NSUK Repository :: Browsing by Author "Yakubu, Abdulmojeed"

Browsing by Author "Yakubu, Abdulmojeed"

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Open Access
Age–related optimal performance of Isa Brown layers in the tropics
(Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2020-11-12) Aguda, S; Yakubu, Abdulmojeed
The identification of appropriate models to optimize the performance of layers will help boost poultry production. This study aimed at evaluating the production characteristics of Isa Brown layers in cages and to estimate the age of optimal production using two different regression models. A total of two hundred and forty hens on cage were utilized in the study. There were three replicates of sixteen cells each containing five birds. The parameters measured were weekly body weight (BW), feed intake (FI), water intake (WI), number of birds that died (mortality, MTLY), cumulative egg number (CEN) per week, hen-day egg production (HDEP), hen–housed egg production (HHEP) and egg weight (EW). Data were collected from 25 to 70 weeks of age. The effect of age (25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65 and 70 weeks) on weekly BW, FI, WI, MTLY, CEN, HDEP, HHEP and EW was determined using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Where there were significant differences in the means of the seven production parameters based on age, they were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test procedure. Linear and quadratic functions were fitted to predict the performance parameters from age. With the exception of MTLY (P > 0.05) which was not affected by age, other parameters increased significantly (P < 0.05) with age. The quadratic model appeared to be better in forecasting performance parameters [coefficient of determination (R2) of: 0.863 versus 0.761 (BW), 0.797 versus 0.793 (FI), 0.745 versus 0.531 (WI), 0.853 versus 0.414 (CEN), 0.843 versus 0.380 (HDEP), 0.870 versus 0.483 (HHEP) and 0.876 versus 0.838 (EW)]. This prediction model revealed that BW, FI, CEN, HDEP, HHEP and EW would attain optimal limits at ages 64.93, 66.67, 53.49, 53.30, 54.23 and 81.28 weeks of laying, respectively. The implication is that at appropriate ages based on the quadratic models, the production characteristics of Isa Brown layers can be targeted for maximal production
Open Access
ANALYSIS OF GENETIC VARIATION IN NORMAL FEATHERED, NAKED NECK AND FULANI- ECOTYPE NIGERIAN INDIGENOUS CHICKENS BASED ON HAEMOGLOBIN POLYMORPHISM
(Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2012-12-14) Yakubu, Abdulmojeed; Aya, V.E
Haemoglobin polymorphism was investigated in 50 normal feathered, 33 naked neck and 42 Fulani-ecotype Nigerian indigenous chickens. Haemoglobin typing was carried out using cellulose acetate electrophoresis. Two co-dominant haemoglobin alleles (HbA and HbB) were found in the chickens. From the electrophoretic band patterns, three genotypes (HbAA, HbAB and HbBB) were observed. The frequencies of the A and B genes were 0.68 and 0.32; 0.71 and 0.29; 0.75 and 0.25 for normal feathered, naked neck and Fulani-ecotype chickens respectively. The corresponding genotype frequencies for AA, AB, and BB in the three chicken populations were 0.54, 0.28 and 0.18; 0.58, 0.27and 0.15; 0.62, 0.26 and 0.12 respectively. The gene and genotype frequencies of naked neck and Fulani-ecotype birds were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium while those of normal feathered birds deviated significantly from the theoretical proportions. The average amount of heterozygosity at haemoglobin locus was 0.41. The results obtained could serve as a reference point in the genetic improvement of indigenous chickens using biochemical markers.
