Drum Stick Research Articles

Sex Chromatin in New Hampshire Cocks

Sex chromatin (SC) is defined as inactive X chromosome in the female somatic cells, it condensed as heterochromatic at interphase of the nucleus and appears like nuclear satellite projection, and only female cells contain SC in mammals. Different ages of cocks: immature (8,16 weeks old), growing (24 weeks old) and production age (32,48 weeks old) , were studied to detect the sex chromatin (SC) with it's various shapes :Sessile nodule(SS), Drum stick(DS), Tear drop(TD) and Club shape(CS) in the blood lymphocytes of blood smears prepared from WBCs of 45 New Hampshire(NH) strain cocks. Also SC measurements were detected which include: vertical (V) and horizontal (H) axes, SC area (SCA), nuclear area (NA), and the ratio(R) between these two areas. . Results show that SC is present in the male chicken blood lymphocytes in all ages. There is no significant difference in the incidence of the SC or its various measurements between ages, but the vertical axis was recorded a significant (P

Estimation of breeding values using different densities of SNP to inform kinship in broiler chickens

Traditionally, breeding values are estimated based on phenotypic and pedigree information using the numerator relationship (A) matrix. With the availability of genomic information, genome-wide markers can be included in the estimation of breeding values through genomic kinship. Genomic information allows a more accurate estimation of breeding values compared to the breeding values estimated by phenotypic and pedigree information. However, the density of genomic information used can impact the cost of implementation. The aim of this study was to compare the rank, accuracy, and bias of estimated breeding values (EBV) for organs [heart (HRT), liver (LIV), gizzard (GIZ), lungs (LUN)] and carcass [breast (BRST), drumstick (DRM) and thigh (THG)] weight traits in a broiler population using pedigree-based BLUP (PBLUP) and single-step genomic BLUP (ssGBLUP) methods using various densities of SNP and variants imputed from whole-genome sequence (WGS). For both PBLUP and ssGBLUP, heritability estimates varied from low (LUN) to high (HRT, LIV, GIZ, BRST, DRM and THG). Regression coefficient values of EBV on genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) were similar for both the high density (HD) and WGS sets of SNPs, ranging from 0.87 to 0.99 across scenarios. Results show no benefit of using WGS data compared to HD array data using an unweighted ssGBLUP. Our results suggest that 10% of the content of the HD array can yield unbiased and accurate EBV.

Effect of Lactic Acid Bacteria on the Quality Attributes of Tea-Like Product from Blends of Drumstick (Moringa oleifera) Leaves and Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Moringa oleifera leaves and Ginger crops still remain an underutilized commodity because of limited information on its wider use. Moringa oleifera is very rich in nutrition but has undesirable taste and flavor. However, addition of ginger takes the edge off the bitter spinachy taste of Moringa oleifera leaves. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are important microbes that have long been used in both traditional and modern industrial food fermentation. Lactic acid bacteria can be used for production of food due to their ability to coax microorganisms into producing In the process of food fermentation; microorganisms produce enzymes to break down complex compounds to simple bio-molecules for several biological activities such as proteinase, amylase, mannase, cellulase, and catalase. The aim of this research work is to determine the effect of Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation on the quality attributes of tea-like beverage produced from blends of Moringa oleifera leaves and Ginger(Zingiber officinale). The results showed that The phenotypic and biochemical characteristic of Blends of Drumstick leaves (Moringa oleifera) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) reveals that the isolates were presumptively categorized to belong to the genus Lactobacillus, the isolates are gram positive, cocci, rod shaped, either, short rod or long rods, non-sporulating, ferments carbohydrate, non-motile and catalase negative. Technological properties of isolates are the properties that indicate the quality of the isolate to be used as a starter culture in the course of fermentation. A total of 35 colonies were isolated from the blend samples. Of them, 3 colonies were identified as Lactobacillus species, through observation of phenotypic characters, and identification, It was found that L. plantarum had tolerance under acid conditions, as its viable cell count remained at pH 2.0 and under 1.0 % bile salt condition, after 72 h incubation time. The proximate and energy content of fermented beverage produced from the blends shows that percent Dry matter, Moisture content, Crude protein, Ether extract , Crude fibre, Ash, carbohydrate and energy value were ranged from 10.00- 30.00, 4.0-5.0, 35.00 -71.00, 3.0-5.0, 11.00 - 18.00,3.0-10,7.0-15 and 74Kcal - 396Kcal respectively. The study concludes that The phenotypic and biochemical characteristic of blends of drum stick leaves (Moringa oleifera) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) reveals that the isolates were to belong to the genus Lactobacillus. Also, Many of the LAB metabolites such as low molecular weight acids, alcohols, carbon dioxide, diacetyl and hydrogen peroxides have broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against other species of bacteria. The proximate and energy value of the beverage plays a crucial role in assessing its nutritional significance (P<0.05). Consequently, the fermentation of these blends with LAB species might provide a means of retaining more of the nutrients that are trapped in the matrix of the cells of these plant materials.

