Table of Contents

Prevalence of Schistosomiasis in Inhabitants of Shabu, Lafia North Development

Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Alaku I.A., Akor, J.O. and Abdullahi A.G.                                                                                 1 – 10

Studies on the Influence of Insecticide Spraying Regimes and Cultivars on Insect

Pests and Grain Yield of Cowpea in the Semi Arid Zone of Nigeria

Degri, M.M, Mailafiya, D.M. and Maina, Y.T.                                                                            11 – 22

Growth Parameters as a Function of Sex Prediction in Telfaira occidentalis in

Southern Nigeria

Nmor E.I and Oyefia V.E                                                                                                          23 – 28

Preservation Methods and Marketing Channels of Poultry Meat in Zing Local

Government Area, Taraba State

Nyameh, J., Anita, D., Wachap, E.D., Michael, C.K. and Alabi, J.                                              29 – 35

Socio-Economic and Profitability of Sole Maize Farming in Karim-Lamido Local

Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria

Taphee B.G, Gaji N.M., Luka P. and A.A.U. Joungur                                                                 36 – 45

The Prevalence of Giardiasis in White Fulani Cattle (A Case Study of Chanchaga

Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria)

James G., Zakari M., Ruth N., Solomom Y., Peter S. and Mahmud M.A.                                   46 – 56

In vivo Efficacy of Aqueous Extractof Citrullus lanatus Leaf on Trypanosoma brucei

Infected Albino Rats

Biu A.A., Buratai L.B., Onwuatogwu J., Mohammed, A., Agada, N.O. andKonto, M.               57 – 63

Smoke- Curing Indices of Some Frozen Fish Species Using Traditional Smoking

Kiln in Abeokuta, Ogun State

Akinyemi A.A., Idowu A.A.,Olaoye O.J., Taiwo Ayansanwo, A.O. Kudoro and B.B. Adekoya   64 – 70

Cyperus Esculentus L. (Tigernut) Increases Estrogen Levelin Female Albino

Wistar Rats

Agbai E.O. and Nwanegwo C.O.                                                                                              71 – 80

Quality Evaluation of Plantain Chips Sold in Makurdi Metropolis

Ikya J.K., Abah J.O. and Hamid A.F.                                                                                         81 – 94

Pattern of Meat Consumption in Jalingo Local Government Area in Northern

 Taraba State Nigeria

Abdulrahman A.M., B.J. Mufwa, Musa B. and Innocent S.B.                                                     95 – 104

Comparative Evaluation of Some Botanicals and Carbofuran in the Control of

Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne spp. on Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

Yakubu L.B. and Izuogu N.B.                                                                                                    105 – 115

Information Communication and Technology in Agriculture for Food Production

and Rural Economic Development

Isaac Samuel and Augustina Ndu                                                                                           116 – 122

Effect of Methanolic Extract of Hibiscus Sabdariffa on Antidiuretic Hormone

and Some Electrolytes After Salt and Water Loading in Albino Wistar Rats  

Agbai E.O. and Nwanegwo C.O.                                                                                              123 – 132

Response of Ginger (Zinibar officinale) to Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer in

Rain Forest Zone

Nmor E.I.                                                                                                                                 133 – 139

Determinants of Socio-Economic Status of Cassava Processing Entrepreneurs in

South-Eastern Nigeria

Ikwuakam Oscar Titus                                                                                                             140 – 154

Cross Sectional and Phenotypic Studies on Fasciolosis in Slaughter Cattle in

Maiduguri, Nigeria

Biu A.A., Paul B.T., Konto M. and Ya’uba A.M.                                                                         155 – 162

Survey of Ectoparasites of Farm Animals

Ohaeri, C.C. and Ugwu, A.U.                                                                                                    163 – 172

Analysis of Chemical, Microbiological and Sensory Qualities of Soymilk Sold in

Gboko Metropolis from Benue State

Ikya, J.K. Ojo, M.O. Gernah, D.I. Igyor, M.A.                                                                              173 – 181

Analysis of Chemical, Microbiological and Sensory Qualities of Soymilk Sold in Gboko Metropolis from Benue State

IKYA, J.K. oJO, M.O. Gernah, D.I. IGYOR, M.A.

