Effects of mixed Gmelina arborea and Moringa oleifera leaf meal in Digitaria smutsii Hay based diets on the performance of pregnant Red Sokoto Does and their Kids

Gmelina arborea and Moringa oleifera leaf meals combined in ratio 75:25 and included at 0, 10, 20 and 30% in Digitaria smutsii hay based complete diets were fed to pregnant Red Sokoto does to investigate effect of the graded levels of the mixed forage on the dry matter intake, live weight, pregnancy of the does and birth weight of their kids. Twenty-four pregnant Red Sokoto does aged between 13 and 14 months with an average weight of 22.50 ±0.12 kg were randomly assigned to four treatments with six does (in their last trimester of pregnancy) per treatment in a completely randomized design. The diets were offered at 4% of body weight. Results indicated that mixed Gmelina arborea and Moringa oleifera leaf meal (GMMO) increased dry matter intake of the does and birth weight of their kids. Dry matter intake was significantly (P<0.05) higher in does fed 20% leaf meal. Birth weight was significantly higher (P<0.05) in does fed 20% and 30% GMMO leaf meal (1.58 kg and 1.68 kg) respectively. GMMO leaf meal did not affect the dams’ weight after kidding. It can be concluded that mixed Gmelina and Moringa leaf meal can be included in the diets of pregnant Red Sokoto does for improved dry matter intake and birth weight of their kids. GMMO leaf meal inclusion did not have adverse effect on the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of pregnant does

An investigation of threat types to the conservation of Pan troglodytes ellioti at Kwano forest of Gashaka-Gumti national park, Nigeria

The Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee has been classified on the red list of threatened species (endangered) of IUCN and It has been established that it is only when animal or plant species are subject to certain threat factors that the species can be considered as threaten. It is in view of the aforementioned that this research was carried out to determine those threat factors that mitigates against the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee habitat. Transects, trails and random forest walks were the methods used for the data collection while tables, charts and mean values as well as photo plats were used to analyse the data collected. The different types of threats observed were Poaching which (11 segments; 52.4 5 %) of the habitat, illegal bush burning (16 segments; 76.6 %) of the habitat, river poisoning (1 segment; 4.8 %) of the habitat, tree felling (4 segments; 19.1 %) of the habitat and Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) extraction (7 segments; 33.3 %) of the habitat. Poaching activities were highest in Ngiti forest (49.4 %), followed by Yakuba forest (25.3 %) while Tounga (16.5 %) and Bakashi (8.9 %) experienced the least poaching activities. Despite the status of Kwano forest as a protected area; the sitting of a research project in the area and constant presence of researchers, some threat factors to the conservation of this forest prevails. Concerted effort from both the National Parks Service and Non-governmental organisations is highly needed to reduce or absolutely eliminate illegal activities from this area.Keywords: Chimpanzee, Habitat, Conservation, Threats and Kwan

Catalytic Transformations of Alkynes via Ruthenium Vinylidene and Allenylidene Intermediates

NOTICE: This is the peer reviewed version of the following book chapter: Varela J. A., González-Rodríguez C., Saá C. (2014). Catalytic Transformations of Alkynes via Ruthenium Vinylidene and Allenylidene Intermediates. In: Dixneuf P., Bruneau C. (eds) Ruthenium in Catalysis. Topics in Organometallic Chemistry, vol 48, pp. 237-287. Springer, Cham. [doi: 10.1007/3418_2014_81]. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Springer Verlag Terms and Conditions for self-archiving.Vinylidenes are high-energy tautomers of terminal alkynes and they can be stabilized by coordination with transition metals. The resulting metal-vinylidene species have interesting chemical properties that make their reactivity different to that of the free and metal π-coordinated alkynes: the carbon α to the metal is electrophilic whereas the β carbon is nucleophilic. Ruthenium is one of the most commonly used transition metals to stabilize vinylidenes and the resulting species can undergo a range of useful transformations. The most remarkable transformations are the regioselective anti-Markovnikov addition of different nucleophiles to catalytic ruthenium vinylidenes and the participation of the π system of catalytic ruthenium vinylidenes in pericyclic reactions. Ruthenium vinylidenes have also been employed as precatalysts in ring closing metathesis (RCM) or ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Allenylidenes could be considered as divalent radicals derived from allenes. In a similar way to vinylidenes, allenylidenes can be stabilized by coordination with transition metals and again ruthenium is one of the most widely used metals. Metalallenylidene complexes can be easily obtained from terminal propargylic alcohols by dehydration of the initially formed metal-hydroxyvinylidenes, in which the reactivity of these metal complexes is based on the electrophilic nature of Cα and Cγ, while Cβ is nucleophilic. Catalytic processes based on nucleophilic additions and pericyclic reactions involving the π system of ruthenium allenylidenes afford interesting new structures with high selectivity and atom economy

