Conference Proceedings
30th Annual Conference Proceedings of ASAN
Prof. Suleiman Makama YASHIM , Prof. Abdulmojeed Yakubu , Prof. Uchelle Okpanachi, Dr. Bello Mummuni Munza
Articles 28 Papers
ANALYSES OF EXON 10 OF THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE RECEPTOR GENE IN MEAT-TYPE FUNAAB ALPHA CHICKEN GENOTYPES
ANALYSES OF EXON 10 OF THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE RECEPTOR GENE IN MEAT-TYPE FUNAAB ALPHA CHICKEN GENOTYPES
The thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) gene is involved in growth regulation, brain
development, behaviour and other chemical reactions in the body. This study analysed TSHR gene (exon
10) in meat-type FUNAAB Alpha chickens. Blood samples were collected from 32 meat-type FUNAAB
Alpha chickens comprising normal feather, naked neck and frizzle feather. Single Nucleotide
Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene were identified using Codon Code Aligner software (v.10.0.2 DEMO).
The selective forces acting on the gene were predicted with MEGA7 and PROSITE software respectively.
Two non-synonymous SNPs (614G>A and 720T>G) were identified in normal feather chickens, while one
non-synonymous SNP (863G>T) was identified in naked neck chickens. The minor allele frequencies of
the SNPs ranged from 0.13 in normal feather to 0.25 in frizzle feather chickens.
DEVELOPMENT OF PREDICTIVE MODEL FOR ESTIMATING BODY WEIGHT IN SHEEP AND GOAT USING LINEAR BODY MEASUREMENTS
DEVELOPMENT OF PREDICTIVE MODEL FOR ESTIMATING BODY WEIGHT IN SHEEP AND GOAT USING LINEAR BODY MEASUREMENTS
Body weight estimation in small ruminants such as sheep and goats is essential for making informed
decisions related to nutrition, health management, selection, and breeding. In many rural and resourcelimited settings, direct weighing is impractical due to lack of facilities. This study aimed at developing
and validating a predictive model to estimate live weight in sheep and goats using linear body
measurements. A total of 200 animals were assessed, with data collected on live weight, body length
(BL), height at withers (HW), and heart girth (HG). Multiple linear regression models were developed
and evaluated. The results analyzed using SPSS v20 demonstrated a strong relationship between these
morphometric traits and body weight (R2 = 0.85, p < 0.05). Among the traits, heart girth and body length
were the most consistent and significant predictors of body weight. The study presents a practical, costeffective tool for farmers, extension workers, and animal scientists for rapid estimation of live weight
in field conditions, thereby reducing dependence on conventional weighing equipment and
improvement livestock management decisions.
Expression Analysis of Orexin Gene in Two Nigerian Indigenous and Exotic Chickens Using Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR)
Expression Analysis of Orexin Gene in Two Nigerian Indigenous and Exotic Chickens Using Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR)
The Nigerian Indigenous Chickens are suitable for development of meat strain for tropical environment; characterized
by small body size and slow growth. The orexin gene serves as a crucial regulator of appetite, energy balance, and stress
responses in poultry and important molecular marker for understanding breed-specific physiological adaptations. This
study investigated orexin gene expression patterns in two Nigerian Indigenous Chickens which are Fulani and Yoruba
ecotypes and exotic; Cobb-500 broilers using quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) technology. Total of 135
birds (45 per breed) were reared for four weeks, after which liver tissue samples were collected for RNA extraction and
analysis. Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) was extracted using the Zymo RNA mini prep kit, followed by cDNA synthesis and
qPCR analysis using Luna® Universal qPCR Mastermix. The TATA box binding protein served as the housekeeping
gene for normalization. Gene expression was quantified using the 2^-ΔΔCT method (Livak method) to determine fold
changes between breeds. Results revealed significant inter-breed variations in orexin expression levels (P < 0.05). The
Fulani chickens demonstrated higher expression (1.37-fold), then Cobb-500 broilers (0.35-fold), while Yoruba ecotype
chickens had lower expression (0.02-fold). Melt curve analysis confirmed primer specificity and amplification
consistency across all samples. The findings suggested that elevated orexin expression in Fulani chickens may reflect
superior physiological adaptability and energy regulation capabilities, supporting their resilience in variable
environmental conditions. The differential expression patterns highlight orexin's potential as a molecular marker for
selective breeding programs aimed at improving indigenous chicken productivity while maintaining genetic diversity
and environmental adaptability.
