james atekha imasuen - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by james atekha imasuen
European Journal of Veterinary Medicine
With the increasing demand for poultry products (meat and eggs) worldwide, poultry farmers want t... more With the increasing demand for poultry products (meat and eggs) worldwide, poultry farmers want to improve the productivity of their flocks. This challenge has necessitated poultry nutritionists to offer specific nutritional strategies for improved productivity. Feed additives are recommended as one of such strategic options, and plant materials, otherwise known as phytogenics, are being extensively investigated. Therefore, the study's objective was to assess the production performance and egg quality of commercial laying hens fed black pepper and red pepper additives. A total of 210 commercial laying hens at 24 weeks of age were allotted into seven dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. Each treatment had thirty (30) birds each, replicated three times to give ten (10) birds per replicate in a study that lasted 12 weeks. The formulated diets included: a control diet with no additives; Treatments 2 and 3 had 1% and 1.5% black pepper powder; Treatments 4 and 5 had 1...
Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 2007
The haematological and biochemical status of twenty West African dwarf goats fed Panicum maximum ... more The haematological and biochemical status of twenty West African dwarf goats fed Panicum maximum supplemented with foliage from Afzelia africana and Newbouldia laevis was investigated. Values for PCV, Hb concentration and RBC count differed significantly (P < 0.05) between the diets. Average PCV value was highest in 25Nwb:75Pm diet and least in 25Afz:75Pm diet. Hb concentration was significantly higher in diet 25Nwb:75Pm than in diet 25Afz:75Pm but not different from all the other dietary treatments. RBC counts observed differed between the dietary treatments. Apart from the values obtained for sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, total protein and aspartate transaminase, differences between the measured biochemical parameters were not significant (P > 0.05) between the diets. Sodium was highest i n 25Afz:75Pm diet and varied significantly (P < 0.05) compared to 50Nwb:50Pm diet. Potassium in the serum of the studied animals was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in 25Afz:75Pm diet than in 25Nwb:75Pm and 100Pm (control) diets but did not differ from diets 50Afz:50Pm and 50Nwb:50Pm. In terms of total protein level, only the 100Pm (control) diet differed significantly from the supplemented diets. Activities of the enzymes alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase in the sampled sera did not vary between the diets except for aspartate transaminase where, only the 50Nwb:50Pm diet differed from the other diets. These results to a large extent suggest the positive potential of the studied plant leaves in the feeding of goats without adverse effects.
African Journal of Biotechnology, 2010
This study was carried out to assess the reproductive performance of cycling West African Dwarf d... more This study was carried out to assess the reproductive performance of cycling West African Dwarf does as well as to assess the efficacy of medroxyl-progestrone acetate, an estrus synchronizing drug, that has the advantage of being administered orally and intramuscularly. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design using 40 cycling does divided into five experimental treatment groups. The results of the experiment show that estrus behavior in the does was significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the dosage and route of drug administration. On the other hand, other reproductive traits assessed such as gestation length (days), litter size at birth, birth weight of kids (Kg) and weaning weight (Kg) were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by the drug. These results show that there is good prospect in the use of medroxyl-progestrone acetate orally and intramuscularly in synchronizing estrus in cycling WAD does.
The study was conducted to determine the effects of age at surgical caponization on the growth pe... more The study was conducted to determine the effects of age at surgical caponization on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of ISA Brown cockerels. A total of 108 birds were used for the study and allotted to four treatments of 27 birds each, replicated three times to give 9 birds per replicate. The cockerels were surgically altered at 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age. Birds had access to formulated starter, grower and finisher diets ad libitum during a twenty one week experimental period. The results revealed that final weight and weight gain in the capons were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in uncaponized birds. Birds caponized at 8 weeks recorded the highest in final weight (3.35 kg/bird) and weight gain (2.98 kg/bird), as against the least obtained from the control with 2.53 kg/bird and 2.17 kg/bird respectively. Significant differences were also observed in feed conversion ratio and mortality. Birds caponized at 8 weeks had better feed conversion ratio of 3.98, as ag...
