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EFFECT OF PROBIOTICS ON GROWTH, CARCASS YIELD AND QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS, REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE, HAEMATOLOGY AND SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY OF RABBITS

2026-03-20T00:15:25Z

Title: EFFECT OF PROBIOTICS ON GROWTH, CARCASS YIELD AND QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS, REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE, HAEMATOLOGY AND SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY OF RABBITS Authors: AHMED, Sanusi Abstract: This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of probiotics (Saccharomyces boulardii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation on growth, carcass yield and quality characteristics, reproductive performance, haematology and serum biochemistry of rabbits. The study consists of two (2) experiments. Experiment one (1) was for the parent rabbits while their progenies were harvested for experiment two (2). Fourty five heteregenous growing rabbits were used each for experiment T2, T3, T4 and T5 one and two and randomly distributed into five (5) treatment groups (T1,) with each treatment having three (3) replicates and three (3) rabbits per replicate. T1 (control) had no probiotics, while Saccharomyces boulardii was administered orally on the rabbits weekly at 80 x 106 cfu/ml , 60 x 106cfu/ml, 40 x 106cfu/ml and 20 x 106cfu/ml for T2, T3, T4, and T5 respectively. Serial dilution method was used to determine the doses while the Saccharomyces cerevisieawas added to the feed at 0.2g/kg (2 x 108cfu/ml), 0.4g/kg (4 x108cfu/ml), 0.6g/kg(6 x 108cfu/ml), and 0.8g/kg (8 x 108cfu/ml), for T2, T3, T4 and T5 treatment groups for the two experiments, respectively. Blood samples were collected through the ear maginal vein for haematological and serum biochemical evaluation. Data were also collected on body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and nutrient digestibility. At the end of the feeding trial, a total of fifteen (15) rabbits were randomly selected, one from each of the replicates and slaughtered for meat yield and quality characteristics study. Also data were collected on reproductive performance (doe traits, birth traits, weaning traits and testicular morphometric).The results of haematology in experiment one at week one showed no significant (p>0.05) difference in red blood cells (RBCs), Haemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) but white blood cells (WBC) and packed cells volume (PCV) were significantly (p<0.05) affected. However, at week eight, only WBC was significantly (p<0.05) affected. The results for serum biochemistry of experiment one at week one showed significant (p<0.05) difference in total protein, albumin, sodium and chloride but non significant (p>0.05) difference in potassium while at week eight, the result showed no significant (p>0.05) difference in all the serum parameters. In experiment two, the results revealed non significant (p>0.05) difference in all the haematological and serum biochemical parameters both at week one and at eight. The results also revealed non significant (p>0.05) difference in final body weight, total body weight gain, average daily body weight gain, total feed intake, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio in both experiment one and two. Apparent nutrient digestibility also showed no significant (P>0.05) difference in dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, ash and nitrogen free extract. No significant (p>0.05) differences in live weight, slaughter weight, carcass length, eviscerated weight, dressing percentage, head, neck, pelts, fore limb, hind leg, ribs and loin were observed in both experiment one and two with the exception of hind leg where it was significantly (p<0.05) affected in experiment two. The viscera organs also showed no significant (p>0.05) difference in all the parameters in both experiment one and two. Furthermore, the proximate composition of rabbits meat in both the experiment one and two were not significantly (p>0.05) affected. The physical properties, the pH, cooking yield, cooking loss and water holding capacity of the meat in experiment one were not significantly (p>0.05) affected but thermal shortening was significantly(p>0.05) affected. Also in experiment two, the cooking yield, cooking loss and water holding capacity were not significantly (>0.05) affected but the pH and thermal shortening were significantly (p<0.05) affected. The reproductive performance of the does, birth and weaning traits showed no significant (p>0.05) difference in both the experiments. The testicular morphometric characteristics also showed no significant (p>0.05) difference in weight of the testes, circumference of the testes, diameter of the testes in experiment one except in experiment two,where volume of the testes revealed significant (p<0.05) difference. It can be concluded that the administration of probiotics (Saccharomyces boulardiiand Saccharomyces cerevisae improved health status, growth performance, rabbits ability to digest fibre and clearly demonstrate their beneficial effects on the reproductive performance of rabbits. The heavier weight (39.04) observed for kittens kindled by rabbits in treatment 4 (40 x 106cfu/ml of S. boulardii + 0.6 g/kg (6 x 108) cfu/ml of S. cerevisiae) underscore the potential of these probiotics to enhance fertility and reproductive outcomes in rabbit.Importantly, the study also confirms that these probiotics do not adversely affect testicular morphometry in male rabbits, suggesting their safety and effectiveness in improving reproductive health. The findings support the integration of probiotics into rabbits feeding practice, offering a promising strategy for optimising reproductive efficiency and productivity.

