Effect of natural plant; guinea hen weed (Petiveria alliacea) parts on growth and carcass indices of finishing broiler chickens

A 56- day feeding trial was carried out to evaluate the effect of feeding guinea hen weed (Petriveria alliacea) leaf and root meals as phytobiotics on growth, carcass, haematological and serum indices of finishing broiler birds using 192 day old chicks. Eight treatment groups were arranged in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangements of 2 plant parts; Petiveria leaf meal (PLM) and Petiveria root meal (PRM) at 4 levels (0mg/kg, 500mg/kg, 1000mg/kg and 1500mg/kg). Each group was replicated three times with 8 birds per replicate. The results of the main and interaction effects revealed that for all growth parameters measured, only mortality was significantly affected (p<0.05) with variation across the dietary treatments. Broiler chickens on control diet showed elevated (p<0.05) mortality percentage when compared with other levels when either PLM or PRM was fed. An improved (p<0.05) dressing, drumstick and breast percentages were observed in broiler chickens on PLM compared to their counterparts on diet containing PRM. Different levels of inclusion of Petiveria plant parts revealed (p<0.05) effects on dressing percentages which were linearly improved for birds on control diet. Broiler chickens fed diet containing 1500 ppm showed highest (p<0.05) drumstick and liver values compare to other treatments. Amidst other varying inclusion levels, abdominal fat was observed to be reduced (p<0.05) in 500ppm fed birds. Engagement of PLM and PRM at different levels showed significant (p<0.05) interaction effects on relative weight of wings, drumstick and thigh. Reduced (p<0.05) wings were obtained in broiler chickens fed 1000 and 1500 ppm in comparison to other dietary treatments with drumstick poorer in broiler chickens fed with diet containing 1000ppm of PRM. The study concluded that feeding of guinea hen weed as phytobiotic additive elicited improved carcass variables in finishing broiler chickens. Keyword: Guinea hen weed, finishing broiler, growth, carcas

Haematological indices of ISA brown birds fed diets containing Guinea hen weed (Petiveria alliacea) leaf and root meals

Haematological indices of ISA brown grower birds fed diets incorporated with Petiveria alliacea leaf meal (PLM) and Petiveria alliacea root meal (PRM) were investigated in a 21-weeks trial. A total of 450 birds were divided into ten treatments groups of forty-five birds with three replicate of fifteen birds. The diets contained PLM and PRM at five levels of inclusion; (0, 1000, 1500, 2000 and 2500 mg/kg). The experiment was arranged in a 2 × 5 factorial layout in a completely randomized design (CRD). Amidst varying inclusion of PLM and PRM, birds fed diets containing 1500 mg/kg of PLM showed decreased (P<0.05) PCV. Birds fed diets containing 1500 and 2500 mg/kg of PLM reduced (P<0.05) RBC in comparison to other inclusion levels of plant parts. When compared to birds fed varying inclusion of PLM and PRM; least (P<0.05) WBC were obtained in birds fed diets containing 1000 and 2000 mg/kg of PRM. In conclusion, addition of Petiveria leaf and root meal affected haematology indices as values obtained fell within normal range for healthy birds

Growth performance, haematology and cost benefit of growing rabbits reared on different feed access times and restriction durations

Sixty growing rabbits of mixed breeds and sexes were used for 10 wk in a 4 x 3 factorial experimental design to test for the effect of different feed access times (2, 4, 6 and 24 h) and different restriction durations (2, 4 and 6 wk) on the performance, haematological parameters and cost benefits of growing rabbits. Data obtained were subject to a 2�way analysis of variance. Results showed significantly higher (p0.05) across the feed access time and restriction duration. White blood cell was higher in growing rabbits on 2-h feed access time for 6-wk duration of restriction while all other parameters measured for haematology were not significantly affected by the feed access time and restriction duration. Total cost of feed consumed was highest in growing rabbits maintained on 24-h feed access time. Cost of feed per kg weight gain was not significantly influenced across the feed access times and the restriction durations. It was concluded that for a reduced cost of feeding without an adverse effect on the performance and haematological profile, growing rabbits should be raised on not less than 4-h feed access time for 2-wk restriction duration

Growth performance, haematology and cost benefit of growing rabbits reared on different feed access times and restriction durations

