Comparative Study of the Growth and Gonad Development of Clarias gariepinus （Burchell 1822） Fed Diets with Plant and Animal-based Ingredients in Concrete Tanks

A twelve week experiment was conducted to compare the effects of diets with plant-based and animal-based ingredients on growth and gonad development of Clarias gariepinus. One hundred and 12 sub-adult C. gariepinus with an average weight of 205 ×5.09 g, were stocked in six concrete tanks （9 × 4 × 2 m3） containing 20 fish each. Experiment had 3 replicates and animals fed daily at 5% body weights. There was no significant difference （P 〈 0.05） in proximate compositions of the two experimental feeds and controls. Fecundity, gonad weight and gonasomatic index were higher in fish fed diet 13 than A and C. Similarly, growth indices were higher in fish fed diet B than in A and C. Histology of gonads showed a faster development of oocytes of eggs in fish fed animal-based ingredients than plant-based and combined plant and animal diets. Although there were slight differences in growth parameters and gonad development in favor of feed with animal-based ingredients, plant-based feed compared favorably in the growth and gonad development of C. gariepinus. Plant-based ingredients are recommended on the basis of affordability and availability as substitute for animal-based ingredients in C. gariepinus feed.

Anopheles gambiae larvicidal and adulticidal potential of Phyllanthus amarus(Schumach and Thonn,1827)obtained from different localities of Nigeria

Objective:To screen phytochemicals in ethanolic leaf extracts of Phyllanthus amarus collected from three different geographical zones in Nigeria and evaluate their effects on larva and adult of Anopheles gambiae.Methods:The sample extracts of Phyllanthus amarus prepared with ethanol solvent were tested against Anopheles gambiae at two important developmental stages of its life cycle using slightly modified WHO protocols.Results:Alkaloids,saponins,tannins,flavonoids,glycosides,phenols,and terpenes were detected in each extract.Among these samples,the extract from northwest exhibited the highest larvicidal activity(LC50=263.02 ppm),followed by southeast and southwest extracts(LC50=288.40 and 295.12 ppm,respectively after 48 h),while the extract from southwest exhibited the highest adulticidal activity(LC50=275.42 ppm),followed by northwest and southeast extract(LC50=301.99 and 316.22 ppm,respectively after 24 h).A 50%larva mortality was almost attained at 600 ppm after 48 h duration of exposure to the northwest extract.Conclusions:The tested samples possess strong larvicidal and adulticidal property against Anopheles gambiae which depends on their chemical composition and localities of collection.Further studies are needed to explore the insecticidal activity against a wider range of mosquito species,and to identify active ingredient(s)of the extract responsible for such activity.

Mixed vitamin C and zinc diet supplements co-administered with artemether drug improved haematological profile and survival of mice infected with Plasmodium berghei

Iron and zinc deficiencies is common in malaria endemic areas and contributes to morbidity.Vitamin C and zinc combined supplements have been hypothesized as a remedy.This study evaluated the effect of different combinations of vitamin C and zinc on haematological parameters and mortality of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice(Mus musculus).A three-week trial was carried out to assess haematological changes and mortality of mice after 3-day artemether treatment co-administered with vitamin C-zinc supplements.Grouping was based on combinations of vitamin C and zinc.Weight,packed cell volume(PCV),white blood cell count(WBC),red blood cell count(RBC),haemoglobin concentration(HB),and mortality were assayed weekly.The supplement improved PCV,HB,mean cell volume(MCV)and mean cell haemoglobin(MCH).Mice mortality was higher in the absence of the supplement,though the difference was not significant(x^2=5.214,P=0.5167).Parasitaemia was not reduced by the supplement.A 30:70 vitamin C-zinc supplement performed better than other combinations used.Therefore,vitamin C-zinc supplement play roles in the management of malaria,since they improved PCV and HB,and lowered mortality rate,complementing the therapeutic effect of artemether.

