Conference Proceedings
30th Annual Conference Proceedings of ASAN
Prof. Suleiman Makama YASHIM , Prof. Abdulmojeed Yakubu , Prof. Uchelle Okpanachi, Dr. Bello Mummuni Munza
Articles 112 Papers
Effects of Supplemental Vitamin C and E on Serum Antioxidant Enzymes and Malondialdehyde Concentration in Improved Fulani Ecotype Chickens
Effects of Supplemental Vitamin C and E on Serum Antioxidant Enzymes and Malondialdehyde Concentration in Improved Fulani Ecotype Chickens
This study evaluated the effect of supplemental vitamin C (VC) and vitamin E (VE) used solely and in
combination on one hundred and forty-four improved Fulani ecotype chickens. The birds were grouped
into four dietary treatments (control, VE (125mg/kg alpha tocopherol acetate), VC (200mg/kg ascorbic
acid) and VC+VE) and managed intensively. At eight weeks, three birds per sex per replicate were
randomly picked for blood sampling to determine malondialdehyde concentration (MDA) and
serum antioxidant enzymes: catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutate (SOD) and glutathione
peroxidase (GPx) using validated analytical laboratory protocols. Analysed data revealed that
lowest MDA (P<0.05) was recorded in VC+VE (2.75nmol/ml) compared to control (5.93nmol/ml), VC
(4.52nmol/ml) and VE (4.01nmol/ml). Serum antioxidant enzymes; superoxide dismutase (SOD) and
glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were also elevated in VC+VE (110.06U/ml, 151U/ml) respectively
compared to control (69.09U/ml, 121.89U/ml). Supplemental VC and VE increased (p<0.05) serum
SOD (97.32U/ml, 102.31U/ml) and GPx (141.85U/ml, 143.64U/ml) activity respectively but not as
much as VC+CE. Similarly, increased CAT activity (p0.05). It can be concluded from this study
that a combination of VC and VE in the diet of IFEC resulted in better serum antioxidant enzymes
levels and malondialdehyde concentration (MDA) which alleviates the negative effects of thermal stress
in IFEC.
Effect of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Supplemented in Drinking Water on Hematological Indices and Immune Response in Broiler Chickens
Effect of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Supplemented in Drinking Water on Hematological Indices and Immune Response in Broiler Chickens
This study investigated the hematological effects of turmeric supplementation in broiler chickens. An 8
weeks trial was carried out using a total of 144 broiler chickens to evaluate the Effect of aqueous extract of
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) (AET) on Hematological Indices and Immune Response in Broiler Chickens.
The broiler chickens were brooded for two weeks and then randomly assigned to four treatment groups in
a completely randomized design (CRD), with each treatment replicated four times with each treatment
containing thirty- six birds. The turmeric extract was prepared by dissolution of 45 g of turmeric powder in
300 mL of warm water for 1 hour. Results showed that aqueous extract of turmeric significantly affected
blood platelets, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and neutrophil counts (p < 0.05),
reflecting turmeric’s immunomodulatory and haematological influence. However, other measured
parameters, packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (HB), red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC),
mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), lymphocytes, and eosinophils
were not significantly altered (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the study observed that turmeric selectively
modulates certain immune and blood quality indices in broilers without negatively impacting overall
erythrocyte or leukocyte profiles. The immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties of turmeric could
underlie these effects, supporting its potential as a beneficial dietary additive in poultry production.
