Animal Research International

5205 – 5211

Authors: EKINE, Emmanuel Green and EZENWAKA, Chinonye Oluchi

This study investigated flea infestation on domesticated goats in Otapha, Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of 100 domesticated goats reared in Otapha were subjected to flea screening and 61% were reported positive. Fleas were removed from the skin of goats by hand picking and by the used of forceps. The detected fleas were stored in 50% alcohol and conveyed to the laboratory for bioassay. The recovered fleas were identified to species level using flea pictorial key. Flea infestation was noticed in all the settlements where goats were sampled. The encountered flea species in this study were Ctenocephalides canis (24.4%), Ctenocephalides felis (25.6%) and Pulex irritans (50.0%). The high manifestation of flea species in this study suggests that the environmental conditions in Otapha were favourable for the rapid growth and survival of fleas among goats in the settlements. The result further implied that the inhabitants of Otapha lack the basic diary methods to adequately domesticate goats and hence can be highly vulnerable to flea-borne infections such as murine typhus. The responses, attitudes and habits of animal owners indicated that they had zero idea concerning the necessity for veterinary visits for disease diagnosis, animal treatment and care. Hence, they employ no precautionary measures to mitigate flea populations on the animal skin, thereby putting the animals at high risk of infestation and making goat owners more vulnerable to flea-borne infections.

5225 – 5230

Authors: AJANI, Olumide Samuel, AGBUGBA, Linda Chinyere, BOLAJI-OLUTUNJI, Aanuoluwa Faith, HAMZAT, Abdulafees Ademola and AJALA, Oluwatoyin Oluwasola

Mammary gland tumors are commonly observed in older, intact female dogs, while male dogs are rarely affected. The incidence of mammary gland tumors in dogs is significantly higher than in other domestic species, accounting for about 50% of tumor cases in dogs. A 7-year-old intact German Shepherd bitch was presented at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Ibadan, with swollen mammary glands and a history of conception failure, despite a successful mating a few months prior. Samples were collected using the fine needle aspirate technique from the swollen inguinal mammary glands and popliteal lymph nodes for cytological examination, which revealed confirmatory evidence suggestive of lymphoma. This article describes the mammary gland tumor in an adult intact bitch and her subsequent euthanasia due to tumor metastasis.

5241 – 5248

Authors: NGONGOLO, Kelvin, CHOTA, Andrew and SIGALA, Atuhombye

Low production of local chicken was among the challenges faced by small-scale local chicken farmers in Dodoma, Tanzania, as reported in a previous study. In this case, this study stressed that understanding the manipulation of broody hens through early separation from chicks can increase the productivity of local chickens for farmers. Laying hens were monitored from the start of laying until they finished the circle and started laying again. The hen was allowed to lay, incubate, and hatch eggs. Following hatching, the chicks were separated from the hen by varying distances of 3 – 10 m. Eggs were laid, incubated and hatched, and the time interval taken for the hen to start laying again after the chick’s separation was recorded. The average number of eggs laid, incubated and hatched per hen per circle varied significantly (p<0.05) between wet and dry seasons. About 60% of the hens lost their brooding behaviour in the first week, while about 40% did so in the second week. The average time it took for the hen to resume laying after chicks’ separation ranged from 14 to 15 days, depending on factors such as season, distance between chicks and hen. The calling of hens to chicks decreased significantly (p<0.001) in the third week. In this study, the single laying circle lasted about 30 – 34 days. Early chicks’ separation from hens can increase local chicken productivity for farmers, thus improving food security, income and employment.

5257 – 5264

Authors: MBABAH, Sifon Nnana, ANYANWU, Nnaemeka Julian, IDIONG, Grace Christopher, EKETTE, Ikobong Edet and JOHNSON, Princewill Emmanuel

A field experiment was conduct at the Teaching and Research Farm, Akwa Ibom State University, Nigeria, to study the impact of different manures on the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L). Three different manures were used to include: poultry droppings, pig dungs and goat droppings. It was replicated three times and was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Data were collected on vegetative traits and yield component and statistically analyzed. The growth and yield attributes increased significantly with the application of poultry droppings. The control plot gives significantly lower means and maize that received 20 t/ha recorded the highest mean in all growth and yield parameter evaluated in the study. Applications of poultry manure significantly improve vegetative growth and yield attributes of maize plant and therefore recommended for adoption by resource-poor farmer can adopt the use of poultry droppings as substitute for inorganic fertilizer and ultimately improve yield in the study area.

