EFFICACY STUDY OF ZINC CHLORIDE AND DIMINAZENE ACETURATE ON Trypanosoma brucei INOCULATED RATS

The   effect   of   Zinc  Chloride  (ZnCl )   and   Diminazene   aceturate  in  experimental  Trypanosoma   brucei                                          2        infected rats was investigated. Six groups (A-F) consisting of five rats each were used. A and F were        negative and positive controls, while B, C, D, and E were treated groups, respectively. The infection                                          6        was achieved by inoculating (1x10 ) of the parasite and rapid matching method was used to estimate        the parasitaemia in the host. Parasitaemia was monitored for 30 days using wet mount method. The        inoculated treated groups progressively showed parasitaemia five days post inoculation that caused        significant decrease (p<0.05) in packed cell volume (PCV) and white blood cell (WBC) count. After        treatment with ZnCl2  and Diminazene Aceturate (Group D), there was a remarkable improvement to-        wards the normal (Group A). This study shows that supplemental ZnCl2  could be used to alleviate the        severity of the infection in Trypanosomosis.&nbsp

EFFECTS OF ADMINISTERING A COMBINATION OF VITAMINS A AND E ON FERTILITY AND HATCHABILITY OF ANAK 2000 BREEDERS

The ameliorative effect of a combined regime of vitamins A and E on fertility and hatchability was investigated in Anak 2000 breeders. Vitamin A and E individually administered at a dose rate of 0.125 ml/kg body weight intramuscularly produced an improvement in hatchability, fertility, and sperm quality. The percentage fertility (46%) and hatchability (40.5%) before vitamin A&E  administration was compared to those of fertility (76.9%) and hatchability (76.8%) after vitamin administration and found to be statistically significant at p<0.05. From the findings of this study, we can therefore postulate that intramuscular administration of vitamin A and E during acute episode of nutritional hypovitaminosis provokes a quick and prompt response in birds &nbsp

Serospatial epidemiology of zoonotic Coxiella burnetii in a cross section of cattle and small ruminants in northern Nigeria

The persistent and highly transmissible Coxiella burnetii is a neglected infection that negatively affects reproductive parameters of livestock. It is also of zoonotic importance and has been reported to cause devastating human infections globally. Domestic ruminants represent the most frequent source of human infection. Data from Nigeria are very few and outdated. There is a significant gap in up-to-date information on the exposure, spatial distribution and risk factors of infection of this important disease. The exposure to C. burnetii was determined using sensitive serological assays in cattle and small ruminants. A total of 538 animals made up of 268 cattle and 270 small ruminants were sampled from three northern Nigerian states. The proportion of cattle sampled that were seropositive from the study locations were: Kwara 14/90 (15.6%; 95% CI: 8.8–24.7); Plateau 10/106 (9.43%; 95% CI: 4.6–16.7) and Borno 4/72 (5.56%; 95% CI: 1.5–13.6) states. Lower seroprevalence was recorded among the small ruminants sampled, with positives recorded from sheep and goat sampled from only Kwara state 6/184 (3.3%; 95% CI: 1.2–7.0); while none of the small ruminants sampled from Plateau were seropositive. The results of the bivariate analysis showed that none of the tested independent variables (village, age group, sex, breed of cattle, presence of ticks, reproductive status, and management system) were statistically significant factors associated with seropositivity of cattle for antibodies to C. burnetii. Stakeholders involved in animal husbandry should be duly educated on proper disposal of birth products as well as bodily fluids in order to reduce environmental contamination, persistence and human infection

Evaluation of the “Antidotal” Potential of Mangifera indica L. leaves extract on sodium arsenate exposed male Wistar rats using some biochemical markers

