Assessment Of The Impact Of Extension Services On Livestock Production In Omuma Local Government Area Of Rivers State

This study examined the impact of extension services on livestock output in six communities in Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State. It also examined the demographic characteristics of livestock farmers as correlates of sustained use of livestock technologies. A total of 120 respondents randomly selected and interviewed comprising 20 livestock farmers from each of the six communities in Omuma Local Government Area. A structured questionnaire was administered to the respondents and the data collected were used for the study. Percentages and chi-square analysis were employed to analyse the data. Findings revealed that more male (83.3%) than female (16.7%) were involved in livestock farming in the study area. Results showed that majority of the livestock farmers (50%) had only primary education while very few (12.5%) had up to second degree. The study also reveals that 80% of the respondents were married. The analysis revealed that 41.8% respondents were visited regularly by extension agents and veterinary personnel while 45.8% claimed only occasional visits and 12.5% confessed of no visits at all to their farms. Chi-square analysis of demographic characteristics at P < 0.05 level of significance showed that age (X2 = 102.92), gender (X2 = 53.33) marital status (X2 = 221.27) and level of education (X2 = 52.92) had significant relationship with the impact of extension services on livestock production. The study concludes that there is need to disseminate developed technologies from research Institutes to farmers through media like agricultural development projects (ADP), school to land etc. using extension agents (Ekumankama, 1997). There is also an identified need to develop a new way of making these technologies available to the farmers, to increase their awareness so that when the technologies are fully adapted and integrated as part of their practices, they can be sustained in our local environment to boost livestock productivity Keywords: Extension agents, livestock farmers, demographic characteristics, technologies, impactGlobal Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol. 7 (1) 2008: pp. 49-5

Estimation Of Body Weight From Linear Body Measurements In Two Commercial Meat-Type Chicken

The prediction of body weight from body girth, keel length and thigh length was studied using one hundred Ross and one hundred Anak Titan broilers. Data were collected on the birds from day-old to 9 weeks of age. Body measurement was regressed against body weight at 9 weeks of age using simple linear and non-linear (exponential and double-log) regression analyses. The relationship between body weight and body measurements were highly significant (P < 0.001). The coefficient of determination varied from 82.07 to 99.25%, 61.57 to 98.21% and 80.78 to 98.67% for body girth, keel length and thigh length respectively. Body weight was better predicted singly using body girth. The relationship was best described by the double-log function. The result of this study showed positive relationship between body weight and body measurements. It can therefore be concluded that body weight in commercial broilers could be predicted easily by farmers from any given value of the three body measurements without the use of sophisticated instrument Keywords: Body weight, body measurement, regression function, commercial broilers. Global Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol. 7 (1) 2008: pp. 57-5

Nigerian Indigenous vs Exotic Hens: the Correlation Factor in Body Weight and Laying Performance

Genetic interrelationship within and between strains was assessed using pure Nigerian normal feathered local, pure exotic and their crossbred hens for age and body weight at first lay, egg weight and egg internal quality traits. 100 layers comprising 20 Black Nera, 20 White Leghorn, 20 Normalfeathered local chicken, 20 White Leghorn x Local cross and 20 Black Nera x Local crosses were randomly selected from a breeding stock of about 500 chickens. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a positive relationshipbetween age and body weight at first egg in all the pure exotic strains. A low but negative relationship between age at first egg and egg weight wasobserved in White Leghorn, local and their crosses. The r values weregenerally low and not significant except in Black Nera (r = 0.515). however,a strong, significant and positive relationship was observed between bodyweight at first egg and egg weight in the local hen (r = 0.765). These results suggest that selection for increased body weight in the local chicken will result in increase in egg size and egg internal quality traits. These values were relatively higher in the crossbred and pure local chicken compared to their pure exotic counterparts.Keywords: Body weight, egg weight, egg quality, traits

Antibiotic Resistant Salmonella And Escherichia Coli Isolated From Day-Old Chicks, Vom, Nigeria

Reports of large scale mortality of day-old-chicks were received at the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria in 2007 to 2008. We investigated the cause of death using several virological and bacteriological techniques, isolated the pathogenic agents and carried out sensitivity tests. Our investigation revealed that Escherichia coli and Salmonella organisms were isolated in the outbreaks. A pattern of antibiotic resistance that seems to be increasing was also found. Considering the role of chickens and its products in the human food chain in Nigeria; and the close interaction between poultry and man, these resistant organisms may pose dangers to humans through the food chain or zoonotic infection and precipitate a similar pattern of resistance in man. We advocated for informed use of antibiotics in the food animals, especially poultry

Variations in levels of selected micronutrients during malaria infection: A study from Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti, Nigeria

