This study evaluated the effects of aqueous seed extract of Parkia biglobosa on the micro-anatomy of the testis and sperm profile of adult Wistar rats.Twenty-one male Wistar rats weighing between 96 and 120 g were assigned into three groups A, B, and C (n=7).Group A was the control and received normal saline, while the animals in groups B and C were treated with 300 and 500 mg/kg body weight (Bwt) aqueous seed extract of P. biglobosa orally and daily for 30 days.The animals were sacrificed via cervical dislocation at the end of the administration, and the testes were extracted for micro anatomical and histochemical studies.The Makler counting chamber was used for semen analysis while the Hematoxylin and Eosin (H and E) stain was used to assess the microstructure of the testicular tissues.The result from semen analysis showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in sperm motility, vitality, and morphology in the group treated with 300 mg/kg Bwt when compared with the control.The group treated with 500 mg/kg Bwt, showed a significant decrease in sperm motility, vitality, and morphology when compared with the control.H and E studies revealed the increased thickness of the germ cell layers of the seminiferous tubules (ST), with an increased number of spermatozoa in the lumen of ST in the group treated with 300 mg/kg bwt compared to the control group.This is a biomarker for improved spermatogenic activity in testicular tissues.Ingesting of P. biglobosa in the conditions used in this study seems to be safe and improves sperm parameters at a low dose (300 mg/kg Bwt).
Updated result of the phenotypic characterization and description of the indigenous sheep population was reviewed. The reviewed paper used reporting and tabulating published descriptive phenotypic information on Ethiopian breeds with the aim of dissemination of relevant information for the beneficiaries. The original sheep breed types in Ethiopia that migrated from South West Asia to Africa and then to Ethiopia were the thin-tailed, fat-tailed and fat-rump. Through time, they evolved into 14 traditionally recognized sheep breeds which are identified and described through phenotypic characterization of the representative sample flocks. The breeds adapted to different agro ecological zones varied in topographical features and humidity. The overall reviews of the adult average live body weight variation of the local sheep population of Ethiopia are classified into 20 to 25 kg (Elle, Abergelle and Menz); 26 to 30 kg (Afar, Tikur, Highland sheep, Washera and Black Head Somali [BHS]); 31 to 35 kg (Bonga, Begait, Horro, Arusi-Bale and Farta) and 36 to 40 kg (Gumuz). The large sheep breeds of Ethiopia are Begait, Washera, Gumuz, Horro and Bonga. There is a variation on phenotypic performance among the sheep breeds of the Ethiopia in terms of body shape and size, ear profile and size, head profile, tail size and shape, coat color and on the adaptive behaviors. Molecular characterization should be done for comprehensive genetic evaluation and classification of the indigenous sheep population at national level. Key words: Sheep breed, phenotypic variation, sheep classification, tail type and tail shape.
Neuropeptides are mediators of neuronal signalling, controlling a wide range of physiological processes that cut across many organisms. GFSKLYFamide is a neuropeptide that belongs to the Echinoderm SALMFamide group of peptides. This study was aimed at determining the expression of GFSKLYFamide-like neuropeptide in the female gonad of the sea cucumber Holothuria scabra. Ten female H. scabra weighing between 62 and 175 g were collected at different times between May, 2009 and April, 2010 from the Andaman Sea at Koh Jum Island in Krabi province of Thailand for the study. Using GFSKLYFamide polyclonal antibody and Alexa 488-conjugated goat anti-rabbit IgG as primary and secondary antibodies, respectively, indirect immunofluorescence method and confocal microscope was used to localise GFSKLYFamide-like immunoreactivity in the female gonad of H. scabra. The results show GFSKLYFamide-like immunoreactivity being expressed in the sub-epithelial fibres of the coelomic epithelium. This is the first report providing evidence of GFSKLYFamide neuropeptide existence in the female gonad of H. scabra. It was suggested that further studies be carried out to investigate if there is similar existence of GFSKLYFamide neuropeptide in male gonad of H. scabra and also to know the structure or activity of the peptide(s) producing GFSKLYFamide-like immunoreactivity in H. scabra gonads. Key words: GFSKLYFamide, SALMFamides, immunoreactivity, sea cucumber, echinoderm, gonad.
