Introduction

Animal welfare in livestock production remains a neglected issue in Nigeria, especially during slaughtering. Goats and sheep exhibited welfare consequences such as stress, fatigue, thirst, hunger, pain, fear, and distress. Most food animals reared for meat production have a range of welfare and ethical concerns, particularly during the farming and slaughtering process. The purpose of an abattoir is to ensure the humane handling of animals using hygienic techniques for slaughtering and dressing to produce hygienically prepared meat.

Methods

This study assessed animal cruelty and welfare conditions at the Akinyele Abattoir in Ibadan, where Halal slaughtering without stunning is predominantly practiced. The slaughtering process was examined in two phases—pre-stunning (arrival, unloading, lairage, and handling) and bleeding.

Results

A lot of welfare issues were identified like poor loading and unloading of the goats before slaughtering. The animals were stressed throughout the operation which will affect meat quality. These issues were linked to inadequate facilities, poor handling, and lack of staff training. Using animal-based measures, hazards and welfare risks were identified, and preventive and corrective measures were proposed.

Conclusion

The findings highlight that structural and managerial improvements are essential to reduce cruelty and enhance animal welfare standards at Akinyele Abattoir and similar facilities in Nigeria.

Straw-colored fruit bats (Eidolon helvum) are ecologically vital in West Africa but serve as reservoirs for zoonotic viruses such as coronaviruses, henipaviruses, and paramyxoviruses. In Ogbomosho, Nigeria, one of the region’s largest E. helvum colonies roosts within the Nigeria Baptist Theological Seminary (NBTS), an academic institution that functions as a residential community for students, staff, families, and local dwellers. The seminary’s open campus, proximity to bat roosting trees, and daily interactions between residents and wildlife create a unique human–bat interface. Hunters from the surrounding area also routinely enter the premises to harvest bats, increasing direct contact and potential spillover pathways.

This study applied a mixed-method approach to assess community vulnerability to bat-borne virus transmission. A total of 160 residents were surveyed using structured questionnaires to evaluate awareness, risk interpretation, and bat-related behaviours. Participants were selected using simple random sampling from residential lists provided by NBTS, while hunters were included through convenience sampling due to their limited number and mobility. Four weeks of direct observations documented hunting patterns, handling practices, and spatial overlap between human activity and bat roosts.

Results showed moderate bat awareness among residents but varying interpretations of disease risk. Observational findings revealed frequent hunting near residential zones, including the capture of adult and pregnant females, indicating unsustainable pressure on bat populations and consistent human–bat contact points. A positive association between awareness and perceived vulnerability (r = 0.42, p < 0.01) suggests that increased knowledge may promote safer behaviours.

These findings highlight a critical One Health concern, demonstrating how ecological, behavioural, and environmental factors converge to heighten zoonotic risk in semi-urban communities. Strengthening education, regulating wildlife harvesting, and improving habitat management are essential for reducing disease emergence while conserving bat populations in Nigeria.

A 6-week study was conducted to determine the bone morphology and tibia-breaking strength of broiler chicken managed on different housing systems fed diets containing Piper guineense leaf and seed. For 3 weeks, 288-day-old broiler chicks were brooded; they were then assigned into treatment in 2-by-4 experimental layouts, which comprised two housing systems (deep litter and battery cage) with dietary inclusion levels of Piper guineense leaves and seeds (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5%) in a 2:1 ratio of leaves and seed. Hence, the birds were divided into 8 treatment groups of 4 replicates, with 9 birds per replicates and a total of 36 birds per treatment. Birds on treatment 1 were reared on battery cage housing system-fed diets without Piper guineese, while those on treatments 2, 3 and 4 were fed ration containing Piper guineese at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% inclusion levels, respectively. Birds assigned to treatments 5, 6, 7 and 8 were managed in a deep litter housing system, with dietary inclusion levels of 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%, respectively. Two birds per replicate group were then selected and killed. The left tibia bone was collected for tibia bone morphology and breaking strength. Data were subjected to a two-way analysis of variance. The significant treatment means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test. The results of this study revealed that most of the tibia bone morphological parameters were not influenced by the housing type except for diaphysis diameter; we found wider diaphysis diameters obtained in birds of the deep litter housing type. Wet tibia, dry tibia weight, diaphysis and tibia index were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the dietary inclusion levels. The interaction between the housing type and dietary inclusion levels significantly influenced all parameters of the tibia bone characteristics except tibia robusticity. It can be concluded that for a better bone quality, broiler birds should be managed in the deep litter housing type and fed diets with no more than 1% Piper guineese.

