Semi-intensive Management System Research Articles

Parasitism and rumen impaction in a 5-month–old Yankasa ewe: A clinico-pathological report

We report concurrent acariosis, helminthosis and foreign body rumen impaction of multiple aetiologies in a 5-month-old Yankasa ewe from a multispecies flock on semiintensive management system. The clinical findings were tachycardia, hypothermia, bradypnea, diarrhoea, emaciation, lethargy, pale mucous membranes, and heavy tick infestation attached to the skin of the forelimb, hind limb, inguinal region, and the ears. Severe non-regenerative anaemia, marked neutrophilia and lymphocytopenia characterized the blood picture. The ewe was treated for endo and ectoparasites, along with fluid therapy. However, the ewe died in the course of treatment and the carcass was subsequently presented for necropsy. Gross findings included the presence of numerous ticks attached to the skin of the outer ears and interdigits, indigestible foreign materials in the rumen and numerous worms in the rumen, abomasum and the intestine. Laboratory analysis revealed that the ticks were Rhipicephalus sp. and Amblyomma sp. The rumen worms were identified as Paramphistomum sp., the worms from the abomasum were identified as Haemonchus contortus, and those of the intestine were identified as Moniezia expansa. Histopathologically, there was hypertrophy of the chief cells of the abomasum. There was a section of Haemonchus contortus surrounded by eosinophils within the mucosa of the abomasum. The villi of the intestine sloughed-off into the lumen. Based on the clinicopathological findings, the diagnoses of acariosis, helminthosis and foreign body rumen impaction were arrived at. The remaining animals in the herd were treated accordingly and the farmer was advised to ensure good farm management practices.

Effect of Herbal Additives Amla (Emblica officinalis) and Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) on Carcass Traits of Magra Lambs in the Semi Intensive Management System under the Arid Zone of Western Rajasthan

Aim: It was the objective of this study to determine whether the highly nutritious herbal feed additives Amla (Emblica officinalis) and Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) impacted carcass traits of Magra lambs in the semi intensive system of management.
 Study and Design: The experiment involved 28 lean lambs between the ages of three and four months under a semi intensive system, distributed at random into four experimental groups of seven lambs each, according to the randomized block design.
 Place and Duration of Study: The campus is located at 236 meters above mean sea level in the heart of the Thar Desert at 28° 18' 0" N (28.3° N) latitude, 73° 30' 0" E (73.5° E) longitude and 28° 18' 0" N (28.3° N) latitude. The duration of experimental study was thirteen weeks.
 Methodology: In a semi-intensive management system, groups T1 and T2 received an oral/feed supplement consisting of 1.5g/kg body weight of Amla (Emblica officinalis) fruit powder with seed and Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) stem powder, respectively, along with concentrate, excluding the control group and T3. Group T3 group received an oral/feed supplement comprising a combination of Amla (Emblica officinalis) fruit powder and Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) stem powder at a dosage of 0.75g/kg body weight, along with concentrate.
 Results: At the end of experiment, no significant changes were found in carcass traits except hot and cold carcass weight though; they were within normal range.
 Conclusion: At the end of experiment it appears that incorporation of 1.5g/kg body weight Giloy stem powder can be used as a part of the strategy as it is effective to alleviate stress in lambs in the semi-intensive system of arid zone of Rajasthan.

Adoption of Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T) Small Ruminant Technologies by Farmers in South Western Nigeria

Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T) is a multi-commodity research Institute that has generated adoptable technologies on small ruminant. The study investigated the adoption of IAR&T small ruminant technologies among farmers in South-Western Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 160 respondents for the study. Data were collected with interview schedule and analysed using descriptive (percentages and mean scores) and inferential (Chi-square and PPMC) statistics. Results revealed that majority of the respondents reared goats (86.9%), under semi-intensive management system (67.5%), for income generation (95.0%), and with 5.5±7.4 years of experience. Major modes of receiving small ruminant technologies/information were through Agbe asejere/IAR&T radio programme (x̅=0.82) and farmers’ guide (x̅=0.54). Use of pawpaw seeds for deworming (x̅=0.94), incorporation of crop residue in ration (x̅=0.94) and use of tobacco extract for treating parasites (x̅=0.87) were the most accessible small ruminant technologies to the respondents. Though constrained by high capital investment (x̅=1.50) and poor access to small ruminant technologies (x̅=1.21), the respondents’ rate of adopting small ruminant technologies was high (68.7%). Access to small ruminants technologies (r=0.518, p=0.000) and constraints (r=-0.305, p=0.01) were significantly related to adoption of IAR&T small ruminant technologies. The study concluded that readily accessible technologies were equally the most adopted ones. Therefore, it is recommended that IAR&T should endeavour to concentrate its efforts on making its technologies more accessible to end users.

English

Livestock-oil palm plantations integration system is intended to improve farming efficiency, where agriculture not only plays a role as the primary producer of food but also as a producer of feed, fertilizer, energy, and other bioproducts, leading to a sustainable agricultural system. Smallholder farmers in Indonesia integrated Bali cattle and oil palm with extensive, semiintensive, and intensive management systems. This study evaluated the integrated system of oil palm and Bali cattle under different management systems regarding the characteristics of smallholder farmers, nutritional status, and weight gain of Bali cattle on smallholder farms. The study was conducted in the Regency of Central Bangka, Bangka Islands, Indonesia. The study included 108 Bali cattle grouped as calves, young, and adults. The observed variables included smallholder farmer characteristics, feed nutrients, feed nutrient consumption (Dry Matter (DM), protein, Ca, and P), feed digestibility, and body weight gain. A Randomized Block Design and analysis of variance for the obtained data were used in this experiment. Smallholder farmers implementing the integration of livestock-oil palm in Central Bangka Regency were dominated by inexperienced novice farmers. The majority of the farmer choose semi-intensive rearing management as this system produces compost as a by-product. The semi-intensive system also provides better feed quality for Bali cattle. Therefore, DM consumption in the semi-intensive system was higher than in other systems, especially in young bulls, heifers, and male and female calves (P<0.05). Thus, Bali cattle in the semi-intensive system had higher average daily gain than those in the intensive or extensive system. Therefore, it can be concluded that the semi-intensive management system is the best model in the Bali cattle-oil palm integration system in the rural dryland area, in accordance with nutritional status and the characteristics of smallholder farmers in Indonesia

Genetic Analysis of Malkangiri Goats in its Native Tract

Background: In the present study, genetic analysis of Malkangiri goat, a native goat population of southern Odisha is made. Methods: The present study area was under south eastern ghat agro climatic zones in Odisha. These goat type is raised under semi-intensive system of management with a flock size ranging from 5 to 35. The body weight and some biometric traits were recorded from birth to 12 months at an interval of 3 months. Estimation of heritability, genetic and phenotypic correlation also were reported in this research article. Result: Overall body weight of this goat type were found to be 16.31±0.17 kg with height of 57.44±0.50 cm at marketable weight of 12 months. The heritability estimate of body weight was recorded as 0.19±0.13 and 0.22±0.15, respectively at birth and 12 month of age. The heritability estimates of HW, BL, HG and PG at 12 month of age were 0.13, 0.32, 0.22, 0.13, respectively. The genetic correlation among the body weight and body measurement traits ranged from 0.21 to 0.91, whereas, the phenotypic correlation range from 0.18 to 0.52 at 12 month of age. This information on the genetic analysis may be helpful in developing further breed improvement strategies and conservation.

