Anti Microbial Resistance Profile of E. coli isolates From Tropical Free Range Chickens

Normal intestinal flora of humans and animals constitute enormous reservoir of resistance genes for potentially pathogenic bacteria and may serve as major indictors of selection pressure exerted by anti-microbial use in a given population. A study was conducted in September 2003 at 3 purposively selected peri-urban sites spread across 3 senatorial zones of Imo state, Nigeria to determines the anti-microbial resistance profile of commensal E. coli isolated from free range chickens. The isolates were screened for anti-microbial resistance profile against 10 antibiotics using the disc diffusion method. E. coli strains from local fowls, recorded 100 and 78.9% resistances against ampicillin and cotrimoxazole respectively, while resistance rates against ciprofloxacin, gentamycin and norfloxacin were 0.0, 5.3 and 5.3% respectively. Isolates from free-range cockerels recorded 100% resistance against norfloxacin, cotrimoxazole and ampicillin and 83.3% against nitrofurantoin. Similarly, isolates from old layers, recorded 100% resistance against nitrofurantoin, cotrimoxazole, tetracycline, chloramphenicol and ampicillin and 80% against nalidixic acid. Similar resistance trends were observed in E. coli isolates from free-range turkeys and broiler roosters against the inexpensive broad-spectrum first line antibiotics (ampicillin, nalidixic acid, cotrimoxazole, nitrofurantoin and chloramphenicol), although values varied slightly across poultry types. Resistances against gentamycin were consistently low in isolates from the different types of poultry. Twenty-nine resistance patterns were observed in the E. coli isolates with predominant patterns being distributed widely across poultry types indicating a striking diversity of resistance patterns in the areas

Fatty Liver-Hemorrhagic Syndrome as Affected by Fat, Choline and Biotin Supplementation

Fatty liver syndrome, now more commonly known as fatty liver-hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHA) , has become an increasing problem in recent years, especially in cage-type laying operations. It seems to occur in flocks that are apparently healthy and in good laying condition. Symptoms characteristic of the disease are about a 25% increase in body weight along with a 30% or more decrease in production, an increase in mortality and excessive abdominal and liver fat that leads to hematomas of the liver

Effect of Fungus-Fermented Soybeans on the Life Cycle Performance of Japanese Quail

Earlier studies at our laboratory have demonstrated that feeding full-fat soybeans fermented by certain Aspergillus cultures resulted in significantly improved broiler growth and feed utilization. In conjunction with these findings, the effect of two Aspergillus species on the life cycle performance of Japanese quail (Cotumix coturnix japanica) has been investigated and will be reported herein

Synthesis, characterisation and biological activities of Ru(III), Mo(V), Cd(II), Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes containing a novel nitrogen-sulphur macrocyclic Schiff base derived from glyoxal

A novel nitrogen-sulphur macrocyclic Schiff base, 4,11,20,27-tetrathioxo-3,12,19,28-tetrathia-5,6,9,10,21,22,25,26-octaazatricyclo[28.2.2.214,17]hexatriaconta 1(33),6,8,14(36),15,17(35),22,24,30(34),31-decaene-2,13,18,29-tetraone (TGSB) derived from terephthaloyl-bis-dithiocarbazate (TDTC) and glyoxal (ethane-1,2-dione) is synthesised via condensation. Metal complexes are formed by reacting the Schiff base with various metal salts such as Ru(III), Mo(V), Cd(II), Zn(II) and Cu(II). The complexes are expected to have a general formula of M2L or M3L with a square planar or square pyramidal geometry. These compounds were characterised by various physico-chemical and spectroscopic techniques. From the data, it is concluded that the azomethine nitrogen atom and the thiolate sulphur atom from the ligand are bonded to the metal ion. In the IR spectra of the complexes, the presence of the C=N band in the region of 1600 cm-1 indicates the successful formation of the Schiff base. The structures of the Schiff base and metal complexes are confirmed via FT-IR, GC-MS and NMR spectroscopic analysis. The magnetic susceptibility measurements, electronic spectral data and molar conductivity analysis support the desired geometry of the complexes. The Schiff base and its metal complexes are evaluated for their biological activities against the invasive human bladder carcinoma cell line (EJ-28) and the minimum-invasive human bladder carcinoma cell line (RT-112). The RuTGSB and CdTGSB complexes showed selective activity against RT-112

