Analyse économique de la production de purée de tomate à petite échelle au Bénin

Economic Study of Small Scale Tomato Paste Production in Benin. Economic study of tomato paste was performed for two localities (Ketou and Dogbo) of high production of tomato in Benin. For a plant capacity of 10 tons of raw tomatoes per year, with tomato juice concentrated at 13% Natural Tomato Soluble Solids (NTSS) and 20.69% of material balance, the production cost of a glass-jar of 275 g (net weight) is 204.87 F and the profi tability at 15.54% at Ketou. In this locality, the break-even point is estimated at 471.08 kg of paste or 2.28 T of fresh tomato. On the other hand, at Dogbo where the production cost was higher (218.34 F), the profi tability is estimated at 8.4% and the break-even point at 683.65 kg of paste or 3.3 T of fresh tomato. In conditions of good management, the two units are profi table from the fi rst year. Optimisation of energy use in dehydration of tomato juice will enhance interest in small scale tomato paste production in Benin

Yield loss of Oryza glaberrima caused by grain shattering under rainfed upland conditions

The general perception of Oryza glaberrima as low yielding is a potential drawback to intraspecific breeding of this species. Yields of 21 O. glaberrima accessions were evaluated alongside four O. sativa check varieties under two conditions in which panicles were both covered by paper sacks to avoid grain shattering (potential yield plot) and also not covered (control plot) in a rainfed upland field of Benin in 2010 and 2011. Average potential yields of O. glaberrima with panicles covered were 2.42 and 3.65 t ha-1 in 2010 and 2011, respectively, while those of O. sativa were respectively 2.99 and 3.49 t ha-1. Although there was no significant difference between potential yield and control yield in O. sativa, 19 O. glaberrima accessions showed significant yield reduction by grain shattering — the average percentages of lost yield by shattering were 57.88% in 2010 and 66.76% in 2011. These results suggest that low yield of O. glaberrima is due to grain shattering and that its potential yield would not be inferior to O. sativa if the grain shattering problems were overcome. Two O. glaberrima accessions, TOG 12303 and TOG 9300, possessing strong resistance to grain shattering comparable to O. sativa checks, were identified.Keywords: Panicles, paper sacks, potential yield, yield reduction

Caractéristiques physico-chimiques de l’eau des puits dans la commune de Pobè (Bénin, Afrique de l’ouest)

