Descriptive characterization of a Nigerian heterogeneous rabbit population - factors affecting litter traits

[EN] This study evaluated the effect of female body weight at conception (FWC), season of mating (SM), type of mating (TM) and litter size at birth (LSB) on the litter performance in a heterogeneous Nigerian population of rabbits. Data on 116 litters from 10 bucks and 48 does across three parities were analysed. Reproductive traits evaluated included LSB, number born alive (NBA), litter sizes and weights at 7, 14 and 21 d post-kindling, pre-weaning survival rate (SR) and daily weight gain of kits from kindling to weaning (DWG). A fi xed linear model that included FWC (light and heavy does), TM (homospermic and heterospermic matings), LSB classes (low, medium and large) and SM (rainy or dry) was used. Results showed that heavier does at concenption showed higher performance for LSB and NBA (P<0.05) than lighter does. Average weight of kits at kindling and at 28 d, as well as kit SR and DWG, were signifi cantly higher in low-sized litters, when compared with intermediate- and large-sized litters (P<0.05). LSB, NBA and litter size at weaning were higher in litters produced by heterospermically mated does compared with homospermically mated does. Season of mating affected LSB and NBA (P<0.05), being signifi cantly larger the litters in the rainy season.The authors gratefully acknowledge the International Foundation for Science (IFS) of Sweden for its financial support (through grant B3871-1). The efforts and assistance of Jimi Talabi and Nike Olabode in data collection are appreciated.Oseni, S.; Ajayi, B. (2010). Descriptive characterization of a Nigerian heterogeneous rabbit population - factors affecting litter traits. World Rabbit Science. 18(2). doi:10.4995/WRS.2010.18.1418

Silver Sulphadiazine- xanthan gum- hyaluronic Acid Composite Hydrogel for Wound Healing: Formulation Development and in vivo Evaluation

Background: Development and modifications of hybrid hydrogels have been done to improve biological properties or to decrease the disadvantages of biomaterials.Objectives: The efficacy of hyaluronic acid in combination with silver sulphadiazine in wound healing was investigated. The retaining properties of xanthan gum to aid re- epithelialization was also explored.Materials and Method: Four hybrid hydrogels comprising of different concentrations of xanthan gum, eugenol and antimicrobial agents – hyaluronic acid and silver sulphadiazine were formulated. The physicochemical properties of the gels were assessed, and the antimicrobial effectiveness of the different hydrogel were determined using the extent of wound closure as an index.Results: The hydrogel samples had approximately 90% moisture content with rate of evaporation between 26- 32% for a 5 h period at 37oC. The pH of all formulations was between 7.59 - 8.05 considering that the formulation would be applied to underlying tissues of the skin. The swelling index after a 12 h period in distilled water was 10% for HX 1, 27% for HX 2, 29% for HX 3 and 30% for HX 4. There was no new peak observed in the FTIR analysis to indicate formation of new bonds.Conclusion: Incorporation of silver sulphadiazine at 0.1% and hyaluronic acid at 1.5% in the formulation yielded the best results with regards to least presence of inflammatory cell infiltrates and excellent wound closure at 14 days compared to the control and other formulations. Further investigation may be required for clinical use as an effective wound dressing material. Keywords: Silver sulphadiazine, Xanthan gum, Hyaluronic acid, Hydrogels, Wound healing

Mammalian and reptilian species expected and observed in roadside wildlife markets of southwest Nigeria and the implications for conservation

Wildlife provides both consumptive and non-consumptive utilities to human beings around the world. Under wild animal utilization as food and medicine, some wildlife species have been overharvested. Coupled with environmental degradation affecting wildlife species in their habitats, the need to evaluate wildlife populations in Southwest Nigeria is therefore essential. Twenty-three wildlife markets along five highways in Southwest Nigeria were surveyed for two years to determine the pattern of mammalian and reptilian species occurrence; wild animal species assessed were freshly dead and roasted ones. The species named by literatures were tagged Expected while those found in the sales points were referred to as Observed. The names of species found were matched with literatures that established them. Indirect method of species of identification was questionnaire use among stakeholders of wildlife marketing (hunters, traders and farmers) selected through Systematic Random Sampling (Odd Method). This approach firstly identified the wildlife species being sold in the markets and their vernacular (Yoruba) names. These names were linked with literatures that confirmed their scientific names. Results revealed that twelve mammalian and three reptilian species were absent in all road markets. Implication of results is that mammals and reptiles which were absent in all market Roads are those whose populations have reduced in the wild. Recommendations for Government sensitisation on animals absent in the Sales Points about hunting pressure reduction through print and electronic media were first made. Conservation education among forest exploitation professionals, campaign against forest degradation and establishment of more forest reserves and National parks by Nigerian Government were made too

