Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by an elevated blood sugar level due to problems with insulin synthesis, effect, or both. Various clinical signs follow DM: Hyperglycemia, polydipsia, polyuria, and polyphagia. Worldwide prevalence is high and predicted to be 592 million by 2035. Animal models are used in the study of diabetes due to ethical issues. Although the streptozotocin (STZ) model is frequently used, it is unreliable due to unexplained acute toxicity and effective dose variability. Objectives: This research was conducted to determine the effective dose regimen of STZ for inducing diabetes in Wister rats. Methods: A total of 28 male Wistar rats (160-190 g) were randomly divided into 4 groups (each 7 rats) and monitored for 21 days after diabetes induction with STZ: Control (CTR), diabetics (DIA)1 (60 mg/kg STZ), DIA2 (60 mg/kg STZ twice at 0 and 24 hours), and DIA3 (60 mg/kg STZ thrice at 0, 24 and 48 hours). Plasma glucose was determined with a glucometer. Body weights, feed intake, and fecal output were weighed with a digital balance, while water intake and urine output were measured with a measuring cylinder. Analyses of data obtained were performed using a one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test at a significance level of P≤0.05. Results: There was a significant (P<0.05) decrease in body weight of the diabetic groups (-15.53%±1.2%, -26.8%±1.2%, -28.5%±1.9%) compared to the CTR (10.5%±2.5%). There was a significant (P<0.05) increase in fasting blood glucose concentrations (135.2±9.0, 273.2±6.5, 257.0±5.3 mg/dL) in the people with diabetes compared to the CTR (79.3±1.1 mg/dL). Water intake (56.9±0.9, 72.1±1.7, 77.8±5.5 mL), feed intake (19.4±0.6, 23.3±1.9, 42.1±2.1 g), voided urine (6.34±0.1, 8.39±0.88, 9.8±0.50 mL) and voided feces (10.4±0.26, 11.7±0.43, 8.5±0.17 g) in the diabetic groups increased significantly (P<0.05) compared to the CTR (26.5±0.8 mL, 13.4±0.3 g, 1.84±0.08 mL, and 6.5±0.33 g, respectively). Conclusion: The dose regimen of 60 mg/kg STZ administered intraperitoneally twice (24 hours apart) sustained diabetes for 21 days. We recommend adopting this dose regimen in STZ-induced diabetic studies in male Wistar rats.

Trypanosomosis is still a major impediment to livestock production in most tropical environments despite various efforts geared towards eradicating the disease. Small ruminants are known to be fully susceptible to pathogenic trypanosome infections, however, studies in small ruminants are still scanty compared to large ruminants. Comparative pathogenicity and biochemical changes in twenty West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep aged between 8-10 months were investigated. Sheep were randomly assigned into groups A and B and experimentally infected with either Trypanosoma congolense or Trypanosoma brucei. Both species of trypanosomes caused significant but varying degrees of alterations in the biochemical parameters studied. There was a consistent and significant increase (P<0.05) in the levels of total proteins, globulin, fibrinogen, urea, creatinine, sodium, bicarbonate, inorganic phosphate and chloride from day 21 post infection in both groups, and these were sustained till the experiment was terminated. Similarly, the levels of albumin, cholesterol and albumin/globulin ratio progressively decreased (p<0.05) post infection starting from day 28, whereas potassium levels remained unchanged throughout post-infection period. There was a strong positive correlation between total protein and urea in groups A and B (r = 0.937 and r = 0.908), respectively as well as between total protein and creatinine in groups A and B (r = 0.937 and r = 0.908), respectively. Generally, significantly higher biochemical alterations (p<0.05) in T. congolenseinfectedsheep. It can thus be concluded that trypanosome infection in sheep could lead to significant pathological and functional disorders in vital organs including liver and kidney which may have resulted in the biochemical alterations observed; these being influenced by individual trypanosome species.

