Tchoffo Herve

Due to adverse effects of anti-nutritional factors (ANFs), feeds containing those substances undergo several processing techniques to enhance their nutritional value before being included in monogastric diets. This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of replacing maize with treated cocoa pod powder (TCP) in the diets of laying Japanese quails, focusing on reproductive performance and egg quality. For this purpose, 72 quails, aged 3 weeks and weighing between 70 and 80 g, were randomly assigned to four treatments. Throughout the study, the control group (R1) had a diet with 0% TCP, whereas the other groups received diets containing 20%, 40%, and 60% TCP, respectively. At 12 weeks of age, eight birds from each treatment were randomly selected and slaughtered, and the blood collected was used for biochemical analysis. The remaining females were housed with untreated males to assess fertility, egg characteristics, and hatchability traits. Results showed that egg characteristics in TCP-fed birds did not decrease significantly (p > 0.05) compared to the control group. Quails fed 60% TCP exhibited a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in fertile egg hatchability, overall hatchability, and embryonic mortality rates compared to the control. However, the fertility rate and chick hatch weight remained unaffected (p > 0.05) by the level of TCP inclusion. Birds fed 60% TCP had significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels of protein, cholesterol, and triglycerides compared to the control. However, levels of urea, creatinine, ALAT, and ASAT showed the opposite trend. In conclusion, treated cocoa pod powder can replace maize by up to 40% without altering the reproductive performance, egg quality, or biochemical parameters of Japanese quails.

Introduction: The use of antibiotics as growth promoters in animal husbandry has been banned due to concerns that antibiotic residues can accumulate in animal tissues and lead to bacterial resistance. The present study aimed to explore the effects of varying amounts of Cyperus alternifolius (C. alternifolius) rhizome powder on feed digestibility, growth performance, intestinal microbial flora, hemato-biochemical parameters, and immune responses in broiler chickens as an alternative to antibiotics. Materials and methods: An experiment was conducted at the Application and Research Farm of the University of Dschang (Cameroon) over 49 days. A total of 512 day-old broiler chickens, including 256 males and 256 females, were randomly assigned to eight treatment groups, with four replicates of 16 chickens each, with equal numbers from both sexes. The treatment groups included a negative control group which administered a basal diet without additive (NC), a basal diet containing 1 g of doxycycline/kg of feed as the positive control group (PC), and six diets containing the powder of C. alternifolius rhizome as a phyto-additive, at the dose of 1 g of C. alternifolius/kg of feed (T1), 2 g (T2), 4 g (T4), 6 g (T6), 8 g (T8) and 10 g (T10). The growth performance, carcass characteristics, microbial flora, feed digestibility, the immune system, and hematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated.Results: Live weight and weight gain increased by approximately 7.02% and 7.11%, respectively, in T4 compared with NC during the finisher phase. Feed conversion ratio was significantly reduced in T4 by approximately 11.05% compared to NC, but it was comparable to that of PC, T6, and T8. The number of lactobacilli and crude protein digestibility increased significantly in all treatment groups compared to NC. Furthermore, in T4, the number of Escherichia coli significantly decreased by 40.9% compared to NC, T1, T8, and T10. Besides the notable increase in total protein level in T4 compared with other groups, the hemato-biochemical parameters of the chickens showed no significant differences across groups.Conclusion: Cyperus alternifolius at a dose of 4 g/kg of feed demonstrated potential as an alternative to growth-promoting antibiotics, with diminished adverse effects on broiler chicken health.

Entre mars et avril 2024, les performances de croissance, les indicateurs hématologiques et métaboliques chez le lapin local soumis à un aliment avec les coques de pistache (Cucumeropsis mannii) comme source de cellulose ont été évalués à la Ferme d’Application et de Recherche de l’Université de Dschang (FAR-UDs) et au Laboratoire de Physiologie et Santé Animales de la même institution. A cet effet, 40 lapereaux de même âge, ont été répartis équitablement au hasard en 4 groupes aux poids corporels comparables et avec 5 répétitions chacun. Les lapereaux affectés au groupe R0 pour le témoin ne recevaient aucune incorporation des coques des graines de courge dans leur ration, R1, R2 et R3 recevaient respectivement de façon ad libitum un aliment incorporé à 10%, 20% et 30% des coques des graines de courge. Après 56 jours d’expérimentation, les animaux ont été sacrifiés par dislocation cervicale et le sang de chaque sujet recueilli dans deux tubes à essai pour les analyses hématologiques et métaboliques. Les résultats ont révélé que l’incorporation des coques des graines de courge à 30% dans l’aliment des lapins a augmenté significativement (p<0,05) la consommation alimentaire (863,51±51,62 g), le poids vif (2294,50±133,69 g), et le gain pondéral quotidien (29,44±3,47 g) en comparaison avec le témoin. Les régimes supplémentés ont haussé le taux des globules rouges, de l’hémoglobine de l’hématocrite et des leucocytes indépendamment des taux d’incorporation. Cependant, cette augmentation n’a été significative que chez les animaux nourris aux rations contenant 10 et 30%. Par ailleurs, les taux d’ALAT, d’ASAT et de l’urée ont diminué à l’incorporation des coques des graines de courge dans l’aliment des lapins. En conclusion, les coque de pistaches sont une source potentielle de cellulose pour l’élevage de lapins car leur incorporation dans la ration à 30% a un effet significativement positif.