TESTICULAR, EPIDIDYMAL BIOMETRY AND GONODAL SPERM RESERVES OF RED SOKOTO BUCKS FED WHOLE COTTONSEED AND COTTONSEED CAKE DIETS
TESTICULAR, EPIDIDYMAL BIOMETRY AND GONODAL SPERM RESERVES OF RED SOKOTO BUCKS FED WHOLE COTTONSEED AND COTTONSEED CAKE DIETS
The study was conducted to evaluate testicular, epididymal biometry, gonadal and extra-gonadal sperm
reserves of Red Sokoto bucks fed graded levels of whole cottonseed and cottonseed cake diets. A total of
twenty-four (24) healthy Red Sokoto bucks were used and randomly allocated to 6 dietary treatments in a
completely randomized design. The treatments contained 10, 20 and 30% inclusion levels of either whole
cottonseed (WCS) or cottonseed cake (CSC) in the diets fed to the bucks over a period of 98 days after a
14-day adjustment period. The results showed that bucks fed CSC had significantly (P<0.05) higher testis
length, caput weight and cauda weight than those fed WCS. Bucks fed 30% diets with cottonseed
products (WCS and CSC) had significantly higher testicular weight and corpus weights than those fed 10
and 20% levels of cottonseed products. The parameters decreased with increasing levels of WCS but
increased with increasing levels of CSC. It was therefore concluded that bucks fed diets with CSC
performed better than WCS and that up to 20% of CSC can be fed to breeding bucks whereas WCS
should not be fed to breeding bucks except at very low levels (10%) as it negatively affects gonadal and
extra-gonadal sperm reserves of Red Sokoto bucks.
EFFECT OF Hibiscus sabdariffa CALYX ON THE REPRODUCTIVE HORMONES OF LAYING HENS
EFFECT OF Hibiscus sabdariffa CALYX ON THE REPRODUCTIVE HORMONES OF LAYING HENS
This study evaluated the effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx supplementation on reproductive
hormones of laying hens for 56 days. The treatments consisted of a basal diet with varying levels of
roselle calyx supplemented at 0%, 1.5%, 3%, and 4.5% respectively. Sixty Isa Brown layers were
divided into 4 groups of 15 birds each and randomly assigned to the four experimental diets in a
completely randomized design (CRD). Each group was sub-divided into 3 replicates of five birds
each and each replicate housed in a pen. Feed and water were provided ad libitum four 8 weeks.
Blood samples collected before and after 6 weeks of feeding the experimental diets were analyzed for
LH, FSH, cortisol and estradiol using the standard protocols of (ELISA) kit. The results showed that
dietary supplementation with Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on FSH
and cortisol but significantly impacted LH and estradiol concentration (p < 0.05). The highest LH
level was observed in birds fed 1.5% supplementation, which was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than
in those given 3%. The control and 4.5% groups were similar (p > 0.05) to both 1.5% and 3% levels
of supplementation. For FSH, the peak concentration was obtained in birds fed 3% Hibiscus
sabdariffa, while the 1.5% and 4.5% groups were comparable (p > 0.05) to the control. Cortisol
concentration was highest (p > 0.05) in the control group, whereas birds fed 1.5%, 3%, and 4.5%
Hibiscus sabdariffa had similar (p > 0.05) values. Estradiol levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05)
in the control and 3% groups, while the 1.5% and 4.5% treatments resulted in similar lower values (p
> 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing the diets of laying hens with Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx had no
deleterious effect on FSH, LH and cortisol but slightly decreased the concentration of the estradiol.
PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF MALE RABBIT FED GRADED LEVELS OF FERMENTED AFRICAN LOCUST BEAN (Parkia biglobosa) MEAL
PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF MALE RABBIT FED GRADED LEVELS OF FERMENTED AFRICAN LOCUST BEAN (Parkia biglobosa) MEAL
The experiment was conducted at rabbitry farm of the Bauchi state College of Agriculture to investigate
the effects of Fermented African Locust Bean Meal (FALBM) on physiological responses of male rabbits.
Presented in a completely randomized design and lasted for a period of 8 weeks. Five dietary treatment
levels were formulated and allotted to the experimental animals as T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5. Each treatment
was replicated four times, with two rabbits per unit which make a total number of 40 experimental bucks.
The buck weight from 1.5-2.5 kg. The experimental diets were fed twice a day (morning and evening).
