How farmers can increase their farm productivity

Use improved Tools and Implements:
Farming is no longer practiced using simple but rather ineffective tools (such as hoes, cutlasses, axes, etc.) that made agriculture tedious and production low. Technology has ushered in tractors, hand-operated planters, wheel barrows, harrows, hand-operated fertilizer drills, combined harvesters which have increased agricultural productivity. Farmers need to be up-to-date on the latest implements and how they can help increase agricultural productivity.

Soil Improvement:
Different crops require different soil nutrients to yield productivity. For instance some soils that support the growth of groundnut may not be good for rice. Science and technology provides us with knowledge about soil requirements. Fertilisers also maintain soil fertility and boost yield. Knowledge of various ways of improving soil quality is important for farmers.

Protect your crops:
There are now herbicides and pesticides which protect crops from weeds and pests that reduce yield. Examples of pesticides are Simazine and Round-up (used in rice cultivation). Pesticides include Gamalin 20 (used to control some cocoa pests) and Aldrex- T (used for seed dressing cereals).

Crop and Animal Improvement:
There are improved varieties of plants and breeds of animals. For instance, modern technology of artificial insemination has brought about a new breed of cows by crossing the exotic Friesian breed (good for milk production) and the disease resistant White Fulani Cow. The offspring is a good milk producer that’s highly resistant to unfavorable weather conditions.

Animal Health: Veterinary doctors specialize in the prevention and treatment of animal diseases. This is possible because of the knowledge of veterinary medicine.

Irrigation:
Modern irrigation technology has made the availability of water easier. Various irrigation equipments (like pumps, dams and sprinklers) have been designed. Nigeria has a River Basin and Rural Technology Development Authorities that uses irrigation as a means of boosting food production.

Transportation, Processing and Storage: Modern Science has made it easy for farm products to be transported to different parts of the country. For instance, there are refrigerated trucks used to transport fish and meat. Famers also have means of preserving their harvests. There are also chemicals used to increase the shelf lives of produce. Today there are palm oil mills, rice mills and tomato processing plants unlike the olden days when most of produce processing was done manually. There are now improved bins, silos, rhombus for the efficient storage of farm produce.

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16 Reasons why pigs make best pets

• They’ve got great style.
• They’re adventurous.
• They’re inquisitive.

Especially when it comes to food. Like if there's food around, that pig will find it.

• They’re top-notch loafers.
• They’ve got infectiously cheerful dispositions.
• They’re super smart.

This means they can be house-trained, and learn tricks, but it can also mean they will try to outsmart you.

• They enjoy the finer things in life.

Like basking in the summer sun. Or taking a quick dip.

• They make fast friends.

Seriously, they love every creature in this world and every creature loves them

• They’re expert snugglers.
• They’re always down for a girls’ night in.
• They SAVE LIVES.

Lucky the pig saved his Illinois family by waking them up in the middle of a house fire. Back in 2002, pot-bellied pig LuLu lay down in the middle of traffic to get a driver to stop and follow her back to her house, and get help for her human who had just suffered a heart attack

• They’re loyal and affectionate.
• They’re mischievous.

So be prepared to be kept busy.

• When they’re babies, they are literal angels.
• And if it’s the right match for you…

Pigs can grow to upwards of 400 pounds, need access to pools or puddles to cool down in the hot weather, and thrive in homes with a lot of space for roaming and rooting.

They can be your new best friend.

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Horrible sea creatures, Are they really existing?

The Blobfish was recently named the world’s ugliest animal and for good reason. This gnarly looking fish inhabits the deep waters off the coasts of mainland Australia and Tasmania, as well as the waters of New Zealand. Are you ready to bust out the Go Pro camera to hunt down and find this little guy?


Another hollow beauty, the Ghost Shrimp only has color when it eats something colorful. It only eats plant based foods. It resides in lakes and rivers throughout the central portion of the United States. They are as clear as the glass aquariums thanks to their semi translucent shells.


The Blind Lobster is also called the Dinochelus ausubeli, which means terrible and fearful in Greek. The new species belongs to the Thaumastochelopsis group, which was represented by only four specimens. The Census of Marine Life collected it at 300 meters.< Br>

The Jeweled Umbrella Squid was found 1,650 feet beneath the North Atlantic Ocean. The eyes on this distinct beauty are mismatched. One is bigger than the other which helps with scoping it’s prey in the darkness. The sea creature is known to get pretty large in size; 119 centimeters total in length.


The Sea Angel is normally seen swimming in groups and is classified into six families. The sea slugs are also labeled as “cliones” and was discovered in 2005 by the Census of Marine Life at about 1,148 feet under the ocean. The sea angel is actually a naked snail.


