Nigerian Indigenous Research Articles

Slaughter Performance, Meat Quality and Organoleptic Indices of Crossbred Progenies from Meat-Type Chicken and Nigerian Indigenous Chicken Breeds

Slaughter Performance, Meat Quality and Organoleptic Indices of Crossbred Progenies from Meat-Type Chicken and Nigerian Indigenous Chicken Breeds

Influence of Breed and Sex on Body Weight and Conformation Traits of Turkeys

A study was conducted to evaluate the influence of breed and sex on body weight and conformation traits in two turkey breeds: Nigerian Indigenous Turkey (NIT) and Hybrid Commercial Turkey (HCT). Sixty-four poults were randomly assigned to two treatment groups based on breed, with each breed further replicated four times, comprising eight birds per replicate. The birds were reared in deep litter pens for 18 weeks. Conformation traits assessed included body length (BL), breast girth (BG), shank length (SL), thigh length (TL), wing span (WS), wing length (WL), and neck length (NL). Data collected on body weight and conformation traits were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) package. Results revealed significant (p< 0.05) differences in body weight between the two breeds, Conformation traits also showed significantly higher values in HCT compared to NIT. Sex had a significant effect (p< 0.05) on body weight and conformation traits in both turkey breeds, with male turkeys exhibiting significantly higher values than females. Additionally, there were significant (p< 0.05) interactions between breed and sex. It was concluded that variations exist in body weight and conformation traits between the two turkey breeds, suggesting potential for crossbreeding with improved breeds to enhance the performance of Nigerian Indigenous Turkey.

Influence of Breed and Sex on Body Weight and Conformation Traits of Turkeys

A study was conducted to evaluate the influence of breed and sex on body weight and conformation traits in two turkey breeds: Nigerian Indigenous Turkey (NIT) and Hybrid Commercial Turkey (HCT). Sixty-four poults were randomly assigned to two treatment groups based on breed, with each breed further replicated four times, comprising eight birds per replicate. The birds were reared in deep litter pens for 18 weeks. Conformation traits assessed included body length (BL), breast girth (BG), shank length (SL), thigh length (TL), wing span (WS), wing length (WL), and neck length (NL). Data collected on body weight and conformation traits were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) package. Results revealed significant (p< 0.05) differences in body weight between the two breeds, Conformation traits also showed significantly higher values in HCT compared to NIT. Sex had a significant effect (p< 0.05) on body weight and conformation traits in both turkey breeds, with male turkeys exhibiting significantly higher values than females. Additionally, there were significant (p< 0.05) interactions between breed and sex. It was concluded that variations exist in body weight and conformation traits between the two turkey breeds, suggesting potential for crossbreeding with improved breeds to enhance the performance of Nigerian Indigenous Turkey.

Syntactic Metaphors as Common Features of Most Nigerian Indigenous Names

African names are reflections of many factors at work, because beyond the fact that they identity symbols, the indigenous Nigerian Society believes that names shape a person’s character, mold their social identity and even influence an individual’s destiny. This explains why this study examined the peculiarities associated with most Nigerian indigenous names, focusing especially on the syntactic features of these names. The names used in this study were drawn from the two major Nigerian Languages of Yoruba and Igbo, and the third language, is the Edo Language of the Benin Kingdom. Consequently, when these names were translated into the English Language, using the parsing tools of Systemic Grammar of S- Subject, P- Predicator, C- Complement and A- Adjunct, the findings revealed that while most Nigerian indigenous names are singular words in their native entities, when these names are translated into English Language and analysed, they are complete sentences in the shape of subject, predicator and complement or subject, predicator and adjunct, in some cases a subject and a predicator. The findings buttress the fact that Nigerian indigenous names are classics, because they are like film – reels that reveal the cosmopolitan world view of the Nigerian indigenous societies. This highlights why these meanings are connotatively metaphoric, because a peoples thought, experience and what they do every day is very much a matter of metaphor (Lakoff and Johnson 1980: 3).

