FUDMA Journal of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology

EVALUATION OF FARMERS’ ACCESS TO EXTENSION SERVICES ON SORGHUM PRODUCTION IN MALUMFASHI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Abdulmumini Lawan — 2025-08-04

This study evaluates sorghum farmers extension services access in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria. A two-stage sampling technique was used to select 120 sorghum farmers from different wards in the Local Government Area. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. The results discovered that the majority (83%) of the sorghum farmers had access to extension services, and the majority (62.5%) accessed the services through farming groups. Majority (88%) of the respondents perceived the extension services delivered to them as useful, about 87.5% of the respondents indicated that the services had improved their farming practices and extension agents’ attitude was the major constraints faced by the sorghum farmers in extension services access. The study concluded that the majority of sorghum farmers in Malumfashi Local Government Area had access to extension services and perceived the services as useful. The study recommends that the government should strengthen the extension services in the Local Government Area in order to improve the productivity of sorghum farmers.

DRIVERS OF MAIZE FARMERS’ CHOICE OF CLIMATE COPING STRATEGIES IN KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA: DOUBLE HUDDLE MODEL APPROACH

J. Musa — 2025-08-04

The study determined drivers of maize farmers’ choice of climate coping strategies in Katsina state, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select 528 respondents from which primary data were collected. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and double huddle model. The Maize farmers’ average age was 46.27 years, and 48.30% of them were within the age range of 42-52 years. Their average household size, farm size, maize production experience and extension contacts per season were 16 people 2.37ha, 14.74 years and 4.03 contacts, respectively. The farmers agreed that climate change has adversely affected their own maize production. Recasts the result for the double hurdle model show that education, experience, tree planting off-farm activities and cooperative membership were some of the factors that significantly influenced the farmers’ choice of climate change coping strategies. Some factors were identified to significantly influence both the farmers’ understanding of climate change effects and choice of climate change coping strategies. It is concluded that the maize farmers had understanding of climate change effects and there were lots of factors that influenced the farmers’ choice of coping strategies. It is recommended that extension contacts and cooperative membership should be improved among the maize farmers in the state.

PERCEPTION OF FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR DEPLETION OF NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS (NTFPS) AMONG KUDA GANGARA FOREST RESERVE DWELLERS IN JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA

M.G. Saka — 2025-08-04

The study assessed the perceptions of forest reserve dwellers in Kuda Gangara Forest Reserve, Jigawa State, Nigeria, regarding the factors responsible for the depletion of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and timber products. Data were collected through participatory appraisal, focus group discussions, transect walks, and household questionnaires administered to 364 randomly selected household heads out of a proposed 375. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to identify the key drivers of forest resource depletion in the study area. The demographic analysis revealed a predominantly male population (80.77%), with 75.56% of respondents being married and 41.21% falling within the 40-45 age bracket. Occupational trends shifted from forest resource collection (46.67%) to farming (53.33%) due to resource depletion. The study identified human influences (60.35% of variance), unsustainable harvesting practices, and environmental factors as primary drivers of NTFP depletion. Other factors included poverty, population growth, agricultural intensification, and lack of monitoring. The findings highlight the need for targeted policy interventions promoting sustainable forest management and livelihood development, considering the demographic characteristics and interrelated factors driving forest resources depletion. The study's findings underscore the importance of addressing human influences, unsustainable harvesting practices, and environmental factors to mitigate non-timber forest product depletion. Targeted policy interventions promoting sustainable forest management and livelihood development are implied in the study to address the specific needs and challenges of forest-dependent communities.

