Animal Research International

Evaluation of the economics and growth performance of broilers fed with two millet varieties diets

Michael Onwumere — 2023-12-29

The study focused on the economics and growth performance of broilers fed with two millet varieties diets. Three experimental diets were formulated and designated as M1, M2 and M3. Diet 1 (Maize) served as control, while diets 2 (Pearl Millet) and 3 (Finger Millet) served as replacement for maize in chicken diets respectively. 135 day-old broiler chicks were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 45 chicks per treatment, each replicated three times with 15 chicks. The diets were subjected to proximate composition assay. The data collected were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The difference between treatments means were separated for significance at 0.05 level of significance using Duncan’s multiple range tests. The results of the proximate composition ranges of 7.72 – 9.53% crude protein (CP), 2.61 – 3.61% crude fiber (CF), I.20 – 3.01% ether extract (EE), 1.82 – 2.72% ash and 76.91 – 78.20% nitrogen free extract (NFE) with mixed variations in the diets. At the starter phase, daily weight gain (23.12 – 29.05 g) was significantly affected (p<0.05) across the dietary-treatments. At the finisher and overall phases, all the parameters measured were not significant affected (p>0.05), while the total feed cost was lower in M1 (₦319.79K), M1 had the highest cost per kilogram of feed (₦128.43k), while the best feed cost in Naira per kilogram weight gain was obtained in M3 (₦232.51K). It was concluded that millet varieties can replace maize in broiler diet without adverse effects on growth performance of broilers.

The biochemical effects of ascorbic acid co-administration with antimalarial drug in plasmodiasis

Francis Irabor — 2023-12-29

Malaria is a threat to the lives of below age five children and pregnant women living in sub-Saharan Africa. Oxidative stress is a key factor in malaria pathogenesis and artemisinin-based combination therapy with Vitamin C may protect human host against the toxicity of free radicals. In this study, we examined the alteration in biochemical indices and antioxidant enzymes gene expression in the bone marrow cells of Plasmodium berghei infected mice treated with artemether- lumefantrine and ascorbic acid. Five groups of six mice each categorized as basal control, untreated, ascorbic acid, artemether-lumefantrine and artemether- lumefantrine + ascorbic acid were used for this study. Biochemical assays and analysis of antioxidant enzyme gene expression were carried out. Artemether- lumefantrine co-administration with ascorbic acid resulted in complete parasite clearance day three post- infection; this same group had a nonsignificant increase (p>0.05) in superoxide dismutase activity and a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) concentration of the liver when compared with the artemether-lumefantrine group. Similar trend was observed for H₂O₂ level in erythrocyte lysate. The levels of expression of catalase, Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase genes in the P. berghei infected mice treated with artemether-lumefantrine plus Vitamin C were up-regulated compared with the group treated with lone artemether-lumefantrine. This study has shown that artemetherlumefantrine co-administration with ascorbic acid may be beneficial in P. berghei infected mice because total parasite clearance, decrease in oxidative stress markers and up-regulation in antioxidant enzyme gene expression were observed three days post treatment.

Neurotoxic and enzymological effects of codeine in Wistar rat (Rattus norvegicus)

Ogochukwu Mononye — 2023-12-29

Codeine is a naturally occurring opiate drug used for the treatment of pains. There have been reports of codeine abuse in some developing countries like Nigeria, however not much have been done on its effects in mammalian model. This study investigated the effect of codeine on acetylcholinesterase and other enzymological parameters in rat. Seventy-five albino rats procured for the study were divided into five groups, each containing five animals per group. Group, (A) served as the control and was administered normal saline free from the drug. The second (B), third, (C) and fourth (D) groups were given a standard therapeutic doses of 10, 15 and 20 mg/kg of codeine respectively. The drug was administered orally for a period of 20 days followed by 5 days recovery. Blood samples for enzymological parameters were obtained by puncturing the retro-orbital venous sinus of the rats. The brain tissues were later collected for the determination of AChE activity. There were significant concentration and duration dependent increase in the values of lipid peroxidation, AChE, lactate dehydrogenase, sodium adenosine triphosphatase and calcium adenosine triphosphatase in treated rats compared to the control. There were however mixed trends in the values of the studied parameters after the 5-day withdrawal of the drug. Further studies on the mechanisms of reactions of codeine in rat are thus recommended. Codeine altered the studied enzymological parameters which could not return to the control after withdrawal in rats. The use of the drug should be monitored to prevent abuse that may lead to physiological changes in animals.

