This objective of the study was to investigate the effects of season and energy levels on the broiler productivity index (BPI) in the semi-arid environment. The study was conducted in three different seasons (hot, rainy and cold seasons). A total of 2,025 boiler chickens comprising three strains (Arbor Acre, Marshall and Hubbard) were used. Of this, 675 were used per season, with 225 birds from each strain. The birds were fed diets containing three energy levels: low (LE), medium (ME), and high (HE). Temperature-humidity index (THI) of the seasons was computed to characterize the thermal comfort of the chickens across the seasons. Results indicated that the chickens were reared under severe heat stress (THI > 30), moderate heat stress (THI 27.8–28.8), and thermo-neutral conditions (THI < 27.8) during the hot, rainy, and cold seasons, respectively. Additionally, energy level and season significantly affected the BPI of the chickens (p < 0.05). Birds fed the LE diet had a higher BPI than those fed the other energy levels. Furthermore, birds reared during the cold season exhibited a higher BPI than those reared in the other seasons. Therefore, feeding the LE diet improved the BPI of birds across all seasons. Full article

The increasing competition for major feed ingredients such as maize due to world crisis, caused by the high cost and scarcity of these conventional feed ingredients due to climate changes have necessitated the exploration of indigestible alternative feed resources for sustainable small ruminant production. Crop residues and agro-industrial by-products (AIBPs) are highly abundant, cost-effective, and readily available feed options that can enhance livestock production while minimizing environmental waste. This systematic review evaluates the nutritive effects, physiological responses, and reproductive parameters associated with the inclusion of crop residues and AIBPs in small ruminant diets. The review synthesizes findings from various studies, highlighting their impact on feed intake, digestibility, growth performance, haematological and biochemical indices, reproductive efficiency, and overall productivity. While these alternative feed resources can improve nutrient availability and animal performance, challenges such as anti-nutritional factors and variability in nutrient composition must be addressed through appropriate processing techniques. The findings suggest adequate utilization of crop residues and AIBPs, alongside suitable supplementation, did not necessarily affect the production indices, thereby enhancing small ruminant production, reduce feeding costs, and contribute to sustainable livestock farming as well as decrease the potency for environmental pollution. Full article

This study examined the key factors influencing goat production in selected local government areas of Anambra State, Nigeria. A well-structured questionnaire was distributed to 100 goat farmers randomly selected from the three locations. Percentage frequency, multiple regression, and chi-square analyses were employed in data analysis. Results indicated that 64% of the respondents were male and 36% female. The predominant breeds raised were West African Dwarf (68%) and Red Sokoto (32%), managed under extensive (50%), semi-intensive (47%), and intensive (3%) systems. About 70% of the respondents had no access to credit, and of those who received (30%), only 7% obtained credit from the bank. A majority (66%) of the respondents had no access to veterinary services, resulting in infrequent vaccination (68%) and prevailing Peste des Petits Ruminants (70%) and foot-and-mouth (25%) diseases. Regression analysis revealed that the production system significantly influenced farmers' income (R² = 34.50%, b = 1.04, p < 0.05), while herd size was primarily affected by production costs (R² = 22.90%, b = 0.26, p < 0.05). Chi-square results indicated that income and production costs were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with gender and location of goat farmers. The study concludes that socio-economic characteristics, breed type, production system, loan access, diseases, veterinary factors and geographical location are critical determinants of income and herd size among goat farmers. Prioritizing these factors is essential for enhancing productivity and economic returns in goat farming in Anambra State. Full article

