Evaluation of growth performance and haematological response of broiler chicks to raw and boiled Garcinia kola seed diet

This study was set to evaluate the effect of raw and boiled (1000C) Garcinia kola seed diet on growth performance and haematological response of broiler chicks. A total 18 broiler chicks assigned into three treatment groups of six birds each were used for this study. Treatment one (control) received 0% inclusion of Garcinia kola seed. Treatment group two received 10% boiled Garcinia kola seed, while group three received 10% raw Garcinia kola seed in addition to basal feed (Vital starter and finisher rations).The growth performance indices of feed consumption, live body mass were taken on weekly basis whereas uncoagulated blood samples were collected 24 hours after administering the last treatment to the groups. The haematological indices of erythrocytic function were determined. The result obtained showed a significant (P0.05) affected by heat treatment at 1000C. This finding lends credence to the popular report in literature that heat treatment above 800C is one of the methods of removing or deactivating anti nutritional factors present in plant food for animal nutrition

Haematological Changes Following Administration of Alcohol and Caffeine in Albino Wistar Rats

The haematological changes following the administration of varying concentrations of alcohol and caffeine for 7days were investigated in six groups of albino Wistar rats. Each group consisted of 8 rats (4 males; 4 females). The parameters assayed include percentage packed cell volume (%PCV), red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts and haemoglobin (Hb) concentration of rats. Rats that were administrated 1ml and 2ml of 43% alcohol recorded lower % PCV than controls. However, this lower value was only significant (

Effects of Cataranthus roseus on Electrolyte Derangement Induced by Chlorpropamide (Diabinese)R on Normoglycemic Albino Wistar Rat

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy (or otherwise) of Cataranthus roseus extract in ameliorating electrolyte imbalance following treatment with anti-diabetic drug chlorpropamide (Diabinese)R. A total of 32 rats of mixed sexes were randomly assigned into 4 treatment groups of 8 rats each. Group A (control) received placebo (0.14ml of 30% ethanol)/ kg body weight of rat. Group B received Diabinese in a dose of 1.6mg/kg body weight of rat while group C received 400mg /kg body weight of Cataranthus roseus (C. roseus) extract. Group D received Diabinese in a dose of 1.6mg/kg body weight plus 400mg/kg body weight C. roseus extract. The above dosages were administered twice daily via orogastric intubation in a 12 hour cycle. The administration was terminated at the end of 14 days, animal sacrificed, serum collected and electrolyte (Na+, K+ and CL-) profile assayed. The result obtained showed no-significant (P>0.05) decrease in serum concentration of chloride ion in Group B-D relative to control. There is however, a significant (

Haematoxic Effects Following Ingestion Of Nigerian Crude Oil And Crude Oil Polluted Shellfish By Rats

The haematological effects following ingestion of shellfish exposed to crude oil polluted water or the pollutant perse were investigated in albino Wistar rats. Feeding of four groups of rats for 28 days duration with two reference casein or shellfish protein control diets (Group A and B), and two test diets (Group C and D) supplemented at varying levels with shellfish which had been previously exposed to crude oil polluted water and the oral gavaging with crude oil at the rate of 3, 6 and 9 ml/kg body weight per day to three groups (groups II, III and IV respectively) of rats for 7 days duration resulted in changes in packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts, and haemoglobin concentration (Hb) of rats. Group C and D respectively fed 10% and 20% polluted shellfish diets recorded significant (P < 0.05) decreases in PCV and RBC counts while Hb concentration and WBC counts increased. Groups II, III and IV gavaged with varying doses of crude oil recorded significant (P < 0.05 – 0.01) dose dependent decrease in PCV and RBC counts when compared to controls (group 1). Hb and WBC counts also increased for these groups but the increase was only significant for WBC counts (P < 0.05) when compared with controls. The results suggest that the ingestion of shellfish exposed to crude oil polluted water or the polluted perse results in haematotoxicity. Key words: Haematological Indices, Crude Oil, Shellfish Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences Vol.19(1&2) 2004: 1-

