Dried Brewers Grains Research Articles

Effect of replacing corn with three fibre sources on growth performance and carcass quality of broiler chicken

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of replacing corn with three dietary fibre sources on the growth performance and carcass quality of broiler chicken. One hundred and forty four one-day old broiler chickens were used for the experiment. The birds were brooded for two weeks on commercial starter diet after which they were subjected to four experimental diets or treatments. The birds were randomly distributed into four treatments with three replicates, each replicate consisting of 12 birds. All birds in each treatment were fed with different diet and weighed at the end of every week. The experimental design used was a completely randomized design. The experimental treatments were designated as treatment T1, T2, T3, T4 while T1 was tagged as a control diet without any source of dietary fibre, T2 as a diet with wheat bran as a source of dietary fibre, T3 as a diet with rice bran as a source of dietary fibre, T4 as a diet with brewers dried grain (BDG) as a source of dietary fibre. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference in the initial weight of the birds across the treatments, but there was a significant (p<0.05) difference in the final weight and body weight gain of the birds where T2 had the highest body weight gain and T3 has the lowest body weight gain. This trend was also observed in the carcass. Based on the result of this experiment wheat bran can be used as a source of dietary fibre for better growth performance of broiler chicken at a low inclusion level.

Effect of partial replacement of agro-industrial by-products for maize on growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood profile and economy of production in local Turkey

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of incorporating three agro-industrial by-products as partial substitutes for maize on growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood profile, and economic efficiency in local Turkey. The study, which spanned a duration of fifty-six (56) days, was executed in a completely randomized design (CRD). A total of forty-eight (48) day-old local turkey poults were employed, and they were randomly assigned to four (4) dietary treatments of 12 poults per treatment, and replicated 3 times with 4 poults per replicate. The experimental diets, which contained three agro-industrial by-products, namely maize offal (MO), rice milling residue (RMR), and brewers' dried grain (BDG), were formulated with an inclusion level of 30% each of agro in by-products in the diets. At the starter phase, there were significant differences (P<0.05) in the final weight gain, and average daily weight gain (ADWG), with higher values for final weight, average daily weight gain, and lower feed conversion ratio being recorded as 664.83, 14.57, 14.56, and 3.37g/bird respectively, at T3. The final weight, average daily weight gain (ADWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) at the grower phase were not significantly different (P>0.05). However, T4 diet (30% BDG) had the highest final weight, but the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.42 was recorded at T1 (30% MO. The live weight, dress weight, carcass weight, dress percentage, breast, thigh, wings, back, neck, drumstick, liver, heart, and gizzard were not significantly different (P>0.05) among treatment groups, except kidney, which was significantly different (p<0.05) among the treatment groups. The haematological parameters measured, including packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and white blood cell (WBC), were all significantly (P<0.05) different. However, haemoglobin (Hb) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentrations (MCHC) were not significantly different (P>0.05). The feed cost decreased as 30% level of each of the three agro-industrial by-products replaced maize in this study. Feed cost (N/Kg gain) followed the same trend. The findings revealed that T4 (30% BDG) was more economical for feeding turkey than the control diet (T1) containing 100% of maize and the other treatments. Therefore, it can be concluded that the replacement of maize with up to 30% BDG will offer improved growth performance, pose no health risk to turkeys, and reduce the cost of production.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND GUT PROMOTING ACTIVITY OF THREE CONVENTIONAL FIBRE FEEDSTUFFS IN DIETS OF GROWING PIGS

