This study was conducted to evaluate the nutrient retention of treated sugarcane bark scrapping fermented with rumen liquor (TSBS) on the broiler chickens. Six experimental diets coded as T1 (0%), T2(7.5%), T3(15%) for 4 days’ fermentation and T4(0%), T5(7.5) and T6(15%) for 8 days. T1 (0%) and T4 (0%) are the control in both 4 and 8days fermentation. The feed formulation was compounded such that TSBS replaced maize at 0%, 7.5% and 15% levels respectively in broiler finisher diet. A total of one hundred and eighty (180) birds of four (4) weeks old broilers were randomly allotted into six treatment groups, each treatment had three replicates in a 2x3 factorial in a randomized experimental design. The facal sample was collected for 7 days at the end of experiment. Results on nutrient retention of the birds fed TSBS showed that the dietary levels had significant effect (P<0.05) on digestibility efficiency of dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, ash, and N.F.E retention. However, no significant (P>0.05) difference was observed in ether extract (EE) across the treatments measured. Fermentation days (4 and 8 days) had no significant (P>0.05) effect on digestibility efficiency of all the parameters measured except crude fibre and ash retention. However, interaction of fermentation days and level of TSBS in the diet significantly (P<0.05) affect all the parameters measured except ether extract retention. The interaction between 4 and 8 days shows that irrespective of the levels of inclusion of TSBS 0%, 7.5% and 15% and number of days of fermentation 4 and 8 days, the birds performed well. There was no significant (P>0.05) effect notice from the inclusion of 0%: 4days fermentation and the same for 0%: 8days in all the parameters measured in the feed trials. In 7.5%: 4days, 7.5%:8 days, 15%:4 days, 15%: 8days show also no significant (P>0.05) difference in the experiment. The interaction on the nutrient retention show that there was significant different (P<0.05) observed in the broiler fed TSBS. The study shows that there was no significant different between 4 and 8 days fermentation, therefore 4 days’ fermentation is recommended to use to avoid time taken and stress in fermentation for longer period.

Chemical composition and nutritive parameters of maize stover (Zea mays) fractions and cassava (Manihort esculanta) foliage for sustainable ruminant production was studied. Cassava foliage and fractions of maize stover (stem and leaf) were gathered and oven dried for proximate composition, fibre fractions and nutritive parameters (Dry matter intake (DMI), Digestible dry matter (DDM) and Relative feed value (RFV) were calculated. The experimental design was a completely randomized design (CRD). Results shows a significant difference (P<0.05) in the all the parameters considered for the proximate composition across the experimental treatments. The contents ranged from 85.21 – 88.77% for dry matter (DM), 6.27 – 19.72%, 1.89 – 3.78%, 14.89 – 17.08%, 51.88 – 62.47%, 3.27 – 11.23% and 36.90 – 56.70% for crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), ash and non-fibre carbohydrate (NFE), respectively. Cassava foliage had highest (P<0.05) contents of fibre fractions considered. The acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), cellulose (CEL) and hemicellulose (HEM) were 59.18%, 18.36%, 26.50% and 27.10%, respectively for CSL. There was a significant different (P<0.05) in the phytochemical contents across the experimental materials. Similar (P>0.05) value was recorded for DMI, DDM and RFV. Conclusively, the experimental treatments exhibited nutritional qualities that made them a feed resources for ruminant production. Cassava foliage had better proximate composition and fibre fractions, therefore it is recommended for the farmers.

This study evaluated the phytochemical constituents of palm oil. Palm oil is commonly used in nutrition for many reasons. Some people use it as antidote for certain types of poisons. The phytochemical analysis of was carried out with the use of GC (model No. 7890B) and MS detector (model 5977A). Some phytochemical constituents detected in palm oil has been reported to possess various biological, nutritional, pharmaceutical and industrial properties. The presence of some of the constituents showed palm oil will be useful in traditional medicine, synthesis of some pesticides and perfumes, and possess various antimicrobial activity and ability to preserve and improve certain food materials. Palm oil is recommended for many nutritional and industrial purposes.

