Comparison of ultrasonography, progesterone assay, ballottement, and non-return-to-heat with digital rectal palpation technique for early pregnancy diagnosis in Red Sokoto goat.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the digital rectal palpation (DRP) technique for early pregnancy diagnosis and to compare the results of experiments I and II in the Red Sokoto goat. Experiment I had 68 goats with 52 does and 16 bucks. Does were divided into prostaglandin F2 -alpha (PGF2 α; n = 18), progesterone pessaries (P4 P; n = 18), and Control (n = 16) groups as oestrus synchronizaton methods. Bucks were used for oestrus detection (n = 6) and breeding (n = 10). Comparative pregnancy diagnosis was carried out on day 21 post-breeding using ultrasonography (US), DRP, progesterone assay (PA), ballottement (BL), and non-return-to-heat (NRH). Experiment II was a repeat but had 51 animals with 42 does and nine bucks; three bucks for oestrus detection and six for breeding. Does were divided into recto-vaginal artificial insemination (AI) by DRP (n = 14), vaginal speculum AI (n = 14), and Control-natural service (n = 14) groups, indicating breeding methods. Oestrus was synchronized with PGF2 α and pregnancy diagnosis was carried out on day 21 using US, DRP, PA, and NRH. The results for both experiments were similar. Pregnancy rates for PGF2 α group were 66.2%, 66.7%, 64.8%, 62.1%, and 63.0% for US, DRP, PA, BL, and NRH, respectively; P4 P had 81.5%, 81.5%, 42.6%, 20.3%, and 42.6% for US, DRP, PA, BL, and NRH, respectively; while Control was 73.6%, 79.2%, 70.9%, 73.6%, and 73.6% for US, DRP, PA, BL, and NRH, respectively. Proportions are significantly (p < .000) different in the P4 P group. It was concluded that the DRP technique was effective and consistent in early pregnancy diagnosis on day 21 and comparable to US, PA, BL, and non-return-to-oestrus in both experiments in Red Sokoto goat does.

Impact of road transportation on physiological and oxidative stress biomarkers in puppies: Beneficial effect of melatonin.

Transportation stress is complex and can affect the welfare and health of animals. The study was aimed at investigating the impact of road transportation on puppies and the beneficial effects of melatonin supplementation. Fourteen (14) apparently healthy Nigerian indigenous breed of dogs (puppies) divided into two groups, group I (control) and group II (pretreated with Melatonin at 10 mg/kg) were transported by road during the hot-dry season. Vital parameters; respiratory rate (RR), pulse rate (PR) and rectal temperature (RT) were taken before, during and immediately after commencement of the journey. Blood sample was also collected from each puppy before and immediately after the journey, part of which was used to analyzed for some hematological parameters and oxidative biomarkers such as the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). The result revealed that road transportation caused moderate to severe stress on the puppies as observed with the discomfort index (DI) (27.75-34.64 oC). The dry-bulb temperature during the study period was 33.23 ± 0.13 oC, while the relative humidity was 73.85 ± 0.60%. The RT, PR and RR also increased significantly (p < 0.05) during and immediately after the transportation compared to before commencement of the transportation. The result further revealed that total leucocyte counts and Neutrophil:Lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were elevated immediately after the transportation. The MDA concentration was also significantly (P < 0.05) elevated immediately after the transportation compared to before commencement in the control group. The activities of SOD and CAT and the concentration of GSH was lowered immediately after the transportation compared to before commencement. Supplementation with melatonin before the transportation ameliorated the stress posed by road transportation on the puppies as can be observed in the lowering of the elevated RT, PR and RR, total leucocyte count, NLR and MDA concentration. Pretreated with melatonin also increased the depleted activities of SOD and CAT, and the concentration of GSH immediately after the transportation. The results showed that road transportation is stressful for puppies and supplementation with melatonin mitigated the stress posed on the puppies, probably through the ability of melatonin to scavenge reactive oxygen species generated during the transportation. The results further showed that melatonin may be used to enhance the welfare of puppies subjected to road transportation under adverse thermal conditions.

Effect of daflon-500®, a flavonoid compound on chlorpyriphos-induced oxidative changes in the hypophysis and testes in adult male rats.

