Animal Research International

1045 – 1048

Authors: NWAMBA, Helen Ogochukwu and CHIDOBEM, Ikechukwu Joseph

The comparative effect of exposing Clarias gariepinus juveniles (100.20 + 0.8g) to different concentrations of crude oil products and detergent were studied. Bonny Light Crude oil (BLCO), Premium motor spirit (PMS), Dual purpose kerosene (DPK) and Ariel Enzymax Detergent (AED) were respectively applied at three concentrations, 2.00, 4.00and 6.00mi/L as well as a control experiment 0.00ml/L with no toxicant for two hours (2 hours) toxicity period. Increased serum alkaline phosphatase and low degree of toxicity were recorded in the fish samples exposed to the various pollutants than in the fish control. The comparatively low toxicity noticed within the sample fish was attributed to the reduced length of exposure to the pollutants this probably lowered the pressure of the toxicant on organs of the fish.

1054 – 1058

Authors: EKECHUKWU, Nkiru Esther and ELUWA, Michael

Both the cultivated and the wild spinach (Amaranthus species) have been found to be host to an important beetle pest Gasteroclisus rhomboidalis. The longevity of the beetles was studied under a variety of conditions. It was observed that the life span of the beetles varied widely with the beetles capable of leaving up to 70 days (about 42 days 0n the average). The beetles generally lived longer under the ambient condition than inside room condition. Studies on the survivorship of the immature stages of the beetles revealed that the larva has the highest mortality rate amongst stages with the egg being the highest surviving stage. Studies on the fecundity of the female adult beetles showed that about 80% of their life span is utilised in egg laying. On the average, about 2½ eggs are laid per day (i.e. about 5 eggs laid within 2 days).

1063 – 1071

Authors: IVOKE, Njoku

A twelve-month epizootic survey was conducted to evaluate the helminth fauna of the Nigerian strain of the black rat, Rattus rattus from six microecological habitats in Nsukka area of Nigeria and to assess the zoonotic and public health implications of the findings. Altogether 1458 rats (56.5 % males and 43.5 % females) were trapped and examined for helminths. A total of 1098 rats (55.7 % males and 44.3% females) harboured helminth parasites thus providing and overall prevalence of 75.3% and a mean worn burden of 1.3. The between-sex difference was statistically significant (2 =2.64, P < 0.05) with more males (53.2 %) than females (46.8 %) harbouring helminth parasites. There was no marked variation in the infection pattern in the rat host from the different habitats, but the parasite prevalence and distribution appeared to be season-dependent. Parasites (n = 1469) recovered were of 3 helminth groups (nematodes 72.4%, cestodes 27.5%, and trematodes 0.6%). Six nematode species identified were Nippostrongylus braziliensis (19.8%), Aspicularis tetraptera (17.5%), Syphacia muris 17.0 %), Angiostrongylus cantonensis 16.9%), Strongyloides ratti (16.0%) and Capillaria hepatica (12.8%). Also recovered from their rat hosts were the following six cestode species; Hymenolepis diminuta (22.7%), Taenia taeniaeformis (17.4%), T. muris (17.1%), T. hydatigera (16.6%), H. nana (16.4%) and Raillietina muris (9.8%). Trematodes (n=9) belonging to 3 species, Plagiochis muris, Platynosomoides muris and Corrigia muris were also recovered from five infected rats. A total of 103 rat hosts harboured single infections of nematodes, 818 (98.9%) had combined nematode/cestode infections, 5 (6.0%) haboured a combination of nematode/trematode whereas 4 (0.5%) showed concurrent cestode/trematode infections. The influence of seasonal fluctuations on the parasite-host relationship, life cycle patterns of the parasites and immunological potentials of the rat hosts are discussed.

1077 – 1081

Authors: OCHIOGU, Izuchukwu Shedrack, OGUEJIOFOR, Chike Fidelis and NWAGBO, Ambrose Nnaemeka

This study investigated whether strange males in Bruce and Whitten effects also include males placed in the same cage with females. Forty albino mice (25 females and 15 males) were used for the study. The mice were divided into five groups (A - E) with five females each, and 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 male(s) respectively. During both first and second rounds of matings, all the females conceived and littered successfully. In both rounds of matings, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the mean number of matings before conception, mean gestation length and mean weight of new-born among all the female groups. However, the second round of matings recorded a higher mean number of matings before conception, greater mean weight of new-born and slightly longer gestation length than the first round. In both rounds, group E females had a significantly (p < 0.05) longer mean length of time before conception than group C females, but did not differ from groups A, B and D. Generally all the groups in second round exhibited longer period before conception than in the first round. In the first round of matings, both the mean litter size and group weights of B and E were significantly (p<0.05) lower than that of group D, whereas in the second round, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in both mean litter size and weight among all the five groups. Results showed that male mice placed in the same cage with female mice were not seen as strange by the females.

