Effect Of Cassava Mill Effluents On Haematological And Biochemical Characteristics Of Adult African Catfish (Clarias Gariepinus)

The effect of cassava effluents on haematology and biochemical measurement of African cat fish was investigated.  Ninty-six adult catfish were subjected to five graded sub-lethal concentrations (0.002, 0.005, 0.008, 0.011 and 0.014mg/l) of cassava effluent and water (control) for fourteen days. A significant (p<0.05) decrease was observed in haemoglobin, red blood cells counts and packed cells volume compared with the control, these can be attributed to reduction in cellular iron resulting in decreasing oxygen carrying capacity of the blood, later results to erythropoiesis. In contrast, white blood cells counts increases significantly (p<0.05) this could be in attempt to improve the health of the fish. High levels of Asparate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities observed are suggestive of hepatic cellular damages .  However, low level of Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities is an indication of liver disease and hypoproteinea . A notable decrease in cholesterol level may also be due to damages of liver cells resulting to decease synthesis within. In conclusion, the alteration in the levels of haematological and biochemical indices of fish proved that cassava effluent contain pollutants that are toxic to the fish and can create hazard in such water bodies. Keyword: haematology, biochemical indices, cassava effluent, sub-lethal concentration

Haematology, bronchoalveolar cellular changes and pathology of swine pneumonia in Nigeria

Respiratory diseases are of considerable economic importance in pigs, and less emphasis is on the diagnostic approaches in porcine health in our environment. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of haematology, gross, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and histopathological changes of pneumonia in  pigs. The study was conducted at a municipal abattoir for over  three months. A total of 146 finished pigs were clinically  examined. Blood samples were taken, while the plucks were  examined for lung lesions. Lavage samples and lung sections were taken for BAL and histological examinations. Six breeds were  slaughtered comprising Large White 112 (76.7%), Mixed Breed 15 (10.3%), Duroc 7 (4.8%), Local 6 (4.1%), Hampshire 4 (2.7%), and Large Black 2 (1.4%). Based on sex, 71 (48.6%) were males while, 75 (51.4%) were female. Grossly, there was pneumonia in 92 (63.0%) of the pigs and the mean pulmonary consolidation score was 9.6±1.2. The large white breed had the highest  consolidation score. Also, the right and left caudal lobes had the highest consolidation scores. Clinically, there was mild anaemia and leukocytosis, and BAL fluid cellular differential showed increased lymphocytic and neutrophilic counts in the pigs with pneumonia (p<0.05). Histologically, 91 (62.2%) of samples were normal, bronchointerstitial pneumonia was 31 (21.4%), bronchopneumonia was 18 (12.4%), granulomatous pneumonia was 1 (0.7%), bronchiolitis was 4 (2.7%), and verminous  pneumonia was 1 (0.7%). Bronchointerstitial pneumonia was the most prevalent pattern. Porcine pneumonia is still important in our environment; the roles of different causal agents need to be elucidated for production of vaccines and control in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa.Keywords: Bronchoalveolar lavage, Cytology, Swine,   Pneumonia, Diagnostics

PATHOMORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES AND BACTERIAL PATHOGENS ASSOCIATED WITH SWINE PNEUMONIAS IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

Pneumonia is a major economic threat to swine industry worldwide, however, there is still dearth of information on the pathology and associated pathogens in Nigeria, and these were therefore investigated. Lungs from 408 slaughtered pigs were randomly collected from abattoirs in Abeokuta, Ibadan and Lagos. The lung samples were cultured for bacterial pathogens using standard techniques, while formalin-fixed tissues were processed for histopathological examination. Grossly, the most consistent lesion was bronchopneumonia (35.3%). The main histopathological findings were lymphoid hyperplasia of bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) (88.2%), suppurative bronchopneumonia (63.6%), suppurative bronchitis and bronchiolitis with concurrent epithelial hyperplasia (57.1%), as well as thickened alveolar septa due to cellular infiltration consisting predominantly of neutrophils (54.1%). Ten different species of bacteria were isolated from the lung samples in which two or more pathogens were isolated from each sample (82.7%). Pasteurella multocida was the most frequently isolated bacterium (54.8%). Among the bacteria isolated, there were significant (P < 0.05) differences in the frequencies of isolation of β-haemolytic Streptococci, P. multocida, Haemophilus species and Escherichia coli between the pneumonic lungs and apparently normal lungs. The results of bacterial culture, gross and histopathological changes recorded in this study are consistent with bacterial pneumonia possibly caused by most of the bacteria identified in the present study.   &nbsp

