Asian Research Journal of Agriculture
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The Effects of Total Mixed Ration and Separate Feeding on Lactational Performance of Dairy Cows
No full textThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different feeding systems on milk production and milk composition of dairy cows. Thirty-two dairy cows having similar lactation number, Days in Milk (DIM), live body weight and milk production was divided into four groups. First group received Total Mixed Ration (TMR) ad libitum, second group received roughage and concentrate limited and separately in two meals, third group fed with partial TMR which included half of the concentrate in roughage part of the diet and remained concentrate was offered in two meals, and the last group was fed with roughage and concentrate separately and roughage was offered limited in two meals and concentrate was offered limited in four meals. The feeding systems affected dry matter intake (P<0.05). Limited feeding groups were fed on roughage and concentrate separately, the roughage intake in these groups was decreased, concentrate ratio was increased in the diet as well especially in the group receiving concentrate in two meals (P<0.05). In TMR group, milk yield was significantly increased due to increase in their feed intake (P<0.05, 2 kg/day higher than others). Milk total solid, fat and urea nitrogen contents were affected by feeding systems. Restricted and separate feeding system groups had lower total solid, fat and urea nitrogen in milk (P<0.05). In conclusion, the results showed that restricted and separate feeding of concentrate and roughage may not be applicable in practice as it decreased feed intake, milk yield and milk fat test
Productivity and Profitability of Groundnut Production (Arachis hypogea L.) in Lafia Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
No full textThis study assessed the economics of groundnut production in Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Structured questionnaire was used to generate primary data for the study. Descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, and double-log production function were employed in the analysis. Results revealed that majority of the respondents (57.5%) were relatively young and fell within the active age (25 – 45).Male respondents marginally dominated groundnut production at 51.7% and majority (78.3%) were married. Results further revealed that significant (78.3%) number of the respondents had below 10 inhabitants in their households. Educationally, 50.8% of respondents were educated. The net farm income per hectare was N14,355 and with a return on invested determined at 0.81implying that for every naira invested, the farmers makes 81 kobo (N0.81)and the cost –benefit ratio was calculated at 1.81 indicating that groundnut production is a viable and beneficial enterprise in the area. The double-log production function showed that the coefficient of multiple determinants (R2) was 0.536 which means that 54% of the variables were accounted for by the explanatory variable included in the model, while the F-value was 6.890. It was observed that; labour, seed, fertilizer and farm-size were significant while herbicide was not. Major constraints faced by the farmers were inadequate capital, high cost of labour, transportation, fertilizer, problem of pest and disease, poor storage facilities. Despite these constraints, the farmers made profit. Therefore, groundnut production could be one of the poverty alleviating enterprise, if well-articulated. It is recommended that: Storage facilities should be provided so that surplus groundnut can be stored to avoid spoilage, improve varieties of groundnut should be developed and made available to the farmers so that their yield can increase, and Farmers should form themselves into social groups so that they can create an organized market for their produce
Effect of Sulphur and Irrigation Regimes on Potato Common Scab Development in Khartoum Area
No full textPotato common scab development was assessed under the traditional farming system (TFS) and modern farming system (MFS) using irrigation interval and side dressing of Sulphur-based fertilizer application along the ridge. The 4-day irrigation interval starting with the tuber formation suppressed the disease development significantly producing 33.6% and 22.2% reductions in scab incidence and severity, respectively. Sulphur applications [Wettable Sulphur and (NH4So4)] resulted in a significant decrease in incidence of 50 and 73% in TFS and MFS respectively; severity was also decreased by 44% and 60% in TFS and MFS respectively. The effect was particularly pronounced when Sulphur was applied at tuber initiation and to a lesser degree when it was applied at planting. The combined effect of short irrigation interval and Sulphur application under TFS had a synergistic significant impact on scab development resulting in ~ 60% and 55.6-58.3% reductions in incidence and severity, respectively. Significant increases in tuber yield of 138% and 91-103% were obtained under TFS and MFS, respectively, when Sulphur was applied at planting. However, the yield was comparatively less when Sulphur was applied at tuber initiation. These results indicate that the common scab of potato in Sudan can practically be managed through short irrigation interval and application of Sulphur-based fertilizers during the early stages of tuber formation at planting or tuber initiation
A Study on Structural Change for Cereals Demand in Ghana
