West African Dwarf Research Articles

Nutritional assay and growth performance of West African dwarf goats fed with fresh, wilted and ensiled cassava leaves-based diet

Nutritional assay and growth performance of West African dwarf goats fed with fresh, wilted and ensiled cassava leaves-based diet

Sexual activity and climatic adaptation assessment of West African Dwarf goats introduced into Algeria

This study aimed to highlight the effects of variations in age, seasons and climatic conditions on the reproductive activity of West African Dwarf Goats imported from tropical zones in Algeria, and to verify the degree of their adaptation to Mediterranean climatic conditions. For this purpose, testicular biometry and hormonal analysis (testosterone and LH levels) using the radioimmunological method were carried out monthly. In total, seven goats aged between 18 to 48+ months were surveyed during the period from September 2021 to March 2022. The results showed a considerable effect of age on testicular measurements. Bucks less than 18 months recorded the lowest average testicular length, width, thickness and volume, scrotal width and circumference, as levels of testosterone concentrations. All variables were strong correlated. Seasonal variations in the average testicular measurements and hormonal concentrations were observed, without affecting testicular activity. Apart from thenegative action of ambient temperature, no effects of relative humidity or atmospheric pressure were revealed. West African Dwarf Goats showed a good capacity to adapt to Mediterranean climatic conditions through their continuous testicular activity during the year.

Effects of feeding Pennisetum purpureum silage supplemented with selected farm residues on growth performance and meat quality of west African dwarf rams

Effects of feeding Pennisetum purpureum silage supplemented with selected farm residues on growth performance and meat quality of west African dwarf rams

Effect of Varying Concentrate Levels on Milk Yield and Composition of West African Dwarf Does Fed <i>Bambusa vulgaris</i> Leaves

The effect of varying concentrate levels on milk yield and composition of West African Dwarf (WAD) does fed Bambusa vulgaris leaves as basal diet were evaluated in this study. Nine lactating WAD does in their 3rd to 4th parity nursing single kids were placed in three dietary regimens in a completely randomized design. Dams on Treatment 1 were fed forages at 7% body weight (BW) and concentrate at 0 % BW, dams on Treatment 2 received forages at 6% BW and concentrate at 1% BW, while dams on Treatment 3 received forages at 5% BW and concentrate diet at 2% BW. Ingredients used to formulate the concentrate diet were wheat offal, palm kernel cake, brewers’ dried grains, bone meal, vitamins/trace minerals, premix and salt. The result of proximate composition indicated that Bambusa vulgaris leaves contained 16.63% crude protein and 6.84% crude fibre. Milk yield was significantly (p<0.05) highest (220.74g) for dams fed concentrate at 1% body weight (Diet 2) and lowest (149.04 g) for dams fed the control diet (Diet 1) of forages only. Butterfat contents was significantly (p<0.05) highest (3.99%) in the milk of dams fed concentrate at 2% body weight (Diet 3), followed by (2.63%) the milk of dams fed concentrate at 1%, then by the milk of dams fed the control diet (2.60%). Feeding concentrate at 2% body weight significantly (p<0.05) affected Iron concentration (0.20 mg/100g). Thus, WAD does fed Bambusa vulgaris leaves basal diet should be fed concentrate at 1% BW for maximum milk yield and concentrate at 2% body weight if higher butter fat and optimal milk composition is desired.

Morphometric Characterization and Principal Component Analysis of Different Goats Breeds

Goats play a very vital role in the livestock industry and are the only livestock not forbidden by any religion. Morphometric characterization is very important for the improvement of goat breeds and the proper classification of these animals. A linear measurement was carried out on sixty goats consisting of 20 each Red Sokoto (RS), West African Long logged (WLL), and West African Dwarf WAD) goat. Parameters measures were Withers height (WH), Rump height (RH), Body length (BL), Sternum height (SH), Body depth (BD), Bicostal diameter (BC), Ear length (EL), Rump width (RW), Head width (HW), Rump length (RL), Head length (HL) Heart girth (HG), Cannon bone Circumference (CB), Muzzle diameter (MD). The data collected was subjected to statistical analysis using R. version 4.0.2. It was observed that WH, RH, BL, SH, BD, BC, EL, RW, HW, RL, HL, HG, CB, and MD, exhibit variations across different age groups. For example, WH increases from 36.89 cm (at 1.00 years) to 63.98 cm (at 4.00 years), indicating a growth in wither height as goats increase in age. A significant difference (p<0.05) in the morphometric parameters across different age groups was observed. The lowest mean weight (11.50±1.1) was recorded in WAD while the highest (24.40±1.24) was recorded in WLL). These variations in weight were significant (p<0.05) across the breeds. Principal Component Analysis shows that four components contributed to 74% of the variation in the goat. The estimation classified the goats as heavy meat type while the Dactyl thorax index classified the WAD and RS as brevigline and the WLL as medigline. This study therefore contributes to a better understanding of goat morphology which has practical implications for livestock breeding and management programs. Informed decisions can also be made about breeding strategies, selecting animals specifically, and improving the overall goat population using the information provided in this study.

