IRANIAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL SCIENCE
Year:2014 | Volume:4 | Issue:1|Papers Count:32

The influence of melatonin receptor 1A gene on litter size was studied in 150 ewes from Zel (n=100) and Naeini (n=50) sheep breeds. Two restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses were done to determine all genotypes occurring by variations at MnlI and RsaI restriction sites. The M and C were the most frequent alleles in both of these breeds. The MM genotype was predominant in Zel and Naeini breeds (0.52 and 0.60, respectively). The CT genotype (0.45) has the highest frequency in Zel and the CC genotype (0.44) was predominant in Naeini breed. The MMCT genotype was identified with the highest frequency of 0.25. There were no significant differences between melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) genotypes and litter size in Naeini ewes. But it seems that selection of animals with mm and Mm genotypes can progress mean litter size in Zel breed. The positive effect of mC and mT alleles was significant on lambing rate in Zel and Naeini breeds. However, the mmCT genotype has considerably greater mean litter size than the other ones. Finally, the MTNR1A polymorphism can explain only a small part of the genetic variability on seasonal sexual activity between these breeds. Therefore, the implication of other genes must be noticed.

A study was conducted to evaluate efficacy of wheat based vs. corn based diets on growth perform-ance, carcass traits, blood parameters, jejunum morphological development, immunity, cecal microflora and excreta moisture in broiler chicks fed according to digestible essential amino acid profile. One hundred forty day old Ross 308 male broiler chicks randomly distributed into ten separated floor pens based on a completely randomised design. Each treatment consisted of five replicates with fourteen birds each. Body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), immunity and excreta moisture were determined at different periods of ages. At the day 44, five birds of each group were sacrificed to evaluated carcass traits, jejunum histomorphology and cecal microflora. Blood parameters, mortality rate (MR) and European production efficiency factor (EPEF) were measured and determined at day 42 of age, respectively. The results of this study showed that BW, BWG, FI, FCR, MR and EPEF were not significantly different between two groups on the day 42 of age, but BW, BWG and FI were significantly higher (P<0.05) in corn based than wheat based diets on starter phase of feeding and also FI and FCR on the growing phase. Most of carcass traits were not significantly different (P>0.05) between two groups except for abdominal fat (AF) percentage which was significantly higher (P<0.05) in corn-based diet. Despite a reduction of triglyceride, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) concentration in the serum of broilers fed the wheat base diet, there were no statistically significant differences between two groups (P>0.05). Humeral immunity response, Newcastle titer, jejunum histomorphology, cecal microflora and excreta moisture were not sig-nificantly different (P>0.05) between two groups. In conclusion, wheat based diet is as efficient as corn based diet when diets are formulated based on digestible amino acids method.

The base of this review is to consider the relevant role that animal factors (potential milk yield, body weight, body condition score, state of lactation, parity and fertility) play on milk performance (considering the energy balance and the rumen function across the full lactation curve of animals) and milk quality (milk protein content, milk fat content, milk lactose content, vitamins, minerals, immunoglobulins, cells in milk, pathogenic bacteria and inhibitors) of grazing dairy cows (taking into account the substitution rate and the milk response at pasture of animals under different supplementation regimes). All this, looking for high individual milk production and paying attention to grassland management as the key point for sustainability of grazing dairy systems in order to maintain high pasture dry matter intake in the swards with high grass quality (high pasture levels of crude protein, water soluble carbohydrates and digestibility of organic matter but low pasture levels of acid and neutral detergent fibers) all over the grazing season to satisfy cow needs at all times thought the lactation curve of dairy cows. It is also necessary to consider the use of supplementation at pasture (normally at the peak of lactation, when cows are generally in a state of negative energy balance and the provision of silage/concentrate can help to alleviate this situation) to keep the animals within the desired levels of milk production. It seeks, thereby, to achieve an efficient conversion of grass into milk, in a competitive and profitable way taking into consideration the current context in which pasture-based milk production systems are developed in mostly of temperate regions worldwide and focusing our interest in the milk premium price got by dairy farmers in a humid area as Galicia (NW Spain) when we consider the quantity and the quality of the milk delivered to the dairy industry.

