PROXIMATE COMPOSITION AND ENERGY VALUES OF SOME CHAFFS, LEAVES AND PEELS AS FEED RESOURCES FOR RUMINANTS

Abstract

This study was to determine the proximate composition and energy values of twenty (20) feedstuffs (consisting chaffs, leaves and peels) ordinarily considered ‘waste’ and prone to being discarded with environmental consequences. Fresh samples of leaves and peels were washed, sun-dried, milled, sieved and packaged for laboratory analysis. Results showed that among chaffs, highest values of CP, fat, DM, NFE and ME were found in Palm Kernel Cake (19.83%), Groundnut Testa (6.35%), Maize Cob (94.63%), Burukutu Waste (56.61%) and Maize Offal (3072.13 Kcal/kg) respectively; Rice Milling Waste had the highest ash (19.81%) and CF (27.05%). For leaves, highest values of CP 27.44% was found in Sweet Potato Leaves while ash of 14.93% and CF of 25.10% were both found in Maize Leaves; cassava Leaves had the highest fat (6.52%), DM (92.81%), NFE (60.66%) and ME (2829.81 Kcal/kg). Among peels, CP (28.11%) and ash (17.60%) were highest in Cabbage Waste, while DM (95.30%), NFE (75.51%) and ME (3147.04% Kcal/kg) were highest in Sweet Potato Peels; fat (4.74%) and CF (30.36%) were highest in watermelon peels and Groundnut Shells respectively. From this study, it is clear that these unconventional feedstuffs can meet the nutrient requirements of ruminant especially protein fibre and fat and adequately supply energy for metabolic and productive activities ,These ‘wastes’ when harnessed and mixed in required proportions and used as feed for ruminants will help to reduce environmental pollution, reduce feed cost, reduce competition between man and livestock for conventional feeds, increase farmers' profitability and bring about sustainable agriculture.