The correlation between behavioural (anxiety, sociality and cognition in Open Field, T-Maze, Forced Approach and Voluntary Approach tests) traits on the one hand and morphometric traits including body weight, length of body parts (Body length, Body girth, Shank length, Keel length, Wing length) and associated growth rates, Body mass Index, and Body girth: Body length ratio) from age 1 to age 8 weeks on the other, was examined in a cohort of 44 chickens consisting of 22 local (Yoruba Nigerian Local Chicken) and 22 exotic (11 Hubbard Broiler and 11 Isa Brown Layer) chickens. The levels of correlation between 160 directly measured and derived traits (of which 44 were behavioural) was determined by the use of the Pearson's method. A matrix of correlation coefficients of all 12,720 possible unique pairwise comparisons was generated. Of the 5104 Behavioural vs. Morphometric trait correlations, Low (-0.3< r < 0.3), Medium (0.3 r<-0.7) and High (0.7

Background: Moringa oleifera seed meal is a potential noble feed ingredient that could be incorporated into the diet of poultry. It is a potential cheaper alternative considering its ability to thrive under all climatic conditions in Nigeria, West Africa. The study was aimed at evaluating the effects of the dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera seed meal (MOSM) on the egg characteristics, feed conversion ratio and body weight of parameters of Yoruba Ecotype Nigerian Local Chickens (YENLC) and Isa Brown chickens. Methods: The study assessed the comparative influence of dietary MOSM on the egg characteristics of YENLC and Isa Brown chickens. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance using the general linear model procedure of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22. Result: The findings of this study were that: dietary inclusion of MOSM affected the egg characteristics of YENLC and Isa Brown chickens. Egg length, egg width, yolk weight and yolk height decreased significantly (p less than 0.05) with increasing levels of MOSM. There was significant interaction (p less than 0.05) between MOSM inclusion and genotypes of chickens. For both genotypes, egg number was significantly higher (p less than 0.05) till 5% inclusion level of MOSM while hen day production reduced with increasing levels of MOSM. It can thus be concluded that MOSM can be included for both genotypes up till 10% but YENLC would still perform better at 15% when compared with the Isa Brown hens.

Two Hundred and six day old Fulani Ecotype chicks (FEC)were used to investigate the effect of feeding two types of diet (Chick starter diet and Broiler starter diet formulated to meet standard nutritional requirement of pullets and broiler chicks) on growth traits and performance from O to 8 weeks. The broiler starter diet contained 23% Crude Protein (CP) and 3000Kcal/kg Metabolizable Energy (ME), and the Chick starter diet contained 21% CP and 2800Kcal/Kg ME. The growth traits measured were body weight (BW), body length (BL), body girth (BG), wing length (WL), thigh length (TL), drumstick length (DL), keel length (KL), and shank length (SL), while chicks performance were estimated from feed intake. feed efficiency, growth rate and weight gain. Average body weight of chicks fed broiler starter diet were significantly (P<0.05) higher from week 1 to 8. Chicks fed broiler starter diet exhibited numerically higher BL, BG, WL, TL, DL and KL than those fed chick starter diet at all ages and differences were significant (P<0.05) at some ages. Chicks fed broiler starter diet significantly (P<0.05) consumed more feed at week 1 and 2, and they gained more weight than those fed chick starter diet from 0 to 4 weeks (120.51 vs. 97.89g), and 5-8 weeks (255.11 vs. 239.13g). Feed efficiency in chicks fed broiler starter diet was relatively higher by 13.21% than observed in those fed chick starter diet from day old to 4 weeks and this translated to faster growth rate during the period in the former group (34.30% Vs.32.67%). This Study shows that the broiler starter diet produced superior growth traits and better feed efficiency in Fulani Ecotype chicks.

Fifty 28 weeks old layers were reared in individual cages for 9 Weeks to detect the effect weight has on some production traits. Body Weight was positively though non- significantly (P.0.05) correlated with egg number, egg weight and negatively with Shell thickness (r =-0.12) and egg index (r=-0.15). Estimates of optimum 28-week body weights, as determined from second-degree (quadratic) equations, indicated that for satisfactory performance a body weight range of 1728 to 1814g is required, Breeding and good management especially feeding are thought to be capable of maintaining this weight range.

