African Journals On-line
Tropical Veterinarian

Volume 21 Number 2, 2003
ABSTRACTS

Trop. Vet. Vol. 21 (2) 1-8 (2003)

N-Nitroso Compound Precursors in some Nigerian Forage Crops

Atawodi, S. E.

Biochemistry Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Keywords: N-nitroso precursors, forages, Nigeria

Abstract

Primary and secondary amine contents of some dried Nigerian forages were analyzed as their sulphonamides by gas chromatography interfaced with a chemiluminescence detector-Thermal Energy Analyzer modified for use in nitrogen mode. Both nitrate and nitrite were analyzed spectrophotometrically using an automated dual channel continuous flow nitrate-nitrate analyzer as nitrite following cadmium reduction of nitrate to nitrite and diazotization of nitrite with sulphanilamide, and coupling with N-(1-naphythyl) ethylenediamine. Secondary amines detected in the forage were diethylamine, dimethylamine, methylbenzylamine, piperidine, methylamine, while primary amines found include n-butylamine, ethylamine, methylamine, isopentylamine and propylamine. Total secondary amines were highest in Urena lobeta (92.7 ppm), but lowest in Dichrostachys cinera (5.6 ppm), while total primary amines were also highest in Urena lobeta (94.7ppm) but lowest in Rottboellia exaltata (8.4 ppm). Only trace amounts of nitrite were detectable in some samples. The toxicological relevance of these findings are discussed with respect to potential endogenous formation of hepatotoxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic n-nitroso compounds in animals, and the consequences of this phenomenon on animal health and production.

Trop. Vet. Vol. 21 (2) 9-14 (2003)

The Effect of Starvation on Scrotal Circumference and Morphology of Spermatozoa of West African Dwarf Goat Buck

Oke, Olusola A, Ajala, Oluwatoyin O., *Oyeyemi, M. O. and Kadiri, A. O.

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

*Author for correspondence

Keywords: Acrosome, breeding, morphology, spermatozoa, starvation

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the effect of starvation on scrotal circumference and morphology of spermatozoa of WAD bucks. Twelve healthy sexually mature WAD bucks were used for this study. The animals were starved for 24, 48 and 72 hours and semen samples were collected after each stage of starvation.

It was observed that as the length of starvation increased sperm abnormalities increased and volume of semen decreased. There was no semen production after 72 hours of starvation from any of the bucks.

Secondary types of abnormalities were the common types of abnormalities observed during this study. Their values increased from 7.06% at control to 80.39% and 85.43% at 24 hours and 48 hours of starvation respectively.

Scrotal circumference decreased from 15.75+0.25cm at control to 14.88+0.09cm, 12.95+0.38cm and 12.35+0.40cm at 24hours, 48hours and 72hours of starvation, respectively, due to degeneration caused by starvation. It can be concluded that starvation has adverse effect on the reproductive performances of bucks to be used for breeding programme. Bucks should therefore be well fed before being used for breeding.

Trop. Vet. Vol. 21 (2) 15-20 (2003)

Serological Evaluation of the Response of Nigerian Dogs to Flury (Lep) Vaccine

*Ogunkoya A.B., *Hassan A.J., *Jahun B.M., *Yilla A.S., *Oshinubi M. O. V, **Beran G.W.

*Department of Veterinary Surgery & Medicine Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

**Department of Public Health Prevention Medicine  and Microbiology, Veterinary Faculty, Iowa State University, Ames Iowa State U.S.A.

Keyword:  Rabies, vaccine serum neutralizing antibodies, flury LEP.

Abstract

Blood samples were taken from a total of 140 dogs that have been vaccinated against rabies at least 15 days earlier and from some that have received anti-rabies vaccine for more than once. A rapid fluorescent focusing inhibition test (RFFIT) was carried out to measure the level of neutralizing antibody (SN) in the blood of these dogs. Result showed that only 54.3% of the dogs have adequate SN titre and therefore could be considered immuned. Dogs, 19 months old and above responded more to immunization than dogs of lower age groups.

Trop. Vet. Vol. 21 (2) 21-25 (2003)

Effect of Immunization of Gilts with Zona Pellucida Antigen on Conception Rate and Litter Size

Fayemi, O.

