Animal Research International

2035 – 2040

Authors: ANYANWU, Madubuike Umunna, SHOYINKA, Vincent Shodeinde and NGWU, Maria Ifeyinwa

A freshly dead 7 months old turkey from a population of 7 turkeys and 15 chickens with a history of fighting and head lesions was presented for postmortem examination and diagnosis. Postmortem examination revealed swollen head, subcutaneous head abscesses and footpad abscess (bumblefoot) with no evidence of septicaemia and systemic infection. Diagnosis of staphylococcosis was based on isolation and identification of pure cultures of the Staphylococcus aureus from head and foot samples following standard procedures. Antimicrobial sensitivity test showed that Staphylococcus aureus isolate was resistant to ampicillin, cefuroxime and streptomycin but susceptible to ciprofloxacin, perfloxacin, erythromycin and ceftriaxone. The cause of death was likely physical rather than infectious. This report showed that head swelling and bumblefoot could occur simultaneously in turkey staphylococcosis.

2048 – 2056

Authors: ALPHONSUS, Cyprian, AKPA, Gerald Nwachi, BARJE, Peter Pano, AYIGUN, Elijah Ade, ZANNA, Mustapha, OLAIYA, Oluwakemi, OLAYINKA, Ifeolu Oluseyi, ANOH, Kevin Usman, OPOOLA, Emmanuel and ABDULAHI, Idris

The study determines the effect of dam body condition on milk yield and milk composition of dairy cows. The milk production records of 60 Friesian x Bunaji dairy cows were used for the study. The body condition score (BCS) was recorded on a scale of 1 to 5 with an increment of 0.25 points. The mean initial milk yield (IMY), daily milk yield (DMY) and total milk yield (TMY) was 6.54, 6.51 and 1872kg, respectively, while the mean peak yield (PY), peak day (PD), peak week (PWK) and lactation length (LL) were 10.61kg, 26.94 days, 4.33 weeks and 283.87 days, respectively. The mean fat, protein and lactose content of the milk was 4.22, 4.15 and 4.00 %, respectively, while the mean fat, protein and lactose yield was 0.269, 0.272 and 0.261 kg/day. The ratios of the milk composition were FPR (1.02), FLR (1.03) and PLR (104). There was relatively high variability in the population of the experimental animals about their milk yield characteristics (CV = 15.38 – 67.13%) compared to the milk composition variables (CV = 4.36 – 26.09%). The effect of the dam body condition score was significant (p<0.05) on all the milk yield characteristics except IMY, PY and ADY. Dams with moderate BCS of between 2.5 to 3.5 during the lactation period takes longer days to peak yield (PD = 27.41 ± 3.27 days) and peak week (PWK = 4.43 ± 0.49 weeks) with longer lactation length (LL = 301 ± 31.17 days) and consequently higher TMY (1995.25 kg/lactation). However, those with higher BCS (>3.5) had higher IY (7.00 ± 1.86 kg) and shorter days to peak yield (PD = 20.50 ± 13.12 days), PWK (3.0 ± 1.95 weeks) and shorter LL (275.33 ± 25.44 days), which invariably resulted in relatively lower TMY (1819.83 ± 335.80 kg/lactation). The dam BCS had a significant effect (p<0.05) on the percentage of milk fat (MFC), milk lactose (MLC), fat protein ratio (FPR) and fat lactose ratio (FLR). Dams with higher (>3.5) BCS had higher MFC, MLC, FPR and FLR. BCS is an important factor that reflects the metabolic stability of dairy cows.

2063 – 2070

Authors: KOLAWOLE, Olatunji, OZOKONKWO, Onyinye and MOKUOLU, Olugbenga

This study reports malaria infection caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum in the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. This study provides information on the infectivity rate of this parasite in the dry season and the variation of laboratory diagnosed cases of malaria to clinically diagnosed cases. A total of 200 patients attending the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) clinically diagnosed to have malaria were recruited into the study. Their blood samples were collected and analyzed microscopically for the presence of the parasite. Questionnaires were collated to obtain demographic and associated risk factors of the people to the infection. The study showed that microscopy stills remain a golden method for analyzing malaria infections about the clinical methods; it also showed that malaria parasitaemia is low at dry season. 116(58.0%) were positive and 84(42.0%) negative of the subjects to the infection. The level of parasitaemia varied between 200 parasites/μl to 800 parasites/μl. 74.1% had lower parasitaemia of ≤ 500μl while 25.9% had a mild parasitaemia of 500μl. It is suggested that all clinically diagnosed cases of malaria should be followed up by a microscopy test to ascertain the presence of the parasite before drug prescriptions are made to avoid drug misuse.

