DIVERSITY AND PROXIMATE COMPOSITION OF THE MOST PREFERRED  FODDER PLANTS AT ABOH-MBAISE, IMO STATE, NIGERIA

E. C. Odoemene; L. A. Giwa; P. C. Ukwu; N. J. Anyanwu; I. C. Okoli

doi:10.51791/njap.vi.5599

Authors

E. C. Odoemene Federal University of Technology, PMB 1526 Owerri, Imo State
L. A. Giwa Federal University of Technology, PMB 1526 Owerri, Imo State
P. C. Ukwu Federal University of Technology, PMB 1526 Owerri, Imo State
N. J. Anyanwu Federal University of Technology, PMB 1526 Owerri, Imo State
I. C. Okoli Federal University of Technology, PMB 1526 Owerri, Imo State

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.vi.5599

Keywords:

Fodder, Diversity, Evergreen, Plant, Ruminant

Abstract

Diversity and proximate composition of the most preferred fodder plants were studied at Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area(LGA) of Imo State, South Eastern Zone of Nigeria. Ten ruminant farmers, selected through a multi-stage sampling technique were used to study the diversity of the fodder plants fed to small ruminants in the area. The seven of the most preferred fodder plants were thereafter selected and subjected to proximate analysis to determine their nutrient compositions. The farmers identified 18 fodder plants fed to their animals, with Eleasia guineensis recording the highest frequency of 10, Dialium guineense (8), Persea americana (5) and Aspilia africana (4) among others. The seven most preferred fodders were Eleasis guinensis,Dialium guineense, Persea americana, Aspilia africana, Cactus after, Pennisetum purpureum and Veronica amygdaline. Result proximate composition results showed a dry matter range of 85.29 - 89.35% while crude protein ranged from 5.96% for E. guinensis to 15.17% for V. amydaline respectively. Crude fat ranged from 1.66-5.73% for A. africana and V. amydaline, while crude fibre ranged from 6.94-22.28% for V. amydaline and P. purpureum. Total Ash content also ranges from 9.04-14.37% with A. africana recording the highest in value. The nitrogen free extract values equally range from the 23% in P. purpureum to the 60.2% in D. guineese. It can be concluded that amygdaline, A. africana, and D. guineese were adjudged the best fodder plants for feeding ruminants at the study area. Information contained in this study can be used for the conservation of promising fodder plants for ruminant feeding in Southeastern Nigeria.