Browsing by Author "Kolo, P. S."
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Item A study on haematology and serum biochemistry of wattle and non wattled red sokoto does and their offspring(Nigerian Journal of Animal Production., 2021) Kolo, P. S.; Otu, B. O.; Banjo, A. A.; Kolo, H. N.A study on haematology and serum biochemistry of wattled and non wattled Red Sokoto does and their offspring *Kolo, P. S., Otu, B., Banjo, A. A., and Kolo, H. N. Department of Animal Production, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. Corresponding author: kolo.philip@futminna.edu.ng; +2347035071871 Wattle is of utmost ornamental importance for courting potential mates and influencing thermoregulatory mechanisms which help the animal adapt to the environment. It also provides information on relationship between haematological and serum biochemical parameters. A study on haematology and serum biochemistry of wattled and non wattled Red Sokoto does and their offspring was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Animal Production, Federal University of Technology, Minna. Fifty (52) Red Sokoto goats comprising of thirty-two (32) does four (4) bucks and sixteen (16) weaned kids managed semi-intensively were used for the study Blood samples were collected using 5 ml syringe and 22-guage needle from the jugular vein. 5 ml of blood was collected from each goat used out of which 2.5 ml was dispensed into Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid (EDTA) bottle while the remaining 2.5 ml was dispensed into plain (anticoagulant free) bottles and labelled properly according to the treatment group. Data collected were analyzed using SAS statistical package. It was observed: that wattle had significant effect (p<0.05) on Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), White Blood Cell (WBC), Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Chloride, Phosphorus, Cholesterol, Total Protein, Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and Total Bilirubin of Red Sokoto Does but had no significant influence on the haematology and serum biochemistry of wean Red Sokoto kids. Does in T had the highest MCH values of 63.50 mmo/l while treatments T1 3 , T2 and T4 had values of 23.00 mmo/l, 33.00mmo/l and 34.00mmo/l respectively. Also Does in T2, T3 and T4 recorded higher calcium levels of 2.54mmo/l, 2.56mmol/l and 2.61mmo/l) respectively compared to values of 2.29mmo/l recorded in T1. These relevant influence of wattle therefore should suggest the deployment of deliberate effort to preserve the wattle gene to prevent the goats carrying the gene from going to extinction.Item Application of path coefficient analysis in assessing the relationship between growth-related traits in indigenous Nigerian sheep (Ovis aries) of Niger State, Nigeria(AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 2015) Egena, S.S.A.; Tsado, D. N.; Kolo, P. S.; Banjo, A. A; Adisa-Shehu-Adisa, MIndigenous Nigerian sheep raised under extensive management were evaluated with the aim of assessing variability among body weight and body measurement traits thereby deducing components that best describe the relationship using path coefficient analysis. The parameters measured were body weight (BW), body length (BL), head length (HL), head width (HW), height at withers (HAW), chest depth (CD), chest girth (CG) and shin circumference (SC). Pair wise correlation between body weight and body measurements were positive and significant (r = 0.475 – 0.655 in males, 0.262 – 0.449 in females, and 0.336 – 0.509 in the combined population, P<0.01). Path analysis showed that shin circumference and chest depth had the greatest direct effect on body weight in male, female and the combined population (path coefficient = 0.250, 0.252 and 0.250, respectively) while the least direct effect was observed for head width (in male and female with path coefficient = 0.007 and -0.017, respectively), and height at withers in the combined population (path coefficient = -0.020). Percentage direct contribution to body weight was 6.25, 6.35 and 6.25% from shin circumference (male), chest depth (in female and the combined population respectively). The optimum linear regression models with coefficient of determination (R ) value of 0.45, 0.31 and 0.37 included forecast indices such as chest depth and shin circumference in males, body length, head length and chest depth in females and the combined population, respectively.Item Carcass yield and haematological indices of broiler chickens fed diets containing varying levels of dried watermelon rind (DWMR)(Nigerian Journal Animal Science, 