Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is a significant zoonotic disease that often presents asymptomatically but can lead to severe complications in immunocompromised individuals. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in small ruminants and assess the attitudes and practices of slaughterhouse workers toward toxoplasmosis in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria. A total of 446 small ruminants, including 263 sheep and 183 goats, were sampled from six slaughter facilities. Blood samples were collected, and sera were analyzed for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies using an indirect ELISA. Demographic data such as species, age, sex, breed, and sampling location were recorded. Additionally, structured questionnaires were administered to 42 slaughterhouse workers to evaluate their attitudes and practices regarding T. gondii infection. The overall seroprevalence was 11.7%, with sheep showing a higher seroprevalence (13.3%) compared to goats (9.3%). There was no significant variation in seropositivity based on species, age, or sex, but significant differences were observed among goat breeds, with the highest prevalence in Red Sokoto goats (19.4%). Location-specific differences were also noted, with the highest prevalence in Unguwan Rimi (30.0%). The assessment of slaughterhouse workers revealed that 45.2% had fair attitudes, while 59.5% demonstrated poor practices concerning toxoplasmosis prevention. A significant positive correlation was found between attitudes and practices. These findings highlight the presence of T. gondii in small ruminants in Kaduna, posing potential health risks to consumers and slaughterhouse workers. Improved hygiene practices, proper cooking of meat, and educational interventions targeting slaughterhouse workers are recommended to mitigate infection risks and enhance public health safety.
Mycoplasmosis in poultry is associated with a wide range of disease conditions, such as those affecting the respiratory and reproductive systems and causing Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRD), and salpingitis, respectively, with consequent drop in egg production in laying flocks. This paper reports an outbreak of Mycoplasma and its management in a laying chicken flock. Twenty-five choanal cleft swabs from a flock of 1,000 laying hens were aseptically sampled into 1 mL avian Mycoplasma Pleuropneumonia-like Organism (PPLO) broth medium from a flock with no apparent clinical disease but having a substantial drop in egg production. The swab samples were analysed according to the protocol of the Mycoplasma Research Laboratory, National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Nigeria. The cultured swabs inoculated onto PPLO agar plates yielded 60.0% (15/25) positive colonies with fried-egg-shaped colonies (tiny, smooth circular, translucent mass with a dense raised central area) under a stereomicroscope (10x) after 5 days of incubation, which indicated a positive result/growth for Mycoplasma species. The case was successfully managed using Aivlosin (Tylvalosin Tartrate 625 mg/g) granules (40g sachet/200 litres in drinking water) given for 5 consecutive days based on the manufacturer's instructions. This resulted in a 30% increase in egg production immediately upon commencement of treatment, and it reached 80% production by the fifth day. Furthermore, the litters were evacuated and replaced with new wood shavings midway through the treatment (day 2), and the poultry pen was fumigated with Virkon S at a dilution rate of 1:200 (0.5%) by spraying to reduce the bacterial burden. This report thus recommends vaccination of birds, all-in-all-out farming practices, and enhanced biosecurity to control and eradicate the disease on the farms.
Measuring temperature with a rectal thermometer in conscious animals can be exacting and time-consuming, especially in a herd without adequate restraint. This research compared the accuracy and reliability of non-contact infrared thermometry with the established rectal thermometry in measuring body temperature in cattle. Twenty-one apparently healthy Sokoto Gudali cattle were used for the study. Skin infrared thermometry from four sites across the body (forehead, eye, abdominal region and base of the tail) was compared with rectal thermometry (RT). The parameters were recorded at 07:00 h, 12:00 h and 18:00 h each experimental day. The recordings were carried out twice within three weeks. Environmental parameters, dry-bulb temperature (DBT), relative humidity (RH) and temperature-humidity index (THI) were determined during the study period. The result of the THI was significantly (p < .05) increased in the afternoon (87.48 ± 4.0) and evening (83.64 ± 1.2) hours compared to the value obtained in the morning hours, indicating thermal stress. RT was significantly (p < .05) increased in the afternoon and evening hours (38.56 ± 0.5 and 39.34 ± 0.4 , respectively) compared to the value recorded in the morning (37.65 ± 0.4 ). In comparison to RT, the base of the tail temperature (-1.917 ± 2.0) had the least mean bias difference, while the forehead temperature (-2.815 ± 2.0) was the farthest. In conclusion, rectal thermometry remains a valid means of obtaining the true reflection of the core body temperature. The base of the tail infrared thermometry was the closest to the rectal temperature, but may require further studies to verify its reliability and validity as an alternative to rectal thermometry in cattle.
