Mineral concentrations of forages grazed by small ruminants in the wet season in Benue State, Nigeria. II. Trace minerals and forage crude protein

• Published in: Communications in soil science and plant analysis 1998-01, Vol.29 (9/10), p.1211-1220
• Main Authors: Ogebe, P.O, McDowell, L.R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Animal productions; Biological and medical sciences; crude protein; forage; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General agronomy. Plant production; Generalities. Agricultural and farming systems. Agricultural development; Generalities. Production, biomass, yield. Quality; geographical distribution; nutrient content; protein content; Terrestrial animal productions; trace elements; Vertebrates; wet season
• ISSN: 0010-3624; 1532-2416
• DOI: 10.1080/00103629809370021

A total of 71 forage samples were analyzed for trace mineral and crude protein concentrations in three Agricultural zones of Benue State, Nigeria. The zones consisted of the Northern, Eastern, and Central zones, each of which was made up of four Local Government Areas. In each Local Government Area, grazing animals were followed and forages corresponding to those consumed were collected during the peak of the wet season (June) and analyzed for the nutrient composition. Deficiencies were observed in copper (Cu) and cobalt (Co) concentrations in all classes of forage, and in forage Cu and zinc (Zn) in all Local Government Areas in the Northern zone. A higher (P < 0.05) forage Cu concentration was observed in legumes compared to other classes of forage in the Eastern zone. Concentrations of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) were considered adequate and their contents were not affected (P > 0.05) by class of forage or Local Government Areas. In the Eastern zone, the contents of selenium (Se) in grass and tree leaf hay were higher compared to leguminous forage, which in turn was higher compared to Se concentrations in crop wastes. Only about 18% of total forage samples showed protein concentrations below the critical value of 7%. Supplementation of Cu, Zn, and Co would seem to be necessary in the Northern zone, and to a lesser extent in the Eastern zone for optimum productivity of grazing animals.