Head Weight Research Articles

Morphometric Characterization and Fillet Yield of Two Commercial Fish Species from Panyam Fish Farm Plateau State

A total of 50 individual samples of Parachanna obscura and Clarias gariepinus were collected fresh from Panyam fish farm with the aid of crush ice for preservation until assessment was carried out to determine the fillet yield of Parachanna obscura in comparism with Clarias gariepinus. The whole fresh fish samples were taken to the department of Fisheries and Aquaculture laboratory of the Federal University, of Agriculture, Makurdi for assessment. Their Total and Standard Lengths were recorded (in cm) using a Measuring Rule, while Total Body Weights were recorded (in grams) using an electronic weighing balance. Data were collected on: the Total Weight (g), Total Length (cm), Standard Length (cm), Visceral Weight (g), Head Length (cm), Weight of Bones (g), Weight of Fins (g) and Weight of Fillet (g) in comparism between the two fish species. Descriptive statistics for morphometric data were determined using Minitab 18® (Minitab 2017). Regression and correlation of variables was carried out in R (R Core Team 2020). Results of the mean measured parameters of Parachana obscura and Clarias gariepinus from Panyam Fish Farm Jos, showed that Total Length (42.66 ± 0.58cm), Standard Length (38.56 ± 0.29cm), Fin Weight (15.51 ± 0.37g), Visceral Weight (11.04 ± 0.17g), Head Weight (1.49 ± 4.01g), Bone weight (39.84 ± 0.80g) and Weight of fillet (89.02 ± 2.38g) of Parachana obscura were higher than the mean measured parameters of Clarias gariepinus. There was a significant difference (p= .05) among the measured parameters between P. obscura and C. gariepinus. The higher fillet percentage per body weight of P. obscura in comparism to C. gariepinus is a pointer to a relatively higher economic value for commercial purposes of this species. This assessment also provides information for further studies on this species to be built on, as there is obvious need for Nigeria’s aquaculture system to diversify from the prevalent catfish culture.

Organic Nitrogen Nutrition Does Not Increase Glucosinolate Concentrations in Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica)

Concentrations of specific secondary metabolites can be higher in organically grown crops. This may be linked to organic nitrogen (N) nutrition that provides a gradual supply of N to crops over the growing season. This study examined whether organic N nutrition influenced the concentration of glucosinolates in broccoli crops. Nitrogen release patterns were determined from three synthetic (Rustica, 12% N; calcium nitrate, 15.5% N; urea, 46% N) and two organic fertilizers in an incubation experiment. Broccoli seedlings were then grown in two N dose response pot trials with different N source or application timing treatments to investigate growth and glucosinolate responses. Synthetic fertilizers released 84 to 89% of total N after 28 days, while chicken manure pellets and composted cow manure had only released 52% and 13% of total N, respectively, after 91 days. Broccoli yield and N content were generally higher in synthetic fertilizer treatments. Glucosinolate concentrations were generally higher in the synthetic fertilizer treatments, and only sinigrin and glucoiberin concentrations in the 800 kg ha−1 N application rate of organic fertilizer matched those in the corresponding synthetic fertilizer treatment. Broccoli head weight was reduced when N was applied fortnightly compared to basal and weekly N applications, but glucosinolate concentrations were not significantly different. Overall, there was no evidence that organic (chicken manure) N nutrition, or the rate of N supply to broccoli plants, affect glucosinolate concentrations.

Chitosan xerogel embedded with green synthesized cerium oxide nanoparticle: An effective controlled release fertilizer for improved cabbage growth

With the growing awareness on the adverse effects of conventional fertilizers; the use of sustainable and controlled release fertilizers has garnered much significance. In the present study, we report the synthesis of chitosan-benzaldehyde Schiff base xerogel incorporated with green synthesized cerium oxide nanoparticle using Psidium guajava leaves extract as a sustainable fertilizer. Spherical CeO2 NPs having an average particle size of 15.3 nm and zeta potential of – 39.9 mV was obtained. The urea-loaded nanocomposite xerogel (CsB@U/CeO2) was examined for cabbage growth. The water retention capacity extended for >2 weeks. A controlled release profile for urea was accomplished from CsB@U/CeO2 for a period extending for 30 days. The kinetics assay suggested that presence of CeO2 NPs asserted a greater role in urea-controlled release from the CsB@U/CeO2 nanocomposite hydrogel owing to polymer relaxation. The growth parameters of cabbages such as head height, diameter, fresh head weight, head circumference was enhanced in plants fertilized by CsB@U/CeO2 as compared to urea. Furthermore, the phenolic content, free radical scavenging activity, protein content, sugar and flavonoid content were also found higher in CsB@U/CeO2 fertilized plants. This study puts forth CsB@U/CeO2 xerogel can be potentially harnessed as an alternative to urea in sustainable agriculture.

