International Journal of Agriculture and Animal Production

Health, Socio- Technical, and Economic Constraints of Beekeeping in Bamboutos, Western Highlands of Cameroon

William F. Tchuenbou — 2024-12-01

Beekeeping is important as a source of food, employment, and rural poverty alleviation. Honeybees are also important as the main pollinator of agricultural and forestry crops. However, there is a decrease in honeybee population worldwide, hence the objective of this study who was to investigate some of the challenges of beekeeping in Cameroon. Thus, a total of 56 beekeepers were investigated in Bamboutos in western Cameroon, using a questionnaire. Pests, predators and diseases were diagnosed retrospectively using a plate which was shown to beekeepers during the questionnaire administration. Signs of diseases reported by beekeepers included diarrhea (17.9%), chalkbrood (28.6 %), black bee (50%), and deformed wings (3.6%). The only parasite reported was Varroa (3.6%). Common insect pests were wax moth (87.5%), small hive beetle (Aethina tumida) (91.1%), large African hive beetle (Oplostomus fuligineus) (39.3%) and African death's-head hawkmoth (Acherontia atropos) (51.8%). Other pests noticed by beekeepers were ants (96.4%), spiders (78.4%), lizards (69.6%), wasps (66.1%), termites (64.3%), squirrels (60.7%), flies (8.9%), snakes (5.4%), and cockroaches (5.4%). The socioeconomic constraints cited were: lack of funding (87.5%), robbery and vandalism (71.4%), shortage of apiarian lands (60.7%), and proliferation of adulterated honey (48. 2%). The technical challenges were: presence of pests, predators and diseases (100%), lack of technical knowledge (41.1%), pesticides issues (26.8%), and low hive stocking rate (12.5%). The environmental challenges encountered were: strong winds (60.7%), bush fires (64.3 %), and remoteness of apiaries (44.6%). Problems encountered by beekeepers can be addressed through collective efforts from governmental authorities, NGOs and beekeepers.

Empirical Study on Consumption Pattern of Poultry Meat in Srinagar City

Arijmand Shahid Tramboo — 2024-12-01

The consumption pattern of chicken has witnessed significant changes over the years, reflecting shifting preferences, dietary habits, and socioeconomic factors. With an increasing emphasis on health and wellness, consumers are opting for chicken as a healthier alternative to red meat. In India, the meat products sector witnessed remarkable growth, with the Gross Value Added (GVA) surpassing INR 3 trillion in 2021. The market is projected to expand further at a CAGR of 9.2%, reaching INR 3133.41 billion by 2028, driven by the escalating demand for protein-rich foods. Notably, the poultry business is thriving in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Kashmir, contributing significantly to this growth. This study delves into the consumption patterns of poultry meat among residents of Srinagar city, focusing on Groups- Government Employees, Private Employees, and Self-Employed individuals. Utilizing a stratified sampling technique, the research ensures representation from diverse employment sectors. The survey, encompassing 152 respondents, revealed that majority (67.8%) consumed poultry on weekly basis, with an average monthly household consumption of 7.20 kilograms, translating to a monthly expenditure of Rs 1052.63 on poultry. The study identified broiler chicken as the preferred type . Interestingly, demographic factors such as age, gender, marital status, and education level demonstrated no significant impact on poultry consumption, while household size, employment nature, number of earners, and income exhibited notable associations. Regarding consumer preferences, internal factor smell and freshness was found to be the most influential while among external factors, affordability had the greatest impact on consumer preference. Overall, internal factors had a higher influence on consumer preference, with a total mean rating of 3.5184, compared to external factors, with a total mean rating of 3.3509. Recognizing substantial impact of internal factors on consumer preference, processing companies should prioritize aligning products with these preferences through market research, innovation, quality assurance, and heightened consumer education.

Mushroom Cultivation and Rural Development in Sivaganga District of Tamil Nadu

Vijayachandrika C — 2024-12-01

Mushrooms have been consumed for centuries and are recognized for their nutritional and economic potential. Their low-cost inputs, high yields, and ability to grow on agricultural waste make them an attractive agricultural venture, especially for rural communities. In Tamil Nadu, mushroom farming has seen growth due to favorable climatic conditions and increasing demand for nutritious food. The current study focuses on farm women in the Sivaganga district, particularly mushroom farmers from four self-help groups (SHGs). Using both primary and secondary data collection methods, the study evaluates these women’s role performance, awareness levels, and training needs in mushroom farming. Primary data was gathered through structured interviews, focus group discussions, and observations, while secondary sources included government reports and SHG records. The study assessed key activities such as spawn procurement, production processes, and post-harvest management, as well as the women’s access to resources and credit. Findings from the study led to the development of a multi-stakeholder, gender-sensitive entrepreneurship model for mushroom farming. This study is aims to enhance the skills and income of farm women, empowering them to become successful agripreneurs. The combined use of primary and secondary sources ensured a comprehensive analysis of the socio-economic dynamics in mushroom farming.

The protective role of aqueous extract of rosemary leaves and vitamin E in protection against risk of induced hyperlipidemia in male white rats

Rokan H. Hamad — 2025-04-11

The study aimed to determine the protective effect of the aqueous extract of rosemary leaves and vitamin E against induced hyperlipidemia on some biochemical parameters in serum and aortic tissue in male white rats. Twenty rats weighing 250-300 g and aged 10-12 weeks were used and placed in plastic cages under laboratory conditions for 30 days. The animals were divided into four groups: the first was the control group fed a standard diet, the second was fed a standard diet with cholesterol (1% g/kg), the third was fed cholesterol with vitamin E (50 mg/kg), and the fourth was fed cholesterol with the aqueous extract (50 mg/kg).

