GEOCHEMICAL AND MINERALOGICAL COMPOSITION OF ISHARA SANDSTONE DEPOSIT, SOUTH WESTERN NIGERIA.

A total number of eleven [11] sandstone samples were collected at Ishara Remo in Ogun state in order to classify the deposit of the Ise Formation asexposed in this area on the bases of its chemical and mineralogical make-up. Out of these, nine [9] samples were selected for both geochemical andpetrographic studies. Relative concentration of the major oxide groups – silica and alumina alkali oxides, iron oxide and magnesia has been used to classify the deposit. The result of the geochemical analysis on the selected samples shows that the classification agrees with parameters of log SiO2 / Al2O3 < 1.5and either of log K2O / Na2O or log FeTO3+ MgO /Na2O = 0. On the basis of these, the sandstone could be classified as sub-greywacke or rather low rank greywacke. The ratio of the alkali [Na2O / K2O] > 0 also shows that the sandstone deposit is immature. Moreover, quartz, feldspar and rock fragments were microscopically identified with quartz constituting less than 90% of the total mineral constituent, while feldspar constitutes less than 25% and rock fragments make up more than 15%. On the basis of this also, the deposit can equally be classified as greywacke

Drivers of Agricultural Productivity in Agriculture-Based Economy

Stagnation in agricultural productivity, especially in an economy with fast and persistently growing population, would compromise food security. This study examined the factors influencing agricultural productivity in an agriculture-based economy. The study used a 35-year period (1980 – 2014) panel data focusing on Agricultural Productivity (AP), Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Government Agricultural Expenditure (EXP), Agricultural Trade Barrier (ATB), Consumer Price Index (CPI), Farm Machinery (MACH), Fertilizer Consumption (FERT), Human Capital (HCAP) and Irrigation (IRRG). Data were analyzed using Impulse Response Function (IRF) and Panel Least Squares (PLS) regression technique. The IRF revealed that there was a positive and stable response of GDP to shocks in AP in agriculture-based economy. Panel Least Squares revealed that consumer price index (p\u3c0.01), irrigation (p\u3c0.01) and machinery (p\u3c0.01) increased AP in agriculture-based economy. However, FERT decreased (p\u3c0.01) AP in agriculture-based economy. The study concluded that AP will grow in agriculture-based economy with an expansion in irrigation application, farm machinery and appropriate use of fertilizer. Therefore, improved irrigation infrastructure and farm machinery that will enhance smallholder farmer’s capacity for all-season cropping and appropriate application of fertilizer should be encouraged for increased agricultural productivity in agriculture-based economy

Drivers of Agricultural Productivity in Agriculture-Based Economy

Stagnation in agricultural productivity, especially in an economy with fast and persistently growing population, would compromise food security. This study examined the factors influencing agricultural productivity in an agriculture-based economy. The study used a 35-year period (1980 – 2014) panel data focusing on Agricultural Productivity (AP), Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Government Agricultural Expenditure (EXP), Agricultural Trade Barrier (ATB), Consumer Price Index (CPI), Farm Machinery (MACH), Fertilizer Consumption (FERT), Human Capital (HCAP) and Irrigation (IRRG). Data were analyzed using Impulse Response Function (IRF) and Panel Least Squares (PLS) regression technique. The IRF revealed that there was a positive and stable response of GDP to shocks in AP in agriculture-based economy. Panel Least Squares revealed that consumer price index (p\u3c0.01), irrigation (p\u3c0.01) and machinery (p\u3c0.01) increased AP in agriculture-based economy. However, FERT decreased (p\u3c0.01) AP in agriculture-based economy. The study concluded that AP will grow in agriculture-based economy with an expansion in irrigation application, farm machinery and appropriate use of fertilizer. Therefore, improved irrigation infrastructure and farm machinery that will enhance smallholder farmer’s capacity for all-season cropping and appropriate application of fertilizer should be encouraged for increased agricultural productivity in agriculture-based economy

Comparative evaluation of inhibitory activity of Epiphgram from albino and normal skinned giant African land snail (Archachatina marginata) against selected bacteria isolates

A study was conducted on evaluation of inhibitory activity of epiphgram from albino and normal skinned giant African land snail (Archachatina marginata). After aestivation, epiphgram were collected from twenty snails (10, albino and 10 normal skinned). The epiphgram were washed, air dried and ground into powder form. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of epiphgram from both albino and normal skinned species were determined by standard broth micro-dilution method using four (4) clinical bacteria Isolates which include: Eschericia coli, Pasteurella species, Salmonella species and Staphylococcus aureus. Ciproflaxacin antibiotic was used as control. Result showed that epiphgram from both albino and normal skinned snails had higher microbial activity for both Eschericia coli and Salmonella species as shown by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC: 0.050 and 0.098 vs 0.098 and 0.049) compared to streptomycin (MIC: 78 and 1.95 vs 15.63 and 1.95) which is the control. However, normal skinned epiphgram had higher antimicrobial activity considering the MIC values for Salmonella species, Staphylococcus aureus and Pasteurella species. While MIC value recorded for Eschericia coli showed that albino snail epiphgram had higher antimicrobial activity in the elimination of this bacteria species better than the normal skinned. It can be concluded from this study that substance which eliminate bacteria especially the four bacteria isolates used in this study are present in the epiphgram of both normal and albino snails in varying proportion with the highest amount present in normal skinned snail’s epiphgram except for Eschericia coli.Keyword: Albino snail, Archachatina marginata, Inhibitory activity, Epiphgram, Bacteria isolat

