Department of Animal Science

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Administration of melatonin improves testicular blood flow, circulating hormones, and semen quality in Shiba goats
(Theriogenology, 2020-01-30) Nyametease, P.; Samir, H.; Elbadawy, M.; Nagaoka, K.; Sasaki, K.; Watanabe, G.
Despite the role of melatonin in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle and seasonal-reproduction, the present study investigated, for the first time, the potential role of melatonin on testicular blood flow (TBF) in goats. Twelve sexually mature male Shiba goats were exposed to a single s.c. injection of either melatonin suspended in one ml of corn oil (melatonin group; 36 mg/goat; n ¼ 5) or one ml of corn oil (control group; n ¼ 7). Monitoring the changes in TBF was done one week before (W-1), at the time of injection (W0), and once a week for 8 weeks after injection using color-pulsed Doppler ultrasonography. Concentrations of FSH, LH, inhibin, testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF- 1) in plasma were determined by radioimmunoassay. Melatonin and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations were measured using enzyme immunoassay kits. Moreover, semen collection and evaluation of some sperm parameters were performed once a week. Results revealed decreases (P < 0.05) in the Doppler indices (resistive index, pulsatility index) of the testicular arteries from W2 till W6 in the melatonin group. FSH, LH, and inhibin concentrations did not change between the two groups, while T, E2, IGF-1, NO, and melatonin concentrations increased (P < 0.05) in the melatonin group compared to the control. Estradiol and NO concentrations increased (P < 0.05), coinciding with decreases in the values of Doppler indices. Notable (P < 0.05) improvements in most parameters of semen quality were seen in the melatonin group. In conclusion, melatonin induced a stimulatory effect on TBF in Shiba goats and possibly, it could be a potential to improve male goats fertility
Age, genotype and sex effects on growth performance of local chickens kept under improved management in Ghana
(Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2012-01) Osei-Amponsah, R.; Kayang, B.B.; Naazie, A.
Characterisation of animal genetic resources has been recognised globally as an important step towards their sustainable use. Body weight data of local chickens (213 forest and 160 savannah chickens) and 183 French free-ranging SASSO T44 chickens kept under improved management were collected from hatch to 40 weeks of age and analysed to determine the effects of age, genotype and sex on their growth performance. At all ages, SASSO T44 chickens had significantly (P < 0.05) higher weights (2.6-3.2 kg at 28 weeks) than the local chickens (1.2-1.7 kg at 28 weeks). The rate of growth at the earlier ages in the local genotypes (5.57-7.80 g/day) was lower than the range of 13.81-15.42 in SASSO T44 chickens. Except at hatch, savannah chickens were significantly heavier (P < 0.05) than the forest chickens at all ages. Male chickens had significantly (P < 0.05) superior growth rates than females across all genotypes except from the 20th to the 28th week. Growth trends in both sexes depicted linear increase in body weights; however, the rate of increase in body weights was higher in males as compared to females, thus showing clear sexual dimorphism. There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in the growth rates of SASSO T44 chickens and local genotypes at the later ages (20-28 weeks). Local chickens from the savannah zone had better growth rate than forest chickens. The significant effect of ecozone on the growth potential of local chickens is an indication that their productive potential could be improved through interventions in the environment such as provision of feed and some veterinary care. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.
Age-related changes in the gross anatomy of the reproductive organs, and associated steroid hormone profiles in male and female guinea fowls (Numida meleagris)
(Veterinary and Animal Science, 2018-12) Abdul-Rahman, I.I.; Jeffcoate, I.; Obese, F.Y.
