Animal Research International

2785 – 2792

Authors: MOUSAVI KASHANI, Seyed Mohsen, DARVISH, Sara and GHARAHVEYSI, Shahabodin

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different strains of broiler chickens and feed types used on broiler litter quality. For this study, 416 broiler chickens were used as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with two factors, four replicates and 13 chickens per pen. The first factor consisted of Ross 308, Arian, Cobb and A+ strains and the second factor included two types of common and specific feeds. The effect of the above factors was studied on quantitative and qualitative indices of the litter, general Linear Model was used in SAS software. There was no significant effect (p>0.05). The highest moisture, crude protein and nitrogen percentage were related to Ross (23.82 %), Cobb (22.67 %) and Arian (3.59 %), respectively. Also, the highest moisture, crude protein and nitrogen percentage of the feeds were 24.05%, 22.43% and 3.59%, respectively, which was observed in the common feed. Differences between strains and also, between compositions of feeds did not lead to a difference in the composition of the chicken farm litter.

2804 – 2808

Authors: AWE, Emmanuel Temitope

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of head deformity on the growth and development of catfish (Clarias gariepinus). The obvious increasing market for fish protein calls for the evaluation of factors that influences the yield of fish. Fertilization was carried out among Clarias gariepinus with snout mouth (a form of cephalic abnormality) and normal Clarias obtained from Ado-Ekiti, in Ekiti State together with a controlled study involving fertilization among non-cephalic abnormality or normal Clarias. The highest hatchability rate of 64.44 % was recorded in the control study and the least of 38.02 % was recorded in crosses where both parents were cephalically deformed. In the growth performance of the offspring, the crosses involving the deformed parents (SM x SM) had the highest mean weight and mean length of 3.941 ± 0.56 g and 4.84 ± 0.89 cm, while the least of 2.477 ± 0.16 g and 3.34 ± 0.5 cm was recorded in crosses involving normal parent and deformed head parent (SM x NM), after 12 weeks of raising the offspring. There was no occurrence of snout mouth deformity among the progenies of all the crosses. However, there were few occurrences of other forms of deformities; four cases of albinism and one case of inwardly bent trunk among the fries.

2818 – 2825

Authors: ODUOLA, Adedayo Olatunbosun, OMOTAYO, Ahmed Idowu , ADELAJA, Olukayode James and OBEMBE, Abiodun

Bedbugs are cosmopolitan insects of public health importance. Their characteristic biting and blood-feeding activities result in both physical symptoms and psychological distress in affected hosts. This study investigated the incidence of bedbug and control practices among students and indigenes living in two different settlements in Ilorin, Nigeria. Bedbugs were surveyed and collected from household materials from fifty apartments randomly selected from each of the new and old student hostels and family houses in Tanke and Oja-Oba area of Ilorin. Bedbugs collected were persevered in 70 % alcohol and identified using taxonomic keys. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on respondents’ demography, perception about bedbug infestation and control practices in sampled houses in the study areas. Sampled data were analysed using percentages. Results from the survey revealed that the number of respondents with knowledge of bedbugs was not significant (p>0.05) compared with those without. Family houses in the indigenous Oja-Oba study location were the only site with bed-bug infestation. Higher numbers of bedbugs were collected on mattresses. Out of the 200 respondents, 20 (10 %) employed the use of the chemical method in bedbug control and precisely, 12 (60 %) of these use a locally made formulation named otapiapia. The intensity of infestation in Oja-Oba and insignificant knowledge of bedbugs among the respondents suggest the need to raise the level of public awareness and also canvass for improved living conditions in the affected areas.