Retrospective studies on the prevalence, morphological pathology and aetiology of renal failure of dog in Lagos and Abeokuta, Nigeria

No AbstractKeywords: postmortem, renal failure, nephritis, pathology, do

Reliability of Some Clinical Parameters for Field Diagnosis of African Animal Trypanosomosis in Cattle

Presumptive and inaccurate diagnosis of cattle trypanosomosis among field veterinarians has led to misuse of trypanocides, development of drug resistance, toxicities and huge economic losses. This study assessed the reliability, specificity and sensitivity of some identified trypanosomosis associated signalments (anaemia using FAMACHA® guide, body condition score (BCS), superficial lymph nodes enlargement and jugular pulsation) as field diagnostic parameters. Blood and faecal samples were collected from 273 subjectively selected cattle for the determination of packed cell volume (PCV) and screening for trypanosome, and for helminth egg using McMaster technique, respectively. Data obtained from assessment of packed cell volume based on BCS, FAMANCHA score, superficial lymph nodes enlargement and jugular pulsation were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi square, while comparison of data using independent student ttest and one-way ANOVA was similarly conducted. Of the screened cattle, 16.5% (45/273) were positive for trypanosome. Single infection due to Trypanosoma spp. was found in 13.5% (37/273) cattle, while 2.9% (8/273) had trypanosome concurrently with Babesia spp. or helminth infections. The prevalence of Trypanosoma infection was higher in animals with mild or moderately pale mucous membrane, slight emaciation, palpable superficial lymph nodes and pulsating jugular vein. The mean PCV of Trypanosoma infected cattle (27.65±0.056) was lower than in non-infected cattle (31.30±0.36) (p<0.05). Based on the jugular pulsation status, enlargement of the superficial lymph nodes, trypanosomosis state and Famancha category, there was no significant (p<0.05) variation in the PCV of the examined cattle. A negative and low correlation (r = -0.054) existed between BCS and FAMACHA® anaemia score. Each of the clinical diagnostic parameters showed poor sensitivity when employed separately, but the sensitivity improved when applied together and showed 80% specificity to Trypanosoma infection. The results of the present study showed that Trypanosoma infected cattle were associated with anaemia, emaciation, weight loss, jugular pulsation and lymphadenophathy. Key Words: Trypanosomosis, Diagnosis, Cattle, Anaemia, Treatmen

