National Animal Production Research Institute Research Articles

Evaluation of Nutritional status of Friesian x Bunaji dairy herd based on milk composition Analysis

The research was conducted on the dairy herd of National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Shika-Nigeria, to evaluation the nutritional status of Friesian x Bunaji dairy herd based on milk composition analysis. Milk samples were analysed weekly for percentage milk fat, protein and lactose for 120 days. These milk composition variables were used to calculate the fat-protein ratio (FPR) as well as the energy corrected milk (ECM). The result revealed that the mean fat, protein, and lactose content were 4.49%, 4.32%, and 4.43%, respectively, while the mean FPR and ECM was 1.05 and 8.05kg , respectively. Analysis of the average values of the milk components indicates that considerable number of cows (70%) had fibre deficient and energy surplus ration and only 26% of the animals had ration balanced in fibre and energy, while 4% had ration deficient in energy and fiber surplus. The FPR changes within the 120 day lactation revealed higher values of 1.19 at the beginning of lactation and decreased as the lactation progresses to as low as 0.82 by the 120th day of lactation. The percentage milk fat, lactose and FPR had significant inverse relationship with milk yield, milk protein percentage and ECM. An increasing trend in daily milk yield was observed as the parity of the cows advanced from the first to the third parity and then decreases thereafter. Using milk analysis results it is possible to estimate major problems in dairy cow nutrition, predict and prevent possible nutritional and metabolic disorder.

Semen Quality Characteristics and Effect of Mating Ratio on Reproductive Performance of Hubbard Broiler Breeders

A study was conducted at the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) Shika, Zaria, Nigeria to access some semen quality characteristics and to determine the effect of mating ratio on fertility and hatchability of Hubbard broiler breeders. 20 cocks were examined for semen quality characteristics. Parameters evaluated were: ejaculate volume, semen pH, sperm concentration and sperm motility. Sequel to semen quality evaluation, hens were divided into three groups according to mating ratio (cock to hen) which included ratios 1:6, 1:7 and 1:8 with each group replicated 3 times. Each replicate was housed separately in pens. Hatchable eggs were collected after ten days grace period of mating and were set in the incubator. There were six hatches and fertility and hatchability parameters were calculated. Results obtained for semen quality characteristics showed that mean values for volume (ml) was 0.55±0.04, motility (%) was 83.50, concentration was 3.91x109/ml, pH was 7.40 and average body weight was 4.73 kg. Correlations between the semen quality characteristics and body weight showed that pH was negatively but not significantly correlated with volume, concentration and body weight. The correlation between volume and concentration was high (0.92) and highly significant (p<0.001). Other correlations though positive were not significant (p>0.05). Mating ratio significantly (p<0.05) affected number of eggs fertile, number hatched and percent fertile. Birds mated in the ratio of 1:6 had the highest values for number fertile, number hatch and percent fertile but not significantly different from ratio 1:8. However the birds in the ratio of 1:7 had similar performance with those in the ratio 1:8 for percent fertile. High and significant correlation between ejaculate volume and concentration indicated that large ejaculate volume resulted in high concentration. Mating ratio of 1:6 was recommended to enhance fertility and hatchability especially in pedigree hatching.

The pathology observed in experimental &lt;i&gt;Fasciola gigantica&lt;/i&gt; infected Yankasa sheep in Zaria Nigeria.

A study was conducted to determine the pathogenic effects of Fasciola gigantica infection on Yankasa sheep for a period of four months (April-July ,2010). Pathological lesions were observed in four Fasciola gigantica infected Yankasa sheep that died at the 10th, 11th and 12th week post-infection in an experimental infection at the Reproduction unit of the National Animal production Research institute, Shika-Zaria, Nigeria. The experiment involved twelve Yankasa sheep that were divided into two groups of infected and controls. The six animals in the infected group were each orally inoculated with 1200 Fasciola gigantica metacercariae and monitored for a period of 16 weeks. The pathogenic effects of the Fasciola gigantica infection began to manifest through death of four sheep among the infected group; with one death observed on the 10th week, two on the 11th and one on the 12th week post-infections respectively. The gross pathological lesions observed were hepatomegally, appearance of migratory tracts on the liver surface, appearance of puncture wounds through which protruded the anterior ends of the flukes to the liver surface as well as a fluid filled cavity with each having a fluid content of not less than 2.5 litres within the abdominal cavity. Other features observed grossly were marked distension of the gall bladder in which numerous flukes were present. The histopathological lesions were presented inform of intense hemorrhage both in the parenchyma and in the parasite tracts. There was fibrosis and distortion of the normal architecture of the hepatic cells. Observed clinical signs were inappetance, progressive anaemia and emaciation. There was a marked reduction in albumin and total plasma protein levels in the blood of the infected sheep compared to their controls. The findings of this study revealed that Fasciola gigantica is highly pathogenic to Yankasa sheep, therefore strategic control of the parasite and its intermediate host in the study area is recommended for improved sheep production.Keywords: Yankasa sheep, Liver, lesion

