Background: Gender roles in agricultural decision-making significantly influence resource allocation, productivity, and household welfare in rural communities. This study examined gender-specific roles in allocation and investment decisions among agricultural households in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria. It aimed to understand the models of household decision-making and the socio-economic factors shaping these dynamics. 
 
Methods: A multistage random sampling technique was used to select 60 agricultural households. Data were collected using well-structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, and means) and Multinomial Logistic Regression. The study identified household socio-economic attributes, types of decision-making models, gender roles in decision-making, and factors influencing model selection. 
 
Result: Findings revealed that women, particularly adult females, are largely excluded from critical agricultural production decisions, though they are involved in labor-related decisions. Additionally, membership in farmer organizations or social groups had a statistically significant (p&gt;0.01) and inverse relationship with the type of decision-making model adopted. The study recommends encouraging farmers to form and actively participate in cooperatives to improve their socio-economic standing and reduce dependence on government support for household and community development.

What Determines Gender Roles in the Allocation and Investment Decisions of Farm Households in Nigeria?

Background: Women play a critical role in both household management and agricultural production in rural Bangladesh. In Dumuria Upazila, Khulna district, it is well known that women dairy farmers contribute significantly to household income and food security. However, they face socio-economic and gender-based barriers that affect their access to resources, decision-making power and adoption of modern technologies. This study explores gender roles, access to credit, ownership perception and the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices among women dairy farmers, who spend their time mostly on the farming. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: A qualitative interviewfor gender analysis was conducted among 133 women dairy farmers selected from a broader population of 3,050 women aged 20 to 89 years in Dumuria Upazila of Khulna district. The family income of those farmers comes mostly from dairy farming. Data were collected through 12 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and 3 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) on demographics, household size, educational background, farming experience, access to credit, financial and decision-making involvement, asset perception and adoption of climate-smart technologies. The responses were analyzed to understand the gender dynamics and socio-economic conditions affecting the livelihood of those women. 
&nbsp; 
Result: The higher number of the respondents (44 farmers, 33%) were aged between 30-49. Women managed both household and farming responsibilities, with family sizes ranged from 2 to 10 members and dairy farming experience ranging from new entrants to over 30 years. Educational attainment varied. Only 35 (26.31%) respondents had access to credit. Nevertheless, women showed increasing involvement in financial decisions and milk distribution. Although most assets were officially registered in their husbands&rsquo; names, 131 (98.50%) women perceived the assets as their own. Joint decision-making in income management was common, though in households with elders or in-laws decisions were largely elder-driven.Regarding climate-smart technologies, only 14 (10.5%) respondents acknowledged familiarity. Nine (6.77%) used biogas plants and two used biogas combined with vermi-composting. Other mentioned to include rubber mats, water pumps and fans-suggesting unintentional use of such technologies. However, 64 (48%) respondents were unaware, 53 (39.85%) marked &ldquo;N/A,&rdquo; and one responded negatively, highlighting a major awareness gap in climate-smart farming practices.It was concluded from the findings that while women in dairy farming are increasingly participating in financial and household decision-making, their formal financial empowerment, such as buying assets in their names or opening fixed deposit in bank and access to climate-smart technologies remain limited, with a significant awareness gap in sustainable farming practices underscoring the need for targeted education and support interventions. 
&nbsp;

Empowering Women in Dairy Farming: Gender Roles, Challenges and Climate Smart Practices in Southern Bangladesh

<div>Type-1 diabetes mellitus is an insulin-dependent autoimmune disease, which is very common in the human populations regardless of gender. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of pulsed magnetic field (PMF), a non-invasive procedure, on male and female rats with type 1 diabetes, particularly on weight loss ratios, blood glucose levels and diabetic neuropathy. Before, the experimental groups were divided into three groups as control (C (F or M), diabetes (DM (F or M), controlled diabetes (DM(F)-INS or DM(M)-INS) groups according to their sex differences, then these experimental groups were exposed to magnetic field effect (PMF). The rats in the PMF groups were exposed to the pulsed magnetic field at 50 Hz (1.5 mT intensity) for 1h/5days/month. The body weights and blood glucose levels were measured once a week over a month. Female and male diabetic rats developing diabetic neuropathy were evaluated with thermal (thermal latency) and dynamic (mechanical threshold) plantar tests. After six-weeks of PMF treatment, the weight loss rate and increased blood glucose levels due to diabetes reversed in both female and male diabetic rats upon PMF treatment (p &lt;0.05). In diabetic neuropathic female and male rats, the thermal latency values increased, while the mechanical threshold values &nbsp; decreased. The reduction in diabetic neuropathic rats were statistically significant in diabetic rats (p &lt;0.05). The increased or decreased mechanical threshold and thermal latency values in diabetic neuropathic rats were statistically significant in only male diabetic rats (p &lt;0.05). &nbsp;Our studies may imply that the effect of PMF in neuropathic pain is gender dependent further inferring that hormonal mechanisms were also important in PMF dependent regulation.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Gender-Specific differences in pulsed magnetic field exposed to diabetic neuropathic rats</div>

