ADAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE
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Reclaiming Eroded Soil Using Sawdust – Poultry Compost for Agricultural production
Get PDFThe removal of top soil with high organic matter content is a critical threat to soil functions in most tropical agricultural lands and compost can be utilized in build up of organic carbon stocks and the soil nutrient. A two - year experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different rates of compost application on soil properties, yield and nutrient uptake of maize in an eroded soil. The treatments: control, 5, 10, 15 and 20 tonnes per hectares (t ha-1) were laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and replicated thrice and data collected were statistically analysed. The soil was acidic and sandy in texture, the application of compost reduced the acidity and significantly (p < 0.05) increased organic matter and nutrient content of the soil. Maize grain yield of 3.08 and 2.56 t ha-1were obtained in 2015 and in residual experiment of 2016 respectively with the application of 20 t ha-1 of compost. In conclusion, the application of 20 t ha-1 of sawdust – poultry compost significantly (p < 0.05) improved the organic matter and nutrients status of the soil. Also, the yield and nutrient uptake of maize were significantly (p < 0.05) higher with the application of 20 t ha-1 of compost.
 
Effect of vermicomposts on vegetative growth and yield characters of tomato infected with fusarium wilt
Get PDFIn vivo experiment was conducted in the screen house of the Federal College of Horticultural Technology Dadin Kowa, Gombe State. The objective of the studies was to evaluate the bio-efficacy of bio-enriched vermicomposts on seedling growth and yield of tomato infected with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. A 2 x 5 factorial experiment consisted of Two tomato varieties (Roma VF and UC 82B), three bio-enriched vermicomposts: - poultry manure based – (POBCO), cow dung based – (COBCO) and rice bran based – (RIBCO); CAMAZEB® as check and un-amended soil (UNASO) as control were laid in a randomised complete block design. Three and a half kilograms (3.5 kg) of sterile top-soil was amended with 900 g of POBCO, COBCO, RIBCO and un-amended soils (UNASO) were placed in plastic pots. The treatments (10) were replicated three times. Results on the growth parameters and yield components were significantly higher on Roma VF than UC 82B. Roma VF grown on soil amended with POBCO significantly produced plants with the highest number of leaves (200) and branches (18); and tallest plants (77.5 cm), compared to the other treatments. Highest yield (2.1 kg plant-1), fresh shoot (343.1 g) and fresh root (84.7 g) weights were recorded on Roma VF transplanted in POBCO-amended soils. Application of 900 g of POBCO as soil amendment on Roma VF is recommended as sustainable source of fertilizer for tomatoes under green house or screen house conditions.
 
Evaluation of moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf meal for broiler chicken performance and meat quality
Get PDFThe study evaluated dietary inclusion (0, 7, 14, and 21%) levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOL) on growth performance and meat quality of broiler chickens. A total of 240 broiler chicks (Chikun) were divided into four treatments with three replicates each (20 chicks per replicate) in a completely randomized design (CRD). The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. The results showed that live weight, dressed weight, dressing percentage, heart and liver weights differed (P˂0.05) significantly across the four treatment groups. All other parameters did not differ significantly among the treatment groups. Growth traits of broiler chickens fed dietary inclusion levels of MOL revealed that only feed conversion ratio and mortality rates were significantly (P ˂ 0.05) different across the treatments. Other traits such as final weight, weight gain, feed intake, average daily feed intake and average daily weight did not differ significantly among the treatment groups. Chemical compositional parameters of fresh broiler chicken meat revealed that per cent moisture, lipid, crude protein, ash and carbohydrate were significantly (P ˂ 0.05) different across the treatments. However, chemical composition of meat floss ‘‘dambun nama’’from broiler chickens fed dietary inclusion levels of MOL showed that per cent moisture, lipid, crude protein, crude fibre and carbohydrate differed significantly (P˂0.05) across the treatments. Furthermore, sensory attributes of meat floss from broiler chickens fed dietary inclusion levels of MOL showed that only juiciness differed significantly among the treatments. This study concludes that incorporation of MOL in the diet of broiler chickens at the inclusion levels of 0, 7, 14 and 21% had no deleterious effects on carcass and organ characteristics, chemical composition of both fresh meat and meat floss ‘‘dambun nama’’of broiler chickens. The processed meat floss was well-cherished by the sensory panelists and rated the product high for quality. It is suggested that other inclusion levels of MOL should be investigated in further studies using broiler chickens for growth and carcass performance re-evaluation for meat quality and its overall acceptance.
