The Growth Performance and Linear Body Measurements of Mongrel Rabbits in a Tropical Environment

This study investigates the growth performance and linear body measurements of mongrel rabbits raised under tropical conditions, providing empirical evidence for their viability as a sustainable protein source in Nigeria. A total of sixty progenies were used to evaluate growth traits comprising of body weight and linear body parameters in mongrel rabbits, estimate phenotypic correlations among growth traits and develop regression models to predict body weight using linear body measurements. Body weight and linear body measurements comprising; Ear length, Heart girth, Body length, Fore-limb, Hind limb and Tail length were taken from 8 weeks to 16 weeks of age. Results showed that age exerted (P < 0.05) significant influence on all growth traits. During the study period, a positive and substantial correlation was found between body weight and all linear body parameters. This implies that, an improvement in any of linear parameters will bring about an improvement in body weight vice versa. Body weight was significantly predicted using linear body measurements with high to medium degree of validity. Higher validity was observed in the multiple model when more traits where fitted into the prediction equation

Hemipteran Insect Pests Associated with Different Agricultural Crops from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (M.S), India

A field investigation was conducted in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, from May 2023 to April 2024 to look into the seasonal occurrence of hemipteran pests in different agricultural sectors. In this study, 10 hemipteran insect species from 9 genera, 6 families, and 8 subfamilies were collected from the study area. The Aphididae family was the most abundant. This study aimed to give a brief overview of hemipteran insects and the damages they cause to agricultural crops in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district

Growth Performance and Haematological Evaluation in Female Rabbit Fed Diets Containing Supplemental Levels of Dried Date (Phoenix dactylifera) Fruit Meal

This study was carried out to assess the growth performance and haematological profile of female rabbits that were fed dried date fruit meal (DDFM) as supplement in their diets. Thirty-six (36) female rabbits (does) were used for the study. The rabbit does were randomly allotted to 4 experimental groups in a completely randomized design with 9 does in each treatment group. The does in each treatment group were regrouped into 3 replications with 3 animals per replicate. The four experimental diets containing the dried date fruit meal at 0.00, 0.50, 1.00 and 1.50% supplemental levels respectively, were tagged T1, T2. T3, and T4. The study lasted for 168 days (24 weeks). The growth parameters that were assessed in the study were initial body weight, final body weight, total and daily body weight gain, total and daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. Blood samples were collected at the end of the 24 weeks study from each replicate for haematological analysis to evaluated packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin (HB), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), Neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils and lymphocytes. The results revealed that there were significant differences (P=.05) in final body weight, total body weight gain, daily body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio of the does across the treatments. The results revealed significant effects (P=.05) of the DDFM on Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Platelet count, and Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration. The PCV value was highest for the does fed diet T3 (36.67%), which was significantly higher than the values recorded for the animals fed on diets T1 (30.33%) and T2 (30.67%). Conclusion: including DDFM as supplement in rabbit does diets at 1.00% can improve growth traits and haematological indices, to enhance the overall health status of rabbits

Modulating Serum Biochemistry, Lipid Profile, and Antioxidants Defense in Rabbit Bucks with Dried Date Palm Fruit (Phoenix dactylifera) Meal Supplementation

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with dried date palm fruit meal (DDFM) on serum biochemistry, lipid profile, and antioxidant defense mechanisms in rabbit bucks. A total of thirty-six (36) male rabbits between the age of 8–10 weeks were used for the study. The rabbits were randomly allocated to the to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design designated as T1 (0.00% DDFM, control), T2 (0.50% DDFM), T3 (1.00% DDFM), and T4 (1.50% DDFM) in a 168-day (24 weeks) study. Each treatment was further replicated three time to have three rabbits per replicate. At the end of the feeding trial, blood samples were collected from the ear vein for biochemical, lipid profile and serum antioxidant examinations. The data obtained were analyzed in a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS version 20. The Serum biochemical analysis indicated significant reductions (p < 0.05) in total protein, albumin, urea, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels with increasing DDFM supplementation, while aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and globulin levels exhibited a dose-dependent increase. The mean globulin was higher (p<0.05) in bucks fed T3 diet, with a mean value of 34.00 g/dL than in those fed T1, T2, and T4 diets respectively, which all had similar statistical values of 26.50, 23.00, and 22.50 g/dL respectively. Lipid profile analysis revealed significant (p < 0.05) alterations, with elevated triglycerides and total cholesterol at 1.50% and 1.00% DDFM inclusion, respectively, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels remained unaffected. Antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT), increased significantly (p < 0.05) in response to DDFM supplementation, suggesting enhanced oxidative stress resistance. These findings therefore, indicate that DDFM supplementation at 1.00% can modulate key metabolic biomarkers and improves antioxidant defense mechanisms in rabbit bucks. However, higher inclusion levels may pose potential risks related to lipid metabolism

Semen Characteristics, Reproductive Hormones and Testicular Histology of Male Rabbits Fed Dietary Supplemental Levels of Dried Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) Fruit Meal

