Haematological,biochemical and organ changes in broiler chickens fed varying levels of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Morinda lucida</Emphasis> (brimstone) leaf meal supplementation in the diets

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of Morinda lucida leaf meal (MLLM) on the haematology, biochemical and organ changes of broiler chickens. One hundred and ninety-eight day-old Marshall broiler chicks were completely randomised into 6 treatments in a 3?×?2 factorial arrangement of three levels of M. lucida leaf meal supplementation (0, 0.1 and 0.2 g/kg) with or without medication. The treatment consisted of both negative (without MLLM and routine medication) and positive (containing no MLLM but with routine medication) control groups while each treatment was replicated thrice. MLLM-supplemented diets and routine medication decreased (p?<?0.05) the white blood cell count compared to the negative control. Dietary supplementation with MLLM in combination with normal routine medication increased (p?<?0.05) total serum protein when compared with treatment group without MLLM and routine medication. Dietary supplementation with MLLM and routine medication reduced (p?<?0.05) serum creatinine concentration of the broiler chickens. Birds fed with 0.2 g/kg MLLM supplement coupled with medication and those on negative control had higher (p?<?0.05) creatinine values. Serum enzyme activities reduced (p?<?0.05) following supplementation. MLLM supplementation recorded no significant effect (p?>?0.05) on the liver, kidney, heart and gizzard. M. lucida leaf meal can be compared to routine medication for improved health status of broiler chickens. Dietary inclusion with 0.1 g/kg MLML combined with routine medication could be used in producing healthy and safe chickens.     

Drivers of recent forest cover change in southern South America are linked to climate and CO2

Landscape Ecology - Widespread changes in forest structure&nbsp;and distribution have been documented in northern Patagonia over the past century. We employed LPJ-GUESS, a dynamic global...     

Assessment of Genetic Diversity for Grain Yield and Yield Component Traits in Some Genotypes of Rice (Oryza Sativa L.)

Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology - Even though there are abundant rice genetic resources, only a fraction is used in breeding programs leading to a narrow genetic base for improved...     

Suppression of development of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Col.: Bruchidae) in bambara groundnut seeds exposed to solar heat in the Nigerian savanna

The effect of solarization on the development of Callosobruchus maculatus was investigated in the Nigerian savanna during the hot season from April to May, 1999. Development of C. maculatus adult progeny was completely suppressed in seeds of bambara groundnut, Vigna subterranea bearing bruchid eggs or harbouring first and second instar larvae that were exposed to the sun in metal tins, clay pots or polypropylene sacks for 7, 14 or 28 h. Adults of C. maculatus developed only in seeds that were not exposed to sun. Solarization did not have a significant adverse effect on germinability of bambara groundnut seeds.     

A case report of Thelazia infection in a 15-month old heifer in Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria

A case of eye infection in a heifer was reported with bilateral blindness, cornea opacity, excessive lachrymation and nasal discharge. Treatment with 6-10 drops of a 10% solution of levamisole resulted in a complete recovery, a total of 127 adult Thelazia rhodesii being recovered from the eyes.     

Suppression of development of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Col.: Bruchidae) in bambara groundnut seeds exposed to solar heat in the Nigerian savanna

The effect of solarization on the development of Callosobruchus maculatus was investigated in the Nigerian savanna during the hot season from April to May, 1999. Development of C. maculatus adult progeny was completely suppressed in seeds of bambara groundnut, Vigna subterranea bearing bruchid eggs or harbouring first and second instar larvae that were exposed to the sun in metal tins, clay pots or polypropylene sacks for 7, 14 or 28 h. Adults of C. maculatus developed only in seeds that were not exposed to sun. Solarization did not have a significant adverse effect on germinability of bambara groundnut seeds.     

Arthropod diversity of cocoa farms under two management systems in the Eastern and Central regions of Ghana

Diversity of insect communities can be used as bioindicators for change in the environment especially in farms under different management systems. In line with that, we conducted a research on insect species associated with cocoa under organic and conventional management systems in the Eastern and Central regions of Ghana. Insect collection was done using Hand height visual count, Canopy, and “Knock down”, pitfall, coloured bowl and fruit-baited traps. A total of 13,742 individual insects belonging to 138 species from 63 families and 12 orders were recorded in the study. Insect abundance and diversity were generally higher in organic farms compared to conventional farms with Oecophylla longinoda as the most dominant species in both management systems and especially more dominant in organic cocoa farms. Our study revealed that most of the insect species recorded were known cocoa pests although there was high abundance of beneficial insects too. Some of the pest species were Planococoides njalensis, Salhbergella singularis, Helopeltis spp and Pseudococus spp, while some of the beneficial insects recorded were Pheidole spp, Tegenaria spp, Camponotus spp, Crematogaster spp. We can conclude that cocoa farms are potential habitats for insect biodiversity conservation. We recommend that management and/or agronomic practices used in cocoa farms should be geared towards protecting beneficial organisms for instance pollinators and natural enemies by effectively suppressing insect pest populations while enhancing good seed production.

     

Effects of Sowing Methods on Upland Rice in Lowland Rice-Vegetable Sequence in Inland Valley

Triple cropping in the inland valleys of southwestern Nigeria is technically possible but the third crop between the main crop and vegetables has poor establishment due to soil saturation. Identification of appropriate sowing methods is required in this niche. A field experiment was conducted at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria in 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 cropping seasons to evaluate the effect of sowing methods on the performance of upland rice （Oryza spp.） in a lowland rice-vegetable sequence. The first, second, and third crops in the sequence were planted in May, September and December, respectively. Two upland rice varieties, namely New Rice for Africa 1 （NERICA 1） and ITA 150 constituted the main plot treatments while the subplot treatments were sowing methods. The mean grain yield of lowland rice for two years was 7.74 t ha^-1. The fluted pumpkin had a fresh leaf weight of 14.78 t ha^-1. The grain yields of the two upland rice varieties （1.81 and 1.85 t ha^-1） and sowing methods which ranged between 1.63 and 2.05 t ha^-1 were similar in both cropping seasons. However, the interaction of variety by sowing methods had a significant effect on grain yield. Transplanting and pre-germinated broadcast had the highest grain yield for NERICA 1 while dry broad cast and pre-germinated dibbled had the highest in ITA 150. Hence, the productivity of triple cropping in the inland valley was enhanced by sowing methods.     

A management programme for Kwiambana Game Reserve,Sokoto state,Nigeria

This paper describes the physical features, climate, vegetation and animals of the Kwiambana Game Reserve as well as the history and the land use patterns around the Reserve. It also outlines the management problems and makes proposals to solve them. The management programme includes recommendations for game and habitat management, and general administration of the Reserve.