IOSR-JAVS   Volume-5 ~ Issue-5 ~ Nov-Dec-2013

ABSTRACT: The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. The treatments consist of six sowing time (1st and 15th July, 1st and 15th august, 1st and 15th September) and four seed rate (2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 kg /ha. 1st august sowing combination with 5kg/ha seed rate and 15th July sowing combination with 5kg/ha seed rate recorded the highest total alkaloid yield in ashwagandha.

Key words: sowing time, seed rate, alkaloid yield.

[1]. Anonymous (1976): withania. The wealth of India. The dictionary of Indian raw material. Vol.x CSIT, New Delhi: 580-585.
[2]. Dastur, T. F. (1970): Medicinal Plants of India and Pakistan.
[3]. Farooqui, A.A.(2004): Winter cherry, Amaltash. : 11-14.
[4]. Gupta, R. (1967): Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. Handbook of agriculture (3rd ed.)ICAR, New Delhi. : 1192-1193.
[5]. Kahar, L.S. Stomar; M.A. Pathan and K.B. Nigam (1991): Effect of sowing date and variety on root yield of aswagandha. Indian J. Agric. Sci. 61(7):495.
[6]. Mahashwari , S.K. ; S.yadav ;S.K. Pareek and R.K.Gupta (1989) : effect of sowing date and spacing on herb and alkaloid yield of black henbane. Indian J. Agron.34 (1): 104-105.
[7]. Mansour, B.M. ; N.A.E. Boselah; A.K. Yossef and I.S. Amine (1991) : effect of sowing date on growth and seed yield and alkaloid content of atropa belladonna. Bull. Faculty of Agric. 42(1): 71-86.
[8]. Sarin, Y.K. (2003): Medicinal plant raw materials for Indian drug and pharmaceuticals industry. Indian Forester. 78(2):3-19.
[9]. Taraporevala Sons and Co-operative Pvt. Ltd. Treasure house of books, Bombay: 117-118.
[10]. Tiwari, G.P.; Shah and J.P. Tiwari (2002) effect of sowing method and seed rate on growth and yield of aswagandha. Agric. Sci. Digest. 22(3): 201-202.

ABSTRACT: A case of trypanosomosis was reported in a 3-year old male Rottweiler breed of dog in Abeokuta Metropolis, Nigeria. The dog was presented with clinical signs of epistaxis, bilateral corneal opacity, anorexia, vomiting brownish materials and recumbency. Haematological examination revealed high lymphocytes count, decreased red blood cells, Pack Cell Volume, haemoglobin concentration, MCH, MCHC and platelet count. Diagnosis was made using wet mount and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the DNA using a primer set targeting the internal transcribe spacer 1 (ITS1) of rDNA, revealed single infection with Trypanosoma congolense. The dog was treated with a single dose of diminazene aceturate at the dose rate of 3.5 mg/kg body weight, intramuscularly along with the supportive therapy. The dog recovered 9 days post therapy.

Keywords: Abeokuta, canine trypanosomosis, dog

[1]. J.N. Abenga,, F.N.C. Enwezor, F.A.G. Lawani, C. Ezebuiro, J. , Sule and K.M. David, Prevalence of trypanosomosis in trade cattle at slaughter in Kaduna, Nigeria. Nig. J. Parasitol 23, (2002), 107-110.
[2]. A.A. Ilemobade, Tsetse and trypanosomosis in Africa: the challenges, the opportunities. Ondersteport Journal of Veterinary Research 76, (2009), 35-40.
[3]. D.H. Molyneux, African Trypanosomosis. Failure of Science and Public Health in the African Trypanosomes. In: World Class Parasites, Vol. 1. (Black S. J., J. R. Seed, Eds.), Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, (2001), pp. 1-10.

ABSTRACT: The present study was conducted in Hisar district, Hansi, Barwala Block, and Fatehabad district Bhuna, Fatehabad Block and Sirsa district Baraguda, Sirsa Block of Haryana which was selected purposively on basis of highest area and production under Guava cultivation. Further, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa market were selected for the market study. Finally 60 growers from randomly selected two blocks from each district were selected for the present study. On the basis of the nature of the data, budgeting technique and various economic tools were used for estimation of marketing margins, marketing price spread and marketing efficiency. The establishment cost was slight higher in Fatehabad as compared to Sirsa and then Hisar which was due to better management of orchard the largest item of expenditure was cost of irrigation which was worked out in Hisar, Fatehabad, Sirsa as overall average cost of irrigation. The overall average operational cost of guava orchard increased from first year to seventh year. The overall average operational cost per hectare per annum from first to seventh years were found to be on plant protection, manures and fertilizers. The overall average net returns from the intercropping range from Rs. 39371 in the first year to Rs. 25438 per hectare during the fifth year of the orchard.

