EVALUATION OF THE HAEMOLYMPH OF THE GIANT AFRICAN LAND SNAILS Achatina achatina AND Archachatina marginata FOR BACTERIA STERILITY AND INHIBITORY PROPERTIES

An experiment was conducted to examine bacteria sterility and bacteria inhibitory properties of haemolymph of two species of Giant African Land Snails. A total number of 18 A. achatina and A. marginata snails each were used for this experiment. The shell and foot of the snails were washed with distilled water for isolation of bacteria flora and bacteria load. The experiment was a 2 x 2 x 3 factorial arrangement with 3 replicates in a completely randomized design. To isolate bacteria, a sterile inoculating loop was used to pick a portion of each dissimilar colony and transferred into another appropriate fresh sterile medium in a culture plate and streaked in a quadrant streak plate method to obtain pure cultures of the isolates. The method was aimed at trimming down the microbial load to allow for isolates to grow in pure cultures. The plates were incubated at 37 0C for 24 hours, after which the pure isolates were observed and inoculated into McCartney bottles containing nutrient agar slants. The bottles were incubated for 24 hours at 37 0C and stored in the refrigerator for further biochemical analysis. Haemolymph of the two species studied was not sterile irrespective of the type of haemolymph. To test for haemolymph inhibitory properties, Haemolymph was collected from each snail into sterile and labeled containers in the laminar flow chamber. Microorganism was seeded into the agar plate, after the agar has solidified, holes were bored into the agar using a sterilized hole borer. One ml of the haemolymph collected was poured into each well in agar plates and incubated at 37 0C for 24 hours observing for zones inhibition. Equally, there was no evidence of bacteria inhibition by the haemolymph despite the three methods of bacteria inhibition used: agar diffusion method, disk diffusion method and serial diffusion method. It could be concluded from this study that the haemolymph of the two snail species did not exhibit bacteria sterility and inhibition.Â

Haemolymph biochemical and mineral properties with morphometric parameters of reproductive organs of Archachatina marginata as affected by humid agro-ecological zones in Nigeria

The study determined the effect of humid agro-ecological zones on the haemolymph mineral and chemical composition and morphometric parameters of snail (Archachatina marginata) obtained from two humid agro-ecological zones of Nigeria comprising South-South (Rivers and Delta States) and South-West (Osun and Lagos States). The results showed that haemolymph of snails from Rivers State had higher (p<0.05) pH (7.40 ± 0.04) and urea (1.88 ±0.06mmol/L) values than those from other locations. Similarly, haemolymph of snails from Osun State had higher (p<0.05) concentrations of total protein and bicarbonates (52.03 ± 2.92 g/L and 19.59 ± 0.16 mmol/L, respectively) than others. The highest concentration of glucose (21.27 ± 0.71mg/dl) and potassium (7.62 ± 0.13mmol/L) was recorded for haemolymph of snails obtained from Lagos State. No differences (P<0.05) were observed in the sodium, calcium and chlorine values across the four states. In addition, adult stage (>200g) snails from Lagos and Osun States had the highest (P<0.05) shell length compared to those from Rivers and Delta States. However, shell circumference was greater (p<0.05) for snails from Rivers and Delta. It is concluded that the ecological niche can have significant effects on growth pattern and some mineral and biochemical characteristics of snails, implying that ecological changes would likely effect physiological changes in the snails from the different ecological zones differently

EFFECTS OF AESTIVATION DURATION ON TESTOSTERONE, HAEMOLYMPH BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND REPRODUCTIVE TRACT DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT OF GIANT AFRICAN LAND SNAIL (Archachatina marginata) DURING DRY SEASON

Aestivation is a process of metabolic inactivity under which energy reserve are manipulated for survival. Reproductive apparatus and haemolymph biochemical agents also undergo phase manipulation as the duration continues. To determine the physiological influence on key hormone of reproduction and reproductive apparatus, seventy five A. marginata snails were used for this study. The snails were divided into five treatments with fifteen replicate each. Treatment include: Zero (0) week, Three (3) weeks, Six (6) weeks, nine (9) weeks and six (6) weeks post-aestivation. Parameters measured were: Testosterone concentration, haemolymph biochemical parameters (Total protein, albumin, globulin, Aspartate transaminase (AST) and Alanine transaminase (ALT), dimensions (length) and weight of the organs and tissues of the reproductive tracts (Ovo-testis, penis, vaginal, oviduct, little hermaphrodite duct, common hermaphrodite duct, vas deferens and albumen gland) gonado-somatic index and percentage mortality. Result showed that level of testosterone at three and six weeks of aestivation significantly reduced compared to the control. Also, at nine weeks of aestivation, the reduction was significantly greater than what was recorded at both three and six weeks of aestivation. But the testosterone levels were reversed at nine weeks post aestivation. Total protein and globulin were significantly influenced with both reaching a peak value at 9 weeks of aestivation while ALT, AST and albumin were not significantly affected. So also, of all the reproductive tract parts measured, organ weight, ovo-testis weight, penis weight and length were significantly influenced (P<0.001; P<0.001; P<0.05; P<0.001). Similarly, vaginal weight, oviduct weight, little hermaphrodite duct weight and length were also significantly affected  together with vas deferens  length and albumen gland length while aestivation duration had no significant influence on reproductive tract weight, ovo-testis length, vaginal length, oviduct length, little hermaphrodite duct length, vas deferens weight and albumen gland weight. Similarly, gonado-somatic index was also not significantly affected by aestivation duration. It was also obvious from this study that the highest mortality was recorded at 6 weeks of aestivation, followed by 9 weeks of aestivation while 3weeks and 6 weeks post-aestivation had the least mortality with the control intact. In conclusion, it is clear from this study that aestivation duration significantly influenced testosterone concentration, haemolymph biochemical parameters and some selected reproductive apparatus of A. marginata.       &nbsp