In order to evaluate the antidotal potential of Mangifera indica L leaves extract on sodium arsenate exposed male Wistar rats using some biochemical markers, forty-two apparently healthy male Wistar rats (weight range 120-160 g) were used in the study. The animals were randomly separated into six groups. Other than groups “A” (non-exposed control) and “B” (exposed control), groups; C, D, E, and F respectively were treated with different dosages of Mangifera indica L extract  viz., l00 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg extract. Volumes of extract administered did not exceed 0.2 ml regardless of the body weight of the animal respectively. Some biochemical parameters assessed were: serum protein, albumin, conjugated bilirubin, unconjugated bilirubin (ICB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine  aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP),gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), urea, creatinine, creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH),acid phosphatase, prostatic phosphatase, serum lipid profile, that is total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high density lipoprotein cholesterol  (HDL), and the hormones, testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels. Group “B” had significantly (P<0.05) higher activities for AST, GGT, CK, LDH and higher cholesterol concentration when compared to Mangifera indica treated groups and to the non-exposed control. Testosterone and LH were significantly (P<0.05) lower in group “B” unlike the Mangifera indica treated groups and group “A”. This observation could be attributed to adverse effect of toxicosis on exposure to animals in group “B”. Antitodal property of the extract, due to one or more of its phytochemicals such as flavonoids, tannins alkaloid and anthraqunones could be the most probable reason for potential therapeutic potential. Conclusively, this observation gives credence to its cytoprotective and antitodal properties

Haematological and antioxidant enzyme response to Lead toxicity in male Wistar rats

The study evaluated the haematological and some antioxidant enzymes response to lead toxicity in male Wistar rats.  Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups viz., A, B, C and D. Group A served as the control while groups B, C and D were treated with 200, 300 and 400 ppm of lead (Pb) as lead acetate, respectively. Doses were orally administered in divided doses by intubation to ensure that each rat had the specified doses, after which they have access to water and feed. At the end of two weeks of treatment, blood samples were collected via the median canthus into heparinised tubes for blood lead determination and haematological analysis after which the remaining blood was centrifuged to obtain the plasma for determination of malonydialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase levels. There was a significant increase in blood lead concentrations ranging from 2.15±0.10 µg/dl to 9.21±0.05 µg/dl which was dose dependent while decreases in packed cell volume and the red blood cell counts ranging from 32-53% and 15-52%,respectively. At the highest dose of 400 ppm of lead there was significant decrease in the neutrophils and lymphocytes. There was significant (P<0.05) dose dependent increases in malondialdehyde while the activities of catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were significantly (P<0.05) reduced. In conclusion, lead disrupts the haematological system leading to generation of free radicals that overwhelm the antioxidant enzymes thus leading to oxidative stress

Use of goat interleukin-6, cortisol, and some biomarkers to evaluate clinical suitability of two routes of ascorbic acid administration in transportation stress

Aim: The study determined the effect of ascorbic acid (administered orally and intramuscularly) in short-term transportation stress. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four apparently healthy Kalahari goats were grouped into four groups (A, B, C, and D) of 6 animals each: Group A - untreated and unexposed to stress; Group B - treated with 200 mg/kg Vitamin C orally and exposed to 2 h transportation stress; Group C - treated with Vitamin C 200 mg/kg intramuscularly and exposed to 2 h transportation stress; and Group D - untreated and exposed to 2 h transportation stress. The animals were stocked using standards stipulated by the Nigerian Animal Disease Control Act and transported at 40 km/h. Cortisol and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were assayed using quantitative sandwich ELISA. Classical stress hematological parameters and antioxidative stress markers such as glutathione s-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde were determined. Heart rate variability (HRV) was also assessed. Results: The route of ascorbic acid administration did not influence the expression of IL-6, and changes in cortisol surge, antioxidative stress markers, and other hematological parameters in Kalahari goats though Group C goats showed higher HRV values (p<0.05) than others. This gives credence to the enhanced cardiac responsiveness and stress survivability in Kalahari goats. Conclusion: Both routes could be used in the administration of ascorbic acid. Kalahari goats exposed to short-term stress; however, the intramuscular route had better heart variability and thus improved the survivability of the animals

Nutriceutical effects of fermented <em>Parkia biglobosa</em> seeds on recovery of malnourished rats