Garcinia kola (GK) seed is believed to possess aphrodisiac properties hence its traditional use to manage erectile dysfunctions in man. However, there has been conflicting reports of its long-term effects on the male reproductive organs. In this study, the effect of varying doses of methanol extract of GK on testicular function and structure in Wistar rats was evaluated. Forty adult male rats (350-360g) were randomly divided into 4 groups. Groups 1, 2 and 3 received oral doses of 600mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 100mg/kg of the extract daily, respectively for 70 days while group 4 (control group) received normal saline (0.9% NaCl). Blood samples were collected fortnightly from each rat for serum chemistry and testosterone analysis. At termination, the testes, epididymides and livers were harvested, weighed and fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and processed for histopathology. The results were presented as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM) and analyzed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at P< 0.05. Dose-related pathological changes were observed in the testes and epididymides. Testicular weight decreased significantly (p<0.05) in 400mg/kg and 600mg/kg groups compared to the control group. There was testicular necrosis associated with distortion of the seminiferous tubular wall and reduced seminiferous tubular diameter. Seminiferous tubules had reduced germinal epithelial thickness along with an absence of viable spermatids and spermatozoa. Serum testosterone levels decreased progressively (p < 0.01) in groups 1 and 2 while those of groups 3 and 4 remain unchanged. The results established that ingestion of methanol extracts of GK seed at the dose of 400mg/kg and 600mg/kg produced significant gonadal pathology in adult male Wistar rats despite the absence of remarkable hepatic biochemical and structural changes.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) occurrence is increasing. Canine DM is multifactorial and global prevalence is 0.005 to 1.5% affecting both sexes between 4-14 years old. Diabetic foot ulcer is a complication of DM impairing wound healing. Psidium guajava (PG) is a food and medicinal plant containing quercetin (a potent antioxidant) in its leaf and used in locally to manage DM. Effects of ethanolic extract of PG leaves on in vivo animal diabetic models have not been investigated indeptly with little documented information on the effect of PG extract on wound management in diabetics. This study evaluated the beneficial role of PG ethanolic leaf extract (PGELE) in an experimental model of diabetes-related wound healing disorders. Ethanolic extracts were prepared from PG leaves. Thirty male Wistar rats (190-205 g) were separated into 6 groups (n = 5) and treated for 2 weeks. Group I (control), II (streptozotocin 60 mg/kg once), III & IV (streptozotocin 60 mg/kg once, PGELE (125 & 250 mg/kg rat/day) per os), V (streptozotocin 60 mg/kg once, glibenclamide 5 mg/kg b.w) and VI (PGELE 250 mg/kg orally). Plasma glucose was determined by glucometer. 10 x 10 mm wounds were made under anaesthesia. Full blood count was done by microscopy. Data were analysed using ANOVA at α0.05. Glucose concentration was significantly higher in II (583 ± 4.16 mg/dL) compared to others. Wound contraction rates were significantly slower in II (41 ± 0.23 %) compared to others. There was no difference in haematology. PGELE improved wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats.

Diabetes mellitus, an endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and low blood insulin or target organs insensitivity to insulin affects life quality due to its complications. Infertility is a complication in diabetes. Various agents have been used for research on diabetes-induced infertility globally, but there are little documented treatments for diabetes associated infertility. Allium cepa scaly leaves extract (ACSLE) possess anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic activities. This study investigated the effects of ACSLE on reproductive dysfunctions in male diabetic rats. Twenty eight male rats were assigned to 4 groups (n=7): CT (control); DNT (streptozotocin, 60 mg/kg once, intraperitoneal), DT1 and DT2 (streptozotocin, 60 mg/kg once, intraperitoneal, ACSLE 125 and 250 mg/kg rat/day respectively). Organ samples were obtained after 2 weeks and testicular weights recorded. Fasting blood glucose was determined using a digital glucometer. Sperm count, motility, viability and morphology were assessed microscopically. Testes were histologically evaluated. Glucose levels were reduced in DT1 and DT2 compared with DNT. Testes weights increased in DT1and DT2 compared with DNT. Sperm concentration increased in DT1 and DT2 compared with DNT motility increased in DT1 and DT2 compared with DNT; viability increased significantly in DT1 and DT2 compared with DNT. Abnormal sperm morphology decreased in DT1 and DT2 compared with DNT. Testes showed degenerated cells in DNT and no lesions in DT1 and DT2. Reduced blood glucose, improved testicular functions and morphology showed that ACSLE ameliorated reproductive dysfunctions associated with streptozotocin-induced diabetes in male Wistar rats.

Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine and metabolic disorder of humans and animals characterized by hyperglycemia and low blood insulin levels or insensitivity of target organs to insulin and it’s a major health problem affecting patient’s quality of life due to its many complications. Infertility is one of the major secondary complications in diabetes. Although numerous drugs have been used for intervention studies on diabetes-induced infertility worldwide, there are currently no treatments for diabetes associated infertility in humans. This study was performed to investigate the effects of Annona muricata ethanolic leaf extract (AMELE) on fertility of male diabetic rats and levels of blood glucose. Twenty male Wistar rats (150-200g) were randomly distributed into 4 groups (n=5) treated thus: CTRL (control), DNT, DT1 and DT2 (diabetic, single intraperitoneal injection, streptozotocin, 60 mg/kg). Group DT1 and DT2 received AMELE orally at 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg respectively daily for fourteen days. Data were analysed using ANOVA at α0.05. The animals were sacrificed after 2 weeks via thiopental injection and testicular weights were recorded. Fasting blood glucose was determined using a digital glucometer. Sperm count, motility, viability and morphology were assessed microscopically. Testes were histologically evaluated. The results showed that oral administration of AMELE at 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg to diabetic male rats for fourteen days significantly decreased blood glucose level and also ameliorated diabetes-induced decreases in sperm functions in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats.

To study the effect of the aqueous leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana (Euphorbiaceae) on some reproductive parameters of male Wistar albino rats, three groups (A, B and C) of six rats each were treated with 400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg/day of leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana, respectively for 28 days while 5 mLs/kg of distilled water was given to the controlgroup D. At the end of the experimental period, animals were sacrificed and sperm characteristics, histology of the testes and epididymis were assessed. Sperm motility (80.00+7.0, 75.00+2.9), sperm count (82.75+2.7, 76.50+3.8) and sperm live/dead (96.00+2.0, 94.50+1.7) were not significantly reduced (P<0.05) at the dosages of 400 and 800 mg/kg Acalypha wilkesiana leaf extract, respectively. did not have any significant reduction (P<0.05) in, but significant (P<0.05) reductions in sperm count (71.50+3.5*) was observed at 1600 mg/kg dose. Also, significant (P<0.05) increase in morphologicalabnormalities of the spermatozoa were only observed in the 1600 mg/kg treated group of rats. Histopathological evaluation of the testis and revealed varying degrees of degeneration and necrosis of the germinal epithelia cell of the seminiferous tubules and spermiostasis, whereas no significant lesion was seen in the epididymis. The high dose of the leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana may have significant anti-spermatogenic effects on adult male Wistar rats.

Allium cepa (onion), a natural seasoning agent that contains significant amounts of potent antioxidants in its scaly leaves is used in folkloric medicine to manage several diseases globally. Antioxidants have an essential effect on sperm health parameters; however, there is limited information on the effects of Allium cepa scaly leaf extract on reproductive functions in Oba Marshal breeder cocks. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the aqueous extract of Allium cepa scaly leaf on reproductive functions in sexually matured Oba Marshal breeder cocks. Allium cepa bulbs were obtained from a market in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Dry scaly leaves were peeled, pulverised, macerated in distilled water, filtered and concentrated. Twenty, 42 weeks old Oba Marshal breeder cocks (3.48 – 3.62 kg) were divided into 4 groups (n = 5) and treated daily for 2 weeks thus: CT (control, distilled water, 0.5 mL/kg), T2 (extract 200 mg/kg/bird), T4 (extract 400 mg/kg/bird), T8 (extract 800 mg/kg/bird). Sperm characteristics were assessed microscopically. Testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were analysed using ELISA. Data were analysed using ANOVA at α0.05. Treated birds had significantly (p < 0.05) higher sperm motility, morphology but non-significant changes in sperm viability and concentration compared with the controls. Also, serum FSH and LH significantly increased, while testosterone had no significant change in test groups compared to the control. Aqueous extract of Allium cepa scaly leaf improved testicular functions and morphology in the test cocks. The reproductive function enhancement of the extract may be due to its antioxidant effect. Keywords: Allium cepa, Breeding, Broiler cocks, Spermatogenesis, Testosterone

