Nutrigenetic Effect of Moringa oleifera Seed Meal on the Biological Growth Programme of Young Broiler Chickens.

A Nutrigenetic study of the effects of graded levels (0%, 5% and 10%) of undecorticated undefatted Moringa oleifera Seed Meal (UUMOSM) on the biological growth programme of 48 young broilers of two genotypes (Marshall and Arbor Acres) was conducted. Rates of change (%) of Body Weight (WTR), Length (BLR) and Girth (BGR), and Lengths of Shank (SLR), Thigh (TLR), Wing (WLR) and Keel (KLR) between 1 and 4 weeks age were measured. The effect of Genotype and Diet on growth rate was defined by fitting a univariate General Linear Model, while the strength of relationship between traits was examined by use of Pearson's bivariate correlation method. Only BLR was significantly (P<0.05) affected by genotype, while diet significantly (P<0.05) determined WTR, BGR, TLR, WLR, and KLR. Significant (P<0.05) effects of Genotype x Diet interaction on WTR, BLR, BGR, WLR and KLR were observed. The level of correlation between trait rates varied with increasing levels of UUMOSM in both genotypes; exhibiting a direct, inverse, parabola or inverted parabola shaped relationship curve. These results showed that subtle variations in dietary levels of UUMOSM significantly influence the biological growth programme of young broilers, with implications for size and interrelationship of body parts, including shape/conformation. They further showed that substructures within populations such as clusters with non-overlapping nutritional habits (voluntary or forced) influence overall population estimates of inter-trait relationships. The transcriptomic (gene expression) and metabonomic correlates of the phenomenon reported here will be examined in further studies and should yield evidence of underlying mechanisms.Keywords: Moringa oleifera seed meal, Broiler, Growth rate, Correlationand Regression

A Dynamic Panel Analysis of Drivers of Output Growth in the Nigerian Manufacturing Firms

Regardless of the efforts of government to revamp the manufacturing sector in Nigeria, the sub-sector has remained ineffective with dwindling output and there have been consistent fluctuations in the share of the manufacturing sub-sector to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Nigeria. This study therefore examines the determinants of output growth in the Nigerian formal manufacturing sub-sector. The study made use of fifty (50) formal manufacturing firms listed in the Nigerian Stock Exchange Data for the formal manufacturing firms were sourced from the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) Fact Book and the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin 2014. The estimated models in the study were specified following the works of Sangosanya (2011). The study employed the dynamic panel data analysis (the dynamic models of the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) and the Systemic Generalized Method of Moments (SYSGMM)) for the Nigerian formal manufacturing sub-sector. The study showed that the coefficient of operating efficiency in the GMM&SYSGMM estimate, i.e. -0.0349214 and -0.0199787 respectively showed a negative relationship between OPREF and firms’ growth. This implied that information supplied by firms about their growth indicators is at variance with their performance. This further speaks volume of the weakness of regulatory agencies to effectively monitor the performance of manufacturing firms in Nigeria. Also, the study showed that exchange rate, bank efficiency and managerial efficiency have significant positive relationship with output growth of firms. Also variables such as degree of financial development, energy infrastructural facilities and government regulations and policy have significant negative impact with output growth of firms in Nigeria. Findings revealed that all the explanatory variables identified in the study are strong determinants of firm growth in the Nigerian manufacturing sub-sector. The study recommended among others that government should formulate and implement policies that would hinder formal manufacturing firms from publishing fake report of their growth. Also, government should formulate and implement policy measures that would make imported goods more expensive and appropriate monetary policies that would make the cost of borrowing from banks (interest rate) affordable should be priotised in Nigeria

Changes in Inventories, Capacity Utilisation Rate and Inflation Dynamics in Nigeria

