Nutritional Evaluation of Farmer-identified Grasses as Rabbit Feed
Keywords:
Forage, nutrient, Grasses, pseudo-ruminant, rabbits
Abstract
This study examined the nutritional potentials of indigenous grasses as rabbit feeds by sampling 25 rabbit farms across Obio-Akpor and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of Rivers State, using the snowballing method. Farmers were interviewed and samples of forages used as rabbit feed were collected, processed and analyzed for proximate composition, fiber fractions, minerals and anti-nutritional factors using standard methods. Three grasses (Panicum maximum, Phleum pratense and Pennisetum purpureum) were identified among the forages identified by farmers. Results indicate that percent DM, CP, EE, CF, ash, NFE, OM and DE (MJ/kg DM) ranged from 89.65–87.87, 11.84–7.74, 2.93–2.65, 33.70–29.97, 10.65–9.14, 36.41–31.39, 79.85–78.73, and 14.60–14.34, respectively, while percent NDF, ADF, ADL, hemicelluloses and cellulose spanned from 17.40–74.17, 11.68–62.05, 1.87–21.03, 5.72–18.80 and 9.81–41.01, respectively. The percent Na, Ca, K, P and Mg ranged from 0.238–0.413, 0.269–0.679, 0.679–1.104, 0.367–0.597 and 0.278–0.501, respectively, while Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and Se in mg/kg ranged from 56.97–41.69, 6.57–4.15, 67.25–53.16, 5.68–3.12 and 0.129–0.032, respectively. Trypsin inhibitors, tannins, phytates, oxalates, saponins and alkaloids values ranged from 1.67%–1.56mg/g, 0.0028–0.0023%, 0.774–0.753%, 0.618–0.486%, 0.538–0.513% and 0.489–0.305%, respectively. There were significant differences (p<0.001) among the grasses for all parameters measured except OM and DE. We conclude that rabbits fed solely on any of these grasses might cover their needs for EE, CF, ash, DE, hemicellulose, cellulose, Na and K, Fe, Zn and Mn but not CP, NFE, DE, OM and Ca. Those fed only P. purpureum might not satisfy their requirement for NDF, ADF and ADL while rabbits consuming only P. maximum might cover their needs for NDF and ADF, but not ADL. Besides, only P. pratense might satisfy rabbit needs for all fiber fractions while only P. purpureum might satisfy their need for P, Mg, Se and Cu. Finally, concentrations of all antinutritional factors were in the normal range for Nigerian forages. Except oxalate contents which were above the upper limit of the tolerance threshold for monogastric animals, there should be assurance that rabbits consuming any of the forages might not suffer from any phytochemical toxicity.
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References
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Ajmal Fayique, C. and Usha, C. T. (2018). Secondary metabolites in forage crops-A review. International Journal of Pure and Applied Bioscience, 6 (3): 490–495.
AOAC (2005). Official Method of Analysis. Method 935.14 and 992. 24. 18th edition. Washington DC: Association of Officiating Analytical Chemists.
Clemensen, A., Halvorson, J. J., Christensen, R. and Kronberg, S. L. (2022). Potential benefits of tanniferous forages in integrative crop-livestock agroecosystems. Frontiers in Agronomy, 4.
Dan-Jumbo, N. G., Metzger, M. J and Clark, A. P. (2018). Urban land-use dynamics in the Niger Delta: The case of Greater Port-Harcourt watershed. Urban Science, 2 (4): 108.
Delaby, L. and Peyraud, J. L. (2009). Making the best use of the farm’s forages for the production of milk. Fourrages, 198: 38191–38210.
EMA (2014). Public statement on the use of herbal medicinal products containing toxins, unsaturated pyrrozidine alkaloids (PA). Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products, London: European Medicines Agency, UK.
Eyoh, G. D., Ayuk, A. A., Anya, M. I. and Udo, M. D. (2018). Mineral and proximate composition of selected forages fed to West African dwarf bucks in Obio Akpa. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 45 (5): 129–135.
FEDIAF (2013). Nutritional guidelines for feeding pet rabbits. European Pet Food Industry Federation., Bruxelles: FEDIAF.
Gidenne, T. (2015). Dietary fibres in the nutrition of the growing rabbit and recommendations to preserve digestive health: a review. Animal, 9 (2): 227–242.