The Yeti Crab is new to science and belongs to a new family of crustaceans. It is related to lobsters, crabs and shrimps. The hairlike setae provides a nutritional source and hosts mats of chemosynthetic bacteria. The Yeti crab is also apart of the Kiwaidae family.


The Young Ice Fish has no red blood cells and it’s blood is filled with anti-freeze. The unique underwater creature is adapted to the cold waters of Antarctica continental shelf where it resides.


The vampire squid shares similarities with the squid and octopus. It is a deep sea cephalopod found throughout the tropical oceans in the world. The phylogenetic relict is the only known survivor of it’s order, Vampyromorphida.


The deformed looking fish washed up on the Brazilian beach. It’s fins appear to be a cross between legs and wings making it one bizarre discovery. The “Longnose Batfish” uses it’s strong pectoral and pelvic as hands and feet. It is a poor swimmer.


The albino, and one eyed shark was first discovered as a fetus inside of it’s mother in the Sea of Cortez. Many questioned the legitimacy of this cyclops shark but scientist have confirmed it is real. Thanks to a congenital condition called “cyclopia”, the 22 inch long fetus has one eyed in the front of his head.

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News update: A deadly pig disease has the U.S scrambling for solution

A deadly disease is spreading rapidly through the nation’s pig population, killing hogs by the millions and posing a major threat to the U.S. pork industry. Called Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus, or PEDv, it’s as nasty as it sounds: it causes vomiting and diarrhea in piglets and is nearly always fatal. Pre-weaning it has a 100 percent mortality rate.
Karen Richter, president of the National Pork Board, calls PEDv ”one of the most serious and devastating diseases our pig farmers have faced in decades.”
In recent months, the federal government, along with research and industry experts, have ramped up their efforts to contain the disease. Here’s what you need to know about the continued threat:
When did this become a thing?
PEDv is a global issue, but the first documented in the U.S. was discovered a year ago. Since then, it’s spread fast, hitting 30 states and killing as estimated 8 million pigs, or a full 10 percent of the nation’s herd. As Rodney “Butch” Baker, a swine biosecurity specialist at Iowa State University, explained to Reuters, “Something like a tablespoon of PEDv infected manure is roughly enough to infect the entire U.S. hog herd.”
The outbreak peaked this past March, and earlier this month the USDA pledged $26 million to combat the disease.

Can humans get it? No, just pigs. In the 40 or so years it’s been around, it’s never been transferred from animals to humans, and it’s likely to stay that way. According to the USDA, its presence in food won’t make pork-eaters sick.

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Best tips on how to understand your cats' behaviour

Understand that a cat can be just as loving, dependent, and attached to you as you like .
Cats are affectionate and responsive. Every cat's behavior is a result of how he is treated. If you ignore your cat, he will ignore you. If you talk, pet, and play with him often, he will be attached to you.
To get your attention, cats will often try to get your attention either by sitting close, brusing up against you legs or meowing. Some cats will even bat their eyelids, telling you that they are allowing you in their domain. So go ahead and fuss them! Try giving your cat full attention at least 15-30 minutes each day. This will result in a happy cat, which is more likely to bond to you.

Know that cats can take care of themselves when necessary .
They don't need the same kind of care as dogs. But cats also dearly love companionship.

Realize that most cat owners think of their cats as close companions or as members of the family .
People talk to their cats, sleep with their cats, and celebrate with their cats on the holidays. Cats greet their owners at the door, follow them about, and come when they are called. They affectionately rub against and 'paddle' (this stems from the cats instinct to feed from their mother, stimulating the milk flow by paddling. The cat should never be stopped from doing this in a bad tempered way, as it will feel hurt!) on people when they are content.

Realize that if your cat doesn't seem as friendly as you would like then start paying more attention to kitty .
Call his name when you come in the door and when you feed him. Get some toys and play with him.

Understand why your cat urinates on your bed or your favorite chair when you are away for several days.
Although you may think your cat did so out of spite, it is more likely that he felt separation anxiety. The cat was attracted to a place where your scent was strongest.
Getting into your plants and otherwise making a mess while you are gone could be your cat's way of relieving boredom. It also could be another way of relieving separation anxiety.
The best way to handle the previous two problems is to "cat-proof" your house before you leave. Close the bedroom door and cover the planters with foil or plastic wrap to keep him out of the dirt. Leave lots of toys out. Ask your cat sitter to play with him while you are away.
Cats feel jealousy so if you have gotten a new kitten and your older cat suddenly begins to misbehave realize he is jealous. Cats become stressed when any change in routine occurs. It is more likely the cat's eating, play, and sleeping schedules have been changed. You may show a different attitude toward your cat now than you did before. The best cure for "jealousy" is to return to a consistent schedule as soon as possible. Set aside time each day to play with your cat. Even if you have less time available, your cat will appreciate a regular play time.
Perhaps you have seen your cat accidentally fall off somewhere he was lying. After the fall, he sits up, looks around, and quickly begins to groom himself.
Although cats are said to be solitary animals, they do form bonds with each other. When two cats become close and one is lost or dies, the remaining cat may be depressed for months. A depressed cat may meow constantly or stop eating. Lots of loving and comfort is needed in this case. Cats are emotional creatures. Cats can feel lonely, bored, frightened, or stressed. They show stress in a variety of ways, from over- grooming to forgetting their toilet habits. Many behavior problems are caused by the cat's sensitive nature.

