One of the most important aspects in grassland science is the characterization of vegetation in terms of its botanical composition. Botanical composition of rangeland is important because individual species may differ in feeding value, content of harmful substances and their reaction to environmental and management factors. This study was therefore conducted to identify, classify and assess the botanical composition of forages growing in Kashin-dila rangeland of Mallam-Madori Local Government Area, Jigawa State. The rangeland that covers 564.2 ha was stratified into two distinctive vegetation (grassland and shrub land) areas, where a plot of 1 ha was marked and replicated ten times (10 ha) in the first stratum and five times in the second, making a total of 15 sample plots and 150 sample points when a quadrat of 1m x 1m was thrown ten times in each plot. The collected forages were categorized into herbaceous and woody forages. Thirty herbaceous forages were identified and classified, belonging to 14 families with poaceae as the most frequent. Nineteen of these forages were annuals and the remaining 11 were perennials. Ten of the forages were classified as grasses based on forage type, 3 sedges, 5 legumes, and 12 forbs. Among the 30 herbaceous forages, 10 were decreasers, 11 increasers, and 9 invaders. Twelve woody forages were identified and also classified as in the latter. The woody forages belong to 8 families. Fabaceae was the most frequent family. The botanical composition of poaceae was 23.81% covering 9.17% of the vegetation cover, cyperaceae with 7.14% covering only 0.005%, fabaceae with 21.43% spread over 47.47% while other families were 47.62% covering 43.36% of the total vegetation cover of the rangeland. The botanical composition of the rangeland was good, having good number of perennials, moderate decreasers and low invaders were also good potentials for the rangeland. La connaissance de la composition botanique est essentielle en science des prairies pour caractériser la végétation. Elle revêt une importance capitale car la valeur alimentaire, la présence de substances nocives et la réponse aux facteurs environnementaux et de gestion varient selon les espèces. Cette étude visait à identifier, classer et évaluer la composition botanique des fourrages du pâturage de Kashin-Dila, situé dans la zone d’administration locale de Mallam-Madori, État de Jigawa, au Nigeria. Le pâturage d’une superficie de 564,2 hectares a été stratifié en deux zones distinctes de végétation (prairies et arbustales). Une parcelle d’un hectare a été délimitée et répétée dix fois (10 ha) dans la première strate et cinq fois dans la seconde, totalisant ainsi 15 parcelles d’échantillon et 150 points d’échantillon (quadrant de 1m x1m lancé dix fois par parcelle). Les fourrages récoltés ont été classés en fourrages herbacés et ligneux. Trente fourrages herbacés appartenant à 14 familles ont été identifiés et classés, les Poaceae étant les plus abondantes. Dix-neuf étaient des annuelles et les onze restantes, des vivaces. Dix ont été classés comme graminées, trois comme carex, cinq comme légumineuses et douze comme plantes dicotylédones. Parmi les 30 fourrages herbacés, dix étaient des espèces en régression, onze en progression et neuf envahissantes. Douze fourrages ligneux ont également été identifiés et classés selon ce critère. Ces derniers appartiennent à huit familles, les Fabaceae étant les plus fréquentes. La composition botanique était la suivante : 23,81% pour les Poaceae (couvert végétal de 9,17 %), 7,14 % pour les Cyperaceae (couvert végétal de 0,005 %), 21,43 % pour les Fabaceae (couvert végétal de 47,47 %) et 47,62 % pour les autres familles (couvert végétal de 43,36 %). La composition botanique du pâturage s’est avérée satisfaisante, avec une proportion intéressante de plantes vivaces, un nombre modéré d’espèces en régression et un faible nombre d’espèces envahissantes, indiquant un bon potentiel pour le pâturage.

