Showing papers by "Ladoke Akintola University of Technology published in 2005"

Socio-Economics Factors Affecting Poultry Farmers in Ejigbo Local Government Area of Osun State

Abstract: KEYWORDS Poultry. Productivity. Constraints. Household Food. Socio-economics ABSTRACT The study investigated factors affecting poultry farmers in Ejigbo Local Government area of Osun State, Nigeria. Structured questionnaire were used in interviewing 80 poultry farmers randomly selected in the study area. Frequency distribution and Pearson correlation technique were used to analyse the data. The study revealed that a national support to strengthen the poultry production is required in the area of finance and input. This is essential for substantial improvements in the contribution of the enterprise to household food production and economic well being of poor farmers. However, a critical gap is still needs to be filled by the research extension outfit in combining the technical and socio-economics aspects of poultry production in order to boost country's egg and meat production.

Socio-Economic Factors Associated with Urban-Rural Migration in Nigeria: A Case Study of Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract: The study investigated socio-economic factors influencing movement of people from urban centres to rural areas in Nigeria with particular focus on Oyo State of Nigeria. Purposive sampling technique was used to sample 160 migrants in rural areas for the study. Data were collected from the respondents using interview schedule. The principal results of the study reveal that most of the respondents left the urban centres for the rural areas because of their inability to secure jobs in the towns transfer to rural areas in their places of work retirement and high cost of living in the urban centres. Also the principal results show that there is a positive and significant relationship between lengths of stay of migrants in the rural areas and their ages (r = 0.442 p = 0.01). There are significant differences in the lengths of stay on migration by the single married widowed and divorced migrants since the calculated F-ratio (3.04) exceeds the tabulated F-ratio (2.74). It is recommended that government should encourage the drift of people to rural areas by making available such amenities that would encourage the stay of the migrants. This encouragement would enhance rapid rural development and bring the rural communities to the mainstream of national development. (authors)

The prevalence of bacterial resistance in clinical, food, water and some environmental samples in Southwest Nigeria.

Abstract: The resistance pattern and mechanisms of bacterial isolates obtained from clinical origin, soil, industrial effluent, orange juice products and drinking water were studied using commonly used antibiotics. The microbial load of the water samples, industrial effluent and orange juice products were 1.0 × 101−2.25 × 106, 2.15 × 105, and 3.5 × 104−2.15 × 105 cfu mL−1, respectively. The faecal coliform test revealed that only two out of twenty orange juice products had MPN of 2 and 20, the MPN of water ranged from 1−≥1800, while the effluent had MPN of ≥1800. The bacterial isolates that were isolated include E. coli, S. aureus, P. vulgaris, S. marcescens, S. pyogenes, B. cereus, B. subtilis, Micrococcus sp., Klebsiella sp., P. aeruginosa, and Enterobacter sp. Also, clinical and soil isolates of P. aeruginosa were used in the study. Among the eight antibiotics tested for resistance on five strains of each bacterium, seven different resistance patterns were observed among the bacterial isolates obtained from water, effluent and orange juice products. Among the clinical and soil isolates of P. aeruginosa, four multiple-drug resistance patterns were obtained. Thirty strains of E. coli and S. aureus were tested for β-lactamase production and fourteen strains, seven each of E. coli and S. aureus that had high Minimum Inhibitory Concentration values (MIC) for both Amoxycillin and Cloxacillin were positive.

Selenium status of idiopathic infertile Nigerian males.

Abstract: Selenium concentration in the sera and seminal plasma of 60 infertile males (40 oligospermia and 20 azoospermia) and 40 males with proven evidence of fertility (normospermia; control group) were estimated using atomic absorption spectrophotometry Results were correlated with spermatogram and hormonal levels in order to determine their relationship and significance in male infertility The mean serum concentrations of selenium was found to be significantly increased in oligospermic compared to azoospermic subjects and controls (p < 001), whereas the seminal plasma level was significantly higher in azoospermic compared to oligospermic subjects and controls (p < 0001) Thus, the ratio of serum selenium to seminal plasma selenium was 1: 1 in controls, 4: 1 in oligospermia, and 1: 2 in azoospermic subjectA significant inverse correlation was observed between serum selenium level and sperm count (p < 001) Similarly, seminal plasma selenium correlated with spermatozoa motility, viability, and morphology Serum selenium level shows positive correlation with the serum testosterone level (p < 001) In conclusion, there appears to be a physiological balance in the distribution of selenium in serum and seminal plasma compartment of control males A disturbance in this balance has a significant influence on spermatogenesis Selenium appears to have a positive influence on Leydig cells, thus influencing the secretion of testosterone

Molecular epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Ilorin, Nigeria.

