Search

The desire to shore up the shortfall in protein supply, the increased awareness of the importance of cholesterol free animal protein, like guineafowl, and the need to conserve their wild genes, have necessitated studies on improved captive breeding of feral helmeted guineafowl. Hence, this study was aimed at determining the effects of ecological zones and storage systems on the guineafowl eggs. Guineafowl eggs (n=214), were collected from identified and monitored-nests within the Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP) and Old Oyo National Park (OONP). Out of 91 eggs collected from KLNP, 32 and 38 were stored at room temperature (RT-21-25°C) and refrigerator (RF-17-20°C), respectively for five days prior to incubation while 21 eggs were not stored (NS-27-29°C), and out of 123 collected from OONP, 70 and 19 were stored for five days prior to incubation at (RT-21-25°C) and (RF-17-20°C), respectively while 34 eggs were (NS- 27-29°C). Prior to incubation, eggs were weighed, the height and width were measured. The process was repeated after incubation for unhatched eggs. Candling was done three days before hatching at day 29 of egg incubation. Embryo status of unhatched eggs was determined by cracking the eggs. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The NS eggs from Kainji (7.60%) and Oyo (2.01%) had the lowest percentage shrinkage in weight across the three storage systems. The order was reversed in height with RF eggs from Kainji (0.96%) and Oyo (0.46%) having lowest. The least shrinkage in width of eggs from Oyo was recorded in the RF eggs (0.00%) and in NS (0.59%) from Kainji. Eggs candling showed that presumed fertile (opaque) was highest (69.10%) in NS eggs followed by RT (45.00%). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the hatchability of eggs from the two parks though hatchability (7.60%) of Kainji eggs was higher than those of Oyo (7.40%). Further check on fertilization after incubation showed that RT (37.50%) eggs from Kainji were fertilized but were unable to hatch alive so also was RF eggs (21.10%). The study showed that the eggs sizes vary with ecozones while size of the eggs and storage systems affects hatchability and survival of feral helmeted guineafowl eggs in captivity. Keywords: Guineafowl; ecozones; storage systems; incubation; candling; hatchability

While the impact of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) on earthworms has been studied, little is known about their effects on the earthworm gut microbiome. This study investigated the impact of a GBH on the gut microbial communities of three earthworm species (Alma millsoni, Eudrilus eugeniae and Libyodrilus violaceus). Earthworm species accommodated in soil were sprayed with 115.49 mL/m² of Roundup® Alphee or water. Gut microbiome composition was analysed using 16S rRNA Bacterial Tag-Encoded FLX Amplicon Pyrosequencing (bTEFAP) at the 8th week post-herbicide application. A profound shift in bacterial populationswas observed in all exposed earthworms with Proteobacteria becoming the dominant phylum. Affected bacteria were mostly from the genus Enterobacter, Pantoea and Pseudomonas, which together represented approximately 80 % of the total abundance assigned at the genus level in exposed earthworms, while they were present at a minor abundance (∼1%) in unexposed earthworms. Although consistent results were observed between the three groups of worm species, it is not possible to generalize these outcomes due to a lack of biological replicates, which does not allow for inferential statistical analysis. Nevertheless, our study is the first to report the effects of a GBH on the earthworm gut microbiome and paves the way for future more comprehensive investigations.

The incidence of infertility in human is on the increase and the use of Roundup herbicide and presence of its residues in foodstuff is a major concern. This study therefore aim to assess the effect of Roundup on the reproductive capacity of 32 adult male albino rats randomized into 4 groups of 8 rats per group orally exposed to Roundup at 3.6mg/kg body weight(bw), 50.4mg/kgbw and 248.4mg/kgbw of glyphosate concentrations for 12 weeks while the control group was given distilled water. Serum level of reproductive hormone (testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin), oxidative stress indices in the testicular tissue, epididymal sperm morphology assessment and testicular histopathology of the rats were used as a diagnostic marker of reproductive dysfunction. Significant (p

