Faculty of Agricultural Science

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Open Access
Adoption of OS6 Variety of Rice in Ife Division, Oyo State of Nigeria
(Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ife, 1980) Jibowo, A. A.
An investigation was conducted into the factors that influenced the adoption of the OS6 variety of rice in Ife Division. The extent and rate of adoption of the crop, the problems, personal and socio-economic characteristics of the rice farmers and farm characteristics associated with adoption of the crop were studied. Fifty-four adopters and 56 randomly selected non-adopters were interviewed in 8 villages where the crop had been adopted, between September and December, 1975. Data analysis showed a four-year time-lag between awareness and adoption of the crop. Statistically significant associations were found between age, years of schooling, innovation proneness, family labour, income, use of mass media, access to credit facilities, participation in organisations, cosmopoliteness, knowledge of extension workers, method of acquiring farmland, farm size, discontinuance of planting some crops, growing of permanent of annual crops, and adoption. No significant relationship was found between farming experience and adoption. Invasion by field pests was the major problem encountered.
Open Access
All Flesh is Grass
(Obafemi Awolowo University Press, 1973) Adegbola, A.A
Livestock production in Nigeria is possible within the context of an overall improvement in all other aspects of agricultural development. Just as there is a need for grain surplus as a basis for development in pigs and poultry production; so there is a need for adequate soil management and water conservation practices to keep soils productive; good storage facilities and a cheap and efficient processing technique for crop and animal products, good roads and communications for fast transportation of highly perishable products and efficient distribution at low costs to consumers. There is a need to develop adequate organization for getting scientific information to the farmer. But above all, there is a need to guarantee adequate returns to farmers and to provide incentives like good water supply, adequate housing and rural electrification to farming communities. It is only in this context that we can truly develop the capacity necessary to convert all grass to flesh for the benefit of all in Nigeria.
Open Access
An Analysis of Cohesiveness in Farming Groups
(Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ife, 1979) Agunbiade, J. B.; Ekpere, J. A.
The concept of group farming has been introduced, developed and accepted in Oyo State as a workable strategy for accelerated technology transfer and food production in the recent past. Evidence of such a policy is shown by the high input delivery and technical advisory assistance that such groups have received from the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Agricultural Credit Corporation and other functionaries of Government in Oyo State. However, the expected advantages of group processes in agricultura1 production, input delivery and technology transfer has been difficult to implement in reality. A major constraint to the effective utilization of farming groups is the relative levels of cohesiveness consistent with sustained survival and operational efficiency essential to the attainment of group goals. In order to better understand this important phenomenon, a study was conducted to investigate cohesiveness within maize production groups in Oyo State. A total of two hundred and two members of ten group farms in two ecological areas of Oyo State were interviewed using a combination of interview schedule and pre-coded questionnaire. The results show that group cohesiveness was affected by access by individuals to group on-lending loan facilities, magnitude of shared profit (or perceived profit), quality of group leadership and individual member objective for group membership. Increasing attrition rates among members due perhaps, to unfulfilled personal expectation was the most single important reason for lack of cohesiveness within the farming groups.
Open Access
Andragogical Transmission: the Secret of National Food Surplus
(Obafemi Awolowo University Press, 1998) Adegboyega Jibowo, A.
The history of agricultural extension as a profession had been subsumed under the overall history of agricultural development in Nigeria. Although a well recognised area of knowledge, the development of extension as an academic discipline has not been strongly pursued as that of some other technical agricultural disciplines. Although continuous research is essential for the advancement of knowledge in technical agriculture, much improved information is available which if applied could lead to production of national food surplus. What is lacking is the adequate transmission to, and application of such information by farmers to generate food surplus. However, extension is faced with many problems which had made it ineffective in playing the role of transmitting improved technical information in agriculture to farmers, and assisting them in applying the same. The most important problems include lack of access to adequate financial assistance, inadequate number of extension agents and inadequate supply of farm inputs.
Open Access
Artificial Defoliaton of Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] cv. Ife Brown to Simulate Insect Damage: Effects on Crop Performance
(Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ife, 1980) Akingbohungbe, A. E.