 
Growth performance, nutrient digestibility and health status of broilers fed varied levels of Xylopia Aethiopica phytoadditive.
Get PDFPhytoadditives have gained potential role as one of the alternatives to antibiotics in animal nutrition since it has been confirmed to have no residual effect on the animal tissue and this study was therefore conducted to investigate the effect of inclusion levels of Xylopia aethiopica (Negro pepper) as a replacement of antibiotics on growth performance, blood profile, nutrient digestibility and organs response of boiler chickens. Two hundred and forty (240) day old chicks were randomly divided into five treatments of 48 birds each and housed in 4 replicates of 12 birds each. This experiment lasted for a period of 8 weeks and birds were placed on the same feed ad libitum except the inclusion of test ingredient in treatments 2-5. Diet without Xylopia aethiopica served as the control (T1). Diets in T2 to T5 were supplemented with 10g, 20g, 30, 40g of Xylopia aethiopica per kg feed. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design. All data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance using SPSS version 21 and significant means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test of the same software. The response of the broilers to dietary treatment were measured by feed intake, final weight, FCR, Cost/kg Weight gain, blood profile, organ responses and nutrient digestibility. There were significant differences (P<0.05) across the treatment in growth parameters except total feed intake and daily feed intake. The final live weight of broilers fed 10g of Xylopia aethiopica per kg feed (T2) was the highest (1858.50g/bird) while those fed 40g of Xylopia aethiopica per kg feed (T5) had the least (1411.33g/bird). This result suggested limit to the inclusion levels of the Xylopia aethiopica in the diet of broiler chickens. Addition of Negro pepper reduced the cost of per kg weight gain. Dietary treatment significantly (P<0.05) increased serum aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, globulin, cholesterol, but significantly reduced alkaline phosphatase. The nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens fed varied level of Xylopia aethiopica were significantly affected (P<0.05) in all parameters across the treatments and the broiler on treated groups had better nutrient digestibility. Relative organ weight of broiler chickens fed varied levels of Xylopia aethiopica were not significantly affected (P>0.05) across the treatments. It is recommended that supplementation of 10g of Negro pepper should be added to broiler diet for improved body weight gai
Impact of socio-economic characteristics on post-harvest management technologies of selected horticultural crops among farmers in Kogi State, Nigeria
Get PDFThe study assesses impact of socio-economic characteristics on postharvest management technologies of selected horticultural crops (fruits and vegetables) among rural farmers in Kogi state, Nigeria. A sample size of 205 respondents was selected using stratified and simple random sampling technique. A well-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data collected were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The Result of socio-economic characteristics of the farmers showed that majority (76.5%) of the respondents were between the age ranges of 41-60 years. Most (57.5%) of the respondents were male and 67.5 % were married. Majority (62.5%) of the horticultural farmers has no formal education. The result also showed that about half (57%) of the respondents cultivated three (3) hectares of land. Most of the farmers (58%) had at least 26 years of horticulture farming experience. The result equally revealed that most (61%) of the respondents had annual income between N100000 and N150000. Six (6) traditional method of postharvest management technologies were mostly practiced (use of hot water for washing and cleaning ( ????=3.14), use of hand for sorting and grading ( ???? =2.99), use of head and truck for transportation of produce ( ???? = 2.83), use of woven basket for packaging ( ????