Red Sokoto Goats Research Articles

PERFORMANCE OF SOKOTO RED GOAT FED UREA TREATED GROUNDNUT (ARACHIS HYPOGAEA) SHELL

The study that assessed the impact of treatment of groundnut shell on performance, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen utilization by Sokoto red goats was carried out at Professor Lawal Abdu Saulawa Livestock Teaching and Research Farm, Federal University Dustin-Ma, Katsina State. Fifteen growing male goats used for the experiment were allotted to three treatments at five for each treatment in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with each one serving as a replicate. The experiment comprised of three treatments namely T1, T2 and T3 at inclusion levels of urea treated GNS at 0%, 10% and 20% respectively. The feeding trial was carried out for 84 days. Growth, digestibility, and nitrogen utilization parameters were measured. The proximate analysis revealed slight increase in crude protein while crude fibre decreased with increased level of inclusion of GNS. Lignin composition also slightly reduced from 11.90% in T1 to 10.90% (T3). There were significant differences (P<0.05) in weight gain per day, daily feed intake and feed efficiency. Average daily weight gain (75g/day) and feed efficiency (0.15) were higher in treatment T3 than those of other treatments but with lower average dry matter intake (490.83g/day). The nitrogen intake, faecal nitrogen, urine nitrogen, nitrogen absorbed, nitrogen balance, and nitrogen retained were significantly different (P<0.05) across the treatments. Treatment T3 which contained 20% inclusion level of UGNS was the best among all the diets because it contained 86.90% CPD, 95.66% EED, 92.76%, CFD 17.45%, 14.27 g/day nitrogen balance and 81.82% nitrogen retention. The feed cost per kg liveweight gain was significantly less (P<0.05) in treatment T3. The conclusion of the study was that treatment T3, which contained 20% urea treated GNS performed better than others.

Rectal temperature and body surface temperature rhythm in Red Sokoto goats infected with <i>Trypanosoma evansi</i> during the rainy season

There are limited studies on circadian rhythmicity in farm animals affected by protozoan diseases. The rectal temperature (RT) and body surface temperature (BST) rhythmic patterns in experimental Trypanosoma evansi-infected Red Sokoto goats (T. evansiinfected RSG) July – September were evaluated. Five goats were assigned to each experimental group, with group I as the negative control (CRSG), while animals in group II were individually infected with about 2.0x106 /2ml T. evansi-inoculum. Temperature reaction patterns were monitored by digital clinical and infrared thermometry. The RT and BST of goats, the ambient temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH) inside the pen were measured at 06:00, 12:00 and 18:00 hours (GMT+1) three times a week for 12 weeks. The AT had maximum, minimum and mean values of 27.0°C, 24.2°C and 25.6±0.26°C, respectively, while RH had maximum, minimum and mean values of 94.5%, 53.6% and 80.5±11.5%, respectively. Results obtained, via the application of a single Cosinor procedure showed that the RT and BST exhibited daily rhythmicity in both groups with the pattern distorted in T. evansi-infected RSG which showed an ascent from the 5th to the 10th week. The rhythmic characteristic of RT of the T. evansi-infected RSG showed that the mesor and amplitude were higher (p˂0.05) than those recorded for CRSG. Both groups showed no difference (p˃0.05) in acrophase. The eye region in both groups showed the highest BST, while the coronary band had the lowest. The result, for the first time, reported rhythmicity of RT and BST in T. evansi- infected goats under tropical conditions. The results obtained from our study may be useful for the early screening, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of protozoan diseases.

FEED INTAKE, GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY IN RED SOKOTO BUCKS FED GUINEA GRASS (Panicum maximum) HAY SUPPLEMENTED WITH CONCENTRATES.

