Prospects and limitations of soil amendment and irrigation techniques for the water-saving public urban greenery and ephemeral weed management in the sandy soils of the United Arab Emirates

Public urban greenery greatly contributes to the residential and tourist value of cities in the Gulf Region,but due to the hyper-arid climatic conditions,the cost of irrigation and plant maintenance is very high.Existing strategies to reduce the monetary and ecological costs involve the cultivation of native xerophytic plantations,and/or the use of soil improvers to increase water-and nutrient-holding capacity of the sandy soils.Various soil improvers based on mineral,organic,or synthetic materials have entered the United Arab Emirates(UAE)market in recent years,but there is considerable uncertainty about how they should best be used in combination with ornamental plant stands involving xerophytic native plants.The present study investigated the effect of soil amendment and deep pipe irrigation on perennial ornamental plant stands involving native plants(Tephrosia appolinea(Gel.)Link in combination with Aerva javanica(Burm.f.)Juss.ex Schult.)and native-exotic plants(T.appolinea in combination with Ruelia simplex C.Wright)either or not topsoil and subsoil amendment with bentonite and hydrophobic sand under the irrigation water supply of less than 50%of reference evapotranspiration(ET0).After one year of cultivation,T.appolinea and A.javanica(native vs.native)produced high biomass and exhibited high water use efficiency(WUE)as compared with T.appolinea and R.simplex(native vs.exotic)combination given that no significant differences were found under the soil amendment treatments.All stands thrived under irrigation water supply far below what is usually supplied to exotic ornamental stands in public parks of the Al Ain City,the UAE.However,subsoil amendment in combination with deep pipe irrigation reduced the occurrence of weeds and increased the overall plant rooting depth.Our results suggest that subsoil amendment and irrigation up to 60-80 cm depth can potentially control ephemeral weed infestation,which is a great challenge in various plant production systems of the Gulf Region.The results of the present study suggest that the impact of soil amendment on the WUE of exotic plants is marginal and might not be economically justified.Replacing exotic with native ornamental plant species seems to have a far greater water-saving potential than the amendment of the soil,while weeds can be suppressed in the absence of topsoil moisture.

Agronomic Performance, Stability Analysis and Evaluation of Anthracnose Disease Resistance of Common Bean Lines Derived by Marker-Assisted Backcrossing in Uganda

The present study focused on evaluating the agronomic performance, stability, and anthracnose resistance of common bean lines derived through Marker-Assisted Backcrossing in Uganda. Eight marker-assisted selection (MAS) backcross-derived bush bean lines with red seed types, alongside two checks, were evaluated in a randomized complete block design replicated two times in five locations for three consecutive crop-growing seasons in 2021 and 2022. The study aimed to identify lines with both high stable yields and enhanced resistance to anthracnose disease for potential release and utilization in future bean varietal development in Uganda. Agronomic traits, including days to 50% flowering, days to 90% physiological maturity, seed yield, seed yield components, and anthracnose disease reaction under natural infestation were assessed. The response to anthracnose disease was further assessed using six isolates of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum representing six different races. Results indicated that the agronomic performances of the MAS backcross-derived bush bean lines were statistically comparable to the recurrent parent NABE14. Specifically, six lines exhibited statistically equal to or higher performance than NABE14 in terms of seed yield, total number of seeds and number of pods per plant. The combined analysis of variance for seed yield showed significant (p Co-42 and Co-5 anthracnose resistance genes in the derived line. In conclusion, UGKT-B157-4, identified as the best-performing and stable genotype, demonstrates promise for release and use in future bean varietal development in Uganda, offering a combination of high yields and enhanced anthracnose disease resistance. The study provides valuable insights into the potential of Marker-Assisted Backcrossing in improving common bean varieties in the region.

