FUDMA Journal of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology

ASSESSING YOUTH INVOLVEMENT IN AGRICULTURE IN YOLA-NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ADAMAWA STATE

2024-10-16T10:45:59+00:00

The study examined youth involvement in agriculture in Yola-North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 230 farmers using a well-structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results show that the most (52.61%) of respondents were male, with an average age of 21 years. Most respondents (55.22%) were single with an average household size of 4 persons. Educationally, 2.61% had primary education, 7.39% had secondary education, 52.61% had diploma, and 37.39% had HND/Degree, indicating that all the respondents were educated. Additionally, most respondents earned between N40,000 and N200,000 annually. Factors influencing youth participation in agriculture revealed that age and sex were positive and significant at 1% level (P<0.01), while educational level was negative but significant at 10% level (P<0.1). Constraints identified included lack of government assistance, insufficient capital, poor road access, inadequate feed supply, poor extension services, and poor marketing prices. Sex (male) and age were positively associated with youth participation in agriculture, whereas the lack of government support was a significant barrier preventing youth from engaging in agricultural activities. The study recommends that inputs such as agrochemicals and credit should be made available on time and at subsidized rates by both governmental and non-governmental organizations to make agriculture more appealing to youths. Furthermore, the government or relevant institutions should strictly monitor and supervise any development or empowerment initiatives to prevent mismanagement by involved dignitaries.

ASSESSING FOOD SAFETY AWARENESS AND PRACTICES AMONG STREET FOOD VENDORS IN KATSINA STATE, NORTH WESTERN NIGERIA

2024-10-16T10:55:00+00:00

Food safety is a critical global issue, with contaminated food posing serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations such as children under five, the elderly, and the sick. This study examined food safety practices among street food vendors in major towns of Katsina State. Using structured questionnaires and a multi-stage sampling technique, data were collected from a total of 316 street food vendors to assess vendors' awareness and adoption of food safety measures. Descriptive statistics and traffic light model were used to analyse the data. While vendors demonstrated high awareness of basic hygiene practices like washing utensils and avoiding work when ill, the adoption of other crucial practices, such as using hand gloves and maintaining clean selling locations, was found to be low. This gap between awareness and practice highlights the need for targeted interventions, including training programs and public awareness campaigns, to bridge the knowledge-behaviour gap. The traffic light model categorized food safety risk to levels, revealing that many vendors operate at high to moderate risk levels. These findings underscore the importance of continuous monitoring, feedback, and enforcement of food safety regulations. Recommendations include enhancing access to resources, providing incentives for good practices, and implementing regular health and safety audits. This can significantly reduce foodborne illnesses, ensuring safer food consumption, and supporting national health and economic development through safer trade and tourism activities. This study contributes to the on-going discourse on food safety in developing regions and highlights critical areas for policy and practical interventions to safeguard public health.

OCCURRENCE OF GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITE IN SILVER CATFISH (Bagrus bajad, FORSSKALL, 1775) IN ZOBE RESERVOIR, KATSINA STATE NIGERIA

2024-12-17T11:24:32+00:00

A study of Bagrus bajad of Zobe artificial lake was conducted between October and December, 2023 to determine the presence of gastrointestinal parasitic worms infestation in Bagrus bajad. A total of 108 live fish samples of Bagrus bajad were collected from fishermen at the investigation places, fish samples were randomly collected weekly from three (3) selection locations from fish men using various fishing gears (Long line, nets and Traps). Out of 108 fish samples from Zobe, 29 were male and 79 were female. Female fish samples had a comparatively greater number of infected 49 whereas the male fish samples documented 21. Fish parasites recovered and their prevalence among Bagrus bajad obtained from Zobe reservoir includes; Asiostrema spp21 (30.00%), Metacercarriae spp17(24.29%), Ascaris spp 21(30.00%) and Acanthosentis tilapia 11 (15.71%). Bagrus bajad sampled obtained from Zobe indicated among the silver catfish experimented from Zobe Reservoir, the intestine were the most infected 40 (57.14%) of tissues examined, followed by the stomach with 30 (42.86). Fishes such as B. bajad, S. mystus, C. gariepinus and C. Zilli from the Zobe reservoir should be cooked properly or be on fire before eating to shun health threat due to consumption of the fish parasitic worms.