Paravertebral block with lignocaine-bupivacaine mixture in goats

Loco-regional anaesthesia and sedation protocols are becoming more popular in ruminant. This research compared some effects of xylazine or acepromazine in combination with lignocaine-bupivacaine mixture for paravertebral nerve block in goats. Twenty adult, apparently healthy West African Dwarf goats were randomly allocated to two groups (five males and five females each). Each group received either xylazine (0.05 mg/kg) + 2 % lignocaine (2mg/kg) – 0.5 % bupivacaine (0.95 mg/kg) mixture (XLB) or acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg) + lignocaine-bupivacaine mixture (ALB). Clinical parameters were recorded immediately (0 minutes) and at 10-minute intervals for an hour and 24 hours. Venipuncture was carried out via jugular vein for haematology before administration of drug (B0), 30 minutes (B30), 60 minutes (B60) and 24 hours (B24). Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented as mean and standard deviation at a significance level of 0.05. The onset of deep sedation following administration of acepromazine was 31.5 ± 0.97, while it was 2.90 ± 0.57 for xylazine. Acepromazine significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the rectal temperatures (RT) of the goats within the first 20 minutes and significantly reduced the respiratory rates of the goats when compared to xylazine. None of the drugs significantly altered the heart rate of the goats. None of the changes in haematological parameters was statistically significant across the sampling time frame. However, red cell parameters (Packed cell volume, red blood cell count, and haemoglobin concentration) and Lymphocyte count were significantly depressed after XLB administration. All the haematological changes were restored to pre-anaesthetic values after 24hours. This study demonstrates that xylazine can be a beneficial alternative and desirable for emergencies in minor ruminant sedation.

Dystocia management in a 1‐year‐old primiparous West African Dwarf Doe

AbstractDystocia or difficulty in parturition in a doe may need veterinary assistance for successful parturition. This is a case of dystocia in a 1‐year‐old primigravid West African Dwarf doe managed under free range. The dystocia was as a result of fetal mal‐positioning in which the right forelimb was extended while the left was flexed. Feto‐maternal disproportion also played a role in this case probably due to underdeveloped birth canal, as the doe was a primi. The dystocia was managed surgically, as all efforts to manage it conservatively proved futile. The doe made an uneventful recovery.

Histological Changes of Selected Organs of West African Dwarf Sheep Fed Boiled Baobab Seed Meal Supplement

The histology of selected organs of twenty four (24) Male West African dwarf sheep was investigated. The animals were randomly distributed to four dietary treatments, each treatment had six (6) replicates in a completely randomised design, under a good animal procedures for twelve (12) weeks. Four (4) experimental diets T1, T2, T3 and T4 tagged Baobab Seed meal (BSM) at inclusion levels of 0%, 2%, 4% and 6%, respectively was offered to the experimental animals. Representative from each treatment was randomly selected and weighed before slaughter to collect selected tissue samples (testis, liver, spleen and tracheal) for histopathological examinations. The inclusion of BSM in the diet of WAD sheep at 4% caused a ruptured seminiferous tubules and release of immature sperm cells, with liver lesion that reflects large and small fat vacuoles (steatosis), a characteristic of focal nodular hyperplasia or hepatocellular carcinomia. The sinusoids were not well defined surrounded by eosinophilic particles. The results also showed the presence of normal lymphoid follicles with a germinal centre, cartilage of trachea with areas of hyaline chondrocytes depletion as well as loss of mucosa layers were observed for WAD sheep at 4% inclusion level. At 2% inclusion levels, normal characteristics of a normal animal were observed on selected tissue samples. The experimental diets at 2% inclusion levels showed normal seminiferous tubules with the release of mature sperm cells; no lesion was observed, the testis, liver, spleen and tracheal were all normal. 2% inclusion level of BSM had positive effects on the experimental animals and a such recommended for inclusion in the diets of WAD sheep.