The review aims to examine dairy cattle production system together with pastoral and agro-pastoral, small holder, peri urban and urban intensive dairy cattle production system, breeding practice including mating system (natural mating and Artificial Insemination), breeding objectives, reproductive and productive traits of dairy cattle in Ethiopia.In Ethiopia most farmers use natural, unplanned and uncontrolled mating system by using breeding from communal grazing and a few farmer use AI for improvement of breed and production by upgrading the genetic makeup of indigenous breed of cattle.Hence in Ethiopia, using breeding objectives in line with the effective breeding policies for both natural service and AI for sustainable and effective animal breeding practice is needed.Stakeholders, animal breeders and policy designers are to pay attention in transforming the already existing traditional breeding practices that target the productivity of dairy cattle with cautious consideration of genetic conservation of local cattle breeds.
Kelulut honey (KH) is a type of honey with various pharmacological properties that can be found in Malaysia.Nevertheless, the safety aspects of this honey have not been adequately addressed.This study evaluated the developmental toxicity of KH from Trigona sp on zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos.Viable zebrafish embryos at 3 hours post fertilization (hpf) (early stage) and 24 hpf (organ development stage) were treated with KH (1 to 20 mg/mL).The embryos were examined for morphological abnormalities and viability until 96 h of KH treatment.Coagulated embryos were identified after treatment with KH (≥10 mg/mL) for 3 hpf group and KH (≥12 mg/mL) for 24 hpf group.The LC 50 values of KH at 96 h of exposure for the 3 hpf and 24 hpf group were 12.52 and 16.36 mg/mL, respectively.The maximum allowable concentration (MAC) for KH on 3 hpf and 24 hpf group were 0.63 and 0.82 mg/mL, respectively.The irregular cardiac rate of the embryos was noted at 10 mg/mL for 3 hpf group and 13 mg/mL of KH for 24 hpf group.In summary, the early stage embryo (3 hpf group) was more sensitive to KH than the one of later stage (24 hpf group).It indicates that serious precautions should be taken into account in the use of any material including natural product, be it food or supplement, especially in the early stage of life.
Dietary intervention can improve lipid profile and therefore impede the progress of atherosclerosis. The primary aim of this study is to assess the possible role of camel milk in enhancing the antioxidant capacity in rats fed a high fat diet. Thirty rabbits were individually divided into three groups, the control, HFD and HFD with camel milk. The control group fed on 100 g/day of NOR diet rabbit chow (USA) for three months; whereas the HFD group will be fed rabbit diet supplemented with 1.0% cholesterol plus 1.0% olive oil for same period as the control group. Hyperlipidemia significantly reduced the degree of lipid peroxidation (increase in MDA), and a decrease in individual antioxidant. Owing to its high antioxidant composition, we hypothesized that camel milk could be effective in laboratory animal model subjected to high fat diet. In this regard, camel milk showed a hypolipidemic effects in rats. The exact mechanism behind these effects may be well-related to the antioxidant status of camel milk. The high fat diet supplemented rabbits showed elevated concentrations of TC (p < 0.001), TG (p < 0.001) and lower HDL-C (p < 0.001), compared to the control group. Dietary camel milk counteracted HFD-induced hyperlipidemia. The application of an efficient nutraceuticals reducing the risk of hyperlipidemia attracts the attention of researcher in recent years. Thus, the exact cause of these effects, in particular genomic studies on milk fat should be further investigated. Key words: Hypolipidemic, antioxidant, atherosclerosis.
