Background: This study evaluates the effects of storage periods (1, 4, 7, 10, and 13 days), egg size (small 60-64 g, medium 65-69 g, and large ≥ 70 g), and egg positioning with air cell facing either down or up during storage on hatchability percentages and day-old chick's weight. One thousand and five hundred (1500) fertile eggs from Arbor acre broiler breed were purchased and arranged each according to egg sizes into five (5) different storage periods of 100 eggs per storage period. Each storage period was subdivided into 2 groups of 50 eggs each based on positioning during storage. A completely randomized design in 3 × 5 × 2 factorial arrangement was adopted. Stored eggs were incubated for hatch with recording of weights of the hatched chicks, and the hatchability rate was calculated. Results: The results indicated eggs stored for a day and 4 days had maximum hatchability, but declined slightly as the storage period increased (92 to 78%). The eggs positioned down generally had better hatchability. However, mediumsized eggs had the highest hatchability percentage. On the other hand, large-sized eggs stored for longer period attained higher chick weight compared to medium-and small-sized eggs, but large-sized eggs positioned down gave a better chick weight. Generally, eggs stored with air cell down present superior chick weight. Conclusion: Storage period and egg positioning during storage affect the subsequent egg hatchability and weight of the hatched chicks from different egg sizes. However, egg storage must not exceed 4 days for optimum hatchability and weight of the hatched chicks. In addition, storing of eggs with air cell down might also enhance the hatchability and weight of hatched chicks irrespective of the weight of the eggs.

Performance and egg qualities of old-laying hens fed with diets containing ginger, turmeric and garlic were evaluated in a twelve (12) week feeding trial. A total of 135 laying birds of Isa-Brown strain which were sixty-four (64) weeks old were used for the trial and arranged in a completely randomized design. Five diets were formulated for the trial:  Diet 1 (control), Diet 2 (3% inclusion level of turmeric), Diet 3 (3% inclusion level of ginger), Diet 4 (turmeric and garlic at 2.25% and 0.75%, respectively) and Diet 5 (ginger and garlic at 2.25% and 0.75%, respectively). Proximate compositions of the Phytogenic Feed Additives (PFAs) were determined with the moisture content ranging between 5.03-7.50%; ash (3.26-6.11%); ether extract (7.39-14.58%); fibre (10.28-13.79%); protein (3.07-7.23%) and Nitrogen Free Extract (58.88-61.54%). The performance indices, though not significantly (P˃0.05) influenced by the test diets except for Hen Day Production (HDP) had the highest weight gained (0.16kg) recorded for birds fed on a diet containing ginger. The highest (62.92 and 62.04 %) HDP were observed in birds fed diets containing ginger and ginger + garlic; respectively. However, the lowest weight gained (0.04kg) was recorded in birds fed a diet containing turmeric + garlic; this diet also recorded the lowest % HDP and FCR with values of 57.50% and 2.37 respectively. The overall values for the qualities of eggs from laying hens fed the PFAs showed that only the Haugh Unit, yolk colour and albumen height were significantly (P˂0.05) affected; with those on Turmeric + Garlic diets having the highest for these parameters. However, the fatty acid variables were not significantly (P˃0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. It could be concluded that the inclusion of PFAs in the diets of laying hens especially at an older age would help to sustain performance with improved quality.

A 49 day feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of biologically upgraded cocoa pod husk meal (BCPHM) on the growth performance, haemato-biochemical indices and antioxidant status of broiler chickens. Three experimental diets were formulated at both starter and finisher phases in which BCPHM was added as an active feed ingredient at 0, 10, 20% and designated as diets 1, 2 and 3 respectively. One hundred and fifty day old Marshal broiler chicks weighing 39±2.5g/bird were allotted to 3 dietary treatments (10birds/replicate, 50birds/treatment) in a completely randomized design. The Average daily weight gain (ADWG), total weight gain (TWG) and final body weight (FBW) of broiler chicks fed diets containing 10% BCPHM was significantly (p˂0.05) higher than that of control and diet containing 20% BCPHM at starter phase. At finisher phase, the values of ADWG, TWG  and FBW were at par with that of control. Feed Intake was seen to increase as BCPHM increased in the diet at finisher phase. Carcass traits, relative internal organ weight, haemato-biochemcal indices of broiler chickens were similar across dietary treatment. Superoxide dimutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) of birds fed control diet were significantly (p˂0.05) higher than those of birds fed BCPHM based diets. Ten percent dietary inclusion of BCPHM appears optimal in broiler diet since beyond this level growth performance declined.

