In Defense of the Nigerian Homeland

Recently, Nigeria has experienced various acts of domestic terrorism and kidnapping that may be rooted in many forms of motivations and agitations. These aggressions have resulted in homegrown bloodshed, émigré aggression, or even organized international network assaults against the population. The scourge of these terrorist activities has continued to weaken the Nigerian character or moral fiber. While the government is trying to combat these offenses caused by extremist activities, there are still remedies that have not been implemented prudently or applied properly. In this article, we propose various forms of the repertoire of actions which the government can use to effectively fight and combat terrorism in a democratic Nigeria

Growth and Reproductive Performance of Yankasa Ewes Fed Varying Levels of Dietary Premix

The purpose of this research was to assess the influence of nutritional premix on the growth and reproductive performance of confined Yankasa ewes. The experiment was designed using a Complete Randomized Design (CRD), in which twenty-five (25) Yankasa lambs were randomly assigned to five (5) treatment groups, each with five animals. The animals were randomly assigned to groups based on their weights and given baseline diets and four amounts of premix produced industrially and locally. Throughout the duration, 1 kilogram of basal feed (5 percent of the ewe's body weight) was supplied daily. Dietary premix was fed to the animals at four inclusion levels (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1) in the morning in a restricted area; the amount of feed supplied and left over was recorded daily. The sheep were weighed at the start of the trial and then regularly afterwards. The study's results indicated that dietary interventions had an influence on final weight, total weight increase, and feed conversion ratio (P0.05). However, the dietary treatments had no significant effect on average daily weight increase, total feed intake, or average daily feed intake (P>0.05). Additionally, the findings indicated that when the amount of premix added to the diet rises, the final and total weight gain increases. The findings of T5 vary considerably from those of T1 and T2, but are statistically equivalent to those of T3 and T4. However, animals fed T5 (14.86) exhibited a higher feed conversion ratio (P0.05) than those fed T2 or T1

Performance of Weaner Rabbits (Oryctolagus Cunniculus) Fed Different Levels of Processed Foetid Cassia (Cassia tora) Seed Diets Supplemented with Tridax (Tridax procumbens) Forage

A ten-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate growth and carcass characteristics of forty-eight mixed breeds weaner rabbits. The rabbits were fed different levels of processed Cassia tora seed based diets supplemented with tridax (Tridax procumbens) forage. The rabbits aged about 5 weeks, had an average weight of 500g. They were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments each with three replicates. The processed Cassia tora seeds were milled and included in the diets at 0, 5, 10 and 15% levels, respectively. Data were collected on growth parameters, digestibility, carcass components, organ proportions and some biochemical parameters, (total blood protein, cholesterol and triglyceride levels). Although all the rabbits showed a positive growth rate, dry matter (DM) intake varied significantly (P<0.05) between animals on control diet and those on Cassia tora diets. Rabbits fed the control diet had significantly (P<0.05) reduced performance of feed conversion ratio (FCR), dry matter digestibility (DMD), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and final body weight. Rabbits fed Cassia tora diets also had higher percentage values of most of the cut-up parts and organs except for neck weight percentage, leg and skin proportions which were not significantly different (P>0.05) for all the treatment. The results of the study showed that Cassia tora inclusion at 5 to 15% levels improved rabbits performance and carcass quality. It was concluded that for optimum performance, Cassia tora could be included in the diets of rabbits at upto 15% levels.Keywords: Performance, Weaner rabbits, Cassia tora seed, Tridax forag

Effect of feeding processed Cassia tora seed based diets on growth performance and biochemical indices of weaner rabbits

The effects of feeding Cassia tora seed based diets on the growth performance and biochemical parameters of growing rabbits over a 10 week period was investigated. Four dietary treatments were formulated such that diets 1, 2, 3, and 4 contained 0, 5, 10 and 15% Cassia tora seeds, respectively. Forty-eight mixed breeds weaner rabbits with an average weight of 500g were randomly distributed into four treatment groups in three replicates. Each replicate had 4 rabbits (2 males and 2 females). Chemical composition and anti-nutritional factors of Cassia tora seeds and the diets were determined. Cassia tora seeds were processed using dry heat at temperatures of 800C for 20 minutes. The roasted Cassia tora seeds were milled and included in rabbit diets at 0, 5, 10 and 15% and designated T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. An average daily feed intake of 60g of concentrate diets and 90g of fresh Tridax forage was recorded for the Cassia tora groups, while an average daily feed consumption of 70g of concentrate diet and 95g of Tridax forage was observed for the control group. Data were collected on growth parameters, digestibility, carcass components of the rabbits, organ proportions and  some biochemical parameters. The results showed that Cassia tora seeds contained high levels of phytate, saponins and alkaloids and low levels of cyanogens, tannins and trypsin inhibitor. Rabbits fed the control diet T1 had significantly (P<0.05) reduced performance when compared to the performance (P>0.05) of the rabbits fed Cassia tora diets (T2, T3 and T4). Cassia tora based diets significantly (P<0.05) lowered the serum blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels of the rabbit compared to the control diet. Conversely, the inclusion of Cassia tora seed in rabbit diets significantly (P>0.05) increased the total blood protein contents of rabbits. This study suggests that Cassia tora inclusion at the levels of 5 to 15% improved rabbit growth performance, and lowered blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.Keywords: Rabbits, Growth, Cassia tora seed, Biochemical indice

