Effect of common salt (NaCl) on reproductive tract dimension, haemolymph haemocyte count and biochemical parameters of Giant African Land snail (A. marginata) during dry season

Abstract Demand for Giant African Land Snail in Nigeria is so high such that it is very difficult to meet up with the supply as a protein source. However, during dry season, production at intensive level is often challenged with decline in growth and reproduction despite interventions to boost production. This study therefore evaluates the effect of zinc oxide on liveweight, reproductive organ dimensions and spermatozoa production of Giant African Land Snail (Archachatina marginata) during dry season. Thirty-two (32) snails with an average weight of 100 – 180 g were used for this experiment. The snails were allotted to four different feeding treatments which included concentrate diet only, concentrate +10 mg/kg of zinc oxide, concentrate +15 mg/kg of zinc oxide and concentrate +20 mg/kg of zinc oxide, respectively. Each treatment contained eight replicates. After nine weeks, five snails were selected from each treatment and dissected. Variables monitored were: weekly weight gain, shell circumference, shell length and shell diameter. Other reproductive data collected after dissections were: organ weight, reproductive tract weight, albumen weight, ovo-testis weight, gonado-somatic index (GSI) and spermatozoa concentration. The result showed that dietary zinc oxide significantly (P < 0.001) influenced feed intake, shell parameters, organ weight ovo-testis weight, albumen weight, gonado-somatic index, reproductive tract weight and spermatozoa concentration. Snailsfed zinc oxide supplemented diet had better shell measurements, organ weight, ovo-testis weight, albumen weight, gonadosomatic index and reproductive tract weight. Considering spermatozoa concentration, 10 mg/kg of zinc oxide inclusion into concentrate diet gave the highest concentration. The results of the present study showed that dietary zinc oxide positively influenced feed intake, shell measurements, organ weight, ovo-testis and albumen weight. Similarly, gonado-somatic index and spermatozoa production were also positively influenced. Therefore, 10 mg/kg inclusion of zinc oxide is recommended for better reproductive tract development, and spermatozoa production at the desirable economic level during the dry season production of Archachatina marginata.

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Evaluation of Dry Season Rearing of African Giant Land Snail Archachatina marginata on Different Food Types and Apartments

Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science ◽

10.3923/jfas.2007.361.365 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 2 (5) ◽

pp. 361-365

Author(s):

B.N. Ejidike ◽

I.A. Omisade

Keyword(s):

Land Snail ◽

Dry Season

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EFFECTS OF AESTIVATION DURATION ON TESTOSTERONE, HAEMOLYMPH BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND REPRODUCTIVE TRACT DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT OF GIANT AFRICAN LAND SNAIL (Archachatina marginata) DURING DRY SEASON

Journal of Agricultural Science and Environment ◽

10.51406/jagse.v19i1.2012 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 17-28

Author(s):

J. A. ABIONA ◽

O. M. ADEEYO ◽

M. O. ABIOJA ◽

C. K. AINA ◽

O. Y. AYO-AJASA ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Total Protein ◽

Biochemical Parameters ◽

Reproductive Tract ◽

Vas Deferens ◽

Testis Weight ◽

Testosterone Concentration ◽

Albumen Gland ◽

Vaginal Length ◽

Reproductive Apparatus ◽

Somatic Index

Aestivation is a process of metabolic inactivity under which energy reserve are manipulated for survival. Reproductive apparatus and haemolymph biochemical agents also undergo phase manipulation as the duration continues. To determine the physiological influence on key hormone of reproduction and reproductive apparatus, seventy five A. marginata snails were used for this study. The snails were divided into five treatments with fifteen replicate each. Treatment include: Zero (0) week, Three (3) weeks, Six (6) weeks, nine (9) weeks and six (6) weeks post-aestivation. Parameters measured were: Testosterone concentration, haemolymph biochemical parameters (Total protein, albumin, globulin, Aspartate transaminase (AST) and Alanine transaminase (ALT), dimensions (length) and weight of the organs and tissues of the reproductive tracts (Ovo-testis, penis, vaginal, oviduct, little hermaphrodite duct, common hermaphrodite duct, vas deferens and albumen gland) gonado-somatic index and percentage mortality. Result showed that level of testosterone at three and six weeks of aestivation significantly reduced compared to the control. Also, at nine weeks of aestivation, the reduction was significantly greater than what was recorded at both three and six weeks of aestivation. But the testosterone levels were reversed at nine weeks post aestivation. Total protein and globulin were significantly influenced with both reaching a peak value at 9 weeks of aestivation while ALT, AST and albumin were not significantly affected. So also, of all the reproductive tract parts measured, organ weight, ovo-testis weight, penis weight and length were significantly influenced (P<0.001; P<0.001; P<0.05; P<0.001). Similarly, vaginal weight, oviduct weight, little hermaphrodite duct weight and length were also significantly affected together with vas deferens length and albumen gland length while aestivation duration had no significant influence on reproductive tract weight, ovo-testis length, vaginal length, oviduct length, little hermaphrodite duct length, vas deferens weight and albumen gland weight. Similarly, gonado-somatic index was also not significantly affected by aestivation duration. It was also obvious from this study that the highest mortality was recorded at 6 weeks of aestivation, followed by 9 weeks of aestivation while 3weeks and 6 weeks post-aestivation had the least mortality with the control intact. In conclusion, it is clear from this study that aestivation duration significantly influenced testosterone concentration, haemolymph biochemical parameters and some selected reproductive apparatus of A. marginata.

