Nera Black Research Articles

COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL STRAINS OF LAYER CHICKENS REARED IN SEMI ARID TROPICS AND FED DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH VITAMIN C

This study was conducted to determine the performance of Lohmann Brown Classic (LBC) and Nera Black (NB) strains of layer chicken fed diet supplemented with vitamin C. One hundred and twenty (120) 28 weeks old laying hens (Sixty for each strain) were assigned to four treatments in a completely randomized design and a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement made up of two strains (LBC and NB) and Vitamin C supplementation (0 and 0.25g/kg feed). Each treatment was replicated thrice with ten birds per replicate. Hen day egg production, egg weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, feed cost and weight change were measured and computed. Data obtained were analyzed using the general linear models (GLM) procedure. The results of the study showed that final body weight (kg/bird) of LBC (1.84kg/bird) and NB (1.80kg/bird) were similar. The average weight change of LBC (3.40%) was higher (P<0.05) than that of NB (0.34%). The daily feed intake (g/bird) of LBC (157.45) was higher (P<0.05) than that of NB (144.00). Feed conversion ratio (g feed/dozen eggs), egg weight and feed cost/crate (₦) were similar (P>0.05) for the two strains. The LBC strain laid more (P<0.05) eggs (88.17) than the NB strain (78.55). Vitamin C supplementation did not affect (P>0.05) all the performance indices evaluated in the study except for feed cost/crate. Feed cost/crate (₦) of the hens fed with vitamin C (836.90) was higher than those fed without vitamin C (660.34). Both LBC and NB strains performed almost similarly.

COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF LAYER STRAIN CHICKS REARED IN SEMI ARID REGION AND FED HONEY AS AN ADDITIVE

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of two strains of layer chick reared in the semi-arid region and feeding of honey in place of an additive. In the first experiment 90 day old chicks of each of two egg layer strains, made up of one brown (Lohman Brown classic), one black (Nera Black) were used in completely randomized with each strain serving as a treatment. Each treatment was replicated thrice with 30 chicks per replicate. In the second experiment, 84 seven weeks old chicks from each of the strains were used in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design with the two strains (Lohmann brown classic and Nera black) and administration of honey (with and without) as the factors. These made up four treatments which were replicated thrice with 14 chicks per replicate. In both experiments, feed intake and body weight were measured and weight gain and feed conversion ratio were determined. Mortality was also recorded. The results of the study showed that performance parameters of two strains measured were statistically similar except for mortality. Nera black strain had a higher mortality. Feeding honey did not affect (P>0.05) performance indicators measured except for mortality also. Mortality was higher (P<0.05) for chicks that were not fed with honey. According to these results, Nera black strain may require more care during chick phase and honey has beneficial effect on chick performance.

INFLUENCE OF DIETARY WILD SUNFLOWER (Tithonia diversifolia Hemsl. A Gray) LEAF MEAL ON LAYERS PERFORMANCE AND EGG QUALITY

The performance of layers on various dietary levels of Wild Sunflower leaf meal (SLM) was investigated. Seventy-two Nera Black with commercial layers in their fourth month of lay of were randomised into six dietary treatments comprising a commercial layer mash (CLM) 05, 10, 15 and 20% SLM. Results revealed that egg production was appreciably supported even for layers on 15 and 20% SLM diets. Feed consumption ranged from 96.27 gms in layers fed 20% SLM to 106.86 gm for birds on CLM. Feed conversion efficiency in terms of kg feed South-western Nigeria up to the Middle Belt per dozen eggs was highest for 15% SLM while CLM had the highest cost of feed consumed per dozen eggs. All diets supported a net positive There is scanty report on the feeding value body weight gain on the birds. Haugh unit, yolk index, shell thickness and egg weight were not significantly influenced (P>0.05) by dietary treatments. Yolk colour was significantly (P<0.05) enhanced by SLM (at all levels) over rabbits. These preliminary findings suggest either the control or CLM. There was no mortality throughout the 12 weeks experiment lasted.