[1]. Acharya, S.S. and Agarwal, N.L. (2011). Market Integration, Efficiency, Costs, Margins and Price Spread. Agril. Mktg. in Ind. 440-443.
[2]. Anonymous 2010. Haryana Horticulture Database. Directorate of Horticulture, Haryana.
[3]. Dahiya, Pawan (2002). Cost-Benefit analysis of Ber cultivation in Rohtak District of Haryana. Ind. J. Agril. Mktg. 16(2): 48-52.
[4]. Mishra, J. P., Ramachandra and Rawat, S. K. (2000). Production and marketing of Banana in Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh, Agril. Mktg, pp. 36-40.
[5]. Naphade S.A. and Tingre A.S. (2008). Economics of production and marketing of guava in buldhana district of Maharashtra. Ind. J. Agril. Mktg. 22(2): 32-41.
[6]. Reddy, S.S., Ram, R. P., Sastry, T.V.N. and Devi, B.I., (2010). Agricultural Projects. Agril. Econ. 474-480.
[7]. Umesh, K.B., Vishnuvardhana and Thirumalaraju, G.T. (2005). Business opportunities in cashew industry. Agro-India The Integrated Agribusiness Magazine, 8(1): 14-17.

ABSTRACT: In Haryana, Guava is cultivated in few districts only. It ranks fifth in cultivation after citrus, mango, apple and pear. Guava is highly perishable fruit and should be marketed immediately after harvest. Under the existing marketing systems most of the fruit is marketed through a long chain of intermediaries thus price spread is quite evident. Guava fruit are used making jam, jellies and various culinary purposes. But due to poor infrastructure facility, poor handling and lack of cold storage facilities it is spoilt.

[1]. Abassian, M., Karim, M, H., Esmaeili, M. and Ebrahimzadeh, H. (2012). The economic analysis of marketing margin of Mazafati date. A case study of Sistan and Blouchestan- Iran. International J. Agril. and crop Sci. IJACS. 4(7): 390-397.
[2]. Acharya, S.S. and Agarwal, N.L. (2011). Market Integration, Efficiency, Costs, Margins and Price Spread. Agril. Mktg. in Ind. pp- 440-443.
[3]. Anonymous 2010. Haryana Horticulture Database. Directorate of Horticulture, Haryana.
[4]. Kumar, B., Mistry, N.C., Singh, B. and Gandhi, C.P. (2010). Indian Horticulture Database National Horticulture Board, Gurgaon. pp. 79-81.
[5]. Malaisamy, A. ,Chandrasekaran, M. and Parimalarangan, R. (2007). An Economic Analysis of Supply Management Efficiency of Mango in Tamilnadu, India. Ind. J. Agril. Mktg. (Conf. Spl.) 21(3): 125-133.
[6]. Naphade S.A. and Tingre A.S. (2008). Economics of production and marketing of guava in buldhana district of Maharashtra. Ind. J. Agril. Mktg. 22(2): 32-41.
[7]. Nirgude, R.R. , Shendage, P.N. and Jadhav, K.L. (2007). Marketing of Sapota in Thane District. Ind. J. Agril. Mktg. 21(2): 171-180.
[8]. Randev, A. K. (2005). Marketing of Apple in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh-India. Ind. J. Agril. Mktg. 19(3): 11-19.
[9]. Sundaravaradarajan, K.R. and Jaganmohan, K.R. (2002). Marketing cost, margin, price spread and marketing efficiency of cashew in Tamil Nadu. Agric. Situat. India, 59(1): 9-16.

ABSTRACT: The present study was conducted in Hisar district, Hansi, Barwala Block, and Fatehabad district Bhuna, Fatehabad Block and Sirsa district Baraguda, Sirsa Block of Haryana which was selected purposively on basis of highest area and production under Guava cultivation. Further, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa market were selected for the market study. Finally 60 growers from randomly selected two blocks from each district were selected for the present study. On the basis of the nature of the data, budgeting technique and various economic tools were used for estimation of production constraints. Major problems faced by the Guava growers in production of Guava were damage due to aberrant weather conditions, non-availability of good seedling and lack of technical knowledge. Problems faced in marketing were lack of support price, lack of market organization and non-availability of processing facilities. The study emphasized the need to develop the proper marketing and processing facilities before its cultivation is popularized on a large scale in the state.

[1]. Anonymous 2010. Haryana Horticulture Database. Directorate of Horticulture, Haryana.
[2]. Kameswara Rao, G. (2000). Comparative economics of banana and sugarcane cultivation in Tungabhadra command area of Karnataka. M.Sc. (Agri) Thesis, Univ. Agric. Sci., Dharwad (India).
[3]. Khunt, K. A. , Gargipara, H.M. and Gadhvi, B.K. (2001). Marketing of Keshra Mango in Saurashtra region of Gujarat state. Ind. J. Agril. Mktg. 15(1): 47-54.