1086 – 1092

Authors: ASSAN, N. and NYONI K.

Pedigree yearling records from 1021 local Tuli calves born at Matopos Research Station were analyzed for non genetic factors, genetic parameters and trends on the yearling weight. It was found that sire, year of birth, sex of calf, age of dam had significant effect (p < 0.01) on all growth trait. The inconsistency of literature estimates indicated the importance of estimation of environmental factors that affect yearling weight within specific experimental herds and environment. Model incorporating both direct and maternal additive genetic effect, covariance and correlations of direct-maternal and permanent environmental maternal effects was adopted for the study. Direct and maternal heritability estimates of 0.18 ± 0.001 and 0.04 ± 0.001 were observed, respectively. Direct-maternal genetic correlation was low and positive, 0.07± 0.012. The regression of average direct breeding values on year was almost zero and the regression of average maternal breeding values on year 0.03 kg/yr. Correction of environmental effects was necessary to increase accuracy for selection of yearling weight in local Tuli cattle. Maternal genetic effects should be included in a model of covariance components estimation at 12 months of age.

1102 – 1106

Authors: OKOYE, Ikem Chris, OBIEZUE, Nduka Rose and MGBEMENA, Uzoamaka Sandra

Seventy-seven Bulinus snail species were fed for eight weeks with eleven diets consisting of different feed-formulations and vegetables. Snails reared exclusively on grower’s mash, corn fibre meal and fish meal did not survive for up to two weeks. The result from this investigation indicates that there is no significant difference in body growth gain between lettuce + blood meal, lettuce + groundnut fibre meal, blood meal, lettuce and cabbage. But they showed significant difference with lettuce + corn fibre meal and lettuce + fish meal. It is therefore recommended that in a situation where lettuce which is well known as the snail’s food is not available as during the peak of rainy season, feeds like blood meal and cabbage can be used as viable substitutes for rearing experimental Bulinus snail species in the laboratory. Also, lettuce + blood meal has been shown by this study as the best feed formulation for the optimal growth and development of Bulinus sp in the laboratory.

972 – 979

Authors: NWEZE, Nkechinyere Onyekwere

Algae are the chief primary producers in the aquatic environment. Thus, they supply proteins, carbohydrates and mineral salts to the primary consumers and consequently sustain many fishes of commercial interest. Despite algae being a good source of food for some fishes, some cyanobacteria are of low nutritional value and with dinoflagellates may secrete toxins that kill fish. Algae population varies according to seasons and this affects algae - dependent organisms. Optimal algal population is favoured by eutrophication but when there is rapid eutrophication, algal blooms may result. This may lead to the death of zooplankton, game fish and even man. The realization of fish as a major source of protein in Nigeria spurred various workers to investigate the natural food for such fishes as clupeids, Synodontis spp., Chrysichthys spp., Schilbe spp., Tilapia, Alestes, Lates sp. Hydrocynus sp., Siluranodon sp., Eutropus, Bagrus docmac, B. bayad, Heterobranchus sp. Cymnarchus sp., Clarias spp, Hemicynodontus sp. and Brachysynodontis sp. Important fish species cultured in Nigeria include Tilapia nilotica, Tilapia melanopleura, Tilapia galilea, Cyprinus carpio (Common carp), Heterotis niloticus, Lates niloticus (Niger perch), Chrysichtys nigrodigitatus (Catfish) C. gariepinus (Catfish) and others. Aquaculture has not advanced as much in Nigeria as in developed countries where algae could be cultured as feed for fish, shrimps, prawns and other crustaceans in commercial quantities. The economic importance of algae in fisheries cannot be overstressed. Their absence could cause disruption of equilibrium, while excess of them could result to mortality of aquatic fauna.

