Poultry farming is crucial to global food security, with particular significance in developing nations due to its affordability, efficiency, and contribution to rural livelihoods. This study evaluated morphological traits and genetic polymorphisms in the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) gene across four chicken genotypes: Normal Feather (NF), Frizzle Feather (FF), Naked Neck (NN), and Exotic (EX). A total of 100 day-old chicks were reared under controlled conditions, and growth performance traits, including body weight, height, body length, and shank length, were measured. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples, and the GHSR gene was amplified by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The resulting PCR products were sequenced and analyzed to identify genetic polymorphisms. The results showed that the EX genotype significantly outperformed the indigenous genotypes (NF, FF, and NN) in all growth parameters. The highest level of genetic variation was observed in the EX chickens, followed by FF, NF, and NN genotypes. The EX genotype also exhibited the highest haplotype diversity (0.946 ± 0.006), whereas the highest nucleotide diversity was recorded in NF chickens (0.131 ± 0.0001). Phylogenetic analysis revealed two distinct clusters, with all indigenous genotypes grouped within the same major cluster, while the EX genotype formed a separate cluster. The lowest genetic distance was observed between the FF and NN chickens. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the GHSR gene were significantly associated with body weight, body length, and shank length, particularly in the EX genotype ( p <0.05). These findings suggest that SNP variation within the GHSR gene may serve as a useful basis for developing molecular markers to enhance growth performance, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining genetic diversity in indigenous chicken populations.

Background: Lead (Pb) poisoning remains a persistent global health concern, particularly in low-income regions where environmental and occupational exposure is widespread. This study evaluated the protective role of Vitamin C (VC) against Pb-induced organotoxicity and testicular histopathology in male albino rats. Methods: Twenty-four rats were randomly assigned into four groups (n=6) and administered Pb acetate (60 mg/kg BW), VC (100 mg/kg BW) or a combination of both for 65 days to mimic prolonged environmental exposure. Mean baseline weights did not differ significantly between groups (p=0.18), confirming uniformity before treatment. Results: The mean body weights reduced in a significant manner (p=0.012, η²=0.41) in Pb-treated rats when compared with the control. Pb significantly elevated tissue residue levels and reduced final body and testicular weights (p=0.008, η²=0.53), while VC co-administration markedly attenuated these alterations. Pb exposure also significantly reduced heart and epididymis weights, while Vitamin C co-administration showed recovery, with no changes observed in liver, kidney, or lung weights. Histological analysis revealed degeneration and disorganization of spermatogenic layers in Pb-exposed testes, whereas VC restored tissue architecture towards near-normal morphology. Conclusion: Findings indicate that VC reduces Pb accumulation and mitigates organotoxicity, highlighting its relevance as an accessible and low-cost protective agent for populations exposed to heavy metals.

Understanding the phylogenetic relationships among species is crucial for effective conservation, selection, and hybridization, which can enhance economic gains through improved growth characteristics. This study aimed to assess the reliability of mtDNA D-loop in delineating the phylogenetics of three tilapia species. Blood samples were collected from tilapia across five rivers (populations) in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The species sampled included Oreochromis niloticus (n = 44), Oreochromis aureus (n = 23), and Oreochromis mossambicus (n = 14). Phylogenetic analysis revealed two major clades, with tilapia sub-grouped by species. Within each population, the three species were genetically distinct from each other based on variations in their mtDNA D-loop. Clustering was species-specific when fish from the five populations were compared. The relationship between the tilapia from this study and those from other regions showed that O. aureus and O. niloticus from the five populations were similar to counterparts from other regions. In contrast, O. mossambicus clustered closely with Coptodon zilli and Tilapia zilli. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed greater variation among fish populations (86.39 %) than within populations (24.71 %), with a significant fixation index (F-ST = 0.743; p < 0.05). Demographic expansion and mismatch distribution analyses indicated no expansion within the three tilapia species. These findings are valuable for species management and selective breeding programmes to enhance tilapia production in Nigeria.