This work was designed to make further observations on the specific types of sperm abnormalities present in Cypermethrin treated rams and contribute information towards understanding how Cypermethrin affects male’s reproduction. Sixteen sexually-mature, healthy Yankasa rams aged 18 to 30 months and weighing between 21.5 to 46.5 kg were used. The 16 rams were divided equally into two groups (A and B). Group A served as the treatment group, while B served as the control. The rams in Group A were given Cypermethrin (3%) at the dose rate of 3 mg/kg (0.1 ml/kg) body weight, topically as pour-on. The control rams were given distilled water at the same dose rate and route. These treatments were repeated every two weeks for a period of 12 weeks. Semen was collected on weekly basis from each ram during the experimental period by means of a hand held electro-ejaculator (EE). The morphological sperm abnormalities/defects were determined by examining semen smears stained with eosin-nigrosin on a glass slide. Results showed that sperm abnormalities recorded were detached head, mid piece droplet, free tail, coiled tail and bent tail. There was no significant difference in the percentage of these abnormalities recorded between the two groups (p>0.05) from week 1 to 12. It is concluded that Cypermethrin did not induce any specific sperm abnormalities in rams treated with 3 mg/kg body weight as pour-on. Sperm death in Cypermethrin label dose treated rams may be mediated through oxidative stress. It was recommended that more studies be directed towards stress biomarkers in Cypermethrin treated rams. Key words: Sperm, abnormalities, cypermethrin, rams, oxidative stress.
A cross sectional study was carried out on pasteurellosis of small ruminants in Fogera Woreda, Ethiopia. The objectives of this research were isolation and characterization of the bacterial species by culture and biochemical testes, and determining the prevalence in apparently pneumonic small ruminants. Out of the total 988 samples examined, 322 were detected positive for pasteurella with an overall infection rate of 32.6%. Of which, 180 (55.9%) were from nasal swabs and 142 (44.1%) were from blood samples. Accordingly, 79.5% of the isolates were Mannheimia haemolytica and 20.5% were Pasteurella multocida. Significantly (p<0.05) higher prevalence was detected in sheep (37.1%), females (36.42%), young (52.97%), and extensively managed ruminants (38.15%) than those in goats (21.9%), males (25.29%), adults (21.26%) and semi-intensive production systems (17.18%), respectively. Similarly, the frequency of infection was significantly (p<0.05) higher in winter (48.6%) and spring (32.85%) as compared to autumn (23.79%) and summer (19.67%). In conclusion, this finding showed that the disease is highly prevalent in the study area. Thus, an integrated application of vaccination and overall management measures should be implemented to prevent and control the disease in animals. Key words: Pasteurellosis, Isolation, Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Sheep and Goats, Identification, Fogera, Ethiopia.
This experiment was carried out to study the effects of dietary supplementation of Satureja hortensis essential oil on growth, carcass parts, pH and luminal microbe in broiler chicken.A total of 400 one week old ROS 308 male chicks were used in a completely randomize design model with 5 treatments and 4 replicates, each composing of 20 chicks.Duration of experiment was 35 days until the age of 42 days.Treatments were a basal diet supplemented with 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg of S. hortensis essential oil with a negative (no supplementation) and a positive control (containing 300 g/1000 kg) of Orego-Stim (a commercial compound).Feed intake and body weight gain were measured weekly and feed conversion ratio was calculated accordingly.Chicks were reared on litter and were fed ad libitum with antibiotic and coccidiostat free diet.At 35 th day, litter samples was collected and sent to laboratory for determining its moisture and bacterial total count.At the 42 nd day, two chicks per cage were slaughtered for determining carcass parts ratio, ileum digesta pH and bacterial count by dilution method.Results showed that S. hortensis essential oil and Orego-Stim compound had no effects on broiler growth.Liver relative weight increased by 50 and 150 ppm S. hortensis essential oil as compared to the control group.No change of pH was observed due to treatments.Chicks that received 150 ppm S. hortensis essential oil showed higher litter bacterial count as compared to the control and other treatments.
