West African Dwarf Bucks Research Articles

Blood profile of West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks fed raw and processed cocoa pod husk meal based – diets in the humid high rainforest zone of Nigeria

A 12-week feeding trial was carried out using 30 West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks of age between six and eight months with mean initial body weight of 9.36±1.31 kg, to determine the effect of sun-dried, urea-treated and fermented dietary cocoa pod husk meal (CPHM) as well as dietary CPHM with protein supplementation (African yam bean meal) on blood characteristics. Five experimental diets: T1 (0% CPHM-control), T2 (40% sundried CPHM), T3 (40% ureatreated CPHM), T4 (40% fermented CPHM) and T5 (40% CPHM and 10% African yambean) were formulated. Six animals per treatment were randomly assigned to the experimental diets using a CRD. Blood parameters (haematological and serum biochemical indices) were evaluated at the end of the feeding trial. Results of the study showed that the White blood cell counts, packed cell volume and red blood cell counts were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by dietary treatments. In terms of serum chemistry, higher values of urea were recorded in sundried (6.57 mmol/l) and protein supplemented (6.57 mmol/l) groups, followed by the fermented group (6.17mmol/l). Calcium (2.24 mmol/l) and total protein (7.44g/dl) were highest in urea-treated CPHM group followed by the protein supplemented group (1.84 mmol/l and 7.37g/dl) and lowest in the sundried CPHM group (1.14 mmol/l and 6.21g/dl) respectively. The study concludes that blood composition of WAD bucks was best in the urea-treated and protein supplemented groups respectively, and 40% cocoa pod husk meal supplemented with 10% protein (African yambean) can be incorporated in the diets of WAD bucks without fear of compromising haematological and serum biochemical ndices.Keywords: Cocoa pod husk, Urea, Fermented, Protein supplemented, WAD bucks

Ultrasonographic, Hormonal, Morphological And Morphometric Correlate Studies of Induced Testicular Pathology In West African Dwarf Goat Bucks.

The study was carried out to evaluate the significance of ultrasound in the early detection of testicular pathology in the West African Dwarf (WAD) buck; hormonal, morphological and morphometric studies were used as correlates. Twelve matured WAD bucks divided into two groups (of 6 per group); A—control, B — bucks with right testis spermatic cord ligated for four weeks were used for this study. Testicular ultrasound protocols were carried on the Longitudinal Planes (LP) and Transverse Planes (TP) on both testes. Blood samples were collected via the jugular vein twice a week for four weeks and assayed for testosterone, Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulation Hormone (FSH) concentrations. The testes were harvested after four weeks and carefully separated from the epididymides for gross and histological studies. Results revealed that 24 hours post induction of testicular pathology, inflammation of the right testes of the group B bucks was detected by ultrasound as hypo-echoic (dark) regions covering about two-third of the entire testis while the non-ligated testes appeared mostly homogeneously greyish on the TP. By the end of the fourth week the entire ligated testes were inflamed and appeared hypo-echoic with some areas of fibrosis on the TP and LP. The LH and FSH concentrations increased while there were no significant changes in testosterone concentrations. There were marked reduction in testicular and epididymal weights and sizes in group B bucks. The group B bucks testes showed complete loss of testicular architecture while the Leydig cells were intact. In conclusion, testicular ultrasound was valuable in the early detection of the induced testicular pathology (which hormonal, morphological and morphometric studies confirmed), hence should be adopted as part of the BSE programme of the WAD buck.

Ultrasonographic Features of Testes of West African Dwarf Bucks

Objective- This study described the ultrasonographic features of the testes in West African Dwarf bucks.Design- Experimental studyProcedure- Ultrasonographic images of testes of WAD bucks were acquired in longitudinal, sagittal and transverse planes using a Draminski 5MHz portable ultrasound machine after proper restraint of the bucks and gel application on the scrotum. Animals-Five WAD bucks age ranging from 1 – 1½ years, weighing an average of 15±0.5 kg were acquired for the study. Results-The seminiferous tubules showed as a homogenous moderately echogenic region separated by the hypoechoic inter-testicular septum, while the mediastinum testis showed as a thick band of hyperechoic tissue. The epididymis was an anechoic to heterogenously hypoechoic region bounded by the hyperechoic scrotal wall. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance-Ultrasonographic images were very useful in ante-mortem clinical assessment of WAD bucks which will aid in proper selection for improved breeding programs.

