Inclusion Levels Research Articles

REPLACEMENT VALUE OF CASSAVA PEEL MEAL FOR MAIZE IN COCKEREL RATION

The study was carried out to investigate the replacement value of cassava peel meal for maize in cockerel ration. Three hundred (300) commercial strain of white cockerel was used to determine the replacement value of maize with cassava peel meal (CPM) on the overall performance of cockerel birds. Five dietary treatments with CPM replacing maize at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% inclusion levels were formulated for the starter phase (2-8 weeks) and the grower phase (8-14 weeks) of the birds. A total of sixty (60) birds were assigned to each dietary group with three (3) replicates of twenty (20) birds each. Data on growth response was taken. Effects of the dietary treatments in all phases of the study were checked on the feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and feed efficiency ratio. The feed intake was significantly affected by the dietary treatments at the starter phase of the experiment and the weight gain at the end of the starter phase was equally significantly affected by the dietary treatments. The feed intake was however not significantly affected (P>0.05) by dietary treatment in the grower phase of the study. The body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly affected (P<0.05) by the dietary treatment during the course of the study. The feed cost per kgand the cost of feed consumed per bird reduced as the level of CPM inclusion increased. Feed cost per kg weight gain was highest in diet T5 and least in T2. The results therefore suggests that inclusion level of up to 50% CPM for maize at the starter phase was optimum for growth and overall performance, and an inclusion level of up to 25% CPM in cockerel growers supported optimum growth without a negative effect on the performance.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF HEAT STRESSED RABBITS FED DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH SYNTHETIC AND ORGANIC ANTIOXIDANTS

The aim of the study was to evaluate the growth performance of heat stressed rabbits fed diets supplemented with synthetic and organic antioxidants. The antioxidants used were bicarbonate buffers, vitamin C and baobab fruit pulp meal (BFPM). A total of thirty (30) growing rabbits were used. The rabbits were allotted into the treatment groups with six (6) rabbits per treatment in a completely randomized design. Rabbits in the first group (T1) were the control, animals in the treatment 2 and treatment 3 (T2) and (T3) were fed with diets as in the control and given potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) buffer solutions respectively. Rabbits in treatment four (T4) were fed diet containing synthetic vitamin C and the fifth group (Ts) was fed diet containing BFPM. Rabbits were given access to feed and water ad libitum. All recommended managerial practices were dully observed. Microclimate parameters of ambient temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH) of the rabbitry were taken daily from February through June. The values were used to calculate temperature-humidity index (THI). It was found that vitamin C and BFPM significantly (P<0.05) enhanced feed intake compared to the treatments with buffers. It was concluded that BFPM is more effective in ameliorating heat stress in rabbit production and can be used up to 5.5% inclusion level.

RESPONSE OF COCKEREL CHICKENS TO OYSTER MUSHROOM (PLEUROTUS OSTREATUS) ADMINISTERED IN FEED

This study investigated the response of 120 cockerel chickens to varying dietary inclusion levels of oyster mushroom. The birds were randomly assigned to four treatments (0, 500, 750 and 1000 ppm) of varying levels of oyster mushroom in feed with each treatment consisting of 30 birds which was sub- divided into three replicates of 10 birds each for an experimental period of 8 weeks. Data obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance in a Completely Randomized Designed. Results showed that oyster mushroom inclusion in cockerel chickens' diet significantly (P<0.05) influence feed intake of the birds. Comparable feed intake means (71.05, 71.11 and 69.64 g) were recorded at 500, 750 and 1000 ppm inclusion levels, respectively which were significantly (P<0.05) higher than 56.29 g recorded at 0 ppm. Also, all haematological and serum biochemistry parameters measured were significantly affected (P<0.05) by dietary inclusion of oyster mushroom. It was concluded that oyster mushroom inclusion up to 1000 ppm could be a substitute for antibiotics in cockerel chickens' production for optimum immune response without adversely affecting the growth performance of the birds.

PERFORMANCE OF GROWING RABBITS FED DIETS CONTAINING GRADED LEVELS OF PROCESSED COCOA (Theobroma cacao) POD HUSKS

Performance characteristics of growing rabbits fed graded levels of processed (ash treated and rumen liquor fermented) cocoa (Theobroma cacao) pod husks were investigated. One hundred and twenty (120) rabbits were randomly allotted to four (4) dietary treatments at 0, 10, 20, and 30% inclusion levels and designated as diets 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively. Each treatment group was replicated ten (10) times with three (3) rabbits representing a replicate and was fed ad-libitum for 56 days. The final live weight, total weight gain, average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio of rabbits in diets 2 and 3 were similar to those on control diet but was significantly (P<0.05) higher than diet 4. Up to 20% processed cocoa (Theobroma cacao) pod husks may be included into rabbits' diets.

