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The macroinvertebrate community of Agbara- Otor River system at Agbara-Otor,
Omavovwe and Afiesere in Delta state were studied, to evaluate the ecological impact of
dredging on their community structure from March to May, 2017. Kick sampling
method was adopted for macroinvertebrate sample collection. Two litres of water
sample was also collected for the evaluation of the environmental variables. The range
of results for air temperature(31.0-37.5°C), water temperature(27.3-32.3°C),
transparency (0.03-0.81m), total solids (0.35-0.7mg/L), conductivity (27.03-51.6
µm/Scm), pH (7.8-9.7), alkalinity(13.0-33.3mg/CaCO3), acidity (25.0-72.5), dissolved
oxygen (3.1-5.7mg/L), biochemical oxygen demand (1.53-5.7mg/L), nitrates (0.005-
0.006mg/L) and phosphates (1.13-1.67mg/L) were obtained. A general low taxa (7)
comprising of 403 individuals with15 families were recorded. Coleoptera (41.2%) was
the dominant family, followed by Odonata (16.1%), Ephemeroptera (10.7%),
Hemiptera (10.4%), Trichoptera (9.93%), Decapoda (8.68%) and the least, Diptera
(2.98%). The highest diversity indices range for Shannon-weiner of 1.6-1.7 was
obtained indicating very poor water quality and unstable system. The first axes of the
three principal components in all stations extracted over 90% of the macro
invertebrates- environmental variables influence implicating nutrients, organic load
and sediments. Therefore, this study identified dredging as a serious threat to this water
quality and its macroinvertebrates. Targeted ways of dredging must be adapted to
reduce ecological impacts and allow for re-establishment and protection of
macroinvertebrates and improved water quality.

The influence of roasting and sundrying on the mineral contents of edible grasshopper consumed
in Niger State, Nigeria was determined using standard methods. Analysis was done on fresh,
sundried and roasted grasshopper samples. The results of the study revealed that sundried
grasshopper (SGH) had the highest Mn (10.57±0.21), Ca (1467±2.83) and Fe (23.35±0.21)
contents. Fresh samples (FGH) had the highest Cu (11.05±0.21) content and least K (67.00
±1.14), Mn (2.35 ±0.07), Na (16.55±0.35) and P (57.40±0.99) contents. Roasted grasshopper
prepared in the laboratory (RGHL) had the highest Zn (1.06±0.04), Na (94.70 ±0.14), K
(133.79±0.86), Mg (411.50±10.61) and P (107.00±1.41) contents while roasted grasshopper
obtained from the market (RGHM) had the least Fe (14.95±0.49), Zn (0.54±0.01), Na
(14.90±0.42), Mg (234.00±1.41) and P (59.10 ±0.57) contents. The composition of Cu, Fe and
Ca in all the samples of grasshopper analyzed were above the WHO recommended limit. The
results of this study showed that insect samples processed by roasting provided good sources of
many minerals. Therefore, roasted grasshopper prepared in the laboratory is deemed suitable as
complementary food source to alleviate under-nutrition especially among vulnerable groups
(women and children) in developing countries. 

Dung beetle larva is a traditional delicacy of the Gbagyi people of Niger State, Nigeria. The
microbial load of dung beetle larva was assayed using the pour plate method while
enumeration of organisms was done using the colony counter. The highest aerobic
bacterial load was obtained from the external surface of fried dung beetle larvae obtained
from the market, FDBM (6.53×106 cfu/mL) while the least was from fried dung beetle larva
processed in the laboratory, FDBL (0.25×106 cfu/mL). Similar bacterial count was obtained
from external surface of fresh dung beetle, FDB (3.0×106 cfu/mL) and sundried dung
beetle, SDB (3.0×106 cfu/mL). Higher aerobic bacterial load was recorded on the whole
body of FDBM (2.03×106 cfu/g) while FDB (4.9×106 cfu/g), SDB (5.1×106 cfu/g) and FDBL
(5.6×106cfu/g) had similar bacterial load on their whole body. The highest anaerobic
bacteria count was obtained from the external surface of FDB (9.3×106 cfu/mL) and SDB
(8.7×106 cfu/mL) followed by FDBL (2.9×106 cfu/mL). The least anaerobic count was
recorded on external surface of FDBM (2.5×106 cfu/mL). The highest anaerobic bacteria
count was obtained from whole body of FDBM (10.9×107 cfu/g) while the least was from
FDB (4.2×106 cfu/g) and FDBL (4.4×106 cfu/g). The highest fungal count was obtained
from external surface (9.00×104 cfu/mL) and whole body (48.00×104 cfu/g) of FDB while
the least was from FDBL external surface (5.67×104 cfu/mL) and whole body (5.00×104
cfu/g). The bacterial counts in dung beetle larva except for FDBM were within the
acceptable limits when compared with the recommended limits (104 – 106 cfu/g) by
International Commission on Microbiological Specification for Foods (ICMSF). The total fungal count obtained from the present study was above the recommended limit
(103cfu/g). Species of Bacillus, Pseudomonas and Streptococcus were isolated from
external surface of FDB and SDB respectively while FDBL had species of Bacillus and
Proteus sp. on its external surface. Only Bacillus sp. was isolated from the external surface
of FDBM. From the whole body of FDB and SDB, Bacillus was isolated while species of
Bacillus and Proteus were isolated from FDBM. Species of Pseudomonas and Micrococcus
were isolated from whole body of FDBL. Bacillus sp. was the most frequently isolated
bacterium while Streptococcus sp. was the least. Aspergillus niger was the most frequent
fungus isolated while Aspergillus fumigates was the least. The results of the study revealed
that fried dung beetle larva prepared in the laboratory had the least microbial count.
Samples of dung beetle larva studied contained both pathogenic and non-pathogenic
microorganisms. Thus adequate precaution should be taken during processing and
handling.

