| 1 |
Author(s):
Muhammad Nasiru Abubakar, Ibrahim Alhaji Salau, Samaila Tambari.
Page No : 1-8
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Management of Fungal Pathogens Associated with Mango Diseases using Organic Materials
Abstract
Mango (Mangifera indica) is one of the most economically important tropical fruits, but it is susceptible to various fungal pathogens that cause significant yield losses and reduce fruit quality. Traditional management strategies for these fungal diseases often involve the use of synthetic fungicides, which can have adverse effects on the environment and human health. Therefore, there is a growing need to explore sustainable and organic alternatives for managing these pathogens. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of organic materials in controlling fungal pathogens associated with mango diseases. Various organic materials of different plant extracts were tested against common fungal pathogens. The results of the study demonstrated the potential of organic materials in managing mango fungal diseases. Plant extracts derived from neem (Azadirachta indica), garlic (Allium sativum), and ginger (Zingiber officinale) exhibited strong antifungal activity against the tested pathogens. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that organic materials can be effective tools for managing fungal pathogens associated with mango diseases. Incorporating these organic management strategies into mango production systems can contribute to sustainable agriculture practices, reduce chemical inputs, and promote the production of high-quality, disease-free mangoes.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Garba M.G., Gaddafi S., Yunusa H..
Page No : 9-15
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Effect of Cereals Type and Watering Level on Morphometric Characteristics, Herbage Yield and Proximate Compositions of Hydroponic Fodder
Abstract
This research was conducted at Prof. Lawal Abdu Saulawa Livestock Teaching and Research Farm, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria. The experiment was conducted to examine the effect of cereal type, levels of watering (volume of water), morphometric characteristics, herbage yield and nutritional quality of hydroponically sprouted fodder of three different cereals (Maize, Sorghum and Millet). A completely randomised design (CRD) was deployed with three replicates per treatment. Results obtained indicated that significant differences (P0.05) were observed in plant height and average leaf number. Furthermore, significant differences (P<0.05) were noticed in leaf length and width. Results of the proximate compositions showed that significant differences (P<0.05) were recorded in crude protein and crude fibre content. It can, therefore, be concluded that sorghum with 900ml of water recorded the best mat-depth and fodder yield, followed by maize. It is, therefore, recommended that sorghum could be used for the production of hydroponic fodder with 900ml of water per day.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Jibia Z.S., Garba M.G., Sabo M.N., Gaddafi S., Ibrahim M..
Page No : 16-22
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Effect of Outdoor and Pasture Foraging Accessibility on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Noiler Birds
Abstract
This experiment was carried out to determine the effect of outdoor and pasture foraging accessibility on performance responses and carcass characteristics of Noiler birds. A total number of 320 Noiler birds were divided into 5 treatments and each treatment was replicated 4 times with 16 birds per replicate. At the end of the brooding phase (2 weeks), the birds were placed in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement (outdoor durations and pasture accessibility were considered as factors) in a completely randomised design (CRD). T1 serves as control (indoor), T2 4 hours outdoor accessibility, 8 hours outdoor, 4 hours outdoor plus pasture foraging and 8 hours outdoor plus pasture foraging for T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. The data obtained in this study were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) where means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) of the Statistical Analysis Software package (SAS). The birds in T2 had significantly (P<0.05) higher final weight; similarly, higher (P0.05) differences in both carcass and visceral weight proportion across all the treatments. However, considerable numerical variations exist. Higher dress weight was observed in T3 (70.333%) followed by T5, T2, T4 and T1 with 67.853, 67.372, 63.901 and 59.888% respectively. The result however, suggests non-significant (P>0.05) differences in initial weight, feed conversion ratio, feed cost per kilogram diet. It is therefore concluded that outdoor and pasture foraging has a profound effect on the performance profile of Noiler birds. It is therefore recommended for enhanced body weight and weight gain birds should also be enriched with pasture foraging material and at least 4 hours outdoor accessibility.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Charity N. Muchoki, Sophie Ngala, Michael W. Okoth.