Alteration of redox status is one of the molecular pathways commonly associated with pesticide toxicity. Antioxidants, including those obtained from plant phenolics, have been shown to mitigate pesticide-induced cellular injury. The present study was aimed at evaluating the effect of daflon-500 ® , a flavonoid compound on sub-chronic chlorpyriphos-evoked changes in antioxidant and biochemical parameters in the hypophysis and testes of adult male rats. Twenty-five male albino rats were randomly divided into 5 groups of 5 animals each. Group I (DW) received distilled water (2 ml/kg); group II (SO) was dosed with soya oil (2 ml/kg); Group III (DAF) received daflon-500 ® at 1000 mg/kg ~ 1/5th of LD50 (≥ 5000 mg/kg); group IV (CP) was administered chlorpyriphos at 7.74 mg/kg ~ 1/10th of LD50 (77.4 mg/kg) while group V (DAF + CP) was previously treated with daflon-500 ® (1000 mg/kg) and then exposed to CP (7.74 mg/kg), 30 min later. Daily oral regimen administration was done for 60 days after which the animals were sacrificed by cervical venesection after light chloroform anesthesia. The hypophysis and testicular tissues were harvested, and their homogenates were analyzed for malondialdehyde, catalase and superoxide dismutase, and acetylcholinesterase levels. A significant increase in the hypophysis and testicular MDA concentrations, coupled with a decrease in the SOD, CAT, and AChE activities were observed in the CP group. The levels of these oxidative and biochemical parameters were alleviated in the group pretreated with Daflon-500 ® . Results of this study demonstrated that pre-treatment with Daflon-500 ® mitigated CP-induced alterations in oxidative and biochemical parameters apparently due to the antioxidant effect of the flavonoid compound.

Taurine and Camel Milk Modulate Neurobehavioral and Biochemical Changes in Aluminum Chloride-Induced Alzheimer's Disease in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease associated with deficiency in motor coordination, cognitive impairment, and excessive reactive oxygen species production in the brain. OBJECTIVE: The study evaluated effects of taurine and camel milk (CM) on neurobehavior, amyloid-beta peptide 1-42 (Aß) expression, acetylcholinesterase, and superoxide dismutase activities in aluminum chloride (AlCl3) model of Alzheimer's disease in rats. METHODS: Thirty-five female Wistar rats were divided into seven groups (n = 5): Normal saline (0.2 mL/kg body weight); AlCl3 (100 mg/kg) (AD); CM (33 mL/kg); Taurine (50 mg/kg); AlCl3 (100 mg/kg) + CM (33 mL/kg); AlCl3 (100 mg/kg) + Taurine (50 mg/kg); and AlCl3 (100 mg/kg) + CM (33 mL/kg) + Taurine (50 mg/kg). The administration lasted for eight weeks via oral gavage. After the eighth week, neurobehavior assessments were performed. Rats were sacrificed, and brain and blood samples collected for analysis. RESULTS: There was a significant (p < 0.0001) increase in the duration of motor endurance in AD + CM rats, compared to AD rats. Duration of forced swimming time was lowest (p < 0.0001) in AlCl3 + Taurine rats, compared to that of AD rats. Concentration of Aß peptide decreased (p < 0.05) in AD rats, treated with CM and/or combination. In taurine-treated rats, superoxide dismutase activity was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in AD rats. Treatment with taurine + CM increased (p < 0.05) acetylcholinesterase activity compared to controls. CONCLUSION: Taurine and CM enhanced cognition and sensorimotor activity by decreasing Aß peptide concentration and increasing superoxide dismutase and acetylcholinesterase activities in AD rats.

Insulin-induced oxidative stress in the brain is nitric oxide-dependent.