GENETIC PARAMETERS AND TRANSGENERATIONAL EFFECTS OF THE SAUSAGE TREE (Kigelia africana) SUPPLEMENTATION ON GROWTH AND BIOMETRIC TRAITS IN NOILER CHICKS
GENETIC PARAMETERS AND TRANSGENERATIONAL EFFECTS OF THE SAUSAGE TREE (Kigelia africana) SUPPLEMENTATION ON GROWTH AND BIOMETRIC TRAITS IN NOILER CHICKS
Noiler chickens, a hybrid breed developed for dual-purpose production, exhibit unique genetic parameters
for growth and linear body measurements traits. This study presents estimates of heritability (h²) and genetic
correlations (rG) for live body weight (LBW) and linear body measurements (body length (BL), shank
length (SL), wing length (WL), chest girth (CG), wing span (WS), and comb length (CL) in Noiler chicks
at 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age, derived from a paternal half-sib mating arrangement involving 63 chicks.
Heritability was calculated as h² = σ²s / (σ²s + σ²w), and genetic correlations as rG = σA1A2 / √(σ²A1 ×
σ²A2). Data obtained in the Completely Randomized Experimental (CRD) layout were analyzed using
One- way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results showed moderate to high h2
for LBW (0.20–0.45), BL
(0.33–0.45), and CG (0.25–0.45), indicating reasonable potential for genetic selection. On the other hand,
WS (0.06–0.17) and CL (0.15) exhibited very low h2
, suggesting greater environmental influences on the
phenotypic values obtained. Furthermore, strong positive correlations of (rG = 0.450/ 0.593) between LBW
and CG/ WL respectively, observed at mid-growth stages support multi-trait selection for improved carcass
yield and body conformation. This study provides foundational information that can aid breeding
programmes to enhance productivity of the Noiler in tropical environments, particularly in Nigeria.
GENETIC RELATIONSHIP AMONG GROWTH BIOMETRICS OF INDIGENOUS RED SOKOTO AND EXOTIC BOER GOATS IN SEMI ARID, KANO
GENETIC RELATIONSHIP AMONG GROWTH BIOMETRICS OF INDIGENOUS RED SOKOTO AND EXOTIC BOER GOATS IN SEMI ARID, KANO
The study aims to determine relationship among growth biometrics of Red Sokoto and exotic Boer
breeds. Live body weights (kg) and morphometric traits (cm) of the two breeds were measured on
monthly basis for a period of one year at the goat herd of the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, Bayero
University, Kano. Data analyses were executed using JMP pro 14.0 Statistical Analysis System (SAS).
The result revealed positive and highly significant (p<0.01) correlations between body weight and most of
the morphometric variables for the Boer breed. It was observed that strong positive relationship exists
between body weight and wither height, hip height, body length, chest depth and heart girth (r = 0.73;
0.72; 0.71; 0.75 and 0.86), respectively. Heart girth was high and positively correlated to wither height,
hip height, right horn length, left horn length, body length and chest depth (r=0.75; 0.74; 0.78; 0.77; 0.71
and 0.79), respectively. In comparison to the Boer goats, Red Sokoto goats recorded from small to
positive significant (p<0.05) correlation coefficients between body weight and other measured traits.
However, highest correlation coefficients were observed in hip height with wither height (r = 0.79) and
left horn length with right horn length (r = 0.95). The positive correlations in these traits showed they are
influenced by the same genes. Therefore, selecting for one trait will likely lead to improvement in the
other correlated trait.
GENETIC VARIATION AND BODY WEIGHT AND LINEAR BODY MEASUREMENTS OF THREE NIGERIAN LOCAL CHICKEN STRAINS.
GENETIC VARIATION AND BODY WEIGHT AND LINEAR BODY MEASUREMENTS OF THREE NIGERIAN LOCAL CHICKEN STRAINS.
The body weight and linear body measurements of the Nigerian local chicken strains were studied with a view to assess their relationship and contribution to the growth of the birds. A total of three hundred (300) local chicken strains comprising one hundred (100) frizzle feathered (FF), one hundred (100) naked neck (NN) and one hundred
(100) normal feathered (NM) birds each replicated ten (10) times with ten (10) birds per replicate, were used in the
study. Data on body weight (BW) in grams (g) and linear body measurements (cm) – body length (BL), heart girth
(HG), neck length (NL) and shank length (SL) were collected weekly for ten (10) weeks and analyzed in a completely
randomized design (CRD) of SAS, statistical package. Significantly different means were separated using the
Duncan multiple range test (DMRT). Results showed that there were significant (p<0.05) variations in BW, BL, NL
and SL, an indication that breed differences is implicated in the growth and development of chickens.
GENETIC VARIATIONS IN GROWTH TRAITS OF THREE BREEDS OF BROILER CHICKENS INOCULATED WITH Salmonella typhimurium VACCINE
GENETIC VARIATIONS IN GROWTH TRAITS OF THREE BREEDS OF BROILER CHICKENS INOCULATED WITH Salmonella typhimurium VACCINE
This study investigated the effect of genotype on body weights and linear traits of three breeds of broiler
chickens (Arbor acre, Ross 308, and Cobb 500) challenged with Salmonella typhimurium vaccine.
