Varietal Evaluation of the Chemical Composition, Field Performance and Yield of Some Improved Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Varieties in Rivers State, Nigeria (Published)
This study examined eleven improved cassava varieties that could be recommended to farmers for higher productivity in order to meet the high demand for cassava produce in the sub region. The eleven cassava varieties include TMS 01/1371, TMS 96/1632, TMS 98/0510, TME 419, TMS 98/0581, TMS 01/1368, TMS 07/0593, TMS 98 / 0505, TMS 30572, TMS 92/0326 and TMS 95/0289. The field performance evaluated include: plant height, leaf number, number branched, fresh tuber yield and dry weight. Immediately after harvest, the tubers were analyzed for chemical composition such as hydrogen cyanide, percentage moisture content, fibre and starch for each of the varieties. Results of the study showed significant (P<0.05) variation on the performances of the various improve cassava varieties studied. The top seven high yielding varieties among the studied varieties intense of fresh tuber yield which is a product of high growth performance as revealed by the results of this experiment include TMS 01/1371 > TMS 01/1368 > TME 419 > TMS 98/0505 > TMS 98/0581 > TMS 30572 and TMS 92/0326 in decreasing order. Similarly, low cyanide content and early high dry matter content such as starch and fibre evaluation of the studied varieties significantly (P<0.05) revealed TME 419 as the best performed followed by TMS 98/0505 > TMS 30572 > TMS 01/1368 > TMS 01/1371 and TMS 07/0593 in decreasing order. These varieties could be recommended for rapid stem multiplication and distribution to farmers for cultivation and consumption in Rivers State and Nigeria at large to increase the quantity of cassava products. With these selected improved varieties, adequate agronomic practices and processing, cassava yield and product quality could be bettered with less land use and labor.
Keywords: Chemical composition., Growth Performance, Varieties, Yield, cassava
Synergistic Effects of Dietary Supplemental Bile Acids on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Selected Breeds of Broiler Chickens (Published)
The competitive advantage of any feed manufacturing company is the trade secret which is usually driven by innovation. The quest to offer exceptional animal diets to farmers is the premise to which this experiment was carried out. It’s an industry driven research geared towards reducing cost of feed and improve the profitability in the poultry agribusiness. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of bile acids on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of the two popular broiler breeds in Nigeria. The experiment was designed in a 2×5 factorial. That is, two different breeds of broiler chickens and dietary supplemental levels of Bile Acids. A total of Nine Hundred & Ninety (990) day-old-chicks (38g ± 0.03) were used for the experiment. In order words, 495 Arbor Acer day-old-chicks were obtained from FIDAN hatchery farm and another 495 Ross 308 day-old-chicks from AGRITED hatchery farm. Each set of breed of birds were randomly assigned to five (5) treatments, with 33 birds per pen and three (3) replicates per treatment. The brooding temperature was kept at an average of 29.50C from the first to second week of age. Thereafter, the temperature was lowered to 220C for the rest of experimental period. The experimental diets were formulated as follows: control treatment (without bile acids but 77 kcal/kg higher in ME) and four levels of supplemented bile acids broiler diets with 77 kcal/kg shortfall in ME. There was no significant difference among the selected breeds of broilers. At 150g of dietary supplemental bile acids, the growth performance & feed conversion was improved and significantly optimized at P>0.01. In spite of high feed intake by birds on supplemental bile acids, there was high compensatory conversion to body weight. However, the dressing percentage, Head, Liver and Gizzard in carcass were significantly improved (P>0.05) for broilers fed diets supplemented with 100g & 150g bile acids. In contrast, abdominal fat weight was reduced significantly (P>0.05) across all the levels of supplemental bile acids. Thus, the primal cuts, intestine weight and length were unaffected by dietary supplemented bile acids. Again, the cost of feed was reduced by 2% approximately thereby improving the profitability of the value-chain players which drive the agribusiness activities. Therefore, supplementation of broiler diets with 100g – 150g bile acids per metric ton can effectively enhance the growth performance and carcass traits.
Keywords: Bile acids, Growth Performance, breeds, broiler chickens, carcass characteristics
Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilization of Clarias Gariepinus Fed Graded Levels of Melon Shell as Replacement for Maize (Published)
This study to evaluate effect of replacing maize with graded levels of melon shell on growth of Clarias gariepinus fingerling was conducted for 16 weeks in the teaching and research farm of department of Fisheries, faculty of Agriculture Delta state university. Pearson square formula was used to formulate five different Diet with crude protein value of 40%. The Diets had 0%, 25%, 50%75% and 100% melon shell inclusion respectively. Four hundred and fifty fingerlings were randomly distributed into fifteen tanks (1mx1mx1m) and grouped in threes to form five treatments (D1a-c – D5a-c). Fishes in each tank was fed 3% body weight of diet corresponding to tank number twice daily. Weight of fish were taken fortnightly. Data collected were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Result obtained showed significant difference (P<0.05) in Mean Weight Gain (MWG), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR). However there was no significant different (P>0.05) in Specific Growth Rate (SGR). Fish fed diet two with 25% melon shell inclusion had the best FCR and highest Mean weight gain among treatments.
Keywords: Clarias Gariepinus Fed Graded Levels, Growth Performance, Maize, Melon Shell, Nutrient Utilization