EFFECTS OF SUPPLEMENTAL NEEM (Azadirachta indica) AND GARLIC (Allium sativum) ON GROWTH AND CARCASS YIELD OF FINISHING BROILER

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding diets containing Neem Leaf Meal (NLM), Garlic Meal (GM) and their combinations (NLM + GM) on growth performance and carcass yield of finishing broiler. A total of 180 day-old Cobb broiler chickens were divided into twelve groups of fifteen chicks with three replicate of five chicks each. The diet contained NLM, GM and NLM + GM at four levels of inclusion (0mg/kg, 500mg/kg, 1000mg/kg and 1500mg/kg). The experiment was arranged in a 3 × 4 factorial layout in a completely randomized design. Additives and levels of inclusion had no significant (P>0.05) influence on performance parameters except feed intake which was influenced (p<0.05) by NLM + GM and 1000mg/kg levels of inclusion. Final live weight (2516.67g/bird), weight gain (1742.00g/bird), daily weight gain (62.2g/bird/day) and feed conversion ratio (2.32) were improved (p<0.05) at 1500mg/kg levels of inclusion of NLM + GM. Thigh (11.68%), wings (8.44), neck (4.23%) and gizzard (2.13%) of birds fed GM were improved (P<0.05) than those of NLM. Carcass weight was influenced (p<0.05) by additives at various inclusion levels with wings (9.01%), head (3.39%), neck (4.52%), shanks (4.49%) and gizzard (2.42%) highest (p<0.05) in birds fed GM at 1500mg/kg levels of inclusion than those of 0mg/kg levels of inclusion. It was concluded that the use of NLM + GM as additives yielded commendable result on performance and carcass weight of finishing broiler birds   This study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding diets containing Neem Leaf Meal (NLM), Garlic Meal (GM) and their combinations (NLM + GM) on growth performance and carcass yield of finishing broiler. A total of 180 day-old Cobb broiler chickens were divided into twelve groups of fifteen chicks with three replicate of five chicks each. The diet contained NLM, GM and NLM + GM at four levels of inclusion (0mg/kg, 500mg/kg, 1000mg/kg and 1500mg/kg). The experiment was arranged in a 3 × 4 factorial layout in a completely randomized design. Additives and levels of inclusion had no significant (P>0.05) influence on performance parameters except feed intake which was influenced (p<0.05) by NLM + GM and 1000mg/kg levels of inclusion. Final live weight (2516.67g/bird), weight gain (1742.00g/bird), daily weight gain (62.2g/bird/day) and feed conversion ratio (2.32) were improved (p<0.05) at 1500mg/kg levels of inclusion of NLM + GM. Thigh (11.68%), wings (8.44), neck (4.23%) and gizzard (2.13%) of birds fed GM were improved (P<0.05) than those of NLM. Carcass weight was influenced (p<0.05) by additives at various inclusion levels with wings (9.01%), head (3.39%), neck (4.52%), shanks (4.49%) and gizzard (2.42%) highest (p<0.05) in birds fed GM at 1500mg/kg levels of inclusion than those of 0mg/kg levels of inclusion. It was concluded that the useof NLM + GM as additives yielded commendable result on performance and carcass weight of finishing broiler birds Keywords: Neem, garlic, broilers, performance, carcass characteristics.

SELECTED WELFARE PARAMETERS OF BROILER CHICKENS ON DIFFERENT FEED QUANTITY AND TIME

This study was conducted to determine welfare of broiler chickens fed ad libitum and restricted feed during early (08.00hour) and late (16:00hour) of the day. One hundred and eighty (21d old) broiler chickens were randomly allocated to 4 treatments in a 2x2 factorial arrangement comprising of ad libitum and restricted feeding (75% of ad libitum) quantity at 8 and 16 hours feeding time in three replicates. Data were collected on leg problem, dust bathing, body temperature, mortality and haematology. Result revealed that neither feed quantity nor time had significant (P>0.05) effect on leg problem, dust bathing and mortality of broiler chickens. Broiler chickens under ad lib feed quantity and 16:00hours feeding time had (P<0.05) highest body temperature (40.93oC) while those under ad libitum morning (08:00hours) recorded the least (40.75°C). Pack Cell Volume had similar (P>0.05) increase from 26.75% at the beginning (21d) to 31.25 (%) at 56d with broiler chickens under restricted feeding and fed at 16:00hours feeding time. Basophil count reduced from a range of 0.5-2% (P<0.05) to 1% (P>0.05) with restricted feeding. Also eosinophil reduced from 2-4% (P<0.05) range to 0-2.5% (P>0.05) with restricted feeding while birds under ad lib increased from 0-1% (P<0.05) at 21d to 2.75% (P>0.05) at 56d. Better welfare (good body temperature) of broiler chicken could be achieved with early feeding time irrespective of quantity. However, restricted feeding could be explored in broiler production where reduced basophil, eosinophil and stress are vital for enhanced welfare and performance.   &nbsp

