The experiment was conducted in the experimental field of the Horticulture Department, University for Development Studies (UDS), Nyankpala campus with the aim of determining the response of three cucumber cultivars (Marketer, Nandini, Pointset) to the application of sulphate of ammonia as top dressing with respect to fruit yield, and shelf life. It was a 3 x 3 x 2 factorial arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data was collected on total fruit yield, shelf life and percentage fruit decay in storage. Their effect on the varieties differed significantly to a varying degree. The factors, however, had no significant impact and caused no difference in the fruit yield and fruit weight. 15:15:15 NPK effect on the cucumbers caused a high decay incidence when applied alone or in combination with (NH4)2SO4. Therefore, the application rate may be revised or reduced to experiment if decay incidence would decline in storage. Further studies may extensively be carried out to note if varying the rate of NPK would impact positively on the shelf life of cucumber. (NH4)2SO4 effect increased weight loss in cucumbers hence, better storage techniques should be considered by controlling high temperatures. Complete fertilizer; 15:15:15 NPK and (NH4)2SO4 had a positive impact on protein and fibre. Hence, their application is recommended for increasing protein and fibre level in cucumbers.

Background: The knowledge of the chemical composition of indigenous snacks will help consumers make informed choices for healthy living. Objectives: This experimental study evaluated the comparative composition of purchased and laboratory-prepared indigenous snacks commonly eaten in Bida, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Four commonly eaten snacks (Kilishi, Kuli Kuli, Kunu aya, and Donkwa) identified by some selected indigenes of Bida based on availability were purchased and reproduced in the laboratory. The samples were evaluated for proximate, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and anti-nutrient composition using standard procedures. Data generated were analyzed using the IBM Statistical Product for Service Solution (version 21.0) and presented as means and standard deviations. The means were compared with Analysis of variance, separated by the Duncan Multiple Test Range, and significance was accepted at p < 0.05. Results: The proximate range of the purchased and prepared snacks were 1.20 to 72.55％ protein, 0.40 to 14.70％ fat, 0.03 to 2.40％ fibre, 0.40 to 3.60％ ash, 4.58 to 90.68％ moisture, and 2.68 to 60.85％ carbohydrates. The vitamins content ranged from 0.95 to 7.43µg vitamin A, 1.06 to 2.10mg thiamin, 0.87 to 1.59mg vitamin B2; 1.05 to 1.40 vitamin B3. The minerals ranged from 11.69 to 286.32 calcium, 8.10 to 290.62 magnesium, 0.27 to 2.40mg zinc, 0.25 to 8.40mg iron, 7.18 to 228.38mg potassium, 12.55 to 529.27mg. The anti-nutrients, and phytochemicals ranged from 0.03 to 0.12mg tannin, 0.02 to 0.59mg alkaloids, 0.09 to 0.48mg phytate, 0.03 to 7.43mg saponin. There were statistically significant differences between the chemical compositions of the purchased and the laboratory-prepared indigenous snacks at p<0.05. Kilishi is a good protein source, Kunu aya can quench thirst and Donkwa can sustain hunger. The indigenous snacks are nutrient-dense and can contribute to dietary intake. Conclusion: Indigenous snacks have varied nutrient contents to support health.

This study evaluates the effect of maize offal (zea mays) with groundnut haulms as replacement for wheat offal in diet of weaner rabbits (oryctolagus cuniculus) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and economics of production. A total of 60 rabbits mixed sexes aged 5-6 weeks were used in the experiment. Five experimental diets were formulated using graded levels (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100％) and designated as diets 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 with groundnut haulms constituting 20％ and soya beans as protein source with 12 rabbits per treatment each treatment was replicated three times with 4 rabbits per replicate in a Completely Randomised Design. There was no significant difference in growth performance. Organ weights were not influenced across dietary treatment groups except weight of heart, gall bladder, abdominal fat, Ceacum and Large intestine were influenced (P<0.05) by dietary treatments of maize offal. There was significant differences observed between dietary treatment groups in results of neutrophil, and lymphocyte. It was also observed that there was no significant differences in nutrients digestibility of rabbits fed maize offal diets except values of crude protein and ether extract were influenced (p<0.05). It was also observed that there were no significant differences on varied values of feed intake 4.14 -4.52kg obtained on diet 4 and diet 5, values were similar between dietary levels. However, there was significant (p<0.05) differences on values for feed cost, total feed cost, feed cost per kilogram gain, cost saving and ％ saving cost. The economics of production revealed that feed cost (N /kg) decreases with increase in maize offal at 50％ with corresponding improvement in cost saving values as observed on the cost analysis. It was concluded that maize offal can serve as fibrous source which replace wheat offal at 50％ in the diets of weaner rabbits without compromising performance and carcass yield of rabbits.

This study investigated the efficacy of bitter kola seed powder in control of the maize weevils (Sitophilus zeamais) infesting stored maize. The experimental design adopted in this study was a completely randomized design (CRD), with one maize variety (Succharata), three treatment groups, and one (1) control group. All experimental treatments were replicated four times. Result showed that 120g of bitter kola seed powder gave the highest percentage mortality rate as well as the lowest percentage longevity rate of Sitophilus zeamais. Also, 120g bitter kola seed powder gave the least mean weight loss of 3.7g as well as the lowest mean number of punctures (13.4) on the maize grain with WPI of 2.2％. In addition to pest control, bitter kola seed is composed of valuable nutrients like dry matter (38.62％), carbohydrate (27.63％), fat (4.45％), fibre (0.16％), protein (0.011％), and ash (0.005％). It equally contains some bioactive substances such as alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides which could be responsible for the antimicrobial activities. Therefore, bitter kola seed powder can be considered as being safe for the control of S. zeamais infesting stored maize products in Nigeria. The study strongly recommended the use of bitter kola seed powder as repellents and plant-based preservatives for storage of maize (Zea mays) against maize weevil (S. zeamais).

Estimates of visitor’s perceived service quality in a park is an important parameter that is needed to understand tourist attitudes towards that destination. However, there is very little literature dealing with this issue in Nigerian National Parks. Hence, this study attempts to examine perceived service quality of visitors at the parks. Convenience sampling method was deployed to sample a total of 110 visitors from each of the parks in this study using structured questionnaires. Additional data were collected from secondary sources such as document reviews. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive, composite index and t-test. Results analyzed indicated that Gashaka Gumti National Park had a significantly higher (t = 2.75, p<0.05, df = 17) perceived service delivery potential than Cross River National Park. Also, perceived reliability indices for ecotourism promotions in the parks were not significantly different (t = 0.76, p > 0.05, df = 5) from each parks. However, the perceived customer satisfaction was generally low across the park. This study concludes that park managers should endeavor to improve their destination appeal to ensure tourist satisfaction.

In a bid to provide recent values of nutrient composition and to check the effect of climate change on feed stuffs, proximate and energy analyses of 21 feedstuffs were studied. Mineral composition of egg shell meal and bone meal were also compared. Processed samples were sent to Animal-Care Laboratory. Results showed that among the leaves, fluted pumpkin recorded the highest crude protein (CP) (30.35％) and metabolisable energy (ME) (2294.92 kcal/kg) while the highest fibre value was recorded by oil palm frond (30.70％). For the seeds, soya beans recorded the highest CP (37.41％) while Moringa had the highest fibre (15.42％) and ME of 4523.25 kcal/kg. For the peels, cashew nut testa had the highest CP (16.60％), and ME (3572.25kcal/kg) while plantain peel recorded the highest values for fibre (7.27％). Northern gamba grass recorded 93.71％, 10.31％, 2.11％, 22.73％, 7.82％, 57.03％ and 1246.28kcal/kg for DM, CP, fat, fibre, ash, NFE and ME respectively. The mineral composition of egg shell and bone meals showed that egg shell meal recorded the highest values for sodium (0.725％), calcium (43.170) and potassium of 0.078％ while bone meal recorded the highest values for magnesium (0.595％) and phosphorus (17.910％). Based on the nutrient composition of these feedstuffs, they can be fed to both ruminants and monogastric. Some of the results obtained showed variation from those analyzed in the 80’s and 90’s. This difference may be due to the effect of climate change over time or due to variations in age, variety or even cultural practices and soil type.

Low N-tolerant maize varieties introduced in Nigeria savannas are not as performant as expected because of progressive declining soil fertility combined with low use of fertilizers. Hence the need to find alternative sources of supply of maize crop nutrients, especially nitrogen, more accessible to resource-poor farmers. An experiment was conducted at the teaching and research farm of the University of Jos, Plateau state, Nigeria, during two cropping seasons (2019 and 2020), to evaluate the response of a low-N tolerant maize variety (Zea mays L. var BR 9928-DMRSR LN C1) to the use of cattle manure under a range of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 t ha-1 for vegetative growth parameters and yield components. The field experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design, replicated three times. For growth vegetative parameters, data were collected on plant height, stem girth, leaf area index, and number of leaves per plant, while the number of grains per cob and the grain weight were collected for yield components. The data were thereafter subjected to statistical analysis using Proc GLM procedures (SAS version 9.2) to compute analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the least significant difference test (LSD-test) for means separation. The results showed that the low-N tolerant maize variety responded better when associated with (any level of) cattle manure than without for all vegetative growth parameters as well as for all yield components in both cropping seasons. They kept on increasing with the rate of cattle manure applied.

