Animal Research International

3418 – 3426

Authors: NWANKWO, Innocent Okwundu, ONUNKWO, Joseph Ikechukwu and ONYEMA, Chinedu Victor

Fasciolosis and Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBP) are characterized by gross pathognomonic lesions in organ/offal of slaughtered cattle which result in condemnation of unsafe meat. Both are the major causes of bovine organ/offal condemnation in Nigeria. Postmortem detection with focus on Fasciola and CBP infections were made in cattle slaughtered at Ikpa market abattoir, Nsukka between May – July 2018. In addition, the economic losses associated with the disease conditions were assessed. Out of 474 cattle examined, 114(24 %) and 200(42.2 %), had gross lesions of fasciolosis and CBP respectively, while 66(13.9 %) were positive for the both conditions. Both lesions were observed in the three breeds of slaughtered cattle (White Fulani, Sokoto gudali and Ndama) irrespective of sex and age. The disease lesions were not significantly associated (p<0.05) with sex, age and breed of cattle. However, there was a significant relationship (p>0.05) between the prevalence of CBP and fasciolosis lesions in the slaughtered cattle. The economic loss due to condemnation of affected organs was estimated at N 1, 716,900.00 (US$ 4,769) in 24 days, approximately equivalent to N 71, 537.50 (US$ 198.8) on daily basis. The findings have revealed the high level of organ damages and financial losses due to fasciolosis and CBP in the study area. This portends dangers not limited to livestock production and the economy, but zoonosis and other public health issues. Public awareness campaign, appropriate surveillance and disease control programmes should be implemented in addition to adequate meat inspection and compensation for farmers.

3434 – 3442

Authors: ABONYI, Festus Otaka, OFORAH, Chukwudumeje Ivan, DURUIKE, Onyekachi Henry and ODO, Rita Ifeoma

This study investigated the effects of dietary Allium sativum powder (ASP) on growth performance, haematology, carcass quality, serum biochemistry, and lipid profile of broilers. Before use, the ASP was phytochemically analyzed. 108 four-week old broilers were randomly assigned to four treatments (A, B, C and D) with three replicates of nine birds. They were fed for four weeks with broiler finisher diet supplemented with ASP at 0.00 (A, control), 20.00 (B), 30.00 (C) and (D) 40.00 g/kg. Weekly feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, haematology, serum biochemistry and lipid profile were determined. At week four, two birds from each replicate were randomly selected, humanely sacrificed and used to determine carcass quality. Ethanolic extract of ASP contained saponins, tannins, steroids and terpenoids. ASP supplemented groups consumed significantly more (p<0.05) feed on week three, had higher final body weight and recorded lower mortality. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) was significantly lower (p<0.05) in birds fed 20 g/kg/d than other ASP fed birds. The consumption of ASP had no significant effect (p>05) on cholesterol; high density lipoprotein (HDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and organ weights of broilers. White blood cell count was significantly higher (p<0.05) in birds fed 20.00 and 40.00 g/kg ASP. Red blood cell, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, total protein and albumin contents of the broilers were increased by the additive.

3450 – 3462

Authors: GHERISSI, Djallel Eddine, BOUZEBDA, Zoubir, BOUZEBDA AFRI, Farida, LAMRAOUI, Ramzi and CHACHA, Faycel

The present study was carried out to highlight the prevalence and the incidence of the genital tract abnormalities in Sahraoui female camels at south-east Algeria. One hundred and sixty five (165) animals were examined at El Oued abattoir before and after slaughter from February 2013 to August 2014. The prevalence of female camels with genital tract pathologies was 20.0 %. The total number of identified genital tract pathologies was 41, representing an incidence of 124.2 %. These pathological conditions were ranked in descending order of incidence: ovarian disorders (48.8 %), uterine pathologies (21.1 %), ovarian bursal pathologies (18.2 %) oviducts affections (18.2 %), adhesions (15.2 %) and pathology of the cervix (3.0 %). The prevalence of dominant pathologies was 7.9 % for ovarian cysts, 3.6 % for oviduct lesions, 2.4 % for infundibular cyst, 1.8 % for chronic endometritis and 1.8 % for tubo-ovarian adhesion. This study is the first report of uterine agenesis in camel from Algeria. The number of female camels with multiple pathologies (two or three pathologies) was 6, representing prevalence of 3.6 %. Higher prevalence of female camels with genital disorders was recorded in >10 years old, high BCS and during the dry season. However, a nonsignificant chi-square dependence test (p>0.05) was observed for the risk factors. In conclusion, the ovarian, uterine, and bursal pathologies were most commonly recorded in the genital tracts of the female camels from south east, Algeria. Their contribution in the reduction of fertility and fecundity of local herds needs further investigation.

3478 – 3483

Authors: OLATUNJI-AKIOYE, Adenike Olusola, OLAWOYIN, Christiana Mayokun and OYEYEMI, Matthew Olugbenga

Gastric Foreign Body (GFB) in West African Dwarf (WAD) goats increased in cases presented to Ruminant section of a tertiary Veterinary institution. This study evaluates incidence and effects of surgical removal of GFB in WAD goats. Ambulatory cases during the dry season, cases presented to the Ruminant section and WAD goats acquired for this study were evaluated. GFB in the study goats were removed surgically and blood collected for both haematology and biochemistry weekly for three weeks after. Prevalence in ambulatory cases (n=809) was 43%, in cases presented to the clinic (n=70), 73% and the nineteen goats purchased for the study had nylon GFB (100%). The study revealed a significant neutrophilia following removal of nylon GFB. The blood biochemistry also revealed significant difference (p<0.05) in AST between the second and pre-surgical treatment, one and third week values. Protein values were also significantly different (p<0.05) in the first week to other values. These suggest that removal of nylon GFB causes significant changes in blood and biochemistry postoperatively. Thus removal of GFB in WAD goats requires post-operative nursing care. Enforcement of legislation to discourage littering with nylon and feed supplementation during scarcity of forage may reduce incidence of GFB in WAD goats.