Distribution, possession and utilization of insecticide treated nets in relation to malaria prevalence in Nangere Local Government Area, Yobe State, Nigeria

Micah Sale Pukum — 2023-12-29

The use of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) is considered the most cost effective methods of malaria prevention in endemic areas. However the possession and utilization of ITNs determines the success and the benefits of the freely distributed ITNs. The study assessed the free distribution of insecticides treated nets in Nangere Local Government Area of Yobe between April to August 2021. Structured questionnaires and laboratory techniques were used for data collection. Structured questionnaire was administered to 752 respondents who are residents of the communities. Blood samples were also collected from each of the respondents for malaria parasite examination using microscopy. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS. Relationships between the variables were determined at 95% level of confidence. 696 of respondent agreed that there was free distribution of ITNs in the community, with 432 of them testing positive for malaria with prevalence of 62.1%. Whereas 56 of the respondent were of the view there was no free distribution of ITNs, with 40 of them testing positive (67.79%). Chisquare test reported no significant association between free distribution of ITNs and malaria prevalence (χ²cal = 0.354 < χ²tab =3.841, df = 1, p>0.05). 648 of the respondents sleep under ITNs with 58.49 positive for malaria. 104 respondents do not sleep under ITNs with 86.53% infected with malaria parasites. Age group 20 – 29(22.21%) was the most infected, while age ≥ 40 recorded had the least (3.72%). Males (34.04%) were more compared to females (28.32%).The possession and utilization of ITNs was associated with malaria infection.

Prediction of body weight and carcass yield from morphometric traits of three strains of broiler chicken

Uko Nehemiah Ebong — 2023-12-29

A study was conducted to establish the correlation between morphometric traits and carcass yield as well as predict carcass yield from morphometric traits in three strains of broiler chicken. The morphometric traits studied were Wing length (WL), Keel length (KL), Thigh length (TL), Body girth (BG) and Body height (BH), while the carcass yield were dressed weight (DRSWT), thigh weight (TWT) and breast weight (BRSWT). A total of 144 birds were divided into three treatment groups according to strains and each group was randomly replicated four times with 12 birds per replicate. The data obtained were subjected to correlation analysis, linear and multiple regression analyses were also used to predict body weight and carcass yield from morphometric traits. The results showed that the correlation between body weight, morphometric traits and carcass traits were significantly positive (p<0.001) with correlation coefficient ranging from 0.068 – 0.993, 0.216 – 0.882 and 0.027 – 0.990 in Arbor Acres, Ross 308 and Cobb 500 respectively. The correlation between breast weight and all morphometric traits were positive and significantly high (p<0.001) in all the three strains of broiler studied. suggesting dependency among these traits. Simple linear regression equation predicted carcass yield from morphometric traits in all the three strains, as R2 value computed using each morphometric trait in the three strains were above 50%. However, inclusion of more than one trait in the regression model increased the accuracy of prediction. It could be recommended that more than one trait should be included in the regression model for greater accuracy.

Comprehensive evaluation of nutritional and phytochemical qualities of turmeric (Curcuma longa linn) leaves

Unyime Gideon Uwa — 2023-12-29

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), is a member of the family zingiberaceae, which grow in tropical climate. The matured leaves used in this study were source from Obio Akpa, Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Sample of the leaves were analyzed in the laboratory for proximate, gross energy, minerals, vitamins, and photochemical compositions. Values obtained for the proximate analysis of C. longa leaf were; dry matter (88.13 ± 3.26%), crude protein (25.22 ± 1.67%), ether extract (4.03 ± 0.35%), crude fibre (16.73 ± 1.00%), ash (9.65 ± 0.62%), and nitrogen free extract (32.49 ± 1.40%) respectively. The gross energy value was 4110.00 ± 0.10 kcal/kg. Mineral and vitamin composition analysis of the leaves of C. longa gave the following values; calcium (0.26 ± 0.04%), phosphorus (0.38 ± 0.10%), potassium (0.89 ± 0.10%), magnesium (0.28 ± 0.00%), sodium (0.19 ± 0.10%), iodine (7.30 ± 0.54 mg/kg), zinc (48.74 ± 1.21 mg/kg), cobalt (0.41 ± 0.11 mg/kg), manganese (36.17 ± 1.04 mg/kg), vitamin E (31.38 ± 1.00
mg/100g), vitamin A (254.80 ± 2.80 mg/100g), vitamin B6 (1.27 ± 0.20 mg/100g) and vitamin B12 (0.07 ± 0.01 mg/100) respectively. Phytochemical compositions were, curcumin (0.006 ± 0.01%), demethoxycurcumin (0.004 ± 0.00%), bisdemethoxycurcumin (0.003 ± 0.00%), tannin (0.04 ± 0.01%), saponin (0.22 ± 0.02%), alkaloids (0.32 ± 0.10%) and flavonoid (0.01 ± 0.00%) respectively. The results of the current study indicated that turmeric leaf meal will be a good ingredient for livestock feed production.

Risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in smoke-dried European hake fish (Merluccius merluccius linneaus, 1758) from selected markets in Benin City, Nigeria

Oiseoje Michael Wangboje — 2023-12-29

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are recognized in the scientific community for their carcinogenicity, mutagenicity and teratogenicity. The paucity of ecotoxicological data on the PAH content of smoke-dried European Hake fish (Merluccius merluccius) from selected markets in Benin City, Nigeria, warranted this research which was achieved using a gas chromatograph with a mass selective detector. The summary statistics for the mean concentrations of PAH congeners in M. merluccius ranged from 0.005 μg/kg Benzo[b]fluoranthene (BBF) to 2.408 μg/kg Naphthalene, with a total PAH burden of 2.840 μg/kg. The mean concentrations of PAH congeners in M. merluccius by market point ranged from 0.004 ± 0.005 μg/kg for BBF at Oba market to 3.391 ± 0.675 μg/kg for Naphthalene at Oluku market, with no observed significant difference (p>0.05) in the mean concentrations of BBF and Benzo[a]anthracene (BAA) in M. merluccius between markets. The hazard quotient (HQ) for PAHs in M. merluccius ranged from 0.001 for BBF to 0.482 for Naphthalene, while the toxic equivalency (TEQ) for PAH in M. merluccius was 0.030. The cancer risk factor (CRF) for PAHs ranged from 2.55 x 10-8 for BAA to 1.25 x 10-6 for BBF with a risk specific dose ranging from 19.44 mg/kg/day for BAA to 40.23 mg/kg/day for BBF. Overall, M. merluccius was considered safe for human consumption as PAHs levels in the fish species fell below internationally established
acceptable limits.

Limnological characteristics and fishery resources of Babati and Burunge lakes in Tanzania

Jackson Henry Katonge — 2023-12-29

A study was conducted in Babati and Burunge lakes in Tanzania to assess the limnological characteristics and fishery resources from August 2022 to March 2023. Sampling was conducted from ten different stations in each lake using standard method ISO 5667-4:1987. 200 fishes representing ten different species were sampled at fishermen landing sites and measured. The results showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in limnological characteristics within seasons and between lakes. Limnological characteristics were within WHO agreed values except biological oxygen demand (10.7 ± 6.43 mg/l), Chloride (31.33 ± 0.88 mg/l), pH (9.8 ± 0.06) and turbidity (51.3 ± 0.88 cm) which were all higher than the accepted values. Chlorophyll-a contents were lower than recommended standard for both lakes in both seasons. Ten fish species were found, six found exclusively in Lake Babati and four in Lake Burunge. Oreochromis niloticus,
Oreochromis urolepis and Oreochromis variabilis were restricted to dry season in Lake Babati, while the rest were found in dry and wet seasons in both lakes. Majority of fish species sampled had larger size in the dry than in the wet season. Most fish species sizes were within the reported size ranges for that particular fish species. Clarias gariepinus recorded maximum size (872.3 ± 15.38 g and 54.2 ± 1.96 cm) in Lake Babati, while Tilapia melanopleura recorded maximum size (443.3 ± 6.17 g and 25.7 ± 0.33 cm) in Lake Burunge. The study concluded that both lakes water met the requirements for fish production and requires effective management against pollution.