This manuscript reviews the present knowledge related to folliculogenesis in sheep. Folliculogenesis starts with formation of primordial follicles before birth, present as a pool containing a certain number of follicles. By the attainment of puberty, a group of follicles from that pool starts to grow, a process known as primordial follicle activation or recruitment. The number of growing primordial follicles directly affects the number of available oocytes for fertilization. Many studies, especially in rodents, have been performed to understand the mechanisms that control the primordial follicle growth. Therefore, many autocrine, paracrine, intacrin factors from oocyte, granulasa and surrounding stroma have been identified. These regulating factors depend on species, age, physiological condition of the gonad and the environment. Also, interactions between these regulating factors have been observed and some discrepancies among results were found. The factors regulating primordial follicle activation probably act in concert with gonadotropins and regulate follicle growth and atresia before the antrum formation. Although many studies have been performed to understand the mechanisms controlling preantral follicle growth, no precise key points have been identified. The majority of the factors that affect primordial follicle transition have not yet been studied in sheep, while many studies have been performed to understand the controlling mechanisms of follicular growth through the antral the stages. Therefore new experimental studies are needed to understand the controlling mechanisms of preantral follicle growth.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the importance of environmental and genetic factors affecting semen quality; sperm volume (SV), sperm concentration (SPCO), total sperm (TS), fresh sperm motility (FSM), total fresh motile sperm (TFMS), post thaw sperm motility (PTSM), total post thaw motile sperm (TPTMS), number of produced payout (NPP), number of fresh motile sperm in each milt ejaculation (NFMSE), motility before and after the freezing (MBATF) and number of post thaw motile sperm in each milt ejaculation (NPTMSE). We used polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in 83 bulls belonging to two progeny test centers. The BB genotype was omitted from analysis. Season of collection had a significant effect on sperm volume (SV) (P<0.006), sperm concentration (SPCO) (P<0.0038), fresh sperm motility (FSM) (P<0.0001), post thaw sperm motility (PTSM) (P<0.001), total post thaw motile sperm (TPTMS) (P<0.0075), number of produced payout (NPP) (P<0.0247), number of fresh motile sperm in each milt ejaculation (NFMSE) (P<0.0012) and motility before and after the freezing (MBATF) (P<0.0001) but did not significantly affect TS (P<0.438), total post thaw motile sperm (TPTMS) (P<0.3606) and number of post thaw motile sperm in each milt ejaculation (NPTMSE) (P<0.1106). The interaction of seasons with follicle-stimulating hormone and semen quality traits only significantly affect sperm volume (SV) (P<0.0435), sperm concentration (SPCO) (P<0.008) and number of produced payout (NPP) (P<0.0119). Genetics and environmental factors clearly contribute to semen production in Holstein bulls.

DNA polymorphism within diacylglycerol transferase 2 (DGAT2) / monoacyl glycerol transferases 2 (MOGAT2), leptin and butyrophilin genes were analysed using PCR-SSCP in Murrah buffalo. The single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of amplified gene fragment in exon 5 of MOGAT2, exon 3 of leptin and intron 1 of butyrophilin gene revealed different patterns. A, B and C showed the following frequencies for each candidate gene in 53 (A=0.49, B=0.36 and C=0.15), 65 (A=0.38 and B=0.62) and 55 samples (A=0.6, B=0.31 and C=0.09) from Murrah buffaloes, respectively. The strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) followed by DNA sequencing revealed one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) that was (c.193T>C) in MOGAT2, one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (c.25 T>C) in leptin and one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (c.184C>T>G) in butyrophilin gene confirmed BTI1 SSCP. The statistical analysis using general linear model procedure for association study, indicated that Murrah buffalo monoacyl glycerol transferases 2 (MOGAT2) (c.193T>C) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and (c.25 T>C) in leptin genotypes were not significantly different (P>0.01) in Murrah buffalo for milk production traits milk yield, fat percentage and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) percentage. However, the statistical analysis for association study indicated BTI1 SSCP was significantly (P≤0.05) associated with 305-days lactation milk yield. The Murrah buffaloes with BTI1BB genotypes had 683.93 kg and 320.48 kg higher milk yield as compared to BTI1AA and BTI1CC genotypes, respectively. The positive association of butyrophilin single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) polymorphism with milk yield will be a useful tool for future selection and breeding strategies and genetic improvement of buffaloes for milk yield.

The first purpose of this study is to present an alternative robust model in order to describe ruminal degradation kinetics of forages and to minimize the fitting problems. For this purpose, the Korkmaz-Uckardes (KU) model, which has a logarithmic structure, was developed. The second purpose of this study is to estimate, by using the Korkmaz-Uckardes (KU) model, the parameters tp (the time to produce p% of partial dry matter disappearance in rumen) and Rtp (the rate of the partial dry matter disappearance in rumen at the time tp). These parameters will provide more useful data to compare feedstuffs in in situ degradation studies. The third purpose is to evaluate the performance of the Korkmaz-Uckardes (KU) model. Statistical criteria used to evaluate the performance of a model were analysis of residuals (Runs and Durbin Watson test) and goodness-of-fit test (residual mean square, coefficient of determination and accuracy factor). The analysis of residuals of the Korkmaz-Uckardes (KU) model was found to be non significant (P>0.05). The residuals are normally distributed. According to the goodness-of-fit test, the Korkmaz-Uckardes (KU) model applied to all data showed a very good fit (residual mean square (RMS)=15.854, R2=0.9853 and accuracy factor (AF)=1.0387). According to the Pearson's correlation analysis, a significant relationship (r2=0.969) was found between observed and predicted values (P<0.001). The results indicate that the Korkmaz-Uckardes (KU) model can be used as an alternative model for describing and interpreting in situ dry matter degradation from natural feedstuffs.