<i>Fasciola hepatica</i>and Associated Parasite, <i>Dicrocoelium dendriticum</i>in Slaughter Houses in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria

Fasciola hepatica is a parasite of clinical and veterinary importance which causes fascioliasis that leads to reduction in milk and meat production. Bile samples were centrifuged at 1500 rpm for ten (10) minutes in a centrifuge machine and viewed microscopically to check for F. hepatica eggs. A total of 300 bile samples of cattle which included 155 males and 145 females were collected from the abattoir. Results were analyzed using chi-square (p > 0.05). The prevalence of F. gigantica and Dicrocoelium dentriticum is 33.0% (99) and 39.0% (117) respectively. Age prevalence of F. hepatica revealed that 0 - 2 years (33.7%, 29 cattle) were more infected than 2 - 4 years (32.7%, 70 cattle) while for D. dentriticum age 2 - 4 years were more infected than 0 - 2 years with prevalence of 40.2% (86) and 36.0% (31) respectively. No significant difference (P > 0.05) existed in prevalence in ages of the cattle. Out of the 300 bile samples examined, 22.3% (67 cattle) were co-infected with F. hepatica and D. dendriticum. Males were more co-infected than females having a prevalence of 24.5% (38 cattle) and 20.0% (29 cattle) respectively. Based on the age, samples of age 0 - 2 years were more co-infected than those of age 2 - 4 years with a prevalence of 23.3% (20 cattle) and 22.0% (47 cattle) respectively. The findings of this present study revealed that efforts to alleviate problems of animal health and productivity are yet to make any significant impact as this poses threat on human health. Investigation on the pattern of infections in cattle slaughtered should be strengthened.

Analysis of Forest Waste Management and Recycling Potential in Nigeria

Forest wastes are renewable resources that can serve as sources of energy for heat and electricity generation. How these materials are managed in order to reduce their contribution to the release of greenhouse gases, reduce subsequent climate change challenges and their potential use in bio-energy production has remained a myth in Nigeria. In this paper, extensive review of the literature was carried out to arrive at the findings. More than 93% of all wood processing industries in Nigeria are sawmills. In addition to sawmills there are the plywood mills, furniture processing industries, and particleboard mills. Sawdust is the major waste generated from wood processing in the various processing units. Currently, the most popular waste management practice in Nigeria is burning. Dumping in open spaces, riverbanks, and water bodies is also obtainable. There is no record of wood waste recycling for bio-fuel production at the moment. Wood wastes are reused for agricultural production (mulching, manure) and as firewood. These actions contribute to the release of greenhouse gases and subsequently contribute to global warming. There are policies and agencies put in place to address this menace but implementation is a problem. An increase in proper waste management education and awareness, and aid from developed countries in terms of providing the technology needed for recycling and incineration, will go a long way in ensuring the safety (from climate change and consequences) of the local people, the environment, and the world at large.

Dietary Intake, Carcinogenic and Non-Carcinogenic Risk Potentials of Lead, Cadmium, Mercury and Arsenic Exposure via Consumption of Dried Crayfish in Calabar, Nigeria

Intense pressure from both onshore and offshore oil exploration and exploitation activities, together with the accompanying urbanization and industrialization has resulted in massive contamination of land and water resources in Niger Delta, Nigeria. Whereas crayfish is very sensitive to contaminant in the aquatic environment and constitute an important part of human diet, its quality and safety from environmental pollutant is of serious health concern. Evaluation of dietary intake, potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk of lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic exposure via consumption of dried crayfish purchased from major markets in Calabar, Nigeria was carried out between June and August 2021. Thirty-six composite samples of dried crayfish purchased from 180 vendors were used for the study. Heavy metals concentrations were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Model AA-6800, Japan) after wet digestion. Metals concentrations (Mg/kg) were of the ranges 0.02 - 0.24, 0.14 - 0.86, 0.32 - 0.72, 0.04 - 0.19 for Pb, Cd, Hg and As respectively. The mean content of cadmium and mercury exceeded FAO/ WHO and Commission of European Communities maximum levels for crustaceans. Average Estimated Daily Intake for each of the metals was found to be above the recommended daily intake level except for arsenic. The average estimated daily intake values for Cd and Hg were also above the tolerable upper intake level. Average Target Hazard Quotient of all the metals and Hazard Index of all the markets were below 1.00. The Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk of the metals was greater than the standard tolerable regulatory risk (10-4) for carcinogens. Consumption of crayfish purchased from major markets in Calabar could pose a range of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic human health risks.

Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits Detection of Malaria Parasites among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal in Selected Hospitals in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria

A study was carried out to determine the status of malaria in four (4) selected hospitals in Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State. A total of 300 pregnant women attending antenatal were tested for malaria parasite using rapid diagnostic test kits. Blood samples were obtained from finger by pricking and tested for malaria parasites. Structured questionnaires were administered to the pregnant women to obtain relevant information on the clinical and social aspects of malaria. A prevalence of 13.0% (39 women) was observed among pregnant women in Anyigba. Grimard Hospital and Egume General Hospital had the highest prevalence of 14.7% each;Maria Goretti Hospital had a prevalence of 13.3%, while KSUTH had the least prevalence of 9.3%. Age prevalence revealed that women with age < 20 years had the highest prevalence of 29.4% which was significant (p > 0.05) from the other age categories. Unemployed and women in their second trimester had the highest prevalence of 17.1% and 16.0% respectively. On the gravidity of the pregnant women, primigravidae (21.9%) was higher than multigravidae (10.6%) significantly (p < 0.05). Women from a polygamous family had a prevalence of 15.2% higher than those from monogamous family with a prevalence of 12.4%. The findings of this study revealed that malaria continues to exert significant public health and economic burden among pregnant women in parts of Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. Continuous efforts at providing necessary information by relevant health organizations are needed to control and reduce incidence of malaria in this area.

Evaluation of Some Selected Metals in Rice Cultivated in Four Local Government Areas in Enugu State, Nigeria

In this study, we investigated the presence of Zn, Fe, Cu, and Ca in rice cultivated in four local government areas (Nkanu East, Aninri, Uzo Uwani, Isi Uzo) within Enugu state, Nigeria. We employed an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer with an air acetylene flame to analyze these metals after digesting the rice samples. Risk assessment studies were carried out to determine any potential health risk to consumers by evaluating the estimated daily intake (EDI), the target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI). The average concentration (mg/kg) of trace metals in the rice samples was within the acceptable limits established by FAO/WHO. Specifically, Zn ranged from 0.265 to 0.632 mg/kg, Fe from 2.73 to 4.131 mg/kg, Cu from 0.205 to 4.131 mg/kg, and Ca from 9.718 to 12.150 mg/kg. There were no statistically significant differences in metal concentrations among the various locations. Consequently, the rice analyzed in this study can be considered safe for consumption. The calculated EDI (mg/kg-day) values were below the maximum tolerable daily intake thresholds. THQ values also fell within safe levels, and the HI values were less than 1, signifying no potential health risks associated with consuming rice from these locations. In conclusion, there is no significant non-carcinogenic health risk associated with exposure to trace metals through the consumption of rice from these areas.

