Animal Research International

5396 – 5402

Authors: ADEDEJI, Tosin Ademola, POPOOLA, Abimbola Deborah, AMAO, Shola Rasheed, OJUA, Oluwatobi Elijah and OKEDIRAN, Tope Emmanuel

This study evaluated the blood lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoprotein). In the study, 18 chickens each of Naked Neck (NN), Normal Feather (NF), Kuroiler (KR) and their crossbreds were used. They were reared under the same environment and management. Chickens were slaughtered and blood samples were taken at 24 weeks of age, the serum was harvested by centrifugation, and then the total cholesterol (TCH), triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were assayed using an enzymatic kit, Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were determined using the Friedwald equation. The results obtained indicated that genotype significantly differed (p<0.01) in TCH, TG and HDL levels. Sexwisely, males had significantly higher (p<0.01) levels of TCH (96.99 ± 8.78 mg/dL), TG (102.98 ± 11.15 mg/dL) and LDL (52.11 ± 2.12 mg/dL) in all the genotypes than its female counterpart. Furthermore, NN progenies recorded the lowest values in all parameters studied, TCH (61.44 ± 5.09 mg/dL), TG (61.23 ± 19.46 mg/dL), HDL (26.84 ± 4.04 mg/dL) and LDL (32.55 ± 14.10 mg/dL). The TCH and TG were low in both NN and NF chickens but the HDL and LDL were very low in NN birds while the level of cholesterol and fat was high in the pure exotic breed and low in the crossbred progenies. The reported lower serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations are reflected in their concentrations in blood and protect human beings from atherosclerosis. Therefore, estimation of blood lipid in these birds is recommended for future study.

5415 – 5433

Authors: OFFORBUIKE, Innocent Ikechukwu, EZEONYEJIAKU, Chigozie Damian, OKOYE, Charles Obinwanne and OKEKE, John Joseph

Microplastic pollution is adversely impacting the Amansea section of Ezu River in Anambra State, adversely affecting local aquatic life. This study examined microplastic pollution in the Amansea section of Ezu River, Anambra State. Water and fish samples (Xenomystus nigri, Malapterurus electricus, and Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) were collected from three sections of the river: upstream, midstream, and downstream. The physicochemical parameters of water: temperature, pH, TDS, EC, DO, alkalinity, and TSS, were measured using standard water analysis techniques, while microplastics were extracted and identified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Statistical analysis revealed the highest microplastic levels at the upstream section of Ezu River (0.23 ± 0.12), with lower levels at the midstream and downstream sections (0.14 ± 0.16). The fish X. nigri had the highest microplastic load in gills (0.53 ± 0.08) and tissues (0.7 ± 0.04). Different microplastic types prevailed across locations and fish species: upstream water and M. electricus gills contained mostly polyvinyl alcohol, X. nigri gills predominantly had alginic acid sodium salt powder, and P. fulvidraco gills and fish tissues featured polyvinyl alcohol and polyacrylamide carboxyl, respectively. Neoprene was notably present in X. nigri tissues. Fish samples (0.41 ± 0.19) were more polluted than water samples (0.17 ± 0.15). These findings highlight the presence of microplastic pollutants in the Ezu River and its potential impact on aquatic organisms. Hence, implementing strict regulations on plastic waste management, raising public awareness, and promoting sustainable practices, continued monitoring and research are recommended as essential and effective mitigation measures.

