Animal Research International

1549 – 1554

Authors: AWI, Michael and DEMSHEMINO, Moses

Man is at the center of natural resource development and destruction. This study assessed the productivity level of the Gada stream and examined the factors militating against its sustenance. A total of 150 respondents, consisting of local fishers, fresh and dry fish traders, fish consumers, and those living along the stream were randomly sampled. Data collection was by personal observation, oral interviews, and semi-structured questionnaires. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results showed that there was decreased fish production in the stream. Factors militating against fish production in Gada stream were the continuous excavation of sand (81.33%), destruction of stream banks due to farming activities (60.0%), water pollution (48.67%), seldom flood (42.67%), over-exploitation of fish (28.0%) and the types of fishing gears and techniques involved (21.33%). Management techniques such as avoidance of sand excavation (85.33%), use of nets of 1 cm2 mesh size (78.0%), controlled fishing activity (70.67%), use of buffer zones (68.67%), and planting of horticultural crops along the stream banks may be adopted for the stream’s revitalization, management and sustenance.

1560 – 1566

Authors: AMALU, Christopher Tochukwu and OKAFOR, Fabian Chukwuemenam

A study of symptoms associated with the diagnosis and management of malaria in a semi-urban community of Enugu State, South-Eastern Nigeria was conducted. Structured qualitative and quantitative questionnaires were administered along with an in-depth interview to assess the knowledge, attitude, behaviour, and practice (KABP) among school children and pregnant women attending ante-natal clinic hospitals and to ascertain their health-seeking behaviour. Symptomatic diagnosis of the 352 pregnant women and children, showed that 260 (79%) did not manifest any of the malarial symptoms within the past three months as at the time of the study, 20 (5.7%) patients had fever alone, chill, and blisters (0.9%), headache, diarrhoea, and joint pain (0.3%), and weakness and anorexia (0.6%), respectively. Recent fever combined with chill was highest 2.8%, followed by anorexia and weakness 2.0%, fever with headache, and weakness 1.7%, fever with anorexia and or vomiting 1.4%, fever with chill and headache and/ or amber urine or joint pain or anorexia or frequent sleeping 1.1%, headache with weakness 1.1%. Forty-six (46) antenatal care patients out of the 352 population sampled for symptomatic diagnosis to predict malaria infection in symptomatic patients with a recent history of treatment showed low sensitivity (41.6%), but highly specific (80%), low positive value (45.7%), high negative predictive value (77.3%), low false positive rate (20%), moderately high false negative rate (58.4%) and a high J-index (78.7%). The axillary temperature was poorly predictive for negative samples with normal axillary temperatures. The mean axillary temperature among children with positive malaria test was 37.0°C and negative malaria test was 36.4°C. Antenatal patients with positive tests were 36.5°C and negative malaria test was 35.1°C. Self-diagnosis and presumptive treatment are evident based on the prevention and prompt treatment of malaria disease and this method is prevalent in rural communities and should be an adjunct to routine microscopy in clinical diagnosis.

1572 – 1578

Authors: EZENWAJI, Ngozi Evelyn, NELO, Waaka Choice and OLUAH, Ndubushi Stanley

The study investigated the effects of 28-day exposure of albino rats to graded sublethal concentrations of atrazine on the haematological profile. Thirty-six (36) male albino rats used for the study were divided into four groups of nine rats each. Group I served as the untreated control while groups II, III, and IV were treated with atrazine at 150, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight orally administered for 28 days. Packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin concentration (Hb), total white blood cell (WBC) count, and differential WBC count were assessed on days 14, 21, and 28. The exposure to atrazine led to significant reductions in PCV, Hb, and RBC of the treated groups especially on days 21 and 28. The treated groups also had significantly higher (p<0.05) total WBC counts throughout the study, and group IV rats had significantly higher (p<0.05) lymphocytes and significantly lower (p<0.05) neutrophil on day 28 when compared with the control.