There have been growing concerns and uncertainty about reports attributing the metabolic disturbance induced by a commercial formulation of glyphosate-based herbicide to its active ingredient. We therefore compared the effects of Roundup Original® and its active ingredient glyphosate on some hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) hormones and oxidative stress markers, biochemical and hematological profiles in 56 adult male albino rats randomly assigned to seven treatments of eight rats per treatment. The rats were orally exposed to Roundup Original® and its active ingredient daily at 3.6 mg/kg body weight (bw), 50.4 and 248.4 mg/kgbw of glyphosate equivalent concentrations for 12 weeks, while control treatment received distilled water. Serum concentrations of corticosterone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, aldosterone and concentration of oxidative stress marker, biochemical and hematological profiles in the blood were determined. Concentrations of corticosterone and aldosterone were significantly higher (p

The direct response of animals to environmental challenges, such as the production of biomarkers, is a better tool to assess environmental pollution than the conventional methods. In this study, the production of metallothionein (MT) in earthworms (Libyodrilus violaceous, Eudrilus eugeniae and Alma millsoni) was measured as tool for assessing heavy metal pollution in abattoir soil. Earthworm and abattoir soil samples were collected from three abattoir sites (Lafenwa, Gbonogun and Madojutimi) and a control site located beside an undisturbed stream located in Abeokuta, Ogun State, in South-western Nigeria. Heavy metal (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni and Mn) and MT concentrations were measured in the earthworm tissue and abattoir soil using standard methods. The concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd and Mn were highest in the tissue of earthworms obtained from Lafenwa abattoir. The Bioaccumulation Factors (BAFs) for all the metals tested for were less than unity, except for Cd which had a BAF > 1. The MT concentrations recorded in the earthworm samples from the Gbonogun and Lafenwa abattoir sites were significantly higher (p � 0.05) than in earthworms from Madojutimi. The lowest MT concentration was recorded in earthworms from the control. Significant (p � 0.05) positive correlations were observed between MT and heavy metal concentrations in all earthworm species indicating that MT concentrations can be used as biomarker of heavy metal pollution in abattoir soils

It remains unknown if casts produced by earthworms exposed to a glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) will retain their agricultural benefit. This study investigated the agricultural importance of surface casts produced by three earthworm species (Alma millsoni, Eudrilus eugeniae and Libyodrilus violaceus) exposed to a GBH on growth, fruit yield and quality of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). We sprayed 60 buckets (i.e 20 buckets/earthworm species) containing 20 adult earthworms of each species with 115.49 ml/m2 of Roundup® Alphee (Exposed) while another 60 buckets with earthworm species were sprayed with water (Control). Surface casts produced by the earthworms were collected for 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th week post herbicide application. Tomato planting experiment on soil treated with the casts, NPK fertilizer and normal soil were grouped into 32 treatments. Tomato growth performance, yield and quality were evaluated with standard methods. Only the tomatoes planted with the casts of the exposed earthworms were unable to set fruit. There was no significant difference (p

BackgroundAscariasis, Trichuriasis and Hookworm infections poses a considerable public health burden in Sub-Saharan Africa, and a sound understanding of their spatial distribution facilitates to better target control interventions. This study, therefore, assessed the prevalence of the trio, and mapped their spatial distribution in the 20 administrative regions of Ogun State, Nigeria.MethodsParasitological surveys were carried out in 1,499 households across 33 spatially selected communities. Fresh stool samples were collected from 1,027 consenting participants and processed using ether concentration method. The locations of the communities were georeferenced using a GPS device while demographic data were obtained using a standardized form. Data were analysed using SPSS software and visualizations and plotting maps were made in ArcGIS software.ResultsFindings showed that 19 of the 20 regions were endemic for one or more kind of the three infections, with an aggregated prevalence of 17.2%. Ascariasis was the most frequently observed parasitic infection in 28 communities with a prevalence of 13.6%, followed by hookworm infections with a prevalence of 4.6% while Trichuriasis was the least encountered with a prevalence of 1.7%. The spatial distribution of infections ranges between 5.3-49.2% across the regions. The highest and lowest distribution of overall helminth infections was recorded in Egbado South and Egbado North respectively. Nine regions had infection status between 20.0%-49.2%, while 10 regions had infection status between 5.3%-15.8%.ConclusionThis study provides epidemiological data on the prevalence and spatial distribution of ascariasis, trichuriasis and hookworm infections which will add to the baseline data and guide the public health officers in providing appropriate control strategies in the endemic communities.