ABSTRACT: The spatial variability of soils of similar lithology, which may be greatly affected by land use, plays an important role in both agriculture and the environment, especially with regard to soil fertility and soil quality. Little research has been done in this regard. The study addresses the spatial pattern of soil properties under different land use types and their degradation ratesin Guinea Savanna agroecology of Nigeria. 112 soil samples (between 0-20cm and 20-45cm depths)were collected, using a grid sampling design, from arable, plantation crops and fallow sites in Agyaragu and Shabu locations in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Using statistical method, the soils were characterized and compared for the spatial heterogeneity of Ksat, texture, soil pH, SOM and CEC under different land use types(LUTs)(farmland, plantation and fallow). Using a rating scheme, soil degradation risks of these soil properties were determined.Results revealed significant (P<0.05) spatial changes in soil properties at varying degrees. LUTs had no effect on soil texture, while silt/clay ratio varied from less than unity to greater than unity. Bulk density and Ksat values were low to high. Soil chemicals spatially varied and their interactions with management practices significant (P<0.05%). Soil degradation risks (vulnerability potential) showed thatsoil qualities decreased in the order: pH (H2O) (SDR = 1) > bulk density and Ksat (SDR = 2) > texture and available P (SDR = 3) > SOM, total N and CEC (SDR = 4). Best soil quality had a value of SDR (1) and the least had a value of SDR (5). Soils at Agyaragu are slightly more prone to resist degradation (mean SDR = 3.0) and thus better soil qualities than those of Shabu (mean SDR = 3.4). Study concludes that spatial patterns of the considered soil propertieswould change significantly with land use changes currently being implemented to achieve sustainable agriculture. Taking LUT into account when considering the spatial variation of thesoil properties would increase the accuracy in prediction of soil nutrient status and nutrient vulnerability in the Guinea savanna agroecology of Nigeria.

Keywords: Land use types, degradation, spatial variability, guinea savanna, Nigeria.

[1]. J.A.Adepetu, A.A., Adebayo, E.A.Aduayi, and G.O Alofe. A preliminary survey of the fertility status of soils in Ondo state under traditional cultivation. Ife J. Agric.1, 1979, 134-149.
[2]. G.O Adeoye,. and A.A Agboola. Critical levels for soil pH, available P, K, Zn and Mn and maize ear-leaf content of P, Cu and Mn in sedimentary soils of south-west Nigeria. Fertilizer Res. 6, 1985, 65-75
[3]. A.A.Agboola,and R.B.Correy.. Nutrient efficiency survey of maize in western Nigeria. Nig. J Sci.10, 1976, 1-18
[4]. H.A.,Akintola,E.O.,Lucas, andJ.G. King. Effects of density of planting and time of N application in maize varieties in different ecological zones of West Africa Common Soil. Sci. Plant Analysis 28 (13 & 14), 1997, 116-175.
[5]. E.A.Akinrinde,,andG.O. Obigbesa. Evaluation of fertility status of selected soils for crop production in Five ecological areas of Nigeria. Proc. 26th Ann. Conf. Soil Sci. Soc. Nig., Ibadan, Oyo State., 2000, 79-453
[6]. Areola. Soil variability within land facets in areas of low smooth relief: a case study on the Gwagwa Plains, Nigeria. Soil Survey and land Evaluation 2(1), 1982, 9-13
[7]. C.L.A. Asadu. Comparative land evaluation of yam-zone soils and the performance of six cultivars of white yam (D. rotundata) in southesatern Nigeria. PhD thesis, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. 1979, 420pp.
[8]. C.L.A. Asadu, and A.A. Enete. Food crop yields and soil properties under population pressure in SS Africa. The case of cassava in southesatern Nigeria. Outlook on Agriculture, 26 (1), 1990, 29-34.
[9]. P.H.T. Beckett, and R. Webster. Soil variability: A review. Soil Fert. 34, 1971, 1-5
[10]. J.W. Bigger,and D.K. Nielson. Spatial variability of the leaching characteristics of a field soil. Water Resources Res, 12, 1976, 78-84.

