Bovine tuberculosis a major source of human tuberculosis in Nigeria.

Bovine tuberculosis a major source of human tuberculosis in Nigeria. According to recent reports Nigeria ranks 4th in TB infection worldwide. Statistics also shows that 80% of TB cases in Nigeria are undetected and it claims 1.2 million lives annually,this is a sad scenario for a disease that is preventable and treatable.

Bovine tuberculosis has been identified as a major source of human tuberculosis infections which is usually fatal because of late detection and non-diagnosis.

Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium spp is usually transmitted by aerosol route when one comes into contact with droplets of infected persons. The bacteria can also be transmitted through consumption of products from infected animals such as beef and unpasteurized milk.

 Tuberculosis can affect anybody but there is a higher incidence in men than women,and its also an occupational hazard for butchers,food processors, farmers and veterinarians.


The majority of infections in Nigeria can be traced to the abattoir,making it a foci of infection and re-infection. A percentage of cattle brought in for slaughter often are confirmed as having bovine tuberculosis,with the offals, and lymph nodes riddled with tubercles as shown in the picture.

 Butchers often refer to lungs with TB as "fuku elegusi" and in a bid to convince you its okay,cut part of the raw meat and eat it. This singular act by butchers have caused deaths of many of them who eventually develop tuberculosis,which is usually generalized.

 When the butchers start coughing,nobody thinks its TB, they start taking antibiotics for the cough but it does not stop it. These prolonged used of various antibiotics is the reason there is a prevalence of the drug-resistant type of TB.

These butchers still handle beef,working in the abattoir and spreading the droplets everywhere and even in their homes. Living conditions of most the people working in abattoirs is such that droplets can spread fast,as most live in congested rooms with poor ventilation and very dirty environment.

 A study carried out shows that most of the butchers have tuberculosis,but this is under reported as many of the butchers dont believe TB is real or can cause deaths,instead they link these deaths to rivalry and arrows from jealous colleagues.


 Veterinarians and public health officials are also at great risk of infection. Post mortem inspection is a major point of infection,handling the tuberculous organs is another route of infection and also consumption of tainted meat or offals .

Tuberculosis infection in officers have been overlooked sometimes,going undiagnosed and thereby potentiating the spread.

An officer who served for an extended period in the control post and abattoir recently died of cerebral tuberculosis,buttressing the study that bovine tuberculosis is a key factor of tuberculosis infection in man.

$2.7bn invested in malaria control globally.

According to WHO, $2.7bn invested in malaria control globally. World Health Organisation, WHO yesterday said despite an estimated US$ 2.7 billion invested in malaria control and elimination efforts globally in 2016 the world were still well below the target of $6.5 billion annual investment required to meet the 2030 targets of the WHO global malaria strategy. According to the World Malaria Report 2017, there were an estimated 5 million more malaria cases in 2016 than in 2015 and malaria deaths stood at around 445 000, a similar number to the previous year.The study revealed that Borno State in Nigeria benefited from WHO mass anti-malarial drug administration campaign this year that reached an estimated 1.2 million children below the age of five years.

WHO fears complacency as progress against malaria stalls.

WHO fears complacency as progress against malaria stalls.Progress in the global fight against malaria has stalled amid signs of flat-lining funding and complacency that the mosquito-borne disease is less of a threat, the WHO said. WHO said in its annual World Malaria Report said malaria infected around 216 million people in 91 countries in 2016, an increase of five million cases over the previous year.

A Crocodile farmer’s success story from Kenya.

A Crocodile farmer’s success story from Kenya. Daniel Haller is one of Kenya’s most successful crocodile farmers. For the last 20 years, he has been farming Nile Crocodiles from eggs laid by wild crocodiles along the banks of the local Tana river where he engages local residents to collect the eggs between December and January. Haller keeps up to 40,000 crocodiles on his farm and slaughters between 4,000 and 5,000 reptiles each year. He sells the crocodile skins to a leather company in Singapore and sells the meat to tourist hotels and the local community. Last year, he sold nearly 20,000 kilograms of crocodile meat. A kilo of crocodile meat from his farm sells for $3.50, on average.Haller partnered with a local entrepreneur to start the crocodile farm business in 1996. They got a loan of $380,000 from the European Investment Bank, and his partner contributed the money to purchase the land. They later got a licence from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to practice crocodile farming in the country. Haller uses up to 6,000 kilograms of food daily to feed his 40,000 crocodiles. He feeds the reptiles on animal innards from slaughter houses, cooked maize mixed with blood, meat and fish.

How to start crocodile farming.

How to start crocodile farming.crocodile farming is open to anyone, the sale of crocodile skins on the international market is strictly regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Before commercial crocodile farming, crocodiles in the wild were almost hunted to extinction for their skins. Nowadays, due to the strict trade regulations and high quality demands in the crocodile skin market, rendered skins from wild crocodiles are worthless as they do not meet the high standards on the international market. This has helped to save the dwindling crocodile populations worldwide. Crocodiles are cold-blooded animals, which makes them extremely sensitive to temperature changes. Only a 3°C variance in their core body temperature can slow their metabolism by half, hampering their ability to absorb food and grow. This can be a challenge during the winter months in places like South Africa and Zimbabwe. Crocodiles reach maturity at 3 years old, when they can mate and produce offspring. Female Nile crocodiles can lay between 30 to 45 eggs, once a year around October or November. On crocodile farms, the eggs are removed and placed, for better control, in an incubator. When they’re about to hatch, baby crocodiles make a high pitched call and then crack the shell with a temporary “egg-tooth” on the tip of the snout. The temperature of incubation determines the sex of the crocodiles. Temperature between 26ºC and 30ºC produces mostly females and between 30ºC and 33ºC produces mostly males.

Crocodile as meat and medicine.

Crocodile as meat and medicine. Crocodile meat is considered an ‘exotic meat’ and is sold commercially to top-end restaurants abroad, most notably in Europe and the Far East. Over 400 tons of crocodile meat is consumed every year. China and Hong Kong are the main importers of crocodile meat. The Chinese attribute medicinal powers to crocodile meat and it is largely considered to be a cure for ailments like respiratory diseases. Crocodile meat is also becoming a popular exotic food in South Africa and it often features on the menu for tourists and adventurous foodies. However, there remains a strong upside potential for crocodile meat on the continent.

Crocodile farming in Africa.

Crocodile farming in Africa.Crocodile farming in Africa is a major contributor to the global luxury market for designer handbags, shoes, belts and other leather accessories. Currently, over one million crocodile skins are traded on the international market every year, exported legally from about 30 countries across the world. In Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa are the largest operators of crocodile farms and producers of crocodile skins.

The Nile Crocodile, which is the dominant crocodile species in Africa, is highly valued for its boneless underbelly and soft leather. It’s no surprise that the European market orders over 100,000 crocodile skins from Africa every year. Asia is another big market for African crocodile skins, where it is used to produce non-branded leather products. Southern Africa dominates the crocodile farming business on the continent. South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and a few other countries in East Africa (especially Kenya) are home to the biggest crocodile farms in Africa. The region exports over 250,000 crocodile skins every year. Crocodile farms in Africa predominantly breed Nile crocodiles, which can grow to a length of 20 feet and weigh as much as 400 kilograms. Nile crocodiles are the second-largest crocodile breed in the world, after the saltwater crocodile. In South Africa, there are about 50 registered crocodile farms with over 500,000 crocodiles. Every year, the country exports over 80,000 crocodile skins, worth $12-16 million. Zimbabwe is another major producer of crocodile skins. In Zimbabwe, crocodile skin exports are worth close to $30m, as they are sent – mainly to Europe – to be crafted into handbags, boots and other accessories. The short video below about crocodile farming in Zimbabwe profiles the country’s $100 million per year crocodile farming industry.

