Effect of dietary supplementation of ensiled rice straw with molasses on the performance, nutrient digestibility and haematology of Yankasa rams

A study was carried out to determine the effect of feeding ensiled rice straw with molasses as supplement on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of Yankasa rams. Fifteen Yankasa rams with average weight of 17k±0.5g and aged between 7-9 months were used for 90days feeding trial. The straw was ensiled with 5% urea and was fed as a basal diet. Five graded levels of molasses; 0, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 and 5.5% were used as supplement and were designated as treatments 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively. Fifteen Yankasa rams were then allotted to five treatments in a completely randomized design and were replicated three times with one animal per replicate. Results shows that all parameters evaluated for growth performance were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by dietary treatments. Average Daily feed intake was significantly (P<0.05) in animals on treatment 5(454.42g), while those on the control diets T1 (372.43g) had the lowest average daily feed intake. Similarly, animals on T5 (108.11g) had the highest average daily weight gain when compared to those on T2 (69.11g) and the control T1 (73.33g). Feed conversion ratio was better in animals fed T3 (4.14) and T4 (4.14) and followed by those on T5 (4.20). The result of Nutrient intake though significantly different across the treatment groups, did not followed any particular pattern. The rumen pH and ammonia concentration before and after feeding were similar across the treatments. The haematological measurements were all similar across the treatments, while the serum biochemical indices were significantly different (P<0.05) across the treatments except for glucose. Keywords: Intake, Weight gain, Haematology, Yankasa rams, Ensiled rice stra

Effect of elevated temperature on the durability and strength properties of concrete with ground rice husk ash as a partial replacement to cement: a review

Concrete is a construction material composed of cement, fine aggregates (sand) and coarse aggregates mixed with water which hardens with time. Cement is an important constituent in the concrete composite; however, its cost is relatively very high, this has impacted in the cost of concrete production and by extension on the cost of housing delivery in Nigeria. Rice husk ash is one of the promising pozzolanic materials that can be blended with Portland cement for the production of durable concrete and at the same time a value-added product. the use of the rice husk ash as partial replacement to cement in concrete not only improve the strength of concrete, protection against cracking, spalling, reduce density and porosity of the concrete. It also reduce the emission of carbon monoxide to the environment which is very dangerous to the atmosphere. The elevated temperature is one of the most harmful effects that cause durability problems in construction; this effect can cause permanent damage in construction and reduce the service life. This paper reviews the work presented by various researchers on effect of elevated temperature on the durability and strength properties of concrete using rice husk ash as partial replacement. From the available literature reviewed, there is a possible research gab in investigating the effect of elevated temperature on concrete with rice husk ash as partial replacement to cement, because most of the researchers have focused on conventional concrete, whereas concrete with rice husk ash as replacement to cement have been recommended for use with a replacement value of 10-20%. The degree of its performance of these recommended replacement needs to be investigated

A Review on Current Status of Agricultural Extension Service in Nigeria

This study reviewed on the current status of agricultural extension in Nigeria. Numerous extension approaches have been used in Nigeria. The basic and essential task of agricultural extension has been and still is: The exchange and means of sharing information, knowledge and skills for improved livelihood regardless of its organization. In a changing world and its environment, however, the context and hence the challenges in agricultural extension service changes; such as: improvement in agricultural production, environmental degradation, biotechnology, HIV/AIDs; reduced government support for public research and extension; entrance of private service providers; increasing private sector involvement and development of information and communication technology in extension service. The conventional development paradigm (T & V, University extension approach, ministry of agriculture approach, commodity/ sectoral agency extension, non-profit organizations or NGOs,). These old styles of agricultural extension services has an assumption that its primary task is to convey a superior technology to local farmers either as adopters or rejecters of innovations, but as the originator of technical knowledge of improved practices. There is now a rival view of extension represented by the participatory approach to development. The bottom-up views of strategies is an emerging paradigm in development thinking and practices. It was recommended that a demand-driven (private) extension service be institutionalized to thrive along with the UAES, which has often been seen as part of the social services rendered by government for the farming populace. It was also recommended that a legal legislative action be put in place, which would, among other things, define the responsibilities of the various tiers of government towards financing agricultural extension services in Nigeria