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Sporadic change in weather condition has posed serious threat to hay production which has been considered to be the simplest means of conserving forage during the period of abundance. In order to maximize opportunity of ensuring that forage is conserved with less weather dependent technique, an experiment was conducted to evaluate chemical composition of hay produced from three different drying techniques stored for a period of 90 days in South-west Nigeria. The experiment comprises three factors namely: Four fertilizer types, two grass species and three drying techniques forming 4 x 2 x 3 factorial arrangement, having 24 total treatments combinations replicated thrice. The fertilizer types were N.P. K. 20:10:10 (NPK), Aleshinloye organo-mineral (AOM) and poultry manure (PM) and a control. These were applied at the rate of 120 kgN/ha based on their nitrogen content. The grasses were Panicum maximum (Ntchisi) and Andropogon tectorum which were harvested at 8 weeks after cutting back (8WAC) in early dry season period in the year 2016. The three drying techniques were oven drying, solar drying and conventional drying. The results presented shows that solar dried hay were observed to produce the highest significant (P

A field trial was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria to evaluate the effects of weed management and fertilizer application methods on growth and biomass yield of two Panicum maximum varieties. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with two fertilizer application methods. Two weed managements (weeded versus not weeded) and two Panicum varieties {(P. maximum local (unimproved) versus P. maximum Ntchisi (improved)} and two fertilizer application methods (single dose versus split) were set out in a 3x2x2 factorial arrangement. The unimproved P. maximum variety attained significantly (P0.05). Although the unimproved Panicum recorded higher values in leaflength (89.23 versus 76.01 cm) when compared with the improved variety while the leaf width (3.37 versus 3.67 cm), leaf density (639.24 versus 1 004.99 leaf m-2), tiller density (130.82 versus 215.11 tiller m-2) and herbage yield (20.56 versus 26.21 t ha-1) produced were higher (P

A study on the effect of organic manure on seedling growth and proximate composition of T. africana seedlings was conducted to influence the growth and improve the nutritive quality of the plant as an alternative source of feed for dry season feeding. Three months old seedlings of T. africana were transplanted on the field containing samples of organic manure (poultry and cow dung) mix with top soil in a ratio of one kilogram of soil to 25 g of manure and a control (without manure) in a Randomized Complete Block Design which was replicated thrice. The seedlings were assessed for plant height, number of foliage, collar diameter and number of branches. Samples of the seedlings foliage were collected across the treatments and analyzed for proximate composition after the eighth week of transplanting. Seedlings under cow dung application recorded a significantly (P>0.05) higher values for number o foliage per plant (21.82), plant height (66.58 cm), collar diameter (12.96 mm) and number of branches (4.20) at 8 weeks after planting (WAP), followed by seedlings to which poultry manure was applied and lastly by the control. Proximate composition showed that the dry matter (DM) content values of the samples were high which ranged from 894.60- 896.30 g/ kg DM (p

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of cutting intervals on the dry matter (DM) yield, yield components and nutrient contents of four varieties of Pennisetum purpureum. Varieties experimented include: Local green, Local purple, S13 and S15. These were planted in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. All the four varieties of P. purpureum were cut at intervals of 4, 8 and 12 weeks after cutback (WAC) to represent first, second and third cutting intervals respectively. Results showed that the dry matter yield of the P. purpureum grasses significantly decreased from first to third cutting intervals. Variety S15 recorded a higher (P < 0.05) dry matter yield (13.26 t ha-1) at the first cutting interval. Variety S13 had higher leaf proportion (89) at first cutting interval and tiller density (137.00 tiller-1 m2) at third cutting interval (than the other varieties). Cutting intervals had significant effect (P < 0.05) on the crude protein (CP) content of the grasses which was higher at second cutting interval for S15. In contrast, the neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) increased from first to third cutting intervals for all the varieties. The CP and fibre contents of the Pennisetum varieties at different cutting intervals were within the levels recommended for optimum animal performance.

A trial was carried out with 16 females West African Dwarf (WAD) goats to assess their dry matter intake, digestibility and liveweight gain when fed Grewia pubescens as supplement to panicum maximum. The levels of inclusion of G, pubescens were 0, 25, and 75%. The highest nutrient intakes occur at 50% levels of supplementation being 61, 01, 54, 40, 8, 44, 26.07, 19.29, and 6.57gd 3w0.75 for DM, OM, CP, NDF, ADF, and lignin respectively. These were significantly (P0.05). The digestibility coefficient of OM and CP at 50% level of supplementation were also highest being 81.86% and 84.23% respectively. Digestibility of other nutrient followed the same trend as for DM, OM, and CP digestibility. The liveweight gain of the animals range from 8.81g d-3 for unsupplemented to 10.95, 18.33, and 20.71g d-3 for 25, 50, and 75% level of inclusion respectively. The differences were significant(P>0.05) between 50% and 75% levels of inclusion. The nutritive value index was highest (61.33) for 50% level of inclusion and significant (P

Eighteen growing West African dwarf WAD goats of equal number of sexes, aged 6-7 months with average weight of 6.23 +0.50kg were used in a 9-wk feeding trial to study the influence of dietary supplementation of magnesium sulphate (MgSO, 7H,0) at 0, 1 and 2% in isonitrogenous (11.50%CP) and isocaloric (2.83 ME Mcal/kg) diets with a view to estimating Mg requirement for maintenance. The three levels of supplementation were used to obtain three diets 1, 2 and 3 containing 0.02, 0.13 and 0.22% Mg respectively. The goats were divided into three groups of six animals, and each group was randomly allotted to one of the three diets. Results showed that Mg supplementation had significant (P0.05). The general trend depicted an increasing dietary Mg supplementation with decreased DMI, body weight change, serunt GLC, TP, PCV, Hb concentration, RBC and WBC counts at 2% Mg level of supplementation. Dietary supplementation of Mg at 1% (D2) however supported best animal performance as evidenced by the outstanding responses of the goats in terms of DMI (0.446 g/day/kgLW), body weight change (30.01g/day), feed conversion 114.48), Mg digestibility (80.51%), Mg balance (0.091 g/day/kgLW), PCV (36%) and TP (70.70g/1). 72 x model relating Yg intake to balance gave Mg minimum requirement of young WAD goats for : - kgLIT with significant (P < 0.05) correlation coefficient (r = 0.98). Dietary O V ER H. however must not exceed 1% of the total diet to avert a decline in animal

