Effect of Types of Concentrate Supplement on Feed Intake and Performance of West African Dwarf Sheep Fed Panicum Maximum as Basal Diet

Twelve one year old West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep (10.00 ± 0.5kg) with initial body weight) were used in a 12 week experiment to determine the effect of concentrate supplement (Groundnut cake, Palm kernel cake and Soybean meal) offered with a basal diet of Panicum maximum on dry matter intake (DMI), growth performance, feed conversion ratio, water intake, protein intake and blood metabolites. The animals were allocated to four treatments consisting of Basal diet (Panicum maximum) alone, Basal + Soybean meal (GSM), Basal + Groundnut cake GGC) and Basal + Palm kernel cake (GPC). Daily intakes of grass, supplement and water intake as well as weekly liveweight changes were recorded in a 12 week feeding trial. Blood samples were collected on 0, 49th and 84th day of the experiment to measure changes in serum glucose, Albumin, Globulin and total protein. Results showed that total DMI significantly increased (P< 0.05) in GSM, GGC and GPC treatment groups compared to those on Basal diet only. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was better (P<0.05) in animals on GSM followed by those on GPC and GGC, respectively while the worst FCR was exhibited by sheep on grass only. Average daily weight gain (ADWG) was comparable (P>0.05) in animal on GPC and GSM supplement while a lower (P<0.05) ADWG was recorded in animals offered GGC supplement and grass only. The blood metabolites were higher in animals on GPC supplements compared to those on GGC, GSM and grass only at the end of the experiment. In conclusion, feeding of GPC or GSM supplement appears promising as a means of achieving high average daily weight gain in sheep. Key words: Panicum maximum, Concentrate supplement, WAD Sheep, Performance, blood parameter

Leukocyte profile of different breeds of the Nigerian cattle in haemoparasitic infection

An examination of the leukocyte profile of different breeds of cattle was carried out to determine the effects of haemoparasites, sex aand breed on the leukoctes. The effects of haemoparasite, sex and breed on the leukocytes were determined using parasitological methods. A total of 452 cattle comprising of 174 cows and 278 bulls were examined. The breeds included 78 ‘Red Bororo’, 14 ‘Sokoto Gudali’ and 360 ‘White Fulani’. The total white blood cell (WBC) count and differential counts of WBC were determined using Neubauer Chamber and Thin blood smear techniques. Data generated were analysed using Genstat statistical software, with sex, breed and haemparasite species detected as factors. Results showed that 22% of the cattle were infected with haemoparasites while 78% were parasite-free. The parasites were Trypanosoma congolence (4%), Anaplasma centrale (2%), Babesia bovis (14%), A. centrale + B. bovis (1%) and Babesia divergens (1%). Parasite species identified significantly did not influence (P < 0.001) the WBC and the differential counts (neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes and monocytes). Since there is fluctuation of the various fractions of the leukocytes in the course of haemoparasite infection, this may explain for the insignificant influence of the factor (haemoparasite) on the mean values of the leukocytes.Key words: Differential counts, Nigerian cattle breeds, Parasitology

Performance and Digestibility of West African Dwarf Sheep fed varying forage and concentrate ratios

This study was conducted to determine performance and nutrient digestibility of twenty four West African Dwarf Sheep aged between 10 and 12 months fed varying levels of forage and concentrate. Animals were allotted to three treatment groups in a completely randomized design at 75% concentrate and 25% grass, 50% grass and 50% concentrate and 25% concentrate and 75% grass designated as treatment 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Daily nutrient intake, apparent digestibility, average daily gain, and protein efficiency were measured. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance. The protein efficiency, average daily gain and daily nutrient intakes were significantly (P< 0.05) influence by the treatments. Apparent digestibility of nutrients by the sheep were also significantly (P< 0.05) different across the treatments except for the FE and DF which were not significantly (P> 0.05) influenced by the treatments. Diet 3 (75% forage and 25% concentrates) which supported superior sheep performance in most of the economical traits considered was thereby recommended.Keywords: Sheep, forage, concentrate, performance and digestibility

Effect of diets containing different nutrient density on performance and faecal egg count of West African Dwarf rams

A study was conducted to determine the effect of different nutrient densities on performance characteristics and faecal egg count of West African Dwarf (WAD) rams semi-intensively managed. Twenty four yearling lambs between 10 – 15kg were used for the experiment. The lambs were allotted to two treatment groups containing 12 animals per group. They were released into the paddock containing sown pasture to graze for 6 hours per day. The animals were randomly assigned to treatments containing two levels of protein-energy density; low energy, low protein (LELP) and high energy, high protein (HEHP) in a completely randomized design. Performance characteristics of WAD rams showed that protein and energy density have significant effect (P<0.05) on weight gain, daily weight gain and protein intake. Metabolic weight gain was influenced (P<0.05) positively by the protein and energy density. Animals fed HEHP diets had significantly (P<0.05) higher protein intake (54.66 g) than those fed LELP diets (22.92 g). The slope observed for animals on HEHP diet was lower compared to that of their counterpart on LELP diet. Hence, HEHP diets improved performance of West African Dwarf sheep as well as reducing the gastrointestinal parasite infection due to lower FEC recorded.Keywords: Nutrient densities, performance, faecal egg coun

