Growth, phytochemicals and antifungal activity of Bryophyllum pinnatum L. subjected to water deficit stress

The impact of water stress on the growth, concentration of phytochemicals and antifungal potency of Bryophyllum pinnatum L. was investigated. Three weeks old seedlings were subjected to 3, 7 and 10 days water deficit regimes and a control (watered daily). Plant height, number of leaves, whole plant dry weight, net assimilation rate, leaf area ratio and relative growth rate were reduced by 6 to 50% as intervals of water deficit increased. Alkaloids, tannins, saponins and flavonoids were present in all plants and all but alkaloids increased with increase in intervals of water deficit. Alkaloid content decreased by 1.3 to 10.5% while the other phytochemicals increased by 12 to 206% in response to water deficit stress. Ethanolic extracts of plants from the four batches showed varying inhibition zones against Candida albicans. The inhibition zones decreased with increasing water deficit intervals corresponding with the decrease in alkaloid content. This research has revealed that water stress increases the tannin, saponin and flavonoid contents of Bryophyllum but decreases the alkaloid content.Key words: Bryophyllum, water deficit, phytochemicals, inhibition zone

Assessment of Agroforestry Practices in Ago-Owu Forest Reserve, Ayedaade Local Government area, Osun State, South-western Nigeria

Agroforestry is a collective name for land use systems and practices in which woody perennials are integrated with food crop and forestry, either in a spatial mixture or in a temporal sequence and there are normally both ecological and economic interactions between woody and non woody components. This study investigated types of agroforestry practiced, the impact of agroforestry on the lives of people, assessed the impact of agroforestry on the environment, and identified possible problems associated with agroforestry system in Ago-owu Forest Reserve, Ayedaade Local Government area of Osun State, Nigeria by collecting samples from Mokore, Ajegunle and Alabameta villages using verified methods. Sampling intensity of 10% for population below 500, 5% sampling intensity for population between 500 and 1000 and 2.5% sampling intensity for the population above 1000. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered, thirty copies of questionnaires were distributed both in Mokore and Ajegunle and twenty in Alabameta. The result was analysed using Descriptive Statistics such as frequency tables, percentages, bar chart and Chi square. The result showed that 47.5 % of the respondents are involved in Agri-silviculture. The benefits derived from agroforestry was also unfolded, they are medicinal (11.25%), Income generation (52.5%), production of food crop (33.75%) and non-timber forest products generation (2.5%). The impact of agroforestry to the environment includes Soil erosion control (48.75%), Soil stabilization (31.25%), and (Stable environment 20%)

Molecular Characterization of Alkaline Phosphatase and PLAP in the Germinal Epithelium of Pb and Se+Zn Treated Adult Sprague Dawley Rats

Aim: The role of alkaline phosphatase in cell metabolism and regulation is essential and cuts across cell proliferation, division, cell death, membrane transport and DNA cleavage. This study addresses the role and importance of alkaline phosphates (ALP) and Placenta Alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) in the cells of germinal epithelium of male Rat testes following induced lead (Pb) toxicity and rejuvenation by Selenium (Se) and Zinc (Zn) treatment. Method: Adult Sprague-Dawley Rats (males) were divided into 4 groups of 15 animals each and were treated as thus; Group 1: Normal saline and serves as the control, Group 2: 100 mg/Kg BW of Pb only, Group 3: 100 mg/Kg BW of Pb and 2.25 mg/Kg each of Se and Zn and group 4 received 2.25 mg.Kg each of Se and Zn only. The duration of treatment was 56 days following which the animals were sacrificed by the 57 th day and testes fixed in Bouin’s fluid. Result : Pb induced toxicity could be apoptotic involving ROS activation of NO-dependent apoptotic pathway or necrotic involving a wide range damage by ROS induced lipid peroxidation. Selenium and zinc treatment ameliorated the damage induced by lead toxicity in the germinal epithelium. Conclusion : ALP is involved in intrinsic regulation of DNA cleavage in apoptosis by functioning similar to endonucleases and also regulates membrane transport in perioxidated biomembranes. PLAP expression is minimal as tumorgenesis was not recorded, although Pb treatment showed signs of epithelium of endothelial cancer signalling, which was ameliorated by Se+Zn treatmen

