Oestrus synchronization of West African Dwarf Does using prostaglandin-F2α analogue

Introduction: Successful livestock propagation through artificial insemination technique is achievable only when the different processes involved, including oestrus synchronization, are well executed. Methods: Dinoprost thromithamine (Lutalyse®) is an analogue of Prostaglandin F2-alpha (PGF2α) used extensively for oestrus synchronization in ruminants. Its efficacy as oestrus synchronizing agent was studied using six (6) healthy West African Dwarf (WAD) does aged between 2 and 4years and weighing 6-13 kg. The animals, randomly divided into three groups of 2 animals each, were kept in a standard goat pen and allowed to graze from morning to evening. They were fed with concentrates in the evening and supplied water ad libitum. The multiparous group (I) and nulliparous group (II) were administered two intramuscular injections of 5mg Lutalyse® at 11 days interval while the control group (III) was not given any treatment. The animals were closely monitored for signs of oestrus during and after the treatments. Oestrus detection was carried out by teasing the does twice daily (0800 and 1600 hours respectively) using one vasectomized buck per set of does. Results: The 2 does in group I responded to the treatment, while does in group II and III did not. Group I does were seen to come on heat between 48th and 96th hours after the second injection (100% response). The two does in Group I showed intense oestrus (90.00 %) while does in Group II presented weak oestrus. Significance: From this study, it can be concluded that 5mg of Dinoprost is effective as an agent of oestrus synchronization in multiparous WAD does.

Selenium supplementation ameliorated paraquat-induced haemotoxicity in male rats

Introduction: The study was aimed at determining the haematological changes induced by 7 days paraquat exposure in rats and the ameliorative effect of selenium. Methods: Fifty-two adult male rats weighing between 150g and 200g were used for the study. The animals re randomly divided into five (5) groups of eight (8) rats each viz: Group I (DW) was administered distilled water only (2 ml/kg), group II (P1) was paraquat 15 mg/kg, group III (P1 + S) was paraquat (15 mg/kg) and selenium (0.3 mg/kg) an hour later, group IV (P2) was paraquat 30 mg/kg, while group V (P2 + S) was paraquat (30 mg/kg) and selenium (0.3 mg/kg) an hour later. Treatments were administered per os by gavage once daily for a week. Blood samples were analysed on the last day of administration. Results: The results of the study revealed that there were no significant differences (p >0.05) in haematological parameters in paraquat-induced toxicity in rats. Significance: The result of this research has shown that 7 days paraquat administration at 15 and 30 mg/kg has no detrimental effect on haematological parameters in rats, thus selenium supplementation cannot be justified to ameliorate its effect.

The effect of XIVb strain of Newcastle disease virus on the haematology of Muscovy ducks and local chickens

Introduction: Anseriform species such as Muscovy ducks, Mallard ducks and geese are commonly known to be susceptible to some of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strains, while resistant to others. This study was designed to determine and compare the effect of XIVb strain of NDV on the haematological parameters of Muscovy ducks in relation to the local chickens. Methods: Forty experimental birds consisting of twenty Muscovy ducklings and twenty local chicks at five weeks of age were divided into four groups of 10 subjects each, designated as infected chickens (IC), control chickens (CC), infected ducklings (ID) and control ducklings (CD) and were inoculated orally with 107.8/ 0.1ml /bird as the embryo lethal dose (ELD50/ml) of the strain obtained from the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom. The means of haematological parameters were used to determine the response of the birds in each group and were compared to their controls (at days 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, 28, and 35). Results: The result showed reduction in some of the haematological parameters, such as RBC and PCV, MCV, HB concentration, MCH and leukocyte count of both the IC and ID. RBC was (1.71±0.26×1012/l) and (2.77±0.20×1012/l) in the IC and ID against their control groups (3.69±0.31×1012/l) and (3.71±0.31×1012/l) on day 7PI, respectively. The IC also showed significant (p < 0.05) lymphopenia on days 7, 10 and 21 than the CC while the ID showed significant (p < 0.05) lymphocytosis on days 14, 21, 28 and 35 than the CD. Significance: The haematological parameters of the local chickens are more affected when infected with XIVb strain of NDV than that of the Muscovy ducks.