A REVIEW ON EFFICIENCY OF ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION IN CATTLE BREEDING IN ETHIOPIA

Ethiopia has large cattle population in Africa. The output of decades of crossbreeding programme in Ethiopia through AI service was quite insignificant because the exotic breeds and their crossbreds of the country accounted for about 1.44%. The objective of this review is to present the efficiency of Artificial Insemination (AI) service in cattle breeding in Ethiopia. The optimum recommended mean number of services per conception (NSC) for profitable dairy cow is about 1.4. However, conventional cattle AI breeding indicated that the mean NSC of different studies ranged from 1.14 in local cows up to 2.47 in different genotypes of cows kept under different management systems and conception rate at first insemination (CR1) ranged from 7.14% to 75.5% in different genotypes of dairy cows kept under extensive and intensive management systems. Estrus synchronization followed AI breeding indicated that CR1 ranged from 24.69% to 70.6% in Zebu cows kept under semi-intensive management system. Calving rate (CR) is the most appropriate measure of fertility of dairy cows which is defined as the number of calves born per 100 services. The poor efficiency of the country cattle AI service is a huge biological economic loss in cattle production and managerial monetary losses. Strategic interventions on cattle AI service efficiency improvement options should be identified and practiced considering breed type, production system and agro-ecology.

Occurrence of Abortions in Goats Reared under Different Farming Systems

Background: Abortion is a very common health problem of animals including goats and it causes heavy economic losses to the farmers. The current study was planned to assess the occurrence of abortions in goats reared under different farming systems and association of occurrence of abortions with stage of pregnancy, season and parity of the aborted goats. Methods: The data on caprine abortions from semi-intensive and free range farming systems was compiled and analysed. Occurrence of abortion in the goats reared under field conditions and at organized farms under semi-intensive management system was categorized on the basis of stage of pregnancy, season and parity of aborted goats. The statistical analysis of the abortion data was done by using Chi-Square test. Result: Abortion rates in goats reared at different management systems (semi-intensive and free range systems) differed significantly (p less than 0.01). Occurrence of the abortions was found highest in the field goats. Occurrence of the abortions in the different stages of pregnancy (early, mid and late) in the goats reared at organized farms under semi-intensive management system and field conditions differed significantly (p less than 0.01). Maximum abortions were seen in the later stage of pregnancy. Likewise, occurrence of the abortions in various seasons (rainy, winter and summer) in the goats reared at organized farms under semi-intensive system and field conditions differed significantly (p less than 0.01). Highest occurrence of abortion was noticed in winter season. Occurrence of abortion was also significantly associated with parity of pregnancy in the goats from the organised farms as well as in the field goats. The study concludes that abortion rate in goats are significantly associated (p less than 0.01) with management practices, season, parity and stage of pregnancy.

Performance of local and local x improved chicken crosses under semi-intensive management system in Northern Uganda

Performance of local and local x improved chicken crosses under semi-intensive management system in Northern Uganda

Seasonal Variations in Hematological and Serum Biochemical Parameters in Kiko Meat Goats under Semi-Intensive Management Systems

Hematological and serum biochemical profiles have been used in several species of domestic livestock to monitor herd health. Application of this technique to meat goats in semi-intensive production systems has been limited by a lack of suitable reference ranges for most of these parameters

PREVALENCE OF Blastocystis sp. IN CATTLE, GOAT AND SHEEP REARED BY DIFFERENT FARM MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN PAHANG, MALAYSIA

Blastocystis sp. is a familiar parasite in the gastrointestinal tract causing infection in humans and animals. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the Blastocystis sp. prevalence in three sorts of livestock; cattle, goats, and sheep in Pahang, Malaysia, which are reared under two management systems; intensive and semi-intensive farm management system. About 92, 96, and 65 cattle, goat, and sheep fecal samples respectively were collected from different farms around Kuantan, Bera, and Pekan. The fecal samples were cultured in Jones’ medium supplemented with 10% heat-inactivated horse serum and incubated at 37 ºC for 2 weeks, then observed under light microscopy daily. The total prevalence of Blastocystis sp. was 29.34% in cattle (27/92), 29.16% in goats (28/96), and 43.07% in sheep (28/65). Supported the results of this study, Blastocystis sp. prevalence was higher in sheep and livestock reared by a semi-intensive farm management system (44.38%). However, further study could be done for Blastocystis sp. subtypes identification to determine its genetic diversity. Notwithstanding, this study has provided additional knowledge on the prevalence of each livestock reared in farms around Pahang that serve as important information in understanding host-parasite relationships, besides determining the best farm management system to be applied by farmers.

