Effect of Chloramphenicol on Rabbit Doe Fertility and Prenatal Development

Chloramphenicol (CP) is a synthetic antibiotic with large spectrum, mostly used in human and veterinary medicine to fight against diverse infections. In the present study the effects of this antibiotic on some does reproductive parameters were evaluated on 24 nulliparous, sexually mature female (6 months). The animals were divided into 4 groups of 6 does each, comparable in terms of body weight. To each group was randomly attributed by gavage 25, 50 and 75mg of CP/kg of body weight 30 days before mating (6 females for 1 male) and during the whole gestation period. After sacrifice of the does on the 28th day post-coitum, the organs (ovaries, liver, and kidneys) and fetus were collected and were examined to detect eventual anomalies. The main results showed a non-significant increase (P>0.05) of the relative weight of the liver and kidneys and a non-significant decrease (P>0.05) of that of the ovaries with increase in the dose of CP. No abortions were registered no matter the dose of CP. Gestation index, the rate of fetal mortality and of fetal viability were not significantly affected by the dose of CP used. A decreasing (P0.05) of the average weight of the fetus and their body measurement, the number of corpus luteum and the sex-ratio (M/F) were registered from treated animals in relation to the control animals. A dose-dependent increase (P<0.05) of number of pre and post-implantation resorptions were noted. The only anomaly registered was the insufficient fusion of the cranial bones at the dose 50 and 75mg/kg of CP. A significant decrease (P<0.05) of the level of proteins in the serum and ovaries were noted in animals treated in relation to those of the control group. It was concluded that CP administered at doses of 25, 50 and 75 mg/kg bw to pre and post-coital rabbit does, negatively affects fertility but has no significant teratogenic effects. Its use should therefore be limited or prohibited in husbandry

Effect of the Incorporation Level of Ripe Avocado Pulp Powder Persea americana on the Zootechnical Performances of Clarias jaensis Juveniles (Boulanger, 1909)

In order to contribute to the valorization of agricultural by-products in fish feed, the effect of the incorporation level of the ripe avocado pulp powder persea americana on the zootechnical performance of Clarias jaensis Juveniles (Boulanger, 1909), was studied between February and July 2019 in the highland zone of West Cameroon. To attend the aims, 156 juvenile Clarias jaensis (25.82 ± 7.43g) settled in triplicates in floating tanks were fed four iso-protein rations (40% crude protein) corresponding to 0, 8, 12 and 16% incorporation of ripe avocado. Feed were distributed twice daily (8 am and 6 pm) at 5% of the fish biomass for 63 days. The following results were as follows: Survival rate, final mean weight, daily mean weight gain, specific growth rate and condition factor K were higher and non-significant in batches receiving 8% of ripe avocado pulp powder with a lower feed conversion ratio (99,14 ± 0,50% ; 40,22 ± 10,5g; 0,14 ± 0,44 g/d, 0,41 ± 1,07 %g/d; 0,70 ± 0,09 %g/cm3 and 1,87 ± 0,09) and lower with a highest feed conversion ratio at 16% incorporation (93,67 ± 8,47 %; 30,02 ± 8,00g; 0,08 ± 0,22 g/d; 0,28 ± 0,77 % g /d; 0,68 ± 0,15 %g/cm3 and 2,018 ± 017). Body composition varied with the level of pulp meal incorporation, water content was high with 0% (79.14%), and dry matter (23.87%), crude protein (15.35%) and fat (5.23%). It was higher with 16%, while ash was higher (3.45%) in batches fed with 12% incorporation. The feed cost was lower at 8% incorporation (734.89Fcfa/kg of fish produced). The incorporation of 8% avocado pulp meal was found to improve the growth of Clarias jaensis juveniles and reduce the feed cost. Producers can use spoiled avocados as fish feed to reduce production costs, without negative impact on the final product

Performances de reproduction du poisson chat endogène du Cameroun Clarias jaensis (Boulenger, 1909) en milieu contrôlé

