Influence of cold–dry (harmattan) season on colonic temperature and the development of pulmonary hypertension in broiler chickens, and the modulating effect of ascorbic acid

Abstract

The influence of cold-dry (harmattan) season on colonic temperature (CT) and the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH), as well as the effect of ascorbic acid (AA), were investigated in Anak male broilers during the harmattan season (November-January) of 2010-2013. A total of 150 broiler chickens per season served as subjects. At the age of 4 weeks, the broilers were randomly divided into two groups consisting of three replicates of 25 birds each: group I, the control, was not administered AA; group II was AA-treated, administered with 200 mg/kg body weight of AA, every day at 7 am and 7 pm for a period of 3 weeks. The mortality rate and CT of the birds were recorded during the daytime and nighttime. Ten birds from each group were sacrificed at weeks 4, 5, 6, and 7 for the assessment of PH and ascites syndromes. The mean ambient temperature value of 24.3°C±0.1°C recorded in the daytime was higher (P,0.05) than the value of 17.2°C±0.1°C recorded during the nighttime. The average level of dust was 8.2 mg/m 3 . The control birds were hypothermic during the nighttime and had high mortality rates compared with the AA-treated birds. Broilers with obvious signs of ascites demonstrated a uniquely continuous increase in CT. At weeks 6 and 7 of age, 80% of the control broilers that were sacrificed exhibited an increase (P,0.05) in the weight of right ventricle to the weight of total ventricles, packed cell volume, and erythrocyte count with low hemoglobin content, which indicated PH syndrome. The remaining 20% of the control birds and those that died had ascites syndrome in addition to the PH syndrome. These syndromes were not observed in the AA-treated birds. In conclusion, the harmattan season induced PH in broilers with no obvious clinical signs; the harmattan may compromise the welfare, health, productivity, and meat quality of the birds, effects which were ameliorated by AA.

Effects of Cold-Dry (Harmattan) and Hot-Dry Seasons on Daily Rhythms of Rectal and Body Surface Temperatures in Sheep and Goats in a Natural Tropical Environment

“…The lower mesor of RT recorded in sheep when the AT was 16 – 28°C during the harmattan season was in contrast to that recorded by Piccione et al [3], who found no effect of cold AT (9°C) or thermoneutral AT on mesor in sheep. The present result demonstrated the adverse effect of the harmattan season on the thermoregulation of sheep, and confirmed the earlier report that the harmattan season is the most thermally stressful of all the seasons prevailing in the Northern Guinea Savannah zone [57]. Although the AT (16 – 28.2°C) during the harmattan season was not as low as 9°C, its hypothermic effect on daily rhythmicity in RT of sheep was more severe than that recorded in Comisana sheep, exposed to cold AT of 9°C.…”

“…The harmattan season, characterized by cold-dry and dusty wind, blowing north-east and west off the Sahara desert into the Gulf of Guinea, has been shown to be the most thermally stressful season in the Northern Guinea Savannah zone [789]. …”

Illegal gold mining, land degradation and food security in nigeria: a case of yauri, kebbi state, Nigeria

“…Yauri enjoys a Tropical Continental type of climate of which according to Köppen-Geiger climate classification is 'Aw' (Tropical Climate). This is largely controlled by two air masses, namely Tropical Maritime and Tropical Continental, blowing from the Atlantic and the Sahara Desert respectively (Minka and Ayo, 2013). Methodology Data for this study were collected from both primary and secondary sources.…”

A Study of Quality Improvement of Natural Rubber Products by Drying Methods

“…During this process, the rubber sheets were hung on racks under shade. The experiments were conducted during the months of December and February (hamattan period in Nigeria), when the prevailing humidity is known to be lowest, within the range of 10% to 12% and wind velocity high [16]. In this condition, the samples were dried at ambient temperatures ranging from 27˚C -33˚C.…”