Agriculture Journal: Volume-8, Issue-7, July, 2022

Abstract- The purpose of the study was to determine some of the chemical properties of the soil on Ultisols inhabited and uninhabited by earthworm populations.
The research was carried out from April to June 2019, taking soil samples on mixed garden land in the Bukit Pinang Urban Village, Samarinda and soil analysis at the Soil Science Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Mulawarman University, Samarinda, East Kalimantan Province.
The research activities are: field observations, determining the location of soil sampling, soil sampling, collection and calculation of earthworms, and analysis of soil chemical properties in the laboratory.
The data collected were: population density of earthworms, and some soil chemical properties: soil pH C-organic, N-total, P-available, and K-available.
The results showed that Ultisols inhabited by worm populations had several soil chemical properties (soil pH, C-organic, N-total, P-available and K-available) which were higher than Ultisols soils that were not inhabited by earthworms.

Abstract- Background and objectives: the use of alternative animal protein sources in aquaculture feeds has become a research priority. This research was therefore conducted to investigate the Carcass quality (body composition) of Clarias gariepinus post-fingerlings fed avian viscera and to examine the effect of viscera meal on the histological characteristics of the experimental fish.
Materials and Methods: A total of ninety (90) Post-fingerlings fish of Clarias gariepinus were procured and transported in a 50-litre plastic container from the farm to Fisheries and Aquaculture Departmental farm complex in Ebonyi state University Abakaliki, CAS-campus. The feed (Aller-aqua) was procured from the dealers shop and was used to feed the experimental fish as the control diet. The avian viscera were bought from the popular Chicken market (New layout) at Abakaliki. The experimental design used was Completely Randomize Design (CRD). The experimental fish were randomly assigned to three (3) treatments and three replicates each. The samples (carcass) were analyzed chemically according to the official methods of analysis described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemist. Results were subjected to one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 20) to determine the differences between the various treatments and control. Duncan Multiple Range Test was used to separate the difference among the means and the differences were considered significant at (p<0.05).Growth and food utilization data were collected for twenty four weeks. Values were expressed as means ± SE.
Results: In this study, although the different groups of experimental fish had similar initial mean weight and were fed with fresh, steamed avian viscera and formulated extruded diets, Clarias gariepinus showed significant different (P<0.05) in final weight gain, specific growth rate, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio. Higher substitution of chicken viscera meal resulted in reduced growth performance, feed utilization efficiency and production. The histological results of the photomicrography of liver and heart of Clarias gariepinus post-fingerlings fed fresh avian visceral showed, normal hepatic architecture with central vein (CV) in liver. However there were no inflammation and no fatty change. For the heart, it indicated normal cardiac architecture with the three layers the endocardium (ED), Ectocardium (EC) and Myocardium (MYO). Where the liver of the fish fed steamed avian visceral showed moderate damage on the hepatic tissue with focal aggregate of inflammatory cell (FAIC) and clumping of the hepatocytes (CH). The result of heart of fish fed with steamed viscera shows mild effected cardiac tissue with mild distortion of the cardiac muscles (MDCM) at the endocardia region.
Conclusion: the study clearly demonstrated that chicken viscera has a good nutritive value for the growth of African catfish and could be incorporated or used whole to Clarias gariepinus as meal without adverse effects on growth, feed utilization and body protein content. The contribution of this work to the scientific knowledge is to reduce waste from the environment which has been a challenge to poultry farmers from the abattoirs. Therefore, it is recommended, that the use of chicken viscera could substantially reduce feed cost and increase profits.

Abstract- The climatic cataclysms taking place in different corners of the world are clear confirmation of the climate negative change in our planet. Especially disturbing is the temperature rise, accompanied by hot waves, forest fires, intensive melting of the ice cover, and other undesirable aftereffects. Under these conditions chances of dying of many plant species significantly increases. Drought resistant plants have the highest potential of adaptation to increased temperature and water deficiency. Thus, knowledge of their biology will be especially important in deserted regions restoration. The nonspecific mechanisms of resistance, especially antioxidant system, are concerned as one of the leading in plants drought resistance. The presented study aimed the comparative study of the indices of antioxidant system of drought resistant species - Astragalus microcephalus Willd. (Astracantha microcephala (Willd.) Podlech) - goat'’s thorn, Theucrium polium L. - felty germander, Euphorbia seguieriana Neck. - spurge, Capparis spinosa L. - caper bush, Paliurus spina-christi Mill. - Christ's thorn, growing in different arid habitats of the East Georgia (Iagludja and Kvernaqi hills). The defence mechanisms of the antioxidant system appeared to be partially different in one and the same species of various habitats, as well as in different species of the same habitats. Activation of phenolic substances and anthocyanins synthesis against extreme conditions of both habitats (water deficiency, high temperature and intensive irradiation) was common for all tested species. Additionally, activation of peroxidase in Kvernaqi species and intensive accumulation of soluble carbohydrates in Iagludja plants was mentioned.

