Asian Journal of Research in Animal and Veterinary Sciences
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Dose-Dependent Effects of Ethanolic Garlic (Allium sativum) extract on Sperm Motility and Morphology in Nigerian Indigenous Cocks
No full textWe investigated the effects of ethanolic garlic extract supplementation on reproductive performance in Nigerian indigenous cocks. Twenty-four healthy cocks aged 21-32 weeks were randomly assigned to three groups: control (distilled water), low-dose (250 mg/kg body weight), and high-dose (500 mg/kg body weight) garlic extract administered daily for eight weeks. Semen quality parameters and serum reproductive hormones were evaluated at baseline, week 4, and week 8. Results demonstrated significant time-dependent improvements in sperm motility and morphology with garlic supplementation. In the high-dose group, progressive motility increased from 53.8% at week 4 to 55.1% at week 8 (compared to 48.2% and 47.5% in controls at weeks 4 and 8 respectively), representing 11.6% and 16.0% improvements over controls. Morphological defects decreased progressively from 11.2% at week 4 to 10.5% at week 8 in the high-dose group (versus 13.7% and 14.5% in controls), achieving a 27.6% reduction by week 8. Testosterone levels showed dose-dependent elevation: the high-dose group demonstrated 22.5% increase at week 4 (4.9 ng/mL) and 38.5% increase at week 8 (5.4 ng/mL) compared to controls (4.0 ng/mL and 3.9 ng/mL respectively). However, ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, viability, and gonadotropin levels (LH and FSH) remained unchanged throughout the study period. These findings suggest that garlic extract enhances reproductive performance primarily through androgenic stimulation and antioxidant mechanisms acting directly at the testicular level rather than through pituitary modulation. The 500 mg/kg dose proved most effective, offering a cost-effective natural alternative to synthetic fertility enhancers in commercial poultry breeding programs
Effect of Mechanical Water Filtration Techniques on the Epidemiological and Zootechnical Characteristics of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Farming
No full textBackground: Mechanical filtration of aquaculture water is an alternative to chemical products used to combat fish infections.
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of mechanical water filtration techniques on the epidemiological and zootechnical characteristics (EZC) of Clarias gariepinus.
Methodology: A total of 240 specimens, free of any ailments and with an average weight of 10±03g, were distributed in triplicate among four treatments: T1 (no filtration system), T2 (1 layer of net), T3 (2 layers of net), and T4 (1 layer of net + 1 layer of gravel + 1 layer of sand), with 20 fish per experimental unit. Fish were reared for 105 days.
Results: The EZC evaluation showed two clinical signs (trauma and inflammation). Overall, skin trauma was approximately 107 times more significantly represented than opercular trauma. The proportion of fish showing at least one ailment was very low (<10%) and varied non-significantly from 2.59% (T4) to 9.66% (T1). The condition factor was < 1 and was comparable (p > 0.05) between treatments. The mortality rate was high (> 5%) and more pronounced in the absence of a water filtration system. The average daily weight gain (1.560±0.468 g/day) and productivity (3.468±2.041 kg/m³/day) were comparable (p > 0.05) but higher in T1, while the production cost per kilogram of fish (0.37$/kg) was lower in T2 (p = 0.107).
Conclusion: The EZC varied with the mechanical water filtration techniques but no significant difference was observed
Variations in Nutritionally Significant Organic Components of Milk Depending on the Energy Status of Simmental Cows
No full textThis paper presents the results of a study on the quality of milk from Simmental cows during the peripartal period, focusing on the analysis of key biochemical parameters (proteins, fats, lactose, and urea).
Special emphasis was placed on evaluating the relationships among these components to identify potential dietary imbalances in cows, aiming to ensure high nutritional quality of milk intended for human consumption while simultaneously preventing metabolic disorders and reproductive problems in the animals.
The study was conducted on 46 Simmental cows in the early lactation phase, where milk samples were analyzed for fat and protein content, as well as urea concentration. Urea analysis was performed using an enzymatic kinetic method. Fat and protein contents were determined using the Milkoscan device. The research demonstrated that the energy status of high-yielding dairy cows significantly affects their production outcomes, reproductive performance, and health condition.
