Characterization of Local Chickens in Akwa Ibom State Using Hatch Weights

This study was conducted to determine hatch weights of male and female local chickens in Akwa Ibom State; to evaluate the effects of hatch batch on hatch weights and also characterize local chickens in Akwa Ibom state using hatch weights. A total of 84 local chickens (60 pullets and 24 cocks) used for the experiment were purchased from Uyo, Nsit Atai, Eket and Ikot Ekpene Local Government Areas. Chickens from all localities were assembled on deep litter to generate a broad-based population for random mating. Mating ratio of males and females was maintained at 1:5 to ensure fertilization of eggs. From inception, chickens were fed growers mash (15% CP). Feed was changed to layer’s mash (16.5% CP) when 5% egg production was attained. At 4 months egg production, collection of egg for incubation commenced. Data were collected on hatch weights of male and females chicks. Means and ranges were computed for hatch batches and sexes. Significant means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Mean hatch weights ranged between 22.33±0.75 and 27.03±0.82. Mean hatch weight of 25.99±0.61 for males was significantly higher (P<0.05) than 24.53±0.66 for females. Hatch weights of local chickens in Akwa Ibom State are low. Hatch batches had no effects on hatch weights. Variations observed in hatch weights constitute a valuable genetic resource for breeding programmes and in designing proper conservation strategies. Key Words: Local chickens, hatch weights, characterization, conservation

Haematological Indices in Three Genotypes (Naked Neck, Frizzled Feather, Normal Feathered) of Nigerian Local Chicken

A study was designed to evaluate the haematological parameters and body weights of three genotypes (naked neck, frizzled feather and normal feathered) of Nigerian chicken. Chickens were managed intensively for 2 months before blood samples were collected for analysis. Body weights and 2ml of capillary blood samples were collected from the right side of the neck of each bird into a syringe and collected in a test tube containing EDTA (Ethylene diaminetetra acetic acid) as an anticoagulant. These blood samples were taken to Animal Science Department Laboratory where haematological parameters in the 3 varieties of local chickens were evaluated within 2 days. Haematological parameters evaluated were Packed Cell Volume, Haemoglobin Concentration, Platelets Counts and White Blood Counts. Hematological parameters and body weights were compared between varieties using Multivariate General Linear model of SPSS version 7.0 for ANOVA. Significant means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test. Comparison of cockerels of the 3 varieties revealed that frizzled feather cockerels performed best in Platelets Counts (33.20x109l), Haemoglobin Concentration (9.9g/dl), Packed Cell Volume (29.40%), ranked second in White Blood Counts (4.29 x 109ml) and body weight (1.12kg). Naked neck cockerels had the best mean body weight (1.15kg), White Blood Counts (4.71 x 109ml), ranked second in Platelets Counts (22.90 x 109l), Haemoglobin Concentration (3.82g/dl) and Packed Cell Volume (25.80%). Normal feathered cockerels performed worst in all the haematological parameters and body weight with the values of Packed Cell Volume (28.30%), White Blood Counts (3.20 x 109ml), Platelets Counts (203.60 x 109l), Haemoglobin Concentration (7.74g/dl) and body weight (0.91kg). There were significant differences (P<0.05) in haematological parameters and body weights among the 3 varieties of local chicken cockerels. Comparison of pullets of the 3 varieties revealed that frizzled feather pullets had the best Platelets Counts (30.80 x 109l), White Blood Counts (3.64 x 109ml), ranked third in mean body weight (0.98kg), Haemoglobin Concentration (8.05g/dl) and Packed Cell Volume (25.80%). Naked neck pullets performed best in mean body weight (2.43kg), Packed Cell Volume (29.80%), ranked second in Haemoglobin Concentration (8.91g/dl), third in Platelets Counts (29.00 x 109l) and White Blood Counts (3.51 x 109ml). Normal feathered pullets performed best in Haemoglobin Concentration (9.27g/dl), ranked second in mean body weight (1.01kg), White Blood Counts (3.34 x 109ml), Packed Cell Volume (28.30%) and Platelets Counts (29.20 x 109l). There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in haematological parameters and body weight of pullets in the 3 varieties of local chickens. Best results in haematological parameters were obtained from cockerels of naked neck and frizzled feather varieties. Generally, naked neck and frizzled feather varieties performed better than the normal feathered variety. It is recommended that the naked neck and frizzled feather cockerels be characterized, conserved and crossed with normal feathered pullets to enhance their haemtological profiles and body weights. Keywords: Local Chickens, haematology, body weight, management, genetic improvement

Self-inflicted transparietal intraventricular nail: case report and surgical technique