Indigenous chickens are known to be more resistant to a wide range of diseases compared to their exotic counterpart. This research seeks to evaluate the response of four chicken genotypes to the Newcastle vaccine and determine the genetic variations across the four genotypes based on the TLR4 gene. A total of 120 day-old chicks comprising 78 normal feathers, 20 exotic genotypes, 16 frizzle feathers and 6 naked necks, obtained from Abeokuta and Ibadan in Nigeria were used for this study. After two weeks of acclimatization, all the birds were vaccinated against Newcastle disease with the Lasota strain. Blood samples for antibody titre were obtained 14 days post-vaccination. Polymerase chain reaction amplification was carried out at IITA Ibadan. Results for the antibody titre revealed that frizzle feather had a significantly higher antibody titre with 0.923± 0.01 and 0.903±0.00 for the first and second antibody titre, respectively. Similarly, the highest polymorphism, with 36 polymorphic sites, and the highest haplotype numbers (10) were observed in Frizzle and Normal feathers, while the lowest polymorphism was found in the exotic breed (15), and the highest nucleotide diversity (0.114±0.0545) was also noted in Frizzle feathers. We presumed that the indigenous breed may be more reactive to the Newcastle vaccine regarding antibody titre than the exotic breed (broilers). Correspondingly, the genetic polymorphism and genetic distance studies further suggest that the variations observed in the antibody titre may be associated with their genetic makeup. Hence, the frizzle feather may be more resistant to Newcastle disease and has more variations than the other genotypes studied.

Chickens are among the most widely reared poultry species globally, playing critical role as a major source of animal protein and income for smallholder farmers. This study investigated the effects of genotype on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and haemato-biochemical indices in three Nigerian indigenous chicken (NIC) varieties: Normal Feathered Chicken (NFC), Frizzle Feathered Chicken (FFC), and Naked Neck Chicken (NNC), and a commercial broiler breed (Arbor Acre Chicken, AAC). A total of 140 day-old chickens, with 35 birds per genotype, were reared for 8 weeks under controlled conditions. Growth performance traits, including body weight, body length, and other morphometric parameters, were measured, with AAC exhibiting the highest growth. Carcass traits followed similar patterns, with AAC showing superior slaughter weight, carcass weight, and carcass yield. Among the NICs, the FFC had higher feed efficiency and superior meat quality traits, including water-holding capacity and lower thawing loss. The AAC breed had higher fat and cholesterol content compared to NICs, while the crude protein content was highest in the NICs. Haemato-biochemical analysis revealed higher white blood cell counts and globulin levels in the NIC varieties, particularly FFC, indicating potential advantages in immune function. The results suggest that, while AAC excels in growth and carcass traits, the NIC varieties, especially FFC, may serve as valuable resources for breeding programmes focused on meat quality and disease resistance. This highlights the importance of genotype-specific breeding strategies for improving poultry production in Nigeria.

This study investigated phenotypic traits in 400 Archachatina marginata snails, comprising 200 black-skinned and 200 white-skinned ectotypes with 2, 3, 4, and 5 whorls. Black-skinned snails were sourced from the Mkpatak market, while white-skinned snails were collected from the surrounding bush in Essien Udim Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The research was conducted at the Animal House of the Department of Biological Sciences (Biotechnology Unit) at Topfaith University, Mkpatak. Data on traits such as body weight, shell length, shell width, mouth shell length, and mouth shell width were collected to compare phenotypic traits, evaluate growth patterns, and perform correlation analyses. Results showed highly significant differences (p<0.001) in all phenotypic traits between the ectotypes across all whorl categories. Growth patterns were irregular; white-skinned snails with 2 and 3 whorls exhibited rapid initial growth, while black-skinned snails outpaced them at 4 and 5 whorls. Correlation analyses indicated strong, positive, and significant (p<0.001) correlations among most traits, except for some pairs involving mouth shell width, which showed insignificant correlations (p>0.05) in 4 and 5 whorls of white-skinned snails. These findings suggest a direct association among phenotypic traits, implying that selecting one trait could enhance other related growth traits. For further research, snails with 6 and 7 whorls should also be evaluated for their traits and growth patterns.

