Effects of Different Organic Materials Application on Soil Physicochemical Properties in a Primary Saline-Alkali Soil

Eurasian Soil Science - The application of agricultural wastes to the soil does not only improve soil fertility but also helps in the recycling of agricultural waste resources. However, the effects...     

Evaluation of different dietary additives based on growth performance,innate immunity and disease resistance in juvenile Amur catfish,Silurus asotus

Three different dietary additives were evaluated based on growth performance, innate immune responses and disease resistance in juvenile Amur catfish Silurus asotus. Four diets were prepared by supplementing 0.4% Song-gang® stone (SG), 0.05% Yucca meal (YM), 0.05% β-glucan (BG) in combination with 0.04% SG and 0.05% BG (SG + BG) to a basal commercial diet (control; CONT). Triplicate groups of fish averaging 4.95 ± 0.05 g were fed one of the test diets between 3 and 5% body weight for 8 weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, weight gain, specific growth rate, feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio of fish fed SG and SG + BG were significantly higher than those of fish fed the BG and CONT diets (P < 0.05). Lysozyme activity in fish fed the SG, YM, and SG + BG diets was significantly higher than those of fish fed the CONT diet. Super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly higher among fish fed the SG, YM, BG and SG + BG diets than fish fed the CONT diet. After 14 days challenge test with Edwardsiella tarda, cumulative survival rates of fish fed the SG and SG + BG diets were significantly higher than those of fish fed the BG and CONT diets. Results revealed that dietary SG or SG + BG diets had positive responses over other additives in juvenile Amur catfish. However, Song-gang® stone is proposed to be a cheaper dietary additive contributing 0.04 cents/kg of feed based on economic point of view.     

Growth and reproductive performance of two rabbit breeds reared under intensive system in Ghana

A study on the growth and reproductive performance of two rabbit breeds was undertaken. Data on 588 kits and 97 does of California White and 574 kits and 90 does of New Zealand White rabbits reared under hot and humid environment in Ghana were taken. The reproductive performance of the two breeds, in terms of litter size at birth and weaning, litter weight at birth and weaning, kindling interval, age at sexual maturity, and gestation length as influenced by breed, season of kindling (rainy and dry), year of kindling (2005–2012), and parity (first to sixth and over) were determined. The performance of California White in terms of litter size at birth, at weaning, kit weight at birth, and age at first kindling was 5.9?±?0.2, 4.6?±?0.1, 54.7?±?0.4 g, and 159.8?±?0.2 days, respectively. That of New Zealand White was 5.9?±?0.1, 5.1?±?0.1, 55.2?±?1.0 g, and 159.9?±?0.2 days, respectively. The results obtained also showed a significant breed effects on kit weight at birth, litter weight at weaning, and mortality; whereas no significant differences (p?>?0.05) were observed between the two breeds regarding the other traits measured. Parity had significant effects (p?<?0.05) on all the growth and reproductive parameters measured with the exception of age at first kindling. Year of kindling also had significant effect on litter weight at birth, kit weight at birth, and at weaning (p?<?0.05) but did not have any significant effect on the age at sexual maturity and mortality. Season also had significant (p?<?0.05) effects on kit weight at birth, gestation length, kindling interval, and mortality with better performance experienced during the rainy season.

     

Avoiding bites and scratches? Understanding the public health implication of human–bat interactions in Ghana

Zoonotic pathogens cause an estimated 70% of emerging and re‐emerging infectious diseases in humans, affecting various aspects of human development on a global scale. The significance of bats as a source of emerging infectious diseases is being progressively appreciated. This study was undertaken post‐Ebola virus disease in West Africa and assessed the public health implications of human–bat interactions by exploring the reasons for contact between humans and bats, as well as reported actions taken upon experiencing bat bites or scratches. The paper highlights the nuances of human–bat interactions, stressing zoonotic disease risk awareness as well as the sources of information. The study used questionnaires to solicit information from 788 respondents in five communities with significant bat populations. We show that bat consumption was one of the main reasons for human–bat interactions. More men across the various communities ate bat meat. Only a small number of respondents (4.4%) reported being bitten by a bat, and 6.1% had been scratched by a bat. More than 21% had come into direct contact with bat blood. An even lower number went to the hospital after been bitten or scratched by bats. There was little knowledge on post‐exposure management. The most common places human–bat interactions occurred were at home and on farms. Seventy‐three per cent of the respondents believed that bats carried diseases, with Ebola virus disease being the most mentioned. Respondents indicated that the way they interacted with bats had not changed, even though they believed bats carried diseases and 46% stated that they had not changed the way they interacted with bats over the last two years. Apart from providing information on avoiding bites and scratches, a more holistic framework is needed to reduce human–bat interactions. The paper recommends a comprehensive and coordinated approach to optimizing an effective response to a potential bat‐borne zoonotic disease spillover.     

