International Journal of Agricultural Research, Innovation and Technology (IJARIT)
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Identification of antibiotic use patterns in poultry farms in the southwest region of Bangladesh
Full text linkThe study was conducted in southwestern Bangladesh, 90 chicken farmers were surveyed across three upazilas under three districts of southwestern Bangladesh to understand the practices and farmers\u27 perceptions of antibiotic use in poultry farming. Data were collected through direct interviews of poultry farmers using a pre-tested interview schedule. The results showed that the highest percentage of farmers kept broilers in their farms (30.0%), followed by layer (28.9%), Sonali (26.7%) and cockerel (14.4%). Farmers marketed broilers at an average of 35 days with a live weight of 2187.04 kg bird-1 and egg production of layer chickens was 88.88%. The majority of chicken farmers (84.44%) used antibiotics, while 47.8% and 92.2% of farmers used probiotics and vitamin-mineral supplements for chicken. The use of antibiotics was suggested by various people, such as veterinary doctors (35.56%), animal health workers (23.33%), drug company representatives (20.00%) and self (5.56%). More than half of the chicken farmers (56.67%) applied antibiotics regularly and the highest percentage was supplied through water (82.2%). Half of chicken farmers used antibiotics for disease prevention (50.00%), followed by treatment of sick chickens (31.11%), growth promotion (2.22%) and both disease prevention & growth promotion (1.11%). The majority of the farmers did not know about the negative impacts of antibiotic use in poultry farming (87.8%), among the remaining 7.8% of farmers said it was carcinogenic, 3.3% stated it was toxicity in humans and only 1.1% said it had no effect of antibiotics in human health. It can be concluded that most of the chicken farmers are using antibiotics indiscriminately, which suggests proper education and awareness creation of poultry farmers to reduce the risks associated with antibiotic use.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(2): 1-8, December 202
Determination of mineral composition of traditional plant-based bicarbonates: A case study of Eicchornia crassipes, Elaeis guineensis, and Musa x paradisiaca
Full text linkPoor nutrition can lead to malnutrition due to micronutrient deficiencies, posing serious public health issues. Promoting traditional foods is one approach, with a sustainable impact on addressing micronutrient deficiencies, being explored in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This study aimed to determine and compare the mineral profile of three types of traditional bicarbonate produced from the leaves and spadices of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), the leaves of the water hyacinth (Eicchornia crassipes), and the peels of plantains (Musa x paradisiaca). Samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Data analysis revealed that these three types of traditional bicarbonate have notable mineral contents, with varying levels of calcium, sulfur, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, and copper. The noteworthy concentrations of these nutritionally relevant minerals suggest that these three types of traditional bicarbonate could serve as good sources of essential minerals for preventing malnutrition due to micronutrient deficiencies and potentially helping prevent non-communicable chronic diseases.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(2): 38-43, December 202
Evaluation of the organoleptic characteristics of chocolate made with cocoa beans from three main production areas in Côte d\u27Ivoire
Full text linkTo evaluate the quality of chocolate produced with Ivorian cocoa beans, the study was carried out in the country\u27s three main production areas (East, Centre-West, and South-West). The project involved collecting data on fermentation times and sourcing samples of cocoa beans from which chocolate had been produced and tasted. The findings of this study indicate that the average fermentation time for cocoa beans is identical across all regions. The observed values (5.30 days in the East, 5.0 days in the Center-West, and 5.04 days in the South-West) are below the recommended 6-day threshold for optimal fermentation. The chocolate produced from the collected beans has been found to have favourable organoleptic characteristics, as evidenced by the low bitterness ratings revealed in the tasting tests. Acidity and astringency are very low and aroma is average. The correlation study between fermentation time and organoleptic characteristics demonstrated that only bitterness (y = -0.2926x + 4.0115; r = 0.62; p < 0.01) and aroma (y = 0.1619x + 2.1324; r = 0.5139; p < 0.01) of chocolate were significantly influenced by fermentation time. Therefore, cocoa from Côte d\u27Ivoire is suitable for use in the production of high-quality chocolate. However, fermenting the beans for 6 days would be beneficial to achieve a superior quality chocolate product.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(2): 53-61, December 202
