African Journals Online
Global Journal of Agricultural Sciences

Volume 1, No. 2, 2002
Abstracts

J. O., OTEKU I. T. AND J. A. AKPATA

Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City Nigeria.

Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria

This study determined the level of soy flour appropriate for hamburger (beef patties) production. They were formulated to contain 0%, 10%, 15% and 20% of soy flour respectively with some flavouring agents. A 5-point hedonic scale was used to investigate the sensory characteristics of products in terms of juiciness, colour, flavour, tenderness and overall acceptability. There were no significant differences between various products but were readily accepted up to 20% level of inclusion. This provides opportunity for a further critical evaluation of the limit of soy flour inclusion in beef patties formulation. There was increasing yield as the level of soy flour in the product increased. The unit costs of product decreased with increasing soy flour inclusion

PROXIMATE COMPOSITION AND TANNIN CONTENT OF SOME MULTIPURPOSE TREE LEAVES

A. AYUK,¹ E. A. IYAYI² AND B. I. OKON¹

¹ Department of Animal Science, University o f Calabar, Calabar.

² Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.

ABSTRACT

Leaves from tree legumes Enterolobium cyclocarpum (EC), Pterocarpus santalonoides (Ps), Gliricidia sepium (Gs), Leucaena leucocephala (LL) and Senna sIamea (Ss) were analysed for ash, crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), Ether entract (EE) neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and tannins. The ash (7.85 ± 0.22 – 10.11 ± 0.10), CP (10.07 ± 0.11 – 26.27 ± 0.30), CF(8.16 ± 0.15 – 14.76 ± 0.68), EE(2.21 ± 1.47 – 8.41 ± 0.34), NDF(49.24 ± 0.08 – 66.51 ± 0.46) and ADF(27.84 ± 0.15 – 45.66 ± 0.49) of the tree leaves varied between plants. Ash content of P. santolonoides (7.85 ± 0.22) was least while that of E. cyclocarpum was highest (10.11 ± 0.10). L. leucocephala had the highest CP(26.27 ± 0.30) and S. siamea (10.07 ± 0.11) the least. However, CF content was highest in S. siamea (22.80 ± 0.53) and least in P. santalonoides (8.16 ± 0.15). The contents of tannin in E. cyclocapum, P. santalonoides, G. sepium, L. leucocephale and S.siamea were 0.254 ± 0.005mg/g, 0.388 ± 0.016 mg/g, 0.485 ± 0.023mg/g, 0.267 ± 0.013mg/g and 0.607 ± 0.06, respectively. The results suggest that the tree legumes have potential as supplements. Also, the trace amounts of tannins (0.254 ± 0.005 – 0.607 ± 0.06) detected are less than suggested amounts (30 mg/g) that can adversely affect their nutritive value.

Key words – Trees, Chemical composition, anti-nutrients and tannins

AGE AND SEASONAL CHANGES IN THE MORPHOMETHRIC DEVELOPMENT OF ACCESSORY GLANDS OF THE WEST

E. A. AGAIN AND G.N. EGBUNIKE

Department of Animal Science University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria

Department of Animal Science University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

The effects of age and season of birth on the morphometric characteristics of the Vesicular, Cowper's and Ampulla glands were studies in 32 indigenous West Africa Dwarf (WAD) goats aged 1 – 12 months and 12 adults aged >12 months, in Ibadan. While the vesicular and Cowper's glands weight were highly significantly (p < 0.001) affected by age but not season of birth, the ampullae were stable with age and season of birth. Each of the glands accounted for less than 1% of the weight and tended to increased with age except the vesicular gland in the adults. Result suggest a closer relation in growth with age than season of birth.

This supports the non – seasonality in breeding behaviour of tropical livestock.

KEY WORDS: Age, Season, Growth, Accessory, Glands.

Distribution of Lepidopterous Stemborers of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Ecological Zones of Cross River State of Nigeria

OBHIOKHENAN, A. A., USUA, E. J. UMOETOK, S. B. A.

