Yankasa Rams Research Articles

Nutrients digestibility of rice milling waste (RMW) and soyabean meal residue (SMR) combination fed to Yankasa ram lambs in a fragile ecosystem Nigeria

Nutrients digestibility of rice milling waste (RMW) and soyabean meal residue (SMR) combination fed to Yankasa ram lambs in a fragile ecosystem Nigeria

Effects of Experimental Trypanosoma Congolense Infection on Sperm Morphology in Yankasa Rams

Abstract The objective of the study was to determine the effect of T. congolense on the sperm morphology of Yankasa rams (YKR). Nine YKR aged 24-30 months-old were assigned into two groups of 6 infected and 3 uninfected control and were monitored for 7 weeks. The infected group of YKR was each inoculated with 1 × 106 T. congolense through the jugular vein, while the control group remained uninfected. The entire infected group developed trypanosomosis post infection (pi) characterized by sperm morphological abnormalities in the semen. There were significant (P<0.001) increases in the mean percentage of acrosomal, head, middle piece and tail abnormalities. Proximal and distal droplets as well detached heads were also significantly (P<0.001) increased post infection (pi). Acrosomal abnormalities, distal droplet and tail abnormalities increased from week 1 pi till the end of the study, while head abnormalities and detached heads increased from week 2 pi. Middle piece abnormalities and proximal droplets increased from week 3 and 4 pi till the end of the study respectively. The high incidence of morphological defects caused by T. congolense is capable of causing infertility from the first week pi thereby making the rams unfit for breeding at the end of the study.

Nutrients digestibility of rice milling waste (RMW) and soybean meal residue (SMR) combination fed to Yankasa ram lambs in a fragile ecosystem Nigeria

This experiment was conducted at Bayero University Kano, to determine the Utilization and digestibility of Soyabean meal Residue (SMR) and Rice Milling Waste by Yankasa ram lambs. The 20 animals were fed with a complete diet containing graded levels of SMR and RMW at 0, (A) 5 (B), 10 (C), 15(D) and 20% (E). The trial lasted for 21 days (14 days for adaptation and 7 days for collection of faecal samples). Harness bags were used for the collection of faecal samples, which was fitted in the last 7 days of adaptability. Results obtained revealed that DM digestibility (%) was significantly higher (P 0.05) between each other. Value obtained for treatment E were comparable (P>0.05) with treatment A. CP digestibility, value for treatment E (89.95%) was significantly higher (P 0.05). Treatments B (84.36%) and C (86.37%) were similar (P>0.05) but significantly higher than those for treatments A (81.31%) and D (85.24%) with the lowest value in treatment D. The EE digestibility values obtained were significantly higher (P 0.05) between each other. Similarly, values for treatments B, C and D were similar (P>0.05). Ash digestibility values for treatments A (62.27%), B (56.59%) and C (58.27%) did not differ significantly (P>0.05) between one another but were significantly lower (P<0.05) than those for treatments D (67.34%) and E (70.31%) whose values did not differ significantly between each other. Therefore, feeding combination of RMW and SMR to growing Yankasa ram lambs up to 20% inclusion improved digestibility and performance and reduce cost of production. It is recommended that more trial should be conducted with higher inclusion level and with different breeds of Sheep.

Relationship between Serum Lipid Profile, Testicular Dimensions and Sperm Reserve in Yankasa Sheep

The relationship between serum lipid profile, testicular dimensions and sperm reserve in Yankasa rams was evaluated. Twenty seven (27) Yankasa rams of between 1.5 to 2 years of age were used for the study. Serum parameters evaluated include, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride. Testicular parameters measured include, weight, volume, length and circumference. Pearson's coefficients of correlation among various parameters were estimated using SPSS (2010). The result indicate a significantly negative correlation between total cholesterol and sperm reserve (-0.90, P<0.01). Similarly, the relationship between sperm reserve and low density lipoprotein cholesterol is negative and significant (-0.92, P<0.01). Positive but non-significant correlation was observed between sperm reserve and high density lipoprotein cholesterol. Findings of this research suggest that measures taken to decrease serum levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol can improve reproductive performance of Yankasa rams.

