Effect of a velogenic newcastle disease virus on body and organ weights of vaccinated Shika brown cocks

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) produces both gross and histopathologic changes in tissues and organs of infected birds. These lesions may cause increase or decrease in organ sizes especially lymphoid organs leading to immune suppression. Therefore, the effect of a velogenic NDV on the body and organ weights of vaccinated Shika brown (SB) cocks was studied. Forty SB cocks consisting of twenty control and twenty infected cocks were slaughtered at the age of thirty-two weeks after infection with a velogenic NDV. They were weighed before being sacrificed and their internal organs (liver, spleen, thymus, heart, bursa of Fabricius, brain and adrenal glands) were removed and weighed. Sections of these organs were taken and stored in Bouin’s solution for 24 h and lat er sent for histology. The liver, spleen, thymus, heart and adrenal glands of the infected red SB cocks were heavier than those of the control red and white Shika brown cocks and infected white SB cocks. The weight of the spleen and brain of both the control and infected red and white cocks did not vary significantly (P>0.05). The infected red cocks had heavier adrenal glands, heart and liver weight than the control red and infected white cocks. The spleen and brain body weight ratio was similar for both control and infected red and white cocks. The control white cocks had the least thymus body weight ratio. The control white cocks had a higher bursa body weight ratio than the infected red and white cocks and the control red cocks. Only one infected white cock showed perivascular infiltration of lymphocytes and foci of glial cells. The increase in organ weights was seen mostly in the infected red cocks. It is recommended that chickens be routinely vaccinated against Newcastle disease to prevent atrophy of the bursa of Fabricius

Effect of graded levels and sources of protein on scrotal circumference and semen profile of Yankasa rams

The effect of graded levels and sources of protein on scrotal circumference and semen profile in Yankasa rams were investigated in a 96 day study. Twenty Yankasa rams aged 18-24months and weighing 21-30 kg with clinically normal genitalia were divided into 4 groups (A, B, C and D) of 5 rams each. All animals were fed Digitaria hay as a basal diet ad libitum and supplemented with the formulated ration at 2% of their respective live-weights. Iso caloric rations (10.50 MJ/kg DM ME) were formulated using non-conventional protein source (maize offal and dry layer litter) to contain 12.11% CP, 14.96% CP, and 17.94% CP and fed to groups A, B and C respectively. Another ration was formulated using conventional protein source (maize, wheat bran, groundnut cake, bone meal, vitamin premix and salt) to contain 12.26% CP and fed to group D (control group). Semen was collected every two weeks with the aid of a battery powered electroejaculator and then evaluated. Rams on 12.11% CP had significantly higher scrotal circumference than those on 17.11% C. and control. Significantly higher (P<0.05) semen volume was recorded for group B when compared with control group, but other groups showed no significant difference in volume of semen (P>0.05). Rams fed 14.96% CP diet had significantly higher semen concentration when compared with rams on 17.94% CP and control (P<0.01). Percentage gross motility, sperm morphology, sperm output and sperm viability were not influenced by level and source of protein (P>0.05). Thus, it is evident from this study that dry layer litter and maize offal compete favorably with conventional protein sources in improving scrotal circumference and semen concentration of Yankasa rams.Keywords: Dry layer litter, protein, rams, semen, scrotal circumference

Testicular morphometry and sperm reserves of local turkey toms fed varying levels of protein in the diet

The morphometry and sperm reserves of the testis, epididymis and vas deferens of three groups (n=5/ group) of sexually active adult local turkey toms fed isocaloric diet with varying levels (12 %, 16 %, 20 %) of protein were studied for sixteen weeks. The weights of the toms before treatment were between 3.5 – 4.5 kg, while at the end of the experiment the mean ± SD live weight were 5.29 ± 0.65, 5.39 ± 0.45 and 5.63 ± 0.49 kg for groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The mean ± SD weights of the paired tunics, testis, epididymis and vas deferens, respectively, were 0.41 ± 0.11 g, 8.27 ± 2.37 g, 0.28 ± 0. 07 g and 0.36 ± 0.11 g (group 1): 0.43 ± 0.02 g, 8.50 ± 0.65 g, 0.33 ± 0.11 g and 0.40 ± 0.11 g (group 2) and: 0.49 ± 0.16 g, 9.83 ± 3.08 g, 0.40 ± 0.13 g and 0.50 ± 0.18 g, (group 3). The mean ± SD lengths of the testes were: 3.72 ± 0.34 cm, 4.40 ± 0.47 cm and 4.48 ± 1.14 cm; the epididymis: 3.12 ± 0.56 cm, 3.17 ± 0.67cm and 3.48 ± 0.49 cm, and the vas deferens: 17.27 ± 1.10 cm, 17.33 ± 0.93 cm and 17.49 ± 1.10 cm, for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Mostly, the parameters of the left organs were greater than those of the right. The mean ± SD weight of the testes positively correlated with that of the epididymis in all the groups (r = 0.72, 0.65 and 0.87 for groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively) and the vas deferens (r = 0.54, 0.72 and 0.75 for groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively). The gonadal sperm reserves were 0.19 ± 0.00 x 109 cells/ml, 0.21 ± 0.00 x 109 cells/ml and 0.21 ± 0.00 x 109 cells/ml for groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The mean ± SD extragonadal sperm reserves were, epididymis: 0.08 ± 0.00 x 109 cells/ml, 0.12 ± 0.01 x 109 cells/ml, 0.18 ± 0.00 x 109 cells/ml, and vas deferens: 2.00 ± 0.13 x 109 cells/ml, 2.82 ± 0.50 x 109 cells/ml and 3.75 ± 0.60 x 109 cells/ml for the three groups respectively. The vas deferens had about 88 %, of the extragonadal sperm reserve in group 1 and 90 % in groups 2 and 3. Sperm reserve was positively correlated to body weight and to the length of the testis. The results suggest, therefore, that morphometry and sperm reserves were better in turkey toms fed 16 % and 20 % than 12 % protein diets.Keywords: Crude protein, Fertility, Morphometry, Reproduction, Sperm reserves, Turkey to

