West African Dwarf Research Articles

Comparative Haematological Responses in Rumenotomy: Impact of Diazepam and Xylazine Pre-medication in West African Dwarf Goats Undergoing Propofol Anaesthesia

Aim:In small ruminant surgery, an understanding of the haematological responses to different anesthetic protocols is crucial for optimizing post-operative outcomes. In this study, the haematological responses of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats undergoing rumenotomy under different anaesthetic protocols were investigated. Methods:Goats were categorized into three groups: Group A received Diazepam pre-medication and Propofol anesthesia, Group B received xylazine pre-medication and Propofol anesthesia, while Group C served as a control with only Propofol anesthesia during rumenotomy. Blood samples were collected at various time points post-rumenotomy for hematological analyses. Results: Results revealed no significant (P>0.05) differences in the packed cell volume (PCV) between groups, except at 24 hours post-surgery where Group A had a higher PCV than in Groups B and C. Haemoglobin (Hb) and total red blood cell count (TRBC) showed no significant (P>0.05) differences across all groups throughout the study. Total white blood cell count (TWBC) did not differ pre-surgery, but Group A displayed a significant increase immediately and 24 hours post-surgery. Neutrophil counts in Group A were elevated during intra-surgery and up to 48 hours post-surgery compared to Groups B and C. The lymphocyte count in Group A was significantly decreased immediately post-surgery. Conclusion:These findings highlight the impact of anaesthetic and pre-medication protocols on specific haematological parameters in WAD goats undergoing rumenotomy, thus, emphasizing the importance of considering these factors in surgical interventions for optimal postoperative outcomes. Hence, further research is recommended to elucidate the mechanisms associated with these haematological variations.

Performance of West African Dwarf Growing Bucks Fed Varying Levels of Gliricidia Sepium Leaf Meal Supplement in Pelleted Diets

Insufficient resources and subpar pasture quality during the dry season necessitate a proven supplement to enhance the nutritional status of goats. In this study, Gliricidia sepium leaf meal (G-supplement) derived from a leguminous deciduous protein tree was proportionally incorporated into pelleted cassava peel-based diets (concentrate). The study aimed to assess the impact of this supplement addition to the concentrate on the growth performance of West African dwarf (WAD) goat bucks. Twenty bucks were assigned to four groups in a completely randomized design, with varying levels of G-supplement in pelleted concentrate (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%). Each group comprised five animals. The inclusion of the supplement significantly influenced (p<0.05) diet consumption and utilization. Bucks fed with 10% G-supplement exhibited the highest feed intake (24,248g), weight gain (2650g), and a feed conversion efficiency of 9.15%. Parameters such as total feed intake, daily feed intake, final body weight, total weight gain, and average daily weight gain were significantly affected (p<0.05) by the diet. The animals on the 10% G-inclusion diet demonstrated higher (p>0.05) nutrient digestibility compared to other treatments. In conclusion, this study suggests that incorporating 10% G-supplement in pelleted concentrate enhances the performance of WAD goats in terms of feed intake, live body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and nutrient digestibility. The efficacy of the G-supplement at the 10% inclusion level notably contributed to improved performance

Temperature Humidity Index: Influence on Milk Yield and Milk Composition of Multiparous West African Dwarf Does

Temperature Humidity Index: Influence on Milk Yield and Milk Composition of Multiparous West African Dwarf Does

Efficacy of Vaginal Electrical Resistance Measurement in West African Dwarf Goats Synchronized using Ovsynch and Double PG Protocol

Efficacy of Vaginal Electrical Resistance Measurement in West African Dwarf Goats Synchronized using Ovsynch and Double PG Protocol

Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of West African Dwarf Goats Fed Cassava Peel-based Ration Supplemented with Enzymes

Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of West African Dwarf Goats Fed Cassava Peel-based Ration Supplemented with Enzymes

Nutrient Intake and Nitrogen Balance of West African Dwarf Goats Fed Raw Cashew Nut Shell Diets