Haematological and renal histomorphological assessments of rats pretreated with methanol stem bark extract of Parinaric kerstingii and intoxicated with acetaminophen

Patrick Emeka Aba — 2023-12-29

Acetaminophen is known to induce acute kidney injury; and medicinal plants have been recorded to be beneficial in management of such injuries. This study investigated the effects of methanol stem bark extract of Parinari kerstingii (MSBEPK) on the haematology and renal histomorphology of acetaminophen-intoxicated rats. Fifty four albino Wistar rats assigned into six groups, replicated thrice with three rats per replicate were used for the study. Groups A and B received 10 ml/kg distilled water to serve as normal and negative controls respectively; C-E were pretreated with 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg of MSBEPK respectively while Group F rats were given 100 mg/kg of Silymarin. All pretreatments lasted for14 days and on the 15th day, 2000 mg/kg of acetaminophen was administered to all the rats except those in Group A. 48 hours post acetaminophen administration, blood samples were collected for Haematology and thereafter, the kidneys were harvested for histopathology following euthanasia. Results showed that red blood cell counts, packed cell volume values and the haemoglobin concentrations of the MSBEPK-pretreated rats were significantly higher than those of the negative control (Group B). The leucocytic profiles did not show any significant variations across the groups. The kidneys of the rats pretreated with the extract showed little or no lesion as opposed to those of the acetaminophen-treated control group that showed degenerative and necrotic lesions. It was concluded that MSBEPK could improve haematological values and protect the kidneys against deleterious effects occasioned by acetaminophen intoxication.

Dry season abundance, distribution and diversity of freshwater plankton in lakes Babati and Burunge, Northern Tanzania

Jackson Henry Katonge — 2023-12-29

This study investigated the abundance, distribution and diversity of planktonic organisms in Babati and Burunge lakes in Manyara region. Field sampling of phytoplankton and zooplankton were conducted in July and August 2022 followed by laboratory analysis. Phytoplankton communities were dominated by Bacillariophyceae (35.90%, 35.40%) and Chlorophyceae (32.10%, 24.00%) for Babati and Burunge lakes respectively. Among the zooplankton, Cladoceridae (37.70%) was most abundant in Lake Babati, while Cyclopidae (36.60%) was most abundant in Lake Burunge. Lake Babati had higher plankton species richness (S = 50) compared to Lake Burunge (S = 45). A slightly higher phytoplankton diversity, H = 3.14 was observed in Lake Burunge compared to Lake Babati, H = 3.04. Lake Babati had slightly higher zooplankton diversity, H = 2.61 compared to Lake Burunge, H = 2.30). Evenness (E) ranged 0.56 – 0.70 for phytoplankton and 0.77 – 0.80 for zooplankton indicating a moderate healthier and more diverse aquatic ecosystem. Phytoplankton and zooplankton typically exhibited a clear inverse correlation during various time intervals in different lakes. Sustainable management practices, protection of water quality and habitat preservation are needed in conservation of planktonic communities for maintaining the ecosystem health.

Effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) root powder supplementation in diets fed to the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus burchell, 1822)

Ebele Augustina, Orji — 2023-12-29

two-month study was conducted to investigate the effect of turmeric root on the haematology, growth performance and feed utilization of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). A total of one hundred and fifty (150) four week old C. gariepinus fingerlings were randomly allotted into five treatments with three replicates each. Five dietary treatments containing varying levels of 0.00, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 g of turmeric as supplement were pelleted with other ingredients for the experimental diet. Fish fed with 0.25 and 1.00 g of turmeric supplemented feed had the best growth performance although 0.25 g supplementation group performed significantly better on week 8. The acceptability of the diet was less than four seconds in all treatments, 0.25 g of turmeric supplemented diet was most readily accepted by the fish followed closely by the 0.75 and 1.00 g/100 g of feed. The haematological profile of the fish showed that the turmeric supplemented diet was good for the fish and were within range irrespective of their different values across the concentration. This was true for all the parameters apart from the neutrophil which was the lowest at 0.25 g concentration of turmeric supplement with 15.33 ± 1.16 compared to the control with 19.67 ± 1.53 (p<0.05) which is an indication that the fish may be suffering from acute neutrophilia. It was concluded that turmeric supplemented feed improved the growth performance and the immunity of the fish at 1.00 g inclusion of turmeric as supplement per 100 g of feed.

