Showing papers by "Rivers State University of Science and Technology published in 2003"
TL;DR: In this article, the influence of viscous dissipation and radiation on the problem of unsteady magnetohydrodynamic free-convection flow past an infinite vertical heated plate in an optically thin environment with time-dependent suction was investigated.
194 citations
TL;DR: Assessments of phenotypic variation in ten fruit, nut and kernel traits were made on 100 Irvingia gabonensis trees in Ugwuaji village in southeast Nigeria, a center of genetic diversity for this species.
Abstract: Domestication of Irvingia gabonensis, a fruit tree grown in agroforestry systems in West and Central Africa, offers considerable scope for enhancing the nutritional and economic security of subsistence farmers in the region. Assessments of phenotypic variation in ten fruit, nut and kernel traits were made on twenty-four ripe fruits from 100 Irvingia gabonensis trees in Ugwuaji village in southeast Nigeria, a center of genetic diversity for this species. There were important differences between the young planted trees of this study and the older unplanted trees of a similar study in Cameroon. Significant and continuous tree-to-tree variation was found in fruit mass(69.0–419.8 g), flesh mass (59.5–388.8 g), nut mass (9.5–40.6 g), shell mass (4.9–30.9 g) and kernel mass (0.41–7.58 g); fruit length (49.2–89.3 mm) and width (46.2–100.5 mm) and flesh depth (12.9–31.4 mm), as well as considerable variation in flesh colour, skin colour, fruit taste and fibrosity. Some fruits were considerably bigger than those found in Cameroon. These quantitative results will help in the development of cultivars within participatory approaches to agroforestry tree domestication, and so promote poverty alleviation and sustainable agriculture.
58 citations
TL;DR: The effect of blending wheat flour with fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook) seed flour at levels of 0 to 10% on selected chemical and nutritional properties of composite breads was investigated in this paper.
Abstract: The effect of blending wheat flour with fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook) seed flour at levels of 0 to 10% on selected chemical and nutritional properties of composite breads was investigated. Bread loaves were prepared using the straight-dough procedure. Protein quality was evaluated using weanling male albino rats fed composite bread diets which were formulated to supply 10% protein, with casein diet as a control. When wheat flour was replaced with 10% defatted fluted pumpkin seed flour, there was an increase of 80.8% in crude protein, 43.9% in calcium, 71.9% in potassium and 63.0% in phosphorus contents of composite breads. Diets formulated with 5% or 10% fluted pumpkin–substituted breads showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher values for weight gain, protein efficiency ratio, apparent and true digestibilities than diets formulated with 100% wheat flour bread, suggesting an improvement of the nutritional quality of fluted pumpkin–substituted composite breads.
31 citations
TL;DR: Growth response of animals showed that FPC-PC was superior to all other testdiets, and it was found that FFC-PC had a significantly higher protein but lower carbohydrate content than whole coconut meal and defatted coconut meal.
Abstract: Pared, comminuted and blanched coconut meat was freeze-dried at 25 degrees C for 24 hours and pulverized. Whole coconut meal was solvent extracted with n-hexane to yield a defatted meal while full-fat coconut protein concentrate (FFC-PC) containing 27.60% protein was prepared by alkali extraction of undefatted meal followed by isoelectric precipitation. Defatted coconut meal had a significantly (p < or = 0.05) lower crude fat but higher protein content than whole coconut meal. Similarly, FFC-PC had a significantly (p < or = 0.05) higher protein but lower carbohydrate content than whole coconut meal and defatted coconut meal. Whole coconut meal, defatted coconut meal and FFC-PC had PERs of 1.98, 2.18 and 2.48 respectively, with NPRs of 2.86, 3.28 and 3.92, respectively. Protein digestibility values of 88.75%, 89.30% and 94.02% were obtained for whole coconut meal, defatted coconut meal and full-fat coconut protein concentrate, respectively. Growth response of animals showed that FPC-PC was superior to all other test diets.
24 citations
TL;DR: Diet composition did not differ significantly between gravid and nongravid specimens, but gravid specimens more frequently contained small mammals and fewer lizards, and Ontogenetic dietary change was relatively minor.
