Animal Research International

2470 – 2474

Authors: BELLO, Muinat Moninuola and OYELESE, Olusegun Ayodele

This study was conducted to investigate the proximate composition of Brycinus nurse from Alau Lake in Maiduguri, Nigeria at different periods of the year (wet season, dry season and harmattan periods). The moisture, protein, fat and ash contents, crude fibre and dry matter were determined using the internationally accepted methods of AOAC for the analysis. The average moisture content for periods varied from 62.50 to 71.36 % with the wet season having the highest value followed by the harmattan period and least in the dry season. The protein content ranges from 14.00 to 32.56 % with dry season with the highest value, followed by harmattan period and wet season had the least value. The fat content for the harmattan period was 40.00 % as the highest followed by wet season 23.00 % and least in dry season 10.00%. The ash content wet season 1.5% was the highest value and dry season and harmattan period I.0 % was the least. The crude fibre was highest in harmattan period 45.00 %, followed by dry season 29.00 % and wet season was least at 23.00 %. Dry matter was highest in dry season 37.50 %, followed by the harmattan period 36.68 % and wet season had the least value of 28.00 %. However, statistical analysis showed no significant difference at p˂0.05 level of significance. Conclusively, the period of the year affected the proximate composition of Brycinus nurse in Alau Lake.

2483 – 2491

Authors: ODUOLA, Adedayo Olatubosun, OBEMBE, Abiodun, ADELAJA, Olukayode James and ANDE, Adeolu Taiwo

Vector control programs in Nigeria are mostly targeted towards reducing the burden of malaria with less emphasis placed on other debilitating vector-borne diseases such as dengue, yellow fever and filariasis. This study assessed the indoor resting densities and insecticide susceptibility status of Culex and Aedes mosquitoes in selected communities utilizing long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) in Kwara State, Nigeria. Pyrethrum spray collections of indoor resting Aedes and Culex mosquitoes were conducted in three communities while adults of both mosquito species reared from larval collections were exposed to pyrethroid, organochlorine, and carbamate insecticides following WHO procedure. Results showed that the higher indoor resting densities of Culex quinquefasciatus (2.5 – 3.4) collected were not significantly (p>0.05) different from the Aedes aegypti (0.3 – 1.3) in all the communities. Carbamate resistance (≤ 81 % post-exposure mortalities) was observed in both Culex (Ilota and Amoyo) and Aedes populations (Gaa-Bolorunduro). Aedes in Gaa-Bolorunduro and Ilota were fully susceptible (100 % mortality) to permethrin and DDT while the Culex population showed differential susceptibility (64 – 100%) to pyrethroid and organochlorine insecticides tested. These findings show focal insecticide resistance requiring specific intervention in each community based on the evidence provided by this study. Pyrethroid resistance status of the Culex quinquefasciatus in these areas may result in access of the vectors to net occupants leading to lower LLIN utilization rates among users. Environmental management strategy in addition to the use of effective insecticide will be most probable for the management of vector-borne diseases in these localities.

2504 – 2509

Authors: KOLAWOLE, Olatunji and OZOKONKWO, Onyinyechi Cecilia

This study provides information on the infectivity rate of Plasmodium falciparum on subjects attending the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Information on the use of certain preventive measures to control malaria transmission and also the need to keep a clean environment for more healthy living is given. A total of 200 subjects attending UITH were recruited into the study. Their blood samples were collected and analyzed microscopically for the presence of the parasite. Questionnaires were collated to obtain information on the kind of control measures undertaken by the subjects to reduce the infectivity rate of the parasite. The study showed that most of the control measures adopted by some of the subjects were effective when compared to the subjects who did not use any control measures.

2518 – 2522

Authors: ARO, Samuel Olanrewaju, FALUYI, Omotayo Bolanle and ADEBAYO, Isaac Abayomi

This paper is a case report of a primigravida heifer found dead within the precinct of the cattle kraal of the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. The animal was opened up to ascertain the probable root causes of its death. The underlying causes of the death of this heifer and the intervention strategies needed to prevent such an occurrence amongst our cattle population are reported here.

