Journal of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Animal Sciences

The Socio-Demographic Structure of Cattle Farming in Kars Province

2025-07-16T11:04:16+03:00

This study aimed to identify the socio-demographic structure, producer profiles, reasons for animal husbandry, and the main problems faced by cattle farming enterprises in Kars province. Data were collected through a face-to-face survey conducted with 244 cattle breeders and analyzed using SPSS frequency and chi-square analyses. The findings indicate that the vast majority of cattle breeders are middle-aged, with a primary education level predominantly high school. The participation of the young population in the sector is quite low. It was determined that 66% of the producers continue animal husbandry as their father's profession, while 29.5% engage in it to earn additional income. 99.6% of the participants perceive milk prices as low, and 95.1% consider themselves inadequate in animal husbandry and breeding. Participation in training programs is quite low, and information sources are largely limited to neighboring breeders. Furthermore, statistically significant relationships were found between the age groups of the producers and both the livestock population and the reasons for animal husbandry. In conclusion, while cattle farming in Kars province maintains its traditional structure, a lack of knowledge and training in the sector is noteworthy. Encouraging young people, producer training, and economic support mechanisms are crucial for the sustainability of the sector.

Food insecurity and coping strategies among rural farming households: An analysis of socioeconomic determinants and production systems in Ikere, Ekiti State, Nigeria

2025-11-20T14:24:22+03:00

Evaluation of The Factors Affecting Technology Adoption Among Cassava Farmers in Ika North East Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria

2025-12-29T21:19:52+03:00

Silage Characteristics and Nutritive Value of Differently Ensiled Napier Grass (Pennisetum Purpureum)

2025-12-17T12:33:41+03:00

The study was conducted to evaluate the silage characteristics and nutritive value (chemical and mineral compositions) of differently ensiled Napier grass. Napier grass harvested at 16 weeks after planting was wilted for a day and ensiled in black polythene sheets for two months. Four treatments were investigated thus; T₁=untreated/plain, T₂=treated with 4% urea, T₃=treated with 4% molasses and T₄=treated with 2% molasses and 2% urea. All the treatments produced well-fermented silage with pH values ranging from 4.03 to 4.31. The most favorable qualities were observed in T₃, which had a drier texture, light brown colour and plesantly ethanolic smell. Crude protein content was highest in T₂ (10.35%), followed by T₄ (10.24%), indicating improved nitrogen retention from urea addition. T₃ exibited the highest dry matter (48.11%), ether extract (3.32%) and ash (10.24%) contents. Mineral analysis revealed that the contents varied marginally across the treatments but the concenrations were all within acceptable ranges. Sodium and calcium were highest in T₂ (0.71 g/kg) and T₄(2.25 g/kg) respectively, while phosphorus was slightly elevated in T₃ (1.93 g/kg). In conclusion, the inclusion of additives (molasses and/or urea) enhanced the silage quality and nutritional quality better than ensiling without additives. Ensiling Napier grass with 4% molasses is highly recommended as it has shown to have a superior fermentation quality and nutrient availability.

Serum Biochemistry and Antioxidant Enzyme Response of Local Laying Hens Fed Jackfruit (Artocarpus Heterophyllus) Leaf Meal

2026-02-05T17:35:40+03:00

This study, that was carried out for 8 weeks, evaluated the serum biochemistry and antioxidant enzyme responses of seventy-two local laying hens fed different levels of jackfruit leaf meal (Artocarpus heterophyllus; JLM). The hens were randomly distributed to four different treatment (T) groups in a completely randomized design. Each treatment containing 18 hens were replicated 3 times, with each replicate containing 6 laying hens. JLM was prepared by plucking the fresh leaves which were air -dried at room temperature until crispy. The dried leaves were milled into powder and stored in an air- tight container. The JLM was included in the basal feed at 0 g/kg, 20 g/kg, 40 g/kg, and 60 g /kg of feed, representing T1, T2, T3, and T4. Results showed highly significant differences (p < 0.01) in AST among the treatment groups. Hens fed 60 g JLM /kg diet exhibited significantly (p < 0.01) lower AST (54.02 IU/l) and MDA (1.67 mg/dl) compared to those of control birds. ALT and ALP did not vary significantly (p > 0.01) across the treatment groups. SOD and CAT levels increased as the inclusion level of JLM increased across the treatment groups with the highest mean value observed in hens that received 40 g (8.01 and 0.62 mg/dl) and 60 g JLM inclusion, while GPx was not significantly affected (p > 0.01). The study concluded that local laying hens under tropical conditions should be fed 40 g to 60 g JLM/ kg diet for optimal metabolic health and antioxidant capacity.