The poultry industry seeks innovative strategies to mitigate rising feed costs and competition for conventional feedstuffs towards achieving sustainable livestock. This study evaluated the impact of graded levels of sesame meal (SM), supplemented with a multi-enzyme complex, as a sustainable partial replacement for highly priced conventional feed ingredients on the growth response and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of 210 Arbor Acre broiler chicks were randomly allotted to seven dietary treatments in a completely randomized design, comprising 0%–25% SM inclusion with enzyme supplementation, which lasted for 8 weeks. The growth response showed that higher SM inclusion levels (>10%) significantly (P<0.05) depressed the body weight gain, average daily gain, and feed intake, while FCR increased. However, birds fed up to 10% SM inclusion exhibited comparable growth performance to the control, with an FCR of 1.96-1.97. Carcass evaluation indicated that increased SM inclusion significantly reduced abdominal fat (1.00-0.31%), thereby suggesting SM’s potential anti-lipogenic effect. Additionally, breast yield declined with higher inclusions (e.g., 31.50% at 20% SM vs. 35.37% at 15% SM). The study concluded that SM supplemented with a multi-enzyme can successfully replace up to 10% of conventional feed ingredients in broiler diets without compromising growth or carcass quality. However, higher inclusion levels require an increased enzyme dosage to reduce anti-nutritional effects and support sustainable and cost-effective poultry feeding.

Broiler chickens, because of the intensive production systems in which they are bred and their high metabolic demands, are generally vulnerable to infectious diseases and thus, immune support is an essential element of sustainable poultry production. Traditional prophylactic methods using antibiotics and synthetic immune boosters raise concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance and environmental impact. Consequently, plant-based natural immunomodulators represent a considerably safer and more environmentally sustainable option. Thus, the oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)—a mushroom widely attested for its bioactive compounds with immunostimulatory properties—was thus evaluated for its ability to enhance the humoral immunity of broilers through in ovo administration. A total of 300 hatching eggs were incubated, out of which 165 were fertile (55% fertility rate). On the 18th day of incubation, the fertile eggs were divided into three groups for injection (55 eggs each): a control (without injection), 0.1 ml/egg extract, and 0.2 ml/egg extract. The hatched chicks were reared for 8 weeks under a deep litter system and were given feed and water ad libitum. The birds' immune status was evaluated by immunization with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) on day 29 post-hatch, and the antibody titres were measured by the haemagglutination assay. Results showed that broilers from eggs injected with 0.2 ml extract were found to have a significantly higher (p<0.05) humoral immune response (mean titre of 5.96) than those of the control and 0.1 ml groups. In summary, in ovo injection of not more than 0.2 ml of water extract of Pleurotus ostreatus can be a method to activate the humoral immune system of broiler chickens and, therefore, can be regarded as a safe and effective nutritional approach for the contemporary poultry sector.