The global use of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) and release of glyphosate residues in soil environment have over the years been a major concern. In this study, we aim to evaluate the biochemical response and vermiremediation potential of three indigenous earthworm species; namely Alma millsoni, Eudrilus eugeniae and Libyodrilus violaceus in GBH treated soils. Study design: Three weed plants (Tridax procumbense, Ludwigia pasturis and Pannicum maximum) were transplanted into 140 plastic pots and 20 adult individual earthworms of each species were later introduced into 60 pots. In total, each earthworm species treatments representing 20 pots and 20 pots without earthworm were sprayed with 115.49 mL/m2 (equivalent to 83.2 g a.i/m2) of Roundup® Alphee. The remaining 60 pots with earthworm species were left unsprayed. Activities of glutathione-S-transferase (GST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), metallothionine (MT), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), antioxidant defense system and lipid peroxidation (MDA) were monitored at the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th weeks Post Herbicide Application (PHA) using standard methods. Glyphosate residues in the soil and earthworm species were quantified with a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detector. Bioaccumulation Factor (BAF) was also calculated. Results: Higher activities of GST and LDH and reduction in MT activities were observed in the three earthworm species exposed to GBH compared to the unexposed while AChE activity was insensitive to the herbicide. The antioxidant defence system was able to protect E. eugeniae and L. violaceus against oxidative stress. The presence of earthworms reduced glyphosate residues in the soil. E. eugeniae and L. violaceus were bioaccumalators and biomagnifiers of glyphosate as indicated by the BAF (>1) obtained after 8th week PHA. Relationships exist between glyphosate BAF in E. eugeniae and L. violaceus and exposure duration as well as between glyphosate residues in tissues of the earthworm species and their biochemical parameters. Conclusions: Alterations in the enzymatic activities and antioxidant defence of the earthworm species could be an index for GBH contaminated soil monitoring and assessment; both E. eugeniae and L. violaceus showed potential to vermiremediate soils contaminated with GBH.

The use of freshwater invertebrates as bioindicator of heavy metal pollution is an important tool for environmental biomonitoring. This study investigated antioxidant activities and DNA profile in two limicolous earthworms (Alma millsoni and Libyodrilus violaceus) and freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium vollenhovenii) at selected points of Ogun River, Abeokuta. Heavy metal concentrations and DNA profile in the earthworms and prawn tissues were measured using standard procedures. Zn concentration was higher than other heavy metals in A. millsoni (685.83±114.42mg/kg), L. violaceus (1913.3±1098.7mg/kg) and M. vollenhovenii (134.7±13.61mg/kg). Superoxide dismutase activity ranged from 62.44±7.16-79.82±11.18U/g tissues, 60.26±11.18-71.07±7.54U/g tissues and 74.07±16.69-87.79±8.50U/g tissues in A. millsoni, L. violaceus and M. vollenhovenii respectively. RAPD-PCR revealed varying DNA profile among the earthworms samples; the UPGMA dendrogram formed two distinct clusters at genetic similarity coefficient of 0.15-0.2 with one cluster consisting of Alma millsoni and Libyodrilus violaceus from Sokori, Enugada and Iberekodo sampling points and the second cluster forming two distinct sub-clusters comprising Arakanga and Ago-ika's L. violaceus in one and A. millsoni in the other. High genetic variability was recorded among the earthworm species while the freshwater prawn showed no variability. Antioxidant activities and genetic variability in earthworms could serve as biomarkers of heavy metal pollution in freshwater environment.