Evaluation of land suitability for Moringa oleifera tree cultivation by using Geospatial technology:The case of Dhidhessa Catchment,Abay Basin,Ethiopia

Land suitability analysis of Moringa oleifera tree cultivation is important to enhance its product,as the demand forthis tree for medicinal values and food sources is increasing worldwide.Therefore,this study aimed to assess suitableland for Moringa oleifera tree cultivation by using the integration of multi-criteria evaluation with geospatialtechnologies in the Dhidhessa catchment,western Ethiopia.Five parameters,namely:slope,land use and landcover(LULC),soil texture,land surface temperature,and rainfall data,were used in this study.The land suitabilityevaluation of Moringa oleifera is classified into three classes as highly suitable,moderately suitable,and notsuitable.The results revealed that,about 344.4 km2(12.2%)of the area is categorized into highly suitable,and2343.7 km2(83%)is moderately suitable for Moringa tree,whereas,137.2 km2(4.9%)is categorized as notsuitable for Moringa oleifera tree cultivation.Hence,based on the finding of the study,we suggested that farmers andother stakeholders can cultivate Moringa oleifera trees in the Dhidhessa catchment.

Genetic Variability, Heritability and Correlation of Some Morphological and Yield Components Traits in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Collections

The study was conducted with the main objective to evaluate the genetic variability, heritability, and clustering pattern exploration of morphological and yield related traits in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) collections in the bimodal rainfall agroecological zone of Cameroon using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The data obtained on morphological and yield traits were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that the viability rate of the collections varied from 77.78% to 96.55% respectively for the Maffo and Desiree collections, while the greatest number of tubers per plant varied from 4 to 18 respectively for Synergie and Desiree. The emergence rate varies from 60% to 1.66% respectively for Maffo et Doza collections. However, Desiree presents the highest TL (96.55) while Maffo shows the lowest value (77.78%). The yield per hectare varied from 1.14 to 9.3 t/h for Maffo and Doza respectively. For all the characteristics observed, Phenotypic Coefficients of Variation (PCV) were higher than Genotypic Coefficients of Variation (GCV) suggesting the role of environment in the expression of traits under observation. The highest GCV and PCV 47.55 and 58.94 respectively were observed for Diameter at the collar (DC). Most of the traits showed high GAM (>20%)) except Average Tuber Length (ATL) with a moderate value (19.8). In terms of vegetative development, the Desiree variety showed the highest performance. Based on the growth and yield results, Doza seems to be the most recommendable crop in the study area.

Chemical Composition, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Thyme Essential Oil (<i>Thymus vulgaris</i>)

Herbal medicine from natural resources plays an important role as antibacterial and antioxidant agents. The present investigation was designed to evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) essential oil (TEO) and/or chitosan (CH) in vitro. Results indicated that TEO exhibited high radical scavenging activity (RSA) toward DPPH, ABTS, linoleic acid deterioration and iron chelation activity. TEO exhibited high amount of total phenolic compounds (TPC) related to its terpenes. The TPC of TEO was 177.3 mg GAE g-1 demonstrated 149.8 μmol of TE g-1 DPPH-RSA and 192.4 μmol of TE g-1 ABTS-RSA. The antioxidant capacity of TEO exhibited 68.9% reduction when evaluated by β-carotene bleaching assay. The reducing power activity related to iron chelation was 142.8 μmol of AAE g-1. The TEO exhibited a high content of Thymol (41.04%) as major compound over 14 identified components by GC-MS analysis followed by 1,8-Cineole (14.26%), γ-Terpinene (12.06%), p-Cymene (10.50%) and α-Terpinene (9.22%). TEO exhibited antimicrobial activity in vitro and MIC noticed that TEO was efficiently affected pathogens in vitro. Indeed, CH exhibited negligible or very low antimicrobial activity. In conclusion, both investigated TEO and TEO-CHmix have strong antibacterial activity against many pathogenic bacteria and need exploitation as an alternative source of natural antibacterial and antioxidant agents for potential applications.