Department of Veterinary Surgery & Reproduction

University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

Keywords: Gilt immunization, zona pellucida antigen, litter size

Abstract

Twenty gilts of the Large White breed were selected and divided into two groups of 10. One group was immunized with porcine zonae pellucidae isolated from ovaries collected from the slaughterhouse. The gilts, control and immunized, were bred. Immunization significantly reduced conception rate, 100% compared to 30% (P<0.001). The litter size in the immunized group 5.33 +0.58 (Mean +SD) was also significantly lower than the control, 9.3+1.77 (P<0.001). The mechanism involved in the reduction in conception rate and litter size might have been due to the usual fertilization failure as a result of prevention of sperm-binding and penetration of the zonae pellucidae. This reduction in conception rate may form the basis for the use of zonae as non-steroidal contraceptive. The possibility of the use of porcine zonae for immunocontraception in humans is mentioned.

Trop. Vet. Vol. 21 (2) 27-34 (2003)

Head (H) And Tail (T) Monoclonal Antibodies of Boar Spermatozoa

¹Fayemi O.E. and ²Joo H.S.

¹Department of Veterinary Surgery and Reproduction, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

²Department of Clinical and Population Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, U.S.A.

Keyword:  Boar spermatozoa monoclonal antibodies

Abstract

Semen collected from three boars were pooled and the sperm cells separated from the semen, washed, sonicated and mixed with equal volume of Freund’s adjuvant. The mixture of sperm with complete Freund’s adjuvant was used to immunize five mice of the BALB/C strain intraperitoneally on Day O. The sonicated sperm cell immunize the mice the same tourte on Day 14. The mice were immunized with suspension in Incomplete  Freund’s adjuvant was used to sonicated sperm without adjuvant on Day 21 before they were sacrificed on Day 24.  Spleen cells prepared from the mice were fused with myeloma cells (Ag.8.653) by addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG). Two distinct monoclonal antibodies (antihead (H) and anti-tail (T) Mabs) were produced after cloning of the hybridoma cells. There were intermediate forms that are believed to have arisen as a result of incomplete cloning. The Mabs were identified by the use of indirect immunofluorescence method and their specificity confirmed by their non-reaction with cells from some other organs. These Mabs can be used for further work on the mechanisms of sperm antibody effect on swine infertility. It is speculated that the H. Mab and the T Mab may block acrosome reaction and sperm motility respectively.

Trop. Vet. Vol. 21 (2) 35-41 (2003)

The Use of Competitive Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay in Combination with Abattoir Survey for CBPP Surveillance in Nigeria

Aliyu, M.M^1*., Obi, T.U²., Oladosu, L.A²., Egwu G.O.¹ and Ameh, J.A.³

¹Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria.

²Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

³Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069 Maiduguri, Nigeria.

Keyword:  Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, abattoir survey, competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, compliment fixation test, surveillance, Nigeria.

Abstract

A total of 500 lung tissues and sera samples of cattle from CBPP endemic areas was used in this study to determine the effectiveness of combining abattoir survey with competitive Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (cELISA) as an alternative to Complement Fixation Test (CFT) in providing a better and more reliable information on CBPP  surveillance in Nigeria. A total of 94 (18.8%) of the lung tissues examined had lesions (at various stages) suggestive of CBPP, while 137 (27.4%) and 160 (32%) were sero-positive for CFT and cELISA respectively. One hundred and twelve (22.4%) of the cattle were seropositive for both CFT and cELISA, while 25(5.1%) and 48(9.6%) were seropositive for only CFT and cELISA respectively. Five cattle that had lesions suggestive of CBPP were negative by both CFT and cELISA. Meanwhile, no age predisposition was particularly significant to the development of CBPP lesion in this investigation. It is concluded that the use of cELISA along with abattoir survey in the field by training veterinary officers could provide better and more reliable information on the prevalence of CBPP in Nigeria.