Page No : 23-45
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Farmers’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in the Production, Preservation and Utilization of African Leafy Vegetables in Western Kenya
Abstract
A large diversity of African Leafy Vegetables (ALV) are consumed in the western Kenya. These vegetables have been neglected leading to persistent high cases of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. To boost the promotion of these vegetables, which has been ongoing by various organizations, a study was conducted with the objective of determining the farmers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices in the production, preservation and utilization of ALV in Kakamega and Vihiga Counties, Kenya. Twelve gender-disaggregated Focus Group Discussions were held. Visiting institutions, family and friends were the leading sources of knowledge. ‘How to grow ALV’ was the most favourite topic delivered. Nineteen different ALV species are consumed in Western Kenya. Vegetables for the market are harvested when there is no direct sunlight. Most vegetables are mixed when cooked. Duration and methods of cooking vary. Vegetables which have been domesticated for long are sold as much as they are home consumed, while the wild and those domesticated recently are not sold. Preservation for long periods was rare. Thirteen ALV are encouraged for specific individuals for health benefits. Twelve ALV are discouraged for specific individuals because of myths. The farmers have reasonable knowledge regarding ALV. Attitudes and practices are influenced by culture.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Ogunnusi Olayele Joseph, Toye Christopher Oladipupo, Akinwemoye Akinwalere Olufemi, Adebayo Mateen Kehinde, Adamolekun Ismail Tobiloba, Owolabi Shina James, Akande Adewunmi Adekoyejo, Avre Faith Macaulay.
Page No : 45-53
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Nutritive and Anti-Nutritive Compounds of Oil Seeds Renewables and By-Products in the Livestock Industry
Abstract
Nigeria is one of the major oilseeds producers in Africa due to favorable climatic and edaphic factors. They strive well under rain-fed conditions; under low rainfall the crops experience moisture stress causing low yield. Oil seeds have recently attracted more interest due to their nutritional composition and the demand keeps rising due to the increase in population growth. Oil seed products such as soybeans, cottonseed, rapeseed, sunflower, and camelina meal or cake are sources of amino acids, and digestible rumen protein and minerals that influence animal growth and development. Due to the considerable amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids, it causes toxins accumulation and inflammation. The presence of antinutrients such as glucosinolates, trypsin inhibitors, gossypol, and lectins in these oilseeds inhibits their protein degradability, mineral bioavailability, flavor, and taste. Animals are affected by the toxicity of antinutrients leading to diseases and death. Glucosinolates, trypsin inhibitors, are known to reduce feed intake and cause iodine deficiency causing goiter and enlargement of the liver, kidney, and thyroid of animals which consequently affects the body. This paper summarizes the nutritive and anti-nutritive values of different oil seeds, the effect of different livestock animals, and the methods of reducing or eliminating the attributive compounds.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Ezekiel B. Bwadi, Mohammed B. Yusuf, Ahmed M. Yushau, Nuhu Isaac, Musa D. Garkida.
Page No : 54-78
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Evaluation of Soil Suitability for Sesame (Sesamum Indicum) Farming in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study evaluates the soil suitability for sesame (Sesamum indicum) farming in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State. The specific objectives of the study were to identify the suitable soil for sesame farming in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba using expert Knowledge, to determine the concentration of soil nutrients for sesame farming in Gassol LGA and to compare the level of soil suitability for Sesame farming in Gassol LGA with that of FAO. The expert questionnaires were used to identify the preferred nutrients for sesame farming. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was applied to determine the weight of the different soil nutrients by pairwise comparison matrix. The soil samples were collected from the twelve (12) political wards of the study area. The soil samples taken from each ward were air dried, crushed and sieved using a 2 mm sieve and analysed using standard soil analytical procedures at the Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH) Yola. Soil pH was measured (soil: water ratio, 1:2) using a pH metre; total N content was determined by flame photometer. The study revealed through the pairwise comparison matrix that favourable average nitrogen in the area ranked first among the nutrients, followed by potassium, phosphorus, sulphur, electrical conductivity, organic matter, organic carbon and potential hydrogen. The Consistency Ratio (CR) of 0.05 was consistent with the experts’ judgement in determining the preference of soil nutrients for sesame farming in the Gassol area. The laboratory results indicated that potential hydrogen (6.0), electrical conductivity (0.2) and sulphur (5.5) are low in soil nutrients for farming sesame in the study area based on the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO 1976) standard. It further shows that organic carbon (0.5) and nitrogen (0.1) are very low in the soil for sesame farming in the study area while potassium (10.5) and organic matter (2.0) are high in the soil nutrient content of the study area. It was recommended that to ensure optimal sesame production, there is a need for awareness by farmers of the suitable site for sesame farming, and farmers need adequate knowledge of the appropriate fertiliser for sesame farming to improve the soil where the nutrients are low, It further recommends for access to farm inputs such as credit facilities, fertiliser, improve seeds and other infrastructural development for farmers.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Bello Bodinga Musa, Abdullahi Ismaila1, Lamido Mamman, Rashida Malami, Mohamed Abdalla Elsiddig Mohamed, Rashida Malami.
