A study was conducted to determine the nutrient composition of selected locally available browse and grass plants commonly utilized by goats in Lungwena Extension Planning Area (EPA), Mangochi district, southern Malawi. A total of seventeen browse and grass samples were collected and subjected to proximate analysis to determine their chemical composition. Fiber components, Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) and Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), were also analyzed. Crude Protein (CP) content in the browse ranged from as high as 25% in Mucuna stans to 13% in Friesodielsia obovata. CP values for browse were considered adequate to furnish animal requirements. Browse contained low to medium NDF and ADF values, 29% to 64% and 20% to 43%, respectively. The Crude Fiber (CF) ranged from 6% in Ipomea batatas to 21% in Ficus capensis. Appreciable values in ether extract (EE) were obtained that ranged from 0.33% in I.batatas to 8% in Cajanus cajan. CP values for grasses ranged from 8% in Hyparrhenia sp to 9% in Mbunga. NDF values were between 45% and 65% and were regarded medium to high. Higher CF values were obtained between 16% in Mbunga and 26% in Imperata cylindirica. Season was determined as significantly affecting chemical composition (p<0.05) with better values recorded in the rainy than the dry season. There was observed a general decline in nutritive quality of the grasses in the dry season, albeit, browse plants remained relatively of good quality thereby capable of providing a vital feeding resource. Consequently, farmers are advised to prioritize on feeding browse to goats due to its superior quality so that the requirements of animals are met.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION AND JUSTIFICATION
METHODS
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
APPENDIX
Feed value of selected locally available browse and grass forages utilized by goats in Lungwena EPA, Mangochi, Southern Malawi
ABSTRACT A study was conducted to determine the nutrient composition of selected locally available browse and grass plants commonly utilized by goats in Lungwena Extension Planning Area (EPA), Mangochi district, southern Malawi. A total of seventeen browse and grass samples were collected and subjected to proximate analysis to determine their... Continue Reading
ABSTRACT This project details the results of a research work carried out to develop fish feed compounded from locally available materials in the institute of oceanography fish farm and analyzed its nutritional values, in the biochemistry department all in the University of Calabar. On the basis of the feed production, it is recommended that the... Continue Reading
ABSTRACT This project details the results of a research work carried out to develop fish feed compounded from locally available materials in the institute of oceanography fish farm and analyzed its nutritional values, in the biochemistry department all in the University of Calabar. On the basis of the feed production, it is recommended that the... Continue Reading
ABSTRACT This project details the results of a research work carried out to develop fish feed compounded from locally available materials in the institute of oceanography fish farm and analyzed its nutritional values, in the biochemistry department all in the University of Calabar. On the basis of the feed production, it is recommended that the... Continue Reading
ABSTRACT Many grasses have played prominent roles in forage research and livestock production in Nigeria. Grasses possess two main photosynthetic pathways: the C 3 pathway that is typical of most plants and a specialized C 4 pathway that minimizes photorespiration and thus increases photosynthetic performance in high-temperature and/ or low- CO... Continue Reading
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ABSTRACT The performance of the oils selected in this work was tested for considering Viscosity, Viscosity Index, Density, Flash Point, Pour Point, and Carbon Residue. The most important of all the properties which makes the oil protect against wear is viscosity that helps to reduce friction between moving parts in the engine. The Viscosities of... Continue Reading
INTRODUCTION The role of women in economic development cannot be understated. Jiggins (1989) notes that about 30 per cent of rural households in the world are headed by women, and that women contribute about 80 per cent of agricultural labour, produce almost 60 per cent of the food that is consumed by rural households and generate more than... Continue Reading
MARKETING ACCEPTABILITY OF LOCALLY MADE COSMETIC PRODUCTS IN NIGERIA A CASE STUDY OF SOME SELECTED HAIR DRESSING SALON IN OBIAGU TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER ONE Introduction 1.1 Background of the study 1.2 Statement of the Problem 1.3 Objective of Study 1.4 Scope of the Study 1.5 Research Question 1.6 Significance of the Study CHAPTER TWO Literature... Continue Reading