Assessing the impact of non-governmental organization's extension programs on sustainable cocoa production and household income in Ghana

Globally, cocoa is famous for the production of chocolates and beverages. However, it also serves as a source of raw material for the manufacturing of high-quality cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Due to its high demand, cocoa is regarded as a major commodity for poverty alleviation in deprived cocoa farming communities. Government has therefore instigated relevant measures to address issues facing the sector by investing in extension programs. These programs act as information dissemination tools for teaching modern farming technologies and enhancing learning among farmers. This study highlighted the effects of the Cocoa Life Project(CLP) by Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere(CARE) International on farm productivity and income of 200 cocoa farmers in three districts of the Eastern Region, Ghana. Regression on covariates, Heckman's treatment effects model, and propensity scores were used to test the robustness of the estimates. A positive association between extension program participation, farm productivity, and household income was discovered. Specifically, after correcting for selection bias, the estimated results of the Heckman's model showed that the extension program significantly increased participating farmers' cocoa yield by 14.3%. The effects on total farm income showed a significant increase of 25.1 and 42.9%, respectively from regression on propensity scores and the Heckman's model. Across all three models, program participation led to an increase in total household income by 46.1, 31.7, and 69.3%, respectively. Other variables such as farming characteristics, institutional and demographic factors affected farmers' income, depending on the estimation method used. This study reiterated the supporting role played by extension programs in enhancing cocoa production and increasing household income in Ghana. Conclusively, government and development partners should invest in extension programs by providing enough logistics, training qualified agents, and creating a conducive atmosphere to support learning and technology adoption.     

Preliminary studies on the performance and productivity indices of N'Dama and West African Shorthorn cattle in Ghana

Summary The performance of N'Dama and West African Shorthorn cattle in the humid forest zone of Ghana was evaluated using records (1969–1979) on these breeds kept at the UST livestock farm. The mean age at first calving for N'Dama was 32·07 months. Calving intervals of 501·92 and 462·83 days were obtained for N'Dama and West African Shorthorn cattle respectively. The secondary sex ratio for N'Dama calves was not significantly different from the expected theoretical value of 50%; that of the West African Shorthorn was, however, significantly different from the expected theoretical value mainly due to the small size of the population. Average birth weight for the two breeds was not significantly affected by breed, season of birth, weight and age of dam. Sex significantly affected the birth weight of the N'Dama calves. Pre-weaning and post-weaning growth rates of N'Dama male calves were significantly greater than the pre-weaning and post-weaning growth rates of females. For the West African Shorthorn sex did not significantly (P>0·05) affect these traits. Calf mortalities for the two breeds were 10·53% for N'Dama and 21·05% for the West African Shorthorn. Calving percentage was not affected by breed. The productivity indices per cow per year were 72·7 kg for N'Dama and 32·1 kg for the West African Shorthorn. The productivity indices per 100 kg cow maintained per year were 36·8 kg for N'Dama and 16·6 kg for the West African Shorthorn.

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Resumen Se evaluaron los indeces de rendimiento y productivos de ganado N'dama y West African Shorthorn, en la selva húmeda de Gana, utilizando registros (1969–1979) de estas razas guardadas en la gana U.S.T. La edad media de parición para el N'dama fue de 32·07 meses. Se obtuvieron intervalos de parto de 501·92 y 462·83 días para N'dama y west african Shorthorn respectivamente. La rata secundaria del sexo para cerneros N'dama no fue significativamente diferente del valor teorático esperado de 50%; el del west African Shorthorn fue, sin embargo, significativamente diferente del valor teorético esperado, al tama?o de la población. El peso de las crías al nacer, no fue afectado por ninguno de los parámetros estudiados. El sexo afecto significativamente el peso al nacer de las crías N'dama. La rata de crecimiento antes y después del destete de los machos N'dama, fue significativamente mayor que el de las hembras de la misma raza. El sexo no afectó estas rasgos en el ganado West African Shorthorn. La mortalidad post-natal fue de 10·53% para la raza N'dama y 21·05% para la raza West African Shorthorn. El porcentaje de mortalidad no fue afectado por la raza. Los índices productivos por vaca/a?o fueron 72·7 kg para N'Dama y 32·1kg para el West African Shorthorn. Los indices productivos por 100 kg de vaca mantenida por a?o fueron 36·8 kg para N'dama y 16·6 kg para el West African Shorthorn.

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Résumé Les performances zootechniques des bovins N'Dama et Shorthorn ouest-africains en zone forestière humide au Ghana ont été évaluées en utilisant les données recueillies de 1969 à 1979 sur ces races élevées à la ferme d'élevage U.S.T. L'age moyen au premier vêlage est de 32,07 mois chez les N'Dama. Des intervalle entre vêlages de 501,92 et 462,83 jours ont été obtenus respectivement pour les N'Dama et les bovins Shorthorn ouest-africains. Le sex ratio secondaire des veaux N'Dama n'était pas très différent du taux théorique attendu de 50/50; celui des bovins Shorthorn ouest-africains était cependant significativement différent du taux théorique attendu surtout en raison de la taille réduite du cheptel. Le poids de naissance moyen pour les deux races n'a pas été influencé de fa?on significative par la race, la saison de naissance, le poids et l'age de la mère. Le sexe a une influence significative sur le poids des veaux N'Dama. Les taux de croissance avant sevrage et après sevrage des males N'Dama étaient significativement plus élevés que ceux des femelles. En ce qui concerne les bovines Shorthorn le sexe n'a pas eu d'influence significative sur ces paramètres (P>0·05). Les taux de mortalité pour les deux races ont été de 10,53 p. 100 chez les N'Dama contre 21,05 p. 100 chez les Shorthorn. La race n'affecte pas le pourcentage de vêlage. Les indices de productivité par vache et par an ont été de 72,7 kg pour les N'Dama et 32,1 kg pour les Shorthorn. Les indices de productivité par vache de 100 kg élevée pendant 1 année ont été de 36,8 kg pour les N'Dama contre 16,6 kg pour les Shorthorn.