Different Catch-Up Growth Patterns in Very Preterm and Small for Gestational Age Infants.

This study aimed to describe the growth pattern in preterm infants and identify factors influencing catch-up growth. A total of 288 preterm infants were divided into groups based on the degree of prematurity, sex, and size for gestational age. Growth in head circumference, length, weight-for-length, and weight was compared between groups at corrected age of 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine risk factors for catch-up growth. At a corrected age of 24 months, the proportions of preterm infants with z-scores less than -2 for head circumference, length, weight-for-length, and weight were less than the expected 2.3% at 0.9%, 1.7%, 2.1%, and 1.7%, respectively. The head circumference, length, weight-for-length, and weight z-scores at corrected ages of 24 months were lower in the small for gestational age (SGA) group than in the non-SGA group (P < .05). The weight-for-length z-scores were higher in the late preterm birth infants than in the very preterm birth infants at a corrected age of 24 months (P < .05). At a corrected age 24 months, the proportion of male with weight z-scores <-2 was lower than that of female (P < .05). The differences in proportion of the z-scores (head circumference, length, weight-for-length, and weight) <-2 at a corrected age of 24 months among different gestational age groups and intrauterine growth status groups were not statistically significant (P > .05). We found that the factors influencing catch-up growth in preterm infants varied at different corrected age stages, and the impact of factors during hospitalization gradually diminished as the infants grew.

Study on performance of cabbage (Brassica oleraceae var. capitata L.) under different production systems

Coimbatore is located in the western part of Tamil Nadu and nestled against the foothills of the Western Ghats. This region's cool climate and favourable terrain make it ideal for cultivating hill vegetables. Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) is a significant cole crop known for its high nutritional value. Excessive chemical usage in cabbage cultivation leads to residual effects on soil and produce. This study aimed to identify the best production system for cabbage cultivation in the northwestern parts of Tamil Nadu. An experiment was conducted during the winter season of 2023-2024 at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with four treatments and five replications. The organic farming system exhibited the highest values for plant height (21.47 cm), stalk length (8.49 cm), dry matter accumulation (71.34 g per plant), days to head formation (18.75 days), days to harvest (56.25 days), head diameter (17.70 cm), head compactness (33.91), head weight (945.35 g per plant) and cabbage yield (24.92 t ha-1), surpassing both conventional and natural farming systems. A similar pattern was observed in quality parameters, including TSS (6.54 °Brix), shelf life (12.21 days) and ascorbic acid content (44.26 mg per 100 g). This study highlights an efficient cabbage cultivation system in the Coimbatore region, leading to improved yield, soil health and quality.

High-Efficiency Clustering Routing Protocol in AUV-Assisted Underwater Sensor Networks.

Currently, underwater sensor networks are extensively applied for environmental monitoring, disaster prediction, etc. Nevertheless, owing to the complicacy of the underwater environment, the limited energy of underwater sensor nodes, and the high latency of hydroacoustic channels, the energy-efficient operation of underwater sensor networks has become an important challenge. In this paper, a high-efficiency clustering routing protocol in AUV-assisted underwater sensor networks (HECRA) is proposed to address the energy limitations and low data transmission reliability in underwater sensor networks. The protocol optimizes the cluster head selection strategy of the traditional low-energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH) protocol by introducing the residual energy and node degree in the cluster head selection phase and performs some optimizations in the cluster formation and data transmission phases, including selecting clusters for joining by ordinary nodes based on the residual energy of the cluster head nodes and weight computation based on the depth and residual energy of the cluster head nodes to select the optimal message forwarding nodes. In addition, this paper introduces an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) as a dynamic relay node to improve network transmission efficiency. According to the simulation results, compared with the existing LEACH, the energy efficient routing protocol based on layers and unequal clusters in underwater wireless sensor networks (EERBLC) and energy-efficient clustering multi-hop routing protocol in a UWSN (EECMR), the HECRA significantly improves network lifetime, the residual node energy, and the number of successfully transmitted packets, which can effectively prolong network lifetime and ensure efficient data transmission.