The relationship between the coat colours with morphometric traits of West African Dwarf goat raised in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Loveday Samuel Okon — 2023-12-29

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between the coat colours with morphometric traits of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats raised in Akwa Ibom State. A total of three hundred and eighty four (384) goats comprising of 291 females and 93 males were sampled from the three senatorial districts of Akwa Ibom State. Sampled goats were classified into various coat colours; black (Bl), brown (Br), black-brown (Bl-Br), white (Wh), white-brown (Wh-Br) and white-black (Wh-l), and age groups (1 – <2 and 2 – <3 years) for males and (2 – <3, 3 – <4, 4 – <5 and 5 years and above) for females. The data obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance. Results showed that goats with White-brown and black-brown coat colour combination had similar body conformation traits in body length. BL (53.78 ± 2.49 and 53.17 ± 2.59 cm respectively), height at wither, HW (44.45 ± 0.98 and 45.08 ± 0.92 cm respectively), heart girth, HG (61.48 ± 1.25 and 63.20 ± 3.22 cm respectively), rump height, RH (47.02 ± 1.08 and 48.33 ± 1.01 cm), body depth, BD (68.64 ± 0.36 and 71.39 ± 5.31 cm respectively) and body weight, BW (22.59 ± 0.69 and 21.69 ± 3.59 kg respectively). The least BL, HW, RH and BW were observed in goats with brown coat colour. It was concluded that coat colours have influence on morphometric traits and morphometric traits affected varied with age. Coat colours of goats above five years of age, had no significant effect on morphometric traits. However, white-brown goat should be selected if body weight is desired.

Prevalence of ectoparasites of dogs in Umuahia North and Ikwuano Local Government Areas of Abia State, Nigeria

Chigozie Stanley Ukwueze — 2023-12-29

A study on the prevalence of ectoparasites of dogs in Umuahia North and Ikwuano Local Government Areas of Abia State, Nigeria was investigated. A total of 220 dogs were examined, using purposive sampling method to select the households within the communities in the two LGA. The animals were examined for ectoparasites and identification was made using standard microscopic examination procedures. 145 dogs had infestation of ectoparasites with overall prevalence of 65.91%. Location showed association (p<0.05) with the occurrence of ectoparasites. Umuahia North and Ikwuano had a prevalence of 58/105, 55.24% and 87/115, 75.65% respectively. Sex had no association (p>0.05) with prevalence of ectoparasites. Males had numerically higher prevalence of 65/96, 67.71% than females 80/124, 64.52%. Breed showed association (p<0.05) with prevalence of ectoparasites. Prevalence was significantly higher in the local breeds 61/111, 77.06%, than in the exotic breeds 84/109, 54.96%. Age had no association (p>0.05) with the occurrence of ectoparasites. Ages 0 – 6 months showed prevalence of 49/75, 65.33%, ages 7 – 12 months showed prevalence of 52/78, 66.67% and above 12 months showed prevalence of 44/67, 65.67%. Species of ectoparasites showed association (p<0.05). Rhipicephalus sanguineus was the most prevalent (38.62%), followed by Haemaphysalis leachi (11.04%) and Ctenocephalides canis (6.21%). However, mixed infestation between R. sanguineus and C. canis was recorded with 44.14% prevalence. In conclusion, there was high prevalence of ectoparasite of public health importance in dogs from the studied area. Hence, the need for public health awareness on the impacts of these ectoparasites and their control measures.

Retrospective study on pattern of equine cases presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH), University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria from 1999 to 2020

Rahamon Akinyele Moshood Adedokun — 2023-12-29

Having proper knowledge of the pattern of diseases vis-à-vis the data of equine cases presented to the clinic over a period of time cannot be overemphasised for appropriate prevention and control of equine diseases in Nigeria. This study aimed to establish the occurrence of equine cases presented to the Large Animal Clinic of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria (January 1999 – December 2020). A total of 102 equine cases, comprising horses (78) and donkeys (24), were retrieved from the clinical case files of equine species presented to the clinic. The sex distribution of horses and donkeys showed a higher percentage of males compared to female. Cases in local breeds of horses were higher (82.05%), compared to exotic breeds (17.95%), while all (100%) donkey cases were recorded in the local breed. Adult animals’ cases were higher compared to young animals, with 87.18% and 58.33% compared to 12.82% and 29.17% in horses and donkeys, respectively. More cases were presented during the wet season, with 74.36% and 70.83% in horses and donkeys, respectively. Higher cases involving the cardiovascular system were presented in equids (52.51%). Among infectious conditions, parasitic cases were highest (92.6%), while transportation stress (23.8%) and colic (14.3%) were the highest cases in equids among non- infectious conditions. The study observed a diverse pattern of diseases in equids that affect several body systems in Nigeria. We therefore recommend regular training of owners of horses and donkeys as well as equine veterinarians on appropriate prevention, control, and possible management of diseases.