Hill, G. D. (2003). Plant antinutritional factors: Characteristics. In: B. Caballero (ed). Encyclopaedia of Food Sciences and Nutrition. 2nd Edition. New York: Academic Press, pp. 4578-4587.
IBM Corp (2007). SPSS for Windows, Version 16.0. Chicago, SPSS Inc., Released 2007.
Ikechukwu, E. E. (2015). The socio-economic impact of the Greater Port Harcourt development project on the residents of the affected areas. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 3: 82–93.
Kallah, M.S., Bale, J.O., Abdullahi, U.S., Muhammad, I.R., Lawal, R. (2000). Nutrient composition of native forbs of semi-arid and dry sub-humid savannas of Nigeria. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 84: 137–145.
Kemboi, F., Ondiek, J. O., King'Ori, A. M. and Onjoro, P. A. (2023). Effect of anti-nutritive factors on ruminants and methods to alleviate them: A review. International Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, 8 (1): 18–27.
Lebas, F. (2013). Feeding strategy for small and medium scale rabbit units, Second International Conference on Rabbit Production in Indonesia & Third Conference of Asian Rabbit Production Association. August 27–29. Bali, Indonesia.
Lee, M. A. (2018). A global comparison of the nutritive values of forage plants grown in contrasting environments. Journal of Plant Research, 131: 641–654.
Lindgren, A., Klint, J. and Moen, J. (2007). Defense mechanisms against grazing: a study of trypsin inhibitor responses to simulated grazing in the sedge Carex bigelowii. Oikos, 116: 1540–1546.
Lukac, B., Kramberger, B., Meglic, B. and Verbic, J. (2012). Importance of non-leguminous forbs in animal nutrition and their ensiling properties: a review. Agriculture, 99 (1): 3–8.
MacAdam, J. W., Brummer, J., Islam, A. and Shewmaker, G. (2013). The benefit of tannin containing forages. Utah State University Plants, Soils & Climate, September, p. 4.
Manzoor, A., Nabi, A., Sheikh, R.A., Dar, A.H., Usmani, Z., Altaf, A., Khan, S. A., Ahmad, S. (2022). Phytates. In: G. A. Nayik and J. Kour, eds. Handbook of Plant and Animal Toxins in Food: Occurrence, Toxicity and Prevention. Boca Raton, Florida, USA: CRC Press (Taylor & Francis Group), pp. 27–36.
Marounek, M., Duskova, D. and Skrivanova, V. (2003). Hydrolysis of phytic acid and its availability in rabbits. British Journal of Nutrition, 89: 287–294.
McWilliams, D. A. (2001). Nutritional pathology in rabbits: Current and future perspectives. Paper presented at Ontario Commercial Rabbit Growers Association (OCRGA) Congress on October 20, 2001. Toronto, OCRGA.
Miller, T. B. and Blair Rains, A. (1963). The nutritive value and agronomic aspects of some fodders in northern Nigeria. 1. Fresh herbage. Grass and Forage Science, 18 (2); 158–167.
Mohamed, A., Perera, P.J. and Hafez, Y.S. (1986). New chromaphore for phytic acid determination. Cereal Chemistry, 63: 475–478.
MSUBT (2017). 4-H Rabbit Tracks: Feeds and feeding. East Lansing: Michigan State University Extension.
Muftau, M. A. and Musa, Z. (2020). Chemical composition of some forages fed to ruminants in a semi-arid environment of Kebbi State, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Animal Science and Technology, 3(4):64–71.
Okukenu, O.A., Akinyemi, B.T., Dele, P.A., Olajide, A.A., Jolaosho, A.O., Onifade, O.S, Fàbusoro, E. (2020). Seasonal variations in the chemical composition of grasses harvested from the natural pasture in Ogun State, South Western Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Science and Environment, 20(1):65–77.
Omoniyi, L.A., Isah, O.A., Olorunsola, R.A., Osofowora, O.A., Akinbode, R.M., Yusuf, K.O., Olanite, J.A. (2013). Nutrients and anti-nutritional constituents of Pennisetum purpureum and four indigenous tree legumes of South-Western Nigeria: A potential ruminant feed. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 40(1):152–160.
