The morphology and morphometry of the epididymis in the greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus Temmincks)

The structure and morphometry of the epididymis in the greater cane rat were studied in this work. In assessing the morphology and characterising the morphometric values, a total of 15 adult male greater cane rats, bred and raised in captivity, were used. All the animals had brownish perineal staining, which was taken as index of sexual maturity in male cane rats, and they were maintained on elephant grass stems with water given ad libitum. From this work, the epididymis of the greater cane rat was observed to have a mean weight of 0.0365 ± 0.091 g, forming about 0.016% of the total body weight and an average volume of 0.36 ± 0.08 mL. There was a positive correlation between the epididymal weights, testicular weight, and the body weight in this animal. However, the gross divisions of the epididymis into head, body, and tail were not conspicuous in the cane rat; instead it had two divisions — the cranial and the caudal divisions. In addition, based on the histological and histomorphometric analyses, five zones were observed in the epididymal epithelium of this animal. This preliminary information on the epididymis will serve as a basis for further research on the epididymis of the greater cane rat and will contribute to the knowledge of the its reproductive biology, which will subsequently aid in the captive rearing and domestication of this animal. (Folia Morphol 2010; 69, 4: 246-252

Testicular histo-morphometry and semen parameters of West African Dwarf bucks

This study evaluates the gross and histo-morphometry of the testes as well as the semen parameters of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats bred and raised in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Five apparently healthy WAD bucks were used for this study were electro-ejaculated once weekly for two weeks. Testicular weight, gonadosomatic index, seminiferous tubular diameter and seminiferous epithelial height were measured using standard techniques. Semen parameters which included volume, colour, motility and concentration as well as scrotal circumference were also determined using standard procedures. All data were recorded as mean ± standard deviation, subjected to descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation analysis at p < 0.05. Our findings revealed that the testicular gross morphometric values significantly correlate with the histometric values with normal testicular histo-architecture suggestive of typical spermatogenesis. Furthermore, the scrotal circumference showed positive relationship with both the gross and histometric parameters of the testis. However, there was no significant correlation between scrotal circumference and semen parameters. This information could improve understanding of reproduction in the WAD buck.Keywords: Semen evaluation, Spermatogenesis, Testicular morphometry, Reproduction, WAD goa

Effect of season on reproduction in west African Dwarf Bucks

This study was conducted to determine effects of season on some reproductive parameters of WAD bucks. Nine apparently healthy WAD bucks, aged between 18 and 24 months and weighing 8-15 Kg, were used to evaluate the effect of seasonal variations on Live-Weight (LW), Rectal Temperature (RT) and Scrotal Circumference (SC) between January and December, 2013. Semen was collected monthly by electro-ejaculation method and evaluated for spermiogram using standard techniques. Results were compared between and within groups using analysis of variance for repeated measures. Values are significant at p ˂ 0.05. Seasonal variation significantly (p ˂ 0.05) affected RT and SC except total sperm morphological abnormalities. Means for the total sperm morphological abnormalities were 7.42 ± 3.21% (late dry), 3.42 ± 0.36% (early rainy), 6.33 ± 0.33% (late rainy) and 7.25 ± 1.18% (early dry). The total morphologically abnormal spermatozoa reported for the seasonal study was 6.10%. It was thus concluded that seasons does not have significant effect on the spermiogram of WAD buck, however, they appeared to be most fertile during the early and late rainy seasons and least potentially fertile during early and late dry seasons.Keywords: Spermiogram, Season, Buck, Rectal temperature, Reproductio

The structure of the penis with the associated baculum in the male greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus)

