Red Bororo Research Articles

Serological Evidence of Antibodies to Rift Valley Fever Virus in Wild and Domestic Animals in Bauchi State, Nigeria.

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an arthropod-borne zoonotic disease responsible for severe outbreaks in livestock and humans with concomitant economic losses in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The study, therefore, investigated the seroprevalence of the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) among wild and domestic animals. Blood samples were collected between 2013 and 2015 from 106 wild animals, 300 cattle (Bos indicus), and 200 horses (Equus caballus), respectively, in Yankari Game Reserve (YGR) and Sumu Wildlife Park (SWP) in Bauchi state, Nigeria. Harvested sera from blood were evaluated for the presence of anti-RVFV IgM/IgG antibodies. The overall seroprevalence in cattle was 11.3% (p = 0.677; 95% CI: 0.624–0.730) and in wildlife was 8.5% (p = 0.006; 95% CI: 0.00–0.60). The diversity of wildlife species sampled indicated seropositivity of 36.0% in waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymus), 25.0% in elephant (Loxodonta africana), 12.5% in eland (Taurotragus oryx), and 8.3% in wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus). Whereas, samples from zebra (Equus quagga crawshayi), kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), and hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus caama) did not show detectable antibodies to RVFV, and seroprevalence in female (15.0%) wildlife species was higher than in males (4.5%) (p = 0.061). Classification of cattle into breed and sex showed no significant difference in seropositivity. Seropositivity of 12.0% was observed in White Fulani, 12.1% in Red Bororo, and 7.8% in Sokoto Gudali breeds of cattle (p = 0.677). Whereas, seropositivity of 13.6% was observed in females and 6.4% observed in males (p = 0.068). This study indicated the presence of antibodies to RVFV among some wild animals and cattle in the absence of a reported outbreak in the study area. The circulation of RVFV in the study area may pose a significant health risk to livestock, wildlife, and humans. Therefore, surveillance for RVFV should be intensified targeting mosquito vectors and humans in Bauchi state, Nigeria.

Prevalence of trypanosomes in large and small ruminants in Abia state and Rivers States Nigeria

This study investigated the prevalence of trypanosomes in ruminants in Abia and Rivers states, Nigeria by evaluating the trypanosomes parasitaemic profiles of the cattle, sheep and goats studied. Fifty adult cattle (N’dama, Muturu, Red Bororo and White Fulani breeds), twenty five adult sheep (WAD and Yankasa) and twenty five adult goats (WAD and Sokoto red) of both sexes were sampled in each of the two states. Wet mount films and micro-haematocrit Buffy coat methods of trypanosome diagnosis were used. The study was conducted between the months of July and October, 2018. A total of 100 cattle, 50 sheep and 50 goats were sampled in the two states (Abia and Rivers), Use of wet mount and buffy coat screening method gave zero prevalence of trypanosome in both Rivers state and Abia state during the period. The result of this study could indicate absence of trypanosomes in the two states studied. Therefore additional research using molecular methods of trypanosome diagnosis, which are more sensitive in parasite detection, is recommended.

Serological survey and isolation of Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides from cattle slaughtered at Katsina state central abattoir, Nigeria

serological survey for the detection of antibodies to Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides (Mmm) from cattle slaughtered at Katsina Central Abattoir was conducted from March to October 2012 using competitive ELISA (CIRAD) version: P05410/04 antibody detection kit. A total of 300 cattle sera were screened for Mmm antibodies out of which 22 (7.3%) obtained from 15 (68.2%) cows and 7 (31.8%) bulls were positive. Age distribution indicated that 3 (13.6%) were less than 2 years, 11 (50%) were between 2 and 4 years of age, while 8 (36.4%) were above 4 years. The study confirmed the susceptibility of some cattle breeds from all ages and sexes to Mmm. However, middle-aged cows were shown to be more associated with the infections though not statistically significant (P˃0.01). Similarly, a total of 130 pneumonic lung tissues were used for isolation and biochemical characterization of Mmm out of which 2 (1.5%) samples one each from adult White Fulani and Red Bororo cows were found to be positive. The study established baseline information on the status of Mmm infection in Katsina State. Continuous disease surveillance and annual mass vaccination programme using effective vaccines were recommended.