A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in the abattoir to study the prevalence of Cysticercus bovis in cattle originated from different localities and to determine the cyst prevalence as well as distribution in different organs within infected animals in Gondar ELFORA abattoir. Out of the total 450 cattle slaughtered and examined at Gondar ELFORA abattoir, 9 animals (2.0%) were identified positive for C. bovis infection. Predilection sites for C. bovis were observed and their relative infestation rates were recorded. As a result of this study, predominantly cysts were found on shoulder muscle (55.56%) followed by masseter muscle (33.33%) and tongue (11.11%). The prevalence and occurrence of C. bovis was also studied based on the geographical locations of slaughtered cattle. Accordingly, cattle from low lands and high lands had showed a prevalence of 6.45 and 0.307%, respectively. In conclusion, C. bovis is prevalent and is one of the major parasitic diseases that causes huge carcass condemnation of slaughtered animals and poses serious financial lose in the socio-economy of the study area. Therefore, public health awareness should be created on improving personal and environmental hygiene for breaking the life cycle of the disease. Key words: Cysticercus bovis, Gondar ELFORA, prevalence, Ethiopia.
Shark liver oil (SLO) has been widely used as a food supplement to boost human immunity.The extraction method of shark liver oil is immature.In this study, four different extraction methods of shark liver oil were tried, the effect of the solid-liquid ratio, quality of the enzyme, reaction pH and temperature on SLO extraction rate have been discussed.Infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography was used to detect the main composition of SLO, and U14 tumor bearing mice were used to explore anti-tumor effect of SLO.Our results show that alkaline protease extraction method was the best with an extraction rate of 30.15%, and the solid-liquid ratio, quality of the enzyme, reaction pH and temperature was 1:2, 2% of the liver quality, 9, 3.5 h, 48°C respectively.Characteristic peak of alkoxy glycerol, squalene and vitamin A was presented in the IR spectra of SLO, the proportion of alkoxy glycerol, squalene content and vitamin was 35.3, 40.4 and 7.8% determined by gas chromatography (GC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).The inhibition rate was 54.56.
The present study was carried out to isolate, purify and elucidate the structure of low molecular weight bioactive compounds from sea anemone, Gyrostoma helianthus of the Red Sea environment. The obtained results indicated that the ethanolic crude extract of the sea anemone, G. helianthus showed inhibition activity against acetylcholinesterase (AchE). The 0.5 kD fraction inhibited the activity of the AchE that indicated the presence of low M.W active compound(s) of less than 0.5 kD. Two active fractions were obtained after BioGel P2 fractionation of the 0.5 kD of the G. helianthus. The first active fraction inhibited the activity of the acetylcholinesterase, while the other fraction did not. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique aided by semipreparative columns was used to isolate the target compounds in a pure form for the structure elucidation, one dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis (1H and 13C-NMR) and DEPT were carried out to elucidate the structure of the isolated compound which was tentatively identified as N,N'-bis-(1-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)-hydrazine. Key words: Sea anemone, Gyrostoma helianthus, Red Sea, structure elucidation, acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibitor.
Sections from duodenum, jejunum and ileum of local breeds of goat (Capra hircus) were studied histologically using light and scanning electron microscopy. The wall of goat small intestine is composed of typical layers: lamina epithelialis mucosae, lamina propria, lamina muscularis mucosae, tunica submucosa, tunica muscularis and tunica serosa. Small intestine villi were covered by a simple columnar epithelium with goblet cells and simple tubular glands, the crypts of Lieberkuhn, containing paneth cells were observed between the villi. The presence of mucus was extensive in the duodenum and the number of goblet cells was highest in the duodenum. The lamina propria consisted of loose connective tissue rich in blood and lymphatic vessels. The lamina muscularis mucosa was presented as a thin layer of circular smooth muscle fibers at the base of the crypts. The submucosa consisted of conjunctive tissue containing blood and lymphatic vessels. The tunica muscularis consisted of the typical inner circular layer and outer longitudinal layer of smooth muscle. The tunica serosa was the thin, outermost small intestine layer that consisted of a very small amount of conjunctive tissue covered by mesothelium. The submucosa was devoid of glands in all three small intestine regions. Scanning electron microscopy showed finger shaped villi in the jujenum, tongue shaped in ileum, leave like in duodenum; the villus has corrugated surface. The corrugations are deep, irregular clefts cutting into the side of the villus. The corrugations are scarce in the duodenum, few in jujenum and numerous in ileum. The surface of villi presents the goblet cell orifices. Keywords: goat, intestine