Open Access
APPLICATION OF MULTIVARIATE LOGISTIC REGRESSION MODEL TO ASSESS FACTORS OF IMPORTANCE INFLUENCING PREVALENCE OF ABORTION AND STILLBIRTH IN NIGERIAN GOAT BREEDS
(Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2014-12-10) Yakubu, Abdulmojeed; Muhammed, M.M; Musa Azara, I.S
The aim of the study was to investigate the application of binary logistic regression to assess the potential factors associated with the prevalence of abortion and stillbirth in indigenous goat breeds in Nasarawa State, north central Nigeria. 5,268 kidding records of does from a total of 105 traditional goat herders from the year 2010-2011 were utilized in the study. The goats which were of West African Dwarf (WAD), Red Sokoto (RS), Sahel (SH) and WAD x RS crossbred (WR) genetic groups originated from different flocks and were reared under the traditional extensive system. The risk factors investigated were dam breed group, season, parity and number of foetuses. Of the 5,268 kidding records, 570 (10.8%) and 520 (9.87%) were cases of abortion and stillbirth, respectively. The logistic regression analysis revealed that season, parity and number of foetuses were the parameters of utmost importance (P<0.05) influencing the prevalence of abortion and stillbirth in the four genetic groups investigated. The logistic regression models were able to predict correctly 89.2 and 90.1% cases of abortion and stillbirth, respectively. The present information may be exploited in management practices to attenuate the incidence of abortion and stillbirth parturition, thereby increasing the productivity of the animals
Open Access
APPLICATION OF MULTIVARIATE PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS TO MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF INDIGENOUS GOATS IN SOUTHERN NIGERIA.
(Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2011-05-20) Yakubu, Abdulmojeed; Okpeku, M.; Peters, S.O; Ozoje, M.O; Ikeobi, C.O.N; Adebambo, O.A; Imumorin, I.G
Phenotypic variation present in a population arises due to genotypic and environmental effects, and the magnitude of phenotypic variability differs under different environmental conditions, therefore, the purpose of this study was to objectively describe the linear type traits of extensively managed mature indigenous goats of Southern Nigeria and to predict body weight from their orthogonal shape characters using principal component analysis. Body weight and four body measurements namely, height at withers, neck length, body length and heart girth were measured in 265 randomly selected West African Dwarf (WAD) and Red Sokoto (RS) goats of both sexes. RS goats had significantly (P < 0.05) higher morphological traits compared to their WAD counterparts. Sexual dimorphism was observed in all the traits with higher values recorded for males. Phenotypic correlations among body weight and biometric traits were positive and highly significant (r = 0.76–0.91 versus 0.82–0.97 and 0.66–0.94 versus 0.83–0.91 for WAD and RS female and male goats, respectively). In the varimax rotated principal component factor analysis, two factors were extracted for each sex of the two breeds, although with varying degrees of factor loadings. The principal component based regression models, which are preferable for selecting animals for optimal balance, accounted for 89.00 and 96.00% as well as 81.00 and 91.00% of the variation in body weight of female and male WAD and RS goats, respectively. The information obtained could be useful in designing appropriate management, selection and breeding programmes for utilization of goat genetic resource
Open Access
APPLICATION OF PATH ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY IN ASSESSING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BODY WEIGHT AND BIOMETRIC TRAITS OF RED SOKOTO GOATS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA
(Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2012-04-24) Yakubu, Abdulmojeed; Mohammed, G.L
Relationship between body weight (BW) and seven morphobiometrical traits [withers height (WH), body length (BL), chest girth (CG), shoulder width (SW), ear length (EL), cannon circumference (CC) and neck circumference (NC)] were studied in 142 Red Sokoto goats aged 19.3-30.6 months old using path analysis. The animals were randomly selected in certain smallholders’ farms located in northern Nigeria. Pair-wise correlations among body weights and linear type traits were positive and highly significant (r = 0.74 – 0.92; P< 0.01). The path analysis revealed that body length had the highest direct effect on body weight, closely followed by chest girth and shoulder width, respectively (path coefficient = 0.354, 0.253 and 0.214 for BL, CG and SW, respectively). The optimum linear regression model with a coefficient of determination ( R2) value of 0.934 included forecast indices, such as body length, chest girth, shoulder width, cannon circumference and neck circumference. This regression equation could be used to predict the body weight of Red Sokoto goats in the field and for selection purposes.