Study on Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Newcastle Disease in Smallholder Poultry Farms in Sodo Zuria District, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Newcastle disease (NCD) is a highly contagious viral disease of poultry and remains a constant threat in poultry farms that causes huge economic losses. The objective of this study was to estimate and assess the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Newcastle disease in the Sodo Zuria district, southern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional survey followed by a simple random sampling technique was conducted from May to July 2021 on 384 apparently healthy nonvaccinated chickens on 30 smallholder poultry farms using commercial indirect ELISA kits and a questionnaire survey. The data were analyzed by using STATA for windows version 20 and a logistic regression reporting odds ratiowas applied to describe the seroprevalence of Newcastle disease with associated risk factors. The result of the study demonstrates that there was a high seroprevalence 48.7% (n= 187/384) of Newcastle disease in the study district. Information on associated risk factors were assessed using a semistructured questionnaire. The sex of the chicken showed a statistically significant difference (x2 = 4.842; p = 0.028) with the seroprevalence of the disease. The difference in seroprevalence among intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive management system was statistically significant (x2 = 3.84; p = 0.0001). There was also a statistical significant difference (x2 = 2.3854; p = 0.496) in the absence and presence of safe disposal of a dead chicken with the occurence of Newcastle disease. However, no statistically significant difference was observed among age groups (x2 = 4.335; p = 0.114), disinfection of poultry house (x2 = 0.0; p = 0.998), presence and absence of footbath (x2 = 2.969; p = 0.085), the breeds (x2 = 4.490; p = 0.106), type of chicken (x2 = 0.302; p = 0.583), and housing system (x2 = 1.926; p = 0.588). A high seroprevalence without vaccination history showed that the virus was circulating within the poultry. Therefore, further molecular study has to be conducted to identify circulating strains and develop an evidence-based control program.

Endocrine-metabolic adaptations in Dorper ewes: comparison between single and twin pregnancies during gestation, parturition, and postpartum.

The experiment was conducted at Araí & Zumbi farm on sixty healthy Dorper ewes to compare blood glucose, hormonal profile, and insulin resistance evaluation in sheep from conception until 48h postpartum in single and twin pregnancies. All experimental ewes raised under semi-intensive management system. Sixty animals were selected from 150 estrous synchronized and pregnant ewes. The animals were divided into two groups based on single (G1, n = 30) and twin pregnancies (G2, n = 30). Blood samples were collected at nine time points: immediately after fixed-time artificial insemination (D0); at 30days (D30), 90days (D90), 120days (D120), 130days (D130), and 140days (D140) of pregnancy; on the delivery day (DD); and at 24h (PD1) and 48h (PD2) postpartum. The results of blood glucose, insulin, glucagon, cortisol, and thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) levels showed significant differences over the analyzed sample times; however, only cortisol showed differences within groups, with the G1 having higher values than the G2 group. The interaction of the groups × nine sample times showed a significant result (P = 0.001) only for glucagon. The number of fetuses directly interfered with the glucagon profile throughout gestation. The glucose, cortisol, glucagon, and the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA IR) concentrations increased at DD and decreased at PD1 and PD2. T3 and T4 showed different behaviors among the sample times. T3 values presented a decrease from D0 to D90, followed by an increase from D90 to DD. Otherwise, for T4 values, a decrease from D90 to D130 was observed, followed by an increase from D130 to D140. Despite the changes found in the endocrine system and metabolism in Dorper ewes throughout pregnancy, the nutritional management ensured a healthy status during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum in single and twin gestation, whose HOMA IR profiles remained identical.