Effect of partial and complete replacement of soybean with discarded cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L) on liver and stomach histology of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

The need for replacement of highly priced soybean meal(SM)in fish diets with unconventional plant materials has become imperative for the sustainability of aquaculture production.This study addressed the effect of replacing SM with discarded cashew nut meal(DCNM)on the liver and stomach histology in African catfish(Clarias gariepinus).Total 90 juveniles(24.83±1.52 g)were fed DCNM based diets,inclusion level of 0,50%and 100%.Fish were fed twice daily(8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.)at 5%body weight for 56 days.The histology of liver and the stomach were assessed.Histo-morphological changes of the liver tissue were moderate at 100%DCNM fed fish compared to 50%DCNM and control(0 DCNM).Photomicrograph of stomach of 50%DCNM fed fish showed normal histo-morphological features,while moderate to severe histological distortions were observed in the stomach of 100%DCNM fed fish.The findings of the present study showed that partial(50%)replacement of SM with DCNM had no adverse nutritional consequence while total(100%)replacement of SM with DCNM in the diet of C.gariepinus resulted to moderate histological distortions of the liver and stomach.

Assessment of some heavy metals in the tissues(gills,liver and muscle)of Clarias gariepinus from Calabar River,Cross River State,South-eastern Nigeria

Objective:To assess the pollution status of Calabar River in relation to the levels of heavy metal in the tissue of the African catfish[Clarias gariepinus(C.gariepinus)].Methods:A total of 45 samples of C.gariepinus were purchased from fishermen on landing at Nsidung beach along Calabar River within three months(15 samples monthly)from June to August,2014.The samples were then put into a cold box containing ice blocks immediately after buying from the fishermen.The fish samples were transported immediately to the Chemistry Laboratory,University of Calabar for digestion and heavy metal analysis.Portions of the muscle,gills and liver were removed from the fresh samples and oven dried at temperature of 120°C to constant weight and digested using standard methods.The digested tissue portions were analyzed for lead,iron,manganese,cobalt,chromium and cadmium concentrations using atomic absorption spectrophotometer.Results:Mercury was not detected at all in the muscle,liver and gills of C.gariepinus.The mean±SD of metals in liver of C.gariepinus were:(0.080±0.014),(0.110±0.014),(6.480±1.279)and(0.295±0.021)mg/kg for Cd,Cr,Fe and Mn,respectively.In the gills,heavy metals values were:(0.065±0.021),(0.115±0.035),(5.843±0.558),and(0.345±0.007)mg/kg for Cd,Cr,Fe and Mn,respectively.In the muscles,heavy metals values were(0.045±0.021),(0.115±0.353),(5.150±1.075),and(0.187±0.045)mg/kg for Cd,Cr,Fe and Mn,respectively.The general trend of metals accumulation in tissues of C.gariepinus showed a decreasing trend of Fe>Mn>Cr>Cd.Also,the metal accumulation in the three tissues showed a decreasing trend of liver>gills>muscle.Conclusions:The metal concentrations in the muscle,gills and liver of C.gariepinus were all below the World Health Organization acceptable range,and as such fishery resources from Calabar River are safe for consumption.

Some aspects of the biology of the female blue crab Callinectes amnicola(De Rocheburne)from the Cross River estuary,Nigeria

Objective:To investigate some important aspects of the biology of Callinectes amnicola(C.amnicola)such as fecundity,carapace length-weight relationship,condition factor and carapace length frequency distribution from the Cross River estuary,Nigeria.Methods:A total of one hundred and twenty ovigerous females of C.amnicola,freshly caught with basket traps,lift net trap,and gill net were collected from the catches of the artisanal fisheries in the study area between June 2012 and May 2013.Fecundity,carapace length-weight relationship,condition factor and carapace length frequency distribution were determined and analyzed following standard methods.Results:Fecundity(F)ranged between 73090 eggs for crab of carapace length 8.1 cm and total weight 34 g and 809450 eggs for crab of carapace length 16.1 cm and total weight 395 g with a mean of 311808.93±17693.94 eggs.There was a positive significant relationship between fecundity and carapace length,total weight and condition factor as follows:F=6839.7CL^(1.4403)(r^(2)=0.2145,P<0.05),F=15302TW^(0.5798)(r^(2)=0.4079,P<0.05),F=147255K^(0.2788)(r=0.2717,r^(2)=0.0738,P<0.05).A significant linear relationship between carapace length and weight of C.amnicola is given by the equation:Log W=2.0447LogL–0.1389(r^(2)=0.3357,P<0.05).The crab exhibited a negative allometric growth pattern(b=2.0447).Condition factor ranged between 21.48 to 104.95 with a mean value of 47.21±2.17.The carapace length frequency distribution showed a unimodal class size distribution.Conclusions:Findings of this study is crucial in assessing the population dynamics and development of management strategies of the the Blue crab,C.amnicola from the estuary such as mesh size regulation,fishing season and fishing ground regulation in the Cross River estuary.Also,findings of this study will be useful in evaluation of the aquaculture potential of the Blue crab C.amnicola,which is a valuable shell fish for the inhabitants estuary.

