Effects of Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) Leaf Meal on Performance, Carcass, Organs, Eggs and Meat of Japanese Quails

There are several reports on the utilisation of Moringa oleifera in poultry diets due to its essential bioactive compounds yet,little is known about its influence on Japanese quail eggs and meat qualities. Hence, the need to examine performance, eggs and meat qualities of Japanese quail hens fed M.oleifera leaf. To achieve this, 240 Japanese quail chicks were allocated to three dietary treatments: D1: control, 0.0% (without M. oleifera leaf meal),D2: (0.5% M. oleifera leaf meal) and D3: (1% M.oleifera leaf meal). Data on performance, carcass, organs, eggs and meat qualities were collected and subjected to ANOVA at 0.05. Results revealed that feed consumption was lowest (2,701g) in D1 and highest (2,800g) in D2, carcass weight varied from 100 - 100.67g, thigh weight (12.66 - 13.58g) and breast weight was highest (40.41g) in D3. Liver weight was lowest (3.25g) in D1, kidney was largest (0.91g) in D3 whereas, the heart, gizzard and spleen weights ranged from 1.00 - 1.16g, 3.08 - 3.50g and 0.04 - 0.08g, respectively. In the eggs, crude protein (10.94%), crude fat (6.71%), ash (1.36%), high-density lipoprotein (96.12mg/100g) and low-density lipoprotein (120.67mg/100g) were highest in D1. Total cholesterol (364.08mg/100g) and triglycerides (147.27mg/100g) were least in D1 and the caloric value varied from 1.46 -1.47kcal/g. In the meat, crude protein (17.14%) and energy value (1.96kcal/g) were best in D2 but, crude fat (12.62%), ash (2.85%) and carbohydrates(1.31%) were superior in D3. In both eggs and meat, no crude fibre (0.0%) was detected. In any case, all the parameter values were within the normal ranges given in healthy Japanese quails at similar age. Consequently,addition of M. oleifera leaf meal at 1.0% to Japanese quail diets might not depress performance, affect carcass quality, cause organs dysfunctions but may improve nutritional quality of the eggs and meat

Survey of domestication process of grass cutter (Thryonomys swinderianus T.) in some selected states in southwestern Nigeria

Grass cutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) is cherished by many people but, its conservation status is at risk hence, the quest for domestication. An investigation into the domestication process of this rodent in four farms in Oyo and Osun States was carried out. Sixty structured questionnaires were administered to fifteen members of staff in each farm, but only fifty-five (91.7%) were retrieved. Data on respondents’ personal characteristics, factors influencing farm location, methods of land acquisition, factors militating against grass cutters domestication and nature of feed fed were collected. Results indicated that 30.9% of them were within the 31 – 40 years age bracket. Grass cutters habitat (0.0%) and proximity to market (3.6%) did not seem to influence farm location. Unlike insufficient funds, inadequate incentives and part-time involvement that absolutely (100.0%) militated against grass cutters domestication in the region. Interestingly, it was discovered that forages, grains, fruits, tubers and nuts were offered to the grass cutters. Reflecting that grass cutters domestication in southwestern Nigeria is possible if only, social infrastructures such as constant electricity supply, pipe borne water and good network of roads, incentives like pups, feed and funds are provided by concerned authorities. These may arouse the interest of prospective farmers to operate beyond subsistence level rather than part-time involvement as hobby.Keywords: Domestication, Feed, Grass cutters farming, Southwestern Nigeria