Background Deliberate self-harm with stone- or hammer-driven nail through the cranium is unusual. The need is stressed for comprehensive radiological evaluation with computed tomography (CT) scan, with or without angiography, and removal through an open cranial procedure under general anaesthesia, rather than extraction through a burrhole under local anesthetic infiltration. Methods We present here a 27-year old male who presented at our Teaching Hospital setting with a self-inflicted hand-driven intracranial nail to the left parietal region. He had a detailed neurological examination, was evaluated pre-operatively with computerised tomography of the brain and underwent an open cranial procedure under general anaesthesia for nail retrieval. Psychiatric unit evaluated and managed him for chronic depression. Results The transparietal, intraventricular 10cm long nail was retrieved and associated abscess evacuated by an open cranial procedure. Pre-operative neurological impairments regressed and his mood stabilized with anti-depressants. He was discharged without further deficits and has remained well for over four years Conclusion Self-inflicted hand-driven intracranial nail is a very rare form of penetrating cranio-cerebral trauma. Preoperative computerised tomography scan of the brain, meticulous open cranial removal under general anaesthesia and psychiatric management enable discharge without further injury or deficits. On the other hand, removal through a burrhole or just pulling out the nail would not allow intraoperative visualisation of associated lesions; the latter also predispose to further vascular and parenchymal brain injuries, worsening neurolological impairments.Key words: Intracranial Nail; Open Cranial Procedure; Psychiatric Evaluation

Condition Index, Meat Yield and Population Structure of the Marine Gastropod, Thais coronata, off Cross River Estuary, Nigeria

Samples of the (rock shell) marine gastropod Thais coronata were obtained at monthly intervals from the Cross River estuary, Nigeria over a five month sampling period (February-June). The condition index, CI% (dry tissue weight expressed as a percentage of shell weight) and population structure showed distinct monthly variation. The values of the condition index was maximum (in May) during the beginning of the rainy season and minimum during the dry months (March). The population structure showed that generally T. coronata in the study area is composed principally of 33.5cm rock shells with distinct peaks or modal mean lengths stable at 33.5cm for February through April with triple peaks in March and April. The monthly variations in meat yield (MY%) and condition index indicate a buildup of somatic and gonodal materials during the months of April and May, followed by rapid decline attributed to the shedding of reproductive material through spawning. A standard specimen of 4cm yields CI = 7.1% and MY = 16.3%. Hence, the population spawns during the rainy season. The pattern of variation of water content seems a reverse of that of dry weight, with a fall in water content accompanied by an increase in dry weight. This might imply that the species absorbs more water after spawning. Results indicate harvest and purchase of T. coronata are best in the month of May in the study area and the waste shells have a high potential in income generation as source of calcium for animal feed production. Key words: seasonal variations, shape, spawning and shore animals

Effects of Some Heavy Metals on Chlorophyll Accumulation in \u3cem\u3eBarbula lambarenensis\u3c/em\u3e

Samples of moss (Barbula lambarenensis) with their substrates collected from Belewu Drive, Oke Odo, Ilorin, were taken to the screen house of the University of Ilorin biological garden to monitor the effects and tolerance of this plant to different heavy metals. The moss samples were divided into eleven regimes, widely separated from one another to avoid contaminations. Ten regimes were differently irrigated with 1000 ppm and 2000 ppm of lead, copper, cadmium, iron and vanadium thrice a week. The eleventh treatment served as the control, and was irrigated with distilled water. It was found that these heavy metals caused some damage to the chloroplasts of this plant as the bright green colours changed light green, yellowish green or brown. The concentrations of the used heavy metals are phytotoxic. In light of this, Barbula lambarenensis can serve as a bio-indicator of heavy metals

Spatial Variation in Physico-Chemical Parameters of Eastern Obolo Estuary, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Aspects of the physicochemical parameters of Eastern Obolo estuary, Eastern Obolo, were investigated for three months at five locations: Okorombokho, Iko, Amadaka, Emereoke and Obianga.  Mean concentrations of some of the measured parameters at the five sampling locations showed significant statistical differences: Nickel (F = 18.48, df 2,8; P<0.001), Potassium (F = 4.47, df 2,8; P<0.05), Total dissolved solids (F = 32.26, df 4,8; P<0.001), pH (F = 21.55, df 4,9; P<0.001), Salinity (F = 73.15; df 4,8; P<0.001), Dissolved Oxygen (F = 5.06, df 2,8; P<0.05), Temperature (F = 10.96, df 2.8; P<0.01), and Conductivity (F = 71.94, df 4,8; P<0.01).  Mean differences of other parameters were not statistically significant.  The variability of the concentrations of the parameters during the period of study was lowest for dissolved oxygen (2.2%) and highest for hardness (68.4%).  The availability of nickel in these waters indicated crude oil pollution. The mean values of nickel, potassium, total dissolved solids, sodium, copper, zinc, total hydrocarbons and biochemical oxygen demand from all stations exceeded the recommended limits for aquatic life or potable water. Hence, the Eastern Obolo estuary may not be an efficient source of drinking water for the community but it definitely helps flush out anthropogenic pollutants into the sea. Keywords: estuarine flushing, nickel, potassium, total dissolved solids, sodium, copper, zinc, total hydrocarbon