The study was conducted to evaluate the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of West African dwarf goats fed ensiled cassava leaves with molasses and caged layer waste. Eighteen West African dwarf goats were randomly assigned to three experimental diets consisting of cassava leaves ensiled alone (ECF), cassava leaves ensiled with 5% molasses (ECFM) and cassava leaves ensiled with 5% caged layer waste (ECFP) in a Completely Randomized Design. Results obtained showed that ensiling with molasses resulted in lower DM, CP, NDF, tannin and HCN levels. Crude protein intake was similar in ECF and ECFM but lower (P < 0.05) in ECFP ranging from 161.28 - 172.71g/d. The packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) and lymphocyte concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) highest in ECFP but similar with the values obtained for ECF. There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in the red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), neutrophil, basophil, eosinophil and monocytes contents in all the treatments. The highest significant (P < 0.05) value of 36.7g/l was obtained in ECFM and values of 29.4 and 24.0g/l in ECF and ECFP respectively for globulin. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in AST content in all the treatments. ALT value of 16.5 IU/L was significantly (P < 0.05) highest in ECF and different from the values of 12.0 IU/L obtained in both ECFM and ECFP respectively. It is concluded that cassava leaves can be conveniently ensiled with 5% of both molasses and caged layer waste without adverse effects on the haematological and biochemical status of WAD goats.Keywords: Haematology, serum, molasses, caged layer waste

This study was conducted to determine the effect of coconut oil inclusion on thesupplementary feed intake, weight gain, haematology and serum biochemistry of grazing cattle. Twenty-five (25) White Fulani cattle weighing 138±2.21 kg were randomly allotted to five treatment groups of coconut oil administration (0 g/day, 50 g/day, 100 g/day, 150 g/day and 200 g/day) in a completely randomised design. The animals were grazed for 84 days and supplemented with concentrate throughout the experimental period. Data on feed intake, weight gain and blood profile of cattle were analysed using one-way analysis of variance. Results obtained showed that coconut oil did not affect (P>0.05) the supplementary concentrate intake of grazing cattle. Lower (P0.05) by coconut oil. Thehighest (P

Browse plants are under-utilized in the dry season because of the insufficient knowledgeabout the drying process that best helps to prevent degradation of nutrients available toruminant. The experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of drying methods (airdrying, oven drying and sun drying) on the chemical composition, in vitro digestibility ofleaves and leaves + twigs from (Albizia lebbeck, Albizia saman, Daniella oliveri,Enterolobium cyclocarpum, Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena leucocephala, Milletia griffonianaand Pterocarpus santalinoides). The leaves and twigs were dried under the three dryingmethods until constant weight and milled for in vitro digestibility. Gas production wasrecorded at 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, and 48 hours of the incubation period with 8x3x2factorial design using Duncan Multiple Ranged test. When the browse species werecompared, there were significant differences in the incubation hours while there were alsosignificant (P>0.05) differences for the plant parts in the incubation hours except at 3 hours.The value of short chain fatty acid (SCFA) μmol, ranged from 0.22 to 0.57, metabolizableenergy (ME) MJkgDM ranged from 2.72 to 3.25, while organic matter digestibility (OMD) %ranged from 38.44 to 50.48 respectively. Albizia lebbeck was highest (P

The use of inorganic fertilizers has been reported to have improved pasture productivity, however it has also attributed to soil toxicity, environmental pollution, mineral imbalance, and health hazards among many adverse effects. This made the adoption of organic fertilizers became best alternative to correct nutrients deficiencies in the soil due to their environmental friendly nature and less cost effectiveness. To investigate the comparative advantages of these two types of fertilizer, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of fertilizer types on the nutritive quality of Panicum maximum var. Ntchisi and Andropogon tectorum harvested at 6 and 8 weeks during the wet season. The study was a factorial experiment (4 x 2 x 2), arranged in a split-split-plot design with three replicates. There were 16 treatments to include; fertilizer types (NPK, Aleshinloye organo-mineral fertilizer, poultry manure and control (no fertilizer)), grass species (Panicum maximum var. Ntchisi and Andropogon tectorum) and age at harvest (6 and 8 weeks). Fertilizer treatments were allotted to the main plots while grass species were allotted to sub-plots and again harvest age was allotted to sub-subplots. Sub-samples taken from harvested forage materials were oven dried, properly milled and analysed in the laboratory to determine proximate composition [crude protein (CP%), ash, ether extract (EE%)], fibre fractions [acid detergent fibre (ADF%), neutral detergent fibre (NDF%), acid detergent lignin (ADL%), Cellulose, and Hemicelluloses) and in vitro gas production. Fertilizer types significantly (P

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of different additives on the fermentation quality of ensiled cassava leaves and its effects on the ruminal fluid parameters using eighteen West African dwarf goats. Cassava leaves were ensiled alone (ECF), with 5 % (w/w) molasses (ECFM) and caged layer waste (ECFP) respectively as additives for 30 days. Results of chemical composition of the additive and non-additive silages indicated that ensiling with 5 % molasses reduced the DM content from 252.4 g/kg in ECF to 238.9 g/ kg in ECFM and increased with 5 % caged layer waste (ECFP) to 267.6 g/kg. The CP content of ECF was 207.6 g/kg and this decreased to 198.5 g/kg DM in ECFM. Addition of molasses and caged layer waste caused a reduction in the HCN contents from 95.8 mg/kg in non-additive silage (ECF) to 89.3 mg/kg in ECFP and 84.7 mg/kg in ECFM. The mean pH of non-additive silage of 3.66 was significantly (p0.05) in the pH, bc and lactic acid concentration in both the non-additive and additive silages. Ammonia-nitrogen concentration (NH3-N) however, ranged significantly (p

