Nsukka Local Government Area Research Articles

Effect of feed type on performance of pullet chicks in Nsukka local government area of Enugu state, Nigeria

A five-week study was conducted to determine the effect of feed type on performance of pullet chicks in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. One hundred and twenty 4-week old pullet chicks (ISA Brown strain) averaging 100.03g body weight were randomly divided into 4 groups of 30 birds each. Each group was randomly assigned to one of four experimental diets (self-compounded starter diet (C) and three commercial starter diets-A, B and D, respectively), using a completely randomized design (CRD). Each diet constituted a treatment. Each treatment was replicated 2 times with 15 birds per replicate. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. There were significant (P<0.05) differences among treatments in average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, protein intake, protein efficiency ratio and final body weight. Birds on treatment C (self-compounded feed) had significantly (P<0.05) higher final body weight and average daily weight gain than those on treatments A, B and D (commercial feeds), while birds on treatment A had significantly (P<0.05) higher average daily feed intake than birds on other treatments. Birds on treatment C had the least FCR value and higher (P<0.05) protein efficiency ratio (PER) value. Birds on treatment C had the least (P<0.05) cost of daily feed intake and total feed intake and cost of feed per kg weight gain. It was concluded that diet C (self-compounded feed) was superior to the commercial feeds because it supported the highest growth rate of chicks and its use resulted in drastic reduction in feed cost per kg weight gain.Keywords: Feed type, growth performance, pullet chicks, Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria

Awareness and Attitude of Family Planning among Rural Women of Nsukka Local Government Area: Implications for Social Work Intervention

Nigeria’s population increase has become a great concern to demographers, economic planners and even the government agents as a result of people’s apathy in family planning. Many of the rural population are not knowledgeable about the benefits of family planning and as such, they feel that the programs are not for them, and therefore, do not participate. Against this backdrop of the above situation, the study examined the awareness and attitude of family planning among rural women of Nsukka Local Government Area. Data were gathered from 240 respondents who were randomly selected from Nsukka rural communities. Results showed that younger women (55.2%) were more knowledgeable about family planning than the older women (44.8%). It was also found that religion played an active role in the adoption of family planning practices in Nsukka area of Enugu State. In view of this, it is strongly recommended that education should be employed to improve people’s knowledge on sexuality and to curtail the ugly trends in family planning practices in Nigeria. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p1404

Rural Farmers Sources and Use of Credit in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria

Rural Farmers Sources and Use of Credit in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria

Effect of Origami on Students’ Retention in Geometry

This study was designed to determine the effects of Origami instructional approach on JS I students’ retention in geometry. Two research questions and three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted a quasi-experimental non-equivalent pretest posttest control group design and was restricted to Nsukka local Government Area of Enugu State. Two Co-educational Secondary Schools were drawn for the study, using simple random sampling technique. Out of the two drawn schools, one was randomly assigned to Origami Group (OG) while the other one to the Control Group (CG). A sample of 101 JS one students was involved (65 female and 36 male). The instrument for data collection was geometry retention test (GRT). Data collected were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The result of the study revealed that use of Origami in teaching geometry to junior secondary school students enhanced their retention in geometry. The study also revealed that the use of Origami had no statistically differential effect on male and female students’ retention. The study also revealed that there was a significant interaction effect between gender and instructional material, on retention of the concepts taught during the study. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended that use of Origami should be adopted in the teaching of geometry (mathematics) in primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of education system. It was also recommended that seminars, workshops and conferences should be mounted by professional bodies, federal and state ministries of education on the use of Origami for mathematics teachers, students and others. This will enable the mathematics educators, serving teachers, students and all to benefit from such an approach.

Consumption patterns of iron and vitamin a rich foods and contributions of food groups to nutrient intakes of pregnant women in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu state, Nigeria

The consumption patterns of iron and vitamin A rich foods and contributions of food groups to nutrient intakes of pregnant women in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria were assessed. A total of 386 pregnant women randomly selected from 3 communities in Nsukka Local Government Area were used for the study. A validated structured questionnaire was used to collect information on respondents’ food consumption patterns. The contributions of food groups to respondents’ nutrient intakes were assessed using a 3-day weighed food intake study. The iron-rich foods most frequently consumed by the respondents were legumes, green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds which respectively, made 41.9%, 17.1% and 11.2% contributions to iron intakes of the women. Vitamin A-rich foods most frequently consumed by the respondents were palm oil and vegetables which respectively, contributed 76.8% and 21.5% of vitamin A intakes of the women. Animal foods made very little contributions to the respondents’ nutrient intakes and foods of vegetable origin form very important part of the diet of the study population. Nutrition education on proper processing techniques of foods to conserve their micronutrients, and the need for consumption of ascorbic acid-rich fruits with meals to enhance bioavailability of iron in the diet are imperative. Government subsidization of animal foods to make them more affordable, and biofortification of locally produced foods to increase the bioavailability of micronutrients are also recommended.Key words: Food consumption pattern, nutrient intakes, pregnant women, Nigeria.

