Animal Research International

4153 – 4158

Authors: NZEAKOR, Terry Adaeze, ANYOGU, Davinson Chuka, ANERU, Efficience Ganiyu, IDIKA, Idika Kalu and NWOSU, Chukwunyere Okwudiri

With the rise in the rearing of Gallus gallus domesticus (local chicken) in Nigeria, it becomes pertinent to study various aspects of diseases affecting this type of chicken. In this study, five phenotypes (normal, frizzle feathered, wild type, naked and crested neck) of the G. gallus domesticus in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria were screened for helminth parasites. Nodular lesions found in the proventriculus were processed for histopathological examination. An overall prevalence (OP) of 84 % (95 % CI = 0.6473 to 0.9421) was recorded. The helminth fauna of the five phenotypes were Ascaridia galli (OP 32 %), Raillietina sp. (OP 64 %) and Tetrameres sp. (OP 16 %). Single and mixed infections were observed in the study; single infections of Raillietina sp. was the most prevalent (40 %), while a mixed infection of A. galli and Raillietina sp. occurred most (20 %). Crested neck had the highest prevalence (100 %) of helminth infection (95 % CI = 0.5109 to 1.0000), while the other four phenotypes had 80 % prevalence of helminth infections (95 % CI = 0.3596 to 0.9797) each. Microscopically, the proventricular nodules revealed embryonated eggs of the female Tetrameres sp. with ulceration of the proventricular mucosa, necrosis of the proventricular glands with haemorrhage. The high prevalence reported across all the phenotypes may likely be attributed to poor management and feeding habit of G. gallus domesticus. It is recommended that farmers adopt the intensive system of management for the rearing of G. gallus domesticus and regular anthelmintic treatment of their birds.

4166 – 4175

Authors: ORISASONA, Olugbenga, ASIPA, Waheed Adebayo and TIAMIYU, Abdullateef Ajibola

Waste from poultry and fish processing plants whose disposal presently raises a major environmental concern may be a source of animal protein in fish diet, if properly processed. This study was carried out to determine the nutrient composition and apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of nutrients in differently processed poultry and fish offal in diets fed to Clarias gariepinus. The test ingredients were autoclaved poultry offal (P1), oven-dried poultry offal (P2), poultry offal paste with wheat offal as carrier (P3), autoclaved fish offal (F1), oven-dried fish offal (F2) and fish offal paste with wheat offal (F3). A 35 % crude protein (CP) reference diet (R) was formulated. Test diets contained 70 % reference diets and 30 % of test ingredients, with chromic oxide as the inert marker. Triplicate groups of C. gariepinus (5.50 ± 0.50 g) were fed diets for 8 weeks. CP content in ingredients was significantly high (p<0.05) in P2 (56.88 ± 0.00 %), with the lowest values recorded in F3 (35.00 ± 0.03 %) and P3 (31.50 ± 1.20 %). Linoleic and arachidonic acids were recorded in all fish offal meals, while only oven-dried poultry offal meal had arachidonic acid. ADC of nutrients varied significantly across treatments (p<0.05). ADC of CP was significantly highest in P2 (83.36 ± 0.49 %) and least in P1 (56.06 ± 0.36 %). ADC of phosphorus increased from 74.31 ± 0.55 % in P3 to 99.57 ± 0.75 % in P1. The result of this study revealed that nutrient digestibility by C. gariepinus was best in oven-dried meals compared to treatment methods.

4186 – 4194

Authors: UGWU, Patience Chinasa, IKENNA-EZEH, Nkechi Hariet, NWOGO, Nneka Geraldine and NNADI, Pius Ajanwachukwu

The effect of dietary inclusion of bitter kola (Garcinia kola) on the performance, organ weight, and immune response to Newcastle disease vaccine in broiler chicks was assessed. Forty broiler chicks of five weeks old were randomly assigned into four groups (Groups A, B, C, and D) of 12 birds each with the inclusion of sun-dried ground bitter kola as a dietary additive at an inclusion rate of 0, 5, 10 and 20 g/kg diet in groups A, B, C and D respectively. Birds were weighed weekly and vaccinated at week two with NCDV. Blood samples were collected from six birds in all the groups at weekly intervals for PCV determination and serology. Serum samples were assayed for HI antibody using the HA/HI method. Results showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in PCV between groups B, C, and D compared to the control A, There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the weight gain and weight of the visceral organ. On day 14 post-vaccination, the result of HI titres showed an increase in the humoral immune response of chicks in the control group when compared to groups B and C. There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in the humoral immune response in group D on day 14 compared with the control group. It can be concluded that bitter kola is well tolerated in broilers and better protected against NCD with bitter kola inclusion in their diet showing higher in the humoral immune response at 20 g/kg diet bitter kola inclusion.