Effect Of Theobromine Exposure On Haematological Parameters In Rats

This work was carried out to investigate the effect of theobromine exposure on haematological indices in rats and thus evaluate whether its use in chemotherapy may be associated with possible side effects such as anaemia. Theobromine in two doses was administered by oral gavage to albino Wistar rats of both sexes (n =8 for each group) for a four day period. Haematological parameters – indices of blood and erythropoietic status namely packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were assessed in whole blood obtained from the animals. The same parameters were assessed in the control group (n =8) administered with only the vehicle. Theobromine administration in moderate (600 mg/Kg body weight) to high (700 mg/Kg body weight) doses produced a significant (

Phytochemical Composition And Effect Of Aqueous Extract Of Struchium sparganophora (L) On Cockroach Crude Extract – Induced Airway Inflammatory Responses In Wistar Rats

Asthma, a chronic immune inflammatory disorder of the airways has been responsible for high mortality in both infants and adults in Africa and appropriate therapy has long been sought. Phytochemical composition and effect of aqueous extract of Struchium sparganophora on pulmonary inflammation induced in Wistar rat asthma model were studied. Pulmonary inflammation was induced in Wistar rats against appropriate controls with cockroach (Periplaneta americana) crude extract. Twenty-four hours after asthma induction treatment, S. spargonophora extract was administered by oral gavage to induced rats. The inflammatory responses and effect of the extract were assessed by analysis of leukocytes infiltration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid at 12 hourly intervals. The aqueous extract of S. sparganophora contained alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, glycosides, polyphenols, saponins, tannins etc. The aqueous extract significantly (

Storage beyond Three Hours at Ambient Temperature Alters the Biochemical and Nutritional Qualities of Breast Milk

The effect of storage on stability of human breast milk was investigated in 30 lactating mothers. Samples stored for 3, 6 and 24 hours at ambient temperature of 302K (29°) were analysed for protein, lactose, pH, and microbial content. There were significant (p < 0.01) decreases in protein, lactose and pH upon storage for 6 and 24 hours, compared with storage for 3 hours as control. The mean ± SEM values for protein for 6 and 24 hours were 15.56 ± 0.48 and 13.27 ± 0.50, compared to 17.26 ± 0.41 for 3 hours. For lactose, corresponding values for 6 and 24 hours were 0.08 ± 0.005 and 0.07 ± 0.006, compared with 3 hours (0.09 ± 0.005). The pH values were 6.1 ± 0.09, 5.9 ± 0.07 and 5.6 ± 0.07 in 3, 6 and 24 hour samples respectively. The skin floras investigated were Streptococcus viridians, Straphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus albus. The microbial content increased with increase in storage time from 3 to 24 hours. The predominant bacterial species was S. albus, followed by S. viridians and S. aureus. A positive correlation (r = 0.453, p < 0.01) between lactose level and pH were obtained. These results suggest that breast milk is stable for 3 hours, beyond which significant changes occur in its biochemical composition and nutritional quality. The implications of these findings are discussed with respect to their consequences on the child's survival. (Afr J Reprod Health 2001; 5[2]: 130-134) RÉSUMÉ La Conservation au-delà de trois heures à une température ambiante modifie les qualités biochimiques et nutritionnelles du lait maternel. L'effet de la conservation sur la stabilité du lait maternel humain a été étudié chez 30 mères allaitantes. Les échantillions qui ont été conservés pendant 3, 6 et 24 heures à une température ambiante de 302K (29 degrés) ont été analysés pour déterminer la présence de la protéine, du lactose pH et du contenu microbien. Il y a eu des baisses importantes (P < 0.01) par rapport à la protéine, au lactose et pH quand ils sont conservés pour 6 et 24 heures en comparaison à la conservation de 3 heures comme cas témoin. Les valeurs moyennes ± SEM pour la protéine pour 6 et 24 heures étaient de 15, 56 ± 0,48 et 13, 27 ± 0, 50 comparée à 17, 26 ± 0, 41 pour 3 heures. En ce qui concerne le lactose, les valeurs correspondantes pour 6 et 24 heures étaient de 0,08 ± 0,005 et 0,07 ± 0,006,comparée à 3 heures (0,09 ± 0,005). Les valeurs pH étaient de 6,1 ± 0,09, 5,9 ± 0,07 dans les échantillons de 3,6 et 24 heures respectivement. Les flores entanées qui ont été étudiées étaient Streptocoques viridians, Staphylocoques aureus et Staphylocoques blanc. Le contenu microbien a augmenté au fur et à mesure que la durée de la conservation a augmenté de 3 à 24 heures. L'espèce de la bactérien prédominante était Staph. albus, suivie de Strep. viridians et Staph. aureus. Une corrélation positive (r = 0,453, p < 0,01) entre le niveau de lactose et pH a été obtenue. Ces résultats suggèrent que le lait du sein reste stable pendant 3 heures et qu'au-delà de cela il se produit des modifications importantes dans la composition biochimiques et dans la qualité nutritionnelle. Nous avons discuté les implications des ces résultats par rapport à leurs conséquences sur la survie de l'enfant. (Rev Afr Santé Reprod 2001; 5[2]: 130-134) KEY WORDS: Breast milk, storage time, microbial content, biochemical composition, nutritional qualit

