Animal Research International

399 – 402

Authors: OSAKWE, Isaac Ikechukwu and NWAKPU, Petrus Emeka

The introduction of forage legumes into grass pastures has generally improved grazing animal production by increasing total edible biomass and nutrient profiles. An experiment was designed to study the performance of sheep grazing Brachiaria decumbens, Panicum maximum and Pennisetum purpureum in combination with Gliricidia sepium. Eighteen paddocks of approximately 0.03 ha were used in the tra Nine of the paddocks had Gliricidia sepium alley planted in rows 4 m apart and interplanted with 4 rows of either Brachiaria decumbens, Panicum maximum, or Pennisetum purpureum. The other nine paddocks had only the grass species without the Gliricidia sepium. The paddocks were each grazed by 3 sheep. The pure grass stands without the Gliricidia sepium served as controls for the grass species in combination with Gliricidia sepium. The three grasses and their combinations within the alley plots were replicated three times. The animals were grazed continuously for 28 days in the subplots. Sheep grazing the Gliricidia/Panicum plot had a higher (P < 001) growth rate (38 g d-1) than those animals grazing both the Gliricidia/Bracharia (23 g d-1) and Gliricida/Pennisetum (21 g d-1) plots respectively. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between sheep grazing the Gliricidia/Bracharia and Gliricidia/Pennisetum plots. The total dry matter intake of sheep on the Gliricidia/Panicum plot was higher (P < 005) (1.33 kg DM d-1) than that of sheep on Gliricidia/Bracharia (0.86 kg DM d-1) and Gliricidia/Pennisetum (0.43 kg DM d-1) plots respectively. The total biomass from the Gliricidia/Bracharia (23 t ha -1)and Gliricidia/Panicum (21 t ha -1) plots respectively was higher (P < 001) than the total biomass from the Gliricidia/Pennisetum ( 13 t ha -1) plo. These results demonstrate that grazing West African dwarf sheep in a Gliricidia sepium/Panicum maximum plot improved their growth rate during the dry season when feed supplies are limited. It also underscores the poor performance of animals grazing Pennisetum purpureum in Gliricidia sepium alley plot.

358 – 362

Authors: AGWU, Julia Ekenma and EZIGBO, Joseph Chidera

Seedlings of Okra Abelmoschus esculentus were inoculated with different numbers of egg masses (0, 4 8 and 12) of Meloidogyne incognita. The different inoculums elicited varied reactions on the Okra plants. Root galls increased progressively and significantly with increased levels of inoculum. At 0 (zero) inoculum level no root gall was observed. At low inoculum levels, 4and 8 egg masses, the plants performed seemingly better than the control (in terms o plant dry weight, flower and fruit production). At high inoculum levels very low mean yields of the above parameters were recorded when compared to the control. The implications of enhanced performance observed at low inoculum levels on experimental crops are discoursed.

366 – 368

Authors: MOHAMMED, Jibrin Gisilanbe., OGBE, Adamu Okuwa., ZWANDOR, Nanbol Joseph and UMOH, Jarlath Udo

A study was carried out to assess the effects of age, sex, breed, location of cases and tick infestation on the prevalence o canine parvovirus (CPV) enteritis in dogs treated in the veterinary clinic of the National Veterinary Research Institute Vom between July 1999 and July 2002A case-control study design was used to assess the association between the risk factors and the disease. Out of 3075 dogs examined during the period, 87 had CPV enteritis (2.8%). Dogs between 0 to 5 months of age had elevated risk (OR = 25.14; 95% CI = 974, 67.26%). Other factors did not significantly affect the occurrence of the disease. The disease was most prevalent in May and June with a lesser peak in January. Age and seasonal variation should be considered in planning a control programme.

372 – 376

Authors: NWANI, Christopher Didigwu and UDE, Emmanuel Fame

Studies on the morphometric variations of three Distichodus species namely D. rostratus, D. brevipnnis and D. engycephalus from the Anambra river were investigated from November 2002 to October 2003. Fish specimens were collected monthly at Otuocha and Ogurugu area using hook and line, traps, baskets, gillnets, dragnets, surface drift nets and cast nests of various mesh sizes. Specific differences among the Distichodus species occurred in 2 raw characters; pelvic fin height and pectoral-pelvic fin space and 6 ratios (transformed) character notably pelvic fin height, anal fin height, pectoral-pelvic fin space, pelvic-anal fin space, head length and caudal peduncle depth. Sexual dimorphism occurred in two ratio characters namely pectoral-pelvic fin space and pelvic-anal fin space among Distichodus brevipinnis. These characters are recommended as key characters in the taxonomy of Distichodus.

