Effects of feeding four varieties of Sorghum bicolor as replacement for maize on growth performance of broiler chicks in Kaduna state

The pressure on maize by feed industries and other industries has been increasing worldwide and maize has remained the major energy source in compounded diets of poultry ration which requires attention for alternative energy feed stuff for poultry due to cost and varying climatic changes. A study was carried out to evaluate the effects of feeding four varieties of Sorghum bicolor on growth performance of broiler chickens in Zaria, Kaduna state, Nigeria. Two hundred and twenty five (225) Arbor acre chicks were randomly distributed into five dietary treatments after three days adjustment period using the complete randomized design (CRD) as follows, T1 - maize, T2 –Samsorg-14, T3 –Samsorg-40, T4 –Samsorg-17 and T5–KSV-15 in replacement for maize (T1) on the performance of broiler chickens. Each treatment had fortyfive (45) birds per treatment allotted into three (3) replicates containing fifteen (15) birds per pen, which lasted for four weeks. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significant (P < 0.05) differences among treatments were compared using the Tukey`s test. The result at the starter phase showed that chicks fed T1 and T2 were significantly (P<0.05) higher in final body weight, average daily weight gain and had better feed conversion ratio and feed cost/kg gain than birds fed T3, T4 and T5 diets. In conclusion total replacement of Samsorg-14 (T2) for maize (T1) in broiler chicks’ diet had no negative impact on performance at the starter phase, therefore Samsorg-14 can be incorporated in the diets of broiler chicks at 100%. Keywords: Broiler chicks, Sorghum varieties, growth performanc

Effects of feeding four varieties of Sorghum supplemented with Maxigrain® enzyme on haematology and carcass characteristics of broiler finishers

A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of feeding four varieties of Sorghum bicolor supplemented with Maxigrain ® enzyme on haematology and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens in Kaduna state, Northern guinea Savannah of Nigeria. Five diets were formulated for the broilers at both the starter and finisher phases namely T1 – Maize without 0.01 % Maxigrain ® enzyme  supplementation, T2 –Samsorg-14 supplemented with 0.01 % Maxigrain ® enzyme, T3 –Samsorg-40 supplemented with 0.01 % Maxigrain ® enzyme, T4 –Samsorg-17 supplemented with 0.01 % Maxigrain ® enzyme and T5 –KSV-15 supplemented with 0.01 % Maxigrain ® enzyme in replacement for maize (T1) on the performance of broiler chickens. Two hundred and twenty five (225), day old Arbor acre chicks were used and placed on a common diet and were randomly distributed on the fifth day into five dietary treatment groups in a completely randomized design (CRD) with each treatment group having forty-five (45) birds per treatment and birds were allotted into three (3) replicates of 15 birds in each replicate for eight weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, 9 birds per treatment were selected based on the average weight per treatment for hematological and carcass assay. The results showed that feeding different dietary treatments supplemented with or without 0.01 % Maxigrain ® enzyme to broiler chickens had no significant (P > 0.05) effects on haematological parameters and did not compromise the health as values were within normal range. Result showed that birds fed T1 and T4 were not significantly (P>0.05) different in terms of final body weight, daily weight gain, daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio and major carcass characteristics were significantly (P<0.05) different and had higher values than birds fed T2, T3 and T5 supplemented with Maxigrain ® enzyme

Effects of N-Butanol and Aqueous Fractions of Khaya senegalensis, Guiera senegalensis and Tamarindus Indica Leaves Extracts on Eimeria tenella Oocyst Sporulation in Vitro