1585 – 1600

Authors: AMALU, Christopher Tochukwu, IVOKE, Njoku, EKEH, Felicia Nkechi, EZENWAJI, Ngozi Evelyn, ATAMA, Chinedu Ifeanyi, OKAFOR, Fabian Chukwuemenam and EYO, Joseph Effiong

There are currently two methods for the direct diagnosis of malaria: the thin blood smear and the thick smear. A third method called the Acon-Plasmodium falciparum (Acon-Pf) (a new cheap malaria rapid diagnostic test) has been developed. This was the first study comparing the three methods in rapid malaria diagnosis among school children and pregnant women in Enugu State, Nigeria, using qualitative and quantitative questionnaires that address their knowledge, attitude, behaviour, and practice. In this study, 352 whole blood samples of individuals with suspected falciparum malaria were investigated among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics and school children in rural communities in Enugu State. The following parameters were determined: intrinsic validity, predictive values, species diagnostic power, and logistic factors. Acon-Pf had the following characteristics: 91.5 % sensitivity, 87.2 % specificity, 64.3 % positive predictive values, 97.6 % negative predictive values, high malaria infection rate determination of 58.7%, reduced mean packed cell volume (0.25 mmol/L) in malaria patients, correct species diagnosis including both the trophozoite and gametocyte stages of Plasmodium falciparum. The Acon-Pf positive test result ranged from light to thick coloured bands and the time required for the test was 1.3 – 15 ± 5 minutes. The cost per Acon-Pf test cassette at bulk purchase was N112.50 (US$0.90) without the service charge as compared with a thick smear (N 300.00, US$ 2.50) and N 350.00 (US$ 2.90) for a thin smear. The study found that Acon-Pf is suitable alongside microscopy in the accurate diagnosis of malaria in Enugu State. The use of Acon- Pf and thick smear tests in parallel, first collecting the Acon-Pf results, as it contributes to reading the thin smear result for confirmation of species, diagnosis, and assessment of parasitaemia. Thus, the Acon-Pf test device is a viable cost-effective adjunct to routine microscopy and a reliable option for malaria diagnosis in remote and emergency situations.

1323 – 1327

Authors: EGWUI, Peter Chuks, MGBENKA, Bernard Obialo and NWUBA, Lucy Afulenu

The egg diameter distribution frequency of four batches of hatchery–reared gravid Clarias gariepinus with 10 fish per batch of varying fish weights per batch, namely: 60 ± 0.09 g, 125 ± 0.11 g, 250 ± 0.14 g and 500 ± 0.12 g was studied. Eggs from paired ovaries hardened with 1% formalin in 0.6% saline solution for 3 weeks to become non-clumping were graded through a stack of eight sieves with mesh sizes: 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.8 mm, and 2.0 mm. The different batches of similar-sized eggs retained at each sieve were counted. The mean egg counts of diameters of 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.4 mm and 1.8 mm were 402.35 ± 70.85, 682.90 ± 104.40, 65.775 ± 10.82, 364.70 ± 69.26, 1829.0 ± 378.36, 78.0750 and 18.45 ± 5.64 eggs, respectively. Of the seven (7) egg diameter frequencies (0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.4 mm, and 1.8 mm) monitored, the mean egg diameter frequency of 1.2 mm showed the highest egg peak and that of 1.8 mm showed the least egg peak. Bimodal peaks were occurring at 0.5 mm and 1.2 mm in the egg distribution frequency chart indicating that C. gariepinus can spawn more than once in a breeding season.

1497 – 1501

Authors: ADEYEMI, Samuel Olusegun and AKOMBO, Pauline Mbakaan

Age, growth, and mortality of two dominant Cichlids collected from an Oxbow lake on the tributary of River Benue were studied between October 2006 and September 2008. Sixty samples of the fish species comprising thirty Tilapia zillli and thirty Oreochromis niloticus were obtained from the Artisanal fishers from the common landing site along the lake. Age was determined from Bhattacharya’s length frequency assortment method using where applicable the scale of fish and opercula bones. Growth was found to be allometric among the species studied conforming to the growth factor W = aLb. Four age groups were observed while the average instantaneous total mortality for the species was 0.48/year and an exploitation rate of 0.41 while the longevity was 8 years.