A study was conducted using twenty (20) growing West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks with an average weight of 6.74 ± 0.33 kg to determine the nutrient intake and nitrogen balance. The goats were allotted to four dietary treatments with five goats replicates per treatment in a completely randomized design. The raw cashew nut shell was sun-dried and crushed to a particle size of less than 1 cm. The cashew nut shell was incorporated in the diets at the rate of 0% (diet A), 5% (diet B), 10% (diet C) and 15% (diet D) respectively. The experimental period lasted for 63days excluding 2weeks of adaptation. The chemical and mineral compositions of the diets were determined. Result showed that chemical composition were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by the raw cashew nut shell. The crude protein ranged from 7.16 to 7.89% while the crude fiber varied from 22.45 to 24.01%. Calcium and Phosphorus content increased with increased level of raw cashew nut shell. Sodium ranged from 17.47 to 23.00% while magnesium varied from 9.34 to 12.94%. Goats fed diets A had the highest nitrogen balance (8.57 g/day) and highest percentage of nitrogen retention (86.58%) which is statistically similar to the values obtained in goats fed diet B; (8.34 g/day nitrogen balance and 84.58% percentage nitrogen retention). However, dry matter intake recorded in this study were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by the inclusion levels of raw sundried cashew nut shell in the diet. Goats fed diets A had the highest dry matter intake (456.37 g/day) while goats fed diet D had the least (207.69 g/day). Crude protein intake and crude fiber intake increased as the levels of raw cashew nut shell increased in diets. In conclusion, feeding of raw sundried cashew nut shell at 5% could provide good quality replacement ingredient to ruminants especially during the dry season for improved performance and productivity.

Self-cure of Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection in West African Dwarf sheep

This study investigated the natural course of parasitaemia in West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei parasites and the potential for spontaneous regression without any therapeutic intervention. Ten (10) adult West African Dwarf sheep of both sexes were assigned to two groups of five sheep each. One of the groups was inoculated with approximately 1× 106 trypanosome parasites per animal, intravenously, while the second group served as uninfected control. Blood samples were collected daily until parasitaemia was established and for 7 days post establishment of parasitaemia and thereafter weekly till the end of the experiment in order to monitor the course of parasitaemia. The clinical signs, packed cell volume (PCV) and rectal body temperature were monitored. A pre-patent period of 28 days was observed with peak mean parasitaemia of 81.60 ± 27.71 million trypanosome parasites, on day 43 post inoculation. The parasitaemia declined in 60 % of the sheep from day 141 post-infection (PI) and reduced to 0.34±0.02. Clinical signs observed include weakness, mild anorexia and pale mucous membranes. The 40 % of animals that manifested clinical signs eventually died and their postmortem findings were indicative of severe anaemia and dehydration. Monitoring the sheep which recovered (for parasitaemia and clinical signs) up to 141 days PI showed there was no relapse. The Trypanosoma b. brucei infected WAD sheep used in the study were able to contain both parasitaemia and fever and recovered from the infection.

Morphometric changes in the gonads of the West African dwarf bucks experimentally infected with Trypanosoma vivax and Trypanosoma brucei and response due to diminazine aceturate treatment

Trypanosomosis, one of the major diseases affecting livestock production in Africa has been associated with reproductive disorders. The disease has not been extensively studied in goats especially the West African Dwarf (WAD) goat. The morphology of the gonads of WAD bucks experimentally infected with Trypanosoma (T.) vivax and Trypanosoma brucei and treatment with Diminazine aceturate were investigated in this study. The study lasted a period of 20 weeks, the first 3 weeks were used to acclimatize the animal to their new environment. The remaining 16 weeks were used to carry out the experiment. Two species of trypanosome were used for the experiment; T. brucei (NITR CT/28- Federe strain) and T. vivax (A field strain obtained from an abattoir). The experiment was divided into three stages tagged Pre-infection (A), infection (B) and treatment (C) while the animals were also divided into control group and infected groups- Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma vivax groups. Biometric parameters that include testicular weight, height and others testicular and epididymal indices were measured according to standard techniques. Data were summarized with mean± SEM and analysed using ANOVA. There were no significant changes in body weight between the control group and treated groups with either T. brucei or T. vivax. The little reduction in scrotal circumference during infection and subsequent increase during post treatment were not significant (P > 0.05) compared to the control. The Testicular weight, testicular length and epididymal weight were not significantly affected during infection with both T. brucei and T. vivax. Tubular diameter and epithelia height of the seminiferous tubules were significantly (P≤0.05) lower in the T. brucei and T. vivax infected groups compared to the control. On the other hand, the epididymal tubular diameter and epididymal epithelia height were not significantly (P>00.05) affected by the treatment. The study showed that the fertility impairment sequel to trypanosomosis is possibly due to alteration in the biometric parameter of the testis.