Effect of L-Dopa on performance and serum cholesterol of Nera black pullets

L-Dopa in raw or processed mucuna seed, in the presence of antinutritional factors, has been implicated to have caused nutritional disorders in monogastrics. However, the use of pure LDopa is established in broilers and quails to enhance growth performance, cholesterol profile, and reproductive organs without detrimental effect. Information on the effect of LDopa on hydrolysis of triglycerides and growth performance in laying birds is scanty. In a 56- day experiment, 300 eight-weeks old Nera Black layers were fed diets supplemented with LDopa at 0.0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% dietary levels respectively in a completely randomized design. Feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were determined. Blood (5mL) was sampled from two birds per replicate at the end of the feeding trial to determine serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein and blood parameters using standard procedures. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at á0.05. The L-Dopa inclusion at all dietary inclusion levels did not significantly influence the feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein and blood parameters. There were no observable significant differences in all the parameters measured probably because of the growing stage of the experimental birds. It can therefore be concluded that L-Dopa supplementation in the diets of pullets at 0.1% to 0.4% inclusion levels did not cause any deleterious effect on the overall performance.

Effects of genotype and season on the productive performance of commercial egg-type chickens in the derived savanna zone in Nigeria


 
 
 
 Twelve (12) month production records of two commercial egg-type chickens, Nera Black (NB) and Isa Brown (IB) reared on a commercial farm in Ilora, Oyo State, Nigeria were analysed to assess effects of season and genotype on their performance. The production record was sorted according to the two recognized major seasons: wet (April-September) and dry (October-March) in the study area. Besides, the each major season was further partitioned into two sub-seasons namely: early rainy season (ERS: April-June), late rainy season (LRS: July-September), early dry season (EDS: October-December) and late dry season (LDS: January-March). Results of data analysis showed that genotype had no significant effect (P>0.05) on all the performance indices. Conversely, season significantly (P<0.05) affected all the performance parameters evaluated and hens performed better in wet seasons compared with dry months. There was significant (P<0.05) genotype by season interaction effect on egg production but not (P>0.05) for other productive parameters. IB strain performed better in wet season most especially in LRS while NB hens had better performance in dry season. Results from this study indicated that regardless of the season, the two egg strains should be employed for commercial egg production but adequate measure should be taken to combat the adverse effect of thermal stress on the welfare and performance of layers in the study area most especially in LDS months. Discrepancies in genotype by season interaction suggest genetic basis to differences in performances and physiological abilities of the investigated egg-strains to cope with stresses emanating from change in season.
 
 
 

Heat balance, haematology and serum chemistry of layers under varying stocking density reared in locally fabricated metal-type cage system

One hundred and thirty five 18weeks old Bovans Nera Black strain pullets were used in a 10week study to determine their heat balance and blood profile under varying stocking density in locally fabricated metal-type cage system. The cages were stocked 2, 3 and 4birds/cell. Daily ambient temperature and relative humidity of the cage and rectal temperature of the birds were taken and heat balance calculated. Record of Packed cell volume (PCV), Haemoglobin concentration (Hb), Red blood cell (RBC), White blood count (WBC) and differential of the birds were taken at beginning and end of the study for the haematological indices while blood glucose, total protein, Albumin and blood urea were taken for the bio-chemical measurements. Ambient temperature, relative humidity, and heat balance showed no significant (P>0.05) difference with cage stocking density. Cage stocking density had significant (P<0.05) effect on rectal temperature of layers. Bird stocked 3/cell recorded the least (41.14oC) rectal temperature while those stocked 4/cell recorded the highest (41.27oC). All the haematological parameters of the birds were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by stocking density of the cage type. Bio-chemical measurements were not significantly (P>0.05) different among layers under varying stocking density of the cage except total protein (P<0.05). Layers stocked 4/cell recorded highest (5.22g/dl) total protein while those stocked 3/cell had the least value (4.37g/dl). However, the values were within the normal range recommended for healthy chicken. The study concluded that locally fabricated metal-type battery cage could be used to rear layers and stocking density of 3birds/cell is ideal without compromising the welfare of the birds.

