Modified collection methods and quality of semen in Nigerian local turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)

Semen collection in birds was initially achieved either via post-mortem drainage of the vas deferens or by cloacal retrieval after natural mating. Current techniques do not exclude stress and risk of injury during restraint or milking, especially in domestic turkeys. The present study was designed to develop more convenient methods of semen collection in turkeys. It involved five (n = 5) matured turkey toms weighing approximately 12 – 15 kg and two (n = 2) turkey hens. In the improved collection method, toms were stimulated by exposing them to hens, covered using a locally constructed wooden box. They were allowed to mount until there was evidence of ejaculatory response, demonstrated by increased abdominal pressure and cloacal contraction. After mounting, the tail feathers were lifted, and a collection vial was placed immediately below the cloaca to collect the ejaculates. In the modified abdominal massage, the turkey toms were restrained on sterna recumbency while the ejaculatory response was initiated by gently massaging the soft part of the abdomen and backward massage of the tail feathers. This is continued by rubbing either side of the cloaca till erection is achieved and semen is milked into a collection vial by gently squeezing the cloaca. Collections were made twice a week for four weeks using each method independently. The mean semen volume in the improved collection method was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the modified abdominal massage. There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in motility, abnormalities and concentration between both methods. The results from this study suggest that both collection methods were satisfactory for practical use and may offset some challenges associated with the most widely used abdominal massage technique of semen collection in turkeys

Diprosopus (double mouth) in a Nigerian child: Case report and literature review

Background: Anterior craniofacial duplication (diprosopus) is an extremely rare form of conjoined twin that presents with facial malformations. Diprosopus is characterized by varying degrees of duplication of the nose, eyes, ears and mouth.Patient and Method: We report a case of double mouth in a male infant. The face had a midline raphe 5cm in width with a globular soft tissue swelling at the apex. The oral cavity was divided into two unequal parts by a bony septum extending from the hard palate to the floor of the mouth. Both mandible and tongue were bifid. A literature search was carried out.Conclusion: The embryology, classification and indeed treatment remain a matter of speculation. To our knowledge there have been less than 150 reports of diprosopus in the world medical literature.Keywords: craniofacial duplication, diprosopus, embryology, face, mout