2836 – 2841

Authors: EHISIANYA, Collins Ndubuisi, EKEDO, Chukwuebuka Mathias, OKORE, Oghale O’woma, and IBEDIUGHA, Briandavis Nnaemeka

Laboratory evaluation of Bendiocarb and Deltamethrin insecticides for the management of Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes were conducted in June 2016 at Arbovirus and Vectors Research Centre, Enugu, Nigeria. Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae were obtained from breeding sites (ground pools, dirty water, containers) at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Southeast Nigeria. They were reared and fed with ground biscuits to adulthood. Two- to three-day-old, non-blood engorged female mosquitoes were exposed separately to discriminating dosages of 0.1 % bendiocarb and 0.05 % deltamethrin impregnated papers embedded in World Health Organisation (WHO) diagnostic test kit following their standard protocol of susceptibilities. The knockdown effect was recorded at 5 and 10 minutes intervals and their mortality was scored 24 hours after exposure. Fifty and ninety percent of knockdown times (KDT50 and KDT90) were determined using probit analysis. The result showed that the Cx. quinquefasciatus collected from the breeding habitats were resistant to bendiocarb with mortality of 38.50 % after 24 hours exposure. A similar result was also obtained from deltamethrin treatment with a percentage mortality of 10.80. The KDT50 and KDT90 were 30 and 60 minutes, respectively in deltamethrin treated mosquitoes, whereas 40 and 60 minutes in bendiocarb treated. This result revealed that bendiocarb and deltamethrin insecticides may not be suitable alternatives to control Culex spp. at this location.

2860 – 2866

Authors: AJUNWA, Linda Oyibo, JEGA, Hassan Zainab, AGBADORONYE, Purity Chizoba, ONYEAGU, Chika Lucy, IBRAHIM, Larai Janet, NGAMDU, Sumayin Aisha and IBRAHIM, Mohammed

The study was conducted to determine the occurrence of tsetse and establish the impact of the flies contact with humans and livestock in Barangoni community, Bwari Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria. The study employed a cross-sectional survey research design and the use of traps. Traps were set to catch tsetse flies along the bank of River Jeffy whereas survey research was used to collect information from herdsmen and community dwellers on the impact of tsetse fly contact with livestock and human using a structured questionnaire. A random sampling technique was adopted for the study. The sample size of the study was 31 respondents and consists of 19 city dwellers and 12 herdsmen. Data collected were analyzed using frequency count and percentage. The presence of tsetse fly (Glossina palpalis) was confirmed in Barangoni and both herdsmen and city dwellers experienced tsetse bite. The impact of the bites was extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, exercise intolerance such that caused the livestock to be weak, lag behind the mob and collapse or may even die. This result suspects HAT and AAT in the community. Also, the presence of tsetse in Barangoni indicates that the community is a tsetse infested area. It is therefore recommended that surveillance be extended to the community to map out definite infested areas and subsequently, vector and disease control strategies deployed.

2876 – 2882

Authors: AMADI, Anthonia Nnenna Chuks, AMOKE, Cornelius Offorma and GANIYU, Kafayat

This study was carried out to determine the status of malaria parasitemia and assessment of the awareness and use of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets and malaria control among the Umudike community of Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. Using thin-film preparations, malaria parasites were detected and identified. Questionnaire and observation were used to retrieve information from consenting individuals. Four hundred (400) blood samples were examined and the overall prevalence of malaria was 45 %. Females were more infected (47.50 %) than males (43.43 %), but there was no significant difference (p>0.05). Individuals within the age group of 10 – 19 years were most infected (48 %) than other age groups. Species of Plasmodium observed showed that P. falciparum was highest 148 (82.22 %) followed by P. vivax 24(13.33 %) and P. malaria was the least 8(4.44 %). There was no case of P. ovale infection. Students had the highest infection rate (48.67 %) followed by unemployed (45.00 %), farmers (43.33 %) and civil servants (40.00 %) that had the least. The majority of the respondents (79.45 %) associated malaria with mosquito bites and despite the high level (88.89 %) of awareness on the benefits of LLINs only a few have (48.33 %) and sleep (20 %) under the net respectively. Reasons for not having and using LLINs include scarcity (45.21 %) and high cost (16.44 %) of the nets in the area, even though the nets were meant to be distributed free of charge. Malaria is acknowledged to be endemic and prevalence high in the study areas and despite the high awareness of LLINs also possession of the LLINs does not translate into usages, there is, therefore, an urgent need for public health education by Government and relevant agencies on various preventive strategies especially free distribution and proper usage of LLINs, improved environmental sanitation and on proper treatment procedures of malaria in Umudike and its environs.

