Modulation of Memory and Neurochemical Changes by Resveratrol and Environmental Enrichment in Rodent Model of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia that affects one patient every seven seconds, with over 35 million people currently affected worldwide. The aim of the study was to investigate the modulation of memory and neurochemical responses by resveratrol and environmental enrichment (EE) in aluminium chloride (AlCl3) model of Alzheimer's disease in mice. Male mice used for the study were divided into nine groups, of seven animals each. Group I (negative control): 0.2 ml normal saline/kg, Group II: 0.2 ml CMC/kg. Group III: resveratrol (200 mg/kg/), Group IV: CMC and kept in EE, Group V: AlCl3 at dose of 50 mg/kg, Group VI: resveratrol at dose of 200 mg/kg and kept in EE, Group VII: AlCl3 (50 mg/kg) + resveratrol (200 mg/kg), Group VIII: AlCl3 (50 mg/kg) and kept in EE, Group IX: AlCl3 (50 mg/kg) + resveratrol (200 mg/kg) and kept in enriched environment. All treatments were oral and lasted for 8 weeks. Assessments of memory was carried out before treatment, and at weeks 4 and 8, after the first treatment. The mice were sacrificed and hippocampal samples collected for neurochemical analysis. The findings of the study suggest that AlCl3 induced contextual fear memory deficit over time (p < 0.05), which was improved by resveratrol. Both Aß and Nrf2 significantly (p < 0.05) increased in AlCl3 + EE + resveratrol group. In conclusion, Individual treatment with either resveratrol or EE improved memory over the combined treatment in AlCl3 model of AD by decreasing Aß protein concentration.

Resveratrol increases serum adiponectin level and decreases leptin and insulin level in an experimental model of hypercholesterolemia.

Serum adiponectin concentration is inversely associated with leptin and insulin concentration. There is little paucity of information in the literature on the adipokine levels and regulation by resveratrol in cholesterol diet-fed animals. Thirty rabbits were randomly divided into six groups, each of five animals: Group 1 = control (C), Group 2 = cholesterol diet (CD) only, Group 3 = resveratrol 200 mg/kg (R200), Group 4 = resveratrol 400 mg/kg (R400), Group 5 = CD + R200, Group 6 = CD + R400. The preparations were administered for 8th weeks of the treatment protocol. weight and blood glucose level were measured on week zero and the 8th week of the treatment. At the end of the study period, the rabbits were placed under light anaesthesia. Blood samples were evaluated for serum concentrations of metabolites assays (adiponectin, leptin and insulin). Serum adiponectin significantly (P < 0.05) increased in resveratrol + CD groups, compared to CD group only. Leptin and insulin significantly (P <0.05) decreased in CD groups co-administered with resveratrol, compared with CD group only. In conclusion, the increase in adiponectin level and decrease in leptin and insulin level following resveratrol administration elucidated the therapeutic potential of resveratrol, despite cholesterol diet consumption.

Resveratrol prevents high-fat diet-induced obesity and oxidative stress in rabbits.

The rapid epidemiological progression of obesity worldwide has been associated with increased consumption of diets, rich in fat and sugar. Mediterranean diets rich in resveratrol are associated with reduced risk of obesity and oxidative stress. The aim of the experiment was to investigate the protective effect of resveratrol on high fat diet (HFD) induced obesity and oxidative stress changes in rabbits. Thirty rabbits divided into six groups of five animals each were used for the experiment: Group 1 = control (C), Group 2 = high fat diet (HFD) only, Group 3 = resveratrol 200 mg/kg (R200), Group 4 = resveratrol 400 mg/kg (R400), Group 5 = HFD + R200 and group 6 = HFD + R400. After four weeks of treatment, the HFD group showed significant (P < 0.05) increase in body weight of the animals, when compared with the groups co- administered with resveratrol and high-fat diet, and resveratrol alone groups. Activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in the HFD groups co-administered with resveratrol when compared with HFD group only. In conclusion, administration of HFD to rabbits increased body weight and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities which were mitigated by resveratrol administration.

Association between Adiponectin, Serum Lipids and Obesity in a University Setting in Nigeria.

