1.1 Introduction
The term poultry used in agriculture generally refers to all domesticated birds kepts for egg or meat production. This includes chickens (domestic fowls), Grallus domestics, turkeys, ducks and geese. This project will deal largely with the chicken which are the most common domestic fowl. The species of poultry are aptable or can survive in different environments therefore, they are widely distributed in the world, with great increase in population, the demand for goods especially protein food become acute. To meet the demand for animal protein and its development, rapid multiplying ones becomes very necessary. Poultry has so many advantages over other domesticated animal whose production is very much hindered by lack of money, high temperature, disease and lack of good at certain periods of the year.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
In Nigeria, Turkey Bird droppings are extensively used as manure for the cultivation of crops. The application of Turkey Bird droppings to land provides nutrients for the crop’s growth as well as organic matter for soil conditioning and this can pose a danger to public health especially when the crops are eaten raw. The frequency of reports of typhoid and paratyphoid fever in Nigeria and especially in Awka is becoming worrying. There is a continual need to search for other environmental sources that could be important in the spread of typhoid and paratyphoid fever in Nigeria, especially in Awka.
The genus Salmonella is one of the most common causes of food-borne infectious disease in the world (Baird-Parker, 1990). A characteristic feature of this organism is its wide host range, which comprises most animal species including mammals, birds and cold-blooded animals in addition to humans. A variety of food products, especially Turkey Bird and other types of meat products, are the most important sources of human Salmonella infection, but water-borne outbreaks have also occurred (Hedberg et al., 1994). Animals are mainly infected through feed, drinking water or environmental sources (Barrell, 1982). The organism’s route of infection is the faecal-oral route via food or water contaminated with faeces or urine of previously infected persons or animals (Katung, 2000 and D’Aoust 1989).
A number of studies in Nigeria have shown that Salmonella infections, especially the enteric fever (typhoid and paratyphoid fever), is endemic in many parts of the country (Onunkwo et al., 2001). The wide host range, the large number of convalescent and chronic healthy carriers and environmental sources in the communities increase the reservoir status of Salmonella infection and enhance its endemicity, especially in areas with low environmental hygiene. Animal droppings have been shown to be a potential reservoir for many enteric organisms (Mara et al., 1989).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to determine the Isolation of Salmonella Species from Feacal Dropping of Turkey Bird.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation reveals the problems of the Isolation of Salmonella Species from Feacal Dropping of Turkey Bird research work;
- Poultry feeds are infected during procession by handling, mixing of ingredient and exposing the raw materials and furnished products to the atmospheric micro organism.
- Poultry (turkey birds) are being infected through the consumption of the contaminated feeds and unpurified water
- Also when the healthy and unhealthy birds are fed together from the some feeding trough and water vessels, eventually the pathogenic and the enteric organisms from infested ones may widely spread
- Salmonella and Escherichia coli as the bacterial organisms effects the essential requirement of the body such as water, carbohydrate, fats, vitamin, minerals and protein thereby reducing the content of the nutrient needed for the food to the palatable and easily digestible
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to determine the Isolation of Salmonella Species from Feacal Dropping of Turkey Bird. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To carry out a survey of Salmonella contamination of Turkey Bird droppings used as manure.
- To isolate and deduce effect of salmonella species from Feacal Dropping of Turkey Bird.
- To isolate Salmonella from Turkey Bird droppings used for manure, from raw beef, the tables used for selling raw beef and the aprons worn by the fresh meat sellers.
- To help elucidate some of the environmental sources of Salmonella infections in Awka, Nigeria.
1.5 Significance/Justification of Study
This study has been justified by the need and safety of consuming children (white meat) which has low cholesterol but rich in protein than beef which has high cholesterol. Also human beings and the world at large, benefit from our poultry farms where we have the layers and the broilers for consumption. The poultry (Turkey Bird) are rich in protein and amino acid needed for growth. Livestock feeds are formulated to a ratio for different species and classes of poultry. These are also feed additive, which may be added to the feed to prevent disease or make animals utilize feed better. Some ingredient concentrate is added to nourish the feed.
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.6 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Isolation of Salmonella Species from Feacal Dropping of Turkey Bird in Awka, Nigeria.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
