Conference Proceedings
30th Annual Conference Proceedings of ASAN
Prof. Suleiman Makama YASHIM , Prof. Abdulmojeed Yakubu , Prof. Uchelle Okpanachi, Dr. Bello Mummuni Munza
Articles 201 Papers
EFFECTS OF PAWPAW (Carica papaya) LEAF MEAL ON HAEMOTOLOGICAL AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF JAPANESE QUAILS
EFFECTS OF PAWPAW (Carica papaya) LEAF MEAL ON HAEMOTOLOGICAL AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF JAPANESE QUAILS
A study was conducted to evaluate the haematological and serum biochemical responses of Japanese
quails fed diets containing graded levels of pawpaw leaf meal (PLM) as a potential alternative protein
source. A total of 270 quails were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%
PLM) in a completely randomized design with three replicates each. Blood samples were analyzed for
haematological and biochemical indices at six weeks of age. Results showed significant (p0.05) affected. Cholesterol levels,
however, increased in birds fed diets containing 15 and 20% PLM. Creatinine values remained within
normal ranges, suggesting no impairment of liver or kidney function. In conclusion, pawpaw leaf meal
can be included up to 20% in quail diets without adverse effects on blood health, though higher inclusion
levels may elevate cholesterol.
PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS FED CASSAVA ROOT-LEAF-BASED DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH PROTEASE ENZYME
PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS FED CASSAVA ROOT-LEAF-BASED DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH PROTEASE ENZYME
This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of broiler chickens fed cassava root-leaf-based
diets supplemented with protease enzyme. Fresh cassava roots and leaves (TME 419) were harvested,
sun-dried, and milled to create CRLM. Four experimental diets were formulated, with varying levels of
maize replacement by CRLM (0%, 15%, 30%, and 45%), and supplemented with a protease enzyme
(CIBENZA DP100). The performance of broiler chickens fed these diets was assessed over 21 days
using 200-day old unsexed Ross broiler chicks. The birds were allotted into 4 dietary groups in a
Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The final weight showed no significant (P>0.05) differences.
Birds on CRLM+P diets showed reduced feed intake, particularly in the 45% CRLM+P group. Feed
conversion ratios (FCR) improved in the CRLM+P diets compared to the control diet. In conclusion,
replacing a portion of maize with up to 45% CRLM in broiler chicken diets, supplemented with protease
enzyme, can be a viable strategy to reduce production costs without compromising performance.
HAEMATOLOGICAL INDICES OF BROILER BIRDS FED DIETS CONTAINING DIFFERENT LEVELS OF PAWPAW (Carica papaya) LEAF MEAL
HAEMATOLOGICAL INDICES OF BROILER BIRDS FED DIETS CONTAINING DIFFERENT LEVELS OF PAWPAW (Carica papaya) LEAF MEAL
The study was conducted to investigate the haematological indices of broiler finisher birds fed varying
dietary levels of pawpaw leaf meal. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) 28-day old broiler chickens
(Arbor Acre strain) was used and the study lasted for 28 days. The birds were randomly allocated to
four groups. Each group was replicated three times in a Completely Randomized Design. Experimental
diets were made to contain 0%, 1%, 2% and 3% of analysed pawpaw leaf meal, to represent treatments
1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Blood samples were collected through neck slitting from 3 birds per replicate
for haematological indices. The result of the proximate composition showed that pawpaw leaf meal
contained 25.89% crude protein, crude fibre 10.34%, ether extract 1.00, ash 15.66% and nitrogen free
extract 47.11%. The result showed that all haematological indices were significantly (p<0.05)
influenced by the inclusion of pawpaw leaf meal (PPLM), except for the mean corpuscular haemoglobin
(MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The mean packed cell,
haemoglobin, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and heterophils increased with increased in dietary
PPLM. It is concluded that pawpaw leaf meal the PPLM which is high in crude protein, ash and crude
fibre though low in ether extract, can support and improve the health status of broiler finisher birds.
