Farjana Boby, Tamanna Ferdous, Umme Habiba Dilshad Munmun, A N Neaz Ahmad

Department of Public Health, American International University– Bangladesh (AIUB), Dhaka 1213, Bangladesh

A cross sectional mixed type of study was conducted to find out the knowledge on food safety among the adult population of Dhaka City. The study was aimed to assess the knowledge on food safely for taking necessary steps against food borne illness. A total of 203 interviews of adults from six places of Dhaka City (Manikdi, Mohammadpur, Dhanmondi, Mirpur, Gulshan and Banani) were takent to gather information in this regards. Data were collected by a pre tested structured interviewer-administered questionnaire that is prepared following the guidelines of WHO regarding food safety. The study revealed that 79% of respondents had intestinal problem while 21% did not have intestinal problems. 81% stated that their intestinal problem was due to food and 19% said it was not due to food. 61% of respondents stated that the area of involvement of abdomen was the left side and 39% stated that the involvement was the right side. It is stated that 77% of respondents were no siblings in the family with food borne disease whereas 23% stated that their siblings were with food related diseases. About 34 % had normal or more knowledge about food safety while 66 % had less knowledge. About 60% of respondents had below normal understanding about hygiene whereas 40% had normal or above normal understanding. It is observed that 97% respondents agreed in various degrees that prevention of food borne diseases can improve health status; 42% respondents said that they always washed their hands before handling food or preparing them, 13% did it often, 23 % sometimes and 22 % never washed their hand before handling food. The study showed that 85% respondents always washed their hands with soap after coming out from toilet, 11% did it often, 2% did it sometimes and 2 % never did it. 88% respondents sometimes used to keep their dining room and kitchen protected from insects, pests and animals, in 4% it was often or all time protected while 8% never had it protected. There is a significant relationship (P<0.0250) between knowledge level and earning level and knowledge level and educational level. The findings of the study identified several gaps, ignorance, and weaknesses in the knowledge level of adult general mass about food safety and food borne diseases. This calls for further research, knowledge enhancing services and awareness creating program at different areas for better outcomes in public health sector.

Keywords: Food safety, Knowledge, Food borne disease, Bangladesh.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: bobysad@yahoo.com (Farjana Boby)

How to cite this article: Boby F, Ferdous T, Munmun UHD and Ahmad ANN (2016). Knowledge on food safety for prevention and control of food borne diseases in Dhaka city. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 3(4): 01-06.

Nazmunnahar Nipa, Md. Rais Uddin Mian, Priyanka Saha

Department of Agricultural Finance, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Microcredit is generally a beneficial tool for small and medium entrepreneurs and landless. The present study was aimed to investigate the impact of microcredit on handloom weavers through before and after loan operation in the study area. Some sub urban areas namely Baghil, Gharinda, Silimpur, Porabari, Gala etc. of Tangail sadar upazila under microcredit program was selected for the study. The reasons behind selection of this area were availability of weavers and easy communication facilities. Both male and female members are selected for the study. Purposive sampling method was for data collection and total sample size was 50. Respondents take loan from NGOs, Sonali Bank. Some village wealthy people name as ‘mohajon’ also associated with these type of credit program. They act as money lender to the poor people. They lend money to the poor with high interest rate in monthly based. Sometimes they supplied all the ingredients of making a saree and gave wage to the people as a day labor. Microcredit program helped women to increase income of the family by raising the status of poor women. Credit analysis shows that the respondent got on an average 85.88 % applied loan during the study year. It implies that the received amount did not fully satisfy the loan requirement of the beneficiaries during the study year. In the study area, BRAC covered most of the credit facilities among other credit institutions (about 27.78 %) and Grameen Bank (26.61 %) was second largest loan provider. Credit money was mostly used for the handloom products making and only a few was for other purposes. Loan recovery percentage was an average 95.71 which is quite satisfactory repayment performance of the respondents. Socio-economic changes of the respondents showed that credit more and less positives impact on some of socioeconomic variables in the present study. This credit program by NGOs plays a crucial role to generate income and employment to the poor people. The respondents were asked about the major problems and constrains associated with the credit program and to suggest some possible solutions thereof.

Keywords: Microcredit, Handloom weavers, Socioeconomic changes, Tangail, Bangladesh

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: raisagfin@yahoo.com (Rais Uddin Mian)

How to cite this article: Nipa N, Mian MRU and Saha P (2016). Effect of microcredit among handloom weavers of Tangail district in Bangladesh. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 3(4): 07-13.

