Comparative Nutritive Values of Leaves and Fruits of Boscia senegalensis as Potential Feed for Small Ruminant in Semi Arid Zone of North Eastern Nigeria
I. Musa *
Department of Animal Health and Production Technology, Yobe State College of Agricultural, Science and Technology, Gujba, P. M. B 1104, Damaturu, Nigeria.
M. Ali Tonga
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Yobe State College of Agricultural, Science and Technology, Gujba, P. M. B 1104, Damaturu, Nigeria.
A. K. Muslim Zanna
Department of Agricultural Technology, Yobe State College of Agricultural, Science and Technology, Gujba, P. M. B 1104, Damaturu, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine and compare the nutritive values of leaves and fruits of Boscia senegalensis as a potential feed for small ruminant in semi-arid zone of north eastern Nigeria. The result of proximate analysis revealed the presence of dry matter (95.68%), crude protein (11.53%), crude fibre (6.46%) ether extract (6.23%), ash (7.69%), Nitrogen Free Extract (63.72%) in leaves and dry matter (96.29%), crude protein (9.62%), crude fibre (7.14%), ether extract (6.10%) ash (6.60%) and Nitrogen Free Extract (66.83%) in fruits. Due to its availability in the dry season, Boscia senegalesis have the capacity to complement the feeding of crop residue's and natural pasture in the semi- arid zone of Nigeria. To promote increase use of Boscia Senegalensis on smallholder farms, farmers must be provided with information on the quality of this plant, so that they may start using this valuable feed resource for increasing animal productivity.
Keywords: Comparative, nutritive values, leaves, fruits, Boscia senegalenses, potential feed, ruminant livestock