Genetic and Non Genetic Sources of Variation for Linear Body Conformation Traits in Bunaji and Friesian X Bunaji cows

The effects of Age of dam at calving, Sex of calf, Breed, Sire, month of calving and season of lactation on linear body conformation traits was investigated in the dairy herd of the National Animal Production Research Institute, Shika Zaria, Nigeria. Seven linear body conformation traits of 25 Bunaji and 25 crossbred (Friesian x Bunaji) cows were measured. The measurements were taken monthly by 3 evaluators for the complete lactation length of the cows, this resulted in 1275 cumulative records, (with 750 records from Friesian x Bunaji and 525 records from Bunaji). The 7 body conformation traits (stature, chest width, wither height, heart girth, body length, body depth and rump width) were measured in centimeter using flexible tape. The results showed that all the genetic and non genetic factors considered had significant effect (P 0.05) variation amongst the evaluators in their measurements, except RW. The body size characteristics increased with age. The male bearing cows were relatively broader (CW, HG) and longer (BL) than the female bearing cows, though there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in their statures (ST) and the body depth (BD). The crossbred cows were taller (ST, HW) longer (BL), broader (CW, HG), but less deep (BD) than the pure Bunaji. The animals of season 1 were taller (ST, WH), deeper (BD) and longer (BL) than the others. However, animals of season 2 and 3 had similar body sizes (ST, CW, BD, WH, HG, BL and RW). It is therefore suggested that in selecting for body conformation these genetic and non genetic factors should be taken into consideration. Key words: Friesian x Bunaji, linear body conformation, evaluators, breed, sire

Haematological responses of yankasa sheep to experimental Fasciola gigantica infection in Zaria, Nigeria

Haematological responses of Yankasa sheep to experimental Fasciola gigantica infection were evaluated using twelve Yankasa ewes aged 10-12 months. The animals were obtained from the Reproduction Unit of the National Animal Production Research Institute, Shika-Zaria, Nigeria. 2weeks baseline pre-infection data were collected and the ewes were later divided into two groups of infected and controls respectively. The six animals in the infected group were each orally inoculated with 1200 Fasciola gigantica metacercariae and monitored for a period of 16weeks. Mean packed cell Volume (PVC), haemoglobin concentration and total plasma protein of the infected group were significantly lower than the controls (p<0.01). Eosinophilia featured in the infected sheep. Mean White Blood Cell (WBC), neutrophil and lymphocyte levels of the infected sheep were significantly (p<0.05) different from those of the controls at the advanced periods of the infection (12-14weeks pI) in this study. Fasciola gigantica eggs were seen in faeces at 12 th week post infection demonstrating a high mean egg per gram (E.P.G) count of 530 ± 96.44. The findings of this study revealed the potentials of haematological parameters as a veritable diagnostic tool in the management of ovine Fasciolosis.

Effects of a Velogenic Newcastle Disease Virus on Packed Cell Volume, Total Protein and Hemagglutination Inhibition Antibody Titres of Vaccinated Shikabrown Cocks

Fifty 20 week old Shikabrown cocks consisting of 22 red Shikabrown and 28 white Shikabrown cocks were purchased from the National Animal Production Research Institute, Shika and used for this study. Twenty-five of the cocks made up of 12 red and 13 white cocks selected on basis of weight were infected with 2 ml of 10 EID of a Velogenic Kudu 113 strain of Newcastle disease virus intranasally and orally. The 6.0 5.0 remaining twenty-five cocks made up of 14 red and 11 white served as control. Blood samples were taken from the wing veins of both infected and control cocks and centrifuged in a Hermle Z364 centrifuge at 251.6 g for packed cell volume, total protein and Newcastle disease antibody titres. There was no significant difference in the packed cell volume of the control and infected red Shikabrown cocks. Similarly there was no significant difference in the packed cell volume of the control and infected white Shikabrown cocks, although the infected cocks had slightly lower values. Total protein did not show any significant difference between the control and infected red cocks and between the control and infected white cocks. The antibody titres of the control red and white cocks were significantly (p<0.05) lower than those of the infected red and white cocks. This finding showed that the challenged red and white cocks had high antibody titres and a slight drop in packed cell volume. The mean antibody titres of 1.9±0.7 to 4.6±0.4 log provided protection to 2 the Shikabrown cocks against the velogenic Newcastle disease virus since none of the challenged cocks died. This study suggests that in an endemic environment like Zaria, poultry farmers keeping Shikabrown chickens should vaccinate them against Newcastle disease. Challenging the red and white Shikabrown cocks with the velogenic Newcastle disease virus increased their protection against the Newcastle disease.

