Animal Research International

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.

1665 – 1672

Authors: OLOFINTOYE, O. Rose and BOLU, Steve A.

A study was conducted to determine the effects of corn distillers’ dried grain (CDDG) on the performance and egg quality of laying hens. The hens were fed dietary inclusions of CDDG at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% for a period of eight weeks. Average feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio and nitrogen economy varied ignificantly (P<0.05) among dietary treatments. Birds fed 30% dietary CDDG had the highest feed intake (127.00 g/bird/day). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was inversely related to increasing levels of dietary treatments with CDDG. Among hens fed dietary CDDG, those fed 10% dietary the best feed conversion ratio (6.3) and highest weight gain 20.10 g/bird/day). Nitrogen retention was the highest (88.6%) in birds fed control diet and lowest (61.2%) in birds fed 30% dietary CDDG. Hen-day production (HDP) and Haugh Unit (HU) were significantly affected (P<0.05) by dietary treatments. Birds fed 20% dietary CDDG had the highest (61%) HDP, while birds fed 0% CDDG (control diet) had the lowest HDP (52.2%). Birds fed 20% dietary CDDG had the highest HU value (88.7) while birds fed 0% dietary CDDG (control) had the lowest (81.2) value. Birds fed 20% CDDG performed best in terms of HDP, egg quality, cost-benefit ratio. Laying hens can be fed CDDG at 10-20% inclusion level. Inclusion levels of CDDG above this level were observed to have counter-productive effects on the production performance of bird; this observation is as a result of high fibre level of CDDG.

1681 – 1684

Authors: EWUIM, Sylvanus Chima

In this paper entomoremediation as a novel concept was critically projected as a bioremediation technique that needs to be harnessed in line with global realities of involving organisms like microorganisms and earthworms in soil decontamination. Entomoremediation is defined as a type of remediation in which insects are used in order to decontaminate a degraded soil. The candidacy of collembolans, ants, beetles and termites in entomoremediation is advocated because of their role as ecosystem engineers. The need for mass rearing of the insects to be used in proposed bioremediation is discussed. Bioremediation as a measure that requires interdisciplinary approach is emphasized. The need to use insects that are neither threatened or endangered in entomoremediation in order to achieve overall healthy balance of the soil environment is stressed.

1689 – 1698

Authors: EZENWAJI, Ngozi Evelyn, OBIEKWE, Emmanuel Chukwuma and NWAIGWE Chukwuemeka Onyekachi

The functional morphology of some organs of squirrels was investigated through histological observations. A total number of thirty two (32) ground squirrels (Xerus erythropus); 15 males with mean weight 220.0 ± 2.0 g and length 40.0 ± 0.2 cm, and 15 females with mean weight 229.8 ± 2.0 g and length 39.0 ± 2.0 cm were used. The ground squirrels were trapped using rodent traps, anesthetized identified to species level and dissected to expose the viscera. The organs (liver brain, heart, gonads (testes and ovaries) were dissected out, clean off ceolomic fluid, fixed in normal buffered saline prior to the histological studies of the tissues. The organs of squirrel from different zones were examined at the light microscopy. The results compared clearly showed normal tissues without degenerations, the tissue histology showed almost the same pattern and arrangement of the cells in the tissues. The liver develops embryologically outgrowth of the gut. The endocardium, with all its endothelial lining and supporting tissues, accommodates movement of the myocardium. The cerebellar cortex forms a series of deeply convoluted folds or folia. The spermatozoon is absorbed into the lumen of the tubule, where they are drawn into the epididymal walls of the testis while the primary oocyte is surrounded by a single layer of flattened follicular cells.