Spatiotemporal discrepancies and risk assessment of toxic heavy metals in surface water of Shitalakhya River around Narayanganj port in Bangladesh
Full text linkThe urban rivers of developing countries like Bangladesh have been severely affected by toxic heavy metal pollution, posing serious ecological and human health risks. This study aimed to investigate the concentrations, spatiotemporal discrepancies, and associated risks of five alarming toxic metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu and Mn) in the surface water of urban Shitalakhya River around Narayanganj port, one of the biggest and most important river ports in Bangladesh. Water samples were collected for three prevailing seasons i.e., pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon from five selected sites. Physicochemical properties (color, odor, temperature, DO, pH, EC and TDS) of river water were also assessed, while heavy metal pollution index (HPI), heavy metal evaluation index (HEI) and degree of contamination (CD) were calculated to evaluate the risks associated with toxic metal pollution in river water. The findings revealed that several physicochemical parameters, especially DO, EC and TDS, were not within the standards. The hierarchy of mean heavy metal concentrations in Shitalakhya River water was found as Mn>Cr>Cu>Cd>Pb during pre-monsoon, Mn>Cu>Cr>Cd>Pb during monsoon, and Mn>Cr>Cu>Pb>Cd during post-monsoon season. The metal concentrations were found to be higher in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, whereas the concentrations of all the heavy metals excluding Mn were within the standards recommended for domestic use, surface water, fisheries and irrigation purposes. The comparative analysis exhibited that the water quality of Shitalakhya River is deteriorating day by day at an alarming rate. HPI showed a critical pollution index value (drinking) for all three seasons, whereas HEI revealed low heavy metal contamination for all sampling stations. The values of CD indicated a high level of contamination in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon but monsoon season. The results confirmed the spatiotemporal discrepancies in toxic metal concentrations and associated ecological and human health risks, possibly resulting from the hydrological and anthropogenic interventions not only associated with port activities. Hence, urgent collective effort and proper monitoring are of utmost importance to safeguard the public health and this urban riverine ecosystem.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(2): 74-84, December 202
Prevalence of Salmonella outbreak in poultry farms: a comparative study of Osun and Ogun States, Nigeria
Full text linkThe study describes farm management practices, determines farmers’ knowledge of Salmonella, and identifies agricultural extension advisory services available to strengthen livestock farmers to examine the prevalence of Salmonella outbreaks among poultry farms in Osun and Ogun, Nigeria. The study utilized a cross-sectional survey of 240 poultry farmers and 60 agricultural extension workers from both states. Data was collected with an interview schedule and analysed using percentages, frequency count and mean. Results indicate that the majority (68.3% and 67.5% in Osun and Ogun States, respectively) of the respondents were males; the mean age of the respondents was 47 years and 46 years in Osun and Ogun States, respectively. High (100.0% and 78.3%) Salmonella disease outbreaks were experienced in Osun and Ogun, respectively. Semi-intensive and intensive production systems are the predominant production methods in both states. The results further reveal that 56.7% and 70.0% of respondents in Osun and Ogun states had over 15 years of regular contact with extension services, respectively. However, the majority (83.3% and 91.7%) of Extension agents in Osun and Ogun states were knowledgeable about the Salmonella infection. The study concluded that for better adherence against disease outbreaks in poultry farms, monitoring and evaluation of all advisory services rendered should be done to ensure compliance. It is therefore recommended that there be improved biosecurity practices across the study location and adequate extension services that will enhance biosecurity measures and training to mitigate Salmonella outbreaks in poultry farms in the study area.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 15(1): 115-126, June 202
