Azafack Kana Dorice

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.

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

A cow can give birth to an average of 6-7 calves in her entire reproductive period. The remaining oocytes could be used for the in vitro production of embryos. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of ovarian and non-ovarian factors on the follicular population and oocyte maturation of three Chadian cattle breeds (Arab, Kouri, and Toupouri). For this purpose, the ovaries of 166 cycled cows were collected at the Farcha slaughterhouse of Chad and placed individually in labeled conical tubes containing 0.9% NaCl and 0.5 mg/ml penicillin-streptomycin. After clearing the ovaries of tissue debris, they were weighed, and the follicles were counted. The diameter of each follicle was measured and classified into three categories. A total of 2734 oocytes were collected in 28 days with a minimum of 97 per day by the slicing method using a 10X stereoscope. They were then classified into four groups according to the structure of their cumulus oophorus. Immature oocytes (class 1 and 2 [1455]) were placed in different culture media consisting of Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) alone, MEM with 10% follicular fluid, and MEM with 50% follicular fluid for oocyte maturation. The results indicated that the mean follicular population and mean oocyte yield were 24.71 ± 0.88 and 11.65 ± 0.94, respectively. The mean oocyte index and the number of cultivable oocytes for in vitro embryo production (class 1 and 2) were 1.03 ± 0.23 and 1.65 ± 0.94, respectively. The number of follicles observed in the age group of 6-9 years was higher than in other age groups. Oocyte yield was significantly higher in cows with a body condition score of 4-5 compared to average and lean cows. Among the different culture media used for oocyte maturation, the medium consisting of MEM plus 10% follicular fluid recorded a higher maturation rate than the other culture media. Cows aged 6-9 years had a higher maturation rate than other age groups. In conclusion, the good follicle (follicle that produced oocyte) and appropriate oocyte performance were observed in cows with body condition score 3-5 and an age range of 6-9 years.