Rumen Microbiology of West African Dwarf Goats Fed Cassava Peels-Based Diets with Varying Levels of Leucaena leucocephala

Rumen Microbiology of West African Dwarf Goats Fed Cassava Peels-Based Diets with Varying Levels of Leucaena leucocephala

Invitro Fermentation of West African dwarf (wad) goats fed treated Rice husk as Wheat bran substitute

ABSTSRACT The study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro fermentation characteristics of West African Dwarf goat fed treated rice husk as wheat bran substitute. A total of 20 growing West Africa Dwarf goats were subjected to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design with 4 animals per replicate. The treatments are: 0% RH (T1), 25% RH (T2), 50% RH (T3), 75% RH (T4) and 100% RH (T5). The animals were fed at 5% of their body weight. The result showed that T2 and T1 are relatively high in crude protein, low in crude fiber, moderate in crude fat and high in carbohydrate. They equally had the lowest values of ADF, ADL and NDF among the treatments. The gas volume produced under each treatment continue to increase at every three hours. The production of gas was significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the incubation period and that T1 produced more gas followed by treatment T2 and then T3 and T4 while T5 had the least gas production. Methane (CH4) production was least in goats fed T4, followed by goat fed T1 while those on T2, T3 and T5 produced the highest and same methane gas quantities. In conclusion, treated rice husk as a substitute for wheat bran at 25 and 75% inclusion level gave better in-vitro fermentation performance in the goat. Key words: Treated rice husk, WAD goat, weigh gain, feed conversion ratio, feed intake

Comparative study of physiological adaptation in West African dwarf and Kalahari red goats in the humid tropics

Animal production output has suffered significantly due to climate change, necessitating thorough research on breed-specific adaptive mechanism, particularly for goats, in order to better understand these animals’ tolerance level. The comparative physiological adaptation of the West African Dwarf (WAD) goat indigenous to the humid climate of West Africa and the Kalahari Red (KR) goat introduced to the humid zone of Southwestern Nigeria from the semi-arid sub-tropical zone of South Africa was investigated. Fourteen goats consisting of seven WAD and seven KR aged between 2 and 4 years were housed in a well ventilated concrete-floored pen. The animals were zero-grazed and fed concentrate and Bracharia decumbens hay for six months consisting of two seasons; cold-dry season (November – January) and hot dry season (February – April). Rectal temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate and pulse rate were monitored twice daily once a week. Kalahari Red goats had significantly higher (p<0.001) rectal temperature (38.97 vs. 38.39o C), respiratory rate (51.20 vs. 47.98 breaths / min) and pulse rate (61.56 vs. 60.22 pulses / min) than WAD goats while heart rate was similar (p<0.05) in the two breeds. Rectal temperature, respiratory rate and pulse rate were lower in both breeds in the cold dry season than in the hot dry season. All the physiological parameters measured in this experiment were significantly (p<0.001) affected by time of day and week of sampling. Rectal temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate and pulse rate were all higher in the afternoon than in the morning while the highest values were recorded in the 20th, 22nd, 23rd and 3rd week of sampling, respectively. Rectal temperature, respiratory rate and pulse rate were lower in both breeds in the cold dry season than in the hot dry season. The study concluded that rectal temperature, respiratory rate and pulse rate were all higher in the Kalahari Red than the West African Dwarf goats. Though the adaptive physiological responses of both breeds to the humid tropical climate appeared to be adequate, however, the West African Dwarf goat appeared to cope better in the hot-dry season while the Kalahari Red goat appeared to cope better in the cold-dry season.
 
