Asian Research Journal of Agriculture
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In-vitro Evaluation of Three Conservation Methods of Probiotics from 42-day-old Tropical Calves
No full textAims: The conservation of probiotics is of great importance due to the microorganism’s viability; therefore, their properties and benefits depend on it. In this work, it was studied three methods of conservation; refrigeration, cryopreservation, and lyophilization of two probiotics isolated from the rumen of 42 day-old calves, previously evaluated: Animal 1-day 42 (A1D42) and Animal 3-day 42 A3D42.
Place and Duration of Study: Laboratorio de Rumiología y Metabolismo Nutricional, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, between August 2020 and September 2021.
Methodology: It was evaluated the viability of the probiotics after of 0, 30, 60 and 90 days of refrigeration, cryopreservation, and lyophilization as preservation methods. The effect of the lyophilized probiotic A1D42 on the digestibility in vitro, such as its effect on the volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production was also determined.
Results: Cryopreserved and lyophilization methods had better performance about the viability in both probiotics. A1D42 lyophilized maintained its viability (67%) until 60 days and after 90 days it was affected significantly. Despite the fact that VFA production in vitro did not increase with probiotic addiction, A1D42 significantly increased in vitro digestibility by up to 66%. The results demonstrated that lyophilization is the best method of conservation of probiotic production due to it preserves vial cells, as well as the properties and effects of the probiotic.
Conclusion: Therefore, lyophilized A1D42 probiotic can be used as an additive in calf diets, which could improve their digestibility, and, therefore, their weight gain, which could have a positive impact on animal production, in addition to the health benefits
Microbial Assessment of Slaughter Slabs at the Central Slaughterhouse of Ado Ekiti
No full textThis study was aimed at assessing the presence of microbes in the selected slaughter slabs in other to inform the Animal scientists, Public health workers, Butchers and Meat vendors to know the risk pose to human health with contaminated meat.
A total of 50 sterile swab sticks were used to collect the samples from five abattoir slaughter slabs surfaces in Ado-Ekiti central abattoir with ten swab samples from each slaughter slab. After collection the samples were immediately transported to laboratory for microbiological studies. Trypticase-soya-agar (TSA) was used as medium for the samples, while chloramphenicol was used in replacement to trophic bacteria and Sabouraud-glucosea-gar (SGA) for fungi. The incubation of Petri dishes were set at 37ºC for 48 – 72hrs while daily observation of the cultures were carried out with the use of stereoscopic microscope for the presence of fungal mycelium and or bacterial colonies. The results revealed that bacterial count mean value was 1.83 × 105 CFU/ml and fungal count mean value was 0.59 × 105 CFU/ml. A total of eight strains of bacteria comprises of gram positive and gram negative bacteria from all the samples were isolated, Staphylococcus aureus had the highest percentage of occurrences (33%), followed by Escherichia coli (26%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19%), while other prevalence bacteria have 5% each. In the fungi samples, isolation of four strains were carried out, from all the total fungal count, Aspergillus flavus had the highest number of occurrence with approximately 40%, Penicillium spp had 28%, and 8% occurrence for the lowest fungal count. It is shown in the study that the meat has higher contamination potential from the slaughter slab surfaces. With the result shown, contamination rate could be attributed to poor sanitation level, and proper measure and attention was not given to hygienic practices in the Central abattoir in Ado Ekiti. This then called for butchers education on the importance of practicing good hygiene, handling of meat with modern techniques and encouragement of good sanitation in the abattoirs
Efficacy of Biopesticide Formula Containing Streptomyces sp. and Trichoderma sp. against Southern Green Stink Bug (Nezara viridula) on Soybean (Glycine max L.)
No full textStreptomyces sp. and Trichoderma sp. are soil microorganisms isolated from shallot fields that can act as biological agents and increase crop production. Nezara viridula, the southern green stink bug, is the leading pest of soybean during the generative period, which can cause damage up to 80%. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a liquid biopesticide formula using a mixture of coconut water and potato extract containing Streptomyces sp. and Trichoderma sp. This study used a randomized block design. The first factor was the time of application and the second factor was the concentration level. There were 8 treatment combinations and 2 controls. Each treatment combination was repeated three times. Probit LC50 and LT50 were performed to determine the effectiveness of biopesticides. The calculation of probit analysis obtained results of 84,443 ppm or about 84% for LC50, while the LT50 analysis obtained results of 4.7 days
Effect of Alpha-lipoic Acid on Productive Parameters and Ruminal VFA Profile in Sheep
No full textAims: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on feed over the productive parameters of sheep, as well as volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the rumen and blood glucose.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the Centro de Enseñanza, Investigación y Extensión en Producción Animal del Altiplano (CEIEPAA), located in Tequisquiapan, Querétaro-México.