Effect of season on reproduction in west African Dwarf Bucks

This study was conducted to determine effects of season on some reproductive parameters of WAD bucks. Nine apparently healthy WAD bucks, aged between 18 and 24 months and weighing 8-15 Kg, were used to evaluate the effect of seasonal variations on Live-Weight (LW), Rectal Temperature (RT) and Scrotal Circumference (SC) between January and December, 2013. Semen was collected monthly by electro-ejaculation method and evaluated for spermiogram using standard techniques. Results were compared between and within groups using analysis of variance for repeated measures. Values are significant at p ˂ 0.05. Seasonal variation significantly (p ˂ 0.05) affected RT and SC except total sperm morphological abnormalities. Means for the total sperm morphological abnormalities were 7.42 ± 3.21% (late dry), 3.42 ± 0.36% (early rainy), 6.33 ± 0.33% (late rainy) and 7.25 ± 1.18% (early dry). The total morphologically abnormal spermatozoa reported for the seasonal study was 6.10%. It was thus concluded that seasons does not have significant effect on the spermiogram of WAD buck, however, they appeared to be most fertile during the early and late rainy seasons and least potentially fertile during early and late dry seasons.Keywords: Spermiogram, Season, Buck, Rectal temperature, Reproduction

Testicular histo-morphometry and semen parameters of West African Dwarf bucks

This study evaluates the gross and histo-morphometry of the testes as well as the semen parameters of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats bred and raised in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Five apparently healthy WAD bucks were used for this study were electro-ejaculated once weekly for two weeks. Testicular weight, gonadosomatic index, seminiferous tubular diameter and seminiferous epithelial height were measured using standard techniques. Semen parameters which included volume, colour, motility and concentration as well as scrotal circumference were also determined using standard procedures. All data were recorded as mean ± standard deviation, subjected to descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation analysis at p < 0.05. Our findings revealed that the testicular gross morphometric values significantly correlate with the histometric values with normal testicular histo-architecture suggestive of typical spermatogenesis. Furthermore, the scrotal circumference showed positive relationship with both the gross and histometric parameters of the testis. However, there was no significant correlation between scrotal circumference and semen parameters. This information could improve understanding of reproduction in the WAD buck.Keywords: Semen evaluation, Spermatogenesis, Testicular morphometry, Reproduction, WAD goat

A nutritional and economic evaluation of <i>Moringa oleifera</i> leaf meal as a dietary supplement in West African Dwarf goats

Moringa oleifera leaves may have the potential to enhance nutritional status, growth performance, and health of ruminant animals when used as part of their diets. However, the nutritional value of the leaves for goats is largely unknown and needs to be investigated. Consequently, eighteen West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks weighing 7.0 ± 0.33 kg were used in a completely randomized design to evaluate the effects of diluting a conventional supplement with three levels of M. oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on growth performance, haematology, and blood biochemical constituents. The MOLM was included in the commercial supplement at a rate of 0, 50, and 100 g/kg dry matter (DM). Including MOLM in the supplement did not significantly affect weight gain, dry matter intake, and metabolic weight gain of bucks. Packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin concentration (hb), and total protein were not significantly influenced by MOLM inclusion, either. However, blood urea concentration was significantly increased in bucks that were offered MOLM-based diets. All blood parameters, as well as alanine transaminase (ALT) and urea, were within the normal reference ranges for clinically healthy goats. The MOLM-based supplements had significantly lower feed cost per kilogram of weight gain and higher profit per kilogram of gain. It was concluded that diluting the commercial supplement with MOLM up to 100 g/kg DM does not impair the nutritional status, growth performance and health status of the goats while reducing the feed cost per gain. Keywords: Cost, feed, growth, health, nutrition

Consequences of unilateral cryptorchidism on semen and sperm characteristics in West African Dwarf Goats