2892 – 2897

Authors: OKORE, Oghale O’Woma, IBEDIUGHA, Briandavis Nnaemeka, UBIARU, Prince Chigozirim and IGBOKWE, Emmanuel Chiagozie

Efficacy of the leaf powders of Carica papaya, Citrus sinensis, Picralima nitida and permethrin dust against Callosobruchus maculatus and Sitophilus zeamais in stored bean and maize was conducted. Treatments were admixed with 50 g of bean and maize and infested with 20 adults of C. maculatus and S. zeamais in 200 ml air-tight vials containing 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 g of the plant powders and permethrin dust and were kept under prevailing laboratory conditions (60 – 65 RH, 27 ± 20C) for a period of 96 hours. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design of 5 treatments and four replicates. The mortality of weevils to the plant powders and the synthetic insecticides were recorded. The highest mortality occurred in the permethrin dust followed by C.papaya, C. sinensis and P. nitida. The mortality rate for C. maculates and S. zeamais were 14.10 ± 12.43 and 12.95 ± 8.41 in permethrin dust, 10.95 ± 7.99 and 4.00 ± 4.52 in C. papaya powder, 8.25 ± 5.89 and 3.05 ± 3.30 in C. sinensis powder and 8.10 ± 6.60 and 2.40 ± 2.70 in P. nitida powder. The highest mortality count in all the treatments occurred in the 48 to 96 hours, while the least mortality was observed within the 24 hours. The mortality was higher in the treatments with the higher dose of the powders. The insecticidal effects were more in C. maculatus than in S. zeamais. No mortality was recorded in the control experiment.

2710 – 2714

Authors: ADEMOLA, Olaoluwa John, OGUNBANJO, Oludayo Obafunke, OLAFIMIHAN, Temitope Fatima and NZEH, Gladys Chioma

Karyotypic information is a useful endpoint in environmental monitoring and breeding programme. Data on the karyotype of Labeo coubie is needful for environmental assessment and genetic improvement breeding projects. This study was aimed at determining the karyotype of L. coubie. 10 specimens were obtained from the University of Ilorin dam, Ilorin, Nigeria. Each specimen received intraperitoneally 0.02% colchicine (1ml/100g body weight) and was left for 4 hours before sacrifice. Chromosome preparation was made from the kidney and liver. A total of 200 metaphase spreads were scored. The diploid chromosome numbers ranged from 2n = 44 to 2n = 50. The modal diploid number was found to be 2n = 50 and this represents 56 %. The kidney tissue gave better chromosome preparation. These results contribute to the karyotypic data on L. coubie.

2720 – 2724

Authors: EYAREFE, Oghenemega David, ATAWALNA, Joseph, 1,EMIKPE, Benjamin Obukowho, FOLITSE, Raphael, DEI, Dickson, DUDUYEMI Babatunde, OKUNGBOWA, Solomon, OKAI, Daniel

This paper reports a case of a true intersex in a pig in Kumasi, Ghana. The diagnosis was based on a gross and histomorphological assessment of the genital organs which consist of a left ovary, two uterine horns and body of the uterus, along with a right testis without an epididymis. Vagina and vulva were also absent. A perineal scrotal pouch and a tubular tract connection with an intra-abdominal urinary bladder conducting urine through a miniature paraphimotic sigmoid shaped penis were observed. Rectal prolapse was consequent to rectal compression by the inadequately voided urinary bladder. Gonadal hormonal profiles were analysed and compared in the true intersex and those of the males and female siblings using standard techniques. The embryologic, reproductive, and swine production cost implications of intersex were discussed.

