Forage Yield and Chemical Composition of Brachiaria Ruziziensis as Influenced by Fertilizer Rate
Keywords:
Keywords: Brachiaria, Growth, Fertilizer, Forage, Harvest age
Abstract
Abstract
The study evaluated forage yield and quality of B. ruziziensis as influenced by NPK fertilizer at different ages. The experiment was laid out in a 4 x 4 factorial split-plot design and replicated 3 times. Fertilizer levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 Kg/ha) as the main plot and harvest age (4, 8, 12, and 16 WAS) as the sub-plot. There was a significant (P<0.05) effect of NPK on plant height (PH), leaf width (LW), tiller numbers (TN), and forage yields, while there was a non-significant (P>0.05) effect of fertilizer on the number of leaves (LN) and leaf length (LL). Higher (P<0.05) PH (84.87cm), LW (4.38cm), and forage yields (8.02 and 5.99 t/ha) were obtained at 150 kg/ha NPK, while higher (P<0.05) TN (7.72) was recorded at 100 kg/ha NPK. Significant (P<0.05) harvest age effect was observed on growth and forage yields in which higher (P<0.05) PH (102.76cm) and forage yields (8.37 and 6.62 t/ha) were obtained at 16 weeks after sowing (WAS) while NL (43.18), LL (40.94cm), LW (4.35cm) and TN (8.83) were recorded at 12 WAS. There was a significant (P<0.05) effect of age of harvest on chemical composition except ether extract. Higher (P<0.05) dry matter (89.99%), crude fibre (15.60%), ash (7.98%), neutral detergent fibre (24.92%), and acid detergent fibre (15.38%) were recorded at 16 WAS, while crude protein (22.93%) was higher (P<0.05) at 8 WAS. Nitrogen free extract (48.73%) was higher (P<0.05) at 12 WAS. In conclusion, yield and quality were improved with NPK at 100 and 150 kg/ha, while forage harvested at 16 WAS gave higher growth and better forage yields. Crude protein of forage with NPK was above 7 – 12% to meet the requirements of growing ruminants. It was recommended that for better yield and quality, 100 to 150 kg/ha NPK should be applied and harvested at 16WAS.
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References
References
Adamu, S.B., Muhammad, A.R. and Aliyu, J. (2008). Appropriate switch-over age from broiler starter to broiler finisher diet under a hot dry environmental condition. Jolorn, 9 (2): 173-179.
Aderinola, A.A., Akingbade, J.B., and Alalade, J.A. (2011). Performance and nutritional composition of Andropogon tectorum during a minor wet season as influenced by varying levels of inorganic fertilizer. Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and Social Sciences, 9(1):129-142.
Adewumi, A.O. (2013). Effects of varying levels of inorganic fertilizer application on the underground and nutritive response of Panicum maximum cv. T58 (Guinea Grass).Journal of Natural Sciences Research, 3 (13): 2225-0921.
Ahmed, S.A. (2019). Effect of NPK 15:15:15 rates on forage yield, quality of Brachiaria ruziziensis and performance of Yankasa rams fed Brachiaria : concentrate ration. MSc. Dissertation, Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Pp. 1-99
Aliyu, J. (2012). Productivity Assessment of Four Strains of Indigenous Chicken in a Semi-Arid Region of North-Eastern Nigeria. Ph.D. Thesis, Department of Animal Science, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria.
AOAC, (2005). Official Method of Analysis, 17th edition. Association of Analytical Chemists, 24th edition Washington, DC. USA. 200-210.
Babayemi, O. J. (2009). Silage quality, dry matter intake and digestibility by West African dwarf sheep of Guinea grass (Panicum maximum cv Ntchisi) harvested at 4 and 12 week regrowth. African Journal of Biotechnology, 8 (16): 3983-3988.Babcock Univ. Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. Pp 262-264.
Baron, V.S., Belanger, G. (2007). Climate and forage adaptation. In R. J. Barnes, (ed) Forages The science of grassland agriculture. 6th edition, (pp. 83-104). Iowa State Press, USA 2: Blackwell publishing.
Bogoro, S. E., (1997). Effect of protein energy supplementation on rumen kinetics, metabolites profile and growth performance of rams fed high fiber diets. Ph.D. thesis, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria.
Carvalho, C.A.B-de., Menezes, J. B, and Coser, A.C. (2000). Effect of fertilizer and cutting frequency on yield and nutritive value of Elephant grass. Cienciae Agrotecnologia, 24: 233-241.
