Identification and characterisation of single nucleotide polymorphisms in interferon regulatory factor-5 gene of Nigerian local chickens

The interferon regulatory factor gene family encodes transcription factors with multiple biological functions, which include reproduction, cell differentiation and immunity. Interferon regulatory factor-5 (IRF-5) gene is involved in immune defence against virus, stress response, activation of type I interferon genes, cell differentiation and growth. This experiment was conducted to identify and characterise single nucleotide polymorphisms in exons 3, 4, 5 and 7 of IRF-5 gene in Nigerian local chickens. Exons 3, 4, 5 and 7 of IRF-5 gene were amplified and sequenced. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) present in exons 3, 4, 5 and 7 of IRF-5 gene were identified and analysed using Clustal W, DnaSp and SNAP2 software packages. Four SNPs, rs317511101, rs312902332, rs315149141 and rs739389464, were identified in exon 3 of IRF-5 gene in all the three genotypes. Exon 4 of the gene was conserved while three of the SNPs (rs736423928, 170C>T and rs740736761) identified in exon 7 were shared among the three genotypes. Linkage disequilibrium of 1.00 existed between rs317511101 and rs315149141 polymorphisms identified in exon 3 of normal feathered and frizzle feathered chickens. Mutation rs740736761 identified in exon 7 had the highest polymorphism information content obtainable for any biallelic marker. Most of the SNPs identified in exons 3, 5 and 7 were synonymous and singletons which could not be used for association study. The study concluded that only haplotypes in exons 3 and 7 of IRF-5 gene can be used in marker-assisted selection when improving Nigerian local chickens.

Improving the efficacy of Tithonia diversifolia extract in management of foliar diseases of sesame intercropped with maize under tropical conditions

Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) and Alternaria leaf blight (ALB) diseases are major constraints to sesame production. Although disease management through intercropping of sesame with maize and foliar-spray with extracts of Tithonia diversifolia have been found to be effective, the frequency of application of the extracts required to achieve optimal disease control have not been determined. Therefore, a study was carried out to determine the effect of frequency of application of T. diversifolia extract on CLS and ALB diseases of sesame intercropped with maize during the early (June – September) and late (August – November) cropping seasons of 2011. Field experiments laid out in a Randomised Complete Block design and in a split plot arrangement with three replications were conducted in Ejigbo, Nigeria. Treatments consisted of aqueous Tithonia diversifolia leaf extract applied at 7.0, 7.5 or 8.0 % (w/v) in one-, two- or three- spray regimes at 2-week intervals from three weeks after planting (WAP) to plots of sesame intercropped with maize; Unsprayed sesame/maize intercrop; sesame/maize intercrop sprayed with Carbendazim (50 %)WP and unsprayed sole sesame plots. Results revealed that CLS and ALB incidence, severity and defoliation were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by three-spray regime of 7.5 % (w/v) T. diversifolia extract. The efficacy of 7.5 % (w/v) T. diversifolia extract was comparable to that of 8.0 % (w/v) T. diversifolia extract or synthetic fungicide (Carbendazim 50 %WP). This study showed that the three-spray regime of 7.5 % w/v T. diversifolia leaf extract is sufficient to control foliar diseases of sesame intercropped with maize.

Factors determining adoption of bean quality improvement practices by cocoa farmers in Cross River State, Nigeria

Persistent drop in quality of Nigerian cocoa exported to the international communities portends a grave danger to the economy of the country. This study investigates factors determining adoption of bean quality improvement practices by cocoa farmers in Cross River State, Nigeria. Using a two-stage random sampling technique to select 336 farmers from communities with high production, data were collected with a structured questionnaire and subjected to factor analysis and descriptive statistical procedures. The data revealed that majority of the respondents (66.1%) were male with mean age of 48 years, 78.6% were formally educated whereas 31.0% had a quarterly contact with extension agents. Most of the respondents (98.2%) had high perception on practices considered as being adequate for improving the quality of cocoa beans. There was a positive and significant relationship between perception on cocoa bean quality and adoption of bean quality improvement practices (r = 0.142 and p = 0.001) at one percent level of significance. Factor analysis showed that socioeconomic, production, technological and institutional factors with Eigenvalues of 3.312, 2.403, 1.862 and 1.055, respectively, accounted for the quality of cocoa beans. However, educational level of farmers (0.867), cost of inputs (−0.724), relative advantage of the practice (0.683) and contact with extension agents (0.703) exert greater influence on farmers’ capacity to produce quality cocoa beans. The identified variables should therefore be considered when disseminating improved practices to cocoa farmers for increased adoption.

Involvement of farm youth in cocoa plantation resources management practices in Ondo State, Nigeria: a factor analysis

The study identified the factors associated with farm youth’s involvement in Cocoa Plantation Resources Management Practices (CPRMPs) in Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select a total of two hundred and four respondents for the study. The data were collected using a structured interview schedule and analysed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that the average age of the respondents was 33.67 ± 6.50 years and that most (76.0 %) of the respondents were male. The CPRMPs respondents were involved and were categorised into soil, water, cocoa beans, cocoa tree, cocoa seedlings, and financial management practices. The majority (76.0 %) of the respondents were moderately involved in the CPRMPs in the study area. The factors associated with farm youth involvement in CPRMPs were economic pull (λ = 2.208), economic push (λ = 1.962), personal (λ = 1.785) and community-related (λ = 0.927) factors. The factors identified explained 83.314 % of the variance in farm youth’s involvement in CPRMPs. The study, therefore, recommends that there is a need to organise training on CPRMPs to farm youth to be able to optimise the potentials inherent in them for improving their livelihood.

Effect of varying dietary levels of Aspilia africana on performance, egg quality and microbial load of pullet chickens

The use of Aspilia africana as a nonconventional feedstuff to reduce the cost of feed has not been fully explored in poultry production. Therefore, an experiment was conducted on one hundred and ninety-two (192) twelve weeks old birds to determine the effect of Aspilia africana leaf meal (ALM) diet on the performance, egg quality and faecal microbial load. The birds were divided into four groups, each consisting of forty-eight birds. After a two-week acclimatisation, experimental diets that consisted of 0% (Diet 1), 10% (Diet 2), 20% (Diet 3) and 30% (Diet 4) ALM substitution of soybean were fed to the birds. Data on growth performance were collected in the first phase, whereas egg quality, laying performance and faecal count was examined in phase two of the experiment. The data collected were subjected to one-way analysis of variance and significant means were separated via Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The obtained results identified best (p < 0.05) outcome for growth performance and faecal bacterial load at 30% ALM inclusion in the diet. ALM offered at 20% was optimal for overall egg quality, though egg weight at first lay was superior in pullets fed 10% ALM diet. When consumer attraction to yolk colour is the criterion for purchase, preference for eggs from birds supplied 30% dietary ALM is expected.

Dietary supplementation of Vitamin E and selenium on performance and oxidative stability of meat of broiler chickens in a hot climate

With the increase in consumers’ concern for safe food, it is highly imperative for livestock farmers to adopt feeding practices that enhance good health and high-quality products. A 49-day trial was conducted to ascertain effect of vitamin E and selenium (VE + Se) on performance, haematological indices and oxidative stability of chicken meat. A total of 150 Ross 7-day-old chicks were weighed and allotted to five treatments comprising dietary levels of 0 mg VE + 0 mg SE (Control), 100 mg VE + 0.05 mg Se, 200 mg VE + 0.1 mg Se, 300 mg VE + 0.15 mg Se and 400 mg VE + 0.2 mg Se per kg of feed in a completely randomised design. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. The data collected on performance, haematological indices and oxidative stability of meat were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance in a completely randomised design. Performance indices were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by VE + Se supplementation. Mean daily live-weight gain (48.68 g /bird /day) was highest (p < 0.05) in the 400 mg VE + 0.2 mg group. The mean daily feed intake (g /bird / day) was highest in birds fed the diet containing 200 mg VE + 0.1 mg. The least or best feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed in the group fed 400 mg VE + 0.2 mg SE. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) increased as the level of VE + Se increased with the highest activity in 400 mg VE + 0.2 mg Se group. The highest packed cell volume, haemoglobin and red blood cell values were observed in birds fed the diet containing 400 mg VE + 0.20 mg Se. In conclusion, to ensure good performance of the chickens and improved oxidative stability of chicken meat in hot climate, feeding broilers VE + SE at 400 mg VE + 0.2 mg Se is recommended.