Behaviour affects performance and productivity of poultry birds especially chickens, some behavioural traits are advantageous in a particular production system and may be of disadvantage in another production system. The present study compared behavioural of Nigeria Local Chicken, NLC (two separate samples of 11 Yoruba Ecotype) and its Exotic counterparts (11 Broilers and 11 Pullets) by use of the Open Field (OFT), T-Maze, Forced Approach, and Voluntary Approach Tests (FAT and VAT respectively) during two phases of Growth (0-4 Weeks, and 4-8 weeks age respectively). The former group (NLC) is better adapted to extensive management in the Nigerian Guinea savannah than the latter Results showed that Yoruba NLC issued a significantly (p<0.05) higher number of distress calls than the Exotic genotypes in the OFT at age 7 and 48 days, and the NLC issued significantly more calls at 7 days age. Broilers exhibited significantly lower OFT Latency at 7 and 48 days, and Broilers traversed fewer squares and spent less time ambulating than other genotypes at 48 days age. Ina T-maze, Broilers showed significantly (p<0.05) lower exploratory behaviour than other groups (higher latency to leave the start box). In the FAT, NLC showed lower Latency to flight (p<0.05) than the Exotic genotypes. Ethological test results indicate differences in the behavioural characters exhibited by Yoruba NLC and Exotic Chickens and such differences could embody the basis of anecdotal differences in the rates of survival under extensive management conditions, and may be subjected to quantitative genetic selection in the ongoing effort to produce improved chickens that incorporate a combination of desirable traits from both Local and Exotic chickens.

Moringa oleifera (Lamarck) seed is a novel feedstuff that can be incorporated into poultry nutrition and a potential cheaper alternative than the current conventional feedstuff in Nigeria. The aim of the study was to determine the effect Moringa oleifera seed meal (MOSM) on the relationship between body weight and body morphometric parameters of local and exotic chickens. The total sum of one hundred and ninety two chickens comprising of ninety six Nigerian Ecotype local chickens and Marshall broiler chickens in four dietary treatments with three replicates (of eight birds per replicate for each genotype of chicken) per treatment. Four experimental diets containing 0, 5, 10 and 15 % MOSM were used. Data were analyzed using the Pearson Correlation model. The study showed that the association between morphometric parameters and body weights decreased significantly (p<0.05) with increasing levels of MOSM (r decreased from 0.72 to 0.52) however all the associations were positive which signified that the inclusion of MOSM influenced the level of relationship between body weight and body morphometric parameters. This study concluded that 5% dietary inclusion of MOSM would improve growth performance in YENLC and Marshall broiler chickens.

Competition from weeds is an obstacle to profitable cassava production. Knowledge of weed species negatively affecting productivity is essential for effective management. A field evaluation of weeds and management practices was conducted between May and June in 2014 and 2015 in 200 cassava farms in three agroecologies in Nigeria. Detrended Correspondence Analysis identified four distinct clusters depicting variation in weed species composition among the agroecologies. Soil pH and silt content, fallow length, cultivation method, and weed management method contributed to the variation in species composition. Farmers and field evaluations identified Euphorbia heterophylla, Imperata cylindrica, Aspilia africana, Panicum maximum, Chromolaena odorata, Commelina benghalensis, Digitaria horizontalis, and Rottboellia cochinchinensis as major problem weeds in cassava. Farmers’ management of these weeds varied across zones, suggesting that weed management strategies in cassava should be focused on ecological zones. In the Humid forest, hoe-weeding (51.2%) and slashing (43.0%) with machetes were the predominant methods of control. Herbicide use was high in the Southern Guinea Savanna and medium to high in the Derived Savanna (26.3-42.2%). Education to increase farmers’ knowledge of the problematic of weeds and to improve both their choice of appropriate herbicides and their safe use is critical to effective and efficient weed management in cassava.