Owing to the paucity of information on the reproductive biology of guinea fowls, a study involving a total of 132 birds was conducted, and this documented the developmental changes in the gross anatomy of the reproductive organs of males and females from hatching until 32 weeks of age (WOA), and associated steroid hormone changes. Testicular anatomical biometric traits increased significantly (p < 0.0001) from 8 WOA, and stabilised between 16 and 20 WOA, while peripheral testosterone concentration peaked at 20 WOA. Correlations among all testicular biometric characteristics were strong and positive (p < 0.0001). Similarly peripheral testosterone concentrations strongly (p < 0.01) and positively correlated with all the testicular anatomical biometric traits. In the female guinea fowl, the ovary and oviduct were discernible and measurable at hatching. Significant (p < 0.0001) increases were seen in ovarian and relative ovarian weights, and oviducal weights and lengths between 24 and 28 WOA. Plasma 17β-oestradiol decreased gradually to a very minimum at 16 WOA, and then began to increase gradually until 28 WOA when it plateaued. Peripheral progesterone concentrations on the other hand increased gradually from 4 WOA and peaked at 12 WOA, and then fluctuated considerably thereafter. Correlations among ovarian/oviducal anatomical parameters were strong (p < 0.0001) and positive. Similarly, peripheral oestradiol concentrations strongly (p < 0.0001) and positively correlated with all ovarian/oviducal anatomical parameters. Testicular anatomical biometric traits stabilised between 16 and 20 WOA, coinciding with peak peripheral testosterone concentrations, while ovarian/oviducal parameters recorded huge increases between 24 and 28 WOA, and may be under the influence of oestradiol.
Assessment of the reproductive performances of native sows in Southern Benin
(Oxford university press, 2021) Djimènou, D.; Adoligbé, C.M.; Aboh, A.B.; Amagnidé, A.G.; Osei-Amponsah, R.; Edénakpo, A.K.; Tobada, P.C.; Koudandé, D.O.
Native sows contribute to a large extent to food security and poverty alleviation in Benin. However, their reproductive performance particularly under extensive systems is poorly characterized. The objective of this study was to fill this knowledge gap by selecting 284 multiparous sows based on hair color and some re productive parameters. The results showed that native sows of Southern Benin can be clustered into three groups with group 3 showing the best reproductive performances including highest average litter size (LS, 10.31 piglets), live-born piglets (LBP, 10.31 piglets), number of functional teats (10.94), and shorter average farrowing interval (6 mo). The analysis of sows’ performances based on their origin revealed that sows from agro-ecological zone 8 have the highest number of LBP and the lowest age at first mating and first farrowing. The analysis of sows’ performances based on the hair color showed that those with black hair have the largest LS and the highest number of LBP. This study showed that Benin’s native sows have good reproductive ability with enough variation to develop a sustainable pig industry for a better contribution to food security and wealth creation.
An assessment of the safety of street foods in the Ga district, of Ghana; Implications for the spread of zoonoses
(Acta Tropica, 2000-07) King, L.K.; Awumbila, B.; Canacoo, E.A.; Ofosu-Amaah, S.
Street food refers to food and beverages prepared and sold by vendors in streets and other public places for immediate consumption. In Ghana street foods are sold at small eating places popularly known as 'chop bars'. Food safety studies were conducted on the premises of 160 'chop bars' in the Ga District of Ghana in July 1998. Only three (1.8%) of the proprietors met all the requirements (based on a five-point checklist) for basic hygiene. Twenty-four (15%) out of the 160 proprietors had access to potable water while the other 136 (85%) proprietors purchased water from vendors and six used pond water. These two latter sources of water were of poor microbiological quality (as shown by faecal coliform values which ranged from 1.0x102-1.9x105 cfu/ml). One hundred and five proprietors (65.6%) did not obtain their meat supply from an approved source. Factors influencing the purchase of meat from an approved source included the proximity of a chop bar to a slaughter facility, the conduct of meat inspection personnel and affordable user fees. Copyright (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.
Association of Phenotypic Markers of Heat Tolerance with Australian Genomic Estimated Breeding Values and Dairy Cattle Selection Indices
(Animals, 2023) Osei-Amponsah, R.; Dunshea, F.R.; Leury, B.J.; Abhijith, A.; Chauhan, S.S.
