scholarly journals Performance of Rabbits Fed Stylo (Stylosanthes hamata) and Groundnut Hauls (Arachis hypogea)

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 288-296
Author(s):  
G. T. Iyeghe-Erakpotobor ◽  
G. T. Iyeghe-Erakpotobor

Forty eight crossbred rabbits were used to study the performance of different age groups of rabbits fed stylo and groundnut haulms supplemented with 50g concentrate. The rabbits were allocated to three treatments: Stylosanthes hamata (stylo), Arachis hypogea (groundnut) haulms and 50.50 mixture (stygnut) of stylo and groundnut haulms, and four age groups: weaner, grower pubertal and adult in a 3 x 4 factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design for six weeks. 150g forage and 50g concentrate were supplied to the rabbits in separate feeders in the morning at 08. 00hr. Initial and final weight of rabbits fed stylo, groundnut haulms and combination of stylo and groundnut haulms was similar. Concentrate, forage and total feed intake of rabbits were similar for the treatments, however, total weight gain was higher for combination of stylo and groundnut haulms and lowest on stylo. Rabbit performance on sole and combination forages was similar except for feed conversion ratio which was significantly higher for stylo. Though feed cost was similar for the treatments, cost/kg gain was higher for stylo than combination of stylo and groundnut haulms. For the rabbit groups, concentrate, forage and total feed intake were similar however; total weight gain was double for weaners than growers, pubertal and adult rabbits. Weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly higher for weaners than growers, pubertal and adult rabbits. Feed cost and cost/kg gain was significantly higher for adult rabbits than weaners but similar with growers and pubertal rabbits. This study shows the potential of feeding several legumes to rabbits and also implies that studies with feed resources should extend beyond weaner and/or grower phase to give practical insight into the performance of rabbits up to market weight.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-73
Author(s):  
G. T Iyeghe-Erakpotobor ◽  
I. K Tudunwada ◽  
A. Tijjani ◽  
I. R Muhammad

Forty crossbred weaner rabbits were used in a factorial experiment involving three levels (15, 30 and 45%) of groundnut haulms(GHM) and two feeding systems (separate and mixed). Ratios of concentrate to groundnut haulms or groundnut haulmsmeal were: 1) 85% concentrate plus 15% GHM, 2) 70% concentrate plus 30% GHM and 3) 55% concentrate plus 45% GHM. For separate feeding system, concentrate and groundnut haulms were offered in separate feeders while for mixed feeding system, groundnut haulms meal was incorporated into the concentrate as complete diets. The control rabbits were placed on concentrate alone. Total feed offered was 100g/rabbit/day. Final weight, feed intake and total weight gain increased quadratically with increase in level of groundnut forage. Weight gain and feed conversion ratio were not affected by level of groundnut forage. Feed cost and cost/kg gain decreased with increase in groundnut haulms level. Savings/kg gain increased with increase in level of groundnut haulms from ₦7.9 to ₦107.6. Feeding groundnut haulms separately or mixed increased daily feed intake of rabbits than sole concentrate. ADG was higher for separate feeding than mixed and sole concentrate. Feed cost was significantly higher for sole concentrate than separate and mixed feeding. Savings/kg gain was ₦450 - ₦300 for separate and mixed feeding compared with sole concentrate. Feed intake was higher for separate at 15 and 45% GHM, while for 30% GHM, mixed feeding had higher intake than separate system. ADG was higher for separate than mixed feeding for all levels of groundnut forage. Feed conversion ratio was similar for separate and mixed feeding system irrespective of groundnut haulms level. Feed cost was lower for separate feeding system at all GHM levels except for 30% GHM level where it was higher for mixed than separate feeding. Feed cost/kg gain was higher for mixed feeding at 15 and 45% GH and lowest for separate at 45% GHM. It is concluded that rabbits can be offered up to 45% GHM while, separate feeding was better than mixed feeding.


2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-75
Author(s):  
A. R. Akintunde ◽  
I. H. Saidu ◽  
M. A. Oguntoye ◽  
H. K. Mohammed ◽  
A. Mustapha ◽  
...  