This study was conducted to evaluate carcass and histopathological characteristics of growing West African Dwarf goats fed derived dietary models of urea-treated cassava peels fortified with Ca-P salt mix. Twenty (20) growing West African Dwarf female goats aged 6–8 months with an initial weight of 8.2 kg ± 0.25 were used for the study. They were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments with five goats per treatment in a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments were Diet 1 (block), Diet 2 (crunchy), Diet 3 (pellet), and Diet 4 (mash). Results obtained indicated live weight, bled weight, scalded weight and eviscerated weight were significantly (P<0.05) differed among the different models of feed presentation. The dressed weight, dressing percentage, rib cage and head weight were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by dietary feed models. Hind limb weight ranged from 12.00-13.71％. Back, neck and legs were not influenced (P<0.05) by dietary models but higher numerical values were observed for mash model. Histopathological evaluation results indicated that the heart showed normal myocardium and pericardium for all the dietary treatments. There were no gross lesion and oedema of the myocardium and pericardium observed. Also, the liver showed normal hepatocytes and portal triad. There was no lesion as well as macrotic alteration of the liver. Photo micrographs of the kidney showed normal glomerulus and ducts for all the treatments. There was no congestion of the kidneys for all experimental groups. Rather there was normal parenchyma of the kidneys. The lungs of the experimental animals showed through the histopathological micrographs that the alveoli had adequate spaces to accommodate and transport air, photomicrographs of the intestines showed that there were normal villi projecting from the surface of the intestine while photo micrographs of the spleen for all the treatments showed normal structure of the spleen indicating secondary follicles and anatomical pulps of the spleen. It can therefore be concluded that supplementing dietary feed models of urea treated cassava peels fortified with Ca-P salt mix to growing goats can boost carcass qualities without negative effects on the histopathology of the organs.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the meat quality and physicochemical properties of broiler chicken fed LAB. Deep litter was used for the feeding of the birds for the period of eight (8) weeks. Broiler chickens was completely randomized into five treatment groups; Treatment 1 birds were given LAB 1, Treatment 2 were given LAB 2 while Treatment 3 were given the combination of LAB 1 and 2. Treatment 4 and 5 are control group. Treatment 4 is the positive control group (this group was given antibiotics) and Treatment 5 is the negative control group (this group are not given any antibiotics or LAB). A total of twenty-four (25), five dressed carcasses from each treatment were randomly selected from the five treatment groups. The breast cuts were generally trimmed of bones, overlaying skin and visible subcutaneous fats, then subjected for meat quality evaluations. Data were analysed using ANOVA at α 0.05. There was no significant difference in cooking loss in breast meat, drumstick meat, thigh meat. Chilling loss and drip loss. Both the raw and cooked meat pH was significantly higher in broiler chickens fed without LAB/Antibiotics (negative control) 6.13 and 6.45 respectively with least pH values obtained in broiler chicken fed the synergy of LAB 1 and 2 (5.85 and 6.15) respectively. Broiler chickens fed without LAB/Antibiotics (negative control) had the least extract released volume and while extract released volume for treated broiler chickens and water holding capacity are the same statistically. Oxidative rancidity was significantly higher in meat from broiler chicken fed antibiotics (3.22mg/g). Meat from broiler chickens fed LAB 1 had the highest score for aroma, flavor, juiciness, tenderness and overall acceptability with meat from broiler chicken fed no LAB and antibiotics had the least score for aroma while LAB 2 had the least score for colour, flavor juiciness and overall acceptability. LAB 1 could be added to the diet of broiler chickens due to its improvement quality on both the meat quality and eating characteristics which show no advert effect.

The aim of this study is to seek the effects of Protein Levels on Growth Performance and Digestibility in California white Rabbits. A, one hundred and twenty (120) day feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of different dietary protein levels (13％, 14％ and 18％). Thirty California white weaner rabbits of known genetic purity (88％) within the ages of 6 weeks old with an average initial weight of 1,004g were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments of 10 rabbits per treatment in a completely randomized design experiment. The results obtained showed that the final weight, average daily weight, relative growth rate, performance index and feed intake differed significantly (p<0.05) between treatment groups. Dietary treatments had no influence (p>0.05) on feed conversion ratio and feed efficiency of rabbits. Feeding rabbits varying crude proteins had no effect (p>0.05) on Apparent digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen free extract. Rabbits fed 14 and 18％ CP differed significantly (p<0.05) from those fed 13％ with respect to digestibility coefficients for crude fibre, ether extract and crude protein. Neither protein intake of 14 nor 18％ significantly (p>0.05) affected. In conclusion, performance characteristics and nutrient digestibility for California white rabbits is best at dietary protein levels of 14 -18％.

This study was undertaken to determine the chemical composition of six common peels fed to ruminants namely: Irish potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), pineapple (Ananas comosus), pawpaw (Carica papaya) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa). These were purchased from fruit and vegetable retailers in Jos, Plateau State. The results for proximate composition are as follows: dry matter ranged from 95.75％ (pawpaw peels) to 96.25％ (watermelon rind), carbohydrate from 41.95％ (pawpaw peels) to 45.70％ (cucumber peels), fibre from 6.07％ (cucumber peels) to 7.65％ (pineapple peels), protein from 25.46％ (sweet orange peels) to 26.66％ (watermelon rind), lipid from 3.01％ (lettuce) to 4.00％ (watermelon rind) and ash from 13.97％ (cucumber peels) to 16.71％ (Irish potato peels). For antinutrients, saponin ranged from 0.867％ (cucumber peels) to 2.53％ (watermelon rind), tannin from 5.09％ (cucumber peels) to 6.37％ (lettuce), phytate from 0.003mg/100g (sweet orange peels and pawpaw peels) to 0.007mg/100g (watermelon rind), oxalate from 1.08％ (cucumber peels) to 2.43％ (watermelon rind) and flavonoid from 3.66％ (Irish potato peels) to 4.37％ (cucumber peels). Also, crude fibre fractions which include cellulose ranged from 10.81％ (watermelon rind) to 12.02％ (pineapple peels), hemicellulose from 7.73％ (watermelon rind) to 9.24％ (cucumber peels), NDF from 10.72％ (lettuce) to 12.13％ (sweet orange peels), ADF from 7.63％ (Irish potato peels) to 9.13％ (sweet orange peels) and ADL from 1.71％ (cucumber peels) to 2.13％ (watermelon rind).All parameters under proximate composition were significantly affected except protein, all parameters under antinutrients were significantly affected except phytate and flavonoid, and all parameters under crude fibre fractions were significantly affected (P<0.05). The selected samples are recommended for ruminant feeding at permissible levels or quantities.

Meat and meat products are good sources of protein, minerals, lipids and small quantity of carbohydrates that are beneficial to the health and also eating satisfaction of the consumers. However, Lipid- protein oxidation has been the major factor that deteriorates the holistic nature of the meat from the point of slaughter to processing and storage. The oxidative effects manifest in the meat in the form of discoloration, off flavor, toxic compound formation, reduced shelf-life and loss of nutrients. Meanwhile, Antioxidants have been effectively used to mitigate these processes that generate chemical hazards in the fresh and processed meats. Recently, natural antioxidants found in herbs, spices, and their extracts such as some plants of the Lamiaceae family e.g oregano ( Origanum vulgare L.) rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis L. ) and sage ( Salvia officinalis L.) etc. are now preferred to synthetic antioxidants in retarding the oxidation of lipid because of the toxicological and carcinogenic effects of the later. Hence, this study reviews oxidative effects in meat and meat products and the effect of using natural antioxidants as food and feed additives to improve the quality of the meat products and health of the consumers.

This experiment was conducted in the Animal Products and Processing laboratory, Department of Animal Production, University of Jos, Jos-North Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State to evaluate the main effect of temperature and storage days on fertile and non fertile egg on the egg quality characteristics. A total of 600fertile and non-fertile eggs was collected from Poultry Division of National Veterinary Research Institute, Plateau State (NVRI). Eggs were obtained from Lohmann brown hen, at 44 weeks of age to evaluate egg quality characteristics. Out of the 300 eggs in each of the storage methods, eggs were picked at random after the following storage days (5, 10, 15 and 20 respectively)for determination of egg quality characteristics and the remaining eggs were used at every storage days for sensory evaluation in 2 x 2 Factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. The storage methods were room temperature (ambient) and refrigeration (100C).External and internal quality characteristics of eggs were taken, which are egg length, width (cm) and weight was measured and its shell weight was taken as the weight of the air dried egg shell. The shell thickness which is the thickness of the dried egg shell was measured. Samples for sensory evaluations was taken from both fertile and non-fertile eggs, total of 20 trained individuals aged between 22-35 years males and females were used. Data were analysed using descriptive statistic and ANOVA at α0.05. There was significant difference (p<0.05) between fertile and non-fertile eggs external and internal characteristics. Both the fertile and non-fertile eggs weight under the refrigerator had the highest values while Both the fertile and non-fertile eggs weight under the room temperature had the lower egg weight values. Significant difference (p>0.05) existed among all yolk parameters measured except yolk colour. Yolk weight, height and index were significantly higher in fertile egg stored in the refrigerator while fertile egg stored in the refrigerator has the lowest yolk weight and ratio. There was significant difference (p<0.05) that existed in albumen weight, albumen height, albumen ratio and albumen index for fertile and non-fertile. The albumen height was higher in fertile eggs stored at refrigerator temperature while non- fertile eggs stored at room temperature had the least height. Non-fertile eggs stored at room temperature and refrigerator temperature had the highest albumen length 108.88cm and 100.80 cm respectively with least length in fertile eggs stored at the refrigerator. The haugh unit of fertile egg stored in refrigerator is significantly higher (p<0.05) than all the storage method. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) that existed for odour, aroma, taste, texture and overall acceptability for all the treatments. The egg weight was significantly (p<0.05) higher at storage day 10, than all the storage days. The yolk weight for storage day 10 was significantly (p<0.05) higher than all the storage days. The yolk diameter for storage days 5, 10 and 15 were statistically similar (p>0.05). The yolk colour was significantly (p<0.05) higher on storage day 15 and lower on day 0. The albumen heights decreased significantly (p<0.05) as the days of storage increased. The albumen length at storage day 20 was significantly (p<0.05) higher than all the storage days. The haugh units decrease significantly (p<0.05) during the period of storage. In conclusion, fertile eggs can be stored in refrigerator for 10 to 15 days without adverse effect on egg qualities.

