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
SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY PROFILES OF WEANER RABBIT (Oryctolagus cuniculus) FED DIET CONTAINING GRADED LEVELS OF AFRICAN WILD GRAPE (Lannea microcarpa) LEAF MEAL
SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY PROFILES OF WEANER RABBIT (Oryctolagus cuniculus) FED DIET CONTAINING GRADED LEVELS OF AFRICAN WILD GRAPE (Lannea microcarpa) LEAF MEAL
A feeding trial of 70 days was conducted to evaluate the serum biochemistry index of weaner rabbits.
Five diets were formulated, comprising treatment 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%
inclusion levels of African wild grape leaf meal, respectively. Sixty (60) Mongrel weaner bucks’
weighing 750 g ± 50 g were randomly allotted into five different treatments consisting four rabbits per
replicate and twelve per treatment in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Data generated were
subjected to the analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Duncan Multiple Range Test to compare the
means. The total protein, creatinine, blood urea and albumin did not differ significantly (P> 0.05).
However, significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in globulin. African wild grape leaf is
found to improved production quality up to 20% and can be included in the diet of weaner rabbits
without any detrimental effect.
Growth Performance and Economic Benefit of Snails (Archachatina marginata) Fed Diets Containing Graded Levels of Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal as Replacement for Soybean Meal
Growth Performance and Economic Benefit of Snails (Archachatina marginata) Fed Diets Containing Graded Levels of Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal as Replacement for Soybean Meal
The study evaluated the effects of replacing soybean meal with Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM)
on the growth performance and economic efficiency of growing snails (Archachatina marginata).
Five diets were formulated: T1 (control: 24% soybean, 0% MOLM), T2 (50% soybean replaced with
MOLM), T3 (75% soybean replaced with MOLM), T4 (100% soybean replaced with MOLM), and
T5 (pawpaw leaf only). A total of 150 snails were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments in a
completely randomized design with three replicates. The feed intake and weight gain were measured
while feed conversion ratio and feed costs per kg diets were calculated. Results revealed that weight
gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by dietary treatments.
Snails fed T3 diet had the highest weight gain (23.36 g) and best FCR (4.63), comparable to the
control, while T5 (pawpaw leaf only) performed poorest (11.34 g weight gain, FCR 9.29). Feed
cost/kg reduced with increasing MOLM inclusion, lowest in T4. However, cost per kg weight gain
was most favorable in T3 (₦2531.70). It is concluded that MOLM can replace soybean meal up to
75% in snail diets for optimal biological and economic performance.
Growth performance and nutrient utilisation of Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) fed dietary Ocimum americanum L. essential oil from Nigeria
Growth performance and nutrient utilisation of Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) fed dietary Ocimum americanum L. essential oil from Nigeria
Ocimum americanum essential oil (OAEO) has shown growth-promoting properties in aquaculture.
However, there is limited information on its optimal dietary inclusion level for enhancing growth and
nutrient utilisation in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). This study evaluated the effects of graded levels
of OAEO on the growth performance of O. niloticus fingerlings. Three hundred Nile tilapia (initial weight
1.2±0.02g) were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments containing at 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 ml
OAEO/100g of feed, representing OAEO0, OAEO1, OAEO2, OAEO3, and OAEO4, respectively and fed for
90 days. Growth metrics such as Mean Weight Gain (MWG), Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Feed
Conversion Ratio (FCR) were determined. Results showed that MWG, FCR and SGR were significantly
influenced (P < 0.05) by OAEO inclusion. Highest and lowest MWG was obtained OAEO1 (3.85±0.38) and
OAEO4 (2.94±0.03) respectively. Least FCR and Highest SGR was obtained in OAEO2 (1.58±0.14;
1.61±0.11) while highest FCR and least SGR was obtained in OAEO4 (2.06±0.07; 1.40±0.02) respectively.
Regression analysis identified 0.50ml (OAEO2) as the dietary inclusion level for optimum growth rate.
Growth parameters and Haematological profile of rabbits fed graded levels of potato vines silage
Growth parameters and Haematological profile of rabbits fed graded levels of potato vines silage
The study evaluated the growth parameters and haematological profile of rabbit feed graded level of potato
vine (Solanum Tuberosum) and elephant grass (Pennisetum Purpureum) silage at the Rabbitry Unit,
University of Port Harcourt Teaching and Research farm, Choba, Rivers State. Thirty grower rabbits of
mixed breed (New Zealand white and Chinchilla) with initial weights of 1.3±0.2 kg (mean ±SD) and aged
six (6) months were randomly assigned to five dietary treatment groups (n=6 per group, three
replicates) in a completely randomized design (CRD). The treatments were: T1 (100% elephant grass
silage, control), T2 (90% elephant grass + 10% potato vine silage), T3 (80% elephant grass + 20%
potato vine silage), T4 (70% elephant grass + 30% potato vine silage), and T5 (60% elephant grass
+ 40% potato vine silage). Growth parameters, and Haematological profile were evaluated. Data was
analyzed using SPSS 13 software and treatment means was differentiated using the Duncan. Result showed
significant (P<0.05) differences in growth parameters, and haematological parameters among treatments.