Epidemiological investigation of lumpy skin disease outbreaks in Bangladeshi cattle during 2019-2020.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an acute infectious viral disease of cattle with a wide distribution that emerged in Bangladesh in 2019, causing huge economic losses. This study was undertaken to investigate the epidemiological features of LSD emergence in nine districts of Bangladesh between December 2019 and December 2020. A total of 8215 cattle from 603 herds were investigated and LSD was diagnosed based on the characteristic clinical findings. A standard questionnaire was administered to collect herd-level data including location, herd size, number of LSD-infected cattle, number died due to LSD, farm type, season, house type, vector presence, sanitation and fly repellent use. Similarly, data on clinical signs, sex, age, animal class and breed of the LSD-infected cattle were also recorded. The herd-level attack risk (%) and mortality risk (%) were calculated based on the number of infected and dead cattle, respectively, as a proportion of total cattle. The herd-level risk factors for LSD were identified using a multivariable Poisson regression model. The most common clinical signs were skin nodules (100%), fever (97.9%) and depression with anorexia and weight loss (97.9%). Crossbred (84.9%) and female (72.2%) cattle were mostly affected by LSD. The overall LSD attack risk, mortality risk and case fatality were 26.5%, 0.26% and 0.97%, respectively. The LSD attack risk was significantly higher in small herds (risk ratio: [RR] 1.39; 95% CI: 1.27; 1.53) than large herds. In addition, significantly higher LSD attack risk was observed in semi-intensive management systems (RR=1.29; 95% CI: 1.01; 1.64) than intensive management systems. Moreover, it was also significantly higher in hut (RR=1.81; 95% CI: 1.12; 2.92), temporary (RR=1.62; 95% CI: 1.21; 2.17) and tin-shed houses (RR=1.29; 95% CI: 1.11; 1.51) than in semi-building houses. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first detailed epidemiological study of LSD emergence in South Asia. Female crossbred cattle in small herds under semi-intensive management should be prioritized for LSD surveillance and vaccination to prevent further outbreaks and control the impact of the disease in Bangladesh.

Non-genetic factors affecting pre-weaning growth and survival rate in Barbari kids under semi-intensive management system

The effect of non-genetic factors on pre-weaning growth and survival performance in Barbari kids was assessed to maximize pre-weaning growth and survival rates. Performance records of 10,013 Barbari goats maintained at ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, Mathura, India, from 1995 to 2020 were analyzed for non-genetic factors. The effect of period and season of birth, type of births, sex of kids, parity of doe and dam’s 90- days milk yield were significant on birth weight and pre-weaning growth. Kids born in spring and winter had higher birth weight than those born in summer, monsoon and autumn, and maintained their superiority up to weaning. Male and single-born kids at birth were heavier than their counterparts and maintained superiority up to weaning. Significant linear association was observed in body weight at birth, 3 months and average daily weight gains with the increase in doe’s milk yield. Multiparous does produced kids with higher birth weight than primiparous does. Kidding in inclement seasons such as the peak of monsoon, summer and winter was associated with higher mortality. Autumn-born kids had the lowest pre-weaning mortality followed by the spring season. Higher mortality incidences were obtained in multiple-born kids, kids with low birth weight (<1.5 kg) and doe’s with low milk yield. The results suggest that to obtain higher growth and survival of kids, breeding should be planned to obtain maximum kidding during the spring and autumn seasons. Adequate care should be given to kids born from does with lesser milk yield, triplet or less birth weight, and for first 15 days of birth.