Systematic review of anthrax, a zoonotic bacterial infection in Africa

Oluwatoyin Modupe Aladejana — 2023-12-29

On the 13th of June 2023, the Federal government of Nigeria announced the outbreak of anthrax disease in some neighbouring countries within the West African sub-region. It was specifically stated that the disease caused by a bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis has begun to be widespread specifically in northern Ghana, bordering Burkina Faso and Togo and has resulted into loss of lives. Border States in Nigeria such as Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states because of their proximity to Burkina Faso, Togo and Ghana are at higher risk and could affect other parts of the country. Anthrax caused by B. anthracis is a zoonotic disease that affects both human and animals. The spores are naturally found in the soil and commonly affect domestic and wild animals but it can spread to human when they come in contact with affected animals or through contaminated animal products. Although, anthrax is not a contagious disease and so, one cannot get it by coming in close contact with an infected person but it could be dangerous when contacted. Signs and symptoms of anthrax include cough, fever, muscle aches and if not diagnosed and treated early, leads to pneumonia, severe lung problems, difficulty in breathing, shock and death. A quick intervention as well as appropriate information and knowledge about this zoonosis is very important. Anthrax remains a global public health concern, especially in resource-limited, rural agricultural areas, including Africa.

Chicken productivity under improved health care and management practices in Dodoma Region, Tanzania

Andrew Chota — 2023-12-29

Raising chickens is an important activity in many resources constrained households in developing countries, as it is an important source of economic resilience as well as nutrition and food security. Despite its importance, the poultry industry faces many difficulties, including diseases due to low biosecurity and a lack of knowledge on proper management. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted to study the management practices that influence the performance of chickens in the households raising them in the Dodoma region of Tanzania. The results showed that 89% of respondents were vaccinating their chickens against diseases like Newcastle, fowlpox, infectious bursal disease and salmonellosis. However, many chicken farmers had incorrect information on the vaccination programs, including the frequency of vaccination and the timing of vaccinations, versus the provision of drugs for prophylactic purposes. The results showed that 29.5% of the farmers vaccinated weekly and 63.5% provided prophylactic drugs weekly. Furthermore, raising different types of chickens (OR = 1.45; p<0.01), frequency of vaccinations, (OR = 1.23; p<0.04), larger flocks of chickens (OR = 1.7; p<0.01), small number of chickens per drinker (OR = 1.64; p<0.05) and per feeder (OR = 2.4; p<0.05) were management factors associated with positive chicken performance in terms of growth rate, egg production and weight gain. It is recommended that the farmers are equipped with the necessary information on best management practices like vaccination regimes, prophylaxis timing and proper ratios of chickens per feeder and drinker.

Productivity and growth performance of chickens from small holder farmers in Dodoma, Tanzania

Kelvin Ngongolo — 2023-12-29

This study focused on the productivity of chickens in terms of stocking and growth performance of chickens kept by small-scale chicken holders and the associated factors in the Dodoma municipality in three wards, namely, Nkuhungu, Chang'ombe and Mnadani. A cross-sectional survey using a semi-structured questionnaire was conducted to collect data on the perceptions of farmers raising chickens in terms of productivity. Similarly, a longitudinal survey was made by monitoring the chicks ages, ranging from 0 to 60 days (2 months). This study was used to collect data on the management performance of chicks from five selected farmers. A total of 390 individuals were interviewed, of whom 26.15% (n = 102) were from Nkuhungu, 41.28% (n = 161) from Chang'ombe, and 32.56% (n = 127) from Mnadani wards. Adult males (26 – 35 years old) (66.67%) were more likely to be involved in chicken keeping in Mnadani ward. Household size and chicken breed significantly contributed to the productivity of chickens in Dodoma, where layers production were leading. The growth performance of chicks over time was affected by the management system (e.g., free range and semiintensive), age and sex of chickens, cleanliness, treatment regime, and flock size. In order to improve the productivity of chickens in Dodoma through the stocking rate and growth performance of chicks, we recommend that, the socio-demographic characteristics of the farmers raising chickens and other factors such as management strategies and systems be considered.