Abstract: The food habits of the snake Psammophis phillipsi were studied in the rain-forest region of southeastern Nigeria, where this is the most common snake species of the area. A total of 120 prey items were recorded from 327 specimens (73 juveniles; 55 gravid females); many gravid females contained prey. Lizards (mainly Agama agama and Mabuya skinks) were the most common prey type for adult snakes, both gravid and nongravid, and for subadults as well; small mammals were the second most common prey type for all snake categories. Insects and small snakes (including conspecifics) were occasionally consumed. Diet composition did not differ significantly between gravid and nongravid specimens, but gravid specimens more frequently contained small mammals and fewer lizards. Ontogenetic dietary change was relatively minor. Prey and predator mass were significantly related in both adults and subadults.
24 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the properties of wheat-fluted pumpkin seed substituted wheat flour blends were investigated using a Chopin alveograph, while bread loaves were prepared from the blends using the straight-dough procedure and evaluated for loaf weight, loaf volume, and sensory characteristics.
Abstract: Rheological and bread-making properties of blends containing 0-25% defatted flours from ungerminated and germinated fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook) seed substituted wheat flour blends were investigated Dough rheology was studied using a Chopin alveograph, while bread loaves were prepared from the blends using the straight-dough procedure and evaluated for loaf weight, loaf volume, loaf height and sensory characteristics Up to 10% substitution of wheat flour with ungerminated pumpkin flour produced bread with acceptable crust and crumb color and crumb texture Loaf height and volume, however, decreased significantly (p < 005) when the pumpkin flour level in the bread increased beyond 5% Germination had no effect on dough extensibility, hot increased resistance to extension and mechanical work for dough deformation Addition of flour from germinated pumpkin seeds to wheat flour had a detrimental effect on loaf volume, bread color and texture
19 citations
15 citations
TL;DR: Single-ascospore-derived isolates ofMycosphaerella fijiensis Morelet from false horn ‘Agbagba’ plantain leaves obtained from five different villages in southern Nigeria were stimulated to mate under artificial conditions to be sexually compatible.
Abstract: Single-ascospore-derived isolates ofMycosphaerella fijiensis Morelet from false horn ‘Agbagba’ plantain leaves obtained from five different villages in southern Nigeria were stimulated to mate under artificial conditions. Pairs of isolates were incubated under blacklight on potato dextrose agar (PDA) with surface-sterilized plantain leaves or on PDA with autoclaved plantain leaves. Some isolates were observed to be sexually compatible by their ability to produce spherical to bulb-shaped fruiting body structures (FBS) and ascospores on pairing. FBS were observed to measure between 39–65 µm (smallest diameter) and 39–104 µm (largest diameter; mean 55.3×71.1 µm) in diameter, whereas ascospore lengths measured between 13.0 and 14.9 µm. Length of incubation time required for FBS production was dependent on the pair of isolates involved, the average being 40.1 days. With some pairs, ascospores were observed after 35 days of incubation.
13 citations
TL;DR: The effects of age (1 or 2 years) of Tephrosia candida fallow on biomass and nutrient accumulation, on weed biomass and yield response of cassava/maize intercrop and on changes in soil chemical properties are studied.
Abstract: Improving fallow quality in cassava–fallow rotations in southeastern Nigeria through the use of leguminous cover crops has been shown to sustain the productivity of such systems. We studied the effects of age (1 or 2 years) of Tephrosia candida fallow on biomass and nutrient accumulation, on weed biomass and yield response of cassava/maize intercrop and on changes in soil chemical properties in a 3 yr field trial. Results were compared with those obtained in natural fallow. Total biomass and litter were three times higher in plots fallowed for 2 yr with Tephrosia candida than in those under natural fallow for the same period. Weed biomass was 205% lower in T. candida plots fallowed for 2 yr than in the natural fallow and was 174% smaller in T. candida plots fallow for 1 yr than in the natural fallow. Nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and potassium) yields in leaves of T. candida fallow for 2 yr were on average 200–300% higher than in leaves of other fallows. The same trend was observed for cassava and maize yields. Soil chemical changes at soil depth 0 to 5 cm showed significant increases in N and C concentrations after 2 yr fallowing and a year of cropping, particularly in the planted fallow plots. Conversely, soil pH, available P and the exchangeable cations, especially Ca were lower, while Al was higher than the initial values, mainly in plots fallowed under T. candida, indicating a tendency of this fallow species to further exacerbate the soil acidification problem of the acid Ultisol at the study site in southeastern Nigeria.
13 citations
TL;DR: The diet of all categories (subadults, males and females) consisted of amphibians and fish, with a predominance of anuran tadpoles and the frog Silurana tropicalis.