Chemical composition and nutritive parameters of maize stover (Zea mays) fractions and cassava (Manihort esculanta) foliage for sustainable ruminant production was studied. Cassava foliage and fractions of maize stover (stem and leaf) were gathered and oven dried for proximate composition, fibre fractions and nutritive parameters (Dry matter intake (DMI), Digestible dry matter (DDM) and Relative feed value (RFV) were calculated. The experimental design was a completely randomized design (CRD). Results shows a significant difference (P<0.05) in the all the parameters considered for the proximate composition across the experimental treatments. The contents ranged from 85.21 – 88.77% for dry matter (DM), 6.27 – 19.72%, 1.89 – 3.78%, 14.89 – 17.08%, 51.88 – 62.47%, 3.27 – 11.23% and 36.90 – 56.70% for crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), ash and non-fibre carbohydrate (NFE), respectively. Cassava foliage had highest (P<0.05) contents of fibre fractions considered. The acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), cellulose (CEL) and hemicellulose (HEM) were 59.18%, 18.36%, 26.50% and 27.10%, respectively for CSL. There was a significant different (P<0.05) in the phytochemical contents across the experimental materials. Similar (P>0.05) value was recorded for DMI, DDM and RFV. Conclusively, the experimental treatments exhibited nutritional qualities that made them a feed resources for ruminant production. Cassava foliage had better proximate composition and fibre fractions, therefore it is recommended for the farmers.

Some sources of drinking water in Kari Estate in Bauchi Metropolis were analyzed for physicochemical contents and coliform contamination. A total of five samples were collected from different sources as follows: 2 sachets water, 2 wells, and tap water. The physicochemical analysis included the determinations of temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity, colour, suspended solids, odour, taste, total hardness, iron, nitrate, nitirite, manganese, ammonia, fluoride and cyanide. The two wells had total coliforms of 6 and 10 and faecal coliforms of 4 and 5 respectively. Tap water had total and faecal coliforms of 7 and 3 respectively. E. coli were identified in the samples from wells while Bacillus sp. were found in the tap water. Although the physicochemical contents of the samples were normal range, coliform counts of the wells and tap water were above those set by the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Presence coliforms above the standards indicates contamination and that the water may be unsafe for drinking. The presence of E. coli suggests that improvement in monitoring and water hygiene practices should be employed to improve the drinking water quality.

Several studies have been reported on active peptides isolated from some medicinal plants, which were effective inhibitors against snake venom induced toxicities. Hence, the aim of this research work was to isolate, purify and characterize an antisnake venom plant peptide from Bauhinia rufescens seed that can serve as potential alternative to serum-based antivenins. B. rufescens seed was collected, duly identified, authenticated and processed. The peptide was isolated from the seed and purified using gel filtration chromatography and SDS-PAGE and then named as BRS-P19. Venom Phospholipase A2 (VPLA2) was used for the study and was isolated from Naja nigricollis venom. Albino mice of both sexes were used for in vivo experiments. They were divided into seven (7) groups of three (3) mice each. Group 1 served as normal control, group 2 were injected with VPLA2 only, group 3 and 4 were injected with VPLA2 then treated with BRS-P19 at doses of 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg b.w. respectively, while mice in group 5 were injected with VPLA2 then treated with standard antivenin, group 6 and 7 were injected with VPLA2 followed by administration of ascorbic acid and a-tocopherol respectively. In all the groups, hepatic and renal levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation (MDA) and activities of antioxidant enzymes were determined. The results showed that, the BRS-P19 has molecular weight of ~19kD. Its percentage in vitro inhibitory effect against VPLA2 was 91.85 ± 0.32%. For the in vivo study, the animals treated with 0.4 mg/kg b.w. of the BRS-P19 showed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in the hepatic and renal ROS and MDA levels when compared with the VPLA2 untreated group. But, the activities of the antioxidant enzymes in all the treated groups were significantly (P<0.05) increased by the BRS-P19 at 0.4 mg/kg b.w. when compared to the VPLA2 untreated group. Based on these findings, it has been established that, BRS-P19 has antisnake venom effect through inhibition of VPLA2 and antioxidant activity as the possible mechanisms of action.