Obesity is an energy imbalance condition, which is accompanied by metabolic and cardiovascular complications.Adiponectin, produced by adipocytes, is an important adipokine involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Adiponectinlevel is altered in obesity in various populations. In Nigeria, very few studies regarding adiponectin exist, and none, to thebest of our knowledge, investigated the relationship between adiponectin and lipid profile and obesity. Therefore, this studyaims to evaluate changes in adiponectin level and serum lipids with body mass index, and investigate the relationship betweenadiponectin, serum lipids and obesity in Nigerian adults. Anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were measured, and blood samples were collected for biochemical assessment after 12 hours fasting, in a total of 280 subjects, comprising of 186males and 94 females. Serum adiponectin level was evaluated by ELISA, while serum lipid profile was determined byenzymatic endpoint method. Quantitative data were analyzed for significant difference using ANOVA, and Pearson'scorrelation was used to evaluate relationships. Serum adiponectin level was significantly (P ˂ 0.05) highest within overweightmale subjects (1.6 ± 0.06 µg/ml), and lowest within normal male subjects (1.4 ± 0.03 µg/ml). The values for adiponectin concentrations were not significantly different in the female subjects. There was no association in serum lipids andadiponectin in both male (r = -0.035, P >0.05; r = -0.011, P >0.05; r = -0.053, P >0.05; r = -0.084, P >0.05) and female (r=0.061, P >0.05; r = 0.018, P>0.05; r = 0.057, P>0.05; r = -0.021, P >0.05) for LDL, HDL, TC and TRIG respectively. Lipidprofile was not different across BMI classes. There was no relationship between adiponectin and serum lipids in individualsin the study population of adult Nigerians.

Effects of Selenium Yeast on Blood Glucose and Antioxidant Biomarkers in Cholesterol Fed Diet Induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Wistar Rats.

Selenium is an antioxidant that prevents oxygen radical from damaging cells from chronic diseases that can develop from cell injury and inflammation such as diabetes mellitus. The aim of the study is to investigate the possible protective effect of selenium yeast on cholesterol diet induced type-2 diabetes mellitus and oxidative stress in rats. Twenty male wistar rats were divided in to four groups of five animals each: Group 1: (Negative control) received standard animal feed only, Group 2:  received cholesterol diet (CD) only, Group 3: received CD and 0.1 mg/kg selenium yeast orally, Group 4: Received CD and 0.2 mg/kg selenium yeast orally for six weeks. At the end of the study period, the animals were sacrificed and the serum samples were collected and evaluated for estimation of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The results showed a significant decrease in blood glucose level in the groups  co-administered CD and selenium yeast when compared to CD group only. Antioxidant enzymes status recorded significant decrease in SOD, CAT and GPx activities in CD and selenium yeast administered when compared to CD group only. In Conclusion, Selenium yeast administrations prevent free radical formations which are potent inducer of diabetes mellitus.

Effect of Insulin on Visuo-Spatial Memory and Histology of Cerebral Cortex in the Presence or Absence of Nitric Oxide Inhibition.

Insulin has emerged from its traditional 'peripheral' glucose-lowering function to become increasingly regarded as a brain hormone that controls a wide range of functions including learning and memory. Insulin action on learning and memory is linked to nitric oxide (NO) signalling, but its effects on memory and histology of cerebral cortex in conditions of varied NO availability is unclear. This research sought to determine the effect of insulin on visuo-spatial learning, memory and histology of cerebral cortex during NO deficiency. Twenty-four mice weighing 21-23 g, were divided into four groups (n = 6) and treated daily for seven days with 0.2 ml distilled water subcutaneously (s.c.) (control), 10 I.U/kg insulin s.c., 10 I.U/kg insulin + 50 mg/kg L-NAME intraperitoneally (i.p.), and 50 mg/kg i.p. L-NAME s.c., respectively. The 3-day MWM paradigm was used to assess memory. Brain tissue was examined for histological changes. There was no significant difference between day 1 and day 2 latencies for all the groups. The mice in all (but L-NAME) groups spent more time in the target quadrant, and the difference was significant within but not between groups. There was significant reduction in number of platform site crossings (4.83 ± 0.5, 0.67 ± 0.3, 0.50 ± 0.3 and 0.50 ± 0.3 for control, insulin, insulin+L-NAME and L-NAME groups, respectively) in all the groups compared to control. Normal histology of the cortex and absence of histological lesions were observed in brain slides of control and treatment groups. It was concluded that insulin administration impairs visuo-spatial memory to a greater extent in the presence of NO block, and to a lesser extent in the absence of NO block. Nitric oxide has a role in insulin-induced memory impairment. Insulin administration in the presence or absence of NO block had no effect on histology of cortex.