Equine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease with potential risks for both horses and grooms. This study assessed serological evidence of exposure to equine influenza in grooms and evaluated their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in Zaria, Kaduna State. Blood samples from 20 volunteer grooms were tested using the Hemagglutinin Inhibition (HI) test for H3 and H7 antibodies, while 100 close-ended questionnaires assessed KAP. All samples tested negative, indicating no serological evidence of exposure. While 82.47% recognized equine influenza as "horse flu," only 67.01% identified its transmission and symptoms. All participants used horses for the Durbar festival, 72.15% sourced horses from outside Zaria, and 94.05% conducted regular check-ups. Despite 100% adoption of protective measures, knowledge gaps persist, highlighting the need for targeted education to enhance awareness and preventive practices.
The study was conducted to determine the relationship between some morphometric traits (live weight, girth circumference, body length, wither height, rump length, loin girth and horn length) and price in indigenous breeds of sheep. A total of 150 (135 males and 15 females) matured sheep were randomly sampled from Local markets in the study area, of which 117, 19 and 14 were Yankasa, Uda and Balami, respectively. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation and linear regression analysis. Breed and sex had a significant (P<0.05) effect on some of the morphometric traits observed. Balami sheep recorded the highest values for all traits significantly (P<0.05) affected traits and price, while the lowest values were observed among the Yankasa breed. However, a non-significant (P>0.05) effect of sex on back length, wither height, rump length and loin girth was realized. The correlation coefficient (r) between morphometric traits and price was positive and strong. The coefficient of determination (R2) of price from live weight was 0.783, subsequent inclusion of wither, height and girth circumstances into prediction equations yielded higher R2 values of 0.785, 0.796 and 0.799, respectively. The higher relationship observed between morphometric measurements and price implies that it is easy to use the former individually to indicate the latter. The price of sheep can best be predicted more precisely when live weight, wither height, body length and chest girth are included in the prediction model. It is recommended that farmers should price sheep based on morphometric specifically those that are highly correlated with body weight and price.
Equine granulocytic anaplasmosis is a tick-borne infection characterized by fever, weakness, thrombocytopenia, and anaemia. Severe cases may require blood transfusion—a procedure infrequently practised in equine medicine in Nigeria. A 12-year-old Sudanese Country-Bred mare weighing 400kg, presented to the veterinary team at the Ibadan Polo Club, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, with a two-week history of hyporexia and lethargy after participating in a polo tournament in Kano State, Nigeria. Clinical examination revealed intermittent fever (up to 40.3℃), pale mucous membranes, prolonged capillary refill time (> 2 seconds), slightly elevated pulse rates (54 beats/min), slightly high respiratory rates (25 breaths/min), and infestation with hard-bodied ticks. Laboratory tests showed severe anaemia (PCV 9.5%), leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum morulae within the neutrophils. Initial supportive treatment included vitamin B complex, phenylbutazone, ivermectin, and whole blood transfusion (2.5 litres). Upon confirmation of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection, the horse received intravenous 5% oxytetracycline for five days, followed by two weeks of oral doxycycline. Fluid therapy was administered to correct fluid and electrolyte deficits. Complete clinical recovery was observed three weeks post-treatment, with haematologic parameters returning to near-normal levels. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis, antimicrobial therapy, and timely blood transfusion in managing severe equine granulocytic anaplasmosis. Routine tick control and health checks before and after polo tournaments are essential preventive measures.