Open Access
Application of principal component and discriminant analyses to morpho-structural indices of indigenous and exotic chickens raised under intensive management system
(Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2012-04-23) Yakubu, Abdulmojeed; Ajayi, O.O; Adeleke, M.A; Sanni, Timothy M; Peters, S.O; Imumorin, I.G; Ozoje, M.O; Ikeobi, C.O.N; Adebambo, O.A
The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationships between body weight and morpho-structural indices to predict body weight from their orthogonal body shape characters using principal component analysis and to morphologically classify the chicken genotypes using multivariate discriminant analysis. Data used were from 273 randomly selected 12-weeks-old indigenous chickens of normalfeathered (NF), frizzle-feathered (FF), naked-neck (NN) and Anak Titan (AT) genotypes. Phenotypic correlation among body weight and most biometric traits ranged from 0.227– 0.876, −0.7–0.901, 0.034–0.968 and −0.207–0.849 for NF, NN and AT chickens, respectively. Factor analysis with varimax rotation of interrelated traits revealed three principal components which accounted for 83.1%, 74.4%, 78.8% and 76.5% of the total variance in NF, FF, NN and AT chickens in the order listed. Breast girth, keel length, thigh length, shank length and wing length were found to be the most discriminating variables to separate the chicken genotypes. The longest distance (72.54) occurred between AT and NF genotypes while the shortest distance (4.27) was recorded for FF and NN genotypes. Classification results showed that 85.2% of AT genotype was correctly classified into their source population. However, 22.7%of NF was misclassified as NN, while 33.3% of NN was misclassified as NF chickens. These results suggest that there is high rate of gene flow between these two indigenous chicken genotypes. Information obtained fromthis study may be considered useful in breed improvement programmes for selection, characterization, conservation and better management of Nigerian indigenous chicken
Open Access
Application of Principal Component Factor Analysis in Quantifying Size and Morphological Indices of Domestic Rabbits
(Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2009-09-22) Ayoade, J.A; Yakubu, Abdulmojeed
Body weight and four morphostructural traits namely body length, heart girth, thigh circumference and ear length of 103 New Zealand White x Chinchilla crossbred rabbits were measured. The investigation aimed at describing objectively the interdependence among conformation traits and to predict body weight from their independent factor scores using principal component analysis. Phenotypic correlations between body weight and body dimensions were highly significant (r=0.61 – 0.91; P<0.01). Pairwise correlations of the body shape characters ranged from moderate to high values. From the factor analysis with varimax rotation of the intercorrelated traits, two principal components which accounted for 90.27% of the total variance were extracted. The first principal component, PC1 termed general size, had its loadings for body length, heart girth and thigh circumference and explained 74.98% of the variance. Ear length primarily determined the second principal component, PC2 which contributed to 15.29% of the generalized variance. Orthogonal body shape characters derived from the factor analysis accounted for 81.7% of the variation in body weight of rabbits. The PC-based prediction model is preferable to linear measure-based models for selecting animals for optimal balance since it combines both size and shape components into a composite index for prediction
Open Access
Application of Regression Tree Methodology in Predicting the BodyWeight of Uda Sheep
(Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2012-03-22) Yakubu, Abdulmojeed
This study aimed at evaluating the relationship between body weight and nine morphometric traits (withers height, rump height, body length, face length, rump length, chest circumference, head width, shoulder width and rump width) of Uda sheep using regression tree technique. The data for the study were generated from 499 Uda rams randomly selected from different herds in Nasarawa State, north-central Nigeria. Pearson’s moment correlation (r) between body weight and morphometric traits ranged from moderate to high values (r = 0.43-0.76; P≤0.01). Based on the importance of the independent variables in predicting the body weight of sheep, five body measurements namely; chest circumference, shoulder width, rump width, body length and face length were found to be more efficient. Thus, they were the variables entered to obtain the optimal regression tree. Among these five variables, chest circumference was found to be the primary splitting variable; and together with face length accounted for about 62% of the variation in body weight. The regression tree analysis indicated that animals with chest circumference > 87.45cm or ≤ 94.05cm and face length > 28.85cm could be expected to have higher body weights. This information could be exploited by livestock producers for management, selection and genetic improvement of Uda sheep.
