Harvard RPI International Journal of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (HIJAAT)
Vol.10 (8) June, 2019 Editions ISSN: 0196 – 3488
Published by:
HARVARD RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL,
Harvard College, 86 Brattle Street Cambridge,
MA 02138.
Africa (Nigeria) Contact Conference Coordinator;
Centre for African Development Studies,
Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja, FCT, Nigerian.
harvardnigeriapublications@gmail.com +234 (0) 802 5604 997.
Copyright © 2019 Harvard Research and Publications International
ASSESSMENT OF THE USE OF MOBILE PHONES IN ACCESSING AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION BY FARMERS IN BENUE STATE NIGERIA
JIRIKO, R. K, DEMENONGU, S. T. AND ORGEM, T. S.
Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue State
ABSTRACT
The study was to assess the use of mobile phones in accessing agricultural information by farmers in Benue State. One hundred and twenty farmers (120) were randomly selected from the farmers in Benue State and administered questionnaire. The results were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics the descriptive statistics were frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations, while the logit regression was the inferential statistics employed. The results show that most (57.5%) of the respondents were male, Majority (86%) were below sixty years, a good number (48%) were married. The results further revealed that all the respondents were literate, had an average house size of 6 members, small farm sizes of 2- 4 ha, farming experience of < 10 years and annual income of < #100000. The findings show that the respondents (51.7%) always use mobile phones in accessing agricultural information. The most preferred and reliable network in the area are Mtn, Glo, Airtel and Etisalat in that descending order. The findings further revealed that the respondents recharge their phones frequently because they spend an average of #5000 annually on airtime. The results show that Majority of the respondents (67.5%) owned mobile phone, have access to internet services but could not operate the internet. The challenges in using phones in accessing agricultural information were poor network coverage, high cost of mobile phones, unreliable power supply and low income among others. The result of logit regression revealed that education had a positive and significant influence on the accessibility of the farmers to agricultural information. It was recommended that there should be partnership with major GSM carriers to have a platform on their networks where farmers can access relevant information on agriculture at token i. e information on weather, health, market prices, outbreak of diseases.
Keywords: assessment, mobile phones, agricultural, information, access, farmers
COMPARATIVE STUDY ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF GUINEA PIG (Cavia porcellus) USING PROCEESSED AND LOCAL FEEDS
BUBA, Z.M.
Department of Zoology, Adamawa State University, Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
A research conducted on the growth performance of guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) using processed and local feeds was carried out to compare the effect of feeding pattern and growth performance of C. porcellus under laboratory condition. A total number of 9 guinea pigs (C. porcellus) were obtained from Lokuwa behind prison yard Mubi and were divided into 3 groups of 3 each which were used for this study. the results showed that there is increased in body weight and body length of the C. porcellus for those that were fed with processed feeds group ‘’a’’ while there was decreased in body weight of C.porcellus that were fed with local feeds group ‘’b’’ and those in group ‘’c’’ (control group) showed a rapid increased in the body weight and length of the C.porcellus that were fed with both the processed and local feeds. The body weight of C. porcellus increased from 298.0 g to 650.0g and statistically there is a significant difference (p< 0.05) of the body weight and length of C. porcellus under laboratory condition. the length of C. porcellus increased from 22.0cm to 26.0cm and the statistical mean of the length was ± 23.74 and there is a significant difference at (p<0.05) of the body weight and length of C. porcellus under laboratory condition. Therefore, it is recommended that both the processed and local feeds should be used to feed the C. porcellus.
Keywords: Guinea pig, (Cavia porcellus), Processed, Local Feeds, Growth performance, Mubi
COMPARATIVE GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF TWO ECOTYPES OF ADULT SNAILS (ARCHACHATINA MARGINATA OVUM AND ARCHACHATINA MARGINATA SATURALIS) FED PLANT LEAVES IN CALABAR ZONE
UBUA, J. A., OZUNG, P.O*. & UMOREN, E. P.
1Department of Animal Science, Taraba State University, Jalingo, Nigeria 2Department of Animal Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria 3School of Environmental & Rural Science, University of New England, Amidale, NSW, Australia.