Tomato Millionaires In The Making: How These 4 Smart Entrepreneurs Are Making Money from Africa’s Tomato Problems.

Tomato Millionaires In The Making: How These 4 Smart Entrepreneurs Are Making Money from Africa’s Tomato Problems. Tomatoes are Africa’s most consumed fruit (or vegetable); eaten by millions of people across our continent’s diverse religious, ethnic and social groups. Both in its raw and processed forms, tomatoes are central to most African diets and remain a regular ingredient in many soups, stews, sauces and dishes across the continent. Sadly, despite the ‘celebrity’ status of tomatoes in Africa, our continent does not provide enough tomatoes to meet its own needs. Almost every country in Africa consumes more tomatoes than it produces. The rest is imported from outside the continent, especially from China – which is now the world’s biggest exporter of tomato products. More than 50 percent of tomatoes harvested every year in Nigeria never make it to the market. Due to poor storage and a lack of processing options, a lot of tomatoes harvested in Nigeria is wasted. Another reason is, in most parts of Africa, tomatoes are mainly grown by small-scale rural farmers who have limited access to good seeds, fertilizers and pesticides. They also depend on natural rainfall to grow their tomatoes which makes the harvests unpredictable and inconsistent. Nigeria is not alone in this. This same ugly tomato situation is at play across the continent; from West and East Africa to Southern Africa.There are already a few smart entrepreneurs on the continent who have observed the huge and lucrative gaps in Africa’s tomato market and are already making some good progress.

AGRIBUSINESS: How cassava beer in Mozambique transformed a poor man’s crop into a cash crop.

AGRIBUSINESS: How cassava beer in Mozambique transformed a poor man’s crop into a cash crop.Mozambique is among the key players at the forefront of the growing buzz around cassava, having found a way to farm and process the plant on a large scale.

AGRIBUSINESS: How cassava beer in Mozambique transformed a poor man’s crop into a cash crop. Mozambique’s Impala Beer is made from cassava, a root vegetable that grows in tropical areas.There’s a quiet cassava revolution in Africa as organisations and governments realise the plant’s impact on empowering smallholder farmers and developing rural communities. AGRIBUSINESS: How cassava beer in Mozambique transformed a poor man’s crop into a cash crop. At the heart of this development is the Dutch Agriculture Development and Trading Company (DADTCO). The company has developed a mobile processing factory that is able to process the crop into cake and starch flour. AGRIBUSINESS: How cassava beer in Mozambique transformed a poor man’s crop into a cash crop.Not only has DADTCO’s invention changed the perception around cassava and the way the crop is grown and processed, it has helped empower smallholder farmers, whom the company buys cassava from. This breakthrough technology, they say, “bridges the gap between smallholder farmers and large food companies.” At the beginning of the initiative, farmers used to sell an average of 1.5 tonnes of cassava roots per year, but now the number has more than tripled. This indicates the benefits of a steady market for those who grow the tropical plant.

5 Exciting Reasons Why You Should Start A Business in Africa’s Agribusiness industry.

5 Exciting Reasons Why You Should Start A Business in Africa’s Agribusiness industry.When most people think of agriculture in Africa, images of poor and overworked farmers with crude tools on a rural farm readily come to mind. Many, especially young Africans, still think that agribusiness is a poor man’s occupation. Nowadays everybody wants a white-collar office job in the city. Agribusiness is hardly on anyone’s mind. Did you know that since 2009, investors in the USA, Europe, Middle East and Asia have been buying and leasing millions of hectares of African land for agricultural purposes? Many people may not know it but there’s a trend of serious land grabbing by foreign interests for African land. Did you know that Foreign Direct Investment in African agribusiness was $10 billion in 2010 and is projected to reach $45 billion by 2020? Agriculture is taking a huge leap in Africa and investors want a piece of the action too. Did you know that Africa’s agribusiness industry will be worth $1 trillion by 2030! That’s huge! If this projection by the UN comes true, agribusiness will become the ‘new oil’ in Africa. Agribusiness is one of the best business opportunities in the world because food never goes out of fashion. People must eat food everyday! Currently, Africa’s population is just over one billion people. At its current growth rate, the continent’s population is expected to reach 2.2 billion by 2050. Now and in the future, Africa will always have a lot of mouths to feed. Africa currently spends billions of dollars every year to import grains, flour and all kinds of finished and semi-finished foods which it can produce locally. There is a huge opportunity for entrepreneurs who can provide cheaper and locally-grown alternatives to the food that Africa imports. It’s not just the food industry that depends on agribusiness. Several other industries, especially the manufacturing and processing industries, depend on agribusiness for a wide range of raw materials. As Africa’s economies continue to grow, the demand for raw materials will surely increase and create more interesting opportunities for agribusiness on the continent.

Post-Harvest Losses in Horticulture Crops and the Importance of Clean Cold Chain Development in India.

Post-Harvest Losses in Horticulture Crops and the Importance of Clean Cold Chain Development in India.The objective of the workshop was to co-design the implementation of frameworks for the provision of clean and sustainable post-harvest food cold chain. 

 The latter is defined in the report "India's Third Agricultural Revolution- Doubling Farmers' Income through Clean Cold Chains" as an integrated and seamless network of refrigerated and temperature controlled pack houses, distribution hubs and vehicles used to maintain the safety, quality and quantity of food while moving it swiftly from farm gate to consumption centre. 

Such facilities, the report highlights, ought to be attractive to end users, civil society, government, policy makers and industry to ensure impact, legacy, and scalability.

Central New York accounting firm launches agribusiness division.

Central New York accounting firm launches agribusiness division.Syracuse-based Dermody, Burke & Brown CPAs LLC recently launched a division specializing in agricultural issues. The firm, which operates an Auburn office, has provides services for agribusiness clients for several years, but decided to formalize a speciality group due to the industry's growth. Agribusiness clients include dairy farms, feed mills, swine/hog farms, beef farms, apple orchards, distilleries, wineries, vineyards and breweries, and services provided to those businesses include accounting, auditing and taxation.

AGRIBUSINESS: How to start a food business with cassava.

How to start food business with cassava . Cassava root is very rich in starch and contains significant amounts of calcium, dietary fiber, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Garri, is a staple food in most African countries with various ethnic groups relishing the delicacy and Nigeria been the highest producer of cassava has a lot of potential for the business of cassava and cassava products. Garri otherwise called cassava flakes is one of the products from cassava and its a delicacy enjoyed by all classes of people and all age groups. Garri is widely accepted and cuts across all tribes with each tribe modifying how they process,prepare and consume the garri. AGRIBUSINESS: How to start a food business with cassava. Cassava can be processed into various products adding value to the various products such as chips,cassava flakes,bread,cake e.t.c Learn how to make snacks with cassava and make money. Cassava Puto Ingredients: pressed grated cassava grated coconut Procedure: Prepare local steamer using the following materials, milk can (powdered milk) bao ng niyog divided into 2 using the sides with hole, grated cassava and water. Place the bao ng niyog to sit on top of the milk can and seal with grated cassava moist in water, allow to dry before using. Pulverize pressed grated cassava and allow to air dry for 30 min to 1 hour. Set aside. Fill the steamer with water until it boils. Place the grated cassava enough to cover the baong niyog then cover with banana leaves, invert the steamed cassava until both sides are cooked. Remove from the steamer and allow the piyutu to roll in grated coconut. Divide into bite size.

RESEARCH : Cassava as food and medicine.