Effect of Dietary Gossypol on Gonadal and Extragonadal Sperm Reserves of Yankasa Rams

Cottonseed and its by-products are used extensively for supplementing ruminant rations to increase productivity. However, they contain gossypol which is a reproductive toxicant in males of both ruminant and non-ruminants. This study evaluated the effect of dietary gossypol from whole cottonseed (WCS) and cottonseed cake (CSC) on the gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves of Yankasa rams. Fifteen (15) Yankasa rams weighing an average of 20 2 Kg were randomly distributed into three groups (A, B and C) of five rams each and were fed diets containing 48 % WCS, 48 % CSC and control diet (gossypol-free), respectively for 14 weeks. The gonadal and epididymal sperm of the rams (3 from each group) were conducted. The data obtained were statistically analysed using GraphPad Prism version 5.0. Significance of differences between treatments means were determined at P ≤ 0.05 with Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison test of repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA). Testicular and epididymal weight, length and sperm reserves were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by gossypol. Gossypol-treated rams in groups A and B however, had numerically lower mean values of testicular and epididymal weight, length and sperm reserves than those of the control group. We concluded that gossypol present in whole cottonseed cake which causes reduction in testicular and epididymal sperm reserves and these feeds should be used with caution in breeding rams.

Moringa oleifera, Gliricidia sepium and Leucena leucocephala ensiled with molasses as additive: effect on feed intake and digestibility in yankasa rams

The nutritional potential of molasses ensiled Moringa oleifera, Gliricidia sepium and Leucaena leucocephala as additives were compared by feeding them to twenty-four yearling Yankasa rams for twelve weeks. The rams were assigned randomly to four treatments. The feed intake, feed conversion ratio, body weight changes and nutrient digestibility as influenced by the four dietary treatments were evaluated. The mean weight gain of rams fed Giliricidia sepium ensiled with cassava peels (2.4kg), Leucaena leucocephaala ensiled with cassava peels (2.2kg) and Moringa oleifera ensiled with cassava peels (2.1kg) were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those fed control diet of ensiled cassava peels only (1.8kg). Rams fed diet of cassava peels ensiled only had the least feed conversion ratio of 13.35 while rams fed supplemental Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena leucocephala and Moringa oleifera ensiled with cassava peels had feed conversion ratio of 10.35, 11.29 and 12.0 respectively. The highest feed conversion ratio was observed in rams fed supplemental Gliricidia sepium ensiled with cassava peels (10.35). The nitrogen balance values for rams on treatments CP+ GS (4.29g day-1 ), CP +LL (4.02g day-1) and CP+MO (3.64g day-1) were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those rams on control diet of ensiled cassava peels only. Rams on treatment CP+GS (54.1g day-1),CP+LL (50.4g day-1) and CP+MO(47.9g day-1 )had significant (P<0.05) higher values of N-retention than those rams on control treatment( 36.1g day-1). The nutrient digestibility of dry matter (61.83%), crude protein (60.73%), ether extract (60.73%), nitrogen free extract (68.0%) and crude fibre (63.70%) of rams on control diet were consistently lower (P<0.05) than those rams fed supplemental Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena leucocephala and Moringa oleifera ensiled materials. Rams fed Giliricidia sepium, Leucaena leucocephala and Moringa oleifera ensiled cassava peels had better feed intake, rumen digestion and growth performance compared to rams fed control diet of ensiled cassava peels only.

Effects of Experimental Fasciola Gigantica Infection on Serum Testosterone Profiles and their Relationship with Semen Characteristics of Yankasa Ram

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Fasciolosis on serum testosterone profiles and semen characteristics of Yankasa rams. Twelve, apparently healthy, Yankasa rams aged 18-24 months were randomly divided into two groups (infected group A and control group B) with seven and five rams, respectively. The rams werekept under intensive management in different pens throughout the study period. Group A rams were inoculated with 800 metacecariae orally and monitored for 12 weeks Post Infection (PI). Clinical signs were manifested 2 weeks PI. Faecal examination revealed Fasciola eggs at week 7 PI in group A. Three mL of blood were collected aseptically via the jugular vein at 30 min interval, weekly between 08:00-9:00am for serum testosterone assay. Testosterone assay was done using ELISA technique. There was significant decrease in testosterone concentration in group A at different time intervals of the weeks of post-infection. The semen analysis showed the lowest mean (±SEM) of semen volume, semen motility, semen concentration, of group A, as (0.01±0.0 mL), (3.6±2.4%), (16.1±4.2%) compared to group B with mean (±SEM) (1.6±0.1 mL), (93.0±1.2%), (440.0±13.0%) at week 7 post- infection, respectively. This study revealed that Fasciolosis has a great impact on sheep mainly by diminishing their reproductive efficiency and rendering infected rams infertile. It is concluded that F. gigantica infectionhad advanced effects on testosterone production and semen quality of Yankasa rams.

