FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE
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Item The Role of Oxalic Acid and Polygalacturonase in The Pathogenicity of Pythium Aphanidermatum On Different Cowpea Varieties(1987) Koleosho, B.; Ikotun, T.; Faboya, O.Item AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF TOBACCO PROCESSING INDUSTRY IN WESTERN AND KWARA STATES OF NIGERIA(1978-01) ADIO, D. A.The objective of this study is to assess the economic performance of tobacco processing industry in Western and Kwara States of Nigeria. After a brief discussion of the development of tobacco industry in Nigeria, some technical aspects of tobacco leaf production, cigarettes manufacture, and blackfat manufacture were discussed. Three firms were selected for the study. These are Nigerian Tobacco Company Limited, Philip Morris (Nigeria) Limited and Premier Tobacco Company Limited. The data used for the study were obtained from two main sources. The Federal Office of Statistics, Lagos; and through questionnaires and personal interviews with the selected tobacco processing firms. Investigations on the economic characteristics of the selected firms indicated that the firms differed not only in year of establishment, but also in ownership patterns (private vs. quasi government), size of capital, labour employment; output size, and value-added to the Nigerian economy. The largest firm (NTC), employed 3,302 workers in 1973 whilst Philip Morris (Nigeria) Limited, which is a medium-sized firm, employed 836 workers during the same period. The smallest firm, Premier Tobacco Company, employed only 40 workers during the same year. Also in terms of capital investment, NTC invested N15,000,000 in 1973, Philip Morris invested N2,400,604, and Premier Tobacco Company invested only N746,150 during the same period. In terms of value-added, NTC contributed N21,4l5,604 whilst Philip Morris added N6,582,75C and PTC added only N33,350 to the economy for the year 1973. The analysis of costs and returns involved in cigarettes manufacture revealed considerable disparity in the cost outlay and in the net returns to each firm. In 1973, for instance, the total cost for NTC was N31,387,419; that of Philip Morris was N10,l30,457; while that of PTC was only NI02.877. The net returns were Ml8,387,581 for NTC, «5,3l3,8o4 for Philip Morris and Nl4,346 for PTC for the same period. From the balance sheets and income statements of these firms, a financial analysis was carried out. This analysis revealed some favourable liquidity and solvency ratios for each firm and thus, each firm could easily qualify for loans advancement from financial institutions for the period under review. Using some time series data collected from the firms, production functions for tobacco processing industry were estimated. The estimated functions revealed that the level of productivities of tobacco leaf input, labour, and capital inputs varied from one firm to the other whilst excise tax had some negative effects on cigarettes manufacture. The sum of elasticity coefficients (which was less than one) implied a decreasing return to scale. The policy implication of the study stressed the need to check smuggling of cigarettes into the country from the neighbouring countries and the need for expansion and better management of the cigarette firms.Item RICE INDUSTRY IN KWARA STATE OF NIGERIA: AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS(1978-08) ADENIYI, J. P.The objective of the study is, broadly, to examine the structure and performance of rice production and processing enterprise in Kwara state with a view to identifying possible ways of transforming the industry. The study also aims at identifying and evaluating some of the factors determining the level of marketed surplus and consumption of rice. The analytical tools employed are mostly a combination of farm record analysis and Statistical regression/production function techniques. Most of the survey data were collected during the 1977/78 crop season from 230 farming units, 20 rice mills, 50 rice parboilers and 183 rice consumers in Kwara state. Chapter I deals with the general introduction, problem Situation, objectives and methodology, followed by literature review in Chapter II. Chapter III is devoted to an analysis of resource Situation in rice production while Chapter IV deals with resource productivity and resource-use efficiency in rice farming. The structure and economic performance of rice processing industry is analysed in Chapter V; the Chapter also examines the least-cost milling facilities in Kwara state. Chapter VI is devoted to the analysis of the marketed surplus and home consumption of rice while in Chapter VII, the functional relationship between the quantity of rice consumed and selected variables are examined and some consumption elasticities are computed. The findings are summarised in Chapter VIII. The analysis of resource Situation showed, among other things, that