382 – 387

Authors: SAMUEL, Efiong Sunday

The heterosexual behaviour of secondary school adolescents in Ogbadibo Local Government Area was investigated to find out the sexual relationship of schoolboys and girls The survey research design was utilized for the study and the instrument for data collection was the questionnaire. Data were collected from a sample of five hundred adolescent students. Five hundred copies of the questionnaire were distributed, out o which data from 450 heterosexual active respondents were used for the analysis. A simple percentage was used for the analysis of the data collected. The findings of the study showed that some adolescents experienced their first heterosexual intercourse before the age of twelve years, and had a one-lifetime heterosexual partner. Some never used condoms while most of them use the condom during heterosexual intercourse. There were also findings on school adolescent’s sex sales. Furthermore, the study revealed that age and school type influenced the adolescent's patterns o heterosexual behaviour. Some recommendations were also made.

393 – 398

Authors: EJERE, Vincent Chikwendu and ADEGOKE, Joseph Adeleke

Seasonal histological features of the testis and epididymis were studied in male A. agama agama from July l990 to June 1992 at Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Tests weights showed no significant difference (P> 0.05) in the dry and rainy seasons but were generally low from August to January. Whereas seminiferous tubule diameter and epithelia heights showed no seasonal variation (p > 0.05), the epididymal tubule diameter and epithelia heights varied seasonally (P < 0001). Although males in full breeding conditions were caught all through the months, such was more prevalent from April to July. Females with eggs or enlarged ovarian follicles were caught all through the study period. Cases of multiple clutches were predominant from February to July. However, vitellogenic activities decreased from August to January thus coinciding with the observed decrease in spermatogenic activity in the male. We propose that individual male Agama lizards maintain peculiar breeding patterns and that reproduction in Agama seems to be influenced by food availability as well as microclimatic conditions at oviposition sites.

287 – 291

Authors: EKWUNIFE, Chinyelu Angela and OKAFOR Fabian Chukwuemeka

A study of Schistosomiasis haematobium infection in all the fifteen primary schools in Agulu town Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, was conducted using questionnaire. Out of thefifteen schools, 7 had pupils with urinary schistosomiasis infection. Ten villages out of 20 in the town were indicated to contribute indviduals thatattend the 7 schools. Umuowelle Primary School ranked first with a positivity rate of 542% for response “yes” to “blood in urine” and 40.3 % for Bilharziasis /schistosomiasis”. To rate the diagnostic performance of the questionnaire parasitological urine screening was also conducted in all the schools. The results showed that using questionnaire as a diagnostic tool is highly specc(87.5 %) and sensive (87.5 %). Questonnaireadministraton was also shown to be cheaper, wih a cost 7 times less than parasitologcal urine screening as well as being time saving. The diagnostic performance of the questionnaire was good in view of its preliminary screening function.

212 – 218

Authors: MGBENKA, Bernard Obialo, ASOGWA, Maureen Obioma and UGWU, Lawrence Linus Chukwuma

The infuence of detary protein content on some nutritional parameters of Clarias gariepinus ry was studied Seven diets were formulated to yield 28, 31, 34, 37, 40, 43, and 46% crude protein (CP) while the 48.8% CP diet was prepared rom microencapsulated whoe egg and preserved in a refrigerator at 7º C. The diets were fed to advanced fry of C. garepinus (mean initial weight, 1.6 ± 0.24 g) in triplicate 25 L plastic baths per treatment at 5% body weight per day in three portions for 56 days The mean weight gain (MWG), daily rate of growth (DRG) increased as the dietary protein level increased up to 40% but gradually declined as CP level increased while increase in CP did not signiicantly affect daily rate o feeding (P > 0.05). The best response of fish togross efficiency offood conversion was within37 - 40% detary CP and thus refected the best mean weight gain (0.86 - 1.93g), DRG (0.17 – 20 g), and nitrogen metabolism (12.62 - 13.43 mg/100g) respectively. There was a relatively high metabolizable energy:protein ratio for the 48.80% CP det (9.88 KJ/mg) compared to 40% CP diet (7.60 mg/kg). Similarly, the low net protein utilization (NPU) value recorded wth dets of between 31% to 40% CP comparedto the NPU value of higher CP level (43% to48.8%) suggests that despite the apparently better utility of protein by fish fed the higher CPdiets, much of the ingested protein might have been affected by endogenous nitrogen losses resulting in its unavailability for productive use by the fish.

