This study evaluated the reproductive performance of rabbit does fed diets containing varying levels (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%) of horseradish (Moringa oleifera) leaf meal. Twenty-four female and four male rabbits were assigned to four treatment groups and fed the experimental diets for 16 weeks. Parameters measured included gestation length and gain, litter size and weight at birth and weaning, survival rates, and milk production. Results showed that litter birth weight and gestation gain were highest for rabbits fed 20% and 30% horseradish leaf meal. Weaning traits like litter size, weight, and survival rates were also best for rabbits fed 20% horseradish leaf meal. The study concluded that up to
Economics of production and egg quality characteristics of Layer Chickens Fed...AI Publications
The study evaluated the effect of prosopis africana seed coat meal (PASCM) on the economics of production and egg quality characteristics of three hundred (300) Nera brown layer chickens thatwere fed for 39 weeks. The birds were randomly allotted to 5 experimental diets with 3 replications of 20 birds each. The diets were formulated with the inclusion of PASCM at 0, 15, 20, 25 and 30% levels for treatments T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively and the data collected were subjected to analysis of Variance in a completely randomized design. Results obtained showed that in the economics of egg production, egg/hen/day, egg sales/day (₦) and profit/day (₦) decreased with increased PASCM inclusion in the diets. While most of the egg quality parameters were affected (P < 0.05) by the dietary treatments, except egg weight, egg length, shell thickness and egg shape index. The economics of production and egg quality characteristics showed that 20% PASCM inclusion level resulted in optimum production and hence this level is recommended for adoption.
A study was carried out to evaluate the nutritive value and enzyme supplementation of different sources of energy in broiler diets on the growth performance and heamatological parameters of broiler chickens supplemented with Mazigrain® enzyme within the treated groups. Five isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets less (23.17 % CP; 2831 Kcal/ME and 21.73 % CP; 2929 Kcal/ME) for the broiler starter (0 - a month) and finisher phases (5–8 months) respectively were formulated. Diet 1(maize based diet) served in as the control while diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 were supplemented with sorghum, pearl millet, cassava and sweet potatoes based diets separately. A sum of 225 day-old NAPRI X broiler chicks were haphazardly distributed to the five treatments. Every treatment comprised of 45 broilers with three repeats of fifteen birds each in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The general linear model protocol of S.A.S. 9.0. was used to analyze the collected data. Among the dietary groups significant changes (P<0.05) was found utilizing a Tukey test. Enzyme along with various energy sources have noteworthy (P<0.05) changes on every one of the parameters (final weight, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, water intake, water to feed ratio and feed cost per kilogram weight gain) except for death rate at the starter phase. Broilers that had sorghum based diet had the best performance at starter stage (final weight; 627 g, weight gain; 576.85 g, feed cost/kg gain; ^ 187.95 k). At the finisher stage, sorghum supplemented with enzyme had the best feed conversion ratio (1.96) and feed cost/kg gain; ^ 171.15 k. The optimal performance characteristics were recorded for sorghum based diets. Feed cost / kg gain was the cheapest on birds fed sorghum based diet with enzyme supplementation which was comparable with those fed the maize based diet. However, the use of enzyme enhanced the performance of birds at both the starter and finisher phases.
Evaluation of Different Herbaceous Legume Hays As Protein Supplements for Gro...paperpublications3
Abstract: A study to evaluate the dry matter feed intake (DMI) and growth rate of local growing lambs supplemented different herbaceous forage legumes hay with teff straw (TS) ad libitum and sorghum crushed grain (SCG) based-diet was conducted at Sirinka Agricultural Research Center (SARC). The treatments were NCTR (TS + SCG 100 to 150 g/day head-1) and NCTR with supplementary (SUPP) protein sources VET (Vetch, Vicia dasycarpa), STY (Stylosanthes, Stylosanthes hamata), LAB (Lablab, Lablab purpureus), SIR (Siratro, Macroptilium atropurpureum), DES (Desmodium, Desmodium unicinatum), SES (Sesbania, Sesbania sesban), LUC (Leucaena, Leucaena pallida) hay and PCTR (Noug cake, Guizotia abyssinica). Average initial body weight (IBW) (23.11± 0.3 kg) and feed conversion rate (FCR) 4.81 were same for all treatment groups. Final body weight (FBW) and average daily body weight gain (ADG) were different (p<0.001) among treatment groups. Animals fed on NCTR plus LUC and LAB supplement had better FBW, ADG and dry matter supplement (SDMI) and total feed intakes (TDMI) than other treatment groups. Moreover, animals in supplemented treatment groups’ achieved a maximum ADG of 109.1 gm head-1 at 10th week of feeding period. The results indicated the possibility of increasing sheep production through supplementation of these forge legumes in areas while the production of these forage species are possible. Therefore, supplementation of growing lambs with LUC and LAB hay plus NCTR until 10 weeks (70 days) would give optimum body weight gain.
A Study on Effect of Anti Toxic Nutrient (ATN) in productive and reproductive...iosrjce
IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science (IOSR-JAVS) is a double blind peer reviewed International Journal edited by the International Organization of Scientific Research (IOSR). The journal provides a common forum where all aspects of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences are presented. The journal invites original papers, review articles, technical reports and short communications containing new insight into any aspect Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences that are not published or not being considered for publication elsewhere.
Assessing the partial substitution of roasted soybean seed with sweet potato ...Premier Publishers
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of partial substitution of roasted soybean seed (RSS) with sweet potato leaf meal (SPLM) on growth performances of broiler chickens. Two hundred unsexed Cobb-500 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments consisting of a control diet (T1) and those containing SPLM at the levels of 30 g/kg (T2), 60 g/kg (T3), 90 g/kg (T4) and 120 g/kg (T5) replacing the RSS of the control diet. Each treatment diet was replicated four times with ten chicks each. The average feed intake of birds was (P<0.05)><0.05)><0.05)><0.05) higher CP retention than those of T1 diet. In conclusion, chickens fed with T1 and T3 diets had better body weight and gain compared to other treatment diets. The feed intake decreased with increasing levels of SPLM suggesting the substitution of roasted soybean with higher levels may not be beneficial for broiler chickens.
Comparative Study of Feeding Different Levels of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa)...BRNSS Publication Hub
The present work was aimed to determine the comparative effect of feeding different levels of black cumin
on growth, feed consumption, and feed efficiency of COBB-500 broiler. Three hundred and twenty, daysold straight run COBB-500 chicks from a lot of the same hatch were brooded in an electrically operated
battery brooder for a period of 7 days, where pre-experimental diet was offered. On the 8th day, chicks
having uniform body weight were randomly allocated into four dietary treatments with four replications
(20 chicks in each). The isoproteinous and isocaloric formulated standard starter (1–10 days), grower
(11–20 days), and finisher (21–42 days) diets were supplemented with different levels of black cumin of
T1 – control, T2 – 0.25% black cumin, T3 – 0.5% black cumin, and T4 – 0.75% black cumin, respectively.
