Response of onion (Allium cepa L.) to plant population and weed control methods in a chicken weed (Portulaca quadrifida L.) infested field In Sudan Savanna, Nigeria

Chicken weed is a significant weed in India and it occurs under onion cultivated field at Birnin Kebbi in the Sudan Savannah, Nigeria. On-farm experiment was conducted at Birnin Kebbi during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 dry season to evaluate the effect of plant population and weed control methods on the management of chicken weed (Portulaca quadrifida) alongside other weeds in onion field. The experiment consisted of three plant populations (500,000, 333,333 and 250,000 plants per hectare) and twelve weed control methods (Pendimethalin at 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1, + 1Hw; pendimethalin at 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1 + fluazifop-p-butyl at 2.0 kg a.i. ha-1; pendimethalin at 2.0 kg a.i. ha-1; butachlor at 2.0 kg a.i. ha-1 + 1Hw; butachlor at 2.8 kg a.i. ha-1 + oxyfluorfen at 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1; butachlor at 3.6 kg a.i. ha-1; fluazifop-p-butyl at 2.0 kg a.i. ha-1; oxyfluorfen at 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 + 1Hw; hoe weeding at 3 (WAT); hoe weeding at 3 and 6 WAT; weed free and weedy check). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete Block design replicated three times. Results showed that weed, growth and yield parameters were not significantly affected by plant population. Pendimethalin at 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1 + fluazifop-p-butyl at 2.0 kg a.i. ha-1 and weed free plots consistently recorded the lowest weed cover and highest weed control efficiency. Butachlor at 2.0 kg a.i. ha-1 + 1 Hw recorded the lowest crop injury score. Increase in plant height was observed when pendimethalin at 1.0 and 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1 + 1 Hw and fluazifop-p-butyl at 2.0 kg a.i. ha-1 respectively was applied, while application of pendimethalin at 2.0 kg a.i. ha-1 and butachlor at 2.0 kg a.i. ha-1 + 1 Hw recorded highest number of leaves and leaf area. Cured bulb and marketable bulb yield were greater with the use of pendimethalin and butachlor at 1.0 and 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1 + 1 Hw and the pooled data respectively. Application of pendimethalin and butachlor at the rate of 1.0 and 2.0 kg a.i. ha-1 followed by 1 Hw at 6 WAT respectively was therefore recommended for the control of chicken weed alongside other weed species in the ecolog

Haematological Response and Blood Chemistry of Yankasa Rams Fed Graded Levels of Tamarindus indica (Tamarind) Leaves

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of graded levels of tamarind leaves (Tamarindus indica) based diets on the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of Yankasa rams. Twelve (12) rams with an average weight of 17.4 kg were allotted to three treatments. The treatments evaluated were 0%, 15% and 30% inclusion levels of the test ingredient in a Randomized Complete Block Design. The diets were iso-nitrogenous and the trial lasted for eight (8) weeks. Effect of the diets on haematology, serum chemistry and serum electrolytes were determined. The results reveal no significant difference (P> 0.05) in packed cell volume, red blood cell, haemoglobin, urea, total proteins, creatinine and the serum electrolytes between control and study animals. However, significant increases (P< 0.05) were obtained in the globulin (3.95, 4.05 and 4.45 g/dl for 0%, 15% and 30% inclusion levels respectively) and cholesterol levels (2.70, 3.20 and 3.60 mmol/l respectively) with increase in T. indica leaves. It is concluded that inclusion of tamarind leaves in the diet of Yankasa rams had no deleterious effect on the haematological parameters evaluated. It is recommended that further study on the feeding potential of T. indica be conducted on other species of livestock to ascertain the feeding value of same

Performance of growing Yankasa rams Fed graded levels of Tamarindus indica leaves

A feeding trial which lasted eight (8) weeks was carried out to determine the intake and nutrient digestibility by growing Yankasa rams fed graded levels of Tamarindus indica leaves. Twelve Yankasa rams with average liveweight of 17.40kg were randomly allocated to three treatments of four replicates in a Randomized Complete Block Design. The experimental diets formulated were A (0%), B (15%) and C (30%) inclusion levels of the test ingredient. The results revealed that animals fed 0% inclusion level (Control diet) had higher DMI, EEI and CFI, which varied significantly (P<0.05) between the treatments. The animals fed 30% inclusion level of T, indica had significantly (PO.05) higher Crude Protein i!05.88gday) and Nitrogen Free Extract Intake (319.14g/day) compared to other treatments. All the digestibility indices except ash digestibility varied significantly (P<0.05) across the treatments. The crude fibre digestibility, ether extract digestibility and dry matter digestibilities were significantly higher (PO.05) in the animals fed 0% inclusion level compared to other treatments. However, crude protein digestibility and nitrogen free extract digestibilities were significantly (P<0.05) higher in. treatment with 30% inclusion of T. indica leaves compared to other treatment means. It is concluded that T. indica improves protein content of feed. It is therefore recommended that feeding trials be conducted using T. indica leaves to ascertain the nutritive value and its suitability as feedstuff for small ruminants particularly during feed scarcity for improved performance and productivity.Key words: Tamarindus indica, Yankasa, Intake, Digestibilit