Haemoparasitic infections in reptiles are often considered minimally pathogenic but may contribute to clinical illness under specific conditions. This report describes the clinical presentation and response to antibiotic therapy in a 22-year-old captive Nile monitor lizard (Varanus niloticus) naturally infected with Haemoproteus and Plasmodium. The lizard required parasitological and haematological evaluations due to observed significant tick infestation, malnutrition, and lethargy. Both male and female Aponomma species were verified upon identification, while faecal analysis showed no helminth ova or protozoan oocysts/cysts. The haematological results showed borderline hypoproteinaemia, resolving anaemia, mild hyperfibrinogenaemia, and an inflammatory leukogram indicative of an ongoing, effective acute-phase immune response. The presence of inclusion bodies resembling Plasmodium and Haemoproteus in erythrocytes was observed by microscopic blood smear examination. Doxycycline (10 mg/kg every 48 hours) and nutritional assistance through oral delivery of a whole chicken egg were part of the treatment regimen. Phenylpyrazole spray (7.5 mg/kg) was used to control ectoparasites. By day nine post-treatment, haemoparasites were undetectable in blood smears, and haematological parameters showed improvement, suggesting ongoing recovery. This case highlights the potential clinical impact of Haemoproteus and Plasmodium in reptiles, underscoring the importance of targeted therapeutic intervention and supportive care in captive settings. To improve reptilian health management and stop disease progression in zoological collections, routine haematological and parasitological monitoring is essential.
Neglected tropical gastrointestinal parasites are present in locales with poor sanitation, continually spilling over to various populations, causing malnutrition and other problems in infected animals. This is because of limited access to treatment and public health interventions in endemic areas. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of gastrointestinal parasites among camels presented for slaughter at Maiduguri abattoir. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 150 conveniently sampled camels. Faecal samples and other relevant data were collected from the sampled camels. Faecal samples were subjected to floatation and sedimentation techniques while descriptive and regression statistics were applied to analyse the data. Of the 150 camels, 44 of them were not infected, 95 had a single parasitic infection, and 11 of the camels had mixed parasitic infections. Total prevalence was 70.7% and five genera of parasite eggs were discovered from the faecal samples. The prevalence was 68.7% for Strongylus species, 2.7% for Fasciola species, 0.6% for Strongyloides species, 3.3% for Trichuris species, and 2.7% for Moniezia species. Univariate regression analysis disclosed a weak strength of relationship (Multiple R= 0.2) between sex with the dependent variable, but a positive linear relationship existed and it was statistically significant (P= 0.007). 2.3% of variation in the dependent variable was explained by the independent variable sex. Multivariate regression analysis revealed a weak strength of relationship (Multiple R= 0.22) between the independent variables with the dependent variable; and none were statistically significant. This meant that prevalence of Strongylus species infection was high while those of Fasciola species, Strongyloides species, Trichuris species, and Moniezia species were low. Public health veterinarians, local authorities, and the State Government should collaborate to prioritize camel food hygiene from pastoralist level and quarantine stations to abattoir level.