A study was conducted to assess the nutritive value of Enterolobium cyclocarpum seeds as supplementary feed for ruminant animals during the dry season when grasses are either not available or of low quality. Matured fruits of E. cyclocarpum were collected, toasted, peeled and then used for the trial. Thirty two West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep aged between 12 +/- 2 months with an average body weight of 10 +/- 2 kg were used in assessing the nutritive value of graded levels of toasted Enterolobium cyclocarpum seed in a concentrate diets as supplement to Panicum maximum basal diet. The percent compositions of the experimental diets were toasted E. cyclocarpum seeds at various levels of inclusion (0, 10, 20 and 30%) for diets 1, 2, 3 and 4. respectively. The diets (1-4) were consecutively fed to each animal at 50 g kg(-1) b.wt. for 12 weeks in a completely randomized design. Parameters taken were weekly body weights, daily feed intake, nutrient utilization and nitrogen balance status for each animal. Diet 2 had the highest significant (p < 0.05) nutrients intake being 871.88, 137.13, 147.59, 33.26 and 69.86 g day(-1) for DM, CP, CF, EE and ASH respectively. The Dry Matter Digestibility (DMD) coefficients decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with increased inclusion levels of toasted E. cyclocarpum seeds supplementation. Sheep fed diet 4 had the lowest feed conversion ratio (8.61) and the highest daily average gain of 58.93 g. However the animals fed Diet 2 had the highest nitrogen retension and converted their feed to flesh.

Resumen en: A study was carried out over a period of two years to evaluate the ability of 12 grass-legume mixtures to compete with weeds over a 12-week period follow...

A study was carried out over a period of two years to evaluate the ability of 12 grass-legume mixtures to compete with weeds over a 12-week period following planting in 2004 and after cutback in 2005. Plant height, leaf number, weed population and dry matter (DM) yields of weeds and grasses at 6 and 12 weeks after planting were recorded. Leaf number of the grasses increased slowly during the first 8 weeks after planting, then increased exponentially between 9 and 12 weeks, reaching 145 leaves/plant. The bunch-forming grasses had more (p

SUMMARYFive tropical multi-purpose tree species (MPTS), Enterolobium cyclocarpum, Moringa oleifera, Millettia griffoniana, Pterocarpus santalinoides and Treculia Africana, and one exotic species (Leucaena leucocephala), which acted as the control, planted in a randomized complete block design, were selected to evaluate the potentials as feed supplements for herds in dry seasons of south-western Nigeria. Samples of the MPTS leaves were collected in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, weighed, dried and milled for estimation of biomass production, chemical analysis and measurement of in vitro gas production. Results showed significant differences (P E. cyclocarpum consistently recorded the highest biomass production, height and collar diameter throughout the experimental period. There were also differences (P ⩽ 0·001) in dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE) and ash contents of the MPTS across species and years after planting. M. oleifera recorded the highest CP content of 240 g/kg DM. Interactions were observed between species and year for neutral detergent fibre (NDFom), acid detergent fibre (ADFom) and lignin contents of the MPTS. M. griffoniana and M. oleifera had lower tannin contents, whereas E. cyclocarpum, P. santalinoides, T. africana and L. leucocephala had higher tannin contents. The values reported for mineral contents showed that their levels in the MPTS were adequate for ruminants and there were no differences in the contents of most minerals. In vitro gas production results showed that the potential gas production ‘b’ was highest in M. griffoniana and lowest in P. santalinoides and there were species and year interactions (P ⩽ 0·001) for volatile fatty acid profiles of the supernatant after 96 h incubation. The estimated organic matter digestibility (OMD) and metabolizable energy (ME) of the MPTS were generally high. The high biomass production, CP and low fibre contents, as well as in vitro fermentation characteristics found for the MPTS evaluated in the current study suggest that these are better alternatives in comparison with L. leucocephala. It can be concluded that the MPTS evaluated have potential as sources of feed supplements for ruminants in dry seasons, especially in south western Nigeria.

Seasonal chemical composition, in sacco organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) degradabilities and CP fractions of haulms of three improved (ITA2, ITA6 and ITA8) and three commercial (Oloyin, Peu and Sokoto) cowpea varieties harvested in wet and dry seasons were evaluated in a 2 A— 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Effective degradation of OM and CP was estimated at assumed outflow rates of 2 and 4% h−1. Commercial haulms (all the other parts of the cowpea minus the grains) had greater (P 

A field experiment was conducted between 2007 and 2008 to determine the agronomic performance and nutritive quality of some varieties of dual-purpose cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) grown in marginal land without fertilization. The experiment was arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design with two seasons (wet and dry) and two groups (commercial and improved) of cowpea varieties. The varieties were evaluated for biomass and grain yields, green leaf retention, chemical composition, secondary metabolites and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD). A group × season interaction was observed for biomass yield with higher yields recorded in the wet season. Grain yield and green leaf retention were also greater (P < 0.001) in improved varieties with an average yield of 467 kg ha −1 and over 50% of leaves retained during the wet season, respectively. Interaction between group and season was observed for crude protein (P = 0.002), lignin (P = 0.003) and hemicellulose (P = 0.003) contents of the cowpea haulms. The IVOMD of the haulms ranged from 585 to 802 g kg −1 OM. Quality indices (IVOMD, crude protein and non-fiber carbohydrates) of the cowpea varieties were better during the dry season. Results from the study showed that dual-purpose cowpea varieties can easily be grown by resource-poor small-holder farmers as it requires little or no input and will provide sufficient biomass that will be used as a supplement during the dry season while providing extra food for the households.

