SEASONAL VARIATIONS IN THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF GRASSES HARVESTED FROM THE NATURAL PASTURE IN OGUN STATE SOUTH-WESTERN NIGERIA

The research was carried was carried out to evaluate the chemical composition of the dominant grasses harvested from the natural pasture in selected villages in Ogun State, South-western Nigeria at different seasons. The study was carried out using a 4 × 6 factorial arrangement comprising four seasons (early rain, late rain, early dry and late dry) at six locations (Afami, Atokun, Ibooro, Ileniku, Ipaaya, and Okerori). Results showed that the crude protein (CP) content significantly (p<0.05) varied from 5.56 % for Okerori to 7.34 % for Ibooro and the grasses harvested at Afami had the highest (72.75 %) neutral detergent fibre (NDF) values with the least (68.75 %) value recorded for Okerori, while the acid detergent fibre (ADF) values ranged from 41.00 % for Atokun to 48.25 % for Okerori. Also, CP value as affected by the season ranged from 4.23 % for late rainy to 9.44 % for the early rainy season and NDF values from 67.33% for late dry to 72.33 % for late rainy season while the early dry season had the highest value (48.00 %) for ADF with the least value (40.33 %) was recorded for the early rainy season. The phosphorus (P) value was highest at Ipaaya (2.99 g/kg) with the least value observed at Okerori (1.62 g/kg). The value for calcium ranged from 2.55 g/kg at Afami to 6.59 g/kg at Okerori. The P value of grasses as affected by seasons ranged from 1.46 g/kg for early dry to 2.66 g/kg for early rainy seasons.

IMPACT OF HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICT IN THE SURROUNDING VILLAGES OF OLD OYO NATIONAL PARK

The study assesses the impacts of Human-Wildlife conflicts in the surrounding villages in Old Oyo National Park (OONP), Nigeria. Two ranges out of the five ranges were used. Four villages were selected based on the distribution of primates and wildlife populations with each range producing two villages around Old Oyo National Park, were randomly selected for wildlife assessment. A total of 80 well-structured questionnaires were administered to the villagers with each getting 20 questionnaires respectively. Data collected were subjected to inferential and descriptive statistics. Result shows that among other socio demographic characteristics tested against the impact of Human –wildlife conflict in the park, educational level and religion show significant difference (p<0.05). the buffer zone around the park has been extensively encroached; this made most of the surrounding villages to the park fall within the average distance of 2.6km. about 79% of the villages make use of fire wood for their household cooking. Major animals that intrude farmlands in the study areas include monkey (24%), Grasscutter (11%), Cattle (19%), Gorilla (12%), Antelope (6%), Cane rat (5%) and Rabbit (3%). Some of the crops attacked by the wildlife animals include; tubers (24%), tubers and vegetable (7%), tubers and fruits (36%), tubers, vegetable and fruits (3%), vegetable (7%), fruits (3%). All the respondents (100%) rated the level of attack and damages to their crops as high.

SOIL CONSERVATION TECHNIQUES AND PRODUCTIVITY OF ARABLE CROP FARMERS IN KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined soil conservation techniques and its effect on productivity of arable crop farmers in Kogi state, Nigeria. Data were collected from 184 farmers using three stage sampling technique. Data analyses were carried out using descriptive statistics, Total Factor Productivity (TFP) and regression analysis. Result shows that the soil conservation technique prevalent in the area was application of inorganic fertilizer. About 36.4% of the sampled household heads have productivity value above average across all the soil conservation categories (productive). Result also reveals that age (-1.801), household size (-0.310) and access to credit (-0.056) impacted arable crop farmers negatively while alley cropping (0.357), crop rotation (0.380), application of inorganic fertilizer (0.503), mulching (0.560) and organic manure (0.373) positively impacted arable farmers’ productivity. The study concludes that soil conservation techniques are productivity enhancer. Promoting sustainable conservation techniques that are farm or farmer specific is recommended.

RESPONSE OF WEANED PIGS TO DIFFERENT DIETARY PROTEIN SOURCES AND DIET TYPES

Pig is one of the most consumed meat across the globe. However, its production is limited by high cost of feed ingredients. Hence, the search for alternative cheap feed ingredients without any loss to animal’s performance is on the increase. The influence of different protein sources and feed types (wet or dry) was investigated on the growth performance, haematology and serum biochemistry of weaned pigs. Weight gain and feed conversion ratio were higher for soybean and full-fat soya-based diets. Feed and water intake were not significantly different amongst treatments. Nature of feed did not influence weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Groundnut cake meal may compare with soybean meal in pig’s diet, but it may have to be supplemented with lysine, methionine or fish meal.

