Sahel Goats Research Articles

Evaluation of resistance to gastrointestinal helminth nematodes in two naturally infected indigenous Nigerian goat breeds.

Tropical goat breeds often have at least modest resistance to gastrointestinal nematode parasites (GIN), but enhancement of GIN resistance is important for breed improvement. This study compared changes in fecal egg count (FEC), packed cell volume, and body weight in Red Sokoto (RS) and Sahelian (SH) male and female weaner kids and adult goats. The RS is found throughout Nigeria, but the SH is found only in the arid Sahel. Goats were evaluated fortnightly for 20 times (MT) under normal grazing conditions and natural GIN infection over 9.5months, beginning in the dry season (November) and ending at the end of the subsequent wet season (August). Animals were dewormed at the start of the study and during the rainy season (MT 18). Breed differences in FEC and PCV were not observed in weaners. Weaner females had lower FEC than males but were rapidly re-infected after deworming, perhaps in association with attainment of puberty. Adult SH goats of both sexes had lower FEC than RS goats in MT 8 through 17, suggesting a stronger acquired immune response. The FEC in lactating females of both breeds increased rapidly after deworming, to ≥ 3000 eggs per gram of feces at MT 19 and 20. The optimal time to evaluate GIN resistance in weaners was during the early rainy season, but the decision to focus on the initial high FEC near MT 15 or wait until mobilization of the acquired immune response near MT 17 requires further consideration.

EFFECT OF AGE AND SEX ON MORPHOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS OF SAHELIAN GOATS IN FASKARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KATSINA STATE

This research was conducted to determine the effect of age and sex on morphometric measurements and estimate correlation between body weights and morphological traits of Sahelian goat in Faskari Local Government Area, Katsina state. Experimental animals aged from 1-5 years were used for this study and were identified using physical appraisal. Physically healthy of both sexes and non-pregnant goats were sampled. The pairs of permanent incisors in the dentition of the goat were used to determine age, body weight by using bathroom weighing scale (kg), linear measurements using flexible tailor’s measuring tape and sex using physical observations. The results obtained, showed that age had significant (P<0.05) effects on RH, EL, HoL and TL, non-significant (P˃ 0.05) effect was found on BW, NL and BL. Sex had significant effect on BW, BL, HG and HoL and non- significant effect (P˃ 0.05) was found on RH, EL, TL and NL. Correlation coefficient between body weight and linear measurement shows that BW was highly correlated (P<0.01) with BL, HG and NL. BW was slightly correlated with RH and it was negatively correlated EL and HoL.

Pelvic and Testicular Biometry of Sahel Goats in Maiduguri, Nigeria

This study was carried out to document the pelvic and testicular biometric characteristics of Sahel goats. Record of body weight, body condition score, height at withers, scrotal length, scrotal circumference and external pelvic circumference were obtained from 400 male and 600 female Sahel goats. All the goats were approximately 1.5 years old and weighing 14 to 18 kg, with body condition score of 3 or 4 (scale of 1-5). The mean bodyweight of Sahel bucks was 15.12 ± 1.10 kg while that of Sahel does was 13.22 ± 1.12 kg, height at withers in bucks and does were 52.22 ± 1.20 cm, and 48.13 ± 1.23 cm respectively. The scrotal length and circumference in Sahel bucks were 11.39 ± 1.12 cm and 17.95 ± 1.21 cm respectively. The external pelvic circumference in Sahel does was 55.13 ± 1.16 cm. There was significant (P<0.05) positive correlation between the body weight and body condition score in bucks (r=0.52) and in does (r=0.42). It was observed that there was weak but positive correlation between the body weight and height at withers (r=0.34), in bucks and in does (r=0.25; P <0.5). A low but significant positive correlation was found between the body weight and scrotal circumference r=0.28, (P<0.05) in bucks. There was a highsignificant positive correlation between the scrotal length and scrotal circumference r=0.66, (P <0.05). The external pelvic circumference in Sahel does was also significantly positively correlated with body weight r=0.40, (P<0.05) and with the body condition score r= 0.33, (P<0.05). In conclusion, the body weight, body condition score, height at withers, scrotal length, scrotal circumference and external pelvic circumference of Sahel goats in Maiduguri were successfully determined, these parameters studied might serve as a bases for determining the breeding soundness of Sahel goats.

