A preliminary study on semen collection, evaluation and insemination in Nigerian local turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)

This preliminary study was carried out with 6 local turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) by collecting semen from 2 toms and insemination into 4 hen. The semen collection was achieved by the method of abdominal massage. It was evaluated based on volume, mass motility, live-dead-ratio and sperm concentration, which were; 0.195 + 0.010mls (Tom 1) and 0.205 + 0.024mls (Tom 2), (+++) for both toms, 70% (for Tom 1) and 75% (for Tom 2) approximately and 6.150 ± 0.329 x109/ml and 6.295 ± 0.161 x109/ml for Tom1 and Tom 2 respectively. Hens were inseminated weekly. Eggs laid were collected, stored and later incubated for hatching. Fifty four (54) eggs were incubated, (16 eggs from Hen A and 10 from Hen B, 15 from Hen C and 13 from Hen D), and all were found to be fertile. Forty six eggs (46 eggs i. e. 85%) were hatched (13 eggs from Hen A, 8 from Hen B, 14 from Hen C and 11 from Hen D). From the result it was clear that semen collected from the turkeys (Toms) in Sokoto was of satisfactory quality and can be used fresh in artificial insemination. The result also signifies satisfactory hatchability of eggs from inseminated hens.Keywords: Hatchery, Insemination, Semen collection, Sokoto, Turke

Synthesis, characterization and Antioxidant evaluation of Cu (II), Zinc (II) and Cd (II) complexes derived from 2-((2-(piperazine-1-yl)ethylimino)methyl)phenol

The Schiff base ligand 2-((2-(piperazine-1-yl)ethylimino)methyl)phenol (L-OH) and its complexes of Cu (II), Zinc (II) and Cadmium (II) were synthesized and characterized by FTIR, 1HNMR, UV-visible, elemental analysis, TGA and LC-MS. The structure of [C13H18CdCl2N3O] was confirmed by x-ray diffraction. The data obtained from the characterization shows that both complexes have composition of ML type. The thermal analysis results revealed high thermal stability for all the complexes and that the anions and the ligands are decomposed at first, and then followed by the decomposition of the whole complex at the subsequent steps. The resulting compounds were evaluated for antioxidant activity.Keywords: Antioxidant, Characterization, Synthesis, X-ray

Proximate and elemental composition of white grubs

This study determined the proximate and mineral element composition of whole white grubs using standard methods of analysis. Proximate analysis showed on percentage dry matter basis: 65.86 ± 1.23% (protein, lipids, carbohydrates and ash) and (moisture content) 34.01 ± 1.00%. The lipid and protein contents showed the highest mean ± standard deviation percentage of 29.67 ± 1.34% and 12.75 ± 3.65% respectively. Mineral contents of white grub in terms of relative concentration was found to be in the order of K > Mg > Na > Ca > Mn > Zn > Fe > Cu. These elements in white grubs are appreciable to meet nutritional requirements. Therefore, consumption of white grubs is advised. Keywords: White grubs, Proximate Analysis, Essential element, Nutrien

Ethanol production from corn cobs by co-culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus niger

Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus niger were used in a co-culture for the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of 1% and 10% (w/v) dry pre-treated corn cobs to ethanol. Positive controls of glucose of same concentrations in a synthetic medium were also fermented. At 1% substrate concentration, the complex medium containing corn cobs had a maximum ethanol yield of 4.17%, while the synthetic medium with glucose gave 3.45%. At a higher concentration of 10% the synthetic medium gave a yield of 6.23% which is comparable to 6.17% by the complex medium. Residual sugar concentration was observed to decrease with increase in ethanol production and cell growth increased with time of fermentation. Keywords: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus niger, corn cobs, glucose, ethanol

Comparative Study on The Potency of Antibiotic Discs With Commercially Sold Antibiotics on Clinical Isolates From Urinary Tract

A total of 250 urine samples were collected from patients attending Ahmadu Bello University Health Service Clinic (Sick bay), Salama Hospital and Major Ibrahim Abdullahi Memorial Hospital (Kaduna State Ministry of Health). The samples were screened for UTI and forty-three (43) were positive for Klebsiella and Escherichia coli. Of all the isolates, 24 were K. species and 19 were Escherichia coli. Their susceptibilities to Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin were examined using the antibiotics disc and the commercially sold antibiotics. The susceptibility of K. species to Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin for the antibiotics disc was 16.7%, 62.5% and 41.7% respectively. For the commercially sold antibiotics its susceptibility was 0%, 8.3% and 50.0% to Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin respectively. The susceptibility of Escherichia coli to Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin for the antibiotics disc was 31.6%, 52.6% and 57.9% respectively. For the commercially sold antibiotics its susceptibility was 0%, 36.8% and 31.6% to Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin respectively. Our results showed that antibiotics disc was more effective than the commercially sold antibiotics and that both organisms were resistant to Ampicillin but susceptible to Gentamicin and Ciprofloxacin.Keywords: Potency, Antibiotics, Disc Isolates, Urinary tractNigerian Journal of Basic and Applied Science (2011), 19(2):231- 23

Mycobacterial Species Identification and Public Health Implications of Tuberculosis Among Nomadic Pastoralists in Three Local Governments of Plateau State, North Central Nigeria