Means of cutting down cost of feed resources in order to bridge the wide gap between demand and supply of animal protein in livestock production is a great concern in the poultry industry. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding diets containing soaked and fermented Baobab seed meal (BSM) on the growth performance of broiler starter chicks. A total of 150, one-day old chicks were randomly distributed into five treatment groups. Treatments were replicated three times with 10 chicks per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). The dietary groups were designated as T1 for control (0 % BSM), T2 (7.5 % SBSM), T3 (15.0% SBSM), T4 (22.5% FBSM) and T5 (30 % FBSM). Parameters monitored include final weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, feed cost per kg gain (N) and mortality (%) The experiment lasted for 4 weeks. The results showed that the dietary treatments had significant (P<0.05) effect on all the parameters measured. Final weight and total weight gain were similar and significantly (P<0.05) higher in birds fed diets T2 and T4 when compared to other dietary treatments. However, birds in T5 group had the least significant (P<0.05) values 366.67 and 217.34 g/bird respectively. Daily weight gain (7.76 g/bird/day), total and daily feed intake (873.33 g and 31.19 g/bird/day) of birds followed similar trend and were significantly (P<0.05) lower in T5 group compared to other treatments. Feed conversion ratio of birds fed diet T5 had significantly (P<0.05) higher value (4.29) when compared to those in other treatment groups. Feed cost per kg gain (N) was significantly (P<0.05) lower and similar in birds fed T2, T3 and T4 when compared to values obtained in the control group (N253.27) and T5 (N 327.52). Mortality (%) only occurred in birds fed T5. It was therefore concluded that inclusion of 22.5% fermented baobab seed meal in broiler diets improved performance and had no negative effect on the health status of birds.     Des moyens de réduire le coût des ressources alimentaires afin de combler le defi posé à cause de la demande et l'approvisionnement en protéines animales dans la production animale est une grande préoccupation dans l'industrie avicole. Cette étude a été menée pour étudier l'effet des regimes alimentaires contenant de la farine de graines de baobab trempée et fermentée (le 'BSM') sur les performances de croissance des poussins de départ. Un total de 150 poussins âgés d'un jour ont été répartis au hasard en cinq groupes de traitement. Les traitements ont été répliqués trois fois avec 10 poussins par réplique dans une conception complètement randomisée (le 'CRD'). Les groupes diététiques ont été désignés comme T1 pour le contrôle (0% BSM), T2 (7,5% SBSM), T3 (15,0% SBSM), T4 (22,5% FBSM) et T5 (30% FBSM). Les paramètres surveillés comprennent le poids final, le gain de poids, la prise alimentaire, le taux de conversion alimentaire, le coût de l'alimentation par kg de gain (N) et la mortalité (%). L'expérience a duré 4 semaines. Les résultats ont montré que les traitements diététiques avaient un effet significatif (P <0,05) sur tous les paramètres mesurés. Le poids final et le gain de poids total étaient similaires et significativement (P<0,05) plus élevés chez les oiseaux nourris avec les régimes T2 et T4 par rapport aux autres traitements diététiques. Cependant, les oiseaux du groupe T5 avaient les valeurs les moins significatives (P <0,05) 366,67 et 217,34 g / oiseau respectivement. Le gain de poids quotidien (7,76 g / oiseau / jour), l'apport alimentaire total et quotidien (873,33 g et 31,19 g / oiseau / jour) des oiseaux ont suivi une tendance similaire et étaient significativement (P<0,05) inférieurs dans le groupe T5 par rapport aux autres traitements. Le rapport de conversion alimentaire des oiseaux nourris au régime alimentaire T5 avait une valeur significativement plus élevée (P <0,05) (4,29) par rapport à ceux des autres groupes de traitement. Le coût de l'alimentation par kg de gain (N) était significativement (P <0,05) plus faible et similaire chez les oiseaux nourris T2, T3 et T4 par rapport aux valeurs obtenues dans le groupe témoin (N253,27) et T5 (N 327,52). La mortalité (%) n'est survenue que chez les oiseaux nourris au T5. Il a donc été conclu que l'inclusion de farine de graines de baobab fermentée à 22,5% dans les régimes alimentaires des poulets de chair améliorait les performances et n'avait aucun effet négatif sur l'état de santé des oiseaux.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-62
Author(s):  
Mubarak Haladu ◽  
Ahmed Abubakar