Diabetes mellitus causes male infertility. Quercetin, an important food crop and medicinal plant is a potent antioxidant and main pharmaco-active component in Psiduim guajava (PG) that can increase sperm variables in male diabetics. High prevalence of male infertility in diabetic subjects is a general problem in humans, pets and livestock population with regards to reproduction. This made it a necessary to investigate and compare the possible reproductive effects accompanying the hypoglycaemic effects of glibenclamide and natural quercetin [present in PG leaf extract (PGLE)] on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male Wistar rats. Fresh leaves of PG were air dried, pulverised, macerated in ethanol, filtered and concentrated. Twenty five male rats (165-205 g) were divided into 5 groups (n = 5) and treated daily for 2 weeks thus: CTL (control), DNT (diabetic, 60 mg/kg STZ), DT100 & DT200 (test groups, 60 mg/kg STZ, 100 and 200 mg/kg PGLE respectively daily), DTG (glibenclamide, 60 mg/kg STZ, 5 mg/kg glibenclamide daily). Fasting blood glucose concentration was determined using a glucometer. The animals were sacrificed after 2 weeks, body, testicular and seminal vesicle weights were recorded. Sperm viability and morphology were assessed microscopically. Testes and seminal vesicles were histologically evaluated. Data were analysed using ANOVA at α0.05. Glucose concentration was lower in DT100, DT200 and DTG. Testes weights increased in DT100, DT200 and DTG. Sperm motility increased in DT100, DT200 and DTG. Sperm viability increased in DT100, DT200 and DTG. Sperm count increased in DT100, DT200 and DTG while abnormal sperm morphology decreased in DT100, DT200 and DTG, all compared to DNT. Testes showed degenerated cells in DNT, while there were no lesions in test groups. It could be concluded that PGELE has anti-hyperglycemic effect on STZ -induced diabetes mediated via its antioxidant potentials and also ameliorates consequent reproductive complications.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder leading to high level of morbidity and mortality in human population and it has been identified as the leading cause of death from non-infectious diseases. The use of dexamethasone has been on the increase due to wide array of therapeutic effects it has and the use has mostly been without prescription, since it is a non- prescription drug. Therefore, the potential of dexamethasone to induce DM was studied. Some of the drugs currently used in the treatment of diabetes have their own problematic effects and also expensive, Annona muricata methanolic bark extract(AMMBE) was used in the treatment of dexamethasone-induced diabetes in rats. The research was carried out on albino rats in Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan and lasted for twenty-eight (28) days. The rats were allotted into four groups (A, B, C and D). Group B, C and D were induced with glucocorticoid (Dexamethasone) (2mgkg-1) daily for seven (7) days intraperitoneally, while group A which was the positive control were given distilled water throughout without induction with glucocorticoid. Group B (the negative control) was induced with glucocorticoid with noAMMBE administration. Group C, was induced and treated with AMMBE at 400 mgkg-1for 14 days. While Group D, was induced with glucocorticoid and were treated with the standard drug (glibenclamide) at 2.5mgkg-1body weight of the rats daily for 14 days. Organ samples of liver, kidney and pancreas were collected for histopathological lesions evaluation. The result showed that dexamethasone induced diabetes after seven (7) days of intraperitoneal administration of 2 mgkg-1 body weights with the glucometer readings in most of the albino rats up to and above 129 mgdL-1. The average blood sugar levels in induced groups (B, C and D) were 132.0±4.05, 129.0±1.41 and130.0±2.93, respectively which were not statistically significant (P>0.05). After administration of AMMBE, the average blood sugar level for group B (126.0±1.41) was significantly different (P<0.05) from C (91.0±1.72) and D (87.0±2.97). Clinical signs of alopecia, dehydration, writhing, paw-licking were observed. There were massive losses of pancreatic cell mass grossly afterinduction with dexamethasone. Histopathological lesions observed ranges from no visible lesion in the control and glibenclamide treated groups to accentuation of hepatocytes in the AMMBE treated rats, and marked vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes in periportal areas to centrilobular area with Kidney degeneration and multifocal coagulation necrosis of tubular epithelium in group induced with dexamethasone but untreated (group B)Diabetogenic potential of dexamethasone and effect Annona muricata methanolic bark extract degeneration, multifoci coagulation and necrosis. The blood sugar levels post exposure to AMMBE and Glibenclamide showed reduction in the sugar levels. It could be concluded that dexamethasone has the potential of inducing diabetes when its use is prolonged and AMMBE has antidiabetic effect which could be fully explored.

Background: Annona muricata has been widely used by majority of people in the treatment of diabetes, pain, fever, cancer and many others diseases. Despite these medicinal values of this plant, it is important to study its effect on semen factors that determines reproductive health. Materials and method: Sixteen male rats weighing 150-200g were given Annona muricata methanolic bark extract (AMMBE) for fourteen days at the dose rate of 0 mg kg(-)(1), 200 mgkg(-)(1), 400 mgkg(-1) and 800 mgkg(-1) representing groups A, B, C and D respectively. The sperm cells were analyzed to determine the sperm counts, morphological appearances and survivability. Testes were also fixed in formalin for histopathology. The results obtained were analyzed using standard statistical package. Results: The results showed that the sperm liveability of rats treated with Annona muricata methanolic bark extract (AMMBE) were statistically significantly lower in groups B, C and D having mean values of 78.50 +/- 1.62, 86.50 +/- 3.11 and 68.00 +/- 1.96 respectively while the control group had 91.00 +/- 2.86, sperm motility was found to be highest in control group with 93.50 +/- 3.22 while other groups (B, C and D) had 82.25 +/- 2.20,87.50 +/- 1.96 and 71.25 +/- 2.34 respectively. This finding showed strong correlation between the sperm motility and live-death ratio. In addition, there was reduction in the sperm concentration in a dose dependent manner, while the testicular histology revealed lesions that indicate potential for structural damages. Conclusion: It was concluded that due to the reductions in sperm motility, sperm concentration and live-death ratio, Annona muricata prolonged use may be detrimental.