1506 – 1514

Authors: WANGBOJE, Oiseoje Michael and ORONSAYE, Jude Aigbokavbo Osamuede

The concentrations of zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr) were evaluated in whole fish, muscle, liver and gills of the benthic fresh water fish, Crysichthys nigrodigitatus, from Ikpoba River Dam in Benin City, Nigeria, by atomic absorption spectrometric technique. The concentrations of the aforementioned trace metals were also determined in water and sediment. The concentration profile of Zn in fish tissue in descending order was liver > muscle > whole fish > gills while for Cd the profile in descending order was liver > whole fish > gills > muscle. The concentration profile in descending order for Cr, Pb, and Cu was liver > whole fish > muscle > gills, liver > gills >whole fish > muscle, and muscle > whole fish > liver > gills respectively. The concentration profile of the metals in descending order in water was Zn > Pb > Cd > Cr > Cu while in sediment the concentration profile was Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd > Cr. The mean concentration of Cr in the examined fish tissues exceeded the WHO maximum allowable limit for food and fish while the mean concentration of Pb in water exceeded the WHO maximum allowable limit for drinking water. It was advocated that regulatory agencies should further monitor the Dam in other to produce sufficient data to implement better management strategies which would alleviate negative impacts.

1524 – 1528

Authors: UBACHUKWU, Patience Obiageli, OLUAH, Ndubuisi Stanly, OMEJE, C. U. IKELE, Chika Bright

Juvenile Clarias gariepinus were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations (0.04, 0.06, and 0.10µg/L) of primextra for 21 days in a static renewal bioassay system. The changes in the tissue cholesterol concentrations were determined every seven days. The result showed that primextra had an adverse effect on the tissue cholesterol levels in C. gariepinus. When compared with the control, the liver and muscle cholesterol concentrations were significantly (P>0.05) elevated due to primextra exposure. However, the kidney cholesterol levels in the primextra-exposed fish were lower (P > 0.05) than the control. The cholesterol concentrations in the treatment groups were also different (P<0.05). Generally, the liver and muscle cholesterol concentrations increased with the duration of exposure. The induction of hypercholesterolemia in both the muscle and the liver and hypocholesterolemia in the kidney of the treated fish are indications of dysfunctional lipid physiological processes occurring in the fish due to primextra exposure.

1537 – 1539

Authors: UFELE, Angela Nwogor, EBENEBE, Cordelia Ifeyinwa, MOGBO, Tochukwu Chinedu and AZIAGBA, Bibian Okwuchukwu

This research sought to find out if Prosopis africana ethanolic leaf extract can help in fighting against anaemia in animals which is among the major causes of death in animals in developing countries. Seventy-five albino rats of 90 days old and approximately 200g were used. The rats were randomly selected and placed into five cages representing five different treatments. The extract of Prosopis africana was given to the rats in solution as daily water. Group A rats (cage A) received 0 ml of the extract per 100 ml of distilled water and served as a control group. Group B rats (cage B) received 1 ml of extract in 100 ml of distilled water, group C rats (cage C) received 2 ml of extract in 100 ml of distilled water, and group D rats (cage D) received 3 ml of extract in 100ml of distilled water, while group E rats (cage E) received 4ml of the extract in 100 ml of distilled water. Blood samples were collected weekly for eight weeks using capillary tubes and centrifuged with a haematocrit centrifuge at 10,000 rpm for 5 minutes. At the end of the experiment, it was discovered that rats in cage E had the highest level of PCV (45.70%), followed by rats in cage D (42.93%) and those in cage C (41.97%). Rats in cage B had the lowest PCV among the treated groups, while rats in cage A had the lowest PCV among the treated and untreated groups.

1544 – 1548

Authors: OBIEZUE, Nduka Rose, OKOYE, Ikem Chris, ONUEKWUSI, Ugochi, AMOKE, Cornelius Offorma and EGBU, Florence

A survey of the arthropod fauna of the University of Nigeria Nsukka sewage pond was carried out between May and June 2011. The aim was to determine the various arthropod species and their abundance in the sewage pond. The analysis was carried out by two methods, physico-chemical analysis and arthropod faunal studies. The physicochemical parameters of the pond which included dissolved oxygen, temperature, water hardness, carbon dioxide, pH, depth, and alkalinity were recorded. The arthropod faunal study was obtained through sample collections of the shoreline zone with the use of an insect net and scoop net, the mid benthic zone with the use of Eckman grab. The arthropods found were of the class Insecta and class Arachnida. The sewage pond had a high accumulation of organic waste with the mean dissolved oxygen calculated to be 6.48. As a result of this high content of organic waste, most aerobic organisms cannot survive in the pond, and this resulted to low abundance of arthropods.