The objectives of the study were to evaluate the effects of Sabara leaf meal on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and haematological parameters of red Sokoto goats. Bucks were managed in a complete randomized design with 4 treatments and 3 replicates. The Sabara leaf meal (SLM) was fed at concentration of 0, 10, 20 and 30% in treatment 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. The experimental diets and clean drinking water were offered to the animals ad libitum. Initial body weights were all similar. Bucks fed diets with 10 and 20% Sabara leaf meal (SLM) gained weight (P<0.05) faster than those fed the control diets. Feed intake differ significantly (P<0.001) among the groups. T4 recorded superior feed intake compared to T1, T2 and T3. Body weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR) increased with levels of Sabara leaf meal (SLM) in the diets up to a point (T3) with bucks on 20% Sabara leaf meal (SLM) being heavier. The metabolizable energy (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extracts (EE) and nitrogen free extract (NFE) digestibilities also differed significantly (P<0.05) among the treatments. Similarly, the DM, CF, CP and EE digestibilities of T3 were superior to the control (T1). Hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and platelets differed (P<0.05, P<0.01) among treatments. However, packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were not significantly (P>0.05) affected. The white blood cells differentials were slightly different between treatment groups but all remains within the reference range. The results of this study indicated that Sabara leaf meal could be used as feed resources to raise goats. The levels of least Sabara leaf meal (SLM) from 20 to 30% gave high growth performance and better benefits without adverse effect on biological performance. More research is needed to evaluate Sabara leaf meal on growth performance and nutrient utilization by goats.

A study to evaluate the reproductive performance of Abergelle goat was carried out at Sekota District of Amhara National Regional State. On-farm flocks from two peasant associations were monitored for two years to collect data. Data collected included identification number of doe and kid, birth / kidding date, kid birth weight, sex of kid, post partum doe weight, litter size, parity of doe. Data analysis was using the General Linear Model procedures of the Statistical Analysis System. The overall least squares mean litter size and annual kidding rate were 1.04 and 1.45, respectively. Parity of doe, season of kidding and doe post-partum weight affected (P<0.01) litter size that parity five, dry season kidded and heavy does had the highest litter. Annual kidding rate was affected (P<0.001) by birth type and season of birth. Does that gave twin births and kidded in the dry and wet season had larger litters. The overall least squares mean age at first kidding and kidding interval were 448 and 290 days, respectively. Age at first kidding was not affected by the fixed effects considered. Kidding interval was affected by season of previous kidding. Does with kidding in the wet season have short kidding interval than does that gave birth in cool season. Does’ previous postpartum weight had effect (P<0.01) on kidding interval of Abergelle goats, in that light weight does had longer kidding interval than their heavy and medium weight contemporaries. The result of the current study shown that litter sizes are very low compared to other tropical breeds. The effect of parity could be avoided by improving the management level. In general, improving the general management level and breeding methods of goats will improve reproductive performance and productivity of this breed of goat.

Myostatin is a growth factor belonging to the TGFb superfamily. TGFb growth factors are active in the regulation of embryonic development and in tissue homeostasis in adults. Myostatin is a growth factor controlling proliferation of myoblasts in embryonic development. Mutations in coding sequences of the bovine myostatin (GDF8) gene lead to muscle hyperplasia suggesting its inhibitory function on myoblast proliferation. In bovines, loss of this gene activity has been associated with expression of the double-muscled phenotype observed in some European cattle breeds. Myostatin gene polymorphism has also been studied in sheep. Due to the role of the myostatin gene in muscle development, the objective of this study was to sequence the myostatin gene promoter and its probable mutations, which have the potential to alter myostatin gene expression. DNA from blood samples of fifteen Arabic and fifteen Kordi sheep were extracted and used to amplify a 1034bp fragment in the myostatin gene. Three mutations were observed in the myostatin gene promoter at positions 430, 450 and 530.

The genetic parameters and (co) variance components of body weight at birth (BW), weaning (WW) and six months of age (BW6) and average daily gain (ADG) pre and post-weaning of Afshari sheep were estimated using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) methodology and animal model implemented in DFREML software. The likelihood ratio test (LRT) was used to compare the models. Year of birth, age of mother, sex of lamb and type of birth showed significant effects on studied traits, so they were considered as fixed effects in analyzing models. The direct heritability (h2) of BW, WW and BW6 and pre and post-weaning ADG were 0.231, 0.164, 0.246, 0.118 and 0.07, respectively, based on the best model. The maternal effects significantly influenced the pre-weaning traits. The maternal heritability (m2) of BW and the permanent maternal environment effects (c2) of WW and pre-weaning ADG were 0.219, 0.078 and 0.079, respectively. The direct additive genetic (ra) and phenotypic (rp) correlations between studied traits were positive in all cases and ranged from 0.425 to 0.990 and from 0.013 to 0.990, respectively. The maternal permanent environmental correlation (rc) between WW and pre-weaning ADG was 0.984.