Effects of Experimental &lt;em&gt;Fasciola gigantic&lt;/em&gt; Infection on Serum Testosterone Profiles in Relationship to Semen Characteristics of Yankasa Ram

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Fasciolosis on serum testosterone profiles and semen characteristics of Yankasa rams. Twelve, apparently healthy, Yankasa rams aged 18-24 months were randomly divided into two groups (infected group A and control group B) with seven and five rams, respectively. The rams werekept under intensive management in different pens throughout the study period. Group A rams were inoculated with 800 metacecariae orally and monitored for 12 weeks Post Infection (PI). Clinical signs were manifested 2 weeks PI. Faecal examination revealed <em>Fasciola</em> eggs at week 7 PI in group A. Three mL of blood were collected aseptically via the jugular vein at 30 min interval, weekly between 08:00-9:00am for serum testosterone assay. Testosterone assay was done using ELISA technique. There was significant decrease in testosterone concentration in group A at different time intervals of the weeks of post-infection. The semen analysis showed the lowest mean (±SEM) of semen volume, semen motility, semen concentration, of group A, as (0.01±0.0 mL), (3.6±2.4%), (16.1±4.2%) compared to group B with mean (±SEM) (1.6±0.1 mL), (93.0±1.2%), (440.0±13.0%) at week 7 post- infection, respectively. This study revealed that Fasciolosis has a great impact on sheep mainly by diminishing their reproductive efficiency and rendering infected rams infertile. It is concluded that <em>F. gigantica</em> infectionhad advanced effects on testosterone production and semen quality of Yankasa rams.

Testicular and epididymal pathology in Yankasa rams experimentally infected with Trypanosoma congolense

ObjectiveTo investigate the pathological effect of experimental Trypanosoma congolense (T. congolense) infection on the testes and epididymis of Yankasa rams. MethodsNine intact un-castrated rams were obtained and divided into 2 groups of 6 infected with 1×106T. congolense and 3 uninfected controls. Four infected and one uninfected control rams were sacrificed on Day 75 post infection and the remaining four rams (two each of infected and control groups) on Day 86 post infection. ResultsAll infected rams became parasitaemic within 7–11 days post infection with clinical trypanosomosis characterized by peri-orbital oedema and a transient period of scrotal oedema, this was followed by progressive decrease in scrotal size. At postmortem, the organs from infected rams were pale and emaciated but no observable lesion was seen in the uninfected control group. At histology, the testes showed areas of necrosis on the interstitial tissue characterized by destruction of cellular structures within the tissues and seminiferous tubules. There was moderate to severe testicular degeneration manifested by loss of tissue architecture and infiltration with macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes and plasma cells. Fibrous connective tissues were also seen in the testes of the infected rams indicative of replacement of normal cells by fibrous connective tissue. The epididymis of the infected rams had collection of some spermatocytes and desquamated epithelial cells in the epithelial ducts although others were devoid of spermatocytes in their ducts leading to loss of epididymal sperm reserves. However, these were not seen in the uninfected control rams. ConclusionsT. congolense causes testicular and epididymal damage which may render the rams infertile or sterile.

Interrelationship between Fasciola Eggs Count, Haematological Parameters, Liver and Testicular Pathology of Yankasa Rams Experimentally Infected with Fasciola Gigantica in Zaria, Nigeria.