RESEARCH : Cassava as food and medicine. Cassava as food and medicine. Among crop plants, the cassava plant provides the highest yield of food energy and is a staple food for more than 500 million people. Cassava root is very rich in starch and contains significant amounts of calcium, dietary fiber, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. RESEARCH : Cassava as food and medicine. A recent study conducted in the Philippines (one of the countries where cassava is an important crop) looked into the effects of root crops and legumes in lowering cholesterol levels among humans with moderately-raised cholesterol levels. The study showed that cassava significantly decreased total cholesterol levels, decreased low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (considered as “bad” cholesterol), and may help lower triglyceride levels due to its high total dietary fiber content. RESEARCH : Cassava as food and medicine. Another study show that cassava may help support the nervous system and help alleviate stress, anxiety and irritable bowel syndrome.Beside as a food, cassava also has many benefits as a drug, such as for rheumatic, headache, fever, wounds, diarrhea, intestinal worms, dysentery, night blindness, beri-beri, and also can increase stamina. Overcoming arthritis can be done by eating the cassava or rub it on the pain area.

How to make indigenous microorganism (IMO).

How to make indigenous microorganism (IMO). In natural farming, Indigenous Microorganism (IMO) is becoming popular among farmers. This Indigenous microorganism (IMO) has been successfully tried by government agriculturists, academic researchers, non-profit organizations and farmers alike. They have found that IMO is useful in removing bad odors from animal wastes, hastening composting, and contributing to crops’ general health. How to Make Your Own Indigenous Microorganism (IMO): 1. Cook a kilo of rice, preferably organic. After cooling, put the cooked rice in a wooden, earthen or ceramic container. Avoid plastic or aluminum. 2. Cover the mouth of the container completely with cloth or paper, fixed in place with a rubber band, to prevent water or small insects from getting in. 3. Put the covered container, protected from possible rain, under the trees, in a bamboo grove, a forest floor, or wherever a thick mat of leaves has formed. Leave it there for three days. 4. After whitish moldy filaments have formed, transfer the entire contents of the container to a larger glass or earthen jar and add one kilo of brown sugar or molasses, preferably organic. 5. Cover the jar with clean cloth or paper, fixed with a rubber band. Keep the jar in a dark, cool place. Let it ferment for seven days, until it appears muddy. This is your IMO concoction.

RESEARCH : How to make pigs grow bigger and faster with vitamin c.

RESEARCH : How to make pigs grow bigger and faster with vitamin c.How to make pigs grow bigger and faster with vitamin c.According to a team of experts from UP at Los Baños, adding ascorbic acid or Vitamin C to the diet of pigs — 800 gms. for every kilo of feeds, will make them grow faster compared to those treated with normal diets. RESEARCH : How to make pigs grow bigger and faster with vitamin c. It was further noted that Vitamin-C treated pigs when slaughtered had a higher dressing percentage, leaner backfat and more lean cut yields.

How to add yeast to broiler feed to reduce use of antibiotics.

How to use yeast in broiler feed to reduce use of antibiotics. Meat color is an important visual quality factor when consumers purchase chicken.

However, high use of antibiotics during broiler raising to achieve desirable color and freshness may have residual effects on human health.

How to use yeast in broiler feed to reduce use of antibiotics. To prevent irrational use of antibiotics, a supplementary application of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) with antibiotics was suggested.

In this study, yeast powder mixed with antibiotics was found effective as probiotics in increasing broiler weight, improving feed efficiency, and preventing growth of pathogen microorganisms.

How to treat mastitis in cattle using Aloe vera.

How to treat mastitis in cattle using Aloe vera.

AGRO-VETERINARY : Ethno -Veterinary Practice_ deworming

AGRO-VETERINARY : Ethno -Veterinary Practice_ deworming. Ethno-botanical dewormer treat roundworms. A study showed that the use of combined formulated ethnobotanical anthelmintic, specifically 2 g/kg body weight of formulated Ipil-ipil and betel nut, was most effective in treating roundworms of Darag native chicken. Titled “Production and distribution of ethnobotanical anthelmintics for free-range native chicken”, the study was conducted by researchers of the Capiz State University (CapSU). Results also showed that the ethnobotanical anthelmintic has a comparable effect with the commercial dewormer.

How to Make Money in Medicinal Plant Farming.

How to Make Money in Medicinal Plant Farming. The integration of medicinal plant as a crop in agroforestry is a relatively new approach that is beneficial to the local people, whether they are lowland or upland farmers or most especially, the indigenous people. The Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is publishing this issue on medicinal plants as a profitable farming technology to serve as a guide in the development of small backyard herbal gardens, community-based herbal plantation or urban herbal park. This can help boost the Philippine herbal industry by providing adequate supply of raw materials for local as well as global needs.

How to use salt as fertilizer for coconut.

How to use salt as fertilizer for coconut. The application of sodium chloride (NaCl) can increase nut production, copra weight per nut and copra yield per tree. Research studies on chloride nutrition and fertilization of coconuts were extensively reported in 1972 on the positive responses of young and bearing coconuts to chlorine application. This was the result of adding potassium chloride to palms at the Davao Research Center of the Philippine Coconut Authority in Bago Oshiro, Davao City. The beneficial role of chlorine in the normal growth, accelerated development, and high nut and copra yields of coconuts was confirmed in the inland coconut-productive areas in Davao. Leaf chlorine is the main factor for copra yields; and for foliar diagnosis (a tool for nutritional diagnosis and predicting fertilizer needs), the critical level of leaf-Cl was found at 0.30% C1 and optimum level at 0.50-0.55% C1. The addition of 60-70 g NaCl/seedling can increase the plant’s girth and fresh weight

How to Make and Use Herb Preparations.

How to Make and Use Herb Preparations. Making your own herbal concoctions for medicinal purposes is really not that difficult. And since the best herbal preparations are those made when the plants are fresh, the better off you are to grow your own herbs and make your own preparations. But even the best plants can be ruined if you use the wrong kind of process in preparing your remedies. Your choice depends on the parts of the plant to be used, the form in which the remedy will be taken, and the desired result. Remember that herbal remedies are not one-shot wonder cures. Their effectiveness is based largely on a gradual cure. The following ways of preparing your fresh herbs are those most commonly used in herbal medicine. Always use an enamel or non-metallic pot. Infusion – this is a beverage made like tea, combining boiled water with the plants and steeping it to extract the active ingredients. The normal amounts are about 1/2 to 1 ounce of the plant to one pint of boiled water. You should let the mixture steep for five to ten minutes, covered, and strain the infusion into a cup. Cold Extract – preparing herbs with cold water preserves the most volatile ingredients, while extracting only minor amounts of mineral salts and bitter principles. Add about double the amount of plant material used for an infusion to cold water and let sit for about 8 to 12 hours, strain and drink.

Leyte farmers benefit from abaca multi-stranded yarning machine .

Leyte farmers benefit from abaca multi-stranded yarning machine. Abaca fiber is one of the most high-valued commodities and products are grown in the Philippines due to its high demand both in local and foreign markets. The Philippines the world’s top and largest producer of abaca fiber and by-products. It is the strongest among the existing natural fibers and is primarily used as a raw material for pulp and paper, fiber craft, cordage, among others. With its wide range of uses, abaca has rapidly grown into an industry providing opportunities for livelihood and as additional income to abaca farmers and processors.

Public health workers: Stopping sickness before it starts.

Public health workers: Stopping sickness before it starts. What is a public health professional? Behind the doctors and nurses that treat the sick are the civil servants and volunteers that prevent disease outbreaks or the onset of chronic illness. Public health workers monitor and maintain a community’s collective health through public outreach, policy recommendations and education initiatives that encourage citizens to adopt better health practices. What do they do? Their efforts go beyond encouraging children to wash their hands (though that could be part of a broader campaign to fight contagious diseases). Public health officials address a range of health issues from childhood nutrition to HIV testing. They use their acumen as communicators, organizers, policymakers, researchers and educators to improve community well-being.

One- on -one care for pigs ensures better pig health status on farm .

