Discoveries in Agriculture and Food Sciences

Customer Satisfaction with Loan Service for Agricultural Production: A Case Study at Agriculture and Rural Development Bank in Nam Dinh province of Vietnam

2025-04-30T04:33:20+01:00

Agriculture and Rural Development bank plays a crucial role in loan service for agricultural production and farm households’ economic development in Vietnam. This study evaluates customer satisfaction with loan services at Agribank in Nam Dinh province of Vietnam, focusing on factors such as interest rates, loan procedures, loan availability, bank staff competence, and facilities. Using surveyed data from 210 customers who are farmers borrowing capital for agricultural production, the research results show that interest rates and capital responsiveness have the most significant impact on customer satisfaction, with high levels of contentment. However, loan procedures and facilities still do not meet high satisfaction standards. This study also reveals that staff competence and limitations in loan processes hinder the timely and efficient service of customers. Based on these findings, the study suggests solutions to improve loan procedures, enhance staff training, and upgrade the bank’s facilities to increase customer satisfaction and help the bank maintain competitiveness in the current banking environment in Vietnam.

Nutraceuticals for Functional Feeding and for Drug Discovery in Ruminant Production: A Commentary Paper

2025-04-26T13:16:57+01:00

The paper lists nutraceuticals from the literature and the world-wide web according to their definition and benefits to nutrition and health. The following nutraceuticals are both novel or have received attention in the literature. They are anti-oxidants, water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), soluble dietary fibre (SDF), biogenic peptides, functional amino acids (FAA), probiotics, vitamins as pharma, minerals, phytochemicals, “greens” such as herbs, weeds and green forages, omega-3 fatty acids, dietary “bulk” fibre, phytonutraceuticals and adaptogens or anti-stress compounds. The paper then discusses selected topics encountered in the literature or that is still being proposed for the lab bench. They are the: sugars of WSC and SDF, peptides from feed proteins as prebiotics for the rumen stomach and hindgut, prebiotic “bulk” fibre, VitD2,3 analogues as agonists and milk food proteins (MFP). Drug development is suggested of the type by mining the transcriptome and its transcription factors (TF) and the use of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) - based fine-biochemical agents that can be directly applied for therapeutic purposes versus another approach using the low molecular weight (LMW) – proteome in plasma, tissues and secretalogues to find biopharma. An actual e. g. described here not necessarily derived from nutraceuticals but illustrating the use for PNA-carriered TF is to enhance vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae, that is, using MR1 protein molecules that activate mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells in a humeral response against the bacteria that causes pneumonia to be direct applied (DA) by nasal spray applicator. With new perspectives from nutraceuticals, it should be possible to derive new pharma through research drug pipelines to cure, manage incidence or prevent diseases.

Phenotype and Genetic Characterization of Four Indigenous Chicken Breeds in Rwanda

2025-03-31T19:00:02+01:00

This study aimed to enhance the genetic improvement of indigenous chickens in Rwanda through phenotypic and genetic characterization to identify superior populations and recommend best-bet options for their sustainable use. Phenotypic data and blood samples were collected from indigenous chickens domesticated in the four dominant agro-ecological zones of Rwanda. A factorial experimental design was used to examine management systems, and phenotypic and genetic traits of production. We then assessed phenotypic traits of 1,080 indigenous chickens and took morphometric measurements and whole blood samples of 120 chickens from twelve districts, to cover all the four indigenous chicken types of Rwanda. Those are Inshenzi (Fast growingchicken), Sekaganda/Inganda (Dwalf chicken), Imirangi/Umurangi (Nacked neck chicken) and Indayi (adapted chicken). The findings showed 23 related genes from the morphometric measures (head, wattle and beak length) by using Single Nucleotide Polymorphism markers and 22 nearest genes from blood samples based on the highest genetic potential in terms of indigenous chicken production. Four different genotypes were discriminated by low homozygosity (0.140088 for Imirangi and 0.15327 for Inshenzi) while a low similarity (0.022467) between Imirangi and Inshenzi genetically distanced them from the two others (Inganda and Indayi). Among the four indigenous chicken genotypes in Rwanda, the Imirangi breed (Naked Neck) and the Inshenzi breed (Fast Growing Indigenous Chicken) demonstrated the highest genetic potential concerning key production traits, including egg yield and body weight. In contrast, the Indayi breed (Adapted Indigenous Chicken) and the Inganda breed (Dwarf Indigenous Chicken) exhibited lower genetic potential in these areas. With these findings, the selection of indigenous chickens with high genetic potential for production traits becomes feasible, providing valuable insights that can inform a national breeding program for indigenous chickens in Rwanda and enhance the productivity and sustainability of indigenous chicken populations across the country.

Expression of Standard Heterosis for Productive Traits in Sweet Pepper Hybrids

2025-05-14T06:27:41+01:00

To gather data on the degree of heterosis for various features, the current study was conducted under the net house at the research farm of the Olericulture Division, Horticulture Research Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur. Winter 2019–20 saw the examination of 28 crosses and a variety utilizing a randomized complete block design with three replications. The crosses were constructed in a half-dial method. The current findings also showed that the average fruit weight and the number of fruits per plant were the primary determinants of the overall yield per sweet pepper plant. The range of standard heterosis for days to marketable maturity was 17.93 to 4.41, while earlier hybrids were, viz., P₁ X P₂ (-12.14), P₁ X P_{3 (-10.91), and} P₁ X P₅ (-17.93). The range of standard heterosis for the number of fruits per plant was 13.22 per cent to 146.83 per cent, while higher number was obtained from the hybrids viz., P₂X P₇(146.83%), P₂X P₃(129.96%), P₄X P₈(116.13%), P₆X P₈(84.52%), P₄X P₇(81.04%). These hybrids offer a high scope for exploiting heterosis to improve horticultural traits. In addition to being used for hybrid breeding, these cross-combinations may be published as hybrids following additional field testing. Twenty F₁ hybrids outperformed the usual yield standard check by a wide margin. Considering the higher standard heterosis, the hybrids viz., P₄X P₆, P₃X P₄, P₄X P₅, P₁X P₃, P₂X P₃, P₃X P₆, P₃X P₅, P₅X P₈, P₃X P₇, P₁X P2, and P₁X P₅ were outstanding crosses and may be considered for selection. The findings suggest that studying standard heterosis can help us choose better hybrid combinations in terms of greater output, earliness, quantity of fruits, larger fruit, etc. There was a significant amount of standard heterosis for nearly all 15 yield-contributing characters under investigation. It also demonstrates how standard heterosis can be used to increase yield.

Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) Trials in Brinjal: A Step Toward Safer, Nutritious, and Secure Food Systems in Bangladesh

2025-05-14T06:42:13+01:00

To validate the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standards, a trial of brinjal (variety: Caity) from Ispahani Seed Company was conducted at a farmer's field in Shibpur, Narsingdi, Bangladesh, during the summer season of 2024. The objective was to produce high-quality and safe brinjal following GAP guidelines. The Government of Bangladesh officially authorized the Bangladesh GAP protocol in 2023, providing a framework for producers to cultivate high-quality crops for consumers. All activities in this trial adhered to the Bangladesh GAP protocol to ensure superior brinjal production. A total of 37 decimals of land, owned by Md. Belayet Hossain was planted with brinjal on March 13, 2024. The crop was managed strictly according to GAP standards. Harvesting took place over a period from May 8, 2024, to July 26, 2024, with a total of 22 harvests. The first harvest was conducted on May 8, 2024, while the final (22nd) harvest occurred 168 days after transplanting, on July 26, 2024. The entire yield was obtained from the 37-decimal plot, with fruit yield per harvest varying depending on the harvest time. The yield ranged from 69.69 kg to 206.19 kg per plot. A similar trend was observed in the fruit yield per hectare, which ranged from 465.23 kg/ha to 1,376.46 kg/ha. These values represent single-harvest yields. The total fruit yield from the 37-decimal plot was 3,045 kg, while the estimated yield per hectare was 20,331 kg. These findings indicate that brinjal production under GAP standards can ensure high-quality yields, contributing to both local and export markets. The economic analysis of brinjal production reveals a positive return on investment, as indicated by the Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1.31.

Breeding Practices, Flock Productivity, and Strategies for Enhancing the Performance of Indigenous Chicken Genetic Resources

2025-05-17T23:32:54+01:00

Farmer knowledge of breeding practices, incubation, and disease management strategies for local chickens was studied in 120 households in the Gulu and Kiryandongo regions of Uganda using a questionnaire, administered during one-to-one interviews. We found that farmers were randomly sampled from each of the eight sub-counties studied. Local chickens in both locations reached sexual maturity at six months for both cocks and hens. The overall mean number of egg clutches/bird/year was 3.21±0.07, and eggs per clutch were 13.07±0.22. Breeding stock was mostly acquired through purchases for both districts, and 97.5% of all the farmers carry out selective breeding. Farmers in the study area used a variety of criteria when selecting hens and cocks as breeding stock. Body size for both cocks (index = 0.51) and hens (index = 0.38) were a key trait in the selection, and specifically for cocks, body height ranked second as a good physical trait for selection, and is a marker/indicator trait for body weight. In females, farmers rank egg production, mothering, and hatching ability highly, too. All farmers relied on natural incubation to hatch eggs, but the facilities differed widely among respondents in both districts (P<0.001). All farmers in Kiryandongo provided overnight shelters, differing from Gulu (P<0.001) where 43.3% of households had chickens perching on trees. Newcastle disease was the major disease reported by respondents in both districts. Capacity building of chicken farmers would go a long way to improve local chicken management and thereby, productivity.

Endometrial Cancer Ameliorating Effect of Momordica charantia Extract Through Bitter Taste Receptors

2025-05-02T17:09:28+01:00

Momordica charantia (MC) extract contains various bitter components. These bitter components exert anticancer effects. However, the impact of MC extract on endometrial cancer remains unknown. In this study, we analyzed the effects of the MC extract on endometrial cancer induced by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) and estradiol, as well as its relationship with bitter taste receptors. After cancer induction in mice, they were administered MC extract (50 mg/kg) or the bitter receptor antagonist 6-methoxyflavone (6-MOF; 50 mg/kg), three times weekly during the experimental period. The treatment with MC extract alleviated endometrial cancer symptoms, whereas, 6-MOF administration worsened them. MC extract enhanced intrauterine expression of the bitter taste receptor and remained unchanged by the 6-MOF treatment. MC extract treatment increased the abundance of this bitter taste receptor on macrophages and mast cells, whereas, their abundance was elevated in neutrophils after 6-MOF treatment. Furthermore, the cancer-associated increase in the frequency of myofibroblasts was significantly suppressed after MC extract treatment and enhanced by 6-MOF. Our results demonstrate the MC extract-induced alleviation of endometrial cancer, which was aggravated by 6-MOF treatment. We propose the regulation of this phenomenon through a signaling pathway mediated by bitter taste receptors.

Environmental Sustainability and Livelihood Development in Nigerian Fish Farming: A Critical Review of Existing Literature

2025-05-22T19:08:18+01:00

Environmental sustainability has emerged as a central concern in the global aquaculture industry, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria where fish farming plays a critical role in food security and rural livelihoods. This review critically examines existing literature on the interrelationship between environmental sustainability practices and livelihood development in Nigeria’s fish farming sector. It explores how environmentally responsible aquaculture techniques—such as water quality management, waste control, biodiversity conservation, and eco-friendly feed use—impact income generation, employment opportunities, and resilience among fish farmers. Despite the sector’s growing contribution to the national economy, unsustainable practices remain widespread, leading to ecosystem degradation and productivity decline. The review identifies key drivers and barriers to sustainable fish farming and highlights the policy, institutional, and technological interventions needed to foster eco-conscious aquaculture. It also assesses how the adoption of sustainable methods can strengthen the socio-economic wellbeing of farmers and contribute to long-term rural development. Findings suggest that while awareness of sustainability principles is increasing, their adoption remains limited due to financial constraints, knowledge gaps, and weak policy enforcement. The review calls for more integrated approaches that align environmental goals with livelihood improvement strategies. This study contributes to ongoing discourse on sustainable food systems and offers recommendations for policy, research, and practice aimed at achieving a balance between ecological integrity and socio-economic development in Nigeria’s aquaculture sector.