DOI: 10.7904/2068–4738–VIII(16)–12

Folajimi Promise SATIMEHIN^1*, Lateef Oloyede TIAMIYU¹, Robert Gabriel OKAYI¹

 ¹Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Agriculture Makurdi, NIGERIA

Corresponding author: e–mail: folajimidaniel@gmail.com, Tel: +2347030648212

Abstract. Rubber leaves are a large by-product of rubber plantations which could serve as an important source of unconventional feed of agro by-product origin. However, it contains antinutritional factors which limits it utilization on a large scale as feed for animal nutrition. This study seeks to improve the nutritional value of rubber leaves meal through hydrothermal processing. Fresh leaves of rubber were collected from Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria in Benin City, and divided into five batches; four of these batches were subjected to varying periods of hydrothermal processing namely, 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes, while one batch was kept as control without processing. Result reveals significant reduction in phytic acid, Hydrocyanic acid and Tannin as the processing time progressed. However, crude protein increased till the 10^th min and significantly reduced thereafter and contrary to this, fat and ash significantly reduced as the time increased. Nutritional trials with various animals are recommended to evaluate feed utilization as a result of this processing method.

Keyword: Unconventional feed stuff, Hydrogen Cyanide, Crude protein, Antinutritional factor.

DOI: 10.7904/2068–4738–VIII(15)–123

Nnanke Agbam OJOGU, Paul Aunde ANNUNE, Gabriel Robert OKAYI

 Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Agriculture Makurdi, NIGERIA

Corresponding author: nnankeagbam@yahoo.com, Tel: +2348076476065

 Abstract. A Laboratory study was carried out to assess the toxic effects of aqueous extracts of Piptadeniastrium africanum bark on Clarias gariepinus juveniles using the static bioassay with continuous aeration method. Phytochemical analysis of the P. africanum aqueous bark extract revealed the presence of tannins (1.95 %), saponin (2.95 %), flavonoid (5.63 %), Glycosides (1.05 %), Steroid (2.35 %), Terpens, (2.70 %).0 (control), 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 mg/L concentrations were then applied to Clarias gariepinus juveniles (Mean weight: 18.26± 0.04 g) to determine the acute toxicity. The result obtained revealed the 96 h LC₅₀ values to be 42.21 mg/L with 95 % confidence limit of 30.37–58.67 mg/L. Fish exposed to acute toxicity test exhibited behavioural changes such as discolouration, air gulping, erratic swimming, aggression, excessive mucus secretion, and settling at the bottom motionless just before death. Histological assessment of the gills showed that acute exposure of P. africanum bark led to degeneration of primary and secondary lamellae, lamellae with marginal channel dilation, blanketing of the lamellae, hyperplasia of epithelial cells, epithelial lifting and haemorrhage, oedema, necrosis and malformed secondary lamellae of the African catfish. The liver also showed focal necrosis, bile stagnation, nuclear degeneration, hepatocytes with irregular shaped nucleaus, cytoplasmic vacuolation, vascular congestion, bile pigment disintegration and cytoplasic degeneration Hyperplasia of epithelial cells and fusion of secondary lamellae. The toxic effect of the aqueous extract of the plant on C. gariepinus juveniles was both time and dose dependent.

Keyword: Piptadeniastrium africanum, Clarias gariepinus, toxicity, Histology.

DOI: 10.7904/2068–4738–VIII(15)–113

Alexander B. RUCHIN

Smidovich Mordovia State Nature Reserve, Republic of Mordovia, RUSSIA

Correspondence address: Pushta, Temnikovski Raion, Republic of Mordovia, Russia 431230

Corresponding author: sasha_ruchin@rambler.ru

Abstract. The objective of this work consists in valuing the carob pods (very rich in sugars and in nourishing elements) as being a medium of culture for growth of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and comparison this natural syrup with MRS medium for lactic acid production curve. By its biochemical composition, the carob syrup is very rich in carbohydrates 16 g/L, protein 0.25 %, ash 0.8 % including potassium (110 mg/100 mL of MF), sodium (80) and calcium (150). Kinetics study of growth of Lactobacillus bulgaricus in MRS and carob pods syrup showed that high biomass and lactic acid were obtained in the end of carob fermentations respectively (5.51 and 13.8) compared to MRS fermentation (4.57 and 10.9). This study clearly showed that carob pods have potential to be used as feedstock for lactic acid production by Lactobacillus bulgaricus using batch culture.

Keyword: Abiotic Factor; Common Frog; Common Newt; Crested Newt; Development; Larvae; Moor Frog; Mortality.

DOI: 10.7904/2068–4738–VIII(15)–98

Sharhrzad NASSIRI SEMNANI

 Department of Biology, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan. IRAN

Corresponding author: Sh.Nasiri92@yahoo.com, Phone: +98–241–4265890

Abstract. Peduncle anatomy was investigated in 8 species of Onobrychis from Iran by light microscopy. Ten quantitative and qualitative characters were studied in the peduncle cross sections. Results showed that qualitative characters represent considerable variations within the section, some of which such as outline shape of the peduncle cross section, density of papillae on hair surface, and position of cavities in peduncles are taxonomically important characters to differ annual species from perennials in the section. Four groups were distinguished within the perennial species according to peduncle anatomical characters. In addition, a key is provided for the taxa based on these characters.

Keyword: Anatomical characters, cross section, Leguminoseae, Onobrychis.

DOI: 10.7904/2068–4738–VIII(15)–83

Mohammad Mohsen SALAJEGHEH ANSARY*¹, Ali AHMADIMOGHADAM² Seied Mansour MIRTADZADINI²

¹M.Sc. in Plant Ecology–Systematics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, and member of Young Researchers Association, Kerman, IRAN

²Assistant Professor in Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, IRAN

Corresponding author: mmsa@sci.uk.ac.ir; Phone: +98 9139437720; Fax: +983433257432

Abstract. Cyanobacteria live in diverse ecosystems including hot springs. In the present study, cyanobacterial flora of two hot springs located in Kerman, Iran was investigated for the first time. After sample collection, species were identified based on their morphological traits. To understand the fundamental patterns of species distribution; Physico–chemical environmental factors and species frequency were measured using standard methods and thereafter Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) of species frequency and environmental factors was carried out by Canoco program. Twenty cyanobacteria were identified. Results showed an ordered distribution of the species along the environmental factors. Results also showed the presence of mesothermophilous and facultative thermophile cyanobacteria in types of unicellular and filamentous in the two studied springs. Results also suggest that some species are adapted and resistant forms to sulfide. Diazotrophic strains were found to align in lowest compound nitrogen level, where others were removed from competition.

Keyword: Cyanobacterial flora, Aphanocapsa, Kerman, Sirch hot spring.