Anthropogenic events and responses to environmental stress are shaping the genomes of Ethiopian indigenous goats

Anthropological and biophysical processes have shaped livestock genomes over Millenia and can explain their current geographic distribution and genetic divergence. We analyzed 57 Ethiopian indigenous domestic goat genomes alongside 67 equivalents of east, west, and north-west African, European, South Asian, Middle East, and wild Bezoar goats. Cluster, ADMIXTURE (K = 4) and phylogenetic analysis revealed four genetic groups comprising African, European, South Asian, and wild Bezoar goats. The Middle Eastern goats had an admixed genome of these four genetic groups. At K = 5, the West African Dwarf and Moroccan goats were separated from East African goats demonstrating a likely historical legacy of goat arrival and dispersal into Africa via the coastal Mediterranean Sea and the Horn of Africa. FST, XP-EHH, and Hp analysis revealed signatures of selection in Ethiopian goats overlaying genes for thermo-sensitivity, oxidative stress response, high-altitude hypoxic adaptation, reproductive fitness, pathogen defence, immunity, pigmentation, DNA repair, modulation of renal function and integrated fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. Notable examples include TRPV1 (a nociception gene); PTPMT1 (a critical hypoxia survival gene); RETREG (a regulator of reticulophagy during starvation), and WNK4 (a molecular switch for osmoregulation). These results suggest that human-mediated translocations and adaptation to contrasting environments are shaping indigenous African goat genomes.

The dry season pregnancy and cost-benefit of West African dwarf goats fed cassava leaf meal- based diets

The successful delivery of pregnant West African Dwarf (WAD) goats is closely tied to the quality of available feed, particularly during the dry season. Investigating appropriate dry season feeding for optimal performance becomes imperative. This experiment aimed to assess the cost-benefit ratio and reproductive efficiency of West African Dwarf does when fed concentrate diets incorporating cassava leaf meal during the dry season. Twenty WAD does were utilized and categorized into four groups based on weight ranges. Each animal received a feed at a rate of 3.5 percent of their body weight throughout the 19-week experiment. Daily feed consumption was recorded, and weights were measured every two weeks. Maximum feed intake was observed in the late stages of pregnancy (895.25g), with consistently higher feed intake across all pregnancy stages, although no significant difference was noted among treatments (P>0.05). Growth parameters of pregnant West African Dwarf Does showed no significant differences when fed a diet containing concentrated cassava leaf meal. Optimal weight gain in animals was achieved by feeding 10% cassava leaf meal. These findings indicate that supplementing concentrates with cassava leaf meal at inclusion levels of 10%, 20%, and 30% enhances feed intake during each pregnancy phase, with 10% inclusion demonstrating the most cost-effective weight gain. It is recommended to feed late-pregnancy West African Dwarf Does with a 10% inclusion level of cassava leaf meal. La réussite de la mise bas de chèvres West African Dwarf (WAD) gestantes est étroitement liée à la qualité de l'alimentation disponible, en particulier pendant la saison sèche. Il devient impératif d'étudier une alimentation appropriée en saison sèche pour des performances optimales. Cette expérience visait à évaluer le rapport coût-bénéfice et l'efficacité de reproduction des chèvres West African Dwarf lorsqu'elles sont nourries avec des régimes concentrés incorporant de la farine de feuilles de manioc pendant la saison sèche. Vingt femelles WAD ont été utilisées et classées en quatre groupes en fonction de tranches de poids. Chaque animal a reçu une nourriture à raison de 3,5 pour cent de son poids corporel tout au long de l'expérience de 19 semaines. La consommation quotidienne d'aliments a été enregistrée et les poids ont été mesurés toutes les deux semaines. La consommation alimentaire maximale a été observée aux derniers stades de la grossesse (895,25 g), avec une consommation alimentaire constamment plus élevée à tous les stades de la grossesse, bien qu'aucune différence significative n'ait été observée entre les traitements (P > 0,05). Les paramètres de croissance des femelles West African Dwarf gravides n'ont montré aucune différence significative lorsqu'elles ont été nourries avec un régime contenant de la farine concentrée de feuilles de manioc. Un gain de poids optimal chez les animaux a été obtenu en leur donnant 10 % de farine de feuilles de manioc. Ces résultats indiquent que la supplémentation en concentrés avec de la farine de feuilles de manioc à des niveaux d'inclusion de 10 %, 20 % et 30 % améliore la prise alimentaire au cours de chaque phase de gestation, une inclusion de 10 % démontrant le gain de poids le plus rentable. Il est recommandé de nourrir les femelles West African Dwarf en fin de gestation avec un niveau d'inclusion de 10 % de farine de feuilles de manioc.

