IOSR-JAVS   Volume-7 ~ Issue-9 ~ SEP-2014

ABSTRACT: Controlled chamber experiments were performed at Braunschweig, Germany to examine the potential effects of global warming on spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) shoot and root biomass accumulation, yield forming structures (tillers) and attainable grain yield through the adoption of a novel fertilization technique that injects liquid ammonium nutrition into soil for crop uptake. Three growth temperature regimes; low (Temperate), medium (Intermediate) and high (Tropical) were set to mimic different climatic conditions experienced globally. Each temperature regime comprised of three nitrogen fertilization treatments of which conventional nitrate application and non-fertilized control were compared to soil injected liquid ammonium nutrition herein referred to as Controlled Uptake Long Term Ammonium Nutrition (CULTAN). Each of the three nitrogen treatments was replicated twice in each of the three temperature regimes. The experiment was repeated in two seasons during which chamber randomization was performed eliminate chamber effects. Nitrogen fertilized barley attained superior grain yields under low temperature regime (LTR) as compared to high temperature regimes (HTR). Similarly, low temperature regimes supported higher shoot and root biomasses, more tillers and ear bearing tillers than the other two temperature regimes. Grain yields were correlated to ear bearing tillers and grain numbers. Low temperature regime supported more grains that weighed less per grain in comparison to warmer temperatures which compensated for less grain numbers by heavy grains. This is the first time interaction effects between soil injected liquid ammonium nutrition (CULTAN fertilization) and temperature regimes have been reported in a cereal crop production model. The results demonstrate that growth temperatures and nitrogen nutrition forms jointly can cause a suite of responses on barley growth and yield formation with potential for exploitation in enhancement of food security.

Key words: Barley Grain yield, Cereal production, Crop nutrition, Climate change, CULTAN fertilization technique, Growth temperature and Global food security

[1]. Godfray, HCJ., Beddington, JR., Crute, IR., Haddad, L., Lawrence, D., Muir, JF., Pretty, J., Robinson, S., Thomas, SM., Toulmin, C. Food Security: The Challenge of Feeding 9 Billion People. Science, 2010, 327: 812-818.
[2]. Tilman, D., Balzer, C., Hill, J. and Befort, BL. Global food demand and the sustainable intensification of agriculture. Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, 2011, 108: 20260-20264.
[3]. Foley, JA., Ramankutty, N., Brauman, KA., Cassidy, ES., Gerber, JS,, Johnston, M., Mueller, ND., O'Connell, C., Ray, DK., West, PC., Balzer, C., Bennett, EM., Carpenter, SR., Hill, J., Monfreda, C., Polasky, S., Rockstrom, J., Sheehan, J., Siebert, S., Tilman, D., Zaks, DPM. Solutions for a cultivated planet. Nature, 2011, 478: 337-342.
[4]. Mueller, ND., Gerber, JS., Johnston, M., Ray, DK., Ramankutty, N and Foley, JA. Closing yield gaps through nutrient and water management. Nature, 2012, 490: 254–257.
[5]. Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change. Assessment of Global Climate Change. Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change, Washington, DC, USA, 2008.

ABSTRACT: This study examined the effect of socio-economic characteristics of cattle farmers on the adoption of Artificial Insemination Technology in Kaduna State, Nigeria. One hundred and twenty respondents were purposively selected for the study, drawing 30 respondents each from the four zonal offices of the Kaduna State Agricultural Development Programme (KADP). The design of the study was a cross sectional survey. Questionnaires were used to collect the data from the respondents. Of the 120 questionnaires administered, 116 were retrieved. The data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The result of the descriptive statistics reveal that 100% of the respondents were males and the average age of the respondents was 57.38 years with an average household size of 13.5. About 89% of the respondents had attended quoranic/adult education and they were majorly pastoralists (88.79%) They had a mean farming experience and herd size of 31.72 and 78.29 respectively. The t-test result revealed that educational attainment, herd size and age had a significant and linear relationship with adoption of AI at p<0.05. It was recommended that more enlightenment be done on AI, its services be subsidized and that the coordinating agency be decentralized