Objectif : L’objectif de cette étude est d’évaluer la qualité de l’eau des puits à partir de ses caractéristiques physico-chimiques dans la commune de Pobè. Méthodologie et résultats : L’étude entreprise entre juin 2012 et mars 2013 a permis de mesurer au niveau de quinze puits les paramètres physiques tels que le pH, la conductivité électrique (CE) et la température (T) de l’eau ainsi que les paramètres chimiques suivants : bicarbonates (HCO3-), chlorures (Cl-), calcium (Ca2+), magnésium (Mg2+), titre hydrotimétrique ou dureté totale (TH), ammonium (NH4+), nitrates (NO3-), nitrites (NO2-), sulfates (SO42-), phosphates (PO43-) et fluorures (F-). Les valeurs moyennes annuelles sont comparées aux normes relatives à la qualité de l’eau de boisson. L’analyse statistique multivariée dont l’Analyse en Composantes Principales (ACP) et la Classification Hiérarchique Ascendante (CHA) a été également appliquée à l’ensemble des paramètres mesurés. L’eau des puits est légèrement acide avec un pH moyen de 5,83 ± 0,6. Elle est faiblement minéralisée et légèrement dure avec une conductivité moyenne de 236,62 ± 135,54 FS/cm et une dureté totale moyenne de 107,8 ± 40,63 mg/L. La pollution azotée est un indicateur majeur de la qualité de l’eau des puits étudiés. Cette pollution se traduit par des taux élevés en nitrates et en ammonium dans plus de 50 % des puits. Une forte corrélation est signalée entre la conductivité électrique et les paramètres suivants : pH, NO3-, NO2-, SO42-, TH, Cl-, HCO3- et Ca2+. La typologie est principalement gouvernée par cette conductivité qui permet de classifier les puits selon leur qualité physico-chimique. Conclusion et applications : L’eau des puits est soumise à une pollution organique dans la commune de Pobè. Cette pollution d’origine anthropique serait liée à l’infiltration des eaux usées et des engrais chimiques. Les fortes teneurs en nitrates et en ammonium montrent que cette eau est chimiquement non appropriée à la consommation humaine et nécessite dans la majorité des puits un traitement préalable.Mots clés : Physico-chimie, eau de puits, pollution, analyses multivariées, Pobè.Physicochemical characteristics of well water in Pobè municipality, Benin, West Africa Objective : The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of well water for its physical and chemical characteristics in the municipality of Pobè. Methodology and Results: The study conducted from June 2012 to March 2013 measured in fifteen wells the level of physical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity and water temperature as well as the following chemical parameters: bicarbonate (HCO3-), chloride (Cl-), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), total hardness (TH), ammonium (NH4+), nitrate (NO3-), nitrite (NO2-), sulphate (SO42-), phosphate (PO43-) and fluoride (F-). The annual mean values are compared to standards for drinking water quality. Statistical multivariate analysis including Principal Component Analysis and hierarchical clustering was also applied to all measured parameters. Well water is slightly acidic with an average pH of 5.83 ± 0.6. It is weakly mineralized and slightly hard with an average of 236.62 ± 135.54 FS/cm electrical conductivity and a total hardness of 107.8 ± 40.63 mg/L. Nitrogen pollution is a major indicator of well water quality. This pollution finds expression in high rates of nitrate and ammonium in more than 50 % of the wells. It was observed that electrical conductivity show good positive correlation with pH, NO3-, NO2-, SO42-, TH, Cl-, HCO3- and Ca2+.The typology is mainly governed by the conductivity for classifying the wells according to their physical and chemical quality. Conclusion and applications: Well water is subjected to organic pollution in the municipality of Pobè. This anthropogenic pollution is linked to the infiltration of sewage and chemical fertilizers. The high levels of ammonium and nitrate indicate that the water is chemically unsuitable for human consumption and requires that water in most wells be pretreated.Keywords : Physicochemical, well water, pollution, multivariate analysis, Pobè

Caracteristiques physico-chimiques et capacite de charge complementaire du complexe lagunaire Toho-Todougba (sud-ouest, Benin)

La détermination de la capacité de charge est établie pour permettre une utilisation durable des écosystèmes aquatiques tout en maximisant le profit par rapport à la production aquacole. L’objectif de cette étude est de déterminer la capacité de charge en poisson, du complexe lagunaire Toho-Todougba surtout du fait qu’il fait déjà l’objet d’une exploitation intense de production aquacole sans qu’aucune étude préalable n’ait été effectuée. En effet, la concentration en phosphore ainsi que les paramètres hydrologiques et hydrobiologiques ont été mesurées pendant douze mois. La variation spatio-temporelle des paramètres physico-chimiques a été présentée et la capacité de charge a été déterminée en suivant la méthode de Dillon et Rigler (1974). Il en résulte que les paramètres physicochimiques sont recommandables pour les ressources halieutiques malgré les variations constatées par endroit. La capacité de charge déterminée pour la production de tilapia est de 7315,9413 t.an-1. Cependant, cette capacité est de loin ce qui est supportable par l’écosystème puisqu’on considère que le niveau actuel de production est zéro alors que des centaines de cages sont déjà en production. En conséquence, d’autres pisciculteurs peuvent installer leurs unités de production sur le complexe tout en ayant comme référence infranchissable la capacité de charge déterminée.  English title: Physico-chemical characteristics and complementary carrying capacity of the lagoon complex Toho-Todougba (south-west, Benin) The determination of the carrying capacity is established by Dillon and Rigler to allow a sustainable use of the aquatic ecosystems while drawing the maximum profit from the aquaculture production. The objective of this study is to determine the fish carrying capacity of the Toho-Todougba lagoon complex, especially since it is increasingly being intensively exploited for aquaculture production without any prior study having been conducted. Indeed, the phosphorus concentration of the ecosystem was measured during twelve months as well as the hydrological and hydrobiological parameters. The spatio-temporal variation of the physico-chemical parameters was presented and the carrying capacity was determined following the method of Dillon and Rigler. The result is that the physico-chemical parameters are viable for the fishery resources despite the variations observed in some places. The carrying capacity determined for tilapia production is 7315.9413 tons.year-1. However, this capacity is by far what is sustainable for the ecosystem since the current level of production is considered to be zero while hundreds of cages are already in production on the lagoon. Consequently, other fish farmers can install their production units on the complex for fish production while having as an impassable reference the determined carrying capacity. Keywords: Load capacity, Toho-Todougba lagoon, Dillon and Rigler, Beni

