Radiographic studies of developing calvaria at prenatal stages in one-humped camel

Radiographic studies on the fetal heads of 32 one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) with 11 fetuses at the first trimester, 12 at the second trimester and 9 at the third trimester levels were conducted in Sokoto Metropolis. The study involved the radiographic evaluation of calvaria of different fetuses at first, second and third trimester stages of the gestational ages. Radiographic observations made in this study revealed that the onset of mineralization was recognizable even at the first trimester stage through the radio-opaque appearances of the calvaria appearing whiter on radiographs. This tendency however increased with increase in gestational age of the fetuses showing that because of their highly calcified calvaria, the fetuses at the third trimester were more radioopaque to X-ray energy thus appearing whiter on the radiographs. Sutural demarcations were not clear on the radiographs made in this study, but however, clear evidences of fontanels were seen as localised radio-lucent areas on the calvaria more especially at the first trimester stage. The findings in this research would help in understanding the radiographical anatomy of the developing calvaria in this animal species

Histological Studies of the Calvarial Development of One-Humped Camel (Camelus Dromedarius) Fetuses

This study involved the use of thirty two camel fetuses, [23 (71.88%) males and 9 (28.12%) females]. Eleven fetuses were at the first trimester (34.4%), twelve at the second trimester (37.5%), and nine at the third trimester (28.1%). 1cm2 of bone samples obtained from the different fetal calvaria at the first, second and third trimester stages were decalcified and processed for normal Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining. There was an initial evidence of loose mesenchymal cells condensed together with some blood vessels, osteogenic cells and illdefined spicules. Ill-defined intertrabecular spaces were also seen at the first and second trimester levels. However, with advancement in age at the third trimester stage, prominent bone spicules or trabeculae were seen. Similarly, there were regularly arranged osteocytes within the trabecular matrix; and the intertrabecular spaces were more obvious. The findings of this research would help in understanding the microscopic anatomy of the developing calvaria in this animal species.Keywords: Histology, calvaria, one-humped, camel, fetusesNigerian Veterinary Journal, VOL:33 (1) 419-42

Sero-Evidence of Infectious Bursal Disease Transmission between Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) and Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus)

This study was carried out to determine possibility of infectious bursal disease transmission between quail and chicken. In the study, non vaccinated cockerel chicks were put together with infectious bursal disease viral inoculated quails sharing the same feeders and drinkers. The two bird groups were monitored and observed for symptoms and clinical signs of infectious bursal disease (IBD). There was no clinical sign observed however, a strong positive serological evidence of IBD infection from the test result. In this work the chickens mixed with unexposed quail did not show any clinical sign of the disease (IBD) or any sign of infection serologically. As shown in this study serological means of diagnosis is one of the simple and accurate diagnostic procedures which can not only yield quick result but may even detect a subclinical infection among birds, which may ultimately lead to timely intervention in curtailing the disease spread.Keywords: Sero-evidence, infectious bursal disease, quail; chicke