Onyeonagu, C. C. and Ukwueze, C. C. (2012). Antinutrient component of Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) under different nitrogen fertilizer application rates and cutting management. African Journal of Biotechnology, 11(9):2236–2240.
Onyeonagu, C. C., Obute, P. N. and Eze, S. M. (2013). Seasonal variation in the antinutrient and mineral components of some forage legumes and grasses. African Journal of Biotechnology, 12(2):142–149.
Oyelakin, A. S., Popoola, A. O., Olabisi, A. O. and Adekola, O. (2021). Proximate and mineral potentials of Panicum maximum (Jacq.) as a substitute to maize and sorghum in livestock feed. Nigerian Journal of Biotechnology, 34(1):35–43.
Piluzza, G., Sulas, L. and Bullitta, S. (2013). Tannins in forage plants and their role in animal husbandry and environmental sustainability: A review. Grass and Forage Science, 69:32–48.
Qin, Y., Wu, X., Huang, W., Gong, G., Li, D., He, Y., Zhao, Y. (2009). Acute toxicity and sub-chronic toxicity of steroidal saponins from Dioscorea zingiberensis C.H. Wright in rodents. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 126(3):543–550.
Rahman, M. M., Abdullah, R. B. and Wan Khadijah, W. E. (2013). A review of oxalate poisoning in domestic animals: tolerances and performance aspects. Journal of Animal Physiology and Nutrition (Berl) 97(4):605–614.
Shukla, A.Y. and Thakur, R. (1986). Saponins and other antinutrients from rhizomes of Panax pseudogenating. Phytochemistry, 25 (9): 2201–2203.
Sosulski, F. W., Minja, L. A. and Christensen, D. A. (1988). Trypsin inhibitors and nutritive value in cereals. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 38: 23–34.
Speight, C. (2017). The nutritional needs of rabbits. Veterinary Nursing Journal 35(5): 144–147.
Stergiadis, S. and Yan, T. (2015). Prediction of nutrient digestibility and energy concentrations in fresh grass using nutrient composition. Journal of Dairy Science, 98(5):3257–3273.
Tedeschi, L. O., Pell, A. N., Fox, D. G. and Llames, C. R. (2001). The amino acids profile of the whole plant and of four plant residues from temperate and tropical forages. Journal of Animal Science, 79:525–532.
Tuleun, C.D. and Patrick, J.P. (2007). Effect of duration of cooking Mucuna utilis seed on proximate analysis, levels of anti-nutritional factors and performance of broiler chickens. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 34(1):45–53.
Van Soest, P.J., Robertson, J.B. and Lewis, B.A. (1991). Methods of dietary fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and nonstarch polysaccharides in relation to animal nutrition. Journal of Dairy Science, 74(10):3583–3597.
Wang, X., Warkentin, T. D., Briggs, C.J., Oomah, D. B., Campbell, C. G., Woods, S. (1998). Trypsin inhibitor activity in field pea (Pisum sativum L.) and grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L). Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 46 (7):2620–2623.
Zia-Ul-Haq, M., Iqbal, S., Ahmad, S., Imran, M., Niaz, A. and Bangher, M.I. (2007). Nutritional and composition study of Desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars grown in Punjab, Pakistan. Food Chemistry, 105:1357–1363.
Ajayi, F. T., Akande, S. R., Adegbite, A. A. and Idowu, B. (2009). Assessment of seven underutilized grain legume foliages as feed resources for ruminants. Livestock Research for Rural Development, 21 (9): 49.
Ajmal Fayique, C. and Usha, C. T. (2018). Secondary metabolites in forage crops-A review. International Journal of Pure and Applied Bioscience, 6 (3): 490–495.
AOAC (2005). Official Method of Analysis. Method 935.14 and 992. 24. 18th edition. Washington DC: Association of Officiating Analytical Chemists.
Clemensen, A., Halvorson, J. J., Christensen, R. and Kronberg, S. L. (2022). Potential benefits of tanniferous forages in integrative crop-livestock agroecosystems. Frontiers in Agronomy, 4.
Dan-Jumbo, N. G., Metzger, M. J and Clark, A. P. (2018). Urban land-use dynamics in the Niger Delta: The case of Greater Port-Harcourt watershed. Urban Science, 2 (4): 108.
Delaby, L. and Peyraud, J. L. (2009). Making the best use of the farm’s forages for the production of milk. Fourrages, 198: 38191–38210.
EMA (2014). Public statement on the use of herbal medicinal products containing toxins, unsaturated pyrrozidine alkaloids (PA). Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products, London: European Medicines Agency, UK.
Eyoh, G. D., Ayuk, A. A., Anya, M. I. and Udo, M. D. (2018). Mineral and proximate composition of selected forages fed to West African dwarf bucks in Obio Akpa. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 45 (5): 129–135.
FEDIAF (2013). Nutritional guidelines for feeding pet rabbits. European Pet Food Industry Federation., Bruxelles: FEDIAF.
Gidenne, T. (2015). Dietary fibres in the nutrition of the growing rabbit and recommendations to preserve digestive health: a review. Animal, 9 (2): 227–242.
Hill, G. D. (2003). Plant antinutritional factors: Characteristics. In: B. Caballero (ed). Encyclopaedia of Food Sciences and Nutrition. 2nd Edition. New York: Academic Press, pp. 4578-4587.
IBM Corp (2007). SPSS for Windows, Version 16.0. Chicago, SPSS Inc., Released 2007.
Ikechukwu, E. E. (2015). The socio-economic impact of the Greater Port Harcourt development project on the residents of the affected areas. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 3: 82–93.
Kallah, M.S., Bale, J.O., Abdullahi, U.S., Muhammad, I.R., Lawal, R. (2000). Nutrient composition of native forbs of semi-arid and dry sub-humid savannas of Nigeria. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 84: 137–145.
Kemboi, F., Ondiek, J. O., King'Ori, A. M. and Onjoro, P. A. (2023). Effect of anti-nutritive factors on ruminants and methods to alleviate them: A review. International Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, 8 (1): 18–27.
Lebas, F. (2013). Feeding strategy for small and medium scale rabbit units, Second International Conference on Rabbit Production in Indonesia & Third Conference of Asian Rabbit Production Association. August 27–29. Bali, Indonesia.
Lee, M. A. (2018). A global comparison of the nutritive values of forage plants grown in contrasting environments. Journal of Plant Research, 131: 641–654.
Lindgren, A., Klint, J. and Moen, J. (2007). Defense mechanisms against grazing: a study of trypsin inhibitor responses to simulated grazing in the sedge Carex bigelowii. Oikos, 116: 1540–1546.
Lukac, B., Kramberger, B., Meglic, B. and Verbic, J. (2012). Importance of non-leguminous forbs in animal nutrition and their ensiling properties: a review. Agriculture, 99 (1): 3–8.
MacAdam, J. W., Brummer, J., Islam, A. and Shewmaker, G. (2013). The benefit of tannin containing forages. Utah State University Plants, Soils & Climate, September, p. 4.
Manzoor, A., Nabi, A., Sheikh, R.A., Dar, A.H., Usmani, Z., Altaf, A., Khan, S. A., Ahmad, S. (2022). Phytates. In: G. A. Nayik and J. Kour, eds. Handbook of Plant and Animal Toxins in Food: Occurrence, Toxicity and Prevention. Boca Raton, Florida, USA: CRC Press (Taylor & Francis Group), pp. 27–36.
Marounek, M., Duskova, D. and Skrivanova, V. (2003). Hydrolysis of phytic acid and its availability in rabbits. British Journal of Nutrition, 89: 287–294.
McWilliams, D. A. (2001). Nutritional pathology in rabbits: Current and future perspectives. Paper presented at Ontario Commercial Rabbit Growers Association (OCRGA) Congress on October 20, 2001. Toronto, OCRGA.
Miller, T. B. and Blair Rains, A. (1963). The nutritive value and agronomic aspects of some fodders in northern Nigeria. 1. Fresh herbage. Grass and Forage Science, 18 (2); 158–167.
Mohamed, A., Perera, P.J. and Hafez, Y.S. (1986). New chromaphore for phytic acid determination. Cereal Chemistry, 63: 475–478.
MSUBT (2017). 4-H Rabbit Tracks: Feeds and feeding. East Lansing: Michigan State University Extension.
Muftau, M. A. and Musa, Z. (2020). Chemical composition of some forages fed to ruminants in a semi-arid environment of Kebbi State, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Animal Science and Technology, 3(4):64–71.
