Aloe ferox has gained significant attention for its medicinal properties, including wound healing, cosmetic ingredients, and food supplements. This study aimed to analyze the phytochemical content and antimicrobial activity of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Aloe ferox leaves from Kotei, Ghana in addressing the pressing global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. The phytochemical screening was done using the collected aqueous and organic extracts under standard protocols. Antimicrobial activity was tested against gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria, and fungal strains using the broth microdilution method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assessment was determined by serial dilutions. Nine key phytochemicals, including carotenoids, alkaloids, coumarins, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, and steroids, were found in the most active ethanol extract. The ethanol extracts broader spectrum inhibitions against gram-positive, gram-negative bacterial, and fungal strains demonstrating its promising efficacy. The MIC concentration ranged from 12.5 to 50 µg/mL, indicating promising efficacy relative to fluconazole and ciprofloxacin controls. With the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, the findings support the potential medicinal applications of Aloe ferox for wound healing, skin infections, and antidiabetic treatments. Future studies on compounds purification, isolation, and characterization is required to validate its therapeutic properties and utilization in integrative and alternative medicine approaches. This is the first phytochemical and antimicrobial assessment of A.ferox in Ghana. Phytochemicals revealed A.ferox contains nine bioactive compounds. Antimicrobial test of A.ferox shows potential efficacy against bacteria and fungi. This study suggests key awareness for pharmaceutical applications of Aloe ferox. This study provides baseline evidence for A.ferox toxicity research and product development.

The widespread use of plastics has resulted in environmental pollution by microplastics—tiny plastic fragments measuring between 1 µm and 5 mm. These particles are produced through physical, oxidative, or photochemical breakdown of larger plastics and can interact with different parts of the environment. Their presence in water bodies raises global concerns due to potential risks to ecosystems and human health. This study investigated microplastics in the water and sediments of the Owabi Headworks in Ghana, focusing on identifying the types and ranking their potential hazards based on factors such as polymer waste generation, density, degradation rate, particle size, and monomer composition. Four types of microplastics were detected—LDPE, HDPE, PET, and PP—with low levels ranging from 2–6 particles/L, and 2–4 particles/100 g recorded in water and sediment respectively, pointing to a source of pollution. Risk assessment using the baseline model showed that the toxicity ranking of risk factors was: global waste generation > density in freshwater > lifespan > chemical composition > particle size. Under different scenario models, the overall toxicity order of microplastics to human health and ecosystems was: HDPE > PET > LDPE > PP. This study found extremely low levels of microplastics in the study area, but highlighted the importance of regularly monitoring microplastic pollution at the headworks due to the increasing use of plastics, and suggests employing diverse risk assessment methods in future studies to better understand their potential impacts.

Sustainable energy alternatives have increased the pace of the research on low-cost and low-environmental-impact catalysts used in the production of biodiesel. This paper examines the synthesis, characterisation, and performance of calcium oxide (CaO) catalysts produced from Okpella limestone, which is in Edo State, Nigeria. This was done by calcining the limestone at 900°C over a period of five hours to break down the calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) into catalytically active CaO. FTIR, XRD, XRF, SEM, BET, and TGA methods were used to characterise the raw and the calcined materials to assess their physicochemical characteristics and their appropriateness to the production of biodiesel. The XRD and the FTIR analyses verified the conversion of calcite into phase-pure CaO with high crystallinity. XRF and EDS data revealed that it contained 89.23 wt.% of CaO, which signified high purity and high basicity. SEM micrographs showed a porous irregular morphology, and BET analysis showed mesoporosity with a high surface area of 61.21 m²/g, a pore diameter of 3.14 nm and a pore volume of 0.11 cm³/g, which are significant characteristics for efficient transesterification. Complete decomposition of CaCO₃ at 650°C to 800°C was confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis. Catalytic stability was shown to be six reaction cycles, with reusability tests showing biodiesel yields of over 90% before deactivation occurred gradually due to surface fouling and leaching. These results make Okpella limestone a viable, low-cost, and locally available raw material in the manufacture of high-grade CaO catalysts. The research advocates the production of cleaner biodiesels, and it helps Nigeria shift into renewable energy systems.