The experiment was carried out to determine the overall performance and economic analysis of broiler chickens fed different commercial diets marketed in Kano metropolis. A total of 112 day-old Zertek strain of broiler chicks were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments coded as A, B, C and Din a completely randomized design. Each group was replicated 4 times with seven birds per replicate. Birds were weighed at the onset of the experiment and weekly thereafter. Feed intake and live weight gain were measured, recorded and used to determine the feed conversion ratio. The chicks were managed on a deep litter system and the experiment lasted for six weeks. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum throughout the feeding trial. Results revealed that feed intake of birds ranged from 78.5-87.3 (g/b/d), live weight gain ranged from 49.3 – 53.9 (g/b/d) while feed conversion ratio ranged between 1.59 and 1.64. There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in feed intake and feed conversion ratio. However, significant (P < 0.05) difference was observed in live weight gain where birds on treatments B, C, and D were superior to birds on treatment A. The market costs of the feeds at the time of the experiment were used to calculate the feed cost (₦ / kg), total feed cost (₦), feed cost (₦ /kg gain). Feed cost ₦/kg gain was best in treatment A. Keywords: Appraisal, Performance, Broiler birds, Commercial feed, Kano state.


2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 112-121
Author(s):  
C. P. Njoku ◽  
A. O. Fasakin ◽  
T. R. Ayano ◽  
F. T. Aweda ◽  
O. O. Amaihian ◽  
...  

This study was carried out to investigate growth performance and cost benefits of growing pigs on different herbal-mix feed additives and weight asymmetry. Fifty-four, 8 weeks old Large White breed of pigs with an average body weight of 15.33±0.2 kg were randomly assigned to nine treatments with each treatment consisting of three replicates of two pigs each. Three diets containing different herbal-mix (Control diet without herbal-mix, moringa-basil meal diet, neem-basil meal diet) were formulated and fed to the pigs for sixteen weeks duration of the study. The moringa-basil and neem-basil leaf meals mixtures were in the ratio of 10 to 2; that is ten percent (10%) moringa or neem to two percent (2%) basil. Parameters determined include growth indices and cost benefits. Data collected were subjected to two-way analysis of variance using SAS (2000). Pigs on control diet had the highest final weight (49. 44, 43.22, 40.67 kg) and daily weight gain (515.87, 401.59, 388.89 g/pig) and the best feed conversion ratio (3.56, 4.59, 4.23) when compared to the values documented for pigs on ration containing different herbal-mix feed additives. The least total feed cost and revenue per pig were noted for pigs on neem-basil dietary treatment while the highest values were documented for pigs on control ration. Homogenous light weight pigs had higher feed intake and total feed cost per pigs when compared to other values noted for pigs on other treatment groups. Heterogeneous weight pigs recorded better feed conversion ratio, lower feed cost per kilogram weight gain and higher gross margin values when compared to the values noted for their homogenous counterparts. It can be concluded from this study that performance indices of growing pigs were affected by the dietary inclusion of herbal-mix feed additives and weight asymmetry. Hence, herbal-mix leaf meals can be integrated into growers ration in order to lower production cost, likewise,unevenly weight growing pigs can be managed together in order to obtain higher production efficiency in terms of feed intake and cost of production.


