Testicular and Epididymal Characteristcs of Rabbit Bucks Fed Diets Containing Cottonseed Cake Supplemented with Carrot (Daucus carota) or Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)

This experiment was conducted to investigate the reproductive characteristics of rabbit bucks fed cottonseed cake-based diets supplemented with carrot or ginger. Twenty four (24) cross bred (New Zealand White X Chinchilla) 6-8 weeks old rabbit bucks were involved in the study. The bucks were balanced for weight and allocated to four dietary treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4. Treatment T1 (control) contained soyabean meal (SBM) as the main plant protein source denoted as (SBM or 0% CSC). T2 had 100% SBM replaced with cottonseed cake (CSC), while T3 and T4 had T2 supplemented with carrot and ginger respectively. Except for testicular width, testicular characteristics were not significantly (P>0.05) affected. Testicular width decreased from 2.20cm in the control (T1) to 1.63cm in T2 (100% CSC). Mean epididymal weight and mean epididymal length were significantly (P<0.05) affected with mean epididymal length decreasing from 13.72cm in the control to 8.32cm in T2 (100% CSC). Supplementing T2 with either carrot or ginger increased the epididymal characteristics significantly (P<0.05). It could be concluded from this study that CSC with or without carrot or ginger supplementation may not have adverse effect on testicular characteristics. However CSC depressed epididymal characteristics which were corrected by carrot or ginger supplementation with ginger proving more effective. Keywords: Rabbit buck, Reproductive characteristics, Cottonseed cake, Carrot and Ginger

Physiological Responses of Rabbit Bucks Fed Diets Containing Cotton Seed Cake Supplemented with Carrot (Daucus Carota) or Ginger (Zingiber Officinale)

Twenty-four (24) weaner rabbit bucks, aged 6 – 7 weeks were used to investigate the physiological responses of rabbit bucks fed diets containing cottonseed cake supplemented with carrot or ginger. The bucks were allotted to four (4) dietary treatments of six (6) rabbits each. The treatment diets (T1, T2, T3 and T4) contained 16% crude protein such that soyabean meal (SBM) was the main protein source for the control diet (T1). In T2, the SBM was completely replaced with Cottonseed cake (CSC). In T3 (CSC + Carrot), 5g/ kg diet of carrot was added to the composition in T2; while in T4 (CSC + Ginger), 5g/ kg diet of ginger was added to the composition in T2. Animals were fed for nine (9) weeks after which blood was collected for both haematological and serum biochemical analyses. The haematological variables determined were Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Red Blood Cell count (RBC), Haemoglobin concentration (Hb), Platelet count, White Blood Cell count (WBC) and the differential counts. The haematological indices, Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), were also determined. The serum biochemical variables determined included total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), cholesterol, triglyceride and glucose. The results indicated that lymphocytes, neutrophils and platelet counts were significantly (P<0.05) affected by treatment. Lymphocyte count for T4 (CSC + Ginger) was significantly (P<0.05) higher (78.0%) than for other treatments which were not significantly different from one another. Neutrophils for T4 was significantly (P<0.05) lower (18.0%) than for others (29.0; 30.7 and 30.7% for T1, T2 and T3 respectively). Platelet count was significantly (P<0.05) depressed by CSC (T2). Albumin and urea were depressed (P<0.05) by CSC (T2) and CSC + Ginger (T4). Creatinine was significantly (P<0.05) elevated by T3 (1.24mg/dl). The AST and ALT increased significantly (P<0.05) from 20.77 to 43.30 iu/L and 21.42 to 43.17 iu/L, respectively in T1 and T4. Cholesterol level was significantly (P<0.05) higher for T2 than for other treatments. It was concluded that CSC had adverse effects on the serum biochemical parameters of rabbit bucks. Carrot or ginger supplementation demonstrated a potential to correct the adverse effect with ginger exhibiting a greater influence, suggesting the need to always supplement CSC-based diets for rabbits with either of the products to safeguard the health of the animals. Keywords: Haematology, Serum biochemistry, cottonseed cake, carrot, Ginger, Rabbit buck

Willingness To Pay For Waste Disposal in Ilorin Metropolis in Kwara State

This study examines willingness to pay for waste disposal in Ilorin metropolis in kwara state. Data on socioeconomic characteristic of the respondents and their opinion on waste disposal and willingness to pay for waste disposal were collected with the aid of well-structured questionnaire. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select 95 households for the study and descriptive statistics and binomial probit model were the analytical tools used.  Evidence from the probit model indicated that four variables had significant influence on the households' willingness-to-pay. Of these, income is positively significant at P < 0.01. Age was positive and significant at the P < 0.05 level while sack/weeks was negative significant at P < 0.05. From the findings of this study, attempts should be made to improve waste management services being rendered at lowest possible service fee while government should also concentrate on awareness campaigning on the consequences of waste mishandling and benefits inherent in paying for proper management of waste. Key Words: Waste disposal, Probit, willingness to pa

