As a part of its efforts to contribute to alleviation of food insecurity, hunger and poverty, this study was conducted to investigate the performance of the cichlid, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus) fed varying levels of processed sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) peels. The varying levels of sweet potato peel in the different experimental diets were 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% (all diets were iso-nitrogenous-31.23 ± 0.22% crude protein). Twenty mixed-sexed fingerlings of the experimental fish (mean weight 0.47 ± 0.01 g) were fed the different diets for a period of 10 weeks in triplicates. The greatest increase in body weight (1.30 ± 0.07 g) of the fish was achieved with the control diet (P < 0.05), this was followed by the fish fed diet with 5% of the peel (0.90 ± 0.06 g) while the least increase in body weight (0.46 ± 0.01 g) was obtained in the fish fed diet with 25% of the peel (P < 0.05). Similarly, the best specific growth rate (SGR) and apparent digestibility were obtained in the fish fed the control diet, while the fish fed with diet containing 25% of the peel recorded the least SGR and apparent digestibility. Analysis of the results of plasma glucose and plasma protein revealed that there were no deleterious effects recorded in the test fish due to the dietary inclusion of the sweet potato peel. Analysis of the results revealed that Oreochromis niloticus could tolerate up to 15% level of inclusion of sweet potato peel. The significance of this research finding is that sweet potato peels can be incorporated into fish feeds in order to reduce the cost associated with production of farmed fish, as a part of efforts to contribute to alleviation of food insecurity, hunger and poverty in several rural communities in the world with special reference African countries.

World leaders are making concerted effort to tackle the menace of food insecurity brought about by upsurge in human population, climate change and displacement of farming communities due to civil unrest in some part of the world. This study was undertaken to assess the current status of fish farming in Plateau State and suggest possible ways of ameliorating any observed challenges for increased fish production. The study evaluated the challenges affecting fish farming in the study area. Structured interview schedule questionnaire were used in sourcing information from nine (9) local government areas in the state.  Ninety (90) fish farmers were randomly selected from the nine (9) local governments areas each drawn from the three Agricultural zones of the State. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that majority of the fish farmers 70% were males and between the ages of 21-30 years. The study also revealed that the major constraints affecting increased level of output in the study area were high cost of inputs (feeds), poor marketing channels, inadequate finance, inadequate access to credit facilities, and poor extension services. Fish farming in the study area is however, profitable as majority of the farmers made a gross profit margin of above # 501,000.00 per annum. The study recommends that fish hatcheries and feed mill should be established in the study area and that single digit credit facilities should be granted to interested fish farmers. Also extension services with respect to fish farming should be increased in the study area. A good quality fish market should also be established in the study area to assist the farmers in marketing their produce in order to optimise profit.

Experimental trials were conducted to evaluate the fecundity and egg size of Clariasgariepinusbrooders (700 -990g)

The aim of this study was to search for a cheap source for the mass production of Brachionus calyciflorus Pallas, 1766 which is a good substitute for artemia in the culture of C. gariepinus hatchlings. Poultry manure (1.25 g/L), soya bean (1.25 g/L), groundnut cake (1.25 g/L) and single super phosphate (0.04 g/l) were used exclusively and in combinations as fertilizer media in the culturing of Brachionus calyciflorus Pallas, 1766 used in feeding C. gariepinus hatchlings. The four fertilizer media were combined to give four treatments with two replicates. Three fresh plant substrate (Carica papaya L. Peels, Musa paradisiaca L. peels and Brassica oleracea var. capitata L. leaves) were introduced into treatments labeled A (Poultry manure, soya bean, groundnut cake, single super phosphate and banana pills), B (Poultry manure, soya bean, groundnut cake, single super phosphate and Carica papaya L. Peels), C (Poultry manure, soya bean, groundnut cake, single super phosphate and cabbage slice) with D(Poultry manure, soya bean, groundnut cake, single super phosphate) as the control. A total of 20 Individuals/mL of Brachionus calyciflorus Pallas, 1766 were inoculated into each treatment and the culturing lasted for 12 days. At the end of the culturing period, the best doubling time (tD) were observed in treatment A and B with a doubling time of 2.89 on the 10th day. Result of the study showed medium B and C to be sig. different (P< 0.05) and performing better than A and D in the early stages of the study. There was an initial lull in production using the C medium, as it had the least performance. By day eight, it had picked up and there was no sig. difference (P>0.05) in production of B. calyciflorus Pallas, 1776 using the four culture media. Thus any of the media can be used for mass production of B. calyciflorus. Use of media B and C is however, recommended because they had a higher carrying capacity and can sustain production over a longer period using a giving quantity compared to the other two media.

The study was aimed at assessing the effects of two varieties of cashew (Anacardium occidentale) apple pulp as feedstuff for ruminants. Samples of the yellow and red varieties of cashew apple pulp were collected, processed and analysed for mineral, crude fiber fraction and pH. Results showed that sodium value in red variety was significantly higher (P<0.05) than that of the yellow variety. Potassium value in red variety was significantly higher (P<0.01) than that of the yellow variety. Values for calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus in the yellow variety were significantly higher (P<0.01) than those of the red variety. Values for cellulose, hemicelluloses and neutral detergent fibre in the red variety were significantly higher (P<0.01) than those of the yellow variety. Acid Detergent Lignin value for the yellow variety was significantly higher (P<0.01) than that of the red variety. Values for acid detergent fibre, crude protein, carbohydrate and pH were not significantly affected (P>0.05). Yellow cashew apple pulp from the results of this study is richer in minerals when compared to the red variety. Results from the crude fibre fraction suggest that the yellow cashew apple pulp variety may have a better digestibility when compared to the red variety. Although the values of the various parameters from the 2 varieties show that they are fit to be used as feeding stuff for ruminants, the yellow variety appears to be better on the general basis.