This study compared the feed intake and performance of Yankasa sheep fed Congo grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis) basal diet with different protein supplements of Cotton Seed Cake (CSC), Palm Kernel Cake (PKC), Brewer's Dried Grain (BDG) and sole B. ruziziensis grass (control). Sixteen (16) Yankasa sheep weighing between 18.5 and 21.5kg and aged 9-12 months were randomly allotted to treatment diets. The total dry matter and crude protein intake were highest (P<0.05) in animals on CSC supplement (996.33 & 118.56g) while the control diet had the least feed intake (796.4 & 57.90g). The total live weight gain (TLWG) increased (P<0.05) from 0.91kg in animals fed Congo grass grass solely (control) to 2.50kg in those fed Cotton Seed Cake, while feed conversion ratio reduced from 52.50 in Congo grass to 29.15 in CSC treatment. It is concluded from this experiment that Yankasa sheep utilized CSC better than PKC, BDG and Brachiaria ruziziensis (control). It is therefore recommended that Brachiaria ruziziensis should be supplemented with Cotton Seed Cake at a rate of 250g/d for better intake and live weight in Yankasa sheep production.

The experiment was conducted with Sixteen (16) animals to compare the Feeds intake and performance of Yankasa sheep fed Congo grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis) with supplements of Cotton seed cake (CSC), Palm kemel cake (PKC) and Brewer's dried grain (BDG). Feed intake, weight gain were estimated while feed conversion and protein efficiency ratio were calculated. The results obtained placed animals on CSC ahead (P<0.05) in almost all the parameters estimated, followed by animals on PKC while those on BDG had the least performance. The dry matter intake (DMI) from supplement and the crude protein intake (CPI) increased from 180g and 39.02g/day in BDG to 227.08g and 62.63g/day in CSC respectively. The weight gain increased (p<0.05) from 1.65kg in BDG to 2.05kg while feed conversion ratio reduced from 34.30% in BDG to 29.15% in CSC. It was therefore concluded from the experiment that Yankasa sheep utilized CSC better than PKC and BDG.

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of low dietary energy on growth performance of poultry broiler chicks. Two hundred and seventy day old Amok broiler chicks were weighed and randomly allotted to three dietary treatments containing 2 400 ME Kcal/Kg, 2 600 ME Kcal/Kg and 2 800 ME Kcal/Kg designated as A, B and C. Each treatment, containing ninety birds was replicated three times with thirty birds per replicate. The experiment was laid in a completely Randomized designed. The differences between the results of the performance were tested for Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using the General Linear Model Univariate Procedure of SPSS 16.0 and significant differences of means were compared using Least Significant Difference (LSD). Results showed that feed in take showed statistical difference (p<0.05) between the three treatments. Birds fed least energy level (2 400 ME Kcal/Kg) showed highest final live weight (738.64g/b) and body weight gain (772.66g/b). There were no significant difference (p<0.05) in final live weight, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. The study recommended that low energy diets should be formulated for poultry starter so as to minimize the accumulation of cholesterol in between the muscle fibres and on visceral organs which can consequently affects the physiological and metabolic functions of the birds, organoleptic characteristics, marketability of the products and health status of the consumer.

Rangelands are regarded as the cheapest sources of forages, supporting over 200 million pastoralists living in close association with about 960 million ruminants. Despite the significant contribution of rangeland to the socio-economic lives of the inhabitants of developing countries, the resource is often abused and neglected in terms of planned utilization, development and management for sustainability. Range improvement programme involves evaluating the contributions of forage species to animal nutrition. Therefore, this review was aimed at assessing and highlighting the contributions of rangeland to sustainable animal production through planned management in terms of stocking rate, grazing capacity as grazing affects multiple rangeland characteristics including biomass, soil nutrients, soil carbon, plant species composition, and forage quality.