VARIATION AMONG AGRONOMIC TRAITS AND MINERAL CONTENTS IN 15 ACCESSIONS OF GARDEN EGG PLANT (Solanum aethiopicum) IN SOUTHWEST OF NIGERIA

Throughout Africa, S. aethiopicum is very popular and plays a vital role in many human diets. Despite the fact that there are previous reports on yield characteristics and nutrition of the crop, there is a need to assess the crop for variations in mineral properties. This study aimed at determining the amount of genetic variability and level of heritability of agronomic and mineral contents of S. aethiopicum accessions. Fifteen accessions of S.aethiopicum were evaluated in an RBCD experimental design to generate data for use. Data were collected for agronomic, morphological and mineral contents. Data collected were subjected to ANOVA and the significant means were also separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% probability level. Variance component method was used to estimate phenotypic and genotypic variations as well as heritability. Significant differences were observed among accessions for the various morphological and mineral nutritional traits evaluated. High heritability estimates, Phenotypic and Genotypic variances were observed for mineral content and fruit yield. Genotypic and phenotypic variances ranged between 0.31 and 11078.85 for the agronomic traits. The hierarchical cluster analyses revealed five distinct clusters at similarity index of 85%. The first cluster included 6 accessions; the second included accessions NHS 101A, and OG 03; the third were NHS 104 and OG 01; the fourth included NHS 105; and the fifth included NHS 106, NHS 108, OS 02 and OS 03. Accessions OS 01 and OS 03 appear unique based on the traits for which the accessions were assessed.This study revealed that substantial variation exists within the accessions of S.aethiopicum evaluated, hence, it will help in breeding process of good quality genotypes for higher yields and mineral content.

A PRELIMINARY COMPARISON OF MITOCHONDRIAL D-LOOP REGION OF FUNAAB ALPHA AND NIGERIAN INDIGENOUS CHICKENS

Nigerian indigenous chickens possess immunity from endemic diseases and have a better survival rate than commercial hybrid strains under local production conditions. FUNAAB Alpha chicken was developed by improving Nigerian indigenous chickens through crossbreeding and selection. This study compared the mitochondrial d-loop of FUNAAB Alpha and Nigerian indigenous chickens to check likely genetic erosion and loss of diversity in development of FUNAAB Alpha breed. Blood samples were collected from Nigerian indigenous (n=23) and FUNAAB Alpha (n=20) chickens sampled from farms and houses in Ogun state, Nigeria. The Hypervariable 1 (HV1) of the mitochondrial d-loop region was amplified and sequenced. Single nucleotide polymorphisms present in HV1 of chickens were identified using Clustal W. Genetic diversity of the region was determined using DnaSp v5 while selective forces acting on the chickens were predicted using HyPhy software implemented inside MEGA 6 software. Phylogenetic relationship among FUNAAB Alpha, Nigerian indigenous and other chicken breeds was determined using MEGA 6 software. Five polymorphisms were identified in FUNAAB Alpha chickens while twelve were identified in Nigerian indigenous chickens. All the polymorphisms identified in FUNAAB Alpha chickens were also observed in Nigerian indigenous chickens while seven polymorphisms were unique to Nigerian indigenous chickens. Higher diversity indices were observed in Nigerian indigenous chickens (number of haplotype: 4; haplotype diversity: 0.743±0.012; nucleotide diversity: 0.014±0.0013 and average number of nucleotide differences: 4.332) compared with FUNAAB Alpha chickens (number of haplotype: 2; haplotype diversity: 0.485±0.001; nucleotide diversity: 0.008±0.0001 and average number of nucleotide differences: 2.424). Positive selective forces were acting on FUNAAB Alpha chickens while negative selective forces were acting on Nigerian indigenous chickens. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that FUNAAB Alpha chickens clustered with Nigerian indigenous and South American chickens. It can be concluded that there was likely genetic erosion and loss of diversity in development of FUNAAB Alpha breed. Breeding programmes aimed at improvement of genetic diversity and reduction of genetic erosion should be applied in subsequent improvement of FUNAAB Alpha chickens.

