Prevalence and Distribution of Tick-Borne Hemoparasites in Cattle from the Noun and Ndé Divisions of the West Region, Cameroon

Background and Objective: Tick-borne hemoparasitic illnesses pose a serious threat to the well-being and productivity of cattle. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of tick-borne hemoparasites in Cameroon, with a specific focus on the Noun and Nde Divisions of the West Region. Methodology: A total of 423 cattle from 10 villages in both divisions were included in the study. Blood smears were prepared and subjected to microscopic screening for Babesia and Anaplasma parasites. Results: The prevalence of Anaplasma was found to be 23.4%, while Babesia exhibited a seroprevalence of 17.3%. Samples from Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) and Koupa Ngangnou demonstrated significantly higher prevalence rates, potentially influenced by climate variations affecting tick populations. Additionally, 17.3% of the animals exhibited low hematocrit levels, indicative of anemia. No significant associations were observed between the presence of hemoparasite infection and cattle characteristics. Conclusion: This study provides fundamental data on the extensive distribution and impact of tick-borne hemoparasites in a significant cattle-producing region of Cameroon.

Effect of the Dietary Substitution of Fish Meal with Achatina fulica Meat Meal on the Growth Performance and Production Cost of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Fingerlings

Fishmeal is the most preferred source of protein in aquafeeds, but it is expensive and scarce. Hence, Achatina fulica meat meal (AFM), which is much less preferred for human consumption out of three species of African giant land snails, was tested as a fishmeal substitute for Clarias gariepinus growth. Five iso-nitrogenous and iso-calorific diets were formulated, in which AFM substituted fish meal at 0% (control or Diet A), 25% (Diet B), 50% (Diet C), 75% (Diet D) and 100% (Diet E). These dietary treatments were each replicated thrice in a completely randomized design experiment, using 36-L plastic tanks in which the fish were fed daily rations corresponding to 5% of their body weight, for 8 weeks. Water quality parameters in the tanks were monitored. Proximate analyses were conducted on the fish meal, snail meal and experimental diets before the feeding trials. Cost-benefit analysis of the different diets was performed. The crude protein content of AFM (69.18%) was significantly higher than that of fish meal (55.81%). There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the mean weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and survival rate in fish fed Diet A and Diet B. The best protein efficiency ratio (0.77) was recorded in fish fed Diet B. Furthermore, the survival rate of fish increased with increased levels of AFM substitution. Water quality parameters were within a suitable range for tropical fish culture, indicating that the AFM did not pollute the water. The fish fed 25% AFM diet significantly (P Clarias gariepinus diets at a 25% substitution level. The aquaculture industry can thus exploit the availability of this feed resource.

Effects of Carrot (Daucus carota) Leaves Powder on Reproductive and Growth Characteristics of Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Does

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of carrot leaf powder in the diet on reproductive and growth characteristics in rabbits. Thirty sexually matured rabbits does of 8 months old, 3.00 to 3.20 kg, were divided into three groups of 10 rabbits each, which were comparable in terms of body weight. Throughout the experiment, the rabbits of group 1 (control group) were fed ad libitum with a feed not containing carrot leaf powder (control ration), while those of groups 2 and 3 received the control ration supplemented with carrot leaf powder in concentrations of 0.5% and 1% respectively. Data was collected on feed intake, weight gain, receptivity, fertility, gestation length of does, litter size, weight, viability and sex ratio of the young rabbits till 5 weeks post-partum. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in the fertility rate, gestation duration and sex ratio of the kits with reference to the control. Litter size at birth was not significantly (P > 0.05) influenced in does fed diets containing carrot leaf powder compared to the control. However, the reversed effects were observed at five weeks post-partum. The live weight of weaned kits and weight gain of rabbit does at birth were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in treated rabbits compared to the control. The supplementation of carrot leaf powder in feed can improve production performance in female rabbits, through their antioxidant activities thanks to their various components, thus fighting against oxidative stress effects to which animals are exposed both from endogenous and environmental sources.

