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
INFLUENCE OF SCROTAL BIPARTITION ON SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS OF UDA RAMS
INFLUENCE OF SCROTAL BIPARTITION ON SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS OF UDA RAMS
Scrotal bipartition is a condition where the scrotum is divided into two separate compartments which
potentially influence sperm quality in rams due to its impact on testicular thermoregulation and function
and feedback mechanisms within the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. This condition can have
implications for reproductive health, thermoregulation, and overall fertility in rams. The study evaluated
the influence of scrotal bipartition on semen characteristics in Uda rams. The experiment was carried out
at the Animal Health and Production Department Research and Demonstration Farm in the Small
Ruminant Unit of the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi following standard management protocol. Twelve (12)
Uda rams aged 1 to 1.5 years consisting of Six (6 each) rams with scrotal bipartion (SB group) and nonscrotal bipartition (NB group) were studied. Semen was collected from the rams using electro ejaculator
and analyzed for gross and microscopic characteristics. The result of semen parameter showed that there
was no significant difference (p>0.05) in sperm volume, motility and livability between both groups,
however, SB yielded higher values in volume (0.88mL), motility (66.50%) and livability (74.50%)
compared to the NB (vol. (0.87mL), motility (62.5%) and livability (72.50%)). It was concluded that
scrotal bipartition in rams was shown to be an evolutionary indicator as the animals with this
characteristic presented more efficient heat dissipation to maintaining optimal spermatogenesis for
production of quality semen for normal reproductive function and overall fertility. Therefore, monitoring
of semen quality can be useful for assessing reproductive health and fertility in Uda rams.
INSECURITY, A THREAT TO POULTRY PRODUCTION: A STUDY OF WUKARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF TARABA STATE, NIGERIA
INSECURITY, A THREAT TO POULTRY PRODUCTION: A STUDY OF WUKARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF TARABA STATE, NIGERIA
This study investigates the impact of insecurity on poultry production in Wukari Local Government Area
of Taraba State, Nigeria. Using a random sample of 180 poultry farmers across six wards, 166 valid
responses were analyzed. Descriptive and inferential statistic showed significant relationships between
insecurity and factors such as flock size, breed, income, and level of damage. The findings revealed that
ethno-religious conflict, herders-farmers clashes, and weak security systems threaten livelihoods. The study
recommends strengthening local peace efforts and improving insecurity interventions to safeguard poultry
farming.
THE USE OF ANTIBIOTICS IN PIG AND POULTRY PRODUCTION AS WELL AS ITS RESIDUAL IMPACTS ON HUMAN HEALTH
THE USE OF ANTIBIOTICS IN PIG AND POULTRY PRODUCTION AS WELL AS ITS RESIDUAL IMPACTS ON HUMAN HEALTH
The extent and relative impact of antibiotics on human health in developing countries remain poorly
understood due to limited information and inadequate surveillance systems. Therefore, this study focuses
on the use of antibiotics among pig and poultry farmers in Edo and Delta States of Nigeria. A total of 50
pig and poultry farmers participated in this study. Data were collected using well-structured questionnaires
on socio-economic characteristics of respondents, reasons for administering antibiotics to piglets and
poultry, the types of antibiotics used, farmers' knowledge or awareness regarding the use of antibiotics, and
AMR. Data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics and were analysed using SPSS. The results
showed that most farmers administer antibiotics to their birds and pigs. The most commonly used antibiotics
by farmers are sulfonamides and tetracyclines, and approximately 75% of farmers are unaware of antibiotic
resistance. This improper use of antibiotics over time could lead to antibiotic residues in animal products
and the development of antibiotic resistance in pigs and poultry. Farmers need to be educated about the
dangers of indiscriminate use of antibiotics.
COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF A COMMERCIAL GROWTH PROMOTER AND TWO PHYTO-ADDITIVES ON PERFOMANCE AND HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF GROWING RABBITS
COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF A COMMERCIAL GROWTH PROMOTER AND TWO PHYTO-ADDITIVES ON PERFOMANCE AND HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF GROWING RABBITS
Commercial growth promoters, such as antibiotics and hormones, are used to enhance growth rates
and improve feed efficiency in rabbits. However, concerns about antibiotic resistance, residue
accumulation, and potential health risks have led to increase interest in alternative growth promoters
like phyto-additives. This study investigated the effects of a commercial growth promoter (Nufocare)
and two phyto-additives (breadfruit leaf and breadnut leaf) on the performance and blood profile of
growing rabbits. Thirty (30) growing rabbits of mixed breed and mix sexes were used for the
experiment. The animals were weighed and distributed into five (5) dietary treatments of six (6)
rabbits each, with each rabbit serving as a replicate in a Completely Randomized Design, which lasted
nine weeks. The experimental design consisted of Diet 1 (T1): Control diet, Diet 2: Control diet plus
Nufocare (1g/1kg of feed), Diet 3: Control diet plus breadfruit leaf (6g/1kg of feed), Diet 4: Control
diet plus breadnut leaf (6g/1kg of feed), Diet 5: Control diet plus combination of breadfruit leaf (3g)
and breadnut leaf (3g) (T5). The data collected on performance characteristics and haematological
parameters were analyzed using one way analysis of variance. Results showed that dietary treatments
has no significant effect on the final live weight of the rabbits, daily feed intake was significantly
lower (P<0.05) in rabbits fed diet containing phyto-additive (T3–T5). Feed-to-gain ratios were more
favourable in T2 (8.34) and T5 (8.89), compared to the control diet (10.62), indicating improved feed
efficiency with the use of Nufocare and combination of breadnut and breadfruit leaves meal. However,
combination of breadfruit and breadnut leaf had the highest white blood cell count (WBC), which
could indicate a possible enhancement in immune response. These findings suggest that phytoadditives could be viable alternatives to commercial growth promoters in rabbit production.