Cecato, U., Santos, G.T., Machado, M.A, Gomes, L.H., Damaceno, J.C., Jobim, C.C., Ribas, N.P., Mira, R.T., Cano, C.C.P. (2001). Evaluation of cultivars of the genus Cynadon with and without nitrogen. Acta Animal Science, 23(4): 781-788.
Cook, B. G., Pengelly, B. C., Brown, S. D., Donnelly, J. L., Eagles, D. A., Franco, M. A., Hanson, J., Mullen, B. F., Partridge, I. J., Peters, M. and Schultze-Kraft, R. (2005). Tropical Forages. CSIRO, DPI and F(Qld), CIAT and ILRI, Brisbane, Australia.
Doma, U.D., Adegbola T.A., Bamgbose, A.M. and Umeh,P.A. (1999). Utilization of Cowpea Shell and Maize Cobs in Diet of Rabbit. Tropical Journal of Animal Science, 2(1):27-32. (a)
Duncan, D.B. (1955). Multiple range and multiple F-test. Biometrics. 11, 1-42.
Ezenwa, O., Aribisale, A. and Aken’ova, M. E. (1996). Dry matter yields of Panicum maximum and Brachiaria with nitrogen fertilization or Pueraria in an oil palm plantation. Tropical Grassland Journal. 30: 414-417.
Glatzle, A. (1992). Feed Resources in the Sahel. Animal Research and Development, 35. 43–58.
Hare, M.D., Phengphet, S., Songsiri, T., and Sutin, N. (2015). Effect of nitrogen on yield and quality of Panicum maximumcv. Mombasa and Tanzania in Northeast Thailand Tropical Grasslands. Forrajes Tropicales, 3: 27−33.
Hazrat, M. A., Mahmuda, K. M., Lun, G. M. (2004). Influences of various level of water depth on rice growth in Rice-Fish culture under Wetland Rice Eco-systems. Journal of Geo-Environment 4: 23-30.
Iwamoto, B.S., Cecato, U., Ribeiro, O.L, Mari, G.C., Peluso, E.P., Lourenço, D.A.L. (2015). Morphogenic characteristics of Tanzania grass fertilized or not with nitrogen in the seasons of the year. Biological Science Journal, 31(1): 181-193.
Kallah, M. S., Baba, M., Alawa, J. P., Muhammad, I. R. and Tanko, R. J. (1997). Ensiling quality of Columbus grass (Sorghum almum) growth in northern Nigeria. Animal Science and Technology, 68: 153 – 163.
Kibon, A. and. Ørskov, E. R. (1993). The use of degradation characteristics of browse plant to predict intake and digestibility of goats. Animal Production, 57: 247-251.
Mickan, F. (2006). Forage cereals: harvest and storage. When to cut for whole-crop cereal silage. Department of Primary Industry, Victoria Gov., Ag, Note 1243.
Onyeonagu, C.C., Anyadiegwu, O.A. and Uwalaka, T.K. (2012). The quality of crop fractions of a degraded Panicum maximum pasture under different cutting intervals and nitrogen fertilizer rates. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 7(14): 2174-2182.
Otchere, E.D., Ahmed H.H., Adenowo, T.K., Kallah.M.S., Bawa.E.L.K., Olurunju.S.A., and Voh. A.A.Jr.(1987).Sheep and Goat Production in the Traditional Fulani Agropastoral Sector.Wold Animal Review, 64:50-55
Pereira, J. R. A., Reis, R. A., Berchielli, T. T., Bertipaglia, L. M. A. and Melo, G. M. (2008). Supplementation of cattle kept in Brachiaria brizantha (cv. Marandu) pasture: ruminal parameters and degradability. Acta Scientiarum - Animal Science Journal, 30 (3): 317-325.
Peyraud, J. L. and Astigarraga, L. (1998). Review of the effect of nitrogen fertilization on the chemical composition, intake, digestion and nutritive value of fresh herbage: consequences on animal nutrition and N balance. Animal Feed Science Technology, 72: 235-259.
Raji, A.O., Igwebuike, J.U. and Kwari, I.D. (2010). Regression models for estimating breast, thigh and fat weight and yield of broilers from non-invasive body measurements. Agriculture Biology Journal of North American, 1(4): 15-22.
Sani I. (2012). Effect of Different protein supplementation on the performance of Yankasa sheep fed Congo grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis), (MSc Dissertation, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria). Pp 64-69.