Malaria infection has been a global issue most especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Disease progression to severe malaria as a result of alteration in micronutrients could worsen the illness. The study aimed to determine whether there are variations in the levels of selected micronutrients (Iron, copper, magnesium, and zinc), malaria parasite density and packed cell volume (PCV) during malaria infection. Material and methods A total of one hundred young adults between the ages of eighteen and twenty two years were investigated. Blood samples were collected from fifty malaria subjects and fifty apparently non-infected subjects. Malaria detection was by microscopy while the parasite density was estimated using WHO standard procedure. Analysis of selected micronutrients (copper, iron, magnesium and zinc) was carried out using direct measurement on atomic absorption spectrophotometer and PCV was estimated using Micro-haematocrit method. Results The results showed that the levels of the micronutrients were significantly higher (p<0.05) in malaria subjects compared with controls. Significant positive relationships between copper, magnesium and zinc were found at p<0.01 and p<0.05. Conclusion The study concluded that there are significant variations in the levels of the micronutrients during malaria infection

Occurrence of haemolysin antibodies among sickle cell anaemia patients within Calabar metropolis of Nigeria

The role of alpha () and beta () haemolysins in blood transfusion has been well documented. However, the occurrence of haemolysins and its attending problems in sickle cell anaemia (SCA) patients has limited appearance in the literatures especially in black Africa. This study was therefore designed to investigate the occurrence of and haemolysins in SCA patients within Calabar metropolis. A total of 50 normal controls and 54 SCA patients attending the sickle cell clinic of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Cross River State of Nigeria, were screened for haemolysins and quantitated using standard techniques. The distribution of haemolysins in the SCA patients was (16.7), (11.1) and + (16.7%). Their ABO blood groups were normally distributed in this order O>>A>B>AB (61.1, 20.4, 11.1 and 7.5%, respectively). The occurrence of haemolysin among the Ogroup was 15.2%, while haemolysin was 12.1% and + haemolysin was 30.3%. Control samples gave non-significantly lower haemolysin values than in SCA patients (P>0.05), but in the same order (, 9.0, , 7.0, and +, 9.0%). The higher prevalence of haemolysins in SCA could be a major limiting factor in donation of blood, blood selection and transfusion into SCA patients. Consequently, greater care should be taken during cross match of blood for SCA patients especially in multiple transfusion procedures

Variations in levels of selected micronutrients during malaria infection: A study from Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti, Nigeria

Background Malaria infection has been a global issue most especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Disease progression to severe malaria as a result of alteration in micronutrients could worsen the illness. The study aimed to determine whether there are variations in the levels of selected micronutrients (Iron, copper, magnesium, and zinc), malaria parasite density and packed cell volume (PCV) during malaria infection. Material and methods A total of one hundred young adults between the ages of eighteen and twenty two years were investigated. Blood samples were collected from fifty malaria subjects and fifty apparently non-infected subjects. Malaria detection was by microscopy while the parasite density was estimated using WHO standard procedure. Analysis of selected micronutrients (copper, iron, magnesium and zinc) was carried out using direct measurement on atomic absorption spectrophotometer and PCV was estimated using Microhaematocrit method. Results The results showed that the levels of the micronutrients were significantly higher (p<0.05) in malaria subjects compared with controls. Significant positive relationships between copper, magnesium and zinc were found at p<0.01 and p<0.05. Conclusion The study concluded that there are significant variations in the levels of the micronutrients during malaria infection

Intermittent screening and treatment versus intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy: user acceptability

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Malaria in pregnancy is associated with increased risks of maternal and foetal complications. Currently, intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) of malaria during pregnancy with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is recommended by the WHO as part of a package of interventions also including insecticide-treated nets and effective case management. However, with increasing resistance to SP, the effectiveness of SP-IPT has been questioned. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the relative efficacy of an alternative strategy of intermittent screening and treatment (IST), which involves a rapid diagnostic test for malaria at scheduled ANC visits and treatment of women only if positive, versus SP-IPT has been conducted in Ashanti region, Ghana. This paper reports on a complementary study investigating the acceptability of the different strategies to women enrolled in the trial.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Data were collected through twelve focus group discussions with women selected at random from the different arms of the RCT, exploring their experiences and perceptions about antenatal care and their involvement in the trial. Content analysis was used to identify relevant themes to structure the results.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Five main themes emerged from participants' experiences of ANC and the RCT that would influence their acceptability of malaria prevention strategies during pregnancy: health benefits; drugs received; tests received; other services received; and health worker attitude. Their own health and that of their baby were strong motivations for attending ANC, and reported favourably as an outcome of being in the RCT. Women were not always clear on the biomedical function of drugs or blood tests but generally accepted them due to strong trust in the health staff. Home visits by staff and free ITNs as part of the trial were appreciated. Politeness and patience of health staff was a very strong positive factor.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Overall, both intermittent screening and treatment and intermittent preventive treatment appeared equally acceptable to pregnant women as strategies for the control of malaria in pregnancy. The women were more concerned about quality of services received, in particular the polite and patient attitude of health staff, and positive health implications for themselves and their babies than about the nature of the intervention.</p