2540 – 2543

Authors: FADHIL, Marwan and MERCAN, Levent

Mx proteins, found in many organisms including birds and mammals, are reported to show antiviral activity by inhibiting replication of various viruses. In the present study, 43 samples of conserved Gerze chicken from Gerze District Directorate of Agriculture and 50 samples of pure lines from Ankara Poultry Research Institute were examined for determining of allelic frequencies reported as a marker loci related to resistance “NEF2 and R2 / R” and “NE-F2 and R2 / S” using RsaI and SspI restriction endonucleases by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Allele frequencies of resistant (Mx+) and sensitive allele (Mx-) were found to be 98 and 2 % in Gerze chicken breed population respectively. Virus resistant allele (Mx+) was 52 % and sensitive allele (Mx-) frequency was 48 % in the pure line population. As a result of the study, the Gerze chicken breed population was concluded as a valuable resource that could be used for disease resistance in chicken breeding.

2548 – 2553

Authors: OKOYE, Chidozie Nwabuisi, OBASI, Orji Leo and EZECHUKWU, Okechukwu

This study investigated the effects of the administration of methanolic leaf extract of Piper guineense on serum concentration of testosterone, cauda epididymal sperm reserves (CESR), gonadosomatic weights of the testes and epididymides as well as testicular histomorphology of male albino rats. Twenty four adult male rats of 12 weeks of age were used for the study. Commercial pelleted feed and water were provided ad libitum. The rats were randomly selected into 4 groups of six rats each designated A, B, C and D. Group A served as untreated control and received only distilled water; while groups B, C and D received 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of the methanolic leaf extract of Piper guineense respectively for 30 days. Oral administration of the plant leaf extract was done every other day with the aid of an orogastric cannula. There was no significant variation (p>0.05) in the mean serum testosterone concentration and cauda epididymal sperm reserves across the different groups. However, the mean gonadosomatic weights of the testes of the different treatment groups and the mean gonadosomatic weight of the epididymis of only group C (100 mg/kg body weight) were significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of the control. There was no obvious histomorphologic lesion in the testes of the rats of the different groups. It was concluded that oral administration of methanolic seed extract of P. guineense at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight every other day for 30 days did not affect testosterone concentration, CESR and testicular histomorphology but caused an increase in the allometric weight of the testes.

2392 – 2399

Authors: OGBU, Kenneth Chukwunonso, EBENEBE, Cordelia Ifeyinwa and ABAJUE, Maduamaka Cyriacus

A study was carried out to analyse the effect of brewery effluent from Nigerian brewery Enugu on Ajali River in Eke, Udi Local Government Area, Enugu State. Brewery effluent and water samples from Ajali River were collected with sterile bottles between May and June 2013. The samples were analyzed for physicochemical properties with standard laboratory techniques. Results obtained in the study revealed that the brewery effluent had the following values: pH (7.71 ± 0.15 pH), temperature (29.50 ± 0.500 C), conductivity (489.00 ± 172.00 us/cm), total suspended solids (26.75 ± 0.25 mg/l), total dissolved solids (2.55 ± 0.47 mg/l), total solid (29.31 ± 0.51), biological oxygen demand (1.95 ± 0.100 mg/l), chemical oxygen demand (49.97 ± 6.00 mg/l), dissolved oxygen (3.00 ± 0.15) mg/l) and turbidity (388.00 ± 117.00 NTU). Ajali River had the following values: pH (7.69 ± 0.00 pH), temperature (26.00 ± 0.000 C), conductivity (280.00 ± 22.00 us/cm), total suspended solids (47.01 ± 0.99 mg/l), total dissolved solids (1.86 ± 0.24 mg/l), total solid (48.87 ± 0.11), biological oxygen demand (1.52 ± 0.12 mg/l), chemical oxygen demand (10.94 ± 2.97 mg/l), dissolved oxygen (4.37 ± 0.17 mg/l) and turbidity (278.00 ± 33.00 NTU). Objectionable water odour was recorded for both brewery effluent and Ajali River. The turbidity, total suspended solids and dissolved oxygen of both brewery effluent and Ajali River were far above the national and international permissible standard limits for effluents and surface waters. The reasons for these variations and their effect on the Ajali River were discussed.