Taking time to walk the pens, make eye contact with each pig and pull the sick ones for individual care seems to conflict with the basic tenets and efficiencies of population medicine.One-on-one pig care means to make sure to look at every pig every day — and that we evaluate them essentially from tail to snout — to try to identify any potential problems that pig may have as quickly as possible. The approach involves three basic steps: Identifying the at-risk pig, being specific about its symptoms and effectively communicating the situation to others in the operation. Practically speaking, the process begins with spotting the outlier — the pig that simply strikes you as somehow unusual. Farmers shoulld walk through the barn to develop a pattern as they go through each pen, to make sure they get an opportunity to look at every pig. Basically, looking for any of the clinical signs that the pig isn’t normal such as For example: 1)Is he coughing?. 2)Does he have diarrhea? 3)Is he gaunt and not eating? 4)Is there nasal discharge?. 5)Does he appear stiff or lame when he moves? The next step will be to institute individual treatment protocols with an injectable antibiotic — typically already in place and specific for each farm and for each flow and system — can be called into use right away and used under veterinary supervision. Early intervention is really the key as we look at individual pig care,because we know that if we treat a pig later in the course of the disease, we have poorer response to treatment so if we can treat the pig earlier, we can have a better response. Research has shown that on farms with low health status, training caretakers to identify and treat sick pigs at an early stage of disease can improve growth and productivity during the all-important nursery and growing periods.

Urine sampling can reliably detect procaine penicillin G (PPG) residues in sows.

Urine sampling can reliably detect penicillin residues in sows.Urine sampling is an effective way to detect procaine penicillin G (PPG) residues prior to processing and may help producers avoid processing-plant violations. There has been an increasing incidence of PPG-residue detection in cull sows reported, due in part to changes in the PPG-testing method made by USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service in 2011. Residues of PPG in sows are not uncommon at processing, although plasma concentrations of PPG correlate well with tissue residue, collecting and evaluating plasma is complicated. Urine is easier to collect and handle. PPG residues are most often found in sows if extra-label doses of PPG have been administered or if treatment was continued for more than 3 consecutive days. A study carried out by Karriker, DVM, a professor at Iowa State University shown below: Karriker designed a study involving 47 sows, with three treatment groups: Group 1 received the labeled dose of 3,000 IU/lb (3 mL/lb). Group 2 received an average volume of sterile solution once a day for 3 days. Group 3 received an extra-label dose of 15,000 IU/lb (15 mL/lb) once a day for 3 consecutive days. Karriker found PPG residues persist longest in injection-site tissues — for at least 28 days after PPG administration. It stays in the skeletal muscles for 14 days. PPG depletes faster from the kidneys, and residues can be found for up to 6 days after administration to the sow. Sampling the sow’s environment was not reliable for determining residues. While PPG residues were easily found in the environment, they did not correlate with tissue residues, Karriker says. The current withdrawal time for PPG is 7 days. Although a 15-day withdrawal time has been proposed by the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank, it may not be sufficient to avoid processing-plant violations, Karriker says.

Urine-sampling options make it easier to evaluate gilt and sow health.

This is how urine-sampling options make it easier to evaluate gilt and sow health. Urine samples are an effective but underutilized diagnostic tool for evaluating the nutritional, physiological and health status of gilts and sows. The challenge is how to collect quality urine samples efficiently and reliably on the farm. The free-catch option, where a person collects a free-flow urine sample from the animal, is challenging and time consuming. These are other methods of urine collection proposed for speed and accuracy and the catch there is the means of collection did not alter values of calcium, phosphorus and creatinine. 1) The tampon technique : a super-sized, unscented tampon with a plastic applicator and umbrella absorbency was used. Once inserted into the gilt’s or sow’s vestibule, the exterior string was secured to the outside of the animal with waterproof tape. Following urination, the tampon was transferred to a urine cup. 2) The Whirl Pak® technique: a 24-ounce bag positioned around the vulva was used and secured with elastic tape. Following urination, the bag was removed and the sample was transferred to a urine cup. The urine samples were analysed including the samples from the free catch and it was observed that there was no significant difference between the results for the calcium, phosphorus and creatinine ratios between the three sampling methods. The samples were also analysed for blood, bilirubin, urobilinogen, ketones, protein, nitrite, glucose, leukocytes and ascorbic acid, as well as pH, specific gravity and sediment and there was no significant difference.

Three-step approach for spotting sick sows .

A three-step approach for spotting sick sows. A three-pronged approach to observing sows can help identify illness, lower mortality and increase productivity. When more attention is given to pigs,taking a closer look during farrowing, gestation and lameness can reveal potential problems before they become serious.When staff are trained to look and respond to signs of sickness quickly, producers can improve animal well-being and their bottom line in one move. Farrowing watchfulness. Farm staff should regularly check to see how the gilt or sow adjusts to being in a farrowing crate and whether she is eating and drinking, cleaning the feeder, or is in distress. Most operations have someone in the room during the farrowing process, checking the sow regularly. If too much time passes between pigs being born (more than 20 or 30 minutes), someone should manually check the sow. Post-farrowing care. Make sure all the afterbirth has passed and that the sow is well and eating normally — especially during lactation,also check that sows are comfortable and monitor their body condition, especially at warmer times of the year. At some farms rectal temperature is checked routinely at 24 hours post-farrowing to make sure there is no residual complications and that she’s properly cleaned. Uterine infections will show up on temperatures of 103 degrees or more. If a sow has a high temperature, it will be put off from eating and drinking, which will affect milk production. Eliminate lameness. More than 50% of sow deaths are caused by lameness, but early intervention and aggressive treatment could reduce that figure significantly. In a 2,500-sow operation if you’re not treating 8 to 10 sows on a daily basis, you’re probably not treating enough. Lameness can be caused by housing, diseases, injury, nutrition, environmental issues or genetics. Check for sows that have difficulty standing or rising, and if animals shift their weight or tap their feet, look for swelling, cuts or bleeding. If an animal avoids the group or is walking slowly thats an indicator to check them out more closely.

Amazon Nipping at Its Heels, Petco Becomes a Digital Ninja.

Amazon Nipping at Its Heels, Petco Becomes a Digital Ninja. The pet industry is upwards of a $60 billion market just in the U.S., and the competition by brands to woo and win over pets and their humans has never been more fierce. It’s estimated by the ASPCA that approximately 44% of American households have at least one dog and 35% are cat households, for an estimated 78 million dogs and 85.8 million cats in the pet category. Cue Petco, which is stepping boldly into the fray and evolving the very notion of a pet store. Beyond the requisite kitty litter and dog toys, it’s now offering veterinary services, life stage-focused subscription boxes and e-commerce strategies, appealing to pet owners and creating a buttress against competitors PetSmart and king of kings, Amazon.

Pet Project: The advantages of mobile veterinary care.

Pet Project: The advantages of mobile veterinary care. Mobile veterinary services are becoming much more commonplace among busy pet owners and provide an attractive alternative to traditional brick and mortal hospitals.


Historically, mobile veterinarians attended to the health care of horses and farm animals, but now there is a need and want for examinations of our dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals in their home environment.

There is evidence that in-home care can lessen stress and provide other physiological benefits for your pet. Mobile veterinary services do have their limits when it comes to more urgent care that requires hospitalization or surgical procedures that require the sterile environment of a hospital.


The following are several reasons for why mobile veterinary services are becoming popular and may be the right choice for your pets: Less stress: Many pet owners often feel guilty when transporting their pets to the veterinary hospital because of the stress it often causes. There are several animals that experience car sickness or show outward signs of stress, including panting, salivating or vocalizing while being placed in a carrier or in the car.


 A home veterinary visit will often alleviate many of these unwanted stress symptoms and lessen the guilt pet owners experience. A 2015 study published in the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association showed that veterinary visits performed in the home proved to result in lower blood pressure readings, body temperature readings, respiratory rates and pulse rates.

This is beneficial in many cases especially with animals that are being evaluated for conditions involving high pressure or having heart disease that need adequate readings of blood pressures, respiratory and pulse rates. .