Silymarin is a polyphenolic flavonoid mixture isolated from milk thistle which is believed to be responsible for the plant’s hepatoprotective action. Silymarin is hepatoprotective flavonoid drug available as bio marker in Silybun marianum (common name milk thistle). Silymarin is being used in treatment of various liver disease of different etiology because of its hepatoprotective action. Phytochemicals are playing a vital role for the treatment of different types of diseases and still used in both traditional and modern medication system. The phytochemical analysis of milk thistle seeds extract indicated that the plant is rich in secondary compounds. The results revealed that milk thistle seeds contain high amount of total phenolic, flavonoid and antioxidant compounds. The antibacterial activities of the ethanol seeds extract of milk thistle was tested against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aures) and Gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella entirica). Antibacterial effects of crude extract were performed using modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique to determine the zone of inhibition. The results demonstrated that ethanol seeds extract of milk thistle is shown strong inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aures and Salmonella entirica compared to the control. Also, milk thistle seeds extract showed highly anticancer activity. This medicinal plant could be developed into affordable and safe standardized herbal products and may serve as a source of new molecules for broad-spectrum anticancer, antimicrobial agents.

Chickpea is among the major pulse crops grown in southern Ethiopia including Borana and West guji zone. The area has potential to the production of Chickpea for food and nutrition security as well as export commodity. However, scarcity of varieties that fit to the environment is one of the major constraints of production. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to evaluate 9 chickpea varieties to select adaptable varieties for yield and agronomic traits. The field experiment was conducted in 2017 and 2018 at two locations (Abaya and Bule hora) and varieties were planted in Randomized complete block design. Data were collected on yield and important agronomic traits. Analysis of variance computed for individual locations and combined analysis over locations revealed significant variations among varieties. Moreover, Varieties showed a grain yield as high as 1087.5kg/ha and 873.79kg/ha at Bule hora and Abaya respectively. Minjar variety is significantly high yielding variety at both locations with yield advantage of 26.13% and 52.07% over variety mean at Bule hora and Abaya respectively and therefore recommended for both locations and locations with similar agro ecologies.

This study, developed in the Centre Region of Cameroon, made it possible to identify the consequences responsible of soil vulnerability. Chemical and biological analysis of soil samples collected near wells and springs during the short rainy season were carried out. The results show that the pH and electrical conductivity values decrease with the depth respectively 6.11 CU and 127.47 µS/cm at the surface (0cm) followed by 5.52 CU and 69.32 µS/cm at 50 cm depth. The hydraulic conductivity shows that the soil is moderately permeable (10-5m/s). Protozoa oocysts were observed using an Olympus CK2 inverted microscopy at 40X objective using Zinc sulphate flotation and modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique. The distribution of oocysts decreases with depth. At the surface of the soil (0cm) the densities of Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora are respectively 123 oocysts/100g and 50 oocysts/100g. At 25cm depth, the densities of Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora are respectively 36 oocysts /100g and 6 oocysts /100g. At 50cm depth the densities of Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora are respectively 16 oocysts/100g and 3 oocysts/100g. Infiltration of oocysts may be favored by Hydraulic conductivity and obstructed by acidic pH of the soil. The contamination of these different depth layers would be a risk of contamination of groundwater.

