Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research
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Baled Alfalfa Losses, Nutrient Values, and Storability Affected by Bale Density and Alfalfa Moisture Content
No full textBaled Alfalfa Losses, Nutrient Values, and Storability Affected by Bale Density and Alfalfa Moisture Content
Aims: In this study, effects of bale density and alfalfa moisture content on alfalfa losses, nutrient values, and storability of baled alfalfa were evaluated.
Study design: The research was conducted in the form of a split-plot experimental design with three replications. Alfalfa moisture content with three levels was considered as main plots, and alfalfa bale density with four levels was considered as subplots.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted on an alfalfa farm located in Eghlid township, Fars province, Iran from September 2008 to September 2010.
Methodology: The research was conducted in the form of a split-plot experimental design with three replications. Main plots were alfalfa moisture content levels including 14 to 17%, 17 to 20%, and 20 to 23% (wb), and subplots were bale density levels namely 110 to 120 kg/m3, 120 to 130 kg/m3, 130 to 140 kg/m3, and 140 to 150 kg/m3. Parameters including dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), and aflatoxin were measured at the beginning and after six months of storing the bales. Alfalfa losses were also measured in the baling and transportation processes. Collected data were analyzed using SAS statistics program and Duncan multiple range test was used to compare the treatments means.
Results: Results revealed that alfalfa moisture content had significant effect on alfalfa losses in baler pickup system (P=.05) and transportation losses (P=.01) so that baling alfalfa at the moisture content of 20 to 23% reduced alfalfa losses in baler pickup and transportation process for 40% and 70%, respectively compared to baling at 14 to 17% of moisture content. Results also showed that alfalfa can be baled at the moisture content range of 20 to 23% (wb) without losing its nutrient values and being infected by aflatoxin in the storage for a storing period of six months.
Conclusion: Results of this study revealed that:
Alfalfa moisture content has a significant effect on the alfalfa losses during the baling and transportation process so that alfalfa losses decrease with increasing moisture content.
Alfalfa losses during the baling and transportation process are significantly affected by bale density in such a way that higher losses occur at the looser bales.
Alfalfa can be baled at the moisture content range of 20 to 23 % (wb) and the bale density of 140 to 150 kg/m3 without losing its nutrient values and being infected by aflatoxin in the storage for a storing period of six months
Evaluation of F1 Hybrid Developed Thought Self-incompatibility Mechanism in Radish
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The present research consist of 57 (20 Parents and 37 F1s) radish genotypes to study the agronomic characteristics, the genetic diversity of these genotypes and to investigate the heterotic effects of the F1 hybrids which is developed thought self-incompatibility mechanism and to know the relationship between the diversity among the parents and high heterosis expressed in the selected hybrids. The genetic divergence among 57 genotypes of radish (Raphanus sativus L) was determined through PCO, PCA, Cluster analysis (CLSA) and Mohalanobis’s D2 analysis. Through multivariate analysis based on 16 characters, 57 genotypes were grouped into five distant clusters. All the genotypes were grouped into five clusters. The highest inter–cluster distance was observed between cluster II and III and the lowest between II and V. The maximum values of the inter-cluster distance indicated that the genotypes belonging to cluster II and cluster V have far diverged from those of cluster III. The relationship study between genetic diversity and heterosis revealed that genetic distance between cluster II and cluster V was lowest (1.823) but the cross between the parental genotypes showed better heterotic performance among 37 crosses. Significant positive correlation between genetic distance and heterosis was found in pod length. Considering heterotic performance and self-incompatibility status the crosses P7Xp8 (SIXSI), P31XP26 (SIXSI), P4XP22 (SCXSI), P24XP26 (SIXSI), P4XP31 (SCXSI), P11XP31 (SCXSI), and P22XP23 (SIXSI) appeared to be promising
Development of Yellow Mosaic Virus Resistance in Mung Bean through EMS Mutagenesis
No full textGreen gram is a variety of mungbean (Vigna radiata) and one of the most crucial food legumes consumed as a protein source. One of the most destructive diseases of the legume is Yellow mosaic virus. It is caused by bipartite begomoviruses namely mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV). One of the ways to strengthen resistance against the virus is mutation breeding. Several programs of induced mutations have been conducted in the subcontinent successfully. Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) been used as a chemical mutagen in the TILLING technique for mutation breeding programs for a while now since it induces point mutation within the genome. In this experiment the seeds of BARI Mung-6 were treated with six different concentrations (0.05%, 0.1%, 0.15%, 0.20%, 0.3% and 0.4%) EMS. Seeds were grown and advanced in the greenhouse till M3 generation. Individual lines were chosen as per standard disease grade 0-3. The M4 generation was grown in the research field and 13 lines were chosen as per level of disease resistance and 100 seed weight. Three lines were identified as high yielding resistant material from those thirteen tested lines
Part II: Economic Analyses and the Growth Performance of Broiler Finisher (29-58day) Birds on High Fibre-low Protein Industrial Plant By-products
No full textPart II: Economic Analyses and the Growth Performance of Broiler Finisher (29-58day) Birds on High Fibre-low Protein Industrial Plant By-products
Aims: To explore the possibility of utilizing bio-fermented industrial plant by-products as supplementary crude protein sources in broiler finisher phase of production.
