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Paul Iji

Paul Iji

Snr.Lecturer, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, School of Environmental and Rural Sciences

Qualifications

BSc Hons (Maid), MSc (Aberd), PhD (Adel), GCHE (NE)

Contact

Email: piji@une.edu.au
Room: Wool Shed Building 20
Phone: 02 6773 2082 (or +61 2 6773 2082 overseas)
Fax: 02 6773 3922

Areas of Teaching

Teaching interests in 2007:

Coordinator, PTLY 301/501: Poultry production

Core units:
  • ANSC 200: Introduction to animal production systems
  • ANPR 211: Animal production systems and products
  • ANUT 300/500: Applied animal nutrition

Speciality Area/s:

  • Poultry nutrition
  • Digestive physiology
  • Animal production systems

Research Interests:

  • Development of digestive function in poultry and other farm animals
  • Effects of nutrients and antinutritional factors on poultry growth and health
  • Nutritional application of biotech feed additives (microbial enzymes, prebiotics, probiotics, etc)
  • Evaluation of alternative feed resources for poultry.

On-going Projects:

  • Control over life-long productivity by dietary manipulation immediately post hatch.  Poultry CRC $770,833 (2003-2007)
  • Early feeding of prebiotics on development of the digestive system and gut microflora of broilers.  RIRDC, $327,490 (2005-2008)

Current Students:

MAgSc/MRSc: Moreen Ali (MAgSc): The effect of litter material on productivity and health of broiler chickens.

Oliver Brooks (MAgSc): Molecular structure and nutritional functions of xylo-oligomers of the chicken.

PhD:

Alice (Ying) Yang: Mannan-oligosaccharides as an alternative to antibiotic growth promotants in broiler chicken diets.

Chee Seng Huan: Effect of Mano-oligsaccharides on mucin turnover and gastrointestinal function in broiler chickens.

Chen Guang Olnood: Probiotics in litter for broiler chickens.

Nick Rodgers: Control over life-long productivity by dietary manipulation immediately post-hatch.

Yumin Bao: Organically chelated minerals for broiler chickens.

Adam Sacranie: Effect of dietary factors on digesta reflux in broiler chickens

Momenuzzaman Bhuiyan: Effect of pelleting temperature and size reduction on the chemical properties of corn- and wheat-based diets for broiler chickens.

Recent Graduates and Visitors:

Recent Graduates
Navaporn Chauynarong (MAgSc)
Adam Sacranie (MRSc)
Janak Vidanarachchi (PhD)

Recent and Current Visitors
Prof Ming Ren Qu (From China - Visiting Researcher) (2005-2006)
Mr Mir Daryoush Shakouri (From Iran - PhD student/Researcher) (2005-2006)
Dr Feng Gao (From China - Visiting Researcher) (2006-2007)
Dr Sumei Yan (From China - Visiting Researcher) (2007)

 

Journal Publications:

1.   Iji, P.A. (2006).  The future of tannins in animal nutrition.  In: Recent progress in medicinal plants (eds. V.K. Singh, J.N. Govil, K. Ahmad and R.K. Sharma).  Studium Press, Houston, USA, Volume 15, Chapter 16, pp. 335-345. 2. Njobeh, P.B., Iji, P.A. and Nsahlai, I.V. (2006). Influence of composition and storage conditions on the concentrations of fatty acids and peroxides in broiler diets. International Journal of Poultry Science 5, 279-283.

3. Njobeh, P.B., Iji, P.A., Nsahlai, I.V. and Slippers, S.C. (2004). The effect of storage condition and preservatives on maize-based diets for broiler chickens. South African Journal of Animal Science 34, 274-280.

4.  Iji, P.A., Khumalo, K., Slippers, S. and Gous, R.M. (2004).  Intestinal function and body growth of broiler chickens on maize-based diets supplemented with mimosa tannins and a microbial enzyme.  Journal of the Science of Food & Agriculture 84, 1451-1458.

5.  Ngwa, A.T., Nsahlai, I.V. and Iji, P.A. (2004).  Ensilage as a means of reducing the concentration of cyanogenic glycosides in the pods of Acacia sieberiana and the effect of additives on silage quality.  Journal of the Science of Food & Agriculture 84, 521-529.

6.  Iji, P.A., Khumalo, K., Slippers, S. and Gous, R.M. (2003).  Intestinal function and body growth of broiler chickens on diets based on maize dried at different temperature and supplemented with a microbial enzyme.  Reproduction, Nutrition, Development 43, 77-90.

