Conference Proceedings
30th Annual Conference Proceedings of ASAN
Prof. Suleiman Makama YASHIM , Prof. Abdulmojeed Yakubu , Prof. Uchelle Okpanachi, Dr. Bello Mummuni Munza
Articles 201 Papers
EFFICACY OF RABBIT URINE AS FERTILIZER ON HERBAGE YIELD AND NUTRITIVE VALUE OF CONGO GRASS (Brachiaria ruziziensis)
EFFICACY OF RABBIT URINE AS FERTILIZER ON HERBAGE YIELD AND NUTRITIVE VALUE OF CONGO GRASS (Brachiaria ruziziensis)
This study determined the efficacies of rabbit urine as fertilizer on herbage yield and nutritive value
of Brachiaria ruziziensis. The experiment was set up in a completely randomized design with four
treatments comprising of varying rabbit urine concentrations; T1 (no urine), T2 (714ml), T3
(833ml) and T4 (882ml) with each treatment replicated four times. Fresh matter yield (FMY), dry
matter yield (DMY) and morphological traits were estimated. Samples of grasses were taken for
chemical analysis. The FMY and DMY of T4 (882ml) had significantly (P<0.05) superior values to
other treatments. The number of leaves was significantly (P<0.05) highest in T4 (615.00), followed
by T1 (491.50), T2 (472.00) and least T3 (376.00). The T4 (9.78) concentration was significantly
highest (p<0.05) in crude protein T1 (8.05), T2 (7.18) and T3 (6.36). The values of crude fibre was
significantly higher (p<0.05) in T3 (33.96) and T1 (34.02) concentrations than T3 (33.96) and T4
(30.15). However, the Congo grass treated with T3 and T2 urine concentrations had significantly
higher (P<0.05) NDF, ADF, ADL, HEM and CEL contents than T4 and T1. It could be concluded
that rabbit urine at 882 ml/l concentration (T4) led to improved herbage and agronomic yields as
well as crude protein and metabilisable energy contents.
GROWING OF HYDROPONIC MAIZE FODDER USING LOW COST GREEN HOUSE CULTIVATION
GROWING OF HYDROPONIC MAIZE FODDER USING LOW COST GREEN HOUSE CULTIVATION
The study was conducted at Duware research farm, is a private research farm located 2km away from Yola
South Metropolis. The study evaluated the method of Growing Hydroponic Maize Fodder Using Low Cost
Green House Cultivation, the objectives of this research are to adverse the force seep problems through
these methods first: Harvesting of hydroponic maize and biomass production. Second: Impact of
environment on growing hydroponic maize fodder, the following are impact of environment on growing
hydroponic maize fodder; Light Intensity, Temperature and Air Humidity. Third: challenges of growing
hydroponic maize fodder involves the following; Prevalence of mold, Management and Irrigation. The
following are method for growing hydroponic maize; Sources of maize seeds, Seeds storage, Washing and
removal of chaff from maize seeds, Treatments of seeds and improvised silver aluminum trays, soaking of
maize seeds, Incubation period of maize seeds, planting of maize seeds, Seeds rate, Preparation of calcium
nitrates Ca (NO3)2 and Harvesting of hydroponic maize. This study revealed that hydroponic greenhouse
cultivation is better option in the utilization of inputs and improved maize production. The irrigated water
used for growing hydroponic maize should be replaced after every 3 days to reduce microbial
contamination in maize, Seeds should be soaked in fresh water for different periods; 4h, 8h, 12-16h and
24h depending on the hardness of the seed coat for proper growth and development of hydroponic maize
and the green shed is important for lighting to prevent yellowing of the leaves because green shade net
allows sufficient light and maintain favorable temperature and humidity for optimum photosynthesis which
results to better yield of hydroponic maize. In conclusion, hydroponic system minimizes water wastage
since it applied directly to the roots and is often recycled and used several times and about 1.5 – 2 liter are
needed/ required to produce 1 kg of green maize hydroponically, it is recommended that green shed is
important for lighting to prevent yellowish of the leaves because green shade net allows sufficient light and
maintain favorable temperature and humidity for optimum photosynthesis which results to better yield of
hydroponic maize.
GROWTH COMPONENTS AND FORGAE YIELD OF Centrosema pascuorum AS INFLUENCED BY INTER-ROW SPACING AND AGE OF HARVEST IN MAIDUGURI
GROWTH COMPONENTS AND FORGAE YIELD OF Centrosema pascuorum AS INFLUENCED BY INTER-ROW SPACING AND AGE OF HARVEST IN MAIDUGURI
This study was conducted during the 2024 rainy season at the Pasture Unit of the Livestock Teaching and
Research Farm, University of Maiduguri. It evaluated the growth components and forage yield of
Centrosema pascuorum in response to inter-row spacing (30, 60, and 90 cm) and age of harvest (4, 8, 12,
and 16 weeks after planting – WAP). A 3 × 4 factorial experiment, arranged in a Randomized Complete
Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates was employed. Data collected included; number of leaves, leaf
length, leaf width, number of branches, and fresh and dry forage yields. Significant effects (P<0.05) were
observed for both spacing and age on all parameters measured. Wider spacing (90 cm) produced the highest
leaf length (9.16 cm), leaf width (0.95 cm), branch number (5.35), fresh yield (6.11 t/ha), and dry yield
(2.18 t/ha). The highest number of leaves (256.00), fresh (8.70 t/ha), and dry yield (3.08 t/ha) were recorded
at 16 WAS. No significant interaction effect was observed. For optimal yield, planting at 90 cm spacing
and harvesting at 16 WAS could be recommended.
SILAGE CHARACTERISTICS OF ENSILED MIXTURE OF CABBAGE WASTE, WHEAT OFFAL, DRIED CASSAVA WASTE AND BREWERS SPENT GRAINS
SILAGE CHARACTERISTICS OF ENSILED MIXTURE OF CABBAGE WASTE, WHEAT OFFAL, DRIED CASSAVA WASTE AND BREWERS SPENT GRAINS
An investigation was carried out on the physicochemical properties, proximate composition and
phytochemical composition of ensiled cabbage waste, wheat offal, dried cassava waste and brewers spent
grains. The agro by products were mixed as - T1 (0% cabbage wastes: 30% cassava waste: 20% wheat
offal: 50% BSG), T2 (5% cabbage waste: 30% cassava waste: 15% wheat offal: 50% BSG), and T3 (10%
cabbage waste: 30% cassava peels: 10% wheat offal: 50% BSG). The quality characteristics (colour, odour,
pH, temperature and texture), proximate composition (crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, ash and
nitrogen free extract) and phytochemical composition (tannin, hydrocyanide, lactate, ammonia nitrogen and
saponin) were assayed. The resulting silage was characterized by brown to brownish green colour and the
odour was generally alcoholic. The pH range was from 6.15 – 6.70 and temperature ranged from 36oC to
37oC while texture was moist. The proximate composition of the ensiled mixtures ranged from 50.34 %
(T2) - 56.27 % (T3) dry matter; 14.00 % (T1) – 14.70 % (T2) crude protein and 19.75 % (T2) – 33.56 %
(T1) crude fibre. The phytochemical analysis revealed that the silages ranged in the contents of tannin (5.23
mg/g – 5.61 mg/g), hydrocyanide (2.35 mg/g – 4.21 mg/g), lactate (1.82 % - 2.36 %), ammonia nitrogen
(2.24 % - 2.35 %) and saponin (3.46 mg/g – 4.18 mg/g). The results of the study concluded that cabbage
wastes could be included up to 10% in ruminant diet during periods of drought instead of allowing them to
constitute a nuisance to the environment and man.
