Global Journal of Animal Scientific Research
Volume:3 Issue: 1, Winter 2015

A study was conducted at the Meat Processing Unit of the Department of Animal Science, University for Development Studies, Tamale to assess the carcass and sensory characteristics of local rabbits fed Albizia julibrissin leaf meal (AJLM) at 0% (T0), 5% (T1), 7.5% (T2) and 10% (T3) inclusion levels. Twenty, eight-week old crossbred rabbits were used. Parameters recorded included live weight, lung weight, heart weight, liver weight, kidney weight, empty intestine weight, carcass dressing weight, cold carcass dressing weight, hot and cold carcass dressing percentages. The carcass characteristics data were analyzed using ANOVA of Genstats 4th edition.Sensory analysis was also conducted on the chest and thigh muscles to determine the influence of AJLM on rabbit flavor, colour, tenderness, juiciness, off-odour and overall liking using the British Standard Institution procedure.There was no significant difference (P>0.05) observed in all carcass characteristics except hot carcass dressing percentage (P<0.05). There were also no significant differences (P>0.05) in the sensory attributes except off-odour (P<0.05). AJLM inclusion of up to 10% level does not affect the carcass characteristics and eating quality of rabbit meat.

This study was carried out to estimate the effect of Sudan Desert sheep breed variations on skin\leather quality. Five Sudan desert sheep breeds on an average age of 1-1.2 years were selected for the study. One hundred and fifty (150) pieces of fresh skins from five non-castrated male of Sudan desert breeds were collected from west Sudan (Kordofan state) and east Sudan (Gezira and Butana). The results showed that, Fresh skin weight, elongation, tensile strength, flexibility, cracking and tear load results were significantly affected (P ≥ 0.05) by breed variations. Thickness findings were not significantly affected (P ≥ 0.05) by breed. Moisture, fat and chrome oxide contents findings were significantly affected (P ≥ 0.05) by breed. Whereas, Ash content values were not significantly affected (P ≥ 0.05) by breed variations.

As of March 2011, there were about 3.3 million cattle, 7 million pigs, and 140 million poultry in Republic of Korea, producing about 46.5 million tons of animal manure. About 87% of the total produced waste is recycled to land as compost and liquid organic fertilizer. Compost made from livestock manure is an effective material for improving the physical and chemical condition of soil. However, there are few factors that limit the application of ordinary composted livestock manure. The major problem is that composted livestock manure usually has high moisture content, which deters to produce pelletized compost. This study was carried out to develop a new type of pelletizing system for high quality pelletized compost. Pilot scale pelletizing instrument system was developed, which can directly manufacture wet compost into pelletized compost without pre-drying of raw material. By using this pelletizing process, weight and volume of compost, and odor were reduced by 30%, respectively. Furthermore, nutrients of compost were not affected by pelletizing process. The High Heating Value (HHV) of pelletized compost with bedding material was 4,135 kcal/kg. As a result, pelletized compost could be used as good quality organic compost and a fuel for burner.

This work aims the hoof morphological, physical, chemical, and mineralogical characteristics in Anglo Arabian horses, and Monterufoli ponies reared in Tuscany. 28 nail samples from wall and sole of hoof were analysed. All feet were healthy and well conformed. The hoof of Monterufoli Pony was more cylindrical, and the Anglo Arabian hoof was harder (H 112.8±4.9, and H 119.4±2.7 in sole and in wall respectively). The percentage of dry matter (83.03±0.67) was greater in AA hoof, while the percentage in crude protein and in ashes in hoof was similar between breeds. The minerals were in greatest concentration in the Anglo Arabian hoof wall. Monterufoli Pony hoof seemed to excrete the minerals through the probable osmoregulation activity of Na, which has shown negative correlation with many minerals, and through the nail consumption, that is softer than that of Anglo Arabian. In principal component analyses of test results for both breeds, 10 significant factors (ratio of variance = 96.88) and 5 factors that explain 79.65% of cumulative variance were found. PCA analysis has shown a quite separation between breeds, confirming for the Anglo Arabian hoof the greater trend to accumulate minerals on nails, and for MP hoof the antagonist activity of Sodium (Na) against other minerals.

