Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research
Not a member yet
588 research outputs found
Sort by
Sexual Dimorphism on Haematological and Genetic Parameters of Japanese Quails
No full textThe study evaluated effect of Sex on Haematological parameters and Correlation with body weight of Japanese quails at Teaching and Research Farm of University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria. Authors declared that “principle of laboratory animal care” (NIH publication 85-23 revised 1985) were followed as well as the University law. The experiment has been examined and approved by the University law. Total of 400 birds (200 birds per sex) were reared in a Completely Randomized Design under standard management practices for 7 weeks with feed and water given ad libitum. Sex were considered treatments. Weekly body weight (BW) was measured. 100 birds per sex were randomly selected and blood samples were collected for haematological analysis. The parameters include: White Blood Cell(WBC), Red Blood Cell(RBC), Haemoglobin(Hb), Packed Cell Volume(PCV), Mean Corpuscular Volume(MCV), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin(MCH), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration(MCHC) and Platelet. The results showed that sex significantly (P< .05) influenced some of the haematological parameters of Japanese quails at 7 weeks. Females had significantly (P<.05) higher mean values in WBC (45.9 ±1.47 ×109/L), Hb (15.58±0.23 g/l) and PCV (47.75±0.72%) than males with WBC (32.09±1.31×109/L), Hb (13.72±0.25 g/l) and PCV (41.50±0.66%). There were no significant (P >.05) difference in mean values for RBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC and Platelet in both sexes measured. Correlation between BW and haematological parameters for male quails ranged from -10% to 50% (low to medium trend) while that of Female counterparts was -19% to 60% (low to high trend). In conclusion, female quails had higher values in WBC, Hb and PVC than the Males counterparts. Hence, female quails were considered fit for studying quails’ health status as this will help in establishing a breeding program of the quails than using Males. Body weight of female quails is a good selection tool to predict haematological parameters of quails
Evaluating the Impact of Rural Finance on Cocoa Farmers Productivity: A Case Study of Bodi District in Ghana
No full textBackground: Agricultural finance from rural and community banks play a major role in increasing both yield and income of rural farmers in agricultural-dependent economies. These finances are needed for purchasing raw materials, paying labor fees and buying farming equipment, etc. However, substantial evidence about their roles in improving farm productivity is lacking, especially in the cocoa sector in Ghana, where rural and community banks are the forerunners in advancing credit to cocoa farmers in Ghana’s deprived rural cocoa-growing communities. This research, therefore, seeks to determine the impact of rural and community banks’ credit on cocoa farmers' productivity in the Bodi District of Ghana.
Methodology: Using random sampling method, a cross-sectional data of 350 cocoa farmers from 5 operational areas (Afere, Bodi, Amoaya, Kama and Suino) located in Bodi District in the Western region. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models. Statistical software (SPSS v20 and STATA v14) were used to analyze quantitative data on cocoa productivity.
Results: The results revealed that cocoa farmers with access to credit experienced significant yield increase (p<0.05) with a mean of 359.71 kgha-1 as compared to 235.30 kgha-1 for non-credit takers. Further, only 34.3% of farmers accessed credit for farming. With Pseudo R2 value of 0.78, farm tenure system, fertilizer use, access to credit and access to extension services significantly influenced cocoa yield, while the age of cocoa farmer, age of farm trees and vulnerability of farm to natural disaster negatively affected cocoa yield. Tukey HSD results (p<0.00) indicate that rural banks credit allocations to non-agricultural activities such as trade and transport, and social loans had the highest percentage means which suggests that agriculture is treated less favorable in rural banks' credit portfolio. These findings give credence to the assertion that rural banks are deviating from their core mandate of supporting agriculture in Ghana.
Conclusion: This study reaffirms the supporting roles played by rural and community banks in increasing cocoa yield in Ghana. However, this research recommends that, the Bank of Ghana should closely monitor the activities of these unit banks to reduce the instances of diverting all their funds to non-agricultural related activities
Organochlorine Residues Levels in Some Selected Kolanuts (Cola nitida Schott & Endl.) in Côte d’Ivoire
No full textAims: The aim of this study was to assess the level of organochlorine pesticide (OCPs) residues in some selected kolanuts in Côte d’Ivoire.
Study Design: Kolanuts samples were collected from farmers, collectors and urban stores in 3 regions, in particular western, southwestern and eastern of Côte d’Ivoire.