Sourcing for unconventional feed resources at a reduced cost to feed farm animals is imperative to solving competition between man and animals with greater consideration for the health status of these animals. A total of 24 unsexed cross breed weaner rabbits of 6 weeks old was divided into three dietary treatments (Treatment 1; control, Treatment 2; 25 ％ inclusion level of Leuceana leaf meal (LLM) and Treatment 3; 50％ LLM) in a completely randomized design. Each treatment had 8 rabbits and 4 replicate of two rabbits each. Blood samples was collected into labeled Ethylene-deamine-tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) treated tubes for haematological analysis and into tubes without anticoagulant for serum biochemical evaluation. Data were analysed using descriptive statistic and ANOVA at α0.05. There were no significant differences in all the haematological indices analysed. Rabbits on 25％ Leuceana-based diet had higher significant variation in neutrophils while least neutrophils count was observed in rabbit fed control diet. Lymphocytes was higher in rabbits fed the control diet while rabbits on 25％ Leuceana-based diet had the least lymphocytes counts. Similar trend was observed for the monocytes and basophils count. Meanwhile, eosinophils count was higher in rabbits fed with 25％ Leuceana-based diet and least count was obtained in rabbits fed with 50％ Leuceana-based diet. The total protein was significantly higher in rabbits fed control diet without leuceana leaf meal while least values was obtained in rabbits fed 50％ leuceana -based diet. Triglyceride (mmol/L) levels in rabbits fed leuceana -based diet decreases as the leuceana leaf meal inclusion levels increases. The same trend was observed for low density lipoprotein as shown in Figure 4. The high density lipoprotein was higher in the rabbits fed with 25％ leuceana -based diet but least in rabbits fed 50％ leuceana-based diet. Total cholesterol triglyceride and low density lipoprotein were reduced with improved physiological and oxidative status of the rabbits were observed. Therefore, Leucaena leaf meal can be fed to rabbits at 50％ level of inclusion without detrimental effect on their haematology and serum biochemistry.

The search for alternative feed resources for farm animals as a way of reducing production costs is the way out to solve competition between human and animals while putting the health of the animal into consideration. A total of 24 cross breed unsexed weaner rabbits of 6 weeks was divided into three dietary treatments (Treatment 1; control, Treatment 2; 25 ％ inclusion level of gliricidia leaf meal (GLM) and Treatment 3; 50％ GLM). Each treatment had 8 rabbits with 4 replicate of two rabbits each in a completely randomized design. Blood samples was collected into labeled Ethylene-deamine-tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) treated tubes for haematological analysis, also into tubes without anticoagulant for serum biochemical evaluation. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α0.05. There were no significant differences in all the haematological indices analysed. Rabbits on 50％ gliricidia-based diet were significantly higher in neutrophils but least neutrophils was obtained in rabbit fed control diet. Lymphocytes was higher in rabbits fed the control diet while rabbits on 50％ gliricidia-based diet had the least lymphocytes counts. Similar trend was observed for the monocytes and eosinophils count. Meanwhile, basophils count was higher in rabbits fed 25％ gliricidia-based diet while least count was obtained in rabbits fed 50％ gliricidia-based diet. Both the total protein and cholesterol was significantly higher in rabbits fed control diet, while least values were obtained in rabbits fed 25％ and 50％ gliricidia-based diet respectively. Triglyceride (mmol/L) levels in rabbits fed gliricidia-based diet decreases as the GLM inclusion levels increases. The same trend was observed for high density lipoprotein. The low density lipoprotein was higher in the rabbits fed with the control diet, but decrease in those fed with 25％ gliricidia-based diet. Gliricidia leaf meal can be fed to rabbits at 50％ level of inclusion without any detrimental effect on haematology and serum biochemistry of the rabbits. The total cholesterol triglyceride and low density lipoprotein were reduced while the physiological and oxidative status of the rabbits was improved.

A total of 24 cross breed weaner rabbits of 6 weeks of age of both sexes was divided into three dietary treatments (Treatment 1; control, Treatment 2; 25 ％ inclusion level of moringa leaf meal (MLM) and Treatment 3; 50％ MLM) of 8 rabbits in 4 replicate of two rabbit each in a completely randomized design. Blood samples was collected into labeled Ethylene-deamine-tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) treated tubes for haematological analysis and into tubes without anticoagulant for serum biochemical evaluation. Data were analysed using descriptive statistic and ANOVA at α0.05. There are no significant differences in all the haematological indices analysed. No differs observed in white blood differentials count but rabbits on 50％ Moringa-based diet are higher in neutrophils and Lymphocytes with least neutrophils obtained in rabbit fed control diet. Similar trend was observed for the monocytes and eosinophils count. Meanwhile, basophils count was higher in rabbits fed 25％ Moringa -based diet and least count was obtained in rabbits fed 50％ Moringa -based diet. Both the total protein and cholesterol was significantly higher in rabbits fed control diet with Moringa leaf meal while least values were obtained in rabbits fed 25％ and 50％ Moringa -based diet respectively. Triglyceride (mmol/L) levels in rabbits fed Moringa-based diet decreases as the Moringa leaf meal inclusion levels increased. The same trend was observed for high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein Moringa leaf meal can be fed to rabbits up to 50％ level of inclusion without any detrimental effect on haematology and serum biochemistry of rabbits while total cholesterol triglyceride and low density lipoprotein were reduced and the physiological and oxidative status of the rabbits was improved.

Salmonella enterica serovar Zega was first isolated in dead duckling in 1952 and in dead chickns in 2016. Since then there has not been any documented effort to study the pathogenicity of this bacterium in chickens. Three groups of six weeks old cockerels were inoculated with the bacterium intraperitoneally (IP), intranasally (IN) and orally (OR). The fourth group was the uninoculated control (CT).Clinical signs were mainly somnolence, anorexia and droopy wings. There was no mortality. The total morbidity was 32, 40 and 24 ％ in the IN, IP and OR groups respectively. The gross lesions were mainly enlargement of the liver, spleen and kidney. There was atrophy of the bursa and spleen in the IP chickens. There were degeneration, necrosis and haemorrhages in the liver generally. The IP chickens showed depletion of the lymphocytes in the bursa and spleen. The bacterium was re-isolated from the liver, intestines, spleen and heart. The above observations showed that the organism could be moderately pathogenic in young cockerels.

This study was carried out to determine the chemical composition of leaves namely: pineapple (Ananascomosus), cabbage (Brassicaoleraceae) (waste), carrot (Daucuscarota), pawpaw (Caricapapaya), orange (Citrussinensis), mango (Magniferaindica) and avocado (Persea americana) leaves fed to ruminants by local livestock farmers. All parameters under proximate analysis were significantly affected (P<0.05), all parameters for anti-nutrients except phytate were significantly affected (P<0.05). Likewise, all parameters for crude fibre fractions except cellulose and Acid detergent lignin (ADL) were significantly affected (P<0.05).Dry matter ranged from 95.36％ (orange leaves) – 96.36％ (cabbage waste). Pawpaw leaves had the least ash value of 14.05％ while orange leaves had the highest ash value of 16.63％. Lipid ranged from 2.67％ (carrot leaves) – 3.87％ (avocado leaves), protein: 26.56％ (pineapple leaves) – 27.11％ (cabbage waste), fibre: 6.04％ (cabbage waste) – 7.91％ (orange leaves) and carbohydrate from 40.495％ (orange leaves) – 46.10％ (cabbage waste).For anti-nutrients, saponin ranged from 0.67％ (pawpaw leaves) – 2.13％ (orange leaves), tannin: 5.11％ (pineapple leaves) – 7.22％ (cabbage waste),phytate: 0.003mg/100g (carrot leaves) – 0.006mg/100g (pineapple leaves), oxalate: 0.87％ (pawpaw leaves) - 2.41％ (pineapple leaves), and flavonoid from 3.57％ (pineapple leaves) – 4.26％ (orange leaves).For crude fibre fractions, cellulose ranged from 10.75％ (carrot leaves) – 11.68％ (pineapple leaves), hemicellulose: 7.75％ (pawpaw leaves) – 9.11％ (pineapple leaves), NDF: 10.67％ (pineapple leaves) – 11.73％ (avocado leaves), ADF: 7.14％ (pineapple leaves) – 8.45％ (orange leaves) and ADL from 1.71％ (cabbage leaves) – 2.22％ (mango leaves).Experimental results proved positive, thus selected leaves can be incorporated into ruminants’ diet (and as supplementary feeding) during periods of scarcity. This reduces cost and high competition for conventional feedstuffs between man and ruminants.

The study assessed the analysis of snail picker’s responses in Yenegoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 80 respondents. Data for the study were obtained with the aid of structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate probit regression model. Results revealed that, 62.5％ of snail pickers were women, with an average age of 36 years. More than half (56.3％) were married and 51.3％ had primary school education. The average years spent by many (52.5％) of the respondents on snail harvesting was 17 years. It was affirmed that 72.5％ had household size of 4-6persons while 68.7％ had income status ranging from ₦200,000-₦600,000.00 per annum. Many (56.3％) were engaged in fishing activities as alternative income sources. The bivariate probit model results revealed that, the probability of respondents’ responding to snail picking, level of schooling (-0.006202), household size (-0.051024) and income status (-5.92E-06) were all statistically negative at 5％p-value. But the probability of the pickers responding to snail picking considering their age (0.051231), farming experience (0.018654) and quantity picked (0.005715) were all statistically positive at 5％p-value.Only 35.6％ of the respondents employed reduction in price as their major marketing strategy, 25.4％ revealed that excess flooding due to heavy rains were the major constraints encountered in the study area. It was recommended that pickers should form cooperatives society to easily access loans and government should assist them establish snail farms.

