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Open Access
GEOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF WATER QUALITY IN THE TILDEN FULANI AREA OF BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
(Chemistry Department, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, 2008-01-01) Chaanda, M. S.; Moumouni, A.; Golki, N. G.; Aremu, M.O.; Binbol, N. L.
The relationship between water quality and mining activities in the Tilden Fulani area oj Bauchi State. Xigeria was investigated. Primaty data on water samples were abstracted from 56 points made up of old mines, ponds, rivers, streams and hand-dug wells. Samples were analyzed for iron (Fe), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (ZnJ and cadmium (Cd) using the Atomic Absorption Spectro-pliotometer (AAS). The results obtained showed that Cu andZn were within limits oj general acceptability by the World Health Organization (WHO) standard. Fe, Cdand Pb werefound to have had high concentrations above acceptable limits in some wells (Fe 0.05-1.10 ppm; Cd 0.005-0.01ppm and Pb 0.05-1.10 ppm). The implications of the findings were discussed with respect to the geology* ofthe study area. The higher values oftoxic metals were attributed to mining and anthropogenic activities in the studied area. The research concludes that stringent measures should be taken to properly treat the water in Tilden Fulani for domestic consumption
Open Access
COLOUR VISION TEST AMONG SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS IN NASARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY, KEFFI
(Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2011-02-01) Umaru, I.; Ayanninuola, O. S.; Hamza, M. A.; Musa, T.A.; Ikani, C.; Umar, S. A.
Color -blindness is the inability to differentiate between some colors that other people can do. Using Ishihara test, the results indicate the prevalence of color vision deficiency in the technological profession. This research aimed to study color blindness prevalence among technologists in the laboratories of Nasarawa State University, Keffi. A cross- sectional descriptive and analytical study was conducted among 45 staff of the laboratories in the school to detect color vision problems using Ishihara Test. The result of the research shows that 10 in 28 men and 1 in 17 women suffer from various forms of defective colour vision. The research revealed that the degree of colour vision disability varies widely with age; it also revealed that the colour vision defects are prevalent in men than in women. But the results showed that there is no significant correlation between color blindness defect and exposure to chemical agents, type of job, history of familial defect and race. We suggest that color blindness as medical conditions should restrict employment choices for laboratory technicians and technologist s job in Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
Open Access
EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF VARIOUS AGENCIES ON THE PROPERTIES OF SOME SELECTED COMMERCIAL SOAPS AND DETERGENTS IN LAFIA, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA
(Department Of Science And Laboratory Technology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-04-09) Oforghor, A.O
The effect of various agencies (pH, lathering, oils/fats and hard water) on the properties of some selected commercial soaps and detergents was evaluated. This is sequel to the problem associated with soap and detergent as a result of false declaration of ingredient formulations and complains by consumers (e.g. irritation of the skin, eye, lack of lathering properties, lack of emulsification of oils/fats) and the continued need to seek out the best ways of minimizing them. In the study, ten (10) samples each of commercial hard soaps, soft soaps, baby soaps and detergents making a total of forty (40) samples were used. 10% stock solution of the different commercial soaps and detergents were used for the evaluation. The properties of the commercial hard soaps in various agencies show that most of the soaps except CHS10 (pH-12.50) fall within the PH range for soaps. However, for the properties of the commercial soft soaps in various agencies, all the samples CSS1-CSS10 falls within the PH range while for the properties of the commercial baby soaps in various agencies show that, CBS1-CBS10 all the samples also fall within the PH range. However, in table 4, CD1-CD10 The samples fall within the PH ranges. From the evaluation all the samples CHS, CSS, and CD Perform satisfactory in terms of lathering properties while in case of emulsification evaluation, samples CHS and CD perform credibility well but samples CSS and CBS were fair in their properties performance. This may be attributed to the fact that soft and baby soaps are milder in terms of chemical composition. From the evaluation also, it was observed in terms of performance of the samples to hard water that all the samples, CHS, CSS, CBS and CD performs appropriately well, but the performance was in the order CD>CHS>CSS>CBS respectively. This is as the result of the builders that are incorporated in the detergent which tends to “lock up” the metals that causes hardness of water. In the evaluation of the effectiveness in cleaning, samples had properties performance in the range CD> CHS>CSS>CBS. This is normal in the sense that emulsification of the oils/fats is higher in detergents and hard soaps which are laundry soaps that in soft and baby which are bathing soaps. It is therefore recommended that the soaps and detergents mentioned above can be used for washing and bathing but in case of dermatitis, sensitive and acne prone skin, due consideration to the pH of the soaps and detergents especially sample CH10 (12.36) should taking into consideration.
