FUDMA Journal of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology

NUTRIENT DETERMINATION AND APPARENT NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY OF GRAVID GILTS FED CASSAVA PLANT MEAL-BASED DIETS

2025-04-07T07:12:46+00:00

Three CPMs products were developed from cassava variety (Tropical Manihot Species (TMS) 30572) harvested at 24 months after planting. The different cassava plant parts (sun-dried unpeeled cassava tuber meal, cassava leaf meal and tender cassava stem meal) were mixed at different ratios of 2:1, 2.5:1 and 3:1 while the ratio of the leaves to tender stems was 5:1 across the three CPMs products. The apparent nutrient digestibility of the developed CPMs products by pre-gestation gilts, and the proximate composition, minerals, amino acids, vitamins, fatty acids and apparent nutrient digestibility of CPM-based diets for gravid gilts were determined using standard laboratory procedures. Results showed that CPM products 2 and 3 had higher crude protein and crude fibre digestibility coefficients and were better digested than CPM product 1. The proximate composition of CPM-based diets differed significantly (p<0.05) across dietary groups. The amino acid contents increased with increasing inclusion of unpeeled cassava tuber meal to the CPM-based diets. Also, the Calcium, Phosphorus, Manganese and Chlorine content were influenced (p<0.05) by increasing inclusion of unpeeled cassava tuber meal. The apparent nutrient digestibility of the CPM-based diets was significantly (p <0.05) higher in 100% CPM-based diets and comparable to the value obtained for the group fed maize-based diet. In conclusion, the CPMs products 2 and 3 had comparable nutrient contents as maize meal and the digestibility coefficient of the nutrients in the experimental diets fed to gravid gilts increased with increasing inclusion of unpeeled cassava tuber meal. Cassava plant meal could give comparable reproductive performance when fed to gravid pigs.

IMPACTS OF BIOCHAR ON SOME MICROBIAL POPULATION, SOIL PROPERTIES AND YIELD OF TOMATO IN A DIFFERENT LAND USE SYSTEMS SOUTHWEST, NIGERIA

2025-04-07T07:23:16+00:00

Changes in soil microbial communities may impact soil fertility and stability because microbial communities are key to soil functioning by supporting soil ecological quality and agricultural production. This study was conducted to investigate the Impacts of biochar on microbial activities on soil properties, crop growth and yield in a different Land use systems Southwest, Nigeria. The study was carried out between March to August 2023 and 2024 in Okitipupa Southwest, Nigeria with the objectives to determine the impact of biochar application on microbial abundance., to evaluate the influence of biochar on some soil physical properties, to evaluate the influence of biochar on some soil chemical properties and to determine the impact of biochar on the growth and yield of tomato. The design was Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments: control, oil palm plantation and agroforestry all treated with biochar except for the control. The results were subjected to statistical analysis and mean were separated at 0.05%. The results show that addition of biochar increases soil pH from 5.0 to 5.3 in farmland soil 4.8 to 5.5 in agroforestry soil and 5.1 to 5.2 in Oil palm plantation soil. Also, addition of biochar increases the population of Trichoderma from 4.00 cfu/g to 6.00 cfu/g, 8.00 cfu/g to 10.00 cfu/g and 5.00 cfu/g to 6.00 cfu in farmland soil, agroforestry and oil palm soils respectively. Aspergillus population also increased from 4.00 cfu/g to 5.00 cfu/g, 4.00 cfu/g to 8.00 cfu/g and 4.00 cfu/g to 7.00 cfu/g in farmland, agroforestry and oil palm soils respectively. Tomato yield was 14.06ton/ha, 12.77 ton/ha, 09.00 ton/ha and 4.67 ton/ha farmland, agroforestry, oil palm plantation and control soil respectively. It was observed that, addition of biochar to soils increases the presence of soil microbial, yield and some soil chemical properties in the study area. Therefeore, it is the finding of this study that proper use of biochar in the current agro ecological zone could be beneficial to agriculture especially crop production.

