Age-related changes in the testicular and epididymal sperm parameters in the African greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus, temminck, 1827)

This study investigated age-related changes in the testicular and epididymal sperm characteristics and spermiogram profiles in fifteen African greater cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus) of different age-groups; pubertal: 5 – 11 months, adult: 12 – 30 months and aged: > 30 months, obtained from commercial cane rat farm, Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria. Following a ventral abdominal incision of anaesthetisized cane rats, testes and epididymides were exteriorized for the determination of spermatozoa morphology, motility, concentration, live-dead ratio and morphometry. Spermatozoa head from pubertal cane rat onwards were ovoid in shape and lack visible acrosomal hook. From pubertal to aged cane rat, percentage abnormal sperm cell was not significantly different (p>0.05). Sperm morphometric parameters (sperm length and width or diameter, midpiece length, tail length and complete spermatozoa length) were not significantly (p>0.05) different with age. There was consistent remarkable increased epididymal sperm motility in the adult cane rat relative to other groups. Testicular and epididymal sperm counts were markedly elevated in the adult relative to other age groups. However, both the testicular and epididymal spermatozoa live-dead ratio were not significantly different (p>0.05) from pubertal to aged cane rat. This study has demonstrated that sperm motility and concentration were remarkably elevated in adult cane rat. Therefore, cane rat breeders are advised to utilize adult rat in breeding.Keywords: Sperm characteristics, Spermiogram, Testis, Epididymis, Cane rat, Thryonomys swinderianu

Gross anatomical features and osteometric variables of the scapula of the african tree squirrel (Funisciurus anerythrus), house (Rattus Rattus) and wistar rats

This study comparatively investigated gross features and osteometric variables in scapula of three rodents: tree squirrel (Funisciurus anerythrus ),  house (Rattus Rattus ) and Wistar rats. A total of thirty three animals (11 per rodent species) were used for the study. The rodents were  anaesthetized using ketamine and xylazine combination (80 mg/kg: 10 mg/kg body weight), sacrificed and processed for scapular bone extraction by burying method. Grossly, the scapular bones are flattened in all the rodents and have various shapes; semicircular in squirrel and roughly  triangular in both Rattus rattus and Wistar rats. The scapula of the squirrel bears a hook-like acromion process and a distinct subscapular spine. Osteometric variables; scapular width and length of scapular neck are significantly reduced (p<0.05) in the squirrel relative to other rodents. While the length of glenoid and diameter of infra spinatous fossa in Rattus rattus as well as the scapular spine length in squirrel respectively show marked increase when compared to other rodents. Keywords: Funisciurus anerythrus, Rattus rattus , Wistar, scapula, morphology, osteometry, comparativ

Histopathological changes in the gill and liver of Clarias gariepinus exposed to acute concentrations of Vernonia amygdalina

Vernonia amygdalina is a tropical African woody shrub with diverse phytochemical constituents recently linked with insecticidal properties that could replace the harmful agrochemical pesticide usage around aquatic environment. This study investigates the histopathological changes in the liver and gills of Clarias gariepinus exposed to acute toxic concentrations of V. amygdalina. C. gariepinus juveniles of varied weight (7.28 ± 0.03 g) and length (4.82 ± 0.06 cm) were exposed to graded aqueous concentrations (0.188, 0.375, 0.75, 1.50 and 3.00 g/l) of V. amygdalina. The varied concentrations of V. amygdalina precipitated varied dose-dependent histopathological distortions in the hepatic (central venous congestion and hepatocellular degeneration) and gill parenchyma (lamellar hyperplasia, clubbing and occluded inter-lamellar space) of exposed C. gariepinus. The liver (hepatocyte nuclear diameter and surface area) and gill (secondary lamellar length, width, interlamellar distance and surface area) morphometrics were strikingly altered varied concentrations of V. amygdalina. V. amygdalina seems to be toxic to fish and therefore has to be cautiously applied when used as insecticides to control unwanted organisms around the fish habitats.Keywords: Vernonia amygdalina, Clarias gariepinus, Histopathology, Liver, Gil

Bilaterally symmetrical foramina on the parietal bone of the bovine skull: a case report

Different bovine skull developmental defects have been reported with variable frequency of occurrence. We hereby report a bilaterally symmetrical parietal foramina in a processed skull meant for osteological practical at the Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Jos, Nigeria. The depths of each of the foramina were 4.3 cm, while the diameters were 1 cm. This appears to be the first report of such foramina in the skull of bovine in North Central Nigeria.Keywords: Bovine skull, Foramina, Parietal bone, Developmental defect

Bilaterally symmetrical foramina on the parietal bone of the bovine skull: a case report

Different bovine skull developmental defects have been reported with variable frequency of occurrence. We hereby report a bilaterally symmetrical parietal foramina in a processed skull meant for osteological practical at the Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Jos, Nigeria. The depths of each of the foramina were 4.3 cm, while the diameters were 1 cm. This appears to be the first report of such foramina in the skull of bovine in North Central Nigeria.Keywords: Bovine skull, Foramina, Parietal bone, Developmental defect

Histogenesis of the stomach of helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris)

The histogenesis of the stomach (proventriculus and ventriculus) of helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) was studied using light microscopy and histochemical techniques. Fifteen (15) embryos were utilized for this study. The result showed that at 10th and 13th days of embryonic development, the primordial proventriculus and ventriculus were lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium surrounded by mesenchyme connective tissue. At 19th day of embryonic development, the epithelium of the proventriculus and ventriculus as well as the proventricular glands was lined by simple cuboidal epithelium. Tunics; tunica muscularis and serosa were evident at this stage. At 23rd day of embryonic development, tubular glands of the ventriculus became canalized. The 27th day of embryonic develoment of the primordial proventriculus showed an organized glandular lobules, central cavity and prominent muscle layer while the ventriculus showed the presence of cuticle, simple tubular glands, loose connective tissues of the lamina propria and muscle layer. This study has shown that primordial stomach appeared to be completly differentiated to definitive stomach by the 27th day with the potential of commencing functional role.Keywords: Embryo, Proventriculus, Ventriculus, Guinea fowl, Numida meleagri