Assessment of serum biochemistry in West African Dwarf (WAD) does administered varying levels of medroxyl–progesterone acetate (MPA), an estrus synchronizing drug

This study was carried out to assess the health status (serum biochemistry) of West African Dwarf (WAD) does administered varying levels of modroxyl-progestrone acetate (MPA), an oestrus synchronizing drug. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design. Result of the experiment showed that all the does were in good health status before, during and after the drug administration. Blood serum electrolytes analyses showed that all parameters assessed were within the normal range of a healthy goat. Sodium (Na+) mEq/L and potassium (K+) mEq/L were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected, by the drug administered. Urea (mg/dl) and creatinine (mg/dl) were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by the drugs administered. Serum enzymes activities in WAD does showed that alanine transaminase (ALT) (m/L) and aspartate transaminase (AST) (m/L) were not significantly affected (P > 0.05) by administering MPA drug but alkaline phophatase (ALP) (mg/dl) was significantly (P < 0.05) influenced before and during the drug administration. Similarly, serum protein (g/dl) and serum glucose (mg/dl) values were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced before and during the drug administration. However, the result of this study showed that all the does were in good health status after synchronizing oestrus with the drug.Key words: Serum biochemistry, West African Dwarf (WAD) does, oestrus synchronization drug

Genetic response of growing cockerels to sorghum offal substitute for sorghum meal in a research environment

One hundred and fifty (150) Day old Anak cockerel chicks were used in this study, to evaluate the effect of feeding Sorghum Offal (SO) in the bird's performance, nutrient utilization and carcass characteristics. They were distributed into five dietary treatments, with varied levels of weight for weight replacement (2, 3, 4, and 5 contained 15, 35, 55 and 75 % sorghum offal in place of sorghum meal) respectively. While treatment 1 with zero replacement serving as control. The response of the birds, in terms of feed intake weight gained, feed conversion efficiency, and  apparent nutrient digestibility and retention were determined. The organ weights and weight of cut parts were also recorded. The result showed that weight of organs such as spleen, heart, liver, kidney and proventriculus increased significantly across the row. The study indicated that the substitution of sorghum offal for sorghum meal at levels up to 35 % can be tolerated by cockerel chicks.KEYWORDS: Nutrient utilization, digestibility, Sorghum offal, carcass characteristics, performance, response