Dairy cattle predicted by genomic breeding values to be heat tolerant are known to have less milk production decline and lower core body temperature increases in response to elevated temperatures. In a study conducted at the University of Melbourne’s Dookie Robotic Dairy Farm during summer, we identified the 20 most heat-susceptible and heat-tolerant cows in a herd of 150 Holstein Friesian lactating cows based on their phenotypic responses (changes in respiration rate, surface body temperature, panting score, and milk production). Hair samples were collected from the tip of the cows’ tails following standard genotyping protocols. The results indicated variation in feed saved and HT genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) (p ≤ 0.05) across age, indicating a potential for their selection. As expected, the thermotolerant group had higher GEBVs for HT and feed saved but lower values for milk production. In general, younger cows had superior GEBVs for the Balanced Performance Index (BPI) and Australian Selection Index (ASI), whilst older cows were superior in fertility, feed saved (FS), and HT. This study demonstrated highly significant (p ≤ 0.001) negative correlations (−0.28 to −0.74) between HT and GEBVs for current Australian dairy cattle selection indices (BPI, ASI, HWI) and significant (p ≤ 0.05) positive correlations between HT and GEBVs for traits like FS (0.45) and fertility (0.25). Genomic selection for HT will help improve cow efficiency and sustainability of dairy production under hot summer conditions. However, a more extensive study involving more lactating cows across multiple farms is recommended to confirm the associations between the phenotypic predictors of HT and GEBVs.
Behavioural interactions between West African dwarf nanny goats and their single-born kids during the first 48 hours post-partum
(Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2000-03) Addae, P.C.; Awotwi, E.K.; Oppong-Anane, K.; Oddoye, E.O.K.
West African dwarf nanny goats and their single-born kids were tested to find out their behavioural response to separation and their mutual recognition during the first 48 h post-partum. The tests were conducted at 18, 24, 36 or 48 h post partum. Chi-square analyses were used to determine whether age, sex and birth weight of kids as well as h partum and parity of dams had an effect on post-partum bahaviours. In a preliminary study where the kids were not prevented from sucking prior to the tests, the majority of kids (93%) and does (86%) exhibited apparant minimal concern to separation (i.e., had scores of less than 3) and also failed to seek each other. When the kids were prevented from sucking 2 h prior to the tests, the couple showed some response to separation and made attempts to seek each other. This suggests that in goats the state of the neonate's nourishment and the fullness of the dam's udder may be important factors that determine the willingness of the kid and the dam to seek each other when separated. The behavioural response of 48-h-old kids to separation from their dams when they had not sucked for 2 h was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of 18-h-old kids. The sex and birth-weight of 48-h-old kids did not affect their response to separation from their dams. Hours post-partum and parity of does did not affect their response to separation from their kids exhibiting even though the proportion of does the highest response was much higher in primiparous then multiparous animals (44% vs. 13%). Recognition of dams by kids was poor at 18 and 24 h with more than half (71%) the kids failing to recognize their dams. Dam recognition ability improved with age and at 48 h the majority of kids (88%) were able to recognize their dams. Does tested at 48 h post partum had better (P > 0.05) kid recognition than those tested at 18 and 24 h. The sex and birth weight of kids and the parity of dams had no effect on the mutual recognition of kids and their dams at 48 h post-partum. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.
Behavioural interactions between West African dwarf nanny goats and their twin-born kids during the first 48 h post-partum
(Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2000-07) Awotwi, E.K.; Oppong-Anane, K.; Addae, P.C.; Oddoye, E.O.K.
