IOSR-JAVS   Volume-7 ~ Issue-11 ~ NOV-2014

ABSTRACT: The impact of macroeconomic policy on agricultural growth in Nigeria was estimated using time-series data and econometric analysis. Our results show that Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Credit Loan to Agriculture (CLA) and exchange rates are significant with positive influences. Income elasticity of agricultural growth was low at 0.939 percent indicating the income inelastic nature of agricultural commodities. There is a positive relationship between the dependent variable (Agricultural Output) and the independent variable (GDP). On the other hand, money supply has an inverse relationship (negative influence) on agricultural production which is contrary to expectations. The interest rate is positive but insignificant which can be explained by the restrictive monetary policies. Equally, a restrictive monetary policy can cause farm incomes to fall.

Keywords: Income Elasticity, Inverse, Monetary Policy

[1]. Abayomi, O. (1997). "The agricultural sector in Nigeria: The way forward." CBN Bullion, 21: 14-25.
[2]. Abdullahi, F.A. (2002). Spectrum Memory Guide, Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Certificate Examination. Ibadan: Spectrum Books Limited.
[3]. Ahmed, Y. O. (1993). "Bank of the North Pamphlets on Agricultural Financing.Various circulars and Policy Guidelines on Agricultural Financing in Bank of the North Limited." A Paper delivered at Seminars at Bank of the North Human Resources and Development Centre by (Agric. Officer, Bank of the North Limited).
[4]. Buren R (1998). Africa south of the Sahara, 27th (Ed.), (Europa Publication Ltd., New York)
[5]. CBN. (2008). Annual report and financial statements. Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Abuja

ABSTRACT: Variation in nutritional and anti-nutritional contents among six finger millet genotypes was determined. Improved finger millet genotypes Gulu-E and FMV-1 from Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, KNE-479 and KNE 1034 from International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and local landraces Ateso and Nyaikuro, were compared. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference in calcium (Ca), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) contents among the genotypes. Genotypes Ateso and Gulu-E had the highest crude fat contents while KNE-479 had the lowest. Genotypes KNE-479 and Nyaikuro had the highest crude protein content. Lowest crude protein contents were observed in genotypes Gulu-E and Ateso. Genotype Ateso followed by FMV-1 and Nyaikuro had high isoleusine, leusine, methionine, threonine and cysteine amino acid contents. High levels of phenylalanine were observed in genotypes Nyaikuro and Ateso. Ateso had the highest P-hydroxybenzoic, sinapic and syringic acids, while Nyaikuro had high ferulic and vanilic acids. Except for genotype KNE-479 with highest sinapic acid contents, the ICRISAT developed genotypes had the lowest anti-nutritional contents. Anti-nutrients tannins, vanilic acid and ferulic acid were negatively correlated to Fe and Zn contents. Therefore when selecting finger millet for Fe and Zn the levels of anti-nutritional contents need to be considered.

Key words; anti-nutritional contents, finger millet, genotypes, nutritionals factors

[1] S., Mbithi-Mwikya, J., Van-Camp, Y., Yiru and A., Huyghebaert, Nutrient and anti-nutritional changes in finger millet (Eleusine corocana) during sprouting, Lesbenson-Wiss.U. Technical 33, 2000, 9-14.

[2] M.M., Dida, S., Srinivasachary, J.L., Bennetzenn, M.D., Gale and K. M. Devos, Population structure and diversity in finger millet (Eleusine coracona) germplasm, Tropical plant Biology 1, 2008, 131-141.

[3] K., Lorenz, Tannins and phytate content in proso millets (Panicum miliaceum), Cereal Chem. 60. 1983, 424-426.

[4] National Research Council (NRC), Lost crops of Africa. Volume 1: Grains, Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press, 1996.

[5] V., Kumar, A.K., Sinha, H.P.S., Makkar and K., Becker, Dietaty roles of phytate and phytase in human nutrition, Food chemistry, 120, 2003, 945-956.

