Table of Contents

Survey of Tick Species Infesting the One Humped Camel (Camelus Dromedarius)

In Borno State, Nigeria

Biu, A. A. and ²konto, M……………………………………………………………………….                                           1-6

Poultry Enterprise Combination among Small-Scale Farmers in Ogun State,

 Nigeria: A Technical Efficiency Approach

Ologbon, Olugbenga A. C and Ambali, Omotuyole I………………………..………………                    7-15

Development of a Sandcrete Block Rhombus

Adejumo, B.A…………………………………………………………….………………….                                       16-22

Effect of Agricultural Technology on Income of Cassava and Maize

Farmers in Egba Division of Ogun State, Nigeria

Ambali O. I., Ologbon O.A.C. and Akerele, E.O……..………………………………….                                      23-33

Causative Factors of Decline in Cocoyam Production in Ezeagu Local

Government Area of Enugu State: Implications for Sustainable Food Security

Ugbajah, M.O. and ²Uzuegbuna C.O ………………………………………………………                                                34-44

Extraction Fractions of Ginger (Zingiber Officinale Roscoe)

and Residue in the Control of Field and Storage Pests.

Amuji, C.F., B.C. Echezonaand Dialoke, S.A,…………………………………………….                                                  45-52

Design, Fabrication and Perfomance Evaluation of an Improved

Cassava Mash Sifter

Kudabo, E.A; Onipede, E.A and Adegbenro, O. A.…………………………………………                              53-64         

Body Conformation Characteristics of Domestic Rabbits

In Humid Tropical Southern Nigeria

Ebegbulem, V. N ……………………………………………………………………………                                                        65-70

Heavy Metal Movement in Crude Oil Polluted Soil in Niger Delta Region.

Ogboi, E …………………………………………………………………………………                                                     71-78

Occurrence And Sensitivity To Antibiotics Of Bacteria Found In Gills, Skin,

Buccal Cavity Of Mormyrus Rume, Labeo Ogunensis, And Oreochromis

Niloticus In Ogun River

Akinyemi, A. A. Agbon A. O.; Adeosun, F. I.; Abdul, W. O.; Idowu, A. A. and Jeje, J. J.…             79-85

OCCURRENCE AND SENSITIVITY TO ANTIBIOTICS OF BACTERIA FOUND IN GILLS, SKIN, BUCCAL CAVITY OF MORMYRUS RUME, LABEO OGUNENSIS, AND OREOCHROMIS NILOTICUS IN OGUN RIVER

Akinyemi, A. A. Agbon A. O.; Adeosun, F. I.; Abdul, W. O.; Idowu, A. A. and Jeje, J. J.         Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management                                                              University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria

adeoluakinyemi@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Specimens of Mormyrus rume, Labeo ogunensis and Oreochromis niloticus collected from Ogun River were examined for bacterial flora from the gills, skin, and buccal cavity of these species. The different bacteria isolated were tested for their sensitivities to different antibiotics. A total of nine (9) bacteria were identified (Staphylococcus aureaus, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsellia pneumonia,  Pseudomonas aerogenosa, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Enterobacter aerogenes, Serretia marcescens and Salmonella spp) and incidence of the bacteria count of Mormyrus rume was highest in the skin (5.00±0.60, f<0.05) than gills (3.60±0.98, f<0.05) and buccal cavity (1.22±0.76, f<0.05), in Labeo ogunensis bacteria count was highest in skin (5.30±0.70, f<0.05) than gills (4.80±0.80, f<0.05) and buccal cavity (3.70±1.07, f<0.05), in Oreochromis niloticus bacteria count wasalso highest in skin (6.20±0.83, f<0.05) than gills (5.95±0.79, f<0.05) and buccal cavity (4.54±0.78, f<0.05). it was noticed that in all nine (9) bacteria, Gentamicin and Ceforoxime were most sensitive but at different levels, while all bacteria isolated are most resistant to Caftazidime followed by Oflaxacin.

Keywords: Antibiotics, Bacteria, Occurrence, Sensitivity, Reservoir and Ogun River

HEAVY METAL MOVEMENT IN CRUDE OIL POLLUTED SOIL IN NIGER DELTA REGION

Ogboi, E

Department of Agricultural Technology

Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro

E-mail: ogboied@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out in Uzere and Egbama communities (oil producing communities) in Niger Delta region of Delta State to determine the movement and concentration of heavy metals (Cadmium, Chromium and Lead) in soil profiles of crude oil polluted soil in Niger Delta region of Nigeria under natural field conditions. Two soil profiles of 200cm deep were dug at each community on polluted and unpolluted sites and soils were sampled from the profile at 40cm interval from the top down the profile for both polluted and unpolluted soils for laboratory analysis. Results indicated that the heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pb) were more concentrated in the upper sections of the soil profile (0-40cm) probably due to the complexion effect of organic matter in these heavy metals. However, these metals were also found in the sub soil sections of the profile even down to the depth of between 164 and 200cm. The movement of these metals down to the depth (160-200cm) may be a threat to the underground water bodies within this area since the depth of the underground water is between 300 and 400cm deep from the soil surface. Hence application of organic matter to the soil is very important in order to slow down the rate of movement of these heavy metals in this region.