The study seeks to characterise socio-economics of sheep farmers and identify the traditional methods of pregnancy detection in ewe at Hadejia Local Government Area, Jigawa State. Seventy (70) respondents were selected using simple sampling procedure and analysed with descriptive statistics. Majority (41.4%) of the respondents were between 21-30 years, male (57.1%), married (51.4%), had tertiary education (52.9%) and farmers (58.6%). Most of the farmers kept sheep and goat (50.0%), had 6-10 sheep (47.1%) with 6-10 years experience (40.0%) in small ruminant production and managed both ram and ewe (87.1%). The most accurate (50.0%) traditional method of detecting pregnancy in ewe is through mucous discharge from the vulva. It is recommended that further research on traditional method of pregnancy detection in ewe should be carried out.

This study aimed at investigating the effect of low dietary energy on growth performance of broiler chickens at finisher stage. Two hundred and twenty five, four weeks old Amok broiler chicks were weighed and allotted to three dietary treatments containing 2 400 ME Kcal/Kg, 2 600 ME Kcal/Kg and 2 800 ME Kcal/Kg designated as A, B and C, respectively. Each treatment was replicated three times with twenty-five birds per replicate. Results showed that feed in take decreases as the energy value of the feed increases. There was statistical significance (P<0.05) in feed in take between birds fed diets A, B and C. The weight gain values of birds fed diets B and C were statistically similar which differs with birds fed diet A. There were no statistical differences between the treatments in terms of final live weight and feed conversion ratio. The study recommended that low energy diets should be formulated for poultry so as to minimize the accumulation of cholesterol in between the muscle fibres and on visceral organs which can consequently affects the physiological and metabolic functions of the birds, organoleptic characteristics, marketability of the products and health status of the consumer.

An experiment was conducted in Teaching and Research Farm, Binyaminu Usman Polytechnic, Hadejia. To determine the effect of groundnut haulms supplementation in the diet of mongrel rabbit. Twelve weaned mongrel rabbits average age of 14 weeks were purchased from Hadejia market. The experimental animals were allotted in to 4 dietary treatments (supplemented with groundnut haulms) : T1, T2, T3 and T4 0, 5, 10 and 15%, respectively. Twelve rabbits were used with three rabbits per treatment. The experiment lasted for 6 weeks during which water and feed was provided ad libitum. Antibiotics and multivitamins were provided to experimental rabbits to prevent and manage infectious disease. Parameters measured were initial weight gained, final body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (calculated) changes in organ weights and feed digestibility. All data generated were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) significance (P>0.05) differences of means were separated by using Duncan multiples range using SAS. The result indicated that supplementation of groundnut haulms significantly affected daily and weekly body weight changes. It is therefore concluded that incorporation of groundnut haulms in the diets of rabbits was safe and can be supplemented partially or fully as protein sources and use as a supplementation to weaner rabbits in the diets without adverse effects on the performance and feed digestibility of growing rabbit.

The liveweight (LW) and linear body measurements (LBMs) of one hundred and twenty (120) yearling Yankasa Sheep from Hadejia Livestock Market were used for the study. The LBMs were Age, Backlength (BL), Tail length (TL), Ear length (EL), Horn length (HL), Neck length (NL). Height at Withers (HAW). Heart girth(HG) and LW. The correlation coefficient of LW and all LBMs were positive. The strongest and weakest relationship were observed between LW and HL (r = 0.680; P < 0.01), and LW and TL. (0.124) respectively. HAW and HG could be used to predict the LW among all the LBMs.

Two hundred and seventy day old Amok Broiler Chicks with an average initial weight of 40.45g were used in a feeding trial to determine the carcass characteristics of the finisher broilers fed low dietary energy levels. Three isonitrogenous (24% CP) diets containing 2 400, 2 600 and 2 800 ME Kcal/Kg were used in a completely randomized design. Results showed that the Live Weight, Slaughtered Weight, Plucked Weight, Carcass Weight and Dressing Percentage of birds fed the three diets were statistically similar. The wing as express in percentage Live Weight was significantly higher (p<0.05) for broilers fed 2 400 and 2 600 ME Kcal/Kg. The Drumstick and Liver as expressed in percentage Live Weight Followed similar trend. The study recommended that low energy diets should be formulated for poultry so as to minimize the accumulation of cholesterol in between the muscle fibres and on visceral organs which can consequently affects the physiological and metabolic functions of the birds, organoleptic characteristics, marketability of the products and health status of the consumer.