This study evaluated the effect of abscised unripe mango fruit meal (AUMFM) in comparison to maize and Samsorg-49 offal on the performance, rumen indices and methane emissions of Yankasa ram lambs. Twelve growing rams with an average weight of 17.33 kg were randomized into three dietary treatments, namely AUMFM, maize offal and Samsorg-49 offal, each at a 30% inclusion level, with four replicates per group. They were fed for 90 days in a CRD. Data collected were analysed using the GLM procedure of ANOVA in SPSS and significant means were compared using DMRT at P<0.05. The results showed that the weight gains of rams fed 30% dietary inclusions of AUMFM (97.25 g/ram/day) and maize offal (104.40 g/ram/day) were statistically similar and higher (P<0.05) than Samsorg-49 offal (81.59 g/ram/day), while the FCR was higher (P<0.05) in Samsorg-49 offal (9.18) compared to maize offal (7.27). However, the dietary inclusion of AUMFM had higher CH4 efficiency (25.05%) compared to maize offal (30.93%) and Samsorg-49 offal (30.82%). Although there were no differences (P>0.05) observed for feed intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen utilization and rumen indices among the dietary treatments, the dietary inclusions of AUMFM and maize offal showed increasing tendency to impact nitrogen free extract digestibility (P=0.09), nitrogen retained (P=0.07) and N-retained as a % of intake (P=0.06) compared to the Samsorg-49 diet. In conclusion, 30% inclusion of AUMFM in the diet of Yankasa ram lambs had a weight gain comparable to dietary maize offal, with higher CH4 efficiency compared to both the 30% dietary inclusion of maize and Samsorg-49 offal. This study underscores the importance of exploring the potential of AUMFM as a cheap dietary energy ingredient with a low carbon footprint as compared to the maize and Samsorg-49 offal in the diets of Yankasa ram lambs. Hence, ruminant livestock farmers are encouraged to adopt 30% dietary inclusion of AUMFM for better weight gain compared to Samsorg-49 offal, cheaper cost of feeding, and climate-smart livestock production.

There have been consequential side effects from the use of antibiotics growth promoters in poultry, such as drug resistance and residual effects on consumers. This has led to international restriction on the use of antibiotics, putting pressure on the poultry industry to search for suitable natural alternatives that have similar beneficial effects (Braconi et al., 2021). This trial investigated the growth response and haematology of Noiler birds fed dietary additive levels of sodium benzoate (SB). One hundred and twenty (120)-day-old Noiler chicks were used for the 8-week trial. Randomized into four treatments with three replicates of ten (10) birds each, commercial diet (HYBRID^TM) was used with the inclusion levels of SB at 0 g, 200 g, 400 g, and 600 g per 100 kg of feed, representing T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively. Data collected on final body weight (FBW), total weight gain (TWG), average daily weight gain (ADWG), dressed carcass weight (DCW), total feed intake (TFI), feed cost/kg gain (FC/kg gain), packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC), and haemoglobin (HB) were subjected to a One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and significantly different means were separated using Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test at a 5% level of probability. FBW, TWG, ADWG, DCW, TFI, and FC/kg gain were significantly (p<0.05) better in T4 (1356.87±0.57g, 1321.82±0.41g, 23.60±0.39, 1061.75±1.50, 7292.48±1.21 and 1366.48) than in T1 (1198.87±0.80, 1162.63±0.91, 20.76±0.21, 1011.11±1.17, 7103.28±1.22 and 1512.8), respectively. Treatment 4 significantly (p<0.05) improved the haematological parameters, PCV, RBC, and HB (35.67±0.21%, 11.27±0.33X10⁶ and 9.46±0.05g/dl) compared to T1 (33.33±0.42%, 10.42±0.19X10⁶, and 8.40± 0.07g/dl, respectively). The study revealed that at all the levels of inclusion of SB in the experimental diets, there was no recorded mortality, indicating zero toxicity for the birds. It was concluded that incorporating 600 g SB/100 kg feed in Noiler diets was a more economical approach to feeding the birds, produced healthier birds, and more effectively improved growth performance.

This study investigated the potential of using differently treated sawdust-based diets to sustainably enhance livestock production, specifically focusing on West African Dwarf (WAD) goats in Nigeria.

Thirty-six (36) intact male West African Dwarf (WAD) goats, with an initial mean body weight range of 9-10kg, were utilized in an 8-week feeding trial. The experimental design was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The animals were randomly allocated to the four dietary treatment groups such that nine (9) goats served as replicates per treatment group. Sawdust of fine-milled Gmelina arborea was harvested from the nearby sawmill, picked to remove dirt, and treated using wood ash (T1)—10% w/v, hot water (T2)—100^oC for 2 hours, caustic soda (T3)—4% w/v, and molasses (T4)—1:9 w/w of molasses/sawdust before being mixed with other feed ingredients. The feed was offered at 4% of the body weight of the animals. Data were collected on crude protein content, dry matter intake (DMI) (g/day), volatile fatty acids (VFAs), packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cells (RBCs), CO₂, and total volatile organic compounds.

