Vol 4- Cont. J. Vet. Sci

Continental J. Veterinary Sciences 4: 1 - 8, 2010 ©Wilolud Journals, 2010

ISSN: 2141 – 4041 http://www.wiloludjournal.com

ASSESSMENT OF REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS IN SOME RUMINANTS UNDER SMALLHOLDER HUSBANDRY SYSTEM IN BAUCHI, NIGERIA D. Zahraddeen1, I. S. R. Butswat2 and L.S. Taimako1 Animal Production Programme, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B. 0248, Bauchi, Nigeria, 2National Open University of Nigeria, Jos Study Centre, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
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ABSTRACT This study collated four-year data (2005 – 2008) on the incidence of some reproductive problems in some farm ruminants (cattle, sheep and goats) as influenced by species, season, age and year. The data were subjected to simple descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis. The reproductive problems studied were dystocia, retained placenta, vaginal prolapse, orchitis, abortion, pregnancy toxaemia, uterine prolapse and hypocalcaemia. The results showed that there was a significant (P<0.01) species effect on the incidence of these problems. For instance, the incidence of dystocia was 0.0, 23.8 and 20.7 % in cattle, sheep and goats, respectively. Incidence of retained placenta was highest in cattle (61.9%) followed by goats (34.0%) and lowest in sheep (15.1%). Vaginal prolapse recorded the highest incidence in sheep followed by goats and lowest in cattle. Orchitis was highest in goats followed by sheep with the least incidence in cattle. Similarly, there were more cases of abortion in goats (26.0%) as compared to cattle (19.0%) and sheep (7.6%). The results on incidence of pregnancy toxaemia and hypocalcaemia revealed that the sheep had higher cases than goats and cattle. The results showed that incidence of these problems as affected by season did not differ significantly in the three species. Similarly, there was no significant effect on these problems with respect to year (2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008) of occurrence. Age had significant (P<0.05) effect on the incidence these problems. For instance, the young animals were more prone to vaginal prolapse, abortion and dystocia then followed by adults, and the old having the lowest incidence. Cases of orchitis, pregnancy toxaemia, hypocalcaemia, uterine prolapse and retained placenta were more common in adults than in young and old animals. However, the frequency of vaginal prolapse, abortion and uterine prolapse were very low in the old as compared to other animals (young and adults). This study concludes that these ruminants (cattle, sheep and goats) managed under the smallholder husbandry system experienced colossal occurrence of these problems which relegated them to reduced reproductive status. It is suggested that improved management practices in terms of good nutrition, provision of adequate housing and prompt control of pests and diseases would go a long way towards addressing the incidence of these problems in smallholder flocks. KEYWORDS: Species, season, sex, age, year, reproductive problem INTRODUCTION Nigeria as well as many developing countries has for a long time been plagued with the problem of a worsening situation of inadequate consumption of animal protein. Average consumption rate of animal protein in Nigeria is estimated at 4.5 grams per head per day against the minimum recommended 35g/day (Onyimonyi and Ene, 2003). Nutrition is perhaps the most important consideration in livestock production and management. Most of the reproductive problems and disorders in farms animals are associated with bad management. This is evident in the forms of inadequate feeding, poor housing, pests and diseases, among others. However, one of the major improvement objectives in livestock production, particularly ruminant animals is to increase the number of young weaned per dam which is dependent on the number of newborn per parturition. This in turn depends on the number of ova and foetuses which die during pregnancy and the birth process (Allan and Stamp, 1987). The causes of embryonic death early in pregnancy are not well understood, but in general dams in good body condition at mating have a lower

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D. Zahraddeen et al.,: Continental J. Veterinary Sciences 4: 1 - 8, 2010

rate of embryonic mortality than dams in poor condition (Allan and Stamp, 1987), and they also have decreased incidence of reproductive problems (Zahraddeen et al., 2007). Reproductive performance of ruminants in the tropics is hampered by several factors such as genotype (Zahraddeen, 2006), season (Butswat, 1994; Zahraddeen et al., 2007), nutrition (Malau-Aduli et al., 2004), diseases and pests (Butswat et al., 2005) and lack of technical know-how (Zahraddeen, 2006). For instance, Wilson (1989) reported that in the traditional husbandry system no special care is given to the breeding stock and this has resulted in reduced reproductivity. Assessment of the reproductive performance of animals, especially ruminants, will go a long way in alleviating the current animal protein shortage in the country. Available information on reproductive problems in these species are mostly from research stations and government farms (Butswat et al., 2001; Zahraddeen et al., 2007) from smallholder husbandry is practically not available in literature in the study area. Data on reproductive performance of ruminants in Nigeria clearly indicate that these animals are far from expressing their biological potential for rate and efficiency. This study has become imperative to investigate some of the factors militating against achieving this goal. This research work was designed to investigate incidence of reproductive problems in these animals(cattle, sheep and goats) as influenced by sex, season, year and age in smallholder flocks in Bauchi. MATERIALS AND METHODS Location and Climate Bauchi metropolis, the study area, apart from being the headquarters of Bauchi Local Government and Bauchi State, is also the urban centre in the State. It lies on latitude 100 17I north, longitude 80 49I east and at an altitude of 690.2 metres above sea level in the northern guinea savannah ecological zone of Nigeria (Kowal and Knabe, 1972). Bauchi State is estimated to have a human population of more than 4.6 million people (NPC, 2006). The society is mainly agrarian. The climate is suitable for agriculture, and exhibits two marked seasons; dry (October to March) and rainy (April to September) (Butswat, 1994). The annual rainfall is between 1016-1270 mm. The mean monthly hours of sunshine is highest in December (300.3h) and lowest in August (150.1h). April is the hottest month with mean maximum and minimum temperatures of 30.1 and 13.7 oC, respectively. The mean relative humidity is highest in August (74.0%) and lowest in February (16.5%) as reported by Butswat et al. (2000). Source of data The data for this study were sourced from Bauchi Main Veterinary Clinic along Ran Road. A total of 343 animals were used for the study, comprising cattle (21), sheep (172) and goats (150) which were brought to the Clinic over four years (2005 to 2008). Data on the incidence of reproductive problems were collected based on the observed clinical signs as well as from the veterinary record books. The detailed descriptions of these species have been reported by Osinowo (1990). The predominant cattle breed in the area was Bunaji and few other breeds were available. The sheep breed was mainly Yankasa, while Kano Brown was the commonest goat breed in the metropolis. These animals were brought to the Clinic by smallholder farmers who mostly practised the traditional system of husbandry. Data collection The data for this study were collected from Bauchi Main Veterinary Clinic. The nature of reproductive problems was taken according to the following criteria:- Dystocia was recorded if difficult parturition was noticed in which assistance was required in order to save the life of the dam and or its newborn. - Abortion was recorded if pregnancy was terminated through the expulsion of the foetus of recognizable size (Butswat et al., 2001). - Retained placenta was recorded if after parturition the foetal membrane was not spontaneously released as described by Zahraddeen et al. (2007). - Uterine prolapse was recorded if the uterus protruded through the vulva for hours after giving birth (Eusebio, 1980). - Pregnancy toxaemia was considered if the dam in late pregnancy(last six weeks of pregnancy) found standing apart from the rest of the flock and make no effort to move even when approached, and when forced to do so walked with a staggering gait in an aimless direction as though blind (Eusebio, 1980).

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D. Zahraddeen et al.,: Continental J. Veterinary Sciences 4: 1 - 8, 2010

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Hypocalcaemia was recorded if the dam was at the last stage of pregnancy walked with a staggering gait was weak on its hind limbs, and breathing was often accelerated, probably due to restlessness and excitability of the animal (Eusebio, 1980). Orchitis was recorded if inflammation of the testicles occurred (Eusebio, 1980).