Study Design: Two hundred and eighty-eight (288) birds were picked and randomized into six treatments in a completely randomize designed experiment. The data collected were subjected to One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using Minitab computer model (Version 16).
Place and Duration of Study: Research study was carried out at the Teaching & Research Farm of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, a town in the Southwest Nigeria between June and September 2016.
Methodology: The composite of the palm kernel meal (PKM), brewer dried grains (BDG) and molasses were prepared using a ratio of 50litres of water to 25 kg of PKM, 25 kg of BDG and 2.5 litres of molasses. The composite was fermented and dried before incorporation into experimental diets as protein supplement at 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35% inclusion levels in a completely randomized designed experiment.
Results: The average daily feed intake (ADFI) among treatments did not vary significantly (p˃0.05). Birds fed the 30% PBMC (diet 5) had the highest (P<0.05) weight gain value of 44.5±6.2 g/bird/day. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) of birds on 30% PBMC (diet 5) had the lowest significant (P<0.05) value of 2.15±0.21. The protein efficiency ratio (PER) of birds on 30% PBMC had the highest significant (P<0.05) value of 2.39±0.50. Birds fed with diet 5 (30% inclusion level of PBMC) had the highest total net returns of N1511.86 followed by birds on diets containing zero level of PBMC, 35, 20, 15 and 25% PBMC inclusion levels in that order.
Conclusion: In conclusion, for practical poultry feed formulation, fermented PBMC can be incorporated at levels up to 30% inclusion rates in broiler diets at the finisher phase of production where PBMC can be significantly utilized and converted to broiler meat
Performance of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) under Five Levels of Nitrogen Fertilizer in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
No full textThe research on the performance of cubanelle, variety of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in Zaria, Kaduna State of Nigeria was conducted in 2015 and 2016 in on station and on farm trials at Irrigation research station (IRS) farm village. The location is the Sudan savannah ecological zone, 11°39’N, 08°021’E at 500 m above sea level. The treatments evaluated consisted of five nitrogen rates, (A= 40, B = 60, C = 80, D = 100 and E = 120 kgN/ha) and three Stand density (1, 2 and 3 seedlings per stand). The combinations were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The gross plot size was 13.5 m2 and a net plot size of 9 m2 inter and intra- row spacing’s of 75 cm and 30 cm were adopted respectively. Seedlings were raised in the nursery bed by drilling in rows 10 cm apart at depth of 1 cm and covered lightly with top soil and then mulched with dry grass and watered regularly until seedling emerged (5 DAS). Inter- row mulching was carried out using dry grass to conserve moisture. The nursery seedlings were managed until the 5th week when they were transplanted to the field (on the 2nd week of November each year). The land was harrowed to a fine tilt and ridged 75 cm apart. Field was marked out into plots, separated by 1 m path and blocks were separated by a 2 m path. Transplanting was done 35 days after sowing. The recommended agronomic practices were dully observed at the appropriate time to ensure good crop performance. Parameters such as plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant fruit diameter (cm), fruit length (cm), total dry matter (TDM), days to 50% flowering and fresh fruit yield (kg/ha) were taken and subjected to statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) according to Gomez and Gomez (1984). Means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT). The results showed that the best yield was obtained at 80 kgN/ha with average yield of 4 - 7 pepper/plant; 579 – 600 kg/ha while the 120 kgN/ha gave 2 or 3 pepper/plant; 418 – 420 kg/h and high values of 27.50 cm and 25.50 cm as evidence of luxurious growth. It is therefore recommended to apply 80 kgN/ha on farm and irrigation at the area under study for maximum output and economic returns to the farmers
Comparative Study on the Condition Factor, Hematological and Serum Biochemical Parameters of Wild and Hatchery Collected Broodfish of the African Catfish Heterobranchus longifilis (Valenciennes 1840)
No full textComparative Study on the Condition Factor, Hematological and Serum Biochemical Parameters of Wild and Hatchery Collected Broodfish of the African Catfish Heterobranchus longifilis (Valenciennes 1840)
