An appraisal of blood pressure control and its determinants among patients with primary hypertension seen in a primary care setting in Western Nigeria

Background: Achieving guideline-recommended blood pressure is imperative in reducing the rising tide of uncontrolled hypertension and its attendant sequelae, which are major causes of morbidity and mortality globally. The aim of the study was to describe the pattern of blood pressure control and identify the factors influencing blood pressure control among patients with primary hypertension seen at family medicine clinics of FMC, Abeokuta.Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study. A systematic random sampling technique was used in selecting 360 hypertensive respondents over four months. Data were collected through a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 was used to analyse data.Results: Blood pressure was controlled in 167 (46.4%) of the respondents. The independent predictors of blood pressure control were female gender (p = 0.001, OR = 2.494, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.477–4.214), regular use of medication (p = 0.001, OR = 2.900, 95% CI = 1.508–5.577), regular clinic attendance (p < 0.001, OR = 3.512, 95% CI = 1.772–6.960), and absence of diabetes mellitus (p < 0.001, OR = 7.357, 95% CI = 3.190–16.966).Conclusions: The rate of blood pressure control among the hypertensive respondents was low. Multiple independent predictors of controlled blood pressure call for a team-based approach as well as multiple approaches including education of patients, expansion of a community-based health insurance programme and intensification of treatment efforts when managing hypertensive patients.Keywords: blood pressure control, family medicine clinics, primary hypertensio

EFFECTS OF SUPPLEMENTAL NEEM (Azadirachta indica) AND GARLIC (Allium sativum) ON GROWTH AND CARCASS YIELD OF FINISHING BROILER

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding diets containing Neem Leaf Meal (NLM), Garlic Meal (GM) and their combinations (NLM + GM) on growth performance and carcass yield of finishing broiler. A total of 180 day-old Cobb broiler chickens were divided into twelve groups of fifteen chicks with three replicate of five chicks each. The diet contained NLM, GM and NLM + GM at four levels of inclusion (0mg/kg, 500mg/kg, 1000mg/kg and 1500mg/kg). The experiment was arranged in a 3 × 4 factorial layout in a completely randomized design. Additives and levels of inclusion had no significant (P>0.05) influence on performance parameters except feed intake which was influenced (p<0.05) by NLM + GM and 1000mg/kg levels of inclusion. Final live weight (2516.67g/bird), weight gain (1742.00g/bird), daily weight gain (62.2g/bird/day) and feed conversion ratio (2.32) were improved (p<0.05) at 1500mg/kg levels of inclusion of NLM + GM. Thigh (11.68%), wings (8.44), neck (4.23%) and gizzard (2.13%) of birds fed GM were improved (P<0.05) than those of NLM. Carcass weight was influenced (p<0.05) by additives at various inclusion levels with wings (9.01%), head (3.39%), neck (4.52%), shanks (4.49%) and gizzard (2.42%) highest (p<0.05) in birds fed GM at 1500mg/kg levels of inclusion than those of 0mg/kg levels of inclusion. It was concluded that the use of NLM + GM as additives yielded commendable result on performance and carcass weight of finishing broiler birds   This study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding diets containing Neem Leaf Meal (NLM), Garlic Meal (GM) and their combinations (NLM + GM) on growth performance and carcass yield of finishing broiler. A total of 180 day-old Cobb broiler chickens were divided into twelve groups of fifteen chicks with three replicate of five chicks each. The diet contained NLM, GM and NLM + GM at four levels of inclusion (0mg/kg, 500mg/kg, 1000mg/kg and 1500mg/kg). The experiment was arranged in a 3 × 4 factorial layout in a completely randomized design. Additives and levels of inclusion had no significant (P>0.05) influence on performance parameters except feed intake which was influenced (p<0.05) by NLM + GM and 1000mg/kg levels of inclusion. Final live weight (2516.67g/bird), weight gain (1742.00g/bird), daily weight gain (62.2g/bird/day) and feed conversion ratio (2.32) were improved (p<0.05) at 1500mg/kg levels of inclusion of NLM + GM. Thigh (11.68%), wings (8.44), neck (4.23%) and gizzard (2.13%) of birds fed GM were improved (P<0.05) than those of NLM. Carcass weight was influenced (p<0.05) by additives at various inclusion levels with wings (9.01%), head (3.39%), neck (4.52%), shanks (4.49%) and gizzard (2.42%) highest (p<0.05) in birds fed GM at 1500mg/kg levels of inclusion than those of 0mg/kg levels of inclusion. It was concluded that the useof NLM + GM as additives yielded commendable result on performance and carcass weight of finishing broiler birds Keywords: Neem, garlic, broilers, performance, carcass characteristics.

