Utilisation of blood, chicken offal and fish meal as cockerels' dietary supplements

An experiment was undertaken to investigate the performance of 16-20 week-old cockerels fed diets based on three oil seed cakes viz. groundnut cake (CNG), CNG/Palm kernel cake, CNG/cotton seed cake supplemented with four sources of methionine and lysine viz. synthetic sources, blood meal, fish meal or chicken offal meal in 3 x 4 factorial treatment. The results indicated that weight gain, feed to gain ratio, nitrogen retention, liver nitrogen and liver fat as well as SCPT were not significantly (P<0.05) different either due to plant protein sources or methionine and lysine supplementation forms or both. However, the values for the serum total protein, SCOT, dressing percentage and abdominal fat were significantly (P>O. 05) affected l7y dietary treatments

Production of Xylanase from Aspergillus sydowii Isolated from Irvingia gabonensis (African Mango) Fruit

This work reports xylanase production from Aspergillus sydowii isolated from spoiled Irvingia gabonensis fruit. Selection of the fungus was based on the production of maximum zone of clearing on agar containing 5% beech wood xylan. The influence of pure carbon substrates on enzyme production showed that the medium containing mannitol produced a maximum enzyme yield of 50.1 U/mg protein after incubation for 72 h. Enzyme productivity in this medium was much higher in a medium that contained only xylan (44.9 U/mg protein) as the sole carbon source. Nitrogen sources were tested for their abilities to stimulate enzyme production and the best enzyme production was observed in the medium containing peptone caused the production of specific enzyme activity of 41.2 U/mg protein after 72 h. The enzyme showed maximum activity (55 U/mg protein) at pH 4.0 and optimum stability at pH 3.0-5.0. Temperature activity profile of the enzyme showed best activity (68 U/mg protein) at 35oC. Best temperature stability occurred at 30-40oC. Dried agricultural residues were tested for their abilities to support xylanase production in media devoid of xylan. The overall best enzyme productivities of 97.8 and 92.6 U/mg protein were achieved after 72 h in the medium containing orange peel and mango peel respectively. These levels were much higher than that achieved when pure carbon sources or xylan alone were used for enzyme production.Key words: Agricultural residues; carbon sources, nitrogen sources; pH activity; temperature activit

Formulation and Development of a Feed Stock Code-Named Musarpoms from Locally-Derived Non-Conventional Feed-Stuffs for Animal Production

Plantain peels and palm oil mill slurry are discarded as waste from the processing industry in our locality, which accumulates and thereby constituting menace to the environment. The current rising cost of grains and concentrates used in the production of livestock feeds, has led to the alternative use of non-conventional feed stuffs such as ripe plantain peels and palm oil mill slurry, amongst others. The objective of this study was to formulate and develop a feed stock from locally derived non-conventional feed stuffs for animal feeds production code-named MUSARPOMS using appropriate standard technique. The major ingredient for MUSARPOMS is ripe plantain peels and palm oil mill slurry. The results revealed that MSP25% recorded highest crude protein (CP) value of 22.17 %, it was not significantly (P&gt;0.05) different from the CP values (20.42 %) obtained from MSP50% but significantly (P&lt;0.05) different from MSP75% value of 19.25 %. The crude fibre (CF) values were not significantly (P &gt;0.05) different among the different grades. Ash and NFE values differ significantly amongst treatment. MSP75% recorded highest Ash and NFE value of 8.28 % and 515.60 % respectively. It was observed that the reducing levels of MUSARPOMS fermented mixture grade formulations, resulted in proportional increase in the crude protein of the emerging ingredients. 25% MUSARPOMS grade had a higher crude protein value of 22.17 % compare to 50% MUSARPOMS value of 20.42 and 75% MUSARPOMS value of 19.25 % and far above the 10.69 % of the plantain peels

Experience with Jadelle Contraceptive Implant in obese and overweight women in south-eastern Nigeria

Background: As the worldwide obesity epidemic continues, the Obstetrician Gynaecologist must discuss contraception with obese women who want to postpone pregnancy. Obesity may affect the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives by altering how they are absorbed, distributed, metabolized or eliminated. There is a paucity of data about the suitability and efficacy of Jadelle and other hormonal contraceptives in overweight and obese women in our locale. Objective: This study describes the discontinuation, complication and pregnancy rates of Jadelle contraceptive implant in overweight and obese women compared to women of normal BMI. Design: An observational study. Setting: The family planning unit of a private hospital in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria, under the Womens’ Health Project of Society for Family Health. Subject: One hundred and two women of high BMI (64 overweight and 38 obese women) and 153 women of normal BMI who accepted Jadelle contraceptive implant. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the continuation (p = 0.78) and discontinuation rates (p = 0.71) between the high and normal BMI groups. The reasons for discontinuation of Jadelle before the expiration period of 5 years were similar for all BMI groups and they included prolonged and irregular vaginal bleeding and desire for another pregnancy. Side effects were similar and minimal for all BMI groups and mainly prolonged or irregular vaginal bleeding. Pregnancy was confirmed on two women of normal weight and this occurred within the first 2 months of use. Apparently, the women were pregnant at the time of insertion. Conclusion: Jadelle contraceptive implants are well tolerated and effective in obese and overweight women in South-Eastern Nigeria who desire effective pregnancy prevention for 5 years