2079 – 2086

Authors: OLANIYI, Wasiu Adekunle and OMITOGUN, Ofelia Galman

In this study, genetic manipulation technique was employed to produce triploid African catfish Clarias gariepinus. Artificial fertilization was carried out using synthetic hormone (Ovaprim®) at 0.5 ml/kg body weight. Eggs numbering 100 ± 10 in quadruplicates from C. gariepinus were fertilized by milt from the male species. The fertilized eggs were subsequently transferred to a thermoregulated refrigerator at 2oC for 20 minutes to suppress cell division 4 minutes after fertilization. Haploid larvae were produced by fertilizing the eggs with ultraviolet (UV) irradiated milt at 30000 μWcm-2 for 15 minutes. Fertility, hatchability and survival after one week for triploids were 82.5%, 69.8% and 61.3%; for haploid, 100%, 15%, 0% and diploid (controls), 100%, 93% and 91%, respectively. There was significant (p<0.05) variation among the ploidy catfish larvae developed across the parameters of fertility, hatchability and survival determined. The ploidy levels of the triploid species were evaluated by karyotyping and erythrocyte measurements. The chromosome numbers obtained were 28 ± 2, 56 ± 2 and 84 ± 2 for haploid, diploid and triploid treatments, respectively. Erythrocyte cell size measurements of the triploid C. gariepinus species revealed a bigger and larger cellular volume of about 1.5 times that of the diploid.

2091 – 2096

Authors: MOHAMMADZADEH, Saied, BRUMANDNIA, Zeynab and KHALDARI, Majid

Pharmacological plants are developed as additives in animal feeds. These plants are very important for the improvement of the global poultry industry. This experiment studied the effects of artichoke extract on concentrations of triglyceride, cholesterol, very low lipoprotein (VLDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in broiler chickens at 35 and 42 days. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 5 treatments (0, 100, 200,300 and 500 mg of artichoke extract per litre of water) and 4 replications. Each replication had 10 chickens, out of which 2 chickens were selected for the evaluation of the lipid profile at days 35 and 42. Fasting blood samples were collected for the analyses of triglyceride, cholesterol, very low lipoprotein, High-density lipoprotein levels in the serum of the broiler chickens. The result showed that administration of artichoke extract did not affect blood lipid components at 34 and 42 days. Comparison between concentrations of triglyceride, cholesterol, very low lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein were significantly different (p<0.05). High level of artichoke extract (500 mg/l) did not affect blood parameters.

1917 – 1924

Authors: NWANKWO Ogonna Daniel and MOGBO Tochukwu Chinedu

Adsorption studies were carried out using urea activated melon (Citrullus colocynthis) husks as a low-cost potential adsorbent to remove cadmium from industrial effluents. Bioabsorption parameters considered were as contact time, adsorbent dosage and adsorbate concentration. Cadmium removal was found to be dependent on the three parameters with maximum removal attained at 50 minutes with 0.8 and 1.0g of urea activated melon husk. Cadmium ions were mostly removed at low adsorbate concentrations. Maximum removal was attained at 20 minutes with 97.6% adsorption. Adsorption isotherms had a positive correlation with both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models and their r2 values ranged from 0.911 – 1.00. Experimental data were also evaluated to find out kinetic characteristics of the adsorption process. The adsorption process for the heavy metal ion was found to follow pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetics with the r2 value of 0.8309. Activated melon husk, a readily available adsorbent was found to be efficient in the uptake of Cd (II) ions in industrial effluents, thus, confirming it as an excellent alternative for the removal of heavy metals from water and wastewater.

1939 – 1945

Authors: KHOSRAVINIA, Heshmatollah and ABBASI, M.

This experiment was carried out to study the effect of gender on the anatomy of the vomeronasal organ (VNO) and their correlations with some external body measurements in Lori sheep. Six external body characteristics were measured on 21 Lori sheep (10 ewes and 11 rams). Heads of the animals were collected and several transverse sections were made through the rostral region of the incisive tubercle and repeated at every 1.5 cm up to the point that macroscopic signs of the VNO disappeared. The mean length of VNO did not differ between males and females (p<0.05). The average width of VNO in the middle and rostral third parts, the mean height of the organ in the middle third part and the mean distance between the left and right VNO cartilaginous capsule in the middle third part were significantly greater in males compared with females. The width of the tubercle on incisive was significantly greater in males than females (9.99 vs. 8.42 mm). The average width of VNO in the rostral third was significantly correlated with trunk length (p>0.05). The mean height of VNO lumen in the middle and rostral third was negatively correlated with chest height (r = -0.476) and testis circumference (r = -0.731), respectively (p>0.05). The average width of the distance between the left and right VNO lumen in the middle third segment was significantly correlated with external nose circumference (p>0.05). The width and length of the tubercle on incisive were both significantly related to trunk length, and the former showed also a significant positive association with the heart girdle (p>0.05). In conclusion, minor macroscopically differences exist especially in the middle third segment of VNO in Lori ram and ewe. The VNO anatomical parameters show significant correlations with common external body measures which their physiological interpretation needs further investigation.