Expression of Spur Gene in the Nigerian Indigenous Chickens in the Guinea Savannah Region of Nigeria: Phenotypic Effects.

This study was designed to investigate the expression of spur gene and its effects on body weight and body linear measurements of Nigerian indigenous chickens in Benue state, Nigeria. Four hundred (400) mature indigenous chickens were used for this study. Data were collected on body weight using weighing balance with accuracy of 0.1 Kg; linear body measurements (shank length, thigh length, body girth, toe length) were taken using a measuring tape, while shank thickness was measured using Vernier Calipers. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Results of this study suggest that the calculated allele frequency of spur gene (0.808) in the indigenous chicken was significantly (P< 0.05) higher than the expected Mendelian frequency of 0.25. Nigerian indigenous chicken cocks recorded significantly higher means (P< 0.05) in terms of body weight and linear body measurements when compared to hens. Results also suggest that spurred cocks were better (P< 0.05) than spurless cocks and spurred hens in terms of body weight, shank length, thigh length, body girth, toe length, and shank thickness. Spurred hens were significantly (P< 0.05) better than spurless hens in terms of shank length, thigh length, and shank thickness. Correlations between body weight and linear body measurements were highly positive and significant (P< 0.01). Results of this study suggest that the presence of spur gene in a chicken population could have pronounced positive effect on body weight and linear body measurements of Nigerian native chickens in the guinea savannah region.
 
 
 
 
 Cette étude a été conçue pour étudier l’expression du gène spur et ses effets sur le poids corporel et les mesures linéaires corporelles de poulets indigènes nigérians dans l’État de Benue, au Nigéria. Quatre cents (400) poulets indigènes matures ont été utilisés pour cette étude. Les données ont été recueillies sur le poids corporel à l’aide d’une balance avec une précision de 0,1 kg ; les mesures corporelles linéaires (longueur de la tige, longueur de la cuisse, circonférence du corps, longueur des orteils) ont été prises à l’aide d’un ruban à mesurer, tandis que l’épaisseur de la tige a été mesurée à l’aide de pieds à coulisse. Les données ont été analysées à l’aide du package statistique pour les sciences sociales (SPSS) version 20. Les résultats de cette étude suggèrent que la fréquence allélique calculée du gène spur (0,808) chez le poulet indigène est significativement (P < 0,05) supérieure à la fréquence mendélienne attendue de 0,25. Les coqs de poulet indigènes nigérians ont enregistré des moyennes significativement plus élevées (P 
 <0,05) en termes de poids corporel et de mesures corporelles linéaires par rapport aux poules. Les résultats suggèrent également que les coqs éperonnés étaient meilleurs (P < 0,05) que les coqs sans spur et les poules éperonnées en termes de poids corporel, longueur de la tige, longueur de la cuisse, circonférence du corps, longueur des orteils et épaisseur de la tige. Les poules éperonnées étaient significativement (P < 0,05) meilleures que les poules sans spur en termes de longueur de tige, de longueur de cuisse et d’épaisseur de tige. Les corrélations entre le poids corporel et les mesures corporelles linéaires étaient hautement positives et significatives (P < 0,01). Les résultats de cette étude suggèrent que la présence du gène spur dans une population de poulets pourrait avoir un effet positif prononcé sur le poids corporel et les mesures corporelles linéaires des poulets indigènes nigérians dans la région de la savane guinéenne.

