Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research
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Assessment of Biosecurity in Confined Pig Farms in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas of Abidjan (Ivory Coast)
No full textThe purpose of this study is to assess the status of biosecurity measures in confined pig farms in the urban and peri-urban areas of Abidjan in order to make recommendations for improving their sanitary conditions. This study was conducted in 76 confined pig farms in order to assess biosecurity practices. It consisted of administering a questionnaire to farmers in the urban and peri-urban areas of Abidjan. The analysis of the implementation of external biosecurity measures showed that 46.67% of the farms were not fenced, 85.20% were adjacent to other pig farms and the distance between them was less than 200m in 75.40% of cases. Similarly, 35.80% of the farms were located less than 100m from houses. Barriers to entry existed in 37.5% but only 2.8% and 8.82% of farms had signs for visitors and trucks and a vehicle disinfection device at the entrance respectively. Only 6.8% of the farms had foot baths at the entrance of the buildings. The vast majority of farmers stated that they quarantine new animals. The principles of internal biosecurity are very little respected. Workers wear work clothes on the majority of farms, but more than half of them go outside with them. The same working equipment is used in the different lodges without distinction of the age of the subjects and very little cleaned and disinfected. The disinfectants used are bleach and cresyl without any dilution standard. The presence of other animal species was noted and rodent control was not practised. The pathologies encountered are predominantly diarrhoea, and postweaning animals are the most affected
Incidence of Aphid and Whitefly on Chilli and their Management using Biorational and New Generation Insecticides
No full textAn experiment was conducted at Entomology field laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the rabi season of 2019-2020 to investigate the incidence of aphid and whitefly on chilli and effect of some biorational and new generation insecticides for controlling those insects. The presence of aphids was first identified on 2nd week of January at the vegetative stage of the chilli plant with the density of 2.34 per leaf. Then a gradual increase and a subsequent decrease were observed in the aphid population. The population density was reached to the peak level by first week of February with the mean number of 16.69/leaf. Thereafter, the population decreased in a gradual manner and reached to the minimum level by the end of 3rd week of March. In case of whitefly, similar trend of incidence but comparatively lower incidence was recorded from seedling to fruiting stage. On the other hand, five biorational and new generation insecticides were evaluated against these insects in field condition. All tested insecticides were found very effective except Shurter 505 EC (Cypermethrin + Chlorpyriphos) regarding reduction of aphids and whitefly populations, curled leaf development and increases of yield of green chillies. Among rest of the four insecticides, the Imixam 70WDG @ 0.30 g/L water (Imidacloprid + Thiamethoxam) was found most effective that was significantly followed by 0.20 g/L. This findings was closely followed by Gain 20 SL (Imidacloprid), Lumectin 10WDG (Lufenuron + Emamectin Benzoate) and Biotrin 0.5% (Matrine) respectively considering all the parameters studied
Impact of Climate Change on Pulse Production and it’s Mitigation Strategies
No full textClimate change has emerged as one of the major environmental issue due to it’s subsequent effect on food production and food security. The changing climate over the years posing a major impact on rainfed crops including pulses. India, the largest producer of Pulses over the world with 25% share in global pulse production are largely dependent on pulses that grows in rainfed areas. As a result, climate change are predicted to be more pronounced in these crops. Increasing concentration of greenhouse gases like CO2 act as catalyst on enhancing global temperature which in term affecting heat-sensitive Pulse crops. Such a scenario emanating from the climate change presents a veritable challenge to the food and feed economy [1].
Pulses are one of the most important food crops which serve as main source of vegetable protein in human diet. In the recent scenario, we are observing a declining growth rate in pulse production. Inadequate and erratic rainfall, abrupt rise in temperature, untimely drought are posing threat to pulse production. Shift in monsoon causes delayed sowing of kharif crops as it’s consequence sowing of pulse crops in rabi season also get delayed. Delayed sown crops face terminal heat during it’s phenological growth which reduces it’s potential yield, on the other hand untimely rainfall in it’s reproductive growth period during the month of Feb-Mar reduces the yield drastically [2]. Other problems like salinity, waterlogging also act as menace in pulse cultivation. Last but not the least, changing climate often facilitates pest-disease infestation, weed emergence which can cause a huge reduction in crop yield.