2730 – 2740

Authors: LAMIDI, Tajudeen Babatunde, ALO, Emmanuel Babatope and NAPHTALI, Rebecca

Most mosquitoes are of public health problem because the females consume blood and transmit diseases. The study was carried out between September 2015 and August 2016 to determine the diversity of Anopheles species in Taraba State, Nigeria. Indoor mosquitoes in Ardo Kola, Bali and Donga were collected using pyrethrum-spray catch. 1073 Anopheles mosquitoes were identified to 20 species level. The identified Anopheles gambiae species complex was further analyzed to determine sibling and molecular species using PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism assay contained An. coluzzii (former An. gambiae ss M form) 725(95.6 %) An. gambiae (former An. gambiae ss S form) 24(3.2 %), An. coluzzii/An. gambiae hybrid 9(1.2 %) and An. arabiensis 1(0.19 %). Among the Anopheles species, 640(59.6 %) which composed of 14 species were from Ardo Kola, 305(28.4 %) composed of 15 species were from Bali and 128(12.0 %) composed of 7 species were from Donga, all dominated by An. coluzzii which was 66.4, 21.2 and 12.4 % respectively of all An. coluzzii, followed by An. constani in Ardo Kola and An. rivulorum in Bali and Donga. An. gambiae, An. gambiae M/S hybrid and An. arabiensis were only found in Bali 24(100.0 %), 9(100.0 %) and 1(100 %) respectively. An. pariensis was only found in Donga 1(100.0 %). The distribution of Anopheles in months did not appear to follow a particular pattern, although observed to be generally low in dry months. Analysis of variance showed a significant difference in abundance of Anopheles species in study areas (p<0.05). This means that the inhabitants of the study areas are, all year round at risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

2751 – 2758

Authors: OMOIKHOJE, Stanley Omoh, ODUDURU, Onome and EGUAOJE, Stanley Abiodun

A feeding trial was conducted for a duration of eight weeks to assess the effect of substituting maize with biscuit waste meal (BWM) on the performance of 144 day-old Anak 2000 broiler chickens. Four experimental broiler starter and finisher diets were formulated with diet 1 as the control. Diets 1, 2, 3 and 4 were formulated to contain BWM at 0, 25, 50 and 75 % replacement for maize. Chicks were randomly assigned to the four treatment diets (1, 2, 3 and 4) in a completely randomized design (CRD) and each treatment group contained three replicates with twelve chickens per replicate. Results on the growth performance revealed that average live weight, daily feed intake, daily weight, protein efficiency ratio and feed conversion ratio were significantly (p<0.05) better in birds fed 50 % BWM than those fed other dietary treatments. Carcass traits such as back and breast muscles as well as the relative weights of gizzard and kidney weight were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by the dietary treatments. Cost of feed/kg weight gain and net profit were highest among birds fed 50 % BWM and least in 75 % BWM based diet. The results suggest that BWM can replace maize up to 50% inclusion level in the broiler diet for optimum performance and good economic returns.

2764 – 2768

Authors: ABAJUE, Maduamaka Cyriacus, EWUIM, Sylvanus Chima and AKUNNE, Chidi Emmanuel

Insect immature stages found on decomposing cadavers are sources of information that assist forensic investigators to elucidate the time of questionable death. Hence, insect larvae recovered from decomposing pig carrions as models to human cadavers in Okija (05°53.240"′N and 006°46.510″E) Anambra State, Nigeria were reared to adults in the laboratory by adopting a simple method to assist amateurs. Samples of the larvae were collected with camel hair (student’s art) brush, 5ml spoon and blunt forceps. They were collected in batches and placed in rearing containers (9.0 cm depth and 6.5 cm width)and labelled accordingly. Each sampled batch was replicated thrice and reared under ambient temperature (28.6 ± 0.15 ºC) and relative humidity (68.5 ± 1.34 %). The reared insect larvae later emerged and they were taxonomically identified. The species were ascertained by a taxonomist at Insect Museum, Institute of Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The species include: Chrysomya albiceps, Chrysomya chloropyga, Chrysomya regalis, Isomyia dubiosa, Isomyia sp. (Calliphoridae), Sarcophaga inzi (Sarcophagidae), Chrysomyza africana (Ulidiidae), Musca domestica (Muscidae), Hermetia illucens (Stratiomyiidae), Dermestes frischii (Dermestidae) and Necrobia rufipes (Cleridae). The Calliphoridae first developed into adults on day 8, Sarcophagidae day 16, Ulidiidae, day 22, Muscidae, day 31, Stratiomyiidae, day 33, Dermestidae, day 38 and Cleridae, day 53. The probable reasons for the insect larvae to associate with the carrions were highlighted and their forensic importance was discussed.

