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The main aim was to x-rayed broiler profitability in the surveyed area. Multi-stage sampling method was used in respondents' selection. Questionnaires were utilized to obtained data which were analysed employing descriptive statistics and benefit cost ratio model. The study witnessed moderate family size with secondary school level in their productive age. Broiler enterprise was engaged upon as a minor occupation with low mean broiler size of 100 birds and 10 years rearing experience. The findings indicated that broiler income and production cost were N285,000 ($693.84) and N239,800 ($583.80) respectively. Benefit cost ratio of 1.2 was realized which indicated 20% profit per cycle (five to six weeks). Considering the rate of quick turn-over the broiler production business is profitable. It recommends that flock size should be increased and effective management of resources to cut down production cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of various processing methods on phytochemicals and nutrient composition of Gmelina arborea leaves was studied. Leaves of G. arborea leaves (GAL) were collected and processed as fresh (T1), chopped (T2), sun-dried (T3), air-dried (T4) and boiled-dried (T5). Samples were used for proximate, mineral and phytochemical analyses to determine the nutrient profile and anti-nutrient composition. The data collected were subjected to one-way analysis of variance and means were separated by Duncan's Multiple Range Test. Nutritional analysis of the processed G. arborea leaves showed that samples contain major nutrients like carbohydrates, protein, fat, minerals and vitamins for ruminants optimum physiological performance. The value of crude protein obtained in this study was 18.05-20.95%. Mineral profile revealed the presence of iron, zinc, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, copper and sodium which varies with processing methods. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannin, alkaloid, oxalate, flavonoid, saponnin and steroid depicting potential toxicity of the feed resources. The boiled-dried method had a better reduction effect on aniti-nutrients, followed by air-dried and sun-dried, compared to the fresh method. Processing tremendously improved the nutritive value of G. arborea leaves as feed for ruminants. The processing methods adopted in the study showed that they do not reduce the nutritional values but could reduce the anti-nutritional components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]