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EFFECT OF DIFFERENT COMBINATIONS OF SUPPLEMENTAL CONCENTRATE AND SOYBEAN OIL ON RICE STRAW BASED DIET ON RUMEN PARAMETERS OF GROWING CATTLE


Journal of Sylhet Agricultural University, 2023, Volume 10, Number 2; Pages: 01-06

Rumen parameters (pH, NH3 -N, and VFA) are immensely important in ruminants. This study examined the effect of feeding supplemental concentrate and soybean oil at different intensities on rumen parameters in growing cattle. Speculative diets consisted of different combinations of concentrate and soybean oils, which are 15% & 3%, 15% & 6%, 30% & 3%, and 30% & 6%, respectively. Better rumen parameters were observed with 30% concentrates than feeding 15% concentrate. A high level of soybean oil (6%) had no considerable effect on rumen parameters. Rumen parameters (NH3 -N and volatile fatty acid) considerably increased with the combination of high and low fat (30% concentrate and 3% soybean oil). When formulating feed for growing cattle, it might be advisable to incorporate a concentrate diet at a level higher than that of a maintenance diet, while also considering lower fat content. Additional research could be undertaken to uncover various formulation recommendations.


Keywords: Rumen parameters, growing cattle, concentrate diet level, soybean oil level.


MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS, PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF FRIZZLE FEATHERED CHICKEN AT INTENSIVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM


Journal of Sylhet Agricultural University, 2023, Volume 10, Number 2; Pages: 07-18

The study was conducted to get information regarding morphometric characteristics, productive and reproductive performance of Frizzle feathered chickens in an intensive management system. A total of 38 chickens were included in the study. The single comb and ear lobe of the Frizzle feathered chickens were predominantly red. In terms of comb types, 55% had a rose comb, 35% had a pea comb, and 10% had a single comb. The plumage, shank, skin, and eggshell colors were mostly black and white (45%), black (40%), multiple (3%), and brown and black (10%), respectively. The average body weight of day-old chicks was found to be 30.25±1.05 g, while the average egg weight, egg length, and egg width were 38.91±1.18 g, 4.85±0.01 cm and 3.82±0.05 cm, respectively. The fertility percentage was 80%, with a hatchability rate of 70% and an average incubation period of 21 days. When the chickens reached maturity, the average body weight was measured at 884.17±75.58 g. At 20 weeks of age, the mean body weight for male and female was 895.20±114.39 g and 876.29±108.16 g, respectively. Various morphometric traits were also examined, including beak length, chest girth, keel length, wing length, wing span, body length, shank length, and thigh length. The mean measurements for these traits were 3.47±0.12 cm, 27.91±1.22 cm, 8.62±0.28 cm, 22.33±0.81 cm, 61.83±2.19 cm, 45.16±1.10 cm, 6.50±0.19 cm and 11.04±0.34cm, respectively. T here was a negative correlation (-0.588) between the age at first laying and the weight of day-old chicks (p<0.05). The understanding of this morphological variation could be helpful to farmers, researchers, and breeders of poultry as a selection criterion, establishing a foundation for genetic engineering and improving the genetic resources of Frizzle feathered chicken in Bangladesh.


Keywords: Frizzle feathered chicken, Morphometric, Production, Reproduction, Intensive management.


Existing Agroforestry Practices and its Role in Uplifting Farmers Livelihoods: A case study of Golapganj Upazila of Sylhet District


Journal of Sylhet Agricultural University, 2023, Volume 10, Number 2; Pages: 19-26

In many nations around the world, including Bangladesh, agroforestry has long been a crucial component of rural subsistence. It is a sustainable land-use practice that can simultaneously promote the achievement of at least 9 out of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 1 (poverty reduction), SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 13 (climate action) and SDG 15 (sustainable life on land). The present study was designed to document the present status of agroforestry practices and its role in improving the livelihoods of farmers in Golapganj of Sylhet in Bangladesh. Data were collected through personal interview from 60 randomly selected respondents from the village Gondamara and Turupbag of Bagha union of Golapganj upazila in Sylhet during January to July 2018. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted to validate the information and collected data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. A total of 86 plant species have been found, in which 34 are fruit species, 4 are woods, 29 are vegetables, 12 are herbal, and 7 are spices. Of them, Kanthal (Artocarpus heterophyllus) was the most dominant (85%) species. There were 32 recorded production activities, with Oryza sativa, Psidium guajava, vegetables, and Areca catechu being the major ones (>70%) and Piper betle, Garcinia pedunculata, Moringa oleifera, Piper nigrum, and Apis mellifera being the minor ones (14%). In addition, 21 agroforestry systems were documented (Agrosilviculture, silvoagriculture, silvoagripasture, apiculture with trees, silvopasture, and aquasilvoculture etc.). Homestead agroforestry was the mostly practiced agroforestry practice in the study site. According to respondents’ perception near about 29 plants species increased in Golapgonj in which Acacia, Psidium guajava, Areca catechu and Solanum lycopersicum are the most. The highest Shannon-Weaver Diversity Index (H‛) was 0.94 in vegetable species while highest relative abundance was 44% in fruit and timber species. In the study region, various aspects of livelihood improvement were seen. 97% of them who responded firmly agreed that agroforestry techniques enhanced their health, nutrition, and lifestyle. So, there are huge scopes for transforming traditional agroforestry such as (Homestead agroforestry, pineapple based agroforestry) systems to modern agroforestry systems for improving farmer’s livelihoods through higher production, income and environmental services which would eventually be facilitated to achieve SDGs.


