ABSTRACT
Moringa is a plant whose cultivation began in Asia but has spread widely throughout the world. It is fast growing and drought tolerant. The uses of moringa are multiple and multiform. It is used in human and animal food and also is a medicinal plant that has antimicrobial activities and treats several types of diseases. In addition to this, it has other environmental and industrial uses that make it very important. This paper highlights its origin and geographical distribution, bio-ecology, chemical composition, uses, and pests that affect it.

ABSTRACT
Study on the effect of batch of hatch on growth performance of the Nigerian Tiv chicken ecotype was undertaken to investigate genetic diversity within the populations. A total of 55 birds comprising of 50 hens and 5 cock were purchased and used as the base population. A mating ratio of 1 cock to 10 hens was applied to generate the experimental birds. After successful four batches of hatching, 354 chicks were generated. The birds were raised according to their batch of hatch until mortality. Data were collected on body weight, body weight gain, growth rate and mortality rate. Data collected were subjected to one-way Analysis of Variance using the SPSS statistical package version 21. The results indicate that batch of hatch had significant (P<0.05) effect on weekly body weight, body weight gain and growth rate at day old and at subsequent weeks until maturity. Batches 3 and 4 had significantly (P<0.05) higher body weight, body weight gain and growth rate compared to batches 1 and 2. Batches 2 and 4 had significantly (P<0.05) lower mortality rate compared to batches 1 and 3 at initial age but as from 7 weeks of age, batches 1 and 2 had significantly (P<0.05) lower mortality rate compared to batches 3 and 4. From this study, it was recommended that the genetic diversity across batch of hatch within the Tiv chickens observed in this study should be exploited through selection subsequent crossing between birds from different batch of hatch to take advantage of heterosis.

ABSTRACT
The study was conducted using one hundred and fifty matured domestic pigeons to measure body linear parameters as well as external and internal egg quality characteristics in other to determine phenotypic relationships and predict body weight from body linear measurements. Data were collected on body weight, shank length, breast girth, body length, wing length, tail length and beak length at maturity. Two hundred eggs were collected and analyzed for both external and internal quality characteristics. The data obtained were analyzed using the correlation and regression procedure of SPSS Statistical software. The result obtained from this study body weight correlate positively with all other body linear parameters. However, the relationships between beak length and other body parameters except body weight were negative and mostly low. The strongest relationship in this study was between body weight and shank length. The coefficient of determination was highest for shank length (0.710), followed by wing length (0.680), breast girth (0.630) while tail length had the least coefficient of determination (0.360). It was suggested that the best equation for predicting body weight from linear body measurement could be: BW = 40.9+1.96BL-0.84WL+3.98BG+0.112SL. From the findings of this study, it was concluded that shank length is the most suitable body measurement that could be used for selection of domestic pigeon due to its strongest phenotypic correlation with body weight and other body parameters.

ABSTRACT
The study was carried out to assess plant litter quantity and quality between montane and high forest zones of Taraba State, Nigeria. Two forest reserves were randomly selected out of the forest zones in Taraba State for this study; the forests were River Amboi and Ngel Yaki forest reserves for high forests and montane forest zones respectively. Two 10 kilometers line transects were established in each of the forest reserves along which 20 m x 20 m plots were laid at 2 kilometers intervals. Plants litter samples were systematically collected from each plot for onward transfer to the laboratory for analysis using standard laboratory procedures. Plant litter was analysed for litter quantity and quality parameters. Student’s t-test and Pearsons correlation coefficient were used to compare and determine the relationship between the plant litter parameters assesed respectively between the two forest zones. There was significant difference in plant litter quantity (P<0.05) between Montane forest (0.6630) and High forest (0.5040). The distribution of litter quality, Mg (0.000) and Na (0.000) showed that montane forest significantly higher than the high forest (p ˂ 0.05). Organic carbon (0.357), Total nitrogen (0.598), available Phosphorus (0.662), K (0.428), Ca (0.531), and S (0.564) show no significant differences (p ˃ 0.05) between the montane and high forest zones. The result showed that in montane forest correlation between Na and Ca were significant (0.684) at (p ˂ 0.05). However, litter quantity and available phosphorus was significantly and negatively correlated (- 0.655) at (p ˂ 0.05). At high forest K and organic carbon was significantly and negatively correlated (- 0.644) at (p ˂ 0.05) litter quantity and TN also showed significantly and negatively correlation (- 0.751) at (p ˂ 0.05). Inclusion montane forest had higher litter quantity and quality than high forest.

ABSTRACT
Trees are very important to mankind in different capacity. This study was carried out to assess the diversity, richness and status of tree species in Faculty of Agriculture Shabu-Lafia Campus Nasarawa State Keffi, Northern Nigeria. The study area was divided in four independent site. A line transect of 1000M were established at each site by passing through the center of the site along which 10 sample plots of 50 m × 50 m in size were established in alternate position along each transect at 80m interval. Species diversity richness were measured using Shannon-Weiner index (H) and Margalef species richness index (D), respectively, percentage relative density was used to measure trees status. Thirty six (36) tree species belonging to twenty one (21) families were recorded. Family Fabaceae had the highest number of species. From the results of the study invasive tree species are the most dominat. The Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H) were 2.74 for total site, 2.18 for site A, 2.10 for site B, 2.24 for site C and 2.29 for site D. The Margalef species richness index (D) values for the species were; total site = 4.89, site A = 2.66, Site B = 2.60, Site C = 2.28 and Site D = 2.50. The result of the status showed that 19.44% of tree species were abundant, 5.55% of the species were occasional, 27.77% of the trees species were rare, and 47.22% were threaten or endanger. In conclusion tree species diversity ranging 1.5-3.5 is in line with standard. The tree species richness is low. Majority of the species were either rare or endanger. The study recommended that, there should be legislation against felling or cutting down of any tree that is ≥ 10cm in diameter be it local or invasive species in the study area. Annual enrichment planting of trees species should be adopted. Awareness on the potential ecological benefits of tree stands on farmlands to the people within and surrounding the study area will play a vital role in conserving the tree species.