A Phenotypic Trait (Neutrophil: Lymphocyte ratio) of Pure and Crossbred Nigerian Indigenous Pigs

Pig plays a major role in socio economical by serving as a source of income for rural population and fulfilling an important role in culture and food security. Neutrophillymphocyte ratio (NLR) can be defined as the ratio of absolute neutrophil count to the absolute lymphocyte count. Fifty-one weaners were randomly selected at 9, 17 and 25 weeks of age for haematological analysis. Blood from the jugular veins of these pigs were collected into anti-coagulant bottles and taken to the laboratory for analysis. The blood parameters taken were leukocyte traits represented by neutrophilic count (NEU %) and lymphocyte percentage (LYM %). NLR was calculated by dividing the mean neutrophil counts by the mean lymphocyte count. Haematological data recorded were analyzed by using Analysis ofvariance (ANOVA) and means were separated by DuncanMultiple Range Test (DMRT). The NLR values were significant between the two breeds where NIP NLR was higher throughout the ages.

Toxicity Studies of Ethyl Maltol and Iron Complexes in Mice

Ethyl maltol and iron complexes are products of ethyl maltol and the iron found in the cooking pots used to prepare the Chinese dish, hot-pot. Because their safety is undocumented, the toxicity study of ethyl maltol and iron complexes was conducted in male and female Kunming (KM) mice. The animal study was designed based on the preliminary study conducted to determine the median lethal dose (LD50). The doses used in the study were 0, 1/81, 1/27, 1/9, and 1/3 of the LD50(mg kg body weight (BW)−1day−1) dissolved in the water. The oral LD50of the ethyl maltol and iron complexes was determined to be 743.88 mg kg BW−1in mice. The ethyl maltol and iron complexes targeted the endocrine organs including the liver and kidneys following the 90 D oral exposure. Based on the haematological data, the lowest-observed-adverse-effect level (LOAEL) of the ethyl maltol and iron complexes was determined to be 1/81 LD50(9.18 mg kg BW−1 day−1) in both male and female mice. Therefore, we suggest that alternative strategies for preparing the hot-pot, including the use of non-Fe-based cookware, need to be developed and encouraged to avoid the formation of the potentially toxic complexes.