In situ degradability of dry matter of browse forages consumed by ruminants in the semi-arid region of northern Nigeria

Abstract

Three ruminally cannulated bulls were used to determine variations in dry matter (DM) degradability of forage consumed by ruminants in the semi-arid region of north Nigeria. Organic matter and crude protein (CP) contents were higher (P< 0·05) in all the browse forages. Higher numerical values neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), lignin and cellulose were recorded. DM degradability after 24 and 48 h of ruminal incubation were higher (P< 0·05) in all the browses. Higher values (P< 0·05) in DM bag losses at zero time (a fraction) were recorded for the browses. The insoluble but fermentable DM (b fractions) were higher (P< 0·05) in among browse forages. Numerically lower values of DM c fraction were found in browses, whereas DM potential degradability were higher (P< 0·05) in all the experimental leaves. High (P< 0·05) contents of CP in grazed forage, DM degradability after 48 h of ruminal incubation, and b and a+b, were observed in the browse leaves. Thus, these results may be related to both the better feeding value of forage consumed by the animals and better performance of livestock during in this areas. Then, the DM degradability after 48 h, together with the soluble fraction ‘a’ and insoluble but fermentable fraction ‘b’ and the c fraction permit the nutritive value of the forage consumed by grazing goats to be accurately described.