The performance of West African Dwarf does and their kids at various stocking densities on stylo-based pasture in the subhumid zone of Nigeria

1995 ◽  
Vol 125 (2) ◽  
pp. 263-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. A. Iji ◽  
N. N. Umunna ◽  
J. P. Alawa ◽  
O. A. Ikwuegbu
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
West African ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Weight Losses ◽  
Natural Pasture ◽  
The Impact

SUMMARYTwo studies were conducted between 1991 and 1993 to assess the impact of grazing improved v. natural pasture at different stocking densities on animal and vegetation responses. In the first grazing season, goats of the West African Dwarf (WAD) breed were grazed at four stocking densities – 1·90, 2·86, 3·86 or 4·71 TLU/ha (Tropical Livestock Unit = 250 kg liveweight). Wet-season grazing lasted for 14 weeks while assessment was continued until kids were weaned at 120 days of age. There were significant (P < 0·05) changes in the content of legume and forbs in response to variations in stocking density. Liveweight gain per head was significantly (P < 0·05) higher at low than at high stocking density. The same trend was maintained with most aspects of reproductive performance. Goats at low stocking density were of a higher (P < 0·05) body condition score at parturition and had larger litter sizes than does stocked at high stocking density. Kid birth weight and liveweight gain were significantly (P < 0·001) higher at low than at high stocking density. The overall weight loss in does during nursing was similar at the different stocking densities.In the following year, comparisons were made between three stocking densities, 2·11, 3·17 and 4·23 TLU/ha, on improved and unimproved pastures. Over 14 weeks of wet-season grazing, there was a significant (P < 0·01) decline in available dry matter except at the lowest stocking density on both pasture types. Weight gain per head decreased with increase in stocking density while the reverse was true for weight gain per unit of land. No significant differences were observed for reproductive performance between pasture types or stocking densities. Kid growth rate up to weaning declined with increase in stocking density (P < 0·001) while kid mortality rose with increase in stocking density (P < 0·01). Weight losses in nursing does were higher (P < 0·05) at low than at high stocking density.

scholarly journals Reproductive performance of intensively managed primiparous gravid West African Dwarf goats fed pulverized bio-fibre waste-based diets

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-138
Author(s):  
G. A. Ibhaze
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
West African ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Maize Cob ◽  
Intensively Managed ◽  
Cassava Peel

The feed intake and reproductive performance of intensively managed West African dwarf (WAD) gravid does were investigated. Twelve does weighing 11.90-13.05kg were used for the study. The does were fed on pulverized maize-cob based diets; maize-cob/cassava peel (PMC/CSP), maize-cob/brewers' grain (PMC/BG), and maize-cob/cassava peel/brewers' grain (PMC/CsP/BG). The does were allotted to the three dietary treatments such that four individually housed animals, each serving as a replicate and were also fed with concentrate diet at 1% of their body weight. Oestrus was synchronized in the does using 1mL/10kg of Prostaglandin –Fα intramuscularly. Animals were mated with a proven buck. Dams were evaluated in a pregnancy trial while the kids born were evaluated in a pre-weaning growth trial. Dams were weighed at mating and fortnightly until kidding. Variables investigated were; feed intake, dam weight at mating, prior and after parturition, gestation length, weight gained during pregnancy, kid's birth and weaning weights, kid's daily weight gain, sex ratio. Feed intake revealed that does fed PMC/CsP recorded the highest total dry matter intake (TDMI) throughout the three trimesters (727.16, 832.85 and 637.08g/day) when compared to 339.38, 452.18 and 401.03g/day obtained for does fed PMC/BG. Weight gained was significantly (P<0.05) higher in does on PMC/CsP. Mean birth weight, weaning weight and daily weight gain were higher for kids whose dams were fed PMC/CSP/BG. It can therefore be concluded that diets used in this study may serve as alternative feed for gravid goats while goats fed PMC/CsP/BG had better reproductive performance.

scholarly journals Reproductive performance of intensively managed primiparous gravid West African Dwarf goats fed pulverized bio-fibre waste-based diets