The chicks were offered ad libitum treatment diets and clean drinking water. The desired data were
recorded weekly, which included live weight, weight gain, feed consumption, and feed efficiency of
broiler birds. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis under completely randomized design
as per the methods of MSTAT. Final live weight of the birds was found highly significant (P < 0.01) for
all treatment groups. Highest final weight gain (2244.59 g) was found in birds fed ration supplemented
with 0.5% black cumin. Daily live weight of the birds was also found highly significant (P < 0.01) for all
treatment groups. Highest daily live weight gain (60.27 g) was found in birds fed ration supplemented
with 0.5% black cumin. Supplementation of black cumin in the broiler rations did not exhibit any
significant effect (P > 0.05) on the total feed consumption. Feed conversion ratio was found significantly
different (P < 0.01) for all treatment groups. It is, therefore, concluded that inclusion of black cumin in
the broiler rations could be economical and efficient production of broilers
Effects of Feeding Whole Cottonseed, Cotton Seed Cake and Guizotia abyssinica...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
— The present study was designed to investigate the effect of feeding whole cotton seed, of Gossipium hirustum spp (WCS), cottonseed cake (CSC) and noug seed cake (NSC) on blood serum parameters of growing male goats. Twenty four Arsi-Bale growing male goats of 6-12 months of age were assigned at random to four dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design. The dietary treatments were; (T1) local grass hay only (control), (T2) control +20% WCS, (T3) control+30% CSC all amount on total daily DMI basis and (T4) control + recommended level noug seed cake(50% wheat bran (WB) and 49% NSC). Blood samples were collected in 10ml vactainer tube by jugular vein puncture every 30, 60 and 90 days of the experimental days and were allowed to clot at room temperature and centrifuged for 15minutesat 3000 rpm. The separated serum samples were stored in a deep freezer at-20 o C until they were analyzed. Te samples were analyzed for serum parameters: albumin, total protein, glucose, urea nitrogen, creatinine and alkaline phosphate Significant (P<0.05)>0.05) difference between treatments were observed in the levels of total serum protein and glucose. Moreover, no visible clinical sign of gossypol toxicity was observed on the experimental goats fed WCS and CSC during the 90 days of the experimental period. Hence, it was concluded that supplementation of growing male goat diets with recommended levels of NSC,20 and 30% WCS and CSC respectively have no adverse effect on blood serum parameters of growing male goats. Keywords— blood serum parameters, cotton seed cake, goats, noug seed cake, whole cottonseed.
Performance Characteristics and Carcass Yield of Indigenous Turkeys Fed Indom...iosrjce
This study evaluated the performance of turkey poults fed indomie waste (IW) based-diet. A total of
one hundred and forty-four (144) local strain of turkey poults were allotted to four dietary treatments in which
indomie waste was used to replace maize at 0%, 33.33%, 66.67%, and 100% levels, representing treatments one
to four (T1- T4) respectively. Each treatment was replicated three times with 12 poults per replicate using the
Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The study lasted for eight weeks. The initial weights of the poults were
taken while the final weight record was taken at the end of the study. The feed intake record was taken daily and
computed as total feed consumed per bird at the end of the study while weight gain, feed conversion ratio and
feed cost were calculated. Three birds were randomly selected from each replicate for carcass and organ
evaluation and were expressed as percentages of the body weight. The result showed that the IW significantly
(p< 0.05) affected the average weight gain and improved feed conversion ratio. The cost of feed per kg
decreased with increasing levels of IW in the diet. Significant differences were not observed in the carcass and
organ except in the breast yield. The lowest cost of feed was obtained at 100% inclusion level. The reduction in
feed cost is an advantage to the farmer who desires low cost of production. It was evident that IW could be
incorporated into the diet of local strain of turkey poults up to 100% level without any deleterious effect on the
performance of the turkeys, however, the 66.67% replacement which led to higher final body weight and better
feed conversion is recommended.
Metabolic and Exercise Performance Responses to Two Different Oral Doses of C...science journals
This opinion article aims to highlight the use of the Word Association technique (WA) as a food safety tool, as evidenced in the article by J.M. Latorres and coauthors. .
Comparative Effect of Some Proprietary Vitamins and Trace Mineral Mixtures on...iosrjce
The research study was carried out to evaluate the comparative effect of some proprietary
vitamins/trace mineral mixtures on the performance and egg quality of laying hens. Two hundred and fifty- six
fifty weeks old Yaffa strain laying birds were used. The birds were randomly allotted to four premixes fortified
experimental diets; PPGODOMIX, PPOMIX, PPROCHE and PPWRITEX with each diet containing isocaloric
and isoproteinous. Sixty four birds were randomly assigned to each of the dietary treatments. The birds were
further sub- divided into four replicates with sixteen birds per replicate. The four dietary treatments elicited no
significant (P>0.05) influence on the overall performance of birds. Percentage hen day egg production was
equally not significantly (P>0.05) affected by any of the dietary treatments examined. The average daily feed
intake was significantly (P<0.05)><0.05)>0.05) influenced by PPOMIX. Birds fed PPOMIX obtained a significantly (P<0.05) higher
value of egg weight, albumen weight and blood spot which were statistically similar to other experimental
premixes examined. The results generated from this study revealed that premix of similar profile will give
similar result which could be used to improve ration management towards enhanced feed utilization and egg
internal/external quality.
Carcass, Organ Weights and Histo-morphology of Internal Organs of Sows Fed Fe...Premier Publishers
Fresh cassava peels were subjected to submerged fermentation, sundried for 3-5 days and also subjected to proximate analysis. Fermentation reduced cyanide and improved crude protein. A group of 27 weaner gilts (Largewhite x Duroc), aged 8-9 weeks and weighed 10.61±0.27kg were fed fermented cassava-peels-based-diets. They were allotted to three treatments comprising T1 (control), T2 (fermented CPM) and T3 (fermented CPM + enzyme) in a completely randomized design and fed for 22 weeks. Data on carcass and some visceral organs weights were subjected to analysis of variance and means separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Histo-morphology on the organs was conducted. The dressing percentages were 66.53, 60.25 and 64.11% for T1, T2 and T3 respectively whereas the head, heart, lungs and kidney were the weightiest for T1, the stomach/intestine for T2 and the liver and spleen for T3 while the histo-morphology of T1 sows were all normal except for mild architectural deviation in the duodenum and ileum. Histo-morphological changes were observed in the ileum and duodenum of T2 and T3. It is therefore recommended that fermented peels be supplemented with enzyme for improvement in dressing percentage and watch-out for pathological lesions in the visceral organs.
Twenty two genotypes of quality protein maize (QPM) and two local checks were assessed for their lysine and tryptophan levels, as well as grain yield characteristics at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority station, Oke-Oyi, Ilorin, Nigeria for three years (2009-2011). The results showed that the QPM genotypes and the standard checks varied from one another, with respect to crude protein, zein dry matter, zein crude, lysine and tryptophan. The best QPM hybrids for grain yield (Dada-ba, ART98-SW5-OB, ART98-SW4-OB and TZPB-OB had percentage lysine and tryptophan advantage of 34% compared with the local checks. These hybrids also out-yielded other genotypes with yield advantage of 10, 24 and 26% over the best inbred, open pollinated variety and the standard check respectively. However, grain yield showed positive association with all the characteristics except crude protein content. Kernel number per cob had maximum correlation with grain yield followed by kernel rows per cob, cob diameter and cob weight. The direct effect for crude protein was positive but the correlation was negative. Conclusively, the QPM hybrids that combined high yield with the essential amino acids could be tested in different savanna agro-ecologies to identify those that could be released to farmers, while the superior inbreds could be introgressed for further breeding programs.