Sexual Activity of Local Sahel Goat Breed in Niger

Aims: In Niger, the Sahel goat breed counts for around 80% of the national goat herd. However, it is scientifically little or not known. Thus, one of the aims of its zootechnical characterization is the control of its sexual activity, a fundamental physiological basis of reproductive function.
 Study Design: For this purpose, a sample of 47 Sahel goats in two phenotypically different sub-samples: from the Tahoua region (22) and Tillabéry region (25) was installed and monitored for heat control in order to characterize female sexual activities.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted for a period of 9 months (January to September) at the experimental station of University of Niamey Faculty of Agronomy.
 Methodology: Heat controls by using harnessed males with a non-marking protective apron were carried out twice daily (8 am and 5 pm).
 Results: A total of 146 heats and 100 cycles were observed. It appeared that heat starts and ends mostly in the morning (76% and 70% respectively). Annual sexual activity has gone through two phases. A phase of an almost total rupture of heat from February to April and a phase of regular sexual activity from May to September and by extension the rest of the year. The mean duration of estrus and sexual cycle are respectively 35.75 ± 15.72 hours and 20.9 ± 9.7 days with strong individual variations (12 to 132 hours and 4 to 55 days for respective estrus and sexual cycle). The “T” test showed that there are no significant differences in these parameters between the two sub-samples (Tahoua and Tillabéry).
 Conclusion: Ultimately, the estrus and sexual cycle of Niger Sahel goat are common to those of the goat species in general.

The influence of lactation stage on the milk constituents of Sahelian goats

Twelve lactating sahelian goals aged between 2 and 3 years and averaging 25kg body weight were selected from the herd of the University of Maiduguri Teaching and Research Farm, for a 19-week lactation study. The does were classified into early mid and late lactation stages and maintained daily on 1kg concentrate mixture per animal in addition to grazing on Gambia Grass. Milk collected were analysed for total solids (TS), butterfat, protein, solids-non-fat (SNF), Ash and energy. The mean percentage values (M+SE) of colostrum were TS 14.96 ± 0.41; butterfat 8.58±1.0; protein 5.64±0.31; ash 0.93±0.07; SNF 6.37±0.51; and energy 3.21 ± 0.39 MJ/kg. The overall mean values for mature milk were 13.18±0.27, 7.52±0.18, 4.81±0.14, 0.76±0.03, 5.66±0.16% and 2.79±0.12 MJ/KG respectively for TS. fat, protein, ash SNF and energy. There was a gradual decline in the values of all the components of colostrum from day 1-6 after kidding. Generally, colostrum constituents were higher in concentration than those of mature milk on the 7th day after parturition. The mature milk constituents tended to increase with advancing lactation. Milk constituents (especially Fat, Protein and SNF), as evident from this study could be manipulated through feeding.

Changes in udder size and liveweight of West African Dwarf, Red Sokoto and Sahel goats during lactation and their phenotypic relationship with partial daily milk yield

