FUDMA Journal of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology

EFFECT OF REPLACING MAIZE WITH SOLID WASTE PRODUCT OF SUGAR INDUSTRY ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY AND ECONOMICS OF PRODUCTION OF BROILER CHICKENS

2025-01-06T08:57:14+00:00

This Research was conducted to evaluate the effect of replacing maize with solid waste product of sugar industry on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and economics of production of broilers chickens. The experimental diets were formulated such that SWAPSI replaced maize at 0% (control), 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% serving as T, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. The diets were compounded to be 2800 and 3000kcal/kg ME and 23 and 20%CP for both starter and finisher phases respectively. Four hundred day old chicks were distributed randomly among five diets, with 80 birds per diet that were replicated 5 times, each with 16 birds in a completely randomized design. Data were collected on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and economics of production. These data were analyzed using the One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in the SPSS statistical software. The results show that animals fed T1 and T2 had the highest growth performance at both phases, with better feed conversion ratio compared to T3, T4 and T5. Chickens fed T1 and T2 exhibited the highest crude protein content digestibility for both phases.. Cost of feed per kilogram weight gain was higher at T5 (₦3003.63/bird) than the other treatments. Birds fed diet containing 20% SWAPSI gave higher gross margin of ₦2011.87. The inclusion of SWAPSI from 20-80% decreases all values because SWAPSI increase in the diet without causing damage to the birds. It also decreased total costs while improving gross margins by 20%. SWAPSI meal is recommended at 20% for maximum growth and economic rewards.

SOCIO-CULTURAL EFFECTS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN AGRICULTURE BY FARMERS, EXTENSION AGENTS AND LECTURERS IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA.

2025-01-06T09:20:56+00:00

The study assessed the socio-cultural effects of AI technologies in agriculture, based on the perceptions of farmers, extension agents, and lecturers in Delta State, Nigeria. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 293 respondents, comprising 40% lecturers, 20% extension agents, and 5% farmers. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, 4-point Likert scale, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The results indicated significant variance in the level of awareness; lecturers at 90.9%, followed by extension agents at 94.1%, were more aware of these AI tools, including drones, than farmers (68.2%). Thereafter, the perception about AI technology in terms of sociocultural impact also differed among these groupings. Farmers were concerned that AI would change traditional practices extensively, which is at variance with the community norm, whereas the lecturers and extension agents perceived it as something positive that should happen. Results of ANOVA Post-hoc tests revealed that farmers' perceptions differed from those of lecturers with a mean difference of -1.830, p = 0.002, and extension agents with a mean difference of -1.574, p = 0.039. This study has therefore brought to the fore that interventions should be culturally sensitive in addressing farmers' concerns if AI adoption in agriculture is to be inclusive.

EFFECTS OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS PRICE HIKE ON THE SUPPLY OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS IN NIGERIA – A REVIEW

2025-01-21T13:43:07+00:00

The supply of agricultural products in Nigeria determines food and nutritional security in the country. One of the factors affecting the supply of agricultural products is technological advancement which encompasses of farm mechanization, irrigation etc. Petroleum products are used to power farm machineries and move farm produce from the point of production to the point of consumption. Therefore, the pricing of the derivatives of petroleum products play key roles in impacting the production and productivity of the agricultural sector. A comprehensive literature review of the effects of petroleum products price hike on the supply of agricultural products in Nigeria was conducted using relevant scientific papers, project reports, books and peer-reviewed journals. The review showed that petroleum products are used to power and drive farm machineries and move farm commodities from the point of production to the point of consumption. The pricing of petroleum products positively correlates with inflation rate through the cost of transportation, cost of production, prices of commodities, cost of living. This shows that petroleum products price hike affects producer decision, consumer behavior, and energy policies. This suggests that an alternative to petroleum products such as renewable energy should be exploited to reduce dependency on petroleum. Strategic petroleum reserve should be kept and used to buffer short-term supply shocks and price hikes of petroleum products. Also, farmers should have access to credit at no or low interest rate to boost the production capacity.

SOME ASPECTS OF THE BIOLOGY OF Parachanna obscura IN ITAPAJI DAM, EKITI STATE, NIGERIA.