REMOTE SENSING APPLICATIONS IN FOREST AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT: A LEARNING RESOURCE FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

John Agbo Ogbodo — 2025-08-04

Mapping is a crucial step in managing forest and wildlife and agricultural resources. The philosophy which states that 'what cannot be mapped, cannot be measured; what cannot be measured, cannot be monitored; and what cannot be managed' underscores the importance of mapping in resource management. This paper aims to present a novel teaching and learning resource that integrates remote sensing to enhance the knowledge of 200-level agricultural sciences, forestry, and wildlife management students in Nigerian universities, in line with the National Universities Commission's (NUC) Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS). This paper methodologically introduces the principles of remote sensing, their applications in forestry and wildlife management, and their potential to address various societal problems. Developed through a structured framework of lecture notes, practical applications, case studies, and hands-on exercises, this resource provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable forest management. In conclusion, this resource enables students to acquire the expertise needed for assessing ecosystem services, monitoring forest changes, and implementing sustainable forest management practices, thereby shaping the next generation of forestry and wildlife management professionals. After reading this article, learners and lecturers will be able to provide a definition of forest, understand Remote Sensing principles and applications in forestry, wildlife management and agricultural sciences.

NUTRIENT RECYCLING AS A PROMOTER OF SOIL HEALTH MANAGEMENT: A REVIEW

Abubakar Suleiman Ali — 2025-08-04

Soil health is a fundamental component of sustainable agriculture, affecting both productivity and environmental quality. One of the key factors in maintaining soil health is nutrient recycling, a process where nutrients are reused within the ecosystem to maintain fertility and structure. This literature review explores the significance of nutrient recycling in soil health management, discussing its role in preventing soil degradation, improving agricultural productivity, and ensuring sustainability. Key nutrient cycles, challenges in nutrient management, and current techniques to enhance nutrient recycling are examined. This review provides insight into the growing importance of nutrient recycling practices for ensuring long-term soil health and agricultural sustainability.

FISH KILISHI PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY: A REVIEW

Aminu Muhammad Rabiu — 2025-08-04

High cost of feeding, diseases and low genetic potential of native livestock species has led to an increased cost of production, hence making it unaffordable to low-income earners in Africa. Although, fish food has become widely accepted as an alternative source of animal protein, its efficient utilization is hampered significantly by post-harvest losses due to its perishable nature. Therefore, if Africa is to attain food security, it is necessary to use effective indigenous technology to minimize such losses. Of the various local value addition processing technology in Africa, Kilishi technology is worth mentioning. Although Kilishi technology is an age long local technology, its application in fish processing is still a new concept. Therefore, it is still faced with challenges such as inadequate awareness, higher flesh-to-bone ratio, fish species requirement, poor processing, expensive production costs and the notion of it being an outdated product technology. These and many other related issues are reviewed and discussed as reported herein to provide sufficient information on the concept, process and application of this processing technology.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF YIELD AND PROFITABILITY OF MAIZE (Zea mays L..) PRODUCTION USING PRECISION AGRICULTURE IN THE SEMI-ARID REGION OF NIGERIA

Muntaka Mamman — 2025-08-04

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a crucial staple crop in Nigeria, particularly in the semi-arid region where productivity is constrained by erratic rainfall, low soil fertility, and inefficient use of inputs. Precision Agriculture (PA), particularly Internet of Things (IoT) enabled nutrient management, offers a potential solution to enhance maize yield and profitability. However, empirical evidence on its effectiveness remains limited in Nigeria. This study conducted a dual-locational field trial at Dutsin-Ma and Malumfashi in Katsina State during the 2023/2024 rainy season to compare maize yield and profitability across four fertilization strategies (IoT-assisted nutrient application, recommended agronomic practice, farmers’ conventional methods, and a control) laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated four (4) times. Results showed that the recommended agronomic practice consistently produced the highest yields at both study sites (3458 kg/ha in Dutsin-Ma and 4963 kg/ha in Malumfashi), followed by IoT-based application, which outperformed farmers’ conventional methods in Malumfashi but not in Dutsin-Ma. Partial budgeting analysis revealed that while the recommended practice had the highest net returns, IoT-based fertilization showed promising economic benefits, particularly in more favourable agro-ecological conditions. The findings highlight the potential of PA in optimizing input use and improving maize productivity, but also underscore the need for site-specific calibration and farmer adaptation strategies. Scaling up digital agriculture will require targeted investments in infrastructure, training, and policy support to enhance adoption among smallholder farmers in Nigeria’s dry lands.