Growth and meat quality of rabbits fed cabbage (Brassica oleracea L., var. capitata) leaf residue under different feeding regimes
Growth and meat quality of rabbits fed cabbage (Brassica oleracea L., var. capitata) leaf residue under different feeding regimes
With the ever-increasing human population, there is a need for high quality source of animal protein for
human consumption. This study investigated the effect of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L., var. capitata) leaf
residue on growth performance and meat quality of rabbits under different feeding regimes. A total of 30
rabbits (6-8 weeks old) weighing between 600-800g of mixed breed and sexes were weighed and randomly
assigned to five (5) dietary treatment groups and six replicates i.e six (6) rabbit growers per treatment in a
completely randomized design (CRD). Treatment A rabbits were fed a control diet with no inclusion of
cabbage leaf residue (CLR). Treatments B and C rabbits were offered cabbage leaf residue extract (CLRE)
at 5ml and 10 mls per litre of drinking water respectively. Rabbits in Treatments D and E were fed 50 g and
100 g CLR per kg diet respectively. The rabbits were offered feed and water ad-libitum for the six weeks
experimental duration during which their performance and meat quality were evaluated. Findings showed
no significant effect (P>0.05) on average daily gain, average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio and
average water intake in rabbits fed CLR in feed or offered CLRE in water. The meat quality parameters
were significantly influenced (P<0.05). Meat from rabbits fed 50 g CLR had the highest crude protein
(26.49%) and ash (4.18%) but lowest ether extract (7.10%) while meat from rabbits fed control diet had the
least dry matter content. It could be concluded that the inclusion of cabbage leaf residue either in feed or
water had no adverse effect on performance and meat quality of growing rabbits.
ORGAN WEIGHT CHANGES AND MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS OF Clarias gariepinus JUVENILES FED DIFFERENT GRADED LEVELS OF COMBINATION OF PLANT– BASED SUPPLEMENTED DIETS
ORGAN WEIGHT CHANGES AND MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS OF Clarias gariepinus JUVENILES FED DIFFERENT GRADED LEVELS OF COMBINATION OF PLANT– BASED SUPPLEMENTED DIETS
This study evaluated the efficacy of different graded levels of medicinal plants mixture (MPLM)
{fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum), stone breaker (Phyllanthus
niruri), and garlic (Allium sativum)} dietary supplementation on Clarias gariepinus. Two hundred forty
C. gariepinus juveniles (mean weight 6.70±0.02g) were randomly assigned to seven treatment diets in a
completely randomised design for 8 weeks. Seven experimental diets composed of Control (without
medicinal plants mixture) MPLM2 (0.5%), MPLM3 (1.0%) MPLM4 (1.5%), MPLM5 (2.0%), MPLM6
(2.5%), MPLM7 (3.0%) of 40% crude protein in 14 experimental tanks. The experimental fish were
replicated twice with 20 fish per replicate, fed twice daily at 3% body weight. The organ index (heart,
liver, kidney, spleen, and intestine) and morphometric characteristics (standard length, total length, dorsal
length, head length and height) were measured. The organ index obtained at the end of the experiment
showed that there was an increase in the value obtained among the dietary groups when compared to the
values obtained before the experiment, and there were significant differences (P<0.05) among the dietary
groups. The result of the Morphometric characteristics revealed that there was a general increase in the
values of total length, standard length, dorsal width, height and head length of C. gariepinus juveniles.
Also, it was observed that the weight increases as the week of the feeding trial increases, and the treated
groups perform better than the control group. Conclusively, organ index and morphometric characteristics
of C. gariepinus could be improved without harmful effects by the incorporation of medicinal plant
mixture in the diet of C. gariepinus at 0.5% - 3.0% levels of inclusion.
Performance and Nutritional Composition of Black Soldier Fly Larvae on Cattle Rumen Content Wastes in Ilorin, Nigeria
Performance and Nutritional Composition of Black Soldier Fly Larvae on Cattle Rumen Content Wastes in Ilorin, Nigeria
This study evaluated the performance and nutritional composition of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL)
reared on cattle rumen content (CRC) wastes in Ilorin, Nigeria. Fresh CRC was collected, processed, and
used either alone (CRC100) or mixed 1:1 with fruit wastes (CRC50). A commercial broiler starter feed (CF)
served as a control. Six-day-old larvae were reared under a completely randomized design with three
treatments, each replicated ten times. Survival rates exceeded 85% across all treatments, with no
significant differences (p>0.05). However, larval weights were highest on CF, followed by CRC50, and
lowest on CRC100 (p<0.05), indicating enhanced growth when CRC was combined with fruit wastes.