EFFECT OF SEASON ON PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF THREE BREEDS OF CATTLE RAISED IN SUDAN SAVANNA ZONE

This study was conducted to test the effect of season and breed on thermoregulatory parameters of three Nigerian indigenous breeds of cattle raised in Sudan Savanna Zone. A total number of nine (9) cattle aged between 4-5 years were used for this study. Data were taken for sixteen weeks across two seasons; Cold and Hot Season from three indigenous breed of cattle. Rectal temperature was recorded using digital thermometer, pulse rate was determined using stethoscope and respiratory rate was determined by counting of the respiratory movements of flank area. Data of ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded on daily basis and temperature humidity index was calculated. All data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance using SAS software. Seasons significantly (P < 0.05) affect all the thermoregulatory parameters of with hot seasons having the highest values. Breed influenced (p<0.05) all the parameters measured. Red Bororo had the highest rectal temperature, while Sokoto has the least rectal temperature. Higher respiratory rate was recorded in SokotoGudali. Respiratory Rate of White Fulani are statistically similar with both Red Bororo and SokotoGudali, but Respiratory Rate of Red Bororo cattle has significantly difference (P<0.05) with SokotoGudali breeds of cattle. Pulse rate differs significantly (P<0.05), SokotoGudali recorded the highest rate and the least rate was observed in White Fulani cattle. It was concluded that Season affect all the thermoregulatory parameters and all the tested parameters were higher during hot season and SokotoGudali react more to thermal stress than Red Bororo and White Fulani

Occurrence of haemoparasites in cattle slaughtered at Jalingo abattoir, north-eastern Nigeria

Livestock plays a significant role in the economy of a nation but its productivity can be hampered by numerous haemoparasites thereby leading to economic losses to the livestock industry. The prevalence of haemoparasite in cattle slaughtered at Jalingo abattoir was investigated. A total of four hundred blood samples were collected at the point of slaughter, processed, and screened for haemoparasites by examining Giemsa-stained thin blood smears. An overall prevalence of 12.25% was recorded. Four haemoparasites of cattle with prevalence rates of 5.0%, 6.75%, 0.25%, and 0.25% for Anaplasma, Babesia, Microfilaria and Trypanosoma respectively were observed. The prevalence of haemoparasite in relation to sex, revealed higher infection in females (13.75%) than in males (10.0%) which were not found statistically different (P > 0.05). All breeds encountered during the study were infected with haemoparasites with the highest prevalence of 13.91 % recorded in White Fulani, Red Bororo (10.94%), and Sokoto Gudali (10.00 %), while Adamawa Gudali had the least prevalence of 0.5%. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of haemoparasite in relation to breeds (P > 0.05). High prevalence was observed in the young (14.29%) more than the adult (11.59%) and older (12.14%). The current study has revealed the haemoparasites status in cattle slaughtered at Jalingo abattoir. Therefore, there is a need for effective preventive and control policy of these haemoparasites to enhance livestock productivity.
 Keywords: Abattoir, cattle, haemoparasite, prevalence, slaughter

Nucleotide sequence variation of the major histocompatibility complex class II DQA1 gene in different cattle breeds from Nigeria and New Zealand

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays a role in immune response. Among other activities, the bovine MHC genes (BoLA) trigger immune responses, including the activation of antibody-producing B-cells. In this study, White Fulani (n = 24), Red Bororo (n = 5) and Holstein-White × Fulani-cross (n = 11) cattle from Nigeria, and New Zealand Holstein-Friesian × Jersey-cross (n = 40) cattle were used to investigate variability in exon 2 of BoLA-DQA1. Ten alleles were identified using a PCR-Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP) approach and their nucleotide sequences confirmed by DNA sequencing. A total of 12.60 % of all nucleotide positions analysed were revealed to be variable and two novel BoLA-DQA1 alleles are reported here for the first time.

Heterozygous Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Genotypes at Heat Shock Protein 70 Gene Potentially Influence Thermo-Tolerance Among Four Zebu Breeds of Nigeria.

