Multidimensional Poverty Analysis and Informal Sector in Nigeria

The ability of the formal sector (public and organized private sectors) in Nigeria to generate employment and provide means of livelihood has been truncated by the economic crisis that dates back to the 1980s. The informal sector therefore, serves as the safety net that provides jobs and means of survival to the teeming unemployed population in the country. This paper therefore, examines: job creation in the informal sector; income earning capacity of informal sector operators; and the level of poverty reduction recorded by the operators of the informal sector. Apart from the specific objectives, other issues examined include, the background; operational; and the economic characteristics of the operators. A total of 100 structured questionnaires were distributed to informal sector operators to collect data in Ilorin metropolis. Out of this, 81 were returned valid and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multi-dimensional poverty index. The results from the study show that informal sector activities provide employment and income for the urban poor. About 83 percent of operators were employed on full-time basis while 16.1 percent of the respondents are employed on part-time basis. The mean previous employees  were computed at 2; current employees per operator stand at 4 on the average and that, an operator employs between 1 to 14 people maximum. Some other operators train apprentices who become self employed upon completion of the training. The mean apprentice per operator was estimated at 3.  Most of the informal sector operators earn an average income of N8, 468.42 per day. The study finds further, that reduction or increase in multi-dimensional poverty is strongly determined by number of hours worked per day; number of days worked per week; earnings; educational attainment and savings per day. The paper however, identifies a weak institutional support and thus recommends more support from the government in order to combat unemployment and poverty in the country

Fatty acid composition of meat from the hind leg cut of rabbits (Oryctolagus cunniculus): Fed diets containing graded levels of processed tallow (Detarium microcarpum) seed meal

Eighty one (81) weaned rabbits of mixed breeds and sexes (male and female) were randomly allotted to nine treatment groups with nine rabbits per treatment. Each treatment had three replicates with three rabbits per replicate. Processed tallow was included in the diets as a source of protein which was set at 16 % CP. The control diet had 100 % palm kernel cake (PKC) and 0 % tallow seed meal (TSM). Diets 1 - 4 contained cooked tallow seed meal (CTSM) included at 75 % PKC: 25 % CTSM, 50 % PKC: 50% CTSM, 25% PKC:75 % CTSM and 0 % PKC: 100 % CTSM, while groups 5 - 8 had fermented tallow seed meal diets (FTSM) and included at the same levels as in the cooked diets. Fifty four rabbits were randomly selected for slaughtering from the nine groups with six rabbits (male and females) per group. Fatty acid content of the hind leg of rabbits were determined. All the fatty acids measured were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the processing methods except decosenoic acid methyl ester and pentadecanoic acid methyl esters. The levels of inclusion of tallow also significantly (P<0.05) affected all the fatty acids composition measured. It was therefore concluded that irrespective of the processing methods the use of tallow in the diets of rabbits has no negative effect on the fatty acid composition of rabbit meat

Effect of feeding African Locust Bean (Parkia biglobosa) fruit pulp diets on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of weaner rabbits

A total of forty five weaner rabbits aged 5 to 6 weeks, with average initial weights of 700.00 ±0.05 g, were used to determine the effect of feeding Parkia biglobosa fruit pulp (PBFP) diets on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of weaner rabbits. They were randomly assigned to five treatments consisting of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 % dietary inclusion levels of Parkia biglobosa fruit pulp, to form Treatments T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively, in a completely randomized design experiment. The feeding trial lasted for 12 weeks to determine: feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio. At the end of the 11 week of the experiment, a nutrient digestibility trial was carried out using two rabbits from each replicate that were randomly selected and transferred to specially constructed metabolism cages. Faecal collection was carried out for five days using the total collection method. Results showed that there were significant (P&lt;0.05) differences in final body weight, body weight gain, total feed intake, feed conversion ratio and mortality among the treatments. Growth performance was significantly (P&lt;0.05) improved for up to 20 % dietary inclusion level of PBFP, and significantly (P&lt;0.05) declined as the level of PBFPincreased across the diets. The apparent nutrient digestibility was significant (P&lt;0.05) for dry matter, crude fibre and ether extract; but not significant (P&gt;0.05) for crude protein, ash and nitrogen free extract as well as for total digestible nutrients among the treatments. Hence, inclusion of PBFP in the diets of weaner rabbits at 20 % level gave the best results in terms of growth performance and apparent nutrient digestibility

Growth performance and egg production of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) fed diets containing graded levels of sun-dried cassava (Manihot esculenta) peel meal