Modulating the Growth Curve in Broiler Chicken Through Varying Balanced Protein Regimen (Conventional All Step-down)

Background: Selecting the appropriate amino acid levels according to age of modern broiler chicken is critical since proteins are costly. This study, therefore, evaluated the performance of the broiler chicken by modulating growth curve through varying balanced protein (BP) regimen under conventional all step-down phase feeding. Methods: In total, 1750 one-day-old straight run broiler chicks (Hubbard) were randomly allocated to 10 treatments, replicated 7 times with 25 broilers. The 3 diets; a high BP (HBP) with 1.2% standardized Ileal digestible lysine (SIDLys), a medium BP (MBP) with 1.1% SIDLys and a low BP (LBP) with 1.0% SIDLys, were offered in starter, grower and finisher phases as HHH, MMM, LLL, HHM, HHL, MML, HHM, MML, HLL and HML. Result: Higher (P less than 0.05) average BW and BWG were observed in HMM group in starter period. The greater (P less than 0.05) FI, however, was observed in HHH and in MLL groups in grower and finisher phases. The HMM group had better (P less than 0.05) FCR in all phases. The HHH group had greater (P less than 0.05) dressed carcass weight, breast yield, drum stick and thigh weights. The HHH group, moreover, had heavier (P less than 0.05) abdominal fat, thigh, spleen, thymus and bursa of Fabricius. The HHH group, similarly, had higher (P less than 0.05) serum glucose, cholesterol, urea concentrations and antibody titers against NDV and IBDV. In conclusion, 1.2% SIDLys in the HBP diets improved growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood metabolites and immunity in the broiler chicken.

Review of the Nutritive, Medicinal and General Economic Potentials of Moringa Oleifera

This paper reviews the Nutritive, Medicinal and General Economic Importance of Moringa Oleifera. Moringa oleifera also known as drum stick, horseradish tree or miracle tree is native to India and grows in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Moringa can withstand both severe drought and mild frost conditions and hence widely cultivated across the world. With its high nutritive values, every part of the tree is suitable for either nutritional or commercial purposes. The leaves are rich in minerals, vitamins and other essential phytochemicals. Extracts from the leaves are used to treat malnutrition, augment breast milk in lactating mothers. M. oleifera seed, a natural coagulant is extensively used in water treatment. The scientific effort of this research provides insights on the use of moringa as a cure for diabetes and cancer and fortification of moringa in commercial products. This review explores the use of moringa across disciplines for its medicinal value and deals with cultivation, nutrition, commercial and prominent pharmacological properties of this “Miracle Tree”.

Nutrients Content and Antioxidant Potential of Selected Traditional Vegetables Grown in Malawi