Genetic variants at heat shock protein 70 gene and their influence on heat stress (HS) tolerance were studied among selected Nigeria zebu, namely, 25 White Fulani (WF), 21 Sokoto Gudali (SG), 21 Red Bororo (RB), and 23 Ambala (AM). Detection of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) followed by determination of genotype and genotypic frequency was made among the selected breeds. The heat tolerance coefficient (HTC) was determined from thermo-related parameters including body temperature, rectal temperature, and respiratory rate. Thermo-Tolerance was evaluated through the SNP–thermo-parameter relationship. Statistical analyses were done using the GLM procedure in SAS. A quantitative real-time/high-resolution melting-based assay detected twelve genetic variants. Five of these were common and shared across all breeds of cattle. Of the remaining seven variants, three were specifically identified in AM, two in SG, and two in RB. Also, SNPs were evaluated and four unique SNPs (C151T, C146T, G90A, and C219A) were identified. Heterozygous animals had lower HTC suggesting their potential to withstand HS than homozygous counterparts. The WF and RB animals had significantly lower values for all parameters (BT, RT, RR, and HTC) compared to AM and SG breeds. Thermo-related parameters were significantly different (P < 0.001), and it is recommended that screening of SNPs in zebu is needed to enable selection for improved thermo-tolerance.

Infection of gastrointestinal parasites among slaughtered cattle (Bos taurus) in Modern Abattoir, Minna, Niger State

Livestock and their products are the major source of animal protein. They also play a crucial role in the economy of most nations including Nigeria. In Nigeria, animals are mostly managed by extensive system and this predisposes them to gastrointestinal parasites. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of cattle slaughtered in Minna Abattoir. A total of two hundred and seventeen (217) faecal samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of gastrointestinal parasites using saturated sodium chloride flotation and sedimentation techniques. An overall prevalence rate of 169 (77.88%) of gastrointestinal parasites were recorded. Among the selected cattle breeds sampled, a prevalence rate of 114 (67.45%) for white Fulani, 30 (17.75%) for Sokoto Gudali and 25 (14.79%) for red Bororo were obtained. Seven (7) gastrointestinal parasites detected were Strongyloides spp, Trichuris spp, Haemonchus spp, Eimeria spp, Taenia spp, Moniezia spp and Fasciola spp. Haemonchus spp had the highest rate of infection 69 (40.82%) followed by Strongyloides spp 22 (13.04%) while the one with the least prevalence was Eimeria spp 12 (7.10%). It was observed that female ruminants were more infected (53.84%) than their male counterpart (46.15%). The older also had higher infection rate (50.29%) than the younger ones (49.72%). There was no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) on the infection rate in relation to gender and age. It is paramount to use appropriate management systems and rational use of drugs to solve this health problem

Protein and electrolyte contents and histopathology of longus colli muscle in cachexia of Red Bororo beef cows

Protein and electrolyte contents and histopathology of longus colli muscle in cachexia of Red Bororo beef cows

The Occurence of Gastrointestinal Helminths in Slaughtered Cattle in Azare,North-East Nigeria

A Cross-sectional Study was carried out to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (G.I.) helminths parasites in slaughtered cattle at Azare abattoir, Katagum Local Government Area, Bauchi State, North-Eastern Nigeria. One hundred and twenty faecal samples were examined using the floatation and sedimentation method. Out of the total samples tested, G.I. helminths infections were detected in 62samples tested, giving an overall prevalence of 51.6%. Class nematodes are the most diverse class (56.5%) and then followed by trematodes (35.5%), while cestodes are the least prevalent (8.1%). There was a statistically significant difference in P-value &gt;0.05. The sex revealed that males (52.6%) are more susceptible to G.I. helminths infection than females (50.0%) even though there is no statistical difference at P-value &gt;0.05. However, the prevalence of G.I. helminths to age revealed a statistical difference at P-value &gt;0.05, where the young have the highest prevalence of 59.5%. The Red Bororo breeds had the highest prevalence of 75%, while the least was recorded in White Fulani and Sokoto Gudali, 40% each. There was a statistically significant difference at P-value &gt;0.05. This study revealed that Fasciola spp (15%) is the most prevalent G.I. helminths parasites detected, followed by Oesophagostomum spp (11.7%); Haemonchus spp (9.2%); Strongyloides spp (8.3%), Schistosoma spp (3.3%); and Moniezia spp (1.67%). Our findings from the present study revealed a high prevalence of G.I. helminths species affecting cattle in Azare and Nigeria as a whole. Therefore, there is a great need for proper advocacy on the need for appropriate management, regular deworming practices, and improved cattle hygiene to boost animal production. This will help in curbing great lost to Nigeria's economy and the world in general.

