FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE

The effect of digestate admixed top soil on the dry matter production of Tiger-nut (Cyperus esculentus L) was evaluated between December 2023 - April 2024 at the Department of Crop Science screen house, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria. The Experiment involved four application rates (0,5,10 and 15 kg N ha -1) of digestate per 10 kg top soil laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Data were collected at 10 - 14 weeks after planting (WAP) on shoot dry weight and nut dry weight; and at harvest on number of nuts per plant, nut size, weight and yield from the results, the application of digestate brought about increase in dry matter in terms of enhanced dry shoot and nut weight. Nut yield parameters were also improved through digestate application. The heaviest nut size (8.89g), highest nut weight (34.8g) and yield (0.69g) were recorded in top soil media treated with digestate at 10 kg N ha -1 which was not significantly (p>0.05)
higher than those of plants produced from 5 kg N ha -1 digestate. Top soil media treated with digestate at 5 kg N ha -1
is thereby suggested for tiger nut farmers.

This study investigated the impact of body and environmental temperatures on the growth performance of rabbits reared in University of Benin, a tropical environment. Forty rabbits were randomly allocated to four treatment groups and housed in different hutches with varied feeder heights. Data on environmental temperature, body temperature, feed intake, water intake, and weight gain were collected and analyzed statistically. The results revealed significant differences(p<0.05) in body temperature among treatment groups, indicating the influence of housing and feeder placement on rabbit thermoregulation. Environmental temperature remained relatively stable across treatments. Feed intake showed variability, with a slight decrease observed from the control group to the standard height feeder group. Water intake varied among treatments, but no significant differences(p>0.05) were found. Weekly weight gain did not significantly differ(p>0.05) among treatment groups. Correlation analysis showed a strong positive correlation between average weekly body temperature and environmental temperature(p < 0.01), while a moderate negative correlation was observed between body temperature and feed intake(p < 0.01). Daily variations in body temperature and feed intake were also noted, highlighting the influence of ambient conditions on rabbit physiology and behavior. Discussion of the findings emphasized the importance of understanding temperature effects on rabbit performance for effective management in tropical climates. Practical implications include implementing strategies to mitigate heat stress and optimize productivity through proper shade, ventilation, and hydration management. This study contributes valuable insights into the relationship between temperature variables and rabbit growth performance, offering evidence-based recommendations for
sustainable rabbit production in tropical environments.

This research work was conducted in the University of Benin, Benin City, with the aim to determine plant nutrient status under different land use types within the Ugbowo campus of the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from twelve (12) sites, (three each) from four (4) different land use types, namely: Arable land, Fallow land, Grazing land, and Forest land at depths of 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm. Soil samples from same land use and same depth were bulked to make omposite samples which were taken to the laboratory for analysis using standard procedures. Some of the parameters analyzed for are, the Soil pH, Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Total Nitrogen (N), Available Phosphorus (P), Exchangeable Acidity, Exchangeable Base (BS), particle size distribution, Electrical conductivity, Potassium (K) calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg) and Effective Cation Exchange Capacity (ECEC). Results showed that the top soils belong to the textural class of loamy sand. Sand content decreased with depth in all land uses while clay content increased with depth. pH was least in arable land, having pH 4.93 and highest in grazing area, having pH 6.2. pH decreased with depth in all land uses except in grazing area, where it increased. TOC, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na and sand content, all had their highest values in the top 15 cm of the soils but decreased down the profile
while H, Al, and clay values increased with depth. Grazing area had the highest amount of nutrients, which are; TOC (25.21 g/kg), available P (16.45 mg/kg), K (1.60 cmol/kg), Ca (1.31 cmol/kg) and Na (0.21 cmol/kg), while the forest had the highest concentration of N (1.93 g/kg). Arable land had the least concentration of nutrients.

The effect of digestate admixed top soil on the dry matter production of Tiger-nut (Cyperus esculentus L) was evaluated between December 2023 - April 2024 at the Department of Crop Science screen house, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria. The Experiment involved four application rates (0,5,10 and 15 kg N ha -1) of digestate per 10 kg top soil laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Data were collected at 10 - 14 weeks after planting (WAP) on shoot dry weight and nut dry weight; and at harvest on number of nuts per plant, nut size, weight and yield from the results, the application of digestate brought about increase in dry matter in terms of enhanced dry shoot and nut weight. Nut yield parameters were also improved through digestate application. The heaviest nut size (8.89g), highest nut weight (34.8g) and yield (0.69g) were recorded in top soil media treated with digestate at 10 kg N ha-1 which was not significantly (p>0.05) higher than those of plants produced from 5 kg N ha -1 digestate. Top soil media treated with digestate at 5 kg N ha -1 is thereby suggested for tiger nut farmers.