Growth, Yield and Yield Characteristics of Three Pepper Cultivars to Fertilizers Application in the Mount Cameroon Region

This study determined the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of three pepper cultivars in the Mount Cameroon Region. Pepper seedlings were treated with six treatments (T1 = no fertilizers (control), T2 = 250 Kg/ha NPK 20:10:10, T3 = 350 Kg/ha NPK 20:10:10, T4 = 450 Kg/ha NPK 20:10:10, T5 = 20 Mg/ha poultry manure (PM), T6 = 30 Mg/ha PM). The effects of fertilizers had a significant effect on vegetative growth and yield of Capsicum chinense cv. “Big Sun” plants had the maximum plant height (39.09 cm) and mean collar diameter (6.02 mm) in plots treated with poultry manure at 20 Mg/ha (T5) and 30 Mg/ha (T6) respectively. The highest yield (33.63 Mg/ha) was in Capsicum chinense cv. Safi plants supplied with 30 Mg/ha poultry manure (T6) and the lowest yield (10.44 Mg/ha) was in Capsicum frutescens in control plots (T1). The highest fruit diameter (11.08 mm) and longest fruits (18.39 mm) were observed in Capsicum chinense cv. Big Sun plants supplied with 30 Mg/ha poultry manure. Capsicum frutescens fruits had the highest concentration of N (2.39%), P (0.42%) and K (3.06%). Essential oils analysis shows that there were 179 essential oils from pepper fruits of Capsicum chinense cv. Safi, with major essential oil been 3,4-dimethyl-benzaldehyde and main essential oils were alpha Terpinene and alpha Pinene based on their abundance. Fruits of Capsicum chinense cv. Big Sun had two-hundred and eight essential oils with major essential oil been 1,3,5-Trimethyl-1-H-pyrazol-4-amine and main essential oils were Caryophyllene oxide and Cymene, based on their abundance. Fruits of Capsicum frutescens had one-hundred and eighty-one essential oils with major essential oil been Limonene, and main essential oils were Carvacrol and D-limonene with respect to abundance. Results show that 20 Mg/ha poultry manure was the most cost effective in the production of pepper in Buea Cameroon.

Stand Diversity and Carbon Stock of a Tropical Forest in the Deng Deng National Park, Cameroon

Tropical rainforests are crucial in maintaining about 70% of the world’s plant and animal biodiversity and are also the highest terrestrial carbon reservoir. This study aimed to determine the tree species composition, structure and carbon stocks of the Deng Deng National Park which is a semi-deciduous tropical forest (plots 1 and 2 and the transition zone to the savannah (plot 3). Plots demarcation and enumeration followed standard protocols for permanent monitoring plots. The inventory of tree species ≥ 2 cm revealed a total of 5523 individuals of 64 species in 53 genera belonging to 26 families with plot 2 having the highest (2135 individuals/ha) and plot 3 the least (1291 individuals/ha). Tabernaemontana crassa was the most important tree species in the tropical forest and Lecythis idatimon in the savannah. Basal area was highest in the tropical forest and least in the savannah. The diameter distribution of trees in all forest types displayed a reverse J-pattern. Aboveground biomass was highest in the tropical forest (530.2 ± 66.4 t·C/ha) and least in the savannah (184.3 ± 20.1 t·C/ha). The carbon stock of the above ground biomass was twice as much as that of the below ground biomass, soil organic matter and litter. The total carbon stock estimated in all pools was 278.75 t·C/ha. The study site was poor in plant diversity, biomass and carbon stock, indicating a disturbed site with the absence of large trees and undergoing natural regeneration. This underlines an urgent need for efficient restoration management practices.

Agronomic Practices and Macronutrients Status of Different Age Groups of Smallholder Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Plantations in Dibombari Sub-Division, Cameroon

Oil palm is cultivated by agro-industries and smallholders for vegetable oil production. Good farm management practices with balanced soil and plant macronutrients are needed to attain optimum yields. Smallholder oil palm farmers of Dibombari Sub-Division, Cameroon, suffer from low on farm yields which could emanate from the agronomic practices implemented, which also has an influence on the soil and plant macronutrient status. This study provides information on the agronomic practices, soil and plant macronutrients status in smallholder oil palm fields. Structured questionnaires were administered to 200 farmers to collect data on their agronomic practices, using a stratified random sampling design. Soil and plants were sampled from plantations of different age groups (control, >0 - 4 years, >4 - 8 years and >8 - 15 years’ plantations) in four locations of the Sub-Division (i.e. Dibombari-central, Bonamateke, Bomono and Nkapa) using a randomized complete block design. Data collected, was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that 65% of farmers planted Tenera variety, with majority of them below the standards for weeding (81%), fertilizer use (100%), pruning (62%), pest/disease control (90.5%) and harvesting (96%) practices. Soil macronutrients were low across the different plantations except P which was optimal at >0 - 4 years and >4 - 8 years’ plantations but low at >8 - 15 years’ plantation. Similarly, for plant macronutrients, N and P were optimal across the different plantations, while K and Mg were optimal at >0 - 4 years’ plantation but low at >4 - 8 years and >8 - 15 years’ plantations. Thus, agronomic practices and macronutrient status of soil and plants were below standards in smallholder oil palm plantations of Dibombari, leading to low yields of fresh fruit bunches.

Botanicals, as a Sustainable Agroecological Alternative to Synthetic Pesticide for Controlling Leaf Miner (Pinworm) and Fusarium Wilt Disease of Tomato

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill) is a staple fruit vegetable widely grown worldwide for its rich nutrients including vitamins, minerals and proteins. In spite of its importance, yield and fruit quality in Buea, Cameroon is quite low compared to other countries. Pests and diseases are responsible for these limitations. Those of high importance are pinworm (Tatu absoluta) and Fusarium wilt respectively. Synthetic chemicals have been used to manage this pest/disease on tomato but this has not been very successful because of high cost and unavailability of these chemicals. Botanicals are known to have anti-microbial properties. 10% Leeks and marigold extracts were applied to tomato plants one week after planting. Five treatments were replicated four times in a randomized complete block. They include a control, a synthetic insecticide, leeks extract, marigold extract, and leeks/marigold extracts. Growth and yield parameters were evaluated and data obtained was analysed by descriptive statistics and ANOVA. Results showed that more tomato plant leaves were recorded in the leeks + marigold treatment (54) which differed significantly (P = 0.05) from the control (45). More fruits were harvested in the leeks + marigold treatment (32) which differed significantly (P = 0.05) from the control (18). Pinworm numbers were significantly higher in control (6) (P = 0.05) than the other treatments. Numerous leaf damage was observed in control (20) which differed significantly (P = 0.05) across treatments. More fruit damage was seen in control (14) and differed significantly (P = 0.05) from the other treatments. The least disease incidence was noted in Leeks + Marigold treatment (27.5%), and the most in control (72.5%) which differed significantly (P = 0.05) across treatments. Fusarium oxysporium and Fusarium semitectum were identified. There was a significant difference in pathogen number in control compared to other treatments. Thus leeks and marigold extract increased yield of tomato by mitigating the effects of leaf miner and fusarium wilt.

Reactions of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq) Progenies to Fusarium Wilt Disease Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. Elaeidis under Natural Infection