Biotechnologies of reproduction like artificial insemination were identified as a mean to intensify the local production. Therefore, some factors are still responsible to the failure of their applications in rural area. This survey was conducted from April to June 2023, to evaluate the effects of age, body weight, body condition score (BCS), calving rank, postpartum to artificial insemination interval and feed complementation on the success rate of artificial insemination in females Goudali. Thus, activities took place at two peri-urban livestock farms in the town of Ngaoundéré, in the Adamaoua region of Cameroon where 34 cows were concerned. The selected cows have an average of 8.21±2.41 years old, a body weight of 343±52.28 kg, a body condition score of 3.23±0.55, a calving rank of 2.21±1.22 and a postpartum to insemination interval of 4.39±1.40 months. The induction and synchronization of estrus were carried out based on the PRID-PGF2α-PMSG protocol which allowed to obtain a synchronization rate of 97.06% and the insemination were done 56-57 hours after the previous operation, with an imported semen of Brahman bull. During rectal palpation and early pregnancy diagnosis based on progesterone level measurement, the result shown that, 20 cows out of 33 inseminated were pregnant. The success rate of artificial insemination recorded was 60.6%. Amongst all the studied factors, analysis shown no significant (P> 0.05) effect on the success rate after artificial insemination. Thus, recommendations were made to popularize the use of artificial insemination and early pregnancy diagnosis test as a mean to improve reproductive performances of local farms. However, studies must be done to evaluate the cost of their applications in rural areas.

Mohamadou Adamou, Dongmo Nguedia Arius Baulland, Ngo Bahebeck Pierrette, Tchoffo Herve, Chongsi Margaret Mary Momo, Noudjio Kezeter Claude, Nnanga Germaine Estelle Mvondo, Ngwemetah Nathalie, Adamu Yusufa Njeiri and Ngoula Ferdinand. Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology 2024;39:179-93. https://doi.org/10.12750/JARB.39.3.179

Introduction: Soursop leaves are rich in various molecules, including total phenols, terpenes, and steroids, which possess a range of pharmacological properties that can be utilized in animal production to enhance both growth and reproduction of animals. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of incorporating soursop (Annona muricata; A. muricata) leaves powder into feed on the reproductive performance of Japanese quail. Materials and methods: A total of 80 Japanese quails (64 females and 16 males) aged two weeks were randomly divided into four experimental groups, labeled T0, T1, T2, and T3, and received feed additives with 0 mg/kg body weight (bw), 250 mg/kg bw, 500 mg/kg bw, and 750 mg/kg bw of powdered soursop leaves, respectively. Additionally, water was provided ad libitum, and the quails' weights were measured every 7 days for a period of 75 days. At the end of the period, 12 female quails from each group were sacrificed after 24 hours fasting period. Blood was collected for hematological (Leukocyte, Erythrocyte, and Platelet indices) and serum biochemical (total serum cholesterol, total proteins, albumin, and globulin, Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase, Urea, and Creatinine) analysis. The males were also sacrificed to evaluate the spermatozoa characteristics (mobility, concentration, and viability). Results: No statistical significant changes in growth characteristics or hematological parameters were observed. However, biochemical parameters increased significantly with the inclusion of Soursop (A. muricate) in quail feed, including increased total cholesterol, total protein, and globulin levels, and decreased malondialdehyde levels. This effect was most significant at dosage of 500 mg/kg bw. Serum levels of urea, Alanine aminotransferase, and Aspartate aminotransferase were not significantly affected by A. muricata whatever the concentration considered. A significant increase in fast progressive spermatozoa, along with a decrease in immotile spermatozoa, was observed with A. muricate at dosage of 500 mg/kg bw compared to the control. Sperm viability also increased significantly, particularly in live at dosage of 500 mg/kg bw. Significant increase was observed in fertility parameters, including increased fertility rate, hatchability rate of fertile eggs, total hatchability rate, and chick weight, along with decreased embryonic mortality at 500 mg/kg bw treatment compared to the control. Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings indicated that incorporating A. muricata leaf powder at 500 mg/kg bw into quail feed positively influences reproductive cells and boosts fertility growth promoters.