2025-02-24T21:32:52+00:00

Some aspects of the biology of Parachanna obscura were studied in Itapaji dam in Ekiti State Nigeria. Fish specimens were collected monthly from the dam’s landing site from March to August 2021. The Standard Length (SL), Total Length (TL), and Body Weight (BW) were measured respectively. The sex ratio was determined and did not depart from the 1:1 population of the stock. The condition factor (K) calculated was less than 1 which indicated P. obscura is not in a good physiological state. The length-weight relationship (b-values) for combined sexes was 2.96 and indicated a negative allometric growth pattern in Itapaji reservoir. The frequency of occurrence of food items consumed showed that 13% had detritus and fish, 18.8% had earthworms and fish, 6.5% had prawns and fish, 5% had prawns, fish and snail shells, and 4% had earthworms and fish. Food items of primary importance were fishes, prawns, nematodes, and detritus. The minimum and maximum Gonado-somatic indexes were 0.18% and 0.79% respectively while the minimum and maximum hepato-somatic indexes were 0.22% and 0.62% respectively.

EFFECT OF REPLACING MAIZE WITH SOLID WASTE PRODUCT OF SUGAR INDUSTRY ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY AND ECONOMICS OF PRODUCTION OF BROILER CHICKENS

2025-02-24T21:51:12+00:00

This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of replacing maize with solid waste product of sugar industry on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and economics of production of broilers chickens. The experimental diets were formulated such that SWAPSI replaced maize at 0% (control), 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% serving as T, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. The diets were compounded to be 2800 and 3000kcal/kg ME and 23 and 20%CP for both starter and finisher phases respectively. Four hundred day old chicks were distributed randomly among five diets, with 80 birds per diet that were replicated 5 times, each with 16 birds in a completely randomized design. Data were collected on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and economics of production. These data were analyzed using the One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in the SPSS statistical software. The results show that animals fed T1 and T2 had the highest growth performance at both phases, with better feed conversion ratio compared to T3, T4 and T5. Chickens fed T1 and T2 exhibited the highest crude protein content digestibility for both phases.. Cost of feed per kilogram weight gain was higher at T5 (₦3003.63/bird) than the other treatments. Birds fed diet containing 20% SWAPSI gave higher gross margin of ₦2011.87. The inclusion of SWAPSI from 20-80% decreases all values because SWAPSI increase in the diet without causing damage to the birds. It also decreased total costs while improving gross margins by 20%. SWAPSI meal is recommended at 20% for maximum growth and economic rewards.

EFFECT OF BREED AND SEX ON THERMO-REGULATORY PARAMETERS OF RABBITS IN NASARAWA STATE NIGERIA

2025-02-24T22:31:36+00:00

The study was conducted to determine the effect of breed and sex on thermo-regulatory parameters of rabbits. A total of fifty-four weaner rabbits made up of three breeds comprising of twenty-seven males and twenty-seven females each were procured from National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Vom, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria and used for the experiment. The rabbits were managed using standard procedure. Six (3 males and females each) of each of the rabbit breeds were assigned using Complete Randomized Design and replicated three times. The thermo-regulatory parameters collected were respiratory rate, heart rate, rectal temperature and ear temperature. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS statistical package version 21. Results obtained indicated that breed had effect (p<0.05) on respiratory rate (39.56±0.54- 42.23±0.54) and ear temperature (38.10±0.09-39.38±0.09) and sex had no significant (p>0.05) effect in all the thermo-regulatory parameters measured. It can be concluded that any of the sex can be reared in the study area. However, Dutch and Chinchilla breeds adapt more compared to New Zealand White based on the respiratory rate

THE EFFICACY OF BAOBAB FRUIT PULP ON THERMOREGULATORY, GROWTH AND BLOOD INDICES OF HEAT STRESSED BROILER FINISHER CHICKENS

2025-02-24T22:55:46+00:00

The study was carried out to assess the efficacy of baobab fruit pulp meal in ameliorating heat stress in finisher broilers (day 29-49) using thermoregulatory parameters, growth performance, haematological and biochemical parameters. Two hundred and fifty six finisher broiler chickens were randomly divided into four treatments (64 birds each) in a completely randomized design Ascorbic acid was added to the diet at 0, 68, 136 and 204 mg/kg. Each treatment had four replicates. Data gathered during the investigation was processed using general linear model of statistical analysis system and means were separated using Tukey’s methodology. Glutathione Peroxidase activity was improved (P<0.05) at 68 and 136 mg/kg ascorbic acid respectively, while increased (P<0.05) LDL level was recorded for broilers offered the control diet and diet supplemented with 136 mg/kg ascorbic acid. Natural ascorbic acid (204 mg/kg) was found to improve broiler chickens’ blood indices, growth and thermoregulatory parameters. As a result, during time of heat stress, finisher broiler chickens should be offered 204 mg/kg natural ascorbic acid added to their feed.