This study examined farmers’ responses on integrated farming as risk averse mechanisms to climate change consequences in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers state, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling techniques were used in the selection of 60 respondents. The data obtained were analyzed with percentages and probit regression model. The result obtained revealed that majority (60.0％) of the farmers are female, while only (40.0％) are male, the mean age of farmers were 44 years and their mean farming experience was 18years, while(66.7％) of the farmers are married . Also majority (75.0％) had primary education, while (66.7％) of the respondents practiced integrated crop-Livestock systems. Only (18.2％) accentuated that they experienced lots of weeds infestations due to excessive rainfalls. The two common risks averse mechanisms employed by the respondents in study area were good adaptation measures (14.7％) practicing integrated farming systems with on-farm diversification measures (14.4％). Finally the probit regression result ascertained that HHS (-0.106126) and FMEP (-0.106126),were found to be statistically negative to respondents probability of responding to integrated farming as risk averse mechanism to climate change consequences while SCH (0.001820), LNSIZE (0.166205) and AGE (0.024186) were all statistically positive to respondents’ probability of responding to integrated farming as risk averse mechanism to climate change. It was only (12.7％) attested that lack of technical know-how (way of doing something more efficiently and effectively) and extension contact were their major problems. Farmers should be trained on how to combat risk on their farming operations. Also enough incentives should be given to them by the government.

Climatic damages in agricultural production could seriously affect the national economy. The magnitude of this possible damage could amount to billions of pounds. The forecast of possible pests and diseases in plant production is another application that requires a constant and reliable flow of weather data. The aid of information technology has changed by our world that helps to produce, store, communicate and disseminate information. Several major classes of software technologies have been used in decision making for integrated pest management applications over the past few decades. Examples of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) procedures to improve economic yields while reducing inputs include: the integration of pesticides with cultural techniques for disease control; and biological, behavioral and environmental controls of pests such as weeds. Control of the key pests and diseases on cocoa could shift from blanket calendar-based recommendations to a need-based forecasting system which would be environmentally sustainable. Geographical Information Systems and Global Positioning Systems are currently being used for variable rate application of pesticides and herbicide in Precision Agriculture applications, but the comparatively lesser-used tools of Remote Sensing can be of additional value in integrated pest management practices. Consistency in the application of this information can help in improving crop yield, in controlling crop pests, in crop diseases treatment, and in enhancing the overall crop productivity.

This paper examines income determinants and inequality among household living around national parks in Nigeria, using household data collected through questionnaires administered randomly among the households in three national parks. The data obtained were analyzed using probability and non-probability statistical analysis such as regression and analysis of variance to test for mean difference between parks. The result obtained indicates that majority of the household heads were male (92.57％0, between the age class of 21 - 40 years (44.90％), had non-formal education (38.16％), were farmers (65.21％), owned land (95.44％), with a household size of 1 - 5 (36.67％) and an annual income range of ₦401,000 - ₦600,000 (24.58％). Also, basic household assets such as age, adult and cattle equivalents, education and land possession where significant factors (p<0.01) that affected households’ income, while income inequality was location specific. The study recommends improvement in infrastructures and social capital as avenues to improve the livelihood and ensure positive conservation behaviors in the study area.

The developmental of nymphal stages of P. exiguus was studied at eight different constant temperatures (17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 27.5, 30, 32.5, and 35 °C) with a photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D) h on two host plants, Imperata cylinderica and Calamagrostis epigeios. On both plants, the developmental time decreased with increasing temperature. The developmental time was significantly longer on I. cylinderica for each nymphal stage and for the total nymphal stage, as well. The relationship between developmental rate and temperature was fitted to a linear regression and the five nonlinear models (Lactin 1, Lactin 2, Briere 1, Briere 2, and Logan 6). The lower developmental thresholds for the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and total nymphal stages were 15.5, 15.7, 12.2, 10.1, 9.2, and 13.1°C, respectively on I. cylindrica and 5.7, 11.5, 9.5, 9.9, 11.2, and 10.0°C, respectively on C. epigeios. Thermal constants (DD, degree days) required for completion of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and total nymphal stages, were 50.2, 43.1, 69, 103.6, 159.2, and 365.2DD, respectivelu on I. cylindrica and 60.9, 34.0, 44.3, 55.7, 90.9, and 277.5DD, respectively onC. epigeios. Lactin models and Logan 6 model were found to be better to describe the relationship between temperature and the developmental rate of P. exiguus nymphs on both host plants. The distribution of completion of each development stage was well described by the two-parameter Weibull function.

Artificial intelligence is proving itself day after day as an important solution towards improving agricultural productivity. Since artificial intelligence is the mainstay of robots, there is an increase in dependence on robots in the agricultural sector for better crop productivity and the increased consumer power is expected to drive the market to more dependence on robots. The gradual shift of farmers towards robots, smart sensors, drones and the increasing trends of precision farming have stimulated market movement. The increasing demand due to the increase in the population, the adoption of advanced technology and the information management system for crop productivity and government initiatives to adopt modern agricultural technologies are potential causes to stimulate movement, the market and moreover, the application of machine learning can find more solutions and predictive analysis in different agricultural practices. This use increases significantly. The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been evident in the agricultural sector recently. The sector faces numerous challenges in order to maximize its yield including improper soil treatment, disease and pest infestation, big data requirements, low output, and knowledge gap between farmers and technology. The main concept of AI in agriculture is its flexibility, high performance, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness. This paper presents a review of the applications of AI in soil management, crop management, weed management and disease management.

Eutrophication, a globally concerned water quality impairment as a result of excessive nutrient discharge, primarily by phosphates to water bodies from agricultural and other anthropogenic origins. Beyond a threshold of >0.03 mgL-1 of phosphates, usage of such eutrophied water bodies leads to severe health and environmental concerns to adjacent communities and ecosystems. Phytoremediation is a cost-effective plant-based approach, has been identified as sustainable and environmentally friendly remediation. The broad objective of the study was to assess the efficacy of aquatic macrophytes for phosphate phytoremediation. Eichhornia crassipes (Water hyacinth) and Pistia stratiotes L. (Water lettuce) were selected as candidate macrophytes. The efficacy of two selected macrophytes was tested in ambient atmospheric conditions in a greenhouse using floating sieves. Phytoremediation efficacy of different contact times, introductory weights, pH values, and initial phosphate concentrations were assessed. The phosphate sequestration ability of E. crassipes and P. stratiotes were estimated. A fresh weight of 250±5 g of two macrophytes was introduced into to a 3 L of 25 mgL-1 of phosphate solutions. The phosphate removal efficiencies were 71.6％ and 76.8％ from P. stratiotes, and E. crassipes respectively, after 48 hrs of equilibrium time. The most effective introduction biomass was 550 g for both P. stratiotes and E. crassipes with removal efficiencies of 77.1％ and 80.1％, respectively. Maximum removal efficiencies of 77.7％ and 83.7％ were observed for P. stratiotes and E. crassipes at pH of 7. P. stratiotes reached to its maximum removal efficiency of 88.2％ in 25 mgL-1, while in E. crassipes, the highest uptake was 47 mgL-1 at 250 mgL-1, despite the highest removal efficiency of 89.5％ was at 25 mgL-1. P. stratiotes and E. crassipes showed a phosphorus sequestration potential of 35.4％ and 41.6％ from an eutrophied water body after five days, indicating a higher efficacy in phytoremediation and a candidacy of being a good source of phosphorus fertiliser in future.

The objective of this work was to study the impacts of freezing and silicone oil treatments in relation to hygroscopic and chemical constituents of two fast-growing (Firmiana simplex L. and Pinus massoniana L.) wood species. Five experiments were carried out and then compared to control: Freezing-treatment (F), freezing-silicone oil treatments (FSOT180 and FSOT210) and silicone oil treatments (SOT180 and SOT210). The freezing-treatment phase was conducted at -22 °C for 168 h and silicone oil treatment phase at 180 and 210 °C for 4 h. Hygroscopic properties and chemical constituent were determined. The hygroscopicity of the treated woods were decreased and their chemical structures were transformed. The high treatment temperature degraded the chemical constituents of the wood and XRD showed that the amorphous cellulose was affected in the treated wood. This study revealed that silicone oil and freezing treatments could be used to improve the wood properties of the selected wood species.

The dietary effects of raw and differently processed Mucuna pruriens seed diets on growth and haematology of C. carpio fingerlings was investigated. The Mucuna seeds were boiled with distilled water (DW), fresh tamarind pulp extract (TP) and maize cob ash solution (MCA) for 60 minutes. The raw (RM) and resulting meals from the differently processed Mucuna seeds were included at 20％ substitution of soya bean meal in 4 (four) treatment diets designated RMD, DWD, TPD and MCD respectively, while a reference diet with no mucuna served as the control diet (NMD). The experimental set up consisted of 15 (fifteen) 40 x 30 x 25cm rectangular plastic tanks (15L capacity) in a static and aerated water system in an indoor hatchery. The treatment diets and control were fed in triplicate groups to C. carpio fingerlings (average weight, 15.40g) for 56 days in a completely randomized design. Data obtained was subjected to analysis of variance at α 0.05. Results obtained showed that growth performance and feed utilization indices were lowest for fish fed RMD diet. Haematological parameters of packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) value and red blood cell (RBC) count were significantly (P< 0.05) reduced in fish fed RM diet, while those fed MCD and control diets did not show significant reductions (P>0.05) in the PCV, Hb and RBC values. The MCD diet gave the best growth and haematological indices thus considered the most appropriate processing method of Mucuna pruriens seeds for dietary inclusion in the feeding of C. carpio fingerlings. 

Four commercial freshwater fish in Sudan. (Mormyrus casahive, Hyperopisus bebe, Gnathonemus cyprinoides, and Mormyrops anguilloides were used in this study. Male and female Samples from each species were purchased from the local fish market in Berber locality. To determine some essential minerals Phosphorus, Calcium, Potassium and Zinc and some heavy metals (lead, cadmium and mercury) in fish flesh these elements were measured according to International Organizations (Codex Alimentarius Commission, 2003) using Atomic absorption spectrophotometric. Results of (P, Ca, K and Zn) Revealed that Mormyrops anguilloides and Macrusenius cyprinoides indicates the highest values of elements and have significant difference (P˂0.05) regarding fish species and sex. Heavy metals (Pb, Ca and Hg) present low values that lower than permissible limits reported by Food and Agricultural Organization (1984-2012), World Health Organization (1984-2012) and other organization Studied fish species have reported low heavy metals content which reflect healthy environment in the study areas.