The study revealed that treatment T4 (70% Elephant grass + 30% Potato vine silage) was optimal with
superior growth and haematological outcome. Thus, further research should be carried out to validate the
findings of the current study in large scale rabbit production.
EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTING MAHOGANY (Khaya senegalensis) BARK AQUEOUS EXTRACT ON CAECUM MICROBIOTA OF BROILER CHICKENS IN THE SEMI-ARID ZONE, NIGERIA
EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTING MAHOGANY (Khaya senegalensis) BARK AQUEOUS EXTRACT ON CAECUM MICROBIOTA OF BROILER CHICKENS IN THE SEMI-ARID ZONE, NIGERIA
The study was conducted to investigate the effect of supplementing aqueous mahogany (Khaya
senegalensis) bark extract (AMBE) on the caecum microbiota of broiler chickens in the semi-arid zone in
Nigeria. A total of two hundred (200) day old broiler chicks (mixed-sex) were used for the study. The chicks
were randomly allotted to five (5) dietary treatments which was replicated four (4) times with each replicate
having ten (10) birds in a completely randomized design (CRD). Treatment 1 (T1); control group were fed
diets containing 0.00 ml/L of AMBE while treatment 2(T2,) treatment 3(T3), treatment (T4) and treatment
(T5) were fed 12.50, 25.00, 37.50 and 50.00 ml/L respectively. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks and data
on caecum microbiota were collected and subjected to analysis of variance. The result on total microbial
count showed significant (P<0.05) difference among the treatment groups. There were significant (P<0.05)
differences observed among treatment groups for Escherichia coli, Streptococcus aureus, Streptococcus
faecalis, Proteus mirabilis and Bacterial species. The presence of bacterial population increased with
increased in AMBE concentration. In conclusion, supplementing broiler chickens drinking water with
aqueous mahogany bark extract encouraged the growth of bacterial population
GROWTH AND ECONOMIC INDICES OF SUBSTITUTING A COMMERCIAL PREMIX WITH HORNED MELON MEAL IN BROILER FINISHER DIETS
GROWTH AND ECONOMIC INDICES OF SUBSTITUTING A COMMERCIAL PREMIX WITH HORNED MELON MEAL IN BROILER FINISHER DIETS
The increasing cost of feed premixes, coupled with their dependency on imported raw materials, has presented
economic challenges for poultry farmers particularly in developing countries. This study evaluated the performance
and cost of the performance of broilers finishers fed diets partially substituted with horned melon meal (HMM) as a
replacement for a commercial premix. A total of 160 broiler finishers were randomly assigned to four dietary
treatments with graded levels of HMM inclusion (0%, 25%, 37.5%, and 50%) in a completely randomized design
over four weeks. Growth performance parameters and economic indices were assessed. Results showed no significant
differences (P>0.05) in growth performance parameters, including weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio
(FCR) across the treatments. However, broilers in the control group (0% HMM) consistently exhibited slightly higher
values for this parameters (3173.50g/bird, 1442.50g/bird and 2.20, respectively). Economic analysis indicated that
the diet with 50% HMM inclusion had the lowest cost of feed intake and cost of weight gain, (N2107.76/bird and
N4572.75/bird, respectively) demonstrating potential cost savings. Horned melon meal can partially replace
commercial premix in broiler diets without compromising growth performance and it offers economic advantages at
higher inclusion levels.
HEMATOLOGICAL PROFILES OF BROILER CHICKENS FED DIETS WITH INCREMENTAL LEVELS OF SCENT LEAF (Ocimum gratissimum) MEAL
HEMATOLOGICAL PROFILES OF BROILER CHICKENS FED DIETS WITH INCREMENTAL LEVELS OF SCENT LEAF (Ocimum gratissimum) MEAL
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of incorporating different levels of scent leaf (Ocimum
gratissimum) meal into broiler diets on hematological profiles in order to assess its potential as a
functional feed additive. 180-day old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments,
each with three replicates. The experimental diets included a control (0% scent leaf meal) and three
treatment groups with 2%, 4%, and 6% inclusion of scent leaf meal, respectively. Feed and water were
provided ad libitum, and the experiment lasted eight weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, six birds per
treatment were randomly selected for blood sample collection and slaughtered for carcass analysis.