INFLUENCE OF SCION LENGTH AND POINT OF ATTACHMENT ON ROOTSTOCK ON SURVIVAL AND GROWTH OF GRAFTED SOURSOP

Soursop ( Annona muricata ) is a multipurpose fruit tree species, which is mostly propagated by seeds, thus producing plants that exhibit various degree of variability. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of scion length and point of attachment on rootstock on survival and growth on grafted Annona muricata. Varying points were marked out on the rootstock from the base of the plant and varying scion lengths (5, 10 and 15 cm) were collected. The modified cleft method of grafting was adopted and this was monitored daily for freshness and appearance of new shoot. At the end of two months, survived grafted plants were removed and arranged under a weaning shed, where they were further monitored for number of leaves, height of graft, diameter of scion and rootstock. Results showed that scion length varied significantly (P<0.05) for all the parameters assessed. The effect of point of attachment on rootstock was also significant on the number of leaves, as well as scion collar diameter. The effect rootstock on graft height and rootstock collar diameter was not significant. The interactive effect of scion and rootstock was significant (P<0.05) for all parameters, except height of graft. For successful graft, survival and growth of grafted A. muricata, 10 - 15 cm long scion should be used and this should be inserted at the upper part (15 cm) of the rootstock.Le corossol (Annona muricata) est une esp\ue8ce d\u2019arbre fruitier \ue0 usages multiples, qui se propage principalement par graines, produisant ainsi des plantes qui pr\ue9sentent divers degr\ue9s de variabilit\ue9. L\u2019objectif de cette \ue9tude \ue9tait d\u2019\ue9valuer l\u2019influence de la longueur du greffon et du point d\u2019attache sur le porte-greffe sur la survie et la croissance d\u2019Annona muricata greff\ue9e. Des points variables ont \ue9t\ue9 marqu\ue9s sur le porte-greffe \ue0 partir de la base de la plante et des scions de diff\ue9rentes longueurs (5, 10 et 15 cm) ont \ue9t\ue9 collect\ue9s. Une m\ue9thode de greffe modifi\ue9e par fente a \ue9t\ue9 adopt\ue9e et celle-ci a \ue9t\ue9 surveill\ue9e quotidiennement pour la fra\ueecheur et l\u2019apparence de la nouvelle pousse. Au bout de deux mois, les plantes greff\ue9es survivantes ont \ue9t\ue9 retir\ue9es et dispos\ue9es sous un hangar de sevrage, o\uf9 elles ont \ue9t\ue9 davantage surveill\ue9es pour le nombre de feuilles, la hauteur de la greffe, le diam\ue8tre du greffon et le porte-greffe. Les r\ue9sultats ont montr\ue9 que la longueur du greffon \ue9tait significative (P<0,05) pour tous les param\ue8tres \ue9valu\ue9s. L\u2019effet du point d\u2019attache sur le porte-greffe \ue9tait \ue9galement significatif sur le nombre de feuilles, ainsi que sur le diam\ue8tre du collet du greffon ; tandis que l\u2019effet du porte-greffe sur la hauteur du greffon et le diam\ue8tre du collet du porte-greffe n\u2019\ue9tait pas significatif. L\u2019effet interactif du greffon et du porte-greffe \ue9tait significatif (P<0,05) pour tous les param\ue8tres, sauf la hauteur du greffon. Pour une greffe r\ue9ussie, la survie et la croissance d\u2019Annona. muricata greff\ue9, un scion de 10 \ue0 15 cm de long doit \ueatre utilis\ue9 et celui-ci doit \ueatre ins\ue9r\ue9 dans la partie sup\ue9rieure (15 cm) du porte-greffe

Changes in mediators of inflammation and pro-thrombosis after 12 months of dietary modification in adults with metabolic syndrome

Objective: This study evaluated the effects of a 12-month dietary modification on indices of inflammation and pro-thrombosis in adults with metabolic syndrome (MS).Materials and methods: This longitudinal study involved 252 adults with MS recruited from the Bodija market, Ibadan and its environs. Participants were placed on 20%, 30% and 50% calories obtained from protein, total fat and carbohydrate respectively and were followed up monthly for 12 months. Anthropometry and blood pressure were measured using standard methods. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1)], interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured using spectrophotometric methods and ELISA as appropriate. Data was analysed using ANCOVA, Student’s t-test, Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant.Results: After 6 months of dietary modification, there was a significant reduction in waist circumference (WC), while the levels of HDL-C, fibrinogen and PAI-1 were significantly increased when compared with the corresponding baseline values. However, WC and fibrinogen reduced significantly, while HDL-C and IL-10 significantly increased after 12 months of dietary modification as compared with the respective baseline values.Conclusion: Long-term regular dietary modification may be beneficial in ameliorating inflammation and pro-thrombosis in metabolic syndrome.Keywords: Dietary modification, fibrinogen, interleukins, metabolic syndrome, plasminogen activator inhibito

Vegetative Propagation of Picralima nitida (Stapf.) by Leafy Stem Cuttings: Influence of Cutting Length, Hormone Concentration and Cutting Positions on Rooting Response of Cuttings

Picralima nitida is a valuable tree species in the humid zone of West and Central Africa whose natural regeneration is threatened by seed dormancy and over exploitation. This study investigated the rooting ability of P. nitida using mature leafy stem cuttings. Two cutting length (6 and 8 cm), cutting positions (apical and basal) and three concentrations (0, 0.1 and 0.2 mg/l) of Indole-butyric acid (IBA) were evaluated using a split-split plot design. The result showed that cutting length of 8 cm significantly influenced percentage of rooted and callused cuttings than cutting length of 6 cm.  Significantly higher number of roots occurred in 8 cm cutting length than 6 cm cutting length. Cutting positions significantly affected percentage of callused cuttings only. Cuttings treated with IBA significantly enhanced rooting percentage, number of leaves and shoot height than untreated cuttings. Interactive effect of cutting positions, cutting length and IBA concentration was significant for only rooting percentage. Mature leafy stem cutting of P. nitida can be propagated asexually using cutting length of 8 cm from any position on the shoot to improve the rooting success.  Stem cuttings of P. nitida should be treated with IBA to enhance the rooting capacity of the specie