= 2.76) and hand picking for harvesting ( ???? = 2.72). Evidence from the study also shows that the use of modern postharvest management technologies by horticultural farmers was generally low. There were three major challenges faced by horticultural farmers in reducing post-harvest losses of their produce namely: socio-economic challenges: environmental challenges, and infrastructural challenges. Results showed Ordered Logistic Regression Estimates Showing Relationship between Socio-economic Characteristics of Farmers and their Level of Use of Modern Postharvest Management Technologies in the Study Area. The model fitting χ2 value of 253.683 was significant (p < 0.01). This implies that the socio-economic factors included in the model are significantly related to the level of use of modern postharvest management technologies It was therefore recommended that Gender disparities should be avoided to enable both male and female farmers have access to farm input
Perception of the role of agricultural extension services by cassava processors in Edo State, Nigeria
Get PDFThis study assessed cassava processors perception of the role of the agricultural extension service in cassava processing in Edo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it ascertained the present role or services rendered by the agricultural extension service to cassava processors and explored the latter’s expectations or extension needs. Data were collected from 167 cassava processors in the State, and analysed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression, Friedman, and Cochran tests. The major cassava products processed were gari (95.8%) and fufu (69.5%). Cochran result (χ2 = 221.57; p<0.01) revealed that linking processors to cassava tuber producers (0.790), providing information on processing technologies (0.677), organizing trainings in processing methods (0.617) and disseminating information on storage methods (0.545) were the most significant roles presently played by the extension service in cassava processing. Friedman test result (χ2 = 122.21; p<0.05) showed the most significant extension needs of the processors included providing information on credit sources (mean rank = 6.82) and cassava processing technologies (6.67) and facilitating excursions to processing industries (6.61). Income (b=0.68) and education (b=0.69) were significantly related to the processors agricultural extension service needs in cassava processing. Major constraints faced were high diesel cost (mean = 3.80), irregular electricity (mean = 3.80), inadequate finance (mean = 3.77) and high equipment maintenance cost (mean = 3.75). To this end, processors should be linked to credit providers and exposed to trainings to manage modern processing facilities.
 
Comparison of nonlinear functions in male and female chickens at different seasons using restricted Maximum Likelihood Approach
Get PDFWeekly body weight data from 133 offsprings of Bovan Nera (NB), 93 of White Leghorn (WL), 105 of Giriraja (GR), 197 of Naked Neck (NN), 164 of Frizzle Feather (FF), 186 of Normal Feather (NF) and 115 of improved indigenous FUNAAB Alpha chicken (BA) were used for the study. The birds were individually wing tagged at day old for proper identification purpose. They were brooded in a brooding cage for the first three weeks then housed and reared on a deep litter until twenty weeks of age. Feed and water was given ad libtum. Weekly weight gain of the birds were subjected to four nonlinear growth models, Logistics, Gompertz, Richards and Bertalanffy to estimate the growth curve of the birds using fixed effect model and the procedure of NLIN (Marquart algorithm) The growth curves as predicted by the four models considered showed that both male and female GR followed by NB expressed better growth rate and highest weight at 20 weeks of age compared to other genotypes during late dry season and early wet season while the growth curve of WL in female and, WL and NF in male during late dry season had the lowest predicted curve. The predicted growth curve during early wet season had NF presenting the lowest growth curve for most of the model. The predicted growth curve showed a more consistence output in Logistic and Gompertz model. The goodness of fit favoured Gompertz as the model of best fit for predicting growth curve in both local and locally adapted chickens.