EFFECT OF LEAF EXTRACT POWDER FROM NITROGEN FIXING TREE SPECIES ON SEEDLING GROWTH OF Tamarindus indica Linnaeus

2024-12-17T11:44:22+00:00

Tamarind cultivation faces challenges due to marginal land use, soil erosion, nutrient depletion and suboptimal fertilization practices, impacting productivity and quality. A study assessed nitrogen-fixing tree leaf powder's effect on Tamarindus indica seedling growth, employing a Complete Randomized Design with four treatments (Bauhinia racemosa, Tamarindus. indica, Siamese cassia and control) and ten replications. Results showed no significant differences at 0.05 probability level, yet Bauhinia racemosa supported branch length, stem diameter and leaf production, outperforming other treatments. Siamese cassia exhibited highest shoot height, while control promoted leaf production. Bauhinia racemosa proved optimal for T. indica growth. Innovative strategies, such as examining leguminous leaves, breeding and bio-engineering, can enhance tamarind's slow growth, ensuring sustainable production and utilization.

PRODUCTIVITY OF MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) AS INFLUENCED BY FERTILIZER RATES AND INTRA-ROW SPACING IN SAMARU NORTHERN GUINEA SAVANNA

2024-12-17T12:02:27+00:00

Field trials were carried out in 2017 and 2018 wet seasons at Institute for Agricultural Research Farm, Ahmadu Bello University to examine the impact of intra-row spacings and NPK fertilizer rates. Three intra-row spacings (30, 40 and 50 cm) and three NPK fertilizer rates (60-30-30, 90-45-45, and 120-60-60 kg/ha) were used. The treatments were arranged and replicated three times in a Randomized Completely Block Design. All recommended agronomic practices were followed. Plant and ear height, days to 50% tasseling, grain yield, and 100-grain weight were among the variables measured. According to the results, every increase in NPK fertilizer resulted in a notable improvement in the crop's growth and yield metrics. Increased inter-row distance increased the 100-grain weight. However, lower intra-row spacing resulted in much taller plants, but took longer days to reach 50% tasseling. Based on the outcomes in this study, it could be concluded that utilizing a 30 cm intra-row spacing and application of 120-60-60 NPK fertilizer rate resulted in good maize growth and output in the research location and is hereby recommended.

PRODUCTIVITY OF WATERMELON (CITRULLUS LANATUS (THUNBERG) M.) AS INFLUENCED BY DIFFERENT FERTILIZATION, IRRIGATION METHODS, AND INTRA-ROW SPACINGS AT SAMARU, NORTHERN GUINEA SAVANNA

2024-12-17T12:11:57+00:00

An experiment comprised of three fertilizations (NPK 100-50-50, 5 tons (t) Poultry Manure (PM); NPK 50-25-25 + 2.5 t PM ha^-1, two irrigation methods (Furrow and Border) and three levels of intra-row spacing (1 m x 1 m, 1 m x 2 m and 1.5 m x 1.5 m) was carried out during 2021 and 2022 dry seasons. The experiment was carried out in the Teaching and Research Farm of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, latitude 11° 11' N and longitude 07° 38' E, 686 meters above sea level. The treatments were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design in a split-plot arrangement and replicated three times. Data measured were on vine length, number of branches plant^-1, days to 50% flowering, number of fruits plants^-1, fruits yield plot^-1(g), and yield ha^-1 (kg ha^-1). All the required agronomic practices were duly observed. The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS version 9.0. Significant means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% probability. The results obtained from the study revealed that the application of 50-25-25 NPK + 2.5-ton PM ha^-1, using border irrigation and closer intra-row spacing of 1 m x 1 m appeared the best combination for good growth performance and optimum yield of watermelon in the northern Guinea ecological zone of Nigeria. Therefore, farmers are recommended to apply 50-25-25 NPK + 2.5 PM hectare^-1 using border irrigation method and to plant watermelon at an intra-row spacing of 1 m x 1 m for good productivity of watermelon at Samaru, northern Guinea savanna.

MORPHOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF Balanities eagyptica (Linnaeus) Del. SEEDLINGS: UNVEILING THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN PHYSICAL FACTORS AND SEEDLINGS ARCHITECTURE

2024-12-17T12:35:09+00:00

aegyptiacais an extremely important tree species in the development of the rural economy in Northern Nigeria and no specific study has been carried out to establish its productivity potentials and conservation strategies of B. aegyptiaca. Therefore, the study was conducted to investigate the morphological responses of Balanities eagyptiacaas influenced by soil forms, watering regime and light intensity on the early growth performance of Balanites aegyptiaca A total of one hundred and ninety nine seeds (199) were sown in 1m by 1m seed bed after pre-treatment with cold water for seventy-two hours. The experiment was arranged in 3 x 3 x 3 factorial in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with twenty-seven treatments combination and three replicates. The experiment was carried out for sixteen (16) weeks and five growth parameters were measured. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA and descriptive statistics. Treatment combination of C3T1W3 (Sandy x 50% of light x watering three times in a week) showed the highest performance followed by C1T3W3 (Clay x 100% of light intensity x watering three times in a week). Light intensity had significant different on shoot height and leaf production while watering regime had significant differences on leaf area and stem diameter at 0.05 probability level. Also, sandy soil had significance differences on leaf area at 0.05 probability level. Watering three times in a week and light intensity between 50 to 100 % are required for the growth of the species. Sandy soil supported the growth of the species and there must be application of specific insecticide at early stage.

APPLICATION OF PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS TO QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF JAPANESE QUAIL EGGS IN MAIDUGURI, NORTHERN NIGERIA

2024-12-28T10:20:46+00:00

This research applied Principal Component Analysis to assess egg quality traits in Japanese quail reared in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. Two hundred and twenty (220) eggs collected from 20-week-old quails were used. Data were collected on nine (9) egg quality traits included egg weight (EW), egg height (EH), egg width (WE), shell weight (SW), shell thickness (ST), albumen height (AH), yolk height (YH), Haugh Unit (HU) and albumen index (AI). 9.77 g, 2.99 cm, 2.42 cm, 0.90 g, 0.25 mm, 3.95 mm, 1.00 cm, 87.84% and 6.48% were the mean values obtained for the egg characteristics, respectively. Data were subjected to Principal Component Analysis using SPSS version 20.0. The three Principal components (PCs) extracted accounted for 72.14% of the total variance of the original nine egg qualities analyzed had 2.86, 2.62 and 1.01 as their Eigen values accounting for 31.78, 29.14 and 11.22% of the total variance, in that order. Moderate to large communalities (0.439-0.934) were an indication that a larger part of the variance was accounted for by the factor solution. PC 1 was characterized by high positive loadings on AH (0.957), HU (0.957) and AI (0.893); PC 2 described EW (0.621), EH (0.756), WE (0/762) with high positive loadings and YH (0.497) with moderate loading. PC 3 was characterized with high positive loadings on SW (0.754) and ST (0.878). The result thus indicated that PCs 1, 2 and 3 are; descriptor of internal egg, egg size and egg shell qualities, respectively in Japanese quails.

GENETIC DIVERSITY OF EXON 2 OF OVINE MAJOR HISTOCOMPATIBILITY COMPLEX OF (MHC) CLASS 11 DRB1GENE IN SOME NIGERIAN SHEEP BREEDS

2024-12-28T11:00:23+00:00

The genetic diversity of three Nigerian sheep of breeds was investigated based on the DRBI (exon2) an immune gene. Blood samples from 150 sheep (50 each from Balami, Uda, and Yankasa breeds) were collected from Maiduguri Abattoir. The samples were analyzed at the Biotechnology Centre of the University of Maiduguri. The analysis is based on PCR-RFLP; the genomic DNA of sheep was carried out from whole blood sample using DNA extraction kit to extraction DNA. PCR product was incubated and digested using the restriction enzyme Rsa1. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) shows that only 11 percent of the total variations were observed in the sampled population and accounted for population differences, and 89 percent was accounted for within populations. The phylogenetic tree showed that Uda and Yankasa are closely related to each other than the Balami sheep.

ANALYSIS OF RICE FARMERS’ AWARENESS AND ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE VARIABILITY IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA

2024-12-28T11:12:02+00:00

This study analyzed rice farmers’ awareness and adaptation to climate variability in Kano State, Nigeria.

