Asian Research Journal of Agriculture
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Current Situation of Livestock in Siirt Province and Environmental Impacts
No full textIn this study, current conditions of cattle manure, manure storage units, problems of manure storage and interaction with the water resources around Siirt Province were examined. For this purpose, 133 livestock enterprises were chosen. 92 percent of these enterprises did not have manure storage and uncontrolled manure accumulations were observed. These manure accumulations were limiting animal movement and they posed a risk to the animal health. In Siirt province, livestock enterprises can be grouped as the number of cattle they have: 35 percent of the businesses had 1-7 cattle and 36 percent of the businesses had 8-14 cattle, 19 percent of the businesses had 15-21 and 10 percent of the businesses had >21 cattle. To determine the environmental pollution caused by livestock barns and their possible solutions in Siirt province, a survey was conducted. The results were compared with the literature and suggestions were made. In this study, we have examined the present conditions of solid and liquid manure storages found in the barns of stockbreeding companies, storage problems, utilization of manure and environmental pollution. According to the questionnaire results obtained from the study area, 92% of the companies do not have manure storage and the present manure storages are not sufficient for the companies
Optimizing Growth, Seed Yield and Quality of Soybean (Glycine max L.) Plant Using Growth Substances
No full textAims: It is become necessary to reduce the gap between the demand and supply of edible oil and protein. So, the aim of the present investigation is to study the effect of foliar application with humic acid, salicylic acid and paclobutrazol on some morphological, anatomical and seed yield characteristics, as well as on some biochemical constituents of soybean (Glycine max L.) seed for maximizing its growth, yield and nutritional value.
Methodology: A 2 year field trial was carried out during 2015 and 2016 at the Faculty of Agriculture Experiment Station, Benha University, Egypt . Soybean (Glycine max L.) cv. Giza 111 seeds were sown into plots (each plot unit about 3.5 m long and 3.0 m wide) in clay loam soil. A total of six treatments of humic acid, salyclic acid, and paclobutrazol were foliarly applied: humic acid at 2.5 and 5.0 gl-1, salicylic acid at 50 and 100 mgl-1, paclobutrazol at 10 and 20 mgl-1 and Control in a 3 randomized complete blocks.
Results: All rates of humic acid, salicylic acid and paclobutrazol had a significant effect on soybean morphological characters during the 2 years. The treatment set of 10 mgl-1 paclobutrazol, 5 gl-1 humic acid, and 100 mgl-1 salicylic acid resulted in relatively higher means for most vegetative growth characters compared to both the other 3 and the Control treatments. Despite variations among the 6 rates effects, all enhanced chlorophyll and carotenoids contents. This positive response extended to include the contents of soybean shoot endogenous phytohormones. Soybean yield components and yield were significantly improved due to applying these 3 growth substances using these current rates, this in addition to their positive effect on N P K content, crude protein, total carbohydrates and percentage total lipids in soybean seed yield. Under the conditions of this trial, either of 10 mgl-1 paclobutrazol, 5 gl-1 humic acid, or 100 mgl-1 salicylic acid proved useful to improve soybean growth and yield, yet more further research deem necessary to include more expanded set of rates to be assessed under other perspectives
Effect of Choice Feeding in the Pre-weaning Period on the Growth Performance of Calves during the Pre- and Post-weaning Periods
No full textThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of choice feeding in the pre-weaning period on the growth performance of calves during the pre- and post-weaning period. It is possible that high Crude protein (CP) intake during the pre-weaning period may improve post-weaning performance of calves. Currently, there is insufficient data available on the effect of pre-weaning feeding method on post-weaning performance of calves; therefore the aim of this study was to examine the effect of choice feeding on growth performance of calves during the pre and post-weaning period.
Results: Twenty eight male and 28 female Holstein calves were assigned to two different feeding systems. After weaning calves were fed with the same Total Mixed Ration (TMR) (50% calf grower + 50% alfalfa hay). Prior to weaning, choice-fed calves preferred the diet containing lower alfalfa and barley, and higher wheat bran and soybean meal (P<0.01). Choice feeding increased nutrient intake (protein and fiber) and daily weight gain (P < 0.05). The Metabolisable Energy (ME), Crude Protein (CP), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) and Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) contents of the diets selected by choice calves were 2.60 Mcal/kg, 29.24%, 27.18% and 12.01%, respectively. The TMR contained 2.23 Mcal/kg ME, 17.94% CP, 24.99% NDF and 11.85% ADF. Results show that calves choose their diet may meet their nutritional requirement and gain more weight.