The effects of defoliation on cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp cv. Ife Brown, were studied in the screenhouse by removing varying proportions of the laminae of leaflet along-the transverse plane, to give varying nominal levels of defoliation. Plants subjected once to 25%, SO%, 75% and 100% defoliation at either the primary leaf stage, the first trifoliate leaf stage or the second trifoliate leaf stage, were not adversely affected with respect to days to peak flowering, number of flowers per plant, number of pods per plant as well as number and weight of seeds per plant. However, 100% defoliation significantly delayed the days to first flower production. When plants were subjected to 25%, 50% and 75% nominal defoliation once a week for a period of three weeks, commencing at the first trifoliate leaf stage, significant treatment effects were observed with the 75% defoliation adversely affecting the number of pods per plant, number and weight of seeds per plant. I t was also observed that defoliated leaflets tended to compensate by increasing their widths. The importance of the results are discussed in relation to the impact of defoliators and recommendation's for their control in cowpea production.
Open Access
Assessment of Occupational Exposure Hazards on Farmers Due to Insecticide Control of Cacao Mirids (Insecta: Hemiptera) in Southwestern Nigeria
(2015-06-05) Sosan, Mosudi Babatunde
The study investigated the risks involved in applying selected insecticides to control mirids in cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) plantations in southwestern Nigeria. A field survey was conducted in 15 major cacao-producing villages from which 150 farmers were randomly selected for interview. Structured questionnaires were administered to the respondents while oral interviews were also conducted. Five exposure duration periods were identified based on number of years of involvement in insecticide application as < 5 years, 5-9years, 10-14 years, 15-19 years and > 20 years. The blood erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) activities, haematological profile, and insecticide residue analyses were carried out to determine the possibility of insecticide poisoning, establish any relationships between haematological profile and exposure, and detect the presence of residues in the blood, and the farmers' sources of drinking water. The results showed that the cacao farmers used lindane formulated as Gamalin 20ECo; diazinon (Basudin 600 ECo); endosulfan (Sulfonex 35 ECo); and propoxur (Unden 20ECo) for mirid control. Sources of exposure identified included eating/chewing habits and drinking during application, non-adherence to the use of protective clothing, improper storage and disposal of used insecticide containers. Varying proportions of the farmers experienced the common symptoms that could be ascribed to insecticide exposure hazards. The results from the baseline AChE activity measurement of 76 cacao farmers revealed that eight of them had a relatively low AChE activity ranging from 33% to 50% N which is indicative of chronic poisoning. The baseline and post-insecticide application AChE activities determined among 40 of these farmers, showed that 90% of them experienced AChE activity inhibition ranging from < 20% to 50%. The duration of exposure had no significant effect on the PCV and WBC of the farmers but their WBC differential counts (eosinophil, neutrophil and lymphocyte) differed; farmers in the 15-19 and above 20 years exposure periods showed a marked prevalence of abnormal counts. The farmers also generally showed significant decreases in haemoglobin values between the pre-(13.9g/dl) and post-(12.9g/dl) insecticide application periods. The residue analyses revealed that 42 (53.3%) out of the 76 farmers had residues of diazinon, endosulfan, propoxur and lindane in their blood out of which 47.6% belonged in the >20 years exposure duration period. Nineteen percent of the farmers had diazinon in their blood, while 15% had endosulfan, 14% propoxur, and 8% lindane. Only 5% had no residues at all while 39% had unknown residues and possible metabolites of these insecticides in their blood. About 67% and 9% of the farmers that had diazinon and propoxur, respectively, in their blood exceeded the No Observable Effect Level (NOEL) of 0.02 ppm (diazinon) and 0.2 ppm (propoxur). The diazinon and propoxur detected in the farmers' sources of drinking water also exceeded the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0.002 ppm and 0.02 ppm respectively. It was concluded from the study that cacao farmers had been occupationally exposed due to insecticide application for mirid control; and the exposure was sometimes of such magnitude as to be hazardous to the farmers and their respective communities.