Place and Duration of Study: Health Department of Hydrology Health and Toxicology, Training and Research Unit of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, running 2017-2018.
Methodology: A total of 225 samples were analyzed using a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector.
Results: Data showed that all 17 pesticides analyzed were detected in kolanuts samples. Statistical analysis indicated no significant difference in OCPs sub-group used by farmers and traders in all producing region. The mean levels of HCHs, DDTs and cyclodienes were ranged from 0.07± 0.01– 0.91± 0.05 mg/kg, 0.15±0.01 – 0.61±0.12 mg/kg and 0.12±0.03 - 0.84±0.46 mg/kg, respectively. Otherwise, farmer’s levels of OCPs were lower than those detected in kolanuts from collectors and urban stores samples. Thus, compared to the MRL set by the World Health Organization/Food and Agricultural Organization, the farmer’s samples are lower than limits fixed, unlike the contents registered with collectors and urban stores.
Conclusion: There is the need to keep monitoring ecotoxicological chemical substances in kolanuts produced in Côte d’Ivoire and take steps that ensure health safety of end users. Care should be taken since residues could pose chronic health risk for adults and children
Evaluation of Rice Offal Meal Improved by Rumen Filtrate Fermentation on the Performance and Economics of Producing Table Rabbits
No full textIn an effort to expand the knowledge base on the use of non conventional feedstuff in rabbit nutrition, the nutritional potential and the cost effectiveness of using rice offal fermented with rumen filtrate for 48 hours was investigated using twenty five (25) growing crossbred rabbit bucks weighed between 625.34 g-631.21 g for 10 weeks. The rabbits were divided into five (5) treatment groups of five (5) rabbits each with each rabbit serving as a replicate in a completely randomized design experiment. The control group was fed with a diet containing maize as the main energy source while the remaining four groups were fed with diets in which the maize was replaced with 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% Rumen filtrate fermented-rice offal meals respectively. Final weight was similar (P>0.05) in rabbits fed maize-based control diet and those fed diet containing 5% to 20% Rumen Filtrate Fermented Rice Offal Meals (FRO). The experimental diets had significant (P<0.05) effect on the daily feed intake, and daily body weight gain with rabbits on 20% having superior weights of 93.88 g and 20.54 g respectively, and a better feed conversion ratio of 4.57 g. The cost of feed per kg of weight gain was lowered progressively from N446/kg for the control diet to N307/kg for the 20% FRO diet, where the lowest feed cost was observed, with a concomitant improvement in overall production profitability. It was concluded that fermenting rice offal with rumen filtrate had high potential as a possible replacement for maize in rabbit diet at inclusion levels of up to 20%. The use of this agricultural by-product can reduce the cost of rabbit production, increase the availability of cheaper animal protein for the populace, generate higher profit margins for the livestock farmer and reduce environmental pollution. It was therefore recommended that feed manufacturers and rabbit farmers can incorporate up to 20% of bovine rumen filtrate-fermented rice offal meal in the diets of rabbits without compromising performance
Accelerated Ripening Agents and Their Effect on the Quality of Avocado (Persia americana M.) and Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Fruits
No full textThe natural process of fruit ripening is a combination of physiological, biochemical and molecular processes which can be activated or accelerated artificially by using different chemical agents. This study was carried out to examine the effects of three ripening process on the quality of avocado and mango fruits. Freshly unripe mango and avocado fruits were treated with calcium carbide powder, kerosene fumes and ripening in woven polypropylene bags. Calcium carbide treated fruits were stored for 48 hrs and all the samples were fully ripened except avocado fruit. The kerosene fumed fruits were stored for 24 hrs and then exposed to open air for another 24 hrs. Fruits ripened in empty plastic rice got ripened within 4 and 5 days for mango and avocado, respectively. The fruits were then analyzed for their physicochemical properties and sulphide and sulphate distributions using standard methods. The result revealed a decrease in TTA, pH, carbohydrate and vitamin C contents on ripening. On the other hand, moisture and TSS was observed to increase. However, accelerated ripening had no