|
Abstract
|
Article Information:
Biochemical Responses of Yankasa Sheep to Experimental Fasciola gigantica Infection in Zaria, Nigeria
J.Y. Adama, O.J. Ajanusi, N. Chiezey and A. Lawal
Corresponding Author: J.Y. Adama
Submitted: 2011 August, 05
Accepted: 2011 October, 07
Published: 2011 December, 25 |
Abstract:
|
A study was conducted to determine the biochemical responses of Yankasa ewes to experimental
Fasciola gigantica infection for a period of 10 weeks. A total of 12 Yankasa ewes were used in the experiment
and were obtained from the Reproduction Unit of the National Animal Production Research Institute, Shika-
Zaria, Nigeria. 2 weeks baseline pre-infection data were collected and the ewes were later divided into two
groups of infected and controls. The six animals in the infected group were each orally inoculated with 1200
Fasciola gigantica metacercariae and monitored for a period of 16 weeks. The pathogenic effects of Fasciola
gigantica infection began to manifest as of 9th week post infection through clinical symptoms of bottle jaw,
emaciation, depression and pallor of mucus membrane among the infected group. Eggs were demonstrated in
faeces of the infected animals at 12th week post-infection. The pathogenic effect was also evident based on fluke
biomass, mean fluke length and width, degree of liver damage, serum AST, ALT, ALP and electrolytes
responses. There was an increased level of AST from the 4th week post-infection indicating greater damage to
the liver parenchyma while the levels of ALT began to rise at the 9th week post -infection among the infected
group indicating epithelial damage in the bile ducts. The findings of this study reveals the diagnostic potentials
of liver enzymes in the early detection of ovine fasciolosis.
Key words: Biochemical responses, diagnostic potentials, Fasciola gigantica, Yankasa ewes, Nigeria, pathogenic effects,
|
|
Abstract
|
PDF
|
HTML |
|
Cite this Reference:
J.Y. Adama, O.J. Ajanusi, N. Chiezey and A. Lawal, . Biochemical Responses of Yankasa Sheep to Experimental Fasciola gigantica Infection in Zaria, Nigeria. International Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, (6): 409-415.
|
|
|
|
 |
ISSN (Online): 2041-2908
ISSN (Print): 2041-2894 |
 |
| Information |
|
|
|
|
| Sales & Services |
|
|
|
|