 
 
 
 La production animale a considérablement souffert du changement climatique, ce qui a nécessité des recherches approfondies sur les mécanismes d’adaptation spécifiques aux races, en particulier pour les chèvres, afin de mieux comprendre le niveau de tolérance de ces animaux. L'adaptation physiologique comparative de la chèvre West African Dwarf (WAD) indigène au climat humide de l'Afrique de l'Ouest et de la chèvre du Kalahari Red (KR) introduite dans la zone humide du sud ouest du Nigéria à partir de la zone subtropicale semi-aride d'Afrique du Sud a été enquêté. Quatorze chèvres, dont sept WAD et sept KR âgées de 2 à 4 ans, ont été hébergées dans un enclos au sol en béton bien ventilé. Les animaux ont été nourris au pâturage zéro et nourris avec du concentré et du foin de Bracharia decumbens pendant six mois répartis sur deux saisons ; saison froide et sèche (novembre – janvier) et saison chaude et sèche (février – avril). La température rectale, la fréquence respiratoire, la fréquence cardiaque et le pouls ont été surveillés deux fois par jour une fois par semaine. Les chèvres rouges du Kalahari avaient une température rectale (38,97 contre 38,39 °C), une fréquence respiratoire (51,20 contre 47,98 respirations/min) et un pouls (61,56 contre 60,22 impulsions/min) significativement plus élevés (p<0,001) que les chèvres WAD tandis que le cœur le taux était similaire (p <0,05) dans les deux races. La température rectale, la fréquence respiratoire et le pouls étaient plus faibles chez les deux races pendant la saison sèche froide que pendant la saison sèche chaude. Tous les paramètres physiologiques mesurés dans cette expérience étaient significativement (p <0,001) affectés par l'heure de la journée et la semaine d'échantillonnage. La température rectale, la fréquence respiratoire, la fréquence cardiaque et la fréquence du pouls étaient toutes plus élevées l’après-midi que le matin, tandis que les valeurs les plus élevées ont été enregistrées respectivement au cours des 20e, 22e, 23e et 3e semaines d’échantillonnage. La température rectale, la fréquence respiratoire et le pouls étaient plus faibles chez les deux races pendant la saison sèche froide que pendant la saison sèche chaude. L’étude a conclu que la température rectale, la fréquence respiratoire et le pouls étaient tous plus élevés chez la chèvre rouge du Kalahari que chez la chèvre naine d’Afrique de l’Ouest. Bien que les réponses physiologiques adaptatives des deux races au climat tropical humide semblent être adéquates, la chèvre naine d'Afrique de l'Ouest semble mieux s'en sortir pendant la saison chaude et sèche, tandis que la chèvre rouge du Kalahari semble mieux s'en sortir pendant la saison froide et sèche.

Utilization of Minerals in Pregnant West African Dwarf Goats Fed Cassava Peel and Leaf Meal as a replacement for wheat offal and Palmkernel cake in a Guinea Grass Based Diet

Utilization of Minerals in Pregnant West African Dwarf Goats Fed Cassava Peel and Leaf Meal as a replacement for wheat offal and Palmkernel cake in a Guinea Grass Based Diet

Maternal and neonatal factors affecting neonatal behaviour in West African Dwarf goats.