Precision, quantitative measurement of sunflower capitulum inclination: A trigonometry‐based approach

AbstractSunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a widely cultivated crop that exhibits a trait known as capitulum (or head) inclination at maturity. This trait is influenced by various structural factors, including head weight, stem traits, and plant height. A sunflower head should be at an angle at which the head faces the ground to avoid damage from the sun and birds. While this desired inclination range is known, current methods, including visual estimation and a model of measuring inclined length of the stem, fail to provide precise measurements of angle. This study introduces novel approaches to mathematically measure the head inclination angle. The research, which was conducted over the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons, involved an aluminum rod equipped with a ruler and a digital protractor to measure various height and angle components. Using the data collected, three methods were applied for measuring inclination: a previously published model as a control, a trigonometry‐based approach using angle and height measurements, and other model‐based approaches. A linear model resulted in a formula to calculate the head angle of any plant based solely on two height measurements, the highest point of the plant at both bloom (R5) and maturity (R9). Calculations of heritability and correlation suggest this method has created a precise alternative to existing estimation methods. The resulting formula has the potential to be paired with measurements from high‐throughput phenotyping methods, such as those facilitated with drones and ground robots, to fully automate the process of collecting head inclination data.

Biological damage of monocrotaline on the brain and intestinal tissues of Apis mellifera

Monocrotaline (MCT) is a toxic alkaloid present in plants, posing a threat to animals in terrestrial ecosystems. However, little is known about its potential impacts on pollinating insects. Here, we report the effects of of MCT on the brains and intestines of foraging honeybees (Apis mellifera). MCT exposure resulted in a reduction in head weight and swelling of the abdomen in honeybees. Additionally, MCT exposure caused morphological damage to the brain, characterized by decreased antioxidant capacity and increased apoptosis, along with intestinal tissue damage that was accompanied by increased antioxidant capacity and apoptosis. Moreover, MCT altered the core gut microbial community structure in honeybees and increased the expression of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes in the midgut. These findings indicate that exposure to MCT activates the immune response in the honeybee gut, while the brain does not exhibit an immune response but instead experiences oxidative stress. This study provides a resource for future research exploring interactions between MCT and other insects, and can help deepen our understanding of MCT's potential impacts in ecosystems.

Foliar application of micronutrient formulations for enhanced growth and yield of cabbage

Cabbage is a prominent leafy vegetable belonging to the cole group of vegetables. To increase its productivity, nutrient management involving use of micronutrients is one of the most important practices. Consequently, the present study was conducted to assess the efficacy of four laboratory-prepared micronutrient formulations (Micromix A; Mix-A, Micromix B; Mix-B, Micromix C; Mix-C and Micromix D; Mix-D) on growth and yield of cabbage. For comparison two micronutrient formulations available in the market, Arka Vegetable Special and Agromin were also undertaken in this study. The results revealed a significant improvement in morphological parameters like fresh stem weight, fresh root weight, root length, head weight per plant and open leaf weight per plant as a result of foliar application of micronutrient formulations as compared to the control. Additionally, it was discovered that foliar application of Mix-A, Mix-B, Mix-C and Mix-D increased the yield of cabbage by 14.04 %, 20.25 %, 27.14 % and 23.14 %, respectively over the control. Furthermore, among different formulations, Mix-C proved more effective as compared to the rest of the treatments. Thus, it can be inferred that foliar application of micronutrients has great potential in improving the yield and yield characteristics of cabbage.