significant (p<0.05) effect on the moisture and vitamin C content of the fruits. Mango samples treated with calcium carbide recorded higher acidity (0.92%) and low pH (3.08) than those treated with kerosene (0.29% and 3.71%, respectively). Sulphide and sulphate distribution of avocado was found to increase after accelerated ripening with kerosene fumes. A decrease for sulphate (outer distribution) and increase for sulphate (inner) and sulphide (outer) was observed for mango fruits. The results also showed that ripening in woven polypropylene had no significant (p<0.05) effect on the TTA of the fruits while pH, moisture and TSS varied significantly (p<0.05) with fruit type. The use of calcium carbide for fruit ripening is not advisable
Biodegradation of Cassava Peel with Pleurotus ostreatus and Bacillus cereus for the Production of Poultry Feed
No full textThis study aimed to produce poultry feed from Pleurotus ostreatus and Bacillus cereus biodegraded cassava peel. The biodegradation of cassava peel substrates was for 28 day. The biodegradation setups ST1-ST9 consist of 150g cassava peel + 30 ml, 20ml and 10ml of Consortium, Bacillus cereus and Pleurotus ostreatus respectively. Treated cassava substrate was fortified with palm press fiber (PPF) and fish waste (FW). The birds were fed with the feeds and monitored for 28 days. Results for proximate analysis of the fortification materials showed the nutrient concentration as: Moisture (PPF=7.1%, FW=2.75%); Ash (PPF=1.45%, FW=29.9%); Lipid (PPF=45.24%, FW=7.88%); Carbohydrate (PPF=3.35%, FW=6.33%); Fibre (PPF=28.42%,
FW=11.6%) and Protein (PPF=14.44%, FW=41.56%). Improved proximate composition was noticed in poultry feeds ST1, ST4 and ST9 after fortification, with ash values of 8.50, 5.70 and 6.90; carbohydrate 21.12, 28.25 and 27.72; lipid 8.50, 6.70 and 7.90; protein 19.31, 20.25 and 18.13, and fibre 29.77, 30.00 and 28.05 in that order. Results of growth parameters of birds fed with processed poultry feeds showed that ST1, ST4 and ST9 competed considerably in height and weight with birds fed with the commercial feed. The Cyanide content of the fresh cassava peel was 175mg/kg on day one which decreased to 0.00mg/kg in all treatments. Microbial contaminants present in the processed feeds include Micrococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Streptococcus sp., Bacillus sp. and Aspergillus sp. Total Heterotrophic Bacterial Count (THBC) ranged from 27.5x103 to 4.5 x103 CFU/g while Total Fungal Count (TFC) ranged from 1 x103-3 x103SFU/g. To this end, it is advisable that more research work on quality improvement of the feed and bioconversion of other waste be conducted
Assessment of Domestic and Wild Animals Pets Owned by Residents of Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria
No full textPeting is an age-old habit of keeping either domestic or wild animals as man’s companion. In Makurdi metropolis, residents also keep pets. This study was conducted with the objectives of assessing the Domestic and Wild Animal pets owned by residents of Makurdi Metropolis. Questionnaire was used and structured into 2 sections namely, socio- demographic characteristics of residents and ownership of domestic and wild animals pets. Simple and systematic random samplings were used to select sample locations in which a total of 250 questionnaires were administered; Descriptive statistics, Students t-test and chi-square analysis were used to analyzed data. Result showed that, out of the 250 respondents; 144 were male respondents while 106 were female respondents. Residents of Makurdi Metropolis owned both domestic and wild animal’s pets. The commonest domestic animal pet was the Dog. While the commonest wild animal pet was the Red Patas Monkey (Erythrocebus patas). It was therefore recommended that more Enlightenment campaigns on the danger of zoonotic diseases transmission associated with pets and their preventive measures should be given to residents of Makurdi metropolis to forestall future public health hazards
Dry Matter Yield and Quality of Two Temperate and Two Tropical Forage Legume Hays Harvested at Early-Flowering in Jos, Nigeria
No full textThe study was designed to evaluate the dry matter yield and quality of two temperate (T. Pratense and T. repens) and two tropical forage legumes (S. guianensis and C.molle) harvested at early-flowering stage for hay in a cool tropical environment of Vom, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. The legumes were planted in the month of June, 2015 and 2016 in a 4 x 4 Latin Square Design with four replicates in plots measuring 5 m x 3 m. The forages were harvested at early-flowering stage for yield components, dry matter yield and nutrient quality evaluation.
