This study was undertaken to contribute to the genetic improvement of the indigenous chicken by direct and reciprocal crossing with an exotic egg type strain Dominant Black (DB). Results indicated significant (P<0.05) effect of genotype on fertility and hatchability of eggs. Percentage fertility across the genotypes was, 73.00, 76.24, 59.88 and 54.12%, while hatchability was 73.90, 78.30, 70.45 and 70.10%, for DBxDB, DBxFE, FExDB and FExFE, respectively. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in hatch weight of the chicks. The cross bred (DBxFE and FExDB) had higher egg weight (51.45g and 51.35g vs. 47.19), total egg number for 100 days (51 and 53 vs. 40) and hen day production (50.87 and 52.47 vs. 46.05) than the pure bred Fulani Ecotype. FExDB had significantly higher body weight at first egg (1408g) than DBxFE (1388g). Mortality was significantly (P<0.05) higher in DBxDB than other genotypes during the laying period. Significant and non significant differences existed in internal and external egg quality traits across the genotypes.

The effects of incorporation of Moringa leaf fibre (a by-product of leaf processing which contains 24% Crude Fibre by dry weight at 0, 5 and 10 % substitution of wheat flour in cookies was investigated. Three products containing wheat flour: Moringa leaf fibre ratios of 100:0, 95:5, and 90:10 respectively were prepared, and a commercial cookie was used as a standard. Proximate composition of each of the products was determined and sensory evaluation of the cookies was performed on a 7-point hedonic scale (with the standard commercial cookie as control) using a 20man sensory panel. There was no significant (P< 0.05) difference in the dry matter content of the four samples. The 10% Moringa leaf fibre cookie blend had the highest moisture, fat and crude fibre content (0.57 % CF, relative to 0.44 and 0.54% CF observed in the 0:100 and 5:95 recipes respectively), while the commercial cookie had the lowest values for these parameters (0.36% CF) but with highest value for protein. The 100% wheat flour cookie ranked best in sensory evaluation, followed by the 5% fibre substituted cookie. All the cookies were acceptable; scoring above 4 on the 7-point hedonic scale. Addition of moringa leaf waste up to 10 % in cookies is feasible, though better at 5%. Cookies with Moringa leaf by-product have the advantage of being good sources of some of the daily requirements of dietary fibre.

(-0.16, -4.33, -9.15 and -67.74% respectively). Positive but low heterosis was obtained for BWF (0.76), and EW (11.28) and WG, FEf, EN, ASM,) in the DBXFE cross bred. The mean performance of the FEXDB showed positive heterosis ranging from 1.08 to 100% in WG, FI, BWF, EW, EN, HDP and M during the laying period, while negative heterosis;

The study investigated awareness and usage of the Baobab plant in rural communities in Kwara State, Nigeria. It examined the determinants of the plant's usage as well as constraints to its usage in the State. A three stage random sampling procedure produced the 200 respondents from which primary data used for the study was collected using a well structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics including frequency counts, percentages and means was employed in presenting the findings of the study. The logit regression model was used in the determination of the factors of usage among the respondents. The study revealed that the level of awareness of the uses and benefits of the plant as well as its usage in the state is poor. Level of awareness at p<0.05 and income at p< 0.1 were found to be the determinants of usage of the baobab in the State. The strong negative socio-cultural belief held about the plant, poor level of awareness about its benefits and the poor knowledge of its processing were the major constraints against its use in the State. The study recommends the need to increase awareness of the benefits of the plant and also to provide information on the processing methods applicable to the baobab. The various agricultural extension agencies in the State in collaboration with agricultural research institution in the State can go a long way in ensuring that the potentials of the baobab plant is optimized among rural communities in the State.

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