[6] P. Singh, and R.S., Raghuvanshi, Finger millet for food and nutritional security, African Journal of Food Science, 6(4), 2012, 77-84.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed at determining the profitability and production efficiency of indigenous tomatoes cultivation among farmers in Osun State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents for the study. The first stage involved a purposive selection of a local government based on the volume of total production of tomato from this area. The second stage involves random selection of six communities within the local government and this is followed by random selection of twenty respondents from each of the selected communities with the aid of structured questionnaire. Analysis of the data was based on 111questionnaire because 9 were discarded as a result of inconsistency. Based on the objective of the study, descriptive analysis, regression analysis and gross margin estimate were employed. The findings revealed that male dominated tomato farming in the study area and farming is the major occupation of the respondents. They were married and educated. They mainly derived the source of their funding from owners equity and obtained their land by rent, majority do not have extension contact and obtain from local market the seed used as planting material . The scale of operation is small and utilized both family and hired labour. The variables such as marital status, farming experience and transplanting of seedlings as methods of planting were statistically significant at 1% level. The net farm income was estimated to be #439,500 indicating that tomato production is profitable in the study area. Also the cost benefit ratio is found to be 1.84 and the rate of return was found to be 0.83 implying that for every one naira invested in tomato, a profit of 83 kobo is realizable. Finally, capital is the major constraint facing the farmers as reported by 65.8% of the respondents. Among the recommendations include that extension agents should be provided and be sent to assist farmers in bridging information gap between research stations and the farmers as regard new innovations on the farm and the farmers should be encouraged to form cooperatives to enhance their access to credit facilities.

Key words: Profitability, Production, Efficiency, Indigenous, tomato and farmers

[1]. Awudu, A. and Richard, E. (2001). Technical Efficiency During Economic Reforms inNicaragua: Evidence From Farm Holds Survey Data. Economic Systems 25: 113-125.
[2]. Ayinde, A.I., Akerele, D and Ojeniyi, O.T (2011). Resource use Efficiency and Profitability ofFluted Pumpkin Production under Tropical Conditions. International journal of vegetable science.17 (1):75-82
[3]. Ajibefun, I. A. (2002)."Analysis of Policy Issues in Technical Efficiency of Small Scale FarmersUsing the Stochastic Frontier Production Function".With Application to Nigerian Farmers". Paper Prepared for presentation at the international farm Management association congress, Wageningen, Netherland.
[4]. Ajibefun, I.A., Battese, G.E. and Daramola, A.G. (2002). Determinants of Technical Efficiency in Small Holder Crops Farming: Application of Stochastic Frontier Production Function: Quarterly Journal of International Agriculture 41(3): 225 – 240.
[5]. CBN Economic and Financial Review Vol. 37 No. 3 (The Complete Book) Published 9/30/1999. VOL. 37 NO. 3

ABSTRACT: The high susceptibility of poultry to disease outbreaks makes a comprehensive biosecurity technology a necessary practice in poultry farms to protect the farms from both intentional and unintentional threats from biological agents. Therefore this study evaluated the awareness and practice of biosecurity measures in small scale poultry production in Ekiti State, Nigeria. A total of 80 respondents were randomly selected for the study. Data were obtained with the aid of a pre tested structured questionnaire. The result shows that the most practiced biosecurity measures in the study area are the ones relating to regular clearing of the poultry environment, regular washing of the feeding and drinking troughs while the least observed one is the quarantine of the new birds. Also the result of the regression analysis shows that the level of education, farm size, formal training in poultry production and number of extension visits all have significant positive influence on the sampled farms' biosecurity control score while age, number of household labour, and distance from the nearest poultry farm shows significant negative influence on the farms' biosecurity control score. Equally, the result of the likert rating scale shows that the poultry farmers have a good knowledge of biosecurity measures with overall biosecurity knowledge index of 3.22. The study therefore recommends among other things the intensive sensitization of the poultry farmers through workshop and field days seminars by appropriate agents on the benefit of adhering strictly to biosecurity measures on their farms.

Key words: Awareness,Biological agents, Biosecurity measures, Disease outbreaks, Poultry,Practice.