This study was conducted to investigate the condition factor, hematological and serum biochemical parameters of wild and hatchery collected broodfish of the African Catfish (Heterobranchus longifilis) and used as an indicator of their health condition. A total of 30 wild broodfish of the African Catfish, Heterobranchus longifilis (15 males and 15 females) of mean length (62.13 ± 0.80 cm) and mean body weight (1506.50 ± 44.82 g) were collected from Ayadehe, Itu Head Bridge and 30 broodfish (15 males and 15 females) of mean length (61.93 ± 0.69 cm) and mean body weight (1499.84 ± 46.28 g) were collected from a private hatchery located in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, and used for the study. Results showed that there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the hematological parameters including PCV, WBC, Hemoglobin, RBC, MCV, MCH and MCHC of both male and female wild and hatchery-bred broodfish of H. longifilis. Similarly, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the serum biochemical parameters including cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose and urea in both male and female wild and hatchery-bred broodfish of H. longifilis. Condition factor of male, female and pooled sex of both the wild and hatchery broodfish of H. longifilis showed that the fishes were in healthy condition. Hematological and serum biochemical parameters are very useful tools in analyzing the health status of broodfish as they provide reliable information the stress status which could influence broodfish reproductive performance. The result of this study, along with other findings will provide a reference for catfish breeders and aquaculturists evaluating the health status of hatchery and wild H. longifilis
Energetics of Drying Animal’s Hide and Skin via Different Dryer Designs
No full textEnergetics of Drying Animal’s Hide and Skin via Different Dryer Designs
Aims of the Study: The aim of this study was to evaluate the total energy requirement, specific energy consumption, activation energy and system efficiency for drying of hide and skin using various drying methods including solar drying, oven drying, hot air conventional drying and direct sun drying.
Materials and Methods: Cattle hide, Donkey hide and Sheepskin with initial moisture content of 64%, 70%, and 60% respectively (all wet basis) was dried to a final moisture content of 5.26% (after 660 min), 6.25% (after 720 min) and 4.76% (after 540 min) in an oven dryer. Energy and specific energy consumption under the different drying conditions of the hides and skins were compared.
Results and Discussion: The activation energy ranged from 20.961 kJ/mol to 27.363 kJ/mol for cattle hide, 23.246 kJ/mol to 26.039 kJ/mol for sheep skin and 26.414 kJ/mol to 31.344 kJ/mol for donkey hide. The maximum total energy consumption and specific energy consumption for the hides and skin studied were 1355.2 kWh and 3880.6 kWh/kg respectively. The overall system drying efficiency was 78%, 81% and 83% for cattle hide, sheep skin and donkey hide respectively.
Conclusion of the Findings: The activation energy of cattle hide was higher than the activation energy of donkey hide followed by sheep skin. The specific energy consumption and total energy consumption increased with increase in the air speed and decreased with increase in temperature. The values obtained in this work are consistent with the values reported by other authors and will form the basis for optimal dryer designs. The system efficiency decreased with drying time and was faster with sheep skin than cattle hide and donkey hide while the thermal efficiency of the dryers is highest in the solar cabinet dryer and least in the oven dryer.
Recommendation: Some other types of dryers should be compared with the solar cabinet dryer to determine the best economical dryer design that will give the best quality product
Influence of New Humex, Olivine, Potassium Silicate and Magnetic Iron on Growth of Washington Navel Orange Transplants Budded on Two Citrus Rootstocks
No full textThis investigation was carried out on potted transplants of Washington navel orange budded on two citrus rootstocks grown at nursery of Horticulture Department, Faculty of agriculture, Benha University, at Moshtohor, Touckh region Kalubia Governorate, Egypt during two successive 2014 and 2015 experimental seasons in this investigation the influence of two citrus rootstocks, namely: a._Sour orange ''Citrus aurantium'' b._Volkamer lemon ''Citrus volkameriana''. Also, the influence of nine treatments as follow: (T1) Control: Mineral N, P and K fertilization program as control, (T2) New humex 5 mL/L, (T3) New humex (5 mL/L) + potassium Silicate (10 mL/L), (T4) New humex (5 mL/L) + Magnetic iron 250 g/ transplant, (T5) + potassium silicate (10 m/L) + Magnetic iron (250 g per transplant). (T6) olivine (3 cm/L), (T7) olivine (3 cm/L) + potassium silicate (10 mL/L), (T8) Olivine (3 mL/L) + Magnetic iron, (T9) Olivine (3 mL/L) + potassium silicate (10 mL/L) + Magnetic iron. on growth measurements (1- Transplant height (cm) 2- Stem diameter (cm). 3- the number of leaves per transplant. 4- Leaf area. 5- Total assimilation area/transplant 6- Leaves fresh weight (g). 7- Leaves dry weight (g). 8- Root fresh weight (g). 9- Root dry weight (g). 10- Stem fresh weight (g). 11- Stem dry weight (g). 12- Total transplant fresh weight (g). 13- Total transplant dry weight (g). 14- Top dry weight. 15- Top/root ratio.) of Washington navel orange transplants budded on two citrus rootstocks. Uniform and healthy one-year-old transplants were used in this experiment. The influence was evaluated through the response of growth to the specific and interaction effects of both investigated factors. Concerning the interaction effect of the two investigated factors i.e., rootstock type and different fertilization treatments on growth of Washington navel orange transplants, data showed that the highest growth measurements were obtained with the combination between Washington orange transplants budded on Volkamer lemon rootstock and fertilized by (T9) Olivine + SiO2 + Fe Mag and/or (T5) New humex + SiO2 + Fe Mag during the two seasons of study
Effect of Saline Stress on Seed Germination of Three Leguminous species (Phaseolus vulgaris L., Glycine max L., and Vigna unguiculata L.)