Acta Scientiarum. Animal Sciences, 2017
This study evaluated the effect of Cd on some male reproductive parameters; and explored the ther... more This study evaluated the effect of Cd on some male reproductive parameters; and explored the therapeutic potentials of methanolic extract of Phoenix dactylifera (MEPD) fruit in averting such reproductive damages. 45 rabbit bucks aged 24-28 weeks and weighing 1.41-1.43 kg was used. The rabbits were assigned to 5 treatment groups (control, Cd-only, Cd + 300 mg MEPD, Cd + 600 mg MEPD and Cd + 900 mg MEPD) in a completely randomized design. The rabbits were dosed with 3 mg CdCl 2 kg-1 feed for 7 days followed by MEPD for 56 days after every 72 hours. Result of semen evaluation indicates that semen volume, motility, libido, concentration, total ejaculate, viability and morphology were significantly reduced by Cd compared to the normal control group. Testis density and epididymis length of the control rabbits were significantly different from the Cd-only exposed rabbits. Histopathological examination revealed severe testicular damage due to Cd. Indeed, treatment with MEPD significantly reversed the deleterious reproductive effects caused by Cd. In conclusion, cadmium drastically affected the testis of rabbits and treatment with MEPD alleviated some deleterious effects.
World Rabbit Science, 2015
Testicular morphometry, gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves of rabbit bucks treated with Huma... more Testicular morphometry, gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves of rabbit bucks treated with Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin (Menogon ®) were studied. Twenty-four crossbred rabbit bucks weighing 1.3-1.6 kg at 15-17 wk were randomised into 4 treatment doses of 0 (control), 7.5, 15.0, and 22.5 I.U. in a completely randomised design with 6 bucks per group. A vial of Menogon ® was reconstituted in 1 mL of physiological saline solution and administered intramuscularly at 72 h intervals for 56 d prior to commencement of sample collection. Parameters evaluated were ejaculate concentration, testicular morphometry, gonadal and extragonadal sperm concentrations. Results for ejaculate concentration (86, 110, 186, and 135×10 6 /mm 3) revealed a significantly (P<0.05) higher difference in the 15.0 I.U. group. Gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserve indices were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by the treatment. Testicular morphometry results showed that paired testis volume (cm 3), testis circumference (cm), ductus deferens length (cm) and epididymal length (cm) were significantly (P<0.05) different, with a progressive increase that corresponds to increased Menogon ® administration. High and positive correlations (P<0.01) were observed between testis weight and gonadal sperm reserves (r=0.99) and body weight and gonadal sperm reserves (r=0.99). Similarly, correlations between epididymal weight and epididymal sperm reserves (r=0.85), testis weight and ejaculate concentration (r=0.97), body weight and ejaculate concentration (r=0.96), body weight and testis weight (r=0.97), testis volume and ejaculate concentration (r=0.97), testis volume and gonadal sperm reserve (r=0.91), testis volume and testis weight (r=0.96), and testis volume and body weight (r=0.90) were positive and significant (P<0.05). Taking all the reported results into consideration, controlling the amount of Menogon ® administration at 15.0 I.U. for rabbit bucks could be a promising approach to regulating testosterone synthesis and secretion, thereby affording a potential method of enhancing fertility.
Testicular morphometry, gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves of rabbit bucks treated with Huma... more Testicular morphometry, gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves of rabbit bucks treated with Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin (Menogon®) were studied. Twenty-four crossbred rabbit bucks weighing 1.3-1.6 kg at 15-17 wk were randomised into 4 treatment doses of 0 (control), 7.5, 15.0, and 22.5 I.U. in a completely randomised design with 6 bucks per group. A vial of Menogon® was reconstituted in 1 mL of physiological saline solution and administered intramuscularly at 72 h intervals for 56 d prior to commencement of sample collection. Parameters evaluated were ejaculate concentration, testicular morphometry, gonadal and extragonadal sperm concentrations. Results for ejaculate concentration (86, 110, 186, and 135×106/mm3) revealed a significantly (P 0.05) affected by the treatment. Testicular morphometry results showed that paired testis volume (cm3), testis circumference (cm), ductus deferens length (cm) and epididymal length (cm) were significantly (P<0.05) different, with a progress...