Effect of different energy and protein levels on growth performances and carcass yields of Sonali chicken

This study evaluated how varied energy and protein levels affect the growth and carcass traits of Sonali chickens. A 63-day experiment was conducted on 400-day-old Sonali chicks that were raised straight. The chicks were split into four groups of 100 birds apiece, which were then further separated into four subgroups of 25 birds each. The treatment groups were: T1 (2900 kcal/kg ME, 20% CP for starter and 3000 kcal/kg ME, 19% CP for grower); T2 (2900 kcal/kg ME, 21% CP for starter and 3000 kcal/kg ME, 20% CP for grower); T3 (2950 kcal/kg ME, 20% CP for starter and 3050 kcal/kg ME, 19% CP for grower) and T4 (2950 kcal/kg ME, 21% CP for starter and 3050 kcal/kg ME, 20% CP for grower) group. Sonali chicks were fed on starter diets from day old to 5 weeks of age and grower diets from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Results revealed that body weight was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in the group having 2950 kcal/kg ME, 21% CP for starter and 3050 kcal/kg ME, 20% CP for grower at 9th weeks of age. In addition, FCR and total body weight gain showed significantly (P&lt;0.05) better in the high nutrition group compared to other treated groups. Dressing percentage was numerically and abdominal fat was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in the group having 2950 kcal/kg ME, 21% CP for starter and 3050 kcal/kg ME, 20% CP for grower compared to other groups. However, there were no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) in skin, head, leg, liver, heart, gizzard, breast meat, drumstick meat, wing meat and thigh bone weight in relation to body weight among different dietary groups. Furthermore, despite the higher feed costs, the high nutrition group had higher selling price and profit margins per bird than the low nutrition diet. So, taken together, it can be concluded that a diet with high energy and high protein increases body weight and body weight gain and gives better FCR. Moreover, higher nutrition diet improves dressing yield, abdominal fat percentage and profit margins than the low nutrition diet. It is suggested that provision of energy (2950 kcal/kg ME for starter and 3050 kcal/kg ME for grower) and protein (21% CP for starter and 20% CP for grower) in the diet could be a potential energy and protein level for better performances of Sonali chicken. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 53(3): 101-110, 2024

Evaluation of Commercial Head Cabbage (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Brassica oleracea &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;L.) Varieties in Kellem Wollega Zone

Cabbage &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;(Brassica oleraceae&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; var.capitata) is one of the most important leafy vegetables worldwide and is adapted to cool moist conditions. The experiment was conducted at two sub-sites of Haro Sabu Agricultural Research Center from 2020-2024 at Belam FTC and in 2024 at Gute Anani FTC of Kellem Wollega zone, during main cropping season. Six commercial head cabbage were evaluated with objective the objective of selecting and recommending high yielder, disease and insect pest tolerant head cabbage varieties at for potential areas of Kellem Wollega. Analysis of variance(ANOVA revealed that the main effect of variety showed highly significant effect on days to head initiation and significant on plant height, plant spread, head length, average head weight, marketable yield, total yield and disease reaction. Similarly the main effect of environment showed highly significance on all recorded parameters. The highest (26.4tha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;) and the lowest (20tha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;) marketable yield were recorded from Bakker and Delta varieties. Hence Bakker and Olter varieties were recommended for the yield increment of head cabbage in the studied areas of Western Oromia.

Dehydrated Brewery Residue (DBR) can reduce the cost of rabbit production in Brazil, but affects performance, blood nutrients, and carcass characteristics

The study aimed to determine the chemical composition, apparent digestibility of dry matter, energy, and nutrients of Dehydrated Brewery Residue (DBR) for New Zealand White rabbits, as well as evaluate performance, biochemical and immunological blood parameters, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Two experiments were carried out: digestibility and performance, both in a completely randomized design. In the digestibility experiment, 20 animals of mixed sexes were used, from 45 to 60 days of age, which consumed reference feed (RF) or test feed (TF - 70% RF + 30% DBR). In the performance experiment, 50 mixed-sex animals were used from 31 to 70 days of age. For digestibility, bromatological analyses were made of total dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ether extract (EE), mineral matter (MM), organic matter (OM), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), gross energy (GE), hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin from samples of feces, feed (RF and TF) and experimental feed (DBR). In terms of performance, the treatments were the basal feed (BF) + four TF, made up of increasing levels of DBR inclusion (10, 20, 30, and 40%). Overall, the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of DM was 64.68 ±7.91%, while the ADC of GE and CP were 67.39 ±7.79% and 80.64 ±8.99%, respectively, resulting in digestible energy and digestible protein contents of 3,081 ±356 kcal/kg and 17.97 ±2.00%. There was a linear reduction (P&lt;0.05) in the final weight, daily weight gain, and daily feed intake, but there was a linear reduction in production costs (P&lt;0.05) for both the 31- to 50-day phase and the 31- to 70-day phase. Circulating levels of calcium (P=0.013) and phosphorus (P=0.019) responded in a linear decreasing pattern to the experimental feeds. The same response was observed for slaughter weight, hot and cold carcass weight, yield of skin, head, commercial cuts, and relative weight of edible organs, as well as meat quality, in which the loss of water on thawing (P=0.004) and shear force (P=0.005) indicated less juiciness and less tenderness in the meat. Levels of 10 to 40% DBR in feed for rabbits from 31 to 70 days of age mitigate production costs, but result in a worsening of performance and reduce circulating levels of calcium and phosphorus, reduce carcass weight, commercial cuts, and edible organs, as well as increasing water loss on thawing, and reducing meat tenderness.