The reproductive problems were classified on the basis of species (cattle, sheep and goats), season (early dry, late dry, early wet and late wet), sex, year (2005-2008) and age. For the purpose of this study, the age was grouped into three; young, adult and old. For goats and sheep; < 24 months was taken as young, 24 to ≤ 48 months as adults and > 48 months as old animals. The dentition method was used for the aging. In cattle, the young were ≤ 3 years, > 3 to ≤ 6 years as adults and old as > 6 years. Statistical analysis Data generated from this study were subjected to simple descriptive statistics to obtain mean and percentages, while other data were subjected to Chi-square analysis using species, sex, season, age and year as factors, as described by Humburg (1977). RESULTS Data on the incidence of reproductive problems as influenced by species are presented in Table 1. The results showed that there was significant (P<0.01) species effect on the incidence of these problems. For instance, the incidence of dystocia was 0.0, 23.8 and 20.7 % for cattle, sheep and goats, respectively. Incidence of retained placenta was highest in cattle (61.9%) followed by goats (34.0%) and lowest in sheep (15.1%). Sheep had the highest per cent incidence of vaginal prolapse followed by goats and lowest in cattle. Occurrence of orchitis was highest in goat followed by sheep and least incidence in cattle. Similarly, there were higher cases of abortion in goats (26.0%) as compared to sheep (7.6%) and cattle (19.0%). However, the results on incidence of pregnancy toxaemia and hypocalcaemia revealed that the sheep had higher cases of occurrence than goats and cattle. Data on incidence of these problems as affected by season are also depicted in Table 1. The results showed that incidence of dystocia, retained placenta, vaginal prolapse, orchitis, abortion, pregnancy toxaemia, hypocalcaemia and uterine prolapse did not differ significantly with changes in season (Table 1). Table 2 shows the incidence of some reproductive problems in some ruminants (cattle, sheep and goats) as influenced by sex, year and age. The results showed that there were significant (P<0.01) sex effect on the overall incidence of these problems; females being more susceptible than males. However, there was no significant effect of these problems with respect to year of occurrence in these species studied. The results also showed that the incidence of these problems with respect to age of the animal (young, adult and old) differed significantly (P<0.05). For instance, the young animals were more prone to vaginal prolapse, abortion and dystocia then followed by adults and lowest in old animals. However, incidence of orchitis, pregnancy toxaemia, hypocalcaemia, uterine prolapse and retained placenta were higher in adults as compared to young and old animals. However, the incidence of vaginal prolapse, abortion and uterine prolapse were much lower in the old as compared to other animals (young and adults) (Table 2). DISCUSSION Incidence of some reproductive problems in some farm ruminants (cattle, sheep and goats) managed under the smallholder husbandry system in a part of northern guinea savannah ecological zone of Nigeria showed differential results in occurrence of these problems in the three species studied. Generally, the sheep had higher cases of these problems than the other two species. This high value may probably be linked with the differences in feeding habit of these animals. Sheep rarely select the type of grazing materials at their disposal, but goats are good selectors in their feeding habit. Therefore, this habit may account for the differences in their incidence of these problems. For instance, some plant materials may be highly toxic and if consumed by grazing animals in large quantity may predispose them to some of these problems. Peters and Ball (1995) reported that dietary deficiencies especially of vitamin E and selenium are known to cause retained placenta during the dry season. The high percentages of these problems in goats might also be due to the fact that this species does not like confinement or restriction for a prolonged period, and this predisposes them to wild grazing/browsing,

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D. Zahraddeen et al.,: Continental J. Veterinary Sciences 4: 1 - 8, 2010

as it is the practice with the traditional smallholder husbandry system. This was similarly stated by Zahraddeen (2006) in his study with goats under improved management practices. The lower incidence of these problems in cattle may be attributed to the fact that cattle were not left to fend for themselves as it is the case with sheep and goats where they might have access to some of these toxic plants. For instance, some problems such as dystocia, vaginal prolapse, orchitis and hypocalcaemia were virtually absent from the cattle investigated in the present study. This probably due to improved management conditions of cattle and they are not left to roam and fend for themselves as compared to sheep and goats. Previous studies with goats showed that incidence of reproductive problems were significantly influenced by breed as reported by Zahraddeen et al. (2007). This was similarly observed by Butswat et al. (2001) in crossbred cattle managed on-station in a subtropical climate. The non-significant seasonal effect observed in this study on incidence of some reproductive problems contradicted earlier reports by Abdullahi (1999) and Alawa et al. (2001) in their studies using cattle breeds. However, this study implicated the variation due to management differences employed in rearing these species. Animals were managed sedentarily in the latter studies as opposed to the smallholder husbandry practice in this study. The non-significant seasonal effect on species in the occurrence of these problems, as explained earlier was that sheep were more prone to these problems as compared to goats and cattle. The observed age effect on the incidence of reproductive problems in these species might be attributed to a number of factors. Firstly, the progressive decrease in the occurrence of these problems in the present study may be partly linked to under-development of tissues and organs in young animals but better development with age. This may also be attributed to low level of hormone production requisite for normal body physiological activities at younger age. In addition, high level of reproductive problems may also be linked to low resistance to certain infectious agents at tender age, as similarly reported by Zahraddeen (2006). However, the difference may also occur since low or excess tissue or fat deposition had been implicated in poor reproductive status of animals as reported by Butswat (1994). This also accounted for the high incidence of these problems in younger animals as compared to adult or old; due to their low tissue reserves which hinder normal physiological functions of the bodies. It was also observed that occurrence of some of these problems was sex-influenced with higher incidence rates in the females than in males. The only noticeable problem in males was that of orchitis. This low incidence of the reproductive problems in the males may be partly associated with the aggressive and active nature of the males. This is an added advantage to them as they consume more feed and attain higher body weight or good body condition scores, thereby conferring more immunity to the male animals as compared to malnourished females. This difference may also be partly responsible for the presence of androgens in males which play a role in growth and attainment of puberty at an early age. Setchell et al. (1965) reported that the on-set of puberty is more closely related to body weight than age. Zahraddeen et al. (2008) showed that live weight at birth is positively correlated with the body condition score of the dam. However, low body condition scores were implicated for reduced reproductive performance of goats. These are probably the reasons responsible for the higher cases of reproductive problems in females than in males. Furthermore, year was not seen to play any significant effect on the occurrence of these problems. CONCLUSIONS Some ruminants managed under the smallholder husbandry system experienced colossal rate of occurrence of reproductive problems which relegated them to reduced reproductive performance level. It is, therefore, suggested the animals should be exposed to good management practices for enhanced reproduction. REFERENCES Abdullahi, U.S. (1999). Incidence of reproductive problems in sedentary cattle in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Unpublished M. Sc. Thesis, Animal Production Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University,

