Nutritional potential of (dc.) Hochst. pods in the semi-arid zone of Nigeria

Abstract

ThestudywasconductedtoevaluatethenutritivevaluesofPiliostigmareticulatumpodsfrom field grown stands within the semi-arid zone of Nigeria. 250 fruiting trees from five locations within coordinates of longitude 11 42' to 12 27' and latitude 07 29' to 11 04' with 50 stands per location were monitored up to pod maturity to 80% dried pods. The harvested pods were sampled and bulked in 50kg jute bag per location and analyzed for nutritive values, antinutritional factors (ANFs), macro-and micro-minerals.Multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select the fruiting trees and which were monitored incompletely randomized design (CRD). The results revealed that locations had significant differences (P<0.05) in all parameters evaluated except for Phytate (PHY) and Saponins (SAP). DM (94.83%), OM (89.23%), EE (3.66%), K (14.05g/kg) and Cu (35.53mg/kg) obtained from Itas-Gadau were statistically superior (P<0.05) to others; sample obtained from Dutse-Ma proved superior (P<0.05) in ASH (6.16%), CP (19.46%), P (1.06g/kg), Zn (33.26mg/kg), Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) (0.36mg/g) and Tannins (TAN) (1.21mg/g); Results obtained from Potiskum revealed superiority (P<0.05) in CF (16.90%), NDF (53.17%) and HEMCELL (13.62%) than others; Jahun sample lead (P<0.05) in NFE (68.94%), ADF (40.51%) and Mn (208.77mg/kg) and sample from Dambatta had higher values (P<0.05) in Ca (2.08g/kg) and Fe (29.80mg/kg). The study concluded that the values obtained on nutritive, antinutritive and minerals compositions of Piliostigma reticulatum pods were within the recommended requirement for ruminant nutrition and therefore recommended its use as feedstuff.