Asian Research Journal of Agriculture
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Small Ruminants Coccidiosis in High Altitude Region of Iran
No full textCoccidiosis (Eimeria spp.) is a parasite disease in small ruminants that causes diarrhea and reduced economic benefits. The purpose of this epidemiological study was to use microscopical and molecular assays to detect coccidia prevalence and isolate species-specific Eimeria from sheep and goats kept in a common pan in the central Zagros region. This region is a mountainous and cold region which its southern counties are warmer than other districts. Throughout the course of several seasons, 1200 fecal samples were obtained from three age groups (less than six months, six to twelve months, and more than six months). Oocytes were counted using saturated saline floating and modified MacMaster techniques and the physical characteristics of sporulated Eimeria oocytes were used to identify them. Eimeria infection was shown to be more prevalent in sheep than in goats, with the highest prevalence in spring and the lowest in winter. Females and animals younger than 6 months were similarly found to be more susceptible to coccidiosis than males and older animals (P<0.05). In comparison to the southern area, the western and eastern counties had the highest rates of oocyst excretion in sheep and goats, respectively. In addition, a total of fourteen Eimeria species were isolated, including the highly pathogenic Eimeria granulosa for sheep and E. jolchijevi for goats. These findings explain how coccidia prevalence varies with age, season, and geographic direction, and use of PCR to rule out the possibility of co-infection between sheep and goats kept in the same stall
The Agronomic Performance of Rice Seeds Coated with N-Enriched Organomineral Fertilizer
No full textSeed coating with silicate rock-basis organomineral fertilizer (OMF) was proposed as an appropriate method to improve the productivity and profitability of rice farming. This research aimed to evaluate the growth and yield components of rice grown from coated seeds with N-enriched OMF. The coated seeds of two rice varieties, i.e., Trisakti (T) and Nutri Zinc (NZ) were tested in separate experimental sets. A randomized block design was applied for each experiment with the treatment consisting of non-coated seed (NCS), coated seeds containing 4.5% N (CS-1), 7.8% N (CS-2), and 9.0% N (CS-3) in 3 blocks. The coating material of OMF was a mixture of 90% basaltic rock and 10% rock phosphate, enriched with N accordingly to the treatment; and the weight ratio of seed to OMF was about 1:16. The coated seeds were planted directly to the ground (without sowing and transplanting steps), and only NCS was fertilized with NPK (15:15:15) equivalent to 300 kg. ha-1. Results reveal that there was no significant difference in growth components (number of tillers and the weight of top-biomass) and quality of rice grains (weight of 1,000 grains) for the plants of coated and non-coated seeds. Enriching OMF with N up to 9% consistently improved the total yield of rice. Therefore, seed coating with OMF containing about 9% N was an appropriate method to optimize rice yield
Growth Performance, Haematological, Serum Indices and Histopathology of Finisher Broiler Chickens Offered Nutritional Supplement of Comfrey (Symphytum officinale L) Leaves Extract
No full textPresent study was carried out to investigate the effect of nutritional supplement of Comfrey (Symphytum officinale L) leaves extract on the performance, haematological, serum indices and histopathology of finisher broilers. 200g of Comfrey symphytum leaves were squeezed in 1 liter of H2O with a juicer to produce comfrey symphytum leaves extract. The leaves extract were further mixed (diluted) in clean drinking water at the rate of 0ml/liter of H2O, 50ml/liter of H2O, 100ml/liter of H2O and 150ml/liter of H2O designated as T1, T3, T4 and T5. T2 was given conventional supplement (Divertamin). Five groups of 30 broiler chicks (28 days old) of Agritech breed were randomly assigned to one of the supplementary Comfrey symphytum leaves extract and the conventional supplement for 28 days in a completely randomized design. Each group was subdivided into three replicates of 10 birds each. The birds were fed normal broiler finisher diet for all the groups. At the end of the 28 days feeding trial, performance indices result showed that T5 (150ml extract/liter of H2O) gave best value (P<0.05) for feed conversion ratio, average weight changes and average daily weight gain but statistically similar (P>0.05) to the control. The indices for economics of production showed that T5 had high earnings for revenue and gross margin with reduced cost/kg weight gain. The haematological and serum indices were not affected significantly (P>0.05). Histopathological examination revealed that comfrey leaves extract caused effaced tissue stromal elements, congestion and marked cellularity of the liver. It was concluded that Comfrey symphytum leaves extract could be used as a nutritional supplement to improve performance of broiler finishers at 100 - 150ml of extract/liter of H2O due to its cost effectiveness and increased revenue and profit margin
Farmers\u27 Perceptions of Pesticide and Chemical Fertilizer use in Market Gardening in the Comoé River Watershed in Burkina Faso
No full textAims: Analyzing farmers\u27 perceptions of the use of synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers in market gardening in the Comoé Province of Burkina Faso.
Place and Duration of Study: The present study was carried out in the watershed of the Comoé River located in Burkina Faso in the western part of Africa. The study covered the period from March 12th to May 25th, 2019.
