Papers by Haruna A . Alkali
Iranian Journal of Applied Animal Science, 2017
The chemical composition and in vitro gas production of some leguminous browse species were evalu... more The chemical composition and in vitro gas production of some leguminous browse species were evaluated. Crude protein (CP) content was highest (P<0.05) in Pterocarpus erinaceus. Neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and total condensed tannins (TCT) were highest (P<0.05) in Erythrina senegalensis. Acid detergent lignin was greatest in Parkia biglobosa and lowest in Acacia seyal. In vitro organic matter degradability (IVOMD) was lowest and highest in Desmodium relatinum (11.87%) and Fadhebia albida (74.29%), respectively. Pterocarpus erinaceus had the highest volume of gas production (GP; 29.33 mg/200 g DM) while Parkia biglobosa had the least GP (2.00 mL/200 mg DM) at 96 h. The GP from the immediately soluble fraction (a) and volume of gas produced (mL) at time t (Y) were highest in Pterocarpus erinaceus and Erythrina senegalensis.Gas production from the insoluble but degradable fraction (b)and potential GP (a+b) were greatest in Dicrostachys cinerea. Rate of GP (c) var...
Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 2021
The study was conducted to assess the socio-economic characteristics of camel marketers at Mai... more The study was conducted to assess the socio-economic characteristics of camel marketers at Mai'adua livestock market in Katsina state. Random technique methods were used to select 45 marketers and an interview was used to generate the information. All the correspondents were males and married. Majority (46.67%) were between the age category of 35-40 years and only 11.11% were 55 years and above. Majority (75.56%) attended Qur'anic schools. Niger republic was the major source of the camels as indicated by 68.89% of the respondents while 17.78% and 11.11% indicated Katsina and Jigawa states respectively. Among the animal brought to the marker for sales males out-numbered the females while in the frequency of sales, females out-numbered the males because of variation in prices as indicated by 71.17% and 55.5% of the respondents respectively. Majority of the camels purchased were transported to Kano main abattoir for slaughter: There was variation in prices between males and fem...
Journal of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, 2018
The prevalence and effects of parasitic infections on hematological indices of horses in royal ho... more The prevalence and effects of parasitic infections on hematological indices of horses in royal house of Gombe was studied. A total of 150 male horses were used for the study (January to March, 2017). Blood, feces and skin scrapings were collected from each horse and examined using various standard laboratory procedures. The coprological results showed that Ascaris accounted for 10% (15), flatworms (fasciola) 4% (6) and hookworms 4.6% (7). The skin scrapings, Mange accounted for 4 (2.6%), and ticks 8 (5.3%) while hemoparasitological analysis showed that Babesia accounted for 5 (3.33%). The blood indices showed that horses infected by parasites have significantly (p<0.05) lower RBC PCV, HB, and platelets compared to non infected horses while the WBC values increased significantly (p<0.05) due to immune-cellular response to the parasitic infection. The findings showed that parasitism is a problem in the stables examined and calls for proper stable hygiene, improved management pra...
African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2017
A study on effect of age, sex and seasonal variation in forage preference of camel was conducted ... more A study on effect of age, sex and seasonal variation in forage preference of camel was conducted in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of north western Nigeria. A total number of 12 camels were used in the study. Data were collected at an interval of 5 min for each category of animal for 3 consecutive days in dry and rainy seasons using scan sampling method. Based on the observation, the number of plants preferred in this study by young camel calves was less than that preferred by matured camel. Matured animals consume mostly diversified, thorny and taller plant species which might not be easily accessed by the camel calves. Leptadania hastata was found to be the most preferred forage during the rainy season, while Ziziphus mauritiana was the preferred forage during dry season with mean feeding time of 87.33 and 46.66 min/day, respectively; while the least preferred forage during the rainy and dry seasons were Acacia sieberiana and Bauhinia rufescens with mean feeding time of 0.11 and 15.00 min/day, respectively. Browse species found in the study area are extremely important as feed for camels.
Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 2017
The study was conducted to assess the socio-economic characteristics of camel marketers at Mai'ad... more The study was conducted to assess the socio-economic characteristics of camel marketers at Mai'adua livestock market in Katsina state. Random technique methods were used to select 45 marketers and an interview was used to generate the information. All the correspondents were males and married. Majority (46.67%) were between the age category of 35-40 years and only 11.11% were 55 years and above. Majority (75.56%) attended Qur'anic schools. Niger republic was the major source of the camels as indicated by 68.89% of the respondents while 17.78% and 11.11% indicated Katsina and Jigawa states respectively. Among the animal brought to the market for sales, males out-numbered the females while in the frequency of sales, females out-numbered the males because of variation in prices as indicated by 71.11% and 55.56% of the respondents respectively. Majority of the camels purchased were transported to Kano main abattoir for slaughter. There was variation in prices between males and females, stages of growth and development and physiological status. Camel calf (male) had a high price of N70,000 and above while that of female costs N60,000 and above; bull and heifer are sold at a minimum of N90,000 to N95,000 and N70,000 to N75,000 while old camel bull and cow were sold at medium price of between N160,000-N165,000 and N130,000-N135,000 respectively. However, (53.33%) of the respondents indicated lack of weighing devices as a major constraint and most (46.67%) indicated inconsistency in pricing among others. A seasonal variation was said to determine the demand. During early rainy season, farmers purchased male camel bulls for farming activities as indicated by the respondents (40.00%). Lack of awareness on the importance of camel meat also posed a constraint as camel meat was widely consumed (73.33%) in the area. Cost of camels increased during Eid-El-Kabir as indicated by 44.44%. The study reported information on marketing, sources, uses and destination of camels respectively
The prevalence and effects of parasitic infections on hematological indices of horses in royal ho... more The prevalence and effects of parasitic infections on hematological indices of horses in royal house of Gombe was studied. A total of 150 male horses were used for the study (January to March, 2017). Blood, feces and skin scrapings were collected from each horse and examined using various standard laboratory procedures. The coprological results showed that Ascaris accounted for 10% (15), flatworms (fasciola) 4% (6) and hookworms 4.6% (7). The skin scrapings, Mange accounted for 4 (2.6%), and ticks 8 (5.3%) while hemoparasitological analysis showed that Babesia accounted for 5 (3.33%). The blood indices showed that horses infected by parasites have significantly (p<0.05) lower RBC PCV, HB, and platelets compared to non infected horses while the WBC values increased significantly (p<0.05) due to immune-cellular response to the parasitic infection. The findings showed that parasitism is a problem in the stables examined and calls for proper stable hygiene, improved management practice, regular and strategic parasite monitoring and deworming programmes in order to achieve improved health and performance.
The chemical composition and in vitro gas production of some leguminous browse species were evalu... more The chemical composition and in vitro gas production of some leguminous browse species were evaluated. Crude protein (CP) content was highest (P<0.05) in Pterocarpus erinaceus. Neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and total condensed tannins (TCT) were highest (P<0.05) in Erythrina senegalensis. Acid detergent lignin was greatest in Parkia biglobosa and lowest in Acacia seyal. In vitro organic matter degradability (IVOMD) was lowest and highest in Desmodium relatinum (11.87%) and Fadhebia albida
(74.29%), respectively. Pterocarpus erinaceus had the highest volume of gas production (GP; 29.33 mg/200 g DM) while Parkia biglobosa had the least GP (2.00 mL/200 mg DM) at 96 h. The GP from the immediately soluble fraction (a) and volume of gas produced (mL) at time t (Y) were highest in Pterocarpus erinaceus and Erythrina senegalensis. Gas production from the insoluble but degradable fraction (b)and potential GP (a+b) were greatest in Dicrostachys cinerea. Rate of GP (c) varied among the browses without a definite pattern. The CP of browses was positively significantly correlated with incubation period at all hours and fermentation characteristics (a, c and Y). Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) was positively correlated with incubation periods and a, a + b and c. Acid detergent fibre (ADF) was negatively correlated with incubation hours but was positively related to gas fermentation characteristics. Acid detergent lignin (ADL) and IVOMD were weakly correlated with incubation hours but had a strong relationships with some gas fermentation characteristics. Total condensed tannins (TCT) showed a positive correlation with incubation period at 6, 12, 24 and 96 h but their relationship with fermentation characteristics was positive and
weak. Phenolic content was positive and strongly correlated with incubation period at 3, 6 12 and 24 h, a, cand Y. Based on their relatively high CP, moderate fibre levels and low condensed tannins contents, it can be concluded that the browse legume forages have nutritive potential as fodders for ruminants in tropical environment.
African Journal of Agricultural Research , 2016
Jurnal Ekonomi dan Studi Pembangunan, 2018
Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 2020
The study was aimed at investigating the hematological parameters and biochemical profile of came... more The study was aimed at investigating the hematological parameters and biochemical profile of camels fed some preferred forages in the Sudan Savannah ecological zone of Nigeria. A total of five healthy male camels were used in six feeding periods. The blood indices were determined at an interval of one week during the feeding period. The results show significantly (P<0.05) higher Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC). No significant difference (P>0.05) was recorded in neutrophils, amylase and cholesterol. Also, the blood urea level, total protein, serum globulin and albumin were affected significantly (P<0.05) by the experimental forages. It was however concluded that experimental forages could induce significant changes in the physiological responses of the dromedary camel blood without deleterious effect.