The study was aimed at investigating the effect of oral administration of lime fruit on growth pe... more The study was aimed at investigating the effect of oral administration of lime fruit on growth performance, haematology and serum biochemistry in broiler chicken. A total of 150, one day-old unsexed broiler chickens of Anak 2000 strain, were used in a completely randomized design (CRD). The birds were randomly allotted to five treatments with each group having 30 birds, replicated three times to give 10 birds per replicate. Treatment 1 was the control and had no additive; Treatment 2, had 5 mL of lime juice per litre of water every day; Treatment 3, had 7.5g of diced whole lime fruit per litre of water every day; treatment 4, had 5mL of lime juice per litre of water in alternate day while Treatment 5, had 7.5g of diced whole lime fruit per litre of water in alternate day. The experimental trial was for six (6) weeks after a brooding period of two weeks. Significant differences were observed in the final weight, feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. Treatment 4 with...
International Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, 2020
The study was conducted to determine the effects of age at surgical caponization on the growth pe... more The study was conducted to determine the effects of age at surgical caponization on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of ISA Brown cockerels. A total of 108 birds were used for the study and allotted to four treatments of 27 birds each, replicated three times to give 9 birds per replicate. The cockerels were surgically altered at 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age. Birds had access to formulated starter, grower and finisher diets ad libitum during a twenty one week experimental period. The results revealed that final weight and weight gain in the capons were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in uncaponized birds. Birds caponized at 8 weeks recorded the highest in final weight (3.35 kg/bird) and weight gain (2.98 kg/bird), as against the least obtained from the control with 2.53 kg/bird and 2.17 kg/bird respectively. Significant differences were also observed in feed conversion ratio and mortality. Birds caponized at 8 weeks had better feed conversion ratio of 3.98, as against the least (5.65) obtained from the control. The control group of intact roosters also had the least dressed weight percentage (74.25%), while the birds caponized on the 8 week had the highest percentage (81.67%). Caponization similarly improved relative weights of some cut parts and increased the deposition of abdominal fat. It is concluded that surgical caponization with particular reference to that undertaken when the birds were 8 weeks old, significantly improved growth performance and carcass characteristics of ISA Brown cockerels.
European Journal of Veterinary Medicine
With the increasing demand for poultry products (meat and eggs) worldwide, poultry farmers want t... more With the increasing demand for poultry products (meat and eggs) worldwide, poultry farmers want to improve the productivity of their flocks. This challenge has necessitated poultry nutritionists to offer specific nutritional strategies for improved productivity. Feed additives are recommended as one of such strategic options, and plant materials, otherwise known as phytogenics, are being extensively investigated. Therefore, the study's objective was to assess the production performance and egg quality of commercial laying hens fed black pepper and red pepper additives. A total of 210 commercial laying hens at 24 weeks of age were allotted into seven dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. Each treatment had thirty (30) birds each, replicated three times to give ten (10) birds per replicate in a study that lasted 12 weeks. The formulated diets included: a control diet with no additives; Treatments 2 and 3 had 1% and 1.5% black pepper powder; Treatments 4 and 5 had 1...
Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 2007
The haematological and biochemical status of twenty West African dwarf goats fed Panicum maximum ... more The haematological and biochemical status of twenty West African dwarf goats fed Panicum maximum supplemented with foliage from Afzelia africana and Newbouldia laevis was investigated. Values for PCV, Hb concentration and RBC count differed significantly (P < 0.05) between the diets. Average PCV value was highest in 25Nwb:75Pm diet and least in 25Afz:75Pm diet. Hb concentration was significantly higher in diet 25Nwb:75Pm than in diet 25Afz:75Pm but not different from all the other dietary treatments. RBC counts observed differed between the dietary treatments. Apart from the values obtained for sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, total protein and aspartate transaminase, differences between the measured biochemical parameters were not significant (P > 0.05) between the diets. Sodium was highest i n 25Afz:75Pm diet and varied significantly (P < 0.05) compared to 50Nwb:50Pm diet. Potassium in the serum of the studied animals was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in 25Afz:75Pm diet than in 25Nwb:75Pm and 100Pm (control) diets but did not differ from diets 50Afz:50Pm and 50Nwb:50Pm. In terms of total protein level, only the 100Pm (control) diet differed significantly from the supplemented diets. Activities of the enzymes alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase in the sampled sera did not vary between the diets except for aspartate transaminase where, only the 50Nwb:50Pm diet differed from the other diets. These results to a large extent suggest the positive potential of the studied plant leaves in the feeding of goats without adverse effects.
