Agriculture Reports

Influences of Physico-Chemical Water Parameter on The Natural Distribution Site of Cokcles (Tegillarca granosa and Anadara antiquata) in Coastal Areas of Kuala Kedah, Kedah, Malaysia

2024-12-10T15:15:18+00:00

This study has deduced the influences of physico-chemical parameter towards the natural distribution of cokcles (Tegillarca granosa and Anadara antiquata) in coastal areas of Kuala Kedah, Kedah, Malaysia. Several studies on cockle culture sites were conducted throughout West Coast of Malaysia’s waters. Kuala Kedah has been identified to have similarities in physical characteristics for cockle culture thus determining the best way to explore the coastline of Kuala Kedah of cockle culture. Cockles nowadays are one of the biggest contributions in Malaysia’s aquaculture landings. This is due to cockle’s ideal characteristics for aquaculture industries for its high growth rate, availability throughout most time of the year and highly demanded by the locals. The study used 48 hours observation on physical parameters on one point at the river mouth of Kuala Kedah River which water quality of physical and nutrients and bathymetry. The biomass of the cockles was done using swept- using a core made to harvest cockles. The 48 hours observation suggested that each of the physical parameters were homogenous while the stations physical parameter and nutrients overall showed that temperature ranged 27.90 to 28.47 ºC, salinity 28.15 to 33.92 ppt, DO 3.92 to 7.03, ph 7.62 to 8.34, turbidity 4.58 to 158.17 NTU, TSS 6.82 to 344.83 mg/L and chlorophyll a 3.17 to 18.65 µg/L in addition that study area was in a slope condition. Both T. granosa and A. antiquata were found. Present study recommended the study site can be proposed as a cockle culture site.

Assessing The Extent and Nature of Heavy Metal Pollution in Kom-Kom Community, Rivers State, Nigeria

2024-12-10T15:27:03+00:00

The persistent, toxic, and non-biodegradable nature of heavy metals have been recorded to negatively affect the environment. Given the reports of oil spill incidences in Kom-Kom community, a follow-up assessment and monitoring of the extent and nature of heavy metal pollution is necessary to determine the environment’s health. Metal levels in soil and the African common toad, Sclerophrys regularis were assessed for Ni, Cd, Pb, Fe and Cu in 3 stations, S₁, S₂and S₃ in Kom-kom community, Oyigbo local government of Rivers State, Nigeria during the rainy months. The samples were prepared and analysed using Micro Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer (Agilent 4210 MP AES). The physicochemical parameters (temperature, _PH and Electrical conductivity), and nitrate, sulphate and phosphate levels of soils were also analysed using standard methods. The mean values of metals in soils and biota ranged between 0.001±0.0001 to 0.001± 0.0002, Cd; 0.001±0.0001 to 0.001±0.003 Cu; 0.002±0.0002 to 0.002±0.0003, Pb, and 0.008±0.0002 to 0.008±0.0006 Ni showing no significant difference at p<0.05 in all metals. In soils, and skin of Sclerophrys regularis, accumulation pattern of heavy metal was in the order Fe>Ni>Pb>Cd≥ Cu in all three stations. Bio-concentration Factor values for all metals except Fe in the biota was found to have high contamination levels; Fe reported very high contamination. Contamination Factor and Pollution Load Index values for all metals showed low degree of contamination. All analysis in soil and biota reveals that the metals were within standard limit values. Continued measures against exposures and contamination is encouraged.

Effect of fungal compost hoof and feather meal on growth, feeding performance and cost benefitted analysis of the catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

2024-12-10T15:36:15+00:00

The use of fish as a protein source in the production of fish feed has contributed to the increasing cost of fish. Animal waste sources can serve as alternatives but very little is known about the effects. This study assessed the effects of fungal compost cow hoof and feather meal growth of the catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Bio-composting was used to degrade cow hoof and poultry feathers for 42 days for the feeding trials which lasted for 12 weeks. Juveniles with a mean weight 17±0.58g were stocked 7 per aquarium in 12 aquaria (60×60×40cm). The diets contained 45% crude protein and were offered twice daily at 5% body weight. The control contained fishmeal, while diets 1 to 3 were substituted with compost feather (CFW), cow hoof (CH), and an equal ratio of CFW and CH, respectively. Growth performance and cost-benefit analysis of the fish were evaluated. The results showed that the control feed recorded a higher weight gain and total feed intake but a lower feed conversion ratio and survival rate than the fish-fed cow hoof and feather meal. The gross profit of the cow hoof

(₦ 150) had a similar comparable value with the fishmeal (₦163). Based on the above findings it is concluded that compost feather and hoof meal are suitable alternatives in the culture of catfish.