[1]. Adebayo, K. (1994). Heterogeneity in farmers' socio – economic characteristics: implications for the adoption of the TZSR variety of maize in Ogun State.
[2]. B. Agric. Project, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Adekoya, A.E. and Ajayi, M.A. (2000). "An assessment of farmers' awareness and practice of land management techniques in Iddo LGA of Oyo State.''Journal of Environmental Extension. Vol.1, no.1, pp.98 -104. Agbamu, J.U.(1993). ''Analysis of farmers' characteristics associated with adoption of soil management innovations in Ikorodu LGA of Lagos State.'' The Nigerian Journal of Rural Extension and Development. Vol.1. nos. 2 & 3, pp.57 -67.
[3]. Akintola, A.A.(1986b). ''Determinants of diffusion of cocoa spraying chemicals among Nigerian cocoa farmers.'' Agricultural Systems. Vol.22, no. 3, pp.191 -202.
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ABSTRACT: This study examines the constraints on farmers' access to Agricultural information delivery: a Survey of rural farmers in Yobe state, Nigeria. The socio-economic characteristics of farmers were described, major sources of information to farmers were determined and various constraints faced by farmers on information delivery in the study area. In order to examine the constraints of farmers on their access to agricultural information delivery in Yobe state, all the three senatorial zones of the State were selected; taking one Local Government Area from each zone. Data were collected using well structured questionnaire and analysed through the use of descriptive statistics'. From the findings of the research, out of the 160 respondents 51% were male while 49 % were female with ages ranging from 20 to 65 with an average of 40 years. While 97% of the respondents were married, majority (80%) having household size of less than 10 members, whereas, 68% had formal education. Majority of the respondents has spent 4-6 years as members of cooperative societies. While (63%) of the respondents had between 10 and 20 years of experience on farming and 56% had no access to credit facilities. The result further showed that rural farmers in the study area obtained their sources of information through; television, radio,

Keywords: Constraints, Farmers, Information Delivery, Source,

[1]. Agada, S. (2003). The Role of Mass Media in Enhancing Farmers in the Eastern part of Kogi State. Unpublished Undergraduate Project, Department of mass communication, Kogi State University, Anyigba.
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[3]. Amobi, BO. 2010. Solving Unemployment Problems through Sustainable Agricultural Production.President's address delivered at 34th Annual Conference of Nigeria Statistical Association held in Owerri from 22nd-24th Sept, 2010.
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ABSTRACT: Backyard poultry farms infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus in Nigeria between 2006 and 2008 were investigated for morbidity, mortality and Pathology. Affected farms raised local chickens, duck, turkey, guinea fowl and geese and were already confirmed to be infected with HPAI virus by virus isolation and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction at the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom Nigeria. Backyard local chickens recorded the highest number of death with 89.4% of the total flock size while the duck had the highest mortality rate at 87.1%. Mortality rate was least in guinea fowls (20.55%), and above average in geese (54.64%). For Pathology, submitted carcasses comprised of sixty (60) chickens, twenty-nine (29) ducks, thirty-seven (37) turkeys, fourteen (14) guinea fowls and twelve (12) geese which were examined for gross morphological changes and histopathology. Though lesions sparingly occurred in these village poultry, main pathologic findings were associated with the nervous, circulatory, respiratory, and gastro-intestinal systems and occasionally lesions were general unspecific and multi-systemic. It was observed that mortality rate was highest in duck, then chicken and turkey compared to guinea fowl and geese while lesions were milder and mortality were acute in these flocks.

Key words: backyard poultry, morbidity, mortality, pathology

[1] R. Klopfleisch, O Werner, E Mundt, T. Harder, and J.P Teifke. Neurotropism of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus A/chicken/Indonesia/2003 (H5N1) in experimentally infected pigeons (Columbia livia f. domestica). Veterinary Pathology 43, 2006, 463–470.

[2] S.B. Muzaffar, J.Y. Takekawa, D.Y. Prosser, S.H. Newman, and X .Xiao. Rice Production Systems and Avian Influenza: Interactions between Mixed-Farming Systems, Poultry and Wild Birds. Waterbirds 33 (Special Publication 1), 2010, 219-230.

[3] B.O. Akanbi, J.P. Teifke, P.S. Ekong, E.T. Ighodalo, E .A. Ogunsan and A.A. Makinde .The Epidemiology, Pathology and Immunohistochemistry of Nigerian Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus infection in chickens. The proceedings of the 44th Annual congress of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) Conference, 22-25 October, 2007, Effurun, Delta State Nigeria pg 162-165.