Effect of thermoxidised groundnut oil on aminotransferase activity of heart tissue in wistar rats

The effect of thermoxidised groundnut oil on the aminotransferase activity of the heart health of Wistar rats was investigated. Eighteen female albino rats were randomly divided into three groups of six rats each .Group 1 was fed 15% fresh groundnut oil supplemented rat pellet, group 2 received 15% thermoxidised groundnut oil supplemented rat pellet, while group 3 received the normal pellet only. The feeding experiment lasted for a period of twenty one days after which the animals were sacrificed and tissue homogenates analyzed for tissue enzymes using standard methods. The results indicated a significant increase (P&lt;0.05) concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in animals treated with the oils with respect to the control. The AST showed similar pattern in group 2 treated when compared to the control. The amongst group variation was not significant. We therefore conclude that thermoxidised groundnut oil impact adversely on heart tissues as indicated in raised enzyme levels.KEYWORDS: Wistar rats, groundnut oil, thermoxidation and aminotransferas

Influence of Chronic Administration of Chloroquine on Leydig Cell Integrity and Testosterone Profile of Albino Wistar Rats

The effect of chronic administration of chloroquine on leydig cells and plasma testosterone level was examined. Twenty-five albino Wistar rats were divided into five groups –– A, B, C, D and E. Group A animals received a normal dose of 0.57mg per kg body weight of chloroquine for 3 days. Groups B, C and D received chronic doses of 0.57 mg per kg body weight of chloroquine for 4, 5 and 6 days respectively. Group E animals, which served as control, were administered normal saline. Historical examination of the process sections of groups B, C and D indicated numerical reduction of the leydig cells when compared with the control group. Group A appeared normal. The basement membrane of the seminiferous epithelium in groups C, C and D were disrupted, leading to the detachment of many spermatocytes. Groups B, C and D recorded reduced level of plasma testosterone when compared with the control group. However, the concentration of plasma testosterone in group A (2.15 1.63g/ml) and control (2.40 ± 1.48g/ml) were similar. Chromic administration of chloroquine reduced the number of leydig cells with concomitant reduction of testosterone production. It also disrupted seminiferous epithelium, leading to the detachment of spermotocytes. (Afr J Reprod Health 1999; 3 [2]: 97-101) Key Words: Chloroquine, leydig cells, testosterone, seminiferous epitheliu