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Item 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.Item 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. MAn 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.Item Open Access INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTIONS AMONG HIV-INFECTED CHILDREN IN MINNA, NIGERIA(Department Of Science And Laboratory Technology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-04-09) Kolo, O.O; Gladima, M.; Daniyan, S. Y; Abalaka, M .EIntestinal parasitic infection which is one of the basic public health problems in tropical countries is uncommon among HIV – infected patients. These have been reported to be more frequent and severe among HIV infected children than their adult counterparts. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among HIV/AIDS infected children attending Minna General Hospital, Niger State, North central Nigeria. Stool specimens from HIV/AIDS patients and HIV uninfected children (control group) were screened for intestinal parasites using Kato-Katz thick smear technique and modified Zeihl-Neelsen method. Out of 181 participants recruited among patients consulting at the hospital, 78 (43.1%) were HIV-infected and 103 (56.9%) were the control group. Out of the 78 HIV/AIDS patients, 21.8% (17/78) were positive for intestinal parasitic infection while only 7.8% (8/103) of their HIV negative counterparts were infected with intestinal parasites. The most common parasites identified among HIV-infected children were Ascaris lumbricoides (28%), Entamoeba histolytica (28%), Giardia lamblia (12%), Trichuris trichiura (4%), Cryptosporidium species (20%) and Schistosoma mansoni (8%) compare with Ascaris lumbricoides (14%), Entamoeba histolytica (20%), Trichuris trichiura (2%) and Schistoma mansoni (8%) which were found among HIV uninfected children. Intestinal parasitic infection was significantly higher among participants with CD4 count lower than 200 μl/cell, with 39% prevalence rate of which most of them were asymptomatic. Cryptosporidium species which was the only identified opportunistic parasite was observed majorly among children with lower CD4 counts and its prevalence was significant at p < 0.05.Item 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. NA 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.Item 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.Item 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.Item Open Access Antimicrobial(Department of Science Labaratory Technology, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2021-02-02) Ibrahim, Taibat; Ibrahim, A.R.Item 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 consumptionItem 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. AThis 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.Item 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.Item 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. JCocoa 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.Item 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. OThe 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.Item 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.Item Open Access PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF A SORGHUM THRESHER FOR FUELING NEW CYCLES OF SUCCESS IN THE THRESHING OF SORGHUM CROPS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA(Department Of Science And Laboratory Technology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-04-09) Timothy, Yusuf.In order to improve on the traditional method of threshing and cleaning of sorghum, a thresher was designed, constructed and its performance was evaluated in the Department of Agricultural Engineering, A.B.U Zaria. The result shows the threshing efficiency, cleaning efficiency, mechanical grain damage, throughput capacity and scatter loss of 99.8%, 98.7%, 5.09%, 110% and 11.4% respectively. The statistical analysis of variance on the result indicates that the independent variables; speed, moisture content and feed rate have a significant effect on the dependent variables; threshing efficiency, cleaning efficiency, throughput capacity and scatter loss at 0.05 probabilities level respectively.Item Open Access EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PROCESSING TREATMENTS ON NUTRIENTS AND ANTINUTRIENTCOMPONENTS OF SENNA OCCIDENTALIS SEED MEAL(Department Of Science And Laboratory Technology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-04-09) Doma, U. D.; Nyako, H. D; Igwebuike, J. U; Augustine, C.; Dazala, I. U; Shuaibu, S.; Linus, S.A laboratory analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of different processing treatments (boiling, soaking, sprouting and fermention) on the chemical composition of Senna occidentalis seed meals (SOSM). The entire representative processed samples were properly dried and milled. Each sample was analysed in triplicate for proximate composition, amino acid profile and levels of anti-nutritional factors using standard methods of analysis. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance of the completely randomized design and the treatment means were separated using Duncan multiple range test. The result revealed that the processing treatment significantly (P<0.05) affected the proximate composition of the seed meals. The proximate composition were observed to decrease in the differently processed seeds except for fermentation and sprouting where increase in the crude protein and ash contents of the seeds where observed. Similarly, the amino-acid profile showed significant (P<0.05) reduction except for the fermented seed meal which showed an increase in some of the amino acids content. The processing methods were observed to significantly (P<0.05) reduced the levels of the anti-nutritional factors withfermentation producingthe highest reduction effect. It can be concluded that fermentation was more effective in reducing the level of anti-nutritional factors and also in improving the nutrient content of Senna occidentalis seed meal. Based on the findings of this study, fermentation is therefore recommended for processing of Senna occidentalis seed meal. Further studies on processing the seed meal using integrated processing treatments such as soaking and boiling and two-stage cooking are required. Furthermore, fermented Senna occidentalis seeds should be used in a feeding trial with a view to ascertain the best inclusion level for domestic animals especially monogastric animals.Item Open Access ESTIMATION OF PRECIPITABLE WATER VAPOUR AT SUB-SAHEL REGION OF CENTRAL NIGERIA USING SURFACE METEOROLOGICAL DATA(Department Of Science And Laboratory Technology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-04-09) Falaiye, O. A; Abimbola, O. J; Sukam, Y. MUsing a ten-year monthly averaged data from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, for three stations in Nigeria, an empirical model of the form lnW = a +bTd (where W is the precipitable water vapour, Td is the dew-point temperature, a and b are constants) was found to be the best model estimation of precipitable water vapour at the sub-Sahel central region of Nigeria. The model was found to agree with other similar models found elsewhere and the goodness of fit statistic for this model was found to be R2 = 0.998, SSE = 0.049 and RMSE = 0.015. Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) test was used to validate the model. Other models using surface relative humidity (RH) and surface ambient temperature (T) were also found with satisfactory statistical performance. The minimum precipitable water vapour for the region was observed to be 24.88±7.82mm in the month of January while two maxima were found in the months of May and October as 46.79±7.82mm and 47.48±7.82mm, respectively. The link between el niňo/la niňa events and the variation of precipitable water vapour in the study area was attempted.Item 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. RParasitic 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.Item 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.Item Open Access MALNUTRITION: CAUSES AND PREVENTIONS– A CASE STUDY OF BAUCHI (A REVIEW)(Department Of Science And Laboratory Technology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-04-09) Ayo, J. A; Onuorah, C. E.; Ayo, V. A; Oboh, S.; Okpasu, A.; Keswet, L.The intake of nutrients such as carbohydrate, protein, lipids, vitamins, minerals and water must be adequate in quality and quantity to ensure maintenance of good health in addition with personal hygiene, environmental health and good medical care. Deficiency of nutrients results in breakdown of normal good health giving rise to malnutrition. Malnutrition is a silent killer, more than half of all children’s death worldwide is attributed to it. Malnutrition in most cases is not a simple matter of just eating to satisfy appetite. A child who eats enough to satisfy immediate hunger can still be malnourished. Nigeria has so many traditional foods that is rich in nutrients. There is nothing wrong with the traditional food but with the society and their attitude to traditional foodstuffs. Nutritional disorder identified in Bauchi State includes kwashiorkor (13.5%), and Marasmioc-kwashiokor (32.1%) Some of the factors that contribute to these disorders include :- cultural food habits, ignorance, family size, food distribution, poverty, disease, improper food handling, and preparation. The key to better nutrition lies in pursuing an effective nutrition education programme. The suggested community nutrition programme should include:- creating awareness on the part of extension services of the ward, local and state Agriculture Development authority, Family Support Programme(FSP), Maternity and Child Health Centres, Home Economics Units etc. Finally all the governmental and non-governmental agencies (NGO) be used to train the local women in processing and formulation of infants and young children diet.. Preserving the locally available foods and as well in planning their menus. They should be trained to observe hygienic ways of preparing foods, eat enough foods if possible three (3) times a day. Make sure children are regularly immunized against the six killer diseases. Have a system to go and monitor each community on a regular basis.Item 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 AluThe 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.