3494 – 3502

Authors: IJIOMA, Solomon, OSIM, Eme, NWANKWO, Azubike, KANU, Kingsley, ORIEKE, Daniel and EZIKE, Johnson

The antimotility effect of Ajumbise polyherbal extract (APE) and its composite plants were evaluated in-vitro and in-vivo. In the in-vitro study, about 2 – 3 cm of a rabbit jejunum mounted in a 30 ml organ bath containing tyrode solution and bubbled with air was set up before the applications of graded doses of acetylcholine and extracts. In the in-vivo study, 16 groups of 5 rats each were pretreated with the extracts and atropine followed by charcoal meal after 30 minutes before being sacrificed 30 minutes later and opened up to assess gastrointestinal transit of the administered charcoal meal. Application of acetylcholine caused a dose dependent increase in the amplitude of contraction when compared with basal value (p<0.05), while APE on the same isolated tissue was inhibitory with each dose significantly lowering basal amplitudes of contraction (p<0.05). Extracts of the various plants constituents of Ajumbise also produced varying degrees of inhibitory activities (p<0.05) with Ceiba pentandra, Napoleona vogelii, Spondias mombin and Euphorbia convolvuloides producing high but short lived inhibitory activities while Uvaria chamae and Barteria fistulosa produced low effects. Results of the in-vivo study agreed completely with that of the in-vitro evaluation, as APE and extracts from the different plants constituents in the polyherbal significantly inhibited gastrointestinal motility and transit time in all treated rats when compared with control (p<0.05) but lower than that of atropine. Ajumbise polyherbal and its components inhibit normal peristaltic movement of the gastrointestinal tract and as such may be potential anti- diarrheal agents.

3508 – 3518

Authors: IDOWU, Emmanuel Taiwo, FAGBOHUN, Ifeoluwa Kayode, SANYAOLU, Omotayo Lukmon, OGUNTUYI, Karen Ololade and OTUBANJO, Olubunmi Adetoro

An epidemiological investigation was carried out between February to July 2017 to investigate the prevalence of soil transmitted helminths (STHs) among primary school children aged 7 – 14 years in Lagos Island and Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGAs of Lagos State. The pupils were screened parasitologically for STHs, anthropometric data which includes the height (cm) and weight (kg) of each pupil were recorded using height scale and weighing balance respectively. Furthermore, questionnaires which probed into their knowledge of cause, symptoms, predisposing factors to infection, level of hygiene and sanitation of each respondent were administered. The parasitological examination of the 413 stool samples collected showed that 132(32%) were positive for STHs. The three STHs recorded were: Ascaris lumbricoides (50%), Trichuris trichiura (23%) and hookworm (3%). Co-infections prevalence of A. lumbricoides with T. trichiura and A. lumbricoides with hookworm were 23% and 1% respectively. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the prevalence of STHs among males and females, the prevalence between the two LGAs was significantly different (p<0.05). Prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting were 10, 24.2 and 19.4% respectively. Majority of sampled children indicated washing their hands before food (98.1%), washing of fruits before eating (70.8%), washing of hands after toilet (98.6%), but only 25% of them actually wash their hands properly with soap. The high prevalence and impact of STH infections among school children can be attributed to poor hygienic condition and low socio-economic status of residents in the study area. Education on proper hygiene habits and regular deworming exercise is recommended.

3529 – 3535

Authors: OPOKU-AGYEMANG, Tony, OPPONG, Charlotte, ASAMOAH SAKYI, Samuel, AMEMOR, Esther, SIA, Daniel Dakolgo and EMIKPE, Benjamin Obukowho

This study was conducted using sixty (60) clinically healthy dogs from different districts in the Ashanti Region of Ghana., Haematological parameters reference ranges was established and the influence of sex, breed and age on haematological indices of dogs in the Ashanti, Ghana was equally studied. Blood samples were collected from the dogs and analysed using a Mindray 5 parts automated haematologic analyser. Data obtained were compiled in Excel 2013 and analysed using Graphpad Prism 6. Results of the current study showed significant variations (p<0.05) in some indices from established haematological indices. A higher mean lymphocyte count was recorded. The mean MCV values obtained in this study were notably towards the upper limit of the accepted ranges; whilst the mean MCHC recorded was lower than documented norm. The study recorded significant (p<0.05) sex related differences in RDW, MCHC, MCV and RBC; as well as breed related variations in platelet counts. Results of the current study will provide baseline reference data for haematological tests of dogs and could be very useful in veterinary clinical practice, especially in precise diagnosis of canine problems requiring haematology, in the sub region.

3285 – 3294

Authors: EFFIONG, Okokon Okon and OCHAGU, Simeon Iyai

The study was designed to compare the chemical composition of Piper guineense leaf and seed meals, and their effect on the performance of broilers at starter phase. The P. guineense leaves and seeds were processed and their chemical composition determined. Seven (7) broiler starter diets were formulated, with the control without the test samples, while diets 2, 3 and 4 were formulated to include 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 % of P. guineense seed meal, respectively. P. guineense leaf meal was included at 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 % respectively in diets 4, 5 and 6. Two hundred and ten day-old broiler chicks were divided into seven groups and each group assigned to one of the experimental diets in a randomized complete block design and data generated were analyzed using SPSS 17.0. P. guineense leaf meal was superior (p<0.05) in crude protein (15.87 %) and ether extract (2.52 %), relative to the seed meal with higher crude fibre (6.30 %) and ash (3.60 %) contents. P. guineense seed meal contained lower phytochemical compounds compared to the leaf meal. Broiler chicks fed P. guineense seed and leaf meals supplemented diets were superior (p<0.05) to those fed on control diet in their mean daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Within the treatment groups, birds on 0.4 % P. guineense seed meal diet recorded the best performance. It was concluded that broiler diets could be supplemented with P. guineense seed meal at 0.4% during the starter phase.

