| 1 |
Author(s):
Md. Zillur Rahman, Md. Shamim Hasan, K. M. Saddam Hossain, Ummeya Shiha Alam, Kamrun Nahar Monira, Nasrin Sultana.
Page No : 1-12
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Studies on the Farmer’s Innovative Technologies for Livestock Production in Bangladesh.
Abstract
The present study was undertaken to investigate the innovative technologies used by farmers for livestock production in Bangladesh. A field survey was conducted on farmers’s innovative techniques on livestock in the Sirajganj, Jashore, and Bandarban districts. For that survey, a total of 220 farmers who traditionally used innovative technologies in the study area were considered. The information was collected by using an interview schedule. Agriculture was the main occupation of the farmers in the study areas, namely Shahjadpur, Sirajganj (70%), Jashore Sadar (67%), and Naikhongchari, Bandarban (60%). In Jashore, Bandarban, and Sirajganj, the cattle possessions were 5.30±1.10, 3.20±0.97, and 11.96±2.11 no./family, respectively. In the case of small ruminants, the average number of goats was 11.20±3.11, 6.32±1.10, and 5.76±1.30, whereas sheep were 3.84±0.68, 3.21±0.97, and 1.77±0.56 no./family in Jashore, Bandarban, and Sirajganj, respectively. According to the general information provided by the farmers, small-scale livestock production systems exist in the study area. The study tries to highlight the list of farmers’s innovative technologies that were used for livestock production. Among the identified innovative technologies, it was found that 63.33%, 23.33%, 10%, and 3.34% were utilised by farmers in the districts of Jashore, Bandarban, Sirajganj & Bandarban, and Sirajganj & Jashore, respectively.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Akinyemi Omolola Felicia, Atansuyi Adewale Johnson, Adu Olufemi Adesanya , Chineke Clifford Adinma.
Page No : 13-26
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Phenotypic Variabilities in Strain and Sex of Two-Broiler Chickens at Different Ages.
Abstract
Owing to the growing number of animal breed development centers around the world and the profitability of their production, comparative studies to evaluate superior strain and sex performance in breeders became an important endeavour for researchers. Hence, this study was designed to evaluate the effects of strain and sex on body weight and linear body morphometric traits of 2-broiler chickens during the starter and finisher phases. Arbor-Acre and Cobb-500 chicks (n=192) were raised under controlled conditions and monitored over a 56-day period. Weekly measurements of body weight and linear body traits were recorded. Data subjected to multivariate analysis using the SPSS package revealed that strain significantly (p<0.05) influenced growth, with Arbor-Acre broilers exhibiting superior body weight performance, particularly during the starter phase, weighing 799.50g compared to 669.11g for Cobb-500. This result implied that selecting for improved growth performance during the starter phase (week four) was an important consideration for breeding farms. However, the sex and age factors, as well as the linear body traits in both strains, yielded similar economic results at 8 weeks. Male broilers consistently outperformed their female counterparts in body morphometric traits during both phases. The sex-based differences observed in this study varied across developmental stages, emphasizing the importance of sexual dimorphism in broiler management. These findings recommended that strain and sex were important factors to consider in optimizing broiler production, providing critical insights for broiler breeders and farmers to enhance production efficiency through strategic selection of strains, sex, and other environmental factors.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Ajayi Samuel Ojo, Fasina Sunday Abayomi, Babalola Temitope Seun, Ilori Augustus Oludotun, Fakorede Bolaji Martins.
Page No : 27-47
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Spatial Capability Classification and Land Evaluation Studies for Rice Production on Selected Wetland Soils in Ekiti State, Nigeria.