4203 – 4215

Authors: RAIMI, Christie Oluwatosin and ADELOYE, Abiodun Adefunmilayo

A study on carcass characteristics and meat quality of WAD goat was carried out. Twenty (20) WAD goats with age range of 12 – 13 months and average body weight of 14.60 ± 0.05 kg were divided randomly into five treatment groups, consisted of 4 goats and subjected them to thirty-two weeks feeding trial. Combinations of cocoa pod, cassava pulp and Acacia leaf diets were formulated containing four levels of fermented cocoa pod at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 and cassava pulp at 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 percent levels respectively while 40 % of Acacia leaf cut across the groups. The results showed that the dressing percentage ranged from 39.11 % (T1) to 44.08 % (T5). The values were significantly difference (p<0.05) among the treatments. Goats on combinations of (20: 40: 40) (T5) had the highest values for carcass length (57.50 ± 0.47 cm). Primal cuts yield of goats on combinations of T5(20 : 40 : 40) had the highest values for neck (506.50 ± 22.92g), lungs (133.50 ± 4.57 g), heart (78.00 ± 2.22 g), rib (6.39 ± 0.38 g), liver (251.50 ± 13.63 g) and pancreas (36.50 ± 2.08 g). The dressing percentage (44.08 ± 0.80 %) and meat quality; Superoxide dismutase (2.88 ± 0.15 U/min/mg protein) of WAD goat fed 20 % diet cocoa pod silage was significantly (p<0.05) high compared to other groups. This study concludes that cocoa pod could be included in WAD goats diets up to 20 % based on their carcass characteristics and meat quality.

4228 – 4238

Authors: UGWU, Francis Stephen Ogbonna

Globally, one billion people, mostly the poor bear hookworm burden. Quick fixes with A. sativum remediation are attractive but there is no information of host reactions when infected people consume this plant. The study set to ascertain whether A. sativum would modulate weight of Ancylostoma caninum-infected mice. Helminth free mice were randomly selected into one of three classes: uninfected group and unfed with A. sativum and two groups of mice infected with A. caninum. One of the infected group received extract of A. sativum while the other did not. All infected mice received 1000/0.2 ml of suspension of infective A. caninum larvae. Mice fed with A. sativum extract received 250 mg/kg weight of animal daily. All experimental animals were allowed mice chow and water ad libitum. Over a 10-day period, the weight of animals obtained were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5 % α-level of significance and Tukey’s test post hoc to evaluate data. Though weight instability was observed in all groups, uninfected healthy mice had a more consistent trend. Weight changes began to vary in infected animals from day 3. Infected garlic fed mice lost more weight significantly (p<0.05; range 0.3 – 4.6 g) than control mice (range 0.14 – 2.85 g). However, both infected groups at day 6 began showing sign of recovery with garlic unfed infected animals trending faster recovery. The use of A. sativum during hookworm infection is contra indicated because of the exacerbation of weight losses. The public health implication of A. sativum intake in concomitant infection with A. caninum was highlighted.

4065 – 4072

Authors: AJAH, Obinna, OMODAMIRO, Olorunshola Dave, ODO, Christian Emeka, ONYEDIKACHI, Uchechi Bliss and EGBUONU, Anthony Chinedum Cemaluk

Chronic kidney disease is prevalent among patients with myocardial infarction. There is positive correlation between renal dysfunction and myocardial infarction which could result to increase mortality in acute myocardial infarction patients. This present study evaluated the renoprotective effect of methanol leaves extract of Jatropha tanjorensis in isoprenaline induced myocardial infarction in albino rats. Seventy two male albino rats were used for the in vivo study and randomly divided into six groups of twelve rats per group. Group 1 served as the normal control, group 2 was the negative control (administered 85 mg/kg of isoprenaline only), group 3 served as the positive control (pretreated with 2 mg/kg carvedilol for 28 days, group 4 through 6 were pretreated with 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg of the extract respectively for 28 days. Myocardial infarction was induced in the rats using subcutaneous injection of 85 mg/kg isoprenaline (ISO) for two consecutive days (26th and 27th) at 24 hours interval. The result of the in vivo study showed that isoprenaline significantly (p<0.05) produced alteration in the renal function integrity because there was significant (p<0.05) increase in urea, creatinine and altered kidney morphology of the negative control group compared to the 400 mg/kg extract treated groups. The extract at the dose of 400 mg/kg significantly (p<0.05) decreased the urea and creatinine level and maintained the kidney morphology. This study suggested that the extract at moderate dose could serve as an agent for the prevention of isoprenaline induced renotoxicity followed myocardial infarction.

4083 – 4093

Authors: UNIGWE, Robinson Cyprian, ENIBE, Francis, EGWU, Uchenna Lawrence, IGWE, Reginald Ikechukwu, SHOBOWALE, Monsuru Olanrewaju and NJOKU, Chukwunweolu Prince

A 21 day study on the antibacterial and antidiarrhoeal potentials of methanol extract of Phyllanthus amarus leaf (PAL) in Salmonella enteritidis (SE) and castor oil (CO) induced diarrhoea in broiler chickens was conducted. Seventy-five, 5 week old broiler chickens were randomly allotted to seven treatments; T1= distilled water, T2= SE inoculum, T3= SE + PAL, T4 = SE + Enrofloxacin, T5 = CO, T6 = CO + PAL and T7 = CO + Loperamide. T1 – T4 were replicated thrice whereas T5 to T7 had 5 birds each. T2 – T4 received SE orally with T3 and T4 continued on PAL for another 4 days. Faeces were collected weekly post infection from T1 – T4. CO was administered to T1, T5, T6 and T7 18 hours post-fasting. PAL reduced faecal Salmonella counts as the weeks progressed. PAL inhibited diarrhea better than Loperamide. Therefore, PAL could be used as an antibacterial and antidiarrhoeal in broiler chickens.

