West African Dwarf Research Articles

Effects of selected herbal diets on performance of Trypanosome-challenged West African Dwarf Sheep

Herbal remedies play a major role in animal production with many of these herbs serving as treatment for some ailments and also allowing animals become more resistant to deleterious effects of disease. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of herbal based diet on physiological parameters (temperature and pulse rate), feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio respectively in West African Dwarf sheep infected with trypanosomes. Fifteen (15) West African Dwarf sheep separated into 5 groups fed various herbal diets in sole or mixed formulations thentemperature and pulse rate, feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio were measured on a daily basis.Animals placed on Diet E (Occimum gratissimum + Vernonia amygdalina) had a significantly higher average daily weight gain (24.32g, p<0.05) when compared across all treatments whileanimals placed on Diet D (Vernonia amygdalina+ Citrus aurantifolia) had a significantly higher (p<0.05) average daily feed conversion ratio (35.02). A combination of Occimum gratissimum + Vernonia amygdalina and Vernonia amygdalina + Citrus aurantifolia aided in ameliorating the deleterious effects of trypanosomosis on production in sheep.

Nutrients Intake and Digestibility of Wild Cocoyam (Caladium Bicolor) based Diets by West African Dwarf Bucks

Nutrients Intake and Digestibility of Wild Cocoyam (Caladium Bicolor) based Diets by West African Dwarf Bucks

Nano zinc supplementation in ruminant’s livestock, influence on physiological, immune functions and oxidative stability of West African dwarf goat bucks

Nano zinc supplementation in ruminant’s livestock, influence on physiological, immune functions and oxidative stability of West African dwarf goat bucks

Thermo-physiological responses and oxidative status of West African dwarf rams fed diets containing supplemental Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit meal

Plant secondary metabolites in Tetrapleuratetraptera fruit meal (TTFM) could be exploited as natural safe feed additives alternative to non- nutritive chemical and antibiotics to enhance rumen fermentation and feed utilization efficiency with negative oxidative stress. The study investigated the responses of West African Dwarf (WAD) rams to the diets containing varying levels of supplemental Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit meal on the oxidative status and thermo-physiological parameters. Thirty five (35) WAD rams with an average live weight of 13.20±0.2 kg were used in a completely randomized design for 140 days. Five concentrate diets containing varying levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 %) of TTFM were formulated while Panicum maximum was fed as a basal diet. The rectal temperature, pulse rate and respiratory rate were measured at two week intervals while blood was collected through jugular veins at the onset and at the end of feeding trial to determine oxidative status parameters in terms of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS).Data collected were subjected to one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). No significant difference observed (p>0.05) in the rectal temperature while the pulse rate and breathing rate increased significantly (p<0.05) till 12th week of the experiment. Increased glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and lowered thiobarbituric acid reactive substance were recorded on the rams at the end of the feeding trial. It was therefore concluded that inclusion of Tetrapleura tetraptera up to 2 % level reduced the oxidative stress in the experimental animals coupled with better thermo-physiological responses

Evaluation of haematological and biochemical changes following xylazine, tramadol and lignocaine premedicated propofol anaesthesia in West African dwarf goat

Evaluation of haematological and biochemical changes following xylazine, tramadol and lignocaine premedicated propofol anaesthesia in West African dwarf goat

Nutritional evaluation and growth response of West African dwarf (WAD) sheep fed varying levels of soybean cheese waste diets