EVALUATION OF INTESTINAL ORGANS OF RABBIT FED WITH DISCARDED SPOILT ORANGE AS A PARTIAL REPLACEMANT FOR MAIZE

The experiment was conducted to study the pathological lesion and abnormality observed in weaned rabbits fed discarded spoilt orange as a replacement for maize. Weaned rabbits were randomly grouped into five treatments with three replicate per treatment. The treatment group consisted of 0%, 25%,50%,75% and 100% of discarded spoilt oranges included in the rabbit diet. The heart. kidney, pancreases, intestine, spleen, lungs and liver were observed for pathological lesion and abnormality and found to be normal except for the intestines which show some percentage of abnormality such as swelling. so it can be concluded that at all level of inclusion of discarded spoilt orange, it will enhance optimum performance of carcass and organs weight without any deleterious effect to the organs.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER CHICKENS FED WITH GRADED LEVELS OF ROSELLE CALYX (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)

The study evaluated the effect of graded levels of the Roselle calyx (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of one hundred and fifty (150) Arbor acre broiler birds were used for the six (6) weeks study, they were randomly assigned to five treatments of thirty birds each, (Tl, T2, T3, T4 and T5) which had broiler chicks fed with feed incorporated with Roselle calyx as feed additive at 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% respectively. The birds were further randomly sub-divided into three replicates often birds each using a Completely Randomized Design. Data were collected on feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio was computed. At the end of the study, two birds were randomly selected from each replicate for the carcass characteristics and evaluation. The data obtained were subjected to ANOVA and means were separated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test. The result of obtained showed that the initial weight, average daily feed intake, total feed intake and carcass characteristics were not significantly different across the treatment means while the final weight, total weight gain and total feed intake value were significantly differed with the highest value of final weight at Tl (1266.67g/b) and lowest value at T4 (1133.33g/b). It was therefore concluded that the inclusion level of Roselle calyx at 1% compared favourably with the control.

Effect of Dietary Lysine and DL-Methionine Supplementation in Roasted Soyabean-Based Diet on the Growth Performance and Blood Profiles of Clarias gariepinus

This study was designed to investigating the growth performance, hematology, and serum biochemistry of Clarias gariepinus nourished with roasted soyabean based diets with varied inclusion of dietary amino acid. A total of 360 Clarias gariepinus juveniles, aged eight weeks and weighing 19.0±0.4 grams, were randomly assigned to six different diets with varying inclusion levels of lysine and DL-methionine (g/100g). The diets were as follows: RS1 (Control) without lysine or DL-methionine supplementation; RS 2 - 0g + 1g; RS 3 - 0.25g + 0.75g; RS 4 - 0.5g + 0.5g; RS 5 - 0.75g + 0.25g; and RS 6 - 1g + 0g of Lysine and DL-methionine. For 84 days, the fish were fed until they were completely satisfied. Each treatment was in triplicate. Supplementing lysine and methionine in a diet based on roasted soybeans did not significantly (P>0.05) effect on the growth parameter such as final weight, feed conversion ratio, and/or specific growth rate in fish. A significantly higher survival rate was observed in fish on diet RS 5 (85.60±0.60) and was closely followed by fish fed diet RS 3 and RS 4. Fish fed diets RS 4 and RS 5 exhibited significantly higher (P<0.05) packed cell volume (PCV %) and hemoglobin levels. While, White blood cell counts (x10^9/L) varied significantly among the different diets. The addition of supplemental amino acids did not significantly (P>0.05) affect total protein (g/L), and the values ranges from 6.60±0.52 (RS 6) to 7.87±0.55 (RS 4). This study showed that supplementation of lysine and DL-methionine in Roasted Soyabean based diet could improve growth performance of fish with no adverse effect on fish health.