Insulin is known to increase brain nitric oxide (NO) level and to cause oxidative stress but the relationship between these phenomena has not been well elucidated. This study aimed to examine the role of NO in the insulin-NO-oxidative stress axis in the brain. Mice were grouped into four (n = 5) and treated for seven days with 0.2 ml deionized water (control); 10 I.U./kg insulin; 10 I.U./kg insulin + 50 mg/kg L-NAME; and 50 mg/kg L-NAME. The mice were anaesthesized using ketamine + xylazine and sacrificed at the end of the study. Forebrain was immediately harvested from which brain homogenates were prepared in order to determine NO and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations as well as glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity using commercially available kits. Data were processed using IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0. Nitric oxide values were higher in the insulin group (p < 0.05) but not in the insulin+L-NAME (p > 0.05) group when compared with the control. Values of MDA in the insulin and insulin+L-NAME groups were higher (p < 0.05) and the same (p > 0.05), respectively, than those in the control group. The activity of GPx in the insulin group was lower (p < 0.05) than, but that of the insulin+L-NAME was the same (p > 0.05) as in the control group. Insulin increased NO concentration and oxidative stress as indicated by increased MDA concentration and decreased GPx activity in the treated mice. This insulin effect was reversed by L-NAME (a non-specific NO inhibitor). These data suggest that insulin increased oxidative stress in the brain through an NO-dependent process. Insulin treatment may be harmful to the brain.

Diurnal rhythms of heart and respiratory rates in donkeys of different age groups during the cold-dry and hot-dry seasons in a tropical savannah.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of season on diurnal rhythms of heart (HR) and respiratory rates (RespR) in the adult, yearling, and foal donkeys during the cold-dry and hot-dry seasons under natural light/dark cycle. The resting HR and RespR were recorded bihourly for 24 consecutive hours from 06:00 to 06:00 h (GMT +1) in 30, clinically healthy donkeys (10 adults,10 yearlings, and 10 foals). Dry-bulb temperature (DBT), relative humidity (RH), temperature-humidity index (THI) and wet-bulb globe temperature index (WBGT) inside the pen were recorded bihourly from 06:00 to 06:00 h. Values of DBT, THI, and WBGT obtained during the hot-dry season were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than corresponding values recorded during the cold-dry season. Application of single-cosinor procedure showed that HR and RespR exhibited daily rhythmicity in both seasons. The mesors of the HR in adult (41.51 ± 0.34 beats/min [bpm]), yearling (40.80 ± 0.43 bpm), and foal (47.55 ± 0.40 bpm) donkeys during the cold-dry season were significantly (P < 0.01) lower, compared to the corresponding values of 48.4 ± 0.40 bpm, 50.42 ± 0.52 bpm and 58.10 ± 0.50 bpm, respectively during the hot-dry season. The mesors of RespR in adult, yearling, and foal donkeys during the hot-dry season were higher (P < 0.05), when compared to the corresponding values recorded in the cold-dry season. The HR and RespR of foals were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of the adult and yearling donkeys. Amplitudes of HR and RespR were higher during the hot-dry season than the cold-dry season. In conclusion, seasonal changes affect diurnal rhythmicity of HR and RespR of adult, yearling, and foal donkeys during the cold-dry and hot-dry seasons. The HR and RespR of donkeys vary with age, with higher values in the foals than the adult and yearling donkeys in both seasons.

Behavioral and hematological responses of broiler chickens administered with betaine and ascorbic acid during hot-dry season.

Heat stress is a major problem in poultry production in tropical regions. Assessing the impact of thermally stressful environmental conditions on the welfare of broiler chickens is of great importance. Behavioral responses in a novel environment and hematology of broiler chickens administered with betaine and/or ascorbic acid (AA) during the hot-dry season were evaluated. Broiler chickens were randomly divided into four groups: Group I (control) was given sterile water, Group II was given betaine, Group III was given AA, and Group IV received betaine + AA orally and daily for 42 days. An open-field test was used to assess behavior. Hematological parameters were obtained using a hematology auto-analyzer. The natural environmental conditions were predominantly outside the thermoneutral zone for broiler chickens. Results demonstrated that treated groups exhibited improved ability to adjust faster to a new environment and better hematological responses than controls, evidenced by enhanced behavioral responses, oxygen-carrying capacity, and immune responses of broiler chickens under unfavorable environmental conditions. Betaine and/or AA administration to broiler chickens improved some behavioral responses, hemoglobin concentrations, packed cell volume, and total leukocyte count during the hot-dry season.

Severe hypothermia in transported pullets: case study of its occurrence, diagnosis and treatment using active external rewarming technique.