<p><strong>Background.</strong> The increasing utilisation of fibre feedstuffs in diets of pigs nowadays calls for concerns not only on the growth but also the health status of the animals and the possibility to eradicate the use of in-feed antibiotics for pigs. <strong>Objective.</strong> To evaluate the growth performance and gut promoting activity of three fibre feedstuffs (Palm kernel cake (PKC), Brewers’ dried grain (BDG) and Wheat offal (WO)) in diets of growing pigs. <strong>Methodology</strong>. Three dietary treatments containing 40 % each of PKC, BDG and WO were randomly allotted to 24 growing crossbred (Large White x Hampshire) pigs of average initial weight of 30± 0.50 Kg in an 82 d feeding trial. <strong>Results.</strong> There was an influence (p<0.05) of sources of fibre feedstuffs for the arabinoxylan- and mannan-oligosaccharide concentrations of the dietary treatments with BDG having comparatively higher values than WO and PKC diets. The short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations and pH of gut digesta were different (p<0.05) across dietary groups with pigs fed BDG diet having higher SCFA concentration in the foregut and hindgut. In the gut flora, BDG and WO promoted the highest (p<0.05) <em>Lactobacillus</em> population in the small and large intestines respectively. There were significant (p<0.05) effects of fibre sources on the final weight, average daily gain and daily intake of pigs fed the different treatments with those fed WO diets showing superior performance over pigs fed either PKC or BDG diet. <strong>Implication. </strong>The WO diet promoted the fastest growth and better gut effects but BDG resulted in the most efficient feed to gain conversion. <strong>Conclusion.</strong> All the diets exhibited prebiotic activity, enhanced the growth of beneficial bacterial in the gut and could reduce the use of in-feed antibiotics for pigs.</p>

Performance of growing rabbit bucks and does fed diets supplemented with brewers dried grains

The study was conducted to at the rabbitry unit of the National Animal Production Research Institute/Ahmadu Bello University, Shika-Zaria to evaluate the performance of growing rabbit bucks and does fed diets supplemented with brewers dried grain (BDG). Forty rabbits growing rabbits aged between 6 to 7 weeks of age, with initial average weight of 0.75Kg were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments (0%, 20%, 30% and 40% BDG) in a completely randomized design (CRD) with five rabbits in each treatment. The experimental diet and clean drinking water were supplied ad libtum during the experiment, which lasted for a period of 8 weeks. The following growth parameters were measured included, daily feed intake and weight changes, initial weight, final weight, total weight gain, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio. Data generated was subjected to statistical analysis of SAS. In growing rabbit bucks, initial weight, average daily feed intake, final weight and average daily gain showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). Feed conversion ratio was significantly differences (P < 0.05) with the control having the best feed efficiency while 20% level of inclusion had the least value. For the does, there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in initial weight and average daily feed intake. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in final weight, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio. Final weight and average daily gain had a similar pattern with the control (0%) and treatment 2 recording the highest and lowest values respectively. Feed conversion ratio had different pattern as treatments 2 (20%), 3 (30%) and 4 (40%) were significantly higher than the control. It can be concluded that, inclusion of BDG in the diet of growing rabbits have no effect on growth performance but if efficiently utilized.

FEED INTAKE AND GROWTH RATE OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS FED DIFFERENT PROPORTIONS OF RUMEN WASTE, POULTRY WASTE AND CASSAVA PEEL WASTE

Purpose: Rumen waste, poultry waste and cassava peel waste are sources of environmental pollution but could serve as feed resources for ruminant animals. This study was undertaken to ascertain the nutritive value of composite diets with varied proportions of these waste in West African dwarf goats.
 Methodology: Four experimental diets were formulated in which diet 1 was a standard (control) diet. Diets 2, 3 and 4 contained the wastes in varied proportions of 5, 15, and 25%. The goats where offered a basal diet of concentrate containing Brewer’s dried grain (BDG), vitamin/mineral salts mixtures and Panicum maximum. A feeding trial was conducted using sixteen (16) West African dwarf (WAD) goats in a completely randomized design (CRD). Feed intake and weight changes were determined. Chemical composition of the experimental diets was analyzed. 
 Findings: Results of chemical composition of the diets showed absence of significant (P > 0.05) variation in nutritional composition except diet 3, which had greater (P < 0.05) value of Crude Protein (21.00 %) and NDF (61.00 %). Also, diets 2 and 3 had the least (P < 0.05) metabolizable energy of 3.91 and 5.65 MJ/Kg DM respectively. Results of feeding trial showed significantly (P < 0.05) low nutrient intakesfor composite diets 2, 3 and 4 compared to the control (diet 1). Growth performance result showed that goats on diet 1 and 4 significantly (P < 0.05) gained weight (1.07kg and 0.97kg respectively), while goats on diet 2 and 3 significantly (P < 0.05) lost weight (-1.63kg and -0.56kg respectively). Feed conversion efficiency followed a similar trend. Results shows that the goats on diet 1(control) and diet 4 (25% RW, 5% PW and 15% CP) were better utilized by the WAD goats during the feeding trial. This difference can be attributed to poor palatability and acceptability of diets 2 and 3 as well as nutrient imbalance as required for proper rumen function. Therefore, an appropriate combination of these non-conventional feed materials or wastes, as indicated by diet 4, can be fed successfully to small ruminant animals.

