Growth performance, carcass traits and cost benefits of feeding weaner rabbits with leafy multinutrient miniblock

Study on the formulation and production of leafy multi-nutrient blocks ((control, MNB1, MNB 2 and MNB 3) for feeding rabbits using Pawpaw and Tridax leaves at ratios 0:0, 1:1, 3:2, 7:3 was conducted. Ninety-six, 7-week-old weaner rabbits with average body weight of 406.67+ 0.01 g were divided into four treatments. Treatments were replicated twelve times. Experimental treatments were arranged in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) and the feeding trial lasted 10 weeks. Result revealed that final live weight, weight gains, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were significantly influenced by the dietary treatments.The lowest feed conversion ratio (4.79) was observed in the group fed MNB 3. Significantly (P<0.05) highest carcass dress weight percentage was observed among the rabbits fed MNB 3. Diets significantly influenced legs, loin, thigh and gastrointestinal weights with MNB3 rabbits having the highest values except the GIT. The cost benefits revealed that N661.02 were incurred on MNB3 and N1344 on control. Furthermore N149.21 and N309.55 were the costs saved on MNB1 and MNB2 respectively as against control (N682.98) which is higher than MNB1 and MNB2 mini block. Feeding MNB formulation favoured rabbits fed MNB 3. It was evident in this study that inclusion of pawpaw and tridax leaves at ratio 7:3 in MNB diets encouraged better performance and carcass yield in rabbits

CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER CHICKENS FED DIETS OF DIFFERENTLY PROCESSED CASSAVA-SOYA BLENDS

This study was conducted to evaluate the carcass characteristics of broiler chickens fed diets of differently processed cassava-soya blends (CSB). Two differently dried blends of cassava pulp and soya beans (dry and wet heated), mixed at four (4) different ratios were subjected to two types of dehydration methods to obtain 12 types of blends. These blends were subsequently included in the diets of broiler chickens at 15% in a 2×2×3 factorial arrangement to obtain 12 dietary treatments. 360 one-day-old Cobb-500 broiler chicks used for this study were assigned to the 12 dietary treatment groups which were replicated three times with ten birds each. Eight weeks of feeding trials (starter and finisher phases) were observed. The blends were chemically analysed to determine their proximate, hydrocyanide (HCN) and trypsin inhibition unit (TIU) compositions. Carcass characteristics of the birds were evaluated at the end of the experiment. Results of the carcass characteristics shows that liver mass (2.03%) was higher (p<0.05) in birds fed diets containing wet heated soya bean, compared to those fed diets containing dry heated soyabean. Dehydration by frying of CSB resulted in a higher (p<0.05) dressing percentage (65.9%) and drumstick weight (10.0%). Birds fed diets containing CSB mixed in ratio 50:50 had higher liveweight (2170 g). It can be concluded that replacing 15% of maize in diets of broiler chickens with CSB of 50:50 mixing ratio resulted in higher live weight when compared to other mixing ratios.   &nbsp

Growth Performance, Haematological Indices and Cost Benefits of Growing Pigs Fed Cassava Peel Meal Diets Supplemented With Allzyme® SSF

Effect of replacing dietary maize with cassava peel meal (CPM) supplemented with Allzyme® SSF (SSF) on the growth performance, haematological indices and cost benefits of growing pigs was investigated. Chemical composition of CPM and diets used were determined using standard procedures. Twenty-four growing pigs with average weight of 14.0+0.25kg were allotted to 6 dietary treatments whereby CPM replaced maize at 0, 50 and 100% levels with SSF supplementation at 0g/100kg and 20g/100kg of diet. Each treatment was replicated 4 times while the experiment lasted 8 weeks. Data were collected on daily feed intake (DFI), daily weight gain (DWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR); feed cost/weight gain and feed cost/day were calculated. Blood samples collected through jugular vein puncture were analyzed for haematological indices such as white blood cells (WBC), red blood cell and platelet count. The CPM diets with or without SSF gave comparable (P>0.05) pigs’ growth performance to what was obtained for pigs on the maize based diets in terms of DFI (1.26 – 1.33kg), DWG (0.32 – 0.40kg) and FCR (3.13 – 4.03). Values for WBC were within normal range, though they had significant (p<0.05) variations. Other haematological parameters were not influenced (p>0.05) by CPM inclusion. Feed cost/kg diet (N54.11 – N74.39) and feed cost/weight gain (N195.33 – N244.65) reduced insignificantly (P>0.05) with CPM inclusion in the diets of pigs. It was concluded that cassava peel meal can totally replace maize with or without enzyme supplementation in the diets of growing pigs for optimal performance at reduced cost