The prospect of vermiculture in the south-western coast of Nigeria was studied. One hundred and two respondents were interviewed in the three coastal towns of Badagry, Epe and Igbokoda. The results show that 94% of respondents made use of earthworms as fish bait, 37% buy their worms and 57% collected by themselves. The respondents, who buy, however, noted that their suppliers do not breed the worms but search for them from marshy areas. The price value placed on the worms ranged between 0.35 and ₦3.10 per kg; while the most quoted prices were 0.35 and ₦0.80 (16.7% each). The average quoted price was ₦0.70 per kg. Forty-six percent (46%) of respondents were willing to buy earthworms if supplied to them; 49% were willing to serve as sales agents if contacted and 66.7% opined that earthworm was their choicest fishing bait. The results indicate positive expectation for vermiculture as a business venture. Vermiculture should, however, put into consideration the production of Alma millsoni and Libyodrilus violaceus, the species quoted as the most preferred and effective for fishing. Vermiculture will go a long way in solving the problem of earthworm scarcity among these people, reduce the stress put on natural populations earthworms, thus conserving the worms and also reduce damage done to the soil environment in the course of excavating for worms. Key words: Vermiculture, earthworm, prospects.

Over exploitation of marine resources pose a threat to their population and ultimate survival. Sea turtle is one of the endangered marine species whose conservation must be taken seriously because of their economic advantages. Human interferences with sea turtle habitat and procreation process have been observed to be one of the main causes of reduction in their population. This research considers the interplay of sea turtle population and hunting for sea turtles and eggs for consumption and sales to earn a living by the coastal community dwellers in some parts of South West (SW) Nigeria. The study area is characterized by humid and hot weather, with annual temperature ranging between 26 and 34oC.More than 80 percent of the rain falls during the rainy season around (April to October).Data on field encounters with sea turtle nesting sites, hatchlings and mature adults were collected ,questionnaires were administered among the coastal community dwellers t was observed that some local community members do hunt sea turtle eggs for consumption and eating of sea turtle meat which may create reduction in sea turtle population since their process of procreatpered with. Captured sea turtles must be rescued for it to survive. More needs to be done on the levels of awareness on turtle conservation and protection. Policy monitoring and implementation on endangered species conservation must be implemented and monitored in Nigeria

The study investigated oxidative stress induced by Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in selected palaemonid shrimps. The shrimps were fed with Aflatoxin B1 of 0, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 40 μg/kg in mixtures of shrimp feed. The impact s of the concentrations on the growth rate of the shrimps and the induced Oxidative stress were assessed. Growth rate was estimated using standard growth rate, mean weight gain, feed conversion rate and survival rate; while oxidative stress was estimated using levels of Superoxide dismutase (SOD). Generally, AFB 1 of 40 μg/kg bw highly impacted the growth of all species, followed by 20 μg/kg bw. i.e. the shrimps in the treatment elicited significantly reduced standard growth rate and mean weight gain. Elevated concentrations of SOD detected in all shrimp species at AFB1 concentration of 20 μg/kg bw, particularly 40 μg/kg bw further supported the toxicity observations in the treatments. According to the profile of antioxidant activities and growth analysis, the trend of resilience to AFB 1 was: Macrobrachium vollenhovenii >Macrobrachium macrobrachion >Macrobrachium dux >Macrobrachium fellicinium > Palaemon maculatus > Nematopalaemon hastatus. This implies that M. vollenhovenii followed by M. macrobrachium have higher success potentials in small and middle scale shrimp farms vulnerable to aflatoxin exposure. Palaemonid shrimp farm feeds should be regularly screened to ensure the concentration of AFB1 does not exceed 10 μg/kg bw.