The Effect of Weather Factors on the Population Density of Oxycarenus spp. (Hemiptera: Lygaidae) on Roselle and Kenaf

Roselle, Hibiscus sabdariffa and Kenaf, Hibiscus cannabinus are two important fibre crops in most parts of Africa. Insect pests are one of the major constraints in the production of these crops. The cotton seed bug Oxycarenus spp. attacks Roselle and Kenaf during the seed formation stage and cause reduction in seed viability. This study examined the effect of weather factors namely, relative humidity, temperature, sunshine and soil evaporation on the population density of Oxycarenus spp. on Roselle and Kenaf during the planting seasons 2012 and 2013. The treatments consisted of two types of Roselle (Green-calyxed and Redcalyxed) and Kenaf. The experiment was laid out in the field using Randomized Complete Block Design and the treatments were replicated four times. The results showed that the population of Oxycarenus spp. was significantly (p<0.05) higher on green-calyxed H. sabdariffa and red-calyxed H. sabdariffa than on Kenaf in 2012 and 2013. The differences in the density of the bug per fruit on green-calyxed H. sabdariffa and redcalyxed H. sabdariffa were significant in the two planting seasons. Relative humidity in the morning and maximum temperature correlated positively and negatively, respectively with the density of Oxycarenus spp. during the two planting seasons. Sunshine hours per day correlated positively, while soil temperature and soil evaporation had a negative correlation with the bug density. This information on the seasonal variation in the bug density and its relationship with weather factors could be used in pest forecasting for these fibre crops which is an important tool in formulating a successful pest management programme.Keywords: Malvaceae, Fibre crops, weather factors, Oxycarenus spp., pest management, planting seasons, pest density

Growth response and nutrient digestibility of pre-pubertal rabbit bucks fed cottonseed cake-based diets supplemented with vitamin E

A study was conducted to investigate the growth response and nutrient digestibility in rabbit bucks fed cottonseed cake (CSC)-based diets supplemented with vitamin E. 64 weanling rabbit bucks, aged five to six weeks and weighing averagely 511.28 g were involved in the study. The bucks were randomly allocated to eight treatment combinations comprising four levels (0, 5, 10 and 15%) of CSC and two levels (0 and 30 mg/kg diet) of vitamin E in a 2 × 4 factorial experiment. Eight (8) bucks were assigned to each dietary treatment and fed the experimental diets for eight weeks. The CSC level had no significant (p > 0.05) effect on feed intake, final body weight, weekly weight gain and feed efficiency. Also, vitamin E supplementation did not affect (p > 0.05) the growth parameters. All the growth parameters measured were not affected (p > 0.05) by the interaction between CSC and vitamin E supplementation. Digestibility of nutrients-dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract and ash was not significantly (p > 0.05) affected by CSC level, vitamin E supplementation and their interaction. Mortality was high for the bucks that were fed CSC irrespective of vitamin E supplementation. It was concluded that, although rabbit bucks may be fed CSC up to 15% inclusion level in diet for meat production, it is deleterious for young bucks whose digestive tract is not mature enough to handle gossypol in the CSC.Key words: Growth, digestibility, pre-pubertal bucks, cottonseed cake, vitamin E

Diversity study of Drumstick (Moringaoleifera Lam.) using Microsatellite markers

The study of the magnitude of genetic diversity existing within thirty one accessions of Moringaoleifera collections made within and outside Nigeria was conducted using ten Randomised Amplified Polymorphic DNA and tenMicrosattellite markers.None of the RAPD showed amplification bands. Five out of the Microsattellites markersamplified, four primers MO1, MO10, MO15 and MO41 were polymorphic in nature while the marker MO6 produced only a monomorphic band.PIC value was highest for the primer MO41 with 0.75 followed by primer MO1 with 0.68 while, the lowest PIC value was recorded by the primer MO15 with 0.11.A total of 19 alleles were produced by the four primers and the number of alleles ranged from two to nine with an average of 4.75 alleles per primer. The maximum number allele frequency was generated by primer MO15 followed by MO10.The gene diversity varied from 0.12 to 0.78 with an average of 0.52, PIC content of the SSR primers ranged from 0.11 to 0.75 with an average of 0.48 with primers MO 41 followed closely by primer MO1 having maximum numbers of allele number, PIC and gene diversity. Hence, the primer pairs MO41and MO1 can be considered in future molecular studies of Moringaoleifera.The Cluster analysis was able to group the thirty one accessions into two main clusters with four sub clusters. Six of the accessions were found to be duplicated or closely related with one or two other accessions having 0.00 genetic distances between them. The clusters were having some accessions grouped based on same area of collection, however there still existed groupings that were not having link with area of collection

Classroom Participation and Study Habit as Predictors of Achievement in Literature-in-English