Resveratrol Protects Rabbits Against Cholesterol Diet-Induced Hyperlipidaemia.

The excessive consumption of high cholesterol diet has been associated with an increased incidence oflipidaemia. Lipidaemia is enhanced by formation of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and hyperglycaemia. The aim ofthese experiments was to investigate the protective effect of resveratrol co-administered with cholesterol diet inducedhyperlipidaemia in rabbits. Thirty rabbits divided into six groups of five animal (group= 5) each: group 1 = normal control,group 2 = cholesterol diet/high fat diet group only (HFD), group 3 = resveratrol 200 mg/kg (R200), group 4 = resveratrol400 mg/kg (R400), group 5 = HFD + R200 and group 6 = HFD + R400. The normal group was fed with standard animalfeeds only; while the HFD groups were fed with standard animal feeds + cholesterol diet (10% Groundnut oil, 20%Groundnut mill and 2% cholesterol). Resveratrol-treated rabbits received resveratrol suspended in 10 g/Lcarboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and the control group received the vehicle only, CMC. The preparations were administeredfor 8 weeks of experimental protocol. At the end of the study period, the animals were sacrificed. Blood and plasma sampleswere collected. Serum evaluation of lipid profile such as total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (Tg), low density lipoproteincholesterol (LDP-c) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) were also assessed. The results obtained showsignificant (P < 0.05) decrease in total cholesterol (TC), Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDP-c), total triacylglyceroland an increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) in resveratrol treated groups compared to HFD group only.In conclusion, the findings indicated that Resveratrol may contain polar products able to lower plasma lipid concentrationsand might be beneficial in treatment of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.

Taurine mitigates cognitive impairment induced by chronic co-exposure of male Wistar rats to chlorpyrifos and lead acetate.

Organophosphate pesticides and heavy metals are ubiquitous environmental pollutants and neurotoxicants. We investigated the effects of taurine (an antioxidant; TA) on oxidative stress and cognition in male Wistar rats co-treated with chlorpyrifos (an organophosphate pesticide; CPF) and lead acetate (heavy metal; LA). The Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups of 10 rats each. The first two groups were administered with distilled water and soya oil respectively. The remaining three groups were administered with taurine (TA), 50 mg/kg body weight, CPF+LA group [CPF (4.25 mg/kg, 1/20 LD50] and LA (233.25 mg/kg, 1/20 LD50) and TA+CPF+LA group [TA (50 mg/kg), CPF (4.25 mg/kg) and LA (233.25 mg/kg)]. The xenobiotics were administered once daily by oral gavage for 16 weeks. The results showed reductions in the activities of brain antioxidant enzymes and acetylcholinesterase, increased lipoperoxidation and histopathological alterations of the cerebral cortex in the CPF+LA group. However, TA mitigated perturbations in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes and acetylcholinesterase, counteracted oxidative stress and brain lipoperoxidation and attenuated neuronal degeneration induced by joint CPF and LA-induced neurotoxicity. The results suggested that TA is neuroprotective following chronic co-exposure of rats to CPF and LA.

Seasonal, sex and live weight variations in feed and water consumptions of adult captive African Giant rats (Cricetomys gambianus, Waterhouse-1840) kept individually in cages.