Baseline data on the hematology of White Fulani and Muturu breeds of Cattle have been reported. However, very few documented studies have been carried out with regards to the reproductive hormonal profile of these breeds. Satisfactory reproductive performance is important to effective management and production as a whole in cattle production. Provision of data representing the male reproductive profile is imperative in view of the increasing importance of assisted reproduction and genetic selection in livestock farming. In the present study, the total erythrocyte values were similar in the male and female animals of both breeds. PCV and reticulocyte count in males were significantly higher than in females of the White Fulani breed while erythrocyte and leucocyte parameters obtained for the Muturu cattle were also similar for the males and females, except the reticulocyte values which were significantly higher in the females. Testosterone concentrations obtained for the Muturu bulls were similar to those earlier reported for Brown Swiss bulls (Thun et al., 1980) while values reported for the White Fulani breed are also similar to those for Nguni bulls (Kay, 1984). Average plasma FSH concentrations of the White Fulani breed were higher than those for the Muturu breed in this study. However, the mean plasma LH concentrations were higher in the Muturu breed. These data provide a baseline from which to compare hematological and male reproductive hormonal values in White Fulani and Muturu cattle and will be especially valuable in future in designing therapeutic protocols for the managements of abnormalities in these breeds of cattle. Key words : Hematology, reproductive, hormones and cattle

Abstract Background: This study was carried out to determine the blood pressure changes in experimentally Trypanosoma brucei brucei-infected Wistar albino rats and diminazene aceturate-treated rats. Methods: Twenty-four rats were purchased and divided into four groups consisting of six rats each. Control group (CON) received 0.5 mL of distilled water, i.m., infected but not treated group (INF) received 2×106 trypanosome/mL i.m., infected but diminazene aceturate-treated group (INFDIM) received 2×106 trypanosome/mL, 3.5 mg/kg, i.m.) and non-infected but diminazene aceturate-treated group (DIM) received 3.5 mg/kg, i.m. and served as negative control. The blood pressures were measured using a CODA 2® non-invasive blood pressure monitor (Kent Scientific, USA). The results were compiled and statistical analysis was done with significance set at p≥0.05. Results: The values of the blood pressure readings of the Trypanosoma-infected INF (137.0±2.0 mmHg) and diminazene-treated rats INFDIM (125.0±7.5 mmHg) when compared to the control group (168.0±3.0 mmHg) were significantly lower (p≤0.05) at the end of day 7. The heart rate was also significantly reduced in the INF (403.5±1.5 beats/min) and DIM (445.0±24 beats/min) groups of rats when compared with the control group (613.0±2.0 beats/min) at the end of day 8. Conclusion: The findings indicate the significant reduction in blood pressure and heart rates during Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection and with diminazene aceturate administration. Hence, caution should be exercised when treating trypanosome-infected patients with diminazene aceturate.

African trypanosomosis is a devastating protozoan disease affecting man and animals. The species Trypanosoma brucei gambiemse and T.brucei rhodiense are specifically responsible for causing sleeping sickness in human in Africa. In this study, T. brucei gambiemse was molecularly detected in a dog presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria with signs of corneal opacity, mucopurulent ocular discharges, pale mucous membrane and recumbency. Haematological examination revealed PCV of 12%, decreased lymphocyte and neutrophil counts. Gel electrophoresis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product revealed a band of 580bp corresponding to T. brucei . Sequencing of the PCR product revealed T. brucei gambiemse . We concluded that T. brucei gambiemse (a human infective trypanosome) is capable of causing clinical trypanosomosis in dogs. This report presents sequence analysis of human infective species of trypanosome molecularly detected in a 1-year old Boer boel breed of dog in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Keywords : Sequences, Trypanosoma brucei gambiemse , Boerboel, Nigeria.

