Growth performance and blood indices of broiler finisher birds fed enzyme-fortified (maxi grain) rice milling waste

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of enzyme fortified (Maxi grain) rice milling waste on the performance and blood indices of finisher broilers. The enzyme fortified (Maxi grain) rice milling waste was used to make broiler finisher diets at 0.0%, 5.0%, 10.0%, and 15.0% inclusion levels, respectively. These were then used to raise groups of 30 broiler finishers in a completely randomized design (CRD) for 4 weeks (28 days). At the end of the 28 days feeding trial, 3 birds were selected from each group for blood indices evaluation. The average daily weight gain and average daily feed intake showed no treatment effect (P > 0.05). The feed conversion ratio was significantly increased (P < 0.05) at 10% and 15% dietary levels. The feed cost per kg meat was lowest at 15.0% dietary levels. There were no treatment effect on all the haematological and some serum biochemical indices analysed. It was therefore concluded that enzyme fortified (Maxi grain) rice milling waste can serve as feed ingredient at 10% - 15% dietary levels due to cost effectiveness.Keywords: Performance, blood indices, broiler finisher, enzyme, rice milling wast

Determination of true metabolizable energy of raw and heat-treated Cassia tora seed meal

True metabolizable energy determination of raw and processed C. tora seed meal was undertaken. Fifty (50) arbor acre broiler chicks, reared to 10 weeks were used, out of which fifteen (15) birds were randomly selected for the trial. The birds were weighed, randomly divided into groups A (fed birds) with 12 birds and B (unfed birds) with three birds. Three birds each in group A were randomly assigned to raw and different processes C. tora seed meal viz toasted, boiled and soaked-and-boiled diets, replicated thrice, with one bird per replicate. The birds were placed in individual metabolism cages and fasted for 24 hours. Thereafter each birds in group A were force-fed 25g of raw and processed Cassia tora, returned to their cages and the time recorded, and trays were placed for collection of excreta, after 24 hours. Birds in the control (group B), were subjected to fasting for 48 hours, and their faeces were also collected. All feed and faecal samples were sundried, bulked, milled and analyzed for energy using the adiabatic oxygen bomb calorimetric method. The results showed significant (P<0.05) difference across the mean TME measured between the raw and processed seeds. It was also observed that boiled and soaked-and-boiled processing methods resulted in 92.07% and 91.50% efficiency of energy bioavailability of Cassia tora while toasting method recorded 89.10%. The mean TME values ranged between 2.08Kcal/g for birds force-fed the raw to 2.80 Kcal/g for birds force-fed the soaked-and-boiled seeds. The boiled and soaked-and-boiled seeds had the highest TME values, while the lowest TME value was recorded for raw Cassia tora seeds. In conclusion, processed Cassia tora seeds encouraged better true metabolizable energy than the raw, and are effective, resulting in up to 91% efficiency of energy bioavailability of Cassia tora seeds

Groundwater Exploration in Parts of Enugu East Local Government Area, Enugu state, Nigeria.

Groundwater exploration has been carried in some part of Enugu East LGA, Enugu State, Southeastern Nigeria. The electrical resistivity method was utilized, employing the Schlumberger configuration technique. The area is underlain by Enugu Shale. A total of twelve (12) Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) was acquired within the study area, employing the Schlumberger configuration. Interpreted VES data show clay/shale lithologies, with thin sandy laminar up to depth of 120meters. Predominance of KQH curve type indicates possible fracture – shale subsurface. Contour maps of layer aquifer resistivity, depth and thickness show variations of the interpreted model parameters. The various contour maps will serve as a useful guide for groundwater exploration in the study area. Keywords: Aquifer Resistivity, Lithology, Curve type, Contour maps, VES, Groundwater

Effect of boiling on biochemical composition of raw Cassia Tora seeds and its potential as feed ingredient in poultry feeds

Effect of the duration of boiling on the proximate, mineral and anti-nutritional factors of Cassia tora seeds was investigated. Boiling lasted for 30, 60 and 90 minutes, after which the seeds were dried in an oven at 60oC for 24 hours, ground and analyzed. Results showed that raw seeds of C. tora contained 9.63% crude protein (CP) compared to 13.13%, 14.01% and 13.57% for 30, 60 and 90 minutes of boiling respectively. The dry matter was increased above 30 minutes of boiling. Fibre, ash, ether extract, nitrogen free extract and gross energy were reduced (P<0.05) by boiling. Boiling did not influence the mineral composition of the seeds. Generally boiling reduced the anti-nutritional factors. Boiling for 90 minutes compared to other durations led to 64.36%, 68.62%, 44.86% and 19.56% reductions in tannins, HCN, saponins and phytate respectively. In conclusion, raw Cassia tora seeds has potential for inclusion in poultry feeds and should be boiled at least for 30 minutes to reduce the anti-nutritional factors and improve its nutritive value especially the crude protein. Keywords: anti-nutritional factors, boiling, cassia tora, mineral, proximat

