Evaluation of physical characteristics of chevon as affected by post-mortem carcass dressing and freezing preservation

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of post-mortem dressing methods and freezing preservation on the physical characteristics of chevon. Twenty-seven Red-Sokoto male goats between 10 and 12 months of age weighing 18–20 kg were purchased, stabilized and slaughtered. The carcasses were randomly allotted to three post-mortem dressing procedures (scalding, skinning and singeing) and meat from thigh cuts was frozen for 0, 7, 14 and 21 days. Meat samples were excised each day after thawing for physical analysis and data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) in a completely randomized design experiment with 3x4 factorial arrangement. The significant means were separated with the Duncan multiple range test at p<0.05. The results showed that the post-mortem dressing methods and freezing affected Red-Sokoto chevon significantly with the singeing method exerting the highest detrimental effects on physical attributes of meat with the exception of color, yield and pH, while the skinning method exerted the least detrimental effects. Also, cold, cooking and drip losses as well as thermal shortening, cold shortening and pH values increased between the 14th and 21st day, while color, yield, water holding capacity, texture and shear force values decreased across the three treatments during freezing periods. The effects were more significant in singed and scalded meat than in skinned chevon. It was recommended, therefore, that skinning method be encouraged if meat from Red-sokoto male goats is to be frozen and the period of freezing be limited to 14 days for wholesome meat

Influence Of Automated Cataloguing System On Manual Cataloguing System In The Library: A Case Study Of Selected Academic Libraries In South-West, Nigeria

This study examied the automation of cataloguing and classification practices in academic libraries in South-West Nigerian and what effect the automated cata/o~uin~ systme has on manual catalo~uin~ in the the libraries. The stifdv population 1 comprised II 0 library professional and paraprofessional personnel working in the cataloguing section oft he {en jetJeral and state university libraries in South-West Nigeria. Total enumeration technique was used to randomly se,fect the study population for this study. Data for this study was collected using questionnaire. A 5-point Likert scale were' used with 1-5 representing 'strongly agree', 'agree', 'undecided', . 'disagree' and 'strongly disagree ' respectively, ·to e/idit information .from the respondents. A total of II 0 copies of the questionnaires were distributed to the respondents. 85 copies of the questionnaires were retrieved and valid for analysis. Data were analysed using charts, table, frequencies, percentage, mean and standard deviation. The result of the study find out that automation is. changing positively the way bibliographic details are being created and displayed. Cataloguing is now quicker with the automated system and that automated system is preferred to the manoa/ system. The study highlighted various benefits of cataloguing automation such as automation · improve inter-personal relationship, saves time, easy feedback/rom library user, etc.The study recommends that libraries should not be satisfied with the little benefits derived from the partial automation of the cataloguing and other sections of the libraries but should fully automate the systems and continuously upgrade the automated systems especially as technology unfol

Entomophagy — An evaluation of quality and acceptability of Raphia palm weevil larvae (Rhynchophorus phoenicis) as influenced by thermal processing methods

In this study, the quality and acceptability factor of Raphia palm weevil larvae (Rhynchophorus phoenicis) as influenced by different thermal processing methods were investigated. Raphia palm weevil larvae (n=1000) were randomly distributed into four groups of 250 larvae per group according to a treatment, namely: T1 = boiling (100 °C), T2 = roasting (120 °C) T3 = frying (160 °C) and T4 = oven-drying (180 °C). All treatments lasted 20 minutes. Analyses were carried out to determine the physical, chemical, vitamin and mineral composition, and microbial load. In addition, sensory characteristics were evaluated. Weevil larvae processed by the boiling method had the highest cooking yield (97.59%), water holding capacity (21.78%) and the lowest cooking loss (2.41%). The protein and fat content was higher in weevil larvae processed by frying (37.63% and 17.70%, respectively), while moisture was lowest (18.68%) in oven-dried larvae. The calcium, magnesium and phosphorus content was higher in oven-dried larvae, while there were no significant differences in iron, manganese, zinc and vitamins in the processed larvae irrespective of the methods. Boiled larvae had a higher microbial load, while fried and oven-dried larvae had the lowest microbial load. Fried larvae elicited highest sensory characteristics except tenderness, which was higher in boiled larvae, but fried larvae had higher overall acceptability than those processed by other methods. Therefore, it has been shown that the frying method is an appropriate method of processing Raphia palm weevil larvae for enhanced quality and acceptability.In this study, the quality and acceptability factor of Raphia palm weevil larvae (Rhynchophorus phoenicis) as influenced by different thermal processing methods were investigated. Raphia palm weevil larvae (n=1000) were randomly distributed into four groups of 250 larvae per group according to a treatment, namely: T1 = boiling (100 °C), T2 = roasting (120 °C) T3 = frying (160 °C) and T4 = oven-drying (180 °C). All treatments lasted 20 minutes. Analyses were carried out to determine the physical, chemical, vitamin and mineral composition, and microbial load. In addition, sensory characteristics were evaluated. Weevil larvae processed by the boiling method had the highest cooking yield (97.59%), water holding capacity (21.78%) and the lowest cooking loss (2.41%). The protein and fat content was higher in weevil larvae processed by frying (37.63% and 17.70%, respectively), while moisture was lowest (18.68%) in oven-dried larvae. The calcium, magnesium and phosphorus content was higher in oven-dried larvae, while there were no significant differences in iron, manganese, zinc and vitamins in the processed larvae irrespective of the methods. Boiled larvae had a higher microbial load, while fried and oven-dried larvae had the lowest microbial load. Fried larvae elicited highest sensory characteristics except tenderness, which was higher in boiled larvae, but fried larvae had higher overall acceptability than those processed by other methods. Therefore, it has been shown that the frying method is an appropriate method of processing Raphia palm weevil larvae for enhanced quality and acceptability