224 – 226

Authors: ORJI, Raphael Christopher Agamadodaigwe

Transporation stress was investigaed in Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus) by transporting samples in open rectangular iron tanks from Panyam fsh farm, Plateau State of Nigeria to Universty of Jos Nigeria. All fsh appeared more stressed with higherdensities and increasingmedia salt empoyed in transportation. There was a signiicant difference between mean haematocrit values of control (before transportation) and those of low, medium and high densities (p < 0.05). Transportation under different saline concentrations showed significant dference between means haematocrit value of control and varying meda saline levels (p < 0.05) except 1% saline. There were immediate and delayed mortalities, lasting up to three days after transportation except in aerated samples.

231 – 234

Authors: OLUAH, Ndubuisi Stanley, EZIGBO, Joseph Chukwura and ANYA, Nnenna Catherine

One hundred and eighty adult Clarias albopunctatus (mean weight 160±2.7g) were subjected to sublethal concentrations of Gammalin 20 and Actellic 25 EC (0, 0.3;and 1.0 μg/l) in a static bioassay renewal system for 18 days. The changes in the activities of the liver and serum lacate dehydrogenase (LDH) during the period of exposure were studied. The exposure ofC. albopunctatus to these pesticides evoked significant increase (P< 0.05) in both the liver and serum LDH activities. There was a progressive increase in both the liver and serum LDH activities following exposure to the pesticides. When compared with the control, the LDH activities were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the treatment groups. The LDH activities in both the liver and the serum were higher in the fish exposed to Gammalin 20 than in the fish treated with similar concentrations of Actellic 25 EC. The serum LDH activity in the group exposed to a mixture of 03μg/l of Gammalin 20 and Actellic 25 EC was significantly higher the activities in the fish exposed the either 0.3 μg/l Gammalin 20 or Actellic 25 EC. These observations suggest that these pesticides affect the energy metabolism of the fish.

240 – 245

Authors: EZEAGU, Ikechukwu Edwin

Raw, cooked and HCl-extracted baobab, Adansonia digitata seed meals were used for biological and nutritional evaluation studies. The seed is low in protein (16.60g/100g DM) butcould be a good source of oil (17.50g/100g) and minerals, particularly sodum, potassium and phosphorus, which contained 228.0, 1429.0 and 924.5 mg/100gDM respectively. Low levels ofantinutritional factors such as tannin, phytate, cyanide, oxalate, nitrate/nitrite and absence otrypsn inhibitors were observed. Seed protein is high in sulur-amino acid, with a chemical score (CS) of 126.80, but marginally limiting in lysine and threonine, with CS of 64.31 and 85.59 respectively based on the preschool age (2-5yrs) reference protein requirement. The seed oil contain appreciable level of unsaturated fatty acids with oleic and linoleic acids making up 66.32% of total fatty acids. The raw diet was similar to the casein diet in weightgain, feed intake, net protein retention (NPR) and true digestibility (TD) but significanty inferior in protein effcency ratio (PER).Cooking did not have any significant effect on feed intake but significantly lowered the weight gain relative to the raw and casein diets. HCl-extracted meal exerted signiicantly lower weight gain compared to the raw, cooked and casein diets It is concluded that the raw seed showed promise as a source of food supplementand is likely to be satisfactory in supportinggrowth and maintenance in livestock feeding.

