ARPN Journal of Agricultural and Biological Science       ISSN 1990-6145
   
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ARPN Journal of Agricultural and Biological Science                   April 2013 | Vol. 8 No. 4
 

 Title:

Growth performance of weaner rabbits fed on dried pito mash as a replacement for maize

 Author (s):

J. K. Kagya-Agyemang, A. Nelson and C. Kagya-Agyemang

 Abstract:

Twenty four crossbred unsexed weaner rabbits of about seven (7) weeks old with mean body weight of 528.75 g were used in a feeding trial involving four dietary treatments containing 0, 10, 15, and 20% inclusion levels of dried pito mash (DPM) in a completely randomized design study that lasted for seven (7) weeks. The animals were randomly divided into four (4) treatment groups consisting of six (6) animals per group. Each treatment group was replicated three (3) times with two (2) animals per replicate. The parameters studied were daily feed intake, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass yield, organ weights, haematological and biochemical components of rabbits, and cost benefit analysis of replacing maize with DPM in rabbit diets. The inclusion of DPM in rabbit diets did not significantly (p>0.05) influence the daily feed intake of the animals. There was a slight reduction in the daily weight gain of animals with the inclusion of DPM from 0% to 20%. The slaughter weight and dressed weight decreased significantly (p<0.05) as the level of DPM in the experimental diets increased. Rabbits fed the control diet (0% DPM) and the diet containing 10% DPM had significantly higher (p<0.05) dressing percentage than rabbits fed diets containing 15% and 20% DPM inclusion levels. However, there were no significant (p>0.05) dietary treatment effect on the heart, lungs, liver, spleen and kidney weights when they were expressed as percentage of the live body weight of the rabbits fed the four treatment diets. The feeding of DPM to rabbits did not show significant (p>0.05) variation in both the haematological and biochemical components of the rabbits studied and they were within the normal physiological ranges for rabbits. The total feed cost/kg was significantly reduced (p<0.05) as the inclusion levels of DPM in the diets increased. Therefore, the control diet (0% DPM) was more expensive than the diets containing 15% and 20% DPM, respectively. Also, the cost of feed/kg live weight gain was significantly higher (p<0.05) for the control diet (0% DPM) when compared with the other treatment diets. The results of this study suggest that DPM could completely replace maize up to 20% without any detrimental effect on the growth performance of rabbits. And since the total feed cost was significantly reduced as the inclusion levels of DPM in the rabbit diets increased, indicate that it is possible to produce rabbits at relatively cheaper prices when the maize component of the diets is completely replaced by DPM up to 20%.

 
 
 
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Title: Investigation of wheat grain quality characteristics under water deficit condition during post-anthesis stage
Author (s): Farzad Aslani, Mohammad Reza Mehrvar, Ali Nazeri and Abdul Shukor Juraimi
Abstract:

Nine wheat genotypes (DM-81-6, DM-82-1, Bahar, DN-11, DN-7, Pishtaz, WS-82-9, C-85-6 and C-84-12) were grown in research farm in Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Karaj (Iran), under two water regimes ( normal irrigation and no irrigation in post-anthesis  growth stage) and in two growing seasons, to determine the effect of water regime on quality traits. Quality analyses were performed on grains: protein content, moisture content, hardness index, falling number, wet gluten, dry gluten, gluten index, zeleny sedimentation volume, bread volume and SDS sedimentation volume. The quality traits have differences among the genotypes. Water stress in grain filling period was found to affect quality parameters. An increase in protein content, falling number, gluten index, dry gluten and SDS sedimentation volume, consistent with a decrease in grain yield, 1000 grains weight, bread volume and moisture content was observed when a terminal water stress happened. Likely water stress associated to high temperature which in generally happens under Mediterranean conditions over grain development, may have caused a higher accumulation of quality parameters.