A total of 314 respondents were selected for the study using a multi-stage sampling approach and relevant data were collected from them using structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis and coping strategy index (CSI) were employed to analyze data. The study revealed that overall; all of the respondents had high awareness of climate variability. Longer dry season (84.4%) and erratic rain pattern (78%) were the top manifestations of climate variability observed by the rice farmers. Rice farmers’ CSI of minimum of 165 to a maximum of 1740, an arithmetic mean of M=606.6 were reported and the majority of the rice farmers were between low to moderately resilience to climate variability in the study location. The three top constraints against adaptation to climate variability as perceived by the respondents are high cost of improved seed, inadequate access to funds or credit to acquire technological packages and poverty. The study recommended that because majority of the rice farmers that fell within the group of ‘low resilient and moderately resilient’ to climate variability; there is an urgent need for government and relevant bodies to bring aids to farmers to further strengthen the resilience to climate variability.

ASSESSMENT OF SOIL VARIABILITY UNDER DIFFERENT LAND USE IN NORTHERN GUINEA SAVANNAH ZONE OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

2024-12-28T11:25:24+00:00

The relative influence of land use on soil variability was examined for an extensive group of soils in Kaduna to provide an understanding of soil variability on dynamic properties of soil for suitable land use and avoidance of environmental degradation. The study examined the impact and variability in soil chemical properties in the three land use systems. Soil samples were randomly collected and replicated three times in a pasture, irrigated and arable land uses located within Zaria and its environs, Kaduna state. Result on impact of the land use systems on soil properties revealed that while soil pH, organic carbon, exchangeable acidity, exchangeable calcium and magnesium were statistically similar in pasture and irrigated land uses, they were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in arable land uses. Similarly soils under pasture was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and soil cation exchange capacity than those under irrigation and arable land. The result on soil variability between the three land use types showed that Organic carbon, Total nitrogen, Available phosphorus, Exchangeable magnesium, exchangeable potassium, exchangeable sodium, total exchangeable bases, exchangeable acidity and cation exchange capacity showed coefficient of variations (CV) >35% in pasture and irrigated land uses while exchangeable acidity, total nitrogen and organic carbon were highly variable (CV>35) in arable land use. In conclusion, variability analysis of the sites indicated that the soil properties examined showed a dynamic relationship between land use types.

PREVALENCE OF FASCIOLOSIS IN SMALL RUMINANTS: A CASE STUDY AT SOKOTO MAIN ABATTOIR

2023-12-25T09:16:12+00:00

Fasciolosis, caused by the liver fluke Fasciola spp., is a significant parasitic disease affecting small ruminants worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of fasciolosis in small ruminants slaughtered at the Sokoto Main Abattoir using a Fluke Finder Kit. A cross-sectional study design was employed, and 308 small ruminants (sheep and goats) were randomly selected for examination. The Fluke Finder Kit was utilized to identify the presence of Fasciola gigantica eggs in the faeces of the slaughtered animals. The overall prevalence of fasciolosis was 0.97% in the sampled small ruminants. Of the positive cases, the specific prevalence rates were 0.33% in sheep and 0.64% in goats. A statistically significant association was found between age and the infection in sheep. The use of the Fluke Finder Kit proved to be an effective method for detecting the presence of F. gigantica eggs in the faeces of the animals. Further research is recommended to investigate the seasonal variation in the prevalence of fasciolosis. In addition, studies focusing on the economic impact of fasciolosis and the effectiveness of different control strategies would provide valuable insights into the management and prevention of this parasitic infection in small ruminants.

NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION OF WHEAT STRAW ENSILED WITH ADDITIVES ON DIFFERENT FERMENTATION DAYS

2024-12-28T12:27:35+00:00

The proximate analysis and fiber fractions of wheat straw ensiled with urea (2.5%), poultry litter, watermelon peels and pineapple peels at 25% inclusion each for 0, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 fermentation days were determined. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial arrangement in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments and 3 replications for each treatment. Wheat straw (SWS) was ensilage without additives served as the control. All the treatments were conducted in an open mouthed kilner jar which were opened following the fermentation of 0, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 days for sample collection and determination of CP, CF, EE, Ash, DM, NFE, ADF, NDF, Cellulose, Hemicellulose and Lignin. The results obtained shows significant difference (P<0.05) in all the additives across the fermentation days. PLWS shows highest values of CP at 30 FDs (11.07%), CF (35.98%), Ash (5.12%), ADF (35.04g/100g), NDF (55.40g/100g), Cellulose (13.06g/100g), and Lignin (12.00g/100g) while WPWS and PPWS have ranging values CP (5.99-8.50%), CF (24.16-29.87%), EE (1.51-2.03%), Ash (4.45-5.03%), ADF (23.56-29.56g/100g), NDF (35.40-45.42g/100g), Cellulose (8.48-10.59g/100g) and Lignin (7.89-9.88g/100g) across the fermentation days. Ensiling wheat straw with poultry litter (PLWS) for 30 FDs is recommended for ruminant feeding because it yields better proximate composition and fiber fractions.