West African dwarf nanny goats and their twin-born kids were tested to determine their behavioural response to separation and their mutual recognition during the first 48 h post-partum. Does and their kids were given scores ranging from 1 to 5, depending on how they performed in the tests. Animals that showed maximum response and recognition ability were given a score of 5, while those with minimum response and recognition ability scored 1. The kids were prevented from sucking 2 h prior to the tests, which were carried out at 18, 24, 36 and 48 h post-partum. Chi-square procedure was used to determine whether age, sex and birthweight of kids as well as hours post-partum and parity of dams had any effect on these post-partum behaviours. Out of 48 twin-born kids tested, 32 (67%) responded actively to separation from dams (i.e. had scores of 3 or more). The age, sex and birthweight of kids did not significantly affect (P > 0.05) their response to separation from their dams. The hours post-partum and the parity of does also did not affect their response to separation from their kids. The dam recognition ability of twin-born kids was very poor. Out of a total of 48 kids tested, only 17 (35%) were able to recognize their dams (i.e. had scores of 3 or more). Even at 36 h, only four out of 14 (26%) could recognize their dams. It was only at 48 h that the majority of kids tested (i.e. 75%) successfully identified their dams. At 48 h, the dam recognition ability of kids was significantly better (P < 0.05) than that of 18-h-old kids. Sex and birthweight of 24-48-h-old twin-born kids did not significantly affect (P > 0.05) their ability to recognize their dams. The majority of does tested (i.e. 20 out of 24) were able to recognize their twin-born kids. The hour post-partum and parity of does did not significantly affect (P > 0.05) their kid recognition ability. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.
Blood metabolite concentration, milk yield, resumption of ovarian activity and conception in grazing dual purpose cows supplemented with concentrate during the post‐partum period
(Veterinary Medicine and Science, 2019-05) Adjorlolo, L.; Obese, F.Y.; Tecku, P.
Cattle grazing on natural pasture face seasonal variation in pasture availability and nutritive value. Improving the nutrition of cows by providing supplementary feeds during periods of pasture or nutrient deficit is necessary for improved productivity. This study was conducted to determine the effect of feed supplementation during the post-partum period on the metabolic status and reproductive performance of 40 grazing Sanga and Friesian × Sanga cows. Twenty out of a total of 40 cows (10 Sanga and 10 Friesian × Sanga cows) were supplemented with 2.5 kg of concentrate per day for 16 weeks after calving. Parameters measured include daily milk yield, concentration of blood metabolites, resumption of ovarian activity and conception. Supplemented cows had higher partial milk yield than their non-supplemented counterparts (2.07 vs. 1.60 kg/day; P < 0.001). Sanga cows had lower milk yield than the Friesian × Sanga crossbreds (1.61 vs. 2.05 kg/day; P < 0.01). Supplemented cows had higher mean total protein (86.7 vs. 81.3 g/L; P = 0.007) and globulin (53.0 vs. 47.7; P = 0.014) concentrations than non-supplemented cows. Sanga cows had higher glucose (P = 0.027), total protein (P < 0.001) and globulin (P < 0.001) but lower triglyceride (P = 0.003) and progesterone (P = 0.023) concentrations than Friesian × Sanga cows. Supplemented cows had less proportion not cycling (20 vs. 55%; P = 0.022) and less days open (95.8 vs. 106 days; P = 0.032) than non-supplemented cows. The Friesian × Sanga cows had higher progesterone concentrations at first progesterone rise (3.34 vs. 1.32 ng/mL; P = 0.032) and shorter interval from calving to conception (96.7 vs. 106 days; P = 0.042). The results from this study indicate the beneficial effects of feed supplementation in terms of increased milk yield, better metabolic status and reproductive performance.
Blood metabolite profile in Holstein-Friesian cows fed diets varying in dry matter and metabolizable energy density during early lactation
(Comparative Clinical Pathology, 2018-09) Obese, F.Y.; Rabiee, A.; Humphrys, S.; Macmillan, K.; Egan, A.