The Bontanga Irrigation Scheme in Ghana’s Kumbungu District, vital for local agriculture, faces significant ecological and health risks from Butachlor, an herbicide used in rice plantations. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical parameters of surface water, measure Butachlor concentrations in surface water and sediment, assess ecological risks, and estimate human health effects. A total of 100 water samples, 50 sediment samples were collected, and 50 farmers were interviewed about pesticide use. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, temperature, and turbidity were measured using standard analytical methods. Butachlor levels in surface water and sediment were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Results indicated that all physicochemical parameters in the water samples were within WHO limits. However, Butachlor concentrations ranged from 4.74 µg/L to 118.85 µg/L, exceeding the EFSA threshold of 0.5 µg/L, while sediment samples were below the detection limit of 0.01 mg/L. The toxic unit (TU) method revealed a medium acute risk to algae (0.28) and fish (0.13) and a low acute risk to aquatic invertebrates (0.02). The risk quotient (RQ) method indicated a high chronic risk to aquatic biota in surface water, though the non-carcinogenic health risk (HQ) to humans was minimal (HQ < 1). Butachlor residues may pose significant health risks, including neurological, respiratory, and reproductive disorders. This study recommends implementing Integrated Pesticide Management policies, developing pest-resistant plant species, proper disposal of pesticide containers, and educating farmers on pesticide usage. Future research should focus on Butachlor’s long-term effects on aquatic biota, alternative pest control strategies, and measures to reduce residues, protecting both wildlife and human health.

Background: Among the diverse array of plants used in traditional medicine, Aspilia africana is highly valued due to its high efficacy against many ailments and its well-noted potential for wound healing. The plant has been widely used to cure illnesses in traditional medicine, which is practiced throughout much of Africa, where an estimated about 80 % of the population gets their main healthcare from this source. Purpose: This study aimed to qualitatively screen the phytochemical constituents of Aspilia africana to confirm its therapeutic properties and generate scientific proof that justifies its usage in traditional medicine. Study design: Aspilia africana stem, roots, and leaves were screened qualitatively for phytochemical components using pet-ether extracts and distilled water, and qualitative data was generated. Method: Extraction of phytochemicals was done by using the cold maceration method, 150 g of each of the dried parts were taken and packed into 3 separate glass jars containing 500 ml of each solvent (distilled water and pet-ether solvents) and allowed to stand for 24 h. Results: This study found 15 phytochemicals which include tannins, phlobatannins, alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonols, glycosides, phenols, steroids, anthraquinones, saponins, phytosterols, proteins and amino acids, coumarins, cardiac glycosides, and flavonoids in A. africana. The occurrence of the therapeutic components in the aqueous extract of roots, leaves, and stem were nine (9), nine (9), and eight (8) respectively, and that of the pet-ether extract were nine (9), eight (8), and seven (7) in roots, leaves, and stem respectively. Conclusion: The presence of these phytochemicals indicates prospective uses in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, as well as supports the use of Aspilia africana in traditional medicine. To completely understand and make use of the plant's medicinal qualities, further investigations are required on its anti-microbial activities.

Biolubricants derived from vegetable oils are environmentally compatible products due to their low toxicity and good biodegradability. Synthetic esters based on polyols and fatty acids possess suitable properties for lubricant applications, even at extreme temperatures. The current work investigates the oligomerization of fatty acid esters into biolubricant. The jatropha oil was esterified using recinoloeic acid and isobutyric acid over activated carbon from kaolin as a catalyst to produce biolubricant. Also, the carbon was prepared from kaolin through impregnation and activated with copper nitrate solution. The generated activated carbon was characterized using FTIR and XRF. The biolubricant (triesters) were produced via oligomeric fatty acid esters with recinoloeic acid under reflux at different reaction conditions and characterized using FTIR and GC-MS. Optimization of process parameters for oligomerization of jatropha oil with response surface based on Box-Beinkhen design. The process variables gave 90 min, 60oC and 1%, values corresponding to reaction time, reaction temperature and catalyst concentration as the optimal condition. A validation experiment was conducted to compare the optimal predicted value (93.07%) and experimental validated value (81.19%). The physicochemical properties of the jatropha oil and biolubricant produced were analyzed using ASTM methods. The quality parameters like kinematic viscosity, pour point, flash point viscosity index and blends of oil with that of commercial mineral oil were all in conformity with ASTM standard for biolubricant. The formulated oils also show the ability to significantly improve the kinematic viscosity, cold flow properties and possible potential as the replacement for the mineral-based lubricating oil

An experiment was conducted to determine feed digestibility and egg laying performance of layer chickens fed diets containing boiled false yam tuber meal (BFYTM). The false yam tubers were peeled with a knife and chopped into small chips (~2 cm), boiled for 2 hours in boiling water, sun-dried to a moisture content of about 12% and ground into a gritty meal. The BFYTM replaced maize at dietary levels of 0, 50, 75 and 100 g/kg in maize-fishmeal based diets. At 20 weeks of age, 16 Lohmann brown layer chickens were randomly allotted to the four dietary treatments in a Completely Randomized Design, with one hen per cage for the digestibility trials using the total collection method. At 19 weeks of age, 240 Lohmann brown pullets were randomly allotted to the four dietary treatments and fed diets containing BFYTM which replaced maize at dietary levels of 0, 50, 75 and 100 g/kg in maize-fishmeal based diets for 16 weeks. Each treatment replicated four times in a Completely Randomized Design, with initial mean live weight of 1.45 kg per bird per replicate. The birds were housed in deep litter pens. Feed and water were provided ad libitum from 19 to 35 weeks of age. Data collected were subjected to one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using GenStat. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference in the dry matter digestibility among treatment groups. The crude protein digestibility was not significantly (p>0.05) different between control birds and birds fed 50 g/kg BFYTM diet, but higher (p<0.05) than those birds fed diets containing 75 and 100 g/kg BFYTM diets. Hens on the 50 g/kg BFYTM diets exhibited a higher (p<0.05) fat digestibility than those on the control diet and their counterparts fed the 75 and 100 g/kg BFYTM diets. Ash digestibility was lower (p<0.05) for birds fed the control diets than those birds fed BFYTM based diets, but similar (p>0.05) ash digestibility was recorded within the diets containing BFYTM. Mean feed intake of the hens was similar (p>0.05) for all treatments. Mean egg weight and mortality were not significantly different (p>0.05) among treatments. Mean hen-day egg production, egg mass and feed efficiency of the control birds were higher (p<0.05) than those of their counterparts fed the BFYTM-based diets. Based on this study, it can be concluded that 50 g/kg BFYTM in the diet of layer chickens had no adverse effect on nutrient digestibility of feed, but had adverse effect on egg production.

This study was carried out to evaluate sequential treatment of false yam seeds as substitute for maize in broiler chicken diets on their growth, carcass, haematology and serum biochemistry. Ripped fruits of false yam plants growing in the wild were harvested by hand picking. The fruits were partially sun-dried to reduce their moisture content and facilitate cracking to obtain the false yam seeds (FYS). The fresh FYS were crushed with a stone to reduce size, increase surface area and facilitate processing. The freshly crushed false yam seeds were subjected to multiple-stage processing where seeds were first soaked in ordinary water (i.e., addition of fresh seeds in ordinary water at a ratio of 1:2, wt/vol) for 12 days with water being changed every 3 days. After the 12 days of soaking, the seed sample was washed with clean ordinary water. In the second stage of processing, soaked FYS was soaked in a solution of 1M concentration of potassium hydroxide at a ratio of 1:2 (wt/vol) for 24 hours, after which the sample was washed thoroughly with clean ordinary water. The last stage of processing involved blanching of potassium hydroxide-treated seeds, firstly by immersing the sample in hot water (900C) for 20 minutes and then transferring it into cold water (40C) for 40 minutes. The treated seed sample was then washed with clean water, sun-dried to approximately 12% moisture on a cement floor and ground into gritty flour using a hammer mill. The treated false yam seed meal was labeled as KOH_T FYSM. At 21 d of age, 128 birds were individually weighed and then randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments in quadruplicate lots. Each replicate had 8 male broilers. The mean live-weight of birds in each replicate was 883 g (±0.05). The four treatments included the control without KOH_T FYSM; treatments 2, 3 and 4 contained 100, 300 and 500g/kg KOH_T FYSM respectively replacing maize (wt. /wt. basis) in a completely randomized design. The birds were fed various diets for 35 d. The growth response of male broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with varying levels of KOH_T FYSM revealed no significant (P<0.05) difference in all growth parameters measured. Carcass dress weight and carcass dressing showed no significant (P>0.05) difference at 500g/kg. However, the relative weight of organs revealed a significant (P<0.041) increase in the heart weight and a reduction in the weights of the liver and the spleen. Haematological parameters evaluated revealed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in the haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration as KOH_T FYSM was increased in the diets. The economics of replacing maize with KOH_T FYSM in the diets of male broilers revealed that price per kg of feed reduces as the test material was increased in the diets. Inclusion of KOH_T FYSM up to 500g/kg in the diets of male broilers had no adverse effect on their growth performance. However, its inclusion influenced internal organ weights such as the liver, spleen and heart. Economics of feeding KOH_T to broilers did not increase cost of feeding, suggesting that, There is an economic value for using this product for broiler chickens as an alternative to maize during periods of scarcity and can be recommended for use by farmers where this plant is available.

Background: The exploitations of non-conventional feeds for livestock have sparked great interest due to human-animal competition for conventional feedstuffs. The majority of animal feedstuffs are formulated with grains as the major ingredient, resulting in tautness and an increase in the costs of conventional feeds. This practice has underscored the necessity for an alternatively cheap and sustainable non-conventional feedstuff to salvage the feeding restraint to animal production. With this, the present study aimed at evaluating the effect of soaked false yam tuber meal (SFYTM) on the haematological indices and serum biochemical profile of weaner rabbits. Methods: Sixteen local weaned rabbits of diversified breeds and sexes were randomly apportioned to dietary treatments containing 0, 10, 15, and 20 % of soaked false yam tuber in replacement for maize in a maize-fishmeal-based diet. Following feeding trials, blood samples from the rabbits were taken and analyzed using haematology and chemistry analyzers. Results: The haematological assay revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) among treatments for red blood cells (RBCs), total white blood cells (TWBCs), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and monocytes. For haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), platelet, lymphocytes, neutrophils, esoniphiles, and basophils, no significant differences (P > 0.05) were achieved. With the serum biochemical tests, significantly higher values were obtained for alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and sodium relative to the control. Despite some of the evaluated parameters having relatively high values, they tumbled within the normal range of values for a healthy weaned rabbit. Conclusion: False yam tuber can therefore be exploited as a substitute for maize in rabbits’ diets without detrimental effects on the haematological and biochemical markers of the farm animals.

The competition between humans and animals for grains, which makes up the majority of concentrate feed for livestock has been problematic. False yam tuber is one of the unconventional feed items which can be exploited in an attempt to help curb the rabbit feedstuff menace. This study, therefore, intends to evaluate the proximate composition of soaked false yam tuber (SFYT) and assess its effect on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of rabbits. In a maize-fishmeal-based diet, the maize component of the diet was replaced with 0, 100, 150, and 200 g/kg of SFYT. Using the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), 16 weaner rabbits were split into 4 groups of 4 rabbits, and each replication was given one of the food treatments. Results of the proximate analysis of the SFYT revealed high dry matter (90.09 ± 0.331%) and carbohydrate content (80.05 ± 0.386%) %), and a relatively low crude protein content (1.89 ± 0.211%). The growth parameters of the rabbits did not show any significant difference (P > 0.05) among the treatments and the control. With the carcass characteristics, significantly higher results were obtained for lungs, kidneys, and whole intestines of the SFYT meal-fed rabbits relative to the control. The heart, liver, stomach, carcass dressing, and carcass dress weight, however, did not display any significant difference (P > 0.05) statistically. The high nutritive soaked false yam tuber can therefore be utilized as suitable alternative for maize in rabbits’ diets without influencing the growth and carcass traits of the monogastric animals.

This study investigates the effects of catalyst type and washing procedures on the oxidation stability and cold flow parameters of biodiesel produced from castor oil. Castor oil was synthesized using two different catalysts; calcium oxide on alumina support (CaO-Al2O3) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) at a temperature of 60 degrees C, methanol to oil molar ratio of 6:1 and catalyst loading of 1 wt% of oil for 60 min. The resulting biodiesel was purified using water washing and dry washing methods ion exchange resin. The oxidation stability and cold flow behaviour of the biodiesel produced (cloud point, pour point, cold filter plugging point, and low-temperature flow test) were determined. The findings showed that the oxidation stability and cold flow properties of biodiesel is independent of washing methods but varies with catalyst type. The heterogeneously catalyzed transesterification by CaO-Al2O3 exhibited higher oxidation stability with an induction period of 4.4 h as against 3.5 h for the potassium hydroxide (KOH) catalyzed biodiesel. However, the values obtained in this study were above the ASTM standard of 3 h minimum. With regards to cold flow properties, the KOH-catalyzed process exhibited better cold flow properties than CaO-Al2O3 catalyzed biodiesel. It can be deduced from this study that the biodiesel samples will exhibit very good ignition performances when used in ignition compression engines in the low temperate region due to their satisfactory cold flow behaviour. Copyright (C) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the Third International Conference on Aspects of Materials Science and Engineering.

Postmortem survey of small ruminant pregnancy wastage was conducted at Kumasi Abattoir Ltd, Kaase. Abattoir visits and investigations were conducted on 16 randomly selected abattoir working days. All mature ewes and does slaughtered on selected abattoir working days (mean = 71.69 animals/day) were included in the study, giving a total of 1,147 animals (301 ewes and 846 does). The reproductive tracts of study animals were collected at slaughter line and the uterus were grossly inspected for pregnancy. Thereafter, uterine body and horns were longitudinally incised to check the lumen for a visible fetus. The type of pregnancy (single or twin) was recorded and crown-rump length (CRL) of the largest fetus was demarcated on a piece of string and measured on a standard measuring tape. The length of gestation was estimated using the formula; Developmental Age (Days) = 2.1(Y+17), where Y = the CRL in “cm”. A survey was conducted within the premises of the Kumasi abattoir to estimate the average prices of matured small ruminants to calculate the prevailing market value of small ruminants. The potential economic impact of small ruminant abattoir fetal wastage was estimated by calculating the gross economic value and net economic value forgone due to loss of potential offspring. Kumasi Abattoir Annual Off-take was estimated to be 26,095 small ruminants where 73.8% were does and 26.2% were ewes. Pregnant does slaughtered had 37.2% of them carrying single foetus and 12.5% carrying twin foetus whereas pregnant ewes slaughtered had 28.9% carrying single foetus and 9.3% carried twin foetus. Total pregnancy wastage recorded had 3.7% early pregnancy and 96.3% mid-pregnancy with no late pregnancy recorded. Economic losses due to pregnancy wastage was estimated to be from GHS 2,755,140.80 to 3,534,791.80. The greater amounts of foetal waste encountered, places a substantial risk not only to the livestock production sector, but also to the economy of the nation.

The demand for cleaner fuels has been on the rise lately, prompting researchers to explore alternative cleaner technologies to meet the growing demand. This has led to the introduction of renewable fuels such as bioethanol and biodiesel. Depending on the feedstock employed for production, renewable fuels can be divided into first, second, and third generation. Reliance on first generation biofuel feedstocks has led to inherent competition between foods versus fuels in the society in the last decade. Further technological prospects in research and development have provided insight into the use of second generation biofuel feed-stocks from non-edible agricultural waste products, energy crops, and crop residues. Zeolites and modified zeolites as heterogeneous catalysts have been highly prospective for the transesterification process of these oils. Modified zeolite can act as a bi-functional catalyst because of its acidic and basic sites. Here, a review of transesterification reaction technology, zeolite and modified zeolite as a heterogeneous catalyst to generate biodiesel was discussed. Current status, challenges and future prospects are also discussed.

A study was conducted to evaluate apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and nutrient metabolisability (NM) of maize-based diets containing treated false yam seed meal (TFYSM) using a 5x6 factorial [5 treatment samples (Un_T, Urea_T, NaCl_T, NaOH_T and KOH_T) at 6 levels (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50) each] design for 15 days. Matured false yam (Icacina oliviformis) fruits were harvested and seeds extracted. Five different FYSM samples were prepared. One untreated sample (Un_T) was prepared by crushing fresh false yam seed and sun-drying to 12% moisture. Four treated samples (T) were crushed and each soaked in water (1:2; w/v) for 12 days with water replaced every 3 days. Afterwards, each sample was re-soaked in 1 M concentration of urea (Urea_T), sodium chloride (NaCl_T), sodium hydroxide (NaOH_T) or potassium hydroxide (KOH_T), for 24 h, washed, blanched and sun-dried to a moisture content of 12%. Apparent metabolizable energy (AME) of the experimental diets indicated an increasing trend of AME values as the level of FYSM samples were increased in the diets. Generally, all the treatment diets showed a higher AME content. However, among the treatment diets, urea, potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide-treated FYSM-based diets out-performed their sodium chloride treated counterpart (P<0.001) in their AME values. The nutrient metabolisability coefficients of varying inclusion levels of each treated FYSM sample did not influence (P>0.05) the coefficients of metabolisability of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP). However, in terms of methods of processing, DM metabolisability was significantly higher (P<0.001) in the FYSM samples that were sequentially treated with water-based and chemical treatment methods than in the untreated sample. Among the sequentially treated FYSM samples, sodium hydroxide-treated samples had the highest (P<0.001) gross energy metabolisability, while the untreated sample recorded the lowest (P<0.001) gross energy metabolisability. The interaction between level of inclusion and treatment methods in this study showed that treatment methods had different effects on crude protein metabolisability (P < 0.011) and gross energy metabolisability (P < 0.017) values of FYSM samples depending on the level of inclusion.

The application of Jatropha oil in heat treatment of aluminium alloy 6061 and corrosion behaviour of anodized alloy have been studied. The aim was to examine the effectiveness of Jatropha oil as alternative to mineral oil quenching media and also to examine the effectiveness of tartaric-sulphuric acid as alternative to chromic acid electrolyte for the anodization process. The aluminium alloy 6061 was prepared by melting high purity aluminium and other alloying elements at temperature 660 C and cast into a cylindrical shape at 730 C. The physicochemical properties (viscosity, acid value, iodine value andflash point) of Jatropha oil were evaluated. The aluminium alloy 6061 was heated to 530 C for 2 hrs and quenched in Jatropha oil and mineral oil (SAE 20W/50) respectively and then age hardening at 120 C for 5 hrs, anodization was conducted in a mixture of 80 g/l tartaric acid (C4H6O6) and 40 g/l sulphuric acid (H2SO4) electrolyte under operating conditions of 13 V, period of 20 min and temperature of 37 C.. The results of these experiment shows that the composition (in wt. %) of alloy sample prepared was 95.93Al-1.1Mg-0.7Si, the physicochemical properties of Jatropha oil was characterized to be 162, 2.16 mg KOH/g sample, 13 gl/100g sample and 228 C for the viscosity index, acid number, iodine value and flash point respectively. samples heat-treated to 530 C and quenched in Jatropha oil has the highest tensile strength of 330 Mpa and yield strength of 284 Mpa Increase solution treatment temperature was found in improved soluble precipitates in the alloy, and the heat extraction capacity of the quenching medium also contributed to the formation of fine precipitates. Improvements in properties may be correlated with a more refined metallurgical structure. High values of strength were associated with fine precipitate distribution.

This study evaluated feed preference and apparent nutrient digestibility of a maize-based diet and modified diets containing treated false yam seed meals (TFYSM). False yam seeds were sun-dried (Un_T), or first soaked in water and treated with one of the following: urea (Urea_T), sodium chloride (NaCl_T), sodium hydroxide (NaOH_T), or potassium hydroxide (KOH_T) and blanched. The TFYSM replaced maize (wt/wt) in experimental diets at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50%, respectively in a feed preference test (experiment 1). In that study, feed preference test was conducted with 6 × 4 broiler chicks aged 21 days in a randomized complete design; each level of each TFYSM was fed for 24 h and feed intake recorded. In experiment 2 of the study, apparent nutrient digestibility of TFYSM-based diets was evaluated for 15 days with 4-week-old chicks allocated to 5 groups of 20 birds which were further subdivided into 5 treatment groups of 4 birds (replicates) using the inclusion levels of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% respectively. The preference test data indicated that feed intake was not compromised when maize was substituted by NaCl_T, NaOH_T, Urea_T, and KOH_T FYSM at all levels, and Un_T FYSM up to 5% inclusion. Dry matter digestibility was generally high (> 75%) in all diets except for Un_T. Control diet and NaOH_T diets had similar CP digestibility, but higher than KOH_T diets, while Un_T diets had reduced CP digestibility. Digestibility of NFE ranged from (77.4%) (Un_T) to (93.8%) (KOH_T). Improving apparent nutrient digestibility of FYSM by sequential use of water-based and chemical treatment methods especially NaOH_T or KOH_T offers the potential to use this alternative feedstuff in broiler diets.