Influence of inorganic fertilizer and spacing on growth and yield of two maize cultivars under Striga hermonthica infestation

Field experiment was conducted during the 2013 rainy season at Lapai and Mokwa in the Southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria, to evaluate the reactions of maize cultivars to nitrogen and intra-row spacing in a Striga hermonthica infested field. The treatments consisted of two maize cultivar (Local (kabako) and SAMMAZ 16), four levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg N ha-1) and three intra-row spacing (20, 25 and 30 cm). The treatments were factorial combined and laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated three times. Results revealed that plant height, number of leaves and days to 50 % anthesis of Local maize cultivars responded significantly with 60 kg N ha-1 at 9 WAS. 180 kg N ha-1 and 25cm intra-row spacing in combination with SAMMAZ 16 recorded the highest grain yield, 100 grain weight, stover yield, shelling percentage and harvest index. The local cultivars supported greater Striga infestation at 20 cm intra-row spacing and 180 kg N ha-1 was found remarkable for Striga suppression at 9 WAS in this study. From these findings, it could be concluded that the above combinations can be used for effective management of Striga hermonthica for optimum yield of maize.Keywords: spacing, maize cultivar, nitrogen fertilizer, Striga hermonthic

On the fuzzy nature of constructed algebraic structure

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A Mathematical Model For Attenuating the Spread Of Diabetes and Its Management In A Population

We study the dynamics of diabetes in a population based on the etiology of the disease. In carrying out the study, we proposed that; a population generate non-diabetic non – susceptible sub-population, and a non-diabetic susceptible sub-population, the non-diabetic susceptible sub-population can further generate a population of diabetics without complication, who can later transit to a population with diabetic complications. Based on the etiology dynamics, we proposed control measures at the point of transition from the population to non-diabetic susceptible population, and at the point of transition from diabetes without complications to diabetes with complications. For this study, we intend to look at the control measure. In this regard, we proposed a mathematical model for the dynamics of diabetes by incorporating a control parameter h, so as to investigate how to control diabetes in a population. The result of the study suggested that; we need to control the incidence of diabetes, I(t), and improve the control measure, h, for transition from diabetes without complication to diabetes with complication. Thus entailing going  further in research to; Look into the dynamics of the genetics of transmission of the diabetic gene, to investigate how to reduce the spread (and hence the incidence I(t)) of diabetes, and to also look into the influence of the control factor h, on the dynamics of glucose metabolism, this will give an insight on how to manage diabetic patients.Keywords: Diabetes, Population, Genes, Genetics, Etiology

Assessment of Underground Water Contamination Due to Early Coal Mining Activities in Nigeria

This paper examines the level of mining activities impairment on underground water quality. Five samples were obtained three (3) from bore hole waste, one from open well and one from nearby stream. The samples obtained were analyzed based on Physical, Biological and Chemical Parameters. The result shows most of high concentration of chemical elements impairing on water quality as a result of mining activities such as Nitrate, Chloride, Phosphate, Cyanide, Fluoride, Iron, Manganese etc. Additionally the bacteriological analysis of these water samples revealed the concentration off e coli bacteria in the most boreholes, well, and the stream. The paper concluded that even though borehole were provided to augment the water supply for communities consumption but consideration was not given to streams where waste water from the mining site are normally drained into because it is use by plant and animals. There is therefore the need to treat the water before discharge into the stream. Keywords: Contamination, Mining, Parameters, Samples, Underground water

Effect of Variety, Seed Rate and Row Spacing on the Growth and Yield of Rice in Bauchi, Nigeria