4104 – 4115

Authors: ATTAMAH, Gerald Nnamdi, EJIANYA, Esther Chinyere, ATTAMAH, Nneka Gertrude, ATTAMAH, Lilian Chinonyelum, OGBU, Cynthia Chekwube, AKOBE, Nicholas Arome, NWANI, Christopher Didigwu and EYO, Joseph Effiong

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder of glucose metabolism characterized by elevated blood sugar concentrations due to a loss of insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells (type 1 diabetes) or through loss of insulin responsiveness in its target tissues like adipose and muscle (type 2 diabetes). This study was undertaken to investigate the blood sugar reducing potential of turmeric. The duration of the study was 5 weeks and the experimental rats were fed standard rabbit pellet feed and water. Rats were grouped into 6 as follows: Group A - normal control, Group B - diabetic and not treated, Group C - standard control, and Group D – F were diabetic and treated with different doses of turmeric (0, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) respectively. Data obtained were analyzed using One-way Analysis Variance (ANOVA). Oral administration of methanolic extract of turmeric led to a significant reduction in blood glucose levels and normalization of other haematological parameters. The extract helped stabilize blood sugar levels and made diabetes more manageable. Standard drug (Glibenclamide) effectively treated the diabetic condition of the experimental rats .

4125 – 4133

Authors: LOUIS, Vera Chisara, OKOLIE, Nnaemeka Jireh Cosmas, AMAH, Henry Chidozie, UROKO, Robert Ikechukwu, AMADI, Anthonia Nnenna Chris, MADUBUIKE, Kelechi Gideon, IJIOMA, Solomon Nnah

Polyalthia longifolia is used traditionally to manage intestinal worm infections. In this study, the anthelmintic activities of the leaf and stem bark extracts were evaluated in Heligmosimoides bakeri infected mice. Extracts were first subjected to phytochemical and acute toxicity (LD50) tests. For the anthelmintic study, in vivo and in vitro models were adopted. In the in vivo study, groups 3 – 6 of infected mice were assigned specific extract treatments, while groups 1, 2 and 7 were the normal, negative and standard (albendazole treated) groups respectively. Egg count was determined every 3 days during treatment. In the in vitro model, the extracts were applied to the worms in Petri dishes before larvae counts. Results obtained showed the presence of significant amounts of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, terpenes, saponins, cardiac glycosides and phenols in both extracts with LD50 values >5000 mg/kg body weight for both extracts. Result of the in vivo anthelmintic study showed significant fall in egg/larval count in all groups treated with the extracts (p<0.05), as 400 and 800 mg/kg of the leaf extract lowered egg count to 0.60 ± 0.24 and 0.20 ± 0.20 respectively while same doses of the stem bark extract lowered egg count to 0.40 ± 0.24 and 0.20 ± 0.20 respectively, when compared with the negative control group which had a count of 297.80 ± 13.18. Results obtained in the in vitro model also indicated significant vermicidal effect for both extracts. We therefore conclude that P. longifolia may be potential sources of vermicidal agent.

3927 – 3937

Authors: NJOGA, Ugochinyere Juliet, OGUEJIOFOR, Chike Fidelis and OCHIOGU, Izuchukwu Shedrack

Traditional use of Azadirachta indica in Asian countries suggests that the plant may have antifertility properties but in Nigeria, A. indica is fed to animals and used for traditional treatment of human and animal illnesses. This study therefore determined the reproductive and haematological effects of methanolic seed extract of A. indica (MSEAI),using adult female albino rats (AFAR) as experimental model. Sixty-four AFAR randomly assigned into four treatment groups (A – D) of 16 rats each were used. Group A was the control, while groups B, C and D received 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg doses of the extract daily for 28 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected on days 0 (base line), 14 and 28 to assay for haematological parameters. Thereafter, the rats were bred and fertility tests performed. Results showed that MSEAI significantly decreased (p≤0.05)haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume and red blood cell count in treated groups on day 28. Total and differential leukocyte counts showed no significant variations (p>0.05). The extract also caused abortion and fetal resorption especially in high dose (100 and 200 mg/kg) treatment groups. However, in rats that had successful parturition, gestation length, litter size, litter weight, number of corpora lutea, number of implantation sites and number of fetuses born alive were not significantly affected (p>0.05). Considering the adverse haematological and reproductive effects, feeding A. indica as forage or the traditional treatment in pregnant/breeding females could be counterproductive. However, the extract could find application as a contraceptive in nonbreeding females and in rodent depopulation programme.

3947 – 3954

Authors: AWOSOLU, Oluwaseun Bunmi and UGBOAJA, Chukwudi Kingsley

Malaria is an infectious disease of major public health importance worldwide. This study was carried out to investigate the malaria parasitaemia in a high transmission setting of Oba-Ile, Akure North Local Government Area (LGA), Ondo State, Nigeria. Thick and thin blood smeared slides were prepared and examined under the light microscope. Out of 210 individuals examined, 148(70.50 %) were positive for malaria infection. The infection pattern among age groups revealed that the highest (84.61 %) and the lowest (66.67 %) infection rate were observed among age group 6 – 10 years and 5 years and below respectively. No significant difference (p>0.05) occurred between age-related malaria infection. Additionally, male had the highest (75.89 %) prevalence of infection compared to their female counterpart (64.28 %) though significant difference (p>0.05)did not occur. Parasite densities vary significantly (p<0.05) across age group and sex. The highest (4428 parasite/μl of blood) and lowest (824 parasite/μl of blood) parasite density was recorded among age group ≥ 21 years and ≤ 5 years respectively. Similarly, male significantly (p<0.05) had the highest parasite density (6484 parasite/μl of blood) compared to their female counterpart (4316 parasite/μl of blood). Furthermore, prevalence of malaria infection varied significantly (p<0.05) with respect to occupation and income. This study revealed that malaria is prevalent in Oba-Ile. Thus, appropriate intervention programme should be designed to curtail the disease.