This study investigated the impact of body and environmental temperatures on the growth performance of rabbits reared in University of Benin, a tropical environment. Forty rabbits were randomly allocated to four treatment groups and housed in different hutches with varied feeder heights. Data on environmental temperature, body temperature, feed intake, water intake, and weight gain were collected and analyzed statistically. The results revealed significant differences(p<0.05) in body temperature among treatment groups, indicating the influence of housing and feeder placement on rabbit thermoregulation. Environmental temperature remained relatively stable across treatments. Feed intake showed variability, with a slight decrease observed from the control group to the standard height feeder group. Water intake varied among treatments, but no significant differences(p>0.05) were found. Weekly weight gain did not significantly differ(p>0.05) among treatment groups. Correlation analysis showed a strong positive correlation between average weekly body temperature and environmental temperature(p < 0.01), while a moderate negative correlation was observed between body temperature and feed intake(p < 0.01). Daily variations in body temperature and feed intake were also noted, highlighting the influence of ambient conditions on rabbit physiology and behavior. Discussion of the findings emphasized the importance of understanding temperature effects on rabbit performance for effective management in tropical climates. Practical implications include implementing strategies to mitigate heat stress and optimize productivity through proper shade, ventilation, and hydration management. This stud ycontributes valuable insights into the relationship between temperature variablesand rabbit growth performance, offering evidence-based recommendations for sustainable rabbit production in tropical environments.

Microplastics have been recognized worldwide for their toxic effects in fish, man and wildlife. The Ogba River in Benin City, Nigeria, has been reported to be contaminated to varied levels on Microplastic concentrations as a result of anthropogenic impact. This preliminary study was conducted to determine the levels of Microplastic concentrations in Cat fish (Clarias
gariepinus) and Tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) from Ogba river, Benin city, Nigeria. Microplastic is a minute particle of chemical pollutant in marine environment and classified as less than 5 mm size. The microplastics could not degrade for long years and they are ingested, incorporated, and accumulated in tissues of living organisms. The existence of
microplastics in living organisms is influenced by the interaction of biological and non- biological factors and ecological security, although the exact mechanism is unclear. Fish samples was collected using a fishing net or scoop net while operating a dug-out canoe with the assistance of local fishermen, samples was placed in labelled zip-lock bags and conveyed to the laboratory in an ice box. Samples was rinsed thoroughly with running water. The cleaned fish sample was placed in 10% KOH solution and the beaker was covered. The beaker was safely stored away for a period of 14-21 days, the samples was left to digest in
closed vials overnight at 60°C in an oven. The digested sample was purified using wet 30% H2O2. and sieved through two sieves (1 mm and 38 mm), or 5um to ensure the capturing of microplastics of the smallest sizes. The filter was rinsed into a glass petri-dish using pure water and was subjected to a temperature of a 100°C for 12hrs in an oven.

This research work was conducted in the University of Benin, Benin City, with the aim to determine plant nutrient status under different land use types within the Ugbowo campus of the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from twelve (12) sites, (three each) from four (4) different land use types, namely: Arable land, Fallow land, Grazing land, and Forest land at depths of 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm. Soil samples from same land use and same depth were bulked to make composite samples which were taken to the laboratory for analysis using standard procedures. Some of the parameters analyzed for are, the Soil pH, Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Total Nitrogen (N), Available Phosphorus (P), Exchangeable Acidity, Exchangeable Base (BS), particle size distribution, Electrical conductivity, Potassium (K) calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg) and Effective Cation Exchange Capacity (ECEC). Results showed that the top soils belong to the textural class of loamy sand. Sand content
decreased with depth in all land uses while clay content increased with depth. pH was least in arable land, having pH 4.93 and highest in grazing area, having pH 6.2. pH decreased with depth in all land uses except in grazing area, where it increased. TOC, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na and sand content, all had their highest values in the top 15 cm of the soils but decreased down the profile
while H, Al, and clay values increased with depth. Grazing area had the highest amount of nutrients, which are; TOC (25.21 g/kg), available P (16.45 mg/kg), K (1.60 cmol/kg), Ca (1.31 cmol/kg) and Na (0.21 cmol/kg), while the forest had the highest concentration of N (1.93 g/kg). Arable land had the least concentration of nutrients.