2404 – 2412

Authors: EGBUJI, Jude Victor, EJERE, Vincent Chikwendu, UGWU, Godwin Chigozie, OKANYA, Laureta Chinagorom and NNAMONU Emmanuel Ikechukwu

Phytochemical composition and antitrypanosomal activities of aqueous leaf extracts of Loranthus micranthus in rats infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei were investigated for 28 days using 72 adult male albino rats weighing between 150 – 250 g. The rats were divided into six groups (A – F), replicated thrice with each replicate having four rats. Group A, B and C were given 400 mg/kg, 800 mg/kg and 1200 mg/kg of the extracts respectively, according to their body weights, while groups D, E and F served as the negative, positive and normal control groups, respectively. LD50, phytochemical screening, parasitaemia and body weight were determined using standard methods. It was observed that tannins and flavonoids were highly present, alkaloids, resins, steroids and saponins were moderately present in the plant extract, while terpenes and glycosides were present in trace amounts. LD50 of the crude leaf extract of L. micranthus showed no mortality at dose levels of up to 5,000 mg/kg after 24 hours. The level of parasitaemia in all the tested groups and negative control was significantly high (p<0.05) when compared with the positive and normal control groups throughout the experiment. Similarly, a significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in the mean values of body weights of the infected and treated animals throughout the experiment. The results showed that all the tested rats and negative control groups died from the overwhelming parasitaemia unlike the case of those administered the standard drug. The aqueous leaf extract of L. micranthus may not be used as an antitrypanosomal agent.

2421 – 2427

Authors: OPOOLA, Emmanuel, OGUNDIPE, Samson Olabanji, BAWA, Gideon Shaibu, MAKINDE, Olayinka John, ABEJIDE, Oluyinka and OLAYINKA, Oluseyi Ifeoluwa

Dietary amino acids over the needs of broiler chickens may impair feed intake and growth rate. An experiment was conducted to determine the optimum dietary methionine requirement for broiler chickens reared during the hot season under tropical conditions. A total of three hundred day-old broiler chicks were used for the starter phase and two hundred and seventy chicks for the finisher phase. Each experiment had five treatment groups and three replicates per group. The experimental diets were five with graded levels of supplemental methionine at: 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30 and 0.35 % to give total dietary methionine levels of 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60 and 0.65 % for the starter phase feeding trial. For the finisher phase feeding trials, supplemental methionine levels of 0.14, 0.19, 0.20, 0.25 and 0.30 % to give total dietary methionine levels of 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55 and 0.60 % were fed to the chicks. Each experiment lasted from 0 – 4 weeks for the starter phase and 5 – 8 weeks for the finisher phase. Results for the starter phase indicated significantly (p<0.05) linear increases for total weight gain and average daily gain as the dietary levels of methionine increased. The birds fed 0.60 % methionine diet had the highest (p<0.05) final body weight, better feed conversion ratio and feed cost per kg weight gain. The results for the finisher phase show that birds fed 0.60 % methionine diet performed significantly (p<0.05) better in terms of the body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and feed cost/kg weight gain than those fed lower methionine levels in diets. It was concluded that the methionine requirement was 0.60 % for the starter diet. For the finisher phase, a linear increase in the body weight gain was observed up to the highest dietary level of methionine tested (0.60 %). Hence, the optimum dietary level of methionine may be above 0.60 %. Further studies will be necessary to establish higher doses of dietary methionine in broiler finisher reared under tropical climatic conditions.

2436 – 2445

Authors: MGBEAHURUIKE, Anthony Christian

The present study investigated the effect of aflatoxin contamination of poultry feeds from different commercial feed sources on the performance of broiler chicks. Seventy-five 3 weeks old Abor acre broiler chicks were randomly divided into five groups (A – E), replicated thrice with each replicates having 5 birds. Each replicate constituted an experimental unit and the birds were separately housed in a 1 x 1 m2 sized pen. The birds in each treatment group were fed feeds from 5 companies, A – E. Feed intake and body weights were measured in all the treatment groups. Blood samples from the birds were analyzed for different haematological parameters. Feed samples were analyzed for aflatoxin concentration using reverse-phase HPLC. The total aflatoxin content (AFB1 + AFB2 + FG1 + AFG2) of the feeds ranged from 1.4 ± 0.4 - 224.2 ± 74.7 μg/kg. The total aflatoxin level in feed samples C and E were above the European community regulatory limit for poultry feeds (ECRL, 20 μg/kg). There was no statistically significant difference between the haematological values of the birds fed feeds from the different sources (P ˃ 0.005). Lymphocyte count was relatively low in all the treatment groups. However, the mixed-blood populations were scantly detected in all the groups. Feed intake was positively correlated with body weight in the two treatment groups, A and E (P = 0.0001, R = 1). The high concentration of aflatoxin in some of the feeds caused reduced feed intake and poor body weight among the treated birds.