The African Thrush Turdus pelios is a typical Thrush in appearance and habits. It is a
melodious song bird that is native to Africa and is easily recognized by its song. It has a
conspicuously yellow bill and forages mostly in parks and gardens. The sexes are similar and are dull
grey-brown in colour. A study was carried out in order to provide information on the nest, eggs and
nestlings of the African Thrush Turdus pelios in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria. The study was conducted
between June and July, 2016. A nest of the African Thrush was discovered by visual observation on
the 12th of June 2016. The nest was located on a Terminalia superba tree in a fork within two
branches. The height above ground of the nest was 5.2 m, measured using a surveyor’s tape. The nest
and its content were accessed with the aid of a ladder. The nest was the “statant cupped” type and
had one egg in it when discovered. The second and third eggs were laid subsequently on the 13th and
14th June, 2016 respectively. The clutch size was three and the eggs were bluish in colour, dotted
with reddish spots. Incubation of the eggs started immediately the last egg was laid and lasted for a
period of two weeks. One of the eggs was hatched on the 28th of June, 2016 and the other two
remaining eggs were not hatched. The breeding success was calculated to be 33.3%. The newly
hatched nestling was naked and blind. Photographs of the nestling were taken on the 4th day after
hatching and at one week after hatching, using a Fujifilm digital camera Fine Pix A700. The nestling
fledged at ten days after hatching and the nest was dismantled for the identification of the nest
materials. The study is evidence of the breeding of the African Thrush in Lokoja and it is likely that
the breeding season of the species in Lokoja falls between June and July. Further study is hereby
recommended in order to provide detailed information on the breeding biology of the species in the
area. 

A study was carried out to evaluate effect of mulch and irrigation on growth and water use
efficiency of lettuce (lactuca sativa L.) cultivars under irrigation during 2016, 2017 and 2018
in semi-arid ecology of Northern Nigeria at Irrigation Research Sub-Station farm (IRS) of the
Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University at Kadawa, (110 39/ N, 0800
027/ E and 500 m above sea level) in the Sudan Savanna Ecological Zone of Nigeria.
Treatments were factorial combinations of three irrigation levels (50, 75 and 100 % of
reference evapotranspiration (ETo), three lettuce cultivars (Great Lake, Slaai and Baby leaf
mix) and two levels of mulch (no-mulch and mulch) laid out in a split plot design with three
replicates. Water applied before and after irrigation was monitored throughout the seasons.
Results indicated that different levels of irrigation and mulch on all growth characteristics,
crop water use efficiency and irrigation water use efficiency were significant with the highest
irrigation level of 100 % ETo recording the highest yield of 8.5, 8.4 and 8.6 tonnes ha-1 in
2016, 2017 and 2018 seasons respectively while 50 % ETo recoded the least yield of 7.3, 6.7
and 7.5 tonnes ha-1 across the three years. Increase in water application increase yield of
about 7.6% in 2016; 11.6 and 10.6 % in 2017 and 2018 respectively with 100% ETo.
Mulching significantly improved the crop water productivity irrespective of the cultivar in
the study area. Since there were only minor differences between growth characters of lettuce
obtained from 75 and 100% ETo, it can be said that water application should be kept at 75%
weekly crop consumptive use in this region.

Seasonal adaptive distribution of mosquito species in rice fields was investigated in four
widely spaced sites located in Bosso, Maitumbi, Fadikpe and Chanchaga areas of Minna,
Niger State. Mosquito larvae were collected from the four sites during the rainy season
while soil samples were collected by excavation and flooded with water in plastic
containers to allow aestivating eggs and immature to emerge. Immature mosquitoes
recovered for both seasons were reared to adults and identified in the laboratory using
standard morphological keys. The results revealed three mosquito genera (i.e Aedes,
Anopheles and Culex) species co- existing in rice fields in Minna, with Culex been
dominant. The distribution of the ten species of mosquitoes occurred in the following
order of decreasing abundance during the rainy season; Culex pipiens pipiens
651(21.9%)> Culex quinquefasciatus 421(14.2%)> Anopheles gambiae 400 (13.5%)>
Anopheles funestus 334 (11.2%)> Culex restuans 297 1(10.0%)> Anopheles
maculipalpis 187(6.3%)> Anopheles quardrimaculatus 178(6.0%)> Aedes dorsalis 173
(5.8%)> Aedes aegypti 169 (5.7%)> Aedes vexans 162 (5.5%). While that of dry season
was Cx. pipiens pipiens 78(30%)> An. gambiae 6(23%)> Cx. quinquefasciatus 34
(13%)> An.funestus 32 (12.3%)> Ae. aegypti 20 (7.7%)> An. maculipalpis 10 (3.8%)>
An. quadrimaculatus 9(3.4%)> Cx. restuans 8(3.1%)> Ae. dorsalis 6(2.3%)> Ae vexans
4(1.5%). Findings further revealed a negative correlation between Aedes vs Anopheles
and Anopheles vs Culex mosquitoes in rainy season. But a positive correlation was
exhibited between the three mosquito genera during the dry season. Statistically
however, there was significant difference (P > 0.05) in the distribution of mosquito
species in the studied areas in both seasons. Thus, there is an urgent need for an effective
mosquito larvicidal programme for vector control in rice-fields in Minna, for sustainable
rice production. 

