Animal Science Department Research Articles

Dressing Percentage and Carcass Characteristics of Fattening Yankasa Rams Fed Treated Groundnut (Arachis Hypogeae) Shell in a Complete Diet

The study was conducted to determine the effect of untreated, urea, lime and urea plus lime treated groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) shell in a complete diet on dressing percentage and carcass characteristics in fattening Yankasa rams. The study was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm (Small Ruminants Unit of Animal Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Each kilogram of groundnut shell was treated with 5% urea and 5% lime for treatments 2 (UTGNS) and 3 (LTGNS) respectively. For treatment 4 (ULTGNS), 1 kg of groundnut shell was treated with 2.5% urea and 2.5% lime, but the shell in treatment 1 was not treated (UNTGNS). The urea and lime were diluted in water at 2 kg in 20 litres of water and sprayed on 40 kg of the groundnut shell. Four treatment diets were formulated containing 40% untreated, 40% urea treated, 40% lime treated and 40% urea plus lime treated groundnut shell. Sixteen Yankasa rams were used and randomly assigned to the four treatment diets with four animals per treatment in a completely randomized design (CRD). The diet was formulated to have 14% crude protein (CP) content. The fattening trial lasted for 90 days. The results showed that the live weight and weight after slaughter were significantly (P<0.05) higher in animals fed UNTGNS and those on ULTGNS diets compared to UTGNS and LTGNS. In hot carcass weight, rams fed UNTGNS diet were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those fed UTGNS, LTGNS and ULTGNS diets and rams fed the UTGNS diet were significantly (P<0.05) lower than those on LTGNS and ULTGNS diets. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) among the rams fed UNTGNS in dressing percent (53%) compared to rams on UTGNS and LTGNS diets which were significantly (P<0.05) T LTGNS than those on ULTGNS diet (49.21%). However, meat yield ratio was significantly (P<0.05) higher in rams fed the ULTGNS diet followed by those on LTGNS and the least was in rams on the UNTGNS diet. Results of the prime cuts shoed that the leg weight of the rams on UNTGNS and ULTGNS diets was significantly (P<0.05) higher than those on the other treatment diets. However, the chump weight was statistically higher (P<0.05) in the carcass of animals fed LTGNS diet than those in the other treatment groups. Rams on ULTGNS diet showed a higher value for loin which was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of the other groups. However, rams on the UNTGNS diet had the highest mean values of breast, neck, midrib, main rib and shoulder which were significantly (P<0.05) different from those in the other treatment groups. The use of untreated groundnut shells in the diet of fattening Yankasa rams is therefore recommended.

Graduate Student Feedback Related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Department of Animal Science

Graduate Student Feedback Related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Department of Animal Science

Additive effects of Bridelia ferruginea leaf meal as a partial replacement for soybean meal on nutrients digestibility, growth performance, and carcass characteristics of weaner rabbits

BackgroundProtein is a crucial nutrient for enhancing livestock performance and productivity, traditionally sourced from soybean and fish meal. However, issues like erratic availability and rising prices necessitate exploring alternative protein sources. Tropical plants, especially leaf meals, are being considered to replace or supplement conventional protein sources in rabbit diets. Bridelia ferruginea, a plant abundant in West Africa, is recognized for its medicinal properties, but its potential as an animal feed is largely unexplored. This study aims to evaluate the impact of graded levels of Bridelia ferruginea leaf meal (BFLM) as a partial substitute for soybean meal in the diets of weaner rabbits.Materials and methodsThe experiment was conducted at the Animal Science Department of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. BFLM was obtained by air-drying harvested leaves and milling them. Four diets were formulated, with BFLM partially replacing soybean meal at levels of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%. Representative samples of BFLM and all formulated diets were analyzed for their proximate composition and detergent fibre fractions. Twenty-four weaner rabbits were assigned to these diets in a Completely Randomized Design. The study covered a 10-week period, assessing growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics, and economics of production.ResultsThe chemical composition of BFLM revealed favorable attributes for rabbit feeding, with 20.5% crude protein and 92.6% dry matter. Growth performance declined at 30% BFLM inclusion, indicating a possible impact of anti-nutritional factors. Feed conversion ratio increased at higher BFLM levels. Nutrient digestibility showed a decline in dry matter digestibility at 30% BFLM. Carcass characteristics were affected at higher BFLM levels, with dressing percentage decreasing. Weights of internal organs were generally not negatively affected by the inclusion of BFLM. Economic analysis indicated a linear reduction in feed cost with increasing BFLM inclusion.ConclusionThe study suggests that BFLM can be incorporated up to 20% in weaner rabbit diets without compromising productivity, nutrient digestibility, or dressing percentage. Beyond 20%, adverse effects on growth performance and some carcass characteristics were observed. Economically, BFLM incorporation up to 20% lowered feed costs without compromising feed efficiency. Incorporation of BFLM up to 20% in weaner rabbit diets had no adverse effects on the weights and functions of the heart, liver, and kidneys. Overall, BFLM presents a promising alternative protein source for weaner rabbit diets, contributing to cost-effective and sustainable livestock production.

