FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE

The study investigated the chemical composition of chitin and chitosan fed diets, and their effects on goat’s neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility. Twelve (12) West African Dwarf goats were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments (control, chitin at 3% and 6%, chitosan at 0.5% and 1%, and 0.01% oxytetracycline), alongside guinea grass at a ratio of 50:50. Chitin and chitosan were extracted using chemical processes involving demineralization, deproteinization, and deacetylation, while diets chemical compositions were analyzed, The NDF value (%) range from 25.00 to 93% with control and 6% chitin having the least and highest values respectively and were significantly different (P<0.05) from each other. Results showed significant differences (P<0.05) in NDF intake and digestibility across treatments were not significantly different. The study concludes that chitin and chitosan from snail shells had no negative influence on NDF intake and digestibility. This approach offers a sustainable and value-added use of snail shell waste in animal nutrition

Snail farming also knows as Heliciculture excels under specific micro environment which include appropriate ranges for humidity, temperature, light intensity and CO2 levels. Environmental fluctuations in open fields has been seen to reduce yield and productivity and the need to be able to control environmental conditions brought about the use of screenhouse. This study is based on the evaluation of growth performance and response to environmental variables of crops in which some selected crops; Banana (Musa spp), Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta), Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), Water leaf (Talinum triangulare) and Pawpaw (Carica papaya) were used. The goal was to determine how crops response to controlled environment conditions and determine their suitability for snails. Environmental variables was duly observed, data collections was carried on morphological yield and quality in which results obtained showed positive development in all crops and determined that the screenhouse is effective for both crops and snails under controlled environmental conditions.

The abundance of duckweeds in earthen fish ponds is a phenomenon that warrants detailed study due to its ecological, economic, and management implications. This study investigated the abundance, spatial distribution, and management of Lemna minor (duckweed) in earthen fish ponds along the Ikpoba River in Benin City, Edo State, focusing on Oredo and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas. Structured questionnaires and field assessment were used to collect
data from 100 fish farmers, while descriptive and spatial analyses were performed to evaluate duckweed coverage, biomass, and management practices. Results showed that Lemna minor was relatively abundant, with mean coverage of 63.8% (40.8 g/m²) in Oredo and 66.2% (42.9 g/m²) in Ikpoba-Okha, particularly concentrated at pond inlets where nutrient inflow was greatest. Most farmers were educated (54.2%) males aged 30–39 years (56%), mainly culturing Clarias
gariepinus (60.2%) under intensive systems. About 63.2% of respondents reported duckweed presence, primarily during the rainy season (86.6%), with 28.3% perceiving it as beneficial for water shading and nutrient removal, while 17.2% considered it harmful due to oxygen depletion and feeding obstruction. Manual removal (54.3%) and biological control (21.7%) were the most common management practices, though only moderately effective. It concludes that L. minor
proliferation indicates nutrient-rich pond conditions and recommends integrated management through nutrient regulation, regular monitoring, and biological control to enhance sustainable aquaculture productivity

This study examined the economics of maize production in Esan South East Local
Government Area of Edo State. The specific objectives were to describe the socioeconomic
characteristics of maize farmers, estimate the cost and returns of maize
production, determine input elasticities and return to scale, and identify the major
constraints affecting maize farmers in the study area. A multi-stage sampling
procedure was employed to select 90 maize farmers. Data were collected using a
structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin
analysis, the generalized production function (GPF), and a 5-point Likert scale.
The socio-economic results revealed that maize farming in the area is dominated by
males (75.56%), with an average age of 45.68 years. Most farmers were married
(57.78%) and had small household sizes averaging 5 persons. The mean farming
experience was 15.31 years, while average farm size was 0.81 hectares, indicating
predominantly small-scale production. The gross margin analysis showed an average
total variable cost of ₦65,931.92 and total revenue of ₦86,798.33, resulting in a
positive gross margin of ₦20,866.41 per farmer. Results of the generalized production
function indicated that only pesticide use had a positive and significant elasticity
(0.111), implying efficient and productive use. Family labour (0.018), hired labour (–
0.0324), seed (–0.012), and farm size (–0.560) were either inefficient or over-utilized,
with farm size showing a large and negative significant elasticity. The mean return to
scale (RTS) was –0.413, indicating strong decreasing returns to scale. This suggests
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that increasing input levels leads to a decline in output, likely due to input congestion,
poor management, and general production inefficiencies among farmers.
The major constraints identified include pests and high input costs, while poor market
access, adverse climatic conditions, and poor road networks, were considered less
severe. The study concludes that although maize production is profitable, significant
inefficiencies and structural constraints hinder optimal productivity. It is
recommended that farmers receive training on input management, extension services
be strengthened, and infrastructural improvements be prioritized to enhance maize
production efficiency in the area.

