Browsing by Author "Ogah, D.M"

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    EFFECTS OF HIBISCUS CALYX EXTRACTS ON THE BLOOD CHEMISTRY OF BROILER CHICKENS
    (Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2013-03-25) Musa Azara, S.I; Yakubu, Abdulmojeed; Ari, Maikano Mohammed; Ogah, D.M; Hassan, D.I
    The study was conducted to determine the effects of Hibiscus calyx extracts on the blood chemistry of broiler chickens. One hundred and twenty birds were used for the study. The birds were randomly assigned into 2 equal groups (n=60). Animals in group 1 serve as control and were given clean drinking water, birds in group 2 were administered Hibiscus calyx extracts in drinking water. The experiment lasted for 30 days. Mean values for Hemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cell and white blood cells were similar for both groups. There was no significant difference in the mean values of urea, total protein, albumin, Alkaline phosphatase, SGOT, SGPT and globulin (P>0.05). However, significant difference in the mean values of cholesterol was recorded (P<0.05). Findings of this research indicate that administration of Hibiscus calyx extracts result in lower blood cholesterol levels
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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
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    Productivity and Egg Quality Characteristics of Free Range Naked Neck and Normal Feathered Nigerian Indigenous Chickens
    (Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2008-09-15) Yakubu, Abdulmojeed; Ogah, D.M; Barde, R.E
    A study was conducted in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria to determine the productivity and egg quality traits of free range naked neck and full-feathered chickens. A total of one hundred and two smallholder farmers were randomly selected. Information was obtained on average eggs per clutch, hatchability and mortality, while hen’s body weight was measured directly on the day of egg collection. One hundred and two freshly laid eggs (51 eggs from each genotype) were used to evaluate external and internal egg qualities. Body weight and average eggs per clutch were significantly (p<0.05) higher in naked neck genotype compared to the normal feathered birds (1.30 vs. 1.16kg; 11.63 vs. 9.71 respectively). Normal feathered genotype recorded higher mortality (36.85%) than naked neck birds (28.60%). No significant (p>0.05) difference was found between the two genotypes in hatchability. Mean values for egg weight, egg length, egg width, egg shape index, shell thickness, albumen weight, albumen height, yolk weight, yolk height, yolk width and haugh unit were significantly (p<0.05) higher in naked neck hens than their normal feathered counterparts. There was no superiority in shell weight and yolk index. The association between egg weight and other egg biometrical traits were found to be positive and significant (r = 0.22-0.79; p<0.05). Other egg parameters were either positively or inversely correlated with each other. Egg weight was better predicted (R2 = 34.44%) using a combination of egg length and egg width. The estimation of shell weight from egg length, egg width and egg weight gave lower values (R2 = 2.86-3.91%). The incorporation of allometry improved the prediction accuracy of shell thickness, albumen weight and yolk weight from egg weight (R2 = 44.16,43.89 and 49.89%). It is concluded that the introgression of the naked neck gene into poultry could play a pivotal role in the genetic improvement of traditionally managed flocks.