ADAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE
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Evaluation of sun-dried pawpaw (Carica papaya) leaf meal and Its effect on the growth performance of broiler chickens
Get PDFIndigenous leafy vegetables are underutilized source of minerals and vitamins in sub-South Africa. However, they could play a vital role in addressing household food insecurity and malnutrition challenges. Paw-paw leave is a highly nutritious but underutilized. It is consumed by some communities in Africa. This study was undertaken to evaluate the nutritive profile of paw- paw leaf meal (PLM) and its effects on the growth performance of broiler chickens. Nutrients profile analysis of the leaf meal was carried out and the nutrients profile established. Ninety six (96) - two weeks-old (Anak) chickens with average initial weight of 205. 12 ± 2.28g were used in a 56 days feeding trial. The chickens were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment was replicated three times having eight chickens per replicate. T1 (Control) contained 0% PLM while T2, T3 and T4 contained 5, 10 and 15% PLM, respectively. Data were generated on feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio. All data generated were subjected to One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).Mean values were separated using Least significant difference (LSD).The result showed that PLM contain crude protein (25.30%). Crude fiber (8.86%), ether extracts (0.81%), ash (8.88%), Nitrogen- free extract (43. 82%) and moisture (12.33%).There was no significantly (P>0.05) difference in all the parameters studied except total and daily feed intake. It is concluded that the supplementation of PLM up to 15% optimal level is quite adequate to enhance growth without any deleterious effect on the chickens and therefore recommended for poultry farmer
Carcass characteristics and blood profile of broiler chickens fed diets containing different inclusion levels of Prosapis africana essential oil
Get PDFThis study was carried out to investigate the effect of Prosopis africana (African mesquite) oil as feed additive on the carcass and blood profile of broiler chicken. Two hundred and twenty-five-day-old (arbor acre) broiler chicks were sourced from a reputable hatchery in Ibadan. A feeding trial which lasted for eight weeks, was carried out on the birds, which were randomly divided into five dietary treatments each with three replications of 15 chicks in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Dietary treatments were as follows: Treatment 1 (T1): Basal diet with no Prosopis africana oil; T2: Basal diet + 0.06% Prosopis oil while T3, T4, and T5 had 0.08%, 0.1% and 0.12% Prosopis africana oil respectively. Parameters evaluated among others included carcass and organs weight such as dressed, eviscerated, head, breast, thigh, drumsticks, wings, back, neck, spleen, heart, livers, gizzard and kidney, haematological indices including: Packed Cell Volume (PVC); Haemoglobin (Hb); Red Blood Cell (RBC); White Blood Cell (WBC); Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV); Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH); Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) and Serum parameters including; Total Protein (TP); Albumin(ALB); Globulin(GLO); Glucose(GLU); Cholesterol(CHO); It was concluded that the dietary inclusion of Prosopis africana oil up to 0.12% in broiler chickens does not have any negative effects on the carcass, organs and blood profiles of the experimental animals, rather, a positive effects on carcass quality, haematology and serum parameters as well as reduction of free radicals. The study recommends increase awareness about the potential benefits of Propospis africana oil and the need for further research towards sustainable livestock development
Household characteristics and agricultural extension services - as correlates of socio-economic status among farming households in Edo State, Nigeria
Get PDFThis study assessed household’s characteristics and agricultural extension services as correlates of socio-economic status among farming households in Edo state, Nigeria. The enquiry relied on data sourced from 394 respondents, randomly selected from the three agricultural zones in the state. Frequency, mean, multiple regression and asset formation index were deployed in addressing the objectives of the study. Results showed majority of the households were headed by male (70.99%), most respondents had formal education (85%), were married (57%) and were members of cooperative societies (73.28%). About 37% of the respondents had high socio-economic status (i.e., non-poor), 49.87% were moderately poor while 13.49% had low socio-economic status. Many (80.92%) respondents had contact with extension personnel in the past year, with the modal contact frequency (56.49%) being 1-3 times. Major technologies adopted by respondents included herbicides (67.97%), improved crop varieties (65.14%) and fertilizer (62.9%). Regression result showed that membership of cooperative society (b = 0.061), sex (b = 0.080), farming experience (b = -0.013), family size (b = -0.008), loan access (b = 0.072) and volume of loan (b = -0.023), and technology adoption (b = 0.064) were significant factors affecting farmers’ socio-economic status. The study concludes that the agricultural extension services (ADP) contributed positively and significantly to socio-economic status among farming households in the study area. It recommended that the extension service establish further contacts with farmers to encourage higher adoption of improved farm practices.