In the present study, the effects of different forage-to-concentrate ratios (F:C) and an alkyl polyglycoside (APG) supplementation on parameters of rumen and blood metabolism were investigated in goats. A 2 x 2 factorial experiment was arranged within a 4 x 4 Latin square design (four 22-day periods), using four wether goats equipped with permanent ruminal cannulas. The experimental diets included two F:C levels (40:60 vs. 60:40), and two APG supplementation levels (None or 13 ml APG daily per animal). Rumen contents and blood samples were collected at the end of each period. Dietary F:C alteration affected plasma urea and influenced the proportions of leucine, histidine, arginine, glycine, proline, alanine, valine, phenylalanine, cysteine and tyrosine in rumen content, and the proportions of methionine, threonine and proline in solid-associated bacteria (SAB) significantly. Dietary APG decreased the proportions of valine and phenylalanine in rumen content, and the histidine content of liquid-associated bacteria. The interaction between dietary F:C and APG was significant for the proportions of glycine and alanine in rumen content, and the proportions of lysine and threonine in SAB. The proportion of lysine was greater, but the proportion of threonine was less in SAB for goats fed high F:C diet without APG supplementation. The proportions of plasma free amino acids and glucose concentration were not affected by experimental treatments. These results indicated that dietary APG addition affected the amino acid composition of the rumen content and ruminal bacteria, but this depended on the dietary F:C ratio. It is necessary to validate the effectiveness of dietary APG supplementation in further studies with more animals.

Seasonal chemical composition and ruminal organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) degradabilities were determined in four tropical multi-purpose tree species (MPTS) namely; Pterocarpus santalinoides, Grewia pubescens, Enterolobium cyclocarpum and Leucaena leucocephala. Three West African dwarf (WAD) rams fitted with permanent rumen cannula were used for the degradability trials. Foliage samples were collected four times to represent seasonal variations as follows: January--mid dry; April--late dry; July--mid rainy and October--late rainy seasons. Leaf samples were randomly collected from the trees for estimation of dry matter (DM) and chemical composition. Ruminal in sacco OM and CP degradabilities were estimated from residues in nylon bags. All samples had high CP (161-259 g/kg DM) and moderate fibre concentrations [neutral detergent fibre (without residual ash], 300-501 g/kg DM; acid detergent fibre (without residual ash), 225-409 g/kg DM and acid detergent lignin, 87-179 g/kg DM across seasons. Interaction effects of species and season on chemical composition were highly significant (p = 0.001) except for trypsin inhibitor (p = 0.614). The MPTS recorded more than 60% OM and CP degradability at 24 h, which implied that they were all highly degradable in the rumen. Their incorporation into ruminant feeding systems as dry season forage supplements is therefore recommended.

A study was carried out to evaluate the chemical composition, in vitro apparently and truly degraded dry matter (DM), utilizable crude protein at the duodenum (uCP) (total CP at the duodenum minus endogenous CP), methane production, and short chain fatty acid production of haulms of six cowpea varieties. The study was arranged in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design, with three replicates. Three improved (ITA2, ITA6 and ITA8) and three commercial (Oloyin, Peu and Sokoto) cowpea varieties harvested during wet and dry seasons were used for the study. After an initial gas test to evaluate 96 h gas production profiles of haulms with and without polyethylene glycol (PEG), the time to half maximal gas production was calculated and a second incubation conducted with fermentation stopped at substrate specific half time (t1/2) and 24 h for each substrate. True DM degradability was measured from incubated residues and combined with gas volume to estimate the partitioning factor. Crude protein flow to the duodenum was estimated by combining gas volume with the measured ammonia nitrogen in the incubated fluid. Addition of PEG did not have any effect (P>0.05) on all the variables determined. Interaction between group (improved vs. commercial) and season was observed for CP (P=0.002), lignin (P=0.003) and hemicellulose (P=0.030) contents of the haulms. A group × season interaction was also observed for some of the variables at both substrate specific t1/2 and 24 h. Commercial cowpea haulms had greater (P=0.002) microbial mass and produced less (P

The nutritive value of leaves of four varieties of cassava - MS 6, TMS 30555, Idileruwa and TMS 30572 was evaluated based on their chemical composition and in vitro fermentation. Crude protein (CP) contents of cassava leaves ranged from 177 to 240 g/kg dry matter (DM), with TMS 30555 showing the highest CP contents. Neutral detergent fibre (NDFom) and acid detergent fibre (ADFom) contents of cassava leaves ranged from 596 to 662 and 418 to 546 g/kg DM respectively. Condensed tannin (CT) and hydrocyanic acid contents ranged from 1.0 to 3.8 g/kg and 58.5 to 86.7 mg/kg DM respectively. The range of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the supernatant after in vitro incubation of the cassava varieties was: acetate (14.7-31.5 mmol/l); propionate (4.5-6.3 mmol/l); butyrate (3.1-3.9 mmol/l); valerate (0.4-0.6 mmol/l); iso-butyrate (0.6-1.3 mmol/l); iso-valerate (1.1-1.9 mmol/l). The acetate:propionate ratio resulting from fermentation of TMS 30555 was higher(p < 0.05) than that of the other leaves. The highest in vitro gas production of 50.5 ml/200 mg DM was recorded for MS6 being higher (p < 0.05) than for TMS 30572, but similar to TMS 30555 and Idileruwa. The DM, CP, ADF and HCN contents of cassava leaves were positively correlated with gas production, while CT content was negatively correlated with gas production. The study showed that leaves of the varieties MS 6 and TMS 30555 are superior to the others in terms of CP and gas production indicating a higher digestibility and energy content and thus nutritive potential. They may therefore serve as supplements for ruminants fed on poor roughages.