Parkia biglobosa seeds or African locust beans (ALB) were evaluated in the recovery of malnourished rats. Thirty apparently healthy rats of weight range (120-150g) were experimented after dividing them into five groups, A to E. The animals in Group A which served as control were placed on a balanced diet; group B placed on protein deficient diet by the reducing the daily average diet with no supplements while the animals in groups C, D and E were placed on protein deficient diet by the decrease reducing the average daily required diet   supplemented with 10, 20 and 30% ALB respectively. The ALB proximate analysis showed high percentage of total protein and crude lipid. It also consisted of vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, C, D, E and lycopene. Other biochemical parameters analyzed were glucose, total protein, globulin, albumin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, urea and Na2+, Cl-, K+ and HCO3- respectively. The results showed that rats in group D and E had significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) total protein and globulin values when compared to the non-supplemented (control) B. The animals in group D and E also showed higher percentage weight gains (P&lt;0.05) when compared to the group B (control). The phytochemical analysis of fermented ALB showed the presence of alkaloids, cardenolides and saponins. The proximate and nutritional compositions of ALB could be the reason for its nutriceutical effects. Conclusively, the fermented Parkia biglobosa seeds when properly processed could serve as a supplement for treating malnutrition

Enzootic Nasal Adenocarcinoma: Cytological and Clinicopathological Observations in a West African Dwarf Goat

Enzootic nasal adenocarcinoma (ENA), a contagious retroviral disease of sheep and goats, characterized by neoplastic growth of the ethmoidal mucosa in the nasal cavity is described in a West African Dwarf goat (WAD). A two-year old WAD goat, weighing approximately 20kg was observed in the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria. The WAD goat was presented with a clinical history of 31/2 months seromucoid to mucopurulent nasal discharge, dyspnoea with audible rales, stertorous breathing with open mouth, coughing and sneezing. Cytological evaluation revealed anaplastic features such as hyperchromasia and binucleation with 2 or more nucleoli. Haematological profile revealed leukocytosis, due to lymphocytosis initially, which later changed to neutrophilia with left shift, however, the was absence of anaemia. Grossly, there was unilateral, left facial swelling, bilateral, separate and discrete nodular and papillary tumourous masses in each nasal cavity with concomitant inflammation, necrosis and distortion of the nasal bones, turbinates and the median septum. Microscopically, two forms of the tumour mass were observed, which include; polyploidy and papillary forms and characterized by well-differentiated tubulo-acinar and cystic glands with their content Periodic Acid Schiff positive for glycoprotein. This report, to the best of our knowledge, is the first reported case of ENA in WAD goats in Nigeria.Keywords: Enzootic nasal adenocarcinoma, West African Dwarf goat, Nigeria

Anthelmintic Potency of <i>Carica</i> <i>papaya</i> seeds against Gastro-intestinal Helminths in Red Sokoto goat

The comparative studies on anthelmintic potency of Carica papaya seeds was investigated in naturally infected Red Sokoto goats. Forty Red Sokoto goats (average 12 ± 0.25 kg body weight) infected naturally with helminthes were used to compare anthelminthic potency of Carica papaya seeds in aqueous and crude extract forms and Thiabendazole treatment against intestinal worms. The animals were randomly assigned into four treatment groups (A, B, C and D) consisting of 10 Red Sokoto goats per group. The animals in group A were not treated (negative control) while B undergone thiabendazole anthelmintic treatment (positive control). Groups C and D were given the powdery and aqueous forms of C. papaya seed extract via feed at 300 mg/kg body weight/day and at 1:10 ml (w/v) of water respectively for 3 days. Before anthelmintic treatments and 1st and 2nd weeks after administering the anthelminthics, faecal and blood samples were collected for parasitological and haematological analysis. Data collected were subjected to one-way ANOVA. Treatments of both aqueous and powdery forms of C. papaya seed extract resulted a significant increase (p &lt; 0.05) in packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) and haemoglobin concentration and lymphocyte counts. Conversely, there was significant (p &gt; 0.05) decrease in the eosinophil counts. The reduction in the faecal egg counts of helminth when C. papaya seed extracts applied was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) comparable to those obtained for Thiabendazole treatment. However, the efficacy of aqueous form of C. papaya seed extract was more significant (p &lt; 0.05) than the crude (powdery) extract administered via the feed. The study therefore concludes that C. papaya seed extracts have comparable anthelmintic potency to Thiabendazole and that aqueous forms were more efficient than powdery forms when administered in Red Sokoto goats as an alternative to anthelmintic to synthetic dewormers in rural areas in controlling helminthosi