Vaginal prolapse due to ring womb in a 3-year old Sudanese-Balami cross breed Ewe

This report presented a case of vaginal prolapse complicated with dystocia due to ring womb, the ewe was presented with the chief complaint of protruding mass around the vulva. On physical examination, vaginal prolapse was established and corrected gently by pushing the mass through the vulva opening and stay sutures were placed using buried purse-string method. Two days post-management the ewe was observed to be at term and the sutures were removed but the ewe was unable to deliver. It was then prepared for caesarean operation and two foetuses were removed alive, the foetuses died a day after the caesarean section. The post mortem findings on the foetuses revealed pulmonary atelectasis. The ewe recovered and the sutures were removed 14 days after the surgery.

Descriptive and categorical analyses of live animals imported into Nigeria through an international airport and their enterobacterial load

Introduction: Globalization, international trade, and the increase in human and animal populations has enhanced the spread of infectious pathogens across countries. The volume, sources, species, enterobacterial load, and Enterobacteriaceae bacteria of live animals imported through Murtala Muhammed International Airport into Nigeria were investigated. Methods: Data of imported animals from various continents into Nigeria between years 2010 and 2016 were retrieved from Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services. Faecal samples were collected from dogs and cats imported from April to July 2017 for isolation and identification of Enterobacteriaceae bacteria, and enterobacterial load assessment using MacConkey agar, Nutrient agar and biochemical tests. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 6,349 (median = 676; range: 362-1666) animals were imported. Africa had the largest volume (55.7%), Europe (28.0%) and Oceania lowest (0.1%). Canine (dogs) and feline (cats) (59.9%), caprine and ovine (12.1%), bovine (11.5%), porcine (10.2%) and equine (6.2%) were imported. Continent of origin (χ2= 21.63, p < 0.0001) and species (χ2 = 1200.00, p < 0.0001) were significantly associated with volume of importation. Mean Enterobacteriaceae Counts were 18.126±0.84×107 and 3.855±0.53×107 CFU/gram for dogs and cats, respectively. Escherichia coli, Proteus, Shigella, Citrobacter and Klebsiella species were isolated. Significance: Live animals, mostly dogs and cats imported frequently from Africa and Europe into Nigeria through the airport may constitute a risk of introducing infectious and zoonotic pathogens into the country. Animals imported into Nigeria should be regularly quarantined and assessed microbiologically to ensure disease prevention.

The role of eosinophils in parasitism and allergies: A review.

Eosinophils are bone marrow produced granulocytes known to play key roles in mammalian host’s defence against parasitic infections and allergic reactions. Although a lot of studies were carried out to establish these roles, conflicting research findings rendered the long-established relationship between eosinophils and the induction of allergic sensitivity and their roles in helminth infections controversial. Emerging evidence from recent research efforts showed that eosinophils stimulated airway remodelling and also served to control the immune response in allergic reactions. Research was conducted using databases such as Google, Google Scholar, Research gate, Scopus, Science Direct and Pub Med. The key words used for the search were eosinophils and eosinophilia, then the relevant articles were selected. This article explains the mechanism of eosinophilia in parasitism as well as allergic reactions. In this article, the concept of eosinophilia, its different classes and the role it plays in parasitism and allergies are reviewed and discussed.

Effects of sodium metavanadate on the electrical stimulation of sciatic nerve of toads (Bufo regularis)

Introduction: Vanadium and its compounds have been documented to exert toxic effects on almost all systems in living organisms including cardiovascular, reproductive and nervous systems. In the nervous system however, toxicity assays have been on the brain and its structures with little information on its effects on peripheral nerves. This study was therefore conducted to examine the toxicity of vanadium in the peripheral nervous system. Methods: Vanadium as sodium metavanadate was used in the study. Fifteen toads (Bufo regularis) were randomly distributed into 3 groups (A-C); A served as control and was administered distilled water during the experiment, B were intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered with sodium metavanadate at 3 mg/kg while C were administered with sodium metavanadate at 5 mg/kg i.p. for 7 consecutive days. Nerve conduction was studied in isolated toad sciatic nerve-gastrocnemius muscle preparation following electrical stimulation. The recordings were obtained on a kymograph for each group. Results: The results showed significant (p<0.05) reduction in the peak amplitude of the action potential and an increase in the latency of the onset of the action potential at 5 mg/kg sodium metavanadate. Furthermore, an increased threshold stimulus voltage was also observed in group administered with 5 mg/kg sodium metavanadate. The values of these parameters in the 3 mg/kg sodium metavanadate group were not statistically different from the control group. Significance: The findings of this preliminary study suggest that vanadium at 5 mg/kg may result in decrease speed of impulse conduction which may be as a result of demyelination in the sciatic nerve.