Objective: To evaluate the influence of unilateral cryptorchidism on semen and sperm characteristics in West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks. Methods: Semen was collected using electroejaculator from five unilaterally cryptorchid (UC) and five normal (non-cryptorchid) WAD bucks and analyzed for gross, microscopic and biochemical characteristics. Results: Gross semen evaluation showed no differences between the groups in semen color, viscosity and pH, whereas the normal bucks yielded semen with significantly higher specific gravity (P=0.043 6) and volume (P=0.038 8) than the UC group. Following semen microscopic evaluation, the percentage of sperm vitality (live sperm) was not significantly different between both groups. However, UC bucks yielded semen with significantly lower sperm motility (P=0.038 7), sperm concentration per mL (P=0.002 0) and total sperm count per ejaculate (P=0.007 4). The percentage total sperm abnormality was also higher (P

Influence of Unilateral Cryptorchidism on Libido, Haematology and Serum Reproductive Hormones, Total Protein, Lipid Profile and Oxidative Stress in West African Dwarf Goats

The failure of testicular descent (cryptorchidism) is known to cause abnormal testicular development and function. Unilateral cryptorchidism is prevalent in West African Dwarf (WAD) goats particularly in some areas where affected bucks are presumed to have better libido and reproductive efficiency by farmers. Androgens produced by the testes can influence libido and other hormonal and metabolic processes in the body. The study investigated the influence of natural unilateral cryptorchidism on serum reproductive hormones, total protein, lipid profile, oxidative stress, and haematology and libido in WAD bucks. Ten WAD bucks (aged 12 - 14 months) comprising 5 bucks with normal descended testes (N group) and 5 unilaterally-cryptorchid bucks (UC group) were studied. Blood and sera were collected and evaluated for haematology, serum total proteins and lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoproteins) concentrations, serum oxidative stress (catalase and lipid peroxidation activity), and serum levels of reproductive hormones (testosterone, FSH and LH). Libido testing of bucks was also performed by randomly isolating and confining each individual male with a doe on standing heat and recording the number of mountings made by the male within a period of 5 minutes as the libido score. The evaluated haematological indices and serum levels of proteins, lipids, oxidative stress indicators and reproductive hormones were not significantly different between the N and UC groups (p > 0.05). Although a higher mean libido score was recorded in N bucks compared to the UC group, this difference was not significant. Whereas no negative effects were observed in the evaluated physiologic indices in UC bucks, these findings do not support the presumption by farmers that UC bucks have better libido than bucks with fully descended testes. Therefore, these animals should not be selected for breeding to avoid increasing the prevalence of unilateral cryptorchidism due to its genetic attribute.

Blood Profile of West African Dwarf (WAD) Goats Fed Cassava Peel Meal Based- Diets Supplemented with African Yambean Concentrate

The blood profile of twenty (20) West African Dwarf bucks fed cassava peel meal based diets supplemented with varying levels of African yambean meal (AYBM) concentrate was investigated. Four diets were formulated with AYBM at 0, 10, 20 and 30 % levels designated as T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Before the commencement of the study, a baseline status of the blood was established. Thereafter at the end of the study, the haematological and serum biochemical values were investigated to show if the difference existed principally due to the feedstuffs fed. Results showed that values for packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), red blood cell counts (RBCs) and white blood cell counts (WBCs) differed significantly (P< 0.05) between the respective diets. Average PCV value was highest in the control diet (T1) and least in diet T4 (30% YBSM). Serum biochemical values for total bilirubin (TB), serum urea, creatinine, total protein, cholesterol, glucose, serum glumate oxalotransaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvatetransaminase (SGPT) differed significantly (P<0.05) between dietary treatments. The control diet had higher serum urea, but diets T2, T3, and T4 were statistically similar. The control diet had higher creatinine value, similar to diets T2 and T3 but different from diet T4. Cholesterol value was higher in the control diet similar to diet T2 different from diets T3 and T4. SGOT was higher in the control (diet T1) but differed from diets T2 and T3. SGPT was higher in the control diet, very different from other diets. Though some of the results were inconsistent, total protein, creatinine, cholesterol and SGOT and SGPT were lower in animals fed the supplemented concentrate. Therefore, the results suggest the positive potential of the use of crop residues (cassava peel meal) supplemented with varying levels of AYBM concentrate in the feeding of goats without deleterious effects on blood chemistry.