Effect of Information Utilization on Decision-Making by Senior Managers : A Case Study

organisations for competitive edge. While many Nigerian government establishments have continued to invest on information systems and technologies little is known on the effect of such systems on the organisation. The study therefore, investigated the effects of information utilisation on decision-making of senior managers in two federal government establishments in Abuja, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was used for the study; the questionnaire was the instrument used while the managers in two selected federal government establishments in Abuja constituted the population for the study and the simple random sampling technique was made use of. Out of the two hundred (200) copies of questionnaire distributed in the two federal government establishments, one hundred and fifty-seven (78.5%) were returned with valid responses. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistic, specifically frequencies, mean, cross tabulation as well as percentages and standard deviation. The findings revealed that 115 (73.2%) use information at least weekly, administrative information and planning, monitoring and evaluation information were the most frequently information utilized by managers for decision making. 148(94.3%) agreed that information enhances effective decision-making, 118(75.1%) managers agreed that the major challenge was the scarcity of factual information The on-site assessment revealed that a very high number of senior managers do not visit the library, one of the establishments did not have a library as at when this study was carried out. On the overall, it was revealed that the managers faced challenges in the use of information to support decision making. The study recommends that government/organization should establish an information center and stock it with relevant resources in all Federal Government Establishments to equip the senior managers and all staff with quality information to enhance their decision making effectivenes

Information sources for decision making by senior managers in two Federal Government parastatals in Nigeria

This paper focused on information sources used for decision making by managers in the National Sport Commission (NSC) and Corporate Affair Commission (CAC) Abuja, Nigeria. Information is widely believed as the raw materials upon which decisions are made. It is also a critical resource that affects individual as well as organization. Senior managers shoulder the responsibility of formulating policies that organization needs for the smooth running of their individuals establishments. The quality of decision made is also dependent on how current the sources of information utilized to make it. Much of policies formulated for national development have little or no positive impact today, as a result of sources of information consulted to make such a decision. The descriptive survey design was used for the study. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the population for the study. The study found that 53.5% of the sampled population falls between the ages of 41-50. Male respondents were more than their female counterpart. The larger percentages of the respondents are degree holder. The sources of information mostly used for decision making by the senior managers includes reports, minutes of meetings, internal memoranda, policies files among many others, while newsletters, library and information centers, textbooks, official bulletins and journals are sparingly consulted. Senior manger also uses information to carry out day-to-day routines, for decision making effectiveness, appointments and promotion issues and to stay up-to-date with current affair issues. It was also noted that senior manager are not enjoying library services in their various establishments. The study recommends that library services be improved upon in Federal parastatal

Implementing core outcomes in kidney disease: report of the Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology (SONG) implementation workshop

There are an estimated 14,000 randomized trials published in chronic kidney disease. The most frequently reported outcomes are biochemical endpoints, rather than clinical and patient-reported outcomes including cardiovascular disease, mortality, and quality of life. While many trials have focused on optimizing kidney health, the heterogeneity and uncertain relevance of outcomes reported across trials may limit their policy and practice impact. The international Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology (SONG) Initiative was formed to identify core outcomes that are critically important to patients and health professionals, to be reported consistently across trials. We convened a SONG Implementation Workshop to discuss the implementation of core outcomes. Eighty-two patients/caregivers and health professionals participated in plenary and breakout discussions. In this report, we summarize the findings of the workshop in two main themes: socializing the concept of core outcomes, and demonstrating feasibility and usability. We outline implementation strategies and pathways to be established through partnership with stakeholders, which may bolster acceptance and reporting of core outcomes in trials, and encourage their use by end-users such as guideline producers and policymakers to help improve patient-important outcomes