Keywords: Agroforestry, Homestead, Livelihood, Golapganj, Sylhet


AGROMORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION, GROWTH, AND YIELD PERFORMANCE OF LOCAL RICE CULTIVARS IN SYLHET REGION OF BANGLADESH


Journal of Sylhet Agricultural University, 2023, Volume 10, Number 2; Pages: 27-38

Rice is one of the most crucial staple foods that feed a significant portion of the global population and has an impact on the well-being and economies of billions of people in the world. The experiment was conducted in pot culture during the aman season of 2022 in the Agronomy research field of Sylhet Agricultural University, Bangladesh to observe the agromorphological traits, growth, and yield performance of 18 local rice cultivars. The cultivars included Binni, Naizershail (Brahmonbaria), Biruy, Begunbichi, Modonga, Meghraj, Biruin, Dumai, Kalojira, Maloti, Moinasail, Naizershail (Sylhet), Madhumadab, Tulsimala, Gandi, Nagrasail, Bontosh, and Chinigura. Each pot contained three hills, and the pots were replicated four times using a completely randomized design (CRD).  Dumai required a period of 78 days to reach maturity. In turn, Nagrasail and Bontosh took a long time of 158 days to reach their full maturity. Kalojira, Moinasail, and Chinigura exhibited lodging resistance. The experiment revealed a positive correlation between grain yield and factors contributing to yield, including the number of effective tillers, length of panicles, number of grains panicle-1, and weight of 1000 grains. Conversely, there was a negative relationship between grain yield and plant height and the presence of unfilled grains panicle-1. Binni exhibited the highest grain yield (107.70 g pot-1). The findings of Dumai, Kalojira, Moinasail, Chinigura, and Binni showed a number of desirable characteristics which are very useful for future breeding purposes. Preserving not only the mentioned cultivars but also all other cultivars studied is of utmost importance for future breeding needs.


Keywords: Agromorphological traits; Lodging resistance; Growth characters; Effective tillers; Grain yields


LIFESTYLE STATUS OF SLUM PEOPLE IN SYLHET CITY OF BANGLADESH


Journal of Sylhet Agricultural University, 2023, Volume 10, Number 2; Pages: 39-46

The study examined Sylhet city slum dwellers’ education, housing, occupation, sanitation, health services, diseases, lack of fundamental knowledge and training, and other issues to determine their livelihood situation. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 138 randomly selected respondents from nine wards (No. 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 19, 23, and 26) of Sylhet City from September’2018 to March’2019. Focus group discussion (FGD) was done to validate the information. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, means, standard deviation, and ranks in SPSS. The majority of the slum residents (43.5%) came from the Sunamganj district in the research area. An estimated 53.62% of them were illiterate. According to the findings of this study, every family lives in a slum in a deplorable environment without sanitation. The slum dwellers work as day laborers (31.88%), rickshaw pullers (18.84%), masons (14.49%), home servants and drivers (8.70%), service holders and shopkeepers (4.35%), hawkers (2.90%), etc. Monthly slum income ranged from Tk. 7,500 to 14,950. About 59.42% of slum people depended on pharmacy/quack for their treatment. It was also observed that most of the slum dwellers were affected by various kinds of seasonal and waterborne diseases like fever (85.51%), cough (50.72), diarrhea (43.48%), skin diseases (29.71%), headache (20.29%), jaundice (14.49%), dental problem (13.04%), asthma and back pain (10.14%), diabetic (7.25%) etc. Possible reasons for diseases were reported as the damp environment (46.38%), lack of balanced nutrition (43.48%), water pollution (30.43%), adulterated food (26.09%), etc. They require different need-based training and support for their livelihood improvement. It was supposed that slum people lacked basic requirements, the bottleneck of a sustainable city. Thus, the findings recommend a holistic approach to address multidimensional sustainability challenges that influence slum residents’ lives within the country’s purpose-driven development policy for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).