Heterosis and Reciprocal Effect For Body Weight and Leather Properties in Hybrid Goats

Identification and evaluation of economically important traits in livestock is central to genetic improvement. The objective of this study was to evaluate heterosis and reciprocal effects for bodyweight and leather properties among progenies of pure and reciprocal crossing of West African Dwarf (WAD) and Red Sokoto (RS) goats. Bodyweights of 96 kids were recorded at birth, weaning and yearling. Skins collected from slaughtered goats at yearling were processed to leather using vegetable tanning approach. The leathers were subjected to physical analysis to determine Thickness, Percentage Elongation (PE), Surface Area, weight and grain properties comprising Load at Crack, Load at Tear, Distension at Crack and Distension at Tear. Heterotic effect for bodyweight was negative at birth (-8.99%) and weaning (-11.15%) but positive at yearling (6.64%). Specific heterosis for bodyweight at yearling was higher for progenies of WAD does serviced with RS bucks. General and specific heterosis were positive for all the leather traits except PE. Specific heterosis was higher when RS does were serviced with WAD bucks. Reciprocal effects for bodyweight reduces with increase in goats’ age (Birth > Weaning > Yearling: 9.88 > 6.28 > 5.62).Reciprocal effects for grain properties were generally higher than other leather traits. This study concluded that WAD and RS goats are dissimilar in leather traits and bodyweight at different ages, and that choice of sire or dam for successful crossbreeding programme is trait dependent

Haemogram and hormonal profile of WAD bucks treated with leaf ethanolic extract of <i>Spondias mombin</i>

Twelve post pubertal West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks of average age of 1.8 ± 0.19 years and average weight of 8.76 ± 0.72 kg were experimentally treated orally with 800mg/kgBW of ethanol extract of Spondias mombin. Experiment was carried out in the month of August at Abeokuta, South West Nigeria with temperature range of 24oC and 33oC on Latitude 07o 10’N and Longitude 03o 2’E. The goats had well-formed pendulous scrotum with well descended free bilateral testicles. The goats were kept in a standard goat pen and fed with fresh green centrosema leaves in the morning and commercially prepared ration in the evening. Water was served ad libitum. Pre-treatment haematological and hormonal profiling after aseptical collection of blood from the bucks was followed with 14 days of oral treatment with ethanol extract of Spondias mombin at the dosage rate of 800mg/kg BW. Post-treatment haematological and hormonal studies followed after. The hormones assayed were follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), testosterone, progesterone, estrogen and prolactin. The haemogram revealed significantly (p < 0.05) higher PCV (24.33±0.6 %) in pre-treatment compared to 19.92± 1.1 % recorded for post-treatment. However, both were lower in values than normal range. WBC and RBC did not change significantly but while RBC values for pre-treatment and post-treatment fell within normal range, only the WBC value of post-treatment did. Assay of FSH, progesterone, estrogen and prolactin revealed no significant (p . 0.05) difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment; however, noticeable higher pre-treatment LH concentration and elevated post-treatment testosterone concentration were observed. The work showed that Spondias mombin at 800mg/kgBW has profertility tendencies in the buck and can be considered as an aphrodisiac in goat breeding in developing countries probably at a higher dosage.Keywords: Buck, Ethanol, Extract, Leaf, Spondias mombin

Efectos de la suplementación con peladuras y hojas de yuca y tallos de caupí sobre el ambiente ruminal y parámetros sanguíneos de cabras Enanas del África Occidental