For profitability in livestock production, there is a need for reduction in production cost, which is achievable by increasing the forage inclusion in the diet of ruminant animals. A feeding trial was conducted for one hundred and fifteen (115) days to determine the total feed intake, live weight gain, and digestibility coefficient in Red Sokoto bucks fed a basal diet of Panicum maximum hay supplemented with concentrate in the ratio 75:25, 50:50, and 25:75 for treatments 2, 3 and 4, respectively, while bucks in treatment 1 were fed 50:50 ratio of Digitaria smutsi hay and concentrate, all at 3% body weight. The animals were allotted to four dietary treatments with three animals per treatment in a complete randomized design. Feed intake, live weight gain, and digestibility coefficients were determined. The results showed that the growth rate and coefficient of digestibility were significantly higher (P<0.05) in bucks fed 50:50 Panicum maximum and concentrate than all other treatments. It was concluded that bucks fed Panicum maximum hay and concentrate had higher feed intake, digestibility, and better weight gain. Panicum maximum and Concentrate should be fed to growing red Sokoto goats (bucks) for better growth and digestibility.

Impact of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) Fruit Meal on the Reproductive Performance of Red Sokoto Does Crossed with South Africa Boer Bucks

Red Sokoto goat (RSG) does was crossed with South African Boer (SAB) bucks with the aim of improving the reproductive performance of RSG. Oestrus was synchronized in thirty-two (32) primiparous RSG does using 45mg fluorogestone acetate vagina sponges for fourteen (14) days. Pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin hormone was administered immediately after sponge removal and SAB bucks were introduced for matting. Twenty four (24) gravid RSG weighing 18.80kg – 19.55kg were selected and fed graded levels of baobab (Adansonia digitata. L) pulp-seed meal (BPSM) supplement in a completely randomized experimental design of six (6) replicates per treatment. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the results obtained. At parturition, animals on 10% BPSM level had the highest mean weight value of 27.00kg while the does on 0% BPSM recorded the least value of 25.00kg. At pregnancy, animals on 10% BPSM had the highest weight gain value of 7.80kg, followed by 30% BPSM with a weight gain of 7.20kg. 20% BPSM had 6.25kg weight gain and the least value of 6.00kg was recorded for animals on 0% BPSM. Weight of RSG does at weaning ranged from 22.00kg to 24.00kg. The Birth weight of kids were significantly different (P<0.05) with highest value of 2.85kg (10% BPSM), as control diet (0% BPSM) recorded birth weight of 2.00kg. The sex ratio of male: female recorded in the study were significantly different (P<0.05) across treatments. The kid weight at weaning and daily weight gain of the kids was significantly different (P<0.05) at all levels of BPSM inclusion. There was no kid mortality at birth. However, kid mortality at weaning recorded infinitesimal value of 1% for 10% and 40% supplementation level.

Factors affecting milk yield and milk chemical compositions in Nigerian indigenous goat breeds

The present study examined the milk yield and chemical composition of three distinct Nigerian indigenous goat breeds. Specifically, the study utilized three breeds of indigenous goats, namely the Red Sokoto, Sahel, and West African Dwarf (WAD), with each breed being represented by five (5) does. The milking process involved hand stripping each doe in the morning for a period of 2-3 minutes, with milk yield being immediately weighed. The milk samples were transferred to the laboratory and kept at -200C for further proximate chemical analysis for crude protein, ash, and solid fat. The results indicated that Red Sokoto does produced the highest quantity of milk in comparison to Sahel and WAD does, although this was not statistically significant (p<0.05). Moreover, milk yield decreased significantly (p<0.05) with increased lactation weeks in all three breeds. However, milk yield was observed to increase with a higher number of kids per dams, which was statistically significant (p<0.05). The ash content of Red Sokoto goats’ milk had the highest value with 0.93% as compared to the other two breeds. The WAD showed significantly higher fat content (4.20%) in comparison to Sahel (3.22%) and Red Sokoto goats (3.05%). The Red Sokoto goats had the highest solid non-fat (13.93%) as compared to the WAD and Sahel breeds with 3.66% and 12.9% respectively. In general, the Red Sokoto goats had the highest overall total solid in milk composition, with a value of 17.22% when compared to WAD and Sahel dams having 16.09% and 15.70%, respectively. Furthermore, the WAD breed had the highest crude protein content at 4.62%, while Red Sokoto and Sahel breeds had 4.43% and 4.04%, respectively. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that milk compositions varied across these goat breeds and that milk yield was affected by the breed, lactation week, and the number of kids per dam.