Abstract: A total of 332 specimens (59 subadults, 131 males and 142 females) of the semiaquatic colubrid Afronatrix anoscopus were collected in southern Nigeria to study their dietary preferences. The adult male to female sex‐ratio (0.92) was not significantly different from equivalence, with female body length being greater than that of males. A total of 60.2 % of the subadults, 39% of the males, and 43.2% of the females had identifiable food items in their stomachs. The diet of all categories (subadults, males and females) consisted of amphibians and fish, with a predominance of anuran tadpoles and the frog Silurana tropicalis. Subadults took significantly more anuran tadpoles than adults of both sexes, but fewer fish than adults of both sexes.
12 citations
TL;DR: In this article, two legumes, African yam beans (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) and cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata), were processed into akara, moimoi and porridge then analyzed along with the raw samples for chemical, functional and sensory properties.
Abstract: Two legumes, African yam beans (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) and cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata), were processed into akara, moimoi and porridge then analyzed along with the raw samples for chemical, functional and sensory properties. Results showed that all the samples (raw or processed) had similar and high crude protein content with an average of 20.7%. The cowpea and African yam bean porridges had the highest (22.9%) and the lowest (19.9%) crude protein, respectively, which showed that the two legumes are very good sources of protein. Moimoi made from African yam beans had lower gelation capacity (19.4 w/v), higher water absorption capacity (68.0 ml/g), and lower oil absorption capacity (35.9 ml/g) than that made from cowpeas with 23.6 w/v, 54.0 ml/g and 41.0 ml/g, respectively. Similarly akara made from African yam beans had a higher gelation capacity of 34.5 w/v, water absorption capacity of 71.0 ml/g and a lower oil absorption capacity of 60.0 ml/g compared to that made from cowpeas (30.6 w/v, 57.0 ml/g and 62.02 ml/g respectively). Sensory evaluation showed that moimoi and akara made from African yam beans were not significantly different (p0.05) in color, flavor, texture and overall acceptability compared to those made from cowpeas indicating that African yam beans could be very useful in the preparation of moimoi and akara. In general, processing into akara and moimoi improved the oil absorption capacity of the African yam beans. The improved capacity to bind fat would be useful in ground meat formulations such as sausage in addition to the usefulness in making moimoi and akara.
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of substituting wheat flour with flour from roasted African breadfruit (Treculia africana Decne) seeds at levels of 0-25% was investigated for its effect on bread making properties.
Abstract: Replacing wheat flour (WHF) with flour (ABF) from roasted African breadfruit (Treculia africana Decne) seeds at levels of 0-25% was investigated for its effect on bread making properties. Resistance to extension (R), extensibility (E) and mechanical work for deformation (W) of doughs prepared from the blends were studied using a Chopin alveograph. Loaves were prepared using the straight-dough bread baking procedure and evaluated for loaf volume, loaf weight, loaf height and sensory characteristics. There were no significant (p 0.05) differences between WHF and blends containing 5-10% ABF in the alveograph values for R, E, and W. Up to 10% substitution of WHF with ABF produced bread with crust color, crumb color, crumb texture, loaf height and loaf volume similar to the control. Use of higher levels (15-25%), however, resulted in reduction in these quality attributes. Addition of ABF at levels above 5% was detrimental to bread flavor.
TL;DR: The proximate composition, acceptability and nutritional properties of akara produced from cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata) and white maize (Zea mays) flour blends in the ratios 100:0 (Sample A, control), 85:15 (sample B), 75:25 (sample C), 65:35 (sample D), 50:50 (sample E), 40:60 (sample F), and 30:70 (sample G) were investigated as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The proximate composition, acceptability and nutritional properties of akara produced from cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata) and white maize (Zea mays) flour blends in the ratios 100:0 (Sample A, control), 85:15 (sample B), 75:25 (sample C), 65:35 (sample D), 50:50 (sample E), 40:60 (sample F), and 30:70 (sample G), respectively, were investigated. Protein quality was evaluated by feeding 28 day-old weanling albino rats with 10% protein diets formulated with samples A to G, with casein as the control diet. Crude protein, fat and moisture contents of the all-cowpea akara, were 20.7%, 22.4% and 38.9%, respectively, but decreased to 15.8%, 16.5% and 17.5%, respectively, when the level of maize flour in the blend increased to 70%. Up to 35% maize flour in the blend produced acceptable akara, with ball shape, color and flavor similar to the control. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences between the values obtained for protein efficiency ratio, net protein ratio, and apparent and true digestibilities of diet G and casein when fed to rats, suggesting an improvement in the protein quality of akara prepared from cowpea: maize (30:70 w/w) flour blend, but at the expense of acceptability.