EFFECT OF MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAF MEAL ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND FECAL BACTERIAL COUNT IN BROILER CHICKS

Antibiotic growth promoters (AGPS) have been an integral part of the poultry industry for more than sixty years. The AGPs were however suspected to cause cross and multiple antibiotic resistances, leading to a ban on their use in broiler nutrition. Phytogenic additives in animal nutrition have thus attracted attention for their potential role as alternatives to AGPS. Moringa oleifera is known to possess important medicinal properties including antibacterial and antifungal activities. This experiment, which was carried out in a rural part of Kogi State of Nigeria, was conducted to evaluate the effect of Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal (MOLM) on the growth performance and fecal bacterial count of broiler chicks. A total of 48 day-old Abor acre commercial broiler chickens were used. They were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatment groups in a complete randomized design experiment, each treatment consisting of three replicates, with four birds per replicate. The dietary treatments were maize-based commercial starter ration supplemented with MOLM at levels of 0% (T1 = control), 2.5% (T2), 5% (T3) and 7.5% (T4) respectively. Inclusion of MOLM in broiler starter diets resulted in a non-significant but steady improvement in feed intake of birds with increase in the inclusion level of MOLM. There was also a non-significant improvement in the final weight, weight gain and feed conversion efficiency of starter birds placed on diets enriched with MOLM, with the control group having the highest FCR and feed cost per gram of meat produced. There was however no noticeable effect of MOLM on fecal bacterial count of the chicks. Moringa oleiferaLeaf Meal can therefore be added to broiler diets particularly at 5% level for the purpose of improving the feed conversion efficiency of the chicks which may also result in reduced feed cost.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY AND COST/BODY WEIGHT GAIN ANALYSIS OF GUINEA FOWL KEETS FED VARYING INCLUSION LEVELS OF BOILED Senna occidentalis MEAL.

A total of one hundred and twenty guinea fowl keets were used in the experiment. The birds were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups. Boiled Senna occidentalis meal (MSOM) was included at 0.0%, 6.5%, 13.0% and 19.5% and designated as T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in all the parameters measured, which included feed intake, final weight, FCR, water intake, protein efficiency ratio, energy efficiency ratio and feed cost/weight gain. Although the cost of feed/kilogram tends to decrease as the inclusion level of MSOM increases this does not translate into higher weight gain but rather the feed cost/body gain tends to increase, from the result of the experiment, boiled Senna occidentalis meal tends not to have positive effect on the growth performance of guinea fowl keets.

EFFECTS OF FEEDING UREA TREATED ENSILED COWPEA HUSK BASED DIETS ON FEED INTAKE AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF RED SOKOTO GOATS

Eighteen healthy growing male goats (13.40 ± 0.59 kg BW) were used in a completely randomized design to evaluate the inclusion of urea treated ensiled cowpea husk (UTECH) at 0, 35 and 70% to replace 0, 50 and 100% of dried brewers' grains (DBG). Daily intakes of dry matter, crude protein, organic matter, total carbohydrate and neutral detergent fibre were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by diets. Intakes of ether extract and non-fibre carbohydrate were higher (P < 0.05) for the 0% (control) relative to 35 and 70% UTECH. Mineral intake progressively decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing level of UTECH in the diet. Diet effects on the linear body measurements and testicular morphology of the goats were not (P > 0.05) significant. It is concluded that 70% inclusion level of UTECH in goat ration was well tolerated, as voluntary intake and morphological parameters were not affected.

NUTRITIVE VALUE OF MUCUNA (Mucuna pruriens) SHELL MEAL IN WEANER RABBIT DIET

The study evaluated the nutritive value of Mucuna Shell Meal (MSM) on growth performance of weaner rabbits. Five dietary treatments were formulated to contain 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% level of MSM. Thirty (30) weaner rabbits of mixed breeds and sexes were used for the experiment. They were randomly divided into 5 groups of 6 replicates, in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Results indicated significant (P<0.05) differences in growth performance. Rabbits fed diet containing 30% MSM had significantly (P<0.05) better final weight, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio compared to those on other dietary treatments. There was significant (P<0.05) difference in feed intake. Rabbits fed the 40% MSM had the highest total feed intake (2690.33g), followed by those fed 20 and 30% inclusion levels of MSM in the diet, which were similar and the least was recorded in control diet (2300.33g). A significant (P<0.05) difference was observed in feed conversion ratio. Rabbits on control and 30% MSM had similar and a better feed conversion (3.63 and 3.16. respectively), followed by 10 and 20 which were similar and poorest was in those fed 40% MSM (6.43). It was therefore concluded that Mucuna Shell Meal can be included in the diets of weaner rabbits up to 30% to improve the growth performance of the rabbits without any deleterious effect.