Intestinal helminthes are threat to the health of rural communities of developing countries. School children are predisposed to the infection caused by these parasites. This study reported the presence of intestinal helminthes among school children in Nkalagu area of Ishielu Local Government Area. Concentration method was used for microscopic analysis of the faecal samples. Out of the 100 faecal samples examined, 62(62%) were infected. Of which 53 males examined, 33(62.2%) was infected; 47 females, 29(61.7%) were infected; School 1 had the highest prevalence 34(68%). Significant differences was recorded at p<0.05. The total prevalence of infection among schools sampled is as follows; Ascaris lumbricoides 38(61.3 %), Enterobius vermicularis 15(24.2%) and Trichuris trichiura 9(14.5%). The prevalence of these intestinal helminthic parasites also varied significantly between the gender with females having comparatively more Ascaris lumbricoides 20(69%), Enterobius vermicularis 4(13.8%) and Trichuris trichura 5(17.2%) and the males having Ascaris lumbricoides 18(54.5%), Enterobius vermicularis 11(33.3%) and Trichuris trichiura 4(12.1%). The prevalence of these helminthic infections varied significantly among the age groups, 57 years was highly infected 25(64.1%), Ascaris lumbricoides infection was high in all the age groups. Our study indicated that intestinal helminthiasis has high prevalence in the area. Control measures such as, provision of adequate sanitary facilities and potable drinking water, improved personal hygiene and health education campaign should increase in the study area.

5Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, KOMU Imo State, Nigeria.

Submitted: November, 2022; Accepted: December, 2022; Published: December, 2022

Benthic macro invertebrate’s ability to indicate various types of anthropogenic
stressors is widely recognized as an integral component of freshwater biomonitoring. In
case of pollution, biodiversity of the aquatic community can be affected and the species
composition changes from natural species to tolerant species. Study on the benthic
macro invertebrates as potential indicator of water quality in Ajiwa reservoir, Katsina
State was carried out from November, 2015 to October, 2016, in terms of physical and
chemical parameters and biotic indices. For this purpose, macro benthic invertebrates
and water samples were taken from five sampling location once monthly. Benthic macro
invertebrate samples were collected with the aid of Ekman grab and was transferred
into labelled plastic storage bottle and preserved with 70% ethanol prior to sorting and
identification with the aid of standard keys. Physicochemical parameter were
determined using standard methods, procedures and instruments. The results of
identification and counting of the abundance of benthic macro invertebrate was used to
determine some biotic indices (Biological Monitoring Working Party-BMWP and
Average Score Per Taxon -ASPT) and diversity indices (Margalef, Simpson and Shannon
and Weaver Diversity indices). Fifteen physicochemical parameters were determined.
Some of their mean value were; Water Temperature (27.15±2.42 ), pH, (7.85±2.01),
Free CO2 (3.47±0.78mg/L), Turbidity (98.0±2.28NTU), TDS (85.68±2.71mg/L),
Electrical Conductivity (158.55±3.04μS/cm), Total Hardness (72.16±2.37mg/L), DO
(6.10±0.13mg/L), BOD (3.41±2.31mg/L), Calcium (64.34±1.35mg/L), Total alkalinity
(96.27±3.09mg/L), COD (4.11±1.10mg/L), Magnesium (5.36±2.46mg/L), Phosphate
(1.42±0.96mg/L) and Nitrate (2.07±1.13mg/L). Thirty five (35) different taxa
belonging to twenty four (24) families from a total of 4550 individuals’ organisms were
recorded. The relative percentage composition of the major taxonomic groups to the
overall macro benthic population at the different stations revealed that the study area
was inhabited by the following order Oligochaete (40.28%), Molluscs (24.08%), Diptera
(19.29%), Odonata (5.78%), Coleoptera (3.94%), Nematodes (3.38%) and Hemiptera (3.24%). BMWP had 57 scores; indicating moderately polluted water body in station 1
and 5 with abundance of pollution tolerant taxa such Chironomidae, Lymnaeidae,
Tubificidae and Planorbidae which revealed the impact of anthropogenic activities at some sampling locations of the reservoir. It is therefore recommended that
uncontrolled discharge of agrochemicals within the vicinity of the reservoir through
irrigation and other anthropogenic activities such as cattle rearing, bush burning etc.
should be controlled in order to curtail degradation of the aquatic biota over a period of
time. 