Effects of supplementing laying hen diets with different proprietary vitamin-mineral premixes and housing systems on egg properties and shelf-life stability

Egg quality and durability have been directly linked to the nutrition of laying hen thus, the effects of five different supplemental vitamin-mineral premixes (VmP) in the diets of laying hens housed in battery cage (BC) and deep litter (DL) on the egg properties and shelf life stability in 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of egg storage (DOS) were investigated in this study. In a 4-week feeding trial, Bovans Nera Black laying hens (n=480) aged 71-week were allocated to five treatments in each housing system (HS) (BC and DL). Each treatment was replicated six times and a replicate comprised eight hens. The basal isocaloric and isonitrogenous diet was appropriately supplemented with 0.25% of any of the five proprietary VmP and the diets were offered with water ad libitum to respective experimental hens in both HS. The experiment was a 2x5x5 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design (2 HS X 5VmP X 5DOS). Foaming capacity, foaming stability, viscosity, emulsion stability, least gelation concentration and shelf life stability of egg white and whole egg from both HS decreased significantly (P<0.05)in DOS while the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS mg/MA/100g) increased in DOS. The TBARS of respective whole and egg white from hens fed VmP1 (0.048 and 0.051), 2 (0.049 and 0.054), 3(0.056 and 0.155), 4(0.156 and 0.156) and 5 (0.153 and 0.151) differed significantly (P<0.05). Interactions of HS X VmP, HS X DOS on all attributes of both whole and egg white, except specific gravity and emulsion capacity, were significantly different (P<0.05). Eggs deteriorated in DOS irrespective of dietary VmP or HS but much more for eggs from DL compared with BC.

Effect of calcium sources and particle sizes on performance characteristics, age at first egg and blood parameters of egg type chicken

The importance of Calcium to animals in general and egg type chicken in particular has been of interest to researchers for a long time. This interest in calcium varies from the search for the optimal sources of calcium for egg type chicken in their feed, a search for the optimal or ideal calcium in their feed, as well as the influence of calcium (positive and negative) on egg production and metabolism. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of using different calcium sources (eggshell, limestone and oyster shell) and particle sizes (<1mm, 1-2mm and 2-3.8mm) in the diets of 540, one day old pullet chicks (Nera Black) up to pre - laying phase in a 3 x 3 factorial design consisting of nine dietary treatments. There were 60 birds per treatment replicated thrice with 20 birds each. Three isocaloric and isonitrogenious diets with three calcium particles sizes were formulated for each of the calcium sources totaling nine diets. The experiment comprised of starter (2-9 weeks), grower (10-17 weeks) phase and pre- laying (18-22 weeks) respectively. The levels of oyster shell, limestone and egg shell were adjusted so that the level of calcium in the chick and grower mashes was 1%. Growers mash was also used for pre-laying phase. Data were collected on growth performance, serum calcium, alkaline phosphatase and age at first egg. Diets containing eggshell of particle size <1mm produced birds with the highest (p<0.05) final live weight (523.64g) at the starter phase and also had the best overall live weight (1476.62g) at 17 weeks. Diets that contained eggshell of particle size 1-2mm recorded the highest (p<0.05) value for serum calcium (8.82mg/dl) and alkaline phosphatase (53.55u/l). Birds in this group were the first to start laying. It can be concluded that rapid improvement in growth could be achieved by the inclusion of eggshell of particle size (<1mm) in the diets as the main calcium source and eggshell of particle size (1-2mm) for older pullet to enhance early egg production.

Effects of semen dosage, oviductal sperm storage and insemination interval on egg fertility, embryo mortality and hatchability in Nera Black breeder chickens