413 Evaluation of utilizing personal development tools in collegiate science curriculum to enhance soft skill development

Abstract This study examines the integration of CliftonStrengths, within the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University. In previous semesters, CliftonStrengths was introduced to freshmen, but no further application of the assessment took place. Fall 2023 incoming students completed more intensive application following completion of the assessment. The objective of this study aims to determine if students’ soft skills are enhanced through awareness and application of their own strengths. This study surveyed new and current students, analyzing their perceptions towards CliftonStrengths and their experiences in group settings. Three surveys were administered at different time points during the fall 2023 semester, one current student survey (CSS) at the start of the semester, and two new student surveys for the beginning (pre-NSS) and end (post-NSS) of the semester. Surveys captured demographic data and responses on a 0 to 10 scale. Response rates were 42% from pre-NSS, 22% CSS, and 24% from post-NSS. The pre-NSS and CSS contained 46 and 37 first-generation students, respectively. The pre-NSS consisted of 120 freshmen and 17 transfer students, and the CSS consisted of 43 sophomores, 44 juniors, and 59 seniors. Survey questions were structured around the primary domains within CliftonStrengths; strategic thinking, relationship building, influencing, and executing. Analysis of the pre-NSS responses showed 61% of new students were not familiar with CliftonStrengths and 78% have not taken the assessment. The CSS showed that 66% of current students have taken the CliftonStrengths Assessment. New students that completed intensive application of CliftonStrengths reported a 2.8-point increase from pre-NSS (4.9 ± 2.96) to post-NSS (7.7 ± 2.51) in response to identifying the value of CliftonStrengths in everyday life. New students reported being more comfortable with strengths at the conclusion of this semester with an average response of 9 ± 1.4 on a 10-point scale. The responses to “I believe someone in my career path should know their strengths” had higher average response rates from post-NSS (7.7 ± 0.26) compared with CSS (6.9 ± 0.20). Student responses to “I believe knowing my Strengths helps me at my best” also had higher average response rates from post-NSS (8.3 ± 0.24) compared with CSS (7.4 ± 0.18). Students responded to “I feel confident that I can recognize strengths in others” with higher response rates in the post-NSS (7.1 ± 0.30) compared with CSS (6.1 ± 0.18). All questions asking about the ability to identify domain types of other individuals were higher in post-NSS responses compared with CSS. The post-NSS responses to understanding how to use different domains in a group were greater for strategic thinkers, relationship builders, and influencers. In conclusion, the intensive application of CliftonStrengths in the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University has increased familiarity, confidence, and comfort with their strengths.

AGRONOMIC INDICES AND DRY MATTER YIELD OF BRACHIARIA RUZIZIENSIS AS AFFECTED BY COW DUNG AND AGE OF CUTTING IN THE SUDAN SAVANNAH ZONE OF NIGERIA

Effect of cow dung and age of cutting on agronomic indices and dry matter yield of Brachiaria ruziziensis in the Sudan savannah zone of Nigeria was assessed in this study. The experiment was conducted at the Professor Lawal Abdu Saulawa Teaching and Research Farm, Department of Animal Science, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Nigeria. The research was laid in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement, 3 rates of cow dung application (5, 10 and 15t/ha) and 3 ages of cutting (6, 8 and 10) weeks after planting. data on agronomic indices (Plant height, leaf length, leaf width, tiller number, number of leaves, leaf area index and dry matter yield) collected at 6, 8 and 10 WAP were subjected to 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results showed that all the agronomic indices were significantly affected (P<0.05) by cow dung application and age of cutting. 15t/ha rate of application and cutting at 10 WAP had a better agronomic indices when compared with other manure application rates and age of cutting, respectively. It was recommended that farmers use 15t/ha cow dung for cultivation of Congo grass and harvest same at 10 WAP for a higher agronomic indices in the Sudan Savannah Zone of Nigeria.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BODY WEIGHT AND TESTICULAR INDICES OF MUSCOVY AND KHAKI CAMPBELL DRAKES IN A SEMI-ARID AREA OF NIGERIA