The food and beverage industry generates a significant amount of fruit waste, especially in the form of peels, seeds, and various components of fruit pomace. The mismanagement of fruit pomace, particularly when dumped in landfills, poses significant health and environmental risks. Therefore, it is crucial to redirect these byproducts to productive applications, such as broiler nutrition, where they have substantial potential to contribute to reducing feeding costs. The pomace is, however, often unsuitable as broiler feed ingredients due to their high crude fiber and tannin contents. In recent years, solid state fermentation (SSF) with bacteria, fungi, and yeast has been applied to valorize pomace through breaking down complex materials into simpler, more digestible compounds, enhancing the bioavailability of nutrients, and boosting the antioxidant activity. It is envisaged that the utilization of fruit pomace as broiler feed ingredients is expected to alleviate pressure on conventional feed ingredients, optimize broiler production systems, and promote both environmental and economic sustainability. This review aims to gather supporting evidence on the applicability and potential of SSF of fruit pomace, as well as the impact of the resulting fermented fruit pomace on broiler nutrition, focusing on growth performance metrics, meat quality attributes, and gut health. Full article

Backyard poultry farming is an efficient, sustainable, and economical practice in which kitchen waste serves as a key component. Organic kitchen waste can be used to feed poultry, providing nutrients from vegetable scraps, fruit peels, leftover cooked food, and crushed eggshells, thereby reducing reliance on costly commercial feeds. Eggshells, for example, are an excellent source of calcium, which supports bone strength and improves egg production in laying hens. However, inorganic waste such as plastic, glass, and other non-degradable materials must be excluded, as they pose health risks and endanger poultry. Using kitchen waste not only lowers feed costs and improves economic efficiency but also promotes environmental sustainability by diverting organic waste from landfills, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to a circular bioeconomy. Kitchen waste offers a sustainable and potentially cost-effective alternative to commercial feed, with nutritional content that varies but can provide valuable protein, fat, and fiber. Studies have shown that certain food waste streams can significantly reduce feed costs by replacing expensive grains, oils, and protein meals, with potential cost savings of up to 25% in some cases. Despite these benefits, challenges such as contamination risks, nutrient imbalances, and seasonal variability in waste availability must be addressed through proper management strategies, including composting, fermentation, and drying. With such measures, the full potential of kitchen waste as an alternative feed source can be harnessed to promote environment friendly and resource-efficient poultry farming. Full article

This study aimed to investigate gross and histopathological liver lesions caused by Platyhelminthes in camels slaughtered at a meat processing facility in the Dynile District, Somalia. The investigations were conducted between April and October 2024. A total of 340 slaughtered camels were examined during the study. Among these, 200 camels (58.8%) were found to have liver lesions associated with Platyhelminthes based on both gross post-mortem examination and microscopic histopathological analysis. Gross pathological changes included hepatic swelling (34.5%), yellowish discoloration (27.5%), hemorrhagic lesions (11.5%), bile duct dilation (9.5%), necrosis (7.0%), cirrhosis (5.5%), and exudative lesions (4.5%). Histopathological analysis revealed frequent features such as tissue infiltration (25.5%), lymphocytic infiltration (18.1%), granuloma formation (13.5%), eosinophilic infiltrates (13.0%), necrosis (11.2%), abscess formation (8.3%), inflammation (7.1%), fibrosis (4.2%), and hepatocellular necrosis (2.4%). These findings highlight the pathological burden of platyhelminth infections in camels and underscore the potential zoonotic risks associated with their transmission. Full article

In southern Ecuador, 73% of the country's goats are raised under extensive production systems, which exposes them to various threats, particularly attacks by predators such as pumas and feral dogs. As a result, farmers have adopted strategies to protect their livestock, including the use of a specific type of guardian dog of creole origin, locally known as the “Ganacho dog.” The objective of this study was to determine the morphometric and phaneroptic characteristics of these livestock guardian dogs. A sample of 60 adult males and females was obtained through field visits across the entire ecosystem. Data were collected on 23 morphometric measurements and 10 phaneroptic traits. The results indicate that the Ganacho dog is a medium-sized breed (47.7 ± 5.2 cm in height and 57.1 ± 5.9 cm in body length), ellipometric in body structure, with an average live weight of 18.6 ± 5.1 kg. The breed exhibits excellent thoracic development (thoracic depth: 21.7 ± 2.6 cm; thoracic circumference: 61.7 ± 5.5 cm; chest width: 13.4 ± 2.4 cm) and a dolichocephalic head type. Sexual dimorphism was observed in favor of males (p < 0.05) in terms of thoracic circumference and posterior wrist width. Phaneroptically, these dogs possess short, straight hair lying close to the body. Coat color varied: light brown (32%), black (8%), mixed patterns such as wolfish, tabby, or roan (42%), and spotted (15%). Most animals displayed a calm temperament (70%), a curvilinear fronto-nasal profile with a prominent stop, and pigmented labial mucosa (95%) and nose (truffle) (93%). The majority had brown eyes and exhibited polydactyly (60%), particularly in the forelimbs. Nails were predominantly mixed and pigmented (57%). The ears were typically semi-erect to drooping (92%), and dentition included a pincer bite (57%) and a scissor bite (43%). This study provides a preliminary standard for the Ganacho dog, offering a basis for selection and genetic improvement efforts. Full article

