Nitrogen fertilizer on yield of fodder maize, chemical composition, its preference and digestibility by Sokoto Gudali heifers

Abstract

The lack of high yielding quality fodder for ruminant production is still a major problem to livestock sector in Nigeria. Fodder yield is primarily determined by nitrogen levels in the soil which is often limiting in tropical soils. This study evaluated four levels of nitrogen fertilizer application (0, 100, 150 and 200kg N/ha) on fodder yield of maize, chemical composition, its acceptability and digestibility by Sokoto Gudali heifers. Treatments were replicated three times on plots measuring 4mx10m in a completely randomized design. Forage was harvested at 42 days after planting (DAP) and fodder yield (tons/ha) per plot was determined. Samples of forage from each plot were taken for chemical analysis. Eight heifers were used to evaluate acceptability and twelve heifers for digestibility of the fodder using standard procedures. The biomass yield increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing levels of nitrogen fertilizer with the highest yield (9.06tons/ha) recorded at200kgN/ha also increased significantly (P<0.05) with increased levels of nitrogen across the treatment. The highest CP (23.25%) and NDF (75.15%) were recorded at 200kg N/ha and the lowest CP(17.51%) and NDF(71.40%) at 0kgN/ha. Preference of heifers for maize fodder reduced with application of fertilizer while digestibility of the maize fodder increased up to 100kg N/ha and thereafter reduced.