The paper empirically examined the relationship existing among current inflation, expected future inflation, changes in inventories, manufacturing capacity utilisation rate, output gap, labour income share and trade openness in Nigeria using the annual time series data spanning from 1981 to 2015 by employing the Vector Autoregressive (VAR) Model.   Stationarity, co-integration and causality tests were conducted on all the variables of interest in the study. The Block Exogeneity/WALD test result in the study confirms that changes in inventories and manufacturing capacity utilisation rate are exogenous variables while current inflation rate, expected future inflation, labour income share, output gap and trade openness are endogenous variables. The study finds that there is bi-directional causality running from current inflation to expected future inflation which implies that the anticipation of inflation can itself be the cause of inflation in Nigeria.  There is also bi-directional causality running from current inflation to output gap indicating that current inflation granger causes output gap in Nigeria. There is also bi-directional causality running from manufacturing  capcity utilisation rate to expected future inflation indicating that expected future inflation granger causes manufacturing capacity utilisation in Nigeria. The policy implication of the findings of the paper is that the policy makers should take into account the likely influence of changes in inventories, expected future inflation, manufacturing  capcity utilisation rate,output gap,labour income share and trade openness on domestic prices of goods and services in formulating trade and economic policies in Nigeria. Keywords: Changes in inventories, labour income share, inflation dynamics, manufacturing capacity utilisation rate, output gap and trade opennes

Local Farmers’ Perceptions about Covid-19 Impact on Agriculture: Case of Selected Rural Areas in Ekiti State, Nigeria

The outbreak of the Corona virus that ravaged most parts of the globe including Nigeria had impacted all sectors in all economies. Understanding the perception of rural farmers about Covid-19 pandemic impacts on agricultural activities becomes imperative as it will help local government authorities identify possible vulnerabilities and prioritize interventions. This study therefore seeks 1) to know farmer perceptions of the probable impacts of Covid-19 pandemic on agricultural production process of rural farmers and 2) to examine if this perception varies by the population subgroups of farmers? Using selected rural areas in five local government areas in Ekiti state as case study, primary data obtained through the administered questionnaire were analysed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. Results indicated that the two most potential and identified possible vulnerabilities are agricultural output and access to finance, and income with respect to production process and welfare, respectively. ANOVA results indicated that both age and gender are not statistically significant at 5 percent in explaining perceived impact of covid-19 on agricultural output likewise others such as educational attainment, years of farming experience and marital status. Hence, none of the levels in each of the chosen categorical variables is found to be statistically different from the other ones in impacting agricultural production. It is therefore recommended that government policies aimed at stimulating agricultural production should not be gender bias and age driven. Similarly, other factors such as years of farming experience, educational attainment and marital status should be de-emphasized when initiating such policies

Relationship between egg weight, hatch weight and subsequent body weight in Fulani ecotype chicken

Three hundred (300) Fulani Ecotype (FE) chicken eggs collected from free ranged Fulani Ecotype chicken were used to study the effect of egg weight on hatch weight and subsequent body weight. Eggs were grouped into twoaccording to their weight (small and medium) and incubated. Body weight of the chicks was measured from the day of hatch to 12 weeks of age on weekly basis. Mean of the body weight gain from day old to 12 weeks of age in FE chicks obtained from small and medium egg size in this study were 306.73g and 311.36g, respectively. There was no significant correlations between egg weight, hatch weight and subsequent body weight in FE chicks obtained from small egg size, while a significantly (P<0.01) high and positively correlated relationship existed between hatch weightand egg weight of chicks obtained from medium egg size. Positive and significant inter-correlation (0.51 to 0.98) existed between body weight of FE chicks obtained from small and medium egg size. Linear regression equations showed a significant coefficient of determination for hatch weight, body weight at 2, 4, and 6 weeks using both small and medium egg weight values. The results of this findings indicated that both small and medium Fulani Ecotype eggs are settable. However, medium eggs produce larger chicks than the small eggs

Agro-processing Output and Agricultural Sector Employment: Evidence from South Africa

This paper empirically examined the relationship between agro-processing sub-sector output and agricultural sector employment in South Africa by using time series data from 1975-2015. The study employed ARDL-bounds testing approach to examine the existence long-run equilibrium relationship. The result of the ARDL test confirmed the existence of long-run relationship among the variables examined. The long-run estimate result revealed that the relationship between agro-processing output and agricultural sector employment is negative in the long-run. The study further examined the causality between agro-processing output and agricultural sector employment using TYDL causality test and it observed a unidirectional causal relationship running from agro-processing output to agricultural sector employment. While it is deduced that agro-processing sector output is found to be unable to promote agricultural sector employment, this study recommends stimulation of agricultural export for agricultural sector employment generation in South Africa

