International Journal of Agricultural Sciences

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2167-0447 Vol. 5 (3), pp. 426-434, May, 2015. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Seasonal variations in the mineral composition of some commercially important fish species of Lake Victoria- Tanzania

*Abdulkarim, B.^{1, 2}, Bwathondi, P.O.J.² and Benno, B. L.²

¹Department of Biology, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina State Nigeria

²Department of Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries, University of Dar es salaam, Tanzania. *Corresponding Author. Email: [email protected]

Abstract

Seasonal variations in the mineral compositions of three commercial fish species; Lates niloticus, Oreochromis niloticus, Rastrineobola argentea from Lake Victoria were determined using standard method and procedures. Calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium and magnesium were significantly higher (p<0.05) during the wet season, while zinc was significantly (p<0.05) higher during the dry season and no significant differences (p>0.05) in the contents of manganese, copper and iron were observed in L. niloticus. Calcium was higher in the wet season but not significantly different. Potassium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium and zinc were significantly higher (p<0.05) during the wet season, while manganese and iron were significantly (p<0.05) higher during the dry season and copper was unaffected by the seasons in O. niloticus. Calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and iron were significantly higher (P<0.05) in wet season, while sodium, manganese and copper were unaffected by seasons in R. argentea. The three species were found to be good sources of dietary minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper and zinc which could be recommended to pregnant women, lactating mothers and infants for normal growth and good health. The high levels of the essential minerals during the wet season indicated that the species could be desirable during this period.

Key words: Fish species, Lake Victoria, mineral composition, seasonal variations, Tanzania. 

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN: 2167-0447 Vol. 5 (3), pp. 461-471, May, 2015. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Modelling of drying pattern of cassava chips at different air velocity and temperature using fluidizied bed dryer

Famurewa J.A.V and Emuekele P. O.

Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure , Nigeria.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

This study investigated the drying kinetics of cassava chips using fluidized bed dryer with a view to predicting the most suitable drying model for the drying of cassava (TMS30572 and TMS98/0581). The experiment was carried out using a 4x4x2 factorial;  ( air velocities,   air temperatures, and varieties of cassava) with three replications for each treatment..   Fresh cassava tubers were peeled, washed, drained and chipped using manual slicer.  A 100 g of the wet chips was then subjected to drying using pre heated fluidized bed drier at a specific temperature and varied air velocity.  The change in mass was recorded at constant time interval of 20 minutes until constant weight was achieved Twelve different mathematical drying models were fitted to the experimental data of the moisture ratio against the time using nonlinear regression analysis by Sigma Plot 10.0 and Microsoft Excel (2010). The models were compared based on their coefficients of determination (R²), reduced chi-squares (χ²), root mean square errors (RMSE), and mean bias error (MBE).   Modified Henderson and Pabis model was found to be the best mathematical model for describing the drying kinetics of cassava chips for TMS30572 and TMS98/0581 respectively having  highest value of R², least values of χ², RMSE and MBE.  

Key words: Cassava, fluidized bed dryer, modeling, drying. 

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN: 2167-0447 Vol. 5 (3), pp. 494-499, May, 2015. © International Scholars Journals

Review

The effects of climate change on livestock production, current situation and future consideration

Addis Getu

University of Gondar, Facility of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Production and Extension, Ethiopia.

E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Abstract

Review work was conducted to assess the climatic effect on livestock productions. Worldwide reviewers stated that the performances of animals are strongly correlated to environments. Currently climate change is a great challenge in the world. Intergovernmental panel meeting on climate change underlined that the poorest vulnerable groups are the worst and affected groups. Indirectly climate change has significant impact on feed resources on livestock productivity, carrying capacity of rangelands, and feeds, feeding options and grazing managements. Changed temperature increases the lignifications of plant tissues and reduces the digestibility and rates of degradations. Livestock is also directly exposed to tresses of the mortality, growth, reproduction and maintenances. Climatic change aggravates the water scarcity and accelerates the poverty level. The response of changing environments is increased. Water intake of Bos Indicus cattle was increased from about 3 kg DM intake at 10 °C to 5 kg at 30°C and to about 10 kg at 35°C. Climate change influenced other factors associated with vector populations and their distributions. Awareness creation on the consumption of livestock products related to environmental effects is important mitigation measures. The future directions of livestock production will be increased for the production of foods for the efficient transformation of livestock production to the international markets.