Abstract
The evaluation of wetland soils is essential for understanding their suitability for various agricultural practices, particularly in regions where soil properties significantly influence land management decisions. This study focuses on the spatial capability classification and land evaluation of selected wetland soils in Ekiti State, Nigeria, with a particular emphasis on rice production. Wetland soils in this region are characterized by distinct physical and chemical properties that affect their agricultural potential. The use of both parametric and non-parametric approaches in land suitability assessment allowed for a comprehensive analysis of the land's potential, factoring in both inherent soil qualities and the potential for improvement through human intervention. The research utilized a combination of Land Capability Classification (LCC) and Land Suitability Classification (LSC) methods to assess soil characteristics such as texture, organic matter content, drainage capacity, and nutrient availability. These evaluations were further supported by the Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing technologies, which provided spatial data and generated suitability maps. The results indicate a range of soil suitability classes, from highly suitable (Class I) to unsuitable (Class VIII) for rice cultivation. Although, the drainage condition which is essential for effective water management indicated moderate suitability (S2) in all the locations. Notably, sites such as Ise, Isan, and Ikole demonstrated highly suitable conditions (S1) for rice production, characterized by optimal soil textures. In contrast, Ifaki exhibited marginal suitability (S3) due to lower pH levels and cation exchange capacity (CEC), highlighting potential challenges in nutrient retention that could adversely impact crop yield. The results of this study offer valuable insights for land use planning and agricultural development, contributing to sustainable land management practices and mitigating erosion risks, especially in regions identified as having moderate to severe erosion hazards and also enhanced food security in the region. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for continuous soil assessments to monitor changes in soil properties and adapt agricultural strategies accordingly.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Md. Razibul Hassan, Fatema Sultana, Kamrun Naher Papry, Sadia Binte Sadrul, Md Masud Rana, Md Rafiul Islam, Md Rakibul Hasan, Most. Mahfuja Khatun, Md Nurul Islam.
Page No : 48-61
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Effect of Coagulating Agents for Preparation of Soy Milk-Based Rasogolla.
Abstract
This experiment investigated how different coagulants affected soymilk-based Rasogolla's flavor, body and texture, color, appearance, and chemical composition (moisture, dry matter, crude protein, fat, carbohydrate, nitrogen-free extract, ash, and crude fiber). Milk samples were collected from the Bangladesh Agricultural University dairy farm (BAU) to prepare soymilk-based Rasogolla, and Soymilk was prepared at the Dairy Technology Laboratory of BAU, Mymensingh. Cow milk and soymilk samples were coagulated using four different coagulants: calcium lactate, citric acid, lactic acid, and vinegar. The change obtained from fresh cow milk and Soymilk was mixed in a 1:1 ratio to prepare different types of rasogolla: CLSMR (Calcium Lactate Coagulated Soymilk-based Rasogolla), CSMR (Citric Acid Coagulated Soymilk-based Rasogolla), LSMR (Lactic Acid Coagulated Soymilk-based Rasogolla), and VSMR (Vinegar Coagulated Soymilk-based Rasogolla). The effects of the coagulating agents on the different Rasogolla variants were assessed using both physical and chemical analyses. Physical evaluation focused on sensory attributes such as flavor, body and texture, color, and overall appearance. Chemical tests measured various parameters, including total solids, moisture content, protein, fat, carbohydrate, ash, and acidity. Each treatment was replicated three times, and the data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) under a completely randomized design, with standard errors calculated using Microsoft Excel 2021. The study revealed that the coagulating agents had a significant effect (p 0.05) affect their body and texture, color, or appearance. Additionally, the coagulating agents had a highly significant impact (p 0.05) were observed in the moisture, dry matter, or carbohydrate content across the Rasogolla samples.
| 5 |
Author(s):
M. M. Khatun, S. B. Sadrul, K. N. Papry, M. R. Hassan, F. Yasmin, S. Nazneen, S. Ahmed, S. I. Swandhi, R. I. Rabbi, M. S. Islam, M. A. Mahmud.
Page No : 62-72
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Impact of Farmers Training on the Adoption of BLRI Technologies.