Pathological changes induced by the venom of Echis ocellatus in experimentally envenomed Swiss-Albino mice

Introduction: Echis ocellatus (Family Viperidae) is the most medically important snake in Nigeria, accounting for over 60% of snake envenomation in the country. However, in spite of its significance, the snake has been under reported. The paucity of information on the pathologic effects of the snake species in animals necessitates this study to unravel the gross pathological changes, histological and haematological alterations associated with its envenoming. Methods: A total of 10 Swiss-albino mice of average weight 30 g were divided into two groups of five mice each. Group A were experimentally envenomed at 2.7 mg/kg (LD50) using crude venom extract of the snake, while group B mice were administered normal saline (placebo) intraperitoneally. The mice were observed for clinical signs of envenomation and thereafter sacrificed to collect blood, followed by post-mortem examination. Results: Stretching, shivering, restlessness and dry gangrene were the clinical signs observed in the envenomed mice, while generalised congestion of the entire internal organs, haemorrhages and unclotted blood within both abdominal and thoracic cavities were seen grossly. Congested liver with focal areas of necrotised hepatocytes, mononuclear cellular infiltrations, splenic megakaryocytes, necrosis of myocardium and renal epithelium were the histological findings recorded. Haematological examination revealed; marked anaemia and significantly (p < 0.05) higher total plasma protein in the envenomed group. Significance: The present study documents experimental envenoming by E. ocellatus in Albino mice. Findings may be beneficial in diagnosis and designing of effective therapy. Further research into the bioactivity of the snake venom is recommended.

Gross pathological diagnosis of pygomelia in association with other anomalies in a 3-week old Chick-layer

Malformations may be found in chickens with or without fatal consequences depending upon the nature of such anomalies and their ability to interfere with the normal physiology of affected birds. The present report aimed to document a case of polymelia in general, and pygomelia in particular, in association with other anomalies in a 3-week old Chick-layer. A post-mortem examination was carried out on the Chick-layer immediately following death from wild rat’s attack in a make-shift metal isolation pen while awaiting clinical examination. Although the Chick-layer looked slightly smaller than its peers on the average, it was in a fair body condition. The Chick-layer had a pasted vent. It also had a pair of legs attached to the pelvis beneath the left side of its coccygeal vertebrae, which displaced the cloaca laterally to its right. We did not observe visible gross morphological changes in visceral organs. However, the Chick-layer had a dilated and impacted rectum/cloaca with three ceca. Based on the available literature, this is the first report of pygomelia with these peculiar types of associated cecal and rectal anomalies in a Chick-layer. The continuous documentation of the various forms of this condition with their associated anomalies will enrich our knowledge base in the subject matter for a better understanding of the triggers, pathogenesis, management, and the prevention/control measures against these developmental anomalies in affected birds.

The effects of feeding graded levels of whole cottonseed on weekly weights, scrotal circumference, testicular and epididymal sperm reserves of Red Sokoto Bucks

Introduction: Testicular size is a good predictor of sperm production, service capacity and sexual development in most species. The correlation between body weight, scrotal circumference, testicular and epididymal sperm reserves in farm animals is very essential in the determination of fertility rates and reproductive performance. The present work evaluated the effects of feeding graded levels of whole cottonseed on weekly weights, scrotal circumference, testicular and epididymal sperm reserves of Red Sokoto bucks. Twenty Red Sokoto bucks were used for the experiment. Method: After a 14-day pre-treatment period, bucks were assigned for 90 days to one of four isonitrogenous treatments: control (diet A); 0 mg/kg of total gossypol, (diet B); 15 % mg/kg of total gossypol, (diet C); 30 % mg/kg of total gossypol and (diet D); 45 % mg/ kg of total gossypol. Mean weekly body weights and scrotal circumference changes were significantly (p < 0.05) different among various treatment groups; bucks in group C (30% WCS) gained the highest body weight and scrotal circumference while bucks in group D (45 % WCS) had the least. Mean testicular and epididymal sperm reserves were significantly (p < 0.05) different among various treatment groups; bucks in group C (30% WCS) had the highest while bucks in group D (45 % WCS) had the least. Result: Weight gain, scrotal circumference, testicular and epididymal sperm reserves of Red Sokoto bucks were higher in animals supplemented with 30 % whole cottonseed. Significance: The relationship between body weights, scrotal circumference, testicular and epididymal sperm reserves can be a valuable parameter in the determination of fertility rates, reproductive performance and economic significance in Red Sokoto Bucks.