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15 articles foundDRIVERS OF ZOOPLANKTON DIEL VERTICAL MIGRATION
Vertical migratory behavior, a daily synchronized up-and-down movement practiced by zooplankton shaping the availability of zooplankton to fish as food, was studied in Liberty Reservoir in the Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State in August 2018, November 2018 and March 2019. The distribution of zooplankton at different times of the day was investigated alongside some physicochemical parameters. Water samples were collected at three hours intervals from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on sampling days. Data on zooplankton abundance was analyzed using the SPSS statistical package. A two-way analysis of variance showed that water temperature, pH, water transparency, and dissolved oxygen varied significantly (P<0.05) significantly during the daytime. Pearson correlation analysis showed that zooplankton abundance correlated positively with air temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen. Variation in zooplankton abundance at different depths and times of the day revealed that vertical migration is taking place in these reservoirs. Abundance is more at the top by 6 a.m. and at 3 p.m. at the reservoir’s bottom. Temperature, water transparency, pH, and water transparency were attributed to the drivers of daytime migration in these reservoirs.
Oyedapo, F. A., Akpa, L.E., Mohammed M. Y, Oshibanjo, D. O.
CULTURE OF ROTIFERS USING DIFFERENT TYPES OF LIVESTOCK WASTES
A ten-day study was conducted to evaluate the suitability of different livestock manures as organic media for rotifer culture and to assess the associated water quality parameters. Twelve 6-L microcosms arranged in triplicate were assigned to four treatments: control (municipal tap water only), rabbit droppings (RD), poultry droppings (PD), and sheep droppings (SD), each supplemented with NPK fertilizer and soybean cake except the control. Rotifers were isolated from river water and inoculated into the culture media after three days of aeration. Baker's yeast was provided as feed throughout the culture period. Rotifer abundance was determined every other day from the second day of culture, while temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and alkalinity were monitored. Water quality remained within acceptable ranges for rotifer production: temperature (21–25°C), pH (6.7–7.5), dissolved oxygen (8.1–11.3 mg/L), carbon dioxide (9–14 mg/L), and alkalinity (90–111 mg/L). No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed among the measured physicochemical parameters across treatments. Rotifer populations increased steadily and reached peak abundance on the eighth day of culture before declining slightly by the tenth day. The poultry droppings treatment recorded the highest mean rotifer yield (131.33 individuals/mL), followed by rabbit droppings (108.67 individuals/mL) and sheep droppings (94.00 individuals/mL). Although differences in rotifer yield among the organic media were not statistically significant (P > 0.05), poultry droppings demonstrated the greatest carrying capacity and sustained higher rotifer production throughout the culture period. The findings indicate that livestock manures can serve as effective and inexpensive nutrient sources for rotifer culture. Among the media evaluated, poultry droppings showed the greatest potential for large-scale rotifer production because of their superior productivity and ability to sustain rotifer populations over an extended period. The use of locally available livestock manure offers a practical and sustainable approach for producing live feed to support fish hatchery operations and aquaculture development.
L. E. Igoche, K. V. Absalom, P. O. Ujah
PERFORMANCE-BASED ASSESSMENT AS A BETTER ALTERNATIVE TO TRADITIONAL WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE EDUCATION IN NIGERIAN HIGHER INSTITUTIONS
Assessment practices in Animal Science education should measure not only students' theoretical knowledge but also their ability to demonstrate practical competencies required in professional practice. However, assessment in many Nigerian higher institutions remains heavily dependent on traditional written examinations, which primarily evaluate cognitive achievement and provide limited evidence of graduates' workplace readiness. This paper examines performance-based assessment as a more effective alternative for evaluating Animal Science students. Drawing on contemporary literature and competency-based education principles, the paper compares traditional written examinations with performance-based assessment, highlighting their respective strengths and limitations. It argues that performance-based assessment offers a more authentic, valid, reliable, and comprehensive evaluation by integrating the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains of learning. The paper discusses the benefits of performance-based assessment, including improved practical competence, enhanced graduate employability, active and lifelong learning, fairer assessment, and stronger alignment with the National Universities Commission's Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS). It also outlines practical strategies for implementation, such as laboratory practicals, farm-based assessments, project work, portfolios, industrial attachment, oral presentations, observation checklists, and standardized assessment rubrics. Furthermore, the paper identifies key implementation challenges, including inadequate facilities, large class sizes, limited funding, insufficient lecturer training, increased workload, and concerns regarding assessment reliability. It concludes that while written examinations remain valuable for assessing theoretical knowledge, they should complement rather than dominate assessment practices. A balanced assessment system that prioritizes performance-based approaches will better prepare Animal Science graduates with the practical competencies, professional skills, and workplace readiness required to contribute effectively to Nigeria's livestock industry and broader agricultural development.