Sani, I., Amodu, J.T., Garba, A. and Hassan, M.R. (2015). Effect of re-growth age on the yield and herbage quality of Congo grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis). In Northern Guinea Savannah. Proceeding of the 1st Biennial conference of the society for grassland Research and Development in Nigeria. December, Pp 60-62.
SAS, (Statistical Analysis Systems). (2005). Procedures Guide. North Carolina, USA: Statistical Analysis Systems Institute, Cary.
Schultze-Kraft, R. and Teitzel, J. K. (1992) Brachiaria ruziziensis Germain and Evrard. In’t Mannetje, L., and Jones, R.M. (eds) Plant Resources of South-East Asia No. 4. Forages (Pudoc Scientific Publishers, Wageningen, the Netherlands). Pp. 65–67
Silva, H. G. de O., Pires, A. J. V., Cunha Neto, P. A. da, Carvalho, G. G. P. de, Veloso, C. M. and Silva, F. F. da (2007). Digestibility of nutrients in diets containing ammoniated elephant grass and cocoa meal or palm kernel cake fed to sheep. Revise Brasilia Zootec., 36 (2): 499-506.
Singh, R. J. (2009). Genetic resources, chromosome engineering and crop improvement: Forage crops. CRC Press, Florida, U. S. A. Pp 8-12.
Tarawali, S. A., Tarawali, G., Larbi A., and Hanson, J. (1995). Initial Screening Methods. In G. T. S. A. Tarawali, (eds) Methods for the Evaluation of Forage Legumes, Grasses and Fodder Trees for Use as Livestock Feeds (pp. 10-11). Nairobi Kenya: International Livestock Research Institute.Thesis Pp 72-82.
Taute, A., van Niekerk, W.A., Rethman, N.F.G. and Coertze, R.J. (2002). An evaluation of nitrogen fertilised Panicum maximum cv. Gatton at different stages of maturity during autumn: 1. Dry matter yield and certain qualitative parameters. South African Journal of Animal Science, 32 (3): 208-216.
Umar, S. J. (2018). Effects of fertilizer levels and harvest time on yield of Panicum maximum cv. Mombasa and its nutrient digestibility by Red Sokoto bucks. MSc. Dissertation, Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Pp. 1-83
Van Soest, P. J., Robertson, J. B. and Lewis, B. A (1991). Method for directory Neutral detergent fibre and Non- Starch polysaccharides in relation to Animal Nutrition, Journal of Dairy Science, 74: 3583-3597.
Villela, S. D. J. (2008). Chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of Brachiaria decumbens at different regrowth ages. Brazilian Journal of Animal Science, 37(8):1408-1414.
Watson, L. and Dallwitz, M. J. (2008). The grass genera of the world: Descriptions, illustrations, identification and information retrieval; including synonyms, morphology, anatomy, physiology, phytochemistry, cytology, classification, pathogens, world and local distribution and references. The Grass Genera of the World. Retrieved from http://www.tropicalforages.info/key/Forages/Media/Html/glossary.html. 2011-11-07.
Adamu, S.B., Muhammad, A.R. and Aliyu, J. (2008). Appropriate switch-over age from broiler starter to broiler finisher diet under a hot dry environmental condition. Jolorn, 9 (2): 173-179.
Aderinola, A.A., Akingbade, J.B., and Alalade, J.A. (2011). Performance and nutritional composition of Andropogon tectorum during a minor wet season as influenced by varying levels of inorganic fertilizer. Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and Social Sciences, 9(1):129-142.
Adewumi, A.O. (2013). Effects of varying levels of inorganic fertilizer application on the underground and nutritive response of Panicum maximum cv. T58 (Guinea Grass).Journal of Natural Sciences Research, 3 (13): 2225-0921.
Ahmed, S.A. (2019). Effect of NPK 15:15:15 rates on forage yield, quality of Brachiaria ruziziensis and performance of Yankasa rams fed Brachiaria : concentrate ration. MSc. Dissertation, Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Pp. 1-99
Aliyu, J. (2012). Productivity Assessment of Four Strains of Indigenous Chicken in a Semi-Arid Region of North-Eastern Nigeria. Ph.D. Thesis, Department of Animal Science, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria.
AOAC, (2005). Official Method of Analysis, 17th edition. Association of Analytical Chemists, 24th edition Washington, DC. USA. 200-210.