Adult African Giant rats (Cricetomys gambianus, Waterhouse) (AGRs) (n = 231) of both sexes (117 bucks, 114 does) were live-trapped in the wild in Zaria, Nigeria. Live weight (LW), daily feed consumption (FC) and water consumption (WC) of the AGRs were measured during the cold-dry (CDS), hot-dry (HDS) and rainy (RS) seasons for 2 years with the aim of determining seasonal, sex and LW variations. Feed consumption was significantly different (p < 0.001) between all the seasons, with the lowest mean value recorded during the HDS, while the highest was obtained during the RS. Water consumption was also lowest (p < 0.001) during the HDS but did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) between the CDS and RS. Both feed and water consumptions were higher (p < 0.01) in the males (bucks) than the females (does) during the CDS and HDS, but the sex difference was not significant (p > 0.05) during the RS. Feed consumption correlated positively (p < 0.0001) with WC and relative humidity, but negatively (p < 0.0001) with LW, ambient temperature and heat index. In conclusion, both feed and water consumptions in AGRs decrease with increased seasonal heat and adult LW and are lower in does than in bucks during the dry seasons (CDS and HDS). Intervention may be indicated during the HDS to improve feed and water consumptions for optimal performance of the AGRs.

Assessment of thermal load on transported goats administered with ascorbic acid during the hot-dry conditions.

The major factor in the induction of physiological stress during road transportation of livestock is the complex fluctuations of the thermal transport microenvironment, encountered when animals are transported across different ecological zones. Recommended guidelines on optimum "on-board" conditions in which goats should be transported are lacking, and there are no acceptable ranges and limits for the thermal loads to which goats may be subjected during long-distance road transportation in hot-dry conditions. Panting score (PS), rectal temperature (RT), heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) were employed as reliable stress indices to assess the effects of different thermal loads, measured as temperature humidity index (THI), encountered in the vehicle during 12 h of road transportation of 40 goats, and to suggest the administration of 100 mg/kg body weight of ascorbic acid (AA) as an ameliorating agent. The results obtained showed that the PS, RT, HR and RR rose above normal reference values with increase in the THI and journey duration. The rise in PS value, which is a visual indicator of the severity of thermal load, was the most pronounced. The results suggest that values of THI in the vehicle up to 94.6 constitute no risk, while at of 100 it presents a moderate risk and above 100 may result in severe stress. The relationships between the thermal load and the physiological variables were positive and significant (P < 0.05). They reflect the degree of stress imposed by each THI value during the transportation, and may be used as recommended ranges and limit thermal load values in transported goats. The results demonstrated that administration of 100 mg/kg body weight of AA before road transportation mitigated the risk of adverse effects of high THI values and other stress factors due to road transportation in goats.

Effect of season on the reproductive organs of the female African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus) in Zaria, Nigeria / Efecto estacional en los órganos reproductores de la rata gigante Africana (Cricetomys gambianus) hembra en Zaria, Nigeria

The study was carried out to determine the effect of season on the female reproductive organs of the African Giant rat using the standard methods, with the aim of obtaining the base-line values. The weights of the oviduct/uterus, vagina and the entire tubular organ were consistently higher during the harmattan season (0.789 +/- 0.07 g, 2.708 +/- 0.19 g and 3.455 +/- 0.25 g, respectively) than the hot ­ dry (0.591 +/- 0.02 g, 2.239 +/- 0.13 g and 2.831 +/- 0.14 g, respectively) and the rainy season (0.723 +/- 0.04 g, 2.412 +/- 0.01 g and 3.148 +/- 0.12 g, respectively). The mean weight and length of the ovary were not significantly different throughout the season, suggesting that the AGR may breed throughout the year. The slight increase in the weight of the tubular organ during the harmattan (November ­ February) and the rainy (June ­ October) season suggests that the seasons may be favourable for breeding, probably because of the abundance of food available to the rodents in the wild during the seasons. The decrease in weights of the organs during the hot-dry season (March ­ May) was, apparently, due to the unfavourable climatic conditions and food scarcity during the season. In conclusion, the results of the present study provide base -line morphometric data on the female reproductive organs of the AGR across the seasons.