Nutrient Digestibility Coefficient of West African Dwarf Goat Fed Elephant Grass (Pennisetum Purpureum) Ensiled with Varying Levels of Cassava Peel and Brewers Dried Grain.

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate the digestibility of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats offered Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) ensiled with varying levels of Cassava peel (CP) and Brewers dried grain (BDG).
 Methodology: Eighteen West African Dwarf (WAD) goats were used for the study. The goats were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments namely; T1 (100% Elephant grass); T2 (60% Elephant grass + 0% CP + 40% BDG); T3 (60% Elephant grass + 10% CP + 30% BDG); T4 (60% Elephant grass + 20% CP + 20% BDG); T5 (60% Elephant grass + 30% CP + 10% BDG) and T6 (60% Elephant grass + 40% CP + 0% BDG) in a completely randomized design.
 Findings: Data collected revealed significant difference (p<0.05) in all the chemical composition parameters except for ether extract. The highest DM (51.80%), CP (18.20%), and EE (3.85%) were observed among animals exposed to T2 diet, NDF (64.25%) and ADF (32.33%) were observed among animals in diet T1. There was no significant differences (p>0.05) in all the nutrient digestibility parameters except for the crude protein and acid detergent lignin. Animals fed T2 diet had the highest DM (70.76%) and CP digestibility (76.16%), while highest NDF (65.39%) and ADL (59.51%) were recorded in animals fed T1. There were significant difference (p>0.05) among the nitrogen utilization variables observed except feacal and urinary nitrogen output. Goats fed T2 recorded the highest nitrogen retention (95.55%).
 Recommendation: It can be recommended that Elephant grass ensiled with cassava peel and brewers dried grain can be used as potential sources of supplementing ruminant feeding most especially during the dry season as it enhanced nutrient digestibility and utilization

Protein-Sourced Feedstuffs for Aquatic Animals in Nutrition Research and Aquaculture.

Aquatic animals have particularly high requirements for dietary amino acids (AAs) for health, survival, growth, development, and reproduction. These nutrients are usually provided from ingested proteins and may also be derived from supplemental crystalline AA. AAs are the building blocks of protein (a major component of tissue growth) and, therefore, are the determinants of the growth performance and feed efficiency of farmed fish. Because protein is generally the most expensive ingredient in aqua feeds, much attention has been directed to ensure that dietary protein feedstuff is of high quality and cost-effective for feeding fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic animals worldwide. Due to the rapid development of aquaculture worldwide and a limited source of fishmeal (the traditionally sole or primary source of AAs for aquatic animals), alternative protein sources must be identified to feed aquatic animals. Plant-sourced feedstuffs for aquatic animals include soybean meal, extruded soybean meal, fermented soybean meal, soybean protein concentrates, soybean protein isolates, leaf meal, hydrolyzed plant protein, wheat, wheat hydrolyzed protein, canola meal, cottonseed meal, peanut meal, sunflower meal, peas, rice, dried brewers grains, and dried distillers grains. Animal-sourced feedstuffs include fishmeal, fish paste, bone meal, meat and bone meal, poultry by-product meal, chicken by-product meal, chicken visceral digest, spray-dried poultry plasma, spray-dried egg product, hydrolyzed feather meal, intestine-mucosa product, peptones,blood meal (bovine or poultry), whey powder with high protein content, cheese powder, and insect meal. Microbial sources of protein feedstuffs include yeast protein and single-cell microbial protein (e.g., algae); they have more balanced AA profiles than most plant proteins for animal feeding. Animal-sourced ingredients can be used as a single source of dietary protein or in complementary combinations with plant and microbial sources of proteins. All protein feedstuffs must adequately provide functional AAs for aquatic animals.

Effects of feeding dried brewers grains to slow-growing broiler chickens

Slow-growing broiler chickens as the naked neck Label Rouge are strains that require more time to reach the market weight, and may have meat characteristics appreciated by consumers. Two studies were conducted to evaluate the inclusion of dried brewers grains (DBG) in the diet of slow-growing broiler chickens. In the first experiment (metabolism assay), a total of 180 male Label Rouge broiler chickens were assigned to 5 treatments (0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 g DBG/kg of diet) with 6 replications per treatment and 6 broiler chickens per cage, in a completely randomized design, in the period from d 14 to 24. The objective was to evaluate the energetic values of increasing DBG inclusion rates. Energetic values increased linearly (P < 0.05) with DBG inclusion. Apparent metabolizable energy (AME) of DBG, AME corrected for N, coefficient of AME (AMC), and AMC corrected for N were 2,593 kcal/kg, 2,301 kcal/kg, 57.29%, and 50.84%, respectively, these values were obtained by the inclusion of 400 g DGB/kg in the regression equation. In the second experiment, the objective was to evaluate inclusion rates of DBG in the diets of slow-growing broiler chickens and the effects on growth performance, blood metabolites, relative organs weight, meat quality, intestinal morphometry, and litter quality. A total of 980 one-day-old male broiler chickens were assigned to 7 treatments (inclusion rates of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 g DBG/kg) with 7 replications (pens) and 20 broiler chickens each, and diets were fed from d 0 to 63. There was a linear reduction (P < 0.01) in weight gain from d 0 to 21, 0 to 42, and 0 to 63, and a linear increase (P < 0.01) in feed conversion ratio as dietary DBG increased. Feed intake of broiler chickens reduced (P < 0.01) from d 0 to 42 with increased DBG inclusion. Inclusion of DBG caused a linear increase (P < 0.01) on serum glucose and total protein (P = 0.04), and a linear reduction (P = 0.03) in alanine amino transferase as dietary DBG increase. Carcass yield was not altered with DBG inclusion rates, however, Pectoralis minor yield (P = 0.04) and the relative weight of gizzard increased at d 21 (P = 0.03), and d 63 (P < 0.01) and pancreas increased at d 21 (P = 0.03), and d 63 (P = 0.05). There was a quadratic effect (P = 0.04) of DBG on villus height, but dietary DBG had no effect on litter quality. The use of DBG in the diet of slow-growing broiler chickens, in inclusion rates up to 120 g DBG/kg, reduced its growth performance.

FEEDLOT PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS TRAITS OF YANKASA RAMS. 2 — EFFECT OF PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF MAIZE WITH BREWERS' DRIED GRAINS OR PALM KERNEL MEAL.

Thirty-five Yankasa rams about 11/2 years old and of average weight 27kg were randomly assigned to five experimental diets which were (l) a control with 60% concentrate, diets 2 and 3 and 4 and 5 had the corn replaced by 20% and 40°/o brewers' dried grain (BDG) and palm kernel meal (PKM) respectively. All animals were individually fed the diets for the 70 days of the study. Average daily gain (ADC) was significantly (P 0.05) depressed only at the 40% BDC, level when compared with that of the control. Dressing percentage and percentage yield of wholesale cuts were not affected by the treatments. Nitrogen digestibility was significantly (P 0.05) depressed at the 40% BDG level. Based on the total performance and cost considerations, it was economical to use 20% BDG and up to 40% PKM in ram fattening diets.