Mineral elements are essential micronutrients necessary to constitute human tissue and maintain normal physiological functions. Micronutrient deficiencies are an important issue currently faced in the world. The best strategy to solve this problem is to breed special functional types of rice varieties rich in trace elements (special rice for short). A special type of rice that can produce rich nutrients. In order to explore the nutritional value of giant embryo rice, the contents of 17 mineral elements ((K, Ca, Fe, Se, Zn, Cu, Na, Mn, Mg, Ni, Cr, Co, Pb, As, Cd, Ag, Al)) in 5 kinds of giant embryo rice (white giant embryo, giant japonica-GB-12, giant japonica-GB-11 and giant japonica-GB-5, giant japonica-GB-1) were detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. After comparison with ordinary rice, it was found that the content of the same mineral element in different samples has a large variation, suggesting that different rice varieties have different absorption, transformation and storage efficiency of the same element; different giant embryo brown rice in some mineral elements (such as Cr, Ni, Cu and Zn) are extremely low in content and almost undetectable. Meanwhile, the brown rice of giant embryo rice has a more powerful enrichment effect on some mineral elements, which means that embryo rice has a unique advantage in cultivating new rice varieties with special functions rich in minerals.

Indigenous vegetables are plant species that are of great nutritional and medicinal importance. In a bid to ensure their domestication, availability and consumption, it is necessary to investigate their response to fertilizer treatment and other suitable agronomic practices that will enhance their cultivation and nutritional composition. In this study, an experiment was carried out to determine the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of Solanum macrocarpon. The experiment was laid out in a Complete Randomized Design with four treatments: NPK 200 kg /ha, - T1, Poultry manure 6t/ ha - T2, NPK and Poultry manure 100 kg/ha + 3 t/ha - T3, Control, No Fertilizer - T4. Leaf area, plant height, number of leaves, and stem diameter were measured using standard methods. Proximate and mineral analyses were also carried out in accordance with standard chemical methods. The growth and yield of S. macrocarpon was improved by fertilizer application. All growth parameters measured increased with plant age and significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among the treatments. Results obtained from this study also highlighted the potential of poultry as an alternative source of Nitrogen required for plant growth. Although both organic and inorganic fertilizers improved the growth performance of the vegetable, yet, the inorganic fertilizer produced the best results for all the parameters studied. Inorganic (NPK) and organic (Poultry manure) fertilizer increased soil fertility and improved the nutritional composition, but Solanum macrocrapon plants grown with inorganic fertilizer performed better.

A field research trial was conducted to assess the influence of mulching materials on the growth and yield of sugar loaf pineapple variety (Anana comosus L. Merr.). Slips of the pineapple were collected and nursed. At 9 months after nursing, 108 nursed pineapple plants measuring between 97-100cm were purposively selected and transplanted at 12 plants per experimental plot on beds covered with Trt1 (black polyethene sheet), Trt2 (organic matter) and Trt3 no application of mulch which served as (Control) and the whole arrangement was laid down using a Randomized Complete Block experimental Design (RCBD) replicated three times. Fifty percent (50%) of pineapple plants used per experimental plot was randomly selected for data collection. The number of leaves was counted, plant heights were measured and number of weeds growth were uprooted and counted at two (2) months interval for 14 months. At the end of the trial, the length and weight of the fruits were measured and recorded in centimetre (cm) and kilogram (kg). Both the number of days to flower initiation and fruit harvest maturity from day of transplanting were counted and recorded. Data collected were first tested for normality of distribution using Shapiro-wilk test at 0.05 level of significant. After ascertaining the normality of the data distribution, the data were then subjected to General Linear Model (GLM) Univariate Two Ways Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software package version 21. The significant means were separated using Duncans’ Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 0.05 level of significant. The result showed that significant different (P<0.05) existed in the influence of the mulching materials on the number of leaves and weed growth as well as length and weight of harvested fruits with black polyethene sheet showing the greatest influence. There was no significant different (P>0.05) in plant height, number of days to flower initiation and fruit harvesting from day of transplanting. It was concluded that black polyethene sheet (BPSH) positively influenced the growth and yield of sugar loaf pineapple variety. It is thus recommended that awareness through demonstration be created on the efficacy of plastic mulch for improved yield and reduction in risk of injury from the plant.