Abstract
Between July 2022 and June 2023, a study assessed technology transfer, the adoption of BLRI-developed technologies, and the livelihood of BLRI-trained livestock producers. A total of 150 random farmers from Naikhongchhari, Jessore Sadar, Vanga, Baghabari, Godagari Upazilas, Bandarban, Jessore, Sirajgonj, Faridpur, and Rajshahi districts participated in three days of BLRI training. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire, arranged at Microsoft Excel and analyzed at SPSS-20. Most farmers (53.33%) were male, with average age, family size, year of schooling, and land holdings were 37.63±1.42 (y), 4.92±0.09 (no.), 6.408±0.74 (y), and 93.45±17.80 (Deci.) respectively. Cattle numbers were highest in Godagari (4.13±0.36), goats and sheep in Naikhongchhari, and poultry in Vanga (46.46±26.41) upazila. Vanga also had the highest rice (684.87±55.92 kg) and egg (836 ±95.10 no.) consumption/family/year. Fish (190.7±15.28 kg) and milk (76.97±7.60 L) consumption were highest in Baghabari, while dal, meat, and vegetable consumption were highest in Naikhongchhari. Technology adoption was highest in Naikhongchhari and lowest in Godagari. Production and treatment costs were highest in Baghabari (141,185 Tk and 4,561 Tk), while annual income was highest in Jessore Sadar (319,440 Tk) and lowest in Godagari (199,752 Tk).
| 6 |
Author(s):
Tom C. N., Edet J. A., Gam Eunice N., Sam E. O..
Page No : 73-82
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Implementing Efficient Irrigation Systems for Crop Production.
Abstract
Irrigation is the supply of water to crops by artificial means. It is designed to permit the desired plant growth in arid regions and to offset drought in semiarid regions or subhumid regions. Even in areas where average seasonal precipitation may seem ample, rains are frequently unevenly distributed, or soils have low water holding capacities so that traditional rain-fed agriculture is a high-risk enterprise. Irrigation provides a means for stable food production. In some areas, irrigation prolongs the effective growing season. With the security provided by irrigation, additional inputs like higher producing varieties, additional fertilizer, better pest control, and improved tillage, become economically feasible. Irrigation reduces the risk of these expensive inputs being wasted by drought. As the worldwide population continues to grow, irrigated agriculture will be an increasingly important contributor to meet the worldwide demands for food, fiber, animal feed and biofuels. In the United States, irrigated farmlands comprise just 17 percent of crop acres, which contributes about half the value of total crops sales. However, irrigated farmland is credited with the largest share of the national consumptive use. While striving to meet the growing demand for more crops, the competing demands on the available water supply for human well-being and protecting the environment have to be resolved. Efficient irrigation is an integral part of meeting these future challenges.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Karina Fernanda Olalla, Sheyla Alexandra Barrera, Dylan Hernan Cruz, Oscar Danilo Cedeño, Darwin Yánez Avalos.
Page No : 83-91
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Serum Cortisol Concentration in Dairy Cattle from the Amazonian Region.
Abstract
The study was carried out in the parish of El Triunfo, province of Pastaza, Ecuador, with the objective of evaluating variations in serum cortisol concentrations in dairy cattle. Fourteen Brown Swiss and Holstein Frisian cows were selected, which met the criteria of being healthy, free of ectoparasites, weighing between 350 and 450 kg, in or during their second lactation cycle, and without post-vaccination treatment at the time of sampling. Each cattle was sampled twice at 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., following biosecurity protocols. Samples were centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes to obtain serum, which was analysed by Fluorescence Immunoassay (FIA) to quantify cortisol (ng/mL). Statistical analysis included the Shapiro-Wilks normality test, Student's t-test to compare cortisol concentrations between sampling times, and Pearson's correlation to assess the relationship between values obtained in the morning and afternoon. The results showed significantly higher cortisol levels in the morning (22.11 ng/mL) compared to the afternoon (16.94 ng/mL) (P < 0.050), indicating a circadian rhythm in cortisol secretion. This afternoon decrease reflected a characteristic pattern in dairy cattle from the Amazon region, suggesting that management and environmental factors influence cortisol variability, which is associated with a physiological response to moderate stress, common in management systems in the region.