Effect of Foliar Spraying with Wood Vinegar on the Growth and Productivity of Potatoes under Different Levels of Mineral Fertilization

2025-12-26T22:56:10+03:00

Effect of Moisture and Grain Type on the Capacity, Specific Energy and Particle Size of Hammer Mill

2025-09-27T14:35:31+03:00

The grinding of feed components is the first step in the process of preparing and manufacturing feed because it minimizes energy waste during feed intake. This paper presents the effect of moisture and grain type on the capacity, energy and particle size of a hammer mill. Specific capacity, specific energy, geometric mean diameter, and size reduction degree were measured. Two moisture levels of the grain (8.2 and 13.4 %) and three types of grain (wheat, barley and yellow corn) were used. Results showed that increasing grain moisture from 8.2 to 13.4 % led to no significant effect on specific capacity and specific energy. On the other hand, a significant increase in the geometric mean diameter of grinding and decreased size reduction degree, with changing the grain type (wheat, barley and yellow corn) recorded a significant effect in all the indicators studied. The best results was achieved at the moisture of grains 8.2 % and yellow corn grains, the highest specific capacity was 2.80 kg.kWh^-1, the least specific energy was 0.36 kWh.kg^-1, Also least geometric mean diameter was 428.2 µm, and the highest size reduction degree was 48.24. It was concluded that when grain moisture was raised, there was no significant effect in specific capacity, specific energy, a significant increase in the geometric mean diameter of grinding and decreased size reduction degree, with changing the grain type (wheat, barley and yellow corn) recorded a significant effect in all the indicators studied.

Effect of Natural Preservatives (Ocimum Gratissimum and Zingiber Officinale) on Shelf Life And Storage Stability of Smoked African Catfish

2025-09-23T08:40:04+03:00

This study investigated the impact of various bio-preservatives on the proximate composition, quality deterioration, and sensory attributes of smoked catfish. Specifically, the effects of Scent leaves (Ocimum gratissimum), Ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale), and their combination on smoked catfish were evaluated. The results demonstrated significant variations in proximate composition across different treatments. Ginger-treated fish exhibited the lowest moisture content (6.18%) and the highest protein content (61.74%). In contrast, Ocimum gratissimum treated fish showed the highest ash content (10.53%) and the highest fiber content when combined with ginger (1.83%). Fat content showed minimal variation, with ginger-treated fish showing the lowest fat content (10.50%). Quality deterioration parameters revealed that the combination treatment of Ocimum gratissimum and ginger had the lowest peroxide value (8.45 meq/kg) and total volatile base nitrogen (14.67 mg N/100g), indicating superior preservation of lipid quality. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values were also lowest in the combination treatment (5.27 mg malondialdehyde/kg). For spoilage indicators, ginger-treated fish exhibited the lowest total trimethylamine nitrogen (5.58 mg N/100g) and total viable count (1.81 x 10⁵ CFU/g), while yeast and mould counts were minimal in ginger-treated fish (1.14 x 10³ CFU/g). Sensory evaluation revealed that ginger-treated smoked catfish scored highest in aroma (7.05), taste (7.20), texture (7.95), appearance (7.73), and overall acceptance (7.83). These results indicate that ginger treatment significantly enhances the sensory quality of smoked catfish compared to others. This study highlights ginger as a particularly effective bio-preservative for improving the nutritional quality and sensory attributes of smoked catfish.