Clean drinking water was provided ad-libitum. The data obtained were analyzed using sample t-test of
Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The values of PVC, HB and WBC have shown no
significance difference (P > 0.05). Serum biochemistry values observed were similar and within normal
range of 45.0 to 122 g/L. In conclusion, the FALBM can be included in the male rabbit diet for the overall
improvement of their biochemical parameters such as lymphocyte, basophil, respectively. Therefore,
FALBM is recommended at 100 % level of inclusion for better physiological responses of male rabbits
without detrimental effect.
EFFECT OF DIETARY INCLUSION OF KIGELIA AFRICANA ON SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS AND TESTICULAR MORPHOMETRY OF RABBIT BUCKS
EFFECT OF DIETARY INCLUSION OF KIGELIA AFRICANA ON SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS AND TESTICULAR MORPHOMETRY OF RABBIT BUCKS
The study investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with Kigelia africana (sausage tree) fruit
powder on semen characteristics and testicular morphometry of rabbit bucks. Twenty grower rabbits (10–
12 weeks old) were randomly assigned to four treatment groups with five animals each in a completely
randomized design. Diets were formulated with 0 g/kg (control), 3 g/kg, 6 g/kg, and 9 g/kg of K. africana
fruit powder. After 12 weeks of feeding, semen was collected using an artificial vagina and analyzed for
semen volume, motility, viability, and concentration. Testicular morphometry was also assessed. Results
revealed significant (p<0.05) improvements in semen volume, live sperm percentage, and sperm
concentration in the supplemented groups, particularly at 6 g/kg (T2) and 9 g/kg (T3), compared with the
control. Testicular parameters, including left testis weight, width, and length, were also significantly
higher in supplemented groups. However, the highest inclusion level (9 g/kg) showed signs of reduced
benefit in some traits. The findings indicate that moderate supplementation with K. Africana (6 g/kg feed)
optimally enhances semen quality and testicular morphometry in rabbit bucks, suggesting its potential as
a phytogenic feed additive in rabbit production.
HAEMATOLOGICAL INDICES OF GROWING AND ADULT RABBITS FED DIETS CONTAINING CHICKEN FAECAL SLURRY
HAEMATOLOGICAL INDICES OF GROWING AND ADULT RABBITS FED DIETS CONTAINING CHICKEN FAECAL SLURRY
Chicken faecal slurry is a new potential non-conventional feedstuff on trial, whose effects on rabbit
performance and health have not been adequately investigated. Therefore, this study was conducted in
order to assess the heamatological parameters of growing and adult rabbits offered feeds containing
chicken faecal slurry. In a completely randomized design, a total of 36 growing (7 weeks old) and 36
adults (20 weeks old) rabbits were allotted to four experimental diets with varying levels of chicken
faecal slurry: 0% (control), 5%, 7.5% and 10% for growing rabbits; 0% (control), 5%, 10% and 15%
for adult rabbits. Each treatment subdivided into 3 replicates with 3 animals per replicate consisted of
9 rabbits. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks and data were collected on blood profile such as packed
cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), platelets, haemoglobin (Hb) and
WBC differential counts, following blood collection at the end of the experiment. Results revealed that,
all the blood parameters recorded were within the normal range. For growing rabbits, except for
heterophil (47-33% - 55.00%, p = 0.030), there was no treatment effect (p>0.05) on all other blood
parameters. Meanwhile, for the adult rabbits, notable effects (p≤0.05) of diets were recorded in all the
parameters except platelets (110.00×103
/l – 112.67×103
/l, p = 0.425). It can be concluded that,
supplementing diets of growing and adult rabbits with feed containing chicken faecal slurry up to 10%
and 15% levels respectively, will not have any deleterious effect on the haematological indices.