VILLI MORPHOMETRIC TRAITS OF BROILER CHICKENS FED DIETS CONTAINING RATIOS OF Piper guineense AND Gnetum africanum
VILLI MORPHOMETRIC TRAITS OF BROILER CHICKENS FED DIETS CONTAINING RATIOS OF Piper guineense AND Gnetum africanum
The study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion ratios of Piper guineense and Gnetum africanum on
villi morphometric traits of broiler chickens. Two hundred and fifty-five (255) day-old Ross 308 broiler
chicks were allotted to five dietary treatments with three replicates of seventeen birds each in a
completely randomized design. The diets contained combinations of P. guineense and G. africanum at
ratios of 0, 25:75, 50:50, and 75:25, with oxytetracycline serving as a reference control, with 25:75,
50:50, and 75:25 representing P. guineense and G. africanum at 62.5g+375g, 125g+250g and
187.5g+125g, respectively. Intestinal samples were collected and analyzed for villi height, width, crypt
depth, surface area, and perimeter. Results revealed significant (p<0.05) differences in all villi
morphometric parameters except villi height to crypt depth ratio. Birds fed the 75:25 ratio of P.
guineense to G. africanum exhibited superior villi area, perimeter, and height, indicating improved
intestinal morphology and absorptive capacity. The enhanced villi development suggests a synergistic
effect of the phytochemicals and essential oils present in the plant combination, promoting gut health
and nutrient utilization.
EFFECT OF LITTER TYPE AND AMENDMENT ON SERUM INDICES OF BROILER CHICKENS
EFFECT OF LITTER TYPE AND AMENDMENT ON SERUM INDICES OF BROILER CHICKENS
The study investigated the effect of litter type and amendment on serum indices of broiler chickens. A
total of 306 day-old broiler chicks were allotted to six treatments in a 2×3 factorial arrangement
involving two litter materials (wood shavings and rice husk) and three amendments (0, alum, and
bentonite) in a completely randomized design. Standard diets were provided during the starter (0–4
weeks) and finisher (5–7 weeks) phases. Serum biochemical parameters were analyzed using standard
methods. Results showed significant (p<0.05) effects of litter and amendments on several serum indices.
Birds raised on rice husk without amendment had the highest AST and BUN levels, suggesting liver
and renal stress. However, alum and bentonite treatments mitigated these effects. Bentonite-treated
litters consistently produced lower ALT, ALP, and BUN values, indicating improved metabolic and
hepatic function. Wood shavings and rice husk combined with bentonite yielded the most favourable
serum profiles. The study concludes that litter management significantly affects serum biochemistry
and, consequently, broiler welfare and productivity.
CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER CHICKENS FED DIETS CONTAINING COMBINATIONS OF Mentha piperita AND Adansonia digitata AS PHYTOGENIC FEED ADDITIVES
CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER CHICKENS FED DIETS CONTAINING COMBINATIONS OF Mentha piperita AND Adansonia digitata AS PHYTOGENIC FEED ADDITIVES
This study evaluated the carcass characteristics of broiler chickens fed diets containing combinations
of Mentha piperita (peppermint) and Adansonia digitata (baobab) leaf meals as phytogenic feed
additives. Four hundred (400) day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly allotted to five dietary
treatments with three replicates of twenty-seven birds each in a completely randomized design. The
treatments consisted of a control diet (T1), diets containing combinations of peppermint and baobab
leaf meals at 75:25 (T2), 50:50 (T3), 25:75 (T4), and a diet containing oxytetracycline (T5) as an
antibiotic growth promoter (AGP). Results revealed significant (p0.05). Birds fed diets containing 50:50 combinations of Mentha
piperita and Adansonia digitata recorded the highest live and dressed weights, comparable to those on
the antibiotic diet. The findings suggest that the synergistic inclusion of peppermint and baobab leaves
can effectively improve carcass yield and organ development in broilers, serving as a natural alternative
to synthetic growth promoters.
