Immuno-Modulatory Activity of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Moringa Oleifera in Brioler Chickens

This experiment was conducted to investigate the immuno-modulatory activity of aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera on immune response of broiler chickens to Newcastle disease (ND) vaccinations. The performance, blood parameters and serum biochemistry of the birds were also determined. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) day-old commercial broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 3 dietary treatments of 4 replicates each. Each replicate had 10 birds. The treatments: T1 – Control group in which the birds were not given any extract; T2 and T3 – birds in these groups were given the prepared stock solution of Moringa oleifera leaf extract at dose rate of 2500mg/kg and 5000mg/kg of body weight in drinking water. The experimental birds were vaccinated with ND vaccines using a stipulated vaccination regime. The Moringa oleifera leaf extract exhibited significant (p≤0.05) influence on final body weight of the experimental broiler chickens with birds in T3 having an average weight of 1947.43g and birds in T1had 1733.33g. The immune modulating effect of the leaf extract was insignificant (p≥0.05) though it elicited higher antibody titre of Log27 and Log29 in birds in T3 compared to Log26 and Log28 of birds in control group after the first and second ND vaccinations respectively. The leaf extract caused significant (p≤0.05) increase in white blood cells and leucocytes count. The study concluded that the plant extract had slight immune stimulatory effects on response to ND vaccinations and improved the growth performance of broiler chickens

Performance and egg qualities of old-laying hens fed with diets containing selected phytogenic feed additives

Performance and egg qualities of old-laying hens fed with diets containing ginger, turmeric and garlic were evaluated in a twelve (12) week feeding trial. A total of 135 laying birds of Isa-Brown strain which were sixty-four (64) weeks old were used for the trial and arranged in a completely randomized design. Five diets were formulated for the trial:  Diet 1 (control), Diet 2 (3% inclusion level of turmeric), Diet 3 (3% inclusion level of ginger), Diet 4 (turmeric and garlic at 2.25% and 0.75%, respectively) and Diet 5 (ginger and garlic at 2.25% and 0.75%, respectively). Proximate compositions of the Phytogenic Feed Additives (PFAs) were determined with the moisture content ranging between 5.03-7.50%; ash (3.26-6.11%); ether extract (7.39-14.58%); fibre (10.28-13.79%); protein (3.07-7.23%) and Nitrogen Free Extract (58.88-61.54%). The performance indices, though not significantly (P˃0.05) influenced by the test diets except for Hen Day Production (HDP) had the highest weight gained (0.16kg) recorded for birds fed on a diet containing ginger. The highest (62.92 and 62.04 %) HDP were observed in birds fed diets containing ginger and ginger + garlic; respectively. However, the lowest weight gained (0.04kg) was recorded in birds fed a diet containing turmeric + garlic; this diet also recorded the lowest % HDP and FCR with values of 57.50% and 2.37 respectively. The overall values for the qualities of eggs from laying hens fed the PFAs showed that only the Haugh Unit, yolk colour and albumen height were significantly (P˂0.05) affected; with those on Turmeric + Garlic diets having the highest for these parameters. However, the fatty acid variables were not significantly (P˃0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. It could be concluded that the inclusion of PFAs in the diets of laying hens especially at an older age would help to sustain performance with improved quality

Performance, haemato-biochemical indices and antioxidant status of growing rabbits fed on diets supplemented with Mucuna pruriens leaf meal