Trop. Vet. Vol. 21 (2) 43-48 (2003)

Haemolymph Biochemical Parameters of the African Giant Snail (Achatina achatina) and the Big Black Snail (Achachatina marginata)

Ogunsanmi, A.O. ¹, Taiwo, V.O. ² and Akintomide, T.O. ²

¹Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Management and ²Veterinary Pathology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

Keyword:  Snails, Achatina achatina, Achachatina marginata, haemolymph biochemistry, management

Abstract

A comparative analysis of the biochemical profiles of the haemolymph of 50 each of apparently normal captive African giant snail, (Achatina achatina) and the big black snail, (Achachatina marginata) was carried out. The mean protein (total protein, albumin, globulin and albumin:globulin ratio) levels, excretory products (urea and creatinine), enzymes, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT and aspartate aminitransferase (AST), and electrolytes (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca⁺⁺ and HCO₃) levels were similar (P>0.05) in both wild snail species. Chloride ions (CT) were not detected in the haemolymphs of the two snail species, a very important clue to their salt intolerance in African traditional beliefs. There were marked differences in the levels of haemolymph lipids and trace elements of the two species of snails. The cholesterol and triglyceride levels were lower (P<0.05), while the Mg⁺⁺, Mn⁺⁺, Cu⁺⁺ and Zn⁺⁺ levels were higher (P<0.05) in the haemolymph of the African giant snail than in that of the big black snail. The uses and implications of these data in the management of these two wild snail species for meat and research are discussed.

Trop. Vet. Vol. 21 (2) 49-53 (2003)

Assessment of Quality Characteristics of Cellulose, Sheep and Goat Casings as Sausage Containers

Abiola, S.S.¹; Sangodoyin, O.S.¹ And Okewole, E.A.²

¹Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

²Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

Keyword:  Quality, casings, sausage containers.

Abstract

Small intestines of 12 West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep and those of 12 Red Sokoto goats obtained from an abattoir were converted into casings. The imported cellulose casing used for the study was obtained from a sausage manufacturing company. Cellulose casing had the widest diameter of 35.00mm followed by 18.83mm for the sheep casing and 16.67mm for goat casing. Cellulose casing is also superior in thickness to both sheep and goat casings. Refrigeration and cooking losses were higher for sheep  and goat casings than cellulose casing. Lowest refrigeration and cooking losses of 8.79% and 0.91% were recorded respectively in cellulose casing. However, sheep casing is superior to goat casing in linear measurement and also has lower cooking loss compared to goat casing. Sheep casing is recommended as substitute to imported cellulose casing for stuffing sausages produced in Nigeria.

Trop. Vet. Vol. 21 (2) 55-60 (2003)

The Genetics of Trypanotolerance in Cattle: A Review

Enwezor F.N.C.¹ and Lawal A.I.²

¹Pathology, Epidemiology, Statistics Division, Nigerian Institute of Trypanosomiasis Research (N.I.T.R.), Kaduna, Nigeria

²Department of Veterinary Parasitology & Entomology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

Keywords:  Genetics, trypanotolerance, cattle

Abstract

Trypanosomosis is a major recognized factor limiting livestock productivity. Control of the disease has explored the use of drugs, vector and the farming of trypanotolerant livestock in order to enhance productivity. However, there are documented difficulties with each of the methods. These include drug resistance, re-invasion of controlled areas by tsetse flies and the small population of the trypanotolerant cattle population. Hence the search for genes that will confer trypanosome-resistance and enhance productivity is imperative. Attempts to control trypanosomosis using molecular genetic techniques have continued over the years. In this brief review, the advances made towards an understanding of genetics involved in trypanotolerance will be highlighted. So far, the genome involved in the genetics of trypanotolerance in cattle and in mice, known as the quantitative trait loci (QTL), has been identified using microsattelites. Comparative studies of map data between cattle and mice in the principal QTL region of both species have revealed a region of homology of about 300,000 base pairs (bp) between cattle chromosome 7 and mouse chromosome 17 lying within the principal QTL in both species. This finding points to the possibility that the underlying genes in these two QTL could be the same in cattle and mice and may pave the way for the eventual identification of trypanotolerant genes. The identification of the genes would make it possible to use transgenic approaches that would incorporate resistance to trypanosomosis for control design.