[4] T. Joannis, L.H .Lombin, P .De Benedictis, G. Cattoli, and I. Capua. Confirmation of H5N1 avian influenza in Africa. Veterinary Record 158, 2006, 309–310

ABSTRACT: The investigation was aimed to evaluate the bulls for breeding soundness by assessing their fresh semen. The study was performed in District AI center, Mymensingh and AI center,BAU, Mymensingh. Four different bulls of cross breed (Holstein-Friesian × Zebu, Sahiwal × Zebu, Sindhi × Zebu and Red Chittagong Bull) were examined physically with a special emphasis to the palpation of the scrotum and testicles and rectal palpation of the pelvic genitalia were carried out once every two weeks. The sexual behavior particularly the libido was observed at service. A total of 107 ejaculates were collected and evaluated with respect to ejaculate volume, mass activity, sperm motility, concentration of sperm, pH, percentages of live and dead spermatozoa from 1 May to 31 October, 2013. The bulls used in this study were regarded as clinically normal. During the study, mean value of semen ejaculate volume, sperm motility, mass activity, sperm concentration, percentage of live and dead sperm and pH were 5.81± 0.16ml, 66.64± 0.50%, 3.59± 0.05, 1115.97± 16.08 million/mm3, 77.62 ± 0.63 %, 15% to 45%,6.48± 0.01 respectively. The mean fertility rate (65.37± 0.31%) of the bulls was also recorded. The mean values of semen ejaculate volume, sperm motility, mass activity, sperm concentration, percentage of live sperm and dead sperm, pH and fertility varied significantly (p<0.01) among breeds. Significantly (P<0.01) the highest volume per ejaculation, sperm concentration, mass activity were found in Holstein cross and lowest in Red Chittagong breeds of bulls. Significantly (P<0.05) the highest live spermatozoa percentage, pH, fertility rate were found in Holstein – Friesian × Zebu and lowest in Red Chittagong breeds of bulls. It was concluded that the Holstein – Friesian × Zebu crossbred bull produced better quality semen in comparison to other breed. So, it can be suggested that, Holstein – Friesian × Zebu crossbred bull could be suitable as breeding bull to be used for AI. Keywords: bull, artificial insemination, breeding soundness, concentration, morphology, motility

[1]. J.V. Braun, The role of livestock production for a growing world population, Lohmann Information, 45, 2010, 3-6.
[2]. T.J. Parkinson, Evaluation of fertility in natural service bulls. The Veterinary Journal. 168, 2004, 215-229.
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[4]. E. Bloom, The corkscrew sperm defect in Danish bulls of possible indicator of nuclear fallout, Nordic Veterinary Medicine 30, 1978, 1-8.
[5]. M. J. Nicholson and M. H. Butterworth, A guide to condition scoring of zebu cattle. International Livestock Center for Africa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 1986.

ABSTRACT: This paper examined the savings and utilization of labour among rice farmers using non-mechanized and mechanized system of farm operations. Data were collected from a randomly sample of 132 farmers (66 non-mechanized and 66 mechanized) and analyzed using gross margin and regression analysis. The result revealed that non-mechanized farmers employed a mean total of 60 labourers and utilized 898.49 man-hours per hectare. While the mechanized farmers employed a mean total of 35 labourers and utilized 372.30 man-hours per hectare. A total mean of 25 labourers, 526.19 man-hours labour and a labour cost of N 12,368. 71 per hectare were saved from the use of mechanization. The relationship between labour use in fertilizer application (P < 0.01) and harvesting (P < 0.05) with total farm output of non-mechanized farms are positive and statistically significant. The mechanized farms have land preparation (P < 0.01), planting (P < 0.1), pre-emergency herbicide application (P < 0.5), post emergency application (P < 0.01) and harvesting (P < 0.05) operation as significant with total farm output. Therefore, the used of herbicide and tractor in mechanized farms have been observed as a major labour saving device in rice farms. Farmers should be encouraged to form cooperative organization for the joint use of farm machineries and knowledge of the use of herbicide should be impacted.