A 42-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the simple and adaptable feed ingredient mix for broiler chickens' production. The four formulated diets were used as a straight diet with the fish meal (FM), groundnut cake (GNC) and soya bean meal (SBM) having the varying ratio of inclusion as in diet 1 (1:4.5:2.5), diet 2 (1:3.5:3.5), diet 3 (1:2.5:4.5) and diet 4 (1:3:4), respectively. These were compared with two primary commercial feeds which were coded as AF and TF and used for starter and finisher phases. Three hundred, one-day old Marshall breed chicks were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments (50 birds/treatment; 5 replicate/treatment) in a Completely Randomized Design. Parameters such as feed intake, weight gain, carcass traits, and relative weight of the internal organs and economic analysis of the chicks' production were measured. The daily weight gain of the broiler chickens fed diet 3 was significantly (P<0.05) higher than those fed other diets, while the least daily feed intake was recorded in chicks fed diet 1. The broiler chickens fed with diet 5, a commercial diet consumed higher (P<0.05) quantity of feed, compared to those fed rest experimental diets; while the bird fed diet 1 recorded the least (P<0.05) quantity of feed consumed. The broiler chickens fed diet 3 had better (P<0.05) feed conversion to weight, when compared to those fed the rest diets. All the carcass traits and relative organs measured varied significantly (P<0.05) with diets except the dressed weight. The test diets 3 and 4 had better cost/weight gain (N239 and N228.9) compared to the two commercial diets 5 (N269.4) and 6 (N296.8). It is therefore concluded that the simple mix ratio with FM:GNC: SBM ratios of 1:2.5:4.5 and 1:3:4 could be measured using local measuring items such as congos, milk tin, and tablespoon by peri-urban and backyard poultry farmers.     Un essai d'alimentation de 42 jours a été mené pour évaluer le mélange d'ingrédients alimentaires simple et adaptable pour la production de poulets de chair. Les quatre régimes formulés ont été utilisés comme un simple diététique avec la farine de poisson (le 'FM'), le tourteau d'arachide (le 'GNC') et la farine de soja (le 'SBM') ayant le rapport variable d'inclusion comme 1 : 4.5 : 2.5), régime2 (1: 3.5: 3.5), régime3 (1: 2.5: 4.5) et régime4 (1: 3: 4), respectivement.Ceux-ci ont été comparés aux aliments commerciaux primaires qui ont été codés comme AF et TF et utilisés pour les phases de commencement et de terminaison. Trois cents poussins de race Marshall, âgés d'un jour a été assignés au hasard à six traitements diététiques (50 oiseaux / traitement ; 5 répétitions / traitement) dans une conception complètement aléatoire. Des paramètres tels que la consommation alimentaire, le gain de poids, les caractéristiques de la carcasse et le poids relatif des organes internes et économiques l'analyse de la production des poussins a été mesurée. Le gain de poids quotidien des poulets de chair nourris avec le régime 3 était significativement (P <0.05) plus élevé que ceux nourris avec d'autres régimes, tandis que la moindre prise alimentaire quotidienne a été enregistrée chez les poussins nourris au régime 1. Les poulets de chair nourris avec le régime 5, un régime commercial consommé une quantité d'aliments plus élevée (P <0.05), par rapport aux régimes expérimentaux de repos nourris; tandis que le régime alimentaire pour oiseaux 1 enregistrait la moindre (P <0.05) quantité d'aliments consommée. Les poulets de chair nourris avec le régime 3 avaient une meilleure conversion alimentaire (P <0.05) en poids, par rapport à ceux nourris avec le reste. Tous les traits de carcasse et organes relatifs mesurés variaient significativement (P <0.05) avec les régimes sauf le poids habillé. Les régimes de test 3 et 4 avaient un meilleur gain de coût / poids (₦239 et ₦228.9) par rapport aux deux régimes commerciaux 5 (₦269.4) et 6 (₦296.8). Il a donc conclu que le rapport de mélange simplifié avec FM :GNC : SB 1 :3 : 4 pourrait être mesuré en utilisant des éléments de mesure locaux, comme les 'congos', le 'milkcup' et les cuillères à soupe par les éleveurs de volailles en milieu urbain et de basse-cour.