2021) Banjo, A. A.; Otu, B. O.; Kolo, P. S.; Kolo, H. N.; Omolola, B.; Sajoh, M150 day old unsex broiler chicks were used for the experiment to determine the effect of replacement of wheat offal with dried watermelon rind on the carcass yield and haematological indices of broiler birds. The chicks were randomly distributed into five treatments with each treatment having three replicates with ten chicks per replicate. Carcass yield and haematological indices were conducted in a completely randomized design comprising five dietary treatments such that T1 was served as the control, T2 were fed 25% DWMR replacement, T3 had 50 % DWMR, T4 had 75 % DWMR and T5 were given 100 % DWMR. At the end of the eight weeks, three birds from each dietary group were sacrificed to estimate the dressing yield and relative weight of organs (liver, heart and gizzard) while blood was collected for haematology and serum biochemistry analysis. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Replacement of wheat offal with DWMR significantly (p<0.05) improved the thigh, back, heart and lungs characteristics whereas it did not significantly (p>0.05) influenced the live weight, slaughter weight, eviscerated weight and other primal cut parts. RBC and MCHC were significantly (p<0.05) affected. It can be concluded from this study that DWMR can be included in broiler chickens diet with no negative effect on the carcass characteristics and serum indicesItem EFFECT OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF WATERMELON PULP ON THE MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS OF RABBIT (Oryctolagus cuniculus) REPRODUCTIVE TRACT(Journal of Arid Agriculture, 2024) Kolo, P. S.; Adama, J. Y.; Obi, C.C.; Dikko, A. H.; Kolo, H. N.; Abubakar, M. B.The effect of aqueous extract of watermelon pulp on the morphometric characteristics of 40 matured mixed breeds of rabbit about 1200-1400g (comprising of 20 bucks, 20 does) reproductive tract was investigated. Watermelon pulp extract was at zinclusion levels of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 g per 80-ml of water. The rabbits were randomly allocated to five treatments comprising of four replicates per treatment at two rabbits per replicate making eight rabbits per treatment in a completely randomized design. Feeds were given ad-libitum for twelve weeks and water was provided daily for 20 hours while for the remaining hours of the day (4 hours), they were deprived of water so that they can take of the treatment dosage. At the end of the experiment, 4 rabbits (2 bucks and 2 does) were randomly selected from each treatment. The animals were sacrificed and eviscerated for reproductive organ weight determination. Data obtained were subjected to the analysis of variance (ANOVA) following completely randomized. design. Duncan’s Multiple Range Test, Duncan (1955) was used to determine the significant differences (p<0.05) among treatments means. The experimental results showed that the inclusion level of aqueous extract of watermelon pulp at 5 g per 80-ml of water produced the best performance in terms of reproductive organ weight and length for both the rabbit bucks and does. From the results obtained it is observed that inclusion of aqueous extract of watermelon pulp at 5 g per 80-ml water will lead to increased productivity in rabbit breeding programmes, however higher levels may result in decrease performance and should not be encouraged.Item Effect of sex, wattle, beard, hair type, and extra teat on growth-related traits of extensively managed goat (Capra aegagrus) population of Niger State, Nigeria.(Equity Journal of Science and Technology, 2016) Kolo, P. S.; Egena, S. S. A.; Tsado, D. N.; Adisa-Shehu, MAstudy that evaluated the effect of sex, wattle, beard, hair type and extra teat on growth traits of goats extensively managed in the three Senatorial zones ( i.e zones A, B and C) of Niger state was carried out. The growth traits evaluated include body weight, body length, height-at-withers, chest depth, chest girth, head length, head width, rump length, rump width, shin circumference, fore leg length and hind leg length.Male goats had better (p<0.05) measurement in all parameters considered in zone B of the state while the females were better (p<0.05) in all parameters measured in zones A and C except for shin circumference in which the males were better in zone A. Goats without wattle showed superiority (p<0.05) in most of the parameters measured in zone C. This was not so for goats in zones A and B as there was no clear demarcation between goats with or without wattle. Goats with beard were