Factors That Influence Iron Status of Pregnant Women in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria

Iron deficiency, the commonest nutritional disorder worldwide, has serious impact on pregnant women. The prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women in Africa ranges from 47% in East Africa to 56% in West Africa. Among Nigerian women, South-eastern Nigeria has the highest prevalence (61%) of iron deficiency anaemia. The study investigated the factors that influence iron status of pregnant women in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. The respondents comprised 386 pregnant women randomly selected in Nsukka Local Government Area. A validated structured questionnaire was used to collect information on respondents’ socio-economic and obstetric characteristics. Determination of haemoglobin concentration (Hb) was used to assess the respondents’ iron status. The result showed that less than half (44.1%) of the respondents had normal iron status, while 55.9% of the respondents had varying degrees of iron deficiency. Mean Hb of the respondents was 10.87±0.99g/dl. Iron status of the respondents was significantly (P<0.05) influenced by age, occupation, educational and income levels. Respondents below 20 years had significantly lower Hb (P<0.05) than other ages. Artisans, farmers and traders had significantly lower Hb (P<0.05) than other occupational groups. Hb significantly increased with increase in educational and income levels (P<0.05). Women’s nutritional/health status hinges on improved educational/economic empowerment, and is further impaired by early marriage and teenage pregnancy. Women’s education must be highly prioritized, and community-based approaches employed for promotion of girl-child education and prevention of adolescent marriage/pregnancy. More income generating activities/entrepreneurial skills for women are imperative to boost their income and spending on family food.Key words: iron status, influencing factors, pregnant women, Nsukka.

Neonatal mortality of pigs in Nsukka, Southeast Nigeria

This study was conducted to investigate the causes of neonatal mortality among pig farms in Nsukka Local Government area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Forty (40) pig farms in the study area were randomly selected and used for the 20 weeks study duration. One week post partum was considered as the neonatal period. A total of 124 pregnant sows and 924 piglets farrowed during the study period were used. Data were obtained from farm visitations/physical observations, farm records, oral interviews and structured questionnaires. Feed samples were analyzed for their proximate contents. Pregnant pigs were weighed prior, during and few days after farrowing, while piglets were weighed within seven days after farrowing. Necropsy and bacteriological examinations of samples of feed, maternal and diseased or dying neonates were also carried out. Results showed that mean litter size, piglet weight at birth and daily weight gain were 7.45 ± 0.02, 1.01 ± 0.03 and 0.21 ± 0.01 kg, respectively. 164 (17.75%) of total piglets farrowed died within the first week of life (neonatal period), whereas 144 (87.80%) of this number died within the first five days. In addition, 48 (29.27%) were over laid, 30 (18.29%) died of scouring caused by Escherichia coli and Salmonella organisms, 30 (18.29%) died of hypoglycaemia. On the other hand, 20 (12.20%) piglets were cannibalized by older pigs and or their dams, 16 (9.75%) were trapped within the drainage, 12 piglets (7.32%) died of chilling, while eight (4.88%) died of unknown causes. Other contributory factors include inappropriate farm structures, absence or inadequate farm records, nutritional imbalance, improper management practices and inadequate veterinary services. It was concluded that neonatal mortality is a major impediment to optimum profit making from swine enterprise in Nsukka, South Eastern Nigeria. Key words : Neonatal, piglets, mortality, Nsukka urban, Nigeria, sow performance.

Marriage and Motherhood: A Study of the Reproductive Health Status and Needs of Married Adolescent Girls in Nsukka, Nigeria

In Nigeria, in spite of the undeniable and impressive changes in educational attainment, lar ge proportions of females continue to marry in adolescence. For example, in the year 2005, about half of all the women aged 15-19 were married by age 18 in the country. Despite this situation, research studies in Nigeria tend to focus disproportionately on the unmarried and on premarital sexual activities. Indeed, married adolescents and young women have received very little attention as a vulnerable group with distinct needs because marriage is assumed to be safe, and because married adolescents are assumed to face none of the stigma that unmarried adolescents experience in accessing contraceptives, pregnancy related and other sexual and reproductive health services. This study investigated the reproductive health status and needs of married adolescents girls in Nsukka, Nigeria. The study was based on 100 randomly selected female adolescents aged 10-24 years in Nsukka local government area. Structured questionnaire and focus group discussion guide (FGD) were the instruments for data the collection. The findings show that married adolescents face a lot of obstacles in making informed sexual reproductive health decision, in accessing services and in exercising agency in their lives more generally .

Incidence of Sports Injuries Among Secondary School Students with and without Disabilities in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State: Implications for School Sports Development in Nigeria

The main thrust of the study was the inventory of sports injuries during inter-house sports competitions in secondary schools in Nsukka Local Government Area and their implication for school sports development in Nigeria. The study took account of the various types of injuries which occurred during the 2010 inter-house sports competition in the area. Six public secondaryschools were used for the study. Fifty student-athletes from each of the six secondary schools were used. On the whole 300 student-athletes formed the sample for the study. The questionnaire served as the instrument for the study. It was made up of two sections. Section A contained he demographic variables while section B had the main variables of the study. Simple percentages were used to analyse the data. It was found that 89.7% of the students participating in secondary school intramural sport program in Nsukka Local Government Area Enugu state suffer sport related injuries.The result also revealed that poor sport facilities and equipment are responsible for the causes of sport injuries during school inter-house sport competition. The study further revealed that most students (86.3%) do not make use of sports protective equipments when participating in school inter-house sports competition, it was found to be part of causes of sports injury during interhouse sports competitions.It was therefore recommended that Government should improve the quality of sports facilities in the secondary schools so as to help reduce the risk of students sustaining injuries during inter-house competitions.

A Sero-Epidemiological Survey of Infectious Bursal Disease in Scavenging Village Chickens in Enugu State, Nigeria

A serological survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of antibodies to Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) virus using the Agar Gel Precipitin Test (AGPT) in unvaccinated scavenging adult village chickens in NsukkaLocal Government Area (L.G.A.) in South Eastern Nigeria. Of the 800 sera samples tested, 328 (41%) were positive for IBD virus antibodies. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in seasonal distribution, being 43% in the wet and 39% in the dry seasons; and gender being 41.1% and 41%for cocks and hens respectively. The study thus confirmed the endemicity of IBD in local chickens. A national IBD control programme is recommended.

Parasites and Morphometric Indices of Frozen Fish Sold in Nsukka Urban Market, Enugu State, Nigeria

The parasites and morphometric indices of frozen fish sold in Nsukka Urban Market in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria were investigated between June and December 2008 to determine the parasite prevalence, mean intensity and abundance and some morphometric indices associated with parasitism. Two species of acanthocephalan endo-parasites were isolated from Savreda sp namely, Gorgorhynchus sp and Paragorgorhynchus sp with overall prevalence of 35.4%. The mean intensity for Gorgorhynchus sp was 14.1+0.2 and the mean abundance was 10.0+0.1. Paragorgorhynchus sp had mean intensity of 1.2+0.1 and mean abundance of 10.0+0.1. Some morphometric characteristics were calculated to correlate weight against standard length (SL) and total length (TL). There was a significant correlation between mean SL (2.76 + 0.59 cm) and mean TL (3.23+0.15 cm) with mean body weight (BW = 320 +0.49g) for Sardinella sp and mean SL (32.6+0.71cm) and TL (35.9+0.66 cm) with mean BW (440+0.13g) for Savreda sp. The mean condition factor (K) fell in 0.01+0.001 in both species, this shows that the fish overall condition is in a good state, whereas b-value (b=1.7) shows that the Savreda sp which hosted parasite had a negative allometric growth pattern (b3) showing a positive allometric pattern. The negative allometric pattern for Savreda sp is probably as a result of the parasites they hosted.Keywords: Parasites, Morphometric Indices, Frozen fish

Geoelectrical sounding for estimating groundwater potential in Nsukka L.G.A. Enugu State, Nigeria

Sixty six vertical electrical soundings (VES) have been used to evaluate the ground water potential in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. The project domain lies within longitudes 7°13′00″ - 7°35′30″ and latitudes 6°43′30″ - 7°00′30″ and covers an area of about 480 km² over three main geological formations. The resistivity and thickness of the aquiferous layer at various observation points were determined by the electrical survey. Also zones of high yield potentials were inferred from the resistivity information. Transmissivity values were inferred using the calculated Dar Zarrouk parameters. Results show highly variable thickness of the aquiferous layer in the study area. Aggregate transverse resistance indicates greater depth of the substratum in the southeastern part of the study area, underlain mostly by the Ajali Formation. High values of transmissivity also predominate, thus suggesting thick and prolific aquiferous zone. Key words: Resistivity, transverse resistance, transmissivity.

