Journal of Applied Animal Science

Nutritive Value and In-Vitro Digestibility of Blended Ratios of Wheat Offal and Wet Sorghum Brewer Residue as Feed for Livestock

Samuel Kola Ayandiran, Mathew Adewale Adedokun, Ibironke Adekunle — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The use of agro-industrial by-products as animal feeds has been a matter of interest for the last few decades. Hence, this study evaluated the chemical composition, volatile fatty acid profile, and in-vitro digestibility of blended ratios of wheat offal and wet sorghum brewer residue. Fresh wet sorghum brewer residue (WSBR) was collected from local gin (Burukutu) producers and blended with wheat offal (WO) on a weight-for-weight basis in the following rations: 1WO:1WSBR, 1WO:1.5WSBR, 1WO:1.2WSBR, 1WO:2.5WSB, 1WO:1.3WSBR, and 1WO:3.5WSBR, arranged in a Completely Randomized Design. The blends were air-dried for 3 days at 39 °C. Samples of blended ratios were analyzed for chemical composition, volatile fatty acids profile, and in-vitro digestibility using standard procedures. The dry matter contents of ratios 1:1, 1:2, 1:2.5, 1:3, and 1:3.5 were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the 1:1.5 ratio. The crude fibre content significantly increased (p < 0.05) as the proportion of WSBR increased in the blends. The carbohydrate fractions of ratios 1:2, 1:2.5, and 1:3 were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of ratios 1:1 and 1:1.5. The neutral detergent fibre was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in ratio 1:3.5 than in other blended ratios. Furthermore, the hemicellulose content was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in ratios 1:1.5, 1:2.5, and 1:3 than in ratio 1:1, and was lowest in 1:3.5. However, ratios 1:1 and 1:1.5 had significantly higher (p < 0.05) acetic, propionic, butyric, valeric, and lactic acid contents than the other ratios. Notably gas production was significantly highest (p < 0.05) in ratio 1:1 from 3 to 24 hours of in-vitro digestibility compared to other ratios. It could be concluded that blended ratios of wheat offal and wet sorghum brewer residue improved nutrient availability for livestock animals; however, ratios 1:1 and 1:1.5 produced more in-vitro gases, while ratios 1:1, 1:1.5, and 1:2 showed superior dry matter digestibility.

Quality Evaluation of Chicken Powder from Broiler Chicken Fed Abattoir Wastes in Their Diet

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

There is an increasing desire and demand for animal products with improved nutritional quality, resulting in the inclusion of abattoir waste in the feed of broiler chickens used as a raw material for the processing of chicken powder (CP). A total of 150 Ross breed chicks were raised intensively for 8 weeks. The birds were fed compounded feed (CF) with inclusion of abattoir waste (AW) and allocated to five dietary treatments (T) in a completely randomized design: T1, CF only; T2, CF + 5% AW; T3, CF + 10% AW; T4, CF + 15% AW, and T5, CF + 20% AW. Three chickens were selected from each treatment for CP processing. Result on day 0 showed that inclusion of AW in the diet of broiler chickens increased the protein of CP. Moisture content increased with increasing AW. Cholesterol in all treatments was below the limit recommended for broilers and their products. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed in iron (Fe), while sodium (Na) and potassium (K) increased with AW. On day 28, no significant changes were observed in protein content; however, storage intervals caused variation in ash and moisture content. T2 and T3 had the lowest microbial load on day 0 and 28. Microbial load increased with AW, and T4 and T5 were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in total viable count (TVC) and total bacterial count (TBC). Result for palatability showed that T2 was significantly preferred, followed by T1 and T3 with no significant difference. CP is a high-protein animal product in which the nutritive component is enhanced with inclusion of 5-10% abattoir waste in the diet of broiler chicken.

Surgical Application of a 3D-Printed Upper Beak Prosthesis in a Pacific parrotlet (Forpus coelestis): A Preliminary Case Report

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Severe beak deformities or loss in psittacine birds significantly impair essential functions such as feeding, preening, and climbing. This case report presents the first documented surgical implantation of a 3D-printed upper beak prosthesis in a Pacific parrotlet (Forpus coelestis), a small parrot species that presents unique anatomical and mechanical challenges. The patient, a female parrotlet, had suffered complete upper beak loss following a traumatic injury. A patient-specific prosthetic beak was digitally designed based on computed tomography imaging of conspecific anatomy, then fabricated using stereolithography 3D printing and coated with dental composite resin to enhance biocompatibility and durability. Surgical fixation was achieved using a titanium orthodontic miniscrew, transcranial stainless steel wire, and composite resin sealing, with the procedure completed within approximately 15 minutes to minimize anesthetic risk. Postoperatively, the bird began eating soft food independently by day 3 and resumed functional behaviors including food manipulation and perching. Long-term monitoring revealed stable prosthesis integration for one year. At that point, granulation tissue developed at the interface, leading to gradual loosening and the elective removal of the prosthesis. This case highlights the feasibility and clinical potential of using 3D-printed prosthetics for beak reconstruction in small avian species. The approach provides a reproducible framework that can be adapted to both smaller and larger parrots, offering a valuable treatment option for traumatic beak loss across a range of bird species. It also underscores the role of digital fabrication in advancing avian reconstructive surgery and improving animal welfare.

Surgical Management of Femorotibial Joint Luxation with Hinged Transarticular External Fixation in a Blue-and-Gold Macaw (Ara ararauna): A Case Report

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This case report discusses hinged transarticular external fixation to manage femorotibial joint luxation in a blue-and-gold macaw (Ara ararauna), emphasizing the relative infrequency and complexity of this orthopedic challenge in avian medicine. An 11-year-old macaw was presented to the exhibit with acute non-weight-bearing of the right leg and associated joint swelling for three days following trauma. Conservative management alone was inadequate to restore joint stability and function due to anatomical factors, necessitating surgical intervention. The surgical technique utilizing a Fixateur Externe du Service de Santé des Armées (FESSA) hinged linear transarticular external fixator (HLTEF), was appropriate for the femorotibial joint's anatomical and biomechanical aspects of the avian species. Providing stabilization of the femorotibial joint and restricting the range of motion is crucial for preserving joint and muscle function. After the surgery, the macaw showed a good recovery without complications. The external fixator remained stable, enabling the bird to perch. The external fixator was removed after three weeks. Six months postoperatively, the macaw demonstrated normal utilization of its leg, with no evidence of recurrent joint dislocation and full functional recovery.