Effects of four different additives on organoleptic characteristics of Red Sokoto and West African Dwarf buck meat

No Abstract JOAFSS Vol. 4 (1) 2006: pp.175-18

Performance, Carcass and Meat Characteristics of West African Dwarf Rams Given Water Contaminated With Used Engine Oil

This study was conducted to determine the effect of giving water contaminated with used engine oil on performance, carcass and meat characteristics of West African Dwarf (WAD) rams. 15 WAD rams about 10 months old were used. They were grouped into 5 balanced for weight. Used engine oil was collected from an Auto mechanic workshop in Ayetoro Yewa Ogun state and mixed to 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20ml with one litre of clean water at 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% designated T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. The rams were assigned to these treatment groups in a completely randomized design experiment and were given the contaminated water for 13 weeks. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at p=0.05. The results showed that nutrient intake was higher, while water intake decreased (p<0.05) as the level of used engine oil in water increased, nitrogen intakes and urinary nitrogen decreased (p<0.05) as well as nitrogen retention. Although weight gain increased (p<0.05) feed efficiency decreased (p<0.05). Carcass primal cuts and meat characteristics decreased except cooking yield and water holding capacity as used engine oil increased in the given water. It was therefore, recommended that used engine oil should not be allowed to flow freely into the surrounding water bodies where grazing animals may consume it as this may lead to reduction in their water intake which can affect the health of the animals and increased feed intake can affect profit margin of the farmers

Comparative Effects of Breed and Sex on Carcass and Organ Profiles of Duck (Anas plantrynychos) and Guinea Fowl (Numidia meleagris) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

arcass and organs characteristics of two breeds and sexes of poultry which include Duck and Guinea fowl (GF) were investigated. A total of twenty four matured birds with twelve from each breed were used for this study in a 2 × 2 (Breed × Sex) factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. The birds were slaughtered in batches of four properly bled, defeathered and dressed, the carcasses and organs weighed. The birds carcasses were chilled at 4 ºC for 24hrs prior to fabrication into primal cuts. The results showed that duck had higher (P<0.05) carcass and organs weight and percentages than GF, also males irrespective of the breed gave higher (P<0.05) carcass and organs weight and percentages than their female counterparts. At interaction level male ducks still gave higher (P<0.05) cut-up parts weight and percentages than female, while female GF elicited higher (P<0.05) primal cuts weight and percentages. It was observed from this study that Duck and GF carcass and organs cut-up parts were heavy enough to supply needed protein like chicken. These birds can therefore, be integrated into commercial poultry production to make animal protein more available to consumers

Growth response and cost benefits of growing pigs to different herbal-mix feed additives and weight asymmetry

This study was carried out to investigate growth performance and cost benefits of growing pigs on different herbal-mix feed additives and weight asymmetry. Fifty-four, 8 weeks old Large White breed of pigs with an average body weight of 15.33±0.2 kg were randomly assigned to nine treatments with each treatment consisting of three replicates of two pigs each. Three diets containing different herbal-mix (Control diet without herbal-mix, moringa-basil meal diet, neem-basil meal diet) were formulated and fed to the pigs for sixteen weeks duration of the study. The moringa-basil and neem-basil leaf meals mixtures were in the ratio of 10 to 2; that is ten percent (10%) moringa or neem to two percent (2%) basil. Parameters determined include growth indices and cost benefits. Data collected were subjected to two-way analysis of variance using SAS (2000). Pigs on control diet had the highest final weight (49. 44, 43.22, 40.67 kg) and daily weight gain (515.87, 401.59, 388.89 g/pig) and the best feed conversion ratio (3.56, 4.59, 4.23) when compared to the values documented for pigs on ration containing different herbal-mix feed additives. The least total feed cost and revenue per pig were noted for pigs on neem-basil dietary treatment while the highest values were documented for pigs on control ration. Homogenous light weight pigs had higher feed intake and total feed cost per pigs when compared to other values noted for pigs on other treatment groups. Heterogeneous weight pigs recorded better feed conversion ratio, lower feed cost per kilogram weight gain and higher gross margin values when compared to the values noted for their homogenous counterparts. It can be concluded from this study that performance indices of growing pigs were affected by the dietary inclusion of herbal-mix feed additives and weight asymmetry. Hence, herbal-mix leaf meals can be integrated into growers ration in order to lower production cost, likewise, unevenly weight growing pigs can be managed together in order to obtain higher production efficiency in terms of feed intake and cost of production.&nbsp