Chemical, Nutritional, Rheological, and Organoleptical Characterizations of Stirred Pumpkin-Yoghurt

Pumpkin contains considerable amounts of bioactive compounds which hardly valorized in dairy products. This study aims to investigate the chemical, nutritional, rheological, and organoleptical properties of prepared stirred pumpkin-yoghurt. Stirred yoghurt with three different pumpkin varieties pulp [American (AP), Domestic (DP), and Indian (IP) pumpkin] at 15% was prepared and stored at 5°C ± 1°C up to 14 d. The chemical properties of yoghurts include protein, fat, crude fiber, and available carbohydrates were significantly affected by adding pumpkin without remarkable change in caloric value. Addition of pumpkin pulps decreased the pH and increased the acidity of stirred pumpkin-yoghurt significantly (P -1 in all stirred yoghurts after 1 d. After that, it was increased without notable effect of adding pumpkin pulps, and with slight simulation in LAB, growth was noticed in DP and IP yoghurts. Total phenolic compounds (TPC), total flavonoid (TF), total flavonols (TFL), carotenoids contents, and antioxidant capacity of pumpkin-yoghurts were significantly increased. Fortifying yoghurt with pumpkin pulp was associated with a statistically significant effect on sensory parameters such as flavor, color, and overall acceptability. Scores of AP yoghurt showed the highest score which significantly differed from CY. It is obviously showed that panelists were favored the prepared stirred pumpkin-yoghurt. Thus, it is recommended that adding pumpkin pulps increases yoghurt health benefits and could be scaled up further.

Effect of Carrot and Pumpkin Pulps Adding on Chemical, Rheological, Nutritional and Organoleptic Properties of Ice Cream

Ice cream manufactured using a substantial amount of pumpkin pulp (PP) and carrot pulp (CP) has a high organoleptic acceptability. PP and CP were added to typical control ice cream (TC) up to 20%. Through adding PP and CP, natural flavor, unique color, and health-promoting constituents were presented. The resultant ice cream was subjected to chemical, rheological, nutritional, and organoleptic properties investigation. Results revealed that dry matter especially SNF in both PPand CP-ice creams were increased significantly. Accordingly, ash, fiber, and available carbohydrates contents were significantly increased whereas opposite result was recorded for crude protein as a result of PP and CP substitution. The ice cream containing high PP and CP contents had higher melting resistance and lower overrun %. Health beneficial phytochemicals such as carotenoids, flavonoids (TF), flavonols (TFL), and vit. C were commonly detected in PP and CP-ice creams, reflecting the attributes of PP and CP ingredients. PP and CP-ice cream had the valuable content of TPC, vit. C and antioxidant capacity. However, only ice cream made with 15% of PP and CP was highly accepted than others. Therefore, it is possible to use a substantial amount from PP and CP to produce ice cream up to 15% with retained much of natural color, unique vit. C, TPC, carotenoids, TF, TFL contents as well as valuable antioxidant capacity. Health beneficial compounds and organoleptic attributes of prepared ice cream formulas were encouragingly the commercial possibility of using PP and CP for scaling up further.

L-Arginine Modulates Maternal Hormonal Profiles and Neonatal Traits during Two Stages of Pregnancy in Sheep

A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement was designed to test effects of supplementation of a low (L, 75 mg/kg BW) vs. high (H, 150 mg/kg BW) L-arginine given at early (first 56 days) vs. late (last 56 days) pregnancy on maternal hormones and neonatal traits. Thirty Najdi pregnant ewes were randomly allocated into 6 groups. Ewes in G1 and G2 served as controls (C), given 50 ml saline at either early (CE) or late (CL) pregnancy, respectively. G3 and G4 ewes in early pregnancy received low (LE) and high L-arginine (HE), respectively. G5 and G6 ewes in late pregnancy received low (LL) and high (HL) L-arginine, respectively. A weekly blood sample was collected from initiation of the treatment till parturition. Serum growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), insulin, progesterone (P4) and estradiol 17 β (E2) profiles were determined. Neonatal traits were also determined. Insulin was higher (P 0.05). Lamb survival rates at birth in LE ewes were highest (100%) compared to other treatments. In conclusion, supplementing pregnant ewes with low dosage of L-arginine at early stage of gestation increased lamb birth weight and survival, and improved maternal health.