Seroprevalence of egg drop syndrome - 76 virus as cause of poor egg productivity of poultry in Nsukka, South East Nigeria

To determine if egg drop syndrome 76 virus infection is among the causes of lowered egg productivity in commercial poultry farms in South Eastern Part of Nigeria and to know the prevalence of the infection, ten farms with history of lowered egg production in Nsukka local government area of Enugu State were randomly selected. Sera from ten hens in each of the selected farms were assayed for antibodies against EDS 76 virus by the haemagglutination-inhibition (HI) test. The mean HI titre of the ten hens in each of the farms was recorded as EDS - 76 antibody titre for the farm. Nine out of the 10 farms tested were positive for EDS - 76 antibodies with HI titres ranging between 16 and 256. Out of 10 flocks with production of 65% and above 9 were EDS-76 HI negative.

Frequency of collection, distance from source of collectionc, seasonality and preference rating of identified forage species in Nsukka rural communities of Enugu State, Nigeria

A study of forage plants in Nsukka rural communities was conducted between February and March 2005. Interview schedules were administered to farmers in four communities in Nsukka Local Government Area. Forage collection is done twice in all the sampled communities. The source of forage in the area is generally close to the farmers' residence, being 800 metres away. Most of the species are available and utilized all the year round. Leaves of all the species are consumed while twigs and tubers/roots constitute additional feed sources, comprising 26.1%, and 2.2% of all the species, respectively. Generally, most plant families are very palatable with a mean score of 4.0. Fairly palatable and palatable species (with mean scores of 2.0 and 3.0, respectively) constitute 32.0% while two families, Icancinaceae and Malvaceae, contain poorly palatable or avoided species and these constitute 8.0% of all the families. The following species: Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Moraceae, and Poaceae, had very large number of palatable and very palatable species. Keywords : seasonality of availability, preference rating. Agro-Science Vol. 5 (2) 2006: pp. 33-39

Obstacles to the adoption of improved rabbit technologies by small scale farmers in Nsukka local government area of Enugu State

The study was designed to identify the obstacles to the adoption of improved rabbit technologies by small- scale farmers in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State. A structured interview schedule was utilized in obtaining information from sixty respondents. Data were analysed using percentages, multiple regression and factor analysis. The study revealed that young children of school age (63.3%) and mostly males (93%) dominate in the production of rabbits. Age (t = -2.24), education (t = 2.09) and years of experience (t = 2.02) were significant in influencing the adoption of improved rabbit technologies. The major obstacles to the adoption of improved rabbit technologies were; ‘management and economic constraints and nutritional and housing constraints'. It was concluded that efforts should be made by extension agents to design programmes aimed at co-opting students in secondary schools towards achieving a mass adoption of improved rabbit technologies. This will lead to the achievement of a multiplier effect in the adoption of the technologies, which undoubtedly will increase production, and subsequently the protein intake in the society. Keywords:Rabbit technologies, Small scale farmers, Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State Agro-Science Vol. 4(1) 2005: pp. 70-73

Plasma vitamin A and C status of in-school adolescents and associated factors in Enugu State, Nigeria.

The study was undertaken to determine the intake of vitamin A and C and plasma concentrations of these vitamins among in-school adolescents. The factors affecting the vitamin status of these adolescents were also determined. Data for this report were obtained from a cross-sectional survey of 600 in-school adolescents in Nsukka local government area (LGA) of Enugu State, Nigeria. Ninety and 45 of the adolescents were randomly selected for determining plasma concentrations of vitamin A and C and intake of these vitamins respectively. Dietary assessment was done using a three-day weighed food intake method. Venous blood samples were collected and used for determining plasma vitamin A using the trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) method, while plasma vitamin C was determined by the thiourea method. Values obtained were matched against standards. The intake of vitamin A by all the adolescents was adequate (126-137% of recommended intake), while the intake of vitamin C was inadequate (51-91% of recommended intake). The mean intake of vitamin C was higher among males (23.7 +/- 0.71-27.3 +/- 8.0) than among females (15.3 +/- 2.8-19.5 +/- 5.1). Despite the adequate intake of vitamin A, 40% of the male and 32% of the female adolescents had low plasma concentrations of the vitamin (< 20 microg/dL). On the other hand, concentrations of plasma vitamin C were low among about 47% of these adolescents. Using multiple regression analysis, the two most important variables influencing vitamin A status were household size (b = -0.629; p < 0.0 1) and nutrition knowledge (b = -1.372; p < 0.01), while for vitamin C status, these were household size (b = -0.110; p = 0.05) and age (b = 0.226; p < 0.05). The daytime students had a significantly (p < 0.05) better vitamin A and C status than the boarders. The prevalence of vitamin A and C deficiencies among the adolescents may be more than estimated due to inadequate intake and/or poor bioavailability. This may pose a serious health risk for adolescents. There is, therefore, a need for adequate nutrition education and awareness about healthy lifestyles among Nigerian adolescents.