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Bauchi, Nigeria, pp56. Alawa, C.B.I., Mohammed, A.K., Oni, O.O. Adeyinka, I.A., Lamidi, O.S. and Adamu, M. (2001). Prevalence and seasonality of common health problems in Sokoto Gudali cattle at a Beef Reserach Station in the Sadan savanna ecological zone of Nigeria.Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 28(2):224-228. Allan, F. and Stamp, J.T. (1987). Sheep husbandry and diseases. Oxford, London, Pp, 67 -86. Butswat, I.S. (1994). Study on seasonal variation in the reproductive status of sheep and goats in Bauchi. Ph.D. Thesis, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi,Nigeria, pp56. Butswat, I. S. R,Mbap, S. T. and Ayibatonye, G. A. (2000). Heat tolerance of sheep in Bauchi, Nigeria. Tropical Agriculture (Trinidad), 77 (4): 265 – 268. Butswat, I.S.R., Kalla, D.J.U., Mbap, S.T., Moloku, J.U. and Chuo, R.B. (2001). Evaluation of Reproductive Problems of Friesians, Bunaji and Crossed cows in a subtropical Environment. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 28(2):123-127. Butswat, I. S. R., Zahraddeen, D. and Hussaini, A.S. (2005). Prevalence of peste de pestits ruminant (PPR) and helminthiasis in sheep and goats in Bauchi, Nigeria. Bull. Anim. Hlt Prod., Afr., 53: 131134. Euseibio, J.A. (1980). Pig production in the tropics. Longman Publishers, Essex, pp115. Humburg, M. (1977). Statistical Analysis for Decision Making. 2nd Edition, Harcourt Brace, New York, pp801. Kowal, J. M and Knabe, D.T. (1972). Agroclimatological Atlas of the Northern States of Nigeria with explanatory notes. Ahmadu Bello University Press, Zaira, Nigeria, 128p. Malau-Aduli, B.S., Eduvie, L.O., Lakpini, C.A.M. and Malau-Aduli, A.E.O. (2004). Crop-residue supplementation of pregnant does influences birth weight and weight gain of kids, daily milk yield but not the progesterone profile of Red Sokoto goats. Repro. Nutr. Dev., 44:111-121. NPC (2006). National Population Census Figures, National Population Commission, Abuja, Nigeria. Onyimonyi, A.E. and Ene, J.C. (2003). Performance of growing rabbits fed Panicum Maximum with graded levels of a concentrate diet. Proceedings of the 8, 9, & 10th Annual Conference of Animal Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN) held 15th - 18th September, 2003:73 – 74. Osinowo, O. A. (1990). Breed selection, reproduction and breed management in the local small ruminant breeds. In: The Nigeria sheep and goat production Manual. O.A. Osinowo and A.A. Abatan (Eds) NAPRI, ABU, Zaria, pp 7 – 18. Peters, A. R. And Ball, P. J. H. (1995). Reproduction in cattle. 2nd Edition, Blackwell Science Ltd, UK Setchell, B. P, Waites G.M.H. and Lindner, H. R. (1965). Effect of under-nutrition on testicular body flow and metabolism and the output of testosterone in the ram. J. Reprod. Fert. 9: 149-157. Wilson, R. T. (1989).Reproductive performance of African indigenous small ruminants under various management systems: A Review. Anim. Prod. Sci.; 19: 523-529. Zahraddeen D. (2006). Studies on reproductive performance and milk productivity of goats in Bauchi. An unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, Animal Production Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria, pp210.

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Zahraddeen, D., Butswat, I.S.R. and Mbap, S.T. (2007). Gestation length, kidding interval and reproductive problems in goats in Bauchi, Nigeria. J. Agric. Res. Policies, 2(4): 11-16. Zahraddeen, D., Butswat, I.S.R., Mbap, S.T. and Naibi, S.A. (2008). Correlations of some reproductive traits with partial daily milk yield and growth traits in local goats of Nigeria. Proceedings of the 13th Annual Conference of Animal Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN) held between 15th and 18th September, 2008 at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, pp13-17

Received for Publication: 03/04/2010 Accepted for Publication: 30/04/2010 Corresponding Author: Unigwe, C.R. Department of Animal Science, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki P. M. B 053.

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D. Zahraddeen et al.,: Continental J. Veterinary Sciences 4: 1 - 8, 2010
Table 1: Incidence of some reproductive problems in ruminants as influenced by species and season Species Season __________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Problem Cattle Sheep Goats Early Dry Late Dry Early Wet Late Wet ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Dystocia 0 (0.0) 41 (23.8) 31 (20.7) 11 (16.9) 29(25.4) 17(23.6) 15(16.4) Retained Placenta Vaginal Prolapse Orchitis Abortion Pregnancy Toxaemia Hypocalcaemia Uterine Prolapse Cummulative Incidence

13(61.9)

26 (15.1)

51 (34.0)

22 (33.8)

23(20.2)

21(29.2)

24(26.1)

0(0.0) 0 (0.0) 4(19.0)

14(8.1) 4(2.3) 13 (7.6)

7(4.7) 7(4.7) 39 (26.0)

3(4.6) 2(3.1) 5(7.7)

5(4.4) 3(2.6) 18(15.8)

6(8.3) 1(1.4) 14(19.5)

3(3.3) 5(5.4) 20(21.7)

3(14.3) 0(0.0)

57 (33.2) 13 (7.6)

4 (2.6) 7 (4.7)

14(21.6) 5(7.7)

27(23.7) 6(5.3)

7(9.7) 5(6.9)

20(21.7) 4(4.3)

1(4.8)

4(2.3)

4(2.6)

3(4.6)

3(2.6)

1(1.4)

1(1.1)

21

172

150

65

114

72

92

df 2 3 X2 87.37 30.1 Los ** NS ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Figures in parentheses are percentages of the values in the same column, ** P<0.01, NS = Not Significant, Los = Level of significance, df = degree of freedom, X2= Chi-square value.

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D. Zahraddeen et al.,: Continental J. Veterinary Sciences 4: 1 - 8, 2010
Table 2: Incidence of some reproductive problems in ruminants as influenced by sex, period and age Sex Period Age _________________________ _____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ Problem Male Female 2005 2006 2007 2008 Young Adult Old ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Dystocia 0(0.0) 72(21.7) 39(23.4) 16(21.9) 16(17.2) 1(10.0) 24(24.0) 37(21.1) 11(16.2) Retained placenta Vaginal Prolapse Orchitis Abortion Pregnancy Toxaemia Hypocalcaemia Uterine Prolapse Cummulative Incidence df 0(0.0) 70(21.1) 35(20.9) 26(35.7) 24(25.8) 6 (60.0) 23(23.0) 43(24.6) 22(32.4)

0(0.0)

17(5.1)

12(7.2)

2(2.7)

3(3.2)

0(0.0)

11(11.0)

5(2.9)

1(1.5)

11 (100.0) 0(0.0) 0(0.0)

0(0.0) 66(19.9) 68(20.5)

2(1.2) 31(18.6) 37(22.2)

2(2.7) 15(20.6) 7(9.6)

6(6.5) 13(14.0) 19(20.4)

1(10.0) 1(10.0) 0(0.0)

3(3.0) 23(23.0) 9(9.0)

5(2.9) 22(12.6) 47(26.9)

3(4.4) 1(1.5) 23(33.7)

0(0.0)

20(6.0)

9(5.3)

3(4.1)

7(7.5)

1(10.0)

5(5.0)

10(5.7)

6(8.8)

0(0.0)

19(5.7)

2(1.2)

2(2.7)

5(5.4)

0(0.0)

2(2.0)

6(3.4)

1(1.5)

11 1

332

167

73 3

93

10

100

175 2

68

X2 34.00 29.15 30.35 Los ** NS * ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Figures in parentheses are percentages of the values in the same column,* P<0.05, ** P<0.01, NS = Not Significant, Los = Level of significance, df = degree of freedom, X2 = Chi-square value

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Continental J. Veterinary Sciences 4: 9 -15, 2010 ©Wilolud Journals, 2010

