International Journal of Agriculture and Biosciences

Fufu, a traditional Nigerian fermented cassava food product is only produced by retting. This study assessed four different techniques of retting cassava tubers to produce fufu. The cyanide content, titratable acidity and microbial population involved in the system were monitored. Four different forms of cassava tubers namely unpeeled whole tubers (UPWT), peeled whole tubers (PWT), peeled sliced tubers (PST) and peeled grated tubers (PGT) were retted. Retting was complete in 2 days for the PGT, 3 days for the PST and 5 days for the PWT and UPWT samples. Cyanide content of the retting water increased with increase in days while that of the retting tubers decreased. PGT fufu sample had the lowest cyanide content of 0.01mg/g followed by PST fufu with the value of 0.03mg/g. The UPWT sample had the highest quantity of cyanide (0.28mg/g) in the retting tubers indicating that the resulting fufu harboured some unreleased cyanide which can be dangerous to the consumers. Nine organisms (Bacillus sp, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter sp, Pseudomonas sp, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus sp, Candida sp, Saccharomyces sp and Aspergillus sp) were isolated from the retting water with least count been encountered in the PGT samples. Therefore retting the PGT samples can give wet fufu mash with very low cyanide, few microbial loads, in a shorter time.

Keywords: Cassava tubers, Cyanide content, Fermented product, Fufu, Peeled, Retting techniques, Titratable acidity

The vitamin contents of five wild growing mushroom species in Umuagwo Community, Imo State, Nigeria were investigated. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the nutritional contents of various species of mushrooms found in Umuagwo Community. Of all the five wild mushroom species studied, vitamins A, C, E and niacin were found to be relatively higher in Lactarius deliciosus. This was followed by Daedelea elegans (pDaedelea elegans, followed by Lactarius deliciosus, Coprinus africanus, Pleurotus florida and Lepiota procera (pAgaricus bisporus. Based on these results, the mushroom species are good sources of vitamin C, vitamin B1 and niacin and could be considered ideal supplements for many low vitamin food materials in our diets.

Keywords: Mushrooms, Nutrient supply, Umuagwo, Vitamin composition

Wild edible mushrooms of several species are grown in different part of Nigeria for various environmental variables and human food habits. reasons. In this study, the proximate and antioxidant activity of eleven selected wild edible Nigerian mushrooms including Volvariellavolvacea, Daldiniaconcentrica, Lentinussubnudus, Schizophylum commune, Terimtomyces globules, Cortiarius- tramentarius, Termitomycesrobustus, Volvariellaesculenta, Pleurotuspulmona- rius, Psathrellaatroumbonata and Auricularia auricular were investigated. The mushrooms were harvested fresh, sun dried, pulverized and analyzed according to standard procedures. Proximate analysis showed high level of proteins (11.54–60.38%), crude fibre (3.94–35.88%), carbohydrate (4.17–35.48%), ash (16.44–36.60%), fat (1.28-14.29%) and folic acids (4.75–5.51g/g) in all species. Mineral analysis of all species indicated the presence of potassium, sodium, magnesium, manganese, calcium, copper and Iron. Potassium is of the highest amount in all species of plant (1370-5710g/100g). High antioxidant activity was also observed in these mushrooms with the species Daldiniaconcentrica and Schizophylumcommune exhibiting the strongest antioxidant activity with values as high as 53.94 and 53.55 mm, respectively. These results therefore not only make these wild edible mushrooms popular to consume as good food sources but may also be valuable in drug development.

Keywords: Antioxidant activity, Folic acid, Proximate composition, Wild mushrooms

Coconut water is one of the world’s most versatile natural product with increasing scientific evidence that support the role of coconut water in health and medicinal application. The aim of this work is to assess the biochemical properties of coconut water using standard and accepted methods; inorganic ions, total proteins, albumin, pH, specific gravity, volume, and weight. Sixty (60) coconut samples (48 ripe and 12 unripe) were used for the study. The result shows that Nigeria coconut water contains various electrolytes, devoid of bicarbonates and albumins. Also result shows that both ripe and unripe coconut water contain high mean K+ concentration (Meq/L, µ±SE) of 44.75±1.02 and 35.23±3.41 respectively with a pH of 5.4. The application of coconut water in clinical trial for the treatment of pathological conditions is advocated.