5273 – 5279

Authors: TERFA, Ashever Jocelyn, RABO, Jude, ABENGA, Jerry, ORAKPOGHENOR, Ochuko and DZONGOR, Joel

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Eimeria species in domestic pigeons and study the gross as well as the microscopic pathology they cause in the intestinal tract of the birds in Makurdi, Benue State. A total of 310 healthy pigeons comprising 171(55.2%) males and 139(44.8%) females; 133(42.9%) were sampled during the dry season and 177(57.1%) were sampled during the wet season from local farmers in Makurdi, Benue State. Faeces from the rectum of each bird were analyzed using the simple flotation method for the detection of Eimeria oocyst. Intestinal gross lesions were noted and intestinal segments were obtained for Histopathological studies. The prevalence of Eimeria species in pigeons of Makurdi was 170/310(54.8%). The infection was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the male Pigeons as compared to the female (p>0.05). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the number of pigeons infected in the wet season as compared with the dry season. Gross lesions revealed hemorrhagic enteritis and from the histopathological sections of the intestine, developmental stages of Eimeria species were seen in the mucosa, submucosa, and muscularis mucosa respectively with necrosis of villi and inflammatory cell infiltration. It was concluded that Since Eimeria species are highly prevalent in domestic pigeons and cause severe intestinal lesions, constant Veterinary surveillance is required to prevent economic losses in the pigeon industry.

5290 – 5297

Authors: UCHOLA, Benjamin Enede and BICHI, Armayau Hamisu

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of air-dried Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MLM) on the growth and physiology of African catfish. Air-dried MLM was incorporated into a diet D1 (19.64MJ/kg) at 0, 2, and 6% resulting in three diets. Each diet in the D1 group was fed to African catfish fingerlings (13.35 ± 0.02) at 5% body weight in triplicate group for 56 days. Weight gain was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the control diet (0% MLM) compared to MLM-based diets. White blood cell (WBC) counts were significantly (p<0.05) higher in fish-fed 2% MLM relative to those of the control and 6% MLM. Red blood cell (RBC), Haemoglobin (Hb), Mean cell volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration decreased with increasing MLM inclusion levels. Higher levels of RBC and Hb were related to higher weight gain. Levels of liver enzymes- alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) decreased with increasing MLM inclusion levels. Decreases in ALT, AST, and ALP were not different (p<0.05) among the treatments. Serum total protein, albumin, and globulin levels increased in MLM-based treatments, 2% MLM were similar (p<0.05) to those of the control treatment while 6% MLM was different. Low dietary inclusion of air-dried MLM boosts WBC and increases serum proteins with no negative effect on liver enzymes. Regression of weight gain on MLM levels suggests an optimum range of 0.5 – 1% dietary inclusion can sustain growth making it a suitable feed additive.

5305 – 5311

Authors: AWONEYE, Olusola Olufisayo

Acute heat stress contributes greatly to sudden death in animals and induces serious intra-corporal damage even if the animal survives. This trial was therefore conducted to unravel the effect of dietary supplementation of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on the serum biochemical composition and hormonal status of finisher broiler chickens during the transition from dry to rainy season (January – March). One hundred and ninety-two (192) day-old broiler chicks (ANAK) were randomly allotted to four treatment diets supplemented with 0, 0.025, 0.050, and 0.075% of ASA at 48 birds/treatment in four replicates of 12 birds each. The result revealed that broilers fed 0.075% ASA had the highest (p<0.05) aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase with the values of 69.12 ± 6.52 IU/L, 58.02 ± 11.75 IU/L respectively, while broilers fed 0.050% ASA had the lowest (p<0.05) cholesterol value of 57.27 ± 2.61 mg/dL. The highest (p<0.05) total protein value of 4.20 ± 0.11 g/dL was observed in broilers fed the control diet. There were significant treatment effects (p<0.05) in all the hormonal parameters investigated. Estradiol was observed to increase as the level of ASA supplementation increased. Similarly, broilers fed 0.075% ASA had the highest (p<0.05) progesterone value. It could be concluded that ASA supplementation improves serum biochemical profile, as well as reduces the cholesterol level of experimental birds.

5322 – 5334

Authors: 1ATAGUBA, Ele-Ojo, OLAJIDE, Joseph Eniola and APEH, Daniel Ojochenemi

This study investigated the effect of methanol extract of Gymnema sylvestre (Gs) leaves on body/organ weight and selected biochemical parameters of serum, liver, and kidney of potassium bromate-treated rats. The animals were grouped into six groups with the control as group 1 while others were administered KBrO3 (20 mg/kg body weight (bwt)) only, Gs extract (200 mg/kg bwt) only, Gs extract (500 mg/kg bwt) only or with KBrO3 (20 mg/kg bwt) and Gs extract (200 or 500 mg/kg bwt). Liver and kidney function indices were determined by spectrophotometric assay of the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine concentrations respectively, while serum electrolyte: Na+, K+, Cl-, Ca2+ and HCO3- concentrations were determined using an automatic electrolyte analyzer. KBrO3 induced a significant increase (p˂0.05) in the liver and kidney function indices when compared to the control after 10 and 15 days of administration. The increase in activity of the serum enzymes confirmed the property of KBrO3 as a membrane labilisers. The administration of methanol extract of Gs leaves to KBrO3-treated rats significantly reversed (p˂0.05) the increase in activity of the liver enzymes as well as the electrolyte concentrations for both days. This is suggestive of the hepatoprotective potential and ability to protect the urinary tract by the plant extract. The results of this study suggest the possible application of the methanol extract of Gs leaves as a remedy for KBrO3 toxicity.