1953 – 1957

Authors: AMAECHI, Ebube Charles

The prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in school-age children in Azumini, a schistosomiasis endemic community in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State was studied. Early morning urine samples were collected in a clean, transparent, screw cap plastic bottle and transported to the laboratory for examination. These samples were examined both macroscopically and microscopically using the standard Sedimentation method. A well-structured pre-tested questionnaire was administered and relevant information’s were obtained from 720 school-age children between January and December 2012. An overall prevalence of 53.8% was observed in the study. The sex pattern of infection showed a higher prevalence in males (60.5 %) than females (43.9 %). The subjects aged 10 – 14 had the highest prevalence of 70.3%.The sensitivity of haematuria and proteinuria in Schistosoma infected patients were 50.6% and 35.9% respectively. Subjects who were exposed to the river as a source of water supply had the highest infection of 80.1% with tap having the least. The result showed that there is a high prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in the studied community. Poor knowledge of causative agent of the infection and subsequent means of transmission has contributed to the high prevalence recorded. Provision of potable water in the community and proper health education is recommended for the eradication of the disease.

1964 – 1969

Authors: OGBANYA, Kenneth Chiedozie, EZE, Chinedu Athanasius, NNAJI, Theophilus Okafor and UKWUEZE, Celestine Okwudili

The gross tissue reactivity, bacterial load counts and clinical parameters were investigated following the use of cotton hair thread (CHT) and silk sutures on surgically induced wounds on rabbits. Twelve clinically healthy male rabbits of the New Zealand breed were used. They were acclimatized for two weeks and randomly assigned into three groups A, B and C of four (4) rabbits each. A 6 cm long paralumber skin incision was aseptically performed in both groups of animals using xylazine and ketamine. The incised skin wounds in groups A and B rabbits were apposed with conventional silk and cotton hair thread (CHT) sutures respectively while no surgery was performed in the group C rabbits. The sutured sites in the groups (A and B) were evaluated for both bacterial load counts and gross features: swelling, erythema and percentage suture breakage and scored at post-surgical days (PSD) 1, 7, 10, 14 and 21. Clinical vital signs: heart and respiratory rates and temperature were evaluated in the three groups before (day 0) and during the above PSD. The means of the bacterial load counts, clinical vital parameters demonstrated no statistical significance (p > 0.05) in the study. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the gross tissue reactivity in the two groups throughout the period. It was concluded that CHT showed promise for possible use as a skin suture in rabbits.

1976 – 1981

Authors: EWUIM, Sylvanus C., 1AKUNNE, Chidi E., ABAJUE, Maduamaka C., NWANKWO, Edith N. and FANIRAN, Olalekan, J.

Hitherto Nigeria has been identified as a major dumping ground for e-waste from developed countries of the world arising from the increasing demand for information computer technology (ITC) and other electronic gadgets by the populace especially with the relation of the telecom sector since 2001. The term “e-waste” may be applied to electrical and electronic waste material of all categories and includes but is not limited to computers, refrigerators, television sets, mobile phones, office electronic devices, entertainment device electronics and electronic toys. Evidently, in addition to human health issues associated with e-waste management, e-waste constitutes a challenge to both developed and developing countries through markedly pronounced in the latter because of the dearth of appropriate technology in handling the menace posed by the discarded waste materials. There is a paucity of information in quantitative terms regarding the effect of e-waste on the environment (including the soil fauna and flora), especially in Nigeria. However, e-waste has been implicated as being deleterious to soil quality, soil fauna and flora especially from studies outside Nigeria. In this paper, this category of wastes will be assessed and its possible influence on the soil environment in forms including heavy metal pollution. Possible e-waste management strategies will also be highlighted on the soil environment with particular reference to Nigeria.