The biological basis of sustaining fertility in poultry is their ability to store sperm cells in the sperm storage tubules (SST) located in the uterovaginal junction. However, artificial insemination in poultry industry is haphazardly administered in Nigeria without regulation on semen dose and frequency of insemination for optimum fertility. The objective of this study was to establish a semen dosage and insemination interval for maximum fertility and embryonic survival in Nera black layer breeder chickens. A total of 80 breeder hens (52 weeks) were allotted to five (5) treatments with four (4) replicate per treatment. Semen was pooled from 10 matured breeder cocks and inseminated to four groups of hens at varied semen dose of 0.02mL (T1), 0.04mL (T2), 0.06mL (T3) and 0.08mL (T4) of undiluted semen while hens in T5 were mated naturally, both for two consecutive days. 0.02, 0.04, 0.06 and 0.08mL of pooled semen contained 20.43×10 , 40.87×106 , 61.30×106 and 81.74×106 motile spermatozoa. Eggs were collected, stored and artificially incubated weekly for 4 weeks. Fertility, embryo mortality and hatchability parameters were determined. Another 78 breeder hens were allocated into 4 treatments of 5 replicates per treatment with unequal number of hens and were inseminated with 0.02mL of raw semen containing 20.43 × 106 motile sperm cells at 3, 6, 9 and 12 days intervals. Fertility, hatchability and embryo mortality were determined. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at &0.05 Hatch of fertile eggs in T5 at week 2 (65.36±13.28) was significantly higher (p<0.05) . than T1 (33.83±12.65), T2 (13.25±6.88), T3 (39.17±14.17) and T4 (28.21±11.37). At weeks 1 and 2, there was no significant different across the treatments. Fertility at 4 weeks in T1 (11.53±6.66) was significantly (p<0.05) different from treatments T2 (0.00±0.00), T3 (0.00±0.00), T4 (1.66±1.66) and T5 (0.00±0.00). Total and early embryo mortality in week 3 was significantly higher (p<0.05) in T1 (100.00±0.00, 95.00±5.00) than in treatments T2 (43.75±0.00, 43.75±25.77), T3 (66.67±23.57, 66.67±23.57), T4 (95.00±5.00, 85.00±15.00) and T5 (37.50±23.94, 22.92±15.73). Fertility was significantly (p<0.05) higher in 3 days insemination interval (52.65±7.25) compared with 6 days (39.87±4.70), 9 days (22.98±5.71) and 12 days (36.14±6.89). At weeks 1 and 3, the hatch of fertile eggs across the treatments was not significantly (p>0.05) different from one another. This study suggests that 6 inseminating semen dose of 0.02mL containing approximately 20.43×10 motile sperm cells in Nera black layer breeder chickens will give a maximum fertile period of 5 days, while insemination interval of 3 days using 0.02mLof semen gave highest fertility level.

English

In a 56 days experiment, 432-day old chicks were used to determine the influence of varying levels of calorie:protein ratio on the growth performance and haematology of two strains of commercial pullet chicks. Each of the strains, (i)Nera Black (NB) and (ii)Isa Brown (IB) were randomly allocated to three dietary levels of calorie:protein ratio designed to contain normal calorie:protein ratio (NC:P), high calorie:protein ratio (HC:P) and low calorie:protein ratio (LC:P). This gave a total of six treatments, replicated thrice to give 18 replicates comprised 24 birds each. Results showed that strain effect was significantly (p<0.05) higher in NB for average daily feed intake (ADFI) 27.81g and average daily weight gain (ADWG) 9.20g and lower (p<0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) 2.99 than corresponding values for IB. Strain effect also influenced (p<0.05) all haematology indices except haemoglobin, red blood cell and basophils. It also affected the serum indices at higher (p<0.05) values for glucose, calcium, and phosphorus in NB chicks. Calorie:Protein ratio effect was significantly higher (p<0.05) in ADFI (29.64g) for birds fed HC:P while those on NC:P recorded ADWG (9.32g) and FCR (2.72). All the haematological and serum indices values were influenced (p<0.05) by the calorie protein ratio effect whereas other determined parameters were not. Strain x Calorie Protein effect on the growth performance showed NB chicks fed HC:P recorded highest (p<0.05) ADFI (30.52g), while those on LC:P had highest ADWG (9.61g). Best FCR (p<0.05) was observed among chicks fed LC:P (2.74) while NB chicks on HC:P showed the best PER (1.51). All the haematology parameters except basophils and serum indices albumin and total protein were significantly influenced (p<0.05) by the strain x calorie:protein ratio. The study showed that Nera Black strain performed optimally than Isa Brown in the tropical zone where the trial was conducted. Key words: Commercial pullet, high calorie: protein ration: Low Calorie:protein ratio. Normal Calorie:protein ratio.

Repeatability estimates of egg weight and egg-shell weight under various production periods for Bovan Nera Black laying chicken

The present research was designed to examine the repeatability estimates of egg weight and egg shell weight of exotic layers at 25, 51, 72 weeks and overall ages of the bird. For this purpose, thirty birds were selected from the flock of layers in the Babcock University Teaching and Research Farm. A total of thirty (30) eggs were collected daily from the birds continuously for five (5) days of egg production, at each age 25, 51 and 72 weeks. The total number of eggs collected at each age was 150 and 450 for the total of three age periods. Data were collected on egg production traits for egg weight and egg shell weight. The mean values of the egg quality traits revealed an apparent increase for egg weight 55.02–63.29 g and egg shell weight 6.36–7.81 g with a corresponding mean combined data of bird of 60.17 g for egg weight and 7.26 g for egg shell weight. A significant positive genetic correlation was obtained among traits with linear regression equations at different age groups. General linear model procedure of statistical analytical system was used to obtain the variance components for the estimation of repeatability. High repeatability estimates were obtained when the age variance was included in the computation and low to moderate estimates were registered when the age variance was excluded from the computation. Since repeatability estimates from various production periods of egg weight and egg shell weight were low to moderate, these traits can be improved by mass selection there culminating in egg production with optimal quality.