Feed shortage and high cost of conventional feed ingredients in the tropics and the keen competition between man and other farm animals necessitated the need to search for alternative feed resources that are cheap, available at all times but not toxic for ruminants to enhance their productivity. Hence, this study examined the fermentation characteristics and performance of West African dwarf (WAD) sheep fed graded levels of soybean cheese waste (SBCW). Three diets were formulated at 0%, 10% and 20% levels of SBCW respectively as D1, D2 and D3. Eighteen WAD sheep averaging 14 kg were randomly allocated to the dietary treatments for 102 days. The crude protein (CP) content of the diets varied significantly (p < 0.05) with CP of D1 being lowest (12.18 %) and highest in D3 (17.75 %). The gas volume produced at the end of 24 hrs incubation for D3 was lower than in D1 and D2. The methane volume produced was least in D3 and highest in D1. The calculated organic matter digestibility (OMD), metabolizable energy (ME) and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) values were similar except for D3 which had higher OMD than D1 and D2. Daily dry matter intake (DDMI) of WAD sheep fed D3 was highest compared to other diets. A similar trend was observed in average daily weight gain (ADWG). D3 had the least cost per kg of diet among the others. From the results obtained, it was observed that diet D3 appeared to be the best and economically viable for sheep production.
 
 
 
 La pénurie d'aliments et le coût élevé des ingrédients alimentaires conventionnels dans les tropiques et la vive concurrence entre l'homme et les autres animaux d'élevage ont nécessité la recherche de ressources alimentaires alternatives bon marché, disponibles à tout moment mais non toxiques pour les ruminants afin d'améliorer leur productivité. Par conséquent, cette étude a examiné les caractéristiques de fermentation et les performances des West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep nourris avec des niveaux gradués de déchets de fromage de soja (DFS). Trois régimes ont été formulés à des niveaux de 0 %, 10 % et 20 % de DFS respectivement en tant que D1, D2 et D3. Dix-huit moutons WAD pesant en moyenne 14 kg ont été répartis au hasard entre les traitements diététiques pendant 102 jours. La teneur en protéines brutes (PB) des régimes variait significativement (p < 0,05), la PB de D1 étant laplus faible (12,18 %) et la plus élevée de D3 (17,75 %). Le volume de gaz produit au bout de 24 heures d'incubation pour J3 était inférieur à celui de D1 et D2. Le volume de méthane produit était le plus faible en D3 et le plus élevé en D1. Les valeurs calculées de digestibilité de la matière organique (DMO), d'énergie métabolisable (EM) et d'acides gras à chaîne courte (AGCC) étaient similaires, sauf pour D3 qui avait une DMO plus élevée que D1 et D2. L'apport quotidien en matière sèche (AQMS) des moutons WAD nourris au D3 était le plus élevé par rapport aux autres régimes. Une tendance similaire a été observée dans le gain de poids quotidien moyen (GPQM). D3 avait le moindre coût par kg de régime parmi les autres. D'après les résultats obtenus, il a été observé que le régime D3 apparaissait comme le meilleur et économiquement viable pour la production ovine.

Physiological and Coprological Changes Associated with Single and conjunct experimental infections of trypanosoma brucei and haemonchus contortus in west African dwarf goats

An experimental study on the interaction between Trypanosoma brucei and Haemonchus contortus infections was conducted on 36 male West African Dwarf Goats (WADG) of 8–9 months old. Coprological and physiological observations were made on these animals in different groups of 6 groups of 6 animals each. In this study, experimental single infections of either T. brucei or H. contortus and conjunct infection of both parasites produced an acute infection in WADG with initial parasitaemia occurring 7- 14 days post-infection and initial detection of egg in faeces occurring 14 days post-infection. The pre-patent period of infection of T. brucei and H. contortus were influenced by conjunct infections resulting in the early detection of nematode egg in the faeces and trypanosome in the blood of the infected conjunct groups. A high level of parasitaemia was observed more in group 3 compared to other groups. The faecal egg count and worm burden were more in groups 3, 4, and 5 than group 2. Judging from the degree of clinical manifestation, animals in the conjunct group appeared to be more severely affected. Haematological parameter changes were particularly more marked in conjunct infected groups (3 and 5). These observations may not be unconnected with the stress of the conjunct infections and immunosuppressive effects of trypanosomosis. This was very evident in the significant sustained decrease in the levels of packed cell volume, mean haemoglobin concentration and total red blood cell counts following the onset of parasitaemia and patency in the infected goats. The above observation confirmed the long-held view that both parasites precipitate anaemia and immunosuppression in infected animals.
 