982 – 986

Authors: ECHI, Paul Chinedu, EYO, Joseph Effiong and OKAFOR, Fabian Chukwuemenam

In ever competitive environment of nature, evolution of most attributes of an organism - anatomy, physiology, and behaviour are determined by the environment through selection. The same is the microhabitats of Sarotherodon melanotheron where three Clinostomatids; Clinostomum tilapiae, Clinostomum complanatum, and Euclinostomum heterostomum, were recovered from Opi Lake (GPS N06.75275*, E007.49104*), were studied from (November 2007– October 2008) using multiple fishing gear techniques; cast nets, hook and line, and seine nets (150 mm – 200 mm), showed significant difference (p < 0.05) in all other anatomical parts but the distance between oral and ventral suckers. The prevalence was low; (20.8 %) was recorded in C. complanatum, (6.4 %) in E. heterostomum and (21.1 %) in C. tilapiae. But mean intensity was high which was suggestive of heavy parasite burden; C. complanatum (2.7), C. tilapiae (5.8) and E. heterostomum (5.1). In the rank-abundance curve for parasite communities C. tilapiae was more abundant than the other two species. Differential parasitic implications was due to selection for relatively better adaptiveness to host’s microhabitats, more population size, better host location, and larger body size. Consequently, this resulted in a trade-off between larger morphometric parts and population size among the parasites.

994 – 1002

Authors: ODO, Gregory Ejikeme, NWAMBA, Helen Ogochukwu and EYO, Joseph Effiong

Studies on some aspects of the biology of Heterotis niloticus in Anambra river were carried out for 22 months. Analysis of the stomach content of 546 species of H. niloticus in Anambra river established the preponderance of plantivorous crustacean, copepods and cladocera throughout the four maturation stages examined. Seasonal variations occurred in the dietary components of the fish. The length-weights relationship and the relative condition revealed that females had better condition. The mean length and weight were 94.5 ± 60 cm (29 – 167 cm) and 120 ± 21.8g (10 – 250g) respectively. A sex ratio of 1:0.8 (M: F) at Otuocha was more pronounced than at Ogurugu and Nsugbe. Digestive enzyme assays in the different gut regions (oesaphagus, stomach, pyloriccaeca, ileum and rectum) of H. niloticus showed an array of glycosidase (amylase, sucrase, malatase, lactase, cellulase); protease, (pepsin, trypsin, chymotrypsin) and lipases. The pattern of spread and relative activity of the enzymes is consistent with its planktophagous diet. Haematocrit values, haemoglobin concentrations, erythrocyte and leucocytes counts, mean cells haemoglobin concentrations, plasma protein, glucose, albumin and inorganic ion (sodium, chloride, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus) for H. niloticus were established. Correlations were found between some blood parameters and standard length.

1009 – 1018

Authors: AKA, Lawrence Okonkwo and KAMALU, Theodore Nkire

This study describes the effect of intraruminal infusion of different proportions of palmitic (saturated fatty acid) and linolenic (unsaturated fatty acid) on rumen degradability of organic matter fraction of Pennisetium purpureum, total volatile fatty acid and total methane productions in West African Dwarf sheep. Five combination proportions of palmitic and linolenic acids viz: 70 % palmitic acid + 30 % linolenic acid, 30 % palmitic acid + 70 % linolenic acid, 50 % palmitic acid + 50 % linolenic acid, 100 % palmitic acid + 0 % linolenic and 0 % palmitic acid + 100 % linolenic acid designated treatments A-E respectively served as the experimental treatments. These treatments were intraruminally infused into five (5) adult WAD sheep of average body weight of 13.49 ± 1.63 kg and the trial performed in a 5 x 5 latin square experimental design. A sixth group of four sheep, that did not receive any fatty acid infusion, served as the control group. The in-sacco technique for degradability studies was adopted in the determination of organic matter disappearance from the rumen at time intervals of 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 hours in both the experimental and control groups. Appropriate mathematical model for estimation of total volatile fatty acid (VFA) and total methane production were used for determination of VFA and methane productions. The result of the study showed that organic matter degradability was significantly (p < 0.01) highest in treatment A (70 % palmitic acid + 30 % linolenic acid) at 24 hours (84.63 ± 8.6 %) and 48 hours (88.42 ± 4.8 %) compared to other treatments and the control. Higher proportion of linolenic acid (treatments B and E ) significantly (p<0.01) reduced potential OM degradability at 48 hours with values at 41.08 ± 5.5 % and 23.92 ± 2.4 % respectively. Total VFA production was significantly (p <0.01) increased in treatment A at 24 hours (3.59 ± 0.07 m mol/l) and 48 hours (3.62 ±0.04 m mol/l) compared to other treatments and the control. At same time post incubation, total methane production was significantly (P<0.01) decreased in treatments B (0.39 ± 0.01 mol/hr) and E (0.34 ± 0.006 mol/hr) compared to treatments A (0.52 ± 0.01 mol/hr) which recorded a significant (P<0.01) increase. The study revealed that high proportion of unsaturated fatty acid suppressed rumen fermentation with resultant decrease in organic matter degradability, total VFA and methane productions. The reverse was however the case with high proportions of saturated fatty acids.