It is important to those animals that are diagnosed with diabetes. At-home glucose testing and monitoring will often help in receiving more adequate blood glucose readings because stress can frequently attribute to an increase in these values.

Elderly pets with severe or debilitating arthritis may also benefit from home visit as to not further cause injury or discomfort by transporting the animal to the hospital.

 Following an appointment in the home an animal is free to leave the room, hide in a safe location or go out in their own backyard. The pet is not forced back into a cage or car for a designated period of time while the owner takes care of the payment and drive home.

The 25 Most Innovative Ag-Tech Startups.

The 25 Most Innovative Ag-Tech Startups. “The ag tech space right now is in a very unique position. You can’t ignore the fundamentals,” says vice president of Business Development at AgTech Accelerator Corp., Corey Huck. “You have to produce a lot more crop on limited acres, and 70% of fresh water is already being used in agriculture. We have to do more with less at the end of the day and the only way you can do that is with technology.” From irrigation hardware engineered to beat the drought to biotechnology startups cultivating future cash crops,

The Next Agricultural Revolution: Smart Farming.

The Next Agricultural Revolution: Smart Farming. Seasoned farmers, young entrepreneurs and conscious consumers are working together to create local food systems that are both sustainable and humane. These passionate people are finding fresh ways to bring local and nutritious food back onto the table. The localization of food systems is perhaps the most radical step we can take toward creating more sustainable and just communities around the world.

Nasir Yammama Is Using Mobile Phones To Bring Agricultural Information To Rural Farmers.

Nasir Yammama Is Using Mobile Phones To Bring Agricultural Information To Rural Farmers.In developing countries like Nigeria, while rural farmers account for the greater part of the population, they also tend to lack access to basic knowledge and information that would help them achieve maximum agricultural yield. In a bid to solve this problem 27-year-old Nasir Yammama created Verdant AgriTech – a social enterprise created to support rural farmers with mobile technologies for sustainable farming and improved food production. Verdant offers personalized agricultural information and market intelligence to crop farmers in Nigeria through a mobile application that acts as an all-round companion for the farmer from the pre-planting period to harvest and beyond. Using low-end phones, SMS and voice services, rural farmers can easily interact with the system.

Oil And Farming A Boon For Insurers.

Oil And Farming A Boon For Insurers. John D. Rockefeller said the secret of success is to “get up early, work late and strike oil.” Uganda has struck oil; around 6.5 billion barrels are scheduled for commercial production in 2020. This drive towards production, which government estimates will attract investment of up to $8 billion, has raised the prospect of increased demand for auxiliary services, including insurance. Insurers needed to work closer with farmers to understand different crop varieties and planting windows in order to reduce commercial premium rates. Corn is covered as high as 23.9% versus a 10% average affordable to farmers, more

10 Great DIY Gift Ideas for Shelter Animals.

10 Great DIY Gift Ideas for Shelter Animals. Adopt Me Bandanas Wearing colorful bandanas is a great way for shelter pets to get noticed by potential adopters. Adding “Adopt Me” with fabric markers makes an even bigger impact. These gifts are easy to make and could very well help shelter pets find new homes. Instructions for making a bandana for rescue dogs at pethelpful.com reminds readers to use washable cotton or cotton blend fabrics for this project.

No-sew Pet Beds A no-sew pet bed is a great gift idea for shelter dogs and cats. The Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago, IL offers instructions on how to make these beds using just fleece, a ruler and scissors. Shelters often use towels and blankets for the animals in their care but according to the Anti-Cruelty Society, homemade pet beds are the most comfortable for shelter animals.

6 Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids.

6 Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids.Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your anus and rectum, which may be accompanied by unpleasant symptoms like itching, bleeding and pain. Hemorrhoids can have many causes, such as straining to pass bowel movements, obesity, extended periods of sitting on a toilet, pregnancy, anal intercourse and a low-fiber diet. They are rarely dangerous, but always visit your doctor to confirm if you have hemorrhoids and rule out anything more serious. The following natural remedies can help to quickly heal a flair-up and prevent a relapse. 1. EAT ENOUGH FIBER Research has shown that increasing your fiber intake will help lessen bleeding, pain and itching from hemorrhoids. Fiber helps to soften stool and increase its bulk, which makes it easier to pass and reduces straining. For adults younger than 50 years old, the Institute of Medicine recommends your daily intake of fiber should be 38 grams for men and 25 grams for women. If you’re over 50, it drops to 30 grams for men and 21 grams for women.

Effective fly control on a dairy farm.

Effective fly control on a dairy farm.When a dairy operation becomes infested with flies, herd health, comfort, productivity and the bottom line can take a severe hit.Flies can have a serious economic impact on dairy operations by interfering with cow health and profitability. Flies spread disease causing bacteria and other organisms that can lead to infections and lost productivity, costing the industry hundreds of millions of dollars in losses each year. For the most effective control of these costly pests, a comprehensive integrated pest management programme built around effective fly control products should be administered.

The effects of noise on cattle performance.

The effects of noise on cattle performance. Husbandry procedures cause the loudest sounds, especially if the metallic equipment is involved or if the work is performed in a hurried manner. The sources of noise can be technical devices, routine works (opening and closing doors, changing pens, washers, push carts, workers’ speech, feed dispensing), basal sound levels caused by mechanical ventilation and animals activities (climbing and chewing on fences). Aircraft overflights are also major sources of noise and can affect feed intake, growth, or production rates in cattle and other domestic animals. The severity of response to disturbance may, however, vary with species, group size, social groups, sex, age, vegetation cover, season, and distance from the aircraft. The exposure of farm animals to noise has been identified as a potential stressor not only in housing but also during the transport and at the abattoir. Animals are often exposed to acute noise levels before slaughter in lairages where noise is caused by ventilation fans and operational equipment. In some parts of the world, grazing cows are often equipped with a bell for several months, to ensure that farmers can locate their animals on the wide pastures. In this case, animals tend to decrease head movements to avoid generation of the sound. As a result, the feeding and ruminating durations are decreased because both behaviors include head movements.

Agritech : use of sensors for management of dairy cows.

Sensor value and viability for dairy cows. Biosensors and their use in animal health management is an emerging market gaining much attention around the world. But the efficacy can vary and farmers are sometimes hesitant to actually buy the sensors.

Sensors used to detect oestrus, lameness, disease and calving are being touted as the next big thing in dairy production. It is not known, however, if these sensor systems actually improve the health and production of dairy herds.

Sick or not? The green light will tell.

A US company has developed a bright green LED light, which is attached to the animal’s ear and is able to warn the farmer if an animal is sick.


Pulling cattle out of large feedlots for treatment can be time consuming, provided you even know these animals are sick.

Quantified Ag, based in Lincoln, Nebraska have therefore developed a light to attach to the cow’s ear that turns bright green when the animal is sick.

The concept has been tested in US feedlots and is set to launch commercially soon.

Danish test grass as protein source for pigs.

Danish test grass as protein source for pigs. In a project named ‘SuperGrassPork’, several partners in the Danish agribusiness are teaming up to figure out whether grass or clover could be a suitable protein source for organic pigs. The green sources could thus be a replacement for soybeans. To make sure that the pigs can actually digest the proteins, it needs to be extracted through refining. A technique to do so has been developed in the last few years. SuperGrassPork will develop a system for organic pig production, where a large part of the feed protein comes from locally produced clover grass. In earlier trials, pigs were observed not to reject refined grass and clover proteins, according to Seges, the advisory organisation of Danish Agriculture & Food Council (L&F).

Feeding pigs with proteins from the sea.