Keywords: Albumin, Chemical composition, Coconut, Cocos nucifera

Radial longitudinal sections (RLS) of the stems of six species of Citrus present in Southeastern Nigeria were investigated. Citrus is a genus belonging to the family Rutaceae. The results revealed that they have the same and advanced characters. The vessels were not occluded by tyloses and the rays were procumbent ray cells (homocellular rays). The implication of this convincing evidence, proposed that there was a close affinity among Citrus aurantifolia, C. grandis, C. limon, C. paradisii, C. reticulata and C. sinensis; and that they were all advanced. In addition, it indicated that there was extremely hybrid breakdown in these species of Citrus.

Keywords: Affinity, Phylogeny, Procumbent ray cells, Wood anatomy

Laboratory investigations were carried out on various water samples to ascertain their level of contamination (if any) by Vibrio species. A total of 20 samples were collected from different water sources (tap, bore-hole, pond, well and sewage) from Ja’en area, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria. The samples were analyzed over the period of two (2) weeks: Alkaline peptone water was used to enrich the samples which were then cultured on thiosulphate citrate bile salt sucrose (TCBS) agar. The isolates were confirmed using various biochemical tests to species level. Five (5) Species of Vibrio were identified: V. cholerae (from pond and from well); V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus (both from pond) and V. alginolyticus and V. hollisae (from sewage).

Keywords: Biochemical tests,
Isolation,
Thiosulphate citrate bile salt sucrose agar, V. cholera, V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus, Vibrio species

The study was conducted in 2010 with the objective of characterizing the current honeybee production system and identifying major and minor honeybee flora species with their corresponding floral calendar in Western Amhara. In this study, 27 representative kebeles from nine zones were purposively selected based on their honeybee production potential and floral coverage. Semi-structured questionnaire, checklists and field observation were used to collect the required data. A total of 56 beekeeper farmers were selected purposively for the interview purpose. SPSS (version 16) was used to analyze the data. According to this study there are three main honeybee production systems based on the type of bee hives used, namely the traditional, transitional and modern beekeeping. Within these production systems, 28.6% of the respondents emphasized that colony transferring was practiced during August and September while 20.25 of them transfer their colony in June. In the study areas there are two honey harvesting seasons, the main and the first seasons are October to December (52.6%) and the second are April to June (30.8%). From the total respondents used for the survey, 75% indicated that they plant different pollen and nectar source honeybee forages around their homesteads. According to the respondents the peak months in which feed shortage occurs are April (17.3%), March (16.2%) and February (16.2%). During these dearth periods 62.5% of beekeepers give additional feed like sugar syrup, honey syrup and, hot pepper to keep the strength of their colony and to get additional honey yield. Beekeepers also indicate January, December (23.1%) and April (15.4%) were the main months which colony migration occurs. Respondents (30.4%) indicates that September, October (28.1%) and November (42.1%) were the main seasons on which colony swarming occurs. April (17.8%), July (13.3%), and January (11.1%) take the first three main colony absconding months in the surveyed area. In western Amhara more than 249 major honey bee floras including trees, shrubs, bushes, crops, spices, flowering weeds, and grasses were also reported as a source of pollen and nectar. In general, from this study it was noted that beekeeping in the study are have practiced for getting additional income with its challenges. Therefore it is wise to invest on the sector for improving the income through integrating with natural conservations and further research activities on identification and characterization of poisonous plants indicated by beekeepers were recommended.