Forty-seven African yam bean seed samples from Idomi, Obubra, Ekoli-Edda, Abakaliki, Jos and Ibadan, Nigeria, were assessed for genetic diversity using the rbcL gene marker. DNA was extracted, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted, and the products were sequenced. The data were analyzed using MEGA and Gene Alex software. The results showed that the phylogenetic tree for the rbcL gene in AYB revealed two groups. Genetic polymorphism indices revealed that among the 47 sequences of the rbcL gene evaluated, 66 sites were compared, which produced 54 and 12 polymorphic and monomorphic sites, respectively. There were 45 haplotypes with a haplotype diversity of 0.998 ± 0.005. Nucleotide diversity was 0.22741 ± 0.0003. There were 120 SNPs detected. The ratio of transversion to transition mutations was 76:14. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed 99% within and 1% within populations, while principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) did not reveal any traceable clustering pattern. The percentage variation as explained showed a cumulative percentage variation of 26.38%. The linear genetic distances within and among the investigated rbcL gene sequences ranged from 3.0000 to LGD ≥ 9.0000. LGD revealed the narrowest distance (3.60551) between TSs592 and TSs19. The widest LGD was 9.797959 between TSs111 and TSs19. These findings imply limited breeding and improvement efforts in AYB. The study underscores the underutilization of AYB, despite its potential for enhancing food security due to its nutritional qualities. Further exploration of AYB genetic resources is essential for crop improvement and conservation, aiming to unlock its full potential for sustainable utilization in agriculture.

This study evaluated the genetic diversity of 18 African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) accessions from the IITA germplasm in Ibadan, Nigeria, using nine qualitative traits. The experiment was conducted behind the Biological Science Block at the University of Calabar, following a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. Qualitative traits were observed and recorded based on the descriptors for African Yam Bean, while quantitative traits were measured using metric tools like rulers, vernier calipers, and weighing scales. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Least Significant Difference (LSD) tests via GenStat Discovery Edition 4 and PASW version 20.0 software. Results indicated minimal variation in morphological traits such as days to 50% seedling emergence, vine length, leaf number, leaf dimensions, peduncle and petiole length, and days to 50% flowering across accessions. Leaf color varied, ranging from light green to dark and pale green, with accession TSs 285 showing pale green leaves. Seed shapes varied from round/globular to oval or oblong, and all accessions except TSs 33 had seed cavities. Accessions TSs 266 and TSs 38 performed better in most parameters, except for days to 50% flowering and leaf count. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in traits like days to 50% emergence, days to 50% flowering, leaf color, pod dehiscence, seed shape, seed cavity presence, testa splitting, and texture. However, no significant differences were noted for hypocotyl pigmentation and pod dehiscence. Accession TSs 266 excelled in traits such as vine length, terminal leaf width, peduncle length, and pod number per plant, showing optimal adaptation to the climatic and agro-geological conditions of Cross River State.

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn, as it was submitted in error. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.

The African bush apple (Heinsia crinita) is a highly valued orphan shrub that supports the nutritional and natural medicine needs of many sub-Saharan African communities. However, the crop remains poorly conserved and without any known genetic improvement. Accordingly, the current study sought to develop for the first time, an in vitro regeneration system based on direct shoot proliferation from its stem and hypocotyledonary explants using combinations of two cytokinins (benzyl adenine – BA, thidiazuron – TDZ) and the auxin (naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. Combinations of BA and NAA effectively induced multiple shoot formation from stem and hypocotyledonary explants of the crop. The most effective treatment (1.0 mg/L BA + 0.1 mg/L NAA) induced an average of 13.77 and 30.32 shoots per responsive hypocotyl and stem explants, respectively. Combinations of TDZ and NAA were less effective in promoting shoot induction in the explants at the concentrations tested compared to BA and NAA combinations. Hypocotyledonary explants achieved complete plant regeneration without multiple shoot formation in a hormone-free MS medium. In vitro shoots regenerated from both stem and hypocotyledonary explants were 100