Open Access
Assessment of Rural Youth Movement from Farming to Transportation Sector in Osun State, Nigeria
(2015-04-30) Ojubanire, Michael Olukayode
The study was designed to assess the movement of rural youth from farming to the rural transportation activities; identify reasons for the movement and determined their levels of involvement in these activities. It also determined the social and economic satisfaction derived from rural transportation by the youth. This is with a view to coming up with policy strategies that could facilitate the youth participation in rural development. The study was carried out in Ife-Ijesa, Iwo and Osogbo agricultural zones of Osun State, Nigeria. Validated interview schedule and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were used to elicit information on levels of economic satisfaction in rural transport activities and levels of involvement from 141 rural youths involved in rural transport activities. They were randomly selected from 325, 457 and 1,700 registered transport operators in Ife-Ijesa, Iwo and Osogbo zones respectively. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used to analyze the data. The results showed that 84% of the respondents were highly involved in rural transport activities; and spent an average of 14 hours per day. The results further showed that all the respondents were male among which 82% were married and 18% were single. The age bracket for respondents was between 13 and 30 years. Majority (54%) of the respondents had secondary education, 45% had primary education while 1% had no formal education. Also, majority (55%) of the respondents had between 4 and 7 years of experience in transport business, 37% had between 8 and 11 years while 1% had above 12 years. The result further showed that some (11%) of the respondents were also engaged in farming whilst 69% were involved in agro-allied businesses. About 17% were schooling prior to their involvement in rural transport activities. It was further revealed that majority (79%) of the respondents were involved in riding of motorcycle, 34% involved in bus driving while 5% engaged in both activities. Ninety five percent of the respondents had a moderate level of economic satisfaction in rural transportation activities, had a high level of economic satisfaction while 1% had a low level of economic satisfaction. The results also revealed that the average monthly income of N8,973 derived from transport business by the youth was more than the average monthly income of N5,598 generated from farming and agro-allied business. Furthermore there were significant relationships between the level of involvement in transport activities and age (x2 =10.46, p < 0.05), years of experience in transport business (x2 =16.63, p < 0.05), dependants' size (x2 =12.55, p < 0.05), forms of habitation (x2 =9.95, p < 0.05) and level of formal education (x2 =7.71, p < 0.05). In conclusion, rural youth abandoned farming for transportation business due to the economic gain, they derived from transport business.
Open Access
Compaction and Moisture Suction Effects on Soil Strength and Crop Emergence
(Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ife, 1985) Aina, P. O.; Fapohunda, H. O.; Idowu, J.
Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the effects of four levels of soil compaction and five moisture suctions on the relationship between penetrometer soil strength and emergence of maize and cowpea seedlings for five contrasting soils of Western Nigeria. Compaction (bulk density) and moisture suction accounted for 75-- 88% of observed variation in soil strength and affected seedling emergence at specified soil strengths. The effect of compaction or moisture suction on the relation of seedling emergence to soil strength depended on 5oil and crop species. The rate of cowpea seedling emergence, which was about two-thirds that of maize, was more adversely affected by compaction than by high moisture suction. Cowpea emergence ceased when soil strengths exceeded 8 kg/cm2 in the clay loam or 10 kg/cm2 in the sandy clay loam and sandy loams, while corresponding values for maize were 14 kg/cm2 for the clay loam and 18 kg/cm2 for the other soils
Open Access
A Critique of the Challenge of Skepticism to Empirical Knowledge
(2015-05-11) Omotosho, Ibrahim Fatai; Oke, Moses
The study examined the various responses in epistemology to the skeptical challenge to the possibility of knowledge with a view to articulating a viable theory of knowledge. The study employed the methods of historical exposition, textual interpretation, philosophical argumentation, and critical conceptual analysis of epistemology from the Socratic era through the period of classical empiricism in Western Europe and America. The results showed that the skeptical challenge to empirical knowledge was a demand for ty which could only be met by a priori knowledge and deductive reasoning. It was also that, since scepticism about empirical knowledge was based on the methodological le of non-contradiction, a posterior or empirical knowledge claims could not logically the skeptic's ideal of knowledge. The study posited that the right approach in epistemology would be to recognize that both a priori and a posteriori (empirical) knowledge were legitimate forms of knowledge, just as deduction and induction were legitimate, though different, forms of reasoning. Therefore, for any definition of knowledge to be universally satisfactory it must harmonize the two kinds of knowledge and the two kinds of reasoning. Hilary Kornblith's version of reliablism was considered a viable definition of knowledge in line with the findings of the study. The study concluded that the skeptic's demand that empirical knowledge should satisfy requirements of a pirori knowledge was naturally and logically impossible. Based on Kornblith’s version of reliabilism, both a priori and empirical claims that were produced by methodologically reliable means were acceptable kinds of knowledge.