5443 – 5452

Authors: MADUWUBA, Maryjoy Chidinma

The bacteriological and physicochemical quality of crude oil-polluted soil undergoing laboratory-scale bioremediation was evaluated. Soil samples were collected from an abandoned oil field in the Gio community, Ogoni land, Nigeria. Four different bioremediations experimental setups comprised of the polluted soil only (A), polluted soil with bacterial consortium (B), polluted soil with NPK fertilizer (C) and polluted soil with cow dung (D) were employed in the degradation of crude oil-derived hydrocarbons present in the soil and monitored for 40 days. During treatment, there was an increase in total culturable heterotrophic bacterial count (TCHBC) and total culturable hydrocarbon utilising bacterial count (TCHUBC), especially in the test treatment (B) which experienced about 22.2% increase in TCHUBC. The total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentration reduced over treatment time by 33.8, 62.3, 61.49, and 40.25% respectively, for Samples A, B, C and D. Overall, pH reduced from highly acidic tending towards neutral pH. There was also an overall reduction in the percentage of moisture and phosphate concentration. There was an initial increase in nitrate concentration at day 20 for all samples but a decline in concentration at day 40. There was a 71% reduction in TOC in Sample A, 83% reduction in Sample B, and 79 and 24% reduction in samples C and D. This study has demonstrated the effectiveness of each treatment approach in the degradation of hydrocarbons, especially the use of indigenous bacterial consortium from polluted soil. The role of bacterial consortium in bioremediation proves their ability to clean hydrocarbon-impacted systems for environmental restoration.

5459 – 5466

Authors: ADEGBENRO, Muyiwa, AYENI, Akinlolu Oluwafemi,AKINTOMIDE, Aanuoluwapo Adeyemi, ATANSUYI, Adewale Johnson, KENNEDY, Oluwatosin Ohotuowo and AGBEDE, Johnson Oluwasola

This study investigated black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) as a replacement for fish meal on growth performance and economy of production of broiler chickens. Black soldier fly larvae were processed, dried and milled. 250 Cobb 500 breed day-old chicks were randomly allotted at 50 chicks per treatment (five) in a Completely Randomized Design. The BSFLM was used to replace fish meal at graded levels 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% and designated diets I, II, III, IV and V, and diets and water were fed to the chickens ad libitum. The result showed that the feed intake was significantly influenced (p<0.05) by the dietary treatments. The highest feed intake (5069.10 ± 43.42 g/bird) was recorded in bird-fed Diet I, while the lowest feed intake (4855.93 ± 130.69 g/bird) was recorded in bird-fed Diet IV. The highest final weight (2000.00 ± 50.00 g) and best feed conversion ratio (2.52 ± 0.13) were recorded in birds fed diets I and III, respectively. The highest dressed and eviscerated weights (91.19 ± 23.85 and 76.51 ± 10.59%) were recorded in birds fed Diet IV and III, respectively. The highest net profit/bird (N3208.48) was recorded in bird-fed Diet V. The percentage of net profit/bird increased as the level of BSLM inclusion increased. It is concluded within the limit of this study that replacing FM with BSLM will reduce the high cost of finished feed, thereby increasing farmers' profit and making animal protein available to the populace.

5475 – 5485

Authors: ADEYEYE, Aderonke Adebukola, IBHAZE, Gladys Abiemwense and FAJEMISIN, Adebowale Noah

A study was conducted using twenty-one (21) West African Dwarf (WAD) goats with an average weight of 10.50 ± 0.36 kg to evaluate the nutrient intake, weight gain, and nitrogen balance of WAD goats fed microbial-treated Bambara nutshell diets. The chemical and mineral compositions of the diets were also determined. The goats were allotted to seven dietary treatments, replicated three times in a completely randomized design. The Bambara nutshells were sterilized for 15 minutes, inoculated with 25, 50, and 75 ml of each Pleurotus pulmonaris and Aspergillus niger, incubated for 7 days and air dried. The treated Bambara nutshell was incorporated into the diets at the rate of 0ml (Diet A), 25 ml P. pulmonaris (Diet B), 50 ml P. pulmonaris (Diet C), (Diet D), 75 ml P. pulmonaris (Diet E), 25 ml A. niger (Diet F) 50 ml A. niger and (Diet G) 75 ml A. niger respectively. The experimental period lasted for 56 days excluding 2 weeks of adaptation. Results showed that the proximate compositions were significantly influenced (p<0.05) by the treatment except for crude protein (CP). Diet F had the highest dry matter (DM) values (94.77%) and CP (20.33%) while Diet C had the least (92.33%) DM and Diet G (19.16%) had the least CP. Goats fed Diet D had the highest daily weight gain (107.14 g/day), and best feed/gain ratio of 6.20. Conclusively, microbial treatment of Bambara nutshell will help in the conversion of these wastes to better quality ruminant feed for better performance.