THE IMPACT OF TRACTOR POWER AND MULTIPLE PASSES ON SOIL COMPACTION AND CROP YIELD IN DIFFERENT SOIL TYPES

2024-07-09T01:11:09+00:00

This study examined the impact of tractor power on soil compaction and crop yield in different soil types and climatic conditions. The experiment used a split-split plot design with three replications to test the effects of tractor power level (40, 60, 80, and 100 kW) and number of passes (1, 3, and 5) and soil type l compaction and crop yield. A four-wheel drive tractor with radial tires, tire inflation pressure of 120 kPa, and speed of 5 km/h was used on 10 m × 10 m plots with different soil types and climatic conditions. The results showed changes in soil stress, bulk density, porosity, water infiltration rate, yield, and quality by 15.6%, 8.7%, -6.5%, -18.2%, -11.4%, and 4.2% respectively at low tractor power; by 23.4%, 12.4%, -9.3%, -26.7%, -16.8%, and 6.1% at medium power; and by 31.2%, 16.3%, -12.1%, -35.4%, -22.3%, and 8.1% at high power. However, soil compaction increased with higher tractor power and passes, negatively impacting crop yield and quality. Lower tractor power and fewer passes resulted in better crop quality but lower yield compared to higher power levels. Recommendations included practices to mitigate compaction and improve soil/crop management to aid farmers in managing soil compaction and enhancing agricultural systems.

VEGETATIVE ASSESSMENT OF SOME SELECTED ACCESSIONS OF Albizia lebbeck SEEDLINGS

2024-12-28T12:54:58+00:00

Albizia lebbeckis a multipurpose, fast-growing tree species widely grown in the tropical region, belonging to the family of Leguminosae with several economic opportunities, from timber production and livestock fodder to agroforestry and traditional medicine. This study investigated the vegetative(shoot and root traits) of Albizia lebbeck accessions seedling originating from diverse locations within the Zaria region. The experiment consisted of 20 accessions arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design replicated three times. Each replication contained 20 pots, with five seeds per pot. The soil used comprised a mixture of field and sandy soil supplemented with N.P.K (20:10:10) fertilizer at 20g per pot to enhance the nutrients level of the soil for growth and development. Data was collected on shoot height, number of branches, primary root length, number of lateral root branches, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, and total biomass weight.A wide range of traits values were observed within all measured parameters. Positive correlations were found between several traits, such as shoot height and biomass, root and shoot traits, and lateral root branches with other traits. The results highlighted only significance difference of genetic diversity in plant height among Albizia lebbeck accessions, indicating varying adaptation.Although other traits did not show significant variation, the substantial variation within these traits suggests the presence of natural diversity within the population. This diversity can be harnessed for various applications, such as in forestry and horticulture. Further research is required to assess genetic diversity using a larger number of accessions from diverse provenances.

SURVEY AND MOLECULAR DETECTION OF VIRUSES INFECTING PEPPER IN CROSS RIVER STATE

2024-12-28T13:12:28+00:00

Several viral diseases limit the production of pepper around the world. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and diversity of viruses infecting open field and backyard garden cultivation of pepper in the northern, central, and southern zones of the Cross River State, Nigeria. The survey was carried out in the cropping season of 2024 on cultivated pepper crops growing mostly on small farm holdings and backyard gardens scattered within the six local government areas of Yala, Odukpani, Yakurr, Etung, Akpabuyo, and Ogoja. ACP-ELISA was used to detect viruses across the state. The most prevalent virus in almost all locations was CMV, and the least prevalent virus was ToLCV. The majority of infected plants were pepper veinal mottle virus (PVMV) and Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). A relatively high average of 72.4 % disease incidence and an average severity index of 3.0 was recorded across all locations of the state. The survey showed Yala had the highest mean incidence of 79.25 % and a severity index of 3.35 while Ogoja recorded the lowest mean incidence of 68 % and a severity index of 2.8. Mixed infections of ToLCV and PVY and PVMV and CMV were more common in 11 of the 18 locations. Analysis of variance for the mean disease incidence and mean severity index revealed that there was no significant difference across the different locations at p > 0.05. The findings demonstrate the predominance of these viruses on pepper in ross River State, underscoring the necessity for further research to identify more viruses that hinder pepper production.