Sixty pullets, aged 17 weeks, were presented when presumed to be 'dead' after being exposed to wet-cold weather transportation. The birds appeared unconscious and their feathers were soaking wet, and with a body rigid and cold to touch. The aim of the study was to resuscitate the hypothermic pullets. Blood samples were obtained and core body temperature recorded before and after rewarming. The birds were resuscitated using active external rewarming technique. Blood samples revealed significant (P < 0.05) decreases in the concentrations of serum electrolytes of Na, Cl, K, Ca and P; and renal function and activities of the serum enzymes of AST, ALT, ALP and CRT decreased compared to baseline reference normal values. Colonic temperature, recorded through the cloacae, revealed a temperature of 29 ± 0.4°C. The presumptive diagnosis was severe hypothermia. Treatment of the pullets using active external rewarming technique for 7 to 10 h resulted in successful restoration of all the behavioural, biochemical and colonic temperature responses to normal values. The treatment resulted in a complete recovery of all the birds with no signs of illness at 4-week follow-up. To the best of our knowledge, this study is one of the first reports to evaluate the behavioural and biochemical responses of pullets accidentally exposed to severe hypothermia, and successful treatment of the birds using active external rewarming technique.

Daily rhythms of cloacal temperature in broiler chickens of different age groups administered with zinc gluconate and probiotic during the hot-dry season.

The aim of the experiment was to evaluate effects of zinc gluconate (ZnGlu) and probiotic administration on the daily rhythm of cloacal temperature (tcloacal) in broiler chickens of different age groups during the hot-dry season. One-day-old broiler chicks (n = 60) were divided into groups I-IV of 15 chicks per group, and treated for 35 days: Group I (control) was given deionized water; Group II, ZnGlu (50 mg/kg); Group III, probiotic (4.125 × 106 cfu/100 mL), and Group IV, ZnGlu (50 mg/kg) + probiotic (4.125 × 106 cfu/100 mL). Air dry-bulb temperature (tdb), relative humidity (RH), and temperature-humidity index (THI) inside the pen, and tcloacal of each broiler chick were obtained bihourly over a 24-h period; on days 21, 28, and 35 of the study. Values of tdb (32.10 ± 0.49°C), RH (49.94 ± 1.91%), and THI (38.85 ± 0.42) obtained were outside the thermoneutral zone for broiler chickens, and suggested that the birds were subjected to heat stress. Application of the periodic model showed disruption of daily rhythm of tcloacal in broilers on day 21, which was synchronized by probiotic administration. The administration of probiotics or ZnGlu + probiotics to a greater extent decreased the mesor and amplitude, delayed the acrophases of tcloacal in broilers, especially at day 35, as compared to the controls. Overall, the tcloacal values in broiler chickens administered with probiotic alone (41.25 ± 0.05°C) and ZnGlu + probiotic (41.52 ± 0.05°C) were lower (P < 0.001) than that of the controls (41.94 ± 0.06°C). In conclusion, probiotic alone synchronized tcloacal of the birds at day 21, and, in addition, decreased tcloacal response most, followed by its coadministration with ZnGlu, the antioxidants may be beneficial in modulating daily rhythmicity of tcloacal and alleviating adverse effects of heat stress on broiler chickens during the hot-dry season.

The protective role of alpha-lipoic acid on long-term exposure of rats to the combination of chlorpyrifos and deltamethrin pesticides.

The study was aimed at evaluating the protective role of α-lipoic acid (ALA) on long-term exposure of rats to the combination of chlorpyrifos (CPF) and deltamethrin (DLT). Forty-two (42) male Wistar rats were divided into 6 exposure groups with 7 animals in each group: (I) soya oil (2 ml kg-1), (II) ALA (60 mg kg-1), (III) DLT (6.25 mg kg-1), (IV) CPF (4.75 mg kg-1), (V) (CPF + DLT) DLT (6.25 mg kg-1) and CPF (4.75 mg kg-1; 1/20th of the previously determined median lethal dose) and (VI) (ALA + CPF + DLT) pretreated with ALA (60 mg kg-1) and then co-exposed to CPF and DLT, 45 min later. The regimens were administered by gavage once daily for a period of 16 weeks. Sera obtained from blood collected at the end of the experimental period were used for the evaluation of serum glucose, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine and the activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and acetylcholinesterase. The liver homogenate was used to assay for the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and the concentrations of malondialdehyde, cytokine and tumour necrotic factor α. The result showed that the combination of CPF and DLT resulted in marked alterations of these biochemical parameters in most cases compared to either of the pesticides singly, supplementation with ALA ameliorated these alterations.