the experiment was conducted to determine the yield, physical and chemical composition of leaf protein concentrates and bagasse obtained from oil palm leaf using three different processing methods. The process of extraction were heat coagulation, acid coagulation, and alum precipitation methods. The leaf protein concentrates and bagasse obtained were further analysed for their chemical and mineral compositions. The yield of LPC and bagasse obtained from acid coagulation, alum precipitation, and heat precipitation were comparable. But, the yield of OLPC was not significantly (p>0.05) different in the acid and alum processing methods, but was significantly (p<0.05) different for the heat processing method. Result, from the chemical analysis shows that the CP and EE of acid coagulation method were significantly (p<0.05) different from alum and heat processing methods. At the same time, the MC and NFE of OLPC for heat were significantly (p<0.05) different from alum precipitation method and acid coagulation method. From the results obtained from this study, Oil palm leaf protein concentrates obtained using heat coagulation, acid coagulation and alum precipitation methods were comparable but heat coagulation would be preferable as a result of its high Ca (633.0), Cu (15.67), Mn (66.83), Zn (108.77), Na (3.46), Mg (501.63), P (417.67), Fe (154.30)
and Cl (1.307) values.

Youth participation is crucial to Community development. The success of every project depends however on their active participation in designing, implementing and sustaining the projects that affect their condition of living, has not been ascertained. The study was conducted to access youth’s participation in community development projects in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives includes ;to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of youth, identify the types of project that youth engage in, ascertain the levels of youth participation, identify the constraints that youth face in participating in community development project and identify the factors that influence youth to participate in community development project. A two-stage sampling procedure was used to select 130 youths for the study. Data were collected through interview schedule using structured questionnaire however,124 copies were valid. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics (mean, frequency counts, percentages and standard deviation) and inferential statistics such as spearman’s correlation coefficient and simple linear regression. Results from the study showed that males and female youths participate in community development projects in the study area Majority (97.6%) of the youths in the study area have obtained various level of formal education from secondary education to postgraduate education. Also 33.9% of respondents agreed that their Parents and family influenced their participation in the implementation of community development projects. About 52.4% and 50% of youths participated in Agricultural activities and sport development activities respectively. Respondents were highly involved in skill acquisition (mean = 2.23), education (mean = 2.22) and Agriculture (mean = 2.01). Results revealed that youths were
highly involved in disbursement of funds (mean = 3.09), site selection (mean =3.33) and construction work (mean 3.19). Majority of the youths were highly involved in reporting project performance (mean = 3.32), report writing (mean 3.19), quality assessment (mean = 3.10) and evaluation committee to understand plans of the projects (mean = 3.03). The major constraints to youth participation in community development projects were inadequate awareness on community development projects (mean = 4.04), poor programme planning (mean = 4.01). There is a significant correlation between Age (r = 0.186; p = 0.039), level of education (r= 0.432; p = -0.017) and years residing in community (r=0.224; p =0.014) and youth level of participation in community development projects. Also, there was a significant correlation (r = 0,202; p = 0.024) between friends
influence to participate in the implementation of community development projects and level of participation in community development projects.It was concluded that Youths were actively involved in various community development projects. The study recommended that development agencies should introduce project that will impact youths directly such as acquisition and economic empowerment.

The consumption of snacks such as meat pie has progressively been on the increase. It is assumed that the safety in terms of microbial population may not be guaranteed. Meatpies produced and consumed in University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria were assessed for microbiological population in Areas of Faculty of Arts, Mat-Ice Anatomy gate, Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Engineering and Uniben buka. Microbiological quality of meat pies produced and consumed was determined using
cultural media and serial dilution for isolation and identification of bacteria and fungi count loads in meat pies sold in the University of Benin. A total of 5 meat pie samples were taken randomly from the five different locations within university of Benin in Benin city. Aliquot of 1ml of the appropriate dilution from each contaminated water was plated in nutrient agar for isolation of bacteria, potato dextrose agar for isolation of fungi. The data obtained were subjected to Analysis of variance (ANOVA) using
Genstat. They were all were analyzed for total heterotrophic bacteria count and total fungal count. The 5 samples had a mean total aerobic plate count and coli forming count ranging from 0.914log cfu/g to 1.828log cfu/g for bacteria counts and 0.5log cfu/g to 2.2log cfu/g for fungal counts with. Four different bacterial and four fungal isolate were identified to include Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus spp, mold and yeast respectively. The microbial counts
showed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05), between the mean, bacterial and fungal counts. The presence of Escherichia coli, which is an indicator organism in feces call for concern. Adoption of good manufacturing practices in the meat pie hazard analysis critical’ control point (HACCP) are necessary to prevent occurrence of food borne infection. Thus, this study revealed the likelihood of a very high risk associated with the consumption of meat pies within university of Benin, Benin City.