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The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effects of graded levels of Curcuma longa (turmeric) powder on the kits sired by dosed male and female rabbits. Twenty rabbits (16 does and 4 bucks) 7 months of age were used for this experiment. The does and bucks were assigned to four groups (A - D) of 4 does to 1 buck per group. Groups A, B and C received 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of turmeric powder reconstituted in distilled water. Group D (control) received 1 ml of distilled water. Dosing was done per os daily for 30 days before the buck in each group was allowed to cohabit with the dose of the corresponding group. Gestational length, litter body weights (at birth), litter size and crown-rump lengths were all measured. There were no significant variations (p>0.05) in the gestation length of does and litter body weight in all the groups. The mean litter size in Group B does was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of Group D does. The crown-rump length of pups from does in all the turmeric-treated groups (A, B and C) were however significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of pups from Group D. The results of this study showed that at 500 mg/kg of turmeric powder, the dose had improved reproductive performance than when given at a higher dosage (1000 mg/kg) of turmeric powder per os. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of Brucella antibody in slaughter cattle and goats; and the role of slaughterhouse workers (SHWs) in spread of Brucella infection during slaughterhouse operations in Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria., Materials and Methods: Rose Bengal plate test was used to screen for Brucella antibody in 484 cattle and 340 goats slaughtered for human consumption in the state. Structured and pretested questionnaire was used to elicit information from randomly selected SHWs, on socioeconomic characteristics, awareness of brucellosis and involvement in practices that aid dissemination of Brucella infection during slaughterhouse operations., Results: Suspected seroprevalence of 2.5% and 4.1% were recorded for Brucella antibody in cattle and goats respectively. There was poor awareness of brucellosis (32.1%) among the workers surveyed. Slaughterhouse practices that aid acquisition or spread of Brucella infection and percentage of SHWs engaged in the practices are: non-use of personal protective clothing during slaughterhouse operations (70.8%), discharge of eviscerated fetuses or pregnant uterine contents by open-air dump method of refuse disposal (64.9%) and illegal sell of eviscerated fetuses or gravid uterine contents for human consumption (59.9%) or preparation of dog food (71.5%)., Conclusion: The 4.1% suspected seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies in goats represents 128% increase from 1.8% seroprevalence earlier reported in the same species and study area in 2009. Significant amounts of Brucella antibody was detected in the food animals screened. Slaughterhouse workers played significant roles in spread of Brucella infection by their involvement in risk practices and behaviours that facilitate pathogen transmission. Therefore, massive awareness campaign and coordinated brucellosis control program in Enugu State are imperative to forestall the zoonotic and economic consequences associated with brucellosis.