Nutrient intake, body weight gain, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization of West African dwarf goats fed Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) leaf meal

West African Dwarf (WAD) goat is one of the most prolific goat breeds in Nigeria, and its production fulfils important socio-economic functions. In Nigeria, high cost of feed and inadequate nutrient intake undermines this goat breed in expressing their full potential. Thus, 86-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the nutrient intake, body weight gain, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization of WAD goats fed dietary levels of Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) leaf meal. Sixteen WAD bucks of about 8 – 10 months of age averaging 7.35kg in weight were used fir this experiment. The goats were randomly assigned to four experimental diets (T , T , T , and T ) containing 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% 1 2 3 4 inclusion levels of Siam weed leaf meal (SWLM) in a completely randomized design. The bucks were fed based on 3.0% body weight per day in the morning (8.00 hour) and later in the evening at 15.00 hours. 1 kg wilted chopped Panicum maximum. Fresh and clean drinkable water were given ad libitum to the goats. Feed intake, body weight changes, nutrient intake, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization parameters were determined accordingly. Results showed significant (p<0.05) difference for all the nutrient intake (total dry matter intake, crude protein intake, neutral detergent fibre intake, acid detergent fibre intake and acid detergent lignin intake) parameters examined. Daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly (p<0.05) better for T . Dry matter, crude protein and ash 2 digestibilities showed significant (p<0.05) differences, with T having better (p<0.05) dry 2 matter digestibility and crude protein digestibility. T showed significantly (p<0.05) higher 2 nitrogen balance and nitrogen retention values in comparison to other treatments. It was concluded that SWLM is rich in essential nutrients and therefore suitable for inclusion in West African dwarf goat diets at level not beyond 5% for best dry matter intake, crude protein intake, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, dry matter digestibility, crude protein digestibility, nitrogen balance and nitrogen retention. La chèvre West African Dwarf (WAD) est l'une des races caprines les plus prolifiques au Nigéria et sa production remplit d'importantes fonctions socio-économiques. Au Nigéria, le coût élevé de l'alimentation animale et un apport nutritionnel insuffisant empêchent cette race caprine d'exprimer tout son potentiel. Ainsi, un essai d'alimentation de 86 jours a été mené pour évaluer l'apport en nutriments, le gain de poids corporel, la digestibilité des nutriments et l'utilisation de l'azote de chèvres WAD nourries avec des niveaux alimentaires de farine de feuilles d'herbe de Siam (Chromolaena odorata). Seize mâles WAD âgés d'environ 8 à 10 mois et pesant en moyenne 7,35 kg ont été utilisés pour cette expérience. Les chèvres ont été assignées au hasard à quatre régimes expérimentaux (T , T , T et T ) 1 2 3 4 contenant des niveaux d'inclusion de 0 %, 5 %, 10 % et 15 % de farine de feuilles d'herbes de Siam (FFHS) dans un plan complètement randomisé. Les boucs ont été nourris à raison de 3,0 % de leur poids corporel par jour le matin (8 heures) et plus tard le soir à 15 heures. 1 kg de Panicum flétri haché maximum. De l'eau potable fraîche et propre a été donnée à volonté aux chèvres. La consommation alimentaire, les changements de poids corporel, l'apport en nutriments, la digestibilité des nutriments et les paramètres d'utilisation de l'azote ont été déterminés en conséquence. Les résultats ont montré une différence significative (p < 0,05) pour tous les paramètres d'apport en nutriments (apport total en matière sèche, apport en protéines brutes, apport en fibres de détergent neutre, apport en fibres de détergent acide et apport en lignine de détergent acide). Le gain de poids quotidien et le taux de conversion alimentaire étaient significativement meilleurs (p < 0,05) pour T . Les digestibilités de la 2 matière sèche, des protéines brutes et des cendres ont montré des différences significatives (p < 0,05), le T ayant une meilleure digestibilité (p < 0,05) de la matière sèche et des protéines 2 brutes. T a montré des valeurs de bilan azoté et de rétention d'azote significativement (p 2 <0,05) plus élevées par rapport aux autres traitements. Il a été conclu que le FFHS est riche en nutriments essentiels et peut donc être inclus dans le régime alimentaire des chèvres West African Dwarf à un niveau ne dépassant pas 5 % pour un meilleur apport en matière sèche, un apport en protéines brutes, un gain de poids quotidien, un taux de conversion alimentaire, une digestibilité de la matière sèche, un digestibilité des protéines, bilan azoté et rétention d'azote.