The study explored, examined and simulated some selected abiotic factors observed at biodiversity hotspots of Osse River, located in the tropical Rainforest, Edo State, Nigeria. The study was aimed at providing information required for sustainable shrimp husbandry. The research rationale was that the stress levels in shrimps are absolutely a function of flow rates and depths. Shrimp samples were caught from Osse River at night and early morning periods. The shrimp samples were identified, sorted, and counted. Stress levels impacted by abiotic variables such as regulated flow rates and depths were investigated employing Glutathione-S-Transferase, Cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenase, Catalase, and Superoxide dismutase. M. vollenhovenii managed the stress the most, followed by M. macrobrachion. These potentials can be attributed to the relatively large and tough morphological characteristics and the animals. Proficiency of regulation of antioxidant enzymes in the animals must have contributed appreciably to the hardiness of the animals. Cultivation of M. vollenhovenii, followed by M. macrobrachion is very much achievable, with optimal results at flow rate of 0.1 m/s. The species have an appreciably wide spectrum of flow rates due to their ability to cope in slightly harsh conditions. The study provided vivid information on the flow rate of shrimp pond to support artificial rearing of the Palaemonid shrimps

Damage of stored cowpea by the weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus, is of great concern in Nigeria. The study investigated the potential of light spectra in the control of the bean weevil; In the first trial, ten individual bean weevils were directly irradiated with green, yellow, red and white and ambient(control) light generated by electric bulbs at 25 Watts. In the second trial, ten individual weevils were housed with 700 bean seeds and exposed to the light spectra. Each light treatment was replicated thrice and weevils were exposed for two hours daily for 10days. Mortality of the bean weevils was monitored daily, and percentage bean damage was determined in 10days. Data obtained were expressed as mean (±SD);mean damaged beans were compared by analysis of variance and separated by Duncan multiple range test at p

The activities of digestive enzymes in the gut regions of African giant land snail, Archachatina marginata were investigated during aestivation induced in the laboratory by the withdrawal of water and food for three weeks. All studied enzymes, amylase, α-glucosidase, cellulase, lipase, and protease, were detected on the gut regions (oesophagus, crop, stomach and intestine). Aestivated snails had significantly lower enzyme activities in all the gut regions than the active snails. Furthermore the stomach recorded the highest enzyme activities of all the gut regions

The impact of management systems on the African giant land snail, Archachatina marginata found in Abeokuta, Nigeria was investigated. The gut microbial load, haemolymph biochemical values (proteins, lipids, glucose, Na+, Ca2+,K+, CL- PO4 2+) and proximate composition (crude protein, fat, fibre, ash and carbohydrates) of the flesh were determined in these snails. There were significantly (p

The study was conducted to determine earthworm cast biomass under three managed ecosystems, Gmelina, Cashew and Banana plantations at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and its impact on the soil physicochemical parameters. Seven, five and four plots of 3 m2 each were sampled in Gmelina, Cashew and Banana plantations respectively. Each plot was laid out in form of a grid and seven quadrats of 44 cm x 44 cm each were sampled in each plot. On-field Cast weights were determined to the nearest gram using a top loading mechanical balance and the cast biomass was calculated from these. The nutrient and mineral properties of both earthworm casts and parent soils were determined using standard methods of AOAC. The % OC (4.61), %OM (7.96), sulphate (38.37), pH (7.78), total nitrogen (0.27), Mn (0.47) and Fe (7.23) were significantly higher (p

