Animal Research International

2249 – 2259

Authors: IKHUORIAH, Suleman Ovuehor, ORONSAYE, Charity G. and ADEBANJO, Isaac Adeniyi

Zooplankton communities of the River Ossiomo at Ologbo, Niger Delta, Nigeria were investigated from April 2012 to December 2012. Three stations were studied from upstream to downstream with a distance of about 2 kilometres between each station. A total of 42 taxa were identified; 11 species of cladocerans, 6 copepods and 5 rotifers in the following order of dominance: copepoda > cladocera > rotifera. A total zooplankton population of 1330 individuals was recorded during the study period. Copepods and cladocera represented the predominant species (51.1% and 43.6% of the total zooplankton community respectively) followed by rofiters (5.3%). Copepods and cladocerans were dominated by both cyclopoid (51.1%) and chydorids (27.8%), respectively. The dominant copepod and cladocera species were Thermocyclops neglectus and Alona eximia representing 33.1% and 15.8% of the total zooplankton, respectively. The calculated diversity indices indicated that station 1 was more diverse followed by station 3, while zooplankton species in station 2 were least diverse. Community composition was similar at both stations 2 and 3 but varies seasonally across the three stations. Higher species number and density were found during the wet season with a trend of declining proportion towards the dry months.

2268 – 2273

Authors: FALOHUN, Olufarati Oludunsin, OBEBE, Oluwasola Olaiya, ONYICHE, Emmanuel ThankGod, OKE, Philip Oladele, OMOTAINSE, Oluwadamilola Samuel and ADELABU, David Babatunde

Fasciola gigantica is the parasitic fluke causing tropical fasciolosis leading to great economic losses in cattle production in Nigeria. One hundred and five (105) flukes were collected and identified after careful examination of the bile ducts from twenty-one (21) infected slaughtered cattle out of a total of two hundred (200) cattle examined from Bodija Municipal Abattoir. Semichon’s Acetic-Carmine staining technique and histological examination were carried out for parasitic identification while simple faecal floatation and sedimentation techniques were done for parasite egg examination. Postmortem examination showed enlarged and friable liver covered with fibrin tags while bile ducts were thickened, distended and packed with adult flukes when sliced open. Microscopic and histological examination revealed greyish-brown leaf-shaped adult Fasciola gigantica flukes, bearing a cone-shaped projection and a pair of broad shoulders with the intestinal ceca branched as well as the testes and the ovary. The vitelline follicles fill the lateral fields of the worm and the common genital pore just anterior to the acetabulum. Large Fasciola gigantica eggs are oval, yellowish to greenish and bear a polar operculum. Public enlightenment especially among the butchers and abattoir workers should be periodical on the public health importance of the parasite and how unwholesome abattoir practices can lead to accidental human infection. This will greatly reduce the practice of selling infected organs that have been deemed unfit for human consumption.

2284 – 2291

Authors: JOSIAH, Gana James, OMALU, Innocent Chukwuemeka James, MAKUN, Hussaina Jumai, CHIEZEY, Ngozi P. and ABAH, Onuche-Ojo Isaiah

Small ruminants (goats and sheep) production systems worldwide are significantly constrained by haemo and gastrointestinal parasites. The study was carried out in Northwestern Nigeria from November 2011 to October 2012 to identify the common haemoparasites and haemonchosis in small ruminants. Three hundred abomasum samples with corresponding blood samples were collected from 200 goats and 100 sheep, respectively at necropsy. The abomasa were examined by Hansen and Perry method for the presence of Haemonchus contortus while blood samples were examined using the thin blood smear and Haematocrit Centrifugation Techniques (HCT). The prevalence of Haemonchus contortus in small ruminants was 80.3% with goats and sheep having a prevalence of 78% and 85%, respectively. The prevalence of H. contortus in small ruminants during late dry, early dry, late rain and early rain were 64.9%, 84.1%, 89.9% and 81.1%, respectively. The prevalence was statistically significant among the seasons (p<0.05) with the highest prevalence in the late rainy season. The total number of adult worms collected was 21862. The highest adult worm burdens were obtained during the late rainy season (August to October) when a mean worm burden of 180.2 ± 51.45 and PCV of 26.63 ± 0.63 were recorded. The mean worm burdens for early dry, late dry and early rain were 42.60 ± 6.93, 31.67 ± 5.56 and 61.10 ± 11.33, respectively. The PCV values for the season were 27.73 ± 0.79, 26.60 ± 0.87 and 28.40 ± 0.65, respectively. The values of PCV for the four sub-seasons were not significant from one another but the value of PCV obtained during early rain was different from those of other sub-seasons. The PCV had a weak negative correlation with worm burdens with a Pearson correlation coefficient of -0.2632 which was highly significant (p<0.001). Out of 200 goats and 100 sheep examined for haemoparasites, only one goat had a heavy infection with Trypanosoma vivax and a sheep had mixed infection with Theileria ovis and Anaplasma ovis. The prevalence of three protozoans encountered was 0.33% each in small ruminants. The PCV of infected goats and sheep with protozoan parasites was 25% and 20%, respectively. The results suggest that Haemonchus contortus may be the major cause of anaemia in the study area. It is therefore recommended that further research be embarked upon to determine the effect of nutrition in ameliorating the effects of helminth infections and anaemia in small ruminants.