The chemical constituents of crude oil were evaluated in this study. Crude oil is used for many purposes. It is commonly used for production of fuel and in traditional medicine for various purposes. Some people also use crude oil as antidote for poisons. Analysis of the chemical constituents of crude oil was carried out with the use of GC (model No. 7890B) and MS detector (model 5977A). Several chemical constituents with various functions were detected in the crude oil. Some of the chemical constituents detected have been reported to be used for the production of some fuels, pesticides, volatile compounds, fragrance, food additives and antimicrobial agents. This study therefore showed that various important chemicals/compounds useful in traditional medicine and for industrial uses are present in crude oil, thereby making it a good raw material for industrial and medicinal purposes. However, some constituents of crude oil are known to be able to cause toxicity, making crude oil a toxic substance.

The chemical constituents of crude oil were evaluated in this study. Crude oil is used for many purposes. It is commonly used for production of fuel and in traditional medicine for various purposes. Some people also use crude oil as antidote for poisons. Analysis of the chemical constituents of crude oil was carried out with the use of GC (model No. 7890B) and MS detector (model 5977A). Several chemical constituents with various functions were detected in the crude oil. Some of the chemical constituents detected have been reported to be used for the production of some fuels, pesticides, volatile compounds, fragrance, food additives and antimicrobial agents. This study therefore showed that various important chemicals/compounds useful in traditional medicine and for industrial uses are present in crude oil, thereby making it a good raw material for industrial and medicinal purposes. However, some constituents of crude oil are known to be able to cause toxicity, making crude oil a toxic substance.

Lycopersicum esculentum (Tomato) fruits are widely consumed in raw and processed forms owing to their high nutritional value. However, high water content makes them more prone to microbial attack especially spoilage by fungi. In this study, fungi associated with deteriorated tomato fruits sold in Wukari, Nigeria were assessed. A total of thirty (30) deteriorated tomato fruits were collected, ten (10) each from the three markets (Federal University up-gate mini market, New market and Yam market) and assessed for fungi using standard microbiological methods. The result shows that fungal load in all the markets ranged from 1.0 × 105 sfu/g to 3.0 × 105 sfu/g and Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Rhodotorula species, Mucor species, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Fusarium species were isolated from the various samples. The percentage occurrences of the various isolates on the samples show that Aspergillus niger was the most frequent (63.33%), followed by Fusarium species (43.33%), Aspergillus flavus (33.33%), Mucor species (26.67%) and Rhodotorula species (23.33%) while Saccharomyces cerevisiae (10.00%) was the least. In each sampling location, the percentage occurrences of all the species were highest at Yam market site (35%), followed by Federal University up-gate mini market (33.33%) while New market site was the least (31.67%). The pathogenicity result showed that the healthy tomato fruits after being inoculated with these fungi isolates deteriorated spontaneously through the period of 5 days and the organisms were recovered after culture on freshly prepared nutrient medium. Some of these organisms are known to be human pathogens, hence care must be taken when handling and using deteriorated tomatoes to avoid infections from these organisms.

The inhibitory effects of five commercial extracts (Allium sativum, Chamaemelum nobile, Thymus vulgaris, Zingiber officinale and Ricinus communis ) against Alternaria alternata were tested three concentrations (2.5, 5, 12.5 µl/ml) in vitro. T. vulgaris and R.communis extracts both exhibited the most effective antifungal activity against A. alternate with diameter of inhibition zones of 54 mm. The C. nobile extract exhibited a lower degree of inhibition 24.5 to 45 mm at three concentrations. The antifungal indices of T. vulgaris and R.communis extracts at three concentrations against A. alternata were all 98.14%, while this of C. nobile extract was 43.52% at 12.5 µl/ml. The results show that the five commercial extracts have potential for the development of natural antifungal agents, which could be an alternative to chemicals for control of phytopathogenic fungi on fruits or vegetables.