INFLUENCE OF FERMENTATION USING BAKERS YEAST (Saccharomyces cerevisiae): ON THE NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION OF SWEET POTATO (Ipomea batatas) PEELS: A POTENTIAL FISH FEED INGREDIENT

J.O. Oshoke — 2025-08-04

Agro-industrial wastes discarded indiscriminately pollute the environment and become hazardous to human and animal health. Microbial fermentation process a viable, efficient approach transforms discarded agro-industrial wastes into useful bioproducts. This study therefore aims at improving the nutrient content of sweet potato peel (SPP) using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. White flesh sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) were purchased from the local market located at Dutsinma then peeled, cut into pieces and used for the experiment. A total 4kg of sweet potatoes peels was dried and crushed into powder and divide it into 4 equal sample with three parts (Treatment 2, 3, 4) having 1000g of the powder, 1g of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and 100ml of water each were fermented using solid state fermentation process for 24, 48 and 72 hours respectively while one part (Treatment 1) acted as the control was not fermented. At the end of each specific period of fermentation, dried and milled samples were taken for proximate analysis and mineral determination. Data was collected in triplicates. Fermentation brought about an increase in the crude protein (8.87±1.07) in the 24 hours duration of fermentation. The crude fibre content of the mixed substrate dropped significantly (P<0.05) while zinc, iron and potassium values were found to increase. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of bioactive compounds in the SPP namely; tannins, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, phenols and saponins. The result of this study revealed that fermentation can bring about desirable
changes in the nutrient composition of potato peels.

EFFECT OF FEEDING PAWPAW (Carica papaya) AQUEOUS EXTRACT AS REPLACEMENT TO ANTIBIOTICS USE ON HAEMATOLOGICAL AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN BROILER CHICKEN (Starter Phase)Poultry farming faces challenges from rising feed costs and concerns about anti

C.C. MBAKWE — 2025-08-04

Poultry farming faces challenges from rising feed costs and concerns about antibiotic use. This study investigated pawpaw (Carica papaya) leaf extract as a natural alternative to antibiotics in broiler production. Three hundred, day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four treatments: control (T1) and pawpaw leaf extract at 20ml (T2), 40ml (T3), and 60ml (T4) per liter of drinking water. The experiment followed a completely randomized design with four replications per treatment. At day 21, blood samples were collected from selected birds for hematological and serum biochemical analysis. Broilers receiving pawpaw extract showed significantly higher (p<0.05) total protein (7.16-7.93 g/dL vs. 4.20 g/dL) and albumin (4.43-5.03 g/dL vs. 2.56 g/dL) levels compared to the control group. Cholesterol levels were lowest in T4 (127.03 mg/dL) compared to control (163.83 mg/dL). Creatinine increased with extract dose, with T4 showing the highest value (1.88 mg/dL). Heamatological parameters remained within normal ranges across treatments, though Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration was significantly higher in the control group. The extract's antioxidant properties likely protected liver cells against oxidative damage, enabling more efficient protein synthesis while supporting immune function through improved globulin production. Pawpaw leaf extract significantly improved broiler serum protein profiles, suggesting enhanced metabolic efficiency and immune function. The 40ml/L dose (T3) is recommended for optimal health benefits without the potential renal stress observed at higher concentrations, providing a promising natural alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in broiler production.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF SESAME (Sesamum indicum L.) VARIETIES AS INFLUENCED BY SOWING DATE AND INTRA-ROW SPACING IN THE SUDAN SAVANNA OF NIGERIA