Fish farmers and fishermen have often complained of low profit margin due to the impact of fish marketing agents who often fix fish price without minding the cost of fish production It is therefore important to investigate the roles and impacts of marketig agents.This study examined the impact of fish marketing agents on fish prices in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Four major markets namely New Benin, Uselu, Yanga, and Oka were purposively selected, and primary data were obtained from 101 respondents through the use of structured questionnaires and interviews. Descriptive statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a 5% significance level were employed to analyze the data. The results revealed that fish marketing in Benin City is dominated by women (59.4%), mostly between the ages of 26–35 years, with moderate educational attainment. Retailers (38.6%) and wholesalers (23.8%) constituted the major categories of marketing agents, with wholesalers (35.6%) identified as having the greatest influence on fish prices. The majority (64.4%) of respondents believed that marketing agents cause price increases and price fluctuations, mainly through transportation cost manipulation (35.6%) and hoarding (33.7%). The major challenges identified included unfair pricing (47.5%), low profit margins (22.8%), and limited access to capital (12.9%). Government intervention (52.5%) and regulation of market agents (45.5%) were the most suggested measures for achieving fair pricing. The study concludes that while marketing agents play a vital role in fish distribution, their activities often lead to price distortions that negatively affect both producers and consumers. It recommends strengthened institutional regulation, improved infrastructure, cooperative marketing, and capacity building to enhance transparency, efficiency, and fairness in fish marketing within Benin City.

This study was conducted to determine and compare some of the mineral composition of Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) leaf meal obtained from three locations within Benin City, Nigeria, and to evaluate the subsequent implications for livestock nutrition and feed safety. Fresh Guinea grass leaves were collected from Ekenwan, Ekosodin and Uniben, representing a gradient of land use intensity. The samples were processed, sun-dried, and milled into a fine powder. Subsequent laboratory analysis utilized Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), Flame Photometry, and spectrophotometric methods to quantify the concentrations of macro-minerals (Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, Phosphorus), essential trace minerals (Iron, Zinc, Manganese), and heavy metals (Chromium, Lead). The results revealed statistically significant variations (p < 0.05) in the mineral content across the three locations. The Uniben location exhibited the highest concentrations of Potassium (331.3 mg/kg), Magnesium (115.2 mg/kg), and Iron (28.1 mg/kg), while Ekehuan recorded the highest Phosphorus content (345.0 mg/kg). However, Uniben and Ekosodin locations also showed elevated levels of heavy metals, with Lead concentrations of 0.30 mg/kg and 0.25 mg/kg respectively, and Chromium levels of 0.50 mg/kg and 0.40 mg/kg respectively. Ekehuan location had the lowest heavy metal contamination but showed deficiencies in some essential minerals. Research indicates that the mineral content of Guinea grass in Benin City varies significantly by location. This means forage from some sites offers nutritional benefits but also carries a risk of heavy metal contamination for grazing animals. Consequently, the study advises avoiding harvests in urban and high-traffic zones and calls for feeding strategies that include location-specific mineral supplementation to safeguard livestock.