Prevalence of rumen impaction with non-biodegradable materials in cattle in Ibadan, Nigeria

A study was conducted on 3031 cattle slaughtered in Ibadan over a period of three months to determine the prevalence of rumen impaction with indigestible garbage and evaluate breed, sex, age and some blood indices as risk factors. Thorough antemortem and postmortern examinations were carried out on each of the animals to determine the breed, health status, sex, age and presence of indigestible garbage in the rumen while blood samples were collected and analysed only for animals with indigestible garbage, to determine total serum protein and phosphorus levels. Results showed overall prevalence of rumen impaction was 10.77% and it differed significantly between breeds, but was highest in the Red Bororo (RB). Sex and age had significant influence on the prevalence of rumen impaction. It was significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) in females than in males and in older animals than in younger ones. Total serum protein and phosphorus levels were significantly lower than reference values in animals with rumen impaction. &#x0D;

Epidemiological survey of haemoparasitic infection in trade cattle at slaughter in Lafenwa abattoir, Ogun State, Nigeria

An epidemiological survey of haemoparasitic infection in trade cattle was carried out at Lafenwa abattoir, Abeokuta, from August to November 2008. Thin Blood film and Haematocrit Centrifugation Techniques were used to detect haemoparasites. A total of 452 cattle that comprised 174 cows and 278 bulls were examined. The breeds included 78 'Red Bororo', 14 'Sokoto Gudali' and 360 'White Fulani'. Packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin concentration (Hb), total white blood cell (WBC) count and differential counts of WBC, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) were measured. Data were subjected to analysis of variance using Genstat statistical software, with sex and breed and blood parasite species detected as factors. Results showed that 22% of the cattle were infected with haemoparasites while 78% were parasite-free. The parasites were Trypanosoma congolence (4%), Anaplasma central (2%), Babesia bovis (14%), A. centrale + B. bovis (1%) and Babesia divergens (1%). Parasite species identified significantly influenced (P &lt; 0.001) the PCV, RBC, and Hb concentration. The prevalence rates observed is considered to be of epidemiological and economic importance because infected animals might be sources of infection to other healthy herds in the area.

Histomorphometry of the Testes, Epididymides, and Spermatozoa of Four Indigenous Breeds of Bulls in Ibadan, Nigeria

Forty testicles were used to carry out histomorphometry study on the testes, epididymides and spermatozoa of four indigenous breeds of bull found in Ibadan (Red Bororo (RB), Sokoto Gudali (SG), White Fulani (WF) and Dhali (DL)). The testicles were harvested immediately after the slaughter at the Bodija abattoir and transported to the laboratory in an insulated flask containing warm water at 37?C within 30 minutes. In the laboratory, the samples were dissected and histological sections of the right testis, right and left caudal epididymides taken from two bulls in each group. The tissues were fixed in Bouin’s fluid. They were processed in an automatic tissue processor, embedded in paraffin wax using the embedding system (Leica EG 1160) and sectioned with microtome at 4 microns. The sections were then stained by Haematoxylin and Eosin method and mounted and examined under a microscope. There was no significant difference between breed and seminiferous tubular diameter (STD) and testicular germinal height (TGEH). The mean STD ranged from 223.00 ± 28.35 to 316.00 ± 37.70 μm, while the TGEH ranged from 81.60 ± 10.05 to 89.80 ± 4.83 μm. The mean epididymal tubular diameters (ETD) and epididymal lumen diameters (ELD) had the highest value of 378.00 ± 10.95 and 298.20 ± 26.0489 μm in DL and lowest of 373.80 ± 37.70 and 278.10 ± 27.71 μm in RB, respectively. The mean epididymal germinal epithelia heights (EGEH) were highest (61.20 ± 5.70 μm) in WF and lowest (39.80 ± 0.86 μm) in RB. The mean sperm head length (SHL), sperm midpiece length (SMPL), sperm tail length (STL) and sperm total length (TL) had the highest values of 5.90 ± 0.10, 8.80 ± 0.25, 24.20 ± 2.59 and 38.90 ± 2.94 μm, respectively in SG. SHL and SMPL were lowest in DL bulls (5.00 ± 0.00 and 6.30 ± 0.20 μm), while STL and TL were lowest (18.90 ± 0.24 and 31.30 ± 0.85 μm). The results of this study provide baseline data on the histomorphometry of the testes and epididymides and spermatozoa of some indigenous bulls.