The Effects of Replacing Groundnut Cake with Urea- Treated and Fermented Brewer’s Dried Grains on Nutrient’s Digestibility, Retention and Carcass Characteristics on Broiler Finishers

The effects of replacing groundnut cake(GNC) with urea-treated and fermented brewer's dried grains (BDG) in broiler finisher diets were investigated. urea-treated and fermented BDG was used to replace GDC at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels in broiler finisher diets. Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric to provide 20% crude protein and 3000 kcal/kg metabolizable energy. One hundred and ninety five thirty day old broiler chicks of Anak breed (Anak 2000 strain) were randomly allocated to five equal dietart treatments of 13 chicks per replicate and 39 chicks per treatmentand fed ad libitum in rearing cages. At the end of the 8th week, 9 broilers per treatment (3 birds per replicate) were randomly selected from the five treatment groups for metabolic study. At 8 weeks, two birds per replicate were weighed and slaughtered for carcass measurement. Nutrient digestibililty and retention were significantly (P&lt;0.05) influenced by urea-treated and fermented BDG incorporation in the diets. Nitrogen retention values of 63.80±0.32 and 62.15±0.39% for the control and 25% replacement for the levels of 50, 75 and 100%. Fat retention values of 97.71±0.39 and 92.49±0.66% for 75 and 100% replacement levels (P&lt;0.05) were significantly higher than values of 53.37±2.72, 52.74±1.72, 42.54±2.37 and 42.75±2.67% for 25, 50, 75 and 100% replacement levels. Carcass quality parameters and organ weights were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) different in all treatment groups. Mortality level (5-7%) was normal and evenly spread across all treatment groups. Results indicate that ureat-treated and fermented BDG can completely replace GNC as a plant protein source in broiler finisher diets.

Nutrient utilization by rabbits fed brewers' dried grains from different proportions of barley, maize and sorghum

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the energy and protein of Brewers' Dried Grains (BDG) produced from different proportions of harley, maize and sorghum on the performance of rabbits. Sixteen (16) rabbits made up of New Zealand and Chinchilla, eight (8) weeks old averaging 1.20kg were used in the trial in a completely randomized design. The four (4) diets were BDG (maize: barley: sorghum) (BDG MBS); BDG (maize: harley) (BDGMB); BDG (maize: sorghum) (BDG MS) and BDG (sorghum) (BDG S). The diets were the only source of protein and energy. The treatment effect was significant (p &lt; 0.05) with the highest crude protein digestibility and nitrogen retention values recorded for BDG MBS. The digestible and metabolizable energy values were not significantly different (p &gt; 0.05) for the BDG investigated. The digestible energy values determined for BDG MS, BDGS, BDG MBS and BDG MB in W/kg of dry matter were 16.97, 15.57, 14.84 and 13.35 respectively while the values for ME in MJ/kg of dry matter were 16.32, 14.91, 14.31 and 12.34 respectively. BDG from local sources have potential to make complete feed for rabbits judging from their impressive energy and protein values.

THE EFFECTS OF INCLUSION OF GRADED LEVELS OF BREWERS DRIED GRAINS (BDG) IN THE DIETS OF EARLY-WEANED PIGS ON THEIR PERFORMANCE UP TO 10 WEEKS OF AGE

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Forty-eight (48) Yorkshire female and castrated male pigs early weaned at 21 days, with average initial body weight of 8.14 kg were used to assess the effects of including graded levels of Brewers dried grains (BDG) in their diets on their performance until 10 weeks of age. Brewers dried grains were added to the 18 per cent crude protein corn-soy bean meal diets at the rate of O, 5, 10 or 15% level, each BDG level constituting a treatment Inclusion of BDG up to 15% had no adverse effect on the total gains and average daily weight gains of the test pigs. However, although the average daily feed intake and feed: gam ratio did not differ between the control pigs and those pigs with 5 and 10% BDG in their diets (between which there was no difference), the 15% BDG increased both average daily feed intake and feed: gain ratio. Not only did the pigs on 15% BDG consume more feed per unit of gain, they also scoured more frequently than the others, showing a lower degree of tolerance for increased fiber level (unlike the older pigs reported in the literature). The results of this study thus confirm the feasibility of using BDG in the diet of early weaned pigs, although the degree of tolerance appears to be age or body weight dependent.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