Biochemical and serological characterization of &lt;i&gt;Escherichia coli&lt;/i&gt; isolated from colibacillosis and dead-in-shell embryos in poultry in Zaria, Nigeria

This study was designed to determine the isolation rate, serotypes and biochemical profiles of E. coli from colibacillosis and dead-in-shell embryos in Zaria, Northern-Nigeria. The isolation rate of E. coli from hatcheries studied were 4.67% and 7.50% from farms of Simtu Agricultural Company and National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) Shika Zaria, Nigeria respectively. Twenty E. coli isolates from clinical cases of colibacillosis were also used for this study. The Simtu farm E. coli isolates showed 97.5% motility, while isolates from both NAPRI and clinical colibacillosis cases were 100% motile. The results of carbohydrate fermentation were variable without any specific pattern, except for few sugars that had 100% fermentation especially the lactose, ducitol, rhamnose, and xylose of E. coli isolates from clinical cases of colibacillosis. The major serotypes recorded from clinical cases of colibaccillosis were O8:K50 and O9:K30. Serotypes obtained from the dead-in-shell embryos were O78:K80, O8:K50, O9:K30, and O26:K60. Untypable isolates made up the greater percentage of E. coli strains studied. The antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that most of the isolates were resistant to more than one antibiotic. Majority of the isolates were sensitive to ciprofloxacin (85%) of the clinical cases and 100% of each of the Simtu and the NAPRI. farms. In conclusion, this study has revealed the involvement of several E. coli serotypes in colibaccillosis and dead-in-shell embryos. It is recommended that measures aimed at reducing the emergence of resistant strains of E. coli be instituted in all the farms. Keywords : Escherichia coli , Serotypes, biochemical profiles, and dead-in-shell embryos Nigerian Veterinary Journal Vol. 27 (2) 2006: pp. 33-40

The estimation of live weight from body measurements in Yankasa sheep

Live body measurements of weight, height, length, girth, stifle- and hip-width and a measure of muscularity (ratio of stifle to hip width) were monitored on 258 Yankasa sheep stratified into age categories of 1 to over 3 years determined mostly from records and partly by dentition. These animals are from purebred Yankasa sheep kept as a part of the open nucleus-breeding scheme of the National Animal Production Research Institute, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria. The effect of sex, type of birth and age group of lambs on live measurements and muscularity were analyzed by least-squares procedures. All variables examined, except sex, had significant (P &amp;lt; 0.001) effects on all body measurements. At birth, male and single-born lambs were significantly heavier than female and twin-born lambs. At early age, most factors significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.01) influenced the body weight, body dimensions and muscularity traits with single-born lambs being 31% heavier, 10% taller and 11% bigger in girth; more highly muscled than the twin-born lambs. This advantage of male over female born lambs (except in hip-width and girth) for growth and developmental traits was maintained reasonably well to the advanced ages. All phenotypic correlations between body measurements were positive and significant (P &amp;lt; 0.001). The highest correlation coefficient was found between chest girth and body weight. The polynomial equation using chest girth as an independent variable predicted body weight more accurately as compared to the linear equation. &amp;nbsp;

Artificial insemination practice in Nigeria – review of the dangers of disease transmission

The first documented cattle artificial insemination (AI) in Nigeria dated back to 1949. Other recorded cattle artificial insemination in the country could be traced to when the Federal Government of Nigeria under the auspices of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, established Artificial Insemination Unit at the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) in 1976. Various limiting factors and constraints that prevented artificial insemination from being popular in the country were mentioned. Various causes of infertility in animals were listed. The success or failure of artificial insemination practice as could be affected by microorganisms in the semen, semen preservatives, semen extenders and storage temperatures were discussed in relation to work already done in Nigeria and other countries. Keywords: Artificial insemination, semen, diseases, livestock