Open Access
Applications of Myostatin in Poultry and Aquaculture - A Review
(Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2022-05-25) Shoyombo, Ayoola John; Yakubu, Abdulmojeed; Alabi, Olayinka Olubunmi; popoola, Mustaph Ayodele; Okon, Ekemini Moses; Arije, Damilare Olaniyi
Polymorphism is an important component of animal genetic improvement. As a result, myostatin gene is largely involved in muscle formation and growth and is a great candidate gene for increased growth of muscle in animals. Myostatin negates the growth of muscle cells and is found across species. Literature shows various applications and importance of myostatin in poultry and aquaculture production. In poultry, variations in the myostatin gene have been linked to growth characteristics. In aquaculture, myostatin influences the enhancement of the muscle tissues of fish. Besides, myostatin plays a role in increasing the lipid content of muscle, lowering circulating glucose levels, and hepatosomatic index in fish. Studies on zebrafish as a model species have confirmed myostatin involvement in the muscle development of fish. Its expression is not limited to skeletal muscle but also occurs in the liver, brain, and other organs. In the myostatin-b-deficient zebrafish, the size of visceral adipose tissues shrank, and more lipids have been observed to accumulate in skeletal muscle than in wild-type fish. The inhibition or complete depletion of functional myostatin is known to cause the “double-muscled” in several cattle breeds and similar traits in other species. However, the “doublemuscled” animals have captured the attention of breeders and researchers due to the enhanced muscular tissues; associated with productivity issues. For instance, the effect of myostatin inhibition has been associated with egg production. When compared to wild-type, myostatin homozygous mutant birds had a significantly delayed commencement of egg production in layers. It is therefore imperative to increase the knowledge of myostatin molecular genetics and bioactivity in various tissues in the poultry and aquaculture sector. This will enable improved productivity and enhanced contribution of animal-sourced proteins from both sectors of animal production.
Open Access
An Assessment of Avian Influenza Awareness among Households in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
(Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2008-04-28) Musa, I.S; Yakubu, Abdulmojeed
The study was undertaken to assess avian influenza awareness among households in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. One hundred and two households were randomly selected from the study area. Structured questionnaires were employed to elicit information from the respondents. Primary data collected were subjected to both descriptive and logistic regression analysis. The results indicated that 60.78 per cent of the respondents were between 26 and 50 years ofage while 17.65 per cent had no formal education. About 41.18 per cent of the respondents were engaged in livestock-based activities. The distance to nearest livestock/veterinary health authority was less than an hour while radio was the best information source of avian influenza. Although 67.65 per cent claimed to be aware of the occurrence of the dreaded disease; their knowledge on the symptoms, transmission, biosecurity and prevention/control measures was relatively poor. About 44.12 per cent were conversant with the public health hazards. The logit regression analysis showed that educational level and number of information sources positively and significantly affected the level of avian influenza awareness. However, distance to nearest livestock/veterinary health authority negatively influenced awareness. The prediction of level of avian influenza awareness gave R2 value of 0.57. The responsiveness of probability to educational level was the highest (2.957). There is urgent need therefore, to intensify public campaigns amongst others to curb the menace of the newly emergent HSN! strain ofavian influenza
Open Access
Assessment of flock structure, preference in selection and traits of economic importance for domestic turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) genetic resources in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
(Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2014-01-16) Yakubu, Abdulmojeed; Abimiku, H.K; Musa Azara, I.S; Idahor, K.O; Akinsola, O.M
Village poultry have been raised for thousands of years and the selection pressure present in the village environment has resulted in indigenous stock that are well adapted to local conditions. The present investigation examined the flock composition, preference in choice of breeding stock, production traits and culling criteria in indigenous turkeys of Nasarawa state, Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 53 randomly selected households engaged in turkey farming in the study area. A low tom: hen ratio of 1: 2.75 was observed in the turkey population. Body size, egg number, hatchability, heat tolerance, body conformation and disease resistance were the preferred traits for selection of breeding stock. Higher rankings (P<0.01) were accorded economic traits such as high reproductive performance, increased egg production and large body size. Most of the households culled toms with low body size, low fertility and poor health while fertility, egg number, body size and mothering ability were highly ranked as culling criteria for hens. The rate of inbreeding (ΔF) calculated for the indigenous turkey flock considering the existing flock size and management practice was 0.0013 (0.13%), an indication that the population is not at the risk of extinction. It is concluded that community or village-based selective breeding schemes should consider farmers’ traits of preference as a good option to rational and sustainable way to improve and conserve turkey genetic resource in the study area.