1419 – 1430

Authors: OGUGUAH, Ngozi Margaret, NWADUKWE, Frank, ATAMA, Chinedu Ifeanyi, CHIDOBEM, Joseph Ikechukwu and EYO, Joseph Effiong

Stocking density effect of Heterobranchus bidorsalis (♀) and Clarias gariepinus (♂) hybrid juveniles stocked at densities of 7, 14 and 21 catfishes m-2 in three varied culture tanks (concrete, metal and plastic) were studied for 20 weeks. Total length and weight of catfish juveniles were recorded every fortnight. Plastic tanks with stocking density of 7 catfishes m-2 had the best weight gain (4.89 ± 6.81 g) while the least weight gain (1.39 ± 2.16 g) was recorded in concrete tank with stocking density of 21 catfishes m-2. There was significant difference between stocking density of 7 catfishes m-2 (4.13 ± 5.38 g) and 21 catfishes m-2 (1.82 ± 2.26 g) (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in specific growth rate, feed efficiency and condition factor of catfishes in all culture tanks and stocking densities. The best total length of 12.23 ± 5.22 cm was obtained in concrete tank with stocking density of 7 catfish m-2. The least mean total length (9.44 ± 4.04 cm) was recorded in plastic tank with stocking density of 21 catfishes m-2. The effect of stocking density on total length was significant between stocking densities of 7 catfishes m-2 (11.85 ± 5.52 cm) and 21 catfishes m-2 (9.54 ± 4.01 cm) (P < 0.05).

1439 – 1444

Authors: Amadi, C. A., Nwagboso, N. K., Kwaga, B. T. and Akosim, C.

This paper examined the coping strategies adopted by the rural population in Yobe State of Nigeria to desertification. Data on methods used to cope with desertification were collected from eighteen development areas of the study area, as well as government agencies. The main objective was to examine how the process of desertification has forced the local population to use various coping strategies. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data analysis employed the use of air photographs of the development areas obtained from the North East Arid Zone Development Programme (NEAZDP) for the 1990s and 2000s. These aerial photographs were used to validate the presence of sand dune accumulation, bare grounds, depletion of water bodies and vegetation cover. These results were validated at the Regional Centre for Remote Sensing in Jos. The study finings show that the expanding desert is a severe environmental problem. Environmental changes have been significant, particularly in the reduction of water body, depletion of vegetation cover, shifting sand dunes, increasing bare grounds, and loss of biodiversity. A combination of coping strategies such as the use of trees as windbreaks, woven stick construction around houses, agro-forestry practices, and fadama farming has been used by the locbodiesal population. The paper suggests the need for massive tree plantings in the study area and Nigeria in general. The Federal and State Departments of Forestry needs to be empowered with adequate revenue for massive reforestation programmes. Regulation to discourage dependence on wood for local energy should be put in place, while other sources of energy such as kerosene should be adequately provided.

1452 – 1457

Authors: IBEMENUGA, Keziah N.

Seasonal changes in the physicochemical parameters of the Wusum reservoir were investigated for twelve months in three selected stations. Water samples were taken from the surface of the reservoir and transported to the laboratory for analysis. Temperature was determined in-situ. Hydrogen ion concentration, conductivity, turbidity, nitrate-nitrogen, and phosphate-phosphorus were determined in the laboratory. The results showed that temperature and conductivity were significantly higher (P<0.01) during the dry season whereas turbidity and phosphate-phosphorus were significantly higher (P<0.01) during the wet season. Correlation analysis showed that temperature was positively correlated with conductivity (P<0.05) and negatively correlated with turbidity (P<0.05), nitrate-nitrogen (P<0.05) and phosphate-phosphorus (P<0.01).