Article size distribution and control on Bitumen saturation of some Tar Sand Deposits in parts of South-Western Nigeria

Sedimentological analysis of some Afowo oil sands was carried out with the aim of characterising the reservoirs vis-à-vis their bitumen saturation and recovery efficiencies. Fourty-four samples of tar sands of the Afowo formation (collected at three different localities namely; Idiobilayo, Idiopopo and Igbotako) were subjected to granulometric and petrological analyses to determine the particle size distribution as well as other textural characteristics. The bitumen saturation analysis was carried out with the use of toluene. The result of sedimentological and particle size distribution studies showed that the sands are medium grained, moderately sorted and mesokurtic. The grain morphology can be described as having low to high sphericity, with shapes generally sub-angular to sub-rounded indicating a fairly long period of transportation. The result of bitumen saturation analysis showed that both Idiobilayo and Idiopopo oil sands have an average oil saturation of 17.2% and 16.9% respectively, while Igbotako sands have an average oil saturation of 12.3%. Consequently, Idiobilayo and Idiopopo oil sands deposits are therefore expected to have better reservoir quantities and possibly good oil recovery efficiencies. Keywords: Article size, distribution, Bitumen, Tar Sand Deposits, South-western Nigeria.Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences Vol. 14 (3) 2008: pp. 307-31

EVALUATION OF UDDER TRAITS OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF (WAD) GOATS AND SHEEP IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Udder traits of extensively managed 229 West African Dwarf (WAD) goats and 143 three West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep in Southwestern Nigeria were evaluated and factors affecting them were determined. Traits evaluated were udder and teat morphometrics including udder length (UL), udder width (UW), udder circumference (UC), distance between teats (DT), teat length (TL), teat width (TW) and teat circumference (TC). Udder and teat shapes and teat placement were also evaluated. In WAD goats, the average UL, UW, UC and DT were significantly (p&lt;0.05) influenced by age, parity and physiological status (pregnancy and lactation status) but age alone significantly (p&lt;0.05) influenced TL, TW and TC. In sheep, age, pregnancy and lactation status significantly (p&lt;0.05) influenced TL and UC respectively. In both species, all udder and teat dimensions increased with age and parity while largest and smallest udder and teat dimensions were observed for lactating and non-lactating (dry) animals respectively. The average UL, UW, UC, DT, TL, TW and TC of WAD goats were 12.44 &plusmn; 0.15 cm, 8.81 &plusmn; 0.11 cm, 26.81 &plusmn; 0.32 cm, 8.27 &plusmn; 0.09 cm, 2.40 &plusmn; 0.02 cm, 1.22 &plusmn; 0.02 cm and 3.11 &plusmn; 0.03 cm respectively. The average UL, UW, UC, DT, TL, TW and TC of WAD sheep were 11.30 &plusmn; 0.15 cm, 8.78 &plusmn; 0.13 cm, 26.21 &plusmn; 0.36 cm, 9.02 &plusmn; 0.12 cm, 2.10 &plusmn; 0.02 cm, 1.19 &plusmn; 0.02 cm and 3.06 &plusmn; 0.03 cm respectively. It is evident that WAD goats had larger udder size than WAD sheep, thus, indicating greater milk production potentials. Udder shapes found in WAD goats and sheep were bowl, cylindrical and funnel with the latter not found in sheep. Bottle, cylindrical and funnel shaped teats were found in both species while vertical and oblique teat placements were recorded in both species. In both goats and sheep, bowl shaped udder was the most predominant with 57.20% and 83.92% occurrence respectively. Cylindrical shaped teat was most prevalent in both species with 64.43% and 83.91% occurrence respectively. Oblique (tilted) teat placement was the most frequent in both species with 77.73% and 95.10% occurrence respectively in goats.&nbsp;&nbsp; High positive significant (p&lt;0.05) phenotypic correlations were found between UL and UW (r = 0.68), UL and UC (r = 0.62), UL and DT (r = 0.42), UW and UC (r = 0.73), UW and DT (r = 0.59), UC and DT (r = 0.53). In sheep, high positive significant (p&lt;0.05) phenotypic correlations were also found between UL and UW (r = 0.74), UL and UC (r = 0.65), UL and DT (r = 0.53), UW and UC (r = 0.72), UW and DT (r = 0.65), UC and DT (r = 0.54). In essence, this could be a basis for selecting udder traits of WAD goats and sheep as an indirect response in multiple traits selection programme especially for milk production . &nbsp