1987 – 1993

Authors: OKORIE-KANU, Christian Onwuchokwe and UNAKALAMBA, Ndubuisi Justin

This study investigated the haematological and blood biochemistry profile of apparently healthy catfish (Heterobranchus longifilis) raised in concrete ponds in South East, Nigeria. A total of 20 fishes of two age ranges and equal sexes were used and the determination of haematological and blood biochemical profiles followed standard procedures. Results obtained for the parameters assessed for the young adults and adults respectively are summarized as follows: Packed cell volume - 29.67 ± 0.73% and 33.00 ± 0.87%, haemoglobin concentration - 10.26 ± 0.45 g/dl and 11.04 ± 0.32 g/dl, red blood cell count – 2.46 ± 0.04 x 106/μl and 2.39 ± 0.04 x 106/μl, mean corpuscular volume-120.68 ± 3.61 fl and 141.42 ± 2.83 fl, mean corpuscular haemoglobin – 41.97 ± 1.16 pg and 45.69 ± 1.15 pg, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration - 35.75 ± 1.63 g/dl and 32.93 ± 0.86 g/dl, white blood cell count - 17.94 ± 0.57 x 103/μl and 22.51 ± 0.95 x 103/μl, alanine aminotransferase - 36.95 ± 0.09 IU and 38.86 ± 0.16 IU, aspartate aminotransferase - 54.52 ± 0.10 IU and 49.55 ± 0.34 IU, alkaline phosphatase -5.04 ± 0.71 IU and 9.33 ± 0.55 IU, total proteins – 1.98 ± 0.09 g/dl and 3.86 ± 0.10 g/dl, albumin - 0.90 ± 0.01 g/dl and 1.53 ± 0.06 g/dl, globulin – 1.07 ± 0.09 g/dl and 2.40 ± 0.08 g/dl, plasma blood glucose – 136.25 ± 11.74 mg/dl and 171.67 ± 9.05 mg/dl, total cholesterol – 79.89 ± 2.72 mg/dl and 156.52 ± 5.69 mg/dl, calcium – 4.28 ± 0.32 mg/dl and 11.68 ± 0.71 mg/dl, blood urea nitrogen – 1.48 ± 0.24 mg/dl and 1.19 ± 0.12 mg/dl, bodyweight – 308.89 ± 22.26g and 666.67 ± 39.97g. Results obtained showed significant (p<0.05) changes due to age in all the parameters assessed except haemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and blood urea nitrogen. There were no significant changes (p>0.05) between the sexes in all the haematological and blood biochemistry parameters assessed. Data generated from this study was considered important as deviations in the normal haematology and serum biochemistry have a predictive value for general pathological and specific organ changes in the body.

1998 – 2003

Authors: ANYANWU, Madubuike Umunna, EZEASOR, Chukwunonso Kenechukwu and NGWU, Maria Ifeyinwa

Two freshly dead 27 weeks old Issa brown laying birds from a population of about 3000 birds with a history of blindness, greenish-whitish diarrhoea, symptomatic diagnosis of coccidiosis, treatment failure, reduced egg lay and increased mortality was presented for postmortem examination and diagnosis. Postmortem examination revealed air sacculitis, egg peritonitis, misshapen ova with injected blood vessels and petechial haemorrhages in the epicardium, coronary, abdominal and intestinal fats and cecal tonsils. Diagnosis of colibacillosis was based on isolation and identification of pure cultures of Escherichia coli from cultured samples following standard procedure. Antibiotic sensitivity results showed that the isolate was resistant to ampicillin, nalidixic acid and gentamicin, but susceptible to ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin and sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Treatment was achieved by oral administration of enrofloxacin at the dose of 0.1mg/ml for 7 days with daily water renewal. Egg lay increased from 24% to 70% five days into treatment. This report has shown that symptomatic diagnosis of colibacillosis in layers results in misdiagnosis, mistreatment, treatment failure and great economic loss.

2012 – 2017

Authors: BOLU, Steven Abiodun, ADERIBIGBE, Simeon Adedeji and ELEGBELEYE, E. Abiodun

A six-week study involving two hundred and fifty (250) Harco black layer birds at the point of lay was carried out to investigate the effects of potential natural colourant on performance and egg quality traits. The birds were assigned to five (5) dietary treatments, each containing supplements either of control, baobab leaf (BL), waterleaf (WL), red pepper (RP), canthaxanthin (CTX) at 40g/kg feed and 50mg/kg feed of natural and commercial colourants, respectively. Performance records showed no significant (p>0.05) difference in feed intake across supplements of red pepper, waterleaf, canthaxanthin and control diet, however, baobab leaf treatment had a significantly lower (p<0.05) intake value (94.07g) when compared with other treatments. Bodyweight gain and hen day production were not significantly influenced (p>0.05) by the dietary treatments, though baobab leaf supplement had the lowest mean HDP of 48.80%, red pepper and waterleaf supplement averaging 52.79%. There was no significant effect (p>0.05) of colourants on egg external traits, compared with the control; canthaxanthin treatment had higher mean egg weight (51.79g), egg length (4.55g), egg breadth (3.29g); red pepper treatment had highest mean shell thickness (0.29g), however, these differences were not significant (p>0.05). Yolk height, albumen height, yolk index and Haugh unit were not significantly affected (p>0.05) across treatments. Yolk width was lowest (p<0.05) in baobab leaf treatment (2.54cm); red pepper, waterleaf and canthaxanthin had 2.89cm, 2.62cm and 2.89cm, respectively and were not significantly (p>0.05) different from the control (2.73cm). Yolk colour score was significantly highest (p<0.05) in red pepper treatment (7.50); waterleaf, baobab leaf and canthaxanthin ranged between 2.25 - 3.31 on the DSM yolk colour, while the control treatment had the lowest yolk colour score of 1.31. The study showed red pepper as a good alternative to commercial yolk colourant. Waterleaf and baobab leaf were not good substitutes for canthaxanthin as a yolk colourant.