2298 – 2304

Authors: ABA, Patrick Emeka, JOSHUA, Parker Elijah, ONWUDINJO, Rex Chibuikem, OMOJA, Valentine Uneojo and EZEASOR, Chukwunonso Kenechukwu

This study investigated the possible hepatoprotective effect of quail egg solution on acetaminophen intoxicated rats. Thirty adult rats of mixed sexes were assigned into five groups of six per group. The rats in groups 2, 3, and 4 were pretreated with 30, 15, 7.5 mg/ml ad-lib respectively of quail egg solution for 7 days before intoxication with 2000 mg/kg acetaminophen. Rats in group 5 were not pretreated but intoxicated with 2000 mg/kg acetaminophen (negative control) while the group 1 rats were neither pretreated nor intoxicated and served as a positive control. Fourty eight hours post-induction, blood for some biochemical and haematological analysis was collected and the remaining rats treated until the 14th day when the rats were humanely sacrificed and vital organs (liver and kidney) collected for histopathology. The results showed that the ALT activity of 30 mg/ml pretreated rats were significantly (p<0.05) lower than those of the negative control rats. Significant (p<0.05) increases were seen in the RBC, WBC, PCV and Hb levels of quail egg pretreated rats when compared with the negative control. However, no significant (p>0.05) changes were seen in AST activity, MCHC and MCH levels of both the test groups and the controls. Histomorphometry examination revealed less severe vacuolar degenerative changes in the liver of 30 mg/ml pretreated rats when compared to the rats of other intoxicated groups. It was concluded that quail egg at the concentration of 30 mg/ml ameliorated hepatotoxicity and improved haematologic indices of acetaminophen-induced toxicity in rats.

2311 – 2315

Authors: OKEKE, Obiageli Panthe, IMAKWU, Cyril Ali, EYO, Joseph Effiong and OKAFOR, Fabian Chukwuemenam

This study examined the trends of malaria infection among children in the paediatric unit of some tertiary and secondary health outlets in Anambra State, Nigeria over a six-year period. A retrospective study of malaria prevalence in children aged 0 – 14.9 years between January 2005 and December 2010 was conducted to establish the trends. There was an increase in the number of children with malaria infection from 2005 to 2010. Seasonal prevalence occurred with 52.3% malaria parasite infection during the rainy season and 47.7% during the dry season. Children between the ages of 0 – 3 years had the highest malaria prevalence between 2005 – 2010. There was an overall yearly increase in the number of malaria cases which may be as a result of influx of mothers/caregivers to the hospitals for further treatment after initial home management of malaria in their children.

2159 – 2165

Authors: EBENEBE, Cordelia Ifeyinwa and OKPOKO, Valentine Obinna

The level of microbial contamination of African palm weevil (Rhynchophorus phoenicis) was carried out to assess the health implications of consumption of the larva in raw and roasted forms. Raw Rhynchophorus phoenicis larva collected from rotting palm at Mgbo, Oba in Idemili Local Government Area and roasted Rhynchophorus phoenicis purchased along Onitsha-Owerri expressway all in Anambra State, Nigeria were used for the study. Streak method was used in the assessment of the microbial load in the raw Rhynchophorus phoenicis whereby fluid from intestinal content was inoculated to Nutrient and MacConkey agar and incubated at 37oC for 48 hours, while those on Sabaroud agar was incubated at room temperature for five days. The roasted ones were milled before the plate count method was applied. In this method, one-tenth millilitre (0.1ml) of the 4th part of diluents produced after serial dilution to the concentration of 10-6 was aseptically inoculated into MacConkey agar (3 plates), Nutrient agar (3 plates) and Sabaroud agar (3 plates) respectively. The result showed three species of bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in the live APW and three species of bacteria: Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus vulgaris as well as two species of fungi: Cladosporum spp. and Aspergillus flavus in the roasted Rhynchophorus spp. The total bacterial count in the roasted Rhynchophorus phoenicis was 1.72 x 106 CFU/g while the total fungal count was 4.3 x102 CFU/g. Rhynchophorus phoenicis though reported to be highly nutritious in terms of amino acid profile and presence of unsaturated fatty acid can be a source of food poison if not properly handled in a sanitary manner during collection, processing and post-processing period.