African swine fever (ASF) is a threat to food security globally. A medium-scale peri-urban farmer in Abuja, Nigeria, reported the death of 8 out of 21 pigs over 7 days. Some died suddenly, while others showed loss of appetite and weakness. Post-mortem findings revealed hyperemic enlargement of the spleen, and lymph node enlargement and haemorrhage were observed. The farmer's description of clinical signs was vague, suggesting a limited resemblance to ASF acute infection. However, to rule out ASF, a detailed diagnosis was carried out. Confirmation was obtained via serology, PCR, virus isolation and immunoblotting, as described by the WOAH manual. In addition, applying disinfectant daily for 7 days significantly halted mortality to zero and the survival of all piglets and some sows on the farm. All samples (blood and faeces) subsequently collected were negative for ASF antigen detection using RT-PCR by 36 dpi, while some pigs had high antibody titres ( 98%) by 70 dpi.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is of public health significance due to its potential to infect humans and cause a pandemic. The study was therefore carried out to assess knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) on avian influenza and biosecurity among poultry workers (poultry sellers and poultry processors) in Live Bird Markets (LBMs) in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were administered to 100 poultry workers at the LBMs in a cross-sectional study to determine their level of knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning avian influenza and biosecurity measures in the LBMs. The majority of the people (54%) who worked in the LBMs were between the ages 21-40 years, they had the highest acceptable knowledge scores (77.8%) and the acceptable attitude scores (18.5%). Most of the poultry workers (72%) agreed that they were safe from AI infection even without proper protective equipment when handling poultry, 16 % disagreed, while 12% were not sure or did not know. This poses a potential danger of the spread of avaian influenza (AI) in humans and animals in the study area. Poultry sellers and processors in the LBM had high level of knowledge but low level of attitudes and practices, signifying high potential of acquiring AI infection. Poultry workers should be properly trained on personal hygiene, provided with appropriate personal protective equipment and be encouraged to use these protective wears while at work to reduce economic and public health risk.
Egg yolk peritonitis (EYP) is an inflammation of the serosal surfaces of the abdomen of a hen because of yolk material deposition. EYP can be caused by poor formation of an egg, stressors or secondary bacterial infection. The symptoms of EYP include enlarged abdomen, cessation of egg production, reduced appetite and lethargy. A commercial poultry farmer in Maiduguri, Nigeria, experienced a significant rise in mortality and a steep decline in egg production over eight weeks in her 72-weeks flock comprising mainly of 2,096 ISA Brown, Shika Brown and a very few White Leghorn Hens. Mortality escalated to 220 birds (10.5%), while egg production plummeted from 62% to 20%, though the eggs remained of good quality. Dead birds exhibited a distinct yellowish, cheesy discharge from the cloaca, a key diagnostic clue for EYP. A post-mortem examination confirmed the presence of fibrinous exudates within the peritoneal cavity, along with yolk material adhering to abdominal organs. Microbiological culture identified Escherichia coli as the primary pathogen. Factors such as overcrowding, poor hygiene, and inadequate ventilation exacerbated the infection and facilitated pathogen proliferation. GenDoxCare® (Doxycycline and gentamycin sulphate), Vitalyte® (Glucose-based electrolytes, vitamins and amino acids) and Diclacox® (Diclazuril) were administered at recommended doses and management practices were improved. Egg production increased to 51% twenty-one days after treatment and continued to rise in subsequent days. It was concluded that the laying birds had egg yolk peritonitis caused by Escherichia coli which was resolved with medication and improved management practices.
Mycoplasma synoviae is the second most important species of Mycoplasma affecting chickens globally. It causes considerable economic losses to the poultry industry in Nigeria. Therefore, this study aims to assess the seroprevalence of Mycoplasma synoviae in chickens from the major poultry industry in seven selected cities in Nigeria. The birds were categorized based on the purpose of keeping them into commercial and breeder broilers and layers. A total of 14,326 sera were examined within four years (2018-2021) using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect the presence of antibodies to the Mycoplasma synoviae. The date of sample collection, age of bird, location, bird type, mean antibody titre and percentage positive for Mycoplasma synoviae antibodies were recorded. Kaduna has the highest seroprevalence rate with 54.4%, broiler breeder has 53.5%. The 30.1 to 40 weeks age group has the highest seropositive results with 13.5%, and highest seroprevalence was recorded in the year 2019 with 19.4%. This study demonstrated the presence of Mycoplasma synoviae in the study area in both commercial and breeder flocks of broilers and layer chickens, respectively, with broiler breeders across the states having the highest seroprevalence. This emphasises the importance of sero-monitoring in the poultry industry for early control of this endemic pathogen.