3965 – 3976

Authors: HASSAN, Ibrahim Maina and PILAU, Nathaniel Nicholas

The aim of this study was to evaluate the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effect of Ficus platyphylla metabolic root extract in Clarias gariepinus. The root was extracted with 80% methanol. A toxicity study was carried out on adult catfish. Cholinesterase inhibitory activities were also evaluated on the same fishes using Ellman’s method. Result revealed high cholinesterase inhibitory activities of the crude extract with significant differences at p<0.05 between the group treated with crude extract only, group treated with crude extract and exposed to arsenic and group that were exposed to arsenic only as well as group that are maintained in complete media. It can be concluded that low toxicity and high cholinesterase inhibitory effect of the crude extract is responsible for it therapeutic effects of this crude extract. Toxicity screening of this crude extract on a mammal such as mice and rat to reaffirm their toxicity profile are recommended. Antioxidant screening as well as isolation of bioactive compounds present in this plant part is strongly recommended.

3990 – 4004

Authors: OGBODO, John Agbo, BICHI, Armaya’u Hamisu and OGBODO, Joy Ijogo

The year 2020 was the resounding fifth anniversary of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which have a vision for a safer, healthier and more prosperous world by 2030. The overall objective of this present research is to analyze Nigeria’s strategies towards ascertaining their progress, pitfalls and prospects for achieving environmental sustainability. The novel Covid-19 pandemic is found out to be closely intertwined with tropical deforestation; hence, humans become exposed to disease pathogens originally found only in wild animals; thereby, depicting consequences for the environmentalrelated SDGs in Nigeria. In addition, Covid-19 measures such as mobility restrictions during lockdowns create major food supply system challenges thereby, affecting availability and accessibility requirements for the attainment of food security (SDG-2) in Nigeria. Hence, the novel Covid-19 is a colossal pitfall retarding progress on environmental-related SDGs in Nigeria amid the seven prospects as identified in this research article. Overall, the analysis shows that there is a gap between what can be achieved in the research domain regarding policy-making and implementation of environmental-related SDGs in Nigeria. As a way-forward, future researches are needed to investigate the effectiveness of implementing, monitoring and reporting system of the environmental-related SDGs towards attaining a safer, healthier and more prosperous Nigeria beyond 2030.

4020 – 4027

Authors: OZIOKO, Ikenna Emmanuel, EZE, Didacus Chukwuemeka, ABONYI, Festus Otaka, NWANKWO, Nwabueze Sunday, EMENNAA, Ekenedilichukwu Paul and NNADI, Pius Ajanwachukwu

This study investigated the response of chicks infected with velogenic Newcastle disease virus (NDV) to Newcastle disease vaccine - NDV-I2. A total of 90 day-old cockerel chicks were used for this study. At three weeks of age, the chicks were randomly separated into two equal groups of 45 chicks designated A and B. After separation, Group A chicks were vaccinated with NDV-I2 vaccine intraocularly, while Group B chicks were not vaccinated. At six weeks of age, Groups A and B chicks were further randomly separated into sub groups A1, A2, A3 and B1, B2, B3 of 15 chicks each respectively. After separation, chicks in subgroups A2, A3, B2, and B3 were exposed to chicks infected with NDV. Upon manifestation of clinical infections, chicks in subgroups A2 and B2 were revaccinated with NDV-I2 vaccine, while subgroups A3 and B3 were not vaccinated. Percentage morbidity was 42.86, 64.29, 100 and 92.86 % for subgroups A2, A3, B2 and B3 respectively, while percentage mortality was 14.29, 50, 100 and 71.43 % in subgroups A2, A3, B2 and B3 respectively. This study showed that vaccination of previously vaccinated chicks during Newcastle disease outbreak protects the chicks and reduces both morbidity and mortality significantly.

4043 – 4054

Authors: ECHUDE, Daniel, ADAKOLE, John Ameh, MBAH, Christian Emeka and ADIE, Donatus Begianpuye

Physicochemical parameters of Kuti stream, Abaji Area Council, Abuja were studied for welve months (January - December, 2019). Water samples were collected from the study area monthly from four sampling points that were 500 m distance apart into a clean 2-litre transparent plastic container and screw capped between the hours of 06.00 – 10.00. Samples were preserved in ice and taken to the laboratory for analysis. Temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) were measured in-situ with portable HANNA meter (HI 70007 pH/EC/TDS/̊C), while chloride (Cl-), sodium (Na+), nitrate (NO3 -), phosphate (PO43-), sulphate (SO4 2-), magnesium (Mg2+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), dissolved oxygen (DO), alkalinity and turbidity were analyzed ex-situ using standard methods. Descriptive statistics revealed that all parameters were within permissible limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and FRN’s national environmental (surface and underground water quality control) regulations except PO43-and turbidity. Analysis of Variance showed that all parameters are significantly different (p˃0.05) except pH across sampled points, while paired sample t-test showed that there was a significant difference (p<0.05) of all parameters between seasons except pH and Na. The high concentration of PO4 3-and turbidity observed may be linked to the influx of runoff from nearby farms and degree of anthropogenic activities that took place in the stream during the study. PO43- combined with NO3- to cause eutrophication, which lead to higher oxygen demand and subsequent death of aquatic organisms. To reduce the concentration of PO43-, sustainable agriculture and healthy activities around the stream should be practiced.

