Growth Performance and Blood Chemistry of African Catfish, Clarias Gariepinus Fed Boiled Layer Chickens on a Poultry-fishery Integrated Farm, Kano State, Nigeria

Growth performance and blood chemistry of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus post juveniles (154.60 ± 0.55 g mean weight) fed boiled layer chickens that are unfit for human consumption was investigated over a 28-weeks period. Control fish were fed commercial fish feed alone while the test fish were fed equal mixture of the commercial fish feed and boiled layer chickens. Final mean body weights of both the control and the test fish were 538.70 ± 15.82 g and 503.30 ± 16.70 g, which were significantly (p<0.05) higher than their initial mean body weights but their final body weights and weight gains were insignificantly (p>0.05) lower in the test fish compared to the control fish. The crude protein, oil and Ash contents of the test fish (43.24 ± 0.81 %, 22.32 ± 0.26 % and 10.54 ± 1.08 %) were insignificantly (p>0.05) lower than those of the control fish (43.33 ± 0.80 %, 23.12 ± 0.39 % and 11.17 ± 1.88 %). Serum total glucose, total protein and total triglyceride concentrations were insignificantly (p>0.05) higher in the test fish (4.30 ± 0.75 mmoL,sup>-1, 45.07 ± 2.27 gL-1 and 3.80 ± 0.49 mgdL-1) compared to the control fish (2.61 ± 0.37 mmoL-1, 42.40 ± 1.46 gL-1 and 3.55 ± 0.55 mgdL-1). However, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities were significantly (p<0.05) lower in the test fish (202.70 ± 38.96 iuL-1 and 30.60 ± 2.89 iuL-1) compared to the control fish (352.50 ± 33.73 iuL-1 and 41.87 ± 1.66 iuL-1). The cost of producing a unit of the control fish was =N= 228.96 as against =N= 114.53 for a unit of the test fish. This was further reinforced by a production benefit-cost ratio of 1.76 for the test fish as against 0.94 for the control fish. The feeding of fish with boiled layer chickens that are unfit for human consumption along with commercial fish feed, which caused slight stress in the fish but greatly reduced their cost of production without obviously affecting their growth and nutritive values, is highly recommended on Poultry-Fishery integrated farms where chicken mortalities that are unfit for human consumption are readily available at negligible processing cost.Keywords: Body composition, boiled layer chickens, Clarias gariepinus, cost of production, growth, stressNigerian Veterinary Journal, VOL:33 (1) 376-38

Phytochemical composition and toxicity of the aqueous extract of Parkia biglobosa pods in adult Clarias gariepinus

The phytochemical composition and toxicological evaluation of the aqueous extract of Parkia biglobosa pods in adult Clarias gariepinus was investigated over a 96-h exposure period. The aqueous extract of the pods was freeze-dried and screened for its phytochemical constituents. This revealed the presence of glycosides, alkaloids, saponins, steroids and triterpenes, tannins, carbohydrates and flavonoids but no anthraquinones and fixed oils. The fish were exposed to varying concentrations of the extract in a static acute toxicity bioassay. The exposed fish showed initial signs of agitated and erratic movements followed by signs of respiratory distress and abnormal nervous compromise, including mortality in some of the exposed fish. No such obvious signs of toxicity were recorded in the unexposed control fish. The appearance and intensity of the signs were both concentrations and exposure period-dependent. Mean mortality was significantly (p<0.05) related to extract concentrations and exposure period. The median lethal concentration of the extract in exposed fish over the 96-h exposure period was calculated to be 115.38 mg/l. Parkia biglobosa pods contained some toxicologically active constituents that can be meaningfully exploited to harvest fish from water bodies. However, this should be done with great care as the abusive use (higher concentrations) of this extract could result in extract residues in the exposed fish that might pose a risk to the consumers of such fish.Keywords: Clarias gariepinus, Parkia biglobosa pods, phytochemical constituents, toxicity