There is a paucity of information on neonatal behaviour of tropical livestock species despite its adaptive value. One hundred and ninety West African Dwarf (WAD) kids and their mothers were studied to establish the influence of neonatal and maternal factors on neonatal behaviour. Environmental temperatures and relative humidity (RH) at birth were also recorded. Single born kids and those dropped by older and multiparous mothers sucked earlier (p < 0.05). Vigour levels were higher (p < 0.05) in kids dropped by multiparous does and those whose grooming commenced earlier than those dropped by primiparous does and those with long latency to groom, respectively. Moderate negative correlations (p < 0.01) existed between duration of grooming and birthweight and duration of grooming and latency to groom. Similarly, strong and positive correlations (p < 0.01) existed between duration of grooming and neonatal vigour and time of first successful sucking and number of attempts at standing postpartum. Moderate positive correlations (p < 0.01) existed between time of first successful standing and number of attempts at standing postpartum, birthweight and vigour, rectal and ambient temperatures, latency to groom and birthweight, latency to groom and time of first successful sucking postpartum and number of attempts at sucking and time of first successful sucking postpartum. Strong negative correlations (p < 0.01) existed between RH and latency to groom (p < 0.01) and latency to groom and number of attempts at standing postpartum. Maternal care was higher in WAD goats during periods of higher RH and also in vulnerable and low birth weight kids.

Reproductive Efficiencies and Productive Potentials of Female Nigerian Indigenous Goat Breeds

Purpose: The overall objective of this study was to examine the reproductive and productive abilities of three Nigerian indigenous goat breeds.&#x0D; Methodology: The study covered 108 primiparous does and nine bucks from Sahel (SH), Red Sokoto (RS), and West African dwarf (WAD) goat breeds. In different pens, the animals were bred in various combinations: RS x RS, WAD x WAD, SH x SH, RS x SH, RS x WAD, SH x RS, and SH x WAD. WAD x SH, WAD x RS. Estrus synchronization was done using prostaglandins. Mating occurred naturally when animals were on heat. Dams were given special care throughout pregnancy. The study measured dams' weights, litter size, and pre-weaning mortality rates in kids. The total kid crop and sexes were also assessed. We measured dam lactation weight loss, birth weight, and weaning weight. SPSS, ANOVA, and the Turkey statistical test were used for data analysis.&#x0D; Findings: The result showed that there was a significant (P&lt;0.05) difference in the weight of does at kidding. The weight of does at weaning varied significantly (P&lt;0.05). Litter size significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected the birth weight and weaning weight of kids. An increase in litter size per birth resulted in a significant (P&lt;0.05) rise in kid mortality rates. Breed type significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected doe production efficiency and weaning weight ratio. Although WAD x WAD goats had lower birth and weaning weights, hybrid vigour (birth and weaning weights) improved significantly (P&lt;0.05) when cross-bred with SH or RS breeds. When crossed with SH or WAD goat breeds, RS breeds had the greatest positive effect on hybrid vigour (heterosis), followed by SH breeds. Both SH x RS and RS x SH progenies recorded higher hybrid vigour than the other nine bred line progenies.&#x0D; Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: This study found that Nigerian indigenous goat breeds had great reproductive efficiency and breeding potential if properly managed. Genetic variations observed in the study could improve Kids crop, birth weight, litter size, hybrid vigour, and pre-weaning survivorship due to their broad variety. This study recommends a careful selection and crossbreeding of Nigerian indigenous goat breeds with suitable pedigree in order to increase their productivity.

Assessment of habitat fragmentation impact on community taboo species for adoption as conservation portfolios in lowland rainforest ecological zone of Delta State, Nigeria

This study examined the impact of forest loss by fragmentation along four communities that taboo the species of primates and reptiles. Data by survey at three sighting regimes in a3×2×5 factorial experiments were square root-transformed before the analysis of variance and significant means separated at 5% level of probability with the Duncan multiple range tests. The fineness/coarseness of forest corridors and edges, availability of propagules and a-subjective habitat-matrix score for 7 key attributes of forest fragmentation along with soil samples analyzed for CEC, exchangeable cations and Ca-Mg ratio. Results showed higher mean population sighted in corridors than that of the edges. Propagule availability was Ugili Amai-Olloh Ossisa (18.5 kg/ha) &gt;Ugono-Orogun (16.8 kg/ha)&gt;Umute-Nsukwa (15.2 kg/ha)&gt;Emu Uno (10.8 kg/ha) and underpinned intact fragment as Umute-Nsukwa&gt;Ugili-Ossisa&gt;Ugono-Orogu&gt; Emu-Uno for the protection of IUCN Red List vulnerable white-throated guenon (Cercopithecus erythrogaster) and threatened West African dwarf crocodile (Osteollaemus tetraspis). Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2023, 9(2): 29-38