Phytochemical constituents and haematological effect of hydro-ethanolic extract of Newbouldia laevis leaves on glyphosate induced toxicity in rabbit bucks

Anietie Archibong Ansa — 2023-12-29

This study analyzed some of the secondary metabolites present in hydro-ethanolic extract of Newbouldia laevis (NBL) leaves and its potential protective effects on the haematological indices of glyphosate herbicide exposed rabbit bucks. To determine the protective effects of NBL against herbicide toxicity, 36 rabbit bucks were randomized into four treatment groups designated as control, glyphosate-only, glyphosate + NBL 100 mg and glyphosate + NBL 200 mg in a completely randomized design experiment. Result of phytochemical screening of NBL showed high presence of flavonoid, terpenoid and phenol. Saponin was found to be moderately present with slight presence of alkaloid, steroid, tannin and cyanogenic glycosides. Acute toxicity evaluation indicated that the extract had a substantial safety margin with a tolerance of up to 1000 mg/kg in Albino rats. The result of glyphosate on haematological indices showed that the herbicide did not significantly (p>0.05) alter most of the measured blood parameters. However, significant (p<0.05) effects were observed on the concentration of lymphocyte and platelet counts. The administration of NBL leaves extract appeared to counteract the adverse effect of glyphosate, as evidenced by the enhanced platelet count in the treated groups. These findings support the traditional use of NBL in herbal remedies due to its phytochemical composition. It also suggests that glyphosate has minimal toxicity on haematological profile and that NBL leaves may have potential applications in regulating haematological parameters.

Protective effects of methanol extract of Asystasia gangetica leaves on monosodium glutamate (MSG) induced renal injury in rats

Robert Ikechukwu Uroko — 2023-12-29

This study evaluated the nephroprotective and curative effects of methanol extract of Asystasia gangetica leaves on monosodium glutamate (MSG) challenged rats. The study adopted a completely randomized experimental design comprising 9 groups of rats. Group 1 served as the normal control, group 2 was MSG control, group 3 was MSG induced treated with silymarin. Groups 4 and 5 received only methanol extract of A. gangetica leaves, groups 6 and 7 (nephroprotective) were pre-treated with methanol extract of A. gangetica leaves for 7 days before receiving 8 g/kg MSG, while groups 8 and 9 (nephrocurative) received 8 g/kg MSG and treated with methanol extract of A. gangetica leaves for 14 days. Each of the treatments was given to the rats orally. The MSG caused significant elevation (p<0.05) of serum creatinine, urea, sodium ion, potassium ion, chloride ion and bicarbonate ion levels in the MSG control when compared with the normal control. The methanol extract of A. gangetica leaves had no significant effects (p>0.05) on the serum urea, creatinine and electrolyte levels of the extract control groups relative to the normal control. The nephroprotective and curative groups treated with graded doses of methanol extract of A. gangetica leaves had significantly reduced (p<0.05) creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate levels with mild alterations in the kidney histo-architecture relative to the MSG control. The findings of this study indicated that methanol extract of A. gangetica leaves possesses nephroprotective and curative effects and could protect the kidney from the adverse effects of nephrotoxic agents.

Prevalence of cryptorchid testis among bulls slaughtered at the Jos main abattoir

Tongpan Eliab Mangden — 2023-12-29

Cryptorchidism is the failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum at the time specified for an animal species. The study was designed to determine the occurrence of cryptorchidism in bulls slaughtered at the Jos main abattoir. Out of 255 bulls examined, 3(1.18%) had cryptorchid testes. Unilateral cryptorchidism occurred more than bilateral and was majorly on the right. The condition was more prevalent in bulls 2≥ - <2½ years old than in other age groups, while subcutaneous testis was seen more than other abnormal types of cryptorchid testis. The longitudinal length, weight and mid-testicular circumference of the cryptorchid testes were significantly (p<0.05) smaller than the descended testes. The study showed a low prevalence of cryptorchid testis among bulls slaughtered at the Jos main abattoir. In addition, the cryptorchid bulls showed pathological lesions characterized by testicular degeneration suggesting the bulls may not be fit for reproduction. It is therefore recommended that further studies be carried out to determine the fertility and pathological differences among the various types of undescended cryptorchid testis.