7.  Iji, P.A., van der Walt, J.G., Brand, T.S., Boomker, E.A. and Booyse, D. (2003).   Development of digestive function in the ostrich ( Struthio camelus).  Archives of Animal Nutrition 57, 217-228. 

 8.  Swatson, H.K., Iji, P.A. and Gous, R.M. (2003).  Body growth, visceral organ weight and intestinal digestive enzyme of chickens on diets varying in energy and protein contents.  Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances 2, 305-311.

 9.  Ngwa, A.T., Nsahlai, I.V. and Iji, P.A.  (2003).  Effect of feeding legume pods or alfalfa in combination with poor quality hay on microbial enzyme activity and production of volatile fatty acids in the rumen of South African Merino sheep.  Small Ruminant Research 48, 83 - 94.

 10.  Ferguson, N.S., Gous, R.M and Iji, P.A. (2003).  Determining the source of anti-nutritional factor(s) found in two species of lupin (L. albus and L. angustifolius) fed to growing pigs.  Livestock Production Science 84, 83-91.

 11.  Saki, A.A., Iji, PA. and Tivey, D.R. (2002).  Intestinal function and reproductive capacity of Tegel pullets in response to exogenous oestrogen.  Archives of Animal Nutrition 56, 237-244.

 12.  Iji, PA., Gous, R.M., Khumalo, K. and Zamxaka, C. (2002).  Digestive enzyme activities of breeder pullets suffering from stunting syndrome.  International Journal of Poultry Science 1, 78-81.

 13.  Swatson, H.K., Gous, R.M., Iji, PA. and Zarrinkalam, R. (2002).  The effects of varying dietary protein content, amino acid balance and feeding level on the body growth, visceral organ development, mucosal structure and digestive function in broiler chickens.  Animal Research 51, 501-515.

 14. Van Dyk, R.J., Downs, C.T. and Iji, P.A. (2002).  Wax digestion by the Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor.  Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology 133, 125-135.

 15.  Ngwa, A.T., Nsahlai, I.V. and Iji, P.A. (2002).  Effect of supplementing veld hay with a dry meal or silage from Acacia sieberiana with or without wheat bran on voluntary intake, digestibility, excretion of purine derivatives, nitrogen utilization, and weight gain in South African Merino sheep. Livestock Production Science 77, 253-264.

 16.  Akingbade, A.A., Nsahlai, I.V., Morris, C.D. and Iji, P.A. (2002).  Field activities and blood profile of pregnant South African indigenous goats after receiving dihydroxy pyridone-degrading rumen bacteria and grazing Leucaena leucocephala-grass or natural pasture.  Journal of Agricultural Science, Cambridge 138, 103-113.

 17.  Iji, P.A., Saki, A. and Tivey, D.R.  (2001).  Intestinal development and body growth of broiler chicks on diets supplemented with non-starch polysaccharides.  Animal Feed Science & Technology 89, 175-188.

 18. Iji, P.A., Saki, A. and Tivey, D.R. (2001).  Body and intestinal growth of broiler chicks on a commercial starter diet. 1. Intestinal weight and mucosal development.  British Poultry Science 42, 505-513.

 19.  Iji, P.A., Saki, A. and Tivey, D.R.  (2001).  Body and intestinal growth of broiler chicks on a commercial starter diet.  2. Development and characteristics of intestinal enzymes.  British Poultry Science 42, 514-522.

 20.  Iji, P.A., Saki, A. and Tivey, D.R. (2001).  Body and intestinal growth of broiler chicks on a commercial starter diet.  3. Development and characteristics of tryptophan transport.  British Poultry Science  42, 523-529.

 21.  Iji, P.A., Saki, A. and Tivey, D.R. (2001).  Intestinal structure and function of broiler chickens on diets supplemented with a mannan oligosaccharide.  Journal of the Science of Food & Agriculture 81, 1186-1192.

 22.  Iji, P.A., Hughes, R.J. and Tivey, D.R. (2001).  Intestinal structure and function of broiler chickens on wheat-based diets supplemented with a microbial enzyme.  Asia-Australasia Journal of Animal Sciences 14, 54-60.

 23.  Gous, R.M. and Iji P.A.  (2001).   Evaluating the route of administration of an exogenous microbial enzyme for broiler chickens.  Journal of Applied Poultry Research 10, 150-153.

 24. Iji, P.A., Hughes, R.J., Choct, M. and Tivey, D.R. (2000).   The response of broiler chicks to diets supplemented with whole or oligosaccharide-free lupin seed meals.  South African Journal of Animal Science 30 (Supplement 1), 63-64.

Conference Publications:

1. Iji, P.A. (2007). The gut-nutrient interphase: How nutrients affect intestinal function and health. Invited paper to the 8th Asia-Pacific Poultry Congress, Bangkok, Thailand.

2.  Olnood, C.G., Mikkelsen, L.L., Choct, M. and Iji, P.A. (2007).  Antagonistic activity of novel prebiotics and their effect on growth performance of broiler chickens.  Australia Poultry Science Symposium 19, 153-156. Refereed.

3.  Bao, Y., Choct, M, Iji, P.A. and Bruerton, K. (2007).  The absorption of Bioplex trace minerals.  Australia Poultry Science Symposium 19, 98-101. Refereed.

4.  Yang, Y, Iji, P.A., Kocher, A. and Choct, M. (2007).  Mannanoligosaccharides modulate the populations of mucosa-associated bacteria in broiler chickens.  Australia Poultry Science Symposium 19, 177. Refereed.

5.  Sacranie, A, Choct, M. and Iji, P.A. (2007).  Occurrence of reverse peristalsis in broiler chickens.  Australia Poultry Science Symposium 19, 161-164. Refereed.

6.  Iji, P.A., Khumalo, K., Slippers, S. And Gous, R.M. (2006).  Effect of drying temperatures on feed value of maize for broilers.  Australia Poultry Science Symposium 18, 87-91. Refereed.

7.  Yang, Y, Iji, P.A. and Choct, M. (2006).  Manno-oligosaccharides alter bacterial populations in broilers.  Australia Poultry Science Symposium 18, p144. Refereed.

8.  Bao, Y., Choct, M, Iji, P.A. and Bruerton, K. (2006).  Broiler chickens could benefit from organically-complexed copper, iron, manganese and zinc.  Australia Poultry Science Symposium 18, 87-91. Refereed. 

9.  Vidanarachchi, J.K., Mikkelsen, L.L., Sims, I., Iji, P.A. and Choct, M. (2006).  Selected plant extracts modulate the gut microflora in broilers.  Australia Poultry Science Symposium 18, 145. Refereed.

10.  Vidanarachchi, J.K., Mikkelsen, L.L., Sims, I., Iji, P.A. and Choct, M. (2005).  Plant extracts from Australian native plants as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in feed for broiler chickens.  In: Avian gut function, health and disease.  28th Poultry Science Symposium, WPSA, UK, Bristol, UK, 15-17 September 2005, p. 51.

11.  Vidanarachchi, J.K., Mikkelsen, L.L., Sims, I., Iji, P.A. and Choct, M. (2005).  Phytobiotics: alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in monogastric animal diets.  Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition in Australia 15, 131-144.  Refereed.

12.  Iji, P.A. (2005).  Anatomy and digestive physiology of the neonatal ostrich (Struthio camelus) in relation to nutritional requirements.  Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition in Australia 15, 165-170.  Refereed.

13.  Bao, Y., Choct, M, Iji, P.A. and Bruerton, K. (2005).  Effect of organically-complexed Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn on broiler performance and excretion of minerals.  Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition in Australia 15, 2A (abstract).  Refereed.

14.  Yang, Y, Choct, M. and Iji, P.A. (2005).  Effect of dietary mannanoligosaccharide level on performance and gross morphology of digestive tract segments of broiler chickens.  Australia Poultry Science Symposium 17, 72-75. Refereed.

14.  Sacranie, A, Choct, M. and Iji, P.A. (2005).  Reflux of digesta and its implications for nutrient digestion and bird health.  Australia Poultry Science Symposium 17, 171-174. Refereed.

15.  Iji, P.A., van der Walt, J.G., Brand, T.S., Boomker, E.A. and Booyse, D. (2004).   Development of digestive function in the growing ostrich (Struthio camelus).  Proceedings of the XXII World’s Poultry Congress, World’s Poultry Science Association, Istanbul, Turkey, June 2004, p. 279.  Refereed.

16. Swatson, H.K, Gous, R.M. and Iji, P.A. (2004).  The effects of excess dietary protein, protein quality and daily food allocation level on the growth, mucosal structure and digestive function in broiler chickens.   Proceedings of the XXII World’s Poultry Congress, World’s Poultry Science Association, Istanbul, Turkey, June 2004, p. 277.  Refereed.