<div>Background: The geese have several advantages over chickens. These birds are highly valued for its meat, also used to get rid of weeds as it was released in the fields, which the cost of raising it was low. In recent years, despite of interest in geese production, it is important to take cognisance of the fact that there is a dearth of information on carcass traits, and the different effects of age, gender and their interactions on carcass characteristics of geese. Therefore, the objective of the current study aimed to investigate effect of age, gender and their interactions on the carcass traits of geese (Anser anser). 
 
Methods: A number of geese parents at the end of the third season and their gosling hatched reared until 10 weeks of age and each stock contain equal number of sexes for assessing carcass traits. All geese were reared under equal managerial, environmental and hygienic conditions. 
 
Result: Parent stock was significantly (p&ge;0.0001) higher body weight, dressing percentage and edible meat parts compared to the young geese. Males&rsquo; geese had approximately a 17% significantly higher live weight, a 4.6% higher dressed carcass percentage and 5.2% higher edible meat parts percentage than females. The intestine and neck percentages were significantly affected only by age, whereas blood and feather percentages were significantly affected only by gender. Moreover, abdominal fat and gizzard fat percentages were affected by all observed factors. The young geese had approximately a 24.7% higher non-edible meat percentage than the parent&rsquo;s geese. Females&rsquo; geese had approximately 8.7% higher non-edible meat percentage than males. Abdominal and gizzard fat (%) were significantly affected by interaction between age and gender. A significant positive correlation coefficient was detected between live body weight and all edible parts of carcass characteristics weights for goose males. In conclusion, the increase of age had a positive effect on the carcass traits of geese (Anser anser). Males&rsquo; geese had a better carcass characteristics compared to females; in addition, the females were significantly higher than males for the abdominal fat and gizzard fat percentages.</div>

Carcass Traits of Geese (Anser anser) as Affected by Age, Gender and Their Interactions

<div>The present study examines the population dynamics of the green tiger prawn, Penaeus semisulcatus, in western Arabian Gulf. Monthly length-frequency samples were collected from Dareen port, between May 2013 and April 2014. Maximum carapace lengths recorded were 38 and 36.67 mm for males and females respectively. The growth analysis using von Bertalanffy model showed different growth patterns between males (CL&yen;= 51.50 mm; k = 1.77 yr-1) and females (CL&yen; = &nbsp;62 mm; k = 1.10 yr-1). Total mortality was also found to differ between the two genders with 4.65 yr-1 for males and 3.37 yr-1 for females. Estimates of natural mortality of males and females were 2.12 yr-1 and 1.47 yr-1 respectively. In all, the results found herein were consistent with the few published studies on the life history of Penaeus semisulcatus in the Arabian Gulf.</div>

<div>Population dynamics of the green tiger prawn, Penaeus semisulcatus de Haan, 1844 in the Saudi coast of the Arabian Gulf</div>

Creation and development of enterprise is shouldered by men and women equally. The study was undertaken in seven colleges of Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University of Gujarat State; to seek the answer that whether the revised curriculum is able to attain its objectives of creating entrepreneurs among both the genders. A pre-structured interview scheduled and a standardized tool was used to measure independent variables (basic profile) and dependent variable (entrepreneurial talent and willingness to set-up enterprise) respectively. Frequency, percentage, range, correlation coefficient were used to tabulate the data. Significant difference was obtained when overall entrepreneurial talent was compared among girls and boys. Risk taking ability, problem solving ability, persuasiveness and leadership ability of both the gender were found to be non significant. Girls were found to have higher self-concept and achievement motivation in comparison to their counterpart while boys had more positive attitude towards other entrepreneurs&rsquo; trait. Only about 12 per cent of the respondents were ready to set-up their enterprise and among them only 14 per cent were girls. The reason stated by boys for non willingness for entrepreneurial venture was &lsquo;lack of financial assistance&rsquo; and for girls it was &lsquo;lack of family support&rsquo;. Programme of study, year of study and mass media exposure showed positive correlation with entrepreneurial talent, thus enhancing these can bring change entrepreneurial talent of agricultural graduates.&nbsp;

