Prevalence and risk factors associated with bovine brucellosis in herds under extensive production system in southwestern Nigeria

Using a cross-sectional survey, we determined the prevalence and risk factors associated with bovine brucellosis in herds under extensive production system in southwestern Nigeria. Antibodies to Brucella species in serum samples were tested using the Rose Bengal test (RBT) and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA); for milk, the milk ring test (MRT) and indirect-ELISA (i-ELISA) were used. Questionnaire was administered to cattle herdsmen to determine factors predisposing the animals to bovine brucellosis. Data were analyzed using STATA 12. From 513 serum and 635 milk samples tested among 120 herds, overall animal-level prevalence of 10.1% (95% CI 7.5–12.7%) and 20.2% (95% CI 17.1–23.3%) were recorded by RBT and MRT, respectively; while 9.4% (95% CI 6.9–11.9%) and 17.8% (95% CI 14.8–20.8%) were obtained using cELISA and i-ELISA, respectively. In all, from the 120 herds tested, 29.2% and 43.3% were positive by RBT and MRT, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that herd location (OR?=?8.12, 95% CI 1.68–38.90) and improper disposal of placenta/fetus (OR?=?17.33, 95% CI 4.81–62.33) were predictors for a seropositive herd using RBT; while herd location (OR?=?5.13, 95% CI 1.27–20.28), large herd size (OR?=?2.62, 95% CI 1.15–5.85), and occurrence of abortion for a year or more (OR?=?4.62, 95% CI 1.53–13.71) were predictors of seropositivity to antibodies to Brucella spp. using MRT. We found high prevalence of brucellosis in cattle herds under extensive management system in southwestern Nigeria. Urgent and coordinated control strategies are required to mitigate this problem.

     

Design and evaluation of primer pairs for efficient detection of avian rotavirus

The use of molecular methods for rotavirus characterisation provides increased sensitivity for typing and allows the identification of putative reassortant strains. Reagents and methods for genotyping the virus need constant modification because of the reassortant nature of the virus. This study was aimed at designing and evaluating new oligonucleotide degenerate primer pairs that provide increased sensitivity and specificity for detecting avian rotavirus. Gene-specific primer pairs were designed by analysing different rotavirus strains isolated during the last decade by downloading them from the GenBank. The alignments were generated using clustal analysis from the BioEdit program. Degenerate nucleotides were included due to the reassortant nature of rotavirus. The consensus sequences were aligned using the BioEdit program and then treated with the Fast PCR software to derive the primers. The derived primer sequences were submitted for a BLAST search to ensure alignment was exclusive to the desired target genes. The designed primers had specific bands and were efficient in detecting rotavirus in faecal samples than previously published primers. Thus, a successful surveillance of rotaviruses requires that primer pairs be updated regularly in order to detect the emergence of novel or “unusual types”, which have occurred by genetic drift causing nucleotide changes at the primer binding sites that result in typing failures. We recommend the use of the proposed primers in molecular surveillance studies for efficient detection of avian rotavirus.     

Haematological,biochemical and organ changes in broiler chickens fed varying levels of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Morinda lucida</Emphasis> (brimstone) leaf meal supplementation in the diets

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of Morinda lucida leaf meal (MLLM) on the haematology, biochemical and organ changes of broiler chickens. One hundred and ninety-eight day-old Marshall broiler chicks were completely randomised into 6 treatments in a 3?×?2 factorial arrangement of three levels of M. lucida leaf meal supplementation (0, 0.1 and 0.2 g/kg) with or without medication. The treatment consisted of both negative (without MLLM and routine medication) and positive (containing no MLLM but with routine medication) control groups while each treatment was replicated thrice. MLLM-supplemented diets and routine medication decreased (p?<?0.05) the white blood cell count compared to the negative control. Dietary supplementation with MLLM in combination with normal routine medication increased (p?<?0.05) total serum protein when compared with treatment group without MLLM and routine medication. Dietary supplementation with MLLM and routine medication reduced (p?<?0.05) serum creatinine concentration of the broiler chickens. Birds fed with 0.2 g/kg MLLM supplement coupled with medication and those on negative control had higher (p?<?0.05) creatinine values. Serum enzyme activities reduced (p?<?0.05) following supplementation. MLLM supplementation recorded no significant effect (p?>?0.05) on the liver, kidney, heart and gizzard. M. lucida leaf meal can be compared to routine medication for improved health status of broiler chickens. Dietary inclusion with 0.1 g/kg MLML combined with routine medication could be used in producing healthy and safe chickens.     