Ecological status of a West African lagoon complex under anthropogenic pressure, Toho-Todougba complex, Benin

Management and preservation of aquatic environments are essential for their productivity and the maintenance of aquatic life. This study aims to characterize the trophic state of Toho-Todougba lagoon complex which has been subject for several years, to an intense fish production in cages. For this purpose, physico-chemical parameters were measured from June 2019 to May 2020 as well as chlorophyll-α, phosphorus and nitrogen. The trophic characterization indices were calculated basedo n Carlson (1977), Burns and Bryers (2000), Neverova-Dziopak and Kowalewski (2018), Primpas et al. (2010) and CCME-WQI (2001). It appears that the temperature (29°C), dissolved oxygen (3.19 mg.L-1 to 4.33 mg.L-1) and pH (6.66 to 7.31) are those characteristic of tropical lake environments. The production parameters revealed that the chlorophyll-α concentration varies from 0.19 to 37 mg.L-1 (stations and months combined). The concentration of phosphorus ranged from 0.02 to 0.42 mg.L-1 while nitrogen varied from 1.91 to 4.03 mg.L-1. Only nitrogen is not in critical proportion for the ecosystem. It should be noted that with the exception of the Carlson index, all other indices revealed that the ecosystem is in a state of advanced eutrophication with a tendency to hyper-trophication according to the eutrophication index of Primpas et al. (2010). Consequently, Toho-Todougba lagoon complex is eutrophic and requires adequate measures for its restoration despite its good health revealed by the physico-chemical parameters

Disponibilite, Valeurs Marchande Et Nutritionnelle Des Sous-Produits Agricoles Et Agroindustriels Utilises Dans L’alimentation Des Ruminants Au Benin

The availabilities and the commercial values of 31 agricultural and agro-industrial by-products were evaluated through a semi structural interview carried out on 360 breeders of Benin. A sample of each diet was collected to determine its chemical composition and nutritive values. Maize bran, cassava peels, cakes of soya and cotton are available in any season and have a commercial value. Among fruit by-products used in the food of the ruminants, the pineapple peels occupy the first place and their commercial values are three times higher than those of the cassava peels. Soya cakes has a very high commercial value (higher than 200 FCFA/kg).The leguminous pods and the cereal hulls are also largely available but without commercial value. Roots cassava and tubers of yam by-products and the cakes are very digestible and these values do not go down below 60 %. Low values of digestibility were observed on hulls and stems of cereals and leguminous pods. These digestibilities are generally below 40 %. The groundnut haulms are more digestible than cowpea haulms (57.8 vs 49.7 %). Cotton cakes and palm oil cakes are less digestible than the other oil cakes. The digestibilities of crude protein (DCP) are very low in fruit and cereals by-products. Except for the pods of leguminous, all the leguminous by-products provided considerable quantities in DCP. The studies give opportunities of choice of food supplementation to ruminants during the dry season where graminaceous and the other herbaceous becoming rare in the natural pasture

Haematological evaluation of Wistar rats exposed to chronic doses of cadmium, mercury and combined cadmium and mercury

