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
EVALUATION OF MINERAL COMPOSITION OF CROP RESIDUES ENSILED WITH MINERAL ADDITIVES
EVALUATION OF MINERAL COMPOSITION OF CROP RESIDUES ENSILED WITH MINERAL ADDITIVES
This study was conducted to evaluated the change in mineral composition of ensiled crop residues (rice
milling waste and sugar cane top) with and without salt and potash as additives. The experiment was
laid in a completely randomized design consisting 5 treatments each replicated three times, as: T1
RSCT (control 75% rice straw + 25% sugarcane tops), T2 (RSCT + 50 g salt), T3 (RSCT + 100 g salt),
T4 (RSCT + 50 g potash), T5 (RSCT + 100 g potash). The results showed that potash at 50 g
significantly enhanced the mineral availability of Ca, Mg, Mn, and P. Salt treatments resulted in
intermediate mineral values. Supplementation with potash at 50 g improved the mineral composition of
ensiled crop residues, making them a valuable source of minerals for animal feed. This study suggests
that potash-treated crop residues are a viable option for sustainable animal feed production.
AGRONOMIC AND MACRO MINERAL COMPOSITIONS OF Panicum coloratum AS AFFECTED BY WATER STRESS AND CUTTING AGE
AGRONOMIC AND MACRO MINERAL COMPOSITIONS OF Panicum coloratum AS AFFECTED BY WATER STRESS AND CUTTING AGE
In a 4x4 factorial arrangement, an experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of water Quantity
(WQ) and Cutting Age (CA) on the agronomic and macro mineral compositions of Panicum coloratum.
There were 4 levels of water quantity (200, 300, 400 and 500mls) and 4 cutting age (4, 8, 12 and 16week).
Data were collected on plant height (PH), Tiller Number (TN), Herbage Yield (HY), Calcium (Ca),
Potassium (K) and Sodium (Na). All data were subjected to analysis of variance using a general linear
model of SAS (2000), means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT) 5% probability
level. PH was significant for WQ (P=0.030), CA (P=0.00) but not significant (P=0.12) for interaction effect.
The TN were not significantly affected, HY was significantly affected by the WQ (0.00) and CA (0.00) but
not affected by the interaction effect (P=0.10). Ca was significantly affected by the WQ (0.05) and CA
(0.01). While the highest potassium (0.80% and 0.80%) were obtained when Panicum coloratum was
irrigated with 200mls of water and harvested between weeks 4-8 respectively but low at 500mls and 16
weeks of harvest. Na was not significant with irrigation (P=0.34) but high (0.27%) when Panicum
coloratum was harvested between 4-8 weeks and low between 12-16 weeks. It could be concluded from
this study that water quantity and cutting age has significant effect on the agronomic and macro mineral
composition of Panicum coloratum.
EFFECTS OF FORAGE TYPES AND CUTTING INTERVAL ON BIOMASS YIELD AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SELECTED FORAGES
EFFECTS OF FORAGE TYPES AND CUTTING INTERVAL ON BIOMASS YIELD AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SELECTED FORAGES
A 12-week investigation was conducted on effect of forage types and cutting interval on herbage yield
and chemical composition of selected forages. Three forages (maize, millet and sorghum) and five cutting
intervals (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 post planting) were laid in 3 x 5 factorial arrangement using randomized
completely block design. The treatments were replicated three times. Results revealed that among the
three selected forages, the value recorded for herbage yield of maize (493.13g) was significantly (P<0.05)
higher than other forage types while the highest biomass yield was recorded for 12 weeks post planting
(470.11g). Millet had the highest value for dry matter (90.48%), crude protein (11.43%) but lower NDF
(60.78%). Dry matter content was increasing while crude protein was decreasing with advancement in
cutting intervals. Therefore, millet harvested at 12 weeks post planting had better dry matter and chemical
compositions. This study showed that Maize produced better yield, thus it could serve as a fodder bank
for ruminant production. It could be concluded that maize had better herbage yield than other forages
while cutting of the three selected forages can be done up to 12th weeks for optimum utilization.
Proximate, Mineral, Phytochemical and Antioxidant Composition of Purslane (Portulaca Oleracea) Weed as Potential Feed Supplement to Monogastric and Ruminants Nutrition
Proximate, Mineral, Phytochemical and Antioxidant Composition of Purslane (Portulaca Oleracea) Weed as Potential Feed Supplement to Monogastric and Ruminants Nutrition
The Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) weed was bought at “Hayin-gada” along Jimeta-Girei River in
Adamawa State. The proximate and phytochemical compositions of the leaves and stems of the weed
was analysed according to the standard procedures. Minerals and Vitamins concentrations were
determined by using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), Inductivity Coupled Plasma Mass
Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Inductivity Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and
X-Ray florescence (XRF). The Proximate analysis showed moisture (9.55%), CP (17.7%), Nitrogen
free extract (45.84%), Energy content value (2,415.78Kcal/Kg), Ash (9.72%), Esther extract (4.19%).