Effect of Nonenzymatic Antioxidants on Sperm Motility and Survival Relative to Free Radicals and Antioxidant Enzymes of Chilled-Stored Ram Semen

The effect of inclusion of three antioxidants (Vitamin E, cysteine and glutathione) in ram semen extender on the release of antioxidant enzymes and free radicals was studied. A 3 × 3 factorial experiment was conducted to test effects of supplementing ram semen extender with Vitamin E (1, 5 and 10 IU), cysteine (1, 5 and 10 mM) or glutathione (0.5, 1 and 2 mM) on the sperm survival and release of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Eighty ejaculates of eight fertile Najdi rams were collected, assessed for the gross examination and the good ejaculates (≥90% motility) were pooled and sperm count was assessed. Therefore ten extenders;control (C) and 9 treated (C plus antioxidant) were tested. Extended semen was stored at 5°C for 96 h, examined for motility and survival and sperm cells were separated from plasma, sonicated, homogenized and exposed to the determinations of SOD, GPX and TBARS. The highest sperm survival was found in diluents containing 5 IU Vitamin E/ml, 1 and 2 mM glutathione (55.5% survival), while the lowest survival was found in 10 mM cysteine (11.1%). TBARS concentration was highest (P < 0.05) in control than other treatments, however, Vitamin E and glutathione exhibited low values. Contrariwise, activities of SOD and GPX increased (P < 0.05) within sperm cells and seminal plasma in diluents containing 5 IU E, 1 mM and 2 mM glutathione. The enzymatic activities were generally higher in seminal plasma than in sperm cells. It was concluded that supplementing ram semen extender during chilled storage with 5 IU Vitamin E per ml or 1 - 2 mM glutathione enhanced sperm survival and reduced free radicals.

Nutritional, Chemical and Organoleptical Characteristics of Low-Calorie Fruit Nectars Incorporating Stevioside as a Natural Sweetener

The study is aiming at preparation of low-calorie fruit nectars for diabetes and weight maintaining approaches as well as consumer satisfaction. Therefore, twenty low-calorie fruit-based formulated nectars were prepared mainly from orange, pomegranate, guava and mango pulps which sweetened with sucrose or sucrose— replaced at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% using stevioside. Primitively, the yield of fresh fruits had been calculated. Consequently, nutritional, chemical and organoleptical characteristics of prepared fruit nectars have been determined. Results indicated that total solids content was in range of 5.57% - 13.20%, 9.90% - 14.37%, 8.25% - 13.27% and 8.25% - 16.50% for orange, pomegranate, guava and mango nectars, respectively. Dependently, caloric value resulted 21.57 to 51.08, 38.31 to 55.62, 31.93 to 51.37 and 31.93 to 63.86 kcal 100 g-1 fw for orange, pomegranate, guava and mango nectars, respectively. Total phenols content [TPC, mg GAE 100 g-1 dw] ranged from 665.12 to 747.41, 1180.42 to 1319.47, 742.54 to 848.27 and 418.01 to 472.42 for orange, pomegranate, guava and mango nectars, respectively. The antioxidant capacity by DPPH method [μmol TE g-1 dw] ranged from (20.79 to 26.51), (47.13 to 56.56), (60.68 to 69.25) and (8.39 to 13.32) for orange, pomegranate, guava and mango nectars, respectively. Total carotenoids [mg 100 g-1 dw] were the highest in mango nectars ranged from (102.99 to 110.52) in mango nectar with 100% sugar and mango nectar with 100% stevioside, respectively. Anthocyanins content recorded 6.14 mg 100 g-1 dw in pomegranate nectar with 100% sugar, while increased to be 9.01 mg 00 g-1 dw in pomegranate nectar with 100% stevioside. Ascorbic acid [mg 100 g fw] ranged from 23.41 to 27.53, 15.73 to 18.32, 25.72 to 30.87 and 18.07 to 20.98 for orange, pomegranate, guava and mango nectars, respectively. The results of organoleptical attributes showed no effect of sugar substituting by stevioside on color, odor and mouth feel. The most dramatic effect of sugar substituting had been observed on taste, bitter after taste and the overall acceptability of prepared nectars with high substitution levels. Practically, using stevioside to produce low-calorie nectars was shown to be satisfactory up to 50% - 75% substituting level, resulting low-calorie nectars and could be applied commercially.