Gender difference and readiness for entrepreneurial trait of&nbsp;agricultural graduates

<div>Background: The present study on the topic &ldquo;Phytomorphology and nutrient dynamics of mulberry leaves&rdquo; revealed high variability among mulberry varieties. Internodes were largest in variety Tr4 (6.06%). Actual leaf area was high in variety S146 (275.57 cm2). Numbers of leaves per meter branch was largest in variety S1531 (20.9). During 5 periodic sampling from sprouting to maturity average fresh and dry leaf weight of 100 leaves was high (197.93g) and (60.24g) respectively during 5th sampling. Average moisture content was high (83.41%) during 1st sampling highest average chlorophyll content (SPAD value) was also observed during 4th sampling (40.01%). Acidity was also high in variety Tr4 during maturity. Sugar content was high in variety T1 (3.66%) during 1st sampling (15 days). Starch and ash content was high in variety S1708 (43.06%) and (32.50%) during 5th sampling. Nitrogen and protein content was highest in variety S1608 (5.02%) and (31.56%) respectively during 1st sampling.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: In the field-laboratory investigation was conducted at Division of Sericulture,&nbsp;Division of Biochemistry and Plant Physiology, SKUAST-J, Chatha, during spring 2013. Ten mulberry varieties T1, Tr4, V1, S146, S1708, S799, S1608, S1531, S41 and Sujanpur were evaluated for phytomorphological and nutrient dynamic studies. The experiment was laid in complete randomized block design with three replicates. Each variety was taken as treatment and observations were recorded after 15 days interval upto 75th day after sprouting.&nbsp; 
 
Result: On the basis of current result, parameter observed fluctuations from the date of sprouting till maturity. Varietal response to periodic sampling too varied. Protein decreases age along with sugar, nitrogen. On the contrary starch, biomass, ash, chlorophyll shown a gradual increase. This information can be utilized to harvest a particular type of leaf for a particular age and rearing.</div>

<div>Phytomorphology and Nutrient Dynamics of Mulberry Leaf</div>

<div>Background: Anestrus is one of the most commonly encountered infertility problems in cattle and buffalo in India. Jaffarabadi is one of the heaviest buffalo breeds of the world and is a native of Saurashtra region of Gujarat. The breed is known for poor reproductive efficiency. To improve its reproductive efficiency, this study was undertaken on acyclic Jaffarabadi animals employing double Ovsynch protocol and its assessment through ovarian dynamics and blood biochemical and endocrine profile on a farm.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The study included acyclic post-pubertal Jaffarabadi heifers (age 42&plusmn;2 and 48&plusmn;2 months; Gr-I and Gr-II, n=6 each) and the postpartum lactating acyclic buffaloes (Gr-III, n=6) using a double Ovsynch protocol, which consisted of i/m injections of 20 &micro;g Buserelin acetate on days 0, 10, 17 and 26 and 500 &micro;g Cloprostenol sodium on days 7 and 24, with a timed insemination on day 27. Ovarian dynamics was monitored by performing ultrasonography using real-time B-mode ultrasound scanner together with blood sampling for hormonal and biochemical profile on each day of hormone therapy and then on days 0, 12, 21 and 35 post-AI. The animals inseminated at induced estrus/FTAI were followed for return to estrus, if any. Pregnancy was confirmed in non-return cases on day 35 by ultrasonography and on day 70 by per rectal examination. The findings on ovarian dynamics, plasma endocrine and biochemical profile were compared statistically between groups and periods and fertility rates between groups. 
 
