International Journal of Agriculture and Biosciences

Successful fish culture requires an understanding of constraints imposed by a particular species’ ecology to create protocols that maximize survival and development through embryonic and larval stages. The effect of varying light and dark durations on the growth and survival of the hybrid “Heteroclarias” larvae for the first forty two days were studied. Seven hundred and fifty, 3 days old Heteroclarias larvae (0.02±0.01 g) were randomly stocked in triplicates in fifteen plastic aquaria at stocking density of 50fry/aquaria and maintained at 27±0.3oC under five different light and dark regimes: 24:0, 18:6, 12:12, 6:18 and 0:24 (L-D). Weight gain (2.68) and specific growth (4.50) rate were highest in larvae reared in the 6:18 L-D regime and were significantly different (P<0.05) among treatments. The lowest survival (44%) was obtained in fishes maintained under 24:0 L-D regime and the highest value (80%) was obtained in those reared under the 6:18 L-D regime. Light restriction may be recommended as a simple low cost technique to maximize hatchery production of hybrid Heteroclarias fingerlings and advancement in the culture technique of this fast growing aquaculture specie in Nigeria.

Keywords: Growth, Heteroclarias, Photoperiod, Survival

Sunn pest (Eurygaster integriceps Put.) is one of the most important wheat pests that feed on the leaf, stem and seed of cereals and reduce the quantities and quality of crops. The aim of this study is using the nature based materials with minimum effect on non-target insects. In this study effects of Juvenoid, Fenoxycarb, were examined on third and fifth instar nymph, male and female adults and diapausing and out of diapausing adults of this pest. Meanwhile, different concentrations of Fenoxycarb examined as juvenoid to determine oviposition and creation of shriveled eggs of adult sunn pest. Fenoxycarb was diluted with acetone and control treated with acetone alone. LC50 values of Fenoxycarb were found to be 33.10 and 37.16 ppm on third and fifth instars, 59.61 and 62.89 ppm on active male and female adults and 31.49 and 33.46 ppm on inactive male and female adults, respectively. Results showed that Fenoxycarb increase oviposition and creation of shriveled egg and also with increasing the concentration the rate of shriveled egg increased. For this purpose the number of adults exposed to different treatments of Fenoxycarb until the end of experiment. Concentrations were used 5000, 2700, 1500, 800 and 500 ppm and control (pure substance in water). Considering the mentioned lethal concentration and impacts of Fenoxycarb on oviposition of female insects we may be able to use this method for chemical control of sunn pest integrated with biologic control.

Keywords: Fenoxycarb, Juvenoid, Sunn pest, Toxicity

This study investigate the effects of Grape seed extract and -α-lipoic acid supplementation on hepatic, cardiac and renal biochemical aging markers of D-galactose induced aging rats. Aging was induced by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose (300 mg/kg dissolved in 1 ml DW) every day for 9 weeks to accelerate senescence and aging induction.
The rats were randomly divided into four groups (7 male rats per each group). 1st group (G I) negative control group without any treatment, the 2nd group (G II), was D-galactose injected daily for 9 weeks and regarded as induced age control group, the 3rd group (GIII) was injected daily with D-galactose (300 mg/kg) and orally treated with Grape seed extract (200 mg/kg) daily for 9 weeks, the 4th group(G IV), was daily injected by D-galactose (300 mg/kg) and orally treated with α-lipoic acid (100 mg/kg) for 9 weeks.
The results showed significant increase (P<0.05) in cardiac and hepatic enzymes levels for serum aspartate amino-transferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) , Alanine phosphatase (ALP),α - Glutamyle transferase (GGT), Lactate dehyderogenase (LDH) and Cretinine phosphokinase (CPK) in D-galactose induced aged group. The treatment of D-galactose inducing aging rats with Grape seed extract and DL-α-lipoic acid alone reversed the aging effects of D-galactose in hepatic and cardiac biochemical markers, that showed significant (P<0.05) decrease in the levels of AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, LDH and CPK levels as compared with D-galactose induced aged rats. With respect to the renal biochemical markers, D-galactose (300 mg/kg body weight) injection for 9 weeks caused elevation in the levels of urea and creatinine but a decrease in uric acid, albumin and total bilirubin as compared to the no injected rats. Grape seed extract (200 mg/kg) and α-Lipoic acid (100 mg/kg) showed increase in levels of uric acid, albumin and total bilirubin with non significant decrease in the urea and creatinine levels as compared with the D-galactose induced aging control rats. In conclusion the results of the current investigation revealed the improving effects of Grape seed extract and α-lipoic acid suppresses senescence markers in D-galactose inducing aging effects in hepatic, cardiac and renal functions, contributes to oxidative stress and apoptosis in d-galactose-induced aging rats.