THE IMPACT OF ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAS FUNGI (AMF), IDOLE-3-ACETIC (IAA), AND NPK ON SOIL CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND GROWTH OF CASSAVA IN OKITIPUPA, SOUTHWEST, NIGERIA

2025-04-07T07:31:54+00:00

Conventional agricultural practices mainly rely on agronomic measures and chemical inputs to improve nutrient use efficiency (NUE) which could lead to soil degradation and loss of biodiversity, with detrimental consequences for soil health and ecosystem functioning. This study aims to evaluate the impact of Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA), Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) as inoculants in combination with NPK doses on soil chemical properties and cassava yield in Okitipua between April to August 2014, Southwest Nigeria. There were five treatments namely, Arbuscular mycorrhizal Fungi, idole-3-acetic (1g), NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer (300kg/ha), Abuscular mycorrhizal Fungi + NPK. 15:15:15 fertilizer and control, the experimental design was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The results were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS. AMF showed low impact on the soil from the experimental site. It has showed effect on few soil parameters (Soil pH, TOC, Na⁺, Mg²⁺ and base saturation). The addition of NPK to the soil showed positive impact in some soil parameters such as TOC, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and base saturation. The combination of NPK and AMF (NPK+AMF) has shown more impact in most soil parameters such as TOC, Na, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, base saturation and Mn. NPK, AMF, and the combination of NPK, NPK + AMF have shown impact in the growth of cassava by increasing the height of the cassava plant. NPK, IAA, and NPK+AMF have shown impact in the leaves by the increase in the number of leaves. Only NPK, NPK + AMF had shown impact on the stem of the cassava by increasing the number of stems in all weeks after planting (WAP). The stem diameter shows significant increase from week 1 to week 6 with the help of the applications of NPK and NPK+AMF. This research gives information on the use and benefits of AMF, AMF + NPK in a appropriate proportion to grow cassava in Okitipupa and its environs. If properly managed, it is a promising step to reduce the total dependence on the mineral fertilizers for the growth of cassava in the study area.

INFLUENCE OF GRADED DOSE OF PROBIOTICS SUPPLEMENTS ON PACKED CELL VOLUME AND BODY WEIGHT DURING GESTATION PERIOD AND PREGNANCY PHASE OF NEW ZEALAND WHITE FEMALE RABBIT (DOES)

2025-04-08T13:21:54+00:00

Probiotics are live bacteria that, when administered in enough concentrations, provide health advantages to the host. This study was designed to determine the influence of graded dose of probiotics on packed cell volume (PCV) and live body weight of female rabbits during gestation and pregnancy phases. Twelve healthy adult female rabbits (does) were purchased and housed at the Laboratory Animal Research Unit of the Large Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri. The rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: A, B, C, and D. Groups A, B, and C received 300 g, 200 g, and 100 g of probiotic supplements, respectively. Group D, served as control and fed only a basal diet throughout the research period. Drinking water was provided ad libitum throughout the study period. Thereafter, blood samples were collected aseptically via the ear vein once every week for six weeks and the live body weight were measured once every w eek for six weeks. The results revealed that the PCV and the live body weight during gestation period were significant (p ˂ 0.05) among the treated groups when compared to the control (group D). However, the weight during various pregnancy phases was also significant (p < 0.05) among the treated groups when compared to the control (group D). In conclusion, probiotics have influence on the PCV and the live body weight during gestation period and various pregnancy phases of the rabbits does.

ECONOMICS OF CASSAVA PRODUCTION AMONG FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN OJU LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

2025-04-11T08:42:22+00:00

Cassava plays a critical role in food security, energy security, poverty alleviation, and the economic sustainability of millions of smallholders in developing countries, including Nigeria. Its relevance to the food security in rural and urban areas demand increased processing of its tubers into many products that can satisfy consumers’ diverse tastes. This study, therefore, focused on economics of cassava production among farming households in Oju Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling method was used to select 120 respondents for the study. Primary data were employed with the use of structured questionnaire instrument and were analyzed through descriptive statistics, budgeting techniques, and multiple regression analysis. The result revealed that most cassava farmers (62%) were male, 62% were married, and 70% were literate. The average household size was 5 persons, and the average farming experience was 9 years. Additionally, 70% of the farmers lacked access to credit, while 79% were not part of any cooperative association. The cost and return analysis showed that cassava farmers earned an average gross return (total revenue) of ₦205,000 per/ha, with total variable costs of ₦142,000 and fixed costs of ₦16,650. The total production cost per farmer was ₦158,650 per/ha, resulting in a net farm income of ₦46,350 and a gross margin of ₦63,000. The return on investment (₦0.29) indicated a profit of 29k for every naira invested. The multiple regression analysis identified age, educational level, farming experience, farm size, and cooperative membership as significant factors influencing cassava output. The study concluded that cassava farming in the area was profitable. The following are the recommendations, that increasing the levels utilization of farm size, education and farming experience will result in an increase in the level of output of cassava. Also, farmers be recommended to form goal driven association groups and pool resources together to improve upon their finances.

