Performance and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens fed graded levels of fermented and toasted Albizia lebbeck seed meal

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of fermented and toasted Albizia lebbeck seed meal (FTALSM), on the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens at the starter and finisher phases. One hundred and fifty (150) day old chicks (Abo acres) were used for this study and were divided into five treatments (with three replicate each containing 10 birds) using a completely randomized design (CRD) for eight weeks. The treatments were five diets containing0%(control), 5%,10%,15% and 20%of fermented and toastedAlbizia lebbeck seedmeal (FTALSM), respectively and were tagged Diet 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. The diets were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous. The feed intake at the starter phase was significantly higher (p<0.05) in Diets 3 and 4 which had 10 and 15% inclusion of FTALSM, respectively. Diets 2, 3 and 4 also differ significantly (p<0.05) in final body weight and total weight gained from the control diets. The results at the finisher phase indicated that, there were significant differences (P<0.05) in all the parameters measured except for mortality. Birds fed Diet 2 performed significantly better in weight gain (1453g) and feed intake (3087.25g) compared to the control group. Birds on the control and Diet 2 had similar feed efficiency, the values were however, better than those on the other treatments. The results of nutrient digestibility showed birds fed Diet 5 (20% FTALSM) recorded significantly (P<0.05) low digestibility values in all parameters measured. The results showed that fermentation and toasting reduced phytase, oxalate and cyanide by 41.87, 26.67 and 99.94 % respectively. It can be concluded therefore, that FTALSM can be included up to 15%in broiler chickens starter diets and 5%in the finisher diet for optimum growth performance

Optimal sites for agricultural and forest residues energy conversion plant using geographic information system

The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has committed to net-zero emission development pathways to respond to the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015. However, the country is in dire need of energy to support its developmental ambitions. Therefore, it is necessary to consider green energy technologies to support both socioeconomic development and to meet the FGN's emission reduction target. In view of this, the current work presents the optimal sites for bioenergy plants in a state in Nigeria using Geographic Information System (GIS). Key findings suggest that 62.03 PJ/yr and 4.12 PJ/yr of energy could be derived from crop residues and forest residues, respectively, to support the state's bioenergy development. The crop residues considered include plantain (stem), oil palm (shell and fibre), maize (stalks) and cassava (peel and stalks). Six criteria were used in selecting the optimal sites, and include biomass residue distribution, settlement, road accessibility, nearness to waterline, slope and aspect. These criteria were incorporated into the ArcGIS platform through the weighted overlay tool. Strategically, the analysis presents seven sites for biomass plants to sustainably meet part of the energy needs. The efforts of the current work which supports not less than three SDGs–SDG 7 (Clean and Affordable Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), will assist policymakers in Nigeria to make appropriate policies within the climate change space