Growth, antibacterial properties and haematological parameters of broiler chickens fed moringa and neem leaf meals as additives

The effectiveness and accessibility of broiler feed additives and antibiotics could be challenging to farmers. There is therefore the need to research into the effectiveness of the use of substitute feed additives. Moringa (Moringa oleifera) and neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves are edible plants to both humans and animals that can be included as feed additives. This work was conducted to determine the effect of different levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MLM) and neem leaf meal (NLM) as substitute feed additives/antibiotics and their effects on the performance of broilers. Two hundred and ten (210) day-old Abor Acres broiler chicks were randomly allotted to seven dietary treatments of three replicates each. The  parameters investigated were feed intake, final weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, meat quality, sensory evaluation, mortality and bacterial counts. The final weight for broilers fed with MLM and NLM diets were higher than those fed with conventional feed. The bacteria load and mortality recorded for the conventional feed groups were significantly higher (p<0.05) than groups fed moringa and neem. There was no significant  difference (p>0.05) in the haematology and serum parameters recorded for all the groups. The organoleptic properties of cooked broiler meat samples for all treatment groups were comparable with those fed with conventional feed. Inclusion of MLM and NLM produced similar results compared to the conventional feed ingredients and may be considered as possible sources of alternative feed additives and promising natural antimicrobial agents for controlling pathogenic bacteria in poultry production. Key words: Broilers, Neem leaf meal, Moringa leaf meal, Productio

Phytochemistry of methanol seed extract of Abrus precatorius and its effect on spermatogenesis in rats

The methanol seed extract of Abrus precatorius was studied for its acute toxicity and its effect on spermatogenesis in rats as well as its phytochemical constituents. The results of this investigation showed that the LD50 of the methanol seed extract following oral administration was above 5000 mg/kg showing low toxicity. Histological studies of the liver, kidneys and testes of the rats treated with the various oral doses (10 - 5000 mg/kg body weight) showed no remarkable changes in the hepatocytes, kidney cells and testes compared to the control. The effects on sperm cells did not show any significant increase in total sperm head counts. The Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of pharmacologically active compounds such as reducing sugars, tannins, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, saponins and flavonoids. In conclusion, the methanol seed extract of Abrus precatorius contain important phytochemical constituents possessing pharmacological activities and it is relatively safe but has no effects on sperm cell production.Keywords: Abrus precatorius, acute toxicity, phytochemical constituents, spermatogenesi

Food Consumption Score, Dietary Habits and Anthropometric Indices of Market Traders in Owo Township, Ondo State, Nigeria

Background: Globally, the burden of obesity and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is rapidly increasing, and the African continent is not left out.Objective: This study assessed the food consumption score, dietary habits and anthropometric indices of market traders in Owo Township, Ondo State, Nigeria.Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study, which involved 205traders who were conveniently selected from three major markets in Owo. Information from the participants was obtained using structured, self- administered questionnaire. Food consumption score was assessed using World Food Programme (WFP) food consumption analysis while central obesity was assessed using Waist–Hip Ratio (WHR), Waist Circumference (WC) and Waist-Height ratio (WHtR). Data was presented in frequency and percentage. All statistics was test at significant level of P ≤ 0.05.Results: Results revealed that (30.2%) of the market traders were within the age group of 30- 39years,57.6% of the respondents were married, while approximately27% had between 4 and 6 children. About 67.3% of the respondents were Christian. Few (6.3%) had first degree certificate. Majorities, (90.7%) always add vegetables to their diet and 39.5% % eat fruit regularly while 56.1% meet the acceptable food consumption score. Abnormal values for WC, WHR, and WHtR were 26.8%, 38.5%, and 47.8% respectively.A significant difference existed waist circumference (P=0.02), waist-hip ratio (P=0.003), waist to height ratio (P=0.001), and sex of the respondents.Conclusion: This study observed high prevalence of central obesity and a high acceptable food consumption score level among the market traders in Owo. Keywords: Food consumption score, traders, dietary habits, central obesit