TL;DR: Melon seeds could be used as a substrate for tempe production and the tempe produced be acceptable just as soybean tempe, according to taste, texture, aroma and color.
Abstract: Melon seeds were used as substrate for tempe preparation using three strains of Rhizopus. Melon seed tempe or tempe produced from a mixture of melon seed and soybeans took longer periods than soybean tempe when strains NRRL 2710 (R. oligosporus) and NRRL 1477 (R. stolonifer) were used; strain NRRL 1527 (R. arrhizus) did not result in tempe after over 48 hours. None of the strains could ferment the shelled melon seeds with the membraneous covering even in the presence of 1% (w/w) glucose or soybeans. Changes in temperature and pH, as a result of fermentation, were as expected. Sensory evaluation of melon seed tempe or tempe produced from a mixture of dehulled melon seeds and soybeans showed no significant (p > 0.05) difference in taste, texture, aroma and color compared with soybean tempe. Melon seeds could, therefore, be used as a substrate for tempe production and the tempe so produced be acceptable just as soybean tempe. This could be an additional or better way of utilizing melon seeds which are abundant in Nigeria.
TL;DR: A total of 14 upholes were shot in the Mangrove Swamp of the Niger Delta of Nigeria as mentioned in this paper, and the aim of the survey was to determine the thickness and velocity of the low velocity layer (LVL).
Abstract: A total of 14 upholes were shot in the Mangrove Swamp of the Niger Delta of Nigeria. The aim of the survey was to determine the thickness and velocity of the low velocity layer (LVL). The velocities and thickness of the layers were computed from the reciprocals of the slopes of the straight-line segments using the FACE Static computer program. Results obtained showed a variation in the thickness of the weathering layer from 2.0m to 5.7m with an average of 3.40m. The variation was random and did not show any trend. The velocity of the low velocity layer ranges between 295ms-1 and 727ms-1 with an average of 562.7 ms-1 while the velocity of the sub-weathering layer ranges between 1502 ms-1 and 1918 ms-1 with an average of 1716 ms-1. These data are important in seismic static corrections and in geotechnical engineering.
Key words: Thickness, Velocity, Low velocity layer, Uphole
[Global Jnl Pure & Appl. Sci. Vol.9(3) 2003: 369-374]
TL;DR: In this paper, an inquiry into how the African Industrial Manager would manage the impressions of his subordinates is described, through the use of focus groups and key informant interviews, with managers and workers in forty-five firms in the manufacturing and service sub-sector of both private and public sectors of the economy.
Abstract: Periodically, African Industrial Managers face management decisions regarding how to build or create images of themselves in the perception of their subordinates. This article describes an inquiry into how the African Industrial Manager would manage the impressions of his subordinates. It identified frameworks and methods that recognise the role processes play in organisational life through impression management formations. This was done through the use of focus groups and key informant interviews, with managers and workers in forty‐five firms in the manufacturing and service sub‐sector of both private and public sectors of the economy. It was discovered that an agenda for practicing impression management in African work organisations could adopt the IMD‐AIMmodel of impression management, which highlights the Physical Appearance and Trait‐Signal Dimension, Direct‐Indirect Acquisitive Dimension and Direct‐Indirect Protective Dimension. This model offers increasing potential benefits for African Industrial Managers and the work organizations they manage within their differentiated environments.
TL;DR: Explants of four F1 hybrids and two cultivars of cassava were subjected to different combinations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 1-naphthaleneacetic Acid, NAA, kinetin and N6-benzylaminopurine to induce somatic embryogenesis, organogenesis and micropropagation.