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-138
Author(s):  
G. A. Ibhaze
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
West African ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Maize Cob ◽  
Intensively Managed ◽  
Cassava Peel

The feed intake and reproductive performance of intensively managed West African dwarf (WAD) gravid does were investigated. Twelve does weighing 11.90-13.05kg were used for the study. The does were fed on pulverized maize-cob based diets; maize-cob/cassava peel (PMC/CsP), maize-cob/brewers' grain (PMC/BG), and maize-cob/cassava peel/brewers' grain (PMC/CsP/BG). The does were allotted to the three dietary treatments such that four individually housed animals, each serving as a replicate and were also fed with concentrate diet at 1% of their body weight. Oestrus was synchronized in the does using 1mL/10kg of Prostaglandin –Fα intramuscularly. Animals were mated with a proven buck. Dams were evaluated in a pregnancy trial while the kids born were evaluated in a pre-weaning growth trial. Dams were weighed at mating and fortnightly until kidding. Variables investigated were; feed intake, dam weight at mating, prior and after parturition, gestation length, weight gained during pregnancy, kid's birth and weaning weights, kid's daily weight gain, sex ratio. Feed intake revealed that does fed PMC/CsP recorded the highest total dry matter intake (TDMI) throughout the three trimesters (727.16, 832.85 and 637.08g/day) when compared to 339.38, 52.18 and 401.03g/day obtained for does fed PMC/BG. Weight gained was significantly (P<0.05) higher in does on PMC/CsP. Mean birth weight, weaning weight and daily weight gain were higher for kids whose dams were fed PMC/CsP/BG. It can therefore be concluded that diets used in this study may serve as alternative feed for gravid goats while goats fed PMC/CsP/BG had better reproductive performance.

scholarly journals INTAKE AND NUTRIENT UTILIZATION BY EARLY WEANED WEST AFRICAN DWARF KIDS FED SOYBEAN DIET AS REPLACER FOR MILK

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-57
Author(s):  
G. O. OKAGBARE ◽  
A. O. AKINSOYINU
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Percent Level ◽  
Nutrient Utilization ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
West African ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Partial Replacement ◽  
Average Daily Weight Gain ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Soybean Diet

Twenty-one early weaned West African dwarf (WAD) goats weighting 1 – 1.5kg at birth were used to asses the utilization of nutrients by kids fed soyabeans diet (SD) as replacer for milk. Replacement of milk with SD up to 50 percent had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on dry matter intake of kids. Nutrient digestibility values however decreased (P < 0.05) with replacement of milk with SD up to 50 percent level. The digestibility of nutrientts increased (P < 0.05)with age of the kids. Weight gain of the kids (up to 9 weeks of age) reduced with partial replacement of milk  with SD up to 50 percent level. Values recorded for average daily weight gain (g/day) for the kids for diets containing 0, 25, and 50 percent SD were 11.2, 6.7 and 3.0, respectively at 4 weeks of age and 24.3, 19.2 and 7.8, respectively at 6 weeks of age. 25 percent replacement of milk with SD gave adequate performance pre-weaned kids. The result also showed that that the level of replacement of milk with SD could be increased up to 50 percent only after 6 weeks of age.

scholarly journals Performance and nutrient digestibility of West African Dwarf rams fed Panicum maximum and Tridax procumbens supplemented with Cajanus cajan leaves

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-146
Author(s):  
I. A Adebisi ◽  
A. B. Ajibike ◽  
T. O Muraina ◽  
H. O Amusa ◽  
O. O Okunlola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Cajanus Cajan ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
West African ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
Crude Fibre ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Tridax Procumbens