Background:The prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV programme was introduced as a comprehensive package of interventions with the aim of reducing mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. The programme offers an opportunity to capture pregnant women and their partners in order to prevent the transmission of HIV to the baby. This study is aimed at assessing the awareness and practices of married HIV-positive male partners towards PMTCT.Methodology:A descriptive cross-sectional study that interviewed 220 HIV-positive male partners using an interviewer-administered questionnaire.Results:The study revealed that more of the respondents 145 (65.9%) were between the age group of 31 to 40 years. More than half 130 (59%) of the respondents were aware of PMTCT while 135 (61.4%) of the respondents had good practice of PMTCT. Respondents with formal education were 1.5 times more likely to be aware of the PMTCT programme than those having informal education [p=0.03, AOR=1.53, 95%CI=(1.98-4.54)]. Similarly, respondents with formal education were 2.5 times more likely to practice PMTCT programme than those having informal education [p=0.03, AOR=2.53, 95%CI= (1.63-4.54)].In addition, Male partners who were above 30 years of age were 3 times more likely to participate in PMTCT activities compared to those who were less than 30 years [p=0.02, AOR=2.17, 95%CI=(0.01-4.12)].Conclusion:Raising awareness about the need for male partners' involvement in the PMTCT programme as well as encouraging male partners to partake in PMTCT activities will further increase its uptake.

The challenge posed by malaria disease calls for an urgent need for a better understanding of important parameters in the disease transmission and development of prevention and control of the spread of malaria disease. In this work, a mathematical model for the dynamics of malaria disease is developed and analyzed. There is existence of disease free equilibrium and endemic equilibrium point of the model, the local stability of disease free equilibrium is obtained using Jacobian matrix which is locally asymptotically stable whenever the basic reproduction number is less than unity. Finally, the results obtained in Table 2, Figure 6 and Figure 8 from sensitivity analysis reveal that malaria disease can be controlled if the biting rate of mosquito is eliminated in the population.

The study determined the anaesthetic and physiological effects of Acepromazine-Butorphanol-Propofol (ABP-combination) and propofol alone (PRO alone) in dogs. Ten clinically healthy dogs were randomly assigned to two groups to evaluate the anaesthetic and physiological effects following ABP-combination and PRO-alone anaesthesia administered intravenously (iv). Acepromazine at 0.02mg/kg and Butorphanol at 0.05mg/kg iv were used to premedicate the dogs and Propofol at 4mg/kg for induction five minutes after premedication in ABP-combination group while Propofol alone at 6mg/kg for total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) induction without premedication. Onset of anaesthesia, duration of anaesthesia time to standing, onset and duration of analgesia and duration of intubation were measured, whereas temperature, heart rate and respiratory rates were measured before induction of anaesthesia and at five minutes interval during anaesthesia. All the anaesthetic indices were significantly (p<0.05) different between groups while onset and duration of analgesia was recorded in ABP group only. Significantly (p<0.05) longer duration of anaesthesia was produced by ABP-combination compared with PRO-alone. Time to standing were significantly different (p<0.05) between the two treatments. The onset and duration of analgesia was 5.0±2.0 and 33.6±3.2 min. following ABP-combination but no analgesia recorded with PRO-alone. There was significant decrease (p<0.05) in rectal temperature and respiratory rate from the baseline in ABP-combination group but not significant in PRO-alone group. There was significant (p<0.05) difference in heart rates between groups. ABP-combination TIVA provided longer duration of anaesthesia and analgesia with minimal effects on vital parameters. The dogs recovered from the anaesthesia uneventfully. The ABP-combination can be evaluated for clinical procedures in dog.