Dietary effects on circulating concentrations of some blood metabolites were assessed in Holstein-Friesian cows in early lactation. Thirty-two lactating cows were randomly assigned to receive four diets differing in dry matter intake (DMI) and metabolizable energy (ME) density, namely low dry matter and metabolizable energy (LL), low dry matter and high metabolizable energy (LH), high dry matter and low metabolizable energy (HL), high dry matter and high metabolizable energy (HH), and concentrations of some blood metabolites determined. At the end of the 5-week study, the level of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) was higher (P < 0.001) in cows on diet HH than those on diets HL, LH, or LL. The glucose concentration was higher (P < 0.001) in cows on HH and LH than those on HL and LL diets, while those of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) were similar in cows on the four dietary treatments. Cows fed HL and LL diets recorded higher (P < 0.001) beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations than those on the HH or LH diets. Urea concentration was higher (P < 0.001) in cows on LL than that of their counterparts on the other diets. IGF-I was positively correlated (P < 0.01) with glucose, but negatively related with BHB (P < 0.01) and urea (P < 0.05). Glucose was negatively correlated with BHB (P < 0.01) and urea (P < 0.05). NEFA was negatively correlated with urea (P < 0.05) while BHB was positively correlated with urea (P < 0.01). The levels of metabolites in the blood can reflect the nutritional status of cows during early lactation.
Blood Metabolite Profiles in Cycling and Non-cycling Friesian-Sanga Cross-bred Cows Grazing Natural Pasture During the Post-partum Period
(Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 2015-02) Obese, F.Y.; Maccarthy, C.; Osei-Amponsah, R.; Ayizanga, R.A.; Damptey, J.K.
Contents: An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of plasma concentrations of the metabolic hormones [Growth hormone (GH), insulin and insulin-like growth factor -I (IGF-I)] and nutritional metabolites (Glucose, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, urea and creatinine) on the resumption of post-partum ovarian activity in sixteen Friesian-Sanga cows grazing extensively on native grassland. Blood samples were taken from cows from week 1 to 16 post-partum. Cows were classified as having resumed ovarian activity when a plasma progesterone concentration of ≥ 1.0 ng/ml was recorded for two consecutive weekly samples. Based on the resumption of ovarian activity, cows were classified as early-cycling, late-cycling or non-cycling. The concentrations of the metabolic hormones were measured from week 1 to 10, while those of the nutritional metabolites were measured during week 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 during the study period. The concentrations of the metabolic hormones, GH and insulin were similar (p > 0.05) in the three ovarian activity groups, likewise the concentrations of the nutritional metabolites, glucose, total protein, globulin, urea and creatinine. Plasma IGF-I concentration was higher (p < 0.001) in early-cycling (18.7 ± 0.74 ng/ml) than in late-cycling (12.4 ± 0.75 ng/ml) and non-cycling (10.4 ± 0.91 ng/ml) cows. Plasma cholesterol concentrations were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in early-cycling (1.94 ± 0.15 mmol/l) compared with late-cycling (2.48 ± 0.12 mmol/l) and non-cycling (2.61 ± 0.11 mmol/l) cows. For plasma albumin concentrations, the levels recorded for early-cycling cows were higher (40.7 ± 2.85 g/l) than in late-cycling (34.4 ± 1.97 g/l) and non-cycling (33.6 ± 2.66) cows. The results suggest that cows with lower plasma concentrations of IGF-I and albumin, but higher plasma cholesterol concentrations were at risk of delayed resumption of post-partum ovarian activity. © 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.
Bulk‐up synchronization of successive larval cohorts of Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii through temperature reduction at early larval stages: efect on emergence rate, body size and mating success
(Malaria Journal, 2021) Zubair, Q.; Matthews, H.; Sougoufara, S.; Mujeeb, F.; Ashall, S.; Aboagye‑Antwi, F.; Tripet, F.
Background: Malaria persists as a huge medical and economic burden. Although the number of cases and death rates have reduced in recent years, novel interventions are a necessity if such gains are to be maintained. Alterna‑ tive methods to target mosquito vector populations that involve the release of large numbers genetically modifed mosquitoes are in development. However, their successful introduction will require innovative strategies to bulk-up mosquito numbers and improve mass rearing protocols for Anopheles mosquitoes. Methods: The relationship between mosquito aquatic stage development and temperature was exploited so that multiple cohorts of mosquitoes, from separate egg batches, could be synchronized to ‘bulk-up’ the number of mos‑ quitoes released. First instar larvae were separated into two cohorts: the frst, maintained under standard insectary conditions at 27o C, the second subjected to an initial 5-day cooling period at 19o C. Results: Cooling of 1st instars slowed the mean emergence times of Anopheles coluzzii and Anopheles gambiae by 2.4 and 3.5 days, respectively, compared to their 27o C counterparts. Pupation and emergence rates were good (>85%) in all conditions. Temperature adjustment had no effect on mosquito sex ratio and adult fitness parameters such as body size and mating success. Conclusions: Bulk-up larval synchronization is a simple method allowing more operational fexibility in mosquito production towards mark-release-recapture studies and mass release interventions
Characterisation of local Ghanaian chickens: Growth performance evaluation based on Richards growth model and genetic size scaling
(Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2011-08) Osei-Amponsah, R.; Kayang, B.B.; Naazie, A.; Arthur, P.F.; Barchia, I.M.