Abstract: Explants of four F1 hybrids (OMR 36-41/1, OMR 36-41/2, OMR 36-41/4 and OMR 36-41/5) and two cultivars (Rayong 1 and Rayong 60) of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) were subjected to different combinations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), kinetin (KIN) and N6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) to induce somatic embryogenesis, organogenesis and micropropagation Shoot apices of the F1 hybrids exhibited higher frequency (62 – 74 %) of proliferation of somatic embryos than the cultivars (21 – 43 %) in Murashige and Skoog basal medium supplemented with 8 mg dm−3 2,4-D and 05 mg dm−3 NAA Nodal explants of regenerated plantlets were rapidly micropropagated with 90 % efficiency on a medium containing 01 mg dm−3 NAA and 005 mg dm−3 BAP irrespective of explant source
TL;DR: The use of harvested chewing sticks after prolonged storage period is therefore not advisable for oral hygiene measures and the role of disinfection should be considered.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To study post-harvest fungal overgrowth on chewing sticks used for oral hygiene measures and role of disinfection. METHODS: The post-harvest fungal spoilage of chewing sticks (Garcinia kola, Glyphea brevis and Azadirachta indica) was investigated by subjecting the chewing sticks to different preparatory methods (some disinfected in 0.7% sodium hypochlorite before storage), storage conditions (unsealed or sealed in clear polythene) and different storage periods (2, 3 and 4 weeks). RESULTS: Significant differences (P = 0.05) in mean percentage fungal colonization were dependent on plant type and storage period, but not on preparative methods and storage conditions. There were, however, significant interactions between chewing sticks and preparative methods, storage conditions and storage periods, respectively. Azadirachta indica was observed to be more susceptible to post-harvest spoilage organisms than other test plants. Generally, percentage fungal colonization increased with increase in storage period. Four genera, Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp., Mucor spp. and Botryodiplodia spp., were implicated with post-harvest colonization of chewing sticks after 4 weeks of storage. CONCLUSION: The use of harvested chewing sticks after prolonged storage period is therefore not advisable for oral hygiene measures.
DOI•
01 Jan 2003TL;DR: The administration of paracetamol after excessive consumption of alcohol may cause more damage than the expected relief, and the enzyme inducting effect of alcohol is reduced.
Abstract: The effect of paracetamol on hepatic glutathione concentration in rats after chronic alcohol and given intoxication was investigated using biochemical indices. Male albino rats were grouped into five and the different dosage regimens of paracetamol (300 mg/kg) and 12% alcohol. Hepatic glutathione concentration and the percentage liver weight to body weight were then measured. The administration of alcohol alone increased the percentage liver weight to body weight by 5.9% as well as the hepatic glutathione concentration to as high as 19.5% whilst that of paracetamol alone caused a reduction in percentage liver weight to body weight of 5.9% and hepatic glutathione concentration of 23.8%. The administration of paracetamol to alcohol intoxicated rats reduced the enzyme inducting effect of alcohol, as shown by mean percentage liver weight to body weight of 2.9% and GSH percentage depletion of 9.5%. There was a significant increase in the activity of Glutathione-s- Transferase in rats administered alcohol and paracetamol for four days compared to control. In conclusion the administration of paracetamol after excessive consumption of alcohol may cause more damage than the expected relief. KEY WORDS: Hepatic Glutathione concentration, Paracetamol and alcohol which revealed that administration Journal of Medical Investigation and Practice Vol. 4: 2003: 8-11
TL;DR: In this article, cowpea-daddawa, contaminated with Salmonella typhimurium (LT2) during processing, were exposed to sun drying for 3 days and smoking for the same period.
Abstract: Balls of cowpea-daddawa, contaminated with Salmonella typhimurium (LT2) during processing, were exposed to sun drying (33–35 °C) for 3 days and smoking (60–80 °C) for the same period. On the first day, the initial contaminant level for both sun dried and smoked cowpeadaddawa was 104 cfu/g. Contaminant levels fell from 104 to 102 cfu/g on the second day of smoking, while the contaminants were no longer detected on the third day. The reduction in contaminant level for sun drying was a gradual process. It reduced from 104cfu/g on the first day to 102 cfu/g on the third day. Similarly, other organisms associated with daddawa fermentation could not survive beyond the first day of smoking. It is possible therefore that smoking and the sublethal heat injury of S. typhimurium, could be an effective way of eliminating bacterial pathogens from fermented processed daddawa.
TL;DR: An appraisal of erosion and flooding activities has been conducted at a "high risk" fresh-water location at Abari in the lower Niger floodplain of Nigeria as discussed by the authors, where factors relating to the mechanisms of bank failures and attendant flooding are examined and suggestions made for remediation
Abstract: An appraisal of erosion and flooding activities has been conducted at a "high risk" fresh-water location at Abari in the lower Niger floodplain of Nigeria Factors relating to the mechanisms of bank failures and attendant flooding are examined and suggestions made for remediation
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The feeding index, feeding severity and preference ratio of adults R. dentipes were investigated in ten cowpea varieties and the positive feeding response in the susceptible varieties significantly differed from those of the resistant varieties.