1467 – 1472

Authors: EKECHUKWU, Nkiru Esther and EKEH, Felicia Nkechi

Aedes aegypti is one of the commonest mosquitoes in the tropics and sub-topics, feeding on human blood when exposed, and is responsible for the transmission of urban yellow fever in Africa and outside Africa, it transmits dengue fever. Aedes aegypti are basically freshwater mosquitoes. The effect of different concentrations of saline solution on the survivorship of larvae and pupae of Aedes aegypti is studied to possibly find a control measure that will utilize wastewater from our kitchen which contains some form of saline solution. Different grams of NaCl were measured and dissolved in 100 ml of water to get the different concentrations and the different larvae were subsequently introduced into these solutions. An increase in salinity, brings about increase in mortality rate as well as an increase in the length of days for development. While there was no mortality in saline concentration between 0.1 - 1.0 % the length of days for development remains almost the same as in freshwater. But from 1.5%-5.0% saline concentration, mortality recorded was on the increase and the rate of development was delayed taking about 4.5 days in pupa as against the normal 2.5 days on the average. However optimal mortality was recorded in the first larval instars having 100% mortality in 1.5% to 5.0%. Whereas the pupal stage recorded the highest survivorship rate of 83.3% in all. Finally, it was observed that Aedes aegypti even though a freshwater mosquito tolerated some level of salinity and at the same time can be controlled effectively with NaCl solution.

1480 – 1484

Authors: OBIEZUE, Rose Nduka N. OKOYE, Ikem Chris, IKELE, Bright Chika and OBI, I. K.

Cypermethrin has been seen to be a contaminant of freshwater and marine ecosystems. Therefore, a study was designed to determine the sublethal effects of cypermethrin on freshwater fish, Clarias gariepinus. The fish was treated with 0.01 mg/L, 0.05 mg/L, and 0.1 mg/L cypermethrin dissolved in distilled water. Fish were killed by cold narcosis on an ice block and dissected to obtain liver and muscle samples; 10% homogenates in ice-cold saline were prepared. Liver aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), liver and muscle acid phosphatase (ACP) were measured. There was a significant increase in liver and muscle ACP in cypermethrin-treated catfish compared to the control. Liver AST level significantly increased at all concentrations ons for the experimental duration (P<0.05) compared to the control. These alterations in enzyme activity may have long-term effects on organisms (fish) that are continuously exposed to low doses of cypermethrin in an aquatic ecosystem.

1388 – 1391

Authors: NJOM, Victor Stephen and EZE, Chukwuma Simon

The toxicity and growth regulatory effects of Moringa oleifera seed extracts were assessed on third larval instars of Anopheles gambiae, under laboratory conditions. Mortality at different concentrations varied but increased as concentration levels increased. Mortality progressed on a daily basis throughout the period of experimentation. At the highest and lowest concentrations of 5%w/v and 1%w/v, larval mortality was 80% and 10% respectively in a day. Molting to the next larval instar was prolonged in all concentrations. No adult emerged in higher concentrations, though few adults emerged in lower concentrations, they were weak to fly. This study clearly showed that Moringa oleifera extract has larvicidal and growth-regulatory properties on larvae of Anopheles gambiae.

1398 – 1404

Authors: KEHINDE Abiodun Solomon, OBUN, Cletus Otu, INUWA Michael and BABADOYE, Oluwafemi

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of graded levels (0, 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5%) of ginger in the diets of cockerel chicks on growth performance and haematological and serum biochemical parameters. Two hundred and sixty four-two week old cockerel chicks used for the trial were randomly allotted to four treatments (T1 T2, T3, T4) at 66 chicks per treatment, each treatment was replicated six times (11 birds per replicate). The diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous (2400kcal/kg M.E and 21% crude protein). The trial lasted for seven weeks. Results elicited that ginger supplementation at 0, 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 % had no adverse effect on feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, haemoglobin count, white blood cell count and lymphocyte count. Packed cell volume (28.0 ± 3.0%), Red blood cell count (2.2 ± 0.4 (x 109/1), and urea (4.5 ± 1.7 mg dl-1) were significantly varied (P < 0.05); while the levels of creatinine increased significantly beyond 1.5% ginger inclusion level. The inclusion of ginger at 1.5 – 3.0% levels had no adverse effects on the growth performance and blood constituents of cockerel chicks. The use of ginger for cockerel diet is therefore advocated.