Open Access
RESOURCE UTILIZATION AMONG COCOA FARMERS IN EDO STATE, NIGERIA
(Department Of Science And Laboratory Technology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-04-09) Emokaro, C. O; Obayuwana, N. J
Cocoa farmers in Edo State are mainly smallholders, usually with large household sizes and limited resource availability. These farmers are faced with the problem of how best their enterprises can be combined on available land and other production inputs to meet their needs. The study was thus designed to identify the level of utilization of production resources by cocoa farmers in Edo State, with the aim of identifying the best combination of resource utilization in cocoa production systems that would adequately meet the farming households’ need for food and income on a sustainable basis. A combination of purposive and simple random selection techniques was adopted in obtaining the 171 cocoa farmers for the study. Descriptive statistics and Linear Programming were employed in analyzing the data. Results showed that the average farm size of cocoa farmers in the study area was 2.97 hectares while the average annual cost of lease per hectare of farmland was found to be N12,090.21. The linear programming analysis showed that four enterprise combinations selected from the identified 79, on the basis of frequency, over-utilized labour and insecticides. However, the combination of cocoa with plantain, kolanut and oilpalm did not over-utilize labour and insecticides. Fertilizer was under-utilized in sole cocoa enterprise. The study therefore concluded that the combination of cocoa with plantain as food crop and tree crops such as oil palm and kolanut would give better yield/economic returns.
Open Access
CULTURED FISH FARMERS’ PERCEPTION OF GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION AND CONSTRAINTS IN CULTURED FISH PRODUCTION IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA
(Department Of Science And Laboratory Technology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-04-09) Akanbi, S. O; Muhammed, Lawal. A
This study examined the perception of government intervention by cultured fish farmers, and as well, the constraints faced by cultured fish farmers in Kwara State where there is an upsurge in the number of new entrants into the cultured fish business. Data used for this study were collected over one production cycle in 2012. A total of total 63 respondents were drawn through random sampling technique from a sampling frame of 121 registered cultured fish farmers. Analytical tools used for the study were descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, Likert-type scale. The results from the State’s government’s support showed that 32.8% and 23.8% of the sampled fish farmers were assisted with provision of fingerlings and formal credit respectively; subsidized feed-inputs and extension services were received by 46% and 68.3% of respondents respectively. The study further revealed that there was a significant relationship between fish output and government intervention strategies (p<0.05). Consequently, the production of cultured fish can considerably be improved in the study area if the government can substantially increase the fish farmers’ access to formal credit to a new level which should be comparatively close to that currently being enjoyed by crop farmers under the Kwara State demand-driven off-takers crop farming scheme. Government should create a support system by establishing of a number of one-stop shops at convenient locations, so that farmers can easily access fish inputs and the services of more efficient extension workers in the study area.
Open Access
ANALYTICAL COMPARISON OF AMYLASE ACTIVITIES AND REDUCING SUGARS IN VARIETIES OF SOYBEANS AND COWPEA: IMPLICATION ON INFESTATION BY STORAGE INSECT PESTS
(Department Of Science And Laboratory Technology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-04-09) Okunade, S. O; Dike, M. C; Onu, I.; Ogunlana, M. O
The amount of amylase activities and reducing sugars in seven varieties of soybean (four improved: TGx 1485- 1D, TGx 1440- 1E, TGx 1448-2E and TGx 1740-2F) and three local: Landrace 1, Landrace 2 and Landrace 3 varieties and six cowpea (three moderately resistant; (1T 89KD-288, IT 90K-277-2 and IT 95K-207-15) plus three susceptible: (Danborno, Danmisira and Danila) varieties were compared in the laboratory. Amylase activities began earlier (2 hours) in soybean and 4-5 hours later in cowpea hence soybean would respond faster to distortion (e.g. insect infestations) than cowpea. Moreso mean values of amylase activities for cowpea were scattered and not well defined. Reducing sugars in cowpea could be distorted earlier (Day 1) while that of soybean took up to Day 3 indicating that soybean is more stable than cowpea. These two factors may have contributed to making soybean more resistant to insect attack compared to cowpea.