INFLUENCE OF BREWERS DRIED GRAINS ON THE RUMINAL VOLATILE FATTY ACIDS (VFA)PRODUCTION AND MILK CONSTITUENTS IN ZEBU COWS

Four lactating White Fulani (Zebu) cows fitted with permanent rumen cannular were fed four. diets: (A) Acha hay (Digitaria exilis Stapf, (B) 50% acha hay plus 50% brewers dried grains (BDG), (C) 75% BDG plus 25% hay and (D) 100% BDG in a 4 x 4 latin square design. Analysis of rumen total Volatile Fatty acids (VFAS), individual VFAs, ammonia-N and pH as well as some milk constituents were carried out simultaneously. Mean ruminal pH and total VFA (MM/100ml) were 7.1,6.2; 6.5, 8.0; 5.8, 14.9 and 5.8, 13.1 for A, B, C, and D respectively. The corresponding acetate to propionate (A/P) ratios were 4.97, 4.40, 3.20 and 3.40. The molar percent values of butyrate yielded by A and B were similar and less (P&lt;0.05) than the value for C or D. Ruminal ammonia-N (mg/100ml) ranged from 5.7 for A to 6.8 for D. Total VFA, NH3-N and pH of the rumen fluid were affected by time of feeding (P&lt;0.05). The correlations between ruminal pH and acetate (r = 0.98), pH and total VFA (r = -0.90), and acetate and propionate (r = -0.75) were significanct(P &lt;0.05). Cows on treatment A (acha hay) yielded higher percent milk fat (P&lt;0.05) and lower percent milk protein than those on B, C, or D. Treatment effects on milk pH and percentages of lactose, solids-not-fat (SNF) and ash were not significant. The observed depression in milk fat of cows on treatments B, C and D in comparison with cows on treatment A wasrelated to a decrease in rumen acetate and an increase in propionate. It was observed that the fermentation of BDG yielded acetate within limits required for efficient milk production.

NUTRIENT INTAKE, DIGESTIBILITY AND RUMEN STUDIES IN GOATS FED VARYING LEVELS OF CASSAVA PEELS AND BREWER'S DRIED GRAIN

Dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility and some rumen and blood metabolites were investigated in goats fed five diets composed of cassava peel and brewer's dried grains (BDG) in the ratios of approximately 82:8, 69:20, 57:33, 44:45 and 32:58. Urea and molasses were included in each diet at 2% and 7.5% respectively and the crude protein levels of the diets were approximately 8%, 11%, 14%, 17% and 20%. There were no significant (P &gt; 0.05) differences in Dry matter and Organic matter intake but N intake Increased up to Diet 4. There were dietary effects on the digestibility of DM, N, crude fibre, acid detergent fibre, either extract, nitrogen free extract and energy but not 0M. The highest digestibility values were obtained on diet 4 for most of the nutrients. The concentrations of rumen ammonia and blood plasma urea increased from Diet 1 to Diet 5. There were significant (P &lt; 0.05) dietary effect on rumen fluid ph. Rumen protozoal count increased from Diet 1 to Diet 5. The depression in digestibility of Diet 5 would indicate that BDG should not be included at up to 58% in the diet of goats.

Milk production from primiparous Bunaji cows fed Pennisetum purpureum with or without supplements

The feeding value of three supplements to a basal grass (Pennisetum pupureum) diet was investigated using sixteen Bunaji cows. The three supplements were Pueraria phaseoloides, Leucaena leucocephala and brewers dried grain (BDG). The rate of supplementation was 30% of the daily dry matter requirement. The experimental arrangement used was a completely randomized design and euch diet was tested using four animals per diet for an experimental duration of 60 days. Parameters measured included feed intake, milk yield and composition. There was substitution effect of supplement intake on the basal grass diet intake. The intake of supplements enhanced (P&lt;0.005) crude protein intake. The milk yields were low and values ranged from 1.1 to 2.6 kg (4% fat corrected milk/day). Supplementation increased (P&lt;0.05) milk, fat and protein yields of the lactating cows. However, milk yields of supplemented groups were similar (P&gt;0.05). Milk from animals fed Leucaena and BDG supplements had the highest fat 102.2 and protein 93.12 g/d contents. Milk fat contents were normal and similar (P&gt;0.05) among the treatments. Low milk protein contents were recorded except for BDG supplement. It was concluded that the feeding of forage legumes enhanced milk production in lactating Bunaji cows.

