Comparative Phytonutrients Analysis and Proximate Constituents of few Accessions of Nigerian and Indian Eggplant (Solanum species)

Vegetable plants contain appreciable amount of bioactive components that may provide desirable well-being merits beyond primary nutrition. It also provide major role in preventing numerous chronic diseases. Therefore, this study compared the morphological, nutritional and phytonutrients parameters of some accessions of Nigerian and Indian Eggplants in a Completely Randomized design model. The Nigerian accessions are namely: NG/MR/MAY/09/007; NGB01309 and NHGB/09/136 collected from NACGRAB, Ibadan, Nigeria while the Indian accessions are NISHA improved and PINK collected from Authorized Agency, India. The results revealed a significant difference in the germination percentage with Indian species recorded between 80 and 90% as against between 50 and 70% noted for Nigerian species. Average plant height at 90 days for India samples was 33cm, 30cm for Nisha and Pink respectively while Nigerian samples was significantly high in height (48.3cm, 21cm and 36.3cm for NG/MR/MAY/09/007, NGB01309 and NHGB/09/136 respectively). With the exception of NGB01309 other Nigerians samples were superior (P<0.05) to the Indian sample. The phytochemicals of the leaves and fruits (Flavonoid, Cardiac glycosides, Alkaloids, Saponins, Tannins and Phytates) reported herein was greater in all Nigerian samples. Nutritionally, the Indian samples were superior in all the parameters (% Starch, Protein and Crude fibre) examined. The availability of more phytonutrients in Nigerian accession relates to more and better prevention of cardiovascular, stroke, Alzheimer and cancer diseases as well as ageing. In conclusion the accessions showed their potentials as a good source for use as nutraceuticals so as to promote general health, control symptoms and check malignant diseases. Keywords: Solanum species, phytochemicals, morphology, nutritional valu

Nutritional qualities of corn cob and waste paper incubated with edible mushroom

Studies were conducted to evaluate corn cob and waste paper cultured with edible mushroom (Pleurotus sajor) as a mean of improving their nutritive value for livestock animals. Waste paper and corn cob were 14.2 and 47.7% DM respectively. Crude fibre degradation was 25.0% for corn cob and 7.21% for waste paper which was intermediate to 34.0 and 10.30% of the untreated samples. Digestibility of the fungus treated paper and corn cob were assessed using 24 Wistar Albino rats. Dry matter digestibility of the paper and the corn cob were improved by incubating with the mushroom with an increase of 30 and 40% waste paper and corn cob respectively. The crude protein digestibility and crude fibre digestibility were improved by incubation with mushroom compared with untreated samples. It was concluded that such biodegradation and the concurrent 30.2 and 27.8 percentage unit increases in crude protein digestibility of corn cob and waste paper may in fact improve the nutritive value for livestock with no detriment to the health (organ and blood of the animals. Keywords: Nutritional qualities, waste paper, corn cob, Pleurotus sajor caj

Short Communication- Conversion of masonia tree sawdust and cotton plant by product into feed by white rot fungus (Pleurotus sajor caju )

The influence of fungus treatment on the biochemical composition and degradation patter of sawdust and cotton plant by-products (cotton burns and cotton gin trash) by Pleurotus sajor caju   were evaluated. Lignin degradation increased as the incubation period progressed while the highest loss of hemicellulose, cellulose, acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre were recorded for treated cotton plant by-product. The nutrient availability was superior in the fungus treated cotton plant by-product substrate compared to the treated sawdust. The process efficiency was highest for the treated sawdust than the treated cotton plant by-product, while the loss of organic matter was similar in the cotton plant by-product and sawdust. Correlation between the dry matter of the treated sawdust and cotton plant by-product gave a positive response. It is concluded that such biodelignification and the concurrent percentages increase in nutrient availability indicate that culturing of P. sajor caju on cotton plant byproduct ands saw dust may in fact improve the nutritive value of such lignocellulosic waste

Distribution of protein fraction in the milk of West African dwarf goat

Milks from lactating West African dwarf goat and white Fulani cow were analysed for total protein, casein, whey protein, non protein nitrogen, Globulin and albumin and proteose peptone contents. Milk samples were from healthy goats and cows (n=24) in mid-lactation. The data were grouped and analysed as treatment 1 (Goat milk) and treatment 2 (cow milk). The average casein nitrogen, globulin and albumin, non-protein in nitrogen, whey nitrogen and proteose peptone were 0.4034, 0.0574, 0.0563, 0.0225 and 0.0225g/ 100ml for goat milk respectively and 0.414, 0.0572, 0.030, 0.0212 and 0.0219 g/ 100ml for cow milk respectively. In total nitrogen (g/100ml) goat milk ranked 0.56 to 0.54 cow milk. Goat milk also ranked higher in casein nitrogen, protein nitrogen and non-casein nitrogen. Milk differed also in the casein number with higher casein number reported for cow milk. This study revealed the protein fraction of West African dwarf goat milk with special attention on the whey nitrogen since milk supplied to the market in Nigeria is intended for fluid consumption due to little or no cheese industry

Comparison of the Mineral Content and Apparent Biological Value of Milk from Human, Cow and Goat.