Commercial production of guinea hens is limited because they are known to be seasonal breeders, with little or no eggs during the dry season. Natural hormones or their analogue have gained special appeal and usage as means of improving the reproductive performances of farm animals due to the health concerns associated with use of synthetic hormones. Human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) consists of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) and is aimed at improving reproductive performance. Five doses (0, 6, 12, 18 and 24 IU) of HMG were administered to guinea hens in two phases (dry and rainy seasons) to evaluate the effect on the follicle stimulating and luteinizing hormone profile and egg production for a period of eleven months. The effects were monitored during the administration and post administration periods. Egg collection was done daily and blood was collected from the birds on fortnight basis to determine concentration of FSH and luteinizing hormone LH. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance appropriate for 2x2x5 factorial design. LH and FSH concentrations were correlated with egg production. Results indicated that both LH and FSH concentrations were higher (P 0.05) on the concentration of both hormones. LH and FSH were positively correlated in both seasons but the correlation was highly significant (P 0.05) correlation was observed in the rainy season. In conclusion, administration of HMG could be used to boost egg production in guinea hens.Key words: guinea hen, follicle stimulating hormone, hen day production, luteinizing hormone

A study was conducted to determine the relationship between age and body weight at sexual maturity and some egg production traits in varieties of Japanese quails. A total of 60, five week old female Japanese quails were selected randomly from an existing flock in the Animal Pavillion, University of Ilorin. The birds were grouped into three according to their plumage colour variety: A & M white (White), Machurian gold (Brown) and Pharaoh quail (Black). Data obtained on age at sexual maturity (ASM), body weight at sexual maturity (BWSM), average egg weight (AEW), hen day production (HDP), weight of first twelve egg (WFTE) and body weight at peak production (BWPP) were subjected to one-way analysis of variance. Phenotypic correlations between age at sexual maturity and some egg production traits were also determined. Age at sexual maturity was significantly lower (P 0.05) among varieties. HDP was highest in the White than the Brown and Black varieties and WFTE was lowest for the White and largest for Black variety. ASM was positively correlated with BWPP, WFTE but negatively correlated with HDP in all varieties. BWSM was positively correlated with AEW, BWPP. The result showed that early maturing quails had smaller body weight, higher HDP but smaller egg weight. It was concluded that plumage colour variety has an effect on ASM, BWSM, AEW, BWPP and HDP with the white variety having better ASM and HDP.

In a study to determine the effect of production systems on performance of guinea fowls, birds were raised either on the deep litter or in battery cages. Each group comprised of 200 unsexed keets kept at a stocking density of 0.06m2/bird and were observed from 4 weeks up to 20 weeks of age. The birds were fed ad libitum and necessary vaccinations were given. Data obtained on feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio and mortality were compared using the unpaired t-test. Production system had significant influence (P<0.05) on body weight at week 20, total feed intake, total weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Birds raised in cages had better weight gain (773.5 and 651.0g for cage and deep litter respectively). While feed intake was higher for birds raised on the deep litter (5602.33 and 5118.60g for litter and cage, respectively), feed conversion ratio was better with birds raised in cages (6.62 and 8.61). Mortality was similar for birds raised under both systems. It was concluded that better body weight can be achieved by raising guinea fowls in cages.

