Papers by Mohammed Babashani
Journal of Veterinary Advances, 2015
Cottonseed and its by-products are used extensively for supplementing ruminant rations to increas... more Cottonseed and its by-products are used extensively for supplementing ruminant rations to increase productivity. However, they contain gossypol which is a reproductive toxicant in males of both ruminant and non-ruminants. This study evaluated the effect of dietary gossypol from whole cottonseed (WCS) and cottonseed cake (CSC) on the gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves of Yankasa rams. Fifteen (15) Yankasa rams weighing an average of 20 2 Kg were randomly distributed into three groups (A, B and C) of five rams each and were fed diets containing 48 % WCS, 48 % CSC and control diet (gossypol-free), respectively for 14 weeks. The gonadal and epididymal sperm of the rams (3 from each group) were determined. The data obtained were statistically analysed using GraphPad Prism version 5.0. Significance of differences between treatments means were determined at P ≤ 0.05 with Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison test of repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA). Testicular and epididymal weight, length and sperm reserves were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by gossypol. Gossypol-treated rams in groups A and B however, had numerically lower mean values of testicular and epididymal weight, length and sperm reserves than those of the control group. We concluded that gossypol present in whole cottonseed cake causes reduction in testicular and epididymal sperm reserves and these feeds should be used with caution in breeding rams.
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Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology
This study was carried out to investigate the changes in semen characteristics, hormonal profile ... more This study was carried out to investigate the changes in semen characteristics, hormonal profile and testicular morphometry of West African Dwarf (WAD) goat bucks treated with danazol. For this purpose, eighteen matured WAD bucks average of about two years were randomly divided into groups A, B and C comprising of six bucks per group. Group A was the control while B and C bucks were given danazol at a dose rate of 20mg/kg body weight orally daily for four weeks. The group B bucks’ testes were harvested thereafter for gross and histo-morphometric studies while those of group C were left intact but danazol treatment was withdrawn for four more weeks. The bucks’ semen samples (collected by electro-ejaculation) and hormonal samples (taken via the jugular vein) were analyzed. The semen characteristics studied included color, volume, mass activity, motility, percentage normal live-dead ratio, morphology and concentration; while the hormones studied included testosterone, follicle stimulat...
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Savannah Veterinary Journal
Introduction: A study was conducted to determine the clinical manifestation, isolation and identi... more Introduction: A study was conducted to determine the clinical manifestation, isolation and identification of the aetiologic agent of epizootic lymphangitis in horses in Zaria and Kontagora Emirates in Nigeria. Methods: A total of seventeen (17) infected horses manifesting signs of epizootic lymphangitis were examined in Niger and Kaduna States of Nigeria. The pus samples were also examined using direct smears, Gram stained and examined under a light microscope. Infected lymphoid tissue samples were collected in 10% formal-saline from horses clinically manifesting infection for histopathological studies. Results: Clinical signs observed were painless swellings (nodules) and suppurative ulcers along lymphatic channels with some areas of partial healing and reoccurrence. Culture and direct smear revealed Gram positive double contour and oval shaped yeast-like organisms with a violet cytoplasm. Histopathological examination revealed Histoplasma farciminosum cells as oval bodies in macro...
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Israel Journal of Veterinary Medicine
A five month old calf was presented to the Large Animal Clinic of the Veterinary Teaching Hospita... more A five month old calf was presented to the Large Animal Clinic of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with a chief complaint of nervous dysfunction. The calf was hospitalized and a thorough physical examination was carried out. The condition was diagnosed to be listeriosis based on the clinical signs, though efforts were made to isolate the organism from urine without success. The calf was treated with procaine penicillin at 25,000 IU I/M bid for 2 weeks and multivitamin 5 ml I/M for 3 days, after which the calf recovered completely. Treatment of listeriosis can be rewarding if aggressive antibiotic therapy is instituted early in the disease.