Open Access
EFFECT OF HYDROTHERMAL PROCESSING DURATION ON NUTRIENTS AND ANTI-NUTRIENTS COMPOSITION OF FLAMBOYANT SEEDS
(Department Of Science And Laboratory Technology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-04-09) Samuel, Emmanuel Alu
The experiment was designed to study the effect of hydrothermal processing duration on nutrients and anti-nutrients compositions of Delonix regia seeds (DRS). Raw samples were collected, crushed and tagged T1; at boiling point (100oC), another sample of the cleaned seeds were poured into tower aluminum pot containing 25litres of water; samples were taken after 10, 20, 30 and 40 minutes of cooking and tagged T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively. Each sample of the treatments was replicated 3 times in a Completely Randomized Design. The results showed thatthere was a significant reduction (P<0.05) in the values of crude fibre with increasing duration of cooking; cooking of DRS for 20, 30 and 40 minutes gave the lowest values of 9.03, 10.05 and 11.91%, respectively. However, all the fibre fractions were not affected (P>0.05) cooking duration. Cooking DRS for 30 minutes (T4) gave better (P<0.05) crude protein (32.33%) and NFE (40.26%) values compared to the rest of the treatments. The metabolizable energy was significantly (P<0.05) reduced with increase in cooking duration, DRS cooked for 10, 20, 30 and 40 minutes had lower ME than the raw group. Cooking DRS for 40 minutes significantly (P<0.05) reduced trypsin inhibitor (19.10%) and saponin (0.26%) while cooking that of 30 and 40 minutes reduced (P<0.05) tannin (0.03 and 0.02%) however, seeds cooked for 30 minutes, T4 produced the least value of 0.08% for sodium. In view of these findings, DRS can serve as a useful feed ingredient for most monogastric animals especially in the semi-arid regions of Nigeria where feed is a very important limiting factor to livestock production during the dry season.
Open Access
PERFORMANCE AND DIGESTIBILITY OF GROWING RABBITS FED CASHEW NUT WASTE BASED DIETS.
(Department Of Science And Laboratory Technology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-04-09) Usman, A. A.; Oyewole, B. O; Aribido, S. O.
A 56 day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the performance and digestibility of growing rabbits fed Cashew Nut Waste (CNW) based diets. Twenty four (24) 8-9 weeks old, mixed breed rabbits with weight range of 980 - 1100g were used for the study. The rabbits were allotted to six treatments, with four rabbits per treatment, a rabbit represented a replicate in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) arrangement. CNW replaced maize at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75% in diets T0, T15, T30, T45, T60 and T75, respectively. The proximate composition of CNW was; dry matter 90.48%, crude protein 15.25%, ether extract 46.88%, crude fibre 3.34%, ash 4.58% and nitrogen free extract 20.34%. Performance characteristics showed significant (P<0.01) differences among treatments. Observed ranges were 1781.25(T0) –2031.50 (T75), 14.17(T0) – 18.75(T75), 66.94(T0) -87.48(T75) for final weight, daily weight gain/rabbit and average daily feed intake, respectively. There was significant (P<0.05) difference for feed conversion ratio in favour of T75. All the parameters evaluated on economics of production showed significant (P<0.01) differences in favour of T75. Digestibility parameters evaluated showed significant (P<0.01) differences in favour of T75. Rabbits fed diet containing 75% replacement value for maize performed better than other dietary treatments and it is thus concluded that rabbits can tolerate up to 75% level of CNW as replacement for maize.