The Coffee-Khat Interface in Eastern Ethiopia： A Controversial Land Use and Livelihood Change Scenario

The aim of the study was to assess the current trend of coffee and khat production as well as the subsequent land use and livelihood change scenario in the area. By so doing, the study tried to identify the impact of both commodities on the socio-economic well being of both the rural and urban communities. These areas, with regard to this particular study, cover all parts of the East and West Harerghe zones of the Oromiya National Regional State, the coffee and khat growing parts of the Somalia and Harari National Regional States as well as the Dire-Dawa Administration Council in Ethiopia. In so doing, the article is partly based on the first hand information gathered especially by the first author during his assigned mission in March 2002 by the institution he was then working for, i.e., Institute of Biodiversity Conservation （IBC）, Ethiopia. The study indicates that on top of other biotic and abiotic stress, ever since the first official appearance of coffee berry disease （CBD） in around 1973, there has been a huge shift in land use from coffee to khat with over 63% of the total coffee land being uprooted and converted into the later. As such, the study points out the fact that if the trend continues to keep unabated, it is very likely that the genetic base of the unique coffee type in the area will be similarly further endangered. On the other hand, the study states that the existing reality on the ground is entirely different from what appears to be true in the development or policy theories. Because of the absence of basic and sustainable options for CBD and other biotic and abiotic hazards prevailing in the area, including on other crops, as well as the absence of a fair trade price for their unique quality coffee at international level, farmers have been obliged to switch and increasingly rely on khat as an alternative God blessed commodity given to their locality. Thus, even though there are growing controversies and/or hasty health and social connotations against khat, it is very unlikely to recover the situation back to the origin so easily, as farmers have already gone far away changes in their way of farming and socio-economic set up, or as stated above in their land use and livelihood circumstances. Before a long-term solution is obtained to solve the multifaceted environmental, social and economic problems and explore other sustainable and socially inclusive alternatives, reckless and hasty restrictions and/or impositions can only be unjustifiable, as they will cause overall socio-economic difficulties to all the communities therein.

Physicochemical Properties of Moringa oleifera Seeds and Their Edible Oil Cultivated at Different Regions in Egypt

Moringa oleifera is a plant that successfully grows recently in Egypt and has rich of nutrients seeds with valuable content of edible oil. The present study aimed at determining the physicochemical properties of moringa seeds and their extracted oil of which cultivated at different regions in Egypt. Obtained results revealed that protein, lipid, ash, fiber and total carbohydrate contents were in range of 34.51% - 36.5%, 28.62% - 30.06%, 4.22% - 5.06%, 10.92% - 12.16% and 19.00% - 20.29%, respectively. Consequently, caloric value was around 450.36 - 451.32 kcal 100 g-1 for dried moringa seeds. As confirmed, dried moringa seeds are considered as a rich source of dietary minerals. TPCs content of M. oleifera seed were ranged from 16.9 - 18.5 mg GAE g-1 dw. The anti-oxidants activity was in a range of 0.17 - 0.28 μmol TE g-1 dw (DPPH scavenging activity) and was in a range of 4.19 - 6.29 μmol TE g-1 dw (DPPH scavenging activity). The chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, flavonoids and flavonols contents were ranged from 0.93 to 1.78, 4.89 to 8.41, 13.53 to 19.56 mg g-1 dw, 3.30 to 5.40 and 2.30 to 4.10 mg QE g-1 dw, respectively. Obviously, the individual essential amino acids (EAAs) and nonessential amino acids (NEAAs) recorded higher contents when compared to referenced protein. Total AA showed in triple amount in moringa protein when compared FAO standard. The acid value, iodine value, unsaponificable matter, peroxide value, refractive index, saponification value of cold pressed moringa seeds oil found to be 0.29 - 0.37 mg·g-1, 65.7 - 67.5, 0.60 to 0.74 g 100 g-1, 1.67 - 2.47 mEq/Kg, 1.4607 - 1.4613, 171.7 to 178.3 mg KOH g-1, respectively. Clearly, the unsaturated fatty acids (USFA) contents of M. oleifera edible oils were 77.14% - 84.98%, especially oleic (73.30% - 79.58%). On the contrary, the saturated fatty acids (SFA) recorded 15.00% - 22.83% where palmitic and stearic acids were the predominant SFA. The results of oil physicochemical parameters were compared with those of commercial oils. It could be illustrated that moringa seeds and its oil considered as a good source for dietary nutraceuticals and valuable characteristics for potential nutritional and technological applications.