Background This study was conducted to investigate black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) as replacement for fish meal on productive performance and economic viability of broiler chicks. During processing, the live larvae were poured into heated water and stirred for about 3 – 5 minutes. Filtered larvae were spread on nylon for solar drying to minimum moisture content. Dried larvae were then milled. Two hundred and fifty Cobb 500 breed day-old chicks were randomly allotted at 50 chicks per treatment of 5 replicates using performance and cost implication as response criteria in a Completely Randomized Design. The BSFLM was used to replace fish meal at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% and designated diets I, II, III, IV and V, respectively. The respective diets were fed to the chicks ad libitum from 1 – 21 days. Results Among all the growth parameters measured, only the total feed consumed was significantly (P≤0.05) influenced by the dietary treatments. Highest total feed consumed (620.79g) and lowest total feed consumed (562.34g) were recorded in chicks fed diets I and III, respectively. Highest final weight (643.67g) and highest weight gain (602.92g) were recorded in chicks fed diet I. The net profit/started chicks was highest in chicks fed diet V. Generally, the net profit/started chicks increased as the level of BSFLM increased in the diets. Conclusions From this study, the replacement of fish meal with BSFLM in the diets of broiler chicks could help to reduce the over dependence of broiler producers on importation of fish meal.

Background The study evaluated the growth performance, haemabiochemical and antioxidant profile of two breeds of rabbits fed diets containing varying levels of Rhizopus stolonifer fermented cocoa pod husk meal (FCPHM). Cocoa pod husk meal was taken through solid-state fermentation for a period of 2 weeks using Rhizopus stolonifer as its starter culture. One hundred and eighty, 5-week-old unsexed weaned rabbits 90 New Zealand white (NZW) and 90 Chinchilla (CHL) were randomly allocated into three dietary treatments, Diets I, II and III (0%, 12.5 and 25%FCPHM, respectively), and were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial design (2 breeds and 3 diets) of a randomized block design. Results The study showed that the breed effect and dietary treatment were significant (p < 0.01) for total weight gain and feed conversion ratio with NZW breed fed 12.5% FCPHM having higher values than CHL breed. Serum total protein concentration was significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by the dietary treatment, while alanine aminotransferase, globulin and total protein concentrations were significantly (p < 0.01) affected by the breed effect. The interactive effect of breed and dietary treatment was only significant (p < 0.05) for serum albumin concentration. Malondialdehyde concentration was significantly influenced by both dietary treatments (p < 0.05) and breed (p < 0.001) factors. Conclusion It was observed that CHL rabbits were more predisposed to stress than the NZW rabbits as indicated by the lipid peroxidation values, and according to this present finding, 12.5% FCPHM is recommended as active feed ingredient in rabbit diets.

