FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE

The global livestock sector requires sustainable strategies to reduce reliance on costly, conventional protein sources like Soybean Meal (SBM), particularly in regions like Nigeria. This study investigated the nutritional implications of partially replacing SBM with locally abundant Guinea Grass Leafmeal (GGLM) in formulated diets, focusing specifically on the resulting mineral composition. Four experimental diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric, where SBM was replaced by GGLM at graded levels: T1 (0% GGLM, control), T2 (10% GGLM), T3 (20% GGLM), and T4 (30% GGLM). The diets were subjected to mineral analysis using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The results showed a significant influence (p<0.05) of GGLM inclusion on the mineral profile of the diets. Diets with higher GGLM levels (T4) recorded the highest concentrations of most essential macro- and micro-minerals, including Calcium (Ca), Sodium (Na), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Potassium (K), Phosphorus (P), and Manganese (Mn). For instance, Ca increased from 3126.81 mg/kg in T1 to 5614.33 mg/kg in T4, and P increased from 415.10 mg/kg in T1 to 520.30 mg/kg in T4. Conversely, Chromium (Cr) showed an inverse relationship, and traces of Lead (Pb), though increasing slightly with GGLM inclusion (from 0.0533 mg/kg in T2 to 0.1500 mg/kg in T4), remained well within safe limits. The study concludes that Guinea Grass Leafmeal is a valuable mineral-enriching alternative to Soybean Meal. Its substitution can successfully enhance the mineral density of livestock diets, offering a cost-effective and su tainable feed resource without posing a heavy metal toxicity risk, thereby supporting resilient livestock production systems.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have received significant attention due to their potential health and environmental impacts. Some are toxic and pose risks to human health and ecosystems. This study was conducted to determine the levels of PAHs in Oreochromis niloticus from Ogun river in Ajegunle, South-West Nigeria. Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector (GC/FID) was used to measure the concentrations of PAHs in the fish tissues, following United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) methods. The objectives of the research evaluated the toxic equivalency (TEQ) of PAHs, toxic/hazard
quotient for PAHs, estimated daily intake with annual intake and cancer risk factor for PAHs in O.niloticus. Naphthalene had a low value in the fish sample analyzed and could be related to the fish species inability to absorb it irrespective of its presence in the water and sediments. Total PAH concentrations found in the fish sample exceeded the acceptable limit set by the European Commission (2 µg/kg Fluroanthene and Benzo(a)pyrene) for fish considered safe for human consumption. The quota for PAHs
ranged from 0.037% for Naphthalene to 73.97% for Fluroanthene. The continual consumption of fish from the river by the inhabitants could lead to bioaccumulation with adverse health implications since PAHs are carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic. Furthermore, the high concentrations and the persistent nature of PAHs make the fish that inhabit the river unfit for human consumption.

Thе ѕuссеѕѕ оf ѕuѕtаіnаblе аgrісulturе dереndѕ nоt juѕt оn thе mоtіvаtіоnѕ, ѕkіllѕ, аnd knowledge of individual farmers, but оn асtіоn tаkеn by the аgrісulturаl еxtеnѕіоn аgеnсу іn hаrmоnіѕіng thе асtіvіtіеѕ оf оthеr аgеnсіеѕ involved іn аgrісulturаl development. This study assessed the effectiveness of extension workers in coordinating agriculture and rural development activities in Edo State, Nigeria. specific objectives of the study were tо exаmіnе thе реrѕоnаl сhаrасtеrіѕtісѕ оf agricultural еxtеnѕіоn wоrkеrѕ, extent tо which they реrfоrm аgrісulturаl and rural dеvеlорmеnt асtіvіtіеѕ, hоw еffесtіvеness іn thе сооrdіnаtіоn оf аgrісulturаl аnd rurаl dеvеlорmеnt activities and the constraints to coordination of еxtеnѕіоn wоrkеrѕ іn Edo State.

This study analyzed the profitability of maize production in Orhionwon Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The research specifically examined the socio - economic characteristics of maize farmers, estimated production costs and returns, identified factors influencing profitability, and documented constraints faced by producers. A multi - stage sampling technique was employed to select 100 cassava farmers from five major farming communities in the local government area. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Gross margin analysis, multiple regression analysis and likert scale ranking. Findings revealed that maize production in the area is dominated by small - scale farmers with 43% respondents between 19-40 years, 40% within 41-60 years and 17% above 60, with 52% male and 48% female, average farm size of 1.9 hectares, and relatively high educational attainment. Budgetary analysis showed the enterprise to be profitable with a gross margin of N617,702.44 and net profit of N544,730.44, Regression results identified farm size, yield and fertilizer cost as significant positive determinants of profitability, Major production constraints included insecurity, high labor costs, insufficient funds. This study concludes that maize production remains a profitable enterprise in the study area. Recommendations include improve access to quality inputs, enhance 16 extension services, stabilize market prices andencourage youth participation. These interventions would significantly improve the income generation potential of maize production for smallholder farmers in the region