INDIGENOUS LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN EGBA ZONE OF OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

This study assessed the management of indigenous livestock in Egba zone of Ogun State using one hundred and forty four farmers and twenty Village Extension Agents. Data were collected with interview schedule and questionnaire respectively. The study revealed that indigenous livestock farmers were of average age of 48 years, mostly (77.8%) native of these communities sampled and literate (63.2%), more female (58.3%) and they were not cosmopolite (83.3%). Poultry, sheep and goats are mostly kept by indigenous livestock farmers, followed by cattle and pig, snail and rabbit by a few farmers. Most (66.7%) farmers raised their livestock on free range while few provided feeding and housing for their animals. Local materials were used for feeding, housing, and ethno-veterinary care for animals. Livestock farmers earned an average of twenty one thousand seven hundred and fifty naira monthly from their animals. The materials livestock farmers used included pawpaw seeds for deworming, lime and sandpaper leaf to control lice, sulphur, lime and palm oil to control mange; Iyeye leaves [Spondia mombin] for treatment of diarrhea in ruminants. Communication methods used in the diffusion of ethno-veterinary practices were town criers, traditional songs and festivals, folk tales, use of signs and symbols, life dramas and face-to-face interpersonal media while the sources of information were extension agents, community leaders, fellow farmers, neighbours, livestock traders, and farmers` union. Most important information came from fellow farmers. Indigenous livestock farmers should be involved in research and extension planning and regular visits to farmers by village extension agents is recommended.

ENTERPRISE ASSESSMENT ACROSS CASSAVA WASTE (PEELS) VALUE CHAIN IN OGUN STATE

In this article, the Enterprise assessment across cassava peels value chain in Ogun State Nigeria is examined. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 180 cassava processors and marketers. Socio-economic data were obtained from respondents with the use of pre-tested questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, budgetary technique, Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) and Student t-test. The study found that majority (84.3% and 52.8%) of processors of cassava peels and marketers were female. In addition, 60.2% of the processors and 51.4% of the marketers had secondary education. The value chain activities carried out by processors were transportation, drying and packaging while marketers transported, packaged and put the peels in storage for future sales. The SFA revealed that cost of labour (p<0.01) and quantity of fresh cassava peels (p<0.01) were the main determinants of output of dried cassava peels by the processors. The inefficiency model revealed that the efficiency of producing dried cassava peels increased with increase in age (p<0.01), credit access (p<0.01), household size (p<0.01) and membership of cooperative society (p<0.01). Furthermore, the cost function revealed that cost of sieving (p<0.05) and depreciation on capital item (p<0.01) increased the production cost of dried cassava peels. The mean technical, allocative and economic efficiency of producing dried cassava peels were estimated as 94%, 83% and 78% respectively. This study concluded that production of cassava peels is efficient and its trade is profitable. The study recommends that cassava processors and marketers should form cooperative groups to increase access to credit for higher output and trade of peels.

EFFECTS OF COOKING CONDITIONS ON THE TEXTURE PROFILE, SENSORY AND PROXIMATE QUALITIES OF PRESSURE COOKED BAMBARA NUTS

This study evaluated the effects of pressure cooking on the textural attributes of Bambara nuts using Response Surface Methodology (RSM).The study optimized cooking condition {Weight of Bambara (250 – 1000g), cooking time (20 -90 min) and post cooking resident time (2-12 min)} for the pressure boiling on the textural and qualities of Bambara. Five out of the eleven optimised solutions (Desirability Index range of 0.919 to 0.936) were compared with samples from conventionally boiled Bambara for proximate and sensory (colour, texture, aroma and Overall acceptance) qualities. Data were analysed using RSM, analysis of variance and PPMC. Models for hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, fracturability and sensory texture with adjusted R2 values of 83.41%, 80.99%, 67.37% , 93,75% and 88.96% respectively adequately explained the textural and sensory qualities of boiled bambara. The range of values for moisture, fat, ash, crude protein and carbohydrate were 47.88, 2.24, 1.98, 24.30, 20.91 % to 50.58, 2.58, 2.19, 25.49, 21.87% respectively. Boiled Bambara produced at verified optimisation solutions (527.62g, 82.55, 10.43 min and 591.69g, 82.96, 9.52 minutes) were not significantly different (p >0.05) from that produced by conventional method (weight and Cooking time: 500g and 125 min.) in spite of the relatively longer cooking time of the later.

POTENTIALS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF LANDSAT IMAGERY IN RELATION TO LAND USE /COVER IN OKITIPUPA METROPOLIS, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Landsat satellite imagery plays a crucial role in providing information on land use/cover modifications on local, regional, and global scales, especially where aerial photographs are missing. Monitoring land-use changes from past to present tends to be time-consuming especially when dealing with ground-truth information. Determining the past and current land-use change on Earth's surface using Landsat imagery tends to be effective and efficient when high-resolution imagery is unavailable. This study employed the use of Landsat satellite imagery to assess the past and present land use/cover using supervised classification and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The result of the supervised classification land use/cover showed that forest cover and woodland undergo rapid loss, while farmland, wetland, built-up, and waterbodies tend to experience gradual loss. The NDVI demonstrated that farmland and forest cover was the most affected land use/cover. Hence, land use/cover of the study area is affected by human activities, such as intensive farming, population size, and deforestation.