Heritability estimates of external egg quality traits of Exotic Laying Chickens under the influence of age variance in the tropics

Abstract The present research was designed to examine heritability estimates of egg length, egg breadth and egg shape index under the influence of age variance for Bovan Nera Black laying chicken sat 25, 51, 72 weeks and overall mean ages of the bird. For this purpose thirty birds were selected from the flock of layers in the Babcock University Teaching and Research Farm. A total of thirty (30) eggs were collected daily from the birds continuously for five (5) days of egg production, at each age 25, 51 and 72 weeks. The total number of eggs collected at each age was 150 and 450 for the total of three age periods. Data were collected on egg production traits for egg length, egg breadth and egg shape index. The mean values of the egg quality traits revealed an apparent increase for egg length 4.05–4.65 cm and egg breadth 2.47–2.66 cm with a corresponding overall mean data 4.38 cm for egg length and 2.56 cm for egg breadth; however, egg shape index recorded decrease from 61.87 to 57.19 with a corresponding overall mean of 58.92. General linear model procedure of statistical analytical system was used to obtain the variance components for the estimation of heritability. High heritability estimates were obtained when the age variance was included in the computation for overall mean and at 25 weeks for the studied traits, and at 72 weeks for egg breadth and egg shape index when the age variance was excluded while low estimates were registered at 51 for all traits, and at 72 for egg length and with the corresponding overall mean for all traits when the age variance was excluded from the computation. The heritability estimates from different egg quality traits were low to high. Since some of the traits recorded low heritability values, these traits can be improved by mass selection thereby culminating into egg production with optimal quality.

Effects of age variance on repeatability estimates of egg dimensions of Bovan Nera Black laying chickens.

The present research was designed to examine the effects of age variance on repeatability estimates of egg length, egg breadth and egg shape index of Bovan Nera Black laying chickens at 25, 51, 72 weeks and combined ages of the bird. For this purpose thirty birds were selected from the flock of layers in the Babcock University Teaching and Research Farm. They were individually housed in labeled separate battery cage. A total of thirty (30) eggs were collected daily from the birds continuously for five (5) days of egg production, at each age of 25, 51 and 72 weeks. The total number of eggs collected at each age were 150 and 450 for the total of three age periods. Data were collected on egg production traits for egg length, egg breadth and egg shape index. These data were subjected to statistical analysis using Completely Randomized Design. General linear model procedure of statistical analytical system (SAS) was used to obtain the variance components for the estimation of repeatability. Moderate repeatability estimates were obtained when the age variance was included in the computation and low estimates were registered when the age variance was excluded from the computation. The repeatability estimates from different egg quality traits were low to high. Since most of the traits recorded low repeatability values, these traits can be improve by mass selection thereby culminating into egg production with optimal quality.

Effect of Basil Leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) Supplement on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Growing Pullets

