Broiler Farming in Hathazari Region of Bangladesh: A Study of Management Practices

Broiler farming has greatly improved the socio-economic status of people in underdeveloped countries like Bangladesh. The productivity and profitability of broiler farming largely depend on good management practices. The present study was conducted on selected broiler farms to know about the socio-economic status of the farmers, the managemental practices adopted by them and the overall production performance of the broiler chicken in Hathazari region, Chittagong. The data for this study was collected using direct interviews with farmers, visual inspection of farms and farm records through a pre-formed questionnaire. In the study, it was found out that most of the farmers are young (60%), started the farm with their own money (60%), received no training (90%), had an experience of 6-10 years (50%) and has taken farming as a main occupation (70%). Considering management practices, 50% of the farmers collected day-old chick (DOC) from Kazi Farms Limited through local dealers. The housing system was intensive, open-sided with kacha (60%) and paka (40%) floors and tin shed roof. In all farms, sawdust was used as litter material due to the unavailability of rice husk. An electric brooding system was used in all the farms with a duration of 5-7 days in summer and 10-15 days in winter. About 50% of farmers reported that they did not monitor nor measure air temperature during brooding. The most common disease in this area is infectious bursal disease (66%). Most farmers maintained vaccination schedules but hygiene conditions were minimal, with no foot bath and unrestricted public access. All the farmers used different growth promoters, antibiotics, liver tonics, and vitamins in broilers. The average mortality rate of the studied farm was 3.36%, the average final body weight was 1.7 kg and the average feed conversion ratio (FCR) was 1.26. It is concluded that the information gathered through this study would be beneficial in developing enhanced poultry management strategies in the study area

The Impact of Biochar and Olive Mill Wastewater Amendments on Soil Physical and Hydrodynamic Characteristics and Soybean Productivity in the Syrian Coast

One of the most critical problems facing countries in the Mediterranean basin and posing restrictions on agricultural production is poor soil quality caused by low organic matter content (OM). Biochar, a carbon-enriched material obtained by pyrolysis of agricultural wastes proved to be efficient in soil improvement. On the other hand, olive mill wastewater (OMWW) is a byproduct of olive oil production. The combined use of these materials will reduce environmental damage paving the way to sustainable agriculture and may also offer a practical solution for enhancing soil physical properties. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of biochar and OMWW on the physical and hydrodynamic characteristics of a loam soil in the syrian coast. A field experiment was carried out using four rates of biochar (0, 1, 3, and 6 t ha-1) and three levels of OMWW (0, 50, and 100 m3 ha-1). Results showed that with increasing the levels of biochar and OMWW the soil bulk density (BD) and pores containing unavailable water <0.2 μm (PUW) decreased reachig the highest significant reduction at the biochar dose of 6 t ha-1 and OMWW level of 100 m3 ha-1 in comparison to the control. On the other hand, the combined supply of 100 m3 ha-1 OMWW and 6 t ha-1 of biochar led hydrodynamic constants (a and b) to increase indicating enhanced water absorption capacity for plants. Moreover, the soil total porosity (TP) increased significantly by (10.5%v), pores containing plant available water (0.2-10 μm) (PAW) (4.2%v) and macropores (soil air capacity) >10 μm (9.2%v) after adding 100 m3 ha-1 of OMWW and soil biochar addition at 6 t ha-1, also soybean productivity rose by (%222.187)

Studies on the Economics of Baby Corn Cultivation under Sole and Intercropping with Short Duration Vegetables

A study was conducted on the feasibility of cultivating vegetables including fenugreek, radish, and Amaranthus with baby corn crop and evaluated the effects of intercropping. The study was conducted during rabi season 2022-2023 in farmer’s field of Nambal village, Mancherial District, Telangana to find out the most suitable and profitable baby corn intercropping with different short duration vegetable crops. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with ten treatments which was replicated thrice. The treatments comprised of baby corn as main crop along with radish, fenugreek and amaranthus as inter crops in different combinations and sole cropping of baby corn, radish, fenugreek and amaranthus. The results of the research showed that baby corn + radish + fenugreek intercropping system registered the higher baby corn equivalent yield of 10.44 t ha-1. The highest gross returns (₹322175), net return (₹258758) and returns per rupee invested (Benefit: Cost ratio) was also highest (4.08) in this treatment