Infrared Thermography following Castration, Otectomy and Gastrotomy in ‎Nigerian Indigenous Dogs

Infrared thermography analyzes changes in the surface temperature of the skin and has been used in companion animals to identify inflammatory processes, neoplasia, pain, and neuropathies. This study evaluated and compared surgical wound surface temperatures in Nigerian Indigenous Dogs (NID). Nigerian indigenous dogs are a medium-sized breed that weighs between 8 to 30 kg with moderate hair length, and a mesocephalic cranial index. The dogs were randomly allocated into groups A, B, and C for castration, otectomy, and gastrotomy, respectively. The wound surface temperature (WST) in the NID that underwent gastrotomy were significantly higher particularly at 18-48 h compared with Pre and other sampling periods within the group. It was also found that, at 0 h versus 48 h, 18 h versus 48 h, week 1 versus 18h; 24h; 48h; and 72h showed significant (p < 0.05) differences among NID subjected to gastrotomy (group C). However, the WST of NID subjected to castration and otectomy were significantly higher than that of gastrotomy. At 48 and 72 h, and week 1, the WST of NID in otectomy also known as ear cropping (group B) and castration (group A) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of gastrotomy (Group C). Thermography of the surgical wounds aided postoperative wound management in the NID that underwent castration, otectomy and gastrotomy. Hence, the study suggests that guided WST with the aid of infrared thermography could be deployed as a useful tool to aid post operative wound management.

Determination of Immune Response Traits in Nigerian Indigenous Chickens Challenged with Newcastle Inactive Antigen

Determination of Immune Response Traits in Nigerian Indigenous Chickens Challenged with Newcastle Inactive Antigen

Comparative Evaluation of Growth Performance and Feed Utilization of Improved Nigerian Indigenous Broiler and Different Crossbreds

The study was carried out as part of efforts to improve the performance of the Nigerian indigenous chicken and improve potentials of indigenous broiler strains to provide higher quality of meat at a reduced cost. The study compared the growth and feeding traits of three different chicken crossbreds with the generated lines of Improved Nigerian indigenous broiler (FUNAAB-Alpha) using the Arbor Acre broiler as the experimental control. Males of three broiler breeds types (Kuroiler, Sasso and Arbo Acre) were mated with a total of 120 improved Nigerian indigenous pullets (FUNAAB-Alpha) to generate 360 crossbred broilers. 120 each of Arbor Acre and FUNAAB-Alpha improved line were also reared in a separate pen for comparison. Growth performance, feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency of all the chicken breeds were recorded for 8 weeks and compared. Two way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for the analysis with consideration of the effect of breeds, sex and its interaction. The results revealed a significant (P < 0.05) influence of the breeds on the traits across all ages. FUNAAB-Alpha broiler consumed the least quantity of feed/bird/day followed by the Sasso-FUNAAB-Alpha crossbred throughout the period of the experiment. However, Sasso-FUNAAB-Alpha chicken had the highest mean value for body weight and other linear body parameters among the crossbreds. Despite of the improvements achieved in FUNAAB-Alpha crosses, there is a need for further analysis and research in order to achieve the maximum potential of the improved broiler strain

Antifungal Potential of Some Nigerian Indigenous Plants: A Remedy for Candidiasis

Background: Invasive candidiasis has been recognized as a major cause of mortality and morbidity in hospital settings across the globe. Aside from C. albicans, other Candida species (C. glabarata, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis) associated with invasive candidiasis have been reported as a public health challenge.
 Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activities of extracts of some indigenous plants using the agar disc diffusion method.
 Methods: Fresh samples of the plant parts were collected, identified, air dried, pulverized and extracted using standard methods. The extracts were screened against clinical isolates of C. albicans, C. glabarata, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis using agar disc diffusion method.
 Results: All plant extracts exhibited varying inhibition zones ranging from 8.0 - 24.0 mm against the tested isolates. Fractions of Acalypha wilkesiana Macrophylla (AWRF5) showed the lowest activities against all the test isolates with zones of inhibition ranging from 10.0-13.0 mm while AWRF6 fraction of the same plant demonstrated highest antifungal activities against all the test isolates with zones of inhibition ranging from 14.0-24 mm followed by fractions of Acalypha wilkesiana Hoffmanii (AWGF6), which demonstrated high (14.0 - 20.0 mm) antifungal activities.
 Conclusion: The Plants understudied possessed antifungal potentials and can serve as lead in the development of phytomedicines to combat candidiasis decrease medical as well as financial burden, hence improving the management of cirrhotic patients. These predictors, however, need further work to validate reliability.

