This study was conducted to evaluate piggery farmers’awareness of aflatoxins contamination of feedstuffs and its implications in pig production in Nsukka zone. A survey research was conducted using a structured questionnaire which was validated by an agricultural measurement and evaluation experts.
The questionnaire was used to collect data from the piggery farmers. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics option ofGenstat computer package (Discovery edition 3). The result of this study revealed that piggery farmers are aware of aflatoxins infestation, but know little about its economic and health implications on pig production and pork consumers. They also indicated that they are adopting various local and technical methods such as avoiding damp environment, sprinkling ashes and saw-dusts on top of the feedstuffs, in order to reduce the incidence of aflatoxins development in the feedstuffs they use to feed their pig stocks.
They stated that they were not aware that feeding pigs with aflatoxins contaminated food reminants and feeds poses a serious health risk to both the pigs and pork consumers, as they are interested in minimizing the cost of production rather than the welfare of the pigs and pork consumers. Pigs fed with aflatoxin contaminated feedstuffs, have stunted growth, poor feed intake and liver damage, when consumed by humans cause diseasessuch as liver cancer, kidney and nervous disorders, cirrhosis and mutagenswhich have been proven by researchers. Hence the need to ascertain the extent of piggery farmers’ awareness of toxins, which will serve as an indicator on the level of risks exposure of both pigs and pork consumers in the zone.
It was therefore recommended that more awareness should be created to both the crop and livestock farmers on the economic and health implications of aflatoxins in the food chain. Farmers should be strongly encouraged to adopt a good preventive and control strategies both in the field, storage and handling of feeds and feed ingredients in order to avert a possible outbreak of aflatoxicosis if uncheck-mated.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Material and Methods
Location and duration of the study
Population of the study
Experimental Procedure/Sampling
Data Collection
Statistical Analysis
Results and Discussion
Discussion of the Questionaires Responses of Piggery Farmers
Conclusion and Recommendations
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This study evaluates the awareness level of piggery farmers regarding aflatoxin contamination in feedstuffs and its associated economic and health risks within the Nsukka zone in Nigeria. The research aims to assess current farming practices and the extent to which farmers recognize the dangers posed to both pig health and human consumers.
- Awareness of aflatoxin contamination in local pig feedstuffs.
- Economic and health implications of feeding contaminated material.
- Preventive measures and storage strategies adopted by small-scale farmers.
- Impact of environmental factors and seasonality on mould infestation.
- The intersection of subsistence farming and public health safety.
Excerpt from the Book
Discussion of the Questionaires Responses of Piggery Farmers
Marital status: The results of the responses of piggery farmers on their marital status shows that most of the piggery farmers are married men i.e. 95% while one is yet to married which represents 5%. This result is in agreement with Ezidimma (2001), he noted that married people have the responsibility for the provision, processing and marketing of food items for the household. They added that piggery farming serves as a source of income to train their children in schools and meet other financial needs of the family. This indicated that piggery farming in this zone is not commercialized, and is perceived as an alternative source of income for their families and the family members in return give assistance in the small scale subsistence farming of both crops and animal farming.
Educational qualifications: The results of the responses indicated that majority which represents 95% of the piggery farmers possess WAEC i.e. O’ Level and only one of them which represents 5%, had higher national diploma (HND). This implies that piggery enterprise in Nsukkazone are dominated by O’ level holders. This low level of education may affect their attitude and perceptions towards adopting new and modern methods of pig husbandry. This was in agreement with Uddin (2013) and Ajala (1992) they stated that majority of the farmers has low level of education, which has positive correlation with their acceptance and adoption of agricultural innovative techniques.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides the research context and the problem of high feed costs necessitating the use of alternative feedstuffs, which are prone to fungal contamination.
Material and Methods: Details the location, study population of eighteen piggery farmers, and the administration of questionnaires and pilot aflatoxin analysis.
Results and Discussion: Presents the primary data regarding farmer demographics, feeding practices, storage techniques, and the prevalence of aflatoxin-related symptoms in pigs.
Discussion of the Questionaires Responses of Piggery Farmers: Analyzes the socioeconomic profile of farmers and interprets their practices regarding feed sourcing, storage, and awareness of fungal risks.
Conclusion and Recommendations: Summarizes the study findings and suggests strategies such as increased awareness campaigns and workshops for farmers to mitigate health risks.
Keywords
Aflatoxins, aflatoxin contamination, feedstuffs, pig, piggery farmers, humid tropics, mould infestation, subsistence farming, food safety, animal health, mycotoxins, agricultural production, Nsukka, Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research study?
The study focuses on evaluating how aware piggery farmers in the Nsukka zone are about the presence of aflatoxins in their feed and the potential risks these toxins pose to pig performance and human health.
What are the central themes discussed in the publication?
The central themes include the economic challenges of pig farming, the dangers of fungal (mould) contamination in feed, storage limitations in tropical climates, and the overall lack of awareness regarding the long-term health risks to consumers.
What is the main research question being addressed?
The research asks to what extent local piggery farmers understand the economic and health-related implications of feeding aflatoxin-contaminated materials to their livestock.
Which scientific methodology was employed to gather data?
The researchers conducted a survey using a structured questionnaire, validated by measurement and evaluation experts, and complemented this with a pilot aflatoxin analysis using thin-layer chromatography (TLC).
What topics are covered in the main body of the work?
The main body examines farmer demographics, types of feed used, storage methods, signs of aflatoxicosis in pigs, and seasonal variations in mould growth, while analyzing why these farmers prioritize low costs over health safety.
Which keywords best characterize the study?
Key terms include Aflatoxins, piggery farmers, feedstuffs, mould infestation, subsistence farming, humid tropics, and food safety.
Why are cassava peels and bambara nut waste specifically highlighted?
These are common alternative feedstuffs used by local farmers to reduce costs, but they are identified as being highly susceptible to mould growth under poor storage conditions.
What is the significance of the farmers' low educational level?
The study suggests that the high percentage of farmers with only an O'Level qualification may limit their ability to adopt modern, safer agricultural techniques to prevent fungal contamination.
How does the climate in the Nsukka zone affect these findings?
The humid tropical climate with high rainfall creates optimal conditions for fungal growth, making proper storage of feedstuffs critical to preventing aflatoxin contamination.
What is the final recommendation provided by the authors?
The authors recommend launching extensive awareness campaigns through government agricultural ministries, universities, and extension services to educate farmers on safe storage and the severe health implications of aflatoxin.
- Quote paper
- Samuel Ekwu (Author), A. E. Onyimonyi (Author), S. O. Ugwu (Author), 2012, Piggery Farmers’ Awareness of the Implications of the Use of Aflatoxins Contamination of Feedstuffs in the Humid Tropics, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/358659
