African Journal of Agriculture ISSN 2375-1134 Vol. 10 (8), pp. 001-004, August, 2023. Available online at https://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajaoas/table-of-contents © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Serum Micromineral Alterations in Sheep Infected with Trypanosoma congolense

Neils, J. S.¹, Joshua, R. A.², Oladusu, L. A.²

¹Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Nigeria.
²Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan. Nigeria.

Accepted 9 May, 2023

Abstract

Twenty (20) Yankassa sheep ages between 12-18 months were infected with fresh stock of Trypanosoma congolense isolated from a cow. Animals were grouped into three; groups A and B were infected while group C served as uninfected controls. Samples between the infected and the uninfected controls showed a high significant levels of calcium (Ca) and iron (Fe) (P < 0.001) and lower of phosphorus (P) (P < 0.001). There was no significant change in the level of copper (Cu) (P > 0.05). Generally, values of the contemporaneously uninfected sheep were significantly lower for calcium and iron and higher for phosphorus and copper. Therefore, the increase in concentrations of calcium, iron and phosphorus may suggest that they could have a role in the pathogenesis of trypanosomosis due to T. congolense.

Key words: Yankassa sheep, microminerals, T. congolense, pathogensis.
 

African Journal of Agriculture ISSN 2375-1134 Vol. 10 (7), pp. 001-006, July, 2023. Available online at https://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajaoas/table-of-contents © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Impact of Hydrological Variability on Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.): A Study of Germination, Growth, and Yield Responses

J. K. Mensah¹, B. O. Obadoni¹, P.G. Eruotor² and F. Onome-Irieguna¹

¹Department of Botany, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria.
²Department of Agronomy, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Nigeria.

Accepted 27 March, 2023

Abstract

The effects of drought on germination of sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum L.) also known as benniseed were simulated in the laboratory using varying concentrations of sodium chloride, glucose and polyethylene glycol at 0 – 0.50 MPa water potential. Higher osmotic conditions (0.25 – 0.50 MPa) significantly reduced the percentage germination, radical and shoot development. The ability of the three chemicals to reduce germination and seedling development in sesame was of the order: polyethylene glycol < glucose < sodium chloride. Different irrigation regimes of water were used to induce flooding and drought effects on plants cultivated in pots in a green house. Both flooding and drought resulted in stunted growth, reduced dry matter, number of leaves per plant and seed yield per plant. Prolonged flooding reduced maturity time, and induced chlorosis and floral abortion. The growth and seed yield of sesame are adversely affected by continuous flooding and severe drought.

Key words: Drought, flooding, sesame plant, osmotic tension.

African Journal of Agriculture ISSN 2375-1134 Vol. 10 (6), pp. 001-004, June, 2023. Available online at https://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajaoas/table-of-contents © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Impact of Microwave Processing on the Antigenic Characteristics of Bovine Milk Proteins

KADDOURI Hanane, El MECHERFI Kamel Eddine, KHEROUA Omar, SAIDI Djamel*

Laboratoire de Physiologie de la Nutrition et de Sécurité Alimentaire, Faculté des Sciences, Département de Biologie, Université d’Oran, Oran, Algérie.

Accepted 2 May, 2023

Abstract

This work is aimed to assess the effect of a microwave heating on cow’s milk protein antigenicity. The heating protocol is established on the power/time relationship. A first share of milk samples were treated at 300 and 400 watts for 10, 15 and 20 min. The second share of milk and whey samples were treated at 500, 600 and 700 watts for 10 min. The antigenicity of proteins is evaluated by a study of milk sample reactivity towards the IgG anti- -Lg (obtained from immunized rabbits) using ELISA method. Microwave treatment of whole milk cause significant decrease of whey proteins concentration than samples of fresh whey treated. Electrophoresis analysis reveals that whole milk treated by microwave induces more changes in whey proteins composition. Microwave heating of entire cow’s milk seems to diminish its whey proteins reactivity towards the specific antibodies (IgG).

Key words: Cow’s milk allergy, microwaves, whey proteins, antigenicity.
 