The study was conducted at the Livestock, Teaching and Research Farm, Department of Animal Science, University of Maiduguri, Borno State. The growth traits of Nigerian domestic ducks have not been studied intensively like poultry chickens which hampered their production improvement in Nigeria especially sahelian zones and therefore, the study was aimed to determine the association between body weight and linear body measurements of two ducks. A total of 200 sexually matured Muscovy and Khaki Campbell ducks were used for the study. Data obtained were body weight (BW), body length (BDL), breast circumference (BTC), Drumstick circumference (DSC), neck length (NKL) and total leg length (TLL) using weighing balance and simple measuring tape calibrated in centimeters. Correlation test was used to analyze the association between body weight and among testicular measurements. The results revealed a high and positive and significant (P<0.05, P<0.01) correlation among all the testicular parameters measured (0.73 – 0.99) in Muscovy and (r = 0.85 – 0.99) in Khaki Campbell Drakes. There were generally low, negatively correlated and not significant correlation between body weight and all the testicular morphometric traits in Muscovy Drakes while in Khaki Campbell Drakes there were some moderate correlation. The correlations were generally high, positive and significant (P<0.05, P<0.01) among the testicular measurements. The relationship among the testicular weight and morphometric traits were very high in both strain. The study concluded that Body weight had no association with testicular morphometry in Muscovy drakes. However, in Khaki Campbell drake's body weight had moderate association with some testicular morphometry.

EFFECT OF FEEDING BALANITE AEGYPTIACA ON THE HEAT STRESS ADAPTIVE RESPONSE OF UDA SHEEP

This work was designed to evaluate the use of acute phase protein as biomarker of stress in measuring nutrigenomic effect of balanite on the response of Uda Sheep to heat stress. This research was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Department of Animal Science , Federal University, Gashua. Twelve (12) Uda rams age range between 8-12 months with average initial weight of 17kg were used for this work. Body weight, haematological parameters and biochemical parameters as negative acute phase proteins were measured. Treatments 3 (10 % balanite) and 4 (15 % balanite) reveled significantly (P < 0.05) higher body weights than treatments 1 and 2. There were no significant (p ˃ 0.05) differences in all serum biochemical parameters measured except in the Urea (p ˂ 0.05). Monocytes (MON), Neutrophils (NEU), atypical lymphocytes (ALY) and Basophils (BAS) where there were significant differences (P < 0.05). It is therefore, concluded that balanite has nutrigenomic effect and improved the adaptability of Uda and that urea could be used as biomarker of heat of stress.

HAEMATOLOGICAL AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF LAMBS FED RICE STRAW ENSILED WITH UREA AND MOLASSES AT VARYING LEVELS

The research was conducted at the livestock teaching and research farm department of animal science, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology Aliero. Twelve (12) male lambs were purchased from the livestock market in Dodoru market. The animals were balanced for weight for each treatment there after allocated to four treatment diet with four replicate each. The dried Rice Straw was ground into smaller pieces and ensiled with urea and molasses in large quantity. The treatments were A (100Kg feed +4kg molasses +4kg Urea), B (100Kg feed +6kg molasses +4kg Urea) and C (100Kg feed +8kg molasses +4kg Urea) The samples were thoroughly mixed and ensiled for a period of five weeks. The experimental diets were formulated in such a way that the ensiled materials will be included at 60%, while a concentrate diet of 10% maize, 20% cowpea husk, 20% wheat offal, 30% cotton seed cake, 20% groundnut hay and 1% salt will be included in each of the experimental diets. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used in this experiment. The result in table 2 shows that there was no significant different in all the parameters measured. The White Blood Cell (WBC) recorded highest in T2 followed by T3 and the least was in T1 while RBC, PCV and MCH recorded highest in T1 then T2 and lowest in T3. The MCHC, MCV, MCH, are within the reference values, while the PLT, RBC, HGB, PCV are below the reference values.