COMPARATIVE MORPHOLOGY OF HAEMOCYTE FROM TWO SPECIES OF GIANT AFRICAN LAND SNAILS (Archachatina marginata AND Achatina achatina)

A study was conducted to evaluate the presence and types of haemocytes inherent in haemolymph of two species of giant African land snails (Archachatina marginata and Achatina achatina). Haemolymph samples were obtained from three liveweight groups of snails (< 100 g, 101-150 g and >150 g) after removal of the first three whorls of the shell. Smears were made from thin layer of settled portion of the haemolymph after six hours. Staining was carried out after air drying at room temperature with MayGrünwald-Giemsa stain.  Four replicates per liveweight per species were used. Representative slides were selected after viewing under microscope. Dimensions of haemocytes identified were taken followed by photomicrograph. Results showed that four haemocyte types were present in the haemolymph of both species. Those haemocytes identified in Archachatina marginata had significantly (P<0.001) higher dimensions than those found in Achatina achatina. Morphologically, the haemocytes were different in terms of shapes, nucleus position and cytoplasm types. It can therefore be concluded from this study that four circulating haemocytes types are present in both Archachatina marginata and Achatina achatina. Furthermore, in terms of dimension, Archachatina marginata had higher values compared to Achatina achatina. Also, morphologically, those four haemocyte types are different from each other in both specie of giant African land snails.Â

Gas exchange during storage and incubation of Avian eggs: Effects on embryogenesis, hatchability, chick quality and post-hatch growth

Embryonic development is a dynamic process that requires a fine balance between several factors in order to achieve an optimum hatchability and chick quality. These factors include the background of the embryo, such as genetic line of the breeders, the age of the breeder, egg weight, and factors related to the environment in which the egg is stored and incubated, such as temperature, humidity, gas levels and altitude. Gas exchanges are of fundamental importance for embryonic development during incubation and may affect the livability of the embryo. This paper reviews the roles of the gaseous environment (i.e. O 2 and CO2) around hatching eggs during storage and during incubation and the effect it might have on the survival of the developing embryos and the chicks that hatch. The state of the art on the different attempts to establish the optimum requirements of different gases that promote the optimal developmental trajectories at different periods during incubation is presented. The roles and consequences of different levels of O2 and CO2 during storage and incubation on hatchability, incubation duration, hatching process, embryo growth, embryo mortality, organ development and morphology, metabolism, blood acid-base balance, chick quality and chick post-hatch growth are reviewed. © 2007 World's Poultry Science Association

EFFECT OF FEED TYPE ON GROWTH, SPERMATOZOA PRODUCTION AND GONADO-SOMATIC INDEX IN GIANT AFRICAN LAND SNAIL (Archachatina marginata)

A study was conducted on the effect of feed type on growth, spermatozoa production and gonado-somatic index in giant African land snail (Archachatina marginata). Thirty snails (30) of weight range of 150 - 180g were used for this study. Ten snails (10) were assigned to each of the three feed types which included: Poultry layers mash (PLM), dried Pawpaw leaves (PL) and mixture of both Pawpaw leaves and Poultry layers mash (PLM+PL). Weight gain was monitored weekly. At the end of seven weeks, snails were dissected; visceral weight and ovo-testis were measured. Five (5) snails each per treatment were used for both histology and spermatozoa concentration estimation. Ovo-testis was processed for histology while little hermaphrodite duct was used for spermatozoa concentration. Results showed that feed type had significant (P<0.001) effect on sperm concentration. Snails fed on PL had higher sperm concentration, followed by those fed on PL+PLM while the least was found in PLM group. For live weight gain, those fed with PLM had the highest weight followed by those fed with PL+PLM while PL had least weight gain.  Results for gonado-somatic index showed that PL had the highest means while those fed on PLM and PL+PLM were not significantly different from each other. It was also found that snails fed with PL had high spermatogenic activity in the acini of snail ovo-testis while those fed with PLM+PL had medium activity and those fed with PLM had the least activity. The findings from this study suggest that pawpaw leaves have agents which promote spermatogenesis and can therefore be used as diet for breeding snails to enhance spermatogenesis.Â