Health and Environmental Hazards Posed by Urban Livestock

Livestock’s contribution to climate change is now an established fact and closeness of livestock to human beings in urban areas portends many health and environmental implications. The study ascertained farmer’s perception of health and environmental hazards posed by livestock keeping in Enugu Urban, Nigeria and its implication for climate change mitigation. Seventy five heads of households were freely characterized and data were obtained through interview. Data were analyzed using percentage and mean. Majority of the farmers kept improved chicken under intensive system. All the respondents were aware of health and environmental implications of livestock keeping in urban areas, though only few (4.0%) indicated being aware that livestock could cause climate change. Other environmental issues identified by them included: destruction of crops (89.3%) filth in urban areas (89.3%); noise making (88.0%). The health issues included spreading of diseases (50.7%); causing of accidents (46.7%); bad smell (86.7%). The control measures as perceived by the respondents included proper disposal of waste (M=1.79), seeking veterinary services (M=1.85), cleaning shed regularly (M=1.80) and provision of extension services (M=1.85). It was recommended that urban agriculture should be integrated into urban health and environmental policies. Extension services should also raise awareness among urban livestock keepers of the impact of livestock on climate change and offer them useful advice on appropriate mitigation measures

Exploitation of Bush Mango (Irvingia wombolu and Irvingia gabonensis) Among Rural Household in Enugu State, Nigeria

The study was undertaken to assess the exploitation of Bush Mango Irvingia gabonensis and Irvingia wombolu (ogbono) among rural households in Enugu State, Nigeria. Interview schedule was used to collect data from 91 respondents and data were analyzed by use of descriptive statistics and factor analysis. The mean age of the respondents was 42 years, majority (56%) were male and about 54% married. The mean household size and monthly income of respondents was 6 persons and N15, 970 respectively. About 12% had no formal education.. Majority (87.9%) of the respondents had no access to extension services and credit facilities (74.7%). The major system (89%) of exploiting Irvingia gabonensis and Irvingia wombolu is from the wild. Other exploitation systems were: around homestead (85.7%), agroforestry (83.5%), and Irvingia plantations (39.6%). The major benefits of Irvingia products include: condiment/soup thickener (M= 2.80), source of income (M= 2.77), fruit as food (M= 2.63), firewood (M= 2.40), among others. The constraints to exploitation of Irvingia were identified and factorized into production constraints, economic constraints and technological/institutional constraints. Farmers should be educated by extension on how to limit these constraining factors and the need to domesticate Irvingia and appropriate technologies should be transferred to the farmers as this will go a long way to increase productivity

Health and Environmental Hazards Posed by Urban Livestock

Livestock’s contribution to climate change is now an established fact and closeness of livestock to human beings in urban areas portends many health and environmental implications. The study ascertained farmer’s perception of health and environmental hazards posed by livestock keeping in Enugu Urban, Nigeria and its implication for climate change mitigation. Seventy five heads of households were freely characterized and data were obtained through interview. Data were analyzed using percentage and mean. Majority of the farmers kept improved chicken under intensive system. All the respondents were aware of health and environmental implications of livestock keeping in urban areas, though only few (4.0%) indicated being aware that livestock could cause climate change. Other environmental issues identified by them included: destruction of crops (89.3%) filth in urban areas (89.3%); noise making (88.0%). The health issues included spreading of diseases (50.7%); causing of accidents (46.7%); bad smell (86.7%). The control measures as perceived by the respondents included proper disposal of waste (M=1.79), seeking veterinary services (M=1.85), cleaning shed regularly (M=1.80) and provision of extension services (M=1.85). It was recommended that urban agriculture should be integrated into urban health and environmental policies. Extension services should also raise awareness among urban livestock keepers of the impact of livestock on climate change and offer them useful advice on appropriate mitigation measures