Chronic Kidney Disease in a Dog: A Case Report

This report describes a 10-year-old Labrador Retriever dog who was found to have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Classic CKD signs, such as weight loss, increased thirst, decreased appetite and frequent urine were observed in the patient. Tests in the lab revealed proteinuria coupled with increased blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. The renal cortex displayed structural changes measuring 7.5 mm on ultrasound. Radiographic evaluation revealed an enlarged heart, with the vertebral heart score (VHS) elevated at 12.5v in the right lateral view, exceeding the reference range of 10.2–11.4v. Additionally, cardiac troponin-I levels were elevated, further supporting evidence of cardiac involvement. A comprehensive treatment plan was initiated. Medication to control blood pressure, supportive care for secondary problems, and a renal diet to reduce protein and phosphorus consumption. To evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and make the required modifications, routine monitoring of kidney function and general health was essential. Two months later, all the biochemical parameters improved and the renal cortex returned to normal, measuring 6.3 mm. Additionally, cardiac troponin-I levels and heart size, as indicated by the VHS score, normalized to 10.5v, reflecting the positive response to long-term therapy for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its associated cardiac complications. This case underscores the critical need for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment in dogs with CKD to enhance quality of life and extend lifespan

Mangroves as Coastal Defenders: Ecosystem Services and Conservation Imperatives

Mangroves are unique intertidal ecosystems found in tropical and subtropical areas of the world, that they provide habitat for a wide variety of aquatic and land animals. These ecosystems are extremely productive everywhere in the world while being delicate and rarely distributed. Mangroves have extremely developed morphological and physiological adaptations to adverse conditions to deal with such a hostile habitat. They maintain and protect coastal areas while nourishing the coastal water with nutrients. With rapid industrialization and urbanization, heavy metal pollution has become one of the most prominent problems in the ecological environment of mangrove ecosystems. The relatively high concentration of nutrients and metals suggests that water is in very dreadful condition, which will ultimately affect flora and fauna of this ecosystem

The Ripple Effect of COVID-19: Analyzing Challenges Faced by Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

Context: As an important subsector of agriculture, livestock sector significantly contributes to the national economy of Bangladesh. This subsector contributes 1.85% of national gross domestic product (GDP) whereas it shares 16.52% in agricultural GDP and provides 20% employment directly and 50% indirectly for the country population. Moreover, COVID-19 created a serious negative impact in all sectors worldwide. Around 0.3 million dairy farms suffered the bad luck that came with this circumstance in our country. Aims: The study aimed to show the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 on smallholder dairy farmers, estimate the comparative profitability of dairy farm owners before and during the pandemic along with identify the problems faced by dairy farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Methods: On the basis of available information, a total of 31 dairy farms were selected following convenient sampling technique from Cox’s Bazar Sadar, Ukhia, Ramu and Moheshkhali upazila under Cox’s Bazar district of Bangladesh through a pre-designed questionnaire. Descriptive, statistical and econometric analysis were carried out to achieve the objectives. Results: This study identified a remarkable change in the selected farms' net return, gross margin, and BCR (Benefit Cost Ratio). The net return of the farms decreased from BDT (Bangladeshi taka) 27,796.36 to BDT 8,512.39, whereas the gross margin reduced from BDT 16,531.04 to BDT 4,463.76 as the post-COVID-19 impact. This result also revealed that the average difference in feed cost during and before the COVID-19 period was BDT 1,531.08, and the average reduction in monthly farm income due to COVID-19 was BDT 74,429.03 (P<.0001). This study also identified 12 major problems faced by the farmers due to COVID-19, which were ranked according to problem indices.  Fall in milk price, constraints on dairy milk marketing, and high cost of concentrate feed were highlighted among the problems faced by the farmers. These changes had a direct health impact on farmers since disruptions in income and food supply chains resulted in decreased access to nutritious food, affecting farmers' physical health. Conclusion: We recommend that the Government and other agencies should focus on multipurpose cash support to pandemic affected vulnerable dairy farmers to minimize their losses in future

The Effect of Sugar Beet Molasses and Olive Mill Wastewater (OMWW) on some Soil Physical and Hydrodynamic Properties and on Potato Productivity