Monovariate studies have confirmed the positive influence of classroom Participation and Study habit on students’ academic achievement in general. However, the extent to which each of these variables could predict students’ achievement in Literature in English has not being a focus of much research attention. Hence, this study attempted to investigate the extent to which classroom participation and study habits predicted students’ academic achievement in Literature-in-English in selected senior secondary school in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State.Five research questions were raised to guide this study. The study adopted descriptive research design of ex-post facto type. The sample comprised 500 senior secondary school two (SSS2) students from ten selected secondary schools in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State. The three instruments used for data collection were students classroom participation scale (SCPS) (r = 0.79), students study habits questionnaire (SSHQ) (r = 0.76) and Literature-in-English achievement Test (LAT) (r = 0.74). Data collected were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and Multiple Regression Analysis. The results were interpreted at P<.05The results revealed that: there was a significant relationship between classroom participation and students’ achievement in Literature in English (r =.134, df = 498; p<.05); there was no significant relationship between study habits and students’ achievement in Literature in English (r=.042, df= 498; P<.05); there was a significant relative contribution of classroom participation on students’ achievement in Literature in English (β =.131); there was no significant relative contribution of study habits on students’ achievement in Literature in English (β = 0.21); there was a significant composite effect of classroom participation and study habits on students’ achievement in Literature in English (β =.134;F1,498 = 4.663; P <.05). The findings finally indicated that classroom participation was the only variable that predicted students’ achievement in Literature in English. Based on the findings, it was commended that teachers should allow students to contribute and share ideas freely among their colleagues while Curriculum planners should suggest teaching and learning activities that could give room for students’ active participation in class when designing Literature in English curriculum

Enhancing Poetic Literature Instruction Through Stylistic and Thematic Approaches

This study investigated the effects of instruction in stylistic and thematic approaches on students’ achievement in poetic literature. It also determined the moderating effect of gender on students’ achievement in poetry. The study adopted pretest, post test, control group quasi-experimental design. The participants in the study were SS11 students in Akure metropolis. The subjects were randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one control group. The instruments used were Students’ Achievement Test in Poetry (r=0.75), Instructional Guide on Stylistic Approach, Instructional Guide on Thematic Approach, Instructional Guide on the Convention Lecture Method, and Teaching Observational Scale. Three hypotheses were tested at the 0.5 alpha levels. Data were analyzed using means, standard deviation, Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and Scheffe post hoc test.Findings revealed that there was significant main effect of treatment on students’ achievement in poetry (F (2,125) =25.915; P.05. The interaction effect of treatment and gender on students’ achievement in poetry was, however, not significant (F(2,125=.577; P>.05). Based on these findings, it is recommended that teachers should adopt stylistic and thematic approaches in the teaching of poetry in particular and literature in general

Does farmers’ entrepreneurial competencies explain their household poverty status? Evidence from rural areas of Kwara State, Nigeria

Ending poverty in all its forms and in all places by 2030 is number one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, in less than a decade to the time set for actualizing this goal, poverty is still pervasive in Nigeria and more endemic among farmers in rural areas. Entrepreneurship is seen as a veritable tool to alleviate poverty and stimulate economic growth in some developing countries including Nigeria. Howbeit, little is known about the relationship between farmers’ entrepreneurial competencies and poverty. Thus, this study examined the effects of farmers’ entrepreneurial competencies on household poverty status in rural areas of Kwara State, Nigeria. A three-stage sampling procedure was employed in selecting 272 farm households, with at least a member who was engaged in at least one other means of livelihood (enterprise). Data were collected between February and March 2019 and analysed with descriptive statistics, factor analysis, Foster, Greer, and Thorbecke (FGT) weighted poverty indices and probit regression at p = 0.05. At a daily poverty line of $1.90 (₦684.00) per capita, 55.15% of the households were poor. The findings indicate that poverty among farm households varied with their level of entrepreneurial competencies. Perseverance competence significantly increased household poverty, while social competence reduced it. The findings suggest poverty reduction strategies that come directly from farmers’ own initiative and their resilience which is rural focused regardless of other challenges that may exist

Profitability of Watermelon to Farmers in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area of Oyo State

The study analyzed the profitability of watermelon as an alternative crop to the melon the farmers in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area of Oyo state, Nigeria are used to grow traditionally. Unfortunately, melon had remained a poor marketing commodity over a long period of time due to price fluctuation. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and gross margin. Budgetary analysis revealed a profitability of watermelon with gross margin of ₦2.18 is realized for every ₦1 invest on watermelon per hectare. The result of the analysis also showed that total cost was N3254250 and the total revenue was N7109600. This gave a gross margin of N3855350 of watermelon produced it therefore recommended that the local government should acquire more tractors for hiring to the farmers while subsidy is required in other to reduce the cost of land clearing. Finally, government should as a matter of urgency make credit facilities and fertilizer available to farmer, grade and open up more road network that will facilitating easy transportation of farm produce and reduce cost of transportatio