3308 – 3318

Authors: ERIEGHA, Ochuko Joshua, OMITOYIN, Bamidele Oluwarotimi and AJANI, Emmanuel Kolawole

In this study, the water quality changes after the introduction of water soluble fractions of crude oil were monitored along-side the accompanying effects on histopathological changes in selected organs of juvenile Clarias gariepinus. After a preliminary short-term (96 hours) static toxicity tests, fish were exposed to four sub-lethal concentrations (30, 45, 60 and 75 % of the LC50 corresponding to 67, 101, 135 and 169 mg/l respectively) and a control group containing clean water using a semi-static renewal method for 90 days. Water quality parameters, heavy metals and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) were determined using standard methods. After the exposure period, liver, brain and gill were harvested, labeled and prepared for photomicrography. Chloride, conductivity, salinity, magnesium, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total dissolve solids, turbidity and nitrate levels increased significantly (p<0.05) with increasing concentration of water soluble fractions (WSF) of the crude oil. Temperature readings and phosphate levels were however not affected (p>0.05). Values of TPH increased (p<0.05) with increasing concentrations of the crude oil. All analysed heavy metals followed a direct proportional trend as their values increased (p<0.05) alongside concentrations. Several histopathological alterations were found in the liver (sinusoidal congestion, atrophy of hepatocytes, hepatocellular degeneration and diffuse coagulation necrosis of hepatocytes), brain (vascular congestion and atrophy of neurons, neuronal necrosis, gliosis and loss of neurons) and gill (moderate loss of the secondary gill lamellae, moderate lamellae atrophy and moderate diffuse lamellae hyperplasia). The intensity of these lesions increased with increase in exposure dose.

3327 – 3333

Authors: NWANKWO, Ogonna Daniel, EWUIM, Sylvanus Chima and OKOYE, Ebele Linda

The use of different sampling protocols has been found to give a more reliable detail of the faunal composition of spider fauna of any given community. In the present study, pitfall trapping, sweep netting and jarring methods were used to sample spiders from three different sites within Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. Sampling was done once every month for twelve months (April 2017 to March 2018). Out of the 680 individuals in 17 families caught, 63 % was by pitfall trap, 20 % and 17 % were respectively from sweep net and jarring method. At p<0.05, the sampling effort of pitfall trap was significantly better than the other two methods. Pitfall trap also recorded all taxonomic groups found in the study except Sparassidae and Uloboridae that were exclusively caught by sweep net and jarring methods respectively. Zodariidae, Ctenidae, Pisauridae, Pholcidae and Nesticidae were exclusively recorded by pitfall trap. There was a record of catch for all the three sampling techniques in all the twelve sampling attempts. Based on our finding, several sampling methods should be used in community survey for more reliable information on species richness, distribution and abundance.

3343 – 3348

Authors: OPOKU-AGYEMANG, Tony, ASARE, Forjour Anthony, FOLITSE, Raphael Deladem, OLA, Olawale Olawumi, JARIKRE, Theophilus Aghogho and EMIKPE, Benjamin Obukowho

Livestock are expectedly at one point or the other transported from one place to another for breeding, sale or slaughter. Conditions of handling, loading and transportation, stress encountered during the journey and when off-loading are a major factor of recumbency and/ bruising. A survey on recumbency in cattle was conducted at the animal market of the Kumasi Abattoir Company Limited (KACL) in Kaase, in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area of Ghana. The study involved 7960 cattle transported to the slaughterhouse from local towns in Ghana as well as from neighbouring countries. Recumbent and moribund cattle were identified and information was compiled based on the regions (sources) they were transported from, as well as the varying conditions of their handling and transportation. A total of 109 cases of recumbent and moribund cattle were recorded, with an average of 5 recumbent cases per day. Study results showed that cases of recumbency involved 1.4% of the total number of cattle (7960) counted in the animal market and 5.3% of the number of cattle (2069) transported from sources with registered cases of recumbency. The study also revealed higher frequency of recumbency where animals were transported over long distances of >500km (68%); or in relatively larger batch loads of >20 animals (76%). Calculating at an assumed loss of 50% value for each case of affliction, the financial implication of cattle recumbency at the animal market of the KACL is estimated at a loss of GH₵ 54500 per month or GH₵ 654000 (approx. USD 163500) per annum.

3361 – 3366

Authors: PANDIT, Dina Nath, SINGH, Saumya, SINHA, Uday Shnaker and SINGH, Raja Ram

It was aimed at to evaluate the activity of Carica papaya fruit juice on induced diabetic rats (Rattus norvegicus) with a view of proposing a management scheme. Animals were sacrificed after treatment with unripe and ripe papaya juice. The plasma glucose, cholesterol, protein and tissue glycogen concentrations were estimated. Feeding of papaya juice raised the levels of these parameters more than the controlled value throughout the work. The results showed that the concentrations of these parameters were significantly increased (p<0.05). The rise was more with unripe papaya when compared to ripe papaya. However, papaya intake must be with caution since its consumption increases blood glucose concentration.