Contribution of different livestock species as sources of meat in Bauchi

The daily records of various species of livestock slaughtered for meat for 122 days from June to September, 1995 at Bauchi metropolitan abattoir were analysed. Livestock slaughtered comprised cattle, sheep and goats being 6, 15 and 79 percent respectively. A total of 35, 846 animals were slaughtered, 2, 151 were cattle, out of which 1856, 169, 119 and 7 were White Fulani, Red Bororo, Sokoto Gudali and Kuri breeds respectively. Chi-square analysis was used and within breed significant (P&lt;0.01) monthly differences in their contribution was observed only in Red Bororo breed. Out of the 5,373 sheep slaughtered, 3,961,232, 1062 and 119 were Yankasa, Balami, Uda and crosses respectively. Significant monthly differences were observed in Uda (p&lt;0.01) and Balami (P&lt;0.05). Of the 28.321 goats slaughtered, the contributions of Sokoto Red, Kano brown, Sahel and West African Dwarf were 20,265; 7,469; 575 and 12 respectively. There were significant differences within Sokoto Red and Kabo Brown (p&lt;0.01) and Sahel (p&lt;0.05) breeds. The study showed that goat species, especially Sokoto Red, contributed the highest numerical value of all live livestock species slaughtered as sources of meat in Bauchi. This should have a bearing on their production.

Livestock value chain: Prediction of live weight and cut yield of three indigenous breeds of cattle in Nigeria

Problems associated with prediction of saleable meat yield, price haggling and monetary worth of cattle purchased due to difficulties in accurately relating visual appearance of animals and the weight with their price have always been in existence. This study was carried out to determine the accuracy in the use of heart girth tape as an alternative to the use of weighing bridge and crush, dressing percentage and expected cut yield from three indigenous breeds of cattle in Nigeria using linear body measurement. Thus, a total number of 51 healthy and mature White Fulani (n=17), Sokoto Gudali (n=17) and Red Bororo (n=17) cattle breeds were randomly purchased from Ilesha Baruba cattle market Kwara State, Kotangora cattle market, Niger State and Akinyele cattle market, Ibadan, Oyo state and were subjected to heart girth measurements. The study lasted for 32 weeks. Live weights of animals were determined at the point of purchase using a specialized measuring tape (girth tape) calibrated in kilogram (kg) and centimeter (cm).The live weights were recorded in kilogram which was used in price negotiation at the market. The live weight of the cattle ranged from 164 – 463 kg. The mean girth tape values were White Fulani (286.53 51.06)kg, Sokoto Gudali (293.35+77.51)kg and Red Bororo 261.88+60.65)kg respectively. Post slaughtering data collected were dressing percentage, weight of head(kg),neck(kg), shanks(kg), forearm(kg), thigh(kg),skin(kg),liver(kg),heart(kg), intestine(kg)and kidney(g).The study revealed that heart girth measurement had high correlation coefficient with live weight (r=0.99, p&lt;0.001). This implies that the use of heart girth tape in weight prediction is accurate and reliable. There were significant (p&lt;0.05) differences in the dressing percentage among the breeds (43.55-46.52) %. Significant (p&lt;0.05) differences were observed in the cut yield percentage between Red Bororo (33.16 4.12) and other breeds but none between White Fulani (37.14 4.50)% and Sokoto Gudali (34.53 5.26)%.There were significant (p&lt;0.05) differences in the head (13.52-13.42)kg, Neck (14.70-18.07)kg, left thigh (27.92-29.41)kg, right forearm (22.91-27.24)kg, left forearm (24.84-27.57)kg, liver (3.60 – 3.84)kg, skin (15.03 -15.39), shank (2.20-2.41)kg, tail (5.23-5.92)kg but none for right thigh, kidney and lungs among the breeds. The variations in the yield may be as a result of genetic, management, weight and age of the animals. It can be concluded that heart girth tape may be used where weighing crush is not available because of its accuracy and reliability. The study also revealed that White Fulani has higher meat yield than Sokoto Gudali and Red Bororo and will therefore be more profitable to cattle sellers, abattoir centers, slaughter houses andmeat shops.