Optimizing Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) Production through Integrated Nutrient Management: Enhancing Yield, Quality, and Sustainability

This study explores the synergistic effects of integrated nutrient management (INM) on the growth, yield, and quality attributes of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata). The present study was conducted during the Rabi season of 2022-23 at Lovely Professional University at a vegetable research farm in Punjab, India. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized block design with ten treatments replicated three times. Various combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers, including vermicompost and neem cake were evaluated alongside the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF). Results indicated significant enhancements in most horticultural traits of cabbage across different treatments. Notably, the combination of RDF with vermicompost and neem cake (75% RDF: 5 t/ha: 2 t/ha) exhibited the most promising results, including increased head weight (125%), head formation percentage (22.17%), enhanced head yield (65.33%), improved compactness (98.60%), elevated ascorbic acid content (24.48%), and higher dry matter content (27.56%) than of control. These findings underscore the efficacy of integrated nutrient management strategies in optimizing cabbage production, emphasizing their potential for sustainable and high-quality vegetable cultivation.

The Function of Cadres in Putting Child Development Stimulation, Detection, and Early Intervention Programs into Practice

The East Java province's child health care coverage in 2020 was 83.3%, a decrease from 2019. In Surabaya, the coverage in 2019 was 91.59%, but it still did not meet the 2020 Minimum Service Standards (MSS) target of 100%. The inadequate implementation of programs for early detection, stimulation, and intervention in child growth and development (SDIDTK) is one factor contributing to the failure to meet this objective. For these initiatives to be successful at the Posyandu level, community health workers, or cadres, must be involved. The objective of this research is to look at how the SDIDTK programs use cadres. There were 71 respondents in the cross-sectional research, which used an observational analytic methodology. Out of the seven roles, only two were performed by all cadres (71 individuals): determining head circumference, weight, height, and upper arm circumference; providing the information into the early detection form for assessing newborn growth and creating a visual representation of the results. In the mother and child health book, two roles were not performed by any of the cadres. The first responsibility was to complete the Early Detection of Child Growth and Development form by providing the child's identity. The second role was to use the child development checklist to observe and mark the child's developmental abilities as appropriate (√) or not appropriate (-).

Research on positioning accuracy of the swivel head of milling and turning complex machining center

Abstract This article focuses on the swivel head of a milling-turning complex machining center and establishes a geometric error model between the rotary axes based on the multi-body system theory and the homogeneous coordinate transformation method. The double ball bar (DBB) is used to identify the geometric errors of the machine tool swivel head position-independent by measuring circular trajectories. The impact of PIGEs on the measurement trajectory is simulated. The swivel head is rotated at four angles (B0°, B45°, B90°, B-15°), and the laser tracker is used to analyze and study the linear axis straightness, perpendicularity, and the center coordinates and plane errors of the swivel head movement along the XZ plane. A swivel head rotation accuracy test fixture is designed to correct the positioning accuracy of a swivel head with a 45° inclination of the rotation axis. The research results show that the fluctuation of the center plane degree of freedom of the swivel head moving along the XZ plane is small, and the maximum value is 0.0086mm. Under the 45° angle posture of the swivel head, both the center coordinate error value and the plane error value are the largest. The simulation results of the swivel head position error are fairly consistent with the center coordinate error of the swivel head plane movement. A backward tilt displacement of 0.01mm~0.015mm of the machine column during assembly can reduce the influence of the weight of the swivel head on the perpendicularity and straightness of the vertical reciprocating motion, and adding auxiliary support near the base of the swivel head zero position can reduce machine straightness error.