ISSN: 2141 – 4041 http://www.wiloludjournal.com

HERD STRUCTURE AND INCIDENCE OF SUPERNUMERARY TEATS IN MALLHOLDER GOAT PRODUCTION IN KANO STATE
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G. N. Akpa1, C.Alphonsus1 S.Y. Dalha2 and Y.Garba2 Animal Science Department,Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, 2Animal Science Department, Bayaro University, Kano, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Fifty-eight (58) goat herds were randomly selected in Kano state and survey to evaluate the smallholder goat herd structure and incidence of supernumerary teat. The results revealed that the herd size of the smallholder goat in the study area ranged from 4 to 30 with the mean herd size of 11.6. Within the herds, there were more adult (67%) than young (33%) goats. For the young goats, the males (55%) were more than the females (45%). However, in the adult (breeding) goats, the females (82%) were more than the males (18%). Within the breeding females, the nanny does (72%) were more than the maiden does (28%). Herd size significantly (P<0.05 – 0.01) influenced the goat herd attributes except breeding males (P>0.05). Young goats, young males’, young females, adult goats, breeding females, maiden does, nanny does and buck to doe ratio increased with herd size. Buck to doe ratio was significantly (P <0.01) and positively correlated with all the herd attributes (r = 0.41 – 0.63) except breeding males (r = -0.39). The number of adult goats in the herd was significantly and positively correlated with herd size and young goats (r = 0.30-0.58;P<0.01-0.05;). The number of young males and females in the herd was significantly and positively correlated with young goats (r=0.53-0.94; P<0.01) but not with litter size. The incidence of supernumerary teats was not common (11%) and was observed to decreased with increase in herd size. Good breeding herd management system that would ensure the use of proven sire in a good mating ratio would improve herd performance KEYWORDS: herd size, herd structure, supernumerary teats, Red Sokoto goats, smallholder goats INTRODUCTION Goat rearing is becoming increasingly popular among smallholder farmers. Goat production is regarded as a feasible means to improve the income and nutrition of rural communities and to bring these communities into commercial marketing systems (Braker et al., 2002). With the increasing human population and diminishing available agricultural land sizes, it is becoming difficult for small-scale farmers with very small land holdings to keep large ruminants. The goat has become very popular in recent years as a pathway out of poverty (Ahuya et al., 2004) and as good source of meat and milk to the rural populace. One of the major udder abnormalities that affect milking efficiency of dairy animals is the presence of supernumerary teat, although it is not uncommon and hereditary in goats to have a kid born with extra teat or teats (supernumerary) with multiple ends. These small teats are commonly imperforated and are not harmful but occasionally they leak during milking and they can also become infected from time-to-time. Therefore, female kids should be examined for this abnormality. Currently, many Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) working with resource-poor livestock keepers in medium to high potential areas are encouraging farmers to keep improved goat genotypes. Despite the recognized contributions of goats on smallholder farms, such roles and contributions have not fully been studied and quantified (Akpa 1999; Akpa et al.,2001). The knowledge of the smallholder herd structure and the system of management is essential for identifying opportunities to shape the future of small ruminant production in Nigeria. There is, therefore, need to study the herd structure of this smallholder goat Production and quantify the production, reproduction and socio-economic issues that affect goat production. This is expected to influence policy formulation that may lead to economically sustainable production in smallholder livestock systems. G. N. Akpa et al.,: Continental J. Veterinary Sciences 4: 9 - 15, 2010

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The objective of this study therefore, is to evaluate the smallholder goats herd structure and incidence of supernumerary teat. MATERIALS AND METHODS Study location The study was conducted in Kano and environs, located within the Sudan Savannah Zone of Nigeria. The area is situated between longitude 9o30’and 12o30’North, and latitude 9o30’ and 8o42’ East. The climate is characterized by dry and wet seasons. The dry season stretches from October to April, while the wet season is from May to September. The annual rainfall and temperature is between 787 and 969mm and 21-39oC, respectively (IAR, 2005). Animal management The animals were managed under the traditional smallholder system. They were released for grazing in the morning at 8.00am and kraaled at night. The goat houses were made using corn stalk for fencing and thatched roof for protection against heat and rainfall. The houses were open sided for adequate ventilation. There was no organized health care provision in terms of vaccination and deworming. However, veterinary officers were called to treat the animals when cases of ill-health occur. Supplementary feeding of the animals was sometimes done in the morning before turning them out for grazing and in the evening before they were kraaled. The feeds supplements include; groundnut haulms, beans pods, maize/ millets or sorghum offals. The kids were allowed to run with their dams throughout the study period, and weaning was by natural means. Survey Scope, Sampling Method and Data Collection The study commenced with primary visits to identify goat herds and individual herd size in Kano metropolis and its environs. Fifty-eight (58) goat herds were randomly selected and surveyed. The herd attributes surveyed were: herd size (HS), young goats(YG), adult goats (AG), breeding males,(BM) breeding females(BF), maiden does (MD), nanny does(ND), litter size (LS) and buck to doe ratio (BDR). The herd size was categorized into 3 ( <10, 11-20 and 21-30) and the effect of herd size on the measured attributes determined. All information obtained was used to evaluate the herd structure of smallholder goats in Kano. Attributes measured for the supernumerary teat were: HS, population of female goats per herd, female goats with normal teats per herd, female goats with supernumerary teats per herd, number of females with unilateral or bilateral supernumerary teat per herd. The distribution of Supernumerary teat according to herd size was determined. Data analysis The data collected were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) procedure of SAS (1999) and the means were separated by Duncan Multiple Range Test procedure of SAS (1999). The correlated relationship between the measured attributes was determined using correlation analysis procedure of SAS, (1999). RESULTS The descriptive statistics of smallholder goat herds in Kano and its environs is presented in Table 1. The average herd size, young goats, young males, young females, adult goats, breeding males, breeding females, maiden does, nanny does, buck to doe ratio and litter size was 11.6, 3.8, 2.1, 1.7, 7.8, 1.4, 6.4, 1.8, 4.7, 5.3 and 1.6, respectively. The measured attributes were highly variable, with the CV varying from 42.8 to 120.7%. Within the herds, there were more adult (67%) than young (33%) goats. For the young goats, the males (55%) were more than the females (45%). However, in the adult (breeding) goats, the females (82%) were more than the males (18%). Within the breeding females, the nanny does (72%) were more than the maiden does (28%). Table 2 shows the effect of herd size on the distribution of goats according to the measured attributes. Herd size significantly (P<0.01) influenced the goat herd attributes except breeding males (P>0.05). Young goats, young males, young females, adult goats, breeding females, maiden does, nanny does and buck to doe ratio increased with herd size. G. N. Akpa et al.,: Continental J. Veterinary Sciences 4: 9 - 15, 2010

The incidence of supernumerary teat in smallholder goat herd in Kano and its environs is presented in Table 3. The observations on the female goats showed that most of the does had normal teat (89%) with 11% of them having

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supernumerary teat. Majority of the does that had supernumerary teat had it unilaterally exhibited. The incidence of supernumerary teat decreased with increase in herd size, from 63% in ≤ 10 goats to 16% in 21-30 goats. The correlated relationship between the observed herd attributes is presented in Table 4. Buck to doe ratio was significantly (P <0.01) and positively correlated with all the herd attributes (r = 0.41 – 0.63) except breeding males (r = -0.39). The number of nanny does in the herd was significantly and positively correlated with all the attributes, (r = 0.43 – 0.90; P<0.01) except maiden does (r=0.23; P>0.05). However, number of the maiden does in the herd was significantly and positively correlated with the number of young females, adults goats and breeding females ( r = 0.33 0.65 ;P<0.01 -0.05). The number of the breeding females in the herd was significantly and positively correlated (r = 0.40-0.97; P<0.01-0.05) with herd size, number of young goats (males and females), adult goats and breeding males. The number of breeding males on the other hand was significantly and positively correlated with adult goats (r = 0.59; P<0.01) but not with herd size and young goats. The number of adult goats in the herd was significantly and positively correlated with herd size and young goats (r = 0.30-0.58 P<0.01-0.05). The number of young males and females in the herd was significantly and positively correlated with young goats (r=0.53-0.94; P<0.01) but not with litter size. DISCUSSION The study of the herd structure revealed that the herd size in the smallholder goat in the study area ranged from 4 to 30 with the mean herd size of 11.6 this is comparable with the mean herd size of 10 – 40 reported by Németh et al.(2004). The high proliferation of males than females at the younger age is an indication that the rate of male bearing was higher than the females in these herds. However as the animals grow to maturity the males are probably sold and only few are left for breeding purposes. Also the decrease in the number of males at maturity could be attributed to differential mortality rate of males and female kids. This is inline with the earlier findings of Chikagwu-Malunga and Banda (2006) that mortality rate of suckling males were higher than the female. The mean litter size of 1.6 obtained in this study is similar to the 1.61 reported by Taiwo et al. (2005) and is within the ranged of 1.5 to 1.7 reported by Adu et al. (1979) in Red Sokoto goat, but lower than the 1.74 repoted by Iyiola-Tunji et al.(2008) and Akpa et al.(2004) in the same breed. The differences in the average litter size in these studies may be attributed to breed and environmental differences as well as managerial factors involved in the different studies. Goat keeping and production are profitable activities and it is known that increasing prolificacy is one of the factors that determine the profitability. The litter size in this study ranged from 1 to 3. This is consistent with the report of Amoah and Gelaye,(1990) but lower than the 1 to 4 reported by Amoah et al,(1996). The significant effect of herd size on all the measured attributes underscored the importance of herd size and herd management in the improvement of the herd performance, since Performance of the herd is dependent on selecting the right animal for breeding purposes. Therefore, increase in herd size provides large gene pool for high selection intensity which will invariably increase the herd performance. Likewise, increase in herd size may increase the profitability of the famer. However beyond certain number the law of diminishing returns may set in. Németh et al.(2004) reported that expenses increased significantly above income per goat as the herd size increased. Although buck to doe ratio increased with increase in herd size, it was however observed that the bucks were under utilized particularly in the traditional smallholder management system where bucks are indiscriminately allowed to run with the does. But in a control mating system more appropriate mating ratio is used. In this study the buck to doe ratio ranged from 2 to 13. This is far below the buck to doe ratio of 1:40 used by Das and Sendalo (1990). The low frequency of occurrence of supernumerary teats in Red Sokoto goats does in this study (11%) is similar to the 15% reported by Oseni et al. (2006) in WAD goats but contrary to the findings of G. N. Akpa et al.,: Continental J. Veterinary Sciences 4: 9 - 15, 2010