Open Access
A Critique of the Separability Thesis in the Context of an African Jurisprudence
(2015-04-23) Idowu, William Oluwunmi Oladunni; Oke, Moses; Popoola, Ademola
The study examined the positivists' view that law and morality were conceptually separable in the light of the nature and substance of an African jurisprudence. This was with a view to understanding the controversy in jurisprudence over the relation between law and morality. The methodology involved a critical analysis of such concepts on the nature of the relation between law and morality in African jurisprudence as complementarism, epiphenomenalism, assimilationism and accommodationism. Theories in Yoruba social and political thoughts such as the ebi theory, iwa theory, imperial theory, Roman Empire theory and the original ancestor theory were reviewed. The results showed that legal positivist's separability thesis was open to some semantic confusion, such as the confusion over conceptual dissimilarity and conceptual separability, and endless emendations which rendered the thesis difficult to understand. The study also observed that many positivists did not even agree on the exact meaning of the thesis, which explained the division between inclusive and exclusive positivism. Exclusive positivism contended that laws did not necessarily satisfy the demands of morality, while inclusive positivism asserted that laws reproduced certain demands of morality. While inclusive positivists were divided over whether morality was a necessary or sufficient ground for legal validity, exclusive positivists were antagonists of inclusive positivists. It was also discovered that the separability thesis was not generally entertained in the canons of African jurisprudence, which posited the complementariness rather than separation between law and morality. Finally, the study ascertained that dissimilarity between two or more concepts did not entail separation especially if the concepts in question were complementary. The study concluded that law and morality, in the light of African jurisprudence, were held to be complementary concepts in any legal system and to that extent inseparable.
Open Access
Determination of the Optimum Weight/Age and Composition of Broiler in Tropical Environment.
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1984) Williams, Adebayo R.; Sonaiya, E. B.
In a study to determine optimum slaughtering age of broilers in Nigeria, 605 Cobb broilers were raised on floor pens, the birds were weighed weekly and 2 birds/pens were slaughtered fortnightly from six to sixteen weeks. Body weight, carcass weight, abdominal fat thickness and fat weight were measured. Internal body fat was determined by ether extraction of homogenized whole carcass less bone. Two way analysis of variance, simple and multiple regression and correlation analysis were carried out. Data on costs, revenue and net returns were obtained by questionnaire survey of poultry farms around Ile-Ife. The data were summarized and analysed graphically. Body weight, carcass weight, abdominal fat weight, abdominal fat weight as % live weight, abdominal fat thickness, total body fat, %total body fat, internal body fat and internal body fat as carcass weight were significantly affected by sex and age (P <0.01). Feed efficiency and feed conversion ratio were significantly affected by age (P <0.01).Highly significant correlations (P <0.01) were obtained among all body traits. Highly significant regression coefficients (P <0.01) were obtained by simple regression of internal body fat on carcass weight, body weight abdominal fat weight and fat thickness. Multiple regression analyses showed that, the regression was including fat thickness after abdominal fat weight and fat weight after carcass weight, Total body fat prediction can be reliably based on carcass weight abdominal fat weight for broilers between 6 - 16 weeks. Economics analysis revealed that profit is made when broilers till 16 weeks. When broilers are sold at a fixed price, the n point of slaughter is close to 12 weeks, but when broilers on weight basis, the optimum marketing age is just above and the physiological body data showed that fat deposition above after 12 weeks.
