Animal Research International

5017 – 5029

Authors: IRABOR, Francis, EBOHON, Osamudiamen, ALEGUN, Olaniyi, OKUGBO, Tinuade Osarhieme and OMOREGIE, Sheena Ehimwenma

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 non-significant 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 artemether-lumefantrine 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.

5038 – 5046

Authors: PUKUMA, Micah Sale and IBRAHIM, Timothy

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%). Chi-square 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.

5059 – 5067

Authors: UWA, Unyime Gideon, EYOH, Glory Dominic, EKPO, Joseph Sylvester and EKPO, Ubak Ekwere

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.

5078 – 5087

Authors: KATONGE, Jackson Henry, KASWAMILA, Abiud Lucas and HAMISI, Mariam Issa

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.

5095 – 5106

Authors: KATONGE, Jackson Henry, KASWAMILA, Abiud Lucas and HAMISI, Mariam Issa

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.

5119 – 5126

Authors: OKON, Loveday Samuel, SAM, Idorenyin Meme, USORO, Ofoninyene Okon and UDO, Akaninyene Friday

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-Bl), 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.

5135 – 5142

Authors: ADEDOKUN, Rahamon Akinyele Moshood, ALABA, Bukola Ayokunmi, AKINNIYI, Olumide Odunayo, OLAOGUN, Sunday Charles and OGUNDALU, Toluwalope James

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.

5153 – 5164

Authors: CHOTA, Andrew, NGONGOLO, Kelvin, NGUMBI, Anna, MMBAGA, Naza and MSUTA, Gilbert

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.

5175 – 5184

Authors: ANSA, Anietie Archibong, AKPERE, Odamesan and ONWUDINJO, Kenneth Ifechukwu

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.

5198 – 5204

Authors: MANGDEN, Tongpan Eliab, KUZAYED, Imaben Grace, TANKO, Polycarp Nwuniji and ADEYEYE, Adewale Ayodeji

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.