Effect of Village Alive Development Initiative on the livelihood of its beneficiaries in some selected states of Nigeria
Get PDFThe study examined the effect of Village Alive Development Initiative (VADI) on the livelihood of its beneficiaries in some selected states of Nigeria. Data for the study were sourced primarily from 408 beneficiaries of the programme, while secondary sourced data were obtained from VADI reports. Data analyses were carried out using Descriptive Statistics and a five point likert type scale, household livelihood security index and t-test. Result of socioeconomic characteristics revealed a mean age of 46±13 years, mean years of education of 8.6±5.7 and household sizes of 7±3.6 with 85.5% of them being married. Level of support derived from the programme indicated that 50.5% of the beneficiaries had enjoyed high level of support while 49.5% of them enjoyed low level of support. Result of household livelihood security index revealed that 65.2% of the beneficiaries were classified as low level of livelihood while 34.8% of them enjoyed high level of livelihood. Further analyses revealed a statistically significant mean difference between the high and low livelihood status which implies that the livelihood improvement did not come by accident, but as a result of the support enjoyed from the intervention. The need to replicate the programme in other states was advocated fo
Effects of potassium fertilizer rates on growth, tuber yield and quality of sweet potato (Ipomea batatas L) in Ogbomoso, Southwest Nigeria
Get PDFSweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L) is an important dicotyledonous tuberous staple crop of the Convolvulaceae family. It is valued for its tubers which are either boiled, fried, baked or roasted for human consumption or boiled and fed to livestock as a source of energy. However, the cultivation of sweet potato is constrained by low soil fertility, particularly inadequate potassium, which plays a pivotal role in the growth and tuber development of sweet potato. Therefore, the effects of potassium fertilizer rates on the growth, tuber yield and quality of sweet potato were determined at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso during 2022 major cropping season. The treatments were; 0 (control), 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 kg K2O/ha laid out in randomized complete block design replicated three times. Data collected on length of primary vines, number of leaves, fresh shoot biomass, number of tubers, fresh tuber yield and nutritional contents of the tubers were subjected to analysis of variance and treatment means separated with least significance difference (LSD) at 5% probability level. The application of K fertilizer had significant influence on the performance of sweet potato. At 14 weeks after planting (WAP), plants treated with 180 kg K2O/ha produced the longest mean vine length (p = 0.043, 184.93 cm), highestnumber of leaves (p = 0.003, 217), highest fresh shoot biomass (p = 0.015, 11.83 t/ha), number of tubers (p = 0.037, 68) and fresh tuber yield (p = 0.0004, 22 t/ha). In contrast, plants that received no fertilizer, had the shortest vine length (133.67 cm), the least fresh shoot biomass (7.1 t/ha) and tuber yield (12.7 t/ha). The least number of leaves (136) was observed with the application of 60 kg K2O/ha while 90 kg K2O/ha produced the least number of tubers (46). The potassium content of sweet potato tuber was significantly influenced by K fertilizer rates, whereas the phosphorus content was unaffected. The highest contents of phosphorus (p = 0.967, 0.10%) and potassium (p = 0.038, 1.26%) were recorded in tubers that received 150 kg K2O/ha and 180 kg K2O/ha, respectively. The carotenoid, carbohydrate, and protein contents of sweet potato tuber decreased as the potassium rates increased. Conversely, the crude fiber content increased (p = 0.044) as the potassium rate increased. In conclusion, application of 180 kg K2O/ha improved the performance of sweet potato better than the other rates in the study area. However, it seems that the maximum yield potential of sweet potato in the study area had not been attained. Therefore, further research with higher than 180 kg K2O/ha may be required to identify the optimal level for cultivating sweet potatoes
Determinants of utilisation of risk transfer measures among poultry farmers in Ogun state, Nigeria
Get PDFThe poultry industry contributes significantly to the development of Nigeria’s economy. Unfortunately, poultry farmers like other farmers are faced with income fluctuations arising from risks associated with the enterprise. In this study, socio-economic characteristics of poultry farmers, different types of risk faced by the poultry farmers, management strategies employed by the poultry farmers for risk reduction; and the determinant of utilization of risk transfer measures were examined. A total of 186 respondents were selected as the sample size using multistage sampling method. The findings revealed that the average age of the poultry farmers was 45 years, Majority of the poultry farmers were male (87.1%), and married (91.4%). The major types of risk faced by the poultry farmers were fluctuation of input price (1.36), mortality of birds (1.35) and incidence of pest and disease (1.31). Furthermore, the study revealed that the management strategies employed by the poultry farmers for risk reduction were access to credit (1.80), timely administration of drugs and vaccines (1.67) and use of modern production techniques (1.54). From the results, it can be concluded that timely administration of drugs and vaccines, use of modern production techniques, income diversification are the common risk management practices among the poultry farmers. The study therefore recommended that poultry farmers should be encouraged to diversify into other viable income generating activities to increase output and reduce shock of failure. Also, adequate institutional poultry farming, utilization, risk.support should be provided to improve productivit