The responses of growing West African Dwarf (WAD) goats to dietary copper sulphate or copper nitrate supplements were studied. Twenty (20) WAD goats having an average initial weight of 5.85kg were randomly allocated to five treatments comprising of four goats each, T1 (control) T2 (0.15％ CuSO4), T3 (0.20％ CuSO4), T4 (0.15％ CuNO3) and T5 (0.20％ CuNO3). The 2 salts were obtained from the laboratory while the other feeding stuffs were bought from the market. Northern Gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus kunth) was fed to the goats in addition to the copper-based diets. Serum parameters such as blood protein, cholesterol, globulin and creatinine were analysed. The internal organs (Heart, Liver, Kidney, Spleen, Lungs, full/empty Small intestine, full/empty Large intestine, and full/empty Stomach) were collected, weighed and calculated as percentage life weights. The by-products (Blood, Abdominal fat, Stomach content, Horn, Hooves, Small and Large intestine, Gall bladder) were collected and weighed. The results obtained showed that the inclusion of copper sulphate or copper nitrate up to 0.20％ did not show significant differences (P>0.05) among treatments in any of the parameters (serum, weight of internal organs and by-products) studied. This means that the copper salts containing diets were as good as the control diet in sustaining the serum parameters, internal organ and by-product weights of the goats. Further studies involving the use of higher levels of these copper salts are recommended.

This paper assesses the utilization of traditional medicinal plants and socio-economic characteristics of people in Otoro Abak Clan of Abak LGA, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Otoro clan is divided into three political wards. The paper identified and classified the medicinal plant species into scientific, family, common and local names. It also identified and classified the medicinal plants into life forms, habitat, parts used and ailments treated respectively. A proportionate sampling technique was employed for enumeration and 50％ of the Villages in each ward was randomly selected for assessment. Both primary and secondary methods of data collection were used. A reconnaissance/field survey as well as advocacy visit were organized to further obtain information and a total of ninety (90) structured questionnaires were administered to the respondents in the study area. Simpson’s diversity index model was used to calculate the plant species diversity index in the study area. The data collected were also analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentages. The result revealed that the highest age range of people involved in traditional medicine practice was between 41-55 years which was 27.78％. The result also showed that both male and female folks are involved in the practice at 57.78％ and 42.22％. About 44.44％ of traditional medicine practitioners in the study area attended secondary schools. 27.78％ of the respondents obtained their knowledge/information on traditional medicine from grandparents/elders, others obtained their knowledge from literatures, existing herbalists, dream/inspiration and intuition. The result also revealed various medicinal plant species and ailments they cure such as Costus afer for treating typhoid, sore throat and for scaring snakes from our surroundings, and Aspilia africana for treatment of malaria and stomach pains.

The objective of this study was to determine the nutritive contents of Ixora coccinea, Tectona grandis and Duranta repens plants. Samples of I. coccinea, T. grandis and Duranta repens were collected from the University of Uyo. The samples were cleaned with distilled water and ovendried, then grind to fine powder for proximate analysis. The crude protein content, crude fiber content, moisture content, and ash contents of the samples were determined according to the Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods. The results indicated that crude protein, crude fiber, moisture and ash contents were significant (p < 0.05). I. coccinea, T. grandis and D. repens have some dietary contents which may be beneficial to animal health.

Antioxidants from plants are known food additives which are used to prevent food deterioration and prevent oxidative stress diseases associated with human health. Hence, in this study, effect of boiling and roasting on the phenol, total flavonoid, reducing power, and antioxidant properties of three groundnuts cultivars (boro light, boro red and campala) grown in Nigeria were evaluated. The groundnut cultivars were boiled in distilled water at 100 °C while another set was roasted on firewood for 1hr. The aqueous extracts of both boiled and roasted groundnut cultivars were obtained and subsequently used for the analysis of total phenolic, total flavonoid, total antioxidant capacity, reducing power and antioxidant properties (DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2 picrylhydrazyl), and nitric oxide scavenging activity. The result showed an effect on the antioxidant properties of the groundnut depending on method employed and type of the groundnut. Among the methods employed boiling emerged as the most suitable method in terms of retention of antioxidant activities. DPPH scavenging activity of boiled and roasted groundnut ranged from 17.74 to 89.43µg/ml, nitric oxide scavenging activity ranged from 35.67 to78.45 µg/ml, reducing power activity ranged from 0.029 to 0.626µg/ml, total antioxidant capacity ranged from 9.31±0.00 to 131.50±0.35mg/100g while total phenol content ranged from 29.42±0.00 to 116.40±0.00mg/100g and total flavonoid ranged from 19.45±0.0 to 39.48±0.00 mg/100g. Boiled and roasted extracts of groundnut and their by-products may be useful for therapeutic purposes and as an inexpensive source of natural antioxidants which could also be explored as useful ingredients for functional foods.

Networking was a technological revolution and nowadays has become a necessity. The Internet became a great tool for scientists as it helps communication of research data worldwide in a single moment. Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the last networking revolutions. Though it’s been many years since it’s been proposed (1999), the last years had a tremendous development.  It enables “things” to communicate and gather information or being controlled through a single network. The gathered data can be accessed through the global Internet and being processed by anyone who is authorized to. In agricultural activities, IoT can be of a great help, as there can be many smart devices acquiring environmental data all over cultivations, communicating to a server, or the cloud, through the Internet and store their data for further analysis. Through this IoT to Internet architecture, Agriculture scientists, as well as farmers, have the benefit to achieve more effective and with higher quality agriculture productions. In this paper a multi-node system is presented for taking environmental measurements as well as measurements specific to insecticides and pesticides. The nodes can cover a big area, communicate wirelessly to a Master Node that will be used to upload the data to the internet using GSM/GPRS cellular network. All nodes consume ultra-low power, being powered from small batteries for a long time.

High temperature during grain filling stage is one of the main yield limiting factors of wheat in Bangladesh. Certain management practices may help to mitigate this problem. Hence, a field experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University to find out the growth and yield performance of wheat as influenced by management practices under terminal heat stress. The experiment comprised three factors viz. variety, date of sowing and management practices. The variety comprised BARI Gom-21 (Shotabdi), BARI Gom-23 (Bijoy) and BARI Gom-26 (Hashi). Date of sowing comprised 19 November and 19 December sowing and management practices comprised four different levels of treatments viz. control, water hyacinth mulch, foliar spray of potassium orthophosphate and foliar spray of salicylic acid. The experiment was arranged in a split plot design with three replications. All the yield components were influenced by varieties date of sowing, management practices and their interactions. Results revealed that yield and yield components of wheat varieties were increased with optimum sowing and water hyacinth mulch, and decreased with late sowing and control (no management). The highest number of total tillers hill-1 (7.20), number of effective tillers hill-1 (5.67), number of spikelets spike-1 (19.53), number of fertile spikelets spike-1 (35.27), 1000-grain weight (39.46 g) and grain yield (4.04 t ha-1) were obtained from BARI Gom-26, sown in 19 November with the application of water hyacinth mulch than any other treatments. The lowest grain yields were obtained from BARI Gom-21 with 19 December sowing and control (no management). In both optimum and late sown condition, BARI Gom-26 gave the highest yield than the other two varieties. Therefore, it may be conclude from the results of the study that in late sown condition, BARI Gom-26 and water hyacinth mulch may mitigate the yield reduction due to the adverse effect of the terminal heat stress.

The study was conducted during November 2018 - April 2019 in and around Berber locality which is located in River Nile State in the north western part of the Sudan, to determine the body weight composition, proximate analysis (moisture, protein, fat and ash). A Total of 100 fish sample, 25 fish per species of four commercial freshwater fish in Sudan, These were (Mormyrus caschive (Linnaeus, 1758) (Khashm al banat), Hyperopisus bebe (Lacepede, 1803) (Sawya), Marcusenius cyprinoides (Linnaeus, 1758) (Um shiffa) and Mormyrops anguilloides (Linnaeus, 1758) (Taraza). Samples were Scaled, Filleted, Cutting fins, Eviscerated, deheaded and Skeleton removed using sharp knives each part was weight separately using sensitive balance , Standard methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC, 2005) was used for proximate composition analysis. Results of body weight composition revealed that Mormyrus anguilloides and Marusenius cyprinoides gave the highest percentages of fillets yield. (50％). While Hyperopisis bebe, Mormyrus caschive gave the lowest. (49％, 47％. respectively). In proximate composition, moisture of (Hyperopisus bebe, Mormyrus caschive, Marcusenius cyprinoides and Mormyrops anguilloides). Were (67.14±0.29, 67.05±0.17, 66.95±0.07 and 66.84±0.12. respectively). Protein of (Mormyrops anguilloides, Marcusenius cyprinoides, Mormyrus caschive and Hyperopisus bebe) were. (21.66±0.89, 21.19±0.40, 19.85±0.09 and 19.79±0.06. respectively). Fat of Mormyrus caschive, Hyperopisus bebe, Marcusenius cyprinoides and Mormyrops anguilloides were (5.23±0.14, 5.16±0.07, 4.93±0.09 and 4.71±0.06. respectively). Ash of (Mormyrops anguilloides, Marcusenius cyprinoides, Hyperopisus bebe and Mormyrus caschive).were (2.23±0.08, 2.2±0.05, 1.98±0.10 and 1.96±0.11. respectively). They have significant difference in fish species and sex. (P˂0.05)

Technological value of wheat grain and flour, are affected by the a) genotype, b) environment, and c) agronomic management. China, the biggest wheat producer, due to lack of quality germ-plasm still import HRW from the US. The Chinese government considers food self-sufficiency as “a matter of national security”, and its great goal is to stop importing wheat, and even to become one of the leading wheat exporter. To achieve that goal, China has to have overproduction of high quality hard red wheat. In Croatia, as a results of long term breeding effort on high grain protein, a number of new high yieldind and good quality germ-plasm were developed, tested, described and the cultivar ownership offered for sale. Beside the Panonic plato this germ-plasm is well adapted also to some winter wheat growing regions in China. Plato of Panonic region, with rich soil and the semiarid climate is suitable for HRW production. By adequate investment, HRW production in Panonic region can provide wheat for export to the biggest wheat importer Egypt, and at the same time, the status of wheat exporter to the investor.

