Sahel Journal of Veterinary Sciences

Comparison of the Haematological Parameters of Indigenous and Exotic ‎Dogs in Maiduguri, Nigeria

N. A. Igbokwe, H. A. Isah, K. U. Ezema (Author) — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Health status of dogs may be assessed with haematological parameters, but adaptation to environmental stress can lead to adjustment of these normal parameters. This study was designed to compare the haematological parameters of indigenous and exotic dogs in Maiduguri during the hot dry season. Forty apparently healthy indigenous (n = 20) and exotic(n = 20) dogs of both sexes and aged from 3-48 months were used. Blood sample (5 ml) was collected from the cephalic vein of each dog in EDTA bottles. Parameters were determined using microhaematocrit method for packed cell volume (PCV), haemocytometery for red blood cell (RBC) count and total white blood cell (TWBC) count, cyanmethemoglobin method for haemoglobin concentration (Hb), and examination of stained blood smear for relative differential white blood cell (WBC) count. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and absolute differential WBC counts were calculated. The TWBC and neutrophil counts were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in indigenousthan exotic dogs. Exotic females had significantly (p < 0.05) lower MCHC and neutrophil count than indigenous females and all males. Age significantly (p < 0.05) affected MCV, but the highest value was recorded in young exotic dogs. Adult indigenous dogs had significantly (p < 0.05) higher neutrophil count than young indigenous and all exotic dogs. Monocyte count was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in young than adult exotic and all indigenous dogs. However, haematologicalvalueswere within standard reference intervals for dogs.

Antibiofilm Potential of Aqueous Extracts of Garcinia kola against ‎Salmonella species in Greater Cane Rat (Thryonomys swinderianus, ‎Temmink 1827) from Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria

Sat, 06 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Biofilms encompass a cluster of microorganisms encased in a slimy matrix of extracellular polymeric substances, which imbibe antibiotic resistance. Salmonella specie is a major bacterial cause of food-borne diseases in both humans and animals. The prevalence of Salmonella species is increasing which may form biofilm, and bacteria that form biofilm may be more resistant to antimicrobial agents. This study is intended to determine the presence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Salmonella species among greater cane rats and carry out the biofilm formation of isolated Salmonella species and dispersion using Garcinia kola. A total of 20 cane rats were obtained from a farm in Lagos state and roadside hunters. Samples of rectal swabs were collected aseptically for bacterial culture. Bacteria isolation was done with selective media using standard bacteriological techniques following pre-enrichment of the samples with buffered peptone water. Gram staining and biochemical tests were used for confirmation of the organisms. An antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed following standard protocol. Zones of inhibition were measured and categorized as totally sensitive and resistant. Nine (9) isolates of Salmonella species were obtained from rectal swabs of greater cane rats. A modified crystal violet assay was employed to develop biofilm and test the effect of a crude extract of Garcinia kola on biofilm dispersal. Data obtained from this study was subjected to statistical analysis using descriptive statistics and paired t-test at a level of significance of P ≤ 0.05. The overall prevalence of Salmonella species obtained in this study was 45%. Antimicrobial study showed susceptibility of 77.8% for Chloramphenicol and 66.7% for Cefuroxime while all isolates were 100% susceptible to Amikacin and Gentamicin. The effect of Garcinia kola extract on different isolates at 430nm showed a significant difference (p= 0.0348) in biofilm formation in isolates with Garcinia kola extract when compared with isolates without extract. The effect of Garcinia kola extract on different isolates at 650nm elicited significant (p = 0.0216) biofilm inhibitions across the isolates. The antibiofilm activity displayed by Garcinia kola suggests its potential to serve as an alternative antimicrobial agent to combat drug resistant bacteria such as Salmonella species. However, further investigations should be carried out on the individual bioactive compounds to know the exact metabolites responsible for the antibiofilm activity of this bacteria species.

