Wild lettuce (Lactuca taraxacifolia) is an underutilized indigenous leafy vegetable with nutritional and medicinal value, but its high moisture content and delicate structure make it highly perishable under tropical conditions. This study investigated the effects of sun and solar drying on its nutritional and phytochemical properties. Fresh leaves were harvested, washed, and dried either in the open sun or in a parabolic solar dryer. Proximate composition, chlorophyll, vitamin C, carotenoids, and phytochemicals (flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and tannins) were analyzed. Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA (p<0.05). Results showed moisture content significantly dropped from 70.67% in fresh leaves to 9.00% in both drying methods. Ash and fiber content increased from 0.78% and 4.90% to over 14% and 11%, respectively, reflecting nutrient concentration. Protein also increased slightly from 10.67% to about 12.5%. No significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between sun and solar dried samples in ash, protein, carbohydrate, and energy values. However, the solar dried retained more fat (4.33%) than sun dried sample (2.33%). It also retained more chlorophyll (52.33 mg/g), vitamin C (22.00 mg/g), and carotenoids (538.67 μg/g). All phytochemicals declined after drying, with tannins most affected, although solar drying preserved slightly more saponins. Overall, both drying methods extended shelf life and concentrated nutrients, but solar drying was superior in preserving heat- and light-sensitive compounds. It is therefore recommended for improved preservation and utilization of L. taraxacifolia, enhancing its role in nutrition and traditional medicine. Further research should optimize protocols to maximize nutrient retention and consumer acceptability.
This study explores the determination of optimal brooding temperatures for broilers to enhance growth performance and welfare. Using a completely randomized design (CRD), 60-day-old broiler chicks were assigned to four different treatments: charcoal heat, electric bulb heat, ambient temperature, and local lamp combined with ambient temperature. Each treatment was replicated three times. Key parameters, including weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and mortality rates, were assessed over four weeks using JMP 15.0.0 statistical software. Results indicated significant variations among treatments in temperature stability, growth performance, and feed efficiency. Charcoal heat, maintaining an average temperature of 32.58°C, achieved the highest weight gain (943.67 g) and the most efficient FCR (1.28). The electric bulb heat source maintained an average temperature of 30.42°C, producing comparable but slightly lower outcomes in weight gain (915.00 g) and FCR (1.41). In contrast, ambient temperature conditions recorded the lowest average temperature (25.89°C), resulting in poor growth performance, the highest FCR (1.74), and the highest mortality rate (33.33%). The local lamp combined with ambient temperature achieved moderate results, reflecting intermediate performance metrics. These findings underscore the critical role of temperature regulation in broiler production, particularly during the early brooding phase when chicks are most vulnerable to temperature stress. Optimal temperatures between 30°C and 33°C, achieved with charcoal or electric bulb heating, significantly enhanced growth and feed efficiency while minimizing mortality. This study provides actionable insights for small- and large- scale poultry operations, particularly in resource-limited settings, where access to electricity or advanced heating systems may be constrained. The results emphasize the need for sustainable and efficient heating methods to improve broiler productivity and welfare in diverse farming conditions.
This study investigated the bioconcentration and translocation of heavy metals in five tropical tree species, Gmelina arborea, Terminalia superba, Triplochiton ivorensis, Shorea roxburghii, and Tectona grandis via the bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF), across two contaminated soil types to assess their phytoremediation potential The experiment was laid out in 3 X 5 factorial experiments in Completely Randomized Design and metals used were lead, zinc , copper, cadmium, and manganese which were applied to simulate contamination the soil in the form of water- soluble salts. In G. arborea, cadmium (Cd) consistently showed high BCF and TF values, especially in leaves, highlighting its strong potential for Cd phytoextraction. T. superba demonstrated efficient uptake and translocation of Cd and Cu, with TF values >1 for several metals, particularly Cd and Zn, at certain locations. T. ivorensis exhibited site-specific responses, but frequently recorded TF values >1 for Zn, Cd, and Cu, indicating effective internal transport even where uptake was limited. S. roxburghii showed selective metal movement, with Cd and Pb often translocated to leaves (TF >1), although BCF values remained generally <1. T. grandis displayed consistently high TF values for Cd and Pb in leaves, suggesting strong translocation despite low root uptake. Across species, Cd emerged as the most mobile and consistently translocated metal, often with BCF and TF >1. Pb typically accumulated in roots but occasionally showed TF >1, suggesting possible site-dependent mobility. Zn and Cu, being essential micronutrients, showed variable uptake but controlled translocation, while Mn behavior varied with soil redox and pH. This study showed the potential of these species particularly G. arborea and T. Grandis for use in phytoremediation strategies, especially for Cd and Pb contaminated environments, depending on soil and site conditions.
Acacia-Commiphora woodland species represent vital economic and ecological assets across the Horn of Africa, particularly within Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya. This study, conducted in the Sof-Omar Forest of Bale Zone, Southeastern Ethiopia, aimed to evaluate the floristic composition, population structure, and regeneration status of these woodlands. The findings indicate that species density in this deciduous forest fluctuates significantly, ranging from 0.5 to 128.3 individuals per hectare. A structural analysis revealed that the majority of the vegetation is concentrated within the lower height and diameter cohorts. Important Value Index (IVI) metrics identified Commiphora erytraea, Lannea fruticosa, and Terminalia prunioides as the most ecologically dominant species, whereas Grewia tenax, Acacia nilotica, and Mimosops kummel exhibited the lowest IVI scores. Furthermore, an assessment of slope gradients indicated that species richness peaked on moderate inclines (3–10%). Despite moderate local awareness of conservation, intensified efforts are necessary to ensure the sustainable in-situ management of these ecological services. Future research should prioritize the economic valuation of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) to incentivize community-led conservation.
This study investigated the composition, structural characteristics, and diversity indices of tree species in the Ilaro Forest Reserve, South-West Nigeria, with the goal of providing baseline information for sustainable forest management. Field data were collected through stratified random sampling using 50 × 50 m plots across different ecological strata of the reserve. All trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of ≥10 cm were enumerated, identified, and measured for height and DBH using standard forestry instruments. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and diversity indices computed with PAST v5.3 software. A total of 14 tree species belonging to 10 families were recorded. Tectona grandis (58.8 %), Gmelina arborea (15.5 %) and Delonix regia (12.8 %) were the most abundant species, while others such as Triplochiton scleroxylon and Ailanthus altissima occurred at very low frequencies (0.7 %). The majority of trees occurred within the 5.1–15 m height and 50–100 cm DBH classes, indicating a forest dominated by intermediate-aged stands. Diversity analysis produced a Shannon–Wiener index (H′) of 1.422, Simpson’s diversity (1 – D) of 0.6119, and evenness of 0.2962, reflecting moderate species diversity but high dominance by few commercial species. These findings suggest that the reserve has a mixed-successional structure with moderate floristic diversity and an uneven species distribution dominated by plantation-grown exotics. Sustainable management of the forest should therefore emphasize enrichment planting with native species, controlled harvesting, and periodic biodiversity monitoring. Enhancing species heterogeneity will strengthen ecosystem resilience and ensure the long-term ecological and economic sustainability of the Ilaro Forest Reserve.