Chemical Compositions of Leaf Protein Concentrate and Bagasse of Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) Leaves obtained from three Different Locations in Benin City, Nigeria

To optimize food and feed production in Nigeria and meet protein demands, viable options need to be explored. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the chemical composition of Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrate and bagasse. Freshly harvested Pride of Barbados leaves were obtained from three different locations in Benin City and processed for its leaf protein concentrate and bagasse using heat coagulated method. Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrate and bagasse were analysed for proximate and mineral compositions using standard analytical procedures. Proximate analysis revealed that the dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, ash, and nitrogen free extract contents of Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrates were 91.17%, 31.12%, 8.33%, 7.92%, 8.2%, and 35.3%, respectively. Pride of Barbados bagasse had a lower crude protein (9.22%) but higher fibre content (10.72%) compared to those of Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrate. Na, K, Ca, and Mg were the most abundant minerals in Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrate and bagasse. Chromium was very low in the leaf protein concentrate and bagasse. Proximate compositions were significantly (p&lt;0.05) affected by location. Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrate and bagasse can be used as livestock feed ingredient

Developing recommendations for increased productivity in cassava-maize intercropping systems in southern Nigeria

Open Access Article; Published online: 31 Aug 2021Cassava-maize intercropping is a common practice among smallholder farmers in Southern Nigeria. It provides food security and early access to income from the maize component. However, yields of both crops are commonly low in farmers’ fields. Multi-locational trials were conducted in Southern Nigeria in 2016 and 2017 to investigate options to increase productivity and profitability through increased cassava and maize plant densities and fertilizer application. Trials with 4 and 6 treatments in 2016 and 2017, respectively were established on 126 farmers’ fields over two seasons with a set of different designs, including combinations of two levels of crop density and three levels of fertilizer rates. The maize crop was tested at low density (LM) with 20,000 plants ha−1 versus high density (HM) with 40,000 plants ha−1. For cassava, low density (LC) had had 10,000 plants ha−1 versus the high density (HC) with 12,500 plants ha−1.; The fertilizer application followed a regime favouring either the maize crop (FM: 90 kg N, 20 kg P and 37 kg K ha−1) or the cassava crop (FC: 75 kg N, 20 kg P and 90 kg K ha−1), next to control without fertilizer application (F0). Higher maize density (HM) increased marketable maize cob yield by 14 % (3700 cobs ha−1) in the first cycle and by 8% (2100 cobs ha−1) in the second cycle, relative to the LM treatment. Across both cropping cycles, fertilizer application increased cob yield by 15 % (5000 cobs ha−1) and 19 % (6700 cobs ha−1) in the FC and FM regime, respectively. Cassava storage root yield increased by 16 % (4 Mg ha−1) due to increased cassava plant density, and by 14 % (4 Mg ha−1) due to fertilizer application (i.e., with both fertilizer regimes) but only in the first cropping cycle. In the second cycle, increased maize plant density (HM) reduced cassava storage root yield by 7% (1.5 Mg ha−1) relative to the LM treatment. However, the negative effect of high maize density on storage root yield was counteracted by fertilizer application. Fresh storage root yield increased by 8% (2 Mg ha−1) in both fertilizer regimes compared to the control without fertilizer application. Responses to fertilizer by cassava and maize varied between fields. Positive responses tended to decline with increasing yields in the control treatment. The average value-to-cost ratio (VCR) of fertilizer use for the FM regime was 3.6 and higher than for the FC regime (VCR = 1.6), resulting from higher maize yields when FM than when FC was applied. Revenue generated by maize constituted 84–91% of the total revenue of the cropping system. The highest profits were achieved with the FM regime when both cassava and maize were grown at high density. However, fertilizer application was not always advisable as 34 % of farmers did not realize a profit. For higher yields and profitability, fertilizer recommendations should be targeted to responsive fields based on soil fertility knowledge