Este experimento se realizó para evaluar los efectos de suplementar peladuras de yuca con hojas de yuca y tallos de caupí sobre la fermentación del rumen y metabolitos sanguíneos de cabras Enanas de África Occidental (WAD). Treinta machos de 8±1,3 meses con un peso corporal medio de 6,06±0,02 kg fueron usados en un experimento completamente al azar. Las cabras fueron asignadas aleatoriamente de a 1 de 5 tratamientos dietarios que consistian de peladuras de yuca molidas, hojas de yuca y tallos de caupí en diferentes proporciones 700:100:175 (T1); 500:200:275 (T2); 300:300:375 (T3) y 100:400:475 (T4) g/kg de materia seca respectivamente. Una dieta estandar formulada para atender las necesidades nutritivas de los animales sin yuca ni tallos de caupí fue empleada como dieta control (T5). Los datos obtenidos fueron sometidos a análisis de varianza usando el procedimiento del SAS modelo lineal general. Los resultados obtenidos indicaron que la mayor cantidad de proteína bruta dietética fue obtenida en el tratamiento 5 (206 g/kg) seguido por el tratamiento 4 (200 g/kg). El tratamiento 1 presentó mayor contenido de fibra neutrodetergente (660 g/kg) y cianuros (30 mg/kg). En el momento de la administración los valores de NH3-N significativamente se ordenaron (L, Q, C: p<0,05) de 8,5% en el tratamiento 1 a 15,67% en el tratamiento 4. El contenido de ácidos acético y propiónico fue más alto (C: p<0,05) en el tratamiento 1 con valores de 68,17 mol/100ml y 21,55 mol/100 ml respectivamente. Los recuentos de hongos totales fueron similares en los tratamientos 3 y 5 pero significativamente diferentes (Q, C: p<0,05) de los otros tratamientos. Los valores de ácido acético disminuyeron significativamente (Q: p<0,01; C: p<0,05) desde 63,70 mol/100 ml en el tratamiento 1 a 62,49 mol/100ml en el tratamiento 3 bajando aún más a 61,68 mol/100 ml en el tratamiento 4. Los valores para los recuentos totales de hongos oscilaron entre 0,20 (cfu/ml x106) en el tratamiento 2 a (cfu/ml x106) en el tratamiento 5. Los valores del volumen celular (PCV) oscilaron entre 21,50% en el tratamiento 3 a 31,50% en el tratamiento 1. La concentración de hemoglobina fue más alta en el tratamiento 2 con valores de 10,25 g/dl resultando en una tendencia significativa lineal y cúbica. Al final del experimento existió una aguda disminución de los valores PCV en las cabras de los tratamientos 1, 2 y 5. La concentración de Hb siguió una tendencia similar aunque no significativamente diferente (L, Q, C: p>0,05). Los valores de RBC aumentaron significativamente (L: p<0,01) a medida que se reducían los niveles de inclusión de peladura de yuca. La proteína y globulina totales oscilaron de 53,30 a 67,30 (g/dl) y de 22,00 a 34,60 (g/dl) respectivamente siendo significativamente diferente (C: p<0,01; L, Q, C: p<0,01, 0,05). El estudio reveló que la suplementación de peladuras de yuca con hojas de yuca y tallos de caupí como fuente de proteína no tiene efectos negativos sobre la fermentación ruminal y parámetros bioquímicos sanguíneos de cabra Enana de África Occidental.

Reproductive Parameters of the West African Dwarf Bucks Raised in the Guinea Savannah Zone of Nigeria

Thirty West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks were evaluated for reproductive parameters in relation to age. The age of the WAD bucks was determined using the dentition estimation method and varied from less than one year to two years. Reproductive samples (scrotal circumference, testicular density, scrotal weight, left and right testicular weights, left and right tunica weights, left and right testicular length, left and right caput epididymal weights, left and right corpus epididymal weights, left and right caudal epididymal weights) from the bucks were collected twice weekly from Modern Market and Wurukum Abattoirs in Makurdi town, Benue State, Nigeria for a period of three months and evaluated at the Anatomy Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University Agriculture, Makurdi. Scrotal circumference values recorded (18.97± 1.14, 18.57±0.21 and 23.90±1.04cm) for the bucks that were less than one year were similar with those of the one year old bucks and these values were significantly (P 0.05) from one another. Right testicular length, left testicular length, right caudal epididymal and left corpus epididymal weight values recorded for the various age brackets were 7.67±0.21, 8.17±0.18, 8.87±0.27cm; 7.60±0.20, 8.11±0.16, 8.93±0.27cm; 2.40±2.17, 2.66±0.08, 3.05±0.18 and 0.47 ±0.04, 0.53±0.22, 0.59±0.04g espectively. Generally, values recorded for the two years old bucks were higher than other values. The result of this study suggests that overall weights of reproductive organs of WAD goats increased with age. Key Words: Reproductive Parameters, West African Dwarf Goats.

