Analysis of AVR4 promoter by sequential response-element deletion

Several reports have associated the variability in physico-chemical properties of avidin protein to dynamism inherent in the consensus regulatory networks within the promoter region of avidin genes. An Avr4 promoter region ligated to chloramphenicol acetyltransferase plasmid vector (pBLCAT2) to produce recombinant plasmid Avr4pBLCAT2 was sequentially deleted to produce five distinct mutants: Avr4pBLCAT2907-176, Avr4pBLCAT2809-176, Avr4pBLCAT2789-176, Avr4pBLCAT2429-176 and Avr4pBLCAT2 302-176. The transformants elicited different chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) activities. (African Journal of Biotechnology: 2003 2(7): 185-188

Logical Framework Analysis (LFA): An Essential Tool for Designing Agricultural Project Evaluation

Evaluation of a project at any stage of its life cycle, especially at its planning stage, is necessary for its successful execution and completion. The Logical Framework Analysis or the Logical Framework Approach (LFA) is an essential tool in designing such evaluation because it is a process that serves as a reference guide in carrying out the evaluation. The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of the process and the structure of the Logical Framework Matrix or Logframe, derivable from it, and its role in project evaluation. The paper is based mainly on review of relevant literature on this analytical tool. The literature search shows that the LFA enables the evaluator to thoroughly scrutinize and ensure that every key factor that is needed for the success of a project is clearly identified (as listed in the matrix cells – demonstrated in Figure 4) and thus must be provided for both in quantity and quality, and also at the appropriate time in implementing the project. It helps the evaluator to check for consistency of both vertical logic (project inputs → project outputs → project objectives or purpose → project goal) and horizontal logic (narrative summary → objectively verifiable indicators → means of verification) as well as the reasonableness of the underlying assumptions concerning the (proposed) project - all of which must be established for the success of the project to be ascertained.Nigerian Journal of Basic and Applied Science (2011), 19(2): 260-26

Analysis of Cowpea Production under the National Programme on Food Security in Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Nigeria

Attempt was made to analyze cowpea production under the phase 1 of the National Special Programme on Food Security in Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, north western Nigeria. Information was collected from 45 randomly selected cowpea farmers by the use of structured interview questions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, marginal analysis, farm budgeting and OLS multiple regression techniques. Analysis of the data revealed that the resource allocative efficiencies vary widely, ranging between 0.04 and 34.61 with a mean resource efficiency of4.23, which implies that factor inputs were under – utilized in the area. Farmers obtained an average gross income of N1, 720.67/ha and N26, 079.66/ha with a return on investment of 44% in the adopted cowpea – millet and cowpea- sorghum-pearl millet cropping systems. The major problems faced by the cowpea farmers include insect-attack on field, inadequate supply of insecticides, intermittent drought and inadequate credit. Recommendations drawn from the knowledge acquired from the study were highlighted

Comparative aspects of phytase and xylanase effects on performance, mineral digestibility, and ileal phytate degradation in broilers and turkeys

Two experiments were performed, using broilers or turkeys, each utilizing a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement, to compare their response to phytase and xylanase supplementation with growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and ileal phytate degradation as response criteria. For both experiments, 960 Ross 308 or 960 BUT 10 (0-day-old) birds were allocated to 6 treatments: (1) control diet, containing phytase at 500 FTU/kg; (2) the control diet with xylanase (16,000 BXU/kg); (3) the control diet supplemented on top with phytase (1,500 FTU/kg); (4) diet supplemented with 1,500 FTU/kg phytase and xylanase (16,000 BXU/kg); (5) the control diet supplemented with phytase (3,000 FTU/kg); and (6) diet supplemented with 3,000 FTU/kg phytase and xylanase (16,000 BXU/kg). Each treatment had 8 replicates of 20 birds each. Water and diets based on wheat, soybean meal, oilseed rape meal, and barley were available ad libitum. Body weight gain and feed intake were measured from 0 to 28 D, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) corrected for mortality was calculated. Ileal digestibility for dry matter and minerals on day 7 and 28 were analyzed in addition to levels of inositol phosphate esters (InsP6-3) and myo-inositol. Statistical comparisons were performed using ANOVA. Xylanase supplementation improved 28D FCR in broilers and turkeys. Increasing doses of phytase reduced FI and improved FCR only in broilers. In broilers, the age × phytase interaction for phosphorous digestibility showed that increasing phytase dose was more visible on day 7, than on day 28. Mineral digestibility was lower in 28-day-old turkey compared with 7-day-old turkey. InsP6 disappearance increased with increasing phytase levels in both species, with lower levels analyzed in turkeys. InsP6 disappearance was greater in younger turkeys (day 7 compared with day 28). In conclusion, although broilers and turkeys shared several similarities in their growth and nutrient utilization responses, the outcomes of the 2 trials also differed in many aspects. Whether this is because of difference in diets (InsP or Ca level) or differences between species needs further investigation

Physicochemical quality of drinking water from various water sources of Kaduna state, Nigeria