Melatonin regulates some major physiological processes such as maturation and function of reproductive system, pubertal development, seasonal reproduction and adaptation. The activation of melatonin hormone is mediated by melatonin receptor. Previous studies showed melatonin receptor 1A gene (MTNR1A) is highly polymorphic in seasonally breeding species. The aim of the present study was detection of MTNR1A polymorphism and its association with production (body weights at birth, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 month of age) and reproduction (litter size) traits in Zandi sheep using PCR-RFLP methodology. Hundred blood samples were randomly collected and genomic DNA was isolated using modified salting out method. A large fragment of exon 2 of MTNR1A gene was amplified by PCR using specific primer pairs. After amplification, the PCR product was digested with MnlI endonuclease. Restricted digestion allowed the determination of two alleles (M, m) and two genotypes (MM, Mm) with frequencies of 0.91, 0.09 and 0.82, 0.18, respectively. Least square means showed that MM individuals had higher body weight at one month of age (BW1) than Mm individuals (P<0.05). No associations were found between observed genotypes and other studied traits. In the subsequent studies using a large number of samples along with the other important parameters such as sire effect and the lamb health status which may influence lamb body weight is recommended.

The present study was conducted with a view to know the productive and reproductive performance of Jamunapari, Black Bengal and crossbred goats in Chittagong district during the period of May to December 2012. The data on productive and reproductive traits were collected from 324 goats as a whole. In the present study, the birth weight of Jamunapari goats was higher than other crosses. The adult weight of Jamunapari, Black Bengal and crossbred bucks and does were 50.70±3.53, 24.27±1.67 and 40.38±2.90 kg and 45.47±3.78, 21.06±2.33 and 35.72±2.97 kg, respectively. The highest milk yield and lactation period were observed in Jamunapari goats than other crosses. The average age at puberty of Jamunapari, Black Bengal and crossbred goats were 335.00±25.77, 194.12±18.73 and 287.50±22.57 days, respectively. Age at first conception of Jamunapari, Black Bengal and crossbred goats were 381.00±22.54, 217.94±16.87 and 321.25±21.25 days, respectively. Age at first kidding of Jamunapari, Black Bengal and crossbred goats were 534.00 ± 24.58, 368.12±16.96 and 471.25±21.25 days, respectively. The kidding interval of Black Bengal goat was lower i.e. the reproductive performance is better in Black Bengal goat than Jamunapari and crossbred goats. Gestation period of Jamunapari, Black Bengal and crossbred goats were 151.71±8.19, 146.72±7.61 and 147.85±7.74 days, respectively.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary Euphorbia hirta and an acidifier mixture supplementation on gut morphology and some blood parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 240 day old male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to one of the four dietary treatment groups including: (1) basal diet (control), (2) basal diet+7.5 g/kg E. hirta (Eh 7.5), (3) basal diet+1.5 g/kg acidifier (OA) and (4) basal diet+7.5 g/kg E. hirta and 1.5 g/kg acidifier (EhOA). The Eh 7.5, OA and EhOA supplementation significantly improved overall feed conversion ratio compared to the control group. The addition of Eh 7.5, OA and their combination increased the villus height compare to the control birds. Crypt depth was markedly decreased by OA treatment. The highest ratio of villi to crypt was observed in OA fed broilers. Blood serum biochemical parameters did not influenced by the dietary treatments. In conclusion, the results indicated that addition of Eh 7.5 and OA to the broiler diet enhanced maintenance and function of the small intestine and broiler performance.

Six hundred day old unsexed broiler chicks were used in a 42-d trial at Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Poultry Farm to find out the effects of different oils on productive performance of broilers. The chicks were randomly distributed following a completely randomized design in four treatment groups having three replications per treatment. Each treatment had 150 birds, with 50 birds per replicate. Four diets were formulated using locally available ingredients as diet with-out oil, or diets containing 2.5% soybean oil, 2.5% palm oil and 2.5% fish oil. Results indicated that supplementation of diets with different types of oil significantly (P<0.05) improved live weight gain and feed consumption of broilers from the 3rd to the 5th wk. However, supplementation caused no significant (P>0.05) impact on feed conversion of broilers during 1-5 wk. Feed conversion improved (P<0.05) only during the 6th wk. Out of all carcass parameters, only feather weight, dressed weight, digestive tract weight and head weight differed (P<0.05) at the 4th wk. The survivability of broilers fed different types of oil was similar. It could, therefore, be inferred that the inclusion of soybean oil, palm oil and fish oil had a positive impact on weight gain, feed consumption and feed conversion in commercial broilers.