In-vitro assessment for prebiotic potentials of some high fibre feedstuffs use in broiler diets

Development of antibiotics-resistance pathogens in poultry poses threat to human health and has necessitated the search for alternative to antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in poultry diets to improve gut microflora. One of the alternatives to AGPs is probiotics which are beneficial organisms. Prebiotics, are by-products of digestion of polysaccharides which poultry do not have enzymes to digest are food for probiotics. Advent of enzymes makes this digestion possible. The prebiotic potentials of enzyme supplemented high fibre feedstuffs (HFFs) are not known. This study was conducted to screen some HFFs such as wheat bran (WB), maize bran (MB), palm kernel cake (PKC), rice husk (RH) and brewers dried grain (BDG) for production of oligosaccharides through xylanase digestion. Five high fibre feedstuffs (HFFs) (WB, BDG, PKC, RH and MB) screened for oligosaccharides production using the Benedict's test showed that all the feedstuffs screened except maize bran tested positive for the presence of oligosaccharides. The increase in dietary levels of HFFs generally could increase feed intake, reduced weight gain and increased feed/gain ratio (p&lt;0.05). Enzyme Supplementation generally reduced feed intake while improving crude protein retention (p&lt;0.05). There was no significantly different (p&gt;0.05) interaction between the nutrients and enzyme studied. It was concluded that enzyme supplementation of high fibre feedstuffs could improve growth performance, nutrient retention and increased concentration of beneficial microbes in gut. Use of enzymes is therefore recommended when HFFs are required as prebiotic source in the gut of broilers.

Feed intake, morphological characteristics and economics of production of Red Sokoto goats fed urea treated ensiled cowpea husk based diets

Body dimension measurements have been used in estimating body weight and appropriate pricing of meat animals. Thus, 18 healthy intact growing Red Sokoto male goats, with 13.4±0.59 kg body weight (BW), were used in a completely randomized design to evaluate the inclusion rates of urea treated ensiled cowpea husk (UECH) at 0, 35 and 70% to replace 0, 50 and 100% of dried brewers' grains (DBG) on voluntary intake, body weight, morphological and testicular characteristics, and economics of production for 70 d. Daily intakes of dry matter (g/d and % BW), crude protein, organic matter, nitrogen free extract, neutral detergent fibre and lignin were not (p&gt;0.05) affected by diets. Whereas intakes of ether extract and hemicellulose progressively decreased (p&lt;0.05), intakes of cellulose and mineral contrastingly increased (p&lt;005) with increasing UECH replacement for DBG. Intake of acid detergent fibre was greater (p&lt;0.05) for the treatment diets relative to the control diet. Diet effects on the body weight, linear body measurements and testicular morphology of the goats were marginal (p&gt;0.05), except for initial scrotal length which was markedly (p&lt;0.05) affected. Cost of feeding declined with the increasing UECH rate in the diet. Cost of feed consumed/goat and cost of feeding/kg BW gain were higher (p&lt;0.05) for the control diet than for the treatment diets. In contrast to savings on cost of feeding which was higher (p&lt;0.05) for 70%UECHthan 35%UECH, differential and relative benefitswere outstanding (p&lt;0.05) for 35%UECH. Value of chevon and net benefitwere greater (p&lt;0.05) for 35% UECH relative to 0 and 70% UECH. These findings suggest that UECH can be safely used up to 70% level in a concentrate mixture for growing goats, completely substituting dried brewers' grains, without depressing voluntary intake, body weight, morphological and testicular parameters, and improve economic benefits to farmers. However, for better economic returns, 35%UECHis superior to70%UECH.

