Journal of Animal Science and Applied Biology
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Correlation Between Physicochemical Parameters and Heavy Metal Levels in Lake Victoria, Kenya - Ecological Relevance to Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Get PDFABSTRACT
Lake Victoria is increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pollution, with implications for water quality, fisheries, and public health. This study examined the relationship between physicochemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations [lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr)] in Lake Victoria. During the dry season, water samples were collected from six sites in Siaya County, and physicochemical parameters were measured in situ. Heavy metals were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and data were subjected to Kruskal–Wallis tests, Dunn’s post hoc analysis, and Spearman’s rank correlations in R. Results revealed that most physicochemical parameters were within WHO limits, although conductivity and salinity varied significantly (p < 0.05) across sites. Fe was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in Kokach and Wichlum, while Cr levels were lowest (p < 0.05) in Kokach. Positive correlation between Fe and both temperature (r = 0.77) and dissolved solids (r = 0.77) was observed, while Cd was negatively correlated with conductivity (r = –0.97). Other associations were weak and not statistically significant. In conclusion, there is a strong association between physicochemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations in Lake Victoria, indicating that monitoring these selected physicochemical variables can serve for predicting heavy metal dynamics. Regular monitoring and integrated catchment management are therefore recommended to safeguard the lake’s ecological integrity. Further studies incorporating seasonal variation are necessary
Assessment of Factors Affecting Parasite Prevalence and Condition Factor in Farmed Fish of the Western Region of Cameroon
Get PDFFish production is an essential livelihood sector in Western Cameroon contributing significantly to food security and employment opportunities. Currently, it faces challenges from parasitic diseases. This study assessed the abiotic drivers of parasitism and their impact on the condition factor of three farmed fish species (Oreochromis niloticus, Cyprinus carpio, and Clarias gariepinus) in the Western Cameroon. Between December 2018 and December 2019, 2,254 fish were sampled monthly from ponds and concrete tanks, and examined using standard parasitological procedures, while water physicochemical parameters were measured simultaneously. Results showed that the overall parasite prevalence was 39.66%, dominated by ectoparasites (34.87%). Only 8.47% of endoparasites were found (Acanthocephalus sp. and nematodes). Parasite prevalence was significantly (p<0.05) higher during the dry season (46.01%), in non-integrated ponds, on farms managed by less-educated farmers, and with higher feeding frequency. The Principal Component Analysis indicated temperature, turbidity, phosphate, and iron are positively correlated to parasite prevalence, while dissolved oxygen showed a negative association. Although no mortality was recorded, parasitized fish had a significantly (p<0.05) lower condition factor (2.53±2.10) compared to non-infected fish (2.90±2.72). It was concluded that, in Western Cameroon fish farms, parasite prevalence is increased during dry-season, high temperature, turbidity, and feeding frequency. Non-integrated pond systems and farms operated by low educated farmers revealed a high parasite prevalence affecting the condition factor in infected fish. To address the issue, efforts should be focused on water quality management, feeding practices, and farmer training
Analysis of Smallholder Farmers’ Contributions to the Beef Value Chain in Two Zimbabwean Localities (Gokwe South and Mount Darwin)
Get PDFZimbabwe has been undergoing a shift, aided by land agricultural reforms and changes in land ownership. As a result, smallholder farmers now dominate the beef value chain. A survey was carried out to analyze smallholder farmers' contributions to the beef value chain in two Zimbabwean areas, Gokwe South and Mount Darwin districts. A multi-stage sampling approach was used to randomly select (n=100) households as respondents. Data was imported and analyzed using SPSS. Chi-square (χ2) was used to determine the relationship between relevant variables. Results showed that men controlled the beef industry with 69% males against 31% females. The most common ailment was tickborne disease, accounting for 84% of cases in both districts. 95% of respondents relied on their own knowledge to identify diseases. All the farmers relied entirely on natural grazing. About 82% depend on personal savings to fund beef activities, while 69% were unable to obtain loans due to a lack of collateral. There was no significant (p > 0.05) relationship the variables considered. Despite the constraints (in disease identification, limited use of other feed alternatives, and personal funds to finance the sector), farmers are encouraged to get more involved in rangeland management and explore new opportunities to get financial access.
