ADAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE
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Bridging the agriculture-health gap for improved farm productivity and efficiency: A review
Get PDFThe thrust of this paper is that there exists a bi-directional causal relationship between agriculture and health, such that agriculture influences health, and vice-versa. On the basis of this bidirectional link, it becomes quite imperative that health-agriculture issues should be integrated at some levels, especially in rural development planning where agriculture and primary healthcare ought to be at the forefront of policy formulation. It is also important to understand this relationship properly in order to see how certain variables in farm economics may be reviewed further for more empirical relevance. To achieve these cardinal objectives, the paper takes on a general but brief review of status to highlight the interconnections of health and agriculture. It further draws parallels from some empirical evidences of effects of illnesses and labour losses arising from malaria and HIV/AIDs across different climes including the burden of care giving and resort to child labour as a labour compensation strategy. Based on these, some policy and empirical interventions are put forward to strengthen the bi-directional health-agriculture synergies and improved research in farm economics
Comparative study of turbidity removal efficiency of green pea (Cicer arietinum) seed and pod extract for turbid water treatment
Get PDFNatural coagulants are considered affordable and efficient substitutes to chemical coagulants for use in water treatment. The study investigated the turbidity removal efficiency of pea seed and pod extracts from surface water. Chemical and proximate analyses of pea seed and pod were evaluated. Optimum values of coagulant dose, pH and stock solution concentrations were determined using jar test. Turbidity removal efficiencies and residual turbidity of the coagulant were also evaluated. The highest turbidity removal efficiency was found to be 98% and 97% at 10% w/v stock solution concentration of the pea seed and pod extract respectively. The optimum pH suitable for coagulation of surface was found to be 6.8 and 6.6 at 10% w/v stock solution of pea seed and pod extract respectively. The pea seed and pod extract were found to be most efficient in removing turbidity from surface water at 10% (w/v) stock solution with optimum dose of 1600mg/L. The p-value was found to be 0.99, 0.0156 and 0.33 for Turbidity removal efficiency, pH and Residual turbidity of pea seed and pod respectively. Pea seed and pod turbidity removal efficiencies are statistically insignificant, but their pH and Residual turbidity values are statistically significant. The findings in this study suggest that both the Pea pod and Pea seed extract are effective in water coagulation, but pea seed extract is more effective in drinking water coagulation, while pea pod extract was cheaper and readily available.
 
Mineral balance, nutrient intake and digestibility of West African dwarf (Wad) goats fed urea-mixed milled maize stover diets
Get PDFTwelve (12) male West African dwarf (WAD)goats with an average weight of 8.5 kg were monitored in a completely randomized design, to determine the nutrient intake, digestibility and mineral balance when fed urea-mixed milled maize stover (UMMS) diets in the dry season. Four dietsD1, D2, D3 and D4 containing 0, 3, 4.5 and 6% inclusion levels of urea respectively and 60% maize stovers each were fed to the goats during 14 weeks feeding experiment, for digestibility trials, weighed feed was fed each day for 7 days after an initial 14 day adaptation period, urine, faecal and diet samples were collected and analysed. Results showed that crude protein (CP) content of diets increased as the inclusion level of urea increases while voluntary dry matter intake (DMI) of all nutrients by bucks, decreased significantly (P<0.05) with the increase in dietary urea. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the apparent digestibility of crude fibre (CF) and nitrogen free extract (NFE) of diets but all other nutrients showed no significant variation (P>0.05) in digestibility. Mineral intake by bucks decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing level of dietary urea inclusion. The highest value of mineral retention was recorded for goats on diet D1. The inadequacy of some minerals in experimental diets may require supplementation when a urea-mixed milled maize stover (UMMS) diet is fed to goats during the dry season.
 
Nutritional quality assessment of Pinasoy: a pineapple and soybean blend drink
Get PDFSoybean is a nutrient-dense food which may be used as alternative to animal protein. However, its beany flavour has lowered acceptability levels in soymilk production. In this study, soybeans and pineapple fruit were processed into soymilk and fruit juice, respectively. A total of five soybeans/pineapple blends and a control were produced for proximate analysis and mineral evaluation. The 100% pineapple was observed to contain highest amount of Carbohydrate (11.35%), Fibre (0.12%), Ether extract (0.10%), Crude protein (0.59%), Ash (0.44%), Sodium (10.93mg/l), Calcium (9.25mg/l), Magnesium (28.90mg/l), Potassium (77.53mg/l), and Phosphorus (9.51mg/l). The soymilk was observed to contain Sodium (5.13mg/l), Calcium (5.41mg/l), Magnesium (2.63mg/l), Potassium (33.57mg/l), and Phosphorus (3.09mg/l). The pinasoy blends contained the following range of nutrients: Protein (0.59-3.05%), Carbohydrate (2.76-11.35%), Fibre (0.12-1.76%), Ether extract (0.10-3.52%), Ash (0.44-0.78%), Sodium (4.4-16.77mg/l), Calcium (0.28-10.57mg/l), Magnesium (0.44-28.90mg/l), Potassium (32.10-77.53mg/l), and Phosphorus (0.56-9.51mg/l). The product had high moisture content which ranged from 87.36-89.59%. There were appreciable increase of Carbohydrate and Sodium in all the replaced samples with the highest being observed in sample 90:10% Pineapple/Soybean (P.S) (Carbohydrate 7.00% and Sodium 16.77mg/l). Carbohydrate and Sodium were observed to increase as the level of substitution with fruit juice increased, thus, the beverage could be of high nutritional value and can provide enhanced energy as well as serves as a probable balanced meal for consumers.
 