In this study, the structures of penises of eight sexually mature male greater cane rats were examined at both macroscopic and histological levels. Each animal was sacrificed after anaesthesia with ether and then dissected open with the penis exposed from its root. The penises were first grossly examined, measured, and then prepared for histological examination. From this study it was observed that the body size has no allometry with penile size, but the testicular weight correlated with Os penis length in the greater cane rat. Grossly, the penis which was whitish in colour, with a mean length of 5.46 ± 0.36 cm, has no obvious collum penis but a flexura that turns it caudo-ventral and separates the corpus and glans penis. There was the presence of cornified papillae covering parts of the corpus and glans penis as well as a blind sac sacculus urethralis under the urethra on the glans penis. Histologically, the corpora cavernosa penis were completely separated by a connective tissue septum which sent the trabeculae network into the cavernous tissues and replaced the caverns as it moves from corpus to glans penis. The Os penis formed through endochondral ossification after 42 months of age in this animal. Therefore, from a histological standpoint, the cane rat penis belongs to the intermediate type. In conclusion, these findings provide vital information on the penile anatomy of the greater cane rat, which will serve as a basis for comparing penile morphology among the suborder hystricomorpha and expand knowledge of the reproductive biology in this animal. (Folia Morphol 2011; 70, 3: 197–203

Assessment of mango and carrot juices as West African Dwarf ram semen extender at room temperature

Quality and affordable semen extenders are essential for successful artificial insemination. Extenders from natural sources have been found to be effective and affordable. Using two matured West African Dwarf rams (18.67±1.45kg), the effectiveness of graded mixtures of mango and carrot juices (100% Mango (M), 100% Carrot (C) 90%M10%C, 70%M30%C, 50%M50%C, 30%M70%C and 10%M90%C), and conventional egg yolk citrate (EYC) as ram semen extender was studied. Each diluent was constituted in five aliquots using standard methods and pH determined electronically. Semen collection in three trials using electro-ejaculator method was followed by evaluation for colour, volume, pre-extended sperm motility, concentration, percentage liveability and morphological normality. Thereafter, semen were extended with different diluents by adding 0.2ml of semen to 7.5ml of diluents. Immediately, hourly evaluation for sperm motility from zero to eight hours then twenty-four hours post-extension was done. Diluents revealed in the study as the most effective semen extender were subjected to proximate analyses. The pH of the diluents ranged from 4.56±0.11 (70%M30%C) to 6.40± 0.14 (90%C10%M). The mean ejaculate volume was 0.8±0.00ml while colour observed was creamy. The pre-extended mean spermatozoa motility, morphological abnormality, percentage liveability and concentration were 94.5±4.5%, 7.0±2.83%, 88.75±2.5% and 0.3×109 sperm cell/ml respectively. Spermatozoa motility declined progressively in all the diluents from 0-24hours post-extension. The decline was observed to be significantly rapid (p≤0.05) in 100%Carrot diluent from 94±2.4% at zero hour to 0% at three hours post extension. Only diluents 90%M10%C, 100%M and Egg Yolk Citrate provided sperm motility score of 30% and above at eight hours post extension. Proximate analyses of 90%M10%C and 100%M revealed presence of essential minerals which are found to be naturally occurring in ram ejaculate. The work established that mixture of mango and carrot (90%M10%C) and 100% mango juices could be used as a suitable semen extender in preserving West African Ram semen at room temperature

Spermiogram and testicular morphological studies of the buck after treatment with ethanol leaf extract of Spondias mombin

Twelve sexually matured West African Dwarf bucks from were used for the experiment. Plant extraction was by cold extraction method using hexane and ethanol as solvents. All the goats had bilaterally well descended free testicles. They were kept in standard goat pen, were served water ad libitum, centrosema plant and ration. They were stabilised for two weeks after which pre-treatment spermiogram was done followed by 14 days of oral administration of 800mg/kg ethanol leaf extract of Spondias mombin. Spermiogram was repeated after treatment. Two randomly selected goats were then castrated through a midline pre-scrotal incision for morphological study and histology of the testes and epididymides. Total spermatozoa morphological abnormalities in pre-treatment of 17.1% was significantly (p≤0.05) higher than the 10% recorded for post-treatment. Curved mid-piece (1.8%) and bent tail (1.8%) constituted the highest abnormalities post-treatment while curved tail (3.5%) was highest pre-treatment. Mean values of progressive motility and percentage liveability were significantly higher (p≤0.05) in post- treatment (96.17±3.10% and 98.25±1.36% respectively) compared to pre-treatment (80.83±11.84% and 78.75±9.56% respectively). Post-treatment sperm concentration (2.50±0.32 x109 cells/ml) compared with pre-treatment (2.32±0.36 x109 cells/ml) was not significantly different. Post-treatment gross and histological features of the bucks’ testes and epididymis were normal. The work revealed that Spondias mombin at 800mg/kgBW improved semen quality in bucks indicating its usefulness as a potential profertility agent.Keywords: Buck, Morphological, Spondias mombin, Spermiogram, Testicula