Keywords: Urban slum, Lifestyle, SDG, Sylhet, Bangladesh


EFFECT OF VARIOUS TECHNIQUES ON THE DETERMINATION OF pH OF THE SODIC SOIL


Journal of Sylhet Agricultural University, 2023, Volume 10, Number 2; Pages: 47-58

Soil pH is regarded as a key variable in soils as it has an impact on a variety of soil properties and processes. An experiment was conducted at Soil Science Lab., Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet during November, 2020 to February, 2021 to observe the effects of different matrix, their mixing ratios and time lapse of reading on pH of surface and sub-surface sodic soils and to observe the relationship of different soil properties with pH. The study was conducted using factorial CRD with six replications. The experiment comprises with two factors, Factor A: mixing ratios of soil and matrix i.e. 1:1.0, 1:2.5 and 1:5.0 and Factor B: time of reading after mixing/stirring of soil and matrix i.e. reading after 30, 90 and 150 minutes. Six soil samples from six different locations have acted as six replications. A total of 12 soil samples (6 surface and 6 sub-surface soils) were analyzed for pH by using three matrixes (distilled water, CaCl2 and KCl). The mean pH values of saline soils measured in distilled water, CaCl2 and KCl, respectively, showed a distinct declining trend from high to low (pHH2O>pHCaCl2>pHKCl). The increase in dilution of the soil and matrix ratio showed a tendency to increase the soil pH value which can be expressed as pH1:1.0<pH1:2.5<pH1:5.0. Time after mixing/stirring of the soil and matrix affected pH values of the surface soil using distilled water. In most cases, increased pH values were found for RA150MM compared to RA30MM and RA90MM. Variations in relationship of soil pH and other soil parameters were so strong in saline soils.


Keywords: Soil pH, sodic soil, mixing ratios, matrix, determination techniques


GROWTH AND YIELD PERFORMANCE OF SOYBEAN UNDER DIFFERENT FERTILIZER MANAGEMENT PRACTICES


Journal of Sylhet Agricultural University, 2023, Volume 10, Number 2; Pages: 59-74

A field experiment was conducted at Gabua, Noakhali to select a suitable fertilizer management practice for soybean cultivation, and a better land use system in the saline belts of Bangladesh from December 2019 to April 2020. Two soybean varieties (Shohag (PB-1), BARI Soybean-5), and three fertilizer doses were applied as treatments. Fertilizer treatments were F1 (100% of the recommended rates of chemical fertilizers, CF); F2 (Integrated nutrient management system, IPNS- 75% of the recommended rates of chemical fertilizers + 25% cowdung); and F3 (No fertilizer). The experiment was laid in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Results reveal that IPNS had a significant effect on the plant height (37.95cm), branch number/plant (4.17), the effective number of plants/plot (161.7), number of filled pods/plant (69.1), number of unfilled pods/plant (3.70), number of seeds/pod (1.98), seed weight (20.64g/plant), seed-husk ratio (2.61) and seed yield (1.83t/ha), where as there were no significant effects on pod length (3.32cm) and thousand seed weight (141.9g). Leaf number, leaf dry weight, leaf area, and leaf area index were increased slowly upto 75 DAS, rapidly upto 95 DAS and then declined sharply. Total dry matter increased gradually upto 95 DAS and rapidly upto 135 DAS. The crop growth rate was increased gradually upto 75-95 DAS, rapidly upto 95-115 DAS, and thereafter declined. Relative growth rate and net assimilation rate increased gradually upto 75-95 DAS, rapidly upto 95-115 DAS, and rapidly upto 115-135 except control treatment. The highest amount of chlorophyll-a (15.02 µg/g), chlorophyll-b (4.38 µg/g), and their ratio (9.08) were observed in IPNS at 110 DAS. Chemical fertilizer increased the nodule number and dry weight compared with other treatments upto 75 DAS. Fertilizer management practice and variety had no significant effect on the oil content and pod initiation in soybean, where as pod initiation started after 83 to 84 days of sowing, and oil content ranged from 19.15-19.63%. It is concluded that the integrated use of cowdung and chemical fertilizer (IPNS) showed the maximum growth and yield in soybean and reduced 25% use of the recommended rates of chemical fertilizers.


