Journal of Agricultural and Biomedical Sciences

Evaluating the effects of garlic (Allium sativum) as a feed additive on the growth performance and immune response in broiler chickens

Joyce Mufungwe — 2025-04-10

In a quest to find affordable, antibiotics free and readily available means of increasing broiler meat productivity, a number of natural feed additives have been tested and suggested. Garlic (Allium sativum) has emerged as a preferable alternative to synthetic feed additives. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of garlic as a feed additive on feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and immune response. 300-day-old chicks were acclimatized for 2 weeks and then randomly assigned to 5 treatments (0.00%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, and 1.00% garlic inclusion levels) with replicates. Mean weekly feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and differential leucocyte counts (lymphocytes, heterophils, basophils, eosinophils, and monocytes) were analyzed for treatment effects. There were significant differences among the means across all treatments for all dependent variables except mean weekly body weight gain at 2 weeks. Garlic supplementation significantly influenced body weight from three to six weeks of age, with the control group (0.00%) consistently exhibiting the lowest body weight. At six weeks, body weight was highest at 0.75%, followed by 1.00%, 0.50%, and 0.25% garlic inclusion levels, demonstrating the positive impact of dietary garlic on growth performance. It was also observed that garlic supplementation led to increases in the basophil and monocyte counts, suggesting a bolstered immune system.

Overwintering growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Three Spotted tilapia (Oreochromis andersonii) cultured in concrete ponds in Zambia

Jonas Wiza Ng'ambi — 2025-04-10

This study evaluated the overwintering growth performance of Three spotted tilapia (Oreochromis andersonii) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Two treatments, each with three replications, were used in the three-month experiment which ran through the cold season from June 2024 to August 2024. O. niloticus was introduced into three tarpaulin-lined concrete ponds in the first treatment (T1), with an initial mean weight of 2.12 ± 1.03 grams. Three more ponds were used to stock O. andersonii in the second treatment (T2), with an initial mean weight of 2.20 ± 1.03 g. The fish were fed twice a day at a rate of 5% of their body weight. The ponds were covered with greenhouse plastic to keep the average temperature at about 22.12 ± 1.68°C during the study period. Water quality parameters (dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, alkalinity, ammonia, and nitrite) were maintained within a recommended range for fish farming. Following 12 weeks of culture, the final weights (FW) (O. niloticus 25.21 ± 10.38 g and O. andersonii, 22.57 ± 8.44 g) were not significantly different (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in body weight gain (BWG), specific growth rate (SGR), or survival between the two species. However, the food conversion ratio (FCR) for O. niloticus of 1.07 ± 0.11 was significantly better (P < 0.05) than for O. andersonii of 1.62 ± 0.10. According to the findings, O. andersonii exhibited similar attributes as O. niloticus in terms of growth and survival in semi-intensive culture and by the end of the cold season, both species were overwintered to weights suitable for grow-out culture.

Characterization of Qualitative and Quantitative Traits of Five Strains of Zambia Indigenous Chicken

Mayoba Barbara Moono — 2025-04-10

This study assessed the phenotypic characteristics of five indigenous chicken strains from Zambia’s Luapula, Northern, Muchinga, Southern, and Lusaka provinces, providing baseline data for a selective breeding program aimed at improving performance. A total of 100 chickens (74 females and 26 males) were sampled. Qualitative traits were observed, and quantitative traits such as body weight, body length, thigh length and circumference, chest circumference, shank length and circumference, wingspan, and keel length were measured. Males had significantly higher live body weights and measurements than females (P < 0.05), with average mature male weight at 1.88 kg and females at 1.63 kg. Frizzled-feathered males had significantly higher shank lengths (10.8 ± 0.76 cm) than females. No significant strain differences among males were noted in wingspan or live weight. Naked-neck males had the highest live weight, while short-legged males had the lowest for all the strains. Normal-feathered, Naked-neck and Frizzled females had similar shank lengths and circumferences, significantly higher than dwarf females. The study found high positive correlations between body weight and other measurements (P < 0.01), except for body length and thigh length circumference in naked-neck females. Chickens were distributed as normal-feathered (44%), white-spotted (19%), naked-neck (17%), short-legged (13%), and frizzled-feathered (7%). The dominant comb type was single (96%), followed by pea (3%), and rose (1%). Grey shank colour was most common (33%), followed by white (31%), black (18%), and yellow (17%), with green at 1%. White earlobe colour was universal (100%), and eye colours were predominantly brown (42%), followed by black (31%) and grey (23%), with white and grey being the least common (1% and 3%). The phenotypic diversity within these strains suggests great potential for improving indigenous chicken performance through selective breeding.

Editorial: Increasing Human Mpox Cases: A Signal for Potential Re-emergence of Smallpox?

Samuel Munalula Munjita — 2025-04-11

Since 2022, Mpox has surged to a global scale, with nearly 100,000 cases reported by June 2024. This resurgence predominantly affects individuals under 45, born during or after the cessation of smallpox vaccination. Epidemiological evidence confirms that smallpox vaccines offer over 80% protection against Mpox. The rise in Mpox cases appears to be driven by a cocktail of factors which include the emergence of new MPXV strains, a dwindling population of previously smallpox vaccinated individuals, and an increasing number of individuals unvaccinated against smallpox. Although those vaccinated over 40 years ago retain significant immunity, studies suggest a concerning annual decline of 1.29%. Given these dynamics - rising Mpox cases linked to declining head immunity against smallpox and a growing naïve population - the scenario raises a critical question: Are we on the brink of a smallpox re-emergence? However the question is answered, it is imperative to address these issues urgently by conducting large-scale investigations to understand the residual immunity against smallpox and refine vaccination strategies. The recent resurgence of measles highlights how swiftly diseases once under control can reappear when vaccination coverage declines.

Characterization of Microplastics Residue in Water and Biota of Majidun Estuarines, Lagos Nigeria

Rasheed Yemi Oladunjoye — 2025-04-18

Microplastic contamination is a critical environmental issue impacting aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Due to their environmental persistence, microplastics degrade water quality, threaten aquatic biota, and pose potential health risks to humans through water/sea food consumption. Despite the global significance of this problem, no documented studies have assessed microplastic pollution in the Majidun River, Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. This study investigated the occurrence of microplastics in surface water and commercially available aquatic species in Majidun River, Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. Water samples were collected using amber bottles and analyzed for microplastic occurrence using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), while fish, Kribia kribensis, Chrysichthyes filamentous, Galeoides decadactylus, Clarias lazera, Carranx hippos and Monodactylus sebae) and crustacean species (Callinectes pallidus), were dissected to extract and analyze gastro-intestinal contents for microplastic contamination.The results revealed significant microplastic contamination in both the water and biota (fish and crab). Neoprene and Ethylene Propylene were the only polymers detected in the surface water. In the biota, eight microplastic polymers were identified: Polyacrylamide, Polyaramid, Nylon, Polybutylene terephthalate, polyvinyl alcohol, Ethylene propylene, Polyurethane, and Neoprene. Microplastic occurrence was highest in Monodactylus sebae (23%), followed by Galeoides decadactylus (19%), Clarias lazera (19%), and Carranx hippos (18%). The lowest occurrences were recorded in Kribia kribensis, Chrysichthyes filamentous, and Callinectes pallidus (7% each). This study provides the first evidence of significant microplastic contamination in the Majidun River, highlighting the need for policies to mitigate microplastic pollution and raise awareness of its impacts on water quality, aquatic life, and human health.