Vegetables provide nutrients, especially minerals and vitamins, and non-nutrient phytochemicals with health benefits. Iron, zinc and vitamin A deficiencies are common in most developing countries yet traditional vegetables that can provide these nutrients grow wildly in most areas. This study evaluated the nutrient contents, phytochemicals and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities of five traditional leafy vegetables grown in Malawi, namely Amaranth hybridus (Amaranth ssp.), Moringa oleifera ( Drum stick), Bidens pilosa (Black jack), Corchorus olitorius (Jute mallow) and Ipomea batatas (Sweet potato) leaves. Results from the present study show that beta-carotene ranged from 829.68 µg/100g to 5,791.64 µg/100g and Moringa oleifera had the highest concentration. Vitamin C content ranged from 7.93 mg/100g to 35.81 mg/100g and Ipomea batatas leaves had the highest concentration. Zinc concentrations ranged from 4.42 mg/100g to 10.59 mg/100g. Iron content ranged from 37.22 mg/100g to 48.21 mg/100g. Total phenolics content (TPC) ranged from 0.98 g/100g to 3.89 g/100g with Bidens pilosa leaves having the highest TPC (3.89±0.23 g/100g). Moringa oleifera and Bidens pilosa leaves had significantly higher (P<0.05) total flavonoids content (TFC) compared to the other vegetables. Total carotenoids content (TCC) ranged from 1,708.68 µg/100g to 15,041.59 µg/100g. Tannins content ranged from 42.94 mg/100g to 77.16 mg/100g. DPPH radical scavenging activities of the vegetable leaves were in the order of Bidens pilosa > Corchorus olitorius > Moringa oleifera > Ipomea batatas > Amaranth hybridus. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of these vegetables ranged from 12.5 µg/mL to 125 µg/mL. Lower IC50 values indicate higher radical scavenging activity. The results suggested that the traditional vegetables under the study can significantly contribute to improved human nutrition and have potential to reduce diseases related to oxidative stress.

Moringa oleifera : Nutritional and Medicinal Properties for preventive health care

Moringa oleifera, commonly known as ―drum stick‖ or the ―horse radish‖ is cultivated all over the country as it can withstand both severe drought and mild frost conditions. It is a good source of protein, vitamins, fatty acids, micro-macro minerals and other essential phytochemicals. Due to its high nutritional content, the extract of leaves of Moringa oleifera is used to treat malnutrition and supplement breast milk in lactating mothers. Because of its medicinal value, it is also used as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, cardiovascular hepatoprotective, anti-ulcer, antimicrobial agent. The pharmaceutical effects of Moringa oleifera makes it useful in therapeutic remedy in traditional medicinal system. Each part of the tree is useful in one form or another due to high nutritional and medicinal value. This paper reports the results of the study made on how these can help boosting the immunity level in individuals.

Moringa Oleifera as Fibrous Raw Material for Production of Handmade Paper and Packaging Materials

The aim of this research paper is to find suitability of wood chips of Moringa Oleifera tree for paper and packaging materials as this plant is cultivated in large area of India and many other tropical and sub-tropical areas for its products like drum stick, leaves and seeds. Again, the tree is trimmed every year for better quality of its products. But the tree branches cut are mostly used as fuel material, so this biomass can be better utilized in production of natural cellulosic fibers having good fiber length and used in paper and packaging materials production. The study assessed the fiber characteristics of Moringa oleifera branches for pulp and paper production. Samples are collected from Moringa oleifera trees grown in nearby areas of Sangrur, Punjab. Moringa Oleifera has potential for the Paper Making as it has good fiber length, fiber length to diameter ratio, flexibility and very low percentage of ash. This is supported by relevant analysis of raw material along with several with testing of paper hand sheet samples prepared in paper technology lab. The plant has several medicinal, antibacterial, antioxidant properties, which can be further explored for making specialty paper and packaging materials. This beneficiation of the moringa tree biomass will increase the income of farmers and provide a new potential fibrous raw material for pulp and paper industries which is facing scarcity of good fiber length lignocellulosic raw materials.

Acacia angustissima leaf meal use as alternative protein source in broiler (Gallus Gallus domestics) chicks feed

Broiler is the cheap source of protein for human. However, high demand ofbroiler causing much pressure on poultry industry. This pressure is mostly due tofeed requirement. This study is design to find the effect of Acacia angustissimaleaves on growth performance, carcass weight and internal organ of broiler. Total120 chickens are taken in this experiment. Three different treatments 5%, 10%and 15% feeds are given to broilers along with one control. Total 120 chicks werepurchased and kept in 12 different groups. Every group contain 10 chickens. Theywere feed for 6 weeks and their live weight and feed consumption was recordedon every Friday at 8am for each bird. At the end of experiment after 6 weeks, 4chickens from each treatment were slaughter and their carcass weight and internalorgans weight were calculated. It is observed that 5% treatment give 1551g average weight on 6th week however, 10% remains 1462.2g and 15% on 1452.8g. Thecontrol group could produce 1501g. The treatments for live weight, breast weight,hot carcass and drum stick remain significant (p<0.05). The significant value fordefeathered weight and thigh remained non-significant (p<0.05). Weight of intestine, gizzard and liver remained significant (p<0.05) and heart’s weight (p>0.05).On average the weight of each chicken remain 1551g per chicken and feed intake1079g/week. It is observed from this experiment, 5% inclusion of Acacia angustissima is best for growth performance and feed intake. Key words: Acacia Angustissima leaf meal, Internal organs, Carcass,Growth Performance.