2023 – 2026

Authors: AKUNNE, C. E., EWUIM, S. C., CHUKWUNYERE, L. C., ABAJUE, M. C. and ONONYE, B. U.

Pitfall traps were used to study insect fauna in a fallow plot at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Temporary site, Awka. The study was carried out for seven weeks in June and July 2013. The pitfall traps were baited using ogiri made from castor oil seed. The pitfall traps were used to investigate the activities and the relative abundance of insects in the study site. A total of 137 adult insects were trapped. From the overall results, eight insect orders, seventeen families and twenty-two species were found to be associated with the ogiri from castor oil seed in the fallow plot in Awka during the study period. Hymenoptera had the highest relative abundance (30.60%) followed by Collembola (15.67%) while both the Dictyoptera and Isoptera had the least relative abundance (3.73% each). However, analysis of variance showed that castor oil seed ogiri had a significant effect on Diptera at p<0.05. The factors responsible for the presence and recovery of insect species from the bait include; accidental dropping into the pitfall traps, foraging activities on the bait, and oviposition resources.

1834 – 1839

Authors: MOHAMMADZADEH, S., KIANI, A., LORZADEH, N., MOHAMMADI, A. and RAFII, E.

Prolactin is a peptide hormone which is secreted from hypophysis. Prolactin concentration differs in male and female. Even though prolactin has lactotpope effect, it has disturbances effects on pulsatory secretion of gonadotropins as well as on ovulation. In spite of different plasma level of prolactin in different seasons, the effects of light regime on prolactin secretion still is unclear. Eighty Wistar rats were selected and divided into four groups. Each treatment was exposed in different photoperiod; natural light (control NL), 24 hours light (permanent light LL), 24 hours darkness (permanent darkness DD), and 12 hours light-12 hours darkness (light-dark LD). Blood samples from the heart were taken every 3 month during year. Prolactin concentration was determined using RIA. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and means were compared using Duncan multiple range test. Prolactin concentration in control (NL), dark (DD), light-dark (LD) and permanent light (LL) were 1.10, 1.00, 0.80 and 0.60 ng/ml, respectively. Light regime had a significant effect on prolactin concentration (p<0.05). Prolactin was significantly lower in permanent light than other treatments. Means of prolactin in permanent dark and light-dark weren’t differ with control (p>0.05). Permanent light will reduce the prolactin level. It seems to be one of the causes of short estrous cycles in permanent light is prolactin levels. These finding can be used as a model in human societies.

1851 – 1862

Authors: ALPHONSUS, Cyprian, AKPA, Gerald Nwachi, BARJE, Peter Pano, NWAGU, Bartholomew I. and ORUNMUYI, Modupe

Data from 13 primaparous and 47 multiparous Friesian-Bunaji (F1) crossbred cows were used to evaluate the reproductive performance of Friesian x Bunaji dairy cows. Four fertility traits; days to first insemination (DFI), days open (DO), Non-return rate 56 days after first insemination (NRR56) and numbers of insemination per conception (NIC) were analysed . The results revealed that the average days to first insemination (DFI), days open (DO) , number of insemination per conception (NIC), and non- return rate 56 days after first insemination (NRR56) were 122.29 days, 171.18 days, 1.64, and 61%, respectively. These traits were highly variability (CV = 54.01-80.90%). The effects of sire and sex of calf on the reproductive characteristics were not significant (p>0.05). The dam body condition score (BCS) had significant effect on all the reproductive characteristics. The DFI, DO and NIC decreased with increase in BCS. Dams with BCS of < 2.50 had longer DFI and DO, and required higher number of inseminations before conception (NIC), while those with BCS of >3.50 had shorter DFI and DO with minimum number of insemination per conception (1.00). Dam parity had no significant effect (p>0.05) on the reproductive characteristics except on NRR56 and NIC. However, the heifer had longer days to first insemination (DFI), and days open (DO) and required higher number of inseminations per conception than the older cows. Season of calving had no significant effect (p>0.05) on the reproductive characteristics except on NRR56. The cows that calved during the wet seasons (early and late dry) had higher NRR56 (69 – 71%), than those of the dry (early and late wet) seasons (40 – 59%). The reproductive performance of the cows depreciated significantly (p<0.05) within the 3 years (2010 - 2012) of this study; DFI increased from 88.47 to 131.49 days, DO increased from 80.39 to 269.14 days, NIC increased from 1.01 to 2.72, while the percentage non-return rate (NRR56) decreased from 86% to 42%.The heritability (h2) estimates for fertility traits was very low ranging from 0.014 to 0.087. Dam body condition score, parity, season and year of calving are important sources of variation in fertility traits of dairy cows. These results illustrate that environmental effects makes larger contributions to the variability of fertility traits than direct genetic effects, thus reproductive health and feeding management are very important determinant of reproductive performance of dairy cows.