Nutrient composition of pastoralist's raw milk of different breeds of cattle in Adamawa and Taraba states, Northeastern Nigeria

This study was carried out to determine the proximate composition of raw milk produced in pastoral settlements. Six hundred pastoralists' raw milk samples were collected from 20 local governments in Adamawa and Taraba states, Nigeria. Milk samples were collected from White Fulani (WF), Red Bororo (RB) and Sokoto Gudali (SG) breeds of cattle and were analyzed for protein, fat, ash and moisture contents. The protein content ranged between 3.62±0.38% -3.95±0.11% in WF, 3.29±0.8% - 3.94±0.10% in RB and 3.31±0.27%- 3.95±0.09% in SG in Adamawa and Taraba states. The fat content ranged between 3.55±0.47% - 3.99±0.03% in WF, 3.98±0.04% - 3.98±0.06% in RB and 3.32±0.20% - 3.45±0.27% in SG. The ash content recorded was between 0.40±0.06% -0.41±0.04% in WF, 0.40±0.06% - 0.43±0.07% in RB and0.39±0.06% - 0.41±0.08% in SG, and the moisture content in Adamawa and Taraba states were between 83.52±2.07% - 84.00±0.57% in WF, 82.28±1.05% - 83.73±0.63% in RB and 82.90±1.48% - 83.56±1.35%in SG. The study from the two states revealed protein value between 3.29± 0.8% - 3.95±0.11%, fat content range of3.32±0.20% - 3.99±0.03%, ash content of between 0.39± 0.06% - 0.43±0.07% and moisture content that ranged between 82.28± 1.05% - 84.00±0.57%. Constituents of milkfrom Taraba state were higher in values than those from Adamawa sate. The statistical analysis of the results at95% confidence level showed significant difference among breeds and states. In comparison, the three breeds that resided in Adamawa state had least values, which could be attributed to herd management practices. This study showed that all the three pastoralists' breeds indicated desirable components in their milk Cross breeding with higher breeds and provision of quality feed and water may lead to better yield in all the breeds in this study.

SOURCES OF SUPPLY AND CATCHMENT AREAS OF WUDIL CATTLE MARKET, KANO STATE, NIGERIA

The study analyzed the supply sources and catchment areas of Wudil cattle market in Kano State. The objectives focused on types of cattle traded, supply source locations of cattle and catchment areas of buyers. Data were collected on types of cattle, sources of their supply and catchment areas of buyers using records of cattle observation and Focus Group Discussion with nine participants including the market leaders and other traders. Types of cattle were presented in table. Sources of supply of cattle and catchment areas for the market were depicted on maps using ARCGIS software. Based on colour of skin and castration, the major types of cattle supplied into the market are Baki (Ambala), Fari (Bunaji or White Fulani), Ja (Rahaji or Red Bororo), Galare (White-horned), Shodare (breed of white and red species), Nordi (breed of white and black species) and Bartandi (castrated). Cattle are supplied from three main sources: other countries (Niger Republic and Cameroun), other states in Nigeria (Taraba, Adamawa, Jigawa and Yobe) and within Kano State. The catchment areas are three: primary catchment area consisting of buyers within Kano State and neighbouring states, secondary catchment area including buyers largely from northeast (Gombe and Yobe States) and middle belt of Nigeria and tertiary catchment area consisting of all the states in the southern parts of the country. Recommendations given included development of market and transport infrastructure and further study on cattle transport and buyer characteristics

Identification of novel nucleotide sequence variations in an extended region of the bovine leptin gene (LEP) across a variety of cattle breeds from New Zealand and Nigeria.

Leptin is mainly secreted by white adipose tissue in animals. Leptin acts by stimulating or inhibiting the release of a neurotransmitter, which eventually results in a decrease in food/feed intake and an increase in energy expenditure. In this investigation, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coupled with single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis was used to reveal nucleotide sequence variations in bovine leptin gene (LEP) in 338 cattle of a variety of breeds farmed in New Zealand (NZ) and Nigeria. These included NZ Hereford, Angus, Shorthorn, and crossbred Holstein-Friesian Jersey cattle and the Nigerian Sokoto Gudali, Red Bororo, White Fulani, and crossbred Holstein-Friesian White Fulani cattle. Sequence analysis of three regions of bovine LEP that encompassed selected coding and non-coding regions, revealed a total of 12 nucleotide sequence variations (six in exons and six in introns). Of these, three are reported here for the first time, whereas nine have been previously described. Some of the variations identified were common in both the NZ and Nigerian cattle breeds, while others were peculiar to particular breeds from a specific region. The sharing of common variants across different breeds irrespective of geography may indicate an evolutionary relationship, just as the differences within a breed might be attributable to either selective pressure for specific traits or random genetic drift. The detection of both new and previously documented variations in bovine LEP suggests that the gene is highly variable.