A field experiment was conducted in 2006 and 2007 to determine the agronomic performance and nutritive value of Sorghum almum for introduction in the derived savannah area of Nigeria. The experiment was arranged in a 2 · 4 factorial design with 2 plant spacings (0AE5 · 0AE5 m and 1AE0 · 1AE0 m) and 4 nitrogen (N)

The objective of this study was to evaluate intake, digestibility, growth performance and haematological variables of West African dwarf (WAD) sheep fed commercial and improved cowpea haulm diets. Thirty WAD sheep with initial body weight (BW) of 8.9 ± 0.12 kg and aged 10 ± 1.3 months were balanced as closely as possible for BW and randomly allotted to one of six dietary treatments. The six dietary treatments consisted of milled haulms from six varieties of cowpea. The haulms were fed as supplements to a basal diet of Pennisetum purpureum. A metabolic study was conducted after 106 days and balances of nutrients were determined. Dry matter intake was higher (P=0.005) in sheep fed improved cowpea haulm diets (467 g/day) than those on commercial haulm diets (430 g/day), but there was no difference in intake of crude protein (CP) in sheep fed improved versus commercial haulm diets. Digestibility of nutrients was not affected in sheep fed commercial versus improved haulms. Sheep fed commercial cowpea haulm diets gained more (P=0.007) BW and had a lower (P

The nutritive value of leaves of four varieties of cassava (MS 6, TMS 30555, Idileruwa and TMS 30572) were studied through analysis of their chemical components and degradability of their dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) in the rumen of sheep. Results of the chemical analyses showed that the leaves of the four varieties contained different proportions of organic matter which was significantly (P0.05) highest in TMS 30572 with value of 935 g/kg DM, while CP (gram per kilogramme DM) was significantly highest in TMS 30555 (240), followed by MS 6 (235), TMS 30572 (208) and least in Idileruwa (177). Mean metabolisable energy (megajoules per kilogramme DM) was significantly (P0.05) highest in TMS 30572 (8.2) and similar with Idileruwa (8.0) but different from TMS 30555 and MS 6, respectively (7.8 and 7.6). The mineral contents (gram per kilogramme DM) showed that leaves of MS 6 and Idileruwa had the highest concentrations of K (2.86) and a significantly lowest value (1.83) in TMS 30555. Also, the highest concentration of Ca and Fe (6.81 and 6.23) was recorded in MS 6. The highest Ca:P of 3.20 was obtained in TMS 30555. DM degradation characteristics and effective degradability varied significantly (P0.05) and were consistently highest in TMS 30572. The washing loss (a) ranged from 15.9% in MS 6 to 21.3% in TMS 30572. TMS 30572 tended to have higher (P = 0.546) insoluble but fermentable fraction (b) than all other varieties. Moreover, the potential degradability (a + b) tended to be higher (P = 0.041) in TMS 30572 (69.5%) followed by TMS 30555 (67.1%) and the lowest was in Idileruwa (42.7%). The highest effective degradability was recorded in TMS 30572 (63.9%) and the lowest in Idileruwa (40.7%). The degradation rate constants (c) of Idileruwa was significantly higher (P = 0.001) than those of MS6, TMS 30555 and TMS 30572. The results generally indicated that the leaves could be ranked for their potential feeding value as TMS 30572 (71.5%)MS6 (65.8%)Idileruwa (63.0%)TMS 30555 (50.4%). It is therefore concluded from this study that leaves of TMS 30572 and MS 6 have good potential as feed resources for ruminant animals and could be used in ruminant feeding as protein source ingredient.

The feeding value of dried cassava leaves as supplement in the diet was investigated in an experiment with West African Dwarf goats at different inclusion levels of 0, 20, 40 and 60% of DM respectively, using guinea grass as a basal feed. The study lasted for 112 days during which feed intake, performance characteristics, digestibility and nitrogen utilization were monitored in 40 male goats using a completely randomized design. Dry matter (DM) intake from guinea grass was significantly ( P P P Panicum maximum ) with dried cassava leaves improved DM intake, weight gain, apparent digestibility and N-retention in WAD goats. The inclusion level of dried cassava in the diet can be up to 60% level in a compounded ration for ruminant animals on DM basis.

Sixteen West African dwarf goats weighing 5.0–5.6 kg were used in an experiment that lasted 112 days to investigate the utilization of citrus pulp based diets and E. cyclocarpum . A control diet which contained 88.5% dried brewers' grains (DBG) and other three experimental diets in which DBG was replaced with dried citrus pulp (DCP) at 25, 50 and 75% levels, respectively constituted the four treatments. The goats were divided into four groups of four animals each to balance for variation in live weight before they were assigned to the four different experimental diets. Significant differences ( P P P P P IU/L ) at 75% level of citrus pulp. Therefore, the efficient utilization of citrus pulp and E. cyclocarpum by WAD goats was attained at the 50% level of inclusion in the diets.

A study was carried out to evaluate the growth parameters and nutritive qualities of Moringa oleifera, Millettia griffoniana and Pterocarpus santalinoides. The main objective of the study was to assess the potential of the MPTS in supplementing the feed of ruminant animals during the dry season when grasses are scarce and their quality generally fall short of animal requirements. Leaf samples were randomly collected from the trees for estimation of the proximate composition, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and gas production using the in vitro technique. Samples were collected three times to represent seasonal variations as follows: November: Early Dry; February: Mid Dry and April: Late Dry seasons. Gas production was recorded at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of incubation. Mortality rate was less than 5%. M. oleifera recorded the best overall growth respectively followed by P. santalinoides and M. griffoniana. P. santalinoides and M. oleifera retained more leaves in the dry season than M. griffoniana. The dry matter (DM) and ether extract (EE) contents of the MPTS were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by seasons and plant species while there were significant (P < 0.05) species effects on the CP and ADF values. The gas production values and the fermentation parameters indicated the presence of potentially degradable nutrients in the MPTS, which underscores the importance of the tree species as sources of nutrient for ruminant animals during the dry season.