In addition to providing data of prey items, field surveillance of foraging activities in
lizards offers information on behavioural responses to changing habitat; food resource
conditions, such as, prey density; and the manner the prey is captured. The present
work, conducted near suburban settlements and towns in the Savannah belt of Nigeria,
West Africa, sought to use a natural history approach, with a mix of analytical methods
in order to enhance the characterization of the dietary ecology of A. agama through
direct field surveillance of foraging habits. This work reports, possibly for the first time,
some age-sex differences in diet-related behaviour of A. agama. Surveillance was made
four times in each of four sites, over four seasons, during June, 2015 to May, 2017. Five
transects of 100 meters each, spaced at 20-meter intervals were established in each of
the four sites. On every surveillance occasion, bouts of 30-minute walks were made on
each transect, pausing for longer periods whenever needed. Observations were
completed mainly with unaided eye, except for infrequent use of binoculars. Five
dietary items, namely dipterans, hymenopterans, isopterans, fungus, and orthopterans
had the highest frequency of selection ranks, in the order listed. The young & juvenile
lizards (of both sexes) displayed a rather peculiar manner of catching their dipteran
prey, described here as The Agama Predatory ‘Dance’ Significantly greater proportion
of young & juvenile lizards deployed this technique more than the adults (Fisher's
exact test, P = 0.002; Test for difference = 0 (vs not = 0); Z = -3.46; P-Value = 0.001).
Other diet-related observations noted included cannibalism and pest tendencies.
Perhaps, degraded habitat and poor food resource conditions were related to certain
bizarre dietary behaviours seen in A. agama.

The Influence of insecticide treatment and environmental conditions on reproductive attributes
(egg fertility, adult survivorship rate and daily adult emergence) of beans weevil (Callosobruchus
maculatus) infesting stored grains was investigated. Insecticide-free grains of white cowpea
(Vigna unguiculata) and test insecticide (Dichlorvos) were obtained from cowpea and
agrochemical vendors respectively, in Minna, Nigeria. Nulliparous female individuals of C.
maculatus, for the experimentation, were obtained from Stored Produce Research Institute, Ilorin.
The weevils were exposed to five graded concentrations of the insecticide prior to experimentation,
with negative and positive Controls. All experimental set-ups were in 5 replicates. The results
revealed significant effects of the insecticide on all reproductive traits investigated. Increase in
insecticide concentration significantly (P < 0.05) affected egg fertility (76.63±6.98, 35.75±7.67),
adult survivorship rate (44.29±5.48, 19.21±5.49 (%)) for Negative Control (NC) and Treated beans
(T5) respectively, as well as, daily adult emergence. Correlation between adult emergence and
Temperature (r = -0.2706, -0.8222); relative humidity (r = 0.47657, -0.2747) for NC and T5
respectively. The tested insecticide had significant effects on reproductive attributes of the insect
species. This information can assist cowpea farmers and stakeholders in pre and post storage
planning activities, as well as, monitoring insecticide contamination in stored grains.

Cyperus esculentus L., commonly known as Tiger nut, is a crop of the sedge family found
widespread across the world. Comparative nutritional compositions of raw and processed
(dankuwa, tiger nut cake) tiger nuts were carried out according to the standard methods.
Raw and processed tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentus L.) was found to contain high fat, crude
fiber, carbohydrate contents but low moisture content. The result of the proximate analysis
revealed that the moisture contents of raw tiger nuts (9.67percent), crude fat
(28.61percent) and crude fiber (24.94 percent) were significantly (p<0.05) higher than,
those of the processed tiger nut; (7.86%), (25.53%) and (22.34%) respectively. However,
the ash (3.00%), and carbohydrate (35.46%), contents of processed tiger nut was
significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of the raw tiger nuts; (1.61 %) and (25.53 %)
respectively. The Sodium (218.04mg/100g) and Calcium (0.65 mg/100g) contents of raw
tiger nuts were significantly (p<0.05) higher when compared to Sodium (139.53mg/100g)
and Calcium (0.00) contents of processed tiger nuts while the Potassium (38600.46
mg/100g), Iron (10.9), Copper (0.45mg/100g) and Zinc (7.85 mg/100g) contents of
processed tiger nuts were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of the raw tiger nuts
(1225.50mg/100g), (6.15mg/100g), (0.40 mg/100g) and (4.10mg/100g) respectively. The
vitamin C (103.5mg/100g) and vitamin A (0.38mg/100g) contents of raw tiger nut were
significantly (p<0.05) higher to those, vitamin C (93.16 mg/100g) and vitamin A
(0.16mg/100g) contents of processed tiger nut. It can be concluded from the results of this
study that raw and processed (dankuwa) tiger nut contain appreciable amounts of micro
and micronutrients which could be included in the daily dietary pattern of human. This will
help to minimize the risk of nutritional deficiencies. 

Ticks are arthropods with four pairs of jointed legs, two body division i.e. cephalothorax and
abdomen and they are wingless. The study was conducted to determine the incidence of ticks
on animals slaughtered at Sokoto central abattoir. A total of 200 animals made up of 50 each
of cattle, camel, Goat and sheep were examined during the study. The body of animals were
divided into four i.e. legs, anal region, udder and other parts for tick examination. Age and
sex of the animals were noted. 79 animals, representing 39.5% were infested. The results
showed that camel has the highest infestation of 21%, followed by cattle with 15%, the sheep
2% and Goat with 1.5%. A total of 1055 ticks were collected from 79 infested animals. Six
species of ticks belonging to three genera were recorded, the tick species encountered with
their prevalence percentage are Hyalomma dromedarri with 69.19% followed by Hyalomma
truncatun with 20.47%, Ambylomma Variegatum with 6.16%, Boophilus decoloratus with
3.15%, Hyalomma marginatum rufipes 0.75% and Hyalomma impeltatum with lowest
percentage of 0.28%.From the study, the intensity of tick infestation is high, hence the need
for strict adoption of preventive strategies. 

The effect of methanol extact of Sterculia setigera on some serum and liver enzymes, as well as,
haematological parameters in Plasmodium bergei-infected mice was investigated. Fifteen mice
were randomly allocated into six groups of three animals each. Group I and II were given normal
saline (2 ml/kg) and chloroquine (5 mg/kg) to serve as untreated and treated controls,
respectively. Groups III-V received the extract at 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg body weight,
respectively. All treatments were administered through the oral route. Haematological and
Biochemical parameters including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase
(AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities and total protein concentration in serum
and liver of mice were evaluated. Results showed that the liver ALP activities significantly
(p<0.05) increased in infected untreated mice. There were also increases in serum ALT and AST
activities with concomitant decrease in liver activity of infected untreated group when compared
with control mice and infected treated with extract. Treatment with methanol extract of S.
setigera, however enhanced the situation as observed in the serum and liver enzymes activities in
the treated mice. Total white blood cell was significantly lowered in untreated mice. There were
also significant increases in the red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume
(PCV) and mean cell volume (MCV) of infected extract (only at 600 mg/kg) treated mice when
compared with the infected untreated. The results suggest that S. setigera probably has the ability
to reduce Plasmodium berghei induce alteration in biochemical and hematological parameters. It
could therefore be a useful cheap agent for the management of malaria

The stems and roots of phenerophytes are made of a porous and fibrous structural tissue
that are strong in tension and embedded in matrix of lignin that resist compression. Wood is
fibrous material used for biofuel or timber in addition to being used as pulp for making
paper. A fresh wood sample of Ziziphus spina-Christi (Christ’s thorn) was taken from
Buskuri open savanna woodland and tested for moisture content, calorific value, combustion
rate and its coppicing ability measured. The study showed that the moisture content at the
time of energy determination was found to be 5.62 percent and the calorific value of 15.33
Mj/Kg was recorded. The results also revealed that in eight minutes, the temperature of the
wood sample reached 450oC and temperature above 100oC was retained for a period of
22minutes. The species was found to coppice at the rate of 155cm per annum. An urgent
need to stop cutting Ziziphus spina-Christi for fuel wood and the need for further research
on the wood properties of the same species for enhanced diversification of utilization were
recommended.

The study was conducted at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria to
determine the most appropriate stage at which to harvest ‘Gboma’ eggplant (Solanum
macrocarpon L.) fruits to obtain high quality seeds. Flowers were date-tagged on the field
at anthesis and serially harvested at four days intervals from 14 to 66 days after anthesis
(DAA). Records were taken on fruit internal and external features, seed dry matter,
germination percentage (GP), germination rate index (GRI) and germination index (GI) at
each harvest. GP, GRI and GI were also determined at an interval of seven days during a 42-
day storage period at 37 ºC and 75% relative humidity. Fruit colour changed from green to
yellowish green at about 30 DAA and later turned brown. By 58-66 DAA fruit mesocarp and
locular cavity were dry and fruits were prominently shrunken at 62 and 66 DAA. Seed dry
matter increased significantly (P≤5%) from about 0.06 g/50 seeds at 22 DAA to 0.16 g at
42 DAA with no further significant increases thereafter. Non-stored seeds harvested earlier
than 58 DAA germinated significantly (P≤5%) poorer (0 to19%) compared to those
harvested at 58 to 66 DAA with germination of 52-58%. A range of 0-34% germination was
recorded at 14-54 DAA; about 86, 75 and 76% at 58, 62 and 66 DAA respectively. GRI and
GI increased significantly (P≤5%) from about 0.1%-day to about 5.7%-day and about 3.0 to
272.5 respectively at 38 to 66 DAA in non-aged seeds with increases during storage. A
decline in the values of all parameters was generally recorded beyond 14 days of storage
which is an indication of seed deterioration. It is concluded that “Gboma’ eggplant seed
attained maximum quality at about 58 DAA when fruits were left to dry completely on the
mother-plant and still retained high quality at 62 and 66 DAA when fruits had become
shrunken.