Oxidative stress biomarkers in West African Dwarf goats reared under intensive and semi-intensive production systems

This study explored the variation in physiological oxidative status of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats as the rainy season progressed in a humid climate in south-west Nigeria. A total of 24 growing WAD bucks, averaging 10.5 kg + 0.78 liveweight, were reared under intensive and semi-intensive management systems during the rainy season. Twelve (12) bucks were used for each management system. Animals raised intensively were fed Megathyrsus maximus hay ad libitum , while those reared semi-intensively were allowed to graze freely in a fenced paddock. Their diets were supplemented with a maize grain-based concentrate. Blood samples were collected at the onset of the experiment and fortnightly throughout the 16-week experimental period. Oxidative stress biomarkers in blood were measured and analysed separately for each rearing system using repeated measures analysis. Means of oxidative stress biomarkers measured at the beginning and end of the rainy season were compared using a T-test. Results showed that intensively managed goats had significantly higher levels of bilirubin and uric acid in the early season than in the late rainy season. In semi-intensively managed goats, bilirubin, uric acid, and glutathione (GSH) levels were significantly higher at the start compared with the end of the rainy season. It could be concluded that the antioxidant capacity of WAD goats was greater early in the rainy season compared with the late rainy season under both management systems. Thus, during the early raining season WAD goats tend to have higher antioxidant capacity and, consequently, better immune responses, while the opposite is true during the late rainy season. Keywords: bucks, immune response, season

Spermiogram and testicular morphological studies of the buck after treatment with ethanol leaf extract of <i>Spondias mombin</i>

Twelve sexually matured West African Dwarf bucks from were used for the experiment. Plant extraction was by cold extraction method using hexane and ethanol as solvents. All the goats had bilaterally well descended free testicles. They were kept in standard goat pen, were served water ad libitum, centrosema plant and ration. They were stabilised for two weeks after which pre-treatment spermiogram was done followed by 14 days of oral administration of 800mg/kg ethanol leaf extract of Spondias mombin. Spermiogram was repeated after treatment. Two randomly selected goats were then castrated through a midline pre-scrotal incision for morphological study and histology of the testes and epididymides. Total spermatozoa morphological abnormalities in pre-treatment of 17.1% was significantly (p≤0.05) higher than the 10% recorded for post-treatment. Curved mid-piece (1.8%) and bent tail (1.8%) constituted the highest abnormalities post-treatment while curved tail (3.5%) was highest pre-treatment. Mean values of progressive motility and percentage liveability were significantly higher (p≤0.05) in post- treatment (96.17±3.10% and 98.25±1.36% respectively) compared to pre-treatment (80.83±11.84% and 78.75±9.56% respectively). Post-treatment sperm concentration (2.50±0.32 x109 cells/ml) compared with pre-treatment (2.32±0.36 x109 cells/ml) was not significantly different. Post-treatment gross and histological features of the bucks’ testes and epididymis were normal. The work revealed that Spondias mombin at 800mg/kgBW improved semen quality in bucks indicating its usefulness as a potential profertility agent.Keywords: Buck, Morphological, Spondias mombin, Spermiogram, Testicular

EVALUATING THE ANTI-STRESS POTENTIAL OF PROPOFOL IN ROAD TRANSPORTATION WELFARE USING BIO-MARKERS IN WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS

Sixteen apparently healthy West African dwarf bucks were used in the study. They were randomly grouped into four with four animals each. Group one untreated non transported (non stressed control) control, group two was administered with propofol at 5mg/Kg intramuscularly , group three was administered with ascorbic acid 500mg/kg intramuscularly and group four non treated stressed control. Animals were carefully loaded in an open vehicle. The floor of the vehicle was cushioned to avoid the animals from sliding and injury. Then animals were subjected to a journey of 2hours at a speed of 40 kg/hr. Blood for haemotological analysis for full blood count was collected in bottles containing EDTA (ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid). While samples for assay of antioxidative enzymes were collected in bottles containing lithium heparin. The blood was also analysed superoxide dismutase (SOD), malonyldialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione -s- transferase (GST) respectively, using commercial Randox® kit. The packed cell volume (PCV) showed significantly (P<0.05) higher PCV in the groups treated with propofol, ascorbic acid and none-stress control midway into the journey. The neutrophils –lymphocytes ratio (N: L) levels in was significantly higher at prior the journey. The levels of MDA were significantly (P<0.05) higher prior and at the end of the journey phases in the propofol treated group. The ascorbic acid group showed significantly (P<0.05) higher level of MDA at the mid phase of the journey. While the GST levels prior to journey were significantly (P<0.05) higher compare to the other phases in the propofol and ascorbic acid treated groups and none treated stressed control. In the SOD level was significantly (P<0.05) higher prior stage of the journey in the propofol treated group. this infer that propofol possess antistress effect and could be used to improve animal welfare at transportation. Conclusively, the propofol possess antistress effect that is similar in mechanism to ascorbic acid and could be used in amelioration of stress in short term stress in animals. It however advised that the withdrawal period of the drug is adhered to prevent residue of drug in the meat product.