Changes in udder size and liveweight (LWT) of ten West African Dwarf (WAD), three Red Sokoto (RS) and three Sahel goats during lactation and their phenotypic relationship with partial daily milk yield (PDM) were studied. Udder length (UL), udder width (UW), udder circumference (UC), udder volume (UV), distance between teats (DBT), teat height to ground (THG), teat length (TL), teat width (TW), teat circumference (TC) and LWT of does were determined weekly for 12 weeks of lactation commencing from 4 days post partum. There was increase in udder size arising from increases in all udder dimensions (except THG) of WAD from 1st - 3rd week of lactation and RS and Sahel from 1st- 2nd week of lactation when they peaked and thereafter declined up to 12 weeks of lactation. Partial daily milk yield followed the same pattern as the udder dimensions, Sahel dues had the largest udder size with highest average PDM, except for TC' which was largest in RS does. The WAD does had the smallest udder size with lowest average PDM. Largest size of udder was obtained on the day of peak milk yield. The correlation between udder dimensions, LWT and PDM were obtained with UL (r = 0.23), UW (r = 0.30), UC (r = 0.52), UV (r = 0,50), DBT (r = 0.57), THG (r = -0.32), TL (r = 0.09). TW (r = 0.226), TC (* = 0.36) and LWT (r = 0.50). Since, UW, UC, UV, DBT, TC and LUT of lactating goats showed significantly high correlation to average PDM, they could be good indicators of milk yield requiring further investigation as genetic markers.

Relationship between udder measurements during pregnancy and partial daily milk yield in goats

Relationship between udder measurements during pregnancy and partial daily milk yield (PDM) in ten West African Dwarf (WAD), three Red Sokoto (RS) and Sahel goats was studied. Udder width (UW), udder circumference (UC), distance between teats (DBT) and teat length (TL) were measured monthly before conception and during pregnancy up to parturition. PDM was determined weekly for 12 weeks of lactation commencing from 4 days post partum. There was a slight increase in udder dimensions within the first 2 trimesters of pregnancy (day 0 - 100) and then followed by an exponential increase during the third trimester (last 50 days of pregnancy) across the breeds. Sahel does had the largest udder dimensions with highest average PDM while WAD does had the smallest udder with lowest average PDM. The highest correlations between udder growth curve parameters and average PDM were obtained with A (r. 0.795) and b (r = 0.609). Thus, udder size at conception and during pregnancy appeared to be a significant determinant of average PDM per lactation and could be more important to average PDM than the rate of increase in udder size during pregnancy.

Thermoregulation in humid climate-adapted and Savannah breeds of goats exposed to West African cold (harmattan) season

Abstract The West African Dwarf (WAD) goats have hereditary dwarfism and are adapted to the humid climate. The study compared the cold tolerance of WAD and Savannah (Red Sokoto and Sahel) goats during the peak of the West African cold season in the Northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria. A total of 18 adult non-pregnant, dry does comprising equal number of each breed (six per breed) were used for the study. Thermoregulatory variables were recorded four times in the morning (07:00 h) and afternoon (13:00 h) hours at two-day intervals. Results revealed that irrespective of the hour of day, the WAD had significantly (p < 0.05) higher respiratory rate when compared with Red Sokoto and Sahel goats. The diurnal afternoon rise in respiratory rate and the magnitude of afternoon rise in rectal temperature was higher (p < 0.0001) in WAD than Sahel and Red Sokoto goats. The body surface temperature in the morning hours was significantly lower in WAD compared with Sahel breed, while in the afternoon hours, the inter-digital space temperature was significantly lower in WAD compared with Savannah breeds. However, there were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in heart rate, rectal, head and leg temperatures between the breeds in both morning and afternoon hours. Discriminant analysis revealed that the morning hours induced greater homogeneity in the thermoregulatory responses between the breeds adapted to the humid and Savannah climates as compared with the afternoon hours. It was concluded that although WAD goats employed more intense peripheral vasoconstriction to survive cold exposure and demonstrated greater diurnal amplitude in thermoregulatory variables, they maintained comparable core body temperature as the indigenous Savannah breeds. Thus, suggesting that despite the hereditary dwarfism, the WAD goats could conserve body heat during the West African cold season in the Northern Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria.