Genetic Diversity of Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-Loop Sequences in Six Improved Tropically Adapted Chicken Breeds (iTABs) in Imo State, Nigeria

The improved tropically adapted chicken breeds (iTABs) are low-input-high-output chickens suitable for smallholder poultry (SHP). Six iTABs (Fulani, FUNAAB Alpha, Kuroiler, Noiler, Sasso and Shika Brown) were introduced, and were raised under semi-intensive management system and tested under the African Chicken Genetic Gains project in Nigeria. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of these iTABs tested in Imo State Nigeria using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), Blood samples were collected from 77 chickens belonging to these six populations of iTABs in the ratio (12:12:14:13:13:13), for Noiler, FUNAAB Alpha, Shika Brown, Kuroiler, Sasso and Fulani chickens, respectively. Genomic DNA was extracted from seventy-seven birds randomly selected from the six iTABs. A 450-bp mtDNA D-loop region was sequenced. The highest (H=5) and the lowest (H=2) number of haplotypes were found within Noiler, and Shika Brown/Fulani, respectively. Among the six populations, haplotype and nucleotide diversity was 0.558±0.063 and 0.0064±0.0013, respectively. A total of 8 haplotypes were identified from 15 polymorphic sites. These haplotypes clustered into three clades with 87.89% of the total maternal genetic variations occurring within population. Fulani and Shika Brown had the least (0.000) genetic distance. Tajima’s D was negative among populations and within Noiler, Kuroiler, Sasso and Fulani populations but was only statistically significant within the Noiler population. Diversity indices of this study revealed that mtDNA polymorphism was on the average both within populations and among populations. The results indicate the existence of two distinct maternal lineages from Southeast Asia, south central and Southeast China evenly distributed among the iTABs. The average genetic diversity observed within population can be utilized for the long-term genetic improvement and stabilization of the breeds.

Chewing dynamics of Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) maintained under semi-intensive and intensive management systems in Ladakh, India

The present study was conducted in mid October 2019 to compare the chewing dynamics and nutritional analysis of feed, fodder and concentrate fed to Bactrian camel raised under semi-intensive and intensive management systems in Leh and Nubra valley, Ladakh. Number of chews per bolus was significantly (P<0.01) higher in camels reared for tourist activities under semi-intensive managementsystem, consuming high fiber diet in comparison to animals raised under intensive management system and fed diet with lower fiber content. Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), the major browse species available for camel in Ladakh appeared to have high nutritional value in terms of organic matter, crude fiber and crude protein than Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) hay. From the present study, it can be concluded that management system and fiber content of the diet have significant effect on chewing dynamics inBactrian camel.

Impact of Management Systems on Yield and Quality Attributes of Kachhi Sheep Milk

The present research was carried out on the impact of two management systems on yield, physico-chemical and sensory attributes of Kachhi sheep milk. Twelve Kachhi sheep were randomly selected and divided into two groups and were reared under the intensive and semi-intensive management systems. The animals under intensive management system (group A) kept indoors and fed with green fodder and concentrate ration, while sheep in the semi-intensive management system (group B) retained indoors during the night and moved for grazing during the daytime and fed concentrate ration at evening. Maximum yield of milk (P<0.05) was noticed in Kachhi sheep managed under semi-intensive management system compared to sheep reared in intensive management system. However, physical attributes (specific gravity and pH values) were higher (P>0.05) in milk of sheep reared under semi-intensive management system in contrast to sheep kept under intensive management system. Chemical characteristics of milk like (fat and protein) were significantly higher (P<0.05) in milk of sheep reared under semi-intensive management system, while non-significant (P>0.05) difference was observed between the value of lactose and ash contents in milk of Kachhi sheep reared under intensive and semi-intensive management system. Moreover, sensory attributes; taste, color, texture, and overall acceptability of Kachhi sheep milk reared under semi-intensive management system perceived high (P<0.05) score by the panel of judges, whereas non-significant variation was noted in odor/aroma of Kachhi sheep milk managed under intensive and semi-intensive management systems. It could be concluded that Kachhi sheep reared under semi-intensive system had higher milk yield, better physico-chemical quality and excellent organoleptic/sensory attributes compared to the sheep kept under intensive management system.