Abstract
The growth performance characteristics of two ecotypes of adult snails, Archachatina marginata (ovum & saturalis) were determined using a mixed feeding regime of plant leaves. The plant leaves were sweet potato (T1), cocoyam (T2), banana (T3), pawpaw (T4) and okra (T5). The proximate composition of these leaves was also determined. Results showed that Archachatina marginata ovum recorded a better feed intake than Archachatina marginata saturalis. The feed intake, weight gain and FCR did not record any significant difference (P>0.05) between the two ecotypes. Treatment 5 (okra leaves) recorded overall best result in performance compared to other leaves. Result of the proximate composition showed that dry matter( DM),crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE), Nitrogen free extract (NFE) and ash ranged from 75.16-79.62%, 10.88-12.76%, 14.45-19.68%, 1.68 – 2.69%, 31.10 – 32.63% and 12.63 – 17.94% respectively. Okra leaves had the highest dry matter and ash contents which were significantly (P<0.05) different from other leaves. Sweet potato leaves recorded the least dry matter and ash contents. The highest crude protein content was recorded in sweet potato leaves and the least in okra leaves. The EE content in all the leaves was relatively low, with the highest recorded in sweet potato and least in okra. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in ether extract among the leaves. Banana leaves had the highest CF value and was significantly different (P<0.05) from other leaves. Sweet potato leaves had the highest content of NFE, while banana leaves recorded the least value. The highest ash content was found in okra leaves and the least in sweet potato leaves. Results from this study were within the normal proximate values of these plant leaves and confirmed that these plant leaves are good forages (plant protein sources, especially okra leaves) that would support optimum growth rate in snails.
Keywords: Growth, ecotypes, snails, proximate, plant leaves
CHARACTERISTICS STUDY OF MIX PROPORTIONING OF HIGH PERFORMANCE SELF-COMPACTING CONCRETE WITH RESPONSE SURFACE METHOD APPLICATION
*GANA. A.J *OLOWORAMO .F. **ABOLUSORO A. A. ***ADEWARA S.O. ***OLONI.E.F
*Civil Engineering Department, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara state **College of Agricultural, Science, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State ***Department of Economics, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State.
Abstract
The usual proportioning of Concrete mixture usually follows the process by which one arrives at the correct combination of cement, aggregate, water and approved admixtures for producing concrete according to the given specifications. The usual purpose of mix proportioning is to obtain a product that will perform according to certain predetermined requirements. The essential requirements is the workability of the fresh concrete with the strength and durability of the hardened concrete. In addition, another purpose of mix proportioning is to obtain concrete mixtures that satisfy the performance requirements at the normal lowest possible cost by selecting the available materials. The aim of this mix proportioning is to achieve a set of critical properties at optimum cost and to also enhance the general performance of the concrete. The mixture proportion selection for High performance self compacting concrete (HPSCC) is usually being handled by using systematic optimization processes. In this study, attempt has been made to investigate and formulate a procedure for mix proportion of HPSCC with application of statistical method called response surface method (RSM)
Keywords: Characteristics study, mix proportioning, High performance, Self-Compacting Concrete, Response Surface Method.
THE FLOATABILITY AND STABILITY OF FISH FEEDS FORMULATED WITH (CISSUS POPULNEA) AS BINDING AGENT.
MSHELIA, M. B., HADISON, F. AND NDIRMBITA. W. L.
Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria
Abstract
The floatability and stability of fish feeds formulated with (cissus populnea) as binding agent was carried out. The aim was to assess the efficiency of local fish feeds formulated with Cissus populnea on the floatability and stability of the pelleted fish feed. The stem of Cissus populneastem was obtained from the market and was dried for 2 days until devoid of moisture. The dried plant part was grounded into fine powder and was used as a binder in formulated 45% crude protein feeds at different inclusion levels and was pelleted. The pelleted feeds were used to test for floatability and stability using four (4) treatments (DI, DII, DIII and DIV) and three replications. The data obtained were analyzed using one way analysis of variance. Means were separated using least significance difference (LSD). The results showed significant differences (P<0.05) in the floatability analysis of feeds formulated with different inclusion levels of Cissus populnea stem powder. The highest floatability was recorded in D1V with 12% inclusion level ofCissus populnea stem powder with the floating rate of more than 60 minutes and 100% buoyancy, while the lowest was observed inD1 with 0% (control) inclusion level of Cissus populnea stem powder with the floating rate of 20 minutes and 3.3% floatability. The results of the stability rate test showed that there was no significance difference between the all the diets (p < 0.05). However, the highest stability was recorded in DII (4%) and the lowest stability was recorded in DI (0%). It was concluded that the feeds formulated using (12%) inclusion of Cissus populnea made the feeds to float and stable on water more than the other inclusions levels of 4%, 8%, and 16%. It is therefore recommended that Cissus populnea of 12% inclusion should be used in fish feed formulation, if floating and stable feeds on water are required for feeding fish.