To meet these emerging challenges of climate change, there is an urgent need of developing proper mitigation strategies combining with Agronomic and breeding approaches. Intervention of Government policy and crop insurance scheme along with proper alleviation strategies will definitely contribute in stabilization of yield of pulse crops in near future
Diagnosis of Ketosis in Postpartum Dairy Cows by Rapid On-Farm Tests in the Peri-Urban Area of Dakar, Senegal
No full textThe objective of this study is to contribute to the improvement of the productivity of dairy farms through the rapid detection of metabolic diseases of dairy cows on the farm. The study involved 42 dairy cows from a dairy farm located in the village of Niacoulrab. Four blood and urine samples were taken from each cow every two weeks for the first eight weeks after calving. Blood and urine ketone and glucose determinations and urine pH measurements were performed by FREESTYLE OPTIUM device, CUMBUR Test and pH paper during the first 8 weeks postpartum. The following results were obtained: the prevalence and incidence of subclinical ketosis were very high 45% and 32% respectively. At the 4th week of lactation, the blood concentration of Beta-Hydroxy-Butyrate was very high respectively 1.9 ± 0.31mmol/l and 4.2 ± 0.85 mmol/l in subclinical and clinical ketosis cows. At the 4th week of lactation, urinary acetoacetate concentration was very high in subclinical and clinical cows with values of 8.8 ± 2.3 mmol/l and 15 ± 3.8 mmol/l respectively. Blood glucose concentration was very low in subclinical and clinical ketosis cows with values of 0.37 ± 0.03 mmol/l and 0.2 ± 0.03 mmol/l respectively around the 4th week of lactation. There was a strong correlation between the concentrations of glucose (r2= -0.88) and Beta-HydroxyButyrate (-0.86) in blood and also with those of acetoacetate in urine
Okra Production Constraints and Awareness of Seed-Borne Fungi Infection in Ten Major Okra Growing Communities of the Ashanti Region of Ghana
No full textOkra production is one of the major sources of livelihood for the majority of farmers in the Ashanti region of Ghana. In view of this a survey was conducted among okra farmers in 10 major okra growing communities in Ashanti region of Ghana namely Mankranso, Mfensi-Adankwame, Beposo, Abompe, Kotokuom, Nkwanta-Kesse, Atwima Mim, Abaesua, Offinso and Nerebehi between October, 2017 and March, 2018 to assess their production constraints and awareness of seed-borne fungi infection menace and it management in okra. Data were obtained from 100 okra farmers selected using multi-stage sampling procedure through the use of structured questionnaire and interviews. Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) for Windows. Descriptive statistics were used and means were presented using tables and graphs. There was a clear dominance of male (75 %) as against female (25 %). Ninety-one percent (91%) of the farmers were married. Fifty four percent (54%) had basic education and 43% had no formal education. Approximately, 42 % of the farmers have been in okra production for over 10 years. Fifty three percent of the farmers intercropped okra with other vegetables. Majority (38%) of the farmers cultivated okra from two to three hectares. Most of the farmers (34 %) ranked pest infestation followed by diseases (24 %) as the major constraints of okra production. Majority (77 %) of the farmers were not aware of seed-borne fungi of okra and therefore most (73 %) of them did not manage the infection. Farmers should therefore be educated by extension officers on seed-borne fungi to create their awareness of the seed-borne infection in the study areas for effective management
Sustainable Intensification among Smallholder Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) Farms in Karoi, Zimbabwe
No full textThe study’s aim was to determine socioeconomic factors that influence sustainable intensification amongst smallholder tobacco farms in Karoi district, Zimbabwe. The study was conducted during the period November 2018 to February 2019. A descriptive approach was used in the study. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The main aspects measured by the questionnaire were household demographic characteristics, assets owned, livestock ownership, income and expenditure, agricultural production and marketing information. A sample of 91 respondents was chosen using the stratified random sampling technique, with the strata being the four wards in Karoi district. Descriptive statistics together with a multivariate regression model were used to analyse the determinants of sustainable intensification among the smallholder tobacco farms. The main findings suggested a significant relationship between sustainable intensification and use of improved seed (P=.01), household-head age (P=.1), household wealth index (P=.01) and distance to the nearest market (P=.01). Based on the findings, the study recommends that agricultural policy strategies should focus on provision of incentives that encourage the smallholder tobacco farmers to adopt environmentally friendly farming practices. Such strategies include, availing agricultural market-places close to the smallholder tobacco farms. Furthermore, the government must support farmers to acquire productive assets so as to enhance their household wealth index, which will eventually lead to sustainable intensification on smallholder tobacco farms
Sexual Activity of Local Sahel Goat Breed in Niger
No full textAims: In Niger, the Sahel goat breed counts for around 80% of the national goat herd. However, it is scientifically little or not known. Thus, one of the aims of its zootechnical characterization is the control of its sexual activity, a fundamental physiological basis of reproductive function.
Study Design: For this purpose, a sample of 47 Sahel goats in two phenotypically different sub-samples: from the Tahoua region (22) and Tillabéry region (25) was installed and monitored for heat control in order to characterize female sexual activities.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted for a period of 9 months (January to September) at the experimental station of University of Niamey Faculty of Agronomy.
Methodology: Heat controls by using harnessed males with a non-marking protective apron were carried out twice daily (8 am and 5 pm).