Les performances de reproduction de Clarias jaensis ont été évaluées entre mai et octobre 2014 à Batié (Ouest-Cameroun). A cet effet, 30 femelles de poids moyen 199, 52 ± 34,85 g ont été réparties en 5 lots comparables. Chaque lot choisi au hasard a été soumis à l’Hormone Chorionique Gonadotrophine (HCG) aux doses de 3500, 4000 et 4500 Unités Internationales (UI) / kg et aux extraits hypophysaires des mâles et des femelles. Le poids et le diamètre des ovocytes, les taux de fécondation et d’éclosion ont été évalués. Les principaux résultats ont montré que: le poids des ovocytes a été le plus élevé (p &lt; 0, 05) avec l’extrait hypophysaire femelle (39,33±17,08g) ; le diamètre des ovocytes a été comparable entre les traitements. Le taux de fécondation a été le plus élevé pour la dose de 4000 UI / kg de HCG (87, 50 ± 12,45%) suivi de l’extrait hypophysaire femelle (85,08 ± 14,29%). Cependant aucune différence significative (p ˃ 0,05) n’a été obtenue. Le taux d’éclosion a été plus élevé avec l’extrait hypophysaire femelle (19, 38 ± 6,58%). La reproduction artificielle chez Clarias jaensis est possible avec l’hormone HCG à 4000 UI / kg ou des extraits hypophysaires femelles.© 2016 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Mots clés: Clarias jaensis, espèce endogène, performances de reproduction, captivité, CamerounEnglish Title:  Reproductive performances of indigenous catfish of Cameroon Clarias jaensis (Boulenger, 1909) in captivityEnglish AbstractIn order to improve local biodiversity and number of fishes in aquaculture in Cameroon, reproductive performances in captivity of Clarias jaensis have been studied between Mai and October 2014 in Batié (West Cameroon). In fact, 30 females with 199, 52 ± 34, 85 g were divided randomly into five comparable treatments. Each was submitted to a Human Chorionic Gonatropin Hormon at 3500, 4000 and 4500 Internationals Units (UI) / kg of body weight, males and female’s pituitary extracts. The main results obtained were: The oocyte weight was significantly higher (p &lt; 0, 05) with females’ pituitary extracts (39, 33 ± 17,08g), the oocyte diameter mean was comparable within the treatments. The higher fecundity rate was obtained with the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Hormon at 4000 UI / kg of body weight (85, 08 ± 14, 29%). However, no significant differences (p ˃ 0, 05) were found. The hatching rate was significantly higher (p &lt; 0, 05) with the pituitary extracts of females (19, 38 ± 6, 58%). Clarias jaensis can be reproduced artificially using Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Hormon at 4000 UI / kg of body weight or female’s pituitary extracts.© 2016 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Clarias jaensis, reproductive performances, indigenous species, captivity, Cameroo

Physico-chemical properties of the African pear and Black olive from different agro-ecological zones of Cameroon

Introduction. Dacryodes edulis and Canarium schweinfurthii are two tropical multi-purpose trees in Cameroon which produce fruits (African pear and Black olive, respectively) for human consumption, which are marketed more and more on the national and international markets. This study aimed at characterising these two fruits starting from their physical and chemical properties. Materials and methods. Fruits were collected during the harvest peak in three agro-ecological zones of Cameroon. The physical properties measured were the weight, the length, the fruit circumference and the pulp thickness, while the chemical analyses included the moisture and protein, lipid and ash contents. Results. The fruits from the humid forest were largest (96 g), whereas the smallest came from the grassland (54 g). The highest pulp per fruit content (69% for the African pear and 57% for Black olive) was observed in fruits harvested in the humid forest zone. The strongest correlation (r = 0.25) between the fruit weight and that of pulp was observed for Black olive produced in the humid forest zone. The crude protein rate was highest (8%) in fruits from the humid forest, whereas that of the lipids (42%) prevailed in the semi-forest zone. Conclusion. The humid forest zone offers the best agro-ecological conditions for commercial production of the fruits of D. edulis and C schweinfurthii. These two fruits contain proteins and lipids in significant quantities and can, consequently, be used as alternative sources for these nutritive elements

Prévalences des Myxosporidioses Chez Oreochromis niloticus Linné, 1758 (Cichlidae) au barrage réservoir de la Mapé (Adamaoua-Cameroun)