EFFECT OF BIO-STIMULATION AND CLOPROSTENOL ON PERCENTAGE OF ESTRUS SYNCHRONY AND CONCEPTION IN EWES

2025-04-11T08:53:23+00:00

This study examined the effects of biostimulation on estrus synchrony rates and conception rates in ewes. Twelve matured pre-partum ewes, weighing between 21 and 31 kg and 1 – 2 years of age were used for this study. The animals were assigned to four treatment groups (A,B,C and D) each consisting of three (n = 3) animals. Estrus manifestations were seen in group A, B, C and D as 100, 66.7, 66.7 and 0% respectively. The percentage conception in the groups confirmed through ultrasound scan were Percentage synchrony was highest in group A, with all the animals being synchronized after the second dose of cloprostenol were administered. In groups B (single dose of cloprostenol with introduction of a ram) and C (double doses of cloprostenol without introduction of ram) percentage synchrony were same. Bio stimulation had a synergistic effect on cloprostenol and their combination will reduce cost of synchronization and is therefore recommended for synchronization programs.

YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF MAIZE/COWPEA INTERCROP AS AFFECTED BY ROW-ARRANGEMENT AND COWPEA VARIETIES IN THE SUDAN SAVANNAH

2025-04-12T16:29:47+00:00

Field experiment was conducted during the 2023 rainy season at the Teaching and Research Farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Bayero University Kano (11ᵒ58N, 8ᵒ25E) and Institute for Agricultural Research Farm Minjibir (12ᵒ10’42N, 8ᵒ39’33E) to determine the productivity of maize/cowpea intercrops as affected by cowpea varieties and row arrangement in Sudan savanna of Nigeria. The treatments consisted of two cowpea varieties (SAMPEA19 and SAMPEA21) and four row arrangements (1M:1C, 1M:2C, 2M:1C, 2M:2C). Sole maize and cowpea were established in each replication for evaluation of intercrop productivity. These were laid out in a split plot design and replicated three times. Row arrangement was assigned to the main plot and cowpea variety to the sub plot. The result of the study at both locations revealed that grain yield of maize at BUK (2286.8 kg ha^-1) and Minjibir (1211.2 kgha^-1), was higher in 1M:1C than other row arrangement.In the case of cowpea, SAMPEA 21 recorded highest values for number of pod/plants, 100 seed weight, pod yield and grain yield at both locations, 1M:1C row arrangement recorded the highest Pod weight at BUK (2034.2 kg ha^-1) and Minjibir (1801.2 kg ha^-1) and grain yield of 1717.7 and 1596.3 kg ha^-1 at BUK and Minjibir respectively. All the treatment combinations resulted in land equivalent ratio (LER) greater than 1.0 with combination of SAMPEA21 and 1M:1C (1.58, 1.40) recording the highest LER value in both locations.

EFFECT OF CLOPROTENOL AND BIO STIMULATION ON ESTRUS SYNCHRONY, ONSET AND DURATION IN UDA EWE

2025-04-15T12:45:10+00:00

The influence of biostimulation in combination with cloprostenol administration on estrus synchronization was studied. Twelve matured pre-partum ewes, weighing between 21 and 31 kg and 1 – 2 years of age were used for this study. The animals were assigned to four treatment groups (A, B, C and D) each consisting of three (n = 3) animals. Estrus manifestations were seen in group A, B, C and D as 100, 66.7, 66.7 and 0% respectively. The time to onset of estrus for groups A, B, C and D were 36.33 ± 8.32, 26.23 ± 2.81, 23.14 ± 0.14 and 0.00 ± 0.00 h respectively. The duration of estrus was 33.30 ± 12.60, 15.67 ± 13.58 and 0.00 ± 0.00 h respectively. Percentage synchrony was highest in group A, with all the animals being synchronized after the second dose of cloprostenol were administered. In groups B (single dose of cloprostenol with introduction of a ram) and C (double doses of cloprostenol without introduction of ram) percentage synchrony were same. Bio stimulation had a synergistic effect on cloprostenol and their combination will reduce cost of synchronization and is therefore recommended for synchronization programs.