252 – 254

Authors: OKAFOR, Anthony Ikechukwu and CHUKWU, Lucian Obinnaya

The buccal ventilatory rate of the African lungfish, Protopterus annectens (Owen) ollowing acclimation to diluted seawater was investigated under laboratory conditions for sx days Healthy adult specimens of Afrcan lungfish, Protopterus annectens (Owen) (mean weight 299.4g andmean length 38.9 cm) procuredrom Anambra river at Otuocha were subjected to the following concentrations of dilute seawater: 0%, 5% (s = 1.8‰o), 10% (s = 3.5‰), 15% (s = 5.3‰), 20% (s = 7.0 ‰), 30% (s = 10.5 ‰) and 40% (s = 14.0 ‰) respectively. The results revealed that increasein salinity had a sgnificant positive correlation (r = 0.92, p < 0.05) with increase in buccal ventilatory rate. The mean least and highest buccal ventilatory rates were 5.32 and 12.26 times per hour at 1.8%o and 14.0%o salinities respectively. The implications of the findingsfor the culture ofthis fish species in estuarine ecosystemsare discussed.

261 - 266

Authors: OTITOJU Olawale and ONWURAH Ikechukwu Noel Emmanuel

Studies of superoxide dsmutase (SOD) induction in rats exposed to locally produced insecticide; “Rambo” of which the active chemical compound is permethrin (0.6% w/w) was performed. The calcium levels in the blood pasma of the exposed rats were also evaluated.The rats were divded into three groups offve rats per cageEachgroupof rats was fed with 1 %, 5 % or 10 % of the insecticide in their dets The control group wasfed normal det. The effect of insecticide at various concentrations on superoxide dsmutase (SOD) activty in the blood plasma was not sgnificantly different (P > 0.05) in the newly weaned rats (NWR). However, in the middle-aged rats (MAR) and aged rats (AR) groups, the results were sgniicantly dferent (P < 0.05) against the parallel controls. Comparison of the efect of the insecticide on SOD induction at various concentrations among the groups based on age difference showed significantly diferent result (P < 005), especially among the groups fed with 10 % (w/w) of the insecticide in the diet. Serum Ca2+ level (0.51 ± 0.22mg/ml) increasedrom newly weaned rats groups to (0.66 ± 0.24mg/ml) in the middle-aged rats and (0.63 ±0.04mg/ml) for the aged rats The observed Ca2+ increase was significantly high for rats fed 10 % (w/w) concentration of the insecticide in the diet (P < 0.05). This increase tends to suggest a concentration- dependent effect. The no-observed-effect-concentration (NOEC) wasound to be 0.006 g permethrin per 100 g of the det, which is equivalent to 1% of the “Rambo” insecticide per 100g of the feed. Results of this study show that in non-target organisms “Rambo” insect powder may induce superoxde dismuase activity, thus suggesting, oxidative-stress related toxicity. The observed increase in calcium ion especially at 10 % (w/w) of the insecticide showed that permethrin may induce toxic effects associated with cell deah via mitochondria uncoupling and loss in ATP metabolism.

275 – 286

Authors: EYO, Joseph Effiong

Cytogeneticvariations among four Clarias species from Anambra river, Nigeria were studiedusing leucocytes culture techniques. Heterogeneity in chromosome number (2n = 48 in Clarias ebriensis and C. albopunctatus to 2n = 56 in C. anguillaris and C. gariepinus) and Karyotype morphologies occurred among the cariids The chromosomes were characterized by a highproportion of meta-submetacentric chromosomes and low proportion of acrocentric chromosomes The females karyotype morphologes exhibited a heteromorphic pair suspected to be the sex chromosome complex. The following formulae were established for the male clariids; C ebriensis 6m + 22sm + 20a FN =76;Calbopunctatus 4m ± 22sm + 22a FN = 74; C. gariepinus 8m + 24a FN = 88; and C. anguillaris 8m + 26m + 22a FN = 90. The emale karyotype morphologies were C ebrienss 6m + 23sm + 19a FN = 77, C. albopunctatus 4m ± 23sm + 21a FN = 75, C. gariepinus 8m + 25sm + 23a FN = 89 and C. anguillaris 8m + 27sm + 21a FN = 91. A generic chromosomal number of 2n = 54+ 4 for the clariids was suggested. The almost uniform karyotype morphologies and the closeness of the chromosomenumbers around the generic chromosome number may suggest success with which the clariids may hybridize in nature.