This study was carried out to determine the effect of different levels of clove essential oil, as a natural growth promoter and probiotic on performance, carcass traits and serum components of broiler chick-ens. A total of 240 straight run day-old commercial broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were distributed randomly into five groups. Each group was subdivided into four replicates with 12 chicks each. The control diet, diet with probiotic protexinÒ, and diets supplemented with 150, 300 and 450 ppm clove essential oil were fed to the chickens. The results showed that from 11-22 days, feed intake (FI), and body weight gain (BWG) were increased significantly in control group compared to the other groups. However, from 23-42 d and 0-42 days of the experiment, feed intake (FI) and body weight gain (BWG) were increased significantly in broilers fed 450 ppm clove essential oil compare to those of control group (P<0.05). Also, clove essential oil at the level of 450 ppm increased feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG) and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) in finisher period (P<0.05). Results show that different levels of clove essential oil and probiotic had not any significant effect on dressing percentage, abdominal fat and internal organs percentage (liver, heart and gizzard) (P>0.05). The results revealed significant decrease in total cholesterol concentration in diets supplemented with probiotic and 450 ppm clove essential oil at 21 day of age (P<0.05). Total cholesterol concentration, low density lipoprotein (LDL), and cholesterol / high density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio at 42 day of age were significantly improved in probiotic protexin® group compare to those of other groups (P<0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 450 ppm clove essential oil improved feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and decreased total cholesterol concentration (P<0.05). Probiotic could decrease serum cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol/high density lipoprotein (HDL) and improve HDL/LDL at day 42 broiler chickens (P<0.05).

This study was conducted using one hundred and eighty (180) day-old broiler chicks, of Anak strain to assess the levels of inclusion of indomie waste meal as a substitute for maize at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%. The birds were randomly assigned to dietary treatments using completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment contained 3 replicates and each replicate had 6 birds. The study lasted for eight weeks (56 days). The inclusion of indomie waste significantly (P<0.05) influenced final weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, breast, thigh and back weights. Significant (P>0.05) differences were not indicated in feed intake, neck, shank, wing and drum stick weights. Based on the observation from this study, it was concluded that broilers in the humid tropical region of Nigeria can tolerate in-domie waste in the diets up to 100% level as substitute for maize without adverse effect on the performance and carcass yield, but the 25% indomie waste inclusion which yielded the best result is recommended for best broiler performance in the humid tropics.

The current study was conducted to evaluate effects of sequential or wet feeding programs subsequent to and early meal feeding regime on performance, carcass characteristics and humoral immunity in broiler chicks. 192 Ross 308 chicks (seven-day old) were allocated to four treatments at four replicates (12 chicks per plot) based on a Completely Randomized Design. Treatments were included: control group (C) where birds had free access to feed throughout the experiment, meal fed groups (MF) where birds were meal fed from 7 to 14 d and subsequently meal fed by the control diet (MFC), meal fed a wet diet (MFW) or subjected to a sequential feeding program (MFS) until day 42. The results showed a statistical reduction of feed intake and increased feed conversion ratio during the meal feeding period (P<0.05). Consequently, meal fed chicks had a depressed body weight at 14 d, which was later, compensated (P<0.05). Following meal feeding, birds in the meal fed a wet diet (MFW) group exhibited the highest body weight, but the sequential fed group had significantly (P<0.05) lower feed intake, body weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the other groups. The highest relative weight of small intestine and the lowest abdominal fat pad percentage were observed in the MFS group (P<0.05). Birds' antibody responses to Newcastle, Influenza viruses and sheep red blood cell were not influenced by feeding regimes. It is concluded that feeding a wet diet following meal feeding programs can be effectively used in broiler chicken production.

An experiment was conducted to study the effects of enzyme and phytogenic product (thymol+carvacrol) on the ileal microbial population and jejuna and ileal histomorphology of broilers fed wheat based diet. The experiment was conducted as a 2×3 factorial arrangement with 2 levels of enzyme endofeed W (0 and 0.05%) and 3 levels of next enhance 150Ò (0, 100 and 200 mg/kg). Each of the 6 dietary treatments was fed to 5 replicate pens (12 birds/pen) from 0 to 24 d of age. Adding enzyme and phytogenic product into wheat based diet increased (P<0.05) Lactobacillus and decreased (P<0.05) E. coli population while it had no effect on Bifidobacterium when compared to the control group. For jejunal histomorphology at d 24, addition of enzyme into wheat based diet increased (P<0.05) villus height (VH), villus surface (VS), crypt depth (CD), mucosa layer thickness (MCL) and goblet cell (GC) although villus width (VW) decreased (P<0.05) when compared to the control group. Pytogenic product supplementation significantly increased VH, VS, villus height to crypt depth (VH:CD) and GC but it was not significant for CD, MCL and mascular layer (MSL). Results of jejunal measurement showed that enzyme supplementation increased (P<0.05) VH, CD, MCL and GC although decreased (P<0.05) VW in contrast with control group: enzyme increased ileal VH, VS and GC at 24 days of age, but VW, CD, MCL and MSL was not affected by that. Effect of thymol+carvacrol on ileal morphology at d 24 followed the similar pattern of enzyme addition. At d 42, ileal measurement showed that enzyme supplement significantly enhanced VH and CD and thymol+carvacrol increased VH and VS. Thus, the addition of enzyme and phytogenic product can modify microbial status of intestinal by increasing beneficial microbial population, decreasing pathogens and improve mucosa structure of jejunum and ileum by increasing villus height, villus surface area and goblet cell.

