Frequently Encountered Animal Diseases at Animal Hospital Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State - Nigeria

Data from the clinical record of the Animal Hospital Birnin Kebbi was used to determine the frequency of occurrence of various diseases of animals from February 2009 to January 2010. A total of 794 cases were presented. 155 (19.5%) for routine check and vaccination, while the bulk 639 (80.5%)were presented as a result of disease conditions. Diseases diagnosed include; helminthoses 141(22%), followed by fowl pox 65(10.2%), lousiness 61(9.5%), traumatic injuries 46(7.2%), enteritis 32(5.0%), upper respiratory tract infection 29(4.5%), mite/mange 24(3.8%), septicemia22(3.4%), bloat 19(3.0%), and abscess 17(2.7%). Other moderately occurring, disorders included dystocia & post partum complications 14(2.2%) each, mal-directed horn/hooves 12(1.9%), tick infestation 10(1.6%), coccidiosis 9(1.4%), fracture 8(1.3%), hernia, PPR, pregnancy toxemia & castration 7(1.1%) each. Poisoning, infectious coryza, arthritis, rumen impaction & vaginal prolapse were 6(0.9%) each, pneumonia and mastitis 5(0.8%) each. The less occurring disorders included urinarytract infection, Gumboro disease, black leg, abortion, paraphimosis & dog bite 4(0.6%) each. Rhinitis & chronic respiratory diseases 3(0.5%) each, Foot and Mouth disease, New castle disease, cowdriosis, and hygroma numbering 2(0.3%) each. The least occurring disorders were Fowltyphoid, dislocation, trypanasomosis, pyometra, orf, stomatitis, grass tetany, canine distemper, atresia ani and rectal prolapse 1(0.2%) case each. Information generated can be useful to Government agencies involved in formulating policies and guidelines for prevention andcontrol of animal diseases

Physico- Chemical Characteristics of Water Quality in Kano River Drainage Basin, North - Western Nigeria

The study involves physico chemical investigation of the water quality of Kano Rivers and its adjoining groundwater from its headstream up to its downstream in order to ascertain it suitability for human consumption, domestic and agricultural usage. Results show that the water is slightly alkaline, EC ranges from 7-159 Us/cm and average of 29.5 US/cm, pH ranges from6.6-8.7 and average of 7.18, and TDS ranges from 7-128 and mean average of 24.79, Ca ranges from 3.22-128.81ppm and an average of 25.56ppm, Mg ranges from 0.06-175.17 ppm and average of 10.62, (exceeds limits), Na ranges from 3.65-970..48 and an average of 54.17, K ranges from 2.72-52.52 ppm and average of 9.98ppm for the anions contents results shows that HCO3 ranges from 2746-4863.3 and average of 277.9 ppm, SO4 ranges from 2.15-147.1ppm and an average of 11.27ppm,Cl ranges from 0.08-116.19ppm with average of 15.25ppm, NO3 ranges from 0.94-47.49ppm with average of8.09ppm then PO4 ranges from1.26-1.26ppm with average of 1.26ppm. All the analysed parameters shows that the water is heavily polluted in comparison with NIS (2007), EPA (2004) and WHO (2011) guidelines and ones determined by Schoeneich (2010) for the Crystalline Shield of northern Nigeria. pH is slightly higher of average 7.18 and can be related to TDS contents. Three chemical water types were determined based on their locations, upstream Kano is CaHCO3 type, for the midstream is NaHCO3 as well as downstream is also NaHCO3 types with only one showing MgHCO3 in Surface water of Hadiyau village. Keywords: Major ions, pollution, Water types, Crystalline Shiel

Pre-weaning growth of lambs under village management system in Konni Local Government Area of Tahoua State in Niger Republic

This study evaluated the pre-weaning growth performance of a total of 144 lambs from 118 dams selected purposively from cooperating farmers’ flocks in Gabastawa and Gumbi villages in Konni Local Government Area of Tahoua State in Niger Republic. Body weight of the lambs was assessed weekly, using the hanging type weight-balance, for a period of 12 weeks. Prior to the weekly weighing, each of the lambs was identified, using plastic number tags, on the bases of breed, sex, birth type, location of flock, nutritional status and parity of dam which were recorded on the lambs’ record card. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS software package (SPSS, 1995); and student's t-­‐test as well as Duncan’s new multiple range tests were used for mean separations. Results of the study revealed that mean bodyweight of lambs increased from 2.56±0.75 kg at one week after birth to 10.25±1.80 kg at 12 weeks after birth. Mean body weight gain of the lambs was 641 g week-­‐1 (or 91.5 g day-­­‐1). The lambs’ pre-­‐weaning body weight changes produced a linear regression equation; Y = 0.598x + 3.518; and R2 = 93%. Of the various factors considered, only nutritional status of dam showed significant (P < 0.05) effect on the lambs’ pre-weaning body weights. Lambs from dams that had adequate nutrition weighed significantly (P < 0.05) heavier from week 2 (5.99±2.5 kg) to week 12 (13.14±2.2 kg); followed by those lambs from dams that had moderately adequate nutrition from week 6 to 12 and than those from the dams that had inadequate nutrition from week 2 (3.55±1.9 kg) to week 12 (8.83±2.0). It can be concluded that the pre-weaning growth performance of lambs in this study was comparable to those obtained under on-­‐stationand the results underscore the importance of adequate nutrition as a major factor that influences lambs pre-­‐weaning growth performance under the village production system. Hence, adequate nutrition of dams should be ensured to improve the pre-weaning growth of the lambs and overall productivity of sheep in the study area.Key words: Pre-weaning growth, Lambs, Traditional management system, Niger Republi