Open Access
Assessment of Genetic Relationship and Application of Computational Algorithm to Assess Functionality of Non-Synonymous Substitutions in DQA2 Gene of Cattle, Sheep and Goats
(Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2015-09-14) Ugbo, Steven B.; Yakubu, Abdulmojeed; Omeje, Jude N.; Bibinu, Bwaseh S.; Musa, Ibrahim S.; Egahi, Joseph O.; Dim, N. I
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a fundamental part of the immune system in nearly all vertebrates. DQA2 is a member of the MHC complex and an important candidate gene involved in susceptibility/resistance to various diseases. Therefore, the present study aimed at investigating computationally molecular genetic variation of DQA2 gene of cattle, sheep and goats especially on its evolution and differentiation within and among species as well as the attendant effects of the polymorphism on the function of DQA2 gene. A total of thirty three DQA2 nucleotide sequences comprising cattle (10), sheep (12) and goats (11) were retrieved from the GenBank. Forty seven amino acid substitutions of the wild type alleles located in the putative peptide coding region of caprine DQA2 alleles were obtained from the alignment of deduced amino acid sequences of goats. Out of these, eleven amino acid substitutions (H14L, H14R, L34M, E35L, G56S, G56R, 161V, A62E, D69Q, T72N and T72G) were returned neutral; an indication that they did not impair protein function. The Expected Accuracy (EA) ranged from 53% - 87%. For sheep, sixteen amino acid substitutions (A11P, A11T, A11G, A11M, L14S, L14T, V27L, V27S, G35S, S46T, D55E, L57T, L57A, L57G, K65Q and V68I) appeared beneficial while the rest forty seven appeared harm-ful (EA ranged from 53% - 93%). Twenty four amino acid substitutions did not impair the function of protein while seventy seven substitutions appeared to have a negative effect on the function of protein of cattle (EA ranged from 53% - 94%). The phylogeny based on nucleotide and amino acid sequences of DQA2 gene revealed the close relatedness of the caprine, ovine and bovine species. The present knowledge would be relevant for performing further genotype-phenotype research as well as pharmacogenetics studies in order to show association between caprine, ovine and bovine DQA2 allelic variation and the clinical progression of infectious diseases especially in a developing country such as Nigeria.
Open Access
Assessment of production objective and breeding practicesof rural goat keepers and implication for a breeding programme in north central Nigeria
(Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2016-12-12) Yakubu, Abdulmojeed; Achapu, M.M
Open Access
BIOCOMPUTATIONAL GENOME-WIDE ANALYSIS OF MICRO RNA GENETIC VARIABILITY IN SOME VERTEBRATES
(Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2013-12-12) Yakubu, Abdulmojeed; Musa Azara, I.S; DAIKWO, Sylvester I.; Yakubu, Blessing Saleh N.; Vincent, Samuel Ter; MOMOH, Ojo Michael; DIM, Ndubuisi I.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenously expressed singlestranded RNAs that regulate gene expression post transcriptionally and shape diverse cellular pathways. miRNAs regulate a wide range of biological processes through the recognition of complementary sequences between miRNAs and their target genes. The present investigation aimed at determining in-silico the genetic variability of miRNA genes in some livestock and nonlivestock species. Effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes’ 3'UTR on target gain/loss of human miRNAs were also explored. A total of twenty four mature miRNA sequences and genomic coordinates in three livestock [chicken (5), pig (1) and cattle (9)] and two non-livestock (human (6) and mouse (3)] species were retrieved from the miRBase 15 release. Computational scanning of polymorphisms in the miRNAs revealed 33 and 20 polymorphic sites in livestock and non-livestock species, respectively. Of this, 7 (chicken), 11 (cattle) and 2 (mouse) were located within the seed region. The de novo computational prediction revealed that SNPs rs1042725 (C/U) and rs1044129 (A/G) in genes’ 3'UTR of human miRNAs positively influenced the target site thereby resulting in target gain. However, the effects of SNPs rs56109847 (A/G), rs28927680, rs12720208 (G/A) and rs5186 (A/C) were negative. The evolutionary tree showed that the relationship between miRNA consensus sequences of livestock (pig, chicken and cattle) was closer compared to non-livestock species (mouse and human), which could be implicated in morphological complexity among vertebrates. Although the function of miRNA is only beginning to be understood, future in-silico research evaluating the functional effect of miRNA in gene translation and subsequent biological pathways especially in livestock is of paramount importance; and this should be complemented with hypothesis-driven experimental studies to evaluate the phenotypic effect of identified miRNA genetic polymorphisms in animals.