Freshwater Fish Diversity of a Tropical Rainforest River in Southeast Nigeria

Fish samples were collected at three stations twice per month from January to December 2013 with the help of local fishers using hook and line, gill net, cast net, bagnet and local traps for ecological studies of important fish species and resource management issues of Oramiri-Ukwa River, southeast Nigeria. An estimate of 25 fish species, 15 genera, 21 families and six orders were obtained. Ecological indices indicate a polydiverse community and no single species exhibited true dominance (? 50%). Paired group cluster analysis establishes Tilapia zilli and Hemichromis fasciatus as the focal species and identifies the associated species combinations that characterize spatial variability and account for the biodiversity resources and structure of the artisanal fishery. Other important species include Tilapia mariae>Synodontis nigrita while Polypterus senegalus>Parachanna africana and Shilbe mystus were the least in number. Monospecific and rare fish species of ecological and conservation significance identified include Ctenopoma kingsleyae, Clarias gariepinus as well as Erpetoichthys calabaricus and Pantodon buchholzi derived from interconnections with other African rivers. This study presents lower fish diversity compared to earlier reports. This difference may be linked to increased human activities and fluctuating biotic and abiotic factors of the ecosystem, among others. Keywords: Abundance, biodiversity, conservation, rare specie

Households’ Decision to Participate in Cooperative Organizations: Evidence from Farmers in Akwa Ibom State, Southern Nigeria

Farmer organizations are effective mechanisms for increasing agricultural production, income and reducing poverty. Regrettably, farmers have not taken advantage of the lofty benefits accruable to those who voluntarily join these organizations. The study estimated the factors influencing household’s decision to participate in cooperative organizations and also tested the level of agreement among identified constraints linked with participation. Multistage sampling procedure was employed to select 120 farmers for the study. Primary data were obtained using questionnaires. Data were analyzed using Probit model and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance. Results of analyses revealed that the mean age, years of educational attainment household size and years of farming experience were 32, 15, 5 and 7 respectively. Result of probit analysis further indicate that age of the farmer, farm income, household size, participation in meeting, major decision maker, distance of farm to the nearest road and farmers social status were the most critical factors influencing household’s decision to participate in cooperative organizations. Result of Kendall’s coefficient of concordance revealed that there was 0.42 (moderate agreement) between the ranking of constraints associated with farmers' participation in cooperative organizations. Furthermore, findings showed that the top five factors limiting households’ decision to participate in cooperative organizations were inadequate capital accumulation, high embezzlement of funds, poor leadership, recurring internal crises and lack of initiative. Policies to provide good and accessible roads, increase farmers incomes and encourage youths are rational options that will enhance effective participation in cooperative organizations

KNOWLEDGE AND ADOPTION OF PRECISION AGRICULTURE AMONG OIL PALM SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Precision Agriculture (PA) deals with the fine-tuned management of crop inputs including seeds, fertilizers, water, pesticides and energy inorder to create savings on these inputs, increase yield, augment profitability and protect the environment. This study was carried out with the aim of knowing the level of awareness of precision agriculture and the various factors affecting the adoption of precision agriculture by oil palm smallholder farmers in Essien Udim rural communities. Eighty respondents were interviewed. The data was analyzed using descriptive analysis such as frequency, percentage, mean and likert scale. The outcome of the study showed that most of the farmers were aware of precision agriculture because most of them had formal education. This means that the level of education of oil palm smallholder farmers could result to a high rate of agricultural technology adoption. On the constraints to the adoption of precision agriculture, the study revealed that lack of capital, information, facilities and low technical knowhow were the major constraints identified by the farmers. Since capital, information, facilities and technical knowhow were the major constraints, the availability of capital and agricultural information devices such as radio and mobile phones would help farmers to make informed decisions about what crops to sow or transplant and where to purchase affordable crop inputs and the market to sell their produce

Processing Speed Mediates Visual Attention in Patients With Remitted Major Depression

Information processing and attention in psychiatric patients have received limited research interests among neuroscientists. This has further limited clinical interventions in neuropsychological areas of psychiatric disorders. The present study was on processing speed and visual attention in patients with remitted major depression (RMD). Forty two participants were recruited for the study. Twenty one (21) of them were patients with RMD while the other 21 were healthy controls (HC). Four instruments were used to assess processing speed (TMT A and TMT B)  and visual attention (Letter Cancellation TaskS (LCT): Coloured and black-white), while the between group quasi experimental design was used. The findings of the study showed significant differences between RMD and HC on time taken to complete TMT A: F(1,35)=11.01, TMT B: F(1,35)15.50; LCT (coloured) F(1,35)=19.04, LCT (Black-white) F1(1,35)=29.65 at p<0.05 level of testing. Similarly the path model analysis showed that TMT B mediates significantly TMT A (overall processing speed) on time taken to complete LCT (Colored): B=0.62, and LCT (Black and White): B=0.77. The discussion of the study centered on the roles of the ability to shift the task in visual attention search and likely tendency that visual search has common neural circuitry pathway with ability to shift task.