Animal Research International

4884 – 4891

Authors: DARAMOLA, John Abiodun, ALAO, Felix Oluwasegun and ADESEGUN, Rukayat Adebisi

This study was carried out to ascertain the bacterial flora in the gut, gill and flesh surfaces of fresh Clarias gariepinus purchased from four different markets located in Ota metropolis: Iyana-Iyesi, Oja-Ota, Oju-Ore and Sango-Ota. The fresh fish samples were randomly purchased from the markets and analysed using appropriate microbiological procedures. Bacterial isolates were identified based on colonial morphology, microscopy and biochemical tests. Analyses showed that the highest values of total bacteria counts (TBC) were 74.55 x 105 CFU/g in the gut, followed by that of the gill at 47.40 x 105 CFU/g and the flesh, 34.37 x 105 CFU/g; all from fresh C. gariepinus purchased from Oja-Ota market. There were five bacteria specie isolated from the gut, gill and flesh, namely Escherichia coli, Citrobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Shigella spp. and Proteus spp. The percentage occurrence of the bacteria species in the isolates indicated that Salmonella spp. had 36.4%, E. coli 27.3%, Citrobacter spp. 9.1%, Shigella spp. 18.1%, and Proteus spp. 9.1%. As a result of the presence of these pathogens in the fish; adoption of good fish culture standards, water quality and feeds, hygienic transportation and proper handling of fish by farmers and at the retail level by the vendors is highly recommended.

4899 – 4904

Authors: ADEOYE, Adelani Abayomi, OYELEYE, Olubisi Oluseun, OLORUNSOLA, Rotimi Adewale and OSUNKEYE, Olumuyiwa Jacob

This study was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm and Animal Production and Health Laboratory of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa between 12th November to 10th December 2022. Data collected on body weight and morphometric traits from one hundred and thirty-nine pullets comprising 48 FUNAAB Alpha, 45 Isa Brown, and 46 Noiler were subjected to analysis of variance and Pearson correlation to determine the effect of breed on growth traits and phenotype correlations among the traits. There was a progressive increase in all the traits as age increased, however, FUNAAB Alpha and Noiler had higher values and were significantly different (p<0.05) from Isa Brown. The relationships between body weight and other traits were high, positive, and very highly significant (p<0.001) in Noiler and Isa Brown. In FUNAAB Alpha the correlations between body weight and shank length, wing length and breast girth were 0.276, 0.926 and 0.938, respectively. Breed had effect on the morphometric traits and increase in any of the traits leads to an increase in body weight.

4916 – 4923

Authors: ADEGBENRO, Muyiwa

This study was carried out to investigate the egg qualities of eggs collected from Isa-Brown laying birds under three systems. 90 birds were allotted to three systems of three replicates and 10 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. External and internal egg qualities were examined at every 28 days, while the egg storage effects were examined at day 7, 14 and 21. Results showed that significant differences (p<0.05) existed between the systems and egg qualities. Highest egg weight (63.22 ± 0.93 g) was recorded in eggs collected from cage, while lowest egg weight (56.71 ± 1.11 g) was recorded in eggs collected from outdoor. Highest shell thickness (0.18 ± 0.01 mm) was observed in egg collected from outdoor, while lowest shell thickness (0.12 ± 0.01 mm) was observed in eggs from cage. Lowest pH (7.37 ± 0.05) was recorded on day seven, while highest pH (8.10 ± 0.04) was observed on day 21 in eggs collected from deep litter and outdoor systems, respectively. The results on egg qualities in relations to the rearing systems reveal that external and internal egg qualities were better in battery cage rearing system. On the storage period, egg consumers should strictly consider seven days storage period at room temperature in order to prevent nutritional and economic loss.

