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
Effect of Temperature Based Storage Conditions on Caudal Epididymal Spermatozoa of Yankasa Rams
Effect of Temperature Based Storage Conditions on Caudal Epididymal Spermatozoa of Yankasa Rams
This study investigated the Effect of temperature-based storage Conditions (Ambient temperature and
refrigeration) on Caudal Epididymal Spermatozoa of Yankasa Rams. Six pairs of ram testicles were
collected from the Kano metropolitan abattoir. Left testes were transported in normal saline, and
spermatozoa obtained were preserved at (18 - 22°C) ambient temperature (AT), while right testes were
transported in an ice chest, and Spermatozoa obtained were preserved at (4 - 5°C) Refrigeration temperature
(RT) for 24 hours. Results showed a consistent increase in sperm motility under refrigeration, with mean
values rising from 78% ± 1.93 to 87% ± 2.23, indicating enhanced preservation of functional capacity at
lower temperatures. In contrast, sperm concentration exhibited variable responses, with a slight decline
from 2.06 × 10⁹/mL ± 0.23 to 1.93 × 10⁹/mL ± 0.24. The outcomes suggest that refrigeration benefits
motility and will uniformly preserve sperm concentration. The study concluded that epididymides or
testicles should be stored at (4 - 5°C) Refrigeration temperature for processing and evaluation
Effect of Differently Processed Flamboyant (Delonix regia) seed meal on the blood parameters of rabbits
Effect of Differently Processed Flamboyant (Delonix regia) seed meal on the blood parameters of rabbits
This study was conducted to determine the effects of different processed forms of Delonix regia
seed meal on the haematological and serum biochemical indices of mature rabbits. A total of 32,
mixed bred rabbits of both sexes aged 6-7 months with an average weight of 1450- 1470g were
used for the study. Four experimental diets were formulated comprising 0% (control), 15%
(fermented), 15% (boiled) and 15% (toasted) levels of differently processed dietary Delonix regia
seed meal as treatment T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. The animals were divided into 4 treatment
groups. Each treatment had 8replication on body weight equalization basis. Each group was there
after assigned to the 4 experimental diets in a completely randomized design experiment. The
feeding trials lasted 12 weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, blood samples were collected from 4
rabbits per treatment for haematology and serum biochemistry analysis. The results of the data
analysis showed that only white blood cells, lymphocytes, red blood cells, haemaglobin, packed
cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, neutrophils, eosinophils
and basophils were significantly different (P<0.05) between treatment groups in the
Haematological parameters while total protein, globulin, cholesterol and albumin were
significantly different (P<0.05) from the other groups in the serum biochemical parameters. This
study concluded that blood chemistry (Haematological and serum biochemical indices) of rabbits
fed 15% dietary level of different processed forms of Delonix regia seed meal did not adversely
affect the well being of the rabbits.
SPERM CHARACTERISTICS AND ANTIOXIDANT INDICIES OF RABBIT BUCKS FED DIETARY L-SELEMETHIONINE AND D-α-TOCOPHEROL
SPERM CHARACTERISTICS AND ANTIOXIDANT INDICIES OF RABBIT BUCKS FED DIETARY L-SELEMETHIONINE AND D-α-TOCOPHEROL
This study evaluated the synergistic effects of dietary L-Selenomethionine and D-α-Tocopherol
supplementation on antioxidant indices, and sperm characteristics in rabbit bucks. Twenty 6–7-week-old
male weaner rabbits were randomly selected to four dietary treatments: T1 (Control: basal diet only), T2
(basal diet + L-Selenomethionine), T3 (basal diet + D-α-Tocopherol), and T4 (basal diet + both LSelenomethionine and D-α-Tocopherol). After 12 weeks, antioxidant indices, and sperm characteristics
were assessed. Data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA following the procedures of SAS (2006), and
significant means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Results showed a
significant (p < 0.05) reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and a significant (p < 0.05) increase in
superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) activities in all supplemented groups.
Sperm concentration, motility, viability, and morphology also significantly improved (p < 0.05), while
sperm abnormalities and mortality decreased. The combination of L-Selenomethionine and D-αTocopherol (T4) yielded the best outcomes, indicating their potential synergistic role in mitigating oxidative
stress and enhancing reproductive performance in rabbit bucks.