Open Access
COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITES AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN TUDUN-FULANI MODEL SCHOOL AND HASHA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL MINNA, NIGER STATE
(Department Of Science And Laboratory Technology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-04-09) Eke, S. S; Omalu, I. C. J; Ochayi, Q.; Pam, V. A; Otuu, C. A.; Ibeh, E. O.; Hassan, S. C.; Garba
Intestinal parasitic infections remain an important public health problem in Nigeria causing diarrhoea and other health conditions. The method involved in collecting and processing of stool samples in agreement with standard parasitological technique. Stool samples collected were analyzed using formal ether concentration techniques (FECT). Two hundred and forty (240) stool samples from pupils age 6-14 years were examined from two schools, located in Bosso local Government area. Overall prevalence rate of 178(74.2%) were observed for various intestinal parasitic infection which included Ascaris lumbricoides 83(34.6%), which has the highest prevalence, Necator americanus 49(20.4%), Taenia saginata 22(9.2%), Entamoeba hystolytica 11(4.6%), Schizostoma mansoni 7(2.9%) and Fasciola gigantica 6(2.5%) with the least occurrence. Rate of infection was high among children of 6-8 and 9-11years of age. Overall infection rate was high among female children having higher prevalence than the males. Statistically, the result of the research showed a significant difference (P<0.05) based on sex of the pupils while based on age, the results showed no significant difference (P>0.05). The prevalence rate of infection recorded in this study could become higher in years to come and consequently become more threatening due to boost in birth rate and other socio-economic factors. The results of this study showed that pupils in both schools carry heavy intestinal parasitic infection burden which suggest prevailing unhygienic environment.
Open Access
TOXICITY AND SOME BIOCHEMICAL RESPONSES OF AFRICAN CATFISH CLARIAS GARIEPINUS EXPOSED TO BENTAZON HERBICIDE.
(Department Of Science And Laboratory Technology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-04-09) Lawee, A.Y; Kigbu, A. A; Auta, J.
Toxicity and some biochemical responses of African catfish Clarias gariepinus were investigated using static bioassay for a period of 96 hours intervals at different concentrations (3.84, 4.08, 4.32, 4.56 and 4.80 mg/L). The results from the study revealed that 96 hours LC50 of the exposed fishes was 3.89 mg/L, This study shows that the mortality of fish occurred steadily with increase in duration of exposure and concentrations of the bentazon toxicant. At the end of the experiment, blood samples from treatments collected for some biochemical variables show a significant (P<0.05) increase in the total protein level, triglycerides level and activities of glutamic pyruvic acid transaminase (GPT) and glutamic ozaloacetic acid transaminase (GOT) levels, with a noticeable decrease in both glucose and cholesterol levels compared to the control. This study shows that acute concentrations of bentazon herbicide is harmful to Clarias gariepinus which is incapable of adapting to changes caused in the water quality by the added toxicant.
Open Access
EFFECT OF SEASON AND GENOTYPE ON HEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE AND PARASITIC SUSCEPTIBILITY OF TWO NIGERIAN GOAT BREEDS AND THEIR RECIPROCAL CROSSES
(Department Of Science And Laboratory Technology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-04-09) Yusuff, A. T; Fayeye, T. R
Parasitic susceptibility and hematological profile of 192 goats belonging to four genotypes (RSxRS, WADxWAD, WADxRS and RSxWAD) were assessed during wet and dry seasons of Sudan savannah zone of Nigeria. The goats were produced from the pure-breeding and reciprocal crossing of Red Sokoto (RS) and West African Dwarf (WAD) breeds. Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and White Blood Cell (WBC) count were analyzed from blood samples taken from the goats. Fecal Egg Count (FEC) and Tick counts were obtained from fecal samples and skin examination (respectively). The data obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance using 2x4 factorial arrangements in a completely randomized design. There were significant (P<0.05) interactions between genotype and season in all the parameters except FEC. The crossbred goats (i.e. RSxWAD and WADxRS) had significantly higher Hb than the purebreds. RSxRS had the highest WBC (11.76c/mm3x103) in the dry season, and highest ticks infestation (4.80 ticks/head) in the wet season, which were significantly (P<0.05)higher than the WBC and ticks infestation of other genotypes. Significantly (P<0.05) higher level of ticks infestation was observed in the wet season than the dry season among the four genotypes, except WADxWAD. Hb concentration and PCV were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the dry season than the wet season in all the genotypes, except in WADxWAD. It is therefore concluded that hematological indices and parasitic susceptibility of goat are influenced by season and genotype. Crossbreeding and adequate management measures toward reducing parasitic infestations are therefore recommended.
Open Access
EFFECT OF BOILING AND TOASTING ON THE PASTING AND FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF AFRICAN OAK (Afzelia africana) SEEDS FLOURS.