[1]. J. Woodger,Poultry Biosecurity: .Farm Care International Ltd 24e Norwich StreetDereham, Norfolk England NR19 1BX2005
[2]. Sri HerySusilowati Muhammad Iqbal, and Ian Patrick :The relationship between biosecurity and farmer and farm characteristics. Biosecurity Workshop, June 7-8, 2010, Bogor, West Java
[3]. Al-Saffar A, Al-Nasser, A. Al-Haddad A Al-Bahouh M and Mashaly M,Principles of Poultry Biosecurity Program Kuwait, ( Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research,2006)
[4]. Cardona C. J, and Douglas Kuney,( 2001): Biosecurity on Chicken Farms. Commercial Chicken Meat and Egg production. Fifth edition.Edited by Donald D. Bell and William D. Weaver.(Kluwer Academic Publishers, P.O. Box 322, 3300 AH Donrdrecht,2001)The Nethelands. Pg:543- 556.
[5]. J. P. Vaillancourt, How do you determine the cost-benefit of a biosecurity system? Zootecnica-International 24 2001, 20-27.
[6]. J. S., Jeffrey, Biosecurity rules for poultry flocks. Misset-World Poultry 13, 1997:101.

ABSTRACT: This study was conducted in order to examine the role micro-credit on poverty alleviation among femers in Kirfi Local Government area of Bauchi State. Survey approach was employed to collect data from the respondents sample was collected through cluster sampling technique from the accessible population such as cooperative groups, farmers associations, and woman groups who are mainly the beneficiaries of micro finance from nine villages. A total of 100 questionnaire ware administrated out of which ninety five (95) were retrieved and used for the purpose of analysis. Data collected was subjected to analysis by use of relevant statistical tools such as percentages, pie chart presentations and bar charts. The result shows that 42.1% of the respondent obtained their loan from Bank of Agriculture, 21.1% of the respondents indicated micro finance banks, another 21.1% of the respondent indicated cooperative societies, 10.5% of the respondent indicated relations, and 5.3% indicated neighbors as their main sources of credit facilities.

[1]. FOS (1996). Federal office of statistic National Agricultural sample census (1995) (994) November pp 22-32
[2]. Agbacze, E.K and on wuka, 1. 0 (2014). Impact of Micro –credit on poverty Alleviation in Nigeria- the case of Enugu East Local council. International Journal of Business and management Review Vol. 2 (1) pp 27 -51. Retrieved from http:// www Ea journals. Org (---) impact. Of –micro-credit-on-poverty-Alleviation-on 16/7/2014 at 9:24am
[3]. U K essays (2014) participation in micro credit and poverty Alleviation in Nigeria. Retrieved from http: 11 www.uk essays. Com >Essays> marketing on 16/7/2014 at 9: 37am.

[4]. Central Bank of Nigeria (C B N) (2005). The Real sector C B N Annual Report and statement of Account for the year ended 31st December, 2005. C B N publication, Abuja, Nigeria.
[5]. Central Bank of Nigeria (C B N) (2007). Domestic output C B N Statistical Bulletin 2007 CBN Publication, Abuja, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT: The lipid profile of Alsatian male and female exotic dogs ages ranging from 1-3 years old was investigated for dyslipidemia. A total of 100 samples were collected comprising 50 males and 50 females. Serum samples were analysed for cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides using Fortress Reagent Kits. The results obtained were analysed using one way ANOVA. Mean cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and Triglycerides of male Alsatian dogs were 5.1±0.464, 0.9±0.163, 4.2±0.472 and 0.003±0.002 while that of females were 4.6±1.115, 1.1±0.20, 3.5±1.172 and 0.004±0.002 for cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides respectively. Comparison of mean cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides between the male and female dogs was found to be significant p<0.05 whereas mean comparison for LDL between the two sexes was not statistically significant p>0.05. Although the results obtained indicated that male Alsatian dogs had higher lipid profile than the females there was no prevalence of abnormally high lipid profile (dyslipidemia) among the dogs examined.