Field experiments were conducted at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Fadama Farm Bauchi, during the rainy seasons of 2006 and 2007 to study the effects of variety, seeding rate and row spacing on growth and yield of rice. Two varieties of rice; Ex – China (Indigenous and upland/lowland) and NERICA-1 (improved and upland), three seeding rates (32, 54 and 75 kg/ha) and four row spacings (15, 20, 25 and broadcast) were used during the study. The treatments were combined and laid in a split – split plot design with three replications. Variety was placed in the main plot, seeding rate in the sub plot while row spacing was placed in sub –sub plot. Data were collected on parameters such as plant height, number of tillers per plant, spikes per hill, spikelets per spike and number of seeds per spike, seed weight per hill, 1000 grain weight and yield kg ha-1 and analyzed using analysis of variance procedure for split – split plot and significant differences among the treatment means were separated using the Duncan multiple range test (DMRT). Variety Ex-China produced significantly (P<0.05) higher numbers of tillers per plant and spikes per hill. However, NERICA-1 produced significantly (P<0.05) higher numbers of spikelets per spike, seeds per spike, weight of seed per spike, weight of seed per hill, 1000 grain weight and yield in kg ha-1 than Ex-China. Row spacings of 15, 20 and 25cm also had significant effects on the number of tillers per plant, number of spikes per hill, number of spikelets per spike, number of seeds per spike, weight of seed per spike, weight of seed per hill, 1000 grain weight and yield kg ha-1 over the control. From the factors studied, seeding rate did not show any significant difference during the two years of investigation. Interactions were also observed among the factors studied. Therefore, row spacings irrespective of the method used, or hole planting of rice could be more appropriate for optimum grain yield.Key words: Seed rate, Row spacing, Spike

Haematological Indices and Blood Urea Nitrogen of Yankasa Ram Lambs Fed Urea, Poultry Droppings and or Urea Treated Pennisetum pedicellatum (Kyasuwa Grass)

A study was conducted to evaluate the haematological indices and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of Yankasa ram lambs fed urea and/or poultry droppings treated Kyasuwa (Pennisetum pedicellatum). There were no significant differences (P>0.05) between control treatment (K) and other treatment means observed in the values of packed cell volume (PCV), neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils and basophils. Treatments KU and KPD are significantly different (P < 0.05) from the rest of the treatments in which treatment KPD had the highest value WBC. Blood urea nitrogen from all the treatments were not significantly different (P>0.05) from each other. No ill-health was encountered as a result of feeding treated Kyasuwa with urea and or poultry droppings

Morbi-Mortalité des Contusions Abdominales : La Face Visible de L’iceberg

Objectif : rapporter la morbimortalité des contusions abdominales (CA) à l’hôpital national de Niamey. Patients et méthode : il s’agissait d’une étude rétrospective, descriptive et analytique sur 4 ans incluant les patients pris en charge pour CA à l’hôpital national de Niamey. Les variables étudiées étaient le sexe, l’âge, le mode de traitement, les lésions abdominales, les lésions associées, la morbidité et la mortalité. Résultats : l’étude incluait 137 patients, soit 1,6% des urgences abdominales. Il s’agissait de 116 hommes et de 27 femmes avec un sex ratio de 5,52. L’âge moyen des patients était de 22,09 ±12,3 ans. Le délai moyen d’admission était de 18,4 ±26,3 heures. Les accidents de la voie publique représentaient 49,64% des circonstances de survenue du traumatisme. La CA était isolée chez 75,2% des patients et associée à une lésion extra-abdominale chez 24,8% des patients. Cette association lésionnelle réalisait un polytraumatisme chez 18,9% des patients. Les lésions abdominales étaient dominées par les lésions spléniques survenues chez 38,6% des patients, suivies par les lésions de l’intestin grêle chez 12,4% des patients. Une complication était survenue chez 10,9% des patients et 6,5% des patients étaient décédés à l’hôpital. La survenue de complications était influencée par le délai d’admission et la survenue d’une péritonite (p=0,002). L’hémorragie était la principale cause de décès. Conclusion : les CA constituent un traumatisme de l’adulte jeune de sexe masculin. La morbimortalité des CA n’est peut être que ‘’la face visible de l’iceberg’’. Objective : to report the morbidity and the mortality of the blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) at the national hospital of Niamey. Patients and method: it was a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study over 4 years including patients managed for BAT at the national hospital of Niamey. The variables analyzed were the age, sex, treatment, abdominal organs injury, associated injury, morbidity and mortality. Results: the study included 137 patients, whether 1.6% of abdominal emergencies. They were 116 men and 27 women, with a sex ratio of 5.52. The average age was 22.09[±12.3] years old. The average intake time was 18.43[±26.3] hours. Car crashes accounted for 49.64% of the circumstances of the trauma. The BAT was isolated in 75.2% of patients and associated to a (34) extra-abdominal trauma in 24.8% of patients. This lesional association achieved polytrauma in 18.9% of patients. The most abdominal organ injured was spleen in 38.6% of patients followed by small intestine in 12.4% of patients. The morbidity rate was 10.9% and the intrahospital mortality rate was 6.5%. The occurrence of morbidity was influenced by the intake time and the occurrence of peritonitis (p=0.002). Hemorrhage was the leading cause of death. Conclusion: BAT are most frequent in young male adults at national hospital of Niamey. The morbimortality of BAT is perhaps ‘’the visible face of the iceberg’’