1871 – 1880

Authors: IHEDIOHA, Thelma Ebele, OMOJA, Valentine Uneojo and ASUZU, Isaac Uzoma

This study evaluated the effects of methanolic stem bark extract of Cassia sieberiana (MSBECS) on fasting blood glucose (FBG) and serum lipid profile (SLP) of alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats. The extract was prepared by cold maceration and administered orally at the dose of 12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight to evaluate the effects on fasting blood glucose (FBG) of the diabetic rats, and at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight (bw) for the serum lipid profile (SLP) assay. A total of 78 male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) of 12 weeks of age were used for the study; 42 were used to evaluate the effects of the extract on FBG, while 36 were used for the SLP assay. Data from the study showed that the optimum anti-hyperglycemic activity of the C. sieberiana extract on the diabetic rats was recorded in the rat group given 50 mg/kg bw of MSBECS, and this did not differ significantly (p>0.05) from that of glibenclamide-treated rats. Treatment of the diabetic rats with the extract at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg bw produced a significant (p<0.05) increase/improvement in the serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), while rat groups given 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg bw of the extract had a significantly (p<0.05) lower serum triglyceride and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDLC). It was concluded the administration of MSBECS at 50 mg/kg bw led to significant reduction in FBG of diabetic rats comparable to that obtained in the control group treated with a standard anti-hyperglycaemic drug (glibenclamide), while treatment at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg bw led to favorable effects on the lipid profile of the diabetic rats. These findings validate the traditional use of the stem bark of C. sieberiana in the management of diabetes mellitus and its dyslipidaemia complications.

1889 – 1898

Authors: IHEDIOHA, John Ikechukwu and DANIEL-IGWE, Gloria

The objective of this study was to develop an experimental albino rat (Rattus norvegicus) model for studies on sub-acute blood loss anaemia. A total of 160 albino rats of either sexes, between the ages of 10 and 12 weeks were used for the study. One hundred and thirty of the rats were randomly assigned into thirteen groups (groups 1 – 13) of ten each for the first experiment. Baseline values of the haematological indices were determined before the commencement of the study. Rats in group 1 were not bled and served as control. Blood (1 or 2 ml/100g body weight) was removed for specified periods of time from the remaining 12 groups (groups 2 – 13). At the end of the specified period of bleeding for each group, the haematological indices were re-assessed in order to select which group met the target of halving the red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) with minimal stress. The selected group was tested for reproducibility in experiment 2 using the remaining thirty rats randomly assigned into three groups (A, B and C). Results showed that in experiment 1, the PCV, Hb and RBC counts of the rat groups that were bled (groups 2 – 13) decreased significantly (p<0.05) after bleeding to varying degrees across the groups based on the volume of blood removed and the duration. Among all the rat groups bled, males of group 12 which were bled 2ml/100g body weight every other day for 20 days ranked topmost among others with the highest reductions in the RBC counts (46.62%), Hb (55.25%) and PCV (46.20%), and no mortality. The results recorded for the two rat groups bled in experiment 2 did not significantly (p>0.05) differ from each other and from that recorded in experiment 1 for the group 12 male rats. Based on the results of the study, removal of 2ml of blood/100g body weight from 10 – 12 weeks old male albino rats every other day for 20 days was recommended for the induction of experimental sub-acute blood loss anaemia.

1905 – 1916

Authors: IBEMENUGA, Keziah Nwamaka and AVOAJA, Diana Akudo

This study assessed the quality of 60 groundwater wells within the Bombali District of Sierra Leone. Water samples from the wells were analysed for physical (temperature, turbidity, conductivity, total dissolved solids and salinity), chemical (pH, nitrate-nitrogen, sulphate, calcium, ammonia, fluoride, aluminium, iron, copper and manganese) parameters using potable water testing kit; and bacteriological (faecal and non-faecal coliforms) qualities. Results show that 73% of the samples had turbidity values below the WHO, ICMR and United USPHS standards of 5 NTU. The electrical conductivity (µS/cm) of 5% of the whole samples exceeded the WHO guideline value, 8% of the entire samples had values higher than the WHO, ICMR and USPHS recommended concentration. In terms of iron, 25% of all the samples had values in excess of WHO, ICMR and USPHS recommended value of 0.3mg/l. For manganese, 12% of the entire samples had values more than the WHO and ICMR standards. On the other hand, more water samples (22%) had manganese values above USPHS guideline value. For bacteriological quality, 28% of the wells were polluted by faecal and non-faecal coliforms. 60% and 40% of the entire samples had faecal and non-faecal coliforms respectively above the WHO standard. Remedial measures recommended include regular monitoring of the physico-chemical and bacteriological quality of water yield from these wells as well as teaching of the communities' basic sanitation and hygiene practices.