Melatonin modulates tonic immobility and vigilance behavioural responses of broiler chickens to lighting regimens during the hot-dry season.

Experiments were conducted with the aim of determining the influence of melatonin administration on vigilance and tonic immobility (TI) responses of Marshall broiler chickens. The broiler chickens were reared on different lighting regimens and subjected to heat stress during the hot-dry season. Simple random sampling was used to assign 300 broiler chicks into three groups, comprising 100 broiler chicks each. Group I (12D:12L cycle) was raised under natural photoperiod of 12-h light and 12-h darkness, without melatonin supplementation. Group II (CL) was kept under 24-h continuous lighting, without melatonin administration. Group III (CL+MEL) was raised under 24-h continuous lighting; with melatonin supplementation at 0.5mg/kg per os, via drinking water using a syringe. Beginning from day-old, broiler chickens in group III were individually administered with melatonin once daily for 8weeks at 17:00h. TI was induced by manual restraint, and vigilance elicited at self-righting graded for three days, two weeks apart, in 15 labeled broiler chickens from each of the three groups; at 06:00h, 13:00h and 18:00h, starting from week 4-8. Each broiler chicken was laid on its back in a U-shaped cradle, covered with cloth. Thermal microenvironment parameters of dry bulb temperature (DBT) and relative humidity (RH) were recorded at the experimental site, concurrently during the vigilance and TI tests. Inside the broiler chickens' house, the weekly temperature-humidity index (THI) was lowest at week 4 of the study, with the value of 48.60±0.08°C. At week 4, the relationship between the THI and TI induction attempts was stronger in 12D:12L cycle (r=0.589, P<0.001) than CL (r=0.264, P>0.05) or CL+MEL (r=0.096, P>0.05) broiler chickens. This indicated that the broiler chickens on 12D:12L cycle were more active compared to their melatonin-treated counterparts, apparently due to adverse effects of high DBT and high RH on the broiler chickens during the hot-dry season. The highest numbers of TI induction trial attempts were recorded at 13:00h in 12D:12L cycle and CL groups (2.13±0.34 and 2.15±0.22, respectively), when the broiler chickens were at week 8. The overall mean values of induction trial attempts differed significantly (P<0.0001) between the groups; with the lowest mean values of 1.22±0.4 recorded in CL+MEL broiler chickens. At day 42, the lowest mean TI duration of 101.87±10.24s in the CL group, recorded at 06:00h rose (P<0.001) to 184.07±23.69s at 13:00h. The overall mean duration of TI differed significantly (P<0.0001) again between the groups; with the highest mean duration of 167.82±8.35s, recorded in CL+MEL broiler chickens administered with melatonin. The overall mean vigilance behavioural ranking values of 1.85+0.07 and 1.70+0.08, obtained in 12D:12L cycle and CL broiler chickens, respectively were higher (P<0.0001) than the value of 1.44+0.05 recorded in melatonin-treated broiler chickens. The results indicated that broiler chickens belonging to both 12D:12L cycle and CL groups were more emotional, fearful or anxious, compared to CL+MEL broiler chickens. It was concluded that melatonin administration elicits boldness and confidence by suppressing freezing behaviour in broiler chickens, and it may improve their welfare and productivity.

Amelioration of Hyperglycaemia, Oxidative Stress and Dyslipidaemia in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats Treated with Probiotic and Vitamin C.

