ABSTRACT
Creating an original instructional material in teaching science by relating learning content to local information and materials from the learner’s community is one of the main features of the K to 12 Curriculum that will enhance students’ achievement. The study aimed to develop and determine the acceptability of a localized module on ecosystem (Science 7) in Schools near the Mapanuepe Lake, Zambales. The study utilized mixed method- concurrent transformative design. The respondents of the study were four (4) selected evaluators and specialists in the field of Science from the Schools Division of Zambales. The researcher reviewed the grade 7 science curriculum guide then conducted a thorough observation on community near the Mapanuepe Lake, Zambales. Afterwards, he developed a localized module that was given to the respondents identified by the researcher together with the evaluation form. The results of the evaluation were used by the researcher in improving some aspects of the module to come up with a Localized Module on Interaction (Science 7). Results revealed that lessons in Grade 7 Science that concerned with the environment are components of an ecosystem, ecological relationships, and transfer of energy through trophic levels. The module was acceptable. The overall mean 4.52 indicates that the module is Excellent. This means that the aspects of module are very adequately covered and the quality is superior. Five major themes emerged to describe the comments and suggestions of the evaluators and specialists in the improvement of the module. These are the following: Localized activities, Activities are organized, Objectives are met, Translate localized terms, Complete and Simplified.

ABSTRACT
Transhumance production system is characterized by seasonal movement of the herders to make use of free-range pasture. In this study camel milk samples were collected during different seasons from different she camels’ rearing in transhumance system. The camel milk samples (n= 150) were collected from Western and Eastern Shandi, River Nile State, Sudan. The chemical composition (protein, lactose, total solids and density) and microbiological loads (total bacterial, coliform and yeast and mould) of camel milk were determined. The results showed that overall means for the total solids, protein and lactose content and density of camel milk samples collected from Eastern and Western Shandi during different seasons revealed 12.98±12.84%, 3.58±3.43% and 4.77±4.69% and 1.035±1.030 gm/cm3, respectively. The age and parity number of the she camel revealed highly significant (P<0.01) correlations when compared with total solids, protein, lactose and density. The milk yield was higher in camel reared in Eastern Shandi during winter and Western Shandi during autumn. Also, there were significant (P<0.05) differences in total bacterial, coliform and yeast and mould counts in camel milk collected from Western and Eastern Shandi during the different seasons. However non-significant (P>0.05) differences were found between the two locations in the microbial quality of camel milk. This study concluded that parity number, age of camel, seasons and pasture content are important factors contributing to the variations in camel milk chemical composition. Moreover, the transhumance production system of camel sustains uniform chemical composition of milk, while variations in the microbiological quality are observed.

ABSTRACT
Study this aim for knowledge of the influence of smoking time, use biobriquettes of leaf kesambi torrefied against shrinking, as well as the characteristics of organoleptic colour and texture of sei meat. The study used a random design complete with durations of 60 minutes, 90 minutes, and 120 minutes. Meat weighs 8 kg, is sliced transversely 2-3 cm thick, and is soaked with 16 grams of salt, 2.4 grams of saltpetre, and 2 cloves of white onion. The meat was then hushed up for 2 hours inside a Sokal (a basket made of palm leaves) and closed thermocouple meat entered into meat For measuring internal temperature. Temperature room smoking is guarded between 100°C and 150°C and controlled by four thermocouple sensors. The internal temperature of meat is monitored between 63°C and 77°C. Analysis results show that old curing is influential in shrinking Cook's meat. shrink cooks highest found in the long smoking treatment of 60 minutes (22.96%), and no different with the long curing treatment of 90 minutes. The curing time also affects the colour and texture parameters. Long smoking treatment of 60 minutes No different real with a long smoking treatment of 90 minutes, however different real with a long smoking treatment of 120 minutes. The highest colour parameter value was obtained in the long smoking treatment of 60 minutes (4.50), while the lowest value was obtained in the long smoking treatment of 120 minutes (3.70). The highest colour score was achieved in the long smoking treatment of 60 minutes (4.57), and the lowest score was obtained in the long smoking treatment of 120 minutes (3.33). Long smoking affects shrinkage as well as characteristic organoleptic colour and texture. The treatment that works best is the long smoking time of 60 minutes, which produces shrinkage of 8.6430% as well as colour and texture.

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.

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
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.