Newcastle disease (ND) poses a persistent threat to rural poultry production in Nigeria. This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of Newcastle disease antigen and seroprevalence of ND antibodies among rural poultry species in three Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Zamfara State’s western senatorial zone. A total of 300 samples each for cloacal swabs and sera were collected from indigenous chickens, ducks, turkeys, and guinea fowl. Newcastle disease viral antigen and antibodies analyses were achieved using haemagglutination (HA) and haemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests. The overall ND virus antigen prevalence was 59.7%, and the overall ND antibody seroprevalence was 38.0%. Chickens recorded the highest ND antigen prevalence of 64.1%, followed by ducks with 60.0%. Ducks showed the highest ND seroprevalence of 51.4%, followed by turkeys with 40%, while the chickens had the lowest seroprevalence of 35%. Female birds had a higher prevalence of 64% and a higher seroprevalence of 49.3% than the males. ND virus prevalence and antibody titres varied significantly across the LGAs, with Anka recording the highest rates. Despite widespread exposure, the mean antibody titres across all species were below the OIE-recommended protective threshold of 4.0 Log2, indicating increased vulnerability to ND outbreaks. These findings confirm that ND is circulating and endemic in the study area, posing a potential risk of transmission to commercial farms, which may lead to significant economic impacts. It also emphasizes the role played by ducks in the epidemiology of the disease. The study highlighted the need for the State government to implement ND control policies, including a statewide vaccination campaign, and recommended that further studies should be carried out to characterize the virus in this region.
Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) is a highly contagious immunosuppressive disease of young chickens that constitutes a continuous scourge to the success of poultry production in Nigeria despite the availability of effective vaccines. Here, an outbreak of IBD in a small-scale commercial flock with high mortality is reported. Postmortem examination revealed haemorrhages on the thigh muscles and an inflamed bursa of Fabricius. Tissue samples were collected from the farm, and sera from free roaming chickens within the neighbouring villages in Jos south LGA, Plateau State. A total of 250 sera were collected from local birds within the five districts of the LGA using a random sampling method. The samples were analyzed using Agar Gel Immunodiffusion assay for the detection of antigen and serum antibodies against the IBD virus (IBDV). Results confirmed the presence of IBD antigen in the commercial poultry and high serological evidence of IBDV among local chickens in Jos South LGA, with a 78% average prevalence rate across the 5 districts assayed. The highest was observed in Zawan (88%), while the least was in Du (72%). These findings confirmed the level of exposure and endemicity of IBD in the sampled population. Detection of high levels of antibodies against IBDV in the studied population is an indication of natural infection among the local chickens as they are generally not routinely vaccinated against the disease. Thus, they may serve as reservoirs and a possible source of IBDV transmission to commercial poultry. Therefore, any effort towards controlling IBD should consider vaccinating rural chickens to prevent them from being reservoirs of the virus.
Foot and mouth disease (FMD) remains a critical threat to livestock economies worldwide, including Africa. This report documents an atypical case of FMD in Holstein Friesian cattle, in which four animals suddenly died overnight in an intensive dairy farm located at the Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Post-mortem examination revealed bloody nasal and oral discharges from the carcases. Based on this post-mortem observation, anthrax was suspected, which limited the clinicians from collecting more samples. Lameness and anorexia with reduced milk production were also observed in other animals from the shed and herd where the dead animals were identified. The bloody oral and nasal discharges were sampled for laboratory analysis. Gram staining of samples revealed a gram-positive rod, while a more specific confirmatory diagnosis for Bacillus anthracis performed using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) turned out negative. Further laboratory analysis using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRt-PCR) produced positive result for FMD. This finding presents an unusual FMD disease, and reveals challenges in controlling FMD outbreaks and the potential impacts on the dairy industry in Nigeria. This case underscores the importance of strict biosecurity measures, routine surveillance, rapid diagnosis and timely implementation of appropriate control measures to prevent FMD outbreaks in livestock farms.