Clinical and experimental evidence suggests that hyperglycaemia is responsible for the oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus. The study was designed to investigate the comparative effects of probiotic and vitamin C (Vit-C) treatments on hyperglycaemia, oxidative stress and dyslipidaemia in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) was induced in male Wistar rats by a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of alloxan (150 mg/kg). Six groups of the animals received the following treatment regimens for four weeks: (1) Normal saline, per os; (2) alloxan (150 mg/kg, i.p.); (3) alloxan (150 mg/kg) + insulin (4 U/kg, subcutaneously); (4) alloxan (150 mg/kg) + probiotic (4.125 × 106 CFU/100 mL per os); (5) alloxan (150 mg/kg) + Vit-C (100 mg/kg, i.m.); (6) alloxan (150 mg/kg) + probiotic (4.125 × 106 CFU/100 mL per os) + Vit-C (100 mg/kg, intramuscularly). Probiotic + Vit-C decreased (p < 0.05) blood glucose concentration in diabetic treated group, when compared with the untreated diabetic group. Probiotic + Vit-C reduced malondialdehyde concentration, in the serum, brain and kidneys, respectively, but increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Probiotic and Vit-C may be more effective than Vit-C alone, in ameliorating hyperglycaemia, oxidative stress and dyslipidaemia in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Effects of a joint supplement whose main components are resveratrol and hyaluronic acid on some biochemical parameters in aged lame horses.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a supplement that contains resveratrol and hyaluronic acid (RH supplement) in aged lame horses. A total of 16 horses of both sexes, aged between 15 and 22 years, weighing between 350-450 kg and showing lameness due to arthritis of the knee, hock, stifle, and fetlock joints and stiffness owing to ageing were used for the study. They comprised eight horses that were administered the RH supplement for three weeks and eight others that served as controls and were given only a Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strain used as carrier in the supplement. Blood samples were collected from each horse before supplementation (week 0) and at weekly intervals for the three weeks of the experiment. Biochemical parameters including creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea, glucose, total cholesterol, sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium were measured by standard methods. There was a significant (P˂0.05) reduction in values of creatine kinase and glucose in the horses administered the RH supplement. It was concluded that the RH supplement may reduce the level of these biochemical parameters and their deleterious effects especially during ageing in horses.

Effects of Cold-Dry (Harmattan) and Hot-Dry Seasons on Daily Rhythms of Rectal and Body Surface Temperatures in Sheep and Goats in a Natural Tropical Environment.

Studies on daily rhythmicity in livestock under natural conditions are limited, and there is mounting evidence that rhythm patterns differ between chronobiological studies conducted in the laboratory and studies conducted under pronounced natural seasonality. Here, we investigated the influence of cold-dry (harmattan) and hot-dry seasons on daily rhythmicity of rectal (RT) and body surface temperatures (BST) in indigenous sheep and goats under natural light-dark cycles. The RT and BST of the animals, and the ambient temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH) inside the pen, were measured every three hours for a period of two days, twice on separate days during the hot-dry and the harmattan seasons, respectively. The AT and RH had minimum values of 16°C and 15% recorded during the harmattan and maximum values of 32°C and 46% recorded during the hot-dry season, respectively. A trigonometric statistical model was applied to characterize the main rhythmic parameters according to the single cosinor procedure. The result showed that RT and BST exhibited different degrees of daily rhythmicity, and their oscillatory patterns differed with the seasons (larger amplitude during the harmattan season than during the hot-dry season). The goats displayed greater (p < 0.05) amplitude of BST than the sheep in all seasons. The acrophases were restricted to the light phase of the light-dark cycle. The mesor of RT in goats was not affected by the season, but mesors of BST in both species were significantly higher (p < 0.05) during the hot-dry than the harmattan season. The goats had a more robust RT rhythm (70%) as compared to the sheep (56%). Overall, the results demonstrated that seasonal changes influenced considerably the daily rhythmicity of RT and BST in sheep and goats under natural light-dark cycle. Awareness of these changes may be useful in the improvement of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases, and welfare and productivity of sheep and goats under cold-dry and hot-dry conditions.

Effect of wet-cold weather transportation conditions on thermoregulation and the development of accidental hypothermia in pullets under tropical conditions.