Impact of Quebracho Tannins Supplementation on Productive and Reproductive Efficiency of Dairy Cows

This study was conducted to investigate effects of supplementing two doses of quebracho tannins (QT;100 or 200 g/cow/d;QT100 or QT200) pre and post parturition to thirty Holstein dairy cows on Dry Matter Intake (DMI), milk yield and composition, blood metabolites and reproductive performance for 12 weeks. There were no significant changes in DMI due to QT at transition period of dairy cows. QT supplementation at either level decreased (P 0.05) the total number of ovarian follicles, number of large follicles, diameter of largest follicle, number of small follicles, number and diameter of corpus luteum, and progesterone concentration. The inclusion of QT increased days open and number of services per conception, which consequently decreased conception rate, compared to the control cows. QT100 decreased (P

Antidiarrheal and phytochemical constituents of methanol extracts of some plants in Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the antidiarrheal effects and the phytochemical constituents of methanol extracts of some plants used traditionally in kingdom of Saudi Arabia using castor oil-induced diarrhea and gastrointestinal motility test using charcoal meal method were examined.METHODS The methanolic extracts were initially assayed for their effects in castor oil-induced diarrhea at different doses(250and 500mg·kg-1 followed by their evaluation on the peristaltic movements in charcoal meal test.RESULTS The results of the present study indicates that,administration of the following methanol plant extracts;Rhazya stricta,Heliotropium bacciferum,Tribulus longipetalus,Achillea fragrantissima,Artemisia herba alba,Haloxylon salicornicum,Plantago coronopus,Cyperus conglomerates,Hordeum distichon,Eragrostis poaeoides,Astragalus spinosus,Lepidium sativum seeds induced a higher percentages of inhibition of diarrhea.While,the administration of Rhanterium epapposum,Moltkiopsis ciliate,Lasiurus hirsutus,Deverra triradiata,Lycium shawii.Echinops spinosus,Echinops hussoni,and Prosopis farcta were the least efficacy.The antidiarrheal effects of these plants might be due to their high contents of flavonoids and tannins.CONCLUSION It could be concluded that,the remarkable antidiarrheal effects of these plants attest to their utility in a wide range of stats of diarrhea.

Preparation and Evaluation of High Antioxidant Talbina as a Protective and Therapeutic Meal

Functional properties of Talbina were used in ancient Arab for nutritional purpose. It was a meal made from barley flour and milk. The high antioxidant Talbina was formulated from whole flour of harley and oat, milk, date palm syrup （debis） and date palm seeds. The chemical composition, organoleptic properties and antioxidant activity of high antioxidant Talbina were determined. Sensory evaluation of traditional and high antioxidant Talbina showed that the developed product Talbina was considered as good for overall acceptability of all panelists. Also, the formulated Talbina contains high values of antioxidants components and natural nutrients. The antioxidant activity of formulated Talbina containing barley or oat may be due to presence of phenolic compounds and proanthocyanidins in the barley and oat. Increasing the antioxidant activity of high antioxidant Talbina containing barley and oat may be due to the adding of dates palm seeds which contain very high values of phenolic compounds and other antioxidants components. Date palm seeds as well as barley and/or oat give high antioxidants components which protect cells from oxidative stress and help to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease as well as natural anti-depressant. Moreover, increasing the antioxidant activity in the formulated Talbina may play a role for reducing power, radical scavenging activity and the lipid peroxidation inhibition. In conclusion, supplementation of traditional Talbina containing barley and/or oat with date palm syrup （debis） and date palm seeds can produce simple and healthy meal to provide a good source of daily dietary antioxidants and micronutrients.