Key words: labour differential, productivity, labour device, labour utilization, man hours

[1]. Ajao, A.O. Ajetomobi J .0 and Olarinde, L.O. (2005) "Comparative Efficiency of Mechanized and Non Mechanized Farms in Oyo State Nigeria: A Stochastic Frontier Approach" Journal of Human Ecology 18 (l): 27-30.
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[3]. Chidebelu, S.A.N.D. (1991): Hired Labour on Small Holder Farms in South-Eastern of Nigeria. In: Doss, C.R. and Olson, C, (eds). Issues in African Rural Development. Win rock International Institute for Agricultural Development. Arlington Va. Pp 30-151.
[4]. Dakogol, F .A. (2004): Machinery Manufacture: The Key to Agricultural Mechanization in Nigeria. In: Agbede, O.O; Ari, M.M, and Idris, M.B. (eds) Mobilizing Investors for Sustainable Agricultural Research, Development and Production in Nigeria

ABSTRACT: The present experiment aimed at investigating the effects of seed pre-treatment with moist-chilling (mch), GA3, BA or their combinations on seed germination and subsequent drought resistance of the resulting seedlings. The obtained results indicated that increasing the moist-chilling period from 4 to 8 weeks progressively significantly increased the seeds germination percentages (average from 51.2% to 97.2%) and significantly decreased the time to 50% germination (T50) (average from 47days to 27.3 days). The control one (non-moist-chilled seeds) gave the lowest germination percentage (22.6%) and required the highest T50 (72.6 days). The 4 weeks–chilled seeds soaked in BA gave the most satisfactory results as it yielded high germination percentage (average 85.2%), low T50 (average 31.2 days) and saved about at least 4 weeks which would have otherwise being required for moist-chilling of the seeds. The best vegetative characteristics of 2.5-month-old persimmon seedlings were obtained from seeds treated with 8week-moist-chilling solely or with 4week- moist chilling followed by soaking in 20 ppm BA solution for 16 hr. After exposure the subsequent seedlings to 24 days drought period, the results revealed that increasing the moist-chilling period decreased proline content of the seedlings leaves and roots, while increased their leaf resistance to water vapour (LRWV) (9.9, 11.45 & 19.65 sec/cm for 0, 4, 8 weeks of mch, respectively).

Keywords: persimmon, seed germination, seedling characteristics, drought tolerance, moist- chilling; Gibberellins, Benzylaminopurine.

[1]. Mowat, A.D., Collins, R..J., George, A.P., 1995. cultivation of persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) under tropical conditions. Acta Hort. (ISHS) 409, 141-150.
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[3]. Blum, A., 2009. Effective use of water (EUW) and not water-use efficiency (WUE) is the target of crop yield improvement under drought stress. Field Crop Research, 112, 119-123.
[4]. Chaves, M.M., Santos, T.P., Souza, C.R, 2007. Deficit irrigation in grapevine improves water-use efficiency while controlling vigour and production quality. Annals of Appl. Biol, 150: 237-252.
[5]. Abdalla, M.M., El-Khoshiban, N.H., 2007. The influence of water stress on growth, relative water content, photosynthetic pigments, some metabolic and hormonal contents of two Triticum aestivum cultivars. J. Appl. Sci. Res. 12, 2062-2074.

ABSTRACT: The major purpose of this paper was to have an understanding on rural women's awareness on agricultural extension services. Furthermore, the study aimed at exploring relationships between the selected characteristics of the rural women and their awareness on agricultural extension services. The study was conducted in a village of Singier upazila,Manikgonj and 125 rural women were selected as sample from the list of 502 housewives of the village. Data were collected from the selected rural women through using a pre-tested structured personal interview schedule during 16-28 February 2014. The majority of the rural women (56 percent) had medium awareness on agricultural extension activities, while 43 percent and only one percent had high and low awareness, respectively. Education, cosmopoliteness and extension contact of the rural women were positively correlated with their awareness on agricultural extension services, while family size was negatively correlated with their awareness. The rest of the variables, namely age, training exposure. Participation in farming activities, social participation, and role in decision making of the rural women showed no relationship with their awareness on agricultural extension services.

Key words: Awareness, rural women, agricultural extension service, DAE

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[2]. DAE (1999). Agricultural Extension Manual. Department of Agricultural Extension, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Dhaka.
[3]. Haque, M.E., M.H. Rahman and M.G. Farouque (2003). Farmer's Attitude towards Extension Activities of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE). Bangladesh Journal of Extension Education, 15(1&2): 83-88.
[4]. Halim, A. (1987). Intensive Homestead Production Plan in Bangladesh. Report of World Bank consultancy. The World Bank Resident Mission in Bangladesh, Dhaka.
[5]. Nazneen, T., M.H. Rahman and Q.F. Quadir (2004). Rural women's utilization of endogenous farming resources and associated problem confrontation. BRAC University Journal, 1(2): 49-57.