5344 – 5352

Authors: IDRIS, Aisha, YUSUF, Naim Olatunde, JIMOH, Abdulazeez, DAWUD, Fatima Alhassan, ISAH, Haruna Abiodun and MAGAJI, Jafar

There is a growing body of research showing the potential health benefits of resveratrol, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study investigates the potential effects of resveratrol on lipid profile and its impact on wound healing in a Male Albino Wistar Rats model of type 2 diabetes. 24 Male Albino Wistar Rats were rendered diabetic using a high-fat diet and an Alloxan injection. The rats were grouped into 4: Non-diabetic Control Group A (negative control), Diabetic Control Group B (positive control), Diabetic Treatment Group C (10 mg/kg resveratrol), and Diabetic Treatment Group D (20 mg/kg resveratrol). Excisional wounds were created on the dorsum of the rats and monitored for wound closure over a defined treatment period of 14 days. Body weight and fasting blood glucose levels were measured after the procedure and after the treatment respectively. Blood samples were collected on the 15th day by cardiac puncture to assess lipid profile parameters. Resveratrol administration positively modified body weight, blood glucose, and lipid profile, reducing total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and elevation of high-density lipoprotein levels. Resveratrol supplementation not only enhanced wound healing but also alleviated dyslipidaemia in type 2 diabetic albino male rats, a common complicating factor in the management of diabetic wounds. These results imply that resveratrol might have a broad range of therapeutic applications in treating lipid profile abnormalities linked to type 2 diabetes as well as wound healing complications.

5362 – 5370

Authors: ANSA, Anietie Archibong

The study investigated the effects of Menogon treatment on semen quality and histomorphology of testicular tissues in rabbit bucks. Twenty-four bucks of Chinchilla × Dutch breed, weighing 1.3 – 1.6 kg at 15 – 17 weeks of age, were divided into four groups receiving different Menogon doses (0.0 IU as control, 7.5 IU, 15.0 IU, and 22.5 IU) for 105 days in a completely randomised design (CRD). Each treatment group was replicated three times with two bucks per replicate. Semen quality and histological examination of the testes were assessed. Results showed that progressive sperm motility, sperm concentration, live sperm percentage, and libido were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the group receiving 15.0 IU of Menogon compared to other groups. The percentage of total abnormal sperm was significantly lower in the 15.0 IU group compared to other groups. Histological analysis revealed that the 15.0 IU treatment induced more hyperplasia of the germinal epithelium, which positively impacted semen production. These findings suggest that the optimal reproductive processes in rabbit bucks were observed at a Menogon dose of 15.0 IU, indicating the potential of Menogon in enhancing testicular health and spermatogenic processes.

5378 – 5388

Authors: OKAFOR, Simeon Chibuko, IHEDIOHA, John Ikechukwu, EZEMA, Wilfred Sunday, ONYEMA, Ifeanyichukwu, EZEMA, Arinzechukwu Stephen and CHAH, Kennedy Foinkfu

The effects of Salmonella gallinarum infection on the haematology and oxidative stress (OS) in pullets were evaluated in this study. Fifty 7-week-old pullets were randomly assigned to two groups of 25 pullets per group. The infected pullets were inoculated orally with S. gallinarum (109 S. gallinarum colony forming units/mL), while uninfected pullets were the controls. Haematological and OS parameters were determined following standard protocols. There was a significant loss (p<0.05) of body weight. The packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, red blood cell (RBC) count and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were significantly lower (p<0.05). In contrast, the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the infected pullets when compared to the controls. The total white blood cell (TWBC), absolute heterophil, lymphocyte, eosinophil and monocyte counts, of the infected pullets, were significantly higher than that of the controls. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activities of the infected pullets were significantly higher (p<0.05) when compared to the uninfected controls. Absolute heterophil count correlated strongly, positively and significantly with MDA. An association was established between significantly elevated GPx and CAT, which have antioxidant properties, and survival/health improvement indices such as improved weight gain and self-recovery. It was concluded that S. gallinarum infection of pullets caused significant alterations in the haematology, induced OS, and stimulated the body’s antioxidant defence mechanism to elaborate GPx and CAT. This may suggest the use of antioxidants in the treatment of fowl typhoid.