Department of Food Science and Technology

University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

E-mail: Aveyina2012@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The microbiological, proximate and sensory evaluation of soymilk produced locally in Gboko, Benue state was carried out to ascertain the safety of consumers of the product. Samples were collected from hawkers in Abagu market, Akaajime market, NKST Central Mkar, Adekaa and J.S Tarka. Proximate chemical analyses carried out shows that the samples had high moisture content ranging from 79.40% to 91.00%, 3.00% to 5.91% for protein while the value range of 3.10% to 7.11%, 0.38% to 0.81% and 0.29% to 0.90% for fat content, ash contents and crude fibre respectively with the carbohydrate value ranging from 1.02% to 7.05%. The total counts of the soymilk samples ranged from 1.0×0¹ to 3.0×10¹cfu/ml. with the lowest coming from the samples, collected at Abagu market thus; microbiologically safer than the others. The yeast and mold counts ranged from 1.0×10² to 3.5×10⁴ cfu/ml; with the sample obtained from Adekaa has the highest contamination with faecal microbes such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp and Shigella spp were identified. All samples were gram negative indicating contamination possibly from handlers, processing of raw materials and equipment. Aspergillus spp and Penicillum spp were also identified. Sample from J.S Tarka score highest with the value of 7.3 for flavor, 7.8 for taste and 8.0 for overall acceptability while sample from NKST Central Mkar had the lowest and sample collected from Abagu market had the highest score of 7.6 in appearance.

Survey of Ectoparasites of Farm Animals

^1*OHAERI, C.C. and ²UGWU, A.U.

^1&2Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria

E-mail: ccohaeri7@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

An investigation of ectoparasites of farm animals and their predilection sites was conducted in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, animal husbandry farm Umuahia Nigeria from August to December 2008. The study was centred on cattle, sheep, goat and rabbit. Visible ectoparasites were collected from a total of 194 animals comprising of 40 cattle, 26 sheep, 72 goats and 56 rabbits. Out of the total, 97 (50%) were infested with one or more ectoparasites. The result showed that 24 (12.4 %) cattle, 37 (19.0%) goats, 17 (8.7 %) sheep and 19 (9.9 %) rabbits were infested. The ectoparasites identified were ticks 62 (31.9%), lice 18 (9.3%) and fleas 17 (8.8%). For all the animal species ticks were more prevalent and most common was Rhipicephalus bursa (17.5%) in goat, followed by Hyalomma detritum (11.3%) in cattle. Abdominal and tail region in cattle were found to be more infested. Age and season were significantly associated with the prevalence of the ectoparasites. The survey showed a high prevalence rate. To lessen the occurrence and influence of ectoparasites on farm animals suitable and planned control measure; extension services aiming at creation of awareness about the importance and control of ectoparasites for farmers are crucial.

Cross Sectional and Phenotypic Studies on Fasciolosis in Slaughter

Cattle in Maiduguri, Nigeria

^*1BIU, A.A., ²PAUL, B.T., ³KONTO, M. AND ⁴YA’UBA, A.M.

^*1,2,3,&4Department of Veterinary Microbiology & Parasitology

University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria

E-mail: biuvet@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

A cross-sectional and morphometric study on bovine fasciolosis was conducted in Maiduguri between June and August, 2009. Post mortem examination of the liver by careful visualization, palpation and transverse lobar incision revealed a prevalence of 59 (14.8%) for the 400 slaughtered cattle examined with male (n = 270) having 35 (12.9%) and female (n = 130) having 24 (18.5%). Based on age group, 1-2½ year cattle (n=118) had a prevalence of 13 (11.0%) while 3-4 ½ years (n=242) and 5-6 ½ years (n=40) had 41 (16.9%) and 5 (12.5%) respectively. Breeds examined were Adamawa gudali (n=15), Ambala (n=120), Bunaji (n=38), Kuri (n=13), Rahaji (n=27), Sokoto gudali (n=20), West African dwarf (n=4) and Wadara (n=163) had 2(13.3%), 30(25.0%), 4(10.5%), 0(0.0%), 2(7.4%), 1(5.0%), 0(0.0%) and 20(12.3%) respectively. These prevalence rates based on age, sex and breed indicated no significant deference (P = 0.9539 > 0.05). Fasciola gigantica was the species identified with those measuring a mean length by breadth (range) in mm of 35.8 x 9.0 (21-52 x 4-13) as adults and 21.9 x 6.3 (18-24 x 4-8) as immature forms. The mean ± SD parasitic burden represented intensity/severity of infection and male had a higher mean intensity of 36.7 ± 115.3 compared with female 22.7± 56.5 (p>0.05). The age group of 1-2½ years had a higher mean intensity of 38 (3-145) ± 100.4 than the other age groups, while among breeds, the Bunaji cattle also had a significantly higher mean intensity compared with the other breeds examined. This study has confirmed Fasciola gigantica and its phenotypic characters useful for diagnosis and veterinary education.

Determinants of Socio-Economic Status of Cassava Processing

Entrepreneurs in South-Eastern Nigeria

IKWUAKAM OSCAR TITUS

Department of Agricultural Education

Federal College of Education Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria.

E-mail: ikwuosca@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

South-Eastern Nigeria is one of the highest cassava producing zones in Nigeria. This expectedly should be a boost to socio-economic status (SES) of cassava processing entrepreneurs (CPE) in the area. However, the determinants of CPEs’ SES seem not certain. The study, therefore, examined the determinants of CPEs’ SES in south-eastern Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting respondents. Imo and Anambra states were purposively selected due to their prominence in cassava enterprise. Nine LGAs of 27 LGAs in Imo and 6 LGAs of 21 LGAs in Anambra states were randomly selected. Systematic sampling procedure was also used to randomly select 20% of registered CPEs (50, 36) from Imo and Anambra states respectively resulting in 86 entrepreneurs. Data were collected and analyzed using questionnaire and descriptive statistics, Chi square and regression respectively. Most CPE were females (87.5%) and having mean age, experience and annual income of 53.33 ± 6.629, 36.87 ± 10.160 and N275771.7 ± 03.17 respectively. Majority (59.3%) had moderate SES. Source of shop (β = 3.798), benefits derived (β = 7.075), scale of operation (β = 12.006) income (β = 3.120) and experience (β = 1.760) are top predictors of CPEs’ SES. The study has revealed that the SES of CPE is moderate and this is not encouraging to attract and sustain popular participation among entrepreneurs. It is expedient that appropriate intervention mechanism be put in place with the aim of developing improved processing techniques and reduce the constraints to cassava processing enterprise.

Response of Ginger (Zinibar officinale) to Organic and Inorganic

Fertilizer in Rain Forest Zone

NMOR E.I.

Department of Agricultural Technology

Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria.