Feeding pigs with proteins from the sea.In the search for alternative protein sources, it may be a very good idea to look towards the sea for inspiration. These are the benefits of ingredients like blue mussels, starfish and seaweed. Everybody agrees that it is likely that someday, there will be a shortage of protein to feed livestock in order to fulfil the expected big increase in the demand for meat for human consumption. This issue create a need to search for new sustainable protein sources, which can lead to local or at least European self-sufficiency. As from the beginning of 2018, the organic pig and poultry producers will face a challenge of having sufficient amounts of organic protein. In this context, blue protein, such as blue mussels, starfish, and seaweed may fit well as future feedstuffs, because they solve important challenges for the industry and society. Blue mussels can be grown on lines where the naturally occurring mussel larvae colonise ropes or plastic tubes or nets as of late spring. They filter the seawater for algae and can be harvested year round and already from the first coming winter, preferably before the risk of ice coverage. When mussels are harvested, they need to be processed to allow storage.

Scientist discovers particular seaweed reduces methane to nearly zero in cow burps, farts.

Scientist discovers particular seaweed reduces methane to nearly zero in cow burps, farts. A P.E.I. farmer has helped lead to a researcher's discovery of an unlikely weapon in the battle against global warming: a seaweed that nearly eliminates the destructive methane content of cow burps and farts. Joe Dorgan began feeding his cattle seaweed from nearby beaches more than a decade ago as a way to cut costs on his farm in Seacow Pond. He was so impressed with the improvements he saw in his herd, he decided to turn the seaweed into a product. "There's a mixture of Irish moss, rockweed and kelp, and just going to waste," he said. "And I knew it was good because years ago, our ancestors, that's what they done their business with." The agricultural scientist, then at Dalhousie University, helped test Dorgan's seaweed mix, and discovered it reduced the methane in the cows' burps and farts by about 20 per cent. Kinley knew he was on to something, so he did further testing with 30 to 40 other seaweeds. That led him to a red seaweed Asparagopsis taxiformis he says reduces methane in cows burps and farts to almost nothing.

Feeding dairy cows roughage.

Feeding dairy cows roughage.Before putting together a feeding schedule, confirm the properties of the available feed.Ignorance about feed often results in animals being fed too much or too little, with economic losses. Feed for dairy cows is divided into roughage and concentrate Grazing is normally the cheapest source of roughage for dairy cows. Factors limiting production are mainly energy content and moisture content of crops. The protein content of rye grass clover is usually high. Kikuyu has a low calcium level. Other pastures have high levels of potassium that could increase the incidence of milk fever. The cheapest method of storing roughage. Maize is mainly used, although good quality silage can also be made from most grass types and legumes. The crude protein level in silage is often higher than that of hay. It is excellent for young animals older than nine months. There is no limit to its inclusion in dairy cow rations. Mouldy silage often contains fungi with dangerous toxins and should not be fed to animals.

Advantages of raising pigs.

The advantages of raising pigs. Pigs have fast growth rates and good feed-to-meat conversion ratios; are relatively easy to raise, and do not require much space; have prolific breeding potential; and are docile. These factors not only lead to increased profitability but will surely assist in meeting the growing demand for meat in future. Pork consumption is likely to increase even more due to lower production costs. About 36% of meat eaten by humans annually is pork, followed by poultry (35%), and cattle and buffalo (22%). Lamb and mutton, come in at a distant 4,6%. Many factors affect these trends such as religious beliefs, environmental conditions, pricing and the growth of the human population. Livestock producers continually strive to breed the ‘ultimate animal’ – one that grows faster and converts food to meat better, carries more meat in valuable areas of the carcass, and has a better temperament for ease of handling. It is possible to choose a specific breed or certain outcrosses to satisfy a particular market. For example, very fat pigs may not be useful for the production of belly or ‘streaky’ bacon, as the bacon will have more fat than meat. Pigs usually breed twice a year, and produce about 12 piglets in a litter. These weigh about 1,1kg at birth and, unlike any other livestock, may double their weight in the first week of life if they obtain sufficient milk from the sow. Piglets can be weaned at two to four weeks and can be slaughtered as ‘weaners’ at two to three months old. Other categories include ‘porkers’ (slaughtered at four months), ‘baconers’ (at eight months) and ‘sausage pigs’, elderly animals that are culled.

Basic infrastructure for small-scale pig farming.

The basic infrastructure for small-scale pig farming.The size of your pig housing infrastructure will depend on the number of pigs you have. Ideally, it should be strong, simple and adaptable, and it need not be expensive. The basics needed for a small pig farming operation: design, infrastructure, construction cost, and running costs, including feed, early in the operation. The basic infrastructure depends on how many pigs you want to keep. The design should ideally allow for adding further pens as your operation grows. Previously, I suggested starting off by buying weaners (young pigs already on solid food, usually older than 28 days) and growing them out. In this way, you’ll soon learn about pig behaviour, management techniques and daily feed requirements. Your cash turnover cycle will also be quicker, as you will not need to feed a sow for four months while it is pregnant, manage the birth process, and then feed the piglets until selling them. It is crucial to consider the economics. Is it worth your while to feed the sow for so many months, or should you let another farmer do this for you, leaving you only the task of growing the weaners out to ‘porker’ or ‘baconer’ size?

Radiographs of Dolly's skeleton show no signs of abnormal osteoarthritis.

Radiographs of Dolly's skeleton show no signs of abnormal osteoarthritis. Original concerns that cloning caused early-onset osteoarthritis (OA) in Dolly the sheep are unfounded, say experts at the University of Nottingham and the University of Glasgow. The team, who published last year's Nottingham Dollies research which showed that the 8 year-old Nottingham 'Dollies' had aged normally, have now published a radiographic assessment of the skeletons of Dolly herself, Bonnie (her naturally conceived daughter) and Megan and Morag (the first two animals to be cloned from differentiated cells). Their findings 'Radiographic assessment of the skeletons of Dolly and other clones finds no abnormal osteoarthritis,' have been published in the online journal Scientific Reports. They show that the skeletons, stored in the collections of National Museums Scotland in Edinburgh, bear radiographic OA similar to that observed in naturally conceived sheep and Nottingham's healthy aged clones.

The secret slimming effect of sweet potato waste.

The secret slimming effect of sweet potato waste.The sweet potato pie you eat during the holidays might not be good for your waistline, but according to a new study, the starchy water left over from cooking the sweet potato could have slimming effects . In the new study, mice on a high fat diet had significantly lower body weight after one month if they were also fed sweet potato peptide, which was produced by enzyme digestion of proteins in the water wasted during processing. This suggests the peptide plays a role in digesting fats, but more research is needed to determine whether this also happens in humans. In the new study, Dr. Koji Ishiguro from National Agriculture and Food Research Organization in Japan and colleagues wanted to find a new way to use this waste, so they investigated the effect of proteins found in the water on digestion in mice. "We throw out huge volumes of wastewater that contains sweet potato proteins -- we hypothesized that these could affect body weight, fat tissue and other factors," explained Dr. Ishiguro. "Finding alternative uses for the sweet potato proteins in wastewater could be good for the environment and industry, and also potentially for health."

Biofortified corn and eggs retain nutrient needed to prevent blindness.

Biofortified corn and eggs retain nutrient needed to prevent blindness. Fortified and biofortified foods are at the forefront of efforts to combat vitamin A deficiency worldwide. But little is known about what influence processing may have on the retention of vitamin A precursors in these foods. Now in a study appearing in ACS Omega, scientists report that a high percentage of these healthful substances -- in some cases, almost all -- can survive cooking, depending on the preparation method. Vitamin A deficiency is a common problem in Africa and Southeast Asia, causing an estimated 250,000 to 500,000 children to become permanently blind each year. Vitamin supplementation has helped. But scientists are also investigating ways to produce hybrid crops, such as corn, that contain more carotenoids, which are vitamin A-precursors that the body uses to manufacture the vitamin itself. Eggs are another source of these carotenoids, and researchers are attempting to boost the amount of these compounds in yolks

Raindrops splash pathogens onto crops.