Effects of State of Boar on Nutrients Digestibility, Nitrogen Balance, Backfat Measurements, Cut-up Parts and Organ Weights of Finishing Pigs

A study was conducted to determine the nutrients digestibility, backfat composition, cut-up parts and organ weights of intact and castrated finishing pigs. Forty eight Large White male pigs with initial average weight of 36.82±0.45 kg were randomly assigned to two treatments with each treatment consisting of three replicates of eight pigs each. Twenty four of the experimental animals were castrated while the remaining twenty four were left intact. Four pigs per replicate were selected and housed in metabolic cages to determine nutrient digestibility and carcass evaluation was performed when the pigs in each experimental group attained an average weight of 70 kg in order to verify the backfat composition, cut-up parts and organ weights. The experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomised Design. Dry matter intake, excreted faeces/dry matter intake, dry matter digestibility, crude protein digestibility, nitrogen intake, absorption and retention were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by state of boar. Castrated boars had higher mean values in these parameters except in excreted faeces/dry matter. Intact boars had higher significant (P<0.05) mean values in liver (1.98%), kidney (0.20%) and heart (0.22%) weights in comparison with the corresponding values (1.57, 0.12 and 0.12%, respectively) recorded for castrated boars. Subcutaneous fat depth and fat free index were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by state of boars. Intact boar recorded better value (49.07) for fat free index when compared to 43.46 obtained by the castrated boar. It was concluded that state of boar had effect on nutrient digestibilities, organ weights (liver, kidney and heart weights) and backfat deposits (subcutaneous fat depth and fat free index) of finishing pigs

Growth performance, carcass yield and gait score of Marshal broiler chicken reared on intensive and semi intensive management systems

The rearing system used in highly productive farms is often subjected to harsh criticism, one of the reasons being its failure to provide adequate welfare. A number of attempts have been made to introduce new technologies in rearing poultry for meat production aiming at improving rearing conditions, protecting the environment and enhancing the quality of poultry products. Given the above, one hundred and sixty eight unsexed 14-day old Marshall broiler chicks were used in a completely randomized design study to compare the effect of management systems (intensive and semi intensive) on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and gait score of broiler chickens. The experiment lasted for 42 d. Data were collected on weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, carcass yield and gait score. Result showed that birds on the intensive management system recorded higher weight gain (P 0.05; 66.94%, 11.44%) than those in semi-intensive system (54.55%, 10.92%, respectively). For the gait score broiler birds on semi intensive management system recorded reduced number of cases of severe and slight leg problems (P < 0.05, 25.76% vs 49.3%). It was concluded that broiler birds should be reared on intensive management system for better growth performance and carcass yield. However, birds reared on semi intensive management system had fewer leg problems compared to birds reared on intensive management system. The fewer severe leg problems observed in birds on semi intensive management system will help improve their market value thereby making birds more profitable to rear on semi intensive management system

Replacement Value of Sorghum Milling Dust for Maize in the Diets of Weaner Rabbits

A study was conducted to determine the replacement value of sorghum milling dust for maize in rabbit production. Five weeks feeding trial involving thirty-two, six weeks old New Zealand White weaner rabbits weighing 584.38g on the average was arranged in Completely Randomized Design and fed four diets containing 0 (control), 10, 20 and 30% malted sorghum milling dust (MSMD). The MSMD was high in crude protein (10.30%) and crude fibre (20.60%). The body weight gain, feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratios of rabbits fed 10 and 30% MSMD were higher than the control and 20% MSMD. Rabbits fed diet containing 30% MSMD recorded the highest daily weight gain of 37.14 g while the least value of 27.14 g was observed for rabbits on control diet. The inclusion at 30% MSMD resulted in a very high utilization of the diet by the rabbit and least cost of feed/kg weight gain.Keywords: Sorghum dust, weaner rabbit, maiz