Different harvesting dates influence the growth, seed yield and quality of two rice varieties in Ghana
Full text linkRice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple food which contains a high amount of nutrients essential for human nutrition, energy supply, and food security. Despite its nutritional value, it does not reach its physiological maturity at the same time thereby affecting the quality of seeds produced when harvested. The overarching objective of this research was to determine the influence of harvesting days on seed yield and quality of two rice varieties (Jasmine 85 and Amankwatia) at the Department of Horticulture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana. A 2 x 3 factorial arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications was the study design. Factor one was the two varieties (Jasmine and Amankwatia) and factors two was different harvesting times at three levels [105, 112 and 126 days after transplanting (DAT)]. The study revealed that Jasmine 85 had the highest plant height, number of panicles and number of tillers. The study also showed that the interaction of the varieties and different harvesting times had a significant influence on the germination percentage, germination energy, germination rate index and mean germination time. The study showed that Amankwatia harvested at 126 DAT and Jasmine harvested at 112 DAT respectively, performed the best in terms of yield. Furthermore, Amankwatia harvested at 112 DAT and Jasmine harvested at 105 DAT respectively, also improved germination parameters. Harvesting of both varieties (Jasmine and Amankwatia) at 112 DAT and 126 DAT will maximize yield, while harvesting at Amankwatia at 112 DAT and Jasmine at 105 will improve germination.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(2): 122-131, December 202
Enhancing soil nutrients for yield and nutritional quality of carrot through the joint effect of a complementary technology package in the rainforest region of Nigeria
Full text linkField experiments were conducted to assess the effects of integrated application of poultry manure (PM), cocoa pod husk (CPH), and NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer on carrot root yield and nutritional quality during 2023 and 2024 cropping seasons at Adeyemi Federal University of Education (07°04\u27N, 04°49\u27E), Ondo in the rainforest ecology of southwest Nigeria. Poultry waste and CPH were combined at three different quantities (0, 5, 10 t ha-1), with NPK fertilizer applied at three levels (0, 100, 200 kg ha-1) in a factorial experiment set up in a randomized complete block layout. Each treatment was repeated three times. The gathered data were assessed using the Statistical Analysis System Institute Package. The site\u27s soil had low levels of accessible P (4.87 mg kg-1), nitrogen (0.7 g kg-1), and a somewhat acidic pH (6.1). Plots with the combined application of the three soil amendments showed a significant (P<0.05) improvement in root yield metrics, proximate compositions, and phytochemicals. Compared to the sole application of NPK fertilizer in the second cropping season, the residual effect of PM and CPH alone and their combination with or without NPK fertilizer on root yield characteristics was larger. The maximum gross root yield, protein, fiber, vitamin C, and carotenoid content were found in plots that received an integrated application of 10 t ha-1 of PM, CPH, and 200 kg ha-1 of NPK. These parameters\u27 values did not differ substantially (P>0.05) from the plots that received 200 kg ha-1 of NPK fertilizer, 5 t ha-1 of PM, and CPH fertilizer applied together. Compared to their respective single applications, the combination of PM, CPH, and NPK fertilizer was more successful in increasing carrot root yield and nutritional quality.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 15(1): 78-87, June 202
Economics of maize cultivation at selected intensive areas of Bangladesh