Methodology: An individual survey of a sample of 204 market gardeners using synthetic chemicals? was conducted. It was supplemented by field observations. A survey form was designed and the questionnaire was integrated into an application (mWater) for data collection. The data collected was summarized by descriptive statistics.
Results: Study showed that vegetable producers almost unanimously say it is necessary to use fertilizers and pesticides on their production sites. Some of the producers (18.87%) well? appreciate the use of fertilizers and synthetic pesticides on the sites. Nearly 94% also believe that the use of fertilizers improves soil fertility and helps to increase crop yields.
As for the precautions taken by the gardeners while using synthetic pesticides, results of interviews showed that 96.57% of them do not use any protective equipment. In general, after treating their farms with synthetic pesticides, vegetable growers wash themselves at water points and clean their equipment in the field. Of all the producers interviewed, nearly 58% wash themselves at water points while 41% do so in the field. Furthermore, almost all the market gardeners (96%) refer to the nearest medical centre in case of symptoms related to the use of synthetic pesticides.
Conclusion: with a view to the rational use of phytosanitary products and the safeguarding of the ecosystem, it is important to initiate and implement awareness campaigns among the gardeners
Molecular Identification of Xa4 Resistance Gene to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae in Cultivated Rice in Northwest Benin
No full textAims: The aim of this study was to identify the cultivated rice varieties that were resistant to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) by molecular screening. Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) was the causal agent of bacterial blight, in the department of Atacora in Benin.
Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Applied to Genomics, between July 2021 and November 2021.
Methodology: Thirty-two rice accessions were collected in the department of Atacora and the IRBB4 isogenic line carrying Xa4 resistance gene, as a positive control, were screened using SSR marker. Genomic DNA was extracted from plants leaves. PCR using a pair of MP12 primers linked to the Xa4 gene were performed and amplified products were analyzed by electrophoresis in a 2% agarose gel.
Results: Our results showed that a significant number of rice varieties grown in northern Benin were resistant to Xoo. 62.5% were resistant of which 70% were local varieties. Some of these resistant varieties (35%) were heterozygous (Xa4/xa4) and others were homozygous (Xa4/Xa4). 10% had specific genotypes other than those expected, which showed the probability of existence new resistance alleles that need to be characterized.
Conclusion: This is the first time that a bacterial blight resistance gene has been identified in Beninese rice cultivation. This result will be very useful to rice breeders for developing elites resistant varieties through markers assisted selection programs
Effect of Direction and Distance of Moringa oleifera on Growth and Yield of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea)
No full textA field experiment was conducted at the moringa-based experimental farm of the Department of Agroforestry and Environment, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Gazipur from November 2020 to September 2021. The aim of the study was to assess how well cabbage performed and adapted to various orientations and distances from the moringa tree. The experiment was carried out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Four different directions along with one control plot were used as factor A and different distances from tree base was treated as factor B. The data of some ecophysiological parameters like maximum light intensity and soil temperature were noticed in south direction and the widest distance from tree base. The highest soil moisture was found at north direction. Most of the growth parameters showed better performance in open field compared to shade condition. In the case of interaction effect, the south direction and the widest distance (180 cm) from moringa tree base showed the highest number of outer leaves, head length, width, head diameter, head length, and head weight compared to other directions and distances. Concurrently, the maximum total yield and marketable yield were recorded from 180 cm in south direction whereas the lowest yield was found at the closest distance (80 cm) and east direction. The marketable yield of south, west, north, and east directions were reduced by 8.43, 14.87, 23.86 and 31.52% as compared to open field. At 130 cm and 80 cm distance the yield was reduced by 16.42 and 32.26% as compared to 180 cm distance from tree base. The current findings suggested that cabbage may be grown in partial shade in moringa-based agroforestry production systems without enduring significant yield losses
An Assessment of Farmers’ Training Needs on Drought Management Strategies for Improved Crops and Livestock Production in Northern Nigeria
No full textThe study assessed the farmers’ training needs on drought management strategies for improved crops and livestock production in Northern Nigeria Six Nigerian northern states were sampled based on the intensity of drought. 792 farmers were randomly selected for the study. Primary and secondary data were collected using questionnaire with trained enumerators. Validation of questionnaire for data collection and reliability test were carried out. The results revealed 38.5 years as the farmers’ mean age with household size of 9 persons. 84.5% of the farmers had formal education and average of 5.27ha of cultivated farm land. 80% of the farmers experienced reduction in crops’ yields and livestock production with higher income loss in livestock production. This is based on Adopter Perception Theory which argues that the adoption process starts with the perception that there is need to innovate. Researches had established that drought affect almost all agricultural activities. Finding revealed that the mean annual yield for the crop sector before drought occurrence varied between 1.12 tons/ha and 0.41 tons/ha, with a maximum of 50 tons/ha. Tuber crops production ranked first, while legumes took the last position for the period under consideration in this study. Therefore, under the crop sector, cereal crops’ farmers suffered the highest loss (0.43tons/ha) due to drought occurrence, while Tuber crop followed closely with 0.35tons/ha loss. In case of livestock, the mean annual loss is 13 and maximum of 330 birds but in terms of income loss, livestock was more than crop. Most farmers require training in the maintenance of water supply systems, drought risk management and access to drought-related information. This study provides basis for tackling the effects of drought in Northern Nigeria. It identifies training needs of farmers with a view to mitigate the menace of drought to enhance yield in the areas of crops and livestock production