 
 
 
 Une étude expérimentale sur l'interaction entre les infections à Trypanosoma brucei et à Haemonchus contortus a été menée sur 36 West African Dwarf Goat (WADG) mâles âgées de 8 à 9 mois. Des observations coprologiques et physiologiques ont été faites sur ces animaux dans différents groupes de 6 groupes de 6 animaux chacun. Dans cette étude, des infections expérimentales uniques de T. brucei ou de H. contortus et une infection conjointe des deux parasites ont produit une infection aiguë dans le WADG avec une parasitémie initiale survenant 7 à 14 jours après l'infection et une détection initiale d'œufs dans les fèces survenant 14 jours après. -infection. La période d'infection pré-patente de T. brucei et H. contortus était influencée par des infections conjointes résultant en la détection précoced'œufs de nématodes dans les fèces et de trypanosomes dans le sang des groupes conjointsm infectés. Un niveau élevé de parasitémie a été observé davantage dans le groupe 3 par rapport aux autres groupes. Le nombre d'œufs fécaux et la charge de vers étaient plus élevés dans les groupes 3, 4 et 5 que dans le groupe 2. À en juger par le degré de manifestation clinique, les animaux du groupe conjoint semblaient être plus gravement touchés. Les modifications des paramètres hématologiques étaient particulièrement plus marquées dans les groupes infectés conjointement (3 et 5). Ces observations ne sont peut-être pas sans lien avec le stress des infections conjointes et les effets immunosuppresseurs de la trypanosomose. Cela était très évident dans la diminution significative et soutenue des niveaux d'hématocrite, de la concentration moyenne d'hémoglobine et du nombre total de globules rouges après l'apparition de la parasitémie et de la perméabilité chez les chèvres infectées. L'observation ci-dessus a confirmé l'opinion de longue date selon laquelle les deux parasites précipitent l'anémie et l'immunosuppression chez les animaux infectés.

Comparative evaluation of live body weight, linear body measurement and carcass characteristics of West African dwarf and red sokoto goats in Abak municipality, Akwa Ibom State

Comparative evaluation of live body weight, linear body measurement and carcass characteristics of West African dwarf and red sokoto goats in Abak municipality, Akwa Ibom State

Productive and physiological responses of West African dwarf goats fed diets containing gmelialeaf meal.

Productive and physiological responses of West African dwarf goats fed diets containing gmelialeaf meal.

Effects of different processing methods on nutrient contents and acceptability of hog plum (Spondias mombin Linn.) leaf by West African Dwarf sheep

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of processing method on leaves from Spondias mombin tree as fodder for ruminants in the tropics. The leaves were subjected to three different physical processing methods; T1 control (fresh but air drying), T2 (fresh but soaked in ordinary water for 24 h then air drying), and T3 (fresh but soaked in water at 50oC for 20 min then air drying). Nutrient and secondary metabolites content were determined in experiment 1. In experiment II, the Coefficient of preference (CoP) was determined. In vitro gas production was used to predict metabolizable energy (ME), organic matter digestibility (OMD), short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and methane (CH4) of S. mombin leave with different processing methods in experiment 111. Results revealed significant differences in the chemical composition of S. mombin leaf subjected to different processing methods. The dry matter value was highest in S. mombin leaves soaked in hot water (90.22%), and lowest in S. mombin leaves soaked in water at room temperature (85.05%). Crude protein was highest in leaf processed with hot water (11.25 %) and lowest in control (9.59 %). No significant variations were observed for minerals and anti-nutrients investigated. The Vitamin content of leaves of S. mombin tree with various processing methods differed significantly except for vitamin E. The preference coefficient value was greater in leaves soaked at 50oC for 20 mins than leaves from the other processing method and control. All leaves of S. mombin tree from all processing methods considered in this study were acceptable to the animals, but leaves soaked in 50oC for 20 mins were most preferred. The in vitro gas production parameters and characteristics were not significantly different. In conclusion, S. mombin leaf subjected to 50 oC for 20 mins is more advantageous as forage in animal nutrition than unprocessed.