The experiment was conducted to examine the physical properties, pH, temperature, proximate composition, fibre fraction, energy content and mineral composition of ensiled rice milling waste (RMW) treated with urea and poultry litter in a completely randomized design. RMW was treated with of Urea and Poultry Litter (PL) and ensiled in in-vitro laboratory silos (946ml). The treatment combinations were; A (100%RMW), B (100%RMW+ Urea), C (80%RMW + 20%PL), and D (60%RMW + 40%PL). The treatments were ensiled for 21 days in triplicates. At the expiration of each ensiling period, samples were taken for analyses. The results for physical properties showed that most of the silages were adequately fermented with sweet aroma. The compounded silages were acidic 4.34 – 4.86 except treatments B and D which had pH of 7.96 and 7.91 respectively. The temperatures of the silages were significantly (P<0.05) different. Based on the physical properties, pH and temperature evaluated, most of the silages can be considered to be well prepared. The proximate composition of silages differ significantly (P<0.05), higher percentages in CF and Ash were recorded in Treatment A. Dry matter content was also significantly different (P<0.05) with treatment A having the highest DM (97.19%). The CP in treatment D (6.13%) proved superior. RMW and Urea mixtures resulted in silages with highest %NDF, %HEM and Energy. Lowest NDF, ADF, CEL and ADL values were obtained in treatment D. The nutritive quality of treatment D was proved to be higher and thus it is recommended for dry season ruminant feeding.

BACKGROUND:Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is one of most common causes of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients. Many risk factors ranging from inherited to acquired are associated with increased risk of DVT.AIMS:The aim of the study was to review the pattern and risk factors of DVTs in Gombe.METHODS:This study was a retrospective review of Doppler ultrasound confirmed lower limb DVT that were managed in the Department of Haematology, Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, North-eastern Nigeria over a 4-year period (January 2018 to December 2021). Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 28.RESULTS:Ninety (90) patients were seen and managed during the study period, most were females, (56.7%; n =51) with an age range of 18 to 92 years and mean of 47.3±17.8 years. Young adults (18-45 years) were in the majority (n=45; 50%), followed by the middle aged (46-60 years) (n=28; 31.1%) and then elderly (>60 years) (n=17; 18.9%). Twenty-five patients (27.8%) had proximal DVT, thirteen (14.4%) distal while 49 (57.8%) had extensive DVT. The most affected side is the left lower limb (64.4%; n=58). Most of the patients had provoked DVT (n=65; 72%) with immobilization, recent surgery, bone fracture and stroke as the leading provoking factors. Among those with provoked DVT, young adults were the majority (n=34; 38%), followed by those in the middle-aged group (n=21; 23%) and then the elderly (n=10; 8%).CONCLUSION:Our study showed the preponderance of left sided DVT and the majority of the cases were provoked affecting young adults.

The research was conducted to evaluate the ensiling qualities of Gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) with Orange (Citrus sinensis), Watermelon (Citrillus lanatus) and Pineapple (Ananas comosus) peels as silage additives. Andropogon gayanus was sole ensiled (0% peels) as control (T1). However, it also ensiled with the peels of Citrus sinensis, at 2% (T2), 4% (T3), 6% (T4), Citrillus lanatus at 1% (T5), 3% (T6), %5 (T7) and Ananas comosus at 1% (T8), 3% (T9) and 6% (T10) levels of inclusion respectively, making ten (10) treatments and were replicated three times in a completely randomized design. Means were separated using Fisher’s Least Significant at probability level of 0.05. The Andropogon gayanus was harvested and chopped into 1 to 2 cm manually. The chopped grass was combined with each of the fruit’s peels based on treatments and ensiled for 3weeks in silos at room temperature. They were evaluated for colour, aroma, pH, proximate composition, energy and minerals content. The results revealed that there were significant (P<0.05) differences in all the parameters evaluated. The pH values decrease to acidity with increase in the levels of peels inclusion. In term of minerals contents T1 and T7 were superior in Mg, Ca and Na compared to other treatments. In conclusion, addition of fruits peels in Andropogon gayanus silage improved qualities and it is therefore recommended that, only Citrus sinensis peels can be added up to 6%, while the remaining peels should not exceed 3%, because it may result in poor quality silages with rancid aroma.