Rainfall interpolation analysis on river Kaduna catchment for climate change assessment

The Inverse Distance Weighing (IDW) technique for rainfall interpolation considered by researchers as a suitable method for predicting missing rainfall records was used to estimate missing rainfall records in River Kaduna Catchment area from 1979-1990. Distances among respective rainfall stations were used to calculate the weighing factor for stations with missing records and radius of influence of 22.5-201km. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) was used to test the accuracy of the assessment and the results were validated using correlation coefficient. From the results of the analysis through optimization of steps of α values and radius of influence, the smaller the optimum parameter value the better the prediction and in most cases the accuracy increases at short optimum search radii, also small amount and long duration rainfall values enhances the prediction potential of the IDW.Keywords: Rainfall data, Inverse Distance Weighing, Interpolation, Optimum parameter

Biodiesel production by lipase mediated transesterification of Acacia nilotica seed oil

Biodiesel is becoming prominent among the alternative sources of energy due to its economic, environmental and social values. This work  investigated the possibility of using calcium alginate immobilized lipase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa for the production of biodiesel from Acacia nilotica seed oil. The physico-chemical properties of Acacia nilotica biodiesel were assessed. Methyl esters composition indicated the presence of  octadecenoic (69.14%), hexadecanoic (15.47%) and (7.92%) octadecanoic acid as dominant fatty acid methyl esters. The biodiesel produced had a specific gravity of 0.84, refractive index of 1.34 0.04 and viscosity 2.73 ± 0.15 Pa.S. The cetane number recorded was 32.81 ±0.10, calorific value 29.0 mJkg-1, flash point 113oC, while the cloud and pour points were 1.06oC and 4.0oC respectively. The iodine value was 187.6±0.60 gI2/100 g, acid value 0.61±0.01/g, saponification value 189±1.00mgKOH/g and peroxide value 6.60±0.05 meq/kg. The observed characteristics of the biodiesel produced were largely in conformity with the ASTM and EN biodiesel standards.Key words: Acacia nilotica: seed oil: transesterification: immobilized lipas

Management Of Appendiceal Mass

Background: The management of appendiceal mass is surrounded with controversy. Traditional management has been conservative, with interval appendicectomy performed weeks after the mass had resolved. This remains the most common approach at many centers in the world. Recently, an increasing number of studies have challenged this approach. This article reviews some of the controversial issues in the management of appendix mass, assesses current practice and suggests an appropriate approach for the management of appendix mass. Methods: A Medline, Pubmed and Cochrane database search were used to find such key words and combinations of: appendix, appendiceal, appendicular, interval, appendectomy, appendicectomy, mass, abscess, phlegmon, and appendicitis. Results were saved and managed by Reference manager 11. All articles were cross-referenced by the authors. Results: A conservative management is still a highly acceptable approach for appendix mass. This should be followed with interval appendicectomy especially in patients with persistent right iliac fossa pain. Conclusion: We recommend initially conservative approach to the management of appendiceal mass especially in our environment.Contexte: La prise en charge du plastron appendiculaire est entoure de controverses. Le traitement usuel a toujours \ue9t\ue9 conservateur avec l\u2019appendicectomie r\ue9alis\ue9e plusieurs semaines apr\ue8s la fonte de la masse. C\u2019est l\u2019attitude la plus commune dans la plupart des centres \ue0 travers le monde. R\ue9cemment, un nombre croissant d'\ue9tudes ont conteste cette approche. Cet article passe en revue certaines controverses dans la prise en charge du plastron appendiculaire, pr\ue9sente les pratiques actuelles, et sugg\ue8re une approche appropri\ue9e de la prise en charge du plastron appendiculaire. M\ue9thode: Une recherche dans les bases documentaires Medline, Pubmed et Cochrane ont \ue9t\ue9 faites par la recherche et la combinaison des mots cl\ue9s que sont: appendice, appendiculaire, intervalle, appendicectomie, masse, abc\ue8s, phlegmon et appendicite. Les r\ue9sultats ont \ue9t\ue9 sauvegardes et traites a l\u2019aide de R\ue9f\ue9rence Manager 11. Tous les articles ont \ue9t\ue9 recoupes par les auteurs. R\ue9sultats: Un traitement conservateur est encore une approche tr\ue8s acceptable pour le plastron appendiculaire. Cela devrait \ueatre suivi \ue0 distance par une appendicectomie particuli\ue8rement chez les patients ayant une douleur persistante de la fosse iliaque droite. Conclusion: Nous recommandons initialement une approche conservatrice pour la prise en charge du plastron appendiculaire particuli\ue8rement dans notre contexte