Effect of Agricultural Cooperative Membership on Willingness to Pay for Non-fatal Risk Reduction from COVID-19
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The recurring nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent discovery of the Omicron variant in Nigeria, coupled with concerns about the specific roles and contributions of social institutions in redressing the spread of the virus, prompted this study. Thus, the study determined the willingness to pay for health risk reduction from Corona Virus (COVID-19); estimated the value of statistical case (VSC) and ascertained the effects of cooperative membership on the willingness to pay (WTP) for COVID-19 morbidity health risk reduction. Multi-stage sampling technique was deployed in selecting 149 cooperative and 130 non-cooperative members for the study, in Edu and Patigi Local Government Areas of Kwara State, Nigeria. To reach its conclusion, descriptive statistics, Levene’s test, t-test, chi-square, Probit analysis, propensity score matching, WTP and the value of statistical case were employed for data analysis. The study revealed that the typical cooperative member is willing to pay N1,638 per farming season to decrease his or her chance of falling sick from COVID-19 or averting non-fatal cases of COVID-19 by 1 in 10,000. In addition, the propensity score matching (PSM) estimation indicated that agricultural cooperative societies had effect on members, with the average member willing to pay N561.32 per season higher than the non-members. Arising from these results, it becomes imperative to consider integrating cooperative societies as complementary instrument for the prevention and control of COVID-19 pandemic. The estimated VSC further provides pecuniary basis and policy guidance for efficient allocation of resources for the mitigation and control of COVID-19.
 
Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer Management for Boro Rice Cultivation in a Single Boro Cropping Area
No full textAims: In any agricultural production system, combining organic and chemical fertilizers into the soil is regarded as a useful management practice since it boosts soil fertility and crop growth. The goal of the current study was to ascertain the effects of combined organic and inorganic fertilizer treatment on the yield contributing traits, yield, nutrient uptake and nutrient use efficiency of BRRI dhan89 in a single Boro cropping area.
Study Design: With three replications, the experiment was set up in a two factor RCB design. Organic fertilizer treatment was regarded as Factor-a, while inorganic fertilizer as Factor-b.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in a farmer\u27s field in Nagarkanda, Faridpur, Bangladesh from December 2021 to May 2022.
Methodology: Factor-a comprises two treatments named cowdung (CD) and poultry manure (PM). Factor-b comprises five treatments named T0 (control), T1, T2, T3, and T4. In the main field, organic fertilizers were used just two weeks prior to transplanting. In all inorganic fertilizer treatments, Urea top dressed in three installments at 15 DAT, 30 DAT and 5 days before panicle initiation. In T4 treatment, MoP split at two installments, one during final land preparation and another 5 days before panicle initiation.
Results: The highest no. of effective tillers, yield contributing traits, grain yield, straw yield, nutrient concentration (%) in both grain and straw, nutrient uptake by grain and straw observed in organic fertilizer treatment PM, inorganic fertilizer treatment T4 and treatment interaction PM × T4 whereas the lowest found in CD, T0 and CD × T0. The maximum nutrient use efficiency was recorded by PM × T4 treatment interaction and minimum in CD × T1.
Conclusion: Comparing all of the treatments employed in the current study, the treatment interaction PM × T4 generated the best results for BRRI dhan89 in a single Boro cropping area
Dynamic Relationship between Vulnerability to Climate Change, Livelihood Diversification, Perception on Climate Change and Income of the Farmers in North Central Nigeria
No full textAims: Although a number of researchers have outlined the strategies farmers adopt to ensure stability of family income yet literature provides less understanding on the dynamic relationship between vulnerability to climate change, livelihood diversification, perception on climate change and income of the farmers. It is therefore the aim of this study to establish the relationship between these concepts.
Study Design: Original research.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in North Central Nigeria in 2019.
Methodology: Multi-stage sampling technique was employed in the collection of primary data for this study. In the first stage, two (2) States were randomly selected from North Central Nigeria. In the second stage, five (5) Local Government Areas (LGAs) were randomly selected from the selected States, giving a total of ten (10) LGAs. In the third stage, sampling of farm households in each community were determined proportionately using Krejcie and Morgan (1970) formula. Data were collected from 483 farm households via questionnaire administered by trained enumerators. The data were analyzed using adaptive capacity index, vulnerability index and seemingly unrelated regression.
Results: Result of the seemingly unrelated regression revealed that increase in the number of livelihood activities and income of the farmer reduces vulnerability to climate change. More so, increase in the income of the farmer increases the number of livelihood activities the farmer engaged in and also increases the perception of the farmer on climate change.
Conclusion: farmers should diversify their sources of livelihood so as to reduce their vulnerability and improve resilience to climate change. The level of literacy among farm households and availability of social amenities should be looked into when formulating policies and developmental issues as they reduces vulnerability to climate change. Financial institutions should help facilitate access to credit by farmers so as to stimulate the adoption of climate smart practices