17. Swatson, H.K, Gous, R.M. and Iji, P.A. (2004).  Does feeding excess dietary crude protein compensate for poor protein quality in diets fed to broiler chickens?  Proceedings of the XXII World’s Poultry Congress, World’s Poultry Science Association, Istanbul, Turkey, June 2004, p. 560.  Refereed.

18. Swatson, H.K, Gous, R.M. and Iji, P.A. (2004).  Optimising broiler growth by increasing dietary energy content when chickens are fed excess dietary protein.  Proceedings of the XXII World’s Poultry Congress, World’s Poultry Science Association, Istanbul, Turkey, June 2004, p. 665.  Refereed.

19.  Van der Walt, J.G., Iji, P.A., Brand, T.S., Boomker, E.A. and Booyse, D. (2003).   Early development of digestive function in the ostrich.  International Herbivore Symposium, Mexico.

20.  Iji, P.A., van der Walt, J.G., Brand, T.S., Boomker, E.A. and Booyse, D. (2003).   Development of digestive function in the ostrich ( Struthio camelus).  Proceedings of the 22nd Scientific Day, World’s Poultry Science Association, Southern African Branch, University of Pretoria, South Africa, August, 2003, pp. 29-34.  Refereed.

21.  Zamxaka, C.W., Gous, R.M. and Iji, P.A. (2003).  Effectiveness of phytase in improving nitrogen and phosphorus digestibilities.  Proceedings of the 22nd Scientific Day, World’s Poultry Science Association, Southern African Branch, University of Pretoria, South Africa, August, 2003, pp. 77-97.  Refereed.

22. Swatson, H.K,  Gous, R.M. and Iji, P.A. (2002).  The effect of excess dietary crude protein on the efficiency of utilization of protein (ep) by broiler chickens.  1.  The influence of protein quality (PQ), energy to protein (E:P) ratio, and daily food allocation (DFA) in the period 10-24d.  Proc. 11th Euro. Poultry Conf., Bremen , Germany, WPSA, p122.  Refereed.

23. Swatson, H.K,  Gous, R.M. and Iji, P.A. (2002).  The effect of excess dietary crude protein on the efficiency of utilization of protein (ep) by broiler chickens.  2.  The influence of varying dietary metabolizable energy (ME) contents in the period 10-24d.  Proc. 11 th Euro. Poultry Conf., Bremen, Germany, WPSA, p71-72.  Refereed.

24.  Ngwa, A.T., Nsahlai, I.V. and Iji, P. A. (2002). Microbial enzyme activity, fermentation and production of volatile fatty acids in the rumen of South African Merino sheep offered tanniferous feeds.  Proc. 37 th Joint Congr. Grassland Soc. S.Afr. and 39th Congr. S. African. Soc. Anim. Sci., Christiana, South Africa, p183.  Refereed.

Background and other Interests:

I obtained my BSc (Hons) from the University of Maiduguri, in Nigeria ( http://www.unimaid.org); went on to study for MSc at Aberdeen ( http://www.abdn.ac.uk), Scotland, and obtained my PhD from The University of Adelaide ( http://www.adelaide.edu.au ), Australia.  My interest in teaching drove my curiosity to undertake studies towards a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education, which I completed over 2006 at The University of New England, Australia.  During the period after my BSc Honours, I spent 12 years teaching at Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria while studying for postgraduate qualifications. After graduating from Adelaide in 1998, I worked in South Africa, first as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Universities of Natal (now KwaZulu-Natal) and Pretoria, then as Senior Lecturer at the Technikon Free State (now Central University of Technology), and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).


My research interests centre on the nutrition and digestive physiology of farm animals. I developed the necessary protocols to investigate the activities of pancreatic, intestinal and microbial enzymes, in response to changes in age and dietary regimen at UKZN and the University of Pretoria. The techniques that are used for these studies include biochemistry, cell kinetics, cytochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Most of my research focuses on the digestive physiology of poultry. Most recently, I investigated the digestive physiology of broiler breeder pullets and key local breeds of chickens found in South Africa.  My long-term research plans are to investigate avenues for reducing environmental pollution using nutritional intervention, and to develop physiological techniques as aid to poultry selection.  I have published about 40 peer-reviewed articles in journals and made presentations at many international conferences.  Prior to departure from South Africa, I was rated C2, which is assigned to researchers that are recognised by their peers as established in research .  I serve on the editorial board of the Journal of the Science of Food & Agriculture ( http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/jhome/1294) and the International Journal of Poultry Science ( http://www.pjbs.org/ijps/ijps.htm); act as occasional sub-editor of the South African Journal of Animal Science ( http://www.sasas.co.za), and review for a number of other journals.