 
Perceived effects of N-power agro programme on youth empowerment and income generation in Lagos state, Nigeria
Get PDFThe study examined the effect of N-power Agro program on youth empowerment and income generation in Lagos
state, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to examine the socio-economic characteristics of N-power agro
beneficiaries, to determine the contribution of N-Agro to empowerment, to ascertain how N-Power agro
programme generates income for the youths and to know the problems affecting N-Power Agro programs in
Lagos state. A three-stage sampling technique was used to select one hundred and twenty (120) respondents.
Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics such
as frequency counts, percentages, mean and Analysis of Variance. The mean age of the respondents was 26
years, 55.0% were male, 50.8% were married and 42.5% were First Degree holders. Findings also revealed that
80.0% felt the programme has improved their working experience, 79.2% indicated that the programme has
helped in poverty reduction while 62.5% perceived that the programme ensured their financial independence.
The major problems affecting the implementation of N-Power Agro programmes in Lagos State are non-payment
of stipend to participants as at when due ( ̅= 2.92), insufficient information ( ̅= 2.68) and high transportation
fare paid by the participants to work ( ̅= 2.63). The study also revealed that there is a significant relationship
between N-Power Agro and youth empowerment in Lagos State. It is therefore recommended that government
should ensure adequate provision of funds for income- generating projects through the N-Power programmes.
This will solve the problem of delay in the payment of the stipend.
 
Accessibility of formal credit among female farmers from Bank of Agriculture (BOA) in Abia State Nigeria
Get PDFThe study focused on access to formal credit among female farmers from Bank of Agriculture (BOA) in Abia State Nigeria. The socio-economic characteristics, determinants of credit access among female farmers were examined and determined. A total number of one hundred and fourteen (114) respondents were randomly selected through a multi - stage stratified sampling technique. Primary data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as frequencies, means, percentages and inferential statistic; Logit Regression Model. The mean age (44 years), household size (6 persons), educational level (3.28), farm size (2.51 hectares) and service charge (N19, 789. 47) respectively represents the socioeconomic profile of the female farmers. Logit result identified significant variables that affect the credit access to the farmers to include; farm income (0.113), equity (0.137), marital status (0.114), guarantor (0.052), experience (0.0004), service charge (-0.181) and age (-2.697). It was recommended that improving access to formal credit to female farmers should be encouraged to diversify farm enterprises with the credit obtained from the financial institution by downward review of equity contribution and service charge on credit supplied to the female farmers. It was also recommended that credit be extended to the relatively young people who would be able to embrace new agricultural innovations as toincrease their productivity
Socio-economic characteristics of artisanal fisher folks in Igbokoda Ondo State
Get PDFThe fishery sector in Nigeria plays a major role in terms of national food security and employment. This study examined the socio-economic characteristics of the artisanal fisher’s folks in the study area, the dominant fish in the landing site, the type of fishing gear used at the location, their contribution to fish landing, the effect of by-catch on artisanal fish production and food security in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. Data was collect by the random distribution of a questionnaire using statistical analysis such as; pie chart, bar graph and regression analysis to collate and show the data obtained from the study area. The output of an artisanal fisher was affected by gender and the season of fishing and not the educational status of the fisher men, 64% of the fishers were male and the highest age bracket was between 31-40 years. Only 10% of the respondents have tertiary education and 64% of the fishers have between primary and secondary education. The level of profitability was average (64%), 98% of by-catch were demanded for. This study hereby proves that fishing is profitable and therefore, suggests that policy variables such as extension, education, and credit identified in the study as important determinants of efficiency of artisanal fishers should be strengthen for sustainable fish production in the State and Nigeria at large.
