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Item DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AND SOCIAL MOBILIZATION STRATEGIES ON UPTAKE OF CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATION IN IJEBU-NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT OGUN STATE, NIGERIA(2018) LAWAL, Abiodun SebionigaThe use of social mobilization (SM) as a process of engaging and motivating parents for utilization of immunization services has attracted much global attention. The time spent on dissemination of information using mass media showed that not much has been done to reinforce public perception of immunization as a social norm, hence, the widely reported persistent and low immunization coverage. The associating factors that can complement the process and also influence preference for particular approaches by parents need to be determined in order to reinforce such methods. The objectives of the study were to: (i) identify demographic factors for uptake of childhood immunization; (ii) assess the knowledge of respondents on SM strategies towards childhood immunization; (iii) determine the attitude of respondents towards social mobilization strategies (iv) identify SM strategies adopted by respondents; and (v) identify factors influencing SM in Ijebu-North Ogun State, Nigeria. Cross Sectional descriptive design was adopted. Multistage sampling technique was used to obtain a sample size of 600 respondents with children less than two years of age. Data were collected with a researcher-designed questionnaire on a 4point Likert scale and was validated by the supervisor and two other experts. A reliability coefficient 0.82 was obtained through a testretest method using Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Statistical package for Social Sciences was the tool adopted for analysis. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the demographic data while inferential statistics of Chi-square was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study were that: i. demographic factors of respondents were significantly associated with SM and uptake of immunization services (p<0.05). Respondents with higher income and residents of close proximity had increased odds of obtaining information and uptake of immunization services than those in farther locations; ii. knowledge of respondents on SM and immunization services was not significant (p< 0.148). Only (58%) of respondents with good knowledge had children with fully immunized status, while 69% of others with good knowledge had children with partially immunized status; iii. good knowledge of SM strategies in the LGA influenced positive attitude towards immunization uptake among 61% of the recipients; iv. health care workers are the most preferred source of knowledge and information. Eighty percent of respondents reported positive interaction during immunization uptake; and v. respondents who interacted through radio, town announcers and house to house contacts have increased probability of being motivated to adopt immunization services five times more than respondents who did not benefit from the other media contacts. The study concluded that SM greatly influenced uptake of immunization while good knowledge from health care workers was positively associated with attitude of parents who are using immunization services in Ijebu North LGA. It is therefore recommended that SM should be conducted in close proximity to residential areas and workplaces using many media for contact with potential users of immunization services.Item RISK FACTORS AND SAFETY MEASURES FOR ROAD TRAFFIC CRASHES AMONG INTER-CITY COMMERCIAL DRIVERS IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA(2018) SALAUDEEN, Adekunle GaniyuMotorized road transport has brought benefits that were unimaginable 100 years ago. However, the price being paid as a result of road traffic injury for such benefits is too high. The incidence of Road Traffic Crashes (RTC) is rising world-wide, with 1.24 million people killed on the world’s roads in 2010 due to non-compliance with safety measures. The objectives of the study were to: (i) assess the knowledge of risk factors for RTC among inter-city commercial vehicle drivers; (ii) determine the practice of safety measures of drivers; (iii) determine the prevalence of RTC among the respondents; (iv) determine the blood alcohol concentration of drivers before embarking on a journey; (v) assess the safety profiles of tyres used by inter-city commercial vehicles; and (vi) determine the perception of drivers on the enforcement of road safety laws in Kwara State. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study in which multi-stage sampling method was adopted to select 410 inter-city commercial vehicle drivers in Kwara State. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire, observational checklist, breathalyzers and coin test. Chi square, multiple regression and t test statistical analyses were done for the study variables and level of significance set at p =0.05. The findings of the study were that: (i) majority of respondents (94.4%) had good knowledge scores of risk factors and safety measures of RTC. The observed relationship in training attendance and knowledge scores was statistically significant (p < 0.05); (ii) the age group 26-55 years had good safety practices compared with those ≤ 25 years and > 55 years. The observed relationship was statistically significant (p = 0.057). 17 There was statistical significant relationship between respondents who practiced safety measures and those who carried out driving test before issuance of license (p = 0.001) and modes of driving skills acquisition (p = <0.001); (iii) some respondents (7.1%) tested positive for alcohol and the mean blood alcohol concentration was 23.28± 23.32µg/dl; (iv) three out of ten respondents (29.3%) had experienced RTC in the past; (v) more than half of tyres were expired (53.3%-57.3%), between 52.0% and 57.3% of the tyres were worn-out and only 1.3% of vehicles had four tyres that passed all the tests; and (vi) there was significant relationship between the knowledge of risk factors for RTC and perception of road safety laws (p = 0.028). There was statistically significant relationship between perception to road safety laws and practice of safety measures among respondents (p = < 0.001). The study concluded that majority of vehicles have worn out tyres and RTC occurrence was common among respondents despite good knowledge of safety measures. It is recommended that regular assessment of blood alcohol of the drivers, vehicular tyre inspection, training, retraining, continuous orientation of the drivers and enforcement of relevant laws are critical to addressing the challenges of road safety in Nigeria.Item FEEDING POTENTIALS OF STAR APPLE (CHRYSOPHYLLUM ALBIDUM) KERNEL IN BROILER CHICKENS(2018) AJIDE, SOLOMON OLUSOJIMaize constitutes the highest proportion of energy source in poultry diets. It is costly due to competition by man, industry and livestock. High rate of maize inclusion in diets translates to high cost of feed and reduce profit for livestock farmers. African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) Kernel (ASAK) is a potential alternative to maize because of its high energy content. The objectives of this study were to: (i) determine the proximate composition and phytochemicals of raw and processed ASAK; (ii) determine the optimum dietary inclusion level of raw ASAK; (iii) determine the effects of selected processing methods on the antinutritional contents and feeding value of ASAK; and (iv) determine the profitability of using ASAK meal in broiler diets. Five experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 investigated the proximate composition, phytochemicals