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The rat has been elected as the main animal model in different studies involving reproduction. Ho... more The rat has been elected as the main animal model in different studies involving reproduction. However, there are scarce and conflicting data related to its estrous cycle. The aim of the experiment was to determine the time of ovulation in the primiparous laboratory rats (Rattus Norvegicus) by counting the number of graafian follicles present in the ovary at the time of oestrus, determining the percentage of these follicles that eventually ovulate and determining the 'spread' of ovulation during the oestrus period. Fifty (50) albino laboratory rats were observed in oestrus with the help of males to determine the time the female first stood to be mou nted. This time was considered the onset of oestrus and used as a landmark for timing of oestrus period. From this onset of oestrus, the period was divided into 10 x 1-hour intervals into which the female rats were grouped. Each hour interval had five rat members. Ovaries of rats harvested at the end of their group-hour intervals were studied histologically, for functional structures. Observed structures were counted for the calculation of ovulation rates. All oestrus rats had far shorter periods, the ovulation in this study were found to be widespread from the onset to the tenth hour peaking maximally at the sixth and seventh hour of oestrous. Follicular activity was found to be more in the left ovaries while ovulatory activity was more in the right ovaries. It was concluded that rats presented far shorter oestrus periods and all ovulations in the albino rats used in our laboratory occurred at the onset of oestrus and that the mechanism responsible for the first "stance for mounting" is responsible for the ovulation and that ovulation is induced in these rats.
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In comparison with other livestock, tuberculosis (TB) in camels has not been extensively studied ... more In comparison with other livestock, tuberculosis (TB) in camels has not been extensively studied in Nigeria. Camels in the hands of Nigerian pastoralists share the livestock ecosystem and are increasingly becoming an important component of the sector. This study was designed to investigate the occurrence of TB lesions and animal-level risk of infection in slaughtered camel carcasses in one of the public abattoirs in Nigeria, from June to August 2016. A total of 212 camel carcasses comprising 82.5% (175/212) males and 17.5% (37/212) females were examined for tuberculous lesions. Of the carcasses examined, 33.5% (71/212) had TB lesions. The occurrence of lesions was most significantly associated with poor body condition (OR = 0.249; CI 0.134–0.454 [p < 0.001]). Distribution among anatomical sites of macroscopic lesions in the infected camels revealed three different pathological patterns as pulmonary (n = 51), abdominal (n = 11), and disseminated (n = 9) forms. Higher prevalence of gross TB lesions in camel carcasses highlights eminent threats to both animal and public health, pointing to an already existing risk of intra-and inter-species transmission of infection.
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A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the status of Brucella infection in one-hump... more A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the status of Brucella infection in one-humped (Dromedary) camels in the North and Central senatorial districts of Katsina State, Nigeria. Nine hundred and eighty serum samples from live and slaughtered camels were tested. Modified Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and serum aggluti-nation test (SAT) with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, (EDTA) were used as screening and standard tests, respectively. The prevalence of Brucella antibodies were 110 (11.2%) and 103 (10.5%) for RBPT and SAT, respectively. Of the 472 and 508 serum samples tested from the herds and abattoirs, respectively, 63 (13.3%) and 47 (9.3%) were positive by RBPT while 62 (13.1%) and 41 (8.1%) were positive by SAT, respectively. Based on the results, it was concluded that Brucella antibodies were present in camels in the study area. Poor management practices and mixing of camels with other species of livestock as well as unrestricted movement of camels were proposed to be the reasons for the prevalence of the disease in the study area. In view of the public health importance of the disease, it is recommended that there is the need to develop a strategic plan to decrease spread of brucellosis in the study area.