Md. Abdul Kader¹, Md. Golam Rahman² and Razvi Samad Rakib³

¹CRP: Hill Agriculture, Hill Agricultural Research Station, Khagrachari Hill District, Bangladesh
²Hill Agricultural Research Station, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Khagrachari Bangladesh
³CRP: Hill Agriculture, Hill Cotton Research Station, Bandaban Hill District, Bangladesh

This study was conducted in the experimental farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, during 1 January 2012 to 10 May 2012 with a view to evaluate the effects of different irrigation levels on yield and yield contributing attributes of maize. The experiment consisted of 5 irrigation treatments, such as I₀: no irrigation (control), I₁: irrigation at IW (Irrigation Water applied)/CPE (Cumulative Pan Evaporation) = 0.4, I₂: irrigation at IW/CPE = 0.6, I₃: irrigation at IW/CPE = 0.8, I₄: irrigation at IW/CPE = 1.0. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Each replication was divided into 5 plots (7.0 m × 4.5 m) having 1.5 m buffer zone between them. Maize was grown with three irrigations applied at 43, 63 and 83 days after sowing (DAS) and recommended fertilizer doses. There was no significant (α = 0.05) effect of irrigation on the grain yield of maize. Treatment I₄ produced the highest grain yield (10.30 t/ha) and I₁ produced the lowest grain yield (6.81 t/ha). The irrigation treatments exerted different degrees of influence; some attributes differed significantly while others differed insignificantly. The water use efficiency (WUE) differed significantly among the irrigation treatments. The maximum stressed treatment (I₀) provided the highest WUE (6291 kg/ha/cm for grain production and 30050 kg/ha/cm for biomass production). The maximum irrigated treatment (I₄), on the other hand, provided the lowest WUE (459.3 kg/ha/cm for grain production and 110.7 kg/ha/cm for biomass production).

Keywords: Irrigation, Water productivity, Yield Maize, Bangladesh

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: makader40@gmail.com (Md. Abdul Kader)

How to cite this article: Kader MA, Rahman MG and Rakib RS (2016). Effects of different irrigation levels on yield and water productivity of maize. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 3(4): 14-19.

Razia Sultana¹, Md. Nesar Uddin², Md. Abdur Rahim³, Md. Solaiman Ali Fakir²

¹Department of Seed Science and Technology; Currently: Executive Officer, MNT Seed Testing Laboratory, Lal Teer Seed Limited
²Department of Crop Botany, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
³Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Studying seed germination and seedling growth under salt stress is important to select salt tolerance maize genotype. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of different levels of NaCl concentrations on seed germination and seedling growth of four Maize genotypes. The laboratory experiment was conducted using two factors (salinity and genotypes) in completely randomized design with four replications at the Seed Technology Laboratory, Department of Seed Science and Technology, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh. Six levels of NaCl were 0, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 mM, and four Maize genotypes were BARI Maize 5, BARI Maize 7, Mosaic Maize line, and Plain Maize line. There were 24 treatments combination (4 genotypes ´ 6 NaCl conc.). The results showed that the seed germination percentage, root and shoot lengths, fresh weight of shoot and root, dry weight of shoot and root, and salt tolerance index were significantly influenced by salt treatment. Results further revealed that seed germination and seedling growth were minimum at 300 mM NaCl and increased subsequently at lower NaCl concentrations viz. 250, 200, 150 mM NaCl and control condition. Genetic variation for seed germination and seedling growth were found. At 300 mM NaCl, none of the seeds of the four genotypes germinated except in BARI Maize 5 that indicated higher tolerance of this genotype to salt stress. It might be concluded that genetic differences for seed germination and seedling growth under salt stress existed among four tested maize genotypes with BARI Maize 5 having higher tolerance.

Keywords: Salt stress, Maize, Germination, Seedling.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: fakirmsa@gmail.com (Md. Solaiman Ali Fakir)

How to cite this article: Sultana R, Uddin MN, Rahim MA and Fakir MSA (2016). Effect of salt stress on germination and seedling growth in four maize genotypes. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 3(4): 20-27.