Effects of antibiotic, probiotic and prebiotic supplementation in broiler diets on performance characteristics and apparent nutrient digestibility

A total of 180-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were used to determine the effects of antibiotic, probiotic and prebiotic supplementation in broiler diets on performance characteristics and apparent nutrient digestibility in an 8-week feeding trial. The birds were randomly allotted to 5 dietary treatments including control diet (basal diet without additives), OXYT diet (basal diet with 600 ppm of the antibiotic oxytetracycline), GRO-UP diet (basal diet with 500 ppm probiotic), and MOS-500 or MOS-1000 diets (basal diet with 500 or 1000 ppm mannan oligosaccharide prebiotic, respectively) with 3 replicates of 12 birds each. No significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in the performance of broiler chickens except for reduction in mortality in the birds fed with feed additives. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in the apparent nutrient digestibility at the end of weeks 4 and 8. Inclusion of dietary prebiotic and probiotic had no significant effect on broiler performance but reduced mortality rate and enhanced apparent nutrient digestibility.Keywords: antibiotic, probiotic, prebiotic, broilers, performance, nutrient digestibilit

Effect of dietary copper and probiotic supplementation on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary copper and probiotic supplementation on growth performance and carcass  characteristics of broiler Chickens. A total of 180-day old marshal broiler chicks of mixed sex were randomly allotted to six treatment groups of 30 birds each. The Treatments were divided into three replicates of ten birds each; starter and finisher diets were formulated and fed for a period of  fifty-six days. The dietary treatments were subjected to completely randomized design experimental layout which was made up of probiotic (0 and 500ppm) and copper (0, 125 and 250mg).The chicks were fed the broiler starter diet for the first 28 days and broiler finisher for the last 28 days. Treatment effect on broiler body weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were determined on a weekly basis. Data obtained were analyzed  using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and, Duncan's Multiple Range Test was used to separate significant means. Dietary supplementation of copper and probiotic had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on final weight (FW), daily weight gain (DWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) at the starter phase of the experiment. However, at finisher phase, inclusion of probiotic resulted in higher significant (P < 0.05) values for FW  (2214.12g/b) DWG (60.22g/b/d), FI (159.02g/b/d), and FCR (2.64). The carcass yields of the broilers were significantly (P< 0.05) influenced by copper and probiotic supplementations. However, lower value (1.07%) was obtained for abdominal fat in broilers fed 250mg Cu/kg supplemented diet. The study concluded that supplementation of copper and probiotics resulted in improved growth performance and carcass yield of broiler chickens. Keywords: Dietary Copper; probiotic supplementation; broiler chicks

Performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens fed maize-cassava diets supplemented with methionine and inorganic sulphur

The major challenges of cassava supplementation in poultry diets are high cyanide and low protein content. This study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional value of maize-cassava diets supplemented with methionine and inorganic sulphur for broiler chickens. A total of 270 one day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to nine treatment groups of 30 birds with 10 birds per replicate. Starter and finisher diets were formulated  and fed for a period of 56 days. Dietary treatments were subjected to completely randomized design. The birds were fed diets supplemented with 0, 125, 250 mg/kg DL-methionine and 0, 125, 250 mg/kg inorganic sulphur from CuSO .There was a linear increase in final weight (FW) and total weight  gain 4 (TWG) w th supplementation of 125mg/kg DL-methionine across dietary sulphur levels at the starter phase. Birds fed diets  supplemented with 125 mg/kg DL-methionine and 250 mg/kg inorganic sulphur showed higher (p<0.05values of 463.23g, 424.66g and 2.66 for FW, TWG and feed conversion ratio respectively. The finisher phase followed a similar trend. Carcass yield showed significant (p<0.05) improvement in dress weight, cut part and organ weight in birds fed diets supplemented with 125 mg/kg DL-methionine and 250 mg/kg inorganic sulphur. The findings revealed that birds with diets supplemented with125 mg/kg DL-methionine and 250 mg/kg inorganic sulphur showed improved growth performance and carcass yield. In conclusion from this study supplementation of DL-methionine and inorganic sulphur in diets for broiler chickens resulted in improved growth performance and carcass yield. Keywords: Maize-cassava, DL-Methionine, inorganic sulphur, broiler chicke