3393 – 3400

Authors: JUBRIL, Afusat Jagun, KADRI, Zaharat Olamide and ADEKUNLE, Latifat Ajoke

Copper and zinc are two micro-minerals important for maintenance of health and optimal production. This research sought to establish the levels of copper and zinc in goats to provide data for further studies on micronutrients, their interaction and deficiency states. Health status of sampled goats were clinically evaluated. Blood samples were collected through jugular venu-puncture. One (1) ml of each blood sample was acid digested with concentrated nitric acid, assayed for zinc and copper using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Haematology was also done using whole blood as a health index. Most of the goats looked apparently healthy, while few goats showed emaciation, crusty skin lesions, varying degrees of achromotrichia (change in coat colour) and rough hair coats. 89.9 % had hypocupraemia, while none of the sampled goats showed zinc deficiency. However, zinc toxicity occurred in 84.4 % of the sampled goats when compared to reference values. Haematology showed varying result, ranging from monocytic hypochromic anaemia to polycytaemia. All anaemic animals were found to be deficient in copper. The study has highlighted the presence of copper deficiency and or zinc toxicity in goats and forms a preliminary data to the study of the fate of small ruminant health in the face of micronutrient imbalance.

3412 – 3417

Authors: UZONNAH, Nwamaka Mary-Immaculata, IHEAGWAM, Chijioke Nwabueze, IDIKA, Idika Kalu, NNAJI, Favour Nnenna and IYOKE, Abel Okoye

Clinostomid metacercariae are common parasites of fish in many natural and artificial aquatic systems. In aquaculture, infection by clinostomid metacercariae reduces fish quality and causes production losses resulting from the discard of infected fish. Also, clinostomid metacercariae are of zoonotic importance because man can become the final host following consumption of raw or undercooked infected fish. This study investigated the prevalence of Clinostomum tilapiae metacercariae in Oreochromis niloticus sampled from Dugudu Lake, Enugu State, Nigeria. 120 individuals were examined from February to May 2018. Sex, total length (TL) and weight of fish, as well as number of parasites were recorded. A prevalence of 64.17 % was observed with mean intensity and mean abundance values of 18.22 ± 21.92 parasites/fish and 11.69 ± 19.59 parasites/fish respectively. Abundance of parasites increased as total length of fish increased. Sites of infection include intestines, gills, skin, eyes, body cavity and heart. Findings of the present study contribute to existing knowledge on the distribution of clinostomid metacercariae in O. niloticus in Nigerian water systems. This is the first documentation of this parasite from O. niloticus in Dugudu Lake, Enugu State, Nigeria.

3128 – 3136

Authors: OWOLODUN, Olubukola Abibat, FAWOLE, Esther, ATOLANI, Olubunmi, ANIFOWOSHE, Abass Toba and AKINOLA, Olugbenga

Malaria control is threatened by the emergence of drug-resistant parasites and there is an urgent need for the development of antimalarial agents with novel mechanisms of actions. This study evaluated the anti-plasmodial and immune-modulatory activities of Nhexane leaf extract of Osmundastrum cinnamomeum in a mice model. chloroquine resistant Plasmodium berghei infected mice were separated into six treatment groups and treated orally with 0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of extract, water and combination of dihydroartemisinin/ piperaquine (DHAP), respectively. Parasitological activities and survival rates were monitored for 30 days’ post infection. Phytochemical composition of O. cinnamomeum was analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) methods. Levels of TNF-α and IL-10 were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Leaf extract of O. cinnamomeum is rich in terpenoids, saponins and cardiac glycosides. The extract showed significant (p<0.05) antiplasmodial effect in the treated groups relative to parasitemia (23.68 %) in the untreated control on day 13. Parasitaemia was significantly higher in the DHAP group (9.83 %) on day 30 compared to extract treatment of 50 mg/kg (2.09 %) and 100 mg/kg (1.83 %). Significantly low level of TNF-α (28.82 pg/ml) and conversely, high expression of IL-10 (79.04 pg/ml) were recorded in the 50 mg/kg test group. There was a significantly higher survival rate of animals in the same group (50 mg/kg). In conclusion O. cinnamomeum demonstrated potential activity to suppress parasite and also prime the immune system against malaria infection in mice. Therefore, O. cinnamomeum may be used as a potential adjunctive therapy in the treatment of malaria infection.

3144 – 3150

Authors: DENLOYE, Abiodun Akinpelu, OJUROMI, Oladele Teslim, OCHEI, Kingsley and ADE-SERRANO, Elizabeth Adebukola

In Nigeria, the level of biosafety awareness is low among workers in Health Care Establishments (HCEs) and neither have pathogenic organisms in wastes from HCEs been identified. Studies were therefore carried out to examine the level of biosafety awareness and the biomedical waste disposal practices in selected HCEs in Abuja and Lagos respectively as well as identify parasites from HCE wastes from Lagos prior to final disposal. A total of 200 questionnaires were administered to HCE workers in Abuja and Lagos respectively for information on their knowledge of biosafety and how biomedical wastes are disposed. Also, samples of urine (40) and stools (50) from 90 HCEs in Lagos were examined for presence of parasites using standard parasitological methods comprising of direct wet mount and formol ether concentration techniques. Both urine and stool were examined with 5 % lugol iodine and kinyoun carbol fuschin stain. Result showed that HCE workers had knowledge of the basics of biosafety but those in Lagos understood more than the ones in Abuja. Trichomonas vaginalis was identified in one of the urine samples. Female stool (22 %) had the highest prevalence of intestinal parasites relative to males (4 %). Entamoeba histolytica (6 %), Ascaris lumbricoides (6 %) and Cryptosporidium spp. (6 %) were prevalent in the stool samples. These results underscore the need for more enlightenment and education for HCE workers in respect of biosafety. It further showed that the HCEs in Lagos disposed biomedical wastes improperly, which can lead to further transmission of pathogenic organisms.