A two-phase research project was carried out to determine the growth performance and egg production of Japanese quails fed diets containing graded levels of sun-dried cassava (Manihot esculenta) peel meal (SCPM). A total of 360 two-week-old Japanese quails of mixed sexes with average initial weight of 32.09 ± 0.02 g were used for the study. The birds were randomly allotted to four treatment groups, with each treatment replicated thrice having a total of 90 birds per treatment. SCPM replaced maize at 0, 25, 50 and 75 % levels to form diets A, B, C and D respectively and were fed to the birds for six weeks during the growing phase. In the laying phase, a total of 180 female Japanese quails were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments replicated thrice with 45 birds per treatment, and fed layers diets (with the same levels of maize replacement by SCPM as done in the growing phase) for six weeks. Results showed significant (p&lt;0.05) differences in daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) among the treatments in the growing phase. In the laying phase, there were significant (p&lt;0.05) differences in daily feed intake, hen day production (HDP), FCR and egg quality traits. Hence, it was concluded that dietary maize could be replaced with SCPM up to 50 % for optimum growth performance; while 25 % SCPM level of replacement is adequate for optimum egg production at the laying phase.Keywords: Growth performance, egg production, cassava peel, Japanese quai

Effects of cellulase and pectinase hydrolyzed corncob based diets on performance and carcass yield of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to assess the effects of feeding locally produced cellulase and pectinase hydrolyzed corncob based diets on performance and carcass characteristics of one day-old chicks with initial average body weight of 60g ± 1.25. Corncobs were pretreated with NaOH to remove the lignin contents and later hydrolyzed. The degradation of the high fibre components was done for five days using locally produced cellulase and pectinase enzymes. Completely Randomized Design was the experimental design. Four experimental diets (T1, T2, T3 and T4) were formulated in all. The first diet (T1) was a standard diet that did not contain corncob and served as the control, while other three diets (T2, T3 and T4) had cellulase and pectinase hydrolyzed corncobs at 5, 10 and 15 % levels respectively. Each treatment had 45 chickens divided equally to three replicates while each replicate had fifteen birds. Diets and water were given ad libitum. The chickens had positive growth rate. However, dry matter (DM) intake varied significantly (P&lt;0.05) in chickens on control diets and those on enzyme treated corncob diets. Birds on control diets consumed higher (2273.38 g ± 83.41) feeds than those on enzyme treated diets (2142.94g) but had lower performance indices in all parameters measured at the end of the eight week feeding trial. Broilers fed hydrolyzed corncob based diets had significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher and better performance in terms of feed conversion efficiency (0.82 compared with 0.48 ± 0.09) in control chicks. Protein efficiency ratio (4.17 compared with 1.69 ± 0.94) in chickens on control diet, dry matter digestibility and final body weight of (2383.38g compared 1666.67g ± 41.67). Chickens fed enzyme treated corncob diets also had higher dressing percentage (80.22% versus 73.93% ± 0.71) higher, cut-up parts and organ proportions. The result showed that locally produced cellulase and pectinase hydrolyzed corncob diets at 5 to 15 % levels improved broilers performance and carcass quality. It was concluded that for optimum performance, enzyme treated corncob could be included in diets of broiler chickens up to 15 % level.Keywords: Performance, Broiler chickens, Corncob, Cellulase and Pectinas

Growth response, carcass characteristics and egg laying performance of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) fed diets containing varying levels of fermented cassava (Manihot esculenta) peel meal

A two phased experimental study was conducted on 300, two-weeks-old Japanese quails to determine the effect of feeding diets containing varying levels of fermented cassava (Manihot esculenta) peel meal on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and egg production of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Japanese quails with mean initial body weight of 26.67 g and of mixed sexes were used. Fermented cassava peel meal (FCPM) was prepared by soaking fresh cassava peels in water (that is twice its weight) for three days. Thereafter, the peels were put in a jute bag and kept for 12 hours under a hydraulic press; sundried for a few days and milled using an attrition mill. During the growing phase, the birds were randomly allotted to four dietary treatmentswith 75 birds per treatment, each replicated three times, with the diets containing FCPMreplacing 0, 25, 50 and 75%maize to form diets T1 , T2 , T3 and T4 respectively. The diets were isonitrogenous, containing 24 % crude protein, and fed to the experimental birds for six weeks. Data were collected on feed intake, growth performance and carcass characteristics. The laying phase involved 120 female quails from the growing phase that were sexed to retain only the females. They were then allotted to four dietary treatments of three replicates per treatment; with 10 birds per replicate. The birds were fed the experimental diets containing FCPM replacing 0, 25, 50 and 75 % maize for eight weeks, and data were collected on egg production and egg quality parameters. Results show significant (p&lt;0.05) differences in daily feed intake and nutrient digestibility among the treatments, while daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not significantly (p&gt;0.05) different, during the growing phase. For the laying phase, there were no significant (p&gt;0.05) differences in daily feed intake, hen day production (HDP) and all the egg quality traits determined. Therefore, it can be concluded that dietary maize could be replaced with FCPM up to 50 % and 75 % in growing quails without any deleterious effects on growth performance and carcass characteristics respectively; whereas it can replace up to 75 % in the diet of laying Japanese quails without any adverse effect on egg production and egg quality traits