The increasing demand for turkey as a protein source necessitates effective management practices, particularly in combating Salmonella infections. This study evaluated the immune response of four turkey strains (black, white, exotic, and lavender) to a Salmonella gallinarum-9R strain vaccine. A total of 180 samples of day-old poults (45 from each strain) were used for the experiment. Following initial blood sampling at four weeks, all birds were vaccinated orally with the Salmonella vaccine. Monthly blood samples were collected over four months to assess antibody titres using a serial dilution method. Results revealed significant differences in the mean antibody responses among the strains. The black strain exhibited the highest mean antibody titre (1.38), followed closely by the exotic (1.32) and white (1.30) strains, while the lavender strain showed the lowest titre (1.17). The antibody titres significantly increased post-vaccination compared to pre-vaccination values (p < 0.05). These findings highlight the effectiveness of vaccination in enhancing immunity in turkeys, suggesting that selective breeding of more responsive strains could improve flock health and reduce the risk of Salmonella infection.

Abstract African bush apple [Heinsia crinita (Afzel.) G. Taylor] is a threatened orphan crop with immense nutritional and medicinal value to many rural African communities. We developed an efficient system for the in vitro induction of direct multiple shoot organogenesis from different explants of the crop using combinations of two cytokinins (benzyl adenine - BA and thidiazuron - TDZ) and the auxin, naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. Multiple shoot induction was most effectively achieved from hypocotyl and stem explants using 1.0 mg/L BA + 0.1 mg/L NAA combination. In vitro-regenerated shoots were successfully rooted on hormone-free 0.5x MS medium and acclimatized to generate H. crinita plantlets, thus providing a strategy for in vitro conservation of this crop as well as a pathway for its genetic improvement via biotechnology.

This survey was carried out to evaluate the perception of the people of Cross River State on genetically modified products (GMPs). The survey was carried out in four local government areas of Cross River State (Odukpani, Calabar Municipality, Calabar South and Akpabuyo) with 1000 respondents in each local government area giving a total of 4000 respondents. Data obtained from the questionnaire shared to the respondents were carefully collated and presented in simple percentages for ease of understanding. The demographic data showed that there were more males in the study (51.2%) than females (48.80%). Majority of the respondents were aged 25-35 years (46%). Most respondents had tertiary education (65.25%) and were majorly civil servants (27%) and businessmen (22.25%). A greater percentage of the respondents (63.75%) never heard of GMPs prior to this research. It was grossly observed that most of the respondents had various fears and concerns about GMPs. However, 58.5% agreed that the adoption of biotechnological principles in agriculture will increase productivity. In clear terms, we are still far behind in consumer knowledge of GMPs and there is need for more robust efforts in bringing this great technology to the minds of the consumers.

The continuous destruction of our rainforest has threatened the existence of many useful and multipurpose plant species such as Tetrapleura tetraptera. To revert this situation, efforts must be made towards its sustainable use by encouraging reforestation which entails raising of seedlings for mass propagation of this crop. This study was aimed at comparing the effects of organic (chicken litter) and inorganic (NPK 15:15:15) fertilizers on seedling growth in four accessions of Tetrapleura tetraptera and hence determining fertilizer preference for this forest species. The Complete Randomized Design (CRD) was used in a factorial arrangement with four accessions and three fertilizer types in eight replicates. One month after transplanting, the fertilizers (organic and inorganic) were uniformly applied at the rate of 45 kg/hectare according to the experimental design. Data were collected monthly for a period of three months on plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, leaf length, member of branches, number of leaves, primary and secondary internode length per plant. Data on seedling emergence were also taken. Data collected were subjected to a two-way analysis of variance. Least significant difference (LSD) was used to separate significant means at p = 0.05. Result obtained revealed that the soil was rich in calcium, phosphorus and organic matter but low in nitrogen and potassium which were adequately complemented in mean days to seedling emergence in four accessions studied. Our findings also revealed that the organic (chicken litter) fertilizer did better (P<0.05) in all accessions than inorganic (NPK 15:15:15) fertilizer for all morphological traits studied. The performance of Cross River accession was outstanding as illustrated by the significant interaction obtained in most parameters. With chicken, litter fertilizer, Cross River accession produced the tallest plant (27.38 cm), largest leaf area (1.99 cm2), highest number of branches (20.13), highest number of leaves (66.75), longest stem diameter (0.93 cm), longest leaf length (1.94 cm), lowest primary (0.80) and lowest secondary (0.83) internode length. The use of organic fertilizers is therefore recommended for improved seedling growth of Tetrapleura tetraptera.