SELECTED WELFARE PARAMETERS OF BROILER CHICKENS ON DIFFERENT FEED QUANTITY AND TIME

This study was conducted to determine welfare of broiler chickens fed ad libitum and restricted feed during early (08.00hour) and late (16:00hour) of the day. One hundred and eighty (21d old) broiler chickens were randomly allocated to 4 treatments in a 2x2 factorial arrangement comprising of ad libitum and restricted feeding (75% of ad libitum) quantity at 8 and 16 hours feeding time in three replicates. Data were collected on leg problem, dust bathing, body temperature, mortality and haematology. Result revealed that neither feed quantity nor time had significant (P>0.05) effect on leg problem, dust bathing and mortality of broiler chickens. Broiler chickens under ad lib feed quantity and 16:00hours feeding time had (P<0.05) highest body temperature (40.93oC) while those under ad libitum morning (08:00hours) recorded the least (40.75°C). Pack Cell Volume had similar (P>0.05) increase from 26.75% at the beginning (21d) to 31.25 (%) at 56d with broiler chickens under restricted feeding and fed at 16:00hours feeding time. Basophil count reduced from a range of 0.5-2% (P<0.05) to 1% (P>0.05) with restricted feeding. Also eosinophil reduced from 2-4% (P<0.05) range to 0-2.5% (P>0.05) with restricted feeding while birds under ad lib increased from 0-1% (P<0.05) at 21d to 2.75% (P>0.05) at 56d. Better welfare (good body temperature) of broiler chicken could be achieved with early feeding time irrespective of quantity. However, restricted feeding could be explored in broiler production where reduced basophil, eosinophil and stress are vital for enhanced welfare and performance.   &nbsp

EFFECTS OF SUBSTITUTION OF FAT WITH MELON SEED MEAL ON QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF PORK SAUSAGES

A study was conducted in which melon seed meal (MSM) replaced fat at 0, 33, 66, and 100% levels in four batches of pork sausages. The chemical and storage properties, cooking weight losses, and sensory properties, of the sausages were determined in the meat processing laboratory. The results showed that MSM increased both ash and crude protein contents. The highest ether extract (36%) was obtained for batch 1 (control) while the lowest value (25.50%) was recorded for batch 4. The values obtained for refrigeration weight losses increased with increase in MSM while the results for dry matter were statistically insignificant. Batch 3 had the highest cooking weight loss of 0.83% whilebatch one had the lowest value of 0.30%. The values obtained for sensory properties increased with increase in the level of MSM up to 66%. It was concluded that pork back fat can be replaced with MSM in pork sausage without adverse effect on processing yield

Effects of Dietary Supplemental Vitamins and Periods of Administration on Growth Performance and Antibody Titre of Broiler Chickens Vaccinated against Newcastle Disease

This study investigated the effects of supplemental vitamins and varying administration periods on growth performance and antibody titre of broiler chickens vaccinated against Newcastle Disease (ND). A total of 300 unvaccinated against ND Arbor Acre day-old chicks were used for the study for 8 wk. Birds were brooded together on day 1 of age, and 30 chicks were selected randomly for evaluating the maternally derived antibody titre against ND. At 2 days of age, the remaining 270 chicks were divided based on weight equalization into 9 treatment groups and replicated thrice. The 9 treatments consisted of a factorial arrangement of 4 supplemental vitamins (A, C, E and combination of A, C, E) and 2 periods of administration (3 days pre- and post-ND vaccinations) with a control. The birds were managed intensively throughout the experimental period, ND vaccines were administered on the 5th (i/o) and 24th (Lasota) day of age, respectively. Supplemental combined vitamins A, C and E at 0.15, 16.67 and 3.03 mg/kg, respectively, resulted in higher (P < 0.05) final body weight of 1785.00 g/bird and better feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 2.89. Also, birds fed vitamin A supplemented diet 3 d pre-i/o vaccine had higher (p<0.05) serum antibody titre (75.20) against ND while higher (p<0.05) serum antibody titre (741.33) was also obtained in birds fed diet supplemented with vitamin E 3 d post-Lasota vaccination. Conclusively, broiler chickens diets can be supplemented with combined vitamins A, C, and E for better growth performance measured as final body weight and FCR, in addition, vitamins A (0.45mg/kg) and E (9.1mg/kg) dietary supplementation at 3 d pre-i/o and 3 d post-Lasota vaccines, respectively, can be adopted for improved antibody production

Effects of feed forms, levels of quantitative feed restriction on performance, carcass quality and cost benefit of broiler chickens

A 56-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of feed forms and levels of feed restriction on growth performance, carcass quality and feeding cost of broiler chickens. One hundred and ninety-two day-old broiler chicks were divided into eight groups of twenty four birds each. Each group was further divided into three replicates of eight birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. Birds were fed mash and pellets and restricted at 0, 10, 20 and 30% levels of feed restriction. Data were collected on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and cost benefits were calculated. Data were subjected to analysis of variance. The results showed significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) final weights and weight gain in birds fed pellets (1624.42 g and 1571.72 g) compared to mash (1540.00 g and 1487.26 g). Feed intake of broiler chicken was significantly influenced by interaction between feed forms and levels of feed restriction. Feed conversion ratio was best in birds fed pellets (2.35) and at 30% level of restriction (2.09). Retail cuts parts were not significantly (p&gt;0.05) affected by feed forms and levels of restriction. Gizzard weights increased (p&lt;0.05) with increasing levels of restriction. Abdominal fat decreased (p&lt;0.05) with increasing levels of restriction. Birds restricted at 30% level showed a better feed cost savings compared with ad libitum feeding. It can be concluded that feeding pellets to broiler chickens improved weight gain and feed conversion. Feed restriction at 30% level of restriction reduced feeding cost and abdominal fat.Keywords: Broilers, carcass, performance, quantitative feed restrictio