Open Access
Development of Protein-Source Feed Ingredients from Ruminal Content and Blood
(2015-04-15) Atunbi, Olufemi Adebayo
This study was designed to develop a protocol for the processing of blood and rumen content into protein-source feed ingredient for livestock, assess the microbial safety of the products, and determine the level of utilization of the products by broilers in order to provide readily available protein-rich feed. A preliminary survey of slaughter slab operations in Oyo, Ogbomoso and Ile-Ife was carried out before the commencement of the laboratory and feeding experiments to assess the mode of operation, type and volume of animals slaughtered, and how by-products, especially blood and rumen content, are disposed. Rumen content was collected from freshly slaughtered cattle in a plastic bowl. The rumen content was emptied into a woven sac and the water removed with the aid of a hydraulic press. The resulting rumen content was thereafter sifted through a 2mm sand sieve. The blood was prevented from clotting by adding 18 g common salt /kg of blood. Rumen content carried blood meal 1 (RCCBMI) was produced by mixing sifted rumen content and blood in the ratio 4:3 w/w and sun-dried to a moisture content of 10.55%. Rumen content carried blood meal 2 (RCCBM2) was obtained by mixing RCCBMl and blood at a ratio of 2:3 wlw and sun-dried to a moisture content of 10.9%. Proximate and amino acid composition, energy content, and microbiological status of RCCBM1 and RCCBM2 were determined. Nutrient bioavailability trials with RCCBMl and RCCBM2 yielded apparent and true nitrogen retained (ANR and TNR) of 0.7 g, 1.26 g and 0.84 g. 1.40 g, respectively, apparent and true metabolizable energy values (AME and TME) 1.9231 kcal/g, 2.3883 kcal/g for RCCBMI and 2.184 kcal/g, 2.737 kcal/g for RCCBM2 and apparent and true metabolizable energy values corrected for nitrogen (AMEn and TMEn) values of 1.8045 kcal/g, 2.1625 kcal/g and 2.082 kcal/g, 2.464 kcal/g for RCCBMl and RCCBM2 respectively. Fourteen-day-old broilers were used in growth trials for 35 days with RCCBM2 at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% levels of inclusion in starter and finisher diets in a completely randomized experimental design. Data were analyzed using the 2-way analysis of variance procedure to compare the treatment groups in nutrient bioavailability trials and growth performance trials with broiler chickens. The results showed that the ANR, TNR, AME, AMEn, TME and TMEn were significantly (f=2.66, 3.32, 2.30, 2.76, respectively, P<0.05) higher for birds fed RCCBM2 than for birds fed RCCBM1. The average final body weight and average daily weight gain were significantly (f =4.67, 4.05, respectively, P<0.05) higher for birds on treatment with 10% level of inclusion RCCBM2 than for those on 0, 5, and 15%. Total viable microbial counts of 6.9 x105 cfu/g and 5.8x104 cfu/g for RCCBM1 and RCCBM2 respectively, did not reach the critical safe level of l x l05 cfu/g after 60 days of storage. The study concluded that a simple protocol was successfully developed for the processing of blood and rumen content into protein-source feed ingredients (RCCBMI and RCCBM2). These were microbiologically safe and RCCBM2 can be fed at 10% level of inclusion in broiler chicken starter and finisher diets.
Open Access
Digestability and Feed Intake Studies with Pregnant and Lactating West African Dwarf Goats.
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1987) Adenuga, Michael Kehinde; Ademosun, A. A.
The effect of pregnancy and lactation on digestibility and voluntary intake of feed was studied with a total of 15 female West African dwarf goats fed alfalfa pellets ad libitum. The effect of pregnancy and lactation on eating and rumination times was also studied in eight out of these animals. The animals were individually penned and fed ad libitum throughout the experiment. The apparent digestibility coefficient of the feed was determined during pregnancy and lactation when the animals were kept in metabolism crates for 14 days adaptation and seven days collection period. The voluntary feed intake and liveweight data were collected weekly while rumination and eating time’s data were collected daily by observing the jaw motions of the animals during pregnancy and lactation periods. Data were subjected to statistical analyses using the analysis of variance (ANOVA), students’ t-test, Kruskal-Wallis 1-way ANOVA and Wilcoxon Matched pairs signed rank test. The pregnant does had a higher liveweight (23.5 kg) and higher rate of weight gain than the non-pregnant ones (21.48kg) (P<0.05). The reverse was the case during lactation. The lactating does weighed 23.62Kg while the non-lactatin does weighed 25.66Kg. The apparent differences in voluntary feed intake (VFI) and apparent dry matter (DM) digestibility between pregnant (764.3g/anim./day and 54%) and non-pregnant does (666.5g/anim./day and 55%) were not significant. During lactation, VFI increased from parturition until the seventh week in lactation. Dry matter intake declined afterwards. However, the difference observed for the apparent DM digestibility between lactating (53%) and non-lactating does (5%) was not significant (P>0.05). Times spent eating and ruminating by the pregnant does (356.1 min/day and 495.2 min day) were significantly higher than those of non-pregnant ones (253.6min/day and 423.7min/day), but the time spent by the lactating does on eating alone (363.1min/day) was significantly higher than that of non-lactating does (231.3min/day) (P<0.05). Models used to describe feed intake during pregnancy and lactation could explain 68.2% and 85.3% of the variations in intake respectively. This showed that feed intake during pregnancy may be difficult to predict than during lactation.