The analysis of biochemical milk parameters, such as urea, total proteins, and fats, proved to be an effective and practical method for assessing the nutritional and metabolic status of cows. This allows for early detection of metabolic disorders and timely implementation of preventive measures. Positive correlations found between fat, protein, and urea levels confirm the importance of a balanced diet in maintaining optimal milk quality.
This approach provides an economical and straightforward diagnostic method suitable for farms of all sizes, contributing to more rational and efficient management of milk production
Herbal Modification of Broiler Diet: Implication for Haematological Indices, Antioxidant Activities on Meat, Meat Analysis, Carcass and Internal Organs of Broiler Chickens
No full textThis study assessed the effects of Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal (VALM), Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) and the mixture of VALM and MOLM at 1:1 dietary supplementation on haematological, antioxidant activities on meat of broilers, meat analysis and carcass characteristics and internal organs of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with herbs. A basal diet divided into four portions, designated diet 1 (control diet) and diets 2,3 and 4 supplemented with 0.2% VALM, 0.2% MOLM and VALM +MOLM composite mix 1:1, respectively. One hundred and forty four one-day broiler chickens were randomly assigned to four experimental diets (36 birds per diet; 12 birds per replicate) using a Completely Randomized Design. At the finisher phase, the Haemoglobin count (Hb) of birds fed diets 3 and 4 were significantly (P<0.05) better than those birds fed diets 1 and 2. The white blood cell of birds fed diet2 was higher (P<0.05) than those fed other treated diets though birds fed control diet had the highest WBC. The lymphocytes of birds fed diet 2 were higher (P<0.05) compared to those on other diets. The catalase concentration in meat of bird fed diets 3 and 4 were (P>0.05) similar but significantly (P<0.05) higher than the values recorded for birds fed diets 1 and 2. The glutathione peroxidase concentration in the meat of the birds fed diet 4 was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the values recorded for glutathione peroxidase concentration in the meat of birds fed diets 1, 2 and 3. The superoxide dismutase concentration in the meat of birds fed diets 3 and 4 were similar (P>0.05) but significantly (P<0.05) higher than the values recorded for the meat of birds fed diets 1 and 2. The meat cholesterol and lipid peroxidation concentration recorded in the birds fed diets 2, 3 and 4 were significantly (P<0.05) lower than the values recorded for birds on control diets. The final liveweights and dressed weight of the birds fed diets 4 were significantly (P<0.05) better and higher than the birds fed diets 1, 2 and 3. The eviscerated weight of the birds fed diet 1 was significantly (P<0.05) higher than those fed diets 2, 3 and 4. The VALM, MOLM and the mixture of VALM and MOLM at 1:1 dietary supplementation reduced the cholesterol and lipid peroxidation of broiler meat. The overall health status were also improved by the herbal supplements in this study
Mastitis and Reproductive Complication in Dairy Cattle: A Comprehensive Review
No full textMastitis and reproductive complications in cattle are among the most challenging disease conditions in dairy cattle farming. Traditionally, mastitis is associated with a decrease in milk production and quality, an increase in veterinary costs, culling rate, and susceptibility to other diseases. However, in recent times, the detrimental effect of mastitis on reproduction and fertility has gained everyone’s attention. Most of the research findings relating mastitis to reproduction are derived from a retrospective approach rather than controlled clinical studies. There is a constraint in understanding the detailed relationship between mastitis and reproduction due to the individual complexity of both conditions. Available information indicates that mastitis leads to decreased pregnancy rate, an aberration in the estrus cycle, early embryonic mortality or abortions, prolonged days open, a higher number of services per conception, and decreased conception rate. Decreased reproductive performance in mastitis-affected cows could be due to hyperthermia, impaired embryonic development and oocyte maturation, physiological alteration in the uterus, and disturbances of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Increased cytokines associated with intramammary infection act as a key modulator of reproductive function. Although mastitis harms reproductive performance, studies show that the effect varies with the type, timing, incidence, the degree of elevation of somatic cell count (SCC), and the type of pathogen involved. The present review furnishes the available information on the effect of mastitis on reproduction and attempts to explain the possible mechanisms by which mastitis influences reproductive performance in dairy animals. Further research and studies are required to comprehend the relation between mastitis and reproductive performance in dairy animals