Abstract: Background : Nosocomial infections caused by methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus constitute significant epidemiologic problems. Defining an outbreak requires the use of rapid and highly discriminatory epidemiologic methods to determine the epidemic strains involved in such outbreak. Study design : A descriptive laboratory based surveillance study for MRSA was undertaken. One hundred and forty seven Staphylococcus aureus isolates from clinical specimens were screened for methicillin resistance at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital between January and December 2001. Fifty one (34.7%) methicillin resistant strains recovered were epidemiologically characterized using Eco R1 restriction enzyme analysis of their plasmid DNAs. Result : Forty five (88.2%) MRSA isolates were associated with infections and 6 (11.8%) were colonizing strains; 36 (70.6%) and 15 (29.4%) were hospital and community acquired respectively. Skin and soft tissues were sites of infection in 36 (70.6%) cases and surgical, emergency and ICU accounted for 33 (64.7%) isolates. All isolates were resistant to more than two antibiotics but sensitive to vancomycin. Forty two (82.4%) isolates contained plasmids including 9 (21.4%) that contained more than one plasmid. Restriction Enzyme Analysis of the Plasmid DNA (REAP) divided the isolates into 9 Eco R1 profiles, with profile 2 accounting for 41.7% of all nosocomial infections in the wards, implying that it is endemic. The remaining nosocomial profiles occurred less frequently, suggesting that they are sporadic strains originating from outside the hospital. The community strains showed diverse digestion pattern indicating that they are from different clones. Conclusion : The spread of MRSA can be controlled through reinforcement of appropriate use of antibiotics, hand washing and laboratory surveillance for MRSA, particularly in the surgical wards and intensive care units, in order to identify sources of outbreaks. Keywords : molecular, methicillin-resistant; Staphylococcus aureus West African Journal of Medicine Vol. 24(2) 2005:100-106

Rural Livelihood and Food Consumption Patterns Among Households in Oyo State, Nigeria: Implications for Food Security and Poverty Eradication in a Deregulated Economy

Abstract: KEYWORDS Rural livelihood; food security; poverty eradication and deregulated economy ABSTRACT Food security is a fundamental objective of development policy and also a measure of its success. Achieving food security is still a major problem for households in most rural areas of Nigeria; therefore the associated symptoms of food crisis are found throughout the country, though with differences based on occupation, agro- ecological, socio-economic factors and rural versus urban location. This paper analyses the livelihood and food consumption patterns among households in rural Oyo State, Nigeria. Analysis of data on a sample survey of rural households in three adjoining local government areas of Oyo State show that a household member consumes N3,465.13 worth of carbohydrate foods; N750.54 of proteins and N191.43 of vitamins. On the average, a household member consumes N1469 wroth of food per month; though with the modal amount skewed towards the civil servants and artisans. Results of the analysis further show that there are short falls of 18% and 11% in carbohydrate and protein intake respectively in three years. The general livelihood patterns indicate that farmers who produce more of food consumed in the study area have the least disposable income to cater for life's basic needs. The results of the study have implications for food security and poverty eradication, especially in a deregulated economy. Therefore, promoting agricultural policies with appropriate price incentives that focus on intensification; diversification and resource-stabilizing innovations will create more wealth for all categories of rural households. In all, more rural financial and agricultural extension services are needed; these will improve the conditions needed for increased productivity and capital accumulation.

Response of laying hens and growing broilers to the dietary inclusion of mango (Mangifera indica L.) seed kernel meal.

Abstract: Studies were carried out to assess the nutritive value and utilization of mango (Mangifera indica L.) seed kernel (MSK) in the diets of layer and broiler chickens. The physical component of mango seeds was found to consist of 678 g/kg kernel, 292 g/kg shell and 30 g/kg testa. Meal from the seed kernel contained 61.6 g crude protein, 136.2 g ether extract, 22.3 g ash, 46.4 g crude fibre, 673.5 g nitrogen-free extract and appreciable mineral content. In the layers trial, MSK replaced maize weight for weight at 0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 g/kg. Results indicated a significant decrease (p 0.05) on feed intake and feed efficiency when compared with control diet. Organ weights with the exception of liver and lung were unaffected by dietary MSK. Haematological indices were not influenced (p>0.05) by dietary MSK except haemoglobin and mean cell haemoglobin, which were higher (p<0.05) in broilers fed 100 g/kg MSK. Neutrophils, lymphocytes and albumin/globulin ratio were similar on all diets. The results indicated that at higher weight for weight levels, MSK cannot readily substitute maize in layer diets, whereas a marginal improvement was recorded in the broiler diet, albeit with nutrient supplementation.

Suitability of Composted Maize Straw and Mineral Nitrogen Fertilizer for Tomato Production

Abstract: The use of organic fertilizer may increase yield of tomato and reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizer. Field studies were conducted to determine the effect of maize straw (MS) compost with and without mixing with inorganic nitrogen fertilizer (Nmin) on the growth, productivity and nutrient uptake of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). The treatments were 4 and 6 Mt.ha−1 of MS compost and 30 and 60 kg.ha−1 of Nmin fertilizer. Controls with no compost (0 Mt.ha−1) or Nmin fertilizer (0 kg.ha−1), or Nmin only were included. Applications of MS compost and Nmin enhanced plant growth and were more effective than the control treatment. Plant height, number of flowers and fruit produced per plant and plant dry matter yield were all improved significantly by application of MS compost alone or in combination with Nmin. Yields and yield components indicated that the crop had a better response to application of compost, but less to Nmin. The combined application of 4 Mtha−1 of MS compost and Nmin ferti...

Chemical composition of the leaf and fruit essential oils of Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack. (Syn. Murraya exotica Linn.)

Abstract: The essential oils from the leaves and fruits of Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack. grown in Nigeria were analysed by means of gas chromatograph and gas chromatograph interfaced with mass spectrometry. Both oils were rich in sesquiterpenoids. The principal constituents of the leaf oil were β-cyclocitral (22.9%), methyl salicylate (22.4%), trans-nerolidol (11.7%), α-cubebene (7.9%), (−)-cubenol (6.8%), β-cubebene (5.8%) and isogermacrene (5.7%). The most abundant constituent of the fruit essential oil was β-caryophyllene (43.4%). Other major components were (−)-zingiberene (18.9%), germacrene D (8.3%), α-copaene (5.5%) and α-humulene (5.1%). The compositions of both oils varied qualitatively and quantitatively. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Target organ damage and associated clinical conditions among Nigerians with treated hypertension.

Abstract: AIM Systemic hypertension is the commonest noncommunicable disease in Nigeria. Hypertension is linked with certain target organ damage (TOD) and associated clinical conditions (ACC). This study assessed the extent, pattern and predictors of TOD/ACC in patients with hypertension in Nigeria. METHODS The study was carried out at the medical outpatient department of a state hospital in Nigeria. Target organ damage was assessed in these patients. Predictors of TOD/ACC were also sought. RESULTS A total of 203 patients [73 men (36.0%) and 130 women (64.0%)] constituted the study population. One hundred and twenty-two patients (60.1%) had TOD/ACC. The prevalent TOD/ACC were left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (31.0%), chronic kidney disease (18.2%), diabetic nephropathy (18.2%), heart failure (10.8%) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) (8.9%). There was a statistically significant association between systolic blood pressure and TOD/ACC. Patients with over all blood pressure (BP) control (i.e. BP or = 140/90 mmHg) although the difference was not statistically significant (Chi2= 1.5, p > 0.05). The association between length of treatment and TOD/ACC approached significance ( Chi2= 9.35, p = 0.053). CONCLUSION The study showed a high prevalence of TOD/ACC in treated hypertensives. A positive association was shown between systolic BP and TOD/ACC. Early detection of hypertension and strict blood pressure control should help in reducing TOD/ACC in the hypertensive population.

Bacteriological quality of water samples in Osogbo Metropolis

Abstract: The bacteriological qualities of samples of some sachet water, tap water and well water were examined. Some physicochemical parameters (pH and suspended solids) indicative of water quality as well as the total bacterial and total coliform counts were examined. The pH of the samples range between 6.5 and 7.2. Suspended solids content ranged between 3.3 and 18.5 x 10 -2 g/ml. The total bacterial counts ranged between 7.0 to 12.0 x 10 1 CFU/ml for sachet water, 0 to 20 CFU/ml for tap water and 2.0 to 20 x 10 3 CFU/ml for well water. The coliform count (MPN) ranged between 0 to 1 coliform/100ml for sachet water, 0 to150 coliform/100 ml for tap water and 1200 to 1800 coliform/100ml for well water. A total of six bacterial species: Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Proteus vulgaris, Streptococcus faecalis, Enterobacter aerogenes and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated. Their distribution among the samples and the public health implication are discussed. The well water samples examined were found to fall short of the WHO recommendation for drinking water, while the tap water was adjudged fit for consumption. African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 6 (3) 2005: 219-222