The in vitro anti coccidial activities of n-butanol and aqueous fractions of Khaya senegalensis, Gueira senegalensis and Tamarindus indica leaves extracts on Eimeria tenella parasite was studied by observing the effects of the plant extracts on the sporulation of the Eimeria tenella oocysts. Drug resistance and consumer demanding decrease in the use of drugs in animals have generated interest in alternative strategies to control the avian disease one of which is herbal intervention studies. Fresh faecal samples were collected from infected birds and their oocysts load determined. Dilutions of the extracts (100mg, 250mg, 400mg, 550mg, 700mg and 850mg per ml) in distilled water were prepared and placed in separate well labelled petri dishes. 100 oocysts were added to each petri dish and the set up was left at ambient temperature on the laboratory table and monitored twice daily (9.00am and 3.00pm) to observe the sporulation of the oocysts over a 72 hours period. Laboratory sporulation medium (2.5% Potassium dichromate) and Amprolium were used for comparison. The phytochemical result implied that the active ingredients were present mainly in the n-butanol and crude extract  fractions with the nbutanol fraction of the Khaya senegalensis extract containing phenols and flavonoids which have antioxidant effects. The in vitro study showed that the n-butanol fraction of K senegalensis (100mg/ml) and the aqueous fraction of Tamarindus indica (100mg/ml) extracts had similar effects to those obtained using Amprolium which was considered as the standard by inhibiting the sporulation of Eimeria tenella oocysts. It is therefore recommended that more work needs to be done to determine the anti  coccidial activities of these extracts in vivo. Key words: Eimeria tenella, sporulation, in vitro, extract

A case study of possible health hazards associated with poultry houses

This study on layer and broiler houses is expected to give basic information on the nature of microbes, their occurrence, health hazard they could constitute and the possibilities for disease control measures. Modern husbandry practices, state or local concentration of the industry, high stocking densities, uniform age distribution of birds and continuous feeding may promote the spread of poultry diseases. Illness due to contaminated food, poultry wastes, poultry and poultry by products are one of the most widespread problems of the contemporary world. From the poultry houses investigated, bacteria and fungi were isolated from swabs of window nets dust, feed stock, roof dust, faeces, floors, feeders, drinkers, feathers, cages and egg trays using standard microbiological media and biochemicals procedures. The isolates encountered include: Aspergillus furnigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus terreus, Streptococcus faecalis, Bacillus sp., Pasteurella gallinarum, Pasteurella multocida, Klebsiella sp., Eschericia coli, Salmonella sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Yeast and Rhodotorula spp., which were not typed Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus terreus, Bacilus sp., Pasteurella gallunarum, Klabsiella sp., Eschericia coli, Yeast and Rhodotorula Sp., were present in both layers and broilers houses structures and materials in varying proportions. However, Pasteurella Multocida, Salmonella sp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated from egg trays, feathers, faeces, and feeders respectively from poultry house materials only and none from the structures of layers and broilers houses. The layer house structures and materials tend to yield more microbes mix than broiler house structures and materials. There were no acid-fast organisms observed from the sediments of washed swabs materials for culture using Ziehl-Neelsen stain.Keywords: Poultry, house, health hazard, bacteria, fungi, microbe

Prevalence of aflatoxin b1 in some common poultry feed ingredients and optimum inclusion levels of mycofix binder as feed additive on performance of broiler chickens

A preliminary study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Aflatoxin B1 (AfB1) contamination and common moulds growing in some selected poultry feed raw materials in Zaria. Five different feed raw materials: Maize (MZ), soybean cake (SBC), groundnut cake (GNC), brewers dried grain (BDG) and maize offal (M/O), were collected from four feed mills and the open market. The common moulds isolated from the samples were Mucor spp., Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., Penicillum spp., Curvularia spp. and Rhizopus spp. AfB1 contamination showed that maize and soya bean cake were less than the 20 parts per billion (ppb) permissible limits forAfB1 in poultry feed ingredients, while BDG, M/O and GNC were 40, 60 and 80%respectively above 20 ppb permissible limits. A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the response of broiler chickens to Mycofix™ a toxin binder. Three hundred and thirty Ross, 1-day old broiler chicks were assigned to five dietary treatments, each with three replicates of 22 chicks per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). Treatment 1 was the control diet without Mycofix™ while treatments 2, 3, 4 and 5 had Mycofix™ included at 100, 200, 300 and 400 g /100kg diet, respectively at both starter and finisher phases. Experimental diets and water were given to the birds ad libitum during eight weeks of the feeding trial. Data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using General Linear Model procedure of SAS and significant differences among treatment means were compared using Dunnette test of significance. Results of the starter phase showed that birds fed 400 g/100kg Mycofix™ diet had the best final body weight (902.67g), weight gain (839.67g) and average daily weight gain (29.98g). Birds fed 200 g /100 kg Mycofix™ had the lowest feed conversion ratio of 1.60 and the least cost per kilogram gain (₦138.52). At the finisher phase, birds on 400 g/100kg Mycofix™ diet had the best final weight (2345.3g), weight gain (1403.3g), average daily gain (50.1g), feed conversion ratio (2.1) and least feed cost per kilogram gain (₦167.20). It may be concluded that addition of Mycofix™ to diets of broiler chickens at 400g/ 100kg at both starter and finisher phases of the study improved performance significantly and gave the least cost of production