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Insights into the ecotoxicological perturbations induced by the biocide abamectin in the white snail, Theba pisana

10.21203/rs.3.rs-995720/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mohamed Radwan ◽

Amira Gad

Keyword(s):

Biochemical Parameters ◽

Glycogen Content ◽

Land Snail ◽

Energy Reserves ◽

Glutathione S Transferase ◽

Total Proteins ◽

Time Intervals ◽

Theba Pisana ◽

Glutamyl Transferase ◽

Lethal Doses

Abstract Abamectin (avermectin B1, ABM) has been widely used as a biocide in agriculture, veterinary and medicine worldwide. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity and sub-lethal biochemical responses of ABM on the non-target land snail, Theba pisana. Mortality of snails increased with the dose increase, resulting 48h- LD50 value of 1.048 µg/snail. Sub-lethal effects were studied on the survivors of 20% and 60% LD50 ABM doses and the biochemical parameters were assessed for up to 7 days of exposure. The results showed a decrease in glycogen content and lipids for two sub-lethal doses after all time intervals, whereas increased the level of total proteins after exposure to 60% LD50 ABM. Overall, the tested sub-lethal doses significantly decreased the total energy reserves. ABM-exposure to snails elevated γ-Glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities at all-time intervals. A significant increase of Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity was also recorded in snails exposed to 20% and 60% LD50 after 7 days and all time intervals, respectively. However, ABM inhibited the activity of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) after 7 days of exposure. Our investigation provides new insights into the disturbances of energy reserves and enzyme activities in T. pisana snails that can be used as useful sentinel organism. Indeed, these tested biochemical parameters of the snails are sensitive and may be used as biomarkers for assessing ABM toxicity.

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Seminal Plasma Analysis of Oxidative Stress in Different Genitourinary Topographical Regions Involved in Reproductive Tract Disorders Associated with Genital Heat Stress

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms21176427 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (17) ◽

pp. 6427

Author(s):

Monika Fraczek ◽

Lukasz Wojnar ◽

Marzena Kamieniczna ◽

Malgorzata Piasecka ◽

Kamil Gill ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Heat Stress ◽

Seminal Plasma ◽

Biochemical Parameters ◽

Reproductive Tract ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Local Heat ◽

Accessory Gland ◽

Male Subfertility ◽

Alpha Glucosidase

The pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for male subfertility/infertility caused by or complicated by genital heat stress remains unclear in many respects. Because seminal plasma creates the environment for the proper functioning of spermatozoa, in this study, we verified the associations among standard spermiograms, seminal biochemical parameters (neutral alpha-glucosidase, fructose, and citric acid) and oxidative stress markers (total antioxidant capacity, catalase activity, superoxide dismutase activity, and malondialdehyde concentration) in distinct entities associated with male infertility with and without long-time exposure to local hyperthermia. We demonstrated that men exposed to prolonged environmental or clinically recognized local heat stress in adulthood may suffer from dysregulation of seminal antioxidant components, which can be directly associated with epididymal and prostate function. The comparative analysis of the studied parameters showed numerous correlations among all biochemical parameters (particularly neutral alpha-glucosidase) with low standard semen quality in almost all the investigated infertile groups. In light of the data obtained in this originally designed study, we conclude that more attention should be paid to the epididymis and accessory gland function in subfertile and infertile men exposed to genital heat stress, especially in the context of novel treatment algorithms (targeted therapies).