[1]. Macdonald S. A, David J.S, Claudio S. Z, (2004). The Biology and Conservation of Wild Canids.Oxford:Oxford University Press. Pp. 45 – 46. ISBN 0198515561.
[2]. Coppinger S, and Ray S.B, (2001).Dogs : a Startling New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior and Evolution. New York. Scribner. Pg. 352.ISBN 6694855305.
[3]. Miklosi, A. K .and Adam R. J, (2007). Dog behaviour, Evolution, and .
[4]. Burtis C.A., Ashwood E.R (2001). Tietz Fundamental of Clinical Chemistry. W.B Saunders Company. Pg475.
[5]. chei J, Kohaktar A. (2004). Medical Laboratory Science, Theory and Practice. MC GrawHills Publishing. New Delhi. Pg 188.

ABSTRACT: This study was conducted during two successive seasons (2012 and 2013) at Baloza Experimental Station, Desert Research Center, North Sinai Governorate, Egypt. This research aimed to study the effect of effective microorganisms (EM) applications, and some planting media on improving rooting and growth characteristics of survived Hayany offshoots date palm cultivar in the nursery. The effective microorganisms (EM) applications were 0, 50 and 100 ml/ palm/year. While, planting media were T1: control treatment (normal sandy soil), T2: mixture of farm yard manure+ sandy soil (1:2,v:v), T3: mixture of goat manure+ sandy soil (1:2,v:v), and T4: mixture of compost and sandy soil (1:2, v/v). The obtained results cleared that 100 ml of EM application was the best than other levels. Also, Hayany offshoots planted in T3 recorded the best root performance results as compared with the other planting media. In addition, T3 under 100 ml EM applications produced the highest offshoots survival ratio, rooting percentages and enhanced the other growth parameters.

Key words: Date palm, Hayany date palm cultivar, planting media, effective microorganisms, offshoots, nursery, rooting.

[1]. Abd-El-Messeih, W.M., M. Amal El-Seginy and H. Kabeel, (2005). Effect of the Em Biostimulant on Growth and Fruiting of Le Conte Pear Trees in Newly Reclaimed Areas. Alex. Sci. Exchange Journal, 26O2 April-June.adjusting-controlling soil fertility[J]. Plant Nutrition and Fertilizer Science 9, 406-410.
[2]. Aisueni, N. O. , Ikuenobe C. E. *, Okolo E. C. and Ekhator F.(2009) Response of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) seedlings to organic manure, N and K fertilizers in polybag nursery African Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 4 (3), pp. 162-165, March 2009 Available online at http://www.academicjournals.org/AJAR
[3]. Allan, B. and S. prince, 1965. Asborption, spectrophotometery. Univ., of Hampshire, Durham, Hampshire
[4]. Al-Mana, F. A.; M. A. El-Hamady; M. A. Bacha and A. O. Abdelrahman (1996). Improving root development on ground and aerial date palm offshoots. Principes. 40: 4, 179-181, 217-219; 3 pl.; 11 ref.
[5]. Amro S.M. Salama, Omima M. El- Sayed and Osama H.M. El Gammal (2014) Effect of Effective Microorganisms (EM) and Potassium Sulphate on Productivity and Fruit Quality of "Hayany" Date Palm Grown Under Salinity Stress IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Ve terinary Science (IOSR-JAVS). Volume 7, Issue 6 Ver. I, PP 90-99 www.iosrjournals.org www.iosrjournals.org 90 | Page

ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to examine the effect of feed probiotics substituents in serum biochemistry and carcass characteristics of tropically bred exotic turkey. A total of 80 British united turkey (BUT) were assigned to 4 dietary treatments consisting of 4 supplemental levels of equal mixtures of RoxazymeG2® at 200 ppm, 250 ppm, 300 ppm and 350 ppm. The polynomial contrast (linear and quadratic) was applied to determine the effect of inclusion of varying mixtures of enzyme and yeast supplementations using SPSS 1999. At starter phase (5-8 weeks), turkeys fed diet containing combination of 200 ppm enzyme and yeast recorded highest (P < 0.05) PCV, Hb, WBC, RBC and glucose values. AST and serum uric acid values were highest (P<0.05) for turkeys fed diet containing combination of 350 ppm enzyme and yeast. At grower phase (9-12 weeks), the values of WBC reduced significantly (P < 0.05) with increased combination of enzyme and yeast levels in the diet whereas RBC recorded higher values. Turkeys fed diet containing combination of 200 ppm enzyme and yeast recorded a significantly (P < 0.05) high values of total serum protein and serum globulin relative to other combination levels. At finisher phase (13-16 weeks), birds on 350 ppm combined supplementation of enzyme and yeast recorded a significantly (P < 0.05) higher PCV HB, ALT and WBC compared to other treatments. The value for uric acid was significantly (P < 0.05) elevated in birds fed 200 ppm and 300 ppm enzyme and yeast combination. There was no significant (P > 0.05) effect of enzyme and yeast supplementation on live weight, dressing percentage, weights of head, neck, drum stick, thigh, breast, lungs, liver, heart, kidney, spleen, gizzard, proventriculus, crop and abdominal fat except back weight and wing weight that were significantly (P<0.05) affected by dietary treatment. In conclusion, inclusion of feed additives in MSP diet such as enzymes and yeast is a good measure in enhancing serum biochemistry and production performance of exotic turkey bred in the humid tropics.

Key words: Blood parameters, carcass performance, roxazyme G2 ® yeast, and MSP.

[1]. Adebisi, A. O. (1997). Comparative effect of two sources of Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplement into a high fibre diet for starting pullets. M.Sc. Thesis, Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan. pp. 126
[2]. Aluwong, T., Hassan, F. B., Raji, M. A., Kawu1, M. U., Dzenda, T. J. and Ayo, O. J. (2013). Effect of different levels of supplemental yeast on performance indices, serum enzymes and electrolytes of broiler chickens. African Journal of Biotechnology. Vol. 12(35), pp. 5480-5485. DOI: 10.5897/AJB12.2588.
[3]. Barrow, P. (1992). Probiotics for chickens. In: Probiotics, the Scientic Basis (Fuller, R., Ed.). Chapman and Hall, London. 225-257.
[4]. Banjoko, J. S. T. 1992. Industrial use of sorghum in Nigeria. Publication of ICRISAT on utilization of sorghum and millets. Pp 115-116.
[5]. Brij, M. A., Horward, M. R. and Bhuran, V. V. (1977). Clinical biochemical and haematological value in normal experimental animals. Massan Publishing Co. U.S.A. F r Geflugelkunde, 54: 34-37.

ABSTRACT: As we know that earth surface is covered with 75% of water and out of that only 2.5% of water is fresh, from that we use 70 % of fresh water for irrigation. From research we came to know that maximum amount of water is getting loss in agricultural field, water withdrawal rate in 2050 is 50 % in developing countries like India. To solve the problem of water scarcity, we need proper water management and water efficient irrigation system.Clay pipe irrigation system is the one of the most water efficient, eco-friendly and cheapest method. In this system we use clay pipes which are buried into the sub surface of the soil and by the capillary action water sweeps out from the unglazed wall of the clay pipes due to which soil get moisturize. By this method only optimum amount of water is provided to the crops.As in this system there is no water logging on the soil surface, hence we can also solve the weed management issue and proper salt distribution in the soil. This method is so easy to manage as no high-tech work is required and it is eco-friendly also because no toxic and residual waste is used in this system. Initial cost for this system is 40,000 rupee per acre (aprox) and it is multi seasonal (this system can be use for more than 10 seasons). This is suitable for those regions where the rainfall is less than 500 mm per year. Clay pipes will have proper composition of clay and ash so that it has proper water permeability and maintained porosity. All the fibrous root crops like fibrous root vegetables can be practice by this method and they will give good yield and quality. Water saving rate from this method is 50-70% in vegetable crops. It is more viable in intensive agriculture.

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[5]. Hydraulic Characteristics of Porous Clay Pipes for Subsurface Irrigation.
[6]. Henry E. Igbadun, Ph.D.* and Japheth Barnabas, B.Eng.