Department Of Zoology

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https://ir.unilag.edu.ng/handle/123456789/3397
The Department offers courses which will enable the Zoology student acquire a considerable knowledge of the animal kingdom such as classification, anatomy, physiology, evolution, phylogenetic relationship and adaptations to environment of the major animal group from protozoa to mammals. The foci of the programme are General Zoology, Applied Entomology, Parasitology, Ecotoxicology and Conservation.

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Browsing Department Of Zoology by Author "Adeyemi, O.O"

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    Open Access
    First detection and characterisation of Eimeria zaria in European chickens
    (Elsevier B.V., 2023-10-29) Jaramillo-Ortiz, J.M; Burrell, C; Adeyemi, O.O; Werling, D; Blake, D.P
    The global poultry industry has experienced dramatic growth in recent decades, increasing the significance of pathogens of chickens. Protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria can cause the disease coccidiosis, compromising animal health and welfare, and incurring significant annual costs. Seven Eimeria species have long been recognised to infect chickens, supplemented by three new candidate species first reported from Australia in 2007/8. Named Eimeria lata, Eimeria nagambie and Eimeria zaria, one or more of these new species have been reported in Australia, several countries in sub-Saharan Africa, India, Venezuela, and most recently the United States of America, but none have been detected in Europe. Here, a panel of 56 unvaccinated broiler chicken farms were sampled in the final week of production from France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom to assess the occurrence of all ten Eimeria species using specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Overall, 39 of 56 (69.6%) farms were found to host at least one species. Eimeria acervulina, E. tenella, and E. maxima were most common, with E. mitis and E. praecox also widespread. Eimeria necatrix was detected on one farm in France, while E. brunetti was not detected. Eimeria zaria was detected for the first time in Europe, appearing in Greece and Italy (one occurrence each). New primers were designed to confirm detection of E. zaria and provide template for phylogenetic comparison with the reference isolate from Australia. Detection of E. zaria in Europe reinforces the importance of integrated control for coccidiosis given the lack of protection induced by current anticoccidial vaccines.
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    Open Access
    Gastrointestinal Parasites and Associated Gut Pathology in Chickens Sold at Live-Bird Markets in Lagos State, Southwestern Nigeria
    (Arhiv veterinarske medicine, 2024-12-30) Adeyemi, O.O; Idowu, E.T; Akinsanya, B; Jatau, I.D; Oladipo, T
    Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites compromise intestinal health in poultry, causing impaired nutrient uptake, poor growth rate and reduced productivity. The effectiveness of control programs relies on an accurate understanding of parasite occurrence and distribution. This survey aimed to determine the diversity and pathological effects of GI parasites of chickens in Lagos State, Nigeria. Three hundred and sixty-four (364) chickens were randomly sampled from selected live-bird markets. Standard parasitological methods were employed to process and examine gastrointestinal content and mucosal scrapings for parasite identification. Live helminths were preserved in 70% ethanol, cleared in lactic acid and identified at the species level. Sections of the gut were also assessed for microscopic lesions following standard histopathological procedures. Findings revealed that 251 (69%) of the 364 sampled chickens were infected with GI parasites. Eleven nematodes, 5 cestodes and coccidia of the genus Eimeria were detected. Ascaridia galli (140, 38.5%), Eimeria spp. (98, 26.9%) and Heterakis gallinarium (82, 22.5%) were the most common parasites found. Helminths were generally more prevalent in local and male chickens (P<0.05) whereas exotic breeds had higher infection rates for Eimeria spp. (P>0.05). Histopathological analyses revealed mild to severe inflammation, oedema, mucosal erosion, and hyperplasia in infected chickens. This study showed that GI parasites are prevalent in chickens and are associated with intestinal damage that can undermine poultry growth and productivity in the study area. Efforts to control must be strengthened to secure chicken production, maintain food security, and prevent economic losses.