PROXIMATE AND MINERAL COMPOSITION OF SELECTED GRASSES, TREE LEAVES AND CROP RESIDUE CONSUMED BY CATTLE, SHEEP AND GOATS IN KASHERE, GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the proximate and mineral composition of grasses, tree leaves and crop residue consumed by ruminants during dry season in the grazing areas of Teaching and Research farm of Federal University of Kashere in Akko L.G.A, Gombe State, Nigeria. Forage samples were collected during grazing periods and identified from the designated areas (A, B, C and D) over a period of two weeks to ensure a representative diversity of forage species. Results showed that Gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus), Mango leaf (Magnifera indica), Cowpea husk (Vigna unguiculata), Potato leaf (Solanum tuberosum), and Maize husk (Zea mays) are the most consumed leaves among the ruminants. Most Common Forage Species include Brachiaria brizantha, Digitaria smutsii, Cyperus esculentus and Setaria barbata. Proximate analysis revealed variations in moisture, crude protein, ash, lipid, carboydrate, fiber, organic content among the samples. Mineral composition analysis showed that the forages contained essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, and phosphorus in varying concentrations, contributing to the nutritional needs of ruminants. The findings indicate that these forages can serve as valuable feed resources when strategically combined to balance energy, protein, and mineral requirements in livestock diets. The study emphasizes the need for supplementation of energy-rich forages with protein and mineral sources to enhance animal performance, particularly during the dry season when feed availability is limited.