Cadmium and mercury present in the environment, cause blood disorders. This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of cadmium, mercury and their combination on hematological parameters of Wistar rats. For this purpose, two different doses of each metal and their combination were administered orally for 28 days to six groups of five rats each. Two groups (A and B) were respectively exposed to CdCl2 (0.25 and 2.5 mg/kg), two other groups (C and D) respectively received HgCl2 (0.12 and 1.2 mg/kg) and the last two groups (E and F) were respectively treated with the combination of these two metals: (0.25 mg/kg Cd + 0.12 mg/kg Hg) and (2.5 mg/kg Cd + 1.2 mg/kg Hg). The control group (G) received the same volume of distilled water. At the end of exposure, bodies of rats were weighed and the whole blood was collected by retro-orbital sinus method for analysis of hematological parameters. The results of this study show a significant decrease (p<0.05) in white blood cells (WBC) in the lot treated with the combination (0.25 mg/kg Cd + 012 mg/kg Hg) and also indicate a significant decrease (p<0.05) in WBC, red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (HGB) and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) with high levels of mercury (2.5 mg/kg) and the combination (2.5 mg/kg Cd + 1.2 mg/kg Hg). An increase in the number of platelet count (PLT) in all intoxicated lots was observed.Keywords: Cadmium, mercury, hematology, blood parameters, ratsAfrican Journal of BiotechnologyVol. 12(23), pp. 3731-373

Antimicrobials: A Global Alliance For Optimizing Their Rational Use In Intra-abdominal Infections (agora)

Intra-abdominal infections (IAI) are an important cause of morbidity and are frequently associated with poor prognosis, particularly in high-risk patients. The cornerstones in the management of complicated IAIs are timely effective source control with appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Empiric antimicrobial therapy is important in the management of intra-abdominal infections and must be broad enough to cover all likely organisms because inappropriate initial antimicrobial therapy is associated with poor patient outcomes and the development of bacterial resistance. The overuse of antimicrobials is widely accepted as a major driver of some emerging infections (such as C. difficile), the selection of resistant pathogens in individual patients, and for the continued development of antimicrobial resistance globally. The growing emergence of multi-drug resistant organisms and the limited development of new agents available to counteract them have caused an impending crisis with alarming implications, especially with regards to Gram-negative bacteria. An international task force from 79 different countries has joined this project by sharing a document on the rational use of antimicrobials for patients with IAIs. The project has been termed AGORA (Antimicrobials: A Global Alliance for Optimizing their Rational Use in Intra-Abdominal Infections). The authors hope that AGORA, involving many of the world's leading experts, can actively raise awareness in health workers and can improve prescribing behavior in treating IAIs.11NIAID NIH HHS [R01 AI117211

Antimicrobials: a global alliance for optimizing their rational use in intra-abdominal infections (AGORA)

Intra-abdominal infections (IAI) are an important cause of morbidity and are frequently associated with poor prognosis, particularly in high-risk patients. The cornerstones in the management of complicated IAIs are timely effective source control with appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Empiric antimicrobial therapy is important in the management of intra-abdominal infections and must be broad enough to cover all likely organisms because inappropriate initial antimicrobial therapy is associated with poor patient outcomes and the development of bacterial resistance. The overuse of antimicrobials is widely accepted as a major driver of some emerging infections (such as C. difficile), the selection of resistant pathogens in individual patients, and for the continued development of antimicrobial resistance globally. The growing emergence of multi-drug resistant organisms and the limited development of new agents available to counteract them have caused an impending crisis with alarming implications, especially with regards to Gram-negative bacteria. An international task force from 79 different countries has joined this project by sharing a document on the rational use of antimicrobials for patients with IAIs. The project has been termed AGORA (Antimicrobials: A Global Alliance for Optimizing their Rational Use in Intra-Abdominal Infections). The authors hope that AGORA, involving many of the world's leading experts, can actively raise awareness in health workers and can improve prescribing behavior in treating IAIs