The result showed that C. molle was significantly (P<0.01) higher in height in the two seasons compared to the other legumes. Number of leaves per plant was higher (P<0.01) significantly in S. guianensis (125.00) in 2015 whereas, T. repens had higher (P<0.01) value (187.25) in 2016 cropping season. Stylosanthes guianensis produced significantly (P<0.01) higher dry matter with 10.42 t ha-1 in 2015, while the dry matter yield obtained from C. molle (2.90 t ha-1) was the highest in 2016. Trifolium pratense and T. repens were scored excellent grade, while Stylosanthes guianensis and Centrosema molle were scored good in quality. Crude protein content was significantly (P<0.01) higher in T. repens (18.38%) compared to T. pratense (16.50 %), whereas S. guianensis produced the least value of 13.83%. The crude fibre content of the of the forage materials on the other hand was significantly higher (P<0.0I) in S. guianensis (37.29 %) compared to the other forage legumes.
The temperate forage legumes in this trial were higher in nutrient content, but lower in dry matter yield. Therefore, the forage crops may serve as better supplementary feeds for livestock feeding especially during the dry season
Productive Impact of Residual Nutrients (N and P) in Maize and Soybean Rotation
No full textAgricultural intensification has resulted in severe soil nutrient depletion in Africa. Alternative agricultural practices have been promoted to restore and sustain soil fertility. Use of mineral fertilizer alongside different cropping systems has been particularly promising. This study was conducted in the Guinea savannah zone of Ghana during the 2015 and 2016 cropping season (July to November) to assess the performance of soybean and maize in a rotation system. In season one, using randomized complete block design the treatments were, soybean (without treatment), inoculated soybean, soybean with phosphorus application, inoculated soybean with phosphorus application and maize. During the second season, the first season experimental plots served as main-plots and divided into four sub-plots on which maize planted and treated with four nitrogen rates in a split plot design. The results show that soybean production leads to significant increase in residual soil nitrogen content of about 16kg/ha to 55kg/ha, which is about 28 folds higher than that observed in maize fields. The level of Residual N was enhanced with inoculation. Phosphorus application during the first season of maize cultivation led to increases in residual P levels, which had a positive impact on yield of soybean in the second season. Grain yield of maize that followed soybean in a rotation system performed better than maize that followed maize at various fertilizer rates. This shows that, the residual N and P helps maize and soybean respectively in a rotation system which makes it highly economical
Effect of Chitosan Coating on Physiological Responses and Nutritional Qualities of Tomato Fruits during Postharvest Storage
No full textThis experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of chitosan coating on physiological responses and nutritional qualities of tomato fruits at postharvest storage. There were four treatments of chitosan viz. T0 (control), T1 (0.10%), T2 (0.20%) and T3 (0.30%), and two storage conditions viz. in refrigerator (4°C) and room temperature (≈23-25°C). The matured light yellow tomato fruit samples were collected at 10, 20, 30 and 50 days after postharvest storage to assess physiological parameters viz. shelf life and weight loss as well as to determine lycopene and mineral constituents viz. Ca, Mg, P, S, Na and K. The mean weight loss of tomato fruits were 0.64, 1.28, 1.59 and 2.28% at 4°C, while it was 0.88, 1.84, 2.60 and 4.80% at room temperature at 10, 20, 30 and 50 days after postharvest storage, respectively. The shelf life of tomato fruits ranged between 58.3-100.0, 50.0-100.0, 33.3-75.0 and 16.7-66.8% at 4°C, while the ranges were 66.8-100.0, 50.0-100.0, 33.3-75.0 and 0.0-41.8% at room temperature at 10, 20, 30 and 50 days after postharvest storage, respectively. As regards to weight loss and shelf life, the study results inferred that chitosan coating with 0.2% solution is useful at postharvest storage of fruits. The study results revealed that storage temperatures (4°C and ≈23-25°C) had no effect on the total contents of different mineral element of tomato fruits but lycopene content reduced almost twice at refrigerated condition. On the other hand, the effect of chitosan coating on Ca, Mg, P, S, Na and K contents of tomato fruits at different days after postharvest storage were highly significant at both conditions. Finally, the study results concluded that 0.2% chitosan based coatings in tomato fruits proved to extend the shelf life by decreasing the decay incidence and weight loss, and refrigerated condition is better than that of room temperature