Sokoto Red and Sahelian goats: The untapped potential for improving meat production in the developing economy of Nigeria

A study was conducted on indigenous unselected Sokoto Red (SR) and Sahel (SH) goats in National Animal Production Research Institute, (NAPRI), Ahmadu Bello University, Shika- Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study was carried out to understand how birth, pre- weaning and post-weaning weights in the SR and SH goats can be used to improve their productivity. Thirty kids (10 males and 20 females) of SR and thirty kids (10 males and 20 females) of SH breeds of goat were utilised for this study. Results obtained showed that the coefficient of variation (CV) was very low. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) among mean bodyweight at birth, 30 days pre-weaning, 60 days pre-weaning, 90 days post- weaning and 120 days post-weaning weights of SR and SH goats except at 150 days post- weaning weight. Highly positive phenotypic correlations existed in the SR goats between 90- day weaning weight and 120-day post weaning; 90-day weaning weight and 150-day post weaning.120-day post weaning weight and 150-day post weaning.The birth weight of the SH goats were highly significant (P<0.05) and positively correlated with body weight at 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days old. It was observed that the sampled population was homogeneous for all traits. The 90-day weight of the SR can be utilised to improve for body weight at 30-, 120- and 150- days of age while in the SH goat, selection for high birth weight would enhance improvement for high body weight at later stages of growth.

Assessment of conventional and non-conventional estimation of live weight, carcass characteristics and dressing percentage of Nigerian breeds of goats as panacea for livestock entrepreneurship

The price tag on goat at the farm gate or market is usually by visual appraisal as the use of weighing scale for body weight determination is cumbersome and technical. This study was carried out to determine the reliability of using the girth tape as a non-conventional method of live weight, carcass characteristics and dressing percentage estimation for economic gain of goats. Female goats (n=75) were purchased from Akinyele goat market to comprise of WAD (n=25), Sahel (n=25) and Maradi (n=25) with the age range of 22-24 months. The weights were measured using a conventional weighing scale. Also, a calibrated girth tape was used to measure the heart girth of the circumference of the chest. The goats were humanely slaughtered and properly processed for the determination of dressing percentage. The carcasses were carefully sectioned into five parts namely: neck, right forearm, left forearm, right thigh and left thigh and the weights were determined. The values for scale and girth tape measurements were 15.90±4.15kg and 16.28±4.17kg, 20.81±5.80kg and 19.97±5.56kg, and 25.47±3.70kg and 25.20±3.48kg, respectively. There were not significant (p>0.05) differences between scale and girth tape measurements for the goats. The dressing percentages were 51.29±3.87%, 49.26±3.51% and 43.11±4.17% for WAD, Maradi and Sahel goats, respectively. There were apparent (p<0.05) differences in the dressing percentage among the breeds. There were significant (p<0.05) variations in the neck (0.87-1.21kg), right thigh (1.09-1.50kg), left thigh (1.85-2.42kg), right forearm (1.79- 2.45kg) and left forearm (1.82-2.39kg) among the breeds. There were significant differences in the weights of liver (0.41-0.51g) and kidney (0.11-0.15g) but none for heart and lungs among the three breeds of goats. There was also significant (p<0.05) difference in the weights of liver and kidney (0.51±0.12g) for Sahel goats. The results of the coefficients of correlation between weighing scale and girth tape measurements of body weights of goats were significant, positive and high. The result of the regression analysis showed an adjusted R2 of 0.992. It can be concluded that the girth tape may be a reliable tool without weighing scale while the WAD goats may also be more economical to slaughter for sales as it yielded more meat than Maradi and Sahel goats.

Relationship between bodyweight and morphological traits in Sahelian goats of Nigeria using path analysis

Aims: A total of 163 Sahelian goats of both sexes (64 males and 99 females) were randomly sampled and used in this study to assess the relationship between bodyweight and morphological traits using multivariate path analysis method.Methods: Data were obtained on bodyweight (kg), height at withers (HW), body length (BL), paunch girth (PG) and heart girth (HG). Means (+SD and CV) and correlation coefficients between bodyweight and morphological parameters were also evaluated using the statistical procedures of SPSS 20.0 package.Results: Higher significant (P<0.05) values were obtained for female goats in all the variables than males. The phenotypic correlation values between bodyweights and linear measurements were positive and highly significant (r = 0.707 – 0.803; P< 0.01 and r = 0.520 – 0.752; P< 0.01) in male and female goats respectively. Results also revealed that the direct effect of paunch girth on bodyweight was strongest (path coefficient = 0.413; P<0.05) for males while body length was strongest (path coefficient = 0.373; P<0.01) for female goats.Conclusions: The forecast indices recorded in this work could be employed to predict bodyweight in Sahelian goats with accuracy.Significance and impact of study: The prediction model obtained in this study would be useful in weight estimation and in the process help in making management decision and breeding programs for genetic improvement in goats.