Babayemi, O. J. (2009). Silage quality, dry matter intake and digestibility by West African dwarf sheep of Guinea grass (Panicum maximum cv Ntchisi) harvested at 4 and 12 week regrowth. African Journal of Biotechnology, 8 (16): 3983-3988.Babcock Univ. Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. Pp 262-264.
Baron, V.S., Belanger, G. (2007). Climate and forage adaptation. In R. J. Barnes, (ed) Forages The science of grassland agriculture. 6th edition, (pp. 83-104). Iowa State Press, USA 2: Blackwell publishing.
Bogoro, S. E., (1997). Effect of protein energy supplementation on rumen kinetics, metabolites profile and growth performance of rams fed high fiber diets. Ph.D. thesis, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria.
Carvalho, C.A.B-de., Menezes, J. B, and Coser, A.C. (2000). Effect of fertilizer and cutting frequency on yield and nutritive value of Elephant grass. Cienciae Agrotecnologia, 24: 233-241.
Cecato, U., Santos, G.T., Machado, M.A, Gomes, L.H., Damaceno, J.C., Jobim, C.C., Ribas, N.P., Mira, R.T., Cano, C.C.P. (2001). Evaluation of cultivars of the genus Cynadon with and without nitrogen. Acta Animal Science, 23(4): 781-788.
Cook, B. G., Pengelly, B. C., Brown, S. D., Donnelly, J. L., Eagles, D. A., Franco, M. A., Hanson, J., Mullen, B. F., Partridge, I. J., Peters, M. and Schultze-Kraft, R. (2005). Tropical Forages. CSIRO, DPI and F(Qld), CIAT and ILRI, Brisbane, Australia.
Doma, U.D., Adegbola T.A., Bamgbose, A.M. and Umeh,P.A. (1999). Utilization of Cowpea Shell and Maize Cobs in Diet of Rabbit. Tropical Journal of Animal Science, 2(1):27-32. (a)
Duncan, D.B. (1955). Multiple range and multiple F-test. Biometrics. 11, 1-42.
Ezenwa, O., Aribisale, A. and Aken’ova, M. E. (1996). Dry matter yields of Panicum maximum and Brachiaria with nitrogen fertilization or Pueraria in an oil palm plantation. Tropical Grassland Journal. 30: 414-417.
Glatzle, A. (1992). Feed Resources in the Sahel. Animal Research and Development, 35. 43–58.
Hare, M.D., Phengphet, S., Songsiri, T., and Sutin, N. (2015). Effect of nitrogen on yield and quality of Panicum maximumcv. Mombasa and Tanzania in Northeast Thailand Tropical Grasslands. Forrajes Tropicales, 3: 27−33.
Hazrat, M. A., Mahmuda, K. M., Lun, G. M. (2004). Influences of various level of water depth on rice growth in Rice-Fish culture under Wetland Rice Eco-systems. Journal of Geo-Environment 4: 23-30.
Iwamoto, B.S., Cecato, U., Ribeiro, O.L, Mari, G.C., Peluso, E.P., Lourenço, D.A.L. (2015). Morphogenic characteristics of Tanzania grass fertilized or not with nitrogen in the seasons of the year. Biological Science Journal, 31(1): 181-193.
Kallah, M. S., Baba, M., Alawa, J. P., Muhammad, I. R. and Tanko, R. J. (1997). Ensiling quality of Columbus grass (Sorghum almum) growth in northern Nigeria. Animal Science and Technology, 68: 153 – 163.
Kibon, A. and. Ørskov, E. R. (1993). The use of degradation characteristics of browse plant to predict intake and digestibility of goats. Animal Production, 57: 247-251.
Mickan, F. (2006). Forage cereals: harvest and storage. When to cut for whole-crop cereal silage. Department of Primary Industry, Victoria Gov., Ag, Note 1243.
Onyeonagu, C.C., Anyadiegwu, O.A. and Uwalaka, T.K. (2012). The quality of crop fractions of a degraded Panicum maximum pasture under different cutting intervals and nitrogen fertilizer rates. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 7(14): 2174-2182.
Otchere, E.D., Ahmed H.H., Adenowo, T.K., Kallah.M.S., Bawa.E.L.K., Olurunju.S.A., and Voh. A.A.Jr.(1987).Sheep and Goat Production in the Traditional Fulani Agropastoral Sector.Wold Animal Review, 64:50-55
Pereira, J. R. A., Reis, R. A., Berchielli, T. T., Bertipaglia, L. M. A. and Melo, G. M. (2008). Supplementation of cattle kept in Brachiaria brizantha (cv. Marandu) pasture: ruminal parameters and degradability. Acta Scientiarum - Animal Science Journal, 30 (3): 317-325.