EFFECT OF CARROT (DAUCUS CAROTA) LEAVES ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND NUTRIENTS DIGESTIBILITY OF GROWER MONGREL RABBIT

A total of twelve (12) mixed breeds and sexes of grower rabbits were used to investigate the effect of varying level of supplementation of carrot leaves on their growth performance and nutrients digestibility. The study was conducted at Teaching and Research Farm of Animal Science Department, Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil. The rabbits were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments with three rabbit per replicate. The control treatment (T1) contained 0% carrot leaves while treatment T2, T3 and T4 had 5%,10% and 15% carrot leaves dietary respectively. Clean water and feed were offered ad libtum to the rabbits and the record of their feed intake and growth performance were taken for 8 weeks. At the end of the 7th week, a nutrient digestibility trial was carried out. The result showed that there was no significant (p>0.05) difference in final body weight, total weight gained, total feed Intake, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio. However, their values differed. Final body weight, total weight gained and average daily weight gained of the treatments groups were all higher than values of control group. Total feed intake and average daily feed intake were followed same trend. While feed conversion ratio showed that T4(4.14%) had the lowest value and control group had the highest value. The digestibility of ether extract, crude fibre and ash showed significance (p<0.05) difference across the treatments. In ether extract T2(13.31%) had the highest value than the other treatments while the lowest value was observed in T1(9.84). For Crude fibre T3(25.72%) and T4 (25.26%) were significantly differed with T2; However, T1 was not significantly different (p>0.05) from other treatments. While for ash T2(11.79%) differed significantly from T3, T1 and T4. Hence it is concluded that carrot leaves can be supplemented up to 15% in grower rabbit diet with no detrimental effect on growth performance and nutrients digestibility.

LABORATORY ASSESSMENT OF VIABILITY AND GERMINABILITY TESTS FOR SUGARGRAZE AND COLUMBUS GRASS SEEDS

The experiment was conducted to assess the two forage sorghum seeds viabilities and germination percentages. The experiment was conducted in the Laboratory of Animal Science Department, Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State. The experimental materials were Sugargraze seeds (had same nature with food sorghum seeds) and Columbus grass seeds (were hard with scaly coat in nature) sourced from National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) Shika, Zaria. The data collected for viability test was subjected to T-test using Microsoft excel (10th Edition) for the determination of germination percentages. The seed germination test methods (between paper method) were used; two hundred (200) seeds each of Sugargraze and Columbus grass were used, replicated ten times with twenty (20) seeds per Glass Petri dish and kept at room temperature (28 – 30 0C) for seven (7) days. Petri dishes were checked daily, counted and recorded for the sprouted seeds for determination of percentage germination rate in each replication. The results showed that the percentage germination increased significantly with increasing days of germination among all the cultivars. Columbus grass, which showed germination rates of 39.50%, 70.50%, and 81.50% at 2, 4, and 6 days, respectively, Sugargraze showed germination percentages of 58.50% and 92.50% at days 2 and 4. The whole germination time for Columbus grass seeds was 6 days, whereas Sugargraze seeds needed just 4 days. The viability of the Columbus and Sugargraze grass seeds was 81.50% and 92.50%, respectively.

CHEMICAL CHARACTERISATION OF COMMONLY USED DIETARY OILS IN BROILER PRODUCTION

CHEMICAL CHARACTERISATION OF COMMONLY USED DIETARY OILS IN BROILER PRODUCTIONT. V. ABOKEDE, O. A. OGUNWOLE, A. O. MOSURO, F. O. JEMISEYE, B. S. ADEDEJI, I. A. OLUDOYI AND O. O. TEWEAgricultural Biochemistry and Nutrition Unit,Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. *Correspondence: titilopeabokede@yahoo.com; +2348113333305ABSTRACTThis study was conducted to characterize different dietary oils commonly used in broiler chicken production. Soybean oil (SYO), Palm-kernel oil (PKO), Sheabutter (SHO), Coconut oil (CO) and Groundnut oil (GNO) were each assayed for their physical and chemical characteristics using standard procedures. The SYO had higher (P<0.05) saponification value (14.55 mg/KOH) compared to GNO (12.00mg/KOH), which had the lowest value, SHO had the higher (P<0.05), acid value of (3.65 mgKOH/g), compared to SYO that had the lowest value (0.90) and PKO had the highest value for iodine and peroxide values (2.50) as compared to SYO which had the lowest value of (1.60). For the fatty acid profile, CO was higher (P<0.05) in Arachidonic acid of (2.25) while GNO had the a lower value of (0.07) and Linoleic acid was highest in CO (19.72) as compared to (8.21) of PKO that had the lowest value, linolenic acid was highest in SYO (2.81) compared to SHO (0.16) that had the lowest value. SYO (2.19) had the highest content of vitamin A compared to SHO (1.73) that had the lowest value while SYO had the highest value for vitamin E (53.29) content and SHO had the lowest value (38.25). The different oils have varying level of inherent nutrient which when used as ingredient, may have varying impact on performance of broiler chickensKeywords: Saponification value, Iodine value, Peroxide value, Acid value, Dietary oils.

