Carcass traits and relative organ weights of growing rabbits fed graded levels of processed kola nut (Cola nitida) pod husks

Carcass traits and relative organ weights of growing rabbits fed graded levels of processed (ash treated and rumen liquor fermented) kola nut (Cola  nitida) pod husks (PKPH) were investigated. One hundred and twenty (120) weaner rabbits of mixed breeds (New-Zealandwhite × Chinchilla) of equal sexes and average body weight 525.46g were randomly allotted to four (4) dietary treatments at 0 (0.00 % PKPH), 10 (10 % PKPH), 20 (20 % PKPH), and 30 % (30 % PKPH) inclusion levels and designated as diets 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Each treatment group was replicated ten (10) times with three (3) rabbits per replicate and was fed ad-libitum for 56 days. The highest slaughter weight (1813.80 g/r), dressing weight (1068.70 g/r) and dressing percentage (58.54 %) recorded in rabbits fed diet 3 (20% PKPH) were similar to those fed the control diet (0 % PKPH) and diet 2 (10% PKPH)  but was significantly (P<0.05) higher than those fed diet 4 (30 % PKPH). The lungs, liver, kidney, heart, and spleen of the rabbits fed dietary treatments were not significantly influenced. It was concluded that processed kolanut pod husk had no deleterious effect on carcass and relative organs weight of weaner rabbits. Keywords: Kolanut pod husk, Carcass traits, rabbits, rumen liquor, as

Nutritional and bio-efficacy of acha (D. iburua & D. exilis) and soybean (Glycine max) flour blends in rats

The nutritional potentials of acha as alternative energy source to maize in complementary foods was evaluated with a view to increase the accessibility and affordability of complementary foods by the resource poor mothers. The formulated acha-based complementary foods (D. iburua (DIF); D. exilis (DEF)), maize-based complementary food (MCF) and commercial formula (CFF) were evaluated for chemical compositions and nutritional qualities. Data were statistically analysed. Crude protein (g/100g) and energy values (kcal.) of DEF and DIF were 15.28 - 15.69 and 409.6 - 405.3 respectively, and were comparable to MCF (15.40; 407.9) and commercial formula (CFF) (15.50; 415.0). Essential amino acids of DEF and DIF were 35.64 and 38.76 g/16N respectively. The Na/K and Ca/P molar ratios of DEF and DIF ranged from 0.59 – 0.60 and 1.67 – 1.71 respectively. Phytate, oxalate and tannin concentrations were within tolerable levels. Biological values and protein efficiency ratios of experimental foods were 87.21 - 87.81% and 2.94 - 3.12 respectively, and were higher than maize-based formula (84.32%; 2.02) and commercial formula (86.53%; 2.52). Growth performance of rats fed on experimental were comparable to those fed on commercial formula, but lower in production costs (USD = 0.24) than CFF (USD = 0.90). The acha-based complementary foods were characterized with essential nutrients, ability to support growth and development, affordable and accessible to poor resource mothers; hence, the food samples may be suitable as complementary foods.Los potenciales nutricionales de la acha como fuente de energía alternativa al maíz en alimentos complementarios se evaluaron con miras a aumentar la accesibilidad y la asequibilidad de los alimentos complementarios por parte de las madres con pobres recursos. Los alimentos complementarios formulados a base de acha (D. iburua (DIF); D. exilis (DEF)), alimentos complementarios a base de maíz (MCF) y fórmula comercial (CFF) fueron evaluados para composiciones químicas y cualidades nutricionales. Los datos se analizaron estadísticamente. Los valores de proteína bruta (g/100g) y energía (kcal.) de DEF y DIF fueron 15,28 - 15,69 y 409,6 - 405,3 respectivamente, y fueron comparables a MCF (15,40; 407,9) y a la fórmula comercial (CFF) (15,50; 415,0). Los aminoácidos esenciales de DEF y DIF fueron 35,64 y 38,76 g/16N respectivamente. Las relaciones molares Na/K y Ca/P de DEF y DIF oscilaron entre 0,59 y 0,60 y 1,67 a 1,71 respectivamente. Las concentraciones de phytato, oxalato y tanino estaban dentro de niveles tolerables. Los valores biológicos y las proporciones de eficiencia proteica de los alimentos experimentales fueron de 87,21 a 87,81% y 2,94 - 3,12 respectivamente, y fueron superiores a la fórmula a base de maíz (84,32%; 2,02) y a la fórmula comercial (86,53%; 2,52). Los resultados de crecimiento de las ratas alimentadas con CF experimental fueron comparables a los alimentados con fórmula comercial, pero menores en costos de producción (USD 0,24) que CFF (USD a 0,90 USD). Los alimentos complementarios a base de acha se caracterizaron por nutrientes esenciales, capacidad para apoyar el crecimiento y el desarrollo, asequibles y accesibles para las madres con bajos recursos; por lo tanto, las muestras de alimentos pueden ser adecuadas como alimentos complementarios

Green manures and NPK fertilizer effects on soil properties, growth, yield, mineral and vitamin C composition of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

The nutritional effects of green manure on soil and crop plants depends on residue quality. Hence field experiments were carried out during the cropping seasons of 2015 and 2016 to compare the impact of different green manures and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer on soil properties, growth, yield, mineral and vitamin C composition of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench). The experiment each year consisted of four green manure (GM) types {Pawpaw (Carica papaya L.) leaves, Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) leaves, Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) leaves, and Mesquite (Prosopis africana Guill., Perr. & A. Rich) Taubert leaves}, NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer and a control. The six treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Application of GMs reduced soil bulk density and increased soil organic matter (OM), N, P, K, Ca, Mg, growth and yield of okra compared with the control. NPK fertilizer did not reduce soil bulk density and increase soil OM, but did increase soil N, P, K, Ca, Mg, growth and yield of okra compared with the control. Mesquite increased growth and yield of okra compared with NPK fertilizer and other GMs. This was due to increased availability of N and K in the soil at the level of this treatment. Using the means of the two years and compared with the control and NPK fertilizer, Mesquite increased pod yield of okra by 214 and 53%, respectively. Also GMs and NPK fertilizer increased okra mineral and vitamin C contents compared with the control. Moringa had the best fruit quality in terms of higher K, Ca, Fe, Zn, Cu, and vitamin C contents compared with other GMs and NPK fertilizer. Therefore, for those that desire to grow okra for the quality of its fruits, Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is recommended, however for those that desire quantity, Mesquite (Prosopis africana) is recommended. Keywords: Bulk density, Moringa oleifera, Carica papaya, Azadirachta indica, Prosopis african