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A rare case of uremic stomatitis is reported in an 8-month-old Bunaji bull calf. The animal was p... more A rare case of uremic stomatitis is reported in an 8-month-old Bunaji bull calf. The animal was presented with profuse foamy salivation, dehydration (8%) and weakness and anorexia. The body condition score was approximately 2.0 in a scale of 5. Rectal temperature was 34.4 C o Pulse rate was 88 beat per minute, the calf arrived hospital on sternal recumbency. Prior to presentation, the following treatment was administered by the client, 500 mg and 2500mg of albendazole on days 1 and 7 respectively, about 5ml of Oxytetracycline long acting (Tetranor R), 5ml of multivitamin and atropine at 0.05mg/kg body weight intramuscularly. The calf was later referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital due to poor response to therapy; on physical examination the following were observed; Urinary incontinence, unilateral congestion of the ocular mucus membrane, severe ulcerations and hyperemia in the oral cavity. Urinalysis revealed glucosuria, proteinuria and a high specific gravity of urine. High creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were also observed in the blood. The calf was revived after four days of hospitalization by lowering the uremic toxins in the blood through rehydration. The animal was discharged on sixth day when significant improvement was noticed; it was however represented on the eighth day due to its inability to stand and worsening of condition, the calf later died 30minute while on fluid therapy.
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A 4-year-old Kano brown doe weighing 20kg from a flock of 5 does was presented to the Veterinary ... more A 4-year-old Kano brown doe weighing 20kg from a flock of 5 does was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital Ahmadu Bello University Zaria with complaints of unthriftness, emaciation inappetence, weakness and pasty diarrhea of two weeks duration. Thorough physical examination revealed pale mucous membranes with submandibular edema and puffy face which were indications of hypoproteinemia. Hematological results indicated a packed cell volume (PCV) of 12% on the day of presentation and 9% on the third day. Fecal culture revealed Haemonchus larvae. Blood (400mls) from a donor buck in the goat pen of the faculty was transfused on the third day of presentation through the jugular vein. Two days later a blood sample was collected and a hemogram was performed, the result indicated an appreciable PCV value (15%) and a hemoglobin concentration of 5g/dl. It can therefore be concluded that blood transfusion can be a life-saving procedure in haemonchosis induced anaemia.
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Some developmental abnormalities may be genetic in origin and/or due to the congenital
malformati... more Some developmental abnormalities may be genetic in origin and/or due to the congenital
malformation that occurs during embryogenesis. The objective of this report was to describe a case of
arthrogryposis multiplex congenita involving all the limbs. A 6-year-old Bunaji cow of second parity with
complete and uneventful gestation period was presented due to dystocia. Clinical examination revealed
normal parameters, except for the pulse rate which was slightly elevated. Per-vaginum examination
revealed edematous birth canal, fully dilated cervix with foetus in posterior presentation; dorso-sacral
position, both foetal hind limbs were curved with ankylosed fetlock joints and the hind limbs were
crossed over each other. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of arthrogryposis
multiplex congenital in a Bunaji calf.
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Abstract
Cottonseed and its by-products are used extensively for supplementing ruminant rations. ... more Abstract
Cottonseed and its by-products are used extensively for supplementing ruminant rations. However, they contain gossypol which is a reproductive toxicant in males of both ruminant and non-ruminants. This study evaluated the effects of dietary gossypol from whole cottonseed and cottonseed cake on the semen characteristics of Yankasa rams. Fifteen (15) Yankasa rams weighing an average of 20 ± 3 Kg were randomly distributed into three groups (A, B and C) of five rams each and were fed diets containing 48% whole cottonseed, 48% cottonseed and control diet (gossypol-free), respectively for 14 weeks. The semen was collected weekly using an electro-ejaculator and was evaluated for volume, gross motility, concentration; live sperm cells and morphology were evaluated on a weekly basis. The data obtained were statistically analysed using GraphPad Prism version 5.0. Significance of differences between treatments means were determined at P ≤ 0.05 with Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison test of repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA). The mean semen volume and concentration of the rams in the experimental groups A and B did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) from that of the rams in the control group. However, the mean values of semen gross motility (p < 0.0001) (16.50 ± 4.00% and 37.50 ± 4.30% for groups A and B, respectively at week 14 vs 90.9 ± 6.37% for group C at week 14). Percent live spermatozoa also differed significantly (p < 0.05) (66.4 ± 4.99% at week 14 for group A and B vs 83.2 ± 2.06% at week 14 for the control group). The sperm cell abnormalities were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the treatment groups (37.3 ±1.31% and 46.8 ± 1.62 for group A and B, respectively) than in the control group (19.2 ± 1.32%). We conclude that dietary gossypol from whole cottonseed and cottonseed cake fed at 48% of the diet to Yankasa rams significantly altered their semen quality of Yankasa rams. We recommend that these cotton products should be minimised in feeds for rams intended for breeding purposes.