The effects of Selko-pH (S; 1 mL/L drinking water); Termin-8 (T; 2 kg/ton feed) and Neogermicin (N; 2 L/ton feed) on gastrointestinal tract (GIT) pH, microbial population, ileal digestibility and broiler performance were investigated. The lowest feed intake (FI) was attained by chickens fed diets supplemented with S group in all periods (P<0.05). The highest weight gain (WG) was achieved by birds fed diet containing N set at 22-42 and 1-42 periods (P<0.05). The highest and lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) were obtained by control (C) and N groups at 22-42 and 1-42 days of age, respectively (P<0.05). Inclusion of acidifiers increased lactic acid bacteria and reduced total coliforms at different ages. The C and N treatments induced the lowest and greatest dry matter and gross energy digestibility coefficients, respectively (P<0.05). Moreover, pH of different parts of GIT were significantly diminished by acidifiers’ treatments compared to C group (P<0.05). The results of current study have shown that acidifiers improved the gut microflora conditions by pH reduction. The digestibility of nutrients and energy utilization were superior by incorporated acidifiers, but S groups played a minor role in this regard.

An experiment was carried out to evaluate and compare the effects of organic and inorganic selenium (Se) sources on broiler male birds (Ross 308). Uniform broiler male chicks divided in to five groups with six replicates were fed with either normal feed (without supplemental Se, negative control), 0.25 ppm of inorganic Se, 0.5 ppm of inorganic Se, 0.25 ppm of inorganic Se+0.25 ppm of organic Se and 0.5 ppm of organic Se. Sodium selenite and Se enriched yeast served as inorganic and organic sources of Se respectively. The birds were reared for 35 days and were analyzed for growth performance, carcass yield, and lymphoid organ yield. The meat and liver samples were also analyzed for the glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), thio barbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), meat pH and water holding capacity. Results showed that Se supplementation regardless of the source and levels improved the broiler performance by increasing the feed intake and body weight. No significant (P>0.05) difference in feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival and carcass yield was evident among the treatment groups. The organic Se at the rate of 0.5 ppm was found to be an excellent source of Se as it improved the meat quality through enhanced Se retention, higher glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity and decreased lipid peroxidation rate. Further, supplemental organic Se at the rate of 0.5 ppm also improved the meat water holding capacity.

The study evaluated the body weight during growth (BWG), body weight at slaughter (BWS), breast meat yield (BMYg), percent breast meat yield (BMY) and breast meat quality (colour and drip loss) of genetically featherless (scsc) broilers compared to their feathered sibs under hot conditions. Two hundred featherless chicks and 200 feathered sibs were reared under hot conditions in two rooms (av-erage temperature 29 to 33 ˚C) divided into pens by genotypes and diets (control diet and 10%, 15% and 20% protein and energy reduction) for 50 days. Fattening traits (BWG and BWS), breast meat quantity traits (BMYg and BMY %) and breast meat quality traits [(colour: lightness(L*), redness (a*), and drip losses at 24 hours (h) and 72 hours (h) postmortem (PM)] were measured or calculated on 56 featherless and 39 feathered sibs. Results confirmed statistically significant improvements (P<0.05) in favour of the scsc. On day 50, average values of body weight during growth (BWG), body weight at slaughter (BWS), breast meat yield (BMYg) and breast meat yield (BMY) in scsc vs. feathered sibs were: 2299 g vs. 1950 g, 2150 g vs. 1847 g, 390 g vs. 264 g, 18% vs. 14%, respectively. Breast meat colour at 24 h and 72 h PM was better in scsc with lower L* values (52.8 vs. 54.4 and 53.2 vs. 55.6) and higher a* values (3.2 vs. 2.5 and 4.2 vs. 3.2). Drip losses were lower in featherless birds compared to their feathered sibs at 72 h and 96 h PM (1.27% vs. 1.83% and 1.9% vs. 2.6%). Mortality on day 45 due to a heat wave of 38 ˚C and low relative humidity (25%) led to the mortality of 2 out of 100 featherless birds (2%) and 30 out of 72 feathered sibs (42%). Thus, reduction in BWG, BWS, BMYg and BMY %, survival and breast meat quality of fast growing normally feathered birds under hot conditions can be counteracted by the introduction of the featherless (scsc) gene for cost effective commercial production in hot climate.