Soil carbon storage is a key component of the global carbon cycle and plays a vital role in climate regulation, particularly within forest ecosystems. This study assessed soil organic carbon (SOC) and associated soil properties in a teak (Tectona grandis) plantation at the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. A plot measuring 50 m × 50 m was marked out in the plantation and divided into three sections to represent replicates, with two plots each, resulting in six georeferenced sampling points which include USS1 - USS6 (Uniben Soil sample). Soil samples were collected from the top 0–15 cm layer, processed, and analyzed for physical and chemical properties, Standard laboratory procedures were followed, and results were subjected to statistical analysis using ANOVA. Results revealed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) among plots and replicates in most soil properties. SOC and organic matter were highest in USS1 and USS4, indicating greater litter input and reduced decomposition, while USS3 recorded the lowest values alongside higher bulk density and exchangeable acidity. Total nitrogen and exchangeable cations followed SOC patterns, reflecting the close linkage between carbon and nutrient dynamics. USS2 and USS5 showed relatively higher total nitrogen and cation exchange capacity, suggesting better nutrient retention. Available phosphorus remained low across all sites, indicating potential nutrient limitation. Soil pH and electrical conductivity varied significantly among sampling points, highlighting micro-site differences influenced by litter accumulation, root activity, and localized decomposition. Soil texture showed no significant variation, confirming uniform parent material. Overall, the results demonstrate that teak plantations enhance soil organic carbon and nutrient status, contributing to carbon sequestration and sustainable land management, while localized conditions drive variations in soil fertility and nutrient distribution.

This study examined the economic impact of Integrated Agricultural Systems (IAS) on farm productivity in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The study aimed to describe the socio-economic characteristics of farmers, assess the profitability and cost of integrated and conventional farming systems, and identify the major constraints affecting IAS adoption. Primary data were collected from fifty farmers through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and profitability indicators such as Gross Margin, Net Farm Income, and Return on Investment (ROI). The results revealed that farming in the area is male-dominated (60%) with a mean age of 50 years and an average of 14 years of farming experience. The majority (80%) of respondents had tertiary education, reflecting a relatively literate farming population. The profitability analysis showed that IAS had a total production cost of ₦2,234,380.20, profit of ₦1,673,056.29, and ROI of 0.75, while conventional farming recorded a higher ROI of 2.55 due to lower setup costs. However, integrated systems demonstrated greater long-term sustainability through resource recycling, soil fertility improvement, and diversified income streams. Major constraints identified were climate variability, water scarcity, inadequate knowledge or training, and labor shortage. The study concludes that IAS are economically viable and environmentally sustainable but require significant initial capital and technical knowledge. It recommends enhanced farmer training, access to affordable credit, and supportive agricultural policies to encourage wider adoption and improve productivity.

This study investigated the germination potential of 21 different seed types stored under hermetic room temperature conditions at the University of Benin, Nigeria for 3 years. Germination trials revealed that only one seed type, snake tomato (Trichosanthes cucumerina), exhibited successful germination at 83.3%.

Scent leaf is a common vegetable and spice in the diet of most Nigerians, cherished as a result of its contribution to health and sensory qualities. However, its safety is usually compromised especially because it is usually consumed raw or slightly cooked. Hence, this study was conducted to determine its microbiological quality. Samples of scent leaf (9) were randomly purchased from New Benin, Oba and Uselu markets in Benin. Each
sample was divided into 2- one group was washed with sterile distilled water and the other group was left unwashed and they were blended to aid homogenization. Samples
were analyzed for bacteria and yeasts using conventional plate culture procedures. This
was followed by the characterization of bacterial and fungal isolates using cultural and
biochemical characteristics. The identity of isolates were confirmed using Polymerase
Chain Reaction (PCR). The mean bacteria count (log10 cfu/g) across the three markets
for the unwashed samples was 2.30 while that of the washed was 1.92. For fungi, the
mean count in the unwashed scent leaf was 1.67 while that of the washed samples was
1.20. Statistically, there was a significant difference (P<0.05) in bacteria counts (log10
cfu/g) between the unwashed (2.27, 2.28 and 2.34) and washed scent leaves (1.96, 1.86
and 1.96) for New Benin, Oba and Uselu markets respectively. Significant differences
(P<0.05) were also recorded in fungal counts (log10 cfu/g) between the raw scent leaves (1.71, 1.66 and 1.63) and washed samples (1.25, 1.18 and 1.16) obtained from New Benin, Oba and Uselu markets respectively. Also, the bacteria count across the markets was always higher than the fungal count; an indication of more bacterial contamination. The bacteria isolated from the scent leaf samples were identified and was found to be Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PCR tests was carried out and
confirmed the identity of three of the isolates specifically as Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa