VETERINARY MEDICINE
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- ItemLYCOPENE- AND VITAMIN E-INDUCED MODULATION OF PHYSIOLOGICAL AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE INDICES IN LAYING HENS DURING THE DRY SEASON(2021-03)Environmental stress is progressively becoming a globally significant factor of concern to animal agriculture due to climate change.Variations in thermal environmental conditions in the tropical Guinea Savannah, especially when such changes are acute, frequent and abrupt constitute oxidative stress to animal well-being and productivity. The aim of the present study was to determine the ameliorative activity of supplemented lycopene (L) and vitamin E (VE) on thermal stress-induced changes in physiological and performance indices of laying hens during the harmattan and hot-dry seasons. Four hundred, apparently healthy laying hens, aged 41 weeks were divided into four groups each (n = 100): group 1 = L+VE, were coadministered with lycopene (30 mg⁄kg body weight) and vitamin E (250 mg ⁄ kg body weight); group 2 = L, were supplemented with lycopene only ((30 mg ⁄ kg body weight)); group 3 = VE were administered with vitamin E only (250 mg ⁄ kg body weight) and group 4 = CONTROL were not supplemented with any antioxidant. The antioxidants were administered for 5 weeks each, during the harmattan and hot-dry seasons. During the study period physiological and performace parameters were recorded daily and weekly. The results showed that thermal environmental conditions during the harmattan and hot-dry seasons were stressfull to the laying hens, but the hot-dry condition was more stressful to the birds. During the harmattan (cold-dry) season, laying birds were exposed to environmental stress ranging from cold to heat stressor. During the hot-dry season, laying birds were susceptible to severe heat stress almost all the day. The stressful conditions resulted in significant impairment in performance parameters of laying hens. A significant increase in percentage hen-day egg production was recorded in laying hens that were administered antioxidants, lycopene and vitamin E during the two seasons; however, it was evident that coadministration of L+VE to hens resulted in the most significant (P < 0.05) performance parameters. This was followed by laying birds that were administered with lycopene only and vitamin E only, respectively. Hen-day egg production parameter was lowest in control laying hens during the two seasons. Oestrogen and progesterone concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in antioxidant-administered groups of laying hens during the two seasons of the study. Results on thyroid function and thyroid hormone concentrations demonstrated that co-adminstration of lycopene and vitamin E was most significant on thyroid function during the two seasons, indicating that antioxidants surported thyroid function which is known to be dysfunctional during thermally-induced stress condition. Modulatory effect of thyroid hormones activity was more profound during the harmattan season, increasing cloacal temperatures(CTs) during the early hours of the day and decreasing CTs during periods commencing from 12:00 h. Modulatotory roles of antioxidants in the laying hens were in the order: L+VE > L > VE > CONTROL. Significant (P < 0.05) increase in CTs was recorded in L+ VE and L groups of laying hens during the study period. Results showed that the effect of VE on CTs was lower than in the former two groups. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in egg weight in experimental and control groups of laying hens during the seasons. However, internal and external egg parameters were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by the supplementation of antioxidants where L+VE groups of laying hens recorded higher values in eggshell diameter. The group also showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in egg albumen and yolk parameters. During the hot-dry season, ovarian function showed a more resilient aptitude in egg production. Countable white follicles and growing preovulatory yellow ovarian follicles were greater (P < 0.05) in number in antioxidant-administered laying hens. There was no transitional shelled egg in-uterus in any of the laying hens supplemented with antioxidants; only in control groups were shelled eggs-in-uteri prominent. It is concluded that the harmattan and hot-dry seasons were thermally stressful to laying hens. The administration of antioxidants lycopene and⁄or vitamin E ameliorated the effects of the stress and improved the welfare and productivity of the laying hens.