The study was designed to determine the influence of F. gigantica and fasciola eggs on haematological parameters, liver and testicular damage in Yankasa rams experimentally infected with F. gigantica. The experimental rams were randomly assigned into (n=7) infected group and (n=5) control group. Pre-infection data were collected in both groups for 4 weeks, 5 ml of blood were aseptically collected for evaluation of haematological parameters and total protein levels. The haematological parameters prior to experimental infection were within the normal range. The infected group were orally inoculated with 800 metacercariae and monitored for 2 weeks post infection (PI) for manifestation of clinical signs. The infected rams had significant p>0.05 decreased in packed cell volume (PCV) 33.6±1.8 %, red blood cells (RBC) 4.8 ± 0.4 x106/ml, haemoglobin concentration (Hb) 11.4±0.6 g/dl, white blood cells (WBC) 6.8±0.3 x103/ml. Compared to the control rams that had (PCV) 40.4±2.2 %, (RBC) 6.9± 0.2 x106 /ml, (Hb) 13.8±0.8 g/dl, and (WBC) 5.8±0.2 x103/ml at the end of the study 12 weeks PI. The cumulative mean of total protein (5.49±0.3 g/dl) levels of the infected rams had significant p>0.05 difference compared to total protein (6.56±0.4 g/dl) levels the control rams. There was no significant difference in the differential leucocyte count of both groups. The fasciola eggs and flukes recovered from the bile and liver tissue of the infected rams was 1850.0±650.0 and 550.0±100.36 respectively. The testicles of the infected rams revealed pericapsular hemorrhages. No fasciola eggs or flukes were observed in the control rams and no pathology observed on the testicles. This study revealed that fasciola eggs count may be a tool to determine the success of experimental infection and the estimated number of recovered flukes used in the study. It is concluded that fasciola eggs and large population of flukes had significant influence in the establishment of liver and testicular pathology in Yankasa rams.

Effects of Supplementing Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L moench) Stover with Dried Poultry Dropping Based Diet on Performance of Growing Yankasa Rams

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of dried Poultry dropping based diets on feed intake, live weight changes and nutrient digestibility of Yankasa rams. Thirty growing Yankasa rams aged between 9 - 12 months weighing 11.5 - 15.5 kg were used in a completely randomized design experiment. The experimental animals were randomly allotted to 5 treatments (T1-T5). T1 were rams fed with 0 % dried poultry droppings (DPD), T2 were 20 % dried poultry droppings (DPM), T3 were 40 % dried poultry droppings (DPD), T4 were 60% dried poultry droppings (DPM), T5 were 80% dried poultry droppings (DPM). Mean feed intake increased significantly (P<0.05) as the level of inclusion increases T1 (2.9 kg), T2 (14.8 kg), T3 (18.2 kg) T4 (18.3 kg) and T5 (24.0 kg). The final live weight gain was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T5 (17.8) than T1 (12.8) T2 (15.3) T3 (15.6) and T4 (16.9). Similarly in the mean average weekly gain T2 and T5 performed significantly (P<0.05) better compare to other treatments. Nutrient digestibility was generally significantly higher (P<0.05) in T5 in all the parameters measured except in Nitrogen free extract. The results of this study suggests that inclusion of dried poultry dropping up to 80% in a sorghum Stover basal diet would give satisfactory performance in growing Yankasa rams.

Effects of Dietary Gossypol on Testicular Histology and Ultrasonograms of Yankasa Rams

This study evaluated the effect of dietary gossypol from whole cottonseed (WCS) and cottonseed cake (CSC) on testicular morphology of Yankasa rams. Fifteen (15) Yankasa rams weighing an average of 20 2 Kg were randomly distributed into three groups (A, B and C) of five rams each and were fed diets containing 48 % WCS, 48 % CSC and control diet (gossypol-free), respectively for 14 weeks. . An ultrasonographic examination of the testes of each ram was done every month for 3 months. At the end of the feeding period, the rams were castrated and histopathogical examination of the testicular tissues (n = 6). Histopathological changes observed in the testes of the rams in the experimental group were depletion of spermatogenic cell layers and arrest of spermatogenesis at the spermatocyte and spermatids levels and an exfoliation of the spermatogonia. There was vacuolation of the germ layers in the seminiferous tubules. These changes were more severe in group B (CSC) than A (WCS) and were indicative of testicular degeneration. Ultrasonograms of the testis of rams from experimental groups showed loss of homogeneity and an increased hyperechoic appearance which were also indicative of testicular degeneration. It was concluded that gossypol from whole cottonseed and cottonseed cake has detrimental effects on testicular histology and the effect on testicular histology was more severe in rams that were fed cottonseed cake.