Comparative pregnancy diagnosis of digital rectal palpation technique, ultrasonography, progesterone assay and non-return-to-heat in Red Sokoto goat.

Comparative pregnancy diagnosis was carried out to evaluation the effectiveness of digital rectal palpation technique in Red Sokoto goat, at Small Ruminant Research Program of National Animal Production Research Institute, Shika, Zaria. Forty two does were randomly divided into groups A, B and C, (n = 14 each). Semen was collected from two Red Sokoto bucks using artificial vagina, processed and stored at 4˚C. Oestrus was synchronised with prostaglandin F2-alpha, and oestrus detected by apronised bucks and visual observation. Breeding was by artificial inseminating for groups A and B while group C bred by natural service. Comparative pregnancy diagnosis was carried out using ultrasonography (US) and digital rectal palpation technique (DRP) on day 14, 21, 28 and 126, while progesterone assay (P4) and non-return-to-heat (NRH) on day 21, post-breeding. Pregnancy rates on day 21 were 64.3 %, 92.9 % and 100 % (US); 42.9 %, 57.1 % and 57.1 % (DRP); 78.6 %, 78.6 % and 100 % (P4); 85.7 %, 78.6 % and 92.9 % (NRH). There was significant (P < 0.05) difference between US, DRP, P4 and NRH in groups B and C. It was concluded that DRP technique was effective in early pregnancy diagnosis (days 14, 21, and 28) in Red Sokoto goat does.

Fatty Acids and Mineral Content in Milk of Locally Reared Ruminant in Sokoto

The nutritional content of milk is determined by its protein, free fatty acids, and essential mineral contents which are indicators of high- quality dairy. This work aimed to evaluate some nutritional indices of milk obtained from locally reared Sokoto Red goats, Yankasa sheep, and Red Fulani cows. Milk samples were collected from each group of five breastfeeding goats, sheep, and cows. Crude protein and percent ash contents were determined using the Kjeldahl method while free fatty acid and mineral contents were determined using Gas Chromatography (GC) and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), respectively. The results obtained show that the percent crude proteins of cows, sheep, and goats were 7.00 ± 0.10, 9.60 ± 0.10, and 25.50 ± 0.10 %, respectively. The percent abundance of free fatty acids show that saturated fatty acids (SFA) were 54.70, 46.19, and 32.28 %, monounsaturated fatty acids (MFA) were 54.96, 47.76, and 35.94 %, while polyunsaturated fatty acids (PFA) were 1.71, 6.04, and 2.99 %, respectively for cow, goat, and sheep. The content of zinc, potassium, and magnesium in the samples were 24.30, 35.50, and 15.70 mg/L, and 11.20, 61.30, and 23.20 mg/L; and 85.20, 97.3, and 86.30 mg/L, respectively for cow, goat, and sheep milk. Results also showed that there is significant difference (p < 0.05), between goat's milk which had high percent crude protein, zinc, magnesium, and potassium when compared with sheep and cow milk. Interestingly, sheep milk contained the important essential fatty acids arachidonic acid and nervonic acid in cow's milk. Quantitatively, goat and sheep milk MFA and PFA contents are superior to that in cow milk. While goat milk is rich in zinc, potassium, and magnesium, and significant presence of arachidonic acid in sheep milk, no significant difference was observed in the tested constituents of goat and sheep milk.

Growth Response and Cost-benefit of Red Sokoto Goats Feedlotted on Crop Residues during Dry Season