The present study examines onboard thermal microclimatic conditions and thermoregulation of pullets exposed to accidental hypothermia during wet-cold weather transportation conditions, and the effect of rewarming on colonic temperature (CT) of the birds immediately after transportation. A total of 2200 pullets were transportation for 5 h in two separate vehicles during the nighttime. The last 3 h of the transportation period was characterized by heavy rainfall. During the precipitation period, each vehicle was covered one fourth way from the top-roof with a tarpaulin. The onboard thermal conditions inside the vehicles during transportation, which comprised ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded, while humidity ratio and specific enthalpy were calculated. The CT of the birds was recorded before and after transportation. During transportation, onboard thermal heterogeneity was observed inside the vehicles with higher (p < 0.05) values in the front and center, and lower values recorded at the air inlets at the sides and rear planes. The CT values recorded in birds at the front and center planes were between 42.2 and 42.5 °C, indicative of mild hypothermia; while lower CT values between 28 and 38 °C were recorded at the sides and rear planes, indicative of mild to severe hypothermia. Several hours of gradual rewarming returned the CT to normal range. The result, for the first time, demonstrated the occurrence of accidental hypothermia in transported pullets under tropical conditions and a successful rewarming outcome. In conclusion, transportation of pullets during wet weather at onboard temperature of 18-20 °C induced hypothermia on birds located at the air inlets, which recovered fully after several hours of gradual rewarming.

Co-treatment of chlorpyrifos and lead induce serum lipid disorders in rats: Alleviation by taurine.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of taurine (TA) on serum lipid profiles following chronic coadministration of chlorpyrifos (CP) and lead acetate (Pb) in male Wistar rats. Fifty rats randomly distributed into five groups served as subjects. Distilled water (DW) was given to DW group, while soya oil (SO; 1 mL kg(-1)) was given to SO group. The TA group was treated with TA (50 mg kg(-1)). The CP + Pb group was administered sequentially with CP (4.25 mg kg(-1); 1/20th median lethal dose (LD50)) and Pb at 233.25 mg kg(-1) (1/20th LD50), while the TA + CP + Pb group received TA (50 mg kg(-1)), CP (4.25 mg kg(-1)), and Pb (233.25 mg kg(-1)) sequentially. The treatments were administered once daily by oral gavage for 16 weeks. The rats were euthanised, and the blood samples were collected at the termination of the study. Sera obtained from the blood samples were analyzed for total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and malondialdehyde, and also the activities of serum antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were analyzed. The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and atherogenic index were calculated. The results showed that CP and Pb induced alterations in the serum lipid profiles and evoked oxidative stress. TA alleviated the disruptions in the serum lipid profiles of the rats partially by mitigating oxidative stress. It was concluded that TA may be used for prophylaxis against serum lipid disorders in animals that were constantly co-exposed to CP and Pb in the environment.

BIOASSAY-GUIDED FRACTIONATION AND ANTIHYPERTENSIVE PROPERTIES OF FRACTIONS AND CRUDE EXTRACTS OF PERISTROPHE BICALYCULATA (RETZ) NEES.

Hypertension is an important public health issue in both developed and developing countries due to its high incidence and morbidity. This has motivated researchers especially in developing countries to search for strategies for the treatment using different plant parts. The use of the aqueous decoction of the leaves of Peristiophe bicalyculata in the treatment of hypertension has been documented. This study was designed to carry out a bioassay-guided isolation of the antihypertensive components of the leaves of Peristrophe bicalyculata in L-NAME hypertensive rats, determine the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity of the extracts and fractions obtained and identify the constituent(s) present. From our results, L-NAME hypertensive rats given the cold water extract had significantly (p < 0.05) lower mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) with longer duration of action than other extracts. Also, the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity of the cold water extract was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of other extracts. From the GC-MS analysis of the most effective fraction (fraction 4), P,P,P-triphenyl-imino(triphenyl)phosphorane and andrographolide 2(3H)-furanone were identified among others. The present work demonstrates the hypotensive effect of the cold water extract of Peiistiophe bicalyculata on L-NAME hypertensive rats, which further justifies the folkloric application of extracts of the plant in the management as well as treatment of hypertension.

Diurnal, seasonal, and sex patterns of heart rate in grip-restrained African giant rats (Cricetomys gambianus, Waterhouse).