African Journal of Agriculture ISSN 2375-1134 Vol. 10 (5), pp. 001-007, May, 2023. Available online at https://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajaoas/table-of-contents © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Evaluation of Ethanol Levels in Orange Wine Produced by Four Distinct Yeast Fermentation Techniques

Okunowo, Wahab Oluwanisola* and Osuntoki, Akinniyi Adediran.

Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos. P.M.B. 12003. Lagos. Nigeria

Accepted 5 July, 2024

Abstract

Gas liquid chromatography was used to identify the types of alcohol present in wines produced by fermenting orange juice with four strains of yeast; Saccharomyces cerevisiae (isolated from yam), S. cerevisiae (from sugarcane molasses), Saccharomyces carlsbergensis (from sugarcane molasses) and S. cerevisiae var. ellipsoideus (from orange juice). Ethanol and methanol were the predominant alcohols. The ethanol content was highest, 90.38% with S. cerevisiae var. ellipsoideus and least, 81.49% with S. cerevisiae (from sugarcane molasses). The methanol concentration varied between 9.51% with S. cerevisiae var. ellipsoideus and 14.93% with S. carlsbergensis. The other alcohol detected, isopro-panol was generally negligible; 0.10 to 0.25% except with S. cerevisiae (from sugarcane molasses) which produced it as 5.46% of the total alcohol. The total alcohol was highest, 6.50 ± 0.15% with S. carlsbergensis and least 3.23 ± 0.12 with S. cerevesiae var. ellipsoideus.

Key words: Alcohol types, fermentation, orange wine, Saccharomyces, yeast strains.
 

African Journal of Agriculture ISSN 2375-1134 Vol. 10 (4), pp. 001-023, April, 2023. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Drivers and Impacts of Desertification and the Possible Actions to Reduce the Loss of Biodiversity: A Review

Larry Williams and Kelvin Smith

Ethiopian Forest Research

Abstract

Desertification due to climate change has become a mass topic in recent years. It is caused by the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere that have an impact on our environment. It is also one of the most serious socio-economic and environmental problems of our time. The most important objective of this article is to examine the causes and effects of desertification as well as potential solutions to mitigate its effects. The main causes of desertification include: climatic factors and human activities such as overexploitation and inappropriate agricultural practices, deforestation, high population growth, land and rights unsafe access. Desertification also includes soil erosion; capable of genetic erosion of the plants, animals and microorganisms that form the living elements of arid environments. When dry soil plants and animals, including soil microorganisms that have adapted to dry conditions, are lost, they are most likely lost forever. Since some species and genes have adapted well to drier areas, the rate of species loss is greater. Serious impacts are clearly observed in the reduction of forests, wildlife ecosystems and total biodiversity. People in rural areas need to be supported through initiating income diversification to reduce pressure on drylands and therefore environmental management methods to combat desertification are dependent to each other.

Keyword: Biodiversity, Climate change, Deforestation, Desertification, Greenhouse gases.

African Journal of Agriculture ISSN 2375-1134 Vol. 10 (3), pp. 001-006, March, 2023. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Indeginous knowledge systems in sustainable utilization of wetlands in communal areas of Zimbabwe: case of Hwedza district

Christopher. Tafara Gadzirayi, Edward Mutandwa , Jordan Chihiya, And Chikosha Mary

Department of Agriculture, Bindura University of Science Education, P. Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe, Africa

Accepted 10 November, 2022

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate how Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) has helped in the sustainable management of wetlands in Mukondwa ward of Hwedza District in Zimbabwe. The wetlands are found in patches of about 2-3 square km per patch and accommodating an average of 15 households and are managed as a community asset. A descriptive survey was used and a structured questionnaire was administered to 280 farmers in seven villages. The findings show that most farmers viewed IKS to be important in sustainable wetland management. A wide range of IKS techniques were used and these included use organic manure, mixed cropping, use of cultural taboos and flora indicators for sustainable management of wetlands. The study also established that urbanization and conventional technologies have an obliterative effect on IKS. The research recommends that IKS development action be based on a multi-sectoral approach involving all institutions of the society. Planners should take cognizance of existing IKS within communities

Keywords: Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Wetlands, Sustainability.