Direct Research Journal of Agriculture and Food Science

Evaluation of Airtime Usage on the Feeding Pattern of Tertiary Students: A Case Study of Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu (FCAI), Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Queen C. Adeoye-Agomoh, Happiness C. Ezenwa — Fri, 02 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the food consumption patterns of students in the Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria and the influence of mobile phone usage, particularly airtime consumption, on their dietary habits. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design and employed stratified sampling techniques to ensure representation across various academic programmes (Higher National and National Diploma). Data were collected through a combination of structured questionnaires and interviews, allowing for both quantitative and qualitative insights. A total of 359 respondents participated in the survey, comprising 55.8% males and 44.2% females. Most of the respondents (80.8%) were single, and a majority (72.5%) identified as Christians. The data revealed that mobile phone usage significantly affects students' feeding behaviour, with 74.2% accepting that airtime usage affects their food consumption patterns. The most common pattern of eating observed was "1-0-1" (one meal in the morning and night), by 49.3% of the respondents. This was attributed to lack of money (49.3%), followed by lack of food availability, time constraints, and inadequate cooking knowledge. Health issues (55.7%), academic performance decline (27.6%), and psychological stress (16.7%) were reported as reasons for irregular feeding. Airtime was primarily used for both making calls and buying data (60.7%), indicating a strong digital involvement among students. Interestingly, majority (82.5%) believed that reducing airtime expenses could positively impact their ability to afford better meals. The findings emphasize the relationship between phone usage and nutrition among students, highlighting the need for targeted interventions such as financial literacy, time management education, and food preparation skills to promote healthier eating habits in tertiary institutions.

Optimization of a Multi-Micronutrient Powder Formulation Incorporating Moringa oleifera: A Sustainable Approach to Nutritional Intervention

A. B., Yusuf, I., Sani, O. Emmanuel, O.K. Adetunji — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Micronutrients are essential nutrients that play a crucial role in supporting human health, survival, and overall bodily functions. Micronutrient deficiencies remain a critical public health concern, particularly in developing regions where malnutrition is prevalent. This study aimed to formulate and optimize a micronutrient powder blend using locally sourced ingredients which are Moringa, Spinach, Carrot, and Eggshell to address micronutrient deficiencies and improve dietary intake. Three formulations (F1, F2, and F3) were developed to evaluate their nutritional composition, functional properties, storage stability, and sensory acceptability. The study employed an experimental design, including proximate analysis, micronutrient profiling, assessment of antinutritional factors, and sensory evaluation. The results showed that the three formulations contained varying levels of essential micronutrients, with F3 exhibiting the highest calcium (369.43 mg/100 g), iron (393.97 mg/100 g), and vitamin A (126.40 μg/g) content. Functional properties such as bulk density (0.48–0.50 g/cm³), water adsorption capacity (1.26–1.30 g/g), and swelling capacity (1.32–1.35 g/g) were within acceptable ranges. Storage stability analysis indicated minimal nutrient degradation over time, with peroxide values ranging from 8.30 to 8.73 meq/kg. Sensory evaluation revealed that F1 had the highest overall acceptability, particularly in color (8.33), taste (8.33), and texture (7.67). These findings suggest that the developed micronutrient powder formulations could serve as viable dietary supplements to combat micronutrient deficiencies. Further studies are recommended to assess bioavailability, large-scale production feasibility, and potential health impacts.

Awareness, attitudes, and practices of abattoir workers towards bovine tuberculosis in Isoko north local government area of Delta State, Nigeria

Sat, 17 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a zoonotic disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis, posing significant public health risks, especially to individuals working in abattoirs due to their direct exposure to infected cattle and carcasses. Despite its relevance, limited research has been conducted on the knowledge and preventive practices of abattoir workers regarding bTB in Nigeria. This study assesses the awareness, attitudes, and practices of abattoir workers towards bovine tuberculosis in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among abattoir workers, including butchers, meat handlers, and transporters. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, which assessed participants' knowledge of bTB, modes of transmission, and adherence to preventive measures. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were used to determine associations between sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge or practices related to bTB. Findings revealed that while most respondents (over 80%) had heard of tuberculosis, only a minority (less than 40%) were aware of its zoonotic nature. High-risk practices, such as handling raw meat without protective gear (67%) and consuming undercooked meat (52%), were prevalent. Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and hygiene measures was limited due to inadequate awareness and lack of regulatory enforcement. Education level and work experience were significantly associated with better knowledge and adherence to preventive measures (p < 0.05). The study highlights a gap in knowledge and preventive practices among abattoir workers, increasing their risk of occupational exposure to bTB. To mitigate these risks, targeted educational programs, regular training, and enforcement of hygiene regulations should be implemented. A One Health approach, involving veterinary, health, and regulatory authorities, is essential for effective control and prevention of bovine tuberculosis in the study area.

