Immuno-Modulatory Activity of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Moringa Oleifera in Brioler Chickens

This experiment was conducted to investigate the immuno-modulatory activity of aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera on immune response of broiler chickens to Newcastle disease (ND) vaccinations. The performance, blood parameters and serum biochemistry of the birds were also determined. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) day-old commercial broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 3 dietary treatments of 4 replicates each. Each replicate had 10 birds. The treatments: T1 – Control group in which the birds were not given any extract; T2 and T3 – birds in these groups were given the prepared stock solution of Moringa oleifera leaf extract at dose rate of 2500mg/kg and 5000mg/kg of body weight in drinking water. The experimental birds were vaccinated with ND vaccines using a stipulated vaccination regime. The Moringa oleifera leaf extract exhibited significant (p≤0.05) influence on final body weight of the experimental broiler chickens with birds in T3 having an average weight of 1947.43g and birds in T1had 1733.33g. The immune modulating effect of the leaf extract was insignificant (p≥0.05) though it elicited higher antibody titre of Log27 and Log29 in birds in T3 compared to Log26 and Log28 of birds in control group after the first and second ND vaccinations respectively. The leaf extract caused significant (p≤0.05) increase in white blood cells and leucocytes count. The study concluded that the plant extract had slight immune stimulatory effects on response to ND vaccinations and improved the growth performance of broiler chickens

Performance and egg qualities of old-laying hens fed with diets containing selected phytogenic feed additives

Performance and egg qualities of old-laying hens fed with diets containing ginger, turmeric and garlic were evaluated in a twelve (12) week feeding trial. A total of 135 laying birds of Isa-Brown strain which were sixty-four (64) weeks old were used for the trial and arranged in a completely randomized design. Five diets were formulated for the trial:  Diet 1 (control), Diet 2 (3% inclusion level of turmeric), Diet 3 (3% inclusion level of ginger), Diet 4 (turmeric and garlic at 2.25% and 0.75%, respectively) and Diet 5 (ginger and garlic at 2.25% and 0.75%, respectively). Proximate compositions of the Phytogenic Feed Additives (PFAs) were determined with the moisture content ranging between 5.03-7.50%; ash (3.26-6.11%); ether extract (7.39-14.58%); fibre (10.28-13.79%); protein (3.07-7.23%) and Nitrogen Free Extract (58.88-61.54%). The performance indices, though not significantly (P˃0.05) influenced by the test diets except for Hen Day Production (HDP) had the highest weight gained (0.16kg) recorded for birds fed on a diet containing ginger. The highest (62.92 and 62.04 %) HDP were observed in birds fed diets containing ginger and ginger + garlic; respectively. However, the lowest weight gained (0.04kg) was recorded in birds fed a diet containing turmeric + garlic; this diet also recorded the lowest % HDP and FCR with values of 57.50% and 2.37 respectively. The overall values for the qualities of eggs from laying hens fed the PFAs showed that only the Haugh Unit, yolk colour and albumen height were significantly (P˂0.05) affected; with those on Turmeric + Garlic diets having the highest for these parameters. However, the fatty acid variables were not significantly (P˃0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. It could be concluded that the inclusion of PFAs in the diets of laying hens especially at an older age would help to sustain performance with improved quality

Performance, haemato-biochemical indices and antioxidant status of growing rabbits fed on diets supplemented with Mucuna pruriens leaf meal

[EN] The effects of dietary Mucuna pruriens leaf meal (MLM) supplementation on rabbits’ performance, haemato-biochemical indices and antioxidant status outside their thermal neutrality zone (21 to 25°C) were evaluated. One hundred and twenty 35-d old crossbreed (Chinchilla×New Zealand) rabbits weighing 694±5 g were allotted to 4 treatments (30 rabbits/treatment; 3 rabbits/replicate). A basal diet (crude protein: 16.9%, crude fibre: 17.6%, digestible energy: 2671 kcal/kg) was divided into 4 equal portions i.e. diets 1, 2, 3 and 4, supplemented with 0, 4, 8 and 12 g MLM/kg, respectively, and pelleted. The average body weight in rabbits fed on diets 3 and 4 was higher compared to those fed on diet 1 (control) at 91 d of age (+228 and +262 g, respectively; P=0.01). Within 35 to 91 d, the average daily weight gain in rabbits fed on diets 3 and 4 was higher compared to those fed on the control diet (+4.1and +4.8 g/d, respectively; P=0.01). The dressing-out percentage of rabbits fed on diets 3 and 4 increased (P=0.05) compared to those fed the control diet. At 63 d and 91 d of age, the white blood cell level of rabbits fed on diet 4 increased significantly compared to those fed the control diet (+5.05×109 and +5.32×109/L, respectively). At 63 and 91 d of age, the cholesterol level of rabbits fed on diets 3 (–1.0 and –1.16 mmol/L, respectively) and 4 (–1.10 and –1.21 mmol/L, respectively), were significantly lower compared to those fed on the control diet. The aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentration in rabbits fed on diet 4 was reduced compared to those on control diet at 63 d of age (–33.68 IU/L; P=0.02). 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Assessing the Effect of a Dumpsite on Groundwater Quality: A Case Study of Aduramigba Estate within Osogbo Metropolis