Full text linkThe study was undertaken to assess the input used pattern and profitability of maize in selected intensive maize-growing areas of Bangladesh from February to July 2019. The present study was conducted in four districts viz. Chuadanga, Jhenaidah, Meherpur and Kushtia were located at AEZ-11, an intensive maize-growing area. In this study, 160 farmers were selected, of which 40 from each district were randomly selected for data collection. The average farm size was 0.64 ha, whereas the maize cultivated area was 0.34 ha. It was observed that maize was cultivated from November to December in the study area. The average per hectare seed required was 20 kg ha-1 and the fertilizer requirement was 1532 kg ha-1. The average labor required was 275 man-days in a season due to less use of technology. Total production cost was Tk. 162047 ha-1, in which variable cost was Tk. 101066 ha-1 (62%) and the fixed cost was Tk. 60980 ha-1 (38%). The price of the main maize grain at Farmgate was Tk. 18 kg-1. The gross margin was Tk.1 91962 ha-1 and the net margin was Tk. 40515 ha-1 average. The benefit-cost ratio on a cash-cost basis was 1.90 and on a total-cost basis was 1.18, meaning maize cultivation was profitable. Land preparation, seed, organic manure, TSP, Urea, MoP, DAP, Gypsum, Zinc and Boron had a positive influence on maize production. The high price of fertilizer and seed was the main problem farmers faced and due to high demand, there were no marketing problems. Though it had some problems, maize cultivation overall was a profitable crop.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 13(2): 70-78, Dec 202
Comparative analysis of mechanical properties of paddy rice for different variety-moisture content interactions
Full text linkIn recent years, postharvest loss has been a serious concern. However, knowledge of the mechanical properties is vital to developing any postharvest technology for rice production better. The objective of this research is to conduct a comparative analysis of the mechanical properties of selected paddy rice at different variety-moisture content interactions. The mechanical properties of AGRA rice, CRI-Amankwatia, CRI-Enapa, and CRI-Dartey, four local varieties developed in Ghana, are compared at 11.5%, 13.0% and 16.5% on wet basis moisture content. Tukey\u27s Honest Significant Difference (HSD) comparisons test was conducted during data analysis to compare all possible pairwise combinations of the various varieties and moisture content interaction. From the results, it was concluded that CRI-Dartey, at 16.5%, recorded the highest Sphericity and Aspect Ratio of 0.391 mm3 and 0.298 mm3, respectively. For grain mass, AGRA rice at 13.0% also recorded 0.0312 g as the highest score. The GM1000, Angle of Repose and Bulk density CRI-Amankwatia at 16.5 % moisture content recorded the highest score of 29.33 g, 47.3o, and 654.0 kg/m3, respectively. AGRA rice at 13.0% observed the highest value of 1685.8 for kg/m3 true density, and the highest value for porosity was 70.83%, which was recorded by CRI-Enapa at 11.5 % moisture content. In all cases, the difference in mean value was less than the Least Square Difference. This indicates that there were no significant statistical differences between their mean values, indicating that technologies developed and adapted for one variety can equally be used for all the other varieties.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(1): 18-29, June 202
Tillage practices in the north west region of Cameroon and their consequences on soil physio-chemical properties - a review
Full text linkTillage practices make up one of the most essential operations executed on the soil during crop production. They manipulate the soil by mechanical means using tools, implements, and powered machinery with the intention to prepare the soil and make it suitable for plant growth. For the adoption of sustainable agriculture, tillage practices carried out in a particular region and their consequences on soil health need to be assessed. This review article identified traditional, conventional, and conservation tillage as the major tillage systems employed by farmers during crop cultivation in the North West Region of Cameroon. Traditional tillage practices (traditional ridging, burning in ridges (“Ankara”), and slash and burn) were highly predominant especially among small-holder farmers, followed by conservation tillage. Conventional tillage practices were the least practiced among farmers. Due to the less adoption of conventional and conservation tillage, soils in the region are mainly affected by the identified widely used traditional tillage practices. Traditional ridging exerted beneficial effects on the soil such as improved soil water conservation, increased soil nitrogen, and soil organic matter contents while burning in ridges and slash and burn exerted negative consequences on the soil by declining soil fertility, destroying soil physical properties and reducing overall land productivity. Due to the adoption of poor tillage techniques, soil degradation is rampant in the region placing the population at risk of low land productivity and food insecurity. The adaptation of improved tillage practices such as traditional ridging is thus required for sustainable soils and increased food security.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(1): 70-76, June 202