Keywords: Cissus populnea floatability, Stability, Binder, feeds
OIL DEGRADER FUNGI OF SPENT ENGINE OIL CONTAMINATED SOIL FROM SELECTED MECHANIC WORKSHOPS IN MINNA, NIGERIA
Eghosa OSAZEE; Matthew Omoniyi ADEBOLA,
1Department of Plant Biology, Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger State. 2Department of Plant Biology, Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger State.
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the oil degrader fungi associated with degradation of spent engine oil contaminated soil in five selected mechanic workshops in Minna. Samples of the spent engine oil contaminated soils were collected from Shanchaga, Maikunkele, Shiroro, Tunga and Bosso mechanic workshops located in Minna Local Government Area. The fungi were isolated from the soils using dilution plate method in mineral salt medium. All the fungi were identified based on macroscopic and microscopic features of the fruiting bodies, spores and hyphal mass. A total of fifteen (15) fungal isolates belonging to eight genera were obtained from spent engine oil contaminated soil in all sampled locations. Fungal species isolated were Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, Fusarium oxysporium, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium notatum, Aspergillus fumigatus, Trichoderma harzianum, Penicillium griseofulvum, Rhodotorula rubra, Cunninghamella echinulata, Trichoderma viride, Penicillium chrysogenum, Mucor hiemalis, Mucor racemosusand Mucor plumbeus. Tunga soil sample had the highest occurrence of fungal isolates, followed by Bosso and Chanchaga while soil samples from Maikunkele and Shiroro had the least occurrences of fungi isolates. Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer and Aspergillus flavus were the prominent isolates from all the sampled locations while Penicillium chrysogenum, Mucor hiemalis, Cunninghamella echinulata, Mucor plumbeus and Rhodotorula sp had the least number of occurrence from all locations. The presence of these three predominant fungal species in the spent engine oil contaminated soils samples collected from all the selected mechanic workshops within Minna metropolis is a strong indication that these fungi can be use to restoring oil contaminated environments through mycoremediation process.
Keywords: Abundance, Fungal isolates, Mycoremediation, Contaminant
PREVALENCE OF CYSTICERCOSIS IN CATTLE SLAUGHTERED IN MUBI ABATTOIR, ADAMAWA STATE-NIGERIA
ELIHU, A1., RAYMOND, R1 ., DANLADI, T1 AND VINCENT, VM1
Department of Zoology Adamawa State University, Mubi- Nigeria.
Abstract
A post-mortem evaluation of the prevalence of Cysticercosis in cattle based on breeds (red Bororo and white Fulani) slaughtered in Mubi Abattoir, Adamawa State was carried out between September to November, 2018. Out of the 300 cattle sampled, results obtained showed that 24 (8%) cattle were positive with cysticercosis. Tthe prevalence rate varied significantly within the two breeds with red Bororo breed having the highest rate of 10.93%. The tongue, cardiac and masseter muscles were the main predilection sites of the cystercosis. Out of 59 male cattle examined, 4 (6.78%) had cysticercosis, while 20 (8.30%) of the 241female cattle investigated were infected. The high case of prevalence was recorded in the month of October with (10%) of the cattle being affected and the lowest prevalence of 6% was recorded in November. The major factors related to the high prevealence of cystercosis are as a result of poor management system, lack of veterinary services and poor sanitary condition. The result of this study have shown the existence of cysticercosis in beef carcasses processed at the Mubi abattoir which is a possible public health risk in the Mubi area of Adamawa State.
Keywords: Prevalence, Cysticercosis, Red Bororo, White Fulani, Abattoir, Mubi
ANALYSIS OF FARM INPUTS UTILIZATION AMONG SORGHUM FARMERS IN BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
UMARU, B.Y,. BABUGA, U.S, AND GARBA, A
1Department of Agricultural Technology, Federal polytechnic Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria 2Department of Agricultural Extension and Management, Binyaminu Usman Polytechnic, Hadejia, Jigawa State
Abstract
The study was conducted in 2017 to assess the level of inputs used in Sorghum production in Bauchi Local Government area of Bauchi State, Nigeria. Data were collected using structured interview-schedule from 66 randomly selected Sorghum farmers and were analyzed using frequencies, means and correlation analysis. Results showed that 66% of the farmers used saved sorghum seeds from previous harvest for planting within the study period. NPK and Urea showed positive correlation while seeds were not correlated with NPK and Urea. Seed, NPK and Urea were found to be used below their recommended levels. The study uncovers the need for extension knowledge and cooperative group formation in the study area.