Assessment of carcass yield, organ weights and haematological indices of broiler finisher chickens fed urea plus methionine treated and fermented sorghum beer residue

The carcass yield, organ weights and haematological indices of finished broiler chickens fed urea plus methionine supplemented and re- fermented sorghum beer residue (RSBR) were investigated after a 4-week finisher period. Three hundred (300) 28days broiler birds were randomly allocated to 15 pens (20 birds per pen) for the finishing period. They were fed diets containing RSBR at graded levels of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 %. At day 56th, three birds from each pen were selected for blood sampling and carcass analysis. The dressing percentage of birds on 50% RSBR diet was significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared to others. The breast weight percentage for birds on the control was observed to be highest significantly (P<0.05) while that for birds on 100% RSBR was lowest (P<0.05). The thigh percentage of birds on control and 50% RSBR diets were similar but significantly (P<0.05) higher than those of birds on other diets. Heart and gizzard percentages of birds on 100% RSBR diet were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those on control and other diets. The packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentrations of birds fed on all RSBR supplemented diets were within normal ranges but were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of birds fed control diet. This study indicated that up to 75% RSBR can adequately support carcass yield, and organ weights without detrimental effect on finisher broiler chickens

Proximate composition, anti–nutritional factors and the effect of irish potato (Solanum tuberosum l.) peels on the performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

The effect of replacing maize with lrish potato peel meal (IPPM) in the diets of broiler chickens was investigated, proximate analysis and anti–nutritional factor analysis were carried out. IPPM has a DM content of 90.03%, CP of 13.28, CF of 5.27, Oil of 0.32, Ash of 7.11, NFE of 74.02% and metabolisable energy of 3110.22 Kcal/kg. The content of anti–nutrients are phytate 1.84 mg/100g, tannins 3.96 mg/100g, oxalate 0.69 mg/100g, sapponin 1.60 mg/100g, trypsin inhibitors 2.40 mg/100g and cyanide 0.96 mg/100g. One hundred and eighty broilers of mixed sexes were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments of forty five (45) birds/treatment in a completely randomized design (CRD). Diet 1 was the control devoid of IPPM while diets 2, 3 and 4 contained IPPM at 5, 10 and 15% levels, respectively. Feed and water were provided ad–libitum throughout the study period that lasted 9 weeks. Routine management practices and vaccines were strictly adhered to. Data were collected on feed intake, weight gain and were used to calculate other growth parameters. At the end of the trial, two animals from each replicate were slaughtered, de-feathered, eviscerated and dissembled for carcass evaluation. There were significant (p<0.05) differences in weight gain, feed intake, feed cost/kg gain but mortality did not differ across treatments. Diets 2 and 3 compared favorably with the control. Results of carcass analysis showed significant (p<0.05) differences in dressing percentage and percentages of primal cuts such as drumstick, thigh, chest and back. Organs such as liver, lungs, heart, spleen, gizzard and kidneys also differ significantly (p>0.05) but intestines did not (p>0.05) differ across treatments. Results indicate that sun–dried IPPM can be included up to 15% level in broiler feed thus reducing the cost of production without adverse effect on the performance of the broilers.Keywords: Broilers, Irish potato peels, Proximate, Anti-nutrient, Performanc