TESTICULAR MORPHOMETRY AND REPRODUCTIVE HORMONES OF RABBIT BUCKS FED DIETARY L-SELENOMETHIONINE AND D-α-TOCOPHEROL
TESTICULAR MORPHOMETRY AND REPRODUCTIVE HORMONES OF RABBIT BUCKS FED DIETARY L-SELENOMETHIONINE AND D-α-TOCOPHEROL
This study evaluated the synergistic effects of dietary L-Selenomethionine and D-α-Tocopherol
supplementation on testicular morphometry and reproductive hormones in rabbit bucks. Twenty 6–7-
week-old weaned male rabbits were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: T1 (Control: basal diet
only), T2 (basal diet + L-Selenomethionine), T3 (basal diet + D-α-Tocopherol), and T4 (basal diet + both
L-Selenomethionine and D-α-Tocopherol). After 12 weeks, testicular morphometry and hormonal profiles
were assessed. Data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA following the procedures of SAS, and
significant means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Results showed a
significant increase (P < 0.05) in all testicular parameters and in the concentrations of luteinizing
hormone (LH) and testosterone in T2, T3, and T4 compared to the control (T1), with T4 recording the
highest values. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) among the
groups. These findings suggest that the combined supplementation of L-Selenomethionine and D-αTocopherol enhances male reproductive performance in rabbit bucks.
EFFECT OF AQUEOUS GARLIC EXTRACT ON SEMEN QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF BREEDER COCKS REARED IN HOT HUMID ENVIRONMENT
EFFECT OF AQUEOUS GARLIC EXTRACT ON SEMEN QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF BREEDER COCKS REARED IN HOT HUMID ENVIRONMENT
Optimum reproductive efficiency has been hindered by high temperature and relative humidity. This
experiment was carried out to examine the effects of Aqueous Garlic Extracts (AGE) on semen quality and
quantity of breeder cocks. Garlic bulbs (50g) were peeled, blended, made up with water to 100mL and filtered
to obtain AGE. Rhode Island Red breeder cocks (n=54) aged 40 weeks were randomly allotted to six
treatments: ordinary water (T1), served as negative control, 300ppm of Ascorbic Acid-AA (T2), served as
positive control, 1% AGE (T3), 2% AGE (T4), 3% AGE (T5) and 4% AGE (T6) in triplicates of three cocks
each. They were fed diet containing 2,802.01 Kcal/kg metabolisable energy and 20.62% crude protein for 20
weeks. Semen was assessed for its volume (ml), spermatozoa concentration (SC) (x106
/ml), abnormality and
its pH. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α 0.05. SC were significantly (p<0.05)
higher in T6 (8.28±0.70) compared to T1 (5.68±0.50), while there were no significant (p<0.05) difference when
compared with T2 (6.57±0.46), T3 (7.69±0.60), T4 (6.93±0.52) and T5 (6.96±0.43). Spermatozoa’s abnormality
at T5 was reduced (p<0.05) significantly (2.67±0.6) compared with that of T1 (9.0±0.8), and not different
(p<0.05) significantly with those of T2 (4.65± 0.9), T3 (4.00±0.7) and T6 (3.3±0.8). Oral administration of AGE
at 3-4% enhanced the quality and quantity of semen
INFLUENCE OF HEAT STRESS ON FEED INTAKE AND MILK PRODUCTION IN DAIRY COWS; A REVIEW
INFLUENCE OF HEAT STRESS ON FEED INTAKE AND MILK PRODUCTION IN DAIRY COWS; A REVIEW
The effects of high ambient temperatures on production animals, once thought to be limited to tropical
areas, has extended into northern latitudes in response to the increasing global temperature. Heat stress
has been identified as one of the major challenges for livestock production. Global temperatures are
steadily increasing, with Nigerian temperatures increasing at nearly twice the global rate. Of the livestock
used for food production, dairy cows are the most sensitive to thermal changes, which have detrimental
effects on their health, welfare, and overall productivity. Heat stress exerts a substantial effect on dairy
production. The temperature and humidity index (THI) is widely used to assess heat stress in dairy
operations. Herein, the review of effects of high temperature and humidity on feed intake and milk
production in dairy cows. Heat stress on dairy cows tends to have effect on feed intake and milk yield by
reducing voluntary feed intake as well as well reducing milk yield and quality.
SEASONAL VARIATIONS ON SEMEN QUALITY TRAITS OF AMO COCKS IN NORTHERN GUINEA SAVANNAH OF NIGERIA
SEASONAL VARIATIONS ON SEMEN QUALITY TRAITS OF AMO COCKS IN NORTHERN GUINEA SAVANNAH OF NIGERIA
This study evaluated the effect of seasonal variation on semen quality characteristics of Amo cocks. Sixty
sexually matured cocks aged 40–45 weeks and weighing 1.8–2.0 kg were used. The experiment was
conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Modibbo Adama University, Yola, across four seasonal
periods: early and late dry seasons, and early and late rainy seasons. Semen was collected using the
abdominal massage technique and analyzed following standard procedures. Results revealed that semen
motility, viability, morphology, count, and density were significantly (p0.05)
affected by season. The findings suggest that rainy seasons offer optimal conditions for improved semen
quality and potential fertility in Amo cocks.