5495 – 5502

Authors: EKERE, Samuel Okezie, EZEMA, Arinzechukwu Stephen, NJOKU, Adachi Lovelyn, ANYA, Okelu Kenneth, OBIDIKE, Ikechukwu Reginald and IHEDIOHA, John Ikechukwu

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effects of graded levels of Curcuma longa (turmeric) powder on the kits sired by dosed male and female rabbits. Twenty rabbits (16 does and 4 bucks) 7 months of age were used for this experiment. The does and bucks were assigned to four groups (A – D) of 4 does to 1 buck per group. Groups A, B and C received 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of turmeric powder reconstituted in distilled water. Group D (control) received 1 ml of distilled water. Dosing was done per os daily for 30 days before the buck in each group was allowed to cohabit with the dose of the corresponding group. Gestational length, litter body weights (at birth), litter size and crown-rump lengths were all measured. There were no significant variations (p>0.05) in the gestation length of does and litter body weight in all the groups. The mean litter size in Group B does was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of Group D does. The crown-rump length of pups from does in all the turmeric-treated groups (A, B and C) were however significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of pups from Group D. The results of this study showed that at 500 mg/kg of turmeric powder, the dose had improved reproductive performance than when given at a higher dosage (1000 mg/kg) of turmeric powder per os.

5518 – 5528

Authors: AGBAYE, Folorunso Peter and ALABA, Olufemi

A study was conducted to investigate the antibacterial and antioxidative effects of Aloe barbadensis leaf methanolic extract (ABLME) on the quality and spermatozoa fertilising potential of extended goat semen. 100 g of fresh A. barbadensis leaves were washed, chopped, dried, ground and extracted with 95.0% methanol (ABLME). The ABLME was added to egg yolk + sodium citrate (EYSC) diluent at 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 g/L and used to extend the goat semen. The extended semen samples were stored at 4oC and were evaluated at 0, 24, 48 and 72 hours post storage. All treatments were replicated thrice in a completely randomized design. Spermatozoa progressive motility (SPM), spermatozoa liveability (SPL), normal spermatozoa (NSP), acrosome integrity (ACI), plasma membrane integrity (PMI), secondary morphological abnormalities (SMA) and microbial load (CFU/mL) were evaluated and analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α0.05. Significant reduction in microbial load was observed in samples with 2.0 g/L ABLME (6.83 ± 4.80%) compared to control (27.50 ± 3.20%) at 48 hours. Reduced SMA was recorded for 2.00 g/L ABLME (9.00 ± 0.90%) compared to control (13.67 ± 1.00%). Methanolic extract (2.00 g/L) of A. barbadensis included in egg yolk + sodium citrate diluent gave antibacterial activity to extended buck semen for up to 48 hours.

5537 – 5547

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

Anti-nutritional contents of feedstuffs have deleterious effects on human/animal nutrition. Reducing the anti-nutritional content of these feedstuffs and enhancing their use in feed formulation, requires appropriate processing methods. An experiment was carried out to determine the effect of feeding processed and raw Cola rostrata (monkey cola) seed meal (CRSM) on the histopathology of some organs (liver, kidney, duodenum, jejunum and ileum), of male albino rats. The CRSM was processed using four different methods i.e. boiling only, boiling and fermenting, fermenting only, and toasting. Six experimental diets were formulated with diet T1 (Control) containing 0% CRSM, while diets T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 contained, boiled, boiled and fermented, fermented, toasted and raw CRSM respectively. 90 male rats (aged, 6 – 7 weeks), were divided into six dietary treatment groups of five animals triplicated in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The experiment lasted for 21 days and the data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and means separated using the Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results indicated that rats on T1 and T2 recorded no noticeable defects or abnormalities in all the organs observed. However, focal segmental sclerosis in the kidney, hepatocellular necrosis of the liver, hypercellularity and disorganisation of the mucosal glandular tissues were observed in rats from the other treatments (T6, T3, T4, and T5). It can be concluded that C. rostrata seed boiled for at least 30 minutes can be used as a feed ingredient in animal diets without any deleterious effect on their organs.