No full textThe reason behind this research is to examine the effects of Ghana participation in free trade on the changes in consumer preference for imported cereals of maize, rice, wheat and sorghum. The research provided empirical estimates of the extent of sensitivity of cereals scale change in the Ghanaian economy to changes in quantity demanded. The analyses used an Inverse Almost Ideal Demand System (IAIDS) model to remedy the study objectives due to its appropriateness in modelling the level of utility for commodities with fixed or exogenously determined short run supply as a results of trade restriction. The critical finding of the study is that, Ghana practice of a liberalised policy could indirectly effected the country structural change in demand for imported cereals commodities under study but the direction of change is heterogeneous among the different cereals goods. Also, while Ghanaians demand for imported cereals is inflexible, price response to changes in the quantity of imported rice, wheat and sorghum is much sensitive compared to maize. It is recommended to implement long run policy of price control measures if the consumption and supply importation are to control in Ghana
Direct and Residual Effects of Animal Manures on Soil Properties and Yield Components of Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) in an Ultisol of Southeast Nigeria
No full textOne of the ways of increasing soil nutrients and crop yield is by applying fertilizer which could be from inorganic or organic sources. Pot experiment was conducted at the screen house of the Teaching and Research Farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Akwa Ibom State University, Nigeria from March through October, 2015. The experiment was designed to assess the direct and residual effects of different types of animal manures on soil properties and yield of pepper. There were four animal manure sources (pig, poultry, goat, rabbit), each applied at 20 t/ha and a control (no amendment). The pots containing each 10 kg of soil were arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications. Six weeks old pepper seedlings were transplanted from the nursery to the potted soil. After the first planting, pepper seedlings were replanted (second planting) in each of the previously treated soils with no additional amendment. Results obtained showed that treatments applied significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased soil pH, organic matter, total N, available P, exchangeable Ca, Mg, ECEC and base saturation compared with control. Regardless of amendment, soil pH, available P, exchangeable bases, ECEC and base saturation decreased with residual time while organic matter and total N increased with residual time. Growth data of pepper collected at 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks after transplanting (WAT) were significant (P ≤ 0.05) compared with control in both planting. The highest fruit weights of 138.61 and 105.10 g/plant obtained from poultry manure treated plants in the first and residual planting, respectively were not significantly (P ≥ 0.05) higher than the fruit weights of 109.59 and 95.00 g/plant obtained from pig manure treated plants in the first and residual planting. Therefore, these animal manures are capable of sustaining the productivity of pepper in an acidic Ultisol of Akwa Ibom State
First Report of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) Disease in Commercial Citrus Orchards in Sudan
No full textThree extensive surveys and laboratory tests were conducted to detect and determine the distribution of Citrus tristeza closterovirus (CTV) in the main citrus groves in six states along the Blue Nile (Gezira and Sinnar states) and the River Nile (Khartoum, River Nile, and Northern states) in addition to Kassala state in eastern Sudan. Citrus tristeza virus was detected as an emerging disease of citrus for the first time in Sudan based on visual external symptoms on foliage and fruits and on characteristic internal symptoms on bark and wood at the bud union region of affected citrus trees. The occurrence of CTV was confirmed by direct tissue blot immunoassay (DTBIA) and DAS ELIASA serological tests. It was naturally prevalent in all the surveyed areas infecting grapefruit, orange, lime and mandarin revealing an overall incidence of 37%. Tristeza was found to be more widely spread (45-65%) in the states along the River Nile compared to those along the Blue Nile and in the east (10-30%). In comparison, DTBIA with monoclonal antibodies 3DF1+3CA5 was more efficient in detecting CTV than DAS-ELISA which was only successfully detecting the virus in few fresh samples but not from dried citrus samples
Moringa oleifera Extracts Effect on Fusarium solani and Rhizoctonia solani Growth
No full textAims: An in vitro study was conducted to test the effect of concentration levels of Moringa oleifera leaf and seed extracts in controlling the growth of Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium solani pathogens.
Study Design: The experimental design was a 2*7 factorial laid out in a Completely Randomized Design. Potato Dextrose Agar was amended with Moringa leaf extract and seed extract, and mycelial growth of R. solani and F. solani were measured.
Place and Duration of Study: University of Zimbabwe pathology laboratory during 2014/ 2015 season.
Methodology: The concentrations levels of 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% from each extract were used. Distilled water (0%) was used as negative control, whilst 10% copper oxychloride was the positive control. Potato Dextrose Agar was amended with Moringa leaf extract and seed extract, and mycelial growth of R. solani and F. solani were measured.
Results: All extracts showed a significant effect on reducing fungal growth (P=0.05). The higher the extract concentration level, the less the mycelial growth and no mycelial growth occurred on the positive control (10% copper oxychloride). Maximum percentages of inhibition of 45 and 50% was recorded against R. solani using Moringa seed extract at 25 and 30% concentrations, respectively. Both Moringa extracts gave 50% inhibition growth of F. solani at the 30% concentration level.