Economics of production and egg quality characteristics of Layer Chickens Fed...AI Publications
The study evaluated the effect of prosopis africana seed coat meal (PASCM) on the economics of production and egg quality characteristics of three hundred (300) Nera brown layer chickens thatwere fed for 39 weeks. The birds were randomly allotted to 5 experimental diets with 3 replications of 20 birds each. The diets were formulated with the inclusion of PASCM at 0, 15, 20, 25 and 30% levels for treatments T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively and the data collected were subjected to analysis of Variance in a completely randomized design. Results obtained showed that in the economics of egg production, egg/hen/day, egg sales/day (₦) and profit/day (₦) decreased with increased PASCM inclusion in the diets. While most of the egg quality parameters were affected (P < 0.05) by the dietary treatments, except egg weight, egg length, shell thickness and egg shape index. The economics of production and egg quality characteristics showed that 20% PASCM inclusion level resulted in optimum production and hence this level is recommended for adoption.
A study was carried out to evaluate the nutritive value and enzyme supplementation of different sources of energy in broiler diets on the growth performance and heamatological parameters of broiler chickens supplemented with Mazigrain® enzyme within the treated groups. Five isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets less (23.17 % CP; 2831 Kcal/ME and 21.73 % CP; 2929 Kcal/ME) for the broiler starter (0 - a month) and finisher phases (5–8 months) respectively were formulated. Diet 1(maize based diet) served in as the control while diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 were supplemented with sorghum, pearl millet, cassava and sweet potatoes based diets separately. A sum of 225 day-old NAPRI X broiler chicks were haphazardly distributed to the five treatments. Every treatment comprised of 45 broilers with three repeats of fifteen birds each in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The general linear model protocol of S.A.S. 9.0. was used to analyze the collected data. Among the dietary groups significant changes (P<0.05) was found utilizing a Tukey test. Enzyme along with various energy sources have noteworthy (P<0.05) changes on every one of the parameters (final weight, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, water intake, water to feed ratio and feed cost per kilogram weight gain) except for death rate at the starter phase. Broilers that had sorghum based diet had the best performance at starter stage (final weight; 627 g, weight gain; 576.85 g, feed cost/kg gain; ^ 187.95 k). At the finisher stage, sorghum supplemented with enzyme had the best feed conversion ratio (1.96) and feed cost/kg gain; ^ 171.15 k. The optimal performance characteristics were recorded for sorghum based diets. Feed cost / kg gain was the cheapest on birds fed sorghum based diet with enzyme supplementation which was comparable with those fed the maize based diet. However, the use of enzyme enhanced the performance of birds at both the starter and finisher phases.
Evaluation of Different Herbaceous Legume Hays As Protein Supplements for Gro...paperpublications3
Abstract: A study to evaluate the dry matter feed intake (DMI) and growth rate of local growing lambs supplemented different herbaceous forage legumes hay with teff straw (TS) ad libitum and sorghum crushed grain (SCG) based-diet was conducted at Sirinka Agricultural Research Center (SARC). The treatments were NCTR (TS + SCG 100 to 150 g/day head-1) and NCTR with supplementary (SUPP) protein sources VET (Vetch, Vicia dasycarpa), STY (Stylosanthes, Stylosanthes hamata), LAB (Lablab, Lablab purpureus), SIR (Siratro, Macroptilium atropurpureum), DES (Desmodium, Desmodium unicinatum), SES (Sesbania, Sesbania sesban), LUC (Leucaena, Leucaena pallida) hay and PCTR (Noug cake, Guizotia abyssinica). Average initial body weight (IBW) (23.11± 0.3 kg) and feed conversion rate (FCR) 4.81 were same for all treatment groups. Final body weight (FBW) and average daily body weight gain (ADG) were different (p<0.001) among treatment groups. Animals fed on NCTR plus LUC and LAB supplement had better FBW, ADG and dry matter supplement (SDMI) and total feed intakes (TDMI) than other treatment groups. Moreover, animals in supplemented treatment groups’ achieved a maximum ADG of 109.1 gm head-1 at 10th week of feeding period. The results indicated the possibility of increasing sheep production through supplementation of these forge legumes in areas while the production of these forage species are possible. Therefore, supplementation of growing lambs with LUC and LAB hay plus NCTR until 10 weeks (70 days) would give optimum body weight gain.
A Study on Effect of Anti Toxic Nutrient (ATN) in productive and reproductive...iosrjce
IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science (IOSR-JAVS) is a double blind peer reviewed International Journal edited by the International Organization of Scientific Research (IOSR). The journal provides a common forum where all aspects of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences are presented. The journal invites original papers, review articles, technical reports and short communications containing new insight into any aspect Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences that are not published or not being considered for publication elsewhere.
Assessing the partial substitution of roasted soybean seed with sweet potato ...Premier Publishers
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of partial substitution of roasted soybean seed (RSS) with sweet potato leaf meal (SPLM) on growth performances of broiler chickens. Two hundred unsexed Cobb-500 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments consisting of a control diet (T1) and those containing SPLM at the levels of 30 g/kg (T2), 60 g/kg (T3), 90 g/kg (T4) and 120 g/kg (T5) replacing the RSS of the control diet. Each treatment diet was replicated four times with ten chicks each. The average feed intake of birds was (P<0.05)><0.05)><0.05)><0.05) higher CP retention than those of T1 diet. In conclusion, chickens fed with T1 and T3 diets had better body weight and gain compared to other treatment diets. The feed intake decreased with increasing levels of SPLM suggesting the substitution of roasted soybean with higher levels may not be beneficial for broiler chickens.
Comparative Study of Feeding Different Levels of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa)...BRNSS Publication Hub
The present work was aimed to determine the comparative effect of feeding different levels of black cumin
on growth, feed consumption, and feed efficiency of COBB-500 broiler. Three hundred and twenty, daysold straight run COBB-500 chicks from a lot of the same hatch were brooded in an electrically operated
battery brooder for a period of 7 days, where pre-experimental diet was offered. On the 8th day, chicks
having uniform body weight were randomly allocated into four dietary treatments with four replications
(20 chicks in each). The isoproteinous and isocaloric formulated standard starter (1–10 days), grower
(11–20 days), and finisher (21–42 days) diets were supplemented with different levels of black cumin of
T1 – control, T2 – 0.25% black cumin, T3 – 0.5% black cumin, and T4 – 0.75% black cumin, respectively.
The chicks were offered ad libitum treatment diets and clean drinking water. The desired data were
recorded weekly, which included live weight, weight gain, feed consumption, and feed efficiency of
broiler birds. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis under completely randomized design
as per the methods of MSTAT. Final live weight of the birds was found highly significant (P < 0.01) for
all treatment groups. Highest final weight gain (2244.59 g) was found in birds fed ration supplemented
with 0.5% black cumin. Daily live weight of the birds was also found highly significant (P < 0.01) for all
treatment groups. Highest daily live weight gain (60.27 g) was found in birds fed ration supplemented
with 0.5% black cumin. Supplementation of black cumin in the broiler rations did not exhibit any
significant effect (P > 0.05) on the total feed consumption. Feed conversion ratio was found significantly
different (P < 0.01) for all treatment groups. It is, therefore, concluded that inclusion of black cumin in
the broiler rations could be economical and efficient production of broilers
Effects of Feeding Whole Cottonseed, Cotton Seed Cake and Guizotia abyssinica...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
— The present study was designed to investigate the effect of feeding whole cotton seed, of Gossipium hirustum spp (WCS), cottonseed cake (CSC) and noug seed cake (NSC) on blood serum parameters of growing male goats. Twenty four Arsi-Bale growing male goats of 6-12 months of age were assigned at random to four dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design. The dietary treatments were; (T1) local grass hay only (control), (T2) control +20% WCS, (T3) control+30% CSC all amount on total daily DMI basis and (T4) control + recommended level noug seed cake(50% wheat bran (WB) and 49% NSC). Blood samples were collected in 10ml vactainer tube by jugular vein puncture every 30, 60 and 90 days of the experimental days and were allowed to clot at room temperature and centrifuged for 15minutesat 3000 rpm. The separated serum samples were stored in a deep freezer at-20 o C until they were analyzed. Te samples were analyzed for serum parameters: albumin, total protein, glucose, urea nitrogen, creatinine and alkaline phosphate Significant (P<0.05)>0.05) difference between treatments were observed in the levels of total serum protein and glucose. Moreover, no visible clinical sign of gossypol toxicity was observed on the experimental goats fed WCS and CSC during the 90 days of the experimental period. Hence, it was concluded that supplementation of growing male goat diets with recommended levels of NSC,20 and 30% WCS and CSC respectively have no adverse effect on blood serum parameters of growing male goats. Keywords— blood serum parameters, cotton seed cake, goats, noug seed cake, whole cottonseed.