This study evaluated the laying performance and egg characteristics of 36 hens over a four-week period, comprising 12 hens each of the naked neck (Na), normal feathered (N), and Isa Brown (IB) strains, which laid 46, 58, and 34 eggs, respectively. One-way ANOVA revealed that Na and N hens consumed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) less feed (1586.11 ± 62.75 g). Notably, N hens exhibited superior feed efficiency for egg mass (24.29 ± 5.30), a higher egg number to 28 days (5.50 ± 0.58), and greater hen-day production (19.05 ± 2.19%). Conversely, IB and Na hens produced eggs with significantly (p ≤ 0.05) better quality traits. Although total egg protein content was similarly high in the indigenous hens (Na and N) compared to IB, eggs from N hens contained significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher magnesium levels. Furthermore, eggs from indigenous hens were rated significantly better in terms of mouthfeel than those from IB hens. Overall, the indigenous chickens, particularly the N strain, demonstrated superior performance for most of the evaluated parameters, indicating their potential for enhancing laying performance and egg quality in poultry production. Full article

The aim of this study was to compare the performance of Naked Neck chickens in three production systems: free-range, aviary, and open-sided house. A total of 540 Naked Neck chickens (25 weeks of age; 1400 ± 20 g body weight) were equally divided into three treatment groups, with six replicates of 30 birds each, following a Completely Randomized Design. In each production system, 60 birds per house were placed, with two replicates per house comprising 30 birds each. A litter depth of 2–3 inches (a mixture of rice husk and wheat straw) was spread on the floor as bedding material. Similarly, 30 birds per aviary were placed in each aviary unit. For the free-range system, a total of three houses were used, each with two replicates containing 30 birds per replicate. The effects of different production systems were evaluated on the birds’ productive performance, egg characteristics, and hatching traits. Egg production and egg quality (both internal and external) were observed to be superior in the open-sided house production system compared to the others. However, in terms of hatching traits, the hatchability percentage was significantly higher in birds reared under the free-range production system, followed by the aviary and open-sided house systems. In conclusion, the bird under consideration, the Naked Neck, performed well in all three production systems; however, overall results, except for hatching traits, were better in the open-sided production system. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has made it difficult for both people and animals to control disease using antibiotics, which has led to food insecurity, particularly for the chicken business. As a result, it is necessary to create long-term plans for keeping chicken flocks healthy as well as possible, and side-effect-free antibiotic substitutes. The use of probiotics and prebiotics, vaccination and immunostimulants, organic farming, improved hygiene and biosecurity measures, in-ovo-inoculation, feed additives, and nanoparticles are some of the practices that are currently being used to minimise the use of antibiotics and to maintain the optimal health, immunity, gut integrity, and growth performance of birds. However, because of their potential use in replacing antibiotics in poultry, certain new alternatives—such as antimicrobial peptides, bacteriophages, enzymes and enzyme-based products, and nanoparticles—are receiving a lot of attention. To preserve chicken health and reduce the need for antibiotics, the study emphasizes the potential of these sustainable practices and new alternatives. This will ultimately aid in the fight against AMR and guarantee the production of safe and reasonably priced poultry protein. Full article