Soursop Leaf and Pumpkin Pulp Diets Concerning Performance, Nutrient Utilization and Blood Profile of Goats

Assessed growth performance, nutrient utilization and blood constituents of goats fed diets containing fluted pumpkin pulp and different proportions of soursop leaf powder. We used twenty- four West African dwarf female goats of about 7 to 8 months old and 7.00 ± 0.15kg. They were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments with three replicates of two goats. The compared diets contained; 6% dried fluted pumpkin pulp without soursop leaf powder (control, PPM1), 6% dried fluted pumpkin pulp with 2% soursop leaf powder (SLP2), 6% dried fluted pumpkin pulp with 2.5% soursop leaf powder (SLO3) and 6% dried fluted pumpkin pulp with 3% soursop leaf powder (SLW4). The results showed that diet PPM1was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in feed conversion ratio, digestibility of ether extract, gross energy intake, total nitrogen and energy output, creatinine, urea, serum enzymes, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein. SLOP3 revealed significantly (P&lt;0.05) better in final, total &amp; daily body weight gain ,dry matter, crude protein and crude fiber digestibility, nitrogen retention, digestible and metabolizable energy, packed cell volume, haemoglobin, red and white blood cells, serum total protein, albumin, glucose, and high-density lipoprotein. Feed and nitrogen intake as well as triglycerides indicated significant (P&lt;0.05) higher values in SLW4. Using 6% dried fluted pumpkin pulp with 2.5 or 3% soursop leaf powder in diets enhanced nutrient utilization for better performance and health status of goats.

Serum Cortisol and Glucose Indices Following Rumenotomy in West African Dwarf Goats Premedicated with Xylazine or Diazepam and Inducted with Propofol

Purpose: Anaesthesia was induced in West African Dwarf (WAD) goats using Propofol and a combination of different sedatives, propofol (P), xylazine (X), Propofol (P), and Diazepam (D) and control Propofol (P) and the effects of rumenotomy on cortisol and glucose of West African dwarf goats were determined.&#x0D; Methodology: Twelve (WAD) goats were randomly assigned to three treatment groups tagged A, B, and C. Rumenotomy was carried out on these animals, premedicated with Xylazine or Diazepam and anaesthetized with Propofol, and data was presented in charts and as (Mean ± SEM).&#x0D; Findings: Cortisol concentration showed no statistical (P &gt; 0.05) difference in group C pre-surgery (14.55 ± 1.34 mg/dL) and up to 96 hours post-rumenotomy (13.45 ± 0.68 mg/dL). In groups A and B, cortisol concentration significantly (P &lt; 0.05) increased from pre-surgical value (14.40 ± 1.27; 13.68 ± 1.22 mg/dL) reaching a peak at 24 hours post-rumenotomy (68.85 ± 3.41; 46.63 ± 5.86mg/dL) followed by a significant (P &lt; 0.05) decrease at 96 hours post-rumenotomy (33.46 ± 3.58; 13.80 ± 2.65 mg/dL), but these were statistically (P &lt; 0.05) higher in group A compared to group B.&#x0D; The glucose concentration was statistically (P &lt; 0.05) increased in group A (72.50 ± 3.30; 75.25 ± 5.02 g/dL) compared to groups B (65.50 ± 4.50; 65.50 ± 1.71 g/dL) and C (55.50 ± 2.87; 62.25 ± 8.84 g/dL) at intra-surgery and immediate post-surgery. From 24 and up to 96 hours post-rumenotomy, no statistical difference existed for the glucose concentration in all groups of goats.&#x0D; Conclusion: The Cortisol and glucose indices increased across the groups which showed that the animals experienced stress during the procedure.&#x0D; Recommendations: The Cortisol and Glucose indices following rumenotomy showed that the Diazepam-Propofol combination (group B) is preferred because it caused less stress and gave a good plane of anaesthesia in West African Dwarf goats.