1028 – 1034

Authors: ONYECHI, Jacob Okwuchukwu, MARTIN, Gary and MARRIOTT, Chris

A monodisperse aerosol generator (MAGE) was used to generate calibration or monodisperse aerosols containing stearic acid and carnauba wax. Some of the factors affecting the size of aerosol particles generated with the MAGE were determined. The factors include: temperature of operation of the MAGE, type and purity of coating material used. The reproducibility of aerosol particles and stability of the aerosol generated were evaluated. The performance characteristics of the MAGE over an extended period of time of operation were also established. The calibration aerosols generated with the MAGE can be used in situ for studies of aerosol deposition measurement equipment.

938 – 941

Authors: IKPEZE, Obiora Osegboka

A West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep with typical symptoms of nasal myiasis was procured on 9th December, 2008 by the Department of Microbiology and Parasitology at the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) in Abia State, south-eastern Nigeria for the purpose of teaching the subject, ‘nasal myiasis’, to para-clinical students of veterinary entomology. A sagittal section of the head of the suspected sheep was carried out for post mortem examination, whereupon two mature maggots, identified as the third stage larvae of the sheep nostril fly Oestrus ovis, were observed in the ventral meatus. The preserved specimens will help to expand the students’ knowledge of the key identification features of the larva of Oestrus ovis, as well as the relative positions of the anatomical organs that may be affected by the developing larvae leading to pathological conditions which manifest as clinical symptoms of nasal myiasis in the sheep.

946 – 948

Authors: UMARU, Mohammed Aminu, ADEYEYE, Adewale Ayodeji, ABUBAKAR, Aminu and GARBA, Hamidu Sharubutu

A fifteen-year (1991 – 2005) study of reproductive cases in animals presented to the Usmanu Danfodio University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, were analyzed based on species, disease condition and sex using clinical case files of Sheep, goat and cattle. Within the study period a total of 88 reproductive cases were handled out of which 53 (57.95 %) occurred in sheep, 32(36.36 %) goat and 5(5.68 %) cattle. Dystocia 23(26.13 %), Pregnancy toxaemia 11(12.50 %), mastitis 9(10.23 %), castration 5(5.68 %) and orchitis 3(3.41 %) were the diseases recorded. Reproductive cases were higher in females 77(87.5 %) than in males 11(12.5 %). From the study, reproductive cases were most prevalent in sheep than in goats and cattle.

953 – 957

Authors: NWAOGU, Innocent Chima and FRANCIS, Blessing

Gross and histomorphological features of fetal and adult adrenals obtained from slaughtered Kano brown goats at Obollo Afor and Nsukka abattoirs were studied. The specimens were divided into groups A – D for gestation day (GD) 86-102, 103-124, 125 – 146 and adults respectively. The mass of the adrenals increased significantly with age. Microscopically, GD 86 – 102 adrenals comprised outer capsule, definitive zone (DZ), fetal zone (FZ) and medulla. By GD 103 – 124 they exhibited transitional zone with less dense packed cells when compared with outer definitive zone. Full term adrenals had definitive cortex with zona granulosa at the early formative stage. The adult adrenals exhibited structures with typical zonation of the cortex. The width of DC increased while that of FZ decreased significantly (P < 0.01) with increasing age of the fetuses. These results suggest that the adrenals of Kano brown goats undergo morphological developmental changes similar to those of other animals.

962 – 965

Authors: ONYECHI, Uchenna Agatha and UGWUNNADI, Ginikachi

A comparative study of the breakfast intake of school children between the ages of 10-12yeras in Nsukka urban and rural areas was investigated. Sixty urban and thirty rural school children were randomly selected from three primary schools. Data was collected using a structured; pre tested and validated questionnaire which was analysed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) and descriptive statistics (frequency distribution and percentages). Chi-square analysis was also used to compare the breakfast intake of these school children in the urban and rural areas. The result of the study showed a higher breakfast consumption of children in the rural than the urban areas though the result was not statistically significant. The percentage distribution showed that 90% of the rural children took breakfast compared to the 78.3% of the urban school children while 10% and 21.7% of the rural and urban children respectively did not consume breakfast. The factors that contributed to the rural children not taking breakfast include unavailability of food, and not being hungry. In the urban area the factors that affect breakfast intake include lack of time, not being hungry and unavailability of food. However, there was a significant difference (P<0.05) in the availability of food in rural homes and the quantity of food purchased in the market compared to the urban dwellers. The rural dwellers had more food in their homes and purchased less food in the market. Poverty was implicated as the major cause of low breakfast intake. Other factors that affected breakfast intake were family size, occupation of the head of the house hold and educational level.