Conclusion: Moringa leaf and seed extracts contain antifungal properties which inhibited growth of R. solani and F. solani. Moringa extract concentration levels influenced the antifungal efficacy of the extracts, with higher concentration levels exhibiting an increased antifungal ability against the test pathogens. The phytochemical analysis of Moringa leaves and seed solvent extracts showed presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, tanin and phenolic compounds, terpenoids, etc
Pattern of Pesticide Usage in Curry Leaf and Farmers Views
No full textCurry leaf [Murraya koeinigii (L.) Sprengel] exported from India had insecticide residues above maximum residue limits, which are hazardous to consumer health and caused rejection of the commodity at point of entry in Europe and middle east resulting in a check on export of curry leaf. Hence to study current pesticide usage patterns in major curry leaf growing areas, a survey on pesticide use pattern was carried out in curry leaf growing areas in Medak district of Telangana; Anantapur and Guntur districts of Andhra Pradesh during 2014-15, interviewing farmers growing curry leaf utilizing the questionnaire to assess their knowledge and practices on crop cultivation, general awareness on pesticide recommendations and use and to ensure minimal pesticide residue levels in consumer food. Education levels of farmers are less (68.00 per cent were high school educated. 43.29 per cent of farmers had curry leaf area below five acres, while 3.00 per cent of farmers had above thirty acres. Awareness on pesticide related issues was varying among farmers with some commonality, where 35.71 per cent farmers knew about recommended pesticides while only 24.29 per cent of farmers were aware of pesticide classification based on toxicity. However, in general, most of the farmers (70 per cent) contacted pesticide dealer for recommendations, where as 30 per cent per cent of the farmers preferred to contact scientists and agricultural officers. Farmers were aware of endosulfan ban (93.86 per cent), but only 38.57 per cent of farmers knew about the ban of monocrotophos on vegetables. Very few farmers knew about pesticide residues and decontamination by washing. Extension educational interventions are necessary to produce fresh curry leaf free from pesticide residues
Effect of Feeding Raw Kapok (Ceiba pentandra) Seed Meal on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Carcass and Organ Weights of Weaner Rabbits
No full textThe study was carried out to evaluate the effects of feeding raw kapok seed meal on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics of weaner rabbits. Thirty (30) weaner rabbits were used for the study. Five diets were compounded using raw kapok seed meal (RKSM) at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% inclusion levels. The rabbits were weighed and randomly assigned to the five dietary treatments replicated three times with two rabbits per replicate in a completely randomized design. The proximate composition of raw kapok seed meal showed it contains 89.51% dry matter, 17.45% crude fibre, 22.59%, crude protein, 10.05% ether extracts, 6.53%, ash and 43.38% nitrogen free extract. The seed meal also contains tannin (2.53%), Alkaloid (3.34%), phenol (2.48%), flavonoid (2.95%), saponin (1.30%), trypsin inhibitors (17.97%), hemagglutinin (1.69%) and total oxalate (1.12%).The result of growth performance and nutrient digestibility decreased significantly (P<0.01) as the dietary levels of raw kapok seed meal increases. Similarly carcass and internal organ weights were significantly influenced by the dietary levels of RKSM. The relative weights of liver, lungs and kidney significantly (P<0.01) increased beyond 15% RKSM inclusion in the diet. It was concluded that RKSM can be fed to weaner rabbit up to 10% inclusion levels without any adverse effect on the rabbit performance
Evaluation of Stem Bark Extracts of Azadiratcha indica (A. Juss) and Vernonia amygdalina (Del.) for the Management of Aspergillus flavus on Tomato
No full textThis study investigated the antifungal effects of three concentrations of the stem bark extract of neem (Azadiratcha indica A. Juss) and bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina Del.) on Aspergillus flavus causal agent of rot in tomato fruits. Five, ten and fifteen percent concentration of the plant extracts were prepared by weighing 25 g, 50 g and 75 g and infusing each in 500 ml sterile cold water for 48 hours (weight by volume w/v). Potato dextrose agar (PDA) media was amended with the plant extracts and inoculated at the centre with 1 mm diameter mycelia discs taken from a advancing edges of a pure culture of seven days old A. flavus. Healthy tomato fruits were dipped in 5% w/v, 10% w/v and 15% w/v concentrations of the stem bark extracts for five minutes and the tomato fruits inoculated with 7 day old pure cultures of A. flavus. All the plant extracts tested at all concentrations significantly reduced the mycelia growth of A. flavus compared with the control. The tomato fruits treated with 5% w/v of A. indica had the lowest firmness decrease of 1.67 and was considered marketable. Tomato fruits treated with 15% w/v of A. indica had significantly (P≤ 0.05) lower weight loss of 20.30% compared with the control (61.73%). The study suggests that V. amygdalina can be used for the preservation of tomato fruits while A. indica can be used to improve tomato fruit quality in storage