ADAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE
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Nutritional evaluation of Picralima nitida seed powder in diets of broiler chickens
Get PDFResistance of microbes to synthetic drugs necessitates the use of phyto-additives as organic-based medications in poultry diets. A natural alternative is Picralima nitida with antimicrobial and antioxidant activities that can be exploited in poultry nutrition. This study, therefore, evaluated the response of broiler chickens to Picralima nitida seed powder (PnSP). A total of 150-day-old Arbor Acre chicks were divided into 5 dietary treatments with 3 replicates of ten birds each. In a completely randomized design, the starter (21 days) and finisher (28 days) diets for the chickens were 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2% PnSP-based. Average Daily Gain (ADG), Average Daily Feed Intake (ADFI), Feed to Gain Ratio (FGR), Performance Efficiency Index (PEI), carcass (cut-up parts), selected organs and intestinal morphometry were evaluated. Data collected were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance and treatment means separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test. At the starter phase, ADG increased (p=0.04) with the use of PnSP, and the optimal value was obtained at 0.15%, and the best (p=0.04) PEI 171.91 was obtained in chickens subjected to 0.1% PnSP. Abdominal fat (p<0.001) decreased in broilers fed PnSP-supplemented diets while the highest (p=0.01) thigh weight was obtained from chickens fed 0.1% PnSP supplemented diet. In conclusion, supplementing 0.2%PnSP in broiler diet had no adverse effect on the performance and carcass characteristics of broilers, however, 0.1% PnSP gave the optimum inclusion leve
Growth performance and meat quality of broiler chickens fed diet containing “Sabara” (Guiera senegalenses) leaf meal
Get PDFThe study evaluated dietary inclusion (0, 7, 14, and 21%) levels of Guiera senegalensis leaf meals (GSL) 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 feed intake, average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio and mortality rates were significantly (P˂ 0.05) different among the four treatment groups. Other growth traits such as final weight, weight gain and average daily weight did not show significant differences across the treatments investigated. The compositional parameters of the fresh meat samples showed that per cent lipid, protein, ash and carbohydrate contents were significantly (P˂0.05) different across the treatments. There were no significant differences with respect to per cent moisture and crude fibre among the treatments. However, chemical composition of meat floss (dambun nama) from broiler chickens fed GSL revealed that parameters such as moisture, lipid, crude fibre and carbohydrate differed (P ˂ 0.05) significantly among the treatments. There were no significant differences in per cent crude protein and ash contents among the treatments. Sensory attributes of dambun nama from broiler chickens fed GSL showed that all the attributes (except juiciness) were not significantly similar. This study concludes that the incorporation of GSL in the diet of broiler chickens at 0, 7, 14 and 21% had no deleterious effects on carcass and organ characteristics, chemical composition of both fresh meat and processed meat floss. The meat floss was well - cherished by the sensory panelists and rated the product high for quality. However, GSL inclusions should be re-adjusted in further studies using broiler chickens for growth and carcass re-evaluation for meat quality.
 
Effectiveness of print media in technology transfer among rural farm households in Imo state, Nigeria
Get PDFThe study analyzed the effectiveness of print media in technology transfer among rural farm households in ImoState, Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 126 farm households for the study. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and ordinary least square multiple regression model. Results revealed that 51.6% of the respondents were female and 81.8% were married with a mean age, household size, farming experience, monthly income and years of schooling of 43 years, 5 persons, 29 years, N31,573.80 and 14 years respectively. Majority (83.1%) of the respondents had access to posters which is also the most frequently used (x= 2.90) print media for technology transfer in the study area. The result indicated that the highest mean score of the technologies transferred was cassava/yam/maize/melon intercrop. While irrigation crop techniques with the least mean score (x=1.38), was not effective. This high effectiveness of print media in transferring most of the technologies implies that extension system had competent workers who were effective in their jobs. The coefficient of age, cost, farming experience, farm size household size, frequency of extension contacts and access to print media significantly influenced the use of print media in technology transfer. Time consuming (= 2.80), high cost (= 2.60), limited space (= 2.60) and inaccessible roads, (= 2.30) were serious constraints to the use of print media in technology transfer. The study concluded that socio-economic characteristics of the farmers affect the use of print media in technology transfer that could improve their farm activities. Therefore, farming households should be enlightened on the use of print media in rural areas to enrich their knowledge of improved technologies. Policies aimed at access and use of agricultural information extension teaching and learning that has higher return on agricultural productivity should be advocated