This paper assessed the profitability of small-scale sheep marketing in Gombe Metropolis. Four sh... more This paper assessed the profitability of small-scale sheep marketing in Gombe Metropolis. Four sheep markets were purposively selected for their popularity in small ruminants marketing. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 91 sheep marketers these markets. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and were analysed using descriptive statistics, farm budget and maximisation of consumer satisfaction models. The result revealed that purchasing cost for ram and ewe constituted 92.59% and 91.50% of the total marketing costs respectively. The result further revealed the average net income of ₦4,922.46 ($13.72) per head of animal was realised. The gross and operating ratios for the respective animals were < 1; meaning that the business was profitable. Also, the returns per naira invested for ram and ewe were ₦0.17 ($0.00048) and ₦0.18 ($0.0005) respectively. The marketing coefficient (134.80%) of Tike-babba market, revealed to be most efficient. Inadequate capita...
International Journal of African and Asian Studies, 2015
This study was designed to investigate the economics of using indigenous management systems (IMSs... more This study was designed to investigate the economics of using indigenous management systems (IMSs) in small ruminant production in Gombe state, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select 80 small scale goat and sheep producers. Data were collected from the primary sources using pre-tested and validated structured questionnaire supported with oral interview. Both descriptive statistics (percentage and mean) and inferential statistics (chi-square test and correlation analysis) were used to analyse the data. Majority (83.75%) of the small ruminant producers were below the age of 50 years. The results also revealed that 90.0% of the respondents are full time farmers, where about 60.0% are low level income earners of < N 50,000/annum. Only 07.50% of the respondents did not acquire any form of education, while most (51.25%) have the basic education. The study identified four major IMSs used by the livestock farmers in the study area, with the majority (40.0%) embar...
Animal and Veterinary Sciences
The study assessed the productive performance of adult indigenous chicken from four Nigerian stat... more The study assessed the productive performance of adult indigenous chicken from four Nigerian states of the North Central Zone namely; Nasarawa, Niger, Benue, Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Data were collected at both Out and On-station. The result showed that flock structure was in proportion of 28, 21.4, 23.2 and 27.5% for cock, hen, growers and chicks. Chi-square showed significant difference (P<0.001) by state. Clutch size ranged from 10.84±0.23 to 11.45±0.23 in FCT and Nasarawa state. On-station clutchsize was 13.11±0.23. There was significant difference (P<0.001) by site while state has similar values. Age at first egg, clutch number and hatchability did not vary significantly. However, there was significant difference (P<0.05) in Chick mortality which ranged from 43.19 to 53.89% in Benue and the FCT. On-stationmortality was 26.78%. Correlation coefficient between egg and production traits showed that most correlation traits were significant at 1%. Only number of chicks hatched, egg wasted, egg width and length and mortality were correlated at 5%. Some common diseases showed that Newcastle is the most prevalent 63.22%. Farmers attached a high preference to keeping male chicken for sale rather than breeding purposes. The high hatchability is an indication of good reproductive performance in the chickens of the study area. Improvement in management practices and vaccination against Newcastle disease should be adopted to curtail its devastating effect on indigenous chicken production in the study area.
The study was aimed at investigating the hematological parameters and biochemical profile of came... more The study was aimed at investigating the hematological parameters and biochemical profile of camels fed some preferred forages in the Sudan Savannah ecological zone of Nigeria. A total of five healthy male camels were used in six feeding periods. The blood indices were determined at an interval of one week during the feeding period. The results show significantly (P<0.05) higher Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC). No significant difference (P>0.05) was recorded in neutrophils, amylase and cholesterol. Also, the blood urea level, total protein, serum globulin and albumin were affected significantly (P<0.05) by the experimental forages. It was however concluded that experimental forages could induce significant changes in the physiological responses of the dromedary camel blood without deleterious effect.
The objective of this work was to evaluate the dry matter degradability of five Ficus species usi... more The objective of this work was to evaluate the dry matter degradability of five Ficus species using in situ and in vitro techniques. Five browse forages were used for the experiment. The in situ rumen degradability kinetics was determined using the nylon bag technique, and the in vitro degradability was by gas production technique. The crude protein (CP) content was generally high for all the Ficus species and there were significant differences (P<0.05) among the browses for all the studied chemical composition. There were also significant differences (P<0.05) among the Ficus species for all the incubation periods for both in situ and in vitro studies. Significant differences (P<0.05) were also observed for degradation characteristics parameters for both in situ and in vitro techniques, except for rate of degradation 'c' which was not significant for both techniques. The results of the relationship between in situ dry matter disappearance and in vitro gas production were highly significant and positively correlated, except at 12 and 72 h incubation periods which were weakly correlated. The correlation coefficient (r) between in situ and in vitro fermentation characteristics was highly significant and positively correlated, except for lag time (r = 0.018) which was not significant (P>0.05) but positively correlated. It can be concluded that there were positive correlations between in situ and in vitro gas production parameters. Highly significant and positive correlations were also observed between the in situ and in vitro fermentation characteristics showing relationship and interdependency between the two techniques.