Amoa et al.(2003) that the presence of supernumerary teat constitute a major udder abnormality in WAD goats. In this study the incidence of supernumerary teats decreased with increase in herd size, this is probably due to the fact that in most of the large herds the farmers practiced some level of selection. The important thing is that the farmer should keep record on this in the herd book, since this is an inherited trait which could be avoided. The farmer can use the information kept on this trait to determine which animal can become parent for the next generation because supernumerary traits are hereditary.

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The low and negative correlation of herd size with the number of breeding males was an indication that improvement in herd size depends on the quality of the breeding males rather than the number of males in the herd. However herd size depends on the number of productive animals (breeding females and nanny does) in the herd. This underscored the observed high percentage of females than the males in the smallholder herd. The high and positive correlation between herd size and the breeding ratio implies that increase in herd size would go concurrently with the increase in the number of the males to ensure appropriate mating ratio and avoid overworking the buck. Buck to doe ratio was significantly and positively correlated with all the herd attributes considered in this study. This indicates the importance of good breeding herd management that would ensure the use of proven sire at the right mating proportion in other to achieved high productivity. Reproductive performance is one of the main determinants of productivity of goats. High reproduction rates are essential for profit in goat production (Ezekwe and Lovin, 1996) and is determined by the number of progeny kidded in a given period of time (Greyling, 2000). The biological productivity of livestock is determined by the fundamental processes of reproduction, growth and development, and death. The strong relationship observed between BF, MD and ND with both the young and adult goats indicates the important roles of does in the improvement of the herd performance with regard to conception rate and mothering ability of the doe. A good doe must be able to conceive at the right time and maintained the foetus throughout the gestation length and should have good mothering ability to rear the kid(s) to weaning. It has been reported that the reproduction rate depends on the number of litter at birth, survival rate till weaning and kidding interval (Gatenby,1995: Sutama, 1995). CONCLUSSION The study of the smallholder goat herd structure in Kano and environs revealed that the herd size ranged from 4 to 30 with the preponderance of males kids than females at birth. Although the buck to doe ratio increased with increase in herd size, it was however observed that the bucks are under-utilized in the smallholder management system. This therefore calls for good breeding herd management system that would ensure the use of proven sire at good mating ratio in other to improved herd performance. REFERENCES Adu, I.F., Buvenandran, V and Lakpini, C .A .M. (1979). The reproductive performance Nigeria. Journal of Agric. Sc. (camb), 93: 563-566.

of Red Sokoto goats in

Akpa, G.N. (1999). Evaluation of Dairy Characteristics and Lactation Curves of SmallHolder Red Sokoto Goats. Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis. Dept. Anim. Sci. Ahmedu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. Akpa, G.N., Duru, S. and Bawa, G.S. (2001). The Herd Structure of Breeding Does of Small Holder Red Sokoto Goat. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 28 (2): 119-122. Akpa, G.N., Jokthan, G.E., Ogunleye,K.O and Lakpini, C.A.M.(2004).Genetic and non-genetic sources of variation for litter size, gestation length and sex ratio in Nigerian goats. Journal of sustainable Tropical Agricultural Research.12:66-70. Ahuya, C.O., Okeyo, A.M., Mwangi, D. M. and Peacock, C. (2004).Developmental challenges and opportunities in the goat industry: The Kenyan experience. Paper presented at the 8th International Conference on Goats, July 4-9th, 2004, University of Pretoria, Pretoria. South Africa. G. N. Akpa et al.,: Continental J. Veterinary Sciences 4: 9 - 15, 2010

Amao, O.A., O.A. Osinowo, C.A. M Lapini, M.A. Dipeolu, S.S. Abiola and C.F.I. Onwuka (2003). Types and frequencies of uddr shapes and abnormalities in WAD and Red Sokoto goats. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production. 30: 45 – 53. Amoah, E. A. and Gelaye, S. (1990). Reproductive performance of female goats in South Pacific countries. Small Ruminant Research, 3: 257-267.

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Amoah, E. A., Gelaye, S., Guthrie P. and Rexroad, Jr. C. E. (1996). Breeding season and aspects of reproduction of female goats. Journal of Animal Science,74:723-728. Braker, M. J. E., H. M. Udo, and E. C. Webb, (2002). Impacts of intervention objectives in goat production within subsistence farming, South African Journal of Animal Science.32(3) Chikagwa-Malunga. S K and Banda, J .W. (2006).Productivity and survival ability of goats in smallholder crop/livestock farming systems in Malawi. Livestock Research for Rural Development 18 (1) Das S.M. and Sendalo D.S. (1990). Comparative performance of improved meat goats in Malya, Tanzania. In: Proceedings of the First Biennial Conference of the African Small Ruminant Research Network held at ILRAD, Nairobi, Kenya, 10-14 December 1990. African Small Ruminant Research Network, ILCA (International Livestock Centre for Africa), Nairobi, Kenya. pp. 445-452. Ezekwe, M.O. and Lovin, J. (1996). Aseasonal reproductive performance of Virginia Brush goats used for meat production. Journal of Animal Science. 74, (Supplement 1): 245. Gatenby, R.M. (1995). The Tropical Agriculturalist: Goats. Macmillan Education Ltd. London and Basingstoke. 153pp. Greyling, J.P.C.(2000). Reproduction traits in the Boer goat doe. Small Ruminant Research. (36): 171-177. IAR.(Institute for Agricultural Research) (2005).Weather report, Kano meteorological station. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria Iyiola-Tunji, A O.,Oni,O.O.,.Akpa, G.N., Afolayan, R.A., Adeyinka, I.A and Lakpini, C.A.M. (2008) Sex ratio and litter size in Red Sokoto goats. In: Proceedings of the 13th annual conference of the Animal Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN) September 15th -19th,2008. ABU, Zaria, Nigeria Németh T, Branduse L, Ábrahám M. and Kukovics S (2004) Factors affecting the profitabilityof different goat farm sizes in Hungary. South African Journal of Animal Science, (Supplement 1):34 Oseni, S., Sonaiya, B., Omitogun, G., Ajayi, A and Muritala, I (2006) .West African Dwarf Goat Production under Village Conditions: 1. Characterisation and the Establishment of Breed Standards. Conference on International Agricultural Research for Development University of Bonn, October 11-13, 2006 SAS (1999) Guide for personal computers Version 8 Edition SAS/STAT, Institute Inc., Cary, North Carolina, USA. 1028 pp. Sodiq.A, Adjisoedarmo. S and E. S. Tawfik (2003) Reproduction Rate of Kacang and Peranakan Etawah Goats under Village Production Systems in Indonesia International Research on Food Security,Natural Resource Management and Rural Development.Deutscher Tropentag – Göttingen, 8 – 10 October 2003. Sutama, I.K. (1995). Potensi produktivitas ternak kambing di Indonesia [Potency of goat in