Global economic burden of unmet surgical need for appendicitis

Background: There is a substantial gap in provision of adequate surgical care in many low-and middle-income countries. This study aimed to identify the economic burden of unmet surgical need for the common condition of appendicitis. Methods: Data on the incidence of appendicitis from 170 countries and two different approaches were used to estimate numbers of patients who do not receive surgery: as a fixed proportion of the total unmet surgical need per country (approach 1); and based on country income status (approach 2). Indirect costs with current levels of access and local quality, and those if quality were at the standards of high-income countries, were estimated. A human capital approach was applied, focusing on the economic burden resulting from premature death and absenteeism. Results: Excess mortality was 4185 per 100 000 cases of appendicitis using approach 1 and 3448 per 100 000 using approach 2. The economic burden of continuing current levels of access and local quality was US $92 492 million using approach 1 and$73 141 million using approach 2. The economic burden of not providing surgical care to the standards of high-income countries was $95 004 million using approach 1 and$75 666 million using approach 2. The largest share of these costs resulted from premature death (97.7 per cent) and lack of access (97.0 per cent) in contrast to lack of quality. Conclusion: For a comparatively non-complex emergency condition such as appendicitis, increasing access to care should be prioritized. Although improving quality of care should not be neglected, increasing provision of care at current standards could reduce societal costs substantially

Laparoscopy in management of appendicitis in high-, middle-, and low-income countries: a multicenter, prospective, cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is the most common abdominal surgical emergency worldwide. Differences between high- and low-income settings in the availability of laparoscopic appendectomy, alternative management choices, and outcomes are poorly described. The aim was to identify variation in surgical management and outcomes of appendicitis within low-, middle-, and high-Human Development Index (HDI) countries worldwide. METHODS: This is a multicenter, international prospective cohort study. Consecutive sampling of patients undergoing emergency appendectomy over 6 months was conducted. Follow-up lasted 30 days. RESULTS: 4546 patients from 52 countries underwent appendectomy (2499 high-, 1540 middle-, and 507 low-HDI groups). Surgical site infection (SSI) rates were higher in low-HDI (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.33-4.99, p = 0.005) but not middle-HDI countries (OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.76-2.52, p = 0.291), compared with high-HDI countries after adjustment. A laparoscopic approach was common in high-HDI countries (1693/2499, 67.7%), but infrequent in low-HDI (41/507, 8.1%) and middle-HDI (132/1540, 8.6%) groups. After accounting for case-mix, laparoscopy was still associated with fewer overall complications (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.42-0.71, p < 0.001) and SSIs (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.14-0.33, p < 0.001). In propensity-score matched groups within low-/middle-HDI countries, laparoscopy was still associated with fewer overall complications (OR 0.23 95% CI 0.11-0.44) and SSI (OR 0.21 95% CI 0.09-0.45). CONCLUSION: A laparoscopic approach is associated with better outcomes and availability appears to differ by country HDI. Despite the profound clinical, operational, and financial barriers to its widespread introduction, laparoscopy could significantly improve outcomes for patients in low-resource environments. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02179112

Global overview of the management of acute cholecystitis during the COVID-19 pandemic (CHOLECOVID study)

Background: This study provides a global overview of the management of patients with acute cholecystitis during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: CHOLECOVID is an international, multicentre, observational comparative study of patients admitted to hospital with acute cholecystitis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data on management were collected for a 2-month study interval coincident with the WHO declaration of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and compared with an equivalent pre-pandemic time interval. Mediation analysis examined the influence of SARS-COV-2 infection on 30-day mortality. Results: This study collected data on 9783 patients with acute cholecystitis admitted to 247 hospitals across the world. The pandemic was associated with reduced availability of surgical workforce and operating facilities globally, a significant shift to worse severity of disease, and increased use of conservative management. There was a reduction (both absolute and proportionate) in the number of patients undergoing cholecystectomy from 3095 patients (56.2 per cent) pre-pandemic to 1998 patients (46.2 per cent) during the pandemic but there was no difference in 30-day all-cause mortality after cholecystectomy comparing the pre-pandemic interval with the pandemic (13 patients (0.4 per cent) pre-pandemic to 13 patients (0.6 per cent) pandemic; P = 0.355). In mediation analysis, an admission with acute cholecystitis during the pandemic was associated with a non-significant increased risk of death (OR 1.29, 95 per cent c.i. 0.93 to 1.79, P = 0.121). Conclusion: CHOLECOVID provides a unique overview of the treatment of patients with cholecystitis across the globe during the first months of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The study highlights the need for system resilience in retention of elective surgical activity. Cholecystectomy was associated with a low risk of mortality and deferral of treatment results in an increase in avoidable morbidity that represents the non-COVID cost of this pandemic