2568 – 2575

Authors: UDEGBUNAM, Rita 1jeoma, OGBANYA, Kenneth Chiedozie, EWUNONU, Uzochi Ihuoma, UDEGBUNAM, Sunday Ositadimma, ONUBA, Austin Chukwudum, UGWU, Nnenna Ebere

This study was carried out to investigate the anaesthetic characteristics of propofol in rabbits with unilateral ureteral obstruction. Rabbits in two groups (B and C) were anaesthetized respectively with 10 mg/kg propofol intravenously (IV) on days 7 and 14 post unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Healthy rabbits in group A served as the control group and were anaesthetized with propofol (10 mg/kg, IV). Duration of anaesthesia obtained in the control group was significantly (p<0.05) shorter compared to anaesthetic duration of groups B and C. Time of recovery from anaesthesia in group A was significantly (p<0.05) faster compared to that obtained in group C. Quality of induction, recovery quality and depth of anaesthesia were noted to be good in the three groups of rabbits. Apnoea was observed more in diseased rabbits (groups B and C) compared to the healthy rabbits. Heart rate of rabbits in groups A and B increased but decreased in group C post propofol injection (PPI). Respiratory rates (RR) of rabbits in all the groups decreased PPI with the highest respiratory depression noted in group C. Haematocrit of all rabbits increased though not significantly (p>0.05) while white blood cell counts of rabbits decreased PPI. Total serum protein (TSP) and blood urea nitrogen levels of the three groups of rabbits increased PPI though not significantly (p>0.05). Serum potassium, chlorine and bicarbonate levels of rabbits in all the three study groups increased PPI. Propofol at the dose used in this study induced rapid induction and recovery from anaesthesia, adequate depth of anaesthesia with no untoward haematologic and serum biochemical effects in UUO rabbits. However it’s marked respiratory depressant effect and ability to increase serum potassium levels may preclude its use in advanced UUO.

2588 – 2597

Authors: AKPA, Gerald Nwachi, ABBAYA, Hassan Yohanna and SALEY, Mahaman Edouard

This study, comparative evaluation of sources of supply of edible meat from camel with cattle, sheep and goats in Sahel environment was conducted at Zinder Abattoir in Niger Republic. The factors considered were species, sex and age. Species significantly influenced (p˂0.01) the meat evaluation indices with camel being highest in most of the meat indices. Cattle yielded the highest head and skin weights. Goat yielded the highest dressing percentage. The sheep had no superiority in any index. The sex of the animal had no significant effect (p>0.05) on meat evaluation indices in camel and goats. It significantly affected (p<0.05; 0.01) the indices in cattle and sheep; except for hindquarter weights and edible offals in sheep (p>0.05). Age of the animals significantly (p<0.01) affected the meat evaluation indices in camel, cattle and sheep. It only significantly affected (p<0.05; 0.01) hindquarter weight, legs weight and edible offals in goats. The correlation observed among the meat evaluation indices showed some variable correlated relationship (p<0.05 – 0.01; r = 0.25 – 0.97 and r = 0.29 – 0.93) and (p> 0.05; r = -0.03 – 0.24 and r = 0.00 – 0.20). In conclusion, camel and ruminant meat productive performance can be assessed through their respective meat indices. Camels could serve as good sources of meat supply in the arid environment to supply the needed animal protein to the populace.