Capital is the most limiting factor in Kwara state peasant rice production. It was shown further that while non-institutional sources of credit play a dominant role in peasant rice production, the role of institutional sources is almost nil. The costs and returns analysis showed that, within the limits imposed by the quality of data, an average rice farmer was making a quite satisfactory performance. With an average paddy rice yield of 1,506.9 kg. per hectare, and an estimated cost of £1205.8 per hectare, the net revenue accrueing to an average farmer was estimated at £1251.6 per hectare. In all the areas under study, the land variable alone accounted for over 70% of the variability in the aggregate production of rice, showing clearly that land is the most crucial determinant of rice production in Kwara state. On the whole, only few significant inefficiencies in resource' use were observed, implying that a mere re-allocation of resources may not have any appreciable effect on aggregate rice output. The study also revealed constant returns to scale on both large and small rice farms, and rejected the hypothesis of inverse relationship between output and farm size in paddy rice farming. The analysis of rice processing Operation revealed that rice processing units were making satisfactory performance in spite of the rather high processing costs, the estimated net returns being N7.96 and N51.5 per ton for parboiling and milling units respectively. It was further shown that small rice mills are the least-cost milling facilities in Kwara State. The emphasis on the marketed surplus study was both on the conceptual framework of the models and of the numerical results, The study showed that the allocation of rice output between market sales and home consumptions were both sensitive to price changes. Total price elasticity of marketed surplus ranged from 0.90 to 1.91 while that of home consumption elasticity fell in the range of -0.27 to -1.6. Output elasticity of marketed surplus ranged from 0.64 to 2.5. It was further shown that volume of production was more significant than family size and producer price in their influence on the marketed surplus of rice. With regards to rice consumption by non-rice producing households, the result showed that while family size and income are positively and significantly correlated with the consumption of rice, education appears to be an insignificant Variable. Household size elasticities ranged from 0.46 - 0.58 while income elasticities of rice consumption fell in the range of 0.02to 0.38. The result also points to the conclusion that, at present, consumers' preference for imported rice is rather strong, owing largely to the relatively high cooking quality of this commodity vis-a-vis that of the locally produced rice. Suggested policy measures include the development of irrigation facilities in the state, the expansion of farmers' credit base, selective mechanisation of rice farming operations, the use of modern rice mills in rice processing, a vigorous use of price instrument for the purpose of increasing the marketed surplus of rice in Kwara state and the removal of marketing bottlenecks, not only to facilitate efficient distribution of rice, but also to ensure that farmers are aware of the existing market conditions.Item STUDIES ON THE INFECTION OF YAMS BY SCUTELLONEMA BRADYS (STEINER AND LEHEW)(1975-08) ADESIYAN, S. O.A general survey of phytoparasitic nematodes associated with yam (Dioscorea spp.) in the Mid-Western State of Nigeria showed that Seutellonema bradys and Meloidogyne spp. were the economically important nematodes of yam tubers. S. bradys was associated with the ’dry rot' of yam tubers causing storage losses estimated between 80 and 100%. Nematodes of the genus Meloidogyne were found associated with galling of tubers of water yam (D. alata). Studies on the rate of population build-up of S. bradys in storage showed that S. bradys increased 9-fold, 8-fold and 5-fold in the tubers of D. rotundata, D. cayenensis and D. alata respectively during 6 months of storage. These increases in population influenced the severity of ’dry rot’ disease. Results of investigations into the depth of penetration of S. bradys in 5 different varieties of D. rotundata showed that there were differences in varietal susceptibility. The bulk of the nematode population was found in the periderm to a depth of between 0-1.5 cm, but depth of penetration was greater in the head portions of each of the tubers than either the middle or bottom portions. Observations on the activities of the nematodes in tuber tissues (histopathology) suggested that the 'dry rot' was mainly due to mechanical damage to the cells and the host reaction to intracellular feeding by S. bradys. Studies on changes in the carbohydrate constituents of the yam tuber infected by S. bradys showed an increase in the percentages of monosaccharides and disaccharides like sucrose, glucose and galactose, fruobose with