Performance of Lactating West African Dwarf Goats Fed Guinea Grass Basal Diet and Cassava Peel and Leaf Meal Based Concentrate

Performance of Lactating West African Dwarf Goats Fed Guinea Grass Basal Diet and Cassava Peel and Leaf Meal Based Concentrate

Haematological Parameters and Serum Biochemical Indices of West African Dwarf Rams Fed Diets Containing Tetrapleura tetraptera (African Porridge) Fruit Meal

Purpose: Plant secondary metabolites available in Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit meal (TTFM) could be exploited as natural safe additive to enhance the physiological health status of rams. Thus, this study investigated the haematological and serum biochemical indices of West African Dwarf (WAD) rams fed diets containing varying levels of TTFM.
 Methodology: Twenty five (25) WAD rams with an average live weight of 13.20 ± 0.20kg were used in a completely randomized design for 140 days. Five concentrate diets containing varying levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%) of TTFM were formulated while Panicum maximum was fed as a basal diet. Blood samples were collected at the onset and the end of the experiment for haematological and serum biochemical indices. Data collected were subjected to one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).
 Findings: Results showed that haematological parameters were not significantly (p>0.05) different in all dietary treatments except for eosinophil obtained at 20th week of the study with the lowest (p>0.05) value at 1.5% TTFM. Total serum protein and glucose values were positively influenced as addition of TTFM increased. It can be concluded that TTFM could be utilized for ram productivity without any adverse effect on the health status of experimental rams.
 Recommendation: It can therefore be recommended that TTFM could be included into the diets of WAD rams up to 2.0% level to improve the positive blood profile responses.

Haematological Parameters and Serum Biochemical Indices of West African Dwarf Rams Fed Diets Containing Tetrapleura tetraptera (African Porridge) Fruit Meal

Purpose: Plant secondary metabolites available in Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit meal (TTFM) could be exploited as natural safe additive to enhance the physiological health status of rams. Thus, this study investigated the haematological and serum biochemical indices of West African Dwarf (WAD) rams fed diets containing varying levels of TTFM.
 Methodology: Twenty five (25) WAD rams with an average live weight of 13.20 ± 0.20kg were used in a completely randomized design for 140 days. Five concentrate diets containing varying levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%) of TTFM were formulated while Panicum maximum was fed as a basal diet. Blood samples were collected at the onset and the end of the experiment for haematological and serum biochemical indices. Data collected were subjected to one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).
 Findings: Results showed that haematological parameters were not significantly (p>0.05) different in all dietary treatments except for eosinophil obtained at 20th week of the study with the lowest (p>0.05) value at 1.5% TTFM. Total serum protein and glucose values were positively influenced as addition of TTFM increased. It can be concluded that TTFM could be utilized for ram productivity without any adverse effect on the health status of experimental rams.
 Recommendation: It can therefore be recommended that TTFM could be included into the diets of WAD rams up to 2.0% level to improve the positive blood profile responses.

Haematological Responses following Oestrus synchronisation and superovulation protocols in West African Dwarf Goats

Experiments were performed to evaluate the haematological (erythrocyte and leucocyte parameters) response of West African Dwarf goats following oestrus synchronisation and superovulation protocol. Twenty-four clinically healthy female goats aged 2.34 ± 0.4 years and average body weight of 13.83 ± 0.7 kg was used for the experiment. The goats were divided into two groups. Group I goats was synchronized using Controlled Internal Drug Release (CIDR) for 18 days with the first day of insertion as day 0. On day 16 following CIDR insertion into the vagina, a single dose of 500 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) was administered to each doe intramuscularly while group II served as the control was subjected to the same housing and environmental conditions but was not synchronized. superovulation was induced with porcine follicle stimulating hormone (pFSH) which was injected intramuscularly at a rate of 5mg/kg in reducing doses twice a day at 06.00 h and 18.00 h for 3 days starting from 48hr i.e., 2 days before CIDR removal (day 17). A blood sample of 5 mL was collected by jugular venipuncture of each of the goats before the protocol (Day 0) and at the end of the protocol (Day 18). All erythrocyte parameters evaluated showed a significantly higher value in group II (control) compared to group I post-oestrus synchronisation while total leucocyte count, neutrophil count and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio values obtained after the protocol were also higher in group I (P < 0.05) compared to group II. It is therefore concluded that oestrus synchronisation and superovulation may elicit stress in West African Dwarf goats and an appropriate antioxidant should be part of the protocol.

