Animal Research International

1485 – 1496

Authors: OSELEBE, Happiness Ogba, NNAMANI, Catherine Vera and OKPORIE, Emmanuel Okorie

Traditional leafy vegetables represent inexpensive but high-quality nutritional sources, for the poor segment of the population especially where malnutrition is widespread. The objectives of this research were a) to identify and document the traditional leafy vegetables and spices of Ebonyi State, and b) to assess their nutritional values with a view of enhancing their selection as components of cooked food. Market and field surveys were carried out for traditional leafy vegetables and spices in three major clans in Ebonyi North senatorial zone, Ebonyi State: Izzi, Izhia, and Ngbo clans. Informal interviews were also conducted with some indigenes on the vegetables and spices identified, including where, when, and how they were obtained for sale in the markets. Finally, proximate and Mineral content analysis of three of the traditional leafy vegetables was done to know their nutritional as well as mineral content. Results identified twenty-seven traditional leafy vegetables and five spices from 23 plant families. 46.7 % of the plant collections were seen and collected from the wild, while 40 % were cultivated. 33.3 % of the leafy vegetables were tree species, 30 % were herbaceous plants, and 23 % were climbers, while 13.3 % were shrubs. 60 % of the species were propagated by seed, while 36.7 % were propagated by vegetative means. The parts consumed were mainly the leaves (76.7 %), the stem, the flower, and the seeds. 40 % of the materials collected were major income earners for the rural populace, 36.7 % earned some income, although small, while 23.3 % had the potential of being transformed into large-scale income earners. Results also indicated that three of the vegetables analyzed were good sources of micro-nutrients. Their calcium content ranged between 54.06 - 90.10 mg/100 g, while zinc and lead which are antioxidants were absent. The ash content of the three plants ranged from 8.10 - 6.30 %, while protein ranged from 5 – 10 % of fresh weight or 13 - 30% of dry weight. Their fiber (roughage) content was high and will promote digestion and prevent constipation when consumed.

1502 – 1505

Authors: ADEYEMI, Samuel Olusegun and AKOMBO, Pauline Mbakaan

The food composition and dietary habit of Labeo senegalensis at the Idah area of river Niger was carried out between January and February 2010. 155 samples were obtained from artisanal fishermen and brought to the biological sciences laboratory for analysis. Fish samples were dissected and the stomach contents were emptied into Petri dishes containing 10% saline solution and observed under a dissecting microscope. The food items were counted and the stomachs were scored according to their fullness. The result shows that the fish feed mainly on mud (4.31%), sand particles (6.00%), plant materials (80.65%), fish remains (5.81%), insect parts (2.58%), and small gravel (0.65%) respectively. L. senegalensis in the Idah area of River Niger is a herbivorous detrivore feeding more on plant materials.

1515 – 1523

Authors: ONWUBIKO, Henry Amaechi

The technique to detect and diagnose infectious prions, the causative agent of transmissible spongiform encephalopaties (TSEs) at very early stages of infection where the disease can be controlled and even eliminated has been developed. The technique now in the field is being applied worldwide for the screening of cattle, sheep, rodents, humans and other animals. It has not only saved lives but also billions of dollars in agriculture by preventing the spread of infection in livestock. In the United Kingdom, over 2 million cattle have been destroyed due to prion infection. Prion has also been identified in the United States, and more recently in South Korea. While in Nigeria, many of our cattle and sheep have not been screened and no awareness exist for TSEs. Preliminary work is already underway. Also screening studies are just commencing at a very slow pace in Jos. Given the globalized nature of the present world, where infections move across continents at a rapid pace, it is very disturbing that the nation has no policy and is ill-prepared to respond to it should an epidemic of TSEs break out among its livestock or population. It is necessary to apply this ultrasensitive technique for detection and diagnosis of infectious prions to the screening of livestock, and the protection of Nigerian citizens from TSEs. The technique is also a sensitive tool for studying and uncovering the mechanism of potential drugs that can inhibit or slow down the spread of TSE infection. It will advance the frontiers on the study of the mode of infection and conversion of prions and has significantly already contributed to the new paradigm that has changed our knowledge on infections.

1529 – 1536

Authors: OLAWUMI, Simeon O., OGUNLADE, J. Taiwo and FAJEMILEHIN, Samuel O.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of strain and age on production traits of commercial broiler chickens reared on full-feeding, and under the same housing, feeding regime, agro-climatic zone and management practices. A total number of 150 broiler day-old chicks, that, is 50 chicks each of Arbor Acres (strain A), Hubbard (strain B) and Marshall (strain C) were purchased from local hatcheries, and raised on deep litter in separate pens for 49 days (7 weeks). Data collected include live body weight, body length, breast girth, shank length and thigh length. In addition, data on feed intake, feed conversion ratio and feed efficiency at two weeks interval beginning from 1st week were taken. Analyzed results showed that genotype and age of birds had highly significant (P<0.01) effects on all the performance traits of broiler chickens. Strains A and B appeared superior to strain C in body weight, but the latter was better (P<0.01) in shank length and breast girth than the former. As regards feed conversion, strain C was the poorest, intermediate in strain B, and strain A the best. The feed efficiency and feed conversion ratio were related but in a reverse manner. Strain A was adjudged good and profitable because the strain had the highest mean values in body weight and feed efficiency coupled with the lowest feed conversion ratio at maturity, and could be recommended to poultry farmers in this zone for increased productivity, income generation and maximum profit.

1540 – 1543

Authors: EDOGA, C. O., NJOKU, O. O., UFELE, A. N. and EBENEBE, C. I.

The role of dietary vitamin A supplements on the serum protein of trypanosome-infected rats was studied. The rats were inoculated with trypanosomes intraperitoneally and samples were collected on the fourth, eighth, twelfth, and sixteenth days post-infection. The experiment was carried out at the Department of Biochemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. Sixty parasite free-albino rats were used, which were divided into four groups. Group A (control) was left uninfected with trypanosomes, groups B and C were infected with trypanosomes and treated with 50mls and 100mls of vitamin A per kg of feed respectively and group D was infected and left untreated with vitamin A. Analyses of the sera using Bradford method and cellulose acetate electrophoresis showed that vitamin A influenced the state of hypoproteinaemia in the trypanosome-infected rats. This was manifested by a positive increase in the level of total serum protein concentration, albumin, and beta-globulin. Vitamin A also delayed the proliferation of the parasites associated with trypanosomiasis.