[EN] The effects of dietary Mucuna pruriens leaf meal (MLM) supplementation on rabbits’ performance, haemato-biochemical indices and antioxidant status outside their thermal neutrality zone (21 to 25°C) were evaluated. One hundred and twenty 35-d old crossbreed (Chinchilla×New Zealand) rabbits weighing 694±5 g were allotted to 4 treatments (30 rabbits/treatment; 3 rabbits/replicate). A basal diet (crude protein: 16.9%, crude fibre: 17.6%, digestible energy: 2671 kcal/kg) was divided into 4 equal portions i.e. diets 1, 2, 3 and 4, supplemented with 0, 4, 8 and 12 g MLM/kg, respectively, and pelleted. The average body weight in rabbits fed on diets 3 and 4 was higher compared to those fed on diet 1 (control) at 91 d of age (+228 and +262 g, respectively; P=0.01). Within 35 to 91 d, the average daily weight gain in rabbits fed on diets 3 and 4 was higher compared to those fed on the control diet (+4.1and +4.8 g/d, respectively; P=0.01). The dressing-out percentage of rabbits fed on diets 3 and 4 increased (P=0.05) compared to those fed the control diet. At 63 d and 91 d of age, the white blood cell level of rabbits fed on diet 4 increased significantly compared to those fed the control diet (+5.05×109 and +5.32×109/L, respectively). At 63 and 91 d of age, the cholesterol level of rabbits fed on diets 3 (–1.0 and –1.16 mmol/L, respectively) and 4 (–1.10 and –1.21 mmol/L, respectively), were significantly lower compared to those fed on the control diet. The aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentration in rabbits fed on diet 4 was reduced compared to those on control diet at 63 d of age (–33.68 IU/L; P=0.02). At 63 d and 91 d of age, compared to control, the activities of glutathione peroxidase in rabbits fed on diets 3 (+35.77 and +49.09 mg protein, respectively) and 4 (+54.52 and +55.02 mg protein, respectively) increased significantly, while catalase activities in rabbits fed diet 4 (+217.7 and +209.5 mg/g, respectively) also increased significantly. It could be concluded that dietary MLM supplementation enhanced the rabbits’ performance, reduced serum AST and cholesterol and improved the antioxidant status.Oloruntola, OD.; Ayodele, SO.; Adeyeye, SA.; Agbede, JO. (2018). Performance, haemato-biochemical indices and antioxidant status of growing rabbits fed on diets supplemented with Mucuna pruriens leaf meal. World Rabbit Science. 26(4):277-285. doi:10.4995/wrs.2018.10182SWORD277285264Adekonla A.Y., Ayo J.O. 2009. Effect of road transportation on erythrocyte osmotic fragility of pigs administered ascorbic acid during the harmattan season in Zaria, Nigeria. J. Cell Anim. 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Assessing the Effect of a Dumpsite on Groundwater Quality: A Case Study of Aduramigba Estate within Osogbo Metropolis

This research assessed the impact of an open dumpsite, on the quality of groundwater within the vicinity of Aduuramigba Estate. Twenty water samples were collected and analyzed for physic-chemical parameters, major ions and trace metal using AAS, Iron Chromatographic and titrimetric methods. The result showed that almost all the physico chemical parameters such as pH (7.5-10.8), temperature (27.4oC-31.5oC,) EC (70µS/cm-364 µS/cm), TDS (49-248mg/l) fall within limits as recommended by WHO and NSDWQ. Chemical parameters has the following results: Cl- (122-720mg/l), SO42- (0-7.41mg/l), NO3-(0.64-1.64mg/l), HCO3- (12.20-91.5mg/l), Ca2+ (3.95-65.12mg/l), mg2+ (0.73-17.28mg/l), Fe2+ (0-1.36mg/l), Na+ (3.45-27.37mg/l), k+ (1.04-24.41mg/l) Mn2+ (0-0.57mg/l). All major ions revealed concentration within the acceptable limit of both standards except Chloride and Sodium in some of the wells, this is due to the addition of a disinfectant named Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate (C3N3O3CL2Na) commonly called water guard and weathering of feldspars which characterized the basement rocks underlying the area. Most of the trace metals tested for were below detectable limit of the AAS except Zinc, Iron and Manganese. Iron and Zinc concentrations fall well within the acceptable limit of both WHO and NSDWQ standards while Manganese concentration were above the limit in most of the surface and shallow groundwater at the down slope of the Dumpsite. This could be attributed to the impact of the leachates from the waste and because of the persistent nature of manganese within the medium, it may not be easily attenuated. Keywords: Leachates, dumpsite, groundwater, conductivity, basement rocks

Effect of egg sizes on egg qualities, hatchability and initial weight of the hatched-chicks

The study evaluates the relationship of egg weights with other egg qualities, hatchability and hatchling weights. One thousand eight hundred eggs from marshal broiler chicken were categorized into small (50 – 59 g), medium (60 – 69 g) and large (≥70 g) of 600 eggs per group in a completely randomized design. Hundred eggs from each group were subjected to quality analysis and the remaining incubated for hatchlings production. The egg length of of large group was the highest (4.71 cm) and lowest in small (4.22 cm). The relationship revealed 32.86% yolk in small size, while 33.71 and 30.99% was observed for medium and large respectively. Also, albumen ranged from 50.85% in small to 55.38% in large. Hatchability result revealed 74.50% for small egg and reduced as sizes increased. Hatchling weight was highest in large (49.19 g) and lowest in small (38.79 g). The regression equations showed that albumen weight and egg size were best predictors of chick's weight through their R2 values (0.68 and 0.57 respectively) compared to yolk weight with R2 of 0.28. It was therefore be inferred that breeder eggs size could affect egg quality parameters and chick's weight