Keywords: Aging Markers, Anti-aging, D-Galactose, Grape seed, Induced aging, α-lipoic acid

Data on quantitative and qualitative studies that investigated knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of humans affected with river blindness (Onchocerciasis) in Achiagu, Adani and Aguobuowa communities of Enugu State, south-eastern Nigeria were obtained in 2013 using a structured questionnaire, key format interviews and matrix ranking exercises. Ignorance of the role of blackfly Simulium damnosum complex in the transmission of the parasitic filarial worm Onchocerca volvulus that causes Onchocerciasis persisted in the study area. Intense sunshine, distant trekking, witchcraft, charms, heredity, intimate contact with affected humans, and food poisoning were believed by the people to be responsible for the infection. Loss of self-esteem, hindrance to marriage prospects, loss of income, absence from social gathering, and gender stigmatization of affected people ranked high among the perceived socio-economic and psychological impacts of Onchocerciasis in the area. Treatment by nodulectomy is still practiced by traditional healers in the area but most villagers willingly accept the drug Ivermectin (Mectizan®) being freely offered by government through Community Directed Treatment with Ivermectin (CDTI) programme. After public enlightenment about 86% of the people agreed that avoiding blackfly could prevent the infection but insisted that they could not abandon their black fly-infested fertile farmlands and streams in order to avoid being bitten by the fly. It is recommended that nodulectomy be encouraged but done under medical supervision at the designated health posts, health centers, and government hospitals at greatly subsidized prices.

Keywords: Blackfly, CDTI, KAP, Onchocerciasis, Stigmatization

This study was carried out to determine the microbial load of 10 randomly selected brands of sachet water sold at major markets in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. Ten samples were collected and analyzed using standard microbiological tests. Physical and bacteriological analyses were carried out on them to ascertain their wholesomeness using standard methods. Bacterial count, presumptive (total coliform and faecal coliform counts) tests, confirmatory tests (total coliform and faecal coliform counts) and biochemical tests were performed to determine the identities of the isolates. Results obtained showed that water sample F had the highest bacterial count while water sample A with 1.2 x 105cfu/ml had the lowest contamination level. Water samples B, C, D, F, H and I had the highest Total Coliform Bacteria (MPN/100ml) while sample A, E and had no coliform contamination.

Keywords: Bacteriological, Coliforms, Physical, Sachet water

Seventy two day-old Marshal Broiler chicks were used to assess the performances and nutrient digestibility of broiler fed raw pride of barbados seed meal. Four treatment diets that contained 0% (control), 5, 10 and 15% row pride of barbados seed meal were randomly assigned to four groups of eighteen birds each replicate in a completely randomized design. Chemical analysis indicated that raw pride of barbados seed meal contained 23.96% Crude protein, 6.81% Crude fibre, 4.64% ash, 3.96% ether extract, 9.36% moisture and 3.32 ME kcal/kg. The anti nutritional factors in raw pride of barbados reveal the seed to contain 0.05% tannin, 0.28% saponin, 0.09% phytate and 0.06% oxalate. The result of the study showed body weight gain and feed to gain ratio were significantly (P<0.05) different across the dietary treatments. The highest weight gain (2353g) was recorded in treatment 4 (15% inclusion level of raw pride of barbados seed meal) while the lowest weight gains (2253 g) were recorded in treatment 1 (0% inclusion level of raw pride of barbados seed meal). The highest feed to gain ratio (2.04) were recorded in diet 2 (5% inclusion level of raw pride of barbados seed meal). While the lowest feed to gain ratio (2.10) was recorded in diet 4 (15% inclusion level of raw pride of barbados seed meal crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract and ash digestibility were significant (P<0.05) different across the dietary treatments. The highest crude protein digestibility (61.98%) was recorded in diet 1 (0% inclusion level of raw pride of barbados seed meal, while the lowest crude protein digestibility (56.68%) was recorded in diet 4 (15% inclusion level f pride of barbados seed meal. The amount of phytate, oxalate, tannins and saponin in the feed ingredient are very low and below the ranges that would adversely affect their nutritional values or cause any toxic effects associated with these anti-nutritional factors. It can be concluded that 15% inclusion level of raw pride of barbados seed meal could effectively be used without adverse effect on performance and nutrient digestibility of broilers.