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In sheep and goat production, inadequate nutrition, particularly of energy, depresses the reprodu... more In sheep and goat production, inadequate nutrition, particularly of energy, depresses the reproductive performance of extensively or intensively managed sheep and of goats. Feeding adequate levels of nutrients will help in optimizing production and reproductive potentials in both male and female animal. We give a summary of feeding practices that give the farmer optimal production as well as reproductive performance at various stages of production
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Cottonseed and its by-products are used extensively for supplementing ruminant rations to increas... more Cottonseed and its by-products are used extensively for supplementing ruminant rations to increase productivity. However, they contain gossypol which is a reproductive toxicant in males of both ruminant and non-ruminants. This study evaluated the effect of dietary gossypol from whole cottonseed (WCS) and cottonseed cake (CSC) on the gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves of Yankasa rams. Fifteen (15) Yankasa rams weighing an average of 20 2 Kg were randomly distributed into three groups (A, B and C) of five rams each and were fed diets containing 48 % WCS, 48 % CSC and control diet (gossypol-free), respectively for 14 weeks. The gonadal and epididymal sperm of the rams (3 from each group) were determined. The data obtained were statistically analysed using GraphPad Prism version 5.0. Significance of differences between treatments means were determined at P ≤ 0.05 with Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison test of repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA). Testicular and epididymal weight, length and sperm reserves were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by gossypol. Gossypol-treated rams in groups A and B however, had numerically lower mean values of testicular and epididymal weight, length and sperm reserves than those of the control group. We concluded that gossypol present in whole cottonseed cake causes reduction in testicular and epididymal
sperm reserves and these feeds should be used with caution in breeding rams.
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This is a case report of brucellosis in a 0ne-and-a-half-year old Uda ewe purchased from a market... more This is a case report of brucellosis in a 0ne-and-a-half-year old Uda ewe purchased from a market in Zaria a few days prior to presentation to the Ahmadu Bello University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Zaria. The flock comprised of five Uda sheep, 4 ewes and 1 ram. The ewe was presented with the chief complaint of carpal hygroma. Laboratory examination of blood and hygromal fluid samples collected aseptically from the ewe was carried out using bacteriological and serological tests, respectively. No growth on culture was observed but serum sample from the ewe was positive for brucellosis by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Serum Agglutination Test (SAT). This finding has both economic and public health significance.
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The aim of the study was to determine the correlation between ultrasonographically-measured bipol... more The aim of the study was to determine the correlation between ultrasonographically-measured bipolar
length of kidneys with body length and body weight in Yankasa ewes (Ovisaries). A total of 27 apparently
healthy ewes weighing between 18-35kg were used for the study. The body lengths of the ewes were measured
in inches using a piece of string from the level of the nostrils to the base of the tail. The string was stretched out
against a measuring tape and the values obtained were entered into a record book. The paired kidneys of each
ewe were scanned in turn through the shaved left paralumbar fossa and the measured bipolar kidney lengths
were also recorded. The results obtained showed a positive correlation between the kidney bipolar length and
the body length (P<0.05) and a positive correlation between kidney lengths with the body weight the strength of
which was lower than that between the kidney length and body length.
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Aim: This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in slaughtered... more Aim: This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in slaughtered cattle in Bauchi State,
Nigeria. The cause (s) of grossly suspected bTB lesions encountered at the abattoirs during post-mortem (PM), as whether
due to Mycobacterium bovis alone or together with other acid fast bacilli (AFB).