Haematological and Biochemical Responses of West African Dwarf Goats fed Water hyacinth and Cassava peel silage

The dry seasons in the tropics often result in a scarcity of green fodder, which can negatively impact ruminant animal production. As such, the utilization of aquatic plants, which are abundant poses a threat to aquatic organisms and waterways, may be explored as a means of mitigating this shortage. This study aimed to assess the suitability of water hyacinth and its implication on the blood profile of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. A total of 20 West African Dwarf goats, aged 1-1.5 years and having liveweight of 11 ± 0.42 kg, were fed water hyacinth for a period of 70 days. A five-treatment and four-replicate completely randomized design was employed, in which water hyacinth replaced cassava peels at varying concentrations (0%, 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60%) in the formulated diets, with Panicum maximum and sundried poultry droppings added each at 20% to make complete diets. Significant differences (P<0.05) were noted in the blood profile values of the experimental 6 -1 3 -1 animals (PCV:24.4-29.73%, RBC:7.75-13.8210 mm , WBC: 9.78-13.4810 mm ) and were within the normal ranges for healthy growing goats. Serum biochemical parameters obtained indicated that total protein (20.02g/L - 42.24g/L), albumin (11.40 – 25.00g/L), globulin (8.62 - 17.24g/L), and creatinine (1.00 - 2.13mg/dL), were significantly (P < 0.05) different across the treatments. WBC and Lymphocytes values obtained were indicative of healthy immune system in the animals. Conclusively, supplementation of the WAD goat's diet with water hyacinth at a 15% inclusion level in cassava peels and poultry dropping silage was tolerable, presented optimal hematological and serum biochemical indices and did not pose any health risk to the experimental animals and was thereby recommended as a suitable feed for goats for optimum production, especially in extended dry seasons. Les saisons sèches sous les tropiques entraînent souvent une pénurie de fourrage vert, ce qui peut avoir un impact négatif sur la production animale de ruminants. Ainsi, l'utilisation de plantes aquatiques, dont l'abondance constitue une menace pour les organismes aquatiques et les cours d'eau, pourrait être explorée comme moyen d'atténuer cette pénurie. Cette étude visait à évaluer l'adéquation de la jacinthe d'eau et son implication sur le profil sanguin des chèvres West African Dwarf (WAD). Au total, 20 chèvres West African Dwarf, âgées de 1 à 1,5 ans et pesant 11 ± 0,42 kg, ont été nourries avec de la jacinthe d'eau pendant une période de 70 jours. Un plan complètement randomisé à cinq traitements et quatre répétitions a été utilisé, dans lequel la jacinthe d'eau a remplacé les pelures de manioc à des concentrations variables (0 %, 15 %, 30 %, 45 % et 60 %) dans les régimes alimentaires formulés, avec Panicum maximum et crottes de volailles séchées ajoutées chacune à raison de 20% pour constituer des régimes complets. Des différences significatives (P< 0,05) ont été notées dans les valeurs du profil sanguin des animaux de laboratoire (PCV : 24,4-29,73 %, RBC : 7,75- 6 -1 3 -1 13,82x10 mm , WBC : 9,78-13,48x10 mm ) et se situaient dans les limites plages normales pour des chèvres en bonne santé. Les paramètres biochimiques sériques obtenus ont indiqué que les protéines totales (20,02 g/L - 42,24 g/L), l'albumine (11,40 – 25,00 g/L), la globuline (8,62 - 17,24 g/L) et la créatinine (1,00 - 2,13 mg/dL) , étaient significativement (P < 0,05) différents selon les traitements. Les valeurs de leucocytes et de lymphocytes obtenues indiquaient un système immunitaire sain chez les animaux. En conclusion, la supplémentation du régime alimentaire de la chèvre WAD avec de la jacinthe d'eau à un niveau d'inclusion de 15 % dans les pelures de manioc et l'ensilage de volaille était tolérable, présentait des indices hématologiques et biochimiques sériques optimaux et ne posait aucun risque pour la santé des animaux de laboratoire et a donc été recommandée comme un aliment adapté aux chèvres pour une production optimale, notamment lors des saisons sèches prolongées.