Fifteen Red Sokoto bucks were assigned to five treatment diets designated as T1, T2I, T3, T4 and T5 with cowpea husk inclusion levels at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% to replace cowpea haulms. The feeding trial lasted for 90 days. Daily feed intake was measured by subtracting the leftover feed from the amount offered within 24 hours. Also, weight changes were measured by taking the weight of each animal at the end of the week and the weekly initial weight subtracted from it. The running cost was measured by summing all costs incurred in the production. Parameters measured were daily feed consumption, daily weight changes, daily running costs in the form of man-hour labor charges, drugs, revenue, transportation and other charges. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and net farm income (NFI) to carry out the cost-benefit analysis. Results of the research showed no significant differences (p>0.05) among the treatment means for initial body weight 5.53, 5.71, 5.87, 5.93 and 5.90 for T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. Feed intake varied among the treatments probably due to inclusion levels of cowpea husk. T5 had the highest feed intake (0.260kg) followed by T4 (0.25kg) and T3 (0.24kg) with significant differences (p<0.05) across treatments. Similarly, bucks on T5 performed well in terms of body weight gains (4.60kg) followed by T4 (4.13kg) and T3 (3.47kg) with significant differences (p<0.05) across treatments. The feed conversion ratio was highest in bucks on T3 (6.01) where cowpea husks and haulms inclusion were 50:50 because animals can utilize nutrient pool from both feedstuffs. Bucks on T3, T4 and T5 had the highest revenue (₦3,1600.00) followed by T1 and T2 (₦25,600.00). Profits per naira invested varied across treatment groups with T1 (₦6,850.00), T2 (₦6,700.00), T3 ₦12,800.00), T4 (₦12,650.00) and T5 (₦12,150.00). Costs per kilogram weight gain were ₦2,072.00, ₦1,881.00, ₦1,808.00, ₦1,528.00 and ₦1,409.00 for treatments T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. The economic analysis of the research showed an average gross farm income of ₦3,140.00 per head of animals which implies a profitable venture using these crop residues.

Effects of <i>peste des petit ruminants</i> N/75/1 vaccine on nasal bacterial flora and clinical indices in Red Sokoto goats

Peste des petit ruminants virus (PPRv) and Mannheimia haemolytica have been commonly implicated in naturally occurring pneumonia in sub-Saharan Africa and account for huge economic losses as they are associated with high morbidity and mortality. The Nigerian 75/1 PPR vaccine has been proven to be efficacious in the control of PPR. However, there is a paucity of information on the ability of this live attenuated vaccine to modulate bacteria of the nasal flora to control or confer protection against secondary bacterial infection induced especially by M. haemolytica. Nasal swabs and blood samples were collected for bacterial count and serology respectively. This study describes the effect of the N/75/1 PPR vaccine on the nasal bacteria flora and clinical indices of Red Sokoto goats. Ten (10) Red Sokoto goats were divided into two groups of five animals each. In one group, 1ml of PPR vaccine (2.5 TCID50) was administered subcutaneously while the other group served as control and 1ml of normal saline was administered subcutaneously. The results showed that for the PPR vaccinated group, although there was a significant decrease (p≤0.05) in nasal bacteria counts for Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida and Escherichia coli compared to the control group it was not sufficient to clear out these potentially pathogenic bacteria from the nasal flora. Also, in the PPR-vaccinated group, the only clinical symptom observed was a mild transient and self-limiting hyperthermia at about 2 weeks post-vaccination which may be attributed to the initiation and enhancement of immune responses. Hence, it can be deduced that the PPR vaccine may moderately inhibit the colonization of certain pathogenic bacteria of the nasal microbial flora but however, it is incapable of conferring total immunity against the secondary bacterial infection in naturally occurring pneumonia.

REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF RED SOKOTO GOAT BREED IN ADAMAWA STATE

As a multipurpose animal, goats provide meat, milk, hides, skin, and manure. They rank next to cattle in income generation and their meat (chevon) is quite popular and well-relished. The need to develop productive and adaptive goat breeds. This study was carried out to investigate the reproductive performance of Red Sokoto goat in Adamawa state. The design of the experiment was based on supplements offered. The result obtained in the study was; gestation length was short in groups receiving maize bran and cotton seed cake but longer in the control group and significant differences (P<0.05) existed between the different groups. Twinning was recorded only in the groups receiving maize bran and cotton seed cake; no significant differences existed. The birth weight of the F1 kids showed significant (P<0.001) differences between the groups, the highest was recorded in the control group while the least was recorded in the group receiving maize bran due to the incidence of twinning. This indicates that supplementation increases productivity.