Antioxidant properties and health benefits of Moringa (Moringa olifera)/Drum stick

Antioxidant properties and health benefits of Moringa (Moringa olifera)/Drum stick

Repellency Effects of Three Indigenous Plant Extracts Against the Red Rust Flour Beetle Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in Northeastern Nigeria

Background: The current study was conducted in the Laboratory of Department of Crop Protection, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola to evaluate the repellent effects of different concentrations of extracts of Azadirachta indica (Neem, Moringa oleifera (Drum stick) and Hyptis souveolens (Pig weed) against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) at various time intervals and their interactions. Three concentrations viz; 5, 10 and 15% were applied to evaluate the Repellence of T. castaneum at five different exposure periods of 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours. Repellence action of extracts of A. indica, H. souveolens and M. oleifera evaluated against the T. castaneum had maximum repellency (81.63%) at highest concentration of 15%, followed by H. souveolens (79.37%) and M. oleifera (50.46%). Regarding interaction between concentration and time, repellence increases with respect to increase in concentration, but reduces with passage of time. This shows that toxicity effects of these plant extracts is directly affected by concentration and time. Therefore, this study confirmed that these plant extracts are effective in the management of T. castaneum and most effectively at higher concentration within short period of time.

Food as Medicine in Context of COVID 19: Concept of Rainbow Diet

Food is like fuel for our body. It is said that if we eat proper food no medicine will be required. If we don't eat proper food no medicine will act. A close relationship exists between the immune state and occurrences of diseases. Low immune function of an individual results in poor health but also prevents recovery. The enhancement of host immune response has been recognised as a possible means of defence against pathogen attack. Immunomodulation through natural substances, i.e. our food and food supplement through herbs may be considered as complimentary for the prevention and cure of diseases as food after all is the best medicine for our body. Traditionally, our food includes a large number of immunity boosters such as milk, spices like garlic, onion, turmeric, ginger and black pepper, vegetables such as drum stick, cucumber, carrot and red capsicum, mushroom, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, peas, fruits like pine apple, watermelon and other with vitamin C, herbs like tulsi, amla, lemon, etc. Grains and seeds such as pumpkin and flaxseed which are enriched with immunity booster minerals like zinc and selenium and omega-3 fatty acids have been parts of our traditional food. Pulses such as lentil and soybean, egg and cheese are also good source of immunomodulating substances. Herbs under the category "Rasayana” in Ayurveda such as Ashwagandha, Giloe, Shatavari, etc. are being prescribed as immunomodulator since ancient time.

Development of gluten free pasta using Quality Protein Maize (QPM) enriched with functional ingredients

In order to develop gluten free pasta using Quality Protein Maize (QPM), eight ingredients combinations(treatments) were studied, gluten free pasta prepared from quality protein maize (QPM), Black gram flour (Bg), guar gum (G) and enriched separately with two functional ingredients such as dehydrated carrot (Ct) and drum stick powder (Ds) up to level of 8% was found to be acceptable organoleptically viz., (Q60:Bg30:Ct8:G2- QCt) and (Q60:Bg30:Ds8: G2- QDs) as compared to control (100% refined wheat flour). The QPM pasta (QCt and QDs) had significantly higher weight increase index (WI), water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI) and bulk density (BD). QPM pasta exhibited less stickiness after cooking compared to control. Even the cooking loss of QPM pasta types was found to be below 8%. The QPM pasta enriched with carrot and drumstick powders was found to be superior in nutrients such as protein (16.2, 17.3%), crude fiber (1.8, 2.4%) and low carbohydrate content (67.4 and 64.2%) compared to control pasta. Enrichment of QPM pasta with dehydrated carrot and drumstick powders led to significant increase of calcium (17.4, 30.2 mg %), iron (5.0, 7.2 mg %), zinc (2.5, 2.9 mg %) potassium (129.6, 166.7 mg %) and sodium (12.8, 17.3 mg %) contents respectively. Two types of QPM pasta stored in MPP pouches were safe for consumption until six months of storage under ambient conditions.

