To evaluate heterosis, reciprocal effect, general and specific combining abilities for bodyweight, a diallel crossing experiment was conducted using three genotypes of Nigerian indigenous chickens: normal (N), frizzle (F) and naked-neck (Na). A total of 601 chicks was hatched from all possible matings between the three genotypes. The chicks used in this study were hatched from a foundation stock of 90 chickens comprising 25 hens and 5 cocks for each of the three genotypes. A mating ratio of 1 male : 5 females was employed. Furthermore, data on bodyweight were scrutinized with complete diallel analysis after they had been corrected for significant effects of hatch of birds using least squares constants. The results revealed that bodyweight (BWT) was significantly influenced by genetic groups with the frizzle-naked (FNa) having the best performance at all ages (4 -20 weeks) except at hatch, with a mean final BWT of 1173 g at 20 weeks old. The next best performing was its reciprocal, the naked-frizzle (NaF), with a mean final BWT of 1162 g. Furthermore, the FNa gave the best estimates for heterosis and specific combining ability, while the F and NNa gave the best estimates for general combining ability and reciprocal effect, respectively. Therefore, the F genotype as sire and the Na as dam provided the most suitable combination for improved BWT. Furthermore, the use of the Na genotype as dam was more suitable owing to the significant reciprocal effect. ______________________________________________________________________________________

No abstract

There is need for characterization of performances of cattle breeds in relation to milk yield and composition particularly in Adamawa State where seasonal fluctuations in climatic elements can affect livestock resilience. This study was carried out to evaluate the breed variation in milk yield and composition of some selected breeds of Nigerian indigenous cattle in Adamawa State in the late wet season (August-October). The milk of 20 cows each from four breeds (Bunaji, Rahaji, Adamawa Gudali and Bokoloji) was sampled for milk yield and composition analysis three times within the season. Milk was analysed for its composition. Breed significantly (p<0.05) influenced the milk component evaluated. Bunaji was superior in milk yield (1.92), fat yield (5.73) and total solid non-fat (4.59). Rahaji was superior in phosphorus (410), sodium (61.01) and iron (3.16) while Bokoloji was superior in protein (4.98) and calcium (721). For the correlated relationships between the milk components evaluated in different breeds, there was a significant (p<0.05-0.01; r = -0.89 to 1.00) correlation between milk components except (p>0.05; r = -0.21 to 0.24) within various breeds. Zero relationship existed between milk yield and Fe in Adamawa Gudali (p>0.05; r =0.00) while a perfect relation exists between milk yield and protein yield (p>0.01; r = 1.00) in Rahaji, Adamawa Gudali and Bokoloji and between protein yield and fat yield (p>0.01; r = 1.00) in Bunaji and Bokoloji.For the pooled correlated responses, there was significant (p<0.05-0.01; r = -0.95 to 0.99) relationships between most milk components. It was therefore concluded that Bunaji had the highest milk yield, Bokoloji was best in milk protein and fat contents while Rahaji was best in mineral contents. Also, correlated relationship between milk components should be maximized in formulating a selection programme for improvement of milk in Nigerian indigenous cattle.

This work was carried out in collaboration between all authors. Author KLA designed the study. Author IIA managed analyses of the study, wrote the protocol and the first draft of the manuscript. Author AAM performed the statistical analysis and managed the literature searches. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

A total of thirty-five mixed breed (35) rabbits of average weight of 700 g aged 5-6 weeks were allocated to seven treatments in a completely randomised design to investigate the effect of sweet orange fruit waste (SOFW) and acidomix acidifier on haematology and serum chemistry. The diets were 0% SOFW, 10% SOFW with 0.5% acidomix, 10% SOFW with 0.7 acidomix, 15% SOFW with 0.5% acidifier, 15% SOFW with 0.7% acidifier, 20% SOFW with 0.5% acidifier, and 20% SOFW with 0.7% acidifier. Blood samples were analyzed for haemoglobin (hb) concentration, white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), differential WBC count (lymphocyte, basophil, eosinophil, monocyte, and neutrophil), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate amino transferase (AST), total protein, albumin, and globulin. There was no interaction between SOFW and acidifier for the haematological and most of the serum chemistry parameters but significant difference was observed in ALT; however the values were within the normal range. SOFW had no significant effect on all haematological and serum chemistry parameters. Acidomix had significant effect (P < 0.05) on haemoglobin concentration; rabbits fed 0.5% acidomix diets had higher values which were within the normal range. It is therefore concluded that SOFW with acidifier up to 20% had no detrimental effect on serum chemistry and haematology.