Pathological and Molecular Investigation of Some Bacterial in the Lungs and Livers of Red Sokoto Goats Slaughtered at Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

This study was conducted to determine the pathological findings and molecular investigation of bacteria flora associated with the lesions in the lungs and livers of goats slaughtered for public consumption at the Ilorin, abattoir. A total of 450 samples (240 lungs and 210 livers) were collected and examined from goats slaughtered at the Ipata slaughterhouse in Ilorin, Kwara State. Of this number, 58 (24.17%; 95% CI = 19.19–29.96) lungs and 17 (8.10%; 95% CI = 5.17–12.58) livers revealed gross and microscopic pathological lesions as a result of bacterial pathogens. Based on gross examination, lung lesions were categorized into bronchopneumonia (27.59%), congestion (22.41%), interstitial pneumonia (17.24%), hemorrhages (13.77%), emphysematous (10.34%), and hyperemia (8.62%). In the liver, hepatic congestion 8 (47.06%) was the most observed gross lesion. Others included hepatic enlargement (29.41), hepatic fibrosis (17.65%), and hepatic abscess (5.88%). The molecular investigation revealed lung pathological lesions were as a result of Klebsiella species (51.72%) and Bacillus species (48.28%), while Escherichia species (52.94%) and Salmonella species (47.06%) were detected in the liver. The molecular analysis showed that the bacteria organisms detected in this study did not fully cluster with similar species from other parts of the world. The infection caused by these bacteria showed histopathological lesions in the lungs and livers. There is need for more studies to further characterize these bacteria species detected from Red Sokoto breeds of goats in-depth.

Gross and histological study of the larynx in red sokoto goat (Capra hircus) from Sokoto, Nigeria

Small ruminants are very important in securing food security and are economically significant in the rural community especially in the west African country. The larynx serves as both airway passage and organ of vocalization, which are associated with their own pathology and diseases. In the current study, 9 specimens of larynxes from apparently healthy red sokoto goats were obtained from Sokoto Modern abattoir, dissected, and morphologically and histologically evaluated. The results showed the larynx is a firm irregular tubular structure situated in between the ramii of the mandible with the laryngeal muscles are intertwined in between the cartilages. The rostral aspect of the larynx forms the caudal border of the pharynx while the caudal end of the larynx continues as the trachea. The thyroid cartilage is the largest while arytenoids are the smallest. Histologically, the thyroid, arytenoids and cricoid are of the hyaline cartilage while the epiglottis is made up of the elastic cartilage. This research work focus on evaluating the gross and microscopic anatomy of the larynx, thus, providing information for future use in both anatomical studies and clinical applications.

Clinical haematobiochemical parameters during experimental lead poisoning in goats: effects of methanol extract of Tiger nuts

The effects of methanol extract of tiger nut on haematobiochemical parameters during experimental lead poisoning in Red Sokoto goats were investigated. The seeds of tiger nuts were extracted with 90% methanol. Phytochemical analyses were carried out using standard procedures. A total of twenty-four adult Red Sokoto goats of both sexes were separated randomly into four groups for acute and chronic studies. Three goats in both acute and chronic studies were housed per group. In the acute and chronic studies DW groups was administered an equivalent amount of distilled water (400 and 200 ml/kg). Group II was only administered lead acetate (400 and 200 mg/kg). Group III was administered with methanol extract of tiger nuts (400 and 200 mg/kg) combined with lead acetate (400 and 200 mg/kg) respectively. Group IV was administered with tiger nuts (400 and 200 mg/kg) only for a period of 2 and then 20 weeks for acute and chronic phases respectively. Haematobiochemical parameters were determined. The lead acetate and lead acetate combined with methanol extract of tiger nut in acute and chronic groups showed microcytic normocytic and microcytic hypochromic anaemia respectively with the latter suggestive that with chronicity, an enzymatic inhibition of haemoglobin synthesis led to iron deficiency. Alterations in serum biochemical enzymes and other parameters indicative of hepato-renal injury were observed and ameliorated by methanol extract from tiger nuts

Comparative evaluation of live body weight, linear body measurement and carcass characteristics of West African dwarf and red sokoto goats in Abak municipality, Akwa Ibom State