Las praderas mixtas de gramíneas y leguminosas forman la base de muchos sistemas productivos de pastoreo. Se realizó un estudio para evaluar su capacidad para sofocar a las malas hierbas. En julio de 2004 se plantaron un total de 12 tratamientos a base de mezclas de gramíneas leguminosas. Se realizaron análisis del suelo anteriores y posteriores al estudio. Usando un cuadrado de 1 m2 se registraron datos agronómicos como altura de las plantas, número de hojas y población de malas hierbas presentes en las parcelas experimentales. Se registró un ligero incremento en el contenido de N del suelo en 2005, después del estudio. Las poblaciones de malas hierbas fueron mayores durante las tres primeras semanas después de la siembra. La población de malas hierbas se redujo drásticamente cada semana. Hubo diferencias significativas (p

Rumen degradation characteristics of Panicum maximum and Gmelina arborea forages in response to monensin supplementation were studied in a 2 x 4 factorial experiment using an N’dama fistulated steer. Monensin had no significant effect (P>0.05) on the soluble fraction ‘a’ of nutrients but showed reductions (P

Silages of sole maize and mixtures of maize-lablab were made at harvest in plastic bags. The experimental Unit consists of twelve cross-bred yearling bulls (White Fulani x N’dama) calves weighing 71-72kg and were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments: Grazing + sole maize silage, Grazing + mixtures of maize-lablab silage and Unsupplemented grazing as control. The experimental design was a completely randomized design and lasted 84days. Silage diets were given between 07:30 and 11:00 hours daily before grazing. Rumen fluid was collected at the end of the study to evaluate the co-efficient of ruminal fluid. The crude protein content in sole maize silage was half of that in mixture of maize-lablab silage. Inclusion of lablab in maize stover silage increased the mineral content as well as the lignin fraction. The mean pH value of sole maize silage (3.80) was less (P < 0.05) than 4.25 obtained with addition of lablab. The buffering capacity (5.37%) of sole maize silage significantly (P < 0.05) increased to 5.71% in mixture of maize-lablab silage. Lactic acid contents differed was influenced significantly (P < 0.05) with a mean value of 8.4% and 8.5% respectively in the sole maize silage and with lablab inclusion. Total volatile fatty acid (VFA) ranged from 56.7 μmoles/ml in calves without supplementation to 95.2 μmoles/ml in the calves fed mixture of maize-lablab silage. Mixture of Maize-lablab silage had the highest values for all the minerals determined in the feed materials while sole maize had the least. It was concluded from this trial, that forage legumes are relatively good sources of degradable nitrogen and fermentable energy, so their inclusion in the diet is likely to increase the rumen population of cellulolytic microbes and also proves that, mixture of maize-lablab silage could be used as supplement to enhance the growth and survival of calves during the dry season, when animal feeds are relatively scarce.Keywords: Grazing calves; maize stover; natural pasture; volatile fatty acids

Studies were conducted to evaluate the nutritive value of eight selected forages ( Tridax procumbens, Merremia aegyptia, Aspilia africana, Tithonia diversifolia, Alchornea cordifolia, Alchornea laxiflora, Synedrella nodiflora , and Newbouldia laevis ) consumed by ruminants in South-Western Nigeria. Chemical composition and qualitative analysis of saponins, phenol and steroids of the plants were determined. In vitro gas production (IVGP) was carried out for 72 hours on the plants. Metabolizable energy (ME), Organic matter digestibility (OMD) and Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) were predicted and methane (CH 4 ) was measured. Five of the plants were subjected to acceptability study using cafeteria method. The result of the chemical composition revealed that M. aegyptia had the highest value of CP (22.09 %) while Tridax procumbens had the lowest (10.50 %). A. africana had the highest content of Calcium, Phosphorus and Zinc with values of 3.10 %, 0.93 % and 39 ppm respectively. The analysis of secondary metabolites showed that A . africana , T . diversifolia and S. nodiflora were high in saponin while A. cordifolia, A. laxiflora, T. diversifolia and A. africana were implicated for condensed Tannin. N. laevis recorded a high level of steroids. Results showed significant variations in the values of IVGP, ME, OMD, SCFA and CH 4 obtained for the plants. The order of preference of the plants by the calves were M. aegyptia>A. cordifolia > N. laevis > A. laxiflora> T. diversifolia . The study revealed that the forages are rich in crude protein as well as micro and macro minerals. They are also rich in highly fermentable carbohydrates which affirm them as ruminant feed resource. Keywords : Acceptability, chemical composition, in vitro gas production, forages , south-western Nigeria

Twelve West African dwarf sheep, aged between 6 to 8 months and weighing 9 to 10.5 kg were randomly allocated to four treatments consisting of ensiled pineapple fruit waste and cassava root meal (CRM+PFW); sun-dried pineapple fruit waste (PFW); ensiled cassava peels and pineapple fruit waste (CP+PFW); cassava peel and cassava root meal (CP+CRM), to determine the performance, digestibility and haematological parameters in a completely randomised design in a 56 day feeding trial. The results revealed that there were differences (p

A study was carried out to determine the influence of variety, manure type and season on the micro mineral content of two P. maximum varieties. The trial included: two Panicum varieties (Local and Ntchisi), three manure types (cattle dung, swine dung and poultry droppings) plus control (No manure) and two seasons (rainy and dry). Samples were harvested from each plot to estimate dry matter yield (DMY), crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and microelements (Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn). The DMY of Ntchisi variety was higher (P0.05) for Fe. Manure differences were only noticed in the Zn and Mn contents of the grasses. Despite these differences, the grasses contained adequate amount of microelements required by ruminants, with the exception of Cu content in the dry season. In production systems where the two Panicum varieties constitute the major diets of grazing animals, it would be necessary to offer supplementary Cu in the dry season.Keywords: Panicum, microelements, manure type, season, variety.