&lt;p&gt;The performance and carcass characteristics of Growing Pullets (GP) fed basil leaf (&lt;em&gt;Ocimum gratissimum)&lt;/em&gt; (OG) supplement was studied for 8 weeks using eighty-four 13 weeks old Nera Black GP. The birds were maintained on growers diet supplemented with 4 levels of basil leaves supplement(BLS) (0, 5, 10 and 15g/bird) for treatments A, B, C and D, respectively at 3 days interval throughout the period of experiment. Each treatment was replicated thrice with seven birds per replicate in a completely randomized block design. Treatment A served as control. The birds were fed the same growers diet. Feed and water were served &lt;em&gt;ad-libitum&lt;/em&gt;. Data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and comparisons made using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The results of the experiment showed a significant (p&amp;lt;0.05) treatment effects in total feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FRC) and number of eggs laid, final live weight (FLW) and mean body weight gain (MBWG). Similar scenario was observed in dressed, breast, thigh, plucked weights and egg follicle formation. Birds in control had the highest total feed intake (TFI) (6671.55 g) and MBWG (523.84 g) compared to other treatments (B, C and D) whose values were 6644.27, 6640.29 and 6152.67 g for TFI and 483.34, 500.00 and 445.24 g for MBWG, respectively. The cost of feed consumed was best on birds fed 15gBLS (N353.04/bird) while the highest number of eggs laid was recorded in birds served 5 g(83) and 15gBLS (77) with reference to control (57). Birds served 5-15g BLS had increased liver weight (26.01, 25.01 and 27.42 g) compared to control (24.38 g), while those fed 15gBLS had reduced dressed weight (DW) (952.50 g). The best egg follicle formation was recorded on those served 5g BLS/bird. There was progressive reduction in MBWG, TFI and egg follicle with increasing weight of OG, unlike FRC and liver weight, which increased linearly. Therefore, the GP are recommended to be served 5-15gBLS/bird and later reduced to 5gBLS/bird at 3 days interval when the GP had come up to 15-20% in lay, in order to minimize further loss in weight and to improve egg follicle formation.&lt;/p&gt;

Effect of Relative Humidity on the Performance of Nera Black Hens in a Humid Tropical Environment

Effect of Relative Humidity on the Performance of Nera Black Hens in a Humid Tropical Environment

Haematological and serum biochemical indices of three different strains of pullets supplemented with Khaya senegalensis stem bark meal as anticoccidial in the diets.

The effects of supplementing different levels of Mahogany (khaya senegalensis) stem bark (KSSB) meal in the diet of pullets on some blood parameters was investigated. A total of 360 day-old chicks were arraigned in a 5 x 3 factorial design of 5 dietary levels (Diet 1 served as negative control without supplementation, Diet 2 was supplemented with 100 mg/kg of anti coccidiostat (sulphaquinoxaline), Diets 3 and 4 were supplemented with 100 and 200mg/kg KSSB respectively at intervals of 21st -27th, 42nd – 48th and 112th - 118th day, while diet 5 was supplemented with 100mg/kg KSSB which was continuously fed from 1st -118th day) and 3 strains of chickens (Isa Brown, Nera Black and Oba Blue). Results showed (P&lt;0.05) lowered packed cell volume (PCV) and higher white blood cell count in Isa brown and Nera black fed diet 1. Uric acid, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase values were highest (P&lt; 0.05) in pullets fed diets 1 and 5 irrespective of the strain. These results revealed that KSSB at 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg can be included in the diets of pullets at intervals without deleterious effect on the health of the birds. However, continuous usage of KSSB in the diet of the pullets showed some level of toxicity in the blood.

Effect of Feed Type on Performance of Nera Black Hens in the Humid Tropical Environment

A twelve-week study was conducted to determine the effect of feed type on performance of Nera black hens in the humid tropical environment. One hundred and twenty (120) Nera Black hens of 28 weeks of age were used for the study at the Poultry Unit of the Department of Animal Science Teaching and Research Farm, University of Nigeria, Nsukka between March and July, 2012. The hens were divided into five groups of 24 hens each and each group was randomly assigned to one of five experimental diets (self-compounded layers’ diet ‘B’ and four commercial layers’ diet A ‘reference diet’, C, D, and E, respectively). Each diet constituted a treatment and each treatment was replicated thrice with 8 birds per replicate. Each hen in a replicate received about 130g of layers’ mash daily and ad libitum supply of water for the twelve weeks. Results showed that the final body weight, hen day production, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio, average egg weight, egg shell thickness and egg shell weight were significantly (P0.05) effect on average body weight gain, egg diameter, egg length and egg shape index. Birds that consumed homemade diet (B) had significantly (P

Nutrient utilization during incubation and juvenile growth of indigenous and exotic chicken in Nigeria