Efficacy of cabbage (Brassica oleracea) for ameliorating the adverse metabolic syndrome side-effects of genetically improved growth rate in chickens was examined. Sixty-four (64) day-old birds (32 Marshall Broilers and 32 Harco Black Pullets) were randomly assigned to groups of eight genotype-matched birds in a 2-factor layout within a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Within genotype, each group was randomly assigned one of four diets (basal/control diet containing 0% cabbage, and, basal diet supplemented with 3%, 6% or 12% cabbage) for 4 weeks. All birds were fed an un-supplemented Broiler finisher diet from week 4 - 8. Bodyweight and Body Mass Index (BMI) were determined weekly. Blood Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Haemoglobin (Hb), White Blood Cells (WBC), Red Blood Cells (RBC), neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils and eosinophils), Total serum Cholesterol (TC), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) were determined at age 4 weeks. Irrespective of diet or age, Broilers exhibited significantly greater (p<0.05) body weight, adiposity, and lipidaemia than Pullets, and no interactions between cabbage and genotype were observed for the same traits. Dietary cabbage at 3%, irrespective of genotype significantly (p<0.05) improved body weight beyond week 5 while no significant effect was observed on body fatness as measured by BMI. Cabbage supplementation suppressed broiler eosinophil levels, indicating effects on mediators of innate immune surveillance, but did not influence any other blood haematological parameter, though Broilers exhibited higher (p<0.05) total WBC count and proportion (%) of WBC represented by neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils. In Contrast, Pullets exhibited higher RBC, PCV, and Hb, and lymphocyte and monocyte differential counts. Dietary Cabbage had a nutrigenetic effect on cholesterol: Reduced TC and LDL in Broilers in contrast to its effect in increasing the same lipids in Pullets. Cabbage however lowered HDL Cholesterol (p<0.05) in both genotypes, though the threshold of effect was higher (12%) in Pullets (3%). Thus Cabbage is effective in lowering heart disease risk through lowering of lipidaemia in Broilers, and improves bodyweight at market age (7-8 weeks) at 3% dietary supplementation level.KEYWORDS: Cabbage, Broiler, Pullet, Nutritive, Metabolic syndrome.

The organoleptic properties of melon, “egusi” (Citrullus colocynthis var. Lanatus seed) and efo riro (Spinach; Amaranthus spinosus) soup blends produced with Moringa (Moringa oleifera) and spinach leaves were compared. Three soup blends were produced for egusi soup: Spinach: Egusi (60:40; Control), Moringa: Egusi (60:40), Moringa: Spinach: Egusi (30:30:40). Also, three soups blends were produced for efo riro: Moringa: Spinach (Moringa only) (100:0;Control), Moringa: Spinach (MS) (50:50), Moringa: Spinach (Spinach only) (0:100). The soup blends were subjected to organoleptic tests using a 7-point hedonic scale. Data obtained were statistically analyzed. The control Spinash:Egusi soup had the highest acceptability in terms of colour, aroma, texture and general acceptability, this was closely followed by the soup blend with Moringa: spinach: egusi (30:30:40) and the Moringa: egusi (60:40) was least accepted. In the efo riro group, the 100% spinach had the greatest acceptability, while the 100% Moringa had the least acceptability. However, most of the respondents (60%) on realizing that Moringa leaf was included in the samples indicated their preference and higher rating for the Moringa soup blends. These studies show that a 30% or lower level of inclusion of Moringa leaves in traditional vegetable soup recipes is acceptable to consumers irrespective of whether content of the soup is declared/indicated, and a higher level of inclusion is acceptable when “Moringa” is declared/revealed as a recipe ingredient. Therefore, traditional soups can be used as vehicles or carriers of the nutritional/medicinal qualities of Moringa that are preserved during cooking, thereby circumventing negative psychological feeling of using medicines whilst gaining attendant benefits. Key words : Soups, Efo Riro, Egusi, Moringa/Spinach Blend

This study examined the profitability and economic feasibility of a leaf-based Moringa production and processing under a plantation system in the Nigerian guinea savannah using the University of Ilorin Moringa Plantation as a case study. To achieve this objective, data on production and processing cost and revenue for the 2011/2012 planting season were collected and a simulated 10-year production and cost and revenue scenarios were scheduled based on the assumption of a constant cost and cash inflow over the same period. The cost-benefit was reported using the Return on Investment (ROI), Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) and the Net Present Value (NPV) analyses. Result indicated an estimated average net profit of N827,109 (USD5, 137) ha/annum from a Total production cost of N1,371,360 (USD8, 580) ha/annum and a gross revenue of N2,200,000.00 (USD13,750) ha/annum derived from the sale of an average of 110kg of processed dry leaf powder output. This indicates the relative profitability of the enterprise. Furthermore, at varying discount rates of 17.5%, 20%, 22.5%, and 25%, the BCR indicated that for every N1 invested in cost, the investor could realize N1.60 in returns, the ROI indicate a profit return turnover of 26.7% of the cost of investment and a NPV estimate at the end of the 10-year period considered the project to be financially worthwhile. Based on these findings, this study recommends the encouragement of Moringa production and value addition development due to the potential it portends for income generation.Key words: feasibility analysis, Moringa leaf and enterprise