Performance Characteristics and Carcass Yield of Indigenous Turkeys Fed Indom...iosrjce
This study evaluated the performance of turkey poults fed indomie waste (IW) based-diet. A total of
one hundred and forty-four (144) local strain of turkey poults were allotted to four dietary treatments in which
indomie waste was used to replace maize at 0%, 33.33%, 66.67%, and 100% levels, representing treatments one
to four (T1- T4) respectively. Each treatment was replicated three times with 12 poults per replicate using the
Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The study lasted for eight weeks. The initial weights of the poults were
taken while the final weight record was taken at the end of the study. The feed intake record was taken daily and
computed as total feed consumed per bird at the end of the study while weight gain, feed conversion ratio and
feed cost were calculated. Three birds were randomly selected from each replicate for carcass and organ
evaluation and were expressed as percentages of the body weight. The result showed that the IW significantly
(p< 0.05) affected the average weight gain and improved feed conversion ratio. The cost of feed per kg
decreased with increasing levels of IW in the diet. Significant differences were not observed in the carcass and
organ except in the breast yield. The lowest cost of feed was obtained at 100% inclusion level. The reduction in
feed cost is an advantage to the farmer who desires low cost of production. It was evident that IW could be
incorporated into the diet of local strain of turkey poults up to 100% level without any deleterious effect on the
performance of the turkeys, however, the 66.67% replacement which led to higher final body weight and better
feed conversion is recommended.
Metabolic and Exercise Performance Responses to Two Different Oral Doses of C...science journals
This opinion article aims to highlight the use of the Word Association technique (WA) as a food safety tool, as evidenced in the article by J.M. Latorres and coauthors. .
Comparative Effect of Some Proprietary Vitamins and Trace Mineral Mixtures on...iosrjce
The research study was carried out to evaluate the comparative effect of some proprietary
vitamins/trace mineral mixtures on the performance and egg quality of laying hens. Two hundred and fifty- six
fifty weeks old Yaffa strain laying birds were used. The birds were randomly allotted to four premixes fortified
experimental diets; PPGODOMIX, PPOMIX, PPROCHE and PPWRITEX with each diet containing isocaloric
and isoproteinous. Sixty four birds were randomly assigned to each of the dietary treatments. The birds were
further sub- divided into four replicates with sixteen birds per replicate. The four dietary treatments elicited no
significant (P>0.05) influence on the overall performance of birds. Percentage hen day egg production was
equally not significantly (P>0.05) affected by any of the dietary treatments examined. The average daily feed
intake was significantly (P<0.05)><0.05)>0.05) influenced by PPOMIX. Birds fed PPOMIX obtained a significantly (P<0.05) higher
value of egg weight, albumen weight and blood spot which were statistically similar to other experimental
premixes examined. The results generated from this study revealed that premix of similar profile will give
similar result which could be used to improve ration management towards enhanced feed utilization and egg
internal/external quality.
Carcass, Organ Weights and Histo-morphology of Internal Organs of Sows Fed Fe...Premier Publishers
Fresh cassava peels were subjected to submerged fermentation, sundried for 3-5 days and also subjected to proximate analysis. Fermentation reduced cyanide and improved crude protein. A group of 27 weaner gilts (Largewhite x Duroc), aged 8-9 weeks and weighed 10.61±0.27kg were fed fermented cassava-peels-based-diets. They were allotted to three treatments comprising T1 (control), T2 (fermented CPM) and T3 (fermented CPM + enzyme) in a completely randomized design and fed for 22 weeks. Data on carcass and some visceral organs weights were subjected to analysis of variance and means separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Histo-morphology on the organs was conducted. The dressing percentages were 66.53, 60.25 and 64.11% for T1, T2 and T3 respectively whereas the head, heart, lungs and kidney were the weightiest for T1, the stomach/intestine for T2 and the liver and spleen for T3 while the histo-morphology of T1 sows were all normal except for mild architectural deviation in the duodenum and ileum. Histo-morphological changes were observed in the ileum and duodenum of T2 and T3. It is therefore recommended that fermented peels be supplemented with enzyme for improvement in dressing percentage and watch-out for pathological lesions in the visceral organs.
Twenty two genotypes of quality protein maize (QPM) and two local checks were assessed for their lysine and tryptophan levels, as well as grain yield characteristics at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority station, Oke-Oyi, Ilorin, Nigeria for three years (2009-2011). The results showed that the QPM genotypes and the standard checks varied from one another, with respect to crude protein, zein dry matter, zein crude, lysine and tryptophan. The best QPM hybrids for grain yield (Dada-ba, ART98-SW5-OB, ART98-SW4-OB and TZPB-OB had percentage lysine and tryptophan advantage of 34% compared with the local checks. These hybrids also out-yielded other genotypes with yield advantage of 10, 24 and 26% over the best inbred, open pollinated variety and the standard check respectively. However, grain yield showed positive association with all the characteristics except crude protein content. Kernel number per cob had maximum correlation with grain yield followed by kernel rows per cob, cob diameter and cob weight. The direct effect for crude protein was positive but the correlation was negative. Conclusively, the QPM hybrids that combined high yield with the essential amino acids could be tested in different savanna agro-ecologies to identify those that could be released to farmers, while the superior inbreds could be introgressed for further breeding programs.
Effect of meal from the leaves of Manihot esulenta and Tithonia diversifolia ...Innspub Net
The leaves of Manihot esculenta and Tithonia diversifolia are valuable protein and mineral supplement for local chickens. The evaluation of the effect of the incorporation of meals from the leaves of these plants in the diet of the local laying hen on growth and laying performances, and quality of eggs was investigated. Fourty five hens and nine cocks local breeds were weighed and randomly distributed to three dietary treatments: RWL, RML and RTL which contained no leaves (control/RWL), meals of M. esculenta (RML) and T. diversifolia (RTL) included in the same proportion (7%). Each treatment was replicated 3 times in a completely randomized design. The hens were subjected to natural mating, eggs laid were collected according to breeding groups hatched and analyzed. Feed intake was comparable (p>0.05) between treatment groups as from the 4th week till the end of the experiment. Average daily gain and Laying rate evolved in a sawtooth-like manner regardless of the treatment considered. Hens fed RML recorded lowest (week 3) (p<0.05) and highest (weeks 6, 7, 12) (p<0.05) Feed conversion ratio. Hens in the control recorded higher (p<0.05) egg weight, egg shape index, width and laying rate but lowest (p<0.05) egg length. Fertility, hatchability, embryo mortality and chemical composition of eggs were similar (p>0.05) in all treatments. This study suggest that dried leaves of M. esculenta and T. diversifolia can be used as protein sources in local chicken feed during laying.