ABSTRACT: Sixty(60) laying hens (Rhode Island Red strains)were usedto study the nutritive value of Gliricidia leaf meal (GLM) supplemented with Maxigrain® enzyme The birds were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments of 12 birds per treatment; each treatment was replicated into 4 groups with 3 birds per replicate. Five experimental diets were formulated; the test ingredient being Gliricidiasepium. Four of the diets were formulated with enzyme supplementation i.e. diets B, C, D, E while diet A was without enzyme supplementation. Gliricidiasepium leaf meal was included at 5%, 7.5% and 10% replacement of dietary soyabean meal in diets C, D and E respectively. The feeding trial lasted for twelve weeks during which data performance characteristics in terms of Henday production, feed intake, weight gain, and body weight changes were monitored. Digestibility trial was carried out in the last four days of the experiment. All data collected wereanalysed using One-way ANOVA,Diet C was comparable(P>0.0 5) to control in virtually allperformance characteristics variables and almost even higher(P<0.05)in nutrients utilization at a cheaper rate .Maxigrain® supplemented GLM will serve as a cheap abundant non-conventional feedand pigmenting stuff with high nutrients utilization efficiency. Key words:,Gliricidia, Laying-hen, ,Maxigrain®,Nutrients-utilization,Performance-characteristics,

[1] Ige, A.O., Odunsi, A.A., Akinlade, J.A., Ojedapo, L.O., Ameen, S.A., Aderinola, O.A. and Rafiu, T.A. Gliricidia Leaf meal in Layer's Diet: Effect on Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Economy of Production. Journal of Animal Veterinary Advances 5(6)(2006): 483-486(1)

[2] Acamovic, T. Commercial application of enzyme technology for poultry production In; World Poult. Sci. J., 57.(2001) 226-242(2) [3] A.O.A.C, (1995): Official method of Analysis (16th Ed.) Association of Official Analytical Chemists, Washington DC

[4] S.A.S, (2002): Statistical Analysis Software. SAS.Ints.Inccary N.Y.

[5] Chadokar, P.A. (1982): Gliricidia maculate: A Promising Legume Forage Plant. World Animal Review, 44: 36-45.

[6] Carew, B.A.R. (Gliricidiasepium as a sole feed for Ruminants. Tropical Grassland, 17(4)(1983)181-183.

[7] Ogungbesan,A,MProduction and utilization of Tephrosia bracteolate (Guill et Perr) as a forage for West Africa dwarf goats in South Western Nigeria. A Ph.D Thesis in Agricultural Biochemistry and Animal Nutrition submitted to the Department of Animal Science University of Ibadan,(2004) 239pg

[8] Ogungbesan,A,MSecondary plant metabolites utilizationin west African dwarf does fed combined levels of Andropogongayanus (kunzth)and Gliricidiasepium(Jacq)with Cassava offal based concentrateJournal of Environmental Issues and Agriculture in Developing Countries,3,(2)(2011) 1-9

ABSTRACT: Sixty(60) laying hens (Rhode Island Red strains)were used in monitoring blood profile as influenced byGliricidia leaf meal (GLM) supplemented with Maxigrain® enzyme The birds were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments of 12 birds per treatment; each treatment was replicated into 4 groups with 3 birds per replicate. Five experimental diets were formulated; the test ingredient being Gliricidiasepium. Four of the diets were formulated with enzyme supplementation i.e. diets B, C, D, E while diet A was without enzyme supplementation. Gliricidiasepium leaf meal was included at 5%, 7.5% and 10% replacement of dietary soyabean meal in diets C, D and E respectively. The feeding trial lasted for twelve weeks after which blood variables were monitored. using One-way ANOVA,diet C had more(P<0.05)Pcv ,Hb,Rbc,Wbc , Rbc and minerals than control,while Neutrophils and lymphocytes were similar(P>0.05).Similarly C, diet also had higher(P<0.05)Glucose and Protein but lower(P<0.05)in other metabolites than control.ThereforeGLM(5%)withMaxigrain® can be used with assurance of high animal welfare and food safety.

