Nigerian Veterinary Journal

Effect of Treatment of Malaria and Diabetes with Aqueous Extract of Anthocleista Djalonensis in Mice

Doris Akachukwu — 2024-09-12

Anthocleista djalonensis is a medicinal plant that has been used to treat malaria, jaundice, abscesses and diabetes. The study assessed the effects of aqueous extract of A. djalonensis leaves on some biochemical indices in the treatment of malaria and diabetes. Twenty-four mice used were randomly assigned into six groups numbering four each and provided with feed and water ad libitum. Group 1 (control) received water and feed only. Groups 2, 3, 4 5 and 6 received 200 mg/kg body weight of extract; 5 mg/kg body weight of chloroquine, 400 mg/kg body weight extract, 2 mg/kg body weight glibenclamide 5 mg/kg body weight chloroquine and 2 mg/kg body weight glibenclamide respectively for seven days. Phytochemical screening of A. djalonensis leaves revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, saponins, steroids, flavonoids and tannins at 6.76 ± 0.03, 0.61 ± 0.01, 2.11 ± 0.02, 0.89 ± 0.01, 3.10 ± 0.03 and 1.13 ± 0.01 % respectively. Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activity of Groups 5 and 6 were significantly (p<0.05) higher compared to the control. There were no visible histological changes in liver and kidney. Results of this study suggest that A. djalonensis is relatively safe for the treatment of diabetes and malaria at the administered doses.

Awareness of Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Drugs Prescription Pattern in Small Animal Clinical Practice in Ogun State, Nigeria

Adeyemi Olufunmilayo Jolaoso — 2024-09-12

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health challenge in veterinary and human health, leading to monitoring of resistance and promotion of responsible antimicrobial use. This survey assessed the use of antimicrobials among government veterinarians in Ogun state, Nigeria. Clinicians were requested to fill questionnaires designed to extract information on the frequency of antibiotics use, antibiotic prescription patterns and evaluation of perception on AMR and use of antibiotics with compromised efficacy in veterinary practice in the last three years. Fifty-two (52) questionnaires were administered and duly completed upon return. Data analysis showed 100% awareness of AMR with 80.8% (42/52) agreeing to have encountered AMR in the course of managing small animal cases. The tetracycline class of antibiotics 49(94.2%) was the most prescribed, followed by aminoglycosides 40(76.9%) and fluoroquinolones 35(67.3%). Empirical therapy (34/52) 65.4% is the most common treatment option among clinicians while 18 (34.6%) out of 52 clinicians performed antibiotic susceptibility testing along with laboratory diagnosis as treatment guide. Furthermore, 75.0% of the respondents affirmed administering antibiotics formulated for human use in small animal treatment. Thirty-three (63.5%) respondents administered human antimicrobials in animals according to the recommended dosage in humans. This survey identified that AMR was common in small animals in the state studied and this may be due to the irrational use of antibiotics. Promoting antimicrobial stewardship in small animal medicine therefore is paramount to mitigating antimicrobial resistance and data obtained from this study will contribute to developing evidence-based policy on the rational use of antibiotics in small animal practice in Nigeria.

Cryptosporidium Infection Among Slaughtered Cattle in Igboora, Oyo State, Nigeria

Olubukola Deborah Adelakun — 2024-09-12

Cryptosporidium is an enteric protozoan of gastrointestinal tracts that cause life threatening diarrhea in the young, as well as, malnourished or immune-compromised adult animals. It is sustained in the environment by continual shedding through asymptomatic carrier via contamination. This study evaluated the presence of 250 cattle prior to slaughtering at Igboora slaughter slabs, Oyo State, Nigeria. Faecal samples were collected per rectum processed and analyzed for Cryptosporidium oocyst which were confirmed by their Pinkish red spherical ovoid shape with halo against a green background. The age, sex, breed and body condition score of each of cattle were also noted. Out of the 250 sampled cattle, 22% (55/250) were positive for Cryptosporidium. Higher prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts was detected in females (22.2%) compared to males (21.2%), and in the younger (23.3%) compared to older cattle (15%). Among the breeds of cattle screened, the highest prevalence was recorded in Sokoto Gudali (41.7%) while Cross breeds had the least prevalence (19.4%). Also, the highest prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts was detected in cattle with lean Body Condition Score (29.4%). No statistically significant difference was observed among all the variables (p>0.05). This study has shown the occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection in cattle slaughtered in Igboora. It is therefore advised that sanitation measures including proper sewage and dung disposal be put in place to prevent further transmission among cattle and to human beings .