Incidence and risk factors for respiratory diseases in ganjam goats of odisha

An attempt was made to document the morbidity and mortality in Ganjam goats of Odisha due to respiratory diseases and the effects of year, season, sex, age and management on morbidity and mortality rates. Morbidity and mortality data of 11050 Ganjam goats of 175 goat keepers from four clusters of Ganjam district were recorded during April 2018 to March 2020. The overall morbidity and mortality due to respiratory diseases were 7.1%. and 1.1%, respectively. Higher morbidity (8.2%) was observed in kids and young as compared to adults (6.2%). Mortality was higher (2.0%) in kids followed by young (1.6%) and adults (0.4%) goats. Higher rates of morbidity and mortality were observed in winter than rainy season followed by summer. Male goats had higher morbidity (10.1 vs 5.7%) and mortality (1.7 vs 0.8%) than females. Goats reared in semi-intensive system of management had lower morbidity (6.2 vs 8.0%) and mortality (0.3 vs 1.8%) as compared to those reared in range system. Logistic regression analysis revealed that morbidity and mortality had significant (p<0.05) association with year, season, sex, age, and management. Thus, it can be inferred that for morbidity and mortality due to respiratory diseases, the major risk factors were winter, male goats and kids.

Evaluation of turkey production, consumption pattern and its major constraints in Maiduguri, Borno State

Turkey's production is an important and highly profitable business in the agricultural industry with a rising global demand for its products. However, in Nigeria, turkey production remained at the smallholder level, receiving little attention compared to other birds such as chicken. The objective of this study, therefore, was to assess the level of turkey production, management practices, breeding characteristics, consumption pattern and associated challenges in Maiduguri and its environs. A total of two hundred (200) turkey farmers were randomly selected, interviewed and served with structured questionnaires within the study areas. It was observed that high cost of feed negatively affects farmers in venturing into turkey production. However, diseases particularly turkey pox was also a major challenge militating against turkey production amongst the interested individuals. The result further indicates that a semi-intensive management system was the predominant method of management adopted by small-scale turkey keepers in the study areas. Most of the respondents within the study areas have little or no knowledge of artificial insemination techniques in turkey breeding, but they are interested in assisted reproductive technology. Those involved in turkey farming were mostly young to middle-aged people that require technical and financial support, encouragement and special training on contemporary turkey farming and artificial insemination. Few farmers in the study area consumed turkey meat, while the majority sold the bird and others consumed the eggs. In conclusion, turkey farming is relatively a new poultry enterprise in the study area. Those involved in turkey farming were mostly young to middle-aged people that require technical and financial support, encouragement and special training on contemporary turkey farming and artificial insemination. Problems of disease management and prevention together with lack of capital and high cost of feed were observed to be the major factors limiting turkey production in the study area.

Prediction of body weight from linear body measurement in two breeds of cattle

The study compared live weight and linear body measurements of two breeds of cattle (White Fulani and Muturu Cattle) and regressed linear body measurements on live weight. A total of eighty-six cattle of forty-three per a breed were reared at the cattle production unit of the Teaching and Research Farm, Akwa Ibom State University – Obio Akpa Campus, Nigeria in a semi intensive management system. Parameters measured were; live weight (LW), face length (FCL), head circumference (HC), ear length (EL), neck length(NL), neck circumference(NC), height at wither(HW), body length(BL), body circumference(BC), hind limb(HL), fore limb(FL), and tail length(TL). The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis for morphometric traits and prediction was done through linear model regression method using SPSS statistical software package. Breed of cattle significantly (P&gt;0.05) affected all linear body measurements and live weight exception of NL .Linear body Parameters of both breeds were compared. The mean live weight of White Fulani and Muturu were 251.28kg and 149.81kg, respectively. Means of FL, EL, NL, BL, HL, TL and BC, NC and HW of White Fulani were significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher than Muturu breed but the HC of Muturu was significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher than White Fulani breed. Muturu breed had higher R2 of 0.98 in BL and BC than White Fulani breed. In conclusion, White Fulani was considered a larger breed than Muturu cattle. Live weight can be accurately predicted from linear body measurements through BC and BL in both breeds.