Key words:,Gliricidia,Heamatology ,Layers Maxigrain® Serology

[1]. A. JSimons,.And, J.L. StewartGliricidiasepium – a multipurpose tree legume. In: Forage Tree Legumes in Tropical Agriculture (R.C Gutteridge and H.M Shelton, eds)Walling Ford, UKCABI,. (1994) Pg30-48
[2]. A,MOgungbesan, Secondary plant metabolites utilizationin west African dwarf does fed combined levels of Andropogongayanus (kunzth)and Gliricidiasepium(Jacq)with Cassava offal based concentrate Journal of Environmental Issues and Agriculture in Developing Countries,3,(2) (2011) 1-9
[3]. A.OIge,.A.A, Odunsi,.,J.AAkinlade,.L.O, Ojedapo,.,S.AAmeen,.,O.AAderinola,. and, T.ARafiu. Gliricidia Leaf meal in Layer's Diet: Efefct on Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Economy of Production. Journal of Animal Veterinary Advances 5(6) (2006) : 483-486(1)
[4]. T.AAcamovic, T. Commercial application of enzyme technology for poultry production In; World Poult. Sci. J., 57. (2001) 226-242
[5]. A.MOgungbesan,O.JAwoola,.G.A,Adeleke,.and,A. AdenugbaThe Effect of Enzymes on Blood Constituents and Minerals Utilization in Broilers FedGliricidiasepium (Jacq)Epizootiologyand Animal Health in West African 9(2013) (In press)
[6]. F.RMoormann, R., Lal,. andA.S.RJuo,: The soil of IITA. International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan.,( 1975)
[7]. K.A.NEsievo,.,and,D.JSarrorHaematologicalassaya;A laboratory manual in veterinary clinical Pathology 1st edA.B.U. Zaria KadunaFacult of Veterinary Medicine.(1992) 243
[8]. J.G. Reinhold, Manual determination of serum total protein, Albumin, andglobulin fractions by the biuret method.In:Reiner, M (ed) standard methods ofclinical ChemistryN.Y. Aca. Press(!953). Pp. 88.
[9]. R Raj, andM Holder, Aspartate amino-transferase.In methods of enzymatic analysis 3rdedn, Bergmeyer . H.U.J and Grasel,,M.L.(Eds) WenhieimVelaghine(1983)Pp416-433
[10]. BoehringeranMnheimGimbhDiagnostica(1979)6800 Mannheim 31,Germany Cat No1249

ABSTRACT: Ninety six day old broiler chicks brooded and randomly allocated to four dietary treatments of 24 birds replicated into three groups with eight birds per replicate. Four experimental diets were formulated; the test ingredient is gliricidiasepium leaf meal. Two of the diets were formulated without enzymes supplementation i.e diet A and diet B while the remaining two treatment were supplemented with (Roxazyme (G2) and Maxigrain). Gliricidiasepium leaf meal was included at the level of 5% replacement of dietary soyabean meal in diets B, C and D. After eight weeks datacollected were feed intake, weight gain and body weight changes. Daily feed intake was more significantly (p<0.05) reduced in birds fed control diet. Highest(P<0.05) body weight gain(36.46gd1) and nutrients utilization was observed inbirds fed with Maxigrain (diet D) supplement (p<0.05). The best,even better than the control, improvement in the response indices were obtained in birds fed (Maxigrain) diet D Hence forage gliricidiasepium meal of 5% could be included with 0.10% Maxigrain.

Keywords: Broilers,Enzymes,Gliricidia,Performance-characteristics,Nutrients-utilizatio

[1] B.OEsonu,., F.C. Iheukwumere, T.C. Iwuji, N. Akanu and O.H. Nwugo, Evaluation of Microdesmispuberulaleaf meal as feed ingredient in broiler starter diets. Nig. J. Anim. Prod.,30(2003)3-8

[2] . A. JSimons,.And, J.L. StewartGliricidiasepium – a multipurpose tree legume. In: Forage Tree Legumes in Tropical Agriculture (R.C Gutteridge and H.M Shelton, eds)Walling Ford, UKCABI,. (1994) Pg30-48

[3] M,R Bedford)Exogenous enzyme in monogastric nutrition-their current value and future benefits,Anim Feed Sci& Tech 86 ,.(2000) 1-13

[4] A.O.A.COfficial method of Analysis (16th Ed) Association of Official Analytical Chemists, Washington DC, (1995) [5]. S.A.S Statistical Analysis Software. SAS.Ints.Inccary N.Y, (2002).

[6] M Chot,Enzymes for the feed industry, past, present and future. World's poultry Science Journal 6(2 )( 2006)5-15

[7]. A.M Ogungbesan, Awoola, O.J.,Adeleke, G.A.andAdenugba,A. The Effect of Enzymes on Blood Constituents and Minerals Utilization in Broilers Fed Gliricidiasepium (Jacq)Epizootiologyand Animal Health in West African 9(2013) (In press)

[8] S.GAdemola,.,O.O,Egbewande.I.E,Lawal,.A.T,Isah, andS.M Kuranga,Effect of Roxazme G® and Maxigrain® on Performance ,Egg quality , Cost benefit and Haematological parameters of laying hens fed Wheat offal,Corn bran and Brewers Dry Grain diets .International J. of Poultry Science 11(1) (2012)33-38

[9] TAcamovicCommercial application of enzyme technology for poultry production.World poultry Science journal57 ,.(2001)1-18

[10] M,RBedford, Mechanism of action and potential environmental benefits from the use of feed enzymesAnim Feed Sci& Tech(1995)145-155