a concomitant decrease in starch, amylose and amylopectin when compared with healthy yam. Qualitative and quantitative determination of amino acid constituents of nematode-infected tubers of white yam (D. rotundata). yellow yam (D. cayenensis) and water yam (D. alata) showed that the relative numbers of free amino acids were not materially changed following infection by 5, bradys. but a reduction occurred in the number of 'essential' amino acids in the infected tubers. Eighteen ninhydrin positive amino acids were detected in the protein hydrolysate. Except in the case of white yam and in a few other cases, increases in protein amino acids were recorded in the infected tubers of yellow and water yam. The percentage protein was also increased by infection in all species except white yam (D. rotundata). Observations on the rate of weight loss (cumulative percentage weight and mean percentage weight loss) in 3 different species of Dioscorea stored in a yam barn showed that there was a significant difference in the rate of weight loss between nematode-infected and nematode-free tubers of D. rotundata and D. cavenensis, but no significant difference was recorded between the infected and healthy yam tubers of D. alata. Estimation of the edible portions in nematode-infected and nematode-free tubers of D. rotundata. D. cavenensis and D. alata showed a significant difference in the percentage peeling losses between the infected and healthy tubers. Chromatographic analysis of the incubation solution of S. bradys showed that 5 amino acids - aspartic acid, phenylalanine, hydroxylnol acetic acid, leucine and isoleucine were discharged by this nematode. The absence of the steroid group of compounds in the nematode-infected yam tubers revealed by spectrometrie analysis might be disease-related as evidenced by its appearance in the healthy tubers. Polygalacturonase and amylase activities were detected in homogenates of S, bradys. Studies on fungi associated with the dry rot disease of yam tubers showed Aspergillus niger. Penicillium sclerotigenum. Triohoderma viride. Rhizopus nigricans and Fusarium oxvsporum. Botrvodiplodia theobromae and Fusarium moniliforme as the main species. Studies on the possible interrelationshipsbetween S. bradys and 3 fungi A. niger. P. sclerotigenum and F. oxysporum showed that the presence of the nematode seemed to increase the degree of pathogenicity of Fusarium and Penicillium species on yams. But the presence of S. bradys did not increase the degree of pathogenicity of Aspergillus niger. In greenhouse experiments, the interaction between S. bradvs and A. niger was found to be disadvantageous to the nematode. The presence of the fungus seemed to have some effect on the number of nematodes that invaded the roots and tubers and subsequently on nematode development. This was thought to be due to an anti-biotic action of A. niger on S. bradys. A host range study of 30 crop plants and weeds revealed that beniseed (Sesamum indicum L.), cowpea (Vigna unguioulata (L.) Walp.), were good alternative hosts of S. bradys. Small populations of the nematode also survived endoparasitically in the roots of Bupatorium. avnedrella. roselle faib1scus sab dar if f a L.). kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.), melon (Cucurbita pepo L.); jute (Corchorus olitorius L.); yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) (Hochst ex A Rich) Harms., soko (Oelosia araentia L.) and pigeon pea (Ca.lanus ca.ian (L.) Druce). Non-hosts included maize and tobacco. Dipping nematode-infected tubers of D. alata and D. cayenensis in hot water at temperatures ranging between 50 and 60°C for 40 minutes completely eliminated the nematode. However, at temperatures above 55°C for an exposure time of 1+0 minutes, the tubers so treated suffered a physiological damage and rotted very rapidly. Temperatures between 50 and 55°C had no adverse effect on percentage emergence, growth, yield and palatability of tubers of D. alata. Field trials on chemical and cultural control of S. bradys on D. alata showed that the yield of yam was increased and the nematode population suppressed by the application of organic manure at the rate of 1.5 kg/heap or 1 ,886.3 kg/ha. Although the application of nemagon at the rate of 35.2 kg/ha. considerably suppressed nematode population, the yield of yam was significantly reduced. The results showed that there is a good deal of potential for experimentation with various cultural methods of nematode control. Studies on the effect of gamma irradiation on S. bradys showed that dosages between 5 and 15 Krad did not eliminate the nematodes completely, but suppressed sprouting and signs of deterioration in tubers. Dosages between 20 - 30 Krad eliminated about 70 - 80% of the nematode population.Item STUDIES ON THE BLAST DISEASE OF SEEDLINGS OF THE OIL PALM (ELAEIS GUINEENSIS JACQ.)