Carcass Yield and Quality of Pork from Pigs Fed Graded Levels of Fig (Ficus sur) Fruits Mixed with Maize Grain

Twenty growing Yorkshire piglets of 27.8±1.4kg (mean ± SD) average initial weight were used to investigate the effect of feeding different proportions of ground Ficus sur fruits (FSF) mixed with ground maize grain (MG) on carcass yield and quality attributes. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four treatments and five replications per treatment. The treatment diets were: 100% FSF and 0%MG represented as (100FSF), 67% FSF and 33% MG (67FSF), 33% FSF and 67% MG (33FSF) and 0% FSF and 100% MG (0FSF). For all treatments protein supplement (NSC+SBM) was given to provide about 18% CP to make the ration isonitrogenous. Except for the slaughter weight, which significantly (P<0.05) increased with increase in MG level in the diets, all other carcass measurements and primal cuts did not differ (P>0.05) among the treatments. However, lungs (P=0.012) and gastro intestinal tract (GIT) (P=0.001) among the viscera organs were varied. None of the quality attributes of the pork significantly differed (P>0.05) in color, taste, flavor, juiciness, tenderness and texture among the treatments. This indicates that similar quality pork can be produced by feeding FSF as those fed with MG. It is, therefore, concluded that substitution of MG with FSFs in the diets of pigs can result in comparable carcass yield and quality attributes

Dendrochronology and bark anatomy of the frankincense tree

Boswellia papyrifera(Burseraceae) trees grow in drylands south of the Sahara. In Ethiopia, it grows in seasonally dry Combretum-Terminalia woodlands. It is a source of frankincense, an economically important olio-gum resin used for cultural and religious ceremonies throughout the world and as raw material in several industries. Ethiopia is a major exporter of frankincense. Currently, the populations of this species are threatened by farmland expansion, fire, overgrazing, improper tapping techniques and possibly also by climate change. Focussing on tree ring analyses and resin-production related bark anatomical features, this study had two objectives. The first objective was to quantify the status of B. papyrifera populations with respect to radial stem-growth dynamics and size and age structure. Based on analysis of wood structure and crossdating of tree-rings series, it is shown that B. papyriferaforms annual growth rings and that the average age of sampled B. papyrifera trees is 76 years.More importantly, it is shown that the B. papyrifera populations lack trees that recruited over the last 55 years (1955-2010), and that the remnant trees established continuously between 1903 and 1955. This lack of successful recruitment for such a long period of time is attributed to continuous disturbances, such as fire and grazing accompanying new settlements of people into the area over the past decades. Radial growth patterns over decades suggest effects of heavy disturbances that the trees were experiencing. Remarkably, B. papyrifera trees showed a 2-3 year cycle in annual radial growth, and responded significantly to climate. As expected, radial growth increased with rainfall. An increase in ring width with maximum temperature may reflect radiation limits on growth. Radial growth decreased with increasing minimum temperatures, which may reflect temperature impacts on respiration. Overall, the predicted increase in temperature and rainfall for Ethiopia may not pose a direct threat for this species. The second objective of this study was to describe the resin-secretory structure in the bark of B. papyrifera. The aim was to understand the relationship between structure and functioning of the secretory system with special reference to implications for frankincense yield and improvements of current tapping techniques. Resin canals of B. papyrifera form a three-dimensional network within the inner bark. In the wood, only few radial resin canals were encountered. The intact resin-producing and transporting network is on average limited to the inner 6.6 mm of the inner bark. Within the inner bark, the density of non-lignified axial resin canals decreases from the vascular cambium towards the outer bark. We also show that whole tree properties, such astotal resin-canal area in the bark, stem diameter, tree age, and the number of leaf apices impact frankincense yield. Finally, this study provides recommendations for improving the existing tapping practice, aiming at maximization of frankincense yield at minimum damage costs to the trees. The new insights can also be used for selection and propagation of trees which are well suited for frankincense production. The information generated in this study is vital for planning sustainable management of the remnant trees and populations of B. papyrifera and the widely demanded frankincense.</p

Selecting for food-feed traits in early and late maturing lentil genotypes(Lens culinaris)