Deforestation and sustaining plant non timber forest products availability to rural households for poverty alleviation in Delta State, Nigeria
Get PDFThe paper assessed how deforestation affects the sustainable availability of plant Non-Timber Forest Products –NTFPs- to rural households in Delta state, Nigeria. Random and Purposive sampling techniques were used for the study. All together 75 rural households’ respondents were sampled. Focus group discussions were used to improve the data collected. Structured questionnaire was the main instrument used for data collection. The questionnaire was validated by experts from the field of study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, percentages and means. Findings revealed that deforestation takes place through known methods like population pressure, over-exploitation, logging and non-enforcement of Government policies. The availability of NTFPs was not sustained and little or no conservation measures were carried out by the rural households. Recommendations include among others that forest conservation initiatives by government should allow the participation of rural households in programme formulations and executions and management as regards NTFPs use and sustainability; there should be education and enlightenment of rural households on forest conservation and deforestation. There should also be encouragement of the in-situ and ex-situ cultivation of plant NTFPs and those highly consumed in households which are at the risk of being depleted or going into extinction.
 
The effect of graded levels of bovine blood meal on growth performance, haematology and cost benefit of broiler chickens
Get PDFA study was conducted to evaluate the effect of graded levels of bovine blood meal diets on the growth performance, haematology and cost-benefit of broiler chickens production. A total of sixty broiler chickens of 4 weeks old were used in a 28 days feeding trial. The birds were randomly allotted to four treatments (T1, T2, T3 and T4) in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Each treatment was replicated three times and each replicate had five birds. T1 (Control) contained 0% bovine blood meal. T2, T3 and T4 contained 5%, 10% and 15% bovine blood meal, respectively. The data such as feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, daily protein intake and protein efficiency ratio were generated. The haematological indices such as haemoglobin counts, packed cell volume, red blood cell, white blood cell, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocyte and eosinophil were evaluated. The feed cost - benefit analysis was performed on the following: feed cost/kg weight gain, total cost of production and net returns. All the data generated were subjected to statistical analysis using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Mean values were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD). Results showed that there were no significant (P>0.05) differences in all the growth performance parameters except the total feed intake and average daily weight gain. There were no significant differences observed among the haematological parameters studied. The result of the feed cost analysis showed that feed cost/kg weight gain and total cost of production decreased as the levels of inclusion of bovine blood meal increased. The total revenue and net returns increased with the increasing levels of dietary inclusion of bovine blood meal. It was therefore observed that 15% inclusion level of bovine blood meal is adequate for finisher broiler chickens without adverse effect on their normal growth and development. It was also observed that it is relatively cheaper to feed broiler chickens with bovine blood meal based diets rather than the diet containing fish meal as protein source ingredient alone.
 
Comparative study of biogas production from cocoa pod, maize husk, orange peels, pineapple peels, and coconut fiber co-digested with yeast
Get PDFThe demand and cost of domestic energy in Nigeria are on the increase, primarily due to the increasing human population and demand. This is compounded by desertification, increasing the cost of electricity, industrialization, lack of alternative such as solar, wind and nuclear energy.This study was conducted in crop science laboratory Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City to compare the potential of biogas produced from anaerobic co-digestion of coconut fibre, cocoa pods, maize husk, orange peels, pineapple peels and yeast and to determine the effect of pH and retention time on biogas yield. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with three replicates using a set of five batch reactors. The digesters were labeled A, B, C, D and E respectively. Digester A consist of 2g of yeast, 4g of coconut fibre, digester B consist of 2g of yeast, 4g of cocoa pods, digester C consist of 2g of yeast, 4g of maize husk, digester D consist of 2g of yeast, 4g of orange peels and digester E consist of 2g of yeast, 4g of pineapple peels. The pH was determined before corking the reactors. The results showed significant differences among the different substrate for biogas yield and methane component. Biodegradability of the different substrate, quality and retention time significantly affected the biogas yield in the five digesters. Digester loaded with maize husk produced significantly higher volume of biogas and methane component compared with other substrate. Increase in biogas yield for maize husk of 4g was 23.33ml with methane component of 61.78% for the 10 days hydraulic retention time. The retention time of 4, 5, 6 and 8 days significantly produced the highest volume of biogas. Based on these findings, for obtaining optimum biogas yield, maize husk and yeast blend could be a rich source of renewable energy option and would help arrest ecological disaster in addition to control of deforestation.
 