Haematological and Biochemical Profile of Growing Yankasa Rams Fed Sorghum Stover Supplemented with Graded Levels of Dried Poultry Droppings Based Diets

This study was designed to determine the haematological and biochemical profiles of growing Yankasa rams fed sorghum stover supplemented with Sun-Dried Poultry Droppings diets (SDPD). Poultry dropping is a good source of protein supplement. Its high nitrogen content suggests feeding it to ruminant would be an excellent avenue to convert nutrients in the waste into animal products. But a major challenge for it utilization is the danger of pathogenic organisms. Sun-drying of the droppings can render the waste free of pathogens. Thirty growing Yankasa rams aged 9-12 months, weighing 11.5-15.5 kg were randomly divided into five groups (3 in each) and assigned to five experimental diets T1-T5 which contained 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80% SDPD. Blood samples were analyzed for haematological and biochemical parameters. Results showed that White Blood Cell (WBC), Haemoglobin (Hb) and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) were significantly influenced by Dried Poultry Droppings based diets (DPD). Their values were WBC, 10.6, 12.9, 9.5, 7.0 and 10.7 L(-1), Hb, 8.6, 9.3, 8.6, 8.4 and 9.7 g dL(-1) and PCV, 22.9, 29.4, 27.1, 23.6 and 21.5%, respectively. Additionally, urea, sodium and total protein were significantly influenced by treatment diet. Their values were urea, 6.1, 6.3, 6.8, 6.9 and 8.1 mg dL(-1), sodium, 102.9, 128.8, 129.2, 130.7 and 130.7 mmol L(-1). total protein, 6.3, 6.5, 7.1, 7.2 and 7.1 g dL(-1). Most haematological and biochemical values obtained were within the normal range for sheep. SDPS diet can satisfactorily supplement sorghum stover without any deleterious effect on the blood chemistry and haematological profile of growing Yankasa rams.

DETERMINATION OF PREDICTION EQUATIONS TO ESTIMATE BODY CONDITION SCORE FROM BODY SIZE AND TESTICULAR TRAITS OF YANKASA RAMS

The study was aimed to develop prediction models using stepwise multiple linear regressionanalysis for estimating the body condition score (BCS) from the body weight (BW), testicular length(TL), testicular diameter (TD) and scrotal circumference (SC) of indigenous Yankasa rams. Data wereobtained from 120 randomly selected rams with approximately two and half years of age, from differentextensively managed herds in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Although pairwise phenotypic correlationsindicated strong association (P&lt;0.01) among the measured variables, there was collinearity problembetween BW and SC as revealed by the variance inflation factors (VIF) and tolerance valves (T). TheVIT was higher than 10 (VIF = 19.45 and 16.65 for BW and SC, respectively). The Twas smaller than0.1 (T = 0.05 and 0.06 in BW and SC, respectively). BW was retained among the collinear variables, andwas singly accounted for 83.7% of the variation in BCS. However, a slight improvement was obtainedfrom the prediction of BCS from BW and TL [coefficient of determination (R2), adjusted R2 and rootmean squares error (RMSE) were 85.3%, 85.1% and 0.305, respectively]. The prediction of the BCS ofYankasa rams from BW and testicular measurements could therefore be a potential tool for sustainableproduction and improvement of small ruminants in Nigeria.

Effects of urea-treated fibrous diets on nutrient intake, digestibility, performance and haematological parameters of Yankasa rams

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of urea-treated fibrous diets on the intake, nutrient digestibility, performance and haematological parameters of Yankasa rams. A total of 48 Yankasa rams (BW 10.00 ± 1.50 kg; 6-8 months old) were allocated into four treatment groups in a completely randomised design (12 rams per treatment). Animals were placed on complete rations of yam peels, maize bran and rice husk treated with 0, 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0% urea. The experiment lasted for 18 weeks. Yankasa rams fed with urea-treated diets had higher feed intake (949.88 and 938.04 g/day for U₁₅ and U₂₀, respectively), daily weight gain (227.67 and 181.00 g/day for U₁₅ and U₂₀, respectively) and better feed conversion ratio (4.17 and 5.18 for U₁₅ and U₂₀, respectively). Rams on urea-treated diets had higher haemoglobin and red blood cell contents and higher weight gains, indicating that urea treatment enhanced nutrient supply and utilisation at the tissue level. It was concluded that urea treatment of fibrous farm by-products is a promising feeding strategy especially during the dry season when there is scarcity of high-quality forages. Addition of 1.5% urea to roughage diets and farm by-products to form a total mixed ration may preclude the search for supplements.