5553 – 5563

Authors: MOTO, Edward, MICHAEL, Angelina and MAFUNGA, Joseph

Socioeconomic aspects mainly drive fish consumption preferences among consumers. A study was carried out to assess the fish preference, quantity of fish consumed, frequency and socioeconomic characteristics of consumers in Mpwapwa District in 2023. Factors affecting fish consumption by the residents of Mpwapwa District were also explored. A sample size of 150 individuals from various villages of Mpwapwa District was randomly selected to ensure representation across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. An open-ended structured questionnaire was employed in data collection. Results indicated that 44.00% of the respondents favoured eating tilapia, 37.33% preferred catfish and 18.67% ate other fishes. Most respondents ate fish once per week (41.00%), while few ate fish more than once per week (23.00%). A significant (p<0.05) positive correlation between fish consumption frequency and income and education level was observed. Fish consumption among age groups, marital status, gender, education level and season were observed to vary significantly (p<0.05). The amount and frequency of fish consumption in Mpwapwa District is below that of Tanzania and the worldwide average, particularly for lower socioeconomic groups. Fish consumption in Mpwapwa can be increased by providing education and training to the community on the importance of fish consumption and improved sanitation in the fish marketplace. Concurrently, fish availability and consumption should be dispersed throughout the year instead of being consumed seasonally. This study provides useful information for increasing fish consumption in Mpwapwa District.

5578 – 5585

Authors: AJANI, Olumide Samuel, OLAOGUN, Sunday Charles, ONOJA, Moyinoluwa Julianah, BOLAJI, Oluwadarasimi Faith, AJALA, Oluwatoyin Oluwasola and OYEYEMI, Mathew Olugbenga

Multiple complications associated with dystocia are common outcomes of oxytocin abuse in managing bovine dystocia by farmers in rural settings. Most of these outcomes are either unreported or under-reported due to the eventual loss of both the dam and foetus. A 6-year-old White Fulani cow weighing 300 kg was presented at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, with difficult labour noticed about 4 days before presentation. The owner had reportedly administered 40 IU of Oxytocin intramuscularly before bringing the cow to the clinic. The animal was multiparous and kept under an intensive management system with other cows at the owner’s residence. On physical examination, the cow was weak, recumbent and bloated, with a prolapsed vagina. Clinical examination revealed evidence of hypocalcaemia and dehydration. There was no foetal presentation, and the cervix was tightly closed. The foetus, weighing 28 kg, was successfully delivered by Caesarean section. Post-surgery, the cow retained the placenta and was unable to stand for more than 12 hours. Despite intensive care, the animal died about 18 hours post-surgery. This article describes an emergency Caesarean section in a White Fulani cow that had been previously and unduly exposed to oxytocin resulting in multiple complications.

5596 – 5603

Authors: FADAHUNSI, Adeyinka Ignatius, ADEBAYO, Isaac Abayomi and CHINEKE, Clifford Adinma

Research has established the impact of coccidial infection on the general well-being and body weight (BWT) of chickens. This study was conducted to establish the relationship between BWT and linear morphometric traits of five chicken strains infected with coccidial oocytes. 500-day-old chicks of Arbor Acres, Hubbard, Marshall, Noiler and FUNAAB-Alpha were used for this study. Body morphometric data was collected weekly for eight weeks and subjected to appropriate statistical methods. Correlation coefficient values revealed that the highest positive correlation (0.84) for Marshall strain was between BWT and body circumference (BCF), followed by 0.70 obtained between the drumstick length (DSL) and the shank length (SHL). The Noiler strain had its highest (0.95) correlation between wing length (WGL) and nose-shoulder length (NSL), while the WGL and BCF had a value of 0.90. FUNAAB-Alpha strain had the highest value between BWT and shank weight (0.91) and the least (0.03) between SHL and NSL. The correlation between WGL and nose-to-shoulder length (0.83) was highest in the Abor Acre strain, while the lowest was between BCF and SHL (0.23). Hubbard strain had a correlation of 0.66 between circumference and BWT. All strains exhibited varying patterns of correlation values under diseased conditions. However, the Noiler strain demonstrated robust positive correlations between BWT and linear morphometric traits, which implies that improvements in one trait can lead to enhancements in other correlated traits, providing opportunities for genetic manipulation and selective breeding.