Keywords: Integrated plant nutrient system, balance fertilizer recommendation, total dry matter, morphophysiology, biological nitrogen fixation


ASSESSMENT OF CLAY MINERAL CONTENTS OF SOILS IN NORTHERN AND EASTERN PIEDMONT PLAINS (AEZ 22) AND CHITTAGONG COASTAL PLAINS (AEZ 23) OF BANGLADESH


Journal of Sylhet Agricultural University, 2023, Volume 10, Number 2; Pages: 75-86

Bangladesh comprises of 30 AEZs (Agro Ecological Zones) where mineralogical composition is an important controlling factor of soil fertility. However, such mineralogical information of soils of Bangladesh is very much insufficient and sparse. To address the situation, an initiative was taken to reveal the mineral content of important soils of different AEZs of the country. A part of such initiative, the mineralogy of five soil series from AEZ 22 (Northern and Eastern Piedmont Plains) and twelve soil series from AEZ 23 (Chittagong Coastal Plains) has been included in this manuscript. In AEZ 22, the average content of <2 μm sized clay fraction in soil was 20.4 while the 2-20 μm and 20-53
μm fractions was 32.3 and 34.6%, respectively. On the other hand, in AEZ 23, the average content of those clay fractions in soil was 32.5, 47.8 and 9.3%, respectively. Mica was found as the most prevalent among the minerals identified and it varied as 21-45 and 46-66% in AEZs 22 and 23, respectively. Next to mica, kaolinite, chlorite and quartz were present in considerable amount in both the AEZs. Intergraded vermiculite-chlorite minerals were found in some soils of AEZ 22 (Eastern part) while evidence of degradation of chlorite component was observed in AEZ 23. Such mineralogical observation of these AEZs is more or less conforming to the proposed mica-kaolinite-vermiculite* suite.


Keywords: Clay Mineralogy, Agroecological Regions, Northern and Eastern Piedmont Plains, Chittagong Coastal Plains.


BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF RAW, FROZEN AND DRIED TAKI (Channa punctatus)


Journal of Sylhet Agricultural University, 2003, Volume 10, Number 2; Pages: 87-94

Freshwater snakehead, a commonly available fish species of Bangladesh, popularly known as Taki (Channa punctatus) is generally consumed as fresh or after being frozen and dried. In the current investigation, the bacteriological quality of dried, frozen, and fresh Taki was compared. Raw Taki were collected on monthly basis from December to May from local fish markets of Sylhet Sadar and Total Viable Count (TVC), Total Coliform Count (TCC), pathogenic bacteriological status were assessed either for raw (n=18) sample or after subjected to freezing (n=18)  and drying (n=18) application. It was found that raw Taki had noticeably greater TVC and TCC than dried and frozen samples. The pathogenic bacteria explicitly, Salmonella spp., Vibrio spp. and E. coli were found abundantly in fresh conditions. On the contrary, E. coli was detected in the few samples of frozen and dried Taki. In comparison, dried fish comprised lower bacterial load, TCC and pathogenic bacteria than those of frozen samples but both the samples contained significantly lower values compared to raw fish and complied with ICMSF standard. Based on the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that higher bacterial load of raw sample can be reduced by applying freezing and drying techniques under proper hygiene and sanitary conditions and fish can be stored safe for longer period.


Keywords: Snakehead fish, Frozen and Dried fish, TVC, TCC, Slamonella


EXPLORING VARIATIONS IN HIGHFIN GLASS FISH, Parambassis lala (Hamilton, 1822) USING COI (CYTOCRHOME OXIDASE I) GENE


Journal of Sylhet Agricultural University, 2023, Volume 10, Number 2; Pages: 95-98

Fish species identification is of paramount importance in biological research, serving as a fundamental component for understanding species biology. In our study, we collected a total of 34 specimens, glassy perchlet fish (Parambassis lala) from the Surma River, Singari beel and Ratargul swamp forest. Those total length (TL) were ranging from 2.1 to 3.9 cm. The collected specimens showed morphological variation in meristic features and coloration, which can be resolved through molecular study. For molecular identification, we meticulously selected three individual fish samples, conducted DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and subsequent sequencing. These efforts resulted in sequences of 638 base pairs each for the Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. In our genetic analysis, three specimens—demonstrated a high degree of sequence similarity, ranging from 97.76% to 98.56%, when compared to the reference sequence OL638214.1. This outcome confirms their classification as Parambassis lala, despite morphological differences.


Keywords: Highfin glass fish, Parambassis lala, Variation, Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene


CONTRIBUTION OF NGO AFFAIRS BUREAU TO THE UTILIZATION OF FOREIGN DONATION IN PRIMARY EDUCATION: AN OVERVIEW


Journal of Sylhet Agricultural University, 2023, Volume 10, Number 2; Pages: 99-106


Keywords: Governance, Literacy, Education, Fund, Accountability


A STUDY ON FLOOD SUSCEPTIBILITY ANALYSIS OF SYLHET SADAR USING GIS


Journal of Sylhet Agricultural University, 2023, Volume 10, Number 1; Pages: 91-103

Flooding is a natural occurrence in Bangladesh with devastating effects on significant areas, including Sylhet. This study aimed to summarize the flood susceptibility of different areas of Sylhet Sadar. This study is based on an approach that relies on free and open datasets rather than data obtained on the ground. NASA Earth Data was utilized to acquire satellite images of the study area (DEM at 30m resolution). The Surma River shapefile was obtained from humandata.org or HDX. Six individual maps were created, i.e., land cover, flow direction, precipitation, elevation, slope, and Topographic Wetness Index and each of the maps was then reclassified. Then the six reclassified maps were overlaid, summarized, and our final output came out as the Flood Susceptible Map of Sylhet Sadar. ArcGIS 10.8 version was used to create a flood-prone area, which was divided into five zones (very high, high, moderate, low, and very low). From this final flood susceptible map, we can identify the vulnerable zones or the flood-prone areas of the Sylhet Sadar and can take precautions or actions during the flood season. The study area’s low-lying plains are particularly susceptible to flash floods. The result shows that Kazir Gaon, Kurir Gaon, and Umairgaon are in a very high flood susceptible zone. South Surma is in a highly susceptible area. Khadimnagar is the least susceptible zone. This research can aid in the development of appropriate flood management strategies and policies to minimize the risk of future flood-related damages and losses in the region.


Keywords: Flood Susceptibility, Sylhet Sadar, GIS, Satellite Image, Surma River, Vulnerable.


EVALUATION OF THE ICHTHYOFAUNAL DIVERSITY IN THE MEGHNA RIVER (NOUHATA JALMAHAL) OF KISHORGANJ DISTRICT, BANGLADESH


Journal of Sylhet Agricultural University, 2023, Volume 10, Number 1; Pages: 79-89

This study provides a comprehensive examination of the present state of resources and fisheries in Meghna River (Nouhata Jalmahal) while highlighting the potential for enhancing existing fisheries management strategies to prioritize the conservation of fish biodiversity. The study was conducted using a pre-tested questionnaire and a direct catch assessment survey in the beel, as well as interviews with fishers, fish traders, locals, and the upazila fisheries officer. A total recorded 63 species of ichthyofauna were recorded in Nauhata Jalmahal, including 59 finfish, 1 puffer fish and 3 prawn species from 11 orders, 22 families. The Meghna River (Nouhata Jalmahal) exhibits a diverse fish population, with the orders Cypriniformes, Siluriformes, and Perciformes being the most prominent, contributing 36.51%, 22.23%, and 15.88%, respectively. The dominant family recorded was Cyprinidae (36.51%), followed by Bagridae (7.94%) and Channidae (4.76%). In terms of biodiversity indices, the Simpson dominance (C), Pielou’s evenness (J), Shannon-Weaver diversity (H), and Margalef’s richness (d) values were observed to be 0.91, 0.31, 2.98, and 9.45, respectively in December; 0.922, 0.43, 3.12, and 8.74 in January; and 0.897, 0.275, 2.87, and 8.56 in February. These findings indicate that the Meghna River (Nouhata Jalmahal) is a valuable open waterbody, potentially serving as a significant fishery and gene bank  resource. However, certain threats, both natural and anthropogenic activities, were identified during the experimental period. Therefore, it is essential to implement conservation measures to safeguard this precious resource.  Furthermore, the adoption of ecosystem-based fisheries management practices with the active participation of local communities is strongly recommended for ensuring the conservation of these water bodies.


Keywords: Biodiversity, Ichthyofauna, Nouhata Jalmahal, Conservation,


ICTHYO-DIVERSITY ASSESSMENT OF THE ROKTODAHO BEEL PERTAINING TO HYDROLOGICAL ATTRIBUTES: EXISTING PREDICAMENT AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS


Journal of Sylhet Agricultural University, 2023, Volume 10, Number 1; Pages: 65-77

This research evaluated fish species diversity and hydrological parameters in northwest Bangladesh’s Roktodaho beel between Bogura and Naogaon from July 2020 to June 2021. Firsthand assessment surveys, focus group discussions, and questionnaire-based in-person interviews gathered four monitoring stations’ monthly data. 33 fish species from six taxonomic orders and 17 families were detected in the beel. 66.67% were least concerned, 15.15% were vulnerable, 6.06% were endangered, and 3.03% were extremely endangered. The reported fish orders were Cypriniformes (30.31%), Siluriformes (24.24%), Anabantiformes (21.21%), Synbranchiformes (12.12%), Ovalentaria (9.09%), and Gobiiformes (3.03%). The IUCN Bangladesh 2015 report found 11 fish species, including 1 extremely endangered, 2 endangered, and 3 vulnerable. Ompok pabda, Botia dario, and Mastacembelus armatus lived in the study area. Temperature, water depth, pH, dissolved oxygen, and total alkalinity were assessed. All hydrological indicators were within fish-cultivation ranges. Nine phytoplankton genera and three zooplankton genera were discovered, with Chlorophyceae and Crustacea dominating, respectively. Waterweeds numbered nine. Risks in the study area included uncontrolled overfishing, environmental deterioration, dewatering streams, katha fishing, outdated fishing equipment, and more. Reducing human impacts, adopting fishing rules, creating and maintaining fish sanctuaries, and raising awareness may conserve fisheries assets.


Keywords: Roktodaho Beel, endangered, Cypriniformes, hydrological parameters.


THE PRESENT STATUS OF FISH BIODIVERSITY IN BORO HAOR, BISHWANATH, SYLHET


Journal of Sylhet Agricultural University, 2023, Volume 10, Number 1; Pages: 55-63

This study  aimed to examine the level of fish species diversity in the Boro Haor located at Amtali village within the Bishwanath (sub-district) of Sylhet district, Bangladesh. A total of 53 species were distributed among 23 families and 10 orders. Among these, the order Cypriniformes stood out as the most dominant, accounting for 34% of the recorded species, followed by Perciformes at 24%, Siluriformes at 22%, Synbranchiformes at 6%, and Tetraodontiformes at 2%. The dominant family observed in the study area was Cyprinidae, comprising 34% of the recorded species, followed by Channidae at 8%, and both Bagridae and Siluridae at 6%. According to a report by IUCN Bangladesh (2015), an extensive evaluation indicated that 19 fish species were categorized as being at risk. Two of these species were classified as critically endangered, seven as endangered, and ten as vulnerable. The primary threats to the diversity of fish were identified as indiscriminate overfishing, with fishing practices that involved the depletion of wetlands being the subsequent concern, the adoption of the katha fishing technique, and the use of outdated fishing equipment. To ensure the effective conservation of existing fisheries resources,  minimizing human-induced impacts, implementing fishing regulations, establishing and managing fish sanctuaries, and enhancing public awareness is of utmost importance.


Keywords: Biodiversity, Boro Haor, Conservation


ADOPTION OF ALTERNATE WETTING AND DRYING (AWD) METHOD IN BORO RICE PRODUCTION BY THE FARMERS OF SADAR UPAZILA UNDER SHERPUR DISTRICT


Journal of Sylhet Agricultural University, 2023, Volume 10, Number 1; Pages: 47-54

Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) irrigation is a technique to lowering seepage and percolation during the crop-growing season for enhanced water productivity at the field level. The method is becoming popular among farmers as water is becoming crucial input for crop production in Bangladesh. The objectives of the study were to determine the factors that influenced adoption decision regarding the AWD method and its extent of adoption by the farmers in Boro rice production. Four issues of practicing the AWD method namely (i) area coverage, (ii) the number of perforated Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipes installed in the crop field for monitoring the water content status in the soil, (iii) the number of the visit paid by the farmers to check the water content status in between each irrigation, and (iv) days of last irrigation before harvesting Boro rice were taken into consideration to measure adoption of AWD method. Following the systematic random sampling method, a total of 53 selected farmers were interviewed using a pretested well-structured interview schedule during June to July 2020. The adoption decision regarding the AWD method was influenced by four socio-psychological characteristics namely education, knowledge, media contact, and attitude of the farmers. The average coverage of the AWD method was 47.23%, where the use of perforated PVC pipe was 46.46%, the visit paid by the farmers was 50.47%, and the recommended last irrigation before harvesting was adopted by 62.03% of the respondents. However, more than half (52.8%) of farmers had medium use of AWD, while 24.5% and 22.6% had low and high adoption, respectively.


Keywords: AWD method, adoption, Boro rice and farmer


PERFORMANCE OF AMAN RICE VARIETIES UNDER DIRECT-SEEDED CONDITIONS IN FLASH FLOOD-PRONE AREAS


Journal of Sylhet Agricultural University, 2023, Volume 10, Number 1; Pages: 39-45

An experiment was conducted from 5 August to 13 December 2020 to assess the performance of eight Aman rice cultivars under the Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) method at farmers’ fields in flash flood-prone areas of Hathkhola Sylhet. BRRI dhan32, BRRI dhan51, Meghraj, Moinasail, Maloti, Jori, Badal, and Binni rice cultivars were studied in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. After 15-days flash flood, the rice cultivars Meghraj, Moinasail, and BRRI dhan32 and dhan51 survived, but others were damaged. Data were collected only from survived varieties. Agronomic characteristics differed in different rice cultivars. The results showed that the modern variety BRRI dhan51 produced the shortest plant height (70.30 cm), whereas the native cultivar Moinasail produced the tallest plants height (124.60 cm). BRRI dhan51 produced the highest number of effective tillers m-2 (337.25) while Meghraj produced the least effective tillers m-2 (170.50). Number of filled grains panicle-1 was highest (134.60) in BRRI dhan51 and cultivar Moinasail produced the lowest number of grains panicle-1 (55.55). The highest weight of 1000 grains (20.44 g) and yield of grains (5.34 t ha-1) were recorded from BRRI dhan51 which was similar to BRRI dhan32 (5.14t ha-1). Meghraj had the lowest grain yield (3.03 t ha-1) which was at par with Moinasail. Results indicated that submerged tolerant var. BRRI dhan51 and the other three varieties (BRRI dhan32, Meghraj, and Moinasail) could be used in Aman rice seasons in flash flood-prone areas.


Keywords: Direct seeded Rice (DSR); Aman Rice Varieties; Flood-prone areas; Flash flood


OCCURRENCE, DISTRIBUTION OF PANAMA DISEASE OF BANANA AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES USED IN NARSINGDI DISTRICT


Journal of Sylhet Agricultural University, 2023, Volume 10, Number 1; Pages: 31-38

Panama disease is a major threat to banana production worldwide, including Bangladesh. A survey was conducted during 2020 in the Narsingdi district, one of the main banana-growing areas in Bangladesh, to evaluate the incidence and severity of Panama disease and identify suitable management practices. The survey covered 72 banana gardens in six Upazilas and found that the disease was prevalent in all surveyed areas, with varying incidence and severity levels. The highest incidence and severity were recorded in Monohordi, while the lowest incidence was found in Sadar Upazila, and the lowest severity was in Belabo Upazila. The pathogen was identified as Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) through morphological and molecular analyses. The study suggests that the use of bio-fungicides, pit and sucker treatment, and crop rotation can be effective management strategies for Panama disease, but most farmers do not practice them. Therefore, there is a need to increase the adoption of these practices in areas with high disease incidence and severity to control the spread of the disease and protect banana production.


Keywords: Fusarium oxysporum, panama disease, disease incidence, disease severity.


GROWTH, YIELD AND ADAPTABILITY ASSESSMENT OF SPRING ONION (Allium Fistulosum) IN SYLHET REGION


Journal of Sylhet Agricultural University, 2023, Volume 10, Number 1; Pages: 23-29

Three genotypes of spring onion (Allium fistulosum) were evaluated across a range of growth and quality criteria to ascertain their relative yield, quality performance and adaptability in Sylhet region. Results revealed that the tallest plant was BARI Pata Piyaz-1 with 56.78 cm, followed by JAF-2 (46.1 cm) and minimum value was recorded for JAF-1 (42.1 cm). The number of leaves per plant was the highest in JAF-2 (16.32) followed by BARI pata piaz-1 (11.56) and JAF-1 (7.32). The BARI pata piaz-1 had the highest pseudo stem diameter (1.43 cm), weight (5.81 g/pseudo stem), and dry matter (DW) content (13.19%), whereas the JAF-1 had 1.09, 4.32cm, 13.12%, and the JAF-2 had 1.11, 3.88 cm, 11.06%, respectively. Notably, JAF-2 produced the highest yield with a value of 11.34 ton/ha, which was considerably greater than BARI Pata Piyaz-1 (10.71 ton/ha) and JAF-1 (7.11 ton/ha). In terms of quality metrics, BARI Pata Piyaz-1 and JAF-2 had the identical total phenolic content ranging from 3.23-3.34 mg GAE/g DW, while JAF-1 had significantly less phenolics at 2.93 mg GAE/g DW. Significant amounts of flavonoids were detected in each genotype, ranging from 3.11 to 3.19 mg QE/g DW. The Vitamin C content of BARI Pata Piyaz-1 was significantly higher than that of other two genotypes. The current findings indicated that spring onion more specifically JAF-2 has successfully adapted in the Sylhet region with remarkable yield indicating tremendous scope in popularize this spice in future.


Keywords: Spring onion, Growth, Yield, Quality parameters, Adaptation


IMPACT OF YUCCA SCHIDIGERA PLANT EXTRACT SUPPLEMENTATION TO DIET ON BODY GROWTH, CARCASS CHARACTERISTIC’S, GUT MICROBIOTA, INTESTINAL AMMONIA CONCENTRATION AND HEMATOLOGY IN BROILER CHICKENS


Journal of Sylhet Agricultural University, 2023, Volume 10, Number 1; Pages: 17-22

Yucca schidigera plant extracts are one such substitute which is used as a natural alternative to antibiotics. The study was designed to know the impact of Y. schidigeraextract on growth, intestinal microbial environment, gut ammonia concentration, carcass characteristic’s, dressing percentage, and hematological parameters of broiler chickens were the primary focus of this study. Two hundred day old broiler chicks were randomly grouped into 4 groups, each containing 75 birds, with three replications for the group treated with commercially available YuccamaxTMNH liquid (Square Pharmaceuticals) . The groups were T0 (control, regular diet, and water), T1 (basal diet with Yucca0.5 ml/liter drinking water), T2 ((basal diet with Yucca 1 ml/liter drinking water), T3 ((basal diet with Yucca 1.5 ml/liter drinking water). Birds were reared for 42 days. Results revealed that feed conversion ratio (FCR) was better in group T3 (1.59 ±0.15) among all groups, and body weight gain was found to be the highest (2329 ± 234 grams) in this group. The hematological parameters: TEC, Hb, TLC, PCV, and ESR in group T3 were 2.44 ±.217 million/mm3, 10.52±1.28 gm%, 3.82±1.30 thousand/ mm3, 33.02±4.03%, 3.00±1.22 mm 1st hour, respectively. The values were higher non-significant (p>0.05) than the control and other treatment groups. The average beneficial Lactobacillus count in the gut was highest ( 630±99.61 cfu/gm×102 ) in the T3 group, and lower harmful Coliforms count such as total Coliforms count (34.5±3.84 cfu/gm×102) which differed significantly (p<0.001). The average ammonia concentration (0.619 ± 0.555 ml/litre) was found to be lower in the T3 group. So this extract (especially Yucca 1.5 ml/liter drinking water may be useful to reduce the harmful bacteria and ammonia concentration and betterment of broiler growth.


Keywords: Yucca schidigera, Body Growth, Microorganism, Ammonia, Hematology


SCREENING OF AMOXICILLIN RESIDUES IN PROCESSED AND RAW POULTRY MEAT FROM DIFFERENT SUPER SHOPS AT SYLHET CITY AND ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF COOKING ON IT


Journal of Sylhet Agricultural University, 2023, Volume 10, Number 1; Pages: 11-16

The aim of the research was to determine the presence of amoxicillin residues in processed and raw poultry meat, as well as the impact of different cooking techniques on the residues. A total of 100 samples, viz. raw meat, meatball, sussage, nugget and cutlet (20 in each) were collected from the different super shops at Sylhet. All the samples were processed and subjected to ELISA to detect the amoxicillin residues. After that, the samples were microwaved and roasted for 3 and 30 minutes, respectively. 70% of raw meat contains antibiotic residues that exceeded the maximum residue level (MRL). Whereas, meatballs and nugget contains 25% and 30% residues, which were 40% and 17% over MRL level, respectively. But 20% of the sausage and 25% of the cutlet contain below MRL levels of antibiotic residues. After heat treatment, Roasting (72%) effectively reduces more residues than microwave (44%) cooking methods. So, it can be concluded that cooking methods have decreasing effects through the degradation of amoxicillin residues.


Keywords: Amoxicillin residues, cooking effect, poultry meat, ELISA


RUMEN PROTECTED DAIRY TONIC: PREVENTION OF MILK FEVER AND NEGATIVE ENERGY BALANCE OF PREGNANT AND EARLY LACTATING COWS


Journal of Sylhet Agricultural University, 2023, Volume 10, Number 1; Pages: 1-10

This experiment was set up to define the critical situation of pregnant too early lactating cows concerned with hypocalcemia induced by rapid loss of Ca from blood to milk and negative energy balance. Three nutri-tonic mixtures comprised of eggshell, oyster shell, molasses, and ghee residue were well mixed and autoclaved before feeding lactating cows at the farmer’s level. The minerals were quantified by atomic absorption spectroscopy and flame photometry according to the EDTA titration and QPG methods. The concentration of Ca and P were found to be 5:1, 1.5:1, and 3.5:1 in nutri-tonic I, II and III supplements, in which nutri-tonic-I possessed 115% and 62% higher Ca than nutri-tonic-II and III. Conversely, nutri-tonic-II exhibited elevated P, Zn, Mg, and Ca concentrations compared to both nutri-tonic-I and III. Meanwhile, nutri-tonic-III demonstrated higher levels of Fe. Nutri-tonic I supplementation influenced the cows by causing a 22% higher DM intake (8.12 kg d-1cow-1). Unlike the CP intake, 84% higher ME was consumed by nutri-tonic-III fed cows than others. Nutri-tonic supplementation nourished and boosted the cows’ higher (p<0.001) milk production (16 – 30% Ld-1) with more fat content (23-68%). The emitted equation for Ca (y = -1.5047x + 115.72; R² = 0.006) and P (y = 0.6028x + 81.238; R² = 0.008) accounted 116g Ca and 81g P in ration for 12-15 L milch cow. In particular, mineral deficiency leads to the suppressed immunity of early lactating cows. To recap, energy and mineral supplementation might mobilize Ca for the functioning of parathyroid and enhance innate immunity in late pregnant to early lactating cows to prevent milk fever.


Keywords: Bypass nutrients, hypocalcaemia, pre and postpartum cow


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