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Best tips on how to train your dog

Tips on teaching your dog or puppy to sit:

When teaching your dog to sit, hold your hand high over its head with a reward{food or toy} in it. Your dog will look up at the reward. Use your other hand to gently push the dog's behind into a sitting position, and say in a clear, firm tone, "SIT" while still holding the reward in the air above the dog's head. When your dog sits, give him the treat and verbally praise him. Do not allow your dog to jump up and grab the reward out of your hand. Say firmly, "NO." You will have to repeat this over and over. Eventually your dog will associate sitting with the reward and will sit without your assistance.
Remember the training sessions should be short but frequent. Repeat this method periodically throughout the day. If you get frustrated, stop and try again later.

It is usually best to teach your dog to sit before you teach it to stay. The reason is your dog will have an easier time staying if it is in a sitting position. After your dog has the sitting command down, and has been correctly sitting for a couple of days without assistance, it is time to teach your dog to stay and come. Tell your dog to sit. Have two rewards in your hand. After your dog sits, give it one of the rewards.

Hold your empty hand up like a stop sign in front of your dog's face and back up slowly saying "STAY" clearly and firmly. Be sure to stay facing your dog and remain looking at him. Go a short distance and say with some enthusiasm, "COME." When your dog comes to you reward him again. If your dog gets up and runs to you without the "COME" command, say "NO" and start all over again.
Remember to verbally praise as well as provide a food reward when he gets a new command correct. Start off only backing up a short distance from your dog. As he begins to understand what you want of him, you may back farther away and eventually you may be able to walk out of sight and have your dog still stay until he hears the "COME" command.
Remember to be consistent and stop if you become frustrated. Your dog can sense frustration and it will confuse him. They want to please you. If they sense your frustration, they may learn to dislike the training sessions as they associate them with a negative feeling coming from you.





After successfully teaching your dog to sit, stay, and come—without assistance, it's time to teach him to lie down on command. Tell your dog to sit. Show him the reward you have in your hand. Hold the reward up and then bring it down in front of the dog to the floor and say "DOWN" in a firm clear voice, you can also help the dog by pushing its back down to a lying position . Only give the reward if he lies down to reach it. Do not give it to him if he stands up to reach the reward. Again repeat this throughout the day as much as possible, keeping sessions short and frequent.

Each training session should include any new commands you are trying as well as old commands the dog has already learned—so the dog does not forget them. Always be consistent. Important: If you become frustrated, stop and try again later.
Staying positive and taking the time to play with your dog during sessions will teach him that following commands is happy and rewarding.

Tips on teaching your dog to heel .
Note: A puppy/dog that goes on daily pack walks is easier to train as it will be calmer and less anxious.

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Fishes are more intelligent than we thought

Fish have feelings too – at least that's the conclusion of new research out of Australia that says far from being dumb and not feeling pain, fish have primary senses as good as, or better, than humans.

The study by Culum Brown of Macquarie University, published in Animal Cognition today, says fish are more intelligent than many previously believed.

Dr Brown says consideration should therefore be given to the welfare of fish just like other animals, and they should be thought of as sentient.

Most people think about fish as food or pets, but are second only to mice in terms of numbers used in scientific research.

"Although scientists cannot provide a definitive answer on the level of consciousness for any non- human vertebrate, the extensive evidence of fish behavioural and cognitive sophistication and pain perception suggests that best practice would be to lend fish the same level of protection as any other vertebrate," Dr Brown says.
The study, which looked at bony fish, found they had good memories, live in complex social communities where they keep track of individuals and learn from each other, developing cultural traditions.

They can also recognise each other and cooperate, and are capable of using tools and methods of keeping track of quantities.

The study notes fish behaviour is much the same as primates, except they don't have the ability to imitate.

The level of mental complexity in fish is comparable with most other vertebrates, and there is growing evidence they feel pain in a way similar to humans.

Dr Brown believes the misperceptions people have of fish as being unintelligent is influenced by humans not often coming into contact with them in their natural environments.

There are more than 32,000 known species of fish, outweighing the diversity of all other vertebrates combined.

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