Proximate analysis revealed that 15-day-old larvae reared on CRC-based substrates had crude protein
contents (44.68 - 44.91%) comparable to conventional protein sources, but moderate nitrogen-free extract
levels, suggesting moderate energy supply. The results show that CRC, especially when blended with
fruit wastes, can yield protein-rich BSFL suitable as livestock feed, while also promoting sustainable
waste valorization.
NUTRIENT PROFILE OF HONEY HARVESTED ACROSS TWO DIFFERENT SEASONS AT ISAN-EKITI
NUTRIENT PROFILE OF HONEY HARVESTED ACROSS TWO DIFFERENT SEASONS AT ISAN-EKITI
Honey is a nutrient-dense edible product whose composition varies significantly due to a variety of factors
such as floral sources, climate and seasonality. This study was carried out at the apiary unit of the Teaching
and Research Farm, Ekiti State Polytechnic. Harvesting of honey was done during two different periods in
the year viz late dry season (first quarter of the year) and early raining season (second quarter of the year).
Weather parameters such as average rainfall, relative humidity, wind speed, solar radiation and relative
pressure were obtained during both seasons in addition to the proximate compositions of honey samples.
Rainfall in late dry season (March) was 1.53mm compared to 26.64mm in early raining season (May). Solar
radiation was 202.28w/m2 in late dry season and 183.95w/m2
in early raining season. Proximate composition
of honey harvested in late dry season showed that crude protein in late dry season was 2.64% and 0.69% in
early raining season. The ether was 0.23% in late dry season 0.19% in early raining season. The result
showed significant variation in content of protein and some minerals as well as total volume of honey
harvested across both seasons. This study reveals that it may be beneficial to schedule the harvesting of
honey to the period when nutrients laden in it may be higher, typically before the raining season This also
has implications on welfare of bees as harvesting honey at certain periods of the year would amount to
considerable stress on the colony.
Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of weaner Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) fed Graded Levels of Sorghum Offal as Replacement for wheat Offal
Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of weaner Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) fed Graded Levels of Sorghum Offal as Replacement for wheat Offal
The study evaluated the growth performance and carcass of weaner rabbits fed graded levels of
sorghum (sorghum bicolor) offal as replacement for wheat offal in diets of weaner rabbits. A total of
60 mixed weaner breeds of rabbits aged 5-6 week were used in the experiment. Five experimental diets
were formulated using graded levels (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100) and designated as diets 1,2,3, 4 and 5 with
groundnut haulms constituting 20% and soya beans as protein source with 12 rabbis per treatment.
Each treatment was replicated three times with 4 rabbits per replicate in a completely randomized
Design. The diets were offered for a period of 8 weeks and carcass analysis was carried out at the end
of the experiment. Findings showed that there was no significant difference on all growth parameters
measured. Daily weight gain of 25.51g at 100% was obtained; feed conversion ratio 3.75 was highest
at 50%. No significant (p>0.05) differences on most of the carcass parameters measured except
shoulder and back cuts. Dressing percentage of 57.75% was obtained at 100% inclusion. It was
concluded that weaner rabbits can tolerate sorghum offal up to 50% level of inclusion without
significant adverse effect on growth performance and carcass characteristics.
PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMICS BENEFIT OF WEANER RABBITS FED WITH GRADED LEVELS OF SUN-DRIED SHEEP RUMEN CONTENT AS A REPLACEMENT OF MAIZE OFFAL
PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMICS BENEFIT OF WEANER RABBITS FED WITH GRADED LEVELS OF SUN-DRIED SHEEP RUMEN CONTENT AS A REPLACEMENT OF MAIZE OFFAL
An experiment was carried out to determine the replacement value of sun dried sheep rumen content
(SDSRC) for maize offal (MO). Five diets were formulated such that SDSRC replaced MO at 0, 25, 50,75
and 100% levels. Fifty weaner rabbits were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments replicated five
times with two rabbits per replicate in a completely randomised design. Feed and water were given ad
libitum and the experiment lasted for eight weeks, whereby parameters for performance and economics
benefit were measured. The results portray that, the experimental diets had significant (p<0.05) effect on
total weight gain (579.50-958.20g), daily feed intake (78.86-86.34g), daily weight gain (10.35-11.43g) and
feed conversion ratio (4.71-8.34). The cost of feed shows that as the level of SDSRC increases the price
decreases, the cheapest feed (N/kg) is diet 5(100%SDSRC) and the most expensive is diet 1 (0%SDSRC).
It was concluded that, SDSRC could replace maize offal at 100% without affecting performance attributes
and economics of production. The use of SDSRC is recommended as source of fibre in rabbit diets to reduce
cost of production and environmental pollution in Nigeria.