Morphometric characteristics of Red Sokoto and Sahel goats in Maigatari Local Government Area of Jigawa State

The initial step involved in any animal genetic improvement program is to describe the morphometric traits considered. Therefore, a study was conducted in Maigatari Local Government Area of Jigawa State to determine some morphometric characteristics of Red Sokoto and Sahel goats. A total of 250 goats (187 Red Sokoto and 63 Sahel) of mixed sex and age were used for the study. The animals were sampled from Maigatari main livestock market. Data generated were subjected to simple descriptive, analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation analysis and stepwise linear regression. The coefficients of variation obtained for the parameters ranged from 8.96 % for wither height to 56.89 % for udder circumference. Red Sokoto had mean BW, BCS, BL, HG, WH, UL, UC, TL and TC of 20.58 kg, 3.20, 22.45 cm, 25.28 cm, 22.93 cm, 3.48 cm, 5.99 cm, 4.97 cm and 7.88 cm, respectively. The corresponding values for Sahel were 22.91 kg, 3.00, 23.58 cm, 25.07 cm, 24.55 cm, 4.14 cm, 7.06 cm, 4.75 cm and 7.52 cm. Sahel goats had significantly higher BL (P<0.01) and WH (P<0.001). Female goats were heavier than male and had longer body, wider chest and higher height at wither. Except TC, goats of 36 - 48 months had the highest for all the significantly affected traits (BW, BCS, BL, HG and WH; P<0.001). The correlation coefficients observed among the morphometric traits were in general high, positive and significant, while the accuracy of the predictive equation when HG and in combination with BL were used to predict live weight was also high. This study indicated that breed had no effect on most body characters and that live weight can best be predicted using HG.

Seroprevalence of <i>Brucella</i> infection in small ruminants from two institutional farms and a slaughter slab in Zaria, Nigeria

Brucellosis has continued to become a disease of major economic concern in developing countries. In a study to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, 1036 samples comprising 768 goats from institutional farms (n=384) and a slaughter slab (n=384), and 268 sheep all from institutional farms were used. The sera samples obtained from the animals were subjected to the Modified Rose Bengal Plate Test (m-RBPT) followed by Serum Agglutination Test with ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (SAT-EDTA) for Brucella antibodies detection. Milk samples were collected from lactating sheep and goats and subjected to the Milk Ring Test (MRT) for detection of Brucella antibodies. Results of the study revealed an overall seroprevalence rate of 6.37%, 8.90% and 12.96% for m-RBPT, SAT-EDTA and MRT, respectively. The seroprevalence in sheep and goats showed significant species difference (P < 0.05) for m-RBPT (10.05% vs 5.08%), but insignificant (P > 0.05) species difference for SAT-EDTA (9.33% vs 8.72%) and MRT (15.00% vs 11.76%) respectively. The seroprevalence in males and females showed insignificant sex difference (P > 0.05) for m-RBPT (6.59% vs 6.21%) and SAT-EDTA (7.76% vs 9.66%). On the other hand, the seroprevalence was higher in young (< 1 year old) than adult (> 1 year old) animals for SAT-EDTA (15.32% vs 8.11%). The seroprevalence in Red Sokoto, Sahel and West African Dwarf goats showed significant breed difference (P < 0.05) for m-RBPT (4.59% vs 5.55% vs 8.33%) and SAT-EDTA (6.80% vs 16.67% vs 12.50%). It was concluded that the seroprevalence of brucellosis was higher in sheep, Sahel goats and younger animals. To understand the pattern and dynamics of transmission of brucellosis in different groups of animals, there is the need for further studies to identify the Brucella species circulating in small ruminants.
 Keywords: Antibodies, Brucellosis, m-RBPT, SAT-EDTA, Small ruminants