Globalization as a Factor for Language Endangerment: Nigerian Indigenous Languages in Focus

Globalization can be viewed from economic, cultural and socio-political perspectives including information and communication technology (ICT). In view of this, it is seen as the increasing empowerment of western cultural values including language, philosophy and world view. In many African countries Nigeria inclusive, English language which is the language of colonization is gradually becoming a global language due to its influence and subsequent adoption as the official language by many African nations which are largely multi-cultural and multilingual under the British colony. This trend has not only relegated the status of Nigerian Indigenous languages to the background but has also threatened their existence in Nigeria which accommodates over 500 native languages. If this trend is left unchecked, the ill-wind of globalization will gradually sweep the native languages including the so-called major ones (Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba) out of existence particularly in Nigeria. This paper discusses globalization as one of the major factors for language endangerment with respect to Nigeria as a nation, with a view to proffering possible solutions capable of sustaining and empowering the nation’s socio-cultural and economic stability.

Evaluation of Vitamins C and E on Semen Motility and Viability in Chilled Semen of Nigerian Indigenous Turkey Toms (Meleagris gallopavo)

Evaluation of Vitamins C and E on Semen Motility and Viability in Chilled Semen of Nigerian Indigenous Turkey Toms (Meleagris gallopavo)

Evaluating the Nigerian prosperity gospel as a mixed ideology

There are two popular suggestions as to how the prosperity gospel emerged in Nigeria. The first school of thought posits that the phenomenon of the prosperity gospel was exclusively an American ideology imported into Nigeria, while the second view holds that it was entirely an African ideology nurtured with African ingredients and popularised on African soil. There has been little literature that has actively and adequately explored the Nigerian prosperity gospel as a combination of the American prosperity gospel and the Nigerian Pentecostal revivalism. Therefore, to fill this gap in the literature, this article suggests that the Nigerian prosperity gospel is a joint theology with elements of the American prosperity gospel ideology, which has its origins in the American New Thought movement, and the Nigerian Pentecostal revivalism, which has its origins in the Nigerian indigenous Pentecostal movement. This attempt employs a historical approach. In this vein, the narrative explores related literature about the prosperity gospel in Nigeria and offers a radical shift from the popular views that solely attribute the emergence of prosperity gospel ideology to either the Nigerian Indigenous Pentecostal revivalism or the American prosperity theology.

OBSSERVATIIONS O GROWTH, BODY DIMENSIONS AND CARCASS TRAITS OF NIGERIA INDIGENOUS PIGS

Observations were made on 79 Nigerian indigenous (NI) and 24 Large White pigs.There was. a, three-month delay, in growth acceleration in NI pigs as compared with LW pigs. Growth acceleration started at 7 and 4 months for NI and LW respectively. Over all ages studied, NI differed markedly from LW in live weight, body length, height, depth and ham dimen­sions but this difference was much less between males than between females_ In NI ;boars serially slaughtered, live and carcass weights doubled between 7 and 10 months of age while dressing percent and carcass length reached peak values at 10 months. Carcass backfat measurements were higher and more consistent at the shoulder than at the loin or rump. Com­bined longitudinal and dissection studies are needed to elucidate the growth curve, the true genetic potential for growth and the body fat deposition pattern in the NI pigs.

A Phenotypic Trait (Neutrophil: Lymphocyte ratio) of Pure and Crossbred Nigerian Indigenous Pigs

Pig plays a major role in socio economical by serving as a source of income for rural population and fulfilling an important role in culture and food security. Neutrophillymphocyte ratio (NLR) can be defined as the ratio of absolute neutrophil count to the absolute lymphocyte count. Fifty-one weaners were randomly selected at 9, 17 and 25 weeks of age for haematological analysis. Blood from the jugular veins of these pigs were collected into anti-coagulant bottles and taken to the laboratory for analysis. The blood parameters taken were leukocyte traits represented by neutrophilic count (NEU %) and lymphocyte percentage (LYM %). NLR was calculated by dividing the mean neutrophil counts by the mean lymphocyte count. Haematological data recorded were analyzed by using Analysis ofvariance (ANOVA) and means were separated by DuncanMultiple Range Test (DMRT). The NLR values were significant between the two breeds where NIP NLR was higher throughout the ages.