Leptospirosis is an important zoonotic disease of livestock with a worldwide distribution. The prevalence of Leptospirosis is often associated with infertility, abortion, retention of fetal membrane, decreased milk production, and early neonatal mortality in livestock. Leptospira interrogans serovars Pomona, Canicola, Bratislava, Grippotyphosa, Hardjo, and Icterohemorrhagiae are the most common causes of infection in various hosts. This study aimed to determine the genetic characteristics of Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo associated with reproductive losses in cattle and goats in Maiduguri, Nigeria. A total of 376 blood samples (188 each from cattle and goats) were collected, and 30 sera consisting of 12 ELISA-positive and 18 negative sera were subjected to phenol-chloroform DNA extraction and conventional PCR amplification, targeting the LipL32 structural gene of L. interrogans. All seropositive samples tested negative for PCR, while one seronegative sample tested positive for PCR. The PCR-positive sample yielded a 423bp amplicon size, and sequence analysis of the positive DNA showed 98.4% to 99.6% similarity with other Leptospira Hardjo sequences deposited in the GenBank. This study is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report on the genetic characteristics of the field serovar of Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo circulating in cattle and goats with reproductive problems in northeastern Nigeria. Further studies are required to elucidate the full spectrum of the molecular epidemiology of Leptospira Hardjo in Nigeria.
Too many male catfish are sacrificed to obtain enough milt for fertilizing fish eggs. The wastage of these fish gametes during breeding due to seasonality and limitations of milt collection make it compelling to explore preservative measures for sperm storage. This study was carried out to evaluate milt characteristics and the effect of different extenders on the sperm of wild African catfish; Clarias gariepinus (C. gariepinus) in Maiduguri, Nigeria. The effects of preservation of C. gariepinus milt at 4 and at -196 was also investigated. Forty wild male C. gariepinus brood stock from Lake Alau, Maiduguri were used. The brood stocks were sacrificed, dissected and their reproductive tracts exposed and isolated. The testes were identified, stripped and milt samples collected, pooled and their pre-extension characteristics evaluated. Four different semen extenders; OviPlus® + egg yolk (E1), OviPlus® + coconut milk (E2), OviPlus® + coconut milk + egg yolk (E3) and coconut milk-based (E4) were used to extend and preserve the milt through chilling (4 ) and freezing (-196 ) for 4 and 2 days, respectively. The characteristics of extended, chilled and frozen milt were evaluated. The result of the study showed that E1, E2 and E3 maintained the sperm progressive motility up to 48 hours post extension (≥50%) and E4 maintained the progressive motility for up to 72 hours (>50%) at 4 . All extenders used maintained progressive motility (>50%) and livability (>60%) post-thawed after freezing at -196 . Conclusively, E4 showed better milt qualities preserved at 4 and -196 . Thus, wild C. gariepinus milt can be collected and extended in coconut milk based extender and used to fertilize C. gariepinus eggs or preserved short-term at 4 or frozen at -196 .
Infections in poultry settings are a major setback for farmers, and they lead to economic losses, reduced protein availability, poor productivity and in cases of zoonotic infections, may constitute public health risks. Noiler breed is a hybrid of Nigerian indigenous chicken and the White Plymouth Rock chicken, which was introduced into the Nigerian meat and egg production market, especially for rural dwellers, because they require minimal management to thrive. A case of depression, respiratory distress, increased mortality and drop in egg production in a 33-week-old Noiler flock is hereby reported. Investigation carried out involved history taking, observation of clinical signs, postmortem examination of carcasses, culture and identification as well as antimicrobial and antifungal susceptibility testing using standard procedures. Escherichia coli and Aspergillus fumigatus were isolated. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that the Escherichia coli was sensitive to enrofloxacin, ceftriaxone and sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim but resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin, tetracycline and chloramphenicol. The antifungal susceptibility test showed that the Aspergillus fumigatus was susceptible to amphotericin B, voriconazole, itraconazole and econazole nitrate but resistant to anidulafungin, nystatin and fluconazole. A 7-day treatment was instituted accordingly, and a follow-up visit 10 days afterwards showed the mortality had dropped to zero and egg production had significantly risen. This case has shown the urgent need to provide veterinary services to farmers to increase productivity to meet the protein needs of the public, secure the farmers' sources of livelihood and protect public health as both pathogens have zoonotic implications.