Abstract: The feeding index, feeding severity and preference ratio of adults R. dentipes were investigated in ten cowpea varieties (IT84S -2246-4, IT86D-715, IT86D-1010, IT87D-94-1 OBRIKOM-l84 IT87D1134, IT82D-789, IT84S-124, L-80 and He Brown). The number of seeds attacked and the degree of penetration were compared with those of the susceptible and resistant controls (IT84E -124 and IT82D -789 respectively). Extensive feeding was obtained on IT86D -1010, IT87D -941 -I, OBRIKOM -184, and He Brown, Their preference ratio (PR) was very high as against the low values for IT86D -715 and IT84S -2246 -4. The preference ratio for the susceptible check, IT84E -124 was significantly higher than that for the resistant check, IT8D -789 W<0.05). Two varieties IT84S -2246 -4 and IT86D -715 elicited poorer response to R. dentips feeding. The positive feeding response in the susceptible varieties (OBIRIKOM -184, He Brown, IT87D -941-1 and IT86D -1010) significantly differed from those of the resistant varieties (P<0.05).
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The toxicological effect of garlic (Alluim sativum) on some hematological and biochemical parameters in albino rats was studied and the total white blood cell count and differential leucocyte counts showed a significant increase consistent with high doses of garlic infusion.
Abstract: The toxicological effect of garlic (Alluim sativum) on some hematological and biochemical parameters in albino rats was studied. High doses of garlic infusion were found to cause a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the concentration of hemoglobin, packed cell volume, lymphocyte count, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. The total white blood cell count and differential leucocyte counts (especially neutrophils and eosinophils) showed a significant increase (p<0.05) consistent with high doses of garlic infusion. Red cell morphology was also appreciably affected.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Recent trends in agricultural field pest management in Nigeria cover the use of chemicals, plant extracts, improved plant varieties, cultural control methods and theUse of biological agents.
Abstract: With the avalanche of insecticides and their misuse especially in developing countries, it has become important to review all methods of insect pest management used in Nigeria, starting from the era of polyculture-crop diversity and to the present day intensive agricultural practices geared towards improving increased agricultural productivity, the great diversity of crops has attracted new and important pest problems. Recent trends in agricultural field pest management in Nigeria cover the use of chemicals, plant extracts, improved plant varieties, cultural control methods and the use of biological agents. Initially the predominant use of insecticides in the Nigerian agriculture was in the control of insect pest of tree crops such as cocoa and kola so much so that by the mid 1950s the use of sprayers and gama - HCH was well established in control of insect pests of major crops.
TL;DR: Improvement of the nutritional value of fluted pumpkin seeds by germination, boiling and defatting is suggested, suggesting a superior growth-promoting quality of diets contzining boiled and defatted seeds.
Abstract: The effects of germination, boiling and defatting on selected chemical and nutritional properties of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook) seeds were investigated. The protein quality of the seeds was evaluated using weanling rats fed diets which were formulated to supply 10% dietary protein using ungerminated raw full-fat (URF), ungerminated raw defatted (URD), ungerminated boiled full-fat (UBF), ungerminated boiled defatted (UBD), germinated raw full-fat (GRF), germinated raw defatted (GRD), germinated boiled full-fat (GBF), and germinated boiled defatted (GBD) seeds, with casein (CAS) as a control. Combining germination, boiling and defatting proved more effective than combining germination and boiling, germination and defatting or boiling and defatting, for increasing in vitro protein digestibility and decreasing the levels of polyphenols and phytic acid. The weight gains of rats fed diets GBD (12.09 g) and UBD (8.12 g) were similar and significantly (p 0.05) differences between the values obtained for protein efficiency ratio, net protein ratio, apparent digestibility and true digestibility of diet GBD and caseiri, suggesting an improvement of the nutritional value of fluted pumpkin seeds by germination, boiling and defatting.
TL;DR: The elevated biochemical changes indicate that ingestion of crude oil fractions imposed a physiological and homeostatic stress in the animals.
Abstract: Ovuru, S.S., Berepubo, N.A., Nodu, M.B. and Dambo, L.B. 2003. Biochemical and enzyme responses in rabbits experimentally fed crude oil contaminated diets. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 24: 169–176. Thirty experimental rabbits were fed sublethal levels of crude oil (0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 or 0.20%) in their diets for 84 days and their blood assayed for Cortisol, glucose, total protein, albumin, amylase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase. Activities of these parameters showed a progressive increase with increasing concentration of crude oil indicating significant differences (P<0.05) between controls and crude oil treated animals. The elevated biochemical changes indicate that ingestion of crude oil fractions imposed a physiological and homeostatic stress in the animals.