Peyraud, J. L. and Astigarraga, L. (1998). Review of the effect of nitrogen fertilization on the chemical composition, intake, digestion and nutritive value of fresh herbage: consequences on animal nutrition and N balance. Animal Feed Science Technology, 72: 235-259.
Raji, A.O., Igwebuike, J.U. and Kwari, I.D. (2010). Regression models for estimating breast, thigh and fat weight and yield of broilers from non-invasive body measurements. Agriculture Biology Journal of North American, 1(4): 15-22.
Sani I. (2012). Effect of Different protein supplementation on the performance of Yankasa sheep fed Congo grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis), (MSc Dissertation, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria). Pp 64-69.
Sani, I., Amodu, J.T., Garba, A. and Hassan, M.R. (2015). Effect of re-growth age on the yield and herbage quality of Congo grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis). In Northern Guinea Savannah. Proceeding of the 1st Biennial conference of the society for grassland Research and Development in Nigeria. December, Pp 60-62.
SAS, (Statistical Analysis Systems). (2005). Procedures Guide. North Carolina, USA: Statistical Analysis Systems Institute, Cary.
Schultze-Kraft, R. and Teitzel, J. K. (1992) Brachiaria ruziziensis Germain and Evrard. In’t Mannetje, L., and Jones, R.M. (eds) Plant Resources of South-East Asia No. 4. Forages (Pudoc Scientific Publishers, Wageningen, the Netherlands). Pp. 65–67
Silva, H. G. de O., Pires, A. J. V., Cunha Neto, P. A. da, Carvalho, G. G. P. de, Veloso, C. M. and Silva, F. F. da (2007). Digestibility of nutrients in diets containing ammoniated elephant grass and cocoa meal or palm kernel cake fed to sheep. Revise Brasilia Zootec., 36 (2): 499-506.
Singh, R. J. (2009). Genetic resources, chromosome engineering and crop improvement: Forage crops. CRC Press, Florida, U. S. A. Pp 8-12.
Tarawali, S. A., Tarawali, G., Larbi A., and Hanson, J. (1995). Initial Screening Methods. In G. T. S. A. Tarawali, (eds) Methods for the Evaluation of Forage Legumes, Grasses and Fodder Trees for Use as Livestock Feeds (pp. 10-11). Nairobi Kenya: International Livestock Research Institute.Thesis Pp 72-82.
Taute, A., van Niekerk, W.A., Rethman, N.F.G. and Coertze, R.J. (2002). An evaluation of nitrogen fertilised Panicum maximum cv. Gatton at different stages of maturity during autumn: 1. Dry matter yield and certain qualitative parameters. South African Journal of Animal Science, 32 (3): 208-216.
Umar, S. J. (2018). Effects of fertilizer levels and harvest time on yield of Panicum maximum cv. Mombasa and its nutrient digestibility by Red Sokoto bucks. MSc. Dissertation, Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Pp. 1-83
Van Soest, P. J., Robertson, J. B. and Lewis, B. A (1991). Method for directory Neutral detergent fibre and Non- Starch polysaccharides in relation to Animal Nutrition, Journal of Dairy Science, 74: 3583-3597.
Villela, S. D. J. (2008). Chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of Brachiaria decumbens at different regrowth ages. Brazilian Journal of Animal Science, 37(8):1408-1414.
Watson, L. and Dallwitz, M. J. (2008). The grass genera of the world: Descriptions, illustrations, identification and information retrieval; including synonyms, morphology, anatomy, physiology, phytochemistry, cytology, classification, pathogens, world and local distribution and references. The Grass Genera of the World. Retrieved from http://www.tropicalforages.info/key/Forages/Media/Html/glossary.html. 2011-11-07.
Published
2026-01-28
How to Cite
1Munza, B. M., 2Nwankwo, C. A., 3Mangshin, G. B., 4Maigwaram, U.M., & 1Ashigar, F. M. (2026). Forage Yield and Chemical Composition of Brachiaria Ruziziensis as Influenced by Fertilizer Rate. Nigerian Journal of Animal Science and Technology (NJAST), 8(4), 141-148. Retrieved from https://njast.com.ng/index.php/home/article/view/526
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