Petrographical study of ewekoro carbonate rocks, in ibese, south western nigeria

Limestone deposits can be found in every system of the geologic column since the Precambrian. In classifying this rock, various attempts have been made and notable among them is the classification scheme based on three components: allochems, cements and matrix. Another classification divided limestoneonthe basis of texture into grainstone, packstone, mudstone, wackestone and boundstone. Texturally, limestone ranges from fine to coarse grained with aragonite and calcite as the most common minerals. This work was aimed at identifying and describing both the allochemical and orthochemical components of the limestone deposits in order to classify and deduce their depositional environment.Eight core samples of limestone deposits representing the Ewekoro Formation of the Dahomey Basin were studied petrographically.The result of the analysis carried out on the samples showed that the Ibese limestone is composed of the following allochems: sponges, echinoids, bivalves, coralline algae, and pelecypod which represent the skeletal content and intraclasts, pellets and ooids which represent the non skeletal grains. The orthochemical constituents include the carbonate mud matrix and the sparry calcite cement.These constituents observed from the slides indicate that the Ibese limestone belongs to the class of wackestone and could have been deposited in a quiet and low energy environment

COMPARATIVE MORPHOLOGY OF HAEMOCYTE FROM TWO SPECIES OF GIANT AFRICAN LAND SNAILS (Archachatina marginata AND Achatina achatina)

A study was conducted to evaluate the presence and types of haemocytes inherent in haemolymph of two species of giant African land snails (Archachatina marginata and Achatina achatina). Haemolymph samples were obtained from three liveweight groups of snails (&lt; 100 g, 101-150 g and &gt;150 g) after removal of the first three whorls of the shell. Smears were made from thin layer of settled portion of the haemolymph after six hours. Staining was carried out after air drying at room temperature with MayGrünwald-Giemsa stain.  Four replicates per liveweight per species were used. Representative slides were selected after viewing under microscope. Dimensions of haemocytes identified were taken followed by photomicrograph. Results showed that four haemocyte types were present in the haemolymph of both species. Those haemocytes identified in Archachatina marginata had significantly (P&lt;0.001) higher dimensions than those found in Achatina achatina. Morphologically, the haemocytes were different in terms of shapes, nucleus position and cytoplasm types. It can therefore be concluded from this study that four circulating haemocytes types are present in both Archachatina marginata and Achatina achatina. Furthermore, in terms of dimension, Archachatina marginata had higher values compared to Achatina achatina. Also, morphologically, those four haemocyte types are different from each other in both specie of giant African land snails.Â

SOIL MOISTURE AND SEASONAL EFFECTS ON THE MORPHOMETRY OF THE OVIDUCT, PENIS AND RETRACTOR MUSCLE OF THE GIANT AFRICAN LAND SNAILS, ARCHACHATINA MARGINATA AND ACHATINA ACHATINA

This study evaluated the effect of soil moisture and season on the morphometry of part of the reproductive tract of the Giant African Land snails, in a 2 x 2 x 4 factorial experiment with two species (Archachatina marginata and achatina achatina), soil moisture at two levels (low – 25ml of water/ week and high – 100ml water/week) and season at four levels (cold dry, hot dry, hot wet and cold wet) constituting the three factors. Result showed that season had a highly significant effect (P&lt;0.001) on the dimension of oviduct, penis and the retractor muscle of A. achatina and A. marginata. Significant species effect (P&lt;0.001) was observed in the dimension of oviduct, penis and the retractor muscle of A. achatina and A. marginata. Soil moisture level significantly affected the oviduct weight, penis length and retractor muscle (P&lt;0.01) as well as the retractor muscle weight of A. achatina and A. marginata.  There was significant interactions between season and species for oviduct dimension (P&lt;0.001), penis length and retractor muscle weight (P&lt;0.001), penis weight and retractor muscle width (P&lt;0.01), penis width and retractor muscle length (P&lt;0.05).  There was interaction between season and soil moisture for oviduct length, penis length and retractor muscle weight (P&lt;0.01); the weight of the oviduct and retractor muscle.  The interactive effect of species and soil moisture significantly affect the penis length and weight (P&lt;0.05) and the width of penis and retractor muscle, while no interactive effect of species and soil moisture (P&gt;0.05) was observed on the oviduct dimensions. There was no significant interaction (P&gt;0.05) between season, species and soil moisture. However, the effect of snail liveweight was highly significant (P&lt;0.001) on the oviduct, penis and retractor muscle dimension.     It is concluded that snails reared on high soil moisture condition had higher dimensional values for oviduct, penis and retractor muscle while the seasonal variation also affected the dimension of the organs measured in this study.Â