest (P<0.05) in the 1ma:2mu (3108.10 mg/kg) compared to 2ma:1mu (2846.30 mg/kg) and sole maize (1527.10 mg/kg). Phosphorus concentration of maize in maize-legume combination was highest significantly (P<0.05) under 2ma:1mu (908.93 mg/kg,). For the mucuna, 1ma:2mu produced the highest Ca and P (4920.40 mg/kg and 909.12 mg/kg respectively), while sole mucuna and 2ma:1mu have lower values. The study showed that intercropping maize with forage legumes significantly improved growth parameters, chemical and mineral composition of maize. Intercropping with 1ma:2mu combination is recommended for optimal agronomic performance and nutrient quality.

Comparative Efficacy of Three Semen Extenders for Preserving Bunaji and Friesian-Bunaji Cross Bull Semen during Cooled Storage

F.I. Amama — 2026-06-02

Artificial insemination (AI) underpins genetic improvement and productivity in livestock, yet its success depends on semen extenders that reliably preserve sperm viability during cooled storage. This study compared the efficacy of three extenders: Tris–egg yolk (TEY), egg-yolk sodium citrate (EYS), and a novel coconut water–egg yolk blend (CWE) in preserving semen quality from indigenous Bunaji and Friesian–Bunaji crossbred bulls. The CWE formulation consisted of 68ml boiled fresh coconut water, 28ml egg yolk, 1.2g Sulphanilamide, 0.24g penicillin, 0.54g Streptomycin, 300ml distilled water. Ejaculates were collected using artificial vagina, extended at a 1:10 semen-to-extender ratio in triplicate, and stored at 4 °C. Samples were evaluated daily for six days, measuring progressive motility, viability (live/dead ratio), morphological abnormalities (coiled and bent tails) and pH stability. Two-way ANOVA with repeated measures were used to analysed data while significant differences were considered at p < 0.05. TEY maintained the highest motility (66.7%) and lowest proportions of dead spermatozoa (33.3%), coiled tails (0%), and bent tails (3.0%) over six days, outperforming EYS (motility 60.0%, dead 40.0%) and CWE (motility 62.5%, dead 37.5%). Crossbred bulls displayed slightly higher baseline motility (80% vs. 75%) than indigenous Bunaji. TEY was recommended for extended cooled storage in AI programmes, while CWE offers a cost-effective, locally available option for same-day inseminations in resource-limited contexts. Three ejaculates were collected on same day from each bull.

Growth, Nutrient Digestibility and Nitrogen Retention of Growing Bucks Fed Gamba Grass Supplemented with Acacia Leaf Meal-Based Concentrates

F.A. Adewuyi — 2026-06-02

The study was conducted to evaluate the performance of growing bucks fed Gamba grass supplemented with different Acacia leaf meal-based concentrate in the semi-arid zone of Nigeria. Twenty (20) growing bucks with an average weight of 11.50 kg were assigned to four (4) dietary treatments (Acacia nolitica, Acacia albida, Acacia senegal and Acacia sieberina) in a completely randomized design. The results for chemical composition of different Acacia species revealed the dry matter (94.84 – 95.80 %), crude protein (12.42 – 17.78 %), ether extract (2.08 – 3.58 %), ash content (7.58 – 9.52 %), NFE (43.43 – 51.69 %), ADF (20.64 – 25.11 %), NDF (24.89 – 30.68 %) and lignin (7.36 – 9.14 %) while Gamba grass recorded dry matter (91.24%), crude protein (9.89%), ether extract (2.09%), ash (7.31%), NFE (37.41%), ADF (35.64%), NDF (43.17%) and lignin (12.71%).The chemical composition of the experimental diets had dry matter (89.25 – 94.74 %), crude protein (10.88 – 15.82 %), ether extract (2.73 – 2.99 %), ash (7.72 – 8.55 %), NFE (38.41 – 46.39 %), ADF (22.73 – 28.01 %), NDF (27.60 – 34.44 %) and lignin (8.13 – 10.10 %), respectively. There was significant (P<0.05) effect of different Acacia species on total feed intake, daily feed intake, weight gain and daily weight gain. While non-significant (P>0.05) effect was observed for initial weight, final weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The following ranges for initial weight (11.50 – 11.63 kg/buck), final weight (13.28 – 13.70 kg/buck) and FCR (12.26 – 14.26) were observed. Higher (P<0.05) total feed intake (23217.00 g/buck) and daily feed intake (331.68 g/buck/day) were recorded for bucks fed A. sieberina based diet while lower (P<0.05) total feed intake (20972.00 g/buck) and daily feed intake (299.60 g/buck/day) were recorded for bucks fed A. senegal based diet. Higher (P<0.05) weight gain (2.20 kg/buck) and daily weight gain (31.46 g/buck/day) were obtained for bucks fed A.nolitica based diet while lower (P<0.05) weight gain (1.78 kg/buck) and daily weight gain (25.36 g/buck/day) were recorded for bucks fed A. senegal and A. sieberina based diets, respectively. For apparent nutrient digestibility, higher (P<0.05) dry matter (60.70%), ADF (54.22%) and NDF (55.45%) digestibilities were recorded by bucks fed A. nolitica based diet while lower (P<0.05) dry matter (54.43%), ADF (52.10%) and NDF (52.00%) digestibilities were recorded by bucks fed A. sieberina based diet. Higher (P<0.05) crude protein (64.08%) digestibility was obtained by bucks fed A. senegal based diet while lower (P<0.05) crude protein (58.74%) digestibility was recorded by bucks fed A. nolitica based diet. Significant (P<0.05) effect of different Acacia species was obtained for nitrogen retention parameters except nitrogen intake which ranged from 51.26 to 53.38 g/buck/day. Faecal nitrogen (15.43 g/buck/day) and urinary nitrogen (11.99 g/buck/day) were higher (P<0.05) in bucks fed A. senegal based diets while lower (P<0.05) faecal nitrogen (14.31 g/buck/day) and urinary nitrogen (10.16 g/buck/day) were recorded in bucks fed A. nolitica based diet. Higher (P<0.05) nitrogen retained (26.79 g/buck/day) and nitrogen retained as % intake (52.26%) were recorded in bucks fed A. nolitica based diet while lower (P<0.05) nitrogen retained (25.96 g/buck/day) and nitrogen retained as % intake (48.63%) were recorded in bucks fed A. senegal based diet. In conclusion, the supplementation of Gamba grass with Acacia species not only promotes enhanced growth performance in bucks but also offers a cost-effective feeding solution for small ruminant production in Nigeria's semi-arid regions. Based on these results, all the Acacia species can be recommended to farmers when they are well formulated in a balanced proportion.

Nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance and rumen metabolites profile of growing Yankasa rams fed Brachiaria ruziziensis with concentrate mixture ratios in a total mixed ration

S.A. Ahmed — 2026-06-02

A Digestibility trial which lasted for (21) days was carried out at the metabolic pen of the Small Ruminant Research Programme of the national animal production Research Institute (NAPRI), Ahmdu Bello University, Shika-Zaria to determine the nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance and rumen metabolites concentration of growing Yankasa rams fed different ratios of Brachiaria ruziziensis and concentrate in a total mixed ration in Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. Twelve healthy Growing Yankasa rams with an average live weight of 21.75kg±1kg were randomly allocated to four treatments with three replicates in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD). The treatment diets were ratio of Brachiaria ruziziensis to concentrate: (90:10), (80:20), (70:30) and (60:40) mixtures. The DM, OM, CP, CF, EE NFE and ADF digestibility showed significant variation (P<0.05) across the treatments. The Crude protein digestibility (CPD) was significantly (P<0.05) higher (84.25%) in (60:40) ratio B.ruziziensis to concentrate mixture while the least value of 76.12% was recorded in rams fed B.ruziziensis to concentrate mixture (90:10) ratio. Nitrogen intake, nitrogen absorbed, nitrogen retained and absorbed as percentage of intake (61.28%, 59.16%, 57.58%, 93.75% and 96.48%) respectively was significantly higher (P<0.05) in animals fed (60:40) mixture ratio. Rumen pH (6.80), Total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) (44.87), Rumen Ammonia nitrogen (NH₄-N) (16.18) significantly (P<0.05) differed across treatments with animal fed (60:40) ratio of B.ruziziensis to concentrate mixture recorded the highest value. Therefore, it could be concluded from this study that feeding Yankasa rams with 60:40 ratio B.ruziziensis to concentrate mixture ratio in a total mixed ration improved nutrient digestibility, nitrogen retention and rumen metabolites concentration in yankasa rams. Feeding of B.ruziziensis to concentrate at a ratio of 60:40 in a total mixed ration is hereby recommended for livestock farmers for better utilization in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria.

Effects of graded levels of Field pea (Pisum sativum L.) forages fertilized with rabbit urine on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of weaner rabbits

M.A. Haruna — 2026-06-02

The use of livestock by-products as organic inputs offers a sustainable pathway to improve crop and animal production systems. This study evaluated the effects of graded levels of field pea (Pisum sativum L.) forage, produced under rabbit urine fertilization, on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of weaner rabbits. Thirty-six (36) weaner rabbits (450 to 500 g) were allotted to four dietary treatments containing 0%, 10%, 10%, and 15% (V1, V2, and V1:V2) total mixed ration (TMR) inclusion of two field pea forage meal varieties and their combination. Diets were offered for 56 days in a completely randomized design (CRD). Nutrient digestibility was assessed using a metabolic trial. Results showed that increasing field pea inclusion slightly reduced crude protein (CP) digestibility at intermediate levels but significantly improved fibre (ADF and NDF) digestibility at higher inclusion levels. Feed intake increased with increasing forage inclusion, while growth performance declined marginally at intermediate inclusion but improved at the highest level. No mortality was recorded. The study demonstrates that rabbit urine–fertilized field pea forage can be safely incorporated into weaner rabbit diets at up to 15% (V1:V2), enhancing fibre utilization and offering a sustainable feed Biofertilizer integration strategy.