Methodology: A total of 64 sheep (Pelibuey x Dorset), two months old (32 males and 32 females with an average weight of 20.7 ± 1.3 kg) were used. Animals were housed in 16 pens, 4 animals per pen, and each pen was assigned to one of the 4 ALA inclusion treatments (0, 40, 80, 120 ppm). ALA was mixed with 50 g of ground corn to ensure its consumption; the animals of treatment 0 also received 50 g of ground corn without ALA.
Results: Differences in weight gain were observed from day 56 in the animals supplemented with 80 ppm of ALA (P < .0001) and an improvement in daily weight gain (246 g) and feed conversion (P = .05) was shown. Animals treated with 40 ppm of ALA observed lower blood glucose without affecting the productive parameters (P = .05). A lower concentration of VFA was found in the treatment 120 ppm on day 84 (334.2 ± 26.5 vs 260.0 ± 15.7; P = .05).
Conclusion: The inclusion of 80 ppm of ALA in the diet of sheep could improve the productive parameters
Influence of Irrigation Water Deficit on Forage Yield, and Water Utilization Efficiency for Sorghum and Cowpea Forage Crops
No full textThe present study was carried out at Sakha Agricultural Research Station (clayey soils) during 2018 and 2019 to find out the role of water deficit on yield and some water relations for sorghum and cowpea summer forage crops. Three irrigation levels were executed; 100% (full irrigation), 90% (10% deficit) and 80% (20% deficit). Results showed that increasing water deficit, markedly led to decreasing fresh, dry yield and plant height at the three cuts in the two seasons. Regarding water relations, irrigation level with 90% (10% deficit) resulted in several advantages; almost same yield as recorded under full irrigation, 10% water saving as well as the highest values of water productivity (WP) and productivity of irrigation water (PIW). The mean values of fresh sorghum forage yield can be arranged in descending order as; 2917.0 > 2857.5 > 2561.0 kg.plot-1, while the corresponding values of the dry weight were; 381.6> 367.8> 319.6 kg.plot-1. Plant height for cowpea slightly affected with different irrigation treatments. On the contrary, both fresh and dry yields were significantly affected with water level or deficit irrigation. Moreover, the effect was highly significant in connection with the combined analysis. In this regard, mean values of fresh yield descending arranged as; 1502.5> 1447.0> 1321.5 kg.plot-1 for treatments A(control), B (90%) and C (80%), respectively. The corresponding values regarding dry yield are 253.5, 241.0 and 215.4 kg.plot-1. Comparing the deficit treatments with the control irrigation (Trt. A), overall mean decrease in fresh yield was 3.7% for treatment B (90%) and 12% for treatment C (80%). While, the corresponding decrease in dry yield were 4.9% and 15.0%.We can conclude that forage yield of sorghum and cowpea not affect by water irrigation deficit about 10% at Middle North Nile Delta area
Determination of Non-Eroding Discharge Based on the Threshold Velocity of Particle Motion and Soil Texture Triangle in Irrigation Furrows
No full textOne of the common methods to prevent the erosion of the furrows’ bed is to enter the water flow with a discharge less than the maximum of eroding discharge. Accordingly, it is important to determine the threshold velocity of the bed particle motion. In the current study, the average diameter of particles in each soil class was determined using 12 available classes in the soil texture triangle and then in an irrigation furrow with a fixed bed and triangular cross section, the threshold velocities were calculated using the equations provided by El-Zaemey, Novak, Nalluri and Charles Heinz Bong and compared them with proposed values of Walker et al and the US Department of Soil Conservation. The results were also compared with the Shields graph by determining the Shields parameter and boundary layer Reynolds number in the slope range of 0.5% to 1% for each soil texture class. A graph was presented based on all the above mentioned methods to simplify the use of the results. In addition to specifying the difference in velocity values predicted by different methods, the graph can be also used to determine the maximum permissible velocity in furrows
The Use of Parthenogenetic Clones to Create Highly Heterogeneous Hybrids of the Silkworm (Bombyx mori L.)