Impact of Temperature Change and Diet on the Growth Performance of Broiler in Thermally Controlled Environment
No full textBroiler chicken strains are delicate to heat stress primarily because of no sweat glands. During extreme weather condition, it is important to balance the heat in the poultry house by determining required ventilation rate and needs for supplemental heat. An experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of temperature on the growth performance of broilers using thermally controlled poultry house developed at the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering farm site, FUT Akure. A total of 270 a-day-old broiler were raised in five (5) thermally controlled rooms under different diet regimes and clinical treatment for 48 days (7 weeks). A 5.5.3.3 factorial arrangement of treatments was carried out to investigate the effect of temperature on the growth performance of broilers using thermally controlled poultry house. The results showed that broilers in the control group were consistently lower in weight (≤ 1536.58 g) than broilers under a constant heat stress state (≤ 1990.76 g). Growth of the broilers increased with increase in room temperature between 29 and 32 °C and progressively reduced as temperature increases from 32 – 41 °C. Meanwhile, at 7 weeks, weight of the broilers fed with 100 % of the standard diet (1128.13 ± 208.33 g) was consistently greater than the broilers fed with 80 % (1439 ± 165.01 g) and 60 % of the standard diet (1745.11 ± 177.58 g). Multi-variable regression analysis shows that body weight of the broilers significantly depends on age, % standard diet, relative humidity and temperature-humidity index with fishers value statistics while for group-response, the third level interaction among age, relative humidity and temperature significantly (P = 0.001) contribute to the variation in the body weight of the broilers. Therefore, it was deduced that there is significant effect of temperature change on the growth of broilers raised in a thermally controlled environment
Comparative Blood Lipid Profile and Breast Muscle Fatty Acid Composition of Indigenous and Exotic Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) Reared under Intensive Management in Nigeria
No full textGuinea fowl (Numida meleagris) are recognised for their hardiness and adaptability to the extensive, often challenging, management systems prevalent in the region. These birds represent a vital and expanding sector of the Nigerian poultry industry, prized for their distinctly flavoured, lean meat, which is high in protein and low in fat. This study conducted a comparative analysis of blood lipid profiles and breast muscle fatty acid composition in indigenous (Nigerian Helmeted) and exotic (Lavender) guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) reared under standardised intensive conditions in Jos, Nigeria, using a 2 × 2 factorial design (breed × sex; n = 84 birds selected from 134). Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) were quantified enzymatically, while fatty acid methyl esters from breast muscle were analysed via gas chromatography. No significant breed differences were observed in TC, HDL-C, or LDL-C (P > 0.05), but TG tended to be higher in exotic birds (P = 0.08). Sex significantly influenced TG (higher in males; P = 0.04) and LDL-C (higher in males; P = 0.042), with interactions showing male exotic birds with the highest TG (0.87 ± 0.05 mmol/L). Breast muscle revealed breed-specific patterns: indigenous birds had higher short/medium-chain saturated fatty acids (SFAs; C10:0, C12:0, C16:0; P < 0.001), while exotic birds exhibited elevated stearic (C18:0) and oleic (C18:1) acids (P < 0.001), particularly in females (oleic: 58.71 ± 4.24%). Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were similar across groups (P > 0.05). Results indicate genetically driven metabolic differences, with exotic breeds favouring monounsaturated fatty acids for superior meat quality and indigenous breeds emphasising SFA synthesis for environmental adaptation. These findings support targeted crossbreeding to enhance productivity and nutritional value in tropical guinea fowl production. These insights underscore the potential for targeted crossbreeding to optimise productivity, nutritional security, and cardiovascular health benefits, advancing sustainable guinea fowl production in tropical environments
Effect of Using Different Estrus Synchronization Protocols on Reproductive Performance in Merino Ewes