Protein supplements increased feed intake and enhanced growth of Yankasa sheep fed Congo grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis)

This study compared the feed intake and performance of Yankasa sheep fed Congo grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis) basal diet with different protein supplements of Cotton Seed Cake (CSC), PalmKernel Cake (PKC), Brewer'sDriedGrain (BDG) and sole B. ruziziensis grass (control). Sixteen (16) Yankasa sheep weighing between 21.63 and 22.23kg and aged about 12 months were randomly allotted to treatment diets. The total dry matter and crude protein intake were highest (P&lt;0.05) in sheep on CSC supplement (996.33 and 118.56g) while the control diet had the least feed intake (796.4 and 57.90g).The total live weight gain (TLWG) increased (P&lt;0.05) from 0.91kg in sheep fed Congo grass solely (control) to 2.50kg in those fed Cotton Seed Cake, while feed conversion ratio reduced from 52.50 in Congo grass to 29.15 inCSC treatment. It is concluded from this experiment that Yankasa sheep utilizedCSC better thanPKC,BDGandBrachiaria ruziziensis (control). It is therefore recommended that Brachiaria ruziziensis should be supplemented withCotton SeedCake at a rate of 250g/d for better intake and liveweight in Yankasa sheep production.

Phosphorus utilization in pigs fed Aspergillus niger treated wheat offal, brewers' dried grain and palm kernel cake

The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of Phosphorus (P) in Aspergillus niger treated Wheat Offal (WO), Brewers Dried Grain (BDG) and Palm Kernel Cake (PKC), were measured using growing pigs (Large White X Hampshire) of average weight 21.02 ± 0.63 kg in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement. Six diets based with or without Aspergillus niger were formulated. A P-free diet was also formulated to measure endogenous losses of P. The results of the experiment showed that the ATTD and STTD of P in treated WO (72.22 and 83.26 %), BDG (84.61 and 88.21 %) and PKC (82.36 and 85.68 %) were greater (P &lt; 0.05) than in untreated WO (53.54 and 58.08 %), BDG (67.83 and 73.92 %) and PKC (78.47 and 82.37 %) respectively. The microbial treatment also reduced (P &lt; 0.05) the excretion of P in the faeces from (1.13 to 0.71 g), (0.53 to 0.43 g) and (0.56 to 0.55 g) in WO, BDG and PKC respectively. It was concluded that Aspergillus niger treatment of the WO, BDG and PKC significantly improved the ATTD and STTD of phosphorous and also reduced P-excretion in growing pigs fed these feedstuffs.

Prevalence of aflatoxin b1 in some common poultry feed ingredients and optimum inclusion levels of mycofix binder as feed additive on performance of broiler chickens chickens

A preliminary study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Aflatoxin B1 (AfB1) contamination and common moulds growing in some selected poultry feed raw materials in Zaria. Five different feed raw materials:Maize (MZ), soybean cake (SBC), groundnut cake (GNC), brewers dried grain (BDG) and maize offal (M/O), were collected from four feed mills and the open market. The common moulds isolated from the samples were Mucor spp., Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., Penicillum spp., Curvularia spp. and Rhizopus spp. AfB1 contamination showed that maize and soya bean cake were less than the 20 parts per billion (ppb) permissible limits for AfB1 in poultry feed ingredients, while BDG, M/O and GNC were 40, 60 and 80 % respectively above 20 ppb permissible limits. A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the response of broiler chickens to Mycofix a toxin binder. Three hundred and thirty Ross, 1-day old broiler chicks were assigned to five dietary treatments, each with three replicates of 22 chicks per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). Treatment 1 was the control diet without Mycofix while treatments 2, 3, 4 and 5 had Mycofix included at 100, 200, 300 and 400 g /100kg diet, respectively at both starter and finisher phases. Experimental diets and water were given to the birds ad libitum during eight weeks of the feeding trial. Data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using General Linear Model procedure of SAS and significant differences among treatment means were compared using Dunnette test of significance. Results of the starter phase showed that birds fed 400 g/100kg Mycofix diet had the best final body weight (902.67g), weight gain (839.67g) and average daily weight gain (29.98g). Birds fed 200 g /100 kg Mycofix had the lowest feed conversion ratio of 1.6 and the least cost per kilogram gain(₦138.52).At the finisher phase birds on 400 g/100kg Mycofix diet had the best final weight (2345.3g), weight gain (1403.3g), average daily gain (50.1g), feed conversion ratio (2.1) and least feed cost per kilogram gain (₦167.20). It may be concluded that addition of Mycofix to diets of broiler chickens at 400g/ 100kg at both starter and finisher phases of the study improved performance significantly and gave the least cost of production.