Morphological diversity, phenotypic and genotypic variance and heritability estimates in Moringa oleifera Lam.: a less used vegetable with substantial nutritional value

Moringa oleifera Lam. (common name: drum stick, horseradish tree) belongs to the monogeneric family, Moringaceae. Immature pods, fresh leaves and flowers of M. oleifera are used for culinary purposes. The leaves and young pods are a rich source of minerals and vitamins. In the present study, 23 genotypes of drumstick, which were selected based on superiority of yield/tree from 120 genotypes surveyed in South India were subjected to analysis morphology, yield and quality attributes and found they are substantially varying thus necessitate further analysis. Diversity analysis based on the coefficient of variation (CV), genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), environmental coefficient of variation (ECV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and heritability were determined. Quantitative fruit traits such as fruit length (30.56–127.57 cm), fruit weight (72.22–163.27 g), fruit breadth (3–8 cm), number of fruits/tree (NF/T) (320–1000), and number of seeds/fruit (NS/F) (11–29) varied among the genotypes. Correlation studies revealed that the fruit yield had a significant, positive correlation with the number of fruits per tree, length of fruit and single fruit weight. The estimate of PCV was slightly higher than the GCV for all characters studied, indicating that the apparent variation is not only genetic but also influenced by the growing environment in the expression of the traits. Heritability was greater than 90% for all characters studied. The overall analysis outcome of the study emphasizes that selection of high yielding genotypes should give due weightage to the number of fruits per tree and single fruit weight.

EXTERNAL CHARACTERIZATION OF FOUR INDIGENOUS HELMETED GUINEA FOWL VARIETIES (Numida meleagris galeata Pallas 1882) IN NIGERIA

The physical characteristics of 338 indigenous helmeted guinea fowls at 28 and 52 weeks of age were described. Four main colour types or varieties recognised were Ash (Lavender), Black, Pearl (Grey) and pure White. Body weights averaged 1.15 ± 0.03kg and 1.34 ± 0.05kg at 28 and 52 weeks of age respectively for the guinea cocks and 1.07 æ 0.04kg and 1.29 æ 0.06kg at 28 and 52 weeks respectively for the guinea hens. The overall mean body weight for the entire population was 1.1 ± 0.4kg at 28 weeks of age and 1.31 ± 0.07kg at 52 weeks of age. Body weights were significantly (P<.05) bigger at end of laying (52 weeks) than at pointof lay. The males at each age and in each variety also had larger body weights than the females. The guinea cocks had slightly longer body (43.1 vs 42.6cm), keel (14.8 vs 14.4cm), wing (20.3 vs 20.2cm), shank (8.4 vs 7.9cm), drum stick (13.1vs 12.4cm), thigh (9.9 vs 9.6cm), toes and claws, wattle (3.0 vs 2.6cm), jhelmet (3.7 vs 3.2cm), beak (2.7 vs 2.5cm) and larger body girth (30.3 vs 29.4cm) than the guinea hens. About 21.14 and 24.16% of the neck of the males and females respectively were devoid of feathers. Colour of the naked portion of the neck was bluish-black and bear long hair like filoplumes on the dorsalregion. The colour of the beak was light brown in all the birds. All the Black and White birds had light brown shanks while 28.9 and 37.5% of the Ash and Pearl birds, respectively had partly brown and partly grey shank. 62.5 and 28.6% of the Pearl and Ash birds respectively, had brown shanks while 42.6% of the Ash birds had grey shank. The colour of the wattle was red in all the birds. The great variation in the various parameters measured and weighed suggests that they can probably be used in selection and hence genetic improvement of the local helmeted guinea fowl.