Assessment of Haemoparasites of Cattle slaughtered in Jos South Abattoir, Plateau State, Nigeria

Haemoparasites are considered as the most important constraints to the health and improved productivity of cattle in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was aimed at determining their prevalence among cattle slaughtered at Jos South abattoir, Plateau state, Nigeria. A total of 200 blood samples were collected between April and May, 2018. Thin and thick blood films were made from the samples and stained with Giemsa and examined microscopically using X100 magnification. A total of 128(64%) cattle were positive for Babesia species. No other haemoparasite were detected. Blood sample of 190(95%) were collected from cattle that were 3 years and above and 10(5%) were from cattle below 3 years. Female and white Fulani cattle were 2 times (POR = 2.29; P &lt; 0.01) and 3 times (POR = 3.19; p &lt; 0.0001) respectively at the risk of a positive result of Babesia species infection, when compared to male cattle and Red Bororo by bivariate analysis. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of Babesia species with respect to age (p = 0.27) and source of cattle (p = 1.00, p =0.96 and p = 0.56) for animals from Plateau, Bauchi and Maiduguri respectively. This study showed a high prevalence of Babsia species infection amongst slaughtered cattle at Jos South abattoir. It confirms the presence of carrier populations of Babesia-infected cattle which both serve as a reservoir of infection for tickvectors, susceptible livestock and humans. Routine screening and treatment of animals to effectively reduce to the barest minimum the prevalence of Babesia species in the study areas is highly recommended.

Seroprevalence of Foot and Mouth Disease Virus Infection in Some Wildlife and Cattle in Bauchi State, Nigeria.

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is an important transboundary viral disease of both domestic and wild cloven-hoofed animals characterized by high morbidity with devastating consequence on the livestock worldwide. Despite the endemic nature of FMD in Nigeria, little is known about the epidemiology of the disease at the wildlife-livestock interface level. To address this gap, blood samples were collected between 2013 and 2015 from some wildlife and cattle, respectively, within and around the Yankari Game Reserve and Sumu Wildlife Park in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Wild animals were immobilized using a combination of etorphine hydrochloride (M99® Krüger-Med South Africa) at 0.5–2 mg/kg and azaperone (Stresnil®, Janssen Pharmaceuticals (Pty.) Ltd., South Africa) at 0.1 mg/kg using a Dan-Inject® rifle (Dan-Inject APS, Sellerup Skovvej, Denmark) fitted with a 3 ml dart syringe and for reversal, naltrexone (Trexonil® Kruger-Med South Africa) at 1.5 mg IM was used, and cattle were restrained by the owners for blood collection. Harvested sera from blood were screened for presence of antibodies against the foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) using the PrioCHECK® 3ABC NSP ELISA kit, and positive samples were serotyped using solid-phase competitive ELISA, (IZSLER Brescia, Italy). Out of the 353 sera collected from cattle and wildlife 197 (65.7%) and 13 (24.5%) (P < 0.05), respectively, tested positive for antibodies to the highly conserved nonstructural 3ABC protein of FMDV by the FMDV-NS blocking ELISA. Classification of cattle into breed and sex showed that detectable antibodies to FMDV were higher (P < 0.05) in White Fulani 157 (72.8%) than in Red Bororo 23 (39.7%) and Sokoto Gudali 17 (33.3%) breeds of cattle, whereas in females, detectable FMDV antibodies were higher (P < 0.05) 150 (72.8%) than in males 47 (50.0%). In the wildlife species, antibodies to FMDV were detected in the waterbucks 2 (28.6%), elephant 1 (25.0%), wildebeests 4 (33.3%), and elands 6 (25.0%). Four serotypes of FMDV: O, A, SAT 1, and SAT 2 were detected from the 3ABC positive reactors in waterbucks, elephants, wildebeests, and elands. The results showed presence of antibodies to FMDV in some wildlife and cattle and suggested that wildlife could equally play an important role in the overall epidemiology of FMD in Nigeria. FMD surveillance system, control, and prevention program should be intensified in the study area.