Effect of soybean substitution on some physical, compositional and sensory properties of kokoro (a local maize snack)

Abstract: Kokoro was prepared from maize–soybean flour mixtures in ratios of 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50. The physical, compositional, and sensory characteristics of kokoro were evaluated. Protein and fat contents increased, while carbohydrate content decreased as the soy flour proportion of the flour mixture used in the kokoro was increased. The bulk density and water-holding capacity increased with increasing proportion of soybean flour, while the swelling capacity was found to decrease. High soy-substitution significantly reduced the sensory acceptance of kokoro. Sensory evaluation indicated that maize:soybean flour mixture ratios of 100:0 and 90:0 were the most acceptable to the panellists.

Production of bioemulsifier by an unusual isolate of salmon/red melanin containing Rhodotorula glutinis

Abstract: An unusual isolate of Rhodotorula glutinis was obtained. The yeast produces a spore and a crystalliferous protein per cell. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that the parasporal crystals contained polypeptides with a molecular mass of approximately 55, 47, 40, 36 32.5, 30 and 25 kD. The yeast also produces a salmon/red pigment at late stage of exponential growth, which has physical and chemical properties that are consistent with it being a form of melanin. The organism has been used to produce bioemulsifier with emulsion index of 80% when tested against kerosene and crude oil. The bioemulsifier has been shown to be capable of eliminating about 76% of crude oil pollutant. The colonial and mycelia forms of Rhodosporidium toruloides and Rhodosporidium sphaerocarpum have been successfully isolated from the unusual organism. African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 4 (2), pp. 164-171, 2005

In Vitro Cytotoxicity Activitie of Essential Oils of Eucalyptus Torreliana F. v. Muell (Leaves and Fruits)

Abstract: In this work, the composition and cytotoxicity activities of the essential oils from the leaves and fruits of Eucalyptus torelliana F. v. Muell were evaluated. The essential oils were analyzed directly by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Monoterpenes were the major constituents (92.6 and 85.1% respectively). The most common quantitatively significant compounds were α-pinene (21.7 and 55.8%) and β-pinene (10.3 and 10.8%) respectively for the leaf and fruit oils. 1,8-Cineole (33.8%) and p-cymene (10.7%) were the other constituents found in sizeable proportions in the leaves. Both essential oils were found to be cytotoxic, inhibiting the growth of PC-3, Hep G2, Hs578T, and MDA-MB-231 human tumor cell lines. The volatile oils displayed weak activities to the tested micro-organisms of bacteria and fungi.

Resettlement Coping Strategies of Women Settlers Around Dams in Nigeria: A Case Study of Erelu Dam in Oyo, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract: This study investigated resettlement coping strategies of women settlers around Erelu dam in Oyo Oyo State of Nigeria. One hundred and forty women settlers were sampled for the study using stratified random sampling technique. Structured interview schedule was employed to collect data from the respondents. The results of the study showed that the coping strategies employed often or always by majority of the women settlers include fish processing (77.1%) fish marketing (78.6%) and processing of food crops into the final products (68.6%). Other coping strategies employed often or always are production of vegetables in irrigated area (44.3%) hair dressing (35.7%) cloth weaving (28.6%) and labour on other peoples farms (20.0%). The results also showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between the respondents ages and their scores on coping strategies (r = .267) at 5% level of significance. Also there is a positive and significant relationship between the respondents years of formal education and their scores on coping strategies (r = .244) at 5% level of significance. The dam construction has influenced a shift in the major occupation of most of the women settlers from trading to fishing activities. It is recommended that there should always be proper resettlement of displaced people in dam construction to enable the people to enjoy the full benefits of the dam. (authors)

Effect of cassava fluid on corrosion performance of mild steel

Abstract: Purpose – The cheapest and most rapidly available metal for agro‐processing equipment fabrication in Nigeria is plain carbon steel. However, there are some aggressive ions present in raw agricultural and food products, which may attack the steel components of these processing machinery, resulting in their untimely failure in service. The present study investigates the effect of fluid squeezed from cassava tuber on the corrosion behaviour of mild steel.Design/methodology/approach – The investigation involved periodic weight loss measurements of 0.8 per cent carbon and 0.36 per cent carbon steel rods as they were exposed to cassava fluid. The relationships between loss in weight of the exposed samples and exposure period were determined. Models were developed to relate corrosion rate in each environment with total surface area and exposure period.Findings – The results show that 0.36 per cent carbon steel was less affected by corrosion than 0.18 per cent carbon steel, with corrosion intensity in both cases,...