superior (p<0.05) in most of the parameters measured in zones B and C. Coarse hair type had significant (p<0.05) effect on body weight and all the other body measurements except for height-at-withers which was not significantly (p>0.05)affected. Soft hair had significant (p<0.05) effect on body weight, and all the body measurements except for hind leg length which showed no significant (p>0.05) difference. Extra teat had no significant (p>0.05) effect on body weight, body length height-at-withers, chest depth, chest girth, head length, rump width, shin circumference and hind leg length but significantly (p<0.05) influenced head width, rump length and fore leg length. Absence of extra teat had significant (p<0.05) effect on all the parameters measured except for head length which showed no significant (p>0.05) difference. At the end of the study, it was observed that sex and major genes had significant effect on most of the parameters measured. It is recommended based on the result emanating from the study that farmers be encouraged to rear goats with beard, those without extra teat and wattle since they were better in most of the parameters measured.Item Effect of spice-treated sundried bovine rumen digesta on performance, carcass characteristics and nutrient digestibility of finisher broiler chickens(Journal of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, 2023-04-12) Eniwaiye, A. A.; Otu, B. O.; Kolo, P. S.; Owolabi, S. J.; Balogun, M. A.; Ochiyan, M. A.The study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding diets containing spice treated Sundried Bovine Rumen Digesta (SDBRD) on growth performance, carcass characteristics and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens. A total of one hundred and fifty (150) day old broiler chickens were assigned to five (5) diets in triplicates containing ten (10) birds each in a completely randomized design. The diets were; T1, (control, 0% SDBRD), T2 (20% SDBRD without spice supplementation), T3 (20% SDBRD + 200 mg ginger), T4 (20% SDBRD + 200 mg garlic), and T5 (20% SDBRD + 200 mg thyme). Data were collected on growth performance, carcass characteristics and nutrient digestibility. The data were analysed using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and differences among mean were separated with the Duncan Multiple range. The results showed that broiler chickens fed diets containing spices-supplemented SDBRD had significantly (p<0.05) higher weight gain and better feed conversion ratio (FCR). The live weight and dressing percentage were significantly (p<0.05) higher among birds fed spice-supplemented diets compared to the control and the un-supplemented SDBRD diet. However, digestibility for dry matter and crude protein was higher (p<0.05) on T1 and T2 than on spicesupplemented diets. It was concluded that the combination of sundried bovine rumen digesta and spices such as garlic, ginger and thyme improve growth performance, carcass characteristics and nutrient digestibility, and can therefore be included in the ratio of broiler finisher at 20% level without any deleterious effect.Item Growth And Body Morphometric Parameters Of Broiler Chickens Orally Administered Varying Levels Of Lemongrass Extract, At Finisher Phase.(International Conference of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology,, 2022-12) Otu, B. O.; Banjo, A. A.; Kolo, P. S.; Egena, S.S.A.; Dikko, A. H; Audu, F.The growth and body morphometric parameters of broiler chickens orally administered varying levels of lemongrass extract at finisher phase was evaluated. A total of 150-day old broiler chicks were used for this study in a CRD design. The birds were allotted into five treatments of 30 chicks in each treatment with three replications of 10 chicks per replicate. The control (T1) group was not administered antibiotic nor lemongrass extract and treatment group T2 was administered 0.2mls of antibiotic while T3, T4 and T5 treatment groups were administered 0.2mls, 0.4mls and 0.6mls of lemongrass extract respectively. Data on the growth and morphometric parameters were collected. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the growth parameters with an exception of the average initial body weight. The average final body weight (g) in T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 were 1781.48, 1767.59, 2061.90, 1897.62 and 1898.31 respectively. The average body weight of broiler birds in T3 was higher as compared to those in T1, T2, T4 and T5. The body weight gain in T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 were 1249.78, 1266.22, 1458.24, 1386.54, and 1420.91 respectively. The birds in treatment groups T3, T4 and T5 recorded higher weight gain than T1 (control group) and T2 (0.2mls antibiotic). The feed intake (g) were 359.87, 3152.33, 4039.16, 3777.33, 4063.40 in treatment T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. The treatment group T5 consumed more feed (4063.40g) compared to the other treatments. Feed conversion ratio was higher in T5 (2.82) as compared to T1 (2.81), T2 (2.49), T3 (2.77) and T4 (2.73). However, there were significant (P<0.05) differences in average initial body width, final body girth, final shank length and shank length gain compare to other parameters such as initial body length, final body length, body length gain, body width gain, final body width, initialshank length, initial neck length, final neck length, which were not significantly affected. It can be concluded that the use of lemongrass extract at the levels 0.6mls and 0.2mls proved to have improved the growth performance as well as better performance of the morphometric parametersItem Growth Performance and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens fed diets containing varying inclusion levels of dried watermelon rind at the starter phase.(Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 2021) Otu, B. O.; Banjo, A. A.; Kolo, P. S.; Balogun, A. M.; Dabban, A. I.Watermelon rind is one of the several unwanted by-products generated by restaurants, fruit juice producers and food industries in Nigeria that can be gotten rid of by using it as an energy source in broiler production. The growth performance and apparent nutrient digestibility of broilers fed diets containing varying inclusion levels of dried watermelon rind (DWMR) in replacement for wheat offal as source of energy and fibre at starter phase was evaluated. The dried watermelon rind was prepared by sun-drying fresh watermelon for three days and oven-dried at 50 ºC for 2 hours. The birds were randomly allocated to five (5) treatments (T – T ), each treatment had three replicates with ten (10) birds per replicate. The 1 5birds were fed varied levels of DWMR at 0 %, 25 %, 50 %, 75 % and 100 % in replacement of wheat offal to obtain five diets. Feed and water were provided ad-libitum throughout the 28 days study duration. Body weight, Body weight gain, Feed intake, Feed conversion ratio and apparent nutrient digestibility were measured. The results obtained on the growth performance shows no significant (P>0.05) difference of the growth parameters across treatments. However, there was significant (P<0.05) difference in the digestibility of Crude fibre, Ether extract, Ash, Nitrogen free extract and Total digestible nutrient across treatments. There was no obvious variation in dry matter and crude protein digestibility. The result of the total digestible nutrient was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T (92.90 %) than 2 the T (84.99 %) which was the control diet. The crude fibre digestibility recorded in T (63.48 1 2%) and T (61.09 %) is higher than T (43.00 %), the ether extract digestibility of T (96.42 %) 1 5 1is higher than the other groups with the lowest in T (95.25 %). There was depress ash 4 digestibility in T (68.30 %), lower than the other groups with the highest in T (82.59 %). The 5 1study therefore concluded that farmers can replace wheat offal with 25 % watermelon rind in broiler starter diet without any deleterious effect in the growth performance and nutrient digestibility.Item IN VIVO TREATMENT OF COCCIDIAL ORGANISMS USING ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF RIPE PAWPAW (Carica papaya) SEEDS AND ITS EFFECT ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND HAEMATOLOGY OF BROILER CHICKENS.(AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED SCIENCES, 2025) Adama, J. Y.; Abdulkadir, U.; Kolo, P. S.; Christopher, K. SThe study was carried out to assess the anticoccidial effect of ethanolic extract of ripe pawpaw (Carica papaya) seeds in the treatment of coccidial organisms in broiler chickens under natural infection. A total of 150 (day-old chicks) were randomly divided in 5 treatments (containing 3 replicates with 10 birds per replicate). The infected birds were administered dosage levels of ethanolic extract concentrations of 0g (amprolium), 2g, 3g, 4g, and 5g/ litres of drinking water for a period of eight (8) weeks, respectively. Data collected were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The phytochemical constituents of the extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, oil, protein, reducing sugar, saponins, tanins and terpenoids, The results