 
Determination of metal content in Ethmalosa fimbiata, Pseudotolilthus epipercus, Clupea harengus and Merluccious merluccious stored in commercial cold stores
Get PDFThe levels of some metals (Fe, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cd, Pb and Ar) in four different species of imported frozen fish; Atlantic Herrings (Culpea harengus), Merluza (Merluccius merluccius), Bonga (Ethmalosa fimbriata) and Croaker (Pseudotolilthus epipercus) three cartons each of the different species were bought. A carton of each species was kept in three commercial cold-stores in Benin City, Edo State and was investigated for a period of five months during this study. One piece of each species in triplicate were collected every three weeks from these cartons from the three cold stores and transported to the laboratory in coolers with ice to prevent deterioration. Microwave digestion system (Closed Vessels Acid Digestion – MARS System - CEM) procedure based on the organic extraction technique was used for the digestion of all the fish samples, the mineral content was then determined by the use of atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). Data obtained were analyzed using computer software (SPSS version 22). One way analyses of variance test was used at 5% probability level and DMRT was used to analyze the significant differences between homogenous subsets. Significant differences were observed in the levels of the individual metal in the different fish samples. Levels were compared with safety standard levels set by FAO, WHO and EU legislation for fish and fishery products, and most of the values were within the recommended standards set by FAO, WHO and EU legislation for fish and fish products. However, Ni and Cr were detected at higher levels above the set permissible limits. Fe however was the most accumulated metal in all the fish species. This calls for concern by the relevant agencies and arm of government because of the attendant health implication if consistently consumed due to bio-accumulation of metal in man
 
Bacteria and fungi isolates associated with harvested fish from Useh flood reservoir in Edo State
Get PDFThis study was conducted to ascertain the presence of bacteria and fungi in fish samples harvested from Useh flood reservoir. A total of 15 samples of harvested fishes over a period of 3 months, were collected and transported with clean Ziplock© bags to the laboratory for microbiological quality analysis. Isolation of bacteria was done by pour plate method. The serial dilution method by Harrigan and McCance (1976) was aseptically carried out in sterile test tubes for the ten-fold dilution. Aliquots from each tube was used to inoculate the media for isolation of fungi using the pour plate method (Bourbonnais et al., 1995). The plates were then examined after incubation and the number of colony forming units (CFU) that developed were counted. All the samples were found to harbor bacteria and fungi up to a range of 106 cfu/g. The total viable bacteria count of 4.39 x 105cfu/g, 4.41 x 105cfu/g and 4.37 x 105cfu/g were recorded in the gills, colon and skin respectively. While the total viable count of fungi were 5.17 x 104cfu/g, 3.33 x 104cfu/g and 4.67 x 104cfu/g in the gills, colon and skin respectively. Escherichia coli were found in all samples as a specific bacteria pathogen. The bacteria isolates identified were Klebsiella Spp., Escherichia coli, Bacillus Spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus Spp., Micrococcus Spp., Pseudomonas Spp., Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermis and Pseudomonas aerogenosa. The fungi isolates identified in fish sample during the period of study were Cladosporium Spp., Saccharomyces Spp., Cryptomonas Spp., Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium Spp., Trichoderma viridi, Cryptomonas Spp., Mucor mucido, Mucor Spp., Botrydiplodia Spp., Aspergillus tamarii, Neurospora Spp., Cryptomonas neoformis and Helminthosporium Spp. It was therefore observed that bacteria and fungi above 105cfu/g were present in fishes harvested from Useh flood reservoir. Bacteria count of less than 105/g is indicative of good fish quality, there is therefore the likelihood of infestation of persons with these pathogenic bacteria in this environ that consume harvested fish or make contact with the fish from Useh flood reservoir
Effects of Andropogon gayanus and Centrosema pubescens leaf meal diets on the reproductive performance and economic efficiency of crossbred (New Zealand white ♀and black Chinchilla♂) rabbits