Comparative evaluation of graded levels of untreated and cellulase and pectinase hydrolyzed corncob based diets on performance, carcass yield, haematological and biochemical parameters of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to compare the effects of feeding graded levels of untreated and cellulase and pectinase hydrolyzed corncob based diets on growth, nutrient digestibility, carcass yield, haematological and biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. Three hundred and fifteen day-old broiler chicks with an average initial body weight of 60g were used for the study. Seven dietary treatments were formulated such that Diet 1 was a control. Diets 2, 3 and 4 contained 5%, 10%, and 15% levels of untreated corncob, while diets 5, 6 and 7 contained cellulase and pectinase hydrolyzed corncob at 5%, 10% and 15% levels respectively. The birds were randomly distributed into seven treatment groups in three replicates and each replicate had fifteen birds. Crushed corncobs were pretreated with NaOH to remove the lignin contents and later subjected to locally produced cellulase and pectinase enzymes for the degradation of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) for five days. Proximate analyses of untreated corncobs, cellulase and pectinase hydrolyzed corncob, standard diet, diets containing untreated corncobs and diets containing cellulase and pectinase treated corncobs were carried out to determine the nutrient composition of the ingredients and feeds. Data obtained from Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, haematological and serum biochemical profile as well as carcass yield were determined in a 2x4 factorial arrangement. Feeding regime was twice daily for all the treatment groups while diets and water were supplied to birds ad libitum. The results showed that at the end of week eight when the experiment was terminated, the broilers placed on untreated corncob diets consumed higher quantities (2497.28 g) of feed than birds placed on enzyme treated diets (2142.94 g) and conversely recorded lower performance indices in all parameters measured. The result also showed that as the levels of untreated corncob diets increased, the final body weight of birds (1450.00 g) significantly (P<0.05) reduced when compared to 2385.33g obtained for enzyme treated birds. The result equally showed that broilers fed hydrolyzed corncob diets had significantly higher (P<0.05) and better performance in terms of feed conversion efficiency (0.67 as compared to 0.50) in the untreated birds, protein efficiency ratio (4.17 as compared to 1.69) in the untreated birds, feed conversion ratio (1.21 as compared to 2.70) in the untreated birds, nutrient digestibility, final body weight, dressed carcass percentage (80.22 as compared to 73.93%) in the untreated birds and carcass cuts when compared to broilers fed untreated corncob diets. Enzyme treated corncob diets significantly (P< 0.05) lowered the blood cholesterol levels (1.85 g/dL as compared to 2.15 g/dL) in the untreated birds and also improved other haematological indices measured in the birds compared to the control broilers. Generally, broilers fed enzyme hydrolyzed corncob diets performed better with birds fed 15.00% enzyme treated corncob diets having the highest and the best performance record which could be attributed to better utilization of nutrients since the enzymes have hydrolyzed the nutrient releasing monomers and hence are better metabolized. It is concluded that feeding broilers with enzyme hydrolyzed corn cob at the levels 5 to15.0 % improved performance and carcass values. In addition, it elevated albumin, globulin, total protein, Aspartate amino transaminase (AST) and Alanine amino transaminase (ALT) levels in the blood