1411 – 1413

Authors: ATE, Iyorhemba Utim, NENSHI, Mkaave Peter and ADEYEYE, Adewale Ayodeji

A case of diproposus in Bunaji calf which resulted in dystocia is reported. The calf was delivered dead following the salvage of a cow that failed to calve successfully. Alarmed by this double-headed calf, the butchers reported to the Divisional Veterinary Officer in charge of the Local Government. Each of the heads had a fully developed mouth to the level of the pharynx, eyes, nostrils, tongue, mandibles, maxilla, and pharynx and both were joined at the cranium. There was however one common trachea and oesophagus respectively. No gross disorders were found in other anatomical structures of the calf. Although no aetiologic factor was found to be responsible, incomplete twinning was considered to have been involved.

1309 – 1314

Authors: OKOYE, Ikem Chris, DAKUL, Daniel A. and WAKAWA, Abdul I.

The survey was conducted to explore the hard-held beliefs of rural Hausa women that help to sustain onchocerciasis transmission in an onchocerciasis endemic focus in North eastern Nigeria. The beliefs explored pertained to the perceived symptoms and effects of onchocerciasis peculiar to women. The study area was the Hawul River Valley, North Eastern, Nigeria. An area known for serious ocular and socio-economic tolls of onchocerciasis. 158 women (age range 20 to 60) enlisted by purposive sampling were surveyed on their disease perception of onchocerciasis using standard guidelines. Focal group discussions, in-depth interviews and questionnaires were used as instruments. The disorders that the respondents associated with onchocerciasis included blindness (86.1 %), various menstrual problems (65.8 %), impaired (failing/blurred) Vision (61.4 %) and itching (58.2 %). Least responses were for ‘others’ (17.7 %) and scrotal enlargement (22.8%). The respondents significantly associated barrenness (2 = 3.41; df = 4; P < 0.05) and foetal abortion/miscarriage (2 = 1.53; df = 4; P < 0.05), with onchocerciasis but their association of scrotal elephantiasis was statistically insignificant (2 = 0.26; df = 4; P > 0.01). Irregular menstruation (54.8 %); prolonged menstrual period (36.5%); painful menstruation (29.8 %) and others (22.1 %) were implicated for menstrual problems. Popular beliefs and deep-rooted convictions are valuable in formulating socio-culturally accepted health education programmes that directly address people’s areas of concern while deep-rooted ignorance and incorrect beliefs about the causes and effects of a disease may lead to neglect of personal protection measures and allow the intensification of disease morbidity. The study throws more insight into local disease perception, which is known to have direct effect on health and illness behaviour.

1328 – 1336

Authors: EWUIM, Sylvanus Chima, AKUNNE, Chidi Emmanuel, ANUMBA, Anthonia Ifeoma and ETAGA, Harrison Oghenekevwe

The insects associated with palm wine from raffia palm (Raphia hookeri) were studied in three villages in Southeastern, Nigeria for four weeks. The insects were sieved out after 24 hours from each 10 litres of raffia palm. Gas chromatography was used to analyse the raffia palm wine after 24 hours. The daily collection of the insects lasted for 28 days between February and March 2008. The results showed that as the number of days increased the concentration of glucose and fructose decreased with alcoholic content increasing at varying pH and temperature. A total of eight insect species made up of seven genera represented by seven families – Formicidea, Apidae, Drosophilidae, Sarcophagidae, Calliphoridae, Nitidulidae and Curculronidae were obtained. There was a preponderance in the collection of Camponotus maculatus, Maycodrosophylla sp. and Lepidoptera larvae in all the sites with C. acvapimensis and Apis mellifera L. collected in fairly large numbers from all the sites (villages). There was also preponderance in the collection of Diptera larvae, even though they were collected from only one village Ide. Sparsely collected insect species from Ide village included Sarcophaga tibialis Macq, Auchmeromyia senegalensis, and Brachypeplus sp. (as a singleton). Cryptarcha sp. was found only in Ide and Okebuonye villages while Rhynchophorus phoenicis was collected in all the villages. The significant difference in the collection of Mycodrosophilla sp. in the three villages was traced to variability in the movement of the conspecifics and habitat heterogeneity while the significant difference in the collection of Diptera larvae was attributed to differences in habitat use, differences in food resources, and availability, and environmental heterogeneity. The factors responsible for the recovery of insect species from raffia palm wine were traced to foraging activities on palms, accidental dropping into palm wine gourd, olfactory response of species, pestiferous activities of species, palm pollination, use of incision points on palm stems and inflorescence as food and oviposition resources, and the role of raffia palms in the life history of species.