2604 – 2610

Authors: OMOBOWALE, Temidayo Olutayo, EMIKPE, Benjamin Obukowho, ALAKA, Olugbenga Olayinka and NOTTIDGE, Helen Oyebukol

This study describes some haematological changes and the multiple organ damage observed in Nigerian dogs that died of canine babesiosis. 17 infected dogs with babesiosis, diagnosed by the detection of parasites in Giemsa stained thin blood smears and another 17 apparently healthy large breeds of dogs presented at the University of Ibadan Veterinary Teaching Hospital were enrolled in this study. Infected dogs were further sub-divided into uncomplicated and complicated groups based on disease manifestations, while the full blood count and erythrocyte morphology were done using standard techniques. Tissue samples (brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, spleen and liver) were taken from five dogs that died of natural canine babesiosis and histopathological processed using standard techniques. Babesia negative dogs had a lower neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio when compared with Babesia positive dogs. Complicated groups had a higher neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio. Anisocytosis was the commonest encountered morphological abnormality. All of the five dogs used for the histopathological study had multiple organ lesions that involved the lungs 3(60 %), kidney 2(40 %), heart 2(40 %), brain 1(20 %), spleen 2(40 %) and liver 5(100 %). In conclusion, this study showed that neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio is a good diagnostic index to detect complications in babesiosis and also that multiple organ dysfunction is a major phenomenon in the pathophysiology of babesiosis in Nigerian dogs.

2619 – 2628

Authors: OKOSUN, Sylvester Esbame and EGUAOJE, Stanley Abiodun

A sixteen-week trial was conducted to assess the effect of replacing cassava grit supplemented with Moringa leaf meal (MLM) for maize on the performance of 120 “day old” Harco cockerel chickens. Four experimental cockerel starter and finisher diets were formulated with diet 1 formulated to contain 0 % cassava grit while diets 2, 3 and 4 were formulated to contain cassava grit at 33.3, 66.6 and 100 % replacement for maize with 5% of Moringa leaf meal inclusion in diets 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Chicks were randomly assigned to the four treatment diets in a completely randomized design (CRD). Growth performance at the finisher phase revealed that average live weight was significantly (p<0.05) highest 2.17 kg/bird in birds fed 66.6 % CGM. Weekly weight gain was also significantly (p<0.05) highest 0.86kg/bird among birds placed on 66.6 % CGM. Feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio were also significantly (p<0.05) affected by the treatment diets. The cost-benefit analysis at finisher phase cost of fed consume (N171.83/bird) was also highest in birds fed 66.6 % CGM. Cost of feed per kilogram weight gain has comparable values of (N93.67 and N93.21/bird) among birds fed diet 2 and 3. The total cost of production was the least (N640.74/bird) in birds fed 66.6 % CGM. Net profit (N859.26) was highest in birds fed 66.6 % CGM. From this study, it is concluded that cassava grit can replace maize up to 66.6 % inclusion level with 5 % moringa leafmeal supplement in cockerel diet for optimum performance as well as good economic returns.

2644 – 2651

Authors: UGOCHUKWU, Iniobong Chukwuebuka, ANEKE, Chioma Inyang, EZEASOR, Chukwunonso Kenechukwu, MSHEILA, Wayuta Philip, IDOKO, S. I., KWABUGGE, A. Y., SHOYINKA, Shodeinde Vincent Olu, CHINEME, Chijioke Nwankwo, CHAH, Kennedy Fionkfu and UGOCHUKWU, Emmanuel Ikenna

Pneumonia occurs in all ages of sheep and goats, in all breeds, in every country of the world causing heavy economic losses. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of pneumonia and aerobic bacteria flora associated with it in small ruminants slaughtered at the Nsukka abattoir. Pneumonic lungs of small ruminants were examined for gross lesions. Lung samples were collected and processed using standard protocols for histopathological and bacteriological examinations. Lung samples from 342 goats and 40 sheep were examined. A total of 116(30.36 %) lungs had various types of pneumonia. Two major types of pneumonia were observed during the histopathological examination; bronchopneumonia 64(55.17 %) and interstitial pneumonia 52(44.82 %). Out of the 116 pneumonic lungs collected over a six months period, 98 were caprine lungs and 18 were ovine lungs. Aerobic bacteria isolated from the pneumonic lungs were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Mannheimia haemolytica, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Pasteurella multocida respectively. There were no significant seasonal, species and breed associations (p>0.05) between pneumonic lesions observed and the associated aerobic bacteria.

