Sward Composition and Silage Quality of Forage Land at The Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Ruminant farmers in semi-arid parts of Africa like Nigeria are faced with the problem of livestock feeding during the dry season, this problem can however be minimized through forage conservation during the time of abundance (raining season). The forage land in the Department of Animal Science quadrangle, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, was used for the study. The quadrangle was divided into plots. Sward composition was done using random sampling method and plant species were identified. The 20 weeks old plants were harvested and ensiled with additives which include: control 3.85% urea (UR), Treatment (Trt)1, 3.85% UR + 9.09% sugar (SU), Trt 2, 3.85% UR + 9.09% sorghum (S), Trt 3, 3.85% UR + 9.09% maize flour (MF) and Trt 4, 3.85% UR + 9.09% cassava flour (CF) and ensiled. Samples were collected for analysis. The study revealed that 10 plant species was present on the quadrangle. A total of 483 plants were collected from the four plots. Plot 2 had the highest plant species (7) while plot 4 the least (4). Megathyrsus maximus (154) was the most occurring plant species while Solenostemon monostachyus had the least (13). From the proximate analysis of the silage, Treatment 1 had the best nutritional quality (DM 43.8a, CP 16.90a, CF 16.58b) while the control (DM 36.65b, CP 14.81c, CF 18.25a) had the least. The silage obtained showed good quality for
ruminant feeding during dry season.