An experiment was carried out to investigate the performance and nutrient digestibility of West African dwarf growing rams fed mixture of Panicum maximum and Tridax procumbens supplemented with Cajanus cajan leaves for 56 days feeding trial. A total of twelve WAD rams were randomly allocated to three treatments with four animals per treatment while two animals served as replicate. The experimental diet was fed at 3% body weight of individual animals while Cajanus cajan leaves were supplemented at varied inclusion levels. The results revealed that animals fed T1 recorded the least weight gain (36.96g/day) while the highest weight gain (56.42g/day) was recorded for T3. The daily weight gain of animals was significantly different across all treatments (P<0.05). The highest DMI (18.30kg) was recorded on the T1, and the least value of DMI (17.40kg) was recorded in T3. The highest feed efficiency ratio (0.18) and the lowest value (0.11) were observed in animals fed T1 and T3 diet respectively. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the nutrient digestibility parameters of the experimental animals. The results showed that T1 (100% sole Cajanus cajan leaves) promoted the best dry matter (DM) digestibility (89.56%) which was enough to meet the production and maintenance requirement of small ruminants while the lowest value (88.67%) of DMD was recorded in T2 . The highest crude protein (CP) digestibility (13.20%) was observed in T3 diet. The highest value for crude fibre digestibility (38.95%) and the lowest value (35.35%) were observed in animals fed T2 and T1 diet respectively. In conclusion, supplementation of Cajanus cajan leaves with mixture of Tridax procumbens and Panicum maximum as basal diet for feeding sheep enhanced nutrient intake, growth performance and improved nutrient digestibility without health challenges to the animals.

Body condition score and reproductive performance in dairy cows in Greece

2007 ◽  
Vol 2007 ◽  
pp. 60-60
Author(s):  
G. Oikonomou ◽  
G. Arsenos ◽  
G.E. Valergakis ◽  
A. Tsiaras ◽  
G. Banos
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Reliable Estimate ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Body Condition Scoring ◽  
Body Energy ◽  
The Impact

Various studies in dairy cows have shown that their Body Condition Score (BCS) effectively reflects their nutritional status and energy content (Ferguson et al. 1994). Extremes in BCS and BCS losses have been identified as a risk factor for health problems and reduced reproductive efficiency (Markusfeld et al. 1997, Lopez-Gatius et al. 2003). Body condition scoring is easy and inexpensive to perform and gives a reliable estimate of body energy reserves. Hence, in practice, BCS can be used as a tool for ration formulation and management decisions concerning reproduction of dairy cows (Banos et al. 2004). The objective of this study was to determine and quantify the impact of BCS in the reproductive performance of primiparous Holstein cows.

Effect of diets containing different nutrient density on performance and faecal egg count of West African Dwarf rams

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-160
Author(s):  
A. O. Yusuf ◽  
O. S. Sowande ◽  
O. S. Iposu ◽  
A. O. Sonibare ◽  
O. M. Sogunle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Energy Density ◽  
Protein Intake ◽  
High Energy ◽  
West African ◽  
Performance Characteristics ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Nutrient Density ◽  
Faecal Egg Count

A study was conducted to determine the effect of different nutrient densities on performance characteristics and faecal egg count of West African Dwarf (WAD) rams semi-intensively managed. Twenty four yearling lambs between 10-15kg were used for the experiment. The lambs were allotted to two treatment groups containing 12 animals per group. They were released into the paddock containing sown pasture to graze for 6 hours per day. The animals were randomly assigned to treatments containing two levels of protein-energy density: low energy, low protein (LELP) and high energy, high protein (HEHP) in a completely randomized design. Performance characteristics of WAD rams showed that protein and energy density have significant effect (P<0.05) on weight gain, daily weight gain and protein intake. Metabolic weight gain was influenced (P<0.05) positively by the protein and energy density. Animals fed HEHP diets had significantly (P<0.05) higher protein intake (54.66 g) than those fed LELP diets (22.92 g). The slope observed for animals on HEHP diet was lower compared to that of their counterpart on LELP diet. Hence, HEHP diets improved performance of West African Dwarf sheep as well as reducing the gastrointestinal parasite infection due to lower FEC recorded.  

scholarly journals FACTORS AFFECTING LIVEWEIGHT OF GOAT AND SHEEP IN TWO LOCATION WITHIN OGUN STATE.