and inclusion levels of raw ASAK in broiler diets. Experiment 2-5 examined the effects of processing ASAK meal with activated charcoal, bentonite, phytase or polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the antinutritional contents, growth performance, serum biochemistry, haematology, liver histology and profitability of broilers. Data collected on the response variables were subjected to analyses of variance as appropriate for a Completely Randomized Design (p< 0.05). The findings of the study were: (i ) energy and crude protein obtained for raw ASAK were 3.93 kcal/g and 8.71%, while phytate, tannins and saponins were 1,308.70, 1,037.47 and 12.15mg/kg, respectively; (ii) broilers fed graded levels of raw ASAK meal had a significantly (p<0.05) lower Weight Gain (WG), Feed Intake (FI) and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) compared with the control. The haematology and serum biochemistry were also significantly (p<0.05) different across the dietary treatments, 10-30% Dietary Level (DL) showed abnormal AST, ALT, ALP, creatinine, urea with severe liver degeneration; (iii) Activated charcoal and bentonite increased the energy and crude protein contents of ASAK by 0.01kcal/g and 7.80%, 0.07 kcal/g and 2.62%, respectively. Phytase and PEG reduced the energy of ASAK by 0.08 and 0.14kcal/g and increased the crude protein by 2.73 and 2.41%, respectively, residual saponins, phytate and tannin content reduced significantly across the processing methods; 33 (iv) broilers fed ASAK meal processed with activated charcoal, bentonite, phytase and PEG had significantly (p<0.05) poorer WG, FI, and FCR than the control at all dietary levels; (v) AST, ALT and ALP were abnormal with severe deposition of tars in the central vein of the liver in broilers fed activated charcoal processed ASAK and severe hepatocyte perturbation occurred in those fed PEG processed ASAK from 25-30% DL; and (vi) abnormal AST, ALT, ALP and severe liver degeneration occurred from 15 to 30% when bentonite and phytase processed ASAK were fed, while 20-30% DL of the later led to severe hepatocyte perturbation. In conclusion, broilers fed processed ASAK meal performed better than those fed raw ASAK, while those fed the control diet performed significantly better than those fed raw and processed ASAK. This study therefore recommends further studies that will unravel the best method to enhance the nutritive value of the ASAK meal in broilers diet.Item THE EFFECT OF MOISTURE, FEED ADDITIVES AND BIOLOGICAL AGENTS ON PERFORMANCE, NUTRIENT RETENTION, BLOOD PARAMETERS AND AFLATOXIN IN BROILERS.(2018) SALAKO, Abiola OlayemiAflatoxin, a secondary metabolic product of Aspergillus spp is economically important in animal health due to its biological effects, manifested in reduced performance. Eradicating aflatoxin induced disease in poultry is an essential strategy for improving productivity. The objectives of this study were to determine: (i) effects of moisture and temperature on the growth of Aspergillus paraciticus and aflatoxin concentration; (ii) in vitro binding ability of xylanase and herbal extracts to attenuate the growth of Aspergillus paraciticus and (iii) effects of the screened additives and atoxigenic Aspergillus paraciticus on performance and blood parameters of broilers fed aflatoxin containing diet and high, medium and low moisture maize (HMM, MMM and LMM). Five experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 investigated the in vitro effects of temperature (15oC, 20oC, 25oC, 30oC, 35oC and 40oC) and moisture (4%, 8%, 12%, 16% and 20%) on Aspergillus paraciticus count and aflatoxin concentration in feed inoculated with Aspergillus paraciticus in a 6×5 factorial design. Experiment 2 examined the effects of xylanase, herbal extracts of ginger, turmeric and garlic and their concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/ml) on inhibition of Aspergillus paraciticus in a 4x6 factorial design. Experiment 3 evaluated the effects of dietary aflatoxin concentration (0 and 500 ppb) and herbal extracts on performance, digestibility and blood parameters of broilers in a 2x4 factorial design. Experiment 4 studied the response of broilers to dietary aflatoxin concentration (0 and 500 ppb) with or without atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus in a 2x2 factorial design. Experiment 5 studied the response of broilers to types of maize (HMM, MMM, LMM) and types of binder (0, turmeric, atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus) in a 3x3 factorial design. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (p<0.05) and means were separated using Duncan multiple range test.Item EVALUATION OF YORUBA ECOTYPE CHICKEN AND CROSSES WITH THREE EXOTIC STRAINS FOR PERFORMANCE AND EGG PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA(2018) OGUNDERE, ABIMBOLA ALICEYoruba Ecotype Chicken (YEC) is characterized by hardiness, and better adaptation to prevailing tropical environment. However, its small body size and egg weight has hindered its utilization for commercial meat and egg production. Crossbreeding is a major tool used in improving desired traits in animals. The objectives of the study were to: (i) evaluate fertility, hatchability, growth performance and survivability in Marshall (MM), Goliath (GG), Sussex (SS) and their crossbred with YEC; (ii) evaluate egg production and quality characteristics in YEC and its crosses with GG and SS; and (iii) estimate genetic parameters, predictive models for growth and egg production traits in YEC and its crosses. Two experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 examined fertility, hatchability, early and late growth performance and survivability using a total of 529 chicks obtained from 971 eggs `that were collected from purebred chickens and their crosses (MMxMM, GGxGG, SSxSS, YECxYEC, YECxMM, YECxGG, YECxSS, MMxYEC, GGxYEC and SSxYEC). Experiment 2 investigated egg production and egg quality characteristics using 120 sixteen-week old YEC and its crosses. Data obtained from experiments 1 and 2 estimated heterosis, heritability, repeatability, correlation, predictive equations, principal component and genetic relatedness for body weight and egg parameters. Data on growth and reproductive parameters were subjected to analysis of variance. The findings of the study were that: i. MMxYEC had the highest fertility (97.50%) compared to other crosses. Hatchability was highest in MMxYEC and GGxYEC (89.74% in both); ii. MMxMM and MMxYEC had significantly (p<0.05) higher feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio than other crosses. YECxYEC had 91.20% survivability. Survivability was highest in YECxGG (100%) at early and late growth phases; iii. egg parameters were significantly higher (p<0.05) and maturity occurred earlier (154 days) in YECxSS than in YECxYEC (146 days) and other YEC crosses. Crosses between YEC cock and exotic hens exhibited positive heterosis for body weight and egg parameters; iv. heritability for body weight was higher in YECxGG (0.38 to 0.63) and GGxYEC (0.59 to 1.00) than in YECxYEC. Repeatability estimates were generally low in YECxYEC and its crosses; v. body weight was best predicted by cubic and quadratic equations in most crosses, Principal component 1 accounted for the highest variance in weekly body weight with the low variation existing in SSxSS, YECxGG, YECxMM and MMxYEC. Crosses of SSxSS, YECxGG and YECxSS were best described by egg external quality traits while GGxGG, GGxYEC and SSxYEC were described by external and internal quality traits ; and vi. Dendogram showed that body weight of YECxYEC was more closely related with SSxSS and GGxGG than MMxMM. Similarity existed between egg number of YECxYEC and GGxGG while the egg weight