For more than a decade climate change has caused a lot of havoc on our environment leading to several changes that make life unbearable, threaten the human existence. Women worldwide are involved in natural resources like forest conservation which serve as a means to mitigate climate change especially in the sub-Saharan Africa where more than 50 percent of women are peasant farmers, however they are faced with many challenges which affects the activities they performed to mitigate climate change. The study examined the role of women in mitigation of climate change in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. The results of the findings revealed that majority 92.0％ of the respondents were of the opinion that high temperature was one of the effects of climate change, 59.8％ climate change has resulted to delayed in onset of annual rainfall, 96.6％ mulching was carried out on the farm to reduce the effects of climate change on crops and 71.1％ lack of mulching materials. It is recommended that planting of trees to provide mulching materials, zero tillage using organic fertilizers and zero grazing should be practiced simultaneously by families where conducive, dams should be created where appropriate especially along River Benue to store the excessive waters generated from the short-lived high rainfall, non-governmental organizations on climate change should be created to enlighten the public on the effects of climate on environment and ways of reducing it and shelter belts should also be provided.

A list of criteria that effected on forest fire risk, based on literature was designed and then Delphi questionnaire was performed for expert evaluation. The results were shown that after analysis of the existing literature in combination with the fire regime of the study area, 5 criteria and 17 sub-criteria were selected. According to these criteria, a Delphi questionnaire was prepared and sent to fire protection experts for evaluation. Subsequently, a criteria-importance diagram was created based on the ‘importance percentage’ and the ‘importance rank’ of the criteria under study. The results showed that the type of vegetation cover was the most important criterion (32.62％ importance percentage) and the air humidity was the most important sub-criterion (31.7％). These research showed that in this region all of the factors (ecological and social) had effect on the forest fire.

In this paper, three groups of 12 lambs (6 male and 6 female) of the “Pirot improved sheep” were examined in order to determine the influence of length of fattening lambs and gender of lambs on sensory properties of fresh and thermally treated lamb meat. The first group of lambs was fattened for 60 days, the second and the third 120 and 180 days. Nutrition of the lamb to rejection (40 days) is the mothers milk. After 40 days, it switched to pelletedconcentrate (with 18％ protein) and a quality hay, which was ad libidum as the concentrate. At the end of the fattening, the lamb is slaughtered by the usual technique. The examined sensory properties of meat are: colour, odour, texture,marbling with points from 0 to 5. The best sensory features have the fresh meat of the lambs of the third group, and a weaker average score has the meat of the first group. The lambs sex has an effect on the meats marbling. Marbling is significantly better for female lambs meat than male lamb meat (P <0.05). The odour, flavour, tenderness and softness for thermally treated lamb meat in all three groups are not significant for male and female lambs. Mean tendernessvalues are significant (P <0.01) higher in the second in relation to the first group for both genders lambs. The sensory characteristics of roasted meat of female lambs for the three groups were assessed with higher grades compared to male lamb meat. Statistically significant differences between the genders in terms of meat flavour were determined for the second (P <0.05) and the third (P <0.01) group of lambs. It can be concluded that thermally treated meat of female lambs has better sensory qualities than the male lambs meat.

Common leaf rust (Puccinia sorghi Schw) and Turcicum leaf blight (Exserohilum trurcicum) is the major foliar fungal diseases of maize in Ethiopia causing yield losses in the range of 12％ to 61％ rely up on the genotypes. Screening was done on 178 (106 quality protein maize and 72 normal maize lines )maize inbred lines against Common leaf rust (CLR) and Turcicum leaf blight (TLB) diseases in order to know the reaction of those maize lines for two consecutive years. The experiment was conducted at Ambo plant protection research center (TLB and CLR) and Bako agricultural research center (TLB only), on station experimental fields. Out of 178 maize inbred line, 105 (53 quality protein maize and 52 normal maize lines) were evaluated for CLR; and 73 (53 quality protein maize and 20 normal maize lines) were evaluated for TLB. A randomized complete block design was used. Artificial inoculation was made twice a week for three continuous weeks, when plants were 30-45cm high (4-5 leaf stages). Among 73(53 quality protein maize and 20 normal maize lines) maize lines, resistant and susceptible responses were recorded on 42 (33 quality protein maize and 9 normal maize lines) and 3 (1 quality protein maize and 2 normal maize lines) lines for TLB disease, respectively. Out of 105 (53 quality protein maize and 52 normal maize lines) maize lines, resistant and susceptible responses were recorded on 33 (11 quality protein maize and 22 normal maize lines) and 4 (quality protein maize only) lines for CLR disease, in that order. Those selected resistance maize lines from this screening will be used in breeding program and finding of resistant maize lines for both diseases should be continued using modern screening tools as well as techniques in addition to this conventional method.

Thirty six tests were performed on Pirot ennobled race, divided into three groups of 12 lambs (6 male and 6 female). The first group of lambs was fattened for 60 days, the second and the third 120 and 180 days. Nutrition of the lamb to rejection (40 days) is the mothers milk. After 40 days, it switched to pelleted concentrate (with 18％ protein) and a quality seeds, which was ad libidum as the concentrate. At the end of the fattening, the lamb is slaughtered by the usual technique. After cutting the cooled of carcass to the half, the left and right halves were measured, and then the right half was removed from further testing. The cut off of the left carcass half was performed on basic parts: round, loin, back, shoulder, neck, breast, ribs, foreshank, belly and lower leg, as well as their measurement. The aim of the investigation is to determine the impact of the length of fattening and the gender of lambs on the yield of lambs meat of both sexes and to determine the moment when it is best to discontinue fattening. The meat of 1st category participates by highest percentage in halves of the second group of lambs. Differences between groups were significant (P<0.01). The concerning participation of meat of 2nd category, there are no differences between groups. The third category of meat is the most common (P<0.01) in lambs of the first group. Gender has no significant effect on the level of meat percentage in halves.

This article examines the problems of pig-breeding in the human environment. It highlights the economic importance of pig-breeding in income generation in the urban and suburbs of the city of Yaounde. The study was carried out in six months on 201 farms in the urban and sub-urban areas of Yaounde and revealed that stakeholders in this activity focused on the economic importance while ignoring environmental problems. Pig-breeders originated from different geographic origin and men (75.0％) were highly involved. Pig breeding was common in suburbs than in urban settings with a statistical significant difference (P<0.05). It was found in the urban site that most pig breeders were from Nkoabang (12.93％) with 9.38％ animals per farm, while in the suburbs, most of them were from Obala (31.34％) with 43.72％ animals per farm. This activity is particularly criticized by the media and the Cameroonian public for many drawbacks. Some of the major pitfalls included pollution i.e. sound and waste. The article points out the necessity to handle the conflict between breeders and non-breeders. This participatory approach appears to be an important element in the development of the urban planning system.

The studies focused on getting the crop yield trends of Maize, yam and Rice which are staple crops in Nasarawa State. Crop yields data were collected from the archives of Nasarawa Agricultural Development Programme for the years 1998-2016. The yields were subjected to simple regression analysis in order to determine the trends of the yields. Results show that maize and yam are on the positive trend while rice yield is on the decrease all over the state. Urbanization is seen as one of the factors hampering high yield of rice while more effort should be intensify for both dry and wet farming in the state.

This experiment was carried out to evaluate under field condition the effect of lime (CaCO3) at three levels; 80g, 120g and 160g and plant spacing (40cm x 75cm, 50cm x 75cm, 60cm x 75cm) on the performance of pepper and soil chemical properties. The experiment was laid out on a 3 x 3 factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two replications. The results obtained from the study showed that both agronomic and soil parameters increased with increase in rates of lime application, the values of agronomic parameters however, was found to decrease as plant density decreases. The values of soil chemical parameters were found to be statistically similar in both plant spacing and rates of CaCO3 except for the results of pH and N. The interaction effect of plant spacing and CaCO3 was found not to be effective in all the parameters measured in this study.

In this study was investigated dry pasta from dedicated wheat flour with the addition of corn flour. Drying is comprised of four kinds of pastas: noodles for soup, wide noodles, narrow noodles and spaghetti. Three series were made at different drying temperatures, 55 °C, 70 °C and 80 °C. Measured by the change in mass of pasta and water loss during drying, the greatest weight loss occurred in with wide noodles, spaghetti, and lowest in the narrow noodles. The moisture content after drying, the pasta with the addition of corn flour was 12.7 ％ for all four type of pasta.

The great length of the Perm region (from north to south - 600 km from west to east -400 km) contributes to the manifestation of latitudinal zonality, where the landscapes of the middle taiga landscapes give way to the southern taiga and broadleaf taiga forests. A variety of soil and land resources in the Perm region, due to significant differences in environmental conditions between the northern, central and southern provinces of the soil-ecological and within them, necessitates a differentiated approach to the integration and evaluation of modern environmentally and economically efficient condition. The purpose is to determine the resource potential of agricultural enterprises. The objects of research are the territory of the agricultural organizations «Severnyi» (the northern part of the Perm region), «Rusakovskiy» (Central), Druzhnyi» (southern part). The potential of soil and land resources is the integrated value, which includes qualitative and quantitative assessment of the state as far as possible all agriland scape elements; the closest relative influence is reflected in the soil. Low soil and land resources potential has an establishment located in the northern part of the Perm Krai due to heterogeneity of parent material, soil cover and low points of site. Companies located in the central and southern parts, despite the high degree of erosion, have a high potential of soil and land resources due to the greater magnitude of site soils and less heterogeneity of soil cover. Land use, preservation of soil fertility, and increase in the soils productive capacity is not possible without an objective assessment of their resource potential.