Okukenu, O.A., Akinyemi, B.T., Dele, P.A., Olajide, A.A., Jolaosho, A.O., Onifade, O.S, Fàbusoro, E. (2020). Seasonal variations in the chemical composition of grasses harvested from the natural pasture in Ogun State, South Western Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Science and Environment, 20(1):65–77.
Omoniyi, L.A., Isah, O.A., Olorunsola, R.A., Osofowora, O.A., Akinbode, R.M., Yusuf, K.O., Olanite, J.A. (2013). Nutrients and anti-nutritional constituents of Pennisetum purpureum and four indigenous tree legumes of South-Western Nigeria: A potential ruminant feed. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 40(1):152–160.
Onyeonagu, C. C. and Ukwueze, C. C. (2012). Antinutrient component of Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) under different nitrogen fertilizer application rates and cutting management. African Journal of Biotechnology, 11(9):2236–2240.
Onyeonagu, C. C., Obute, P. N. and Eze, S. M. (2013). Seasonal variation in the antinutrient and mineral components of some forage legumes and grasses. African Journal of Biotechnology, 12(2):142–149.
Oyelakin, A. S., Popoola, A. O., Olabisi, A. O. and Adekola, O. (2021). Proximate and mineral potentials of Panicum maximum (Jacq.) as a substitute to maize and sorghum in livestock feed. Nigerian Journal of Biotechnology, 34(1):35–43.
Piluzza, G., Sulas, L. and Bullitta, S. (2013). Tannins in forage plants and their role in animal husbandry and environmental sustainability: A review. Grass and Forage Science, 69:32–48.
Qin, Y., Wu, X., Huang, W., Gong, G., Li, D., He, Y., Zhao, Y. (2009). Acute toxicity and sub-chronic toxicity of steroidal saponins from Dioscorea zingiberensis C.H. Wright in rodents. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 126(3):543–550.
Rahman, M. M., Abdullah, R. B. and Wan Khadijah, W. E. (2013). A review of oxalate poisoning in domestic animals: tolerances and performance aspects. Journal of Animal Physiology and Nutrition (Berl) 97(4):605–614.
Shukla, A.Y. and Thakur, R. (1986). Saponins and other antinutrients from rhizomes of Panax pseudogenating. Phytochemistry, 25 (9): 2201–2203.
Sosulski, F. W., Minja, L. A. and Christensen, D. A. (1988). Trypsin inhibitors and nutritive value in cereals. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 38: 23–34.
Speight, C. (2017). The nutritional needs of rabbits. Veterinary Nursing Journal 35(5): 144–147.
Stergiadis, S. and Yan, T. (2015). Prediction of nutrient digestibility and energy concentrations in fresh grass using nutrient composition. Journal of Dairy Science, 98(5):3257–3273.
Tedeschi, L. O., Pell, A. N., Fox, D. G. and Llames, C. R. (2001). The amino acids profile of the whole plant and of four plant residues from temperate and tropical forages. Journal of Animal Science, 79:525–532.
Tuleun, C.D. and Patrick, J.P. (2007). Effect of duration of cooking Mucuna utilis seed on proximate analysis, levels of anti-nutritional factors and performance of broiler chickens. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 34(1):45–53.
Van Soest, P.J., Robertson, J.B. and Lewis, B.A. (1991). Methods of dietary fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and nonstarch polysaccharides in relation to animal nutrition. Journal of Dairy Science, 74(10):3583–3597.
Wang, X., Warkentin, T. D., Briggs, C.J., Oomah, D. B., Campbell, C. G., Woods, S. (1998). Trypsin inhibitor activity in field pea (Pisum sativum L.) and grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L). Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 46 (7):2620–2623.
Zia-Ul-Haq, M., Iqbal, S., Ahmad, S., Imran, M., Niaz, A. and Bangher, M.I. (2007). Nutritional and composition study of Desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars grown in Punjab, Pakistan. Food Chemistry, 105:1357–1363.
Published
2024-05-20
How to Cite
Ingweye, J. N., Barikpe, B., & Kalio, G. A. (2024). Nutritional Evaluation of Farmer-identified Grasses as Rabbit Feed . Nigerian Journal of Animal Science and Technology (NJAST), 7(1), 47 - 59. Retrieved from https://njast.com.ng/index.php/home/article/view/312
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