Some minerals analysed were Ca (2620mg/Kg), P (3731 mg/Kg), Mg (3924mg/Kg) and K (5881
mg/Kg) while some minor minerals like Iron (82mg/Kg), Zn (36mg/Kg), Cu (11mg/Kg) and Mn
(43mg/Kg) were also determined. The phytochemical analysis reveals the presence of Alkaloids
(0.05mg/100g), Saponins (3.11%), Tannin (1.43%), Glycoside (0.31%), Flavonoid, Steroid, Apigenin
(20.32mg/100g), oxalate (2.31%) and phytate (0.096 mg/100g). Similarly, some antioxidants
components were evaluated; Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) (14 mg/ 100g), Vitamin E (17mg), β-Carotene
(0.1mg/100g), total phenolics (420 mg/100g) and Glutathione (8.9 mg/100g). Purslane weed is widely
available in riverine areas, low cost and has potentials in feeding animals as a supplement because it
has all the nutrients especially protein and it can contribute to omega-3 fatty acid, vitamin A, C and E.
Similarly, it has some essential major and minor minerals and it is valuable as forage supplement for
ruminants due to high phytochemical content. Therefore, it is recommended to feed ruminants as
supplement.
Growth Performance of Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) Grown with Different Organic Manures
Growth Performance of Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) Grown with Different Organic Manures
This experiment was conducted to examine growth performance of Napier grass on growth fertilized
with different organic manures. Four (4) treatments were laid out in Randomized Complete Block
Design with three replicates consisting of different manure types. The T1 Napier grass intercropped
with legume (groundnut), T2 Napier grass fertilized with cattle dung, T3 was Napier grass fertilized
with swine dung and T4 was Napier grass fertilized with poultry manure application. These manures
were applied by site placement method two weeks after planting at the rate of 200 kgN/ha based on
their nitrogen content. Napier grass stems were planted on ploughed plots with required agronomic
practices. Growth parameters such as plant height, leaf length, leaf width and stem circumference were
measured at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after planting (WAP). Results obtained showed that manure types
showed significant influence (P<0.05) on growth parameters measured at different weeks after planting.
Higher (P<0.05) growth parameters were obtained for Napier grass grown with cattle manure at
different weeks after planting. It could be concluded that cattle dung is a preferred organic manure for
cultivating elephant grass, as it consistently supported superior vegetative growth and biomass
accumulation compared to poultry and swine dung
Physicochemical Composition of Silage Produced from Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) Varieties in Shika, Nigeria
Physicochemical Composition of Silage Produced from Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) Varieties in Shika, Nigeria
Silage production has been widely promoted as a viable strategy for conserving forages during
periods of abundance to sustain livestock feeding in times of scarcity. This study was conducted at
the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Shika, Nigeria, to evaluate the
comparative nutritive value and fermentation characteristics of silage produced from four (4)
Napier grass varieties: Juncao, Super Napier, Hybrid Napier, and Elephant grass. A Randomized
Complete Block Design was employed, and forages were harvested at 10 weeks of growth,
chopped, and ensiled for 22 days in airtight containers. Laboratory analyses were conducted to
determine proximate composition and physical characteristics were determined. Results indicated
significant (P<0.05) varietal differences in both nutritional and fermentation qualities. Elephant
grass exhibited the highest crude protein content (12.07%) but also the highest crude fiber
(33.63%), which may reduce digestibility. Hybrid Napier combined high crude protein (11.86%)
with excellent dry matter retention (95.01%), making it nutritionally balanced. Super Napier
demonstrated optimal fermentation quality, recording the lowest silage pH (3.93), which is within
the desirable range for silage stability. The findings suggest that Hybrid Napier and Juncao are the
most promising varieties for silage production in Shika, Nigeria, due to their superior balance of
nutrient composition and digestibility. While Elephant grass may contribute protein, its high crude
fiber content limits efficiency, and Super Napier offers fermentation stability but requires dietary
supplementation. This study underscores the importance of varietal selection in silage production
as a strategy for sustainable livestock feeding and improved productivity in the Guinea Savannah
zone of Nigeria.
EVALUATION OF HYDROPONIC MILLET FODDER PRODUCTION POTENTIAL OF SOME PEARL MILLET VARIETIES IN SEMI-ARID ENVIRONMENT OF NIGERIA
EVALUATION OF HYDROPONIC MILLET FODDER PRODUCTION POTENTIAL OF SOME PEARL MILLET VARIETIES IN SEMI-ARID ENVIRONMENT OF NIGERIA
The field experiment was experiment conducted on evaluation of pearl millet varieties for hydroponic green
fodder potential in a semi-arid environment of Nigeria to determine the effects of variety on agronomic
characteristics of hydroponic millet fodder. The experiment was carried out at Lake Chad Research Institute
which was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Four (4) varieties of pearl millet were used
for this experiment designed as V1, V2, V3 and V4 as treatment, each treatment was replicated three times. The
study reveals that the highest plant height, fresh fodder weight and dry fodder weight (6.88 cm), (6.10kg) and
(1.41kg) was significantly (P<0.05) recorded in Super Sosat hydroponic millet fodder while the lowest (6.60
cm), (65 cm), (5.45kg) and (1.27kg) was observed in Sosat C88, Jirani, Maiwa and Maiwa pearl millet
varieties. In conclusion, the best millet variety for hydroponic fodder production was Super Sosat based on the
agronomic characteristics of the fodders observed and alternatively Jirani millet variety.