Effects Of Exogenous GnRH Stimulation On Testicular Spermatogenesis And Characteristics Of The West African Dwarf Buck

The testis in male domestic animals has two primary functions: spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis, coordinated by testicular cells under GnRH control. This study examined the features of the testes of the bucks of the West African dwarf breed to assess the effects of additional GnRH-stimulated levels of FSH, LH, T, and estradiol from 3 to 12 months of age. Twelve 3-month-old bucks were divided in a random manner into GnRH-treated (n = 6) and control (n = 6) groups. Monthly, bucks were weighed, their testicular diameter measured, and two blood samples taken (n = 12) at a 1-hour interval to establish peripheral concentrations. The GnRH-treated group received 0.5μg/ kg of GnRH intramuscularly the next day, while the control group received saline subcutaneously. Blood samples were taken 1 and 2 hours later to establish GnRH-stimulated levels. At 12 months, bucks were castrated, and testes were weighed and prepared for histological analysis. Testes diameters showed no significant difference (p<0.05): 24.52±0.43 mm (GnRHtreated group) and 25.92±0.45 mm (control group). However, yearling testicular mass differed significantly (p<0.05): 41.50±5.80g (GnRH-treated group) and 38.80±7.58g (control group). The number and make-up of seminiferous tubular cells (cells of Sertoli, germ cells in the form of spermatogonia, developing into spermatocytes, further maturing into spermatids, and ultimately forming spermatozoa) indicated increased spermatogenesis in the GnRH-treated group. It is concluded that GnRH super-stimulation increased spermatozoa production in the West African dwarf buck.

Milk Yield, Composition and Growth of Kids of West African Dwarf Does Fed Enterolobium Cyclocarpum Leaves

The aim of this experiment was to determine the milk yield, composition and the growth performance of kids of West African dwarf (WAD) does fed varying levels of Enterolobium cyclocarpum (EC) leaves. Twelve lactating goats at their first parity were used in a completely randomized design. The does were divided into 4 groups and fed diets containing 0 %. 07.50 %, 15.00 % and 22.50 % Enterolobium cyclocarpum leaves in a concentrate diet respectively. The experiment commenced at the fourth month of pregnancy till the 56th day post-partum. Milk yield was significantly (p<0.05) highest (196.10 g) for does fed Diet 2 with 07.50 % EC leaves. Milk yield for does fed other diets followed this order: 184.35 g (Diet 1) > 104.13 g (Diet 3) > 101.79 g (Diet 4). Milk protein composition ranged from 3.34 – 5.97 % and was significantly (p<0.05) highest (5.97 %) in the milk of does fed Diet 3 (15.00 % EC leaves). Milk magnesium concentration ranged from 18.87 mg/100g (Diet 1) to 24.00 mg/100g (Diet 2) while sodium ranged from 11.88 mg/100g (control) to 20.06 mg/100g (Diet 2). The concentrations of magnesium (24.00 mg/100g) and sodium (20.06 mg/100g) were thus significantly (p<0.05) highest in the milk of does fed Diet 2 (07.50% EC leaves). Diet 2 also supported maximal growth weight (4,858.50 g) of kids at the 9th week. Thus WAD does should be fed 07.50% Enterolobium cyclocarpum leaves for maximal milk yield and kids growth.

Effects of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) Fruit Extender on Functional Attributes of Cryopreserved Semen from West African Dwarf Goats Using Two Cryoprotocols

Effects of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) Fruit Extender on Functional Attributes of Cryopreserved Semen from West African Dwarf Goats Using Two Cryoprotocols

Nutrient intake and digestibility of West Africa Dwarf rams fed basal diet supplemented with multi-nutrient block