(1972-12) ADERUNGBOYE, F. O.The series of investigations carried out into the blast disease of oil palm seedlings, a disease of high economic importance, showed that the disease was widespread in nurseries throughout south-western Nigeria, The disease was prevalent between October of the year of planting and March of the following year and appeared to be severest in November and December. The incidence of the disease was lower among seedlings planted into the nursery at the beginning of the rainy season in April than, among seedlings planted in June, July or August. Coconut (Cocos nucifera Linn.) and other palms of economic and ornamental importance, for example, Are ca catechu Linn., Ptychosperma elegans Blume, and Roystonea regia (H. B. K.) Cook also showed heavy blast infection. Pythium splendens Braun (Accession No. IMI 149554) and Rhizoctonia lamellifera Small (Accession No, IMI 149556) were consistently isolated from infected roots. Pathogenicity tests with these fungi showed that the blast disease developed as a result of the co-infection of oil palm seedlings by both fungi, P. splendens was found to be more pathogenic than R. lamellifera under experimental conditions. The infective propagules of P. splendens were found to be more abundant at the ploughline depth of 9 inches than at depths of 1, 3, 6, 12, 15, 18, 24 and 36 inches. The recovery of the fungus from nursery soil by the root baiting technique was high in July-October and low in November-January. These variations in the recovery of the fungus from soil were found to correspond with variations in soil moisture but not with soil temperature. The cultural practice of incorporating organic manure with soil increased while air-drying of soil decreased the recovery value of the fungus from soil. In vitro studies on P. splendens and R. lamellifera showed that the linear growth, sporangial and sclerotial production and germination were better in agar media rich in simple sugars than those deficient in them. The best temperature range for the linear growth, sporangial and sclerotial production and germination was found to be 25-30°C. Longevity of sclerotia of R. lamellifera was highest at a relative humidity value of 95% and at a low temperature of 20°C. Soil temperature in polythene bag planting was found to be positively correlated (r = 0.7758) with the blast disease at the 1% level of significance. There was no statistically significant correlation between the disease and soil temperature or soil moisture in ground bed planting. The incidence of the blast disease was found to be higher in the subsoil and ground bed planting than in the topsoil and polythene bag planting respectively. Shading of nursery seedlings in the dry season particularly from October to December was found to be more effective than Chemical soil treatment with Femasan or Benlate in reducing the incidence of the blast disease. Soil treatment with pentachloro-nitrobenzene appeared to aggravate the disease. Extension work seedlings produced at NIFOR were found to be more resistant to the blast disease than grove palm seedlings.Item LEAST-COST RATIGNS FOR BROILERS - A LINEAR PROGRAMMING APFROACH(1979-09) ADESIDA, M. A.It has been established that Nigeria has a food problem especially where protein intake is concerned. The poultry industry has been identified as the quickest means of expanding protein supply and lowering its cost within the short run (10-12 weeks for broilers). However, feeds account for 65-75 percent of the total costs of production. Moreover, the numerous problems facing the feed industry coupled with the poor quality of feeds produced have greatly limited the profitability and rapid expansion of the industry. The linear programming (L.P.) tool was utilized to formulate least-cost diets which made use of locally available ingredients. The scarcity and rising costs of the grains (maize and guinea-corn) which provide over 60 percent by weight of broiler feeds prompted the use of cassava flour as an energy providing Substitute. Feeding trials were carried out to test the efficiency of the least-cost diets. The objectives of the study are (1) To use L. P tool to formulate different least-cost rations which meet specific nutritional specifications for broilers, using readily available feed ingredients. Cassava and soya-bean are being tested as energy and protein providing substitutes respectively. (2) To compare the least-cost formulated diets with the diets used by some commercial farms. (3) To find the optimum killing age/weight. (4) To find the rate of Substitution of cassava flour for maize and guinea-corn in the ration for broilers. (5) To determine the economics of using different levels of cassava flour in the rations for broilers. Experimental results showed that starter diets with 24 percent Protein and 5 percent fibre level were better than those with 26 percent protein and 3 percent fib re levels. The computerised starter and finisher diets tested were cheaper and were found to perform better than the commercial diets. For the cassava based diets, analysis