BIOMASS YIELD OF NAPIER GRASS UNDER IRRIGATION SYSTEM AS INFLUENCED BY DIFFERENT FERTILIZERS IN YOLA, ADAMAWA STATE
BIOMASS YIELD OF NAPIER GRASS UNDER IRRIGATION SYSTEM AS INFLUENCED BY DIFFERENT FERTILIZERS IN YOLA, ADAMAWA STATE
A field trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of different fertilizers on the fresh forage and dry matter
yield of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) under irrigation system in Yola, Adamawa State. The
treatments comprised NPK fertilizer at 250 kg/ha, cow dung at 7 tons/ha, and a no-fertilizer control. The
experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. Harvests were
carried out at 60, 90, and 120 days after planting (DAP). Results showed that both fertilizer treatments
significantly improved fresh and dry matter yields compared to the control. Cow dung consistently
produced higher yields than NPK at all stages, with peak performance at 120 DAP. The control plots
recorded the lowest yields throughout the study. The findings underscore the potential of organic manure
in enhancing biomass production of Napier grass under irrigated conditions. It is therefore recommended
that cow dung be adopted for increased forage productivity in semi-arid regions.
EFFECT OF VARIETY AND NITROGEN LEVELS ON THE pH OF SORGHUM SILAGE
EFFECT OF VARIETY AND NITROGEN LEVELS ON THE pH OF SORGHUM SILAGE
This study evaluated the effect of sorghum variety and nitrogen fertilization on the fermentation
characteristics of sorghum silage, with particular focus on silage pH. Field experiments were conducted
during the 2023 and 2024 rainy seasons at the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI),
Shika, Nigeria. Two sorghum varieties, sweet sorghum and samsorgh-17, were cultivated under four
nitrogen levels (0, 60, 120, and 180 Nkg/ha) and harvested for ensiling at 14 weeks after sowing. Silage
samples were assessed for pH after 21 days of ensiling. Results revealed significant varietal differences
(p < 0.05), with Samsorgh-17 consistently producing lower silage pH values than sweet sorghum,
indicating a more efficient fermentation process. Nitrogen application showed variable effects across
years; in 2024, moderate nitrogen fertilization (60 Nkg/ha) reduced silage pH most effectively, while
higher rates (120–180 Nkg/ha) slightly increased pH. These findings highlight the potential of samsorgh17 as a promising forage variety for silage production under variable nitrogen regimes in the Northern
Guinea Savannah.
PRODUCTION AND CHEMICAL EVALUATION OF GRASS-LEGUME BASED MULTINUTRIENT BLOCK
PRODUCTION AND CHEMICAL EVALUATION OF GRASS-LEGUME BASED MULTINUTRIENT BLOCK
This study was conducted to develop and evaluate multi-nutrient blocks (MNBs) as a cost-effective feed
supplement for ruminants in semi-arid regions, particularly during the dry season. The objectives were to
formulate MNBs using a combination of grasses, legumes, and agro-industrial by-products, assess their
hardness and compactness, and analyze their chemical composition. The methodology involved sourcing
feed ingredients such as maize bran, groundnut haulms, and grasses (Gamba grass Andropogon
gayanus, Napier grass Cenchurus purpureus, Para grass Brachiaria mutica, and Legumes Lab
Lab Lablab purpureus, Macuna Macuna pruriens, Stylosenthes guianensis) which were dried
separately for 3 days under a shade, processed (the dry leaves were crumbled by hand to form leave
meal) and combined with additives like molasses, salt, and urea. The blocks were molded using a cold
process and dried for 14 days and analysed for nutritional quality using (AOAC, 1990) method. The study
concluded that MNBs are a viable and affordable nutritional supplement for livestock, particularly in areas
with limited feed availability. It highlighted the need for optimizing ingredient proportions, improving
drying techniques, and ensuring consistency in production to enhance the nutritional quality and shelf life
of the blocks.