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a vine-like flowering originally from Southern Africa. The microbial fermentation of watermelon seeds for me production of bioethanol was investigated. The seeds were washed dried and grounded into powder. The seed powder was then fermented for bioethanol production and the microorganisms responsible for the fermentation were isolated and characterized. Bioethanol was distilled from the fermentation. The distilled bioethanol was subjected to comparative analysis with ’the conventional ethanol. Proximate analysis of the grinded seed was carried out before and after fermentation. The organisms responsible for fermentation were identified as Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus lactis, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus sp, Micrococcus spp, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Fusarium oxysporium, Mucor mucedo, Penicillium notatum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger. There was an increase in the protein content of the seed from 4.269% in the unfermented to 10.031% in the fermented. While carbohydrate reduced from 70.523% in the unfermented to 50.149% in the fermented seed. Fat content increased as well as crude fibre content. The distilled bioethanol boils at 78.4% and as a melting point of -112°C at 15°C. The refractive index was 1.360 and the flash point was 12°C. It burns with blue flame. Considering the comparison between the bioethanol produced from Citrullus lanatus seeds with the conventional ethanol, it can be used as an alternative source of biofuel.

An experiment was carried out to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of Albizia lebbeck seed oil (ALO) on the fatty acid composition of weaner rabbits. 50 weaned rabbits of mixed breed and sexes, aged between 6-7 weeks with an average initial body weight of 460 ± 1.3 were randomly assigned into five dietary treatments of ten rabbits per group; each group was further divided into 5 replicates consisting of two rabbits each. Basal diet was formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of rabbits according to National Research Council [1]. Rabbits in treatment 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were supplemented with ALO at 0 %, 0.1%, 0.2 %, 0.3 % and 0.4 % respectively. Feed and water was given ad libitum and the experiment lasted for 12 weeks. The results showed that significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in saturated fatty acid (SFA), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and omega-6/omega -3 ratio (n-6: n-3) values obtained. Rabbits fed diet containing 0.4 % ALO had the highest PUFA value (54.17 %), followed by T4 (53.01 %), T3 (45.13 %), T2 (37.61 %) and T1 (26.93 %) respectively. Similarly (n-6: n-3) composition in T5 (3.65 %) increased in T5 fed 0.4 % ALO compared with T1 (1.38 %) fed 0% ALO. Antherogenic index were significantly (P<0.05) different among the treatments. It can be concluded that supplementation of ALO at 0.4 % highly influenced the composition of fatty acid in rabbit meat.

The leaf miner (Coelaenomenodera elaeidis) is a major pest of the oil palm. It breaks out in epidemic proportions periodically, resulting in severe leaf defoliation and consequently low fresh fruit bunch (FFA) yield. This study analyses temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, and leaf miner abundance records sampled in oil palm fields between 1976 and 1980 in the main station of the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR). Data for temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity were obtained from NIFOR meteorological station. Mathematical relationships between the insect stages (larva, pupa, and adult) and weather factors (rainfall and temperature) were developed indicating that pest predictions can be made for different leaf miner stages using their corresponding model equations giving specific values for rainfall and temperature. Variations in the seasonal patterns of temperature and rainfall are of major significance as a cue to timing leaf miner abundance and would help in making better decisions regarding where farmer action can target pest control interventions, thereby contributing to ensure food security. The need for continuous monitoring has great potential for detection and control of insect pests in oil palm growing areas.

Many computational methods aim to improve the prediction and recognition of transcription elements in prokaryotes. Despite this, the natural features of those elements make their prediction and recognition remain as an open field of research. In this paper, we compared the open-access tools BacPP, BPROM, bTSSfinder, CNNPromoter_b, iPro70-PseZNC, NNPP2, PePPer, and PromPredict. First, we listed the overall functionalities of each tool and the resources available on their web pages. Later, we carried out a comparison of prediction results using 206 intergenic regions. When evaluating the prediction using intergenic regions containing a single promoter within each, NNPP2 and BacPP obtained >90% correct predictions, with NNPP2 obtaining the highest values of match between predicted promoter location and location indicated by RegulonDB. Overall, many discrepancies were observed among the results. They may be explained by the differences in the methodologies that each tool applies for promoter prediction, not excluding the natural features of promoters as a factor as well. In any case, the results highlight the necessity to continue the efforts to improve promoter prediction, perhaps combining multiple approaches. Through said efforts, some of the challenges of the postgenomic era may be tackled as well.