Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research
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Endoparasitic Infestation of the Nile Squeaker, Synodontis schall (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) from the Cross River Estuary, Nigeria
No full textEndoparasitic Infestation of the Nile Squeaker, Synodontis schall (Bloch and Schneider, 1801)
from the Cross River Estuary, Nigeria
The mean goal of this study was to determine the abundance, intensity, and prevalence of endoparasites of Synodontis schall from the Cross River Estuary, Nigeria, and the public health implications to fish consumers. A total of 150 fresh samples were collected between May and October 2013 from the catches of the artisanal fisheries at Nsidung beach and transported to the Fisheries and Aquaculture laboratory, University of Calabar, for identification and parasitological examination. The internal organs including intestines and stomach were removed and examined microscopically for parasites. The overall prevalence of endoparasites was 11.33% and endoparasites recovered belonged to nematode (Camallanus kirandensi), Cestode (Diphyllobothrium sp. and Proteocephalus largoproglotis), and Acanthocephalans (Pomporhynchus laevis and Acanthela sp.). Parasites were more prevalent in the intestine (28 endoparasites – 59.57%) than the stomach (19 endoparasites – 40.43%) indicating that the intestine is a more favorable internal organ for endoparasites. Infestation rate was significantly higher (P<0.05) in 10 – 14.9 cm size class (53.33%), followed by 15 – 19.9cm (3.00%), followed by ≥ 20.0 cm (8.00%) and lowest in 5-9.9 cm size class (4.67%). Prevalence and abundance was significantly higher (P<0.05) in 15 – 19.9 cm size class, followed by 20 – 24.9 cm, followed by 10 -14.9 cm and lowest in 5 – 9.9 cm while intensity was highest in 10 – 14.9 cm size class, followed by 15 – 19.9 cm, followed by ≥ 20.0 cm and lowest in 5 – 9.9 cm. Intensity and abundance of endoparasites were significantly higher (P<0.05) in females than males whereas prevalence was higher in males than females. It can be concluded that the risk of zoonosis was extremely low because intestine and stomach of this fish were not consumed. However, to eliminate the risk of zoonosis, fish consumed should be previously washed with clean water and cooked properly
Natural Abundance of the Larval Ectoparasitoid Diglyphus isaea Walker (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) on the Tomato Leaf Miner Liriomyza bryonia. (Diptera: Agromyzidae) On Some Summer Host Plants in Ojilate Region, Libya
No full textNatural abundance of the larval ectoparasitoid Diglyphus isaea walker was estimated on three summer host plants [tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), Bell peppers (Capsicum annuum), eggplants (Solanum melongena)] in Ojilate region. The parasitoid recorded low abundance in April on all studied host plants. Then developed high populations in May and June, the population then decreased by the end of the successive season.
The parasitoid D. isaea showed 2-3 peaks of abundance on all investigated host plants, the highest one recorded 36, 29, and 16 individuals/ 50 infested leaflets on tomatoes, eggplant, and bell pepper respectively. The highest monthly average numbers in June on tomatoes recorded 26.25±3.86, in May on eggplants recorded 20.25±6.50, and in June on bell pepper recorded (20.25±6.50 individuals/ 50 infested leaflets). Moreover the highest average monthly percentages of parasitism occurred in May recorded (45.71±27.66, 41.04±25.13 and 25.19±11.19) on tomatoes, eggplants and bell pepper respectively
Experimental Evaluation of Drying Characteristics of Animal’s Hide and Skin with Different Drying Media
No full textExperimental Evaluation of Drying Characteristics of Animal’s Hide and Skin with Different Drying Media
Aims: The design and development of low-cost drying technologies suitable for animal hides and skins in rural areas require a clear knowledge of its characteristics. Therefore, the aim of this study is to carry out the experimental evaluation of drying characteristics of animal’s hide and skin with different drying media.
Study Design: Experimental Study Design was used in the study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Faculty of Engineering workshop, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria from June 2016 and July 2017.
Methodology: Samples of cattle hides, donkey hides and sheepskins were used. The hides and skins were thoroughly washed to ward off blood and dirt. Different drying techniques employed include solar drying, oven drying, open sun drying and hot air conventional drying. The effect of drying air speed and temperature on the drying of cattle hides, sheepskin and donkey hide was also investigated under varying conditions. Classical equations were utilized in calculating Water Activity, Mold-Freed Shelf Life (MFSL), Effective Moisture Diffusivity Deff, Shrinkage Ratio (SR) and Moisture Ratio (MR).
Results: Computation of mold-free shelf life (MFSL) showed 1790 days for the dried products. The result revealed that the effective moisture diffusivity of Donkey hide is generally greater than that of Sheepskin and Cattle hide. The moisture diffusion constant ranged from 1.1213 x 10-8 m2/s to 2.2797 x 10-8 m2/s, 1.0128 x 10-8 m2/s to 1.5046 x 10-8 m2/s and 1.34815 x 10-8 m2/s to 1.7326 x 10-8 m2/s for Solar Dried Donkey Hide (SDDH), Solar Dried Sheep Skin (SDSS) and Solar Dried Cattle Hide (SDCH) respectively as the air speed increased from 2.0 to 4.0 m2/s.
Conclusion: The drying of Cattle hide, Sheepskin and Donkey hide occur mainly in the falling rate period. The drying time decreased with air-speed and temperature. The water activity-dependent of the moisture content and its value affects the estimated mold-free shelf life. The effective moisture diffusivity increased with the air speed and temperature
Symbiotic Efficiency of Commercial and Native Rhizobia of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) in South Western Kenya
No full textField experiments were conducted at Kericho East (0°22' S, 35°17' E) and Bomet central (0°47' S, 35°21' E) in South Western Kenya between July 2012 and March 2014, to determine the effects of rhizobia inoculation on nodulation, growth, yield, nitrogen (N) fixation and nodule occupancy of cowpea. Four cowpea varieties (KVU 27-1, K80, M66 and Ngor) received each of the following treatments: inoculation with Bradyrhizobiumsp. USDA 3456, 20 kg N ha-1, 40 kg N ha-1, or untreated (absolute control). The experimental design used was randomised complete block design in a 4 x 4 factorial arrangement. N-fixed by cowpea plants in inoculated and untreated plots was determined using 15N natural abundance technique. Nodule occupancy was done by sequence analyses of 16S rRNA gene in bacterial isolates from cowpea nodules. Data collected were: nodule number and weight, leaf area index, shoot dry weight, shoots and grain nitrogen content, nitrogen fixed and grain yield. Results showed that rhizobial inoculation significantly (P≤.05) increased cowpea nodulation twice out of five sampling times in moderately acidic soils of Bomet central, but increased cowpea nodules only once in strongly acidic soils of Kericho East. Bradyrhizobium inoculation had no significant (P≤.05) effects on growth, tissue N or on the amount of N fixed at the experimental sites. The quantity of N-fixed by the four cowpea varieties in the acid soils was between 9.8 - 19.8 mg N plant-1, which was less than 2 kg N ha-1. None of the bacterial isolates from cowpea nodules had similarity to inoculated Bradyrhizobium sp. or any species in Rhizobiaceae family, possibly due to antagonistic effects of nodule endophytes on rhizobia. Nodules were dominated by two species of endophytic plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB): Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus aryabhattai. It is concluded that under the prevailing soil conditions in South Western Kenya, cowpea plants do not respond to Bradyrhizobium inoculation, and amount of N-fixed by both indigenous and commercial rhizobia is low. Two species of endophytic PGPB are predominant in the acid soils, and their role in cowpea production need to be determined
Laying Performance and Egg Characteristics of Japanese Quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) Fed Diets Containing Mango Fruit Reject Meal
No full textOrayaga, Kanan Tyohemba1
Aim: The experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of composite mango fruit rejects meal on the performance of laying Japanese quails.
Methodology: Mango fruit reject meal (MFRM) was included in laying Japanese quails' diets at 0.0, 40.00, 80.00, 120.00 and 160.00 g/kg respectively; 0.0 g/kg MFRM served as the control diet. One hundred and twenty (120) 51-day-old Japanese quails were randomly allocated to the five dietary treatments and replicated three times with each replicate having eight (8) quail birds in a completely randomized design and fed for 28 days.
Results: Proximate composition of MFRM showed that it has high soluble carbohydrate (810.10 g/kg); low protein (43.80 g/kg), fat and fibre. Growth in the laying phase and laying performances were not significantly affected. There were no significant differences among treatment groups for egg characteristics as well.