Cassava root rot is a serious threat to cassava production worldwide. It reduces yields and adversely affects the growth of the crop. Depending on the causal agent, host susceptibility, and the environmental conditions, entire fields can be lost to this disease. A research was carried out in the Nkoranza South, Sunyani West and Dormaa East districts of the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana to assess the physico-chemical properties of soils from fields infested with cassava root rot disease. Composite soil samples were taken from infested and non-infested cassava fields at two different depths (0 – 20 cm and 20 – 40 cm). Samples from the non-infested fields served as control. The samples were transported to the laboratory for analysis of pH, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and effective cation exchange capacity. Generally, the results showed low to moderate levels of plant nutrients in the soil samples from both the infested and non-infested cassava fields in the three districts of Brong Ahafo Region. Plant nutrients may be said to have been depleted and to increase cassava yields the major plant nutrients i.e. nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium should be increased by applying chemical fertilizers.

The study was carried out to assess input needs of women vegetable farmers in Gwer-East Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Simple random sampling was adopted in selecting 150 respondents. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed through descriptive statistics and Logit regression. Results revealed that 66.7％ were between 21-40 years, 82.0％ were married, 58.0％ were farmers with 62.0％ having farming experience of at least 10 years, 60.0％ acquired secondary school certificate, 51.3％ had farm size of between 1.1-2.0 hectares, 55.3％ had household size of between 6-10 persons and 37.5 ％ had an annual income of ₦150,001 and above. 34.0％ required improved vegetable seeds 55.3％ obtained chemical fertilizers, 65.3％ farm inputs were inadequate, 63.3％ their inputs priority was adequate agricultural information, 59.3％ source their farm inputs from markets, 50.0％ extent of access to farm inputs was high, 42.7％ extension contact was low, 26.7％ low level of education was one of the constraints faced by vegetable women farmers in accessing farm inputs. The result of logit regression analysis showed that number of years spent for formal education was significant at P<0.5 and it is recommended that farm inputs particularly improved vegetable seeds should be provided for the vegetable women farmers.

We have studied the conditions of formation and morphological features of mountain soils in the Northern Urals. The purpose of the research was to study morphological and genetic features and classify soils of the Homgi-Nel Mountain within the western North Urals macroslope. In mountain areas, a detailed morphological description of soils is particularly important since at higher altitude soil forming conditions cause formation of soils with pronounced differences in color, structure and thickness of the horizons. Subject of the research: mountain soils in Vishersky Natural Reserve, the fourth largest reserve in Europe. It is located in the extreme north-east of the Perm region in the river Vishera headwaters. Its territory is situated within mountains with 800–1200 meters level difference embracing fragments of central backbones of the Urals. The diversity of soil forming conditions causes diversity of soil cover. Based on morphogenetic soil characteristics, the following divisions are highlighted: Leptosols, Glandular-metamorphic, Structural and Metamorphic, and Organo-accumulative. We have discovered the following basic morphogenetic soil characteristics: rubbility, truncated profile, distinct horizontation, gleyzation, ferrugination, and podzolization. Types of soils have vertical development limits. Soil-topographic series are geometrically diverse and genetically diverse.

The predatory efficiency of Micromischoides sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and Oecophylla longinoda (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) collected from an oil palm field in the main station of the Nigerian Institute for Oil palm Research for the control of the leaf miner larvae, Coelaenomenodera elaeidis, was investigated in the laboratory at ambient temperature of 270C ± 0.5; 80％ ± 2.5 relative humidity and 12:12 h photoperiod. Predatory efficiency of the ants was tested on leaf miner larvae at 4, 24, 48 and 72 h. These were compared with untreated leaf miner larva (control). Chi-square test of significance was used to analyze predatory efficiency and time on the two ant species. Variation in seasonal predator abundance was evaluated. The results show that Micromischoides sp. destroyed the leaf miner larvae after 72 hours while Oecophylla longinoda were not observed to attack the larvae. This study identifies Micromischoides sp. as a predator which offers potential as a biocontrol agent for C. elaeidis.

The current world-wide shortage of fertilizer and its anticipated adverse effect on food production has made many countries to explore the manorial value of organic manure to reduce pressure on the demand for mineral fertilizer as complementary use. The trial was carried out at the Teaching and Research farm of The College of Education, Lanlate, Southwest Nigeria as a rain fed pot experiment to determine the performance of different varieties of maize under organic, inorganic and combined fertilization. There were two varieties of maize (Sweet maize and Swan LSRY) and four fertilization (i.e. control, inorganic, organic and organomineral). Each of the maize varieties was tested with the varying fertilization making a total of eight (8) treatments for the experiment. Each treatment was replicated thrice using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). In the experiment, plant height, stem girth and number of leaves were collected at 2,4,6,8 and 10 weeks after planting. The treatments with organic and organomineral fertilizer (inorganic + organic) with each of the maize varieties gave the highest plant height in relative to the use of inorganic fertilizer or control. The variety treated with organic fertilizer gave the highest stem girth at 2WAP with the least recorded at the control. Also, the plant treated with complementary application of organic and inorganic fertilizer gave the highest value from 4 WAP to 10WAP; however the least was also recorded at the control. Though there were no significant different in the number of leaves at 8 and 10WAP for both maize varieties, however the use of organomineral fertilizer for Swan maize gave the highest number of leaves at 4 and 6 WAP.

The study examined changes in soil physico-chemical properties in fallow communities in the Rainforest Zone of Southern Nigeria. Fallow vegetation of 1-year, 3-year, 5-year and 10-year, were studied. The quadrat approach of sampling was employed to collect surface soil samples (0 – 15cm) from six plots of 10m x 10m across the four fallow communities. Results showed that the mean contents of organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN), effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) and available phosphorus (Av. P) substantially increased in the 3-10 years fallows presumably due to the increase in litter accumulation following the establishment of woody vegetation. PCA result identified soil nutrient, soil acidity and particle size composition as soil properties that progressively changed across the fallow soils. The study suggested that farmers should be encouraged to allow woody trees on their farmlands to speedy up soil fertility restoration.

To overcome wilting problem in guava by producing wilt resistant plants through grafting procedure using Polypiara seedlings as resistant rootstocks, an experiment was conducted at the Germplasm Centre, Fruit Tree Improvement Project (FTIP), Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. The experiment consisted of three varieties (Kazipiara, Swarupkathi and L49), three grafting methods (Cleft, Veneer and Contact) and two types of scion (Hardwood and Softwood).Variety influenced the sprouting and growth of the scion in very few cases but in most cases the effect was insignificant. But the grafting methods and scion type influenced significantly the sprouting and growth of the scion independently and sometimes combindly. Early bud sprouting was noticed in Kazipiara and also in Veneer methods of grafting and Hardwood scion. The highest scion height increase and leaf number were observed in grafting done through Contact method. Hardwood scion contributed better scion growth than Softwood scion.

Numerous physiologic changes occur in the digestive system, acid-base chemistry, and blood hormones during hot weather. Neurons that are temperature sensitive are located throughout the animal’s body and send information to the hypothalamus, which invokes numerous physiological, anatomical or behavioral changes in the attempt to maintain heat balance. In response of farm animals to heat stress, their activity, roughage intake and rumination decrease, while their water intake increase, evaporative loss through sweating, respiration, panting and rectal temperature increase in respective order. Regarding blood metabolites and biochemical changes, exposure to heat stress is accompanied by decline in concentrations of glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, total lipids, cholesterol, red blood cells, hemoglobin and haematocrit. A decreasing in the level of blood hormones due to heat stress, especially, anabolic hormones such as growth hormone, insulin, triiodotyronine, thyroxin and aldosterone. However, the circulating blood cortisol, follicle stimulating hormone and estradiol showed conflicting results due to the duration of heat exposure, the intensity of environmental heat, species, breed and age of the farm animals.

Soil erosion is a major farming problem in any society, especially for the fact that food, which is chiefly grown on the soil, is the greatest human need. This study examined the impact of farmland erosion on agricultural development in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area of Oyo State. Data were collected using structural questionnaire, oral interview and personal observation. A total of 200 respondents comprising of farmers were given questionnaire to administer with the help of the researchers. Data collected were analyzed and presented in table. The study revealed that more males were involved in farming in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area. Erosion affected Alabi-illumo farmland than other farmlands. It was also revealed that erosion was wearing farm lands and roads in the study area, and caused low productivity, loss of farm product; loss of soil fertility; water pollution; and damaging of roads. Based on the finding, it was recommended that government and individuals should encourage to supports the control of erosion, transportation facilities should be improved upon; Government and individuals should search for effective and alternative means of improved agricultural development in order to curb low productivity and loss of soil fertility. Also alternative means of controlling erosion should be employed by individuals.