Moringa oleifera is a medicinal plant that has been used traditionally for the treatment of a number of ailments. The haematological and biochemical changes following treatment of alloxan-induced diabetic dogs with aqueous extract of M. oleifera leaves was investigated in this study. Fifteen dogs with mean weight of 10 ± 1.3 kg) were divided into three equal groups. Group A were neither induced nor treated. Group B were induced but, untreated. Groups C were induced and treated with Moringa extract 5.2% (300mg/kg) orally in water, once daily, for 42 days post induction. Blood was collected from all dogs pre-induction, post-induction and post-treatment for haematological and biochemical analysis. Values obtained were expressed as mean ± standard error of means and data were analysed by one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni's Multiple Comparison Test using Graph Pad. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) of group C decreased significantly (P < 0.05) post treatment compared to group B. The Packed Cell Volume, red blood cell count and haemoglobin concentration insignificantly (P < 0.05) decreased in diabetic groups post-induction and post-treatment, while white blood cells count increased. Platelet count increased post-induction and post-treatment. There was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in creatinine, urea, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels in diabetic groups compared to non-diabetic group post-induction and then decreased in group C post-treatment with moringa extract. Albumin and total protein concentrations increased significantly (P < 0.05) post-induction in diabetic groups but, decreased in group C post-treatment. In conclusion, diabetes caused decrease in haematological parameters, and increased platelet count and some biochemical parameters, while moringa extract decreased biochemical parameters in dogs. Key words : Haematobiochemical changes, M. oleifera, Diabetes, dogs

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of the aqueous extract of Tithonia diversifolia leaves on semen characteristics and spermatozoa morphology Wistar rats. The rats were divided into three groups (A, B and C) and treated daily with 400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg of the aqueous extract of Tithonia diversifolia leaves respectively for 28 days while 5ml/kg of distilled water was given to the control group D. At the end of the experimental period, animals were sacrificed and sperm characteristics, histology of the testes and epididymis were assessed. Aqueous extract of Tithonia diversifolia leaves caused a dose-dependent decrease in the progressive sperm motility of the Wistar rats with a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the group dosed with 1600mg/kg (62.50±7.5) when compared with the control (93.75±1.3). It also cause a dose-dependent decrease in the sperm count with a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the group dosed with 1600mg (69.75±0.5) when compared with the control (129.0±5.0). Some sperm abnormalities vise headless tail (321.5±0.3), tailless head (171.00±50.0) and bent tail (3766.0±320.5) were significantly increased in the group dosed with 1,600mg/kg while histopathological evaluation of the festis and epididymis revealed varying degrees of degeneration and necrosis of the germinal epithelia cell of the seminiferous tubules. Spermiostasis and complete epididymal aspermia were also observed. Tithonia diversifolia aqueous leaf extract has significant anti-spermatogenic effects on adult male Wistar rats which could impair reproductive activities in these rats.

A case of splayleg is reported in a pig farm housing three boars, eight sows, thirty growers and fifteen piglets. The affected piglet was in a litter of eight. One out of eight piglets presented signs of chilling, lameness, extended hind legs, sitting and crawling with the hindquarter. Plain radiograph of the hind legs revealed no obvious fracture. The diagnosis of congenital splayleg was made based on the presented clinical signs and plain radiograph. The case was managed by securing the hind legs together above the hock about 5cm apart with a loose “figure 8” using an adhesive tape. The piglet recovered after three days. Keywords: Congenital splayleg, Piglets, Management

Some serum biochemical parameters and lipid profile indices were determined in eight male adult greater cane rats Thryonomys swinderianus Temminck, raised under intensive management system. Activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in plasma were assayed spectrophotometrically, following venopuncture-blood collection and subsequent separation of plasma. Glucose, total protein, albumin and bilirubin as well as lipid profile indices such as total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids concentration were also determined. In comparison with data from previous studies on wild and captive cane rats, our results indicate lower lipid profile indices and total protein. Activities of hepatic enzymes (AST and ALT) were also lower, while plasma glucose concentration was higher in this third generation greater cane rats. It is concluded that certain aspects of management system in domestication may have a profound influence on biochemical parameters most especially the lower LDL-cholesterol that reduces the risk of atherosclerosis (cardiac disease). This study, therefore offers baseline data for third generation intensively raised greater cane rats. Â

Two black broody hens of breed Gallus domesticus both laid their eggs and brooded in the same nest, with no conflicts. The nest was in a high place away from water, both brooded and shared the same brooding cycle, (brooding, dust-bathing, eating, drinking and brooding). In spite of their cooperation, they both still manifested clinical signs of anorexia, weight loss, wasting of pectorialis muscle, and loss of feather luster.