This study examined the adoption of Innovations by small-holders oil palm farmers in Ovia North East local government Area Edo state, Nigeria. This studies specifically examine the socioeconomic characteristics of smallholder oil palm farmers in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria, the agricultural innovations smallholder oil palm farmers were aware of in the area, level of adoption of the innovations by oil palm farmers in the study area, the farmers information sources on oil-palm technologies, motivations for farmers’ adoption of oil palm technologies, constraints affecting the adoption of the innovations among smallholders oil palm farmers.A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 120 smallholders oil palm farmers from six purposively selected communities. Data were collected structural questionnaire, collected data were analysed using descriptive statistic (frequency count, percentage and mean). For the bjectives inferential statistics (multiple regression) was used to test the hypothesis. The results reveals that majority of the farmers in the area were predominantly male (63.33%), (67.5%) of the respondents were aged of 30- 49 years and married (50%). Also (70.83%) of the respondents cultivated a farm size of 1- 3 hectares, With annual income of ₦500,000-₦1,000,000 and had limited access to extension services, the had high awareness to traditional innovations such as pest and diseases managements, soil improvement technique. However, ICT- based Innovative tools, weather predictive information and Mechanized harvesting tools remained low .Adoption for fertilizer (mean = 3.33) and pest and disease practices (mean = 3.18) were relatively high but low for mobile application (mean = 1.45) and mechanized harvesting tools (mean = 1.35). The major motivation for farmers adopt of Innovations included: higher income (100%), fellow farmers/ peer influence (99.17%) and better crop yield (98.32%). The regression results reveals that, there is no significant relationship between most of the socioeconomic characteristics and adoption. However annual ix income (p= 0.0005), access to extension services (p= 0.000) and awareness of agricultural innovations (0.004) had significant influence in the adoption of Innovations. Key constraints were high cost of adoption (99.17%) limited access to credit (98.33%), weak extension services (95.00%), inadequate training opportunity (95.00%), and limited access to modern agricultural. Although response demonstrate readiness to adopt innovations however the limit outreach by extension agents and insufficient supports significantly impeded their adoption of oil palm innovations. This study recommended expanded extension outreach, targeted training programs, access to land, financial supports to increase the level adoption of oil palm innovations among smallholders' oil palm farmers and its productivity.

This study assessed the utilization of honey, focusing on the marketing and consumption patterns, in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria. Of the seven (7) communities in Ughelli North Local government area, four (4) were purposively selected and fifty (50) copies of questionnaires were administered to each of the communities. A total of two hundred (200) copies of questionnaires were administered to the respondents in the study area. Data were also collected from 20 honey sellers in the communities. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency, percentage, mean and presented in
tables and charts. The findings revealed that the majority of honey sellers (50%) had been selling for 1-3 years. Their primary marketing channel was physical market places (66.67%), and they predominantly promoted honey through word of mouth (65.38%). All surveyed sellers (100%) reported that they do not export their honey. A significant finding is that all sellers (100%) do not own a bee farm, primarily citing a lack of skills (50%) as the reason.

This study was conducted to evaluate the nitrogen balance and retention in West African Dwarf (WAD) goats fed diets containing varying levels of chitin and chitosan extracted from periwinkle shells, an unconventional feed resource. A total of 12 weaner
female WAD goats were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments: control (no additive), 3% chitin, 6% chitin, 0.5% chitosan, 1% chitosan and antibiotic ( 0.01% oxytetracycline). The trial lasted 15 days, with an 8-day digestibility and nitrogen balance trial using metabolic cages. Parameters assessed included feed intake, nitrogen intake, faecal and urinary nitrogen excretion, nitrogen balance, nitrogen digestibility, and nitrogen retention. Chemical analyses of the experimental diets were also conducted
with ash ranging from 9% - 20%, crude fiber (17.50% - 24.50%), crude protein (15.75% - 22.75%), dry matter (91.10% - 91.85%), Nitrogen free extract ( 12.50%. - 42.31%), organic matter ( 80% - 91%) and ether extract (8.50% - 10%) . Results showed that chitin and chitosan-based diets, particularly at 6% Chitin and 0.5% chitosan inclusion, significantly improved nitrogen balance and retention compared to 1% chitosan and 0.01% oxytetracycline diets. Urinary nitrogen loss was significantly lower in chitin-fed goats, indicating better nitrogen utilization. There were no adverse effects on dr chitin and chitosan from periwinkle shells are viable, eco-friendly feed additives that can enhance nitrogen efficiency in goats. Chitosan, in particular, may serve as a natural alternative to antibiotics in small ruminant nutrition. The study recommends broader application and further research into their economic and microbial effects.