1747 – 1751

Authors: KONYA, Roseline Sonayee, ZITTE, Leelee Famii and CHUKWU, Kenneth Obinna

The effect of Euphorbia kamerunica latex on the blood of albino rat (Rattus novergicus) was studied. Two different samples were prepared, one with 10% E. kamerunica latex in blood of albino rat and the other, whole blood. Blood from each of the two samples was analyzed haematologically for the packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophils. The results of the study showed that there was a drop in all the blood parameters in the blood sample with the latex as compared with the whole blood. The PCV dropped from 17% to 9%, (47.06% reduction), Hb reduced from 5.1g/dl to 3.2g/dl (37.25% reduction), RBC had a three log reduction from 3.7x10 12 to 2.7x10 9 (99.88% reduction), WBC fell from 4.2x10 9 to 3.2x10 7 (99.24 % reduction) while neutrophils dropped from 20% to 15% (25.00% reduction) in the blood with latex. The proximate analysis of the latex revealed that it contains 62.13 ± 0.48 % lipid, 0.16 ± 0.01 % carbohydrate, 3.69 ± 0.05 % protein and 3.86 ± 0.24 % ash. The result of this in vitro study demonstrated that Euphorbia kamerunica has some toxic effects on the blood of Rattus novergicus.

1779 – 1785

Authors: IGWEBUIKE, Udensi M., UGWUOKE, Wilfred I. and UDOUMOH, Anietie F

The study evaluated the histological characteristics of the tongue in ten adult common pigeons, with a view to highlighting the relationship between structure and function of the tongue in the common pigeon. The results showed that the entire dorsal surface of the tongue was covered by a non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, while the ventral surface of the tongue exhibited a keratinized stratified squamous epithelium in the tongue body and apex. In addition, intraepithelial taste buds occurred in the dorsal epithelium of the tongue body and apex. The dense fibrous sub-epithelial connective tissue of the tongue root and body showed presence of mucus-secreting lingual glands and solitary lymphoid nodules. These were absent in the tongue apex. Furthermore, skeletal muscle fibres were abundant in the root and body of the tongue but not in the tongue apex. A paraglossum composed of hyaline cartilage was situated in the core of the tongue, extending from the tongue body to the tongue apex. In longitudinal section, the papillary crest appeared as evaginations of the dorsal lingual epithelium at the boundary between the root and body of the tongue. The evagination, composed entirely of epithelial cells lacked a connective tissue core. It was concluded that these histological features are essential adaptations that support the functions of the tongue during food intake, especially in the common pigeon which feeds mainly on grains and seeds

1792 – 1798

Authors: IBEMENUGA, Keziah Nwamaka

The contamination of the aquatic systems with heavy metals from natural anthropogenic sources has become a global problem which poses threats to ecosystems and natural communities. Hence this study reviews the effects of heavy metals in freshwater fishes. Fishes bioaccumulate heavy metals (including cadmium, zinc, lead and copper) through various organs such as gills, liver, stomach and intestine. The effects of these heavy metals are highlighted.

1805 – 1808

Authors: ODUOLA, Adedayo Olatunbosun, OBEMBE, Abiodun, ADEOGUN, Adedapo and AWOLOLA, Taiwo Samson

Baseline survey is an integral component of a malaria vector control programme, providing valuable information on mosquito behaviour that guide the suitability of chosen interventions. A need assessment of baseline entomological indices towards the future implementation of indoor residual spray (IRS) was conducted in Osun State, Nigeria. Indoor resting mosquitoes were collected in human households from three Local Government Areas. These were morphologically identified, subjected to species specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and analyzed for sporozoite infection and blood meal origin using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All female Anopheles identified fed on human blood but tested negative to Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite antigen. The PCR analysis showed a predominance of An. gambiae s.s. (95%) over An. arabiensis (5%). The preponderance of indoor resting An. gambiae s.s and the incidence of exophilic An. arabiensis suggest a combination of IRS and long lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) for this region.

1817 – 1825

Authors: AMAECHI, Ebube Charles, OHAERI, Carmelita Chima and UKPAI, Onyinye Mkpola

Soil transmitted helminths (STHs) are known to be endemic in developing tropical countries. A study on the prevalence and risk factors associated with STHs infections among children in three selected primary schools in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State was undertaken between February and July, 2012. The stool samples collected from 338 children aged 5 – 13 years in the three primary schools were analyzed using direct normal saline and formal-ether concentration technique for the presence of STHs. Closed ended pre-tested questionnaire was used for collection of data on sociodemographic and personal health habits associated with STHs. Three different helminths were observed. These included Ascaris lumbricoides (8.2%), hookworm (5.1%) and Trichuris trichiura (3.9%). Multiple infections were however observed in individuals. Of the 338 stool samples examined, 256 were infected giving a prevalence of 75.7%. The prevalence of STHs was significantly higher in males than females in age group 5 – 7 years. A. lumbricoides was the most encountered parasites in the study, while Central Primary School, Obohia recorded the highest prevalence (90.2%) of infection in the three schools sampled. The month of July (peak of the rainy season) recorded the highest prevalence rate (92.9%). Those who defecated in bushes and other unhygienic places had the highest infection of 89.9%, while those that had water closet had the least infection of 40.5%. Those that used wells and streams as main source of water had an infection of 96.9%. Inadequate basic social amenities have contributed to the spread of parasite in the area. Government should make available the much needed amenities to the populace to alleviate the spread of the diseases in the study area and should also create public awareness on the dangers of the disease.