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-15
Author(s):  
C. O. N. IKEOBI ◽  
O. A. FALETI
Keyword(s):  
Dry Season ◽  
West African ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
The West ◽  
Southwestern Nigeria ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Ogun State ◽  
West African Dwarf Goat ◽  
The Mean

A study was conducted over two years  With the to determine the changes in the liveweight of Yankasa sheep and Maradi goat in goats and sheep in two locations in Ogun State, South-Western Nigeria Factors found to be important included breed of goat, season, location, and sex of the animal. The Maradi goat had a greater variation in its liveweight than the West African' dwarf goat. The mean weekly gain in the liveweight of goats was 0.18±02 dry season and 0.26±0.05 kg in the wet season. Liveweight changes were greater in yearling Yankasa sheep reared in this part of the Southwestern Nigeria than in older ones; these differences were significantly greater in the dry than in the wet season.

scholarly journals ENERGY REQUIREMENTS OF YOUNG EWES FED GUINEA GRASS (PANICUM MAXIMUM) FOR MAINTENANCE AND GAIN

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-121
Author(s):  
T. A. Adegbola ◽  
A. A. Adeleye ◽  
Y. D. Yoila
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Energy Requirement ◽  
West African ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Energy Requirements ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Digestible Organic Matter ◽  
Guinea Grass

Energy requirement for maintenance and weight gain of non-lactating, non-pregnant West African Dwarf ewes were determined by using equation of the form DOMI           = aw0.75 + bG........ (1) where, DOMI = Digestible Organic matter intake (kg/day), W = Liveweight of ewe (kg), G = Liveweight gain of ewe (kg/day), a = DOMI requirement per kg of Wkg0.75,  b = DOMI requirement for each kilogram liveweight gain. The regression equation obtained was DOMI = 0.0385Wkg 0.75 + 1.54G........(2). The values of DOM required per kilogram of Wkg0.75 and for each kilogram of liveweight gain, were 0.0385 and 1.54kg respectively. In terms of Metabolizable energy (ME) equation (2) can be written as follows: ME = 523.50Wkg0.75 + 20940.92G........(3) Values of ME required per kilogram of Wkg0.75 and each kilogram of liveweight gain were 523.5 and 20940.92 KJ from equation 3. These results are comparable to those obtained for other breeds of sheep of both temperate and tropical origin.

scholarly journals Reduced Stocking Density and Provision of Straw in a Rack Improve Pig Welfare on Commercial Fattening Farms

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharina Schodl ◽  
Lisa Wiesauer ◽  
Christoph Winckler ◽  
Christine Leeb
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Mixed Models ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Average Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Legal Requirements ◽  
Period Data ◽  
Fattening Period ◽  
On Farm ◽  
The Impact

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of reduced stocking density in combination with provision of additional enrichment material on pig welfare on-farm. On three growing-finishing farms in Austria, in total 974, 413, and 70 pigs were kept at 1 m2/pig and straw or hay in a rack as additional enrichment material (improved pens, IP; n = 6–38 pens per farm) or in pens complying with the minimum legal requirements of 0.7 m2/pig (control pens, CP; n = 6–37 pens per farm). Behavior as well as skin, tail and ear lesions and pig soiling were assessed at the beginning and in the middle of the fattening period, while performance data were recorded at the end of the fattening period. Data analysis was performed for each farm separately using generalized linear and linear mixed models or Mann-Whitney U-Test. Pigs in IP less frequently manipulated pen mates' ears (Farm 1: Ptreatment*assessment = 0.002; Farm 2: P = 0.002) and body (Farm 1: P = 0.021; Farm 2: P = 0.015) than in CP. Prevalence of skin, tail and ear lesions and soiled pigs did not differ between treatments. In only one farm, average daily weight gain was higher in IP than in CP (Farm 1: P = 0.003). Our findings indicate that increased space allowance and provision of substrate can improve aspects of animal welfare within existing pig fattening systems, without requiring irreversible constructional modifications to the system.

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