Achieving Gender Equity in Nigerian Basic Science and Technology Classrooms with Metacognitive Skills Package

The study investigated the possibility of achieving gender equity in Basic Science and Technology classrooms with Metacognitive Skills Package in Pankshin, Plateau State, Nigeria. The study adopted the non-randomized pre-test, post-test quasi-experimental control group design. The population comprised 1,873 Junior Secondary two students out of which 235 students constituted the sample. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. The Basic Science and Technology Achievement Tests with reliability index of .85 established using the Cronbach alpha method was used to collect data from the sample. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation while hypotheses were tested using Analysis of Covariance at .05 level of significance. The study revealed that students taught with metacognitive strategy achieved better in Basic Science and Technology when compared to those taught using the lecture method. It was also revealed that metacognitive skills package enhanced achievement of both male and female students thereby improving gender equity in Basic Science and Technology. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that Basic Science and Technology teachers should teach their students with metacognitive skills package to enhance students’ achievement in the subject. Metacognitive skills package should also be used by teachers as a gender-friendly package to improve gender equity in Basic Science and Technology

Performance of urinary survivin as a non-invasive molecular marker of bladder carcinoma in a schistosomiasis endemic area

Objective: To compare the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value of urinary survivin and that of urine cytology in the diagnosis of bladder carcinoma in a schistosoma endemic area.Design and setting: This is a 12-month prospective study of patients with features of bladder carcinoma as study group and patients with other urologic conditions and healthy volunteers as control group.Participants: Patients with features of bladder carcinoma formed the study group, while patients with other urological conditions and healthy volunteers formed the control group.Results: There were 52 patients in study group and 36 patients in control group. The mean ages of patients in the study and control groups were 47.17 ± 17.00 and 44.19 ± 18.89 years respectively. There were 48 males and 4 females in the study group, giving a male: female ratio of 12:1. Thirty-one (60 %) of the patients were farmers and 44 patients (85%) had history suggestive of schistosomiasis at childhood. The sensitivity of urine cytology and survivin in the study were 29.1% and 100.0% respectively. The specificity of urine cytology and survivin were 100.0%and 100.0% respectively (p= 0.05). The marker was associated with false positive (FP) results in patients with prostate cancer.Conclusion: Urinary survivin is highly sensitive, specific and predictive of bladder carcinoma in our environment. The marker is associated with false positive results in patients with prostate cancer.Funding: By authorsKeywords: survivin, urinary bladder carcinoma, schistosomiasis, sensitivity, specificit

Influence of Sulphuric Acid on the Compressive Strength of Ternary Blended Geopolymer Mortar

The deteriorating effect of acid media on cement based constructions has become a worrying problem all over the world. These media generally occur as solutions in various branches of the industry, acid rains and mists, and acid ground-waters. A very popular form of acid attack on concrete that is usually referred to as biogenic sulphuric acid attack also occurs in both industrial and urban sewer systems. The emergence of new cementitious materials, like geopolymer cements, during the past decades necessitates detailed experimental work and research activities to investigate their durability in aggressive acid environments. The study therefore explored the development of alkali-activated CPA-SHA-MK ternary blended geopolymer mortar (GPM) using sodium silicate (Na2Si3) and sodium hydroxide (NAOH) solutions with 9M constant concentration as alkaline activators under both the aggressive and ambient-temperature curing media. The mass ratio of sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide (NS: NH) and as well as the binder to fine aggregate were fixed at 2.5 and 0.8 respectively. The durability of the ternary blended geopolymer mortar was examined through acid resistance test using 50 mm cubes after 28, 56 and 90 days of curing. The results revealed that the setting time prolonged as the replacement levels of RHA-MK increased at a decrease in the replacement levels of CPA. The results also showed that both the PCM and GPM samples studied suffered mass and strength losses in the acid solution and the loss increases at an increase in the hydration periods. The strength losses were observed to be higher in PCM mix (12.19 N/mm2 at 90 days) as compared to the GPMs (6.67 N/mm2 at 90 days) while the mix incorporated 50% CPA, 33% MK and 17% RHA (C50M33R17) was observed to be better compared to other mixes in durability behaviour. The study therefore recommends C50M33R17 mix proportion for good durability performance.&nbsp