Effect of diets with different protein-energy density on the gastrointestinal nematode status of semi- intensively managed West African dwarf sheep

This study was conducted to determine the effect of different protein and energy density diets on the gastrointestinal parasite status of semi-intensively raised West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep. The different densities used were low energy-low protein (LELP); low energy-high protein (LEHP); high energy-low protein (HELP) and high energy-high protein (HEHP). Twenty four WAD sheep with an average weight of 11.5±0.41 kg, aged between 5 and 6 months were used. These were divided into four groups of six animals per group in a completely randomized design. Groups were each fed one of the diets, respectively, as supplement and released into a paddock grown with Stylosanthes hamata and Pennisetum pedicellatum, to graze for 12 weeks at 5 hours per day. The faecal egg count (FEC) ranged from 375 to 3483 eggs per gram (epg). The strongyle eggs had the highest (P<0.05) number whereas moniezia eggs were the least. The effect of the different protein-energy densities on the final FEC and the differences between the final and initial FEC were significant (P<0.05). The FEC obtained in animals fed LELP and LEHP showed 56.30 and 13.30 percentage reduction (P<0.05) in epg, respectively, whereas animals fed HELP showed percentage increase (P<0.05) of 104.30 epg. The highest trend (P<0.05) of infestation was obtained in those fed LELP while the least trend was obtained in those fed HEHP. It could therefore be concluded that diets high in protein and energy levels reduced the gastrointestinal nematodes of WAD sheep compared to other nutrient combinations.Keywords: Gastrointestinal nematode, Nutrient density, WAD shee

The performance of West African dwarf goat on dietary magnesium sulphate supplements

A 56-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary magnesium sulphate on the performance of West African Dwarf (WAD) goat using 12 does weighing 7 - 10kg. There were four dietary levels of MgSO4 (Dl), 0.5(D2), 1.0 (D3) and 1.5% (D4). Dry matter intake, growth and Mg retention were used as the criteria for judgment. Result showed that addition of magnesium sulphate significantly (P<0.05) increased mean daily gain from 34.00 -46.00g. The dry matter intake declined (P<0.05) with increased level of dietary magnesium sulphate (3.21-2.34Kg/W07Skg) Goat fed diet D4 depicted an optimum feed conversion ratio (10.50) while the least was observed for animals fed Dl (14.50). The result further showed that the magnesium requirement for body maintenance was 0.003g/kgBW/day while the requirement for maximum growth was 1.5% of the diet. Key words: Magnesium sulphate, goats, performance, maintenance requiremen

Effects of in vitro multi-enzyme treatment of fibre content on un-decorticated sunflower seed meal

A multi-enzyme mixture containing xylanase, glucanase and cellulase activity produced from Penicillium fumiculosum was applied to undecorticated sunflower seed meal (USFM) to degrade its fibre content and improve other chemical constituents. USFM was treated with different concentrations of the multi-enzyme solution at different pH and time. Proximate composition of the test ingredient was carried out before and after the enzymatic treatment in four replicates. Proximate evaluation showed that USFM contained 204.5, 336.2, and 192.2 crude protein, ether extract and soluble carbohydrates respectively. Phosphorus was the most abundant mineral followed by potassium and calcium. Amino acid profile showed that lysine was more abundant in USFM compared with soybean meal. Treatment with enzyme showed that crude protein increased by 2.78% while ether extract remain unchanged. Also, a 16.27% reduction was recorded in the Crude fibre value when USFM was incubated with enzyme. Crude fibre degradation was improved as temperature increased while at temperature beyond 450C, there was a reduction in the effectiveness of the enzyme. The highest degradation of crude fibre was recorded at pH 5 while an increase in the length of incubation led to improvement in crude fibre degradation and crude protein availability. It was concluded that the use of multi-enzyme in USFM enhances and improves utilization of proximate constituents.Keywords: Sunflower meal, Multi-enzyme, Fibre degradatio

Haematological and serum biochemical parameters of West African Dwarf goats fed ensiled cassava leaves with or without molasses and caged layer waste

The study was conducted to evaluate the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of West African dwarf goats fed ensiled cassava leaves with molasses and caged layer waste. Eighteen West African dwarf goats were randomly assigned to three experimental diets consisting of cassava leaves ensiled alone (ECF), cassava leaves ensiled with 5% molasses (ECFM) and cassava leaves ensiled with 5% caged layer waste (ECFP) in a Completely Randomized Design. Results obtained showed that ensiling with molasses resulted in lower DM, CP, NDF, tannin and HCN levels. Crude protein intake was similar in ECF and ECFM but lower (P < 0.05) in ECFP ranging from 161.28 - 172.71g/d. The packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) and lymphocyte concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) highest in ECFP but similar with the values obtained for ECF. There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in the red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), neutrophil, basophil, eosinophil and monocytes contents in all the treatments. The highest significant (P < 0.05) value of 36.7g/l was obtained in ECFM and values of 29.4 and 24.0g/l in ECF and ECFP respectively for globulin. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in AST content in all the treatments. ALT value of 16.5 IU/L was significantly (P < 0.05) highest in ECF and different from the values of 12.0 IU/L obtained in both ECFM and ECFP respectively. It is concluded that cassava leaves can be conveniently ensiled with 5% of both molasses and caged layer waste without adverse effects on the haematological and biochemical status of WAD goats.Keywords: Haematology, serum, molasses, caged layer wast