OPTIMIZATION OF MICROWAVE-ALKALINE PRE-TREATMENTS CONDITIONS AND CO-IMMOBILIZATION OF XYLANASE, CELLULASE AND FUNGI SPECIES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF BIOETHANOL FROM SOME AGROWASTES

2024-05-10T09:30:29Z

Title: OPTIMIZATION OF MICROWAVE-ALKALINE PRE-TREATMENTS CONDITIONS AND CO-IMMOBILIZATION OF XYLANASE, CELLULASE AND FUNGI SPECIES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF BIOETHANOL FROM SOME AGROWASTES Authors: OMONIJE, Omotayo Oluyemisi Abstract: The need for bioethanol production arises from drawbacks of fossil fuel such as non renewable feedstock and emission of dangerous gases during combustion. However, the recalcitrant nature of bioethanol feedstock as well as high cost of hydrolytic enzyme and incomplete fermentation of sugars have been major challenges. The research was aimed at optimizing microwave-alkaline (MA) pre-treatment conditions for the effective delignifica tion of some selected locally available agrowastes and co-immobilization of cellulase, xylanase, and as well co-immobilize yeast and fungi for optimal production of bioethanol. Microwave-alkaline pretreatment conditions, generated using Box-Behnken of design expert software version 11, were optimized for the pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse (SB), plantain pseudostem biomass (PS), and corncob (CC). The pre-treated agrowastes were characterized using Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray crystallography (XRD), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Microorganisms were isolated from different soil sources, palm wine and fermented food to produce enzymes and for fermentation process. Biochar made from sugarcane bagasse was mixed with chitosan to co-immobilize xylanase, cellulase, and fermentation organisms forsimultaneous saccharification and co- fermentation (SScF). The functional properties of co-immobilized enzymes and co-immobilized fermentation organisms were characterized. Results showed the optimal MA pre-treatment conditions for plantain pseudostem biomass (1.97% NaOH, 70W, 5 min), sugarcane bagasse (3% NaOH, 96W, 5 min), and corncob biomass (2.8% NaOH, 86W, 4.4 min). Characteristics of pre-treated agrowastes differed from unpre-treated ones. Aspergillus flavus (OP107821) and Aspergillus niger (OP107822) produced cellulase and xylanase, respectively, while Saccharomyces cerevisiae (OP107824) and Mucor indicus (OP107823) fermented glucose and xylose respectively. Free cellulase, free xylanase, and co-immobilized enzymes had optimal temperatures of 50, 60, and 70 °C respectively and pH values of 5, 6, and 5-7 respectively. Free cellulase, free xylanase, and co-immobilized enzymes had Km values of 0.008 mg/mL, 0.028 mg/mL, and 0.022 mg/mL respectively and Vmax values of 129.87, 119.05, and 114.94 μMmin-1 respectively for plantain pseudostem biomass substrate. Likewise, the Km values for free cellulase, free xylanase, and co-immobilized enzymes were 0.017, 0.006, and 0.018 mg/mL, respectively, and the Vmax values were 333.33, 555.47, and 227.25 μMmin-1 for sugarcane bagasse substrate. Free cellulase, free xylanase, and co immobilized enzymes had activation energies of 15.899, 29.218 and 3.450 kJ/mol, respectively, and deactivation energies of 48.235, 39.596, and 52.145 kJ/mol respectively. After 10 usages, the co-immobilized enzymes retained 55.13% of its activity. Co immobilized enzymes released 32.47 ± 0.89 mg/mL, 36.62 ± 1.90, and 17.42 ± 0.41 mg/mL from PS, SB, and CC, respectively. Co-immobilized enzymes and co-immobilized fermentation organisms yielded the most bioethanol, 68.93±0.33g/L from PS and 76.09±0.15g/L from SB. GC-MS profile of distillate showed other valuable products, but SB and PS had 80.84 and 71.15 percent ethanol, respectively. This study showed that microwave-alkaline pre-treatment reduces recalcitrance of lignin, releasing more cellulose and hemicellulose for hydrolysis. The study also found that locally-sourced enzymes and organisms co-immobilized on locally produced matrix can produce high-yield of bioethanol, which may make relatively cheap and eco-friendly fuel for domestic and industrial uses. Considering the seasonal availability of different agrowastes based on harvesting times, it is recommended that in a future study, a mixture of different agrowastes that are available at the same time be optimized for bioethanol production

NITROGEN INFLUENCE AND FRUIT HARVESTING METHOD ON THE PERFORMANCE AND SEED QUALITY OF OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) IN MINNA, NIGERIA