Keywords:-Heavy metal, Concentration, Movement, Soil profile, organic matter.

BODY CONFORMATION CHARACTERISTICS OF DOMESTIC RABBITS IN HUMID TROPICAL SOUTHERN NIGERIA

Ebegbulem, V. N

Department of Animal Science

University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

E-mail: vnebegbulem @yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The body weight (BWT) and linear body measurements (LBM) of 21 grower and 21 breeder, crossbreed rabbits were used for the study. The LBMs were: Head length (HL), Body length (BL), Heart girth (HG), Ear length (EL) and Tail length (TL). The breeders showed significantly higher mean values in BWT and all LBMs than the growers except in TL. Sex, however, did not have any significant influence on BWT and LBMs between the two groups of rabbits, though the bucks’ showed slightly higher numerical values than the does. The correlation matrix showed high, positive and significant values among most of the traits studied (p<0.01). The highest coefficient was between BWT and HG (r=0.848).Results of the regression coefficients showed that HG was the best predictor of BWT, contributing 93% of total variability.

Keywords: Rabbits, Linear body measurements, Bodyweight, Body conformation        

DESIGN, FABRICATION AND PERFOMANCE EVALUATION OF AN IMPROVED CASSAVA MASH SIFTER

Kudabo, E.A; Onipede, E.A and Adegbenro, O. A

Department of Agricultural Engineering and Water Resources

Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin

ABSTRACT

A  Motorized Cassava Mash Sifter was developed and evaluated. The Sifter is powered by an electric motor; the dimension of the machine is 915mm × 455mm × 630mm.Test results show that the sifter has the highest efficiency of 93.3% at 26% moisture content at the sifting speed of 410rpm. Output Capacity of 136.2kg/hr was obtained and this increase as the Feed rate increases at 26% moisture content .Analysis of Variance for the Sifting Efficiency was computed and the result reveals that the speed and interaction of speed x federate and speed x federate x moisture content are significant at 5% probability. The machine is affordable and adequately manageable therefore recommended for the small scale Cassava Processor.   

Key words: Mash, Sifter, Sifting Efficiency, Cassava and Fabrication

EXTRACTION FRACTIONS OF GINGER (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE ROSCOE) AND RESIDUE IN THE CONTROL OF FIELD AND STORAGE PESTS

¹Amuji, C.F., B.C. Echezonaand ²Dialoke, S.A,

¹ Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

² School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria

E-mail: chineduamuji@yahoo.com or felix.amuji@unn.edu.ng

ABSTRACT

Field and laboratory studies were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of six aqueous extraction  rates ( 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30%) of ginger and residues in the control of okra flea beetles and cowpea bruchid (Callosbruchus maculatus F.) respectively, in Nigeria. The field experiment was a randomized complete block design, with three replications. Laboratory experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with four replications. Attacke 2.5 EC ^® (lambdacyhalothrin) treated and untreated plots were used  as field controls. Actellic 2% dust ^® (pirimiphous methyl) treated and untreated grains constituted the controls of the laboratory experiment. Podagrica uniforma (Jacoby) and Nisotra sjostedti (Jacoby) populations were significantly (P<0.05) reduced in the field at different ginger extractions rates compared with the untreated. Lambdacyhalothrin treated plots significantly (P<0.05) produced a better yield than the untreated, while plots with higher rates of ginger (20%, 25%, and 30%) significantly (P<0.05) performed better than  their lower rates and untreated plots. Okra fruit weight per plant was increased by 29% with 20% concentration; 43% by 25% concentration and 44% by 30% concentration relative to the untreated check. Higher concentrations of ginger residue (20%, 25%, and 30%) provided better protection against C. maculatus adult emergence compared to the untreated control. Fresh ginger extracts and its residues could therefore be harnessed in pre-and post-harvest pest control options respectively.

Keywords: cowpea bruchids, efficacy, flea beetles, plant protectants, pre- and post-harvest losses.

CAUSATIVE FACTORS OF DECLINE IN COCOYAM PRODUCTION IN EZEAGU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ENUGU STATE: IMPLICATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE FOOD SECURITY

¹Ugbajah, M.O. and ²Uzuegbuna C.O.