Raindrops splash pathogens onto crops.Contrary to popular belief, agricultural crops might be singing, "Rain, rain go away," instead of "Let it rain, let it pour." While the importance of rain for providing water and nutrients to plant life is well-understood, it also contributes to the dispersal of microscopic pathogen particles. Pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses or fungi, cause harmful plant disease and often lead to the destruction of agricultural fields. With many possible dispersal methods, it can often be difficult to assess the damage of a pathogen's impact before it's too late. Two mechanisms of pathogen dispersal have been discovered. The first is a vortex ring mechanism, where one ring of pathogenic particles propagates and radially disperses after a drop impacts a plant surface. In the other, the pathogens are dispersed by an elastic collision mechanism.

Smiling human faces are attractive to dogs, thanks to oxytocin.

Smiling human faces are attractive to dogs, thanks to oxytocin. Researchers found that oxytocin made dogs interested in smiling human faces. It also made them see angry faces as less threatening. Associated with affection and trust, the hormone oxytocin is probably a key factor in the interaction between dogs and humans. Researchers in the Canine Mind group showed 43 dogs images of smiling and angry faces on a computer screen. Each dog was tested twice: once under the influence of oxytocin, which was administered as part of the test, and once without oxytocin. The dog's gaze on the images and pupil size were measured with an eye-tracking device. Emotions and attentiveness guide the gaze and regulate pupil size, making eye tracking a window into the dogs' minds.

First brain training exercise positively linked to dementia prevention.

First brain training exercise positively linked to dementia prevention.Aging research specialists have identified, for the first time, a form of mental exercise that can reduce the risk of dementia. The cognitive training, called speed of processing, showed benefits up to 10 years after study participants underwent the mental exercise program, said Frederick W. Unverzagt, PhD, professor of psychiatry at Indiana University School of Medicine. The proportion of participants who underwent the training and later developed dementia was significantly smaller than among those who received no cognitive training, the researchers said.

Flies could help to monitor disease outbreaks by acting as 'autonomous bionic drones' .

Flies could help to monitor disease outbreaks by acting as 'autonomous bionic drones'. Swarms of flies can be used to help monitor disease outbreaks, suggest scientists. This follows their research that shows how whole communities of bacteria – known as a microbiome – can “hitch a ride” on common carrion flies and can be transferred to any surface where the flies land. An international research team led by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have proposed that swarms of flies can be used to help monitor disease outbreaks.

Biotechnology: The Tool to Carve a Healthy Future of Plants and Animals.

Biotechnology: The Tool to Carve a Healthy Future of Plants and Animals.It is a well known fact that food nutrition is plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall physical well being. It is imperative that we pay attention to the foods we eat as they impact our health. 

 The consequences, for better or for worst, are controlled by the diet we intake and the kind of nutritional aspects we follow. Thanks to the advancement in biotechnology, we now have better understanding of the benefits of every particular food group than ever before.

Using African Drumming For Corporate Team Building.

Using African Drumming For Corporate Team Building.The African drumming classes are one of the most sought classes by many people, and the main reason behind this is the fact that these classes have a highly positive impact on the attendees. These classes are used widely throughout the world for both commercial and for private purposes. You can go to these classes along with you family members in order to get the desired tranquilly. These people would make you relax and, thereafter, they would teach you the basics of music. This would help you to identify the root process of music while making you understand the beauty of African music. You can play the music yourself and the professionals would join you to enhance the fun. This is just like learning and enjoying your moment. Apart from these personal uses, there are other formats of these music classes and this includes the corporate team building division.

Combining Solar Panels With Agriculture Makes Land More Productive.

Combining Solar Panels With Agriculture Makes Land More Productive.Solar panels are wonderful things, but they do take up a lot of space, especially for larger, utility-scale systems. In some densely populated countries like China and India, where loss of farmland can lead to hungry people, floating solar farms are being built to take advantage of the surface area of lakes and rivers.

How to make sausages with a caulking gun.

How to make sausages with a caulking gun. Starting a business requires some money,but lean startups look for smart ways to get the product. Learn how to make sausages with a caulking gun.

How to start pork sausage business.

How to start pork sausage business.

 Agriculture is the next goldmine and as such a lot of people are venturing into various aspects to make money.

    Pig farming is a lucrative business with various aspects of production from farm to table. Thinking of investing in pork business and dont have enough capital to start a farm? then this is for you.

   Pork sausages is just an aspect of the value chain that you can dabble into,just link up with pig farmers that are selling their pigs,buy and process.

   The business can leverage on the high demand for pork and also a create a new market of locally produced pork sausages. This is how to make pork sausages;

Bacteria as pacemaker for the intestine

Bacteria as pacemaker for the intestine.For the first time, scientists have been able to prove that the bacterial colonization of the intestine plays an important role in controlling peristaltic functions. Spontaneous contractions of the digestive tract play an important role in almost all animals, and ensure healthy bowel functions. Now, for the first time, a research team from the Cell and Developmental Biology (Bosch AG) working group at the Zoological Institute at Kiel University (CAU) has been able to prove that the bacterial colonization of the intestine plays an important role in controlling peristaltic functions. The scientists published their results derived from the example of freshwater polyps Hydra -- in the latest issue of Scientific Reports.

AGRIBUSINESS: How to grow garlic at home and make money.

How to use farm waste to grow mushrooms.

How to use farm waste to grow mushrooms.Farmers intending to grow mushrooms for sale can use farm waste from their farms to grow the sweet food produce. 

The waste obtained from maize, sugarcane thrash, sawdust and banana leaves among other crops is ideal for mushroom growing because they thrive on a substratum. Mushroom is not grown on soil like the green plants; it’s grown on broken substrate whereby the crop obtains its nourishment. 

 The crop is steadily gathering pace as one of the preferred sources of investment in agribusiness with a promise of quick returns,mushroom is not a rain fed crop and it requires minimal space for growing. 

 The agricultural waste, which is easily available on farms, is soaked for three days and then heaped for fermentation for four to six days in a closed container. After the fermentation process, the agricultural waste is sterilized through boiling in closed pots for 12 hours in order to eliminate unwanted organisms and bacteria. After cooling, it is filled in small polyethylene plastic bags using common bowls, to serve as a substrate. 

 The substrate should be composed by 65 to 75 per cent of moisture, and for the remaining part by agricultural waste. It can be used for three harvests, and then it can be recycled as organic mulch or fertilizer. 

Alternatively, cotton seed waste can be used as substrate for oyster mushroom production. Polyethylene plastic bags are filled with the substrate (about five kilograms per bag), which is then inoculated with the mushroom spawns (spawns are ‘mixed’ with the substrate). Each garden of about five kilograms of substrate is filled with about 250 grams of spawns. At that time, plastic bags are closed manually.

Cockroach milk as food supplement for human consumption.

Cockroaches are on demand in pharmaceuticals in China who believe the insects can be used to cure stomach, liver and heart ailments. Cockroach milk as food supplement for human consumption. A new research indicates that cockroach milk can be transformed into a food supplement worthy of human consumption in future. “Protein crystals in cockroaches have a whopping three times the energy of an equivalent mass of buffalo milk and about four times the equivalent of cow's milk” said Leonard Chavas, one of the scientists behind the research.

Scientists revealed that the insect’s liquid takes the form of protein crystals in the guts of baby cockroaches. “The Pacific Beetle Cockroach feeds its bug babies a formula which is remarkably rich in protein, fat and sugar and was found to be complete food. The proteins in the particular species of the insect have high energy content that it helps infants within this unique species grow much bigger than cockroach babies of other species.

AGRIBUSINESS: How to grow garlic.

AGRIBUSINESS: How to grow garlic. Garlic can grow well at an altitude of between 500-2000 metres above sea level. The right temperatures for garlic are between 12-24 degrees celsius. Extremely high temperatures are not suitable for garlic production. Excess humidity and rainfall interferes with proper garlic development, including bulb formation. Garlic. The crop is grown in low rainfall areas where irrigation can be practised, especially in early stages when the plant requires enough water to growth. Adequate sunlight is important for bulb development. Garlic develops its flavour depending on sunlight conditions during growth. Garlic. AGRIBUSINESS: How to grow garlic. Garlic requires a fertile, well drained, light soil. Clay soils should be avoided since they lead to poor bulb development. Soil pH should be between 5.5 to 6.8. Deep soil cultivation is important to ensure rooting depth. see

How to use garlic as bio-pesticide.

                             How to use garlic as bio-pesticide.

Garlic is preferred in organic farming because it is reportedly effective against a wide range of disease-causing pathogens and insects.

Farmers who grow garlic type of onions can fight over ten pests and diseases linked to destruction of crops which may cause big losses on the farmers’ farms. #bio-pesticide.

 Garlic is among other crops which has ability to fight pests and diseases. It has an anti-feed- ant (insect stop feeding), bacterial, fungicidal, insecticidal, nematicidal and repellent properties according to Infonet-Biovision organization. They provides agricultural database with scientific and practical validated information and knowledge.

Garlic. The commercial pesticides are harmful to human and animals but garlic is preferred in organic farming because it is reportedly effective against a wide range of disease-causing pathogens and insects at different stages in their life cycle.

 In case a farmer is growing garlic for pest control, it is good for him or her to avoid using large amounts of fertilizer because much fertilizer can reduce the concentration of the effective substances in the garlic.

Antimalarial drugs could support existing cancer treatments in two-pronged attack.

Antimalarial drugs could support existing cancer treatments in two-pronged attack. Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine could make cancer treatments more effective.Antimalarial drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine could find another use as cancer treatments, according to a new clinical study published in ecancermedicalscience. Researchers from the Repurposing Drugs in Oncology (ReDO) project, an international collaboration between the Anticancer Fund, Belgium, and USA-based GlobalCures, say there is evidence to include these drugs in further clinical investigations. The authors are particularly excited about the potential for chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine as the evidence suggests they make tumour cells more sensitive to cancer treatment.

FOOD PRESERVATION : HOW TO PREVENT POST HARVEST LOSSES AND ENSURE FOOD SECURITY AND SAFETY.

  Nigerian entrepreneur offers solution to post harvest losses. As a vegetable farmer himself, Ikegwuonu has first-hand experience of the huge post-harvest losses incurred because of a lack of cold storage.

In Nigeria, it is estimated about 60% of smallholder farmers’ fruits and vegetables spoil due to inadequate storage and agro-processing facilities. This idea can be extended by having a mobile cooling truck,from farm to markets.

The post harvest losses can be curbed by using solar dryers   a form of preservation and also extend shelf-life of produce.

 These cold hubs can also come in handy in the meat industry. Butchers that have left over beef  use cold rooms, but introducing a solar store  will save cost and ensure the cold chain is maintained.
 

Preservation and processing is a bullet proof method to curb waste and extend shelf-life of produce.

 Thinking of investing in the agricultural sector? then think along these lines, cold hub chains, cooling trucks, vans. The profitability will  increase if this venture is mobile, trucks collecting from designated points for onward delivery to the cold box or store.

Ikegwuonu is addressing this challenge with Cold Hubs – a solar-powered walk-in cold-room solution aimed at farmers, retailers, and wholesalers.

The cold rooms are installed at major food production and consumption centers, such as markets and farms.

Lessons from African nations powering up the business rankings.

Lessons from African nations powering up the business rankings. The World Bank Group recently launched its annual Doing Business report. In its 15th edition, the report investigates regulations that enhance business activity and those that constrain it in 190 countries. These regulations include starting a business, obtaining construction permits, availability of electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts and resolving insolvency.

As has been the case in the last several years, African countries were among the most improved nations on the list. Nigeria, Djibouti, Zambia and Malawi were amongst the top-10 reformers in this year’s edition. Nigeria (Africa’s largest economy, but currently facing strong economic headwinds) moved up 24 places to the 145th position, and so is by default a case study for this year’s report.

STARTUP : Entrepreneur quits Nike job to start food business in Rwanda.

STARTUP : Entrepreneur quits Nike job to start food business in Rwanda. When Lauren Russell Nkuranga arrived in Rwanda with the Nike Foundation in 2012, she had the clichéd western belief that Africa is predominantly a place of war, poverty and disease, and is desperate for foreign-funded charity. 

 STARTUP : Entrepreneur quits Nike job to start food business in Rwanda. 

She quickly discovered that many countries on the continent were in fact growing at a rapid pace. For instance, Rwanda’s economy has expanded by an average annual rate of 7.6% between 2007 and 2016. She saw transformation in Rwanda such as new roads, new buildings, new businesses, new restaurants, new national parks.

 STARTUP : Entrepreneur quits Nike job to start food business in Rwanda. When Nike asked her to return to the US, she made the bold move to leave her job and stay in Rwanda to pursue a business plan she had been nursing since moving there. The idea? A food distribution company.

Agriculture can sustain Nigerian economy.

Agriculture can sustain Nigerian economy. In a bid to break the monoculture system and widen the resource base of the economy, agricultural experts have advised that Nigeria should return to agriculture fully as it can sustain the economy. Speaking at the 2017 Agra Innovate West Africa conference in Lagos, the President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Nike Akande, said that agriculture had the potential to become the most significant way to achieve economic development in Nigeria. Akande, who described agriculture as a very significant sector, said more attention should be paid to the industry as it could provide employment for more than 75 per cent of the unemployed population in Nigeria.

The new canine rabies research: One vaccine to save them all.

The new canine rabies research: One vaccine to save them all.A new study finds that rabies vaccines may have a protective effect beyond just the dreaded deadly virus in dogs. Canine rabies is common in many parts of the world. In Asia and Africa, rabies from dog bites kills more than 50,000 people each year. Large international efforts are dedicated to this public health crisis, including mass rabies vaccination of dogs. A recent publication suggests the canine rabies vaccine may have additional benefits to dog health beyond protection from rabies. That’s right—vaccinate for rabies, get rabies protection PLUS additional dog health benefits.

The study followed 2,500 households in South Africa over four years and found that dogs vaccinated for rabies had a reduced risk of canine death from any cause as compared to dogs not vaccinated for rabies. The greatest reduction was noted in very young dogs with a 56% reduced risk of death. This decrease in canine mortality was not explained by a reduction in deaths due to rabies alone. The researchers proposed that rabies vaccination boosted the immune system and may have provided enhanced defense against other diseases unrelated to rabies. Previous studies have similarly identified this nonspecific protective effect by rabies vaccination in children and animals, providing further support for the research team’s current findings.

Farmers/Herdsmen feud: Veterinary association backs establishment of ranches to end crisis

Farmers/Herdsmen feud: Veterinary association backs establishment of ranches to end crisis.Following the lingering crisis between farmers and Fulani herdsmen, the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) has thrown its weight behind plans by the government to resolve this crisis through the establishment of ranches across the country. This was contained in a Communique issued at the end of the 5th Annual Congress of Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, held in Kano.

Bovine birthing simulator used to educate veterinary students on display at Agribition.

Bovine birthing simulator used to educate veterinary students on display at Agribition.Meet Agnes — she's a full-size cow, with a working udder, a uterus and a full-size calf but she's not quite a real cow. Instead, the bovine specimen is used to educate veterinary students and cattle producers about the cattle birthing process.#bovine "We can actually use her, mainly to educate ... in the birthing process, and how to deal with any sort of malpresentations at the birthing time," said Chris Clark, associate dean of the college of veterinary medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. #bovine