The effect of some environmental and disease factors on testicular and epididymal functions of zebu bulls and their friesian crosses. The influence of season on ejaculate characteristic on A.I. bulls

The study was conducted to determine the influence of season on ejaculate characteristics and semen quality of artificial insemination bulls at NAPRI i.e bulls made up of charolis, Bunaji, Sokoto Gudali, Friesian and FRx Bunaji bulls, over a 2 year period. Semen was collected twice weekly and evaluated for volume, colour, PH concentration, motility, presence or absence of foreign materials, live-dead counts and sperm abnormalities. While there were no significant seasonal differences in percentage sperm motility (P>0.05), semen volume, sperm concentrations, morphological sperm defects and sperm live-dead counts were significantly influenced by season (

Oocysts Output of Broilers Experimentally Infected with Eimeria tenella And Treated with N- Butanol Leaf Extract of Khaya senegalensis

A study to determine the anticoccidial efficacy of Khaya senegalensis in relation to oocyst shedding by broilers experimentally infected with Eimeria tenella was conducted. The development of drug- resistant field strains of Eimeria species has prompted the exploitation of alternative methods for controlling coccidiosis and there is an increasing use of medicinal plants as alternatives to orthodox medicine. Fresh leaves of Khaya senegalensis (KS) were collected dried under shade and the extract prepared using the maceration method in 70% methanol. The dried crude extract was partitioned into petroleum ether, chloroform, n-butanol and aqueous portions, dried with phytochemical analysis conducted on them. One hundred and twenty birds reared under standard management practice were divided into six groups (A, B, C, D, E and F). All the groups except group F (uninfected untreated group) were infected at four weeks old with sporulated Eimeria tenella oocysts (1.0 x 105 sporulated oocysts / ml / bird) obtained locally from the intestinal scrapings of experimentally infected broilers. Groups A, B and C were given calculated three dose levels of 11mg/kg, 33mg/kg, 99mg/kg respectively of the prepared n-butanol methanol extract twice daily for 5 days, group D was given Amprolium while E and F were each given 0.2ml water. Faecal samples were collected daily for 4 weeks into clean well labelled polythene bags and analysed in the laboratory for oocyst count using the McMaster counting chamber and were expressed as oocysts count per gramme of faeces. The birds were observed for pathological lesions grossly and histopathologically and the survival rates were determined. Data collected were analysed using analysis of variance and chi square. Results from the Phytochemical studies showed the presence of phenolic compounds in Khaya senegalensis. Post-infection faecal examination revealed oocyst load of +++ in all the infected pens (A-E) on the 6th day. Comparison of the groups with time showed statistical significance (P˂0.05). High mean oocyst production (A; 156060 ± 67020, B; 261590 ± 144310, C; 211620 ± 114280, D; 276930 ± 233650 and E; 159230 ± 100970) among the infected groups one week post infection as well as irregular oocyst production were observed in the course of this study. The higher mean oocysts count obtained in the infected untreated group (1748849 ± 40869) than the extract treated groups in the first week post treatment indicated that the extract had some inhibitory effects on oocyst production. This however, was dose dependent. Among the extract treated group, the 99mg/kg had lower mean oocyst production 2 weeks post treatment (9720 ± 3180) and this was comparable to the group treated with normal dose of the conventional drug Amprolium (8600 ± 40). This was therefore seen as the effective dose. Grossly, the extract had a beneficial effect in alleviating the damages to the caecal epithelium of the infected treated groups compared to the shrunken caeca of the infected untreated groups. The survival percentage was higher in the treated groups compared to the infected un treated group (55%) though Amprolium was more efficacious in the in vivo study with the highest survival rate of 90%. The histopathological lesions observed in the infected birds in this study were consistent with those associated with E tenella infection in which the parasite induced very severe lesions including severe villous atrophy and fusion. The anticoccidial efficacy of Khaya senegalensis promises greater areas for research as it relates to drug development and it is recommended that Khaya senegalensis should be exploited further for its anticoccidial properties using other parts of the plant. Key words: Broiler chickens, Eimeria tenella, oocyst production, Khaya senegalensis, in viv