Get PDFTwo forages plants (Andropogon gayanus (Ag) and Centrosema pubescens (Cp) were analysed for their anti - nutritional factors, proximate composition as well as mineral composition to establish their nutritional potentials. A feeding trial was conducted to also evaluate the effect of (Ag) and (Cp) leaf meal-based diets on the reproductive performance and economics of production of Crossbred (New Zealand White ♀ X Chinchilla black♂) rabbits. Thirty-two breeder rabbits with average initial weight of 1800.00 ± 0.01g and age between 24 and 32 weeks were used for the study. The rabbits were randomly assigned into treatments 1, 2, 3, and 4 in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Each treatment was replicated four times with two rabbits per replicate. T1 contained 0% leaf meal. T2, T3, and T4 contained 4%, 8% and 12% dietary levels of Ag and Cp leaf meals, respectively. Data were collected on feed intake, initial body weights of does and bucks, weights of bunnies, litter size, birth rate, weight at pregnancy (14 days) and infant mortality rate were collected. The data were analysed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results showed that there were no significant (P>0.05) differences in all the parameters except on weight gain of bunnies (9.54 -14.53g) and birth rate of the does (3.30 – 5.00). Mortality (dead bunnies) recorded were T1 (25%), T2 (25%), T3 (12.5%), and T4 (37.5%). The result of the feed cost analysis showed that feed cost per kg weight decreased as the inclusion levels of Ag and Cp leaf meals increased. The total revenue and net returns increased with the increasing levels of inclusion of Ag and Cp leaf meals. It was therefore concluded that 12% inclusion level of Ag and Cp leaf meals each is adequate for breeder rabbits without any adverse effect on their normal reproductive performanc
Effect of ginger, garlic and negro pepper on gut microbes, gut histomorphometry and pathological assessment of selected organs of broiler chickens
Get PDFThis study was conducted to determine the gut responses of broiler chickens fed Xylopia, ginger and garlic and their effect in controlling population of gut microbes of broiler chickens. A total of 240 Ross 308-dayold chicks were used. There were four treatments which were replicated four times. Each replicate had 15 birds. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD). Starter and finisher Control (T1) diets without Xylopia, ginger and garlic were formulated. T2 –T4 had 10g each of Xylopia, ginger and garlic respectively in 1000g of feed. The diets and water were offered to the birds ad libitum. At the end of the 8th week, two birds per replicate with representative weight were randomly selected, slaughtered and gastrointestinal tracts were removed. Five centimeter (5cm) cut of the jejunum of 3 randomly selected chickens per treatment were submerged inside 10% formalin and slide preparation was done. Also, the digesta from three selected sections of the gut were kept in sterile bottle, labelled and sent to reputable microbiology laboratory for microbial analysis. Data collected were analysed using SPSS version 21 and significant means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test of the same statistical package. There was reduction in the population of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter aerogens, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus in the birds fed the phtyo-additives compared to the control. The result obtained for gut morphometry of this experiment showed that garlic performed better by recording higher gut morphometry than other treatments as the gut length and gut weight of the experimental birds increased when fed garlic additives. The result of histomophometric characteristics shows significant different (P<0.05) across the treatments and garlic fed chickens and control had similar villi height (4401.67μ and 4171.62μ respectively) gut weight was similar across the four treatment groups except jejunum and ilium with highest value under the garlic fed chickens. The intestine histology revealed normal histo-archietecture, compact mucosa crypt and increased surface area in diets 2 and 4. Similarly, the liver histology revealed a fine histoachitecture throughout the treatment groups. This study concluded that the inclusion of Negro pepper, garlic and ginger in broilers diet improved gut ecosystem, intestine histomophometry without fear of toxicity