of the experimental results showed significant (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, differences in Feed Conversion Efficiency (F.C.E.) in both starter and finisher diets in which guinea- corn and maize were replaced. For weight gain, significant (P 0.01) differences were found only in Starter and finisher diets in which cassava replaced maize. For feed intake, significant differences (P < 0.0l) occurred only in Starter diets in which cassava replaced maize. The diets that caused significant differences were those in which the cassava contents were very high (25-40 percent) and they performed poorest. Even though growth is suppressed due to reduced feed intake caused by the powdery nature of the feeds, it is pertinent to note that diets with 40 percent cassava are still highly tolerable to the birds. Analysis of the weight response as cassava level increases showed that the decrease in weight gain was more rapid when cassava was being substituted for by maize rather than by guinea-corn. This could be attributed to the availability of nutrients or the amino-acid balance of the guinea-corn based diets. Carcass qualities of the birds were not taken into consideration because they are not highly rated in this society. The diets were further investigated to see how the nutrients contents and energy-based ingredients influenced performance, using the multiple linear regression model. The square root and quadratic functions were fitted but the quadratic forms gave the lead equations using the laid down criteria. Feed, protein, energy and the amino-acids intakes proved to be significant explanatory variables for the live- weight gain in the birds. Marginal Analysis was performed on some selected functions. The elasticity of production for energy and protein showed increasing returns to scale in the Starter and finisher diets at the mean value of inputs. As higher levels of inputs are used, diminishing returns is likely to set in. The elasticity of Substitution exhibits a unitary one also at the mean value of inputs. A percentage increase in the energy content of the feed results in an equal percentage decrease in the protein level of the diet. The extent of substitution is limited by the requirement of the birds. Optimum quantities of the energy-based ingredients to produce the Optimum broiler weight gain were determined. Production surfaces, isoquants and isoclines were produced for selected functions of the energy-based ingredients. The rate of Substitution between guinea-com/cassava and maize/cassava were found to be declining with increasing level of output as more of cassava and less of maize or guinea-corn are used. Estimates of revenue over feed costs for the various diets were computed. It was discovered that non-significant differences between diet without cassava was not synonymous with equal revenue yielding diets. In general, the computerised diets without cassava gave higher revenue than the commercial diets. For the diets in which cassava replaced the grains, the revenue accruing to the farmer decreased as the percentage cassava content increased. The revenue from guinea-corn diets were however higher than in the maize diets. Diets with 10 percent cassava had higher or equal revenue with the commercial diets. Diets with higher cassava levels were costlier because cassava is costlier than the grains. It is however envisaged that prices of cassava may fall in the near future because of increases in production. Revenue from the diets was therefore obtained using varying costs of diets as cassava price varies. When cassava was made to assume the same price with guinea-corn, all the computarised diets except that with 30 percent cassava level had higher revenues than the commercial diets. The revenue increased as the cassava prices were reduced but the diets with 30 percent cassava gave the lowest revenue all the time. Optimum killing age determined suggested that broilers be sold at eleven weeks for most of the diets except those in which five and 10 percent cassava replaced guinea-corn. The implications of this study are that efforts to improve returns — poultry farmers must be focused on the cost and quality of feeds. Particular attention must be paid to cheap sources of protein, carbohydrate and oils. There is a very high potential for the use of cassava if its adoption becomes a reality in the future. Further investigations are necessary in testing the least-cost diets with the existing various breeds of broilers. Comparison can also be made of the use of soya-bean and groundnut cake as a protein providing ingredient in broiler diets.Item SEED PRODUCTION IN OKRA (ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS (L.) MOENCH)(1987-08) ADETUNJI, I. A.Fifteen genotypes of okra were evaluated in eight environments for stability of seed yield, and also to identify the most suitable environments for producing high quality seed at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria from 1984 to 1986. There was significant genotype x environment interactions for all characters examined except for percent seed germination. On the average, highest seed yield and best seed quality as measured by percent seed germination were associated with environments with low total precipitation (460.4 mm), low average relative humidity (50.1%) and high number of sunshine hours (1153.7 hrs). Studies on agronomic requirements for okra seed production revealed that high plant population (111,110 plants/ha) produced about 39% higher seed yields/ha than low plant population of 55,555 plants/ha. Nitrogen levels of 65 kg/ha and 130 kg/ha raised seed yield by 35 and 39% over the control (no nitrogen) respectively. Seeds harvested 35-49 DAF, stored in polythene bags at 4°C with 50% RH retained most of their viability after 16 months of storage. Removing the first two to four edible pods on each plant raised okra seed yields by about three percent. Removal of the first 6 to 14 pods/plant reduced seed yields by 36-80%. Removal of up to four edible pods/ plant was compensated for by higher total pod dry matter yield reflected in a higher 1000-seed weight and larger size of seeds. Seeds in categories of 4.0 and 4.5 mm size grades were more vigorous as indicated by 1000-seed weight, percent seed germination and seedling emergence.Item AN ECONOMIC APPRAISAL OF THE RUBBER PROCESSING INDUSTRY IN BENDEL, OGUN AND ONDO STATES OF NIGERIA(1977-09) ADESIDA, A.This study attempts to assess the economic performance of the rubber processing industry in Bendel, Ogun and Ondo States of Nigeria. The Nigerian rubber industry which experienced a boom in the early 1950's started to face some serious set-backs during and after the civil war which broke out in 13G7. This set-backs were manifested in form of declining productivity and consequent decline in its contribution to foreign exchange earnings. The study which covers the period 7-1 assesses the economic performance of some rubber processing firms in the three states mentioned above in order to identify some of the factors responsible for the set-backs in the industry. The data used for the study were collected mainly through the use of questionnaires and personal interviews. Other sources of data include Federal office of statistics and ministries of Agriculture and Natural Resources in all the three states. Chapter 1 assesses the economic importance of rubber industry in terms of foreign exchange earnings, employment generation and value added to the Nigerian economy. The rubber industry contributed 6.2 percent of the country's total export earnings in 1363. By 1972, it accounted for 4.7 percent of the country's industrial labour force and Chapter 6 uses non-parametric statistical technique to assess the factors limiting expansion and economic performance of the industry. The major limiting factors are lack of capital and inadequacy of raw materials. Labour is not a limiting factor although the industry i9 short of skilled and managerial personnel. A financial analysis for the industry and the estimation of a profit function for rubber processing industry were the major highlights of chapter seven. The financial analysis shows some weak points in financial management positions of some firms while the profit function shows that volume of sales, and selling expenses are the two major factors affecting profits in the processing industry. Some policy recommendations were advanced and these include the need for individual processors to strive to make use of their under-utilized capacity instead of plant expansion. Also, each processor must upgrade his management capability. The rubber commodity board should (i) appoint a committee to look into the present state of affairs of the rubber industry, establish rubber lumps marketing centres and make provisions for price incentives to producers of natural rubber at all levels.Item DIGESTION AND UTILIZATION OF PROTEIN IN THE WEST AFRICAN DWARF SHEEP(1974-10) ADEGBOLA, T. A.West African dwarf sheep maintained on Cynodon nlemfuensis/Centrosema pubescens hay and concentrate supplements were used to study intake and digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen metabolism. Levels of ruminal metabolites of nitrogenous origin and blood urea were examined on the rations fed to the sheep. [15N] ammonium chloride and [15N] urea were used to study the production of ammonia and its utilization in the rumen, and the flow of blood urea into the digestive tract. Shredded paper impregnated with chromic oxide was used to partition digestibility in the stomach and intestines of the sheep. The results for the West African dwarf sheep were compared with those of other breeds of sheep in intake and digestibility of organic matter and nitrogen metabolism. The intake of dry matter by the West African dwarf sheep was similar to that of other breeds when expressed per metabolic size. Nitrogen retention values were high and