     

云南省核桃产业发展现状及对策分析

云南省核桃产业对当地经济的发展起着重要作用,在全国核桃生产中也占有重要地位。为了促进云南省核桃产业快速、健康、有序地发展,采用2000～2009年有关全国和云南省核桃产业发展情况的统计数据,从云南省核桃产业的分布区域与产量角度对其发展现状进行了评述,同时比较分析了云南省和其他省份核桃产业的发展情况,指出了云南省核桃产业发展中亟需解决的问题,并提出了相应的对策建议。     

Genetic diversity of Forest and Savannah chicken populations of Ghana as estimated by microsatellite markers

The characterization of indigenous animal genetic resources is a requisite step in providing needed information for the conservation of useful genotypes against future needs. Thus, in this study, 22 microsatellite markers were used to genotype 114 local chickens from the Forest (n = 59) and Savannah (n = 55) eco‐zones of Ghana and the results compared to those of the ancestral red junglefowl (n = 15) and two European commercial chicken populations – a broiler (n = 25) and white leghorn (n = 25). A total of 171 alleles were observed, with an average of 7.8 alleles per locus. The local Ghanaian chickens showed higher diversity in terms of the observed number of alleles per locus (6.6) and observed heterozygosity (0.568) compared with the combined control populations (6.0 and 0.458, respectively). However, Wright's F‐statistics revealed negligible genetic differentiation (F_ST) in local Ghanaian chicken populations. In addition, 65% of the Savannah chickens were inferred to be more likely from the Forest, suggesting a south‐north dispersal of chickens from their probable original location in the Forest zone to the Savannah areas. It is concluded that the Forest and Savannah chickens of Ghana are a single, randomly mating unselected population, characterized by high genetic diversity and constitute a valuable resource for conservation and improvement.     

Combining ability of cassava genotypes for cassava mosaic disease and cassava bacterial blight, yield and its related components in two ecological zones in Ghana

Breeding for resistant genotypes is the best strategy to offset the destructive effects of cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava bacterial blight (CBB). Two sets of diallel parents were selected for the forest and the savannah ecological zones in Ghana based on good levels of resistance to CMD and CBB. Both sets were crossed in a half-diallel design. The first set of seven progenitors and their 21 F1 progenies were planted in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in two different locations for two seasons in the forest ecology. The second set of five progenitors and their 10 F1 progenies were planted in a RCBD with three replications in two locations in the coastal savannah ecological zone of Ghana. Both experiments were evaluated for CMD and CBB resistance, fresh root yield, dry root yield, root number, harvest index, dry matter content, plant height at maturity and height at first branching, levels of branching and plant vigour. Results of the combined analysis of variance revealed that the environment effect was significant for all the traits. General combining ability and specific combining ability effects were significant for most of the traits. Narrow sense heritability was significant for plant vigour, root number, CMD and CBB in both the zones. CMD and root number also had a predictability ratio of close to one, indicating the importance of additive gene effects.     

Application of Organic Wastes to Primary Saline-alkali Soil in Northeast China: Effects on Soil Available Nutrients and Salt Ions

ABSTRACT

Soil available nutrients and soil salt ions are considered to play a significant role in soil fertility. A two-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different agricultural organic wastes on soil available nutrients and soil ions in a primary saline soil, located in the west of Jilin Province, China. The treatments were granular corn straw (GS), coarse corn straw (CS), sheep manure (SM), fodder grass (FG), and control (CK). The results showed that agricultural organic wastes effectively decreased soil pH by 1.28%-3.83%. The application of agricultural organic wastes also improved soil available nutrients, of which the available nitrogen (AN) increased by 23.64%-32.54%, the available phosphorus (AP) increased by 16% ?19.93%, and the available potassium (AK) increased by 2.78% – 8.42%. In contrast, the content of soil salt ions decreased significantly with the exception of potassium ions. Linear dependence suggests that, with the decrease of soil pH, the soil available nutrient content was higher. From the correlation analysis, the relationship between other salt ions and soil available nutrients showed an extremely significant negative correlation with the exception of potassium (K+). The redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that calcium (Ca²⁺) and potassium (K⁺) are the main factor affecting soil available nutrient content in 2a (about 12 months after organic wastes were applied) and 3a (about 24 months after organic wastes were applied), respectively. In conclusion, treatment GS is recommended for improving soil available nutrients and decreasing the pH and content of soil salt ions in primary saline-alkali soils.