Effect of meal from the leaves of Manihot esulenta and Tithonia diversifolia ...Innspub Net
The leaves of Manihot esculenta and Tithonia diversifolia are valuable protein and mineral supplement for local chickens. The evaluation of the effect of the incorporation of meals from the leaves of these plants in the diet of the local laying hen on growth and laying performances, and quality of eggs was investigated. Fourty five hens and nine cocks local breeds were weighed and randomly distributed to three dietary treatments: RWL, RML and RTL which contained no leaves (control/RWL), meals of M. esculenta (RML) and T. diversifolia (RTL) included in the same proportion (7%). Each treatment was replicated 3 times in a completely randomized design. The hens were subjected to natural mating, eggs laid were collected according to breeding groups hatched and analyzed. Feed intake was comparable (p>0.05) between treatment groups as from the 4th week till the end of the experiment. Average daily gain and Laying rate evolved in a sawtooth-like manner regardless of the treatment considered. Hens fed RML recorded lowest (week 3) (p<0.05) and highest (weeks 6, 7, 12) (p<0.05) Feed conversion ratio. Hens in the control recorded higher (p<0.05) egg weight, egg shape index, width and laying rate but lowest (p<0.05) egg length. Fertility, hatchability, embryo mortality and chemical composition of eggs were similar (p>0.05) in all treatments. This study suggest that dried leaves of M. esculenta and T. diversifolia can be used as protein sources in local chicken’s feed during laying.
A study was carried out to evaluate the nutritive value and enzyme
supplementation of different sources of energy in broiler diets on the growth
performance and heamatological parameters of broiler chickens supplemented with
Mazigrain® enzyme within the treated groups. Five isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets
less (23.17 % CP; 2831 Kcal/ME and 21.73 % CP; 2929 Kcal/ME) for the broiler starter
(0 - a month) and finisher phases (5–8 months) respectively were formulated. Diet 1
(maize based diet) served in as the control while diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 were
supplemented with sorghum, pearl millet, cassava and sweet potatoes based diets
separately. A sum of 225 day-old NAPRI X broiler chicks were haphazardly distributed
to the five treatments. Every treatment comprised of 45 broilers with three repeats of
fifteen birds each in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The general linear model
protocol of S.A.S. 9.0. was used to analyze the collected data. Among the dietary
groups significant changes (P<0.05) was found utilizing a Tukey test. Enzyme along
with various energy sources have noteworthy (P<0.05) changes on every one of the
parameters (final weight, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, water intake, water
to feed ratio and feed cost per kilogram weight gain) except for death rate at the
starter phase. Broilers that had sorghum based diet had the best performance at
starter stage (final weight; 627 g, weight gain; 576.85 g, feed cost/kg gain; ^ 187.95 k).
At the finisher stage, sorghum supplemented with enzyme had the best feed
conversion ratio (1.96) and feed cost/kg gain; ^ 171.15 k. The optimal performance
characteristics were recorded for sorghum based diets. Feed cost / kg gain was the
cheapest on birds fed sorghum based diet with enzyme supplementation which was
comparable with those fed the maize based diet. However, the use of enzyme
enhanced the performance of birds at both the starter and finisher phases.
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Study on Production Performance and Economic Benefits between Mixed-sex and M...Premier Publishers
The study was conducted to assess the comparison at the production performance and profitability between mixed-sex and mono-sex tilapia reared in cage culture. The experiment was carried out with two treatments and each was represented by six replicates for a period of 99 days in 12 cages each with the size of 1.5m3 (1.5m×1m×1m) situated in a pond. In the first treatment, six cages of mixed-sex tilapia and in the second treatment, 6 cages of mono-sex male tilapia were stocked. After 99 days of the culture period, mono-sex tilapia attained a significantly higher mean final weight of 189.67 gm ± 19.142 in comparison to mixed-sex tilapia which was 167.15 gm ± 13.297. However, there was no significant difference in food conversion ratio, specific growth rate, and survival rate between the treatments at the end of the study. The benefit-cost ratio was calculated as 1.47:1 and 1.59:1 for mixed-sex and mono-sex male tilapia respectively. The study revealed that there was no significant difference in individual weight, biomass, and the gross yield of tilapia between two treatments up to 72 days of the culture period. The comparative study suggested that within 2.5 months of the culture period, mixed-sex tilapia can be cultured successfully and could be used as an alternative source to the general people who usually avoid the consumption of hormone-treated fish.
Evaluation of some reproduction performances of the exotic Hyplus rabbit (Ory...Open Access Research Paper
The objective of the study was to evaluate the reproductive performance and estimate the genetic parameters, in a real environment, of the rabbit of the exotic Hyplus breed. The study will allow appreciating the parameters that could be the object of genetic improvement in view of a selection to produce a more efficient rabbit. The work took place at the SAP Mé d’Adzopé farm from January 2013 to June 2015. One hundred and twenty breeding does were followed for five successive generations of five parities each, with an interval of 11 days between the parturition and the next mating with weaning at 30 days. These females produced 5283 total born rabbits with 5164 born alive and 4732 weaned. The genetic parameters including heritability, genetic, phenotypic and non-genetic correlations (environmental effects) did analyzed using the Derivative Free Restricted Maximum Likelihood program. The results obtained showed that the receptivity and fertility rates did significantly influenced by the order of parity and the season of kindling. The pre-weaning mortality rate was 8.37%. Females had the best prolificacies’ between the second and fourth parity, with an average of 9.9, 10.19 and 9.79 kits respectively. The heritability values of young rabbits total born alive, born alive, weaned and old rabbits were 0.22; 0.20; 0.16 and 0.12 respectively. These results showed that selection is possible for these studied traits.
Kidney Function Test, Weight Gain and Serum Protein Values of Mature Male Tur...IJEAB
Sixteen sexually matured (12 months old) healthy male turkeys were used to determine the effect of Gonadotrophin (Diclair®) on kidney function, weight gain and serum protein values. The turkeys were divided into 4 treatment groups, identified as T1 (control) administered with 1.00ml physiological saline (0.00 i.u Diclair®), T2 , administered with 13.50 i.u Diclair®, T3,administered with 27.00i.u Dicliar®T4, administered with 40.50 i.u Dicliar(R), with one turkey per replicate in a completely Randomized Design (CRD). The injections were divided into 3 doses each and administered intramuscularly in the thigh for three consecutive days. Blood was collected one week after Diclair® administration. Four turkeys were randomly selected fro-m each treatment groupand bled to collect blood for blood chemistry analysis. The turkey were weighed every week for five weeks and their weight recorded. The result showed that there were significant differences (P< 0.05) among the treatment groups in all parameters for kidney function test: chronicle, potassium, sodium, bicarbonate expect creatinine which was similar (p > 0.05) among the treatment groups. The results further showed that there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) among the treatment groups in initial body weight. However, there were significant differences (P< 0.05) among the treatment groups in final body weight and weight gain. Similarly there were significant differences (P< 0.05) among the treatment groups in all the serum protein values measure: albumin, globulin, serum total protein as well as albumin/globulin ratio. The results of the study showed that Diclair enhanced kidney function and weight gain without any deleterious effects on serum protein values of the male turkeys.
Similar to Reproductive response of rabbit does to diets containing varying levels of horseradish (moringa oleifera) leaf meal (20)
Reproductive response of rabbit does to diets containing varying levels of horseradish (moringa oleifera) leaf meal
1. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3208 (Paper) ISSN 2225-093X (Online)
Vol.4, No.19, 2014
Reproductive Response of Rabbit Does to Diets Containing
Varying Levels of Horseradish (Moringa oleifera) Leaf Meal
Iyabode Comfort Alemede1* Edith Akudo Onyeji1 Daniel Nma Tsado1
Emmanuel Legbo Shiawoya1
Department of Animal Production, School of Agriculture and Agrcultural Technology,Federal University of
Technology, Minna
*E-mail: tee_baby2k6@yahoo.com
The facilities and equipments used for this study were provided by Federal University of Technology, Minna.