of this experiment showed significant difference (P< 0.05) in the final body weight, survivability of the birds and significant reduction of the oocysts in the faecal samples of the birds across the treatments. Birds with highest levels of EERPS showed best result in the final Body weight and had low mortality and oocyst count which is close to those obtained in those treated with amprolium (T1). There was no significant difference (P >0.05) in the haematological parameters except the red blood cells (RBC). Thus, ethanolic extract of ripe pawpaw (Carica papaya) seeds can serve as an alternative to synthetic anticoccidial drugs in the prevention and control of coccidiosis in chickens.Item Influence of wattle on body measurements, scrotal and semen of red Sokoto bucks kept semi-intensively in Niger state, Nigeria.(Lapai Journal of Science and Technology, 2019) Kolo, P. S.; Alemede, I. C.; Egena, S. S. A; Adama, J. Y.SelfItem Influence of wattle on haematology and serum biochemistry of Red Sokoto bucks kept semi-intensively in Niger State, Nigeria.(International Conference of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, 2019-04-21) Kolo, P. S.; Alemede, I.C.; Egena, S. S. A.; Adama, J. Y.A study aimed at assessing the influence of wattle on haematology and serum biochemistry was carried out on eight Red Sokoto bucks in Niger State, Nigeria. The experiment lasted six months within which data was collected on haematology (Red blood cell, White blood cells, PCV, Neutrophils Lymphocytes. Haemoglobin, Mono, Eos, Baso, MCV, MCH and MCHC) and serum biochemistry (ALB, ALP, Na, Ca, Total protein, Urea, Creat, K, Trigy, Cl, Total bid, Conjbid, Phos, Choles, HDl, LDL, Glucose, SGOT and SGPT). Data obtained were subjected to statistical package (SAS, 2000). At the end, wattle had significant influence (p<0.05) the white blood cells neutrophils, lymphocytes and HDL. Bucks without wattle had higher white blood cells and lymphocytes than wattled bucks which might have resulted from an active viral infection stress or other abnormalities . Bucks with wattle had higher HDL, which lowers blood cholesterol level.Item INFLUENCE OF WATTLE ON UDDER MEASUREMENTS AND MILK SAMPLES OF RED SOKOTO (MARADI) DOES RAISED SEMIINTENSIVELY IN MINNA, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA(Journal of Arid Agriculture, 2025) Kolo, P. S.; Alemede, I. C.; Egena, S. S. A.; Adama, J. Y.; Dikko, A. H.; Abubakar, M. B.A two-year study on the Influence of wattle in Red Sokoto (Maradi) goats on udder measurements, milk quantity and quality was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Animal Production, Federal University of Technology, Minna. Thirty-six (36) Red Sokoto goats comprising of thirty-two (32) does and four (4) bucks managed semi-intensively were used for the study. Parameters observed included udder circumference, distance between teats, change in udder circumference, change in distance between teats, teat length after milking, milk quantity and quality analysis. Data collected were analyzed using SAS statistical package. After the experiment, it was observed that Crosses between the wattle and the non-wattled had the highest (p<0.05) in terms of udder circumference before and after milking, quantity of milk and average daily milking. Wattled does in (T3 and T4) produced the highest (p<0.05) peak yield. Wattled does mated with watted bucks (T4) had the highest (p<0.05) total milk yield. Non-wattled does mated with non-wattled bucks (T1) and wattled does mated with wattled bucks (T4) had the highest (p<0.05) moisture content in the milk sample which reduced the availability of most minerals in the milk. In conclusion, attention should be focused on the crosses between the wattled and the nonwattled Red Sokoto as it gave best result in most parameters examined. Deliberate effort must be made to preserve the wattle gene to prevent the goats carrying the gene from going to extinctionItem Influence of wattle on udder measurements and milk yield of Red Sokoto (Maradi) does raised semi-intensively in Minna, Niger state, Nigeria.