3162 – 3173

Authors: SOUILAH, Rachid, BELHADI, Badreddine, KHOUDJA, Elkhalil, BEN EL AAKRI, Sara, DJABALI, Djaffar and NADJEMI, Boubekeur

The aim of the present study was to assess the nutritive value of by-products of sorghum starch extraction, as dietary starch from feed grains. Five by-products differing in their particle sizes and starch contents were collected. The mean values of fraction yields and starch contents, for first, second and third fraction of sorghum gluten feed were respectively 16.13 – 52.63 %, 01.97 – 44.08 % and 04.99 – 56.75 %, while for sorghum gluten meal the values were 22.27 – 71.13 %. The substrates from whole grain meal, prepared by dry milling, and from by-products differed in their in vitro starch digestion. The mean values for kinetic parameters ranged from 0.0066 to 0.0147 min-1 for the rate constant (k), from 53.66 to 98.58 % for the starch hydrolysis at infinite time (C∞) and from 6.06×103 to 8.47×103 %.min for the area under the hydrolysis curve(AUC). Generally, a high digestibility of by-products of sorghum starch isolation with a great potential for sorghum in livestock and animal feeds are considered in this work.

3186 – 3197

Authors: NJOKUOCHA, Reginald Chukwuemeka, DIM, Kingsley Ikechukwu, ONYEJEKWE, Ogochukwu Kosi and NWOKORIE, Victor Uchenna

Honey is a commonly preferred natural food product because it is composed of complex organic and inorganic substances that impart nutritional and therapeutic properties to it. Because the concentrations of these substances vary with location and affected by anthropogenic factors, it becomes pertinent to determine the level of occurrence of this substances necessary for quality assessment of honey. The aims of this study were to ascertain the concentrations of some major mineral elements (K, Ca, Mg, Na), some trace elements (Mn, Cr, Cu, Fe, Zn, Ni) as well as the pH and pollen spectra of honey samples sourced from six locations in Nigeria. The mineral elements which were analysed with Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) showed that the most abundant minerals were Ca and K, while Fe and Ni were the most abundant trace elements. The low level of the trace elements shows that the source environments of the honeys are uncontaminated. The results also showed that the honey samples were acidic with a range of 3.5 ± 0.02 – 4.72 ± 0.01 acidic level. Pollen analysis showed that the honeys were multiflora indicating that they were formed from multiple flora.

3207 – 3212

Authors: SULEIMAN, Bolanle

The effects of fermentation on the proximate and anti-nutrient composition of Crescentia cujete seeds were investigated. Two methods of fermentation were employed; the traditional fermentation (TF) and gut-filtrate treated fermentation (GFTF). Proximate and anti-nutrient contents were determined using standard procedures. Anti-nutrients tested for were alkaloids, phytate, tannins, saponins and flavonoids. All proximate contents varied significantly (p<0.05), TF fermented C. cujete seeds had the highest protein (18.73 %) and crude fibre (31.23 %) contents. Fermentation significantly increased all proximate compositions except for nitrogen free extracts. A 26.15 % decrease in Nitrogen free extract was effected by TF while, a 30.26 % decrease was effected by GFTF. Saponin and flavonoid was increased appreciably by TF (47.61 and 95.44 %, respectively) and GFTF (82.63 and 92.07 %, respectively). Fermentation effected appreciable reduction in alkaloid and phytate contents; 21.56 and 75.00 %, respectively for TF and 55.88 and 67.85 % respectively for GFTF. Fermenting C. cujete seeds is advocated for owing to its ability to significantly enhance (p<0.05) crude protein by 79.75 and 72.74 % for TF and GFTF respectively and lipid by 7.82 and 17.41 % for TF and GFTF respectively. Crescentia cujete seeds had high contents of protein, carbohydrate and lipids which suggest that they can serve as a good source of crude protein and energy for livestock and animal production, not forgetting the seed’s medicinal potentials due to their high composition of phytochemicals.

3221 – 3225

Authors: WANMI, Nathaniel, AKPAN, Dominic Umosen, KWINJO, Columbus Philemon, ALI, Magdalen Nkwase and ADI, Deborah Se-ember

This study aim at reporting landmarks and quantitative aspect of the wild diurnal squirrel reproductive tract. Knowledge on the reproductive system of this species may give better understanding on the reproductive physiology and production. Five squirrels were used for this study. The live body weight and length were 391.57 ± 22.561 g and 52.62 ± 4.559 cm respectively. The length of the ovary and the whole reproductive tract were (0.96 ± 0.128 cm right, 0.91 ± 0.173 cm left) and 7.603 ± 0.120 cm respectively. Length of the various segments were significantly different at p<0.05. Gross features indicated long fallopian tubes or oviduct, separated at the external uterine bifurcation. The oviduct is ill-define to differentiate the ampulla from a short isthmus. The ampulla is longer, wider than isthmus and the reproductive system is of the bicornuate type.

3238 – 3246

Authors: NJOKU, Nice Otuomasirichi, MBACHU, Ifeoma Adaora Chima and UBA, Bright Obidinma

The influence of physicochemical and microbiological properties on composting of agro wastes using cow dung as a booster was evaluated. The physicochemical parameters measured include pH, temperature and moisture. Titrimetric and spectrophotometric measurements of chemical nutrients as well as microbial assay using spread plating technique on several selective media were done. The results of pH, temperature and moisture content revealed lower pH (acidity) to higher pH (alkalinity) (7.5 – 9.0), slight temperature increased (24.9 – 27.3 °C), increased (20.33 – 66.00 %) and later declined in moisture content. The result of the chemical composition revealed significant increase in all nutrients except potassium with slight decrease (5.74 – 5.06 ppm). The result of the microbial analysis revealed that there were increased microbial count (0.413 X 105 – 6.78 X 105 cfu/ g) for all isolated microbial groups except total bacteria, fungi and anaerobes with numerous count. The cow dung which acts as booster improved the early maturity and nutrient contents of the composting depending on the levels of application. Statistically, there were significant differences detected among the four compost treatments throughout the composting period at p<0.05. Thus, the significant transformation of these organic materials into resourceful dark brown composts made composting a promising waste recycling process and promoter of soil quality.