Variations in haematological and serum indices of finishing broiler birds fed neem (Azadirachta indica) and garlic (Allium sativum) as phytobiotics

One hundred and eighty day-old Cobb broiler chickens were used to evaluate the effects of feeding diets containing neem leaf meal (NLM), garlic meal (GM) and their combination (NLM + GM) on haematological and serum indices of finishing broiler. The birds were divided into twelve treatment groups of fifteen chicks with three replicate of five chicks each. The diets contained NLM, GM and NLM + GM at four levels of inclusion; Omg/kg, 500mg/kg, 1000mg/kg and 1500mg/kg. The experiment was arranged in a 3 x 4 factorial layout in a completely randomized design (CRD). The inclusion of NLM, GM and NLM + GM did not significantly (P&gt;0.05) influence haematological parameters. Different levels of inclusion significantly (P&lt;0.05) influenced absolute haematological parameters. (P&lt;0.05) interaction of additives and levels of inclusion were observed in most of the haematological indices studied. NLM+GM at 500mg/kg showed the highest PCV value. Highest Hb and RBC values were observed in birds fed GM at 1500mg/kg. Different levels of inclusion significantly (P&lt;0.05) influenced total protein and albumin levels. Lowest (P&lt;0.05) amounts of total protein (8.88mg/dl) and albumin (2.20mg/dl) were recorded in birds fed 1500mg/kg inclusion levels compared to those birds on Omg/kg inclusion level..Additives and levels of inclusion (P&lt;0.05) affected cholesterol value of finishing broiler birds. There was a reduction in cholesterol (93.38mg/dl) and HDL (52.57mg/dl) values of birds fed GM than these fed NLM + GM. Significant (P&lt;0.05) interactions were observed in alanine aminotransferase (ALI), urea, cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) values. It was evident that feeding of the additives at different levels affected the blood picture of the finishing broiler chickens.</jats:p

Influence of feed quantity offered on growth performance, carcass yield, organs weight and back-fat composition of finishing pigs

A study was conducted to determine the effect of feed quantity offered (1.5, 2.0 or 2.5 kg) on growth performance, carcass yield, organs weight and backfat composition. A total of 48 Large White grower male pigs with initial average weight of 36.48±2.25 kg were allotted to 3 treatments of 16 pigs per treatment and were further replicated into 4 with 4 pigs per replicate. Data were collected on weekly basis and carcass characteristics were performed when the pigs on each experimental group attained an average weight 70 kg. Final body weight, daily weight gain and daily feed intake were significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased by feeding level with highest mean values obtained by the pigs fed 2.5 kg feed daily. Pigs on 1.5 kg daily feeding level took 108.31 days to attain the target weight of 70 kg which was significantly (P&lt;0.05) longer than 92.23 and 79.94 days obtained by those on 2.0 and 2.5 kg daily feeding levels respectively. Most of the parameters considered for carcass yield were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) enhanced by feed quantity offered. The weight of ham (11.54, 12.18 and 13.41%) increased significantly (P&lt;0.05) with increase in feeding level while kidney weight decreased significantly (P&lt;0.05) with increase in feed quantity offered. Heart values of the pigs fed 2.0 and 2.5 kg feed daily were similar but differed significantly from those fed 1.5 kg feed daily. The depth of fat at first and last ribs, and subcutaneous fat depth increased significantly (P&lt;0.05) with increase in feeding level. These results showed that quantity of feed offered greatly influenced growth performance (final body weight, daily weight gain, daily feed intake and days to target weight), ham, kidney, heart and backfat composition of finishing pigs, hence, it could be used as a management tool to improve growth performance and carcass traits of pigs. </jats:p

EFFECTS OF SUPPLEMENTAL NEEM (Azadirachta indica) AND GARLIC (Allium sativum) ON GROWTH AND CARCASS YIELD OF FINISHING BROILER