The aim of this study was to characterize the local guinea fowls of the Northern Ghanabased on some qualitative traits. Three hundred local guinea fowls randomly selected from 204 farmers purposively sampled from the Northern (NR), Upper East (UE), Upper West (UW) and Volta regions (VR) were scored for phenotypic characteristics (variation in plumage and shank colour, helmet colours, ear lobe colour, helmet shape, skin colour, eye colour and ptilopody). Data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS. Nine colour variations were identified: pearl grey, pearl grey pied, bronze, brown, coral blue, ash, brown pied, bronze pied and white. Birds with pearl grey colour were the majority (43.7%) whereas the least were birds with the brown pied colour (0.7%). Helmet shapes identified were single (42.7%), slanted backwards (34.00%) and erect (23.3%). Earlobe colours identified were white (94.7%), bluish (2.7%) and spotted (2.7%). Shank colours identified were orange (29.00%), black (33.70%), and yellow (0.30%, and white (37.0%). Skin colours identified were dark (40.00%), pale red (19.70%), yellow (18.30%) and red (22.00%). Eye colours identified were white (1%), brown (27.3%), black (71.3%) and pink (0.3%). Skeletal structures identified were normal (94.4%), creeper (5.1%) and polydactyl (0.5%). Helmet colours include purple (28%), brown (41%), black (24.7%) and red (6.3%). The population of Ghanaian local guinea fowls studied showed heterogeneity in the phenotypic traits considered and therefore present a genetic pool from which selection could be made. These findings will help both farmers and breeders to produce guinea fowls with specific phenotypic traits to meet consumer preferences.

Studies on udder size of twenty lactating doe of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats were conducted to determine their Partial Daily Milk yield (PDM). Data were collected for the first twenty five days of lactation on daily basis Udder and teat traits studied were udder length (UL), udder width (UW), udder circumference (UC), teat length (TL), teat width (TW)I teat, circumference (C), teat height from ground (THG), and distance between the teat (DBT). The results of the study showed that there was a significant and high positive phenotypic correlation (P<0.05) between udder and teat traits. Regression analysis revealed that udder circumference (UC) was the most important single measurement accounted for over 22 percent of variation of partial Daily Milk yield (PDM) in this breed of goat. Hence, in predicting milk yield udder circumference is therefore not recommended to farmers. The multiple regression analysis reveals that yield and udder width were significant at both linear, Quadratic and cubic function while udder length was significant at quadratic and cubic functions.

The experiment was conducted to evaluate supplemental value of inclusion of grounded acacia albida pods and sesame cake on intake and body weight changeusing twenty intact Abergelle goats with initial body weight (BW) of 11.2 ± 1.2 (mean ± SD). Randomized complete block design having 5 blocks were involved. Treatments were natural pasture hay fed ad libitum (T1) or with 105 sesame cake (SC) + 105 AAp g/day (T2), 84 SC + 126 AAp g/day (T3) and 63 (SC) + 147 Acacia albida pods (AAp) g/day (T4). The CP content of the AAp, SC and hay was 17.7%, 38.3% and 6.7%, respectively. Goats in T1 consumed higher (P < 0.05) hay (452.5 g/day) compared to the supplemented groups. Higher (P < 0.05) total DM intake of 521.2, 524.7 and 524 g/day for T2, T3 and T4, respectively were recorded than T1 (452.5 g/day). CP intake was the lowest for T1 compare to the supplemented groups. In case of the supplemented groups T2 is significantly higher (P < 0.05) than T4whereas T3 is similar (P > 0.05) with both T2 and T4. Average daily gains were 5.55 (loosing), 80.0, 71.1 and 63.3g/day respectively for T1, T2, T3 and T4.