The present work aimed to evaluate the effects of Mangifera indica leaf powder (MLP) on reproductive hormones, biomarkers of oxidative stress and toxicity, growth and carcass characteristics of female Cavia porcellus. 40 female guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus L.) aged 2 months with an average weight of 257.65±11.28 g were used. These guinea pigs were weighed, then randomly divided into 4 groups of 10 animals each and subjected to the following rations: T0 (basic diet), T1, T2 and T3 (basic diet + 0.50; 0.75 and 1% MLP, respectively). For 45 days, the guinea pigs of all groups received ad libitum drinking water and the corresponding experimental rations. Reproductive hormones analyses showed a significant (P<0.05) rise in serum progesterone concentration in the highest dose of MLP-treated guinea pigs. Malondialdehyde level was lowest in guinea pigs given feed with the highest dose of MLP while superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were maximum in animals that received the highest doses of MLP. Total Peroxidase activity was greatest in animals fed with the higher MLP dose. The lowest level of cholesterol was noticed in the group that received the greatest dose of MLP. Feed consumption was higher in guinea pigs receiving 0.75% and 1% MLP. The body weight gain and average daily gain had higher values in the subjects fed with MLP feed than those of the control group. Feed efficiency values were improved in animals that that were given 0.5% and 1% MLP with regards to those fed without MLP, the length of small intestine was higher (P<0.05) in 0.75% MLP-treated animals than the other groups, while the greatest value for the density of big intestine was recorded in those that received 0.25% MLP. Based on these values (1% of diet as optimum level), MLP can be used in feed to improve animal production performance.

Nsiyapnze Katte Yato Katte, Tchoffo Herve, Azafack Kana Dorice, Chongsi Margaret Mary Momo and Ngoula Ferdinand. Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology 2023;38:236-46. https://doi.org/10.12750/JARB.38.4.236

Azafack Kana Dorice, Paguem Eric Achile, Deutcheu Nienga Sorelle, Tchoffo Hervé, Chongsi Margaret Momo, Ngwafu Nancy Ngwasiri and Ferdinand Ngoula. Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology 2023;38:151-7. https://doi.org/10.12750/JARB.38.3.151

The rhizomes of Cyperus (C.) alternifolius, Echinochloa (E.) pyramidalis, Typha (T.) angustifolia, and Imperata (I.) cylindrica are rich in secondary metabolites and have diverse pharmacological activities. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of dietary C. alternifolius, E. pyramidalis, T. angustifolia, and I. cylindrical rhizomes on the performance of broiler chickens. A total of 384 day-old chicks were randomly assigned to six treatment groups (each treatment replicated four times). The first group received a basal diet (negative control), and the second group received a basal diet with 1 gr of antibiotic (Doxicycline, positive control). Other groups received a basal diet with 2 gr of each phyto-additives/kg feed. The results revealed that treatments had no significant effects on feed intake and carcass yield in chickens. The C. alternifolius and T. angustifolia significantly increased live weight and weight gain, and decreased feed conversion ratio, compared to negative control. The addition of C. alternifolius, T. angustifolia, and I. cylindrica to broilers’ diet significantly increased the apparent digestibility of dry matter and crude protein, compared to the negative control. Compared to the negative control, the lactic acid bacteria count significantly increased with the incorporation of T. angustifolia and I. cylindrica. The granulocytes count and globulins concentration were not affected by the different treatments. However, the lymphocyte count was significantly decreased with the diet containing E. pyramidalis compared to the negative and positive controls, and the diets containing C. alternifolius and T. angustifolia. The spleen and bursa weights and volumes significantly increased in all groups of chickens fed on phyto-additives, compared to the negative control. Except for haematocrit, which significantly increased with C. alternifolius and T. angustifolia in the treatments compared to the negative control, the feed additives did not significantly affect the hematological parameters. Compared to the negative control, T. angustifolia and I. cylindrica significantly increased HDL-cholesterol concentration in broiler chickens’ serum, while all treatment groups were comparable for all the other biochemical parameters. Incorporating 2 g of C. alternifolius and T. angustifolia in broiler chickens’ feed improves feed digestibility, enhances the population of lactic acid bacteria in the gut, and causes subsequent improvement in growth performance.