BAOBAB: THE UNTAPPED POTENTIAL OF AFRICAN FOREST RESOURCES IN ANIMAL NUTRITION
BAOBAB: THE UNTAPPED POTENTIAL OF AFRICAN FOREST RESOURCES IN ANIMAL NUTRITION
Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) is a vital non-timber forest product with immense potential in both forestry
and animal nutrition. Native to the African savanna, this multipurpose tree contributes to ecological
stability, rural livelihoods, and sustainable feed production. The leaves, fruit pulp, and seeds are rich in
nutrients, bioactive compounds, and minerals that support animal growth and health. Despite its abundance,
baobab remains underutilized in livestock and monogastric feed formulation. This review combines current
knowledge on its botanical characteristics, nutritional composition and applications in monogastric animal
nutrition. Available evidence reveals the significance of baobab plant in forest ecosystems and its potential
to enhance sustainable feed systems in livestock production. The review concludes with recommendations
and strategies to promote the integration of baobab into forestry and feed management practices, as feed
resource and phytogenic additives.
FEED UTILIZATION AND SERUM PARAMETERS OF BROILER CHICKENS FED Chromolaena odorata LEAF MEAL AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO ANTIBIOTIC GROWTH PROMOTER
FEED UTILIZATION AND SERUM PARAMETERS OF BROILER CHICKENS FED Chromolaena odorata LEAF MEAL AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO ANTIBIOTIC GROWTH PROMOTER
The potentials of Chromolaena odorata (siam weed) leaf meal (COLM) as an alternative to
oxytetracycline was investigated. COLM was incorporated into the formulated broiler diets at 0%,
0.5%, 1%, 1.5% respectively with a fifth treatment which contained the antibiotic growth promoter as
positive control. Two hundred and twenty five unsexed arbor acre broiler chicks were used for the
experiment; they were allotted into the five treatments with three replicates each in a completely
randomized design and fed for 42 days. Results showed that COLM had 13.17% crude protein, 7.89
crude fibre and 12.23% ash. It contained 3.23mg/100g flavonoids,2.37mg/100galkaloids,4.63mg/100g
saponins, 21.37mg/100g tannins, 11.37mg/100g glycosides, 8.53mg/100g phenolic acids, 1.37mg/100g
coumarins, 10.47mg/100g terpenoids and 1.67mg/100g steroids. It also indicated that at 1.5% level of
inclusion, feed utilization and growth performance of the birds were significantly (P< 0.05). The serum
biochemical parameters were within normal limits and indicative of the beneficial effects of its inclusion
in the diets. The use of this at 1.5% was recommended for profitable and sustainable broiler chicken
production.
SYNBIOTIC EVALUATION OF Ocimum canum WITH Lactobacillus subtilis ON THE GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKS
SYNBIOTIC EVALUATION OF Ocimum canum WITH Lactobacillus subtilis ON THE GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKS
This study evaluated the synbiotic effects of Ocimum canum (African sweet basil) and Lactobacillus
subtilis on the growth performance of broiler chicks from 0 to 4 weeks of age. A total of 360 day-old
Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments in a completely randomized
design with three replicates of 20 birds each. Treatments comprised a control diet, two levels of O.
canum (800 and 1200 g/100 kg feed), two synbiotic diets (O. canum at 800 and 1200 g/100 kg feed +
L. subtilis), and a standard antibiotic control (oxytetracycline). Parameters measured included weight
gain, average daily weight gain (ADWG), feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed cost per
kilogram gain, and mortality. Results showed that birds fed O. canum alone or in combination with L.
subtilis performed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) better than the control. The highest final body weight (953.42
g/bird), daily weight gain (32.69 g/bird/day), and best FCR (1.72) were recorded in birds fed diet
containing oxytetracycline, and those fed diet containing 800 and 1200 g/100kg diet of Ocimum canum
followed by group fed the synbiotic diet with 800 and 1200 g/100 kg O. canum plus L. subtilis. Feed
cost per kilogram gain was lowest in the same group with similar trend. It was concluded that the use
of O. canum singly or in combination with L. subtilis enhanced feed efficiency and growth performance,
suggesting that this synbiotic mixture can serve as a viable natural alternative to antibiotics in broiler
production
INTEGRATING NOMADIC AND AGRICULTURAL LAND USE: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
INTEGRATING NOMADIC AND AGRICULTURAL LAND USE: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Nomadic pastoralism supports millions but faces challenges like land conflicts, environmental
degradation, and restrictive policies. Tensions with farmers often arise over resource use. However,
solutions such as inclusive land-use planning, agro-pastoral cooperation, legal recognition of land rights,
and climate-resilient practices offer pathways for peaceful coexistence and sustainable rural development.