The feeding value of Ficus religiosa (FR) was investigated with West African dwarf (WAD) goats, by feeding FR with Panicum maximum grass (PM) at different ratios of 0:100 (i.e. solely PM), 25:75, 50:50, 75:25 (which were mixture of forages) and 100:0 (solely FR). The study lasted for 105 days, during which feed intake, weight gain, digestibility and nitrogen utilization were monitored in 20 goats using a completely randomized design. The DM, OM and NDF intakes (g/kg W 0.75 /day) were similar among the diets of FR–PM mixtures (means equal to 58.08, 51.68 and 39.27, respectively), but were significantly higher than those of the sole FR and PM forage diets, which were also similar (means equal to 36.13, 31.97 and 24.33, respectively). Crude protein intake (g/kg W 0.75 /day) was highest in the 75% FR diet (6.16), but similar to those of other mixed forages and sole FR, and the significantly lowest value was in the sole PM diet (2.54). Live weight gain followed the trend of CP intake with the highest value in 75% FR (34.3 g/day) and the least from sole PM (8.9 g/day). The digestibility of DM, OM, CP and NDF were generally high, but best in the 75% FR diet. The N balance (g/kg W 0.75 ) and retention (%) were also highest in 75% FR (0.63 and 65.40) and lowest in the solely PM diets (0.14 and 37.11). Results indicate that feed intake, weight gain, digestibility and N utilization can be enhanced by feeding FR in mixture with PM, and it can be used in diet mixtures up to 75% of DM fed.

A study was carried out to determine the quality of silage produced from guinea grass, cassava peel and cashew apple waste at different ensiling periods. The materials were mixed into nine different proportions and ensiled for 30, 60 and 90 days making twenty-seven (27) treatments with each replicated three times. At the expiration of ensiling duration, the jars were opened, the contents were mixed, oven-dried and the proximate composition and fibre fractions were determined. The results showed that there were significant (p0.05) reduction in the Dry Matter (DM), Crude Protein (CP) and Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF) with increase in ensiling duration while the Non Fibre Carbohydrate (NFC) increased with increased ensiling duration. The highest CP content (14.44%) was obtained in 25% Guinea Grass (GG)+25% cassava peel (CAP)+50% Cashew Apple Waste (CAW) which was not significantly (p0.05) different from 100% CAW. The NDF varied (p0.05) from 44.21 in 75% CAP+25% CAW silage to 60.31 in 100% GG. The reduction in the CP and NDF of the silage is still within the range required for growth and maintenance in ruminant animals.

Cassava peels (CaPe) were ensiled in mixtures with Gliricidia sepium and Leucaena leucocephala, and the utilization of the mixed silages by West African dwarf (WAD) goats was assessed. Five silages were composed, comprising of 100% ensiled CaPe (control), CaPe + G. sepium 2:1 (w/w; 2CGS), CaPe + G. sepium 1:1 (w/w; CGS), CaPe + L. leucocephala 2:1 (w/w; 2CLL) and CaPe + L. leucocephala 1:1 (w/w; CLL). All diets were supplemented with molasses (40 g/kg) before ensiling which lasted 3 months. Fifteen WAD goats (8.01 ± 0.12 kg body weight) were fed one of the experimental diets (50 g/kg body weight) for 8 weeks. The control had the lowest hydrocyanic acid content (0.05 mg/kg DM), while others ranged from 6.2 to 81.3 mg/kg. Condensed tannin concentration ranged from 1.7 to 8.4 mg/kg DM, while mimosine levels were 11.6 and 12.4 mg/kg DM in 2CLL and CLL, respectively. After fermentation, all silages showed low pH (

This experiment investigated the effect of dietary monensin on performance, nutrient utilisation, rumen volatile fatty acid and blood status in West African dwarf (WAD) goats fed with basal diets of forages. Four concentrate supplements were formulated to include 0 (MO), 15 (M15), 30 (M30) and 45 (M45) mg monensin/kg dry matter. Twenty-four WAD bucks (7.3 ± 1.20 kg initial body weight, aged 9-12 months) were randomly allotted to four experimental diets in a completely randomised design for 90 days, six animals per diet. Results indicated that animals fed M15, M30 and M45 diets had lower (P0.01) dry matter and water intake than those fed M0 diet. Crude protein and neutral detergent fibre intakes by the bucks followed similar trend. Animals on M15, M30 and M45 had better (P0.001) feed and protein efficiency ratio than those fed M0 diet. Rumen pH and total volatile fatty acid concentration were maintained (P0.05) while monensin decreased (P0.001) acetate/propionate ratio. Blood glucose increased (P0.001) from 59.1 mg/dl in animals on M0 diet to 67.8, 66.0 and 66.3 mg/dl in animals on M15, M30 and M45 diets. Overall, there were no variations among animals on M15, M30 and M45 diets. It is concluded that feeding monensin at 15 to 45 mg/kg DM of supplemental concentrate diets to West African dwarf bucks could be effective in improving feed and protein efficiency, manipulating the rumen for increased propionate production and increasing blood glucose levels.