- ItemEFFICACYAND IMMUNOGENICITY OF EIMERIA TENELLA APICAL MEMBRANE ANTIGEN-1 (EtAMA1) DNA VACCINE AGAINST EIMERIA TENELLA INFECTION IN BROILER CHICKENS(2021-04)Apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA1), being a micronemal transmembrane protein of apicomplexan parasites, is secreted by the microneme organelles onto the parasite surface during host cells invasions. In this study, the performances, immune response, haematological, gross, and histopathological changes were assessed to evaluate the level of protective immunity of the Eimeria tenella apical membrane antigen-1 (EtAMA1) DNA vaccine in broiler chickens challenged with two strains of E. tenella oocysts. Eighty (80) day-old broiler chicks divided into four groups (G1, G2, G3, and G4) were used for the study. Chicks in G1 were unvaccinated unchallenged and G2 unvaccinated challenged. Chicks in G3 and G4 were intramuscularly vaccinated with a DNA vaccine, a construct of EtAMA1 Houghton strain, at 14, and21daysofage. Seven days after the booster vaccination, G2 and G3 were challenged with a local isolate of E. tenella while G4 was challenged with Houghton strain of E. tenella. The chickens were observed for clinical signs, body weight gain, survival rate, oocyst count, lesion scores, and anticoccidial index. Blood samples were collected on day 14, 21, 28, and 35 of age for haematology and sera harvested for determination of IgY and interferongamma (IFN-γ) concentration. Also, at 7 days post challenge, caeca collected from sacrificed birds were observed grossly for lesions, weighed and fixed in 10 % neutral buffered formalin for histopathology. Clinical signs associated with coccidiosis which include depression, dullness, somnolence, reduced feed in-take, bloody faeces, and soiled vent were mild in vaccinated challenged chickens, but very severe in unvaccinated challenged chickens.There was significant (p < 0.05)reduction in the oocyst output and increased weight gain in vaccinated challenged birds (G3 and G4) compared to unvaccinated challenged birds (G2). Haematology revealed significantly (p < 0.05) decreased PCV, Hb, total protein, MCV, MCH, and MCHC in unvaccinated challenged chickens when compared to vaccinated chickens. The heterophil/lymphocyte ratio was significantly higher in unvaccinated challenged birds. Significantly high (p < 0.05) levels of serum IgY and IFN-γ concentrations were observed in vaccinated chickens. Histopathological examination showed desquamation and necrosis of mucosal glands in unvaccinated challenged birds. The results showed that DNA vaccine encoding EtAMA1 improved performance and elicited an increase in serum levels ofIgY and IFN-γ thus, could provide some level of immunity against caecal coccidiosis of not just that of the homologous strain but also of a heterologous strain from another geographical area.
- ItemEFFECTS OF FRACTIONSFROM CRUDE METHANOLIC EXTRACT OFAZADIRACHTA INDICA (NEEM)LEAF ON SPERMIOGRAM, TESTOSTERONE PROFILE, TESTES HISTOLOGY AND HAEMATOLOGYOF NEW ZEALAND WHITE RABBIT BUCKS(2021-02)The effects of different fractionsfrom methanolic extract of Azadirachta indica (neems) leaves on spermatogenesis, testicular histology, testosterone concentration and haematological parameters in New Zealand white rabbits were evaluated in this study. Crude extract of the powdered leaves of neem (Azadirachta Indica) was extracted using methanol and further fractionated using hexane, chloroform, ethylacetate and butanol. Twenty five matured New Zealand white rabbit bucks wererandomly assigned to five groups (A, B, C, D, and E). Group A rabbits served as control and were administered only distilled water, while groups B, C, D and E, rabbits representing the hexane, chloroform, ethylacetate and butanol groups, respectively, were administered fractions from the respective solventextracts at similar dose rate of 300mg/kg. Semen samples were collected using artificial vagina weekly for fourteen weeks and were immediately evaluated for parameters such as volume, colour, motility, concentration, and percentage live ratio. Five millilitres of blood sample was collected from each rabbit buck through venipuncture of the ear vein three times during the experimental period, that was at the beginning, middle and end of the experiment for determination of haematological parameters. Serum sample was also harvested from the collected blood for determination of testosterone concentration. Two rabbit bucks from each group were humanely sacrificed at the end of the experiment for testicular histology. Data collected were analysed using graph pad prism software version 5.0 and P values, ≤0.05 were considered