3809 – 3820

Authors: NJOGA, Ugochinyere Juliet, AJIBO, Festus Ejike and NJOGA, Emmanuel Okechukwu

Contraceptives are widely used in medical practice for birth control but dearth of information exists on the veterinary use for control of stray dog population in Nigeria. A closed-ended questionnaire survey of 309 dog owners and 333 dogs presented for veterinary care across three states of Nigeria was conducted; to assess the owners’ awareness on use of contraceptives in dogs, vaccination history and demographics of the dogs. Only 23.6 % of the dog owners have good knowledge of contraceptives, although 42.7 % of them were educated up to tertiary level. Of the 333 dog, 47.8 % and 44.1 % were kept as security dogs and pets respectively. Most dog keepers (56.3 %) were not aware that contraceptives can be used in dogs, while 31.0 % of those who are aware have not used any contraception method on their dogs. Reasons adduced for non-use of contraceptives were: unawareness that contraceptives are available for veterinary use (60.4 %), opposition to birth control methods due to religious or cultural belief (15.9 %) and lack of access to the veterinary service providers (4.2 %). Only 76.9 % of the dogs were validly vaccinated against rabies. Statistical association existed between educational levels and awareness/use of contraceptives in dogs. The findings underscore the need for public enlightenment and legislation on use of contraceptives in dogs kept for non-breeding purposes; as contraception is cardinal in control of proliferation of stray dogs, known to be major reservoirs of rabies virus in Nigeria.

3829 – 3835

Authors: GURUMYEN, George Yilzem, BUBA, Deborah Maigawu, ORAGWA, Arthur Obinna, PATROBAS, Maryam Nyeta, POLYCARP, Tanko Nwunuji, DUNKA, Hassana Isaac, OZIEGBE, Stanley David, TIZHE, Emmanuel Vandi and UBACHUKWU, Chidiebere Chiemerie

Postmortem examination of chickens from a semi-intensive system was carried out following complaint of high mortality, loss of weight, sneezing and raising of heads and gaping. The farm had other types of birds which were also evaluated to ascertain their risk of transmission of Syngamus trachea. Lesions seen included anaemia, hyperemia of the trachea containing forked red warms (S. trachea), congested and haemorrhagic lungs and presence of Raillietina tetragona in the small intestine. Histologically, there was necrotizing trachiesis, pulmonary congestion and haemorrhages. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case report of S. trachea in Jos, North Central Nigeria.

3845 – 3853

Authors: AUDU, David, IDOWU, Adewunmi Babatunde, IDOWU, Olufunmilayo Ajoke, MSHELBWALA, Fakilahyel Musa and OMOTAINSE, Samuel Olatunbosun

Pregnancy associated malaria (PAM) is a potentially life-threatening condition that affects the new-born. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of PAM on the haematological parameters and histopathology of some vital organs of pups delivered by mice infected with malaria in the second and third stages of pregnancy. Thirty female Swiss albino mice were randomly assigned into three groups, two groups of which were intraperitoneally infected with inoculums containing 3.97 x 106 Plasmodium berghei infected red blood cells at gestational days (GD 12 and 17), while the third group were uninfected (control). Pregnant females were allowed to deliver and progenies were monitored for three weeks. The red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin (HB) concentration was significantly lower (p<0.05) in pups of mice infected in the 2ndand 3rd stages of pregnancy as compared to the pups from non-infected mother. Histopathological alterations observed in the pup’s organs of mice infected in the 2nd and 3rd stages of pregnancy include fatty degeneration in the liver, interstitial pneumonia and oedema in the alveolar sac of the lungs, severe lymphoid depletion of the spleen, degeneration of tubular epithelial cells of the kidney and vacuolar degeneration in the brain. More severe damages were seen in pups from mice infected in the 2nd stage of pregnancy. This study showed that pregnancy associated malaria induce anaemia and damaging effects on vital organs of progeny of mice infected in the 2nd and 3rd stages of pregnancy.

3863 – 3868

Authors: ATAWALNA, Joseph, AGBEHADZI, Richard Koblah, ESSEL, Daniel Cobbinah Junior and AMPONSAH, Patrick

A study was conducted to investigate the reproductive performance of Guinea fowls on a commercial farm in the Ashanti region of Ghana. This study reported for the first time in Ghana, the reproductive performance of Guinea fowls reared under an intensive production system. The birds were intensively reared on deep litter with a mating ratio of one male to ten females for the production of day-old keets. Eggs were collected daily and stored for seven days at temperatures between 16 – 20º Celsius and selected for incubation in an automated Petersime incubator. Data on incubated Guinea fowl eggs for the period 2011 – 2018 were obtained from the hatchery unit records and analyzed using Graph Pad Prism version 5.00 for Windows. The percentage overall fertility, total hatchability, fertile hatchability, embryonic mortality, viable keets and non-viable keets were 50.7 ± 13, 30.5 ± 14, 50.4 ± 15, 22 ± 10, 91.7 ± 5.4 and 8.3 ± 6.3 % respectively. Fertility and fertility hatchability were low on this farm, while embryonic mortality was high. The study recommends a change in the mating ratio to one male Guinea fowl to four females, improvement of hygienic conditions in egg processing, regular fumigation of the farm and improved incubator management.