Keywords: Broiler, Digestibility, Performance, Raw pride of barbados Seed

This work was carried out to evaluate the effects of mineral fertilizer in combination with different sources of organic manures on the humic fractions (humin, humic acid and fulvic acid) of organic matter in the soil. Field trials were carried out in 2008 and 2009 cropping seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Soil Science, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri (11o 53’ N; 13o 16’ E). The treatments consisted of four levels of nitrogen fertilizers (0, 45, 60 and 90 kg N/ha) combined with three types of organic manures (cow dung, municipal wastes and poultry droppings) applied at three rates of each organic manure (0.0, 2.5, and 5.0 tons/ha). The experiment therefore contained twenty-eight (28) treatments laid out in factorial design and replicated three times in a randomized fashion. Soil texture (particle size analysis), soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC), percentage base saturation (PBS), soil organic carbon (SOC), total N, C:N ratio, available P (Bray-1), exchangeable K and organic matter fractions (HN, HA, and FA) were determined before the experiment. Few chemical properties of the different organic manures used were also analyzed before and after the experiment. After the two year experiment, soil samples were collected from all the 84 plots and Soil organic matter was fractionated for their different fractions following the dilute acid (HCl) method. The result showed that soil of the study area was sand-loam in texture, slightly acidic (pH = 6.20), low in ECEC, organic carbon, and total N, wide C:N ratio and free from salinity (EC = 0.01 dS/m). Nitrogen levels in combination with organic manures and their rates had significant effect only on fulvic acid. Similar to cow dung, poultry dropping significantly increased the contents of HA and FA in the soil. Humin content significantly decreased with increase in the supply of poultry droppings. Soils treated with 60 kg N/ha in combination with 5.0 tons/ha of cow dung had the highest content of HA (5.44 g/kg). Highest content of FA was recorded in soil treated with 90 kg N/ha in combination with 5.0 tons/ha of poultry droppings. Nitrogen fertilizer in combination with municipal wastes had no regular trend on organic matter fractions in the soil. Generally, irrespective of treatment factor or rate of application, fulvic acid was higher in all the soils than humic acid fraction. To increase and improve the quantity and quality of fulvic and humic fractions of organic matter in the sub Sahelian savanna, application of poultry manure and cow dung in combination with mineral fertilizer is highly encouraged and recommended. However, to reduce organic matter decomposition which is very high in the study area due to high temperature, application of city refuse should also be encouraged because of its high content of humin fraction.

Keywords: Drier sub-region, Integrated, Mineral fertilizer, Nigeria, Organic manures, Organic matter fractions

Ganoderma is a genus of fungi belonging to the Polyporales; involving different species that most of them are well known for their medicinal properties. More than 250 Ganoderma species are described so far from all over the world. The aim of the study was to identify and classify Ganoderma species collected from Iran based on morphological characters. In this research, forests of north Iran were surveyed for Ganoderma species. Samples were collected from different sites and hosts. Identification of the species was carried out based on macro/micro morphology of fruiting bodies. Numerical taxonomic studies were performed using morphological characters. Growth Rate (GR) and Growth Coefficient (GC) were also estimated for all purified samples. Isolate GIran 102 identified as G. resinaceum, showed the best Growth Rate among 19 collected samples with the GR=9.4 mm/day and GC=14 following by two other samples GIran98 and GIran100 identified as Eurasian G. lucidum and G. resinaceum. Result revealed that there are some hosts which are new for Iran.

Keywords: Growth coefficient, Growth rate, Medicinal properties, North Iran, Taxonomy

Clarias gariepinus female and Heterobranchus spp male were crossed to obtain Heteroclarias hybrid fingerlings of 1.00gm. They were reared under different stocking densities of 5, 10, 20, 40 and 60 per 25 litre of water in plastic bowl under laboratory condition for sixteen weeks and were tagged treatment A, B, C, D and E respectively. They were fed with 35% protein diet at 5% total body weight twice daily. Treatments A(5) and B(10), performed better in terms of mean length growth of 10.60cm and 10.20cm and mean weight gain of 14.10g and 3.50g respectively than treatments C(20), D(40) and E(60), with higher stocking biomass. The percentage survival (PS) of 100% recorded in treatment A(5) per 25 litre of water , was highest than other treatments , B(10) 95%, C(20) 85%, D(40) 22.5% and E(60)13%. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in the percentage in the percentage growth in length, weight and percentage survival of treatments A, B, C, D and E. A Least Significant Difference of 0.98 was recorded. In pair comparison, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in weight gain between treatments A and B with least significant difference of 0.2. there were significant difference (P<0.05), in weight gain between treatments B(10) and C(20) with mean difference of 1.05, treatments C(20) and D(40) with mean difference of 3.4 and treatments D(40) and E(60) with mean difference of 2.4. The percentage survival of treatments A, B, C, D and E were 100, 95, 85, 22.5 and 13% respectively, indicating that the st0cking densities and space, outside the natural traits of Catfish like cannibalism, play vital role in homestead fish production of Heteroclarias (HYBRID). There were no death recorded in treatments A and B. The dead fingerlings in treatment C were recovered and had no wounds or lesion on their skins, an indication that death was not caused by cannibalism. Treatments D and E recorded a death percentage of 77.5% and 87% respectively. Not all the carcass was recovered and those recovered, had wounds and lesion on their bodies. Treatment A (5) with the highest percentage survival of 100%, was not best in terms of economic returns consequences of low stocking densities. Treatment B(10) and C(20) were recommend because of relatively high percentage survival of 95% and 85%, and higher stocking density, which will lead to higher economic returns

Keywords: Cannibalism, Clarias gariepinus, Heterobranchus spp, Heteroclarias (Hybrid), Percentage survival, Protein diet, Stocking density