Open Access
Distribution of Seeds of Mimosa Invisa Mart (Giant Sensitive Plant) in Soils and Factors Affecting Germination
(2015-04-20) Ekhator, Frank
This study was conducted to investigate the distribution of seeds of Mimosa invisa in the soil seed bank so as to develop effective control measures against this noxious weed. The specific objectives were to examine the distribution of seeds of M. invisa in 0-30 cm of soil depth; and, determine the effect of acid scarification, boiling water treatment, heat treatment, pH, planting depth and brine stress on germination and emergence of M. invisa seeds The experiments were laid out in a completely randomized design with four replications. Soil cores were collected from cultivated and fallow fields from the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) at three depths (0 – 7, 7 – 15 and 15 – 30 cm), processed and placed in germination trays 34 x 22 x 4 cm in the screenhouse for germination. Bulked seeds collected from oil palm plantation and fallow fields in NIFOR were used in investigating the effects of acid scarification, boiling water treatment, heat treatment, pH, planting depth and brine stress on germination and emergence of M. invisa. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and means compared using Least Significant Difference (LSD) at 5% level of probability, Shannon and Wiener index was used to estimate the weed species diversity. Results showed that there were no significant differences in the seed populations of M.invisa between depth of 7 to 15 cm and 15 to 30 cm in both cultivated and fallow fields. Although only significant (P<0.05,Fcal. = 196.16) on 0 to 7 cm depth in the fallow fields, the distribution of M .invisa seeds follow the same trend in soils of cultivated and fallow fields, decreasing down the depth (P<0.05, Fcal. = 196.16). However, seeds of M. invisa were significantly higher (P<0.05, Fcal. = 196.16) in fallow fields than in cultivated fields. Seeds of other weed species such as Panicum maximum Jacq., Chromolaena odorata (L.) R. M. King and Robinson, Cyperus species, Aspilia africana (Pers.) C.D. Adams and Boehavia coccinea Mill were found in the seed bank along with M. invisa. Shannon — Wiener diversity index showed that seeds of weed species were more diverse in the seed bank of cultivated than in the seed bank of the fallow fields. Percentage germination of M. invisa seeds treated with sulphuric acid were significantly higher (P<0.05, Fcal. = 1071.47) than those treated with hydrochloric and nitric acid at the different concentration rates of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%v/v of the acids used. Germination of M. invisa seeds was higher when seeds were immersed in boiling water for 2 minutes and no germination occurred when immersed in boiling water for 14 minutes. Germination of M. invisa increased with increase in temperature from 0°C (1.44%) up to 90°C (87%) and was totally inhibited at 110°C. M. invisa emerged better at soil depth of 0 cm (87%) and 5 cm (22.64%). M. invisa germinated over a wide range of pH (4 to 10), with the highest germination occurring at pH 6 (72.56%). While germination of M. invisa seeds was totally inhibited at 300 mM NaCl, over 80% germination occurred between 0 and 60 mM NaCl. In conclusion, seeds of M. invisa in the soil seed bank were found distributed through the 0 to 30 cm depths studied. Other weed species were found in association with M. invisa in the soil seed bank and the weed species diversity was greatest in the cultivated fields. Acid scarification, boiling water treatment and heat treatment were all effective in dormancy release of M. invisa seeds. Emergence of M. invisa was best at a planting depth of 0 cm. M. invisa germinated over a wide range of pH and NaCl solutions.