The Richards growth model was fitted to body weight-age data of local and SASSO T44 chickens to describe their growth performance. Males had higher (P < 0.05) asymptotic mature weights than females. Within the local chicken population, birds from the savannah zone had higher (P < 0.05) asymptotic mature weights compared to forest chicken which ironically had higher body weights at hatch. Male local chicken had lower maturing rates compared to the females. Female local chicken were superior to SASSO T44 females in terms of maturing rate. On the average, local chickens took relatively longer time (78.4-83.3 days) to reach the point of inflection than the SASSO T44 population (74.2-79.8 days). However, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the age at inflection among local chicken populations. The shape parameter for SASSO T44 chicken (0.053-0.370) and maturation rate for local chicken (0.177-0.198) were the most critical parameters. Scaling the body weights into degree of maturity highlighted the degree to which genotypes matured over time. Female chickens had the highest (P < 0.05) degree of maturity at all ages. The local chicken populations were also metabolically older than SASSO T44 chickens. Results of this study provide an opportunity to develop breeding strategies for local chicken by modifying either management practices or their genetic makeup to positively affect their growth and productivity. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.
Cocoa pod husk is a potential feed ingredient in laying hen diets
(Livestock Research for Rural Development, 2015-06) Nortey, T.N.; Kpogo, D.V.; Kpogo, A.L.; Naazie, A.; Oddoye, E.O.
The experiment was carried out to determine if inclusion of cocoa pod husks (CPH) in layer diets will affect laying performance and egg characteristics. Two hundred and sixteen (216) Bovan Brown {BB} layers (92 weeks old) were randomly assigned to twelve experimental diets for 12 weeks in a completely randomized design. There were three levels of CPH inclusion; 0%, 10% and 15%. For each level of CPH, diets were further sub-divided into four and each portion treated with, i) no enzyme, ii) phytase only, iii) a commercial enzyme cocktail only and iv) a combination of both phytase and cocktail. The enzyme cocktail was added at a rate of 200g per tonne of complete feed. The phytase was added at the rate of 250g per ton of complete feed to give a phytase activity of 500 FTU (Phytase Units)/kg of complete feed. Overall, adding CPH did not affect average daily feed intake (ADFI). Hen day egg production for layers on diets with 0%, 10% and 15% CPH, with a combination of phytase plus an enzyme cocktail (76.19, 73.81 and 66.34 respectively), was better than that of hens on diets without enzymes. Adding either phytase, a cocktail enzyme, or a combination of the two improved egg weight. There were no effects of CPH or enzyme addition on egg quality characteristics. Cocoa pod husk (up to 15%) plus exogenous enzymes can effectively be used in layer diets without adversely affecting production performance or egg quality characteristics. © 2015 Fundacion CIPAV. All rights reserved.
Cocoa pod husk with enzyme supplementation is a potential feed ingredient in broiler diets
(Livestock Research for Rural Development, 2015) Nortey, T.N.; Ewusi, I.; Kpogo, L.A.; Oddoye, E.O.K.; Naazie, A.