LIPID OXIDATION AND MICROBIAL LOAD OF SUYA (TSIRE) AS AFFECTED BY MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAF POWDER

Lipid oxidation is the primary process responsible for quality deterioration of meat and meat products during storage This study was carried out to evaluate lipid oxidation and microbial load of Suya (tsire) as affected by Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP). Semi membranous muscle from a mature bull excised from the thigh cut was used. It was sliced into thin sheets of 0.15-0.30mm thickness. Fresh green Moringa leaves were harvested, washed with distilled water and oven dried at 50°C for 48 hours to maintain its greenish colour and nutritive value. The leaves were ground and sieved with 0.2mm fine mesh to obtain the Moringa leaf powder. The study comprised of five treatments with ten replicates in a completely randomized design. Treatment one was the control (no MOLP) while treatments two, three, four and five were formulated with suya ingredient at 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10% inclusion levels of MOLP respectively. Product was analyzed for lipid oxidation and microbial load at days 0, 3, and 6 kept under refrigeration. The results showed that there were significant differences (P< 0.05) in lipid oxidation among treatments. On day 0, treatment one had the highest value of 0.13mgMalonaldehyde/kg while the least value of 0.09mgMalonaldehyde/kg was recorded in treatment five. The same trend of significance (P<0.05) was observed on day 3 and day 6. On day 0, microbial load was lower in treatment five while treatment one had the highest microbial count, this trend of significance (P<0.05) also was observed product on day 3 and day 6. The result of this study shows that the use of MOLP up to 10% reduced the rate of lipid oxidation and microbial load of suya (Tsire).

EFFECTS OF DIETARY ETHIOPIAN PEPPER ON OXIDATIVE STABILITY OF REFRIGERATED BROILER CHICKEN MEAT

A worldwide concern in the use of synthetic antioxidant in food safety necessitates investigation into natural sources of antioxidants. Ninety six days old Anak broiler chickens were used to investigate the effect of dietary Ethiopian pepper on oxidative stability of refrigerated raw and cooked broiler chicken meat. The birds were fed the starters diet for the first four weeks after which the birds were weighed and allotted into four treatments of two replicates with 12 birds per replicate. The birds were given tested diet with Ethiopian pepper inclusions levels of 0, 10, 20 and 30g/kg feed for another four weeks trial period. At the end of the week, four birds per treatment (a total of 20) were taken for slaughtering, evisceration and meat processed and refrigerated for raw and cooked meat lipid oxidation assessment. Results showed that Ethiopian pepper inclusion in broiler diet exerted no antioxidant effect on refrigerated raw broiler meat however it proved to be a good natural antioxidant in refrigerated cooked broiler meat.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE, NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY AND GUT MORPHOLOGY OF COCKERELS FED DIETS CONTAINING VARYING LEVELS OF COWPEA (Vigna Unguiculata) MILLING WASTE MEAL

Three hundred (300) one-week old Bovan Nera cockerel chicks were used to investigate the effect of feeding diets containing varying levels of cowpea milling waste meal (CMWM) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and gut morphology of cockerels. The birds were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments, with three replicates per treatment made up of twenty birds per replicate, in a completely randomized design experiment. The treatments were 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% dietary inclusion levels of CMWM and were tagged CMWM0, CMWM10, CMWM20, CMWM30 and CMWM40 respectively. The experiment lasted for eight weeks and data on growth performance were taken. At the end of the 7th week of the experiment, a nutrient digestibility trial was carried out. Two birds per replicate were selected and placed in specially constructed metabolism cages for seven days; three days to acclimatize them and four days for faecal collection. Gut morphology data were taken at the termination of the feeding trial at the 8th week of the experiment. One bird was selected per replicate and slaughtered by cervical dislocation and the internal organs weighed. Results show that birds on CMWM30 had the highest feed intake (1531.67) and the ones on CMWM, had the lowest (1120.46); birds on CMWM30 had the highest final bodyweight (428.47) and the ones on CMWM, had the lowest (354.57). FCR results indicated that birds on CMWM10 (3.28) and CMWM (3.55) were better than those on CMWM30 (4.07). The dietary treatments had effect (P<0.05) on dressing % and weight of GIT, small intestine, large intestine and lungs. Result of digestibility trial show that dietary treatments had no effect on the digestibility of the nutrients by the birds. Therefore, it is recommended that up to 40 % of CMWM can be included in the diets of cockerels with no detrimental effects on their growth performance and nutrient digestibility but better gut morphology was obtained with CMWM20.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GROWING RAMS FED PANICUM MAXIMUM SUPPLEMENTED WITH DIFFERENTLY PROCESSED CAJANUS CAJAN LEAVES