of the two strains were far apart in the dendogram. The study concluded that cross breeding improved body weight and egg production of YEC. Crossbred YECxMM or YECxGG is therefore recommended for body weight and YEC x SS for egg production in Nigeria.Item MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERISATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF POTENTIAL GROWTH TRAITS IN WAD SHEEP THROUGH CROSSBREEDING(2018) FATAI ISMAIL ADEWALEThe need for larger sheep has compelled both the consumers and sellers in the middle and Southern parts of Nigeria to frequently opt for giant breeds of sheep from the Northern parts of the Country. Balami and Uda are the two largest Nigerian breeds of sheep and therefore have the potentials of improving, through crossbreeding, the body weight of small body-sized West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep. The objectives of this study were to determine: (i) the morphometric characteristics of traditionally managed WAD, Balami and Uda sheep; (ii) reproductive and growth performance of pure and crossbred sheep; (iii) heterosis, repeatability and heritability of economic traits; and (iv) best morphometric descriptors of body weight in pure and crossbred WAD, Balami and Uda sheep in Nigeria. Three experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 compared the morphometric traits of 1017 traditionally managed sheep within North and Central Nigeria. Experiment 2 evaluated the growth and reproductive performance of pure and crossbred Uda, Balami and WAD Sheep using an unbalanced design, while Experiment 3 assessed the heritability and repeatability of growth traits and best morphometric descriptors of pure and crossbred sheep. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance using a model of Factorial Design (p˂0.05). The findings of the study were that: i. traditionally managed Balami sheep was superior to Uda and WAD in all morphometric traits. Males were superior to females in all morphometric traits. ii. WAD sheep had the highest conception (80%) and lambing rate for all the parities (80%); iii. lambs’ birth weights increased with dams’ age and parity; iv. crossbred lambs were superior over purebred WAD in all morphometric traits both at birth and at yearling stages; v. heterosis for body weight in Uda crossed with WAD was higher than in Balami crossed with WAD at birth (24.70% and 22.42% respectively) and at weaning (9.25% and -4.84% respectively); vi. WAD had higher repeatability for body weights (0.99) and total milk yield than other breeds; and vii. WAD sheep group had the most accurate classification (92.4%). The Dendogram plot showed WAD sheep was closer to Uda than Balami while Uda crossed with WAD sheep was closer in body weight to the purebred Uda sheep. The study concluded that genetic resources of Nigerian breeds of sheep could be described using morphometric traits. Crossbred sheep were superior to the purebred WAD sheep in morphometric traits, lamb birth and weekly body weights. The study recommended that to improve weaning weight, Uda sheep should be crossed with WAD sheep. However, to improve yearling weight, Balami sheep should be crossed with WAD sheep.Item RESPONSE OF CHICKEN GENOTYPES TO DIETARY LEVELS OF Moringa oleifera (Lamarck) SEED MEAL(2018) AKINTUNDE, ADEYINKA OYEMoringa oleifera (Lamarck) seed is a potential novel feedstuff that can be incorporated into poultry nutrition in Nigeria. Moringa oleifera is a potential cheaper alternative than the current conventional feedstuff. However, the performance response may vary between different chicken genotypes. The objectives of this study are to evaluate: (i) effects of dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera Seed Meal (MOSM) on performance and morphometric body parameters of local and exotic chickens; (ii) effects of dietary inclusion of MOSM on reproductive characteristics of local and exotic chickens; and (iii) correlation and predictive models for growth and reproductive parameters in local and exotic chickens fed MOSM. Two experiments were conducted. Four experimental diets containing 0, 5, 10 and 15 % MOSM were used. Experiment 1 studied the comparative effects of dietary inclusion of MOSM on the performance and morphometric body parameters of local and exotic chickens. Experiment 2 assessed the comparative influence of dietary MOSM on the spermiogramic and egg characteristics of Yoruba Ecotype Nigerian Local Chickens (YENLC) and Isa Brown chickens. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance, correlation, forward- stepwise regression and principal component analysis. The findings of this study were that; (i) chickens fed 5% MOSM had the best feed conversion ratio (3.24) and morphometric body parameters (p<0.05). Haematology, serum electrolytes and enzymes increased significantly (p<0.05) with increasing level of MOSM. Serum total cholesterol significantly decreased (p<0.05) from the control to 10% MOSM inclusion; (ii) dietary inclusion of MOSM affected the reproductive parameters in YENLC and Isa Brown chickens. Egg length, egg width, yolk weight and yolk height decreased significantly (p<0.05) with increasing levels of MOSM; (iii) the association between morphometric parameters and body weights decreased significantly (p<0.05) with increasing levels of MOSM (r decreased from 0.72 to 0.52). Late body weight could be predicted for Marshall up to week 7 using body morphometrics (R2=81.70%); (iv) diets affected the sperm parameters of the cocks. Body weights predicted semen volume, testes weight, epididymis weight and spermatozoa reserves (R2=85.30%). There were significant (p<0.01) and high positive correlations among egg length, egg width, shell weight, albumen height, albumen weight, yolk height and yolk weight of YENLC (r≥0.822). However, egg length, egg width, shell weight, albumen height, albumen weight, yolk height and yolk weight predicted the egg weight of Isa brown and YENLC with accuracy of 83.90% and 85% respectively; and (v) the most significant latent determinant of variation in body weight and linear body traits discovered (principal component 1), explained the MOSM effect, and largely reflected the contribution of body weight at weeks 4 and 5 to overall variation (variance explained = 67.41%). This study concluded that 5% dietary inclusion of MOSM would improve growth performance in Marshall, while 5% level of inclusion of MOSM would improve the reproductive performance of Isa Brown chickens. 10% MOSM dietary inclusion would contribute to optimum growth and reproductive performance in YENLC. The study recommended that up to 5% MOSM can be included in chickens’ diet irrespective of the genotype for optimum performance.Item PHYSIOLOGICAL AND REPRODUCTIVE RESPONSES OF YORUBA ECOTYPE CHICKENS TO DIETARY AND HORMONAL MANIPULATIONS(2018) Akanbi, Ademola SamuelMale chicks are less desirable outputs of hatchery production from layer lineage. There is flat information on the manipulation of the physiology of chicken to achieve reasonable profit in Yoruba ecotype chicken (YEC). Achievement of profitable sex ratio is important for planning and decision making. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of: (i) artificial insemination on fertility, hatchability and morphometric characteristics in YEC; (ii) dietary palm kernel oil (PKO); and levels of estradiol and testosterone administration (i.m) on serum biochemistry, haematology, hormonal status, reproductive responses, egg characteristics and offspring sex ratio of YEC; and (iii) in-ovo estradiol and testosterone administration on sex ratio of YEC chicks. Four experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 investigated the effects of number of days post artificial insemination on fertility and hatchability in a completely randomized design; alternative methods on the percentile accuracy of sexing; sex on weekly body weights and morphometric measurements in YEC using a t-test. Experiment 2 examined the effects of dietary PKO (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 percent) inclusion on serum biochemistry, haematology, hormonal status, reproductive responses and offspring sex ratio of YEC in a 2x5 factorial design. Experiment 3 evaluated the effects of estradiol and testosterone administration (i.m) on serum biochemistry, haematology, hormonal status, reproductive responses, egg characteristics and offspring sex ratio of YEC in a 2x2x5 factorial design. Experiment 4 investigated the in-ovo estradiol and testosterone administration (0, 1, 2, and 4 IU) on hatchability and offspring sex ratio of YEC in a 2x4 factorial design. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance. Means were separated by the new Duncans multiple range test at p<0.05. The findings of this study were that: i. fertility was stable from day 1 to 12 except for a transient increase on day 6 and decrease from day 13 onwards; ii. male chicks had longer (p<0.05) keel, shank and thigh length than female chicks at seventh and eighth weeks; iii. dietary PKO; and levels of estradiol and testosterone administration (i.m) had no effect on serum biochemistry, haematology, hormone status and sex ratio in YEC; iv. estradiol administration (i.m) resulted in lower feed per dozen egg (p<0.05) than testosterone administration; v. dietary 4% PKO decreased (p<0.05) feed intake, weight gain, feed per dozen egg, fertility and egg hatchability of YEC; and vi. in-ovo estradiol administration resulted in higher (p<0.05) hatchability and percentage female chicks than testosterone administration. The study concluded that fertile eggs can be collected within day 1 and 12 after artificial insemination in YEC. Male chicks can be separated from female YEC from 7 weeks and above using body weight and morphometric traits. In-ovo estradiol administration increased hatchability and the percentage of female chicks hatched. In-ovo estradiol administration of up to 2 IU is therefore recommended for increased female chicks production in YEC.Item RESPONSE OF BROILER CHICKENS TO TREATED DIETARY Moringa oleifera SEED CAKE(2019) AREMU, JIMOH OLALEKANMoringa oleifera Seed Cake (MoSC) is a potential feedstuff for livestock but contains some antinutritional factors. Applications of technological treatments to MoSC could eliminate the antinutrients, improve its nutritional content, apparent nutrient digestibility coefficient and feeding values. The objectives of this study were to: (i) determine the proximate, secondary metabolites and mineral composition of raw MoSC (rMoSC), (ii) treat MoSC by soaking in 80% ethanol solution (ETMoSC), gamma irradiation at 10, 30 and 50KGy (GIMoSC), addition of ferrous sulphate to kaolin (FKMoSC), and soaking in 10, 20 and 30% ammonium hydroxide solution (AHMoSC), (iii) investigate the effects of treated MoSC (tMoSC) on performance, haematology, serum chemistry and histology of broiler chickens. Experiment 1, determined the proximate composition, phytochemical screening and quantification of rMoSC and studied the effects of ETMoSC on broiler chickens. Experiment 2 studied the effect of GIMoSC on broiler chickens. Experiment 3 evaluated the utilization of FKMoSC by broiler chickens. Experiment 4 investigated the response of broiler chickens to AHMoSC and determined the haematology, serum chemistry and histology of the broiler chickens fed tMoSC. A total of six-hundred-day old broiler chicks were used and each experiment lasted for 8 weeks. Data obtained were subjected to Completely Randomised Design, mean were separated using the Duncan Multiple range test at p=0.05. The findings of the study were that: i. crude protein content of rMoSC was 33.82%, it contains 173.20, 132.16, and 36.08mg/kg of phytate, tannins and saponins, respectively. ii. the daily weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio of broiler chickens fed ETMoSC were significantly (p<0.05) poorer than the control, iii. Broiler chickens fed GIMoSC had similar (p>0.05) DWG (59.03 to 59.64 vs.59.69g/bird/day), FI (106.66 to 107.13 vs. 104.22g/bird/day) and FCR (1.81 to 1.84 vs. 1.75) with the control, those fed rMoSC had poorer DWG, FI and FCR, iv. Performance of broiler chickens fed FKMoSC were similar (p>0.05) to that of the control with DWG of 59.64 to 61.35 vs. 59.66g/bird/day, FI (101.98 to 105g vs.103.43bird/day) and FCR (1.71 to 1.74 vs. 1.73), those fed rMOSC had significantly (p<0.05) poorer performance, v. Broiler fed graded level of AHMoSC had similar (p<0.05) DWG, FI and FCR with the control (61.73 to 61.99 vs. 59.99; 103.75 to 104.74 vs. 102.51 g/bird/day and 1.67 to 1.69 vs. 1.71, respectively, and were significantly (p<0.05) better than value for rMoSC, vi. The haematological indices and serum chemistry of chickens fed tMoSC were poorer than the control but significantly (p<0.05) better than those of rMoSC; histology of liver in broiler chickens fed tMoSC revealed degeneration of the hepatocytes, while those fed rMoSC showed coagulative necrosis. The study concluded that the feeding value of the treated MoSC was better than raw; treatment of MoSC by soaking in ethanol was not effective in its detoxification. Treatments of MoSC with gamma Irradiation, Ferrous Sulphate–Kaolin and Ammonium hydroxide solution were more effective with performance results that are comparable to the control and their usage at higher level is recommended for effective detoxification of MoSC.Item EFFECT OF GRADED LEVELS OF WATER LEAF (Talinum triangulare) EXTRACT ON OXDATIVE STABILITY OF BROILER MEAT(2013) ZUBAIR JAMIU IBRAHIMAntioxidant effect of graded levels of Talinum triangulare (Waterleaf) extract on cooked and raw broiler meat was evaluated and compared with Butylated Hydroxyl Anisole (BHA), a synthetic antioxidant, using the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay. The minced broiler meat was weighed into five samples of 700g each. The treatments consist of a control without additive; waterleaf extract was separately added at a rate of 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% of the weight of the minced meat, while BHA was added at a rate of 0.01%. Each sample was divided into 56 parts of 12.5g each. Twenty eight of these were cooked in microwave oven over 1minute, 30 seconds, while the other twenty eight samples were left raw. Both cooked and raw samples were stored in a refrigerator for 14days at a temperature of 4°c.Oxidative stability of the cooked and raw samples was monitored at 2-day intervals. The result shows that no levels of waterleaf extract were able to reduce lipid oxidation in both raw and cooked meat samples. This was shown by their higher TBARS values which were significantly different. BHA was able to reduce lipid oxidation in both cooked and raw meat samples. However, its antioxidant potency was well expressed in raw meat samples. Talinum triangulare (waterleaf) extract should not be considered as 12 the possible source of natural antioxidant in the prevention of broiler meat against lipid oxidation under refrigeration storage. Key words: Antioxidant, Waterleaf, Butylated Hydroxyl Anisole (BHA), Thiobarbituric Acids (TBA), broiler meat.Item EFFECT OF CONNECT POTATO VARIETY ON FARM PRODUCTIVITY IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA(2020) OJEDIRAN, Ezekiel OlamideIn a bid to overcome the challenge of potato blight disease that has greatly lowered potato productivity in Nigeria, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) project in collaboration with the National Root Crops Research Institute, introduced the Connect