The results showed significant differences in the chemical composition of the diets. Molasses-treated sawdust diet (T4) had the highest crude protein content (5.69%), highest concentrations of VFAs, and lowest TVOC emissions (0.40 mg/m³), showing its potential as a high-quality feed option with lower environmental impact. In contrast, caustic soda-treated sawdust (T3) had the highest TVOC levels (0.52 mg/m³). Carbon dioxide emissions were highest in T4 (4996.67 ppm) and lowest in T1 (3911.50 ppm). Results demonstrated that pre-treatment significantly altered the sawdust composition and animal performance. All treated diets had a positive effect on haematological parameters.

This study shows the feasibility of incorporating treated sawdust-based diets into livestock management practices to ensure the suitability of the diets and the high productivity of West African Dwarf goats.

Senna occidentalis (L.) seed is a nutrient dense plant protein ingredient for poultry diets. However, its utilisation is constrained by the presence of anti-nutritional factors which may elicit metabolic disorder and poor performance in birds. Processing techniques have been shown to alleviate these limitations. This study therefore evaluated the effects of Senna occidentalis seed meal-based diets on growth performance and liver-jejunal histopathology of broiler chickens.

One hundred and sixty 17-day old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly allotted into four dietary treatments with five replicates of eight birds each in a completely randomised design. Diet 1 was a highly digestible protein (HDP); a control and diets 2, 3 and 4 contained Raw Senna Seed Meal (RSSM), Fermented Senna Seed Meal (FSSM), and Boiled Senna Seed Meal (BSSM) supplemented diets. Performance indices were measured. On day 21, liver and jejunal samples were harvested and examined for histopathological evaluations following standard procedures. Data were analysed using ANOVA at P = α0.05.

Birds fed BSSM diet recorded the highest (P < 0.05) average daily weight gain (34.80 g/b) and average daily feed intake (58.19 g/b) compared with the other diets. Liver of birds fed BSSM diet showed normal architecture with intact hepatocytes, with no observable necrosis while birds fed RSSM diet exhibited periportal fibrosis, sinusoidal dilation, and inflammatory infiltration, indicating hepatic stress. Jejunal sections of the birds fed the raw and processed SSM displayed intact villi and mild crypt hyperplasia without vascular changes, fibrosis or necrosis.

In conclusion, boiling improved the nutritional quality of Senna occidentalis seed meal which resulted in enhanced growth performance, and preserved hepatic and intestinal integrity. Therefore, the inclusion of 10% processed Senna occidentalis seed meal is considered as a viable and promising alternative protein source for broiler chickens.

Short-term semen storage refers to maintaining sperm viability and motility by reducing metabolic activity through lowering temperature, typically at 1-4°C. The ability to store fish semen for short durations has wide applications in both routine aquaculture operations and conservation programs. In the present study, the percentage of motile spermatozoa (MP) and motility time (MT) of the Caspian shemaya (Alburnus chalcoides) sperm were evaluated during chilled storage at 4 °C for periods of 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Sperm samples were collected from 16 mature male fish, with an average weight of 22.1 ± 4.3 g. For the sampling procedure, the fish were anesthetized using clove powder extract. Sperm was then collected using a sterile syringe by gently applying pressure to the abdominal region. Samples were pooled (n=2 per plastic tube) and stored at 4 °C. The results showed significant differences in MP at all measured intervals after the initial assessment (P < 0.05). Additionally, there was a considerable difference in MT at all intervals after 24 hours of chilled storage compared to the initial measurement (P < 0.05). All sperm samples lost their viability after 96 hours of chilled storage. The findings suggest that the sperm samples maintain a favorable quality for fertilization for up to 24 hours after chilled storage. Therefore, the short-term storage of Caspian shemaya sperm, for a duration of up to 24 hours, can facilitate the efficient management of samples and support successful fertilization processes in hatchery operations.