2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 37-43
Author(s):  
L. C. Ugwuowo ◽  
N. H. Anyaokei

An experiment was conducted to determine the growth response of African giant land snail Archachatina marginata fed diets containing different levels of sodium chloride. One hundred and twenty snails were subjected to four dietary treatments of T1, T2, T3 and T4 with 0%, 0.25%, 0.5% and 0.75% sodium chloride respectively. The treatments were replicated thrice with 10 snails per replicate. The measured parameters included weight gain, feed intake, shell length, shell circumference and shell thickness. Feed cost, cost of feed per kg weight gain and feed conversion ratio were also calculated. Results showed that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, feed cost and shell thickness but there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in cost of feed per kg weight gain, shell length and shell circumference in the snails fed the treatment diets. Treatment 2 had the highest average daily weight gain (0.07±0.01), average daily feed intake (0.91±0.08) and feed cost (7.19±0.64) but the lowest feed conversion ratio (13.15±61.76) while treatment 1 had the lowest average daily weight gain (0.04±0.01), average daily feed intake (0.70±0.20) and feed cost (5.54±0.18) but the highest feed conversion ratio (15.86±0.5). This shows that inclusion of sodium chloride above 0.25% in the diet of Archachatina marginata affects both the feed intake and weight gain of the snails.


2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Edache ◽  
C. D. Tuleun ◽  
A. G. Yisa ◽  
U. R. Muduudtai ◽  
D. O. Edache ◽  
...  

A feeding trial of six weeks was conducted to determine the effect of including rice offal supplemented with natuzyme on the performance of broilers. One hundred and seventy two 2 –week old broilers of mixed sexes were randomly allocated to four diets in a completely randomized design. The broiler chicks were allocated one of four diets containing either 0 (control), 5, 10, or 15% of rice offal. The starter diets were isonitrogenous (25% CP) but decreased in energy levels from 2,779.32 (Diet A), 2,747.73 (Diet B), 2,715.54 (Diet C) to 2,683.54kcal/kg ME (Diet D). The finisher diets were also isonitrogenous at 21% CP with each diet replicated three times. The energy levels of the finisher diet decreased from 2801.67 (diet A) to 2703.22 kcal/kg ME (diet D). The energy levels on diets B (2768.72) and C (2736.18) were higher than on diet D. All diets containing rice offal were supplemented with natuzyme at 100g/100kg feed. Overall result showed that feed intake was significantly lower (p<0.05) on the control (117.38g/bird/day) than on diets B (123.57), C (125.24) and D (123.97g/bird/day). Weight gain was significantly higher (p<0.05) on diet B (57.64g/bird) than on diets C (50.77) and D (46.88g/bird) respectively. Water intake was significantly lower (p<0.05) on the control (204.60mL/bird) than on diets B (240.44), C (231.86) and D (225.73mL/bird), respectively. Feed conversion ratio was significantly better (p<0.05) on diets A (2.36), B (2.23) and C (2.68) than on diet D (3.06) only. Feed cost/kg gain was significantly (p<0.05) better on diet A (N532.65) than on diets B (N666.75) and C (N688.92) only. Initial weight did not differ significantly across the diets but final weight was better (p<0.05) on diet B (2644.40g/bird) than on the control and other rice offal diets. Even though the control diet had lower feed intake, birds on diet B had better weight gain, feed conversion ratio, feed cost/gain and final body weight than the control and other rice offal diets and is therefore, recommended. This is because rice offal based diet on diet B has a cost saving of 8.33% over the control diet.


2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 233-239
Author(s):  
A. M. Aliyu ◽  
S. Duru ◽  
G. S. Bawa