MULTIDIMENSIONAL POVERTY IN GENDER-HEADED FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN PERI-URBAN BADAGRY LGA, LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

2024-04-23T13:15:08+00:00

This study explored the multidimensional poverty in gender-headed farming households in peri-urban Badagry LGA, Lagos State, Nigeria. The study involved the random selection of 120 male and female household heads in equal proportions using a multistage sampling technique. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents; the Multidimensional Poverty Index was used to measure their multidimensional poverty status as well as the headcount and the incidence of poverty; and a Student's T-test was used to test the differences in the mean of the dimensions of multidimensional poverty. The MPI scores were 18.7% and 23.8% for male headed and female headed households, respectively. The living standards and financial standards of the female respondents contributed most to their deprivations; education and health dimensions were the case for the male respondents. No significant differences existed between the two categories of respondents on the dimensions of living standards and financial standards, but significant differences existed in the dimensions of education and health in favour of the female respondents. The study recommended an urgent need for government policies directed at finding sustainable solutions to the problem: the provision of more primary healthcare services, employment opportunities, and strengthening social inclusion. The state government's free education programme should be utilised by children of male heads of households. International and national non-governmental organisations should assist in providing health care and other rural infrastructure to peri-urban communities.

EFFICIENCY OF LABOUR USE AMONG MAIZE FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN SHENDAM LGA., PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

2025-02-24T23:42:58+00:00

Increasing the production of crops such as maize requires increased labour productivity, expanded use of native technologies, and enhanced land utilisation are all necessary for increasing the production of crops like maize. The study focused on Efficiency of Labour Use among Maize Farming Households in Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau state, Nigeria. This study adopted Multistage sampling technique to randomly select 126 farming households. Primary data was obtained through structured questionnaire administration. Descriptive statistics and Stochastic Labour-use Requirement Frontier model was used for the analysis. The result revealed that 93% of the respondents were married, with a mean age of 44 years, 99% were literate and with mean farming experience of 19 years and with a mean farm size of 2 hectares. Of the 160.046 man-hours of labour utilized for maize production; 86.50% was contributed by family labour.. Labour-use stochastic frontier estimates indicate that maize output, agrochemical and farm size significantly affected labour usage while socio-economic determinants of labour use efficiency were labour wage, age, education, gender and farming experience. Furthermore, estimated efficiency mean value was 0.69, while 61% were in 0.61-0.80 efficiency range. It can be concluded that out of a total of 160.046 man-hours of labour utilized for maize production; 86.50% was contributed by family labour. Therefore, the study recommends: women be given more prominent role in maize production given their contribution to farm labour supply, Inputs such as agrochemicals be subsidized while barriers to farm land acquisition be removed through legislation and Technologies need be introduced to reduce human labour use, therefore increasing maize production and labour use efficiency.

PHOSPHORUS DISTRIBUTIONS AND FORMS IN SAVANNA SOIL UNDER SELECTED FOREST LAND USES IN NORTHWESTERN, NIGERIA.

2025-02-24T23:53:23+00:00

In addition to providing a variety of ecosystem services like food production, water management, nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity protection, soil is an essential natural resource that sustains life on earth. The study assessed phosphorus distributions and forms in savanna soil under selected forest land uses in northwestern, Nigeria. This experiment used a completely randomized design with a 4 x 2 factorial layout. Four land uses and soil samples from two soil depths were included in the variables. Analysis of Variance was used to analyze the data. The findings confirmed that sandy loam was the textural class of the land use categories in the studied locations. The leaves of Moringa oleifera contain the highest nitrogen content (20.00 g kg^-1) and low C: N (31.54 g kg^-1) among others. The soil pH (6.55), available phosphorus (13.50 mg kg^-1), magnesium (0.35 C mol kg^-1), potassium (0.09 Cmol kg^-1) had significantly (p < 0.05) higher values in M. oleifera plantation than other land use. The amount of soil physical and chemical properties increased with the soil depth of 0-30 cm. The values of the phosphorus (P) forms increased in M. oleifera with the significantly (p < 0.05) higher values (7.37 mg kg^-1) in calcium phosphorus (Ca-P), (4.75 mg kg^-1) in iron phosphorus (Fe-P mg kg^-1) and (13.55 mg kg^-1) in available phosphorus (Av-P). In conclusion, M. oleifera plantation provides an adequate soil phosphorus form that is sustainable to improve soil quality and fertility.