Incidence, Diagnosis and Treatment of Atresia Ani at Landmark University

Atresia ani has become a major clinical disease in Livestock especially pigs, cattle and small ruminants. It is a condition which do not often occur but requires a dogged approach in treating affected animals. Atresia ani is a congenital embryological condition that often suffice when the hindgut refuses to connect with the perineum for the proper discharge of muconium. In this study, a three-day-old calf was observed to be suffering from Atresia ani at the Landmark University Teaching and Research farm. This condition was obvious due to the inability of the calf to pass out faeces since parturition. The calf was operated on using standard clinical and surgical practices and also putting into consideration the Animal Welfare principles. The result from the surgical procedure showed that there was a massive improvement in defecation and general performance of the calf after the third day. Furthermore, there was no complication reported in the calf after fifteen days (15) of the procedure. This result shows that Atresia ani can be properly managed at the Landmark University Teaching and Research farm. This affirms the ability of the Institution to promote standard practices in Livestock Production Management

Performance and blood profile of Noiler chickens fed diets containing graded Level of parkia biglobosa leaf meal

A study was undertaken for 56 days to determine the growth performance and blood profile of Noiler chicks fed diets with different levels of Parkia biglobosa leaf meal (PBLM) as a partial replacement of soya bean meal (SBM). A total of ninety-six unsexed Noiler day-old chicks were allotted into four dietary groups of 24 chicks with three replicates of eight per group based on weight equalization using a Completely Randomized experimental design. Group 1 containing 0% PBLM (control), groups 2 to 4 had SBM replaced at 5% 10% and 15% in their diets respectively. Data were collected on feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, feed cost reduction, haematological and serum indices. Results showed that PBLM had an effect (p 0.05) on the protein and albumin values. The result of this study, therefore, suggested that soya bean meal in Noiler chick diets can be replaced by up to 10% of PBLM without harmful effects on the growth and blood profile

Performance of West African Dwarf nursing does and kids fed graded levels of palm kernel cake as replacement for formulated concentrates

A sixteen-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the replacement value of formulated concentrate (FC) supplemented with palm kernel cake (PKC) using Pennisetum purpureum as a basal diet for nursing West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Parameters assessed were dry matter intake, average initial live weight, average live weight change of the does and suckled kids. Fifteen lactating WAD goats and suckling kids were randomly allocated to five concentrate supplement groups of FC: PKC ratio, namely, diet 1 (100:0), diet 2 (75:25), diet 3 (50:50), diet 4 (25:75), and diet 5 (0:100) respectively in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment had three replicates of one nursing doe and a suckling kid. The replacement of FC supplemented with PKC had a significant (P 0.05) effect was observed in their total DM intake. The levels of replacement of FC by PKC indicated a significant (P<0.05) effect on the average feed intake, average live weight of nursing does and suckled kids. The results concluded that 50% fraction replacement of FC by PKC perfectly enhanced better performance

Performance of growing West African dwarf (wad) goats fed rice bran replacement for cassava peel in pelleted diets

The selective picking of some non-conventional feedstuffs by goat during feeding called for pelleting technique to improve intake and performance. Sixteen growing (WAD) goats in complete randomized design were used to evaluate the replacement of cassava peel with rice bran in pelleted diets. The replacement of cassava peel by rice bran in the diets 1 to 4 are 0%, 15%, 25% and 35% respectively. The intake of rice bran increased (p0.05) but total weight gain increased (p>0.05) as indicated by the weight value range of 0.33 to 1.17kg obtained. The feed conversion ratio increased (p>0.05) alongside pelleted diets. Animals on Diet 4 showed highest; feed conversion efficiency (12.98%) and PCV value (31.67%). The blood evaluation showed red blood cell (RBC) and haemoglobin (HB) having same trend for all groups, comparability (p>0.05) values for white blood cell (WBC) values and serum biochemistry responses respectively. Therefore, pelleting of rice bran with cassava peels improved its consumption, utilization and the performance of growing goats at 35% replacemen