The study was conducted in Adami Tulu and Arsi Negelle districts from September 2009 to June 2012 to evaluate the productivity performance of transitional and modern bee hives. For this study purpose, three representative sites namely: Asebo, Adami Tulu research station and Ashoka Lepis site were used. Based on farmers’ capacity, one modern hive and one transitional hive made from locally available materials were used for the trail at each of the experimental farmer back yard. Before actual commencement of this study, theoretical and practical training session was given for a total of 30 beekeeper farmers at the selected sites. Data were collected for three years and analyzed using the General Linear Model analysis variance procedure of the statistical Analysis System (SAS) programmme. The average honey yield per hive/year from transitional hive was 13.88 kg, 13.21 kg and 10. 45 kg at Asebo, Adami Tulu Research station and Ashoka Lepis site respectively. There was a (p < 0.05) variation between Adami Tulu Research station and Ashoka Lepis site in honey yield per hive per year from transitional hive. Whereas the mean of honey yield from transitional at Adami Tulu Research Center and Asebo site was not significantly different (p>0.05).Significantly higher and lower honey yield from transitional hive was recorded at Asebo and Ashoka Lepis site respectively. The average honey yield per hive/year from modern hive was 23.18 kg, 21.61 kg and 18.45 kg at Adami Tulu Research center, Asebo and Ashoka Lepis site respectively. There was (p < 0.05) difference between the three representative sites in honey yield per hive/year from modern hives. The mean yield obtained from modern hive at all study sites was statistically higher when compared to transitional and traditional hives. The mean honey yield per hive/year from traditional hive was 6.08 kg, 5.94 kg and 4.94 kg at Adami Tulu Research Center, Asebo and Ashoka Lepis site respectively. There was no (P < 0.05) variation between all study sites in terms of honey yield from traditional hives. Generally, there was highly significant difference (p < 0.05) between the three types of hives in terms of honey yield per hive/year. Location and hive types interaction had significant effect on honey yield per hive at study area. Whereas hive types and season of honey harvesting interaction had no significant effect on honey yield per hive at the study area. It was concluded that using improved bee hives with improved management practices can improve honey yield and ensure better quality. Modern hive demand high expensive beekeeping equipments and accessories as well as skilled personnel compare to transitional and traditional hives. It is therefore recommended that government and non government organization should focus on scaling up and promoting the adoption of transitional bee hives to improve farmers’ income with little skills and low costs.

For Mexico, the units of agricultural and forestry production is the main land use in the country, covering 57.3% of the country. In this regard, the state of Nuevo Leon, has a surface density which amounts to little more than 5.5 million hectares, representing 86% of the state, with an inventory totaling 386.474 cattle heads, ranking 20, domestic production of beef. Additionally, in Nuevo León per capita consumption of that meat is 37 kg per year. The country''s highest, above the national average of 21 kg. Watching this scene and Simmental breeds Simbrah an alternative to meet the needs of the state of meat production, based on the sustainability of natural resources, the nature of these breeds. Therefore, studies are needed to corroborate the ability to adapt to the ecological and economic conditions in the country of these two races promise for domestic producers, especially in northern Mexico. The aim of this study was to evaluate different production traits of economic importance of breeds Simmental and Simbrah under a suitable environment and uniform. Behavioral tests were used to evaluate stallion prospects. The study was performed in 4 months of observation, in Linares, Nuevo León, Mexico. It was making measurements monthly. The variables evaluated were: daily gain for the period (ADG), daily gain for age (GDE), weight adjusted to 365 days, loin eye area, intramuscular fat percentage, back fat, genetic markers (smooth and marbling), body size and scrotal circumference. The results showed that the Simmental breed behaved than the Simbrah for variables: daily weight gain and increase in final weight, no statistically significant differences compared to other variables.

Geometric morphometrics is a powerful tool for the study of morphological variation that possesses numerous advantages over more traditional approaches based on linear measurements. Here, the skull morphologies of 42 adult museum specimens of different species belonging to the family Felidae were analysed in order to assess the reliability of classifying two specimens labelled as Panthera sp. Using this technique. According to the results obtained, these specimens can be assigned to Panthera pardus. This is not just a contribution to the traceability of these museum pieces, but primarily an exemplification of the validity of geometric morphometric methods for classifying biological specimens.