Optimization of Sampling Conditions to Minimize the Adverse Effect of Sulfur Dioxide on the Ability of the Ontario-Hydro Method to Accurately Distinguish the Chemical Forms of Mercury in Coal Flue Gas

The goal of the work presented in this paper was the identification and quantification of various chemical forms of mercury in coal flue gas. To this end, bench-scale evaluations were carried out on the Ontario-Hydro Method to determine its capability to selectively isolate and retain various mercury species captured from flue gas streams containing moderate to high levels of sulfur dioxide (SO{sub 2}). Loss of mercury from the oxidized mercury capture solutions through chemical reduction by sulfur dioxide has been documented previously from both bench- and pilot- scale studies. Results from recent studies, giving further verification of this phenomenon with emphasis on optimization of sampling conditions to minimize this impediment to effective mercury speciation, are presented. All speciation methods utilizing impinger trains were configured in a similar manner. The impingers immediately down-stream of the heated sampling probe and filter box contained solutions intended to capture oxidized (ionic) mercury while impingers further down-stream of these contained acidic potassium pennanganate (KMnO{sub 4}). These latter solutions, having been shown by the EPA in their Method 101A validation studies to capture all forms of mercury, were utilized here to capture the remaining elemental mercury. The challenge was to develop, test and validate an oxidized mercury capture solution that would effectively capture and retain all of the oxidized mercury species while allowing 100% of the elemental mercury to pass through it and be captured down- stream in the KMnO{sub 4} impinger solutions. A schematic of the impinger train utilized in the Ontario-Hydro Method is shown in Figure 1. For oxidized mercury capture, this method utilizes a 1.0 molar potassium chloride (KCI) impinger solution, which we have shown to be effective in its ability to retain mercuric chloride solution spikes given the appropriate sampling conditions

Performance and Meat Quality of Growing Pigs Fed Composite Leaf Meal Premix as an Alternative to Commercial Premix

This trial was designed to study the effects of using composite leaf meal produced from five (5) different leaves: Cassava, Moringa, fluted pumpkin, African basil and bitter leaves as a premix in the diets of growing pigs. Twenty four large white weaner-pigs were used for this trial comprising six treatments and four replicates with one pig per replicate. Six diets were formulated in which composite leaf meal was fed at 0 (2.5% premix), 10 (2.0% premix), 20 (1.5% premix), 30 (1.0% premix), 40 (0.5% premix) and 50 (0.0% premix) g/kg at the expense of a commercial premix and designated diets I, II, III, IV, V and VI. The pigs were then assigned to these 6 dietary treatments which were fed to the pigs at 5% of their body weight for 8 weeks experimental period. Water was supplied ad libitum throughout the experimental period. All data were subjected to analysis of variance. Results showed that, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the final weights of the pigs. Highest final live weight (41.67 ± 0.84 kg) and highest feed intake (75.92 ± 0.06) were recorded in animals fed diet II, while the lowest final live weight (37.67 ± 0.84kg) and lowest feed intake (75.57 ± 0.06) were recorded in animals fed diets V and I, respectively. The eye muscle width of carcass was significantly higher (

An examination of knowledge, attitudes and practices related to lead exposure in South Western Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Lead is a highly toxic and pervasive metal. Chronic exposure to low levels is responsible for significant health effects, particularly in children. Prevention remains the best option for reducing childhood lead exposure, however the knowledge, attitudes and practices to lead exposure in many developing countries is not known. Methods: We conducted four focus group discussions (FGD) to evaluate knowledge attitudes and practices to lead exposure in Nigeria. An FGD guide was developed from the literature and preliminary discussion with members of the public. Participants in the FGD were randomly selected from adults living in Ibadan, South Western Nigeria in 2004. RESULTS: We found that there was limited awareness of the sources of lead exposure in the domestic environment and participants had little knowledge of the health effects of chronic low-dose lead exposure. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the findings of this study should be used, in conjunction with others, to develop appropriate health education intervention for lead exposure in the domestic environment

Replacement value of rumen liquor fermented cassava peels for maize in growing rabbit diet