The practice of hepatocellular cancer surveillance in Nigeria

Background: Hepatocellular cancer is a disease of global and public health importance due to the widespread distribution of risk factors and associated high case fatality. Hepatocellular Cancer (HCC) in Sub-Saharan Africa is commonly seen among the younger age groups (<45 years) who present mostly in the terminal stage, when the disease is not amenable to any curative therapy. Hepatocellular Carcinoma surveillance employs the use of simple, cheap and readily available investigations, to detect early curable cancer in individuals with risk factors for HCC.Objectives:The aim of this study is to assess the practice of hepatocellular cancer screening among physicians.Methodolgy:This is a nationwide online survey carried out among physicians who care for patients with HCC. A questionnaire was sent out via a web link to all consenting doctors in Nigeria. The responses were collated in a cloud-based application and data was analysed using Epi-info version 20.Results:Atotal of 218 respondents, 142 were males (65.1 %) with a mean age of 37.6 ± 5.7 years. The modal age group was 31-40 years 153 (69.5%). The main factors considered as a hindrance to surveillance were; the cost of the tests (57.7%), failure of return of patients (50.5%) and not being aware of a surveillance program (45.2 %). The majority of the respondents were Gastroenterologists and Family Physicians. 54% of the gastroenterologists and 64% of the family physicians have never offered HCC surveillance to their patients.Conclusion:This survey highlights a knowledge gap in HCC surveillance among physicians. There is a need to make HCCsurveillance a daily routine among patients at risk by all physicians. Keywords: Surveillance, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, HBV, HCV, Cancer screening

Performance of potato varieties raised from true potato seed in Jos Plateau, Nigeria

Seedlings of true potato seeds from seven cultivars (RC 767-2, Br. 63-18, Kondor, VC 785-2 Raslin Ruaka, VC 801-4 and CIP 387705-18), and seed tubers from Nicola variety were evaluated for tuber yield and resistance to pests and diseases at Kuru, Jos Plateau. The trials were carried out in the 1997 and 1998 rainy seasons. The result showed that average seed germination was 81.1% for the TPS genotypes, with CIP 387705-18, Kondor and RC 767-2 performing best in decreasing order. Field establishment was 96.4% for Nicola, 85.3% for Br. 63-18 and 51.4% for VC 785-2. Diseases and pests attacks were low in all the potato genotypes, but for Kondor with high bacterial wilt. Tuber yield and % ware tubers were higher in Nicola than in other TPS genotypes. Tuber yield of RC 767-2 and % ware tubers were better than in other genotypes established from true potato seed. Nicola had 100% uniformity in tuber shape and skin colour. Only RC 767-2 and CIP 387705-18 had 100% uniformity in skin colour. The study showed that it is possible to produce healthy seed tubers from true potato seed under Jos Plateau, Nigeria conditions. Among the TPS genotypes studied CIP 387705-18 and RC 767-2 are recommended because of their uniformity in skin colour, low disease and pest attacks, high tuber yield with high percentage of large size tubers. [Niger Agric. J. 33 (2002): 60-67

Evaluation of the growth performance, carcass characteristics and blood indices of broiler finishers fed graded levels of fermented Mucuna sloanei seed meal