Effects of cellulase and pectinase hydrolyzed corncob based diets on performance and carcass yield of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to assess the effects of feeding locally produced cellulase and pectinase hydrolyzed corncob based diets on performance and carcass characteristics of one day-old chicks with initial average body weight of 60g ± 1.25. Corncobs were pretreated with NaOH to remove the lignin contents and later hydrolyzed. The degradation of the high fibre components was done for five days using locally produced cellulase and pectinase enzymes. Completely Randomized Design was the experimental design. Four experimental diets (T1, T2, T3 and T4) were formulated in all. The first diet (T1) was a standard diet that did not contain corncob and served as the control, while other three diets (T2, T3 and T4) had cellulase and pectinase hydrolyzed corncobs at 5, 10 and 15 % levels respectively. Each treatment had 45 chickens divided equally to three replicates while each replicate had fifteen birds. Diets and water were given ad libitum. The chickens had positive growth rate. However, dry matter (DM) intake varied significantly (P<0.05) in chickens on control diets and those on enzyme treated corncob diets. Birds on control diets consumed higher (2273.38 g ± 83.41) feeds than those on enzyme treated diets (2142.94g) but had lower performance indices in all parameters measured at the end of the eight week feeding trial. Broilers fed hydrolyzed corncob based diets had significantly (P<0.05) higher and better performance in terms of feed conversion efficiency (0.82 compared with 0.48 ± 0.09) in control chicks. Protein efficiency ratio (4.17 compared with 1.69 ± 0.94) in chickens on control diet, dry matter digestibility and final body weight of (2383.38g compared 1666.67g ± 41.67). Chickens fed enzyme treated corncob diets also had higher dressing percentage (80.22% versus 73.93% ± 0.71) higher, cut-up parts and organ proportions. The result showed that locally produced cellulase and pectinase hydrolyzed corncob diets at 5 to 15 % levels improved broilers performance and carcass quality. It was concluded that for optimum performance, enzyme treated corncob could be included in diets of broiler chickens up to 15 % level.Keywords: Performance, Broiler chickens, Corncob, Cellulase and Pectinas

Application of path coefficient analysis in assessing the relationship between growth-related traits in indigenous Nigerian sheep (Ovis aries) of Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract. Indigenous Nigerian sheep raised under extensive management were evaluated with the aim of assessing variability among body weight and body measurement traits thereby deducing components that best describe the relationship using path coefficient analysis. The parameters measured were body weight (BW), body length (BL), head length (HL), head width (HW), height at withers (HAW), chest depth (CD), chest girth (CG) and shin circumference (SC). Pair wise correlation between body weight and body measurements were positive and significant (r = 0.475 – 0.655 in males, 0.262 – 0.449 in females, and 0.336 – 0.509 in the combined population, P<0.01). Path analysis showed that shin circumference and chest depth had the greatest direct effect on body weight in male, female and the combined population (path coefficient = 0.250, 0.252 and 0.250, respectively) while the least direct effect was observed for head width (in male and female with path coefficient = 0.007 and -0.017, respectively), and height at withers in the combined population (path coefficient = -0.020). Percentage direct contribution to body weight was 6.25, 6.35 and 6.25% from shin circumference (male), chest depth (in female and the combined population 2 respectively). The optimum linear regression models with coefficient of determination (R ) value of 0.45, 0.31 and 0.37 included forecast indices such as chest depth and shin circumference in males, body length, head length and chest depth in females and the combined population, respectivel

Wet and Dry Season Effects on Select Soil Nutrient Contents of Upland Farms in North Bank Region of the Gambia

Abstract The study was conducted in three villages of North Bank Region of the Gambia in 2013 and 2014. We examined wet and dry season effects on select soil nutrient contents of upland farms in North Bank Region of the Gambia. The objective was to evaluate changes in soil nutrient contents in both wet and dry seasons. Soil samples were collected from three RCBD upland fields with three replications at a depth of 0 -15 cm and analyzed for pH, Soil Organic Carbon (SOC), and soil moisture content. The gravimetric method of moisture estimation was used. The results showed that soil moisture content, soil TN, and soil pH are significantly different (P &lt; 0.05) during the two seasons. There was no significant difference in SOC between the two seasons in the study area. The study concluded that soil nutrients were more readily available during the wet season than during the dry season probably because there is more soil moisture available in the wet season that facilitates soil nutrient release. The study concludes that soil moisture has to be available in order for some select soil nutrients to be released for plant uptake

Performance of Six Generations on Two Rice Crosses under Submergence Stress and Non-stress Conditions

Submergence tolerance has long been regarded as an important breeding objective for rain-fed lowland and deep water rice area. Despite this recognition, there has been limited success in developing rice with improved submergence tolerance in Africa. The present research was aimed at assessing performance of crosses under submergence stressed and non-stressed conditions in Nigeria. Six generations of the crosses were evaluated under optimum and submerged conditions in a complete randomized block design with three replications. Submergence screening was performed in controlled conditions that allowed flooding at a water depth of 1.0 meter for a period of 14 days.&nbsp; The results revealed that significant difference among the generations of the two crosses evaluated. The observed survival rate (%) in Cross I of the generations ranged between 0.00% - 100% while in Cross II, it ranged between 0.00% and 95.24%. The Phenotypic Coefficients of Variation (PCV) and the Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) for 100 grain weight were moderate to high under the two conditions. Low to moderate PCV and GCV coefficients of variation were observed for the grain width and grain length under both conditions in the two crosses. High heritability (0.96% respectively) and high genetic advance as percentage of mean were recorded for the grain yield and grain weight in the two crosses. The variability observed among the generations was optimum however, advancement of the segregating generations coupled with adequate selection criteria could lead to identification of superior and stable genotypes for farmers’ use