Este estudio se llevó a cabo para determinar el efecto de las estaciones en los órganos reproductores femeninos de la rata gigante Africana mediante los métodos estándar, con el objetivo de obtener los valores basales. El peso del oviducto/útero, vagina y el órgano tubular completo fueron consistentemente más altos durante harmattan (la estación seca en Nigeria) (0,789 +/- 0,07 g, 2,708 +/- 0,19g y 3,455 +/- 0,25, respectivamente) que la estación seca-calurosa (0,591 +/- 0,02 g, 2.239 +/- 0,13g y 2.831 +/- 0,14, respectivamente) y la estación de lluvias (0,723 +/- 0,04 g, 2,412 +/- 0,01 y 3,148 +/- 0,12 g, respectivamente). La media de peso y longitud del ovario no fueron significativamente diferentes a lo largo de las estaciones, lo que sugiere que la rata gigante africana puede reproducirse durante todo el año. El ligero aumento en el peso del órgano tubular en las estaciones de harmattan (noviembre - febrero) y de lluvias (junio-octubre), sugiere que las estaciones pueden ser favorables para la reproducción, probablemente debido a la abundancia de alimentos disponibles para los roedores silvestres durante estas temporadas. La disminución en el peso de los órganos durante la estación cálida y seca (marzo - mayo) fue, al parecer, debido a las desfavorables condiciones climáticas y la escasez de alimentos durante la estación. En conclusión, los resultados de este estudio proporcionan una línea base de datos morfométricos para los órganos reproductores de la rata gigante africana hembra a través de las estaciones.

Nuclear Architecture in the Medulla Oblongata of the Adult African Giant Pouched Rat (Cricetomys gambianus, Waterhouse - 1840) / Arquitectura Nuclear en la Médula Oblonga de la Rata Gigante de Carillos Africana Adulta (Cricetomys gambianus, Waterhouse - 1840)

The architecture of cranial and non-cranial nerve nuclei in the medulla oblongata of the African giant pouched rat was studied by means of light microscopy. Serial sections of the medulla oblongata, in coronal and saggital planes, were stained with the cresyl fast violet and silver stains, respectively. Sections in the saggital plane were used as a guide, while coronal sections were used to identify the nuclei in the rostrocaudal extent of the medulla oblongata. With the obex serving as the landmark, nuclei rostral and caudal to the obex were delineated. Cranial nerve nuclei whose architecture were defined were the motor nucleus of hypoglossal nerve, motor nucleus of vagus nerve, cochlear nucleus, vestibular nucleus and nucleus ambiguus, while non-cranial nerve nuclei identified were the olivary nucleus, solitary tract nucleus, gracile nucleus, cuneate nucleus, spinal nucleus of trigeminal nerve, motor nucleus of corpus trapezoideum, lateral nucleus of reticular formation and gigantocellular nucleus. The olivary nucleus was the most prominent nucleus, while the solitary tract nucleus was faint, and thus, less developed. The rostrocaudal extent of the solitary tract nucleus, olivary nucleus and motor nucleus of hypoglossal nerve were 3.81 mm, 2.36 mm and 3.50 mm in length, respectively. The prominent olivary nucleus, pyramidal tract and vestibular nucleus are indicative of a good motor coordination and balance, while the poorly developed solitary tract nucleus points to less efficient autonomic functions in this rodent. The present study will serve as a lead for future neuro-behavioural studies necessary for an effective domestication and adaptation of the African giant pouched rat.

Se estudió mediante microscopía de luz la arquitectura de los núcleos de los nervios craneales y no craneales en la médula oblonga de la rata gigante de carillos africana. Secciones seriales de la médula oblonga, en los planos coronal y sagital, se tiñeron con violeta de cresil rápida y tinción de plata, respectivamente. Como guías se utilizaron secciones en el plano sagital, mientras que, secciones coronales se utilizaron para identificar los núcleos en la extensión rostrocaudal de la médula oblonga. Fueron delineados, con el óbex que actúa como punto de referencia, los núcleos rostral y caudal a éste. Los núcleos de los nervios craneales cuya arquitectura se definió fueron los núcleos: motor del nervio hipogloso, motor del nervio vago, coclear, vestibulares y ambiguo, mientras que los núcleos de los nervios craneales no identificados fueron: olivar, del tracto solitario, grácil, cuneiforme, espinal del nervio trigémino, motor del cuerpo trapezoide, lateral de la formación reticular y gigantocelular. El núcleo olivar fue el más importante, mientras que el núcleo del tracto solitario fue tenue, y por lo tanto, menos desarrollado. Las longitud rostrocaudal de los núcleos del tracto solitario, olivar y motor del nervio hipogloso fueron 3,81 mm, 2,36 mm y 3,50 mm, respectivamente. El núcleo prominente olivar, el tracto piramidal y el núcleo vestibular fueron indicativos de una buena coordinación motora y equilibrio, mientras que el escaso desarrollo de los puntos del núcleo del tracto solitario indican una menor eficiencia de las funciones autonómicas en este roedor. El presente estudio servirá para conducir futuros estudios sobre el neuro-comportamiento necesario para una efectiva domesticación y adaptación de la rata gigante de carillos africana adulta.