Effects of Groundnut Shell Meal (GSM) on the Performance and Haematological Indices of Finisher Broilers

E. O. Ahaotu, Simeon, V. C. Ahaotu, N. V Herasymenko — Sat, 17 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In order to incorporate agro industrial by-products in poultry diets, the effect of feed substitution of the crude protein content of groundnut shell meal with that of palm kernel cake in the performance of broilers was investigated. The study involved 150 mixed sexed broiler finisher birds divided into five groups of 50 each. Five treatments corresponded to the five groups. The control treatment T₀ had no groundnut shell meal while the other four treatments included replacement of groundnut shell meal with palm kernel cake at 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 % (T₀, T_2.5, T₅, T_7.5 and T₁₀ respectively). All treatments had the same calculated levels of crude protein and metabolisable energy contents. Results showed no evidence of the effect of treatments on feed efficiency (P> 0.05). However, there was evidence that feed intake, live weight gain, average final live weight of birds receiving the control diet T₀ were lower than those receiving 10% substitution with palm kernel cake (P<0.05). There was evidence that carcasses of chickens fed the T₅ diet were lower (P <0.05) than those fed T₁₀ but similar to T₀ and T_7.5(P> 0.05). T₁₀ proved to be the most profitable diet. Therefore, groundnut shell meal can be substituted up to 10% with palm kernel cake in the proportions used in this trial without detrimental effects on growth performance of broilers.

Economic impact of high burden of fascioliassis in FCT, caused by damage to liver

L. J. Ogbaje, Y. D. Malann, B. A. Azare , M. Njoku , O. C. Jegede — Sat, 24 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Fascioliasis disease is economically significant to domestic farm animals and causes substantial economic losses in the livestock business via liver condemnation, livestock death, and reduced meat production. Lower growth rate and feed conversion rates in fattening cows are the causes of losses. The aim of this study was to determine the economic impact of high burden of fascioliasis due to damaged livers in FCT Abattoirs, Nigeria. A total of 1,654 slaughtered cattles were examined and the feacal samples microscopically examined using sedimentation technique for identification of ova of fasciola. Infected livers were incised and adult parasite expressed, counted and preserved in 70% ethanol. The study found a 30.00% prevalence of fascioliasis in cattle, with 291 cases (59.00%) of trimmed, damaged livers, 129 (27.41%) partially condemned livers, and 70 (14.25%) totally condemned livers. Economic losses due to liver damage were significant, totaling N1, 050,000 ($2,409.12), including N 340,000 from partial and N 710,000 from total condemnations. In total, 200 cattle had condemned livers. These results highlight the financial burden of fascioliasis on livestock production and emphasize the need for effective control measures. The study on Fasciolagigantica infections in cattle reported a 63.00% prevalence (308 cases) of adult parasites in livers and 37.00% (182 cases) of ova in fecal samples. Mixed infections were found in 20.25% (335 cases) of cattle from January to December. Chi-square analysis showed no significant monthly variation (p<0.05), regardless of season. The findings underscore notable economic losses from liver condemnation. To address this, the study suggests regular deworming, improved husbandry, and awareness campaigns, especially in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Prevalence and severity of viral and fungal diseases in selected fruits and vegetables in northern and upper east regions of Ghana

Wilberforce Orlando Aduguba, Nelson Opoku, Abrahim Kusi-Obeng — Fri, 30 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study assessed the incidence and severity of viral and fungal diseases and some agronomic practices affecting vegetable crops in sixty vegetable fields from 4 different irrigation sites located in the Northern and Upper East Regions of Ghana. A descriptive survey was conducted from May to December 2023 to January to May, 2024. Questionnaires were administered to 180 vegetable farmers in total. A field survey identified four major diseases affecting vegetable crops: Cercospora leaf spot, leaf anthracnose, fruit rot, and viral infections. Among the fungal diseases, fruit rot had the highest incidence (42.65%), followed by Cercospora leaf spot (40.00%) and leaf anthracnose (39.58%). However, in terms of severity, viral diseases topped the list with 10.63%, while leaf anthracnose (9.50%), Cercospora leaf spot (9.13%), and fruit rot (8.80%) followed. Seed practices revealed that 1.7–45% of farmers reused seeds from previous harvests, with 11.7–88.3% storing them in airtight rubber containers. Seedling mortality after transplanting ranged widely, affecting 5–95% of farmers. Water sources for irrigation included municipal and irrigation supplies (1.7–60%). Farmers primarily identified new diseases through visual symptoms (1.7–98.3%) and practiced seasonal crop rotation (43–60%). Fungicide use for disease control varied from 3.3–73% among farmers. The findings suggest that poor agronomic practices, including inadequate seed management and irrigation strategies, were the main factors contributing to the widespread occurrence and intensity of fungal and viral diseases on vegetable irrigation farms.