Prediction Models for Water Erosion Risk Management: A Review

In order to estimate the potential soil erosion hazard of an area, erosion prediction models are needed. Various models have been used by researchers, which ranges from mathematical and conceptual simple approaches to complex models that try to include the complexities of the real world. Six (6) models are reviewed in relation to their suitability for use. The KINEROS, CORINE and EUROSEM were best suited for water erosion risk prediction in cultivated soils. On the other hand, the KINEROS, PESERA, CORINE and EUROSEM were found to be applicable in all sectors (Agronomy, water resources management and road construction) highlighted. The GLASOD had the least applicability with respect to this study.Keywords: Water Erosion, sediment transport models, Model structure and suitability for us

Effect Of Sex, Season And Month On Lambing Weight Of Yankasa X Balami Sheep In A Tropical High Altitude Environment

The lambing records of a mixed flock of Yankasa x Balami ewes, managed semi-intensively at the National vertinary Research Institute (NVRI) farm Vom, were evaluated within a 2 year period (January 1985 – December, 1986. A total of 106 lamblings made up of 61 males and 45 females were investigated. The lambs were grouped by sex, months and seasons of birth. The results showed that the average weight of the male lambs (2.93 ± 0.09kg) was significantly more (

Utilization of sun-dried, fermented and ensiled cassava peel meal-based diets by weaner rabbits

No Abstract.Nigeria Agricultural Journal Vol. 36 2005: pp. 52-5

Comparative evaluation of the constituents of colostrum and milk of the West African Dwarf Sheep and goat reared in a humid tropical environment

No Abstract.Nigeria Agricultural Journal Vol. 35 2004: pp. 118-12

Digestibility And Nitrogen Balance Studies In West African Dwarf Sheep Fed Fortified Cassava Peel Meal – Poultry Waste Diets

Four West African Dwarf (WAD) rams averaging 10.5 kg of body weight and aged 16 months were used in a metabolism study to determine the intake and nutrient digestibility of potato chips fortified cassava peel poultry waste diets. Four experimental diets were formulated. They include diets A the control made up of 100% dried cassava peel, and diets B, C, and D, consisting of 80: 10: 10; 70:15:15 and 60:20:20 of dried cassava peel, dried poultry waste and dried potato chips respectively. The crude protein (%) content were 4.86, 7.50, 9.18 and 9.83, while the gross energy (MJ/kg/DM) were 1.61, 1.62, 1.64, and 1.50 and for diets A, B, C, and D respectively. The animals were assigned the test diets in a 4 x 4 Latin square experiment. Weekly body weights, feed intake, dry matter intake were recorded, nutrient digestibilities were computed while a nitrogen balance study was also carried out. Results indicate that incorporating potato chips in cassava peel – poultry waste diets generally improved intake in WAD sheep. Respectively the dry matter (53.33, 58.28, 54.71, 64.34), crude protein (24.93, 46.2, 49.24, 66.60), crude fibre (31.84, 27.74, 36.38, 68.12) and gross energy (80.08, 78.51, 77.25, 74.44) digestibility values of diets A, B, C, and D differed significantly (

Milk Yield and Composition of West African Dwarf (WAD) Does fed Bambara nut meal-based diets

Twelve individually housed West African Dwarf (WAD) does in their mid-lactation were used to study the effect of Bambara nut meal on milk yield, composition and mineral content of goat milk. Four experimental diets designated A, B, C and D were formulated to contain 0, 10, 20 and 30% Bambara nut meal (BM), respectively. The 12 WAD does were divided into four (4) groups of three animals each. Each group was assigned to one of the four experimental diets in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each animal in a group represented a replicate. The experiment lasted 28 days. Data on voluntary feed intake and milk yield were collected daily. Results showed that daily milk yield was similar (P>0.05) among the treatment groups. The values were 188.53, 174.86, 298.66 and 272.49 g for diets A, B, C and D, respectively. Similarly values for SF, BF, CP, Lactose, TS, ASH and milk energy did not differ (P>0.05) among treatment groups. However, dietary inclusion of BM significantly (P<0.05) affected Calcium, Phosphorus and Sodium contents of WAD goat milk but Magnesium and Potassium were not significantly influenced (P>0.05) by  the diets. It was concluded that the dietary inclusion of Bambara nut meal at 20% level promoted higher milk content of Calcium, Phosphorus and Sodium.Keywords: Bambara groundnut, goats, milk yield, composition and mineral content

Performance of pure and crossbred progenies of Red Sokoto and West African Dwarf goats in the Rainforest Zone of South Eastern Nigeria.

This study is a report of part of a planned breeding programme to evaluate the performance of pure and crossbred progenies of Red Sokoto (RS) and West African Dwarf (WAD) goats in a rainforest zone of South Eastern Nigeria. A total of 56 kids produced by four breeding goat units consisting of pure Red Sokoto (RS x RS), pure West African Dwarf (WAD X WAD), main cross (RS x WAD), and reciprocal cross (WAD X RS) were used to investigate performance and cost benefit of producing progenies of these indigenous goats. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with genetic group and sex as the factors of interest. Results showed that at birth, the male RS X RS kids weighed significantly (P<0.05) highest (1.84±0.23kg), followed by WAD X RS (1.43±0.14kg), RS X WAD (1.37±0.56kg) while the WAD X WAD kids had the lowest birth weight (1.15±0.39kg). However, the RS X WAD female kids, at birth weighed significantly highest (1.5±0.54kg), followed by the RS X RS (1.33±0.98kg), WAD X RS (1.31±0.17kg) and WAD X WAD (1.09±0.12kg).Body weight at 18 weeks was significantly higher for RS X RS (9.82±0.79kg) than the RS X WAD (8.34±0.85) which in turn was significantly higher than the WAD X RS (7.61±0.13kg) and WAD X WAD (7.51±0.61kg). The male and female kids of the RS X WAD had improved body weight and the linear body measurements namely, body length, height-at-withers and heart girth. This genetic group had a higher average daily gain (46.03 ± 1.41g/d) and better feed conversion ratio (5.38 ± 0.27) than the RS x WAD (6.64 ± 0.18) and WAD x WAD (7.02 ± 0.21). It also had the lowest cost of production (N953.40=$6.60) and as such the highest gross margin (N2,111.06 =$14.60) in 18 weeks. Individuals in this group appeared more promising hybrid goats for commercial meat goat production in the rainforest zone of South Eastern Nigeria.Keywords: Red Sokoto and WAD goats, crossbreeding, linear body measurements, cost benefit, rainforest zone