TESTICULAR HOMOGENATE AND FILTRATE VOLUME OF KANO BROWN BUCKS AS AFFECTED BY TEMPERATURE, CHANGES IN RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND FEEDING REGIME

The study was conducted to evaluate the seasonal and nutritional effect on testicular homogenate and filtrate volume of Kano brown bucks. Baseline data was collected at University Teaching and Research Farm of and laboratory of the Department of Animal Science, Bayero University, Kano. Sixteen (16) Kano brown bucks with an average of 15 kg. 10-12 month of age were used. Four bucks one from each treatment were orchiectomised for the determination of testicular homogenate and filtrate volume. The result obtained were significant (P < 0.05) different T3 recorded the highest mean value of 81.00 ml while had the lowest mean values of 39.00 ml right testis homogenate volume. It can be concluded that temperature, humidity changes and feeding regime has a significant effect on testicular homogenate and filtrate volume of Kano brown bucks, goat should be allowed to go grazing and supplemented twice per day.

EFFECT OF BAOBAB LEAF MEAL (Adansonia digitata) DIETS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILTY BY GROWER RABBITS

This study was conducted at Rabbitry Unit of Research Farm of the Department of Animal Science, Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil to determine the effect of Baobab (Adansonia digitata) Leaf Meal (BLM) on the performance and nutrient digestibility by grower rabbits. A total of thirty (30) mongrels (Mixed breeds) grower rabbits were fed to five diets containing baobab leaf meal at 0,5 10, 15 and 20% dietary levels designated as Treatments 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Each treatment was replicated three times. The experiment lasted 7 weeks. The results of performance showed that there were significant differences (P<0.05) in the final body weight (1491.33-1937.00g), daily weight gain (23.59-39.33g), feed intake (88.67-118.67g) and feed conversion ratio (2.75-3.79). The results of nutrients digestibilties indicated that there were significant (P<0.05) differences in the crude protein (63.33- 81.33%), crude fibre (61.32 85.00%) and ether extract (65.67 - 85.00%) digestibilties. The values crude protein and crude fibre digestibilties by rabbits were higher and better at 15% BLM diet compared to others. Based on this study, it was concluded that baobab leave meal can be incorporated in the diets of grower rabbits up to 15% without any adverse effect on the performance and nutrients digestibilties.

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF EGG QUALITY TRAITS FROM CHICKENS AND GUINEA FOWLS

The study was carried out to determine the magnitude of the differences in egg quality traits from chickens and guinea fowls. For this purpose, a total of twenty egg laying birds, consisting of ten Guinea fowls and Rhode Island Red were used at the poultry section of the Teaching and Research farm of the Animal Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Bayero University, Kano. Formulated layers diets were fed to the birds for six weeks and egg samples were collected weekly to study the internal and external egg quality traits. The external quality traits were egg weight, shape index, egg circumference, egg diameter, egg length and shell surface area while the internal quality traits were the albumen weight, yolk weight, shell weight and shell thickness. Results showed that there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in shape index of the two bird species. On the contrary, there were highly significant difference (P<0.01) in egg weight, egg circumference, egg diameter, egg length, shell surface area, shell thickness, yolk weight, albumen eight and shell weight. Relationships between measured traits had positive and negative distribution within traits for both bird species. Hopefully, the result obtained from this study would serve as baseline information for more studies, most especially in Guinea fowl, for selection procedures and genetic improvement.

Utilization of Differently Processed Sesame Seed Meal as a Source of Methionine in Guinea Fowls Diets

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of different processing methods on sesame seeds meal as a source of methionine for guinea fowls. The research took place at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Animal Health and Production in Jigawa State, Nigeria. Seventy-two guinea fowls of mixed sexes were raised under intensive management conditions for the experiment. Sesame seeds were divided into three groups: raw, soaked, and roasted, then ground into meal and incorporated into four experimental diets. Proximate analysis of the experimental diets was conducted at the Nutrition laboratory of the Department of Animal Science. Data generated were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using statistical analysis system (SAS) package. Results indicated that processing methods significantly reduced anti-nutritional factors without adverse effects on some of the performance parameters. Performance improved with all processed sesame seed meals compared to the control diet, suggesting their potential as methionine sources without additional supplementation. Raw, soaked, and roasted sesame seed meal can be incorporated at 15% level of inclusion in the diet of guinea fowls without negative impacts on their general performance. Overall, the study concludes that processing methods enhanced sesame seed's suitability as a methionine source for guinea fowls and recommends their inclusion in diets of guinea fowls at 15% level.