Exploitation of Bush Mango (Irvingia wombolu and Irvingia gabonensis) Among Rural Household in Enugu State, Nigeria

The study was undertaken to assess the exploitation of Bush Mango Irvingia gabonensis and Irvingia wombolu (ogbono) among rural households in Enugu State, Nigeria. Interview schedule was used to collect data from 91 respondents and data were analyzed by use of descriptive statistics and factor analysis. The mean age of the respondents was 42 years, majority (56%) were male and about 54% married. The mean household size and monthly income of respondents was 6 persons and N15, 970 respectively. About 12% had no formal education.. Majority (87.9%) of the respondents had no access to extension services and credit facilities (74.7%). The major system (89%) of exploiting Irvingia gabonensis and Irvingia wombolu is from the wild. Other exploitation systems were: around homestead (85.7%), agroforestry (83.5%), and Irvingia plantations (39.6%). The major benefits of Irvingia products include: condiment/soup thickener (M= 2.80), source of income (M= 2.77), fruit as food (M= 2.63), firewood (M= 2.40), among others. The constraints to exploitation of Irvingia were identified and factorized into production constraints, economic constraints and technological/institutional constraints. Farmers should be educated by extension on how to limit these constraining factors and the need to domesticate Irvingia and appropriate technologies should be transferred to the farmers as this will go a long way to increase productivity

Poultry farmers’ adaptation to climate change in Enugu North Agricultural Zone of Enugu State, Nigeria

The study surveyed the perceived effect and adaptation of climate change on poultry production in Enugu-North Agricultural Zone of Enugu State. A questionnaire/interview schedule was used to collect information from 60 poultry farmers. Percentage and mean score were used to analyze the data. Reduced body weight (M=3.1); reduced fertility (M=3.3) and reduced feed intake (M=3.1) were perceived by farmers as effects of climate change on poultry. Coping strategies used by farmers included keeping of resistant varieties (56.5%); adapting extensive poultry management (65.8%) and keeping other livestock (53.8%). Respondents perceived climate change as excessive sunshine (90%); excessive rainfall (80%) and increased incidence of drought (66%). The perceived causes of climate change included burning of fossil fuels from industries (M=4.2); burning of firewood (M=4.0) and deforestation (M=3.7). Sources of information available to the farmers were radio (33.3%); farmers’ meeting (28.3%), and friends (26.7%). Technical innovations (adaptation measures) should be made available to farmers to enable them cope with the challenges of climate change

Poultry farmers’ adaptation to climate change in Enugu North Agricultural Zone of Enugu State, Nigeria

The study surveyed the perceived effect and adaptation of climate change on poultry production in Enugu-North Agricultural Zone of Enugu State. A questionnaire/interview schedule was used to collect information from 60 poultry farmers. Percentage and mean score were used to analyze the data. Reduced body weight (M=3.1); reduced fertility (M=3.3) and reduced feed intake (M=3.1) were perceived by farmers as effects of climate change on poultry. Coping strategies used by farmers included keeping of resistant varieties (56.5%); adapting extensive poultry management (65.8%) and keeping other livestock (53.8%). Respondents perceived climate change as excessive sunshine (90%); excessive rainfall (80%) and increased incidence of drought (66%). The perceived causes of climate change included burning of fossil fuels from industries (M=4.2); burning of firewood (M=4.0) and deforestation (M=3.7). Sources of information available to the farmers were radio (33.3%); farmers’ meeting (28.3%), and friends (26.7%). Technical innovations (adaptation measures) should be made available to farmers to enable them cope with the challenges of climate change