(Nigerian Journal Animal Science, 2023) Kolo, P. S.; Alemede, I. C.; Egena, S. S. A.; Adama, J. Y.; Banjo, A. A.; Otu, B. O.; Abubakar, M. B.; Agboba, K.; Maidariya, H, A.; Omolade, C.; Okike, C.; Idajili, G.; Yusuf, A.; Apata, A. M.A study on the Influence of wattle in Red Sokoto (Maradi) goats on udder measurements, colostrum/milk quantity and quality was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Animal Production, Federal University of Technology, Minna. Thirty-six (36) Red Sokoto goats comprising of thirty-two (32) does and four (4) bucks, managed semi-intensively, were used for the study. Parameters observed included udder circumference, distance between teats, change in udder circumference, change in distance between teats, teat length after milking, milk quantity and quality analysis. After the experiment, it was observed that crosses between the wattle and the nonwattled had the highest (p<0.05) udder circumference before and after milking, quantity of milk and average daily milking. Wattled does crossed with non-wattled bucks in T3 and Wattled does crossed with wattled bucks in T4) produced the highest (p<0.05) peak yield. Wattled does mated with wattled bucks (T4) had the highest (p<0.05) total milk yield. Wattled does mated with wattled bucks (T4) had the (p<0.05) highest moisture content in colostrum sample which reduced the availability of other minerals. Non-wattled does mated with non-wattled bucks (T1) and wattled does mated with wattled bucks (T4) had the highest (p<0.05) moisture content in the milk sample which reduced the availability of most minerals in the milk. In conclusion, attention should be focused on the crosses between the wattled and the non-wattled Red Sokoto as it gave best result in most parameters examined. Deliberate effort must be made to preserve the wattle gene to prevent the goats carrying the gene from going into extinction.Item Influence of wattle on udder measurements and milk yield of Red Sokoto (Maradi) does raised semi-intensively in Minna, Niger state, Nigeria.(Nigerian Journal of Animal Science, 2023) Kolo, P. S.; Alemede, I. C.; Egena, S. S. A.; Adama, J. Y.; Banjo, A. A.; Otu, B. O.; Abubakar, M. B.; Agboba, K.; Maidariya, H, A.; Maidariya, H, A.; Omolade, C.; Okike, C.; Idajili, G.; Yusuf, A.; Apata, A. MA study on the Influence of wattle in Red Sokoto (Maradi) goats on udder measurements, colostrum/milk quantity and quality was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Animal Production, Federal University of Technology, Minna. Thirty-six (36) Red Sokoto goats comprising of thirty-two (32) does and four (4) bucks, managed semi-intensively, were used for the study. Parameters observed included udder circumference, distance between teats, change in udder circumference, change in distance between teats, teat length after milking, milk quantity and quality analysis. After the experiment, it was observed that crosses between the wattle and the nonwattled had the highest (p<0.05) udder circumference before and after milking, quantity of milk and average daily milking. Wattled does crossed with non-wattled bucks in T3 and Wattled does crossed with wattled bucks in T4) produced the highest (p<0.05) peak yield. Wattled does mated with wattled bucks (T4) had the highest (p<0.05) total milk yield. Wattled does mated with wattled bucks (T4) had the (p<0.05) highest moisture content in colostrum sample which reduced the availability of other minerals. Non-wattled does mated with non-wattled bucks (T1) and wattled does mated with wattled bucks (T4) had the highest (p<0.05) moisture content in the milk sample which reduced the availability of most minerals in the milk. In conclusion, attention should be focused on the crosses between the wattled and the non-wattled Red Sokoto as it gave best result in most parameters examined. Deliberate effort must be made to preserve the wattle gene to prevent the goats carrying the gene from going into extinction.Item Microbial Evaluation Of Boiled Eggs Sold In Retail Outlets In Zaria, Nigeria.(International Conference of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, 2019-04-21) Kolo, H. N.; Okolocha, E. C.; Samuel, F. U.; Kolo, P. S.; Banjo, A. A.; Ewa, C. E.; Azeez, S. O.One hundred and fifty samples of boiled eggs were collected from three designated sampling areas in Zaria, Nigeria, for the isolation of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, widely known to be contaminants and in some cases pathogens in readyto-eat foods. Total aerobic plate count was carried out using nutrient agar. The total aerobic plate count ranged from 1.0 x 109 to 7.1 x 1010 cfu/g. The average aerobic plate count was 1.8 x 1010 cfu/g. The samples were inoculated on Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) and staphylococcus 110 agars and the susceptible isolates were subjected to standard biochemical tests and pathogenicity tests for proper biochemical characterization and identification of the pathogens respectively. The results showed that out of 7 suspected isolates of Escherichia coli and 9 of the suspected Staphylococcus aureus isolates, there were no