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EFFECTS OF AESTIVATION DURATION ON REPRODUCTIVE TRACT DIMENSION AND SPERMATOZOA PRODUCTION OF GIANT AFRICAN LAND SNAIL (Archachatinamarginata) DURING DRY SEASON

Journal of Agricultural Science and Environment ◽

10.51406/jagse.v17i2.1837 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 17 (2) ◽

pp. 106-115

Author(s):

J. A. ABIONA ◽

A. C. ESHORUN ◽

F. M. MSHELBWALA

Keyword(s):

Reproductive Tract ◽

Economic Value ◽

Land Snail ◽

Organ Weight ◽

Land Snails ◽

Control Group ◽

Average Weight ◽

Testis Weight ◽

Tract Length ◽

Somatic Index

Aestivation is a process of metabolic suspension which plays a key role in the survival of land snails during a period of drought. Human shave also used this process to transport the animal for commercial purpose. To examine the effect of this physiological process on reproductive apparatus, thirty (30) Giant African Land snail (Archachatinamarginata) with average weight of 130 -150g were used for this study. The snails were allotted to three different treatments with ten (10) replicate each after four weeks of acclimatization period which include: zero (0) week, three (3) weeks and six (6) weeks of aestivation. Parameters measured were: Internal organ weight, ovo-testis weight, reproductive tract length (cm) and weight (g). Also gonado-somatic index and spermatozoa concentration were also determined. Results showed that aestivation duration had significant influence on organ weight, ovo-testis weight, reproductive tract length and weight and spermatozoa concentration. However, gonado-somatic index (GSI) was not significantly influenced. It was observed that organ weight decreased as aestivation duration increased. For ovo-testis, snails with aestivation duration of six weeks had smaller weight compared to the control (0 week) while those at three weeks aestivation duration were not significantly different from the control group and those of six weeks aestivation duration. For reproductive tract weight, there was a significant(P<0.01)decrease in weight of the tract for both snails under three and six weeks aestivation duration compared to the control group (0 week). Spermatozoa count also decreased as aestivation duration increased. It can therefore be concluded that aestivation duration had significant effect on organ weight, ovo-testis weight, reproductive tract weight and spermatozoa concentration. For quick target of reproduction and snail economic value, it is recommended that aestivation duration should not be allowed to reach three weeks and above for whatever reason.

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Cattle feed resource, Water sources and Housing system in the East Shoa and West Arsi Zones of Oromia, Ethiopia

NASS Journal of Agricultural Sciences ◽

10.36956/njas.v3i1.140 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Aman Gudeto ◽

Sandip Banerjee ◽

Tadele Mirkena ◽

Tesfaye Alemu Tucho

Keyword(s):

Crop Residues ◽

Water Sources ◽

Dry Season ◽

Housing System ◽

Common Salt ◽

Wet Season ◽

Cattle Feed ◽

Feed Resources ◽

Natural Pasture ◽

Mineral Sources

The study was conducted in Adami Tulu Jidokombolcha (ATJK), Bora, Dodola, Shala and Negele-Arsi districts with objective to assess main cattle feed resources, water sources and housing systems. A pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was used to conduct survey. About 240 respondents were identified using random sampling techniques. Collected data was analyzed by SPSS statistical software (Ver. 24). Study result indicates that household in average had three hectares of land and allocated about two hectares of land for crop cultivation. Most respondents reported that cattle herding is not common during dry season while it is common during wet season. Survey result indicate that natural pasture, weed and maize tiller and stored crop residues are main feed resources in wet season while crop after math, crop residue and fodder trees are main resources during dry season. Brackish, local mineral and common salt are mineral sources for cattle in study areas. Lake, river and boreholes are important water sources in dry season where as ponds and rivers are main water sources during wet season for their cattle. The observed cattle watering frequency is mainly once a day. Housing system practiced in the study areas is mainly Kraal. The information generated from this study on land size per household, cattle herding system, feed resources, mineral sources, water sources, water utilization and housing type can be used as a baseline for any livestock development programs in those and similar areas.