Serum Cortisol and Glucose Indices Following Rumenotomy in West African Dwarf Goats Premedicated with Xylazine or Diazepam and Inducted with Propofol

Purpose: Anaesthesia was induced in West African Dwarf (WAD) goats using Propofol and a combination of different sedatives, propofol (P), xylazine (X), Propofol (P), and Diazepam (D) and control Propofol (P) and the effects of rumenotomy on cortisol and glucose of West African dwarf goats were determined.&#x0D; Methodology: Twelve (WAD) goats were randomly assigned to three treatment groups tagged A, B, and C. Rumenotomy was carried out on these animals, premedicated with Xylazine or Diazepam and anaesthetized with Propofol, and data was presented in charts and as (Mean ± SEM).&#x0D; Findings: Cortisol concentration showed no statistical (P &gt; 0.05) difference in group C pre-surgery (14.55 ± 1.34 mg/dL) and up to 96 hours post-rumenotomy (13.45 ± 0.68 mg/dL). In groups A and B, cortisol concentration significantly (P &lt; 0.05) increased from pre-surgical value (14.40 ± 1.27; 13.68 ± 1.22 mg/dL) reaching a peak at 24 hours post-rumenotomy (68.85 ± 3.41; 46.63 ± 5.86mg/dL) followed by a significant (P &lt; 0.05) decrease at 96 hours post-rumenotomy (33.46 ± 3.58; 13.80 ± 2.65 mg/dL), but these were statistically (P &lt; 0.05) higher in group A compared to group B. The glucose concentration was statistically (P &lt; 0.05) increased in group A (72.50 ± 3.30; 75.25 ± 5.02 g/dL) compared to groups B (65.50 ± 4.50; 65.50 ± 1.71 g/dL) and C (55.50 ± 2.87; 62.25 ± 8.84 g/dL) at intra-surgery and immediate post-surgery. From 24 and up to 96 hours post-rumenotomy, no statistical difference existed for the glucose concentration in all groups of goats.&#x0D; Conclusion: The Cortisol and glucose indices increased across the groups which showed that the animals experienced stress during the procedure.&#x0D; Recommendations: The Cortisol and Glucose indices following rumenotomy showed that the Diazepam-Propofol combination (group B) is preferred because it caused less stress and gave a good plane of anaesthesia in West African Dwarf goats.

Age-related changes in hormonal profiles and testicular diameter of West African Dwarf buck treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone

This study aimed to investigate the impact of age-related peripheral and Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) -stimulated hormonal profiles on testicular size in West African dwarf bucks. Twelve 3-month-old bucks were randomly divided into two groups: the GnRH- treated group (n = 6) and the control group (n = 6). Over the course of 10 months, from month 3 to month 12, the testicular diameter of all bucks was measured monthly, and blood samples were collected monthly for hormone analysis. The results showed that testicular diameter increased with age and higher concentrations of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Testosterone (T). The GnRHtreated group reached its peak testicular diameter (28.36±1.44 mm) earlier at 8 months compared to the control group (30.50±1.44 mm) at 10 months, aligning with the peak concentrations of FSH, LH, and T. While the GnRH stimulation led to higher FSH, LH, T, and estrogen levels in the treated group, it didn't significantly affect the final testicular diameter (p&lt;0.05). It can be concluded that hormonal levels rise with age and increasing testicular size, and GnRH stimulation can accelerate this process. Testicular size is an important factor in breeding soundness and is influenced by LH, FSH, and testosterone concentrations. These hormones can reliably indicate the reproductive capacity of the buck. Therefore, hormonal profiling should be an integral part of the breeding soundness examination.

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

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