Influence of dietary nano zinc and selenium supplementation on growth performance, nutrients digestibility and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of nano zinc and selenium supplementation on growth performance, nutrients digestibility and carcass characteristics of broiler chicks. Three hundred and twenty 28 day old broiler chicks of Arbor Acre strain were used in a completely randomized design with 4×4 factorial combinations. Birds were fed control diets containing 20% CP and 3000kcal/kg ME supplemented with varying levels of nano zinc (20, 30, 40.and 50mg/kg) and selenium (0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25mg/kg) respectively for 21 days. Data generated were subjected to Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS version 16.0). The supplementation of nano zinc (30mg) and selenium (0.10mg) increased weight gain, reduced feed consumed and better FCR. Dry matter, crude fibre, crude protein, ether extract and ash digestibility were significantly enhanced. The carcass traits were improved irrespective of the levels. The use of nano zinc and selenium in broiler feeding can improve productive performance of broiler chickens without any detrimental effect to the animal

Comparative evaluation of graded levels of untreated and cellulase and pectinase hydrolyzed corncob based diets on performance, carcass yield, haematological and biochemical parameters of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to compare the effects of feeding graded levels of untreated and cellulase and pectinase hydrolyzed corncob based diets on growth, nutrient digestibility, carcass yield, haematological and biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. Three hundred and fifteen day-old broiler chicks with an average initial body weight of 60g were used for the study. Seven dietary treatments were formulated such that Diet 1 was a control. Diets 2, 3 and 4 contained 5%, 10%, and 15% levels of untreated corncob, while diets 5, 6 and 7 contained cellulase and pectinase hydrolyzed corncob at 5%, 10% and 15% levels respectively. The birds were randomly distributed into seven treatment groups in three replicates and each replicate had fifteen birds. Crushed corncobs were pretreated with NaOH to remove the lignin contents and later subjected to locally produced cellulase and pectinase enzymes for the degradation of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) for five days. Proximate analyses of untreated corncobs, cellulase and pectinase hydrolyzed corncob, standard diet, diets containing untreated corncobs and diets containing cellulase and pectinase treated corncobs were carried out to determine the nutrient composition of the ingredients and feeds. Data obtained from Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, haematological and serum biochemical profile as well as carcass yield were determined in a 2x4 factorial arrangement. Feeding regime was twice daily for all the treatment groups while diets and water were supplied to birds ad libitum. The results showed that at the end of week eight when the experiment was terminated, the broilers placed on untreated corncob diets consumed higher quantities (2497.28 g) of feed than birds placed on enzyme treated diets (2142.94 g) and conversely recorded lower performance indices in all parameters measured. The result also showed that as the levels of untreated corncob diets increased, the final body weight of birds (1450.00 g) significantly (P&lt;0.05) reduced when compared to 2385.33g obtained for enzyme treated birds. The result equally showed that broilers fed hydrolyzed corncob diets had significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) and better performance in terms of feed conversion efficiency (0.67 as compared to 0.50) in the untreated birds, protein efficiency ratio (4.17 as compared to 1.69) in the untreated birds, feed conversion ratio (1.21 as compared to 2.70) in the untreated birds, nutrient digestibility, final body weight, dressed carcass percentage (80.22 as compared to 73.93%) in the untreated birds and carcass cuts when compared to broilers fed untreated corncob diets. Enzyme treated corncob diets significantly (P&lt; 0.05) lowered the blood cholesterol levels (1.85 g/dL as compared to 2.15 g/dL) in the untreated birds and also improved other haematological indices measured in the birds compared to the control broilers. Generally, broilers fed enzyme hydrolyzed corncob diets performed better with birds fed 15.00% enzyme treated corncob diets having the highest and the best performance record which could be attributed to better utilization of nutrients since the enzymes have hydrolyzed the nutrient releasing monomers and hence are better metabolized. It is concluded that feeding broilers with enzyme hydrolyzed corn cob at the levels 5 to15.0 % improved performance and carcass values. In addition, it elevated albumin, globulin, total protein, Aspartate amino transaminase (AST) and Alanine amino transaminase (ALT) levels in the blood