ABSTRACT: Acid soils are highly weathered and are usually excessive in soluble aluminum and manganese and deficient in phosphorous, calcium, magnesium and molybdenum, which may cause their reduced uptake and lead to nutrient imbalances in plants. To address this problem, a field study was carried out in 2012 to evaluate the residual effects of combined rates of poultry manure (PM) and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizers on responses of maize (Zea mays L) in a soil limed to different pH levels. The treatments were four levels of soil pH: pH 5.5 (control), pH 6.0, pH 6.5and pH 7.0 and six levels of combined PM and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer: T1 (200 kg/ha NPK + 6 t/ha PM); T2 (300 kg/ha NPK + 4 t/ha PM), T3 (400 kg t/ha NPK + 2 t/ha PM); T4 (400 t/ha NPK only), T5 (8 t/ha PM only) and T6 (Control) arranged in a 6 x 4 factorial in randomized complete block design (RBCD) with three replications. The results showed that Treatment T2 (8 t/ha PM only) significantly (P < 0.05) gave the highest dry matter yield while T2 (300 kg/ha NPK + 4 t/ha PM) had the least dry matter yield. Liming also increased the maize dry yield with soil limed to pH 6.0 having the highest dry matter. It was therefore concluded that for second season planting, maize can be efficiently produced in sandy loam ultisols previously applied with treatments T5 (8t/ha PM) and limed to pH 6.0.

Key words: Soil pH, Maize, NPK, fertilizer, Poultry manure, Ultisol

[1] Akamigbo, F. O. R. and Igwe, C. A. (1990). Physical and chemical characteristics of four gullied soil location in Anambra state, Nigeria. Niger. Agric. J. 25: 29 – 48.
[2] Anderson, J. M. And J.S.I Ingram (1993). Tropical soils biology and fertility. A handbook of methods, 2nd Ed; CAB International, Wallingford U.K. pp 221.
[3] Antunović, M. (2008): Liming influences on maize and sugar beet yield and nutritional status. Cereal research Communications 36 (Supplementum): 1839-1842.
[4] Asadu, C. L. A. (2002). Comparative evaluation of the contributions of soil physiochemical properties to variations in the yield of flour major staple food crops in eastern Nigeria. Soil and Tillage Research 65: 141 – 155.
[5] Baligar, V. C. and Fageria, N. K. (1997). Nutrient use efficiency in acid soils: nutrient management and plant use efficiency. In: Plant Soil Interactions at Low pH, A. C. Moniz et.al (ed.) 75-95.
[6] Beukes, D. J. (2000). The management of acid soils. Institute for Soil, Climate and Water. Agricultural Research Council. South Africa.
[7] Bray, R. H.and Kurtz, N. T. (1945). Determination of total organic and available form of phosphorus in soil. Soil Sci. 59: 39- 45
[8] Bremner, J. M. (1996). Nitrogen-total. P.1085-1121. In: D. L. Sparks (Ed). Methods of Soil Anaysis, Part III. Chemical methods. SSSABook series No. 5. Am. Soc. of Agron. Madison, W. I.
[9] Buresh, R.J., Smithson, P.C. and Hellums D.T. (1997), Building soil phosphorus capital in Africa. In: Buresh P.J., Sanchez P.A. and Calhoun F. Replenishing soil fertility in Africa. SSSA Special Publication No.51. Madison Wisconsin, pp. 111-149.
[10] Fageria, N. K. and Baligar, V.C. (2008). Ameliorating soil acidity of tropical Oxisols by liming for sustainable crop production. Adv. Agron., 99:345-431.

ABSTRACT: The experiment was conducted in the field laboratory of the Department of Crop Botany, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh during the period of November, 2009 to September, 2010 to investigate the effect of spray formulations of NPK fertilizer on morpho-physiological characters and growth of two orchid cultivars. The two factor experiment was laid out in the Completely Randomized Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The two factors are cultivars (Mokara Diheard Red and Mokara Yellow Anne) and four spray formulations (F0, F1, F2, F3). Data were collected on plant height, leaf length, leaf width, total leaf area, leaf area index, stem diameter, number of leaf, chlorophyll content, crop growth rate (CGR) and relative growth rate (RGR). Results revealed that the morphological and growth parameters of Mokara Diheard Red and Mokara Yellow Anne were significantly varied. Mokara Diheard Red performs better in chlorophyll content, CGR and RGR. Mokara Yellow Anne was superior in respect of leaf area index, total leaf area, leaf number and stem diameter. It was observed that the maximum increment of total leaf area, leaf area index, leaf number and stem diameter were found in spray formulation-3 (F3) and the lowest were in control (F0). Spray formulation-2 (F2) showed maximum increment of plant height, crop growth rate and relative growth rate over control (F0). So, the morpho-physiological features of orchid are significantly affected by spray formulation and the composition of spray formulation-2 (F2) and spray formulation-3 (F3) might be better for growth of orchid.