Laboratory rearing of mango stem borer, Batocera rufomaculata De Geer using drumstick twigs

Studies were conducted at ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru to find an ideal laboratory host plant material to rear the mango stem borer, Batocera rufomaculata De Geer. Three host plants viz., drum stick, jack fruit and mango were evaluated for their suitability to rear larvae of B. rufomaculata in the laboratory. Fifteen fresh twigs each of three host plants, approximately measuring 40 cm length and 5–6 cm in diameter were used for the experiment. Though all the three plant species tested are preferred hosts of B. rufomaculata under field conditions, their host status under laboratory conditions was not uniform. Among three host plants evaluated, the recovery of adults was highest (80.00%) from drumstick twigs making it a suitable host material. This is a simple technology to study the biology, behavior and larval tunneling pattern of B. rufomaculata and also to conduct bioassay studies in the laboratory.

Effect of Feeding Graded Levels of Acid Soaked Cajanus cajan Seed on Carcass Characteristics and Organ Weight Changes of Broiler Finisher

A total of (90) day old broilers were used for the study to determine the carcass characteristics and organ weight changes of broiler finisher fed graded levels of acid soaked Cajanus cajan seed meal diet. The birds were randomly assigned into 3 dietary treatments of 30 birds consisting of 3 replicates of (10) birds per replicates in a completely randomized design experiment. The seeds used were purchased from Towobowo market in Igboora. The raw pigeon pea seeds were pre-treated by soaking at the rate of 1 kg/3L of water for 12 hours after which the soaked seeds were soaked at the rate of 1 kg/3L of raw pap water filtrate for 24 hours, initial and final pH was taken. The sample was sundried for 3 days, milled and then included in the diet accordingly. Birds on T1 received the control diet, T2 received 10% level of processed pigeon pea, while T3 received 20% level of processed pigeon pea. The experiment lasted for eight weeks. At the end of the 8 weeks feeding trial, three (3) birds per treatment were sacrificed for carcass analysis and internal organs were harvested to determine the weight changes in the internal organs. Results showed that there was significant (P > 0.05) difference in the live weight, dress weight, plugged weight, dressing percentage, neck, wing, breast muscle, thigh, drum stick and shank. However, there was no significant (P 0.05) in liver, lungs, spleen, kidney, bile, GIT weight, open gizzard, empty gizzard, Proventriculus and GIT length and there was no significant (P < 0.05) difference in live weight and heart. Birds on T2 had the highest value of liver (2.15%), lungs (0.56%), GIT weight (4.72%) and GIT length (5.53%) while birds on T3 had the lowest value of liver (1.84%), lungs (0.37%), GIT weight (4.01%). It can be concluded that pigeon pea soaked in acidic medium can be fed to birds without having any negative effect on carcass characteristics and organ weight changes of broiler finisher.

Performance, nutrient digestibility and feed cost benefit of finisher broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with Crina poultry plus

A study was carried out to determine the effect of Crina Poultry Plus®, a natural blend of essential oils and benzoic acid. on the growth performance, carcass yield and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens. Six treatment diets were formulated by the addition of Crina Poultry Plus (CPP®) at 0, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6g/kg of feed. Two hundred and forty day-old chicks were allocated to the six dietary treatments with each treatment having four replicates. Each replicate had 10 broilers. The parameters measured were live weight, live weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, protein efficiency ratio, carcass and organ characteristics, nutrient utilization and feed cost benefit. Results of growth performance showed that there were no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) across the treatment groups, but birds fed diets supplemented with CPP® had significantly heavier body weight (BW), higher average daily weigh gain live weight gain and similar feed conversion ratio when compared with the control group. The dressing percentage, thigh, drum stick, breast cut and back cut were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) different across the treatment groups but those fed diet supplemented with CPP® had higher values when compared with the control diet. The supplementation of CPP® improved nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. Birds fed diet containing 0.6g of CPP® had numerically lower cost per kg of weight gained compared to other treatment groups. It can be concluded that the addition of 0.6 g CPP® in broiler diets improved performance, carcass, organ characteristics and nutrient utilization of broilers.