M.I. Kerau — 2025-08-04

Bilocation trials were conducted in 2023 wet season to investigate the growth performance of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) varieties as influenced by sowing date and intra-row spacing in Nigerian Sudan Savanna at the Teaching and Research Farm of Federal University Dutsin-Ma and College of Agriculture, Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, Katsina. The treatments consisted of three sesame varieties (EX-SUDAN, KENANA-4 and E8), three sowing dates (1^st week of July, 2^nd week of July and 3^rdweek of July), and four intra-row spacings (10cm, 15cm, 20cm and 25cm). The treatments were laid out in a split plot design with sowing dates and intra-row spacing as main plot treatments and variety as sub-plot treatment and replicated three times. EX-SUDAN performed significantly higher than other varieties on number of leaves, CGR, RGR, and days to 50% flowering, while KENANA-4 performed significantly (P<0.05) higher than other varieties on number of branches, plant height and total dry matter. Sowing of sesame at 2^nd week of July performed significantly (P<0.05) higher than any other sowing date on number of leaves, total dry weight, CGR, RGR and days to 50% flowering while sowing of sesame at 3^rd week of July produced significantly (P<0.05) higher on number of branches and plant height than any other sowing date. Intra-row spacing of 25cm performed significantly (P<0.05) than other intra-row spacings on the growth parameters. Conclusively, sowing EX-SUDAN at 2^nd week of July with 25cm intra-row spacing seems to be most suitable for sesame growth in the study area.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY OF YANKASA RAMS FED BIURET-TREATED Brachiaria molato II

A.A. Ghazali — 2025-08-05

The study investigated the impact of varying levels of biuret-treated Brachiaria molato II on the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of Yankasa rams. The research aimed to assess the potential of using biuret, a synthetic non-protein nitrogen compound, to enhance the nutritional value of Brachiaria molato II and improve the growth and nutrient digestibility parameters of ruminants. Twenty healthy Yankasa rams approximately one year old were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments with different biuret inclusion levels (0g, 5g, 10g, and 15g per kg of grass). The trial lasted for 84 days, followed by 21 days digestibility trial, during which growth metrics and feed intake were recorded, followed by a 21-day digestibility trial. Significant (p<0.05) improvements in final weight, average daily weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were observed with increasing biuret inclusion, with the highest gains in the 15 g group. Similarly, digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract, and acid detergent fiber increased significantly (p<0.05) with biuret supplementation, while neutral detergent fiber digestibility remained unaffected. These findings suggest that biuret-treated Brachiaria molato II has a positive effect on the growth performance of Yankasa rams, enhancing nitrogen retention and microbial protein synthesis in the rumen, thereby improving feed efficiency and growth rates.

RESPONSE OF NICHOLAS WHITE TURKEYS TO INDOOR–OUTDOOR REARING SYSTEMS, GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND WELFARE PARAMETERS

A. Suleiman — 2025-08-05

The experiment investigated the response of Nicolas White Turkeys reared under indoor and outdoor housing systems. 46-day-old poults were obtained from a reputable commercial hatchery, and the poults were reared for 4 weeks. The poults were placed in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design (CRD). The results of the study revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) between male and female turkeys in terms of pecking and walking behaviour. About housing and its interaction, the result revealed that there were no significant (P>0.05) differences across all parameters. The result of the human approach test indicated that all indices evaluated were not influenced by sex and housing at varying levels of time, except at 60 seconds, where a significant (P<0.05) difference was recorded with female turkeys having the highest indices of exploration. The higher indices recorded on female turkeys at 60 seconds might be attributed to feminine attitudes in protecting their younger ones. In addition, the first-to-touch (F.T.) values obtained do not differ significantly between the sexes. The result of sex and housing on transect walks and novel environments indicated that there were no significant differences (P>0.05) across all the treatments evaluated. However, escape attempts were significantly (P<0.05) affected by sex, with females having a higher frequency of escape attempts. This might be attributed to active defence and active avoidance, and it’s the stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system that prepares the individual for fight, flight/escape attempts, or fright.