Objectif: En vue de contribuer à une meilleure connaissance des myxosporidioses pour à terme élaborer des méthodes de lutte, 350 spécimens d’Oreochromis niloticus (tilapia du Nil) ont été échantillonnés de Mai 2016 à Mai 2017 au barrage de retenue de la Mapé (Adamaoua-Cameroun) et autopsiés.Méthodologie et résultats: La collecte, conservation des poissons et l’identification des espèces de Myxosporidies ont été classiques. Douze espèces de Myxosporidies appartenant au genre Myxobolus ont été identifiées. Au total 159 poissons (45, 43%) ont été parasités. Les espèces parasites ont été rares (Prévalence &lt; 10%) à l’exception de Myxobolus camerounensis, M. israelensis, M. tilapiae et M. brachysporus qui ont été intermédiaires (10% H Prévalence H 50%). La prévalence d’infestation a varié significativement entre les espèces parasites. La prévalence la plus élevée (15, 14%) et la plus faible (0,86%) a été observée chez Myxobolus tilapiae et Myxobolus pharyngeus respectivement. Les poissons âgés ont été les plus infestés et les mâles plus parasités que les femelles toutefois, sans différence significative. Au total 10 organes ont été infestés. Indépendamment de l’espèce parasite, les reins ont été significativement les plus parasités (36, 57%) et ont hébergé 11 espèces parasites. M. camerounensis a montré un large spectre d’infestation des organes. La prévalence a été significativement plus élevée en saison sèche (52,94%) qu’en saison de pluie  (39,59%). Au total, 59, 94 % de poissons parasités ont été poly infestés pour 5 catégories d’infestations multiples (2 ; 3 ; 4 ; 5 et 6 espèces). La prévalence des associations d’infestations a baissé avec le nombre d’espèces parasites associées.Conclusion et application: Les prévalences de myxosporidioses chez O. niloticus ont été affectées par les facteurs endogènes et les saisons. Les données permettent de développer des stratégies de lutte afin de booster la production en poisson.Mots clés: Myxosporidies, Prévalence, Oreochromis niloticus, Barrage, Mapé, CamerounEnglish Title: Prevalence of Myxosporidiosis in Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758 (Cichlidae) at Mapé reservoir dam (Adamawa-Cameroon)English AbstractObjectives: in order to contribute to a better understanding of Myxosporean infections to develop control strategies, 350 Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia) specimens were sampled from May 2016 to May 2017 from the Mapé dam (Adamawa-Cameroon).Methodology and results: Classical methods were used for fish’s sampling, conservation and Myxosporean species identification. An overall total of 12 Myxosporean species belonging to the genus Myxobolus were identified. A total of 159 fish (45.43%) were infected. Parasite species were scarce (Prevalence &lt; 10%) apart from Myxobolus camerounensis, M. israelensis, M. tilapiae and M. brachysporus which were intermediate (10% H Prevalence H 50%). The Prevalence differed significantly between parasite species. The higher (15. 14%) and lower (0.86%) prevalence was recorded for Myxobolus tilapiae and Myxobolus pharyngeus respectively. Moreover, older fish were the most infected and males were more parasitized than females with no significant difference. Out of 10 infected organs, kidneys were the most parasitized (36. 57%) and harbored 11 parasite species. A broad spectrum of target organs was noticed for M. camerounensis. The prevalence was significantly higher in the dry season (52.94%) than the rainy season (39.59%). At total, 59. 94 % of infected fish were polyinfected and 5 types of polyinfections (2; 3; 4; 5 and 6 species) were recorded. As, the number of combined species increased, the prevalence of polyinfection’s categories dropped.Conclusion and application: The prevalence of Myxosporidiosis in O. niloticus was influenced by endogenous factors and seasons. The recorded data are helpful for developing control strategies so as to boost the fish’s production.Keywords: Myxosporean, Prevalence, Oreochromis niloticus, dam, Mapé, Cameroo

Prevalence of bovine tuberculosis at the SODEPA Douala abattoir, Cameroon (1995 – 2003)

This paper reviews tuberculosis and other pathological cases of slaughtered cattle recorded in “SODEPA” (Société de Développement et d'Exploitations des Productions Animales) Douala abattoir from April 1995 – May 2003 to determine the status of Bovine tuberculosis and other pathological conditions in Zebu cattle. Out of a total of 385,784 (3782.20 ± 425.02) zebu cattle slaughtered during this period, 3,893 (20.17 ± 25.35) pathological lesions were recorded with 81.53 % (3174; 32.72 ± 30.30) of them being due to tuberculosis. Prevalence rates of 1.01% for all the cases put together, 0.82% for tuberculosis alone and 0.19% for the non-tuberculosis cases were obtained for the 8-year study period. The other 18.47% (719; 7.90 ± 5.80) of non-tuberculosis cases were made up of liver (76.77%), non-tuberculosis lung (10.29%), cysticercosis (5.98%), enlarged kidney (2.50%), traumatic (2.22%) and pericardiac (2.22%) lesions. Bovine tuberculosis lesions were generally 3 – 5 times more prevalent (P< 0.05) than the other lesions combined. Although the rates of occurrence of the pathological cases were highest in April and September of 1997 and 1998, there was no significant association between cases and season. The paper therefore confirms that bovine tuberculosis is endemic in Cameroon and suggests that systematic knowledge on the biodiversity of the causative agents, epidemiology and control of the disease as well as the interrelationship between animal and human tuberculosis should be updated. Keywords: Zebu cattle, pathological lesions, tuberculosis, prevalence, abattoir, Douala- Cameroon Cameroon Journal of Experimental Biology Vol. 1(2) 2005: 116-12

Effect of castration and protein level of diet on the growth performance of piglets

A study designed to investigate the effect of dietary protein level and castration on growth performance of weaner pigs was conducted using crossbred piglets (Large white x landrace) of forty days of age and 7,50 kg average live weight. A total of 24 piglets (12 castrated and 12 non castrated) were divided into 3 experimental treatments with four piglets per treatment. The treatments corresponded to three dietary crude protein (CP) levels of 14,26, 16,49 and 20,4 % CP. The main findings of the study showed that there was a linear increase in feed consumption with increasing levels of protein in the diet. Irrespective of treatment, uncastrated piglets consumed more feed than castrated piglets. Increase in the dietary crude protein level and castration were observed to significantly (