EFFECTS OF FOUR DIFFERENT PLANTING MEDIA ON THE GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF AFRICAN CHERRY (Chrysophylum albidum)

2024-12-28T13:23:57+00:00

A study was conducted in 2022 and repeated in 2023 to examine the effects of five different planting media on the germination and selling growth of African Cherry (Chrysophylum albidum). The planting media were sandy soil, clay soil, top garden soil, saw dust, and a mixture of top soil and saw dust in a ratio of 50:50 percent. It was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) experiment with three replications. Five parameters were tested to achieve the objectives of the study, including: germination percentage, plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and collar diameter of seedlings. The results showed that seeds planted on top garden soil were superior with respect to germination percentage of 94% in 2022 and 96% in 2023 and the following parameters measured at 9 weeks after planting: plant height of 29.0cm in 2022 and 29.4cm in 2023, number of leaves of 9.2 in 2022 and 9.4 in 2023, leaf area of 78.2cm² in 2022 and 78.6cm² in 2023 and collar diameter (3.6cm). Seeds planted on clay soil had the lowest germination percentage of 62% in 2022 both 2022 and 2023. The superiority with respect to germination percentage and other growth characters of the seeds planted in the five different planting media was TS > TS + SD > SS > SD > CS. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that farmers should grow African cherry on top soil for enhanced germination and seedling growth.

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN BODY WEIGHTS AND MORPHOMETRIC TRAITS OF INDIGENOUS NORMAL FEATHERED CHICKENS

2024-12-28T13:36:51+00:00

A study was carried out to ascertain the relationships between body weights and body morphometric traits of indigenous normal feathered chickens including chest girth (CG), body length (BL), thigh length (THL), shank length (SL), Shank circumference (SC), wing length (WL) and keel length (KL) of indigenous normal feathered chicken progenies. One hundred and thirtyeight (138) birds comprising of Ninety-six (96) males and Fourty two (42) females generated from the foundation stock were used for the experiment. Data were analysed with the help of SAS (Version 9.1) for correlation and regression analysis. The relationships among growth traits were positive, high and significant (P<0.01) in both sexes. Highest correlations between BW and CG (0.897) and between BW and THL (0.843) were observed in both males and females, respectively. Prediction equations obtained for both sexes indicated that coefficient of determination (R²) is high in the models. CG and SC (0.80) were the best linear body measurements that predicted BW in males and SL (0.63) was the best predictor in females. The study concluded that body weights could be predicted using body morphometric traits with high degree of accuracy.

INFLUENCE OF BREED ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, REPRODUCTIVE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF QUAILS

2024-12-28T14:23:02+00:00

This study was conducted to determine the effect of breed on growth performance, reproductive performance and carcass characteristics of quails. Two breeds (Cotonou × Japanese and Pure Japanese quails) were used. A total of 694 eggs comprising 349 from crossbred and 345 from Japanese quail were set for hatching in an automatic incubator to generate experimental birds. The hatched quail chicks were managed according to their breed using standard procedures until maturity. Each of the breed served as treatment with three replicates per breed arranged in Pair plot design. Data were collected on body weight; linear body measurements (body length, shank length, wing lengths and breast girth) and reproductive traits (fertility, early and late embryonic mortality, hatchability, reproductive capacity, age at first egg, body weight at first egg and weight of first egg) were recorded using the base population. Data collected were analyzed using T-Test of the SPSS statistical software version 21. The result obtained indicated that breed had no significant (P>0.05) effect on body weight and linear body measurements except on wing length at week 1, breast girth at week 2, breast length at week 3, wing length at week 3, shank length at week 4 and breast girth at week 5. Breed had no significant (P<0.05) in all the reproductive traits and carcass characteristics except on the late embryonic mortality and shank weight, respectively. From the findings of this study, it can be concluded that differences between the crossbred quails and pure line Japanese quails exists majorly on linear body measurements but no differences in terms of body weight, reproductive performance and carcass characteristics’ and any of the breeds is recommended for the aforementioned traits with few exception.