Chemical Composition of Selected Green Plants Available to Small Ruminants in the Dry Season in Humid Nigeria

Abstract

Chemical analysis to assess the mineral status of fifteen randomly sampled mature dry season plants available for grazing by small ruminants in the humid tropics of Nigeria was carried out. A minimum mineral nutrient composition of 9.19, 0.22, 0.20, 0.07, 1.17, 0.02 % DM for CP, Ca, Mg, P, K and Na respectively was observed with the macro nutrients while the micro minerals Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn respectively contained the minimal values of 24.27, 58.10, 2.27 and 7.90 mg per kg DM. The composition of the plants for crude protein, Ca, Mg, K, Mn and Fe were found adequate for sheep production. On the contrary P, Na, Cu and Zn were inadequate. An allowance of cereal grains and/or provision of supplemental mineral sait blocks to provide these deficient minerals is strongly suggested in this area during the dry season.

Keywords

• Dry Season
• Available Plants
• Chemical Composition
• Small Ruminants
• Humid Tropics
• Nigeria