2454 – 2462

Authors: OMEDE, Ameh

The study was carried out to evaluate the relative antioxidant properties and polyphenol contents of partially purified fractions of Moringa oleifera leave extracts. The total phenolic, total flavonoid, anthocyanin, proanthocyanidine and tannin contents of the crude methanolic extract, aqueous fraction and ethyl acetate fraction were determined using established methods, while the antioxidant properties of the test fractions were evaluated using five in vitro radical scavenging assays: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, nitric oxide inhibitory assay, lipid peroxidation assay, reductive potential assay, and the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assay. The highest radical scavenging effect and polyphenol contents were observed in the ethyl acetate fractions than the other fractions: the order of activity for all the assays was ethyl acetate reaction > crude extract > aqueous extract. The results obtained in the present study indicates that M. oleifera could be a potential source of natural antioxidant and could be applied as a functional food with regard to its relatively low tannin content.

2316 – 2320

Authors: ECHI, Paul Chinedu and EZENWAJI, Henry Maduka Godfrey

The length-weight relationship of the commonly caught species of characids; Brycinus leuciscus, Hydrocynus vittatus, Alestes baremoze, and Brycinus macrolepidotus is provided in this study along with their percentage relative frequency of food groups. There were positive estimates for the coefficient of correlation (r2) of the length-weight relationship whereas the condition factor (K) values depict the overall poor being of these species. The lower condition factor (K) range (0.693 – 1.688) was suggestive of poor ecological conditions due to heavy anthropogenic influence on the River. The feed spectrum showed that the four species consumed oligochaetes, detritus, rice bran, adult insects, larvae of insect, groundnut, maize, beans, Bambara nut and cassava tuber.

2328 – 2337

Authors: YASHIM, Suleiman Makama, ADEKOLA, Samuel Tayo, ABDU, Salisu Bakura, GADZAMA, Ishaya Usman and HASSAN, Mohammed Rabiu

The study was carried out to evaluate the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen intake of growing red Sokoto bucks fed graded levels of dried sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) peel meal (DSOPM). Twelve animals aged between 5 – 7 months with an average body weight of 9.17 kg were assigned to four dietary treatments T1 (control), T2, T3 and T4 containing 0%, 2.5%, 5.0% and 7.5% DSOPM, respectively in a completely randomized block design (CRBD) with three goats per treatment. Each animal was fed at 2.5% body weight and provided drinking water ad libitum for 90 days. The results obtained revealed that DSOPM had a significant (p<0.05) effect on total feed intake (TFI), average daily feed intake (ADFI), final body weight (FBW), total body weight (TBW) and average daily weight gain (ADWG). Diet containing 0% inclusion level was significantly (p<0.05) best in total feed intake (37.13 ± 2.10kg), total body weight (4.16 ± 0.44kg), average daily weight gain (0.05 ± 0.008kg) and feed conversion ration (8.93 ± 0.11) compared to other treatment diets. Diet with the highest inclusion level of DSOPM (7.5%) recorded the lowest TBW (1.66 ± 0.50kg), average daily weight gain (0.02 ± 0.009kg), total feed intake (27.52 ± 1.02kg) and average daily feed intake (0.31 ± 0.03kg). Dry matter (DM) digestibility significantly (p<0.05) declined across T1, T2, T3 and T4 (54.24 ± 3.09%, 48.63 ± 4.11%, 44.03 ± 4.01% and 37.78 ± 3.34%), respectively. Crude Protein (CP) digestibility was highest in T3 (64.67 ± 4.11%) and lowest in T4 (48.33 ± 3.98%). Crude Fibre (CF) digestibility was highest in T3 (73.12 ± 12.05%) and lowest in T4 (20.77 ± 11.40%). Digestibility of ether extract (91.75 ± 15.15%) was highest in diet T2 and significantly (p<0.05) different from the other treatment diets. Nitrogen intake was highest in T1 (3.34 ± 0.13%) and lowest in T4 (2.83 ± 0.07%). It was concluded that diet T1 (containing 0% level of DSOPM) supported better growth performance than T2 (2.5%), T3 (5.0%) and T4 (7.5%) signifying that inclusion of DSOPM in goat diet significantly (p<0.05) reduced feed intake and improved nutrient digestibility.