The results showed that the cholesterol diet caused a significant increase (P < 0.01) in TG, LDL, VLDL, and HDL levels, while treatment with the aqueous extract and the extract with vitamin E resulted in a significant decrease in TC, TG, LDL, VLDL, and HDL levels. The reduction was more pronounced in the group treated with the extract and vitamin E. Additionally, the treatment improved aortic tissue compared to the cholesterol group.

The study concludes the preventive role of rosemary aqueous extract and vitamin E against the harmful effects of elevated lipid levels.

Extent of impact of chemical fertilizers on soil pH

Dr. Lakshman Chandra Pal — 2025-06-23

The objective of the present paper is to analyze the extent of the impact of the application of chemical fertilizers on the quality of soil, especially on the soil pH, in the interfluve of the Mayurakshi and the Basloi rivers in Birbhum district, West Bengal, India. The method used to conduct the study included a laboratory test of the soil samples, which was followed by a statistical analysis and interpretation. The soil samples have been collected in five different villages, namely Paikar, Tailpara, Kamakha, Dakshingram, and Md. bazaar, situated in different blocks in the district of Birbhum, where multi-cropping is practiced and different types of chemical fertilizers are used largely in agricultural operations. The result shows that long-term and continual application of chemical fertilizers, especially nitrogenous and urea fertilizers, to crop fields modifies the physical and chemical properties of the soil and decreases the level of soil pH. This makes the soil acidic. The reduction is more prominent where cultivation is practiced solely with chemical fertilizers, but very little or no such change in pH value is observed in the fields where farming is done by applying both chemical fertilizers and organic manures. To get rid of the problem, an integrated nutrient management system may be practiced to protect the soil from degradation and to maintain production.

Testing potentiality of copper particles as antimicrobial agent by kirby bauer test to inhibit the activity of various microorganisms when applied to fabrics especially medical wear

Mohammad Tanvirul Hasnat — 2025-06-25

Traditional antimicrobial finishes often rely on synthetic chemicals, which is costly alongside not suitable for the environment. Commercially available antimicrobial agents, when applied to textiles, often result in the release of hazardous effluents during laundering processes. These effluents pose significant environmental threats and, in extreme cases, may have detrimental effects on human health, particularly among vulnerable populations such as infants. In light of these concerns, the current study purpose is to find out an easiest way to find out antimicrobial using copper sulphate a compound recognized for its relatively low environmental toxicity. The aim is to establish a sustainable and practical alternative to conventional chemical treatments that ensures both microbial resistance and ecological safety. When copper finished samples are tested its resulted as intermediate for Bacillus subtilis & Staphylococcus aureus.

The effect of adding lycopene to improve some properties of dried and frozen semen of arabian rams

Mashael Mohammed Abdulwahid — 2025-06-26

The experiment was conducted in the animal field at Karma Ali site for a time of three months, from 10/15/2023 to 1/15/2024. Four Arabian rams were purchased from local markets in Basra Governorate, aged 2.5-3 years and of similar weights. They were fed a ration consisting of a feed mixture of barley, bran, straw, and some mineral salts. Clean water was provided to them inside the pen. The rams were trained to collect semen using an artificial vagina for rams in the animal field for two weeks. The experiment included adding different concentrations of lycopene (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5) g/100 ml. The tubes were tightly closed and placed in the refrigerator. After the temperature stabilized at (5°C), they were stored in liquid nitrogen at -196°C for 10, 20, and 30 days. All the characteristics of the diluted and frozen semen were studied using (CASA). T2 (lycopene 0.5 g/100 ml) was significantly outperformed the other treatments in the percentage of individual sperm motility and live sperm in diluted and frozen semen. T2 also recorded the lowest values in the percentage of dead and deformed sperm. The 10-day freezing time significantly outperformed the other 20- and 30-day freezing time in individual sperm motility. There was no significant difference between the 10, 20, and 30-day freezing time in the percentage of live sperm. Furthermore, the 10-day freezing time showed the lowest values in dead sperm compared to the other freezing time. T2 exhibited the highest values in the straight-line velocity (VSL) and linearity of the sperm trajectory (LIN) for diluted and frozen semen compared to the other treatments. The freezing time of 10 days showed the highest values in VSL, while the freezing time of 10.20 days register the highest significant values in LIN.

Effect of spraying with colchicine alkaloid on seed viability of bread wheat varieties

Hassan Ali Majeed — 2025-06-26

This study was conducted in the laboratories of the Seed Testing and Certification Department of Baqubah City in Diyala Governorate during the years 2022 and 2023, with the aim of studying the effect of the difference in the genetic composition of bread wheat and its response to spraying with colchicine alkaloid and its reflection on the vitality of its resulting seeds, as the experiment included two factors, the first is the varieties (Jad, Thariyah, Adna and Ibaa 99), and the second is spraying the vegetative group with colchicine alkaloid (at a concentration of 100 mg L-1 in one spray and at a concentration of 200 mg L-1 in two batches, each spraying half the amount) in addition to the comparison treatment (spraying with distilled water only). The experiment was applied using a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replicates. The results of the statistical analysis showed that wheat varieties had a significant effect on all studied traits, and the variety Ebaa 99 recorded the highest average for field emergence percentage (88.20%), seedling length (7.767 cm), dry radicle weight (47.34 mg) and dry seedling weight (50.92 mg). The results showed that spraying with colchicine alkaloid with an average of two sprays was significantly superior to the traits of field germination percentage (88.30%), seedling length (7.625 cm), radicle length (6.250 cm), dry radicle weight (47.90 mg) and dry seedling weight (50.03 mg). We conclude from this study that bread wheat varieties vary in seed vitality indicators, and the use of colchicine significantly improved these indicators, especially when using more than one spray.