Keywords: Analysis Inputs; Utilization; sorghum and Bauchi State
EFFECT OF STORAGE METHODS ON CASSAVA (MANIHOT ESCULENTA CRANTZ) STAKES IN THE DRY SAVANNAH
OLADEJO A.O.
Pest Management Technology, Federal College of Forestry, Jos Nigeria.
Abstract
Storage of cassava planting materials is necessary when harvest and subsequent planting are separated in time due to long drought. Stakes harvested during this drought period, either dry-out or become infested with micro-organisms or pests. As a result of these problems, procurement of cassava stakes for planting in the planting season become difficult. To avoid these problems different methods of storage of cassava stake were designed to find effective methods of storing cassava stakes in the dry season (i.e. between October 2017 – February 2018). The treatments include (i) Black polythene bag (ii) White-thick polythene bag (iii) White-light polythene bag (iv)Pit storage and (v) Local method of storage (control). 12 stakes were kept in each of the treatment and was replicated 4 times. All treatments were done under tree shade for the period of 137 days. The fresh stakes were separated from the dried ones and the fresh stakes were expressed as percentage of total stakes in each treatment. Then the fresh ones were planted in green house to assess their viability. All these were subjected to analysis of variance. Parameters showing significant difference were further separated using Duncan Multiple Rang Test (DMRT). The result shows significant difference among the treatments with pit-storage treatment had the least moisture loss (45.7%) followed by White-thick polythene (52.5%), while Black polythene had the highest (82.8%). There were no significant differences in weight loss among the treatments, however, white-thick polythene had the least percentage weight loss (47.5%) followed by white-light polythene (49.0%) while black polythene had the highest percentage loss (56.3%). Statistical analysis also shows no significant differences among the treatments with respect to percentage viability after the storage period. However, white-thick polythene and pit storage treatments showed the highest percentage viability (50.0%). Storage with white-thick polythene has the highest Percentage germination while pit and local storage methods had 15.0% each and black polythene had the least (7.5%). White-thick polythene bag storage is therefore recommended for storage of stake in dry savannah.
Keywords: Storage, Cassava stake, Dry savannah, Polythene bag , Germination
EFFECTS OF ACTIVITIES OF WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICAN COUNCIL FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (WECARD) ON MAIZE PRODUCTION IN ASKIRA/UBA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA.
ADAMU A. GADZAMA1; JOSEPH T. PUR2 AND PETER M. BZUGU3
1Department of Agricultural Technology and Applied Sciences, Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. 2-3University of Maiduguri, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Extension Services, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
Abstract
The study was to analyze the effects of the activities of West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development on Maize Production in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria. The study was conducted in three communities namely: Yimir-Ali, Wamdeo and Hussara. Primary data for the study were collected using structured questionnaires administered to 150 respondents. The data collected were on WECARD maize production technologies cultivated by the respondents and effects of activities of WECARD technologies on maize production in the study area. The data collected were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical tools. Results revealed that, majority of the farmers in the study area planted the following varieties EVDT 2009 WSTR and, 2000 SYN EE-W. The practice of seed rate, timely fertilizer application and land preparation were consistently high in the management practices (58.0%, 52.0% and 43.3 %) respectively been used. T- test analysis revealed that there was significant difference between the maize output before and after WECARD. (7898.1kg/ha) output in 2016 of the respondents that adopted WECARD maize technologies is higher than the (3111.5kg/ha) output of their production in 2012, with a mean difference of (4786.6kg/ha. In conclusion, this study revealed that the introduction of WECARD maize production technologies has some effects on the farmers in the study area. The study recommended the need to strengthen farmer-to-farmer extension whereby few progressive farmers would be trained on WECARD improved maize technologies, farmers should be encouraged to engage in large scale maize farming, credit should be made available to WECARD maize farmers through assistance of the government, private investors and non-governmental organization and effective extension services should be provided to farmers to encourage adoption of WECARD maize improved technologies.
Keywords: effects, WECARD, Maize, Askira/Uba , Borno Nigeria.