Escherichia coli confirmed in all 7 (100%) isolates and 9(100%) was confirmed as Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, the work shows that boiled eggs can be contaminated and that unsanitary, and unhygienic practices, during preparation and presentation especially cracked shell eggs for consumption can pose serious health hazards.Item Path coefficient analysis of body weight and body measurements in Red Sokoto goats (Caprahircus l.) of Niger State, Nigeria(Revue Agriculture, 2014-06-30) Egena, S.S.A.; Tsado, D.N.; Kolo, P. S.; Banjo, A. A.; Shehu-Adisa, M.Path coefficient analysis,Red Sokoto goat, body weight, linear body measurements, indigenous goats, regression, correlation. Indigenous Red Sokoto goats raised under extensive system of management were used to evaluate the relationship between body weight (BW), head length (HL), head width (HW), height at withers (HAW), chest depth (CD), chest girth (CG), shin circumference (SC) and body length (BL). The objective of the study was to assess variability among body weight and its related characters using path coefficient analysis. Pair wise correlation between body weight and linear body measurements were positive and mostly significant (r= 0.053 - 0.826 in males; -0.020 - 0.667 in females and 0.072 – 0.690 in the combined population; P<0.05, 0.01). Path analysis showed that chest depth, shin circumference and body length made the greatest direct effect on body weight in male, female and the combined population (path coefficient = 0.360, 0.341 and 0.322, respectively) while the least direct effect was observed for height at withers, chest depth and height at withers in the male, female and the combined population (path coefficient = -0.019, -0.104 and -0.001 respectively). The optimum linear regression model with a coefficient of determination (R2 ) value of 0.684, 0.635 and 0.628 included forecast indices such as chest depth and body length in the male, head length, height at withers, chest depth, chest girth, shin circumference and body length in the female and head length, head width, chest girth, shin circumference and body length in the combined population. The optimum regression equations could be used in predicting body weight of indigenous goats in the field and for selection purposes.Item Performance and haematological profile of broiler starter birds fed graded levels of raw Allamanda cathartica (L) seed Meal diet.(Journal of Agriculture, 2012) Malik, A. A.; , Aremu. A; . Adelowo, A.; Kolo, P. S.; Haruna, B. G.The response of 120 day-old broiler starter birds to graded dietary inclusion levels of 0.0 %, 2.5 %, 5.0 %, 7.5 % and 10.0 % of raw Allamanda cathartica (L) seed meal (ACSM) to form diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively was investigated. The isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets were fed to the birds for 4 weeks, after which a digestibility trial was carried out. Blood samples were collected for haematological and biochemical analyses at the end of the second week. Feed intake/bird/week and weight gain/bird/week decreased progressively as the dietary inclusion level of ACSM increased (280.52g/209.34g, 160.20g/99.50g, 90.41g/53.18g, 70.10g/38.73g and 41.30g/21.51g for diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively); while feed conversion ratio increased progressively (p<0.05) as the dietaryACSM level increased (1.34, 1.61, 1.70, 1.81 and 1.92 for diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively). No mortality was recorded for the control diet (with 0 % dietary inclusion level of ACSM), while mortality increased progressively asthe dietary ACSM level increased (p<0.05), reaching up to 100 % at 10 % inclusion level. Dietary treatments had no effect on ether extract digestibility but birds on 0 % and 5 % ACSM diet significantly digested crude protein and crude fibre better than the 2.5 % ACSM diet. No significant (p>0.05) effect was observed on all the haematological and biochemical parameters investigated for the five dietary treatments. It is therefore concluded that ACSM contains potent anti-nutritional factors which are extremely toxic to broiler starter birds at whatever dietary inclusion level. So, there is the greatest need to detoxify the raw seed meal before it can be effectively incorporated into broiler starter diets.Item Phenotypic and genetic categorization of qualitative traits in extensively managed local goat (Capra aegagrus) population of Niger State, Nigeria(Nigerian Journal of Genetics, 2015-10-09) Kolo, P. S.; Egena, S.S.A.; Tsado, D.N.; Adisa-Shehu, M.A study on the distribution