REPRODUCTIVE RESPONSE OF HYLA RABBIT DOE GROUPS TO SUPPLEMENTATION WITH ASCORBIC ACID UNDER TROPICAL CONDITIONS
REPRODUCTIVE RESPONSE OF HYLA RABBIT DOE GROUPS TO SUPPLEMENTATION WITH ASCORBIC ACID UNDER TROPICAL CONDITIONS
Reproductive performance of Hyla rabbit does with the effect of dietary supplementation of ascorbic
acid (vitamin C) was studied under sub-humid tropical environment. A total of 81 rabbit does comprising
of 35 multiparous pure New Zealand White (Parents) and 46 primiparous F1 progenies of the parents (31
pure New Zealand White and 15 cross Californian x New Zealand White F1) were used for the study.
Ascorbic acid (AA) was included in the diets of the rabbits at levels of 0 (control), 200, 300 and 400 mg
AA/kg feed. The hormonal response, doe and litter performance as well as doe and kit mortality were
determined weekly for 14 weeks with a 2-week adjustment period. Ascorbic acid did not significantly
(P>0.05) improve progesterone and estradiol concentrations as well as doe and litter size and weight
parameters. However, there was numerical increase in the pregnancy and kindling rates in the rabbit does
supplemented at 200 mg/kg level. Ascorbic acid did not significantly reduce doe and kit mortality. Based
on these findings, ascorbic acid might be supplemented at 200 mg/kg level in order to reduce the adverse
effect of high ambient temperature and improve reproductive and productive performance of rabbits in
the tropics.
BREED VARIATION IN REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF RED SOKOTO AND WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS IN MUBI ADAMAWA STATE NIGERIA
BREED VARIATION IN REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF RED SOKOTO AND WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS IN MUBI ADAMAWA STATE NIGERIA
This study was undertaken to determine breed variation in reproductive characteristics of Red Sokoto (RS)
and West African Dwarf (WAD) goats in Mubi a northern guinea savannah climatic zone. Two hundred
goats comprising 50 bucks and 50 does of each breed between the ages of twelve and forty-eight months
were randomly sampled at the Mubi slaughter house between May and July 2012. Live weight, age and
body condition score were determined. Gonadal and epididymal sperm reserves were determined using
homogenate and histological methods. Ovaries were examined for mature follicles and or corpus luteum
using magnifying lens. Data collected were analyzed. Result shows significant (p<0.05) effect of breed and
age on epididymal weights and volume between the breeds, Red Sokoto had higher (15.57g) epididymal
weight and volume (15.17cm3
) as compared to WAD which had 13.19g and 12.70cm3
for epididymal weight
and volume respectively. There were significant (p<0.01) correlation between weights and volume of all
segments of right and left epididymis. No significant breed difference was observed between Red Sokoto
and WAD does on the reproductive parameters examined
ORGAN PHYSIOLOGY AND TISSUE DEVELOPMENT OF RABBITS BUCKS FED CLOVE (syzygium aromaticum) AS A PHYTOGENIC FEED ADDITIVE
ORGAN PHYSIOLOGY AND TISSUE DEVELOPMENT OF RABBITS BUCKS FED CLOVE (syzygium aromaticum) AS A PHYTOGENIC FEED ADDITIVE
This study investigates inclusion level of Syzygium aromaticum as a phytogenic feed additive to enhance
organ physiology and tissue development in rabbit bucks. Thirty-six (36) rabbits bucks 2–3 months old,
average weight (600–650 g) were allotted into four dietary treatments (T1: 0 g, T2: 5 g, T3: 7.5 g, T4: 10
g clove/kg diet) in a completely randomized design. Data on growth traits, carcass yield, and relative organ
weights were analyzed using ANOVA. Carcass characteristics showed significantly higher slaughter weight
(2053.47 g) and carcass weight (1806.80 g) in T3, Significant (p < 0.05) differences occurred in the heart,
kidneys, spleen, stomach, and intestines, particularly at T4, while liver and lung weights were not
significantly affected. Relative heart weight was highest in T4 (0.25%). In conclusion, dietary inclusion of
S. aromaticum at 7.5 g/kg optimized growth and carcass physiology in buck rabbits, supporting its use as
a natural feed additive for sustainable rabbit production.