Page No : 78-91
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Effect of Phytobiotics and Antibiotic on Growth Performance, Intestinal Morphology and Nutrients Transporters Expression of Broiler Chickens
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of Phytobiotics (PB) and Antibiotic Growth Promoter (AGP) on performance, intestinal morphology and nutrients transporters mRNA gene expression of broiler chickens. One hundred eighty unsexed one-day-old Ross strains with an average initial body weight (BW) of 45 ± 0.5 g were randomly assigned into three treatments with six replications of 10 chicks in each pen. (1) Control group (CON), basal diets only; (2) antibiotic group, Antibiotic Growth promoter (AGP), basal diet supplemented with 5 mg/kg tetramycin; (3) Phytobiotics (PB), basal diet supplemented with 0.5g/kg, phytobiotics the research lasted for 42 days. Average Daily Feed Intake (ADFI), Average Daily Gain (ADG) and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) were calculated weekly, and intestinal morphology of Villus Height (VH), Crypt Depth (CD), and Villus Height to crypt depth ratio (VH: CD) from the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, nutrients transporters qRT-PCR mRNA expression of GLUT1, SGLT4, GLUT5, PEPT2, CAT1, and LAT1 were evaluated at day 42. Chicks fed PB had significantly (P=0.0413) higher ADG at 1-42 days, PB and AGP significantly had lower FCR (P=0.0001) and (P=0.0001) at 22-42 d and 1-42 days, respectively, in duodenum the villus height was significantly (P=0.0001) longer in PB fed chickens and the lowest was recorded in CON, while the CD and VH: CD were significantly longer in AGP and PB fed chickens, in jejunum VH and CD were significant (P=0.0001) longer in PB and AGP than the CON fed chickens, in ileum PB fed birds had significant higher VH and CD than the AGP and CON fed groups, in duodenum and ileum GLUT1, SGLT4 and GLUT5 expression were highly expressed in AGP and PB fed chickens similar results was obtained in jejunum and ileum by PEPT2 and CAT1. These findings suggest that supplementing phytobiotics in broiler diets improves growth performance and intestinal morphology and up-regulated the expression of nutrient transporters' genes. However, the underlying detailed biological mechanisms and dose standardisation for inclusion in broiler diets need to be further studied.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Olabode O.S., Ogunsola A., Sangodele A.O., Oladapo O.S..
Page No : 92-98
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Optimum Time for Safe and Effective Application of Nicosulfuron on Cassava Plot
Abstract
Field experiment was carried out at the Teaching and Researching Farm of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State to establish the optimum time for safe and effective application of Nicosulfuron on cassava plot. There were six treatments namely: herbicide application at 3 WAP, 5 WAP, 7 WAP, 9 WAP, 11 WAP (weeks after planting), and hoe weeding as control in a Randomized complete block experiment with three replicates. The hoe weeding constituted the control treatment. Results of the experiment showed that hoe weeding produced the best response than other treatments. There was a significant difference (P = 0.05) in all parameters measured. The plants treated at advanced age were better than those treated earlier. Nicosulfuron is injurious to cassava at recommended rate in early cassava lives while the older cassava plants can tolerate it.