(Department Of Science And Laboratory Technology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-04-09) Egwujeh, I. D.; Ariahu, C. C.; Orishagbemi, C. O.; Onuh, J. O.
The effects of boiling time and toasting on starch gelatinization, pasting and functional properties of African oak seeds flour were evaluated. The seeds were divided into five portions, one portion of 3 samples were heat treated by boiling in water for 1, 2, and 3 hrs respectively, second portion was toasted (at 1050C for 10 minutes) and the untreated sample as control. The samples were then milled into flours and the degree of starch gelatinization, pasting and functional properties determined. All heat treated samples increased in degree of starch gelatinization; (gelatinization increased with boiling time), pasting viscosity. Boiling for 1, 2 and 3 hours resulted in 6.67, 4.58 and 0.59 RVU breakdown viscosity while toasting resulted to 2.08 RVU, indicating that the two treatments could lead to high resistance to staleness as confirmed by low setback value (39.33, 10.58, 50.50) – a resistance to retrogradation. There was slight percentage increase in the gelation concentration from 0.20 to 0.50, emulsion 45.7 to 53.3, water absorption capacity 25-42, oil absorption capacity 11-15 and bulk density 0.63-0.68 of the flours resulting from boiling and toasting. However, the foaming capacity (50–35) and stability (100-93) of the flour samples were reduced by both the heat treatment methods. The results suggests that the seeds of African oak tree could give better flour with a wider industrial applications if they are either toasted for 10minutes or boiled for 3 hrs prior to dehulling and subsequent milling.
Open Access
ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY OF SOME SALMONELLA SPECIES ISOLATED FROM DIARRHOEAL STOOLS OF HIV PATIENTS IN KADUNA, NIGERIA
(Department Of Science And Laboratory Technology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-04-09) Ibrahim, T.; Olonitola, O. S
Antibiotic resistance is a growing phenomenom in contemporary medicine and has emerged as a serious public health concern of the 21st century in particular as it pertains to pathogenic organisms. A total of three hundred and ninety (390) stool samples of HIV seropositive individuals were screened for the presence of Salmonella using enrichment (selenite F broth) and selective (MCA,SSA and XLD) media. Biochemical identification tests were carried out using both the conventional and the Microgen Bioproduct identification system. Polyclonal antisera were employed for the slide agglutination tests. The standardized Kirby-Bauer technique was used for the antibiotic susceptibility testing where thirteen antibiotics were used. Three (3) Salmonella typhi and eleven (11) Salmonella typhimurium were isolated. Furthermore, 73% of Salmonella typhimurium isolated were resistant to ampicillin and Tetracycline respectively whereas all of the Salmonella Typhi were resistant to the antibiotics. Reduced susceptibility was observed with ciprofloxacin, pefloxacin, septrin and streptomycin for Salmonella typhimurium while no resistance was encountered for Salmonella typhi. An increased susceptibility of Salmonella typhimurium to chloramphenicol was observed but Salmonella typhi was completely susceptible. Ceftriaxone, Ofloxacin, Sparfloxacin and Amoxicillin showed effective antimicrobial activity against the Salmonella serovars and are therefore suggested as the drugs of choice for the treatment of Salmonellosis infections.
Open Access
APPLICATION OF VERTICAL ELECTRICAL SOUNDING FOR GROUND WATER EXPLORATION AROUND BASEMENT COMPLEX TERRAIN. SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA.
(Department Of Science And Laboratory Technology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-04-09) Abubakar, H. O.; Bayode, S.; Ajayi, C. A.; Badmos, A.; Yusuf, M. A
Vertical Electrical Sounding was used for identification of potential groundwater zones in Akure, Ondo state and measurements were taken using Schlumberger Configuration along the four profiles at station intervals of 10 m. A total of 53 VES were conducted with half electrode spacing (AB/2) varying from 1-150 m. This geophysical work was carried out at around Federal housing estate Akure, South-western Nigeria known to be associated with the problems of groundwater aquifer. Many of the boreholes drilled in this area are either perched or later dried-up during the dry seasons including hand-dug wells. The geoelectric sections delineated a maximum of four subsurface geological layers consisting of the top soil, weathered layer, fractured basement and fresh basement. The top soil resistivity values vary from 30.9-257 Ωm with thickness ranging from 0.3-5.1 m. The weathered layer resistivity values range from 20.2-2832.3 Ωm. Its thickness varies from 1.1 and 10.5 m. The fractured basement resistivity range from 23.9 to 570 Ωm, the thickness varies from 2.6-65.6 m. The weathered and the fractured basement constitute the main aquifer units in the study area. The fresh basement resistivity values ranges from 582-64167 Ωm. The groundwater map generated was used to classify the study area into high, medium and low groundwater potential zones. VES methods have been successfully used to evaluate the groundwater potential of the Federal Housing Estate Akure.