Nutrient utilization and early growth rate in three strains of chicken were investigated using 900 hatching eggs, 300 from each strain. The strains of chicken used were Nigerian indigenous chicken (NIC), ISA Brown (IB) and Nera Black strains (NB). Ten eggs per strain were randomly selected for breakout at embryonic day (ED) 7, 11, 15, and 18 of incubation to collect data on albumen weight in order to determine the embryonic albumen reduction rate during incubation and yolk weight to monitor its utilization. Blood samples were collected at hatch (day-old), weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 post-hatch for triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and corticosterone level (CORT) determination. The chicks were randomly distributed into four rearing pens for a 28-day assessment of growth rate. The results showed that at day 18 of incubation (ED 18), weight of egg yolk and rate of yolk loss were similar among all the strains. Also, from ED 0 to 7 and11 to 15, albumen reduction rate in the eggs of IB was higher compared to NB and NIC, while it was lowest in NIC. From ED7 to 11, NIC showed highest reduction rate, followed by NB. Lowest reduction rate was shown in the eggs of IB. At day 7 and 28 of post-hatch growth, relative weight gain by the NIC was higher compared to NB and IB chicks. While IB and NB strains were similar at day 7, NB showed an intermediate relative weight gain at day 28. Strain did not significantly (p>0.05) affect body weight at all the ages. At day 14 and 21of post-hatch growth, strain did not affect relative weight gain except at day 7 and 28. At day 7 and 28 relative weight gain by the NIC chicks was higher compared to NB and IB chicks. While IB and NB were similar at day 7, NB showed an intermediate relative weight gain at day 28. Plasma CORT level did not change from day-old until day 28 in all strains. Similarly, CORT levels did not differ among strains at each age of determination. T3 concentration increased from day-old until day 7 post-hatch and leveled out throughout the ages of observation in all the strains. The weight differences of the embryos at ED18 and day-old-chicks at the hatching day suggest the influence of genetic differences and possibly that of inadequate incubation protocol at this stage.

The comparative susceptibility of commercial and Nigerian indigenous chicken ecotypes to &lt;i&gt;Salmonella gallinarum&lt;/i&gt; infection

This study was to evaluate the possible genetic resistance of exotic and indigenous chicks to Salmonella gallinarum. A total of 72 nine weeks-old chicks were used for the study. The Fulani ecotype (Fulani smooth feathers - FSF), Yoruba ecotype (Yoruba smooth feathers - YSF), and the Exotic breed (Nera Black) chicks were infected with a dose of S. gallinarum (8.3 x 106 CFU) and were observed for 16 days. Evaluation of resistance was based on clinical signs, mortality, pathology, leukocyte count, bacterial count from liver and spleen of infected chicks. The highest peak for clinical signs in S. gallinarum infected chicks coincides with highest mortalities recorded on day 11-12 dpi and bacterial count of both liver and spleen on day 8. The lymphocytes count declined on day 8 for all the experimental chicks except for the exotic breed. There was no significant difference between the bacterial counts of the different groups on day 8. In S. gallinarum infected chicks, 94.4% of all the chicks showed clinical signs after infection, the exotic breed showed a prolonged clinical signs while the Yoruba ecotype showed the least. 87.5%, 80.0% and 37.5% mortality were recorded in the exotic breed, Fulani and Yoruba ecotypes respectively. The study showed that the exotic chicken (Nera Black) was more susceptible to Salmonella gallinarum infection. It also indicated that within the ecotypes in Nigeria, Fulani ecotype was more susceptible to Salmonella gallinarum infection than the Yoruba ecotype. The lower clinical signs and mortality observed in Yoruba ecotype indicated a resistance of the ecotype to S. gallinarum infection.Keywords: Ecotypes, Nigerian Indigenous chicken, Salmonella gallinarum infection.

Performance of Laying Hens Fed Diets Containing Varying Levels of Brewers Dried Grain as Energy Source

A total of 100 twenty-two- week old Nera Black pullets were used in an eight- week long experiment to assess the effect of brewer’s dried grain (BDG) as energy source on performance of laying hens. Five experimental diets were formulated to represent T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 which contained 0. 25, 50, 75 and 100% brewer’s dried grain levels respectively. The laying hens were grouped into 5 treatments and each treatment group was further replicated four times in a completely randomized design. Feed and drinking water were supplied adlibitum and adequate sanitation and medication measures were also applied. Live weights of the birds were taken at the start of the experiment while final live weights were taken at the end of the experiment. Feed intake, egg weight, feed conversion ratios, hen-day egg production and cost benefit analysis were assessed. Results showed that hen-day egg production of 58.60 and 35.00% for birds on 75 and 100% brewers dried grain diets differed significantly (p0.05) T1 had the highest (p