Anti-oxidative influence of butylated hydroxytoluene on chilled semen of Red Sokoto bucks and consequential conception rates in does

The anti-oxidative influence of Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) in three extenders on chilled semen of red Sokoto bucks and conception rates in does was evaluated. Twenty matured red Sokoto bucks were selected for this study. Two ejaculates were collected from each buck per week for a period of 4 weeks. Semen was collected from bucks using a battery-operated electro-ejaculator for semen analyses. Volume, colour, gross motility, concentration and percentage live spermatozoa were examined. A total of 10 ejaculates were further collected weekly from 10 selected bucks from the previous twenty good semen quality for 8 weeks. Semen was extended in tris egg-yolk (TEY), citrate egg-yolk (CEY) and tris-coconut water (TCW) extenders in test tubes, containing BHT antioxidant to obtain 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mM/mL BHT. Sperm characteristics were determined at 0, 24, 48 and 72 hours of storage. Twenty multiparous does divided into 3 groups (A, B and C), of 7, 7 and 6 does respectively. These does received 250 μg cloprostenol intramuscularly, twice, 11 days apart and insemination was conducted 48 hours after. Groups A, B and C were inseminated with semen stored for 72 hours containing 1.0 mM/mL of BHT extended in TEY, 1.0 mM/mL of BHT extended in CEY and 0.5 mM/mL of BHT extended in TCW respectively. Ultrasonography was used for pregnancy diagnoses 47 days after artificial insemination. From the findings of this study, it was concluded that semen of red Sokoto bucks stored in tris egg yolk + 1.0 mM/mL BHT and chilled for 72 hours had better semen quality and conception rates

Effects of Allium sativum and Allium cepa on semen characteristics, sperm reserves and haematology of rabbit bucks

The effect of dietary inclusion of garlic and onion on semen characteristics, gonadal, extragonadal sperm reserves and haematology of rabbit bucks were evaluated. Twenty-four rabbit bucks of average age and weight 10 ± 2.0 months and 1.47 ± 0.01 kg respectively, were used for the study. They were randomly assigned into four groups of six bucks each. Group A served as control, while Groups B, C and D received dietary inclusion of 5% garlic, 5% onion, 2.5% garlic + 2.5% onion, respectively. The fresh bulbs of garlic and onions were peeled, air-dried, and the dried bulbs were weighed, added to the feed and grounded together to form experimental diets. Before dietary supplementation, semen samples were collected to serve as baseline values, followed by weekly collections for another 9 weeks using an artificial vagina. Haematological parameters were examined according to the standard procedure, while testosterone profile was conducted using the ELISA method. At the termination of the experiment, two bucks from each group were euthanised, and the testes were harvested to evaluate gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves. No significant (p > 0.05) difference was recorded in the live weight, sperm concentration, and sperm abnormality of the rabbit bucks. A significant (p < 0.05) difference was observed in the ejaculate volume, gross motility, pH, reaction time, and percentage of live spermatozoa. The epididymal sperm reserves in group B, was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the right than left. Testosterone profile showed significant (p < 0.05) difference at 9 and 10 a.m. On haematology, there was a significant increase in PCV, RBC count, haemoglobin concentration and WBC count in groups B, C and D by week 9 compared to the control. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of garlic and onion effectively improved the spermiogram of rabbit bucks

Induction of estrus in Sahel goats using Fluorogestone Acetate (FGA) sponges and Equine Chorionic Gonadotrophin (ECG)