ASSESSMENT OF THE TRAINING NEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PERSONNEL IN NORTHWESTERN NIGERIA

Muntari Sani — 2025-08-05

The study was carried out in Northwestern Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select 306 respondents for the study. Primary data was collected via a structured questionnaire and Key Informant Interview (KII). Descriptive, and Kendall’s W Test were employed to analyzed the data. Results on socio-economic and psychological characteristics revealed that the extension personnel had a mean age of 39.4 years and they were mostly (83.7%) male, (90.2%) were married, 77.8% held OND/HND qualifications, with an average of 15.8 years of schooling. The mean household size and working experiences are 4 persons per household and 7.3 years respectively. They had averaging 8 training sessions and had covered a mean of 7473 farm families. More than half (58.8%) specialized in agricultural extension, 62.1%) belonged to professional associations. A significant proportion (82%) came from farming families and seminars were the most attended training type (53.9%). Results revealed that the highest-priority training needs were knowing extension approaches (Mean Rank = 12.7), training on extension goal philosophy (Mean Rank = 13.1), knowing needs assessment tools (Mean Rank = 13.1) among others. Results on constraints faced among respondents revealed that too many jobs with different specializations (97.1%), lack of training and re-training (88.9%), unavailability of resources (75.2%), lack of funding (74.8%), disproportionate extension-farmer ratio (73.9%) and poor remuneration (72.5%) & Poor Attitude (62.1%) were the major constraints. It was concluded that addressing training need would significantly improve the effectiveness of agricultural extension services in the region. Therefore, it was recommended that there should be a continuous professional development, particularly in ICT skills, basic communication, and modern extension techniques, should be prioritized for extension personnel while government and non-governmental organizations should continue recruiting additional extension personnel to help reduce the current disproportionate extension-farmer ratio.

EVALUATION OF HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATIONS IN HEPATOPANCREAS AND STOMACH OF Scopimera inflata AT ECRAVOS ESTUARY, NIGER DELTA, NIGERIA

O.A. Adeniyi — 2025-08-05

Geogenic and anthropogenic pollutants impair surface water quality. There is dearth of information on heavy metal (HM) concentrations in shellfishes of Escravos Estuary (EE). This study investigates the levels of HM in Scopimera inflata of EE. Spatially, EE was stratified into three stations (A1, A2, A3) based on fish landing sites, while monthly stratification covered February to May, 2024. Scopimera inflata samples were collected from the fishers and the hepatopancreas and stomach contents were harvested and preserved in bouin’s fluid. Samples were digested and the concentrations of HM (Cu, Ni, Cd and Zn) were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at p<0.05. The significantly highest (0.81±0.49) and lowest (0.16±0.08) levels of Cu in the Hepatopancreas of S. inflata occurred in Stations A2 and A1, while Ni ranged from 0.12±0.01 to 0.33±0.13 in March and April, respectively. The stomach of S. inflata recorded 0.44±0.27 and 0.08±0.01 of Cu in A3 and A1, while Ni ranged from 0.13±0.07 to 0.15±0.11 in May and April, respectively. While Ni ranged from 0.69±0.43 to 0.84±0.49, respectively. Significant monthly level of Cd in the muscle of S. inflata ranged from 0.03±0.01 to 0.05±0.03 in March and May, respectively. The relatively higher concentrations of Cu and Ni could be warning signs and threat to the survival of S. inflata population in the Escravos Estuary. This Results is useful as a baseline reference for further studies.

ECONOMICS ANALYSIS OF BAMBOO MARKETING IN ANAMBRA AGRICULTURAL ZONE OF ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Anarah S. Emeka — 2025-08-05

The study examined the Economics Analysis of Bamboo Marketing in Anambra Agricultural Zone of Anambra State, Nigeria. The study looked at the profitability of bamboo marketing in the study area, ascertain the constraints faced by bamboo marketers and determine the sources of funds, labour and transportation mode in bamboo marketing. Data were collected from 60 respondents, (40 retailers and 20 wholesalers), who were selected purposively from four major markets in Anambra Agricultural zone using snowball sampling method. The four major markets in the zone were Otuocha, Oye-Olisa, Eke-Igwe Nteje and Oye-Farm at Igbariam. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin (GM) and 3 types Likert scale. About 38.6 % of the bamboo marketers in the study area sources fund from co-operative societies, 30% of the marketer’s sources fund from family members and relatives, 41% of the marketers use their personal bus and truck for transportation of bamboo to either shop or place of request. Majority of respondents were found to utilize hired labour (36.6 %) to harvest bamboo from the forest, 26.6 % use hired and family labour for the harvest. The total revenue generated in bamboo marketing in Anambra Agricultural zone by both wholesalers and retailers are ₦80,500,300 and ₦9,674,054 respectively. High cost of bamboo, high cost of transportation, high demand, poor sales, poor storage facility and bad weather are the constraints in bamboo marketing. Bamboo marketers should be encouraged to gain knowledge production through seminars and workshops to increase profit in the area