Effects of access to livelihood capitals on adoption of European Union (EU) approved pesticides among cocoa-producing households in Osun State, Nigeria

Cocoa-producing households’ access to livelihood capitals would help them to adopt EU approved pesticides successfully. However, no empirical studies have addressed these issues. This study therefore investigated the effects of access to livelihood capitals on adoption of EU approved pesticides among cocoa-producing households. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 120 cocoa-producing households for the study. The obtained data were analysed using descriptive statistics, multivariate probit regression and double hurdle regression model. The majority of cocoa-producing households (92%) have access to natural capital, followed by physical capital (67.5%), social capital (62.5%), financial capital (58%), whereas only a few (50.8%) have access to human capital. Multivariate probit estimates showed that age (p < 0.05), gender (p < 0.05), farm size (p < 0.05), years of education (p < 0.01), farming experience (p < 0.01), household size (p < 0.01) and membership in cooperative society (p < 0.01) significantly influenced cocoa-producing households’ access to livelihood capitals. The majority of cocoa-producing households (81%) adopt approved pesticides. The first hurdle estimates showed that gender (p < 0.01), education (p < 0.05), membership in a cooperative society (p < 0.05) and access to some livelihood capitals such as human (p < 0.01), physical (p < 0.05) and financial (p < 0.01) capitals significantly influence the probability of adoption of EU approved pesticides. In the second hurdle, gender (p < 0.1), farm size (p < 0.01), household size (p < 0.01), membership in a cooperative society (p < 0.01)and access to some livelihood capitals such as human (p < 0.05), physical (p < 0.01) and social (p < 0.01) capitals are significant in determining the intensity of adopting EU approved pesticides. The study concluded that access to livelihood capitals has potentials of accelerating adoption of EU approved pesticides. Other factors include gender, education, farm size and membership in a cooperative society. Therefore, this study suggests that government policy on uptake of EU approved pesticides should pay more attention on cocoa-producing households’ access to all these factors. Most importantly, policy package to encourage access to livelihood capitals must be strongly advocated.

Genotypic evaluation of cowpea germplasm for salinity tolerance at germination and during seedling growth

Soil salinity represents a major constraint limiting crop production in arid and semi-arid countries. The effect of salinity induced by sodium chloride (NaCl) at five levels (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM) was investigated on four germination traits and thirteen seedling growth characteristics in twenty cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] genotypes (ET11, KEB-CP004, KEB-CP006, KEB-CP009, KEB-CP 010, KEB-CP020, KEB-CP033, KEB-CP038, KEB-CP039, KEB-CP045, KEB-CP051, KEB-CP054, KEB-CP057, KEB-CP060, KEB-CP067, KEB-CP068, KEB-CP118, MTA22, NO74 and NO1036). The germination tests were carried out on Petri dishes in the laboratory while seedling growth experiments continued in plastic pots in the greenhouse, both setting up using a randomised complete block design with three replications. Genotypic responses were significant for all germination traits (p < 0.001). Germination percentage, germination rate index, and coefficient of velocity of germination were all decreased by salt stress. However, the mean germination time increased with increasing saline conditions. Significant differences were found between genotypes for most growth attributes. Growth rate (centimeter increased in height per week) decreased significantly with increasing salinity, starting at 100 mM NaCl (24.20% reduction, 2.66 cm / week) with maximum reduction (38.58%) corresponding to 2.16 cm/week observed at 200 mM NaCl, compared to control (3.51 cm/week growth rate). Also, significant decline in shoot weights, number of functional leaves and dry matter production were observed under salinity. Salinity also reduced water content in shoot and root and did not affect root weights. Under salinity, significant correlations were found between all germination variables (p < 0.001). Growth rate was significantly associated with ten out of the twelve other seedling growth traits. Also, the dry matter production under salinity was significantly associated with all other seedling growth characteristics with the exception of root water content. Given the effect of salt stress, cowpea genotypes, namely NO1036, KEB-CP004, KEB-CP038 and KEB-CP051, were the most tolerant while KEB-CP068 and ET11 were the most sensitive ones. The results confirm substantial genetic variation in salt stress tolerance among the studied genotypes. The most tolerant genotypes should be further explored in genetic improvement programs and should be promoted for culture in regions affected by salinity.