this shows that absorbed N was being utilized efficiently. The metabolic faecal N values of 3.0 to 3.7g N/kg dry matter intake and the endogenous urinary N value of 0.0238 g/day/WKg 0.734 were obtained for this class of livestock. The biological values of the rations ranged from 85.7 to 100.0%. The digestible crude protein requirement for maintenance over the experimental period was 0.74g/day/Wkg, 0.734 by the N balance mehod, and 0,22g/day/Wkg 0.734 by the factorial method. The levels of nitrogenous metabolites in the rumen varied with levels of dietary crude protein. Ruminal ammonia was highly correlated (r = 0.99) with blood urea. The amino acids present in lowest concentration in bacterial and protozoal protein are methionine and histidine while there are high levels of lysine and leucine. Isotopic studies with [15N] ammonium chloride and urea shows that 4-7% of [15N] ammonium chloride administered into the rumen was recovered in the faeces, and 3.1% was recovered in milk. Also 30.5% of [15N] urea administered into the blood was recovered in the urine and the isotope was not recovered in the faeces. Ruminal ammonia contributed 26 – 33% of the bacterial N and 15 – 19% of protozoal N ten hours after feeding. Urea was synthesized in the body at the rate of 9.4 to 10.1g/day, and 4.7 to 7.3g/day were degraded in the digestive tract of the sheep. The chromic oxide - impregnated paper method showed that 72.5% of digestible dry matter and 72.6% of digestive organic matter of the rations were digested in the stomach. The corresponding values for small intestine were 10.1% and 11.4% for dry matter and organic matter respectively, while in the ceacum and colon, the values were 17.5% and 16.0% for dry matter and organic matter respectively. Substantial amount of N of endogenous origin were secreted in the proximal small intestine but were efficiently absorbed before the distal portion was reached. The results show that the West African dwarf sheep utilize the hay and supplement rations efficiently and are adapted for survival in areas where the intake of N might be inadequate.Item THE EFFECT OF OXYTETRACYCLINE ON THE PERFORMANCE AND SERUM MINERAL LEVELS OF KIDS REARED WITH OR WITHOUT THEIR DAMS(1988) ADELEYE, B. O.Investigations were conducted to assess the effect of supplemental oxytetracycline-HC1 at various levels on performance and serum mineral levels of kids reared on two different systems of management, namely, kids reared with their dams and those reared artificially on cow's milk, with a view to determine the optimal level at which the best performance could be achieved. Forty-eight three-day-old goat kids weighing between 1.25 and 2.05kg with a mean weight of 1.79kg were used in this study. A group of animals assigned to a specific rearing method were randomly allotted to four treatment groups (0, 13.2, 19.8 and 26.4mg of oxytetracycline-HC1 daily). The experiment lasted for 84 days. The results on performance showed that the voluntary milk intake and liveweight gain of kids reared with their dams were comparable with their counterparts on cow's milk for the first two weeks of the experiment. Thereafter, the milk intake of kids reared with their dams diminished due to fall in dam's milk yield, resulting in lower weekly liveweight gain. At the end of the experiment, the mean weekly liveweight gain of kids reared on cow's milk were higher (241.90 vs 295.20g). However, kids reared with their dams exhibited better feed efficiency than their counterparts on cow's milk, indicating that the observed higher weekly liveweight gain was as a result of the higher milk intake. Oxytetracycline-HC1 supplement enhanced weekly liveweight gain of kids reared with their dams. The overall mean weekly liveweight gain for kids on treatment levels (0, 13.2, 19.8, and 26.4mg of oxytetracyclne-HC1 daily) were 171.70, 216.56, 216.39 and 333.80g, respectively, for kids reared with their dams. The corresponding values for kids reared on cow's milk were 330.56, -315.31, 289.59 and 246.34g, respectively. Oxytetracycline-HCl supplement did not depress the serum levels of Ca, Na, K, Cu, and Fe, particularly when fed between 13.2 and 19.8mg/day. Slight decrease in the serum levels of P and Mn compared to the control were observed, although the differences were not significant. However, oxytetracycline significantly depressed the serum Mg levels, particularly in kids reared with their dams. Results obtained with the two systems of management suggested that oxytetracycline-HC1 was capable of improving the performance of kids reared with their dams. Oxytetracycline-HC1 fed as supplement to kids already adequate in milk intake was not encouraging, since no apparent improvement in performance over the unsupplemented kids was produced. Oxytetracycline- HC1 supplement at level of 26.4mg/day is recommended for adequate liveweight gain and optimal feed efficiency without adverse effect on the serum mineral status of the pre-weaned kids.