E-mail: nmoredith@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

This research was carried out in school of Agriculture Teaching Farm in Delta State Polytechnic Ozoro in the year 2013. Due to the fact that gingers are not commonly cultivated in southern Nigeria, the need to evaluate the response of ginger to the application of organic and inorganic fertilizer becomes necessary. Fifty-four (54) rhizomes of ginger collected from the local market were planted in Randomized Complete Block Design replicated three times. Eighteen (18) were treated with organic fertilizer, another eighteen (18) were treated with inorganic fertilizer while the remaining eighteen served as control. Parameters measured are number of leaves, plant height and leaf area. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance. The result shows that ginger treated with organic manure had more number of leaves of 5.8, 7.6, 14.7 and 26.1 as against 5.9, 5.4, 12.2, 21.9, 1.3, 1.5, 1.5 and 12.0 for inorganic fertilizer and control respectively. Table 3 also shows that ginger treated with organic manure had better plant height of 11.5, 16.0, 23.8 and 46.4 as against 10.5, 15.0, 21.7 and 44.8 for ginger treated with inorganic fertilizer. For the leaf area, it also followed the same trend of ginger treated with organic manure having better leaf area of 149, 167 and 172 as against 154, 182 and 195 for those ginger treated with inorganic fertilizer. However, there was significant difference between the performance of ginger treated with organic manure and those treated with inorganic manure in terms of number of leaves, plant height and leaf area at (P>0.05). Hence, treating ginger with organic manure is recommended for ginger farmer so as to boost yield.

Cross Sectional and Phenotypic Studies on Fasciolosis in Slaughter

Cross Sectional and Phenotypic Studies on Fasciolosis in Slaughter

Cattle in Maiduguri, Nigeria

^*1BIU, A.A., ²PAUL, B.T., ³KONTO, M. AND ⁴YA’UBA, A.M.

^*1,2,3,&4Department of Veterinary Microbiology & Parasitology

University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria

E-mail: biuvet@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

A cross-sectional and morphometric study on bovine fasciolosis was conducted in Maiduguri between June and August, 2009. Post mortem examination of the liver by careful visualization, palpation and transverse lobar incision revealed a prevalence of 59 (14.8%) for the 400 slaughtered cattle examined with male (n = 270) having 35 (12.9%) and female (n = 130) having 24 (18.5%). Based on age group, 1-2½ year cattle (n=118) had a prevalence of 13 (11.0%) while 3-4 ½ years (n=242) and 5-6 ½ years (n=40) had 41 (16.9%) and 5 (12.5%) respectively. Breeds examined were Adamawa gudali (n=15), Ambala (n=120), Bunaji (n=38), Kuri (n=13), Rahaji (n=27), Sokoto gudali (n=20), West African dwarf (n=4) and Wadara (n=163) had 2(13.3%), 30(25.0%), 4(10.5%), 0(0.0%), 2(7.4%), 1(5.0%), 0(0.0%) and 20(12.3%) respectively. These prevalence rates based on age, sex and breed indicated no significant deference (P = 0.9539 > 0.05). Fasciola gigantica was the species identified with those measuring a mean length by breadth (range) in mm of 35.8 x 9.0 (21-52 x 4-13) as adults and 21.9 x 6.3 (18-24 x 4-8) as immature forms. The mean ± SD parasitic burden represented intensity/severity of infection and male had a higher mean intensity of 36.7 ± 115.3 compared with female 22.7± 56.5 (p>0.05). The age group of 1-2½ years had a higher mean intensity of 38 (3-145) ± 100.4 than the other age groups, while among breeds, the Bunaji cattle also had a significantly higher mean intensity compared with the other breeds examined. This study has confirmed Fasciola gigantica and its phenotypic characters useful for diagnosis and veterinary education.

Information Communication and Technology in Agriculture for Food Production and Rural Economic Development

ISAAC SAMUEL AND AUGUSTINA NDU

Department of Agricultural Science Education

Federal College of Education [Technical], Bichi, Kano, Nigeria.

E-mail: isaacsamue107@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Evidently, Information Communication and Technology applications, opportunities and benefits are affecting all aspects of life and can enhance sustainable development in all fields of human endeavour, especially agriculture within the framework of national agricultural transformation agenda. The transformation agenda sets 2015 as a targeted date to affect the lives of Nigerians positively and join leagues of nations in economic and social development. This paper focuses on ways through which ICT can be effectively used to achieve the agricultural transformation agenda. The paper also reviews how ICT has influence agricultural development in some developing countries and vis-a-vis make recommendations towards sustaining these opportunities in Nigeria agriculture.