Farmer’s Preference on Uncultivated Forage Species used as Rainy Season Feed for Ruminants in a Semi-Arid Area of Kebbi State, Nigeria

Muftau, M. A.; Doma, U. A.; Kwaido, A. A.; Ambursa, A. S.

Muftau, M. A. Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero
Doma, U. A. Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero
Kwaido, A. A. Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero
Ambursa, A. S. Department of Forestry and Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, Kebbi State University of Science Technology, Aliero

Keywords: Preference, Uncultivated feeds, Ruminants

Abstract

A study was conducted during 2020 rainy season using structured questionnaires which was administered to 90 respondents to evaluate farmer’s preference on uncultivated forage species as rainy season feed for ruminants in semi-arid area of Aliero Local Government, Kebbi State, Nigeria. Data collected were analyzed using simple statistical tools such as frequency counts and percentages. The encountered forage species that served as feeds to ruminants in the study area are; Andropogon gayanus, Digitaria debilis, Eragrostis tremula, Pennisetum pedicellatum, Waltheria indica, Commelina banghalensis, Monechma ciliatum, Chrozopora senegalensis, and Corchorus tridens. The results obtained revealed that majority (73.33%) of farmers served forages in fresh forms and offered the forages as a sole diet (78.89%) to ruminants. Most of the farmers (47.78%) reared more than one ruminant species dominated by cattle, sheep and goat with a flock size of about 1-20 in numbers representing (66.67%). Majority of the respondents (68.89%) obtained pasture species by cut and carry basis and the effects of forages on the ruminants besides feeding revealed different perception existed among the farmers with most of them (38.89%) having the opinion that natural pasture species promotes growth and high market value to their animals. Farmers preferred (15.56%) combinations of species like; Commelina banghalensis Digitaria debilis, and Andropogon gayanus to feed their animals during the rainy season. The results revealed effective utilization of uncultivated forages not only as ruminant feeding but also as a means of livelihood among the farmers in the study area.

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