1345 – 1352

Authors: NWOSU, Okechukwu Kenneth and NWOSU, Nwando Geraldine

The stability of five parameters in serum and plasma after prolonged storage was studied by determining the effects of storage temperature and time on the laboratory results of samples obtained from renal-diseased patients. Serum and plasma were separated from the clot and red cells and analysed in duplicates immediately to obtain the baseline fresh value (zero hour value). The remaining serum and plasma were stored at 40C ± 20C and 320C ± 20C for 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours, and then assayed in duplicates. Statistically significant changes from the zero-hour mean value were determined using ANOVA. Instability (P<0.05) was observed at 320C for sodium and potassium ions after 96 hours, chloride after 72 hours, creatinine after 42 hours, and urea after 24 hours. All parameters in serum and plasma stored at 40C (refrigerated) were stable within 5 days. Proper storage temperatures and time must therefore be considered for these analytes if measurement does not take place immediately after specimen collection.

1359 – 1365

Authors: OPARA, Maxwell Nwachukwu and EZEH, Nwokedi Onyekachi

The prevalence of Ixodid ticks of cattle in Borno and Yobe states, Northeastern Nigeria was studied from March to October, 2010. Out of 3,150 cattle examined in these areas, 1,095 (34.8%) of them were infested with ticks. Of these, 57.1% of the infestation was among cattle in Borno State, while 42.9% was observed in Yobe State. Out of the total number of cattle examined, 2,175 (69.0) were males and 33.8% of them were infested with ticks. The number of females examined was 975 (31.0), out of which 36.9% had ticks. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the infestation of ticks between the male and female cattle. The ticks observed on the cattle in both states were Amblyomma variegatum (43.8%), followed by Hyalomma sp (24.7%), Boophilus sp (21.9%) and Dermacentor sp (9.6%). Overall, tick infestation occurred most among the White Fulani breed with a prevalence of 240 (21.9%), followed by N’ dama and Red Bororo in which the prevalence of ticks was 180 (16.4%) for each of the breeds. The least (6.8%) infestation of ticks was among the Keteku breed. The preferred sites of attachment for ticks among cattle examined in Borno state were inner thigh, dew lap, abdomen, legs, udder, dorsum, ear and hump, in this order. Cattle examined in the Yobe state were infested on their dorsum, inner thigh, legs, abdomen, udder and then on the dew lap, ear and hump. The ticks observed infesting cattle in these states are of veterinary importance because they are vectors of economically important blood protozoan parasites. Adequate control measures should therefore be adopted to protect these animals.

1375 – 1379

Authors: IKELE, Chika Bright, MGBENKA, Bernard Obialo and OLUAH, Ndubuisi Stanley

An investigation on the effect of Diethyl phthalate (DEP) on the gill of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus was carried out in the laboratory. Seventy-five (75) catfish fingerlings were subjected to continuous exposure to sublethal concentrations of DEP (30, 40, 60 and 80 µg/L) for a period of four weeks. The gills of the catfish were removed every 15 days for histological examination. The degree of distortion of the gills (heamorrahging of the gill, continuous degeneration of the gill filaments, disruption of epithelium owing to rapid cell lysis, severe destruction of the lamellae) was proportional to the exposure periods (0, 15, and 30 days) and concentration of the DEP was found to be dose and time-dependent which led to asphyxiation and stress in the catfish.