This research assessed the impact of an open dumpsite, on the quality of groundwater within the vicinity of Aduuramigba Estate. Twenty water samples were collected and analyzed for physic-chemical parameters, major ions and trace metal using AAS, Iron Chromatographic and titrimetric methods. The result showed that almost all the physico chemical parameters such as pH (7.5-10.8), temperature (27.4oC-31.5oC,) EC (70µS/cm-364 µS/cm), TDS (49-248mg/l) fall within limits as recommended by WHO and NSDWQ. Chemical parameters has the following results: Cl- (122-720mg/l), SO42- (0-7.41mg/l), NO3-(0.64-1.64mg/l), HCO3- (12.20-91.5mg/l), Ca2+ (3.95-65.12mg/l), mg2+ (0.73-17.28mg/l), Fe2+ (0-1.36mg/l), Na+ (3.45-27.37mg/l), k+ (1.04-24.41mg/l) Mn2+ (0-0.57mg/l). All major ions revealed concentration within the acceptable limit of both standards except Chloride and Sodium in some of the wells, this is due to the addition of a disinfectant named Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate (C3N3O3CL2Na) commonly called water guard and weathering of feldspars which characterized the basement rocks underlying the area. Most of the trace metals tested for were below detectable limit of the AAS except Zinc, Iron and Manganese. Iron and Zinc concentrations fall well within the acceptable limit of both WHO and NSDWQ standards while Manganese concentration were above the limit in most of the surface and shallow groundwater at the down slope of the Dumpsite. This could be attributed to the impact of the leachates from the waste and because of the persistent nature of manganese within the medium, it may not be easily attenuated. Keywords: Leachates, dumpsite, groundwater, conductivity, basement rocks

Effect of egg sizes on egg qualities, hatchability and initial weight of the hatched-chicks

The study evaluates the relationship of egg weights with other egg qualities, hatchability and hatchling weights. One thousand eight hundred eggs from marshal broiler chicken were categorized into small (50 – 59 g), medium (60 – 69 g) and large (≥70 g) of 600 eggs per group in a completely randomized design. Hundred eggs from each group were subjected to quality analysis and the remaining incubated for hatchlings production. The egg length of of large group was the highest (4.71 cm) and lowest in small (4.22 cm). The relationship revealed 32.86% yolk in small size, while 33.71 and 30.99% was observed for medium and large respectively. Also, albumen ranged from 50.85% in small to 55.38% in large. Hatchability result revealed 74.50% for small egg and reduced as sizes increased. Hatchling weight was highest in large (49.19 g) and lowest in small (38.79 g). The regression equations showed that albumen weight and egg size were best predictors of chick's weight through their R2 values (0.68 and 0.57 respectively) compared to yolk weight with R2 of 0.28. It was therefore be inferred that breeder eggs size could affect egg quality parameters and chick's weight

Performance and Meat Quality of Growing Pigs Fed Composite Leaf Meal Premix as an Alternative to Commercial Premix

This trial was designed to study the effects of using composite leaf meal produced from five (5) different leaves: Cassava, Moringa, fluted pumpkin, African basil and bitter leaves as a premix in the diets of growing pigs. Twenty four large white weaner-pigs were used for this trial comprising six treatments and four replicates with one pig per replicate. Six diets were formulated in which composite leaf meal was fed at 0 (2.5% premix), 10 (2.0% premix), 20 (1.5% premix), 30 (1.0% premix), 40 (0.5% premix) and 50 (0.0% premix) g/kg at the expense of a commercial premix and designated diets I, II, III, IV, V and VI. The pigs were then assigned to these 6 dietary treatments which were fed to the pigs at 5% of their body weight for 8 weeks experimental period. Water was supplied ad libitum throughout the experimental period. All data were subjected to analysis of variance. Results showed that, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the final weights of the pigs. Highest final live weight (41.67 ± 0.84 kg) and highest feed intake (75.92 ± 0.06) were recorded in animals fed diet II, while the lowest final live weight (37.67 ± 0.84kg) and lowest feed intake (75.57 ± 0.06) were recorded in animals fed diets V and I, respectively. The eye muscle width of carcass was significantly higher (