This study was carried out to determine heart rate (HR) values, including diurnal, seasonal, and sex patterns, in the African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus, Waterhouse). HR was measured using stethoscope in grip-restrained African giant rats of either sex (103 bucks and 98 does), live-trapped from a tropical Savannah, and caged individually in the laboratory during the harmattan (cold-dry), hot-dry, and rainy seasons over a 3-year period. The HR fluctuated between 90 and 210 beats per minute (bpm) throughout the study period. Diurnal changes in HR (mean ± SEM) during the hot-dry and rainy seasons were nonsignificant (P > 0.05), but the morning and afternoon values differed (P < 0.01) during the cold-dry season. The HR varied (P < 0.05) among seasons, with peak, nadir, and moderate values recorded during the cold-dry (165.8 ± 0.51 bpm), hot-dry (153.1 ± 0.74 bpm), and rainy (163.4 ± 0.70 bpm) seasons, respectively. Mean HR of bucks was lower than that of does during the cold-dry (P < 0.0001) and hot-dry (P < 0.01) seasons, but sex difference during the rainy season was insignificant (P > 0.05). Overall, mean HR was lower (P < 0.0001) in bucks (158.8 ± 0.53 bpm) than in does (164.8 ± 0.53 bpm). In conclusion, values of HR in African giant rats are shown for the first time. Season, sex, and daytime influenced the HR, and should be considered during clinical evaluations of the rats.

Ameliorative effects of melatonin administration and photoperiods on diurnal fluctuations in cloacal temperature of Marshall broiler chickens during the hot dry season.

Experiments were performed with the aim of determining the effect of melatonin administration on diurnal fluctuations in cloacal temperature (CT) of Marshall broiler chickens during the hot dry season. Birds in group I (12L:12D cycle) were raised under natural photoperiod of 12-h light and 12-h darkness, without melatonin supplementation, while those in group II (LL) were kept under 24-h continuous lighting, without melatonin administration. Broiler chickens in group III (LL + melatonin) were raised under 24-h continuous lighting, with melatonin supplementation at 0.5 mg/kg per os. The cloacal temperatures of 15 labeled broiler chickens from each group were measured at 6:00, 13:00, and 19:00 h, 7 days apart, from days 14-42. Temperature-humidity index was highest at day 14 of the study, with the value of 36.72 ± 0.82 °C but lowest at day 28 with the value of 30.91 ± 0.80 °C (P < 0.0001). The overall mean hourly cloacal temperature value of 41.51 ± 0.03 °C obtained in the 12L:12D cycle birds was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than the value of 41.16 ± 0.03 °C recorded in the melatonin-treated group but lower than that of 41.65 ± 0.03 °C obtained in the LL birds. Mortality due to hyperthermia commenced at day 28 in both 12L:12D cycle and LL broiler chickens but was delayed till day 42 in LL + MEL broiler chickens. In conclusion, melatonin administration alleviated the deleterious effects of heat stress on broiler chickens by maintaining their cloacal temperature at relatively low values.

Diurnal and seasonal fluctuations in rectal temperature, respiration and heart rate of pack donkeys in a tropical savannah zone.

The study was designed to determine diurnal and seasonal changes in basic physiologic responses of donkeys adapted to the tropical Savannah. The rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) of six male Nubian pack donkeys, and the dry-bulb temperature (DBT), relative humidity and heat index of the experimental site were concurrently recorded hourly, from 06:00 h to 18:00 h (GMT +1), for three days, spread 1 week apart, during the cold-dry (harmattan), hot-dry and humid (rainy) seasons, in an open grazing field. Values of the physiologic parameters recorded during the morning (06:00 h-11:00 h) were lower (P<0.001) than those obtained in the afternoon (12:00 h-15:00 h) and evening (16:00 h-18:00 h) hours in all seasons, but the robustness of the diurnal rhythm differed (P<0.05) between seasons. Many diurnal hourly DBT mean values recorded during the harmattan and hot-dry seasons fell outside the established thermoneutral zone for tropically-adapted donkeys, while those obtained during the rainy season were within the zone, indicating that the dry seasons were more thermally stressful to the donkeys than the humid season. Overall mean RT dropped (P<0.05) during the harmattan season. The RR rose, while HR dropped (P<0.001) during the hot-dry season. In conclusion, daytime and season had profound influence on RT, RR and HR of the donkeys, therefore, diurnal and seasonal variations should be taken into account during clinical evaluation before reaching conclusion on health status and fitness for work in donkeys.