Different Castration Methods Induced Variations in Behavioural Responses, ‎Scrotal Circumference and Testicular Histo-architecture in Red Sokoto ‎Bucks

T. O. Nev, O. Orakpoghenor, A. J. Terfa (Author) — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 13:33:21 +0000

In this study, we assessed the behavioural responses, scrotal circumference, and testicular histo-architecture of red Sokoto bucks after undergoing castration through Burdizzo, in situ spermatic cord ligation, and orchidectomy. Sixteen red Sokoto bucks aged 6 months to 1 year, weighing between 11-12 kg, were randomly assigned to four groups, each comprising four bucks: Group A (Burdizzo), B (in situ spermatic cord ligation), C (orchidectomy), and D (control). Following the castration procedures, the bucks were observed for behavioural changes, and scrotal circumference was measured. Testicular tissue sections were collected from bucks in Groups A and B at 3-, 6-, and 9-weeks post-castration, and processed for histological examination. The findings revealed diverse behavioural responses in Groups A, B, and C, including back arching, vocalization, teeth grinding, altered posture, changes in appetite, and dorsal lip curling. There was a significant (p < 0.05) progressive decrease in mean scrotal circumference in Groups A, B, and C. Histologically, the testes exhibited empty seminiferous tubules with fibrous architecture from three to nine weeks post-castration in Groups A and B. Castration via Burdizzo, in-situ spermatic cord ligation and orchidectomy induced distinct behavioural responses and changes in scrotal circumference in the red Sokoto bucks. The behavioural responses observed in the present study were noted to be mild in Group A, while Groups B and C presented moderate responses, thus, suggesting a varying degree of pain induction. This implies that Burdizzo castration induced less pain when compared to in-situ spermatic cord ligation and orchidectomy. Testicular histo-architecture was altered by Burdizzo and in-situ spermatic cord ligation in red Sokoto bucks. Therefore, the choice of castration method for red Sokoto bucks should be based on the specific characteristics of interest, availability of equipment, convenience, and technical efficiency.

Preparation of Chitosan Nanoparticle from Crab Shells and Evaluation of ‎Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Chitosan-loaded ‎Haematostaphisbarteri Hook. f. Stembark Extract

C. A. Ukwubile, E. O. Ikpefan, H. H. Milagawanda, B. B. Ijoh (Author) — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 13:36:02 +0000

Haematostaphis barteri Hook. f. is a tree belonging to the Family Anacardiaceae whose morphological parts have been used for decades for treating various diseases in Northern Nigeria. This study aimed to prepare chitosan nanoparticles from crab shells and evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of chitosan loaded with stembark extract from H. barteri. Phytochemical screening of extract, preparation of chitosan, and evaluation of analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were carried out following standard procedures. The qualitative phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, and cardiac glycosides while steroids, triterpenes and anthracenes were absent. The LD₅₀of the crude methanol extract in Wistar albino rats was determined to be greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight and after 14 days of single dose oral administration. No signs of toxicity were recorded. Prepared chitosan nanoparticle loaded with extract has a yield of 26.54 %, particle size of 210 ± 1.01 nm, zeta potential of 25.4 ± 1.02 V, drug entrapment efficiency of 68.4 %, cumulative drug release of 88.24 % and swelling index of 58.14 %. The extract produced a dose-dependent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. The chitosan-loaded extract produced the highest inhibition of writhing and paw oedema diameter in the rats, which was significant (p < 0.05) when compared with the normal controls and standards. In conclusion, the study showed that chitosan-loaded stembark extract from H. barteri possessed more potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities than those delivered without chitosan nanoparticles. The study further affirms the potential usefulness use of the stembark extract for the treatment of pain and inflammation.

