| 1 |
Author(s):
Ifediora Nonyelum Helena, Edeoga Hilary Odo, Omosun Garuba.
Page No : 1-9
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Phytoremediation of Waste Engine Oil Polluted Soil in Southeast, Nigeria
Abstract
The potentials of B. deflexia and P. scrobiculatum grass species to phytoremediate waste engine oil contaminated soil was investigated. Waste engine oil was added to 4 kg different soil samples to obtain different concentrations on weight basis: 0 % (control), 2 %, 4 %, 7 % and 10 % v/w oil-in-soil and allowed to stand for seven days before transplanting. At the end of 8 weeks of transplanting, the plants were harvested. Both the dried plants parts and the soil samples were subjected to heavy metal analysis for Pb, Zn, Cu and Ni. The result obtained showed that there was increased percentage reduction of heavy metals in the soils. B. deflexia and P. scrobiculatum showed maximum reduction of Ni (99.96%) and Ni (99.76 %) respectively. As the percentage reduction increased the concentrations of the waste engine oil increased. In order words the two grass species studied possess the phytoextraction potential for phytoremediation of waste engine oil contaminated soil.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Abdulazeez A., Ibrahim I.L., Abdullahi U., Gimba A., Umaru M.T., Abubakar A., Babatunde J..
Page No : 10-16
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Comparative Studies of Phytochemical Constituents of Three Species in Calyces of Hibiscus Sabdariffa Linn
Abstract
Hibiscus Sabdarifa Linn belong to the family malvaceae. It is an annual herbaceous sub- shrub with more than 300 species which are distributed in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world. Most hibiscus species are used as ornamental plants, medicinal values; among them is Hibiscus sabdariffa commonly named as ‘Red sorrel’ and ‘Roselle’. Hibiscus sabdarifa (calyces) have been found to be rich in vitamin, antioxidant and minerals. Therefore, the aim of this work is to Compared the aqueous extract and methanolic extract of Phytochemical Constituents of three Species in Calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. The Phytochemical Constituents of aqueous extract and methanolic extract of calyces (Hibiscus Sabdariffa L) include Alkaloids, Tannin, Glycoside, Flavonoids, Saponins and Hydroxyl anthraquines. the present of saponine and flavonoids in this plant may give support to their therapeutic effects especially in the treatment of hypertension and diseases.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Imoru A.
Page No : 17-26
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Haematology, Serum Biochemistry and Liver Antioxidants of Broiler Chickens Fed Moringa Leaf Meal Supplemented Diets as a Substitute to Dietary Soybean Meal
Abstract
A four-week investigation was conducted to determine the influence of moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf meal on the haematology, serum biochemistry and the liver antioxidant enzymes of broiler chickens at finishing stage. Two hundred birds were divided into 5 treatments and fed diets containing varying levels of moringa leaf meal (MLM) at the levels of 0, 12.5, 25, 37.5, and 50% to represent T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. Each treatment group with 40 birds was further divided into 4 replicates of ten birds. The haematological variables of the chickens did not follow a particular trend and no significant (p>0.05) difference was observed in all the parameters measured but all were within the normal range documented for chickens which ranged as follows: haemoglobin (Hb) 8.15 to 9.75g/100, pack cell volume (PCV) 28.5 to 37.75%, red blood cells (RBC) (106mm-3) ranged from 2.84 to 4.09 and erythrocytes sedimentation rates (ESR), 2.50 to 4.38mm/hr. The serum biochemical indices indicated no significant (p>0.05) difference for total protein but there was a significant (p<0.05) effect in cholesterol with the highest content of 108.98g/dL found in T1 while the lowest, 93.64g/dL was recorded in T5. Serum albumin increased (p<0.05) with increase in MLM levels ranging from 2.90 in T1 to 4.70g/dL in T5. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were also significantly (p0.05) difference though superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were significantly (p<0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. These results revealed that moringa supplementation in broiler finishers’ diets have no adverse effects as shown in the haematological and biochemical parameters as serum cholesterol was significantly (p<0.05) reduced.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Imoru A., Babadipe S. S..