A total of 448 Ross 308 seven-day old male broiler chicks were assigned to seven treatments with four replicates, each containing 16 chicks, to determine effects of physical sizes and rate of dietary inclusion of clinoptilolite. The chicks fed diet containing clinoptilolite at 1.5% and particle size of 0.4-0.8 mm showed significantly higher body weight gain than the control group that did not receive clinoptilolite (P<0.05). Adding clinoptilolite to the diet caused a significant improvement in feed conversion ratio during 22-42 and 7-42 days of age (P<0.05). Broilers fed diet containing clinoptilolite at 1.5% and particle size of 0.4-0.8 mm had a lower feed conversion ratio than other groups. Addition of clinoptilolite at 1.5% and particle size of 0.4-0.8 mm improved protein efficiency ratio than the control group in periods 22-42 and 7-42 days (P<0.05). Broilers fed diet containing clinoptilolite at 3% and particle size of 0.4-0.8 mm had significantly longer villus height in the duodenum and those fed clinoptilolite at 1.5% and particle size of 0.4-0.8 mm had longer villus height in the jejunum than the control group (P<0.05). Among different dietary treatments, the group receiving 1.5% clinoptilolite and particle size of 0.4-0.8 mm had the greatest ratio of villus height to crypt depth. In conclusion supplementation of diet with clinoptilolite with a particle size of 0.4-0.8 mm had positive effects on performance and intestinal morphology in broilers.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of storage and temperature on egg physical quality in Hyline chickens line. A total of 150 eggs from College of Natural Resources farm were sampled for the present experiment. About 70 eggs each were stored in home refrigerator (temperature, 7.46±0.23oC; relative humidity, 24.80±0.05%) and room temperature (temperature, 22.98±1.12oC; relative humidity, 48.93±2.50%). The correctness of the conditions was ensured by installing data logger. Egg quality traits monitored included egg weight, egg shape index, specific gravity, egg volume, shell thick-ness, haugh unit, and yolk index and albumen pH. The results present effects of prolonged storage on the physical qualities significantly (P<0.05). Quality of eggs rapidly deteriorated when stored in a room temperature compared to those kept in a cold environment. Among the studied egg traits, the pH of albumen seems to be reliable in testing the freshness quality of an egg because of its consistent trend. According to albumen pH information, egg preserved for 10 days under cool conditions remained similar to that of freshly laid eggs, but the following days seems to be significant (P<0.05). Moreover, the study verified the importance of the correlation coefficient in determining the downgrading of eggs for extended storage.

An experiment was conducted to determine the differences in body weight (BW), feed intake (FI) and some egg production traits of two strains of layer chickens (Isa Brown and Nera Black) and correlate the relationships between the tested traits. The study commenced when the layers were 26 weeks old and a total of 200 (100 of each strain) were used. Sixty fresh eggs (30 from each strain) were collected at 26th, 32nd and 38th weeks of lay. The results of analysis of variance for main effect of strain revealed significant (P<0.05) differences in BW with Isa Brown (IB) weighing heavier (1978 g) than Nera Black (NB) (1887 g). There was however no strain effect on FI. The values for the external egg quality traits for egg weight, shell weight and shell thickness were found, respectively as 58.06 g vs. 54.26 g, 5.4 g vs. 5.00 g and 0.44 mm vs. 0.31 mm in favour of IB. While the values for internal egg quality traits for albumen weight, yolk weight and yolk height were found, respectively as 36.46 g vs. 33.60 g, 15.60 g vs. 12.26 g and 1.86 cm vs. 1.62 cm in favour of IB. Other traits tested (egg lenght, egg width, albumin height and haugh unit) were unaffected by strain. Main effect of age showed that most of the internal and external egg traits decreased with increase in age of the layers. Yolk weight increased with increasing age of the layers, which implies that eggs from younger birds would be expected to have lower amount of cholesterol. The correlation analysis for most of the tested traits were positive. BW positively and significantly (P<0.05) correlated with FI (0.73) and egg weight (0.54). It was concluded that age numerically decreased most of the tested qualities of egg while srain had significant (P<0.05) effect on BW and some egg quality traits with Isa Brown performing better than Nera Black in northern guinea savannah of Nigeria.

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of metabolizable energy (ME) and protein of Japa-nese quails diets on offspring performance and antibody production against sheep red blood cell (SRBC). A total of 432 Japanese quails (13 week-old) were divided into nine treatments. Each treat-ment comprised four replicates of twelve birds (9 female and 3 male). Nine diets including three levels of metabolizable energy (2750, 2900 and 3050 kcal ME/kg diet) each at three levels of crude protein (18, 20 and 22% CP/kg) in a 3×3 factorial design were formulated. Offspring live weight was significantly lower in week 1, 2, 3 and through the whole of growth period when quails fed diets contained 2750 kcal/kg energy and 18% protein. Quail feeding with different levels of energy and protein did not affect feed intake of offspring. The feed conversion ratio of offspring was significantly higher when quails fed diet with 2750 kcal/kg ME and 18% protein during the experimental periods. Quail fed diet containing 2750 kcal/kg ME with 18 and 20% protein decreased antibody production of offspring against SRBC. It was concluded that using 2750 kcal/kg energy with 18 and 20% protein in diets of quails may have adverse effects on offspring growth rates and immune responses.