Md. Imam Hossain, Mohammad Eliusur Rahaman Bhuiyan, Md. Raisul Islam, Yasir Ahammad Arafat, A.F. M Shahidullah

Department of Physiology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

The experiment was conducted on “Cobb 500” broiler chicks to evaluate the effects of probiotics and enzymes supplementation on physical appearance, growth performance, hematological (TEC, Hb concentration, PCV and ESR) and biochemical parameters (serum creatinine, triglyceride, cholesterol and HDL). A total of 20, seven days of old broiler chicks were reared throughout the entire period of study. The chicks were divided randomly into four groups with five broiler chicks in each group. Group A was designated as control group was given only normal broiler ration and rest of the groups were fed probiotics and enzymes, [Group B (probiotic preparation Microguard^® @ 1gm/L)], [Group C (enzymes preparation Acmezyme^® @ 1gm/L)], [Group D (probiotic preparation Microguard^® @ 1gm/L and enzymes preparation Acmezyme^® @ 1gm/L)], with drinking water respectively from 1^st to 28^th days of experiment. It was observed that probiotics and enzymes supplementation enhanced the body growth rate with better physical appearance of broilers. At the final day of experiment the body weight was significantly increased (p<0.01) in the treated groups in comparison with that of control group.TEC, Hb concentration, PCV values were significantly increased (p<0.01) in treated groups than the control group. The biochemical parameters in creatinine was not significant (P>0.05) difference among groups and there was a significant (P<0.05) difference among the other groups after treating with probiotics and enzymes. So the farmers of Bangladesh can be benefitted by using probiotics and enzymes in broiler ration. Considering all the results of the present experiments, it may be concluded that the probiotics and enzymes supplementation enhanced the better physical appearance and growth rate of broilers.

Keywords: Probiotics, Enzyme, Growth, Blood profile, Broiler.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: roni_5th@yahoo.com (Md. Imam Hossain)

How to cite this article: Hossain MI, Bhuiyan MER, Islam MR, Arafat YA and Shahidullah AFM (2016). Effects of probiotics and enzymes on physical appearance, growth performance and haematobiochemical parameters in broilers. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 3(4): 28-34.

K. M. Monir Hossain, Md. Nesar Uddin, Md. Masudul Karim, Md. Ashrafuzzaman

Department of Crop Botany, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

An experiment was conducted at the Crop Botany Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, during the period from November 2014 to April 2015 to study the morpho-physiological attributes and yield of four groundnut genotypes as influenced by different plant spacing. The experiment was laid out in two factors randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Four plant spacing viz. 30 cm × 15 cm, 30 cm × 20 cm, 40 cm × 15 cm and 40 cm × 20 cm were tested on four groundnut genotypes viz. BINA cheenabadam-1, BINA cheenabadam-2, BINA cheenabadam-3 and BINA cheenabadam-4. Results showed that plant spacing had significant influence on growth and yield contributing characters. The highest pod yield (2.93 t ha^–1) and harvest index (36.79%) were recorded in 40 cm × 15 cm spacing due to accommodation of higher number of plants per unit area. The minimum number of pod plant^–1 (25.25) and pod yield (2.59 t ha^–1) were recorded in 30 cm × 15 cm spacing. The pod yield decreased gradually with the increasing of row spacing. The genotypes BINA cheenabadam-1, BINA cheenabadam-2 and BINA cheenabadam-3 performed superiority in morphological, physiological and yield contributing characters than the BINA cheenabadam-4 genotype. The interaction of genotype and spacing had significant effect on morpho-physiological and yield contributing characters. BINA cheenabadam-1 and BINA cheenabadam-2 produced the highest pod yield of 2.98 and 3.28 t ha^–1, respectively with 40 cm × 15 cm spacing whereas BINA cheenabadam-3  produced the highest pod yield (3.13 t ha^–1) with 30 cm × 20 cm spacing although per plant yield was inferior to the closer spacing in all the genotypes. So, 40 cm × 15 cm spacing is the best spacing in terms of pod and seed yield in groundnut genotypes.

Keywords: Groundnut, Spacing, Morpho-physiology, Yield.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: drashraf2007@yahoo.com (Md. Ashrafuzzaman)

How to cite this article: : Hossain KMM, Uddin MN, Karim MM and Ashrafuzzaman M (2016). Morpho-physiological attributes and yield of four groundnut genotypes as influenced by different plant spacing. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 3(4): 35-42.

A.F. M Shahidullah, M.E.R. Bhuiyan, Md. Imam Hossain, Md. Raisul Islam, Md. Mahi Uddin Riaz