statically significant between treatment groups and the control. No significant difference (P≥0.05) was observed in mean sperm motility between the control group (90.00±2.04%) and treated groups B (84.33±5.36%), D (90.00±4.40%) and E (95.00±0.00%) at first week. However, significant (P<0.05) decrease in sperm motility was recorded from the treatment group C that receive chloroform fraction (00.68±1.64%) when compared with the control group (90.00±2.04%) at the end of the experiment.Although, no significance differences (p>0.05) were observed in semen volume between the treatment groups and the control group. However, numerical decrease in semen volume that is not significant (P>0.05) was observed in group C which was treated with chloroform fraction. Significant difference (P<0.05) in sperm concentration and sperm abnormalities were observed between the control group and the treatment groups. No significant (P>0.05) difference were observed in testosterone concentration between the various treatment group and the control group, however, there was gradual decrease in plasma concentration of testosterone values in the treatment groups when compared with the control group. Significant differences (P<0.05) in haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, red and white blood cell counts were observed between the treatment groups and the control. There was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in red blood cell count in the treatment groups; hexane fraction (5.70±0.07×1012/L), Chloroform extract (5.28±0.02×1012/L), ethylacetate fraction (5.52±0.00×1012/L) and butanol fraction (4.81±0.00×1012/L) compared with the control (6.54±0.00×1012/L), however, the values are within the normal haematological range values for the New Zealand white rabbit. Testicular degeneration, depletion and vacuolation of spermatogenic cell layers were observed in treatment group with chloroform fraction. However, other treated groups did not show difference from the control with intact and prominent seminiferous tubules and spermatogenic layers at different stages of division. Further studies need to be conducted to validate this findings and also to isolate specific antifertility agent(s) from chloroform fraction. The study showed that chloroform fraction of crude methanolic Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf extract was detrimental to spermatogenesis, which significantly reduced gross semen motility and testicular histology, while butanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane fractions had no significant effect on semen characteristics, histology and androgen profile of New Zealand white rabbit bucks.All the fractions from crude methanol neem leaf extract significantly reduce the PCV and RBC count but had no significant effect on testosterone concentration in the New Zealand white rabbit bucks
- ItemOCCURRENCE OF OSTEODYSTROPHIA FIBROSA IN HORSES, KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF HORSE GROOMS IN THREE SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA(2021-04)Osteodystrophia Fibrosa also known as bran disease, nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (NHS) is a is a dietary calcium: phosphorus imbalance. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of Osteodystrophia fibrosa along with knowledge, attitude and practices of horse grooms in horses. The occurrence of Osteodystrophia fibrosa (bran disease) was studied in three selected LGAs of Kaduna State, Nigeria. The three LGAs were Igabi, Zaria and Sabon Gari LGAs. A total of 59 horses of both sexes consisting of 3 breeds (Argentine, West African Barb and Sudanese) were used. Purposive and convenience sampling methods were used during the study. The clinical signsand clinical parameters (Respiratory, pulse rate and rectal temperature)were evaluated. The serum biochemical values, haematological values, faecal calcium and phosphorous levels were also evaluated. The feed fed to the horses were also analyzed for oxalate and phytate levels. The rate of occurrence of Osteodystrophia fibrosawas 74.6%.The knowledge, attitude and practice of the horse grooms were also evaluated. Theclinical signs of Osteodystrophia fibrosa observed were enlarged facial bone, poor body condition score and lameness. The vital parameters (RPT) were within normal values. The haematological values of horses with Osteodystrophia fibrosawere all within normal values. There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between respiratory rate, pulse rate, rectal temperature and haematological valuesof equine Osteodystrophia fibrosa and non Osteodystrophia fibrosahorses. The serum calcium and phosphorus