The reproductive effects of saponin extract from Vernonia amygdalina Del. Asteraeceae 110192 leaves on 14 adult male Wistar rats was studied. The rats were divided into four groups (A, B, C and D) treated with graded doses (100, 200, 400 and 0 mg/kg respectively) of saponin extract of V. amygdalina over a period of 14 days. After 14 days oral administration of the saponin extract, the rats were sacrificed and their testicles removed through scrotal incision. Blood samples were collected periocularly into ethylene diamenetetraacetic acid (EDTA) sample bottles to prevent blood clotting. The result shows an enhancing effect at a higher dose with respect to sperm cell motility and concentration. However, the number of morphologically abnormal sperm cells was within the normal range of 10%. The packed cell volume (PCV) was slightly reduced in group C that had the highest dose (42.67±0.68%) of the saponin than for group A that had the lowest dose (47.0 ±0.24%) and (47.33 ± 0.47%) for the control group. For the morphological characteristics, there were dose dependent decrease in rudimentary tail, bent tail, curved mid-piece and bent mid-piece. In conclusion, the saponin component of V. amygdalina did not produce adverse effects on the reproductive potentials of the rats and can therefore be used to boost reproduction in male wistar rats. Key words: Sperm characteristics, saponin, Vernonia amygdalina, rats, testicles, spermatozoon, Haematology.
The postnatal developmental pattern of the vagina of WAD goat from birth to week 28 was investigated by gross and light microscopy. Forty five (45) female WAD goat kids were used in this study and were divided into nine groups of five goat kids per group. Each goat was euthanized, the vagina dissected out and studied, the length and weight measured. Data obtained were analysed by analysis of variance and DuncanE¼s new multiple range test with values of p< 0.05 considered significant. The tissues were fixed in Bouin’s fluid and routinely processed for histology. At birth, the length and weight of the vagina of the female WAD goat were 1.85 ± 0.10 cm and 0.10 ± 0.01 g, respectively. These increased significantly (p< 0.05) to 5.07 ± 0.39 cm and 4.04 ± 0.33 g at 28 weeks of age, respectively. The longitudinal folds and hymen were ill defined at birth but became increasingly prominent as the goats aged with the longitudinal folds extending into the vulva. Histologically, the epithelium in all age group was a stratified squamous type. At birth, the lamina priopria-submucosa formed the cores of the longitudinal folds composed of loose connective tissue with numerous blood vessels. The tunica muscularis was ill defined. The tunica serosa/adventitia was a loose connective tissue containing blood vessels. The vagina showed increased development of its tissues with age. The histology of the vaginal tissues at week 16 was similar to older WAD goat. In all age groups, isolated lymphoid nodules were observed in the lamina priopria-submucosa. The result suggests that the WAD goat probably attained puberty earlier than previously reported. Key words: West Africa dwarf goat, vagina, Longitudinal folds, puberty, tunica muscularis.
The conventional dilaceration of ovaries is binding at the beginning of ovary development. However, reading ovarian tracheoles was very easy in stage I-II mean. The combination of both methods can really reduce the number of age indeterminations recorded with the two methods separately. The present study aimed to identify a method capable of determining physiological age of mosquitoes regardless of their ovarian development stage. In the present study, mosquitoes were caught in houses using window traps. After identification of Anopheles gambiae s.l species, their ovaries were dissected in distilled water. An ovary was left in distilled water for tracheoles reading and the other in a physiological liquid to search for follicular dilatation after dilaceration of ovary. The other body parts of mosquitoes were used to identify the species of the A. gambiae complex by polymerase chain reaction. The ovarian tracheoles reading method was unable to determine physiological age of 25% (n=28) of 112 A. gambiae s.s. analyzed. With follicular dilations observation method, the physiological age of 16.96% (n=19) mosquitoes was not determined; but, the age indetermination rates were reduced to 0.89% by combining the two methods. The combination of ovarian tracheoles reading method and follicular dilatation observation method significantly reduced (almost null) the number of physiological age indeterminations recorded using the two methods separately. Key words: Anopheles gambiae s.s, ovary, physiological age, ovarian tracheoles, classical dilacerations, follicular dilatation.