Economic analysis of two giant land snail marketing in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

The study examined the marketing and uses of two species of Giant African Land Snails (Archachatina marginata and Achatina achatina) in four (4) different market locations in Ibadan Oyo state, Nigeria. The data were collected using a structured and validated questionnaire administered interpersonally to 160 snail marketers in four randomly selected markets in selected Local Government Area (LGA) situated in Ibadan. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools; these include frequencies, mean, median, mode and multiple regression. Findings from the socioeconomic characteristics revealed that majority (98.1 %) of the respondents were female and only 1.9 % were male. Majority (91.9 %) of marketers were married with 27.5 % in the 31–40 years age group. Majority (89.4 %) raised their capital through personal savings and had over 16 years of marketing experience. All respondents (100 %) were involved in wholesale marketing of different species of snail whereas 65 % of them were into both wholesale and retail marketing. Also, 88.8 % were engaged in marketing of both species only. Most (70 %) of the respondents’ generated income per year was between ₦10,000–₦49,999 ($26–$130). All marketers ascertained that the major purpose of snail is for consumption. Also, the budgetary analysis (costs and returns) revealed that marketing of Archachatina marginata and Achatina achatina is a profitable business among the marketers with a high rate of return on investment. The most efficient market for both snail species was Sango market with efficiency values 1.77 and 1.82 for A. achatina and A. marginata, respectively. The coefficient of multiple determination, R2 value of 0.689 indicated that 68.9 % of the variation in the marketing price of snail is explained by transportation cost, cost price of snail and market tariff. The marketing efficiency was greater than one in all markets which showed that the markets were efficient in the marketing of Archachatina marginata and Achatina achatina. The study concluded that snail marketing is profitable given the market efficiencies and rate of returns on investment. Policy recommendation towards reduction in cost of transportation and market tariff is suggested as this would bring about improved market efficiencies and more returns.

Agronomic response of soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) to organic soil and foliar fertilisation in a forest savanna transitory location

Organic soybean is presently less than 0.1% of total world production partly because of inappropriate fertiliser regime on degraded tropical soils. Therefore, two field trials were carried out during the late cropping seasons (June – November) of 2017 and 2018 to evaluate the agronomic performance of three soybean varieties: TGx 1448-2E, TGx 1835-10E and TGx 1989-9F as affected by foliar organic fertilisers: Arati Baja, Arati Nawoz, DI Grow, and soil applied organic fertiliser (Aleshinloye Grade B), and the control. The experimental design was Randomised Complete Block Design in a 3 × 5 factorial arrangement with three replications. Data were collected on yield attributes and seed yield of soybeans. Significant varietal difference (P < 0.05) in both years was recorded for number and weight of pods and seeds per plant, 100 seed weight, harvest index, and grain yield, except number of seeds per plant in 2018. Fertiliser × Variety interaction effect significantly (P < 0.05) affected above-ground plant weight and pod weight per plant in both years. On average, application of organic fertilisers resulted in grain yield (1.30–2.28 t/ha) comparable with Nigeria’s (0.97 t/ha) and Africa’s (1.37 t/ha) but lower than the world’s (2.85 t/ha) average values. The three foliar fertilisers and soil applied organic fertiliser enhanced seed yield of soybeans and are therefore recommended for soybean cultivation in the tropics.