[1] Singh, M.J. and K.S. Randhawa.1990. Assessment of heterosis and combining ability for quality traits in muskmelon. Ind. J. Hort.47 (2):228-232. [2] BBS (Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics). 2014. Statistical Year Book of Bangladesh. Statistics Division. Ministry of Planning. Government of the People republic of Bangladesh, Dhaka. [3] Anonymous, 2011.Year Book of Agricultural statistics, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Planning, Dhaka. P.279. [4] Ghani, A. 2003. Medicinal plant of Bangladesh with chemical constitutes and uses, 2nd edition, Asiati Society of Bangladesh, Dhaka 1000, and p. 603. [5] Wehner, T.C. 1989. Breeding for improved yield in cucumber. Plant Breed. Rev. 6:323- 359. [6] Robinson, R.W. and D.S. Decker-Walter. 1996. Cucurbits. CAB Imitational NY, USA. .pp.206. [7] Griffing B. and E. W. Lindstrom 1954. A study of combining abilities of corn inbreeds having varyinf proportions of cornbelt and non-corn belt gerplasm. Agronomy journal. 46: 545-552. [8] Murty, B. R. and V. Arunachalam. 1966. The nature of genetic divergence in relation tobreeding system in crop plants. Indian Journal of Genetics. 26A: 188-198 [9] Gaur, P. C., P. K. Gupta and H. Kishore. 1978. Studies on genetic divergence in potato.Euphytica. 27: 361-368. [10] Gomez, K.A. and A.A. Gomez. 1984. Statistical Procedure for Agricultural Research. John Wiley and Sons. Inc. New York. pp. 67-215. [11] Johnson H. W., H. F. Robinson, R. E. Comstock 1955. Estimation of genetic and environmental variability in soybean. Agronomy journal. 47: 314-318. [12] Jagadev P. N., K. M. Shamal, L. Lenka 1991. Genetic divergence in rape mustard. Indian J. Genet. Plant Breed. 51: 465-466. [13] Uddin, M.N. 2008. Morpho-Molecular Characterization, Diversity and Heterosis in cucumber (Cucumissativus L.) Ph.D. Thesis Bangabandhu Sheikh MujiburRahman Agricultural University. Gazipur- 1706. [14] Ali, A. 2011.Genetic Diversity in cucumber. MS Thesis.Bangabandhu Sheikh MujiburRahman Agricultural University. Gazipur-1706.

Great expansion of the aquaculture industry is hamstrung by high feed cost. A 91-day feeding trial was therefore conducted using fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus (1.08±0.05 g) to study the effect of mixed feeding schedule of varying dietary protein contents on the growth performance, feed utilization and cost-effectiveness. Coppen feed served as control 1 (A) while control 2 (B) was a basal diet formulated to contain 35％ crude protein. Different mixed feeding schedules of these two diets were developed. These include: one day Coppen followed with one-day basal diet feeding (1A+1B), two days Coppen followed with one-day basal diet feeding (2A+1B) and three days Coppen are followed with one-day basal diet feeding (3A+1B). Growth performance, feed utilization, survival and carcass composition were significantly better (p<0.05) between A and 3A+1B in terms of final weight, daily weight gains as well as specific growth rate. On the whole, 13.02％ feeding cost savings relative to A was obtained for fingerlings maintained on 3A+1B. Fish farmers should adopt this mixed feeding schedule for cost-effective culture of C. gariepinus.

This study analysis of factors that affect loan repayment capacity of farmers was carried out in Abia State Nigeria. The aim is to identify the socio-economic profile of the farmers, examine the factors influencing loan repayment capacity and identify the major problems and challenges faced by farmers in the repayment process. A total of 60 respondents were used in the survey. Descriptive statistics and multiple regressions were employed in analyzing the data. Most of the respondents were literate with different educational level. Half of the respondents were married largely the farmers used the entire loan for running the proposed business. The result of the multiple regression analysis shows that coefficient of multiple determination, was highly significant and in compliance of the signs to a priori expectations. The coefficient of R-Square was 0.6237 implying that 62.37％ of the variation in the farmers’ loan repayment capacity was explained by the independent variables included in the model. The F-value of 5.43 is greater than the tabulated value at both 5％ (2.13) and 1％ (2.88) levels of significance. The major factors influencing loan repayment includes Farming Experience, Amount Borrowed, Farm Size, Interest Rate, Farmers Age, and Sex were significant at 10, 5 and 1 percent respectively, implying that these variables are very important factors influencing the amount of loan repaid by the farmers in Abia State. Respondents identified the major challenges in the loan repayment process as inadequate loan size, unavailability of grace period and weak in following up to recover loans amongst other issues. It is recommended that Federal Government should fashion and enforce a programme for farmer’s development strategy under the Agricultural Development Bank that will guarantee adequate credit to farmers and financial institutions should address the issue of inadequate credit extended to local farmers.

The most in practice is the chemical method by using chemicals called disinfectants and these can be obtaining commercially. Some varieties of chemical disinfectants are available for killing some microorganism or at least preventing their multiplication, as such, this study was conducted on the evaluation of the bactericidal and Bacterostatic effect of some commercially produced disinfectants. Three disinfectants were used; Dettol (Reckitt Benkiser Pharmaceuticals Ltd), Trichlorophenol TCP (Neimeth int’l pharmaceuticals Plc) and Izal (Medreich PLC) on two bacterial isolates were studied. The test organisms used include Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The various dilutions at which the disinfectants had bactericidal effect on the organisms were; Dettol (10-1: 0.163), TCP (10-1: 0.098, 10-2: 0.262, 10-3: 0.283) for E. coli. Dettol (10-1: 0.123, 10-2: 0.448), TCP (10-1: 0.002, 10-2: 0.004) for Staph. Aureus. But Izal exhibited Bacterostatic effect at dilutions; E. coli (10-1, 10-2, 10-3) showing 10-1: 1.4981, 10-2:1.557, and 10-3:1.686, while Staph. Aureus showed at 10-1:1.980, 10-2:1.998, and 10-3:1.998 respectively. It was observed that Dettol showed the highest bactericidal effect on the graving cells of E. coli and Staph. Aureus. Therefore, further work can be carried out on other available disinfectants with other resistant test organisms within the same study area for more information.

Seed germination studies and effect of different treatments on dormancy breaking and early seedling growth of Cucurbita maxima and Cucumis sativus seeds was investigated in the laboratory. Growth parameters such as percentage germination, Shoot length, Root length, Leaf area and Numbers of nodes were evaluated. Standard procedures were used in the evaluation of the growth parameters. The results indicated that in all the two plant species tested, growth parameters were significantly (P=0.05) by treatment with concentrated H2S04, soaking with 0.1％ KNO3, chilling treatment and removal of seed coat were stimulated above the fresh seeds treatment. Treatment with concentrated H2S04, soaking with 0.1％ KNO3 and chilling treatment showed highest promotion of percentage germination and early seedling growth parameters. Cucurbita maxima showed better responses to treatments with concentrated H2S04, soaking with 0.1％ KNO3 and chilling treatment than Cucumis sativus. Results from this research indicates that dormant seeds of Cucurbita maxima and Cucumis sativus should can be overcome by treatment with concentrated H2S04, soaking with 0.1％ KNO3 and chilling or removal of seed coats as this can promote the germination and early seedling growth process of Cucurbita maxima and Cucumis sativus seeds improving its yield and productivity thus proving to be a very useful pretreatment operational practice for farmers.

Salmonella is a common contaminant of egg and can present a health hazard to consumers. Egg and egg products are an important part of the human diet. Since eggs are used for the production of egg pasta, and due to an insufficient thermal treatment during pasta drying they can be a potential risk for the consumer’s health. Different essential oils of herbs can be used in order to reduce potentially present pathogenic microorganisms. The aim of this paper is to describe the impact of the thyme and technological process of production of pasta with eggs on a decrease of the number of Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis (D) ATCC 13076. There is not a separate major impact on the concentration of thyme against Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis (D) ATCC 13076. There is a significant impact of the technological process against Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis (D) ATCC 13076.

The Chittagong Hill Tracts region is of great importance for growing various crops, which are different from the plains. Farmers practice traditional Jhum culture for their livelihood. They slash and burn the vegetation on hills and go for Jhum cultivation which contributes to soil and nutrient loss. It can also lead to land degradation if population pressure reduces the fallow periods needed for the recovery of natural resources. The Quesungual Slash and Mulch Agro-forestry System (QSMAS) is a smallholder production system with a group of techniques for the sustainable management of vegetation, soil, and water resources in drought-prone hillsides is an alternative to traditional and widespread slash and burn agriculture. The present research work was undertaken to introduce an eco-friendly productive crop production system in sloping lands of CHT which will mitigate the process of land degradation due to Jhum culture as well as take care of food security of Hill people. The experiment was conducted in moderate hill slope of Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Center, SRDI, Bandarban. Experimental site comprised of four plots- QSMAS model, modern Jhum with hedge row, traditional Jhum and control (secondary forest). From two years data it was observed that system productivity of QSMAS was much higher than that of Jhum with hedge row and traditional Jhum. Total soil loss and surface run off was much lower in QSMAS model than Jhum with hedge row and traditional Jhum. Soil organic matter and CEC was increased over initial status in QSMAS and secondary forest. Micro-watershed based agro-forestry system may be an alternate option to replace Jhum culture for livelihood security of Hill dwellers in Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Olive tree is subjected to attack by many insect pest species that effect on the yield quality and quantity. Among the most common pest species surveyed in Egypt is; the leopard Zeuzera pyrina (L.) (Lepidoptera: Cossidae), which considered a serious pest in olive fields causing a lot of damage and loss in olive trees. Destruxin consist of an a-hydroxyl acid and five amino acid residues. It is a cyclic hexadepsipeptide produced by fungus causing paralysis and death in insects. It causes the infestations decrease of many insect pests. The effect of destruxins was tested under laboratory and field conditions against Z. pyrina. Results showed that the LC50 of Destruxin recoded 139 ppm when the 3rd larval instars Z. pyrina treated with different concentrations. When the Isolate Destruxin A-304 applied on the target pests the LC50 recorded 33 ppm. Under field conditions, the infestations were significantly decreased to 7.0 ± 3.2 and 7.0 ± 4.2 larvae after treated with Isolate Destruxin A-304 in Ebn Malek and Ismailia, respectively. In the same last places the Isolate Destruxin A-366 application showed a significant decrease in the pests infestations reached to 45.0 ± 1.2 and 41.0 ± 1.2 larvae as compared to 99.0 ± 1.2 and 99.0 ± 1.2larvae in the control. The yields weights in both two regions were significantly increased as the result of Isolate Destruxin A-304 applications.