Sexual maturity prediction based on hormonal profiles, testes and semen characteristics in male Coturnix quail (Garsault, 1764) in the Western Highlands of Cameroon - IJAAR

• François Djitie Kouatcho1*, Augustave Kenfack2, Ferdinand Ngoula3, Alexis Teguia4

1. Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, University of Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
2. Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Science, University of Dschang, Cameroon (2,3,4)

With the aim to investigate age at sexual maturity in male quail in the Western Highlands of Cameroon, a study was conducted on 68 quails of 4 weeks old.Data were collected during 14 weeks on FSH, LH and testosterone levels as well as testes and semen characteristics. FSH and LH rate were similar and higher from 6 to 15 weeks old. Highest testosterone levels were recorded on 15 (2.25 ng/ml) and 18 (2.62 ng/ml) weeks old quails. 

Testes weight, height, diameter as well as gonado somatic index recorded from 12 to 18 weeks old were similar but significantly higher than others. Morphometric characteristics of seminiferous tubules at 6 and 9 weeks old were similar but significantly lower than later values. Comparable sizes of seminiferous tubules circumference and germinal epithelium height were noticed from 15 weeks old.

Histological analysis of testes sections showed fully developed and active seminiferous tubules from week 12 but, spermatogenic activity was more pronounced at week 15. Mass and individual motilities were comparable with quail age. However, the highest sperm count was recorded at 12 weeks old compared to later values. It has been concluded that age at sexual maturity in male quail could be situated around 12 weeks in the context of the Western Highlands of Cameroon.

 Source of Articles: Volume 7, Number 4, October 2015 – IJAAR

Journal Name: International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research (IJAAR)

Publication Name: International Network For Natural Sciences (INNSPUB)

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Impact of withering process on sensory properties of black tea - JBES

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Morpho-physiological characterization of cultivated rice (Oryza spp. ) during early vegetative growth under different soil water conditions - IJAAR

• David Montcho1,2*, Koichi Futakuchi1, Gustave Djedatin3, Mamadou Fofana4, Baboucarr Manneh5, Clement Agbangla2, Corneille Ahanhanzo2

1. Physiology Unit, Africa Rice Center, Cotonou, Benin
2. Department of Genetic and Biotechnology, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
3. Department of Genetic, Polytechnic University of Abomey, Dassa, Benin
4. Physiology Unit Africa Rice Center Ibadan, Nigeria
5. Irrigated Rice Breeding Unit, Africa Rice Center, Sahel Station Saint Louis Senegal

In rainfed rice cultivation, weeds, low or no fertiliser inputs and no water control can be production constraints. Vegetative early vigor may favour weed competitiveness. Since Oryza glaberrima is considered as genetic resources for this characteristic, growth analyses of three lines were made from seeds to juvenile plants of 35 days after seed soaking (DAS) in a pot experiment with two O. sativa under two soil water regimes: soil of water saturation without standing water (SAT) and soil of a wet surface without water saturation (WET). 

After germination, total dry weigh decreased (heterotrophic phase using carbohydrate reserve in kernels) then increased during autotrophic phase. Start of autotrophic phase was earlier in SAT than in WET (6.2 vs 7.6 DAS) and kernel weight lost was also higher in SAT (93 vs 82 %). Total dry weight was smaller in SAT than in WET at 5 DAS but larger at and after 11 DAS. The carbohydrate reserve in kernels was more rapidly and sufficiently used for seedling growth in SAT than in WET; the growth phase more quickly shifted from the hetero trophic to auto trophic in SAT than in WET then growth after the sift was better in SAT. Leaf area (determined at and after 13 DAS) was always larger in SAT than in WET. Varietal difference in total dry weight became significant (P<0.05) at 28 DAS; the O. glaberrima lines showed larger total dry weight than O. sativa varieties and difference between the two species was more obvious in SAT.

Journal Name: International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research (IJAAR)

Publication Name: International Network For Natural Sciences (INNSPUB)

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Effects of fertilization on the proximate composition of fresh and stored groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) - IJAAR

• Evans A. Alenyorege1*, Felix K. Abagale1, Albert Yawson1, Nelson Opoku2

1. Department of Agricultural Mechanization & Irrigation Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University for Development Studies, P.O Box TL 1882, Tamale, Ghana
2. Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, University for Development Studies, P.O Box TL 1882, Tamale, Ghana

The study was aimed at evaluating the proximate composition of groundnuts cultivated using Yaralegume and Humate Green OK fertilizers at four (4) communities in the Lambussie-Karni District of the Upper West Region of Ghana. In all, twenty four (24) fresh and stored groundnut samples were analysed using standard methods and procedures.

The results indicated average moisture, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, ash and carbohydrate contents of 3.65 %, 24.78 %, 44.70 %, 5.65 %, 2.18 % and 19.16 % for fresh groundnuts and 3.88 %, 27.08 %, 47.62 %, 6.76 %, 2.28 % and 12.28 % for stored groundnuts respectively. After storage, 83.33 %, 58.33 % and 66.67 % of the samples recorded increase in moisture and crude protein, fibre and ash content, and crude fat correspondingly. However, 91.67 % of the samples had reduced levels of carbohydrate after storage. Fertilization did not have a significant impact on the proximate composition of both categories of groundnuts and therefore, the use of these fertilizers to improve the proximate composition of groundnuts may not be recommendable but storage could improve proximate composition.

Journal Name: International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research (IJAAR)

Publication Name: International Network For Natural Sciences (INNSPUB)

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