3255 – 3264

Authors: OMIRINDE, Jamiu Oyewole, OLUKOLE, Samuel Gbadebo and OKE, Bankole Olusiji

This study investigated age-related changes in the testicular and epididymal sperm characteristics and spermiogram profiles in fifteen African greater cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus) of different age-groups; pubertal: 5 – 11 months, adult: 12 – 30 months and aged: > 30 months, obtained from commercial cane rat farm, Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria. Following a ventral abdominal incision of anaesthetisized cane rats, testes and epididymides were exteriorized for the determination of spermatozoa morphology, motility, concentration, live-dead ratio and morphometry. Spermatozoa head from pubertal cane rat onwards were ovoid in shape and lack visible acrosomal hook. From pubertal to aged cane rat, percentage abnormal sperm cell was not significantly different (p>0.05). Sperm morphometric parameters (sperm length and width or diameter, midpiece length, tail length and complete spermatozoa length) were not significantly (p>0.05) different with age. There was consistent remarkable increased epididymal sperm motility in the adult cane rat relative to other groups. Testicular and epididymal sperm counts were markedly elevated in the adult relative to other age groups. However, both the testicular and epididymal spermatozoa live-dead ratio were not significantly different (p>0.05) from pubertal to aged cane rat. This study has demonstrated that sperm motility and concentration were remarkably elevated in adult cane rat. Therefore, cane rat breeders are advised to utilize adult rat in breeding.

3273 – 3284

Authors: AKINOLA, Olugbenga, OLUMOH-ABDUL, Hidayah Ayodeji, OYEWOLE, Aboyeji Lukman, OWOLODUN, Olubukola Abibat,EGBORO, Daniel Efe, ABDULKADIR, Bukola Fatima, IYENMOANA, Ese, YAKUB, Yusuf Olatunji, AKINYELE, Akinsola and OGBECHE, Elizabeth Ochuole

The unregulated habitual use of whole Cannabis sativa remains a challenge for the potential medical usefulness of the plant. As a psychoactive substance with different physiological properties, the onset and extent of its effects are often a factor of the mode of consumption. This study evaluated the neuro-behavioural effects of daily oral ingestion of C. sativa and its modulatory changes in oxidative stress parameters in mice brain tissues. Twenty-five male Swiss albino mice were separated into 5 groups of 5 animals each. Cannabis-diet were prepared from whole dried cannabis and standard mice feed. Groups I – IV, were fed with 40, 20, 10 and 1 % cannabis-diet ad libitum for 14 days, while group V animals were fed the standard mice diet ad libitum for 14 days and served as control. Neuro-behavioural activities were assessed by observing animals rearing, grooming, ambulation, head dipping and freezing times. The brain oxidative stress parameters were assayed to determine the effect of cannabis oral consumption on activity in mice brain. The animals fed with cannabis-diet displayed significantly reduced anxiety but statistically insignificant locomotory function, exploratory tendencies and neophilia, in a quantity dependent manner relative to the controls. Cannabis demonstrated both antioxidant and oxidative stress tendencies. Ingestion of whole cannabis plants may not adversely influence neuro-behavioural patterns in animals. A trade-off between oxidative stress induction and brain tissue injury repair mechanisms may have been elicited by different constituents of cannabis. Thus, oral ingestion of cannabis may not readily cause changes in neuro-behavioural patterns.

3055 – 3064an

Authors: UGWU, Francis Stephen Ogbonna and ONWUZURIKE, Janet Chibuzo

Control of Anopheles vector is effective in halting malaria. Entrapping them by deceit with semiochemicals they must respond to could be a sustainable control approach but poverty and other impediments prevent the use of such luring strategy in Sub Saharan Africa. Elaeis guineensis could be an alternative accessible and cheap unexplored source of semiochemicals for mosquitoes control. We evaluated the response of Anopheles mosquitoes to categories of palm wine. Anopheles larvae were selected from mosquito juveniles collected from egbaite. At emergence, female mosquitoes were subjected to a 2-way olfactometer to evaluate their responses to odours from 4 categories of palm wines. Fresh up-palm wine attracted 50.00 ± 5.77% of mosquitoes, its sub-category, ebacha up-wine, attracted 45 %. Fresh down-wine attracted 70 % of vectors as against 68.33 % of ebacha down-wine. The foregoing categories compared to the control attracted significantly more mosquitoes (respectively, p = 0.007; p = 0.005; p = 0.002; p = 0.001). Comparison of fresh up-wine with fresh down wine showed that significantly more mosquitoes visited down-wine (t = - 5.060, p = 0.007). Ebacha up-wine and ebacha down-wine comparison revealed that significantly more mosquitoes visited ebacha down-wine (t = - 4.950, p = 0.008). The preference indices calculated for the 4 categories of palm wine ranged from 57.27 ± 14.90 to 85.98 ± 7.73. Palm wines are attractive to Anopheles mosquitoes. Down-wine was a more effective attractant. Up wine lost its activity faster than down-wine. Palm wines could sustainably be employed in malaria vector control programmes.