Monitoring community response to malaria control using insecticide-impregnated bed nets, curtains and residual spray at Nsukka, Nigeria

A project testing the efficacy of insecticide (permethrin)-impregnated bed nets, compared with impregnated door and window curtains, residual house spraying, and a control group was implemented in 12 village clusters in the Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria, using epidemiologic and entomologic indicators. The appropriate materials and services were given free to all families. During the first year of study, three monitoring exercises were carried out in a random selection of homes where children under 5 years of age resided. Information was collected on perceived effectiveness of the interventions, condition of nets and curtains, reasons for not sleeping under nets, and recall of steps required in caring for nets and curtains. Bed nets were perceived as more effective in reducing mosquito bites compared with the two other interventions. At the last monitoring period, which occurred a few weeks before a re-impregnation exercise, respondents also perceived bed nets to be most effective in preventing malaria. These findings coincided with epidemiologic evidence. Curtains, especially those at doors, were more likely to be torn and dirty than bed nets. Although holes would not reduce the effectiveness of the insecticide, they could reduce the 'beauty' of the curtains, a perceived benefit that initially attracted villagers to both curtains and nets. Bed net owners reported significantly less frequent use of other mosquito control measures in their homes than did members of the other groups. Finally, bed net users demonstrated increased knowledge of use and care steps than did those with curtains. These findings suggested a high level of social acceptability of bed nets, and point to the need to test their acceptability further under conditions where people would pay for nets and communities would manage distribution and re-impregnation systems.

Profil des propriétaires d’animaux dans le district de Nsukka, État d’Anambra, Nigeria

Une recherche sur le profil des propriétaires d'animaux dans le district de Nsukka (Etat d'Anambra), au Nigeria, a montré que 63 p. 100 des familles choisies pour l'enquête possédaient des animaux. Parmi elles, la proportion de propriétaires illettrés, peu instruits ou instruits atteignait respectivement 85,55, 51,36 et 49,14 p. 100. Chez 1240 familles choisies au hasard, les animaux les plus populaires, par ordre de préférence, étaient les chèvres, les poulets et les chiens. Ces derniers étaient les plus appréciés dans les familles instruites et les chèvres dans celles peu instruites ou illettrées. La valeur économique, l'utilité des animaux et le statut social des familles influençaient le choix des animaux. En général, on notait une tendance à avoir des animaux pour leur valeur économique et utilitaire plutôt que comme animal de compagnie. Ces résultats peuvent se révéler utiles d'un point de vue sociologique, économique et dans un but de planification, et servir aux vétérinaires praticiens et chercheurs.

Performance on the Coordinate Reference System

The purpose of this study is to explore gender differences in performance on Piagetian tasks of horizontality and verticality. By stratified random sampling, 192 Igbo students, equally represented by age/grade and sex, were randomly selected from primary schools (grades 3 and 5), secondary schools (grades 1, 3, and 5) and universities (aged eight to nineteen) in schools located in the Nsukka Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Subjects were individually tested on the standard Water Level Task, the standard Vertical Task of drawing posts on a hill, and a newly devised African task of horizontality, the Balancing Task. All three tasks were equivalent in the number and angles of the internal references. General improvement in development was noted for both sexes on all three tasks. Males significantly outperformed females on the Water Level and Balancing Tasks, but not on the Vertical Task. Sex comparisons by age/ grade resulted in two significant comparisons, both on the horizontal tasks at about the onset of puberty. Finally, there was a significantly high correlation between performance on the two horizontal tasks and the vertical task for both males and females, suggesting an integrated cognitive style for both sexes. These results support as well as contradict previous findings on the reference tasks, thereby raising some puzzling questions and highlighting the need for further research.