African mistletoe (Loranthus micranthus Linn.) is a parasitic plant which has shown to contain biologically active agents that have disease curing effects on humans. The present study aimed at evaluating the genetic diversity of L. micranthus accessions established on selected plant host based on ITS gene. 9 samples were selected for PCR amplification and sequencing of the its1 and its4 regions. The results revealed 104 and 89 polymorphic sites for its1 and its4 respectively. Haplotype diversity of 0.971+0.064 and nucleotide diversity 0.174+0.071 were recorded in its1 while haplotype diversity of 0.917+0.092 and nucleotide diversity of 0.231+0.027 were recorded in its4. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the samples into 2 clusters based on the its regions. A high genetic distance (0.597) for its1 was obtained between samples from Pepper fruit and samples obtained from other host trees (African apple, Avocado and Monkey kola) while a low genetic distance (0.000) was obtained between C. apiculatum (LMV9) and African apple host (LMV4). The highest genetic distance (0.827) for its4 was obtained between C. apiculatum (LMV9) and African apple host (LMV4) while the lowest genetic distance (0.000) was obtained between Rubber hosts (LMV1, LMV2) and Pepper fruit host (LMV8). The results revealed some genetic diversity amongst the mistletoe grown on different hosts suggesting that host trees and geographical location might contribute to genetic diversity. It also showed that its1 and 4 regions differ in their variation discernment pattern in mistletoe and similar studies can be conducted in larger populations to accurately link genetic similarity/variation to host specificity and geographical origins.

Background and Objective: Indigenous chickens as a source of meat and egg have made significant contributions to household food security throughout the developing world.The present study was aimed at evaluating the antibody titre of Nigerian chicken genotypes vaccinated with Salmonella and Newcastle vaccines.Materials and Methods: A total of 96 chickens were used for the study (24 normal feather, 24 frizzle feather, 24 naked neck, 24 exotic).Initial blood samples of the chicken were obtained from the wing vein and evaluated for Salmonella and Newcastle antibody titre using widal and haemagglutination inhibition test, respectively before vaccination.The birds were divided into two broad groups of 48 chickens each and treated with Salmonella and Newcastle vaccines, respectively.Blood samples were collected and analyzed at 3 and 5 days post vaccination.Results: Antibody titre was measured in the genotypes 3 days post vaccination with Salmonella vaccine as; 2.27 (frizzle feather), 2.14 (normal feather), 2.12 (naked neck) and 1.93 (exotic).The 3 days post vaccination titre with Newcastle vaccine were; 0.62 (Normal feather), 0.56 (frizzle feather), 0.51 (naked neck) and 0.09 (exotic).Responses to vaccination were significant (p<0.05) for antibody titre of the chicken vaccinated with Salmonella and Newcastle vaccines.The chickens showed significant responses to Salmonella vaccination and also, highest antibody titre was recorded in the birds 3 days post vaccination.Conclusion: It was concluded that frizzle and normal feather chicken genotypes showed more resistance to salmonella and Newcastle vaccines.

Egeria radiata is a benthic species of bivalves which inhabits freshwater bodies along the coast of Nigeria. It’s an edible species with shells of nutrient value used in animal feeds and healthcare industries. This research was undertaken to investigate its species diversity in some coastal populations in Nigeria. Partial sequence of Cytochrome b region of mitochondrial DNA extracted from 53 samples from three locations (Itu 17, Southern Ijaw 18 and Burutu 18) in the Niger delta region of Nigeria were sequenced, aligned and subjected to haplotype network analysis. Afterwards, MEGA 6.06 was used in the analysis of genetic distance, selection and some diversity-based parameters. Results showed high transversion and non-synonymous substitution in Itu population. Polymorphic sites and haplotype diversity was high across the populations (0.88