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a progestagen treatment alone or in combination with equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) on estrus response in Sahel (SH) goats. One hundred (n=100) SH does were treated with 30 mg fluorogestone acetate (FGA) sponge for 14 days. At the end progestagen treatment, does that retained the intravaginal pessary were allocated into two groups; A: FGA & eCG (n=42) and B: FGA (n=41). Does in group A received additional 200 IU eCG i.m. concurrent with sponge removal. Estrus was detected twice daily (at 07.00 – 10.00 and 15.00 – 18.00 h) using sexually active bucks for 5 days after pessary removal. Estrus response was different (p<0.05) between A (73.8 %) and B (58.5 %). Estrus onset for group A and B (Mean ± S.E.M.) was 27.9 ± 8.3 and 38.4 ± 9.6 h while estrus duration (Mean ± S.E.M.) for group A and B was 35.8 ± 3.2 and 23.1 ± 5.2 h, respectively. Estrus onset and duration of estrus were different (p<0.05) between group A ( FGA & eCG) and B (FGA). It is concluded that additional eCG treatment following a 14-day progestagen (Fluorogestone acetate) treatment increased estrus response, hastened onset of estrus, lengthened duration of estrus and improved tightness of synchrony in Sahel does

Oestrus behaviour and conception rates of red sokoto goats following treatment with equine chorionic Gonadotrophin and Prostaglandin

This study was designed to investigate whether the administration of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (EG) concurrent with prostaglandin (PG) treatment improved oestrus response rates of Red Sokoto does. Red Sokoto (RS) does were treated with PGF2α (RSPG; n=10), PGF2α and eCG (RSPGEG; n=10) and eCG (RSEG; n=10). Heat detection and natural mating was carried out using sexually active fertile bucks following treatment for 5 days. Oestrus response rate was higher (p<0.05) in the RSPGEG than in the RSPG and RSEG groups respectively. Time to onset of oestrus was shorter (p>0.05) while duration of oestrus was longer (p>0.05) in the RSPGEG than in the RSPG and RSEG groups. Conception rates were 77 %, 80 % and 0 % in the RSPGEG, RSPG and RSEG groups respectively. We concluded that administration of equine chorionic gonadotropin concurrent with prostaglandin treatment improved oestrus response rates in Red Sokoto does.Keywords: Red Sokoto Goat, Prostaglandin, Gonadotrophin, Oestrus Response, Conceptio

Effects of Cellgevity® on the milt quality of catfish,Clarias gariepinus extended in sodium citrate during chilled storage

Cellgevity® is a supplement reported to comprise mostly D-Ribose and L-Cysteine enriched glutathione, known to be an effective antioxidant that improves spermatozoa quality. However, its effect on milt characteristics has not been reported. This study, therefore, aimed to evaluate the effects of Cellgevity® on the milt quality of catfish (Clarias gariepinus) extended in sodium citrate during chilled storage. Pooled milt sample from three fishes was divided into three groups (T1, T2 and T3). The milt was extended in sodium citrate, and each group in triplicate was supplemented with Cellgevity® at 0 mg (T1), 125 mg (T2) and 250 mg (T3). The spermatozoa motility, concentration, viability and morphology were evaluated on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of chilled storage. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and analysed with a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett's multiple comparison test. Mean ± SD spermatozoa motility was significantly (P < 0.001) lower in T2 and T3 than T1 before and during the first 3-days storage period. Mean ± (SD) spermatozoa concentration was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in T2 and T3 than T1 before and throughout the 5-days storage period. Mean ± SD live spermatozoa were significantly (P < 0.001) lower in T3 than T1 at day 2 of the storage. Mean ± SD total abnormal spermatozoa did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) among the groups before and throughout the 5-days storage period. It was concluded that although supplementation of Cellgevity® at 125 mg and 250 mg in milt of catfish, extended in sodium citrate in chilled storage maintained the sperm cells alive and motile up to four days of the storage. However, it did not improve the milt quality. Hence, it should not be supplemented in sodium citrate extended milt of catfish, Clarias gariepinus in chilled storage

Evaluation of forage legume Lablab purpureus as a supplement for lactating Bunaji cows

The effects of forage legume lablab (Lablab purpureus) as a supplement for Bunaji cows was investigated both on-station and on-farm. The results of the on-farm trial involving five herds in each of two villages (control and supplemented) showed that supplementation with 3 kg of lablab increased milk off-take significantly (P<0.001) (1.27±0.09 vs. 0.71±0.1 kg per cow/day for supplemented and non-supplemented cows, respectively). Cows in the supplemented group showed a higher gain in body weight compared to non-supplemented animals (411±1.4 vs. 127±1.8 g/day respectively). They also showed a higher (P<0.001) body condition score than those in the non-supplemented group (3.5-4.5 vs. 2.0-3.5). Overall mean weight gain for calves was however, similar for both supplemented and non-supplemented groups (428±5.3 vs. 428±1.5 g/day). Supplementation of suckling Bunaji cows with lablab improved the performance of the animals and the income of the farmers