The testis is the primary sex organ in the male reproductive system that is responsible for the production of semen. This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with dried date palm fruit meal (DDFM) on semen characteristics, reproductive hormone profiles, and testicular histology in male rabbits. Thirty-six grower rabbit bucks aged 8–10 weeks old used for the study were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design as follows; T1 (0.00% DDFM), T2 (0.50% DDFM), T3 (1.00% DDFM), and T4 (1.50% DDFM). Each treatment was replicated thrice with 3 rabbits per replicate in a study that lasted 24 weeks. At the end of the experiment, semen samples, blood and testicular samples were collected for laboratory examinations. Results indicated that dietary inclusion of DDFM significantly improved semen volume, sperm concentration, percentage of live sperm cells, and total sperm count per ejaculate compared to the control. Although sperm motility was not significantly influenced (P>0.05), morphological abnormalities decreased in DDFM-supplemented groups. Rabbit bucks in T2, T3 and T4 had higher similar sperm concentration values of 86.67, 92.00, and 92.33 x 106/ml, respectively, than those in T1 (77.00 x 106/ml). Hormonal analysis showed increased (P=0.05) follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels with supplementation, whereas testosterone levels varied among treatments. Testicular histology revealed no pathological changes in the control, while seminiferous tubules in treated groups exhibited varying degrees of hypertrophy, vacuolation, and sporadic germinal epithelial degeneration, particularly at higher supplementation levels. These findings suggest that moderate inclusion of DDFM (1.00%) enhances semen quality and reproductive hormone profiles in rabbit bucks but may induce mild histological changes at higher doses

Serum Biochemistry, Lipid Profile and Serum Antioxidant Indices of Rabbit Does Fed Dietary Supplementation of Dried Dates (Phoenix dactylifera) Fruit Meal

Antioxidants exert a wide range of beneficial effects, contributing to the prevention of disease onset. This study assessed the impact of dietary supplementation with dried date fruit meal (DDFM) on serum biochemical indices, lipid profile, and antioxidant status in Rabbit Does. A total of thirty-six female growing rabbits (8–10 weeks old) were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments containing DDFM at 0.00% (control), 0.50%, 1.00%, and 1.50%, respectively. The experiment followed a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replicates per treatment and lasted for 24 weeks. Serum biochemical parameters, lipid profile, and antioxidant indices were analyzed post-experiment using standard laboratory procedures. Results revealed that total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the control group (T1) and declined with increased DDFM inclusion. However, urea, glucose, and liver enzyme activities (AST, ALT, and ALP) remained unaffected. Total protein levels were highest in T1 (76.50 g/dL) and significantly higher compared to T2 (70.50 g/dL), T3 (54.50 g/dL), and T4 (57.00 g/dL). Lipid profile analysis indicated significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL levels in treatments receiving 1.00% and 1.50% DDFM, suggesting improved lipid metabolism. The lowest LDL value was found in T4 (0.80 g/dL), which was significantly lower than the other treatments, which had comparable values: T1 (1.25 g/dL), T2 (1.50 g/dL), and T3 (1.50 g/dL). Antioxidant indices, including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH), exhibited significant increases in higher DDFM treatments, indicating enhanced oxidative defense. GSH concentrations were highest in T4 (18.52 µg/mL) and T3 (18.38 µg/mL), followed by T2 (17.22 µg/mL), and the lowest value in T1 (16.78 µg/mL). These findings suggest that while DDFM inclusion at 1.00% DDFM may reduce serum protein indices, it enhances antioxidant status and improves lipid metabolism, making it a potentially beneficial feed additive for rabbit production

Molecular Mechanism of Long Non-Coding RNAs that Involves on Regulation of the Immune System and Gene Expression

Even though RNAs are often seen as connectors between DNA and proteins, transcriptome analysis reveals that only a small portion of the genome is responsible for coding proteins, while the majority is responsible for noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). Over the past decade, ncRNAs have become increasingly fascinating due to their involvement in various physiological processes. Furthermore, their malfunctioning can have significant implications for several pathologies, including viral infections and antiviral responses. LncRNAs, which are RNA molecules larger than 200 bp, are unable to produce proteins. Numerous studies have shown that lncRNAs play a crucial role in immune and transcription regulation. Specifically, these lncRNAs have the potential to influence innate and adaptive immune responses, impacting immune system regulation at different levels of gene expression through various physiologically relevant interactions such as RNA-DNA, RNA-protein, and RNA-DNA interactions. LncRNAs are found in various immune cells, including monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, T cells, and B cells. Although they have been shown to be involved in a range of natural processes, such as gene expression regulation, dosage compensation, and genomic imprinting, there is still limited understanding of how lncRNAs are controlled and how they contribute to cell differentiation and function. This review aims to provide an overview of the functional advancements and action mechanisms of lncRNAs in immune regulation and gene expression, specifically focusing on the molecular mechanisms involved