Page No : 27-32
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Minilivestock – The Invaluable Underutilised Genetic Species for Enhanced Protein Availability
Abstract
The need to expanding the narrow food base especially protein of animal origin in quality and quantity for human and livestock has made Animal Scientists, Foresters and academic Zoologists to continue to beam their search lights on possible alternative sources of high quality animal protein. This has led to the evolving area of animal agriculture known as minilivestock production system. The term minilivestock includes small indigenous vertebrates and invertebrates which can be profitably and sustainably produced as food, animal feed, research work, income generation and lots more. Minilivestock comprise but not limited to the following: grass cutters, giant rats, guinea pigs, frogs, giant snails, manure worms, economic and edible insects (bees, grasshoppers and termites) including other mini species of livestock that are probably obtainable from the wild. Reptiles and small birds such as quails can be considered as eligible for minilivestock production status. Advantages abound if this unconventional animal agricultural system (minilivestock production) is adequately explored. These may include suitability for family backyard farming, source of employment, increase global food security, and environmental friendliness in the rearing process, indigenous adaptability and other yet to be mentioned merits of these unique but underutilised species. Minilivestock production if adequately encouraged will not only reduce unemployment but will also enhance food security.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Amuzie C.C., Okwodu N.E..
Page No : 33-38
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Acanthocephalan Parasites of Tilapia, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Abstract
Tilapia from Okuru-Ama River, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, were surveyed for the presence of acanthocephalan parasites using standard parasitological techniques. Three of the twenty-seven specimens examined were infected with Acanthocephalus sp. at a prevalence of 11.1% and mean intensity of two parasites per infected host. Though the study was conducted during the rainy season when acanthocephalan abundance should be at its peak, a low infection rate and abundance was reported. This is attributed to the small sample size (n=27) and possible changes in the population of the parasite’s intermediate hosts. Condition factor was good ranging from 34.3 to 48.6, possibly due to the low parasite infection rate observed. This study has revealed the incidence of acanthocephalan parasites in Tilapia from the study location. Ecological studies on the population dynamics of the parasite’s intermediate hosts in the river are recommended.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Mustapha S. B.
Page No : 39-52
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Nguwom Farming Community Needs Assessment in Borno State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study assessed the needs for rain-fed farmers, dairy farmers, fish farmers and irrigation farmers, so as to guide the support and investment choices for enhancement for sustainable agricultural productivity and profitability in Nguwom community of Borno State, Nigeria. A total of 510 respondents comprising 210 rain-fed farmers, 120 dairy farmers, 60 fish farmers and 120 irrigation farmers which were purposively selected in the project area, supplemented with Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), reflecting the agricultural enterprises. The needs assessment process consisted of the selection of beneficiaries; semi-structured interviews with leaders and individual members in the conflict affected communities and a final validation of findings with farmer’s community leaders. The findings were used to develop plan for input procurement, distribution, monitoring and evaluation for the project. The input needs of the farmers across enterprises indicated that 100% 0f the rain-fed farmers needed inputs such as cowpea seeds, inorganic fertilizers, knapsack sprayer and farm tools, while other inputs were needed by up to 60% of the farmers. The dairy farmers needed 100% of goats and feeds, while vaccines are needed by 68.33% of the respondents. The Fish farmers needed for all the identified inputs; fingerlings, fish feeds, vaccines, smoking kiln and pond harvesting nets. The irrigation farmers needed 100% of water pump machines and inorganic fertilizers, pesticides (81.67%), herbicides (66.67%) and 50% for tomato seeds, water melon, onion seeds and knapsack sprayer. In terms of the input provision, particular emphasis should be on supporting the identified most vulnerable but active members of the communities such as widows, orphans, women and youth.