Abstract
Twenty-four females and four male rabbits (New Zealand White and Chinchilla breed) aged between four to five
months, with initial body weight of 1363-1460 g were used to evaluate the reproductive performance of rabbits
fed diets containing varying levels of horseradish (Moringa oleifera) leaf meal (MOLM).The rabbits were
assigned into four treatment groups consisting of six rabbits per group and replicated thrice in a complete
randomised design and fed four diets designated T1, T2, T3 and T4 with 0, 10, 20 and 30 % MOLM. The study
lasted for 16 weeks. The treatment diets were offered to the rabbits at 8:00 am and 5:00 pm daily. The rabbitry,
faeces trays, feeders and drinkers were washed daily and clean water was provided ad-libitum throughout the
experimental periods. The does (female rabbits) were mated at five months of age at a mating ratio of 1 buck to 6
does and at weight not less than 1.5 kg. Mating was carried out in the morning and evening and the does were
taken to the bucks hutches for mating. twelve days after mating, the does were palpated for pregnancy and if no
foetus were detected; the does were re-mated. The does were weighed prior to mating, weekly thereafter and
following parturition. The birth traits evaluated were Gestation Length (GL), Gestation Gain (GG), Litter size
at birth (LS), Litter birth weight (L B W), Kindling loss (KL), Neo-natal mortality (NNM) which is expressed in
percentage. Also, co-efficient of milking capacity was computed. The weaning traits measured were Litter size at
weaning (LSW), Litter weight at weaning (LW), Litter weight gain (LWG), Weaning sex ratio (WSR), Survival
ratio to weaning (SRW) which is usually expressed in percentage. All data obtained were subjected to analysis of
variance (ANOVA).The litter birth weight ranged from 32.10 – 38.07 g for T1 –T3 (0 - 20 % MOLM) while T4
(30 % MOLM ) and T3 (20 % MOLM) recorded the highest values (P<0.05) of 55.20 and 59.10, respectively for
gestation gain. The weaning traits were significantly affected by the dietary treatments, with T3 having the
highest (P< 0.05) litter size (3.33) at weaning and survival rate at weaning 66.60 %. T2 (10 % MOLM) and T3
(20 % MOLM) recorded excellent performance 442.30 g, 408.40 g and 462.52 g, 421.84 g for mean litter weight
at weaning and litter weight gain, respectively. Consequently, it was concluded that up to 20 % MOLM can be
included in the diet of rabbits without any deleterious effect.
Keywords: Reproductive Performance, Rabbit Does, Moringa
Introduction
Interest in consumption of Rabbit meat is growing because of its low sodium, cholesterol and fat content as
compared with other meat sources. Also the rabbit meat is nearly white, fine grained, delicately flavoured,
nutritious, appetizing, high in good quality protein, contains a high percent of minerals than other meats like,
beef, poultry, mutton and chevon. It has a good meat – bone ratio and is acceptable to the general consumers in
most countries of the world.(Amaefule et al., 2005).
The feeding habit of rabbit (Oryctolagus cunniculus) does not compete with humans, because it can
survive on vegetable basal diets. (Omole and Ajayi, 2006). However, rabbit breeders are encountering feeding
problems because of increase in the number of livestock industry in most African countries today who have
solely depended on concentrates for their animals. (Omole and Ajayi, 2006). To make rabbit production more
viable as a small scale business, there is need for the development of cheap sources of feed as an alternative to
supplement or replace cereal or protein sources in diet of rabbit in order to make production of rabbit more
profitable. The high cost of conventionally used plant protein sources mainly soyabean, groundnut and cotton
seed cake pose a major problem.
It is evident that the conventional sources of feed can no longer adequately supply the needs of the fast
growing livestock industry. (Abubakar , 2008). Despite the large number of legume grains in Nigeria, only
soyabean, cotton seed cake and groundnut cake are mainly used in livestock feeding. Several other locally
available species that exhibit remarkable adaptation to tropical conditions have been underutilized and under-exploited
for livestock feeding (Apata and Ologhobo, 2004). Alternative or unconventional plant protein sources
are therefore, been sought for, to be adapted in new feeding scheme. (Omole and Ajayi , 2006).
Horseradish (Moringa oleifera) leaf meal is a good natural source of protein and can be conveniently
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used to replace soyabean or groundnut cake in livestock diet (Ozumba, 2000). The author stated that, Moringa
leaves contain, four times the calcium in milk, seven times the vitamin C in orange, three times the potassium in
banana, two times the protein in milk and four times the vitamin A in carrot, that Moringa oleifera is also a
natural source of protein with great potential. The leaves contain magnesium, potassium, and all of the essential
amino acids like, cysteine, histidine, arginine, methionine, lysine, phenylalanine, leucine, Isoleucine and valine.
Moringa leaves are eaten by sheep, pigs, cattle, goats and rabbits, the leaves are also used to feed fishes.
Moringa leaves are probably ranked as the best of all the vegetables in the tropical. They contain very strong
concentration of vitamins A, C and B – complex vitamins, iron, protein, zinc, selenium which is unusual for a
plant source, (F A O, 1995).
Church World Service, Dakka, (1994) recommended the addition of dried leaf powder of Moringa to
improve the protein content of food since 6.7 g of protein is contained in 100 g of fresh leaves. The authors also
recommended that during the months of pregnancy or breast feeding, a woman should consume 65 g of protein
daily, so 38 % of her protein needs will be satisfied by 100 g of Moringa pod. 10.3 % of her protein needs for
each day will be satisfy by 100 g fresh Moringa leaves. Moringa leaves (fresh) contain more than twice the
amount of protein (2.8 g/100 g) found in spinach.(Olugbemi et al., 2010).
The public are now conscious of high quality animal protein, like rabbit meat hence the need for the use
of non-conventional feed ingredient like horseradish (Moringa oleifera), which is draught resistant and
unexploited (Ozumba, 2000).
Rabbit is prolific, easy and cheap to maintain, produces animal protein of public health interest,
consequently rabbit can bridge the gap between the demands and supply of quality animal protein, hence the
need for intervention to boost productivity.
MATERIALS AND METHOD
Location of study
The research work was conducted at the Federal Capital Territory (F C T) Rabbit Multiplication Centre, Zuba -
Abuja. F C T is located in the Derived Savannah and Guinea Savannah Agro-ecological zone of Nigeria, within
latitudes 09 o 40’ N, and longitudes 07 o 29 ‘ E with an altitude of 341.92 m above sea level (Federal Capital
Territory Metrological Records, 2011). It is characterised by two seasons namely, rainy/wet season (April-
October) and dry/harmathan season (November- March). The south-westerly wind is the predominant wind
during the rainy season while north easterlies prevail during the dry season. Dust haze and heat waves are the
dominant weather conditions during the dry season, while lightning, thunderstorm, rainstorm and rain shower
occur in the rainy season (Federal Capital Territory Metrological Records, 2011).
The hottest and coldest periods in the F C T are in February and December respectively, Normal mean
maximum temperatures range between 29 0 C and 37 0 C while minimum temperature ranges between 18 0 C and
24 0 C. The annual rainfall ranges between 1198 mm and 1940 mm. (Federal Capital Territory Metrological
Records, 2011).