4940 – 4946

Authors: NNACHI, Ijem Anya, ISIWU, Uchenna Benjamin, EZINWA, Hope Chinwe and ECHUDE, Daniel

It is established that parasites can spread on the surface of banknotes as they are passed among individuals of different occupations and hygiene level. The Nigerian currency notes in Nsukka were evaluated for parasitic contamination. This was aimed at assessing the parasites that contaminate Nigerian currency notes. A total of 200 notes comprising the denominations currently in use were collected between March to June, 2021 from different occupational groups. The notes were collected into clean polyethylene bags and transported to the laboratory for analysis. The analysis was done following standard procedures. Out of the 200 notes analysed, 75(37.5%) were found to be contaminated with different parasites. Parasites isolated from the currency notes were Ascaris lumbricoides ova, Enterobius ova, Entamoeba histolytica cysts, hookworm larvae and unidentified cysts. A. lumbricoides recorded the highest prevalence, followed by E. histolytica and unidentified cysts, the difference was significant (p<0.05). Currency notes collected from butchers were most contaminated while the least was recorded among cosmetic shopkeepers. The study also revealed that paper notes were significantly more contaminated than the polymer counterpart (p<0.05). The findings from this study indicated that currency notes serve as routes for parasitic infections, hence, people should stop the practice of wetting their fingers with their tongues while counting money and thorough hand washing with detergent is advised after handling money. It is also advocated that the cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should be embraced to reduce the incidence of parasitic infection through regular handling of money.

4957 – 4965

Authors: OKON, Utibe Mfon, EKPO, Joseph Sylvester and CHRISTOPHER, Grace Idiong

The effect of Monodora myristica as feed additive on the performance, carcass composition and serum lipid profile of rabbits were investigated using a total of 48 weaner rabbits for a period of 12 weeks. The rabbits were allotted to four experimental diets in a completely randomized design. Each group was replicated three times with four rabbits per replicate. Treatment 1 (T1) received basal diet only, T2 received basal diet with 1% inclusion of M. myristica, T3 received basal diet plus 2% M. myristica, while T4 was given basal diet and 3% M. myristica inclusion. Results revealed significantly higher (p<0.05) feed intake and weight gain, compared to those on the control group. Rabbits in T3 group recorded the highest values for all parameters assessed. Rabbits fed 2% levels of the test ingredient recorded the lowest and best FCR. Inclusion of M. myristica significantly improved (p<0.05) carcass characteristics without any deleterious effect on the internal organs. The serum lipid profiles of the rabbits were significantly improved (p<0.05) as the high density lipoprotein increased, while low density lipoprotein levels reduced. There was also a significant reduction (p<0.05) in abdominal fat and an increase in muscle protein of the rabbits as inclusion levels of M. myristica increased across treatments. The study revealed that up to 2% of M. myristica can be included in the diets of rabbits without adverse effect on the performance, carcass composition and serum lipid profile. Hence, it can be used as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoter in weaner rabbits.

4973 – 4987

Authors: EZEONYEJIAKU, Chigozie Damian

This study explores the current state of fisheries resources in Anambra River and proposes evolving strategies to optimise and promote sustainable fishing practices. It emphasizes the urgent need for ecologically responsible, economically viable and socially equitable approaches to ensure the preservation of fish population of the river. Anambra River holds immense significance for local communities in terms of food security, livelihoods and cultural heritage. This study identifies key factors such as use of inappropriate fishing gear, harmful practices such as the use of poison and explosives, the lack of political will and commitment to enforce fishing regulations effectively as contributors to the decline of fish populations in the river. To address these challenges, comprehensive set of control measures proposed were provision of access to legal fishing gears, promoting alternative livelihood options, raising awareness among stakeholders, enforcing existing regulations, developing robust legislation and policies, and providing training to extension workers. Implementation of these measures will enable the Anambra River to sustainably support the well-being, economy, and cultural heritage of local communities while safeguarding its ecological integrity. In conclusion, this work emphasises the global significance of adopting sustainable fishing practices not only in the Anambra River but also in similar ecosystems. The long-term viability of fisheries resources of Anambra River relies on the collective commitment to sustainable fishing practices, ensuring the continued well-being of the aquatic ecosystem and the communities dependent on the river.