Participation of women in forestry activities for sustainable livelihood in area J4 forest reserve, Ijebu East Local Government, Ogun state, Nigeria
Get PDFForestry participation is the active engagement of local residents in planning, implementing, and sustaining initiatives that aim to conserve and manage forest resources. The study examined the level of participation of women in forestry activities in Area J4 Forest Reserve, Ijebu East, Ogun State, Nigeria. Participation has been identified as a substance of social change. In Nigeria today, however, women are shut out from certain occupational categories due to formal barriers as well as informal barriers to entry. A total of one hundred and thirty (130) respondents were randomly selected for the study and interviewed through structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution tables, mean and percentages were used in analysing the data while chi-square statistical tool was used in testing the hypotheses. Majority 34.6% of the respondents were between 30 and 39 years age bracket. 87.7% were married while 37.7% of the respondents had secondary education. Results revealed that majority 78.5% of the forests were established more than 40 years ago while 10.0% were established about 50 years ago. The result showed that there was significant relationship between the respondent’s age, religion, education, income and their level of participation in forest activities. Similarly, there was significant relationship between constraints and level of participation of women in forest activities The study recommended that training should be provided for women, women should be involved in planning and policy making of forestry management while gender and social norms must be addressed
Evaluation of some metals in sediment, water and snail, from an urban flood reservoir in Benin-city, Edo state, Nigeria
Get PDFThis study was conducted to ascertain the presence of Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn) and Nickel (Ni) in sediment, snail and water at the urban flood reservoir, Useh. Samples were collected in triplicate over a period of six months (November – April, 2023). Sediment samples were collected using a venier caliper at a depth of 10cm using Van-Veen Grab method. Snail samples were collected by randomly hand picking from the sampling site, and the water was collected using labeled water canisters of 50cl properly rinsed with deionized and site water. At the laboratory, samples were identified, prepared and digested according to standard methods. Analyses of the metals in the digest were then analyzed using the Atomic Adsorption Spectroscopy. The presence of Fe, Cu, Mn were confirmed in all the media during the period of study except for Ni that though was present in sediment and snail was only detected in April in water. The mean concentration of the metals in sediment was higher than the values in water and snail. Fe levels varied between 0.11-2.14mg/l in the snail and water, which were not significantly different (p>0.05) but were significantly different (p<0.05) in the sediment (2.24-97.73mg/l). Cu mean value of 0.43mg/l and 0.04mg/l were recorded in the sediment and snail respectively. ANOVA showed that Cu levels was only significantly different in water. The highest Ni levels observed water (0.08mg/l) and sediment (0.05), were not significantly different (p>0.05) in the sediment. The highest and lowest mean monthly values of 1.12mg/l Mn and 0.01mg/Mn were observed in sediment and snail respectively. Ni and Mn levels in these media showed no significant differences (p<0.05). Hence the free inflow of anthropogenic and other waste observed at the site if not properly managed will greatly increase the pollution level at the flood reservoir. A public awareness campaign of the implication of heavy metal accumulation in aquatic flora and fauna is therefore sacrosanct
Proximate and mineral composition of Pelusios castaneus (West African mud turtle) flesh sold in Edo State, Nigeria
Get PDFThis study was undertaken to determine the proximate and mineral composition of Pelusios castaneus (West African-mud turtle) so as to contribute to the availability of data in Nigeria. A total of thirteen (13) male and female each of African mud turtle (Pelusios casteneus) were purchased in Benin City, Nigeria. Specimen were identified to species level, stunned and slaughtered; then each of the turtle were dissected into flanges and Microwave digestion system (Closed Vessels Acid Digestion – MARS System - CEM) procedure was used for the digestion of all the samples based on organic extraction technique before the proximate composition and the mineral contents of the flesh were determined using AOAC methods and standard technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 21) and statistically using ANOVA and DMRT. Result shows that there were significant variations in the different parameters studied; the highest and lowest moisture content values of 67.00% and 52.56% were observed in the male and female respectively. Highest crude protein and lipid values of 26.78% and 15.00%, were observed in the female respectively; while the highest ash content value of 11.33% was observed in the male. While the mean mineral concentrations in the flesh varied among the different elements studied, the overall potassium had the highest value of 4030.82mg while the least value was observed in magnesium (871.04mg). Though Pelusios castaneus has been culturally important to Nigerians, the finding shows that the flesh is a valuable source of mineral elements and proximate components required in diet. Domestication in Nigeria is therefore encouraged to make them commercially available to reduce the pressure on their harvest from the wild thus preventing their going into extinction.