Key words: Orchid, Spray formulation, Mokara Diheard Red, Mokara Yellow Anne and growth

[1] Chandra, S. and Das, A. K. 2000. Correlation and interrelation of physiological parameters in rice under rainfed transplanted condition. J. Crop Res. Assam Agric.Univ., 19(2): 252 – 254.
[2] Chowdhury, M. 1975. "Baldah Garden", Dhaka, Bangladesh. pp. 12-15.
[3] Goh, C. J., Sim, A. A. and Lim. G. 1992. Mycorrhizal associations in some tropical orchids. Lindleyana, 7(1):13-17. Hatch, E. D. 1953. Orquideas Subterranean., 15 (1): 2-11.
[4] Gomez, A. K. and Gomez, A. A. 1984. Statistical Procedures for Agricultural Research, 2nd Ed., John Wiley and Sons, Inc., NY. pp. 8-20.
[5] Hagakl, Y. and Imamura, J. S. 1987. NPK requirements of vanda miss Joaquin orchid plants. Department of Horticulture. Hawaii Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. University of Hawaii. Hilo.pp. 34 – 36.
[6] Kuksal, R. P, Singh, R.D and Yadar, N. 1997. Effect of different level of nitrogen and phosphorous on fruit and seed yield of tomato.Prog. Hort., 9(2): 13-20.
[7] Patil, P.V. 2001. Orchids of India in Commercial Flowers 2nd Ed. Calcutta, India.Pp 193.
[8] Russel, D. F. 1986. MSTAT-C.MSTAT Director. Crop and Soil Science. Department of Michigan State University, USA.
[9] Singh, R. and Kohli, A. 1999. Effect of N, P and K regimes on growth and development of orchid .J. Hill Res., U.K. 12(1): 63 - 66.
[10] Singh, B. and Voleti, S. R. 1995.Research and achievements. Division of Floriculture and Landscaping. Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. p.15

ABSTRACT: Ultrasonography was used to confirm the diagnosis of different pathological conditions of cow's genital tract and to monitor the treatment outcome and conception rate for the improvement of reproductive disorders. A total of 54 subfertile cows with farmers' complaint for different types of reproductive problems were selected for this study. Confirmation and differential diagnosis of various reproductive problems was made by real time ultrasonography. Forty two cows received specific treatment against their reproductive disorders. The cyclic cows (n=43) were bred using frozen semen and pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasonography at Day 30-35 after breeding. The reproductive problems diagnosed, were endometritis (27.8%), metritis (7.4%), pyometra (11.1%), mucometra (3.7%), follicular cyst (9.2%), luteal cyst (1.9%), mummified fetus (1.9%), anoestrus (22.2%), repeat breeding (3.7%) and poor heat detection (11.1%). Thirty one cows out of 42, receiving appropriate treatments, showed cylicity with overall 73.8% effectiveness of the treatment (83.3%; poor heat detection, 60.0%; endometritis, 100.0%; metritis, 66.7%; pyometra, 100.0%; mucometra, 60.0%; follicular cysts, 100.0%; luteal cysts and 75.0%; anoestrus). Among 43 bred cows, 37 became pregnant giving an overall 86.0 % conception rate (100.0%; poor heat detection, 84.6%; endometritis, 75.0%; metritis, 100.0%; pyometra, 50.0%; mucometra, 100.0%; follicular and luteal cysts, 88.9%; anoestrus and 50.0%; repeat breeders). Ultrasonography can be used for improved diagnosis and management of reproductive disorders, to monitor treatment outcome thereafter and pregnancy success in dairy cows.

