ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Growth performance, gut microbial profile and carcass characteristics of growing pigs fed diets containing three differing (RE3, RE3 PLUS and P3) DFM products

A twenty-two week feeding trial was conducted at the Livestock Section of the Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, KNUST, Kumasi. This study sought to investigate the effects of three (3) differing Direct-fed microbial (DFM) products on growth performance, gut microbial profile and carcass characteristics of growing pigs. Twenty Large White pigs (12 females and 8 males) with an average initial weight of 9.4 kg were allocated to four dietary treatments labeled: T1 (Control), T2 (1ml RE3TM per kg feed), T3 (1ml RE3 PLUS per kg feed) and T4 (1ml RE3TM + 0.5ml P3 per kg feed) in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 5 replicates per treatment. All the pigs were given access to feed and water ad libitum. There were 2 phases in this experiment. A starter phase where pigs were offered a 23% CP diet until they attained body weight of 20 ± 0.5 kg and a grower-finisher phase where pigs were fed an 18% CP diet until they attained a body weight of 70 ± 0.5 kg. Weighing was done weekly. Faecal samples were taken from all the pigs during the course of the experiment. After any individual pig attained a targeted bodyweight of 70 ± 0.5 kg, it was slaughtered. Blood samples were then taken and fresh carcass parameters were taken. Carcasses were chilled in a cold room (4°C) for 24 hours after which chilled carcass parameters were taken. It was therefore concluded that the addition of the differing DFM products did not seem to influence growth performance, gut microbial composition and carcass characteristics of growing pigs

Source: KNUST
Growth Performance, Blood Profile and Carcass Characteristics of Growing Pigs Fed Diets Containing Varying Levels of Soybean Milk Residue (SBMR)

Scarcity of and high cost of conventional feed ingredients have necessitated the identification and exploitation of nonconventional feed resources (NCFRs) for livestock especially monogastric livestock production. Soybean milk residue (SBMR) is one of such nonconventional feed ingredients. An experiment was therefore carried out to determine the nutrient composition and nutritive value of dried SBMR. The SBMR was collected in the fresh or wet form from Wiamoase, Agona, Mampong and some surrounding villages mostly from women who produce soybean milk and khebab. The fresh SBMR was then sun-dried to a moisture content of about 15%. Analysis of the dried SBMR showed that the crude protein, fat, ash and crude fibre levels were 20.1%, 8.0%, 1.75%,and 19.34% respectively. The metabolisable energy value was estimated to be 2157Kcal/kg. In a subsequent feeding trial, four diets were formulated to contain varying levels of the dried SBMR; the levels were 0.0kg, 5.0kg, 10.0kg and 15.0kg/100kg diet. These 4 dietary treatments were labelledT1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively. A total of twenty Large White growing pigs comprising of eight males and twelve females with a mean initial weight of 11.88kg were allocated to the 4 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Each treatment consisted of five replicates comprising of two males and three females and each replicate consisted of one pig. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum during the 91-day feeding trial. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in the growth performance parameters, i.e. final weight, mean daily feed intake, mean total feed intake, total weight gain, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio. There were no health-related problems that could be attributable to the inclusion of the varying level of the SBMR. There was however a marginal decrease in the feed cost per kg live weight gain (1.87, 1.77, 1.71 and 1.76 GH¢), with increasing levels of the SBMR. Carcass parameters that were measured did not show significant (P > 0.05%) differences among treatment means except for loin weight which was significantly (P< 0.05%) different among treatment means, with the 10% SBMR giving the highest value. Furthermore, the dietary treatments did not have any significant (P>0.05%) impact on the various blood biochemical indices. The haematological parameters examined were also similar (P>0.05%).It was concluded that the SBMR has some potential for use as a dietary ingredient in pig diets without compromising health and growth performance and carcass and blood traits.