No full textAims: Examine the effect of salt stress on the germination stage on the physiological behaviour of three leguminous grown in Côte d’Ivoire.
Methodology: The study was carried out in the plant physiology laboratory of University Félix HOUPHOUËT-BOIGNY at a temperature of 25°C. The seeds were germinated in Petri plates containing concentrations of salt (NaCl) from 0 g L-1 to 15 g L-1.
Results: Significant decreases of the germination and the growth rate of leguminous species under salt stress was observed. However, this effect varies according to the intensities of stress and the species.
Conclusion: Soybean (Glycine max L.) showed high tolerance to salt stress with a germination rate of 40% in the most severe stress conditions (15 g L-1), while the cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) showed a low tolerance with a germination rate of 13 % under the same condition
Comparative Evaluation of Cyanide Degrading Potential of Some Microbial Fermenters on Manihot esculentum Crantz
No full textComparative Evaluation of Cyanide Degrading Potential of Some Microbial Fermenters on
Manihot esculentum Crantz
Aim: The aim of this work is to determine the cyanide degrading potentials of microbial fermenters on Manihot esculentum Crantz.
Study Design: Pure culture of Weissella confusa, Lactobacillus brevis1,Lactobacillus fermentum 1, Lactobacillus plantarum 1, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium sp and Trichoderma sp were used for the study. Freshly harvested cassava tuber was peeled, washed and cut into pieces. 50g of the substrate (homogenized cassava) was put into separately labeled Erlenmeyer flask and was made up to 100ml with sterile distilled water. Four flasks labeled WC, LB, LF1, and LP1 were inoculated with bacterial isolates. While the flasks labeled AN, FS and TS were inoculated with Mould isolates. However, the control flask labeled CTRL was not inoculated with any organism. The flasks were covered with sterile cotton wool and allowed to ferment for 4days at room temperature in a shaker. Methodology: Hydrogen cyanide content of cassava was determined using standard methods. Data generated from the study was subjected to statistical analysis using ANOVA.
Results: On day 1, there was no reduction in cyanide content across cassava samples. On day 2, L. plantarum 1, A. niger, L. fermentum, L. brevis, caused a significant (P<0.05) reduction (2.01±0.21 mg HCN/100g wet weight), (2.40±0.20 mg HCN/100gw.w), (2.60±0.02 mg HCN/100g w.w) and (2.80±0.60 mg HCN/100g w.w) respectively in the cyanide content of cassava sample.On day 3, A.niger, L. Plantarum 1, W. Confusa, L. Brevis brought about a significant (P<0.05) reduction in the cyanide content of cassava sample (0.80±0.00 mg HCN/100g w.w), (1.20±0.20 mg HCN/100g w.w), (1.20±0.40 mg HCN/100g w.w) and (1.80±0.40 mg HCN/100g w.w) respectively. On day 4, L. plantarum 1, L. fermentum, Fusarum sp, L. brevis, Trichoderma sp and W. confusa (0.10±0.10 mg HCN/100g mg HCN/100g w.w), (0.21±0.01 mg HCN/100g w.w), (0.30±0.10 mg HCN/100g w.w), (0.40±0.20 mg HCN/100g w.w), (0.60±0.00 mg HCN/100g w.w), (0.90 ±0.10 mg HCN/100g w.w) respectively brought about a significant(P<0.05) reduction in cyanide content of cassava sample In Conclusion: In conclusion L. plantarum 1 has outstanding cyanide degrading potential compared to other microbial fermenters used in this study