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding diets containing Neem Leaf Meal (NLM), Garlic Meal (GM) and their combinations (NLM + GM) on growth performance and carcass yield of finishing broiler. A total of 180 day-old Cobb broiler chickens were divided into twelve groups of fifteen chicks with three replicate of five chicks each. The diet contained NLM, GM and NLM + GM at four levels of inclusion (0mg/kg, 500mg/kg, 1000mg/kg and 1500mg/kg). The experiment was arranged in a 3 × 4 factorial layout in a completely randomized design. Additives and levels of inclusion had no significant (P&gt;0.05) influence on performance parameters except feed intake which was influenced (p&lt;0.05) by NLM + GM and 1000mg/kg levels of inclusion. Final live weight (2516.67g/bird), weight gain (1742.00g/bird), daily weight gain (62.2g/bird/day) and feed conversion ratio (2.32) were improved (p&lt;0.05) at 1500mg/kg levels of inclusion of NLM + GM. Thigh (11.68%), wings (8.44), neck (4.23%) and gizzard (2.13%) of birds fed GM were improved (P&lt;0.05) than those of NLM. Carcass weight was influenced (p&lt;0.05) by additives at various inclusion levels with wings (9.01%), head (3.39%), neck (4.52%), shanks (4.49%) and gizzard (2.42%) highest (p&lt;0.05) in birds fed GM at 1500mg/kg levels of inclusion than those of 0mg/kg levels of inclusion. It was concluded that the use of NLM + GM as additives yielded commendable result on performance and carcass weight of finishing broiler birds   This study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding diets containing Neem Leaf Meal (NLM), Garlic Meal (GM) and their combinations (NLM + GM) on growth performance and carcass yield of finishing broiler. A total of 180 day-old Cobb broiler chickens were divided into twelve groups of fifteen chicks with three replicate of five chicks each. The diet contained NLM, GM and NLM + GM at four levels of inclusion (0mg/kg, 500mg/kg, 1000mg/kg and 1500mg/kg). The experiment was arranged in a 3 × 4 factorial layout in a completely randomized design. Additives and levels of inclusion had no significant (P&gt;0.05) influence on performance parameters except feed intake which was influenced (p&lt;0.05) by NLM + GM and 1000mg/kg levels of inclusion. Final live weight (2516.67g/bird), weight gain (1742.00g/bird), daily weight gain (62.2g/bird/day) and feed conversion ratio (2.32) were improved (p&lt;0.05) at 1500mg/kg levels of inclusion of NLM + GM. Thigh (11.68%), wings (8.44), neck (4.23%) and gizzard (2.13%) of birds fed GM were improved (P&lt;0.05) than those of NLM. Carcass weight was influenced (p&lt;0.05) by additives at various inclusion levels with wings (9.01%), head (3.39%), neck (4.52%), shanks (4.49%) and gizzard (2.42%) highest (p&lt;0.05) in birds fed GM at 1500mg/kg levels of inclusion than those of 0mg/kg levels of inclusion. It was concluded that the useof NLM + GM as additives yielded commendable result on performance and carcass weight of finishing broiler birds Keywords: Neem, garlic, broilers, performance, carcass characteristics. </jats:p

SELECTED WELFARE PARAMETERS OF BROILER CHICKENS ON DIFFERENT FEED QUANTITY AND TIME

This study was conducted to determine welfare of broiler chickens fed ad libitum and restricted feed during early (08.00hour) and late (16:00hour) of the day. One hundred and eighty (21d old) broiler chickens were randomly allocated to 4 treatments in a 2x2 factorial arrangement comprising of ad libitum and restricted feeding (75% of ad libitum) quantity at 8 and 16 hours feeding time in three replicates. Data were collected on leg problem, dust bathing, body temperature, mortality and haematology. Result revealed that neither feed quantity nor time had significant (P&gt;0.05) effect on leg problem, dust bathing and mortality of broiler chickens. Broiler chickens under ad lib feed quantity and 16:00hours feeding time had (P&lt;0.05) highest body temperature (40.93oC) while those under ad libitum morning (08:00hours) recorded the least (40.75°C). Pack Cell Volume had similar (P&gt;0.05) increase from 26.75% at the beginning (21d) to 31.25 (%) at 56d with broiler chickens under restricted feeding and fed at 16:00hours feeding time. Basophil count reduced from a range of 0.5-2% (P&lt;0.05) to 1% (P&gt;0.05) with restricted feeding. Also eosinophil reduced from 2-4% (P&lt;0.05) range to 0-2.5% (P&gt;0.05) with restricted feeding while birds under ad lib increased from 0-1% (P&lt;0.05) at 21d to 2.75% (P&gt;0.05) at 56d. Better welfare (good body temperature) of broiler chicken could be achieved with early feeding time irrespective of quantity. However, restricted feeding could be explored in broiler production where reduced basophil, eosinophil and stress are vital for enhanced welfare and performance.&#x0D;  &#x0D;  </jats:p