Source: KNUST
Growth Performance of Cedrela Odorota in Two Stands (Pure and Mixed) of Indigenous Species in the Tano Offin Forest Reserve

In Ghana, establishing monoculture plantations using fast growing exotic species have been practiced over the years. However, combining these species with native ones in a mixed plantation is a relatively recent development. This study therefore provides vital information on the growth performance or interactive effect of the native species on the exotic species. The study investigated the growth performance of exotic species of Cedrela odorata in a pure and in mixed stand of indigenous species of Terminalia superba and Khaya grandifolia. The study was carried out in an eight year old plantation in the Tano-Offin Forest Reserve which lies in moist semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana. Survival rate, height, diameter, stand density and volume of the species were determined. Results from the study indicated that pure Cedrela odorata stands had a high survival rate (97.09%) followed by Cedrela odorata mixed with Terminalia superba (95.48%) the least was Cedrela odorata mixed with Khaya grandifolia (95.34%) but no significant differences (p>0.05) were recorded among them. Between the two indigenous species Khaya grandifolia survived better than Terminalia superba, though no significant difference was recorded between them. The results of the study further revealed no significant differences (p>0.05) among growth and productivity of the pure Cedrela odorota stand and the mixed stands of the indigenous species. It was observed from the study that since all the three species used in the plantations are light demanding, the competition for above ground resources was high and the Cedrela odorota sp. being the fast growing species among the three was able to cast a shade over them resulting in their some what poor growth and survival. It can be concluded from the research that the indigenous species did not play any facilitative or competitive reduction roles in the growth performance of the Cedrela odorata species as Cedrela odorata. can perform in both monoculture and mixed stands.

Source: KNUST
Growth response of Guinea Fowls fed diets containing bovine blood blended with cassava

An 18 – week feeding trial was conducted to assess the effect of four types of bovine blood blended with cassava, hereafter referred to as BBLOCAM, to partially replace maize on the growth performance, haematological and blood biochemical parameters of guinea fowl keets. Two hundred and eighty five, 35 – day old local keets with a mean weight of 85.2g were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments with 57 keets in each treatment with 3 replicates per treatment. The dietary treatments consisted of T1 (the control diet), which contained maize as the main energy source; T2 (BBLOCAM II, 100 units cassava flour: 25 units fresh blood); T3 (BBLOCAM III, 100 units cassava flour: 33.33 units fresh blood), T4 (BBLOCAMIV, 100 units cassava flour: 50units fresh blood) and T5 (BBLOCAM V, 100 units cassava flour: 100 units fresh blood).Feed and water were provided ad libitum. The mean daily feed intakes were 42.63g (T1), 43.56g (T2), 43.50g (T3), 43.33g (T4) and 42.69g (T5). The mean body weight gain for the dietary treatments T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 were 996.40g, 958.00g, 982.70g, 965.00g and 942.70g, respectively. The intake of BBLOCAM did not have any significant (P>0.05) effect on growth performance. The feed conversion efficiency (FCE) did not vary significantly among treatment means. The dressed weight and dressing percentage showed significant differences among dietary treatments, which were variable and did not show a clear trend that could indicate the influence of BBLOCAM in the diets on the parameters. There was a significant (P > 0.05) difference in the total cholesterol values between T1 and T4 but both T1 and T4 were not significantly different from T2, T3 and T5. The values for the high density lipoproteins were not significantly different among all the treatment means but the low density lipoproteins and triglycerides values differed significantly (P < 0.05) among their respective treatment means. The albumin, globulin and total protein values did not differ among dietary treatments. Hb, HCT, MCH, RBC and WBC did not also differ but MCHC and MCV values differed among the treatments but were within the reference range values. A total of 15 mortality cases were recorded during the period which did not follow any trend attributable to the feeding of BBLOCAM as the highest percentage (33.3%) of mortality was recorded among the birds fed the control diet (T1) which contained none of the BBLOCAMs. BBLOCAM diets confer better economic benefits compared to maize by greatly reducing feeding and production cost. It was therefore, concluded that increased productivity of poultry particularly guinea fowls could be achieved by feeding BBLOCAM based diets which could reduce cost significantly.