Results: A total of 146 heats and 100 cycles were observed. It appeared that heat starts and ends mostly in the morning (76% and 70% respectively). Annual sexual activity has gone through two phases. A phase of an almost total rupture of heat from February to April and a phase of regular sexual activity from May to September and by extension the rest of the year. The mean duration of estrus and sexual cycle are respectively 35.75 ± 15.72 hours and 20.9 ± 9.7 days with strong individual variations (12 to 132 hours and 4 to 55 days for respective estrus and sexual cycle). The “T” test showed that there are no significant differences in these parameters between the two sub-samples (Tahoua and Tillabéry).
Conclusion: Ultimately, the estrus and sexual cycle of Niger Sahel goat are common to those of the goat species in general
Multi-functions of Protaetia brevitarsis surensis (PBS, Larvae for Food) Reported in South Korea
No full textNowadays most people in advanced countries endangered under adult diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, inflammatory disease, human oxidation, and liver-related diseases. In South Korea also very serious situation for the adults and children by the changing from vegetable food to animal food and changed labor pattern from physical labor to mental labor.
We aim to review Protaetia brevitarsis surensis (PBS)’s beneficial multi-functions on human with research reports and verification of well-known common sense in South Korea, which was commonly known as medicinally very effective in liver related diseases. PBS larvae known as cold body characteristics, so, it more effective to Yang-in(Oriental physical constitution classification method: Warm body which Jinseng, Panax ginseng, not available people) than Um-in(Cool body- Jinseng available people). The functional effects mostly known effective on liver related diseases mainly by oriental clinic and as folk remedies. However, nowadays PBS larvae’s folk remedies and other multi-functions scientifically researched and that results verified by many papers such as whitening of skin therapeutic effects, prevention of breast cancer, inflammatory disease, human oxidation, and liver-related diseases. For the increasing of medicinal effects, advanced fermentation and ethanol extraction methods will be very useful compared to non-fermentation of PBS larvae and water extraction. So, we concluded that PBS could diminish or decreasing the adult diseases and it will be very useful food and medicinal materials simultaneously for the human food and medicine by the advanced extraction methods
Effect of Sowing Dates on Yield and Yield Components of Some Selected Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Varieties
No full textMost suitable sowing date and high yielding varieties are the primary agricultural practices to enhance production and productivity of chickpea. Hence, a field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of sowing dates on yield and yield components of chickpea varieties in the main cropping season of 2019 at Toke Kutaye, Ethiopia. Treatments consisted of four sowing dates (September 4th, September 14th, September 24th, and October 5th) and four kabuli varieties of chickpea; namely Dube (standard check), Dalota, Teji and Ejere. The experiment was laid out in split plot design using factorial arrangement with three replications where sowing date treatments were assigned to the main plots and varieties to sub plots. Dalota variety produced the highest number of pods (79.7) per plant. the main effects of sowing date and varieties were significantly different on biological yield. Highest biological yield (3776.9 kg ha-1 and 3761 kg ha-1) were recorded from September 24th and September 14th sown plots, respectively. Among varieties tested, the highest biological yield (3723.8 kg ha-1) was obtained from local variety. Highest grain yield (2415.4 kg ha-1) was recorded from plots sown on September 14th whereas Dalota variety produced highest grain yield (2051.25 kg ha-1). In case of harvest index, highest (67.9% and 59.6%) was recorded from September 14th sown plots and Dalota variety, respectively. Therefore, Dalota variety and September 14th sowing date emerged as best among all tested treatments and could be recommended for chickpea production in the study area
Comparison of Conventional Production and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in Greenhouse Grown Strawberry
No full textToday, the importance of safe food is increasing for all consumers. Increased consumer awareness has increased the importance of human health and environmentally sensitive systems. Environmentally friendly production systems, which have several different names, have increased and studies on this subject have become widespread.
Increasing in Turkey gradually, approximately 15.00 per cent of strawberry production areas are located in Aydın, and more than 50.00 per cent of strawberry production have been maintaining in Sultanhisar, Aydın. In 2017, more than 400 producers produced strawberries on an area of 9000 decares in Sultanhisar. There are 306 strawberry producers registered in the farmer registration system. Among these 306 farmers, 90 farmers have implemented good agriculture practices while the rest 216 farmers maintain conventional agricultural production.
The material of the research is the data obtained from the interviews conducted with the producers making greenhouse cultivation, who applied good agriculture and conventional production in the same production technology in Aydın in 2017. In this survey, 112 randomly selected producers were interviewed face to face.
Producers who did not switch to good agricultural practice stated that they could not pass because of several reasons including the bureaucratic transactions, land owner unwillingness to make a lease agreement, and the deed of their land was held by more than one owner. However, they expressed that they were willing to move to good agricultural practice. On the other hand, the producers who applied good agriculture stated that they started good agricultural practice due to the support of the state, and that good agricultural practice increased the product quality