Open Access
EFFECT OF DIETARY LEVELS OF TOASTED WATERMELON (CITRULLUS LANATUS, THUMB) SEED MEAL FOR SOYABEAN ON CARCASS AND INTERNAL ORGAN CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER CHICKENS
(Department Of Science And Laboratory Technology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-04-09) Lakurbe, O. A.; Doma, U. D.
A seven-week feeding trial was conducted with two hundred unsexed day-old Anak broilers was carried out to evaluate the effect of graded levels of toasted watermelon seed (WMSF) on carcass and internal organ characteristics of broilers. The proximate composition showed that toasted watermelon seed is rich in crude protein (34.78%) and ether extract (24.90%). Five experimental diets were formulated in which toasted WMSF replaced soyabean at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% tagged as diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively for both starter and finisher rations. The day-old chicks were randomly allotted to the dietary treatments with four replications each and 10 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). At the end of the experiment two birds per replicate were randomly selected for carcass yield and organ characteristics. Most of carcass parameters measured were not affected except for eviscerated weight (1.18-1.56kg; P<0.05), heart weight, large intestine length and pancreas weight (P<0.01) as well as the weights of lungs, liver, kidney, large intestine and gizzard (P<0.01), though no definite pattern was observed. It can be concluded that inclusion of toasted WMSF in broiler diets at 30% has no adverse effects on the carcass yield and organ characteristics.
Open Access
ASSESSMENT OF THE RATES OF ADOPTION OF IMPROVED CROP PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE SUDAN SAVANNAH AGROECOLOGICAL ZONE OF NIGERIA (2008-2011)
(Department Of Science And Laboratory Technology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-04-09) Ugbabe, O. O; Ahmed, B.; Abdoulaye, T.; Kamara, A. Y.
Some improved crop production technologies were promoted in Kano and Katsina States of Nigeria since 2008 in a series of farmer-managed field trials in four Innovation Platforms (IPs) in the Sudan Savannah Task Force (SSTF) of Kano-Katsina- Maradi Pilot Learning Site (KKM -PLS) of the Sub Saharan African Challenge Programme (SSA-CP). The objective of this paper was to determine the rates and intensities of adoption of these technologies. To achieve this, primary data were collected in 2011 cropping season using questionnaires administered on 300 farming households, consisting of ten households each selected randomly from 30 villages each in the clean, conventional and treatment site. The data were analyzed using adoption level and index. The results showed that, out of the 231 crop farmers that participated or has access to the SSTF improved crop technologies, 59.31% adopted them, while the estimated mean adoption rates for the introduced crop varieties of maize, sorghum, cowpea, millet and groundnut were: 67%, 46%, 54%, 46% and 52%, respectively. The study concludes that the adoption rates for the introduced technologies were satisfactory. It is still necessary to form a strong linkage between farmers and input sources, particularly seed and fertilizer suppliers to improve their timely availability and enhance productivity.
Open Access
PREVALENCE OF HEAMOPARASITES (BABESIA SPECIES) IN SHEEP UNDER THE TRADITIONAL SYSTEM OF MANAGEMENT IN LAFIA METROPOLIS NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA
(Department Of Science And Laboratory Technology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-04-09) Adua, M. M; Idahor, K. O; Panda, A. I.; Omeje, J. N
A study of the prevalence of Babesiosis in fifty sheep was conducted in Lafia metropolis within four (4) wards of Lafia, LGA (Shabu/Kwandere, Makama, Gayam and Chiroma wards, respectively) from February to May, 2013., to reveal the prevalence of Babesiosis in Sheep. The fifty sheep sampled were across different breeds, sexes and ages, amongst which were Yankasa, West African Dwarf and Balami. Two milllilitres of blood samples were collected from each sheep and analyzed using thin and thick smears - Giemsa stain. The stained slide preparations were microscopically viewed under x 40 objective. The results revealed that most Babesia species occur with varied prevalence. The study confirmed the prevalence of infections due to parasites (Babesia) and tick infestation in Lafia Metropolis. It also revealed that B. ovis were exerting more burden on the animals compared to B. motasi. The different breeds of sheep sampled showed that West African Dwarf sheep were more resistant to Babesia species. The percentages of infection rate of parasites were, 6.98% and 71.43% of B. motasi. The PCV mean values among the four (4) wards varied at 23.56, 21.4, 23.67 and 23.30, respectively.