English Language, Globalisation and the Future of the Nigerian Indigenous Languages

In the present globalised world, languages have come to be ranked based on their roles in the world arena, the status assigned to them in the environment inwhich they are spoken as well as the number of their respective speakers. As such, some languages, including English, is considered a world language. English language wields great power in Nigeria, as an official and national language. Its ever-increasing roles have detrimental effects on the survival of the minority languages, with most of them playing just peripheral roles. Most of the minority languages are further threatened by the major ones spoken in different geopolitical zones. As the functional loads of these minority languages continue to reduce gradually and consistently, their level of vitality equally reduces. A minority language whose functional domains are overtaken by a dominant one will eventually disappear as their users shift to the latter and therefore, would no longer use them for any linguistic function. This paper discusses the current precarious situation of the Nigerian indigenous languages, especially the minority ones in the face of globalisation, the domineering effect of English language and what can be done to make these languages withstand the test of time.

Business Sustainability and Challenges of Climate Change in Nigerian Indigenous Automobile Companies. A case study of Innoson Motors Ltd, Nnewi, Nigeria

Business sustainability is one of the most important challenges of our time. Companies are integrating ideas of sustainability in their marketing, corporate communications, and in all their actions. It is for this reason that this study examined Business sustainability and challenges of climate change in Nigerian Indigenous Automobile Companies with particular emphasis on Innoson Motors Nnewi, Nigeria. The study is a survey research and data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The target population of the study was 258 employees of the company, and the sample size of 157 was obtained using Taro Yamani. The statistical tool used for data analysis was mean, standard deviation, correlation and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that there is a positive relationship between sustainable profit, organizational workers, business opportunities and climate change in Innoson Motors, Nnewi Nigeria. The study therefore recommended that Companies should deploy smart technologies, Invest in new, more environmentally conscious technologies such as green data centre as source of cost reduction as well as competitive advantage; also for there to be a meaningful movement towards absolute emission reduction, companies must test the concept of a trade-off between economic performance and environmental responsibility.

Business Sustainability and Challenges of Climate Change in Nigerian Indigenous Automobile Companies. A case study of Innoson Motors Ltd, Nnewi, Nigeria

Business sustainability is one of the most important challenges of our time. Companies are integrating ideas of sustainability in their marketing, corporate communications, and in all their actions. It is for this reason that this study examined Business sustainability and challenges of climate change in Nigerian Indigenous Automobile Companies with particular emphasis on Innoson Motors Nnewi, Nigeria. The study is a survey research and data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The target population of the study was 258 employees of the company, and the sample size of 157 was obtained using Taro Yamani. The statistical tool used for data analysis was mean, standard deviation, correlation and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that there is a positive relationship between sustainable profit, organizational workers, business opportunities and climate change in Innoson Motors, Nnewi Nigeria. The study therefore recommended that Companies should deploy smart technologies, Invest in new, more environmentally conscious technologies such as green data centre as source of cost reduction as well as competitive advantage; also for there to be a meaningful movement towards absolute emission reduction, companies must test the concept of a trade-off between economic performance and environmental responsibility.