Performance of local (Yankasa) rams fed diets containing varying levels of &lt;i&gt;Gmelina arborea&lt;/i&gt; leaves (GML) and &lt;i&gt;Desmodium&lt;/i&gt; forage (df) supplemented with concentrate

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the performance of Yankasa rams fed diets containing varying levels of Gmelina arborea (GmL) leaves and Desmodium foliage (DF) supplemented with concentrate for a period of 56 days. Sixteen (16) Yankasa rams, with an average age of 18 months and initial mean body weight of 18 kg were used in a completely randomized design experiment. The animals were alloted to 4 treatments (T1, T2, T3 and T4) containing Desmodium and Gmelina at 100: 0%, 25:75%, 75:25 % and 0:100 % levels respectively .Mean feed intake wassignificantly (p&lt;0.05) higher for animals in T4 (0.47&#177;0.04 kg) and T2 (0.45 &#177; 0.03 kg) than for those in T1 (0.42 &#177; 0.03 Kg) and T3 (0.43&#177; 0.03 kg). Similarly, final live body weight gain (FLBWG) was significantly better (P &lt; 0.05) in T4 (2.95 &#177; 0.15 kg) and T2 (2.50 &#177; 0.12 kg) than in T1 (1.50 &#177; 0.02 kg) and T3 (1.75 &#177; 0.08 kg). The lower Total Ash (TA)content (4.70 % ) observed in T4 appeared to have enhanced higher digestibility in T1 (96.03%). The result of this study suggests that Yankasa rams, when offered liberal concentrate supplement with 100% level of inclusion of Gmelina leaves, or a combination of 25 % Desmodium and 75 % Gmelina inclusion in the ration, would give satisfactory performance.

Performance of Yankasa RAM lambs fed graded levels of RMW and SBMR combination in the semi-arid zone, Nigeria

This experiment was conducted at Bayero University Kano, to determine the performance of Yankasa ram lambs fed complete diet containing graded levels of SBMR and RMW at 5, 10, 15 and 20% representing treatments B, C, D and E, respectively. Treatment A served as the control with 0% inclusion of both SBMR and RMW. Twenty entire males Yankasa ram lambs with an average weight of 14.3 ±0.03kg were used for the study. Results obtained revealed that incorporation of RMW and SBMR in the diets of growing Yankasa ram lambs up to 20% gave impressive output. Although significant differences were not recorded (P>0.05) between all the treatments in respect of average daily gain (ADG), diet C (10% inclusion) recorded the highest mean. The Dry matter, Crude fibre and Crude protein digestibility significantly (P<0.05) increased gradually up to 20% inclusion level from the control diet (0% inclusion). Similarly cost of production was significantly (P<0.05) lower for diet E (20% inclusion). It is concluded that feeding combination of RMW and SBMR to growing Yankasa ram lambs up to 20% inclusion level improved performance and reduced cost of production.

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN BODY AND SCROTAL MEASUREMENTS, AND SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS IN YANKASA RAM

The study was conducted to determine the relationsh ips between body measurements, scrotal and seminal characteristics using 62 Yankasa rams at th e Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. Body measurements related positively with testicular measurements (0.40-0.83). Body (0.27-0.4 8) and testicular (0.25-0.48) measurements were positively related to semen characteristics. Howeve r, the relationship between semen pH and sperm concentration was negative (-0.29 to -0.38), with t esticular dimension (-0.30 to -0.38) and with body measurements (-0.29 to -0.38). The study revealed t hat efficient fertility of Yankasa rams and subsequent conception rate in ewes would depend on the interactions of these variables.

Effect of processing methods on the degradability of rattle box (Crotalaria retusa) plant in Yankasa rams

Crotalaria as a feed has great ability to serve as a source of energy and protein in dry season feeding due to the fact that it has good crude protein content comparable to other well-known forage legumes. The study was designed to evaluate the nutritive compositions of Crotalaria retusa leaves subjected to various processing. The processing methods that the crotalaria leaves were subjected to include: sun drying, oven drying, shade drying and fresh, and thereafter, the chemical analysis of the variously processed leaves was determined. Similarly, the rumen degradation was determined. The results showed a significant difference in the fresh leaves for all the parameters determined. Dry matter degradability showed a general increase with increase in the incubation time, and there was also a general decrease in passage rate with increase in outflow rate (‘k’ value). Sun drying reduces the protein content for ruminant use as such Crotalaria can serve as a source of protein for ruminants especially in dry season when there is scarcity of protein sources for ruminants.

Performance and carcass characteristics of Yankasa ram fed with variable levels of biscuit waste and Leucaena leucocephala based diets

Performance and carcass characteristics of Yankasa ram fed with variable levels of biscuit waste and Leucaena leucocephala based diets