African Journal of Biotechnology, 2010
This study was carried out to assess the reproductive performance of cycling West African Dwarf d... more This study was carried out to assess the reproductive performance of cycling West African Dwarf does as well as to assess the efficacy of medroxyl-progestrone acetate, an estrus synchronizing drug, that has the advantage of being administered orally and intramuscularly. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design using 40 cycling does divided into five experimental treatment groups. The results of the experiment show that estrus behavior in the does was significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the dosage and route of drug administration. On the other hand, other reproductive traits assessed such as gestation length (days), litter size at birth, birth weight of kids (Kg) and weaning weight (Kg) were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by the drug. These results show that there is good prospect in the use of medroxyl-progestrone acetate orally and intramuscularly in synchronizing estrus in cycling WAD does.
The study was conducted to determine the effects of age at surgical caponization on the growth pe... more The study was conducted to determine the effects of age at surgical caponization on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of ISA Brown cockerels. A total of 108 birds were used for the study and allotted to four treatments of 27 birds each, replicated three times to give 9 birds per replicate. The cockerels were surgically altered at 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age. Birds had access to formulated starter, grower and finisher diets ad libitum during a twenty one week experimental period. The results revealed that final weight and weight gain in the capons were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in uncaponized birds. Birds caponized at 8 weeks recorded the highest in final weight (3.35 kg/bird) and weight gain (2.98 kg/bird), as against the least obtained from the control with 2.53 kg/bird and 2.17 kg/bird respectively. Significant differences were also observed in feed conversion ratio and mortality. Birds caponized at 8 weeks had better feed conversion ratio of 3.98, as ag...
Acta Scientiarum. Animal Sciences, 2017
This study evaluated the effect of Cd on some male reproductive parameters; and explored the ther... more This study evaluated the effect of Cd on some male reproductive parameters; and explored the therapeutic potentials of methanolic extract of Phoenix dactylifera (MEPD) fruit in averting such reproductive damages. 45 rabbit bucks aged 24-28 weeks and weighing 1.41-1.43 kg was used. The rabbits were assigned to 5 treatment groups (control, Cd-only, Cd + 300 mg MEPD, Cd + 600 mg MEPD and Cd + 900 mg MEPD) in a completely randomized design. The rabbits were dosed with 3 mg CdCl 2 kg-1 feed for 7 days followed by MEPD for 56 days after every 72 hours. Result of semen evaluation indicates that semen volume, motility, libido, concentration, total ejaculate, viability and morphology were significantly reduced by Cd compared to the normal control group. Testis density and epididymis length of the control rabbits were significantly different from the Cd-only exposed rabbits. Histopathological examination revealed severe testicular damage due to Cd. Indeed, treatment with MEPD significantly reversed the deleterious reproductive effects caused by Cd. In conclusion, cadmium drastically affected the testis of rabbits and treatment with MEPD alleviated some deleterious effects.