1699 – 1712

Authors: DIBUA, Uju M. Esther, KALU, Adindu, ATTAMA, Anthony A., ESIMONE, Charles Okechukwu and EYO, Joseph Effiong

The resistance of current drugs against malaria parasite is increasing, thus the need for evaluation of the haemozoin (HZ) concentration in malaria parasite as a novel strategy for malaria control. Haemozoin load in the blood of patients was measured after taking antimalarials or plants extracts. The tested plant extracts were established to reduce HZ concentration in vivo. Haemozoin was extracted from the blood samples of all the malaria positive patients studied by centrifugation and the concentration analyzed spectrophotometrically at 400 nm wavelength. Comparative anti-malaria activity of some conventional drugs: Maldox, Halfan, Artecxin, Amatem, Mefloquine (quinolines) and Malmed, the leaf and stem back extracts of Sarcocephalius latifolius and Alstonia boonei, containing potent pyhytochemicals including tannins, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, was evaluated to establish the most effective agent for haemozoin reduction and subsequently, malaria therapy. Each agent was administered to patients in each malaria episode, and the absorbance of haemozoin produced determined at 4000 nm wavelength. Packed cell volume (PCV) was estimated to establish the proportion of red blood cells before and after haemozoin production, using microhaematocrit reader. All the chemical antimalarial drugs used effected reduction in haemozoin concentration. However, Mefloquine (Quinolines) showed the highest activity with significant difference of 0.01 (p<0.05). The plant extracts similarly exerted significant reduction in the haemozoin concentration. Nevertheless, Alstonia boonei extract was the most effective in haemozoin reduction at 0.00 significant level (p<0.05). Of all the therapeutants (chemical and plant extracts) tested, Alstonia boonei stem back extract most significantly reduced haemozoin production (p<0.05), indicating its potential for use in novel anti-plasmodium and antimalaria drug formulation.

1723 – 1729

Authors: MOHAMMADZADEH, Saeid, ABASI, M., TAVAFI, Majid and KIANI, Ali.

Goats (Capra hircus) are economical animal in livestock production especially in rural areas. It is well known that goat can tolerate harsh conditions; however there are little information about its reproduction functions such as testis histomorphometry and efficiency of sertoli cells. This study aimed to estimate germ cell types and number per sertoli cell of an indigenous Iranian goat (Lori goat). Semen was collected from five Lori goats by means of an artificial vagina. Semen volume, concentration, normality and motility of spermatozoa were determined. After removing both testes, tissue paraffin section (5µ thickness) were prepared and stained using Haematoxylin and Eosin method. Mean weight of testis was 114.40 ±27.00 grams. Means of seminiferous tubule diameter and tubule length per gram testis were 197.20 ± 1.80 µm and 9956.00 ± 93.00 m, respectively. The mean number of spermatids per each tubule, spermatogonia and spermatocytes at stage I were 163.00 ± 99.9, 140.30 ± 28.60 and 146.40 ± 19.80, respectively. From this study it can be concluded that the Lori goat has high reproductive potentials probably due to high number of sertoli cell per germ cells.

1739 – 1746

Authors: IGWEBUIKE, Udensi M. and ANAGOR, Tochukwu A.

The study investigated the morphology of the oropharynx and tongue of the guinea fowl using gross anatomical and histological techniques. The results showed that the mouth and pharynx of the guinea fowl lacked a definite line of demarcation, and so formed a common oropharyngeal cavity. The roof of the oropharynx was formed by the hard palate and the choana. The hard palate was characterized by a broad v-shaped rostral mucosal swelling, a median palatine ridge that bifurcated caudally into left and right lateral palatine ridges, and para-median rows of caudally pointed conical papillae. The tongue of the guinea fowl was located on the floor of the oropharynx, but did not extend to the full limits of the lower beak. The caudal and rostral parts of the tongue were demarcated by a v-shaped row of papillae, the papillary crest. Histologically, the dorsal surface of the tongue was lined by a non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium that contained intraepithelial taste buds, while the lining on the ventral surface of the tongue was a keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. Other features include a wide sub-epithelial connective tissue layer containing lingual glands, and a core of striated muscles. The lingual glands of the guinea fowl consisted of tubular secretory units made up of mucussecreting cells. These findings may be important in nutritional and medical management of guinea fowls especially under the intensive system of production. Furthermore, our study has provided a foundation for recognition of pathology in the oropharynx and tongue of the guinea fowl.