Keywords: Absconding, Beekeepers, Germ plasms, Statistics, Western Amhara

A 56-day feeding trial was conducted on 160 (one hundred and sixty) one week old Cockerel chickens to evaluate the effects of graded level of raw Gmelina arborea seed meal (as replacement for Soybean and Palm kernel cake in their feed) on growth performance, carcass characteristics and haematological indices of Cockerel Chickens. Four diets containing 0, 10, 20 and 30% inclusion level of Gmelina arborea seed meal (GASM) were formulated and the birds were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments (T1, T2, T3 and T4) in a completely randomized design after brooding for the first week of life with compounded commercial feed to allow the birds to attain some level of immunity. Each treatment was replicated four times with each treatment containing 40 (forty) birds and to each replicate 10 (ten) birds were assigned each. Water and feed were supplied ad-libitum. At the end of the feeding trial, results indicated that carcass, organs and haematological indices were significantly (P<0.05) affected. Significant increase (P<0.05) in performance, carcass characteristics and haematological indices were noticed up to 10% inclusion level of GASM while the values of the parameters measured started diminishing from 20% inclusion level of GASM and there were further decline in the values of the parameter measured at 30% inclusion level of GASM except the white blood cell count which has an inverse relationship with increasing level of GASM in the experimental diets and this has been attributed to protective function of White Blood Cell (WBC) against invasion by foreign organism or substance. It was also observed that as the inclusion level of GASM increases in the experimental diets, average feed consumed by the cockerels decreases, this is due to the increase in concentration of Anti-nutritive factors such as Phytase present in GASM which invariably affects its concentration in the experimental diets.

Keywords: Anti-nutritive factors, Carcass, Gmelina arborea, Haematology, Phytase

The culturable heterotrophic microbial and hydrocarbonclastic bacterial bio load of a hydrocarbon polluted soil and control soil was evaluated using pour plate method. The physicochemical qualities of the soils were determined using routine procedures. The identified isolates were screened for their potential hydrocarbonclastic activity. The tolerance of the bacterial isolates exposed varying concentrations of Pb2+, Cu2+, Hg2+, Cd2+ and Ni2+ was ascertained using agar diffusion method. The mean heterotrophic bacterial counts of the hydrocarbon contaminated and control soils were 5.6 ×103 cfu/g and 1.4×104 cfu/g. Microbial isolates identified were; Klebsiella oxytoca, Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus megaterium, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Arthrobacter sp., Nocardia sp. Corynebacterium sp., Aspergillus versicolor, Aspergillus niger, Mucor mucedo, Penicillium chrysogenum and Penicillium sp. Nocardia sp. (83%) had the highest percentage frequency of occurrence. The hydrocarbon polluted soil had higher hydrocarbon content in comparison to the control soil. Aspergillus niger exhibited the highest potential for hydrocarbon utilization as sole carbon source. There were variations in the susceptibility of the bacterial cultures to the concentrations of the heavy metals. There are possibilities in utilizing soil microbes as biosensors in the biomonitoring of environmental heavy metal pollution.

Keywords: Heavy metals, Heterotrophic, Hydrocarbonclastic, Microbial, Soils

A study was carried out with 300 bovan brown laying birds to evaluate the performance characteristics and the cost effect of laying birds. The birds were randomly distributed into five treatment groups with three replicates and each replicates containing twenty (20) birds. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). A diet containing neem leaf meal (NLM) was administered to birds on treatment 2, 3, 4 and 5 in levels of 2, 4, 6 and 8kg/100kg of diet, while treatment 1 (0% NLM) serves as the control. Data was obtained in experimental parameters such as average daily feed intake, average weight gain, feed conversion ratio, egg number, hen day egg production and cost effect of producing a dozen egg per bird. Results obtained shows that there was significant (P<0.05) difference in average daily feed intake, final body weight, average daily weight gain, egg number, hen day egg production and the cost effect of producing a dozen egg per bird fed the control and those birds fed the diets containing neem leaf meal. But there was no significant (P>0.05) different in the values obtained for feed conversion ratio. Result revealed that birds on treatment 1 was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the other birds fed NLM diets. While birds on treatment 5 had a superior (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio than the other birds on diets supplemented with NLM and the control which correspond to the highest number of eggs laid and also the hen day egg production. Better cost benefit was observed in birds in treatment 5 which was superior (P<0.05) to other treatments and the control. Thus from the results obtained a conclusion was drawn that the inclusion of NLM up to 8% is beneficial.