CARCASS INDICES AND MEAT QUALITY OF BROILER CHICKENS FED DIETS CONTAINING FORTIFIED FERMENTED CASSAVA STUMPz

This study investigated the nutritional and anti-nutritional components of non-fermented and microbe fermented cassava stumps using Aspergillus niger (ATCC 16404) strain in a solid substrate. The dried and milled cassava stumps were aseptically inoculated with Aspergillus niger (ATCC 16404) strain in a solid-state at substrates to water ratio 1.0:1.0 w/v and then incubated for 192 hours at room temperature. Samples were taken at 48 h interval for the proximate, minerals and anti-nutrients composition determination of the fermented cassava stumps. The experimental design employed was completely Randomized Design. The results showed that the fermentation media and the fermentation period significantly (P < 0.05) affected the nutritional and anti-nutritional components of the cassava stumps, as there was better enhancement of the by-product at higher fermentation period. The highest crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), ash, and lowest crude fiber (CF) in fermented cassava stumps were obtained at 192 hours of fermentation with the following values CP 7.45%, EE 9.81% and ash 7.01%. A similar trend was also observed for mineral enhancement and anti-nutrient degradation. Conclusively, this study showed that solid-state fermentation using Aspergillus niger (ATCC 16404) strain can effectively enhance the nutritive value of cassava stumps which can help increase the feed resources for non-ruminant animals

CARCASS INDICES AND MEAT QUALITY OF BROILER CHICKENS FED DIETS CONTAINING FORTIFIED FERMENTED CASSAVA STUMP

A 56-day study was conducted to evaluate carcass and meat quality of broiler chickens fed diets containing fortified fermented cassava stump (FFCS) as a replacement for maize. Cassava stumps and leaves were fermented in the solid state at room temperature, using Aspergillus niger ATCC 16404 for 192 and 96 hours, respectively, and then mixed at a ratio of 19:1 to obtain the FFCS. The birds were allotted into four treatments with three replicates (n= 30). The treatments consistzzed of different inclusion levels of FFCS: Diet 1 containing 0% FFCS (control treatment); Diet 2 containing 20% FFCS; Diet 3 containing 40% FFCS; and Diet 4 containing 60% FFCS. Dressing and eviscerated percentages were higher (p 0.05) by the inclusion of FFCS, but values obtained were higher with up to 40%. Meat quality was significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by the FFCS. In addition, the degree of meat peroxidation decreased with increased FFCS levels. Diets with up to 40% FFCS inclusion resulted in improved carcass traits, oxidative stability, and meat quality. Therefore, the addition of fortified cassava stump in broiler chickens' diets could produce meat of better quality, with low peroxidation, high oxidative stability, and longer shelf-life.z

Enhancement of Nutritive Value of Cassava Stumps by Aspergillus niger ATCC 16404 in Solid State

This study investigated the nutritional and anti-nutritional components of non-fermented and microbe fer mented cassava stumps using Aspergillus niger (ATCC 16404) strain in a solid substrate. The dried and milled cassava stumps were aseptically inoculated with Aspergillus niger (ATCC 16404) strain in a solid-state at substrates to water ratio 1.0:1.0 w/v and then incubated for 192 hours at room temperature. Samples were taken at 48 h interval for the proximate, minerals and anti-nutrients composition determination of the fermented cassava stumps. The experimen tal design employed was completely Randomized Design. The results showed that the fermentation media and the fermentation period significantly (P < 0.05) affected the nutritional and anti-nutritional components of the cassava stumps, as there was better enhancement of the by-product at higher fermentation period. The highest crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), ash, and lowest crude fiber (CF) in fermented cassava stumps were obtained at 192 hours of fermentation with the following values CP 7.45%, EE 9.81% and ash 7.01%. A similar trend was also observed for mineral enhancement and anti-nutrient degradation. Conclusively, this study showed that solid-state fermentation using Aspergillus niger (ATCC 16404) strain can effectively enhance the nutritive value of cassava stumps which can help increase the feed resources for non-ruminant animals