2171 – 2177

Authors: IGBINOSA, Benjamin Igho, IZEGAEGBE, Joshua Idowu, OKAFOR, Fabian Chukuemeka and UHUNWANGHO, David Ayowie

The survey for freshwater snails in streams, rivers and a lake in Ovia Southwest LGA of Edo State, Nigeria was carried out from June to November 2013. Samples were collected by using a sweep-net and by handpicking of snails within the open water habitat, at marginal areas and on submerged vegetation at edges of the habitats. A total number of 579 individual snails belonging to 6 families, Ampullariidae (Lanistes varicus), Mutelidae (Aspatharia subreniformis), Thiaridae (Melanoides tuberculata), Bulimlidae (Bulimulus teniussimus, Drymaeus multilineatus), Bithyniidae (Gabbiella humerosa), Hygrniidae (Monacha catiana) were collected. In terms of number and distribution, the Lanistes varicus was the most dominant species consisting of 258(44.6%) of the total number of snails collected. 330(56.9%) number of snails were collected from the open water, 209(36.1%) in the marginal areas and 40(6.9%) on submerged vegetation.

2184 – 2188

Authors: FRIMPONG, Michael Kwaku, EMIKPE, Benjamin Obukowho, FOLITSE, Raphael Deladem, JARIKRE, Theophilus Aghogho, ASENSO, Nyarko Timothy, ASARE, Derrick Adu and OKAI, Daniel Boye

There had been a dearth of information on the level of fetal wastages in slaughtered pigs in West African countries other than Nigeria. This study evaluates the fetal losses due to the slaughtering of pregnant pigs at the Kumasi abattoir in Kumasi, Ghana. The ages of the fetuses were estimated using the standard technique with the influence of sex, age and breed of pig on fetal loss being evaluated. Data were subjected to descriptive and quantitative analysis. 2817 pigs were slaughtered during the period of the study with a monthly average of 563.1739(61.73%) were sows and 430(29.27%) were pregnant. 141(28.20%) sows were slaughtered in January, constituting the highest throughout the period of the study with corresponding fetal loss of 616(76.60%). Most of the fetuses wasted in this study were recorded in the second and third trimester (83.51%). The percentage of fetal wastage (the total number of fetuses wasted divided by the total number of pigs slaughtered) was 2117(75%) in this study. The results revealed a high incidence of fetal losses at the Kumasi abattoir. There is need to advocate for routine veterinary checks and interventions in order to reduce the high level of fetal wastage which call for strategic planning and decision-making on animal food security in Ghana.

2203 – 2211

Authors: BABAMALE, Olarewaju Abdulkareem, ADENEKAN, Tawakalitu A. and UGBOMOIKO, Uade Samuel

Malaria control is a major challenge in many endemic countries including Nigeria; implementation of evidence-based control strategies is therefore needful in the sustainability of malaria control programmes. A cross-sectional study was designed to investigate the perception of two communities in Oyo state using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Of 500 people enrolled for the study, Ninety-six percent of respondents reported to have heard of malaria. Though the majority reported mosquito as the major transmitter of the infection only 22.6% has adequate knowledge of the correct transmission route. Misconception about the causative agent of malaria is high, only 13.2% mentioned Plasmodium species as the causative agent. The knowledge about the ecology of mosquitoes was greatly applauded in the study area. Health-seeking behaviours and possession of insecticidal treated bet net were found to be associated with the socioeconomic status of the individual. Despite the high knowledge about malaria demonstrated in this study, some misconceptions about transmission and symptoms still exist. The need to improve the spreading of information about malaria through rural dispensaries and primary health centres is essential for resounding success to be recorded.

2218 – 2222

Authors: NNAJI, Theophilus, UDEGBUNAM, Sunday, OGBANYA, Kenneth and OFFOR, Gregory

An 8-month old Norwich terrier breed of dog that presented with bilateral prolapse of the third eyelid glands was treated surgically using the modified Morgan’s pocket technique in combination with the tacking of the third eyelids to the periorbital periosteum. The physiologic, haematological and biochemical parameters taken before treatment were all within the normal values. The combined surgical approaches adopted for the treatment were clearly described as well as the post-operative management. The patient had a rapid positive response without recurrence even after 4 months, unlike what is always seen when the modified Morgan’s pocket technique is used alone.