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional abattoir based study was conducted on 800 cattle slaughtered in the Northern,
Central and Southern zonal abattoirs of Bauchi State, Nigeria, from June to August 2013; using PM meat inspection, Ziehl-
Neelsen staining (ZN) and confirmatory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques.
Results: The occurrence of bTB lesions from the organs of slaughtered cattle in Bauchi State, showed that the lungs had the
highest number of suspected tissues 65 (54.20%), followed by the lymph nodes 28 (23.30%) while the heart, liver, spleen,
intestines and mammary glands had the other 8.3%, 6.7%, 5.0%, 1.7%, and 0.8%, suspected tissues respectively. By ZN
microscopic staining all 100% (2/2) of the intestines were positive for bTB, followed by the heart with 50% (5/10), then
the lungs 29.23% (19/65); while the liver, lymph nodes, and spleen had 25%, 21.43% and 16.67% respectively were tested
positive for bTB. It was only the mammary gland that tested negative for bTB in all the suspected tissues sampled. By PCR,
the intestines had the highest positive bTB with 100% (2/2), followed by the liver with 12.5% (1/8), and then the lungs
with 7.8% (5/65). The lymph nodes had 7.14% (2/28) tissues that tested positive for bTB. However, the spleen, heart and
mammary gland were all tested negative with 0%; indicating that the false positive for bTB detected by ZN were confirmed
by PCR. While based on the location of the abattoirs in the three senatorial zones of Bauchi State, Bauchi zonal abattoir had
the highest number of suspected bTB cases 75 (62.50%), followed by Katagum zonal slaughter house with 32 (26.7%) and
then Misau with 13 (10.8%). By the ZN staining technique, there were 25 (33.33%) positivity in Bauchi Zonal abattoir,
while Katagum and Misau abattoirs had 9 (28.13%) and 1 (7.72%) positive respectively. By the PCR technique, 9 (12.00%),
1 (3.13%) and 0 (0.00%) positive cases were recorded for Bauchi, Katagum and Misau abattoirs respectively.
Conclusion: The present study estimated the prevalence rate of bTB in Bauchi State, using PM, ZN and PCR techniques at
15.0%, 29.16% and 8.33%, respectively. Bovine TB lesions found at PM were not all due to M. bovis alone, as other MTBC
and AFB organisms may cause bTB-like lesions that were excluded by PCR specific primers. The prevalence of bTB was
higher in Bauchi abattoir that supplies larger population of the state with beef. These findings also demonstrate the urgent
need for public health authorities in the state to intervene in the control of the zoonotic bTB.
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Conference Presentations by Mohammed Babashani
The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and production impacts of dermatophilosis in... more The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and production impacts of dermatophilosis in Zaria, North central Nigeria. A cross-sectional study on 500 cattle from 3 commercial farms was conducted from March 2013 to April 2016. Breed, sex and age of cattle, and season of the year were recorded. Study animals were selected randomly and examined for any skin lesion by visual inspections and palpations. Skin scrapings were collected for direct microscopic examination. Giemsa stained smears were examined from skin scrapings and presence of Dermatophilus congolensis was confirmed. Records of milk production, premature disposal, slaughter or death of cattle were evaluated. Two hundred and forty-six of the examined cattle (49.2 %) had clinical dermatophilosis. Specific prevalence was higher in cross bred (90.3 %) and Holstein cattle (66.7 %) than in indigenous zebu (6.0 %) cattle; in female cattle (49.7 %) than in male (42.9 %), in adults (54.3 %) than in young (40.5 %) age groups, in wet (62.9 %) than in dry season (17.3 %). Statistically significant association (p < 0.05) was observed between of dermatophilosis and breeds of cattle and season. Forty (16.3 %) of the infected cattle were successfully treated, 26 (10.6 %) were culled prematurely, 80 (32.5 %) died while 100 (40.7 %) were slaughtered. The average drop in milk production in infected cattle was 45.3 %. The study indicated dermatophilosis cause production losses in cattle production and is a threat to dairy development strategy started through cross breeding in Nigeria. We recommend adequate tick control measures and proper housing for prevention of dermatophilosis
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Papers by Mohammed Babashani
malformation that occurs during embryogenesis. The objective of this report was to describe a case of
arthrogryposis multiplex congenita involving all the limbs. A 6-year-old Bunaji cow of second parity with
complete and uneventful gestation period was presented due to dystocia. Clinical examination revealed
normal parameters, except for the pulse rate which was slightly elevated. Per-vaginum examination
revealed edematous birth canal, fully dilated cervix with foetus in posterior presentation; dorso-sacral
position, both foetal hind limbs were curved with ankylosed fetlock joints and the hind limbs were
crossed over each other. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of arthrogryposis
multiplex congenital in a Bunaji calf.