Source: KNUST
Growth, Yield and Nutritional Quality of Five Bambara Groundnut (Vigna Subterranea (L) Verdc.) Landraces to Different Plant Population Densities

A field experiment to study the effect of plant population density on the growth, yield and nutrient quality of five bambara groundnut landraces was conducted at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi; at the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences in 2008 cropping season. The experimental design was a split plot with bambara groundnut landraces; Nav 4, Nav Red, Black eye, Mottled cream and Burkina as the main plot factor and the population densities (5,6.7 and 10 plants m-2) as the subplot factor. Two seeds per hill were planted on the 17th of May and thinned to one seed per hill 21 days after sowing. Weeding was done when necessary. Growth analysis were carried out at six different sampling periods during which number of leaves, leaf area, petiole length, canopy spread, total dry matter, petiole internode ratio and leaf area index were measured. Yield and components of yield- number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, mean seed weight as well as harvest index were also measured during harvest. At final harvest, proximate analysis was carried out on air dried seed samples of the five landraces. Results indicated that increasing plant population density resulted in higher pod yield. The highest density of 10 plants m-2 produced significantly (P < 0.05) the greatest pod and grain yield of 3399 kg/ha and 1684.7 kg/ha respectively. Similarly, density of 10 plants m-2 produced significantly higher number of pods than the lowest population density treatment. However, the number of seeds per pod and mean seed weight were not affected by plant population. Although, most vegetative data were not significantly affected by varying plant population, crop growth rate, net assimilation rate and leaf area index were also significantly higher in the low population density treatment than other treatments. Yield data among the landraces were statistically similar, except with the number of pods per plant, where the Mottled Cream landrace produced significantly lower pods than the other landraces. However, the mean seed weight, pod and seed harvest indices of this landrace were superior to those of other landraces. Therefore Mottled Cream is recommended for sole cropping, Nav 4, Nav Red, Black Eye in intercropping situations and Burkina for subsistence farming. The spacing of 50 cm x 20 is recommended for cultivation bambara groundnut. Seed analysis showed that the landraces contain 26.88-33.75% protein; 54.89-63.67% carbohydrate; 2.45-4.29% fat; 1.59-3.13% fibre and 2.45-4.28% ash. The mineral composition (mg/100g) was Fe = 1.71-4.56, Ca = 88-144, K = 1700-2200 and Na = 4.20-5.00. The results indicated that the landraces contained protein, carbohydrate, fat and fibre in levels that provide balanced nutrition. Cultivation and use of these landraces therefore should be encouraged because the legume has great potential to contribute to food security in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Growth, yield and quality factors of sweetpotato (ipomoea batatas (l) lam) as affected by seedbed type and fertilizer application

A Field experiment was conducted at CSIR-Crops Research Institute, Fumesua in 2013 to determine the effect of seedbed type (ridge and mound) and fertilizer application (chicken manure, NPK 15-15-15 and combination of the two) on growth, yield and quality factors of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L) Lam). The experimental design used was a 2x4 factorial with treatments arranged in RCBD design. The fertilizers applied were: (i) recommended chicken manure (6 t/ha); (ii) recommended NPK, 15-15-15 (200kg/ha); (iii) ½ chicken manure + ½ NPK (3 t/ha + 100 kg/ha); and no chicken manure and NPK fertilizer (control). The seedbed types used were (i) ridges and (ii) mounds. Each treatment was replicated thrice. ‘Sauti’, an improved sweetpotato variety released by CSIR-CRI was used. The results showed significant higher effects of amended treatments on growth, yield and quality factors of sweetpotato than the control. The combined fertilizer treatment effect enhanced growth and yield which resulted in high storage root yield (number of roots and roots weight) on ridges. Chicken manure only treatment effect was high on leaf size and vine length, therefore promoting high vegetative part. The results of the study showed that, the effect of fertilizer application enhanced some quality factors of sweetpotato specifically on mounds. The results indicated that combining inorganic and organic fertilizers resulted in better root yield than separate application. Also ridge seedbed appeared better than mound seedbed.

Source: KNUST
Growth, Yield and Quality of Cassava as Influenced by Terramend 21, Poultry Manure and Inorganic Fertilizer.