CULTIVATION AND INGESTIBILITY OF ANGOLE PEAS (CAJANUS CAJAN) IN SAHEL GOAT IN NIGER

This study was conducted on the experimental site of the Faculty of Agriculture of Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey. Objective of the work is to study the culture of species Cajanus cajan while determining its applicability to the Sahel goat. Germination test was carried out in petri dishes. Experimental set-up consists of 360 pockets distributed in three blocks each containing four plots of which three plots received urea, three received the NPK, three others received the manure and in the end three were kept as controls. Time between the establishment of grain culture in petri dishes and first appearance of radicle is one day and the staggering of germination is four days. The emergence of seedlings was observed 7 days after sowing in pockets. The seeds have a germination rate of 67.14%. At the first harvest, biomass production is 78.84; 89.42 and 79.87kg / ha respectively for plants treated with urea, NPK 15-15-15 and for plants treated with manure. Production of control plants is 50.45 kg / ha. Species Cajanus cajan has a higher appetence rate (80%) compared to species Leuceuna lecocephala and Gliricidia sepium which have respectively 66.66 and 46.66%.

The First Seroprevalence Investigation of Peste Des Petits Ruminants Virus among Sahel Goat in Yobe State, Nigeria

Peste des petits ruminants is among the most common viral disease conditions of small ruminants, whose status has not yet been reported in Yobe State, Nigeria. Thus, this study was aimed at determining the seroprevalence of this disease among Sahel goats in Yobe State, Nigeria, using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA). Out of 460 serum samples collected, 255/460 (55.4%) were positive for PPR antibodies. Seroprevalence rates of 56.1%, 55.4% and 54.6% were recorded in Bursari, Bade and Nangere Local Government Areas (LGAs) respectively. There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) observed in the PPRV seroprevalence rates among the three LGAs. Sahel goats older than 18 months had a significantly higher (p<0.0001) Sero-prevalence of 65.2% compared to the 35.3% observed among younger ones (<18 months). The sex-wise distribution of the Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) seroprevalence rate showed that female Sahel goats had 60.0% and the males had 44.6%. The detection of the PPRV among Sahel goats from all the LGAs sampled suggests that PPRV is endemic in the study area. It is therefore recommended that PPR vaccination be instituted in the study areas.

Comparative Study of Intake, Apparent Digestibility and Energy and Nitrogen Uses in Sahelian and Majorera Dairy Goats Fed Hay of Vigna unguiculata.

Simple SummaryA specialized dairy goat like the Majorera (M) breed could be a good opportunity to meet the high demand for dairy products in Senegal. The efficiency of forage use from the M breed was therefore compared to that of the local Sahelian (S) breed. To this end, 6 M and 6 S goats were given a hay of a legume, Vigna unguiculata, as sole source of nutrient and their energy and nitrogen metabolism were studied. Forage intake was higher in the M goats but also their milk production. The efficiency with which energy and nitrogen was used was similar between the two breeds but M required more energy to meet its survival needs (energy for maintenance) and possibly less protein. Thus, it appears that M is probably better suited to dairy production systems requiring more attention from breeders.This study aimed to compare digestive and metabolic characteristics in Sahelian (S) and Majorera (M) goat breeds. Six lactating females from each breed, with an average weight 27.0 ± 1.93 and 23.7 ± 1.27 kg, respectively, were used. Cowpea hay, variety 58/74, was offered as sole feed ingredient, at a rate of 2 kg of fresh matter per animal per day. The animals were placed in metabolic cages and a digestibility test was conducted according to an adaptation period of 15 days and a collection period of 7 days. The daily chemical components offered and refused and recovered faeces, urine and milk were measured in order to assess energy and nitrogen utilization. The M and S goats had similar levels of dry matter (DM) intake as well as nutrient digestibility. On a metabolic weight basis, dry matter intake, gross energy intake, metabolizable and energy intake, digestible energy and energy lost as methane production were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in M than in S goats. Urinary energy excretion was similar (p = 0.9) between breeds, while faecal energy output was higher in M than in S goats. The milk energy output from the M goats was higher than that the S goats (p < 0.05). However, metabolizable to net energy conversion efficiency (klm) was not affected by breed (p = 0.37), while N intake, milk N yield and faecal N losses, relative to metabolic weight, were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in M than in S goats. Similarly, the percentage of dietary N intake excreted in urine (UNIN) was higher in S than in M breeds. The breed factor had no effect on N retained, N digestibility, urinary N and N use efficiency. In conclusion, the M and S goats were similar in terms of energy and nitrogen use efficiency, despite higher daily milk production and DM consumption in the M goat. This suggests that the M breed is possibly more dependent on a dense nutrition diet than the S breed but requires less maintenance nitrogen.