Validating the Classification of Smallholder Dairy Farming Systems Based on Herd Genetic Structure and Access to Breeding Services

Smallholder dairy farming in Africa is classified into rural, peri-urban and urban systems. The major classification criterion is demographic. Dairy systems are extensively characterized, but not based on rigorous statistical analyses. We validated this classification based on herd genetic structure and identify determinants of within-system variations, taking Ethiopia as a case study. Discriminant function analysis correctly classified 38% - 50.6% of the 360 sampled farms into the three systems. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that rural and peri-urban farmers were 1.26 (P < 0.1) to 1.45 (P < 0.001) times more likely to keep local and low grade crossbreds and fewer high grade crosses (P < 0.05;odds ratio = 2.35) than the urban farmers. In the rural system, proportion of high grade crosses declined and low grades increased over generations, whereas in urban system the reverse was observed. Access to breeding services and land resources significantly determined the adoption of crossbred dairy herd within systems. In conclusion, considering farms within systems as a uniform unit to target development interventions may not be appropriate and thus farm topologies and system specific determinants of farmers’ breeding strategies need to be considered to design and introduce appropriate breeding interventions.

Comparison of Antioxidant Activity and Antioxidant Components in Lettuce, Onion and Tomato Obtained with Different Levels and Forms of Nitrogen Fertilization

The effect of N levels and sources on the antioxidant components in vegetable is not completely understood. Therefore, greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the changes in antioxidant capacity diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl （DPPH） and ferric reducing antioxidant power （FRAP）, total phenolics, ascorbic acid, total carotene and lycopene contents in edible portions of lettuce, onion and tomato due to different nitrogen levels and sources. The experiment included three N levels （20, 40 and 60 kg/ha for lettuce trial and 60, 120 and 180 kg/ha for either onion or tomato） and four nitrogen sources （calcium nitrate, ammonium sulphate, ammonium nitrate and urea）. The antioxidant capacity and phenolic contents in lettuce was enhanced under low nitrogen level, while the antioxidant capacities, phenolics, carotenoids and lycopene in tomato fruits were not significantly affected by the nitrogen dose applied. Application of calcium nitrate caused 50% increase in DPPH and 20% in FRAP of lettuce compared to other nitrogen forms. Tomato treated with calcium nitrate or ammonium sulphate had higher phenolic and ascorbic acid contents than treated plants with ammonium nitrate or urea. Antioxidant tested parameters of onion were not significantly affected by the nitrogen treatments. Nitrogen concentration in tomato fruits significantly correlated with FRAP antioxidant capacity, phenolics, ascorbic acid, carotene and lycopene contents.

Assessment of land suitability for oilseeds crops(sesame and groundnut)using geospatial techniques:In the case of Diga district,East Wollega zone,western Ethiopia