3878 – 3891

Authors: SULAIMAN, Muhammad, OLADIMEJI, Yusuf Usman, EGWUMA, Henry and YUSUF, Hannatu Ohunene

Empirical evidence from literature revealed that the studies of integrated crop-livestock farming systems (ICLFS) are scanty in Nigeria. Hence, the study estimated the benefits of ICLFS and factors associated with profit among rural households in north-west Nigeria. Primary data was obtained using structured questionnaire administered to the croplivestock farmers (CLF). 428 CLFs were sampled from 84 villages belonging to seven Local Government Areas. State-wise, this translated to 178, 128 and 122 CLFs in Kaduna, Kano and Katsina states respectively. Descriptive statistics, net farm income and multiple regression models were used to achieve the objectives. The results of the mean output indicated that ICL farmer produced 3,302.66 ± 749.70, 2,955.45 ± 350.90, 1,004.24 ± 20.98, 3,971.55 ± 932.12 and 1,026.29 ± 144.91 kg of maize, sorghum, cowpea, rice and soybean per hectare/year respectively. Findings established that the mean number of large ruminant, small ruminant and poultry reared per farmer were 19.00 ± 2.70, 24.00 ± 13.56 and 149.00 ± 119.01 herds respectively. The mean benefit-cost ratio of 1.64 ± 0.21, 1.39 ± 0.53, 1.44 ± 0.39, 2.67 ± 0.27, 2.30 ± 0.31 and 1.52 ± 0.15 were estimated for crop production per ha, dairy cow, beef cattle, goat, layer and broiler bird respectively. Coefficients of farm size (1.06), livestock worth (0.54), household size (0.10), extension contact (0.13), farming experience (-0.13) and credit accessed) (-0.01) were factors determining profit among CLFs. Farmers are encouraged to increase the farm size and livestock to seek opportunities of economic of scale, income and food security.

3903 – 3910

Authors: AWOSOLU, Oluwaseun, ADESINA, Femi, AFOLABI, Olajide and OGUNSANYA, Damilola

Malaria remains a major challenging infectious disease across the globe particularly in sub-Sahara Africa and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Management strategy depends majorly on reliable epidemiological information. Thus, this study is to investigate the malaria parasite distribution and knowledge among students of Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. Blood samples were obtained from volunteered subjects. Thick and thin blood films stained with Giemsa were prepared and viewed under the x100 objective lens of the light microscope to determine the presence or absence of malaria parasite. A well-structured questionnaire was employed to collect relevant epidemiological information such as demographic, socioeconomic, environmental variables and their knowledge regarding malaria. Of the total 203 participants examined, three-quarter (84.20 %) tested positive to malaria infection, while 80.30 % had moderate parasitaemia level. All the participants (100.00 %) identified mosquito as the malaria parasite vector. Age group (χ2 = 11.88, p = 0.01), marital status (χ2 = 21.81, p = 0.01), income (χ2 = 27.52, p = 0.01) and environmental sanitation (χ2 = 6.25, p = 0.04) were predisposing factors (p<0.05) associated with malaria infection among participants. Meanwhile, female participants are 0.92 times (CI: 0.42 - 2.02) less prone to malaria infection compare to male and monthly environmental sanitation was 3.62 times (CI: 1.21 - 10.87) prone to malaria infection than those who observed environmental sanitation weekly. The present study has revealed high prevalence of malaria infection among the students. School management and government should implement malaria control strategies among tertiary students.

3640 – 3648

Authors: FAGA, David Chiagi, OBISIKE, Victor Ugochukwu, ONAH, Isegbe Emmanuel and AMUTA, Elizabeth Une

Malaria parasitemia and genotype of patients attending Federal Medical Center, Makurdi and General Hospital Otupko in Benue State was assessed between the months of November, 2017 and February, 2018. A total of 400 samples were collected from consented patients through venipuncture techniques. The blood samples were processed within 3 to 6 hours of collection. Infection status and genotype were ascertained using standard techniques. Their demographic characteristics and malaria control measures were determined using questionnaires. Chi-square test was used to determine the degree of association between malaria prevalence and other factors influencing its transmission. 162 patients (40.5 %) were positive. Females had higher prevalence than males and the difference was significant (x2 = 11.993, df = 1, p = 0.00, p<0.05). The age group 0 – 9 had the highest prevalence of 46.8 %. The prevalence of malaria was not found to be dependent upon age group and the difference was not significant (x2= 4.798, df = 6, p = 0.570, p<0.05). Individuals with genotype AA had the highest prevalence rate of 46.7 % followed by AS with 29.9 %, while no SS individual was infected. Prevalence between the three genotypes was significant (p = 0.001, p<0.05). The finding from the study showed that malaria prevalence depends on risk factors that promote transmission and that AS and SS individuals have a genetic advantage over AA individuals in relation to plasmodium parasitemia. Public enlightenment should be taken more seriously in both the urban and rural areas of Benue State.