The effects of Terramend 21(TM 21), poultry manure and inorganic fertilizer on the growth, yield and quality (cooking and starch) of two cassava varieties were studied at the Plantation section of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi. The experimental design was a split-plot with four replications. The main plots consisted of the two cassava varieties (Nkabom and IFAD), while the five soil amendments were assigned to the sub-plots. The five soil amendments were: Terramend 21 at the rate of 250ml/ha, NPK applied at the rate of 60 – 40 – 40 kg/ha, TM21 at the rate of 250ml/ha + NPK at 30-20-20kg/ha, poultry manure at the rate of 4t/ha and no soil amendment as the control. TM 21 is a biostimulant and soil rejuvenator. The response variables were: plant height, fresh shoot weight, number of tubers/plant, tuber mean weight, tuber dry matter, tuber yield, harvest index, cooking quality and starch content. Normal husbandry practices such as weed control and application of soil amendments were under-taken and harvesting was done at 12 months after planning. Results showed the presence of micro-organisms in all the treatments. Fertilizer treatment gave the highest number of colonies (35) and fertilizer with TM 21 gave the lowest value (13). Terramend 21 treatment did not contain Aspergillus niger and Fusarium sp, but contained the highest number of unidentified microorganism colonies. Plant height increased steadily from three months after planting (MAP) to 10 (MAP) for the two varieties. IFAD recorded greater height than Nkabom at all the sampling periods except at 3 (MAP). Fresh shoot weight was significantly different between the varieties and the soil amendments. There was a significant interaction (P< 0.05) between the varieties and soil amendments in tuber yield. The highest tuber yield (46.9t/ha) was produced by a combination of TM21 and Fertilizer application in Nkabom. Poultry manure produced the highest yield of 46.8t/ha in IFAD. The harvest index did not differ between the two varieties but was significant (P<0.05) with soil amendment application. Results showed no significant interaction between the varieties and the soil amendments in dry matter content. Starch content ranged from 25.1 % to 25.7% in Nkabom and 24.2% to 26.9% for IFAD, and was not significantly different between the two varieties. No significant effect (P>0.05) was observed in tuber cooking quality between the varieties and soil amendments. The results showed a positive correlation between tuber dry matter and starch content, tuber mean weight and tuber yield, tuber dry matter content and tuber yield. A negative correlation existed between number of tubers/plant and tuber mean weight. Cassava producers should use soil amendment application to increase cassava tuber yields. The results have also shown that the mealiness of cassava tubers is not negatively affected by the application of soil amendments in the production of cassava.

Source: KNUST
Growth, yield and root qualities of two sweet potato (Ipomoea Batatas L.) Varieties as influenced by organic and inorganic fertilizer application

A field experiment was conducted at the Crops Research Institute (CRI) at Fumesua – Kumasi from August to December, 2014. The research aimed at determining the growth, yield and root quality responses of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L) to organic manures (poultry manure and cow dung) and inorganic fertilizers (NPK, 15-15-15) and their combinations. The experimental design used for the project was a 2×3 factorial with treatments arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The treatments were: Sole poultry manure (6t/ha); Sole cow dung (8t/ha); Sole NPK, 30-30-30; NPK, 15-15-15 + PM (3t/ha); NPK, 15-15-15 + CD (4t/ha); NPK, 22.5-22.5-22.5 + PM (1.5t/ha); NPK, 22.5-22.5-22.5 + CD (2t/ha); NPK, 7.5-7.5-7.5 + PM (4.5t/ha); NPK, 7.5-7.5-7.5 + CD (6t/ha); and No fertilizer amendment (control). Two sweet potato varieties were used for the experiment. These were “Apomuden” and Santom Pona”. The result indicated that on the average, the organic manure and inorganic fertilizer combinations promoted more growth (215.2cm) than the sole applications and the control (186.7), with the greatest marketable root yield (14.8 t/ha) obtained from 7.5-7.5-7.5 NPK + 4.5 t/ha PM. On root dry matter, NPK 15-15-15 + CD (4t/ha); NPK 15-15-15 + PM (3t/ha); and NPK 7.7-7.5-7.5 + CD (6t/ha) produced the highest responses (32.6%, 31.1%, 30.9%) respectively. NPK 22.5-22.5-22.5 + CD (2t/ha); sole poultry manure (6t/ha); and NPK 15-15-15 + CD (4t/ha) recorded the highest protein content (6.1% each). Integrated application of organic manure and inorganic fertilizers (NPK, 15-15-15) are recommended for improved sweet potato production.