Effect of Exogenous Application of Humic Acid, GA3 and Vermiwash on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) under Valley Condition of Srinagar Garhwal

The effect of exogenous application of humic acid, GA3 and vermiwash on the growth, yield and quality of cabbage was studied in a field experiment. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design at the Horticultural Research Centre, Chauras Campus, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, with three replications and ten treatments. All of the growth, yield and quality contributing characteristics of cabbage were found to be significant. The growth parameters at 30, 45 DAT and at harvest were found to be maximum under T9 (GA3 @ 150 ppm). Yield parameters were found to be highest in T9 (GA3 @ 150 ppm) total plant weight (2188.67 g), average weight of head (1454.33 g), yield per hectare (321.43 q) whereas dry weight of head (10.00 g) in T6 (Vermiwash @ 100%), head diameter (18.98 cm) and core diameter (4.53 cm) in T8 (GA3 @ 100 ppm) and core length (8.62 cm) in T1 (Humic acid @ 100 ppm). Quality parameters were found to be highest under T6 (Vermiwash @ 100%) for head compactness (35.39%), whereas total soluble solids (5.20 0Brix) in T3 (Humic acid @ 200 ppm) and ascorbic acid (56.07 mg) in T1 (Humic acid @ 100 ppm). Economic parameters were found to be highest under T6 (Vermiwash @ 100%) for cost of cultivation (1,92,510 ₹/ha), gross return (10,66,030 ₹/ha) and net return (8,73,520 ₹/ha). Hence, it may be suggested that concentration of 150 ppm GA3 could use for enhancing the production of cabbage under subtropical condition of Srinagar Garhwal

Soil microbiomes from the groundnut basin of Senegal contain plant growth-promoting bacteria with potential for crop improvement in arid soils.

The principal methods to maintain soil fertility in Sahel soils are largely allowing fields to go fallow and manure addition. These methods are not currently sufficient to improve soil fertility. To promote biological amendments, we aimed to understand the plant-growth promoting traits of various soil microbial isolates. The soils collected in different areas in Senegal exhibited a similar eDNA profile of bacteria; the dominant microbes were Firmicutes, followed by Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. Of 17 isolates identified and tested, the vast majority solubilized rock phosphate and a large number grew on culture medium containing 6% salt, but very few degraded starches or hydrolysed carboxymethyl cellulose or produced siderophores. Upon single inoculation, Peribacillus asahii RC16 and Dietzia cinnamea 55 significantly increased pearl millet growth and yield parameters. For cowpea, plant shoot length was significantly increased by Pseudarthrobacter phenanthrenivorans MKAG7 co-inoculated with Bradyrhizobium elkanii 20TpCR5, and nearly all rhizobacteria tested significantly improved cowpea dry weight and pod weight. Additionally, the double inoculation of Dietzia cinnamea 55 and MKAG7 significantly increased shoot length, dry weight, and seed head weight of pearl millet. These isolates are promising inoculants because they are ecologically-friendly, cost-effective, sustainable, and have fewer negative effects on the soil and its inhabitants.

DIETARY EFFECTS OF TULSI LEAVES AND BLACK PEPPER EXTRACT ON BROILER GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS TRAITS