No full textSheep production system in Lesotho is based on natural mating hence reproduction performance of these sheep falls below the expected lamb crop per year. The study was carried out to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of four different synchronization protocols on the reproductive performance of Merino ewes during the autumn breeding season. The ewes were inseminated immediately after withdrawal of the treatments as they come on estrus. The indices determined after artificial insemination with semen collected from ram were (a) conception rate and return rate of ewes in different synchronization protocols (b) pregnancy rate and lambing rate of ewes in different synchronization protocols and, (c) sex of lambs and number of lambs born per ewe in different synchronization protocols. A total of 204 ewes were randomly assigned to four treatments: TRT A (Control), TRT B (12 days’ intravaginal sponges [0.3 g P4] insert), TRT C (Double injection of prostaglandin at day 0 and 11), and TRT D (intravaginal sponges for 13 days, single injection of prostaglandin at 12 days together with single injected of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin at day 13. The experimental treatments did not have a significant effect (p≥0.05) on conception rate, returned rate and sex of lambs while, pregnancy rate, lambing rate, ewes aborted and number of lambs born per ewe differed significantly (p≤0.05) between treatments. Merino sheep farmers are recommended to implement estrus synchronization and artificial insemination techniques in their flocks in order to improve the reproductive performance of ewes during the autumn breeding season
The Assessment of Body Condition in High-Yielding Holstein-Friesian Cows as a Diagnostic Tool for Detecting Energy Metabolism Disorder
No full textThe body condition of dairy cows is a key indicator of their energy status, especially during the peripartum period when intense mobilization of body reserves occurs. An inadequate energy balance during this period can lead to metabolic disorders, which negatively affect the health and production performance of the animals. This study presents the results of research conducted on three large farms in the municipality of Palilula (city of Belgrade), where body condition scoring (BCS) was performed on 90 high-yielding Holstein-Friesian cows in different phases of their production and reproductive cycle. The scoring was carried out by visual assessment and palpation of key anatomical body regions, according to the standardized system (Elanco Animal Health Bulletin AL 8478). The results showed that the greatest fluctuations in body condition occurred between the dry period, the puerperium, and early lactation, with Farm C recording deviations beyond physiologically acceptable limits. Body weight losses were especially pronounced in early puerperium, while cows in late lactation tended to accumulate excessive body reserves. The data obtained highlight the importance of regular monitoring of body condition as a tool for optimizing nutrition and preventing metabolic disorders
Response of Finisher Broilers to Graded Levels of Ash Treated African Locust Bean (Parkia biglobosa) Hull Meal
No full textAims: This study investigated the effects of feeding Ash-treated African locust beans hull meal partially replacing palm kernel meal on growth performance, haematology, morphometric traits, thermo regulatory indices, Carcass and gut organs of broiler chicken.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Poultry unit of the Department of Animal Health and Production Technology Experimental farm, Kogi State Polytechnic, Itakpe that is within Latitude 070 36’ 20’’N of the equator and Longitude 060 18’ 35”E of the Greenwich Meridian. The feeding trial lasted for 8 weeks.
Methodology: One hundred and twenty Arbor acre broiler birds were randomly assigned to three experimental diets in which Ash treated African locust beans pulp replaced palm kernel cake at 0 % (T1), 25% (T2) and 50% (T3). The experimental diets were replicated four times with 10 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD) for a 196 days feeding trial.
Results: At the end of the trial, birds on T3 diet (50% ATPBH) recorded the least values (P<0.05) for final weight gain and daily weight gain compared to birds on T2 and control diets (T1) that had similar (P>0.05) values. Red Blood Cell (RBC) count was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T2 (2.02 x106/l) and T3 (1.97 x 106/l) compared to T1 (1.79x106/l) indicating enhancement of the immune system. Cost of feed per kg of diet (#726.78) and reduction in cost of feed per kg (#15.62) was least in diet containing 50% inclusion level. The birds fed diets T2 and T3 had similar (P>0.05) dressing % values (65.00 and 66.19%) that was lower than that obtained for birds on control diet (70.61%). Morphometric indices and physiological parameters showed similar responses across dietary treatments.
Conclusion: These findings showed that birds fed 25% Ash treated Parkia biglobosa hull (ATPBH) based diet had the best performance. Therefore, Ash treated Parkia biglobosa can be included in broiler chicken diets up to 25% level at finisher phase as replacement for Palm kernel meal, without any adverse effect on bird’s performances