Probiotic Supplemented diet improved the gut morphology of broiler chickens

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of baker’s yeast (saccharomyces cerevisiae) inclusion as probiotic on gut morphology of broiler chickens in the northern guinea savannah. Two hundred and fifty-five day old broiler chicks were used for the study. The chickens were fed diets containing graded levels of saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC). There were five treatment groups for both starter and finisher phases. Each treatment group had three replicates with 17 birds per replicate and fifty-one birds per group in a completely randomized design (CRD). Treatments 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 contained 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% SC respectively.Data obtained from the experiment were subjected to the analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the general linear model procedure of (SAS, 2001). Significant differences among treatment means were compared using Dunnetts. The results obtained showed significant difference (P<0.05) in villi density, villi Area, villi perimeter, villi height and villi width. No significant (P>0.05) difference between treatment groups fed 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% level of SC inclusion in terms of villi area. Villi perimeter was significantly higher (2347.2μm) in broiler chickens fed 2.0% SC. Broiler chickens fed 1.0 and 1.5% SC did not differ (P>0.05) significantly in terms of villi height; though chickens fed 1.0% SC had the highest (870.3μm) mean value while the least value (525.5μm) was obtained in the broiler chickens fed control diet. Villi width was higher (358.14μm) in chickens fed 2.0% SC compared to other treatment groups. It is concluded from the study that inclusion of SC in the diet of broilers improved the gut morphology which is an indication of healthy gut which is important for optimum performances of the birds

Serum malondialdehyde concentration of weaned rabbits raised in two different management systems

Management system in rabbit production has been reported to affect their welfare and performance. In view of this, a study was conducted to evaluate the effects of two different management systems (cage-housed and pen-housed) on serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration of weaned rabbits in Northern Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria. Twenty four healthy weaned crossbred rabbits in equal sexes, aged between 5-6 weeks with live weight of 612±14.72 g (mean ±SD) were used for the study. The rabbits were randomly divided into two groups (cage-housed and pen-housed) consisting of 12 rabbits per group. They were fed commercial diet (concentrate) supplemented with Tridax procumbens and given access to clean fresh water ad libitum. The experiment lasted for eight weeks. Results from the study showed a significant (P< 0.05) difference in the serum MDA concentration between the two groups. Pen-housed rabbits had lower MDA concentration (1.83 mmol/L) as against 2.78 mmol/L for the cage-housed rabbits. The higher MDA concentration levels for the caged house rabbits indicate that they had greater free radicals-mediated cell damage and oxidative stress, which imply that they had the worst welfare conditions

Probiotic Supplemented-diet Mitigated the Effects of Hot-Dry Season on Growth Performance and Welfare of Rabbits in Zaria, Kaduna State