Source and preparation of Moringa oleifera leaf meal
Moringa leaves were harvested during the dry season from Kuje Area Council of Federal Capital Territory,
Abuja. The leaves were washed, spread out on a concrete clean floor and dried for a period of 3-4 days under a
shady condition to reduce loss of vitamins, especially Vitamin A as described by the Church World Service,
Dakka, (1994). The dried leaves were ground, sieved and packaged for analysis.
Four experimental diets were formulated, with crude protein content of 18 % in line with Aduku and Olukosi,
(1990). Diet T1 was the control with 0 % horseradish (Moringa oleifera) leaf meal, while diet T2, T3 and T4
contained 10 %, 20 % and 30 % horseradish (Moringa oleifera) leaf meal, respectively formulated on nutrient to
nutrient basis (Table 1).
Twenty four (24) female and 4 male rabbits all of New Zealand White, and American Chinchilla breeds
between the ages of 4–6 weeks were used for this research work. Two weeks before the arrival of the weaned
rabbits, the rabbitry, hutches, feeders and drinkers were properly cleaned, washed and disinfected. The pens were
illuminated with electric bulbs to provide warmth for the experimental animals. Each animal was housed in a
wooden hutch with wire mesh and net at the base, top and side s of the hutches .The rabbits were administered
with 0.5 ml of ivomec each, sub-cutenously for the control of both ecto and endo-parasites and they were
allowed a two week period for acclimatization. After the acclimatization period, the rabbits were randomly
allotted to four dietary treatments comprising of six rabbits per treatment group of three replicate with two
rabbits per replicate using the complete randomized design (CRD). The treatment diets were offered to the
rabbits at 8:00 am and 5:00 pm daily. The rabbitry, faeces trays, feeders and drinkers were washed daily and
portable water provided ad-libitum throughout the experimental periods.
The does (female rabbits) were mated at five months of age and at weight not less than 1.5 kg. The
does were weighed prior to mating, weekly thereafter and following parturition until the end of experiment. The
mating ratio of 1 buck to 6 does as recommended by Aduku and Olukosi, (1990), was adopted. Mating was
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Vol.4, No.19, 2014
carried out in the morning and evening and the does were taken to the bucks hutches for mating. Twelve days
after mating, the does were palpated for pregnancy and if no foetus were detected; the does were re-mated.
The birth traits evaluated were Gestation Length (GL), Gestation Gain (GG), Litter size at birth (LS),
Litter birth weight (LBW), Kindling loss (KL), Neo-natal mortality (NNM) which is expressed in percentage as
described by Aduku and Olukosi ,(1990) and co-efficient of milking capacity while the weaning traits measured
were Litter size at weaning (LSW), Litter weight at weaning (LW), Litter weight gain (LWG), Weaning sex ratio
(WSR), Survival ratio to weaning (SRW).All data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA)
according to the procedure of statistical package for social science, 16.00 (SPSS 16, 1980). Means were
separated using the Duncan multiple range test.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The proximate composition of horseradish (Moringa oleifera) leaf meal
The proximate composition of MOLM (Table 2) showed that, it contains, crude protein, 26.20 %, crude fibre
10.00 %, ether extract 13.00 %, ash 10.00 %, nitrogen free extract 33.00 % and metabolizable energy value of
3538.00 (kcal/kg). The crude protein, ether extract and energy content of Moringa oleifera as shown in Table 2,
meets the nutritional needs of rabbits. This conforms to the findings of Gupta et al. (1999), Abubakar, (2008),
Okereke et al. (2009) in rabbit feeding. The fibre content (10.00 %) is in line with the recommended range by
Aduku and Olukosi, (1990). Ozumba (2000) confirmed that horseradish (Moringa oleifera) leaf meal is a good
protein source that can be conveniently used to replace soyabean in rabbit diet, The dry matter and ether extract
values are in close agreement with the findings of Onyekwere et al. (2010) who evaluated the effects of
Bambara nut waste meal on rabbits.
The proximate composition of the experimental diet fed to rabbits.
It was observed (Table 3) that, the values of dry matter increased with increase in Moringa oleifera leaf meal
inclusion (96.88-97.40 %) The crude fibre content also followed the same trend with the highest values in T4
(12.43 %) and the least values in T1 (10.30 %) while values for ether extract and nitrogen free extract declined
with increasing levels of MOLM (5.00 and 52.03 % in T1 – 4.00 and 48.74 % in T4, respectively). Crude protein
content fell within the same range (18.55-18.59 % ) for control and treatment groups.
The dry matter values obtained in this study are in conformity with the values obtained by Lawal et al.(2010)
who evaluated the effects of soyabean based meal diet on Albino Rats with or without mineral supplementation
while the crude protein content (18.55-18.59 % for T1 and T4, respectively), fall within the recommended ranges
by Johnson (2006), Aduku and Olukosi, (1990) and Cheeke et al. (2006). The value for ether extract obtained in
this study were higher than the values obtained by Onyekwere et al. (2010) but the values obtained for ash
content are in conformity with the values obtained by Onyekwere et al. (2010) but lower than that obtained by
Odeyinka et al. (2008).
The anti nutritional factor analysis of horseradish (Moringa oleifera) leaf Meal
The result obtained on anti nutritional factor revealed that MOLM contains 0.45 mg of oxalate, phytate 2.57 mg,
trypsin inhibitor 3.0 mg, tannin 21.19 mg and saponin 1.60 mg per 100 g, However, they were found to fall
within the normal range (Table 4)
The anti-nutrient content of horseradish (Moringa oleifera) leaf meal is below lethal levels. This is in conformity
with the findings of Enechi and Odunwodu, (2003), who stated that, phytochemical composition and anti-nutrients
in Moringa oleifera leaves are low. This low level of anti- nutrient content as revealed on Table 4
makes the inclusion in animal feed non- toxic and will not adversely affect their health and growth as observed
by Ozumba (2000), who also stated that Moringa is a good source of forage for livestock and fish. Olugbemi et
al. (2010) in evaluating the suitability of MOLM confirmed that, it contains all essential amino acids, which
makes it (Moringa oleifera) one of the most valuable sources of feed ingredients for monogastric animals.
Reproductive Performance
Effects of feeding diets containing varying levels of horseradish (Moringa oleifera) leaf meal on birth traits
of does.
Of all the parameters studied in Table 5, only the Litter birth weight and gestation gain were significantly
(p<0.05) affected by MOLM. Diet T3 (20 %) MOLM inclusion level recorded the significantly highest values of
birth weight compared to others. Also, It was observed from the study that 20 % MOLM inclusion level had the
significantly highest gestation gain of 59.10 g with TI and T2 having the least values of 39.07 g. The co-efficient
of milking capacity was significant (P< 0.05) across the treatment, with T3 having the significantly highest
value of 113.70 g while T1 recorded the significantly lowest value of 101.20 g
The values obtained for litter birth weight from this study is in line with the reported values of Aduku
and Olukosi (1990), Guptal et al. (1999) and Okereke et al. (2009) who investigated the factors influencing pre-weaning
body weight of rabbits and effect of feeding graded levels of soaked acacia pods in rabbits feeding but
contradicted that of Odeyinka et al. (2008) who recorded no significant effects on birth weight of litters from
does fed varying levels of MOLM replacing Centrosema at 30 % inclusion level.
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According to Dauda et al. (2009), the best way in assessing the suitability of a feeding material for
rabbit nutrition is to include graded levels in the diets at the same time ensuring all that nutrients required by the
animal are supplied and the measure of performance to know the optimum inclusion level. The authors noted
that Moringa plant is of great scientific interest, since it possesses many valuable properties (Dauda et al., 2009),
which include high protein content of the twigs, leaves and stem, high protein, oil, and sugar content in the seed
which are all needed for proper growth , reproduction and overall performance of rabbits.