National Productivity Centre, Calabar Zonal Office, Calabar

Department of Zoology University of Calabar, Calabar

Department of Crop Science, University of Calabar, Calabar

ABSTRACT

A survey of the distribution of maize stemborers in the three ecological zones of Cross River State was undertaken between March to December, 1998 and 1999 respectively. Results of the survey revealed higher stemborer populations in the mangrove zone followed by rainforest and derived Savannah zones of Cross River State. The survey also showed that Sesamia calamistis was more abundant than any other stemborers in all the vegetational zones of Cross River State. This was followed by Chilo orichalcociliella, while Busseola fusca (Fuller) was absent.

KeyWords: Survey, Distribution, Stemborers, Ecological Zones, Cross River State.

Functional Property Changes in Heat Processed Soyabean (Glycine max) meal

EBIOKPO R. AMINIGO

Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, P. M. B. 5323, Port Harcourt.

e-mail no. [email protected]   

ABSTRACT

The functional characteristics of soyabean subjected to roasting (solely or combined with blanching as a pre-treatment) were evaluated. The process reduced nitrogen solubility drastically within a pH range of 2-10, except at pH4. Foaming capacity was reduced by roasting and foams obtained for samples subjected to the highest roasting temperature without defatting had better stability than raw soyabean meal. Gelation capacity and emulsifying activity were also reduced but about one-third of the heat processed samples had better emulsion stability. Water absorption capacity of soyabean meal was increased by 5.10 – 45.2% due to the heat treatments while changes in fat absorption were inconsistent. The effect of roasting on the water adsorption properties of the product were minimal. The results confirmed the suitability of roasted soyabean meal for use in food systems requiring high water holding capacity.

Keywords. Functional properties, Soyabean, heat treatment, roasting process, blanching.

YIELD RESPONSE OF SOYABEANS TO LEVELS OF NITROGEN AND POTASSIUM FERTILIZER IN THE HUMID TROPICS

Department of Crops Science, University of Calabar, Calabar Nigeria

Department of Crops Science, University of Calabar, Calabar Nigeria

Department of Crops Science, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

A field trail was conducted at the University of Uyo Teaching and Research Farm in a high rainfall area of South eastern Nigeria to assess the yield response soybeans [ Glycine max (L.) Merrill ] to different levels of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers. The results showed that the number of pods/ plant, threshing percentage and gain yield (t/ha) were significantly influenced by nitrogen fertilizer application. Nitrogen applied at the rate of 45kg N/ha was more consistent in influencing soybean yield. Potassium on the other hand, significantly influenced number of branches/plant, number of pods per plant, 100 seed weight and grain yield. Beneficial range of doses of application of potassium was found to be 30 – 75kg/ha. Moreso, response of soybean to nitrogen was more at higher doses of potassium.

Key Words: Yield Components, Glycine max, Levels of Fertilization, Threshing Percentage

PRODUCTIVITY OF ROSELLE/ COWPEA INTERCROPPING SYSTEM IN A SEMI-ARID AGROECOLOGY

C. O. MUONEKE, I.O. AKINGBADE and M. D. MAGAJI

Department of Crop Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria

Department of Crop Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria 

ABSTRACT

The effects of three planting densities (27,700; 37,000 and 55,500 plants ha^-1) of roselle grown sole or intercropped with cowpea were investigated in two field trials in the 1997 and 1998 wet seasons at Sokoto. The leaf area index (LAI) of roselle was highest with the highest roselle planting density in the sole or intercropping cultures in 1997, but in 1998 cropping season, planting density did not influence the LAI. Cowpea LAIs were similar, except the lowest value obtained with cowpea intercropped with the lowest roselle planting density.