Agro-industrial residues are a good alternative to reduce the dependence on large quantity of chemical fertilizers, leading to lower production costs and higher soil productivity.  The research evaluated the effect of sugar beet molasses and OMWW by-products of sugar and olive oil production, on potato productivity as well as some physical and hydrodynamic characteristics of a silty clay soil in the Syrian Coastal Area.  A randomized complete block design field trial was conducted using four rates of OMWW (M0=0, M1=5.4, M2=10.8, M3=16.2 L m-2) and four levels of sugar beet molasses (B0=0, B1=75, B2=150, B3=225 L ha-1). The results showed that soil bulk density (BD) and pores containing unavailable water (PUW) followed a declining trend with rising levels of OMWW and molasses towards gaining the maximum decrement at the treatment B3M3 (16.2 L m-2 of OMWW and 225 L ha-1 of molasses) versus the control (B0M0). Soil water retention curves showed that using OMWW and molasses together at the treatment B3M3 increased water content. The total porosity (TP), macropores >10 μm, pores containing plant-available water (0.2-10 μm) (PAW), and potato productivity experienced the same upward trend with increasing amendment levels separately or together (molasses and OMWW), reaching 63.17, 25.97, 18.87%v and 4551 kg dunum-1, respectively, at the treatment B3M3

Study of Some Physicochemical Parameters of Paliwal Park Lake Water at Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India

Physicochemical analysis of Paliwal Park lake water at Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India carried out for period of eight months (July 2024 to February 2025) on the basis of monthly sampling. Various physicochemical parameters, such as water temperature, air temperature, pH, humidity, electric conductivity (EC), total dissolved solid (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), total hardness (TH) and turbidity were taken for study. The results revealed that significant variations were found in monthly water samples. The aim of this study was to analyze the monthly variations in Physicochemical Parameters of Paliwal Park lake water at Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Green Entrepreneurship in Plastic Manufacturing: Pathways to Job Creation and Environmental Responsibility

This study examined the effect of green entrepreneurship on job creation in plastic manufacturing firms in Anambra State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study set to determine the nature of relationship existing between green entrepreneurial innovation and job opportunity. Correlational research design was adopted. The population of the study comprised of 121 staff from the plastic manufacturing firms representing the three senatorial zones in Anambra State: Awka, Nnewi and Onitsha respectively. An interview was conducted which was later translated into a well-structured questionnaire which was used for data generation. The questionnaire was structured in five-likert scale of strongly agree, agree, undecided, strongly disagree and disagree to capture the responses of all the respondents that facilitated the analysis. The data gathered were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical tools. Formulated hypothesis was tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient at 0.05 level of significance. Finding showed that green entrepreneurial innovation had a significant positive relationship with job opportunity in plastic manufacturing firms in Anambra State. The practical implications of the findings for policymakers, industry stakeholders and academia are that it can enhance competitiveness and sustainability by creating new market opportunities and employment in emerging sectors. Also, it prepares graduates to get fully involved in sustainable business practices that handles environmental challenges while creating jobs. The study concluded that green entrepreneurship had a significant positive relationship with job creation. Therefore, it was recommended that plastic manufacturing firms are adjured to embrace green entrepreneurship in all its entirety so that our environment can be sustained to benefit all stakeholders in particular and citizenry at large thereby preventing environmental damage

Economic Analysis and Supply Chain of Backyard Pig Rearing in Tribal Households of Rangamati District, Bangladesh

This study investigates the economic analysis of pig farming on the livelihoods of tribal women at the Belaichhari Upazila of Rangamati district. The study aims to assess how pig rearing improves the economic status of tribal women and enhances their knowledge of pig husbandry practices. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire using a purposive sampling technique. The research employs descriptive and econometric statistical analysis to evaluate the socio-economic characteristics and the profitability of pig farmers. The findings reveal most of the farmers are from the Chakma community (66%) and 22% and 12% are from Tanchangya and Marma community, respectively. 72% of pig farmers are from age range of 21-30 and 31-40 which indicates participation young population in pig farming. The study shows that net return and gross margin were 19216.96 BDT and 19332.12 BDT, respectively indicating profit of the farm. A bene-fit-cost ratio (BCR) of 3.14 for full costs and 3.09 for cash costs basis, indicating that pig farming is economically profitable and sustainable in the region. Additionally, the study reveals six marketing channels for pig and pork, highlighting inefficiencies that reduce farmer profits, despite 40% using direct sales for better returns. Besides the study highlights the significant challenges faced by farmers, which could hinder the growth and sustainability of pig farming. The study concludes that pig farming plays an important role in improving the livelihoods of tribal women. Govt and non govt agencies should take further support for development and, enhance this sector sustainable and profitable