The oil palm (Elaeisguineensis Jacq) is used worldwide in commercial agriculture for the production of palm oil, palm kernel oil and palm wine. It produces more oil per plant than any other oil-producing crop in the world. Production is constrained by several factors among which pests/diseases are of utmost importance. Vascular wilt (VW) caused by Fusarium oxysporum is the most devastating disease infecting this crop. Its soil-borne ecology has made the use of fungicides to manage this disease too expensive and inpragmatic. There is need for concerted research in the breeding and selection of wilt-tolerant progenies as an essential step in the management of Fusarium wilt disease. The study aims to assess the incidence and severity of vascular wilt among tested oil palm progenies, to evaluate the reduction in yield caused by the disease in the susceptible progenies and to identify the wilt-tolerant, high-yielding progenies. The study was carried out at Pamol Plantations Limited (PPL) in Ndian Estate (Ndian Division), in the Southwest Region of Cameroon. Three field trials were evaluated for tolerance/susceptibility to Fusarium wilt. Each trial consisted of 15 oil palm progenies replicated 4 times. Each progeny had 25 oil palm stands in each replicate. Hence, a total of 1500 oil palm stands were assessed. The experimental design was a randomized complete block (RCB) with trial codes: Trial 2001/1, planted in 2001;Trial 2001/2, planted in 2002;Trial 2001/3, planted in 2003. Each trail had an area of 12 ha, with a plant density of 143 palms·ha−1. Wilt incidence, severity, index, and yield were evaluated on 45 progenies from the 3 trails after identifying Fusarium oxysporum from oil palm plant part. Data was subjected to analysis of variance, Fischer’s least significant difference test (LSD) for mean separation. Identification of Fusarium was based on descriptive analysis. Incidence of VW in the 3 trials ranged from 1% - 39%. Also, 45% of infected plants were from progeny 676 while 1% was from progenies 689, 693, 694 and 710. Disease severity was from 0.9 in progeny 686 to 4.55 in 676. Wilt index ranged from 131 for progeny 694 and 710 to 495 for progenies 705. Out of the 45 progenies evaluated, 27 were tolerant (1 < 100) and 18 susceptible (1 ≥ 100). Within the tolerant progenies, 4 were significant (1 < 20) while 5 out of 18 were significantly susceptible (1 ≥ 185). Mean yield reduction of the susceptible progenies was 34.8% while in the tolerant progenies, it increased by 9.5% when compared to their controls. Progenies 702, 703 and 709 are recommended for planting based on the level of tolerance to Fusarium wilt disease and yield.

Assessing the Efficacy of Wheat-Soybean Based Intercropping System at Different Plant Densities in Bambili, Cameroon

Wheat is one of the most important cereals in the world, serving as a staple for millions globally. In the wake of the geopolitical crisis between Russia and Ukraine, it has become incumbent for many countries to invest in wheat production. Improving cropping systems for wheat production is paramount. Intercropping cereals with legumes has tremendous advantages. Therefore, this study was designed to optimize wheat production by intercropping it with soybean at different densities. Between March and August 2023, a randomized complete block design trial was conducted in Bambili, North West of Cameroon with treatments T1 (wheat monocrop at 200,000 plants ha−1), T2 (soybean monocrop at 250,000 plants ha−1), T3 (200,000 wheat and 125,000 soybean ha−1), T4 (100,000 wheat and 250,000 soybean ha−1), T5 (200,000 wheat and 250,000 soybean ha−1) and T6 (100,000 wheat and 125,000 soybean ha−1). Results revealed that growth parameters of wheat were not significantly influenced by monocrop or intercrop. The yield of wheat was significantly higher in the monocrop than the intercrop treatments, with slight variation amongst the intercrop treatments. Soybean yield was higher in the monocrop than in the intercrop, with no variations amongst the intercrop treatments. Only the land equivalence ratio (LER) for T5 was greater than 1.0. The competitive ratio for T5 was 0.54 for wheat and 1.90 for soybean, comparatively lower than the other monocrop treatments. Intercropping wheat and soybean at 200,000:250,000 ratio is recommended.

Bacteriological and Physicochemical Quality of Groundwater of Mbankomo Municipality(Center Region,Cameroon)

A study to evaluate the physico-chemical and bacteriological quality of groundwater was carried out in the commune of Mbankomo(Centre-Cameroon)at 4 wells and 4 springs during the period from March to August.The physico-chemical parameters were measured by the standard method.Indicator bacteria of fecal contamination,namely HAB(Heterotrophic Aerobic Bacteria),total and faecal coliforms(Escherichia coli),and faecal streptococci were isolated by the surface spreading technique on PCA(Plate Count Agar),Endo and BEA(Bile Esculin Azide)agar respectively,and sulphite-reducing clostridia by the incorporation method on Tryptone Sulfite Cycloserine(TSC)agar.From a physico-chemical point of view,the groundwater in Mbamkomo is characterized by an average temperature(24.24±0.24°C);it is polluted with organic matter,acid and poorly mineralized.It was noted from a bacteriological point of view that these waters have a high and varied bacterial load with an average value of 100.8 × 10^(5) CFU/100 mL for coliforms,16.3 × 10^(5) CFU/100 mL for fecal streptococci,5.6 × 10^(5) CFU/100 mL for Escherichia coli and 4.8 ×10^(²)CFU/100 mL for Clostridium perfringens.These concentrations are all higher than the WHO(World Health Organization)standards which are set at 0 CFU/100 mL for coliforms,fecal streptococci and Clostridium perfringens and indicate fecal pollution of these waters.Escherichia coli cell densities were significantly correlated with dissolved oxygen in the water(r=0.510;p<0.05).The degradation of the quality of these waters is favored by their proximity to pollution sources,poor maintenance and poor protection of the wells.These waters,without any treatment,are not recommended for human consumption according to the standards of the WHO.