Municipal solid waste management practices in inner cities of Osogbo, Osun State and its implications on health

Background: Indiscriminate waste disposal is a common practice in many cities of Sub-Saharan Africa and these unhealthy practices have made the region face severe environmental deterioration and health implications. The objective of this study is to assess the association between waste management practices and self-reported health outcomes among inner city dwellers in Osogbo.Method: The study is a cross sectional study carried out among 351 household heads using a semistructured interviewer administered questionnaire.Results: Majority (78.6%) of respondents had poor practice of waste management although, most showed concern on likely impacts of poor waste management. Most of them (81.8%) demonstrated positive attitude towards waste management and were willing to participate in organized waste management at low cost. Gender (X2 =7.217, P<0.05), income (X 2=12.140, P<0.05), occupation (X 2=29.034, P<0.05) and level of education were significantly associated with their poor waste management practices. Majority (74%) reported at least one ill health condition, practice and attitude were the major variables implicated in various ill health reported by the respondents.Conclusion: Poor waste management practices are strongly associated with ill health. Keywords: Solid Waste, Management, Self-reported health outcomes, Practices

Effects of bovine somatotropin on milk yield, mammary gland weight and histology in West African Dwarf goats

Twenty-four lactating West African Dwarf (WAD) goats were used to study the effects of bovine somatotropin (bST) on total milk yield (TMY), mammary gland weight and histology. The goats were equally assigned into four treatment groups, comprised six does each. The first group (control, T0) received no bST while the other groups received bST (T1, 20 mg; T2, 40 mg; T3, 60 mg) injected at 2-week intervals commencing from the 7th week postpartum for 6 weeks. The does were milked-dry twice daily by 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. respectively for 42 days commencing from the 7th to the 12th week of lactation. The yields were added to determine the daily milk yield (DMY) and the TMY was determined by cumulative daily milk yields for 42 days. At the end of twelfth week, twelve does (three from each treatment) were milked-dry by hand, slaughtered and their udders were excised. Udder weight (UW), Mammary gland weight (MGW) and volume (MGV) were determined. The effects of bST on mammary gland histology were investigated. The analyzed parameters included number of alveoli lobules (ALN), lactating alveoli (LA), regressing alveoli (RA), total alveoli (TA), alveolar corpora amylacea (ACA), interstitial corpora amylacea (ICA), total corpora amylacea (TCA), alveolar ductular diameter (ALD), epithelial luminal diameter (ELD) and epithelial height (EH). TMY was higher in treated goats and significantly (pSe emplearosn 24 cabras West African Dwar (WAD) en lactación para estudiar los efectos de la somatropina bovina (bST) sobre el rendimiento total de leche (TMY) e histología y peso de la glándula mamaria. Las cabras fueron asignadas a cuatro tratamientos en grupos compuestos por 6 hembras. El primer grupo (control To) no recibió bST mientras que los otros grupos si la recibieron (T1, 20 mg; T2 40 mg; T3 60 mg) mediante inyección durante seis semanas, a intervalos de 2 semanas, comenzando a partir de la 7ª semana postparto. Las hembras fueron ordeñadas totalmente 2 veces al dia a las 7:30 a.m. y a las 7.30 p.m. durante 42 días, comenzando desde la 7ª semana de lactación. Los rendimientos fueron sumados para determinar el rendimiento diario de leche (DMY); el TMY fue determinado acumulando los rendimientos diarios de leche durante 42 días. Al final de la semana número 12, doce hembras (3 de cada tratamiento) fueron ordeñadas completamente, a mano, sacrificadas y las ubres disecadas. Se determinó también el peso de la ubre (UW), el peso de la glándula mamaria (MGW) y su volumen (MGV). Los efectos de la bST sobre la histología de la glándula mamarias se estudiaron en relación al número de lóbulos alveolares (ALN), alveolos lactantes (LA), alveolos en regresión (RA), total de alveolos (TA), cuerpos amiláceos alveolares (ACA), cuerpos amiláceos intersticiales (ICA), total de cuerpos amiláceos (TCA), diámetro ductal del alveolo (ALD), diámetro luminal del epitelio (ELD) y la altura del epitelio (EH). El TMY fue mayor en las cabras tratadas y aumentó (