Keywords: Feeding systems; Natural grazing; Disease identification; Personal savings; Smallholder farmers
Reproductive Performance and Catecholamine Responses in Yankasa Rams Supplemented with Synthetic Selenium and Vitamin E in a Semi-arid Environment of Nigeria
Get PDFThis study investigated the effects of selenium (Se) and vitamin E (Vit. E) supplementation on testicular traits, sperm morphology, and catecholamine responses in Yankasa rams. Sixteen yearling rams (22.5 ± 2.1 kg) were randomly assigned to four treatments and monitored for 9 weeks in a completely randomized design: Control (no supplementation), Se (0.6 mg), Se + Vit. E (0.6 mg Se + 2 g Vit. E), and Vit. E (2 g). Results showed that testicular characteristics were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the selenium-supplemented group as compared to others. However, the Se + Vit. E group showed significantly lower testicular weights. The various spermatozoa characteristics measured differ significantly (p < 0.05) across the treatment groups except for normal, bent tail, and detached head. The percentage of spermatozoa with proximal droplets was significantly (p<0.05) lower in the Se + Vit. E group compared to others. Microcephalic sperm was absent in treated animals but present in the control (1.5 ± 0.1%) (P=0.019). Catecholamine analysis showed that dopamine was higher (P < 0.05) in the Se + vit. E group as compared with rams in the control and Vit. E groups. Adrenaline (0.45 ± 0.05) and noradrenaline (0.163 ± 0.11) were significantly lower in vitamin E as compared to other treatments. These results indicate that Se alone enhances testicular development, while Se + Vit. E improves sperm quality. However, animals receiving supplements had reduced catecholamine secretion (adrenaline and noradrenaline).
KEYWORDS: Catecholamine, reproductive performance, selenium, vitamin E, Yankasa ram
Genetic Differentiation of Clarias gariepinus From Nigerian’s Rivers Benue and Donga Using Single Nucleotide Polymorphism
Get PDFoai:oai.journalasab.com:article/5Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822), a cornerstone of aquaculture in Nigeria, faces threats to its genetic integrity due to indiscriminate breeding and environmental degradation. This study investigates the genetic differentiation of C. gariepinus broodstocks from Rivers Benue and Donga using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers derived from the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. A total of 30 specimens were collected, with 29 successfully sequenced and analyzed. DNA was extracted, and amplification was performed using species-specific primers. BioEdit and MEGA X were used for sequence alignment, SNP identification, and phylogenetic analysis. Results revealed high sequence similarity (99.0–100%) with the C. gariepinus reference genome (NCBI: KT001082.1), confirming species identity. Low sequence divergence was observed, reflecting high genetic homogeneity within this population. Nucleotide composition was slightly A–T rich, and the transition/transversion bias was R = 2768.32. Only one SNP (T/C at locus 431) differentiated the three haplotypes identified, while the Tajima’s relative rate test showed no significant differences in evolutionary rates among haplotypes (χ² = 0.00; p = 1.000). In conclusion, the low haplotypic diversity and absence of functional mutations reflect genetic homogeneity among the populations studied. However, complementary analyses using DNA markers are required to fully understand the genetic differentiation in C. gariepinus.
Keywords: Clarias gariepinus, single nucleotide polymorphism, mitochondrial RNA, genetic diversity, Rivers Benue and Dong
Effects of Aqueous Extract of Moringa Leaves (Moringa Oleifera) on Growth and Laying Performances of Japanese Quails (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica)
Get PDFTo increase the productivity of the local Japanese quails as a protein source, a study was carried out to evaluate the effects of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera (AEMO) leaves on growth and laying performances. For this purpose, 96 three-week-old Japanese quails were subdivided into four groups according to a completely randomized design. The first group received feed without additives, while other groups had 0.25, 0.5, and 1% of AEMO leaves in their rations. The results showed that adding 0.5% AEMO leaves to the diet significantly (p<0.05) reduced feed intake compared to T0, while quails fed on 0.25% of AEMO had the highest feed intake (1113.93±99.80 g). The body weight and feed conversion ratio decreased with increasing levels of AEMO leaves in the diet. The animals fed the T0 diet recorded the highest body weight (214.02±32.98 g), whereas T0.5 yielded the lowest (205.46±25.06 g). The inclusion of AEMO leaves in the quail’s diet had no significant (p < 0.05) effect on the weight of the eggs and the shape index. However, there was a significant (p < 0.05) difference in the number of eggs between T0.25 (18.62±6.61) and the control (11.12±4.01). It was therefore concluded that 0.25% of AEMO leaves might be used to improve egg production in Japanese quails