G. N. Akpa et al.,: Continental J. Veterinary Sciences 4: 9 - 15, 2010

Taiwo, B.B.A., Buvanendran, V and Adu, I.F (2005). Effect of body condition score on the reproductive performance of Red Sokoto goats. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production,32 (1):1-6 Table 1: descriptive statistics of smallholder goat herds in Kano Characteristics N Mean ±(se) CV% Herd size 58 11.6±0.95 51.6

Min 4

Max 30

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Young goats 58 3.8±0.55 92.8 0 15 Young males 58 2.1±0.41 120.7 0 10 Young females 58 1.7±0.22 84.1 0 5 Table 4:Correlated relationship between the observed attributes of the smallholder goat herd structure Adult goats 58 7.8±0.53 42.8 3 18 Breeding 1.4±0.13 YF 58.7 5 Attributes males YG 58 YM AG BM 1 BF MD ND Breeding females 58 6.4±0.67 46.1 2 15 Maiden does 58 1.8±0.23 81.6 0 5 Nanny does 58 4.6±0.39 53.4 0 12 Buck to doe ratio 58 5.3±0.40 47.4 2 13 Litter size 58 1.6±0.11 42.9 1 3 and Veterinary. Bogor, November,7-8, Pp.35-49, N= number of herd Table 2: Effect of herd size on the distribution of goats according to the observed attributes of the herds Attributes ≤10 goats 11-20 goats 21-30 goats (4) SEM LOS (21) (15) Young goats 2.0C 4.4 b 10.8 a 0.38 ** b b Young males 1.1 2.4 6.8 a 0.31 ** 2.0 b 4.0 a 0.17 ** Young females 1.0 b Adult goats 5.7 C 9.1 b 14.0 a 0.33 ** Breeding males 1.2 1.5 1.8 0.13 Ns 7.6 b 12.3 a 0.26 ** Breeding females 4.4 C 2.3 a 2.5 a 0.21 ** Maiden does 1.2 b Nanny does 3.2 C 5.3 b 10.3 a 0.21 ** Buck to doe ratio 4.1 C 6.3 b 8.5 a 0.33 ** a,b,c *0.05; ** =0.01; ns = not significant; Means within the same row with different superscripts differ significantly ( P<0.05). Figures in parenthesis are number of herds observed. SEM=standard error of mean; LOS= level of significant Table 3: Teat distribution in does of smallholder goat herds Attributes ≤10 goats Number of herd observed 46 Number of goats observed 242 Number of females observed 191(58) Females with normal teats 167(57) Females with supernumerary teat 24(63) Females with unilateral supernumerary 13(50) teat Females with bilateral supernumerary 11(92) teat Figures in parenthesis are percentages

Indonesia]. In:Proceedi

BDR ng of the National Seminar on Livestock

11-20 goats 9 125 89(26) 81(28) 8(21) 8(31) 0(0)

21-30 goats 3 84 52(16) 46(16) 6(16) 5(19) 1(8)

overall 58 451 332(74) 294(89) 38(11) 26(68) 12(32)

G. N. Akpa et al.,: Continental J. Veterinary Sciences 4: 9 - 15, 2010

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HS YG YM YF AG BM BF MD ND BDR

-0.03 -

-0.09 0.94** -

0.03 0.78** 0.53** -

0.30* 0.58** 0.43** 0.56** -

-0.01 0.08 -0.01 0.21 0.59** -

0.49** 0.59** 0.49** 0.59** 0.97** 0.40* -

0.09 0.20 0.09 0.33* 0.60** 0.15 0.65** -

0.57** 0.64** 0.57** 0.56** 0.88** 0.43** 0.90** 0.23 -

0.51** 0.54** 0.51** 0.41** 0.46** -0.39** 0.63** 0.46** 0.49** -

*P< 0.05; ** P<0.01 HS=herd size, YG = young goats, YM = young males, YF= young female, AG= Adult goat, BM= breeding males, BF= breeding females, MD= maiden does, ND= nany does, BDR= buck to doe ratio Received for Publication: 17/06/2010 Accepted for Publication: 10/07/2010 Corresponding Author: G. N. Akpa Animal Science Department,Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, 2Animal Science Department, Bayaro University, Kano, Nigeria Email: [email protected]

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Continental J. Veterinary Sciences 4: 16 - 22 , 2010 ©Wilolud Journals, 2010

ISSN: 2141 – 4041 http://www.wiloludjournal.com

STUDIES ON THE GRAVID GENITALIA OF PREGNANT RED SOKOTO DOES IN SOUTHERN GUINEA SAVANNAH ECOLOGICAL ZONE OF NIGERIA T. Ahemen, I. I. Bitto and D. Zahraddeen Department of Animal Breeding & Physiology, College of Animal Science, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria ABSTRACT The study was carried out at the main abattoir Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. A total of 49 samples of gravid genitalia of Red Sokoto (RS) does were obtained from the abattoir to investigate foetal developmental changes at different stages (early, mid and late) of gestation. The results showed that parameters such as weights of uterus, oviduct, allantoic and amniotic fluid volume were significantly (P < 0.05) different with respect to the three stages of gestation investigated. Number of corpora lutea, weight of ovary, number of fetuses and embryonic/foetal death did not differ significantly in all the stages of gestation. Foetal dimensions with respect to total length, crown rump length, curved crown rump length, vertebral column length and vertebral column and tail length were all significantly (P < 0.05) different at all the stages of pregnancy. However, the results also revealed that the incidence of single foetus was highest (50.0%) during late followed by mid gestation. The incidences of twin, triplet and quadruplet foetuses were highest during the mid-gestation period as compared to the other two gestation stages (early and late) studied. This study concludes that the RS does exhibited differential growth of the conceptus at different stages of pregnancy. There was sharp increase in foetal fluid (allantoic and amniotic) volume and foetal dimensions as gestation advances. The high percentages of twin, triplet and quadruplet foetuses proved the high fecundity of the goat breed in the study area. KEYWORDS: Goat, genitalia, foetal dimensions, fluid volume INTRODUCTION In Nigeria, the common slaughtered livestock species for meat are cattle, goats, sheep, pig, camel and others such as donkeys, horses, dogs, rabbits, games and forest animals that are edible (Alabi, 1993). A report shows that there is a decrease in annual growth rate of livestock population in the country (CBN, 1997), and there was also a decline in the percentage contribution of the livestock sector to the gross domestic product (GDP) between 1991 and 1995. In an attempt to meet the protein need of the populace in the country, livestock are indiscriminately slaughtered to achieve this aim, but resulted in slaughtering of not only active breeding males but also pregnant animals in their prime of life. A very high percentage of foetuses are wastage daily in virtually all the abattoirs nationwide. Abdullahi (1985) reported that the slaughter of these pregnant animals in our abattoirs will no doubt aggravate the already precarious supply of animal protein to the ever-increasing human population of the country. This practice if not checkmate will no doubt have a far-reaching implication on income of the livestock producers. Sanusi et al. (2006) reported that it may impede the current policies of the nation on food security. Ndi et al. (1995) suggested that the slaughter of pregnant animals will contribute important cause of pre-natal losses in the country, and hence poses uncertainty with regard to the country’s ability to meet its long term demands for quality meat and its products at an affordable price. The Red Sokoto goats are the predominate and most widely spread breed of goats in the country. They are mediumsized animals and produce one of the most qualitative goat skins in Africa. The reproductive performance of these goats has been extensively studied by Butswat (1994) and Zahraddeen (2006). Information on gonadal sperm reserves of the yearlings of this breed has also been reported in literature (Butswat and Zahraddeen, 1998), but there is paucity of information on the developmental changes taking place in the genitalia of the pregnant Red Sokoto does at different stages of gestation. However, this study was designed to investigate the sequence of events in the gravid genitalia of Red Sokoto does with the hope of providing baseline data for use in other goat breeds in the study area and elsewhere.