Sesame and groundnut crops are the major oilseed crops produced for exports and local consumptions in Ethiopia.This study attempted to evaluate land suitability for oilseeds crops using Geographic Information Systems(GIS)and multi-criteria evaluation in Diga district of East Wollega zone,western Ethiopia.To support the growing population,sesame and groundnut land suitability evaluations were carried out to ensure the sustainability of agricultural production.Different data inputs were used,including mainly climate data(temperature and rainfall),topography data(slope),soil data(soil texture,soil depth and soil drainage),and infrastructure data(road and market).In this study,sesame and groundnut land suitability areas were categorized into 4 classes:highly suitable,moderately suitable,marginally suitable,and not suitable.The result revealed that,about 252.1 ha(0.4%)and 113.1 ha(0.2%)were highly suitable for sesame and groundnut respectively.Result showed that most parts of the study area were moderately suitable for sesame and groundnut productions.Specially,the central and western parts of the study area were highly suitable and moderately suitable for sesame production.The study recommended the local communities to utilize the existing potential of the study area for sesame and groundnut productions.Moreover,decision makers should promote the suitability of the area for both small-and large-scale investment on sesame and groundnut production.

L-Arginine Supplementation Alters Maternal Blood Biochemical Attributes and Milk Composition Relative to Neonatal Traits of <i>Najdi</i>Ewes

In a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, 3 levels of L-arginine (0, 75 and 150 mg/kg BW per day) were tested at two stages of pregnancy (Early 60 days vs. Late 60 days) on the maternal blood metabolites and postnatal milk composition relative to the newborn traits of Najdi ewes. Thirty adult pregnant Najdi ewes were randomly assigned into 6 treatments (n = 5). Control early (CE) ewes were orally administered 50 mL normal saline (0.9% NaCl) daily during the first 60 days of pregnancy;control late (CL) ewes were similar to CE except saline was given at the last 60 days of pregnancy;low dose of L-arginine at early pregnancy (LE);low dose of L-arginine at late pregnancy (LL);high dose of L-arginine at early (HE) and high dose of L-arginine at late pregnancy (HL). Blood and milk samples were collected on a weekly basis. Data of lambing and newborn traits were considered. There were non-significant differences in litter size due to L-arginine;however lamb birth and weaning weights increased by 35% in LE-ewes. Arginine did not change blood protein and albumin. Low arginine decreased lipid fractions, creatinine, urea, and milk fat;however, it increased AST, ALT, milk lactose and milk ash. Administration of L-arginine at 75 mg/Kg BW per day for 60 days at an early gestation in ewes improved the maternal body health and milk composition for the welfare of the neonates.

Impact of the aqueous extract of dandelion, probiotic and their synbiotic on male lamb’s testicular histopathology relative to semen characteristics

This study aimed at investigating effects of dandelion/probiotic on the testis histology and semen characteristics of male lambs. Twelve prepuberal Noemi male lambs (2 ± 0.4-month-old and 20 ± 3.5 kg B.W) were randomly allocated into four groups. Animals in group 1 were controlled, orally given normal saline as the same schedule of treated animals. In group 2 animals were given daily oral 50 ml of an aqueous extract of dandelion leaves. In group 3 animals were given a daily 50 ml of cow’s milk probiotics, and in group 4 animals were given 50 ml of a 1:1 mixture (dandelion extract: probiotic). Animals were treated for 8 consecutive weeks. At puberty, semen ejaculates were collected weekly for further 10 weeks. Thereafter, animals were sacrificed and testicles were obtained, weighed and a histopathological study was performed on the testis. Results revealed that oral administration of the dandelion aqueous extract to prepuberal lambs exhibited disturbances in the histological architecture of the testicular semeniferous tubules. Additionally, dandelion resulted in edematic interstitial tissues with evident vaculations. These deteriorations were reflected in less spermatogenesis (i.e. less sperm concentration and ejaculate volume by 10% and 20%, respectively than controlled group). Also, the percentage of sperm progressive motility was lower (P < 0.05) and dead sperm was higher (P < 0.05) in rams given dandelion than control. Administration of probiotic hasn’t revealed a change in the seminiferous tubules architecture, however, very little vaculation with rare edema was observed. Administration of the synbiotic mixture revealed intermediate histopathological appearances. The highest sperm concentration, testosterone concentration and advanced motility were obtained when probiotic was administered. In conclusion, although dandelion cures some hepatic malfunctions in human, caution must be taken into consideration of the frequent ingestion of dandelion for its harmful effect on male fertility.