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Phytogenic feed additives have been suggested to augment nutrient utilization in the gastrointestinal tract by enhancing production of digestive secretions and enzymatic activity. Such effects on gastrointestinal morphology have been postulated to increase the nutrient digestibility in poultry. However, research on avocado—bamboo composite mix on broiler chickens are limited, this thus forms the focus of this study.A six week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the growth, haemato-biochemical indices and antioxidants status of broiler chickens fed varying levels of composite leaf mix (CLM). The avocado and bamboo leaves used were manually harvested, air-dried and milled to produce leaf meal. The two leaf meals were then mixed in ratio 1:1 to form the CLM. The CLM was included in broiler basal diets at 0, 4, 8 and 12g/kg levels designated diets I – IV, respectively. Ninety six day-old Cobb broiler chicks were randomly allotted to four treatments of three replicates with eight chicks each. At the end of the feeding trial, the result revealed that average final weight of chicken fed diets II (2533.33±66.67g) and III (2406.55±30.59g) were similar but higher than those fed the control (2216.67±29.83g). The same pattern was observed for total weight gain. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was not affected although birds fed diet II had the best FCR (2.08±0.06).No significant (P>0.05) difference was observed in all the haematological indices save mean cell volume and mean cell haemoglobin which was highest in birds fed 4g/kg CLM supplemented diet (149.87±24.73fL and 49.95±8.25 pg/cell, respectively) as compared to 111.32±16.56fL and 37.12±5.55pg/cell in those supplemented 12g/kg CLM. The same pattern was repeated in percentage lymph .Among the serum biochemistry parameters measured, only Aspartate transaminase was affected and highest in birds fed diet supplemented with 4g/kg CLM (102.52±5.88µ/L) and lowest in those fed 12g/kg CLM (99.33±5.13µ/L). The superoxide dismutase, catalase and Glutathione peroxidase increased with increased CLM supplementation. The growth, haematological, serum biochemical and antioxidant parameters obtained from this study suggested that the CLM has no adverse effect on the health status of broiler chickens but on the other hand improved the growth, blood serum and serum antioxidant profiles.     Des additifs alimentaires phytogéniques ont été suggérés pour augmenter l'utilisation des nutriments dans le tractus gastro-intestinal en améliorant la production de sécrétions digestives et l'activité enzymatique. De tels effets sur la morphologie gastro-intestinale ontété postulés pour augmenter la digestibilité des nutriments chez la volaille. Cependant, les recherches sur le mélange composite avocat-bambou sur les poulets de chair sont limitées, c'est donc l'objet de cette étude. Un essai d'alimentation de six semaines a été mené pour évaluer la croissance, les indices hémato-biochimiques et le statut en antioxydants de poulets à griller nourris à des niveaux variables de mélange de feuilles composites (MFC). Les feuilles d'avocat et de bambou utilisées ont été récoltées manuellement, séchées à l'air et broyées pour produire de la farine de feuilles. Les deux farines de feuilles ont ensuite été mélangées dans un rapport 1:1 pour former le MFC. Le MFC a été inclus dans les régimes de base des poulets de chair à des niveaux de 0, 4, 8 et 12 g/kg désignés régimes I à IV, respectivement. Quatre-vingt-seize poussins de chair Cobb âgés d'un jour ont été répartis au hasard dans quatre traitements de trois répétitions avec huit poussins chacun. À la fin de l'essai d'alimentation, le résultat a révélé que le poids final moyen des poulets nourris avec les régimes II (2533,33 ± 66,67 g) et III (2406,55 ± 30,59 g) était similaire mais supérieur à celui des poulets nourris avec le témoin (2216,67 ± 29,83 g). La même tendance a été observée pour le gain de poids total. Le taux de conversion alimentaire (TCA) n'a pas été affecté bien que les oiseaux nourris avec le régime II aient eu le meilleur TCA (2,08 ± 0,06). Aucune différence significative (P>0,05) n'a été observée dans tous les indices hématologiques, sauf le volume cellulaire moyen et l'hémoglobine cellulaire moyenne qui le plus élevé chez les oiseaux nourris avec 4 g/kg de régime supplémenté en MFC (149,87 ± 24,73 fLet 49,95 ± 8,25 pg/cellule, respectivement) par rapport à 111,32 ± 16,56 fLet 37,12 ± 5,55 pg/cellule chez ceux supplémentés en 12 g/kg de MFC. Le même schéma a été répété en pourcentage de lymphe. Parmi les paramètres biochimiques sériques mesurés, seule l'aspartate transaminase était affectée et la plus élevée chez les oiseaux nourris avec un régime supplémenté de 4 g/kg de MFC (102,52 ± 5,88 µ/L) et la plus faible chez ceux nourris avec 12 g/kg de MFC (99,33 ± 5,13 µ/L). La superoxyde dismutase, la catalase et la glutathion peroxydase ont augmenté avec l'augmentation de la supplémentation en MFC. Les paramètres de croissance, hématologiques, biochimiques sériques et antioxydants obtenus à partir de cette étude suggèrent que le MFC n'a pas d'effet néfaste sur l'état de santé des poulets de chair mais améliore en revanche les profils de croissance, de sérum sanguin et d'antioxydants sériques.