"Effect of Albendazole on the kinetics of Sulphadimidine in West African Dwarf (WAD) Goats following Intramuscular Administration"

"Effect of Albendazole on the kinetics of Sulphadimidine in West African Dwarf (WAD) Goats following Intramuscular Administration"

Predicting the body weight of indigenous goat breeds from morphological measurements using the classification and regression tree (CART) data mining algorithm

Classification and regression tree (CART) is a tree-based data mining algorithm that develops a model to predict an outcome. This study purposed to create a model to predict the body weight (BWT) of Red Sokoto (RS), Sahel (SH), and West African Dwarf (WAD) goats using morphological measurements (such as body length, BL; head girth, HG; head width, HDW; face length, FAL; height at wither, HTW; rump length, RL; shoulder width, SW; rump width, RW; and rump height, RH). In total, 600 goats were used for this study (200 each of RS, SH, and WAD goats). Pearson?s Moment Correlation was used to evaluate the degree of association between BWT and each morphological measurement. Concomitantly, CART analysis was performed to estimate which independent variable (morphological measurements) played a considerable role in the BWT (dependent variable) prediction. In RS and WAD goats, a positive and statistically significant (p < 0.0001) correlation was observed between BWT and each morphological measurement. However, in SH goats, both positive and negative statistically significant correlations were observed between BWT and morphological measurements. The CART analysis indicated that in RS and WAD goats, HG played a considerable role in BWT prediction, while, in SH goats, BL was considered the most critical independent variable in BWT prediction. Therefore, this study suggests that HG can be used as a prognostic index for BWT estimation in Red Sokoto and West African Dwarf, while BL can be used for Sahel goats. The SAS codes used are available via a GitHub repository (https://github.com/Soullevram/CART).

Growth and Blood Indices of West African Dwarf Rams Fed Urea Treated Cassava Peels with Graded Levels of Gliricidia sepium Fodder

Growth and Blood Indices of West African Dwarf Rams Fed Urea Treated Cassava Peels with Graded Levels of Gliricidia sepium Fodder

Haematological, serum biochemical and hormonal profile in West African Dwarf goats during pregnancy

Abstract The haematological attributes during pregnancy assumed new importance when it was realised that pregnancy is a form of physiological stress and hormones appear to be involved in the process of pregnancy and parturition. Hence, an experiment aimed at assessing and determining the haematological, biochemical and hormonal profile during pregnancy was conducted for five (5) months using twelve (12) artificially inseminated female West African Dwarf goats aged 2 – 4 years with live weights ranging from 15 to 26 kg. Does were raised semi‑intensively throughout the duration of the experiment. Blood was collected once a month for haematological, biochemical and hormonal analysis. Data obtained were analysed by the method of least squares analysis of variance (SAS, 2003) using a general linear model appropriate for a completely randomised design. The gestation period had a highly significant (p < 0.001) effect on red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts. Cholesterol and glucose were significantly (p < 0.001) affected by the gestation period, similar to the cortisol and progesterone profile (p < 0.001). It can be concluded from this study that RBC counts were highest in the 4th week, WBC counts in the 8th week, cholesterol in the 12th week, glucose in the 8th week, progesterone and cortisol concentrations in the 20th week of gestation, respectively, in the West African Dwarf goats which reflect the physiological demands of pregnancy, foetal growth, and development. These changes can be used as a tool for monitoring foetal health and proper handling of pregnant does.