Open Access
RESPONSE OF ZEA MAYS UNDER PRATYLENCHUS SPP. INFECTION TO EXTRACTS OF EUCALYPTUS GLOBULES
(Department Of Science And Laboratory Technology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-04-09) Fabiyi, O. A; Olatunji, G. A.; Olabiyi, T.I.
Experiments were conducted in the screenhouse and under field conditions, to evaluate the toxicity of Eucalyptus globulus constituents in form of fractions, essential oil and amendment, on the growth of maize and population of Pratylenchus spp. The essential oil (ECSG/EO) proved to be significantly (p<0.05) more effective and compared with the standard synthetic nematicide carbofuran (CBFN) in reducing nematode population and increasing grain yield. ECSG/EtOH fractions were also effective, while raw plant material used as soil amendment (ECSG/AMDM) was the least effective among all the treatments. The I.R, GC/MS, H1 NMR and 13C NMR results revealed that the leaves contain monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenes, triterpenoids, hydrocarbons and phenolics.
Open Access
RESPONSE OF HEAVY METALS CONTAMINATED ULTISOL TO ORGANIC AMENDMENTS IN NSUKKA SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA
(Department Of Science And Laboratory Technology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-04-09) Ahamefule, Henry Emeka; Nwokocha, C. C; Ihem, E.; Amana, S. M
An experiment was conducted in the University of Nigeria Nsukka Teaching and Research Farm to determine the response of heavy metals contaminated Ultisol to organic amendments. The treatments were arranged in a split-plot in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), replicated thrice. Main plot treatments were 0 % (control), 1 %, 2 %, and 3 % waste crank-case oil (source of Zn, Pb, Cr and Fe) applied in a single dose at 0, 10,000, 20,000 and 30,000 mg kg-1 soil, respectively. The sub-plot treatments were control (no amendment = NA), palm oil mill effluent (PE), oil palm bunch refuse (PR) and cassava peels (CS) applied at 12 Mg/ha each, per year. Top soil samples were collected at 0, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months and analyzed for the concentrations of heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Cr and Fe). Results obtained indicated that though the waste crank-case oil led to increased heavy metal concentrations in the treated soils, the observed increments, however, fell within tolerable levels for soil. Among the organic amendments tested for their efficacy to decontaminate heavy metals from soil, PE exhibited the highest efficacy.
Open Access
FARM CHARACTERISTICS, PROFITABILITY AND EFFICIENCY IN RESOURCE USE AMONG COCOA FARMERS IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA
(Department Of Science And Laboratory Technology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-04-09) Kassali, R.
Cocoa is an important cash crop in Nigeria with great potentials both in terms of employment and foreign exchange earnings. This study analysed the profitability and resource use efficiency in cocoa production in Osun State. Sixty (60) cocoa farmers were randomly selected and data were collected on farm characteristics, inputs, output and market prices. Descriptive statistics, budgeting and efficiency analysis were the analytical techniques adopted. Results indicate that the majority of farmers (73%) cultivated farm size of less than 2 ha, with 23% only planted to cocoa. Most cocoa trees had less than 30 years of age, comprising high yielding hybrid varieties only or in combination with old varieties. Cocoa production is profitable with a rate of return of 1.67. The age of cocoa trees had influence on yield, profit and rate of return to cocoa farm, with optimum values achieved between 16 and 30 years. Current farm size, yield and age of trees were below optimum. In terms of resource use, only chemical inputs were utilized efficiently. It is recommended that farmers should increase investment on cocoa farms including size and adopt more of the high yielding varieties of cocoa to improve output.