Pathology and Oxidative Stress Changes Associated with Pregnancy ‎Toxaemia in Ewes

Sat, 06 Apr 2024 13:37:45 +0000

Pregnancy toxaemia is often associated with negative energy balance, and ewes carrying multiple lambs are at risk due to high energy requirements. Deficient nutritional intake with a consequent body fat mobilization for energy, results in production of reactive oxygen species which leads to pathologic changes. This study aimed to evaluate the pathology and oxidative stress changes associated with pregnancy toxaemia in ewes. A total of 33 animals aged 2-3 years with mean weight of 40 ± 0.43 to 60 ± 0.50 kg, were selected from different private breeders’farms in Ilorin. Twenty-three animals that showed signs of pregnancy toxaemia (recumbence, weakness, and restlessness) were selected and labeled as group A. Ten healthy non-pregnant ewes were also labeled as group B. There was a significant increase in packed cell volume (PCV%), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and glucose level in ewes with pregnancy toxaemia, while there was a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) levels in pregnancy toxaemia group. Postmortem findings included, congested ocular mucous membrane, congested and enlarged lungs, liver and spleen, congested intestinal mucosa and brain meninges, enlarged heart and dilated ventricles, atrophy of fat along the coronary grove of the heart, pale and enlarged liver, excess abdominal fat, and two dead fetuses. On the other hand, the histopathological examination of the pregnancy toxaemia group showed livers with oedematous areas and regular border vacuoles. The lungs were also congested and oedematous There is tubular necrosis and areas of congestion in the kidneys. In conclusion, this study reveals significant hematological and biochemical changes indicative of oxidative stress, alongside pathological findings in various organs such as the liver, lungs, and kidneys. These results underscore the complexity of pregnancy toxaemia and emphasize the need for further research to develop better management strategies.

Topography of the Nasal Conchae of Sahel Goat ‎ ‎(Capra hircus)‎

I. A. Girgiri, M. H. Timta, M. M. Kachallah, U. A. Maikudi (Author) — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 13:39:52 +0000

A total of five heads of adult Sahel goat obtained from slaughterhouse was examined to elucidate the topography of the nasal conchae. The heads were fixed in 10% formalin and mid-sagittal and cross-sections were performed to examine the shape, form, and explore the internal configuration of the conchae. The cylindrical shaped nasal cavity was divided into two equal halves by a median nasal septum and further reduces into sequence of clefts and meatus by the nasal conchae. The dorsal nasal concha was spindle shaped with tapered rostral ends that blends into the straight fold. The cone shaped middle nasal concha was situated caudo-ventral to both the dorsal and ventral nasal conchae and was bounded by the caudal ethmoidal labyrinth. The ventral nasal concha was the largest and extends rostral into dorsal alar fold and ventral basal fold. These conchae are formed by delicate lamellae that presented distinct structural pattern, depending on the levels of cross-sectional planes. The dorsal, middle, and ventral nasal meatuses which defined the nasal conchae, connects with the common meatus that lie parallel to the median nasal septum.

Prevalence of Foetal Wastage in Jalingo Abattoir: A Retrospective Study

I. B. Uko, T. F. Obialigwe, S. A. Nyifi, K. C. Ekechukwu, E. Tanimu (Author) — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Indiscriminate slaughter of pregnant animals in the abattoir often results to wastage of foetuses. This study investigated the prevalence of foetal wastage in Jalingo abattoir. The study is an eleven years’ retrospective study (2012 - 2022). The data for the study were obtained from the abattoir records for the study period. The study examined the number of cows slaughtered and the number of foetuses wasted in the abattoir as well as the seasonal variation in the prevalence of foetal wastage. Out of the total of 163,647 cattle slaughtered in the abattoir, 141,607 (86.5%) were cows. A total of 17,220 (12.2%) foetuses were wasted within the study period. About 6.4% of foetal wastages occurred in the dry season and 5.8% occurred in the rainy season. The study also found out that for every 8 cows slaughtered in the abattoir 1 foetus is wasted. It is recommended that pregnancy examination of cows should be carried out by experts such as veterinarians before slaughter and that farmers should use alternative means of feeding their animals such as hay as against the traditional grazing which often result to selling off even pregnant animals when there is scarcity of feed which has effect on cattle population in the study area.