Mass-volume-are related and mechanical properties of soybean as a function of moisture and variety

Abstract: Selected physical properties of three varieties of soybean were determined within a moisture content range of 6.25 to 11.60% dry basis. The seed length, width and thickness for the three varieties increased with the increase in moisture content while the sphericity and roundness of the three varieties increased within the range of 43.0 to 72.3% and 45.5 to 75.9% respectively. True density, bulk density and porosity decreased with increase in moisture content within the range of 1203 to 964 kgm−3, 809 to 740 kgm−3 and 0.35 to 0.22. The coefficient of friction also decreased with increase in moisture and the highest and lowest value was 23.7 and 17.3 on plywood while that on glass was 19.8 and 11.6, respectively. The angle of repose and terminal velocity increased within the range of 10.2° to 15.3° and 10.10° to 12.60 m/s for the varieties. The compressive force however decreased and the highest and lowest value was 12.85 and 3.5 N respectively for the three varieties.

Reproductive behaviour and determinants of fertility among men in a semi-urban Nigerian community

Abstract: Context: A relatively high fertility is still sustained in sub-urban and rural Nigeria despite the efforts of government and other non-governmental family planning service providers. This study was conducted to examine the reproductive behavior and determine the factors that determine the fertility of men at Ganmo, a sub-urban community on the outskirts of Ilorin, Nigeria. Methodology: The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive design. An interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from 360 men in the households. Only males above the age of 15 years resident in the community were selected for interview. A proportionate sampling procedure was employed in selecting the required number of men from each of the 32 compounds that make up the community. Results: The median age at first marriage for men was found to be 25 years. While about two-thirds of these men were married, at least 25% of them were in polygynous relationships. The Mean Number of Children Ever-Fathered (MNCEF), Mean Number of Living children (MNLC) and Mean Ideal Family Size (MIFS) for the men were 5.2, 4.2 and 5.8, respectively. For men above 50 years old who may be considered to have completed their families, these indicators were 9.3, 7.3 and 5.8 respectively. The predictors of high fertility among the men were low education, being a Muslim and having more than one wife. Men reproduced mainly because they wanted children that will carry on the family name and for economic support in old age. Conclusion: The study concluded that men at Ganmo still have preference for large family sizes and an intensive drive at adult education was advocated among other recommendations. Keywords: men, reproductive behaviour, fertility Journal of Community Medicine and Primary Health Care 2005, 17(1): 13-19

Analysis of the Leaf Oil of Araucaria cunninghamii Sweet. Grown In Nigeria

Abstract: The yield and chemical composition of the oil obtained by hydrodistillation of the leaves of Araucaria cunninghamii Sweet., grown in the southwest region of Nigeria are reported. The analyses were made by GC and GC/MS. The oil was found to contain α-pinene (14.8%), terpinen-4-ol (14.7%), shyobunol (8.9%) and spathulenol (8.8%) as major constituents.

Comparison of changes in pre-induction cervical factors' scores following ripening with transcervical foley catheter and intravaginal misoprostol.

Abstract: The study compares the changes in the cervical factors in pre-induction cervical ripening with both transcervical Foley catheter and Intravaginal Misoprostol. This was a randomised prospective study of pregnant women, with singleton gestations who presented for antenatal care and delivery at a tertiary health institution in the South-western Nigeria between 1st March 2003 and 31st March 2004. One hundred and two (102) patients received 50microg intravaginal Misoprostol and Ninety-six (96) received size 16F Transcervical Foley catheters. Both groups were similar at the baseline. Misoprostol group showed greater improvement in the final cervical length score, with 38.4% and 58.6% scoring 2 and 3 respectively, in contrast with the Foley catheter group where 77.7% had final score of 1, with only 16% scoring 2 and none scored 3 (P = 0.00). Ninety-one percent of the patients in the misoprostol group achieved the maximum cervical consistency score of 2, contrasting with the 31.9% in the Foley Catheter group (P = 0.00). 64.9% of the patients in the Foley catheter group did not achieve appreciable change in cervical consistency. Our findings indicate that intravaginal misoprostol was more effective in improving the scores of cervical length and consistency, while transcervical Foley catheter was better at improving the cervical os dilatation score at pre-induction cervical ripening. The clinical implication is that, patients for pre-induction cervical ripening can be selected for either of these ripening agents based on which cervical factors require improvement in scores