Pregnancy Diagnosis on Beef Cattle Today

This publication is directed to beef producers, farmworkers, and Extension agents with the purpose of providing information regarding current pregnancy diagnosis methods for beef cattle. Written by Maria Camila Lopez Duarte, Kalyn Waters, Nick Simmons, and Angela Gonella and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, May 2024.

Properly Cleaning Portable Milking Units: A Step-by-Step Guide

This article aims to help small dairy producers learn how to properly clean portable milking machines so they can improve milk quality and prolong the life of milking equipment. This publication is accompanied by one brochure that aims to summarize the steps for proper cleaning of portable milking units. Written by Izabella Toledo and Chris Decubellis, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, April 2024.

Feeding Concentrate and Market Waste on the Performance of Collared Crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus)

In Indonesia, crickets (Gryllus sp.) are used as feed for pet animals, especially insectivorous animals, one of which is the kalung/collared cricket. Collared crickets have a short life cycle, high egg hatchability, fast growth, low feed conversion, and have softer body skin that is preferred by birds and other insectivorous animals. Feed is very important in intensive cricket rearing, especially in hatching crickets. The feed given to crickets is generally in the form of concentrates and leaves. This study aims to determine the effect of giving concentrates and market waste (kale, cabbage, cassava leaves) on the performance of collared crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus). This research was conducted at the Livestock Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara, from March to April 2020. This research was conducted experimentally using a completely randomised design (CRD) consisting of 4 treatments and 5 replications. The treatments consisted of P0 = 100% market waste, P1 = 75% market waste + 25% concentrate, P2 = 50% market waste + 50% concentrate, P3 = 25% market waste + 75% concentrate. The results of this study showed that the provision of concentrate and market waste (kale, cabbage, and cassava leaves) had no significant effect on the performance of collared crickets. The average mortality in this study was 6.4%, the feed consumption value was 8.74 g/head/day, the average body weight gain was 0.43 g/head/day, and the average feed conversion was 20.71 g/head. In conclusion as there is no difference between each treatment on cricket performance, the 100% market waste treatment can be used for collared cricket feed.

PSII-10 Development of an interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate course in precision livestock farming systems

Abstract The modern livestock industry is increasingly adopting data, technologies, and automation into daily husbandry and management routines and decisions. These advances in precision livestock farming (PLF) enable improved financial margins, sustainability, efficiency, and animal productivity and welfare. However, there is currently a gap between the engineers and data scientists designing the technologies and the animal scientists and caretakers using them. At North Carolina State University a novel course on PLF Systems for undergraduate and graduate students was developed in the Department of Animal Science. Through lecture delivery, livestock production scenarios, scientific literature, and data-based homework assignments students explored data collection, management, analysis, and data-based decision making. Students gained hands-on experience with a variety of sensor types and signal processing through lab-based activities. Basic hardware and software development concepts were explored during an Arduino-based microcontroller activity. The course was developed and refined using student feedback to include additional sensor and lab-based days and additional in-class supported activities utilizing Excel for data manipulation, processing, and presentation. Self-reported student learning results were collected across two semesters (19 students; 18 Animal Science, 1 Biological Engineering) with84% of students indicated the course was effective in increasing their ability to evaluate and implement technology in livestock production systems and 74% of students reported increased knowledge of coding and software, as well as their ability to clean, analyze, and make sense of raw data. The topics and delivery methods implemented in this course could inform the basis for development of similar interdisciplinary PLF courses at other academic institutions.

Effects of Dietary Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) Leaf Powder on Meat Quality of Broiler

The experiment was carried out in the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria, to determine the effects of dietary oregano leaf powder on meat quality of broiler meat. The diets were supplemented with oregano leaf powder at 15g/kg, 20g/kg, 25g/kg and 0g/kg (control group), represented as TI, T2, T3 and T4, respectively, dietary oregano leaf powder did not affect muscle pH a* values of broiler meat (P>0.05). However, oregano leaf powder significantly affected b* value, water holding capacity, drip and cooking losses. Higher inclusion level (25g) of oregano leaf powder improves meat quality parameters while supplementation of up to 15g did not affect most of the meat quality parameters. The study recommended 25g inclusion levels of oregano leaf powder due to the positive effects on meat quality parameters of broiler chicken meat. Further studies on the mode of action of oregano leaf powder using different species of poultry on meat quality may be commercially interesting.