Most studies on Simulum damnosum in Nigeria has focused mainly on the problem of onchocerciasis from the ecological standpoint. However, this study is aimed at viewing it from the human angle, with focus placed on the ignorance of the rural dwellers about the influences of their environment on the increasing incidences of onchocerciasis in their population. The premise is that, as the government and the scientists are working towards finding a lasting solution to the epidemic, the rural dwellers need to wake up to the realities of their own destiny. They need to come out and collaborate with other good efforts to form a strong united force that will rid their society of this menace. A study on the level of ignorance was carried out. It is assumed that their ignorance has kept the villagers relatively inactive and passive about freeing themselves. A descriptive method was used for this research and about 450 villagers were randomly selected and verbally interviewed. A questionnaire was designed and used as the instrument of the research. The research was carried out in two different villages of Asejire and Asepari. Findings were encouraging. Some of the villagers did not know about the existence of the disease even when some of their close relatives showed the symptoms. This high level of ignorance shows that it will be difficult to attain any cooperation from them in any attempt to make their environment unfavourable for the vector.

A study was conducted to determine the effect of different nutrients i.e. metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) content of ration on the egg production and egg weight of rural layers. For the purpose six different experimental rations containing 2700, 2900 kcal/kg ME and 14, 16, 18 percent CP were offered to the birds. The results indicated that egg number increased with proportional adversely affected as the CP of the ration was increased weight of the layers was proportionally increased with ration at constant ME level, while increase in ME level egg weight. increase in ME, while it was at constant ME level. The egg increase in CP content of the did not significantly affect the egg weight.

The study found out the chemical and microbial quality of various milk samples collected from different sources of milk procured from rural areas of Tirupati. Thefat, SNF and protein percentages of milk samples collected from Dairy Experimental Station were higher than the other milk samples collected from commercial dairies of Sangam, Balaji and Heritage and local vendors. The milk samples collected from local vendors showed lower fat, SNF and protein percentages. No significant difference was observed in the milk samples collected from commercial dairies of Sangam, Balaji and Heritage with regard to fat, SNF and protein percentages. None of the milk samples collected from Dairy Experimental Station were found to be adulterated with water, whereas higher percentage of water was observed in the milk samples of local vendors. The Standard Plate Count of milk from local vendors is higher followed by Dairy Experimental Station. Presence of E.coli organisms in the milk samples collected from local vendors and Dairy Experimental Station indicated the extraneous contamination and unhygienic conditions of milking barn.