Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta: FUNAAB Journal
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CRYSTALLINE AND AMORPHOUS FORMS OF IRON (Fe) OXIDES IN HYDROMORPHIC SOILS OF DADIN KOWA, GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA
No full textThe content and distribution of different forms of Iron oxides are important indicators used in describing soils. This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the crystalline and the amorphous forms of Iron oxides distribution in hydromorphic soils across five different land uses (amaranth, millet, mango, rice and tomato) at Dadin Kowa, Gombe State. Two soil profile pits were dug in each of the identified land uses, and soil samples collected from identified genetic horizons. All soil samples collected were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. The textural classes of the soils revealed loamy sand to sandy loam. Bulk density, particle density, total porosity and silt/clay ratio varied between 1.60 to1.67 g/cm3, 2.57 to 2.71 g/cm3, 35.82 to 40.41% and 0.92 to 1.86, respectively. The soil reaction was slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.39 – 6.68). Soil electrical conductivity (EC) for all the soil mapping units was below the critical limits of 4 d/Sm EC, an indication of the non-saline nature of the studied soils. The values for OC, TN and AP contents of the soils across land use and horizons was substantial > 10 g/kg, and is rated medium to high, 1.1 to 1.40 g/kg, rated low to medium and 8.03 to 9.35 mg/kg, rated low, respectively, while the exchangeable bases were generally rated medium to high. The mean distribution of forms of Fe oxides, extracted by different extracting reagents revealed the dominance of diotonite extractable iron (Fed) over oxalate extractable iron (Feox) and pyrophosphate extractable iron (Fep), while the active iron ratios was generally <0.4 but > 0.1, confirming a moderate stage of soil development, and the dominance of crystalline forms of Fe oxide as against the amorphous forms across the study area. The direction of soil development with age followed the trend; amaranth < mango < millet < tomato <rice.
 
MARKETING ANALYSIS OF FLUTED PUMPKIN (TELFAIRIA OCCIDENTALIS HOOK F.) IN ALIMOSHO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA
Full text linkFluted pumpkin is a Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) of high importance to the socioeconomic life of the rural and urban dwellers. This study analyzed the marketing of Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook) locally known as ‘ugu’ in different market locations in Alimosho Local Government Area, of Lagos State, Nigeria. Descriptive Statistics was used to estimate the socio-economic characteristics while inferential statistics was used to analyze the factors affecting the marketing of Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook) in the study area. Data were collected through the use of well-structured questionnaire administered to Fluted pumpkin traders in five (5) selected markets in Alimosho Local Government Area. These included Ayobo, Iyana-Ipaja, Dopemu, Ikotun and Igando markets. 200 copies of questionnaire comprising of 40 in each market were administered to the traders. Socio- economic characteristics of Telfairia occidentalis traders and marketing variables such as transportation cost, rent, labour cost, selling price, cost price, market tax, among others were collected and analysed. The results showed that ugu sellers were involved in both wholesale (47.4%) and retail (42.5%) marketing which implied that there were more wholesalers than retailers which was attributed to purchase of ugu in bulk. Marketing of Fluted pumpkin is gender sensitive; all 100% of the respondents were women; 56.8% had primary education and were married. They all sourced their capital from personal savings. Profitability analysis across the five markets revealed that it was highest (N25,669.74) in Iyana Ipaja and least (N20,785.53) in Ayobo market. Total revenue across markets revealed that it was highest (N106, 881.58) in Iyana Ipaja market and lowest (N94, 782.90) also in Ayobo market. The marketing efficiency of the respondents in each market revealed that Iyana Ipaja is the most efficient (129.99%) which indicated that for every N100 invested in Ugu market there is about N30 profit. It was concluded from the study that the trade of Ugu is a profitable venture in Alimosho Local Government Area and also capable of providing employment to people. Hence, there is need for enlightenment program on how to improve the profitability of Telfairia occidentalis through efficient marketing.
 
EFFECTS OF REVIVE® ON SPERMIOGRAM OF DOG IN THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF TEASER BITCH
Full text linkThere are numerous indications for collection of semen from a male dog, yet there are various limitations that have been identified with the most common method used. Two adult male and one female local dogs with mean weight of 13.4 ± 0.7 kg were used in this study. Treatment orders (T1 – T4) used were 10 ml placebo administered orally 30 minutes before semen collection (SC) in the presence of teaser bitch (T1); 400 mg of Revive® capsules administered orally 30 minutes before SC in the presence of teaser bitch (T2); 10 ml of placebo administered orally 30 minutes before SC in the absence of teaser bitch (T3) and 400 mg of Revive® capsule administered orally 30 minutes before SC in the absence of teaser bitch (T4). A cross over design was used in this study in which each dog acted as his own control and participated in all the treatment groups. T1– T4 were assigned based on complete block design wherein each dog received each treatment thrice in a week. Each dog was ejaculated using digital manipulation method. The length of time to obtain ejaculate (Collection time, CT) was recorded. Semen volume (V), Sperm concentration (C), motility (M), and percentage live sperm (L) were determined for each ejaculate, using standard methods. The results were statistically evaluated using complete block analysis of variance (ANOVA) at level of significance of P=0.05. The mean collection time was 232.5±10.2secs for all treatments, CT was lower in T1 compared to T2 but the difference between dogs for CT was not significant. Mean Semen volume showed statistical difference between dogs. Mean values of V, C, M and L varied between the different groups. Results of this study showed that Revive® appeared not to have an effect on any of the ejaculate characteristic
ECONOMIC RETURNS AND TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY IN CASSAVA-BASED FARMING SYSTEMS IN YEWA COMMUNITIES OF OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
Full text linkThis study analyzed the economic returns and technical efficiency in cassava-based farming systems in selected communities in the Yewa axis of Ogun State. Data were collected from 120 cassava farmers in a two-stage sampling technique. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary technique, and the stochastic frontier model. The study showed majority of the cassava farmers in the study area to be male, ageing, less formally educated but well experienced in farming. Result of the enterprise’s budgetary analysis showed that cassava sole-cropping generated a total gross margin (GM) of N236,051 and net farm income (NFI) of N233,862 as against the values of N474,084 and N470,168 respectively, for cassava intercrop program during the same production year. From the findings, sole cropping has total factor productivity (TFC) value of 0.46, producing more cassava yield from each unit of the input used than in intercrop program with a TFC value of 0.1. Land and labour inputs were critical determinants of cassava output in the study area, while the involvement of younger folks in the cassava farming enterprise and attainment of higher education will significantly improve the technical efficiency of the cassava farmers. An average technical efficiency level of 79 percent was obtain for cassava production systems, implying a 21% gap for it to reach maximum production potentials. It was recommended that the policy formulation that will enhance access of the cassava farmers to more cultivable land, improved educational opportunities (through adult literacy education) and labour saving device/technology will assist to rapidly transform the cassava production systems in the study area. This will also help them increase their profitability and efficiency level in cassava production.
 