Conclusions: In this study choice fed calves had higher daily weight gain during the pre-weaning, but not post-weaning, period. Furthermore, high preference for protein may have the long term effects on performance of young calves. It is therefore necessary to investigate the effect of early dietary preference of calves on their adult performance
Analysis of Wood- Based Enterprise in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria
No full textThe research investigated wood-based enterprises found in Gboko Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, Nigeria. 10 Council Wards were purposively sampled from 17 Council Wards. In each of the Council Ward, 5 wood-based enterprises were selected using Simple Random Sampling Techniques (SRS). 3 copies of questionnaire were administered in each wood-based enterprise selected making 15 questionnaire administered in each of the Council Ward. A sum of 150 copies of questionnaire were used in this study. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools. Results revealed that there were 439 wood-based enterprises in the ten sampled Council Wards. The wood-based enterprises were furniture (23.5%), charcoal (20.3%), casket making (11.8%), farm tools making (6.6%), timber sheds (0.5%), wooden drum making (2.3%), mortar/pestle carving (5.7%) and fuel wood (29.4%) respectively. Result also revealed that buying (81.8%) was the highest source of wood. Most respondents made no effort in conserving the utilized tree species. Gmelina arborea and Tectona grandis were highly used for furniture, casket, and timber sheds, while Prosopis africana, Burkea africana, and Vitelleria paradoxa were highly used for charcoal production. Species preferred for carving (farm tool, mortar/pestle and wooden drum) includes Acacia nilotica, Prosopis africana and Khaya senegalensis. Firewood sale (29.4%) was found to be the most common wood-based enterprise. The study therefore shows that wood-based enterprise ease unemployment and act as source of additional income to farmers in the study area. Prosopis africana was identified as the most promising forest species particularly for wood-charcoal making in Gboko LGA. However, effective measures are recommended for establishing large-scale forest plantation in order to promote sustainable consumption practices
Distribution of Soil Micronutrients of Bakalori Irrigation Project, Zamfara State, Nigeria
No full textThe study was carried out to assess the distribution of soil micronutrients at Bakalori Irrigation Project, Zamfara State. Three local government areas; Maradun (Upper slope), Talata Mafara (Middle slope) and Bakura (Lower slope) were purposively sampled along Sokoto River. Three soil profile pits were dug, one in each local government of the study site, soil samples were collected from each horizon. Results showed that the soils were slightly acid to neutral with mean pH of 6.29, 6.60 and 6.62 for upper, middle and lower slope respectively. Organic carbon was low with mean values of 5.67 gkg-1, 2.79 gkg-1 and 4.72 gkg-1. CEC values were medium with the mean value of 10.76, 10.92 and 10.60 cmolkg-1. The results of available micronutrients showed that Fe was low with the mean values of 1.55 mgkg-1, 1.8 mgkg-1, and 1.83 mgkg-1, Mn was low to medium with the mean values of 0.70 mgkg-1, 0.85 mgkg-1 and 1.08 mgkg-1, Zn was medium with the mean values of 1.05 mgkg-1, 0.85-1 and 1.0 mgkg-1 and Cu was high with the mean values of 2.30 mgkg-1, 1.5 mgkg-1 and 2.58 mgkg-1 in all the three sites (upper, middle and lower slope). According to the USDA soil Taxonomy Classification System, soils of profile 1 (upper slope) were classified as Typic Endoaqualfs, soils profile 2 (middle slope) were classified as Aquic Haplustalfs and soils profile 3 (lower slope) were classified as Aquic Hapludalfs and the soils were locally named as Dosara, Matusgi and Birnin Tudu series for Maradun, Talata Mafara and Bakura soils respectively
Genetic Parameters of Bodyweight and Egg Traits in the Domestic Pigeon
No full textSeven hundred and twenty squabs raised from 180 couples of domestic pigeon were used to study the heritability, phenotypic and genetic correlations of body and egg traits. Body weight at hatch, 1- week, 2- weeks, 3- weeks, 4- weeks and at maturity were measured. Age at first egg and weight of first egg were the egg traits considered. The mean mature bodyweight, Age at first egg and weight of first egg were 416.39±1.77 g, 147.26±0.44 days and 18.06±0.10 g, respectively. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.24±0.03 to 0.57±0.07. Phenotypic and genetic correlations between bodyweights at different ages were positive and significant (P<0.05). It was concluded that the body and egg traits evaluated could be improved by mass selection method and any improvement in the bodyweight could lead to a concomitant increase in the associated trait
Serum Biochemistry and Haematology of Broilers Fed Baobab and Moringa Leaf Meal as Premix
No full textSerum biochemistry and haematology of broilers fed baobab and moringa leaf meal as premix were studied using 36 broiler birds. The birds were grouped into six dietary treatments labeled T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 respectively. T1 was maintained on commercial premix (CP), T2 on CP and baobab (BB), T3 on commercial premix and moringa (MG), T4 on BB only, T5 on MG only and T6 on BB/MG leaf meal in 1:1 ratio. The data collected on serum biochemistry were analyzed and the results revealed that total protein was similar in all the treatments except for T3 which differ significantly (P˂ 0.05) from other treatments and albumin differ significantly (P˂ 0.05) in all the treatment groups except for T3 which did not differ (P˃0.05) from the control group. However, the highest serum protein was recorded in birds on T6 while T4 and T5 had the highest albumin values. The values for AST in T3 