Fulani ecotype chickens (FEC) and Yoruba ecotype chickens (YEC) are the two major types of indigenous chickens in Nigeria. They subsist under traditional Animal husbandry and are thus liable to indiscriminate mating and consequently to loss of genetic diversity. Fulani ecotype chickens (FEC) and Yoruba ecotype chickens (YEC) were investigated to determine genetic variation at transferrin locus using cellulose acetate electrophoresis and to establish genetic relationship within and between the two ecotypes. Direct gene counting method was used to interpret the result after electrophoresis. Palenthological statistics (PAST) was used to generate dendogram which was used to measure genetic similarity. Transferrin was interpreted into six phenotypes (AA, AB, BB, AC and BC) whose inheritance is genetically controlled by three codominant alleles (TfA, TfB and TfC). Gene frequencies of TfA, TfB and TfC were 0.35, 0.2 and 0.43 in Yoruba ecotype chickens (YEC) and 0.21, 0.32 and 0.44 in Fulani ecotype chickens (FEC). While Genotype frequencies were 12.5%, 10%, 75%, 35%, 17.5% and 15% for Yoruba ecotype chickens (YEC) and 11.19%, 2.5%, 16.6%, 22.2% and 27.7% for Fulani ecotype chickens (FEC). Main clusters observed from the dendogram indicated 72% genetic similarity within Fulani ecotype chickens (FEC), 58 % genetic similarity within Yoruba ecotype chickens (YEC) and 70 % genetic similarity between Fulani ecotype chickens (FEC) and Yoruba ecotype chickens (YEC). No genetic relationship existed between transferrin and phenotypic traits (sex, plumage colour and comb type). Conclusively, the two populations were closely related at tranferrin locus. Further study should be extended to other protein markers and DNA level and conservation methods should be initiated to prevent further dilution of these chickens and for future development of Nigeria chicken line breed.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of replacing barley with different levels of ground date seeds (GDS) in the diet (0, 15, 3o and 45%) on performance of local growing male goats. Sixteen local male kids (average live weight 16.1±1.41 kg) were allocated randomly to four treatments (4 animal/treatment). The trial consisted of a 14 day acclimatization period followed by a 60-day measurements. The chemical analysis revealed that the ground date seeds used in this study contain (%) 6.3, 8.7, 62.4, 49.5 and 3.7 of crude protein, crude fat, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and ash respectively. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the average daily gain (54.38, 56.67, 44.58 and 47.92 g) or total gain (3.28, 3.40, 2.68 and 2.88 kg) and also in the total intake (35.12, 28.53, 28.12, and 29.15 kg) or in the intake of the concentrate, although the hay intake was higher (P<0.05) for the control compared with other treatments (8.33, 5.82, 6.18 and 6.3) for 0, 30, 15, and 45% ground date seeds respectively. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in feed conversion rates (11.09, 8.98, 12.24 and 11.50) between the treatments. Economic criteria indicated that increasing the levels of ground date seeds in the ration resulted in a decrease in the cost of total intake (12.08, 8.82, 7.48 and 6.57 LD) for 0, 15, 30, and 45% treatments respectively. It was shown that the net return was doubled with inclusion of 15, and 45% GDS when compared with control ration (8.2 and 7.8 vs. 4.3). It was observed that the relative economic efficiency was increased with increased ground date stone levels. The current study concluded that ground date seeds can be included in the ration of local growing goats up to 15% without any detrimental effect on performance. However, the economic benefit could be obtained up to 45% ground date seeds.

In this study the genetic polymorphism of growth hormone (GH) gene as a candidate gene in livestock was investigated. Blood samples were randomly collected from 34 Alpine and 42 Saanen goats. DNA was extracted from blood samples and a 365 bp region of exon 5 of the GH gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR products were analyzed using single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) method on polyacrylamide gel. The results indicated that there are four (G1, G2, G3 and G4) conformational patterns with frequencies 0.38, 0.21, 0.23 and 0.18 for Alpine goat and 0.48, 0.21, 0.17 and 0.14 for Saanen goat, respectively. These results revealed that GH gene was polymorph in this study and showed that PCR-SSCP is an appropriate tool for detecting poly-morphism and evaluating genetic variability.

The objective of the present study was to examine the effects of chilling period on semen quality of Sannan and Jamunapari. Semen of goat breeds were collected with artificial vagina and chilled at 5-9oC. Volume, colour and pH were determined on fresh semen. After dilution, microscopic examination was performed for the progressive motility and sperm viability. Diluted semen of both breed was compared by microscopic examination from day 0 to 3 during chilling. Hemocytometer was loaded with 10 mL of semen to evaluate the sperm count. Eosin stain (1%) was used to assess the viable sperm. Although viability and sperm velocity of both goat breed decreased (P<0.05) in a time dependent manner during chilling, the viability between the Sannan and Jamunapari did not differ significantly. However there was a significant difference for means of sperm velocity (P<0.05). Progressive motility and viability decreased gradually during chilling at 5-9oC. In order to obtain higher successful rate of insemination, chilled goat semen should be supplied to the farmers within a day.