Interrelationship between some morphometric parameters and bodyweight of tank-based cultured African catfish(Clarias gariepinus Burchell,1822)

Morphometrics and fish bodyweight studies have shown great importance in estimation of productivity and stock assessment for some fish species. Herein, the aim of this study was to identify the morphometric parameter(s) that has most direct correlation with bodyweight of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). The experimental layouts were four groups of experimental units, each group was replicated twice. Morphometric parameters considered in this study were total length, standard length, head length, head width and snout length. Data collected were processed and subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and correlation analyses at 5% significant level. Results revealed significantly high correlations between bodyweight and morphometric parameters, with values ranging from 0.834 to 0.977 (upper and lower limits for total and snout lengths respectively). The results further revealed that relationship between bodyweight and morphometric parameters followed third-degree polynomial, with R2 ranging from 0.700 to 0.969 (upper and lower limits for total and snout lengths respectively). Significant high correlations (>0.85) exist between morphometric parameters selected for this study. In conclusion, in sampling programs of African catfish where the aim is to select fishes with high bodyweights, emphasis should be given to fishes with highest total length.

Physiological effects of paraquat in juvenile African catfish Clarias gariepinus(Burchel 1822)

Objective:To investigate the physiological effects of paraquat in African freshwater catfish Clarias gariepinus.Methods:Two sublethal test concentrations of paraquat(1.37 and 2.75 mg/L)were chosen based on the 96 h LC_(50)value(27.46 mg/L).Some experimental fish were exposed to these concentrations and control group for 15 d.Peripheral blood samplings were taken at intervals for assessment of haematological and biochemical parameters.Results:Exposure to paraquat affected behaviour and morphology of Clarias gariepinus.There were significant decreases(P<0.05)in the mean values of hemoglobin,red blood cells,packed cell volume,cellular hemoglobin,and cellular hemoglobin concentration.The levels of white blood cells,glucose,aspartate aminotransferase,and alanine aminotransferase significantly increased(P<0.05)while protein levels declined.However,no definite pattern of changes was observed in the number and type of leucocytes.Conclusions:The results of the present study indicate that paraquat is toxic and has the potential to impair on the physiological activities in African catfish Clarias gariepinus.The use of paraquat should be strongly controlled and carefully monitored to avoid the possible damage done to the environment.

Impact of Plasmodium falciparum infection on some haematological parameters in a malaria endemic population, Southeastern Nigeria

Objective: To compare changes in some haematological parameters among malaria positive and negative subjects in a malaria endemic community, Southeastern Nigeria. Methods: Haematological parameters of 443 subjects including 234 confirmed malaria infected and 209 non-malaria infected patients who attended various hospitals in selected communities of Ezinihite L.G.A, Southeastern Nigeria between January and June 2014 were evaluated. Results: Total white blood count and two of its differentials (lymphocytes and granulocytes), red blood cell and platelet counts were significantly lower among malaria-infected subjects compared to the non-infected subjects (P < 0.05) Conclusions: Haematological parameters of malaria infected subjects were significantly lower than that of uninfected individuals. This present research adds to the fact that haematological parameters is a good and reliable indicator for the early and prompt diagnosis of malaria in patients.