 
Effect of drum drying on the physical and chemical characteristics of instant cereal mixes from the blends of millet and sesame fortified with moringa leaf powder
Get PDFThe effect of drum drying on the physical and chemical characteristics of instant cereal mixes (ICM) from the blends of millet and sesame fortified with Moringa Leaf Powder (MLP) was investigated. Unfortified instant cereal mixes (uICM) were produced from graded levels of dehulled 0.75 % citric acid depigmented millet (100, 95, 90, 85 and 80 %) and dehulled sesame seed (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 %), while fortified ICM (fICM) from graded levels of dehulled 0.75 % citric acid depigmented millet (95, 90, 85, 80, and 75 %), dehulled sesame seed (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 %) and MLP (5 %). Slurries of blends was fed to drum drier to produce ICM and evaluated for physical and chemical properties. The MLP (25.33 %) and DSF (24.19 %) had comparable crude protein contents. The total ash and ether extract contents of DSF was 3.09 and 49.85 %, while MLP had 8.57 and 4.82 %, respectively. The fICM had decreased whiteness values (70.27 to 64.60), while uICM showed increased whiteness (78.18 to 80.77) values. The chemical composition of ICM showed increases in ash (0.68 to 1.75 %), protein (8.05 to 12.74 %), total dietary fiber (0.10 to 16.44 %), pro vitamin A (666.85 to 1184.30 μg/100g) contents and amino acids concentrations which increased with sesame and MLP inclusion. fICM showed higher concentration of amino acids, crude protein, total ash, and total dietary fiber than control sample while uICM showed higher L* values than fICM.
 
Farmers attitude towards commercialized extension system in Delta State, Nigeria
Get PDFThe need for an alternative extension service becomes very crucial when the public extension system has not yielded good result. The study therefore investigated farmers’ attitude towards commercialized extension system and willingness to pay for extension services. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted in the selection of 240 respondents. Frequency count, mean and percentage were used for data analysis while Correlation and Cochran test were used to test the hypotheses. Result revealed the respondents were fairly young (mean age was 46-years), majorly male (67.9%), married (67.9%), educated (99.2%) and experienced (19 years), had a family size of 6 persons and earned a mean annual income of ₦ 54,604.17. On the farmers attitude towards commercialized extension system, the farmers agreed that the commercialized extension system will be more timely in their delivery (mean=3.38), that payment pay for extension services is necessary for higher farm productivity (mean=3.35), that extension workers will be more effective under the system (mean=3.35), and that farmers stand to benefit more from this system in terms of income (mean=3.12), The farmers were willing to pay for improved planting materials (80%), linkage to farm input supplies (65%) and markets (64.2%). The study concludes that the respondents were positively disposed to commercialized extension service in arable crop production. It was recommended that commercial extension service providers should extend their services to the study area.
 
Outdoor egg production using local forages in the warm wet tropical climate
Get PDFThis review discusses the findings of existing research surrounding the nutritional impact of leaf meals as incorporated in chicken diets, the importance of forages in sustainable poultry production and the capacity of hens to digest high fibre diets. The potentials of conventional and/or outdoor production systems for developing countries, the effects of outdoor production systems on the welfare of laying hens, and methods used in measuring forage intakes and the feed items obtained by hens from the outdoor area are also discussed. This review highlights those factors ranging from utilization to behaviors of free - range hens and the recommendations for better range utilization by egg- laying birds (hens), particularly in the warm wet climate
Cereals and grain legumes supply chain: implications for food and feed availability in Nigeria
Get PDFCereals and grain legume are of benefits for human consumption and the feed industry. Grain merchants and market speculators are involved in their distribution across the country. Their low production outputs with imports restriction made their supply grossly inadequate to meet the demand. This paper examined selected grains output in Nigeria from 2010 to 2022, analysed grain supply chain and examined the implications of the activities of grains merchants on grains hoarding. The study used secondary data on output of maize, millet, sorghum, soybean, groundnut and cowpea. Data was presented using table and graph with the aid of Stata software. Conceptual analysis was adopted for the demonstration of grains supply flow. In 1,000 metric tonnes, output of millet reduced from 5,170 in 2010 to 2,000 in 2022. That of maize increased from 7,677 in 2010 to 12,745 in 2021; sorghum’s output reduced from 7,141 to 7,000 while that of soybean increased from 142 in 2010 to 680 in 2022. Outputs of millet and sorghum dipped between 2011 and 2013. Grain merchants and speculators hoard grains and sell at higher prices to households and feeds industry due to yearly excess demand over supply. Households buy grains and livestock products at higher prices, households in turn makes labour available to farmers at higher prices with concurrent general price increases. This affects food and feed availability. The paper recommended that Government should purchase grains directly from farmers. Industrial users should also be encouraged to be off-takers of grains through contract farmin