Effect of Camel Milk Fortified with Dates in Ice Cream Manufacture on Viscosity, Overrun, and Rheological Properties during Storage Period

The effect of using camel milk with 2 dates types (Sokary & Al-Khalas), in 3 forms (paste, pieces, and molasses), with 2 different concentrations (5% & 10%) in the manufacturing of ice cream on its viscosity, overrun%, rheological and melting properties during storage period up to 60 days at -18&#176C was studied. It was noticed that there are higher mean of viscosity values (cp) when using “Al-khalas” dates paste 5% and 10% followed by samples with “sokary” paste then samples with molasses in ice cream samples compared to those with added date’s pieces of either “Sokary” or “Al-khalas”. There are significant differences of overrun values between all treatments and samples with the added date paste of either “sokary” or “Al-khalas” which recorded the lowest values. Increased melting resistance and good qualities as heat shock and melting properties were significantly better for the samples with added dates pieces or paste unlike the molasses. The storage effect is obvious decline, especially when using dates molasses.

Integrated Soil Fertility Management: Impact of <i>Mucuna</i>and <i>Tithonia</i>Biomass on Tomato (<i>Lycopersicon esculentum</i>L.) Performance in Smallholder Farming Systems

Many views, paradigms and concepts have been advocated in recent decades on soil fertility and soil conservation across the globe in order to provide sustainable solutions to the rising food and nutrition insecurity while preserving the natural resource base. Meanwhile, food and nutrition security in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is mainly achieved through smallholder farming systems that are characterized by poor and declining soil fertility, which often leads to low crop yields and low income. Hence, a field trial was established to evaluate the impact of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) practices on tomato yield and the farm-scale income in smallholder farming systems. The ISFM trial comprised a control with no input, mineral fertilizer, and organic treatments comprising sole Mucuna and Tithonia biomasses as well as their combination (Mucuna + Tithonia). Generally, tomato performance was better with organic plant biomass amendments, with significantly higher (P Mucuna + Tithonia and sole Tithonia, followed by sole Mucuna and mineral fertilizer compared to the control. Meanwhile in comparison to the control, Mucuna + Tithonia and sole Tithonia recorded 3.5 and 3.4 t ha-1 more yield, respectively, which was about twice the additional yield for sole Mucuna and mineral fertilizer with 1.8 and 1.5 t ha-1, respectively (Tukey’s HSD, P Mucuna + Tithonia and sole Tithonia, followed by sole Mucuna and mineral fertilizer, as compared to the control (Tukey’s HSD, P P P Mucuna + Tithonia biomass materials or their sole applications as basal mulch to improve tomato production. Thus, these organic amendments could be an alternative and sustainable integrated soil fertility management strategy to boost tomato production and farm-scale income without jeopardizing the sustainability of the environment. However, this requires more efforts to adapt the different ISFM techniques to the specific needs of smallholder farmers, coupled with effective dissemination strategies that facilitate knowledge transfer and technology adoption.