Variations in Interleukin-10 Gene Underlying Trypanotolerance in Nigerian Indigenous Cattle

This study looked into trypanotolerance as one of the interesting physiological traits of indigenous Nigerian cattle (Muturu) which has been well adapted to the tsetse infested zone of the middle belt and southern parts of Nigeria. Interleukin-10 gene amplification, sequencing and bioinformatics methods were applied to the genetic data of the Nigerian Muturu cattle to detect the genetic divergence that may be associated with trypanotolerance in the Muturu cattle as compared to the White Fulani cattle. Trypanosomosis in livestock and man is characterized by cellular changes and damages resulting in great loss in production and sometimes death. IL-10 has been implicated as a candidate gene in trypanotolerance in N’Dama. Thus, to uncover Muturu genetic signatures underlying trypanotolerance, this study compared variations in IL-10 gene of Muturu and White Fulani cattle. Variations in IL-10 gene (exon 1) were identified using DNA sequence polymorphism programme (DnaSP) version 5.10.01 to estimate haplotype frequencies, nucleotide diversity and sequence conservation. The results revealed twenty-four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) present in White Fulani while only one SNP was present in Muturu, showing that IL-10 gene was more conserved in the Muturu cattle. Eight haplotypes were present in exon 1 of IL-10 gene of White Fulani while that of Muturu was one. Three motifs were common to the two cattle breeds, while two others were found in White Fulani population alone. Prediction of secondary protein structure showed that the gene is a mixed folding protein in White Fulani while it is not in Muturu. The study concluded that the Muturu displayed clear genetic differences compared to White Fulani breed. SNPs (24) detected in White Fulani and one in Muturu could serve as useful marker for association studies with trypanotolerance while improvement of trypanotolerance in susceptible breeds can be achieved through gene manipulation using IL-10 gene.

A Critical Understanding of the Impact of Monetary Policy on Nigerian Indigenous Firms: Lessons from Ten Years of Military Leadership, After 2nd Republic Nigeria (1983 – 1992)

The contradictory activities of the Apex Bank (Central Bank of Nigeria, which was contractionary) and that of the Commercial and Merchant Banks (which was expansionary), revealed the ineptitude of the Apex Bank, or its leadership, to effectively re-direct the economy towards sustainable development. The persistent above the maximum 16% loanable funds given to small-scale indigenous firms (16% in 1983; (1985, 1986; 18.7% in 1987; 21% in 1988, 1989; 22.9% in 1990; 20% in 1991-1992) is the Achilles-Heel, the missing link in adequate macroeconomic management of the real sector productivity and employment. The resultant excess liquidity of the economy had cataclysmic effect on inflation making cost of capital expensive and thus, adversely affected Balance of Payment and employment. In all, precautions should be taken against expansionary policies as well as accretion of foreign assets (net) and other assets in the hope to actualize the policy objective.

Reduction of Crude Oil Production Cost in Nigerian Indigenous Company using Activity Based Costing

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of activity based costing in reducing crude oil production cost in Nigerian indigenous oil and gas company. This research work identified strategies to effectively reduce the cost of crude oil production by adopting a cost reduction tool for crude oil production and to establish a good crude oil flow to the surface for production. Activity based costing was the cost reduction tool used for this work. The tool helps to differentiate between value added costing and non-value added costing. Non-value added costs must be reduced or eliminated during production so as to maximise profit. Data was collected from an indigenous oil service company. The collated data were tabulated and graphs were plotted with the aid of Microsoft excel. The analysis revealed a total sum of ? 416,978,977 was wrongly spent for a duration of three years on crude oil production due to non-value added costing. The activities are: poor transportation of crude oil, that is, use of mobile tanker for haulage instead of laying 4 inches coated pipes for a distance of 5km and contracting the treatment of produced water to a contractor instead of setting up a water treatment plant. Also, using a diesel engine generator for electric power supply while gas was available as a fuel gas for natural gas consuming generator was a non-value added activity. Lastly, inadequate oil well flowing practice by flowing the well through an adjustable choke for a long period of time instead of using a fixed choke. This is a huge loss for indigenous oil producing fields operated by an indigenous oil service company in Nigeria. The loss was due to inability of the producers/field location owners to set up few equipment to meet up with complete operation standard.