This study evaluated the reproductive performance of smallholder piggeries fed different feed formulations in Makurdi metropolis. The proximate analysis of the feeds used was conducted and a total of 100 farms were surveyed. The gestation period of sows on commercial feed (114.61±0.50 days), commercial mixed with compounded (111.42±14.37 days) and compounded (113.32±2.87 days) were not affected (p>0.05). The number of services per pregnancy in sows on commercial feed (1.29 0.47), commercial mixed with compounded (2.06 7.80), and compounded (2.05 7.80) were also not different (p>0.05). Litter size was significantly lower (p<0.05) in sows on commercial feed (15.68±3.67) than those on compounded mixed with commercial (17.43±2.69) and compounded (21.49±5.75). Piglet mortality was significantly higher (p<0.05) in sows on compounded feed (7.64±2.24) than in those on compounded mixed with commercial (4.54±1.26) and commercial (1.91±0.89). The abortion rate was significantly higher (p<0.05) in sows fed on compounded feed (7.50±1.02) than those on commercial mixed with compounded (5.83±1.26) and commercial (1.40±0.98); stillbirth was also higher (p<0.05) in sows on compounded feed (10.21±4.76) than commercial mixed with compounded (5.48±1.49) and commercial (0.96±0.81). Sows on compounded feed had a higher incidence of uterine prolapse (6.49±1.97), than those on commercial mixed with compounded feed (2.11±1.25) and commercial feed (1.06±0.78). Retained placenta was lower in sows fed on commercial feed (1.46±0.97) than those on commercial mixed with compounded feed (4.95±1.96) and compounded feed (4.79±2.21). In conclusion, sows on compounded feed had good litter sizes than those on commercial and commercial mixed with compounded feed. It also, recorded the highest reproductive problems, followed by those on commercial mixed with compounded feed.
Newcastle disease (ND) is an important disease of poultry worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of multiple ND Lasota vaccinations on haematological parameters of pullets before and after experimental infection with velogenic ND virus (vNDV). A total of 100-day-old chicks were used for the study. They were randomly assigned into five groups, as follows: L1, L2, L3, unvaccinated unchallenged (UU) and unvaccinated challenged (UC). The L1, L2 and L3 were the groups vaccinated once, twice and thrice, respectively, while the UU and UC groups served as negative and positive control groups, respectively. At three weeks of age, birds in groups L1, L2 and L3 were given 0.5 ml of Lasota vaccine orally. At five weeks of age, L2 and L3 were given the second dose. Only the L3 birds were given the third dose at seven weeks of age. Groups L1, L2, L3 and UC were experimentally challenged with 0.2 ml of vNDV intramuscularly at 10 weeks of age. Blood samples were collected from the pullets for haematological evaluations before vaccination commenced (Day 0), and two, four, six and seven weeks post commencement of vaccination (PCoV). Results showed that in all the groups, there was no significant (P>0.05) difference in the packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell, (RBC), haemoglobin concentration (HBC), total white blood cell (TWBC) and absolute lymphocytic counts on day 0. At weeks two and four, PCoV, TWBC, lymphocyte and heterophils counts were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the vaccinated groups compared to the control. On week six PCoV, L1 had significantly (P<0.05) higher TWBC and heterophil counts compared to L2, L3, UU and UC. It was concluded that vaccinating pullets once with Lasota vaccine was more effective in eliciting a sustainable leukocytic response than vaccinating twice or three times, especially before viral challenge.
