Browsing by Author "Alu, S.E"

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    Effects of breed and sex on the adaptive profile of tropical goats Jeremiah
    (Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2022-03-22) Timveh, Jeremiah Terzungwe; Yakubu, Abdulmojeed; Alu, S.E
    This study was embarked upon to evaluate breed and sex effects on the thermo-physiology and blood parameters; predict heat stress index and appropriately classify Nigerian West African Dwarf (WAD) and Red Sokoto (RS) goats in a 2 × 2 factorial experiment involving twenty four goats. WAD goats had higher rectal temperature (38.93 ±0.10 versus 38.59 ±0.10) and pulse rate (54.78 ±0.24 vs. 53.67 ±0.24) compared to their RS counterparts. However, there was no significant difference in heat stress index between WAD and RS goats. Based on thermo-physiological parameters, male goats appeared to be more stressed. There was no significant Breed * Sex interaction effect on thermo-physiological traits. The results of haematological and serum biochemical and hormonal indices of goats also indicated that WAD goats appeared to be more stressed. The male goats had higher Cortisol (58.00 ±4.88 versus 37.67 ±4.88) and lower Thyroxine (111.50 ±8.32 vs. 141.18 ±8.32) levels. There was no significant Breed * Sex interaction effect on haematological indices. While male and female WAD goats were similar, female RS goats had higher value of TSH (1.20 ±0.21) than their male counterparts (0.57 ±0.21). The Artificial Neural Network algorithm revealed that respiratory rate, cortisol, pulse rate and WBC had more influence on heat stress prediction in goats compared to breed, sex and other haematological, serum biochemical and hormonal parameters. Haemoglobin, white blood cells, rectal temperature and pulse rate were sufficient to correctly assign WAD and RS goats to their appropriate breed. The present information may aid breed characterization and conservation of WAD and RS goats.
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    Evaluation of differently processed kidney bean seeds on nutrient and anti-nutrient compositions: implications for monogastric animal feeding
    (Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2018-10-10) Thani, R.J; Alu, S.E; Yakubu, Abdulmojeed
    The study aimed at evaluating the effect of cooking duration and toasting on proximate composition, vitamins, minerals, amino acid and phytochemical contents of kidney bean seed. The seeds were obtained from Akwanga market in Akwanga L.G.A. of Nasarawa State, Nigeria, cleaned and extraneous materials like dry leaves, stones, and dirt were removed and cooked for 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours; another portion was toasted using aluminum pan where toasting was done until the seeds turn brown, producing sweet aroma as that ground nut cake. The cooked ones were labeled T2, T3, T4, and T5 for 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours of cooking duration, respectively while the raw and toasted were labeled as T1 and T6, respectively. Samples of each treatment were analyzed for nutrients and anti-nutrients compositions. The cooking durations showed significant (P<0.05) increase in nutrients and decrease in anti-nutrient compositions compared to the unprocessed seeds. Similarly, toasting showed deviations in all the nutrients and anti-nutrients analyzed. The low phytochemical values recorded in cooked and toasted seeds were within safe limits for both human and animals’ consumption. It is therefore concluded that Kidney bean must be cooked at least for 3 hours or toasted before feeding to monogastric animals to prevent deleterious effects
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    Preliminary investigation on community-based intervention through cockerel exchange programme for sustainable improved rural chicken production in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
    (Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2014-01-24) Yakubu, Abdulmojeed; Ari, M.M; Ogbe, A.O; Ogah, D.M; Adua, M.M; Idahor, K.O; Alu, S.E; Ishaq, S.A; Salau, E.S
    Local chickens play an important role for smallholders and contribute significantly to food security of households in rural and semi-urban communities. However, the poultry sector is beset with low productivity in Nigeria. The present study aimed at improving the performance of rural chickens in Nasarawa State through cockerel exchange programme. A total of one hundred and eighty (180), 25-week old cockerels were obtained from a reputable farm in the State. Forty eight (48) households from Danka Sarki Extension Village (University’s Extension Model Village) and ten (10) households from COAL Staff quarters were randomly selected. Each participating farmer (household) was given cockerels depending on the number given in return for his/her own cock(s). Pre- and Post-trial information was obtained on flock size, number of chicks, growers, cocks and hens including number of clutch/bird, eggs/clutch, eggs hatched per clutch, mortality and body weights of chicks and growers. There was no significant difference in the flock size of birds before intervention and after intervention. The mortality rate of chicks/clutch and growers/clutch within the first nine months of study decreased as a result of the introduction of cockerels. Similarly, body weights of chicks and growers of post-intervention birds were higher. The distribution of cockerels (improved exotic birds) to the rural livestock farmers in the study areas appeared to contribute to improved village chicken production