Conclusion: It was concluded that MFRM is a utilisable energy feedstuff in quail diets and should be included at 160.00 g/kg in place of maize. It was recommended that higher levels should be investigated
Comparative Contribution of Crops and Homestead Forest Enterprises to Rural Household Economy: A Case Study of Keshorita Village in Bangladesh
No full textComparative Contribution of Crops and Homestead Forest Enterprises to Rural Household Economy: A Case Study of Keshorita Village in Bangladesh
Despite over-dependence on the crop based farming economy, homestead forestry practices have immense potential to ensure sustainable livelihoods in the rural and peri-urban areas of Bangladesh. A clear understanding of the physical characteristics and economic role of both sectors in rural livelihoods is vital for sustainable resource management. This study focused on the crop and homestead forest tree species diversity, profitability and their relative contribution to the household economy. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 90 sampled respondents for gathering primary data. Statistical software SPSS was employed for necessary data analysis. Findings revealed that rice remained as a single cereal crop whereas species richness of vegetables, timber and fruit trees was 3.20, 11.64 and 11.76, respectively. It was found that Mango and Jackfruit are abundant and profitable fruit trees whereas Mahogany and Jackfruit are the dominant timber trees. On average, crop and homestead forests contributed 36.42% and 20.65% to household income, respectively. Production and income from crops and homestead forests on a per hectare basis were found to vary widely among different landholding size classes, level of education and farming experiences. It is suggested that diversification of crops and forests production along with the improvement of education level amongst farmers could improve family income and ensure better livelihoods.  
Effects of Different Inclusion Levels of Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal (MLM) on the Fecundity and Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) of the African Catfish Heterobranchus longifilis
No full textEffects of Different Inclusion Levels of Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal (MLM) on the Fecundity and Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) of the African Catfish Heterobranchus longifilis
This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of varying inclusion levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MLM) on fecundity and gonado-somatic index (GSI-%) of the African catfish Heterobranchus longifilis. Fifteen (15) tarpaulin unit measuring 100 by 80 by 100 cm was used to aid triplication of the five experimental groups. Five isonitrogenous diets (43% cp) including Diet A (control), Diet B (5% MLM), Diet C (10% MLM), Diet D (15% MLM) and Diet E (20% MLM) were used for this study. A total of three hundred (300) healthy fingerlings of H. longifilis with mean bulk body weight 361.60 ± 0.3 g and total length 11.15 ± 0.04 cm were stocked in the 15 units (20 in each unit). Results of the proximate composition showed that M. oleifera leaf meal (MLM) had a rich nutritional profile with crude protein level of 27.80 ± 0.02%, ash (6.45 ± 0.02%), crude fibre (18.50 ± 0.01%), crude fat (2.72 ± 0.02%), moisture (8.36 ± 0.03%) and nitrogen-free extract (36.17 ± 0.02%). Mean fecundity was significantly higher (P<0.05) in fish fed Diet C (10% MLM) with 71195.25 ± 9551 eggs, followed by fish fed Diet D (15% MLM) with 59085.50 ± 8208 egg and least in fish fed Diet A (control) with 43150.75 ± 7964 eggs. Female fish fed Diet C (10% MLM) had the highest GSI value of 9.93 ± 0.87% which was significantly different (P<0.05) from other treatments and the least female GSI 9.93 ± 0.87% was obtained in fish fed Diet A (control). Similarly, male GSI was significantly higher (P<0.05) in fish fed Diet C (10%MLM) with a value of 0.94 ± 0.04% and least (0.79 ± 0.06%) in fish fed Diet A (control). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in food conversion ratio (FCR), and food conversion efficiency of fish fed all the experimental diets. In conclusion, incorporation of M. oleifera leaf meal (MLM) in the diet of H. longifilis at 15% level will result in a higher fecundity and improved gonadal development
Farmers’ Perception on Integrated Watershed Management and Household Annual Income Evaluation at Maego Watershed, North Ethiopia
No full textFarmers’ Perception on Integrated Watershed Management and Household Annual Income Evaluation at Maego Watershed, North Ethiopia
This study was conducted to assess integrated watershed management (IWSM) measures and determinant factors for household annual income at Maego watershed. Fifty one respondents were randomly selected from the upper and lower watershed beneficiaries and interviewed. Participatory Rural Appraisal was employed during the data collection. Simple descriptive statistical analysis and general linear regression model were used to analyze the data using SPSS and STATA softwares.