Key words: Climate Change, Effects, Livestock Production, Prospect, Recent.  

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol. 5 (3), pp. 476-486, May, 2015. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Are quelea birds really a menace? Innovative use of indigenous knowledge systems in the harvesting and utilisation of quelea, Quelea quelea lathamii. in Hwange District of Matabeleland North Province

Canisius Mpala¹, P. Sibanda¹, M. Dlamini¹ and B. Sibanda²

¹Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Lupane State University P.O. Box AC 255, ASCOT, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

²Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Sciences and Rangeland Management, Lupane State University P.O. Box AC 255, ASCOT, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

*Corresponding author. E mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Quelea birds have been a threat to summer subsistence small grains and commercial winter cereal cropping in Zimbabwe. Control techniques using toxicant Fenthion through sprays has been developed in Zimbabwe. The harvesting and utilisation of quelea by the rural communities has always occurred using indigenous knowledge systems. To assess this, a survey was conducted in July 2012 to April 2013 in Hwange. The study sought to identify and assess the indigenous harvesting methods, consumption and impact of quelea harvesting on livelihoods, incomes and food security. Data was collected through focus group discussions, field observations and a questionnaire survey on forty harvesters. The study found that quelea birds are consumed and sold on the informal market for 20 birds per US$1.00. The locals use latex from Euphorbia ingens, Euphorbia persistentifolia, Euphorbia fortissima and wax from Colophospermum mopane through an ingenious environmentally friendly Chembwe trapping concept. Euphorbia cooperi latex was not used because it is poisonous. The study found that 600-1000 birds are caught per day from February to June. Harvesters get up to 350 kg of grain and USD500.00 per month from sales. The birds provide a cheap source of protein, employment and improved livelihoods. More information on preservation and processing is required.

Key words: Quelea harvesting, Quelea utilisation, Euphorbia, indigenous knowledge systems, Chembwe.

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN: 2167-0447 Vol. 5 (3), pp. 472-475, May, 2015. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Review Paper

Co-crystals of agrochemical actives

Bhupinder Singh Sekhon

PCTE Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, near Baddowal Cantt, Ludhiana-142 021, India.

Email: [email protected]

Abstract

Design of agrochemical active ingredients is a multidimensional task. Co-crystals are crystalline compounds that contain two different molecules that pack together in a fixed way. Co-crystallization can be used as a reliable technique to form alternative solid forms of agrochemical actives, and co-crystals do indeed have potential to increase the apparent solubility of compounds with poor dissolution properties. No marketed agrochemicals have been actively developed as co-crystals so far, but several companies are actively investigating them. Use of the Cambridge Structural Database which screens potential co-formers for a given active compound to find suitable, strongly interacting co-crystal partners is desirable.

Key words: Co-crystals, agrochemical actives, pesticides, solubility, co-formers. 

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN: 2167-0447 Vol. 5 (3), pp. 458-460, May, 2015. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper 

Effect of genetic and non-genetic factors on post-weaning body weight in rabbits

Rojan P.M¹., K.A. Bindu² and T.V. Raja³

¹Academic Consultant, KVASU, India. ² Associate Professor and Head, COVAS, Pookode, India. ³Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, COVAS, Pookode, India.

Abstract

A complete 3 x 3 diallel cross was performed involving White Giant (WG), Soviet Chinchilla (SC) and Grey Giant (GG) breeds of rabbits at the University rabbit farm under the Centre for Advanced Studies in Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kerala, India to study the growth performance of rabbits with respect to different genetic and non-genetic factors. Growth records of F₁ progeny were taken at fortnightly interval from four to twelfth weeks of age. The results revealed that among purebreds, the highest post-weaning body weights at fourth, sixth, tenth and twelfth week were recorded in White Giant (WG).  Among crossbreds, progenies of WG male crossed to GG female (WGxGG) recorded the highest post-weaning weight from fourth to twelfth week. Season of birth had an influence on fourth and sixth week body weights.

Key words: Diallel, litter size at birth, weight and age of dam at kindling, season of birth, sex of kit.