ASSESSMENT OF AGROFORESTRY PRACTICES ON SMALLHOLDER FARMS IN SEMI-ARID REGIONS OF KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

M.T. Rayyan — 2025-08-05

This study assessed agroforestry practices among 250 smallholder farmers in semi-arid Katsina State using multi-stage sampling and structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Four main agroforestry systems identified were agro-silvicultural (60%), agro-silvo-pastoral (19.6%), silvo-pastoral (12.4%), and agro-silvicultural/silvo (8%). Five types of agroforestry technologies practiced included alley cropping (14%), tree on farmland (12.8%), scattered trees (16%), natural tree regeneration (50%), and windbreaks (7.2%). Farm sizes ranged from 1-2 hectares (60%) up to over 7 hectares (4.4%). Seedlings were mainly self-supplied (54%), with others sourced from state forestry and agricultural agencies. Extension services were mostly seasonal (60.4%). Logistic regression showed medium-sized farms (3-4 hectares) significantly increased agroforestry adoption (p=0.0016), while monthly extension services were positive but not significant (p=0.1057). Farmers using self-supplied seeds (p=0.0087) or receiving only seasonal extension (p=0.0043) were less likely to adopt agroforestry. Constraints included drought, long tree gestation, lack of seedlings, and land tenure issues. Reported benefits included reduced soil erosion, improved soil fertility, climate mitigation, and enhanced carbon sequestration. The study recommends consistent institutional support and education programs via mass media and ICT to promote agroforestry adoption.

RESPONSE OF MACA (Lepidium meyenii) POWDER SUPPLEMENTATION ON PHYSIOLOGICAL AND SERUM ELCTROLYTE RESPONSES OF YANKASA RAMS DURINGHOT SEASON

S. Gaddafi — 2025-08-05

This study assessed the effect of maca (Lepium meyenii) powder supplementation on physiological and serum electrolyte responses of Yankasa rams raised during dry hot season of Sudan savannah zone of Nigeria. A total of 20 pubertal Yankasa rams were divided into four treatment groups of 0, 5, 10, 15g/ Kg powdered maca per kg diet with five (5) rams each per treatment in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Data were analysed using Statistical Analysis System (SAS) where treatment means were separated using Duncan multiple range test (DMRT). The result revealed that maca supplementation significantly (P<0.05) lower thermoregulatory responses of Yankasa rams in this study. No significant (P>0.05) differences of meteorological data of study area across the experimental period. With the exception of potassium all other plasma electrolytes were not significantly (P>0.05) differences. No adverse and detrimental changes were observed in plasma electrolytes of Yankasa rams supplemented maca powder in this study. It could be concluded that supplementation of maca power from 5 to 15g/kg diet have beneficial adaptogenic effect of modulating rectal temperature thereby reducing respiratory rate and pulse rate. This study provides insights into maca powder potentials as a natural intervention for improving thermal tolerance and hydration status of Yankasa rams during dry hot season. It is therefore recommended that farmer should supplement maca at 15g/kg during hot dry season to mitigate negative physiological responses and electrolyte balance.