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of grower rabbits fed sorrel seed (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) meal. Thirty grower rabbits were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments containing the control diet, raw seed diet and boiled sorrel seeds in already boiled water for 15, 30 and 45 minutes. Completely randomized design was used with six rabbits per treatment and two rabbits per replicate. Parameters evaluated were average feed intake, average weight gain, feed conversion ratio, final body weight, feed cost/kg gain and Mortality. The result of the experiment showed that there was significant difference (P<0.05) in average daily feed intake but no significant (P>0.05) differences in final body weight gain, daily weight gain, total feed intake, feed conversion ratio and feed cost/kg gain of rabbits fed diet containing sorrel seeds boiled at varying boiling duration. Feed conversion ratio was better in rabbits fed the 30 minutes boiled sorrel seed based diet (6.28) compared to rabbits fed 45 minutes boiled sorrel seed based diet (7.69). The final weight increased as boiling duration increased but later declined as boiling duration increased to 45 minutes (1360.00, 1286.67, 1293.33, 1386.67 and 1306.00g/rabbit) respectively. Feed cost/kg gain value was lower in rabbits fed diet containing boiled sorrel seeds at 30 minutes (? 600.20) compared to other treatments. Based on the result of the study, it was therefore concluded that grower rabbits could tolerate up to 15% sorrel seed meal boiled for 30 minutes in their diets


2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 132-138
Author(s):  
E. Opoola

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of silicon oxide in broiler chickens drinking water on performance and litter quality. A total of 120, one-day old mixed sex broiler chicks were randomly divided into 4 treatments and 3 replications, with 10 birds in each replicate in a completely randomised experimental design, with 4 silicon levels (0.00, 1.50, 2.00 and 2.50 mg of silicon oxide/litre of water. Corn-soya based diets were formulated at the starter (0–4 weeks) and finisher (5–8weeks) phases and were supplied ad libitum with free access to water. The average daily temperature and relative humidity inside the poultry house were 35.9 °C and 36%, respectively. At the starter phase, chicks administered 2.00mg silicon oxide/litre of water had significantly (p<0.05) higher final body weight (991.00g) and average weight gain (950.96g) compared to chicks without silicon oxide 778.57 g and 738.54g. The inclusion of 2.00 mg silicon oxide/litre of water improved feed conversion ratio compared to the control group (p < 0.05) and significantly reduced feed cost per kg gain. For the finisher phase, chickens administered 2.00mg silicon oxide/litre of water had the best results for final weight, weight gain and feed cost per kg gain. Also, inclusion of silicon oxide in broiler chickens water improved litter quality as predominantly dry material but with some areas of wet shavings was observed. In conclusion, silicon oxide in broiler chickens drinking water at 2.00mg/litre of water enhanced growth performance, improved feed conversion ratio and litter quality as well as reduced feed cost per kg gain at the starter and finisher phases respectively.


2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 42-43
Author(s):  
Ufuoma G Sorhue ◽  
Ikenna Omeje ◽  
Ifeanyichukwu udeh ◽  
Adimabua M Moemeka ◽  
Raphael E Onainor

Abstract This study was conducted to examine the growth performance and expression patterns of growth hormone gene and insulin-like growth factor in metabolic tissues of pigs fed different unconventional feed sources. A total of 45 growing pigs were randomly assigned to 5 dietary treatments at 9 animals per treatment and 3 animals per replicate. Treatment one (T1) comprise of whole maize (WM) which served as the control, T2: brewers dried grain (BDG), T3: cassava peel meal (CPM), T4: plantain peel meal (PPM) and T5: corn husk meal (CHM) at 35% inclusion in the diet. Data collected and analyzed includes; initial body weight (IBW), final body weight (FBW), average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily weight gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and feed efficiency (FE). At the end of the feeding trial, three animals per treatment (one animal per replicate) were slaughtered; the duodenum and liver were collected and stored using RNALater prior to RNA extraction. Real-time qPCR was performed in 40cycles using the PowerUp SYBR Green reagent and analysed using the Delta-Delta Ct method. All data were subjected to analysis of variance in a completely randomized design. The results showed that the treatment diets had effect on growth performance with significant differences (P &lt; 0.05) observed for average final weight, average total weight gain, average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio and feed efficiency while the initial weight were not significantly different (P &gt; 0.05). IGF-2 was differentially expressed in the liver and duodenum across treatments while significant differences were not observed in the expression pattern of the growth hormone gene in both tissues. This study showed promise for the use of unconventional feeding stuffs in pig feeding and reveals that genes influencing performance characters are differentially expressed in relation to the source of unconventional feeds used in compounding pig diet.


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