Source: KNUST
GSM Cell traffic Channels’ Load Redistribution

User behaviours such as mobility, mean holding time, mean inter-arrival time of calls and cell parameters such as the number of traffic channels are factors that affect the blocking probability and grade of service (GoS) of GSM cells. Depending on the value of these parameters, individual cells (and the GSM system as a whole) may become congested leading to performance degradation, customer frustration and revenue loss on the operators’ part. A careful study of these factors and the necessary adjustments improve the blocking probability and GoS of the system. A simple model is developed to investigate the effect of these factors on the blocking probability and GoS of the GSM cell and the GSM system as a whole. Aspects of user behaviour investigated are the user mobility, mean holding time and mean intearrival time of calls to the cell. The cell parameter investigated is the number of traffic channels at the air interface of the cell . The model is also used to study the effects of cell load redistribution. The effect of redistributing the load of a spontaneously congested cell to freer neighbouring cells was found to improve upon the overall GoS of the system.

Source: KNUST
A guide to the teaching of tapestry in Ghanaian Schools

Weaving is a method of cloth construction which involves the interlacing at right-angles of two sets of yarns. The first set, called the warp, runs lengthways on the weaving frame or loom. The second set of yarns, called the weft or filling yarns, run width way across the loom, that is, at right-angle to the warp. The manner in which the groups of warp yarns are raised to permit the insertion of the filling yarn determines the pattern of the weave, and contributes immensely to the kind of fabric being produced. Tapestry is a process as well as an end-product to a special style of weaving. The warp and weft are unequal in character and weight and the design is built up in the course of the weaving. A true tapestry therefore has no existence independent of the design. Tapestry weaving is an art which expresses aesthetic forms by the use of yarn. It requires a good sense of design, colour and weaving mechanism. Its main uses therefore include aesthetic, like wall-hangings arid utilitarian, like keeping draughty room’s warm. Locally, indigenous weaving traditions and products like kente and kete fabrics are similar to those of tapestry. This research has therefore been undertaken to assess the possibility of evolving a derivative system for weaving tapestries in Ghana, and to use the result to prepare a guide for tapestry weaving in Ghanaian schools. This guide has therefore been specifically designed to highlight on the rich indigenous weaving tradition of Ghana by providing literature, schematic drawings and pictures of equipment, processes and end products. Secondly, it provides different techniques for weaving tapestry to guide teachers, students and interested persons who wish to study the art of tapestry weaving. This guide has materialised as a result of a thorough study of the objectives and rational for the New Educational Reform Programme and its Visual Art syllabi for the first and second cycle institutions. A further study was conducted of literature related to tapestry weaving. Interviews were also conducted with selected teachers, pupils and students of first, second and tertiary institutions. Also lecturers of art, selected technicians and weavers in Accra and Kumasi were contacted. After careful study of various equipment uses, I made personal labelled illustrations of some of them to help users of this guide. Finally, recommendations were provided to assist curriculum designers when developing tapestry syllabi for first, second and tertiary institutions in Ghana. The contents of this guide are planned to cover readership embracing students and teachers of tapestry, and all people interested in tapestry weaving.

Source: KNUST
A guide to transparent watercolour painting

The purpose of this project is to present a simple and easy-to-practise guide to transparent watercolour painting. The technique of transparent watercolour painting has often been described as a different technique. It is true that the medium needs a swift, direct and confident application. It is also true that the medium require a sufficient amount of control, skill and practice to gain mastery. With these basic feature in mind, the project seeks to present a series of simplified concentration, instruction and exercise that would help the beginner and the student to become familiar with the nature of transparent watercolour painting.

Source: KNUST