An examination of knowledge, attitudes and practices related to lead exposure in South Western Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Lead is a highly toxic and pervasive metal. Chronic exposure to low levels is responsible for significant health effects, particularly in children. Prevention remains the best option for reducing childhood lead exposure, however the knowledge, attitudes and practices to lead exposure in many developing countries is not known. Methods: We conducted four focus group discussions (FGD) to evaluate knowledge attitudes and practices to lead exposure in Nigeria. An FGD guide was developed from the literature and preliminary discussion with members of the public. Participants in the FGD were randomly selected from adults living in Ibadan, South Western Nigeria in 2004. RESULTS: We found that there was limited awareness of the sources of lead exposure in the domestic environment and participants had little knowledge of the health effects of chronic low-dose lead exposure. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the findings of this study should be used, in conjunction with others, to develop appropriate health education intervention for lead exposure in the domestic environment

Evaluation of the nutrition value of Vernonia amygdalina leaf protein concentrates for infant weaning foods

Vernonia amygdalina Del leaf meal (LM), leaf protein concentrates (LPC) and LPC fibre residues (LR) were characterised and the biological activity of LPC was studied. Five infant weaning foods based on V. amygdalina -LPC (VALPC) were compared with three coded commercial infant weaning foods in a 4-week feeding trial using rats as animal model. The LM contained 318.2±2.11 g kg−1 crude protein and this increased by 38.5% to 517.4±1.20 g kg−1 in LPC. Also, the LM contained 96.0±1.8 g kg−1 crude fibre and this decreased by 81.25% to 18.0±1.1 g kg−1 in LPC. The gross energy in the LM (1.56 MJ kg−1) increased by 17.9% to 1.90 MJ kg−1 in LPC. The LPC contained higher Na, Ca, Mg, K and Fe than either the LM or LR, while fractionation reduced phytin and tannin contents. Rats fed solely on VALPC lost weight in the biological activity trial. Rats fed 25% VALPC+75% soybean meal (SBM) combination had the highest final weight (FW), while rats fed CFN, a coded commercial food, had the smallest. It was concluded that 25% VALPC+75% SBM mixture is the optimal combination

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation in HIV seropositive and seronegative patients in Ilorin, Nigeria

Objective: To determine the prevalence, severity and pattern of intestinal parasitic infestation in HIV-seropositive patients. Methods: A Cross-sectional study from January 2007 to December 2008.Patients were recruited from the HIV clinics of the hospital. Paired blood and single stool specimens were collected from each patient. The stool sample was investigated for intestinal parasites while the blood sample was tested for antibodies to HIV-1 and 2. HIV-seropositive subjects also had CD4 + cells count done. Result: Ninety each of stool and blood samples were collected from HIV-seropositive and HIV-seronegative patients. Four species each of helminthes and protozoan parasites and three species of coccidian parasites were isolated from the stool of both HIV-seropositive and seronegative subjects. The prevalence of these parasites was two and a halve times higher among the HIV seropositive patients than the seronegative ones. The range of CD4 cells count was 20-680 cells/΅l with a median of 259 cells/΅l. Patients with CD4 + count <200/΅l had more coccidian parasites in their stool and also had higher prevalence of intestinal polyparasitism ranging from 2 to 4 different species per stool sample. Conclusion: The frequency of both AIDS defining and non- AIDS defining intestinal parasitic infestation was higher among the HIV infected patients. Patients′ CD4 + cells count was an important determinant of the rate and number of parasitic infestation.Objectif: Pour déterminer la prévalence, la gravité et la répétition d’une infestation parasitaire intestinale patients séropositifs au VIH. Méthodes: Étude transversale de janvier 2007 à décembre 2008. Patients ont été recrutés dans les cliniques de VIH de l’hôpital. Appairée de sang et de selles unique spécimens ont été collectés sur chaque patient. L’échantillon de selles a été étudiée pour les parasites intestinaux, tandis que l’échantillon de sang a été testé pour des anticorps contre le virus HIV-1 et 2. Sujets séropositifs au VIH avaient également CD4+ cellules nombre fait. Résultat: Échantillons de quatre-vingt-dix de selles et de sang ont été prélevés sur des patients séropositifs au VIH et le VIH-séronégatifs. Quatre espèces chaque helminthes des parasites qui et trois espèces de parasites coccidian ont été isolés des selles de-séropositifs au VIH et sujets séronégatifs. La prévalence de ces parasites était deux et une moitié de fois plus élevée chez les patients séropositifs au VIH et ceux séronégatifs. Nombre de la plage de cellules CD4 était 20-680 cellules/μl avec une médiane de cellules 259/μl. Les patients avec CD4 + nombre < 200/μl avait plus coccidian parasites dans leurs selles et également une prévalence supérieure de polyparasitism intestinale allant de 2 à 4 espèces différentes par exemple des selles. Conclusion: Infestation parasitaire de la fréquence de définition du SIDA et définition non-SIDA intestinale était plus élevée chez les patients VIH infecté. CD4 des patients + nombre de cellules a été un important déterminant le taux et le nombre d’infestation parasitaire