This study describes peculiar cases of inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) and the results of histopathological approaches aimed at better detailing this condition. IBH is an acute disease of young chickens caused by fowl adenoviruses (FAdVs). An outbreak of acute mortality affected a flock of 12000 animals. Affected chickens showed ruffled feathers, depression, watery droppings and some of them limping. The most common pathological lesions seen on necropsy were pale, swollen and friable livers with sub capsular hemorrhages. On histopathological examinations, acute hepatitis is characterized by hepatic necrosis, with large basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies. The histopathological results were characteristic for IBH caused by adenovirus infection.

Livestock production constitutes one of the principal means of achieving improved living standards in many regions of the developing world including Ethiopia. A cross sectional study was conducted from November 2013 to April 2014 to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes and coccidia parasites affecting cattle in west Arsi zone using flotation technique to investigate helminthes eggs. A total 384 fecal samples of cattle from different districts of west Arsi zone (Arsi-negele, Shashemene and Kofele) were collected and examined for incidence of gastrointestinal nematodes and coccidial infestation. Out of 384 animals examined, 188 (49%) animals were positive for gastro-intestinal nematodes and coccidian; and out of these positive animals 109 (57.97%) were infested with single genera of gastro-intestinal nematodes and coccidian, which include: ostertagia spp.7(1.8%), oesophagostomum spp. 5(1.3%), strongloid spp. 10(2.6%), Emeria spp. 11(2.9%), Trychostrongylus spp. 1(3.6%), hemonchus spp. 45 (11.7%), Bunostomum spp. 17(4.4%) and the rest 79 (42.02%) animals were infested with mixed genera of gastro intestinal nematodes. These include oesophagostomum spp. with Trychostrongylus spp. 37 (9.6%), ostertagia spp. with hemonchus spp. 15 (3.9%), Trychostrongylus spp. with hemonchus spp. 17 (4.4%) and strongloid spp. with Bunostomum spp. 10 (2.6%). The prevalence of gastro-intestinal nematodes and coccidia was higher in adult and young animals as compared with calves, higher prevalence were also seen were communal grazing and watering areas are common.

Size and shape variation in the equine navicular bone is explored through the decomposition of coordinate data into elliptic Fourier coefficients. For this purpose, 10 bony pieces belonging to “Cavall Pirinenc Català” breed were studied. This is a local equine breed for meat purposes whose range is in northeast Spain. The Fourier procedure used appeared well repeatable. Elliptic Fourier descriptors of one harmonic successfully captured most of the navicular morphology, whereas a larger number of harmonics would not have increased the information, but would have produced noise. The method described in the present study allows a sensible analysis of the morphology characteristics of the equine navicular bone. It could be extended to other breeds, as well as to horses affected by foot problems; and also it could be proposed for longitudinal evaluations if obtaining images in vivo (i.e. ecography) were standardised.

During the present study, a total of 1800 fish of 6 species including indigenous and exotic fresh water carp (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) were examined for determining intraspecific-relationship between their length-weight and prevalence of ectoparasites at Charbanda Carp Fish Hatchery (CCFH), Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The prevalence of 3 ectoparasites were recovered viz.: the anchor worm, Lernaea cyprinacea Linnaeus (Crustacea: Copepoda) (14.4%); carp lice, Argulus foliaceus Linnaeus (Crustacea: Maxillopoda) (3.6%) and salmon fluke, Gyrodactylus sp. Malmberg (Platyhelminthes: Monogenea) (2%). The relationship between body-length and ectoparasites revealed maximum infestation was 18.3% on both sides by L. cyprinacea in length group of 12-30 cm and it was minimum 8.1% in 69 Keywords: Argulus foliaceus, body length, weight, exotic, indigenous fresh water carp, Gyrodactylus salaris, Lernaea cyprinacea, prevalence