Growth performance of Red Sokoto bucks fed diets containing varying inclusion levels of irrigated gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) forage in Zaria

A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of feeding graded levels of Gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) forage on the performance of Red Sokoto bucks. Twelve (12) Red Sokoto bucks were randomly allotted into four (4) treatment diets containing graded levels of Gamba grass forage (0, 25, 50, and 100%). Experimental animals were individually pen-fed at 3% body weight in a Completely Randomized Design (CBD) for a period of 3 months. Animals fed 50% inclusion level of gamba grass forage in the diet had higher (P < 0.05) final live weight gain (13.50kg), average daily weight gain (38.89g/day) and daily feed intake, (371.30g/day). The live weight gain of bucks in the supplemented diets (25, 50 and 75) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher (2.22, 3.50, 2.80 kg) respectively than the un-supplemented diet (2.73kg). Results indicated that digestibility of dry matter (93.84%), crude protein (95.76%), crude fiber (97.07%), nitrogen free extract, (92.26%) and ash (94.60%) increased (P < 0.05) with increasing level of gamba grass forage in the diet. Also, bucks fed dietary inclusion level of 50% Andropogon gayanus Forage had significantly higher (P < 0.05) nitrogen intake (47.33 g/day), although it was at par with the control (41.32g/day) diet. Total Nitrogen output was higher (P < 0.05) in bucks fed the control diet and 50% inclusion level of gamba grass (5.85 vs 6.38g/day). Nitrogen absorbed and retained were higher (P < 0.05) in bucks fed 50% inclusion levels of gamba grass. However, nitrogen retained as percentage of intake was not significant (P > 0.05) across the treatments. The pH and temperature of rumen fluid of bucks fed 75% inclusion level of gamba grass forage were higher (P < 0.05) than other treatments fed. Total Volatile Fatty Acid (TVFA) of bucks fed 75% inclusion level gamba grass was 18% lower (P < 0.05) than those control diet. It was therefore concluded, that supplementation of 50% gamba grass forage to Red Sokoto bucks improved the dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility and live weight gain compared to the un-supplemented diet. Therefore, it is recommended that gamba grass forage should be supplemented to Red Sokoto bucks up to 50% without any negative effect on their performance.Keywords: Gamba grass, growth performance, nutrient utilization, red sokoto buc

Nutrient intake, digestibility and nitrogen balance of two temperate and two tropical forage legume hays fed to New Zealand white rabbits

An experiment was carried out to evaluate two temperate forage legumes (Trifolium pratense and Trifolium repens) and two tropical forage legumes (Stylosanthes guianensis and Centrosema molle) for hay intake and digestibility in the cool tropical climate of Vom, Jos, Plateau State of Nigeria. The legumes were planted in the month of June, 2016 and harvested at early-podding stage for hay. Sixteen (16) growing male New Zealand White rabbits were used for the digestibility study. The rabbits were arranged in a Completely Randomised Design and in individual cages measuring 55 cm x 39 cm x 40 cm. Nutrient contents, intake and digestibility in rabbits were determined. Crude protein content was significantly (P<0.01) higher in T. repens (18.38%) compared to T. pratense (16.50 %), whereas S. guianensis produced the least value of 13.83%. The crude fibre content of the hay was significantly higher (P<0.0I) in S. guianensis (37.29 %) compared to the other forage legumes. Dry matter intake was significantly (P<0.01) higher in rabbits fed T. repens (77.88%) compared to T. pratense (76.57%), and the lowest value of 62.97% was obtained in S. guianensis. Crude protein intake was significantly (P<0.01) higher in rabbits fed T. repens (15.05 g d-1) compared to those fed T. pratense (12.71 g d-1), but S. guianensis had the least value of 8.64 g d-1. On the other hand, rabbits fed S. guianensis hay had a higher (P<0.01) crude fibre intake (23.39%). Trifolium repens was significantly (P<0.01) higher in dry matter and crude protein digestibility (64.79 and 85. 88 %), while S. guianensis had lower values of 56.89 and 71.33%, respectively. Trifolium repens also had a significantly (P<0.01) higher total nitrogen intake and retained compared to the other forage legumes. Nitrogen retained in T. repens was 2.40 g d-1 compared to 1.87 g d-1 in T. pretense, while S. guianensis had the lowest of 1.34 g d-1. The temperate forage legume hays were higher in nutrient content, intake and digestibility compared to the tropical legume hays. Therefore, the forage crops may serve as better supplementary feeds for livestock feeding especially during the dry season. Keywords: Forage legumes, nutrient intake, digestibility, tropical, temperat