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation in HIV seropositive and seronegative patients in Ilorin, Nigeria

Objective: To determine the prevalence, severity and pattern of intestinal parasitic infestation in HIV-seropositive patients. Methods: A Cross-sectional study from January 2007 to December 2008.Patients were recruited from the HIV clinics of the hospital. Paired blood and single stool specimens were collected from each patient. The stool sample was investigated for intestinal parasites while the blood sample was tested for antibodies to HIV-1 and 2. HIV-seropositive subjects also had CD4 + cells count done. Result: Ninety each of stool and blood samples were collected from HIV-seropositive and HIV-seronegative patients. Four species each of helminthes and protozoan parasites and three species of coccidian parasites were isolated from the stool of both HIV-seropositive and seronegative subjects. The prevalence of these parasites was two and a halve times higher among the HIV seropositive patients than the seronegative ones. The range of CD4 cells count was 20-680 cells/\u385l with a median of 259 cells/\u385l. Patients with CD4 + count &lt;200/\u385l had more coccidian parasites in their stool and also had higher prevalence of intestinal polyparasitism ranging from 2 to 4 different species per stool sample. Conclusion: The frequency of both AIDS defining and non- AIDS defining intestinal parasitic infestation was higher among the HIV infected patients. Patients\u2032 CD4 + cells count was an important determinant of the rate and number of parasitic infestation.Objectif: Pour d\ue9terminer la pr\ue9valence, la gravit\ue9 et la r\ue9p\ue9tition d\u2019une infestation parasitaire intestinale patients s\ue9ropositifs au VIH. M\ue9thodes: \uc9tude transversale de janvier 2007 \ue0 d\ue9cembre 2008. Patients ont \ue9t\ue9 recrut\ue9s dans les cliniques de VIH de l\u2019h\uf4pital. Appair\ue9e de sang et de selles unique sp\ue9cimens ont \ue9t\ue9 collect\ue9s sur chaque patient. L\u2019\ue9chantillon de selles a \ue9t\ue9 \ue9tudi\ue9e pour les parasites intestinaux, tandis que l\u2019\ue9chantillon de sang a \ue9t\ue9 test\ue9 pour des anticorps contre le virus HIV-1 et 2. Sujets s\ue9ropositifs au VIH avaient \ue9galement CD4+ cellules nombre fait. R\ue9sultat: \uc9chantillons de quatre-vingt-dix de selles et de sang ont \ue9t\ue9 pr\ue9lev\ue9s sur des patients s\ue9ropositifs au VIH et le VIH-s\ue9ron\ue9gatifs. Quatre esp\ue8ces chaque helminthes des parasites qui et trois esp\ue8ces de parasites coccidian ont \ue9t\ue9 isol\ue9s des selles de-s\ue9ropositifs au VIH et sujets s\ue9ron\ue9gatifs. La pr\ue9valence de ces parasites \ue9tait deux et une moiti\ue9 de fois plus \ue9lev\ue9e chez les patients s\ue9ropositifs au VIH et ceux s\ue9ron\ue9gatifs. Nombre de la plage de cellules CD4 \ue9tait 20-680 cellules/\u3bcl avec une m\ue9diane de cellules 259/\u3bcl. Les patients avec CD4 + nombre &lt; 200/\u3bcl avait plus coccidian parasites dans leurs selles et \ue9galement une pr\ue9valence sup\ue9rieure de polyparasitism intestinale allant de 2 \ue0 4 esp\ue8ces diff\ue9rentes par exemple des selles. Conclusion: Infestation parasitaire de la fr\ue9quence de d\ue9finition du SIDA et d\ue9finition non-SIDA intestinale \ue9tait plus \ue9lev\ue9e chez les patients VIH infect\ue9. CD4 des patients + nombre de cellules a \ue9t\ue9 un important d\ue9terminant le taux et le nombre d\u2019infestation parasitaire