In vitro activity of selected ruminant sera on &lt;i&gt;Trypanosoma congolense&lt;/i&gt; Broden, 1894

Trypanosomiasis is one of the most important problems to man and his livestock. The in vitro Trypanosoma congolense activity of sera from some ruminants viz: West African dwarf goat, Red Sokoto goat, Sahel goat, Yankassa sheep, Uda sheep, Balami sheep, N’Dama cattle, Sokoto Gudali cattle, Friesian cross/Bunaji cattle, White Fulani cattle was investigated. Blood samples from the donor ruminants were screened for trypanosomes using the thick film and haematocrit centrifugation technique (HCT). Trypanosoma congolense was suspended in RPMI supplemented with FCS. After the addition of each test serum, the motility of the parasite was used as index of viability. None of the sera from the selected small ruminants exhibited any anti-trypanosomal activity against T. congolense in vitro. Their survival times were all significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) than the control (74.67Ç0.58 hrs), with negative Anti-trypanosomal Activity Index (ATI). The highest survival time which reflects the highest supportive activity was recorded with Yankassa sheep serum (171.33Ç2.31 hrs), a supportive activity significantly greater (P&lt;0.05) than that of sera from other small ruminants. The survival time of the parasites in the West African Dwarf goat serum was the least (100.00Ç8.72 hrs), although significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than the control (74.67Ç0.58 hrs). All the sera from selected large ruminants recorded negative ATI, showing the lack of antiTrypanosoma congolense activity. Sokoto Gudali serum had the highest supportive activity, significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) than that of other large ruminants (ATI of -1.38), with a mean survival time of 178.00Ç2.00 hrs. N’Dama cattle serum had the least supportive activity (ATI of -0.42 and survival time of 106.00Ç3.46 hrs). This study shows that all the sera from selected ruminants lack anti-Trypanosoma congolense activity, and are rather very supportive of the survival of T. congolense in vitro.Keywords: Anti-Trypanosoma congolense activity; in vitro; survival time; ruminants; inhibition index; anti-trypanosomal activity index; supportive activity.

Phenotypic resistance of indigenous goat breeds to infection with Haemonchus contortus in northwestern Nigeria.

Two studies at the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Zaria, Nigeria, compared Red Sokoto (RS), Sahelian (SG), and West African Dwarf (WAD) goats after experimental or natural infection with Haemonchus contortus. In the first study, 20 RS, 17 SG, and 14 WAD kids were challenged at 6months of age with 5000 L3 larvae of H. contortus. Fecal egg counts (FEC), packed cell volumes (PCV), and body weights (BW) were recorded 0, 28, 35, and 42days after infection. The FEC and PCV were affected only by time of measurement. In the second study, 322 RS and 97 SG kids were produced at NAPRI over 3years, weaned at 4 to 6months of age, dewormed, returned to contaminated pastures, and evaluated 28 and 35days later. Effects of breed, year, breed × time interaction, and breed × year interaction were observed for PCV and BW; FEC was only affected by time of measurement, year and breed × year interaction. The FEC were larger and PCV were smaller on day 35 compared to day 28 and in year 2 compared to years 1 and 3. The SG kids were notably smaller than RS kids in year 2, with higher FEC and lower PCV, but FEC were larger for RS kids in years 1 and 3. Differences in parasite resistance among these Nigerian goat breeds were therefore small and likely reflected underlying differences in growth, development, and disease history.