Most of the farmers explained that even though the number of livestock owned by each household was decreased, the number of households which owned livestock had increased after IWSM. Exotic and cross breeds of livestock has been introduced with IWSM. The most commonly used soil and water (SWC) practices on farmlands were normal trench, stone bund and cut-off drain. Whereas, deep trench has been used on uncultivated land. Hillside and bench terraces have been used on both cultivated and uncultivated lands. Most of the respondents rated SWC measures as very intensive to protect soil erosion in flat and steep slopes; whereas in gentle slope they rated as intensive. According to most of the respondents, IWSM had a positive impact on soil fertility, soil moisture, irrigation expansion, grass biomass and water level in wells. Furthermore, household annual income was significantly increased after IWSM. This increased income was recorded from rain fed and irrigated crop production, cattle, poultry and off-farm income. The determinant factors of household annual income after the watershed management were livestock size, labor equivalent, access to market, distance to input supply, farming experience, age and education of household head. Therefore, in designing to improve household income with watershed management, it is recommended to focus on adjusting to these factors. The farmers said that using of fuel wood from the exclosure was prohibited. There should be well managed fuel wood consumption from the closed areas
Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer on the Growth of Vegetable Amaranths (Amaranthus cruensis. L) in Mubi, Adamawa State Nigeria
No full textEffects of Nitrogen Fertilizer on the Growth of Vegetable Amaranths (Amaranthus cruensis. L) in Mubi, Adamawa State Nigeria
A field experiment was conducted at Food and Agricultural Organization / Tree Crop Programme (FAO/TCP) Teaching and Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Adamawa State University, Mubi, Northern Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria on sandy loam soil. To study the three levels of row spacing (20, 30, and 40 cm) and five levels of nitrogen (N) fertilizer (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg ha-1) laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated three times. Data were collected on growth and yield parameters. Data generated were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The crop was harvested at 6 weeks after sowing. The result show that stem girth and fresh weight (plant-1) of vegetable amaranth increased significantly (P = 0.05) as row spacing and applied N rate was increased and leaves area index increased as the applied N increased and row spacing decreased. Application of higher dosage of fertilizer at the rate of 120 kg N ha-1 with a broader row spacing of 40 cm produced significantly higher mean fresh plant weight of 127.57g in 2014, 125.78g in 2015 and 126.67g (plant-1) in the combined. The least mean value (19.40g) was obtained in the treatment with narrow row spacing and no application of N fertilizer (0 kg N ha-1 at 20 cm row spacing). Therefore, the optimum N rate and row spacing for the maximum fresh weight(plant-1) of vegetable amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) is 120 kg N ha-1 at 40 cm inter-row spacing and was found as the best combination for the production of vegetable amaranth in the Northern Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria
Study of Pre-storage Plant Extract Application on Sprouting, Rot and Weight Loss of two cultivars of Frafra Potatoes (Solenostemon rotundifolius [Poir.]) from Upper East Region, Ghana
No full textStudy of Pre-storage Plant Extract Application on Sprouting, Rot and Weight Loss of two cultivars of Frafra Potatoes (Solenostemon rotundifolius [Poir.]) from Upper East Region, Ghana
Present study conducted to determine the effect of pre-storage plant extract treatments (ginger rhizome extract, neem bark extract, and pawpaw leaf extract) on sprouting, rot (decay) and weight loss of two cultivars of frafra potatoes (Solenostemon rotundifolius). A 2 x 4 factorial in a completely randomised design was used with two cultivars and four treatments which were replicated three times. Data resulting from individual parameters were subjected to analysis of variance using Statistix Student version 9.0 and means separated at 5 percent (p=0.05) least significant differences. The total percentage sprout at the end of the storage period (week 21) did not show significant differences in all extract treated tubers. The cultivar and interactive effect did not also show any significant effect. However, neem bark extract treated tubers recorded the least sprouting in both cultivars at the end of the storage period. The extracts had no significant effect on weight loss after the storage period. However, the cultivar effect and the interactive effect of extracts and cultivars on weight loss showed significant variation (P< 0.05). There were no significant differences on percentage rot among the extract treated tubers. Also, the cultivar effect and interactive effect were not significant. However, the percentage of rot recorded was very low in all extract treated tubers when compared to the control. The present result suggested that higher concentrations of neem bark extract effect on sprouting should be investigated since its sprout suppressing ability was prominent on both cultivars at the end of the storage period.