Bovine and human tuberculosis is endemic in Nigeria, and apart from meat inspection at the abattoir, which is not very effective, no control measures are currently practiced against the disease in Nigerian livestock. A study was conducted to determine the level of awareness and knowledge of the public health implications of tuberculosis among pastoralists in some selected Local Government Areas of Plateau State. Majority of the respondents in the study area were aware of tuberculosis and they consumed both raw and boiled milk. However, despite their knowledge of tuberculosis, very few of them vaccinate their children against the disease. Five persons admitted being infected with tuberculosis and 3 (three) of these five were receiving treatment as at the time of questionnaire administration. Smear microscopy and deletion analyses were deployed to detect Mycobacterium species. All specimens were however negative by both techniques. Keywords: Tuberculosis, Nomadic, Cattle, Pastoralists, AwarenessNigerian Veterinary Journal, VOL:32 (4) 321-33

Prevalence of Escherichia coli some public water sources in Gusau Municipal, North Western Nigeria

This study investigated the presence of Escherichia coli from some public water sources in Gusau municipal, north- western Nigeria. This was done by determining the total coliform counts and the presence of Escherichia coli and its antibiotic susceptibility profile. A total of 180 well 60 tap and 60 packaged water samples were obtained from Gusau municipal on weekly basis over a period of seven month (August, 2006-Feb, 2007) covering part of rainy and dry seasons. Standard procedures were used for the identification of Escherichia coli and for estimating total coliform counts. All samples had coliform counts higher than the international standard recommended by the World Health Organization. Results of biochemical analysis of the samples showed that out of 63 confirmed Escherichia coli isolated, 41 (45.5%) were from well water, tap water had 14 (23.3%) while packaged water had 8(13.3%).The susceptibility profile of the isolates to nine antimicrobial agents indicated that majority of the isolates were highly susceptible to Chloramphenicol, Gentamycin, Perrfloxacin, Tarivid, Augmentin, Streptomycin, Sparfloxacin, and Ciprofloxacin, moderate susceptibility to Septrin and resistant to Amoxacilin were observed. None of the water samples met the WHO standards for drinking water and thus pose a serious health risk to its consumers and users if not properly treated. Key words: Bacteriological quality, Escherichia coli, Prevalence, susceptibility profile, public water sources, Gusau

Phytochemical and antibacterial properties of garlic extracts

The antibacterial potency of aqueous and methanol extracts of garlic was determined invitro against three bacterial isolates (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) by agar well  diffusion method. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannin, flavonoid, carbohydrate, protein, saponin, alkaloid and glycoside in the plants while anthraquinone was absent. Both the aqueous and methanol extract of garlic were observed to be more potent against E. coli with maximum zone of growth inhibition of 21.5mm at 200mg/ml and 24.0mm at 200mg/ml respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the aqueous and methanol extracts of garlic against E. coli was 100mg/ml and 50mg/ml respectively, and for S. aureus it was 200mg/ml and 100mg/ml respectively. Similarly, The MIC against Pseudomonas aeruginosa for the aqueous and methanol extracts was 200mg/ml and 200mg/ml respectively. Higher minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 300mg/ml was observed against P. aeruginosa with aqueous extract and 250mg/ml with the methanol extract. The MBC for both the aqueous and methanol extract was 200mg/ml respectively against E. coli while MBC of 300mg/ml was observed against S. aureus for the aqueous extract and 200mg/ml for the methanol extract. These findings therefore justify the traditional medicinal use of garlic.Keywords; Phytochemical, Antibacterial, Efficacy, Garlic, Isolates

Antibiotics Susceptibility Pattern of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Wounds in Patients Attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria

This work investigated the prevalence and antibiotics sensitivity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from wounds of patients attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria-Nigeria. One hundred Isolates were characterized and identified from the specimens using standard microbiological methods. The results of the isolation and identification showed that 55(55%) were Gram-negative organisms and 44 (44%) were Gram-positive. Klebsiella species and Pseudomonas aeruginosa accounted for 25% of the Gramnegative organisms, followed by Proteus species 19%, Klebsiella species 14% and Escherichia coli accounts for 11%, while Staphylococcus aureus 44% was the predominant Gram-positive organism. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern was determined using the disc diffusion method where the susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated in wounds was observed. The highest sensitivity was observed for ofloxacin, moderate susceptibility was observed for ampicillin, cefuroxime and ceftriazone. The results obtained indicated strong resistance to cotrimoxazole, amoxicillin tetracycline and augmentin. There is the need for routine antibiotic sensitivity check

Antimicrobial Activity of Sabulun Salo a Local Traditional Medicated Soap

The antimicrobial activity of Sabulun salo; a local traditional medicated soap widely used by different tribes in Nigeria such as Hausa, Yoruba and Nupe against skin infections was examined against some clinical isolates of pathogenic microorganisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans) using agar dilution method. The pattern of inhibition varied with the soap concentration and the organisms tested. The soap was more effective on S. aureus with maximum zone of growth inhibition of 28 mm at 100% w/v followed by C. albicans (24mm). However, E. coli was resistant to the soap at all concentrations tested. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was found to be 12.5% w/v for both S. aureus and C. albicans. The antibacterial activities exhibited by sabulun salo in this study could be attributed to the presence of its constituents which signifies the potential of the soap as a of topical therapeutic agent. These findings therefore, justify the traditional medicinal use of sabulun salo