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding different levels of dried cassava leaves at 0%, 20%, 40% and 60%, respectively, using guinea grass as basal feed, on the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. The study lasted for 116 days during which haematological and serum biochemical parameters were monitored in 40 male goats before and after, using a completely randomized design. At the start of the experiment, packed cell volume (PCV) ranged from 21.5% to 25.5% while haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and RBC significantly (P 0.01) ranged from 7.3 to 8.6 g/dl and 10.4 to 13.2 × 10(12)/l, respectively. White blood cells reduced significantly (P 0.05)) from 16.4 to 11.7 × 10(9)/l) as dried cassava leaves increased in the diets. At the end of the trial, there was a slight increase in the values of PCV and Hb in the diets (P 0.05). Lymphocyte reduced significantly (P 0.05) from 50.0% to 63.5% in the diets. Neutrophils, however, increased (P 0.05) at the 0% to 40% levels and reduced at the 60% level of dried cassava leaves inclusion. At the start of the experiment, values for glucose significantly (P 0.05) ranged from 40.1 to 56.0 mg/dl. Total protein and albumin values ranged significantly (P 0.05) from 56.0 to 68.5 g/dl and 30.6 to 38.4 g/dl, respectively. At the end of the experiment, serum creatinine increased significantly (P 0.05) as the level of dried cassava leaves increased from 0% to 60% in the diets. The study revealed that inclusion of dried cassava leaves in the diets of West African Dwarf goats had no deleterious effects on the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of WAD goats and could therefore be included in ruminant diets up to 60%.

Sixty (60) West African Dwarf sheep managed semi intensively and grazing on natural pastures were used in a study to determine the performance and grazing pattern to seasonal forage supply and quality. The animals were allowed to graze for about 6 hours daily for four months each in the dry and wet seasons, respectively. Results showed that field grazing time and active grazing time significantly increased (P Keywords: Sheep, grazing pattern, performance, forage quality, season

Seasonal chemical composition and ruminal organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) degradabilities were determined in four tropical multi-purpose tree species (MPTS) namely; Pterocarpus santalinoides, Grewia pubescens, Enterolobium cyclocarpum and Leucaena leucocephala. Three West African dwarf (WAD) rams fitted with permanent rumen cannula were used for the degradability trials. Foliage samples were collected four times to represent seasonal variations as follows: January--mid dry; April--late dry; July--mid rainy and October--late rainy seasons. Leaf samples were randomly collected from the trees for estimation of dry matter (DM) and chemical composition. Ruminal in sacco OM and CP degradabilities were estimated from residues in nylon bags. All samples had high CP (161-259 g/kg DM) and moderate fibre concentrations [neutral detergent fibre (without residual ash], 300-501 g/kg DM; acid detergent fibre (without residual ash), 225-409 g/kg DM and acid detergent lignin, 87-179 g/kg DM across seasons. Interaction effects of species and season on chemical composition were highly significant (p = 0.001) except for trypsin inhibitor (p = 0.614). The MPTS recorded more than 60% OM and CP degradability at 24 h, which implied that they were all highly degradable in the rumen. Their incorporation into ruminant feeding systems as dry season forage supplements is therefore recommended.

The Multi-purpose tree species (MPTS) were sole fed to 16 West African Dwarf (WAD) goats to investigate their optimum DMI and performance. The DMI of 57.40g.kg -1 W 0.75 d -1 recorded for Pterocarpus santalinoides (PS) was the highest followed by 56.13, 46.27 and 14.76g.kg -1 W 0.75 d -1 for Leucaena leucocephala (LL), Grewia pubescens (GP) and Enterolobium cyclocarpum (EC) respectively. The differences were significantly different (P 0.05) between the forage species. Key words: MPTS, Nutrient intake, digestibility, nitrogen retention, performance

Grass-legume swards form the basis of many productive pasture systems. A study was carried out to evaluate their ability to smother weeds. A total of twelve treatments consisting of grass/ legume mixed swards were planted in July, 2004. Soil analysis of the site was carried out prior to and after the study. Some agronomic data like plant height, leaf number and population of weeds found in the plots were recorded using a meter square quadrat. There was a slight increase in the nitrogen content of the soil in 2005 after the study. The weed populations were highest during the first three weeks after planting. The weed population reduced drastically with increasing week. There were significant differences (p

Agronomic evaluation of three indigenous Multi-purpose tree species (MPTS) namely Pterocarpus santalinoides (PS), Grewia pubescens (GP) and Enterolobium cyclocarpum (EC) and one exotic Leucaena leucocephala (LL) which acted as the control were investigated to determine their growth performance and biomass production on slightly acidic soils. The highest mortality of 37.50% was recorded for LL followed by PS 31.25%, GP 24.50% and EC 13.75% at 24 months after planting. These performances were significantly different (P 0.05) from others except PS (3.60 metres). The highest diameter of 9.45cm was recorded for EC and this was highly significant (P -1 and 4.30t. DM. ha -1 respectively while the lowest was observed for PS. EC had higher nutrient contents in terms of CP and cellulose while PS recorded higher (P Keywords : indigenous multi purpose tree species, mortality, growth rate, biomass production Moor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 5(2) 2004: 108-114

The suitability of five species of Ficus, F. mucoso, F. thonningii, F. polita, F. religiosa and F. benjamina, for feeding ruminant livestock was studied. The nutritive and antinutritive components were determined and the acceptability of the forages to livestock was assessed using a cafeteria method in 8 adult small ruminants. Also, the degradation potential of the dry matter of the five Ficus species was investigated using 3 fistulated sheep. The crude protein (CP) content of the Ficus species varied significantly (p0.05), ranging from 130 to 180 g/kg DM. The content of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) also varied significantly (p0.05), ranging from 650 to 710 g/kg DM. The organic matter (OM) contents did not differ significantly (p0.05), having a mean value of 916 g/kg DM. The concentrations of tannin, saponin, phytic acid and oxalic acid were low. The acceptability of the forage was similar for four of the species but poor for F. polita. The extent of DM degradation varied significant among the Ficus species, the ranking order being F. benjaminaF. thonningiiF. mucosoF. religiosaF. polita.