This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of the dietary effect of different levels of Tulsi leaves (Ocimum sanctum) and Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) Extract (TBE) on growth performance and carcass traits of commercial broiler. The study was conducted at the Poultry farm of Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur during the period from 11 April to 08 May, 2019. A total of 96 day old broiler chicks (Lohman Meat) were randomly and equally distributed to 4 groups having 3 replicates of 8 birds each. The birds were grouped as T0, T1, T2 and T3 group with normal water (control group), 1% TBE 1ml /L of drinking water, 2% TBE 2 ml/L of drinking water and 3% TBE 3ml /L of drinking water, respectively. Body weight gains, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), mortality (%) and meat yield traits were recorded. The collected data were analyzed by using ANOVA with SPSS version 22. Feed intake (g/bird) was almost similar (P&gt;0.05) among the dietary treatment groups. Body weight gain (g) and FCR were significantly (P&lt;0.05) differed among the dietary treatment groups. The highest body weight gain (g) was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in T2 (1659.35g±2.19), followed by T1 (1631.05g±2.52), T3 (1590.67g±2.73) and T0 (1472.01g±4.58), respectively. The lowest FCR was found in T2 (1.41±0.00) and the highest FCR in T0 (1.52±0.01), the intermediate in T1 (1.45±0.01) and T3 (1.46±0.01), respectively. It was found that there was significant (P&lt;0.05) difference among the dietary treatment groups in case of live weight (g), carcass weight (g),dressing percentage (%), breast weight (g), liver weight(g), but there was almost similar (P&gt;0.05) among the dietary treatment groups in case of heart weight (g), spleen weight (g), gizzard weight (g), thigh weight (%), head weight (g), intestine weight (g) and shank weight (g). The carcass meat weight, Carcass yield (%), breast weight and breast meat weight (%) was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in treatment T2 group compared to control group T0. Liver weight was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in control group T0 compared to treatment group T2. No mortality was found among the dietary treatment groups during experimental period. Based on the result it could be concluded that 2% Tulsi leaves and Black Pepper Extract (TBE) 2 ml/L of drinking water may be used in broiler diet as growth promoter and it may also serve as an antioxidant.

Effect of Different Sources of Concentrated Organic Inputs and Bio-Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Broccoli cv Calabrese

Broccoli, scientifically known as Brassica oleracea L. var. italica, is an important cool-season vegetable crops belonging to the family Brassicaceae or Cruciferae. Organic broccoli farming is an eco-friendly approach that ensures sustainable agricultural practices for consistent and resilient production by improving resistance against various pests and environmental challenges. Two consecutive years of field experiment was conducted during the rabi seasons of 2017-2018 and 2019-2020 comprising of twenty-one treatments with different sources of concentrated organic inputs along with bio-fertilizers by cultivar calabrese laid out in two factorial Randomized Block Design replicated by three times. The treatment combinations were consisted of seven different organic inputs viz. T1- neem cake @ 1 t ha-1, T2-mustard cake @ 1 t ha-1, T3- neem cake @ 0.75 t ha-1, T4- mustard cake @ 0.75 t ha-1, T5- neem cake @ 0.5 t ha-1, T6- mustard cake @ 0.5 t ha-1 and T7-control and three different level of biofertilizers viz. B1- azotobactor @ 2 kg ha-1, B2- azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-1 and B3- PSB @ 2 kg ha-1. The exponential and significant improvement in plant height (31.68 cm), dry matter content (32.26%), gross head weight (615.18 g), net head weight (304.26 g) and projected yield (8.44 t ha-1) were influenced by integrated application of mustard cake @ 1t ha-1 with azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-1. The plant applied in different doses of mustard cake along with azospirillum responded better performance in most of the biochemical aspects viz. TSS (3.92 to 4.090 Brix), vit-C (99.71 to 101.77 mg 100 g-1 pulp) and crude protein (2.23 to 2.43%). Mustad cake @ 1t ha-1 along with azospirillium @ 2 kg ha-1 clearly demonstrated more accumulation of N (2.12%), P (1.20%) and K (1.78%) content in plant tissue and significantly improved the head quality.

Performance Optimization of a Simple Drip Irrigation System with Used Plastic Water Bottles

Effects of perforation sizes and heights of used plastic water bottles on growth and yield components of amaranthus spinosus L. crop were analyzed in this study. The experiment was conducted on a 38 m2 experimental field of Tamale Technical University using a Randomized Complete Block Design with four treatments and replications. Perforation sizes at different heights of bottles from the ground level combinations were: 3.2 mm, 5 cm (A); 3.2 mm, 10 cm (B); 3.2 mm, 15 cm (C); 3.2 mm, 20 cm (D), respectively. Data on growth and yield components of amaranthus crop were measured and analysed using ANOVA. Results showed a decreasing trend for both irrigation time and perforation size and height of the plastic bottle from the ground level. Significant differences were observed between the treatments A and D, B and C, B and D, and C and D for leaf area, number of leaves, plant height, stem girth, root length, and weight of amaranthus crop head. However, perforation size of 3.2 mm with the plastic water bottle raised at a height of 5 cm from the ground resulted in significant growth and yield of amaranthus crop, followed by B, C and D treatments. Small holder farmers can adopt used water plastic bottles with perforation size of 3.2 mm raised 5 cm from the ground level in order to boost the production of amaranthus crop.