Probiotics such as yeasts and their extracts have been described as excellent sources of natural antioxidants, and could help promote growth and alleviate oxidative stress in rabbits during thermal stress situations. A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) supplemented-diets on the growth performance and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration of rabbits reared during the hot-dry season (temperature-humidity index: 34.11±1.10oC) in Zaria, Kaduna State. Sixty healthy weaned crossbred rabbits, aged between 5-6 weeks with live weight of 605.97±14.72 g (mean ± standard deviation) were used. The rabbits were divided into five treatment groups; SC0 receiving a control diet without supplementation of SC, and SC2, SC4, SC6 and SC8 receiving the control diet supplemented with SC at the rate of 2, 4, 6 and 8 x 109 colony forming units/kg, respectively. Results showed that there was significant (P<0.05) difference in the growth performance (feed intake and body weight gain) across the treatment groups. Rabbits in SC6 had the best growth performance indices. They consumed significantly (P<0.05) more feed (84.69 g/day) and had the highest final body weight gain (1515.25 g). Additionally, SC supplementation improved the welfare of the rabbits, as there was significant (P<0.05) reduction in serum MDA concentration of rabbits fed SC supplemented-diets. Although further studies are required on other biomarkers of oxidative stress, baker’s yeast containing SC containing SC improved growth performance and ameliorated the adverse effects associated with heat stress conditions.Keywords: Rabbits; Probiotic; Growth performance; Welfare; Hot-dry Seaso

Aquifer Potentials of the Campano – Maastrichtian Gombe Sandstone, Gongola Basin, Upper Benue Trough, North Eastern Nigeria

The Campano – Maastrichtian Gombe Sandstone occurs as a relatively linear strip of an outcrop, striking northeast–southwest adjacent to the Kerri Kerri plateau in the Gongola Basin. This formation is of deltaic origin and has attained a thickness of over 340 meters. Its arenaceous content is about 80%, therefore, it may constitute a very important aquifer for the underground water system in Gombe town and adjacent areas. The aquifer properties of the Gombe Sandstone were evaluated based on petrographic studies, permeameter analysis and bivariate plot relationship of standard deviation versus mean. The average values of porosities obtained from these analyses for this formation standout at 15%, 23% and 33% respectively. While permeability varied from 100–200mD in permeameter analysis and 10 – 1400mD in bivariate plot of standard deviation versus mean. Notwithstanding the relatively good porosity and permeability values for this formation, the yields observed from boreholes are relatively low in Gombe town, usually ranging from 1.4 – 2.8 litres per second. However, in the west and northwest, especially around Kwadon village, the yield appreciably improves to 4.8 – 5.6 litres per second. The larger part of the Gombe Sandstone in the Gombe area is generally uplifted, while at Kwadon village in the western part of the basin, its greater thickness occurs in the subsurface. Considering the fact that the Gombe Sandstone was formed in a deltaic environment, the upper part defined by delta front sand which have been observed from outcrop studies to consist of good porosity and permeability are usually uplifted in the Gombe area. This makes the moderate – poorly sorted delta slope sand of the lower part of the Gombe Sandstone as the dominantly possible aquifer for underground water, hence, the poor yield. However, in the Kwadon area, the greater thickness of the well sorted delta front sands are well preserved in the subsurface, and this led to the generation of a high yield which is further supported by the drainage pattern of the basin, which directs flow towards the Kwadon area in the west

Exploratory principal components analysis of growth traits in Red Sokoto goats

Growth traits of Red Sokoto goats were evaluated using 387records generated from goats raised under semi-intensive system of management at National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Shika, Zaria, Nigeria. Sex, type of birth, birth weight (BWT), weaning weight (WWT),12-month weight (WT12), adjusted weaning weight, season of birth and weaning were subjected to multivariate factor analysis with varimax rotation using IBM® SPSS® Version 21. Season of birth and weaning were classed into Season 1 (January-June) and season 2 (July-December). The factor scores and growth traits were subjected to stepwise regression procedure of SAS. The variables WWT, CWT, WT12 and sex combined to form the first principal component (PC1). Birth weight and season of birth formed the second component (PC2). Weaning season was the only outstanding variable in the third component. Predicted BWT of kids is expected to increase with increasing PC1 and PC2, but decrease with increasing PC3. Similar prediction pattern is obtained for CWT. However, predicted WT12 is expected to increase with increasing PC1, PC2 and PC3. Variability of growth traits of Red Sokoto goats at birth and thereafter up to 12 month of age are closely linked with season at which goats were given birth and weaned, respectively. The similarity of intercepts of regression equations and those of average values for growth traits in this study indicated the possibility of improvement of goat stocks through the principal components. Goat farmers and breeders are advised to increase efforts in improving the environmental conditions of their stocks because birth season is highly correlated with PC2 (birth characteristics). Also, weaning season (PC3) should be controlled to favour improved weaning weight of Red Sokoto goats.Keywords: Exploratory PCA, Red Sokoto goats, growth traits, prediction equation