Milk yield and composition of West African dwarf (wad) goats fed palm kernel cake supplement for conventional concentrate
Get PDFThe effect of replacement of conventional Concentrate (CC) supplement with Palm Kernel Cake (PKC) on the milk composition and yield of West African Dwarf (WAD) dams fed Pennisetum purpureum silage (grass) basal ration was investigated. Twenty five lactating WAD dams of average weight of 13kg ± 0.2 were randomly assigned into five dietary treatments in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) layout. Each treatment group consists of five replicates of lactating dam. Dams were individually housed and offered silage freely with 400g of one of the five supplement treatments (T) per day ( viz: C/PKC: T1 – T5); T1: 100/0; T2: 75/25; T3: 50/50; T4: 25/75 and T5: 0/100). The replacement of CC by PKC had significant (p<0.05) effect on the average milk yield, percentage (%) fat, protein, specific gravity, ash and fat corrected milk (FCM) but showed no significant (p>0.05) effect on the total solid (TS%) of the milk of the treatments. Based on this result it can be concluded that the proportionate combinations of CC and PKC as supplement to Pennisetum purpureum (grass) silage rations of WAD goats during lactation will improve the milk yield and the composition without adverse effect. However, at 50% replacement of CC by PKC (50/50) the milk yield is enhanced while the fat and protein components were improved at 100% replacement of CC by PKC.
 
Career readiness of final year agriculture students in tertiary institutions in South West region of Nigeria
Get PDFReadiness to transit from school to work could arise from training at school. This study assessed the career readiness of final year agriculture students of tertiary institutions in the southwestern Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select 240 students from universities (180) and polytechnics (60). Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed with percentages, means and t-test. Results show that a higher percentage (51.1%) of final year students of university and polytechnic (71.7%) had a mean age of 24.5 years. Their perception of sufficiency of agriculture technical content for career readiness was about average for both universities and polytechnics respectively: theory (= 2.85; 2.72), practical (= 2.67; 2.78) and entrepreneurship (=2.53; 2.55). However, skills in Information Technology (IT), modern equipment and facilities usage and interactional/social skills were deficient for both institution types. Results further revealed that respondents in the universities showed the readiness to further their education/academics (= 2.24) while polytechnic showed more readiness to engage in agricultural enterprises (= 2.10). Most severe constraint to agriculture career readiness for the university students is inadequate government funding = 2.77) and for their counterpart low job prospects = 2.88). There was significant difference between university and polytechnics with respect to career readiness (t=-2.51; p=0.01) in which polytechnic students demonstrated more readiness. The plethora of constraints that militated against career readiness could be addressed through adequate funding to ensure more practical skills for university students.
 
Evaluation of vermicomposts from three selected agricultural wastes on seed germination and seedling growth of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum l)
Get PDFAn Experiment was conducted in the Laboratory of the Department of Crop Protection, Bayero University Kano (BUK) to evaluate the phytotoxicity effects of vermicomposts on seed germination and seedling growth of tomato. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design which consisted of three vermicomposts: poultry manure based (POBCO), cow dung based (COBCO) and rice bran based (RIBCO) vermicomposts and loamy soil (control) collected from the Teaching and Research Farms of the Faculty of Agriculture, BUK. The growth media were prepared using 1 kg of top soil and 3 kg of vermicomposts for each treatment. Treatments were replicated five times and data were analysed using analysis of variance with Gensat 17th Edition. Treatment means were separated using LSD. The results of the experiment showed zero phytotoxicity of the vermicomposts with mean values greater than 100% for all the germination indices. Percent relative seed germination of POBCO was 193.3% which differed significantly (P≤0.05) with COBCO (136.3%) and RIBCO (127.9%), respectively. Percent relative root growth (RRG) and germination index (GI) for the vermicomposts was significantly higher than the control. Poultry manure based vermicompost had 205% RRG and 394.8% GI compared to COBCO (136.3%; 207.4%) and RIBCO which recorded 107.3% RRG and 137.2% GI. Though all vermicomposts showed stimulating effect on tomato growth, POBCO exhibited highest germination indices than COBCO and RIBCO. Physical and chemical properties of the vermicomposts were all within the optimum requirements for plant growth. It is concluded that the vermicomposts especially POBCO are not phytotoxic and could be used as bio-fertilizer to enhance tomato seed germination and growth.