Seventy-five (75) day-old broiler chicks comprised of twenty-five (25) each of the three breeds were used
for this study. Body weight and growth traits which include body length, height, wing length, breast girth,
drum stick, shank length and thigh length of the birds were taken on a weekly basis from 1 day-old to 8
weeks of age. Data were analyzed using the General Linear Model (GLM) Procedure of SAS. The results
showed significant (P<0.05) differences in body weights and linear traits among the breeds, with Cobb
500 having the highest body weight (439.27 and 3834.27g at weeks 2 and 8 respectively) from week 2
onwards. Cobb 500 also had the longest (P<0.05) value for most linear traits examined. The study
concluded that Cobb 500 broiler chicken is heavier than Arbor Acre and Ross 308, and recommended
exploiting the genetic differences among the breeds for genetic improvement of tropical broiler breeds.
IDENTIFICATION OF SNPs IN THE EXON 2 REGION OF MHC CLASS II GENE (BoLA DRALPHA) IN WHITE FULANI AND ITS HYBRID
IDENTIFICATION OF SNPs IN THE EXON 2 REGION OF MHC CLASS II GENE (BoLA DRALPHA) IN WHITE FULANI AND ITS HYBRID
This study characterized single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within exon 2 of the BoLA-DR-ALPHA
gene across White Fulani cattle (Bos indicus) and their hybrid counterparts in Nigeria. As a critical
component of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II pathway, BoLA-DR-ALPHA
facilitates antigen presentation and influences disease resilience. Through bidirectional Sanger sequencing
of 30 genomic samples (15 pure White Fulani, 15 White Fulani × Girolando/Holstein hybrids), we identified
23 SNPs, including 14 non-synonymous variants. Hybrid populations exhibited 56% greater SNP diversity
alongside elevated heterozygosity values (0.68 versus 0.45 in purebreds). Phylogenetic reconstruction
revealed distinct clustering of White Fulani with Bos taurus, whereas hybrids demonstrated genetic
introgression from Sokoto Gudali lineages. Computational predictions identified five non-synonymous
SNPs with potentially deleterious impacts on antigen-binding function. These findings illuminate the role
of BoLA-DR-ALPHA diversity in tropical adaptation and inform strategies for preserving disease resilience
within crossbreeding initiatives.
Polymorphism of NRAMP1 Gene and Association with Haematological Parameters of Chickens Inoculated with Attenuated Salmonella enteritidis
Polymorphism of NRAMP1 Gene and Association with Haematological Parameters of Chickens Inoculated with Attenuated Salmonella enteritidis
Poultry production is plagued with many severe diseases and one of them is salmonellosis. Treatment of this disease with antibiotics often leads to bacteria-resistance strains and accumulation of antibiotics residue in food, hence the need to use a safer method of treatment. NRAMP 1 is a candidate gene for natural immune response associated with Salmonella enteritidis. One hundred and twenty pure breed progenies generated from Naked neck, Fulani ecotype and Sasso chickens were reared together from day old to 8 weeks. At 7 weeks 10 birds were randomly selected from each genotype and 2ml of blood sample were obtained from each bird for laboratory analysis. The selected birds were inoculated with attenuated S. enteritidis at week 8 and thereafter 2ml of blood was obtained from each bird’s jugular vein for laboratory analysis. Data were collected on Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Haemoglobin (HB), Red Blood Cell (RBC), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), White Blood Cell (WBC), Neutrophils (N), Lymphocytes (L), Monocytes (M), Basophils (B), Eosinophils (E) and Platelet (PLT). The result revealed that genotype and inoculation of Salmonella had significant (p0.05). Sasso chickens had Eosinophilis values before and after (0.00±0.00 and 1.37±0.65), NN (0.50±0.50 and 1.50±0.50) and FE (0.00±0.00). Conclusively, there was a significant effect of genotype on all haematological parameters except eosinophils before and after inoculation. Naked neck had the highest values in all
parameters except for mean corpuscular haemoglobin and lymphocytes.
Predicting Body Weight in Pullets Using Machine Learning Techniques
Predicting Body Weight in Pullets Using Machine Learning Techniques
This study explores the use of machine learning to predict the body weight of pullets based on noninvasive morphometric traits. Data from 100 Isa Brown birds, including body weight, length, girth, and limb dimensions, were analysed using four models: Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), Linear Regression (LR), Regression Tree (RT), and Kernel Regression (KR) and evaluated using key metrics: R-Squared (R2), Determination Coefficient (R), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), Mean Squared Error (MSE), and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). GPR delivered the highest accuracy (R² = 0.99 testing, 0.95 validation) with the lowest RMSE values, outperforming other models. To determine the most effective model, performance outcomes were compared across all algorithms. GPR ultimately demonstrated the highest predictive accuracy, indicating its suitability for real-world poultry applications.