Rabbitry and Emerging Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus in Nigeria: A Concern for Food Safety and Security

Judith Dizot Bakam — 2024-09-12

For many decades, small-scale livestock, including rabbit production, has been a veritable pro-poor poverty alleviation venture in Africa. With the rising population and increasing demand for food, the need to introduce and expand small-scale rabbit farms for long-term sustainability cannot be overemphasized. While increasing the production and commercialization of domestic rabbit production is desirable, the intensification of livestock also comes with some animal health problems. One of these is the emergence of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) caused by Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV). The virus causes sudden death in rabbits, and does not yet pose any public health risk. Symptoms of RHD may include: loss of appetite, lethargy, high fever, seizures, jaundice, bleeding from natural orifices, difficulty in breathing and sudden death. The first known outbreak of RHD in Nigeria was reported in September 2020 at rabbit farms in Kwara and Oyo States,in Nigeria. Despite several intervention strategies, the disease has continued to spread across the country. In this review, we search literature on the current state and knowledge of RHD as it affects rabbits and the economic impact on livelihood and animal health implication of this emerging viral disease on rabbit farms in Nigeria.

Ameliorative Effects of Spondias Mombin Aqueous Leaf Extract on The Sperm Characteristics of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Male Wistar Rats

Abimbola A. Oloye — 2024-09-12

Considerable efforts have been directed towards addressing diabetes-induced infertility. In a twophase study designed to determine the effect of Spondias mombin (SM) aqueous leaf extract on blood glucose, spermiogram and gonadosomatic index of diabetes-induced wistar rats, forty male Wistar rats (170 - 250g) were randomly divided into ten groups (n=4) with five treated for 7 days for the first phase and five treated for 14 days in the second phase. Each phase had their five groups randomly assigned into control (non-diabetic), diabetic (untreated), diabetic concurrently treated with 5 mg/kg glibenclamide, 400mg/kg SM and 800 mg/kg SM. Diabetes mellitus was induced with intraperitoneal administration of alloxan hydrate at a dosage of 158mg/kg. Rats with fasting blood glucose of ≥ 190 mg/dL three days post alloxan administration was considered diabetic. Following this, the test substances were administered daily via oral gavage for 7 or 14 days. Blood glucose levels, spermiogram, body weight changes, gonadosomatic index (GSI), and testicular weights were evaluated at the end of each phase. Results revealed that SM caused a reduction in the blood glucose in a dose-dependent manner in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. In both phases, 800 mg/kg SM dosage improved the sperm motility and concentration. Also, at 400mg/ kg dosage, after 14 days of administration SM caused a progressive improvement in the sperm motility and concentration. The percentage of abnormal sperm cells varied between control and treatment groups but remained within the range of 18.50% to 57.00% after 14 days of treatment. The GSI was highest in 800 mg/kg SM group after 14 days when compared with other groups. This study concluded that the aqueous S. mombin leaf extract exhibited an ameliorative effect on diabetes-induced infertility when administered at dose of 800 mg/kg between 7 and 14 days.

Evaluation of Sources of Information for Raising Village Chickens in Bauchi State, Nigeria (Short Communication)

Sule Adamu Garba — 2024-09-12

An evaluation of sources information for raising village chickens was conducted among 72 farmers from nine communities in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Eight farmers were selected based on their experience and ownership of more than 20 chickens by members of the community during a group discussion session held with farmers, poultry traders and butchers and community leaders. The result showed respondents were mostly full-time farmers (65.3%) who were married (98.4%) and over 18 years of age with over 5 years of experience in village chicken farming (77.8%). A combination of Radio and community were identified by most respondents (32%) as their major source of information on village chicken production. Schools, on the contrary, were the least reported source of agricultural information (3%). Diversifying sources of information could likely enhance the effectiveness of reaching farmers with technical information on raising village chickens.