Modulatory role of ascorbic acid on behavioural responses of pigs transported by road during the harmattan season.

Experiments were performed on adult local pigs with the aim of investigating the modulatory role of ascorbic acid (AA) on their behavioural responses to 4-h, road transportation during the harmattan season. Sixteen adult pigs administered with AA at the dose of 250 mg/kg dissolve in sterile water served as experimental animals, and 13 others administered with sterile water were used as control animals. All the pigs were transported for 4-h at speed of 40-50 km/h covering a distance of 140 km. The behavioural activities were determined before and after road transportation. The behavioural activities were higher (P<0.05) in the experimental than control pigs immediately after transportation. In conclusion, AA ameliorates behavioural stress induced by road transportation of pigs for 4 h and may be of value in reducing adverse effects of road transportation in pigs.

Modulating Role of Vitamins C and E against Transport-Induced Stress in Pullets during the Hot-Dry Conditions.

The modulating effects of ascorbic acid (AA), vitamin E (E), and a combination of AA and E (AA + E) against eight-hour road transportation stress were investigated in 120 pullets during the hot-dry season. The result obtained showed that handling, loading and transportation induced lymphopenia, neutrophilia, liveweight loss, and mortality, which was alleviated by oral administration of AA, E, and AA + E at doses of 60 mg, 30 mg, and 60 + 30 mg per kg bodyweight, respectively, 30 minutes before being loaded and transported. The meteorological conditions recorded during the study period were higher (P < .05) than the thermoneutral values established for chickens in the zone. In conclusion, the administration of vitamins AA, E, and AA + E, especially AA, ameliorated the risk of adverse effects of handling, loading, transportation, and thermal stress in pullets during the hot-dry season.

Effects of heat stress on the well-being, fertility, and hatchability of chickens in the northern Guinea savannah zone of Nigeria: a review.

The paper examines heat stress and its adverse effects as a hindrance to profitable poultry production in the tropics, with emphasis on the Northern Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria. It elucidates the general negative effects of heat stress on physiological parameters of domestic chickens, and the specific impact of the stress on reproduction in the tropics. The deleterious effects are expressed in poor poultry well-being and reproductive performance. It is concluded that measures aimed at alleviating heat stress in domestic chickens must be adopted in order to enhance reproductive and, consequently, efficiency of modern poultry production in the tropics.

Variations in haematological parameters and erythrocyte osmotic fragility of pigs during hot-dry and harmattan season in Northern Guinea Savanna zone of Nigeria.

Experiments were performed with the aim of investigating the effect of season on haematological parameters and erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) of pigs. A total of 23 local pigs including males, non-pregnant and non-nursing females, aged 9 to 12 months were used for the study, ten animals were used during the hot-dry season and thirteen during the harmattan season. Blood sample was taken from each animal for the determination of EOF and other haematological parameters as well as total protein. The PCV value of 39.7±1.9 % obtained during the hot-dry season was significantly higher than 32.00 ± 0.9 % obtained during the harmattan season. Total leucocyte count of 18,836.5±1727.1 obtained during the harmattan season was higher than the value 15,920.00±1119.1 recorded during the hot-dry season. The neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio value was significantly higher during the harmattan season, with a value of 0.61±0.0 than the recorded value of 0.43±0.0 during the hot-dry season. The percentage haemolysis values obtained during the harmattan season at NaCl concentration of 0.5-0.9 % with a value of 92.03±0.02 % respectively were significantly higher than those recorded during the hot-dry season. In conclusion, the haematological values showed that harmattan season was more stressful to pigs than the hot-dry season in the Northern Guinea Savanna zone of Nigeria.