Cottonseed and its by-products are used extensively for supplementing ruminant rations. However, they contain gossypol which is a reproductive toxicant in males of both ruminant and non-ruminants. This study evaluated the effects of dietary gossypol from whole cottonseed and cottonseed cake on the semen characteristics of Yankasa rams. Fifteen (15) Yankasa rams weighing an average of 20 ± 3 Kg were randomly distributed into three groups (A, B and C) of five rams each and were fed diets containing 48% whole cottonseed, 48% cottonseed and control diet (gossypol-free), respectively for 14 weeks. The semen was collected weekly using an electro-ejaculator and was evaluated for volume, gross motility, concentration; live sperm cells and morphology were evaluated on a weekly basis. The data obtained were statistically analysed using GraphPad Prism version 5.0. Significance of differences between treatments means were determined at P ≤ 0.05 with Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison test of repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA). The mean semen volume and concentration of the rams in the experimental groups A and B did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) from that of the rams in the control group. However, the mean values of semen gross motility (p < 0.0001) (16.50 ± 4.00% and 37.50 ± 4.30% for groups A and B, respectively at week 14 vs 90.9 ± 6.37% for group C at week 14). Percent live spermatozoa also differed significantly (p < 0.05) (66.4 ± 4.99% at week 14 for group A and B vs 83.2 ± 2.06% at week 14 for the control group). The sperm cell abnormalities were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the treatment groups (37.3 ±1.31% and 46.8 ± 1.62 for group A and B, respectively) than in the control group (19.2 ± 1.32%). We conclude that dietary gossypol from whole cottonseed and cottonseed cake fed at 48% of the diet to Yankasa rams significantly altered their semen quality of Yankasa rams. We recommend that these cotton products should be minimised in feeds for rams intended for breeding purposes.
sperm reserves and these feeds should be used with caution in breeding rams.
length of kidneys with body length and body weight in Yankasa ewes (Ovisaries). A total of 27 apparently
healthy ewes weighing between 18-35kg were used for the study. The body lengths of the ewes were measured
in inches using a piece of string from the level of the nostrils to the base of the tail. The string was stretched out
against a measuring tape and the values obtained were entered into a record book. The paired kidneys of each
ewe were scanned in turn through the shaved left paralumbar fossa and the measured bipolar kidney lengths
were also recorded. The results obtained showed a positive correlation between the kidney bipolar length and
the body length (P<0.05) and a positive correlation between kidney lengths with the body weight the strength of
which was lower than that between the kidney length and body length.
Nigeria. The cause (s) of grossly suspected bTB lesions encountered at the abattoirs during post-mortem (PM), as whether
due to Mycobacterium bovis alone or together with other acid fast bacilli (AFB).
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional abattoir based study was conducted on 800 cattle slaughtered in the Northern,
Central and Southern zonal abattoirs of Bauchi State, Nigeria, from June to August 2013; using PM meat inspection, Ziehl-
Neelsen staining (ZN) and confirmatory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques.