Sixty growing rabbits of mixed breeds and sexes were used for 10 weeks in a 4 x 3 factorial experimental design to test for the effect of different feed access times (2, 4, 6 and 24 h) and different restriction durations (2, 4 and 6 wk) on the performance, haematological parameters and cost benefits of growing rabbits. Data obtained were subject to a 2–way analysis of variance. Results showed significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) final weight in rabbits maintained on 24-h feed access time (1875.4g), 6 h feed access time for 2-wk restriction duration (1822.0g), 6-h feed access time for 4-wk restriction duration (1821.0g) and 4 h-feed access time for 2-wk restriction duration (1828.0g). Growing rabbits on 24-h feed access time (control) recorded a higher (p&lt;0.05) feed intake when compared with other treatments. Feed conversion ratio and mortality were not significantly affected (p&gt;0.05) across the feed access time and restriction duration. White blood cell was higher in growing rabbits on 2-h feed access time for 6 wk duration of restriction while all other parameters measured for haematology were not significantly affected by the feed access time and restriction duration. Total cost of feed consumed was highest in growing rabbits maintained on 24-h feed access time. Cost of feed per kg weight gain was not significantly influenced across the feed access times and the restriction durations. It was concluded that for a reduced cost of feeding without an adverse effect on the performance and haematological profile, growing rabbits should be raised on not less than 4-h feed access time for 2-wk restriction duration.Keywords: Feed access time, feed restriction, haematology and cos

Influence of supplemental L-arginine on physico-chemical and sensory properties of breast meat from turkeys

A total of one hundred and forty four grower (56-84d) turkeys were used to investigate the effect of dietary supplemental L-arginine on growth response, physico-chemical and sensory properties of the resultant breast meat. Dietary treatments consisted of basal diet supplemented with 0 (control), 0.05 and 0.10% L-arginine, respectively. A completely randomized design was used with turkeys randomly allotted to 18 pens; each pen housed eight birds. Six pens were assigned to each treatment. Growth performance of the birds, cook loss, refrigeration loss, freeze loss and water absorptive power of the breast meat were measured. Finisher turkeys fed diet supplemented with 0.05 % L-arginine and control group had reduced (P &lt; 0.05) feed intake and improved (P &lt; 0.05) feed conversion ratio. Meat samples from turkeys fed diet supplemented with L-arginine showed increased (P&lt;0.05) cook loss weight (g) and percentage cook loss when compared with control group. Turkeys fed diet supplemented with 0.10% arginine had the highest (P&lt;0.01) percentage refrigeration loss, freeze loss weight (g) and percentage freeze loss. Increasing supplementation level of arginine showed a linear reduction (P&lt;0.001) in the thaw weight of breast meat. Sensory parameters of meat sample were not influenced (P&gt;0.05) by varying level of arginine supplemented. In conclusion, arginine supplementation seems to weaken the muscular cross-bridges in breast meat and hence resulted in higher cook loss, refrigerated loss and freeze loss.Keywords: Turkey, Breast meat, Cook loss, Freeze loss, Refrigeration los

Growth performance and immunity status of starter broiler birds supplemented with neem (Azadirachta indica) and garlic (Allium sativum)