The Nutritional Value of African Nutmeg (Monodora myristica) Seed Meal

The African nutmeg or calabash nutmeg (Monodora myristica) is a terrestrial and perennial flowering plant of the custard apple family and is native to West, Central and East Africa. Its fruit is edible and the seeds are used to flavor foods, aid digestion and for medicinal purposes. This study evaluated the nutritional values or chemical composition of African nutmeg seed meal in terms of its proximate and selected vitamins, minerals, amino acids and phytochemical content. It was observed that M. myristica seeds contained moisture, 8.4%; ash, 2.2%; crude fat, 27.67%; crude fiber, 21.9%; crude protein, 9.4% and 30.7 % nitrogen-free extract or soluble carbohydrate. It also contained ascorbic acid, 1.6mg/100g; thiamin, 0.13mg/100g; riboflavin, 0.19mg/100g; niacin, 1.12mg/100g; Calcium (Ca), 178.3mg/100g; Magnesium (Mg), 60mg/100g; Sodium (Na), 221.7mg/100g; Potassium (K), 73.3mg/100g; and iron (Fe), 11.27mg/100g. Nutmeg seed contained B-carotene, 425 mg/100g. alkaloids, 755 mg/100g; phenols, 58.6GAE/g; flavonoids, 660 mg/100g; tannins, 830 mg/100g, terpernoids, 1360 mg/100g; cardiac glycosides, 7 mg/100g; steroids, 122 mg/100g; and antioxidants ORAC 69.57 % of inhibition. Monodora myristica seed meal is a good source of fibre, vitamins, minerals and useful phytochemicals with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties and can be added to human and livestock feeds

Degradative Capability of Microbial Culture, Carrot Peel Waste and Carbon Dot in Remediation of Petroleum Hydrocarbon in Soil

Aim: To determine the degradative capability of microbial culture, carrot peel waste and carbon dot in remediation of petroleum hydrocarbon in soil. Study Design: Microbial culture (MC), organic (Carbon dot and Carrot peel) amendments were used in stimulating and remediating the impacted soil. Place and Duration of Studies: Environmental Management and Toxicology, Federal University of Petroleum Resource, Effurun. Nigeria. One Month. Methodology: Physicochemical parameters were done on theentire samples. Totalcultural heterotrophic bacteria (TCHB) and hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria (HUB).Isolates were identified using their macroscopic, microscopic and biochemical characteristics. A total of ten bacteria species where identified, three were used as consortium which include,Arthrobacter specie, Pseudomonas species and, Bacillus species. Characterization of the Coconut husk, revealed its authenticity, elemental composition and the peak, it exhibited photoluminescence under the ultra violet fluorescent light. Microbial culture (MC), organic (Carbon dot and Carrot peel) amendments were used in stimulating theimpacted soil. Results: The total petroleum hydrocarbon for the polluted and control samples was 2018 mg/kg and 0.003 mg/kg respectively. The concentration in polluted sample are 11.62, and 8.50 ( mg/kg) while for control sample are <0.001, and <0.001 ( mg/kg) ..It was observed that within the first and the last week of exposure the values of TPH reduced drastically when used singly and in combination, with microbial culture, Carrot peel and Carbon dot having the insignificant values of (0.028±0.002), CMC (0.044±0.003) and Carrot peel 0.007±0.002).for the combined amendment,TPH was so drastic that it was almost within detectable limitwith concentration C (0.005±0.002),B (0.017±0.002) and A (0.055±0.002) Statistical analysis revealed there was significant difference (at P =05) in organic carbon values with respect to the different amendments. Conclusion: Studies have showed that using biostimulation and bioaugumentation is a good practice for cleaning up soiled environment, this practice is safe, eco-friendly and cost effective

Comparative Study for Bioethanol Production from Waste Paper Using E. coli and S. cerevisiae Specie

Biomass energy is a sustainable energy source derived from plant and animal material. Bio-ethanol, bio-methanol, and biodiesel are examples of biomass fuels. One of the most significant alternative energy sources that replaces fossil fuels is bio-ethanol. The goal of this study is to create bio-ethanol from waste workplace paper. It was then subjected to weak acid hydrolysis. For each row materials such as sugarcane, A4 paper, fruit peel and hard paper after those diluted acid hydrolysis process this analysis of study validate that (99.8,99.1and 96.3) mg/g glucose content extracted from sugarcane, A4 paper, fruit peel and hard paper respectively with 1:85 (g/ml) of solid-liquid ratio. those extracted glucose content were also subjected to two different fermentation process by using E. coli and S. centeriease microbial strain followed by distillation for further processing the result analyzed by design expert software  file version 13.0.5.0, study type response surface, design type Box-Bohnken and design model quadratics by three factors and levels with one response factors(alcohol content in %) then 17 runs were conducted for each microbial strain of experiments then the analysis attested or significant quantity of bio-ethanol was detected that 80.9% alcohol content obtained from 120 hr, 36°c, 5 and 36 hr, 36°c, 5 time temperature and PH value respectively by using E. coli and with other scenario by using  S. centriease 97% of alcohol content obtained by 36hr, 47°c and 6.5 time temperature and PH value respectively. Therefore obesely bioethanol is cost benefit energy source so any body should be apply in the field and home level users too