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T. Ahemen, I.et al.,: Continental J. Veterinary Sciences 4: 16 - 22 , 2010

MATERIALS AND METHODS Study area This study was carried out between Makurdi Main Abattoir and Animal Production laboratory at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria (March to May). The location and climate of the study area have been reported by Kowal and Knabe (1972). The State is located in Central Nigeria and is also part of the southern guinea savannah ecological zone of Nigeria. The society is mainly agrarian and the climate is suitable for agricultural activities. The State has an estimated human population of slightly more than 5.0 million people, using the annual growth rate of 3 per cent (NPC, 2006). Experimental goats The goat breed used in the study was the Red Sokoto does. These goats are the most widely distributed and predominate breeds in the country. The detailed descriptions of this breed have been reported by Osinowo (1990). However, the pregnant does taken to abattoir for slaughter was the specific target in the study. Data collection A large number of small ruminants, especially goats are slaughtered daily at the Makurdi Main Abattoir, Nigeria. The uteri of pregnant Red Sokoto does were collected from the slaughter slabs. This was carried out on a daily routine for a period of two (2) weeks. On slaughter of these animals, examination of foetal wastage was immediately carried out where the incidence was found, the uterus was carefully removed from the rest of other organs, and stored in a clean polythene bag and quickly transported to a laboratory at the University for further Investigations. At the laboratory, the samples were carefully trimmed and free from adhering connective tissues and fat coverage. Each sample was carefully dissected to get the foetus/foetuses. All samples collected were quickly observed and measurements taken were as follows:Organ weights: The genitalia was carefully dissected to separate the uterus, ovary and oviduct. The weights of each of these organs were weighed using a small portable but sensitive scale. The number of corpora lutea was carefully examined and counted from each pregnant does. Foetal measurements: Each foetus was weighed after being carefully freed of the membranes of the cotyledons and placenta. Each foetus was weighed lying on its side in a near as natural position as possible i.e. describing a slight curve. Where there was no any sign of life or movement of the foetus at the time of collection from the abattoir, the foetus was then regarded as being dead. The number of dead and live foetuses was immediately recorded. Other measurements taken on the foetus such as total length, crown rump length, curved crown rump length, vertebral column length and vertebral column and tail length were measured as per the procedures laid down by Harvey (1959). After careful removal of the membranes surrounding the foetus, the amniotic and allantoic fluids were also measured separately using a measuring cylinder and the volumes so obtained were recorded. The foetal age was also estimated based on the developmental of certain features and organs referred to as developmental horizons, as per the method described by Cloette (1939). All measurements taken were classified based on the stage of gestation of the pregnant doe. Based on this study, the stage of gestation was divided into three viz early, mid and late gestations, as similarly described by Bitto (2001). Data analysis The data obtained from this study were subjected to analysis of variance. Other measurements were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics (means and percentages) using stage of gestation as factor, as per the descriptions of Parker (1979). RESULTS Data on some reproductive organs of Red Sokoto does` genitalia as influenced by stages of gestation are presented in Table 1. The results showed that weights of uterus and oviduct differed significantly (P < 0.05) with changes in gestation stages; while the weight of ovary remains unchanged throughout the gestation period. The number of corpora lutea and foetuses observed in the pregnant does were however did not alter during the pregnancy. Embryonic/foetal

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T. Ahemen, I.et al.,: Continental J. Veterinary Sciences 4: 16 - 22 , 2010

death was not significantly different in the three stages of gestation. However, the volume of allantoic and amniotic fluids showed significant (P < 0.05) increase with the advancement in gestation period as shown in Table 1. Table 2 shows data on foetal dimensions and ages at different stages of gestation in Red Sokoto does. The foetal dimensions such as total length, crown rump length, curved crown rump length, vertebral column length and tail length as well as foetal weights were all significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by the stage of pregnancy in the animal studied. The estimated foetal age (days) showed that early, mid and late gestations had average of 24.36 ± 2.04, 45.89 ± 2.79 and 120.12 ± 4.67 days, respectively. Data on incidence of singlet, twin, triplet and quadruplet foetuses observed at the different stages of gestation are depicted in Table 3. The results showed that the incidence of single foetus was recorded highest during the late followed by mid-gestation. Twin foetuses were highest (55.56%) in the mid gestation followed by the late (27.77%) and lowest in the early pregnancy of the does. About 50.00 and 100.0% of triplets and quadruplet (respectively) were noticed during the mid gestation as compared to lowered number obtained in the other two stages of gestation (early and late) as shown in Table 3. DISCUSSION The genetic potentials of Red Sokoto does in reproduction will be well reflected by the developmental changes of their genitalia during gestation. There was extensive development of the genitalia as the animal advanced in pregnancy. The developmental changes occurred as a result of the prenatal growth of the foetus as pregnancy advanced. This was similarly reported by Sivachelvan et al. (2002) in their studies with Sahel goats of Nigeria. The higher values of oviductal weight observed in the early gestation as compared to other stages may be attributed to higher reproductive activities that occurred during that period. It is expected that shortly after fertilization the zygote descends to the uterus for its implantation. During the descent there is slight contraction of the walls of the oviduct as a result of muscular contractions and ciliary beatings occurring within the organ, which might have probably attributed for the increased oviductal weight in the early gestation as compared to other periods. This was similarly reported by Ceoffrey et al. (1989). These might have been the reasons for the higher weight of the oviduct at the early stages of gestation. The non-significant differences in the weight of ovary in the does with advancement in pregnancy might have been linked to similar number of corpora lutea at the various stages of gestation. The number of foetuses/embryonic (foetal deaths occurred uniformly in all the three stages of gestation as investigated in the present study. Allan and Stamp (1987) reported the number of ova and fetuses which die during pregnancy and the birth process. The causes of embryonic death early in pregnancy are not well understood, but in general dams in good body condition at mating have lower rate of embryonic mortality than dams in poor condition, and they also have decreased incidence of reproductive problems (Zahraddeen et al., 2007). The volumes of allantoic and amniotic fluids significantly from early up to late gestation in the goat breed. This was in conformity with the findings of Cloette (1939) who reported that the total volume of foetal fluid increases with advancing age of the ewe conceptus but that the separate foetal fluid volumes show different tendencies. Arthur et al. (1989) also reported that during the last month of pregnancy in sheep the allantoic fluid almost doubles its volume but the volume of amniotic fluid diminishes. This worker further reported that when twins are present in the sheep uterus the totals of fluid are approximately doubled. However, the pattern of foetal fluid (allantoic and amniotic) formation in the Red Sokoto does is comparable to the findings obtained in ewes as reported by Arthur et al. (1989). Foetal dimensions of Red Sokoto does at different ages of growth revealed similar trend to Sahelian goats in Maduguri as reported by Sivachelvan et al. (2002). The visible features of the foetuses in the present study could be tremendous benefits in the estimation of age of the foetus at particular point in time during the pregnancy as reported in other animals elsewhere by Osuagwuh and Aire (1986). Per cent incidence of foetuses in the doe uterus showed that higher percentage (50.0%) of single foetus was recovered in does during mid-gestation than in other stages. There were more twins, triplets and quadruplets in the doe`s uterus during the mid-gestation as compared to early and late pregnancy. In a comparative study of multiple births in West African Dwarf ewes and does showed similar trend to the present investigation using Red Sokoto does (Zahraddeen et