To explore genetic and environmental variability of food-feed traits in lentil genotypes, straws of 78elite genotypes and 4 checks of early and late maturing lentil types were evaluated for their nutritive value and potential trade-offs of the nutritive parameters with straw yield and grain yield. Further, effects of genotypic and environmental sources on variation in the nutritive value were also determined. Straw nutritive traits were analyzed by a combination of conventional laboratory techniques and Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy. Results from eight trials carried out across 3 different sites in Ethiopia showed highly significant genotypic variation (P<0.05) in grain yield, straw yields and straw nutritive traits. This confirmed the existence of exploitable genetic variation in these traits. Similarly, the relationship between grain yield and straw yield was positive. The correlation between grain yield and nutritive parameters of straw was insignificant or negative. The correlation between maturity types and straw traits was either neutral or negative. Genotype by environment interactions were significant (P<0.05) for straw yield and nutritive traits indicating that variation in the traits is dependent of environment. It is possible to develop genotypes with a combination of food-feed traits from early and late maturing lentil types to address the high demand for grain and livestock fodder in various agro ecological zones in mixed crop-livestock farming systems using appropriate breeding approaches

Selecting for food-feed traits in desi and kabuli genotypes of chickpea (Cicer arietinum)

The study explored the genetic and environmental variability in chickpea for food-feed traits. Seventy nine genotypes of 17 early-maturing desi genotypes, 19 early-maturing kabuli genotypes and 43 late-maturing kabuli genotypes were evaluated for food-feed traits in 7 trials laid out in a randomized complete block design in 3 locations in Ethiopia. All trials showed wide genotypic ranges in various traits related to grain yield, straw yield and straw quality. Analysis of variance for individual trials showed significant (P<0.05) effects of genotype, location and their interaction on grain and straw yields, CP, IVOMD and NDF in all populations. Correlation analysis exhibited either positive or insignificant correlations with straw yield in all trials. The correlation between IVOMD and grain yield was insignificant in all trials. Grain yield correlated significantly (P<0.001) and positively to NDF in early maturing kabuli, however, the correlation was moderate (r= 0.396). Grain yield correlated either weakly or insignificantly to CP and Ca in the trials. The correlation between P and grain yield was ignored as the straw content of P was very small in all genotypes (<1.78 g/kg). Weak or absence of correlations between grain yields with straw traits would enable chickpea breeders to manipulate grain yield and straw traits independently. This presents an opportunity to identify parental genotypes for improving grain yield and straw traits for individual locations

Optimizing near infrared reflectance spectroscopy to predict nutritional quality of chickpea straw for livestock feeding

Multidimensional improvement programs of chickpea require screening of a large number of genotypes for straw nutritive value. The ability of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to determine the nutritive value of chickpea straw was identified in the current study. A total of 480 samples of chickpea straw representing a nation-wide range of environments and genotypic diversity (40 genotypes) were scanned at a spectral range of 1108 to 2492 nm. The samples were reduced to 190 representative samples based on the spectral data then divided into a calibration set (160 samples) and a cross-validation set (30 samples). All 190 samples were analysed for dry matter, ash, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin, Zn, Mn, Ca, Mg, Fe, P, and in vitro gas production metabolizable energy using conventional methods. Multiple regression analysis was used to build the prediction equations. The prediction equation generated by the study accurately predicted the nutritive value of chickpea straw (R2 of cross validation > 0.68; standard error of prediction < 1%). Breeding programs targeting improving food-feed traits of chickpea could use NIRS as a fast, cheap, and reliable tool to screen genotypes for straw nutritional quality

Knowledge, perception and practice towards oxytocin stability and quality: A qualitative study of stakeholders in three resource-limited countries

Background: Oxytocin is the gold standard drug for the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage, but limitations in cold chain systems in resource-constrained settings can severely compromise the quality of oxytocin product available in these environments. This study investigated the perspectives and practices of stakeholders in low and lower-middle income countries towards oxytocin, its storage requirements and associated barriers, and the quality of product available. Methods: Qualitative inquiries were undertaken in Ethiopia, India and Myanmar, where data was collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and In-Depth Interviews (IDIs). A total of 12 FGDs and 106 IDIs were conducted with 158 healthcare providers (pharmacists, midwives, nurses, doctors and obstetricians) and 40 key informants (supply chain experts, program managers and policy-makers). Direct observations of oxytocin storage practices and cold chain resources were conducted at 51 healthcare facilities. Verbatim transcripts of FGDs and IDIs were translated to English and analysed according to a thematic content analysis framework. Findings: Stakeholder awareness of oxytocin heat sensitivity and the requirement for cold storage of the drug was widespread in Ethiopia but more limited in Myanmar and India. A consistent finding across all study regions was the significant barriers to maintaining a consistent cold chain, with the lack of refrigeration facilities and unreliability of electricity cited as major challenges. Perceptions of compromised oxytocin quality were expressed by some stakeholders in each country. Conclusion: Knowledge of the heat sensitivity of oxytocin and the potential impacts of inconsistent cold storage on product quality is not widespread amongst healthcare providers, policy makers and supply chain experts in Myanmar, Ethiopia and India. Targeted training and advocacy messages are warranted to emphasise the importance of cold storage to maintain oxytocin quality