Keywords: Cost evaluation, Laying birds, Neem leaf meal, Performance

This study was carried out to evaluate the growth performance, carcass characteristics and organs weight of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) fed palm kernel meal (PKM) and brewers dried grain (BDG) based diets. Five diets were formulated with diet 1 (control) containing 0%PKM and 0%BDG. PKM and BDG were included at two levels each in diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively (15%PKM, 30%PKM, 15%BDG and 30%BDG). A total of 300 unsexed Japanese quail chicks of two-weeks old were allotted to five dietary treatment groups of 60 quail chicks each with three replicates of 20 birds per pen in a completely randomized design. The diets were formulated to be iso-nitrogenous (25%CP). The birds were raised in cages for four weeks. Water and feed were offered ad libitum. The result of the experiment showed that average daily weight gain of quails fed control diet was comparable (P>0.05) to quails fed diets containing 15%BDG and those fed 15%PKM. Quails fed diet containing 30%BDG and 30%PKM consumed significantly (P<0.05) higher feed compared to those fed the control and other diets. The efficiency of feed utilization revealed a downward trend as dietary levels of BDG and PKM increased. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the carcass parameters measured except for dressing percentage, breast, thigh and wings which were not influenced by the treatments. Also, there were no significant (P>0.05) differences in the organs weight such as liver, heart and intestinal weight but gizzard and intestinal length differ (P<0.05) significantly. On the basis of the result obtained, utilization of BDG and PKM up to 15% in quail’s diet did not pose any negative effect on the performance of Japanese Quails and reduced the cost of production especially at the grower phase.

Keywords: Brewer’s dried grain, Carcass characteristics, Palm kernel meal, Performance, Quails

Farm production and business performance data were collected from 30 dairy farms in Peninsula Malaysia. Observations of the stock, cow shed, farm facilities and forage production area were made to assess current farm practices and the general state of the stock and the supporting dairy infrastructure. Farmers were interviewed about key aspects of their farm management, the costs of farm inputs and their herd performance to develop a series of Key Performance Indicators. The business focus covered specific aspects of milk returns and feeding management to calculate total feed costs, feed efficiencies and feeding profits. Gross farm profits were calculated, including and excluding imputed labour costs. The farms were split into three groups to assess the impacts of farm management on cow milk yields and total costs of milk production. The survey provided many valuable insights into why some farms are productive and profitable and why others are not. In essence, higher per cow milk yields and farm profit abilities were recorded on farms that were better equipped and better managed. The more productive and profitable farmers had more reliable electricity and water supplies, provided specific calving down areas, did not graze their milking cows and did not suckle their calves on milkers. In addition, they used artificial insemination rather than natural mating, used calf milk replacer as part of their milk rearing program, routinely used dry cow therapy as part of the mastitis control program, kept farm records and had less problems with mastitis, lameness and young stock rearing. The cows on the most profitable farms generally had high peak milk yields and fewer had short lactations. Although they invested more in feeding for their milking cows, the resultant greater feed conversion efficiencies on these farms yielded higher feeding profits and higher returns on total farm assets and equities.
Cow sheds designs were generally poor in that roofs were low, shed hygiene had much that could be improved and fans and cooling sprinkler systems were virtually non-existent in any of the 30 farms surveyed. In addition, many of the farms suffered from a lack of productive cows in their herds. Future herd management must concentrate on improving reproductive performance and in some instances, reducing young stock mortality as well as improving the nutritional status hence performance of the milking herd. Of the 30 farms surveyed, only 8 had positive gross farm profits, although this increased to 18 farms if farmers excluded their family labour from the costs of milk production.

Keywords: Farm profitability, Herd performance, Tropical dairy systems, Unit cost of milk production

Farm production and business performance data were collected from 30 dairy farms in Peninsula Malaysia. The farms were split into three groups to assess the impacts of farm management on cow milk yields. The first paper reported on key aspects of the herd management, the unit cost of milk production, net farm profits and returns on farm assets. This second paper focuses on the costs of feed nutrients and the balance of these nutrients in the rations fed to cows, yearling heifers and calves. It also provided an insight into the key farm constraints as perceived by the farmers themselves and an opportunity to assess some of the factors contributing to Malaysia’s current low self-sufficiency in dairy products.
The high unit energy and protein costs of the more commonly used feeds are a concern considering the availability of other more cost-effective supplements. The better farmers who produced more milk per cow also fed their dry cows and yearlings better. Suboptimal stock performance, expressed as reduced growth rates in calves and yearlings, poor reproductive performance and low milk yields in adult cows, arose due to shortages in feed supplies, hence their feed nutrients, as provided by farmers. Protein deficiencies were likely to limit performance of all the classes of livestock on these farms. Furthermore, appetites would have been restricted through low rates of feed digestion and poor cow comfort. Upgrading farmers’ skills in formulating more cost-effective and better nutrient balanced rations and in addressing the many constraints to cow comfort should be high priorities with Malaysian government dairy advisers.
The farmers’list of constraints was as expected. They included shortages of land for growing forages, high feed costs, shortages of “quality cows”, poor farm infrastructure and support from service providers and inferior reproductive performance. The economic data generated in the study was used to calculate the potential savings from improved herd management practices. For example, reducing the age of heifers at first calving by 6 months can reap a profit of RM1400 per heifer while reducing calving interval by 3 months can return an extra RM 1150 per milking cow. Increasing the lactation length by 2 months can reap RM 760 per milking cow while milk rearing calves on calf milk replacer rather than fresh milk can generate an extra RM 275 profit per calf.