Toxicological Evaluation of Ethanol Extract of Adenium obesum Stem Bark in African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus

The toxicity of ethanol extract of Adenium obesum stem bark as a tool foraquaculture pond management prior to the stocking of desired fish species was evaluated in Clarias gariepinus over a 96-h exposure. The fish were exposed to 6.25 mgL-1, 7.50 mgL-1, 8.20 mgL-1, 8.80 mgL-1 and 10.00 mgL-1 of the extract and a control in an acute static toxicity bioassay after performing a range finding test to determine the median lethal concentration (LC50) of the extract. Exposed fish showed signs of changed behaviours with adaptive responses, respiratory distress and nervous compromise, including mortality in some of the exposed fish. The appearance and intensities of the observed signs were concentration and exposure period-dependent. An LC50 value of 7.35 mgL-1 was establishedfor the extract in the exposed fish where mean mortality was significantly (p<0.05) concentration and exposure period-dependent. The toxic nature of the extract in the exposed hardy fish can be exploited for effective aquaculture pond management against some unwanted predatory and weed aquatic organisms. However, the indiscriminate use of higher extract concentrations could seriously jeopardise the biodiversity of any aquaticenvironment

Evaluation of the Impacts of Taurine on Oxidative Stress Indices in Sera and Brain of Rats Exposed to Cypermethrin

Cypermethrin is a pyrethroid insecticide applied for pest control on animals and the environment. Taurine is a putative antioxidant and bioprotective amino acid. The purpose of the research was to evaluate the impacts of taurine on oxidative stress indices in the sera and brains of rats exposed to cypermethrin. Forty rats were assigned to five groups of eight rats each. Distilled water was given to the first group, while the second group received soya oil (2 ml/kg). Cypermethrin (20 mg/kg) was administered to the third group. The Taurine50+Cypermethrin group received taurine (50 mg/kg) and cypermethrin, while the Taurine100+Cypermethrin group was administered with taurine (100 mg/kg) and Cypermethrin. The treatments were given once daily by oral gavage for 35 days. Sera were obtained from the blood samples of the rats after the completion of the study for the determination of the oxidative stress indices (malondialdehyde concentration and the activities of antioxidant enzymes). Oxidative stress indices were analysed in the brains. Taurine significantly (P< 0.05) augmented the superoxide dismutase activity in the sera. However, other oxidative stress indices were not ameliorated by taurine in the sera and the brains. Cypermethrin (20 mg/kg) did not overtly evoke oxidative stress in the sera and the brains of the rats in this study, probably because it is a moderately toxic insecticide. This is the first study that has investigated the effects of taurine on cypermethrin toxicity. Further research is warranted to expound the mechanisms of action of taurine and cypermethrin in biological systems

Haematotoxicity of ethanol extract of Adenium obesum (Forssk) Roem & Schult stem bark in Wistar rats

Purpose: To investigate the acute toxicity of ethanol extract of Adenium obesum (Forssk.) Roem. & Schult stem bark in Wistar rats in relation to haematological parameters.Methods: This involved the administration of single dose of 300 mgkg-1, 2000 mgkg-1 and 5000 mgkg-1 of the extract by oral gavage separately to three different groups of female rats (n = 3) one after another based on the absence of mortality and/or morbidity during a 14-day observation period. The control group was administered distilled water as placebo (1 mL per 100 g body weight).Results: The exposed rats did not show any obvious signs of toxicity, morbidity or mortality. Median lethal dose (LD50) of the extract was ≥ 5000 mgkg-1 or ∞ (unclassified) based on the fixed LD50 cut-off values. Final body weight of control rats (196.00 ± 3.06 g) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the initial body weight (184.30 ± 1.45 g) and weight gain in extract treated groups was not significant (p > 0.05). Packed cell volume, red blood cell count and haemoglobin concentrations in the rats (42.67 ± 1.33 %, 5.10 ± 0.20 x 1012 L-1 and 130.70 ± 2.96 gL-1, respectively did not change significantly (p > 0.05). However, the white blood cell count significantly increased from 7.50 ± 0.63 x 109 to 11.63 ± 0.50 x 109L-1 while the lymphocyte count significantly increased from 5.81 ± 0.43 x 109 to 9.99 ± 0.42 x 109 L-1 (p < 0.05) at the highest extract dose (5000 mgkg-1) compared to their respective controls.Conclusion: Adenium obesum might not be haematotoxic and is considered a safe medicinal plant administered orally.Keywords: Adenium obesum, Haemoglobin, Blood count, Mortality, Morbidity, Haematotoxicit