The agricultural sector in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa faces persistent challenges in meeting livestock nutritional needs, particularly during dry seasons when conventional feed becomes scarce and expensive. Maize cobs, despite being a widely accessible agriculture by-product of maize processing, are not very useful because of the high fibre content and poor digestion. This study shows the impact of a short-term (14-day) ensiling period with wood ash extract (WAE) on the chemical and physical characteristics of maize cobs, with a focus on their usefulness as a feed ingredient.The cobs were subjected to four treatments: untreated control (T1), water-soaked (T2), ensiled with 250ml WAE (T3), and ensiled with 500ml WAE (T4). Results showed that WAE treatment significantly altered the proximate composition. Moisture content increased from 11.93% in T1 to 22.87% in T4, and ash content rose from 1.55% in T1 to 2.41% in T4, indicating mineral enrichment. However, a leaching effect was observed; crude protein, which increased to 5.53% in T2, decreased to 3.78% in T4. Similarly, ether extract (fat) was lowest (0.39%) in T4. Carbohydrates were substantially reduced from 55.44% in T1 to 40.94% in T4, indicating microbial utilization during fermentation. Mineral analysis revealed that T3 was most effective for enrichment, increasing Potassium to 314.60 mg/100g and Zinc to 1.82 mg/100g, while higher volumes (T4) led to leaching of Phosphorus (25.72 mg/100g). Physically, the treated cobs exhibited a softer texture and a characteristic vinegar-like aroma, indicating successful fermentation.The study concludes that ensiling maize cobs with a moderate volume (250ml) of wood ash extract (T3) optimally enhances the mineral profile and induces beneficial fermentation, presenting a practical strategy for valorizing this agro-waste into a valuable feed resource for smallholder farmers in Nigeria.

This study investigated the proximate composition, saponin, and flavonoid contents of five legume species soybean (Glycine max), faba bean (Viciafaba), black gram (Vignamungo), jack bean (Canavaliaensiformis), and velvet bean (Mucunasloanei). The aim was to assess their nutritional value and bioactive potential for food and feed applications. Proximate parameters such as moisture, crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber, ash, and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) were analyzed using standard AOAC (2019) procedures. Results revealed notable variations among samples. Soybean had the highest protein (42.00%) and lipid (15.68%) contents, confirming its exceptional nutritive quality. Velvet bean showed the lowest moisture (1.30%), implying better storage durability, while black gram exhibited the highest NFE (62.04%), indicating that it is primarily carbohydrate-based. Jack bean and faba bean displayed moderate nutrient levels, whereas velvet bean offered a balanced profile of protein and carbohydrates. Quantitative Phytochemical findings revealed relatively high flavonoid and phenolic concentrations in soybean and jack bean, while velvet bean contained the highest saponin level. These bioactive components are associated with antioxidant and health-protective properties. The result suggest that underexploited legumes, particularly jack bean and velvet bean, could serve as nutritious alternatives to soybean when adequately processed to remove anti-nutritional compounds. Their wider use could expand protein options, enhance food security, and support sustainable agricultural systems.

This study aimed at accessing the effectiveness of broadcasting media in disseminating agricultural information to maize farmers in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Edo state, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of maize farmers, identify the broadcasting media available and accessible to maize farmers, examine the perceived benefits of broadcasting media utilized, determine the effectiveness
of broadcasting media utilized, and identify constraints faced by maize farmers in the study area. Multi-stage and simple random sampling procedure was used in the selection of 150
respondents for the study. Primary and secondary data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentage, mean, and standard deviation
while the hypotheses were analyzed using Regression analysis. The findings revealed that 50.7% of maize farmers were female while 49.3% were male with a mean age of 48 years. Most (96.7%) of the respondents had access to electricity. Further findings show that broadcasting media was available to majority (61.9%) of the
farmers and not available to a notable minority (38.1%). Also, majority of farmers (60%) perceived broadcast media to be very effective while 40% did not. Major constraints faced by the farmers were, poor network signal coverage (x̄= 3.75), poor power supply (x̄= 3.56). The study recommend that agricultural broadcast programs should be developed by local radios and community TV stations since most rural farmers rely on them by designing programmes for AM/FM thereby enhancing accessibility to broadcasting media