Keywords: Profits from improved, management, Ration balancing, Tropical dairy systems, Unit cost of feed nutrients

The effect of number of Canavalia ensiformis rows on herbage yield and nutritive quality of native Panicum maximum was assessed at Teaching and Research Farm of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso, Oyo State in the derived Savannah Zone of Nigeria. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with each plot replicated thrice. Canavalia ensiformis seeds were inter-planted with native Panicum at 8 weeks cut back of establishment using different inter-sown spacing of 25 cm, 16.7 cm and 12.5 cm with 1 row, 2 rows and 3 rows of legume, respectively. Parameters investigated at 12 weeks old on native Panicum were biomass yield, tillers number and height, leaf length and width, chemical and mineral compositions. The grass herbage harvested from experimental plot were fed as sole diets to West African dwarf ram to determine feed intake (g/d/kg 0.75), nutrient digestibility (g/kg) and weight gain (g/h/d). Results showed that herbage yield, chemical and mineral composition of Panicum at 12 weeks old improved. Biomass yield (26800 kg/ha), number of tillers (25.00), tiller height (159.96 cm), leaf length (75.70 cm) and leaf width (2.89 cm) were significantly higher for native Panicum inter planted with 3 rows of Canavalia ensiformis. Crude protein (9.85%) and gross energy (3.78 kca/kg) content of Panicum inter planted 3 rows of legume spacing were (P<0.05) higher than 2 and 1 row. K (0.22 %), Ca (0.28%),P (0.31%), Mg (0.38 mg/100g), Fe ( 39.60 mg/100g), Zn (35.70 mg/100g), and Cu ( 7.40 mg/kg ) of Panicum inter planted at 3 rows of Canavalia ensiformis spacing were (P<0.05) better than others. The feed intake (57.76 g/d/kg 0.75), nutrient digestibility (70.20 g/kg) and weight gain (35.7 g/h/d) of animals fed Panicum inter-planted with 3rows of Canavalia ensiformis was significantly (P<0.05) highest compared to its counterpart. This study revealed that intercropping of Canavalia ensiformis with native Panicum at 3 inter rows spacing promoted higher herbage yield and nutritive value for the Panicum maximum. Animals fed with this as sole diet experienced higher weight gain.

Keywords: Canavalia ensiformis, Feed intakes, Herbage yield, Number of row, Nutritive value, Panicum maximum, Wad Sheep

The recording and identification of the fish fauna of Agulu Lake, was carried out between January and June, 1990. Eight families and fourteen species were identified: Mormyridae-Mormyrus rume; Characidae-Alestes nurse and Hepsetus odoe; Bagridae-Chrysichthys coriscanus and Chrysichthys furcatus; Schilbeidae-Schilbe mystus; Claridae-Clarias albopunctatus; Cyprinodontidae-Epiplatys sexfasciatus and Epiplatys bifasciatus; Cichlidae-Tilapia zillii, Tilapia mariae, Pelmatochromis guentheri and Hemichromis fasciatus; and Channidae-Channa obscura. These fish species were caught more in site A than in any other site in the lake, followed by site G, which represents the main body of the lake. The diagnostic characters indicate that these fish species belong to the same population as their counterparts in other parts of the Niger-Benue ichthyofaunal zone. The results were discussed in the light of fish fauna components and their ecology in African lakes.

Keywords: Agulu Lake, Fish fauna, Identification

The efficiency of four plotless sampling techniques-Point-centred quarter, closest individual, nearest neighbour and random pairs as a means of determining abundance measures, were studied on a secondary savanna woodland vegetation at Agu-Awka, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. The objective of the study was to establish the techniques that are more efficient than the others. Three analytical methods used in assessing their efficiencies include: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, Fischer’s least significant difference (F.L.S.D) test, and test for skewness. Absolute and relative values for Density, frequency, Dominance and Importance values were determined and used extensively in the assessment. It was established at the end of the study that none of the techniques showed a statistically significant higher level of efficiency than the other. This surmisation was based on the following empirical results: from the analysis of variance test carried out for the efficiencies of the four techniques using three major abundance measures, the calculated final cases was less than the tabulated f, thereby signifying a non-statistically significant difference in the efficiencies of all four techniques. Again, the result of the Fischer’s least significant difference test on the mean of means of the techniques showed in all cases that no two techniques had a difference in mean that was more than the Fischer’s least significant difference. This agrees completely with the ANOVA test. Also in agreement with the duo, is the result, from the test for skewness, because the departure from symmetry (-0.32) was negative and therefore very insignificant.

Keywords: Abundance measures, Efficiency, Plotless sampling techniques, Savanna woodland community

One hundred and twenty day old Arbor acre strain chicks were fed graded levels of local processed groundnut cake meal (LGNCM) diets to determine their response on growth performance and nutrient digestibility. The study consisted of five treatments replicated thrice with 8 birds per replicate in a complete randomized design using 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% levels of LGNCM. The experiment lasted for 56 days with feed and water provided ad libitum throughout this period. The results showed that the mean final body weight, weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were all significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the dietary treatment. Birds on 0 and 25% LGNCM inclusion levels recorded the highest value on final body weight and weight gain;moreover, also they recorded the best feed conversion ratio. Apparent nutrient digestibility results showed significant differences (P<0.05) in crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract and ash digestibility among the dietary treatments. No significant dietary treatment effect (P>0.05) on the nutrient digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen free extract and energy were obtained. Growth performance and nutrient digestibility parameters investigated were optimized by birds up to 50% LGNCM inclusion level. However, to obtain maximum growth performance and also better digestibility of nutrients, 25% LGNCM inclusion level seems ideal to be recommended.

Keywords: Chickens, Groundnut cake meal, Nutrient digestibility

An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of graded levels of inclusion of frog (Rana esculata) meal as a replacement to fish meal on serum biochemical indices and haematological parameters of broiler chickens. One hundred and eighty 1-day-old Abor acre broiler chicks were used for the experiment that lasted 42 days. Birds were randomly allotted to 5 treatments of 6 replicates with 6 birds each. Frog meal was used to replace fish meal at a level of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%, respectively. Results showed there were no significant differences observed in the total serum protein and globulin of birds on the experimental diets. However, the albumin and albumin/ globulin ratio of birds on 50% and 100% frog meal level respectively compared with birds on the control diet. The urea level of birds on 100% fish meal and 100% frog meal was similar. There were no significant differences observed in the packed cell volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, lymphocyte and heterophils of birds on the experimental diets. However, there were significant (P<0.05) differences observed in the haemoglobin, red blood cell, white blood cell, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils of birds fed the dietary treatments. Birds on 50% frog meal and 50% fish meal diets recorded the highest values of mean cell volume (88.39µ3) and mean cell haemoglobin (30.45µµg) respectively. It was therefore concluded that frog meal can adequately replace fish meal in broiler diets up to 100% without adverse effects on the blood profile.

Keywords: Blood indices, Broilers, Fish meal, Frog meal

This study examined technical efficiency of rice farms in Nasarawa State. Primary data were obtained from 150 rice farmers with the aid of structured questionnaire. Stochastic frontier production function was used in analyzing the data. It was revealed that the values of the gamma statistics 90%, 92%, 40% and 82% for Nasarawa south, north, west and all zones respectively are attributable to farmers’ inefficiency factors which showed that technical inefficiency effects were present in rice production in Nasarawa State. The major input variables influencing rice output in Nasarawa State were farm size, seed, labour and agro-chemicals. The results further revealed that the average technical efficiencies for Nasarawa south, north, west and all zone were 66, 60, 79 and 62, respectively while the determinants of technical inefficiency were age, education and extension contact. The study recommends that Rice farmers in Nasarawa State be encouraged to increase the use of variable inputs at optimal level since the variable inputs had positive and significant relationship with rice output.

Keywords: Nasarawa State, Rice Farm, Stochastic frontier, Technical efficiency

Dried giant snail based meal (Archachatina achatina) was evaluated and used as a feedstuff for broiler diets. Four trials were carried out at different inclusion levels. Trial 1 was used as feed additive at 0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2% inclusion levels. In trial 2, DGSM was included in the growing and finishing diets for broilers at 0.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0%. Moreover, DGSM was used in trial 3 as a calcium and phosphorus supplement at 1.5% of the diet to replace 24.5 and 33.3% of bone meal in the growing and finishing diets, respectively. In trial 4, 0.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0% of the broiler grower diets was replaced by the same percentage of the DGSM. Performance of broilers in trial 1 was not affected significantly by DGSM when fed either at 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, or 0.2% as a feed additive. In trial 2, increasing DGSM above 2% of the diet decreased productive performance and dressing percentage. Performance of broilers in trial 3 fed DGSM at 1.5% in the diet as Ca and P supplements was lower than that of the control diet. Results of trial 4 indicated that DGSM up to 6% in grower diets for broiler chicks had no negative effects on weight gains, FCR and the utilization of protein and energy when fed for a shorter period during 7–28 d of age. Tibia ash, breaking strength and mineral contents were not affected by different DGSM supplements in trials 2 and 3.

Keywords: Broiler, Carcass characteristics, Chemical composition, Mineral contents, Nutrition, Performance, Plasma constituents, Snail meal

This paper analysed the economics of snail production in Umuagwo, Imo State, Nigeria. A random sampling procedure was used to select sixty respondents from the study area. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages and budgetary technique. The findings showed that most of the snail farms are owned by individuals who were part-time snail farmers (84.9%) and financed their snail production (98.1%) through their personal savings. Management practice revealed that most of the respondents reared Archachatina marginata (98.1%). Budget analysis showed that snail production is profitable with the farmers making an average profit of N24, 089.03 k while regression result revealed that years of education(t=2.835), years of experience (t=2.786) and farm size (t=2.197) are statistically significant and explain about 25% of the total variation in the profit made by the snail farmers. Due to its profitability and low capital investment nature, it is recommended for farmers without substantial capital, unemployed and those aspiring to augment their income.

Keywords: Gross margin, Imo State, Profitability ratio, Snail, Umuagwo,

The study focused Farmers’ perception on the use of inorganic fertilizer in Yam production on eroded soils of Southeastern Nigeria. It specifically determined the influence of socio-economic characteristics of yam producers on inorganic fertilizer use, determined factors affecting farmers’ use of inorganic fertilizer, ascertained farmer perception on inorganic fertilizer use, and extent of closeness of the problems or attributes and the use of inorganic fertilizer. Three States (Abia, Anambra and Imo) were purposively selected among others in the study area. Sixty farmers (Yam producers) were randomly selected from the selected states. A set of structured questionnaire was used to sort for primary data. Analysis was carried out using percentages, chi-square, regression model and contingency coefficient (c). Results showed that crop yield, availability of fertilizer, easy of procurement, skill of application, soil condition, income level of farmers were among factors that influence inorganic fertilizer use. Socio-economic factors of the farmers determined up to 81% variations in the quantity of fertilizer used. Annual income and experience were significant at 1% level, while age and farm size were significant at 5% level. High cost, inadequate extension services, skill of application, difficulty of obtaining fertilizers were some of the major problems of fertilizer use in the study area. Determining the degree of association between the two attributes, the value of coefficient was 0.487 indicating that degree of association between them was upto 49% showing that stated constraints contributed significantly to the use of inorganic fertilizer. The null hypotheses postulated were all rejected. The study recommends increase extension services to famers to enable them appreciate the need to use inorganic fertilizer for this improves their perception about the product.

Keywords: Eroded soils, Farmers’perception, Inorganic fertilizer use andyam production

An experiment was conducted to determine the crude protein degradation kinetics of browse forages of semi arid of Nigeria. Crude protein (CP) contents were higher (P< 0•05) in all the browse forages. Higher numerical values of neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), lignin and cellulose were recorded. The result showed significant differences (P<0.05) for all the ant-nutritive factors and no significant difference (P>0.05) among the browse forages. Crude protein (CP) degradability after 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of ruminal incubation were higher (P<0•05) in all the browses. Higher values (P<0•05) in CP bag losses at zero time (‘a’ fraction) were high for the browses. The insoluble but fermentable CP (‘b’ fractions) were low (P<0•05) among browse forages. Numerically lower values of CP ‘c’ fraction were found in browses whereas CP potential degradability were higher (P< 0•05) in all the experimental leaves. High (P<0•05) contents of CP in the browse forages, the potential degradability was high in all the browse forages. Thus, these results may be related to both the better feeding value of forage consumed by the animals and better performance of livestock in these areas. The soluble fraction ‘a’, rate of degradation ‘c’ and effective degradability ‘ED’ were generally low for all the browse forages while the insoluble but degradable fraction ‘b’ and potential degradability a+b were high for all the browse forages. Base on these findings, it can be concluded that the browse forages are of good nutritive value and can be use as supplement.

Keywords: Anti-nutritive, Browse, Crude protein, Degradation

The present study was conducted to evaluate haematological profile and serum biochemistry in different genotype of Turkey. The study was carried out using 30 birds in each genotype of turkey. All the turkey birds were reared in pens under uniform standard management conditions. The mean values for RBC (x 106/ μl) differed significantly (P<0.05) between different genotypes of the bird. Mean values for hemoglobin (g/dl) differed significantly (P<0.05) between different genotype of poultry. In turkey, highest hemoglobin was recorded in local (15.09 g/dl), followed by Exotic (14.31g/dl and least in crossbred (12.42 g/dl). The mean values for PCV (%) were significantly (P<0.05) different with highest in exotic (36.00) followed by crossbred (33.01) and least in local turkey (32.62). Mean values for MCV (fl) were significantly (P<0.05) highest in crossbred (160.23) followed by exotic (156.24) and least in local (146.71). The mean values for MCH (pg) were significantly (P<0.05) highest in exotic (73.83), followed by local (69.33) and least in crossbred (59.47). The mean value of MCHC (g/ dl) were significantly (P<0.01) highest in exotic (48.13) followed by local (47.05) crossbred (41.51). There was significant (P<0.05) differences between the genotypes in the total protein, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, urea, sodium(Na+) , potassium (K+), calcium and phosphorus of the genetic groups. The crossbred and exotic genotype however, had the highest significant albumin (1.43 and 1.41 ml) and lower globulin values (3.87 ml) were observed in the crossbred compared to the other turkey genotypes. Variation in these results may be due to difference in breeds. It is concluded that significant differences in haematological value and erythrocyte indices and serum biochemistry among different genotype of turkey could be considered as a references values and this may serve as a guide to assess the state of health in the monitored birds.

Keywords: Biochemistry, Birds, Erythrocyte indices, Genotype, Haematological profile, Strain

Effects of dietary intake of Garcinia kola seed meal (GKSM) on internal organs (kidney, heart and liver) of juvenile rabbits. Four growers’ diets were made such that diet T0 (control) contained no GKSM while diets T2.5, T5.0 and T 7.5 contained 2.5%, 5.0% and 7.5% GKSM, respectively. Each diet was fed to a group of 9 growing rabbits for 56 days, using completely randomized design. Each group was further subdivided into three replicates of 3 rabbits each. At the end of the feeding trial, 4 rabbits were randomly selected from each treatment, weighed, slaughtered, skinned and eviscerated. The internal organs were weighed and taken to the laboratory for histological examined. Results showed oedema with tissue stromal proliferation of the liver, glomeruli atrophy with marked cellularity within the tuft and stroma proliferation of the kidney and a normal heart. There were no treatment effects (P>0.05) on the dressed weight and those of the liver, kidney and heart expressed as percent of live weight.

Keywords: Garcinia kola, Grower rabbits, Organ reaction