Preference and Acceptability of Crop Residues Treated Indigenous Salt Licks (Toka) by Red Sokoto Goats in Guinea Savana Zone of North-Eastern Nigeria (Published)
The objective of this study was to determine preference and acceptability of crop residues treated indigenous salt licks (toka) using Red Sokoto goats in Guinea Savana Zone of North-Eastern Nigeria. Twenty adult Red Sokoto goats comprising 10 males and 10 females of about 3 to 4 years old were used for the study. The study was laid out in a completely randomized design for preference, acceptability and dry matter intake: The feeding trial lasted for 14days including acclimatization period. The results of the feeding habit of the animals showed significant (p<0.05) differences amongst the crop residues in terms of number of bites, bites per visit, time spent feeding and dry matter intake. There was no outright rejection of any diet by the animals. The treatment of crop residues by chopping and mixing with salt licks (toka) influenced the increased dry matter intake. Numbers 1 to 6 were used to rank the crop residues in terms of preference and acceptability as number 1 been the most preferred while 6 the less preferred by the animals. Based on the coefficient of preference (COP) value obtained, cowpea husk was ranked the most preferred diet, followed by cowpea leaf, groundnut haulms, sorghum stover, maize stover and rice straw respectively. There were positive correlation between the feeding habits of the animals with the dry matter intake except for the time spent feeding. Likewise, the coefficient of preference (COP) had positive correlation with the feeding habit of the animals including time spent on the diets. It’s therefore, advisable to treat crop residues with some mineral licks before feeding to enhance acceptability and dry matter intake. Thus, preference and acceptability is normally used as quality indicators when choosing the best diet to feed
Keywords: Goats, Nigeria, Preference, acceptability, crop residues, salt licks (Toka)
Mineral Composition of Local Salt Licks (Toka) in Adamawa State, Nigeria (Published)
The objective of the study was to determine some mineral composition of local salt licks (Toka) produced from crop residues in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Five (5) local salt blocks made from Maize cobs, Beni-seed straws, Sorghum stover, Cowpea husk and Maize stover were analyzed. The mineral contents were analyzed using Triple Acid Digestion Methods (TADM). The results showed that, local salt licks produced from crop residues majorly contained seven (7) macro-minerals namely: sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), chlorine (Cl), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) and ten (10) micro minerals or trace elements namely: iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iodine (I), molybdenum (Mo), cobalt (Co), selenium (Se), fluorine (Fl) and chromium (Cr). The results further showed that, the local salt licks produced from crop residues had little or no heavy metals. All livestock require some percentage of mineral elements for cellular respiration, nervous system development, protein synthesis, metabolism and reproductive purposes. Macro and micro elements are important components of livestock ration which aid in the prevention of mineral deficiencies. Therefore, the local salt licks produced from crop residues could be used as mineral supplements to improve palatability and acceptability in animal feeds thereby, increasing sustainable livestock performance and productivity in the region. This could also conveniently substitute the un-sustainable imported, highly expensive mineral licks used for livestock production in the state and Nigeria as a whole.
Citation: Adamu S. M. and Kubkomawa, H. I. (2022) Mineral Composition of Local Salt Licks (Toka) in Adamawa State, Nigeria, International Journal of Animal and Livestock Production Research, Vol. 6, No.1, pp.17-35
Keywords: Adamawa State., Nigeria, mineral composition, salt licks, sustainable livestock production
THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF FISH MARKETERS IN ABAKALIKI METROPOLIS OF EBONYI STATE (Published)
This study assessed the socio-economics of fish marketers within Abakaliki metropolis of Ebonyi State. The objectives of the study were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of fish marketers in the study area, as well as identify the different species of fish in Abakaliki markets. Primary Data were collected using structured questionnaire administered through personal interview of the fish marketers. Data collected were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Objectives 1 and 2 were analyzed using tables and percentages. From the analysis, it was observed that majority, (90%) of the fish marketers were female and (47%) were married. (41.43%) of them are 30 years and above. (54.29%) of them attempted secondary school. (24.29%) of them attempted higher schools among whom were in schools and still struggling for sustenance. (17.14%) finished primary school while (4.29%) had no formal education. They had household size of 7-9 (44.29%), 4-6(37.14%). The data gathered also showed that scomber marketers are mostly engaged in fresh fish selling (48.57%). They mostly sourced their fish from wholesalers or cold house operators (61.43%). The result showed that majority of them were women who used their income to assist their family in one way or the other. It also showed that most of their wares were sourced from imported fish. Based on these findings of the study, the following recommendations were made; government should create more incentives that will push more people into fish farming to reduce the rate of importation. Most fresh fish sellers should call for government assistance in the area of electricity supply to enable them keep unsold fishes till the next day.
Keywords: Abakaliki Metropolis, Ebonyi State, Fish Marketers, Nigeria