The study was carried to characterize the Woyto-Guji goats reared in two districts (Nyangatom and Malle) of South Omo and also to assess the traits used to select the bucks and does traditionally. The respondents were selected using stepwise purposive followed by random sampling method. The collected data were analyzed using statistical procedures. The qualitative traits were evaluated using non parametric tests. The results indicated that the bucks and does are selected by the community members using traditional descriptors. The traits preferred for selection were those related with adaptation and disease tolerance. The bucks were selected for traits which correlated with their abilities to fend off predators while the does were selected for their mothering and nursing abilities. Coat colors were also considered as important attributes towards selecting the does and bucks, the preferred coat colors were those with white with patchy, red and red with patchy. The selection criteria of breeding doe’s were more concerned on their maternal instincts and nursing abilities while body conformation and coat color were the traits preferred for selection of the bucks. Pastoral and agro pastoral preference of coat color patterns were white with patchy, red and red with patchy which were helpful for the goats of the area for the adaptation on the existing hot environment. Therefore, based on their adaptation traits, selection and breed improvement strategies should be developed for the existing environment.

A study was conducted in Oru West Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria to assess the sheep production systems and the major problems faced by farmers in the management of their sheep flocks. The survey was done in some selected communities in the study area. Majority of the farmers sourced their stock from the open market and none indicated to have sourced from institutional farms where modern breeding techniques are employed. Flock size ranged from 5 – 50 animals (mean flock size was 12.8). Fifty eight percent of the farmers rear purely West African Dwarf breed and more breeding ewes were kept than rams. Sheep are kept for generating family income, for use during religious/traditional rites, meat and milk in that order. Farmers had preference for keeping particular breed of sheep for varied reasons which included multiple births, adaptation to environment, good temperament, good mothering ability and lactation. Major problems identified as hampering the productivity of the sheep production in the area were high cost of feeds, seasonality of feeds, inadequate extension services, disease and vaccination problems and the high cost of veterinary care.

The current study evaluated the effect of a multi-carbohydrase and phytase complex (MCPC) on ileal and total tract nutrient digestibility in growing pigs. A total of 8 male pigs (initial BW = 30.7±1.1 kg) have been surgically fitted with a T-cannula at the distal ileum and randomly allotted to 4 groups. The experiment has been conducted according to a 4×4 Latin square design, each period lasting 10 days. Pigs were fed 4 experimental diets, which consisted of 2 basal diets (BD1, low phytate; BD2, high phytate) with or without MCPC supplying at least 1800 U xylanase, 6600 U α-arabinofuranosidase, 1244 U β-glucanase, and 1000 U phytase per/kg corn-soybean based diet. High phytate diet reduced (P < 0.05) the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of crude protein by 1.4% and the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of organic matter, crude protein and gross energy by 1.7, 2.3 and 1.9%, respectively, and tended to decrease (P = 0.10) the ATTD of Ca by 17.3%, relative to low phytate diet. Dietary supplemental MCPC increased (P < 0.05) AID of P and Ca by 34.2% and 31.1% for BD1 and 26.7% and 41.3% for BD2, respectively, as well as increased (P < 0.05) ATTD of crude fat, P, and Ca by 1.4%, 45.6% and 9.6% for BD1 and 3.1%, 66.0% and 52.7% for BD2, respectively. MCPC addition did not significantly increase AID and (or) ATTD of crude protein, organic matter and starch. A trend to enhanced protein digestibility was only observed in low phytate BD1 diet. In conclusion, dietary supplemental enzymes rich in MCPC is effective in improving the AID of P and Ca and ATTD of crude fat, P, and Ca.

In this study, we evaluated the productive performance and economic profitably of weaned lambs fed low quality hay and supplemented with a Trichoderma longibrachiatum strain isolated from sheep (ICA/UFMG LT 001). Twelve early-weaned Santa Inês x Dooper lambs were housed in individual pens during 63 days, and randomly split into two groups: (1) lambs receiving the medium without the fungi and (2) lambs receiving 30 ml of culture medium containing the fungal strain. The average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), feed conversion (FC) and feed efficiency (FE) were analyzed in split plots of three periods of 21days and the total weight gain and final body weight were evaluated. The lambs fed the fungal strain showed higher ADG between 21 and 42 days of experiment for (P<0.05) and the increase in total weight gain (1.86 kg) comparing with untreated lambs. However, no significant differences were detected for the DMI, FC and FE. The fungal supplementation reduced into 13.35 % in the cost/kg of live weight and increased the gross and liquid profits by 9.28 % and 13.32 %, respectively. This study was aim evaluate the direct addition of a fungus isolated from the digestive tract of sheep in the diet of recently weaned lambs. We concluded that this supplementation improves the productive performance and economic feasibility until the 42 days of feedlot these young ruminants.

A total of 120 Anak 2000 broiler finisher birds were used in a 56 days feeding trial in a deep litter house to assess the effect of processed sweet potato meal on the internal organ weights of broiler finisher birds. Five replacement levels of the formulated feed: 0%, 12.5%, 25%, 37.5% and 50% Processed Sweet Potato Meal (PSPM) was used for treatments 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively with 0% PSPM as control. Treatments were replicated thrice. The broiler birds were fed the experimental diets four weeks after a one-week stabilization period. Feed and water were given ad libitum, while medication and vaccination were appropriately applied. The deep litter house was provided with standard facilities. Measurements of internal organ weights of birds were taken with a sensitive weighing balance (Mettler Toledo B 90001 – S brand. Considering the results of the weights of intestine, heart, gizzard, liver and crop, it appeared that the 37.5% level of PSPM is the optimal replacement level for maize grain.