Department of Physiology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

The study was outlaid & performed in order to investigate the effects of gentamicin on hemato-biochemical study and growth performance changes of mice. In this research 32 mice were randomly divided into 4 equal groups (n=8) namely A, B, C, and D. Group D was kept as control and fed with normal broiler pellet along with 0.06 ml of normal saline administered through intramuscular route for consecutive 10 days. Mice of group A, B and C were maintained as treated groups and given 0.12ml, 0.06ml and 0.03ml of gentamicin sulfate respectively by I/M route also for a 10 day period. Pediatric dose of gentamicin (7.5mg/kg B.Wt) was followed as a standard. Group A was considered as high dose, group B as normal dose and lastly, group C as half dose to be compared with the pediatric dose. The effects of gentamicin in the development of physiological and pathological alterations in mice were evaluated based on weight gain, biochemical parameters and hematology. The findings showed that, the mean initial body weight of all groups of approximately 60 days old (day 0 of experiment) were almost similar (A,B,C and D; 36.93±2.38g, 35.81±2.03g, 36.06±2.83g and 36.06±3.78g respectively). The differences between values were insignificant. Although, it showed much variation when recorded at the 5^th day of the experiment. Group A and D showed significant (P<0.05) decrease in body weight (34.13±1.85g, 31.71±3.10g respectively) whereas, Group B and C showed increase in body weight (38.21±1.99g, 36.40±1.89g respectively) as compared to the day 0 body weight. In addition, On day 10 all the groups (A, B, C and D) showed increase (P<0.05) in body weight (38.95±1.83g, 38.63±1.50g, 37.61±1.73g and 33.96±1.09g respectively). In case of hematological parameters, erythrocyte number (TEC), hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) increased significantly in group B (7.95±.16 millions/cc, 8.05±.28gm/dl, 31±1.35% respectively) as compared with control. Total leukocyte count (TLC) showed a different scenario as the value was recorded highest in group A (7.99±0.11 thousand/cc) compared with control. In case of differential leukocyte count (DLC) the percentage of different cells showed great variation amongst the groups as compared with the control. Percentage of neutrophil and monocyte recorded highest in Group B (34.25±1.25%, 2.25±.48% respectively), eosinophil in group A (3±1.25%), lymphocyte in group C (64.67±1.33%). In the biochemical study, the level of cholesterol was recorded highest (P<0.05) in group B (122.74±9.37gm/dl). Similarly, the other parameters (serum creatinine, triglyceride and high density lipoprotein) were significantly higher in group B (0.45±.06 mg/dl, P<0.05; 211.96±49.13mg/dl, P<0.01 and 71.85±1.98mg/dl, p<0.01 respectively) than that of all groups as compared with the control. One of the aims of the research was to elucidate the fact that, whether or not the pediatric dose of gentamicin is safe for administration. On the basis of the findings and observations of the present study, it can be concluded that, administration of pediatric dose of gentamicin might be able to cause some changes in growth performance, hematological and biochemical blood profile but the changes of values would not exceed the reference ranges of these parameters. So, gentamicin if administered at pediatric dose is safe.

Keywords: Gentamicin, Growth, Mice, Blood prolife.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: ronnie.cvasu@gmail.com (A.F. M Shahidullah)

How to cite this article: Shahidullah AFM, Bhuiyan MER, Hossain MI, Islam MR and Riaz MMU (2016). Effects of gentamicin on growth performance and hemato-biochemical parameters in mice. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 3(4): 43-51.

M. Milon¹, M.H. Kabir², M.A. Hossain¹, M. Rahman¹, M.A.K. Azad¹, M.A. Hashem¹

¹Department of Animal Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
²BAU Extension Center (BAUEC), Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

The experiment was conducted to find out the effect of different levels of turmeric powder and synthetic antioxidant on fresh and preserved beef meatballs as a source of value added meat products. Ground beef samples were divided into five treatment groups viz. control, antioxidant (BHA), 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3% turmeric powder as T₁, T₂, T₃, T₄ and T₅, respectively. Proximate analysis, sensory tests (color, flavor, tenderness, juiciness, and overall acceptability), cooking loss, pH value, free fatty acids (FFA), thiobarbituric acid values (TBARS), peroxide value (POV) and microbiological examination were determined. Days of intervals were on 0, 15^th, 30^th and 60^th days. DM content of all the treatment groups differ significantly (p<0.05), DM content increased significantly (p<0.05) with the advancement of different days of intervals. CP, EE, and Ash content of all treatments were increased significantly (p<0.05). FFA values, TBARS, POV were decreased significantly (p<0.05). Color, flavor, tenderness, juiciness, overall acceptability, raw P^H, cooked p^H were increased at different treatment levels significantly (p<0.05). The cooking loss at different treatment levels were differ significantly (p<0.05). TVC (log CFU/g), TCC (log CFU/g) and TYMC (log CFU/g) was decreased significantly (p<0.05) at different treatment levels. In conclusion on the basis of sensory evaluation, 0.2% turmeric powder group was more acceptable but on the basis of nutrient quality, physicochemical properties, biochemical, microbial analysis 0.3% turmeric powder group was more satisfactory than other treatments.