ASSESSMENT OF FARMERS’ INVOLVEMENT IN AGROFORESTRY PRACTICES IN DUTSINMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

2025-02-25T00:02:18+00:00

Various combinations of two or three elements of arable crops, woody perennials, animal husbandry, fish farming, beekeeping, and silkworm farming are included in agroforestry operations. The main factors influencing farmers’ involvement in agroforestry techniques in Katsina State, Nigeria's Dutsinma Local Government Area were assessed in this study. The selection of responders was done using a multistage sampling technique. One hundred local farmers were chosen, and information was gathered from them using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistical techniques such as the frequencies, percentages, Chi-square, and Likert scale rating using arithmetic mean were respectively used to analyse the data. Sokoto-rima (8) and Gidankyari (8) practiced all the observed predominant agroforestry practices followed by Shema (7), Gidan islamiya (7) and Isa-kiata (7). The farmers’ participation level in the agroforestry practices presented had highest mean value of 1.90 as the maximum threshold level across the selected villages. There was no significant difference in the association between agrosilvopastoral systems and the demographic characteristics of the respondents. Farmers prefer to raise animals, plant trees, and grow arable crops. The conclusion reached was that the main obstacles to farmers' involvement in agroforestry methods are lack of knowledge and lack of funding. In order to increase farmers' involvement in agroforestry practices in the research region, it is advised that awareness of the advantages of agroforestry techniques be raised.

EFFECTS OF TAMARIND PULP ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS, HEMATOLOGICAL AND SERUM INDICES OF BROILER CHICKENS UNDER HEAT STRESS.

2025-02-25T00:22:13+00:00

The study investigated the effects of varying levels of tamarind pulp extract in drinking water on growth performance, carcass characteristics, serum, and hematological profile of broiler chickens. The experiment followed a completely randomized design, and data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). A total of 150 day-old Abor-Acre broiler chicks were allocated to five dietary treatments, each replicated three times with 10 chicks per replicate. The control group (T1) received water without tamarind pulp extract, while T2, T3, T4, and T5 received 25, 50, 75, and 100 g of tamarind pulp extract per liter of water, respectively. The average daily feed intake (ADFI) did not differ significantly across the treatment groups; however, final weight, total weight gain (TWG), and average daily weight gain (ADWG) were significantly influenced by the treatment. The dietary inclusion of tamarind pulp extract had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on carcass parts, including the breast, neck, back, thigh, drumstick, thigh, shank and or visceral organs measurements such as intestinal length and empty gizzard weights. Serum albumin and total protein levels for T2, T3, T4 and T5 were significantly lower than the control. Hemoglobin, white blood cell counts and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) levels were significantly higher in birds receiving T2 compared to the control and other treatments groups. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) levels were significantly higher in T4 and T5 than in T2, T3, and control groups. Adding tamarind pulp extract did not affect feed intake or carcass characteristics. In conclusion, the inclusion of tamarind pulp extract in drinking water of broiler chicken did not affect feed intake or carcass characteristics but influenced certain growth performance parameters and hematological indices.

EFFECT OF GRADED LEVELS OF OREGANO POWDER (Origanum Vulgare) ON MEAT QUALITY OF BROILER CHICKENS

2024-10-03T16:17:49+00:00

This research evaluated the effect of feeding varying levels of Oregano powder (OP) (Origanum vulgare) on physico-chemical properties of broiler chicken meat. Two hundred broiler chicks (n=200) were allocated randomly to four (4) dietary treatments. The dried oregano leaves were ground into a fine form, milled and incorporated into the ration. Each treatment consisted of varying levels of OP as 0, 15, 20 and 25g/100kg representing treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Broiler chickens were fed the experimental feed for 49 days, at the end of which five (5) birds per replicate were sacrificed and evaluated for physico-chemical properties. The mean values of physico-chemical properties (cooking loss, drip loss, colour, pH and density) didn’t vary significantly among all the treatments. It was concluded that Oregano powder inclusion at 0, 15, 20 and 25g/100kg in the diets of broiler chicken did not have any significant effects on meat quality evaluated.