3658 – 3664

Authors: UFELE, Angela Nwogor, NWAFOR, Chidinma Judith, OFFOR, Vivian and NWANKWO, Samuel

This research investigated the effect of Azadirachta indica and Moringa oleifera leaf on the growth performance and PCV of broiler chicks. Sixty four weeks old broiler chicks were used. T1 was control which contained only chick mash, T2 contained 20 g of neem leaf meal (NLM), T3 contained 20 g of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MLM) and T4 contained 10 g of NLM and 10 g of MLM. The study lasted for 8 weeks. Result from the study showed that birds on 20 g inclusion of NLM had a significantly (p<0.05) higher weight gain (1800 ± 0.70) and mean weight (2650 ± 45.64) followed by the birds on a mixture of 10 g of NLM and 10 g of MLM . Similar trend followed in the specific growth rate even though the difference was not significant (p>0.05). The result obtained for the PCV ranged from 35.40 ± 0.07 for the 20 g inclusion of NLM, 36.50 ± 0.21 for the control treatment; 38.60 ± 0.21 for the 10 g inclusion of NLM + 10 g inclusion of MLM and 40.90 ± 0.21 for the 20 g inclusion of MLM. Analysis of variance showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in the PCV among the different treatment groups. From the result, it was concluded that neem leaf gave a better performance at 20 g inclusion level in terms of growth performance, followed by the mixture with Moringa at 50:50 inclusion. Also Moringa oleifera performed best in boosting the PCV of broiler.

3674 – 3681

Authors: USUNOBUN, Usunomena and EKAKITIE, Chelsea

This work was aimed at determining the protective effect of Celosia argentea aqueous leaf extract on acetaminophen induced liver attack in male albino rats. A total of 42 rats were divided into seven groups of six rats with the leaf extract of C. argentea administered for eight days at 200 and 400 mg/kg in groups 4, 5, 6 and 7. Acetaminophen (3 g/kg) was administered to rats in group 2, 3, 6 and 7 on the eight day. Forty-eight (48) hours after Acetaminophen was administered, the rats were sacrificed and blood collected for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP) and serum albumin (SA) as well as histopathological analysis. The results showed that acetaminophen at 3 g/kg altered liver function, synthetic and pathological state whereas C. argentea leaf restored liver function toward normalcy thus making revealing hepatotoxic nature of acetaminophen and the hepatoprotective potential of C. argentea leaf.

3691 – 3705

Authors: INGWEYE, Julius Naligwu, ANAELE, Oluchi and OLOGBOSE, Festus Imonkhei

Response of rabbits to diets containing Aidan pod powder was assessed. Forty-eight New Zealand White bucks, aged 42 ± 5 days, were used for the 56-day trial. Animals were shared into four groups of three replicates with four rabbits per replicate. Groups were andomly allotted to four treatments (T1 to T4) diets. T1 (control) had no Aidan. Aidan was included at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 % in T2, T3 and T4, respectively. All diets were formulated to provide 17 % crude protein and 2,700 (ME) kcal/kg of energy. Diets and water were given ad libitum. Animal weights, balanced across groups, were taken initially, then every 7 days. Performance, carcass, organ and economics of production indices were assessed. Final weight, total and daily weight gains, dressed weight and cost of feed increased (p<0.05) with increasing Aidan levels, while daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio decreased (p<0.05). Carcass and relative organ weights gave mixed results that mostly reflect final live and dressed weights. T3 had the highest weight gain, lowest feed intake, lowest cost of feed consumed and, best feed conversion ratio. Hence, 1.0 % inclusion of Aidan is recommended for better growth, weight gain and feed efficiency in rabbits. But, high inclusion levels should be with caution as such may deposit abdominal fat that could jeopardize the status of rabbit meat as a functional food.

3713 – 3722

Authors: OSMAN, Alhassan, ANTIRI, Lewis Agyakwa, OWIREDU, Emmanuel, AMOAH, Kwame Owusu and KARIKARI, Paul Kofi

A study was carried out to determine nutrients digestibility, growth performance and carcass characteristics of weaner rabbits fed graded levels of Ackee Leaf Meal (ALM). Twenty weaner rabbits were randomly assigned to four treatments (T0 – 0 % ALM, which served as the control, T1 – 7.5 % ALM, T2 – 15 % ALM and T3 – 22.5 % ALM) in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and fed the assigned diets for ten weeks after one week adjustment period. Parameters measured included average daily feed intake, average daily body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and mortality. The digestibility study was carried out during the 8th week of the feeding trial. At the end of the feeding trial, two rabbits per treatment were randomly selected, starved of feed for 24 hours and slaughtered. Carcass measurements and weights of internal organs were taken. The results revealed significant differences in final body weight, total weight gain and average daily weight gain with T1 recording the highest values. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) increased when ALM was increased to 22.5 %. Digestibility values for DM and EE were significantly (p<0.05) higher for T2. Dressed weight and dressing percentage declined significantly (p<0.05) when ALM was increased to 22.5 % of the diet. It was concluded that ALM could be used to improve average daily weight gain and FCR up to 15 % inclusion level without increasing the unit cost of feed. The inclusion of ALM up to 15 % of the diet could also improve digestibility of DM and EE.