Awareness and Usage of the Baobab in Rural Communities in Kwara State, Nigeria

The study investigated awareness and usage of the Baobab plant in rural communities in Kwara State, Nigeria. It examined the determinants of the plant’s usage as well as constraints to its usage in the State. A three stage random sampling procedure produced the 200 respondents from which primary data used for the study was collected using a well structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics including frequency counts, percentages and means was employed in presenting the findings of the study. The logit regression model was used in the determination of the factors of usage among the respondents. The study revealed that the level of awareness of the uses and benefits of the plant as well as its usage in the state is poor. Level of awareness at p<0.05 and income at p< 0.1 were found to be the determinants of usage of the baobab in the State. The strong negative socio-cultural belief held about the plant, poor level of awareness about its benefits and the poor knowledge of its processing were the major constraints against its use in the State. The study recommends the need to increase awareness of the benefits of the plant and also to provide information on the processing methods applicable to the baobab. The various agricultural extension agencies in the State in collaboration with agricultural research institution in the State can go a long way in ensuring that the potentials of the baobab plant is optimized among rural communities in the State.Keywords: Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.), Awareness, Usage, Logit Regression Model, Kwara State

Effect of long-term steroid withdrawal in renal transplant recipients: a retrospective cohort study

Background. Steroids are largely effective for the immunosuppressive treatment in renal transplant patients, but cause severe side effects. Whether steroid withdrawal confers long-term beneficial effects remains unclear

Household Cooking Energy Situation in Nigeria: Insight from Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey 2015

The lingering electricity energy crisis in Nigeria which is beyond the control of most households necessitates making decision and choice on alternative energy pathways for households' sustenance and welfare. This study assessed households' energy situation with respect to choice of cooking fuel and cooking energy poverty status in Nigeria. Further investigation was sought to isolate the main factors influencing households' choice of individual fuels as main cooking fuels using data from Nigeria's Malaria Indicator Survey of 2015 with the application of descriptive and multivariate probit analyses. Findings revealed that wood and kerosene fuels remain the major fuels utilized by most households in Nigeria for cooking purposes. Meanwhile, level of education, household size, wealth status and regional factors are significant predictors driving choices of fuels among households, though the impact of these factors differs across the highlighted choices. Based on these findings, mass enlightenment campaign on the safe use of clean energy is recommended while the need for economic diversification by rural households to aid their wealth status is also emphasized. Also, there is need to gear up corporate social responsibilities by the available private establishments in ensuring rural accessibility, availability and affordability of modern and cleaner fuel (such as LPG). Keywords: Cooking Energy Choice, Multivariate Probit Model, Nigeria JEL Classifications: D10, I30, Q40 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.691

Prospects and constraints on utilization of Jatropha curcas seeds in animal feedstuff

Combined physical, chemical and biochemical methods were used to process virgin seed meal of Jatropha curcas L. into treated Jatropha Seed Meal (JSM). Graded levels (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25%) JSM treated by the various methods was included in the test diets which were fed ad libitum to 360 albino rats for a month in a single factor design trial. The results revealed that feed intake was numerically highest (p > 0.05) for the rats on the 5 % treated JSM diet, while feed efficiency was highest (p > 0.05) for those on the 10 % treated JSM diets. Weight gain was significantly highest (p< 0.05) for the rats on 10 and 15 % treated JSM diets. Lowest survival rate (17%) was observed on treated JSM diet processed by boiling, roasting followed by fermenting. Biochemical indices measured on treated JSM based diets were comparable with those obtained on the conventional diet (p > 0.05) except for blood cholesterol level (p < 0.05) which was elevated with increasing treated JSM in diets. There were also no significant differences recorded on AST and ALP activities (p > 0.05) between the treatments. Haematological indices investigated including PCV, RBC, Hb were insignificantly influenced by the 5% dietary treated JSM compared with the control diet (p > 0.05) and there was non-significant effect of the dietary treatment on the WBC differential counts of lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes and neutrophils. It was established in this study that inclusion of 5% treated JSM in diets had no detrimental effect on albino rats. Further researches are in progress to investigate inclusion of the treated JSM in diets at levels higher than the 5% used in this study.Keywords: JSM, Cockerels, Performance, Biochemical and haematological parameter