The influence of study locations and mode of killing on abundance of forensically important
insect species informed the present study in Minna, North-central Nigeria. Twenty-four
pigs with an average weight of 22.30 kg were sacrificed through stabbing, oxygen
deprivation and poisoning with zinc phosphate to determine population dynamics of
carcass inhabiting insects during the process of decomposition in two locations (College of
Education, COE, and Dutsen Kura, DK) during the dry season in Minna. Five stages of
decomposition of cadaver were observed in the study, namely; fresh, bloated, active decay,
advanced decay and dry decay stages. Though, eight (8) forensically important insect
species (Lucilla sericata, Chrysomya albiceps, C. rufaficies, Musca domestica, Hemipyrellia
liqurriens, Sarcophaga carnaria, Hermetia illucens and Ophyra aenacens) were observed
colonizing the carcases, pigs sacrificed by poisoning witnessed the presence of only two (2)
insect species (L. sericata and M. domestica). A total of 611.70±79.30 insect species were
collected throughout the study periods; with stabbed pigs contributing 154.70±21.91 and
152.32±13.83 insects species, respectively, in COE and DK; oxygen-deprived and poisoned
pigs contributing 136.62±16.73 and 145.74±17.40, and 12.32±2.83 and 10.00±0.66 insect
species, respectively, in COE and DK. There was no significant (p>0.05) variation in the
number of forensically important insect species encountered in the study sites, however,
there was significant (p<0.05) effect of mode of killing on the numbers encountered. There
was also significant (p<0.05) variation in the number of insects collected during each
decompositional stage: with active decay stage, consistently, recording the highest number
of insect species irrespective of mode of killing. While, M. domestica was, consistently, the most abundant insect species irrespective of mode of killing, decompositional stage and
study site, H. illucens was the least abundant. Musca domestica had range of values of
6.00±4.95 (in COE, for poisoned pigs) to 37.76±3.01 insects/ net sweep (in GK, for oxygendeprived pigs), while H. Illucens had range of values of 4.50±0.71 (in COE, for stabbed
pigs) to 5.67±2.36 (in DK, for oxygen-deprived pigs). The study revealed that mode of
killing, rather than, study locations had significant effect on abundance of carcassinhibiting entomo-fauna. The finding of this study will provide baseline information for
preparing a forensic template for determining post-mortem interval and cause of human
deaths in Minna eco-type settings.

The use of yeast for ethanol production from biomass has been well reported, however the
performance of various yeast strains is limited due to high temperature involved of the fermentation
process as well as the ethanol concentration. Efficient production of bioethanol, therefore, requires
strains that are both thermo-tolerant and ethanol tolerant. This paper aimed at producing bioethanol
using ethanol, pH and temperature tolerant yeast species from isolated from local brews in Nigeria.
The study involves the isolation, identification and characterisation of yeast strains using
morphological techniques from local brews samples in Minna, Niger state, Nigeria. All isolates
assimilated xylose sugar; however they showed significant variations in sugar fermentation pattern.
The growth of all the yeast isolates at 45 °C was observed in temperature tolerant activity and
between pH range of 2 to 6; also, all isolates were tolerant to 14% ethanol, however, some showed
the ability to grow at 17% ethanol. All yeast isolates produced ethanol in quantities between 0.73 –
18.43 g/L, however the highest production was observed by isolate B21 on day 2. The study
demonstrated that most of the identified yeast species are temperature and alcohol tolerate up to 45
oC and 14% ethanol. The assimilation of pentose sugars further suggests that these isolates could be
applied for the production of high yield bioethanol and the use of indigenous local brews could be
exploited by various industries for alternative fuel production.

Plant growth relies on soil nutrients. An agricultural soil's ability to remain viable is largely

dependent on its physicochemical characteristics, which can be restored through artificial or

natural fertilizer. When added to the soil as amendments, waste for soil enhancement can

positively impact soil physicochemical parameters and active associations, reducing

pathogen populations in cultivated fields. A study to determine the impact of improved soil

physico-chemical parameters on nematode population dynamics was conducted using raw

poultry filters. Soil sampling was done prior and post improvement of soil physicochemical

features by parasitological technique. Soil was collected using a modified soil auger on 0-15

cm depth. The extraction of nematode was done using the modified sieve plate technique and

nematodes were identified using nematode pictorial key. Sampling before the improvement

of the physicochemical parameters of soil revealed a total of 216 nematodes from 8 genera

while post application of composited poultry droppings had a total of 601 nematodes from

16 genera. High dynamics on nematode population was reported from the experimented plot

after the improvement of soil physiochemical parameters on application of composited

poultry droppings. This observation is indicative that improvement of soil physicochemical

features impact positively on nematode propagation. The study also noticed that the

populations of phyto-parasitic nematodes decrease as omnivorous and predatory nematodes

reports a reasonable increase in the soil post soil improvement, which depicts that the use of

omnivorous nematodes, if properly sourced, may fit in as an alternative option in the

management and control of plant feeding species of nematodes in the soil.

Animal Trypanosomiasis has remained a great threat to livestock in tropical Africa.

Chemotherapy of trypanosomiasis is faced with lots of problems. Fexinidazole recently

discovered in 2018 is not easily available and can only be used for the treatment of the first

stage of the disease, hence the need for cheaper drugs which will be easily available and

assessable. The study aimed to determine the effect of Senna occidentalis extracts on some

biochemical parameters of wistar rats infected with Trypanosoma congolense .

Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids

phenolic compounds and carbohydrates in both the ethanol and aqueous extracts. Acute

toxicity studies, determined by administering 1500, 3000 and 5000 mg/kg body weight (b.

wt) of extracts to wistar rats revealed significant (P<0.05) increase in AST and ALP in group

receiving 3000mg/kgbwt and 5000mg/kg b. wt of the extracts. There was no significant

difference in ALT in group receiving 1500 mg/kg b. wt and 3000mg/kg b. wt. of both ethanol

and aqueous extracts compared with the control. This showed that the plant is relatively

non-toxic. Post infection treatment of animals stirred the emergence of pasitemia by Day 5.