EFFECT OF LIGHT DURATION ON BEHAVIOURAL AND GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS
EFFECT OF LIGHT DURATION ON BEHAVIOURAL AND GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS
Light duration is a crucial environmental factor influencing welfare, behaviour, and productivity in broiler
production. This study investigated the effects of varying light durations (12, 16, 20, and 24 h) on growth
performance and behavioural responses of Arbor acres broiler chickens over eight weeks. The experiment
was designed in response to welfare concerns in intensive poultry systems where artificial lighting is
commonly used to manipulate activity and growth. A total of 96 day-old chicks were randomly allotted to
four treatments in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), with two replicates of 12 birds each, reared
on deep litter. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum, with chicks fed a starter diet from weeks 1–5 and
a finisher diet thereafter. Behavioural parameters including preening, walking, foraging, resting, and
standing were monitored using video recordings to evaluate welfare outcomes. Results showed that
broilers exposed to 12 h of light had significantly higher resting frequencies (p < 0.05), while those under
24 h had the lowest feeding frequency. Birds exposed to 16 and 20 h exhibited improved numerical
weight gain, but no significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in growth parameters such as weight
gain and feed conversion ratio. Conclusively, excessive lighting (24 h) compromises welfare, while
moderate durations (16–20 h) optimize behavioural balance, welfare, and productivity, offering
sustainable management recommendations.
GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND MEAT QUALITY OF BROILER CHICKENS RAISED UNDER DIFFERENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND MEAT QUALITY OF BROILER CHICKENS RAISED UNDER DIFFERENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
This study investigated the influence of three rearing systems—battery cage, deep litter, and semiintensive—on the growth performance and meat quality of broiler chickens. A total of 90 broilers were
randomly allocated into three treatments: Battery Cage Broilers (BC-B), Deep Litter Broilers (DL-B), and
Semi-Intensive Broilers (SE-B), each replicated three times with ten birds per replicate. Growth
performance parameters measured included initial and final body weight, weight gain, average daily and
weekly weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and feed efficiency (FE). Feed and water
were provided ad libitum, and feed intake was measured using a weighing scale. At the conclusion of the
trial, breast meat samples were analyzed for proximate composition (moisture, crude protein, ether extract,
ash, and crude fibre). Results showed that broilers in battery cage and deep litter systems achieved
significantly higher (p<0.05) final body weight, feed intake, and growth rates compared with semi-intensive
broilers. Battery cage broilers recorded the most efficient FCR and FE (p<0.05). Proximate analysis
revealed that semi-intensive broilers (meat) had significantly higher crude protein and fibre content
(p<0.05), while battery cage broilers (breast meat) exhibited the highest moisture and fat levels. Ash
(mineral) content was highest in semi-intensive birds (p<0.05). These findings demonstrate that rearing
system significantly affects broiler productivity and meat quality, with intensive systems maximizing yield,
while semi-intensive systems enhance protein and mineral content.
IMPACT OF BIOCHAR AS AIR PURIFIER ON LUNG RELATIVE WEIGHT AND PULMONARY MICROBIOTA OF BROILER CHICKENS
IMPACT OF BIOCHAR AS AIR PURIFIER ON LUNG RELATIVE WEIGHT AND PULMONARY MICROBIOTA OF BROILER CHICKENS
This study investigates the effect of biochar as an air purifier on the relative weights of the lungs and
pulmonary microbiota of broiler chickens. One-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks (n = 112) were
randomly allotted into two treatment groups of 56 birds each: Biochar and Non-biochar (Control). At day
42 of the study, 14 birds per treatment were sacrificed. Lungs were harvested, weighed and the relative
weight was calculated. Lung samples were collected into sterile bottles for microbial analysis. Lower
(p0.05) relative weight of the lungs and total microbial
count in the lungs were observed in birds at both experimental units. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia
coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were identified in the lungs of birds in both experimental groups, while
Proteus spp. was detected only in the lungs of birds in the non-biochar pen. In conclusion, biochar
effectively reduced atmospheric ammonia levels. Although lung relative weights and total microbial
counts were unaffected, the absence of Proteus spp. in birds from the biochar pen suggests a potential role
in limiting the presence of specific pathogenic bacteria.