Determination of yield and nutrient quality of herbage in Giron Masa grazing reserve, Kebbi State

Abstract

The study determined the crude protein content of herbage collected from Giron Masa grazing reserve, Kebbi State Nigeria. The herbage samples were collected by using 1.0m 2 wooden frame (quadrant). Fresh weight of three most occurring species and remaining other species was taken by the use of spring balance for dry matter determination. Analysis of the data using SAS (1988) package indicated that LDS produces the highest DM and ERS was the least. DM yield on the other hand was highest in EDS and lowest in LRS. From the chemical analysis, highest values of 13.3% and least value of 5.6% CP was obtained in ERS and LDS respectively. The CF content was higher during the LDS (32.4%) and least in ERS (25.8%). Other parameters as ash, EE, Ca and P content were also determined. The results of the study indicated a significant effect of season on nutrient content of range herbage. The nutrient contents of the herbage fall within the range considered normal for semi-arid environment. The significant seasonal effect on the quality of the feeds could also be considered normal for plants growing in the semi-arid environment. The dry matter yield data, herbaceous and ligneous species composition and nutrient quality obtained in the present study could be considered fair. This could hold optimum number of livestock with their nutritional requirements, especially during the growing season. Keywords; grazing reserve, herbaceous, ligneous, nutrient, species, yield,