potato variety. The Connect potato variety is high yielding, blight resistant with a large tuber size and highly palatable. However, there is dearth of information on whether it has had any impact on potato farming or not. This study therefore examined the effect of the Connect potato variety on farm productivity in Plateau State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to: (i) estimate the level of usage of the Connect potato variety; (ii) identify the factors affecting the usage of the variety; (iii) compare the level of farm productivity of the two categories of farmers; (iv) compare the production efficiency of Connect potato variety with the local variety; (v) estimate the costs and return to potato production between the Connect users and non-users; and (vi) determine the effect of the Connect potato usage on farm productivity. The target population was potato farmers in the state. A two-stage sampling technique was used to draw a sample of 302 respondents from a total population of 10,213 potato farmers in the eight producing Local Government Areas. From the selected 302 respondents, 74 of them were users of the Connect variety while 228 were non-users. Cross-sectional data was used and were collected using a well-structured questionnaire. The statistical tools used for analysis were Heckman selection model, stochastic frontier model, total factor productivity index, gross margin analysis and the propensity score matching. The findings of the study were that: i. the average quantity of Connect potato variety planted by the users was 1485kg/ha which is low when compared to the required 3000kg per hectare; ii. the amount of credit (t-value = 3.39; p < 0.01), Connect seed price (t-value = 1.69; p < 0.1), membership of association (t-value = 1.91; p < 0.05), off-farm income (t-value = 1.66; p < 0.1), perception of variety’s relative importance (t-value = 2.33; p < 0.05) and availability (tvalue = 8.67; p < 0.01) were the factors affecting the usage of Connect potato variety; iii. the Connect users had a significantly (t-stat = 2.37; p < 0.05) higher total factor productivity index (4.94) than the non-users (3.92); iv. the mean technical efficiency of the Connect users (88%) was significantly higher than that of the non-users (77%) (t-stat = 4.516; p < 0.01); v. the profitability estimates showed that the users and non-users have a gross margin of ₦1,869,122.1 and ₦722,040.79 per hectare, respectively; and vi. the users were better off in productivity by 1.09 units (t-stat = 2.00; p < 0.05); technical efficiency by 12% (t-stat = 4.16; p < 0.01) and returns on capital invested by ₦1.34 (t-stat = 3.86; p < 0.01). The study concluded that the use of Connect potato variety improved the productivity of potato farms and therefore recommended that farmers be encouraged to adopt the variety through effective sensitization programmes by the Ministry of Agriculture and other relevant agencies.Item COMMERCIALISATION OF UNDER-UTILISED EDIBLE INSECTS IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA(2020) GODWIN, RosemaryUnder-utilised edible insects’ species have enormous potentials for entrepreneurial opportunities in Nigeria. In addition, they provide an essential component of human diet for sustainable livelihood. xii Formulating sound policies on harnessing the full potentials of under-utilised edible insects requires a deep knowledge of their current commercialisation level. This study examined the extent of commercialisation of under-utilised edible insects in Benue State. The objectives of the study were to: (i) enumerate under-utilised edible insects harvested by the rural households in the study area; (ii) determine the level of commercialisation of under-utilised edible insects among rural households; (iii) examine factors affecting the extent of commercialisation of under-utilised edible insects; (iv) evaluate the returns generated from the commercialisation of under-utilised edible insects; and (v) determine the contribution of commercialisation of under-utilised edible insects to the livelihood status of rural households. The study was a cross sectional survey using two-stage sampling procedure. Primary data were obtained from 156 rural households that were involved in the commercialisation of under-utilised edible insects in Benue State. The data collection using a structured interview schedule started in August, 2018 and ended in May, 2019. First stage of the sampling procedure involved the purposive selection of 5% out of the 368 rural communities in Benue State. The second stage involved a snowball sampling of rural households. Household Commercialisation Index, descriptive statistics, Tobit regression model, marketing margin and Ordinary Least Square regression model were employed to analyse the data. The findings of the study were that: (i) the proportion of crickets, termites, caterpillars, grasshoppers and palm weevils harvested by the rural households in the study area were 30.13%, 44.87%, 12.18%, 5.13% and 7.13%, respectively; (ii) the majority (81%) of the rural households commercialised most of the under-utilised edible insects harvested at 85.19%, 81.89%, 81.60%, 85.12%, and 85.92% extent of commercialisation for cricket, termite, caterpillar, grasshopper and palm weevil respectively; (iii) the factors affecting the extent of the commercialisation of under-utilised edible insects using Tobit regression model were gender (p = 0.1), marital status (p = 0.05), years of schooling of household head (p = 0.1), annual income (p = 0.01), and household size (p = 0.01); (iv) a total of 138 kg of crickets, 104 kg of termites, 102 kg of caterpillars, 103 kg of grasshoppers and 122 kg of palm weevils were commercialised with the net returns of ₦47,931.00, ₦41,106.00, ₦40,461.00, ₦42,063.00 and ₦44,917.00 per season respectively; and (v) commercialisation of under-utilised edible insects significantly enhanced the livelihood status of the rural households (R2 = 67.4%). Other significant variables of the Ordinary Least Square regression result were primary occupation of the household head (p = 0.1), distance of home to nearest village market (p = 0.05), and amount of credit received by the household head (p = 0.05). The study concluded that commercialisation of harvested under-utilised edible insects has positive impact on the livelihood status of the rural households in the study area. The study recommended that farmers be encouraged to commercialise more of these under-utilised edible insect.Item PRODUCTIVITY AND WELFARE EFFECTS OF CLIMATESMART ADAPTATION PRACTICES OF CROP FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN THE SAVANNA REGION OF NIGERIA(2021) EDEH, Hyacinth OnuorahClimate change distorts agricultural production and impacts negatively on the welfare of farming households in Nigeria. The climate-smart adaptation (CSA) strategies have the potential to mitigate the effects of climate change while preserving the natural resourcebase. However, there is limited empirical knowledge on the impacts of usage of such strategies on the productivity and welfare of farmers. The study assessed the productivity and welfare effects of CSA practices on crop farming households in the savanna region of Nigeria. Theobjectives of the study were to: (i) identify crop specific CSA strategies; (ii) examine the factors that influence the choice of CSA strategies; (iii) assess the determinants of the use intensity of CSA; (iv) determine the productivity and welfare effects of the usage of CSA strategies; and (v) identify the constraints to the use of CSA strategies. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data for the study through a three-stage sampling technique involving the selection of 391 households from 33 Enumeration Areas (EAs) constituting about 6% of the rural-based EAs in Benue and Niger States. Descriptive statistics, tetrachoric correlation, multivariate probit regression, Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression, heterogenous treatment effects (HTE), conditional recursive mixed process (CMP) for sequential joint estimations, and Garrett ranking score were used to analyse the data at 5% level of significance. The findings of the study were that: i. crop rotation and intercropping with legumes, green manure, and farmyard manure were the common CSA strategies used in the production of cereals, pulses as well as roots and tubers. In addition, minimum tillage and improved varieties of seeds were used for cereals; ii. tetrachoric correlation coefficients showed that 80% of the pairs of CSA strategies have between 17 and 74% relationships in the simultaneity of usage; iii. farmer’s age and education, group membership, credit constraint, risk perception, risk experience and household perception of effectiveness of strategiesare factors that influence the choice of the CSA strategies; iv. usage of the CSA strategies reduced with age of the farmers, but increased with farm size, soil fertility perception, market distance, number of livestock owned, and years of continuous use of farm; v. usage of fertilizer deep placement and cover cropping increased the yields of cerealsby 65% and 31% respectively, while improved crop varieties as well as crop rotation with legumes increased yield of pulses by 43%and 63% respectively. Mulching increased yield of roots and tubers by 43%; vi. Based on CMP estimate, a percentage increase in yields of cereals, pulses, and roots and tubers improved household welfare by 340%, 1.15% and 0.43% respectively; and vii. the use of CSA strategies is constrained by the initial establishment and labour costs, farm tenure security status,and market distance to purchase of relevant CSA inputs. The study concluded that CSA strategies had positive impacts on crop productivity and household welfare. The study recommended the use of farmer groups as platform for promotion of the use of CSA and provision of on-lending facilities for farmers.Item TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY AND PROFITABILITY OF FARMS ADOPTING SAWAH RICE TECHNOLOGY IN KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA(2019) ADELALU, Olubusayo KazeemItem COMPETENCY NEEDS OF EXTENSION AGENTS FOR EFFECTIVE JOB PERFORMANCE IN THE SOUTH EASTERN NIGERIA(2017) UZOECHI, RICHARD ONYEKACHIAgricultural productions as well as farmers’ productivity anywhere in the world are largely dependent on a functional agricultural extension service. However, the agricultural extension agencies in Nigeria are faced by a number of problems including poor training of extension personnel which consequently makes extension service delivery to be rather ineffective. This study therefore determined the competency needs of Extension Agents (EAs) for effective job performance in the South Eastern Nigeria. The objectives were to: (i) describe the socio-economic characteristics of agricultural extension agents; (ii) investigate the level of competencies of extension agents; (iii) determine the 12 effective educational delivery method to develop competencies; (iv) determine the level of job performance of extension agents; and (v) identify the constraints to the acquisition of needed competencies by the EAs. A simple random sampling procedure was used to select 70% of the total numbers of EAs (442) from each state to give a total sample size of 308 respondents. However, 283 copies of the questionnaire were found suitable for use in the analysis. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire; a self rating scale was used to rate competency levels of extension agents while respondent’s job performance levels were rated by their immediate supervisors. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean ratings, and standard deviations. Multiple Linear Regression Analysis was used to determine relationship between competencies of extension agents on job performance. The findings of the study were that: i. majority of the respondents were married (83.4%), 46.3% were within the age bracket of 41-50 years of age, female (53.7%), all literate (100%); ii. respondents possessed high level of competency in programme planning(𝑥=3.59), teaching/communication(𝑥=3.56), evaluation(𝑥=3.55), leadership(𝑥=3.43) human relations competency (𝑥=3.38), and technical/subject matter expertise competency (𝑥=3.48) but low in computer knowledge and skills (𝑥=1.63); iii. training workshops in small groups (49.8%), large groups (30.9%), and printed and electronic learning materials (12.3%) were the most effective educational delivery methods to acquire desired competencies; iv. majority of the respondents (66.8%) had moderate level of job performance, 22.2% had high level, while 11.0% had low level; v. lack of funding (𝑥=4.05) was identified as the most important constraint for acquiring competencies, while lack of credible information (𝑥=3.38) was the least; and vi. result of Multiple Linear Regression Analysis showed that: subject matter/technical expertise (t =1.963, p = 0.045), programme evaluation (t =9.232, p = 0.001), and computer knowledge and skills (t =2.058, p = 0.041) had significant effect for effective job performance, while programme planning (t=.926, p= .355) and teaching methods (t= 1.769, p=.078) were not significant. The study concluded that subject matter/technical expertise, computer knowledge and skills, and program evaluation were competency needs for effective job performance of EAs. Other areas of competency such as programme planning and teaching methods were not highly required. The study therefore recommended that training for extension agents in the study area should focus on, subject matter/technical expertise, computer knowledge and skills, and programme evaluation competencies.Item Effect of Farmer Field School Training on Cowpea Production among Small Scale Farmers in Kebbi State, Nigeria(2018)Nigeria being considered as the largest producer of cowpea in the world, still has the majority of small- scale cowpea farmers producing below the expected yield per hectare. Relevant agricultural training for these small-scale farmers on new technologies and management practices using group-based approach like Farmer Field School (FFS), may assist in improving the farmers’ level of production. The study therefore, assessed the effect of farmer field school training on cowpea production among small-scale farmers in Kebbi State, Nigeria. The objectives were to: (i) examine the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers; (ii) examine participants perception of the relevance of FFS training;(iii) determine the factors influencing small-scale farmers participation in FFS training; (iv) determine the effect of FFS training on cowpea production on FFS and non-FFS participants; (v) examine economic status of FFS and non-FFS participants vi compare the income of FFS and non-participants (vii) identify the constraints faced by FFS farmers. A four-stage sampling technique was used to select 288 respondents. First stage involved a purposive selection from the list of FFS sites in each agro-ecological zone. Second stage involved a random selection of 1 local government area in each zone selected. Third stage involved random selection of 4 FFS participating communities. Fourth stage involved random selection of 30% of cowpea farmers (480) to give sample size of 144 participants. Same procedure was used to select 144 non-FFS participants. Data were collected using questionnaire, while descriptive statistics and probit regression were employed for analysis. The finding of the study were that: i. majority of the participants were male (81.9%), married (77.8%), mean age (41years, farming experience (18.5years), and average farm size (1.6/hectares). Similarly, majority of the non-participants were male (81.2%), married (79.2%), mean age (44.8years), farming experience (15.3 years) and average farm size (1.30/hectares); ii. the participants perceived training received on cowpea production as relevant-land preparation techniques(𝑋̅𝑤=3.59),recommended spacing (𝑋̅𝑤 =3.50), time of planting and method of pests and diseases control ( 𝑋̅𝑤 = 3.39). 