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al., 2008). The goat is a prolific breeder especially under tropical conditions as reported by Davendra and Maleroy (1988). CONCLUSIONS This study on the gravid genitalia of pregnant Red Sokoto does revealed differential growth of the conceptus at different stages of pregnancy, with more extensive growth during the late gestation. There was sharp increase in foetal fluid (allantoic and amniotic) volumes as gestation advances. The foetal dimensions showed tremendous increase from early to late pregnancy with visible features on the foetuses for easy estimation of the animal age. The high percentages of triplets and quadruplets in the does uterus proved the breed high fecundity. REFERENCES Abdullahi, A.K. (1985). An unpublished Ph.D. thesis, The University of Northingham, School of Agriculture, Leicestershire, UK. Alabi, A. (1993). Antemortem and postmortem inspection of food animal. Paper presented at a workshop on meat inspection held at the College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Mando, Kaduna, Nigeria, 23 – 30. Allan, F. and Stamp, J. T. (1987). Sheep husbandry and diseases. Oxford Press, London, pp 67 – 86. Arthur, G.H., Noakes, D.E. and Pearson, H. (1989). Veterinary reproduction and obsterics. Bailliere, Tindall, 2nd edition, UK. Bitto, I.I. ( 2001). Changes in the dimensions of the digestive tract of caprine foetuses during gestation. Proceedings of the 26th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Society for Animal Production, Vol. 26, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, p4-6. Butswat, I.S. (1994). Studies on seasonal variations in the reproductive status of sheep and goats in Bauchi. An unpublished Ph.D. thesis, Animal Production Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria, Pp. 58. Butswat, I.S.R. and Zahraddeen, D.T. (1998). Comparisons of some reproductive parameters of Red Sokoto and Kano Brown breeds of buck. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 26(1):1 – 5. CBN (1997). Central Bank of Nigeria. Animal Reproduction, Abuja, Nigeria. Cloette, J.H.L. (1939). Prenatal growth in the Merino sheep. Ondersteport Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Industry, 14:417 – 588. Devendra, C. and Mcleroy, G.B. (1988). Goat and sheep production in the tropics. English Language Society/Longman, UK, Pp.1 – 34. Harvey, D. (1959). In:Reproduction in domestic animals. Cole and Cupps (eds), N.V. Academy Press, Pp. 59. Kowal, J.M. and Knabe, D.T. (1972). An agroclimatological atlas of the Northern Nigeria with explanatory notes. Ahmadu Bello University Press, Zaria, Nigeria. Ndi, C., Tambi, N.E. and Agharih, N.W. (1995). Reducing calf wastage from the slaughter of pregnant cows in Cameroon, Institute of Animal Research (IRZ), Cameroon. NPC (2006). Census figures. National Population Commission, Abuja, Nigeria.

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Osinowo, O.A. (1990). Breed selection, reproduction and breed managements in the local small ruminant breeds. In: the Nigerian sheep and goat production manual. Osinowo, O.A. and A.A. Abatan (eds), NAPRI, Shika, ABU, Zaria, Pp. 7 – 18. Osuagwuh, A.I.A. and Aire, T.A. (1986). Studies on the development age of the caprine foetus: External measurements and appearance. Tropical Veterinary, 4:39:51. Parker, R.E. (1979). Introductory statistics for biologists. Edward Arnold Publishers, Ltd, London, UK, 2nd edition, p27 – 29. Sanusi, M., Abubakar, M. and Luka, B. (2006). Incidence of foetal wastage in ruminant animals slaughtered at Bauchi and Jos Abattoirs. Proceedings of the 31st Annual Conference of the Nigerian Society for Animal Production, held at Bayero University Kano, Nigeria, Pp. 102 – 106. Sivachelvan, M.N., Amin, J.D. and Turaki, U.A. (2002). Some developmental features of female foetal reproductive organs of Sahel goats. Sahel Journal of Veterinary Science, 1(1): 11 – 16. Zahraddeen, D. (2006). Studies on the reproductive performance and milk productivity of goats in Bauchi. An unpublished Ph.D. thesis, Animal Production Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria. Pp. 210. Zahraddeen, D., Butswat, I. S. R. and Mbap, S.T. (2007). Gestation length, kidding interval and reproductive problems in goats in Bauchi, Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Research and Policies, 2 (4): 11 – 16. Zahraddeen, D., Butswat, I.S.R., Sir, S.M. and Yande, D. (2008). Multiple births and reproductive problems in West African Dwarf ewes and does in southern guinea savannah zone of Nigeria. Journal of League of Researchers in Nigeria (JOLORN), 9(1):97 – 101. Received for Publication: 10/07/2010 Accepted for Publication: 10/08/2010 Corresponding Author: T. Ahemen, Department of Animal Breeding & Physiology, College of Animal Science, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria E-mail: [email protected]

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Table 1: Mean (±SE) values of some reproductive organs of Red Sokoto does at different stages of gestation Parameters/ stage of gestation Early Mid Late Weight of uterus (g) 225.51 ± 48.80c 789.25 ± 135.97b 2084.37 ± 245.27a Weight of ovary (g) 1.48 ± 0.15a 1.56 ± 0.16a 1.29 ± 0.15a Weight of oviduct (g) 0.57 ± 0.16a 0.44 ± 0.03b 0.34 ± 0.04c No. of corpora lutea 2.33 ± 0.30a 2.80 ± 0.27a 2.40 ± 0.25a No. of fetuses 1.71 ± 0.28a 1.70 ± 0.17a 1.37 ± 0.13a Embryonoic death (%) 19.44 ± 8.26a 25.75 ± 6.43a 32.50 ± 9.01a Allantoic fluid vol. (ml) 23.93 ± 9.26c 117.81 ± 24.52b 205.62 ± 31.40a Amniotic fluid vol. (ml) 17.92 ± 4.63c 115.29 ± 17.82b 189.11 ± 20.87a

a, b, c Means in the same column having different superscripts differed significantly at 5% Table 2: Feotal dimensions at different stages of gestation in Red Sokoto does Parameters/ stage of gestation Early Mid Late 6.44 ± 0.58
c

TL (cm)

CR (cm)
c

CVR (cm)
c

VR (cm)
c

VRT (cm)
c

Weight (g) of foetus
c

Estimated foetal age (days) 24.36 ± 2.04c 45.89 ± 2.79b 120.12 ± 4.67a

4.00 ± 0.5

4.90 ± 0.51

3.92 ± 0.39

4.23 ± 0.42

2.81± 0.73

12.94 ± 0.78b 36.18 ± 2.25a

8.20 ± 0.52b 24.29 ± 1.35a

9.28 ± 0.57b 27.69 ± 7.68a

7.90 ± 0.46b 22.93 ± 1.39a

8.90 ± 0.53b 27.05 ± 1.79a

29.89 ± 4.66b 683.70 ± 116.08a

TL = Total length, CR = Crown-rump length, CVR = Curved crown rump length, VR = Vertebral column length,VRT = Vertebral column and tail length, a, b, c Means in the same column having similar superscripts are not significantly different at 5 %

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Table 3: Incidence of single, twin, triplet and quadruplet foetuses with stage of gestation in Red Sokoto does Stage of gestation Single Early Mid Late Total 3 10 13 26 Twin 3 10 5 18 Triplet 1 2 1 4 quadruplet 0 1 0 1 Single 11.54 38.46 50.00 100.00 Twin 16.67 55.56 27.77 100.00 Triplet 25.00 50.00 25.00 100.00 quadruplet 0.00 100.00 0.00 100.00 Number of fetuses Per cent incidence

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