Biometric and morphologic studies of the female reproductive organs of the African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus: Waterhouse).

Different segments of the reproductive tract of 100 adult, non-pregnant, female African giant rats (AGR) were carefully examined, weighed, and measured. The ovaries were observed to be small, pinkish, and kidney-shaped. The uterus of the AGR was found to be uterus duplex. The live weight of the AGR was 999.7 ± 16.86 g. The weight, length, and width of the ovary were 0.095 ± 0.003 g, 0.750 ± 0.01 cm, and 0.01± 0.02 cm, respectively. The length of the oviduct, uterus, and vagina/vestibule were 4.44 ± 0.06 cm, 4.877 ± 0.11 cm, and 4.345 ± 0.07 cm, respectively. The weight and length of the entire tubular organs were 3.171 ± 0.01 g and 13.559 ± 0.18 cm with corresponding range values of 1.61-7.10 g and 7.80-17.40 cm, respectively.

Sexual dimorphism in the whole brain and brainstem morphometry in the African giant pouched rat (Cricetomys gambianus, Waterhouse 1840).

The study was conducted to evaluate the sexual dimorphism in the morphometric parameters of the whole brain and the brainstem in adult captive African giant pouched rats. Twenty-nine brain samples, comprising 15 females and 14 males, were utilized. Following brain extraction by standard procedures, the mean values of the weights, lengths, diameters, and volumes of the intact brains and the brainstem structures were compared in male and female rats using quantitative analytical statistical methods. The absolute brain weight obtained in the male was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than that of the female while the relative brain weight obtained in the female (0.636 +/- 0.049%) was higher than that of the male rats (0.564 +/- 0.032%), although the difference in the values was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The lengths of the brain and myelencephalon, as well as the weights of the myelencephalon and mesencephalon, did not differ between the two sexes (p > 0.05). The weights and lengths of the pons did not differ between the two sexes (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the pyramidal length and a highly significant difference (p < 0.01) in the pyramidal width between the two sexes, with the male rats having higher values. This pioneering sexual dimorphic brain morphometry provides information for further research.

Responses of serum electrolytes of goats to twelve hours of road transportation during the hot-dry season in Nigeria, and the effect of pretreatment with ascorbic acid.

Twenty goats which served as the experimental group were administered ascorbic acid (AA) per os at a dosage rate of 100 mg/kg body mass, while 20 others served as controls and were given 10 ml each of sterile water. Forty minutes after the administration and loading, the goats were transported for 12 h. Handling and loading of the experimental and control groups of goats decreased (P < 0.05) the potassium and sodium serum concentrations. The concentration of serum chloride, sodium and calcium increased significantly (P < 0.05) immediately post-transportation, while potassium and magnesium decreased (P < 0.05) in the control goats. In AA-treated goats sodium and magnesium concentrations decreased abruptly (P < 0.05), while calcium increased significantly (P < 0.05) after transportation. Handling, loading and transportation adversely affected the electrolyte balance of the goats which suggested respiratory alkalosis, dehydration and muscular damage in the transported goats, and the administration of AA alleviated the adverse effects of road transportation stress on serum electrolytes.

Assessment of the stresses imposed on adult ostriches (Struthio camelus) during handling, loading, transportation and unloading.

The stresses imposed during the handling, loading and unloading of 250 adult ostriches (Struthio camelus) transported by road were evaluated, weighted, scored and later compared with some objective physiological indices of stress measured after the journey. During handling, the numbers of slips and falls, incidents of aggressive behaviour, the calculated behavioural points, the number of injuries recorded per ostrich and the time spent were significantly (P<0.01) greater than the values recorded during loading and unloading. During handling and loading, 45 per cent of the ostriches had a good score (1.1 to 2 points), 15.5 per cent had a fair score (2.1 to 3 points) and 39.4 per cent had a poor or bad score (more than 3 points). The behavioural scores were significantly and positively correlated with the heterophil:lymphocyte ratio, the rectal temperature and the number of injuries sustained by the ostriches. The results showed that the poorer the behavioural score, the higher the level of stress suffered by the ostriches during handling and loading.