This paper reviewed gender issues on accessibility to agricultural production resources and extension services amongst rural farmers in the predominant crises regions of North-East Nigeria, The study applied qualitative analysis in reviewing related literatures, workshop proceedings, seminars, intervention projects, and situation reports on the crisis-torn regions of the Country to elicit cogent facts and figures, The findings revealed that there is a great deal of gender disparity in favour of the men folk as against women and youths in the accessibility to production resources and extension services in the affected regions of the study. This has not only affected their production output but also makes them vulnerable in crisis situations. The paper thus recommends strongly for gender mainstreaming policies towards ensuring equitable access to production resources and extension services in periods of emergencies in these regions. The aftermath is for sustainability in Agricultural production and improvement in rural livelihood to guarantee food security.

Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Corporations (KRPC) discharges were studied for a year along the river Rido to determine their impact on water quality and the distribution and abundance of Zooplankton. Physical and chemical parameters were measured following American Public Health Association (APHA) standards for evaluating wastewater. An atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) was utilized for heavy metal analysis. For this experiment, we used a Plankton net with a 25 m mesh size and a specimen bottle with a 10 cm diameter ring opening to collect zooplankton. Zooplanktons were identified using a standard key and a monograph. Water quality parameters fluctuated, but all were within acceptable ranges except for temperature, conductivity, Total Dissolved Solid, and lead. Zooplanktons were represented in order of abundance by 8 species of protozoa constituting 72.44%, followed by 12 species of Rotifera (10.58%), followed by 13 species of Cladocera 9.55% and then 6 species of Copepoda (7.44%). The planktons showed seasonal variation with high density recorded during the wet season in all the stations. There was a low density of zooplankton in station B, while high density was observed in stations A and D. Also, the low transparency and dissolved oxygen (DO) as well as high mean values of temperature (30.88 oC), chloride (31.88 mg/L), lead (0.099 mg/L), TDS (224.17 mg/L) and conductivity (334.28 µS/cm) observed were above FEPA limits at station B were an indication of pollution and deterioration of water quality. This research revealed that the effluent discharge from KRPC has adverse effects on the zooplankton community and the water quality of river Rido.

The study was carried out at University Research Farm of the Department of Animal Science, Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, to evaluate the growth performance and hematological parameters of Loman Brown hen as influenced by inclusion levels of Balsomina mamodica substituting lasota vaccine in semi-arid zone of Nigeria. The birds were randomly allotted into four treatment in a completely randomized design with fifty (50) birds per treatment. Treatment 1 was given lasota vaccine (NCDV) at first, third, seven and seventeen weeks respectively. Treatment 2 was given Garafuni 0.5g per litre for six days in the week whereas Treatment 3, 1.0g per litre and Treatment 4, 1.5g per litre of Garafuni for four and two days in the week respectively. At the end of the study, blood samples were collected from five (5) birds from each treatment for hematological studies. The result shows that, intake and performance of Lohman Brown Hen administered Balsomina mamordica substituting Lasota vaccine at laying phase is shown in Table 1. The result indicated that no significant (P>0.05) difference was shown with respect to initial body weight (IBWT), final body weight (FBWT), weight gain (WT), average weight gain (AWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and metabolic mass.T4 recorded the highest mean value (600.0) whereas animals in T2 (0.5g garahuni) had the least mean value (525.00). Data on haematological parameters of Loman brown hen are presented on Table 2. The result showed non- significant differences among the treatments means. Haemogloblins, packed cell. Highest mean