Abstract- The study was conducted with one hundred and forty-four (144) day old "Sayyed" broiler birds to determine the effect of replacing fishmeal with feather meal on the growth performance and cost benefit analysis of starter broiler birds. The birds were randomly distributed into four treatment groups, each comprising of three replicate per treatment with twelve birds per replicate laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD). Four isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets were formulated with inclusion of the feather meal to replace fishmeal at the rate of 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% corresponding to T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Feed and water were given ad-libitum and relevant drugs and vaccination were duly administered as at when due. Proximate composition of feather meal and the experimental diet were carried out. Data obtained from proximate analysis showed that the feather meal had a crude protein of 79.50%, ether extract of 3.98%, ash content of 4.47%, crude fiber of 1.30% and nitrogen free extract of 1.54%. Growth performance was significantly (P<0.05) influenced across the treatments with control having a superior (P<0.05) value for final body weight, average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio with values of 765.41g, 25.50g and 2.28 respectively. Cost benefit analysis showed that profit obtained and cost benefit ratio were superior in treatments 4 (75%) with values of #645.43 and 1.63 respectively. Thus, it can be concluded that feather meal up to the inclusion levels of 75% in the diet of starter broilers to replace fishmeal is viable, without any negative impact on the final weight of the birds and leads also to better profit at the short and long run.

Abstract- A research work was carried out to determine the influence of Black plum leaf meal on the growth performance and cost benefit analysis of starter broiler birds. Ninety-six (96) day old 'Sayeed' broiler birds were used for the research work. The birds were brooded for a week after which they were randomly distributed into four treatment group of twenty-four each been replicated three times with eight birds per replicate. Four different diets were formulated such that the black plum leaf meal was incorporated into the diets at the rate of 2.00%, 4.00% and 6.00% respectively, while treatment 1 served as the control with 0% level of Black plum leaf meal. Feed and water were given ad-libitum throughout the experimental period of twenty-one days. Proximate composition of the Black plum leaf meal was carried out. Birds on control diet was superior to birds in other treatments in terms of final body weight, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio, which was followed closely by those of birds in treatment 3 (4%bplm). Thus, birds in treatment 1 (control) had better performance among the treatments under review. Thus, black plum leaf meal can be added into the diet of starter broiler birds up-to the level of 6% without any detrimental effect on the bird's performance. Result for cost benefit analysis showed that birds in treatment 3 had the highest (P<0.05) profit of #528.54 when compared to the other treatments under review.

Abstract- Climate change induces variations in environmental conditions and severely affects agricultural crop productivity and yield. The gradual depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer in the atmosphere has led to an increase in solar ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B) reaching the earth's surface. Relatively little information exists on the effects of UV-B radiation on field crops. The aim of this review is to summarize the results of recent studies on the interaction between climate change, in particular the increase in UV-B radiation, and crops, in terms of yield, stress damage, defense and quality. Adaptive mechanisms, such as the increased production of secondary metabolites in leaf tissues under enhanced UV-B radiation, are also described.

Abstract- An optimized substitution mix ratio for of Wheat flour and African Yam Bean flours (AYB) was developed in this study. Wheat flour was substituted with African Yam Bean flours at different mix ratios of 90% to 100% of wheat flour and 0% to 10% of AYB flour. The experiment was conducted in I-Optimal mixture design by Design-Expert Software version 12. The dough Composite was prepared in different mix ratios according to the design matrix and subsequently baked under the same conditions and analysed for the following loaf quality attributes: Loaf Specific Volume and Bread Crumb Hardness as response variables. The objective functions were to maximize Loaf Specific Volume and minimize Bread Crumb Hardness to obtain the most acceptable product to consumers. Predictive models for the response variables were developed with the coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.7500 for Loaf Specific Volume (LSV) and 0.8734 for Bread Crumb Hardness (BCH) at 95% confidence interval (CI). The predicted optimal substitution ratio was obtained as 96.833% Wheat flour and 3.167% AYB flour to yield Loaf Specific Volume was 2.106cm3/g, Bread Crumb Hardness was 24.778N. With this result, it is inferred that substituting up to 3.167% of AYB flour into wheat dough formulation would optimise the LSV and BCH of the Wheat-AYB bread at the resulting mix ratio of 96.833:3.167. The benefit of the results of this study to bread industries is the reduction in the cost of bread by consequent reduction in the quantity of imported wheat flour utilization.

Abstract- Plant Growth Promoting Rhizocbacteria (PGPR) is a type of bacteria that lives around plant roots. These bacteria live in colonies covering the roots of plants so as to provide benefits for plants. The purpose of this study was to determine the types of bacteria found in PGPR bamboo roots, reed roots and banana roots. The research was conducted in the Plant Diseases Pests laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Mulawarman University. Isolation of PGPR bacteria was carried out by taking samples from the three PGPR solution materials. Then 2 ml of each PGPR sample was taken and grown on Nutrient Agar (NA) media by the scatter method. From each PGPR made in 4 (four) petri dishes, in order to obtain as many as 12 isolates of PGPR bacteria capable of growing on the media. Some of the genera included in the PGPR are Pseudomonas, Serratia, Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Acetobacter, Burkholderia, Enterobacter, Rhizobium, Erwinia, Flavobacterium and Bacillus. Each rhizobacteria isolate has an important role in controlling pathogen attack and triggering growth. Bacterial analysis is used as a parameter to determine the effectiveness and potential contained in these bacteria.