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Effect of Supplementation of Seaweed Formulations on Haematological, Blood Biochemical Parameters and Immune Response of Crossbred Calves

Indian Journal of Animal Research ◽

10.18805/ijar.b-4446 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Bornalee Handique ◽

Putan Singh ◽

A.K. Verma

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

Biochemical Parameters ◽

Live Weight ◽

Common Salt ◽

Standard Diet ◽

Blood Biochemical Parameters ◽

Humoral Immune ◽

Blood Biochemical ◽

Mineral Mixture ◽

T1 And T2

Background: Seaweeds are rich in complex carbohydrates, proteins and low molecular weight nitrogenous compounds, lipids, organic minerals, vitamins and pigments. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of supplementation of seaweed formulations on haematological, blood biochemical parameters and immune response of crossbred calves. Methods: A total of 18 male crossbred calves (130±7.56 kg live weight) were divided into 3 groups of 6 each based on complete randomized design. Calves in control (T0) was fed on standard diet, while treatment groups: T1 and T2 were supplemented with AF-KWP or AFRD-5 at the rate of 4% of concentrate mixture with 1% calcium carbonate and 1% dicalcium phosphate replacing mineral mixture and common salt offered in T0. The experiment was conducted for a period of 240 days. Blood was collected from each calf on 0, 100 and 200 days of experimental periods. Result: Concentration of Hb, PCV and RBC count was significantly higher in T1 and T2. Supplementation of seaweed increased significantly (P less than 0.001) the lymphocytes to neutrophil ratio. Serum total protein, albumin (A), globulin (G) and A:G ratio were comparable. Humoral immune response was significantly higher (P less than 0.001) in T1 and T2. Study concluded that supplementation of seaweed formulations of T1 and T2 improved erythropoiesis, alleviate stress and increased humoral immune responses in crossbred calves and recommend as replacement to mineral mixture and common salt.

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Effect of Contraceptive Steroids on the Endometrium of Guinea Pig: SEM study

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100080766 ◽

1977 ◽

Vol 35 ◽

pp. 668-669

Author(s):

Mai M. Said ◽

Ramesh K. Nayak ◽

Randall E. McCoy

Keyword(s):

Guinea Pig ◽

Reproductive Tract ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Female Reproductive Tract ◽

Human Female ◽

Surface Ultrastructure ◽

Transmission Electron ◽

Sem Study ◽

Uterine Mucosa ◽

Group 1

Burgos and Wislocki described changes in the mucosa of the guinea pig uterus, cervix and vagina during the estrous cycle investigated by transmission electron microscopy. More recently, Moghissi and Reame reported the effects of progestational agents on the human female reproductive tract. They found drooping and shortening of cilia in norgestrel and norethindrone- treated endometria. To the best of our knowledge, no studies concerning the effects of mestranol and norethindrone given concurrently on the three-dimensional surface features on the uterine mucosa of the guinea pig have been reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of mestranol and norethindrone on surface ultrastructure of guinea pig uterus by SEM.Seventy eight animals were used in this study. They were allocated into two groups. Group 1 (20 animals) was injected intramuscularly 0.1 ml vegetable oil and served as controls.

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Surface ultrastructure of danazol treated rat endometrium: A SEM study

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s042482010007641x ◽

1983 ◽

Vol 41 ◽

pp. 556-557

Author(s):

R.P. Apkarian ◽

J.S. Sanfilippo

Keyword(s):

Cross Sections ◽

Reproductive Tract ◽

Preliminary Investigation ◽

Breast Disease ◽

Distal Segment ◽

Uterine Horn ◽

Female Reproductive Tract ◽

Ultrastructural Changes ◽

Cycle Phase ◽

Sprague Dawley

The synthetic androgen danazol, is an isoxazol derivative of ethisterone. It is utilized in the treatment of endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, and has a potential use as a contraceptive. A study was designed to evaluate the ultrastructural changes associated with danazol therapy in a rat model. The preliminary investigation of the distal segment of the rat uterine horn was undertaken as part of a larger study intended to elucidate the effects of danazol on the female reproductive tract.Cross-sections (2-3 mm in length) of the distal segment of the uterine horn from sixteen Sprague-Dawley rats were prepared for SEM. Ten rats in estrus served as controls and six danazol treated rats were noted to have alterations of the estrus cycle i.e. a lag in cycle phase or noncycling patterns. Specimens were fixed in 3% glutaraldehyde in 0.05M phosphate buffer containing CaCl2 at pH 7.0-7.4 and chilled to 4°C. After a brief wash in distilled water, specimens were passed through a graded series of ethanol, critical point dryed in CO2 from absolute ethanol, and coated with 6nm Au. Observations were made with an IS1-40 SEM operated at 15kV.

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