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Research Article
Determination of Hematological Parameters of Bunaji Cattle Slaughtered in Sokoto Modern Abattoir, Sokoto State, Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
46-50
Received:
13 January 2026
Accepted:
23 January 2026
Published:
19 May 2026
Abstract: Cattle are a significant part of Nigeria's meat supply and livestock production, with beef being the most consumed meat, followed by sheep and goat meat. Currently, the population of cattle in Nigeria is estimated at 15.3 million, with over 90 percent owned by traditional producers in the northern regions. Indigenous breeds of cattle include the Red Bororo, White Fulani, and Sokoto Gudali. This study was aimed at establishing the normal reference hematological parameters of Bunaji cattle in Sokoto. The result obtained will be useful in determining the normal reference hematological value of Bunaji cattle in Sokoto, Nigeria, and will serve as an aid in the clinical diagnosis of various metabolic and pathological disorders, which can unfavorably affect the productive and reproductive performance of cattle, leading to heavy economic losses. An experimental study (random sampling) was conducted at the Sokoto modern abattoir for one month. Blood samples of 60 apparently healthy Bunaji cattle (male and female) ranging in age from 2 to 3 years, which were brought for slaughter, were collected using EDTA, and a complete hemogram was performed. The results obtained showed, mean of PCV (%), Hb (g/dl), RBC (x106/mm6), WBC (x103/mm3), Neutrophils (%), Lymphocytes (%), Monocytes (%), Eosinophils (%), Basophils (%), MCV (fl), MCH (pg), MCHC (g/dl) were 31.60±7.17, 10.93±2.54, 6.34±2.91, 6.62±1.70, 60.23±11.26, 37.25±11.75, 2.25±1.23, 0.07±0.25, 0±0.00, 54.04±65.49, 18.88±6.09, 34.95±4.73 respectively. It is concluded that all the hematological parameters obtained from this research were within the normal reference range with the exception of neutrophils, which had little variation.
Abstract: Cattle are a significant part of Nigeria's meat supply and livestock production, with beef being the most consumed meat, followed by sheep and goat meat. Currently, the population of cattle in Nigeria is estimated at 15.3 million, with over 90 percent owned by traditional producers in the northern regions. Indigenous breeds of cattle include the Re...
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Research Article
Effect of a Sustained-release Bolus on Milk Production, Rumination and Reproduction in Multiparous Dairy Cows Classified at Low Milk Fever Risk
Michael Froger*,
Sarah Stiegeler
,
John Lawlor
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
51-60
Received:
29 April 2026
Accepted:
12 May 2026
Published:
21 May 2026
Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine whether the positive transition health, rumination, production, and reproductive responses to Cow Start Complete (CSC) supplementation seen in high milk fever risk Irish and UK studies, extend to multiparous dairy cows managed under low milk fever risk conditions in a NZ pasture-based system using once-a-day (OAD) milking during early lactation. Seventy-one multiparous crossbred dairy cows (3rd – 5th Lactation; 29 CSC-treated, 42 controls) received either 2 x CSC sustained-release boluses at calving or no supplementation. Outcomes observed included transition health performance, rumination behaviour, milk volume and milk solids production (weeks 4–24), and reproductive performance. During the first week after calving, daily rumination levels dropped more in the control group than the treatment group (control – 33 mins/day, p = 0.009 vs treatment – 1 min/day, p = 0.947). In terms of milk production, across weeks 4-24 in lactation, the CSC-treated cows produced 1.3 L more milk per day (+4.5%, p = 0.039) and 0.11 kg more milk solids per day (+3.86%, p = 0.037). Reproductive performance improved in CSC-treated cows when compared to the control cows, higher first-service conception rate (89.7% vs 63.1%, p = 0.015), fewer services per conception (1.1 vs 1.5, p = 0.012) and 9 fewer days to conception (p = 0.034). In a pasture-based herd managed under early lactation OAD milking, CSC supplementation at calving was associated with improved milk volume and milk solids production, reduced early-lactation rumination suppression, and improved reproductive performance. These findings indicate that the CSC sustained-release bolus may confer benefits beyond traditional high-risk hypocalcaemia populations.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine whether the positive transition health, rumination, production, and reproductive responses to Cow Start Complete (CSC) supplementation seen in high milk fever risk Irish and UK studies, extend to multiparous dairy cows managed under low milk fever risk conditions in a NZ pasture-based system using once-a-day (...
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Research Article
Farmers’ Perceptions of Climate Change and Its Effects on Livestock Productivity in Luangwa District, Lusaka Province, Zambia: Setting the Stage for Urgent Action
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
61-74
Received:
25 April 2026
Accepted:
8 May 2026
Published:
30 May 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.avs.20261403.13
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Abstract: Climate change poses a major threat to livestock livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa, especially for smallholder farmers relying on climate-sensitive systems. This study examined farmers’ perceptions of climate change and its impact on livestock productivity in Luangwa District, Lusaka Province, Zambia. A cross-sectional survey involving 129 smallholder livestock farmers was conducted using structured questionnaires. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, ranking indices, and Likert-scale mean scores. Results showed universal awareness (100%) of climate change among respondents, with major indicators being reduced rainfall (93%), rising temperatures (93%), unpredictable weather (100%), and increased livestock diseases (80%). Deforestation (rank index=0.266) was seen as the main cause, followed by population pressure (0.223) and agricultural activities (0.174). Climate variability was believed to negatively affect livestock through less pasture (mean score 4.46), more diseases (4.48), water shortages (4.53), heat stress (4.48), decreased fertility (4.43), and higher feed costs (4.58). Farmers used several adaptation strategies, with vaccination (0.32), herd size reduction (0.25), and feed storage (0.22) ranked most important. Constraints included lack of funds (0.19), insufficient pasture (0.17), limited information (0.14), and weak institutional support (0.04). Despite challenges, most farmers rated their adaptation efforts as moderately effective and showed strong willingness (99.22%) to participate in future programs. This study offers empirical insights into perception-driven livestock adaptation in low-input systems, informing climate-smart livestock policies and extension in Zambia. It highlights the need for enhanced institutional support, targeted extension services, and climate-smart interventions to improve resilience and sustainability of smallholder livestock systems in Luangwa District.
Abstract: Climate change poses a major threat to livestock livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa, especially for smallholder farmers relying on climate-sensitive systems. This study examined farmers’ perceptions of climate change and its impact on livestock productivity in Luangwa District, Lusaka Province, Zambia. A cross-sectional survey involving 129 smallhol...
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