Nutrient intake, body weight changes, digestibility and nitrogen utilisation of West African dwarf goats fed Pleurotus tuber-regium treated cassava root sievate based diets

Context Biodegradation of agricultural wastes by enzyme from microorganisms, especially white rot fungi has been promising in degrading structural carbohydrates or structurally modifying proteins and their anti-nutritional properties thereby producing high quality products. Aims To evaluate the nutrient intake, body weight changes, digestibility and nitrogen utilisation of West African dwarf goats (WADG) fed Pleurotus tuber-regium treated cassava root sievate (PTRCRS) based diets. Methods The experimental diets were formulated such that PTRCRS was included in the different diets at 0, 20, 40 and 60% inclusion levels. Thirty-two WADG between six and eight months old averaging 5.26 kg in weight were randomly divided into four groups of eight goats each. The groups were randomly assigned to four experimental diets {T1 (0%), T2 (20%), T3 (40%) and T4 (60%)} in a completely randomized design. Each animal received a designated treatment diet in the morning (08:00 h) for 90 days. Feed offered was based on 3.5% body weight per day in addition to 1 kg wilted chopped Panicum maximum which was fed at 16:00 h. Fresh drinkable water was provided ad libitum. Key results There were significant (P < 0.05) differences for dry matter intake (DMI), DMI as percentage of body weight (% BW), crude protein (CP), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) intakes. Daily weight gain was significantly (P < 0.05) improved in T3 and T4. Feed conversion ratio decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of PTRCRS. Dry matter, CP, crude fibre, NDF and ADF were better (P < 0.05) digested in T4. Nitrogen intake was higher (P < 0.05) in T4 (19.62 g/day) and lowest in T1 (12.39 g/day). Nitrogen balance, nitrogen retention and nitrogen absorbed were significantly (P < 0.05) higher for T4 goats. Conclusion Incorporation of PTRCRS in WAD goat diets generally enhanced intakes, body weight gain, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilisation. Implications The treatment of cassava root sievate, which is in abundance and hitherto without any known economic value other than causing environmental nuisance with PTR, could solve the challenges of feed scarcity which has been a major factor in ruminant production. The feeding of WAD goats with PTRCRS generally enhance their performances.

INFLUENCES OF FEED AND SEASON ON BREED AND REPRODUCTIVE TRAITS IN WEST AFRICAN DWARF AND SAHEL BUCKS IN TARABA STATE

The study evaluated the influence of feed on the reproductive parameters of West African Dwarf and Sahel goats at theTeaching and Research farm of the Federal Polytechnic Bali, Taraba State. A total of 8 bucks from two goats breeds (West African Dwarf and Sahel) were used for the experiment. The 8 bucks were later moved to Vom, for semen collection, using electro-ejaculator. The study lasted for 12 calendar months. They were fed Gmelina and cassava peel meal, Gmelina and cowpea husk, Ficus and cassava peel meal and, Ficus and cowpea husk as experimental treatments (T1-T4), respectively. Goats according to breed were allotted to treatments randomly and treated as factorial experiments. Season had significant (P<0.01) influence on buck parameters (scrotal length and semen qualities). The overall samples collected was 192 on both the breeds on the following parameters; scrotal circumference, semen volume, semen pH, sperm concentration, sperm motility and live cells and the results were 11.91cm, 0.47ml, 6.78ph, 414.92x106, 83.02% and 92.33% respectively. The result was significant for breed, season and treatment for all parameters except live and dead cells for breeds and treatment. Feeding Ficus containing diets resulted in higher semen quality values. Also, semen colour using likert scale was analyzed which resulted to three types of colour (creamy, milky and watery). The colour was evaluated under based on breed, seasons and treatment diets (feeds). The overall results show insignificant differences for all the parameters (feeds, seasons, breeds and reproductive traits) observed.