Intercropping did not affect the number of roselle pods per plant but reduced dry calyx yield by 39% and 36% (1997) and 33% and 38% (1998) when the lowest and the highest roselle populations were grown with cowpea. Yield reduction which was more for cowpea ranged from 34-46% (1997) and 41-57% (1998) and from 38- 47% (1997) and 27-49% (1998) for number of pods/plant and grain yield/ha, respectively. The productivity of the roselle/cowpea culture showed yield advantage of 13%-70% (1997) and 38%- 49% (1998) when the two crops were intercropped at higher roselle populations.

Keywords: Roselle, Cowpea, intercropping, productivity

EFFECT OF MULCHING, STAKING AND TILLAGE ON WEED GROWTH IN YAM PLOTS DURING THE DRY SEASON

NDUBISI IGWILO

Institute of Agricultural Research and Development,

University of Port-Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

The effects of two levels each of mulching (mulch, no mulch), staking, no stakes) and tillage (bed, mound) on weed infestation were studied in the 1994/95 and 1995/96 dry season. Data collected at the peak of yam foliation and at tuber maturity showed that mulching had no significant effect on total fresh weight of weeds. Whereas mulching depressed the fresh weight of some grass weeds, it caused an increase in the fresh weight of some broad – leaf species. Some weed species were not affected by mulching. Bed tillage increased the fresh weight of broad-leaf species in the dry season of both years. Staking had no significant effect on the fresh weight weeds.

KEY WORDS: Weeds, Dry, Season, Yam, Crops.

MOTIVATION AND NON-FINANCIAL SANCTIONS AMONG INFORMAL GROUPS IN IMO STATE: LESSONS FOR SUCCESS OF GROUP LENDING SCHEMES IN NIGERIA.

All Correspondence to Emmanuel O. Eyo, Dept. of Agric Economics, University of Uyo, Nigeria.

In Nigeria, informal groups are invaluable in providing financial services to small operators in the agricultural sector. Some of these groups are involved in joint liability lending schemes across the country and existing literature reveal that these schemes have not been successful in achieving satisfactory levels of loan repayments over time. This study investigated how joint liability lending schemes can do better by assessing the operations of informal groups in Imo state, Nigeria; and bringing to focus what sanctions and motivation practices assist the groups to achieve satisfactory levels of loan repayments. The result shows that, sharing group profit at the end of the year, denying loan defaulters their share of the group profit as well as other privileges, and ensuring that beneficiaries obtain new loans each time the beneficiaries repay would be invaluable in enhancing success of group lending schemes in Nigeria.

THE ECONOMICS OF FARM COMMODITY STORAGE: A POLICY MODEL FRAMEWORK

Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension
University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.

This study presents a (simple) policy model underlying farm commodity storage for a development economy. Utilizing a simple statistical/mathematical formulation, the policy model highlights the following: storage is a profitable enterprise with the net revenue function being at equilibrium position where the quantity stored is multiplied into the price difference less storage cost; market price differences resulting from storage activities will become more significant when storage is done for the economic benefit of the farmer such that the net benefit estimates become one of the planning decision parameters. The implication this has for increased government funding in the provision of storage facilities for Nigeria farms cannot therefore be over – stressed.

KEY WORDS: Farm Commodity, Storage, Economic Development

ALLOCATIVE EFFICIENCY OF LABOUR RESOURCE IN SWAMP RICE PRODUCTION IN OBUDU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria

Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria

Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria

Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria

The paper examines the allocative efficiency of labour resource (in land clearing and weeding) for swamp rice production in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State. Sixty for (64) rice farmers were selected and used for the study. Data collected include; output of paddy, quantity of fertilizer applied, farm size, and most especially labour used in land clearing and weeding. A multiple regression analysis approach involving the use of Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) estimation technique was adopted. The ratio of the marginal value product of labour (MVP_L) to labour wage rate (Pi) was used to estimate the labour allocative efficiency. The study revealed that though labour for clearing and weed had a significant and positive influence on output of swamp rice in the area, however, the resource was inefficiency allocated

KEY WORDS: Swamp rice, Allocative efficiency, Production, Labour resources.