Open Access
Effect of Age at Breeding on Reproduction in Local Sheep
(Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ife, 1979) Chiboka, O.
Forty nulliparous West African Dwarf and Permer X West African Dwarf crossbred ewes were used in two separate experiments to study the effect of eight breeding groups (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 months) on weight at breeding, gestation length, frequency of twinning, birth weight, frequency of stillborn, placenta weight, frequency of milk ejection and weaning weight. In the first experiment, four out of five West African Dwarf ewes in the six month age group showed heat. After breeding the estrous ewes, only one appeared pregnant but later returned to heat about 57 days post breeding. All the ewe in the 7 month age group showed heat and after breeding only one was pregnant which later aborted about 131 days post breeding. All West African Dwarf ewes bred between the ages of 8 - 13 months were pregnant and successfully went to term. There were significant differences in breeding weight and birth weight among the ewes in age group 8 - 13 months. On the whole breeding at 8 months of age appeared to have the same effect as breeding at a later age. Age and breeding weight were significantly correlated. One out of thirty fetuses (one fetus from group 10) was stillborn and there was 100% milk ejection. In the second experiment, three out of five Permer X WAD ewes assigned to the 6 month age group showed heat but after breeding none became pregnant. All ewes in 7 month age group showed heat but after breeding all showed heat regularly except two which later returned to heat 43 and 47 days (respectively) post breeding. All Permer x WAS ewes bred between the ages 8 - 13 months were pregnant and successfully went to term. Of the age groups that went to term, there was no difference amongst them in all the variables studied except in placenta weight. There was no significant correlation between age and anyone of the variables measured.
Open Access
Effect of Cowpea Mosaic Virus on Nodulation and Nitrogen Fixation in Cultivars of Cowpea Vigna Unguiculata (L.) Walp
(2015-05-19) Samuel, Chinedum Johnson
This study was carried out to assess the effects of Cowpea Mosaic Virus (CMV) infection on agronomic parameters, nodulation and N2 fixation in four cultivars of cowpea namely IFOB, Ife Brown, Obwell Standard and BPQ/C with and without Starter N application in the greenhouse. This was with the aim of screening for which Cowpea variety is naturally resistant to the Cowpea Mosaic Virus. The first experiment was set up using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) on treatments consisting of four cultivars of cowpea in two sets: (a) disease free and (b) infected with CMV, each replicated four times. The second experiment involved the assessment of the effect of Starter nitrogen (N) on nodulation and nitrogen fixation in cultivars of cowpea inoculated with CMV. The layout was also set up using RCBD and the treatment consisted of four cultivars of cowpea also in two sets: (a) inoculated with CMV plus Starter N and (b) the second set uninoculated without Starter N each replicated three times. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the treatment effects. Means of the treatment effects were also compared using Duncans New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) at 0.05 level of significance. Results of the study showed that plant height, days to 50% flowering, shoot, root and nodule dry weight, number of nodules, total nitrogen content and total nitrogen fixed by inoculated Ife Brown, Obwell Standard and BPQ/C were significantly reduced (P<0.05) with or without Starter N when compared with their corresponding uninoculated cultivars, except for IFOB which showed a high level of resistance to inoculation with CMV, with or without Starter N. This study also showed that there was no improvement in the performance of the infected cowpea cultivars in presence of Starter N. It was concluded that while Obwell Standard, BPQ/C and Ife Brown were susceptible to CMV with or without Starter nitrogen, IFOB was resistant.
Open Access
The Effect of Dietary Protein and Palm Oil on Performance, Age, and Weight at Puberty of Indigenous Pigs in Nigeria
(Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ife, 1984) Ilori, J. O.; Yusuph, N. A.; Somade, B.