The aim of the trial was to evaluate the performance of broilers fed diets containing varying levels of cocoa pod husk. The diets were supplemented with either phytase, an enzyme cocktail or both. Three hundred and sixty Cobb broiler day-old chicks were randomly assigned to 12 experimental treatments, replicated three times in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The diets had three levels of CPH inclusion; 0%, 5% and 7.5% (starter), and 0%, 7% and 10% (finisher) and these were further sub-divided into four. Each portion was treated with, i) no enzyme, ii) phytase (200g per ton of complete feed) only, iii) a commercial enzymes cocktail (250g per ton of complete feed) only and iv) a combination of both enzymes. At the end of the trial on day 57, six birds per treatment were used for carcass analysis. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) among the treatment diets for any of the production parameters studied. Dressing percentages for birds on 0, 7 and 10% CPH, and without enzymes were 72.9, 65.0 and 61.2% respectively and these were lower (P<0.05) than that for birds on diets supplemented with a combination of phytase plus an enzyme cocktail (73.2, 73.2 and 69.8% respectively). The dressing percentage of birds fed on enzyme treated diets was better (P<0.05) than that for birds fed on diets without added enzymes (72.03 vs 66.36% respectively). Cocoa pod husk plus exogenous enzymes can effectively be used as an ingredient in broilers diets without adversely affecting performance or cost of production. © 2015 Fundacion CIPAV. All rights reserved.
Comparison of early growth and survivability in indigenous guinea fowls from Northern Ghana
(Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2021) Ahiagbe, K.M.J.; Amuzu-Aweh, E.N.; Bonney, P.; Nyameasem, J.K.; Avornyo, F.K.; Adenyo, C.; Amoah, K.O.; Naazie, A.; Kayang, B.B.
Three guinea fowl populations from Northern Ghana were compared in terms of their body weight, growth rates, and survivability during the first 11 weeks of life. Keets (n = 865) were hatched from eggs collected from 32 sampling areas divided into eleven subpopulations within three populations in Northern Ghana. Together with an experimental flock maintained at Animal Research Institute (ARI flock), these birds were raised and appraised for weekly body weights, weekly growth rates, and survivability. Weekly body weights did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) among the three populations, although ARI flock were significantly heavier (p ˂ 0.05) compared to the main populations until the fourth week. In contrast, among the subpopulations, significant differences emerged in body weights from the second week and were more pronounced from the sixth week. Growth rates measured as weekly weight gains also differed significantly among subpopulations beyond the second week, although differences in growth rates were not significantly different among whole populations. The mean values for total feed intake, daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) between the populations. Therefore, although the variations in body weight and growth rates were limited among the populations, there existed significant variations among subpopulations, creating opportunities to establish genetically divergent populations for growth rate and to improve early growth rates and body weights in local guinea fowls by selection. High survivability observed in the ARI flock compared to keets from the three populations of Northern Ghana was likely due to good breeder stock management practices despite their common ancestry.
Detection and prevention of highly pathogenic avian influenza in communities with high poultry disease burdens
(Avian Diseases, 2010-03) Cardona, C.J.; Byarugaba, D.; Mbuthia, P.; Aning, G.; Sourou, S.; Bunn, D.A.; Msoffe, P.L.
The implementation of strategies to detect, prevent, and control highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in developing countries presents several challenges, one of which is the presence of other diseases in poultry populations. Training workshops in developing countries using the Avian Flu School have revealed that in areas with heavy Newcastle disease burdens, smallholder poultry keepers do not recognize HPAI as an immediate threat. We have developed a strategy to address the more proximal needs and priorities of communities with free-ranging poultry flocks as a means to create value in poultry, and thus to improve disease detection and prevention overall. To this end, we have created the Poultry Health and Well-Being for Development project, which trains graduate veterinarians and paraprofessionals in poultry disease diagnosis, control, and treatment. These trainees then serve their local communities to improve poultry health and to implement disease detection and management programs. © 2010 American Association of Avian Pathologists.
Development of 31 polymorphic microsatellite markers for guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) using next-generation sequencing technology
(Conservation Genetics Resources, 2013-12) Botchway, P.K.; Adenyo, C.; Kayang, B.B.; Hayano, A.; Inoue-Murayama, M.