2231 – 2240

Authors: IYAJI, Florence Oyibo, MEDAYEDUPIN, Ifeoluwa Temidayo, ECHI, Paul Chinedu, FALOLA, Oladunni Omoyeni and OMOWAYE, Olaniyi Stephen

Gastrointestinal helminth parasites of Amietophyrnus regularis (African Common Toad) in Anyigba were investigated. A total of 120 specimens were examined for helminth parasites, 113(94.17%) toads were infected, while 7(5.8%) were uninfected. Helminth parasites recovered were 1576, comprising of 1 Cestode: Baerietta jaegerskioeldi (2.50%) and 3 Nematodes: Amplicaecum africanum (92.50%), Cosmocerca ornata (16.67%) and Physaloptera spp. (6.67%). Nematodes had the highest occurrence with A. africanum as the most prevalent. The cestode, B. jaegerskioeldi and the nematode, C. ornata exhibited specific sites of infection, is found in the small intestine and large intestine/rectum, respectively. The small intestine of hosts harboured the highest number of parasites with a prevalence of 90%. Although infection increased with the size of hosts examined, there was no significant difference in the infection of size categories. Similarly, there was no significant difference in the infection of male and female toad hosts (p>0.05). The toads with 1 – 10 worms had the highest frequency of infections, 61(50.83%). Multiple infections were recorded in several of the toad hosts, an indication of the rich parasitic fauna of Amietophyrnus regularis in Anyigba. This study is an attempt to bridge the dearth of information on the helminth parasites associated with Amietophyrnus regularis in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria.

2107 – 2113

Authors: OMELONYE, Kelvin Ebere, OKOLO, Chidinma Adanna, NWIBO, Daniel Don, CHUKWUKA, Christian Onyeka, NWIBO, Mirabel Ifeyinwa and UBACHUKWU, Patience Obiageli

Two months preliminary survey of the prevalence of diarrhoea among children (aged 5 – 10 years) was carried out in Nsukka area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Questionnaires were used to obtain information on the demographic details of the parents and children, prevalence, management and control of diarrhoea among children of this age group. These were distributed to the parents of the children used for the study. Using Pearson's correlation coefficient, we found that diarrhoea among children of this age was neither correlated with residential location (r = -0.47, p = 0.652), occupation of the parent (r = 0.134, p = 0.194) nor sex of the child (r = 0.092, p = 0.377). However, the educational level of the parents was correlated with childhood diarrhoea (r = 0.346, p = 0.001). These results suggested that the children of less-educated people were more prone to diarrhoeal infection when compared to children of the more educated counterparts.

2120 – 2129

Authors: AGINA, Onyinyechukwu Ada, EZEMA, Wilifred Sunday and NWISHIENYI, Charles Nnachetam

Performing comprehensive health assessments on turkey populations enables one to determine their responses to physiological factors such as sex, breed and environmental stressors. The haemato-biochemical parameters of 58 healthy domestic turkeys of varying breeds and sexes, raised by small scale turkey farmers in Nsukka metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria and the physiological factors (sex and breed) that influence them were determined. All haemato-biochemical procedures were carried out following standard procedures. The mean for the haemato-biochemical parameters was as follows: packed cell volume 30.70 ± 0.63 %; red blood cell count 3.75 ± 0.22 x 106/μl; hemoglobin concentration 12.95 ± 0.62 g/dl; total leukocyte count 3.67 ± 0.09 x 103 /μl; heterophil 2.24 ± 103/μl; lymphocyte 1.36 ± 0.06 x 103/μl; monocyte 0.03 ± 0.00 x 103/μl; eosinophil 0.10 ± 0.02 x 103/μl; basophil 0.01 ± 0.00 x 103/μl; aspartate aminotransferase 73.99 ± 5.40 IU/L; alanine aminotransferase 11.00 ± 2.12 IU/L; alkaline phosphatase 165.19 ± 15.77 IU/L; total proteins 4.64 ± 0.17 g/dl; albumin 2.54 ± 0.12 g/dl; globulin 2.11 ± 0.12 g/dl; cholesterol 157.83 ± 12.81 mg/dl; creatinine 0.98 ± 0.11 mg/dl; uric acid 5.62 ± 0.45 mg/dl. There were no sex-related variations in all the studied haematological and biochemical parameters. It was also found that the local breed had significantly higher (p<0.05) monocyte numbers than the foreign breed (Nicholas large white). This study shall form a basis for establishing a haematobiochemical reference range of values for clinical and scientific uses by avian clinicians for turkey populations in Nsukka.

2136 – 2142

Authors: ASOGWA, Chinweike Norman, EZENWAJIAKU, Francis O., OKOLO, Chidinma Adanna, EKEH, Felicia Nkechi, NWIBO, Daniel Don and CHUKWUKA, Christian Onyeka

The behavioural and serum liver enzyme responses of juvenile catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were evaluated for 72 hours. Thirty-six (36) healthy fishes with standard weight, 20 ± 1.52 g and standard length, 18.25 ± 0.50 cm were used for the experiment in a non-renewable bioassay system. The test fish exhibited stressful behavioural changes such as erratic swimming, vertical swimming, gasping, and body discolouration. The 24 and 48-hours LC50 were determined to be 96.937 and 9.765 mg/ml respectively. Increased serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transferase concentrations were recorded on the final day of the experiment (p<0.05).