January 2018

Effect of antioxidants (taurine, cysteine, α-tocopherol) on liquid preserved Kolbroek boar semen characteristics

Successful artificial insemination depends on maintaining longevity of semen in the reproductive tract, and semen characteristics among others. The study compared efficacy of Androhep extender supplemented with 75 mM taurine, 5 m M-cysteine, or 200 mg/l alpha-tocophero on liquid preservation of Kolbroek boar semen characteristics over 24 and 48 h after storage at 17°C. Total motility was evaluated using computer...

Author(s): Chatiza, F., Mokwena, P. W., Nedambale, T. L., and Pilane, C.

January 2018

Antioxidant and antikindling effect of Tapinanthus globiferus growing on Ficus glumosa in pentylenetetrazole induced kindled rats

Tapinanthus globiferus growing on Ficus glumosa is a plant used locally for the treatment of epilepsy. It is found in West Africa on many tree crops. The present study aims to investigate the anti-kindling and antioxidant activity of the aqueous extract of T. globiferus. A total of 40 rats were divided into 4 groups (n=10). Groups 1 to 3 received 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively, of the extract orally, followed by...

Author(s): Abubakar, K., Yunus, A. T., Abubakar, M. R., Ugwah-Oguejiofor, J. C. and Muhammad, A. A.

January 2018

Optimized production of phytase by solid-state fermentation using triticale as substrate and source of inducer

This study was carried out to evaluate the process of phytase production by Aspergillus niger in solid-state fermentation (SSF) using triticale waste. A waste that currently has no use was reported for this biotechnological process, and is of high impact due to the null use. The process was carried out using an additive free medium, supplemented with only one nitrogen source. Under these conditions, phytase activity of...

Author(s): Alberto A. Neira-Vielma, Cristóbal N. Aguilar, Anna Ilyina, Juan C. Contreras-Esquivel, María das G. Carneiro-da-Cunha, Georgina Michelena-Álvarez and José L. Martínez-Hernández

January 2018

Dormancy breaking and germination of cat thyme Teucrium marum (Labiatae)

Cat thyme is an important medicinal plant used for treating many diseases. With renewed interest as arthropod deterrent and repellents, there is immediate need to cultivate cat thyme on large scale in the laboratory. To improve cat thyme seed germination, obstacles involved in its seed dormancy must be investigated. To address such challenges, mechanical abrasion and chemical treatments were used to enhance the rate of...

Author(s): Chauhan K. R., Natarajan S., and Webb M.