Though efforts to domesticate guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) have been productive, both feral and wild populations continue to decline due to habitat fragmentation and heavy hunting, increasing the need to monitor and sustain this species. This study reports the first 31 original polymorphic microsatellite markers for guinea fowl by the next-generation sequencing technology. Observed (HO) and expected heterozygosities (HE) ranged from 0.033 to 1.000 (mean 0.396) and 0.033 to 0.799 (mean 0.419), respectively. Number of alleles ranged between 2 and 9 per locus (mean 3.387). Nine loci significantly deviated from Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (p < 0.05), after Bonferroni correction. Null allele frequency was less than 0.2 in all loci except locus Nmg22 (0.3). Results from this study can serve as baseline information for genetic diversity studies and also inform breeding strategies for the improvement and conservation in both domestic and wild populations of the species. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.
Development of microsatellite markers for grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus, RODENTIA) using next-generation sequencing technology
(Conservation Genetics Resources, 2012-12) Adenyo, C.; Hayano, A.; Inoue, E.; Kayang, B.B.; Inoue-Murayama, M.
The grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) is a hystricomorph rodent that inhabits mainly Sub-Saharan Africa and its meat is highly relished by most people in this region. The animal is hunted in the wild using techniques that are sometimes detrimental to the environment. It is therefore being domesticated to make the meat readily available to forestall the negative consequences of hunting. There are currently no genetic markers available and we report here, 33 novel microsatellite markers developed using next-generation sequencing technology. The number of alleles ranged from 3 to 11 (mean 6. 4) while the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0. 188 to 1. 000 (mean 0. 591) and 0. 322-0. 873 (mean 0. 713), respectively. Cumulative probability of identity (PI) for all loci was very low (PI = 3. 1 × 10 -33), indicating that these markers can be used for individual identification in the domestic setting. They will also be useful to study the genetic diversity of the grasscutter in the wild for population monitoring and conservation. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.
Disaggregating tropical disease prevalence by climatic and vegetative zones within tropical west Africa
(Public Library of Science, 2016) Beckley, C.S.; Shaban, S.; Noh, S.M.; Palmer, G.H.; Hudak, A.T.; Futse, J.E.
Tropical infectious disease prevalence is dependent on many socio-cultural determinants. However, rainfall and temperature frequently underlie overall prevalence, particularly for vector-borne diseases. As a result these diseases have increased prevalence in tropical as compared to temperate regions. Specific to tropical Africa, the tendency to incorrectly infer that tropical diseases are uniformly prevalent has been partially overcome with solid epidemiologic data. This finer resolution data is important in multiple contexts, including understanding risk, predictive value in disease diagnosis, and population immunity. We hypothesized that within the context of a tropical climate, vector-borne pathogen prevalence would significantly differ according to zonal differences in rainfall, temperature, relative humidity and vegetation condition. We then determined if these environmental data were predictive of pathogen prevalence. First we determined the prevalence of three major pathogens of cattle, Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bigemina and Theileria spp, in the three vegetation zones where cattle are predominantly raised in Ghana: Guinea savannah, semideciduous forest, and coastal savannah. The prevalence of A. marginale was 63%, 26% for Theileria spp and 2% forB. bigemina. A. marginale and Theileria spp. were significantly more prevalent in the coastal savannah as compared to either the Guinea savanna or the semi-deciduous forest, supporting acceptance of the first hypothesis. To test the predictive power of environmental variables, the data over a three year period were considered in best subsets multiple linear regression models predicting prevalence of each pathogen. Corrected Akaike Information Criteria (AICc) were assigned to the alternative models to compare their utility. Competitive models for each response were averaged using AICc weights. Rainfall was most predictive of pathogen prevalence, and EVI also contributed to A marginale and B. bigemina prevalence. These findings support the utility of environmental data for understanding vector-borne disease epidemiology on a regional level within a tropical environment. This is an open access article, free of all copyright, and may be freely reproduced, distributed, transmitted, modified, built upon, or otherwise used by anyone for any lawful purpose. The work is made available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication.

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