CARCASS YIELD AND PORK QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF GROWING PIGS TO FEED WITHDRAWAL PERIODS AND ASCORBIC ACID SUPPLEMENTATION
No full textA 3×3 factorial experiment was carried out to determine carcass yield and pork quality of pigs in humid tropics to feed withdrawal periods and ascorbic acid supplementation. Fifty-four mixed breed weaner pigs with mean weight of 5.5±0.3 kg were grouped on weight equalization into 9 treatments with 6 pigs per treatment and 2 pigs per replicate. Treatments 1,4 and 7 were fed ad libitum with ration containing ascorbic acid at the rates of 0, 1500 and 2500 mg/kg feed, respectively. Treatments 2, 5 and 8 were subjected to two hours feed withdrawal period and ascorbic acid supplementation of 0, 1500 and 2500 mg/kg feed, respectively. While those on treatments 3, 6 and 9 were on 4 hours feed withdrawal period with ascorbic acid levels of 0, 1500 and 2500 mg/kg feed, respectively. Carcass yield, meat quality and proximate composition were assessed on twentieth week. Carcass yields were significantly (P< 0.05) influenced by feed withdrawal period and ascorbic acid supplementation. Pigs on two hours withdrawal period and ascorbic acid supplementation at 1500 mg/kg feed had the highest values for carcass parameters. Two-hours feed withdrawal period and ascorbic acid supplementation of 1500 mg/kg feed influenced carcass yield, pork quality and proximate composition of growing pigs.
 
ASSESSMENT OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.) VARIETIES FOR TOLERANCE TO CONTRASTING SOIL-NITROGEN ENVIRONMENTS IN OGBOMOSO, NIGERIA
Full text linkMillions of resource-limited farmers cultivate maize under low-soil nitrogen (N), which is a major constraint to maize production in Nigeria. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to: (i) assess the existence of genetic variation among some maize varieties for grain yield and other agronomic traits under varying N conditions, (ii) identify maize varieties with favourable alleles for tolerance to low-soil N and superior performance for grain yield across N environments. Eight maize varieties were evaluated under four (0, 30, 90 and 150 kg N ha-1) N environments at the Teaching and Research Farm of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, in 2021. The experiment was laid down in a randomized complete block design with six replicates. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance for each N level. Rank summation index was used to select superior variety. Significant (P < 0.01) mean squares were observed for grain yield and other agronomic traits of the maize varieties, across the (N) environments. Mean grain yields under low and optimal N environments were 2.8 t ha-1 and 3.8 t ha-1, respectively. Outstanding varieties (Pioneer KMK (30Y87); Kapam 10 and Sammaz 52) were identified by rank summation index and low-N tolerant base index, indicating that the varieties possess favourable alleles for tolerance to soil-nitrogen stress.
 
PEER INFLUENCE AND FEMALE ADOLESCENTS IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
Full text linkThe adolescence stage is a critical period in human psychosocial development, whereby adolescents become more vulnerable to peer influence because it is the time for experimenting with new identities and experiences. This study assessed the degree of peer influence among female adolescents in public secondary schools in Ogun State, Nigeria using a multistage sampling procedure to select 234 female adolescents secondary school students. Data were collected on predisposing factors to peer influence, perception on the effect of peer influence, and degree of peer influence, using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Results showed that 47.0% and 26.1% of the respondents reported that coercion to participate in school activities and peer social status were the major predisposing factors to peer influence among female adolescents. Adjusting into a socially acceptable lifestyle (= 2.75) was the most perceived effect of peer influence. Overall, 54.3% of the respondents indicated that the degree of peer influence was positive. Respondents’ perception of peer influence significantly (p<0.05) affect the degree of peer influence experienced (r = 0.265). Thus, participation in activities against personal conviction and peer social status could predispose female adolescents to peer influence. Therefore, more persuasive techniques should be used to engage female adolescent in school activities, and peers with high status should be identified and mentored in order to positively influence others.
 
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Editorial Board
No full textJournal of Natural Science, Engineering and Technology provides an appropriate medium for disseminating high quality and original research findings, critical topical reviews, technical notes/short communications on emerging technologies and innovations among researchers worldwide and promoting scholarship. All papers published in the Journal are independently peer-reviewed by selected referees on the recommendations of the Editor-in-Chief on behalf of the Editorial Board.