SILAGE QUALITY AND FORAGE YIELD OF SWEET CORN STOVER FORTIFIED WITH DIFFERENT ENERGY SOURCES IN SHIKA.
SILAGE QUALITY AND FORAGE YIELD OF SWEET CORN STOVER FORTIFIED WITH DIFFERENT ENERGY SOURCES IN SHIKA.
This study was conducted to evaluate the silage quality and nutritional composition of sweet corn stover
fortified with different energy sources. The experimental design was complete randomized design with five
treatment (1: control without fortification, 2: fortified with wheat offal, 3. fortified with maize offal, 4.
fortified with rice bran and 5. fortified with molasses replicated three times. The result revealed that
temperature of 22.33oC for silage fortified with rice bran and molasses was significantly (P<0 .05) higher
than those fortified with wheat offal, maize offal and the control (20.50, 21.66 and 21.50oC), respectively.
The pH of the silage fortified with wheat offal (3.50) and maize offal (3.95) was lower (p < 0.05) than those
fortified with molasses (4.88), rice bran (5.04) and the control (5.85). Wheat and maize offal fortified silages
had sweet aroma while those fortified with molasses had pleasant aroma. The texture for all the treatments
were coarse. The colour was deep brown for the control and molasses fortified silages while wheat offal,
maize offal and rice bran had light brown colour. The highest (P<0.05) fresh forage (6.22 and 6.23 t/ha)
and dry matter yield (2.23 and 2.29 t/ha) were obtained in sweet corn stover silage fortified with wheat and
maize offal, respectively. It can therefore be concluded from the result of this study that ensiled sweet corn
stover with wheat offal or maize offal had better temperature, lower pH with sweet pleasant aroma.
PROXIMATE COMPOSITION OF ENSILED RICE STRAW AND GMELINA (Gmelina arborea) WITH MOLASSES AS ADDITIVES
PROXIMATE COMPOSITION OF ENSILED RICE STRAW AND GMELINA (Gmelina arborea) WITH MOLASSES AS ADDITIVES
This study examined the effect of varying levels of molasses inclusion on the nutrient composition and
physical quality of silage prepared from rice straw and Gmelina arborea (50:50). Five treatments were
formulated: 0% molasses (control), 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% molasses, each replicated three times.
Proximate analysis and physical evaluation were conducted before and after ensiling. Data was analyzed
using a complete randomized design while means were separated using Duncan`s multiple range test.
Results indicated that molasses addition enhanced crude protein (CP) content across all treatments, with
the 15% molasses inclusion (Treatment 4) showing the highest CP value (10.65%). Although the 20%
inclusion (Treatment 5) scored highest in physical attributes such as smell, colour, and texture, the
laboratory analysis confirmed Treatment 4 as nutritionally superior. The findings suggest that 15%
molasses inclusion optimizes both nutrient quality and storage stability of rice straw and Gmelina arborea
silage. These results are significant for improving feed resources for ruminant livestock in regions facing
seasonal feed shortages.
EFFECT OF GRADED LEVELS OF COTTONSEED CAKE AND POULTRY LITTER AS SUPPLEMENT IN TOTAL MIXED RATIO ON HAEMATOLOGICAL INDICES OF FATTENING YANKASA RAMS
EFFECT OF GRADED LEVELS OF COTTONSEED CAKE AND POULTRY LITTER AS SUPPLEMENT IN TOTAL MIXED RATIO ON HAEMATOLOGICAL INDICES OF FATTENING YANKASA RAMS
This study was conducted to investigate the effect of graded levels of cottonseed cake and poutry litter
based diets on the haematological indices of fattening rams. Sixteen (16) rams with an average weight
of 25kg-35kg were allotted to four treatments. The treatments evaluated were 0%, 5%, 10% and 15%
for treatment 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively in a Complete Randomized Design (C R D). The results showed
on significance (P>0.05) difference among the treatment mean. For Packed Cell Volume (PCV),
Haemoglobin (HB), White Blood Cell (WBC), Red Blood Cell (RBC), Mean Corpuscular Volume
(MCV), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH), and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration
(MCHC). The results obtained showed that all the haemotological parameters obtained were within the
normal range values. It is concluded that inclusion of cottonseed cake and poultry litter in diets of
fattening rams have no any effect on treatment and effects on parameters evaluated.