Browsing by Author "Folashade Helen Olaifa"

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    Pycnogenol® supplementation improved the erythrocyte stability of packed donkeys during the late hot-dry season in Zaria, Nigeria
    (Springer Verlag, 2018) Folashade Helen Olaifa; Ayo Joseph Olusegun; Aluwong Tagang; Rekwot Peter Ibrahim; Friday Ochega Zakari
    Theaimofthis study was todetermine the effect of pycnogenol® (PYC) on erythrocyte stability of donkeys subjected to packing during the late hot-dry season. Ten donkeys, divided into two groups, served as experimental subjects. P-PYC group (n =5) was subjected to packing only, while P+PYC group (n =5) was administered with PYC (10 mg/kg) and subjected to packing. Erythrocytes obtained from each animal in the experimental groups were added into saline solutionofdifferent concentrations (0.9, 0.6, 0.4. 0.2, and0.0 g/100 ml). Erythrocyte osmotic fragility index (EOFI) was evaluated spectrophotometrically. The concentration of isoprostane was also determined. The mean EOFI was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in P-PYC group 3 and 7 days after packing at 0.6 g/100 ml, with values of 32.4±3.2 and 53.4±4.3%, respectively. However, there was no significant (P >0.05) difference in the MCF recorded in both groups, before, after, 3, and 7 days after packing. Percentage erythrocyte stability was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in P+PYC group, especially during, and 7 days after packing with values of 24.3±9.2 and −23.3±22.8%, respectively when compared with the values of 8.6±3.3 and −79.7±9.3% obtained in P-PYC group, respectively. Mean isoprostane concentration was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in P-PYC group when compared with the value in P+PYC group, 7 days after packing. In conclusion, environmental and packing stresses decreased stability of the erythrocytes in donkeys; however, PYC may have played an ameliorative role.
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    The Effect of Epicatechin-(4β-8)-Catechin on Some Biomarkers of Fatigue in Packed Donkeys (Equus Asinus) during the Dry Season in Northern Nigeria
    (Taylor and Francis, 2021) Folashade Helen Olaifa; Joseph Olusegu Ayo; Tagang Aluwong; Peter Ibrahim Rekwot
    Overworking and overloading of donkeys may cause fatigue. The experiment aims to determine the effects of epicatechin-(4β-8)-catechin (EEC) on some fatigue biomarkers in packed donkeys during the dry season. 10 jacks, aged between four and five years were used for the study. Five were given EEC in feed seven days before packing (test), while another five were given feed only (control). Blood samples collected for biochemical analyses were analyzed for superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), creatine kinase (CK) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). The SOD activity increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the test group during the cold-dry season after packing. The values of TAC during the packing period were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in test group during the hot-dry season. The TNF-α concentration was higher (P > 0.05) in the control group especially one-hour on route. The CK activity was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the control donkeys during the hot-dry season. In conclusion, packing donkeys during the dry season resulted in fatigue, but EEC served as an anti-fatigue agent.