Haematology and serum chemistry of finisher broiler chickens fed maize-cassava diet supplemented with methionine and inorganic sulphur

This study was conducted to assess the haematology and serum chemistry of broiler chickens fed maize-cassava diets supplemented with methionine and inorganic sulphur. A total of 270 day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to nine treatment groups of 30 birds making 10 birds per replicate group. Starter and finisher diets were formulated and fed for a period of 56 days. Dietary treatments were subjected to Completely Randomized Design in a 3 × 3 factorial experimental layout. Birds were fed diets supplemented with 0, 125, 250 mg/kg DL-methionine and 0, 125, 250 mg/kg inorganic sulphur from CuSO4. Results of haematological parameters showed no significant (p>0.05) difference among the treatment groups except the packed cell volume. The higher value of 31.33% was obtained for PCV in the birds fed diet supplemented with 0mg/kg DL-methionine + 125mg/kg CuSO4. Values recorded for biochemical indices varied significantly (p<0.05) among dietary treatments for total protein, globulin and cholesterol. High significant (p<0.05) values of 50.80 g/l and 29.85 g/l were obtained for total protein and globulin in the birds fed diet supplemented with 125 mg/kg DL-methionine + 250 mg/kg CuSO4. Lower (p<0.05) value of 155.81mg/dl was recorded for cholesterol in birds fed diet supplemented with 250 mg/kg DL-methionine + 250 mg/kg inorganic sulphur. Based on the results obtained for haematological and serum chemistry parameters, it was concluded that supplementation of DL-methionine and inorganic sulphur in broiler diet at 125 mg/kg DL-methionine + 250 mg/kg inorganic sulphur level of supplementation improved dietary protein and had no inimical effect.Key words: Maize-cassava; DL-methionine; inorganic sulphur; haematology; serumchemistry

Chemical, sensory qualities and microbial load of standardized Digitaria exilis (Acha) based dishes commonly consumed in Niger State, Nigeria

Background: The role of indigenous or traditional food crops in the improvement of food security in Nigeria cannot be over emphasized. The availability of these local foods in their socially acceptable forms, and at affordable prices seems to be the key to overcoming the major constrains towards consumer utilization of locally available foods.Objective: The study investigated the chemical content, sensory and microbial qualities of standardized acha based dishes commonly consumed in Niger state, Nigeria.Materials and Methods: Five acha based dishes (acha jollof, tuwo acha, acha porridge, acha kunun and steamed acha) commonly consumed in Niger state were selected fromfive zones and the recipes standardized in accordance with the standardization procedures. The dishes were assessed for consumer acceptability. Proximate, mineral, and nutrient inhibitor composition were analysed using standard methods. The dishes were also evaluated for microbiological quality using Aerobic Plate Count (APC).Results: The values of proximate, mineral, nutrient-inhibitor composition and sensory evaluation of the dishes were significantly different at p<0.05. The mean crude protein values of the dishes ranged from 0.75 to 6.03% while the carbohydrate contents varied from 13.4 to 24.50%.The mineral contents ranged from 3.40 to 33.00mg, 2.20 to 10.16mg 10.04 to 35.00mg, 15.90 to 70.43mg, 0.00 to 24.25mg and 4.50 to 37.20mg for phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, iron and calcium, respectively. The values of the nutrient-inhibitor of the dishes ranged from 89.05 to 147.50mg, 0.00 to 0.09 mg and 1.10 to 8.60mgfor phytate, tannin and oxalate, respectively. The values of the of the sensory attributes of the dishes ranged from 2.25 to 4.20, 3.00 to 4.33, 2.50 to 3.92, 2.75 to 4.08 and 3.00 to 4.50 for taste, flavour, colour, consistency and overall acceptability, respectively. The microbial load of the dishes within the 24 hours fell within the acceptable levels.Conclusion: The study showed that acha-based dishes had low nutrient inhibitors.Keywords: Acha dishes, standardized, nutrient, sensory qualities, microbial loa