133-139

Authors: UGWU, Lawrence Linus Chukwuma and MGBENKA, Bernard Obialo

Sixteen experimental diets were formulated to include four groups of inorganic phosphorus (P) sources {monosodium phosphate (MSP), monopotassium phosphate (MPP), monocalcium phosphate (MCP), and dicalcium phosphate (DCP) at four levels {A(0.40%), B(0.60%), C(0.80% and D(1.20%)}. Two controls of a non-phosphorus supplemental diet (CD) and a purified diet (PD) were fed along with the other 16 experimental diets to the fry of Heterobranchus bidorsalis X Clarias gariepinus hybrid (mean weight, 1.5 ± 0.12 g) at 5% body weight per day for 70 days. The results showed that the feed intake (FI), the protein intake (PI), the food conversion ratio (FCR) and the phosphorus gain/loss (PGL) varies significantly among the 18 diets tested (P < 0.001). The effect of the inorganic P sources on FI, PI, FCR and PGL was also significantly different (P < 0.001). The MSP supplemented diets appeared to elicit better responses in the fish than any of the other P-supplemented (MCP, MPP and DCP) diets. A comparatively higher quantity of protein was consumed by the fish fed the MSP diets (15.28%) than other P-supplemented diets. A loss in the percent phosphorus content of fish flesh fed MSP diet was observed (-0.04%).Based on the above, MSP diets were the best for enhancing growth.

144-147

Authors: OKORIE, Peter Ugochukwu and IBEAWUCHI, Innocent Izuchukwu

Observations were made on ‘gigantism’ and albinism in the giant snail, Archachatina marginata. Gigantic snails were initially about twice the size of normal snails of same age. However this growth superiority of ‘gigantic’ snails apparently slowed down with age. Albinism in the snails was expressed in form of creamy-white bodies instead of the normally brownish colour. Albino snails however retained normal shell colouration. All offspring of these albinos maintained these same characteristics. There was no difference in mortality rates of albino and normal snails. ‘Gigantism’ and albinism have serious implications for commercial snail farming.

153-154

Authors: OKAYI, Gabriel and IORKYAA, Atsehe

Length-weight parameters (a and b) of the equation: W = aLb were estimated for two freshwater shrimp species Atya gabonensis and Macrobrachium felicinium caught bimonthly from October 2001 to March 2002 using brush traps in the Mu river. The mean b values were 2.989 ± 0.328 and 3.003 ± 0.318 for A. gabonensis and M. felicinium respectively. The values did not differ significantly (P < 0.05) from 3, showing that their growths were isometric, M. felicinium where in better condition than A. gabonensis.

160-163

Authors: IKPEZE, Obiora Osegboka and EBENEBE, Cordelia Ifeyinwa

Physical body traits of nine grasscutters (Thryonomys swinderianus Temminck) were characterized using body weights (BW), body length (BL), heart girth (HG), and height-at-withers (H). Simple linear correlation matrix showed high, positive and significant values among the parameters studied (P < 0.01). The highest coefficient was obtained for body weight and body length (r = 0.9956). The very high associations for body length and heart girth (r = 0.9821) and between body length and height r = 0.9905) indicate that frame size and absolute height were complementary. Selection for increased measurement in any of the parameter would mean positive significant influence on the other and would lead to increased skeletal stature with concomitant increases in other absolute body measurements. Regression equations from this study could be used to estimate live body weights of grasscutters aged between 2 -10 months.

169-172

Authors: NWANI, Christopher Didigwu, INYANG, Nicholas Mathias and EYO, Joseph Effiong

Sex discriminating characters of four mormyrid species caught from Anambra river basin, Nigeria were investigated. Sexual dimorphism occurred in only one transformed character – dorsal fin base length and in four raw morphometric characters namely total length, standard length, dorsal fin base length and anal fin base length. These characters are recommended as key characters in mormyrid taxonomy.