Chemical composition of Moringa oleifera seeds obtained from the middle belt of Nigeria, Benue State, was determined and the seed was blended to form a seed meal. The Moringa oleifera Seed Meal, MOSM was included in diets at graded levels of 2.50, 5.00 and 7.50% and the dietary performance of the broiler chicks on the test diets was compared with that of a corn-soy reference diet. Results on the chemical/nutritional composition of MOSM showed that the full-fat seeds contained (%) on proximate basis, reasonable concentration of 90.38 dry matter, 25.37 crude protein, 14.16 crude fat, 4.03 mineral matter, 30.64 crude fiber, 25.80 soluble carbohydrate and 5.79 kcal/g gross energy. Analyses also gave appreciable quantities of the water and fat soluble vitamins, macro - and micro-minerals. Feeding chicks with the seed meal at graded levels in diets resulted in decrease in feed intake and body weight gain as the inclusion level increased in diets relative to the conventional diet (p < 0.05). Reduction in feed consumption could be attributed to the full-fat nature of the seed meal used which might have imparted extra-caloric effect in the test diets and slowed digestion and absorption as the analyzed nutrients content of diets. A higher ether extract value on Moringa based diets relative to the control diet was obtained. Phytochemical composition of Moringa namely phenols including tannins, saponins, phytate, cyanogenic glucoside, glucosinolates and other numerous chemical constituents affected the body weight of the chicks negatively with increasing dietary MOSM. Decrease in weight gain following increase in dietary seed meal could also be due to decrease in feed intake as a result of the bitter taste of alkaloids, saponins, acting in concert with the other Moringa phytotoxins in test diets. Survival rate (100%) was not affected indicating that the level of highest inclusion in this study (7.50%) was not fatal to the experimental animal models. Further research is progressing to ascertain the highest inclusion level possible to elicit fatality and attempts to detoxify or treat the seed meal before feeding to animals.

The relationship between rates of change of Body weight (BWR), Body length, (BLR), Body girth (BGR) Drumstick length (DLR), Shank length (SLR), Thigh length (TLR), Wing length (WLR) and Keel length (KLR) between 1 and 4 weeks age was examined in Marshall Broiler Birds placed on diet containing 0, 5, 10% and 10%+enzyme cocktail Moringa oleifera leaf stalk Meal MOLSM). Pearson’s bivariate correlation analysis indicated that body weight was significantly (p<0.05) and positively correlated with BLR and DLR (0.371 and 0.468), GLR was significantly correlated with BLR (0.460), while DLR was significantly correlated with GLR (0.448) in ALL. Diet significantly (p<0.05) affects rates of change of body weight (R2=.455) and body girth (R2=.291) but not other trait rates when all birds are examined irrespective of diet (ALL). At 0 and 10% MOLSM inclusion levels none of the body parts measured was significantly correlated with BWR. SLR was significantly correlated with KLR (0.768) at 5% MOLSM inclusion level, and BWR was significantly correlated with DLR (0.679) at 10% plus enzyme MOLS level.These results show that significantly correlated rates of change of body parts are reliable indicators of bodyweight development in the young Marshall Broiler strain regardless of inclusion levels of MOLSM, and inform the breeder and nutritionist of the likely proportionate gain in body-parts associated with gains in body-weight during feeding of graded levels of MOLSM as a non conventional feedstuff.Keywords: Moringa oleifera leaf stalk Meal, Phenotypic Correlation, Body weight, Broiler.

This study was conducted to evaluate and determine the effects of ecotype on laying performance and some egg quality traits in two indigenous chickens ecotype commonly found in Kwara state Nigeria {Fulani Ecotype chicken (FE) and Yoruba Ecotype chicken (YE)}. They were kept in battery cages for a period of fifty two (52) weeks. It was observed that the YE matured earlier than FE with Age at First Egg (AFE) of 20.56 (20 – 23 weeks) compared to 26.73 weeks (22-31 wks) obtained for FE. Significant (p 0.05) differences in other egg quality traits.