 
 
 
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Title:

Preparation and quality evaluation of sweet potato ready to drink beverage

Author (s): Muhammad Sohail, Rehman Ullah khan, Shamsur Rehman afridi, Muhammad Imad and Bibi Mehrin
Abstract:

Sweet potato ready to drink beverage was prepared using different formulations. The prepared beverage was formulated either with lemon juice (F1), maize malt (F2) or both lemon juice and maize malt (F3). While one sample (Fo) was neither treated with lemon juice nor maize malt as control. Physico chemical analysis such as titratable acidity, vitamin C content, PH, total soluble solids, reducing sugar, non reducing sugar, total sugar, beta carotene content and sensory evaluation (colour, flavor and overall acceptability) was carried out in all the prepared beverage samples. Results revealed that titratable acidity (0.196%), vitamin C content (23.22 mg/kg), total soluble solids (13.92obrix), reducing sugar (7.87%), non reducing sugar (5.99%), total sugar (13.47%), beta carotene (39.24 mg/kg), colour (8.4) and overall acceptability (8.7) values were highest for F3 while the pH value was high for F2 (4.29) and flavour for F1 (8.7) as compared to the other formulations. On the basis of results obtained it is concluded that sweet potato ready to drink beverage prepared with maize malt and lemon juice (F3) is more acceptable and showed good quality attributes followed by F1 (Sweet potato ready to drink beverage + lemon juice) as compared to the other formulations used.

 
 
 
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Title:

Application of seasonal models in modeling and forecasting the monthly price of privileged Sadri rice in Guilan Province

Author (s):

Petram Akbari Pargami, Hamidreza Alipoor, Gholamreza Dinpanah and Mohammad Hossein Ansari

Abstract:

The present research has considered modeling and forecasting the monthly price of Privileged Sadri rice in Guilan province using time series data for the years 2002-2011in Guilan province which is one of the rice production poles in Iran. In this context, using parametric and non-parametric models, monthly price of Privileged Sadri rice for 2012-4 to 2013-3 was forecasted. Non-parametric and parametric models used in this study are TES and SARMA, respectively. Results from comparing the amounts of MAPE within sample forecast error index between the two TES and SARMA models in this research showed that SARMA parametric model enjoys the most power in modeling the time series of monthly retail prices of Privileged Sadri rice and, thus it is the most appropriate model for forecasting the monthly retail price of Privileged Sadri rice.

 
 
 
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Title:

Antioxidative and biochemical responses of wheat to drought stress

Author (s):

Mohammad Reza Amirjani and Majid Mahdiyeh

Abstract:

Drought stress is considered as an effective parameter in decreasing crop production. Present study was investigated to understand the effect of drought stress on wheat (Triticum aestivum) seedlings under controlled condition. The seeds of wheat were subjected to five levels of water potential. 0 MPa (as control) and -2, -4, -6 and -8 MPa (as treatments) and germination percentage, mean germination time, proline and sugar amounts, chlorophyll contents, maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII and electron transport rate have been examined. In addition enzymatic and non-enzymatic response of wheat seedlings to drought have been explored. Germination percentage and mean germination time were affected by different osmotic potentials. The least germination percentage and MGT were obtained from -8 osmotic potential. Drought caused significant losses in relative water content. Total chlorophyll content was reduced in all studied treatments. Drought levels higher than -2 MPa resulted in significant decrease of FV/FM value. ETR, however, observed no significant changes in drought treated seedlings. MDA, AsA and GSH contents increased in relation to the drought period. Activities of enzymatic antioxidants, such as SOD, CAT, APX, POD and GR increased to manage the oxidative stress.

 
 
 
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Title:

Biochemical evaluation of lima beans (phaseolus lunatus) in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Author (s):

Ojo Rotimi Johnson, Segilola Lanre Isaac, Ogundele Olalekan Michael, Akintayo Christopher Oloruntoba and Seriki Samuel

Abstract:

This study was conducted to determine the effect of heat- treated lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus) on the glucose level and some biochemical parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Albino rats of wistar strain weighing between 125g to 150g were induced with single freshly prepared alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg body weight). Diabetes was confirmed after seven-two hours in alloxan-induced rats showing fasting blood glucose levels ≥ 200mg/dl. The rats were randomly divided into four (4) experimental groups (n = 4). Group I (normal Control fed with normal rat chow), Group II (Control diabetic group fed with normal rat chow), Group III (Diabetic rats treated with test diet: 70% heat treated lima beans + 30% rat chow) and Group IV, (Diabetic rats fed with normal rat chow and 0.5g/Kg body weight of glucophage). After 21 days the animals were sacrificed and blood were collected for serum glucose and other biochemical parameters evaluation. Changes in animal weight were also measured within the period. From the results it was observed that treatment of rats with Lima beans compensates for the reduction of body weight, and caused an increase in the body weight of the treated rats (+11.5%) in contrast to 24.8% reduction observed in diabetic control. In the same order, serum glucose significantly decreased (p<0.05) after the 21-day treatment compared to diabetic control. The extent of reversal of hyperglycemia in the lima beans treated animals compared well with the glucophage treated group. The results therefore showed that heat treated Lima beans has a significant (p<0.05) hypoglycaemic effect in diabetic rats and elevations in the measured biochemical parameters were significantly (p<0.05) attenuated in rats fed with heat treated lima beans. It was concluded that the consumption of heat treated lima beans produced a significant hypoglycaemic, hypolipidemic effects in diabetic rats and in addition heat treated lima beans is capable of protecting the liver and the kidney functions in alloxan-induced diabetic rats as shown in the activities of serum enzymes and other biochemical parameters examined.

 
 
 
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Title:

Relationship between hypothalamic neuropeptide y and food intake in the lactating laboratory mouse, mus musculus

Author (s):

J. K. Kagya-Agyemang, C. Hambly, M. E. Sharon and J. R. Speakman

Abstract:

The laboratory mouse (strain MF1) was used as a model animal to study the hypothalamic mechanisms underlying food intake in lactating animals. Sixty female mice exposed to 21 °C were fed high fat (HF), medium fat (MF) and low fat (LF) diets ad libitum between days 4 and 18 of lactation. Also fifteen (15) non-reproductive females exposed to 21 °C but used as controls were fed ad libitum on the same diets (HF, MF; and LF) for 14 days. Fifteen (15) lactating/reproductive females each from HF, MF and LF-fed groups and 5 non-reproductive controls each from HF, MF and LF-fed groups were weighed and killed by CO2 inhalation on day 18 of lactation. Brains from both the reproductive and non-reproductive females were processed for studies on hypothalamic neuropeptides. Results indicated that lactation decreased pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and increased neuropeptide y (NPY) and agouti-related peptide (AgRP) gene expression determined by in situ hybridisation in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC). There was no significant change in suppressor of cytokine signalling-3 (SOCS-3) expression (P>0.05) in the ARC during lactation. Activated NPY and AgRP orexigenic pathways and attenuated anorexigenic POMC pathways in the hypothalamus probably promoted the hyperphagia of lactation in the MF1 mice. Since NPY and AgRP increased (P<0.05) while POMC decreased (P>0.05) but SOCS-3 was unchanged   probably indicate that the MF1 mice were sensitive to the action of leptin.

 
 
 
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Title:

Breeding value estimation of fifteen related cassava genotypes using blup

Author (s):

Kartika Noerwijati, Nasrullah, Taryono and Djoko Prajitno

Abstract:

The cassava tuber yield is strongly influenced by environmental conditions, clones, harvest time and harvest age. Because of the existence of genotype x environment interaction, the cassava plant must be planted in a suitable environment for maximum yield potential. Therefore, genotype testing in various environments will help to identify both specific and wide adaptation of varieties. The yield stability of 15 cassava genotypes was estimated using Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) across five locations. In this study, locations are treated as fixed factor while genotypes as random factor. The BLUP procedure was used to estimate random effects. Both matrix A contains coefficient of coancestry and matrix A is assumed not to be related, the result indicate that the lowest expected yield is in Ponorogo and the highest in Kediri. The use of coefficient of coancestry causes lower value of fixed factors, but enhance  value of random factors. In general, breeding values that are achieved using coefficients of coancestry are higher than breeding values that are achieved if matrix A is equal to identity matrix (assumed genotypes are not related). Among the cassava promising clones, CMM 03038-7 had the highest breeding value and higher than control clones UJ 5, Malang 6, Adira 4, but slighty lower than Malang 4.