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding diets containing Neem Leaf Meal (NLM), Garlic Meal (GM) and their combinations (NLM + GM) on growth performance and serum parameters of starter broiler birds. A total of 180 day-old Cobb broiler chickens were divided into twelve groups of fifteen chicks with three replicate of five chicks each. The diet contained NLM, GM and NLM + GM at four levels of inclusion (0ppm, 500ppm, 1000ppm and 1500ppm). The experiment was arranged in a 3 × 4 factorial layout in a completely randomized design. Additives and levels of inclusion had significant (P&lt;0.05) influence on growth performance parameters. Final live weight (FLW) (725.69g/bird), weight gain (WG) (718.72 g/bird), daily weight gain (DWG) (25.67 g/bird/day) and feed intake (61.02 g/bird) of birds were increased (p&lt;0.05) by NLM + GM compared to GM which was decreased. Weight gain (716.19g/bird) and daily weight gain (25.57g/bird) of birds were influenced at 1500ppm levels of inclusion than that of 1000ppm levels of inclusion. Highest (P&lt;0.05) Feed intake of birds was recorded at 1000ppm (60.92 g/bird/ day) but similar to 1500ppm (60.89g/bird/day) levels of inclusion compared to that of 0ppm inclusion levels which was lowered. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was superior at 0ppm and 1500ppm levels of inclusion compared to 1000ppm inclusion levels. Improved (P&lt;0.05) FLW (806.00 g/bird), WG (759.60 g/bird) and DWG (27.12 g/bird/day) were recorded at 1000ppm inclusion levels of NLM + GM compared to GM at 1000ppm levels of inclusion. Feed intake (67.32 g/bird/day) and mortality (20.00) of birds at 1500ppm inclusion of NLM + GM were elevated compared to 500ppm inclusion of NLM + GM which was depressed. Inclusion at different levels of added additives significantly (P&lt;0.05) influenced FCR but was superior at 500ppm inclusion levels of NLM + GM than that of GM at 500ppm levels of inclusion. Additives and levels of inclusion had no significant (P&gt;0.05) influence on serum parameters. Highest albumin content (3.30 g/dl) was recorded at 0ppm levels of inclusion of added additives but lowest at 1500ppm inclusion levels of NLM + GM. Decreased (P&lt;0.05) amount of cholesterol (81.00mg/dl) and high density lipo-protein were achieved at 1500ppm inclusion levels of GM but was increased at 0ppm of added additives.Additives had no significant (P&gt;0.05) influence on serum parameters except MCHC which was influenced by NLM +GM. Inclusion levels at1500ppm increased PCV, Hb and RBC but was decreased at 0ppm inclusion levels.It can be concluded that feeding of NLM + GM at 1000ppm improved growth performance and additives at different levels affected the serum biochemical of the starter broiler chickens.Keywords: Neem, garlic, starter broilers, growth performance, seru

Compound oblique distal diaphyseal tibiotarsal fracture in a 5 year old peacock

A five year old peacock presented with complete lameness of the right hind limb was diagnosed of having a compound oblique comminuted fracture of distal one-third of right tibiotarsal bone based on radiographic findings. The fracture was first managed with plaster cast device. However, the bird was presented three weeks later due to lamness on the same leg. Open reduction and internal fixation with a bone plate was done. The bird was premedicated with intramuscular injection of butorphanol (0.5mg/kg) and Xylazine (2mg/kg), while general anaesthesia was induced and maintained with midazolam (0.3mg/kg) and Ketamine (5mg/kg) intramuscularly. Following open reduction, the fracture was reduced and immobilized with improvised paediatric reconstruction plate. Post reduction radiograph revealed adequate reduction and proper implant position. The fracture healed without any complication. Although materials used for canine practice could be adapted for use in birds, the smaller size of some avian patients is a major limitation

Effect of dietary supplementation of guinea hen weed (Petiveria alliacea) leaf and root meals on nutrient utilization and intestinal morphology of finishing broiler chicken

A 56- day feeding trial was carried out to evaluate the effect of feeding guinea hen weed leaf and root meals as phytobiotics on nutrient digestibility and intestinal  morphology of finishing broiler chickens using 192 day old chicks. Eight treatment groups were arranged in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangements of 2 plant parts; Petiveria leaf meal (PLM) and Petiveria root meal (PRM) at 4 levels (0mg/kg, 500mg/kg, 1000mg/kg and 1500mg/kg). Each group was replicated three times with 8 birds per replicate. Digestibility parameters were influenced (p&lt;0.05) by petiveria plant parts. Crude protein, ash and NFE digestibility of birds fed diet containing PRM were higher compared to birds fed PLM. Birds fed 1500mg/kg had the highest value of crude protein  digestibility compared to other dietary treatments. The interaction of plant parts and inclusion levels on the nutrient utilization showed that highest crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre and NFE values were observed in birds on 1500mg/kg PLM compared to other dietary treatments. Intestinal morphology of finishing broiler chickens revealed that duodenal apical width, basal width and Jejunal villi height values were higher (p&lt;0.05) in birds fed diet containing PLM. It was observed that supplementation of finishing broiler diets elicited improved nutrient digestibility and intestinal morphology.Key Words: Guinea hen weed, broiler, digestibility, gut morphology, root meal, leaf mea