The public's need for health and dietary adequacy has been the driving force for their use of Nutraceutical supplements. Moringa oleifera is one of the herbal plants promoted based on its acclaimed of its Nutraceutical benefits. However awareness and adoption are critical issues in the utilization of any product/service. This preliminary survey was conducted to examine the consumption of moringa products for nutraceutical benefits in Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria. One hundred adult respondents were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Binary Logistic Regression and non-parametric correlation analyses were employed to achieve the study's objectives. The results indicated that a fairly high proportion of the respondents (48%) had used Moringa products for its claimed Nutraceutical benefits. Lack of awareness was a major barrier to the use of Moringa product: 87% of the non-users indicated lack of awareness as a reason for non-use. Educating non-users on its claimed Nutraceutical benefits led to 85% prospective adoption. However, given knowledge, the major determinant of reticence to its adoption was safety concerns, which is statistically significant (p<0.01). Hence, it is recommended that an awareness of the claimed Nutraceutical benefits of Moringa products should be increased since it could increase adoption with a consequent increase in market share. However, it is paramount that pre-clinical and clinical trials on Moringa products for claimed Nutraceutical benefits should be conducted to assure its safety and efficacy in the immediate and long term.Keywords: Moringa products, Nutraceutical benefits, use, adoption, clinical trials.

The current rate of micronutrient malnutrition which afflicts over two billion people worldwide calls for a paradigm shift to approaches aimed at linking agricultural production to improved human health, and livelihood. Recent findings indicate the potentials of Moringa tree value-chain development in achieving a sustainable agriculture-agriculture not only aimed at economic prosperity, but equally at nutritional security of small-scale farming households. However, an understanding of factors that influence the cultivation of this crop is important. This study examined the determinants of cultivation of Moringa crop by small-scale farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. It also highlighted the level of awareness of the benefits of the crop among respondents. The study utilized questionnaire to collect data from 150 arable crop farmers through a 3-stage sampling technique. Binary logistic regression model was used in analyzing the data. Results indicate that 47% of the respondents are aware of the nutritional benefits of the crop and 37.3% grow Moringa on their farms. Furthermore, awareness of crop benefits (p=0.021), farming experience (p=0.063), membership of cooperative society (p=0.07) and the growing of other permanent crops (p=0.001); are the significant factors affecting the cultivation of Moringa crop in the study area. The study recommends the promotion of adequate enlightenment as regards the benefits of Moringa. It also encouraged the utilization of cooperative societies in enhancing value-addition to the Moringa crop. Keywords: sustainable agriculture, micronutrient malnutrition, cultivation, Moringa

A Nutrigenetic study of the effects of graded levels (0%, 5% and 10%) of undecorticated undefatted Moringa oleifera Seed Meal (UUMOSM) on the biological growth programme of 48 young broilers of two genotypes (Marshall and Arbor Acres) was conducted. Rates of change (%) of Body Weight (WTR), Length (BLR) and Girth (BGR), and Lengths of Shank (SLR), Thigh (TLR), Wing (WLR) and Keel (KLR) between 1 and 4 weeks age were measured. The effect of Genotype and Diet on growth rate was defined by fitting a univariate General Linear Model, while the strength of relationship between traits was examined by use of Pearson's bivariate correlation method. Only BLR was significantly (P<0.05) affected by genotype, while diet significantly (P<0.05) determined WTR, BGR, TLR, WLR, and KLR. Significant (P<0.05) effects of Genotype x Diet interaction on WTR, BLR, BGR, WLR and KLR were observed. The level of correlation between trait rates varied with increasing levels of UUMOSM in both genotypes; exhibiting a direct, inverse, parabola or inverted parabola shaped relationship curve. These results showed that subtle variations in dietary levels of UUMOSM significantly influence the biological growth programme of young broilers, with implications for size and interrelationship of body parts, including shape/conformation. They further showed that substructures within populations such as clusters with non-overlapping nutritional habits (voluntary or forced) influence overall population estimates of inter-trait relationships. The transcriptomic (gene expression) and metabonomic correlates of the phenomenon reported here will be examined in further studies and should yield evidence of underlying mechanisms.Keywords: Moringa oleifera seed meal, Broiler, Growth rate, Correlationand Regression.