SMALLHOLDER RABBIT PRODUCTION IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA: CURRENT STATUS, EMERGING ISSUES AND WAYS FORWARD

The preponderant nature of smallholder rabbit production units and their contributions to food security are cardinal reasons to design a clientele-based approach to Research and Development (R&D) for such units. An assessment of critical factors affecting such units will help to design appropriate intervention measures to boost and enhance their contributions to food security. This study examined the current trends in small- and ultra-smallholder rabbit units in southwestern Nigeria with emphasis on current constraints, prospects, benefits and challenges. The methodology combined questionnaire surveys with on-farm monitoring and recording of data in relation to socio-economic characteristics of rabbit keepers, features and attributes of such units, reproductive management, annual doe productivity and economics and marketing outlets. Results showed that a combination of ultra-small- (units with at most two breeding does) and smallholder units (>two breeding does and less than 10) constitute 80% of all the rabbit farmers, while medium (>10 and less than or equal to 50 does) and large scale (>50 does) had frequencies of 15 and 5%, respectively. The rabbit farmers cut across all ages and professions, including retirees. The primary reason for keeping rabbits was for home consumption, with occasional sale of exceeding stocks, while the sale avenue involved direct sale of live animals to consumers or other farmers. Majority of the rabbit keepers (57%) indicated that all members of the family were involved in animal care and management. Breeds used were invariably crosses among imported commercial meat type rabbits (mainly New Zealand White, Californian and Chinchilla). There was no reliable and steady supply of breeding stocks anywhere. Instead, foundation and replacement stocks were mostly acquired from friends and other smallholder farms. With respect to animal housing, there were no prototypes for the backyard units since 50% of the rabbit farmers used assorted materials (wood, wire mesh, tires, etc) for the construction of rabbit cages and the designs varied widely. Cages were mostly (67%) single-tiered and placed outside the house. Mating of does follows a seasonal pattern, due to seasonal heat stress. About 70% of the farmers noted that doe receptivity and conception rates were markedly low during the dry season. Principal constraints facing the units include getting reliable and stable sources for foundation/replacement stocks, feeds, theft, access to information on rabbit management under smallholder units, etc. Detaile

Factors affecting medication adherence in patients with hypertension attending a tertiary hospital in southern Nigeria

Introduction: Hypertension is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally. Blood pressure control is poor among patients with hypertension due to poor health-seeking behaviour, poor medication adherence, financial burden etc. This study aimed to determine the factors affecting medication adherence in patients with hypertension attending Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria. Its findings will improve blood pressure control among hypertensives and reduce the attendant overall morbidity and mortality.Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional, hospital-based study that was conducted in the Family Medicine clinic of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria. A total of 192 adult patients with hypertension were consecutively recruited. Data was collected using the open data kit with a semi-structured, interviewer-based questionnaire. Analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21.Results: In this study, out of 192 respondents, 105 (54.7%) were males, 151 (78.7%) were married, 117 (60.9%) had secondary school education, 122 (63.5%) were non-NHIS (National Health Insurance Scheme) enrolees and 93 (48.4%) had uncontrolled blood pressure at presentation. The mean age of the respondents was 51±12 years. There was an association between medication adherence and female sex, being married, high monthly income, NHIS enrolees, and clinic appointment keeping. There was also association between blood pressure control and reduction in salt intake. Conclusion: Ensuring good financial status, with enrolment in health insurance scheme as well as advocating for regular clinic appointment will go a long way in achieving good blood pressure control and reducing related morbidity and mortality