Effect of dietary Abelmoschus esculentus leaf meal on performance and egg quality indices of laying hens

Twelve weeks feeding trial involving 75 point of lay hens of black Harco breed was carried out to study the effects of dietary inclusion of Abelmoschus esculentus leaf meal (AELM) on the performance and egg quality characteristics of the birds. Fresh Abelmoschus esculentus leaves were harvested, spread out and air-dried in a green house and allowed to dry for 6 days until it became crispy. The branches were threshed carefully to separate the leaf from the twig before milling to fine particle size to form Abelmoschus esculentus leaf meal (AELM). Proximate analysis of AELM and dietary treatments were analyzed Gross energy of leaf meal was carried out using an adiabatic bomb calorimeter model CAL 2k. The 75 birds were grouped into five dietary treatments comprising 15 birds each in a completely randomized (CRD) design. The treatments were further subdivided into three replicates of five birds each. Five iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric diets were formulated as_0, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% inclusion levels in diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. The result of the proximate composition of AELM showed that the crude protein, crude fibre, crude fat or ether extract, ash and ME values were 13.15, 10.11, 6.0% and 1308.41 Kcal/kg respectively. Average final weight, average weight gain, feed intake and hen- day production were significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected by the inclusion level of Abelmoschus esculentus leaf meal. Birds in the control group and those fed diet containing 5% Abelmoschus esculentus leaf meal had similar final weight (1.53kg) and higher than other treatment groups. The highest (P&lt;0.05) hen-day production was recorded at 5% inclusion level while 2.5%, 7.5% and 10% levels had comparable values ( 49.13, 46.98 and 49.21). Internal and external egg qualities as affected by AELM inclusion levels showed that the egg, shell, yolk, albumen weights were significantly (P&lt; 0.05) influenced by the dietary treatments with the group of birds on 10% recording highest values. Significant (P&lt;0.05) improvement in yolk weight and colour was observed in the AELM treated birds compared to the control. The total lipid profile of eggs revealed significant (P&lt;0.05) differences in the cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein values measured. A linear trend was observed in the recorded cholesterol, triglyceride and high density lipoprotein (HDL) values. The values decreased with increased AELM inclusion. It can therefore be concluded at the level of this study that Abelmoschus esculentus leaf meal inclusion in the diet of laying birds improved performance and egg quality indices with desirable aesthetic effect on egg yolk colour.Keywords: Abelmoschus esculentus, leaf meal, layers, performance, egg quality, total lipi

Performance and carcass characteristics of broiler fed raw and processed kenaf seed meal

Two hundred and forty (240), unsexed day old Arbor Acre broiler&nbsp; chicks were used to evaluate the effects of replacing whole kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) seed meal (WKSM) with full fat soybean meal (FFSM) in the diets on the performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chicken in a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement, consisting two processing methods (raw kenaf seed meal RKM and roasted kenaf seed meal HKM) and 4 inclusion levels (0%, 10%, 20% and 30%). Both RKM and HKM were analysed for anti-nutritive factors, data were collected on performance, carcass&nbsp; characteristics and cost benefit. The results of anti-nutritive factors (ANF) in RKM and HKM revealed that HKM had lower values of 0.045%, 0.029mg/g and 0.013mg/g for tannin, oxalate and phytic acid respectively when compared to 0.078%,0.124mg/g and&nbsp; 0.026mg/g obtained for RKM (P&lt;0.05). The performance of broiler chicken showed that birds on 10% RKM with an average weight gain and FCR of (2640.00g and 2.48) competed favourably with the control (2554.67g and 2.45). The results of carcass characteristics showed that birds on 10% and 20% inclusion levels had&nbsp; significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher values of 64.25% and 65.58% for dressed weight respectively. In terms of weight gain and FCR, birds fed RKM performed better than birds fed roasted kenaf meal HKM. About 5% feed cost savings was made when WKSM was includedin the diets of broilers. It was concluded that RKM and RKM can replace FFSB in broiler diets up to 10% without any detrimental effect on performance and carcass quality. Keywords: kenaf seed; broiler; performance; carcas