Results: The occurrence of bTB lesions from the organs of slaughtered cattle in Bauchi State, showed that the lungs had the
highest number of suspected tissues 65 (54.20%), followed by the lymph nodes 28 (23.30%) while the heart, liver, spleen,
intestines and mammary glands had the other 8.3%, 6.7%, 5.0%, 1.7%, and 0.8%, suspected tissues respectively. By ZN
microscopic staining all 100% (2/2) of the intestines were positive for bTB, followed by the heart with 50% (5/10), then
the lungs 29.23% (19/65); while the liver, lymph nodes, and spleen had 25%, 21.43% and 16.67% respectively were tested
positive for bTB. It was only the mammary gland that tested negative for bTB in all the suspected tissues sampled. By PCR,
the intestines had the highest positive bTB with 100% (2/2), followed by the liver with 12.5% (1/8), and then the lungs
with 7.8% (5/65). The lymph nodes had 7.14% (2/28) tissues that tested positive for bTB. However, the spleen, heart and
mammary gland were all tested negative with 0%; indicating that the false positive for bTB detected by ZN were confirmed
by PCR. While based on the location of the abattoirs in the three senatorial zones of Bauchi State, Bauchi zonal abattoir had
the highest number of suspected bTB cases 75 (62.50%), followed by Katagum zonal slaughter house with 32 (26.7%) and
then Misau with 13 (10.8%). By the ZN staining technique, there were 25 (33.33%) positivity in Bauchi Zonal abattoir,
while Katagum and Misau abattoirs had 9 (28.13%) and 1 (7.72%) positive respectively. By the PCR technique, 9 (12.00%),
1 (3.13%) and 0 (0.00%) positive cases were recorded for Bauchi, Katagum and Misau abattoirs respectively.
Conclusion: The present study estimated the prevalence rate of bTB in Bauchi State, using PM, ZN and PCR techniques at
15.0%, 29.16% and 8.33%, respectively. Bovine TB lesions found at PM were not all due to M. bovis alone, as other MTBC
and AFB organisms may cause bTB-like lesions that were excluded by PCR specific primers. The prevalence of bTB was
higher in Bauchi abattoir that supplies larger population of the state with beef. These findings also demonstrate the urgent
need for public health authorities in the state to intervene in the control of the zoonotic bTB.
Conference Presentations by Mohammed Babashani
malformation that occurs during embryogenesis. The objective of this report was to describe a case of
arthrogryposis multiplex congenita involving all the limbs. A 6-year-old Bunaji cow of second parity with
complete and uneventful gestation period was presented due to dystocia. Clinical examination revealed
normal parameters, except for the pulse rate which was slightly elevated. Per-vaginum examination
revealed edematous birth canal, fully dilated cervix with foetus in posterior presentation; dorso-sacral
position, both foetal hind limbs were curved with ankylosed fetlock joints and the hind limbs were
crossed over each other. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of arthrogryposis
multiplex congenital in a Bunaji calf.
Cottonseed and its by-products are used extensively for supplementing ruminant rations. However, they contain gossypol which is a reproductive toxicant in males of both ruminant and non-ruminants. This study evaluated the effects of dietary gossypol from whole cottonseed and cottonseed cake on the semen characteristics of Yankasa rams. Fifteen (15) Yankasa rams weighing an average of 20 ± 3 Kg were randomly distributed into three groups (A, B and C) of five rams each and were fed diets containing 48% whole cottonseed, 48% cottonseed and control diet (gossypol-free), respectively for 14 weeks. The semen was collected weekly using an electro-ejaculator and was evaluated for volume, gross motility, concentration; live sperm cells and morphology were evaluated on a weekly basis. The data obtained were statistically analysed using GraphPad Prism version 5.0. Significance of differences between treatments means were determined at P ≤ 0.05 with Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison test of repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA). The mean semen volume and concentration of the rams in the experimental groups A and B did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) from that of the rams in the control group. However, the mean values of semen gross motility (p < 0.0001) (16.50 ± 4.00% and 37.50 ± 4.30% for groups A and B, respectively at week 14 vs 90.9 ± 6.37% for group C at week 14). Percent live spermatozoa also differed significantly (p < 0.05) (66.4 ± 4.99% at week 14 for group A and B vs 83.2 ± 2.06% at week 14 for the control group). The sperm cell abnormalities were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the treatment groups (37.3 ±1.31% and 46.8 ± 1.62 for group A and B, respectively) than in the control group (19.2 ± 1.32%). We conclude that dietary gossypol from whole cottonseed and cottonseed cake fed at 48% of the diet to Yankasa rams significantly altered their semen quality of Yankasa rams. We recommend that these cotton products should be minimised in feeds for rams intended for breeding purposes.
