| 1 |
Author(s):
Brenda Nyakatonje, Newettie Jambo.
Page No : 1-22
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The Adoption of Strategies to Reduce Deforestation from Tobacco Production: A Case of Smallholder Farmers in Headlands Area of Makoni District
Abstract
Smallholder tobacco farmers in Zimbabwe have not yet fully adopted the strategies to reduce deforestation as recommended by tobacco contracting companies and government agencies such as the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB), Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe (FCZ) and Environmental Management Agency (EMA). The majority of them continue to use wood fuel for curing leading to high rates of deforestation. This study focused on assessing the factors influencing the adoption of strategies to reduce the rate of deforestation from tobacco production including gum plantations and coal for tobacco curing in the Makoni district's Headlands area. The target population was tobacco farmers in the study area and the sample size was 320. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Based on the results, the factors that were significant in influencing farmers to adopt were the farmer's age, farming experience, agricultural training, education level and occupation. The study recommends that government agencies including the FCZ enforce the implementation of afforestation events like tree planting day across the country to help protect the environment from deforestation.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Lawrence I.G., Akande E.A., Oke M.O..
Page No : 23-41
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Effect of Selected Pre-Treatments on The Functional and Pasting Properties of Pigeon Pea Flour
Abstract
The effect of three different processing conditions (fermentation, steaming and roasting) on the functional and pasting properties of an under-utilised legume pigeon pea were investigated. This study aimed to optimise these processing conditions for the processing of pigeon peas. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on a 3-level full factorial of the Random sample design was selected to optimise the effect of fermentation, steaming and roasting on the quality parameters of pigeon peas. The quality parameters of the pre-treated beans: functional and pasting properties were determined to see the effects of the pre-treatment using standard laboratory procedures. For functional properties, values obtained were: bulk density (0.64 - 0.81)g/ml, water absorption capacity (123.64-174.64)%, oil absorption capacity (78.8-106.13)% , swelling capacity (11.60-27.96)%, foaming capacity 5.57-15.15 and foam stability (0.84 and 6.25)%. Values obtained for pasting properties have their regression coefficient (R2) as peak viscosity, trough viscosity, breakdown viscosity, final viscosity, setback viscosity, peak time and pasting temperature as 0.69, 0.05, 0.51, 0.37, 0.34, 0.07 and 0.54 respectively while the adjusted R2 values for same parameters were 0.39, -0.09, 0.04, -0.25, -0.32, -0.87 and 0.07 respectively. Furthermore, the Coefficient of Variation (CV) derived for peak viscosity, trough viscosity, breakdown viscosity, final viscosity, setback viscosity, peak time and pasting temperature was 8.86, 19.24, 35.03, 4.99, 27.34, 16.57 and 4.29 respectively. The response surface plots depict the effects of steaming temperature and steaming time on the pasting properties of fermented pigeon pea flours. The optimum conditions for the variables investigated with fermented, steamed, and roasted pigeon peas with suitable quality characteristics were fermentation temperature of 270C for 4 days, steaming at 100oC for 20 minutes, and roasting at 1400C for 8 minutes. The pasting properties are also reflective of the functional properties so also the response surface plots. This information will be necessary for the utilisation of pigeon peas with improved physical conditions for exploitation on a large scale.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Esther Foluso Iwayemi, Hikmat Adeola Adewolu, Abiodun Victor Ikujenlola.
Page No : 42-57
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Effect of Malting and Popping on the Quality Parameters of Popcorn
Abstract
This study was aimed at investigating the effects of germination (malting) and popping on the quality parameters of popcorn with a view to improving the quality parameters of popcorn. Four different samples of malted popped corn flour (MPM), malted popcorn flour (MME), popped corn flour (PME), and raw popcorn maise flour (OME) were produced using different processing procedures. The material (Popcorn seed) was obtained from the local market in Ile-Ife. The popcorn seeds were sorted and soaked in water for 6 hours. The grains were spread on trays lined with cloth and kept wet by frequent water spraying every morning and evening for 2 days. The germinated popcorn kernel was washed and sun-dried. Part of the dried popcorn was milled, some were popped and milled, and part of the germinated corn was popped using the popping machine. The samples were analysed using standard methods for their physical, functional, Pasting Properties, proximate minerals, total dietary fibre, and sensory evaluation. The analysis showed that samples' bulk density reduced during popping; malted popped maise flour exhibited the highest values for WAC, OAC and for all the pasting parameters. The malting process increased the mineral content in the popped corn grains. All the samples were acceptable to the panellists. The study concluded that malting influenced the quality parameters of the samples, and the study established the fact that malted grain could be popped.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Elgi García Villacreses, Darwin Yánez Avalos, Manuel Ortega Coello, Pablo Roberto Marini.