 
 
 
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Title: Conservation of banana cv. ambon kuning on various media in vitro formula
Author (s): Sunyoto Makful dan Nofiarli
Abstract:

Sunyoto, Makful and Nofiarli. 2012. Consevation of Banana cv. Ambon Kuning on Various Media in Vitro Formula. Genetic resources should be sustained to support the genetic improvement in the future. One of the efficient techniques to conserve the banana germplasm collection is the in vitro culture using the modification of MS media (Murashige and Skoog). Formulas created by modifying the concentration of salt and sucrose (GS) in the MS media. The research objective is to obtain storage media of banana’s explants on the in vitro. The Research has done in tissue culture, breeding and germplasm laboratory Indonesian Tropical Fruits Research Institute, from July 2004 to March 2005. Research was used completely randomized design with 7 media storage treatments such as GS0 =MS + sucrose 3% (control medium) that always used for the in vitro of banana multiplication and GS1 = ½ MS + sucrose 3%, GS2 = ½ MS + sucrose 6%, GS3 = ½ MS + sucrose 9%, GS4= ¼ MS + sucrose 3%, GS5 = ¼ MS + sucrose 6%, GS6 = ¼ MS + sucrose 9%. The experiment results indicated that modification of salt and sucrose in the MS media were can inhibit the vegetative plantlet growth, so it possible to used for conservation of banana genetic resources. GS2 that contains ½ MS of salt + 6% sucrose was potential for storage of the ambon bananas clones on the in vitro. Planlets that come from GS2 storage media were having the smallest inhibition during acclimatization (in vivo).

 
 
 
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Title: Nutritional status assessment of hemodialysis patients at Rehman Medical Institute Peshawar
Author (s): Bibi Hajira, Muhammad Samiullah and Rattan Kaur Chawla

Abstract:

A study was conducted to assess the nutritional status of hemodialysis patients visiting Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar. A total of 66 subjects from both sexes having mean age 49.61±15.28 years undergoing hemodialysis were enrolled for the study. Information regarding disease history and associated comorbidities were collected from patient’s files. Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric measurements using body mass index (BMI). The biochemical results including kidney profile, serum electrolytes and hemoglobin were recorded from the patient’s files. Dietary data was obtained by using 24-hour dietary recall and food frequency questionnaire. The results indicated that age, familial predisposition, hypertension, diabetes and heart disease increased the risk for renal failure. Renal failure was more prevalent among male than in female. Actual intake of calories, protein, fats and minerals was lower than the recommended intake for hemodialysis patients. More than 50 percent of patient on hemodialysis were at risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition was related to low nutrient intake. This study suggests that assessment of nutritional status and nutritional management of hemodialysis patients play a central role in preventing malnutrition.

 
 
 
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Title:

Effect of different concentrations of nitrogen and zinc on the growth of pecan nut seedlings

Author (s): Nishat Lal Badshah and Gohar Ayub
Abstract:

An experiment "Effect of different concentration of nitrogen and zinc on the growth of pecan nut seedlings" was carried out at Agricultural Research Institute, Tarnab, Peshawar during 2001. Four different concentrations of nitrogen (0, 1.25, 2.5, and 5%) and zinc (0, 0.12, 0.25 and 0.5%) were used as foliar application. The Experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with two factors. The foliar sprays of nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) were done on 1st June and 1st, July, 2001 on three months old pecan nut seedlings. Significantly maximum seedling height (48.04 cm), stem diameter (0.79 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (21.6), leaf area (99.19 cm2) root diameter (0.83 cm), root weight (37.23 g) roots/seedling (76.08) and biomass weight (56.35g) were recorded when seedlings were sprayed with 5% N and minimum in control. Root length was maximum (45.78 cm) with 2.5% foliar application of nitrogen compared to the minimum of 41.34 cm in control (no spray). The seedlings sprayed with 0.25% zinc gave maximum seedling height (46.14 cm); number of leaves plant-1 (19.25), leaf area, root length (44.04 cm), root diameter (0.76 cm), root weight (35.40 g) and biomass weight (53.25 g) while all parameters were low in values without application of zinc.  Stem diameter and number of roots were significantly more (0.76 cm, 74.95) with 0.5% foliar spray of zinc. In interaction foliar application of 5% nitrogen and 0.25% zinc significantly increased seedling height (52.56 cm), number of leaves (25.0), leaf area (119.20 cm²), root diameter (0.91 cm), and number of roots (76.76) while non significant difference was found in root length, root weight and biomass weight in various interactions. The overall performance of pecan nut seedlings was best with foliar application of 5% nitrogen and 0.25% zinc under the agro climatic conditions of Tarnab, Peshawar.