3729 – 3735

Authors: OGUNBAMBO, Mutiat Mogbonjubola

Smoke-dried fish is an integral protein source in many Nigerian diets, processed by smoke-drying and sold for income. The study aimed to describe the fatty acid yield of smoke-dried African mudfish (average weight of 350 ± 100 g) using traditional drum kiln (TDK) and eco-friendly kiln (EFK) while storing at ambient (280C) and control (140C) temperatures. In the smoke-dried mudfish, a total of 25 fatty acids (7 Saturated, 9 Monounsaturated and 9 polyunsaturated) were identified. Under ambient temperature storage, saturated fatty acid (SFA) was found to be higher in fish smoked with TDK than fish smoked with EFK. Palmitic acid was the main component of saturated fatty acid followed by stearic acid. Under control temperature, unsaturated fatty acid content was found to be higher in EFK-smoked fish than in TDK-smoked fish, and these values were higher compared to those of SFAs. Petroselinic acid has been noted as a dominant MUFA in both TDK (16.08 ± 0.23 %) and EFK-smoked (16.98 ± 0.19 %) samples. Among the PUFAs, docosahexaenoic, arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids were the dominant in the smoke-dried fish. The results indicate that kiln type and different storage temperature affect the fatty acid composition of Clarias gariepinus.

3747 – 3760

Authors: COKER, Oluwakayode Michael, JUBRIL, Afusat Jagun, ISONG, Otobong Mfon and OMONONA, Abosede Olayemi

Currently, no information exists regarding internal and external morphometrics and their correlations in Funisciurus anerythrus and Heliosciurus gambianus. Therefore, this study examined the relationships among the internal and external morphometrics of the two species in University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. Samples of adult F. anerythrus (n = 20) and H. gambianus (n = 13) were trapped from the wild at various locations within the campus. Live weights (LW), external measurements and weights of internal organs were taken. Comparisons within and between both species were carried out using T-tests and Pearson’s correlation coefficient at p<0.05. H. gambianus was significantly bigger than F. anerythrus for all the measured parameters, except in ear and snout lengths. Male F. anerythrus was significantly bigger than female in LW, body length (BL) and shoulder to tail length (STL) while, female H. gambianus was significantly bigger than male in trunk circumference (TC). In male F. anerythrus, BL significantly correlates with STL (r = 0.85). In female F. anerythrus, LW correlates significantly with hind limb length (r = 0.62) and both kidneys. In male H. gambianus, LW correlates significantly with head length (r = 0.79), tail length (r = 0.81), BL (r = 0.97), STL (r = 0.87), and the weights of lungs and kidneys. In female H. gambianus, LW correlates significantly with TC (r = 0.99) and right lung weight (r = 0.92). Both species show some levels of sexual dimorphism and substantial positive correlations among the external and internal measurements.

3766 – 3780

Authors: OLAJUYIGBE, Samuel Olalekan, OYEDARE, Olumide Olutayo, OBEBE, Oluwasola Olaiya and COKER, Oluwakayode Michael

This study investigated the growth performances, egg production and blood profiles of Coturnix japonica fed concentrate diets supplemented with Tithonia diversifolia leaf meal (TDLM). One hundred (two-week old) C. japonica chicks were allocated to five dietary treatments. The experimental birds were allowed to acclimatize for one week, before feeding trials lasted for twelve weeks. Diets were formulated with TDLM inclusions at 0 % (A), 2.5% (B), 5 % (C), 7.5 % (D) and 10 % (E) to the standard dietary formulations. Diets and water were provided for the chicks, ad-libitum. Data collected on growth performance, blood profiles, serum biochemistry and egg production, were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Inclusion of TDLM had a significant influence on growth performance, blood profiles, and egg production (P<0.05). After 12 weeks, Diet C had the highest body weight (148.37 ± 0.76 g), while control diet had least (144.93 ± 1.05 g). The control diet had 20% mortality, while Diet D had 5% mortality due to injuries from other birds’ attack. Egg weight varied from 9.60 ± 0.14 g (control) to 11.39 ± 0.12 g (Diet E).The blood profiles responded positively to TDLM inclusion with the birds developing stronger immunity when compared to those fed the control diet. Serum biochemistry did not significantly differ indicating that there were no negative effects due to TDLM inclusion. TDLM at 2.5 and 5.0 % inclusions had the highest positive effects on growth performance, haematological parameters, egg production and serum biochemistry of the quails.

3790 – 3798

Authors: WAHEDI, Jasini Alexander, PUKUMA, Micah Sale, GAMBU, James Wurma and ELKANAH, Obadiah Sambo

Cockroaches are insects of significant medical importance because of their tendencies in transmitting diseases mechanically. This study was performed to determine the incidence of gastrointestinal parasites in the guts and body surfaces of cockroaches in the residential and hospital areas, and the perception of their role in disease transmission in Mubi-South, Adamawa State. Two hundred cockroaches (100 each from the residential and hospital areas respectively) were collected from various households and hospital areas in Mubi-South, and were screened for gastrointestinal parasites in the laboratory. A well-structured questionnaire was used to source data on peoples’ perception on the role of cockroaches in disease transmission. The result revealed eight parasites (A. lumbricoides, E. coli, E. hystolitica, G. lamblia, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus spp . and Streptococcus spp.) prevalent in the cockroaches collected. Out of the 200 cockroaches collected, only 62(31.0 %) tested positive for gastrointestinal parasites. A. lumbricoides was the predominant species of parasites, while the least was G. lamblia (1 %). The result also revealed the preponderance of parasites in cockroaches collected from the hospital (39 %) than residential (23 %). Also, there were more parasites encountered in body surfaces (61.3 %) of cockroaches than guts (38.7 %). The perception on the role of cockroaches in disease transmission revealed that cockroaches are potential mechanical transmitters of disease pathogens. Therefore, there is need to improve good sanitary measures in our environments in order to contain the influence of cockroaches in the spread of disease, most especially in hospital areas, where cockroach infestation is high.