2345 – 2351

Authors: OKAFOR, Ogochukwu, UZOKA, Ngozi Blessing, AJUNWA, Linda Oyibo, CHIKEZIE, Ikechukwu Chikezie, IYAM, Orok Iyam and DALLA, Victor Chatcham

Onchocerciasis is still endemic in Enugu East and Nkanu West Local Government Areas of Enugu State. This survey evaluated the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) and prevalence of onchocerciasis. For the KAP aspect of this survey, the Interviewers administered questionnaire was used as an instrument for collecting information from Respondents who participated in the skin snipping exercise. Skin snips were collected for the prevalence survey. A total of 149 persons participated in the prevalence survey out of which 88 participated in the KAP survey. Correct knowledge of the causative agent, mode of transmission and treatment of the disease were 21.60%, 21.60%, 22.72% respectively, which is quite low; while vector control and intake of ivermectin were 77.27% and 37.50% respectively. The result of the microscopic analysis of skin snips showed zero prevalence for both communities. However, palpitation exercises conducted just before skin snipping revealed the presence of nodules on some of the participants. Therefore a community-based health education intervention on vector control, cause, mode of transmission and treatment of the disease to improve KAP on onchocerciasis as well as confirmatory analysis of skin snips using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is recommended.

2359 – 2367

Authors: OLAJIDE, Joseph Eniola, AKANJI, Musbau Adewumi and DAIKWO, Moses Alilu

The effect of administration of potassium bromate, chloroquine (membrane labilizers) and their co-administration on some cellular enzymes was investigated. The levels of activity of these enzymes were measured in the liver, kidney and serum 24 hours after 21 days of daily oral administration of potassium bromate, chloroquine and the coadministration of potassium bromate and chloroquine. The experimental animals were divided into four groups randomly. Group 1 rats were administered with distilled water and served as control. Group 2 were rats administered with 25 mg/kg body weight of potassium bromate. Group 3 were rats administered with 25 mg/kg body weight chloroquine, while rats in group 4 were co-administered with 25 mg/kg body weight of potassium bromate and chloroquine. This study investigated the effects of repeated administration of two potent membrane disruptors either alone or in combination on liver and kidney cellular enzymes and serum enzymes. Rats administered with potassium bromate exhibited some physical observations which include rapid breathing, diarrhoea and difficulty in movement, while rats administered with chloroquine exhibited hyperactivities. Results of enzyme activity determination showed significant decreases (p<0.05) in the activity of kidney and liver dehydrogenases (lactate and glutamate) as well as in the transaminases (ALT and ASP) when potassium bromate and chloroquine were separately administered. Similarly, alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly reduced (p<0.05) in both tissues. Nonetheless, acid phosphatase (ACP) activity was not appreciably affected in both tissues. Corresponding significant increases (p<0.05) in the activity of these enzymes in the serum was observed. However, unexpected high values of enzyme activities in both tissues when both potassium bromate and chloroquine were co-administered were observed. The elevated level of enzyme activities in serum confirmed further the properties of potassium bromate and chloroquine as membrane labilizers causing the cellular enzymes to leak into the blood. Furthermore, the results obtained pointed to a probable synergy in the properties of the two compounds when they were administered concurrently, thereby creating a kind of modulatory effect on the enzymes, hence the observed increases in enzymes activity in the tissues studied. It could be inferred from the results therefore that the intrinsic properties of chemical substances could be modulated or modified intracellularly when in interaction with other compounds and even with the cell system.

2378 – 2384

Authors: DALLA, Victor Chatcham, AJUNWA, Linda Oyibo, UZOKA, Ngozi Blessing, CHIKEZIE, Ikechukwu Chikezie, IYAM, Orok Iyam and OKAFOR, Ogochukwu

Blackflies have been implicated over the years as the vector of onchocerciasis (River blindness). Ivermectin, on the other hand, has been the drug of choice for the treatment of onchocerciasis and to a great extent indirectly serves as a systemic insecticide thereby breaking the transmission cycle of the disease. This study tried to evaluate the impact of ivermectin in Ezza Nkwubor and Umuhu communities of Enugu East and Isi Uzor LGAs of Enugu State, respectively. An epidemiological survey was carried out to check for the presence of microfilariae in skin snip samples collected from both left and right iliac crests of subjects living in the community. A total of 147 subjects were evaluated in the two communities. There was a significant difference p = 0.266 in the age distribution and also in the gender distribution p = 0.316. It was observed that the knowledge of ivermectin in the study areas was significantly different p = 0.012 and for those that have been skin snipped before there was also a statistically significant difference p = 0.000. More so, all samples subjected to microscopic analysis tested negative. It will be hasty to conclude that onchocerciasis has been eliminated from these communities. Further studies on the presence of the vector and their vectorial capacity could also assist in determining the actual status of onchocerciasis in the study areas.