Comparative evaluation of live body weight, linear body measurement and carcass characteristics of West African dwarf and red sokoto goats in Abak municipality, Akwa Ibom State

Predicting the body weight of indigenous goat breeds from morphological measurements using the classification and regression tree (CART) data mining algorithm

Classification and regression tree (CART) is a tree-based data mining algorithm that develops a model to predict an outcome. This study purposed to create a model to predict the body weight (BWT) of Red Sokoto (RS), Sahel (SH), and West African Dwarf (WAD) goats using morphological measurements (such as body length, BL; head girth, HG; head width, HDW; face length, FAL; height at wither, HTW; rump length, RL; shoulder width, SW; rump width, RW; and rump height, RH). In total, 600 goats were used for this study (200 each of RS, SH, and WAD goats). Pearson?s Moment Correlation was used to evaluate the degree of association between BWT and each morphological measurement. Concomitantly, CART analysis was performed to estimate which independent variable (morphological measurements) played a considerable role in the BWT (dependent variable) prediction. In RS and WAD goats, a positive and statistically significant (p < 0.0001) correlation was observed between BWT and each morphological measurement. However, in SH goats, both positive and negative statistically significant correlations were observed between BWT and morphological measurements. The CART analysis indicated that in RS and WAD goats, HG played a considerable role in BWT prediction, while, in SH goats, BL was considered the most critical independent variable in BWT prediction. Therefore, this study suggests that HG can be used as a prognostic index for BWT estimation in Red Sokoto and West African Dwarf, while BL can be used for Sahel goats. The SAS codes used are available via a GitHub repository (https://github.com/Soullevram/CART).

Effect of Increasing Levels of Statin (Atorvastatin) on Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality of Sokoto Red Goats

This study aims to investigate the effect of statin on carcass characteristics and meat quality of Sokoto Red goats. Sixteen castrated goats aged 8-9 months old with initial live weight of 29.8±3.0 kg were assigned to four treatments replicated three times. The experiment lasted for a period of 3 month. Treatment 1 was the control (0 mg statin /kg bodyweight) while T2, T3 and T4 were supplemented with statin at 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 mg statin /kg bodyweight, respectively. The result revealed no significant difference (P>0.05) on carcass characteristics. However, meat quality parameters (pH, cook loss, drip loss and cholesterol contents) except colour differed significantly (P<0.05). Supplementation of statin resulted in meat with high water holding capacity while pH values increases with increase in the level of statin. It can be concluded that dietary supplementation of statin at 4.5 mg/kg bodyweight could be a viable feeding approach to produce meat with high water holding capacity and lower cholesterol content. However, the pH values being at higher side could produce dark firm and firm (DFD) meat. Additional study is recommended to investigate myotoxicity effect of statin in order to safeguard consumers against myopathy associated with statin intake in humans.

The Different Locations for collecting blood sample from the heart of Red Sokoto GOAT- A Clinical Approach

The Different Locations for collecting blood sample from the heart of Red Sokoto GOAT- A Clinical Approach

Comparison of ultrasonography, progesterone assay, ballottement, and non-return-to-heat with digital rectal palpation technique for early pregnancy diagnosis in Red Sokoto goat.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the digital rectal palpation (DRP) technique for early pregnancy diagnosis and to compare the results of experiments I and II in the Red Sokoto goat. Experiment I had 68 goats with 52 does and 16 bucks. Does were divided into prostaglandin F2 -alpha (PGF2 α; n= 18), progesterone pessaries (P4 P; n= 18), and Control (n= 16) groups as oestrus synchronizaton methods. Bucks were used for oestrus detection (n= 6) and breeding (n= 10). Comparative pregnancy diagnosis was carried out on day 21 post-breeding using ultrasonography (US), DRP, progesterone assay (PA), ballottement (BL), and non-return-to-heat (NRH). Experiment II was a repeat but had 51 animals with 42 does and nine bucks; three bucks for oestrus detection and six for breeding. Does were divided into recto-vaginal artificial insemination (AI) by DRP (n= 14), vaginal speculum AI (n= 14), and Control-natural service (n= 14) groups, indicating breeding methods. Oestrus was synchronized with PGF2 α and pregnancy diagnosis was carried out on day 21 using US, DRP, PA, and NRH. The results for both experiments were similar. Pregnancy rates for PGF2 α group were 66.2%, 66.7%, 64.8%, 62.1%, and 63.0% for US, DRP, PA, BL, and NRH, respectively; P4 P had 81.5%, 81.5%, 42.6%, 20.3%, and 42.6% for US, DRP, PA, BL, and NRH, respectively; while Control was 73.6%, 79.2%, 70.9%, 73.6%, and 73.6% for US, DRP, PA, BL, and NRH, respectively. Proportions are significantly (p< .000) different in the P4 P group. It was concluded that the DRP technique was effective and consistent in early pregnancy diagnosis on day 21 and comparable to US, PA, BL, and non-return-to-oestrus in both experiments in Red Sokoto goat does.