2660 – 2665

Authors: GOSOMJI, Innocent Jonah, SALAMI, Sulaiman Olawoye, NZALAK, James Oliver, KAWU, Muhammed Umar, OKPE, Godwin Chidozie, GURUMYEN, Yilzem George, OMIRINDE, Jamiu Oyewole, DUNG, Edward Christopher and PLANG, Naanman James

The histogenesis of the stomach (proventriculus and ventriculus) of helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) was studied using light microscopy and histochemical techniques. Fifteen (15) embryos were utilized for this study. The result showed that at the 10th and 13th days of embryonic development, the primordial proventriculus and ventriculus were lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium surrounded by mesenchyme connective tissue. On the 19th day of embryonic development, the epithelium of the proventriculus and ventriculus as well as the proventricular glands were lined by simple cuboidal epithelium. Tunics; tunica muscularis and serosa were evident at this stage. On the 23rd day of embryonic development, tubular glands of the ventriculus became canalized. The 27th day of embryonic development of the primordial proventriculus showed organized glandular lobules, central cavity and prominent muscle layer while the ventriculus showed the presence of cuticle, simple tubular glands, loose connective tissues of the lamina propria and muscle layer. This study has shown that the primordial stomach appeared to be completely differentiated to the definitive stomach by the 27th day with the potential of commencing a functional role.

2672 – 2675

Authors: ADEMOLA, Olaoluwa John, AGBOOLA, Ahmed Ayo and SALAUDEEEN, Muhammed Babatunde

Information on the karyotype of Amietophrynus regularis is scarce. 8 specimens of A. regularis were collected from Afon, Kwara State, Nigeria. The specimens were injected intraperitoneally with 0.5 % colchicine and left for 5 hours before they were sacrificed. Chromosomes were prepared from the bone marrow of the femur. 80 metaphase spreads were scored and the diploid chromosome number ranged from 2n = 38 to 2n = 42. The modal number of the chromosome was found to be 2n = 40 with a percentage occurrence of 47.5 %.

2683 – 2690

Authors: JAFARGOLIPOUR, Mohammadali, VAHDATPOUR, Tohid, MAHMOODPOUR, Hamid and VAHDATPOUR, Sina

The study investigated the effects of two types of antioxidants, a natural antioxidant (Eselenium) and a synthetic antioxidant (loxidan) in diets containing protein values lower than essential requirements, on performance and histopathological changes in the liver and intestine of Japanese quails. The experimental diets were: Group A – basal diet (control), Group B – 15 % crude protein reduction without recommended antioxidant, Group C – 15 % crude protein reduction plus 1 g/kg E-selenium, Group D – 15 % reduction in crude protein plus 0.2 g/kg loxidan, Group E – 30 % reduction in crude protein without recommended antioxidant, Group F – 30 % reduction in crude protein plus 1 g/kg E-selenium. Group G - 30 % reduction in crude protein plus 0.2 g/kg loxidan.Birds in groups B and E showed a significant reduction (p<0.05) in body weight compared to the control group. Birds fed E-selenium and loxidan exhibited significantly better (p<0.05) body weights compared to the birds in groups D and F groups. Birds in group E fed with a 30 % reduction in the dietary protein had significantly higher (p<0.05) liver weights. The relative weight of the intestine decreased in the birds in groups B and E compared to the control group. 15 and 30 % reduction in dietary protein intake of birds caused mild hyperemia and edema of the intestine. The severity of liver congestion and edema were lower in group E birds when compared with birds in group B. Results indicated that the use of two kinds of antioxidants (natural and synthetic) effect on the performance parameters of Japanese quails which were exposed to nutritional stresses (such as reducing dietary protein) compensated parts of the adverse effects. Therefore, antioxidants intake is useful for the recovery of quails performance fed low-protein diets.