Thirty-five (35) West African Dwarf rams (WAD) with an average weight of 13.60+0.2 kg were used to evaluate nutrient intake and digestibility of WAD rams fed basal diet supplemented with multi-nutrient block in a Completely Randomized Design. Multi-nutrient blocks were compounded containing varying levels of Corn Bran (CB) substituting Molasses (M) with CB 0:M 0 %, CB 10 %; M 20 %, CB 20 %; M 10 %, CB 30 %; M 0 % and CB 0 %: M 30 % as treatments 1,2,3,4 and 5 respectively. The trial lasted for fourteen (14) weeks. After the feeding study, the animals were allotted into metabolic cages for separate feeding, faecal and urine sample collection for digestibility trial of WAD rams. The basal diet fed was (Megathyrsus maximus). Data collected data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results obtained showed that multi-nutrient feed block did not significantly affect nutrient intake (p>0.05). The dry matter intake of the basal diet (Megathyrsus maximus) ranged from 278.81–326.66 g/day and varied significantly across dietary treatments (p<0.05). Multi-nutrient supplementation had a positive significant (p<0.05) effect on all nutrient digestibility parameters. The digestibility of dry matter ranged from 88.94 to 90.44 %, crude protein from 79.92 to 86.26 %, and neutral detergent fiber from 64.42 to 78.57 %. Based on this recent finding, a multi-nutrient feed block supplemented to a basal diet (Megathyrsus maximus) has no significant influence on nutrient intake but has the potential to be utilized to feed ruminants during the dry season for higher feed utilization of WAD rams

Influence of dietary supplementation of vitamin A (retinol) on haematology and oxidative stress biomarkers pregnant of West African Dwarf ewes

Influence of dietary supplementation of vitamin A (retinol) on haematology and oxidative stress biomarkers pregnant of West African Dwarf ewes

Apparent nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization of Panicum maximum-based diets fed to West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep

An experiment was carried out to investigate the apparent nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization of feed for West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep fed five selected plants in small ruminant research farm, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos. Twenty WAD sheep were subjected to five dietary treatments with four animals per treatment in a completely randomized design for an in vivo experiment that lasted for 84 days. The animals were fed Anacardium occidentale, Gmelina arborea, Mangifera indica and Gliricidia sepium leaves using Panicum maximum as a basal diet. Dry matter (DM) digestibility varied (p<0.05) between sheep fed Mangifera indica + Panicum maximum and Anacardium occidentale + Panicum maximum respectively. Crude protein digestibility was highest (p<0.05) in sheep fed Anacardium occidentale + Panicum maximum and lowest in sheep fed Mangifera indica + Panicum maximum. Nitrogen digestibility ranged from 79.64% in animals fed Panicum maximum (control) to 93.62% in animals fed Anacardium occidentale + Panicum maximum. Sheep fed Anacardium occidentale + Panicum maximum had highest (p<0.05) value (1.63 g/d) urinary nitrogen while the lowest value (0.65 g/d) was observed in animals fed Mangifera indica + Panicum maximum. Nitrogen absorbed had least value (2.36g/d) in animals fed the control diet whereas significant highest value was recorded in animals fed Anacardium occidentale + Panicum maximum (7.56g/d). The study concluded that sheep fed Anacardium occidentale supplemented with Panicum maximum had the higher values of nutrient digestibilities and nitrogen intake.

Acute toxicity profile of crude methanolic stem bark extract of Parkia biglobosa in West African Dwarf (WAD) goats

Despite the high demand for herbal medicines for treatment of health disorder, there are still concerns associated with not only their use, but their safety. This study was aimed at providing information on the potential toxicity profile of the stem bark extracts of P. biglobosa in goats. For this purpose, the stem bark parts of P. biglobosa were collected and processed. The acute toxicity, biochemical and histopathological analysis in goats were determined. The results of phytochemical constituents revealed the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, glycosides, oils, phlobatannins, reducing sugar, saponins and tannins (condensed and hydrolysable). The results of acute toxicity studies showed no mortality with up to 5000 mg/ kg of the body weight. The blood collected revealed that, CMSBE has no significant (p>0.05) effect on biochemical parameters of WAD goats. However, there were slight changes in glucose concentration, cholesterol and triglyceride level, though they were no statistically significant (p>0.05). The extracts did not also have deleterious effect on morphology of the tissues observed during histopathology. The study has scientifically established that, stem bark extract of P. biglobosa have LD50 that is greater than 5,000 mg/kg and it can be inferred that the plant might have a wide margin of safety typical of treatment of some diseases. It is therefore recommended that despite the non-toxicity as demonstrated in this present study, detailed toxic and pharmacological effects of the extracts of P. biglobosa stem bark in other animals should be investigated.

Evaluation of analgesic effect of xylazine, tramadol and lignocaine on propofol anaesthesia in West African Dwarf (WAD) goat

Evaluation of analgesic effect of xylazine, tramadol and lignocaine on propofol anaesthesia in West African Dwarf (WAD) goat