An experiment was carried out to investigate the Performance of West African dwarf growing rams fed differently processed Cajanus cajan leaves and Panicum maximum basal diet for 56 days feeding trial which was carried out at Teaching and Research Farm of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology Igboora, Nigeria. A total of sixteen (16) growing WAD rams were randomly allocated to four treatments with four animals per treatment while two animals served as replicate. The experimental diet was fed at 3% body weight of individual animals while fresh, wilted, and dried forms of Cajanus cajan leaves supplemented at varied inclusion levels. There were significant (P<0.05) difference in all parameters measured expect dry matter intake (DMI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) which showed no significant (P>0.05) difference across the dietary treatments. The results revealed that animals on the control diet recorded the least weight gain (12.68g/day) while the highest weight gain (25.89g/day) was recorded in T3 that contained 30% wilted form of Cajanus Cajan leaves and 70% Panicum maximum. The daily weight gain of animals was significantly different across all treatments (P<0.05). The highest DMI (5.22kg) was recorded on the control treatment (T1) that contained 100% sole Panicum maximum and the least value of DMI (3.50kg) was recorded in T2 that contained 30% fresh form of Cajanus cajan leaves and 70% Panicum maximum. The highest feed efficiency ratio (0.29) and the lowest value (0.11) were observed in animals fed T2, T3, and T1 diets respectively. It can be concluded that the animals on T3 had the highest feed utilization while animals on T3 had the highest dry matter intake.

PERFORMANCE AND COST BENEFITS OF BROILER STARTER BIRDS FED REPLACEMENT LEVELS OF LIZARD MEAL (A CASE STUDY IN ISHIAGU, IVO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, EBONYI STATE)

The research work was carried out to ascertain the performance and cost benefits of broiler starter birds fed replacement levels of lizard meal to fish meal at starter phase. A total number of ninety (90) day old Anak 2000 broiler chicks were used for the experiment. The birds were assigned to five treatment group of eighteen birds each been replicated thrice with six birds per replicate. Lizard meal was included to replace fish meal at levels of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% respectively. The completely randomized design (CRD) was used. Feed and water were given ad-libitum. Birds fed 75% inclusion levels of lizard meal (treatment 4) to replace fish meal was superior to birds in other treatments in terms of average final body weight, average daily feed intake, average weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Cost benefit analysis also showed that birds in treatment 4 (75% lizard meal inclusion) was better than the rest of the treatment group under review.

Dietary Use of Monoglycerides Blend in Plant-Based Diets Influences Growth Performance, Hepatopancreatic Histology, Immunity and Disease Resistance of Pacific White Shrimp Penaeus vannamei Against Vibrio harveyi

Feeding trials were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of commercially available optimized mixtures of monoglyceride blend (MG, as BalanGut® AQ L supplied by BASF, Germany) on growth performance and health condition of Pacific white shrimp Penaeus vannamei. A basal diet was formulated without MG, and four other diets were prepared by supplementing the powder forms of MG at inclusion levels of 0.5, 0.75, 1,0, and 1,5%. In a growth trial, eight replicate groups of shrimps were hand-fed with one of the diets four times daily for 60 days and observed for growth, total hemocyte count (THC), lysozyme activity, and histomorphological conditions of the hepatopancreas of the shrimp. In a challenge test, diseases challenged with Vibrio harveyi infection at a dose of 1 × 105 CFU mL-1 intramuscularly were conducted and then followed with the observation of the cumulative survival rate after 96 h postchallenge, phenoloxidase, the mean percentage of phagocytic activity and phagocytic index on the blood of the shrimp. In the growth trial, shrimps with inclusion levels of 0,75 up to 1,5% of MG showed significantly higher growth performance than the control treatment. The number of THC and lysozyme activity showed an increasing trend with the inclusion of MG at 0.5 up to 1.0% and then declined with the inclusion of 1.5%. The inclusion of MG did not cause any significant changes in the histomorphology of the shrimp's hepatopancreas. In the challenge test, the lowest survival rate after being infected with Vibrio harveyi was found in the control treatment, and the highest survival rate was found in the group of shrimps fed with 1 MG. The phenoloxidase (PO) activity, phagocytic activity, and index were higher in the group of shrimps fed with MG compared to the control treatment. The results of these studies indicate that the dietary supplementation of 0.75 – 1.0 % of MG can improve the growth, health condition, and disease resistance of P. vannamei.