Effects of Citrus species pulp on the silage fermentation of Cenchrus purpureus – Calopogonium mucunoides mixtures
Effects of Citrus species pulp on the silage fermentation of Cenchrus purpureus – Calopogonium mucunoides mixtures
The effects of Citrus sinensis (CS) – sweet orange and Citrus maxima (CMA) – Shaddock pulps on silage
fermentative properties and microbial counts from a blend of Cenchrus purpureus(CP) and Calopogonium
mucunoides (CM) in varying amounts during 60 days of ensiling were evaluated. The silage treatments
consisted of T1-100% CP, T2-60% CP + 10% CMA + 30% CM and T3-60% CP + 10% CS + 30% CM
were subjected to a completely randomized design. The dry matter content, pH, Ammonia-N and Fleig
score of the silages were not significantly different (P < 0.05) in all the treatments. Higher values were
recorded for lactic (T2 (5.03%) and T3 (5.19%)), acetic (T2 (3.77%) and T3 (3.89%)), propionic (T2
(0.25%) and T3 (0.26%)) and butyric acid (T2 (0.0377) and T3 (0.0389%)) and total VFA (T2 (5.66%)
and T3 (5.84%)) for silages with citrus inclusion above sole grass silage. Sole grass silage consistently
recorded lower microbial contents while T3 had higher yeast counts above other silages. In conclusion,
ensiling citrus spp pulp alongside grass and legume, produced silages of better fermentative characteristics
and microbial contents. And as a result, inclusion of citrus spp pulp into silage will offer both quantitative
and qualitative fodder for animals most especially throughout the dry season.
UTILIZATION OF ENSILED Spondia mombin (HOG PLUM) LEAVES BY WEST AFRICAN DWARF SHEEP
UTILIZATION OF ENSILED Spondia mombin (HOG PLUM) LEAVES BY WEST AFRICAN DWARF SHEEP
Seasonal feed shortages in tropical Nigeria pose challenges to ruminant production, with feed costs
comprising 60-70% of expenses. This study assessed the chemical composition and utilization of ensiled
Spondias mombin leaves as an alternative feed for West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep. Twelve (12) WAD
sheep (10-12 kg) were assigned to four (4) diets in a 90-day trial using a completely randomized design:
T1 (20% concentrate + 80% SMNAD, no additive), T2 (20% concentrate + 80% SMGNC, groundnut
cake), T3 (20% concentrate + 80% SMPKC, palm kernel cake), and T4 (20% concentrate + 80%
SMWHO, wheat offal). Chemical composition showed significant (P<0.05) variations: dry matter (40.23-
56.82%), crude protein (13.98-18.01%), crude fiber (13.87-18.32%), ether extract (3.23-4.13%), ash
(10.32-12.98%) and nitrogen-free extract (52.31-54.27%), respectively. Fiber fractions differed: neutral
detergent fiber (59.89-62.81%), acid detergent fiber (30.21-33.18%) and acid detergent lignin (11.00-
15.01%), respectively. Performance metrics revealed that SMGNC-fed sheep had the highest (P<0.05)
dry matter intake (689.20 g/d), weight gain (6.35 kg), average daily gain (70.55 g/d), and best feed
conversion ratio (9.77). Ensiled Spondias mombin with groundnut cake offers a viable, cost-effective dryseason feed to improve ruminant productivity.
NAPIER GRASS (Pennisetum purpereum): A RESILIENT AND HIGH-QUALITY FORAGE FOR SUSTAINABLE RUMINANT PRODUCTION IN SEMI-ARID REGIONS – A REVIEW
NAPIER GRASS (Pennisetum purpereum): A RESILIENT AND HIGH-QUALITY FORAGE FOR SUSTAINABLE RUMINANT PRODUCTION IN SEMI-ARID REGIONS – A REVIEW
Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum), also known as elephant grass, is a perennial tropical forage crop
recognized for its exceptional biomass production, adaptability, and nutritive value. It is widely
cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Africa, as a primary feed resource for
ruminants. In semi-arid zones of Nigeria, where seasonal feed scarcity constrains livestock productivity,
Napier grass offers a sustainable solution due to its drought tolerance, rapid regrowth, and compatibility
with various conservation methods such as silage and haymaking. This review synthesizes available
literature on the agronomic characteristics, nutritional composition, adaptability, and management
strategies for optimizing Napier grass production under semi-arid conditions. Emphasis is placed on its
role in improving feed availability during dry seasons, potential for integration into cut-and-carry
feeding systems, and compatibility with smallholder farming systems. Given its high crude protein
content, digestibility, and energy value, Napier grass stands out as a pivotal forage for enhancing cattle
performance, milk yield, and overall farm profitability. The review concludes that targeted research,
farmer training, and policy support are essential to fully harness the potential of Napier grass as a
dependable forage in semi-arid livestock systems.