Hematological analysis revealed significant variations in blood parameters across the treatment groups.
Birds fed 2%, and 4% scent leaf meal had higher packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) count,
and hemoglobin concentration than the control. The inclusion of scent leaf meal at moderate levels (2%
and 4%) in broiler diets positively influenced hematological parameters, promote lean meat production
and improved physiological health. Future studies should investigate the long-term impacts of Ocimum
gratissimum supplementation on growth performance, immune response and gut health.
EFFECTS OF GRADED LEVELS OF INCLUSION OF CLOVE (Syzygium aromaticum) ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, EGG CHARACTERISTICS AND HAEMATOLOGY OF LAYING PULLETS
EFFECTS OF GRADED LEVELS OF INCLUSION OF CLOVE (Syzygium aromaticum) ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, EGG CHARACTERISTICS AND HAEMATOLOGY OF LAYING PULLETS
Growth performance, egg characteristics, and haematology of laying pullets fed a diet of varying levels of
clove were evaluated. A total of 120 Isa brown laying pullets at 36 weeks of age with average initial weight
of 1758.17± 25.08. The birds were randomly distributed into four dietsary treatments. each replicated thrice
with 10 birds per replicate. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. The experimental diets consist of
commercial feed with the addition of Cloves at 0.00g/kg, 2.00g/kg, 2.50g/kg and 3.00g/kg respectively.
Body weights were recorded at the end of each week, while feed consumption was recorded daily. Daily
egg production was monitored and recorded. Egg shell, egg weight, egg height, egg length, egg abdomen,
egg yolk and shell thickness were measured. Hen day production (HDP), ADFI and feed conversion ratio
were calculated. Blood samples were collected for haematological study. Data were analysed using oneway analysis of variance (ANOVA). The final body weight, daily weight gain, Hen day egg production,
average egg hen production per month, albumin and egg shape index, concentration of Packed Cell Volume
(%), Platelets (x105
/µl) and White Blood Cell (x103
/µl) were influenced (P<0.05)by the addition of clove
to the diets. The study concludes that Clove can be used to improve growth performance and egg production
of laying chickens and therefore recommends up to 2.00g/kg feed and 2.50g/kg feed of clove as safe for
pullet feeding without serious negative effects on health and egg production, and growth performance
indices respectively.
EFFECT OF CRUDE ONION EXTRACT ON HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF BROILER CHICKENS
EFFECT OF CRUDE ONION EXTRACT ON HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF BROILER CHICKENS
The study was carried out to determine the effect of onion extract on haematological parameters of
broiler chickens. A total of one hundred and fifty (150) day-old broiler Arbor acre chicks (mixed sex)
were reared up to eight (8) weeks of age and used for the study. The chickens were randomly allocated to
five dietary treatment groups with thirty (30) birds per treatment. Each group was further sub-divided
into three replicates of 10 birds per replicate in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD). The onion
extract was squeezed out with a sieve into a containe., The extract was prepared daily and administered
to the birds at graded levels of 2.5 mls, 5 mls, 7.5 mls and 10 mls in a litre of drinking water for T2,T3,T4
and T5 respectively, while T1 was the control (0.0ml) and was fed to the birds ad-libitum. The result
showed that there were no significant (P>0.05) differences among treatment groups for all the
haematological parameters except red blood cells (RBC) mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean
corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH). In conclusion haematological parameters of broiler chickens revealed
that onion extract has no adverse effect on the birds.
CARCASS YIELD AND RELATIVE ORGAN WEIGHT OF ARBOR ACRE BROILER CHICKENS FED VARYING LEVELS OF HIGH-QUALITY CASSAVA PEELS AS REPLACEMENT FOR MAIZE
CARCASS YIELD AND RELATIVE ORGAN WEIGHT OF ARBOR ACRE BROILER CHICKENS FED VARYING LEVELS OF HIGH-QUALITY CASSAVA PEELS AS REPLACEMENT FOR MAIZE
This study investigated the effects of replacing maize with High-Quality Cassava Peels (HQCP) at
varying levels on the carcass characteristics and relative organ weights of Arbor Acre Broiler Chickens.
A total of 150 day-old broiler chicks were allotted into five dietary treatments with inclusion of HQCP
replacing maize at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% respectively, in a completely randomized design.
Each treatment group had three replicates of 10 birds. Results showed that birds fed diets with 25%
HQCP had comparable carcass yields to the control group, while further inclusion led to reduced growth
performance and carcass quality. Organ weights, particularly the kidney and heart, increased
significantly with addition of HQCP levels, suggesting physiological stress or adaptive responses to diet
composition. These findings suggested that HQCP can be used to partially replace maize in broiler diets
without compromising performance, however, complete replacement may adversely affect growth and
health parameters.