Keywords: Dairy cows, GnRH, PGF2α, ovarian disorders, Ultrasonography

[1] T.Gh.M. Ali and I.H. Al-Timimi, Effect of treated genital diseases on the number of services per conception in dairy cattle, AL-Qadysia Journal for Veterinary Medical Science, 2011, 10: 1.
[2] P.D. Carriere, L. DesCoteaux, and J. Durocher, Evaluation echographique du tractus reproducteur bovin: Developpement normal et anormal des follicules ovariens et du corps jaune, Médecins Vétérinaires du Québec, 32, 2002, 128-131.
[3] R.A. Fissore, A.J. Edmondson, R.L.Pashen and R.H. Bondurant, The use of ultrasonography for the study of the bovine reproductive tract II. Non pregnant, pregnant and pathological conditions of the uterus, Animal Reproduction Science, 2, 1986, 167-177.
[4] P.M. Fricke, D.Z. Caraviello, K.A. Weigel and M.L. Welle, Fertility of dairy cows after resynchronization of ovulation at three intervals after first timed insemination, Journal of Dairy Science, 86, 2003, 3941-3950.
[5] M.R. Jainudeen and E.S.E. Hafez, Reproductive cycles in cattle and buffaloes. In: Hafez ESE, Hafez B (Eds.), Reproduction in Farm Animals (7th Edn.), Lea and Febiger, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, pp 297–314, 2000.
[6] M.M. Kamal, M.M. Rahman, H.W. Momont and M. Shamsuddin, Underlying Disorders of Postpartum Anoestrus and Effectiveness of their Treatments in Crossbred Dairy Cows, Asian Journal of Animal Science, 6, 2012, 132-139.
[7] A.S. Khurshid and A. Anjum, Management of some ovarian disorders in post-partum crossbred cows, Online Veterinary Journal (Vet Scan), 7(1), 2012, 111.
[8] M. Kimura, T. Nakao, M. Moriyoshi and K. Kawata, Luteal phase deficiency as a possible cause of repeat breeding in dairy cows, British Veterinary Journal, 43, 1987, 560–566.
[9] R. Kumar, D. Kumar and B. Roy, Studies on repeat breeding of buffaloes, Buffalo Bulletin, 30, 2011, 3.
[10] V. Kumar and G.N. Purohit, Ultrasonographic diagnosis of the bovine genital tract disorders, Online Veterinary Journal (Vet Scan), 4(2), 2009, 43.

ABSTRACT: The study investigated the Demand analysis for consumer preference of cowpea attributes in Niger State, Nigeria. The study employed a multistage stratified and systematic random sampling to select markets and respondents for the study. Markets selected were Kontagora market in (production region),Sabon Wuse market in Tafa (transitory region) and Minna market in (consumption region).Time series data for the price/quality information were obtained from respondents in these markets. Cowpea samples were purchased every month from five (5) systematically, randomly selected retailers in each market for 12 months. Data were analyzed using the Hedonic model. Findings from the study revealed that consumers were willing to pay a premium for additional unit of grain weight at ₦0.96; rough testa texture at ₦40.64 and white eye color at ₦21.42 and ₦11.90 from different markets estimated. On the other hand consumers were ready to discount prices for bruchid/insect hole damage at ₦1.00, white testa color in Kontagora market at ₦17.73; ₦40.90 in Sabon Wuse market and ₦46.66 in Minna market. Recommendations from this study included the need for the provision of better storage media such as the triple hermatic storage sacks, to market participants to reduce the number of insect infested beans. Most preferred qualities of cowpea such as grain weight, rough testa texture and white eye color should be disseminated to breeders to come up with varieties encompassing these qualities.

Key words: Demand, Consumer preference, Hedonic model and cowpea attributes

[1]. Ayinde, I.A., Afolami, C.A., Aromolaran, A.B., Vaughan, I.O. and Fanimo A.O. (2002): 'Intra- zonal poverty situation among farmers in Ogun State'. Moore Journal of Agricultural Research 3 (2): 306-312
[2]. Ayinde, I.A. (2005): Market dynamics for cowpeas: weight and measurement issues in kuto market, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Report submitted as part of the market study on: Building a food marketing policy evidence base in Nigeria.
[3]. Faye, M.D. (2005): Investigations of key aspects for the successful marketing of cowpeas in Senegal. Published Ph.D thesis Department of Agricultural Economics University Of the Free State Bloemfontein South Africa.
[4]. Faye, M., Jooste, M., Lowenberg-Deboer, J. and Fulton, J. (2006): Impact of sucrose contents and cooking time on cowpea prices in Senegal. South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences 9 (2): 207-212.
[5]. Huang, C.L., and Lin, B. (2007): Consumer preferences and attitudes towards organically grown produce. Review Agricultural Economics 29 (4): 783-800. DOI: 10:1111/j.1467-9353.2007.00387
[6]. Lancaster, K. (1966): Change and innovation in the technology of consumption. American Economics Review 56: 132–157.
[7]. Ladd, G. and Suvannunt, V. (1976): A model of consumer goods characteristics. American Journal of Agricultural Economics 58: 504–510.
[8]. Mcwatters, K.H., Pretty, J.N; and Conway, G.R. (1990): Appropriate Technology for cowpea preservation and processing, and a study of its socioeconomic impact on rural population in Nigeria. Pg 46-49 in 10 years of collaboration research on Beans and Cowpeas, CRSP. Michigan State University East Lausing, MI. USA.
[9]. Musa, S.A., (2003): Marketing of cowpea in Nigeria: Econometric studies of quality factors and market integration. Unpublished Ph.D thesis submitted to the agricultural economics and extension programme Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Nigeria. 402pp.
[10]. Niger State Agricultural Development Project (NADP) 2002