Performance and Nutrient Retention of Broilers fed Treated Pumpkin Kernel Diets in Replacement for Groundnut Cake

A study was conducted to examine the Proximate Composition of raw Pumpkin Kernel and to assess its nutritional value with broilers. Analysis showed that the Kernel contained crude protein level (38.51%), crude fibre(13.34%), ether extract (42.69), total ash (5.14%), nitrogen free extract (0.32%), calcium (0.29%) and phosphorus (0.07%). One portion of Pumpkin Kernel was used raw and another autoclaved at 120C for 20 minutes. A third portion similarly autoclaved, coarsely ground andsoaked in water for 24 hours before washing and drying were used. The three pumpkin kernel groups were finely ground and used each at single level of 225g/kg diet while the control did not have Pumpkin meal. Each diet was fed to twenty four, 2-day old, broiler chicks in three replicates of 8chicks and feeding lasted 56 days. Weight gain of birds offered the control diet did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) from those fed other diets although the consumption of raw or autoclaved pumpkin kernel diets was significantly (P 0.05) mortality of chicks. In addition, nutrient retention study did not reveal any significant effect of diets on the parameter. Pumpkin kernel could be a good plant protein source for broiler production. The kernel could be used raw since heating and water washing did not improve feeding value of the kerne

Severe ectoparasitism and parasitic gastroenteritis in a two month old Sokoto red kid: A case report

A two month old red Sokoto kid that weighed 3kg from Usmanu Danfodiyo University Farm, Dabagi, was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, with the complaints of debility and recumbency. Physical examination revealed severe infestation with ticks of both sexes identified as Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma rufipes, Amblyomma variegatum and the louse Linognathus stenopsis. Examination of the blood suggested anaemia and revealed mild infection with Anaplasma ovis. After management for a day, the animal died. At post-mortem, Haemonchus spp. and Oesophagostomum spp. were found infesting the abomasum and caecum respectively. This paper discusses the implication of the condition to the animal production and how best to control it in established farms like the University farm

Studies on fatty acid composition and comparative response of broiler chicks to dietary neem (Azadirachta indica) see and palm oils

No Abstract.Nigerian Veterinary Journal Vol. 29 (2) 2008: pp. 1-

Substitution Value of Maize Offal for Maize in Diets of Laying Hens

Two hundred and sixteen Golden Hubbard strain of laying hens, aged 32 weeks, were used to investigate the optimal level of maize offal (MO) that could replace maize witb no detrimental effects on the performance of the hens. Graded levels of MO (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50%) replaced equal levels or maize in six dietary treatments (1 to 6 respectively). There were no significant (P> 0.05) differences between diets in egg production and weight gain of the hens. Eggs weight was highly influenced (P< 0.01) by the dietary treatments, with 30% MO producing the heaviest eggs. Increasing dietary levels of MO significantly (P < 0.01) increased feed consumption. Feed conversion efficiency differed (P < 0.05) only at 50% levels of dietary MO. or the egg quality parameters investigated, albumen, yolk and shell percentages were not affected (P> 0.05) by the MO, while the Haugh Units were (P<0.05).Keywords: Maize Offal, Laying Hens, Performance, Egg Qualit