Keywords: Beef meatball, Curcuma longa, Antioxidant, Value added.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: hashem_as@bau.edu.bd (M.A. Hashem)

How to cite this article: Milon M, Kabir MH, Hossain MA, Rahman M, Azad MAK and Hashem MA (2016). Value added beef meatballs using turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder as a source of natural antioxidant. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 3(4): 52-61.

Md. Moniruzzaman, Mohosena Begum Tanu, Arun Chandra Barman, Mohammad Ferdous Siddique, Abu Rayhan

Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Mymensingh-2201, Bangladesh

Freshwater mussels (Lamellidens marginalis) are very important components of aquatic ecosystems. The study was undertaken to know population ecology of Lamellidens marginalis. The pearl growing freshwater mussels were cultured in two earthen ponds and one cemented tank was studied for a period of five months (November 2015 to March 2016) in freshwater sub-station, Saidpur, Nilphamari district. The main goal of the study was to know growth and survival factors and discussed with reference to similar work. In the study period, the instantaneous and relative growth rate, and survival rate (%) for the pearl mussels were evaluated. A total of 60 mussels were collected and the growth (shell length and total weight) and survival of mussels were measured and recorded on 15 days interval basis throughout the study. Average shell length and total weight of three treatments were 5.92 ± 0.39 cm, 5.19 ± 0.29 cm, 5.12 ± 0.66 cm and 13.08 ± 1.65g, 13.5 ± 2.85g, 18.33 ± 2.65g and the health condition of mussels were found 2.01 ± 0.34 g cm^-1, 2.36 ± 0.50 g cm^-1, 3.25 ± 0.33 g cm^-1 respectively. Water quality parameters are also tested during the culture period which did not affect on the growth and survival of the mussels. The results obtained from the present investigation of pond water shall be useful in culturing the freshwater mussel, L. marginalis.

Keywords: Pearl, freshwater mussel, Lamellidens marginalis, Growth rate, survival rate.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: monirenvsc@gmail.com (M Moniruzzaman)

How to cite this article: Moniruzzaman M, Tanu MB, Barman AC, Siddique MF and Rayhan A (2016). Growth performance of Lamellidens marginalis under captive condition in semi-arid zone of Bangladesh. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 3(4): 62-67.

Aovijite Bosu, Md. Istiaque Haidar, Flura, Md. Ashikur Rahman, Masud Hossain Khan, Yahia Mahmud

Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Mymensingh-2201, Ministry of fisheries and livestock, Dhaka, Bangladesh

An investigation was carried out to know the factors associated with the outbreaks of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) disease in cage culture systems in the river Dakatia and Dhonagoda in Chandpur districts of Bangladesh. The study was based on 4 focus group discussions (FGD) during two disease prone seasons.  During the FGD sessions, data were collected from cage operators of South Torpurchandi, Roghunathpur, Icholi Ghat and South Motlob Feri Ghat adjacent fishermen community areas through FGD. Almost 30 cage operators participated in each of four focus group discussion. Moreover, data were gathered by spot visit, and interviewing cage operators both face to face and over mobile phone. Following FGD, among the total 120 cage culture systems only 11 affected culture systems were found vulnerable during visit and 90 affected fish were captured and investigated to diagnose the disease. Following clinical signs such as, sluggish movement, loss of appetite, spinning, spine displacement, darkening of skin, scale loss, eye protrusion & opaqueness, swollen abdomen and hemorrhages at the base of fins & in opercula were recorded. The cage operators reported 22-30% mortality and morbidity in their culture systems. Disease occurred during the onsets of summer and winter when temperature fluctuates suddenly compared to optimum temperature identified during FGD and spot visit. In cages, 140 to 200g sized fish were found more susceptible to disease outbreaks.  Morbidity and mortality rate varied with season, location, cage setting, management practice etc. Cage crowding high stocking density, poor water flow, insufficient water depth, lack of disinfection and drying of cages before restocking, poor cleaning of cages during culture period, entry of huge domestic waste through sluice gate etc. were identified to enhance the risk of disease outbreaks based on the study. Therefore, the knowledge and understanding of the above risk factors could be useful in minimizing the chances of disease outbreaks in cage culture systems in Bangladesh.

Keywords: Tilapia, Disease, Mortality, Risk factor, Cage culture, Bangladesh.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: ovi_bosu08@yahoo.com (Aovijite Bosu)

How to cite this article: Bosu A, Haidar MI, Flura, Rahman MA, Khan MH and Mahmud Y (2016). Risk factors associated with disease of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in cage culture systems. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 3(4): 68-74.