Comparative Analysis of Disparity in Demand for Fresh Fish between Rural and Urban Households in Cameroon

The past decades have exhibited changes in the consumption of fresh fish. In developing countries, factors affecting fish consumption are different between urban and rural households. This study comparatively analyses the disparity in demand for fresh fish between rural and urban households in Cameroon. Using random sampling, data on the weekly consumption of fresh fish were collected between April and May 2015;30 households lived in rural localities while 30 lived in urban areas of Buea Municipality. Consumer’s income, the price of fresh fish, family size, gender and age of consumers represented parameters of interest. These were analyzed using the independent sample t-test. Results revealed that the availability, the income level and price affected fish consumption of rural dwellers while price, taste, income and affordability determined the consumption patterns of urban dwellers. The study equally revealed that the higher the price of fresh fish, the higher the demand for its closed substitutes and the higher the size of the household, the higher the quantity demanded. Gender, education and marital status did not affect the quantity demanded;family size and age negatively influenced consumers’ decision to buy while consumers’ income and price of fresh fish positively influenced consumers’ weekly and monthly expenditure on fresh fish. The study proposes that more information be provided to consumers regarding the numerous nutritional benefits of fresh fish for both rural and urban dwellers. Also, policy makers and marketers need to improve the availability of fresh fish in rural and semi-urban settings.

Effects of Green Manure and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) in the Mount Cameroon Region

This study evaluates the effects of green manure, inorganic fertilizers and their combinations on the growth and yield of soybeans in the Mount Cameroon Region. The experiment involved 10 treatments which include, 5 Mg/ha green manure, 180 Kg P/ha triple superphosphate fertilizer (P), 180 Kg/ha NPK (20:10:10), 2 Mg/ha green manure + 90 kg P/ha, 3 Mg/ha green manure + 90 kg P/ha, 5 Mg/ha green manure + 90 Kg P, 2 Mg/ha green manure + 90 kg NPK/ha, 3 Mg/ha green manure + 90 kg NPK/ha, 5 Mg/ha green manure + 90 kg NPK and a control. Plant growth characters were assessed every 14 days for a period of 70 days for the late (August) and early (March) planting seasons. The results indicated that plants supplied with 5 Mg/ha green manure had the highest plant heights of 60.7 cm, and this was significantly different from the control which had the least height (52.76 cm). Stem collar diameter was significantly (p 0.001) increased with treatments in both seasons. Plants supplied with 5 Mg/ha green manure recorded the highest stover yield (10.59 Mg/ha), and this was significantly different from the control which had the least (6.64 Mg/ha). Plants supplied with 5 Mg/ha green manure had the highest days to flowering (38 days), while plants supplied with 5 Mg/ha green manure + 90 Kg NPK had the least (33 days) which was significantly different (p 0.01). The highest number of pods per plant was observed in plants supplied with 5 Mg/ha green manure (57 pods per plants), which was significantly different from the control (39 pods per plant). Plants supplied with 5 Mg/ha green manure + 90 Kg NPK recorded the highest grain yield (4.97 Mg ha-1), while the lowest grain yield was observed in the control (2.22 Mg ha-1). Results from this study can be used by soybeans farmers in the Mount Cameroon region to enhance productivity of this crop and thereby improving their living standards and food security in Cameroon.

Evaluation of Regeneration Stock Alternatives for Optimization of Growth and Survival of Field-Grown Forest Trees

Successful reforestation depends on the use of stock material that has a high potential for growth and survival in the environment where it is out-planted. This study is aimed at raising awareness on plant traits that are useful in evaluating the reforestation potential of seedlings and cuttings. The authors reviewed relevant literature on the assessment of quality of seedlings and cuttings and on the comparison of field performance of the two stock types. Results indicated that root-collar diameter, shoot height, root mass, number of first-order lateral roots and shoot-root ratio are morphological parameters whereas root growth potential, water relations, photosynthetic capacity and dormancy status are physiological traits that could be used as a basis for rating and comparing the suitability of seedlings and cuttings for reforestation. There is a discrepancy among studies on the field performance of seedlings and cuttings. It is concluded that a combination of morphological and physiological parameters should be used in evaluating the relative value of cuttings and seedlings. In addition, the age of the parent plant of a cutting should be taken into consideration when comparing the reforestation potential of the two stock alternatives.