The mineral content and apparent biological value (ABV) of milk from Human (T1), White Fulani (Bunaji) cow (T2) and West African dwarf goats (T3) (n=10) were assessed following a completely randomised design model and covariance analysis respectively. Concentration per million (ppm) were 210, 150 and 52 Na, (goat, human and cow milk) while potassium content was similar (P>0.05) in human (1.60) and goat (1.55) milk compared to that of cow milk. Quantity of Ca, Mg, P, Fe, Cu and Mn were higher in goat and human milk. They were lowest in cow milk: 4.03, 0.92, 1.07, 0.25 and 1.59ppm respectively. In these three treatments, the respective ratios Ca.P-1 were 4.2:1 (T1), 4.4:1 (T2) and 4.6:1 (T3) while Ca.Mg-1 and P.Mg-1 were decreased from 3.9 (cow milk) to 1.9 (human milk) and 0.89 (cow milk) to 0.45 (human milk). In conclusion, the milk of goat (West African dwarf) which contained more of these mineral contents similar to that of human milk, is a pointer to the nutritional contribution of goat milk in a country like Nigeria where prevailing undernourishment and malnutrition are accompanied by low intake of some minerals and vitamins among the populace and most especially the vulnerable (pregnant, lactating mothers, infants and weanlings and the sick) groups

Some nutritional and toxicological studies of Jatropha curcas seed meal in poultry nutrition

Combined physical, chemical and biochemical methods were used to process virgin seed meal of Jatropha curcas into Treated Jatropha Seed Meal (TJSM). 5 % TJSM processed by the various methods was included in test diets 2 to 6 which were fed to cockerel chicks at hatch compared to a maize-soybean conventional diet (diet 1). 144-olympiad cockerel chicks were used in a single factor design experiment and fed ad libitum the six experimental diets for a period of one month. Dietary performance traits gave no significant differences in feed consumption and weight gain on the test diets relative to the control diet (p > 0.05). However, significant difference was recorded on feed efficiency between the reference diet and the test diets whereby the test diets gave less efficiency compared with the control (p < 0.05). Highest mortality rate (83 %) was observed on the diet with JSM which was boiled, roasted and fermented. The biochemical determinants measured on the Jatropha based diets were comparable with those of the conventional diet (p > 0.05) except the value on the blood cholesterol level which was elevated on the Jatropha containing diets (p < 0.05). Also, no significant differences were recorded on AST and ALP activities between the control and test diets (p > 0.05) except the activity of ALT (p < 0.05) which increased on diets with the treated Jatropha. Parameters investigated on haematological parameters such as PCV, RBC and Hb were not significantly affected by dietary treated JSM compared to these values on the control diet (p > 0.05). Similar non-significant effect of dietary treated JSM was observed on the WBC differential counts (p > 0.05). It was established in this study that inclusion of 5 % treated Jatropha seed meal had no deleterious effects on poultry. Further researches are recommended to investigate the acceptability of treated JSM at higher inclusion levels in poultry or other livestock.Keywords: JSM, cockerels, performance, biochemical and haematological indice

Effects of Concentrate Supplementation on Performance Characteristics of Goats Challenged with Trypanosoma brucei

The influence of concentrate-feed supplementation on dry matter and nutrient intake and digestibility, nitrogen retention and body weight gain in goats challenged with trypanosomiasis was studied. Sixteen male West African Dwarf (WAD) goats (7.32 ± 0.70 kg) inoculated with 1.5 × 106 Trypanosoma brucei were divided into four treatment groups each of four replicates in a 56-day, completely randomized design experiment. Treatments consisted of varying intake levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 g/head/day) of a maize-based concentrate supplement (19.72 %; CP) to basal Panicum maximum hay (10.81 %; CP). Dry matter intake (g/head/day) of 211.77 ± 2.66, 215.14 ± 7.25, 253.28 ± 5.23, and 275.96 ± 3.65 obtained for goats fed supplement at 0, 50, 100 and 150 g/head/day respectively were different. Coefficient of crude protein or crude fibre digestibility was higher (p < 0.05) for goats fed the concentrate supplement at 100 or 150 g/head/day level than for those fed at 50 g/head/day or the control. Differences in feed nutrient intake and digestibility caused gradual improvement (p < 0.05) in body weight gain (g/head/day) from 8.39 ± 0.21 in the un-supplemented group to 18.21 ± 0.42 in goats fed concentrate supplement at 150 g/head/day. The results indicated a positive influence of concentrate supplementation on ability of the goats infected with trypanosomiasis to consume and digest feed nutrients for body weight gain. The 100 g /head/day level of supplementation was considered adequate

Prospective Jatropha Curcas based Firms in Nigeria. How Viable?

This study examined the viability of prospective Jatropha based firms vis–a-vis employment opportunities in Nigeria, specifically the study identified the Jatropha bio-diesel and other allied products that were been researched into in Nigeria, estimated the costs and returns structure to Jatropha cultivation and the production of Jatropha based products. For the study, small scale Jatropha based firms were investigated. The results of the study revealed that Jatropha based products manufactured include bio-diesel, Jatropha kernel cake livestock feed, Jatropha ink pigment and dye, glycerine and Jatropha seeds-coat cement sheet and floor tiles. All the various parts of the Jatropha seeds are useful either for one or two of these products. Jatropha cultivation, was shown to be very profitable. Among Jatropha products, only the costs of the biodiesel Jatropha fuel is relative expensive when compared with the common fossil diesel. Based on the study findings, the study calls for the mobilisation of the Nigerian farmers to cultivate Jatropha, Alongside training to intimate the masses of the numerous products and benefits from Jatropha is necessary. They should be trained to manufacture simple Jatropha based necessities like those highlighted in the study. Market accessibility training to farmers and other stakeholders involved should also be embedded in the training. There is also the need to popularize the practicality of using Jatropha to produce these products via workshops and seminars. It is also necessary to step-up steps at introducing these products to the markets so as to enhance the marketability and competitiveness of the Jatropha based firms. Government and also other individuals and stake-holders need ensure the availability of supporting infrastructures for these small holder industries to thrive in the long-run