World Rabbit Science, 2015
Testicular morphometry, gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves of rabbit bucks treated with Huma... more Testicular morphometry, gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves of rabbit bucks treated with Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin (Menogon ®) were studied. Twenty-four crossbred rabbit bucks weighing 1.3-1.6 kg at 15-17 wk were randomised into 4 treatment doses of 0 (control), 7.5, 15.0, and 22.5 I.U. in a completely randomised design with 6 bucks per group. A vial of Menogon ® was reconstituted in 1 mL of physiological saline solution and administered intramuscularly at 72 h intervals for 56 d prior to commencement of sample collection. Parameters evaluated were ejaculate concentration, testicular morphometry, gonadal and extragonadal sperm concentrations. Results for ejaculate concentration (86, 110, 186, and 135×10 6 /mm 3) revealed a significantly (P<0.05) higher difference in the 15.0 I.U. group. Gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserve indices were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by the treatment. Testicular morphometry results showed that paired testis volume (cm 3), testis circumference (cm), ductus deferens length (cm) and epididymal length (cm) were significantly (P<0.05) different, with a progressive increase that corresponds to increased Menogon ® administration. High and positive correlations (P<0.01) were observed between testis weight and gonadal sperm reserves (r=0.99) and body weight and gonadal sperm reserves (r=0.99). Similarly, correlations between epididymal weight and epididymal sperm reserves (r=0.85), testis weight and ejaculate concentration (r=0.97), body weight and ejaculate concentration (r=0.96), body weight and testis weight (r=0.97), testis volume and ejaculate concentration (r=0.97), testis volume and gonadal sperm reserve (r=0.91), testis volume and testis weight (r=0.96), and testis volume and body weight (r=0.90) were positive and significant (P<0.05). Taking all the reported results into consideration, controlling the amount of Menogon ® administration at 15.0 I.U. for rabbit bucks could be a promising approach to regulating testosterone synthesis and secretion, thereby affording a potential method of enhancing fertility.
Testicular morphometry, gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves of rabbit bucks treated with Huma... more Testicular morphometry, gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves of rabbit bucks treated with Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin (Menogon®) were studied. Twenty-four crossbred rabbit bucks weighing 1.3-1.6 kg at 15-17 wk were randomised into 4 treatment doses of 0 (control), 7.5, 15.0, and 22.5 I.U. in a completely randomised design with 6 bucks per group. A vial of Menogon® was reconstituted in 1 mL of physiological saline solution and administered intramuscularly at 72 h intervals for 56 d prior to commencement of sample collection. Parameters evaluated were ejaculate concentration, testicular morphometry, gonadal and extragonadal sperm concentrations. Results for ejaculate concentration (86, 110, 186, and 135×106/mm3) revealed a significantly (P 0.05) affected by the treatment. Testicular morphometry results showed that paired testis volume (cm3), testis circumference (cm), ductus deferens length (cm) and epididymal length (cm) were significantly (P<0.05) different, with a progress...
The study was aimed at investigating the effect of oral administration of lime fruit on growth pe... more The study was aimed at investigating the effect of oral administration of lime fruit on growth performance, haematology and serum biochemistry in broiler chicken. A total of 150, one day-old unsexed broiler chickens of Anak 2000 strain, were used in a completely randomized design (CRD). The birds were randomly allotted to five treatments with each group having 30 birds, replicated three times to give 10 birds per replicate. Treatment 1 was the control and had no additive; Treatment 2, had 5 mL of lime juice per litre of water every day; Treatment 3, had 7.5g of diced whole lime fruit per litre of water every day; treatment 4, had 5mL of lime juice per litre of water in alternate day while Treatment 5, had 7.5g of diced whole lime fruit per litre of water in alternate day. The experimental trial was for six (6) weeks after a brooding period of two weeks. Significant differences were observed in the final weight, feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. Treatment 4 with...
International Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, 2020
The study was conducted to determine the effects of age at surgical caponization on the growth pe... more The study was conducted to determine the effects of age at surgical caponization on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of ISA Brown cockerels. A total of 108 birds were used for the study and allotted to four treatments of 27 birds each, replicated three times to give 9 birds per replicate. The cockerels were surgically altered at 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age. Birds had access to formulated starter, grower and finisher diets ad libitum during a twenty one week experimental period. The results revealed that final weight and weight gain in the capons were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in uncaponized birds. Birds caponized at 8 weeks recorded the highest in final weight (3.35 kg/bird) and weight gain (2.98 kg/bird), as against the least obtained from the control with 2.53 kg/bird and 2.17 kg/bird respectively. Significant differences were also observed in feed conversion ratio and mortality. Birds caponized at 8 weeks had better feed conversion ratio of 3.98, as against the least (5.65) obtained from the control. The control group of intact roosters also had the least dressed weight percentage (74.25%), while the birds caponized on the 8 week had the highest percentage (81.67%). Caponization similarly improved relative weights of some cut parts and increased the deposition of abdominal fat. It is concluded that surgical caponization with particular reference to that undertaken when the birds were 8 weeks old, significantly improved growth performance and carcass characteristics of ISA Brown cockerels.