Risk Factors Contributing to Microbiological Contamination of Boreholes and Hand Dug Wells Water in the Vina Division, Adamawa, Cameroon

This study examined the sanitary conditions of public boreholes and hand dug wells water in relation to pathogenic bacteria isolated in water samples. To assess the suitability of drinking water, sanitary inspection of surroundings of the sources was conducted, membrane filtration technic was used to trap the microorganisms in the water sample and other standard microbiological technics were applied to check the heterotrophic plate counts, total coliforms, fecal coliforms and some pathogenic bacteria in the samples. It was observed that there were no delineated protection zones around many boreholes (61.19%) and in almost all hand dug wells;thus, hand dug wells were pruned to more contamination than boreholes. Heterotrophic plate counts of boreholes were significantly different between (p < 0.0001) zones in dry and rainy seasons. Total coliforms per 100 ml varied significantly (p < 0.001) between the two seasons both in boreholes and hand dug wells. Fecal coliforms were significantly absent in some boreholes, but significantly present in all hand dug wells with the presence of E. coli 157H in some. Risk assessment of factors contributing to water contamination showed that: pumps manipulation with feet, other sources of contamination such as wastewater dumps, within 10m were significantly associated to boreholes contamination with Salmonella spp, Staphylococcus aureuse, fecal coliform (p = 0.01);in hand dug wells, presence of latrine or septic tank soak-away within 10 m of the wells, poor depth and lack of internal lining, uncapped wells, presence of trees near the wells, animal and birds feces, were significant and associated to contamination with Salmonela spp., B. cepaceae, S. aureus E. coli 1 (p < 0.05). Generally water collection points are marked with very poor sanitary conditions and this situation may not change unless the contaminating risk factors are fixed and sanitary measures are taken.

Effects of Ginger Meal (Zingiber officinale) Associated to Desmodium intortum and/or Stylosanthes guianensis on Growth Performances of Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Cameroon

Background: The sustainability of animal production system depends mostly on feed management. Therefore, the combination of local leguminous forage as source of protein and ginger as phytobiotics can be one of the safe ways to attain this goal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ginger meal associated with ration containing local protein sources Desmodium intortum and/or Stylosanthes guianensis on growth performance in rabbits. Method: A total of 64 young rabbits (32 males and 32 females) with an average weight of 1000 ± 200 g were used. There were randomly assigned to 8 experimental diets in a complete randomized designed with 8 rabbits per treatment and each rabbit serving as an experimental unit. From the control diet R0 (basal diet without legumes and phytobiotic) and 7 other diets (treatment): R1(basal diet without legumes + 1% ginger powder), R2 (basal diet + 20% S. guianensis + 1% ginger meal), R3 (basal diet + 20% D. intortum + 1% ginger powder), R4 (basal diet + 20% D. intortum + 0% ginger powder), R5 (basal diet + 20% S. guianensis + 0% ginger powder), R6 (basal diet + 10% D. intortum + 10% S. guianensis + 0% ginger powder) R7 (basal diet + 10% D. intortum + 10% S. guianensis + 1% ginger powder). Feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass yield and average daily consumption were evaluated using standard procedures. Results: Feed intake and feed conversion ratio of animals fed R0 and R7 rations were significantly improved. Animals fed R1 ration had a significantly lower mean value for feed conversion ratio (1.83 g) and feed intake (1.67 g) respectively. Live weight (2432.54 g), total weight gain (1644.90 g), average daily feed intake (109.06 g) and dressed weight (1404.25 g) were significantly higher for rabbits fed R1 ration. Relative weights of organs of animals fed R4 ration were significantly higher. Conclusion: Feeding rabbits with R1 diet significantly improved growth performance.

Effect of Land Use Management Patterns on Mineralization Kinetics of Soil Organic Carbon in Mount Bambouto Caldera Area of Cameroon

Soil organic carbon (SOC) mineralization was carried out on soil samples collected from two depths: 0 - 20 cm and 20 - 40 cm for all land use (LU) types (grasslands, croplands, natural forest/fallow lands, cocoa/palm plantations, and settlement/agro-forests). Microbiological analyses were carried out by measuring microbial activity in 40 g of dried soil samples wetted to 60% water holding capacity and incubated at 27 °C. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emission was measured for 10 weeks using a CO2 trap. Descriptive and graphical analyses of CO2 respiration were done using CO2 emission data. Models were developed to describe CO2 respiration and the first order kinetic model provided best fit to C-mineralization. Potentially mineralizable carbon (Co) and C-mineralization rate were higher in grasslands than other LU types, indicating a higher rate of microbial activity and carbon cycling. Metabolic quotient was higher in forest/fallow lands and reflects greater stress of the microbial community and a high requirement of maintenance energy. Grasslands enhanced more SOC accumulation and decomposition, suggesting a better carbon sink than other land use and management systems (LUMS). Microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) varied across LU patterns with maximum values in grasslands and minimum values in natural forest/fallow lands insinuating better soil quality for grasslands. MBC and SOC positively correlated with Co and C-mineralization, which intimates that C-mineralization is influenced by availability of MBC and SOC. Metabolic quotient (qCO2) negatively correlated with microbial quotient (MBC:SOC), depicting that higher values of qCO2 signify difficulties in using organic substrates during microbial activity as a result of low MBC:SOC. Changes in LUMS affected the mineralization kinetics of SOC in the study area.

Effects of Treatment of Cocoa Pod Husks with Aqueous Ash Extract of Bean Haulms on Growth Performance and Haemato-Biochemical Parameters of Rabbits

Sustainability of animal production system depends mostly on feed used. Therefore, the utilization of agricultural by product is one of the safe ways to attempt this goal. For this end, a study on the level of incorporation of cocoa pod husk on growth performance, haematological and biochemical parameters were carried out. A total of 80 young rabbits composed of 40 males and 40 females with an average weight of 824.30 ± 53.8 g and 826.09 ± 40.61g respectively. There were randomly assigned to 5 experimental rations in a complete randomized designed with 8 rabbits per treatment and each rabbit served as experimental unit. From the control ration R (0-);0% cocoa pod husks and R (0+);20% of untreated hulls, 3 other rations of which three (R1, R2, R3) were formulated with respectively 20%, 25%, and 30% husks treated with ash from bean haulms at concentrations of 12.5 kg/100 litters of water. The results revealed that the initial weight, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, were not significantly affected (p > 0.05) by the different treatments. However, total weight gain, daily weight gains and final body weight of rabbit fed R1 ration were significantly (p < 0.05) higher (1973.77;23.49;2794.60 g respectively) as compare to other treatment irrespective of sex. Analysis of variance generally revealed a significant effect (p < 0.05) on fasting body weight (2447.43;2476.22;2687.99;2512.52;2425.89 g respectively for rations R0-, R0+, R1, R2 and R3), carcass weight (1270.84 g) and carcass yield (52.37%) was lower for animals feed R3 ration regardless of sex. On the other hand, no significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed in the relative weights of some parts, organs and those of the abdominal fat of the rabbits. Similarly, no significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed for haematological and biochemical parameters studied. Cocoa pod husks treated at 12.5% with bean haulm ash extracts can be incorporated up to 20% - 25% to improve growth performance of rabbits without any negative effect on their health.

Impact of Timber Logging on Neighbouring Stands in a Forest of the South Western Cameroon

During conventional logging operations, there is always some damage to nearby stands. This study therefore assessed the damage caused after logging operations to surrounding stands in a Forest Management Unit (FMU) in south western Cameroon after logging operations. The damages assessed were snapped branches/trunks and uprooted trees. A total of 304 trees with a diameter ≥ 30 cm were cut and a total of 770 neighbouring harvestable and future trees were affected. It was observed that 375 of the neighbouring stand had their trunks snapped, 312 had their branches snapped, and 15 were uprooted. It was noted that 80% of the trees affected were those with diameters between 30 - 50 cm, which were called future trees for the next harvest, while the least damage was on protected/seed trees. Lophira alata caused the highest stand damage due to its abundance and large size, while Distemonanthus benthamianus caused the least domino damage. Damage to future trees negatively affects future concession holders as these trees are supposed to mature before the next harvest, hence the yield will be greatly reduced. Sustainable timber exploitation will greatly reduce residual damage as care will be taken to ensure falling timber causes less damage to the surrounding stand.