Effects of feeding varying levels of horseradish (Moringa oleifera) leaf meal on weaning traits of does
Feeding varying levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal to does showed significant effect of MOLM on litter
weaning size, litter body weight gain and survival rate (Table 6). The litter size at weaning was significantly
higher in does on 20 % (3.33) MOLM. The litter weaning weight was significantly (P<0.05) different across the
treatments. From this study it was observed that, the weaning weight increased from rabbits fed diets T1 to T3
and then decreased in those on diet T4 [T1(401.60), T2 (442.30), T3 (462.52) and T4 (347.21)].
Dietary treatment significantly, affected the litter weight gain with values ranging from 309.81 in T4
(30 %) - 424.45 in T3 (20 %). The litter weight gain followed the same pattern as the litter weight at weaning
with T3 (20 %) and T2 (10 %) dietary treatments groups recording the highest litter weight gain. T3 (20 %
MOLM inclusion level) had the highest survival rate at weaning (66.67 %), with T4 recording (58.25 %), T2
(55.88 %) and T1 (50.00%). The weaning sex ratio revealed that more male rabbits survived to weaning with T3
having the highest number of males to females at weaning (3:1), followed by T2 (2:1) and T4 (2:1) with T1
recording the least value (1:1)
The values recorded agrees with the reported values of Isaac et al, (2010) who reported average litter
size at weaning of 3, 2.3, 3 and 3.5 for four respective breeds of rabbits (New Zealand white, American
Chinchilla, Giant white and Californian white). The values were lower than the findings of Odeyinka et al.
(2007), who reported litter size at weaning of (5.2) in a study to evaluate the effects of feeding does with
varying levels of Moringa leaf meal on. reproduction. This finding contradicts the report of Odubote and
Somade (1992) who reported no significant (p> 0.05) difference for litter size at weaning when they investigated
the effect of breeds on reproductive performance of rabbits. These findings were in line with those reported by
Aduku and Olukosi, (1990), Odubote and Somade, (1992) and Ilori et al. (2003) in a study on post weaning
performance of rabbits in rainforest ecological zone in Nigeria. The values reported by the authors mentioned
above, were rather lower than those reported by Prayaga and Eadyu, (2002) who reported significant (p<0.05)
effects in the weaning weights of litters among the following breeds of rabbits, Flemish Giant, Californian White
and American Chinchilla. The authors recorded average weaning weights of 1050 g, 810 g, and 475 g for the
breeds, respectively. The authors also indicated that the large litter sizes at birth will not likely result in a large
weight at weaning and that parity could influence weaning weight of rabbits.. The lowest value of litter weight at
weaning obtained in T4 may be an indication that the weaned rabbits may not have been able to digest the fibre
content at that level (30 %) MOLM inclusion while high percentage survival rate at weaning is an indication of
good nursing and mothering ability (Isaac et al. 2010).
Cost benefit analysis of feeding diets containing graded levels of horseradish (Moringa oleifera) leaf meal
to weaned rabbits
Table 7 showed progressive decrease in the cost of feed with increase in horseradish (Moringa oleifera) leaf
meal in the diet.The result showed significant (P<0.05) difference across the treatments, with T1 (control) having
the highest cost per kg weight gain ( N12. 85) and T3 (20 %) recording the lowest cost of N 3.05 per kg weight
gain
Conclusion And Recommendations
It can be concluded based on the results of this study that the anti-nutritional factors in (Moringa oleifera) leaf
meal are below lethal levels and that the animals fed 20 % inclusion level of Moringa oleifera leaf meal
performed significantly better in term of litter size, litter birth weight, gestation gain and survival rate.
Consequently it is concluded that, up to 20 % level of inclusion of MOLM in rabbits’ diets did not have any
deleterious effect on the performance of the rabbits. It is also recommended that further studies on the effects of
feeding diets containing horseradish (Moringa oleifera) leaves on haematological indices and diseases
management should be conducted to harness the role played by the horseradish ( Moringa oliefera) tree also
known and called the “miracle tree”.
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7. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3208 (Paper) ISSN 2225-093X (Online)
Vol.4, No.19, 2014
Table 4. Anti nutritional factors of horseradish (Moringa oleifera) leaf meal
Anti- nutritional
factors Composition( mg/100 g) Recommended Safe Level *
Oxalate 0.45 0.54
Phytate 2.57 23.40
Trypsin (mg/10 3.0 16.90
Tannin (mg/10 21.19 31.20
Saponin 1.60 7.02
68
*Kumar and Amit (2010).
Table 5. Effects of feeding diets containing varying levels of horseradish (Moringa oleifera) leaf meal on
birth traits.
Dietary treatment
Parameters T1 T2 T3 T4 SEM LS
Litter size at birth
Litter birth weight (g)
Gestation length (days)
Gestation gain (g)
Kindling loss (g)
Co-efficient of milking
Capacity (g)
Neo-natal mortality ((%)
4.00
32.10bc
30.50
39.07c
45.25
101.20b
1.33
4.17
33.65b
30.50
39.07c
4 4.86
114.50ab
0.33
5.00
38.07a
31.00
59.10a
45.83
128.60a
0.33
4.00
37.40ab
30.33
55.20b
44.50
113.70ab
0.50
0.18
1.33
0.18
180
1.07
0.14
0.15
NS
*
NS
*
NS
*
NS
KEY: abc means with different superscript on the same horizontal row are significantly (p<0.05) different
S E M-Standard error of mean *-Significantly different (p<0.05)
L S- Level of significance N S-Not significantly different (p >0.05)
Table 6. Effects of feeding varying levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on weaning traits.
Dietary treatment
Components T1 T2 T3 T4 SEM LS
Litter size at weaning (no)
Litterweight at weaning(g)
Litter weight gain (g)
Survival rate to weaning (%)
Weaning sex ratio (M:F)
2.00b
401.60b
369.50b
50.00
1 :1
2.33b
442.30a
408.25a
55.88b
2:1
3.33a
462.52a
424.45a
66.60a
3:1
2.33b
347.21c
309.81c
58.25b
2:1
0.17
10.86
10.85
3.05
*
*
*
*
KEY: abc means: with different superscript on the same horizontal row are significantly (p<0.05) different.
S E M-Standard error of means LS - Level of significance M:F-Male to female ratio
Table 7. Cost/ benefit analysis of feeding diets containing graded levels of horseradish (Moringa oleifera)
leaf meal to weaned rabbits
Dietary treatments
Parameters T1 T2 T3 T4 SEM LS
Total feed intake (g) 6888.00b 6846.00b 7007.28a 6888.00b 2.58 *
Cost of feed/kg (N) 120.00 110.00 97.45 85.70
Cost of daily feed intake / 10.00a 9.00ab 7.84b 6.80bc 0.40 *
rabbit (N)
Cost of total feed consumed/ 826.60b 821.52bc 840.84a 826.60b 0.3 *
Rabbit (N)
Ave. body weight gain (g) 9.35b 10.00b 31.90a 8.00c 5.52 *
Cost of feeding /kg weight gain 12.83a 11.00b 3.05d 10.63c 3.26 *
KEY abcd means with different superscripts on the same horizontal row are significantly (p<0.05) different
S E M- Standard error of means NS- Non-signifiant (P>0.05)
LS- Level of significance
*-Significant difference (p<0.05)
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