Clementina Hashimu Bulus (PhD)
PASTURE ESTABLISHMENT THROUGHs LINE PLANTING AND BROADCASTING TECHNIQUES: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF METHODS, PRACTICES, EFFICIENCY, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Pasture establishment represents one of the most critical agronomic investments in livestock and ruminant production systems globally. The choice of planting method — whether line planting (drill or row seeding) or broadcasting (surface or aerial seed dispersal) — profoundly influences seedling emergence, stand density, uniformity, weed competition, long-term forage yield, and the overall economic sustainability of the pasture enterprise. This review critically examines the agronomic, ecological, economic, and management dimensions of both methods across diverse agro-ecological zones, with particular emphasis on tropical and sub-tropical production systems relevant to sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and South and Southeast Asia. Evidence from controlled experiments, farm surveys, and long-term agronomic trials is synthesised to evaluate the comparative performance of each method under varying soil types, rainfall regimes, species compositions, and management intensities. The review further discusses species-specific considerations, seeding rate optimisation, soil preparation requirements, post-establishment management, and the emerging role of precision seeding technologies. Findings indicate that line planting consistently delivers superior stand establishment, higher long-term forage productivity, and better weed suppression, while broadcasting offers cost-effective, large-scale application advantages particularly in rough terrain and when species diversity is prioritised. A decision framework integrating farm-specific factors is proposed to guide practitioners in selecting the most appropriate method. The review concludes with evidence-based recommendations for integrating the two approaches under complementary conditions to maximise pasture establishment success.
Agbenyi Emmanuel Omenka, David Adzoyi Abizi, Innocent Hyellakasiya, Benjamin Mafeng Bot, Hashimu Miracle Dadiyel, Haruna Monica Mabi, Wum'an Makkwoop Iliya, Danjuma Adikaba, Abdullahi Adeola Ariya, Ngurukwem Henry Chiebuka, Maduka Olive Onyinyechi, Rashida Abdulsalam Mustapha, Izang Jennifer Itse, Simon Jennifer Haruna, Moses Matilda Dabwel, Jecintha Oluchi Okoye, Samuel Moses, Sati Chamdat Daswan, Salihu Amos, Wumnokol Njukumnan, Paul Ayaka Agabi, Nwosu Ejike Peter, Titus Tuamlong Kwanmen, Sarah Nimbam, Oshibanjo Olusegun
Influence of onion skin waste on growth performance, carcass characteristics, physiological responses, and histological indices of broiler chickens
This study investigated the effects of dietary inclusion of onion peel waste (Allium cepa L.) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, hematology, biochemistry, and intestinal histology of broiler chickens. A total of 200 day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments (0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 g of onion peel per 25 kg of feed) using a completely randomized design for 56 days. Results showed that moderate inclusion levels (2.5–5.0 g) significantly enhanced growth performance, weight gain, and carcass yield, while higher levels (7.5–10.0 g) reduced performance but improved feed conversion ratios. Nutrient digestibility, especially crude protein and ether extract, was positively influenced by onion peel supplementation. Histological examination revealed no adverse effects on intestinal morphology across treatments. Hematological parameters remained largely unaffected, while biochemical indices such as albumin, total protein, and globulin improved significantly at higher inclusion levels. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds such as saponins, flavonoids, and tannins. The study concludes that onion peel waste can serve as a sustainable, functional feed additive that enhances broiler productivity and carcass quality without detrimental health effects. Further studies are recommended to optimize the dosage for maximum benefit.
Adelowo Olayinka V., Oshibanjo Olusegun D., Aka-Tanimo Akeem, Olaiya Olalekan D., Dampo Vivian Aron, Igwe Kingsley, Ashom Ezekiel Bitrus, Lukshik Freeman Phillip, Oso Cynthia, Nokshwan Timak Samuel