This paper assessed the profitability of small-scale sheep marketing in Gombe Metropolis. Four sh... more This paper assessed the profitability of small-scale sheep marketing in Gombe Metropolis. Four sheep markets were purposively selected for their popularity in small ruminants marketing. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 91 sheep marketers these markets. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and were analysed using descriptive statistics, farm budget and maximisation of consumer satisfaction models. The result revealed that purchasing cost for ram and ewe constituted 92.59% and 91.50% of the total marketing costs respectively. The result further revealed the average net income of ₦4,922.46 ($13.72) per head of animal was realised. The gross and operating ratios for the respective animals were < 1; meaning that the business was profitable. Also, the returns per naira invested for ram and ewe were ₦0.17 ($0.00048) and ₦0.18 ($0.0005) respectively. The marketing coefficient (134.80%) of Tike-babba market, revealed to be most efficient. Inadequate capital was critical; this was attributed to insufficient sources of credits. However, improvement in the existing infrastructural facilities will help promote expansion of the present scale of the enterprise operations. Governments and other financial institutions should also do more to extend funds in the form of soft loans to the marketers, so as to improve efficiency.
A considerable number of the dromedary camels are found in the semi Nigeria. Apart from the wide ... more A considerable number of the dromedary camels are found in the semi Nigeria. Apart from the wide use of the camel as a draught animal it now serves as a source of milk, meat and hide in this region. This paper examines the foraging beh rangeland in order to determine its major daily activities as influenced by season, sex and age to enable us improve the biodiversity of our rangelands. Four categories of animals (Adult male, Adult Female, Young Male and Young F rainy seasons. The result indicates that the time spent by the camels in the two seasons (Wet and Dry) and between Male and Female on various activities were significant (P<0.05). However, the was also a significant difference between the behaviour of the adult and younger camels. In can be concluded that camel spends most of its time grazing during the day and the grazing time is higher in the wet season which is related to the forages avail by age rather than sex.
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Papers by Haruna A . Alkali
(74.29%), respectively. Pterocarpus erinaceus had the highest volume of gas production (GP; 29.33 mg/200 g DM) while Parkia biglobosa had the least GP (2.00 mL/200 mg DM) at 96 h. The GP from the immediately soluble fraction (a) and volume of gas produced (mL) at time t (Y) were highest in Pterocarpus erinaceus and Erythrina senegalensis. Gas production from the insoluble but degradable fraction (b)and potential GP (a+b) were greatest in Dicrostachys cinerea. Rate of GP (c) varied among the browses without a definite pattern. The CP of browses was positively significantly correlated with incubation period at all hours and fermentation characteristics (a, c and Y). Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) was positively correlated with incubation periods and a, a + b and c. Acid detergent fibre (ADF) was negatively correlated with incubation hours but was positively related to gas fermentation characteristics. Acid detergent lignin (ADL) and IVOMD were weakly correlated with incubation hours but had a strong relationships with some gas fermentation characteristics. Total condensed tannins (TCT) showed a positive correlation with incubation period at 6, 12, 24 and 96 h but their relationship with fermentation characteristics was positive and
weak. Phenolic content was positive and strongly correlated with incubation period at 3, 6 12 and 24 h, a, cand Y. Based on their relatively high CP, moderate fibre levels and low condensed tannins contents, it can be concluded that the browse legume forages have nutritive potential as fodders for ruminants in tropical environment.
(74.29%), respectively. Pterocarpus erinaceus had the highest volume of gas production (GP; 29.33 mg/200 g DM) while Parkia biglobosa had the least GP (2.00 mL/200 mg DM) at 96 h. The GP from the immediately soluble fraction (a) and volume of gas produced (mL) at time t (Y) were highest in Pterocarpus erinaceus and Erythrina senegalensis. Gas production from the insoluble but degradable fraction (b)and potential GP (a+b) were greatest in Dicrostachys cinerea. Rate of GP (c) varied among the browses without a definite pattern. The CP of browses was positively significantly correlated with incubation period at all hours and fermentation characteristics (a, c and Y). Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) was positively correlated with incubation periods and a, a + b and c. Acid detergent fibre (ADF) was negatively correlated with incubation hours but was positively related to gas fermentation characteristics. Acid detergent lignin (ADL) and IVOMD were weakly correlated with incubation hours but had a strong relationships with some gas fermentation characteristics. Total condensed tannins (TCT) showed a positive correlation with incubation period at 6, 12, 24 and 96 h but their relationship with fermentation characteristics was positive and
weak. Phenolic content was positive and strongly correlated with incubation period at 3, 6 12 and 24 h, a, cand Y. Based on their relatively high CP, moderate fibre levels and low condensed tannins contents, it can be concluded that the browse legume forages have nutritive potential as fodders for ruminants in tropical environment.