Pre weaning and post weaning performance of kits from rabbits does exposed to different restriction levels at different periods of gestation

It is a common practice in commercial rabbit production to feed rabbit does to appetite directly after mating and during gestation. The young does fed ad libitum with diets of high energy level often show parturition problems and excessive fatness; Thus this study aimed to examine whether feed restriction during pregnancy could induce compensatory growth after kindling in growing rabbits. A total of 36 nulliparous does of mixed breeds were randomly assigned into nine treatments of 4 replicates each during pregnancy. The rabbit does were exposed to three levels of quantitative feed restriction (0%, 15% and 30%) at three different periods of gestation (15-19days, 20-24days, 25-29days). At weaning, the kits were subdivided into 4 replicates of 3 rabbits each; thus making 9 treatments of 12 rabbits each making a total of 108 rabbit litters. After weaning, the rabbits were fed ad libitum. Data were collected on pre and post weaning performance. Results obtained showed that kits from rabbit does fed ad libitum during gestation and does on 15% restriction at the 15 - 19th day of gestation recorded significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher mean values for average weight at birth. Post weaning performance showed that weight gain was highest (p&lt;0.05) in kits from does exposed to 15% restriction restricted at the 20 – 24th day of gestation. It can be concluded that maintaining gestating rabbit does on 15% restriction level between the 20th to 24th day and 25th to 29th day of pregnancy will not have adverse effect on their offsprings at growing phase.Keywords: Feed restriction; pre weaning and post weaning performance; kits and does

Effects of feed restriction and ascorbic acid supplementation on serum biochemical composition of Marshall broiler chickens

252 two-week old Marshall broiler chickens were used in a 4 x 3 factorial experiment to determine the effects of feed restriction and ascorbic acid supplementation on serum biochemical composition. The birds were distributed after balancing for live weights into 12 treatments with 3 replicates of 7 birds each, subjected to four feed restriction levels: full feeding (AD), skip a day feeding (S1D), skip two days feeding (S2D) and skip three days feeding every week (S3D) for 24 hours from 15th to 35th day of age and three levels of ascorbic acid supplementation (0, 150, 300 mg/kg feed). Feed was provided ad libitum to all the birds from 36 to 56 days of age. Birds on S2D fed diets containing 300 mg/kg ascorbic acid had the highest (

Comparison of carcass yield and meat composition of three classes of chicken

This study was designed to compare the carcass yield and meat composition of three classes of chicken. Twenty one (21) birds in total consisting of 7 birds each of broilers, cockerel and spent hens were purchased from a reputable farm in Aiyepe, Ogun State. Birds were acclimatized for two weeks under similar management before the commencement of the experiment with feed and water being provided ad-libitum. Subsequently, three birds from each chicken class were randomly selected and slaughtered for carcass yield and meat proximate composition analysis. Data obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in a Completely Randomized Design. Significant (p&lt;0.05) differences were observed for values recorded for live weight, head, shank, thigh, drumstick, liver, lungs and large intestine. Cockerel significantly (p&lt;0.05) recorded the highest (4.70%, 4.15%, 11.68%, 11.82%, and 0.65%, respectively) for head, shank, thighs, drumsticks and lungs, respectively compared to broiler and spent hen. However, liver and large intestine values were significantly (p&lt;0.05) highest in broiler chicken. Dry matter content of breast meat was significantly (p&lt;0.05) influenced with the highest value (27.35 %) recorded in spent hen and lowest (25.62 %) in broiler breast meat. Similarly, comparable ether extract content of thigh meat were obtained in cockerel and spent hen (2.89% and 2.83%, respectively) which are significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than 2.72% recorded in broilers. Ash content of thigh meat was statistically similar in broiler and cockerel (1.12% and 1.17%) which were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than 1.03% in spent hen. In addition, statistically similar values for thigh fibre diameter were obtained in broiler and spent hen (2.60 mm and 2.56 mm, respectively) which were statistically (p&lt;0.05) lower than 2.68 mm recorded in cockerel thigh meat. Hence, cockerel chicken evidently had the highest carcass cut-up parts (head, shank, thigh and drumstick), thigh meat fibre diameter, fat and mineral contents than broilers and spent hen.Keywords: broiler chickens, spent hen, cockerel, carcass yield, muscle fibr