¹Department of Agric. Economics & Extension Anambra State University, Igbariam

²Faculty of Agriculture, Anambra State University, Igbariam

Email: maryosy11@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The study was designed to investigate the causes of decline in cocoyam production in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State. Multistage sampling method was used to select 80 respondents for the study. Primary data were collected using structured interview schedule, personal observation and focus group discussions. Non parametric and parametric stastical tools including means, percentages, and factor analysis. The data were analyzed using percentage, mean scores and factor analysis. Majority (58.7%) were males while only 31% of the farmers had no formal education.  The ten grown cultivars include Ugwuta Ezi Nkashi Okparakara/Belekwu Agbaka Akonoke/Eyionke Ikapo Indian Coco    Nachi Obuguo Enyemenya Akupe. While the three most prominent among them were Okpakara, Ugwuta and Ezi – Nkashi. The major causes of decline in cocoyam production among farmers in the area were agronomic, socio – cultural, logistic and marketing problems. The causes of decline in production of cocoyam can be tackled by making loans available to farmers, subsidizing the cost of cocoyam and other farm inputs used in the production processes. The study recommended that government should encourage and finance cocoyam based research programmes and introduce improved practices for cocoyam production and processing in all ecologically suitable localities in the study area and the state as whole.         

Key Word:   Production, Cocoyam, Food security and Income

EFFECT OF AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY ON INCOME OF CASSAVA AND MAIZE FARMERS IN EGBA DIVISION OF OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

^*Ambali O. I., Ologbon O.A.C. and Akerele, E.O.

Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management

Olabisi Onabanjo University, Yewa Campus, Ayetoro, Ogun State

E-mail:everlastingamtoyo@yahoo.co.in

ABSTRACT

Agricultural technology/innovation has been viewed to face challenges from both the policy makers and the farmers. This study examined the effect of agricultural technology on the income of cassava and maize farmers in Egba Division of Ogun State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to collect primary data from 160 farmers used for the study. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary technique, multiple regression and probit model. The study revealed that the improved technology adopters are more educated and cultivated more land than the traditional technology users. The traditional technology adopters are older and more experienced in farming than the improved technology adopters. The budgetary analysis revealed that improved technology adopters earned more income than the traditional technology adopters. The multiple regression result showed that increase in farm size and labour inputs will lead to increase in net farm income while additional unit cost of planting material will decrease the net farm income. The probit model identifies the determinants of improved technology adoption to include age, household size, education, farm size, farming experience, extension contact and farm income. Policy option requires the traditional technology adopters to adopt the improved agricultural technologies in order to increase the income per unit of land cultivated. Also, there is need for improvement in the education of the traditional technology adopters as a panacea for adopting improved technology.

Keywords: agricultural technology, Farmers, Income, Nigeria

DEVELOPMENT OF A SANDCRETE BLOCK RHOMBUS

Adejumo, B.A

Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering

Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria

Email: bolanleadejumo@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The availability and cost of construction materials of traditional storage structures makes it adoption advantageous to the subsistence farmers despite their series of defects. The mud rhombus which is commonly used for grain storage in the northern parts of Nigeria has various defects occuring mainly in the roof, wall and foundation of the structure. These defects include cracks, leakages, and structural failure of parts among others. The main objective of this work is to develop a sandcrete block rhombus to solve the problems of cracks, insect pest infestation, structural failure of the foundation and roof as well as the unloading of stored grains. A 1.46 tones capacity experimental sandcrete block rhombus with a total volume of 2.46 m³ was designed to store shelled maize. The main structure was constructed using sandcrete blocks, cement, gravel and roofed using wood and roof asbestos. A trapezoidal metal sheet inclined at 30^o across the structure was incorporated to enhance the easy discharge of the loaded grains. The loading and unloading outlets are well secured to avoid pilfering. The cost of construction of the sandcrete block rhombus was estimated to be ₦60,000.  The use of more structurally durable materials as well as the ease of loading and unloading coupled with the locking devices gives the sandcrete block rhombus more advantage over the traditional rhombus. However further work need to be carried out to evaluate the performance of the sandcrete block rhombus using grain models of safe moisture content.

Keywords Development, construction, Mud rhombus, sandcrete silo

POULTRY ENTERPRISE COMBINATION AMONG SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA: A TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY APPROACH

^*Ologbon, Olugbenga A. C and Ambali, Omotuyole I.

Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management

Olabisi Onabanjo University, Yewa Campus, Ayetoro

E-mail: chrislogem@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The need for increase in income level and reduce the income and food poverty necessitated the combination of poultry enterprise among farmers in Nigeria. The study analyzed the technical efficiency of poultry enterprise combination among farmers in Yewa division of Ogun State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected through a multistage process from 80 poultry farmers. The data were analyzed using descriptive, budgetary and stochastic frontier analysis methods. The findings revealed that the farmers are still in their productive age with a mean age of 47 years. The budgetary analysis result showed that poultry farming is a profitable enterprise. The result of the stochastic frontier analysis showed that number of layers, number of broilers and feed are the major determinants of poultry revenue. In addition, age, education and years of experience in poultry production are the determinants of technical efficiency of the farmers. There is need to improve the efficiency of farmers by 31 per cent with the present technology. This study recommends additional unit of birds to address the problem of over-utilization of feed and to improve the efficiency level of the farmers. Lastly, education of poultry farmers need to be strengthened through adult literacy education as education had positive effect on the efficiency of farmers.

Key words: Poultry farmers, enterprise combination, technical efficiency, Nigeria