Cattle milk processing and marketing characteristics among agro-pastoralists in North West Nigeria

The study was aimed at analysing the fundamental characteristics of milk collection, processing and marketing among agro-pastoralists in North West Nigeria. A three stage (multi-stage) sampling technique was used for the study. The first stage is the purposive selection of four States (Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano and Katsina States purposively selected based on the high concentration of agro-pastoralists). In the second stage, two Local Government Areas (LGA) from each of the State were purposively selected. The third stage involved the use of snowball sampling method for the selection of communities where agropastoralist were interviewed using structured questionnaire. Two communities were selected per LGA. Data were collected from 157 respondents from the target population out of sampled agro-pastoral households. The survery instrument was pretested and subjected to face validity. The data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages. The average length of time for milk storage before processing was 1 hour and 41 minutes. Pasteurization was the method of choice used to prevent milk spoilage by 63.8% of respondents in all the States considered in this study. Almost all (91.2%) of the respondents market their milks. Spoilage of milk during the period before processing was reported as the highest constraint to milk production, processing and marketing in all the four States. Inadequate equipment and milk loss during processing were also reported as constraints by 18.9 and 14.7%, respectively. Low quality of milk, especially during dry season, also constitute a constraint to about 4% of the respondents. The agro-pastoralists in North West Nigeria are engaged in peasantry profitable ventures of milk processing and marketing. Most of them are not members of groups and cooperatives. Their volume of trade in milk processing and marketing can be greatly enhanced if they are organized into productive groups along the value chain. Past efforts at organizing milk processors and marketers into groups and cooperatives need to be revisited by relevant agencies of government and non-government organizations. Keywords: Agro-pastoralists, milk processing; milk marketin

Gut microbial population as affected by probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) inclusion in broiler chicken diet

The gut of the chicken is a fundamental organ which plays an important role in digestion and host defence. In this study, the gut microbial population as affected by probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) inclusion in broiler chicken diet was investigated. A total of 255 broiler chicks (White Ross breed) were used for this study. The chicks were allocated to five treatment groups in a completely randomized design with each treatment having three replicates of 17 birds each. The experimental diets (T1 , T2 , T3 , T4 and T5 ) were formulated with varying levels of inclusion of probiotic (SC) T1 served as the control while T2 , T3 , T4 and T5 had  0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% level of inclusion of probiotic (SC), respectively. The parameters taken were the gut content from the jejunum, ileum and caecum which were collected by dissecting the segments. The gut content was then placed in a plane sterile tube and taken to the laboratory for microbial count of Lactose fermenting bacteria (LFB) and non-lactose fermenting bacteria (NLFB). The results from the study showed that there was significant (P<0.05) difference in the population of Lactose fermenting bacteria (LFB) and non-lactose fermenting bacteria (NLFB) in the jejunum, caecum and ileum of the dietary treatment groups. Treatment group fed 0.5% SC had the highest population (9.30x108cells/ml) of LFB in the jejunum while treatment group fed 1.0% SC had the highest population of 1.73x109 and 1.08x109cells/mlof LFB in the ceacum and ileum respectively. The population of NLFB was higher in the control group compared to other treatment groups. This study concludes that dietary inclusion of SC in broiler chickens can influence the gut status thereby benefiting the animal through production of digestive enzymes, synthesis of vitamin B and immune stimulation.It is suggested that broiler chicken farmers should be encouraged to include Probiotic (SC) in the diet of broiler chickens for improved gut health