3070 – 3081

Authors: KHONDOWE, Paul, MUTAYOBA, Benezeth, MUHAIRWA, Amandus and PHIRI, Elliot

A study comparing the effects of low energy diets on liver HSP70 and iNOS gene expressions and blood indices of three Tanzanian chicken ecotypes was conducted. Four weeks old hens belonging to Kuchi (KU), Ching’wekwe (CH) and Morogoro medium (MM) ecotypes were allocated to 9 pens in a 3 x 3 factorial design, with three replicates. They were fed 3 diets containing 40, 55 and 0% less energy than prescribed. Only KU 55% restriction groups had marked up-regulation (p<0.05) of HSP70 after 3 weeks. After 7 weeks, expression levels of HSP70 for KU and CH 55% restriction groups increased, while those for MM restriction groups remained unaltered. The iNOS levels were notably up-regulated for KU and CH 55% restriction groups after 3 and 7 weeks, respectively. Significant elevations (p<0.05) of serum corticosterone were only noted for KU restriction groups after 1 and 3 weeks. Serum uric acid was significantly increased (p<0.05) in all ecotypes and groups but triglycerides were markedly reduced as determined after 1, 3 and 7 weeks. There were no significant differences between controls and restricted groups in Hb and Hct levels except for the CH ecotype, which showed lower (p<0.05) Hb and Hct levels after 5 and 7 weeks for both restricted groups. Results of this study show that low energy diets induced stress in chickens, and ecotype-specific tolerance was manifested through changes in liver HSP70, iNOS and blood parameters, with MM showing better tolerance at lowest energy levels and KU being least tolerant.

3090 – 3100

Authors: ADEROLU, Ademola Zaid, LAWAL, Muyideen Owonire, AWOBAJO, Funmileyi Olubajo, OLANIYAN, Stephen and BELLO, Yetunde

This study investigated the optimum dietary energy requirement of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus juveniles fed 35 % crude protein level and the effects on growth, nutrient performance, haematology and biochemical indices. The control diet A had 2800 kcal while, treatments B, C, D and E had 3000, 3200, 3400 and 3600 kcal energy inclusion respectively. Diets were fed to triplicate groups of eight catfish (51 ± 0.56 g) per tank twice daily to satiation for 8 weeks. Significant effects of graded energy levels across diets (p<0.05) on growth and nutrient utilization were recorded relative to diet A. The optimal dietary energy was within the range (3000 – 3200 kcal/Kg) on nutrients utilization and growth parameters. The least value (1.33 ± 0.17) and the best feed conversion ratio was recorded with fish fed 3000 kcal/kg while the protein efficiency ratio was significantly high (p<0.05) at 3200 kcal/kg (52.80 ± 3.33). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) recorded across diets in the measured blood parameters and fish organs. Some biochemical parameters like total protein, albumin, cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein were not significantly affected by dietary energy inclusion levels, other stress enzymes, like superoxide dismutase, was significantly different between diets with diet A and diet E respectively. Though diet A had the best-estimated investment cost (N 48.30), diet C had the highest values for both net profit (N 50.68) and benefit-cost ratio (N 1.79). Therefore, feed at 35 % CP would require between 3000 – 3200 kcal/Kg for optimum performance.

3112 – 3119

Authors: ONYISHI, Grace Chinenye and AGUZIE, Ifeanyi Oscar Ndimkaoha

Gastrointestinal helminth parasites fauna of fish from Ebonyi River was investigated from February to July 2016. Fish caught from the river were sacrificed and gastrointestinal parasites isolated. A total of 121 fish comprising (and number examined, n) Distichodus engycephalus (n = 28), Labeo senegalensis (n = 34), Auchenoglaris occidentalis (n = 14) and Synodontis clarias (n = 45) were examined out of which 78(65.0%) were infected. S. clarias had the highest prevalence of infection 37(82.2 %), followed by L. senegalensis 21(61.8 %) and D. engycephalus 14(50.0 %). The lowest prevalence of infection was observed in A. occidentalis 6(42.9 %). The prevalence of infection was significantly different between the fish species (χ2 = 11.713, p = 0.008). The parasites isolated were of three species, Camallanus sp., Neoechinorhynchus africanus and Acanthocephalus sp. Overall, the prevalence of the three parasites was in the range of 30 – 35 %. Overall, Camallanus sp. had the highest mean intensity [4.41 (3.95 – 4.89, 95% CI)]. Mean intensities of N. africanus and Acanthocephalus sp., were only slightly lower: [3.17 (2.81 – 3.48, 95% CI)] and [3.21 (2.79 – 3.66, 95% CI)] respectively. Infection was not significantly dependent on the sex of fish or the season of sampling (p>0.05). Helminth parasite infection prevalence is high in some fish species of Ebonyi River, Enugu State, Nigeria. This high prevalence of helminths infection may compromise the productivity of the fish species infected.

2979 – 2988

Authors: OLUDE, Oluwagbenga Olanrewaju, ALIMI, Adam Mubarak, BALOGUN, Rofiat Adefunke and BADAMASSI, Tolulope Joel

The potential of blending soaked moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf and fermented moringa kernel as a substitute for fishmeal in the diet for Clarias gariepinus was investigated. The leaves were soaked overnight while the seeds were defatted and subsequently fermented with Rhizopus stolonifer. Four approximately isonitrogenous (40 % crude protein) and iso-energetic (20 kJ/g) diets were formulated to contain graded levels (0, 20, 40 and 60 %) of a mixture (1:1) of soaked leaf and fermented kernel of moringa. The diets were fed to triplicates group of C. gariepinus (average weight, 8.87 ± 0.02 g) for 56 days. Growth performance in terms of weight gain and specific growth rate in the group that received control diet was significantly higher (p<0.05) than those that were reared on diets containing 40 and 60 % mixture of soaked moringa leaf and fermented kernel but statistically similar (p>0.05) to the group fed with 20% of the mixture. The feed conversion ratio was statistically similar (p>0.05) in the control and dietary treatments. The haematological profile of the control group was similar (p>0.05) to all other treatment groups in all the parameters examined; suggesting that there were no deleterious health effects arising from the incorporation of processed moringa leaf and kernel in the diets for C. gariepinus.

