Determination of Some Selected Thermal Properties of Pumpkin Seeds (Cucurbita pepo)

In this study, some selected thermal properties (specific heat, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity) in the moisture content range of 5.0-5.6% or green and 4.80 – 5.20% for white varieties of pumpkin seeds were determined. The specific heat was measured using mixture method while the thermal conductivity was measured by transient technique using the heat line source. The green pumpkin seed has average moisture content of 5.2% higher than moisture content of white pumpkin seed of average 4.8%. The average specific heat values of green pumpkin seed are 6.171kJ/kgK and white pumpkin seed 4.327kJ/kgK. The thermal conductivity values for white pumpkin seed ranged from 0.074 to 0.288 W/m°C while that for green pumpkin seed ranged from 0.079 to 0.433 W/m°C. The thermal diffusivity values for green pumpkin ranged from 0.0011 to 0.06 m2/s while that for white pumpkin seed ranged from 0.01 to 0.06 m2/s. It was concluded that the higher the moisture content (5.2%) the higher the value of specific heat of seed (6.171kJ/kgK). It can also be concluded that the thermal conductivity (0.079 to 0.433 W/m°C) value is higher with high moisture content (5.2%)

Environmental factors affecting litter size and gestation length of three breeds of rabbits

Data consisting of 303 records on three different breeds of rabbits ((New Zealand White (NZW), Californian White (CW) and Chinchilla (CH)) were subjected to least squares analysis to ascertain the effects of breed, parity, season and year of breeding on gestation length (GL), litter size at parturition (LSP), alive (LSA) and at weaning (LSW). Least squares means ± SE for GL, LSP, LSA, LSW were 32.4 ± 0.32, 4.7 ± 0.19, 3.7 ± 0.16 respectively. GL was significantly (P<0.01) affected by breed, parity, season and year of breeding, while LSP and LSW were significantly (P<0.01) affected by breed, parity, season and year of breeding. LSA was however, affected by parity and season of breeding only (P<0.001)

Phenotypic and genotypic variability between two Nigerian indigenous goat population

In order to estimate the future breeding potential of a livestock breed, it is necessary to estimate the level of genetic diversity within the breed. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the phenotypic and genotypic variability within the West African dwarf (WAD) goats and a non-descript goat population. The WAD goats were obtained from Bodija market Ibadan, Oyo state, while the non-descript goats were obtained from the Animal Science Departmental Farm in Zaria, Kaduna State. Random collection of tissue samples was carried out on each goat population using an all flex ear punch tissue sample collector and aliquoted into plastic tubes containing the all flex preservative. DNA extraction, amplification and sequencing were carried out at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya. DNA was extracted from the tissue cells using the Pure Link™ Genomic DNA-minikit according to the manufacturer's specifications and protocol and 25 microsatellite markers as recommended by FAO/ISAG were used for genotyping. Twenty three of the 25 microsatellite markers used in this analysis had four or more alleles. The mean Shannon index (I), observed (Ho) and expected heterozygosity (He) and inbreeding coefficient (Fis) for the WAD goats were 1.568, 0.584, 0.679 and 0.167, is respectively. For the non-descript goats, the mean Shannon index, observed and expected heterozygosity and inbreeding coefficient (Fis) were 1.607, 0.678, 0.721 and 0.041, is respectively. The microsatellite markers used in this study showed their suitability for analysis of genetic variability in this population as demonstrated by the high mean Shannon index. This study has shown that these two goat populations are significantly different phenotypically and genetically. Also, both populations showed significant deviations (P&lt;0.01) from Hardy-Weinberg expectations

Single nucleotide polymorphism in the insulin-like growth factor-1 gene and its effects on growth traits in Yankasa sheep

A study was conducted to determine single nucleotide polymorphism of the IGF-1 gene and its effect on some growth traits in Yankasa breed of Sheep. Random samples of 100 sheep (50 males and 50 females) were selected for the molecular study and the phenotypic evaluation. Animals were measured for growth traits namely: birth weight, average daily gain, weaning weight, weights at 6, 8 and 12 months, chest girth and height at withers. Blood samples were collected from the animal’s neck region through the jugular veins into 0.5ml EDTA vacutainer tubes and transferred to the laboratory for DNA extraction. Total DNA extraction was made with ZR-96 Genomic DNA miniprep. Frequency of alleles were calculated according to Hardy-Weinberg’s equation and also subjected to Chi-Square analysis to test for Mendelian inheritance ratio for band. Genotypes, growth traits, sex and interaction were determined through statistical analysis. Both genotypic and allelic calculated χ2 values (9.07 and 16.94) for Mendelian inherited ratio were greater than the tabulated values of 5.99 and 3.84 at 5% level of significance. All growth traits (birth weight, weaning weight, average daily gain, weight at 6 months, weight at 12 months, height at withers and chest girth) with the exception of body weight (Kg) at 8 months showed significant (P&lt;0.05) variations. With the exception of average daily gain (g/day), which was non-significant (P&gt;0.05) across the sexes, all other growth characteristics differed significantly (P&lt;0.05) across sexes with the highest traits in the male compared to the females. Observed trend showed significant (P&lt;0.05) interactions among the measured traits with the exception of average daily gain. Male Sheep with AA and AB genotype were similar in performance across all traits (birth weight, average daily gain, weaning weight, weight at 6 months, weight at 8 months, weight at 12 months and height at withers) with the exception of chest girth (cm). It can be concluded that Yankasa sheep with AA genotype had significant higher propensity for growth than those with genotype AB and BB.Yankasa sheep with AA genotype could be used for genetic improvement programs targeted to growth traits in Nigeria. It is recommended that polymorphism of the IGF-I gene may be a potential molecular marker for growth traits in Yankasa sheep.Keywords: Yankasa sheep, Single nucleotide polymorphism, Insulin-like growth factor, Growth traits