sperm reserves and these feeds should be used with caution in breeding rams.
length of kidneys with body length and body weight in Yankasa ewes (Ovisaries). A total of 27 apparently
healthy ewes weighing between 18-35kg were used for the study. The body lengths of the ewes were measured
in inches using a piece of string from the level of the nostrils to the base of the tail. The string was stretched out
against a measuring tape and the values obtained were entered into a record book. The paired kidneys of each
ewe were scanned in turn through the shaved left paralumbar fossa and the measured bipolar kidney lengths
were also recorded. The results obtained showed a positive correlation between the kidney bipolar length and
the body length (P<0.05) and a positive correlation between kidney lengths with the body weight the strength of
which was lower than that between the kidney length and body length.
Nigeria. The cause (s) of grossly suspected bTB lesions encountered at the abattoirs during post-mortem (PM), as whether
due to Mycobacterium bovis alone or together with other acid fast bacilli (AFB).
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional abattoir based study was conducted on 800 cattle slaughtered in the Northern,
Central and Southern zonal abattoirs of Bauchi State, Nigeria, from June to August 2013; using PM meat inspection, Ziehl-
Neelsen staining (ZN) and confirmatory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques.
Results: The occurrence of bTB lesions from the organs of slaughtered cattle in Bauchi State, showed that the lungs had the
highest number of suspected tissues 65 (54.20%), followed by the lymph nodes 28 (23.30%) while the heart, liver, spleen,
intestines and mammary glands had the other 8.3%, 6.7%, 5.0%, 1.7%, and 0.8%, suspected tissues respectively. By ZN
microscopic staining all 100% (2/2) of the intestines were positive for bTB, followed by the heart with 50% (5/10), then
the lungs 29.23% (19/65); while the liver, lymph nodes, and spleen had 25%, 21.43% and 16.67% respectively were tested
positive for bTB. It was only the mammary gland that tested negative for bTB in all the suspected tissues sampled. By PCR,
the intestines had the highest positive bTB with 100% (2/2), followed by the liver with 12.5% (1/8), and then the lungs
with 7.8% (5/65). The lymph nodes had 7.14% (2/28) tissues that tested positive for bTB. However, the spleen, heart and
mammary gland were all tested negative with 0%; indicating that the false positive for bTB detected by ZN were confirmed
by PCR. While based on the location of the abattoirs in the three senatorial zones of Bauchi State, Bauchi zonal abattoir had
the highest number of suspected bTB cases 75 (62.50%), followed by Katagum zonal slaughter house with 32 (26.7%) and
then Misau with 13 (10.8%). By the ZN staining technique, there were 25 (33.33%) positivity in Bauchi Zonal abattoir,
while Katagum and Misau abattoirs had 9 (28.13%) and 1 (7.72%) positive respectively. By the PCR technique, 9 (12.00%),
1 (3.13%) and 0 (0.00%) positive cases were recorded for Bauchi, Katagum and Misau abattoirs respectively.
Conclusion: The present study estimated the prevalence rate of bTB in Bauchi State, using PM, ZN and PCR techniques at
15.0%, 29.16% and 8.33%, respectively. Bovine TB lesions found at PM were not all due to M. bovis alone, as other MTBC
and AFB organisms may cause bTB-like lesions that were excluded by PCR specific primers. The prevalence of bTB was
higher in Bauchi abattoir that supplies larger population of the state with beef. These findings also demonstrate the urgent
need for public health authorities in the state to intervene in the control of the zoonotic bTB.