levels equine Osteodystrophia fibrosa horses were 2.71±0.03 mmol/L and 1.26±0.08mmol/L respectively.The parathyroid hormone of horses with and without Osteodystrophia fibrosawas found to be 93.01±20.44 pg/ml and 38.9±3.50 pg/ml respectively. The values were statistically significant(p<0.05)between the clinically and non-clinically diseased viii horses.Similarly, the oxalate and phytate levels in the horses‟ feeds 0.02 and 0.51m/100kg respectively. The faecal calcium level of the horses from Igabi LGA had the highest values of 75.89± 6.55mg/kg for the non-clinically diseased horses and 82.85±4.17mg/kg for the clinically diseased horses and that the faecal phosphorus values for the clinically diseased horses were also highest in Igabi LGA with values of 2801.76±212.51mg/kg. The high level of calcium and phosphorus in the faeces of these horses could be as a result of high oxalate and phytate in the feeds of the horses. The knowledge, attitude and practice of the horse grooms showed they had a good understanding of the condition as85.7% of the grooms knew the condition, 90.5% had good attitude while 71.4% had good practice towards the condition. The study has shown that Osteodystrophia fibrosa exists in the study area and that the nature of the horses‟ feeds could have something to do with the occurrence of the condition. The study has further shown that there is no age predisposition for the occurrence of the condition while the clinical and haematological valuesof the affected horses do not seem to be adversely affected by the condition.it was suggested more horse feeds should be examined to determine their oxalate and phytate levels in Nigeria.
- ItemMOLECULAR CHARACTERISTICS AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE OF METHICILLIN RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS ISOLATED FROM PIGS AND HUMANS IN KOGI STATE, NIGERIA(2021-02)Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of serious community and health care-associated infections and limited antimicrobial treatment options for methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections make their management challenging. This study was conducted to determine the molecular characteristics and antimicrobial resistance of MRSA isolated from pigs and humans in Kogi State, Nigeria. Using standard microbiological techniques, 680 nasal swab samples collected from 425 pigs, 55 „in-contact‟ and 200 „non-contact‟ humans were analysed. Risk factors associated with MRSA carriage among humans was also determined using a structured questionnaire. Staphylococcus aureuswas recovered from 20 (4.7%) of the 425 pigs screened and 19 (7.5%) from humans. Six (2.4%) of the human S. aureus isolates were recovered from 55 „in-contact‟ while 13 (5.1%) were recovered from 200 „non-contact‟ humans. In addition 42 other isolates belonging to other Staphylococcus species (S. hyicus, S. scuiri, S. intermedius, S. lentus, S. chromogens, S. warnari, S. lugdunensis, S. saprophyticus, S. haemolyticus, S. xylosus) were recovered in the study. All of the S. aureus isolates (39; 100%) irrespective of source were resistant to β-lactams only. Also all of the S. aureusisolates had MIC values >4mg/ml for oxacillin and were termed methicillin resistant. Five (6.2%) and 3 (3.7%) of the other Staphylococcus species isolates from pigs and humans respectively showed multi-drug resistance patterns. Age and sex were found to be factors associated with nasal carriage of S. aureuswithin the study population. MRSA werecharacterized by a multiplex PCR to detect spa, mecA, lukF-PV(a marker of the Panton-Valentine leucocidin, PVL), scn and aCC398 specific band. Direct sequencing ofthe purified PCR reaction amplicon was used for spa typing. Four isolates (one pig, one pigcontact human fromthe same pig farm, one non-pig-contact human from the samedistrict, and one pig-contact human from a different district)were selected for further SCCmec, multilocus sequence typing and whole genomesequencing (WGS).All 39 MRSA isolates belonged to spa type t1603- sequence type (ST) 88, and mecA was associated with a SCCmecIVa element in 38/39 of the isolates. Core genome SNP analysis revealed high genetic similarity between strains (3-11 SNP differences), despite the temporal (2 year gap) and geographic (165km) differences between isolates. Furthermore, the MRSA isolates in this study form a distinct clade when compared with other African MRSA ST88 isolates. Nineteen (95%) of the porcine strains were positive for scnsuggesting a possible human origin and that pigs were either transiently contaminated by humans or result of a very recent human-to-pig transmission event.