2024-05-10T09:28:28Z

Title: NITROGEN INFLUENCE AND FRUIT HARVESTING METHOD ON THE PERFORMANCE AND SEED QUALITY OF OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) IN MINNA, NIGERIA Authors: BADAMASI, Maryam Mayowa Abstract: The study was carried out both on the field at the Teaching and Research Farm and in the laboratory of the Department of Crop Production, Federal University of Technology, Minna, in the Southern Guinea Savanna Ecological Zone of Nigeria during the 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons. The treatments consisted of two okra varieties (NHAe47-4 and LD 88-1), five rates of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg N ha 1).The experimental design was a 2 x 5 factorial giving 10 treatments combinations fitted into a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times.Each plot measures 2×5.25 m (10.5m2 ) comprising of eight ridges with 3 replications. Parameters measured includesdays to first flower bud sight and opening, days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of leaves, stem girth and leaf area at days to flower bud sight and opening and days to 50% flowering, number of productive branches, flower abortion incidence, number of fresh fruits, fresh fruit diameter and fresh fruit length, fresh fruit weight/plot, dry fruit diameter, dry fruit length, number, weight of seeds per fruit and 100-seed weight. Seed qualityexperiment (I) consisted of three factors,two okra varieties (NHAe47-4 and LD 88-1), five nitrogen rates (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg ha-1 ) and six fruit positions on the mother-plant (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6th) which was a 2 x 5 x 6 factorial fitted into a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replicates.Seed quality experiment (II) consisted of three factors of two okra varieties (NHAe47-4 and LD 88-1),five nitrogen rates (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg N ha-1 ) and seven fruit harvesting stages (14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49 and 56 days after anthesis) which was 2 x 5 x 7 factorial fitted into a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and replicated four times.The seed quality tests were evaluated using fruit diameter, fruit length, number of seeds, seed weight, seed moisture content, germination test, germination rate index, electro-conductivity test after harvest. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS Statistical package 9.2 (2016) at 5% level of probability; means were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD) Test.The results revealed thatapplication of 90-120 N kg/hais optimum for okra due to enhanced growth and yields in the study area. However, flowering was delayed when N was applied. Plants to which no fertilizer was applied performed poorly in respect of all parameters studied. Seeds of LD88-1 also stored better than seeds of NHAe47-4. Seeds harvested at 42 (DAA) maintainedsuperior longevity, irrespective of the cultivar used.With the result of this study, we could advise okra farmers in the zone toplant NHAe47-4 with the application of 90- 120 N kg/ha for its bigger fruits. Fruits harvested at 42 days after anthesis produced seeds which germinated and stored better than other harvesting stages. The fruits formed at the lower position 1-3 on the mother-plants at 42 DAA should be harvested for high quality seed and storage. The results also showed that significantly enhanced growth, fruit and seed yield was recorded at 90-120 N kg/ha in this agro-ecological zone

INFLUENCE OF USE OF ACADEMIC SOCIAL MEDIA ON RESEARCH ACTIVITIES OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE EDUCATORS IN UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA

2024-05-10T09:27:02Z

Title: INFLUENCE OF USE OF ACADEMIC SOCIAL MEDIA ON RESEARCH ACTIVITIES OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE EDUCATORS IN UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA Authors: SALAMI, Rita Otibhor Abstract: This study investigated the influence of use of academic social media (ASM) on research activities of library and information science (LIS) educators in universities in Nigeria. Seven objectives, seven research questions, and six hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. A descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The population of the study was 348 LIS educators in 37 federal, state, and private universities in Nigeria. The study adopted a multi-stage sampling procedure to select 258 LIS educators in 28 LIS schools in universities in Nigeria. The instrument for data collection was an online questionnaire. The instrument was validated by three lecturers from the Department of LIS and two lecturers from the Department of Science Education, Federal University of Technology Minna. The instrument was pre-tested using Cronbach Alpha. The instrument had the following correlation Section 1=0.708, Section 2=0.917, Section 3=0.885, Section 4=0.823, Section 5=0.924, Section six=0.978 and Section7=0.642, 0.742 and 0.611. One hundred and ninety copies of the questionnaire were returned and correctly filled. The data were analysed by the use of descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. The findings revealed that Google scholar (76%) was the most utilised ASM platform and Research gate which respondents utilised weekly (42%) was the most frequently used platform. It was discovered that reviewing research literature (mean=4.08) was the major research information gathering activity undertaken by respondents on ASM platforms. ASM was found to be used for connecting with people who had similar research interests (mean=3.58). Uploading abstracts of articles (mean=3.27) was the most utilised method in disseminating research findings using ASM. The findings revealed further that citation count was a major method utilised in measuring research impact (mean=3.46). On the factors influencing ASM use, the findings revealed that respondents had a positive performance expectancy on the use of ASM in tracking scholarly impact (mean=4.31) and sharing and promoting research findings (mean=4.31). ASM use was mostly influenced by recommendations from colleagues (mean=3.91). Equally, respondents had electronic devices to utilise ASM (mean=4.18) but did not receive adequate training in its use (mean=1.98). The hypotheses testing revealed that there is a significant difference in the frequency of use of ASM by LIS educators in universities in Nigeria; there is a significant correlation between performance expectancy and the types of ASM used by respondents; there is a significant correlation between social influence and the use of ASM in research collaborative activities; there is a significant correlation between facilitating conditions and the use of ASM in disseminating research findings; facilitating conditions has a significant influence on the frequency of measuring research impact by the use of ASM and there is a significant relationship between social influence and the use of ASM in research information-gathering activities. The study concluded that the frequency of use of ASM was low which may be a result of the work overload of LIS educators in universities in Nigeria. The study recommended that LIS educators should ensure that they patronize various ASM to have access to the various services they offer in enhancing their research activities