Water Intake and Organ Weights of Red Sokoto Goats Fed Different Forms of Neem Leaves, Supplemented with a Concentrate Diet

The study evaluated the water intake and organ weights of red sokoto goats fed different forms of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves and concentrate diet. The experiment was carried out at the smal ruminant unit Teaching and Research Farm, Federal University of Kashere. Sixteen red sokoto goats (bucks) aged between 7 to 9 months with a weight range of 6.8 kg to 7.3 kg were allotted into four (4) treatments of four goats each. The goats were housed individually in pens. The goats were fed fresh neem leaves, neem leaves hay, neem leaves meal and neem leaves silage at 300g/goat/day for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively; and concentrate diet at 125g/goat/day for a duration of sixty- three (63) days. Known volume of water was served and daily water intake was determined. The experimental design was a completely randomized design; data were analyzed using a one- way analysis of variance. The significant means were separated using Least Significant Difference contained in SAS 9.4 statistical packages, 2018 edition. The concentrate and the neem leaves were analyzed for their proximate composition using the method of AOAC (2000). The daily water intake values ranged from 286.87 – 392.95 ml and were significantly (P&lt;0.05) different across the treatment means (significant between which Treatment 1 on one hand and Treatments 2, 3 and 4 on the other hand and both values increased with dry matter intake. All the organ weights values evaluated were not significantly(P&gt;0.05) different across the treatment means. and which value, water intake/dry matter intake (2.70 – 3.87ml/g) values also showed significant (P&lt;0.05 difference between The values for kidney ranged from 0.50 – 0.53 % while those for liver were 2.10 – 2.17 % It was concluded that the various forms of the neem leaves had no influence on the water intake of the goats, the different forms of neem leaves were not toxic to the goats afe he goats. Neem leaves can be used to feed goats during the long dry season. Further research should be carried out using other species of ruminants such as sheep and cattle.

Recto-vaginal artificial insemination using digital rectal palpation technique in Red Sokoto goat

Artificial insemination was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of digital rectal palpation as a new technique of artificial insemination (AI) in Red Sokoto goat. Forty two Red Sokoto goat does were randomly divided into group A (Recto-vaginal DRPAI; n = 14), group B (Vaginal speculum AI; n = 14) and group C (Natural service; n = 14). Semen was collected from two Red Sokoto breeding bucks using artificial vagina, processed and stored at 4ºC. Oestrus was synchronised with prostaglandin F2-alpha, and oestrus detected by apronised bucks and visual observation. Breeding was by artificial insemination for groups A and B while group C bred by natural service. Pregnancy diagnosis was carried out using ultrasonography on day 126. Conception rates were 61.5%, 58.3% and 100%, while pregnancy rates were 57.1%, 50.0% and 100% for groups A, B and C, respectively. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between groups A and B. It was concluded that digital rectal palpation technique effectively carried out recto-vaginal artificial insemination with similar and acceptable conception (61.5%) and pregnancy (57.1%) rates to vaginal speculum artificial insemination but lower to natural service in Red Sokoto goat does. However, it is recommended that further studies be carried out with more animal number to verify findings.