20 iii. the variables that significantly influenced participation in the training were age (p<0.05), household size (p<0.10), extension contact (p<0.01), credit access (p<0.0.05), farm size (p<0.01), cowpea farm size (p<0.01) and cooperative membership (p<0.01); iv. the training increased the yield of participants by 100.50kg/hectare above their counterparts. v. higher proportion (47.2%) of the participants were in middle economic status while half (50.0%) of the non-participants were in low economic status; vi. the mean income of the participants (N 180,277.78) was significantly higher than that of non-participants (p<0.05) and vii. the major constraints experienced by the participants in the programme were inadequate capital (𝑋̅𝑤 =3.47) and higher cost of (𝑋̅𝑤 =3.54). The study concluded that FFS training had significant effect on the participants’ cowpea yields, on-farm income and common items of economic value. The study therefore recommended that FFS programme should be extended to non-participating LGAs in Kebbi State, this will help in attaining self-sufficiency in cowpea production in the state and Nigeria in general.Item IMPACT OF YAM ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITIES ON LIVELIHOOD OF FARMERS IN EKITI STATE, NIGERIA(2007) KOMOLAFE, SOLA EMMANUELGlobally, entrepreneurship skills development is regarded as one of the sustainable ways out of poverty. Hence, agriculture experts have expressed the need for more empirical studies in agricultural entrepreneurship as a necessity for effective agricultural extension policy process that will translate to improved agricultural production enterprises and sustainable livelihood of rural dwellers. Yam farming is widely practiced for livelihood in Ekiti State, therefore this study examined the impact of yam entrepreneurial activities on livelihood of farmers in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The objectives were to: (i) describe the socio-economic characteristics of yam 16 farmers; (ii) examine the yam entrepreneurial activities of the farmers; (iii) assess the perceived level of influence of yam entrepreneurial activities on access to livelihood assets of farmers; (iv) investigate the knowledge level of yam entrepreneurial skills of farmers; (v) examine the capacity building needs of farmers on yam entrepreneurial skills; and (vi) identify the constraints to yam entrepreneurial activities of farmers. A two-stage random sampling technique was used to select 640 respondents from the list of contact yam farmers from Ekiti State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP). Ekiti State ADP consists of 16 blocks. First stage involved a random selection of 2 farming communities from each block. Second stage involved a random selection of 20 yam farmers from selected communities making a total sample size of 640. Data were collected through interview schedule. Only 580 of the instrument were retrieved and analysed with both descriptive and inferential statistics including frequency counts and Multiple Regression Analysis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study were that: (i) majority of the respondents (72.8%) were male, 67.5% literates with mean of 30 years of farming experience and average farm net income of N3,738,650 per season; (ii) yam entrepreneurial activities of respondents were marketing (73.8%), transporting (56.3%) and processing (47.8%); (iii) about 98.8% of the respondents had positive attitude towards yam entrepreneurial activities and it was perceived to have medium level of influence on access to livelihood assets (grand mean= 0.44); (iv) majority (62.6%) of the respondents had low knowledge level of yam entrepreneurial skills; (v) capacity building skills were needed in identifying market opportunities of yam enterprises (𝑋̅=2.66), sourcing for machinery (𝑋̅=1.85), sourcing for fund (𝑋̅=1.75), record keeping (𝑋̅=2.44), planning of tasks (𝑋̅=2.26), risk management (𝑋̅=1.22), and communication and negotiation skills (𝑋̅=2.36); (vi) constraints to yam entrepreneurial activities include destruction of yam farms by cattle/herdsmen (𝑋̅=1.45), unstable pricing of yam (𝑋̅=1.14), and frequent illness (𝑋̅=1.13); and (vii) participation in yam entrepreneurial activities identified had positive significant (p < 0.05) impact to respondents’ livelihood. The study concluded that yam entrepreneurial activities had played significant role in accessing livelihood assets among farmers in Ekiti State. It is therefore recommended that extension agents should train yam farmers in the needed areas of entrepreneurial skills such as marketing, sourcing for machinery and risk management.Item PESTICIDE USAGE AND PERCEIVED HEALTH STATUS OF VEGETABLE FARMERS IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA(2018) ADEWOLE, ADEFUNKE MOJIRADEPesticides are widely used for the control of pests and diseases of vegetables in Nigeria but majority of the farmers are not adequately informed on the hazards associated with these chemicals. This study therefore examined pesticide usage and perceived health status of vegetable farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: (i) describe the socio-economic characteristics of vegetable farmers; (ii) identify the types of pesticides used by vegetable farmers; (iii) investigate the use of safety practices during the application of pesticides among vegetable farmers; (iv) examine the perceived health status of vegetable farmers; (v) identify capacity building needs of vegetable farmers on safety practices for pesticide use; and (vi) examine the constraints to safety practices employed by vegetable farmers in the study area. A three-stage sampling technique was used to select 532 registered members of Vegetable Farmers’ Group of the Kwara State Agricultural Development Project (KWADP). The first stage involved purposive selection of 11 major vegetable producing Local Government Areas in three zones of KWADP. The second stage involved a selection of 27 communities across the 11 LGAs. The third stage was a random selection of 50% members of the group in the communities. Interview schedule was used to elicit information. However, response rate was 85% (455). Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as Multiple and Multinomial Regression analyses at 5% level of significance. The findings of the study were that: (i) majority of the farmers (95.6%) grow vegetable on a small scale (X̅=0.4 ha) with mean annual income of N101,648.90 per hectare; (ii) types of pesticides commonly used by respondents were Cypermethrin (90.5%), Atrazin (87.5%) and Paraquat Dichloride (63.1%); (iii) knowledge level (X̅=2.43) and usage of safety practices (X̅=1.7) for pesticide handling and application were low; (iv) main ill health symptoms experienced during pesticide use were conjunctivitis (red eye) (65.3%) cough (61.1%) and running nose (34.4%); majority (84%) of the farmers perceived their health status as good; (v) capacity building on safety practices was needed for reading instructional manual (X̅=8.68) and compliance with recommended dosage (X̅=9.01); (vi) constraints to usage of safety practices during pesticide application include poor finance (X̅=3.77), illiteracy (X̅=3.63) and inadequate information on pesticide dosage (X̅=3.60); and (vii) perceived health status measured was significantly influenced by the usage of safety practices such as compliance with dosage recommendation (p=0.001), reading instruction manual (p=0.093) and avoiding re-use of pesticide container (p=0.001). The type of pesticide used was significantly related to the occurrence of running nose (t=3.157; p=0.002), conjunctivitis (t=5.66; p=0.001) and cough (t=2.224; p=0.027). In conclusion, contrary to the perceived good health status among vegetable farmers using pesticides, majority experienced conjunctivitis (red eye) and cough as a form of ill health that were significantly associated with the use of pesticides in Kwara State, Nigeria. It is therefore, recommended that vegetable farmers should be well informed and trained on the importance of safety practices of pesticide use.Item IMPROVEMENT OF SOIL QUALITY AND MAIZE (Zea mays L.) PERFORMANCE USING SELECTED WEED SPECIES AS SOIL AMENDMENT(2018) YUSUF SAIDU ADEWUMIContinuous cropping and poor soil management have resulted in reduced crop yield in southern Guinea savannah (SGS) zone of Nigeria. Effective soil management strategy to restore essential soil nutrients is thus required. This study assessed the potential of selected weed species as soil amendment for improved soil quality and crop performance in SGS. The specific objectives of the study were to: (i) assess the effect of soil amendments on the soil microbial population, succession and diversity; (ii) evaluate the effects of the combination of varying rates of the amendments on soil properties; (iii) evaluate the effect of the amendments on soil productivity using maize as test crop; and (iv) investigate relationships between soil quality indicators and maize yield components. Weed species (Amaranthus spinosus, Aspilia africana and Chromolaena odorata) were screened for ability to improve soil quality and maize performance in a preliminary potted experiment using a complete randomized design (CRD). C. odorata was selected for the field experiment. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was adopted for field experiments conducted in 2014 -2015 growing seasons with application of C.odorata at 10 t/ha and 15t/ha singly and in combination with NPK (60-30-15kg/ha) as well as sole application of NPK (120- 60-30kg/ha) in maize plots. The plate culture technique was used for microbial analysis of soil dilutions. Data collected on soil and yield computed were subjected to analysis of variance. Pearson Product Moment correlation coefficient was used to establish relationships between the measured soil quality indicators and maize yield components. The findings of the study were: (i) soil amendment with C. odorata increased soil microbial population (22.73 %) and diversity (11.11 %) within the first four weeks of application. Proliferation of saprophytes and suppression of pathogens were observed as decomposition C. odorata progressed; (ii) soil amendment with 7.5 % w/w C. odorata gave significantly (P≤ 0.05) higher; mean soil moisture content (SMC), 60.97 g/kg, total porosity, 48.73 %, bulk density, 1.36 g/cm3 and grain yield, (72.40 g/plant) than other treatments; (iii) C.odorata at 15t/ha combined with NPK fertilizer (60-30-15 kg/ha) on the field, increased soil organic matter (SOM) and ECEC by 80.91 % and 72.36 % respectively after second year harvest. This rate had significantly higher values of mean SMC (76.40 g/kg), total porosity (49.43 %), % water filled pore spaces (20.68 %) and lower bulk density (1.39 g/cm3 to 1.34 g/cm3 ) at the end of second cropping season than other treatments; (iv) C. odorata at 15 t/ha combined with NPK (60-30-15 kg/ha) produced significantly higher mean maize cobs weight (11.46 kg/plot), mean grain yield (4.67 t/ha) (v) SOM was positively correlated with soil exchangeable bases, total N and available P with correlation coefficient (r) ranging from 0.65- 0.93. Most measured yield components were also strongly correlated with each other with r ranging from 0.13 to 0.99. It was concluded that C.odorata has great potential for use as soil amendment in SGS zone to improve soil productivity. Application of 15 t/ha of C. odorata combined with NPK (60-30-15 kg/ha) was recommended for improved soil quality and maize performance in the regionItem Relative abundance and molecular characterization of stem borers and evaluation of maize genotypes (Zea mays L.) for resistance in Nigeria(2018) AJIBOYE, TIMOTHY OLUWAFEMIStemborers constitute a major constraints to cereals production generally and specifically to maize production in Nigeria due to yield and economic losses. Nevertheless there is still dearth of information relative abundance of stemborers, intraspecific differences between stemborers, and genotypes that are resistant to stemborers. The specific objectives of this study therefore were to: (i) determine the relative abundance of stemborers in different locations; (ii) characterize for the purpose of proper identification of the various stemborers collected in Nigeria and (iii) (ii) to evaluate different maize genotypes for their resistance to stemborers. Sixty maize germplasms including land races and improved varieties were screened at Ibadan, Mokwa, Kontagora, Kabba and Abuja to identify stemborer resistant genotypes. The experimental design usedwas Randomised Complete Block Design .Agronomic and entomological data were collected and analysed with Statistical analysis system(SAS). Survey of farmers‘ fields was carried out in Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, Kwara and Ogun to determine relative abundance of stemborers in different locations. Collected stemborers were reared to adult stage. DNA was extracted and amplified using primers (CP1, TRs, Tser, 16SAA, 16SBB, LP01 and LP02). This was followed by Sanger dideoxy sequencing.Bioinformatic tools were employed to analyse DNA nucleotides sequences from the resulting electrophoreogram. The findings of the study were: (i) The survey results reveal that stemborer infestation was lowest in Oyo (9.4%) and highest in Ogun (50%). The other states were Ekiti (36%), Osun (38%), Ondo (42%), Kwara (44%), Ogun (50%) (ii) The stemborers identified were Chilo orichalcociliellus (Strand), Eldana sacharina (Walker), Sesamia calamistis (Hampson), and Longhorn beetles (subfamily Lamiinae; family Cerambycidae). (iii)Based on stem tunneling, deadhearts, stemborer leaf feeding, husk cover, lodging, field weight and yield, none of the evaluated maize varieties was absolutely resistant. Those found tolerant were TZM 1327, TZM 112, Aflatoxin Syn W5, ACR 06 TZL Comp 4C4, PVA Syn 11F2, PVA Syn 9F2, PVA Syn19F2 and PVA Syn 3F2. (iv)Molecular characterization of the identified stemborers were similar to those found in Kenya with average sequence divergence among conspecific individuals averaging 3.3% in the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase II (COX II), while two were also similar to those found in Zimbabwe with intraspecific divergence at COX II averaging 3.0%. (v) The findings that the evaluated germplasm showed varying degree of tolerance is an indication that many of them can be used in further breeding program aimed at developing complete/ total stemborer resistant varieties. Artificial screening using only one stem borer type in screen house may not produce truly stemborer 21 resistant maize varieties. The resistant lines produced under this condition may break down in the presence of stemborer complex in the field. The use of resistant varieties is the most promising control measure in reducing yield loses caused by stem borers for resource constrained farmers and may be enhanced by cultural practices.