Result: In animals of treatment group I and II, a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in numbers of small follicles was observed on day 26. Number of large sized follicles was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher on day 26 in comparison to day 0 and day 7 in group III animals. Large and subordinate follicular diameters increased gradually, but the differences between periods were significant (p&lt;0.001) only in group III with the highest diameter of large follicle on day 17. Plasma FSH and LH concentrations differed significantly (p&lt;0.001) among groups at all-time intervals. Plasma LH in group I and III differed significantly (p&lt;0.001). Plasma estrogen level was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in group II than group III. Plasma progesterone concentrations in group I and II animals were significantly higher on day 35 post-AI. Plasma insulin levels were significantly (p&lt;0.01) lower on all days for group III animals than group I and II. Blood glucose level was significantly (p&lt;0.001) higher in group I on day 17 as compared to group II and III. Plasma total cholesterol was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in group III as compared to group I and II. The conception rates at first service/FTAI in double Ovsynch treated animals of group I, II and III were 66.66, 83.33 and 16.66 %, respectively. Thus it was concluded that ovarian structures and the plasma endocrine profile reflected the ovarian response to different hormonal injections and that double Ovsynch protocol could be a better choice for improving conception rate in post-pubertal acyclic Jaffarabadi buffalo heifers as compared to multiparous acyclic buffaloes.</div>

Evaluation of Double Ovsynch Protocol in Acyclic Jaffarabadi Heifers and Buffaloes with Respect to Ovarian Dynamics, Hormonal Profile and Fertility

<div>Climate change is one of the most pressing global issues, resulting from changes in an area&rsquo;s climate caused by anthropogenic and natural factors such as increased greenhouse gas emissions and ozone layer depletion. Climate change impacts differ by gender, as men and women&rsquo;s social conditions in different places influence their ability to increase resilience to extreme weather and climate events. Despite the fact that women are primarily involved in agricultural operations, they are often overlooked by information and service providers, unless their unique needs, access to and control over resources are taken into account during the policy and project design stages. This demonstrates the importance of incorporating gender considerations into various policies and research to ensure the effective implementation of climate change adaptation interventions in agriculture. Instead of focusing on each issue separately, it is critical to consider how gender, agriculture and climate change are interconnected in order to achieve this. As a result, this review paper identifies policy gaps and makes a number of recommendations for improving gender responsiveness at the policy level in agriculture, emphasizing the importance of developing climate smart projects with gender in mind by learning about cutting-edge gender-transformative interventions accountable for serving both gender.</div>

Critical Need for Gender-sensitive Climate-smart Agricultural Policies: A Comprehensive Review

Background: The process of adaptation to life outside the uterus is known to be a critical period in neonatal foals. Several studies have shown that there are significant changes in the physiological parameters of foals during this period. In this study, the changes in hematologic parameters in thoroughbred foals (n=35) at postnatal days 1 and 4 and possible differences between genders were investigated. 
 
Methods: This study consisted of blood samples obtained from female (n=11) and male (n=24) thoroughbred foals whose healthy pregnancy processes were followed and no pathology was observed at birth. Blood samples were collected on the 1st&nbsp;and 4th&nbsp;postnatal days. All foals included in the study (n=35) were randomly selected from among healthy individuals with IgG levels above 800 mg/dL, which were measured to determine the immune levels of the foals and did not show any signs of disease in clinical examinations. In this study, white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil (NEU), lymphocyte (LYM), monocyte (MONO), eosinophil (EOS), basophil (BASO), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (PCV), mean cell volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelets (PLT) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) were examined according to gender and age. 
 
Result: It was determined that there were significant differences in hematologic parameters between different age groups of same genders. While there was a significant difference in neutrophil percentages only in the 4-day-old age group, there was no statistically significant difference in other parameters.

What Determines Gender Roles in the Allocation and Investment Decisions of Farm Households in Nigeria?

Empowering Women in Dairy Farming: Gender Roles, Challenges and Climate Smart Practices in Southern Bangladesh

Gender-Specific differences in pulsed magnetic field exposed to diabetic neuropathic rats

Carcass Traits of Geese (Anser anser) as Affected by Age, Gender and Their Interactions

Population dynamics of the green tiger prawn, Penaeus semisulcatus de Haan, 1844 in the Saudi coast of the Arabian Gulf

Gender difference and readiness for entrepreneurial trait of agricultural graduates

Phytomorphology and Nutrient Dynamics of Mulberry Leaf

Evaluation of Double Ovsynch Protocol in Acyclic Jaffarabadi Heifers and Buffaloes with Respect to Ovarian Dynamics, Hormonal Profile and Fertility

Critical Need for Gender-sensitive Climate-smart Agricultural Policies: A Comprehensive Review

Investigation of the Effect of Age and Gender on Hematologic Parameters in Neonatal Foals