However, only animals receiving 250mg/kg b. wt of ethanol extract and 500mg/kg b. wt of

aqueous extract survived till day 13th post infection. A significant (P<0.05) decrease in AST

and ALP was discovered in all the test groups except the uninfected/untreated group. For

group receiving 500mg/kgbwt of ethanol extract, there was no significant difference in the

ALT and T.bil. No significant difference was observed in potassium, sodium, chloride, urea

and creatinine concentrations of group receiving 500mg/kg b. wt of ethanol extracts

compared with the uninfected/untreated rat. These results thereby demonstrate

ameliorative potentials of Senna occidentalis leaves on hepatic and renal functions of wistar

rats infected with Trypanoso ma congolense . Findings from the study recommend bioassay

guided fractionation to characterize the active components of the plant.

Endophytic fungi which reside in the tissues of higher plants without causing overt symptoms on

the plants in which they live – are reported to produce bioactive compounds which can be used in

agriculture, pharmaceuticals and the food industries. This study aim to evaluate the anti-

trypanosomal activities of endophytic fungi isolated from the leaves and stems of Psidium

guajava. Following surface sterilization, the plant parts were placed in potato dextrose agar (PDA)

to initiate fungal growth. Hyphae and spores of distinct fungal growth were further sub-cultured in

sabouraud dextrose broth to isolate pure fungal isolates. Each isolated fungal species was

subsequently grown in a 500ml Erlenmeyer’ s flask containing 100ml of liquid broth (pH 5.6) for

7 days at 28°C at 220 rpm in an incubator shaker. The respective fungal growths were filtered from

the broth, air dried, weighed and stored in well labelled airtight containers. Ethyl acetate and

distilled water were used for extraction, and the respective extracts were evaluated for their in vitro

anti-trypanosomal activities. Three endophytic fungi were isolated namely Penicillium sp.,

Aspergillus niger, and Mucor racemosus. The phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of

alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, steroids, terpenoids, anthraquinone, cardiac glycoside, and

phlobatannins. The in vitro results indicated that the extracts of the ethyl acetate and aqueous

extracts of the endophytic fungi exhibited concentration dependent effect against Trypanosoma

brucei brucei between 0.15 and 10.0 mg/ml; the median lethal concentration (LC50) of the extracts

showed that ethyl acetate extract of Penicillium sp was the most active with an LC50 of 0.303

mg/ml.

The study investigated the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profile of Streptococcus

pneumoniae , within the study area. The screening of 768 specimens collected from the study

areas revealed that, 29.2% of the samples were positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae , while

Klebsiella pneumoniae , Streptococcus pyogenes , and Moraxella catarrhalis were identified in

10.2%, 14.8%, and 10% of the samples, respectively. Additionally, Haemophilus influenzae ,

Staphylococcus aureus , Escherichia coli , and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were observed in 4.4%,

19.9%, 8.2%, and 3.3% of the samples, respectively. The prevalence rate of S. pneumoniae

within the study locations were 30.6%, 26.1%, 29.2% and 31.5% from UATH, Keffi, Bida and

Lokoja centres respectively. The highest antibiotic resistance rates shown by Streptococcus

pneumoniae were observed against the more frequently consumed antibiotics such as

cefotaxime, ampicillin, tetracycline, co-trimoxazole, with average resistance rates of 53.8%,

53.7%, 53.7%, and 53% respectively. Conversely, the lowest resistance rates of 11.3%, 33%

and 37.5% were observed against levofloxacin, cephalexin and linezolid, respectively. The

study observed an average multidrug resistance rate (MDR) of 59.7% with the highest MDR

rate of 69.02% recorded from Gwagwalada center. Analysis, of infection rates by age

distribution, showed that the highest infection rate was among the pediatric patients, below

5 years (74.2%), followed by the age bracket above 65 years (66.4%). There was a higher

infection rate among females (66.1%), compared to males (52.4%). Patients with tertiary

education exhibited a slightly lower infection rate of 24.6%, in contrast to 32.9% and 27 % for

those without formal education and with secondary education, respectively. Slightly higher

infections rates were observed in the months of December and January. This was probably due

to the cold, windy and drier weather condition, which encouraged sneezing by carriers and so

increasing chances of the disease spreading to healthy persons.

Trypanosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease which affects the well-being of both humans

and animals. The socioeconomic effect of the disease cannot be overemphasized and drugs

used for the treatment of the disease are faced with several challenges ranging from

resistance to the parasite to high level of toxicity. Our study aimed at determining the effect

of Alstonia boonei and Morinda lucida on some haematological parameters of wistar rats

infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei . Phytochemical screening of the methanol extract

indicated the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, phenols

and steroids/terpenes, while glycosides were not detected. Only four of the eight

constituents tested for were detected in the chloroform leaf extract of A. boonei , namely, :

alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, and carbohydrates. Alkaloids, tannins falvonoids, and

carbohydratses were detected in both the chloroform and methanol extract of Morinda

lucida . Acute toxicity studies revealed that the extract is relatively non-toxic from the Packed

cell volume indices and all the wistar rats used for the study survived. In infected rats treated

with 500 and 1000 mg/kg b.wt methanol extract of A. boonei , there was significant decrease

in packed cell volume. For the 500 mg/kg mg/kg b. wt group, the PCV values before infection

with T. brucei were 21.4±0.23 %, and 22.8±1.21 %. However, by the second and third day of

post infection, the respective PCV values were 19.4±0.15% and 17.1±1.26 % respectively. In

wistar rats treated with 1000 mg/kg methanol extract of A. boonei , the PCV prior to infection

was 20.8±1.46 %; on the first day of infection, the PCV was 21.5±0.39 %; while on the

second and third day post infection with T. brucei , the PCV values were 19.6±1.72 and

18.9±0.28 %, respectively. Therefore, the extracts of Astonia boonei should be characterized

and active components responsible for this ameliorative effect be detected and elucidated

structurally.