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of Fermented Mucuna Sloanei Meal (FMSM) on growth, carcass characteristics and blood indices of finisher broilers. Fermented Mucuna Sloanei seeds were processed into meal and analyzed for proximate and phytochemical compositions. The meal was then used to make four broiler finisher diets at 0, 5.0, 10.0, and 15.0% inclusion levels, respectively. Each diet was fed to a group of 30 finisher broilers at 5 weeks old for 28 days using completely randomized design. Each group was further subdivided into three replicates of 10 birds each. Average daily feed intake and average daily weight gain decreased significantly (p < 0.05) as the dietary levels of Fermented Mucuna Sloanei Meal increased. Feed conversion ratio increased significantly as the dietary levels of Fermented Mucuna Sloanei Meal increased. Cost of production was significantly increased (p < 0.05) as Fermented Mucuna Sloanei Meal increased. The dressed weight and breast weight were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) with dietary inclusion of Fermented Mucuna Sloanei Meal. The heart, the liver and gizzard were significantly increased (p < 0.05) as the inclusion of Fermented Mucuna Sloanei Meal increased. The haemoglobin, packed cell volume, mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin concentration, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood cell and the differentials (lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils) were not affected by treatments (p > 0.05). The urea concentration and the liver enzymes (alanine amino transaminase, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase) were not affected by dietary treatment. Blood indices affected were red blood cell, total proteins and creatinine which decreased significantly (p < 0.05) as the dietary inclusion of Fermented Mucuna Sloanei Meal increased. Therefore, replacement of soya bean with Fermented Mucuna Sloanei Meal should not exceed 5% dietary level.Key words: blood indices, carcass, fermented mucuna, growt

Antibacterial action and dietary effect of lemon juice on nutrient digestibility and growth performance of broiler chickens

A total of 150 one-day old unsexed Hubbard broiler chicks were used in a 49 days feeding trial to determine the bactericidal effect of lemon juice on  feed bacterial load and its dietary effect on growth and apparent nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens. There were five dietary treatments (T1 – T5) containing lemon juice 0.0, 10, 15, 20 and 25mL/kg diet, respectively. Each treatment was replicated three times with 10 birds each, giving 30  birds per treatment. The experiment was arranged in completely randomized design (CRD). Starter diet was fed ad libitum for 3 weeks and finisher diet for 4 weeks. Water was given also ad libitum throughout the experimental period. Citric and ascorbic acids content of the lime and the pH were determined. At the end of the experiment, results showed that the juice contained ascorbic acid (2.76), citric acid (4.23) with low pH (3.87) and  exhibited antibacterial action. Above 10mL/kg inclusion level, apparent nutrient digestibility of crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, ash and energy utilization were improved. At the starter phase 20 and 25mL/kg improved final live weight and protein efficiency ratio. Final live weight was improved by 15, 20 and 25mL/kg at the finisher phase. In conclusion, addition of 15mL/kg lemon juice in broiler diets could be a good practice and is  recommended. Keywords: apparent nutrient digestibility, broiler chickens, growth, gut bacteria, lemonjuice

Phytochemical assessment and utilization of African porridge (Tetrapluera tetraptera) fruits by broiler chickens

An experiment was conducted to determine the proximate and photochemical composition of dry milled African porridge (Tetrapluera tetraptera) fruit pod and its effect on growth performance of broiler chickens. One hundred and twenty-day old mixed sex chicks of Ross strain were used. There were 4 dietary treatments. Treatment 1 (control) contained no T. tetraptera; treatments 2 to 4 contained 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5g/kg T. tetraptera respectively. Each treatment was replicated three times with 10 birds per replicate in a complete randomized design (CRD). Feed and water were given ad libitum for 8 weeks. The pod contained 6.70% crude protein, 1.44% ether extract, 4.62% crude fibre, 74.17% nitrogen free extract, and 5.96mg/100g hydrogen cyanide and 4.06mg/ 100g tannins. At the starter phase, final live weight was significantly (P<0.05) reduced by T. tetraptera at all the levels. Addition of 7.5g/kg T. tetratptera significantly reduced daily feed intake compared to control. Feed intake was not significantly (P>0.05) affected. Feed: gain ratio was also negatively affected by all the levels of T. tetraptera, with the control having significantly (P<0.05) superior feed: gain ratio. At the finisher level, final live weight and daily weight gain were significantly (P<0.05) reduced by 7.5g/kg compared to the control and other levels. Control had the best final live weight. Daily weight gain was similar (P>0.05) in control, 2.5 and 5.0g/kg. Feed intake was reduced by addition of T. tetraptera with 7.5g/kg giving the least intake. Feed: gain ratio was not significantly (P>0.05) affected by T. tetraptera. In conclusion, 2.5% of T. tetraptera could be used in broiler diets and is recommended.Keywords: African porridge, broiler chickens, phytochemical, Tetrapluera tetrapter

Complete Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas Phage Zikora.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major pathogen in humans and other animals, frequently harboring mechanisms of resistance to commonly used antimicrobials. Here, we describe the isolation of Pseudomonas bacteriophage Zikora. The full 65,837-bp genome was annotated and demonstrates similarity to Pbunavirus phages, making Zikora a new member of this genus of the Myoviridae family