Short-term effect of Tramadol injection on the serum levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Luteinizing Hormone and Testosterone in Male Sahel Goats in Maiduguri, Nigeria

Tramadol is a synthetic analogue of codeine. Its mood elevation property and sex enhancement potentials are the main reason for its abuse. The aim of the study was to determine the short-term effect of tramadol administration on Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Testosterone (TEST) levels in Male Sahel Goats. This was an experimental study conducted from 1st October 2017 to 12th November 2017 at the Livestock Teaching and Research Farm, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State Nigeria involving 20 Male Sahel Goats. The goats were divided in to 4 groups of 5 each; group 1 served as control and groups 2, 3 and 4 were injected intramuscularly with 4 mg/kg (low dose), 8 mg/kg (medium dose) and 12 mg/kg (high dose) of Tramadol respectively. The injections were given intramuscularly, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected to determine the serum levels of FSH, LH and TEST at 0, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks and 4 weeks of tramadol injections. The Mean±SD of the hormones were computed using SPSS 20. The difference in mean was compared using t test and ANOVA with p &lt; 0.05 set for statistical significance. The baseline levels of FSH, LH and TEST in Male Sahel Goat in Maiduguri were 2.91±5.74 Miu/ml, 0.29±0.72 Miu/ml and 3.92±6.39 ng/ml respectively. Only the goats in group 4 showed a significant increase in serum FSH and LH by the 4th week (P=0.01 and 0.03 respectively) while no significant change was noted in the other groups. The was a decline in the level of Testosterone from 1st week through 4th week in all the experimental group but the level in the control group remain fairly constant throughout the experiment. The decline is inversely proportional to the dose of tramadol injection and most marked in group 4.High dose and prolonged used of Tramadol should be avoided because of side effects of Hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism. Â

Echographie du développement folliculaire et de l’ovulation chez la chèvre du Sahel en œstrus induit

Le développement folliculaire et l’occurrence de l’ovulation ont été étudiés chez la chèvre du Sahel en œstrus induits. Quinze femelles d’âges et de poids moyens respectifs de 37,25 ± 1,5 mois et 32,5 ± 7,3 kg, et de parité comprise entre 1 et 3 ont été traitées à l’aide d’éponges intravaginales (acétate de fluorogestone, 20 mg/éponge) pendant 11 jours. Ce traitement a été associé à l’administration intramusculaire par animal de 400 UI de gonadotrophine chorionique équine (eCG) et de 2 ml de cloprosténol le neuvième jour. La détection de l’œstrus a été réalisée par observation visuelle après l’introduction de deux boucs fertiles dans le troupeau. Le développement folliculaire a été suivi par échographie à intervalles de 12 heures au moyen d’une sonde linéaire de 5 MHz. Le délai moyen d’apparition de l’œstrus a été de 15,4 ± 2,9 h. L’œstrus a été matérialisé par des écoulements vulvaires et des tentatives de chevauchements entre congénères. Sa durée moyenne a été de 32,3 ± 3,8 h. A l’arrêt du traitement, 13 follicules ont été observés sur l’ovaire droit et 13 follicules sur l’ovaire gauche avec des diamètres moyens respectifs de 5,26 ± 1,25 mm et de 4,73 ± 1,45 mm. Le diamètre moyen du follicule préovulatoire a été 7,6 ± 2,1 mm. Ce diamètre a varié selon l’ovaire. Au total 17 ovulations ont été enregistrées dont huit dans l’intervalle entre 45 et 50 heures après la fin du traitement. Ces résultats sont des éléments de repère précieux pour l’application des biotechnologies de la reproduction chez cette race.