Bioserogroups of Campylobacter species isolated from sheep in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Sheep Campylobacter isolates from Kaduna State were characterized into their species and bioserogrouped. A total of 1100 samples were collected from Kaduna abattoir and National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Shika. The samples were from 250 gallbladder, 250 intestinal contents, 100 fetal stomach contents all from Kaduna abattoir while 250 rectal swabs and 250 vaginal swabs were from the NAPRI Small Ruminant Programme. Of a total of 1100 samples, 39 (3.54%) yielded Campylobacter organisms. The highest isolation rate (6.8%) was from samples of intestinal contents followed by those from gall bladders (4.0%). Samples from the vaginal and fetuses had the lowest isolation rates (2.80%) and (0%), respectively. Of the 39 Campylobacter isolates from all the sources, (79%) were characterized as C. fetus subsp jejuni, C. coli (13%) and C. laridis (8.0%). while C. coli and C. laridis were isolated from gall bladder and intestinal contents only. Campylobacter fetus subsp jejuni biotype 1 accounted for 40.3% of the total isolates. C. laridis biotypes I and II were also isolated and accounted for 5% and 3% of the isolates, respectively. 5% of the isolates were not typeable. The serogroups 4 (13%), 36 (10%), 9 (10%), 84 (8%), 29 (5%) and 20 (8%) were the commonest serogroups identified in sheep at two locations surveyed. The isolation of Campylobacter organisms from rectum, vagina, gallbladder, and intestinal contents is a clear indication that sheep serves as a reservoir of this organisms in Nigeria. Similarities between documented human Campylobacter isolates in Nigeria and those in the present study raised the possibility of cross-transmission between sheep and man. It is concluded that biotyping and serotyping can be used for epidemiological study of campylobacteriosis due to Campylobacter jejuni in sheep in Kaduna State of Nigeria.

Environmental influences on age at first lambing and lambing interval in Yankasa sheep

The effects of different environmental factors on age at first lambing and lambing interval of Yankasa sheep kept at the National Animal Production Research Institute, Shika, were studied. Least-squares means ( ± SE) for age at first lambing and lambing interval were respectively, 597.2 ±12.6 days and 253.1± 2.9 days. Type of birth (P<0.05) and season of birth (P<0.05) were important in influencing age at first lambing while parity (P<0.05), season of previous lambing (P<0.01) and year (P<0.001) influenced lambing interval. Dams born single or in the dry season attained reproductive status earlier than twin-born dams and those born in the other seasons. Lambing intervals were generally longer than expected from a flock where dams were bred to lamb twice in a year. Measures to reduce age at first lambing and lambing intervals to improve productivity are recommended.

Environmental influences on preweaning mortality and reproductive performance of Red Sokoto does

The influence of non-genetic factors on preweaning mortality of kids, litter size at birth (LSB) and at weaning (LSW), and kidding interval (KI) in Red Sokoto goats at the National Animal Production Research Institute was studied. Birth weight, type of birth, parity, season and year significantly influenced the mortality rate (38%) of kids. Generally, mortality tended to decrease with birth weight, but decreased as parity increased. Kiddings occurring in the wet season were associated with heavier mortalities than those in the dry season of the year. LSB (1.8 kids) was significantly affected by parity, season and year, but LSW (1.7 kids) was influenced by parity and year only. Litter size increased with parity, with the largest litters at the fifth parity. Kiddings occurring in the early wet season (April–June) had the largest litter sizes. Parity and year had significant effects on KI (215 d). As parity increased, KI decreased. The study shows that adequate management measures taken to curb mortality of the kids, coupled with selection for heavier weights and larger litters at birth and at weaning, could improve the productivity of Red Sokoto goats. In comparing different does with respect to mortality of their kids and reproductive performance, adjustments should be made for the effects of environmental factors identified in this study.

Studies on milk production and growth of friesian x Bunaji crosses: I. Dairy performance

The data analysed consisted of records on lactation length(LL), total lactation yield(TLY), estimated 305-day yield(305 dY), days dry(DDRY), age at first calving(AFC) and calving interval(CI) of 448 Friesian x Bunaji halfbreds that calved over a twenty-three year period(1967-1989) at the National Animal Production Research Institute, Shika, Nigeria. Least squares means of LL, Tly, 305DY, DDRY, AFC and CI were 250 days, 1,988 kg, 2,420 kg, 102 days, 35 months and 390 days, respectively. Parity, season and year of calving significantly affected LL, TLY(p<0.01) and 350DY(p<0.05), but not CI. DDRY was affected by season of calving only(p<0.05). It was therefore concluded that the Shika Friesian Bunaji crossbreeding programme was successful and beneficial in that the F1 crosses calved at a younger age, produced twice as much milk, had longer lactations and slightly shorter calving intervals than the indigenous Bunaji.

Congenital abnormality of the urogenital tract of a sheep: A case report

Congenital abnormal urinary bladders were found in an 8-yr-old crossbred ewe which was presented to the Veterinary Clinic of the National Animal Production Research Institute in Shika-Zaria, Nigeria. A tentative diagnosis of dystocia was made. A dead fetus in breech presentation was delivered by means of manipulation and forced traction. The following day the ewe died, possibly of exhaustion, stress and internal haemorrhage resulting from extensive uterine laceration. Necropsy findings revealed the existence of two extra functional urinary bladders and a rudimentary organ supposed to be the remains of the normal urinary bladder. The extra urinary bladders were believed to have occluded the birth canal and thus prevented normal parturition. The occurrence of this anomaly, which is associated with grazing on clover pastures or estrogenic substances, may indicate that such poisoning is present in Nigeria.