Economic Contribution of Farm Children to Agricultural Production in Nigeria: A Case Study of Ekiti State of Nigeria

Abstract: This study examined the economic contribution of farm children in agricultural production. To achieve this broad objective the research work identified the personal characteristics of the farm children investigated the major activities and examined the attitude of farm children to farming as an occupation. The study also looks into problems of farm children in relation to farm activities or what they detest most in farming. The study area is Ekiti state of Nigeria. The population for the study comprises all children born or nurtured by farming households or by farmer parents and in a village which is predominantly considered as a farming community. Structured interview schedule was used in collecting information from 300 farm children in the study area. Stratified random sampling technique was employed. The results show that gender and age play significant roles in contribution of farm children to agricultural production with calculated 2 =10.035 > tabulated 2 = 9.488; and calculated 2 = 26.557 > tabulated 2 = 21.026 respectively. The study concluded that despite the fact that the interviewed youths contribute immensely to agricultural production most of them are not satisfied with the way farming is being practiced in the study area. They are therefore not encouraged to consider farming as profession. It was recommended that non-government organizations (NGOs) as well as the government should ensure that modern tools and agro-chemicals as well as improved farm technologies essential for farmers on the field are made available at affordable prices. This will lessen the drudgery of farm operations thereby making farm ventures more attractive to youths. (authors)

Volatile constituents from the leaves of Eucalyptus cloeziana F. Muell and E. propinqua Deane & Maiden from Nigeria

Abstract: The composition of the volatile oils, hydrodistilled from the dried leaves of Eucalyptus cloeziana F. Muell and Eucalyptus propinqua Deane & Maiden, collected from Kaduna, Nigeria, has been analysed by GC and GC/MS. While E. cloeziana F. Muell was dominated by α-pinene (46.6%) and 1,8-cineole (15.4%), the oil of E. propinqua Deane & Maiden contained 1,8-cineole (61.8%) and γ-terpinene (23.3%) as the major compounds. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Total antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation in HIV-1 infected patients in a rural area of south western Nigeria.

Abstract: Total serum antioxidant status (TAS) and lipid peroxidation were evaluated in 62 HIV-1 seropositive patients before the commencement of antiretroviral drug therapy. Twenty-four (24) age-marched and apparently healthy HIV-1 seronegative subjects were recruited as control subjects. HIV-1 seropositive patients were classified according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Criteria. The mean serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations of 5.58 +/- 0.99nmol/ml and 4.24 +/- 0.80nmol/ml were significantly elevated in HIV-1 infected patients with CD4+ count of 500 lym/mm3 was not significant (P>0.05). In the intra groups comparison serum concentration of MDA were significantly elevated when compared with each other (P 500 lym/mm3, 200-499 lym/mm3 and symptomatics > asymptomatics > controls. The inclusion of antioxidants in the therapeutic approach in managing HIV- 1 seropositive patients will prevent the additional damage that free radicals could do to such patients.

Effect of Two Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Fodder Cultivars as Supplements on Voluntary Intake; Milk Yield and Manure Production of Bunaji Cows

Abstract: The feeding value of fodder from two cowpea cultivars to a basal maize stover diet was investigated using fifteen lactating White Fulani (Zebu) cows. The two cultivars were IT-716 and 994-DP. Diet was constituted as 50g DM/kg live weight and each of the cultivars was supplemented at 50% of the daily dry matter requirement of individual animals. The experimental design was a complete randomize. The parameters measured included feed intake, milk yield and composition and manure production. In a separate trial, dry matter degradation of the fodder was assessed. There were no significant differences in dry matter intake of the supplements. However, the dry matter intake of stover in the control diet was higher than those on the supplemented groups. The milk yields ranged from 887 to 1378 ml/day. Milk yield differed among treatments. Supplementation did not affect (P > 0.05) fat, protein, total solids and ash contents of the milk across the treatments. Manure productions were not significantly different among the treatments. Similarly, content of N, P and K in manure were comparable among the treatments except for N that was lower (P < 0.05) in the control group. The dry matter degradation was influenced by the fodder cultivars. The feeding of dual-purpose forage legumes residues could enhance milk production in lactating Zebu cows. This may be further increased by exploring other ways of improving feed residue utilization in the dry season.