Economic evaluation, carcass characteristics and organ weights of broiler chickens fed graded levels of raw tropical sickle pod seed meal based-diets

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of raw Senna obtusifolia seed meal (RSOSM) on carcass characteristics, organ weights and economic performance of broilerchickens in a 9 weeks trial. One hundred and eighty (180) broiler chicks weremanaged on deep litter pens. Six (6) experimental diets were formulated to contain RSOSM at concentrations of 0,5, 10, 15, 20 and 25%, and designated as T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6, respectively. The broiler chicks were randomly allotted to the 6 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with pen location serving as the blocking factor. Data were collected on final live weight, plucked and dressed weight, cut-up parts and economic performance of broiler chickens fed RSOSM based-diets. The data collected were analysed using a computer statistical package (Statistix, 9.0). Carcass parameters such as dressed weight and dressing percentage were observed to be depressed as the level of RSOSM increases in the diets. Dressing percentage decreased from 78.69 to 52.38% in T1 to T6, respectively. The weight of cut-upparts followed similar trend as above. Thigh and drum stick significantly (P&lt;0.05) decreased from 10.16 to 7.88 g and 9.01 to 6.11g in T1 to T6, respectively. The result of organ weights indicated significant (P&lt;0.05) reduction in weights as the level of RSOSM increases in the experimental diets exceptfortheliverwhich indicated significant (P&lt;0.05)increasein weightas the levels of RSOSM increases in the diets. On economic ground, inclusion of RSOSM beyond 5% in the diets of broiler chickens is not cost effective. This is because feed cost per kilogram weight gain was observed to increase as the level of RSOSM increases in the diets. Feed cost per kilogram body weight gain was observed to increase from N223.84 to N290.18 in T1 to T6, respectively. In conclusion, incorporation of RSOSM beyond 5% in the diets of broiler chickens showed depressive effects on carcass yield and organs weight. Furthermore, inclusion of RSOSM beyond 5% in the diets of broiler chickens is not cost effective. It is recommended that the seeds of RSOSM be thoroughly processed before incorporation in the diets of broiler chickens. There is also urgent need to conduct more studies on the best processing method(s) that will effectively detoxify RSOSM and improve its utilization.

Variation pattern in production traits of broiler strains reared in a humid tropical environment

The study evaluated the effect of strain on productive traits of three broiler chickens. A total of 144 broilers, 48 each of Hubbard, Marshall and Ross were used for the experiment which lasted 8 weeks. The birds were reared in separate deep litter pens with each strain replicated into 4 having 12 birds per replicate. Data were generated on body weight and linear body parameters (body length–BL, kneel length–KL, shank length–SL, wing length–WL,breast width–BSW, thigh length TL and drum stick length DL) at 2weeks interval from the 2week, growth performance, carcass and economics of production indices. Data were analyzed using the general linear model procedure of SPSS package. Results obtained showed significant (p&lt;0.05) differences among the strains for the various parameters studied.The Marshall strain was significantly (p&lt;0.05) superior in final body weight(1861.14g) followed by Ross (1714.44 g) while the least in body size was Hubbard (1432.45 g). Daily weight gain (g/bird/day) and FCR were significantly (p&lt;0.05) better in Marshall and Ross compared to Hubbard. Marshall and Ross strain had significantly(p&lt;0.05) heavier body weights and longer bodies in week 28; longer keels(week 6 and 8), thighs(week 2 and 6) and drumsticks (weeks 2, 6 and 8). Hubbard and Marshall showed statistically (p&lt;0.05) higher mean values for BSW than Ross in weeks 2 and 4. For the carcass traits, Marshall broiler also showed superiority (p&lt;0.05) over Ross and Hubbard in live weight 1818.75 vs 1653.13, 1500.00 g), defeathered weight (1643.75 vs 1487.50, 1375.00g), dressed weight (1359.39 vs 1280.00,1062.50g) and percent breast 18.44 vs 16.95,13.95). However, Rossand Hubbard had higher (p&lt;0.05) means for shank proportion than for Marshall. Results of the cost-benefit indices revealed that the Marshall strain significantly (p&lt;0.05) generated more revenue (₦1460.91/bird) and gross profit (₦666.52/bird) compared to its counter part strains. Marshall could therefore be recommended to farmers in our study area as a choice strain with faster growth and superior carcass yield for maximum economic return.