and frequencies of coat colour, wattle, beard, horn, and hair type using 375 extensively managed local goats wascarried out in the three administrative zones of Niger state, Nigeria. The animals were scored for coat colour pigmentation pattern, presence orabsence of wattle, beard, horn, hair type and extra teat. The study showed that light brown is the predominant colour in zones A (43.24%) and zone C (47.57%). Dark brown colour was predominant in zone B (37.82%) followed by light brown (31.09%). The observed frequencies for wattle (Waw) and extra teat (Ete) were above (p < 0.01) the expected Mendelian value of 75% for a dominant gene in all the zones (90.34, 86.55, 87.39 percent for wattle and 91.73, 96.64, 98.21, percent for extra teat in zones A, B, and C, respectively). The gene frequency for beard (Brb) were significantly lower (p < 0.01) than the expected Mendelian value of 75% for a dominant gene in zone A (66.20%) and zone B (55.46%), butwas higher in zone C (83.78%). The gene frequency for polledness (Pop) was 0.00% for all the zones. The gene frequency for soft hair.was more than (p < 0.01) the expected Mendelian value of 75% for dominant genes in zone C (87.33%) but fell short in zone A (60.69%) and zone B (43.70%), respectively. It was concluded that coat colour variation exist in local goats reared extensively in Niger state.Item Response of broiler birds fed diets containing varying levels of dried watermelon rind at finisher phase(Nigerian Journal Animal. Science, 2021) Otu, B. O.; Banjo, A. A.; Kolo, P. S.; Ibrahim, A. D.A feeding trial was conducted to investigate growth performance and nutrient digestibility of experimental diets formulated with dried watermelon rind to replace wheat offal, fed to broiler chickens at finisher phase. One hundred and fifty day-old “ROSS 360” broiler chicks were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments of thirty (30) birds per treatment. Each treatment was replicated three times with ten birds per replicate in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) arrangement. Five experimental diets containing dried watermelon rind at varying levels of replacement were formulated and designated as T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 with replacement levels of 0 %, 25 %, 50 %, 75 % and 100 % respectively. Initial body weight, final body weight, body weight gain, feed itake, feed conversion ration and apeparent digestibility of crude proten, fibre, ash and nitrogen free extract were measured. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences among the treatment groups for all the growth parameters except for feed conversion ratio. Final weight ranged from 1223.33 to 1305.19 g; while daily feed intake, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio ranged from 89.46 to 97.95 g, 35.26 to 38.25 g and 2.35 to 2.78, respectively. The nutrient digestibility indicates significant (p<0.05) difference in crude fibre, ash, ether extract and NFE, while that of crude protein, dry matter and total digestible nutrient were not significantly (P>0.05) different. Crude protein, dry matter and TDN ranges between 67.47 % to 69.15 %, 79.10 % to 80.72 and 74.35 to 78.68 respectively. The study concluded that 25 % replacement of wheat offal with dried watermelon rind can be effective for optimal growth performance and complete replacement for fibre and energy requirement in producing broiler chickens without compromising performance or any deleterious effect.Item Semen Characteristics Of Rabbit Bucks Fed Graded Levels Of Newbouldia Laevis Leaf Meal.(International Conference of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, 2022-12-12) Kolo, H. N.; Abdulraheem, B. O.; Otu, B. O.; Kolo, P. S.; Banjo, A. A.; Dikko, A. H.This study evaluated the effect of Newbouldia laevis leaf meal on the semen characteristics of Rabbit bucks. Twenty four rabbit bucks of 5-6 months old weighing 1.44 kg – 1.96 kg were acclimatized and allotted randomly into four treatments: T1 (control), T2, T3 and T4. The crude protein was set at 16% with inclusion levels of 0 %, 2.5 %, 5 % and 7.5 % Newbouldia laevis leaf meal respectively for12 weeks. Semen samples were collected and evaluated fortnightly for semen volume, semen motility and semen concentration. The mean values of semen volume and semen motility of rabbit bucks was not significantly (p>0.05) different across all the groups. The mean values for semen concentration of T4 was significantly (p<0.05) different from the controls. It was concluded that Newbouldia laevis leaf meal improved the testicular functions of rabbit buck.