Pathological changes associated with an outbreak of colibacillosis in a commercial broiler flock

Escherichia coli infection was diagnosed in 5-week old broiler chickens raised intensively on a medium-sized commercial farm in Gaube-Kuje, Abuja, Nigeria. Signs of weakness, depression and inappetance with ruffled feathers and pasted vents were reportedly observed in affected birds within the flock. Detailed post mortem examinations revealed diffuse splenomegaly and hepatomegaly with multifocal greyish areas on their surfaces while the diffusely enlarged kidneys were congested with mottled pale appearance. Histopathologically, the liver of affected broilers showed diffuse congestion, multifocal coagulative necrosis and cellular infiltration. Generalized perivascular and inter-septal oedema and haemorrhage were observed in the lungs of affected broilers with generalized lymphocytic depletion within the spleen as well as locally extensive congestion and haemorrhage within the kidney, and cellular infiltration and necrosis within heart musculatures. Microbiological evaluation of liver samples yielded pure E. coli growth only. A diagnosis of colibacillosis, especially colisepticaemia, was made with appropriate treatment based on culture and sensitivity test result involving Levofloxacin(R). The client was consequently advised to guard against possible predisposing factors as control and preventive measures for the disease outbreak on the farm.Keywords: Broiler chickens, Colibacillosis, Gross pathology, Histopathology, Natural infectio

Effects of experimental lead exposure and the therapeutic effect of defatted Moringa oleifera seed meal on serum electrolytes levels of Wistar rats

The study was conducted to evaluate changes in serum electrolytes concentrations following experimental lead acetate (Pb) exposure and the effects of treatment with defatted Moringa oleifera seed meal (DMOSM) in wistar rats. Eighty adult wistar rats divided into 5 groups of 16 per group were used for this study. Rats in group I received only distilled water, group II were administered Pb solution orally at 480 mg/kg body weight, group III were co-administered Pb and DMOSM orally at 480 mg/kg respectively, group IV were pre-administered Pb orally at 480 mg/kg for the first two weeks and then administered DMOSM orally at 480 mg/kg for the subsequent two weeks, group V received DMOSM orally at 480 mg/kg. Four rats were sacrificed weekly from each group and blood samples for serum electrolyte analysis were obtained. Phytochemical screening of DMOSM revealed the presence of alkaloids, reducing sugars, cardiac glycosides and saponins. A significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the mean serum Ca2+ concentration in the rats in group III (1.52±0.17) was observed at week 3 compared to group IV (2.24±0.16). Mean serum concentration of PO4+ at week 1 in rats in group III (3.62±0.15) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared to group IV (2.89±0.18). Similarly, serum PO4+ level significantly rose at week 3 in group II (4.40±0.36) compared to rats in groups IV (2.61±0.11) and V (2.99±0.07) respectively. By week 4, the serum PO4+ concentration rose significantly in the rats in group III (5.47±0.11) compared to those in group I (3.27±0.24). Mean serum concentrations of sodium (Na+), chloride (Cl-), potassium (K+) and bicarbonate (HCO3-) were not significantly altered in all the test groups throughout the duration of the study. The result showed inability of DMOSM to mitigate Pb-induced alteration in serum Ca2+ and PO4+ levels in groups II and III.Keywords: Lead, Moringa oleifera, Phytochemical screening, Serum electrolytes, Wistar rat