Schistosomiasis remains a significant public health concern in many developing nations,
particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. While synthetic compounds such as
Niclosamide have been developed to combat snail-borne diseases, these synthetic
molluscicides are either scarce, expensive or toxic to non-target organisms in the snail habitat.
In contrast, plant-derived products have been extensively studied for their molluscicidal
properties, whereas animal-derived compounds, notably toad venom, have received less
attention. This study explores the potential of toad venom as an alternative molluscicide for
controlling snail intermediate hosts of Schistosoma. Toad venom was extracted and analyzed
for zoochemicals and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Analysis.
Molluscicidal evaluation of toad venom crude extract was conducted following World Health
Organization (WHO) guidelines. Adult snails of Biomphalaria pfeifferi, Bulinus forskalii, and
Bulinus globosus species were exposed to graded concentrations (200, 100, 50, 25, 12.5, and
6.5 mg/L) of the toad venom crude extract. Analysis of results was performed using ANOVA
and Probit Regression analysis. Results on qualitative zoochemical screening of crude extract
of toad venom revealed the presence of cardiac glycoside, carbohydrate, saponins, steroids
IJABR Vol. 15(1): 174 - 189 (2024)

175

and terpenoids. GCMS analysis of crude toad venom revealed 30 peaks representing 25
bioactive compounds, with 9-Octadecenoic acid, methyl ester being the most abundant

constituents in the crude toad venom. The toad venom extract showed a dose and time-
dependent activity against the exposed mollusks. Exposure of B. pfeifferi, B. globosus, and B.

forskalii to 100 mg/L concentrations resulted in mortality rates of 73.3%, 66.6%, and 60%,
respectively, after 24 hours. After 24 hours of exposure period, the lethal concentrations
required to kill 50% (LC50) of B. pfeifferi, B. globosus, and B. forskalii snails were 46.77, 70.79,
and 79.43 mg/L, respectively. Notably, the effective doses of toad venom against the three snail
species exhibited minor variations despite their coexistence in common habitats. In
conclusion, this study underscores the molluscicidal potential of toad venom as a promising
lead agent for controlling snail intermediate hosts of Schistosoma.

Gastrointestinal parasites of chicken cause significant harm and financial losses on the poultry
sector as they can induce weight loss, reduce egg production and feed conversion ratio, causing
malnourishment and mortality. This study aimed to identify the gastrointestinal parasites of
chicken slaughtered in Ariaria Junction Market, Abia State. A total of 150 chicken intestines
were collected from poultry butchers, after obtaining their consent, into a labelled container
indicating the breed and sex of the chickens. The samples were transported to the laboratory
for visual and microscopic examinations. The samples were processed using floatation
technique and all gastrointestinal parasites were identified directly under the microscope. The
result showed that 126(84%) chicken samples were infected with the eggs and adults of
gastrointestinal nematodes only from three (3) genera. The nematodes present were Ascaridia
galli 86(68.3%), Heterakis gallinarum 15(11.9%), Subulura brumpti 25(19.8%); with A. galli
being the most prevalent. The small intestine, large intestine and the caecum of the chicken
were particularly infected. Mixed infections (A. galli and S. brumpti) were seen in female
broilers and old layers (H. gallinarum and A. galli); as male broilers had only single infection
with egg of A. galli. The parasites showed some degree of preference for female chickens as the
difference in the infection rate was significant between the sexes (P<0.05), although the type
of breed had no impact on the rate of the infestation (P>0.05). Veterinary extension officers
should educate farmers about gastrointestinal parasites, focusing on local farmers'
management practices to protect poultry health and promote public health.
Keywords: Chicken, gastrointestinal infestation, helminthes, nematode, prevalence

Gmelina arborea plantation is one of the largest plantations in Nigeria from which raw
materials for paper industries, buildings, constructions and carpentry works is obtained. This
research was aimed at investigating the mycoflora associated with the wood of Gmelina
arborea, many of which led to wood decay in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
Samples were collected from the affected part of the wood in three strategic study areas
(Timber sheds) namely: Kasuwar Katako, Main market, and Muhammad Bwala timber shed.
Isolation was carried out by inoculating the different samples on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA)
plates in the laboratory of the Department of Biology, Nigerian Army University Biu; and
incubated at a temperature of 280C for a week from which pure cultures were obtained after
subculturing the different fungal colonies. Identification of the fungal species was carried out
using macroscopic and microscopic examinations. These are Absidia corynbifera,
Microsporum jypseum, Microsporum fulvum, Rhizopus microsporus and Rhizopus orizae. The
percentage frequency of each of these fungi was also determined using the means. The result
obtained from this research shows that Rhizopus microsporus is the most prevalent found in
all the three study areas while the other four species were encountered only once in one study
area or the other. Therefore, further research should be carried out on the treatment and
proper storage of wood decay to minimise spoilage and boost the economy.