Open Access
Bioinformatics analysis of beta-casein gene in some selected mammalian species
(Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2014-09-10) Yakubu, Abdulmojeed; Vincent, S.T; Momoh, O.M
This study investigates in silico the genetic diversity of CSN2 on its evolutionary and differentiation within and among species and also examines the attendant effects of polymorphism on the functionality of CSN2. A total of 22 CNS2 gene sequences with corresponding amino acids belonging to 8 species [cattle (3), buffalo (3), camel (3), goat (3), horse (1), rabbit (3), rat (3) and mice (3) were retrieved from Genbank (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). All sequences were trimmed to equal length (501bp) corresponding to the same region. Sequences alignment, translation and comparison were done with ClustalW using IUB substitution matrix, gap open penalty of 15 and gap extension penalty of 6.66. The alignment revealed high polymorphism of CNS2 sequences within and among species. The Dxy inferred using p-distance revealed a maximum value of 0.68 between horse and goat and a minimum value of 0.03 between cattle and buffalo. The hypothesis of strict neutral evolution was rejected for both genes as P<0.05 for species. Also allelic sequence evolution was entirely driven by positive selection. In silico functional analysis of non-synonymous mutations using PANTHER revealed that, for CSN2, 11 of the amino acid substitutions in the peptide binding region (cattle 5, goat 3 and sheep 1) did not impair protein function. However, 3 substitutions in cattle were predicted to be harmful to protein function, also 2 potentially deleterious SNPs; 1 (Glu36Lys) for cattle and 1 (Leu206Pro) for horse were found. The NJ phylogeny revealed trans-species evolution however, UPGMA tree topology was species-wise. In conclusion, all identified deleterious SNPs should be taken into account while selecting a stock for milk production.
Open Access
Bioprediction of Body Weight from Zoometrical Traits of Nondescript Goats using Linear and Non-Linear Models in North Central Nigeria
(Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2011-04-15) Yakubu, Abdulmojeed; Ladokun, A.O; Adua, M.M
Data on body weight and four zoometrical measurements – rump height, withers height, heart girth and body length of 135 Non-descript goats were used to develop linear, quadratic and allometric equations to predict body weight. The animals were extensively managed in north central Nigeria. They were stratified into two groups on the basis of dentition. Goats that were between 1.0–14.3 months old (milk teeth age) were classified as kids while those between 19.4–30.6 months old (animals having between 2–8 permanent incisors) were categorized as adults. Animals were also classified on the basis of incidence of wattle into wattled and non–wattled goats. Highly significant (P<0.01) coefficients of determination (R2 = 0.38–0.95) were recorded, showing the inter-relationship between body weight and the linear body measurements investigated. However, body weight was better estimated in kids (pooled data for males and females) than adult (does) goats (R2 = 0.84–0.94; MSE = 0.01–1.55 versus R2 = 0.41–0.92; MSE =0.005–16.80). Withers height appeared as the highest single prediction variable in kids (R2 = 0.91–0.94; MSE = 0.01–0.88), while in adult goats, heart girth was found to account more for variation in the body weight (R2 = 0.91–0.92; MSE = 0.005–2.54). Among the prediction equations tested, the allometric model seemed to give a better fit, closely followed by the quadratic and linear models respectively. The wattle gene impacted mostly on adult parameters where prediction accuracy appeared to be better in wattled adults compared to their non-wattled counterparts. The present findings could be exploited in designing appropriate management and selection programmes
Open Access
BREEDING PRACTICES AND TRAITS OF PREFERENCE FOR SELECTION OF PIGS BY MALE AND FEMALE SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN NIGERIA
(Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2020-06-25) Yakubu, Abdulmojeed; Joshua, Mary. K
Pig farming is one of the most important livestock raised in Nigeria by smallholder farmers. Objective. To determine the breeding practices and breeding traits of preference by pig farmers in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Methodology. A total of 120 pig rearers (62 males and 58 females) were randomly sampled. Primary data were collected through individual structured questionnaire administration. Chi square (χ2) statistics was used to compare categorical variables. Arithmetic means and their standard errors of continuous variables between gender were tested using T- Test. Ranking of the eight traits of preference (body size, body conformation, mothering ability, survival, heat tolerance, disease resistance, fertility and temperament) was carried out using the non-parametric Friedman Test (Wilcoxon Signed-rank test for post hoc analysis) as well as Kruskal–Wallis H Test (with Mann– Whitney U Test for means separation). Multivariate Clustering Analysis was also explored to group the farmers on gender basis. Results. The source as well as the number of foundation stock varied between the sexes (P= 0.048 and 0.028, respectively). Average flock size was higher (20.31±2.21 versus 14.78±1.53; P<0.05) where the pigs were under the management of male farmers. This reflected more in pigs of mixed genotypes compared to the indigenous ones. The number of piglets/sow/annum (14.77±0.77 versus 12.29±0.54; 16.36±0.76 versus 14.02±0.58; P ≤ 0.05) was also higher in flocks of male farmers for both indigenous pigs and those of mixed blood. Between-gender, all the preference traits were ranked similarly (P>0.05) apart from temperament which was more highly rated by the males. However, the multivariate analysis revealed that body size and body conformation were more associated with the female farmers while survival, disease resistance, heat tolerance, mothering ability and temperament were more preferred by their male counterparts.