GROWTH RESPONSE AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL INDICES OF STARTER BROILER CHICKS FED GRADED LEVELS OF SOYBEAN CURD RESIDUES WITH ORGANIC ACIDS

H.Y. Cyril — 2025-08-04

Soybean curd residue, a leftover material from producing soybean milk can be added to poultry feed to lower production expenses and reduce the environmental issues caused by improper waste disposal. This research aimed to assess the nutritional value of different levels of soybean curd residue (SCR) and organic acids on the growth performance and serum biochemical parameters of starter broiler chicks. A total of 192 day-old broiler chicks were used in the experiment. The chicks were randomly assigned to eight dietary groups, each with three replicates, following a 2 × 4 factorial experimental layout. The factors included two levels of organic acid supplementation (0 and 4 g/kg) and four inclusion levels of soybean curd residue (0%, 4%, 8%, and 12%). Each replicate contained eight chicks, totaling 24 birds per treatment group. The eight diets were structured as follows: treatments T1 through T4 included 0%, 4%, 8%, and 12% SCR without organic acid, while treatments T5 through T8 had the same levels of SCR combined with 4 g/kg organic acid. The data collected were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the treatment means were compared using Duncan's multiple range test. The final body weight, overall weight gain, average daily weight gain, total feed intake, and daily feed intake were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the interaction between SCR and organic acid. Likewise, serum glucose, creatinine, and uric acid levels were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by this interaction. In summary, incorporating 12% soybean curd residue with organic acid in the diet of starter broiler chicks can enhance growth performance without adverse health effects.

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT IN Clarias gariepinus FROM BROODERS OF DIFFERENT AGES

Ahmed Kinna Saidu — 2025-08-05

The embryonic and early post-embryonic developmental study of African catfish produced from 6, 9, 12 and 15 months old experimental breeders were examined in an indoor incubation water temperature range within 28^oC to 30^oC. The various stages of the eggs development was viewed under a microscope, from unfertilised oocytes to the initial cleavage to hatching stages. Despite the age disparities between the different breeders (6, 9, 12, & 15 months old), there were no significant changes in the embryonic development of the eggs. The precise minute-by-minute timing and thorough activities of every step were examined, the unfertilised oocyte at 0 minutes, fertilised stripped eggs at 2 minutes, blastodisc/animal pole and vegetal pole stage at 30 minutes, and one-daughter cell stage at 34 minutes after fertilisation. The stages of two daughter cells were observed at 38 minutes, four daughter cells at 52 minutes, eight daughter cells at 63 minutes and sixteen daughter cells at 77 minutes. Up to 24 hours after fertilisation, the following stages were observed: thirty-two-daughter cell stage at 80 minutes, morula stage at 100 minutes, blastula stage at 125 minutes, gastrula stage at 320 minutes, somite stage at 583 minutes and hatching commencing stage at 1099 minutes (18 hours: 32 minutes). The study helped to understand the embryonic and early post-embryonic development of African catfish. Fish hatchery operators will benefit from this result, as it provides information on egg and larvae status at different ages of the brooders.

EFFECT OF PRE-SLAUGHTER FEED WITHDRAWAL ON COCKEREL CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

M. Nasir — 2025-08-05

This study investigated the effect of pre-slaughter feed withdrawal on live weight loss and carcass characteristics in cockerels. Twenty-five (25) cockerels were randomly assigned to five treatment groups (n=5 per group) subjected to feed withdrawal periods of 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours. Live weight significantly decreased (p<0.05) from an initial average of 1307g to 1011g after 24 hours of feed withdrawal. Estimated live weight losses were 116g, 101.36g, and 62.12g at 6, 12, and 18 hours of fasting, respectively. Sensory evaluation revealed that meat from the 24-hour feed-withdrawn group exhibited superior tenderness and texture. However, meat from the 12-hour withdrawal group was deemed most acceptable by the sensory panel. Feed withdrawal did not significantly influence meat colour or flavour. The findings suggest that pre-slaughter feed withdrawal does not severely impact overall cockerel carcass yield and dressing percentage. While longer withdrawal periods resulted in more tender meat with improved texture, a pre-slaughter feed withdrawal exceeding 12 hours is not recommended due to significant live weight loss and potential economic implications for producers.