Assessment of Post-mortem Processing Methods on Quality and Shelf Life of Mutton

This study was carried out to assess the influence of post-mortem processing methods on quality and shelf life of two breeds of sheep meat. A total of twelve sheep, six each from Balami and Ouda (two prominent breed of Sheep in Nigeria) were weighed, slaughtered and allotted to three processing methods which are scalding, singeing and skinning in a completely randomized experimental design in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement (2 breeds and 3 post-mortem processing methods). The carcass characteristics, primal cuts, physico-chemical properties, sensory and microbial counts were assessed. The results showed that Ouda breed gave the highest (p<0.05) dressing % (36.43%), preferred (p<0.05) primal cuts in rounds (15.13%), Marbling score, lipid profile (Total cholesterol, LDL), and Lipid peroxidation, Balami sheep was however rated higher (p<0.05) in juiciness, tenderness and overall acceptability. The Scalded sheep had the highest dressing % (35.45%), with preferred marbling score (5.80), and microbial counts. The scalded samples were also the lowest (p<0.05) for crude Fiber, CF, total cholesterol (276.40 mg/dL) and LDL (183.89 mg/dL). Minimal exudate loses (cooking loss and drip loss) were recorded in singeing samples and was rated highest (p<0.05) with organoleptic properties. The microbial and fungi loads increased with the storage days. Conclusively, Ouda breed and Scalding method of post-mortem dressing gave the preferred values for optimum nutrients and shelf-life of sheep meat.

Detection of multi drug resistant bacteria in major hospitals in Kano, North-West, Nigeria

Two major hospitals in Kano, North West Nigeria have recorded increasing resistance of clinical pathogens to broad spectrum β lactams, mediated by extended spectrum β- lactamase (ESβL) and non ESBLs. A study was therefore undertaken to determine the occurrence and prevalence of plasmid and chromosomal mediated AmpC βL and carbapenemase in addition to already known ESBL due to increasing resistance of pathogens from the two hospitals to carbapenems, cephamycins and flouroquinolones. Antibiogram tests and ESBL, AmpC and carbapenemase production tests were performed on all the isolates. AmpC and carbapenemase producers were further screened for AmpC inducibility and metallo beta lactamase production respectively. Majority of the isolates (> 80%) were resistant to both β-lactam and non β-lactam antibiotics. Reduced susceptibility to levofloxacin, nitrofurantoin, nalidixic acid and ofloxacin among the isolates were observed with the exception of P. aeruginosa which is totally resistant to imipenem and levofloxacin. An overall prevalence of 14.4%, 11.9% and 11.9.3% for ESβL, AmpC and carbapenemase was observed respectively. About 7.9% of the AmpC producers can over expressed the chromosomally mediated AmpC and 85.8% of the carbapenemase producers require metal for their action. Co-production of either of two and/or all of the enzymes was observed in E. coli, P. mirabilis and P. aeruginosa. Antibiotic resistance among isolates from the two hospitals is increasing and the major cause of this resistance in the pathogens studied are production of AmpC, carbapenemase (especially Metallo β- lactamase) in addition to already known ESBL enzymes by the pathogens. Some of the isolates also possess the capacity to elaborate two or more of the enzymes concurrently, which would renders them resistant to a multitude of antibiotics.

Participatory appraisal of foot and mouth disease outbreaks in Liesha Baruba, Kwara state Nigeria

Appraisal of foot and mouth disease [FMD] outbreaks in Ilesha baruba LGA, Kwara state in Nigeria was conducted to establish the knowledge, attitude and management control system practiced by the Fulani herdsmen. Participatory appraisal approach using designed questions in an open ended interview with the herdsmen during outbreak investigation in December, 2010, January, February, and March, 2011 was employed. Overall Morbidity, Mortality and Case fatality rates of 19.82%, 0.92% and 4.63% respectively was recorded in fifteen outbreaks investigated. Semi nomadic husbandry management system characterized by no history of FMD vaccination was mostly practiced in the affected herds. Yakana [white Fulani] and Bokoloji breeds were the most affected manifesting with very severe forms of clinical signs. Common source of water points predisposed these in-contact cattle with other herds, sheep, goats and donkeys but not wildlife. Response of the Fulani herdsmen showed all can recognize FMD and that all ages, sex, breeds of cattle could be affected by the disease expect donkeys. No particular season was associated with FMD occurrence. It was also gathered that some herdsmen use local herbs and drug medication. Inadequate veterinary service which compels them to engage a few common service providers was emphasized by the herdsmen. Finally, non treatable cattle are usually sold to butchers for human consumption at a reduce market value as death of affected cattle was usually avoided. All responses were independent and statistically significant by chi square [P<0.05]. This finding confirmed that FMD is a serious problem amongst the Fulani livestock pastoralist which requires a proactive intervention plan

Start-off HIV/AIDS clinic situation and patient's socio-demographic data in a northern Nigerian hospital.

The aim of this study was to determine the HIV/AIDS clinic situation and patients’ socio-demographic data at start-off in a northern Nigerian hospital. Data was collected from clinic records and patients’ folders covering the period between September 2004 and August 2005 and analysed with SPSS. Thirty-four clinics were held for 497 registered persons who made 2,047 attendances. The patients were attended to by 5 doctors, 2 counsellors, 4 pharmacists, 2 nurses and 2 laboratory scientists. Clinics held which hit the 100% weekly mark by June 2005, have since become twice a week. Most of the patient population were female (58.6%), and married (73.5%). The vast majority were in their work-productive years – 20s (23.4%), 30s (41.9%) and 40s (26.2%), although more than half (53.7%) were unemployed. The patients were equally distributed between the two predominant religions – Christianity and Islam. That most of the patients were Hausa by tribe, from Kaduna State in the North-West Geo-political Zone, and resident in Zaria was adjudged to be incidental and due to the location of the hospital. Availability of antiretroviral drugs and regular holding of clinics is very crucial in the management of HIV/AIDS patients, hence current trend of 100% clinics held in addition to free drugs should be continued for effective management.