No full textSince the entire world\u27s sericulture, to achieve maximum heterosis is based on the feeding of hybrids of only the first generation, therefore, operations for the preparation of pure hybrids are of particular importance. In Uzbekistan, the Sericulture Research Institute has developed new biotechnologies specifically to solve this problem, and genetically modified breeds and parthenogenetic clones have been created on their basis. The unfertilized eggs are thermally activated at t = 46°C for 18 minutes, and the reducing division of meiosis in the germ cells of the silkworm is hampered. As a result, the eggs remain with a diploid set of chromosomes and develop as zygotes. Since silkworm females are heterogamous by sex chromosomes, only female parthenogenetic clones develop from thermally activated eggs. Clonal-breed hybrids, characterized by increased viability of caterpillars – 93,5-98,0% (in the control – 90,0%), the high cocoon shell ratio – 22,1-23,8% (in the control – 22,5%), increased egg-bearing capacity - 622-639 pcs (in the control - 630 pcs), metric number of thread - 3344-4065 units (in the control - 3321), the synchronicity of caterpillar development, uniformity of cocoons, ease of preparation. The technology of thermal activation of unfertilized silkworm eggs for parthenogenetic development is not particularly difficult, therefore clones can reproduce the required number of generations and in an unlimited number of individuals. The second component for hybridization can be males of almost any breed. Clones, due to their genetic constancy, do not need breeding and breeding selection, they do not need to be divided by gender, because they are represented by only one female sex, and have high combinational ability and amicable development
Health and Environmental Hazards Associated with Agricultural Pesticides in Ethiopia
No full textThe use of chemical pesticide in Ethiopian agriculture has a steady historically growth and strongly associated with the need to boost crop production and expansion in a high-input floriculture industry. An increased crop production and productivity is mainly dependent on effective and efficient pest management strategies. Recently, achieving these strategic goals of the sector seems to be impossible without intensive use of synthetic pesticides. Unfortunately, the chemical-based option of pest management was not able to deliver only the positively intended purpose of managing pests. It has raised a potential menace not only to public health and the environment but also to the fast-growing economy of the country. The main objective of this review was to highlight the negative health and environmental impacts of agricultural pesticides in Ethiopia. Literature based comprehensive review was made with the intention to influence stake holders in the sector to recognize the negative impact of agricultural pesticides to help them to devise a mitigating strategy and finally the authors tried to indicate solutions on this regard. Health conditions such as dizziness, nausea, skin and eye irritations, headache, vomiting and general discomfort after spraying are some of the self-reported direct health problems. Other chronic non-reported health problems/deaths were also associated with misuse (handling and disposal) of pesticides. Mismanagement of pesticides kills important organisms and are damaging to the biodiversity. Moreover, an intensive, non-responsible use of pesticides has increased the cost of pest management, accelerated the development of new pests and/or resistant strains (races) of pests and negatively affected the international trade of farm produces. Lack of awareness (poor pesticide management, disposal; and limited use of complete PPEs), obsolete pesticide stocks, prolonged storage, poor storage facilities, the lack of trained staff and national legislation for pesticide registration and monitoring system in the country are the main reasons associated with pesticide risks. Harmonized agriculture development policy, capacity building, organic farming, IPM compatible pesticides and gender-sensitive education will change the risk of agricultural pesticides
Abundance and Diversity of Coccinellid Predators in Rice Field Ecosystem in Payakumbuh District, Indonesia
No full textAims: The study aimed to study the abundance and biodiversity of Coccinellid predators in rice field Ecosystem in Payakumbuh District, Lima Puluh Kota Regency, West Sumatera, Indonesia.
Study Design: Purposive random sampling.
Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted in rice field of Payakumbuh District, Lima Puluh Kota Regency, West Sumatera and Laboratory of Pest, Faculty of Agriculture, Riau University, Pekanbaru, Indonesia from January to April 2022.
Methodology: Purposive random sampling was used in the research. Three rice fields in Payakumbuh District was chosen as sampling locations. Sweep net method was using to collect the coccinellid and the collected coccinellids were identified in Pest Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Riau University, Pekanbaru, Indonesia. The data was analyzed by using Shannon-Winner diversity index to analyze biodiversity and evenness index.
Results: 30 individuals of three species of coccinelid predators were found in rice field ecosystem in Payakumbuh district. The species were Micraspis lineata (20 individuals), Menochilus sexmaculatus (9 individuals) and Coleophora bisselata (1 individual). The species diversity index (H’) and species evenness index (E) were 0.73 and 0.66 respectively.
Conclusion: The diversity of coccinellid predators in rice field in Payakumbuh district was quite stable and more stable
Influence of Agripreneurial Orientation Constructs on Growth of Cassava-Based Small and Medium Enterprises in Migori County, Kenya
No full textThe study sought to analyse influence of agripreneurial orientation constructs on growth of cassava based small and medium enterprises in Migori County, Kenya. Data were collected using snow balling sampling method from 171 cassava agripreneurs. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and Probit model. The study revealed that the respondents were middle aged (43 years), majority were female (78.4%.), had reached formal education (52%), average age of enterprises was 10years and average quantity of cassava traded per week of 29 Kg, average number of workers employed of 2 persons while the average distance to the market being 3Km. The important and statistically significant variables that influence growth of cassava based small and medium enterprises include: Education level (p<0.05), number of Skilled employees (P<.01), owner experience (P<.1), number of trained employees (P<0.01), enterprise age (P<0.05), competitive aggressiveness (P<.01) and agripreneurial orientation (P<0.05) with Psedudo R2 value (.5946). According to these findings, the study recommends that the government should empower cassava based agripreneurs through training, trade fairs and capacity building to change the mind-set of the agripreneurs while providing incentives in venturing into cassava for the growth of the agrienterprises as well as individual growth. The government of Kenya can achieve these through its agricultural organizations with collaborations with Non-Governmental organizations and other stakeholders