176-180

Authors: IKPEZE, Obiora Osegboka and EBENEBE, Cordelia Ifeyinwa

Overall mean body weights (0.138 ± 0.06 and 0.513 ± 0.03 kg), body lengths (17.24 ± 0.30 and 21.68 ± 0.65 cm), heart girths (12.57 ± 0.18 and 16.83 ± 0.90 cm), and height-at-withers (7.39 ± 0.14 and 9.86 ± 0.52 cm) of the grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus Temminck) at birth and 60 days of age, respectively, were recorded. Litter size and sex significantly influenced body weight and linear body measurements in the grasscutter. Mean birth weight (0.173 ± 0.02 kg) of rats born singles was significantly different from that of twin births (0.135 ± 0.08 kg) and triplets (0.135 ± 0.09 kg) (P < 0.05). Male grasscutters with a mean birth weight of 0.148 ± 0.01 kg were heavier (P < 0.05) than the females, which weighed 0.128 ± 0.02 kg. Average daily weight gain for the first 60 days for males (0.007 kg/d) was significantly different from that of females (0.005 kg/d) (P < 0.05). Parity had no significant effect on the rat’s birth weight, weight at 60 days of age, and average daily weight gain for the first 60 days. Litter size, sex and parity did not have significant effect on the linear body measurements of the grasscutter at birth (P > 0.05). However litter size and sex had significant influence on body length and heart girth of the grasscutter at 60 days of age (P < 0.05). At 60 days the mean body length (23 ± 0.28 cm) and heart girth (18.13 ± 0.23 cm) of rats born singles were longer and larger than those of twins (21.66 ± 0.89 and 16.82 ± 0.76 cm) and triplets (21.59 ± 0.96 and 16.71 ± 0.80). Males also have longer body length and larger heart girth than females at that age.

190-199

Authors: EZENWAJI, Henry Maduka Godfrey

The biology of the West African clariid, Clarias macromystax, was studied in Anambra river basin, Nigeria. The clariid occurred more abundantly and frequently in forest floodplain ponds than in other habitats, and was totally absent in the river systems. Length ranged from 9.7 to 30.2 cm TL and weight from 9 to 168 g; females were heavier, but not longer, than males. The b-values (2.4190-2.5209) of the total length-weight relationships exhibited negative allometric function. Mean relative condition, Kn, was better in females than males but showed a definite cycle in both sexes. Over 50% of both sexes were mature at 15.1-20.0 cm TL in their first year of life. Fecundity ranged from 2.136 x 103 to 37.250 x 103 (mean 14.942 x 103  11.248 x 103) and correlated highly and positively with length, body weight and ovary weight. Ovary weight was the best predictor of fecundity. Communal spawning involving C. macromystax and C. agboyiensis occurred. Feeding was carried out throughout the day with higher feeding intensity at night. Food of primary importance were Caridina niloticus, Sudanonautes africanus, Odonata naiad, terrestrial Orthoptera, formicoid Hymenoptera, Dytiscidae, Oreochromis niloticus, Parachanna obscura, fruits and seeds, plant detritus and mud. Diet breadth was season-dependent. The clariid fed by foraging, shoveling and surface feeding. E. clarias, Procamallanus laevichonchus and a larval spiruroid parasitized various organs. C. macromystax is a new host record for these helminth parasites.

203-207

Authors: EKWUNIFE, Chinyelu Angela and OKAFOR, Fabian Chukwuemeka

Investigation was made to reveal the state and level of Schistosomiasis haematobuim infection in the whole of Agulu town in Anaocha local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria where a lake (Agulu lake) is implicated in the transmission of the disease. Urine sample was collected from 3029 children for Schistosoma egg identification. This was used to calculate the level of infection in the different schools. Schistosomiasis prevalence was highest (55.2%) in Umuowelle primary school and lowest (4.1%) in Obeagu primary school. Males had higher infection rate than females in the endemic schools. In Umuowelle, Community and Nneogidi primary schools, infection rates in males were 36.4%, 13.3%, 11.3% respectively while infection rates in females were 25.2%, 11.7% and 6.8% respectively. However, the sex differences were not statistically significant at 5% confidence level (t-test = 2.179, df = 12). Infection levels investigated in all the schools revealed that the age group 10-14 years recorded the highest level while 0- 4 years had the lowest. There was also shifts in peaks of infection within the various age groups, for instance, in the 10 - 14 years age group of Ifiteani primary school, infection peak was in 14 years while in Nneogidi primary school it was in 13 year old pupils.