An appraisal study of donkey in three Northern states of Nigeria

This qualitative study on donkey was conducted in Bauchi, Kano and Kebbi States of Nigeria. The objective of the study was to understand the role, significance and potential areas needing intervention in donkey rearing in the rural setting. The study was also used to obtain first-hand baseline information on the state of knowledge on the donkey in the states surveyed. Sixty two locations were visited comprising 36 from Kebbi, 19 from Bauchi and 17 from Kano States respectively. Rapid Rural Participatory Appraisal (RRPA) technique with check list of questions and farmers' participation was employed in villages/towns randomly selected to cover all the ecological zones in each of the three States. A meeting of one to two hours was organized with the farmers and donkey owners. Observations were made on donkeys at home and in the field. Problems mentioned by respondents included: Colics (Anomari),ulcerative lymphangitis, inflammation of the tongue, interdigital dermatitis, ear sore, fistulous withers, unknown causes of lameness and nervous system disorder called locally as “chinkai chinkai”. There were generally poor or no veterinary facilities and services in most of the villages and towns. It was not the farmers practice to take donkeys to clinic for treatment. Mortality was high during the late dry season in most places but also occurred in the rainy season in some places. Areas for further investigations were also highlighted. Keywords: Nigeria, Appraisal, Northern States, diseases, donke

Productivity of columbus grass (Sorghum almum) intercrop with Lablab (Lablab purpureus) in Shika, Nigeria

An experiment was conducted to assess the productivity of Sorghum almum intercropped with Lablab (Lablab purpureus). The  experiment was laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) which consisted of intercropping systems as sole S. almum, S. almum with lablab in intra rows (IR), S. almum with lablab legume in alternate rows (AR) and sole lablab. Plant height and plant density were significantly (P<0.05) affected by sowing arrangements. The number of tillers, leaves and leaf: stem ratios were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by sowing arrangement. The highest total biomass yield of 12.85 t/ha DM was obtained from S. almum and lablab mixtures in alternate rows (AR) while the lowest yield was 7.06 t/ha DM from sole S. almum.The land equivalent ratios (LER) obtained was 1.98 for intercrop in AR and 1.88 for intra row treatment which were all above one (1.00). These values means 98.0 % and 88.0 % intercrop advantage of AR and IR respectively over sole cropping. The leave area index (LAI) of S. almum (0.74) in (AR) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the value of 0.65 for S. almum in (IR). The percentage proximate composition and fiber fractions were significantly (P<0.05) affected by intercropping systems. The highest value of 18.82 % crude protein and lowest value of 23.23 % crude fiberwas obtained in Sorghum almum and lablab in AR. Higher values of 54.55 %NDF and 23.96 %Hemicellulose are observed in sole grass compared to the two intercrop systems. Na, P, K, Mg and Mn were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by intercropping except for Ca, which gave a highest value of 3.21 g/kg Sorghum almum and lablab in AR compared to 1.71 g/kg for sole grass. This study revealed that Sorghum almum can be intercropped with lablab in alternate rows for higher yields and improved nutrient qualities than the sole crop. Therefore, intercropping Sorghum almum with lablab in alternate rows and gave the best forage productivity and good quality forage. Intercropping of Sorghum almum with Lablab purpureus in alternate rows is hereby recommended for livestock owners in Nigeria.Key words: Productivity, intercropsystems, yield and quality

Growth performance, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen retention in female rabbits fed Sorghum almum: Lablab purpureus forage mixtures

A study was conducted to determine the effect of varying inclusion levels of  Sorghum almum and Lablab purpureus mixtures on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen retention in female rabbits. A total of 20 female rabbits of different cross breeds with initial live weight range of 450g-500g were fed rations with inclusion levels of 100%Sorghum almum (SA),  75:25%Sorghum almum-Lablab (SL), 50:50% Sorghum almum-Lablab (SL) 25:75% Sorghum almum-Lablab (SL) and 100%Lablab (LL), respectively in a completely randomized design (CRD). The rabbits were allotted into 5 dietary treatments with 4 rabbits per treatment which served as replicates. The result shows that final live weight, dry matter intake and feed conversion ratio were  significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the treatments. Female rabbits supplemented with 50:50%SL and 25:75%SL had higher  (P<0.05) final weight gain (1665.73g vs. 1617.36g) and average daily weight gain (19.62g vs.18.96g) than the others. The  highest feed intake (95.75g/d) was recorded in rabbits fed 50:50% Sorghum almum-Lablab (SL) forage mixture. The least feed conversion ratio (3.83) was recorded in the 75:25%SL inclusion levels of Sorghum almum and Lablab (SL) in the diets. There were significant effects (P<0.05) on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen retention and nitrogen absorbed by the female rabbits among the treatments. From the study carried out, it was concluded that Sorghum almum: Lablab forage mixture of 50:50%SL in the feed of female rabbits would be optimum for improved productive performance. However, further research could be carried out to ascertain the effect of Sorghum almum: Lablab forage mixtures on growth performance of male rabbits in Nigeria.Key words: Sorghum almum, Dolichos lablab, feed, mixture, Nigeria, rabbi

Smallholder dairy production in the context of crop-livestock systems in the inland valleys of Nigeria: results of semi-detailed and detailed (micro) characterisation

The demand for milk and other dairy products in Nigeria has continued to grow especially in urban and suburban areas. However, despite the high potential for the dairy industry as gauged by this demand and estimated cattle population, growth in domestic milk supply is low. The agricultural potential of the inland valleys possibly rests on the abundant mineral rich soils and residual moisture that can be exploited for multiple cropping. However, there is little information on the extent and pattern of crop-livestock integration in the inland valleys. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to characterise the crop-livestock systems of the inland valleys with a view to gaining a better understanding of the system, identify constraints and determine the potential of the system to support dairy production