Acute biochemical and Hematological responses to Burdizzo castration in West African Dwarf bucks

Acute biochemical and Hematological responses to Burdizzo castration in West African Dwarf bucks

TYPE I FREE GAS BLOAT VAGAL INDIGESTION IN A 10-MONTH OLD WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOAT: A CASE REPORT

Type I vagal indigestion, or failure of eructation, results in free-gas bloat and has been attributed to inflammatory lesions in the vicinity of the vagus nerve, such as localized peritonitis, adhesions (usually after an episode of traumatic reticuloperitonitis), or chronic pneumonia with anterior mediastinitis. Bloat is an over distention of the rumen and reticulum with the gases of fermentation. Free gas bloat is a secondary tympany where vagus indigestion or other innervations disorders, esophageal papilloma, lymphosarcoma and esophageal foreign bodies are examples of its causes. A 10-month old West African Dwarf buck was presented at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital University of Ibadan with a distended abdomen which was more towards the left side following a fight between the buck and another buck in the same pen. The distention occurred gradually over a week. Physical examination was performed and a left ping was heard on percussion of the distention after which the animal was taken into the theatre for exploratory rumenotomy. When bloating occurs, these gases cannot escape, they continue to build up and cause severe distention of the abdomen, reflected by discomfort and acute pain, furthermore bloat cause decrease respiratory rate due to compression of the thorax followed by Dyspnea and difficult breathing, however the compression might affected heart lead to increase its rate and intensity causing reduced performance, activity and death in some cases. Full text online at https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B93jwLCAD78YWXFYTGpocHRyNkE

Effects of Diets Containing Varying Levels of Cashew Nut Shell on Scrotal Morphometric Characteristics of Growing West African Dwarf Bucks

A total of twenty (20) growing West African dwarf bucks were used to evaluate the effect of diets containing graded levels of cashew nut shell on scrotal morphometric characteristics. The goats were fed supplements containing 0% 10%, 15%, and 20% levels of inclusion of cashew nut shell at 100g/goat/day. The goats were also fed bamboo leaves at 200g/goat/day 1 hour before the supplement was fed. The experiment lasted for 50days after an adjustment period of 7days. Scrotal morphometric measurement was taken on weekly basis as well as scrotal weight on the last day of the experiment. There were no significant (p>0.05) differences in the values for initial and final scrotal length as well as initial and final scrotal circumference. They were however significant (p<0.05) differences in the values for the increase in scrotal length and scrotal circumference. The scrotal weight showed significant (p<0.05) difference with T2 (85g) having the highest. It was therefore concluded that animals in T2 (10% level of inclusion of cashew nut shell) had the best scrotal morphometric values. Further experiments using weaner bucks as well as weaner cattle and sheep were recommended.

Effect of Diets Containing Graded Levels of Eggshell Meal on Bone Parameters, Organ Weights and By-products of Growing West African Dwarf Goats

A 12 week trial was conducted to investigate the effect of incorporating eggshell meal (ESM) at graded levels into the diets of West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks as a calcium source. Bone strength as well as other bone measurements, organ and by-products weights were evaluated. Twenty (20) WAD bucks weighing 5.7kg on the average were caged individually inside a conventional open-sided house. The bucks were randomly divided into four (4) groups, each group consisting of five (5) animals. The animals in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 were provided with diets containing 0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% ESM respectively with group 1 serving as the control. The animals were given known quantity of supplementary feed, forage ( Andropogon gayanus corn) and water between 8 and 9am every morning. Two animals were randomly selected from each group and slaughtered for carcass analysis after which a pair of their femur bones was removed for bone measurements and strength test using the Universal testing machine. Results showed that increase in the level of ESM inclusion across treatments yielded significant variability (P 0.05) across treatments. The horns weight varied significantly (P 0.05) across the treatments. It was therefore concluded that growing WAD bucks can tolerate the inclusion of 1.5% properly sterilized ESM in their diet as source of Ca with no detrimental effect on bone parameters, organ and By-products weights.