Open Access
Characterisation of indigenous helmeted guinea fowls in Nigeria for meat and egg production
(Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2021-04-12) Shoyombo, Ayoola John; Yakubu, Abdulmojeed; Adebambo, Oluwafunmilayo A; popoola, Mustaph Ayodele
There is increasing interest in sustainable poultry production in developing economies. This review provides an insight into guinea fowl production in Nigeria as a means of additional high-quality poultry meat and egg production. Under the smallholder scavenging system, flock size of the four investigated plumages (Pearl, Lavender, Black and White) of indigenous helmeted guinea fowl in Nigeria typically ranges from 6 to 9 birds per household, 14-week mean live weight from 917 to 975 g, dressed weight at this age from 700 to 737 g and dressing percentage from 74 to 76%. Under the backyard system of production, mean egg number is typically about 80 eggs per hen/annum while under intensive management it can be up to 147 eggs per hen/annum and egg weight from 29 to 38 g. Under smallholder conditions, hatchability of fertile eggs can range from 70 to 86% while under improved housing and rearing conditions it can be as high as 89%. The present information could be exploited in formulating appropriate management strategies and breeding decisions for sustainable production of hybrid improved guinea fowls, thereby contributing to food security in Nigeria.
Open Access
Characterisation of the local Muscovy duck in Nigeria and its potential for egg and meat production
(Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2013-05-22) Yakubu, Abdulmojeed
Research results and facts about indigenous Muscovy duck production in Nigeria are reviewed with the aim of assessing its current status and delivering relevant information to stakeholders and other potential beneficiaries. There are large variations in phenotypic and biochemical characteristics of indigenous Muscovy ducks in the country, which could serve as a basis for genetic improvement. These ducks have the potential for a mean live weight of 2.73 and 1.52 kg and dressing percentage of 71.2% and 69.8% for drakes and ducks, respectively. Under scavenging, backyard farming conditions, the ducks can lay between 60 and 80 eggs each per year, and about 100 and 125 eggs per bird per year with an egg weight of about 72g under improved management conditions. The morphological, meat and egg attributes of local Muscovy ducks may be exploited in management decisions geared towards ensuring an increase in productivity, thereby making an important contribution to food security in a developing economy.
Open Access
Community-Based Management of Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR): Constraints and Prospects of AnGR Conservation in the Tropics
(Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2014-01-01) Vincent, S.T; Momoh, O.M; Yakubu, Abdulmojeed
This paper reviews the constraints and prospects of community-based management of farm Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR). AnGR encapsulates all activities that ensure dynamism to withstand socio-cultural and environmental changes, thereby providing a better understanding of AnGR via characterization and documentation. Three broad reasons for conservation include economic, scientific and socio-cultural values. Conservation methods revealed two broad techniques “in situ and ex situ” which are underpinned by in vivo and in vitro principles. Rural poverty, environmental policy, urbanization and industrialization and crop production are averred as constraints of AnGR conservation. However, current global strategy, involvement of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), increasing food demand, rising need for marginal area utilization and campaign for the adoption and implementation of the sections of the Conservation Act which provides for the conservation of threatened breeds/strains are some of the prospects of conservation of AnGR. It is concluded that the most rational and sustainable way to conserve livestock genetic resources is to improve their competitiveness through sustainable breed improvement programmes (i.e. conservation through use). To this end, community or village-based selective breeding schemes with full participation of farmers appear to be the best option to start with especially in Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa