Online: ISSN 2784 – 0360 | ISSN – L 2784 – 0360 | Print: ISSN 2784 – 0379 ISSN-L 2784 – 0360

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Issue 1 (201)/2025

Exploring the role of seaweed culture in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere: a nature-based solution for climate change mitigation

Mar 24, 2025 |

Md. Simul Bhuyan, Sayeed Mahmood Belal Haider, Mrityunjoy Kunda, Md. Tarikul Islam, Istiak Ahamed Mojumder, Abid Husain, Enam Chowdhury, Ranjan Roy, Mir Mohammad Ali, Debasish Pandit

ABSTRACT. To keep the world safe from extreme temperature occurrences, global warming must be kept below 1.5C. Seaweed has emerged as a holistic nature-based solution to solve global warming by reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs). This review evaluated the role of seaweed in reducing GHGs. Seaweed can minimise carbon (C) emissions by absorbing them. Lowering ruminant enteric methane (CH4) emissions and producing bioenergy are two more ways seaweed can contribute to global decarbonisation. Atmospheric trace gases like nitrous oxide (N2O) are a factor in global warming. By 2050, 10 million metric tons (MMt) of nitrogen (N) would be absorbed by a seaweed yield of 500 MMt. All macroalgae release the volatile gas bromoform, which contributes to ozone (O3) depletion in the atmosphere. Bromoform is a component of red seaweed’s chemical composition. Large-scale seaweed cultivation can transform the way GHG emissions are managed while also generating new businesses. Furthermore, eutrophic, hypoxic, and acidic coasts can gain other advantages from seaweed cultivation. Although seaweed offsetting is a vital emerging tool for achieving a more sustainable future, it is not the only answer to the problem of climate change. This study demonstrates that seaweed cultivation and related sectors are viable solutions for lowering GHG emissions, achieving monetary growth, and creating sustainable means of subsistence.

Keywords: culture; global warming; greenhouse gases; minimization; seaweed.

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Massive ovarian cyst in a guinea pig: surgical insights

Feb 26, 2025 |

Liviu Cătălin Burtan, Ivona Popovici, Alexandra Ciubotariu

ABSTRACT. Ovarian cystic disease is a common condition in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus). Surgical intervention is considered the definitive treatment, effectively preventing disease recurrence, progression, and complications. A 5-year-old female guinea pig was referred to our clinic with nonspecific signs of lethargy and gastrointestinal disturbances that had emerged over the previous week. Diagnostic imaging identified a large abdominal mass, consistent with a cyst, extending throughout the right hemiabdomen, warranting immediate surgical intervention. Safe removal of the cyst via an ovariectomy procedure was performed with particular attention to the species-specific anatomical and physiological challenges. Managing the adhesions that had formed with the intestinal mass proved to be a complex step, requiring precise dissection to ensure secure and complete removal. Histopathological analysis of the mass revealed a ciliated cuboidal to columnar epithelium lining the cyst cavity, originating from the rete ovarii, indicative of a serous cystadenoma. This study highlights the importance of early detection and emphasises the role of elective spaying in preventing severe complications. It also provides valuable surgical insights for veterinary practitioners by documenting the largest ovarian cyst reported in a guinea pig. The case presents a detailed approach to managing species-specific challenges, with the aim of improving clinical outcomes for these patients.

Keywords: Cavia porcellus; histopathology; large ovarian cystadenoma; surgery.

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Effect of feeding selected farm residues on growth performance, digestibility and nitrogen balance of West African dwarf bucks

Feb 21, 2025 |

Joshua Femi Oluwadele, Adeolu Ademiju Aganga, Anthony Henry Ekeocha, Olayinka Miriam Tawose, Adetumbi Tella, Ebenezer Yemi Akinlabi, Dakuna Gode

ABSTRACT. This study investigated the effects of feeding selected farm residues on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen balance of West African dwarf (WAD) bucks. A total of 16 bucks aged 16–18 months and weighing 14.45 ± 0.78 kg were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments: control, cacao pod shells (T1); peanut shells (T2), corn cobs (T3), and mixed residues of cacao pod shells, peanut shells, and corn cobs in equal proportions (T4). This study spanned 92 days, during which feed intake, weight gain, digestibility, and nitrogen utilisation were evaluated. The T2 diet significantly enhanced growth performance, with the highest final weight (19.8 ± 0.20 kg), weight gain (5.30 ± 0.15 kg), and average daily gain (57.6 ± 1.2 g/day). The nutrient intake and digestibility were also highest in the T2 group, with a crude protein intake of 131 g/day and crude protein digestibility of 78.2%. Similarly, nitrogen retention was greatest in T2 bucks (13.7 ± 0.4 g/day), reflecting efficient protein utilisation. The findings suggest that peanut shells are a highly digestible and nutrient-rich feed resource, offering significant advantages over the control and other treatments. By improving growth rates, feed efficiency, and nitrogen balance, peanut shells provide a cost-effective and sustainable solution for smallholder farmers facing feed shortages. These results support the adoption of farm residues as alternative feed resources to enhance the productivity and economic viability of small ruminant farming systems in West Africa.

Keywords: crop residues; nitrogen retention; nutrient digestibility; peanut shells; West African dwarf bucks.

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Actual crop coefficients and yield response factors of irrigated tomato in Afaka, Northwest Nigeria

Feb 19, 2025 |

Donatus Obiajulu Onwuegbunam, Muyideen Abubakar Oyebode, Henry Evonameh Igbadun, Habibu Ismail, Isaac John Maisamari

ABSTRACT. In the face of the prevailing challenges of limited water for irrigated agriculture, the knowledge of crop coefficients for use in irrigation, and the yield response to moisture stresses become pertinent for developing strategies to improve agricultural water productivity. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the crop coefficients and yield response factors of UC 82B tomato subjected to soil moisture stresses on growth-stage basis. The irrigation treatments investigated were: a full irrigation (application of 100% ETo), and three soil moisture deficit levels (20%, 40%, 60% ETo) imposed at the vegetative, flowering and maturity growth stages, in successions. The mean crop coefficient (Kc) was highest (0.99) during the mid-season under full irrigation, and lowest (0.47) during the vegetative stage under 60% ETo soil moisture deficit, while the mean value across the entire crop growth stage was 0.88. The yield response factors (Ky) were 1.26 and 1.30 for the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 seasons, respectively. The mean Ky of was 1.28 for the entire growth cycle, implying high sensitivity of the tomato cultivar to water deficits, and that yield reduction is proportionally larger when water used is reduced because of stress. Full irrigation at the maturity stage is recommended.

Keywords: crop coefficients; deficit irrigation; Northwest Nigeria; tomato; yield response.

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Morpho-functional adaptations of the tiger skull (Panthera tigris) in relation to forceful biting

Feb 12, 2025 |

Alexandra-Andreea Cherșunaru, Mihaela Claudia Spataru, Constantin Spataru

ABSTRACT. The anatomical peculiarities of the tiger’s skull reflect the ecological and behavioural needs of this predator. The study aims to observe the morphological adaptations that grant it exceptional hunting and survival abilities. The anatomical study was conducted on the skulls of two adult male tigers. The tiger’s skull is wide and rounded, providing a robust base for the attachment of masticatory muscles, which is essential for powerful bites. The sagittal crest, a bony prominence located on the upper part of the skull, serves as an attachment point for the temporal muscles. A distinct process is present on the maxillary tubercle, from which a strong tendon of the masseter muscle originates. The nasal bones are elongated, extending beyond the frontal processes of the maxillae, while the frontal area is elevated in the region of the postorbital processes. The anterior nasal opening is narrow, and the lower margin of the mandible is typically concave, with a prominent mental process. The front part of the mandibular symphysis is concave. Compared to other large felines, tigers have a more rounded skull and a downward-sloping dorsal surface. The tiger’s skull exhibits remarkable morpho-functional adaptations, such as a robust bony head, a prominent sagittal crest, a strong mandible, and well-developed insertions for masticatory muscles. These features are essential for their predatory lifestyle, allowing them to capture and control large prey efficiently.

Keywords: adaptation; mandible; skull; tiger.

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© by the authors; licensee Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment, Iasi, Romania. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)