Study of land suitability for rubber and cashew in the derived savanna zone of Edo State, Nigeria

This study attempted to assess the soil suitability in the derived savanna zone of Edo State, Nigeria for the cultivation of some tree crops. The research specifically aimed to evaluate soil suitability for cashew and rubber supported by suitability maps for both crops. In terms of land suitability evaluation, mapping units 1 and 2, with an area coverage of 27.4 ha of the entire research area (100 ha) were found to be marginally suitable (S3) for rubber cultivation but moderately suitable (S2) for cashew. Mapping unit 3, with area coverage of 38 ha was found to be currently not suitable (N1) for rubber but marginally suitable (S3) for cashew cultivation. Mapping unit 4 representing area coverage of 34.7 ha was found to be permanently not suitable (N2) for rubber cultivation but marginally suitable (S3) for cashew. Thus, technically, rubber can only be cultivated in that land at marginal level with an expected productivity of 27.4 ha (27.4 %). Cashew can be cultivated at moderate and marginal levels with an expected yield of 27.4 ha (27.4 %) and 72.6 ha (72.6 %), respectively, of the total land area. Thus, the preferred crop for the studied is cashew. It is recommended that for any significant investment in cultivation of this crop, the priority is the moderate levels with an expected productivity of 27.4 ha or 27.4 % of total land area.

EFFECT OF SEASON ON PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF THREE BREEDS OF CATTLE RAISED IN SUDAN SAVANNA ZONE

This study was conducted to test the effect of season and breed on thermoregulatory parameters of three Nigerian indigenous breeds of cattle raised in Sudan Savanna Zone. A total number of nine (9) cattle aged between 4-5 years were used for this study. Data were taken for sixteen weeks across two seasons; Cold and Hot Season from three indigenous breed of cattle. Rectal temperature was recorded using digital thermometer, pulse rate was determined using stethoscope and respiratory rate was determined by counting of the respiratory movements of flank area. Data of ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded on daily basis and temperature humidity index was calculated. All data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance using SAS software. Seasons significantly (P < 0.05) affect all the thermoregulatory parameters of with hot seasons having the highest values. Breed influenced (p<0.05) all the parameters measured. Red Bororo had the highest rectal temperature, while Sokoto has the least rectal temperature. Higher respiratory rate was recorded in SokotoGudali. Respiratory Rate of White Fulani are statistically similar with both Red Bororo and SokotoGudali, but Respiratory Rate of Red Bororo cattle has significantly difference (P<0.05) with SokotoGudali breeds of cattle. Pulse rate differs significantly (P<0.05), SokotoGudali recorded the highest rate and the least rate was observed in White Fulani cattle. It was concluded that Season affect all the thermoregulatory parameters and all the tested parameters were higher during hot season and SokotoGudali react more to thermal stress than Red Bororo and White Fulani

Cryptosporidium Infection and Associated Risk Factors among Cattle in the Central Region of Ghana

Cryptosporidium species infects a wide number of animals including livestock all over the world. The current study was done to determine the prevalence and risk factors of Cryptosporidium infection among cattle in the Central Region of Ghana. Two hundred and eighty-seven (287) faecal samples were randomly collected from animals on eight cattle farms in four districts across two agroecological zones. A commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit (CoproELISA, Savyon® Diagnostics Ltd., Israel) for Cryptosporidium was used in the detection of Cryptosporidium antigens in faecal samples. Characteristics of the animals such as age, sex, and location, as well as consistency of faecal samples, were collected. Pearson’s chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was used to determine the association between explanatory variables and Cryptosporidium infection while a logistic regression model was also used to determine the risk of infection. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was 23.7% (95% CI, 18.7-28.6). Prevalence was significantly higher ( p = 0.049 ) among cattle aged 12-month old and above compared to those under 12 months of age. Among the four districts in the study area, Cape Coast metropolis recorded a significantly higher prevalence (60.5%; CI, 49.3-71.8), ( p < 0.001 ) compared to the other three. Furthermore, a significant association was observed between the consistency of faecal samples and Cryptosporidium infection ( p = 0.042 ). The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was also significantly higher among cattle from the coastal savanna zone (26.9%; 95% CI, 21.0-32.8) compared to those from the semideciduous forest area ( p = 0.017 ). Cattle in the forest zone had a lower risk of being infected with the parasite compared to those from the coastal savanna zone (OR 0.408; 95% CI, 0.182-0.915). In conclusion, Cryptosporidium was prevalent among cattle in the Central Region of Ghana. A higher prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection occurred in older animals and among animals in the coastal agroecological zone. The area of location and age of animals were identified as risk factors for Cryptosporidium infection in the Central Region of Ghana.

EVALUATION OF THE NUTRIENTS CONTENTS OF SELECTED PRESERVED FORAGES IN THE DERIVED SAVANNA ZONE

This study was conducted to evaluate the nutrient contents of selected forages based on adequate forage methods of preservation. Forages used in the studies were Andropogon tectonim, Cenchrus ciliaris, Panicum maximum and Imperata cylindrica. Representative samples collected from each experimental zone were preserved in the laboratory with different methods. The samples were analyzed for their proximate forage chemical contents. Baled hay and ensilage influence forage attributes particularly in forages were selected to be suitable methods of conservation of forage for dry season feeding based on proximate composition of the feed. Panicum marinunt and Cenchrus ciliaris were also found to be very rich in CP (9.0 and 9.2) respectively when conserved. Seasonal variation, method of forage conservation and stage of maturity were suggested to be major factors that affect DM and nutrient contents of forages.

Foetal wastage in goats slaughtered in Zaria abattoir, Northern Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria

The study was carried out with the aim of determining the age and percentage wastage of foetus due to the slaughter of pregnant does in Zango Abattoir, Samaru, Zaria. Out of a total of 680 female goats slaughtered during three months (January to March, 1998), 275 (40.44%) of the were pregnant. From the pregnant uteri, 460 foetuses were recovered and used for the study. Out of the recovered foetuses 41.09, 21.82 and 37.09% were twins, triplets and single respectively. The weight as well as the crown-rump of the foetuses were measured and the results obtained were used to determine their estimated ages. It was found that the highest percentage (46.2%) 0f the foetuses fell within the first trimeter of pregnancy, while the second and third trimesters had 30% and 23.8% respectively. The regression equations and the results of the correlation analysis showed that the gestational age of the local breeds of goats can be accurately estimated by crown-rump measurement. It was concluded that complete lack of pregnancy dignostic test on does before slaughtering in the abattoirs resulted in heavy losses of foetuses which call to question the role of the veterinary personnel at the abattoir with the consequence reduction in the availability of animal protein in the country. The study also gave an insight into the use of two easily measured variables: foetal weight (FW) and crown rump lenght (CRL) as a means for age estimates in goats.