Potential of 2 northern European brown seaweeds (Fucus serratus and Fucus vesiculosus) as enteric methane inhibitors in dairy cows

The 2 brown seaweeds, Fucus serratus and Fucus vesiculosus, have demonstrated anti-methanogenic properties in vitro with reductions in CH4 production ranging from 53 to 63%. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the 2 Fucus seaweeds on enteric CH4 emissions, DMI, ECM, and nutrient digestibility when fed to dairy cows. The experiment was conducted using 4 multi-cannulated lactating Danish Holstein dairy cows, which over 3 experimental periods received either: 1) basal diet (CON; diet without any seaweed), 2) basal diet diluted with 4% (DM basis) Fucus serratus (SER), or 3) basal diet diluted with 4% (DM basis) Fucus vesiculosus (VES); resulting in one complete 3 × 3 Latin square and one incomplete 3 × 3 Latin square. Each period lasted 21 d and consisted of 14 d of adaptation, followed by 3 d of digesta sampling, and 4 d of gas exchange measurements using respiration chambers. Milk yield and feed intake were recorded daily. Blood samples were collected on d 15 and 17. All parameters were statistically analyzed using a mixed procedure of R. Opposite to what we had expected, neither of the 2 Fucus seaweeds reduced CH4 emissions from the dairy cows as daily CH4 production was significantly higher for both Fucus treatments compared with CON. Additionally, CH4 yield (g CH4/kg DMI) and intensity (g CH4/kg ECM) were significantly higher for SER compared with CON. Milk yield, DMI, and total-tract digestibility were unaffected by the treatments; however, SER resulted in lower milk protein yield (kg/d) and lower milk and blood plasma urea concentrations compared with CON. In conclusion, neither Fucus serratus (SER) nor Fucus vesiculosus (VES) showed potential as methane-mitigating feed additives when fed to dairy cows at an inclusion level of 4% of DM. The inclusion of the 2 brown seaweeds had no effects on DMI, milk yield, or total-tract digestibility.

RESPONSES OF WEANED RABBITS TO DIETS CONTAINING SUN-DRIED SOYABEAN CHEESE RESIDUE MEAL

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding sun-dried soya bean cheese residue meal (SSCRM) to weaned rabbits. The SSCRM was used at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% level of inclusion which formed five dietary treatments designated I, II, III, IV and V in a complete randomized design. Forty mongrels weaned rabbits were used for the experiment. The results showed that daily feed intake was affected (P<0.05) by dietary treatments. Other performance parameters measured were not significantly different from the control (Diet 1). All the parameters measured for the organ weights and those of the guts were similar to the control. It is therefore inferred that inclusion of 40% sun- dried soya bean cheese residue meal is suitable for growing rabbits, especially in areas where soya bean is used for making cheese, milk and yoghurt.

EFFECT OF RAW, FERMENTED AND HOT WATER TREATED COCOA POD HUSK MEAL BASED DIETS ON THE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT MORPHOMETRY OF RABBIT BUCKS

This study was carried out to determine the effect of feeding raw, fermented and hot - water treated cocoa pod husk meal (CPHM) based - diets on the reproductive tract morphometry of rabbit bucks. A total of sixty (60) cross bred mature rabbit bucks were utilized and randomly allocated to twelve (12) experimental diets containing raw (T1, T2, T3& Ta), fermented (Ts. T6. T7, & Ts) and hot water treated (T9. T10, T1& T12) CPHM at 0.00, 12.50, 25.00 and 37.50 percent levels of inclusion respectively, in a 3 X 4 factorial arrangement using a CRD. The feeding trial lasted twenty one (21) weeks. Water and feed (formulated diets were both isonitrogenous 16% and isocaloric - 2500kcal/kgME) were provided ad-libitum. At the end of the feeding trial thirty six (36) rabbits (3 per treatment) were sacrificed in the laboratory, dissected and reproductive tracts obtained intoto, trimmed of fats and adhering tissues before being subjected to morphometric analysis. Results of the study revealed significant (P < 0.05) reduction in absolute weight values of the paired testes and epididymis as well as the length of the caput epididymis in rabbit bucks fed the raw CPHM diets, while fermented and hot-water treated CPHM recorded fluctuating trends. The respective absolute and relative weights as well as lengths of other parameters declined in values as the levels of raw CPHM inclusion increased, while other processed forms had no definite pattern without any significant difference (P > 0.05). These findings imply that processed cocoa pod husk meal (fermented and hot-water treated forms)could serves some useful purpose as a non-conventional feed resource in rabbit nutrition and physiology. It is therefore suggested that fermented and hot- water treated CPHM could be included up to 25.00 percent in diets meant for rabbits without fear of compromising their reproductive tract morphometryvis-a-vis reproductive potential.