Adaptation of the White Fulani cattle to the tropical environment

This review summarizes the available information on the adaptation and the performance of White Fulani cattle in tropical environments. White Fulani cattle is an indigenous breed of cattle widely distributed in the humid tropical regions of Africa and plays significant roles in meat and milk production, as well as draught purposes. Poor management and the harsh environmental conditions in the tropics encumber the optimal productive and reproductive performance of the breed, having about 4.75 years age at first calving, 57% calving rate, 18 months calving interval and 3 to 4 calves are born in a reproductive lifetime. The cattle breed adapts to these climatic patterns via physiological, morphological, behavioral, genetic, and metabolic responses. Different physiological mechanisms and morphological features such as their white coat color, hair coat thickness, and lengthy rump appear to play an important adaptive role. The distinct genetic traits (including the possession of seven genetic variants of HSP 90 gene) of the breed afford them some levels of thermotolerance and high resistivity to some endemic diseases (such as trypanosomiasis, liver fluke, brucellosis and foot and mouth disease) in the tropics constitute inherent characteristics that should be explored in detail using molecular assisted approaches. The productive performance of the breed under different systems is discussed. A better understanding of the adaptive characteristics of White Fulani cattle could provide crucial information on the best management approach/ techniques that should be adopted to improve the performance, productivity, and sustainability of this cattle breed. Therefore, this review aims to compile the various production, reproduction and adaptation traits of the breed and presents vital information underlying their thriving and survivability in tropical environments

Antibacterial kinetics and phylogenetic analysis of Aloe vera plants

BACKGROUND: Uncontrolled use of antibiotics has resulted in the emergence of resistant bacteria. It has necessitated the evaluation of antibacterial activities and phylo-diversity of Aloe vera (also called Aloe barbadensis) plants as antimicrobial agent in Nigeria. METHODS: Biotyped enteric bacilli of 251 strains obtained from fecal samples of patients with various gastro-intestinal complications are profiled for antibiogram. Resistant biotypes were assayed for susceptibility to A. vera latex and further evaluated for time-kill kinetics and phylo-diversity. RESULTS: More than 30% of enteric bacilli, including Citrobacter freundii, Escherichia coli, and Proteus mirabilis, were resistant to cotrimoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline, respectively, at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) >16 μg/ml (p = 0.004). A. vera latex significantly inhibited 39.5% resistant enteric biotypes with a significant average reduction of the viable count at 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC to <3.0 Log10CFU/mL after 24 h. Flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and anthraquinine in anti-enteric sap significantly correlated and regressed with antibacterial activity (p < 0.05), while two of the antimicrobial A. vera plants showed phylogenetic relatedness with other homologous. CONCLUSION: Antibacteria efficacy of some Nigerian A. vera latex could provide alternative therapy, while its phylo-diversity and genomic profiling would offer a promising avenue for identification and development of antimicrobial agents as drug candidates for natural antibiotics

Antimicrobial activity and time kill kinetics of Nigerian Honeys on multi-resistant Enteric Bacilli

Antimicrobial activities of some Nigeria honeys were tested on multi-antibiotic resistant enteric bacilli strains (MAREBS) that are becoming dreadful among the populace. Enteric bacilli isolated from fecal samples randomly collected from community populace were biotyped and profiled for antibiotic susceptibility by micro-broth dilution assay. Honey physico-chemical and phyto-chemical metabolites were analysed and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility to MAREBS while its time kill kinetics was evaluated. Significant rate of 31.3% Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, (19.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.3%) were found with only 62.6% showed significant resistance to cefotaxime (30μg) and 61.6% to ampicillin (10μg). more than 40% showed significant resistance to Cotrimoxazole, ciprofloxacin and tetracycline with MIC >16 μg/ml (p<0.05). Physico-chemical parameters vary significantly with high phenol and alkaloids contents. Few honey samples showed antimicrobial activity of more than 37% inhibition rate while 8.1% MAREBS were further inhibited at lower MIC 31.25mg/mL, 10.8% at MIC 125mg/mL and 8.1% MIC 250mg/mL, while cidal rate of 8.1% was recorded. Significant reduction in average count of different MAREBS was recorded at honey dilutions of 1:2 and 1:4 to less than 2.10Log10CFU/mL. Amidst global burden of enteric infection with persistence antibiotic resistance, Nigerian honeys showed a reliable bacteriostatic and cidal activity as prospective novel alternative therapy for MAREBS infections

Cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome in people with established psychotic illnesses: baseline data from the IMPaCT randomized controlled trial

The National Institute for Health Research funds the IMPaCT programme at King's College London and the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (ref. RP-PG-0606-1049)