This study was undertaken in six Local government areas (LGA) of Kaduna from  March 2014- February 2015, with the aim of determining some physicochemical parameters of water being used by residents in the study areas. The results were also  compared with the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigerian Institute of Standards (NIS) permissible limits for all the   parameters. A total of fifty samples from different water sources were analysed for the following parameters: Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Dissolved oxygen, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Nitrate, Electrical conductivity and pH using standard  methods. The values for conductivity (441.57 ± 107.13μhos/cm) and TDS (220.78 ± 53.56mg/l) were significantly higher for the borehole water samples (P<0.05), while the pH (7.27 ± 0.11) and nitrate (15.38 ± 1.29mg/l) values were significantly higher  during the rainy season (P<0.05). All the samples tested had their nitrate values less than the maximum level stipulated by both the NIS and WHO. Ninety-six percent of the samples had their pH and TDS within the recommended range (6.5-8.5 and 500mg/l  respectively). For the conductivity, the WHO standard differs from the NIS standard, and 60% met the WHO standard while 96% met the NIS standard.Key words: Potable water, Physicochemical parameters, season, WHO, NI

Comparative biochemical and molecular evaluation of swarming of Proteus and effects of anti-swarm agents

In addition to inadequate understanding of swarming motility and virulence of Proteus, there is paucity of information on the relative effectiveness of the various anti-swarm agents. The anti-swarming effects of urea, sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS) and trihydroxymethylglycine (Tris) on 40 clinical isolates of Proteus Spp. were comparatively investigated and plasmids associated with swarming were characterized. The three substances elicited a comparable concentration-dependent anti-swarming property at 0.25 – 1.25% on nutrient agar. Anti-swarm agents displayed heterogeneity in their ability to cause significant decreases in the expression of virulence factors. Swarm motility was further found to be strongly associated with the expression of virulence factors in these strains. Of the Proteus strains tested, 32 were found to harbour 1 – 4 plasmids of size ranging from 6.0 – 33.5 kb. Plasmid curing resulted in loss of swarming in 65.6% of these strains. In order to reduce the risk of infection with virulent Proteus strains, the laboratory use of urea and SDS is suggested. Key Words: Proteus, swarming, urea, SDS, Tris. African Journal of Biotechnology Vol.3(1) 2004: 99-10

Biochemistry of phytate and phytases: Applications in monogastric nutrition

Phytic acid is important for plant germination as the primary store of phosphorus but has become very important in animal nutrition due to the sheer volume of plant feedstuffs that are used in feeding non-ruminant animals. Phytases on the other hand enable the utilisation of the phosphorus that is bound in phytic acid. Animals do not produce phytase in any appreciable amount and hence the phytase primarily used in animal feed are of microbial origin. Biochemical studies have provided insights into the role of this vital compound, and have enabled development of a spectrum of enzymes that are capable of tolerating the heat treatment of some animal feed, escape the denaturing action of the gastric HCl and the digestive action of both gastric and intestinal proteases. In spite of the progress in understanding of phytic acid and phytase in monogastric animals, much still need to be learnt. A better understanding of the action of phytic acid in the digestive tract of animals is still needed and newer generation of phytases that allowed greater reduction in the use of inorganic phosphorus are continually being discovered and developed. The future of animal feeding will continue to require a better understanding of the biochemical principles underpinning nutrient utilisation by animals

Xylanase and xylo- oligosaccharide prebiotic improve the growth performance and concentration of potentially prebiotic oligosaccharides in the ileum of broiler chickens

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of supplementing broiler diets with xylanase or xylo- oligosaccharide (XOS) on growth performance, the concentration of non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) hydrolysis products in the ileum and concentration of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the caeca of broiler chickens. In total, 500 male Ross 308 broilers were used in this 29-day (d) study. The treatments were organised into a 2×2 plus 1 factorial arrangement consisting of two additives (xylanase or XOS) at two levels (low or high) plus a control treatment with no additives. This gave five treatments with 100 bird in each treatment group. The diets were slightly deficient in protein by 20 g/kg and energy by 1 MJ/kg. On d 14 and 28, two birds per pen were euthanised, the caeca content collected and analysed for short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration. On d 29, six birds per pen were euthanised and ileal digesta were collected and analysed for the concentration of NSP fractions. On d 14, caecal acetic acid, iso-butyric acid, iso-valeric acid, n-valeric acid and total SCFA concentrations were significantly greater (P≤0.05) when diets were supplemented with XOS compared with xylanase. Ileal concentration of arabinose, galactose and glucuronic acid (GlucA2) were significantly greater (P≤0.05) in the insoluble NSP fraction when diets were supplemented with a high level of xylanase, compared with the control treatment. Ileal concentration of fructose was significantly greater (P≤0.05) in the water soluble NSP when a high level of xylanase or low level of XOS were included in the diet compared with the control. It was concluded that xylanase and XOS had similar effects on NSP concentration and SCFA in the caeca, although there was little effect on performance. This observation demonstrated further benefits of xylanase supplementation in wheat-based broiler diets beyond digesta viscosity reduction and the release of extra nutrients

Determination of the level of resource-use efficiency in Quality Protein Maize (QPM) production in Kaduna State, Nigeria

The study aimed at determining the level of resource use efficiency in Quality Protein Maize (QPM) production in Kaduna State. Multi stage sampling technique was used to sample 170 respondents from four L.G.As. where QPM is mostly produced. Data were collected through questionnaire administration during the 2009 cropping season. Data analysis was done using multiple regression and estimation of resource-use efficiency ratio. The results showed that fertilizers, family and hired labour were over utilized while land and seeds were under utilized in the production process. This implied that, in order to scale-up output, levels of fertilizers, family and hired labour ought to be reduced while land and seeds ought to be increased