Haematological and physiological parameters of West African dwarf goats as influenced by coat variation and sex

Twenty four West African Dwarf (WAD) goats of both sexes (12 bucks and 12 does) raised under intensive system and weighing between 5 and 11 kg with different coat colours (Black, Brown, Tan and White) were used for this study to evaluate the effects of sex and coat colour on their haematological and physiological parameters in south-western Nigeria. Blood sampling was done weekly for 8 weeks. Parameters examined were Red Blood Cell count (RBC), White Blood Cell count (WBC), Haematocrit (HCT), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Haemoglobin Concentration (Hb) Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW), Pulse Rate (PR), Respiratory Rate (RR), Rectal Temperature (RT) and Skin Temperature (ST). Results showed that coat colour had significant effects (p<0.05) on MCV, MCH and RDW. Goats with White coat colour had the highest MCV and MCH values of 14.8±0.25 Fl and 5.3±0.06 pg respectively. Goats with Tan coat colour had the highest RDW value (25.1±0.30%). West African dwarf does had higher (p<0.05) WBC, RBC, Hb, HCT and MCHC than WAD bucks. There was significant (p<0.05) interaction of coat colour and sex on WBC, MCV, and MCHC. West African dwarf does with White coat colour had the highest WBC count and MCHC of 27.9±2.27 x109/L and 385.5±6.16 g/L respectively, while the WAD does with Tan coat colour had the highest MCV value (15.2±0.31 Fl). West African dwarf bucks with White coat colour had the highest MCV while WAD bucks with Tan coat colour had the highest WBC count and MCHC. Sex had significant (p<0.05) effect on the PR in goats. Does had higher PR (95.0±0.65 bm-1) than bucks (92.48±0.499 bm-1). However, there were no significant (p>0.05) influence of sex on RR, RT and ST. Variation in coat colour had significant (p<0.05) effect on PR and RR, while RT and ST were similar (p>0.05) among goats of different coat colours. White coat coloured goats recorded the highest value of PR (97.2±0.10 bm-1) which was similar (p>0.05) to the observed value for goats with Black coat colour. Goats with Black coat colour had higher (p<0.05) RR (36.7±0.43 fm-1) compared to goats with other coat colours. Interaction of coat colour and sex was significant (p<0.05) on PR and RR in WAD goats. White does had the highest PR (100.79±1.631bm-1), while Black bucks had the highest RR (37.43±0.541 fm-1). The study concluded that sex and coat colour had great influence on some haematological and physiological indices in West African dwarf goats managed intensively.Keywords: Coat Colour, Haematological and Physiological Parameters, Sex, WAD Goa

Haematology and serum profile of rabbits due to generation interval, housing systems and sex

A total of ninety-six (96) weaner rabbits (Chinchilla and New Zealand White crossbred) were used for this study and were divided into forty-eight (48) per generation. These fortyeight weaner rabbits were further divided into three replicates of four males (12) and four females each (12) housed in cage (24) and deep litter system (24).This experiment was carried out for two generations to determine the effect of generation interval, housing systems and sex on the haematological and serum profile of rabbits. Data obtained were analyzed using Analysis of Variance test in a 2x2x2 factorial arrangement. The study showed that Packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cells (RBC) and haemoglobin (HB) were not significant in both generations while higher significant(p<0.05) values of albumin were observed in first generation and white blood cells (WBC), globulin, aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) were significantly higher in the second generation. Sex had no significant (p>0.05) effect on most of the biochemical parameters studied except for RBC and glucose which had 4.12 x1012/L and 69.23 mg/dl, for males and 3.68 x1012/L and 78.78mg/dl for females, respectively in the second generation. In addition, the AST and ALT values were also higher in the females than in the males in the first generation but with no significant (p>0.05) difference. Housing system result showed that WBC (6.29 x109/L) and glucose (78.35 mg/dl) of rabbits were significantly (p<0.05) increased in the cage and deep litter system, respectively in the first generation while total serum protein, albumin and globulin were significantly (p<0.05) higher in rabbits housed in the deep litter system in the second generation. Higher values were recorded for AST and ALT in the deep litter system than the cage system in both generations except that the values of ALT were within the same range for both housing systems in the second generation. This study clearly indicated that both housing systems support rabbit production without any negative influence on the immune status of the rabbit.Key words: Rabbit, Sex, Haematology, Generation, Cage, Deep litter