Forty-eight indigenous pigs averaging 89.6 days in age and 12.9 kg body weight were used in a 4 x 2 factorial experiment. Dietary treatments were 15 and 18% levels of protein and 0, 2, 4 and 8% levels of palm oil, added to each protein level. The diets were fed ad libitum and water was available at all times until the onset of puberty (first estrus). Increasing the protein content of the diet gave significantly higher rates and efficiency of gain in pigs. Increasing the palm oil content of the basal 15 or 18% protein diet improved rate and efficiency of gain up to 4% palm oil level in the 18% protein diet but only up to 2% palm oil level in the 15% protein diet, indicating a need for increased dietary palm oil/energy with increased protein intake to maintain conversion efficiency. Increasing the palm oil content of the basal 15% or 18% protein diet improved feed consumption at all palm oil levels in the 15% protein diets but only up to 4% palm oil level, in the 18% protein diets. Increasing the protein content of the diet resulted in heavier and younger pigs at puberty. Increasing the palm oil content of a basal 15% or 18% protein diet did not appreciably affect big weights at puberty (range 33.3 to 36.1 kg) unlike age of pigs at puberty which was significantly reduced (range 152.3 to 167.5 days) by increasing dietary palm oil levels.
Open Access
The Effect of Environment on Reproductive Performance of Dairy Cattle in South Western Nigeria
(Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ife, 1982) Somade, B.
The effect of environment on the reproductive performance of 50 Holstein cows at the Iwo Road Dairy Farm of Oyo State, Nigeria, was evaluated by summarising and analysing data collected on the cows over a seven year period (January 1970 to December 1976).Two main seasons were discernible from the rainfall and temperature data: (i) the dry season with a mean rainfall of 36mm and mean maximum and minimum temperatures of 31.6oC and 22.3oC respective1y;and (ii) the wet season with a mean rainfall of 176 mm and mean maximum and minimum temperatures of 29.s0c and 22.7% respectively. These seasonal variations adversely affected reproductive performance. Data collected for the dry and wet seasons respectively were: services per conception, 3.7.and 2.5; number of conceptions, 35 and 121; first oestrus after calving, 61 and 50;days from first service to conception, 64 and 52; and number of claves born, 53 and 91.
Open Access
The Effect of Feeding Cassava Root Meal on the Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Serum and Urinary Thiocyanate Concentration of Fryer Rabbits
(Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ife, 1980) Eshiett, N. O.; Omole, T. A.; Ademosun, A. A.
Thirty-two, five-weeks old New Zealand White fryer rabbits were fed four diets containing, 0, 15, 30 or 45% cassava root meal (CRM) in an experiment designed to investigate the utilization of CRM by fryer rabbits. The levels of CRM fed did not adversely affect the growth rate of the rabbits, but those fed 0 and 15% CRM diets consumed significantly less (P < 0.05) feed than those on the 45% CRM diets. Similarly, rabbits fed the control (0% CRM) diet utilized their feed better (P < 0.05) than those on the CRM diets. The 15 and 30% CRM diets were utilized similarly but were superior to the 45% CRM. The serum thiocyanate concentration of rabbits fed the 0, 15, 30 and 45% CRM diets were 1.59, 1.72, 1.66 and 1.76mg/100ml respectively. Corresponding values for urine thiocyanate were 2.94, 3.15, 3.15 and 3.21mg/100ml. These values were however not significantly different. Carcass quality was similar across treatments.
Open Access
The Effect of Prolonged Feeding of Stylosanthes guyanensis Meal on Laying Performance, Egg Quality and Hatchability
(Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ife, 1979) Onwudike, O. C.; Adegbola, A. A.
The utilization of increasing levels of Stylosanthes guyanensis meal (stylo meal) by laying chickens feed for a period of nine months and the effect of increasing levels of vitamin A on the hatchability of eggs were studied using Single Comb White Leghorn birds. The feeding of stylo meal to laying birds lengthened the time taken by the birds to get to peak production. There was no significant effect on the average hen-day production percentage following the feeding of up to 20% stylo meal. The control diet in which there was no stylo meal however had a better production rate than any of the other diets. The feeding of stylo meal increased egg riboflavin content, egg hatchability and yold cholesterol level and depressed serum cholesterol level. The improved egg hatchability observed in this study could not be related entirely to the improved vitamin A status of the diets with the addition of stylo meal. It is suggested that the utilization of higher levels of stylo meal could be improved by a better amino acid balance and pelleting of the rations.