 
 
 
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Title:

Socio-economic factors affecting adaptation strategies of selected horticultural farmers to climate change in Osun State, Nigeria

Author (s):

Adebisi-Adelani O and O.B. Oyesola

Abstract:

Climate change is a reality and of truth farmers all over the world are adapting to changes in climate to get better production and to better their livelihood option. Therefore, the study was carried out to investigate the socio-economic factors influencing the adaptation strategies of selected horticultural farmers in Osun state Nigeria. Data for the study was collected with the aid of both qualitative and quantitative instruments. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed in which sixty farmers were sampled. The results showed that 96.8% of the horticultural farmers are married and 93.3% are male with family size (46.7%) of 9-12 members. Also 63.3% are to be classified as better-off while 76.7% practiced mixed cropping. Furthermore the results showed that shading and shelter (93.3%), altering the timing and location of cropping activities (90%), different planting dates (80%), use of varieties and species resistant to pest and diseases(76.6%) and change use of chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides (66.6%) are the order of adaptation strategies. Linear regression model showed that there is significant relationship between farmers’ income, and adaptation strategies at p<0.05. The study concluded that farmers under consideration due to their age and the nature of the study still have large family size. It is recommended that there is the need for serious awareness campaign on the causes of climate change in the study areas and several adaptation strategies that can be put in place.

 
 
 
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Title:

Credit access and productivity growth among subsistence food crop farmers in ikole local government area of Ekiti State, Nigeria

Author (s): Ugwumba C. O. A. and Omojola J. T.
Abstract:

This study examined credit access and productivity growth among subsistence food crop farmers in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria. It utilized data obtained through personal administration of pre-tested questionnaires to 78 respondents selected by purposive, multi-stage and random sampling methods. Non-inferential and inferential statistical tools were used to analyze the data. Majority (91%) of the respondents were literate youths aged 50 years and below, and who depended on personal savings to finance the production activities. Credit access was statistically and significantly determined by educational level, interest rate charged, farm size and net farm income, while marital status, farm size and cost of production significantly influenced net farm income. Credit access was most seriously constrained by high interest rate charged and cumbersome loan processing procedures. Improvement in farmers’ access to loan for enhanced productivity and food security would be achieved through the introduction of concessionary interest rates and removal of cumbersome loan administrative procedures. Strengthening the extension services delivery system will ensure availability and affordability of inputs, and enhance productivity and sustainability of the enterprise.

 
 
 
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Title: Structural changes in the kidney of barbus sharpeyi (cyprinidae) youngs adapted to brackishwater
Author (s): Basim M. Jasim
Abstract:

Youngs of Barbus sharpeyi were exposed for 14 weeks to brackishwater at a concentration of 2.1 and 2.5 ppt. The fish showed marked histopathological changes in kidney tissues, which were characterized by intracytoplasmic vacuoles of the proximal tubules with narrowing in the tubular lumen, degeneration of the distal tubules which were less influenced than proximal tubules, and contraction and melanization of glomerulus with expansion of intracapsular space. Macrophage centers were recorded in an increasing order towards the longer tested period. The kidney structure showed worthless alterations in relation to captivity in fresh water.

 
 
 
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