The present study was carried out to determine the effects of aflatoxinB1 (AFB1) on the skeletal system of the fetuses of balady rabbits. The female animals were divided into three groups, one control and two treated, the control group contained four dams, the intoxicated group with 0.1 mg/kg contained six dams while the intoxicated with 0.05 mg/kg contained three dams. A dose of 0.1 and 0.05 mg/kg/day AFB1 was administered by gastric intubation to pregnant rabbits on the 6th-21st day of pregnancy. The fetuses were obtained through the uterine incisionat different stages of gestation according to the group. The lengths and weights of the fetuses as well as absolute organs weights were measured, revealing the statistically significant differences between the control and intoxicated with 0.05 mg/kg group at 29th day of gestation (p<0.001) while there were non-significant decrease of control and intoxicated with 0.1 mg/kg at 22nd day of gestation. The observed gross anomalies included wrinkled skin, enlarged eye socket and microphthalmic eyes in both groups. The heart of treated group showed reduction in size with wide ventricular lumen and shallow inter ventricular groove in intoxicated group with a dose of 0.05 mg/kg AFB1. Regarding the skeletal anomalies, there were incomplete ossification in some of the skull bones, the laminae of the vertebral arches throughout the vertebral column remain cartilaginous. The sternum was incompletely ossified. Most of the appendicular skeleton bones were grossly shorter and remained in cartilaginous state. Key words: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), rabbits, teratogenicity, ossification.
An organelle is a specialized functional subunit within cells carrying out specific functions. These compartments which may or may not be enclosed in a lipid bilayer are found in microorganisms. While those found in eukaryotic cells are usually enclosed in lipid bilayer, those in prokaryotes don’t. All microbes have compartments common to them like the nucleic acids, protein, ribosomes as well as unique intracellular structures found only in microbial subgroups. Such compartments include the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, golgi apparatus amongst others unique to all eukaryotic cells only. Prokaryotes contain some micro-compartments unique to them including the carboxysomes, lipid bodies, polyhydroxybutyrate granules. The right choice of cell disruption methods that limit damage to the compartments is important in achieving successful compartment isolation and purification. Commonly applied methods include sonication, enzymatic lysis, detergent lysis, cavitation amongst others depending on the type of cells involved. Fractionation is the commonly utilized method for isolation and purification of organelles, utilizing ultracentrifugation and techniques that exploits size, density and surface charge variations of protoplasmic content. Such techniques include gradient centrifugation methods, use of beads, affinity purification chromatography methods and electrophoresis. Here, we review the compartments in microbial cells and the techniques employed to isolate and purify these intracellular components. Key words: cell disruption, purification, prokaryote, eukaryote, functional unit.
Effect of sodium bicarbonate (SB) and magnesium oxide (MgO) in high concentrate fed Lori-Bakhtiari lambs was studied on productive performance and carcass characteristics. Eighteen weaned (90 days old) Lori-Bakhtiari male lambs divided into three equal groups were fed basal diet. Each group received a basal diet for 75 days with one of the following three treatments: (1) no additives (NA); (2) 0.05% magnesium oxide and (3) 0.2% sodium bicarbonate. Lambs were individually confined to 1.5 m2 metabolic cages. Cold and hot carcass weight (kg) and hot dressing (%) were higher in group receiving MgO than the SB group (p 0.05) in visceral fat contents (kidney, rumen mesenteric) in lambs of control and treated groups. Body weight (kg) and average daily gain (ADG) was higher in group receiving MgO than the SB group (p<0.05). No effect of MgO or SB in the diet was observed on weight of liver, lungs, blood and lie. Heart weight was greater (p<0.05) for lambs consumed diets supplemented with MgO. The results showed that the use of 0.05% magnesium oxide in the diet can increase dry matter intake, weight gain and improvement is weight and percent carcass than the control group and sodium bicarbonate. Key words: Hot dressing, skin, lungs, lamb, carcass.