Profiling adult literacy facilitators in development contexts: An ethnographic study in Ethiopia

Teachers/facilitators in adult literacy learning programmes are recognised as being vital to successful learning outcomes. But little is known about them as a group. This small-scale research project comprising ethnographic-style case studies of five adult literacy facilitators (ALFs) in Ethiopia seeks to throw some light on these teachers, their backgrounds and what they bring to their teaching, with a view to improving the effectiveness of their work. The researchers found that all of the ALFs had high levels of commitment, but none of the ALFs received much in the way of training, and professional support for their role was in some cases missing. The degree (and their perception) of their own literacy practices varied greatly among them, even in their common use of mobile phones. It also emerged that while they had all fought very hard for their own education, one of the main reasons all of them stated for going into literacy teaching was not a general belief in the value of education but their priority need of a regular income. Another insight is that the female ALFs struggled more than their male counterparts in engaging learners; the women were criticised more excessively than the men. This research reveals something of the diversity of facilitators, and concludes that further such studies are needed in different contexts

Factors that transformed maize productivity in Ethiopia

Published online: 26 July 2015Maize became increasingly important in the food security of Ethiopia following the major drought and famine that occurred in 1984. More than 9 million smallholder house- holds, more than for any other crop in the country, grow maize in Ethiopia at present. Ethiopia has doubled its maize produc- tivity and production in less than two decades. The yield, currently estimated at >3 metric tons/ha, is the second highest in Sub-Saharan Africa, after South Africa; yield gains for Ethiopia grew at an annual rate of 68 kg/ha between 1990 and 2013, only second to South Africa and greater than Mexico, China, or India. The maize area covered by improved varieties in Ethiopia grew from 14 % in 2004 to 40 % in 2013, and the application rate of mineral fertilizers from 16 to 34 kg/ ha during the same period. Ethiopia ’ s extension worker to farmer ratio is 1:476, compared to 1:1000 for Kenya, 1:1603 for Malawi and 1:2500 for Tanzania. Increased use of im- proved maize varieties and mineral fertilizers, coupled with increased extension services and the absence of devastating droughts are the key factors promoting the accelerated growth in maize productivity in Ethiopia. Ethiopia took a homegrown solutions approach to the research and development of its maize and other commodities. The lesson from Ethiopia ’ s experience with maize is that sustained investment in agricul- tural research and development and policy support by the national government are crucial for continued growth of agricultur

Using qualitative methods to explore lay explanatory models, health-seeking behaviours and self-care practices of podoconiosis patients in north-west Ethiopia

Background: Podoconiosis (endemic non-filarial elephantiasis) is a chronic, non-infectious disease resulting from exposure of bare feet to red-clay soil in tropical highlands. This study examined lay beliefs about three under-researched aspects of podoconiosis patients’ care: explanatory models, health-seeking behaviours and self-care. Methods: In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were undertaken with 34 participants (19 male, 15 female) between April-May 2015 at podoconiosis treatment centres across East and West Gojjam regions in north-west Ethiopia. Results: Explanatory models for podoconiosis included contamination from blood, magic, soil or affected individuals. Belief in heredity or divine punishment often delayed clinic attendance. All participants had tried holy water treatment and some, holy soil. Herbal treatments were considered ineffectual, costly and appeared to promote fluid escape. Motivators for clinic attendance were failure of traditional treatments and severe or disabling symptoms. Patients did not report self-treatment with antibiotics. Self-care was hindered by water being unavailable or expensive and patient fatigue. Conclusion: A pluralistic approach to podoconiosis self-treatment was discovered. Holy water is widely valued, though some patients prefer holy soil. Priests and traditional healers could help promote self-care and “signpost” patients to clinics. Change in behaviour and improving water access is key to self-care