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

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in two TLR genes and their effects on trypanosomosis traits in muturu and White Fulani cattle challenged with Trypanosoma vivax in Nigeria

Trypanosomosis is a parasitic infection of man and animals caused by Trypanosoma spp. which occurs throughout the tropical regions especially in sub-Saharan Africa and the disease is a major constraint in cattle production. Toll-like receptors genes are crucial in triggering an innate immune response against pathogens. The study investigated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in two toll-like receptors (TLR) 1 and 2 genes in Muturu and White Fulani cattle challenged with Trypanosoma vivax to determine their association with indices of trypanotolerance in these cattle breeds. Thirteen yearling Muturu and White Fulani bulls were used for this study. Four animals of each breed were intravenously inoculated with 2 x 106 trypanosome organisms per millilitre, while five animals served as uninfected control group. Data on haematological indices were collected twice weekly before and after Trypanosoma vivax inoculation for six weeks. A total of 16 SNPs were detected in the two TLR genes, out of which 7 were detected in TLR1 and nine in TLR2. Of the SNPs  detected, 43.75% (n = 7) were transition and 56.25% (n = 9) were transversion. The trypanosomosis traits that were mostly associated with the TLR SNPs were WBC and PCV. The study concluded that 12TLR-SNPs in Muturu and White Fulani cattle were associated with WBC, 7 with PCV, 3 with RBC, 2 with eosinophil and none with monocyte. The significant relationships between TLR-SNPs and trypanosomosis traits if genotyped could provide important information that can be used in the control of the disease.Keywords: Toll-like receptors, single nucleotide polymorphisms, trypanosomosis, cattle  Polymorphismes mononucleotidiques dans deux genes de TLR et leurs effets sur les traits de trypanosomose chez des bovins Muturu et Fulani blanc  exposes au trypanosoma vivax au NigeriaLa trypanosomose est une infection parasitaire de l’homme et des animaux causée par Trypanosoma spp., qui est présente dans toutes les régions   tropicales, en particulier en Afrique subsaharienne, et la maladie est une contrainte majeure à la production bovine. Les gènes des récepteurs de type Toll (récepteurs TLR) sont cruciaux pour déclencher une réponse immunitaire innée contre les pathogènes. L’étude a examinéles polymorphismes  mononucléotidiques (SNP) de deux gènes des récepteurs TLR 1 et 2 chez des bovins Muturu et Fulani blancs infectés avec  Trypanosoma vivax en vue de déterminer leur association avec les  indices de trypanotolérance chez ces races de bovins. Treize jeunes Muturu et Fulani blanc âgés d’un an ont été utilisés pour cette étude. Quatre animaux de chaque race ont été inoculés par voie intraveineuseavec 2 x 106 organismes trypanosomes par millilitre, tandis que cinq animaux ont servi de groupe témoin non infecté. Les données sur les indices hématologiques ont été recueillies deux fois par semaine avant et  après l’inoculation avec  Trypanosoma vivax pendant six semaines. Un total de 16 SNP ont été détectés dans les deux gènes TLR, dont 7 détectés dans TLR1 et neuf dans TLR2. Parmi les SNP détectés, 43,75% (n = 7)étaient des transitions et 56,25% (n = 9) des transversions. Les traits de trypanosomose principalement associés aux SNP TLR étaient le WBC et le PCV. L’étude a conclu que 12 TLR-SNP chez les bovins Muturu et  Fulani blanc étaient associés aux WBC, 7 au PCV, 3 au RBC, 2 aux  éosinophiles et aucun aux monocytes. Les relations significatives entre les TLR-SNP et les traits de trypanosomose - s’ils sont génotypés - pourraient fournir des informations importantes susceptibles d’être utilisées dans le contrôle de la maladie.Mots-clés : récepteurs TLR, polymorphismes mononu-cléotidiques, trypanosomose, bovin