The abundance of earthworms in the ecological zones in Nigeria has been determined and the possibility of earthworm functions replacing both mechanized land preparation and organic fertilizers discussed. The most abundant earthworms, comprising 62 % of the population, were the advantageous solid-wormcast makers. Mixed Leguminous Wooded Savanna had the highest earthworm density (1.50 million worms/ha), while Wooded Savanna had the lowest (0.23 million worms/ha). Coastal Forest and Mangrove (0.51 t/ha) had the highest earthworm biomass and Afziela Savanna/Semi-Deciduous Forest (0.03 t/ha) had the least. A new soil impact index (SIINDEX) is introduced, which simultaneously incorporates both earthworm biomass and density. The highest SIINDEX was from Mixed Leguminous Wooded Savanna (0.72) and the lowest from Afziella Savanna/Semi-Deciduous Forest (0.11). Forests with SIINDEX less than 0.2 should be regarded as endangered, because their earthworm functions are too low to accomplish significant leaf-litter breakdown and recycling. We suggest that if the illegal annual bush burning is prevented, the soil surface will be naturally mulched, earthworms protected, and by their function in the soil, the need for soil mechanization and fertilization could be replaced by earthworms to produce natural foods.Keywords: Annelida, Oligochaeta, leaf litter breakdown, soil fauna, SIINDEX

Malaria caused by Plasmodium species is often observed in areas where malaria is endemic. Malaria prevalence in metropolitan Abeokuta of Ogun State, Nigeria was studied between October, 2012 and January 2013. Oral interviews were used to get personal data of participants. Blood samples were obtained from 384 consented participants from the seven primary health centers. Blood film examination using Giemsa staining techniques was used to detect malaria parasites in the blood. From the 384 participants examined 273 (71.1%) were positive with malaria parasites. Species detected included Plasmodium falciparum (95.6%), Plasmodium malariae (3.3%), P. ovale (0.7%) and P. vivax (0.4%). The age-group 1-11 years had the highest malaria prevalence 94 (81%) while 51-60 had the least 6(54.5%). The malaria prevalence in relation to age was significant (p=0.011, p 0.05). Malaria prevalence was significantly higher among those with no formal education 80 (81.6%) and least among post-secondary educational. Prevalence among occupational groups showed significant difference, where the unemployed group were more infected and the retiree group had the least infection (p=0.014, p

The activities of digestive enzymes in the gut regions of African giant land snail, Archachatina marginata were investigated during aestivation induced in the laboratory by the withdrawal of water and food for three weeks. All studied enzymes, amylase, α-glucosidase, cellulase, lipase, and protease, were detected on the gut regions (oesophagus, crop, stomach and intestine). Aestivated snails had significantly lower enzyme activities in all the gut regions than the active snails. Furthermore the stomach recorded the highest enzyme activities of all the gut regions. Se investigaron las actividades de las enzimas del tracto digestivo del caracol gigante africano Archachatina marginata durante la estivación, inducida en laboratorio mediante retirada del agua y alimento durante tres semanas. Todas las enzimas estudiadas, amilasa, α-glucosidasa, celulasa, lipasa y proteasa fueron encontradas en las regiones del tracto digestivo (estómago, intestino, esofago y bulbo oral). Los caracoles en estivación tienen, en todas las regiones del tracto digestivo, actividades enzimáticas significativamente menores que los caracoles activos. En el estómago, se registró la mayor tasa de actividad enzimática de todo el tracto digestivo.

This study was conducted to compare the growth performance and haemolymph metabolites concentrations of two snail ecotypes-normal skin and albino snail raised in captivity for eight weeks. The growth performance was measured by body weight gain, shell length gain and shell circumference gain while the measured haemolymph metabolites were glucose, protein, lipids, Na + , K + ,Ca 2+ , Cl - and PO 4 2- . Normal snail recorded better growth performance and growth rate (3.432x) than albino snails (2.166x). Similarly significantly higher (P 0.05) was recorded in the concentrations of minerals of the two snails species haemolymph. The domestication of the two snail ecotypes is thus recommended for heliculturist. Keyword: Albino snails, Archachatina marginata, biochemical value, haemolymph.