2994 – 3002

Authors: EKAYE, Sese-Owei, UWAGIE-ERO, Edwin Aihanuwa, ODIGIE, Eugene Amienwanlen and AGHAYEDO, Cosmos Oghogho

This study reports the effect of untreated refinery effluents on female albino rats ameliorated with Shea oil. The experimental set-up included three treatment groups (effluent only, effluent abated with Shea oil and the control) of adult, albino rats 6 – 7 weeks old. Rats were acclimatized for 2 weeks before being orally administered 2 ml of untreated refinery effluent by oral gavage and were sacrificed at 3, 6 and 9 weeks intervals. After 9 weeks, rats were left for 21 days post-exposure to recuperate. Body, organ weight and morphology, heavy metal concentration in ovaries and histopathology of ovaries were estimated across the groups. There was a significant increase (p>0.05) in body and organ weight of treated rats compared to control. Organ morphology of treated rats varied from control but was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Lead and chromium concentrations in ovaries were high in concentration in rats treated with effluent only. Histopathology of ovaries showed evidence of pathological changes in rats treated with effluent when compared with control and the Shea oil ameliorated group. Rats ameliorated with Shea oil showed an early return to normal histological architecture in their ovaries. Shea oil was effective in ameliorating the effects of untreated refinery effluent toxicity on the ovary of intoxicated female albino rats.

3013 – 3019

Authors: AMADI, Anthonia Nnenna, UBIARU, Prince Chigozirim, UGAGU, Gerald Mmaduabuchi, IBEDIUGHA, Briandavis Nnaemeka, OBEAGU, Innocent Amaechi and NJIKEONYE, Ann

A study of gastrointestinal parasites of pigs was studied to identify and estimate the burden of parasites of pigs managed and slaughtered in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State, Nigeria between April to June 2017. Faecal samples from freshly passed faeces and from the rectum of 150 pigs were collected randomly from two pig farms and three slaughterhouses and analyzed in the laboratory using the formal-ether sedimentation method. Microscopic examination was done using x10 and x40 objectives. Out of the 150 faecal samples collected from 92 females and 58 males, 36(24 %) and 28(18.7 %) were infected respectively giving a total prevalence of 64(42.7 %). Chi-square analysis showed that the prevalence was not sex-dependent (p>0.05). Eight parasites species were observed; Ascaris suum (14.7 %), Balantidium coli (9.3 %), Taenia solium (1.3 %), Trichuris suis (0.7 %), Entamoeba sp. (0.7 %), Strongyloides sp. (2.0 %), Oesophagostomum sp. (2.7%) and Globocephalus sp. (11.3 %). A. suum was the most prevalent parasite. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was higher in adult pigs (≥12 months) (26.0 %) when compared to the growers (7 – 12 months) (10.0 %) and piglets (<7 months) (6.7 %). The prevalence recorded in this study was age-dependent (p<0.05). Proper management of pigs in both farms and slaughterhouses should encourage enhancing productivity, maximizing profit and reducing the rate of infection among people eating pork. Pork should not be exposed to flies when slaughtered and must be cooked thoroughly before consumption.

3034 – 3040

Authors: LAWAL-ARE, Aderonke Omolara, ADEKUGBE, Adeola Lydia and ODUSOGA, Aishat Wuraola

Fishes are known for their ability to concentrate heavy metals in their muscles and since they play important role in human nutrition, they need to be carefully screened to ensure that unnecessarily high levels of some toxic trace metals are not being transferred to man through their consumption. The study was to evaluate heavy metals (chromium, lead, iron and cadmium) in imported and local species of shrimps, crabs and fish using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The selected imported species were horse mackerelkote fish (Trachurus trachurus), mackerel - titus (Scomber scrombus), croaker (Pseudotolithus typus), smooth swim crab (Portunus validus) and pink shrimp (Farfantepenaeus notialis) while the local species used were; Sole fish (Cynoglossus senegalensis), Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), brackish water catfish (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus), freshwater catfish (Clarias gariepinus), lagoon crab (Callinectes amnicola) and freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium macrobrachion). It was observed that there was no significant difference in the metals (Cd, Pb and Cr) between the imported and local fish species and between imported and local crustacean species. However, these metals are concentrated more in the local fish species, O. niloticus (1.846 ± 1.00 mg/100g). The mean heavy metals concentration occurred in the following decreasing order: Fe > Cd > Pb > Cr for all the samples. The mean concentrations of the analyzed heavy metals in the samples were below the maximum permissible limits as recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) for heavy metals in fish.

3048 – 3054

Authors: ADETIMEHIN, Adeyemi Daniel and UYI, Osariyekemwen Osa

This study investigated the potency of the cold and hot water leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Meliaceae) against the third instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) (Diptera: Culicidae), the vector of lymphatic filariasis. Ten actively swimming third instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus were exposed to different concentrations of 0.0, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 % (w/v) of cold and hot water leaf extracts of A. indica, after which percentage larval mortality was monitored for 24 and 48 hours. Results from this study revealed that both extract types (cold and hot water) of A. indica demonstrated excellent larvicidal activities against the larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus at all tested concentrations (excluding the control – 0.0 % w/v). Percentage larval mortality was slightly a function of both concentration and exposure duration. Following a 48 hour exposure period of Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae to different concentrations of A. indica cold and hot water leaf extracts, the highest concentration (3.0 % w/v) of both extract types were observed to demonstrate a perfect larvicidal activity (100 %) against the test insect. In conclusion, this study recommends the application of A. indica cold and hot water leaf extracts in the control of Cx. quinquefasciatus specifically at their potential breeding sites and also in areas where lymphatic filariasis is endemic.