Suppression of development of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Col.: Bruchidae) in bambara groundnut seeds exposed to solar heat in the Nigerian savanna

The effect of solarization on the development of Callosobruchus maculatus was investigated in the Nigerian savanna during the hot season from April to May, 1999. Development of C. maculatus adult progeny was completely suppressed in seeds of bambara groundnut, Vigna subterranea bearing bruchid eggs or harbouring first and second instar larvae that were exposed to the sun in metal tins, clay pots or polypropylene sacks for 7, 14 or 28 h. Adults of C. maculatus developed only in seeds that were not exposed to sun. Solarization did not have a significant adverse effect on germinability of bambara groundnut seeds.     

A case report of Thelazia infection in a 15-month old heifer in Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria

A case of eye infection in a heifer was reported with bilateral blindness, cornea opacity, excessive lachrymation and nasal discharge. Treatment with 6-10 drops of a 10% solution of levamisole resulted in a complete recovery, a total of 127 adult Thelazia rhodesii being recovered from the eyes.     

Suppression of development of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Col.: Bruchidae) in bambara groundnut seeds exposed to solar heat in the Nigerian savanna

The effect of solarization on the development of Callosobruchus maculatus was investigated in the Nigerian savanna during the hot season from April to May, 1999. Development of C. maculatus adult progeny was completely suppressed in seeds of bambara groundnut, Vigna subterranea bearing bruchid eggs or harbouring first and second instar larvae that were exposed to the sun in metal tins, clay pots or polypropylene sacks for 7, 14 or 28 h. Adults of C. maculatus developed only in seeds that were not exposed to sun. Solarization did not have a significant adverse effect on germinability of bambara groundnut seeds.     

Effects of Sowing Methods on Upland Rice in Lowland Rice-Vegetable Sequence in Inland Valley

Triple cropping in the inland valleys of southwestern Nigeria is technically possible but the third crop between the main crop and vegetables has poor establishment due to soil saturation. Identification of appropriate sowing methods is required in this niche. A field experiment was conducted at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria in 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 cropping seasons to evaluate the effect of sowing methods on the performance of upland rice （Oryza spp.） in a lowland rice-vegetable sequence. The first, second, and third crops in the sequence were planted in May, September and December, respectively. Two upland rice varieties, namely New Rice for Africa 1 （NERICA 1） and ITA 150 constituted the main plot treatments while the subplot treatments were sowing methods. The mean grain yield of lowland rice for two years was 7.74 t ha^-1. The fluted pumpkin had a fresh leaf weight of 14.78 t ha^-1. The grain yields of the two upland rice varieties （1.81 and 1.85 t ha^-1） and sowing methods which ranged between 1.63 and 2.05 t ha^-1 were similar in both cropping seasons. However, the interaction of variety by sowing methods had a significant effect on grain yield. Transplanting and pre-germinated broadcast had the highest grain yield for NERICA 1 while dry broad cast and pre-germinated dibbled had the highest in ITA 150. Hence, the productivity of triple cropping in the inland valley was enhanced by sowing methods.     

A management programme for Kwiambana Game Reserve,Sokoto state,Nigeria

This paper describes the physical features, climate, vegetation and animals of the Kwiambana Game Reserve as well as the history and the land use patterns around the Reserve. It also outlines the management problems and makes proposals to solve them. The management programme includes recommendations for game and habitat management, and general administration of the Reserve.     

Effects of charcoal production on maize yield,chemical properties and texture of soil

The effects of charcoal production on soil textural and chemical properties were investigated in Ejura, Ghana. The aim was to study the effects of heating and charcoal residue on maize yield, soil texture and soil chemical properties. Composite samples were taken from the 0–10 cm layer of soil at charcoal-making sites and from adjacent fields (control). Twelve sites were randomly selected for the study across the range of the Kotokosu watershed. Maize was planted in four selected locations on charcoal site soils (CSS) and adjacent field soils (AFS) to assess the impact of charcoal production on crop yield. There was a significant increase in soil pH, base saturation, electrical conductivity, exchangeable Ca, Mg, K, Na and available P in the soil at the kiln sites as compared to the adjacent soils. A relative change of up to 329% was observed in K while organic C and total N decreased by 9.8% and 12.8%, respectively. Organic C and total N were highly correlated ( P <0.01) and both parameters significantly ( P <0.05) depended on clay minerals in the soils. Soil texture was also modified with a significantly higher sand content and lower clay fraction in the CSS. The grain and biomass yield of maize increased by 91% and 44%, respectively, on CSS as compared to AFS. Further research to ascertain the long-term effects of charcoal production on the soil environment and the fertility of tropical soils is needed.