A comparative assessment of the physicochemical parameters and microbial profile of three types of earthworm casts (Pellet, Mass and Turret) were determined. The total viable count (TVC), coliform counts, yeast and mould counts were determined using standard procedures. The pH ranged from 7.8 for Mass cast to 8.6 for Pellet cast. Moisture content of the casts ranged from 29.43% for pellet casts to 47.10% for turret casts. Organic matter was 1.05%, 0.72% and 0.63% for pellet, turret and mass casts respectively. TVC was 4.8 x 107cfu/g, 6.1 x 107cfu/g and 1.2 x 108cfu/g for Mass, Turret and Pellet casts respectively. Pellet cast recorded the highest coliform count (1.5 x 107) while Turret cast the least (7.3 x 106 cfu/g). Mould counts was 8.3 x 106 cfu/g for turret cast and 1.2 x 107cfu/g for pellet and mass casts. The lowest yeasts count was 1.2 x 107cfu/g in mass cast while the highest was 3.8 x 107cfu/g for pellet cast. Microbial distribution in the three casts types showed that Staphylococcus aureus is common to all Cast-types. Citrobacter spp, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Penicillium chrysogenum and S. rosei were isolated from Pellet cast only. Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium oxisporum, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Penicillium oxalicum were isolated from only Turret Cast while Aspergillus terreus, Fusarium compacticum, Klebsiella aerogenes and Streptococcus feacalis were isolated from Mass Cast only. The presence of Bacillus licheniformis in Pellet Cast is an advantage plus for Pellet cast usage since this bacteria contributes to nutrient cycling and displays antifungal activities. Keywords: Pellet cast, Turret cast, Mass cast, Microbial Count

The research was carried out to study the socio-economic characteristic of the Remos of Ogan State of Ngeria; to determine their relationship with insects which they regard as edible, which they use for rituals and which they use for medicinal purposes. Two hundred and eighty-five questionnaires were administered. The data collected was analysed by using frequency counts and percentages. Common edible insects were found to include termites (Macrotermes bellicossus), cricket (Brachytrypes sp) and (Analeptes trifaciata). The insects used for rituals and medicinal purposes include the butterfly used for making love portion; Cryptothelia rongeoti used as a defense against any evil; Brachytrypes sp, Lycosa sp and Apis melifera used for good fortune. The honey bee (Apis melifera) is used to prevent dizziness, while the sting of Ant is used for healing wound, curing of impotence in males and is also used as a cure for "thunderbolt". The study found that in this community insects are valuable for both food and medicinal purposes. It recommends that more work on medicinal and nutritional value of these insects be undertaken.

A survey of some mammals useed in ethnozoological practices was carried out among the Ijebu people of south-western Nigeria. Open-ended, structured questionnaires were administered to 60 traders at various markets in five towns, namely, Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu- Imusin, Ijebu-Ife, Ijebu-Igbo and Sagamu. Ninety percent (90%) of the traders were females, sixty-four percent (64%) were traditonalists, seventy-five percent (75%) had no formal education and thirty-three percent (33%) were between the ages of 36–45 years. The traders claimed the wild vertebrates had an array of zootherapeutic uses. These ranged from cures of bone pains and rheumatism, kleptomania, leprosy, impotency, infertility, healing of wounds and bone fractures and the preparation of aphrodisiacs. Other uses included the preparation of charms or amulets for protection, good fortune, reverence from peers and elders, love charms and money rituals. Eleven of the twenty-three species surveyed were listed as threatened in Nigeria's Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Decree 11 of 1985 and the Control of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Some of these include leopard, pangolin, gorilla, colobus monkey, wildcat and chimpanzee. Further research is necessary to authenticate the therapeutic claims of the traders. It is also important to educate the traders and people in general on the effect of their trade on the threatened species and the likely impact on biodiversity. Keywords : zootherapy, ethnozoology, impact, uses. Indilinga Vol. 5 (2) 2006: pp. 175-187