andT4 were significantly affected (P˂0.05) by the dietary treatments when compared to control group and other treatments. Levels of GGT were not significant (P˃ 0.05) in all the treatments. Significant decrease (P˂ 0.05) was also observed in the values of urea but lowest values were recorded in T2, T3 and T4. The best significant decrease (P˂0.05) for creatinine was recorded in T3. There was significant increase in all the haematological parameters measured (P˂0.05) except for the values of Hb and RBC in T6 which showed a significant decrease. The highest significant increase (P˂0.05) for WBC was recorded in T4 and lowest in T2.The highest significant increase (P˂0.05) in PCV was recorded in T3 while the lowest was seen in T6. The levels of RBC differ significantly (P˂0.05) among the treatments as T3 recorded highest the level. The MCV, MCH and MCHC values increase significantly (P˂0.05) in a similar pattern among the entire treatment groups. Replacement of commercial premix with baobab and moringa leaf meal in broilers diet has no deleterious effect on their biochemical and haematological parameters
An Analysis of Vegetables and Fruits Production Scenario in Nepal
No full textAgriculture contributes on an average one third to total Gross Domestic Product. It is the major source of employment for the majority of people in Nepal. Productivity of vegetables is in increasing trends after 1991/92 up to 2015/16 but fruits productivity is in decreasing trend after 2009/10. Summer fruits share above 62% of total fruit area and production while terai region share more than third fourth of total summer fruits both in area and production. Mango and banana are the most dominant summer fruits in terms of area and production. Citrus fruit share about 22% of total fruit area and production while hilly region is dominant in terms of citrus growing area and production. Mandarin types of citrus occupy around two third of total citrus growing area and production. Winter fruits share 15.5% and 13% of total fruit area and production respectively. Hills and mountain region share 99.2% of total winter fruits production. More than half of the total winter fruits area and production is share by apple and pear
Effect of Combined Application of Organic Manure and Inorganic Nitrogen on Marketable Yield, Shelf Life of Onion and Soil Fertility Status after Harvest
No full textLow soil fertility is one of the most important constraints limiting onion production in Eastern Africa. Farmers northern Ethiopia should tackle this problem through combined application of organic and mineral fertilizers, which amend the soil environment. An investigation was carried out to study the effect of combined application of organic manure and inorganic nitrogen on marketable yield, shelf life of onion and soil fertility status after harvest from, October 2015 to June 2016. The treatments consisted of combinations of two rates of farmyard manure (FYM) (10 and 20 t ha-1), two rates of vermicompost (VC) (2.5 and 5 t ha-1), and three rates of recommended N fertilizers (RDF) (25, 50 and 75%). 100% RDF N (69 kg N ha-1), 100% (5 t ha-1) of VC, 100% (20 t ha-1) FYM and (absolute control) were used for comparison. Results from the experiment revealed that onion storage life significant influenced by the combined application of organic and inorganic N fertilizers. Application of 5 t ha-1 VC + 50% RDF N recorded the highest marketable yield and lowest onion bulb weight loss throughout the storage period. While, maximum bulb weight loss (36.16%) was recorded during 12th week of storage under the application of 100% RDF N. The absolute control showed the least % bulb rotting and sprouting, hence, the lowest % bulb rotting (1.67, 2.27; and 4.06) were recorded during the 8th, 10th, and 12th week storage period respectively, in bulbs from the control treatment. On the other hand combined use of 2.5-5 t ha-1 VC with 25-75% of N resulted in higher total nitrogen, available K, available P, CEC, EC, OC; and organic matter of the soil over the control treatments. Applications of organic inputs in combination with chemical fertilizer were found better option than application of organic manure or chemical fertilizer alone for better onion yield, shelf life and soil fertility replenishment. Therefore, it is concluded that the application of organic fertilizer (vermicompost) along with inorganic fertilizer (nitrogen) could be better for onion yield, shelf life and soil fertility replenishment
The Problem of Prickling on Fabrics of South American Camelids Fibers: Possible Approaches for Mechanical Solutions
No full textIn this minireview it is to analyze the physical attributes that determine the comfort of fabrics made of South American Camelid fibers (Lama and Alpaca), discuss the effect on their textile value and evaluate an possible approache on their possible mechanical solutions. Taking the distribution of all fibers do not respond to a normal distribution, but the different fiber types identified by the type of medulla, they do respond to a normal distribution. While emphasis has always been on mean fiber diameter, the fiber frequency exceeding 30 microns (objectionable fibres) has a key role in quality. This is essential for light fabrics, where the effect of prickle plays a critical part in consumer´s choice. Dehairing, as a mechanical way, provides an immediate solution, though excessive fiber breakage should be addressed. It is concluded that the textile fiber quality of South American Camelids is promissory if the presence of objectionable fibers is solved, resulting in a tolerable frequency for consumers (<3%). This implies a true paradigm shift with regard to the classic textile processing of Alpaca and Lama fibers (from worsted to woolen system). This would enhance the fiber softness to touch, together with other important features that would render the fiber price more competitive