Page No : 58-67
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Effect of the Addition of eCG on day 14 Post-Ftai on the Pregnancy Rate in Cows from The Ecuadorian Amazon
Abstract
The effect of the addition of eCG on day 14 after FTAI was evaluated in 200 cows from the Ecuadorian Amazon, with a calf at the foot, of Brown Swiss breeds and their crosses (Bos indicus). Two treatments (T): T1 (J-Synch + eCG day 6) and T2 (J-Synch + eCG day 14 post-FTAI). The pregnancy rate for T1 (57%) and T2 (48%) without showing a significant difference (p≥0.05). The pregnancy percentage was higher (62.5%) in cows in estrus (125/200). Plasma progesterone levels differ between T1 and T2, evaluated on day 14: (7.1 ng/mL); (13.5 ng/mL), respectively, as well as on day 30: T1 (9.6 ng/mL) and T2 (13.7 ng/mL), (p≤0.05). The diameter of CL measured on day 14 (20.8 ± 3.3 mm) and day 30 (28.2 ± 6.2 mm) differed significantly (p≤0.05). Estrous expression is positively associated with an increased pregnancy rate, but improving eCG on day 14 post-FTAI does not improve the pregnancy rate in Ecuadorian Amazon cows.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Fasanmi O.G., Gbadebo O.G., Fagbohun F.A., Emikpe O., Akanbi I., Makinde G.E.O., Adegor E.C., Agbato O., Okuneye O., Obafemi O.M..
Page No : 68-74
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Evidence of Bacterial Contamination at Different Locations of the Central Abattoir Akinyele, Oyo State
Abstract
Carcass and products derived from any abattoir are declared safe and fit for human consumption only if the maximum bacterial contamination limit is not exceeded. This study was designed to compare the level of bacterial contamination at different points of Akinyele Central Abattoir, Oyo State. Samples were collected from the drains, floors, walls, soil and water sources for microbiological analysis. The results presented varying degrees of contamination of sampled points due to identifying Salmonella sp., Escherichia coli, Campylobacter sp., Clostridium sp., and Staphylococcus sp., all of public health importance. However, the soil had the highest total bacterial load of 6.158±0.132 ×105/cfu/ml, followed by the slaughter floor (5.008±0.176 ×105/cfu/ml) and source of water (4.650±0.109 ×105/cfu/ml). This study demonstrated that the hygiene and sanitary levels of the abattoir have been compromised. It is hereby recommended that proper hygienic and precautionary measures should be instituted and implemented at this abattoir.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Makinde G.E.O., Agbato O., Awoyinka O.F., Fasanmi O.G..
Page No : 75-85
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Quality Assessment of Broiler and Pullet Day-Old Chicks Hatched in Ibadan, Oyo State
Abstract
The quality of day-old chicks determines the foundation and performance of a flock on the farm. This study randomly selected five-day-old chicks from 8 commercial hatcheries within the Ibadan metropolis to assess the quality of day-old broilers and pullets produced. The chicks were subjected to physical examination and microbial screening. Physical parameters checked include chick weight, chick length and agility, while organ swabs cultured produced the following microbes viz., coliform and non-coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli, Shigella sp, Salmonella sp and Proteus sp.` The result shows that there were significant effects (P<0.05) of sources on chick body weight, with highest (39.66±0.54g) and lowest (31.80±0.54g), chick body length with highest (17.10±0.17cm) and lowest (13.70±0.17cm), and chick agility with lowest time (0.20±0.03min) and highest time (0.50±0.03min). In most of the hatcheries surveyed, microbial isolates are too numerous to count, which is an indication of contamination due to poor hygiene and sanitation in and around the hatcheries. This will have a negative effect on the quality of the chicks produced and hence their performance. It is hereby recommended that hatcheries should improve on-farm and hatchery hygiene and biosecurity.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Cheij R., Mora O., Viana-Evin A., Radlovachky M., Bordón W., Marini P.R..
Page No : 86-92
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Productive Indicators of a Dairy Farm in the Center-West of The Province of Chaco-Argentina
Abstract
The objective of the work was to generate productive indicators of a dairy system in the centre-west of the province of Chaco-Argentina. The work was carried out between December 2021 and December 2022 on a dairy farm belonging to the U.E.G.P. School. N°40-Agrotechnical High School, located in the town of Coronel Du Graty, department of Mayor Luis Jorge Fontana, province of Chaco, Argentina. The averages and standard deviations of productive variables were obtained. The aggregate indicators showed a milking cow/dry cow ratio of 60/40, the conversion efficiency of pasture in the milk of 0.938 milk per kg of DM and 1719 litres/ha/adjusted year. The values obtained make it possible to start having own and zonal data that will allow a constant evaluation as the data record is consolidated over time. The information obtained will be a tool that, in the medium term, will indicate the productive floor or ceiling of the analysed system and, based on this, be able to plan. It is concluded that productive indicators were generated showing the potential of the analysed region, and these should serve as a basis to implement programs to increase the adoption of input and process technologies in the bovine dairy sector of the centre-west of the province of Chaco- Argentina.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Owolabi O.T., Imoru A., Adeolu M.E., Akinrinmade B.P..
Page No : 93-101
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Microbial Analysis of Street-Vended Fresh and Fried Local Cheese (Wara) in Owo and Oba-Ile Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
Abstract
This work was based on microbial analysis of street-vended cheese, Wara (fresh and fried), in Owo and Oba-Ile Akure metropolis. The study was aimed at investigating the safety and quality of traditional ready-to-eat Wara vended in the streets. The results of the findings show that the Wara samples from Owo communities recorded higher counts of microorganisms than those from Akure. Also, Wara produced in Owo had the highest contamination from a microbiological point of view. It was therefore concluded that Wara could be exposed to contamination during the production process and sales when there is inadequate hygiene and knowledge of quality control during the production process and sales.