Le potentiel nutritif de pelures de manioc fermentées avec liqueur du rumen (RLFCP) a été évalué chez le lapin dans un essai de nutrition pendant 8 semaines. Les déjections séchées mixées, (100 g/kg) avec des pelures de manioc, aspergés de filtrage ruminal et fermentées pendant 144 heures. Par la suite, une diète basale a été élaboré pour satisfaire aux besoins nutritionnels du lapin en croissance. Le maïs (43 g/100 g) de la diète basale a été remplacé à 0, 25, 50, 75 et 100 % avec RLFCP (régimes 1, 2, 3, 4 et 5 respectivement). Cent cinquante lapins agées 5 semaines, sains, des deux sexes, et de races croisées ont été aléatoirement alloués à cinq traitements diététiques (30 lapins par traitement). Les critères de réponse étaient les indices de croissance, coût-bénéfice, la carcasse et le poids d’organes, et les indices du sang et du sérum. Bien que la prise de l’alimentation quotidienne moyenne a augmenté (49,27-58,00 g/lapin/jour) avec l’augmentation de l’inclusion de RLFCP, la moyenne de gain de poids quotidien seulement augmenté (12,38-17,75 g/lapin par jour) avec l’inclusion RLFCP accrue jusqu’à 50 %. L’indice de conversion alimentaire des lapins recevant le contrôle et ceux sur 25 % et 50 % RLFCP sont semblables (3,03-3,20) (p>0.05).). Seul le poids d’abattage (1116,50-1416,16 g), le poids de la carcasse (477,65-695,85 g), rendement de la carcasse (42,77-50,14 %), poids relatif (% poids d’abattage) du foie (2,18-2,57) et du coeur (0,20-0,23) étaient significativement (p0.05). Only the slaughtered weight (1116.50-1416.16 g), dressed weight (477.65-695.85 g), dressing % (42.77-50.14), relative weight (% slaughter weight) of the liver (2.18-2.57) and heart (0.20-0.23) were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by the dietary treatments. From all the haematological parameters considered; only the packed cell volume (PCV) (35.67-37.15 %), mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (32.65-34.05 g/dl) and platelets (275.50-452.00 109/l) were significant (p<0.05) while serum glutamic oxalo acetic transaminase (SGOT) (67.57-113.10 µl), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) (97.43-152.50 µl), amylase (463.50-699.00 µl) and glucose (53.60-100.50 mg/dl) of the serum metabolites measured were significant (p<0.05). The replacement of maize in growing rabbit diet with RLFCP appeared not to compromise the health status of the rabbits and its inclusion at a 50 % of maize reduced cost of feeding by 20 % and promoted better growth performance indicators than the control diet of the RLFCP-based diets

Effect of feeding broiler chickens with diets containing Alchornea cordifolia leaf meal and enzyme supplementation

This study sought to evaluate the effect of Alchornea cordifolia leaf meal (ACLM) inclusion and exogenous enzyme supplementation on broiler chickens. Two hundred and fifty-two (252) arbour acre two weeks-old broiler chicken were selected from a larger flock that had been brooded on deep litter and raised on commercial diet. These birds were balanced for weight and thereafter distributed into 18 pens of 14 birds each. These pens were randomly allotted to six dietary treatment groups in such way that 3 replicates were fed on each experimental diet. For the starter and finisher phase, six experimental diets were formulated and designated as 0-E, 5-E and 10-E for the diets without enzyme and 0+E, 5+E and 10+E for diets with enzyme. Diet 0-E and 0+E serve as positive and negative control respectively. The experiment was carried out using a 2x3 factorial experiment comprising of 2 enzyme levels (0 and 0.35 g/kg) and 3 ACLM inclusion levels (0, 5 and 10%).The final weight (FW) and weight gain (WG) were significantly affected by enzyme supplementation (pEn este estudio se trata de evaluar el efecto de la inclusión de harina de hojas de Alchornea cordifolia (ACLM) con inclusión de enzimas exógenos en la alimentación de pollos para carne. Doscientos cincuenta y dos pollos Arbor Acre de dos semanas de edad, fueron seleccionados de un lote grande criado mediante el sistema de cama profunda y alimentado con una dieta comercial. Las aves fueron equilibradas según peso y distribuidas en 18 corrales con 14 aves cada uno. Los corrales fueron asignados aleatoriamente a seis tratamientos de forma que hubiera tres réplicas en cada dieta experimental. Para las fases de iniciación y finalización se diseñaron seis tratamientos alimenticios denominados 0-E, 5-E y 10-E para las dietas sin enzima y 0+E, 5+E y 10+E para las dietas con enzima añadido. Las dietas 0-E y 0+E sirven como control negativo y positivo respectivamente. El experimento se realizó empleando un diseño factorial 2 x 3 incluyendo dos niveles de inclusión de enzima (0 y 0.35 g/kg) y tres niveles de inclusión de ACLM 0, 5 y 10%). El peso final (FW) y la ganancia de peso (WG) de los pollos, fueron afectados significativamente por la adición de enzima (p< 0,05), mientras que la inclusión de ACLM causo una disminución significativa del 15,13% de la ingestión total de alimento y del 11,61% de la tasa de conversión de alimento (FCR). La suplementación enzimática, aumento significativamente (